BusinessMirror November 27, 2024

PHL EYES ‘A-’ RATING AS S&P UPGRADES OUTLOOK

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Philippines could see an “A-” credit rating within two years after Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings upgraded the country’s outlook to “positive,” according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In a statement on Tuesday, BSP said, however, that S&P kept the sovereign credit ratings at “BBB+” for long-term and “A-2” for shortterm.

BSP said this would help the country borrow at lower costs and make the country more attractive to investors. It also noted that even businesses will benefit as they can borrow at less cost, helping them better finance their expansion plans and create jobs.

“This reflects the work the government has done to improve the economic, fiscal, and monetary environment, enabling strong growth to continue,” BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said.

“The BSP remains committed to promoting price stability, financial stability, and an efficient payment system to support

sustainable economic growth,” he added.

BSP said S&P raised its outlook for the Philippines on the grounds of the country’s effective policy making, fiscal reforms and improved infrastructure and policy environment.

The central bank said these helped keep economic growth strong in the past decade. The BSP also said S&P cited the recent passage of the CREATE MORE and PPP laws.

Recto: Stable environment affirmed THE Department of Finance (DOF), meanwhile, noted that with the latest credit rating development, the country has maintained

See “S&P,” A2

NGCP’S CEBU-BOHOL PROJECT BOOSTS C. VISAYAS POWER

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has fully energized its 230-kiloVolt (kV) Cebu-Bohol Interconnection project with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW). The Cebu-Bohol transmission line is a new transmission facility that connects Argao, Cebu, and Maribojoc, Bohol via 54.6 circuit-kilometers of submarine cables crossing the Bohol Strait, and 97.6 circuit-

kilometers of transmission lines comprising 179 overhead towers from Argao to the Dumanjug Substation in Cebu, and from Maribojoc to the Corella Substation in Bohol. Line 1 of the Cebu-Bohol transmission line was energized last July 16 while Line 2  was fully activated in September, NGCP said on Tuesday. The interconnection facility will address the growing power demand in Bohol, while providing more resiliency for Senate okays ₧6.35-T 2025 budget on 2nd, 3rd reading

See “NGCP,” A2

TBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE Senate on Tuesday approved on second and third reading in one session the 2025 national budget of P6.352 trillion, despite reservations by the minority leader that the presidential certification that allowed this should only be issued in case of a national emergency.

With 18 yes votes,  zero objections and one abstention—by Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III—the Senate thus stuck to its committed timetable to approve the money measure to allow for time for the bicameral conference

committee to meet, and both chambers to ratify a final version for submission to Malacañang Palace and signing into law before Christmas.

The plenary voted in quick succession on second and on third and final reading, following sponsorship in plenary of  House Bill 10800, or the proposed General Appropriations Act, by Sen. Grace Poe, head of the Finance committee.

Explaining his vote, Pimentel said he abstained as part of his “continuing objection to a very unnecessary presidential certification” for a bill that the chamber routinely tackles year after year.

See “Senate,” A2

State firms remit ₧95.9-B dividends to NG in 10 mos

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

STATE-RUN corporations remitted P95.90 billion in dividends to the government in the first 10 months of the year, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

At the GCG Awards Ceremony on November 25, Undersecretary

Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco said 52 government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) contributed P95.90 billion in dividends from January to October 2024.

This is higher by 51 percent than the P63.50 billion remitted during the same period a year ago. This is also 95.90 percent of the P100billion target for 2024.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) remitted P32.119 billion, the high -

Continued from A16

while addressing the challenges of modernizing its economy.

est share among 52 GOCCs, as of September 2024.

This was followed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) contributing P13.232 billion and P10.676 billion, respectively.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) are also among the top contributors. In April 2024, the DOF mandated state-run firms to remit 75 percent of their annual net earnings as dividends to the government from 50 percent to raise more non-tax revenues without imposing new taxes.

In effect, these additional revenue sources help the government hold down deficits and continue funding the President’s priority programs for

“The Philippines is doing quite well, ranking 6th in our index of 18 countries,” Gorman said.  He noted, however, that digital transformation is an “evolving journey.”

the welfare of all Filipinos without having to borrow more.

“This clearly tells us that when we enforce greater transparency and accountability, we do not just strengthen our institutions. We are not just providing more money to the government. But we are delivering more hope, progress, and opportunities to every Filipino,” Dorotan said, delivering the speech of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

Since the creation of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) in 2011, an average of P56 billion in dividends has been remitted to the government annually.

This is higher by five-fold than the P11 billion average annual remittance of GOCCs from 2002 to 2011.

“Ineffectivity and inefficiency are forms of corruption. When we do less of what is expected of us, we rob our people of what they rightfully deserve,” Dorotan said, on behalf of Recto.

With data consumption in the region projected to increase by a factor of two to five by the end of the decade, the demand for infrastructure and cybersecurity measures will continue to expand.

Red Sea. . .

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“The rerouting ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope, adding 14 to 20 days to transit times, has shifted carrier capacity from expected oversupply to a deficit,” said Fuh.

“T his has triggered a chain reaction of port congestion, equipment shortages and booking delays in a vicious cycle,” he also noted.

Fuh said with supply and demand balance disrupted and leaning towards supply, the “exorbitant” ocean freight costs seen during the pandemic may resurface soon.

With these developments in the supply chain landscape, Villaseñor advised Philippine firms to be more “resilient and agile.”

“I think the CEOs of the country should really take a very focused attention on their supply chain, because supply chain is the one that makes a difference in the results of the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow of the company,” he noted.

Gorman noted that the mobile economy could contribute $1 trillion, or approximately 5.5 percent of the region’s GDP, by 2030.

The Philippines has made significant strides in areas that align with the components of a digital nation.

Infrastructure projects like the National Fiber Backbone aim to boost connectivity across the archipelago, addressing the gaps between urban and rural areas.

On people development, initiatives such as Microsoft’s commitment to train 100,000 Filipino women in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are key to equipping the workforce with futureready skills.

The country has emerged as a leader in data governance, with its robust legal frameworks and proactive enforcement mechanisms.

Still, the Philippines has yet to unlock its “digital potential,” according to Gorman, citing a 20-percent network coverage gap and a 40-percent usage gap.

For her part, GSMA Head of Public Policy Jeannette Whyte said continuous investment in infrastructure and better policies could lead to a better mobile industry in the Philippines.

In particular, she said the Philippines “needs a spectrum roadmap” to standardize the process of ensuring a “sufficient spectrum for the Philippines.”  Lorenz S. Marasigan

Senate. . .

Continued from A1

He warned against “abusing” the practice of allowing a presidential certification to fast-track passage of a bill by exempting it from the three-day rule, or the gap between passage of a measure on second and on third readings.

Pimentel noted that like last year, the presidential certification as urgent read aloud on the floor did not indicate any emergency.

its high investment-grade status across all major regional and international debt rating agencies.

“It reaffirms our stable economic and political environment and that we are on track to achieve a growth-enhancing fiscal consolidation. We have a comprehensive Road to A initiative to ensure that we secure more upgrades soon,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said.

“We can set aside more funds for programs for infrastructure, health and education, among others. So this is a big win for Filipinos,” he added.

BSP said the credit rating agency also commended its strengthened oversight of the financial sector, contributing to improved stability.

The central bank also confirmed that Philippine banks are well-capitalized and highly liquid, with capital adequacy and liquidity ratios surpassing both BSP regulatory and international standards.

Remolona said the Philippines has ample reserves to protect against global economic fluctua -

the Bohol grid, and improving the operational flexibility of the Cebu transmission system.

“The Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project will play a crucial role in improving transmission services and grid stability in Central Visayas. It will also help improve the transmission highway in Cebu, the load center of Visayas, with a new line to transmit power in and out of the province,” NGCP said.

This is also part of a long-term plan to provide a 230kV loop covering Leyte, Cebu, and Bohol. “With its completion, the CBIP will now provide a new transmission corridor, thereby improving grid stability, security, and reliability for everyone’s benefit,” NGCP added.

The project was filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in 2017 for approval and subsequently refiled in 2019 to update the components and cost.

The ERC capped the project cost at P19.76 billion.

“While there were some difficulties with permitting from local government units and several landowners in terms of right-ofway acquisition, the support and cooperation of national and local government agencies and stakeholders were vital to expediting the project’s completion and energization, which in turn will help improve transmission services in

Pimentel also urged lawmakers to keep track of certain budget items to ensure that the 2025 budget will not be abused or squandered. These are: the controversial  social service program or AKAP; the multibillion housing program of the DHSUD; the DOTr projects that are on hold; the flood management program of the DPWH; the infrastructure flagship projects of DICT; some police and military expenditures; the DOH’s cancer assistance fund; the PhilHealth subsidy; and contingency for national disaster funds.

tions. As of end-October 2024, the country’s gross international reserves rose to $111.1 billion. This is enough to cover eight months’ worth of imports, well above the three-month benchmark suggested by the International Monetary Fund.

The DOF, meanwhile, said S&P noted that the country’s fiscal deficit remained manageable and that the normalization of economic growth will help to lower the general government deficit to 4 percent of GDP in 2024 from 4.5 percent in 2023, and average around 3.3 percent of GDP over the next three years.

In addition, DOF said, the agency cited the stable debt levels of the country, with its general government debt ratio continuing to be relatively lower compared to its peers. The ratio is expected to fall to 40.6 percent by 2027 from 41.7 percent in 2023 as fiscal consolidation takes hold.

S&P raised the Philippines’ rating to its current level in 2019, BBB- in 2013, and BBB in 2014. The next level is A-, the entry point to A ratings. Moody’s and Fitch rate the Philippines Baa2 and BBB, which are one level below the S&P rating.

the region,” NGCP said. NGCP recently completed several big-ticket projects, including the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), the CebuNegros-Panay (CNP) Backbone Project, and the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose (MHSJ) 500kV Transmission Line.

As the country’s sole power grid operator and since it took over transmission operations from the government in 2009, NGCP has significantly expanded the country’s transmission network. Its roster of completed projects reflect the company’s dedication to its mandate of improving and expanding the grid.

Last week, NGCP said more than 100 transmission projects worth over P600 billion are up for implementation.

These include the proposed Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection, Tuy-Dasmarinas 500kV line, Western Luzon 500kV backbone stage 2, and Balaoan—Laoag 500kV line in Luzon.

In Visayas, the NGCP cited the Cebu- Lapu Lapu 138kV line, Amian-Dumaguete  138kV line, Luzon-Visayas HVDC bipolar operation, Calbayog-Allen 138kV line, Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 13kV line, Barolac-Viejo-Unidos 230kV line, and Panay-Guimaras 138kV interconnection.

The NGCP also cited the Laguindingan 230kV substation and the Kabacan 138kV substation in Mindanao.

Poe: Budget to boost calamity fund

LAST week, Senator Poe said the  passage of the 2025 national budget would reinforce the calamity fund to bring fast and timely relief to communities amid the successive typhoons that battered the country. The Senate finance committee report containing the proposed P6.352 trillion budget for 2025 had allocated P21 billion for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund—P500 million higher than this year’s appropriation.

Sara threats ‘impeachable offense’—legislator

ABy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

& Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

MEMBER of the Young Guns bloc in the House of Representatives on Tuesday said that the assassination threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez could serve as grounds for impeachment.

“The statements made by the Vice President, I believe, are an impeachable offense,” House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun, who chairs the House Bases Conversion Committee, said in a news conference.

with the agency’s investigation on her supposed threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The subpoena issued by NBI Director Jaime Santiago requires Duterte to appear in his office at Filinvest Cybezone Bay City, Diosdado Macapagal, Pasay City on Friday (November 29) at 9:00 a.m. and to submit evidence in connection with the investigation.

inform us about the threat to her life because we have not received any formal complaint,” Santiago said. He earlier said the NBI has established the authenticity of the videoclip circulating in various social media platforms online showing the Vice President issuing the threat against the Marcoses and Romualdez.

Congressman urges institutionalization of PhilHealth coverage for mental illness

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

WDuterte experienced a meltdown over the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, at the House of Representatives. Duterte said she had spoken to an assassin and instructed him to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were to be killed. However, Khonghun, who represents Zambales, said House members have not discussed the matter of impeaching the Vice President because they are busy with other work.

The NBI is determining whether the Vice President should be held liable for grave threats under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and possible violation of RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

NBI serves VP subpoena THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has served a subpoena to Vice President Sara Duterte requiring her to give her side in connection

The NBI director said the subpoena will give Duterte the opportunity to explain her side and also to detail the alleged threats to her life.

“That is actually one of the reasons why we have subpoenaed the Vice President, for her to formally

Santiago said it was Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla who ordered the NBI to authenticate the video in line with the directive of the Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin with the Presidential Security Command to look into the threat made by Duterte which he called an “active threat.”

Santiago said the result of its investigation as well as all the evidence will be submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) which will determine if a case would be filed.

Duterte has issued a statement insisting that her statement had been “maliciously taken out of logical context but stressed that she was ready to answer the subpoena.

Military conducts 54 air, naval patrols in WPS

By Rex Anthony Naval

PHILIPPINE military naval and air units have successfully conducted 54 patrol missions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from November 1 to 25, the Armed Forces said on Tuesday. It added that these missions were aimed at reinforcing security and the country’s sovereignty in the vast waters of the WPS.

Naval efforts, the military said, include three sealift missions, 13 maritime-sovereignty patrols, one maritime surveillance patrol, one search and rescue operation and one rotation and resupply mission. “Meanwhile, our naval and Air Force aircraft executed four maritime air surveillance/intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, along with 30 maritime

patrols, and one search and rescue operation,” it added.

The Armed Forces added that these patrols strengthened its commitment in the WPS while ensuring seamless support for operations like maritime domain awareness, search and rescue operations and resupply missions.

“The Armed Forces stands resolute in its mandate to uphold

Asean-US to resume maritime exercises next year

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States will resume maritime training exercises next year to further advance the “collective capacities” of Asean militaries, the US Department of Defense (DoD) said. US DoD made this announcement in the “Vision Statement for a Prosperous and Secure Southeast Asia” issued after the Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos, last week.

In its vision statement, the US committed to support efforts to empower Southeast Asian region “through practical cooperation on building capabilities, exchanging expertise, ensuring free trade, and bolstering sovereignty, all underscored with collaboration and mutual respect.”

“The United States welcomes a strong Asean that speaks with a powerful voice on key issues and plays a leading role in upholding shared principles and international law,” the US said.

The US DoD said that aside from the annual bilateral and multilateral exercises including Balikatan, Cobra Gold and Super Garuda Shield, it will also convene the second Asean-US maritime exercise next year. The statement did not say where the maritime exercises will be held.

The first Asean-US maritime exercise was held in Gulf of Thailand and South China in 2019. The training included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), maritime domain awareness, division tactics and maritime asset tracking.

Since 2005, the US DoD said it has conducted 40 bilateral and multilateral exercises with Southeast Asian nations on an annual

Water, sanitation, hygiene among DOH’s top priorities amid health threats

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

HEALTH Secretary Ted Herbosa emphasized that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is a critical priority for the Department of Health (DOH), ranking it third after vaccination and addressing malnutrition, owing to its vital role in preventing waterborne diseases.

Citing a recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Herbosa highlighted the challenge of achieving universal WASH coverage. He noted that many drinking water sources remain unsafe and contaminated, especially those sourced from groundwater near toilets or old, leaking pipes.

“[Iyong ibang ] drinking water ay hindi  potable or hindi  safe. Marami itong tinatawag na  coliform or E.

coli,” Herbosa said. “ Ngayon,  very important ang  potable water nakukuha natin sa  tap or ang mga nabibili na  purified na.”

The PIDS study revealed that 90 percent of the poorest households have access to clean water and nearly all of the wealthiest households do. On the other hand, 83 percent of Filipino homes have access to basic sanitation facilities. But geographical and economic disparities persist. In each region, about 5 percent of households lack handwashing facilities, while in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), nearly half of households lack them, and 20 percent still practice open defecation.

Though 97 percent of households had access to basic drinking water in 2022, a Philippine Statis -

basis, “representing a commitment of 30,000 forces to support our partners’ readiness and interoperability.”

The US DoD has also committed to help Southeast Asian nations’ capacity building to detect and identify activity in sovereign airspace, exclusive economic zones and air defense identification zones.

It will also increase engagements with the Asean Defense Ministers’ Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (Acice) in Singapore, with table-top exercises that could help governments respond to cyber threats.

The US will also promote the defense industrial capacity of southeast Asian “partners” by tapping government, academic and industry networks towards building a “more robust and integrated

See “Asean,” A4

tics Authority report showed that 8 percent of the poorest households still lack access to clean drinking water. Such health risks accounted for 86 percent of diarrhea-related deaths in 2019, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

The recent 80 percent increase in dengue cases, particularly in October and November, is also attributed to poor sanitation. Dasmariñas, Cavite declared a state of calamity due to the surge in cases, while Quezon City also seeing a rise in numbers.

Poor WASH services also worsen children’s nutrition, with Herbosa saying, “ Hindi rin namin ma -correct  ang  malnutrition  kasi doon sa mga  areas  na hindi maganda ang  water source,  ang mga bata kahit i -feed  mo sila  with feeding program, they have continuous diarrhea  dahil ang tubig nila hindi  safe  at  contaminated.”

See “Water,” A4

territorial integrity, maritime sovereignty, and regional stability while serving and protecting the interests of all Filipinos,” it noted.

ITH the rising cases of mental health disorders in the Philippines, a lawmaker urged Congress on Tuesday to pass a law that would guarantee the availability of affordable inpatient and outpatient services for all Filipinos struggling with mental health conditions.

In a statement, Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said the government should be both “administratively and financially prepared” to address the growing need in the country for a comprehensive system supporting mental health services.

Yamsuan has filed House Bill 11086 that responds to this need by institutionalizing the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) inpatient and outpatient mental health benefits program.

“While we laud the efforts of PhilHealth, our goal under the bill is to have a unified mental health benefits package that is accessible to all, rather than piecemeal and limited pro -

grams that remain vulnerable to changes in administrative priorities and funding limitations,” Yamsuan said.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Yamsuan noted that 11.3 percent to 11.6 percent of Filipinos are affected by mental health issues, with the incidence increasing at an average of 2 percent annually. This translates to a significant rise from approximately seven million to 12.5 million Filipinos diagnosed with mental health conditions between 1990 and 2019.

Even more alarming are the results of the 2021 Young Adult Fertility Survey by the University of the Philippines (UP) Population Institute released in October 2022, which showed that nearly one in five Filipino youth aged between 15- and 24-years-old have entertained thoughts of ending their lives, Yamsuan said.

The study also found that “six in 10 of those who ever

See “Mental,” A4

A4 Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Storms shrink expected rice harvest to 19.3MMT

TDavao City phases out water extraction wells

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

Das a backup.

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday that the series of storms that hit the country this month could further shrink paddy rice output by the end of the year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco

Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency now expects palay production to settle at 19.3 MMT by yearend, lower than its forecast of 19.41 MMT.

Ang latest estimate namin ngayon is 19.3 million na lang and baka bumaba pa dahil sa mga bagyo,” Laurel told reporters during the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Expo in Pasay City on Tuesday.

Mental. . .

Continued from A3 thought of committing suicide did not reach out to anyone about it. The few who did so mostly sought help from close friends or peers (25 percent of suicide ideators), followed by parents or guardians (7 percent) and other relatives (5 percent). Even among those who acted on their suicidal thoughts, seeking professional help was highly unpopular (4 percent). In every 10 young adults, only one is aware of any suicide prevention program or service.”

The agency earlier said the Philippines may end 2024 with a palay output of 19.41 MMT, lower than the record 20.06 MMT the country produced last year. This projected figure is equivalent to 12.69 MMT in milled rice.

“Medyo [tinamaan] talaga tayo sa maraming bagyong dumaan,” Laurel said.

“Despite the progress we have made in understanding and accepting the fact that mental health conditions require the same attention as physical health disorders through the enactment of the Mental Health Act in 2018, many Filipinos remain reluctant to openly discuss this important concern. Mental health conditions are often dismissed or glossed over not only because of the stigma and the discrimination attached to them but also because many think that access to mental health services is expensive. This should not be the case,” Yamsuan said. Yamsuan said PhilHealth has

The country has been grappling with successive typhoons that devastated agricultural farmlands and fisheries, with damage reaching over P10 billion so far.

The DA said in its latest bulletin that the agriculture and infrastructure damage from tropical storms Nika, Ofel, and Pepito stood at P785.68 million while losses from typhoon Kristine hit P9.81 billion.

Meanwhile, the agriculture chief noted that the country’s rice imports will reach 4.5 MMT, noting that “there is quite a lot of rice.”

“My estimate is we will hit 4.5 million tons this year for rice,” Laurel said, speaking partly in Filipino.

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that rice arrivals have reached 4.16 MMT as of November 21. This volume exceeded the 3.606 MM of rice the Philippines bought last year.

