BusinessMirror September 15, 2023

Libyan city buries thousands in mass graves after fLood; mayor says death toLL couLd tripLe

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R.

Marcos Jr. prioritized seeking more investments on renewable energy during his ongoing working visit in Singapore to bring down the country’s high electricity rates and help in achieving the country’s “climate targets.”

During a roundtable meeting with businessmen at the sidelines of the 10th Asia Summit Fireside Chat in Singapore on Wednesday, the chief executive said the country now provides significant incentives for foreign investors.

He noted they can now enjoy 100 percent equity in the explo -

ration, development, and utilization of solar, wind, hydro, and ocean or tidal energy resources.

“With this development, I encourage our Singapore partners to consider the Philippines and take part in the country’s goal of increasing renewable share in power generation and offering lower cost and cleaner energy to the general public,” Marcos said.

In his interview with Stonepeak managing director Steven Ciobo in the Summit, the President noted insufficient power supply and “out-of-control bureaucracy” were the two main factors which discourage new investments in the country.

Last year, the Philippine

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed concern over the high electricity rate in the Philippines compared to neighboring countries Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.

Marcos said the country is now trying to increase the country’s power supply, particularly renewable energy.

Other options

A S IDE f rom power, he said other sectors offering potential high return of investments are physical and digital connectivity, water resources, agriculture, and health.

He also urged Singaporean businesses to consider the numerous

investment opportunities from the country’s start-up ecosystem.

“The Philippines’ start-up ecosystem also possesses great potential with our young and competent talent who are—with strong government support and dedicated start-up community," Marcos said.

“I invite you to look at the Philippines as your destination for your investment supporting a smart and innovative economy,” he quipped,” he added.

The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the country’s sovereign wealth fund, is also another attractive option for foreign investments.

See “PBBM,” A2

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

7 in 10 Pinoys keen to learn about

MAJORITY or 7 out of 10 of Filipinos want to learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) even if they don't know where to start, according to a LinkedIn survey. The data showed over half or 59 percent of professionals said they want to learn about AI because they are worried that they should know more about AI.

The survey results also showed 57 percent of professionals felt overwhelmed by the amount of change AI may bring to their job in the future

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., however, said the current situation would still not merit easing the central bank's monetary policy. The Monetary Board is scheduled to meet next week.

In August, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that headline inflation rose to 5.3 percent from 4.7 percent in July.

With this, inflation averaged 6.6 percent in the January to August 2023 period.

“I think if that’s all there is, if it’s just the uptick, as you know with food prices (which) caused the uptick, these kinds of supply shocks dissipate usually fairly quickly. If that’s all there is, there are no further supply shocks beyond that uptick in August, then it won’t be necessary to hike the policy rate. It won’t justify an easing but it won’t be necessary to raise the policy rate,” Remolona said.

Remolona said the BSP remains serious about price stability. He said while the BSP’s target range is 2 to 4 percent, this is not enough for the central bank.

This is especially crucial, given that the recent supply shocks experienced by the Philippines drove food prices to increase. Skyrocketing food prices significantly impact the poor in the country.

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

FOREIGN policy and geopolitical analysts in the I ndo-Pacific are closely watching the domestic politics in China, saying that any changes within China may affect the region economically, and possibly m ilitarily.

Speculation mounts over the whereabouts of China’s defense minister Li Shangfu, who was last seen publicly two weeks ago during a China-Africa peace forum in Beijing.

T he Chinese media is silent whenever Chinese leaders or members of the influential Chinese Communist Party are under

i nvestigation.

Li’s absence came after President Xi Jinping ousted Foreign M inister Qin Gang in July, and removed two rocket force commanders from the People’s Liberation Army. “

It looks like President Xi Jinping is consolidating power,” Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong, professor of Praxis of Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), said in an interview at the sidelines of a forum of think tank Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies i n Taguig Thursday.

Commodore Debesh Lahiri, executive director of National Maritime Foundation of India,

said the internal wranglings within the Chinese leadership started to manifest during the People’s Congress last year when former President Hu Jintao was escorted out unexpectedly.

“These are all indicative of the large-scale dissension,” Lahiri said.

D r.Prashanth Parameswaran, fellow of the US-based Wilson Center, explained that domestic infightings happen even in autocratic regimes such as China.

“ China is not 10 feet tall,” Parameswaran said. “There are a lot of issues, problems in the Chinese system. A lot of it we

“This is undoubtedly an era of change with generative AI gaining more prominence in the workplace. It is encouraging to see professionals focus on the positives that AI can bring to their working lives,” Atul Harkisanka, Head of Growth Markets and Country Lead for the Philippines at LinkedIn.

SUPPLY shocks that led to high food prices in August could

“dissipate fairly quickly,” making it unnecessary for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to raise key interest rates anew.

Marcos said the MIF will allow foreign investors, multilateral institutions, and other sovereign w ealth funds to co-finance government programs and projects in strategic, high-impact sectors including infrastructure.”

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil met with other businessmen on Thursday to encourage t hem to invest in the country.

Grand prix T HE c hief executive's working visit in Singapore will end on September, 17, 2023.

D uring the trip, he will also attend the Formula One Singapore G rand Prix 2023 upon the invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister L ee Hsien Loong.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) criticized the P resident for accepting the said invitation as the country is faced with “economic crisis and crushing debt.”

I t noted Marcos should have “politely declined” the offer and instead focused on addressing the country’s high rice prices.

“Living it up as if it was 1972 sends the wrong message to Filipinos who up to now are struggling to f ind the so-called P41 rice in local markets,” Bayan said.

Marcos issued Executive Order No. 39 earlier this month, which set a price cap of P41 per kilogram (kg) for regular milled rice (RMR) and P45 per kg for well-milled rice (WMR) nationwide.

TPB chief: Phitex ’23 sales to exceed last year’s ₧190M

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) expects 100 travel buyers from 19 countries at the upcoming Philippine Travel Exchange 2023, which will be held in Cebu City.

“We hope that this event becomes an avenue to showcase more reasons to love the Philippines, as we highlight not only our award-winning destinations, but also our hidden gems. We are optimistic that we will exceed last year's negotiated sales of P190.14 million in this year’s Phitex,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles in a Viber message to the BusinessMirror. The TPB is the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Established in 1996, Phitex is the country's premier government-organized travel trade event. It will be held from September 19 and 27 at the NuStar Convention Center for B2B/ Travel Exchange and JPark Island Resort for the Phitex Educational Program (PEPTalk), with the theme

centered on sustainability in the age of the Internet of Things (IoT).

“We are standing at the crossroads of a digital revolution, where IoT promises to reshape our world,” said Nograles. “As we navigate this transformative wave, the tourism industry must stand ready. Our task is not only to embrace this digital evolution but also to champion the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernization. This delicate balance is an expertise we, as custodians of our vibrant cultural heritage, must skillfully achieve,” she stressed.

Nograles said travel buyers will come from Canada, the United States/Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Japan,

South Korea, Italy, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. A separate source said the most number of travel buyers will come from China and South Korea, with 13 participants each; followed by India with 12; and Japan and Singapore, with 10 each.

South Korea has already been topping the list of tourist arrivals in the country, reflecting pre-pandemic trends. The DOT has been pushing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to roll out an electronic visa platform for China, to encourage the market to return to its prepandemic rank of number 2, after South Korea. The agency also is keen on an e-visa platform for India, which has recorded the largest growth in outbound travel in the post-pandemic era. The DFA is currently betatesting the e-visa platform in Shanghai.

During Phitex, there will be business-to-business meetings between the overseas buyers and 122 travel companies from all over the Philippines.

The event will commence on September 19 with PEP Talk, featuring speakers Maria Raisa Ysaac-Orbon, Chief Marketing Officer of Packetworx Inc.; Maricel Gatchalian-Badilla, PhD., Associate Professor of UP Asian Institute of Tourism; lawyer Francis Euston R. Acero, Vice President and Data

Privacy Officer of Meralco; Barry Lim, Senior Director, Public Sector & Government

Practice, Frost and SullivanSingapore; Geoff Andres, Property President of the City of Dreams Manila; and Dawn Mendoza, Program Manager of the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride, are set to share their insights on tourism trends and sustainability practices in the digital age.

Nograles said participants can “experience the beauty of Philippine tourism destinations” through pre- and postevent familiarization tours in Manila-Rizal, Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon-Davao, Coron, Palawan, Boracay-Romblon, Cebu-Dumaguete, PampangaLa Union, and Ilocos Norte and Sur.

National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) remain confident the country’s inflation rate will slow to 2 to 4 percent by the last quarter of 2023.

“We can sense the interest and excitement among Filipino professionals in leveraging AI to help them win their career progression with faster access to knowledge and insights, unlock new levels of productivity, aid with work problems, and cultivate better worklife balance,” he added.

The data also showed that 41 percent of professionals worry that they will not be able to keep up with AI developments in their workplace.

However, the results showed 76 percent of Filipinos believe there will be a “significant” change to their jobs next year due to AI.

More than half or 55 percent of the local workforce also admitted to using generative AI in their jobs. There are also 47 percent of professionals who tried out generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

The results also showed that Millennials and GenZ professionals are leading the usage of Chat GPT at 46 percent.

“In fact, our study shows that over 8 in 10 (85 percent) professionals in the Philippines believe it is likely that AI will be an ‘invisible teammate’ in the next five years. With their time freed up, many are looking to invest in themselves by learning new skills, focusing on more creative and strategic work, and growing their professional network - all of which are strong career boosters, Harkishanka said.

LinkedIn also said professionals believed AI will boost their access to the right knowledge and skill sets they need for work and spotlight the irreplaceable value of their human skills in career advancement.

Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the weight of food in the basket was 51.38 percent for the poorest households. The weight of rice, one of the top contributors to inflation in August, was at 17.87 percent for the Bottom 30 percent of households.

“The supply shocks are especially harmful to the poor. The food prices, the energy prices, so that's part of the reason we have...a price stability objective,” Remolona said. “But hitting the target range is not enough. We wanna be comfortably within the target range for the year or so to follow.”

Earlier, successive typhoons caused commodity prices to surge in August with vegetables like tomatoes and the country’s staple, rice, leading the charge to increase inflation to 5.3 percent, according to the PSA.

The poorest Filipinos experienced an even higher rate of inflation at 5.6 percent as food inflation for the bottom 30-percent income households at the national level moved at a faster pace of 7.7 percent in August 2023 from 6.1 percent in July 2023 and 7.1 percent in August 2022.

However, the BSP as well as the

don’t hear about in contrast with the American system...It comes out as President Xi not attending a particular meeting, and then there’s a foreign minister who’s been missing for a weeks, his name is on the website, not on the website, back on the website.”He said throughout China’s post-war history, the country has projected itself as united and becoming “too centralized.” When it becomes too centralized, disenchantment follows and the authoritarian regime is forced to decentralize to sustain its power.“The big dynamic under President Xi’s leadership is overcentralization of power in his hands,” Parameswaran said.This is the third five-year term of President Xi. During his first term of office, China reclaimed the rock features it occupied in the South China Sea and constructed military-grade runways, aircraft hangars, and deployment of anti-ship cruise

The prices of tomatoes nearly doubled, marking an inflation rate of 90.5 percent, the third highest it recorded in the series. Last year, tomato prices surged 130 percent in April 2022 and 125 percent in May 2022.

Regular-milled rice prices and well-milled rice prices also increased nationwide by 8.9 percent by averaging at P43.34 per kilo while well-milled rice prices grew 8.1 percent and averaged P47.63 per kilo. Overall, rice prices grew 8.7 percent in August 2023. For the Bottom 30 percent, the inflation rate for rice was much higher at 9.1 percent while vegetable prices, including tomatoes, increased by 23.6 percent in August 2023.

The PSA explained that the impact of more expensive food items is greater among the poor because a larger part of their income is allocated for food. This does not mean the poor eat more but this is a function of their small incomes.

It added that paying for the same goods that richer households pay for at the same prevailing prices means a larger part of the poor’s meager income goes to food expenses.

missiles.“His new term means he has the support of the political elite of China for his more expansionist, revivalist foreign policy,” Robin Michael Garcia, president and CEO of WR Advisory Group, said. “We are seeing changes including foreign policy chief. The foreign affairs portfolio is important for China, for Xi Jinping’s ambition. It’s all underpinned by the revivalist foreign policy of China.”

Ong and Lahiri believe that the worsening economic condition in China —the crash in its real estate sector, the double-digit unemployment rate among its youth, and slump of its economic growth—may have contributed to the changing of guards of Xi.

“At the end of the day, economics is the main driver,” Ong said.

What worries the region is that China is “deeply economically enmeshed” globally.

Professionals in the Philippines think skills like problemsolving at 77 percent; creativity, 77 percent; and communication at 76 percent will become more important as AI tools become more widely used at work.

As AI can take away some of the drudgery of their daily jobs, professionals hope to have more job satisfaction and lead an improved quality of life.

More than half of the Philippines’ workforce believes AI can make their jobs easier, increasing job satisfaction (62 percent) and helping them achieve more outstanding work-life balance (57 percent).

Professionals are keen to invest their freed-up time in learning new job skills (51 percent) and strengthening their professional networks (39 percent).

"We see a significant increase in conversations, with members also adding AI skills to their profiles. Additionally, our data highlights the enormous value of soft skills and how imperative it is for professionals to continue leaning in on these skills they already possess as we navigate this new tech and changes ahead," Harkishanka said. Cai U. Ordinario

“If Chinese market suffers, there will be massive consequences in our own economies,” Lahiri added.

The analysts think China may use the South China Sea as a decoy to divert attention away from its domestic problems.

“The South China Sea is a good distraction whenever they have problems inside,” Ong said, partly in Filipino. “Minsan nag -overreact tayo Pag nagpublish sa dyaryo, minsan masakit sa tenga. Let’s say palaban sa Pilipinas. P ero titingnan mo, baka di tayo ang target audience. Baka domestic. Ganun din minsan kapag nagra- ramp up sila sa South China Sea, di dahil galit sa yo. [Sometimes we overreact. When we publish in newspapers, sometimes the noise if too loud. They’re fighting words. But then consider, we may not be the target audience. Might be domestic. That’s how it is sometimes when they ramp up activities in the South China Sea—it’s not necessarily because they’re angry at you]. They are trying to divert attention from their economic problems.”

• Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

PHL, US eye to build, upgrade more EDCA sites

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE Philippines and the United States are seriously considering the possibility of increasing the number of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the country.

This was emphasized by Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral John Aquilino at a news briefing held for the Mutual Defense Board-Security Board (MDB-SEB) meeting, which was held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City Thursday.

Aquilino said he and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. might make a “recommendation” to their respective senior leaders for consideration.

“General Brawner and I may make [a] recommendations to our senior leaders for the consideration of additional sites but there is still work to do there before we get to that answer,” he said.

“We are in discussions but everyone has a boss and we both have bosses, we’ll have those conversations I think in private and give our bosses some decision space on how they’d like to go forward,” Aquilino explained.

He added that 63 more projects have been added for construction in the approved nine EDCA sites, aside from the 32 allocated earlier.

Aquilino also said that the US has also had an “investment of $110 million to those sites to build capability capacity for the AFP to use everyday and for the United States to fall in on when invited,” he added.

The five initial EDCA sites are the Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

The four additional are the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Brawner also clarified that the Philippine government also spend for the development of the EDCA sites as these are located in its existing camps and bases.

“Let me also add that when we talk about EDCA sites, these are [located within] existing Philippine camps or bases, we are just opening this up for shared use with our counterpart with

our only ally the United States because we believe that doing certain things together would bring more value, some of these EDCA sites would be designed specifically for joint training,” he added.

“Let me [also] emphasize, however, that while the United States is spending for these EDCA sites through the implementation of several projects, I would like to say that the Philippine government is also spending for these EDCA sites primarily because these are our own camps and we have to maintain our camps, we have to make sure that our camps are livable and of course sustainable,” the AFP chief pointed out.

Meanwhile, Brawner said the successful conduct of this year’s MDB-SEB reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of the Philippines and the United States in safeguarding the country and the Indo-Pacific Region.

“I am pleased to stand before you following the successful conclusion of the MDB-SEB meeting. The meeting was marked by fruitful discussions and strategic collaboration, reaffirming the steadfast commitment of the Philippines and the United States in safeguarding our nation and the IndoPacific Region,” he added.

‘Gibo’ stresses need to modernize DND

FOLLOWING his confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA) Wednesday, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. highlighted the need to modernize the organization he is leading and leverage the country’s security partnerships in promoting the Philippines’ national interests.

He made this comment during the deliberation of the Committee on National Defense of the CA.

“The intensity of the need to focus on protecting our sovereignty and sovereign rights is paramount in the global race for resources and influence.

(There is a) need for cognizance of sovereignty and sovereign rights. We need to principally use politics and diplomacy, backed up by a strong backbone of a strategic defense posture,” Teodoro stressed.

The CA on Wednesday unanimously confirmed the ad interim appointment of Teodoro as the DND chief during the committee deliberation at the House of Representatives and the plenary session at the Senate

of the Philippines.

Members of the CA recognized Teodoro’s experience, leadership, expertise, and dedication to steer the DND and achieve a balance between maintaining internal security and strengthening the external defense of the Philippines.

When asked on his policy direction as the head of the DND, Teodoro envisioned modernizing not only the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), but also the DND Proper and its civilian bureaus to better manage resources and services.

“We need managerial solutions to managerial problems, not military solutions to managerial problems,” the DND chief noted.

On the issue of reforming the pension system of the military and uniformed personnel, Teodoro underscored the need to set up a Trust Fund for this purpose, and gave assurance that the men and women of the AFP are cognizant of the consideration given by Congress for their welfare.

Teach the young politicians well: NYC urged to give values training for SK poll winners

ALAWMAKER on Thursday pressed the need for the National Youth Commission (NYC) to provide soon-to-be-elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders with values-centered training programs that will develop their “moral compass” as part of efforts to give life to the government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative.

House Appropriations Committee vice chairperson and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido M. Abante Jr. said his experience has shown that “the reality is that SK leaders are exposed to temptation in the course of their duties; the tragedy is that many of them give in to temptation.”

He said that “this early, NYC should develop programs that will develop the moral compasses of SK leaders so that they become beacons of good who will light the way and serve as sterling examples for the youth in their communities—instead of young examples of the moral decay in our bureaucracy.”

“This is one of the first steps that need to be taken to make the Bagong Pilipinas campaign successful,” he pointed out.

Bagong Pilipinas is the branding and communications strategy of the administration of

MTRCB issues statement on ‘disturbing threats targeting Chairperson Lala Sotto’

In line with this, the AFP has expressed its commitment to “addressing the dynamic and evolving challenges that confront our nation’s security.”

“Just yesterday [Wednesday], Admiral Aquilino and myself, together with Ambassador [Marykay] Carlson and top Filipino and US military officials visited the EDCA sites in Lallo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; and Basa Air Base, Pampanga. We conducted an extensive tour of the completed EDCA projects and we were able to gain first-hand knowledge of the bases’ potential for the development of key facilities to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” Brawner reported.

He said this underscores the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and United States militaries in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster response efforts.

“It signifies our commitment to further strengthen our cooperation, ensuring that both militaries are prepared and well-equipped to respond to evolving security challenges and humanitarian crises,” Brawner concluded.

Teodoro was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to take the helm of the DND on June 5 having previously held the position in 2007-2009 during the term of then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Rex Anthony Naval

THE Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)

issued a statement Thursday regarding the alleged “disturbing threats targeting Chairperson Lala Sotto.”

Sotto became the target of alarming online attacks. Netizens have taken to the official social media pages of the MTRCB to express their grievances in an inappropriate and harmful manner, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of the chairperson.

“Over the past weeks, we have experienced an unfortunate surge in threatening messages on our official social media pages, including explicit rape and death threats directed at Chairperson Lala Sotto,” the statement read.

“Chairperson Lala Sotto is a dedicated public servant who has spent her career advocating for responsible and inclusive media content. She has consistently championed the importance of media content that respects cultural sensitivities while contributing positively to the Philippine entertainment industry,” MTRCB Vice Chairman Njel De Mesa, said.

“No Filipino deserves such kind of unfounded personal attack. We must not resort to personal attacks because our agency is just doing its mandate. We are happy that our Chair is very active in discharging the functions of our office based on existing laws,” MTRCB Executive Director II Atty. Mamarico Sansarona Jr., added.

“While the MTRCB recognizes the importance of constructive criticism and open dialogue, it strongly condemns any form of threats, harassment, or violence, both online and offline. Such behavior is not only illegal but also runs counter to the principles of a Filipino value-based media and entertainment culture that the MTRCB upholds,” the MTRCB statement said.

“The MTRCB remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that television and movie content aligns with the cultural values and norms of the Philippines. We continue to encourage constructive dialogue with the public, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse and responsible criticism,” it added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. It is the overarching theme of the government’s brand of governance and leadership and entails “deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government.”

The veteran legislator emphasized that aside from providing SK officers with the technical know-how to perform their duties, they should constantly be reminded that they are expected to serve as examples for their fellow youth.

