BusinessMirror September 16, 2023

LITERAL GUINEA PIGS

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Since the disease’s first outbreak in the Philippines in 2019, the hog industry consisting of commercial and backyard growers has grappled with losses amounting to P200 billion, according to Engr. Rosendo So, who heads the umbrella alliance SINAG, or Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura.

In the search for signs of hope to uplift the industry, there were initial indications of progress in the development of anti-ASF vaccines. However, the optimism began to wane as subsequent developments unfolded.

ASF vaccine woes

THE ASF vaccine currently being tested is not yet “100 percent ready” to be commercially available and be injected into hogs, an industry group told the BusinessMirror, and suggested that protocols for the trial have to be fixed first.

R allying for transparency, the hog industry must know the details regarding the trial such as who is being tested and where are the testing locations.

“Open tayo na may trial, pero dapat ay open book sila [We are open to trials, but they must be conducted in an open-book manner],” said So.

“May mga vaccine na tinest. Nalaman namin na namatay yung mga baboy up to 1,000 heads and ang nawala sa kanya ay P10 million [There are vaccines that have been tested. We found out that up to 1,000 pigs have died and the loss amounted to P10 million],” he revealed. ”

As 70 percent of the whole coun-

try remains infected with ASF, So said that with the live vaccines—which should be isolated—the virus could eventually spread through shedding.

To boost the immunity of hogs against ASF, sows are administered the vaccine, and their immunity can be passed on to the piglets, explained So.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), through its deputy chief, earlier reported a 100-percent success in the field trial of the AVAC ASF live vaccine.

A vet’s take

THE preliminary trial results of a Vietnamese-manufactured vaccine based on BAI’s data look “promising,” declared swine veterinary consultant Dr. Rolando Cruz, but he was quick to question the parameters used in the trial: “Is it just based on their perception of how to evaluate it?”

Cruz said some farms who already injected their pigs with the vaccine said it was good, while some said not.

It’s vague. You can’t really conclude if it’s really effective or not, so that’s why I told everybody that we should give them more time to do the vaccine so that once they release it, it is already an effective vaccine. We don’t need to rush,” he told the BusinessMirror

Among the four vaccine companies dwelling on the research and trials, Cruz revealed that most of them have unfortunately failed.

“ That’s how complex [the virus] is, so that’s why we have to give them

more time and test to different animals. The more the better so that you can have a statistically significant result,” he said.

For the swine veterinarian, the vaccine is 60 percent ready for commercial use but it should be at 100 percent and there have to be no gray areas. “ If effective, then we can use it right away in order for us to have a day one in producing more pigs,” he said. However, if there is any skepticism towards the vaccine, “We have to slow down and b ring all things in the table, and discuss again how to go about it. Otherwise, isang pagkakamali diyan malaki ang magiging impact [Otherwise, a single mistake could have a s ignificant impact],” he said.

Assuming the vaccine has been approved and injected into pigs, Cruz said it has no effect on humans if they consume pork vaccinated against ASF.

He elaborated that the virus itself has no negative effects on humans, as it primarily affects pigs and spreads from pig to pig.

Strategic biosecurity measures

WHEN asked if the vaccine is the only solution to stop ASF, Cruz firmly said “no.”

I’m happy to say that without the vaccine, we were able to survive 30 to 40 farms without the vaccine and still very stable now,” he said.

Pushing for strategic biosecurity measures as an “efficient way to manage ASF,” Cruz said having a disinfectant is not enough, and instead, companion steps must be taken, such as eliminating animals such as dogs and cats from roaming around farms—to prevent the transmission of the virus from one farm to another—and modifying buildings to be protected from contamination.

So also said biosecurity is important in farms: monitoring the movement of people, of the feeds, and those who enter the area.

“Biosecurity pa rin ang kailangan sa mga farm [Biosecurity is still needed in farms],” he stated.

Govt mulls over subsidizing vax

AGRICULTURE Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano told the BusinessMirror they are mulling over subsidizing the ASF vaccines in the future, but also stressed the need to first ensure they are safe and effective. Should those under trial be proven effective, then it is “possible.”

“ The vaccine under trials must be proven to be safe, sterile and effective following all standards and universally acceptable protocols,” Savellano said in his speech during the National Federation of Hog Growers Inc.’s general meeting, aimed at achieving the return of the “glory days” of the Philippine swine industry and repopulating amidst the threat of ASF.

He added that the Department of Agriculture’s direction for livestock is toward prioritizing local production of livestock and products, minimizing importation to keep consumer market prices low, and ensuring profit margin for livestock farmers, thereby creating more livelihood opportunities.

To vax or not?

AT the end of the day, Cruz said the vaccine is “very important” and it will “prevent the spread of the disease.”

However, hog growers must “be sure” and “use a very safe and effective vaccine” to avoid wasting money and the risk of introducing the virus to their farms; otherwise, as Cruz put it, “Para kang nag-suicide non [It’s like committing suicide].”

He said those “serious” about producing pigs and implementing biosecurity measures will survive the virus until the vaccine becomes commercially available.

For me, just secure your farms from contaminants and you’ll be fine,” Cruz stated.

It will be a big challenge for the bureau if they will approve the vaccines or not, said Cruz. “Kasi at the end of the day, ang tanong dyan, ‘Who will be accountable?’ Of course, the one who approved the vaccine [Because at the end of the day, the question is, ‘Who will be accountable?’ Of course, the one who approved the vaccine].”

PIGS are considered friendly and intelligent creatures, ideal to raise as a form of livelihood. But once infected by the deadly African swine fever (ASF), they can be a different kind of beast for hog raisers.

Hog industry weighs in on ASF vaccines, which have not completed trials and are not seen as a quick fix—in contrast to strict biosecurity measures

Kim Jong Un’s trip to Russia provides window into unique North Korean and Russian media coverage

By Foster Klug & Emma Burrows The Associated Press

TOKYO—The

W hile news gathering is, to varying degrees, constrained by both authoritarian governments, the coverage by those countries’ respective media this week is providing a window into the neighbors’ unique news environments and how the summit is being presented to people in North Korea and Russia.

The coverage shown to North Koreans is meant, like all media efforts there, to reflect the government’s propaganda needs. The country’s reporters have no higher aim than glorifying Kim for Koreans and the world.

But Kim’s trip to Russia, where foreign and local media have more access and leeway than in Pyongyang, has challenged how the North Korean press portrays one of Kim’s most important diplomatic moves in years.

There are no independent television channels left in Russia since Putin invaded Ukraine, and journal-

ists for Russian state media follow the Kremlin’s line. Although social media is increasingly popular, most of Russia still gets its news from the powerful state television network, which encompasses multiple channels across 11 time zones. Here, then, is a look at how people in both countries are getting information about a summit of two isolated leaders eager to thumb their noses at Washington and perhaps establish closer military ties with one another.

NORTH KOREA

A sure sign that big news has happened in North Korea is the appearance on state television of the Lady in Pink, as she’s sometimes called by outside observers because of her penchant for pink traditional Korean hanbok dresses. Sure enough, Ri Chun Hi appeared on TV this week to present, in a booming voice resonant with emo-

tion and pride, Kim’s departure from Pyongyang on his green and yellow armored train.

R i is an institution in North Korea—Kim rewarded her with a luxury home for her decades of work.

She appeared on TV to announce the death of Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, to describe Kim Jong Un’s summits with Donald Trump, and for coverage of big weapons tests over the years as the country built a nuclear program.

Senior officials sincerely wished him good health and a successful foreign visit,” Ri declared Tuesday, as the broadcast showed still cuts of Kim walking past honor guards and shaking the hands of senior officials in a lavish sendoff at a Pyongyang train station.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), meanwhile, has taken a circumspect approach to Kim’s Russia visit. Even on a slow day, KCNA sometimes puts out dozens of dispatches, in Korean and English, chronicling Kim’s every move in public.

For the Russia trip, however, there have only been a handful of carefully packaged stories, appearing sometimes a day after the events.

Reporting on Kim’s departure from Pyongyang, KCNA wrote in an English translation that the “Respected Comrade,” as he’s invariably described, “wished the Pyongyang citizens and all other people of the country well-being and successes in their work as a token of his warm farewell to them” and then left the city “amid a warm send-off.”

K im’s arrival in the Russian border city of Khasan was later described in a longer story that carefully noted the honor guard, military band and envoys who welcomed him. He was

said to have “extended best wishes to the president, government, army and people of the Russian Federation.”

The Rodong Shinmun, North Korea’s official newspaper, which mainly targets a domestic audience, published about 20 photos on Tuesday and Wednesday showing Kim’s departure from Pyongyang and his arrival in Khasan.

North Korea is very serious about glorifying and maintaining the dignity of Kim, and the Russians have cooperated thus far, with Putin personally accompanying him on a tour of the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East.

The danger for North Korean media, however, is the unpredictable nature of a foreign summit. As much as it might want to, North Korea cannot control every aspect of what happens abroad.

Luckily, Kim seems to enjoy appearing in public on his rare travels outside his nation. In Singapore, for example, during the summit to meet Trump, he walked among crowds and toured skyscrapers.

And for anything that goes off script this time in Russia, North Korea’s propaganda officers can always rely on the day-long delay in publishing the news so they can craft the appropriate narrative before presenting it to the people at home.

RUSSIA

ALTHOUGH Russian state television was rather muted Tuesday when Kim’s train rolled into Russia, TV channels broke into scheduled news reports Wednesday to show photos of Putin meeting Kim at the space launch facility.

Russian state TV typically covers Putin’s every public move, but

instead of the usual images of Putin meeting regional officials or berating government ministers, viewers watched as Putin greeted Kim with a 40-second handshake and then toured Putin’s pet project, the cosmodrome.

Before the visit, Russian state wire service RIA Novosti suggested that “the world is watching with bated breath,” accompanied by screenshots of headlines from around the globe. A pundit on a top Russian TV show could be seen questioning how the North Korean economy and political system is “so successful.”

Reporters from Russian state media get access to Putin and the Kremlin that no western journalist could dream of, and it was through them that details of Kim and Putin’s meeting trickled out.

A state television news anchor told Russians that the leaders’ meeting lasted at least five hours, and Russian state wire service TASS reported on the menu for their working lunch—dumplings with Kamchatka crab.

But there was scant mention of the real reason for the visit. Analysts suspect Putin invited Kim to visit Russia to make a deal—North Korean weapons to fuel Putin’s war in Ukraine, in exchange for technology.

T V host Pavel Zarubin regularly gets up-close access to the Russian president, and Putin’s meeting with Kim was no exception. Zarubin posted a video on his Telegram channel Wednesday of Putin apparently waving goodbye to Kim while surrounded by multiple bodyguards.

Putin was smiling and looked pleased; perhaps he got what he wanted from the visit.

world is largely relying on North Korean and Russian media for information about the unusual train journey of leader Kim Jong Un to meet with President Vladimir Putin at a space facility.