Of the volume that arrived in the country, figures from BPI in-

made significant strides in making mental health services affordable and accessible by introducing an outpatient mental health benefits package through its Circular 20230018 released in October last year. The package covers consultations, diagnostic follow-ups, psychoeducation, and psychosocial support through accredited mental health facilities.

“However, funding for mental health is often relegated to the background, which makes the PhilHealth Circular vulnerable to change and funding constraints. House Bill 11086, or our proposed Comprehensive

dicated that over 3.21 MMT came from Vietnam. Thailand was the second-largest supplier, accounting for 530,888.42 metric tons (MT).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently adjusted upward its initial estimate for the country’s imported rice purchases this year to 5.0 MMT from 4.7 MMT.

The international agency’s report noted a surge in shipments from Vietnam as the country grappled with the impact of El Niño and storms. This will be driven by population growth and reduced import tariffs.

The USDA also raised its rice imports forecast for the Philippines in 2025 to 5.1 MMT on higher consumption of the staple.

Earlier, former Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian said the country will “continue to be a good market for exporters” from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, India, and Pakistan next year.

Mental Health Benefit Act, aims to ensure that we have a clearly defined and well-funded effort to safeguard the mental health of all Filipinos, especially our youth,” Yamsuan said.

Under the bill, PhilHealth shall develop an affordable and accessible comprehensive mental health benefits package for all Filipinos with mental health conditions. The mental health benefits package should be developed and fine-tuned in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH) and key stakeholders such as professional societies, patient organizations, and health facilities.

AVAO CITY—The city water district here and an Aboitiz subsidiary have assured of the city’s resilitence to global, and the Philippines’ imminent water crises.

The Aboitiz-owned Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., the bulk water provider, said this city of 1.7 million residents, is now currently depending on Tamugan River, a pristine river protected and nourished by the city’s northern watershed, and has since closed down 70 percent of its water wells extracting ground water.

With dependence on the surface water since this year, the Apo-Agua Infrastructura and the Davao City Water District (DCWD) expressed confidence that the city could rest well that a sustainable water solution is in place “to address water issues particularly in areas of the city where water has been a long standing concern.”

In a statement Apo-Agua said that this city that once relied on 98 percent of its water from ground sources is now relying on the Tamugan River for 70 percent of its potable water needs. Only 30 percent of the 36 extraction wells remained in commission but only

Asean. . .

Continued from A3

The bulk water supply operated by Apo Agua delivers up to 300 million liters of water per day, ensuring the city’s long term water security. “With improved access to clean and potable water, Davaoeños, businesses, and industries will benefit from reliable infrastructure supporting sustainable economic growth.”

The DCWD continues to be the sole distributor of water to household and industries and Apo Agua is responsible to extract and process the Tamugan River waters and deliver the processed water to DCWD under the bulk water deal that began to operate by the end of last year.

The city’s reliance on these resources has posed risks not only to aquifers but also to the stability of local ecosystems.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) reported in its 1998 study the looming water supply shortfall in the Philippines, and Davao is one of the major cities at risk of water shortages due to rapid economic growth and urban development. Recognizing Davao City’s increasing water needs, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) in partnership with Apo Agua conceived the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP).

More than US$17 billion worth of foreign military equipment were sold to Asean members since 2005 Asean members will also be encouraged to share expertise in addressing climate change impacts to their defense organizations, readiness and operational capacities through workshops, technical demonstrations and tabletop exercises.

Water. . .

Continued from A3 defense industrial base.” These including holding science and technology demonstrations, academic exchanges and workshops, and industry prize challenges.

The DOH has implemented practical measures to address these problems, including distributing chlorine tablets and larvicides in evacuation centers, conducting fogging operations, and partnering with local authorities. They also continue to promote the “3 o’clock habit” to encourage communities to clean their surroundings and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Marcos, Al Nahyan agree to strengthen bilateral ties

IN

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

a significant step to deepen bilateral

ties, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The disc ussions focused on expanding economic, trade, and sustainability initiatives, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

In a social media post following the meeting, Al Nahyan emphasized the continued commitment of both countries to further solidify their partnership.

“Today I welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Abu Dhabi to discuss opportunities to further deepen cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines across vital fields, including economy, trade, and sustainability,” he wrote.

He added , “As our countries celebrate 50 years of friendship and collaboration, we remain committed to bolstering ties and bringing lasting benefits to our peoples.”

The UAE has long been a key partner for the Philippines, with nearly 700,000 Filipinos residing and working in the Gulf state.

These o verseas Filipino workers (OFWs) contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy while also supporting the Philippine economy through remittances.

In return, the UAE has provided essential humanitarian aid and development opportu -

nities to the Philippines, strengthening this longstanding relationship.

During the meeting, President Marcos also expressed his gratitude to President Al Nahyan for the UAE’s ongoing support. He specifically ack nowledged the country’s humanitarian efforts, including aid during recent typhoons in the Philippines and its notable actions in pardoning 143 Filipinos during Eid al-Adha in 2024.

Marc os also thanked the UAE for its role in the arrest and extradition of a Filipino sex trafficker, highlighting the collaboration between the two countries in addressing international crime.

Marcos’s visit is part of a broader effort to solidify ties with one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners in the Middle East.

The U AE has become a critical market for Philippine goods and a source of investment, with bilateral trade growing steadily over the years.

The two nations first established diplomatic relations in 1974, and their partnership has flourished through mutual economic, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges.

With both leaders c ommitted to expanding these collaborations, the meeting’s outcomes are expected to create new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in key sectors.

Following the meeting, President Marcos will return to Manila on Wednesday to focus on addressing domestic priorities, including ongoing disaster recovery efforts in areas affected by recent typhoons.

Trump policies could affect BPOs, OFWs, say analysts

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE country’s top dollar-earning sectors, such as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms and overseas Filipinos as well as climate change efforts, could be the most vulnerable to the Trump administration’s protectionist policies starting next year.

Global Source Partners Country analysts from the United States-based think tank, Diwa Guinigundo and Wilhelmina Manalac said the Philippine government should also expect a reduction in foreign assistance from the United States due to its “America First” policy under his mantra “Make America Great Again” (MAGA).

However, Guinigundo and Manalac said the Philippine government’s close ties with the US augurs well in deterring China’s expansionist policies in Southeast Asia.

“Clearly, Trump could surprise everyone, as he did when he won the US presidency for the second time. He committed a lot of blunders in his inaugural term, but he has the opportunity to rectify them in his second term,” Guinigundo and Manalac said.

“In this instance, Trump’s main challenge

OSG seeks birth certificate cancellation outside court M

THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has asked lawmakers to pass a law that allows administrative cancellation of a birth certificate instead of going through a tedious judicial process.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said his office recommended such action after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) endorsed the cancellation of thousands of birth certificates fraudulently obtained by foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals.

“Considering the huge number of these cases, exceeding 1,500 in one civil registry office alone, we have recommended to Congress the enactment of a law that would authorize administrative cancellation of such birth certificates in lieu of a tedious and expensive judicial process,” Guevarra said. The issue of fake birth certificates being issued to foreign nationals surfaced in investigations by Congress and other law enforcement agencies on crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations. It was disc overed during these investigations that thousands of foreign nationals have secured Philippine birth certificates through fraudulent means. Ea rlier, the House of Representatives quad-committee filed House Bill No. 11117 (Fraudulent Birth Certificate Cancellation Law), seeking to establish an administrative process to expedite the cancellation of birth certificates fraudulently acquired by foreign nationals.

THE Philippines secured a new $500-million policy-based loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to tackle climate change.

The loan will be used to finance the Philippines’ Climate Change Action Program (CCAP) Subprogram 2 which aims to implement efforts to meet the country’s nationally determined contribution (NDC).

The NDCs embody the Philippines’s commitment to help advance global efforts to stabilize the world’s climate under the Paris Agreement.

“Climate change is exacerbating all major development challenges in the Philippines. The country’s high vulnerability impacts its economic momentum and outlook,” said ADB Philippines Country Director Pavit Ramachandran.

“This program is part of our commitment to help our host country avert economic damages from future climate change impact, mobilize green investment, and transform its economy,” he added.

CCAP will help accelerate reforms to transform key sectors such as agriculture, natural resources and the environment, energy, and

transport toward climate-resilient and-low carbon pathways.

The program was prepared jointly with the Agence Française de Dévelopement, which is providing cofinancing of $278.3 million to the government. The Philippines’ CCAP was approved in 2022 as ADB’s first climate policy-based loan across Asia and the Pacific.

The program is an important component of ADB’s new country partnership strategy 2024–2029, and its country climate investment plan, that aims to mobilize $10 billion in climate finance for the implementation of the country’s NDC and national adaptation plan (NAP).

The Manila-based multilateral development bank said the Philippines faces the highest disaster risk in the world, according to the World Risk Index 2022–2024.

In recent weeks, four strong typhoons impacted the Philippines one after the other, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Economic damages from climate-related disasters could be as high as 7.6 percent of gross domestic product by 2030. Cai U. Ordinario

is himself. If he is able to trump himself on his previous missteps, he is likely to sound the trumpet of victory by 2028. Only Trump and time can tell,” they said.

Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance are set to be sworn into office on January 20, 2025. This marks a change in the ruling party in the United States government.

The regime change could “have a stifling effect on the growth of the BPO industry,” which has been cited as one of the reasons for the loss of jobs in the United States.

Given the protectionist policies of Trump, which promise a manufacturing renaissance in the US, the new administration intends to ensure jobs for Americans.

Further, stricter immigration policies could make it difficult for Filipinos overseas to secure employment opportunities in the United States, even for highly skilled professionals.

“Considering that an average of 40.9 percent of total cash remittances from 2021 to 2023 came from the US, the implementation of more stringent immigration policies may result in lower remittances, without consideration of other foreign job markets,” Guinigundo

and Manalac said.

In terms of climate change, the country analysts said based on the report of the World Resources Institute (WRI), the first Trump administration intends to “roll back 125 environmental protections critical to safeguarding people and the planet” and the second one could further these initiatives.

Given that the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, the analysts said, future climate policies under the Trump administration will significantly impact the country.

Guinigundo and Manalac said the country is exposed to public health risks as well as the endangerment of vulnerable groups, such as women and indigenous people due to climate change.

“This being the case, the Philippines could be significantly disadvantaged by Trump’s dangerous and seemingly misinformed stance on climate change,” the analysts said.

Meanwhile, recent actions of President Marcos to align the Philippines with the United States could strengthen bilateral ties between the country and America and prevent a more aggressive stance by China in the region.

“Depending on the degree of Trump’s interest in the Asian region, the Philippines’ claim on the West Philippine Sea likewise may also be affected,” the analysts said. An earlier report from Bloomberg said President-elect Donald Trump is stocking his cabinet with people he wants to carry out his “America First” policies on the border, trade, national security, the economy and more. Trump has put a premium on loyalty with his picks, selecting lawmakers and aides who defended him as he navigated the fallout from the January 6, 2021, attempted insurrection and multiple criminal trials. (See: https://businessmirr or. com.ph/2024/11/24/donald-trumpputs-premium-on-loyalty-focuseson-america-first-policies-in-cabinetselections/)

“Cognizant of the possible repercussions of Trump’s announced policies on the Philippines, the country’s gain or loss will largely depend on the strategies to be undertaken by the Philippine government, which will require a delicate balancing act to counteract their negative impact and reinforce the positive effects emanating from Trump’s second term,” they added.

Palace to Duterte: Respect Constitution, stop agitation

ALACAÑANG on Tuesday called on former President Rodrigo Duterte to respect the Constitution and desist from being “irresponsible” by insinuating a military action against the Marcos administration.

In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Duterte’s call to the Armed Forces is inspired by a “selfish motive” to allow his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to take over.

“No motive is more selfish than calling for a sitting President to be overthrown so that your daughter can take over,” Bersamin said.

“And he will go to great and evil lengths, such as insulting our professional armed forces by asking them to betray their oath, for his plan to succeed,” he added.

In a late-night online news conference Monday, the former President sought the military’s and police’s intervention to “protect the Constitution” amid what he described as a “fractured” government.

Duterte, however, stopped short of calling for a coup.

Bersamin said Duterte should respect the Constitution, not disobey it.

Bersamin, a retired Chief Justice, urged the Duterte camp to follow the proper procedure and wait for the right time to be in power, even as he vowed that the Marcos administration would “not shirk from its sworn duty to govern and manage the affairs of the Filipino Nation according to the Constitution and the Rule of Law.”

Duterte’s tirades came following the government’s move to conduct an all-out investigation against his daughter, who earlier said she has contracted someone to asssassinate President Marcos if a supposed plot to kill her were to succeed.

Lawmakers noted that the ongoing investigations into VP Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds have been overshadowed by her threats against the President. They emphasized the need for accountability and due process to address these allegations.

The Navy on Tuesday said it is unbothered by the ongoing row between the country’s leaders, stressing that the troops remain loyal to their duty to protect the country and the Constitution.

The Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad was asked Tuesday whether the current political environment has weakened their resolve to protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The Armed Forces will continue performing its mandate to ensure the integrity of our national territory. I just mentioned that for the month of November, we conducted a total of 54 different activities in the WPS. This is a manifestation of our professionalism and we take pride in that. Amid all the developments of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, would like to say that your Armed Forces will remain loyal to the Constitution and the duly constituted civil authorities,” he said in a press conference. “To those who are spreading misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation designed to weaken the chain of command, listen and listen well. The chain of command is intact. It is secured. It will remain intact and secured. We take pride in being military professionals,” he added.

The Armed Forces spokesperson, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla,

said the military is a non-partisan organization, aside from being a united and a professional one

“The AFP is a non-partisan organization. As the Chief of Staff [Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.] has already stated, the Armed Forces [are] united and professional. So, with all of these things, we respectfully request that we are insulated from political issues,” she added.

Congress hatchet job

IN Davao City, Duterte said the slew of congressional hearings and other administration pressure are expected to spill over next year and added he believed these are directed against his family, especially to cripple his daughter, the expected presidential front runner in 2028.

He said there is no remedy in sight to stop the political pressure on his family, saying the Supreme Court cannot intervene due to separation of powers.

He said he chose to keep his distance even with the latest incident that saw his daughter’s chief of staff being wheeled away to the women’s correctional facility and the reaction of Vice President Sara Duterte was only expected.

“These are trivial and expected of Congress, especially

that there is [Speaker] Martin [Romualdez] who wants to become President. Everybody has the right to dream,” he added. He said he was not concerned with how the Vice President was going through as “she can manage it all, she is all right and she was not hurt”.

“What I would rather call on the people is to look at the hemorrhage of public funds,” he said in a late night news briefing in Davao City on Monday.

He showed a list of agencies where the administration has allegedly dipped its hands in to finance the string of cash aid.

In that list he said the Marcos admintration wanted to get hold of P250 billion through the Maharlika Fund. He said the administration was able to extract on average some P62 billion from contributory agencies such as the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

He said there was no information coming out from the “loss of money” from these agencies, which he said was critical “because these are money that people contributed.” Manuel Cayon, Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz and PNA

improved wages amidst rising costs of living. Justine Xyrah Garcia

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47.

48.

49. SHI, MINGMEI Operation Manager

Brief

50. WANG, WENYONG Operation Manager

Brief

51. XU, GANGZHOU Operation Manager

52. YANG, BAOZHU Operation Manager

Brief

53.

54. BHUPINDER KAUR Purchasing Manager Brief

55. CHEN, YIJUN Purchasing Manager

Brief

56. GONG, HUITING Purchasing Manager

Brief Job Description: Evaluating quality, price, reliability technical support & availability of goods & services.

57. HONG, XINGLONG Purchasing Manager

Brief Job Description: Evaluating

58. LEONG CHEE WENG Purchasing Manager

Brief Job Description: Evaluating quality, price,

59. LIANG, ZHONGQIU Purchasing Manager Brief

90.

BusinessMirror

City Of Makati

91. FUKUMOTO, YUYA Business Development Manager

Brief

S-W TRADING CORP. Unit 101, #393 Mindanao Ave. 6, Talipapa, Quezon City

92. CHEN, DONG Mandarin Account Manager

Brief

93.

Brief

94. SHI, ZHENZHE Mandarin Account Manager

Brief

95. YANG, FAN Mandarin Account Manager

Brief Job Description: Stay on top of accounts, making sure they receive services that are within their budget and meet their needs.

96. DING, QINGQING Mandarin Document Controller

Brief Job Description: Perform regular audit on corporate documents in order to ensure that all documents are properly submitted to other department.

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

Basic Qualification: Any nationality with excellent verbal

97. FANG, LIHONG Mandarin Document Controller

Brief Job Description: Perform regular audit on corporate documents in order to ensure that all documents are properly submitted

Basic Qualification:

November 27, 2024

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

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

1 8A FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE AND MANUFACTURING CORP.

Calumpang Lejos I, Indang, Cavite

2 8A FIRE SAFETY MAINTENANCE AND MANUFACTURING CORP.

Calumpang Lejos I, Indang, Cavite

3 CAINIAO LOGISTICS (PHILIPPINES), INC.

Phase 8, Laguna Technopark, Loma, City of Biñan, Laguna

4 CAVITE BIOFUEL PRODUCERS INC.

Sitio Lobo-lobo, Cavite

Biofuels Ecozone, Caluangan, Magallanes, Cavite

5 CAVITE BIOFUEL PRODUCERS INC.

Sitio Lobo-lobo, Cavite

Biofuels Ecozone, Caluangan, Magallanes, Cavite

6 CAVITE BIOFUEL PRODUCERS INC.

Sitio Lobo-lobo, Cavite Biofuels Ecozone, Caluangan, Magallanes, Cavite

ZHANG, RONGHUAI

Accounting Specialist (Mandarin Speaking)

Brief Job Description:

Translate and interpret financial documents, reports, and statements from mandarin to English as needed for global stakeholders

WANG, YINGYING

Compliance Specialist (Mandarin Speaking)

Brief Job Description:

Support internal teams in creating and reviewing product labels, technical documentation, and user manuals to ensure they comply with regulatory requirements

ZHAO, XUDONG

Warehouse Operations Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

Handle daily management practices of warehousing and distribution warehouses, implement and enforce warehouse related rules and regulations

SATYAM

Distillery Operations Shift Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

Reads operation logbooks and obtain verbal and written information from outgoing supervisor on the status of operation in fermentation; distillation and dehydration, evaporation and cooling tower

SHARMA, SOMNATH

Distillery Operations Shift Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

Reads operation logbooks and obtain verbal and written information from outgoing supervisor on the status of operation in fermentation; distillation and dehydration, evaporation and cooling tower

JHA, SANTOSH KUMAR

Process Technician-WWTP

Brief Job Description:

Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of the distributed control system (DCS) for steam turbine generators

CUI, BING

7 JIEMEI (PHILIPPINES) ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY INC.

25 San Juan River Drive, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Punta, City of Calamba, Laguna

8 MITSUBISHI MOTORS

PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

No. 1 Auto Park Avenue, Greenfield Automotive Park, Don Jose, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

Asst. General Manager

Brief Job Description:

Interact and cooperate with all members of the organization

Basic Qualification:

Must be excellent in oral, writing and reading skills in Mandarin language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

College degree or above, with priority given to majors in logistics, transportation, warehousing, and related fields

Salary Range:

Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification:

Good oral and written communication in English and Hindi

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Good oral and written communication in English and Hindi

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Good oral and written communication in English and Hindi

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

College graduate with managerial experience

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

9 OPTODEV, INC.

B2, L2, Star Ave. Corner Interstar St., Laguna International Industrial Park, Mamplasan, City of Biñan, Laguna

MOUSSION,

HE, XIN

General Manager

Brief Job Description: Oversee

11 TREHAND STEEL CORP. Narra Road, San Antonio, City of San Pedro, Laguna LIN, XINMIN Supply Chain Coordinator (Bi-Lingual)

12 XIAMEN HUIHUANG CONSTRUCTION CORP.

B2d L5-9 Commercial Adventurine St., Grand Centennial Homes, Magdalo, Kawit, Cavite

13 YSEN HONDA (PHILIPPINES) PACKAGING INC.

B6-b L5 Ph3, Bldg. 1-2, PPVI Compound, Lima Technology Center, Santiago, Malvar, Batangas

14 YSEN HONDA (PHILIPPINES) PACKAGING INC.

B6-b L5 Ph3, Bldg. 1-2, PPVI Compound, Lima Technology Center, Santiago, Malvar, Batangas

YAN, JIN

Quality Control Specialist

Brief Job Description:

Responsible for evaluating technologies involved in making products to ensure they meet set

XU, GUANGWEI

Printing Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

Lead the day-to-day operation of the printing departments

LU, GANG

Senior Engineering Manager

Brief Job Description:

Develop and implement engineering strategies to achieve organizational

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals. By

Senior Expert: Production Engineering Department

Brief Job Description:

in production Engineering Management

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

New airstrikes across Lebanon kill at least 31 as Israel and Hezbollah inch toward cease-fire

By Sally Abou Aljoud, Josef Federman & Sam Metz The Associated Press

BEIRUT—Israel’s military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group.

Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut’s southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city’s largest public park.

The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘s Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table.

Airstrikes kill at least 31 MASSIVE explosions lit up Lebanon’s skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites.

the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year.

Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding US-led ceasefire negotiations. The country’s deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah.

Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.”

all-out war between Israel and Iran. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah had long insisted that it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends, but it dropped that condition.

A top Hamas official in Lebanon said the Palestinian militant group would support a ceasefire between its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel, despite Hezbollah’s previous promises to stop the fighting in Lebanon only if the war in Gaza ends.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut’s southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday.

The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians, and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities.

Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people.

Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military had previously exchanged attacks across

Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning.

Hopes grow for a cease-fire

ISRAELI officials voiced similar optimism about prospects for a cease-fire. Mike Herzog, the country’s ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were “close to a deal.”

“It can happen within days,” he said.

Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain.

Two Israeli officials told The Associated Press that Netanyahu’s security Cabinet had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, but they said it remained unclear whether the Cabinet would vote to approve the deal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations.

Danny Danon, Israel’s UN ambassador, told reporters that he expected a cease-fire agreement

Briton captured fighting for Ukraine in Kursk region as Moscow intensifies drone attacks

By The Associated Press

RUSSIA’S military captured a British national fighting with Ukrainian troops who have occupied part of Russia’s Kursk region, according to reports Monday, as Moscow began daylight drone attacks on civilian areas of Ukraine and its ground forces accelerated gains along parts of the front line.

The Briton was identified by state news agency Tass and other media as James Scott Rhys Anderson. Tass quoted him as saying that he had served as a signalman in the British army for four years and then joined the International Legion of Ukraine, formed early on in Russia’s nearly 3-year-old war against its neighbor.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces are straining to hold at bay a

push by Russia’s bigger army at places in the eastern Donetsk region. Russian forces recently have gained ground at “a significantly quicker rate” than they did in the whole of last year, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank.

The Russians have detected and are exploiting weaknesses in the Ukrainian defenses, it said in an analysis late Sunday.

The war surpassed 1,000 days last week, and the milestone coincided with a significant escalation in hostilities.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force said Russia is adapting its drone tactics, as it fired 145 Shahed drones at Ukraine.

Russia has started launching drones during the day, whereas in the past most drone attacks occurred during the night, the air

force said.

Andrii Kovalenko, the head of the National Security Council’s Counter-disinformation Center, said earlier this month that the Russians were looking to conserve their stocks of more destructive but more expensive missiles and also terrorize civilians.

The air force said it stopped almost all the drones before they struck.

But a morning missile attack on downtown Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city in the northeast, injured at least 23 people, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. He said the attack on a densely populated residential area was carried out by a modified surfaceto-air S-400 missile.

A Russian ballistic missile also struck the southern Ukraine city of Odesa in the middle of the day, injuring 10 people as it landed in the downtown area, officials said. Ukraine, meantime, continued its attacks on logistical targets inside Russia that support the Kremlin’s war effort.

Ukrainian drones set off explosions and a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s Kaluga region overnight, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the border, a military intelligence official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the rules of his job do not

with Hezbollah to have stages and to be discussed by leaders Monday or Tuesday. Still, he warned, “it’s not going to happen overnight.”

After previous hopes for a cease-fire were dashed, US officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement.

“Nothing is done until everything is done,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.

The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River.

The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing UN peacekeeping force.

Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel is demanding the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the

allow him to be quoted by name.

Russia made no comment about the alleged strike. It was not possible to independently verify Ukraine’s claim.

The father of the British man says he was told by a Ukrainian commander of his capture

The captured Briton reportedly served as an instructor for Ukrainian troops and was deployed to the Kursk region against his will. Tass published a video of the man saying in English that he doesn’t want to be “here.”

The report couldn’t be independently verified, but if confirmed it could be one of the first publicly known case of a Western national captured on Russian soil while fighting for Ukraine.

The U.K. Embassy in Moscow said officials were “supporting the family of a British man following reports of his detention” but provided no further details.

The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The soldier’s father, Scott Anderson, told Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper that his son’s Ukrainian commander had informed him that the young man had been captured.

Scott Anderson said his son had served in the British military for four years, then briefly worked as a police custody officer before going to Ukraine to fight. He said he tried to convince his son not to join the Ukrainian military, and now he fears for his safety.

terms. The Lebanese government has said that such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country’s sovereignty.

A cease-fire could mark a step toward ending the regionwide war that ballooned after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250.

The lack of a cease-fire has emerged as a political liability for Israeli leaders including Netanyahu, particularly while 60,000 Israelis remain away from their homes in the country’s north after more than a year of cross-border violence.

Hezbollah rockets have reached as far south into Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers died fighting in the ground offensive in Lebanon. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted.

A cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, the strongest of Iran’s armed proxies, is expected to significantly calm regional tensions that have led to fears of a direct,

“Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome. Hezbollah has stood by our people and made significant sacrifices,” Osama Hamdan of Hamas’ political wing told the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is seen as politically allied with Hezbollah.

While the cease-fire proposal is expected to be approved if Netanyahu brings it to a vote in his security Cabinet, one hardline member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would oppose it. He said on X that a deal with Lebanon would be a “big mistake” and a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.”

If the cease-fire talks fail, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said, “it will mean more destruction and more and more animosity and more dehumanization and more hatred and more bitterness.”

Speaking at a G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, the last summit of its kind before US President Joe Biden leaves office, Safadi said such a failure “will doom the future of the region to more conflict and more killing and more destruction.”

Federman reported from Jerusalem and Metz from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Nicole Winfield in Fiuggi, Italy, and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.

Rebel group seizes key Myanmar town and rare earth mining hub in setback for military regime

By David Rising The Associated Press

BANGKOK—A powerful rebel group has seized a key trading town in northeastern Myanmar on the Chinese border, taking control of a lucrative rare earth mining hub in another setback for the militaryled government, according to witnesses.

The apparent loss of Kanpaiti to the Kachin Independence Army leaves Myanmar’s military in control of only one town with a border crossing, Muse, and deprives it of potential profits from the mines that provide China with rare earth minerals critical for electric motors and wind turbines, as well as high-tech weapons and a broad range of electronics.

Neither Col. Naw Bu, the KIA’s spokesperson, nor Thet Swe, spokesperson for the military, responded to multiple requests for comment, but several local media outlets reported that Kanpaiti fell last week. The ongoing civil war and military restrictions make travel for journalists nearly impossible, but the reports were confirmed by witnesses by telephone.

Video clips circulating on social media, which could not be independently verified, showed what was said to be a KIA member raising the group’s flag at the tunnel through the mountain to China. Other clips showed a vast quantity of weapons allegedly captured by the KIA.

The military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, triggering intensified fighting with long-established armed militias organized by Myanmar’s ethnic minority groups in its border regions which have struggled for decades for more autonomy.

The once-mighty armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, have suffered a series of unprecedented defeats over the past year, especially in areas to the east near the Chinese border and in the western state of Rakhine, after an alliance of three powerful militias launched a coordinated offensive on October 27, 2023.

Since then, other militias organized along ethnic lines have joined in, including the KIA in the northern state of Kachin. In Kachin’s so-called Special Region 1, where Kanpaiti is located, the KIA since late September has been increasing assaults on a rival ethnic militia, the New Democratic ArmyKachin, which is allied with the government military and had provided border guard forces.

The NDA-K also controlled the web of small, unlicensed operations where heavy rare earth elements are mined, then sold directly to China’s big state-owned mining conglomerates or through intermediaries. There are more than 300 unregulated mines in the area, producing most of the $1.4 billion in rare earths for sale to China last year “at a terrible cost to the environment and local communities,” according to a report issued by London-based environmental group Global Witness in May. It’s not clear how much of the profits flowed to the military government, and how much directly to the NDA-K, however, and while the loss of any revenue stream would be bad for the military, the fall of Kanpaiti is not necessarily a game changer for the overall conflict, said Morgan Michaels, a Singaporebased analyst with the International Institute of Strategic Studies who runs its Myanmar Conflict Map project.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024 A13

G7 foreign ministers optimistic for Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire

By Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

FIUGGI, Italy—Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The top diplomats met for the final time before a new US administration takes office with wars raging in the Mideast and Ukraine.

“Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a cease-fire in Lebanon,” he said. “Let’s hope it’s true and that there’s no backing down at the last-minute.”

A cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration.

For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, the so-called “Arab Quintet,” as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League.

“Everyone favors a cease-fire in both scenarios,” Tajani told reporters, adding that Italy had offered to take on an even greater peacekeeping role in Lebanon to oversee any ceasefire deal.

As the ministers arrived in Italy, Israel’s ambassador to the US, Mike Herzog, told Israeli Army Radio on Monday a ceasefire deal to end fighting between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah could be reached “within days.”

Several Arab ministers reiterated calls for a cease-fire in both Lebanon and Gaza during a G7-affiliated conference in Rome.

“We need a cease-fire, a permanent cease-fire. That will stop the killings and stop the destruction and restore a sense of normalcy to life,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told the conference.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, for his part, reaffirmed that Cairo would host a minister-level conference next Monday on mobilizing international aid for Gaza.

The so-called “Quintet” has been working with the US to finalize a “day after” plan for Gaza. There is some urgency to make progress before the Trump administration takes over in January. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pursue a policy that strongly favors Israel over the aspirations of the Palestinians.

Tajani added another item to the G7 agenda last week after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief.

Italy is a founding member of the court and hosted the 1998 Rome conference that gave birth to it. But Italy’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks, while also providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.

The Italian government has taken a cautious line, reaffirming its support and respect for the court but expressing concern that the warrants were politically motivated. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.”

Tajani acknowledged consensus hadn’t been reached among the G7 members but hoped for agreement to have a unified position. He noted that all sides need Netanyahu to make any deal.

“We can also not agree with how his government has led the reaction after the massacre of October 7, but now we have to deal with Netanyahu to arrive at peace in Lebanon, peace in Palestine,” Tajani said.

Nathalie Tocci, director of the Rome-based Institute for International Affairs think tank, warned that inserting the ICC warrant into the G7 agenda was risky, since the US is the lone member that is not a signatory to the court and yet tends to dictate the G7 line.

“If Italy and the other (five G7) signatories of the ICC are unable to maintain the line on international law, they will not only erode it anyway but will be acting against our interests,” Tocci wrote in La Stampa daily this weekend, recalling Italy’s recourse to international law in demanding protection for Italian UN peacekeepers who have come under fire in southern Lebanon.

The other major talking point of the G7 meeting is Ukraine, and tensions have only heightened since Russia attacked Ukraine last week with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the strike was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of US and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory.

The G7 has been at the forefront of providing military and economic support for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and G7 members are particularly concerned about how a Trump administration will change the US approach.

Trump has criticized the billions of dollars that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine and has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies.

“It’s hugely important that this G7, that all colleagues across the G7 continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it lasts,” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said as he arrived. He announced new sanctions on vessels of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of ships that are evading sanctions to export Russian oil.

“And we are confident that Ukraine can have the funds and the military equipment and kit to get through 2025,” Lammy said.

The G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, the second of the Italian presidency after ministers gathered in Capri in April, is being held in the medieval town of Fiuggi southeast of Rome, best known for its thermal spas.

On Monday, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ministers were attending the inauguration of a red bench meant to symbolize Italy’s focus on fighting gender-based violence.

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people marched in Rome to protest gender-based violence, which in Italy so far this year has claimed the lives of 99 women, according to a report last week by the Eures think tank.

Assessing the impact of 4Ps program on PHL’s MDGs, social development goals

MiDwAy through the Millennium Development Goals initiative by the United Nations, the Philippines introduced a conditional cash transfer program aimed at enhancing the country’s progress towards fulfilling the MDGs. Patterned after the basic CCT structure that were implemented in Mexico and Brazil in the 1990s, the Philippine version was launched in 2007. its objectives were to provide cash assistance to the poor to alleviate their immediate needs and to break the intergenerational poverty cycle through investments in human capital.

Countries were supposed to achieve the MDGs by 2015, but the Philippines struggled to reach some of the targets, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Eight years after the Philippine government launched the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, data from the PSA indicated that the Philippines fell short of some of the MDGs. The Philippines did not achieve its goals for these indicators: halve the proportion of population living below national poverty threshold, halve the prevalence of underweight children under five years of age using Child Growth Standards, and reducing by half the percentage of household with per capita energy intake of less than 100 percent.

When 4Ps was first implemented, a discussion paper published by government think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) noted that it provided P6,000 annually or P500 per month for each household selected by the program for health and nutrition expenses. Also, it granted P3,000 per child for one school year (10 months) or P300 per month for educational expenses. Up to a maximum of three children for each household can receive a subsidy.

These benefits have already been adjusted, based a report available on the website of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The health grant has been increased to P750 per month for each household. As for the education grant, P300 per child was given to those in elementary, P500 per child in junior high and P700 per child in senior high school. The government has also added a rice subsidy of P600 per month for active and compliant households.

Despite this, PIDS said in a recent report that the impact of 4Ps on key nutrition indicators was “negligible.” These indicators include height-for-age z-scores, weight-for-age z-scores, and wasting prevalence. (See, “4Ps may not be enough for licking child malnutrition,” in the BusinessMirror , November 22, 2024). The study noted that beneficiary households faced challenges in meeting dietary requirements as food costs increased, exacerbating poor nutritional outcomes for non-beneficiaries.

This is a cause for concern, particularly since the Philippines has also committed to achieve the Social Development Goals that are loftier than the previous MDGs that were introduced in 2000. Under SDGs, countries including the Philippines, should eliminate hunger by 2030 or in six years. Policymakers should heed the recommendation of the government think tank and review 4Ps and determine how it could be refined to achieve not only SDGs but also to deliver the campaign promises of the current administration.

BusinessMirror

Bridging the north and south

OTHE BUILDER

Ur vision to link the northern and southern provinces to Metro Manila by rail is no longer a pipe dream. And i’m confident our railway system in due time will extend to as far as the city of Tagaytay bordering Batangas province in the south and to Clark City in Pampanga and Tarlac provinces in the north.

Current and past administrations have all supported the construction of railway networks to decongest traffic, especially in Metro Manila. This railway network link will certainly boost productivity in and around the capital region and ease the plight of weary commuters.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently led the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project. The original railway, built along Taft Avenue to Monumento in Caloocan City in the early ’80s under the administration of his father and namesake, is now an expanded line.

Phase 1 of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension now covers five new stations—Redemptorist-ASEANA, Manila International Airport Road,

Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, Ninoy Aquino Avenue and Dr. Santos.

The new stations have a capacity to carry 80,000 additional passengers daily, reducing the travel time between Baclaran, Pasay City, and Bacoor, Cavite, from 70 minutes to just 25 minutes. It is envisioned to serve up to 650,000 passengers daily by 2028.

President Marcos acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors—Presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte— who all played a role in advancing the LRT-1 extension.

The partial completion of the LRT1 Cavite Extension is another step in the Marcos administration’s commitment to expand rail infrastructure in the Philippines.

Hopefully, these rail lines will convince many car motorists to choose the mass transportation alternative. The traffic problem in Metro Manila has cost us billions of pesos a day, per the last study done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

President Marcos cited ongoing projects like the MRT-7, the NorthSouth Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway Project, which seek to create a more seamless transport experience for millions of Filipinos.

“Our journey towards a more seamless, modernized public transportation system does not end here,” he promised. “We are committed to building station after station, reaching as far and as fast as our people’s needs dictate.”

The 11.7-kilometer, eight-station LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project will connect Baclaran in Parañaque City to Bacoor, Cavite.

Once fully operational, the project is expected to cut travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor to 25 minutes from 1 hour and 10 minutes, while increasing the rail line’s capacity from 500,000 to 800,000 passengers daily.

The inauguration of Phase 1 of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) Cavite Extension Project lends credence to the pronouncement of

President Marcos during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July that the Philippines is in the midst a railway renaissance.

The Department of Transportation is leading the initiative, with 23 of its 69 infrastructure projects focused on railway improvements and expansions.

Five of these projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway, LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension, MRT Line 7 and MRT Line 3 rehabilitation, are all under construction. Filipino commuters and workers will benefit the most from these projects. The NSCR, or Clark–Calamba Railway, for one, can service at least a million passengers daily. When completed, it will run from New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna with 36 stations and four services.

The Metro Manila Subway, billed as the Philippines’ “Crown Jewel” of mass transit system, meanwhile, can accommodate 519,000 passengers daily. It will cut across eight cities stretching from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City with a spur line to NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

This 33-kilometer and 17-station rail line aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City from one hour and 10

See “Villar” A15

China battles to defend yuan as Trump renews tariff threats

ARuben M. Cruz Jr.

Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes

D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan

Valley Drive KM-15, South Superhighway, Parañaque, Metro Manila

By Chongjing Li

LiNe in the sand is starting to emerge for the yuan, as Chi-

na tightens its grip on a currency that is facing fresh tariff threats from US President-elect Donald Trump.

The People’s Bank of China has consistently set its daily reference rate—Beijing’s preferred tool to guide yuan expectations—stronger than 7.2 per dollar since the US election, despite wild swings in the greenback and increasing predictions by analysts that the central bank would buckle. The PBOC set the fixing at a one-week high on Tuesday, pushing back against a widespread selloff versus the dollar after Trump took to social media to promise fresh tariffs. The combination of tariff threats from the US and currency control by China’s central bank offers traders a reminder of the tug-of-war that took place during Trump’s first term. But this time around, the stakes are even

higher: China is balancing a desire to protect its currency with a need to get economic growth back on track, forcing the central bank to find a Goldilocks zone between making the yuan too strong or too weak.

“The PBOC will maintain the yuan relatively stable against the dollar as it has done so far,” said Larry Hu, head of China economics at Macquarie Group. “To respond to the higher tariffs, China would rely on more on domestic stimulus rather than currency depreciation.”

In the domestic spot market, the yuan was trading at the largest discount to the fixing in three weeks, a sign traders are bearish on the currency despite Beijing’s support. The

The PBOC typically prioritizes yuan stability, even when a weaker currency could help the economy, because a rapid slump could lead to a vicious cycle of capital outflows. China’s decision to allow a rapid devaluation of the yuan in 2015 led to a surge in fund exits, leaving a bitter memory for policymakers in the country.

PBOC set the fixing, which limits moves in the onshore yuan by 2 percent on either side, at a level 0.7 percent stronger than the average estimate in a Bloomberg survey.  The offshore yuan was trading at around 7.26 on Tuesday, after falling as much as 0.4 percent in morning trading. The PBOC typically prioritizes yuan stability, even when a weaker currency could help the economy,

because a rapid slump could lead to a vicious cycle of capital outflows. China’s decision to allow a rapid devaluation of the yuan in 2015 led to a surge in fund exits, leaving a bitter memory for policymakers in the country.

Still, some traders think the PBOC’s determination to fix the yuan at a stronger level than 7.2 per dollar won’t last. The PBOC has previously held the yuan at levels that looked like red lines, before backing down in the face of market pressure.  Its decision to let the fixing move past a previous red line of 6.9 in 2019 led to a rush of yuan selling. The currency eventually traded through 7 for the first time since the global financial crisis.

“I see PBOC fixing close to 7.20 in the near-term, and if there is extended dollar strength, it may move higher to 7.25,” said Jeff Ng, head of Asia macro strategy at Sumitomo Mitsui Bank-

See “China,” A15

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua

Mark Villar

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Top Czech spy warns Nato against pushing bad peace in Ukraine

By Krystof Chamonikolas & Andrea Dudik

czecH intelligence chief Michal Koudelka has spent decades uncovering russian spy networks, sabotage attempts and disinformation campaigns against europe.

Speaking in an interview from a high-security compound on the outskirts of Prague, he is now warning allies that pushing Kyiv to accept significant concessions in order to end the war in Ukraine would only embolden the Kremlin.

“Russia would spend perhaps the next 10 to 15 years recovering from its huge human and economic losses and preparing for the next target, which is central and eastern Europe,” said Koudelka, a major general who heads the country’s Security Information Service.

“If Ukraine loses, or is forced to accept a bad peace deal, then Russia will perceive that as victory,” he added. His assessment is backed up by other European intelligence services. Germany’s top spy, Bruno Kahl, warned last month that President Vladimir Putin will be prepared for a military engagement with Nato by the end of the decade.

Koudelka said that international law requires Russia to withdraw all troops, return occupied or annexed territories and pay reparations. Kyiv has recently come under pressure to consider new ways to lure Putin to negotiating table after 1,000 days resisting the invasion.