Aban te stressed that “the youth are often referred to as the hope of our nation; as a grandfather with young grandchildren, I pray that this is true, so that their generation grows up in a country where they can look up to their leaders.”

At the NYC budget deliberations last Monday, Abante secured a commitment from NYC chairperson Ronald Cardema, who assured the lawmaker that the commission would gather newly-elected SK officials after the barangay elections in October in order to provide them with training programs that will emphasize moral values and duty to the country.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

livelihood, employment programs exempted from election spending ban’

By Patrick V. Miguel

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted livelihood and employment programs under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) from the election spending ahead of the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

C omelec Chairman George Garcia released a memorandum dated September 7, approving the exemption of DOLE’s special program for Employment of Students, Government Internship Program, JobStart Philippines Program, DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment

Program.

T he exemption was based on Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma’s request, citing an “absolute necessity to continuously implement the programs even during the period of the election ban.”

H e added that there is an “utmost urgency” to disburse funds to target beneficiaries.

T he labor chief assured Comelec that control measures are “in place to ensure the programs are properly implemented” according to guidelines.

Laguesma also assur ed that the funds would not be used in “partisan political activities” in 2023 BSKE.

MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto

‘DOLE

DA: ’23 rice imports lower than USDA projection

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

If the USDA's forecast materializes, then it is not the first time that the Philippines became the top rice importer in the world.

The Philippines was the top rice buyer in the global market in 2019, the same year that it liberalized and deregulated its domestic rice industry, allowing freer entry of imported stocks. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/01/14/ phl-ends-decade-as-worlds-toprice-importer/)

Montemayor added.

The rise in the share of imported rice stocks to the country's overall supply would mean that it can now further influence the domestic rice prices, he said.

"It only goes to show that our local deficit is increasing. Our production is unable to catch up with the demand so we need to import more to fill up that gap," he told reporters on Thursday.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Leocadio S. Sebastian argued that the rice imported by the country last year was "much more" than the domestic supply deficit, thereby trimming the needed importation this year.

The Philippines imported a record-high 3.82 MMT of rice last year, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data showed.

For next year, Sebastian said that improved domestic production would prevent the country's rice imports from hitting 3.8 MMT.

"We expect to import much less than USDA's [3.9] MMT projected in 2023. This indicates that the volume we imported in 2022 was much more than the deficit," he said in a statement to reporters on Thursday.

"We also expect that with the intensified efforts to produce more rice locally, we will import less than the projected 3.8 MMT in 2024. The uncertainty of depending on external sources for our staple and the high price of imported rice makes it imperative for us to produce more locally," he added.

Sebastian made the remarks after the USDA's latest monthly report on the world grain market showed that the Philippines might overtake China this year as the world's rice top importer again.

The September report of USDA projected that the Philippines could be importing a total of 3.9 MMT this year and 3.8 MMT next year. Both quantities are higher than China's projected rice imports of 3.5 MMT for both this year and next year.

The USDA data showed that the Philippines will surpass China in terms of rice imports because of tepid import demand from the latter due to "reduced price-competitiveness of imports versus domestic rice." USDA data showed that China's rice demand for this year is set to decline to 154.944 MMT from last year's 156.36 MMT and would further decrease to 152 MMT next year. Unlike China, the Philippines is poised to sustain the increase in its rice consumption to a record-level of 16.4 MMT next year, according to the USDA.

Prior to the passage of the rice trade liberalization (RTL) law in 2019, the Philippines was the top rice importer for three consecutive years: 2008, 2009 and 2010, according to the USDA. And even before that, the Philippines was the biggest buyer of rice in the world market in 2005, historical USDA data showed.

However, the USDA noted that the Philippines's buying pattern this year is different from what it exhibited in 2008.

"In 2008, top importer the Philippines continuously bought larger volumes as prices escalated; this year, it is delaying purchases, awaiting lower prices," it said.

In the past three years (20202022), the Philippines has been the second biggest buyer of rice in the world market, according to the USDA.

Regardless of whether the Philippines is the number one or number two in terms of imports, Federation of Free Farmers National Manager Raul Q. Montemayor emphasized that since 2019 the share of rice imports to the country's total supply has been growing to about 20 percent.

This was an increase from a 10-percent share of imported rice to total rice stocks prior to the implementation of the RTL law,

"The implication is that we are more reliant on imports," he added, noting that it would entail being subjected to price movements in the world rice market.

The Philippines is projected to produce 12.631 MMT of rice this year, about 3.369 MMT short of its estimated consumption of 16 MMT, based on USDA data.

USDA data showed that the country would have an ending rice stock of 3.484 MMT for both 2023 and 2024.

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) earlier reported that the Philippines is "underpinning" the world demand for rice. In particular, the FAO cited the Philippines as one of the drivers for the increase in fragrant rice quotations.

"In the fragrant and Japonica segments, August price increases mostly concerned Vietnamese quotations, which rose due to a strong pace of exports and low stocks, as was the case of short-grain rice, or were influenced by Indica price movements, as was the case of fragrant rice owing to strong buying interest from Filipino buyers for mixing," FAO said in its latest Rice Price Update report.

The BPI, an attached agency of the Philippine DA, data showed that the country has imported 2.332 MMT of rice as of September 7.

THE Philippines's rice imports this year and next year would be below 3.9 million metric tons (MMT), contrary to projections by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), due to better local output and higher carryover stocks, an agriculture undersecretary said.

Mercury being sold online to fight witchcraft–toxic waste watchdog

By Jonathan L.  Mayuga @jonlmayuga

TOXIC waste watchdog EcoWaste Coalition (Ecowaste) alerted authorities on Wednesday that liquid mercury products are now being marketed online as an “antidote” against witchcraft.

According to the group, individuals who sell and those who use mercury for such a purpose should be warned about the health hazard of direct exposure to mercury, stressing that “there is no known safe level of exposure” to the highly toxic element.

The group’s warning was prompted by its discovery of online product listings for mercury packed in a small bottle that is being touted to thwart the effects of black magic. “Asogi pangontra sa kulam, barang at iba pa; pwede din itanim sa balat,” one listing reportedly states.

The group likewise saw local videos and photos on Facebook and YouTube promoting the use of mercury to protect oneself from “kulam.”

“People should not be lured into using such a poisonous substance, including ‘planting’ mercury into the skin, as a ‘pamatay-bisa’ or antidote to acts of witchery,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. Toxic mercury has no known function in the human body and there is no level of mercury in the body that is deemed safe.”

As part of its advocacy to make e-commerce mercury-free, the EcoWaste Coalition has been urging online shopping platforms and others to stop the unlawful trade of mercury and mercury-added products such as those marked for global phase out in 2020 under Article 4 of

DOE draft policy reclassifies PSH as energy source and ancillary service

the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

“We urge all e-commerce platforms to take concrete steps to make their sites safe from mercury and other regulated chemicals and products that can put the health of their clients and their families at risk,” Lucero said. “ We likewise urge the authorities to look into the ‘cultural’ uses of mercury in the country and curb their impacts.”

While the Minamata Convention does not cover “products used in traditional or religious practices,” DENR Administrative Order No. 201920 excludes such use among the allowable uses of mercury.

Go vernments are not prevented by the treaty from taking additional measures to protect public health and the environment from mercury exposure, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

Also known as the revised Chemical Control Order (CCO), the directive aims to “reduce hazards to health and the environment from the production, manufacture, use, handling, management, transport, interim storage, and disposal of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury-added products.”

“In the human body, mercury damages the central nervous system, thyroid, kidneys, lungs, immune system, eyes, gums and skin,” the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said. “N eurological damage to the brain caused by mercury cannot be reversed. There is no known safe exposure level for elemental mercury in humans, and effects can be seen even at very low levels.”

“People using mercury for cultural uses are often unaware of mercury’s toxicity and associated risks,” UNEP pointed out.

Go lauds Senate OK of basic education

mental health bill

SENATOR

Go, co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2200, or the Basic Education

Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion

Act initially filed and principally sponsored by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, expressed his elation and support for the bill after it was approved by the Senate on third and final reading on Monday, September 11.

“Thank you, Mr. President. I congratulate and commend this Chamber for approving Senate Bill 379,” Go said.

“This is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our young learners in the face of a mental health crisis that cannot be ignored,” he added. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, extended his gratitude to Gatchalian for spearheading the initiative.

“I particularly thank the sponsor, Sen. Win Gatchalian for prioritizing this measure. His leadership in championing

A First: US Judges Honor CJ Gesmundo

Continued from A20

The Chief Justice also shared during the event the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), a blueprint for judicial reforms to address institutional challenges using four guiding principles : the judiciary’s delivery of justice will be (1) timely and fair; (2) transparent and accountable, (3) equal and inclusive, and (technology adaptive).

With the implementation of SPJI, CJ Gesmundo expressed optimism that “the justice that has eluded many, most especially the marginalized, will be at arms’ reach.”

Chief Justice Gesmundo shared the award with his colleagues in the Philippine Supreme Court, judicial officers, Court officials and employees, and members of the Bar.

H e expressed his gratitude to the development partners—international agencies and judicial organizations for their valuable assistance and support.

“While it may have been my singular pride to be at the helm of the Court at this time of great transformation, it is only through our concerted efforts that we can overcome the challenges afflicting the administrative and adjudicative operations of our courts,” he said.

The chief magistrate also gave assurances that he would dedicate his remaining years in the judiciary “to the realization of the ideal that justice is for all and, to be meaningful, must be rendered on time. “

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has drafted a policy that will classify pump-storage hydropower plants (PSH) as both energy source and ancillary service (AS), with plans to auction the capacity and trade this at the electricity spot market.

Ancillary services are stand-by power in the event that baseload power plants bogged down. The system operator  (SO), which is the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), is required to maintain a certain level of AS to support the transmission of power from generators to consumers.

Based on the approved 20232032 Ancillary Services Agreement

Procurement Plan, the required Regulating Reserve (RR), Contingency Reserve (CR), and Dispatchable Reserve (DR) for 2023 are 729 megawatts (MW), 959 MW, and 959 MW, respectively. On the other hand, the awarded AS per the recently concluded Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for the said AS requirements are 396 MW for RR, 985 MW for CR, and 866 MW for DR, respectively.

“To increase the portfolio of existing ESS [Energy Storage System] units and facilities and thereby achieve a desirable, sustainable, reliable and efficient level of generation capacities and AS [ancillary service] in the Philippine grid, there is a need to issue additional policies and mobilize key government agencies and entities,” the DOE draft

circular stated.

Thus, the agency proposed that PSH will serve as “both Energy and AS and will complement the Energy Transition Program of the DOE.”

The DOE said it will conduct simulations of the Philippine Grid to include and assess PSH/ESS capacities needed to achieve the 2030-2040 RE (renewable energy) targets, integrate a larger percent of variable RE, and transition the grid from a thermal fuel-based energy mix to a flexible higher RE energy mix design.

Further, the DOE will integrate the ESS roadmap in the Philippine Energy Plan, Power Development Plan, and National RE Program. After which, capacities from PSH facilities and RE plus ESS integrated system shall be auctioned.

DBM releases 2021 PBB for public school teachers

OVER 920,000 public school teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd) will soon receive P11.6 billion in performance-based bonus (PBB) for 2021, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Thursday.

The DBM said it has issued both the corresponding Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) and Notice of Cash Allocations (NCAs) to 16 regional offices of DepEd for the 2021 PBB of its school-based personnel.

The DBM added that the total beneficiary is estimated at 920,073, who are working

overall happiness,” he added.

The bill also proposes to raise the salary grades of Guidance Counselors, a move that Gatchalian believes will attract more qualified professionals to these roles.

in various public elementary and secondary schools under DepEd.

“The DBM stands with our nation’s educators and recognizes their extraordinary work...That is why we are one with our teachers in the pursuit of the immediate release of their PBB,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement.

The DBM explained that it issued the necessary budget documents for the release of the 2021 PBB after its evaluation and validation of the submitted documents by DepEd from April to August.

The DBM added that the basis for the

2021 PBB was DepEd’s accomplishments during the reference year.

“The Final Evaluation Assessment for the DepEd was released by the Administrative Order No. 25 Inter-Agency Task Force in January 2023, while the necessary documents for the purpose were submitted by the DepEd to the DBM from April to August 2023,” it said.

“This could be attributed to the strikingly high number of eligible personnel at around 900,000 employees in the DepEd, and the voluminous documents being submitted for the purpose,” it added.

“The DOE shall include PSH facilities and other RE+ESS integrated system in the GEA (Green Energy Auction), subject to further guidelines for each GEA round. Towards this end, the DOE hereby extends to all PSH and RE+ESS integrated system the Preferential Dispatch status in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, pursuant to DC202210-0031,” the draft circular stated. There will be amendments in the WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) rules to cover the capacities from PSH and RE+ESS integrated system in the spot market.

“Other than the GEA, PSH and other RE+ESS integrated system may choose to participate in the CSP [Competitive Selection Process] of DUs [distribution utilities] and of the SO, respectively, in the Green Energy Auction Program, and other markets and platforms existing and to be established by the DOE,” it added.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will issue the rules in order to implement the proposed DOE circular.

As for the PBB of non-teaching personnel in eight Regional Offices (RO), the DBM said it returned the documents to DepEd for “revalidation or revision” due to duplication and other issues. The concerned ROs were NCR, CAR, RO Nos. III, IV-A, VIII, XI, XII and XIII.

“The documents were sent back due to varying concerns, such as duplicate entries, incorrect information on the months of service, and certain personnel not found in the DepEd’s Personnel Services Itemization and Plantilla of Personnel, among others,” it said.

“Once received, revalidated, and approved by DBM, the documents will be endorsed to DBM ROs for processing of the SARO and NCA,” it added. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

this legislation deserves our wholehearted gratitude,” Go said.

The senator emphasized the urgency of addressing mental health issues among young learners, saying, “It is our moral and civic duty to respond with urgency and compassion. We must refuse to let another young life be lost due to untreated mental health issues.”

The bill aims to establish a Mental Health and Well-Being Center in both public and private K to 12 schools. It also supports the Department of Education’s learning recovery plan and creates new permanent positions for Guidance Counselor and Guidance Associate.

“Mental health is an integral component of holistic health,” Go continued.

“When our young learners struggle with their mental well-being, it affects every part of their lives—their academic performance, their relationships, and their

“It is only through this that courts become institutions for peace, order, unity, and equality,” he added.

High-rise at Sta. Ana puts cultural treasure of church at risk

Continued from A20

The construction company was able to obtain an ECC from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of DENR.

According to the church, SPI’s documents to obtain clearance “are in question as being authentic.”

They claimed that the Barangay documents were not signed by officials and neighbors, whose signatures appear in the documents.

“In addition, the three documents obtained from Manila City Hall (Zoning Clearance, City Council Resolution and Building Permit) based on these questionable documents have long expired,” the church said.

O ther permits are also being called to question as they are allegedly based on false information.

SPI has not yet responded to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s (DHSUD) request for answers and clarification.

We strongly object to the construction given the threat mentioned above: to the neighborhood and to the long history of Santa Ana Church housing a National Cultural Treasure,” said the church.

“I believe that this legislation will help destigmatize mental health problems. It also sends a message that it’s okay to talk about mental health, to seek help, and to prioritize one’s well-being,” Go said, emphasizing the importance of both bills in creating a supportive environment for students at all educational levels.

“Most importantly, it creates an environment where our youth feel safe and supported,” Go added.

Meanwhile, the senator also mentioned that he filed a similar measure, SBN 1786, aimed at higher education institutions. This bill proposes the establishment of Mental Health Offices on campuses, along with a range of other support mechanisms. Furthermore, his bill mandates educational institutions to raise awareness on mental health issues and to develop necessary mechanisms to empower educational institutions in promoting mental health and wellness.

PHL seen to become AsPac gaming leader

Continued from A20

DTI-EMB also revealed a collaboration—a “brainchild” of DTI-EMB and the International Trade Centre (ITC)—“significantly” backed by the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) and Cybercraft Philippines Association under the European Union-funded ARISE Plus Philippines Project.

“F ilipino [micro, small, and medium enterprises] MSMEs have demonstrated their huge innovative potential in the gaming industry. ITC is honored to work with the DTI, the Game Developers Association of the Philippines [GDAP], Cybercraft Philippines Association, and multitalented Filipino MSMEs in the gaming industry,” said International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Chief of Office for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Sylvie Bétemps Cochin.

“

We hope that this participation will foster stronger business linkages and opportunities for them to tap into the European market and beyond,” Cochin added.

In 2022 alone , the Philippine gaming sector raked in revenues of US$ 75 million, employing a talented pool of 8,000 professionals, DTI-EMB said.

The export marketing arm of DTI said this endeavor at Gamescom is but a “strategic move” in the nation’s master plan under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) to bolster its gaming industry.

E arlier this year, DTI said five game development companies from the Philippines secured initial US$1.67 million in actual and potential export sales during the Nordic Game 2023 held in Malmö, Sweden.

Christopher Lawrence “Bong”

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

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

Park I, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

15 EPSON PRECISION (PHILIPPINES), INC.

Special Export Processing Zone, Lima Technology Center, Bugtong Na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

SAKAI,

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Libyan city buries thousands in mass graves after flood; mayor says death toll could triple

By Samy Magdy & Yousef Murad

DERNA, Libya—The city of Derna has buried thousands of people in mass

graves, Libyan officials said Thursday, as search teams scoured ruins left by devastating floods and the city’s mayor said that the death toll could triple or more.

The deluge swept away entire families on Sunday night and exposed vulnerabilities in the oilrich country that has been mired in conflict since its 2011 uprising.

Health officials have confirmed 5,100 deaths and say 9,000 people are still missing. Here’s a look at the latest developments.

What happened in Libya?

DANIEL , an unusually strong Mediterranean storm, caused deadly flooding in towns across eastern Libya, but the worst hit was Derna. As the storm pounded the coast Sunday night, residents said they heard loud explosions when the dams outside the city collapsed. Floodwaters washed down Wadi Derna, a valley that cuts through the city, crashing through buildings and washing people out to sea. The startling devastation reflected the storm’s intensity, but also Libya’s vulnerability. The country is divided by rival governments—one in the east, the other in the west—and one result has been widespread neglect of infrastructure. The dams that collapsed outside Derna were built in the 1970s and have not been maintained for years, local media reported.

What’s happening today?

DERNA has begun burying its dead, mostly in mass graves, said eastern Libya’s health minister,

Othman Abduljaleel.

More than 3,000 bodies were buried by Thursday morning, the minister said, while another 2,000 were still being processed. He said most of the dead were buried in mass graves outside Derna, while others were transferred to nearby towns and cities.

Abduljaleel said rescue teams were still searching wrecked buildings in the city center, and divers were combing seawater off Derna.

How many people have been killed?

HEALTH authorities have put the death toll in Derna at 5,100 as of Wednesday. The number of deaths was likely to climb as searches are continuing, and at least 9,000 people are still missing, said Ossama Ali, a spokesman for an ambulance center in eastern Libya.

Local officials suggested that the death toll could be much higher than announced. In comments to the Saudi-owned Al Arabia television station, Derna Mayor Abdel-Raham al-Ghaithi said the tally could climb to 20,000, given the number of neighborhoods that were washed out.

An official with the UN’s World Health Organization in Libya said the fatalities could reach 7,000, given the number of people who

Sydney blanketed by smoke for 4th day due to hazard reduction burning

SYDNEY—Sydney was blanketed under thick wood smoke for a fourth consecutive day on Thursday due to hazard reduction burns in preparation for the wildfire season.

Australia’s most populous city after Melbourne has recorded some of the world’s worst air quality readings since the controlled burning of fuel loads in the surrounding landscapes began on Sunday.

Fire authorities have only carried out 14% of planned hazard reduction burns across New South Wales state as of this week and are attempting to catch up before what is forecast to be a hot and dry Southern Hemisphere summer.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service

Inspector Ben Shepherd said the burns were suspended on Thursday and Friday because of excessive pollution levels and that Sydney’s air was expected to clear soon.

“It’s mostly due to the smoke,” Shepherd said of the postponements.

“For the next 48 hours, we’ll give this smoke a chance to clear without fire agencies adding additional smoke to it,” Shepherd added.

Rain had prevented burning last week and an increased fire danger due to rising temperatures and windy conditions was expected to prevent burning late next week.

New England has been hit likely by tornado; Hurricane Lee up next

By Michael Casey & Kathy Mccormack

The Associated Press

LEOMINSTER, Mass.—Hurricane Lee looks poised to wallop New England later this week even as the region still deals with the impact of days of wild weather that produced torrential rain, flooding, sinkholes and a likely tornado.

A hurricane watch stretches from Stonington, Maine to the US-Canadian border, where hurricane conditions, heavy rainfall and coastal flooding are possible Friday night and Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday night.

Areas from Watch Hill, Rhode Island, to Stonington, Maine—including Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket—are under a tropical storm watch. A storm surge watch has also been issued for Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket with the potential for life threatening flooding there late Friday and Saturday.