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, seen center left, examine a launch pad of Soyuz rockets during their meeting at the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky, about 200 kilometers from the city of Blagoveshchensk in the far eastern Amur region, Russia, on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. MIKHAIL METZEL, SPUTNIK, KREMLIN POOL PHOTO VIA AP

NORTH Korea leader Kim Jong Un, front right, and Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, front left, walk to a station building at Khasan station, Russia Tuesday, September 12, 2023. KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY/KOREA NEWS SERVICE VIA AP

• Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug A3

Kuwait court convicts male adolescent in OFW rape-slay

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

AKUWAITI juvenile court convicted Thursday a young Kuwaiti national for the gruesome killing of Filipina domestic helper Jullebee Ranara.

The 35-year-old maid was brutally raped, killed, burned and abandoned in the desert in Kuwait, triggering massive outcry from her family, Filipino legislators and migrant workers advocates.

Her death started the diplomatic and bilateral labor row between Kuwait and the Philippines.

Kuwait immediately arrested the son of Ranara’s employer, and promised the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait that justice will be served for Ranara.

However, due to mounting public outcry, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) imposed a partial ban on the deployment of first-time domestic helpers pending progress on Ranara’s case. This triggered Kuwait to slap a retaliatory measure, banning the entry of all Filipinos—first-time workers and tourists alike—to Kuwait.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), quoting a report from the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait identified the killer as 17-year-old young man. The DFA, however, decline to name the young convict.

“The Juvenile Court in Kuwait...sentenc[ed] him to 15 years imprisonment for murder and one year imprisonment for driving without license,” said the DFA quoted the report of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

BSP revises BOP deficit forecasts for ’23 and ’24

By Cai U. Ordinario

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

expected contraction in goods exports and goods imports,” BSP said in a statement released on Friday.

as well as the latest global and domestic growth prospects,” BSP said.

Kuwait still maintains death penalty for capital offenses such as murder. But the killer of Ranara was meted lesser penalties because he is a minor.

The accused can still appeal the judgment before the Court of First Instance within 30 days.

The DFA said the family of Ranara has been informed of this conviction and “is grateful for the assistance provided them by the government,” the DFA added.

Manila “acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Kuwaiti authorities to effect the speedy resolution of the case, in the pursuit of justice for our slain ‘kababayan,’” the DFA said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on one hand, was silent in acknowledging the help of the Kuwaiti government in expediting the resolution of the case.

“I commend the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Kuwaiti Authorities for their continued pursuit of justice for our OFW [overseas Filipino worker], Jullebee Ranara. We hope that the appeal process will be conducted fairly, and justice will be served accordingly,” Marcos said in his tweet.

“I take comfort in thinking that Toots and Jullebee are looking down from heaven with smiles. Their legacy serves as a reminder of our duty to protect and support our fellow countrymen, regardless of where in the world they may be,” he added, referring to the late DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople who passed away last month.

to lose ₧87.76-B income on proposed tariff cuts on rice–FFF

By Andrea E. San Juan

LOCAL farmers may lose P87.76 billion in income if the proposed tariff cuts on rice will push through, according to the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF). At a public hearing organized by the Tariff Commission on Friday, FFF National Manager Raul Montemayor unveiled the potential losses as well as the potential drop in farm income if the Foundation for Economic Freedom’s (FEF) petition to reduce import tariffs on rice from 35 percent to 10 percent is granted.

“I’m a little bit disturbed by the fact [that we all know that this FEF proposal will have a big impact on farmers and the government because they based their petitions on the back-of-the-envelope computations...I hope you understand that what you are scribbling at the back of the envelope has billions of pesos of implication to small farmers. I hope you can do a more rigid analysis before you come up with your proposals,” Montemayor added.

Meanwhile, he reported the implication of the proposed tariff cuts on tariff collections.

“Based on our study of BOC [Bureau of Customs] data, the average price of imported rice from January to August this year was about P27 per kilo or P27,335 per metric ton. There is no tariff for that yet, that is the landed CIF [cost, insurance and freight] cost,” Montemayor said.

Assuming that the country will import 3 million tons, he said, “So at 35 percent tariff, we shall collect P28.7 billion; if it’s only 10 percent, we collect P8.2 billion.”

With this, he noted that the foregone tariff for

the government will be about P20.5 billion. Since the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) says that tariff collection exceeds P10 billion, all the excess will be given back to farmers.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 11203, or the RTL, “tariffs collected from rice imports go to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund [RCEF].

Collections in excess of the P10 billion fund go to the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance or RFFA. The law took effect on March 5, 2019.”

However, Montemayor pointed out that if the tariff goes down to 10 percent, “There is no more excess because we collect only P8.2 billion; unlike if it’s at 35 percent, the excess that goes to farmers will be P18.7 billion in addition to their P10 billion under RCEF.”

He stressed that the supposed P18.7-billion additional funding is on top of the estimated P88billion potential income loss to farmers.

“The farmers’ losses will be about P88 billion in terms of reduced income. Potential but it could happen and then they will even lose the P18.7 billion in additional funding,” Montemayor noted.

FEF was one of, if not the first, to lobby for the reduction of tariffs on rice imports as a measure to temper and eventually pull down domestic rice prices.

“The immediate reduction of import tariffs on rice from 35 percent to 10 percent will be effective in reducing the demand-supply gap, tame food price inflation, and alleviate the plight of small retailers for the welfare of the general consuming public,” FEF said during the TC hearing. (Related story: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2023/09/11/dof-wantszero-tariff-on-rice-to-ease-prices/)

Groups call for resignation of Diokno, Balisacan over proposal to reduce tariffs on rice imports

SIX agricultural groups on Friday urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to remove Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan over their proposal to reduce the tariffs on rice imports.

In a joint statement, the various groups argued that the proposal of the two Cabinet secretaries to reduce rice tariffs to as low as zero would be a “death sentence” on rice farmers.

The groups said the tariffs serve as “the last refuge” of the farmers against imported commodities.

“Today, we stand together to oppose, in the strongest terms, the efforts of Secretaries Diokno and Balisacan to serve the death sentence on rice farmers and other industry stakeholders by cutting or eliminating tariffs—our last refuge,” the joint statement read.

The statement was signed by Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Pambansang Mannalon, Mag-uuma, Magbabaul, Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (P4MP), National Movement for Food Sovereignty (NMFS), and Bantay Bigas.

The groups claimed that the reduction in rice tariffs would benefit the poor consumers since bulk or about 85 percent of imported stocks

(BSP) revised its Balance of Payments (BOP) projections for this year and 2024 on the back of the narrowing of the current account deficit and the latest global and domestic growth outlooks.

In a briefing on Friday, the BSP disclosed that its BOP deficit was revised to $100 million in 2023, lower than the initial estimate of $1.2 billion that was projected at the end of the second quarter.

For 2024, the BSP now expects the BOP deficit to be at $1 billion, higher than the initial projection of $500 million which was estimated at the end of June this year.

“The 2023-2024 forecasts for overall BOP position have been revised to reflect the estimated narrower current account shortfall over the forecast horizon. This development is hinged mainly to the

“Partly offsetting such outcome is the upward revision in services exports, bolstered by the higher growth forecast for travel receipts alongside expectations of sustained growth momentum of business process outsourcing [BPO] revenues,” it added.

Based on the data, the BSP’s current account projection was revised to a deficit of $11.1 billion in 2023 and $10.3 billion in 2024.

By the end of June 2023, the BSP forecasted that the current account deficit would end 2023 at $15.1 billion and $15.4 billion in 2024.

“Forecasts for foreign direct investments [FDIs] and foreign portfolio investments [FPIs] have been adjusted downwards from the June projection exercise, after taking into account the actual data for the first half of the year

In the second quarter, BSP data showed the country’s BOP position registered a deficit of $1.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023, lower than the $3.6 billion deficit recorded in the same quarter last year.

The BSP said this was due to the current account registering a deficit of $3.6 billion in the second quarter of 2023, lower than the $8 billion deficit recorded in the same quarter in 2022.

“This development was due to the decline in the current account deficit, which resulted largely from the narrowing of the trade in goods deficit and the increase in net receipts of trade in services,” BSP said.

The BOP position posted a surplus of $2.3 billion in the first half of 2023, a reversal from the $3.1 billion deficit recorded in the same period a year ago.

T his outcome, BSP said, was due primarily to the decline in the current

account deficit, which resulted from higher net receipts of trade in services and lower trade in goods deficit. The financial account, BSP said, also posted higher net inflows mainly from other investments.

GIR reserve, peso

MEANWHILE the BSP said the country’s gross international reserve (GIR) settled at $99.4 billion as of end-June 2023, lower than the $100.9 billion level registered as of end-June 2022.

The peso averaged at P55.65/$1 in the second quarter of 2023, depreciating by 1.4 percent from an average of P54.86/$1 in the first quarter of 2023.

Similarly, the peso depreciated yearon-year by 5.4 percent from an average of P52.64/$1 in the second quarter 2022.

For January to June 2023, the peso averaged at P55.25/$1, depreciating against the US dollar by 5.7 percent from an average of P52.08/$1 in the first half of 2022.

India’s GMR Group bares plan to invest in PHL airport, road and energy projects

By Samuel P. Medenilla

NEW Delhi firm GMR Group, which has been operating the Mactan Cebu International Airport for 11 years, bared plans to expand its local investments to include roads and energy projects. The top executives of the company made the pronouncement during their meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a courtesy call at Marriott Hotel in Singapore on the sidelines of the 2023 Asian Summit. GMR officials said they will provide

a long-term solution to the Philippines especially in infrastructure and energy,” Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said in a statement issued on Friday.

GMR is the par tner of Cavitex Holdings in the Sangley airport project. It is also one of the fiv e potential bidders who bought bid documents as of September 13, for the P170.6-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.

The President welcomed the interest of GMR to increase its investments in more

local airports and other sectors.

The President said Metro Manila would need Bulacan International Airport and the Sangley Point airports to become operational as his administration continues to push for more tourism and business travel in the country.

“Anything you build it will get full. I don’t worry, all my experience in major infrastructure, you think its overcapacity, three years later you’ll building some more,” Marcos said.

C onstruction for the Sangley Point airport is expected to start next year and

will be completed in the next five years, while work on the Bulacan International Airport is also ongoing.

Among the GMR e xecutives, who met with Marcos, are GMR Airports Chairman Srinivas Bommidala and GMR Group Chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi. Also pr esent in the meeting were Financial Advisor to the Sangley Consortium for international investment to the Philippines Liu Chee Ming, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Presidential Adviser on Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go.

are premium grades that are sold to “relatively well-off” consumers.

“At the current P60 per kilogram of premium imported rice, a P6/kilo reduction arising from a lower tariff will only benefit the rich consumers, and the importers,” the group said.

The group argued that the tariff reduction proposal by the two-thirds of the economic managers is against the agricultural policies being pronounced by President Marcos, who concurrently serves as the agriculture chief.

“The President has not made any policy pronouncements about reviewing the tariff on rice. What we have consistently heard is his unwillingness to import as the first choice,” the group said.

The groups quoted Marcos that the country cannot “depend” on importation as it is “not a wise choice” in developing the agriculture sector.

“Importations, more so unlimited rice importation through tariff reduction, are not and will never be the wise choice especially since we have an agriculture sector that is still recovering, with the full support of the President,” they said.

“What we need right now is to reassert our capacity to produce for our own agriculture and food needs, and to vigorously push for food selfsufficiency as we can never rely on the vagaries of the international market,” they added.