A former Soviet satellite, the Czech Republic is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, hosting hundreds of thousands of war refugees and organizing shipments of donated ammunition.

Together with Poland as well as the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, it is trying to persuade other allies to keep arming the war-torn nation despite waning public support and battlefield setbacks.

The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine should remind Western nations that Russia is “an imperial superpower with imperial desires” and has “absolute disdain” for its military losses and civilian deaths, according to Koudelka.

Since he became the intelligence chief eight years ago, the Czech Republic has taken drastic steps to reduce Russian intelligence capabilities and influence over local politics and business. It has banned Russian suppliers from a nuclear-energy project, reduced dependence on its natural gas and expelled a vast majority of the Kremlin’s spies with diplomatic cover.

Unlike some other European nations, the government in Prague has taken steps to make it harder for Russians to visit the country, own businesses or properties there and obtain Czech citizenship. It is now trying

Villar . . .

continued from A14

minutes to just 35 minutes.

The long-awaited Metro Rail Transit Line 7 line in Quezon City is also set to join the railway link. Twelve stations of the Line 7 will begin partial operations by the fourth quarter of 2025, while the Tala station in Caloocan City is scheduled to open in 2026. The North Ave. Station up to the Quirino Station further north will be operational next year. Hopefully, these rail lines will

China . . .

continued from A14

ing Corp. “I see topside at 7.35 in the near-term for dollar-offshore yuan, due to policy uncertainty.”

Trump said he would impose additional 10 percent tariffs on goods from China and 25 percent tariffs on all products from Mexico and Cana-

Trump roils markets with tariff threat on China, Mexico, Canada

PKoudelka said that international law requires Russia to withdraw all troops, return occupied or annexed territories and pay reparations. Kyiv has recently come under pressure to consider new ways to lure Putin to negotiating table after 1,000 days resisting the invasion.

to persuade the European Union to ban Russian diplomats from traveling between member states without visas, as a way to further curb intelligence activity.

Trump presidency STILL , Koudelka says his country remains a target for Russian hybrid warfare, including traditional spying, cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns and subversion. The intelligence community across Europe is also preparing for likely threats after the war ends, such as an influx of Ukrainian veterans and the smuggling of arms that could end up in the wrong hands.

The 59-year-old lifelong counterterrorism and counterintelligence officer dismissed concerns in Europe that the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump might weaken the security and intelligence cooperation between the US and Europe.

“I worked with our American partners under President Trump before and it was really great,” Koudelka said, pointing to his experience with intelligence sharing under previous administration. “The same is true now under President Biden. And I am 100 percent convinced that it will be equally great during Trump’s second term.”

Koudelka called on Western nations to avoid exposing themselves to fresh security threats and economic dependencies when they resume business and diplomatic relations with Russia in the future. He added Russia was an “aggressor who only understands strength” and the outcome of the war would determine the likelihood of a future global conflict directly involving Nato.

“If facing a strong country or a strong alliance, Russia will make the calculation that it isn’t worth messing with it,” said Koudelka. “If, by contrast, Russia concludes that the war in Ukraine has paid off, and that European countries are weak and Nato lacks unity, then it may try something new.” Bloomberg

convince many car motorists to choose the mass transportation alternative. The traffic problem in Metro Manila has cost us billions of pesos a day, per the last study done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

But I have confidence the present administration will finally start solving our traffic woes. Travel by train—as in many Asian countries— will soon be the preferred mode of transportation in the Philippines.

For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar. com.ph

da, in posts to Truth Social.  The rapid decline in a variety of currencies against the dollar after Trump’s social media posts underscores how quickly his comments can move markets. The dollar had weakened on Monday, as traders responded to the news that Trump had picked Wall Street veteran Scott Bessent as the next Treasury Secretary. Bloomberg

By Nancy Cook & Brian Platt

reSident-elect donald trump vowed additional tariffs on china as well as US neighbors canada and Mexico, roiling markets with his first specific threat to curb global trade flows since his election win.

Trump said he would impose additional 10 percent tariffs on goods from China and 25 percent tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada in posts to his Truth Social network on Monday. The Canadian dollar fell to a four-year low on the news, while the peso traded close to its weakest since 2022. China’s yuan edged lower offshore.

Trump cast the new levies as necessary to clamp down on migrants and illegal drugs flowing across borders. He accused China of failing to follow through on promises to institute the death penalty for traffickers of fentanyl, writing that “drugs are pouring into our country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before.”

“Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10 percent Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America,” Trump said. In another post, the incoming president also vowed to hit Mexico and Canada with a 25 percent tariff on “ALL products,” saying he would sign an executive order to that effect on his first day in office.

“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” he said. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”

Trump’s tariff threats provide a sharp counter to expectations that he might temper his trade policies during a second term, despite concerns from some business leaders about the impact. It came just days after he tapped Scott Bessent to be the next US Treasury secretary, a move that was seen as a promising sign for those seeking a more measured tariff stance.

Shortly after Trump’s post, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau contacted the president-elect and the two leaders had a phone call to discuss border security and trade, according to a government official with knowledge of the matter.

Trudeau pointed out to Trump that the number of migrants who cross the Canadian border into the US is minuscule compared to those who cross from Mexico, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Canada said it’s working closely with US law enforcement agencies every day to disrupt the “scourge of the fentanyl coming from China

and other countries,” according to a statement by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

“Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border,” the ministers said.

Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in the US, said economic and trade cooperation between both countries is mutually beneficial. “No one will win a trade war or a tariff war,” he wrote in an X post, adding that Beijing has informed Washington of the progress made in counter-narcotics efforts.

Representatives for the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry and Economy Ministry, as well as China’s Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry, didn’t immediately respond to requests to comment. Spokespeople for Trump didn’t immediately answer a question about whether there would be exemptions from the duties.

Trump campaigned on pledges to implement sweeping tariffs on allies and adversaries alike, vowing to hike tariffs to 60 percent for all goods imported from China and to 20 percent for those brought in from the rest of the world—policies he says will help pressure companies to re-shore manufacturing jobs in the US and raise revenue for the federal government.

President Joe Biden has already hiked tariffs on a variety of Chinese imports this year, including semiconductors, solar cells and critical minerals, with rates ranging from 25 percent for batteries to 100 percent for electric vehicles. The move was the culmination of a review of Trump’s tariff increases in his first term— none of which were rolled back.

While it was unclear how Trump’s 10 percent tariff threat on China fit in with his previous statements calling for even higher duties, analysts saw this as an opening gambit.

“This tariff is specifically aimed at cracking down on the fentanyl trade, and does not necessarily mean that Trump’s promised 60 percent tariffs on all Chinese imports are off the table,” said Neil Thomas, a fellow for Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis.

“China will register its opposition and consider limited retaliation but is likely to respond cautiously at first to Trump’s threats, until it gets a better sense of the balance between confrontation and deal making in his second term,” he added.

Fentanyl overdoses

W

HILE public health experts say

Trump campaigned on pledges to implement sweeping tariffs on allies and adversaries alike, vowing to hike tariffs to 60 percent for all goods imported from China and to 20 percent for those brought in from the rest of the world—policies he says will help pressure companies to re-shore manufacturing jobs in the US and raise revenue for the federal government.

fentanyl overdoses remain a major issue, provisional data released earlier this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a 14 percent drop in drug overdose deaths from June 2023 to June 2024. President Biden hailed US-China cooperation on counternarcotics this month during a meeting with counterpart Xi Jinping in Peru, noting to the Chinese leader that “overdose deaths are coming down for the first time in five years.”

The Republican has long said he favors tariffs as a negotiating tool, even with US partners, and during the presidential campaign in 2024, he mused about replacing the federal income tax with revenue from trade levies. Most mainstream economists though have warned that Trump’s levies would raise prices for consumers, fueling already high inflation and redirecting or reducing trade flows.

Higher North American tariffs would upend the auto industry and other consumer sectors, including food, in which the three countries are highly integrated.

‘Stir the debate’ THE tariff would also do great damage to Mexico’s auto sector and to factories in central and northern states that export electronics, plastics and other manufactured goods to US consumers. Trade between the two countries has grown in recent years, with Mexico turning into the US’s largest trading partner. The Mexican government estimates there’s now $800 billion annually in total trade between the nations.

The Canadian and US auto industries are so intertwined, and work on such thin profit margins, that a 25 percent tariff is “not a real conversation,” said Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, a Canadian industry group.

“The president-elect has done what he’s famous for, which is try to stir the debate. The only surprise is how early he’s done it,” Volpe said. “What we learned in the first term was he uses strong rhetoric, public rhetoric. But the negotiations are always tough, but reasonable— and I’m just telling everybody to be patient.”

A 25 percent tariff applied to all

imports from Canada would put pressure on energy costs. Oil, gas and other energy products are Canada’s largest export to its southern neighbor; it’s by far the largest external supplier of crude to the US. Wilbur Ross, Trump’s former Commerce secretary, said earlier this month it would make no sense to place tariffs on Canadian energy, because “all it would do would be to raise our costs and not help anything with more American jobs.”

“Tariff talk raises global inflation fears, creates concerns around global growth and increases geopolitical uncertainty,” said Andrew Ticehurst, a senior rates strategist at Nomura Holdings Inc. in Sydney. “The knee-jerk reaction in markets is a stronger dollar, higher yields and weaker equities.”

The move on Mexico and Canada would reignite a trade feud that simmered across the continental bloc during Trump’s first term, where he forced a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and imposed tariffs on certain sectors, including steel.

Currently, the re-branded trade pact, known as the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement, allows for duty-free trade across a wide range of sectors. It’s not clear what recourse American importers, who would pay the duties, would have under the pact to head off any levy.

Economic team

BEYOND Bessent, Trump still has a number of top economic roles to fill in his administration. One of the chief architects of Trump’s tariff agenda, former United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has yet to land a role in the second term.

Tr ump has also vowed to move quickly to secure the US border— one of the top issues for voters in November’s presidential election —following a surge in migrants that taxed communities across the country and became a major political liability for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. The president-elect says he will carry out the largest mass deportation of undocumented migrants and finish building the wall on the US-Mexico border that he started during his first administration. He has also confirmed his intention to use the US military to carry out the deportations.

Trump’s team has been taking shape with him selecting South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security and Tom Homan, the former acting head of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, to serve as his border czar.  With assistance from Jing Li, Josh Xiao, Cormac Mullen, Derek Decloet, Josh Wingrove, Matthew Burgess, Carolina Millan, Maya Averbuch and Colum Murphy /Bloomberg

Hong Kong a ‘global leader’ in financial crime, US lawmakers say

Hong Kong has become a center for financial crime as Beijing tightened its grip on the city, US lawmakers said, highlighting the worsening ties between the former British colony and Washington.

Since Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in mid2020, the city “has shifted from a trusted global financial center to a critical player in the deepening authoritarian axis” of China, Iran, Russia and North Korea, the heads of the House China Select Committee said in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

The letter was signed by the committee chairman, Representative John Moolenaar of Michigan, and the panel’s top Democrat, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois. They added that the shift raised questions over “whether longstanding US policy towards Hong Kong, particularly towards its financial and banking sector, is appropriate.”

Hong Kong’s government didn’t immediately respond to a request

for comment on Tuesday.

The relationship between Hong Kong and the US has deteriorated over a crackdown on dissent that American officials say has eroded the rule of law and democratic rights.

US lawmakers have stepped up efforts to penalize the city, though it remains unclear if those efforts will bear fruit. In September, the House passed a bill that could see the closure of the city’s economic and trade offices in the US. The measure still needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president to become law.

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has said the offices are mouthpieces for the ruling Communist Party. Hong Kong officials have strongly condemned the bill’s passage, with Chief Executive John

The relationship between Hong Kong and the US has deteriorated over a crackdown on dissent that American officials say has eroded the rule of law and democratic rights.

Lee saying American businesses will suffer if it is passed.

In their letter, Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi said Hong Kong had become a “global leader” in illicit practices such as:

n Giving Russia access to prohibited Western technology.

n Forming front companies for buying banned Iranian oil.

n Helping with the trade of gold from Russia.

n Running ships that conduct illegal trade with North Korea. The letter also cited research that it said showed that some 40 percent of goods shipped to Russia from Hong Kong last year were on a “common high priority” list of items that the US and European Union use to

focus sanctions enforcement.  Those items included “semiconductors and other technology that Russia most needs for its war in Ukraine,” the letter said.

In July, Ukraine’s then-foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, asked Lee to take steps to prevent Russia and its companies from using the city to circumvent sanctions put in place by Western governments over Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The Hong Kong government said at the time it implements United Nation Security Council sanctions but didn’t directly answer a question on whether it helped Moscow evade trade curbs.

China’s state-owned banks have tightened curbs on funding to Russian clients after the US authorized secondary sanctions on overseas financial firms that aid Moscow’s war effort, Bloomberg News reported earlier this year.

That move marked an escalation of curbs that state banks had in place since at least early 2022. Bloomberg

Peso, Trump part of DBCC Dec macroeconomic review

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

T@reine_alberto

HE country’s economic managers will factor in the depreciation of the peso and the victory of President-elect Donald Trump in its macroeconomic assumptions, which will be reviewed in December.

At the sidelines of the Philippine Islamic Finance Roadshow on Tuesday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman told reporters the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) will meet in the first week of December to review the government’s economic growth and fiscal targets.

Pangandaman, who serves as the chairperson of the DBCC, said they will “most likely” revise the targets, but the adjustment would

be “very minimal.”

The government expects economic growth to reach 6 to 7 percent this year while a 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth is projected for next year.

“We’re still confident that we’ll be able to hit our targets. So, we will see. As of now, we’re trying to still keep up,” Pangandaman underscored.

Last week, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) told the BusinessMirror that the economy will grow to 6.5 to 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter to reach the full-year target of 6 percent. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/11/23/holidayspending-to-help-meet-6-7-phlgrowth/)

Pangandaman said the DBM has been releasing the budget allotted to government agencies,

which have been utilizing their allocations.

Based on the allotment releases, the DBM has yet to release P60.022 billion to government departments until the end of the year while 93 percent of the P3.055-trillion cash allocation has been utilized.

“All the infrastructure and social programs and projects are all proceeding simultaneously. That will contribute a lot also to our work,” Pangandaman added.

With Trump’s protectionist policies and plans to impose additional tariffs, the Philippine peso depreciated against the stronger US dollar, falling again to the P59 level on Tuesday.

Pangandaman said the government still has enough buffer to cover the items needed to purchase in dollars, such as payment of loans.

“It’s already the end of the year, [so] most of the contracts have already been signed and much of the projects have been completed. So we have elbow room in the budget,” Pangandaman added.

Aside from external factors, investors’ interest in the Philippines is unswayed by the tension between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

“At least for the economic team, we just keep on going. All systems go,” Pangandaman said.

With the Create More signed into law, Pangandaman said this would facilitate the flow of investments in the country.

The economic team is also set to go abroad, possibly to the US to promote the law and gather investors as the Trump administration settles in, she added.

PHL on 6th spot in Digital Nations Index in AsPac

THE Philippines has secured the 6th spot in the Digital Nations Index of the GSM Association (GSMA), a ranking of digital advancement across 18 countries in Asia Pacific.

In a report presented to Philippine media on Tuesday, GSMA Head of Asia Pacific Julian Gorman said the country is an “achiever” together with “leading digital nations.”

PHL HIKING IMPORTS OF FISH, ONIONS TO AUGMENT SUPPLY

THE Philippines will increase its fish and yellow onion imports to augment supply, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the additional importation of 8,280 metric tons (MT) of frozen small pelagic fish was approved to address the impact of recent typhoons on domestic supply.

He noted that the additional fish import should arrive in the country by January 30 next year.

“[This is because] our closed fishing season in Palawan is until January 30, while the closed fishing season in Zamboanga is until the end of February,” Laurel told reporters, speaking in Filipino during the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Expo in Pasay City on Tuesday.

The agency said the imported fish intended for the KNP centers were meant to provide those in the vulnerable sectors with affordable sources of protein.

It added that food sold in KNP centers tends to be priced 20 percent lower than in public markets, which helps ensure that essential goods remain accessible to those in need.

Meanwhile, Laurel also said he is keen on expanding the imports of yellow onion, noting that the current supply is not enough.

“It seems we’re short on yellow onion. So, I have given an order to add just 1,000 tons,” he said, adding that the order might be released today. In August, Laurel approved the purchase of 16,000 MT of imported yellow onions owing to depleted domestic supply. If approved, the total imports for the crop will settle at 17,000 MT.

LBy Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

OCAL companies and traders should focus on enhancing their supply chains as trade disruptions and tensions brought about by the attacks in the Red Sea are not ending anytime soon, according to a supply chain expert.

He explained that the index highlights the Philippines’ growing potential as a digital economy, placing it among the regional leaders, with Singapore, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand occupying the top five spots.  Singapore, known for its advanced infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, took the highest rank.

No quick end to Red Sea attacks; freight rising

“I don’t see any short-term ending of that [tensions in the Red Sea]. The tension is even escalating. But I think we have to be more resilient and reposition our country and our supply chain because the strength of our country is really based on supply chain resiliency,” Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA) President Charlie Villaseñor told the B usiness M irror on the

The GSMA Digital Nations Index measures countries’ progress toward becoming fully digital societies based on five core components: infrastructure, people, data governance, security, and innovation.

sidelines of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) General Membership Meeting on Tuesday in Taguig City.

“So organizations, companies and the government should really create a significant focus on enhancing our supply chain, on health, on food security, on military and also for trade as well,” added Villaseñor.

Ac cording to Villaseñor, there are still ongoing impacts brought by the attacks in the Red Sea.

These elements are interconnected and critical in driving digital transformation, fostering inclusive growth, and securing sustainable development.

The Philippines’s position in the index underscores its strides in building a robust digital ecosystem

See “GSMA,” A2

“T here’s an [increase in] freight cost, there are delays. Also because there’s rerouting...It’s actually ongoing,” the PASIA president added.

According to Dimerco’s Asia Pacific Freight Report (June to July 2024), Philippine ocean freight rates have been “steadily rising over the past month to all destinations due to the increasingly limited space availability.”

The r eport noted that securing space

The agriculture chief noted that the earlier approval to import 30,000 MT of fish “needed to be adjusted” following the gravity of recent successive typhoons on the country’s fish supply for the last quarter of the year.

He also said that the allocation of 8,000 MT will not affect the previously allocated maximum importable volume (MIV) while the 280 MT will be allocated for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) centers.

for shipments from China has become “challenging, preventing any negotiation on spot rates.”

“Additionally, Service Contract export rates to the US/CA are also increasing on a weekly basis,” the report noted.

In particular, Philippine ocean freight capacity to Asia and US/CA are classifed by the report as “tight,” which means prearrangement of space is needed.

“Pero may must-arrive date yung [1,000 MT]. It cannot arrive after December 30 kasi tingin ko sapat na ‘yun dahil magha-harvest na siguro by February,” he said.

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that the country’s yellow onion inventory as of November 22 was at 1,796.90 MT.

Meanwhile, Philippine ocean freight capacity to Europe is on an upturn, meaning, the market is picking up but demand of space can still be met by current supply. Ac cording to the report, as “predicted” by Alvin Fuh, special assistant to the CEO at Dimerco Express Group, the Red Sea crisis is unveiling its “disruptive impact on the global supply chain, comparable to challenges faced during the pandemic years.”

See “Red Sea,” A2

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

PLP vies for deal to develop Singapore natural gas plant

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

Singapore—pacificLight power pte. Ltd., (pLp), a joint venture between First pacific pacific Co. Ltd. and Meralco powergen Corp. (Mgen), has submitted a bid to develop a 600 megawatt (MW) natural gas plant that is also hydrogen compatible.

“We submitted last November

1,” said MGen Gas Energy Holdings Inc. (MNatural Gas) President Yari A. Miralao.

If PLP wins the bid, it may invest $900 million to build the plant here. The results of the auction will be known probably on December 15 or early next year, added Miralao. Singapore’s Energy Market Authority had solicited bids for the pri-

vate sector to build, own and operate new generation capacity in 2029 and 2030. There are two plants with will have a capacity of at least 600 MW, enough to power around 600,000 homes. PLP’s bid is for 1x600MW. “As part of MGen’s comprehensive energy strategy, we are dedicated to investing in state-of-the-art facilities to enhance our competitiveness in the Singapore energy market. This

includes a potential investment in a new 600MW power plant, designed to be larger, more efficient, and will be one of the most reliable on the Singapore grid.”

PLP is 58-percent owned by MGen, the power generation arm of Meralco, and 42 percent owned by Hong Kong-based First Pacific. It currently operates an 800MW liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired power plant on Jurong Island.