The looming arrival of the hurricane threatened to unleash more violent storms on a region that earlier in the week saw 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain that fall over six hours and on Wednesday saw communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island deal with tornado warnings and more heavy rain that opened up sinkholes and brought devastating flooding to several areas. The National Weather Service in Boston

were still missing. “The numbers could surprise and shock all of us,” said the official, who was not authorized to brief media and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The storm also killed around 170 people in other parts of eastern Libya, including the towns of Bayda, Susa, Um Razaz and Marj, the health minister said.

The dead in eastern Libya included at least 84 Egyptians, who were transferred to their home country on Wednesday. More than 70 came from one village in the southern province of Beni Suef. Libyan media also said dozens of Sudanese migrants were killed in the disaster.

Is help reaching survivors?

THE floods have also displaced at least 30,000 people in Derna, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration, and several thousand others were forced to leave their homes in other eastern towns, the UN agency said.

The floods damaged or destroyed many access roads to Derna, hampering the arrival of international rescue teams and humanitarian assistance.

The Associated Press writer Jack Jeffery in London contributed.

The coming wildfire season across southeast Australia is expected to be the most destructive since the catastrophic Black Summer wildfires of 2019-2020. The fires killed at least 33 people including 10 firefighters, destroyed more than 3,000 homes, razed 19 million hectares (47 million acres) and displaced thousands of residents.

Medical authorities estimated more than 400 people were killed by the smoke, which enveloped major cities. Since then, three successive La Lina weather events have brought unusually wet and mild summers.

The rain has also created larger fuel loads and frustrated authorities’ hazard reduction plans. Only a quarter of the hazard reduction target was achieved through controlled burning across New South Wales last fiscal year. AP

said radar data and videos showed it was likely that a tornado damaged trees and power lines in Rhode Island and Connecticut on Wednesday. In Lincoln, Rhode Island, photos after the storm showed at least one roof damaged and the press box at the high school stadium tipped into the bleachers.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said on social media that the state’s emergency operations center was activated and would be monitoring the fast-changing weather conditions over the next few days.

“The best thing you can do right now: Stay tuned for frequent updates,” McKee said.

In North Attleborough, Massachusetts, which was hit by heavy flooding Monday night, Sean Pope watched the forecast with unease. Heavy rain turned his swimming pool into a mud pit and filled his basement with 3 feet (91 centimeters) of water.

“I am hanging on, hoping and watching the forecast and looking for hot spots where it may rain and where there are breaks,” he said. “We have to make sure the pumps are working.”

Late Tuesday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued a state of emergency following the “catastrophic flash flooding and property damage” in two counties and other communities. The torrential downpour in a six-hour period earlier in the week was a “200-year event,” said Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boston.

Healey said Wednesday that the state’s emergency management agency is watching the weather and is prepared to offer assistance. The state is monitoring the conditions of dams, she said, and she urged residents to take flood warnings seriously and to stay off the roads when ordered.

The rain created several sinkholes in Leominster, Massachusetts, including one at a dealership where several cars were swallowed up. In Providence, Rhode Island, downpours flooded a parking lot and parts of a shopping mall. Firefighters used inflatable boats to rescue more than two-dozen people stranded in cars.

After a dry day, it started raining in Leominster again Wednesday afternoon. Parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island were under a flash flood warning. Earlier in the day, there were heavy downpours in Danbury, Connecticut, where officials said they had to rescue several people from vehicles stuck in floodwaters.

Rain from Hurricane Lee didn’t contribute to the flooding earlier this week. But the hurricane is traveling north and could make landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada, possibly as a tropical storm, forecasters said.

“The ground is saturated. It can’t take in anymore,” Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said at a news conference Wednesday.

Mazarella said up to 300 people were evacuated by Tuesday morning in the city, which has not seen such widespread damage since a 1936 hurricane. Most buildings downtown flooded and some collapsed.

He said early estimates on city infrastructure restoration projects could be anywhere from $25 million to $40 million.

The World

Women take record five Japan cabinet posts as equality lags

By Isabel Reynolds

FIVE women feature in Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s new cabinet lineup, equaling a record, yet the influx may not point to a gender equality breakthrough in a country that struggles to appoint female leaders in most fields.

Most pr ominent among the new appointments is Yoko Kamikawa, a veteran former Justice Minister who becomes the country’s first woman foreign minister in almost two decades. Kamikawa, 70, is a graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

“This is a giant step forward,” for a country that lags on appointing women to corporate leadership positions, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said of the appointments in a phone interview. He welcomed Kamikawa’s selection as foreign minister, describing her as “very capable.”

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s New Cabinet Lineup

WHIL e Minister for Economic Security

Sanae Takaichi retained her spot in the cabinet, the other three women were appointed to relatively low-profile positions in charge of policy for children, post-disaster reconstruction and regional revitalization.

Kishida kept men in the main finance and trade roles, in line with a pattern of excluding women from the types of jobs that open the way to taking over as prime minister. Japan has never had a female finance minister and its last female chief cabinet secretary left the post more than 30 years ago.

The limited progress partly reflects an overall dearth of women in Kishida’s longruling Liberal Democratic Party—only 8

percent of its lawmakers in the legislature’s powerful lower house are female, even less than the 10 percent across all parties.

Kamikawa told reporters on Thursday Japan’s gender gap was an “enormous problem.”

Japan fell to 125th place out of 146 nations in the World Economic Forum’s report on gender equality this year, and was at 138th position in terms of political empowerment for women, lower than Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

In the cabinet , “the number of women sometimes goes up and then goes down,” as the focus switches to other issues, said Mieko Nakabayashi, a former lawmaker turned political science professor at Waseda University in Tokyo. “In Japanese politics, particularly the lower house, the basic number of women is too low.” Japanese ministers are mostly selected from among lower house lawmakers.

W hile appointing women has helped successive Japanese governments clean up their image and bolster public support, the effect can sometimes be short-lived.

I n 2014, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed five women to his cabinet, spurring a surge in voter approval. About six weeks later, two of them resigned on the same day, one felled by an accusation that she’d broken regulations by handing out cheap paper fans to voters. In October 2018, Abe appointed a cabinet with only one woman among its 19 members.

Women in power tend to be held to a higher standard than men around the world, and the effect is particularly pronounced in Japan, according to Mari Miura, a professor of political science at Sophia University in Tokyo. With assistance from Takashi Hirokawa and Yuki Hagiwara/Bloomberg

No sign of Kim as Russia visit goes on; Seoul concerned over Putin meetings

By Kim Tong-Hyung & Dasha Litvinova The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was to tour a Russian aircraft plant that builds fighter jets and then visit the country’s Pacific Fleet, but his exact whereabouts remained uncertain, as South Korea on Thursday expressed “deep concern and regret” that his visit has focused so far on expanding military cooperation.

Washington has warned that the summit on Wednesday between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to a deal for North Korea to supply ammunition for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. There’s widespread concern in Seoul that North Korea in return would receive advanced weapons technologies from Russia, including those related to military spy satellites, which would increase the threat posed by Kim’s military nuclear program.

“We express our deep concern and regret that despite repeated warnings from the international community, North Korea and Russia discussed military cooperation issues, including satellite development, during their summit,” said Lim Soo-suk, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

“Any science and technology cooperation that contributes to nuclear weapons and missile development, including satellite systems that involve ballistic missile technologies, runs against UN Security Council resolutions,” he said in a briefing.

Lim also pointed out that Kim’s delegation in Russia includes several people sanctioned by the Security Council over involvement in illicit North Korean weapons development activities, including Korean People’s Army Marshal Ri Pyong Chol and Jo Chun Yong, a ruling party official who handles munitions policies. Lim said Moscow should realize there will be “very negative impacts” on its relations with Seoul if it proceeds with military cooperation with North Korea.

South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho, who handles affairs with North Korea, warned that potential arms transfers between the North and Russia would invite stronger responses from South Korea, the US and Japan, which have been stepping up their trilateral security cooperation to cope with regional threats.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that North Korea would face consequences if it supplies arms to Russia.

“No nation on the planet, nobody, should be helping Mr. Putin kill innocent Ukrainians,” Kirby said. If the countries decide to move forward with an arms deal, the US will take measure of the arrangement and “deal with it appropriately,” he said.

He said that any deal that would improve North Korea’s military capabilities “certainly would be of significant concern to us.”

The world has been largely relying

on Russian and North Korean media for information about Kim’s diplomacy in Russia, which underscores an aligning interest between the nucleararmed countries locked in escalating tensions with the West.

A day after giving intense coverage to the Putin-Kim summit, Russian media outlets were silent on Kim as of Thursday afternoon. North Korean state media have been reporting on Kim’s activities in Russia a day late and crafting their reports to support the government’s propaganda needs.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said on Thursday that Kim had invited Putin to visit North Korea at a “convenient time” and that Putin accepted with “pleasure and reaffirmed his will to invariably carry forward” the history of friendship between the nations.

Putin told Russian state TV after the summit that Kim will travel to two more cities in Russia’s Far East on his own, flying to Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where he will visit an aircraft plant, and then go to Vladivostok to view Russia’s Pacific Fleet, a university and other facilities.

During their meeting on Wednesday at Russia’s spaceport in the Far East, Kim vowed “full and unconditional support” for Putin in what he described as a “just fight against hegemonic forces to defend its sovereign rights, security and interests,” in an apparent reference to the war in Ukraine.

The decision to meet at the Vostochny Cosmodrome suggested that Kim is seeking Russian help in developing military reconnaissance satellites. He has previously said they are crucial to enhancing the threat of his nuclear-capable missiles, and

Suu Kyi’s son worried about mother’s health in detention

By Grant Peck & Tian Macleod Ji

The Associated Press

BANGKOK—The younger son of ousted Myanmar leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi says he has always avoided talking to the media, but this time is different. He’s increasingly worried about his imprisoned 78-year-old mother’s health and about Myanmar’s violent political crisis, which he calls desperate.

“I’d just really like to have some form of contact with her so that I know that she’s OK, because at the moment she has no access to her legal counsel,” Kim Aris said Wednesday in a video interview with The Associated Press from his home in London.

“She has no access to her personal doctors. She’s not allowed any visitors, as far as I’m aware. She’s not even allowed to mingle with the other prisoners, which means she’s basically under a form of solitary confinement.”

Suu Kyi was arrested in 2021 when the army seized power from her democratically elected government. She has since been prosecuted and convicted on more than a dozen charges for offenses her supporters say were concocted to keep her out of politics. She is serving a prison term of 27 years.

The military takeover triggered massive public resistance that was brutally suppressed, triggering a bloody civil war that has killed thousands of people.

Aris, 46, said he has tried to keep out of the spotlight for decades, seeking to avoid any political activism and “just trying to keep my head down and get on with my family life.”

“I’ve always tried to avoid speaking to the media and (have been) avoiding social media all my life. But the situation in Burma at the moment is absolutely desperate,” he said, referring to Myanmar by its former name. “The fact that I’ve not been allowed to communicate with my mother at all for over two and a half years now” is another reason he is speaking out, he said.

“So now I’m doing all I can to try and help the situation and bring awareness of this situation to the wider world,” he said. He is getting active on social media and said he plans a campaign to “bring awareness and funding for humanitarian purposes.”

Aris said he has heard that his mother has been extremely ill and has been suffering from gum problems and was unable to eat.

“She was suffering from bouts of dizziness and vomiting and couldn’t walk at one stage.”

Aris said his information comes from independent Myanmar media and social

North Korea has repeatedly failed to place spy satellites into orbit.

The aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur would be another location that possibly hints at what Kim seeks to gain from Russia in exchange for help fueling Putin’s war on Ukraine.

Some analysts question whether Russia, which has always closely guarded its sensitive weapons technologies, would be willing to share them with North Korea in exchange for what may end up being limited supplies of munitions moved slowly through their small land link.

They say military cooperation between the countries could be more about conventional capabilities, such as Russia possibly helping North Korea improve its badly aged air force that remains reliant on fighter jets sent by the Soviet Union in the 1980s.

Putin told reporters that Russia and North Korea have “lots of interesting projects” in spheres like transportation and agriculture and that Moscow is providing its neighbor with humanitarian aid. But he avoided talking about military cooperation, saying only that Russia is abiding by the sanctions prohibiting procuring weapons from North Korea.

Wednesday’s meeting came hours after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles toward the sea, extending a highly provocative run in testing since 2022, as Kim used the distraction caused by war in Ukraine to accelerate his weapons development.

Litvinova

media. Britain’s Foreign Office and the International Red Cross have tried and failed to learn more on his behalf, he said. He has tried reaching out to Myanmar’s military government, including its embassy in London, “but I don’t get any response from them. They wouldn’t even answer the door to me.”

It’s not the first time Suu Kyi has faced confinement. She spent nearly 15 years under house arrest under a previous military government starting in 1989, a year after cofounding her National League for Democracy party. But almost all of that time was at her family home in Yangon, the country’s biggest city, and she was not completely isolated.

“At that time, it was in her own home and she was allowed visitors. At times, I was allowed to spend time with her under house arrest. And we were allowed to send her care packages and letters and have communication with her. For the last two and a half years, we have had none of those basic human rights.”

“I realize that there’s so many natural disasters and humanitarian crisis all over the world now, and it’s hard for everybody to be exposed to that every day. We all need to try and do our bit to try and help everywhere that we can. And Burma is one country where we can change things very easily,” Aris said.

“If only 2 percent of what has been given to the Ukrainian forces had been given to the resistance forces in Burma, the situation would be very different now,” he said. “So I hope that people around the world can rally and try and help the people in Burma so that we can end this needless bloodshed.”

reported from Tallinn, Estonia. Associated Press journalists Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea; Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo; and Jim Heintz in Tallinn contributed to this report.

IN this photo provided by the North Korean government, Russian President Vladimir Putin, fourth left, speaks at a welcome ceremony for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, seated at fourth right, at the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the city of Blagoveshchensk in the far eastern Amur region, Russia on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY/KOREA NEWS SERVICE VIA AP

Israel finance chief now governs West Bank; critics see steps toward permanent control

By Isabel Debre The Associated Press

Finance Minister Bezalel

Smotrich, a leader of the settlement movement, assumed new powers over the occupied territory in his coalition agreement with Netanyahu. Smotrich moved swiftly to approve thousands of new settlement homes, legalize previously unauthorized wildcat outposts and make it more difficult for Palestinians to build homes and move about.

As the first government minister to oversee civilian life in the West Bank, his role amounts to a recognition that Israel’s 56-year military occupation is not temporary but permanent, observers say.

“If Smotrich keeps this position for four years we will be at a point of no return,” said Ilan Paz, former head of Israel’s Civil Administration, a military body overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank.

Hoping to return to power while facing a corruption trial, Netanyahu offered sweeping concessions to pro-settler lawmakers like Smotrich to form his governing coalition last year. The coalition agreement created a new Israeli settler agency, led by Smotrich, within the Defense Ministry to manage Jewish and Palestin -

ian construction in the 60 percent of the West Bank over which Israel has control.

“It’s a sort of revolution, transferring powers from the military, with its legal obligation to consider the well-being of occupied people, to those only committed to Israeli interests,” said human rights lawyer Michael Sfard.

Smotrich has said he seeks to double the settler population, build up roads and neighborhoods and erase any remaining differences between life for Israelis in the West Bank and within Israel proper. Along the way, he hopes to destroy any Palestinian hopes of independence.

As finance minister, Smotrich can funnel taxpayer funds to West Bank infrastructure projects. Israel’s 2024 budget earmarks an all-time high of $960 million—a quarter of all Transportation Ministry funds—for a highway network better connecting Israel to the West Bank. The settlers are just over 5 percent of Israel’s population.

Israel considers the West Bank the biblical heartland of the Jewish people. Smotrich and his supporters envision a single state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea

in which Palestinians can live quietly with second-class status or leave.

“We felt like the state never prioritized us because of where we lived. Smotrich is changing that,” said Smotrich’s spokesperson Eitan Fuld. While Smotrich’s new settler agency now handles the territory’s land-use issues, COGAT, the military body that oversees the Civil Administration, retains specific responsibilities over more than 2 million Palestinians. Rights groups and others have compared the division along ethnic lines to “ apartheid.”

Some half-million settlers live in the West Bank, which Israel captured along with east Jerusalem and Gaza in the 1967 Mideast war. The international community overwhelmingly considers the settlements illegal.

Experts and officials say Smotrich’s policies already have compounded Palestinian misery, emboldened violent settlers and unleashed turmoil within Israel’s military establishment. Recent settlement expansion has also strained the Netanyahu government’s ties with the White House.

Smotrich declined interview requests.

“Smotrich took over the Civil Administration, the only tool that Israel has to calm things down,” said former West Bank military commander Gadi Shamni. “The West Bank will explode.”

Monthly settler attacks have surged by over 30 percent this year, compared to 2022, UN figures show. The government has approved 13,000 settlement housing units and legalized 20 outposts built without authorization, said anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now, the highest levels since the group started counting in 2012.

Under Smotrich, Israeli authorities have pressed on with the demolition of Palestinian construction built without permits. COGAT acknowledged in July that it rejects over 95 percent of Palestinian permit requests.

This year’s demolitions are up slightly from last year, which saw the most demolitions since at least 2006, according to Israeli rights group B’Tselem.

Meanwhile Israeli authorities have scaled back efforts to evacuate unauthorized Jewish outposts, settlers say.

“This is the best government we’ve ever had,” said 32-year-old

Shulamit Ben Yashar from the outpost of Asa’el in the arid hills south of Hebron. The outpost—home to 90 families, including Smotrich’s brother Tuvia—received legal approval on Sept. 6.

Renovation fever ran high at the Asa’el playground as mothers gushed about their plans to swap ramshackle caravans and wheezing generators for concrete and Israel’s national electricity grid.

Their Palestinian neighbors—herders across dusty slopes known as Masafer Yatta—face expulsion by Israeli authorities and increased attacks by settlers. Residents in the rural area, which the Israeli military plans to seize, say Smotrich and his allies are squeezing the life from their communities.

“We can barely breathe,” said 38-year-old Sameer Hammdeh, whose two camels were killed last month after stumbling over trip wires he said were placed by settlers. Residents say settler provocations— damaging Palestinian cars and hurting livestock—reflect a sense of impunity instilled by the government.

Smotrich and his allies have also vowed to hasten the pace of settlement construction. In July, the government slashed six stages of approval required for settlement advancement down to two: Smotrich and a planning committee.

“This makes it possible to build much more,” said Zvi Yedidia Sukkot, lawmaker in Smotrich’s Religious Zionist party.

The party has proposed allocating $180 million to renovate settlement housing and build new hospitals and schools. Authorities are paving two new multimillion-dollar bypass roads to whisk Israeli settlers around Palestinian towns.

One of the roads goes around Hawara, a flashpoint town where settlers burned dozens of houses and cars in a rampage early this year following the deadly shooting of two

settlers. At the time, Smotrich said the town should be “erased.”

“Our government has finally figured out that withdrawing from land is a prize for terror,” said Rabbi Menachem Ben Shachar, a teacher at a newly built yeshiva seminary at Homesh, one of four outposts that Israel evacuated in 2005.

Lawmakers repealed the legislation this year that had barred settlers from visiting the site. Over 50 students were rocking in prayer at the yeshiva on a recent visit.

Such decisions have unsettled Israel’s defense establishment. Settlers said that Israeli forces in May tried to stop them from hauling heavy construction equipment to build a new yeshiva. But when Smotrich pressed, the government abruptly ordered troops to allow settlers to build.

“The political echelon ordered the military echelon not to obey the law,” said Nitzan Alon, a retired general who once commanded the West Bank region.

The military and COGAT declined to comment on that incident. But a security official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter, said Smotrich’s intervention has halted several planned demolitions in unauthorized outposts.

Last month, the tug-of-war between Smotrich stalwarts and security-minded military men burst into the open when Israeli authorities were filmed pumping cement into wells south of Hebron, permanently sealing Palestinian water sources in the heat of summer. Palestinians had drilled the wells without permits that Israel rarely provides.

The footage spread on social media, and COGAT was caught offguard, said the security official. The agency promised any future demolitions of water cisterns “would be examined based on their merits.”

Smotrich’s men are “crossing all the lines,” said Paz, the former general. “They don’t care.”

High gas prices push up US inflation, but prices overall are slowly moving in the right direction

By Christopher Rugaber AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON—Inflation

jumped last month largely because of a spike in gas prices but other costs rose more slowly, suggesting price pressures are easing at a gradual pace.

In a set of conflicting data released

Wednesday, the Labor Department said the consumer price index rose 3.7 percent in August from a year ago, up from a 3.2 percent annual pace in July. Yet excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called core prices rose 4.3 percent, a step back from 4.7 percent in July and the smallest increase in nearly two years. That is still far from the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target.

The big rise in gas prices accounted for more than half of the monthly inflation increase, the government said.

Despite the seemingly divergent figures, the decline in the core measure points to inflation coming under control, but at a much more gradual pace than earlier this year. The Federal Reserve closely tracks core prices because they are seen as a better indicator of future inflation trends.