Local farms

Overseas remittances up 2.6% to $2.99B in July–BSP data

By Cai U. Ordinario

CASH remittances sent by Filipinos abroad hit a sevenmonth high in July, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed Friday.

Data also showed the cash remittances amounted to $2.99 billion in July 2023, the highest since the $3.16 billion posted in December 2022. BSP said cash remittances grew 2.6 percent in July 2023 from the $2.92 billion posted in July 2022. Cash remittances were at $2.81 billion in June 2023.

“The expansion in cash remittances in July 2023 was due to the growth in receipts from land-and sea-based workers,” BSP said.

On a year-to-date basis, cash remittances reached $18.79 billion,

THE total amount of agricultural damage and losses incurred by 10 regions due to the southwest monsoon and the onslaught of typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon” has reached P12 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Friday.

In its final bulletin, the DA -Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center said bad weather has affected 437,032 farmers and fisherfolk in the Cordillera Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

It said 250,174 hectares of agricultural areas were affected and production loss was estimated at 279,289 metric tons (MT).

a 2.9 percent increase from $18.26 billion registered in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, BSP data showed personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) was also at its highest since December 2022.

Personal remittances, which cover cash sent through banks and informal channels as well as remittances in kind, reached $3.32 billion in July 2023, the highest since the $3.49 billion posted in December 2022.

These remittances in July posted a 2.5 percent growth from the $3.24 billion recorded in the same month last year. Personal remittances were at $3.13 billion in June 2023.

“The growth in personal remittances in July 2023 was due to higher remittances sent by 1) land-based

The affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries.

The damage and losses in rice amounted to P3.08 billion from 145,010 hectares and production loss was at 69,748 MT, or 0.35 percent of the 19.76 million MT total annual production target volume for rice.

For corn, damage and losses amounted to P2.37 billion from 91,506 hectares and production loss was at 126,757 MT or 1.36 percent of the 9.30 million MT total annual production target volume for corn. Damage was also incurred in agricultural machinery and equipment, irrigation systems, farm and fishery facilities, and fishing gear and paraphernalia.

workers with work contracts of one year or more and 2) sea- and landbased workers with work contracts of less than one year,” BSP said.

Cumulatively, personal remittances reached $20.91 billion in the first seven months of 2023, higher by 2.9 percent than the $20.33 billion recorded in the comparable period in 2022.

BSP said the growth in cash remittances from the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the first seven months of 2023.

Meanwhile, in terms of country sources, the US posted the highest share of overall remittances during the period at 41.3 percent, followed by Singapore at 6.9 percent; Saudi

The DA-DRRM Operations Center noted that assistance was distributed to affected farmers and fishers on Thursday—P46.48 million worth of rice seeds in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas; P10.08 million worth of corn seeds in Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Western Visayas; P1.75 million worth of assorted vegetable seeds in Cagayan Valley; P51,000 worth of various veterinary drugs for livestock in Ilocos; and 12,790 bags of rice released by the National Food Authority (NFA) in Ilocos.

Aid made available for distribution to affected farmers and fisherfolk in Cordillera, Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga are P69.75

Arabia, 5.9 percent; and Japan, 5 percent.

“There are some limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the US,” BSP said.

Remittances coursed through money couriers, BSP said, cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases, are in the US.

Therefore, the US would appear to be the main source of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source. The countries are listed in order of their share of cash remittances, i.e., from highest to lowest.

million worth of rice seeds and fertilizers; P133.17 million worth of corn seeds and insecticides; P42.91 million worth of assorted vegetable seeds; and P5.43 million worth of animal heads and various veterinary drugs for livestock and poultry.

Also available for distribution are P35.74 million worth of fry/fingerlings for distribution to affected fisherfolk; P5.89 million worth of fuel assistance for fisher folk, specifically in Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon and P21.9 million worth of repair and maintenance for damaged boats and gill nets.

It also said P700 million worth of Quick Response Fund is being processed for the rehabilitation and recovery of the affected areas. PNA

PNP-ACG probes 16K cybercrime cases from January to August ’23

THE Philippine National Police

Anti-Cyber Crime Group (PNPACG) on Thursday announced that it has investigated 16,297 cybercrime cases from January to August this year.

According to records, the top 10 cybercrimes reported to the PNPACG are online scams, illegal access, computer related identity theft, ATM/credit card fraud, threats, data interference, anti-photo and video voyeurism, computer related fraud,

and unjust vexation.

It added that this surge in cybercrimes is closely tied to the increased reliance on the internet for various commercial activities.

“These cybercrime incidents are not static; they evolve with technology. This year, cybercriminals exploited emerging technologies like non-fungible tokens [NFTs], cryptocurrency, and online casinos to defraud unsuspecting victims. Notably, online scams have become the

most prevalent type of cybercrime, reflecting the changing landscape of digital threats,” PNP-ACG director, Brig. Gen. Sidney S. Hernia said.

During this period, ACG surpassed its previous accomplishments with 19 warrants to search, seize, and examine computer data, 214 arrest warrants served, 140 entrapment operations conducted, and provided technical assistance to 24 ongoing investigations by other units and agencies, resulting in the arrest of 397 individuals and the

Canadian frigate docks at Subic Bay Freeport for goodwill visit

By Henry Empeño

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A Royal Canadian

Navy’s Halifax-class frigate steamed into Subic Bay here on Thursday, days after it was reportedly shadowed by Chinese warships while transiting the Taiwan Strait north of the Philippines in a joint maneuver with a United States Navy destroyer.

A statement from the Canadian Embassy said His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa (FFH 341) will be the first of three Canadian ships to visit the Philippines this month, as the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) conducts a goodwill visit as part of Canada’s defense engagement in the IndoPacific region.

“The arrival of HMCS O ttawa, is a demonstration of the close and growing relationship between Canada and the Philippines, and of Canada’s commitment to stability and security in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region,” a statement attributed to Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said.

“As maritime nations, Canada and the Philippines share a common interest in upholding a rules-based international order, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Hartman was also quoted as saying.

HMCS Ottawa, which will be docked in Subic until Tuesday, September 19, has just completed Exercise Noble Wolverine at the South China Sea, alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), according to a report published last Tuesday by the US Navy Office of Information.

exercise involved sustained Surface Action Group (SAG) operations intended to improve interoperability between the allied navies and support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Both the Canadian Embassy statement and the US Navy report did not mention surveillance by Chinese warships during the exercise, but a September 9 story ran by the US Naval Institute (USNI) said that a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation crew aboard Ottawa has filmed a People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Luyang III guided-missile destroyer identified as CNS Hohhot (161) shadowing the USCanadian convoy.

“The heavily armed Chinese destroyer, the Luyang, closely followed the convoy of ships in the East China Sea, calling out repeatedly to the Canadians on maritime radio, and coming within just over a kilometer of the allied ships,” the CBC was quoted as saying.

While in Subic, the HMCS Ottawa crew will conduct interaction with locals, including professional development opportunities with the Philippine Navy, community outreach, and local engagements such as a fun run and an exchange of ship’s cooks.

“Through our ongoing engagements in the Indo-Pacific, the Royal Canadian Navy is reinforcing partnerships with navies from across the region,” the Canadian statement quoting Ottawa’s commanding officer Samuel Patchell said.

rescue of 4,092 victims, mainly during operations against human trafficking.

Beyond these accomplishments, the PNP-ACG continues to adapt and expand its efforts.

It is also closely monitoring activities like e-Sabong, intensifying cyber patrol operations against terrorism and fake news on social media platforms, and conducting digital forensic examinations to gather evidence against cyber criminals.

Rex Anthony Naval

The Canadian frigate has a complement of 225, including an air detachment, and is armed with 24 Honeywell torpedoes, 16 Evolved-Sparrow surface-to-air missiles, 8 Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles, one 57mm Bofors Mark gun, one 20mm Vulcan Phalanx close-in weapons system, six .50-caliber machine guns, and a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.

Lt. Cmdr. Seth Koenig, commander of the US. Navy’s Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15, said in the report that “Noble Wolverine”

“I look forward to working closely with the Philippine Navy throughout our visit to Subic Bay in pursuit of our shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Patchell added. The Canadian Embassy said that HMCS Ottawa has been deployed since August, and that Subic Bay is its second port visit. Throughout the last quarter of 2023, HMCS Ottawa will conduct forward naval presence operations, cooperative deployments and participate in international naval exercises with partner nations, the statement added.

Meanwhile, a second Canadian vessel, the MV Asterix, an auxiliary supply vessel leased to the RCN, will also arrive in Subic Bay today, Saturday, while a third, the HMCS Vancouver, will arrive in Manila at the end of the month.

A ROYAL Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa maneuvers in Subic Bay on Thursday. SBMA PHOTO

DA: Damage to agri due to ‘habagat,’ two typhoons reaches ₧12 billion

Time BusinessMirror Our

US seen regulating nursing home staffing for first time

271 EMBO senior citizens get birthday cash gift from Taguig

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

By Matt Sedensky AP National Writer

NEW YORK—The federal government will, for the first time, dictate staffing levels at nursing homes, the Biden administration said Friday, responding to systemic problems bared by mass Covid-19 deaths.

While such regulation has been sought for decades by allies of older adults and those with disabilities, the proposed threshold is far lower than many advocates had hoped. It also immediately drew ire from the nursing home industry, which said it amounted to a mandate that couldn’t be met.

With criticism expected, a promise made with fanfare in President Joe Biden’s 2022 State of the Union speech had its details revealed as many Americans turned away from the news for a holiday weekend.

“We are working to make sure no nursing home can sacrifice the safety of their residents just to add some dollars to their bottom line,” the president said in a USA Today opinion piece.

The American Health Care Association, which lobbies for care facilities, called the proposal “unfathomable,” saying it will worsen existing problems and cost homes billions of dollars.

“We hope to convince the administration to never finalize this rule as it is unfounded, unfunded, and unrealistic,” said AHCA’s president, Mark Parkinson, the former Democratic governor of Kansas.

The proposed rules, which now enter a public comment period and would take years more to fully take effect, call for staffing equivalent to 3 hours per resident per day, just over half an hour of it coming from registered nurses. The rules also call for facilities to have an RN on staff 24 hours a day, every day.

The average US nursing home already has overall caregiver staffing of about 3.6 hours per resident per day, according to government reports, including RN staffing just above the half-hour mark.

Still, the government insists a majority of the country’s roughly 15,000 nursing homes, which house some 1.2 million people, would have to add staff under the proposed rules.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, called the move “an important first step.” CMS oversees nursing homes.

A senior White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement, said the Biden administration was open to revisiting the staffing threshold once implemented.

“I would caution anyone who thinks that the status quo—in which there is no federal floor for nursing home staffing—is preferable to the standards we’re proposing,” said Stacy Sanders, an aide to Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This standard would raise staffing levels for more than 75 percent of nursing homes, bringing more nurse aides to the bedside and ensuring every nursing home has a registered nurse on site 24/7.”

The new thresholds are drastically lower than those that had long been eyed by advocates after a landmark 2001 CMS-funded study recommended an average of 4.1 hours of nursing care per resident daily.

Most US facilities don’t meet that threshold. Many advocates said even it was insufficient, not taking into account quality of life, simply determin-

ing the point at which residents could suffer potential harm.