Its combined-cycle gas turbine is also hydrogen capable and able to replace up to 30 percent of natural gas fuel consumption with green hydrogen. This is the first plant in Singapore to exceed 60 percent efficiency following the Advanced Turbine Efficiency Package upgrade, making it one of the most efficient gas-fired power plants in the region. It recently completed the advanced turbine efficiency package (ATEP) at its power plants, resulting in an increase of power output by 30MW.

Moreover, it secured a contract from the Energy Market Authority to build, own, and operate a 100MW hydrogen-ready gas turbine facility. The fast start ancillary unit will support the energy system in Singapore when it becomes operational by the second quarter of 2025.

PLP is also involved in the development of a 600MW solar energy project in Bulan Island, Indonesia.

“We are also working with a consortium of partners to deliver one of Singapore’s pioneering renewable energy projects, aligned with their target of achieving 30-percent renewable energy by 2030.

In line with this, MGen plans to actively support Singapore’s renewable energy transition through the importation of solar energy from Indonesia. This initiative underscores our commitment to driving clean energy solutions, not only in the Philippines but also in other markets where we operate,” said Miralao.

Alternergy, PNR seal lease agreement

ALTEr NErGY Holdings Corp. (ALTEr) has signed a lease agreement with the Philippine National r ai lways (PNr) for a parcel of PNr property in Quezon.

It said on Tuesday that its unit, Alabat Wind Power Corp. (AWPC), will utilize the property to put up a switching station for its 64-megawatt wind power project that will be built in the municipalities of Alabat and Quezon. The PNr property, meanwhile, is in Brgy. Hondagua, Lopez, Quezon.

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

MOTO r ISTS t raveling through the South Luzon Expressway (Slex) can expect smoother rides this holiday season as its new six-lane configuration from Susanna Heights, Muntinlupa, to Calamba, Laguna, will be operational by December.

Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and improvements to 20 bridges along the main expressway expected to be completed by July 2025.

Ang said expressway operational throughout the construction period remains “a top priority.”

“PNr is honored to support the development of the Alabat Wind Power Project. Our collaboration with Alternergy supports the government’s renewable energy targets and is in line with PNr s sustainability goals,” PNr General Manager Deovanni S. Miranda said. The Alabat wind power project is targeted to be the first wind project in the province and is expected to be completed by end-2025. This forms part of ALTEr s 500 MW capacity target by 2026.

ning at full speed. “Together with PNr as our one of our land lease partners, we are driving renewable energy growth in the country.”

The company is a renewable power pioneer with a portfolio of project companies engaged in different renewable energy projects, particularly wind, run-of-river hydro, solar farm and commercial rooftop, battery storage and offshore wind projects.

ALTEr president Gerry P. Magbanua said the agreement with PNr is “timely” as the construction of the Alabat Wind Power Project is run-

With robust expansion plans in the next two years, ALTE r a ims to develop up to 500MW of additional wind, solar, and run of

river hydro projects.

Last September, the company said it would need to raise P15 billion to add 191 megawatts (MW) to its renewable energy portfolio by 2026.

From 86MW of total capacity of operating assets as of end-2023, ALTEr is looking at the addition of 225MW more from four projects that are up for completion in 2025. For 2026, there will be an additional capacity of 191MW that will come from two projects that are in pre-development stage and another project for completion. Lenie Lectura

Noel Bonoan is new president of MAP

THE Management of Association of the Philippines (MAP) announced that lawyer Emmanuel P. Bonoan, who is the vice chair and COO of KPMG r .G. Manabat & Co., will take on the role of leading the group in 2025. MAP said Bonoan has a distinguished career as a senior executive in both public and private sectors. He has led diverse teams to achieve significant strategic and growth objectives.

He played a key role in the leadership overhaul and expansion of r .G Manabat & Co., growing it from 250 to approximately 2,000 employees and establishing it as one of the leading audit, tax and advisory firms in the Philippines.

He previously served as Undersecretary of the Department of

Finance (DOF), having joined the DOF first as an assistant to the Secretary of Finance, after which he was promoted to Assistant Secretary. He managed high-profile initiatives to improve internal revenue collections. He led a team that proposed amendments to the country’s VAT Law, worked with Congress for their passage into law, and successfully defended the law’s constitutionality before the Supreme Court.

Bonoan also established enforcement programs that, to this day, are recognized as critical to the effective implementation of tax reform and administration. For his work, he received the TOYM Award for Public Service in 2004.

“He is deeply committed to fostering innovation, championing

technology-enabled strategies, and advancing sustainable progress. He is focused on shaping the future of management practices by driving transformative leadership and contributing to a more dynamic and

technology-driven Philippines.”

He has a Juris Doctor (silver medal honors) from Ateneo de Manila School of Law and a Master of Laws in International Economic Law from the University of Warwick, UK. In 2019, he completed the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Joining Bonoan on the MAP 2025 Board of Governors are lawyer Michael Toledo of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. as VP, and Wilson Tan of SGV & Co. as Treasurer.

The other members of the MAP 2025 Board are Ayala Corp.’s rene Almendras, AC Health’s Paolo Borromeo, rex Drilon II of the Center for Excellence in Governance, Gil Genio of GT Capital Holdings, Marianne B. Hontiveros of CEO Advisors, and PLDT’s Alfredo Panlilio.

Zoom changes name to reflect AI offerings

OOM Video Communications

ZInc. gave a sales forecast for the current quarter that failed to impress

While Zoom’s outlook met estimates, the stock had gained about 48 percent since the company’s last earnings report in August on optimism about the new products. The software maker known for videoconferencing has expanded its suite of tools to offer phone systems, a contact center application and artificial intelligence assistants. In October, Zoom named former Microsoft Corp. executive Michelle Chang as chief financial officer to replace Kelly Steck-

elberg, who left to join design startup Canva Inc. Zoom has seen a 59-percent increase in monthly active users of its AI assistant since the prior quarter, the company said in a presentation to supplement its earnings statement. It also topped 1,250 customers of its contact center application. While there were “no major issues” with the results, a steep gain for the shares headed into Monday’s earnings means the results may not attract new investors, wrote Tyler r ad ke, an analyst at Citigroup. Separately, the company an-

nounced it has dropped “video” from its official name and would now be known as Zoom Communications Inc. “Our new name more accurately reflects our expanding scope and plans for long-term growth,” Chief Executive Officer Eric Yuan wrote in a post announcing the change. In the fiscal third quarter, sales increased 3.6 percent to $1.18 billion, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $1.16 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Profit, excluding some items, was $1.38 a share in the period ended October 31. Bloomberg News

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Chairman and CEO r amon S. Ang said the 29-kilometer stretch is scheduled to open in the third week of December, ensuring reduced congestion during the busy Christmas season.

“This December, as our countrymen prepare to celebrate Christmas and travel more to spend time with friends and family, they can look forward to a wider, better Slex. This will help in significantly reducing traffic buildup during the holiday rush,” Ang said.

SMC Slex Inc. added two lanes each to the southbound and northbound sides of the expressway.

He noted, however, that the expansion will continue into next year, with the section from Calamba to

“Our contractors and project teams continue to do everything they can to minimize impact on vehicle traffic. We want to assure our motorists that we will continue to work as efficiently as possible, and minimize disruptions to their travel as we complete the expansion.”

Part of the modernization includes fully decommissioning the Calamba Main Toll Plaza and the Slex Greenfield Toll Plaza, eliminating bottlenecks that previously slowed traffic.

Automatic license plate reading (ALPr) cameras have also been installed to comply with barrier-less tolling mandates, reducing stops and improving traffic flow.

Ang noted that the Slex expansion will help support economic development in the Calabarzon region. The region contributes roughly 15 percent of the Philippines’s GDP.

Photo

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

HE Bureau of Customs

T(BOC) announced last Tuesday that it was able to raise P204.18 billion this year from its fuel marking program (FMP), bringing to P1.028 trillion the total duties and taxes collected from September 2019 to November 2024.

According to the BOC, a total of P89.35 billion liters of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene had been marked as of November. This figure is considered a milestone by the BOC adding that such “highlights the significant impact of the collaboration” between the BOC, SGS Philippines Inc. and the Swiss firm Sicpa (formerly Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires)

“in ensuring fuel integrity and compliance.”

Further, 84 fuel shipments have been apprehended while 21 fuel smuggling cases have been filed, including a conviction for illegal fuel trading.

“With continued efforts to enhance enforcement thresholds, BOC, SGS and Sicpa remain committed to combating fuel smuggling and ensuring fair tax collection across the country,” the BOC added. Manila implemented the FMP in 2019 after the enactment of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law. The program seeks to ensure that oil products available in the market comply with tax regulations.

According to the law, petroleum products that are refined, manufactured or imported to the Philippines such as unleaded premium gasoline, kerosene and diesel, must be marked by an official marking agent after taxes and duties have been paid.

A unique chemical marker is used in marking fuel that can be embedded at a molecular level in petroleum products—gasoline, diesel and kerosene—enabling authorities to test, identify, and distinguish petroleum products with paid excise taxes.

The BOC shall ensure that all imported gasoline, diesel and kerosene brought into ports/sub ports of entry for petroleum are properly marked with the Official Fuel Marker before it is released from Customs custody or removed from tax-paid storage facilities/depots for distribution into the domestic market.

WE have seen, heard and read enough. The direct testimonies on oath of invited resource persons, collaborating testimonies and documents presented to and obtained by the Quad Committee of the House of Representatives have produced a collection of credible evidence: there have been irregular, improper and/or illegal uses or disbursements of the confidential funds entrusted to the Office of the Vice President and Secretary of Education, both positions held by the Vice President at the time of commission.

Those among us who have been following the lengthy congressional proceedings have seen and heard the improbable disbursement of 125 million pesos in just 11 days in December 2022 and the withdrawal of large amounts of funds from the bank in a day and placed in duffle bags for destinations nowhere. They have seen and heard: supporting disbursements with spurious ac-

Banking&Finance BSP eyes regular Sukuk bonds issue

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Philippine government will again issue Sukuk bonds next year, which would bode well for the expansion of Islamic banking operations in the country, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

On the sidelines of the Philippine Islamic Finance Roadshow last Tuesday, BSP Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala told reporters that Sukuk bonds have been included in the planned issuance for 2025.

While the amount and the currency have not yet been disclosed by the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), Ala said the inclusion of Sukuk bonds next year will be a boost to Islamic finance in the country.

While the central bank official said she can say if the bond would be in the local currency or in dollar, the BSP is hopeful there will be a Sukuk peso bond issue.

“Because, again, that can support also the growth of Islamic banking here in the Philippines,” Ala said adding she’s also still not “sure about the plan of the BTr.”

She noted, though, that because the Sukuk issuance last year was “very successful—in fact, the BTR has received a number of awards for that issuance—so, perhaps they might consider issuing Sukuk regularly.”

Ala said currently, at least two foreign banks are keen on availing themselves of the BSP’s Islamic banking window. However, she said she cannot name names yet as these lenders have yet to submit their applications.

Approval of the latter would bring to four the number of entities with Islamic banking units (IBUs). The Philippines only has one Islamic Bank, Al-Amanah, which has been in existence for two scores and 11 years.

The BSP said it has already granted an IBU license to Maybank Philippines Inc., the second it has granted to any financial institution in the country. Maybank, the first commercial bank in the Philippines to receive its

Bond investors unfazed by uncertainties

THE government raised a total of P30 billion by auctioning off long-term government debt securities in November amid market uncertainties.

On Tuesday’s auction, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) generated P15 billion from the sale of Treasury bonds (T-bonds) despite yields rising due to high investor demand. The Treasury made a full award of the reissued T-bonds with a remaining life of four years and five months. The debt papers will mature in May 19, 2029.

Investors offered to buy P55.841 billion, 3.7-times oversubscribed than the original offering of P15 billion. However, this was lower than

the P86.38 billion tendered during the previous auction for the same tenor on October 1, 2024.

Average interest rate for the longterm government securities climbed to 5.954 percent, up by 44.6 basis points from 5.508 percent set previously. Rates for the T-bonds ranged from a low of 5.920 percent to a high of 5.973 percent with a coupon rate of 6.500 percent.

In the secondary market, the Tbonds interest rate is 0.1 bps lower than the 5.955 percent rate of the five-year tenor in the comparable PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates (PHP BVAL) as of November 26, 2024.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

IBU license, started is Islamic banking operations in August this year.

Data from the results of the survey conducted by BSP and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) showed that 78 percent of respondents expressed interest in Islamic finance. This, BSP and ADB said, indicated the market curiosity about the potential benefits of Islamic finance compared to conventional banks.

The interest in Islamic finance was the highest in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Metro Manila that, the report noted, could be target areas for attracting “early adopters” in Islamic finance.

“The motivations for interest in Islamic finance vary between respondents from Barmm, who are more focused on savings and adherence to Islamic principles, and those respondents from Mindanao, who are intrigued mainly by the processes and benefits of Islamic finance,” the report stated.

(RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort attributed the rise to market’s reaction on the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

According to Ricafort, Trump’s helming of the world’s largest economy could lead to more protectionist policies, which could put upward pressures on US inflation and widen budget deficits. These could further reduce the chances of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) cutting rates.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari has said the Fed could still consider another rate cut during its meeting in December, lowering interest rates by 25 bps, Ricafort noted.

Reine Juvierre Alberto

LGUs warn vs nonprofits as scammers

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY–Lo-

Ccal governments are sending warning signals to the Securities and Exchange CommissionDavao Extension Office (SEC-Davao) that scam groups were using their SEC registrations to dupe locals to invest in their non-existing, or spurious investment schemes.

The SEC’s Davao office disclosed reports from local government units (LGUs) about certain non-profit groups in the region “using their SEC registration certificates to legitimize unauthorized investment taking activities, urging individuals to pay membership fees in exchange for financial gains, scholarships, housing

knowledgement receipts signed by unknown or questionable or unauthenticated recipients; excessive overpricing claims for the rentals of so-called safe houses; and, several other misinformation and misdeclarations and misappropriations that the Commission on Audit has called out.

We all know all this and we give credit to the Quad Committee for doing a good job of investigative inquiry. And our big thanks to the full coverage of the media providing full service to the public real time. The waste of funds is atrocious. The abuse of power scandalous. The display of impunity so callous.

or livelihood assistance.”

“The SEC is warning the public about non-stock, non-profit organizations, including foundations, that are unlawfully offering investments without the required secondary license from the Commission,” it added.

In another warning issued last Monday, the SEC clarified that nonprofits are strictly prohibited from soliciting investments from the public without a secondary license.

The SEC told the BusinessMIrror that there were police stations in the municipalities who would call their office to verify the operation of some investment-taking groups. While the SEC didn’t say where the operations were taking place, it did disclose that scamming was continuing. These

Beyond this gem of a bad example by the Vice President, we can confidently be sure that our humongous national budget contains more wasteful appropriations directed by political patronage rather than anything else, i.e. “pork barrel,” legitimized by legislation into DPWH projects.

Just a few days ago the Vice President has openly threatened to assassinate the President and First Lady and the Speaker of the House “if” …a very serious public pronouncement that has grabbed the headlines, big news indeed to camouflage and push aside from our attention the series of bad reports of the Vice President’s obstinate refusal to account for her alleged misuse of significant confidential funds. I mourn for my country, the Philippines.

The views and opinions expressed above are those of Santiago F. Dumlao Jr. and do not necessarily represent the views of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and the BusinessMirror

scams continue despite several SEC advisories to the public against previous spurious investment and Ponzi schemes. Beginning January until October 2, the SEC has already issued 96 advisories against unauthorized investment schemes.

In a previous information it gave BusinessMIrror, the SEC said it already topped the 100-mark in the number of advisories issued per year against illegal investment taking entities since the Covid-19 pandemic; except in 2022 when it was one advisory less of reaching a hundred.

The SEC issued 116 advisories in 2021 and 126 last year, the highest since 2020, when it issued 123 advisories. Some advisories though, named multiple companies in one issuance.

Lender

By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Legazpi Savings Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, would expand its loan business in the country, initially targeting public school teachers, according to its president, Jerome B. Minglana. Minglana describes about a million public school teachers, teaching and non-teaching personnel of Department of the Education (DepEd) as “loan-savvy.” These were the biggest group of employees in the government, he added.

According to him, the lender “currently have very little coverage, probably 1 percent of the market [since] most of our efforts are in the Bicol area.”

“But again, with this blessing that came to BPI, we now have the capacity to expand that nationwide. We have very aggressive targets. That’s why as we are expanding nationwide, we are hoping to be part of the big three in this (loans) business in the next

In terms of services, 79 percent of those interested in Islamic finance are keen on savings followed by 24 percent for business loans and 16 percent for health or medical insurance. Ala earlier explained that the underlying principle in Islamic banking is the sharing of profits and losses. She said money is not considered a commodity; such that profits and returns on financial investments should always be linked to productive underlying assets.

The Philippines can now have more Islamic banks given the passage of Republic Act (RA) 11439 (Islamic Banking law), which is the legal basis for the establishment of Islamic banks and IBUs.

This is complemented by three laws, namely: RA 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law; RA 11211 or the Amendments to the BSP Charter; and, RA 11840 or the Amendments to the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.

‘Laws vs abusive debt collectors ineffective’

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATOR Robinhood “Robin”

SPadilla is urging Congress to pass an enabling bill to punish abusive debt collectors; noting the rash in complaints about their illegal tactics.

His Senate Bill (SB) 2882, if enacted into law, would punish “abusive lenders and financing companies that force borrowers to settle their debts through harassment, shaming and similar practices.”

The senator filed the proposal after noting that Republic Act (RA) 9474 (the Lending Company Regulation Act) and RA 7394 (Consumer Act) “do not have enough protections against such unethical practices.”

“Over the years, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Data Privacy Commission and law enforcement agencies have received numerous complaints against financing companies (FCs) and lending companies (LCs) harassing, shaming, and employing abusive, unethical, and unfair means upon their customers/clients to force the settlement of debts,” read SB 2882. “Likewise, there has been a proliferation of misuse of customer/ client personal information and the public disclosure of unpaid loans or balances.”

Padilla added that such LCs even use third-party providers to evade liability from such unethical practices. He said his bill imposes on FCs and

five years,” Minglana said. By next year, he said the bank is setting up support offices in each of the regions nationwide as it was important for the bank to coordinate with the regional offices of DepEd, which is key in this business.

“And we have already secured the approval of BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) for BPI and BPI-Bangko branches to cross-sell teachers’ loans,” Minglana said.

Public school teachers nationwide can now walk in to any BPI or BPIBangko branch, as it has the approval from the central bank to cross-sell.

The DepEd accredits a financial institution, which has to follow the terms of rates that the government has placed.

“Now, the limits that DepEd has placed as interest is 7.5 percent for one year, 9 percent for two years and 9.66 percent for three to five years. But for LSB, it’s a flat 7.5 percent for all those tenors. So we are not at that cap that DepEd placed,” Minglana said.

LCs the ultimate responsibility for the prohibited acts, to address the intentional evasion of liability.

“This proposed measure declares it as a policy to regulate the collection practices of FCs and LCs to deter the use of means that are prejudicial to the interest of the public,” Padilla said. Under the bill, prohibited acts are: use of threat of violence or harm; use of obscenities, insults or profane language to abuse the borrower; use of social media and other online platforms to humiliate the borrower; disclosure or publication of borrowers’ personal information; and, contacting the borrower at unreasonable or inconvenient hours

“Notwithstanding the borrower’s consent, contacting the persons relatives, colleagues, or acquaintances other than those named as guarantors, surety, or co-makers shall also constitute unfair debt collection practice,” Padilla said.

A fine of P50,000 shall be imposed for the first offense; P100,000 for the second offense; P500,000 to P1 million and a 90day suspension of lending and financing activities for the third offense; and, the revocation of certificate of authority to operate as an FC or LC for the fourth.

The FCs and LCs shall also disclose to the SEC and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas the information on their third-party service providers, including their registered phone numbers used in debt collection.

Established in 1976, LSB has a rich history of serving local communities with personalized financial solutions. It was acquired by Robinsons Bank Corp. in 2012. The LSB officially became part of the BPI on January 1, 2024, as a result of the merger between BPI and Robinsons Bank, with BPI as the surviving entity.

The LSB has 17 branches and regular branch-lite units with deposittaking operations, and 10 limited units with no deposit-taking, strategically located in 18 provinces in the country. The bank also maintains 19 ATM terminals.

“[The] LSB has always been at the heart of Bicol and nearby provinces, providing accessible and affordable banking solutions to communities that once had no access to financial services. Our mission is to bridge this gap by offering financial products, such as personal loans and deposit accounts, tailored to meet the needs of Filipinos, particularly teachers,” Minglana said.

Finex Free enterprise

s antiago F. Dumlao Jr.

BY ALICIA RANCILIO

The Associated Press

TWO new Christmas TV movies have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding.