The Fed is widely expected to skip an interest rate hike at its meeting next week. Wednesday’s figures keep the prospect of another rate increase later this year on the table, however, perhaps at its November or December meetings, economists said, because core prices ticked up a bit faster in August than in July.

Wednesday’s report suggested that after inflation faded quickly over the spring and the summer, future de -

clines will be much more gradual. Inflation dropped to 3 percent in June, down from a 9.1 percent peak in June 2022. Some of the forces that pulled down prices earlier this year—such as lower gas prices and improving supply chains, which reduced the cost of goods like furniture—have largely played out, economists say.

“We’re getting to the stage where we’ve basically had all the low hanging fruit in terms of disinflation,” said Blerina Uruci, an economist at T. Rowe Price. “The progress on core inflation over the coming months is going to be slow and it’s going to be uneven.”

On a monthly basis, consumer prices jumped 0.6 percent in August, the biggest increase in more than a year. Gas prices spiked nearly 11 percent, though they have since leveled off: According to AAA, the average nationwide price at the pump was $3.85 on Wednesday, unchanged from a month ago.

Excluding food and energy, core prices increased just 0.3 percent in August from July, though that is up from 0.2 percent in the two previous months.

Energy costs rose 5.6 percent just in August, the biggest monthly increase since June 2022. Auto insurance prices also soared, rising 2.4 percent last month and 19.1 percent compared with a year ago. The sharp increase in new car prices in the past two years has also made them more expensive to insure and repair.

Airfares soared 4.9 percent in August from July, though after two months of sharp declines. At the same time, used car costs dropped 1.2 percent, the third straight decrease, while hotel prices fell 3 percent, also the third consecutive fall.

Grocery prices moved up 0.2 percent, a trend that has strained many household’s finances. But food cost increases are cooling: They rose 3 percent compared with a year ago, down from double-digit increases last year.

Prices increase are slowing yet, as any American can attest, food, rent, automobiles, appliances, all cost considerably more than they did two years ago.

While filling up her car with gas Tuesday night in Falls Church, Virginia, Francesca, who declined to give her last name, said she still notices how much higher her grocery bill has gotten.

“We’re not buying crazy things, like caviar, just the basics,” she said, referring to her weekly food shopping. “And it’s like $150,” compared to a tab of closer to $100 before the pandemic.

Still, Federal Reserve officials are becoming more open to the idea that inflation is coming under control, though chair Jerome Powell warned last month it was still “too high.”

In his high-profile speech at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell said the Fed would proceed “carefully” with any further rate hikes, which many economists saw as an opening for the Fed to skip a rate increase at its September 19-20 meeting. When the Fed increases its key rate, it typically raises the cost of mortgages, auto loans, and business borrowing.

The Fed has lifted its benchmark interest rate 11 times in the past 12 meetings to about 5.4 percent, the highest level in 22 years. It increased the rate a quarter-point in July after leaving it unchanged in June.

Lorie Logan, president of the Federal Reserve’s Dallas branch, said last week

that “another skip could be appropriate” at its next meeting September 19-20, “but skipping does not imply stopping.”

Wall Street traders see only a 3 percent chance of a rate hike next week, according to CME’s FedWatch. But they have priced in a 40 percent chance for an increase at the Fed’s subsequent meeting in November.

Wednesday’s report shows prices are sticky enough “to have another rate hike this year,” said Tim Duy, chief US economist at SGH Macro.

Duy said that the economy is expanding at a healthy pace, confounding long-standing fears that a recession is imminent. Americans boosted their spending at restaurants and retailers in July, and hiring has remained solid.

Yet Duy added that one risk posed by the steady growth is that it could keep inflation pressures high. Companies are boosting pay to find and keep employees, which is great for workers, but can lead businesses to raise prices to offset the higher labor costs.

Strikes and labor disputes this year could lead to more healthy pay gains. The Teamsters won robust wage increases in recent negotiations with UPS, while American Airline pilots also secured higher pay in a new contract. The United Auto Workers is also seeking higher pay from the three major US automakers.

The push for higher pay, however, comes after incomes for most Americans trailed inflation for much of the past two years. A report from the Census Bureau Tuesday showed that the inflation-adjusted income for a typical household dropped 2.3 percent last year. Economists expect workers to keep pushing to make up for lost ground.

The European Central Bank is also contemplating lifting its key interest rate at its next meeting Thursday, though officials could choose to also

skip an increase. The European economy is nearing recession as it struggles with high inflation and rising borrowing costs.

ASA’EL, West Bank—With attention focused on its contentious judicial overhaul, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has quietly taken unprecedented steps toward cementing Israel’s control over the occupied West Bank—perhaps permanently.

ISRAELI Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem on July 10, 2023. Smotrich, a leader of the settlement movement, assumed new powers over the occupied territory in his coalition agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. AP/MAYA ALLERUZZO

Stupid, self-entitled drivers going berserk

The term “road rage” was invented in the 1980s after a string of shootings occurred on several freeways in Los Angeles, California. Newscasters at KTLA, a local LA television station, reportedly coined the term when shooting sprees and violent physical assaults became fairly regular occurrences on the freeways, as more and more drivers were responding dangerously to their escalating frustration with the city’s traffic congestion.

Road rage, however, is a universal reality, and Metro Manila’s traffic congestion may have contributed to the increasing number of angry drivers on our roads. Thanks to social media, the recent road rage incidents where the aggressive behaviors exhibited by some motorists, which include cursing, physical threats, and drawing of guns, have been captured live and shared online by netizens. Sadly, the terrible traffic jams in Metro Manila may have brought out the worst in these motorists.

Alarmed by the increasing number of drivers threatening others with a gun, the Land Transportation Office said it will push for the creation of a special law that clearly defines and penalizes road rage incidents. LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II said the agency is doing a study to determine the possible sanctions that could be imposed, noting that current penalties are restrictive, especially when road rage incidents do not result in death or injury.

“We cannot impose a penalty higher than four years suspension or revocation because there should be death or injury that warrants the four years penalty. If there were no deaths or injuries but the road rage incident is worse, there should be a special law so that the penalty wouldn’t just be for a simple violation of Republic Act 4136. There should be a specific penalty for road rage,” Mendoza said.

The LTO chief welcomed the Senate inquiry into a traffic altercation where a dismissed policeman, Wilfredo Gonzales, pointed a gun against a cyclist in Quezon City. Mendoza, who directed the revocation of the license of Gonzales following the gun-toting act against cyclist Allan Bandiola, said the inquiry also highlighted the importance of responsible road sharing and the safety of motorists and cyclists.

While it is likely impossible to stop hot-headed motorists from acting on their driving anger, defensive driving advocates say there are measures that can be taken to help reduce road rage incidents. If you are faced with aggressive behavior on the road, for example, stay calm and always be courteous. Do not respond to disrespectful words or actions, and don’t retaliate by sounding your horn. As much as possible, avoid staring at the angry idiot, and do what you can to avoid conflict.

Defensive driving is simply driving to save lives, time, and money in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others. It is about learning a series of skills and techniques that goes beyond the knowledge of traffic laws to reduce the dangers associated with reckless driving.

Defensive driving means showing respect for other drivers, and being alert on the road. A defensive driver avoids distractions such as using a cell phone or eating while driving. Expect other drivers to make mistakes, and never assume that they are sober, alert, and follow the rules of the road at all times. Defensive driving is about using observation, anticipation and control to help you prepare for the unexpected.

Unfortunately, there are stupid drivers out there who are self-entitled and think they are much more important than everyone else on the road. Steer clear of these aggressive motorists. They are sick people who can go berserk at the slightest provocation, imagined or otherwise. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice”—Proverbs 12:15-19 Remember, it is better to arrive at your destination late, than not get there at all. Take heed of a wise man’s advice: “ It doesn’t cost anything to pay close attention to your driving.”

A better and more responsive platform for youth leadership

sonny M. angara

Better Days

The election period has started for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The filing of certificates of candidacy began on August 28, 2023 while the campaign period will be from October 19 to 28. election day will be on October 30. According to the Commission on elections, a total of 672,432 seats will be up for grabs for the BSKe including 336,216 for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons and members across the country.

For the incoming officials of the SK, they will benefit from a stronger and more progressive SK system brought about by the enactment of Republic Act 11768 or the latest amendment to the SK Reform Act of 2015. We were informed by the National Youth Commission that the implementing rules and regulations for the law was signed on September 2, 2023, more than a year after former President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11768 into law. We spearheaded the passage of the law as Chairman of the Committee on Youth as a response to the questions being raised about the relevance of the SK system and amid calls for its abolition. Critics of the SK argued that its members have become politicized and that the

projects undertaken by the youth body were lacking in substance. It is not uncommon actually to relate the SK to programs such as community basketball leagues, pageants and sportsfests. This poor perception of the SK does not help its cause and from what we were told during our committee hearings on the measure, interest among the youth in joining the body has also been declining.

Several factors contribute to the waning participation in the SK, including the absence of honoraria for most of its members. At present, only the SK chairpersons are entitled to honoraria by virtue of their status as ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Barangays. We took this into account when we crafted the latest reforms to the SK system. For one, we

included the grant of monthly honoraria to the SK members, secretaries and treasurers, charged against the SK funds. RA 11768 also authorizes the local government units to provide additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay to the SK chairpersons and members through their own local ordinances.

We placed a cap of 25 percent for the utilization of SK funds for personnel services to ensure that the bulk of the budget will go to programs and projects that will benefit the youth in their respective communities. In the selection of programs, projects and activities, we made it clear that they should not be limited to the sportsfests and pageants but to more productive uses that are aligned with the objectives of the SK. These include the provision of student stipends, food, book and transportation allowances; sports and wellness projects; skills training, summer employment, cash-for-work, on-the-job training, and livelihood assistance; projects promoting the participation of the youth and their initiation in agricultural, fishery, and forestry enterprises; programs and activities that will locate the youth at the forefront of climate action, environmental protection and conservation efforts; capacity building for grassroots organization and leadership; and programs and activities that address context-specific and intersectional vulnerabilities of young people.

SK officials will also enjoy an

exemption from taking any components of the National Service Training Program. They will be entitled to the appropriate civil service eligibility based on the years of service to the barangay, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission.

Another key amendment to the SK Law that we introduced relates to the qualification of the SK treasurer. The SK treasurer must be 18 to 30 years of age and should have an educational or career background related to business administration, accountancy, finance, economics or bookkeeping. This will help in ensuring the proper accounting of the SK’s funds.

A Youth Development Office will be established in every province, city and municipality to be headed by a youth development officer who must be appointed within a year from the effectivity of the law.

It is our hope that with these benefits and incentives incorporated in the new law, there will be more young Filipino men and women who will join the SK as youth leaders and partners of the government in nation building.

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 19 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 10 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.

E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

A proposed multi-faceted strategy in tackling the rice issue

table to ensure compliance and serve as a potent deterrent to others.

The mounting rice prices in the Philippines are a matter of national concern, impacting not just the dinner tables but also the wider socioeconomic fabric of the country. The nefarious role of cartels in artificially elevating these prices remains a constant issue, one that government actions like the Rice Tariffication Law have struggled to fully eliminate.

A first step toward disempowering these cartels is to lower the existing tariff rates on rice imports. Currently, high tariffs indirectly sustain cartels by keeping the domestic prices steep and uncompetitive. With the current 35 percent tariff rate for Asean countries, there’s a glaring need for recalibration. By reducing this rate, we open the local rice market to international competition, pushing local suppliers into a position where they must either lower their prices or risk being edged out of the market. But tariffs are just a single ele-

ment in a complex equation. An empowered Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is the linchpin for maintaining a fair and competitive market. As the primary body responsible for investigating anticompetitive behavior, the PCC needs greater latitude to be proactive. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, it could thoroughly investigate the cartel manipulating rice prices through extensive market reviews. These efforts must be backed by teeth—stiff penalties, including hefty fines and potential license revocations, should be on the

Rice hoarding, another pervasive issue, requires robust action. Law enforcement agencies should be given the resources and mandate to conduct surprise inspections on suspected hoarding facilities. Swift legal prosecution and steep penalties would discourage hoarding, sending a message that this form of market manipulation won’t be tolerated.

For immediate relief, the government could release rice from its stockpiles to stabilize prices. However, this is merely a stopgap solution. Strategic planning on the role of the government in supply intervention vis-à-vis the private sector should be done. The current price ceiling should also be calibrated with the proviso that such a move doesn’t disincentivize local farmers and should be temporary. The target for such intervention should be the cartel.

Long-term, the rice producing sector needs to be fortified. Assistance to rice farmers must be rationalized through adequate incentives to increase their productivity and incomes. Additionally, investing in research for high-yield and climateresistant rice varieties will ensure

future resilience. Technology, in the form of farm mechanization and smarter irrigation systems, can also play a pivotal role. By incentivizing the use of technology and advanced machinery, the government can increase yields and lower production costs. Research partnerships with tech firms could offer real-time advice to farmers via apps, and grants could support the development of high-yield, climate-resistant rice varieties.

However, the country must accept that self-sufficiency is an impossible dream. The Philippines does not have a natural comparative advantage in the production of rice unlike Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. The target should be rice security through an optimal mix of local production and importation; maintenance of buffer stocks for emergencies and supporting rice farmers and producers with direct livelihood assistance as well as long-term productivity improvement through technology and extension programs as mentioned above.

Social safety nets, particularly targeted programs such as the Pantawid-Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), play a critical role in cushioning See “Eagle Watch,” A19

Emulating Margaret Thatcher’s balls

She is the UK’s first woman prime minister, breaking through the barriers of the male-dominated political arena to win three consecutive terms as the highest official of the land. Dubbed the “Iron Lady”, she gained the respect of other world leaders. That’s not a walk in the park. It was in the late ’70s and the ’80s during the Cold War, after all.

To achieve that level of success in a man’s world is beyond ordinary.

And let’s not talk about the merits or deficiencies of her policies on free markets, deregulation, privatization, poll taxes, trade unions, the IRA, etc. because the debate will be endless.

Instead, let’s dwell on Thatcher’s leadership qualities, which have all been written about, but worth revisiting today.

Strength

I A m not talking about physical strength that can enable one to beat the crap out of a court sheriff. That is not strength, but is just plain thuggery.

It is about strength of conviction and character — the resolve to stand up to anyone who challenged her, including the general public. When she was Education Secretary from 1970 to 1974, she introduced expenditure cuts, resulting in the scrapping of free milk supply in schools for children aged seven and above.

That paved the way for her notoriety, which the British press phrased as “Thatcher, Thatcher, mi lk Snatcher”. Ordinary mortals would have capitulated to the attacks from the media, but she stuck to her guns. How she recovered from that storm as a reviled Cabinet member to become the UK’s prime minister roughly nine years after still boggles my mind.

Decisiveness

IT is during the 1982 Falklands War that Thatcher eclipsed all other political figures in terms of decisiveness and fortitude.

The military junta of Argentina thought that if they invaded the Falklands, which has been a British Crown colony since 1841, the British would not retaliate. Why would they? The Falklands, with just over 2,000 population at that time, is 12,955 kilometers away from the UK, but only 1,521 kilometers from Argentina.

What the Argentines failed to reckon with is Thatcher. She could not allow a “garden dictator rule over the queen’s subjects and prevail by fraud and violence,” as she said in her 1993 memoir.

Eagle Watch . . .

continued from A18

vulnerable populations against the immediate economic shocks caused by rising rice prices. The 4Ps, which currently provides cash grants for education, health, and nutrition, could be expanded to include a dedicated allowance for basic food staples like rice. By increasing the cash grants or introducing direct food vouchers, the government can ensure that marginalized families are still able to access this crucial dietary staple, even as market prices fluctuate. Additionally, the implementation of community kitchens and food banks, either as a component of the 4Ps or as separate initiatives, could offer immediate relief and nutritional security to those most affected. By enhancing these social safety nets, the government can offer immediate and targeted relief while longer-term solutions are being developed and implemented. Finally, no single entity can tackle

Throwing the Net

Tito Genova Valiente annoTaTions

Who truly understands the working of the Internet? W e blog; we vlog. We post messages; we stop/block them. We share warnings; we style curses and deliver them with aplomb. We have resurrected the much-maligned chain letters, this time on the Internet by reformatting them—turning them into stylistic confessionals, creating pubmats for our epistolaries. In other words, the medium has become sexier, tonier but we have remained the emotional individual. We now marvel at our own fragility because that seems to be the prerequisite for the users of the new social media—individuals who not only wear their hearts on their sleeves but patch those hearts, stitch them onto plaid, lace them with a bit of toxin to stop predators.

Thatcher went to war despite opposition from advisers and parliament members who preferred peace talks. Even US President Ronald Reagan could not stop Thatcher, and they were supposed to be tight. Once she decided to go to war, she was unstoppable.

To cut the long story short—the Argentines surrendered, the Brits won the war and Thatcher ensured her second election in 1983. If that is not grit, I don’t know what is.

Not a people-pleaser

“IF you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing,” is a quote attributed to Thatcher.

A Yorkshire Post article about Thatcher described one of her winning qualities —“she did not like to be loved.”

Thatcher was portrayed as a conviction politician who had a mission to change and improve Britain. She had the smarts, the personality and the grit to achieve what she set out to do as prime minister. She didn’t go into politics to be liked and worshipped. In fact, she didn’t care about the massive protests or the unyielding attacks from the press.

She was quoted as saying: “I came to office with one deliberate intent: to change Britain from a dependent to a self-reliant society—from a give-it-tome, to a do-it-yourself nation. A get-upand-go, instead of a sit-back-and-waitfor-it Britain.”

These qualities are rare among politicians these days, but can be found more often among entrepreneurs who are willing to risk everything to succeed.

Strength is extremely important in a business leader because employees will always look up to him/her for their own strength. A weak leader makes an organization weak. You need strength to institute rules and changes as well as stir your people towards a corporate goal.

Entrepreneurship is not a popularity contest. If you are running a business to be hero-worshipped and loved, switch to show business, or get yourself a pug or two instead.

But if you want your business to succeed and become strong, decisiveness is key. A leader who vacillates will not receive the respect of employees. Stick to your guns and stand up for your principles, and that requires fortitude, courage and massive balls as shown by Thatcher.

this issue alone. A multi-pronged effort involving government bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector can create a coalition strong enough to address the cartel issue comprehensively. Joint task forces could be established to pool resources, expertise, and intelligence, ensuring that any action taken is both swift and effective.

In sum, while lowering tariff rates is an essential component, it’s not a standalone solution to the problem of rising rice prices in the Philippines.

A robust and empowered PCC, along with decisive law enforcement actions against hoarders, are equally critical. Add to that a multifaceted strategy involving social safety nets, agricultural upliftment, and publicprivate partnerships, and we can build a future where rice—a basic staple—is affordable and accessible for all Filipinos.

We have reinvented death or, at least, the announcement of it. There is no immediate family anymore: anyone who gets to hear one’s passing is free (until called out) to divulge eternal disappearance. Grief is not limited to loved ones so long as you have a space to grieve over another person. We have all become existential, not in the Sartrean manner, but in the mold of an element alive, existing for many other things, for other many things. We are triggered by news or developments even as we trigger the occurrence of news themselves.

We respond to any event shared online. Or, we feel compelled to do so. Technically, the compulsion to comment, critique, correct a post is always there for all of us. The difference between us and the others is the modicum of control we exercise when a post is misspelled, a date is wrong, or a photo is unbecoming.

That control, that strong sense of bracketing—the act of stopping before making a statement, or concluding one, or merely noting with an emoji— separates the person from the robot, the technical responding being. That majestic pause and the quick decision to withdraw one’s thoughts against another set of thoughts—that is new intellection.

The quivering index finger on the “Enter” and the entire hand sweeping above that key and the other keys around it is called humanness.

Why do I go on enumerating these processes? Why the agitation?

Well, a few days ago, I stumbled upon a post about developments on the Japanese education system. I got interested. After being active in Japanese studies as an academic and having lived for some years in the country, anything Japanese always compels me to look, and look again. But I seldom stop right then and there. What follows is critical— this act of critiquing.

Is this true? Who made this?

The first few lines are a giveaway: “The Japanese education system is so revolutionary that it currently trains children as ‘World Citizens,’ not Japanese.” This aim seems to run counter to what I always know the Japanese to be. Their Japaneseness is their power.

The document then talks of a revolutionary pilot scheme called “Brave Change” (Futoji no henko). my immediate reaction is to interpret the document as demonstrating the propensity of the Japanese for slogans, ideologies. These words are aspirational and may not necessarily express a reality that is already in progress.

The document then goes on to paint the kind of education that can, for example, produce students who are proficient in four languages! It promises a shift in concept where “they will understand and accept different cultures and their horizons will be global, not national.”

Everything seems to not support the knowledge about Japanese education and society as far as I know.

Where was I when these educational tenets were being produced and practiced? The critical in me, however, was getting overwhelmed.

Well, this is the Internet, where social media can link worlds and societies. I immediately shared the document, tagging individuals who I would generally define as “Japanologists,” those scholars whose field of specializations cover societies, cultures, histories and arts of Japan. I added more individuals who are not academics but long-time residents of the country, including one Japanese friend.