After the Democratic president elevated the issue in his State of the Union speech, advocates were initially elated, expecting the most significant change for residents since the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. That changed after a copy of a new CMS-funded study on the subject was inadvertently posted this week, claiming there is “no obvious plateau at which quality and safety are maximized.”

Advocates were bereft, saying they felt betrayed by administration officials they thought to be allies. As word of the proposal became public early Friday some were even more blistering.

Richard Mollot, who leads the Long Term Care Community Coalition, called it “completely inadequate” and a blown chance of “a once-in-ageneration opportunity” that “flouts any evidence” of what residents need and fails to make good on the heart of Biden’s promise. He begrudgingly acknowledged the 24/7 RN rule could bring small improvements to the worst facilities, but he otherwise was withering in his criticism.

Calling the move “heartbreaking” and “nauseating,” he said it would do more harm than good, putting a government imprimatur on poorly staffed homes and imperiling wrongful-death lawsuits.

“It is a tremendous dereliction of duty,” he said. “We are continuing to allow nursing homes to warehouse people and to rip the public off.”

Current law requires only that homes have “sufficient” staffing, but it leaves nearly all interpretation to states. Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have their own staffing regulations. Some are so low that advocates say they’re meaningless, and, across the board, enforcement is often toothless.

The problem has long been apparent to front-line nurse aides—the low-paid, overwhelmingly female and disproportionately minority backbone of facility staffs—and to residents themselves, whose call bells go unanswered, whose showers become less frequent and who lie hungry, awaiting help with meals.

The coronavirus pandemic, which claimed more than 167,000 US nursing home residents, brought the greatest attention to poor staffing in history. But, in its wake, many homes saw their staffing grow even thinner.

Across all job types, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows nursing homes have 218,200 fewer employees than in February 2020, when the first US outbreak of the coronavirus arrived at a nursing home outside Seattle.

AHCA has waged a relentless campaign claiming facilities were teetering, with Medicaid subsidies insufficient, widespread hiring issues and rampant home closures. While there have been scattered closures, the profitability of homes has repeatedly been exposed and critics have argued, if they just paid better, the workers would come.

Katie Smith Sloan, the head of LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes, said it was meaningless to create a rule requiring facilities to hire additional staff when the industry was already in a workforce crisis and “there are simply no people to hire.”

“To say that we are disappointed that President Biden chose to move forward with the proposed staffing ratios despite clear evidence against them is an understatement,” she said.

The August birthday celebrants got their cash gifts in simple rites led by Mayor Lani Cayetano in Barangay Pembo.

The initial list of 271 senior citizens was verified using the list of social pension beneficiaries from the barangays.

Others received their birthday cash gift at their doorsteps as barangay workers went from house to house for the distribution.

Under this program, Taguig senior citizens receive cash gifts ranging from P3,000 to P10,000 depending on their age bracket: P3,000 for those 60 to 69 years old; P4,000 for those 70 to 79 years old; P5,000 for

those 80 to 89 years old; and P10,000 for those 90 to 99 years old.

Those who reach the age of 100 will be given P100,000 and will continue to receive the same amount every year for the rest of their lives.

Guillermo Perez Jr., 72, from Barangay South Cembo thanked the City of Taguig for the cash gift and house-to-house distribution.

“Napakaganda po na dinadala niyo sa amin sa bahay ang aming cash gift. Maraming salamat po,” he said as received his P4,000 cash gift.

It was the first time for Adela Miranda, 86, of Barangay Post Proper Southside, to receive a cash

By Nick Tayag

gift amounting to P5,000 for her birthday.

Miranda thanked the local government, saying she would use the money to buy rice and other basic supplies.

Taguig also opened a one-stop shop volunteer center along Sampaguita Street in Barangay Pembo where those who are not included in the initial list of senior citizen beneficiaries could go and have themselves

ones that you can find in the world. The degree of heat is globally measured in terms of Scoville units. Do you know that the siling labuyo has a heat rating of 80,000 to 100,000 Scoville units, while the famous jalapeño pepper merely ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville units?

So we Filipinos have something to brag about: siling labuyo may the smallest, but in the same way that Pacquiao’s fist once downed Mexican fighters one after the other, siling labuyo packs a mighty undeniable spicy punch that leaves Mexican chilies in the dust.

Just a tiny piece of siling labuyo can wake up your gustatory glands so that no matter how bland or ordinary the dish, it will taste delicious. That’s of course just me saying.

But the one big reason I have made it part of my daily meal is because of its awesome health benefits. This is something close to my heart as a senior citizen.I began eating chili-spiced food after someone who’s into natural medicine told me to eat siling labuyo every meal to prevent a stroke. I believed him because he was a former executive of a multinational pharmaceutical company and he knew a lot of things the layman doesn’t know about synthetic medicines.

listed and verified for their birthday cash gift.

The one-stop shop is also open for inquiries and applications for social services, such as medical assistance, burial assistance, benefits for persons with disabilities, and even scholarship concerns.

Taguig also conducts house-tohouse delivery of free maintenance medicines for those with diabetes, hypertension and asthma. PNA

sauce industry is now one of the fastest growing industries in the world. In 2022, the Global Chili Sauce Market was valued at $5.11 billion. It is projected to reach $9.01 billion by 2031.

There’s also the Dry Chilies Market, which this year is estimated to be worth $1.52 billion. It is expected to grow to $2.04 billion by 2028.

It begs the question, how come we are not a global competitor in this hot market? Are we being left behind by the profitable spice train?

Let’s wake up and combine our efforts and resources to make siling labuyo one of the hottest selling global products from the Philippines. Let’s give Sriracha and Tabasco and the Mexican and Cajun hot sauce products a run for their money in the world market.

The only problem is that this potential goose that lays a golden egg is now endangered. It’s becoming harder and harder to find siling labuyo chilies in our local markets. It’s because less and less farmers are cultivating the plant due to the proliferation of other chili varieties, which are more preferred by customers.

TRYING to learn the knowhow of soil composting can sometimes spring delightful surprises. One day, the rotten fruit and vegetable peelings and wastes I buried in our backyard produced a young papaya sapling. Alas, it was not the “fruiting” variety and I just let it wither.

Then just a month ago, my wife happened to notice a distinct little plant growing amidst the overgrown forget-me-not shrub in our plant box. It turned out to be a siling labuyo plant. It is now full grown.

Most delightful of all, it is a “giving” plant.

From time to time, I harvest fresh little chilies from it. Every full meal I use two chilies as condiment to spice up whatever dish is on my plate. I no longer have a need for my bottle of hot chili powder or hot chili sauce. What for, when I can have freshly picked chilies?

That’s not all. When my wife likes to enrich the flavor of chicken tinola

or sinigang, she just picks leaves from the same plant. I’m not a cook but I’m sure there are other culinary uses for the siling labuyo leaves.

For those who have been overlooking this native chili plant, you’ll be interested to know that it has an oh-some story.

Siling labuyo is native to the Philippines. Tunay na Pinoy. It belongs to the species Capsicum. In English, it is called cayenne pepper. The Tagalog name literally translates to “wild chili.”

The plant we now have is as high as my shoulders, and I’m five foot five. The leaves are irregular-oval in shape with a pointed end. Its triangular shaped fruits grow pointing upwards and have slightly rounded tips. The fruit averages at a mere 0.20 inches in length (1-2 centimeters). This is why it is generally accepted as the world’s smallest hot pepper.

Mexicans take pride in Jalapeno, Pabloan, Habanero, Ancho and Serrano peppers known to be the spiciest

You see there’s an active component in chili peppers like siling labuyo called capsaicin, a biologically active compound that gives chili fruits their spicy flavor.

Capsaicin promotes blood flow to tissues by lowering blood pressure and stimulating the release of compounds that help expand your blood vessels. This ability is highly beneficial because it helps prevent blood clots that sometimes cause stroke.

Capsaicin also helps boost our metabolism and keeps cholesterol level down. It can also boosts feelgood chemicals in our body, like serotonin.

Traditional folk medical healers use siling labuyo to treat arthritis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, flatulence and even toothache and other body pains.

This tiny herbal fruit can do everything!

It includes its potential role as a driver of the economy, a factor in building our so-called “soft power.”

Consider this. Today, the hot

Thus, we urgently need enlightened lawmakers to champion a law that will protect our endangered native siling labuyo species. Let’s make sure to provide attractive incentives to farmers and food manufacturers.

Let’s use our much-vaunted Filipino creativity and ingenuity to use siling labuyo leaves to come up with siling labuyo herbal teas in the same way we have pito-pito, banaba, ampalaya, tanglad and other organic herbal tea concoctions?

Why not a siling labuyo ointment or capsule for pain relief or for improving blood circulation and preventing stroke?

Perhaps, I’m just the proverbial lone voice in the wilderness. But in the light of my amateurish soil composting, I am planting the seed of an idea, which I hope someone else will notice and cultivate it to full growth.

Let’s value the lowly siling labuyo as a national treasure. Let’s take inspiration from it. After all, siling labuyo is us. A puny, overlooked, sturdy, tough nation that packs a lot of talent power. May ang-hot! Never underestimate the power of small things.

MANILA—A total of 271 senior citizens residing in the 10 newly transferred “enlisted men’s barrios” (EMBOs) received their birthday cash gifts from the city government of Taguig on Thursday.

The power of small things: The lowly ‘siling labuyo’

my sixty-zen’s WORtH

Senior citizens in Barangay Pembo, which is now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City, attend the distribution of birthday cash gifts by the city government on August 31, 2023. A total of 271 senior citizens from the 10 newly transferred eMBo barangays received their birthday cash gifts. Photo courtesy of taguig c ty government

BreT Harte retirement inn residents make their way down to the dining room for lunch on May 6, 2020, in Grass Valley, California. The federal government will, for the first time, dictate staffing levels at nursing homes, the Biden administration said on September 1, 2023, responding to systemic problems bared by mass Covid deaths. elias funez/ the union via aP

La Salle, Ateneo collaborate for social entrepreneurship

The pact was sealed through a ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding on September 5 held at the DLSU Campus in Manila.

Through the Lasallian Social Enterprise for Economic Development (LSEED) Center and Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt ), both academic institutions have agreed to explore joint efforts in the promotion of social entrepreneurship and sustainability among higher education institutions, mobilization of internal and external stakeholders, and sharing of good practices.

LSEED Center is a pioneer of community-student partnership in formation and social-enterprise development in the country, more than over 70 social enterprises, and 350 social entrepreneurs as part of its portfolio under 11 local and international programs, including the “#WeCAN International Boot Camp for Asean+ Japan, China, and South Korea,” “Angat Buhay Young Social Entrepreneurs Program,” and “KAagapay sa Yugtoyugto at Abot Kayang Negosyo.” It is the home of multiawarded social enterprises Nama Microgreens,

Sagup Negros, Twelve Topaz, as well as Lasallian technology inventor Angel Palma of AirDisc, among others.

In 2019, LSEED Center was recognized as first-runner up for “Academic Leadership in Social Innovation (Asia Pacific)” under In_Pact Asia. It was the “Sustainable Development Goals Initiative of the Year” first-runner up awarded in Asia Pacific by the Accreditation of Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities in June 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.