Christmas in the Spotlight debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger as a pro football player, who meet and fall in love—not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

“It’s clearly inspired by Taylor and Travis, but I don’t know them and I don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. I only know what’s been put out there,” said Eirene Tran Donohue, a longtime, devoted fan who jumped at the opportunity to write a script even loosely based on her favorite musician.

She was inspired by the couple’s support of each other’s accomplishments, particularly Kelce’s ease with dating the star despite the glare of the spotlight, adding, “I love the way that he celebrates her.” Tran Donohue wants fellow Swift fans to know she wrote the script with them in mind.

“There are so many Easter eggs,” she said of little details added that a Swift fan would pick up on. “I put in as many as I could.”

Then, on November 30, Hallmark will air Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City, so it makes sense why the company chose the Chiefs to be highlighted.

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Eugenia Last

In this story, written by Julie Sherman Wolfe, sparks fly when a new employee for the Chiefs organization (Tyler Hynes) meets a woman—played by Hunter King—whose family’s dedication to the team goes back generations.

Sherman Wolfe, a San Francisco 49ers fan, said she got the call a week after Super Bowl LVIII, when the Chiefs beat the 49ers 25-22.

“I was still nursing my wounds,” she said adding that Hallmark asked, ‘Can you separate yourself from the loss and do this movie?’ I said, ‘Absolutely. I mean, I’m a professional,’” Sherman Wolfe said, laughing.

While Holiday Touchdown has no mention of Swift

or Kelce, it does feature a few Chiefs player cameos and Donna Kelce also has a small role.

“I kept botching my line,” Hynes said of working with Mama Kelce. “I was just like, Donna Kelce’s about to speak and I’m beside myself. It was so fun.”

The actors also got to film at Arrowhead Stadium and on the field.

“Those were just some of the coolest moments I’ve ever gotten to have working on a movie,” King said. ■

ICONIC ‘WALANG SUGAT’ ZARZUELA GOES ONSTAGE FOR FOUR SHOWS IN UP ON

THE University of the Philippines will stage the classic Filipino zarzuela Walang Sugat on November 28 and 29, 2024 at the Benito Sy Pow Auditorium, UP College of Architecture in University of the Philippines Diliman. There will be 3 pm matinee and 7 pm gala shows for both playdates.

A production of the UP College of Music’s Abelardo Hall Concert Series In Transit, the zarzuela will be presented by director Alegria O. Ferrer in the traditional concept of the masterpiece written by Severino Reyes in 1898 and set to the original music of Fulgencio Tolentino. For the UP production, Professor Emeritus Josefino “Chino” Toledo is the musical arranger and also wrote additional music. Pianist

NOVEMBER 28-29

Michelle Nicolasora and Padayon Rondalla are the assisting artists. Walang Sugat is set during the Philippine Revolution of 1896 and highlights the injustices Filipinos faced under Spanish rule, including the oppression of Filipino prisoners for expressing their patriotism. It was premiered in 1902 at the Teatro Libertad in Pasay. The zarzuela, a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre which encompasses music, singing and poetry, became a powerful medium for expressing Filipino nationalism. The play also faced challenges during the American colonial period, as it was considered, too, subversive by the authorities, leading to the imprisonment of its author.

The original music for the play was

lost during World War II when the National Library of the Philippines was bombed. In 1971 the music was reconstructed by a team led by Dr. Herminio Velarde Jr., who conducted interviews with people who had seen the original productions.

Walang Sugat remains one of the most popular zarzuelas in the Philippines, celebrated for its powerful storytelling and its role in promoting Filipino cultural identity.

A young cast of recent graduates of the UP College of Music voice program will essay the main roles. The lead female protagonist Julia, who is pressured to marry Miguel while waiting for news from her true love, Tenyong, will be played alternately by Daniella Silab and Lis Fortun. The role of

Tenyong, a member of the Katipunan who leaves Julia to join the revolution, will be shared by Al Gatmaitan and Diego Alcudia.

Walang Sugat is also the love story of Julia and Tenyong, whose relationship is tested by the political turmoil and social pressures of the time.

Tickets are available for P300 at the theater entrance or can be purchased online via form.jotform.com/242678559803470

Walang Sugat is co-presented by the Office of the UP Diliman Chancellor, UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, UP College of Architecture, UP Center for Ethnomusicology, Friends of Abelardo, Kayserburg Pianos, and UCC Coffee.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Tackle

with

your

and accelerate until you reach your maximum capacity. Don’t leave anything to chance or allow anyone to outmaneuver you. Set the stage and perform your script with perfection, control and a winner’s confidence. ★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Distance yourself from anyone living large. Curb habits, set budgets and make your ultimate goal the incentive to do whatever leads to victory. Personal and financial gain is within reach if you research and tweak your plans to fulfill your dreams, hopes and wishes. Love and romance are favored. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An open mind and heart will allow you to gather information from the best candidates. Choose people who can offer the knowledge you lack and boost your chance to surround yourself with the best and brightest people. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stop before you do or say something you’ll regret. Silence is golden, and listening and tossing possibilities around with the information you gather will help you coordinate a plan that offers positive change where it’s desperately needed. Innovation and high energy will help you master your way to the top. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Set a budget and consider decluttering your life. Discard or sell off what’s inconsequential to what you want in your life. Be honest about who you are and what you want, and you’ll gain the respect and support of those who genuinely want to be part of your parade. ★★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Spend more time taking care of personal finances and addressing how you earn your keep and what you can do to raise your value. A positive change at home will give you the confidence and energy to be precise and follow through with your longterm plans. ★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Open your door and explore what’s available. Put your energy into the details and turn whatever you do into something that’s got your unique touch. Refuse to let generosity lead to debt. Refrain from putting your health at risk by visiting places that host large gatherings. ★★★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Question everyone and everything. Expect to receive tampered information or poorly written instructions. When in doubt, ask questions and reassemble your thoughts before you push forward. Handle an emotional situation concerning joint expenses with care. ★★★

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are optimistic, chatty and colorful. You are accommodating and resourceful.

DIEGO ALCUDIA

AL GAITMAITAN

LIS FORTUN

DANIELLA SILAB

FDM chairman Ionica Abrahan Lim, Benilde FDM faculty member Roxoanne Dizon, along with Benilde Fashion Design Majors Chio Demafelis, Samantha Raymundo, and Kenzo Lustado.

Zonta Club launChes upCyCled fashion exhibit for gender equality, sustainability FOuRTEEN teams of Filipino designers handcrafted a collection of upcycled masterpieces in a fashion exhibit hosted by global organization Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME) to promote women empowerment and environmental stewardship.

Themed Sustainable Fashion for a Healing World, the event showcased the creativity of celebrity designers, club members, college educators, and fashion design students from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). They gave new life to pre-loved items through the transformation into unique pieces. In line with the united Nations’ (uN) Day celebration, it featured items which represented various uN members.

The materials utilized were donated clothes and recycled fabrics from The Little Vintage Shop, an advocacy project which collects, refurbishes, and sells secondhand garments through pop-up shops and social media marketplaces.

Instead of ending up in landfills, these decluttered products received a second chance through the participants’ upcycled creations which were auctioned to raise funds for the abused women of Marillac Hills.

An ode to the Philippines, the outfits designed by actress Dimples Romana, art director Patricia Coronado, and fashion entrepreneur Anna Lagon were a blend of traditional Filipino styles and modern aesthetics that mirrored Manila’s history and vigor.

The power duo of ArteFino co-founder Maritess Pineda and Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) scholar Hannah Barrera integrated art into their Japaneseinspired pieces portraying Tokyo, touted as Asia’s fashion capital.

Benilde FDM chairman Ionica Abrahan Lim teamed up with student designers Sophie Echauz and Chio Demafelis and women’s empowerment advocate Vikki Chingtoco-Yu to created Australian-themed pieces and championed the cause of caring for the psychological needs of women who were victims of abuse.

Team Prague, composed of Benilde FDM faculty member Roxoanne Dizon, fashion design majors Kenzo Lustado and Samantha Raymundo, and behavioral economist Rose Fres Fausto, patterned their upcycled project from Czech Republic’s national folk costume called Kroje.

Benilde Interior Design Faculty IDr. Karol Antonio and businesswoman Michelle Bartolome crafted masterpieces out of discarded Hervé Chapelier and Longchamp bags and converted these nylon totes into bags depicting the Netherlands’ beauty.

The event allowed women to lead the charge in staying committed to the united Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality and responsible consumption and production.

“There is an urgent call for us to focus on something even bigger: sustainable consumerism and climate change,” ZCME president Joanne Zapanta Andrada shared. “Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human rights issue. And it affects women disproportionately, especially those in vulnerable communities. From increased health risks to economic instability, the most devastating impacts are felt by women and girls around the world.”

Handling

Microaggressions are unintentional behaviors or comments that can marginalize or undermine other members of a team. For people managers, understanding and navigating these subtle dynamics is necessary for building a positive work culture and fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and heard. But how do you as a leader address the effects of microaggressions in the workplace?

Microaggressions are subtle actions or comments that often convey stereotypes about someone’s race, gender, age, sexuality, or other identities, usually without malicious intent. These can include comments like, “You look better in person than in your pictures,” dismissive gestures like rolling eyes

Image BusinessMirror

Top global lifestyle brand Crate & Barrel celebrates decade in PHL

CraTe & Barrel Philippines (www. crateandbarrel.com.ph) recently commemorated a remarkable 10 years of style and craftsmanship with a Thanksgiving-inspired gathering at sM aura Premier. The exclusive event brought together industry leaders, valued customers, and brand enthusiasts for an evening of gratitude and celebration.

The event began with steven Ticzon, vice president and business unit head for crate & Barrel, recounting the brand’s humble beginnings: “Their first store, located in a former elevator factory on chicago’s Wells street, featured items displayed on actual crates and barrels—a modest start for what has become a global brand.”

He also shared crate & Barrel’s continuing commitment, stating: “our brand’s strength lies in our staple pieces, known for quality, design and innovation. crate & Barrel has become a trusted destination for modern and classic furniture and houseware that helps people ‘Welcome Life in.’”

The celebration spotlighted five crate & Barrel staples—time-tested customer favorites and topperforming products since the brand’s launch in the Philippines, presented by the brand’s assistant vice

while someone is speaking, or a workplace culture lacking diversity. While they may go unnoticed by others, microaggressions can create an unwelcoming atmosphere for those affected. For leaders, recognizing these is essential to developing an inclusive and respectful workplace.

empathy plays a crucial role in understanding how these subtle actions impact colleagues and team members. actively listening and being open to feedback can help build greater awareness of the different nuances in workplace dynamics. if a team member shares an experience with microaggressions, it is essential not to dismiss their concerns as oversensitivity.

Instead, listen carefully, validate their feelings, and find ways to make the environment more respectful and inclusive for everyone. When you witness or learn of a microaggression, how you address it can set the tone for future workplace interactions. If possible, address the issue privately with the individual involved to prevent embarrassment and allow for a more honest exchange. Using “I” statements can also be helpful, as it frames the feedback in terms of how the comment or action impacted you or the team, rather than assigning blame. For instance, “I noticed that when this person was speaking, they were interrupted

president of merchandising emsie serra, and division manager of business development Karina santiago. among the items showcased were the Fields cane Back accent chair by Leanne Ford, Maxine Bar cabinet, and Petrie sofa, all reflecting crate & Barrel’s commitment to comfort and enduring style. The Mercer White Dinnerware showcased the brand’s influence on classic whiteware, while the French Kitchen Marble Collection, Marin Dinnerware, and nattie Wine glasses add elegance to everyday gatherings and special occasions. Completing the showcase was the nero accent Table, one of the key collections that marked crate & Barrel’s versatility and ability to blend modern style with timeless beauty. This selection highlights the brand’s wide range of styles that complement diverse interiors and elevate any space, upholding its role as a go-to destination for stylish homes around the metro and beyond.

The guests were treated to curated hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, and live saxophone music, with a heartfelt toast led by crate & Barrel vice president and business unit head steven Ticzon, sM retail senior vice president of finance Jonathan ng, and sM retail former senior vice president of business development

several times. I think it is important we allow everyone a chance to share their thoughts fully.” additionally, approach the conversation in a gentle but constructive way. often, individuals may not be aware that their behavior is problematic, and an honest yet compassionate conversation can lead to a better understanding without defensiveness.

Proactively creating an inclusive team culture can help prevent microaggressions from arising in the first place. By creating an environment of respect, you reduce the likelihood of such behaviors. regular training on sensitivity and bias is a way to start as it can help team members recognize and avoid microaggressions. encouraging open dialogue about diversity and inclusion further normalizes these discussions, making team members feel more comfortable voicing concerns or questions. Leading by example is equally important because your actions and words set the standard for your team. so showing respect to each member, regardless of background or role, reinforces the inclusive culture you aim to build. remember also that no leader is perfect and you may unintentionally commit microaggressions yourself. When this happens, own up to it, apologize, learn from the experience, and make an effort to avoid similar actions in the future. Your willingness to admit mistakes and learn sets a

Pascale Jimenez.

The evening included a gratitude wall where guests shared reflections and their favorite moments with the lifestyle destination, creating a memorable and festive atmosphere infused with the brand’s signature style and sophistication.

crate & Barrel’s presence in the Philippines has inspired a new standard of sophistication, transforming everyday living spaces into beautiful, functional homes that reflect the evolving tastes and lifestyles of Filipino consumers. Forward-looking, as the country’s appreciation for modern, well-crafted furniture grows, the brand is dedicated to pushing boundaries, embracing innovation and growth while introducing collections that align with global design trends.

The milestone celebration underscores the brand’s continued commitment to fostering connections and inspiring homes that bring people together. Discover timeless designs and bring joy to your whole home today with crate & Barrel stores a sM aura Premier (0917-8895667), sM Makati (0917-5833373), sM Megamall (0917-8704796), or via Viber (0917-8174473). Consumers can also view the online selections at www.crateandbarrel.com.ph.

powerful example for your team. as a manager, addressing microaggressions at an organizational level may seem beyond your control. But leaders at all levels can drive progress by advocating for inclusive policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. This might mean pushing for updated hiring practices, establishing employee support groups, or implementing zerotolerance policies for discrimination. additionally, encouraging mentorship opportunities can help connect individuals from diverse backgrounds with supportive mentors, while anonymous feedback channels give employees a safe space to report experiences with microaggressions. Through small but purposeful actions, you contribute to a workplace culture that will increasingly become inclusive and equitable. as a leader, you have the ability to shape a workplace culture rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and respect. addressing microaggressions creates an environment where everyone feels they belong, enhancing morale, productivity and innovation. While navigating microaggressions is an ongoing process, each step moves us closer to a more supportive and empowering work culture. With empathy, awareness, and a commitment to growth, you can guide your team toward lasting inclusivity.

FROM left: Benilde student designer Sophie Echauz, Beatriz Accessories designer Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, ArteFino co-founder Maritess Pineda, Benilde

TikTok Shop, SM Supermalls Team Up to Celebrate Women CEO-Creators

TIKTOK Shop and SM Supermalls launched last November 15 to 17, 2024 “She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping,” a first-of-its-kind TikTok Shop mall pop-up in the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium. The pop-up aimed to recognize and empower female-owned and led businesses in the Philippines, particularly those who have found success both offline and on TikTok Shop.

As women continue to reshape the entrepreneurial landscape, the impact of female-led businesses is more evident than ever, spanning diverse sectors such as beauty, fashion, tech, and gaming. These entrepreneurs are not just participants in the economy; they are driving innovation and setting new standards for success.

From small start-ups to largescale enterprises, the rise of women in business represents a powerful shift in the market, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and leadership. Women entrepreneurs are not only creating jobs and generating revenue; they are also inspiring others to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities.

“At TikTok Shop, we believe that every female entrepreneur has a unique story that deserves to be amplified. Our partnership with SM Supermalls for ‘She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping’ is a celebration of these stories and a commitment to empowering women in business, whether they’re owners of physical retail stores or present in the digital space. We’re excited to inspire a new generation of female leaders to turn

their passions into successful ventures,” said Niks Fojas, Partner Solutions Lead, TikTok Shop Philippines. Here are some of the notable success stories highlighting the impact of TikTok Shop on women-led businesses.

Rosenda Casaje, Gorgeous Glow Philippines: A visionary brand owner and CEO of Gorgeous Glow Philippines, Rosenda uses her brand to inspire Filipinos to look and feel their best. Through her self-made e-commerce venture, she has established a thriving beauty and wellness empire.

Rei Germar, Tapies: The dynamic CEO of Tapies, top content creator Rei Germar ventured into a business that’s fast becoming a staple for every Filipina. She founded Tapies, which sells any woman’s best friend, nipple covers, providing comfort and confidence to all Filipinas.

Ashley Yap, Sip2Glow: Top lifestyle vlogger Ashley Sandrine Yap is a topperforming e-commerce affiliate turned CEO, now she’s taking a bold step beyond the digital sphere by launching her own business venture, Sip2Glow, the Philippines’ first ready-to-sip collagen drink made with Korean Collagen

Tripeptide, building a beauty brand, one sip at a time.

They were present at She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping in the She Leads Segment where they personally shared their success stories and have a special meet and greet session.

The Convergence of Offline and Online Shopping

The partnership with SM Supermalls celebrates the dynamic Philippine shopping scene and the possibilities that come with integrating offline shopping and online commerce.

“Our partnership with TikTok Shop represents an innovative step forward in the retail industry. By combining the dynamic world of social commerce with the experiential retail of SM Supermalls, we’re creating a unique and engaging shopping experience for our customers. This collaboration is a reflection of our commitment to providing our customers with the best and most affordable deals, the convenience of online shopping, and the electrifying atmosphere of an SM mall,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

Seeds of Hope: A One-of-a-Kind Holiday Event with The Ascott Limited Philippines

NOVEMBER marks another pivotal month for Ascott Limited Philippines as the cluster launches “Seeds of Hope,” a nationwide treeplanting activity covering Barangay Buhisan, Cebu; Barangay Panuran, Iloilo; Barangay Felisa, Bacolod; and Barangay Payatas, Quezon City in Metro Manila. Tallying over 200 volunteers from the hospitality group and their valued partners, collaborators, and guests, each leg of the activity was a narrative of transformative change and lasting impact as each endeavor aimed to contribute to the tangible improvement and growth of their respective greening site.

This nationwide initiative that started in Cebu on November 8, 2024 and capped by the simultaneous events in Iloilo, Bacolod and Metro Manila on November 13 also served as The Ascott Philippine Cluster’s festive celebration in lieu of the traditional tree lighting parties and gatherings, where the hospitality group opted to give back to the community and environment by developing greening sites nationwide.

In 2024, the Cebu City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) reported that 73 hectares of natural forest were lost. This was after the Global Forest Watch showed a significant decline in Cebu’s tree cover, with 609 hectares of green land lost between 2001 and 2023, releasing 353 kilos of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The Cebu properties of Citadines Cebu City and lyf Cebu City set out to be one of the first contributors of CarbonPH.

This initiative promises to plant 10 million trees with their visit to the Buhisan Dam, serving as one of the earliest contributions to this endeavor. The dam is more than just a water reservoir; the surrounding land is a watershed that naturally assists with flood prevention. As a beacon of environmental

conservation and community involvement, the location, as a part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, makes it the perfect choice for the first leg of the Ascott Group’s tree-planting efforts on November 8, where 50 indigenous trees were planted.

The Jalaur River is 123 kilometers long and is Panay Island’s second-longest river. It also has the second-largest natural drainage area, 1,503 square kilometers, only falling behind the Panay River in Capiz. Due to its remarkable situation, it has quickly become the largest water reservoir outside of Luzon. Its electrical generating capacity benefits tens of thousands of families while providing water throughout the island. It is easy to forget that behind its modern transformation, it is a natural wonder that facilitates water flow with its surrounding land. It is responsible for acting as a watershed, naturally channelling water to its designated point.

In this leg of the tree-planting for Ascott Philippines, the volunteers in Citadines Amigo Iloilo visited one of the sub-watersheds of the main river and worked to rehabilitate its surroundings by planting 200 saplings that will one day join the groves that aid in the stability and natural flow of the waterways.

Seizing the opportunity, the creative minds of Citadines Bacolod City looked internally and sought ways to create a sustainability journey that goes full circle. As a property with five incredible restaurants, one would expect excessive food waste to be generated. However, the property’s leadership empowers and encourages a resourceful approach to ensure no such waste will be neglected in the local landfills.

Partnering with Bioflyt, which produces organic fertilizer from food waste using Black Soldier Flies,

Hilton Manila Unwraps Festive Delights for Yuletide Season 2024

AS the festive season approaches, Hilton Manila warmly welcomes guests to experience the magic of the holidays with a selection of sumptuous feasts, delightful gatherings, and heartwarming offers. Nestled within vibrant Newport World Resorts, the hotel is set to elevate December for all its visitors.