In between waiting for the com-

The law of supply and demand

AS students at the University of the Philippines School of economics (UPSe), we have to deal with various economic theories, econometrics and applied economics, involving a deluge of formulas and graphs.

The law of supply and demand is one of the basic theories we first encounter in our Economics 101 class.

It is a theory that explains the interaction between the sellers of a resource and the buyers of that resource. The law of supply predicts a positive relationship between pricing and supply.

As prices of goods or services rise, suppliers increase the amount they produce—as long as the revenue generated by each additional unit they produce is greater than the cost of producing it. The law of demand, on the other hand, states that rising prices reduce demand. So, as prices rise, customers buy less.

The four basic laws of supply and demand are: (a) If supply increases and demand stays the same, prices will fall; (b) If supply remains constant and demand decreases, prices will fall; (c) If supply decreases and demand stays the same, prices will rise; and (d) If supply remains constant and demand increases, prices will rise.

Cielo magno’s social media post on September 1, 2023 on the supply and demand graph with a price ceiling accompanied by the the caption “I miss teaching” became viral recently. It appeared on the day that malacañang announced the order on rice price caps. The supply and demand graph

visually illustrates the relationship between supply and demand.

The x-axis represents the quantity and the y-axis represents the price. On the supply and demand curve, quantity determines how much suppliers offer and how much consumers demand.

Levels of supply and demand for varying prices can be plotted on a graph as curves. The intersection of these curves marks the equilibrium, or market-clearing price at which demand equals supply, and represents the process of price discovery in the marketplace.

In general, economics is the study of scarcity and its implications for the use of resources, production of goods and services, growth of production and welfare over time, and a great variety of other complex issues of vital concern to society.

Economics is derived from the Greek word oikonomia, which in turn is composed of two words: “oikos,” which is translated as “household;” and “nemein,” which is best translated as “management and dispensation.”

This situation requires people to make decisions about how to allocate resources efficiently, in order to satisfy basic needs and as many additional wants as possible. magno’s unwavering stance on

ments from these friends, the document, which I shared, was getting “heart” and “like.” There was a wave of approval from those who came in contact with it. The Japanese are really good! No one noted my notes on the document, which was critical of the document—about how the Japanese have been historically fond of slogans, and other ideological statements.

During the meiji era, when Japan was forced to open up, there were the three slogans of “Bunmei Kaika” (Civilization and Enlightenment), “Fukoku Kyōhei” (Enrich the Nation; Strengthen the Army), and “Shokusan Kōgyō” (Encourage Industry). There were more slogans on Internationalization during the post War period. What is another slogan for education?

The document I posted for questioning and critiquing was being loved. And shared. Then the comments from the so-called Japanese experts began trickling in. Who said that? Where did the document come from? That is difficult to realize.

The document was getting the comments I thought any posting should earn. We should always be critical about any resource a person shares. We should, in fact, peruse and examine any document and subject them to scrutiny. A little research yielded the source of the material. It comes from a Dr Roach page. So much for the Japaneseness of things.

There was, however, a collateral impact the said document on education provided, an unintended consequence. Because our education experts are scraping the bottom in explaining how rotten we have become as educators and learners, any document that trumpets educational reforms and succinctly, if not brazenly, assures improvement, is bound to be liked— hook, life and sinker.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

described the price cap as “quite uneducated and ignorant of the law of supply and demand” as he warned that the price cap could cause unintended negative effects.

“The true quality of rice sold will suffer. Sellers may stop selling rice openly; they may even stop selling rice altogether, and leave it as work for the government to do. Buyers will cooperate in transacting business secretly,” mangahas said in his column.

the disputed mandatory rice price controls, which she believed ran contrary to fundamental economic principles, caused the cessation of her role in the government as undersecretary of the Department of Finance (DOF).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said ma lacañang has “terminated the appointment” of magno for supposedly being unsupportive of the administration.

Former Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Cielito Habito, said in his column that price caps could be a cure worse than the disease itself.

Habito noted that forcing price caps in a largely competitive market where prevailing prices are much higher is, in effect, an attempt to “repeal” the law of supply and demand, the consequences of which could be more disastrous than the problem it hopes to solve.

When price is forced lower than the market equilibrium price—that is, the price at which quantities sold would match quantities demanded— more will be demanded than what suppliers would like to sell, leading to a shortage.

Former Social Weather Stations head mahar mangahas likewise

The Sandigan para sa mag-aaral at Sambayanan (SAmASA) said magno’s removal is a great loss to the present administration but will inure to the benefit of UP where she will go back to teach. magno’s post said: “A wise man told me, if you do your job with integrity, you will be back in UPSE soon.” SA m A SA commended magno’s standing firm on her principle against a policy that might be popular at first glance but which will eventually be detrimental to the public. magno is a UPSE alumna and associate professor. She also has a PhD in law and public policy from the Northeastern University in Boston. She was a SA m A SA member who became the chairperson of the University Student Council from 1999 to 2000.

“It is our responsibility as civil servants to say if a policy is flawed. It’s very dangerous to just say ‘yes’ because we don’t want to offend the boss. Policies have real consequences on people’s lives. They have to be well thought out,” magno said.

The university taught us how to choose the most efficient option that benefits the greatest number of people without fear of questioning deeply rooted assumptions and proposing alternative solutions.

Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

Loved and hated, worshipped and loathed. Margaret Thatcher is indeed a polarizing figure in history, but her leadership qualities can serve as a benchmark for Filipinas in business and politics.

Kuwentong Peyups atbp.

Dennis Gorecho

PHL seen to become AsPac gaming leader

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

A FIRST: U.S. JUDGES HONOR CJ GESMUNDO

explore collaboration and partnerships.

Further, DTI-EMB said the event served as a platform that allowed delegates and the international gaming community members to share market insights, trends, and best practices in Europe.

Creatives pull in weight

The Philippines is strategically positioned towards becoming a leading hub for game development in the Asia-Pacific region by 2028,” DTI-EMB Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte said in a statement on Thursday.

T his, she emphasized, after Philippine game development companies reported US$7 million in initial export sales during a three-day trade mission held on August 23 to 25 in Cologne, Germany.

A ccording to DTI-EMB, the Philippine pavilion showcased the “diverse capabilities” of Philippine companies in the gaming industry with 10 featured industry players: Razer Gold, Ranida Games, Taktyl

Studios, Fizzbuzz, Inc., Emottoons

Animation Studio, Yang Yang Mobile, Pixel Mafia Ltd., Animation Vertigo, Startrace Studios OPC, Buko Studios and GameOps Inc. Gamescom, a trade fair for video games held annually in Germany, gathered over 1,220 exhibitors spanning 63 countries, DTI-EMB noted.

T he export marketing arm of the Trade department said the pavilion did not only turn the spotlight on the “dynamism and creativity” of Philippine gaming, but it also enabled the business delegation to conduct onsite business-tobusiness (B2B) meetings, and participated in exclusive networking events with key organizations to

MEANWHILE , Sykimte said the DTI recognizes the contribution of creative services to the Philippine economy in generating high-value revenue as well as in creating employment opportunities for Filipinos.

We share and support the aspiration of the game development industry to further expand and thrive in international markets including Europe,” the DTI-EMB director added.

To achieve the Philippines’s goal to be a leading hub for game development in the Asia-Pacific region by 2028, Sykimte said “DTI works hand in hand with key partners in enabling Filipino companies achieve their business goals, nurture local talent, create more employment opportunities and contribute to economic development.”

Continued on A5

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

CHIEF Justice Alexander Ges -

mundo has made history after receiving the 2023 Chief Justice Richard W. Holmes Award of Merit, the first from a foreign jurisdiction, which recognizes outstanding judges in the United States for their contribution to the judiciary.

C hief Justice Gesmundo received the recognition during the Awards Luncheon of the 2023 Annual American Judges Associa -

‘High-rise at Sta. Ana puts cultural treasure of church at risk’

ANATIONAL Cultural Treasure (NCT) is at risk of “irreparable damage” due to a construction of three high-rise buildings within the area of Santa Ana Church, Manila.

T he National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned houses 11 fresco paintings, including the Camarin de la Virgen, which was declared a cultural treasure in 2008. The other fresco paintings are also at risk of being endangered, said the church in a statement.

T he 11 frescoes are in danger of irreparable damage “due to the heavy pounding and pile driving of a major developer that is illegally constructing three high-rises of 36 stories,” said the church.

tion  (AJA) Awards in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 12, 2023.

He also served as one of the featured speakers at the 2023 American Judges Association 62nd Annual Conference. “ It is with humility that I receive this honor, not just for myself and the Supreme Court I represent, but also for my country—this award, I understand, having been first bestowed on a person from a foreign jurisdiction, in recognition of efforts to institute judicial reforms,” Chief Justice Gesmundo said in his speech.

Continued on A5

A ccording to them, the 11 fresco paintings are the oldest oil paintings on wood in the Philippines.

T he major developer was identified as Suntrust Properties Inc. (SPI). They announced the construction in November, and since then, Barangay 885-97 received complaints from residents for “incessant heavy pounding and frightening earth shaking night and day.”

O n July 10, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila ordered SPI to discontinue any construction work until they obtain an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Continued on A5

THE Philippines is positioned to become a gaming powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific Region by 2028, according to the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB).

CHIEF Justice Gesmundo and the AJA citation embodying the basis for the historic award for his championing judicial reforms. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUPREME COURT PIO

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

B1

Friday, September 15, 2023

Meralco keen on expanding PHL franchise area via ECs

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

“There is one last idea that i encourage Meralco to adopt which is broadening investments in electric cooperatives in the country,” Pangilinan said during the recent Giga Summit in Makati City.

“We might be efficient on the generation side of the business but Meralco’s distribution footprint is limited to our franchise area.”

Meralco’s franchise area covers Metro Manila and some parts of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon. its franchise area of over 9,685 kilometers is just 3 percent of the total land area of the Phil-

ippines, but accounts for 55 percent of the country’s electricity output.

At the end of the first semester, Meralco’s customer base stood at 7.716 million, up 3 percent from 7.519 million a year ago, with the continuous energization of new customers.

“There are key areas in the country where electric cooperatives have got to level up to the kind of standards and efficiencies Meralco as a distribution company has achieved. There are many examples of that as there are from this side of the business,” Pangilinan said.

Meralco had said it was keen on expanding its presence outside of its franchise area by possibly acquiring distribution utilities or electric cooperatives in areas where Meralco can be of value because, according to a former Meralco chief, “we have the resources; we have the track record; and we have the experience, with the objective of being able to improve the service where we can and provide reliable and least cost of electricity.”

i n the first semester, Meralco spent P14.1 billion for capital expenditures. Of which, P9.6 billion went to networks projects consisting of new connections, asset renewals, and load growth projects.

The company reported last month that its net income rose by 36 percent to P17.9 billion in the first half from P13.1 billion a year ago.

Core profit, meanwhile, stood at P19.2 billion. The figures are 47-percent higher than P13.1 billion realized in the same period last year, driven mainly by the 186-percent increase in the contribution of the power generation business.

Revenues at end-June this year

New Grab features will allow drivers to hike income–exec

went up by 13 percent to P224.8 billion from P199.6 billion last year, mainly because of higher fuel prices on pass-through charges of the distribution utilities and energy fee of the non-renewable power generation plants and the depreciation of the peso against the US dollar. The company also attributed the rise in revenues to the increase in spot prices and energy purchases from the Wholesale e l ectricity Spot Market and the combined impact of the 3-percent growth in volumes distributed and slightly higher average distribution rate.

energy sales volumes in the first half rose by 3 percent to 24,792 gigawatt hours (GWh) from 23,968 GWh. Monthly sales volume breached the 4,000-GWh level since April and reached a high of 4,643 GWh in June.

Higher temperature and humidity during the dry season drove the increase in demand for electricity from the residential segment while the continuing recovery and growth in the economy were drivers of commercial segment sales.

ACEN renewables get BOI nod

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

Five renewable energy (R e) projects of Ayala Group’s energy platform AC e N Corp., which have been endorsed for green lane processing, are expected to be completed by 2027, according to the Board of investments (BOi)

BOi said it has given the go-ahead to ACeN ’s request for the green lane processing of its R e ventures in Laguna Lake.

According to the BOi, the approved ACeN projects are SolarAce4, AC Laguna, AC Subic, GigaWind1, and i n grid Floating Solar Power Plants.

The attached agency of the Department of Trade and i ndustry (DT i) said in a statement that these projects are “consistent” with the

government’s mission to accelerate the growth of eco-friendly investments in the country.

in accordance with e xecutive Order (eO) 18 or “Constituting Green Lanes for Strategic i nvestments,” BOi said the five R e projects are now “identified and designated” as strategic investments, which are expected to be completed by 2026 and 2027.

The investment promotion agency said SolarAce4 covers 100 hectares of the lake surface area in Santa Cruz, Laguna, and will produce 140-Megawatt peak (MWp) of clean energy.

AC Laguna Floating Solar Power Plant-AC Laguna is located on 200 hectares of lake surface area in victoria and Pila, Laguna, and will generate 280MWp of clean energy.

The AC SUB iC Floating Solar Power Plant, occupying 200 hectares of lake surface area in victoria and

GLOBe Telecom i nc. on Thursday opened its “next-generation store” in Glorietta 3, Makati, a new retail hub that offers a “phygital experience.”

Cleo Santos, Globe’s Head of Channel Management Group, said the Globe Store is setting “a new gold standard in omni-channel retail formats and sustainable design.”

i t combines the physical and digital—called phygital—services to cater to a wider variety of customer needs.

“The new Globe Store is not just a retail space. it is a catalyst for creating memorable customer experiences. We’ve designed this store to captivate, empower, and connect our customers and offer them services that truly enrich their lives,” Santos said.

Now, the store features a “Service Hub” and a “Social Learning Platform.”

The Service Hub is tailored to meet the diverse needs of customers, offering a range of servicing methods. On the other hand, the Social Learning Platform is a space for customers to delve into and expand their digital knowledge. Lorenz S. Marasigan

ALC Media Group achieved a remarkable feat by receiving six awards at the Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers 2023. The ceremony, held at The Hexagon events Place on September 8, 2023, witnessed the company’s outstanding contributions to the media industry being duly recognized.

The awards encompassed Best Filipino Magazine for Philippines Graphic, Best FM Station for 97.9 Home Radio, Best AM Station for DW i Z 882 AM, Best Promising Broadcast Company for Aliw Channel 23, Best Male Newscaster of the Year for Dennis Antenor Jr., and Best Male Public Service Radio/T v Host for Braggy Braganza.

i n his statement, ALC Group Chairman D. edgard A. Cabangon said, “We are truly honored and humbled to receive these awards, which are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at ALC Media Group. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver quality content that informs and entertains our audience. These awards inspire us to continue our pursuit of excellence in the media industry.”

Santa Cruz, Laguna, is expected to produce 280MWp of clean energy.

The BOi also said GigaWind1 Floating Solar Power Plant covers 200 hectares of lake surface area in Kalayaan and Paete, Laguna, and will generate 280MWp of sustainable energy.

Meanwhile, ingrid Floating Solar Power Plant is located on 100 hectares of lake surface area in Lumban, Laguna, and will produce 140MWp of clean energy.

Trade Undersecretary and BOi Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo awarded the Green Lane Certificates of endorsement to ACeN President and CeO er ic Francia in an awarding ceremony at the BOi Main Office in Makati City last September 6.

Also present in the ceremony were BOi Governor Marjorie RamosSamaniego and e xecutive Director

Bobby Fondevilla of the investment Assistance Center (i AC), and other representatives from ACeN ACeN is the listed energy platform of Ayala. Based on its website, the company has some 4,500 megawatts (MW) of attributable capacity from owned facilities in the Philippines, Australia, vietnam, indonesia and india, with a renewable share of 98 percent.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. together with Trade Secretary Alfredo e Pascual, who also chairs the BOi, led the official launch of the green lanes for strategic investments last July.

According to BOi, eO 18 is a government-wide response to enhance the ease of doing business in the country by “expediting, streamlining and automating” government processes for strategic investments.

SUPeR app Grab said on Thursday it has rolled out two new tech features on its driver app to enable its driver-partners to earn more.

Grab Philippines COO Ronald Roda said the two features, called Sessions and Personalized Alerts, will help “boost driver productivity on the road,” helping them “optimize their earnings potential on the platform.”

“Our partners drive to earn and support their families. We understand how every minute online is a potential income opportunity for them. And as the nation faces economic headwinds such as the rising prices of goods, we want to support our partners maximize their time and earnings. With our technology, we can help them reduce idle time on the road, and also enable them to focus their energies on completing trips,” he said.

Roda said Sessions enable driverpartners to keep within a predefined geographical area during periods of high passenger demand.

Driver-partners can sign up in ad-

vance to drive in one of these zones for between 3 and 5 hours, enabling them to only receive bookings within the specific area.

Meanwhile, Personalized Alert is a push notification sent to offline driver-partners when specific areas are experiencing high passenger demand. These are partners who frequent the same areas based on their historical driving patterns and would not want to miss any good opportunity to earn.

Roda noted that aside from the two new features, Grab also equipped drivers with other driver app features such as Back-to-Back Bookings, Auto Accept, Allocation Swaps, GrabMaps, Share Live Location, and My Destination.

The driver app also enables drivers to use cashless payments through GrabPay and GCash.

“in 2022, Grab driver-partners from across Southeast Asia enjoyed a 3.55 percent reduction in average idle time, compared to that in 2021, helping to further optimize their earnings potential on the platform,” Roda said.

Lorenz S. Marasigan and Roderick L. Abad

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan hinted at the possibility of investing in electric cooperatives (Ecs) to further boost the presence of the Manila Electric co. (Meralco) in the power distribution sector.

SEC warns investors on shady schemes

By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised the public to stop dealing with Primelogix Marketing Inc., doing business as Melon Plus, as the SEC said its operations have characteristics of pyramid scheme.

The agency also warned the public not to deal with “Mono Mall” as its SEC documents, such as the certificate of incorporation, were found to be factitious.

Melon Plus, according to the SEC, is a firm registered with the “Companies Registry of Hongkong.” It operates in the Philippines under the name Primelogix Marketing headed by John Jerico Hayagan Operio and Jerwin Hayagan Operio, the regulator said.

“Moreover, a video presentation circulating online shows that a Mr. Reiner Cadiz, who is an incorporator of iWatch. ph, is part of the company as he is the one who explains and presents the marketing scheme of Melon Plus/Primelogix Marketing,” the SEC said.

The agency earlier issued an advisory against iWatch.ph Corp. and an Order of Revocation on its registration as a corporation. As posted on its website, Melon Plus features a dropshipping platform and offers membership card club, an affiliate rewards system and discounts and vouchers.

Scheme involving securities

A PROSPECTI v E investor or an affiliate is offered privileges such as access to Melon Plus factory-priced products, up to 40 percent discount on all Melon Plus products, discounted products in Melon Plus Mall, access to Melon Plus Mall promos, free vouchers with Melon Plus partner brands, free pass to Melon Plus exclusive events and access to Melon Plus affiliate rewards.

To be a subscriber or an affiliate, one should avail the minimum package worth P2,990 (around $52.71). An investor can earn in six ways, some of which include recruitment of new investors.

According to the SEC, “the pyramiding scheme involves securities because for payment of a sum of money, often nominal, the investor participates in a recruitment scheme that promises a stream of profits.”

“The scheme that requires recruitment in a two-pronged structure takes the form of a pyramid, one that grows wider at the bottom, and thrives with the supply of new recruits to the scheme,” the regulator added. “Here, the recruitment fees collected from new recruits are used to pay the recruiting commissions to earlier recruits.”

“Records of the commission show that while Primelogix Marketing is registered with the commission as a corporation, it is not authorized to solicit investments from the public as it did not secure prior registration and/or license to solicit investments from the commission,” it said.

Fake online jobs

MONO Mall, meanwhile, claims that they promote and help merchants increase product sales as well as sell their products through the internet. According to them, their platform cooperates with major online shopping platforms, including Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, Tiktok, among others.

The work being offered includes following the Tiktok user and complete the tasks assigned to the merchant, which are divided into mall tasks and common tasks.

Common tasks include following Tiktok users and in return one is entitled to get commissions starting from 30 percent to as much as 60 percent. At the same time, one can also participate in mall tasks distributed by merchants to get additional commissions and upgrade to v IP level” to earn higher commissions.

“Based on information gathered by the commission, individuals or group of persons claiming to represent Mono Mall, are enticing the public to invest in said entity. Their tasking and recharging scheme works by luring unsuspecting victims to participate in fake online jobs, supposedly in partnership with large ecommerce platforms such as Lazada,” the SEC said. “Here, they complete tasks such as helping complete e- commerce orders to earn commissions.”

BSP chief cites brighter side of Covid

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

Derailing efforts

AMID these successes, the central bank governor said there are issues that could derail these efforts. One is climate change since disasters such as severe typhoons and floods wreak havoc on the agriculture sector.