The center currently chairs the National Association of Social Enterprise Educators and Administrators, a regional council-member of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia, and is a member of the Asean Learning Network and Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization.

Meanwhile, ACSEnt is ADMU’s center committed to foster social transformation and contribute to nation-building by cultivating a vibrant social entrepreneurship sector in the Philippines.

The first university social-entrepreneurship center in the Philippines, ACSEnt has been at the

forefront of social enterprise development in the country through programs like the “BPI Sinag ” University Awards, social impact clinics, and the annual National Social Enterprise Conference, among others.

ADMU also boasts of alumni social entrepreneurs who have been trailblazers in the sector like Reese Fernandez Ruiz of R2R, Anna Meloto-Wilk of Human Nature, and Krie Lopez of Messy Bessy, to name just a few. ACSEnt is also cochair of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia—a regional center undertaking research, education and platform building on social entrepreneurship.

Both universities are members of the PRESENT Coalition—an alliance of social-enterprise stakeholders lobbying for the passage of the “Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship,” or

“PRESENT” Bill.

Key officials of both universities graced the event. DLSU attendees included Br. Bernard Oca FSC (president), Dr. Robert Roleda (provost), Dr. Laurene Chua-Garcia (vice president for External Relations and Internationalization), Fritzie Ian De Vera (VP for Lasallian Mission), Johannes Leo Badillo (Strategic Communications Office executive director), and Dr. Norby Salonga (LSEED Center founding director).

Ateneo officials who participated in the event were Fr. Roberto Yap SJ (president), Dr. Maria Luz Vilches (vice president for Higher Education), Dr. Roberto Martin N. Galang (John Gokongwei School of Management dean), Maria Teresa D. Villanueva (University Marketing and Communications director), and Ana Marina A. Tan (ACSEnt director).

US, Phil. govts to advance education-sector reforms

THE United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) that will enhance the Philippines’s capacity to deliver quality learning and improve its outcomes.

The agreement signed on September 7 at the Senate of the Philippines solidifies US-Philippines ties on policy research, capacity building, and technical assistance in support of EDCOM II’s objective of assessing, evaluating, and recommending reforms to improve the local education sector.

USAID Phils. mission director Ryan Washburn signed the MOU with EDCOM II co-chairpersons Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo. Gatchalian serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and vice chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, while Romulo is the chair

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Tesda pioneers usage of XR tech in TVET

By Roderick L. Abad

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has kicked off

the use of extended reality (XR) technology in technical-vocational education and training (TVET), as well as the conduct of competency assessments in the country.

XR technology encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality to offer learners a more immersive and interactive learning experience.

According to Secretary-Director General Suharto T. Mangudadatu of Tesda, the adoption of XR technology in TVET is proof of the agency’s commitment to innovation and excellence in education, as he encouraged more TVET providers to follow the examples set by its early adapters.

“Let us seize this opportunity to reshape the landscape of skills development, and empower our learners with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” Mangudadatu said during a recent program in Mandaluyong City.

Country Director Khalid Hassan of the International Labour Organization; Engr. Ronaldo Elepaño Jr. who is the president of the Philippine Constructors Association; as well as Tesda’s deputy directorsgeneral Rosanna Urdaneta, Aniceto Bertiz III, and Vidal Villanueva III joined the Tesda chief in the event.

As part of the agency’s 29th anniversary celebration, the launch was held simultaneously with an

exhibit that showcased various applications of XR technology, particularly in heavy-equipment operations training and assessment. This was done in cooperation with First Balfour Inc., FELTA Academy, Hytec Power Inc., Lincoln Electric, and Tesda’s National Capital Region training center.

During the event, seven successful candidates who underwent the first-ever national assessment in “Heavy Equipment Operations-Hydraulic Excavator” in the country using XR technology also received their respective National Certificates. The newly certified workers are employees of First Balfour Inc. Their assessment was held last August 9 at the company’s facilities in Parañaque City. Early adopters of XR technology in TVET were likewise recognized.

XR is the umbrella term for all the immersive technologies that “extend” an individual’s real experience by blending the virtual and “real” worlds. Its use in training and assessment offers several benefits which include creating an improved, immersive and interactive learning environment, and improved safety in training as XR technology can be used to simulate hazardous scenarios in a controlled environment, with actual risks reduced.

Further, XR technology can make training more cost effective, allowing better remote learning and cooperation, while motivating students to actively join in their learning, leading to better retention of knowledge and skills.

FILIPInO InTL HOSPITALITY STUDEnTS PARTICIPATE In THAILAnD IMMERSIOn

learning, as well as cross-cutting issues in governance and finance.

“Reforming the Philippine education sector is no easy task that requires the inputs and expertise of advocates and partners,” said Gatchalian. “We are grateful to the USAID for steadfastly supporting education programs in the country, [as we look forward to their inputs in reviewing and reforming the state of local] education...”

“This MOU demonstrates the depth of our countries’ friendship with one another,” said Romulo. “Access to quality education will unleash the full potential of Filipinos. Thank you to the USAID for its support [in enhancing] our Philippine education system.”

FUTURE Filipino hoteliers from the hospitality-management school-property Vatel Manila joined a cross-cultural summer exchange program in Bangkok, Thailand.

Attracting those from seven Vatel schools across Asia, the Philippine contingent comprised more than 100 students.

of the House Committee on Basic Education. “The [MOU] underscores the mutual commitment of our two countries to work together to shape the future of Philippine education, in order to make it a key driver of prosperity for all Filipinos,” said Washburn.

Composed of 10 commissioners from the Senate and the House of Representatives, EDCOM II is a national commission that looks at priority areas such as early childhood care and development, basic education, higher education, technical-vocational or education and training or TVET, lifelong

According to the US Embassy, USAID shares the Philippines’s goal of making the country competitive in global education and labor markets. Over the past decade, the US government, through the agency, has invested nearly $200 million to strengthen the capacity of Philippine education partners in driving inclusive and sustainable growth.

2023 China-Asean Education Coop. Week opens more opportunities for Filipinos

CHINA’S Ministry of Education minister Huai Jin-peng and Commission on Higher Education chair Prospero de Vera III recently met during the 2023 China-Asean Education Cooperation Week in Gui’an New District of Guizhou Province. Both sides agreed to boost China-Philippine cooperation in science, technology, agriculture, and mathematics education, as well as expand opportunities for the two countries in digital and vocational

education, language teaching, and quality assurance.

Additionally, both sides have agreed on further training programs for education professionals, the digitalization of Philippine universities, and the two countries’ 2019 education-cooperation agreement implementation.

According to the Chinese Embassy, education cooperation between China and the Philippines has expanded in recent years with the establishments of Confucius

Institutes in the latter, including Filipino learners studying under the Chinese government and ambassador scholarships, as well as academic exchanges conducted for university studies between both countries.

Ambassador Huang Xilian expressed his delight that this year’s Education Cooperation Week will not only deepen China-Asean cooperation, but “also open more opportunities for China-Philippine education partnerships and linkages.”

Vatel is a worldwide network that prepares younger generations to build their professional careers in the international hospitality and tourismmanagement industries. With more than 50 campuses in Europe, America, Asia and Africa, its 35,000-strong alumni occupy leadership positions in premiere hotels and restaurants worldwide.

For years, the lauded institution has partnered with the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to jointly offer the first international double-bachelor degree under the new transnational guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education: the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management (IHM).

The group had Mary Grace Mercado, Julianna Aloysius Esguerra, Princess Jerica Gan, Marian Rodelyn Miñano, Xavier Alexander Olaguer, Ann Patricia Rañola, Andrea Lili Corpus, Walter Edward Treichler, Liezl Anne Nierves, Marionne Christelle

Ang, Daniel Allyson Romano, Laila Eunice Javier, Francesca Louise Tangi, Samantha Megan Co, Stephanie Jayne Matubay, Cielo Espiritu and Keith Nathan Orseo.

Completing the roster are Sofia

Nadine Bachmann, Pamela Clarette

Mauleon, Penny Winchell Ong, Karen Shiao, Denmark Rois Vitug, Jeanfen Niña Guo, Alliza Cher Manalo, Khlydean Ymi Faith Vergara, Martina Beatrice Yulo, Isei Nohara, Julia Karryle Arciaga, Ashana Mel Rosales, Hazel Ann Napa, Jada Lyssandra Weinmann, Louielyn Kae Andaya, Axcel Ross Arsulo, Julia Mae Paquibot, Erika Mae Mirabueno, Anjelo Pauleo Martin and Brian Vincent Uy.

They were accompanied by IHM chair Juan Paolo Sumera and Hospitality Management Program chair Jerwin Pineda.

Others were from Vatel India, Uzbekistan, Singapore, China, Vietnam and Nepal. They all attended lectures on Thai beliefs and design branding, as well as hands-on discussions and workshops on Thai hospitality and cuisine.

Hosted by Silpakorn University International College, also known as Vatel Thailand under the leadership of dean Dr. Sompid Kattiyapikul, the immersion introduced the delegates to the rich culture and heritage of the country.

Highlights of the trip included the series of experiential tours around the famous hotspots across the Southeast Asian country, including eco-cultural destination Suan Sampran, and Nakhon Pathom–home of the giant Phra Pathommached and Bhikkhuni temple Wat Song Thammakanlayani.

The students likewise traveled to the historic city of Ayutthaya—former capital of the Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th Centuries—which now serves as an extensive archaeological site on the history, diplomacy, and commerce of old Thailand.

A6

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY (DLSU) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) have inked a three-year linkage in social entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

DLSU president Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC and ADMU president Fr. Roberto Yap SJ

USAID mission director Ryan Washburn (seated, from left) and EDCOM II executive director Dr. Karol Mark Yee sign the memorandum of understanding, as USAID Office of Education director Thomas LeBlanc (standing, from left), Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Representative Roman Romulo of Pasig City and USAID Office of Education deputy director Yvette Malcioln look on. US EMBASSY

BE n I LDE International Hospitality Management students represent the country in their Filipiniana attire.

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

THE OTHER SIDE OF BORACAY THE COunTRY’S FAvORITE TOuRIST DESTInATIOn STIll HAS mORE TO OFFER

By Roderick L. Abad | Contributor  Photos courtesy of Boracay Belmont Hotel

With its picturesque long stretch of a powdery white sand beach dotted with verdant foliage and coconut trees plus the crystal clear azure waters, it’s indeed perfect to take a snap of a selfie, groufie or even the surrounding itself for social media posting. Hence, it’s considered one of the most Instagrammable islands in the Philippines and also the world.

Over time, such internationally renowned destination has brought progress and development into this once bucolic, sleepy town of Aklan. Commercialism has led to the rise of hospitality, retail, food and leisure industries here. Not only that it has turned to be a “must-visit” getaway to simply retreat, but also to party and have some fun. No wonder, this famed white beach on the western side of the island has become crowded and—at its peak—chaotic.

These scenes at the main beach are probably the usual imageries that come to mind of anyone thinking of “Bora.” Not known to all, however, that there’s a serene, quiet sanctuary on the other side of this paradise—the Boracay Newcoast.