Festive Dining Highlights

AT Kusina Sea Kitchens, guests are invited to indulge in the Festive Season Buffet, available from December 1 to 23, 2024. Priced at P2,800++ for weekend lunch and P3,000++ for dinner, this buffet features holiday classics like Herb Roasted US Prime Rib, Brine-Roasted Turkey, and Hamon de Bola. Special events include the Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet and Christmas Day Buffet, both priced at P3,500++. The Christmas Day Buffet will feature a Whole Native Lechon, Curacha, Cajun Lobster, free-flow selected beverages, and a special visit from Santa at 1:00 PM. Guests booking by November 30 can enjoy a 15 percent discount with a 50 percent deposit.

From December 26 to 30, the Christmas Feast Buffet will offer delights inspired by Bacolod’s vibrant Masskara Festival, including Chicken Inasal and Batchoy, priced at  P2,800++ for lunch and P3,000++ for dinner. This also includes free flow on selected beverages.

To ring in 2025, Hilton Manila presents a New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet for P3,000++, featuring Ichiban sashimi selections, Lechon Carving, and Smokehaus HerbRoasted US Prime Rib, and free-flow selected beverages. The celebration continues at the New Year’s Countdown at the Vega Pool Club, with an additional entrance fee of P1,500++ per adult (children ages six to 11 receive 50 percent off, and kids five and under dine free).

For fans of Chinese cuisine, Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise will feature a curated menu that includes Chinese classics such as Peking Duck Two Ways and Giant Prawn with Sichuan Sauce until December 31, priced at P28,888++ for six and P38,888++ for ten.

Guests can also enjoy a selection of Merry Cocktails at the Port Bar and Freestyle Pool Bar for P500++ each, with playful options like The Grinch, a mischievously green, rum-based cocktail with melon liqueur, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and cherry on top; Jack Froze, a winter wonderland in a glass, blending vodka, triple sec, blue curacao, and a zesty lime twist; and Kris Kringle, a spirited gin mix with Smirnoff Mule, elderflower, and a sprig of rosemary for a touch of holiday cheer. For a sophisticated treat, the Farm to Table Afternoon Tea for two is available for P2,500++, including free-flow coffee, tea, and a glass of sparkling wine each.

Exclusive Experiences for Intimate Gatherings FOR those seeking exclusive settings for intimate gatherings, Hilton Manila offers Vubble Dining, featuring

they use food waste gathered through the Bacolod Environment and Resources Office (BENRO) to fertilize the local greening sites. This November, Bioflyt took time to equip the property’s leaders and colleagues with information about proper waste segregation and how it is processed using insects.

Citadines Bacolod City then applied the fertilizer byproduct to the newly planted trees during their festive tree-planting event, where 100 trees were planted and fertilized. The fertilizers are recycled from the property’s food waste and aim to nourish the environment while decreasing the property’s overall carbon footprint and rehabilitating Barangay Felisa’s landfills in a festive celebration focused on the community and the environment rather than a traditional holiday gathering.

Starting as a 13-hectare landfill that quickly filled up with waste over several years, the Payatas “Dumpsite,” now known as the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility (PCDF), has transformed over two decades into a lush 25-hectare-wide greening site after the issuance of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in 2001. With the aid of the Quezon City Government and several other NGOs, the facility was fully closed and began transforming into what will soon be the Payatas Eco Park.

The Ascott Limited Philippines has gathered over 60 dedicated volunteers among their guests, partners and colleagues to embark on a remarkable effort to contribute to the transformative journey of PCDF from dumpsite to Eco park by committing to plant 85 native saplings in the area in line with PCDF’s 85th anniversary this 2024, with their event partner for the Manila leg Rural Rising providing them saplings of Palo Maria (Balsamaria inophyllum), Bignay (Antidesma bunius), Palawan Cherry (Cassia nodosa), Talisay (Terminalia catappa), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), and Molave (Vitex parviflora).

As the first hospitality brand to support and work with PCDF, these efforts are part of the company’s festive holiday celebrations, where Ascott openly invited its guests and partners to join them in paying their blessing forward while creating lasting impact and tangible contributions to the Payatas greening site, which is sure to one day fully transform into the Payatas Eco Park, a vibrant haven in the country’s city of stars.

TRAVEL with Purpose Bears

a five-course dinner for two at P18,500++, complete with butler service and premium wine selections. Various private event spaces are also available, including Kusina Library (30 to 50 persons), Hua Yuan Private Dining Rooms (15 to 50 persons), and the scenic Freestyle Deck (30 to 50 persons), ensuring every celebration is unforgettable. Farm-to-Table Hampers and Holiday Takeaways

Hilton Manila’s Farm-to-Table Hampers bring the rich flavors of local harvests to holiday tables. Options include: ■ Highland Farms Hamper (P2,800++): Features Ube Financier, Dried Mango, and Benguet Coffee. ■ Fisherman Folks Hamper (P3,500++): Includes Coconut Macarons, Dielle Wild Berry Wine, and Peanut Caramel Bars.

■ Green Harvest Hamper (P5,800++): Promotes sustainable ingredients with items like Pili Asin Tibuok and a bottle of wine.

The Advent Calendar, filled with 24 daily surprises, is available for P4,500++, with pick-up starting November 28. Guests can also enjoy a selection of festive treats at Madison.

Travel With Purpose Bears IN the spirit of giving, Hilton Manila introduces the Travel With Purpose Bears, representing local farmers and fisherfolk. These collectible bears are priced at P630++ each, with a special bundle price of P1,800++ for three. Keychain versions are also available for P450++.

Cozy Holiday Getaways

CELEBRATE the festive season with a stay in Hilton’s Festive Room Package, starting at P15,888++, which includes breakfast and a festive buffet for two adults and two children, a perfect retreat filled with warmth and holiday cheer. This festive season, Hilton Manila invites guests to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the joy of celebration, making it the perfect destination for holiday gatherings and memorable moments. For reservations and inquiries, please contact Hilton Manila at +632 7 239 7788 or MNLPH_F&BInquiries@ hilton.com or visit www.hiltonmanila.com

3rd Philippine Parks Congress: Building ‘PARKNERships’ for a Greener Future

THE National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) proudly announces the conduct of the 3rd Philippine Parks Congress (PPC), set to take place from November 27 to 29, 2024, in Bataan and Manila. With the theme, “PARKNERships: It Takes a Village to Raise a Park,” the Congress shall highlight the transformative power of collaboration between public and private sectors in creating sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban spaces across the country. As the Philippines continues its rapid urbanization, the need for accessible parks and open spaces has never been more pressing. The PPC addresses this challenge by bringing together a dynamic mix of public and private stakeholders, professionals, and advocates to explore innovative approaches to park development. Attendees will engage in immersive study tours of landmark sites in Bataan and Manila and plenary sessions featuring programs, insights, and practices of various government agencies, experts, and other leading organizations. The Congress will also foster vital connections among advocates to explore new opportunities for communitydriven initiatives and shape a collective vision for the future of urban parks.

For its 3rd year, the Congress will feature a comprehensive program set to begin on November 27, as participants embark on a study tour of Bataan. The Provincial Government of Bataan through the Bataan Tourism Office will host a special technical tour of Bataan Tourism Park, a newly opened space in

2021 created to improve the well-being of every Bataeño. It will be followed by an immersive study tour of Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ), a historical, cultural and heritage tourism zone that commemorates Philippine heroism and relics of World War II. Envisioned as a world-class historical city, the masterplan for the Shrine integrates agri-tourism, health and wellness, nature and eco-tourism, and sports and adventure tourism.

On November 28, the Main Plenary Day will feature esteemed speakers from Mt. Samat FTEZ, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine Parks and Biodiversity, Placemaking Davao, Mondae Studio, University of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Landscape Architects and United Architects of the Philippines. Ms. Margarita Christina A. Lacdao, Program Head for Sustainable Development Goals at the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, will lead the program as Host and Moderator.

The Congress will conclude on November 29 through the Manila Parks Study Tour, showcasing the conservation project with Escuela Taller at Paco Park and various public-private partnerships in Rizal Park Luneta such as the improvement of restrooms, and management of Children’s Play Garden and Urban Garden. There will also be workshop sessions to be led by Placemaking Davao. Wrapping up the activities, the participants are also enjoined to witness the Lights On for Christmas at 6:00 p.m. Organized by the National Parks Development Committee under the Department of Tourism, the Congress is made possible through the support of key partners. While physical attendance is limited to registered participants, the event will also be available via Zoom and Facebook Live, ensuring broad accessibility for advocates and stakeholders nationwide. Certificates will be issued to those who complete the program. To learn more and secure your slot for this event, visit the official PPC website at official PPC site. Let’s shape a future where parks are not just spaces, but thriving centers of community, health, and sustainability.

See the full and detailed program of the event here: https://sites.google.com/npdc.gov.ph/ philippineparkscongress/schedule

(FROM left to right) Rosenda Casaje, CEO of Gorgeous Glow; Niks Fojas, Partner Solutions Head, TikTok Shop Philippines; Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls

THE Manila leg of the tree-planting

Pioneering SuStainable induStrial ParkS:

aboitiz infraCapital achieves 5-Star berde district Certification across its economic estates

Aboitiz infraCapital Economic Estates has achieved a significant milestone with the awarding of the 5-Star bERDE District Certification for all its operating industrial estates. This recognition underscores Aboitiz infraCapital’s commitment to sustainability and sets a new benchmark for green, industrial-anchored developments in the Philippines.

Developed by the Philippine Green Building Council, BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) is a certification standard that evaluates projects on their environmental performance, exceeding existing laws and mandatory green standards. Guided by the World Green Building Council’s globally recognized criteria, BERDE is the local benchmark for sustainability.

Aboitiz InfraCapital led the way in green certification by securing the first-ever BERDE

District Certification for LIMA Estate, setting a precedent with its maximum 5-star rating. This foundational achievement demonstrated the company’s commitment to sustainable and resilient industrial development. At the Cebu Executives Forum, Aboitiz InfraCapital’s MEZ2 Estate and West Cebu Estate were awarded the 5-Star BERDE District Certification, completing the green certification of all Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates. Both projects have demonstrated world-class

performance in green building practices, earning the distinction of being the first 5-Star BERDE District Certified Developments in Visayas and Mindanao.

“As we achieve 5-Star BERDE District Certification across our entire portfolio, we celebrate a collective accomplishment made possible by the support of our valued partners and stakeholders. Together, we are setting a new standard for industrial estates, attracting investment, and building a greener future for the Philippines,” said Rafael

Ortigas Land Partners with skye renewabLes as it shifts tO sOLar energy

Skye Renewables, a leading solar energy company recently partnered with Ortigas Land to transition GH Mall to solar power by 2025.

Ortigas Land, one of the premier real estate companies in the country, made the move to fast track its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint as part of the company’s sustainability program.

The company seeks to reduce its energy consumption in its Annex mall by 10 percent and reduce the energy consumption of its other GH accounts by another 5 percent.

“We were in search of a partner to seamlessly lead our transition to renewable energy, and Skye Renewables met our requirements,” said Arch. Renee Bacani, Vice President and Head of Ortigas Malls. “Their technical expertise, proven track record, strong reputation, and highly competitive bid made them the strongest

option,” Bacani explained. Ortigas Land’s energy consumption currently averages more than 119,113.33 kWH. The shift to solar energy is expected to bring the consumption down by at least 10 percent for its mall operations and help the company realize the same in terms of savings per month.

The Solar Plant Project is just part of the company’s broader Net Zero Plan aimed at reducing its carbon footprint by 2027. To date, Ortigas Land has suc-

cessfully transitioned to 100 percent Renewable e nerg y Suppliers for its nine accounts under the Retail Competition and Open Access since 2023, and 10 other accounts under the Green e n ergy Option Program since December 2023. It also targets all other accounts to be under 100 percent Renewable e nerg y Suppliers by 2027.

“We are honored to have been chosen by Ortigas Land for this momentous project,” said Gary e spi no, Skye Renewables Country Manager. This partnership is significant for both our companies as we have the same vision for a more sustainable future.

Skye Renewables has successfully completed several solar installations across the Philippines.

To learn more about Skye Renewables Philippines, Inc., visit its website at https://www.skyerenewables.com/.

9M 2023.

with enhanced operational efficiencies, cost optimization, and higher interest income from placements in fixed income securities.

“We attribute Century Properties Group's strong performance in the first nine months of the year to our expanded geographic and product footprint, which has allowed us to effectively capture the growing demand for quality, affordable homes, as well as the evolving needs of the premium residential market. With the rapid and transformative infrastructure developments underway across the country, particularly in Luzon and the Visayas, we remain focused on expanding our presence in key cities and municipalities outside the National Capital Region (NCR). We are committed to sustaining our growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions and consolidations, as we have consistently done in the past,” Ponciano S. Carreon, Jr., Chief Finance Officer of Century Properties Group.

“As we look ahead, Century Properties Group is committed to playing a key

role in shaping the future of the real estate industry in the Philippines. By focusing on high-growth regions and adapting to the needs of the market, we are delivering more value for our stakeholders. Our initiatives prioritize innovation and strategic expansion, as we remain driven in providing quality, affordable housing in high-demand areas outside Metro Manila under the PHirst brand, as well as rolling out groundbreaking development concepts under our Premium Residential platform. With a strong nine months performance and expanded range of project pipeline to maintain the growth trajectory, Century Properties Group is very confident that it will deliver the same level of value it has started to distribute to its shareholders,” said Marco R. Antonio, President and C e O o f Century Properties Group. CPG’s

Underdogs steal the show

Falcons, Warriors dispute last semifinal berth

ATh e winner of the 6:30 p.m. rubber match will play defending champion and top-ranked La Salle in the Final Four on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Th e other Final Four pairing pits No. 2 University of the Philippines and third-ranked University of Santo Tomas.

“W hat happened in previous games don’t matter anymore when you get into the playoffs or you get into a knockout game. It all boils down to this,” said coach Nash Racela, as Adamson tries to make it back to the Final Four after missing the bus last year.

“It w ill be a totally different ball game so you don’t really know what to expect but we’ll do our best,” he added.

Wi th a 3-7 record and on a fivegame losing streak, the Falcons won three of the last four contests in the eliminations to finish with a 6-8 record.

During the same period, UE sat comfortably in third spot with a 6-3 record and was three-and-a-half games ahead of Adamson when the Warriors dropped their last five matches and are now in a do-or-die situation.

The Red Warriors last reached the Final Four in 2009, when they went all the way to the finals. UE last figured in a playoff in 2014, narrowly losing to eventual champion National University, 49-51.

“It ’s tough because mentally, the players are down and even the coaches but we need to compete on Wednesday,” said Red Warriors coach Jack Santiago.

“We had a talk with the players and I said we have reset, 0-0. Hopefully, we play well. It’s a do-or-die, no turning back, there’s no tomorrow,” he added.

‘Great Helmsman’

STOP doubting. Tim Cone is now the country’s hottest basketball coach in captivity. Dispute that and it’s like you don’t believe that Trump won the recent US presidential elections. Not only is Cone the all-time best in crowns won in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He is likewise enjoying the rare honor of being currently the toast among regional tacticians on the global scene.

Wh o can beat Cone’s 25 PBA titles—a mark that is way too far ahead of the second-best record in the 49-year-old league?

OK , you want history?

Nocum stuns top seed Constantino as No. 2 Ababa, No. 3 Ikeda, No. 4 Villacencio bow out

KAYLA NOCUM delivered the upset of the Ladies International Container Terminal Services Inc. The Country Club Match Play Invitational, upending top-seed Harmie Constantino with a commanding 5&4 victory in the opening round of the P1.5 million championship on Tuesday in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The 16th-seeded Nocum, facing her toughest challenge since turning pro, defied the odds with a clinical performance at the challenging TCC layout.

This breakthrough marked a significant milestone for Nocum, whose rise has been steady but understated since earning her professional card. After finishing 20th in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour leg at Caliraya Springs in April and narrowly missing the cut in her debut at the Luisita International, she continued to sharpen her game.

Her efforts bore fruit when she posted a joint-seventh finish in Iloilo, her best showing as a rookie.

But Nocum’s stunning victory

against the 2022 champion wasn’t just a lone highlight—it set the tone for a day brimming with surprises. Second seed Sarah Ababa fell to Pamela Mariano in a 2-up decision, Kristine Fleetwood ousted third-seed Chihiro Ikeda 3&2, and Rev Alcantara edged fourth-seed Gretchen Villacencio in a nail-biting 1-up escape.

These results underscored the unpredictable nature of match play, where rankings can be rendered irrelevant. The head-to-head format emphasizes adaptability and bold shotmaking, often allowing underdogs to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes.

Despite the spate of upsets, a few higher seeds managed to hold their ground. Florence Bisera outclassed Velinda Castil 4 and 2, Marvi Monsalve narrowly beat Chanelle Avaricio 1-up, and Daniella Uy dominated Apple Fudolin, 4 and 2, in hot, windy conditions.

De fending champion Mikha Fortuna, meanwhile, survived a thrilling duel against rising star Jiwon Lee, securing her spot with a par on the first extra hole.

RICO DEPILO and Elee Bisera

pulled off massive upsets, eliminating the top two seeds in the opening round of the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Depilo, long a consistent presence on the Philippine Golf Tour but still without a tournament win, toppled defending champion and top seed Tony Lascuña, 3 and 1.

For Depilo, it was a career-defining performance, eclipsing his Top 10 finishes on the regular tour.

“I didn’t expect to beat him bec ause I know how skilled he is,” admitted Depilo, acknowledging Lascuña’s edge. “I was just thinking, if we could reach the 18th hole, I might have a chance there.”

The match ended ahead of the challenging par-4 closing hole.

With the duel tied after 14 holes, the 52-year-old Depilo delivered clutch pars on the 15th and 16th, taking advantage of Lascuña’s struggles to get up and down on both holes.

Depilo then seized the opportunity at the tricky, water-guarded par-3 17th, capitalizing on Lascuña’s bogey to clinch an unexpected victory against his more accomplished Davaoeño rival.

Bisera matched Depilo’s feat by ousting second-seed and Asian Tour veteran Angelo Que in an intense battle

The quarterfinal lineup promises more drama, with Nocum squaring off against Uy, Fortuna taking on Fleetwood, Bisera facing Alcantara, and Monsalve battling Mariano. Nocum credited meticulous planning and mental toughness for her performance.

“I made sure to check the pin placements before hitting my drives, which helped me put myself in favorable positions,” the 23-year-old said. “There was hardly any wind when we started, making it easier to stick to my game plan and trust my decisions.”

Nocum also drew strength from her sister, Sandra, who served as her caddie. “Having my sister on the bag helped me stay relaxed and patient. She kept reminding me to play my game and commit to my shots,” said Nocum.

“I’ ll aim to stay calm, maintain a positive mental state, and trust my shots. As Sandra always says, ‘commit to your shots.’ That advice has been invaluable, and I hope to keep that mindset going.”

Depilo topples Lascuña; Bisera eliminates Que

that extended to the 19th hole.

Both Depilo and Bisera showcased the beauty and brutality of match play—a format that levels the field, isolates mistakes and rewards bold decisions.

These twin upsets were just the tip of the iceberg on a day where nine of the 16 higher-seeded players fell to lower-ranked challengers under sweltering conditions on the demanding championship course.

The remaining seven seeds barely held their ground, turning the season-ending P2-million event, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., into a thrilling rollercoaster ride.

While No. 3 Reymon Jaraula and sixth-seed Jhonnel Ababa lived up to expectations with emphatic 5 and 4 wins over former Philippine Masters champion Jerson Balasabas and Marvin Dumandan, respectively, No. 4 Rupert Zaragosa fell to Arnold Villacencio by the same scoreline, and fifth seed Clyde Mondilla was edged out, 1-up, by Nelson Huerva in another upset that kept the surprises coming.

Other notable results included seventhseed Guido van der Valk dismantling Mars Pucay 6 and 4, Hyun Ho Rho prevailing over Francis Morilla 1-up, Mike Bibat overwhelming Tae Soo Kim 4 and 3, and Russell Bautista thrashing Collin Wheeler 5 and 4. Kakeru Ozeki outlasted Daiya Suzuki, 1-up, while Eric Gallardo staged another shock by toppling eighth seed Zanieboy Gialon, 1-up.

By Josef T. Ramos

UERTO PRINCESA CITY—

Mariano Matteo Medina IV collected three gold medals in the boys’ recurve under-13 event of the Batang Pinoy Games National Championships on Tuesday at the baseball field inside the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex.

Medina’s triple gold help put Pasig City on top of the standings with 36 gold, 19 silver and 30 bronze medals. Quezon City followed with 19 gold, 17 silver and 25 bronze medals, while Baguio City was third with an 18-22-21 gold-silver-bronze medal tally.

“I want to be like my coach [Paul Marton Dela Cruz]. I want to compete for the national team and eventually win medals overseas,” Medina said.