Remolona explained disasters affect farmers in terms of their livelihoods and consumers as commodity prices spike; both conditions hobble their ability to cope financially.

that prosperity becomes accessible not just for a few but for all.

According to him, since AFI was created 15 years ago and with substantive support from the BSP, its members have brought over 840 million people into the financial system “via enlightened national policies and strategies on financial inclusion.”

another on how we can lift more people out of poverty through financial inclusion,” Remolona said.

“With the continuing support of our colleagues, partners and stakeholders here and overseas, we at the BSP will continue to help improve the lives of the unserved, underserved and unreached,” he added.

In his opening speech at the 2023 Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum last Thursday,

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said 22 million Filipinos became “financially included” in just two years.

Remolona said the inclusion figures saw an increase in the transaction accounts of Filipinos to 56 percent in 2021 from 29 percent in 2019. He added that mobile-wallet ownership surged to 36 percent in 2021 from just 8 percent in 2019.

“Transaction accounts are gateways to financial inclusion. We have seen depositors improve their life from gaining access to other financial services, such as loans, insurance

and investments,” Remolona said.

“For instance, insurance helps farmers recover faster from losses inflicted by natural calamities, while small business loans, help micro entrepreneurs expand or pivot their businesses,” the BSP chief explained.

Remolona said despite the lockdown, there was also an increase in digital retail payments which have already grown to 42 percent in 2022 from 14 percent in 2019.

“The same lockdowns triggered a boom in online selling and digital payments for goods and services from businesses that are quick to adapt to mobility constraints,” Remolona said.

“Climate change is one. In the Philippines, for instance, stronger and more frequent storms destroy agricultural crops and other livelihoods. These result in income losses that drive the underprivileged deeper into poverty. Our sustainability agenda, therefore, is one that will be inherently inclusive,” the BSP official said. Given these, Remolona said financial inclusion must take into consideration sustainability. A sustainability agenda will support the country’s efforts to make the financial system more inclusive.

Excluded, vulnerable

AFI Executive Director Alfred Hannig said during the forum that financial inclusion makes it possible for everyone to be prosperous and

The Association as a sounding board

ASOUNDING board can have a literal and a metaphorical meaning. Literally, a sounding board is a flat, resonant surface that reflects sound and amplifies it. In pianos or guitars, for example, the sounding board is an essential component that enhances the volume and tone of the instrument.

Metaphorically, a sounding board refers to a person or group of individuals who serve as a supportive and constructive “testing ground” for someone seeking advice, feedback or ideas. In this context, the term is used to describe a group of trusted advisors, mentors or experts who offer valuable insights and guidance to an individual, particularly in decision-making or problem-solving situations.

In different settings, e.g., businesses organizations or personal relationships, having a sounding board can be beneficial as it allows individuals to gain insights from the collective wisdom and experiences of others, leading to more thoughtful and effective outcomes.

An association can effectively function as a sounding board for its members by creating an environment that encourages open communication, active engagement and collaborative problem solving. Here are eight ways to achieve this:

1. Foster a culture of openness. Encourage a culture where members feel free and comfortable expressing their ideas, thoughts and concerns. Create channels like surveys, feedback/evaluation forms or suggestion boxes, where

Octavio Peralta Association World

members can provide input.

2. Hold regular member feedback sessions. Organize regular meetings, focus groups or virtual town halls where association leaders and members can engage in open discussions. These sessions can be dedicated to, among others, addressing specific topics, seeking input on new initiatives or discussing challenges facing the association and its members.

3. Establish advisory committees. Organize advisory committees composed of diverse members who can represent different perspectives and interests within the association. These committees can serve as a formalized sounding board and offer recommendations to the association’s leadership.

4. Empower members as ambassadors. Recognize the role of members as goodwill ambassadors for the association. Encourage them to share their positive experiences and advocate for the association within their networks.

5. Implement feedback mechanisms. Act with urgency on feedback received from members. Communicate how member inputs have influenced leadership decisions or initiatives, demonstrating that their voices are genuinely heard and valued.

“Yet a quarter of adults remain excluded and vulnerable. By convening the global AFI Network in Manila, we can galvanize efforts to achieve full inclusion which leaves no one behind,” Hannig said.

These efforts are part of the discussions in the 2023 AFI Global Policy Forum. The discussions aim to help 1.4 billion people in the world who are still excluded from the formal financial system.

Compelling need

LEADERS of central banks, ministries of finance and financial regulators from around the world are discussing how to make financial products and services safe, accessible and affordable for all.

“Given the difficult challenges facing the world today, there is a compelling need for us to continue to share, support and learn from one

6. Seek member expertise. Identify members with specialized expertise or unique experiences and involve them in the decision-making process. Their insights can be valuable in shaping the association’s strategies and initiatives.

7. Encourage peer-to-peer support. Facilitate networking opportunities and mentorship programs among members. Encouraging peer-to-peer support allows members to learn from each other and seek guidance from experienced individuals within the association.

8. Utilize online platforms. Leverage online platforms, such as discussion forums, social media groups or online communities, where members can interact, share ideas and engage in conversations with each other and association leaders.

By implementing these measures, an association can create an inclusive and member-centric environment where members feel heard, respected and empowered to actively participate in shaping the association’s direction. As a result, the association will function effectively as a sounding board for its members, contributing to its growth, success and overall impact within the industry or community it serves.

Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The PCAAE will hold its 11th Associations Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center on December 6, 2023. E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

Solon wants powerline workers insured

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

MOvING to provide mandatory insurance for powerline workers, Senator Francis G. Escudero asked Congress to pass an enabling law mandating insurance coverage and other benefits for all linemen in the power utility sector.

In filing Senate Bill (SB) 2303, Escudero said the measure was intended to “ensure that the well-being of thousands of lineworkers, as well as that of their families are protected.”

“The continuous and reliable supply of electricity—crucial in sustaining our economic growth and maintaining our way of life—rests on the hands of lineworkers who construct, install, maintain, rehabilitate and repair our electrical transmission and distribution systems,” the senator added.

Escudero reminds that “while they perform both critical and dangerous work, a number of them do so bereft of any form of coverage against death, accidents, illness and other fortuitous events that could be

sustained in the line of duty.”

“As such, SB 2303 seeks to mandate private distribution utilities, electric cooperatives and transmission or grid operators to provide insurance coverage to all their respective lineworkers and extend other entitlements such as retirement and disability benefits, death and burial assistance and medical expense reimbursements, among others,” he added.

Moreover, Escudero said “it is hoped that the provision of insurance coverage and other benefits would ensure that our lineworkers, as well as their families, are protected from the risks and perils of their chosen occupation.” As filed, SB 2303 defines “lineworkers” as “persons, including crews, drivers and helpers, who are directly responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, reconstruction, rehabilitation and repair of electrical transmission and distribution systems, including underground cables, electrical substations and other related electrical facilities.”

Escudero proposed that “all lineworkers shall be entitled to life, accident, or disabil-

ity in life, accident or disability insurance benefits.” The minimum insurance coverage shall be at P200,000; P400,000; and P600,000 for small-scale, medium-sized and large electric cooperative, respectively.

Meanwhile, lineworkers in extra-large and mega-large electric cooperatives shall have a minimum insurance coverage of P800,000 and P1 million, respectively. For private distribution utilities, the minimum insurance coverage shall be P1.5 million and for transmission or grid operators, the minimum insurance coverage shall be P2 million.

In addition to the mandated insurance coverage, the Bicolano senator also wants employers of lineworkers to ensure the provision of the following mandatory benefits: retirement benefits; death benefits and burial assistance; disability benefits; reimbursement of actual medical expenses in case of death, accident, sickness, disability or injury sustained by the lineworker in the line of duty; and, other benefits and entitlements as may be identified by the Department of Labor and Employment in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.

About 700 delegates from over 70 countries are attending the 2023 AFI Global Policy Forum. The event is cohosted by the AFI, the world’s leading organization on financial inclusion policy and regulation and BSP.

The forum will cover a wide range of critical issues, including the disruptive potential of digital technology, the need for inclusive green finance, the persistent gender gap, the need to support youth entrepreneurs and the role of financial inclusion in uplifting forcibly displaced people.

The winners of the 2023 AFI Global Financial Inclusion Awards will be revealed tomorrow (September 15). Among the recognitions to be conferred is the Financial Inclusion Innovation Award, which honors the memory and legacy of the late BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr., a founding member of AFI and a global champion of innovation and inclusion.

Marikina eases rent, tax fees on rice-price ceiling

By Claudeth S. Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

MARIKINA City announced that Mayor Marcelino R. Teodoro signed last Thursday three local ordinances to mitigate possible income losses after the national government ordered a price ceiling on rice.

A statement issued by the city government said Teodoro signed Ordinance 68 (series of 2023) also known as “Ordinance Granting Relief on Rental Payments to Rice Retailers at the Marikina Public Market in the City of Marikina.”

“In consideration of the economic challenges due to the said imposition of a price ceiling, rice retailers who are renting stalls in the Marikina City Public Market are hereby granted relief through the waiver of rental payments for the months of September and October, 2023,” the measure read.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 39 (series of 2023) imposing a price cap for regular-milled rice at P41 per kilo and well-milled rice at P45 per kilo. The order took effect on September 5.

The ordinance said that Marikina City recognizes the essential role of rice retailers in ensuring the availability of affordable rice to its residents. “And thus, it is incumbent upon it to address the economic impact of price ceiling on rice retailers by providing relief payment on their rentals in the Marikina Public Market in order to alleviate their financial burden.”

Teodoro also signed Ordinance 69 (series of 2023) known as the “Ordinance Granting Relief on Business Tax Payment to Rice Retailers in the City of Marikina.”

“The purpose of this ordinance is to grant tax relief to rice retailers within the jurisdiction of Marikina City who have been adversely affected by the imposition of a price cap or ceiling on rice,” the measure read.

Under the ordinance, rice retailers operating within Marikina shall be exempted from paying business taxes on their gross sales or receipts for the third and fourth quarter of this year,

during which the price cap is imposed.

Rice retailers eligible for the tax relief are those in the wet markets, public markets, and other areas accessible to the general public, including sari-sari stores that are actually selling rice, it stated.

It noted that the grant of tax relief does not cover supermarkets and convenience stores.

Lastly, Teodoro signed Ordinance 70 titled “Ordinance Granting Cash Assistance to Rice Retailers in the City of Marikina.”

The measure stated that the City Government of Marikina recognizes that rice retailers are partners in delivering food services to the people, and that they should be protected and assisted during economic difficulties.

The duty of the City Government of Marikina to address the adverse economic impact of the price ceiling on rice retailers by extending financial assistance to mitigate and cushion the impact of the price cap, it added.

The ordinance further stated: “To provide immediate financial relief to rice retailers affected by the price ceiling on rice, the City Government of Marikina shall extend cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to each eligible rice retailer.”

According to the measure, rice retailers in wet markets, public markets, and other areas accessible to the general public, including sari-sari stores that are actually selling rice, operating within Marikina as of effective date of the ordinance are eligible to receive the cash aid.

It noted that the grant of cash assistance does not cover supermarkets and convenience stores.

After signing of the ordinances, Teodoro oversaw the distribution of the P15,000 financial assistance to eligible rice retailers led by employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

According to the local chief executive, there are 149 rice retailers registered in the City’s Business Permit and Licensing Office who will benefit from the cash aid from the national government. This means the city government would disburse P2.235 million as financial assistance.

THE pandemic may have been many things for Filipinos but it provided the much needed boost to increase financial inclusion in the country, according to the governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Finding that balance

my weight steady, but it allows me to clear my head of burdensome issues.

When the friends are free, I appreciate meeting up for three-hour (or more) lunches, preferably with some day-drinking involved. And on most days, I look forward to the evening hours, when I can unfold on the sofa and stream new movies or series until bedtime. The email is switched off by 7 pm.

Other friends share how they’ve carved a niche of relaxation in their busy days, as they practice the work-life balance” philosophy:

MARIA ANTHONETTE VELASCO-ALLONES, UNDERSECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS

WHAT I’ve espoused is work-life integration because achieving balance is more challenging than being able to integrate our work demands with quality of life and well-being aspiration.

Practicing mindfulness is key in everything that we do. This entails knowing priorities on a daily basis, discerning what are urgent, important and what tasks can wait. I try to wake up early to make room for a brisk walk, yoga, and morning meditation. These habits are crucial in setting a productive day ahead. A positive mental perspective is also key in building our resilience and growing gratitude in our hearts. I take setbacks as opportunities for improvement and learning. Finally, spirituality is the hinge that ideally ties up work and life. Constantly finding God in the midst of our work tasks gives meaning to our lives. In government work, that means service. (And shopping is the all-time therapy!)

STEPHEN PAUL VILLAMIN, SALES HEAD OF PITCHWORKS INC.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS

DAY: Prince Harry, 39; Tom Hardy, 46; Tommy Lee Jones, 77; Oliver Stone, 77.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Look around and adjust your lifestyle to suit your needs. The change will become the pick-me-up that clears your vision and puts zest back into your life. Trust your intelligence and wherewithal to guide you justly and benevolently. Opportunities are within reach. It’s up to you to utilize what’s already in place. Embrace new beginnings, life and love. Your numbers are 6, 14, 22, 29, 31, 34, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Sign up for something you love to do and include people you love being around. A social setting will offer a platform to express your thoughts and desires. An image adjustment will lead to compliments and give your ego a boost. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You know how to play the game, so don’t hesitate to participate. Push forward with a smile and the confidence of a winner. Leave nothing to chance, and plan your actions to accommodate and execute your skills with precision and intention. ★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Choose to participate in social events or activities requiring agility, physical skill and a competitive attitude. Refuse to let what others say affect your ability to get things done. Rise above any situation that is confusing. ★★★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep an open mind and a calm demeanor. Pay attention to what others do and mimic what you can replicate to suit your needs. A positive change at home will improve your life and your relationships with friends and family. ★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Tone down, simplify and stick to what you know and do best. Taking on too much will lead to unwanted change. Concentrate on strengthening your position and your physical strength. Say no to extravagance, unreliable offers and manipulative people. ★★★

of mental health, and the need to focus on personal improvement as a way to balance out the stresses of our work. Raise your hands: How many of you learned to bake bread or cookies during the pandemic?

MILLENIALS have been credited for putting work and employment in their proper perspective, where clear boundaries must be set between one’s career and one’s personal life.

Those of us in the older generations (Boomers, Generation X) initially frowned on this “work-life balance” philosophy and derided it as the Millennials’ way of escaping responsibility. After all, our generations were reared on the “work-work-work” principle, where we believe that “going the extra mile” in accomplishing our jobs would lead to quicker recognition, promotion, and, hopefully, higher pay. Many of use a person’s career as a benchmark for his or her success.

But what about what they’ve done for their families and how did they improve their personal lives?

Is he a good husband, is she a great mother, or are they devoted children? Will your gravestone read, “The best CEO” or “A loving husband and father,” or perhaps both—or neither?

Then came the Covid-19 pandemic and, suddenly, everyone had to stay home and do their work remotely. But these three dark years did have an upside; it became a wake-up call for many of us, as we learned to appreciate spending time with our families more, and practicing more of that “work-life balance.”

The pandemic also made us realize the importance

According to online recuitment firm Jobstreet’s survey “What Jobseeekers Wish Employers Knew: Unlocking the Future of Recruitment,” 46 percent of the 11,438 Filipinos it polled in 2022 said they preferred a “hybrid work” mode, which allows them to go to work in the office a few days in the week, and work remotely from their home for the rest of the week. A sizeable 28 percent preferred to work from home entirely, more than double the global average of 11 percent, while only 26 percent of those surveyed preferred the traditional five-day work week spent in the office.

Of course, one can blame it on the problems of commuting and the daily hassles of driving through traffic jams on the way to work as the major reasons for the Philippines findings, but the survey shows these are similar trends in Southeast Asia and the rest of world (i.e., hybrid work in SEA: 62 percent; global: 54 percent).

Even before the “work-life balance” ethos came into vogue, I unknowingly had been practicing it. My mobile phones are on permanent silent mode, with only the ringer active for the phone calls. People can still message me via the usual manner (SMS or through apps) but that doesn’t guarantee a quick reply. Sundays are especially sacred, when I try to switch off from the world, especially from social media. And unless you are my boss, immediate family, or close friend, your messages in any form will remain unanswered until I switch back on.

Cooking and baking are also some of the ways that I destress from a particularly harried day or work week. I likewise try to do 30 minutes of yoga every other day, for flexibility and as a form of meditation, while the other days I walk anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 steps. It’s not just a form of exercise to keep

IT is important to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. The good thing in my case is I have a bit more flexibility because I work in our family business, an outdoor advertising company. I get a fair share of days where I’m loaded with work (like now) and there are also days where I’m a bit relaxed. This allows me to focus on my son, Ramon, and I would say that raising a kid is one of the most exciting yet challenging aspects of life (way more than work). There are no days off and you rarely find time for yourself. My wife Nikka and I make it a point to have yearly travel plans—we just came from London earlier this year—to cope with the stresses of life, recharge and, most importantly, keep our sanity.

JACQUELINE GOROSPE, SPOKESMAN, LRT MANILA CORP.

IN managing different responsibilities, I try to create the “work-life blend” that works for me at a given moment, making sure that I am able to nurture both so that the other can also thrive. For instance, if a week is turning out to be stressful or busy at the workplace requiring me to work extra hours, I still try to squeeze in a weeknight to go out for drinks, or try a new restaurant with officemates. It gives me an opportunity to unwind and try something new without trying so hard given the busy schedule. I enjoy hiking and being outdoors, but lately I havent been able to schedule a major trip. When I saw a volunteer planting activity posted in our employee portal, I immediately signed up because it is a winwin situation. For longer breaks, of course it helps to plan ahead. When I know a particular month or season is not as swamped, I take advantage of it, plan a longer vacation, and give a heads-up to my team. It is good to nurture relationships outside work and keep in touch with your friends so that your world doesn’t end up revolving around your workspace too. You gain different perspectives, discover new interests, and expand your circles.

How about you? How do you make time for yourself or your family? ■

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Express your thoughts and desires, and discuss your plans with someone you want by your side. Explore the possibilities that can lead to a rich and fulfilling life. Take ownership of your existence and manufacture the happiness you crave. Optimism will turn into an opportunity. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pay attention, note what everyone around you contributes and develop a team of allies you can count on to respond spontaneously. Share what’s necessary, but keep secret matters to yourself. Romance is in the stars and will boost your ego. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Increase awareness by sharing your thoughts. The response you receive will lead to a plan that addresses a cause that concerns you. Being bold will attract attention and support. Step outside your comfort zone and make a difference. ★★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Actions are necessary, but don’t expect everything to run smoothly. Opposition is apparent, and being misled is likely if you believe everything you hear. Do your due diligence before you try to set the record straight. Put your best foot forward in a cordial manner.

★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Anger won’t solve problems, but positive action will point you in the right direction. An unexpected change at home will turn out better than anticipated and make a difference in what you can do and provide for yourself and your loved ones. ★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Accept the inevitable and devise a plan to compensate for any setback. Use your strengths to get others on board. A strong front will discourage anyone from interfering with your plans. ★★★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Think outside the box and add some flavor to the conversation. Your attitude and unique point of view will make you a forerunner when trying to convince others to see things your way. Use your power of persuasion to get your way. ★★★

BIRTHDAY BABY:

You are kindhearted, precise and opportunity-driven. You are original and passionate.

‘pardon

PHOTO BY BONNIE KITTLE ON UNSPLASH

Show BusinessMirror

Show-and-tell politics

IF, as Paddy Chayefsky puts it, television is democracy at its ugliest, then politics depicted by mass media and as allowed by democracy is most reprehensible day in and day out. We listen to the news each day. We read them in newspapers and on social media. There is, however, the actual hearings shown online where we witness how the politicians act out their positions. We see them talking, gesturing. We become privy to the smirks and twitches their mouths bring to their face.

No stammering is left unnoticed; no lapses in grammar escapes the listener. Unlike the press releases or online posting where editing creates magic, the camera can be unforgiving.

For the past weeks, we have been tracking two important communication threads: one involves the so-called confidential funds in the hands of certain government officials; the other is the crisis the police have brought to what could have been a regular discussion about peace, law and order.

The confidential funds have been memed already, with some social critics playing with the word “confidence” in the concept itself. In the hands of a political raconteur, the idea that money as our source of confidence is turned into a hilarious idea. Is this akin to James Scott’s “everyday form of resistance,” a kind of script ordinary people employ, helpless in the face of oppressive structures? Does humor save the day for many of us?

Let us invoke an old name, Marshall McLuhan. In the 1970s, he was popular and even up to now, his theorizing is recognized as a cornerstone of presentday media studies. He is particular about message and image. For him, “politics will eventually be replaced by imagery. The politician will be only too happy to abdicate in favor of his image because the image will be much more powerful than he could ever be.”

Now, these images are not seen in the news we read or hear. We see them by way of videos or live coverages streamed. And the images are disturbing.