Tucked at the northeastern part, this 150-hectare masterplanned integrated tourism estate by Megaworld subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) is a thriving resort community that boasts of a distinctly exclusive unique experience that guests could not enjoy in the former’s three stations.

“This is a tropical oasis for travelers and adventure seekers. So here, you get to live, stay, play and connect,” Belmont Hotel Boracay Director of Sales and Marketing Neth Conejos-Tiong told the media during their familiarization tour of the property.

Being a masterplanned mix-used development project, Boracay Newcoast treats each guest like a royalty that deserves nothing but the best when its comes to its amenities, facili -

ties and service, according to Boracay Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Group Director of Public Relations Nico Ivan Velasquez.

“We strive as a community to provide everything that you need within the area, from the arrival to its exclusive port, bringing you to the property, choosing between Belmont, Savoy or Chancellor,” he said.

Escape to paradise

AWAY from the hustle and bustle of the main beach, Boracay Newcoast’s untouched beauty provides a peaceful sanctuary any traveler would want to enjoy even for a while. And where else it’s better to take a break from the hubbub of the central area than in Belmont.

This 4-star branded accommodation offering of Boracay Newcoast is under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, the largest homegrown hospitality group in the country with an inventory of almost 4,000 rooms to date.

From the iconic Key Hole that first greets the visitors who step in to the island, Belmont is among the properties to welcome them. Upon entering the lobby, its simple layout is not too intimidating given its affiliation that makes every guest feel more at home.

The homey appeal is much apparent at any of its 442 meticulously, wellappointed rooms—Deluxe, Premier, Premiere Deluxe, Executive Suites, and Specially-abled—spread across three cluster buildings, namely, Ridge, Island, and Shore. Each offering modern comfort, solo travelers, couples, families and even large groups could expect a retreat like no other.

To the delight of the foodie among them, the hotel does not run out of dining options. All-day dining Belmont

Cafe caters a wide array of food and beverage selection with its turf and surf menu. In-Room Dining, from breakfast to dinner, is also a phone ring away for those who could not

resist

cozying up to their room. Igniting the guests’ burning passion, the hotel can set up a romantic dinner by the beach under the stars. Happy hour is also available for a celebratory, refreshing drink at the Newcoast Beach Bar.

Not to be missed, of course, during one’s stay at Belmont are its topnotch amenities and facilities, such as the swimming pool, fitness center, and aqua spa. Both meditating and actionpacked activities are also worth the try here, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, frisbee, sunrise yoga, ATV, electric biking, and go kart.  Island interlude MORE than the unspoiled nature and privacy of Boracay Newcoast and its sprawling accommodations, the most welcoming interlude from the highlypaced adventure on the other side is the “Mindful Escapes” campaign promo of Belmont that brings guests to a one-of-a-kind journey that marries the simplicity of mental activities with the euphoric scenic adventures for the physical well-being, giving a fresh frame of reference on the art of vacationing.

“It’s actually embodying the tranquility that we have here at Newcoast.

Pangasinan’s new ‘meeting place’

Story & photos by Benjamin Locsin Layug

Pangasinan just opened another showcase of its rich cultural heritage and history—the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum. Rightfully housed in the historic Casa Real in the heart of Lingayen, the capital town of the province, the provincial museum is a collaborative effort between the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and various cultural institutions, with the primary goal of preserving and promoting the province’s cultural legacy. It will serve as a storehouse of diverse collection of Pangasinan’s history, heritage, ethnographic as well as contemporary art. Among the collections to be presented in the museum include an assortment of artifacts from Pre-Colonial times such as ancient pottery, tools and ceremonial objects; traditional clothing and accessories, some crafts that will showcase the peculiar identity and customs of local villages; and also some contemporary masterpieces of modern Pangasinan artists. The two-storey, 1,480 square meter Casa Real, located beside the town hall, is one of the oldest public buildings in Pangasinan. Built in the 1840s, it once served as the seat of the provincial government, from the Spanish Colonial era up to 1918. In 1919, it was used as a school and later as offices of the Judge

of the Court of First Instance. In 2002, it was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). After the May 2008 Tropical Storm Cosme damaged the building (its roof was blown away), the building was renovated and converted into a museum.

The museum was formally inaugurated on September 8 by Gov. Ramon V. Guico III. ViceGov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino rendered the welcome remarks while NHCP Chairman Emmanuel F. Calairo gave an inspirational message to highlight the event. It will be open to the public starting September 11. According to Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) Chief Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan, entrance to the museum will be free for the month of September via an online reservation system (launched last September 4) incorporated in the “See Pangasinan” website. The link shall be promoted through the PTCAO/ See Pangasinan Facebook page. She quickly added that walk-ins will not be allowed yet.

The name Banaan is derived from the Pangasinense word meaning “meeting place” or “convergence.” True to its name, the Banáan Pangasinan will be a place of convergence where the robust multicultural influences of the past embrace the present and guide the future. The narratives are anchored on the concept that Pangasinan has been a meeting place. Eric Zerrudo, director of the

University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and the Environment in the Tropics, helped design the museum.

The museum features 11 galleries that showcase the story of Pangasinan as a convergence point for culture, history, arts, education and innovation. Knowledgeable guides lead us through the museum’s collections, providing insights into the region’s history and culture. Our hour-long guided tour of the museum began at the Casa Real lobby where a landscape of a salt farm in Dasol and verdant rice fields are seen on both sides of the walls. From there, we were led to an orientation room where there are chairs and a huge screen for video showing. It also has maps of the province’s congressional districts and a chart showing the founding dates of the Pangasinan towns and cities.

The Asin Gallery, the third gallery at the ground floor dedicated for changing exhibits, showcases the works of modern Pangasinan artists, celebrating their creativity and reflecting the region’s evolving cultural landscape. Going up a staircase to the second floor, we entered the Natural Heritage Room where paintings of Pangasinan’s flora and fauna are displayed. The province’s river systems are also highlighted. The Natural History Exhibit, a section dedicated to the region’s biodiversity, features preserved specimens (civet cat,

We are anchoring on the results of the pandemic. The Megaworld sales team had its highest sales level during the pandemic. This was obviously the time that people had felt the importance of tranquility, being away from the hustle and bustle,” Belmont Hotel Boracay General Manager Maia Ivy Israel noted.

As part of this offering, the “Mindful Weekend Wellness” program every Saturday and Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., gives hotel guests, walk-ins, locals and even the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market the chance to join in Sunrise Yoga, Pranayama, Guided Meditation, and Sound Healing—all facilitated by a certified yoga instructor. With it, they can learn the proper deep breathing exercises and meditation sessions that promote relaxation and enhanced focus, as well as elevate the mood and foster inner calm.

Adrenaline junkies could opt to infuse adventure into their mindful escape. What’s in store for them at Belmont are the scenic e-biking journeys, wherein they can explore the allure of the Newcoast while enjoying the fresh air boon to their health.

“This would be at a very minimal fee for all. But we are coming up with

a room package, inclusive of this Wellness Weekend,” Tiong bared. “Apart from the mindful activities, we will also be having ‘Mindful Dining Experiences’. So this campaign shall highlight the culinary offerings as an opportunity for mindful eating, with emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.”

The Mindful Escapes is priced at reasonable rates inclusive of two nights accommodation, with breakfast for two persons; a 60-minute massage; access to either of the two Weekend Wellness activities; welcome drinks; 50 percent off spa, laundry and F&B outlets, including in-room dining; complimentary scheduled shuttle service to and from D’Mall; free 15-minute non-motorized sports and activities (paddle boarding and kayaking); use of the swimming pool, gym and party pool; and Wi-Fi access in the room, public areas and at the beach.

Visitors can book this package at exclusive rates via airasia Super App at P11,300 only, or 40 percent off regular rates. This promo is now ongoing until March 31, 2024, and can be used during the period.

“This partnership is so special to us. Now you can already choose your

hotels in the same app. It also saves you from the hassle of just opening several applications or websites just to compare prices. It’s all there. Once you book your flight, the next step is you book your hotel, and you can even enjoy several discounts that we offer from time to time,” Airasia Public Relations and Communications Manager Triciah Terada said.

“With the concept of ‘Mindful Escapes’, we want to offer this to our guests: Something that you can breathe in, smell the sea breeze, and enjoy the sunrise. We hope that you will find time to indulge yourself and enjoy both sides of Boracay with our tranquility and a bit of fun as well,” Israel stressed.

Boracay Newcoast’s impeccable beach and surroundings, coupled by Belmont’s unflustered ambience, high-end amenities, warmth hospitality and services, as well curated activities, is indeed a destination worth included in every jetsetter’s bucket list. Be it to find solace by lonesome, family, better-half or special someone, friends and even colleagues, such hidden gem of a paradise is calling everyone for a next sojourn to say cheese with the other side of Bora in the backdrop.

giant clam, birds, etc.), informative displays, and interactive learning stations.

The World War II Gallery displays World War II artifacts (helmet, canteen, military patches, etc.), a reproduction of the wardamaged façade of the Provincial Capitol Building and a model of a Japanese Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” fighter hanging on the ceiling. Mounted on the wall is an old photo of the damaged Provincial Capitol Building and wartime newspaper clippings. The Heritage Exhibits features rich displays of traditional clothing, accessories, and crafts that reflect the unique identity and customs of the local communities.

The other galleries feature myths and

legends, such as the Legend of the Hundred Islands; an image of Princess Urduja; handembroidered veils; a replica of the Bolinao Skull (with its gold dental ornamentation); scaled models of the Casa Real and Provincial Capitol Building; small replicas of a bahay kubo, a Chinese junk, a Pangasinan Transport Co. (Pantranco) bus, the 0-6-2 side tank locomotive of the Manila-Dagupan Railway and even a bull-drawn cart full of baskets that were sold in a caravan. There is also a gallery where churches and faith healers are highlighted.

Another gallery features outstanding Pangasinenses such the late President Fidel V. Ramos (from Lingayen); writer and novel -

ist Maria P. Magsano; educator, suffraguette and social worker Geronima T. Pecson (from Lingayen) and Speaker of the House of Representatives Eugenio P. Perez (from San Carlos City), actor, director, producer and National Artist (2006) Fernando Poe Jr. (from San Carlos City); National Artist for Theater and Design (2003) Salvador Bernal (from Dagupan City); painter and National Artist (1976) Victorio Edades (from Dagupan City) and writer and National Artist for Literature (2001) Francisco Sionil Jose (from Rosales).

To enhance the visitor experience, Banáan also has a carefully curated Gift Shop that offers unique souvenirs, local crafts, books, and artwork.

MALAY, Aklan—In today’s digital era, every tourist, whether local or foreign, looking for a blissful vacation in the Philippines, could not think of the best place to enjoy this tropical island than in Boracay.

ExpEr Enc In g the Zetro ATV adventure

banaan pangasinan provincial Museum

the beach

M In dful Escapes Media-Keyhole

wIT n E ss the magnificent sunrise on this side of boracay

Yog A session with daniela

A8 Saturday, September 16, 2023 •

BusinessMirror

New value tablet introduced

PARK SEO-JUN

costars in Concrete Utopia, a movie set in Seoul after a devastating earthquake. The DOOGEE T10s smart tablet is ideal for students and young professionals. It has a 10.1-inch

screen and runs on Android 13.