Medina nipped Naga City’s Maxximus Samillano, 334-330, in the 30-meter first distance and then whipped Pangasinan’s Russelle Piano,

Bautista winds up second in Malaysian Jrs

JAVIE BAUTISTA proved his mettle against some of the world’s top junior golfers and emerging talents, claiming the runner-up spot in the Malaysian International Junior Open 2024. Th e 12-year-old Filipino displayed nerves of steel, posting back-to-back

mentor, Vincent Osmeña, the Ateneo student adjusted his strategy, opting for a controlled 100-yard approach. His calculated decision paid off as he calmly sank a four-foot birdie putt, returning to even par. Ri ding this momentum, Bautista displayed tactical brilliance on No. 16 by

from an 8-iron to a 7-iron amidst gusty winds. The bold move led to a pinpoint approach shot, setting up a seven-foot birdie conversion that solidified his position heading into the final stretch. Cl osing with back-to-back pars, Bautista edged Nguyen in the countback to secure the runner-up honors. His resilient back-nine 34 underscored his ability to thrive in high-pressure scenarios.

351-336, in the second. He clinched his third gold medal at the expense of Piano, 685-660, in the double round event.

“My coach told me that it is through losing that you learn to motivate yourself and improve. You have to lose to learn. No pain, no gain,’’ the 12-yearold Medina added. “Archery is a mental game. You will gain advantage if the one guiding you had competed in big international competitions before.”

Former national archer Paul Marton Dela Cruz was proud of his archers from Pasig City for giving their best in the multi-sporting event organized by the Philippine Sports Commission for athletes below 17 and 12-year-old.

“I guide them based on my experience. The pressure is different when you are on the shooting line,’’ said Dela Cruz, who won two gold medals in the Asia Archery Cup in 2018.

Pasig had another triple gold medalist in Guiliana Vernice Garcia, who topped the girls recurve 17-under in the 60-meter distance. Garcia beat Cebu City’s Nina Mae Khylie Delos Reyes, 325-312, then duplicated the same feat over Delos Reyes, 643-630, in the double round. Meanwhile, Iloilo Province’s Franklin Catera, 16, reasserted his mastery in the boy’s under-18 high jump with a new meet record of 1.98

Yeng Guiao has 7 titles, Tommy Manotoc 6 (including one Slam with Crispa in 1983), Dante Silverio 5, the late Ed Ocampo and Living Legend Robert Jaworski 4 apiece, Turo Valenzona, Siot Tanquincen and Ryan Gregorio 3 apiece, and Derrick Pumaren, Perry Ronquillo and Luigi Trillo 2 apiece.

Cone’s 25 trophies include two Grand Slam feats—the only PBA coach to be a double Slam champ. His first Slam was in 1996 with Alaska and the second Slam was in 2014 with San Mig Coffee (now Magnolia).

A five- time Coach of the Year awardee (the most), Cone has won more than a thousand PBA games—the most by anyone—as he is now the hands-down choice of being the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in PBA lore.

Why this piece on Cone?

The late Baby Dalupan, the first Grand Slam champion with Crispa in 1976, has the second-most number of PBA titles, with 15, followed by Norman Black with 11. Black won a Slam with San Miguel Beer in 1989. Chot Reyes has 10 titles, with Jong Uichico and Leo Austria tied with 9 apiece. You want more?

The 66- year-old Cone is still embracing the spotlight after piloting Gilas Pilipinas to brilliant victories over New Zealand (93-89) and Hong Kong (93-54) in the just-ended second window of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.

So inspiring were Cone’s wins as they came by way of his trademark adept shuffling of his youngster-laden wards, in the process pushing Gilas to the Fiba Asia Cup proper set in August in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.   He avoided complications in the next Asia Fiba Cup window as

COMFORTS & JOYS

It’s Filipino Christmas fiestas all over again!

From viewing elaborate belens, gazing at giant lanterns, feasting on lechon, to conquering a majestic mountain, there's a place where wanderers can cheerily celebrate the holidays away from their homes.

By John Eiron R. Francisco

Joy to the world. Ambassador Christian Lyster of Norway, Karel Hejc of the Czech Republic, Dr. Lai Thai Binh of Vietnam, and Phan Peur of Cambodia admire the giant 'belen' entries.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts unveils

Festive Offers 2024

Blissful Holidays in Boracay

There is no better way to enjoy the holidays than at the beach! With Boracay Newcoast’s famed “LapusLapus” Keyhole and the Sibuyan Sea as your backdrop, the spirit of Christmas sparkles in one of the most beautiful islands in Asia. Enjoy a seaside staycation in a Deluxe Room with buffet breakfast for two at PHP11,500 for stays from December 22 to 27. For an adventurous yet festive getaway, book a 3D2N stay at Savoy Hotel Boracay for PHP12,000, inclusive of break-

fast, a holiday treat, and a special Christmas Eve dinner for two.

Celebrate Christmas in Cebu The Queen City of the South is known for its vibrant celebrations, making it perfect for a memorable holiday getaway. Celebrate “Paskong Pinoy” at Belmont Hotel Mactan by booking their Christmas Eve Room Package for PHP6,500, inclusive of overnight stay in Queen Room, Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day brunch for two, Belly plushie and Christmas cook-

ies. Stay in Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown on Christmas Eve for PHP6,500 and enjoy an overnight stay in Classic Superior Twin with buffet breakfast for two, Christmas Eve dinner buffet for two, Welcome amenity and Strings of Hope Christmas Ornament Kit.

Inspiring Festivities in Iloilo

Make Iloilo your home for the holidays, where centuries-old traditions blend beautifully with contemporary celebrations. Stay at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and book a room with breakfast and dinner

buffet for two with rates starting at PHP9,200. Enjoy Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve buffets featuring Ilonggo specialties alongside international favorites. Celebrate with family and friends while enjoying the hotel’s festive ambiance.

Bundle Up and Get Cozy in Batangas

Celebrate the holidays in the serene beauty of Twin Lakes Hotel, where cool mountain breezes and breathtaking views of Taal Lake set the perfect festive atmosphere. Indulge in an enchanting stay with your fur babies on a Cozy Christmas Getaway for PHP33,500 inclusive of a 2-night stay in a Premier Room with breakfast for two, concert dinner on Christmas Eve for two, PHP2,500 dining credits at Twin Lakes Café or Wine Gallery, 1-hour massage for two at the L’Uva Vineyard Spa, and waived pet fee.

Yuletide Staycations in Metro Manila

Enjoy cozy stays in properties like Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Ortigas where stylish rooms and easy access to shopping centers await. Relish a festive spread at Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner buffets at Kingsford Hotel Manila or savor international flavors at Savoy Hotel Manila’s lively dining space. Make memories with loved ones by joining New Year’s Eve countdown parties filled with food and entertainment at Grand Westside Hotel and Belmont Hotel Manila.

It’s Filipino Christmas fiestas

munities, or barangays, serving as the main contestants. Over the years, the craftsmanship of these lanterns has evolved, transitioning from the traditional use of bamboo to more intricate and innovative designs. As technology progressed, so did the complexity and creativity behind the lanterns.

Today, the festival showcases the marvels of electrical engineering. Large steel rotors have replaced hand-controlled switches to operate the lights, and modern 20-foot (6-meter) lanterns now feature between 3,500 and 5,000 light bulbs. The Giant Lantern Festival has become so popular that San Fernando has earned the moniker "Christmas capital of the Philippines."

After the competition, the giant lanterns are displayed at various venues across the city for about two weeks, attracting hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors.

At a recent Kapihan Sa Bagong Pilipinas forum, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 Director Dr. Richard Daenos revealed that the region now ranked fifth as a top destination in the country, with tourists primarily coming from South Korea, China, the USA, Australia, and Japan.

To further boost tourism, the DOT is bidding for Clark International Airport’s inclusion in global route development by 2027, positioning it as a gateway to the emerging global culinary capital.

Metro holiday rush

In the National Capital Region (NCR), the holiday spirit is in full swing, with public and private businesses, local government units (LGUs), and even private homes showcasing festive Christmas displays, each with its own unique theme.

Giant Christmas trees also dominate malls and hotels across Metro Manila which provide visitors with a cheerful setting for holiday photos and videos to share with family and friends.

However, with the holiday season comes the inevitable Christmas peak period, and commuters are bracing for heavier traffic as travel demand spikes. In anticipation of this, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is focusing on improving the region’s transit system.

In the southern part of Metro Manila, the newly opened LRT-1 Cavite Extension, which began operations on November 16, aims to alleviate traffic congestion. According to the DOTr, this extension is expected to cut travel time between Parañaque City and Quezon City by nearly an hour, significantly easing traffic.

It is also expected to boost LRT-1’s daily ridership by 80,000, increasing the total from 323,000 to 403,000 passengers. With December approaching, the DOTr anticipates a further increase in passenger volume, coinciding with the expected holiday rush.

Lechon food crawl in Cebu

Cebu, the Queen City of the South, is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and breathtaking mountains, the island offers an array of options for visitors to enjoy this Christmas season. But beyond its scenic attractions, Cebu takes pride in something just as iconic—its famous lechon Visitors and locals alike can look forward to a special kind of "lechon crawl," where they can indulge in various renditions of the muchloved roasted pig. From traditional flavors to creative twists, there's a lechon for every craving. Various restaurants and street vendors have their own twist on the classic recipe. From traditional roasted pigs, stuffed ones, to those with special spices and flavors. Aside from the culinary delights, Cebu also shines with beautifully adorned malls, streets, and homes that add a delightful touch to the place. Like the rest of the country, Cebu—the first Catholic community in the country that was established in 1521—the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) is a key part of the local culture, where families gather for a nine-day series of masses in preparation for Christmas Day.

Pasko Fiesta 2024 in Davao City In a unique twist to the holiday season, the city government of Davao is kicking off its Pasko Fiesta 2024 with a series of exciting activities starting on November 28. The celebration, dubbed "Dan-ag sa Davao ug Pag-abli sa Pasko," will mark the beginning of the festivities, showcasing the region's vibrant holiday spirit. One of the first highlights will be the "Panayegon sa City Hall" on December 1, a special event that will be followed by the much-awaited "Perya sa Pasko Fiesta," a traditional fair that will run from December 1 to 27. This colorful and lively fair is expected to attract locals and visitors alike, offering a blend of entertainment, food, and games to celebrate the season. The region will also host "Music in the Park," with performances set to take place in various parks across Davao. These musical showcases will provide a festive atmosphere, bringing together people from all walks of life to enjoy live performances and holiday cheer. Other events include "Salo-Salo sa Pasko: Employees’ Holiday Food Bazaar," where local vendors will offer holiday treats and delicacies, and "Pasko Panag-uban: A Rhythm and Joy Showdown," which will feature a competition showcasing Davao’s local talents. The "Christmas on Wheels" event, a mobile Christmas celebration, will also take place, spreading festive cheer to various neighborhoods.

Merry heights

For travelers seeking a unique twist to their holiday celebrations, Mt. Pulag National Park, which is in the areas of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya, offers an unforgettable experience with its famous "sea of clouds." Known for its bone-chilling cold and breathtaking views, this natural wonder stands as the highest peak in Luzon and the third tallest mountain in the Philippines, towering at 2,922 meters above sea level.

The summit of Mt. Pulag features rolling grasslands and dwarf bamboo plants, while its lower slopes boast mossy forests shrouded in fog, teeming with ferns, lichens, and moss. Beneath this lies a pine forest thriving on rocky terrain, with the area dotted by rivers, waterfalls, and small lakes, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

However, with the consecutive typhoons affecting the country, the Provincial Government of Benguet remains active on their social media pages, actively monitoring and providing updates to tourists regarding activities in the area to ensure their safety and security. Meanwhile, for those seeking a cozy yet cool getaway, Sagada is another prime destination. Located near Baguio and Banaue, Sagada's climate often dips to sweater-weather levels, particularly in December. Its serene and rustic charm makes it a perfect escape during the Christmas season. Its pine-covered landscapes and misty mountains iffer a soothing environment.

Sagada's unique appeal lies in its peaceful, small-town atmosphere and warm locals who celebrate the holidays with simple yet heartfelt traditions. Visitors can embrace the holiday spirit with activities like watching the sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint or Marlboro Hills, exploring the Sagada Rice Terraces, and hiking through Echo Valley. For thrill-seekers, spelunking in Sumaguing Cave is an unforgettable adventure.

According to the Sagada Tourism Office, the town recorded 108,059 visitors from January to November 2023, a significant increase from the 48,761 tourists it welcomed throughout 2022.

The Philippines offers a rich diversity of Christmas celebrations, stretching from the mountains in the north to the southern regions of the country. Each area, with its distinct dialects, traditions, and festive offerings, contributes to the multifaceted celebration of the holiday season However, the true essence of a Filipino Christmas lies in the unity and warmth that its people extend to others. The heart of Christmas remains unchanged. For Filipino families, it is in the connections, the shared memories, and the spirit of togetherness that truly define the season—no matter where one celebrates it.

Lapus-Lapus Keyhole seen from Belmont Hotel Boracay

Drinks by the pool at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo

Enchanting stays at Twin Lakes Hotel

Family bonding at Belmont Hotel Mactan

Sumptuous holiday feast at Grand Westside Hotel

COMFORTS & JOYS

DECK YOUR DWELLING SPACE WITH ANKO HOUSEWARE

Make the holidays special at home with stylish and affordable items from Australia’s top retail store

By John Eiron R. Francisco

Thave a

family and home—a trend that became even more pronounced following the pandemic.

The store carries a range of items from bed and bath, kitchen and dining, arts and crafts, to home

tech products, just to name a few. Tactile buying experience Meanwhile, asked about opening a flagship store at a time when many physical stores are closing and online shopping is growing, Puri acknowledged the trend but emphasized that in the general merchandise category, 90 percent of sales still happen in brick-andmortar stores due to the "tactile buying experience."

"People like to touch and feel the products before they buy them, and that is our experience. So we always feel that we need to provide an opportunity for our customers to see our products in real life," Puri explained.

The brand's global CEO explained that they work directly with manufacturers, which is why their products are affordable without compromising on quality.

"We’ve got good scale, and we tend to pass on all the savings we make in procurement to our customers," he said. "That's why the prices are so competitive; we want customers to keep coming back and shopping with us more often."

Puri mentioned that they currently operate over 350 stores globally, with most of their products sourced from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Indonesia.

SIPS, BITES, AND FESTIVE DELIGHTS AT NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS

By Venice Garcia

THE holiday season is in full swing at the country’s premier integrated resort as it unveils its Christmas Reindeer Village, a hub of holiday magic and cheer. The World of Christmas transformed Newport World Resorts into a festive wonderland, setting the stage for unforgettable celebrations. Guests indulge in sumptuous feasts, luxurious hampers, and delight in seasonal surprises.

Joyful gifts in merry hampers

Revel in the spirit of giving with the Garden Wing Café’s carefully curated Holiday Hamper, a luxurious array of premium delights priced at PHP 9,888 nett. This indulgent set includes some of the finest things in life, like a selection of fine wines, festive Panettone, holiday-themed candy, and more—a perfect holiday treat for one and all.

Marriott Manila is practicing gratitude throughout the season. The Christmas Gift Basket priced at PHP 5,588 nett is filled with seasonal treats like Chef Meik’s Strawberry Apple Cinnamon Jam, premium roasted nuts, and a bottle of Marriott Manila wine. For inquiries, contact 0917 584 9560 or 0917 825 2896 or visit www.manilamarriott.com and e-brochure via https://tinyurl.com/WonderfulHolidaysAtMarriott.

Hilton Manila showcases the best of local flavors with its Farm to Table Hampers that support Filipino farmers and celebrate local produce. Available from PHP 2,800++ to PHP 5,800++, each themed hamper is packed with traditional holiday favorites and delectable Fili-

pino treats. The Highland Farmers Hamper is inspired by local farmers in the Cordillera region, the Fisherman Folks Hamper is inspired by the fishermen in Mindanao, and the Green Harvest Hamper is inspired by Filipino Christmas delicacies and decorations. For orders, guests may reach out to +63 956 134 0501, email MNLPH_F&BInquiries@hilton.com, or order via bit.ly/HiltonManilaEatDrinkHilton. Hotel Okura Manila’s Kigumi Festive Hampers capture the elegance of Okurimono —the revered Japanese tradition of gift-giving. Each Kigumi Festive Hamper is thoughtfully curated with premium holiday offers such as miniature Shirakawa-go gingerbread house, Theo & Philo chocolates, and signature Yamazato sake, among others. Priced at PHP 7,500++, these hampers are available from December 1-31, 2024, while supplies last. For inquiries, contact Hotel Okura at fb@hotelokuramanila.com or +63 2 5318 2888.

Sheraton Manila offers a taste of tradition with the Holiday Ceramic Sets from Oori Korean Restaurant. Each set represents the

perfect blend of tradition and elegance—suitable for serving a festive feast or offering a thoughtful gift. The Holiday Ceramic Set collection is crafted with care, priced at PHP 500 and above. For reservations and orders, contact 02 7902 1800 or 0917 859 7496 or visit https:// tinyurl.com/HolidaysAtSheratonManilaHotel.

Everyone will delight in the Yuletide Gingerbread House—a wonderland of indulgent confections that include a delectable assortment of chocolate-covered santa, creamy pralines, classic gingerbread, and more irresistible delights. With treats ranging from PHP 120 nett to PHP 2,800 nett, guests will find a little taste of holiday magic because there is a sweet surprise for everyone.

A world of fine festive feasts

At Casa Buenas, tuck into the Christmas Eve set menu for an unforgettable culinary experience. For PHP 3,500 nett per person, feast on a scrumptious selection of holiday favorites. The curated menu is highlighted by the smoky flavors of inihaw, the richness of lechon, and the sweetness of fruit cake, each dish is a homage to classic Filipino celebrations. While Santa’s little helpers have their hands full with preparations for the happiest time of the year, the team at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines have curated an exquisite menu this Christmas available on December 24 and 25. A Ramsay Christmas offers guests a unique dining experience featuring quintessentially British fare. This special set menu, priced

at Php 6,888 nett per person, is served only for dinner on Christmas Eve and for lunch and dinner on Christmas Day. Marriott Café at Marriott Manila invites everyone to celebrate Thanksgiving with an indulgent feast designed to celebrate togetherness. Delight in an impressive spread featuring the star of the Thanksgiving table, Oakwood Honey Roasted Turkey, and a variety of delectable dishes such as Legris Oysters, Australian Beef Rump, Teppanyaki Special “Dagupan Pigar,” and many more that bring the holiday spirit to life. Guests can also enjoy unlimited sangrias and mocktails, plus a round of beer. Priced at PHP 3,700 nett per person, the Thanksgiving buffet promises a cozy and flavorful feast filled with moments of gratitude shared

between loved ones. Hilton Manila’s Kusina

for

and

and Christmas Day

buffets, the irresistible spread features festive highlights such as whole native lechon, Cajun lobster, and Roasted US prime ribs, among many other favorites. For a truly unique holiday experience, Hotel Okura Manila has prepared a culinary journey through authentic Japanese flavors. At Yamazato Japanese Fine Dining, the Christmas Kaiseki menu prepared by Japanese Executive Chef Keiichiro Fujino embodies the elegance of Japanese tradition. Available on December 24- 25, 2024, for lunch and dinner at PHP 8,500++ per person, this exceptional menu includes delicacies like deep-fried

Yule fragrance. Scented candles from the Bed and Bath shelf will definitely add a warm ambience to your sanctuary. PHOTO BY JOHN EIRON FRANCISCO/BUSINESSMIRROR.

Entertain in style with Anko's stylish kitchen and dining products. PHOTO BY JOHN EIRON FRANCISCO/BUSINESSMIRROR

COMFORTS & JOYS

XMAS THINGS TO DO IN THE METRO THAT WON’T

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

CELEBRATE the warmth and vibrancy of the Filipino holiday season as the Megatrade Halls 2-3 of SM Megamall transform into a festive haven for the second leg of the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village Fair and National Fiesta Haraya, happening from November 30 to December 4, 2024, at Megatrade Halls 2-3. This grand celebration, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), aims to immerse visitors in the richness of Philippine culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship, making it the ultimate destination for holiday shoppers and culture enthusiasts alike.

The Christmas Village Fair, organized by the DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO), brings together local entrepreneurs and artisans, showcasing the best of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity. With over 150 exhibitors from the regions, the event promises a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that combines tradition, sustainability, and modernity. Highlights include artisanal and handcrafted goods, culinary presentations, ecofriendly products, and holiday decor and crafts. The National Fiesta Haraya, honors Filipino

creativity across Industries. Spearheaded by the DTI-Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO), it will feature creative cluster showcases, live performances, and interactive art installations. This five-day event is more than a festive gathering—it’s a platform to uplift micro, small, and medium enterprises