First on the list is the coverage of the confidential fund. Gridlock!

You must have patience for parliamentary procedures and how they are misunderstood. Or could it be this age-old problem that, for all our claims, to be bilingual in English and Filipino, we are not generally fluent in both. But our legislators insist and persist in talking in English, in grating legalese.

Who can forget this young Sandro Marcos, youthfully fresh but politically savvy (greatly tutored, some would say) as he terminates the deliberation on the budget hearing for the Office of Vice President.

Did he say, “I move to terminate the budget of the

Office of the Vice President?” in a rush to perform the act. In the video, presiding officer Maria Carmen Zamora had barely finished thanking the OVP for the presentation, when the words of Marcos were overheard, inserted with confidence in the proceeding. This was, according to Marcos, following the long-standing tradition of giving the Office of the Vice President parliamentary courtesy. This meant no question asked. Until the ACT representative, France Castro raised her voice to explain her dissenting vote. But Zamora, looking to the right, and a flurry of gestures around her creating a canvas of signs and anxiety, began to speak. One saw another woman sidling to Zamora, and Rep. Castro talking of a manifestation. The house was then divided, followed by a vote. All this time, the camera was steady with a long shot—men and women smiling.

Castro continued to talk but Zamora, her bodily posture swiveling to right and then to left, had picked up the gavel: it killed the discussion. Whereupon, the camera panned to the Vice President Sara Duterte who was seen standing and leaving the table. Across the table, Marcos and Zamora were huddling with other people.

The news would come out later: the deliberation was over in 20 minutes with Duterte not being asked even if Castro was quoted as saying the Vice President was ready to explain.

A different situation would take place in the Senate. Senator Risa Hontiveros asked the Vice President a simple question: What are the primary mandates of the Office of the Vice President? To this, Duterte quickly retorted: USec (Undersecretary) Lopez would answer the question. This was bluntly cut by

Hontiveros, explaining the question was basic and it should be the Vice President who should answer. The camera caught the side of Duterte, a faint smile flashing across her face.

The covering journalists described the questioning as grilling but watch again the video (it is all over the internet) and you will realize how cool and gentle Hontiveros was. Duterte was calm herself, looking down at what we presume to be notes. To her side, the USec continued to sort of talk, her mouth moving.

After the deliberations, we would see these encounters played out in a different arena—a presscon where Vice President Duterte would describe Hontiveros as amusing “the nation with her flair for drama.” A photo that accompanies this news shows a more combative Vice President, her hands in a declamatory position. Hontiveros would respond dressed in black, a necklace with a tiny crucifix visible around her neck with a line cinematic, quotable: Hindi kayo special” (You are not special) to the Vice President. She continued, explaining, “If you are so confident about those confidential funds, then defend them (subtly pausing here) publicly.” Hontiveros would have more to say but she has picked her stronger words already.

There are more of Hontiveros online. Unforgettable is her appearance in the hearing of the Jemboy Baltazar, the boy who was killed by six policemen. Facing the perpetrators, she asked one question: “Ano ang akala niyo sa mga mamamayan, pang target practice?” The camera pans and shows all the policemen, their heads bowed down even as we remained unbelieving at how this land has lost its grip on what is right, just and sane. n

FABULOUS BUT STINGY

THe celebrity has a reputation for being fabulous and rich but she’s actually quite stingy with her employees and even friends. Sure, she treats them to meals and even trips but that’s always in exchange for something they would do for her. For instance, an employee would be brought along on a certain trip during which they would serve as her photographer, personal assistant, and even social media manager. These employees wouldn’t even get cash because the celebrity believes that the trip itseelf is a reward, even if they would need to work hard to earn the trip. on some trips, her employees would also need to pay for their tickets and the celebrity would say that it’s because she helped them get visas anyway by vouching for them.

WISE ACTRESS

HoW true is the rumor than an actress transferred to a different network for the reason that two of the endorsements required their TVCs be aired in the same network where she is contracted? At that time, the actress was reportedly caught in a legal bind and her smart manager thought of sending feelers to another network to solve the problem. The actress didn’t just get a massive pay raise; she also addressed the legal issue. if there’s one thing to be said about the actress and her manager, it’s that they’re both astute business people.

RUDE ACTOR

An actress-politician recently made a post about a rude coworker and everybody knew she was referring to an actor who was recently embroiled in a love-related controversy. The actor really has a reputation for being difficult. He’s also not friendly and can even be arrogant. it’s not clear why the actress-politician has beef with the actor. What we know is that he is working with her son on a project. in general, the actor isn’t well-liked in the industry. He is a good actor but he doesn’t have many fans because of his attitude.

GMA stars brighten up country’s biggest festivals in Mindanao

ExCITEMENT and love filled the air during the colorful celebrations of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, Higalaay Festival in Cagayan de Oro City, and Tuna Festival in General Santos City as some of the country’s biggest stars graced Mindanao’s largest festivities.

Dabawenyos were thrilled as the stars of the top-rated mystery murder series Royal Blood—Dingdong Dantes, Lianne Valentin and Dion Ignacio— flew to Davao City to take part in the fun celebration of Kadayawan Festival.

Hearts definitely fluttered as Dingdong, Lianne and Dion provided entertaining and powerful performances in the Kapuso Mall Show at Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall,

Buhangin, Davao City, on August 19.

The next day, August 20, remained extra thrilling and fun as Pokwang, Kuya Kim Atienza, Faith da Silva, Rabiya Mateo, and Jayson Gainza from the hit variety show TiktoClock celebrated with all the fans who joined their fun-filled show at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City. Prior to their mall show, the Tiktropa immersed themselves with the locals of Kadayawan Village inside the Magsaysay Park and brought some short but sweet entertainment in front of Davao City Hall.

Meanwhile, Kagay-anons felt special and loved as the stars of the upcoming drama Love Before Sunrise visited their picturesque city to

take part in the vibrant celebration of Higalaay Festival. The crowd was thrilled as Bea Alonzo and Dennis Trillo, together with Sparkle artist Rodjun Cruz, treated them to a show at Ayala Malls Centrio, Cagayan de Oro, last August 28.

Bea and Dennis, together with their Love Before Sunrise costar Andrea Torres, also flew to General Santos City on September 1 to take part in Gen San’s Tuna Festival. They delighted audiences with a show at the KCC Convention and Events Center, KCC Mall, General Santos City.

GMA leading man Gabby Concepcion likewise graced the opening ceremony of Gen San’s Tuna Festival on September 1.

LUCKY BOYTOY

SoCiAL media was abuzz with the catfight involving two rich and powerful women. one of these women disclosed that the other had a boytoy, who happens to be an older actor. everyone presumed that it was a certain older but still very attractive actor. Later on, the woman said it wasn’t this actor but another one. She even gave his initials. if this is true, the boytoy, who has an actress-girlfriend, is very lucky because his alleged benefactor is very rich. The rich woman reportedly bought him a mansion in the suburbs.

Joining the celebration and unveiling of the Mr. & Ms. Gen San 2023 last September 2 at Lagao Gymnasium, General Santos City, was Sparkle artist Luke Conde.

“We would like to thank all Kapuso from various regions in the Philippines for always inviting GMA Network to their festivals, and for giving us the opportunity to share with them the talents of our artists. Kudos as well to all the people behind GMA Regional TV because through their hard work and talent, we are able to continuously spread joy and touch lives in all parts of the country,” said GMA senior vice president and head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

PHOTO BY JOHN SVENSON ON UNSPLASH

GAbby ConCepCion

Royal Blood’s Dingdong Dantes, Lianne Valentin and Dion ignacio at Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall in buhangin, Davao City.

FRoM left: bea Alonzo, Dennis Trillo and their love Before Sunrise costar Andrea Torres at the KCC Convention and events Center, KCC Mall, General Santos City.

FRoM left: Rabiya Mateo, pokwang, Jayson Gainza, Kuya Kim Atienza and Faith da Silva from the hit variety show TiktoClock in Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City.

SenAToR Risa Hontiveros

MPIC, Hartasuma Sdn Bhd partner to drive innovation in infra development

METRO Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the country’s leading infrastructure investments company, and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, the forefront in integrated rolling stock and rail services provider in Malaysia, have announced a significant collaboration aimed at driving the development of rail infrastructure in the Philippines.

The agreement signed by Hartasuma’s Group Executive Director, Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, and MPIC’s Chairman, President, and CEO, Manuel V. Pangilinan, marks a notable step towards fostering economic growth through joint ventures and cooperation.

“We look forward to learning from the expertise of Hartasuma’s over 28 years in the rail engineering and transport industries, and to applying these lessons to our operations in the Philippines. There is a lot for us to share. Together, we intend to explore innovations that can help us build the transport infrastructure of the future,” said Pangilinan.

This strategic partnership will pave the way for diverse initiatives, including the development of rolling stock refurbishment projects in the Philippines and the exploration of cable car systems for tourism and urban transport. These ventures will not only transform the transportation landscape of the country but will also create a thriving industry that will support economic progress by fostering skill development, creating numerous employment opportunities for Filipinos, and enhancing local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.

MPIC, through its subsidiary Light

Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), which operates and maintains 20 stations and is expanding with the construction of five new stations for the Cavite Extension Project, seeks to fortify its position in the Philippine light railway system. With an active interest in future public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities in the light rail sector, MPIC aims to leverage Hartasuma’s expertise to enhance the local content and capabilities in train manufacturing, ultimately nurturing a self-sustaining industry ecosystem.

Ravindran Menon expressed his optimism about the collaboration, saying,

Mang Inasal Pork BBQ wins the hearts of popular food critic and the public with masarap verdict

MANG Inasal Pork BBQ is currently generating conversations on social media as it gained the Masarap” (delicious) verdict from the popular online food critic, Masarap Ba.

In its August 17, 2023 post, Masarap Ba shared, ”Sarap nung agaw ng alat at tamis. Bagay sa suka. Saks yung size ng meat. Di ako nabitin. Juicy, malambot, bungal friendly. Tinest ko sa mga senior citizens and aprub nila! Ang laki ng taba sa dulo! Just how we Pinoys like it.” (The salty-sweet blend is delicious. It goes well with the spiced vinegar. The size of the meat is just right for me. The meat is juicy, tender, and something that senior citizens would approve of. The big chunk of fat at the end of the stick is exactly how we Filipinos like it.)

The post gained comments from netizens agreeing to the verdict, with several of them sharing how they have been a fan of Mang Inasal Pork BBQ for years.

After Masarap Ba’s post, another famous online personality, Senyora raved about Mang Inasal Pork BBQ. Its follower base was also quick to cite the product’s taste, juiciness, and tenderness.

More positive feedback were shared across social media including the well-known foodie community on Facebook, Let’s Eat Pare, where photos of Mang Inasal Pork BBQ were

shared whether being enjoyed while inside the store or at home.

“We are very happy with the continuous great words that Mang Inasal Pork BBQ is getting from our customers,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. ”Definitely it’s one of our char-grilled products we are proud of because of its juicy-lambot sarap! And now that it’s made more affordable with the ₧99 meal, it’s perfect for families and groups of friends to enjoy.”

The juicy-lammmbot sarap Mang Inasal Pork BBQ can now be enjoyed with spiced vinegar and rice for only ₧99. It is also available in Pork BBQ with Peanut Sauce and Java Rice meal, Family Size, or as part of the Fiesta bundle with Peanut Sauce.

Want Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit  www.manginasal.com for the latest updates and  https://manginasaldelivery.com. ph for delivery deals.

“We are very honored to partner an extremely reputable and established infrastructure player in MPIC. We look to value add our collaboration and assist MPIC in achieving its goals. The construction market in the Philippines is expected to grow by some seven percent in 2023 following a growth of 12.1 percent in 2022. There is a lot of demand and interest in rail infrastructure projects as the government looks to improve regional connectivity through the development of transport infrastructure. We look forward to participating in some of this growth,” said Ravindran.

ValuePlus celebrates 10th anniversary with Easy Start Financing Program for new VPX Franchises

General Manager of ValuePlus. “We offer a competitive investment range of five to eight million and diverse franchising packages that are tailored to meet the needs of both bustling cities and smaller towns.”

The Easy Start Financing initiative aims to attract potential franchisees from Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Quezon, Baguio, Cebu, Negros, Davao, and Metro Manila. VPX offers a turn-key setup for franchisees, ensuring a smooth transition into successful operations.

Microsoft solutions provider Radenta Technologies joins Crayon Connect 2023 gathering for partners

The benefits per operational domain showed 57 percent reduced/avoided cyberattacks, 51 percent improved ability to meet compliance regulations, 47 percent lowered overall costs, 41 percent lowered total cost of ownership, and 58 percent improved collaboration with external parties.

SMBs, however, remain behind larger enterprises regarding cloud adoption. Forrester’s Cloud Maturity Assessment shows that SMBs score a cloud maturity of 3.61 out of 5, indicating the lack of plans to support people, process, and technology.

Across operational domains, less than half of SMBs engage third party service providers. This results in struggles in managing software licensing issues, having security concerns, and facing performance concerns. Nonetheless, most respondents, or 88 per cent, indicated that they see an increase in third party service providers spend.

AS ValuePlus marks its 10th year of unparalleled service in the automotive industry, it is rolling out an unprecedented franchising opportunity to celebrate this milestone. VPX, the franchise brand of ValuePlus Auto Services introduces its “Easy Start Financing” program, targeted specifically to expand its trusted network of service centers.

This special offer enables the first 10 new franchisees to qualify under this program to

avail themselves of an installment payment plan for the franchise fees and select tools and equipment over a 12-month period.

The program is intended for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, entrepreneurs, auto industry insiders, overseas Filipino professionals, and expatriates looking to settle in the Philippines.

“With a decade in the industry, ValuePlus is more than just a business; it’s a brand built on trust,” states Mark Saberola,

“This 10th-anniversary financing offer symbolizes our commitment to growth and our confidence in the robust business model we’ve developed over the years,” adds Saberola. “VPX is excited to bring its reliable and trusted auto services to more Filipino consumers nationwide.”

For more details on how to become a VPX franchisee and to take advantage of the Easy Start Financing program, visit www.valueplusph.com/vpx or contact 0917-637-2085.

PhilHealth receives commendation from Cebu Provincial Board for expanding coverage for hemodialysis sessions

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was recently recognized by the Cebu Provincial Board for expanding its coverage for hemodialysis from 90 to 156 sessions.

The Provincial Board, in its Resolution No. 1759-2023 approved on August 11, 2023, “commend(s) and express(es) utmost gratitude to PhilHealth for the issuance of its Circular No. 2023-0009 which allows its members who are registered in its Chronic Kidney Disease 5 database to avail of a maximum of 156 hemodialysis sessions from the previous 90 sessions”.

The health insurer announced the expansion and institutionalization of its hemodialysis coverage through PhilHealth Circular 2023-0009 which took effect in June this year. The increase in coverage is in accordance to the current standards for adequate hemodialysis consisting of three

four-hour sessions per week.

PhilHealth members and their qualified dependents diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD5) needing hemodialysis as prescribed by their nephrologists may avail themselves this benefit package. The stateinsurer also clarifies that if the member and the dependent are both hemodialysis patients, they are qualified to avail of 156 hemodialysis sessions each. The patient should also be registered in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database prior to availment.

With this development, CKD5 patients on hemodialysis can avail of as much as P405,600 per year at P2,600 per session.

“We express our gratitude to the Cebu Provincial Board led by Vice Governor Hilario Davide III for recognizing PhilHealth’s effort to ease the financial burden of our kababayans undergoing hemodialysis treatment,” PhilHealth

President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. said. “Rest assured that we will continue to commit ourselves in providing adequate financial risk protection to our members by enhancing and introducing new benefit packages,” he added.

The PhilHealth Chief also reminded members with chronic renal issues to consider kidney transplantation or peritoneal dialysis first before going on hemodialysis. “We urge our kidney patients to avail of these benefits to achieve a better quality of life,” Ledesma said of the available benefits that are highly recommended by experts for CKD5 patients.

He explained that PhilHealth provides P600,000 for renal patients qualified under the Z Benefit for Kidney Transplantation, or P270,000 for a year’s financial support to patients who opt to go on peritoneal dialysis under its Z Benefit for PD-First.

RADENTA Technologies, one of the leading Microsoft solutions providers in the country recently joined Crayon Connect 2023, an annual event that gathers channel partners across the Philippines.

Crayon Connect is a must-attend event that gives partners the chance to discuss the latest customer insights, industry developments, emerging trends, and new vendor technologies.

The main highlight of the event is the presentation of a custom study done by Forrester, a leading global research company. The study titled, “The Future of Operations: Maximize Value from the Cloud with a Strategic Mindset,” showed the concerns and aspirations of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses with regards to cloud adoption and how solutions providers can best address the situation. Respondents came from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Key findings indicate that SMBs continue to look to cloud adoption to drive growth, benefits, and customer value. Limited internal resources hinder companies from adopting cloud technology. The lack of budget and technical knowledge has increased engagements with third party service providers. SMBs increasingly view service providers as partners who share the same values in achieving cloud goals, aiding in advanced cloud usage, and providing end-toend support.

The study further shows that business and IT objectives mirror each other. Improving the experience of customers is at 86 percent while improving IT capabilities to enhance customer experience is at 85 percent. Growing revenue is at 83 percent while aligning IT performance to business metrics is at 80 percent. Improving the skills and capabilities of employees is at 81 percent while improving IT reliability and resilience is at 78 percent.

Eighty-three percent of respondents say their SMBs will either maintain or increase their cloud investments in the next two years with the following spread across operational domains: 66 percent, security; 53 percent, business continuity; 38 percent, business applications, 34 percent, infrastructure; and 23 percent, workforce productivity.

The number one reason respondents engage with third party service providers is the lack of budget to do the work in-house at 60 per cent saying that skilled IT personnel are expensive to hire. Providers having better knowledge of technology come second at 52 percent. Third, 42 percent want to take advantage of a provider’s pre-built software and project accelerators. The same percentage comes in at fourth with the acknowledgement of not having the skills and methods in house. Finally, 39 percent admitted to having trouble keeping up with emerging technologies.

SMBs now look at third party service providers as value-aligned partners and not mere suppliers. In the next 24 months, enterprises will go into engagement for the following reasons: business applications to manage cloud operations services, 76 percent; security for cloud strategy development, 66 percent; workforce productivity for integration services, 65 percent; business continuity for cloud strategy development, 64 percent; and infrastructure for migration and replatform, 58 percent.

Michelle Lasam, Radenta Technologies Microsoft Line of Business Operations Manager was one of the panelists and this is what she said on how the company learns from wins and losses.

“We walk the talk. We do not just sell the technologies; we use them internally. We use technology to track down opportunities, analyze market trends, identify where we need to improve, see where our strengths lie and pinpoint where we are at in terms of achieving our goals.”

As to why increasingly small and medium sized businesses are seeking strategic engagement with their partners, Lasam breaks it down with her answer.

“It is beneficial for an enterprise to partner with vendors like Radenta because we do the grunt work for them so they can focus more on running their business.” We have the experience, infrastructure, and the processes for a seamless and cost-efficient transition.

Find out more about cloud adoption, call Radenta at (02) 8535-7801, 0908-812-4891, email info@radenta.com or log on to  http:// www.radenta.com.

MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan (right), signs a memorandum of agreement with Hartasuma’s Group Executive Director, Tan Sri Ravindran Menon. (left).

RADENTA Technologies Microsoft Line of Business Operations Manager Michelle Lasam (second from right) talks during Crayon Connect 2023. Also in photo are (left) Highly Succeed Chief Information Officer Julius Domingo and (left)  Rakso CT President Allen Vasquez.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Dumandan gets leader’s eye view after a long while

MARVIN DUMANDAN stormed ahead in a startling result to a wild third round battle for survival on South Pacific’s treacherous surface, driving past erstwhile joint leaders Justin Quiban and Nilo Salahog with a 72 in the third round of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) South Pacific Classic in Davao City on Thursday.

Dumandan’s even-par round fashioned out in another scorching condition at the South Pacific course whose greens demand more than skills came as a big surprise for an output as well as for a player to lead a star-studded field. But the Riviera pro was just as happy as the rest to survive the ordeal—and happier to get the view from the top for the first time in a long, long while.

“I’ve never been in the lead after scoring a win in the 2009 Apo Classic,” said the ever-jolly Dumandan, whose quiet one-birdie, one-bogey card thrust him into the lead at seven-under 209 that included rounds of 69-68.

“I missed being on top and I hope it continues,” added the big-hitting shotmaker, who actually often stands out from among his peers with his bright-colored golf attires.

Keeping a happy mien, Dumandan maintained he’ll be stepping on the first tee Friday sans any pressure, saying: “There’s no reason to get pressured. I just missed this spot.”

With solid driving, Quiban also yearns to regain his place on top after the two-time Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) and PGT Asia champion yielded it on poor stint on the greens that led to a 75 marred by three-putt miscues.

But the Asian Tour campaigner remained just a stroke behind Dumandan at 210 in a tie with a surging local bet Elee Bisera, who fired a 70, as the title chase in the P2 million championship backed by Kampfortis Golf, the official apparel of the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. turns into a survival of the fittest on one of Sta. Lucia Realty’s top championship courses.