IT’S been years since I used a tablet as I prefer writing on my phone or laptop for heavier workloads. I like phones because I can use them with one hand and they’re obviously more portable.

I recently got a hold of the Doogee T10s, an entry level smart tablet from Shenzhen-headquartered Doogee, which recently relaunched in the Philippines. I thought of using it for a week or two and I’m sharing my thoughts here.

The T10s has a 10.1-inch FHD screen and 6GB RAM with a camera setup that includes an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front sensor. The T10s comes with a 6,500mAh battery. It runs on Android 13 and has support for LTE networks, dual-band Wi-Fi, Type-C, and memory cards.

Here’s what I think after using it for two weeks:

The T10s is great for remote work because it’s very portable and the battery lasts quite long for my requirements (writing, checking e-mails, browsing). If you’re used to typing on a laptop, you might need a Bluetooth keyboard to use it with as the tablet’s keyboard takes some getting used to.

If you do use the tablet’s keyboard, it is quite tactile and very user-friendly.

I installed the graphic design platform app Canva on the T10s and it was okay, except for some lags which weren’t very concerning.

As someone who has watched videos on mobile phones for years, the big screen takes some getting used to. The resolution is not perfect but again, this isn’t a matter of great concern. For an entry level tablet, the resolution is not so bad.

The T10s would be great for students and professionals who don’t have heavy loads and just do the usual stuff on their gadgets. It’s ideal for remote work because while it is a bit heavy for a tablet (due to the long-lasting battery), it is way lighter than a laptop. If you’ll be out of the house for 5-6 hours, you don’t even need a charger for the T10s.

The T10s also has an earphone jack, which is good for when you’re watching videos in public.

“We’ve observed that the Philippine market has limited options when it comes to  Android tablets and this is why we decided to bring in the Doogee T Series. We can provide more viable options to every segment in the market, starting from students to professionals, dreamers and creators,” said Igue Bonifacio, integrated marketing head of Doogee Philippines.

The T10s is available for P8,499 with a free Bluetooth keyboard.

Doogee also launched two tablets from the T

series, including the T10 which offers the ultimate entertainment experience with a 10.1″ FHD + Fullview Display, TUV Rheinland Certification, 8300mAh battery, up to 15GB of RAM, 128GB of storage (expandable to 1TB) and Widevine L1 Support.

The T10 is built with an aviation-grade aluminum unibody and is only 7.5mm in thickness. It is available for P9,499 and available in Space Gray and Neptune Blue.

Meanwhile, Doogee’s flagship tablet is the T30 Pro, which is 10” in height (254mm) by 6.5” in width (165mm). It is powered with a MediaTek Helio G99 quad core processor paired with up to 15GB of RAM and 256GB of storage expandable up to 1TB. The T30 Pro is also perfect for gamers looking for an HD video gaming experience and Widevine L1 support. Widevine L1 is the highest degree of DRM protection achievable in a media device, the best resolution possible from streaming services. The T30 is available for P16,599.

Jack Ji, Doogee’s general manager in the Philippines, said this is the highest resolution for a tablet right now.

“Our prices are very competitive and our gadgets are also very good. The T30 Pro is perfect for professionals while the T10 and T10s are for students and children,” said Ji. Bonifacio said for now, the Doogee T Series tablets, which all run on Android 13, will be available on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok.

KOREA’S ENTRY TO THE OSCARS

I AM not really a film critic so I don’t know if my opinion counts but I think that Concrete Utopia, South Korea’s entry to the Oscars, might just score big wins internationally. I always say that Korean movies are gritty and Concrete Utopia is no exception. The setting is Seoul after a massive earthquake and everyone’s K-pop paradise has been reduced to rubble. All buildings and presumably houses have collapsed, except for one building.

Hwang Gung Apartments, a high rise for lower middle class families, remains standing and this is where Min-sung (Park Seo-jun) and his wife Park Boyoung (Myung-hwa) live. When survivors from the outside hear that the building has collapsed, they begin to gather at Hwang Gung Apartments and this is where the problem starts. The building’s original residents are threatened and afraid that food and other resources might run out because of the outsiders and so they meet and elect a Resident Delegate named Young-tak (Lee Byunghun). Under Young-tak’s leadership, the building residents get to live as normally as they can without any outsiders. The residents go through a lot as the story progresses and you’ll really see how the need to survive brings out the best and the worst in people. This is not a movie that will allow you to relax. Let’s put it this way: If you go to the restroom, you’ll miss out on a lot.

Women entreps need access to more digital tools

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES

WOMEN entrepreneurs must be given the opportunities to harness the power of digital technology that will enable them to become more productive and at the same time expand their markets.

Rosemarie Rafael, president and chairman of the Airspeed group, said providing and giving women entrepreneurs access to digital tools is a huge step toward empowerment that will make them a more productive force in Philippine society.

Rafael, also the president of the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines, pointed out that one effective approach to supporting women entrepreneurs is establishing partnerships with micro, small and medium enterprises.

“When women are given the opportunities and support they need, they can unleash their fullest potential as entrepreneurs. This also benefits the entire economy. By promoting gender

equality in the business world, countries can tap into a vast pool of talent, expertise and creativity that may otherwise remain untapped,” said Rafael.

The Amazing Philippines Digital Economy (APDEC), the digital and

advocacy arm of Airspeed, is focused on optimizing supply chain processes for MSMEs. One of the key focuses of APDEC is to ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to opportunities that will enable them to digitalize their business,

Directed by Um Tae-hwa, Concrete Utopia is loosely based on Part II of the hit webtoon Joyful Outcast (Pleasant Neighbors). Produced by Climax Studio, the production house known for their creative storytelling and exceptional directing in Netflix’s Hellbound and D.P., Concrete Utopia is a disaster movie with a twist (several, in fact).

“I wanted it to be realistic and convincing enough for audiences to truly believe that only one apartment building survived the earthquake,” said director UM Tae-hwa.

If you’re a fan of Park Seo-jun and his roles in romantic-comedies, he essays a role far away from his comfort zone and so does Park Bo-young. The setting is winter so they’re mostly dressed in insulated parkas and their faces are wind-burned and their hair is stiff. Hye-won (played bu Park Ji-hu) is a survivor who returns to Hwang Gung Apartments and it is her return that is crucial to the story.

“To bring realism to creating the image of Seoul in ruins after the earthquake, director UM and CG supervisor EUN got on their feet to look at every corner of Seoul. They poured their hearts into bringing details to the set, looking into over 10,000 photos in order to reference road signs, store signage, and even the distance between the street lights,” said Climax Studio in a press release.

In cinemas on September 20, Concrete Utopia is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. ■

stay updated with the current trends, and tap into the market.

Through Kahanga-hanga PH, a digital platform that hosts Filipino products, Speedgits, Airspeed’s digital gifting platform designed to take MSMEs’ businesses globally, and Pinaspeed, one of the newest platforms that offers faster and easier delivery options, Rafael said the Airspeed group hopes to bridge the digital divide and provide necessary resources to support women entrepreneurs in the country.

Meanwhile, Iskaparate founding CEO Joey Bermudez said the online platform urgently needs to encourage micro and small entrepreneurs to go digital. “There is an emerging digital divide between the rich and the poor because the latter is behind in digital adoption,” Bermudez said.

“The digital divide is shifting even more economic power to the rich and making the value chain all the more lopsided. As a consequence, the digital

divide is further widening the wealth divide. When technology creates this kind of outcome, it is not an equalizer but the exact opposite of it,” Bermudez added.

Bermudez said failure to empower SMEs would lead to an anomalous situation that will enable micro and small entrepreneurs becoming mere replaceable pieces in the formidable digitally powered distribution engines of monoliths.

He traced the challenge of digitalizing micro and small enterprises have to do with the lack of tools, skills and mental predisposition toward digitalization. Micro and small entrepreneurs don’t have the most advanced devices to utilize digital technology.

“They don’t have scale to justify the essential investments in technology. Iskaparate is precisely creating a shared digital engine for micro and small entrepreneurs. To solve the challenge of mental predisposition, Iskaparate educates them and raises their digital proficiency,” he said.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

(left)

FHD

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES FOR PARK SEO-JUN AND DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ FOR THE DOOGEE T10S

BusinessMirror

Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G: For the young, wild, and free

THEY say good things come to those who wait, and if you decide to hold off getting the Tecno POVA 5, which I reviewed last month, well, you are in luck because the brand just released an upgraded version of an already incredible budget gaming device. I am, of course, talking about the POVA 5 Pro 5G.

The POVA 5 is priced P8,499, while the “Pro” version goes for P9,999. While both phones share a lot of similarities in terms of size, display, RAM/ storage and cameras, the POVA 5 Pro 5G has a new tech-infused Interactive LED design, a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G processor, a faster 68W charging speed, and upgraded heat dissipation system, making it the most competitive 5G smartphone below the P10K range.

Since Tecno partnered with Free Fire for this series, the special edition POVA 5 Pro 5G also comes in a customized product packaging, this time featuring Hayato on the sleeve. You also get special stickers, a gift redemption card, customized live wallpapers, app icons as well as customized ringtones for calls and notifications. The triangular box packaging presents a unique unboxing experience you don’t often see in smartphones at this price point.

The Tecno POVA 5 Pro 5G retains that Mecha Design—a robot-inspired look with turbo stripes that is very eye-catching and will likely appeal to younger users, which is exactly the main demographic this phone is targeting. It comes in two color options: Silver Fantasy and Dark Illusion.

What makes it standout though is its Interactive LED Ambient Light Display called the “Arc Interface.” The rear design comes to life with a mesmerizing array of colors and patterns, adding a unique flair to the device. These LED lights serve various purposes, including indicating notifications, syncing with music beats, and flashing during calls, making the smartphone feel alive.

You can even customize these LED lights and choose from a range of colors and pulsation patterns through the settings, allowing for a personalized and dynamic visual experience. Whether you’re gaming, receiving calls, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes, these LED lights add a touch of excitement to your daily routine. To make use of these LED lights, its best to keep the phone lying face down on a surface such as a table or on the bed so you will see the lights pulsing. To set this up, simply go to settings and choose backlight effects to customize your preferred colors.

My only complaint with this shiny rear finish is that it can be quite the smudge magnet. Tecno was generous enough to include a jelly case and you’d want to slap that on to keep your phone from being a dirty mess. It’s a common and minor drawback but that Mecha design and pulsing lights will definitely draw a lot of attention.

Moving on to the display, the POVA 5 Pro 5G has a 6.78-inch FHD+ LCD display with 1080 x 2460 resolution. It also has an impressive 120Hz refresh rate that ensures a smooth and fluid user experience, particularly beneficial for gaming and video streaming, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate for more responsive control. Colors on the display are sharp and bright, making it suitable for streaming movies or even just watching those TikTok videos.

The display’s brightness ensures good visibility, but it does struggle when used under bright sunlight. Complementing that display are dual speakers for stereo sound and it also comes with DTS+ Hi-Res Certification. If you prefer using your headphones, the POVA 5 Pro still has a 3.5mm jack. Even though this is a gaming smartphone, the cameras of the Tecno POVA 5 Pro 5G does not disappoint. The 50MP primary sensor and a secondary AI camera with dual flash LED light can produce decent photos and the quality is noteworthy, considering this smartphone’s budget-friendly positioning.