Cebu-based Japanese Gen Nagai likewise gave himself a shot for a maiden win with a second straight 70 he spiked with a second straight eagle on the par-5 No. 2 as he tied Salahog, who floundered with a 76, at 211, just two strokes off the pace.

Salahog also hit an eagle on No. 12 but made five bogeys at the back for a 37-39 that came after back-toback sterling rounds of 67-68.

Defending champion Tony Lascuña waged his own charge with a frontside 34 but limped with three bogeys in the last nine holes and ended up with a 72 for joint sixth at 212 with Keanu Jahns, who carded a 71, and Forest Hills and Del Monte winner Clyde Mondilla, who rallied with a 69.

Elmer Salvador shot a 71 to tie Rupert Zaragosa, who slipped with a 75, at 213, while Lloyd Go turned in the day’s best 68 to gain a share of 11th at 214, five strokes off Dumandan, with Sean Ramos, who carded a 70, Jhonnel Ababa, who put in a 71, and Dino Villanueva, who made a 73. “I was driving well at the start and hitting my irons somewhat good but they’re just not reaching [the target] for some reason. I don’t know why,” rued Quiban, who limped with four bogeys against a bogey after producing 10 birdies against a lone bogey in the first 36 holes.

“I was leaving myself 10-15 yards short and was just three-putting all day,” added Quiban, still in position to cap a fine two-week campaign following a third-place effort at Del Monte last week.

“I was actually not pressured at all, confident even. But I couldn’t putt, I couldn’t play properly,” said Quiban. “Pin placements were also a big factor. Even though they cut it [greens], it’s very hard to see where it’s [putt] going. And if you can’t putt confidently, you basically can’t score.”

Dumandan also barely bucked the tough pin placements, saying: “You need to be accurate. Sobrang hirap [ng pin placements]. If you miss the greens, mahirap maka-recover, which is the most difficult challenge here. Kaya pag naka one-putt ka, bonus na ’yun,” said Dumandan.

The long-hitting Bisera also groped for form on a course he calls home, hitting just six greens. But he birdied all but one of the four-par-5s after reaching them in two with the first crack at the championship more than enough to thrill the former national team standout.

“This is my first time to get a shot at the title. I need to control the pressure that comes with it and I hope to do better on my short game and putting,” said Bisera, seeking to complete a family romp after niece Florence dominated the 54-hole ladies championship later in the day.

Editor: Jun Lomibao • Friday, September 15, 2023

YVON FINALLY HITS PAY DIRT IN DAVAO

LORENCE YVON BISERA finally nailed a victory in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) after breaking away from erstwhile co-leader Mikha Fortuna and beating Daniella Uy by three strokes with a final day 72 Thursday in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)

South Pacific Classic in Davao City.

Bisera, who said Wednesday that she liked playing at the frontside of the challenging South Pacific course after posting a second straight solid 33 card, did flash her flair on the first nine holes, hitting two birdies to pull ahead of Fortuna, who, in contrast, tripped early with bogeys on Nos. 1 and 6.

While longshot Apple Fudolin mounted a searing frontside charge of 32 in a flight behind to rally from five down to within two aided by Bisera’s miscue on No. 8, the latter quietly deflected the threat with a brave run of pars at the exacting closing nine of the long but relatively flat layout.

She led Fortuna and Fudolin by three after 13 holes then coasted to victory furthered by her rivals’ rocky backside stints in their futile bids to make a run at the championship and halt Bisera’s impending title romp in the 54-hole event put up by ICTSI.

“This win means everything to me, very memorable since did it on my home course and before my family,” said the 21-year-old Bisera, whose 215 total worth P125,000 capped a fine season-long campaign in the circuit supported by Kampfortis Golf that featured four Top 4 finishes in nine events.

Tied with Fortuna after 36 holes, Bisera pulled ahead with a birdie on No. 2 and built a two-shot cushion with another feat on No. 7 as the former failed to recover from dropped shots on Nos. 1 and 6.

“It’s a big help to get a two-stroke lead since for me, the backside is very difficult,” Bisera added.

Too tough in fact for the rest of her pursuers, who fell by the wayside one after the other, enabling Uy to snare runnerup honors in a flight ahead on a 69 for a 218 worth P86,000.

Fortuna double-bogeyed No. 14 and wound up with a 76 for third at 219 while Sarah Ababa ended up with a 74 for fourth at 220.

Harmie Constantino, winner at Luisita and Villamor Philippine Masters, shot a 71 to place fifth at 222 while Fudolin

FLORENCE YVON BISERA: This win means everything to me, very memorable because I did it on my home course and before my family.

failed to sustain a brilliant nine-hole game with a backside 43 and dropped to sixth at 223 after a 75.

Seoyun Kim of Korea skied to a 76 and slipped to seventh at 224 while Pamela Mariano wound up eighth at 227 after a 77 followed by Valley leg winner amateur Mafy Singson, who groped for a 77 and a 231.

Bisera’s runner-up finish to Uy at Forest Hills last June and joint third effort in last week’s Del Monte Championship somewhat hinted at a coming off a big week for the third year Civil Engineering student at Mapua U, whose father

Lady Bulldogs lead cast in pre-season spikefest

REIGNING champion National University (NU) headlines a stacked cast as the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship opens its second season this weekend at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Bulldogs, who swept their way to victory last year, lead the 16-team field featuring bets from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as warmup for their mother leagues in the upcoming collegiate season.

SSL Season 1 MVP Alyssa Solomon and former UAAP Rookie-MVP Mhicaela Belen are expected to lead the NU squad of returning coach Norman Miguel.

With NU in Pool A are San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos, Jose Rizal University and souped-up University of the East bannered by super rookie Casiey Dongallo, who was MVP in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (GVIL) national high school tournament last summer.

SSL National Invitationals runner-up Adamson University leads Pool B with Arellano University, Lyceum of the Philippines University and San Beda University while Pool C has reigning NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde, University of Santo Tomas, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Completing the cast are Ateneo, under new coach Sergio Veloso, and Far Eastern University, Mapua University and Emilio Aguinaldo College in Pool D.

Only reigning UAAP and SSL National Invitationals champion De La Salle, which finished runner-up to NU last year in the pre-season, and the University of the Philippines are out of the picture this time after a complete attendance from all the UAAP and NCAA schools in Season 1.

Reynaldo is the caddie master at one of Sta. Lucia Realty’s top championship courses and worked on her bag in all three days.

“My edge is on driving but Papa also helped a lot since he’s very familiar with the greens,” added Bisera.

Minyeong Kim, meanwhile, scored an ace on the 145yard No. 5, using a Mizuno 8-iron and Titleist No. 3 ball while playing alongside Chihiro Ikeda and Marvi Monsalve. The feat anchored the Korean’s final round 74 for joint 10th at 232 with Ikeda (75) and Gretchen Villacencio (78) and netted her P5,000 from the host club.

CONSISTENCY SETS IN ON EJ

J R

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ERNEST JOHN “EJ” OBIENA has gone 20-2 in podium finishes in the current season that culminates with two major competitions in Eugene, Oregon, and Hangzhou, China,where he’ll be targeting his first Asian Games gold medal.

Eugene, where he pulled off a breakthrough bronze medal finish in last year’s world championships, will host this weekend the final leg of the Diamond League where the elite of the elite, led by Swede wonder Armand Duplantis, are competing.

Hangzhou, on the other hand, will be the platform where Obiena could cement his reign as Asia’s pole vault king. The Asian Games start with the opening ceremony next Saturday.

And Obiena will be bringing a rare commodity when he competes in both—consistency.

“I think it’s good, it’s very hard to do back-to-back-to-back 5.90s and I am very proud of that or maybe I can still jump higher,” Obiena told BusinessMirror on Thursday from his training base in Formia, Italy.

“That’s a good feat and that means things are getting to be a little more consistent,” he added.

Obiena, 27, cleared 5.92 meters in a five-day span in three consecutive competitions—Berlin on September 3 and three days later in Aachen both in Germany and in Brussels two days after that at the Wanda Diamond League.

He got both gold medals in Germany and bronze in Belgium for that 20-2 season performance—missing the podium only at the Zurich Diamond League last September 1 when he was 10th with 5.60m and in Hauts-de-France in France at the start of the indoor season on February 16 when he finished 10th with 5.64 meters.

PSA Cup up in Malvar

THE Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) will hold a charity horse race dubbed the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup this Sunday at the Metro Turf in Malvar, Batangas.

Philracom acting executive director Ronaldo Corpuz said in a letter that PSA will be the beneficiary of an industry-sponsored charity race this Sunday.

“The proceeds of the race to be given to your association will depend on the race’s gross betting sales from the Metro Manila Turf Club Inc.,” he said.

The Philracom has been holding charity races for years to underscore its generosity and its willingness to help organizations.

Last year, it staged five charity races for the benefit of the Philippine team that competed in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia through the Philippine Sports Commission.

It benefited more than 800 athletes who saw action in Cambodia.

PSA president Nelson Beltran of The Philippine Star welcomed the good news saying it will benefit the sport media group’s own charity programs.

CLEARING 5.92 meters three times in a row makes Ernest John “EJ” Obiena special.

Hermosa, Alcoseba shine in 5150 Dapitan

MATTHEW HERMOSA and Raven Alcoseba fashioned wire-to-wire triumphs in the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint in 5150 Dapitan Philippines in Zamboanga del Norte over the weekend.

Hermosa took control after the swim leg in nine minutes and 58 seconds and never looked back. He was 30:56 in the bike and 18:54 in the run to win in 1:01:43 in the men’s side of the short-distance series dubbed as S2—750-meter swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run.

It served as the sub-category to the centerpiece 5150 Dapitan (1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run) race organized by The Ironman Group/Sunrise Events Inc.

The 18-year-old Talisay City native, who teamed up with fellow first-timers Erika Burgos, Kira Ellis and Iñaki Lorbes to secure gold in aquathlon’s mixed relay in the last Southeast

Asian Games in Cambodia, beat Irienold Reig Jr., a surprise winner in 5150 Subic last year.

Reigclocked 1:03:15 with leg times of 10:14 (swim), 32:04 (bike) and 19:02 (run). Daniel Cadanos placed third in 1:03: 51 (10:29-32:17-19:15).

Alcoseba, a former winner of the event held for those endurance racing campaigners seeking a new challenge and beginners wanting to immerse themselves into the popular tri-sport, posted a 1:08:38 time to reign in her side of the competition sponsored by Go for Gold Philippines and backed by Lungson ng Dapitan, Activ, Rudy Project, Santé, Mamnila Bulletin and Tempo.

Like Hermosa, Alcoseba seized command in swim (10:05) then virtually matched Karen Manayon’s times in the next two legs to clinch the victory. She clocked 35:14 in bike and 21:34

while Manayon, after an 11:07 time in swim, posted 35:47 and 21:28 in the last two stages for a total clocking of 1:10:27. Nicole del Rosario came in third in 1:14:07 with leg times of 11:48-36:59-23:23.

“It’s Year 2 for us in the SSL but we have been here for 13 straight years from 2005 to 2018, seeing the rise of women’s volleyball particularly in the collegiate and grassroots scene,” said Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. president and CEO Vic Gregorio, who was accompanied by general manager Jorge Concepcion in Thursday’s launch. “It has been an honor to be back in volleyball.”

Games start on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Center with a triple-header featuring Perpetual Help against UST, Adamson University against Lyceum and San Beda against Arellano University after the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. The refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum will also host games including the finals.

FORMER SHOOTING HEAD SEEKS POC SCRUTINY ON NATL TEAM TO HANGZHOU SINGSON

FORMER Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson is furious with the current state of Philippine shooting—a sport very Singson, a former president of the Philippine National Shooting Association, said that he will appeal to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to look into the composition of the national team that will leave next week for 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

He also questioned the composition of the national team that took part in last month’s World Cup in Italy.

“We’re bothered with unqualified athletes who’re sent to these competitions, that’s our concern,” Chavit said in a press conference in his Corinthian Gardens residence on Thursday. “Qualification zero.”

Singson, who was with former national shotgun shooter Raul Arambulo in the press conference, said some members of the associations are now incensed with the way the members of the national team to Hangzhou were selected.

He noted the exclusion of one promising athlete in pistol shooter Carlo Valdez, who has been performing consistently in qualifying events.

He shot 576 in the 10-meter and 558 in free pistol 50m—numbers that surprised even the multi-titled Nathaniel “Tac” Padilla.

He has also equaled the 27-year-old national standard of Fil-American Jomike Gonzales with 584 in one of PNSA’s monthly eliminations.

His 584 total also matched the runner-up qualification score by South Korean Jin Jong-Oh during the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Submission of entry by name to the Asian Games already lapsed, but the POC was pushing for last-minute changes in the rosters of certain national associations including the men’s 5x5 squad of basketball.

This wasn’t the first time that Singson and the group questioned the composition of the national team in an international meet.

At the ISSF Lonato Cup in Italy last July, which was a qualifying event for next year’s Paris Olympics, the group pointed out the inclusion of some athletes, who wound up with sub-par performances.

MARVIN DUMANDAN survives a wild third-round battle for survival.

ALCOSEBA HERMOSA

runner-up

Motoring

GACbrinGsintheAll-newGs8 4wD

S. Peregrino

GAC Motor Philippines recently brought in the 4WD version of its flagship AllNew GS8 seven-seater SUV. Introduced during the recently concluded GAC Discovery Drive Fest, the Chinese automaker claims that the newest groundbreaking vehicle promises to uplift customer demand for GAC Motor’s flagship SUV.

Initially offered in a 2WD variant, bringing in the 4WD option was a response to the brand’s customers’ clamor for a perfectly offroad capable premium SUV. The newest variant of the full-size seven-seater SUV offers combined form and function. Apart from the complete style, quality, safety, and reliability package of the 2WD variant, the 4WD version provides exclusive enhancements, such as additional drive modes for various terrains, a 10-speaker Alpine Sound System, and a ventilated front central armrest compartment.

“The GS8 has had tremendous success since being launched in the Philippines and continues to be one of our best-selling nameplates. It is masterfully designed to exude confidence on the road and is perfect for customers seeking distinction and refinement in their SUV,” said GAC Motor Brand Head

Franz Decloedt.

The All-New GS8 4WD will be offered at a special introductory price of P2.548 million (P100,000 discount valid until September 30, 2023). Reservation is ongoing at all GAC MOTOR dealerships nationwide. All units have a five-year warranty, and customer deliveries will begin soon.

Remarkable sales growth

GAC Motor Philippines also announced its remarkable seven-month streak of record sales performance, achieving an impressive 276 percent year-over-year growth, selling 825 units in this period.

Decloedt announced during the GAC Discovery Drive Fest. “We are elated to celebrate our exceptional seven-month streak in sales

performance, which is a testament to our team’s hard work, innovation, and trust in our customers. Our brand’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge vehicles that cater to our Filipino customers’ evolving needs and preferences has been the driving force behind this impressive sales trajectory,” he said.

Raoul Picello, Managing Director of Astara Philippines, who formally opened the threeday event, shared, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has played a role in our success story—our customers who have chosen to drive with us, our partners who have supported our endeavors, and our dedicated team members who have worked tirelessly to make this all possible.”

1,000 units sold milestone

Me A NWHIle, GAC Motor Philippines delivered another milestone in its growth journey by surpassing 1,000 units in total retail sales for 2023. It is a record achievement for the brand since being under the global mobility company Astara.

In a report from CAMPI, GAC Motor achieved year-to-date retail sales of 1,017 units as of August 2023, underscoring its strong presence and commitment to delivering top-notch vehicles that offer the best value in the market. GAC Motor’s growing success this year can be attributed to the increasing popularity of its vehicles, particularly the 7-seater GS8 SUV and the all-new GS3 em zoom. According to GAC, customers have received these models well for possessing the brand’s commitment to high quality, fine craftsmanship, and innovation.

Decloedt was enthusiastic about the company’s achievement: “We are beyond thrilled to share yet another remarkable milestone for GAC. In a mere eight months, we have proudly welcomed over 1,000 delighted GAC owners nationwide. Our optimism and determination are stronger than ever as we

set our sights on breaking the 2,000 mark by year-end. This achievement stands as a testament to the trust our customers place in our brand and the invaluable support from our dealer partners, all of which enhance the ownership experience.”

Further, the company appointed four new

Toyota is as popular as basketball and BTS

IT is uncommon to see the top gun of a global entity visiting his subalterns. But make Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC), an exception.

In an amazing display of unremitting gratitude, Toyoda flew in from Tokyo last week to grace the 35th founding of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).

His arrival was emblematic of a rock star ascending the grandest stage, drawing an astonishing adulation when the spotlight finally fell on him before, during and after delivery of his bombastic speech.

He immediately charmed his audience with his straightforward love for Jollibee.

“As soon as I got here,” he began, “I went straight to my favorite place… Jollibee! I mean, where else but here, can you get fried chicken and spaghetti… in the same place?!”

The audience, which included First l ady lisa Araneta-Marcos, lustily cheered.

Toyoda paid tribute to President Marcos’s visit to TMP’s plant in Santa Rosa City, l aguna.

“ea rlier today, I had the great pleasure of taking his excellency, President Marcos, on a tour of our factory in Santa Rosa,” Toyoda said.

“We, at Toyota, are extremely grateful for the support, wisdom and guidance that we received from President Marcos. And I know this great country is in the best possible hands with his leadership. So, we offer him our deepest thanks for making this 35th anniversary possible!”

Witty and brimming with humor, Toyoda said that because Toyota Philippines is Toyota’s 10th highest seller in the world, “Toyota seems to be as popular here as basketball and BTS!”

Here are excerpts of Toyoda’s warmly-applauded speech:

“I’d like to congratulate Chairman Ty and

the entire team for the record-breaking year

Toyota Philippines is currently having. I really am so proud of this team. It’s why I made the decision in 2008 to increase our production of IMV (Innovative Mobility Vehicle) transmissions here in the Philippines and export them to the rest of Asia. I’m happy to say that, since 1992, Toyota Philippines has produced over 6.5 million transmissions at an export value of $2.9 billion dollars, which is equal to 200 thousand units of CBU vehicles.

“This strategic decision to focus on transmissions and parts exports, rather than final assembly, has worked to our advantage.

“It has allowed us to be successful here, unlike some of our competitors. Personally, I believe that we need to come together, as an industry to develop local suppliers here in the Philippines.

“Because even though we currently enjoy a 50 percent market share here, Toyota unfortunately, cannot develop a local supply chain alone, especially when you consider, that roughly 75 percent of a vehicle comes from parts suppliers. I believe that if other Japanese OeMs worked together for the greater good, we could greatly increase opportunities in the automotive sector here.

“Because the more competitors we have here in the Philippines, the more local suppliers we will create and the more economies of scale we will gain, which is better for us, better for the Philippines and most importantly, better for our customers.

“As crazy as it may sound, I wouldn’t even care if Toyota’s share of market here decreased. It simply is the right thing to do for this country.

“So, if any of our competitors are here today, or listening…. Give me a call!

“But honestly, it’s not about how many cars

dealers to the growing network of dealerships. Decloedt added, “We are fully committed to accelerating our network growth across the country as this will enhance the accessibility of GAC and help ensure a convenient purchase and worry-free after-sales experience for all our customers wherever they may be.”

we’ve sold here or whether we’re number one in sales. My greatest wish is simply to be number one in the hearts of our customers here in the Philippines.

He said he will revive the well-loved Toyota Tamaraw.

“I’m very pleased to say that in 2024, the next generation Tamaraw will be produced as a CBU right here at our Santa Rosa plant!

He said the Tamaraw plan will cost Toyota 4.4 billion pesos.

“And as we move into the next frontier in our industry, I think it’s those that stay creative and optimistic…who will succeed. In fact, I believe it’s the Philippines that could well become the Silicon Valley of Asia.

“But as we create a world of connected vehicles, artificial intelligence, autonomy, electrification, flying cars and more…we must always remember the humanity at the center of it all.

“Because making people’s lives better and happier is the entire point. And for me, it’s the only one that matters. I think this was instilled in me by my father, Shoichiro Toyoda, who as you may know, recently passed away.

“He was a great supporter of Toyota Philippines and a great friend of Alfred’s father, Dr. George Ty, who is also no longer with us. Alfred and I have now assumed our father’s titles of Chairman, but I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we intend to reinvent the role and actively guide Toyota, with as much energy and dedication as ever.

“As we look ahead, I want to assure you that the future of Toyota Philippines is very bright and only going to get brighter.

l adies and gentlemen, we may not share the same rivers and mountains but we share the same sun and sky and the same wish for harmony and happiness.

“Together, everything is possible. Thank you very much.”

PEE STOP Happy birthday to Ramon Uy, my buddy from Bacolod whose enormous talent hastened the invention of the country’s sole state-of-the-art shredder and other farm/ construction implements that truly matter.

As Joe Cajili and Marvin Velayo love to yell: “Cheers for beers, buddy!"

Story & photos by Randy

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