The camera supports video recording at up to 2K resolution at 30fps and Full HD at 60fps, which is, again, respectable, for its price range. While the video quality may not be top-tier, it’s still suitable for casual video recording needs.

Under the hood, the Tecno POVA 5 Pro 5G is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G paired with 8GB (expandable to 16GB via extended RAM) and 256GB internal storage. The large memory improves the startup time by 67 percent and improves the average app startup time by 39 percent, while increasing the number of background cached apps to 25.

This chipset is specifically designed for 5G smartphones and aims to provide a smooth and responsive user experience. Performance across regular daily tasks, such as calling, emailing, messaging, media sharing, and more, is seamless and

trouble-free. Users can expect reliable performance for typical smartphone activities.

This chipset is optimized for gaming and can run all those casual games smoothly without lag. Collaborating with three popular mobile games, the POVA 5 Pro 5G features high-frame adaptations for both Mobile Legend: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Free Fire. The device reaches a maximum of 120 FPS and maintains a stable 80 FPS experience when running the MLBB. For Free Fire, it supports up to 90 FPS gameplay, delivering a high-resolution visual experience to players. POVA 5 Pro 5G also provides optimized vibration feedback for PUBG, using a linear motor along the Z-axis to enhance in-game haptic feedback. This refined vibration brings a distinct gaming experience for players. Additionally, the smartphone includes a Game Space feature that facilitates easy mode-switching during gaming.

One notable advantage of its chipset is its ability to maintain a reasonable temperature during prolonged gaming sessions. After a 30-minute gaming session, the device experiences only a slight increase in temperature which is well within acceptable limits.

Regarding the software, the Tecno POVA 5 Pro 5G runs on HiOS 13.1, based on Android 13. It’s a bit different from other UIs and features a feed that displays essential apps, step count, sharpness and more when swiping left to right. This unique interface design may take some getting used to, but it still is very user-friendly.

The Tecno POVA 5 Pro 5G has minimal bloatware, which is good for a device in this price range, but there are still some unnecessary pre-installed applications you might want to remove.

For battery, it comes equipped with a slightly lower 5000mAh battery, compared to the POVA 5 6000mAH. It does make up for it in charging speed as it supports 68W fast charging. It can reach a 50 percent charge in just 20 minutes and a full 100 percent charge in around 50 minutes. This fast-

Globe GFiber Prepaid ‘Pamilya Kaya’ now available

WHAT happens when you mix a madiskarte housewife, a komedyante daddy with a penchant for dad jokes, a talented gaming enthusiast, and a digital-age romantic looking for kilig?

You get Pamilya Kaya, and they’re about to show you the exciting and unlimited world of Globe At Home GFiber Prepaid. Pamilya Kaya represents the Filipino diskarte in all members of the family and how they can make the best of any situation with what they have to achieve fantastic results.

First up, meet “wais na misis,” actress and entrepreneur Neri Miranda as Mommy Kaya. She’s a cool mom, the queen of snagging the best online deals and the most support for the family in all their needs.

Mommy Kaya also loves finding ways to make some extra cash, so she is all set to dazzle everyone with her challenge: live-sell 299 items in seven days. With

A9

GFiber Prepaid’s fiber-fast internet, the bet is on.

Then there’s Daddy Kaya, played by the hilarious Teddy Corpuz, a singer, host, actor and comedian.

Lovable and relatable Daddy Kaya stays close to his wife and kids by watching the latest TV shows of their choosing. With GFiber Prepaid as a trusted buddy, he’s on a mission to upload 299 videos on social media and become an online sensation in a week. Will he be the next content king, or will he end up being the family’s biggest meme?

And then there’s Kuya Kaya, represented by actor, model and digital creator Raymond Mabute. Kuya Kaya dreams of becoming an eSports competitor one day, so he hustles constantly to get the latest games and equipment.

As the family’s resident gamer, he’s determined to win 299 online matches in seven days. Will he rise

to eSports stardom? With GFiber Prepaid’s reliable connectivity for gaming, it’s game on.

Last but not least is satire queen and content creator Lottie Bie as Ate Kaya. Sweet and charming, she feels ready to find love but not quite sure how to do that. So Ate Kaya is now on a digital quest for love, aiming to find the best matches in seven days. Will she find “the one,” or will she end up swiping left?

With GFiber Prepaid’s seamless connectivity, her heart’s desires are just a click away.

GFiber Prepaid offers fiber-fast internet for just P299 for seven days so there will be no limit to what the Filipino family can achieve. It’s easily accessible, offering unlimited internet at prepaid rates, with no documents required for application and no lock-up period. More information can be found at fb.me/globeathome.

charging speed ensures that users can quickly top up their device, which is especially convenient for those always on the go. You also have the option to activate a Charging Completion Tone, which as the name suggests plays a tone when charging is completed. You can find it under Settings> Battery Lab> Battery Setting.

In our real-world usage, the device delivers solid battery life and lasted two days of moderate use and gaming. In typical daily scenarios, which include activities such as calling, messaging, email, WhatsApp usage, media streaming, you don’t have to worry about bringing a powerbank.

Additionally, the device incorporates Tecno’s Battery Lab 3.0 which aims to optimize battery performance and longevity. It includes a feature called Bypass Charging which can direct power to the phone’s components instead of the battery, reducing heat generation during charging.

Final word: The Tecno POVA 5 Pro 5G is an even better option if you have some extra cash to spare. While the Mecha-robot-inspired design might not be for everyone, I’m sure younger users will appreciate it and will use the Arc interface to amaze their friends. The display, while not AMOLED, impresses with its 120Hz refresh rate, nice colors and sufficient brightness, giving users an enjoyable viewing experience.

You also get an efficient MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G chipset that can handle those long gaming sessions without overheating issues and contributes to the

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, September 16, 2023

The World

China’s economy shows signs of stabilizing on policy boost

es accelerated the pace at which they issued special bonds used to finance infrastructure projects. That suggested the funds have been slow to trickle through and impact growth.

“We also need to see that there are still a lot of uncertainties and instabilities externally, and domestic demand still appears insufficient,” the NBS said in a statement accompanying the data.

Editor: Angel R. Calso •

THE world’s increasingly volatile climate is now one of the core risks to manage when it comes to long-term investment in agriculture.

to ensure food security for their own citizens.

Industrial production and retail sales growth jumped last month from a year earlier, far exceeding expectations, while the urban jobless rate eased slightly. That improvement came as the government has in recent weeks beefed up pro-growth measures, including plans to spur more spending on home goods and ease curbs on some housing purchases.

“Perhaps the peak pessimism is behind us,” said Ding Shuang, chief economist for greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered Plc. “August’s data indicates that the economy is unlikely to suffer from a persisting, deeper downturn going forward even though there might still be some volatility ahead—especially if we take into account the policy factor.”

Stocks reacted positively. A gauge of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong extended gains to as much as 1.6 percent after the data, while the CSI 300 Index on the mainland was little changed. The onshore yuan jumped as much as 0.5 percent, set for its best weekly

advance since January, and the 10year government yield climbed.

Optimism is slowly building among some investors that Beijing’s recent efforts to boost the economy and financial markets are starting to bear fruit after a brutal selloff in August that saw foreign funds sell a record amount of onshore China stocks.

Even so, it’s early days — and a single month of data isn’t enough to confirm a sustained recovery trajectory. There have been other signs that this year’s initial spurt of spending activity has begun to moderate, and the ongoing crisis in the real estate sector continues to be a challenge.

Not all of Friday’s figures were rosy, either: Fixed-asset investment grew 3.2 percent in the first eight months of the year from the same period in 2022, slowing from the increase in January-to-July as the decline in property investment worsened.

The rate of growth in infrastructure investment also eased slightly, even as Chinese provinc -

Before Friday’s data, earlier indicators showed manufacturing inching toward expansion last month, while credit demand recovered and deflationary pressures eased slightly.

But a bump in home sales in big cities following the announcement last month of some property easing measures has already faded. Home prices, meanwhile, dropped at a faster pace in August than in July.

And while consumers have been spending on services like travel and eating out, there is doubt about the sustainability of that spending. The job market outlook is also gloomy, adding to strains.

Some economists expect the government to continue rolling out policies to support the economy and ensure it can eventually turn a corner.

Before the data was published Friday, the People’s Bank of China cut the amount  of cash lenders must keep in reserve for the second time this year and injected a net 191 billion yuan ($26.2 billion) via its one-year policy loan

Chinese developer Sino-Ocean suspends offshore debt payments

CHINESE state-linked developer Sino-Ocean Group Holding Ltd. has suspended payment on all its offshore borrowings, citing tight liquidity, as the nation’s property debt crisis deepens.

The country’s 25th-largest builder “is fully committed to formulating a viable holistic restructuring of its offshore debts,” Sino-Ocean said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange Friday. Trading in eight of its dollar bonds on the exchange will be suspended until further notice.

Shares fell as much as 6.1 percent in early trading before reversing to trade higher.

The Beijing-based firm, which according to its 2022 annual report owns more than 290 property projects across China and is among the top home sellers in Beijing and

Tianjin, has appointed Houlihan Lokey (China) Ltd. as financial adviser and Sidley Austin as legal adviser. Bloomberg News reported last month that Sino-Ocean was in talks with Houlihan.

“In response to mounting liquidity pressures, the Group has been in active dialogues with its creditors and endeavored to proactively manage its liabilities,” Sino-Ocean said in the filing. It added that this year the company “has experienced a rapid decline in contracted sales and increased uncertainty in asset disposals and has continuously faced limitations in various financing activities.”

Sino-Ocean has been one of the biggest sources of angst in China’s credit market the past several months. Dollar bond prices slumped amid mounting concerns that even property firms with state

medium-term lending facility into the interbank market.

The moves help increase the ability for banks to buy bonds and support government spending. They will also make it easier for lenders to meet demand for cash in the lead up to the nation’s upcoming Golden Week holiday.

What Bloomberg Economics Says ...

“Upside surprises in China’s August activity suggest the economy’s slump may be starting to bottom out. But it’s too early to call a recovery. Production and consumption are still running below historical trends in sequential terms. Weakness is evident in many other sectors — particularly property. Recent policy support may be helping but more is needed. We still expect further measures aimed at supporting growth.”

—Chang Shu and David Qu, economists.

“The government will not stop beefing up policy support when the economy starts to show signs of improvement this time around,” Ding of Standard Chartered said. He pointed out that in its statement about cutting the RRR, the central bank said it intended to consolidate support for the economy so it can rebound in a sustainable way.

“Policy easing will continue for some time,” he said, expecting a 10 basis point policy rate cut in the fourth quarter. Bloomberg News

million) local note through August 2024 after having lost an initial vote regarding such an extension.

“We’ve put in a lot of time thinking about rainfall patterns, climate change scenarios,” Adrian Goonan, agriculture investment director at Warakirri Asset Management, said at the JANA Annual Conference in Sydney on Thursday. The company has over A$3 billion ($1.9 billion) under management and has invested in broadacre crops, dairy and horticulture across Australia.

Extreme heat and heavy rains have damaged crops across the world this year, from corn and soybeans in the Americas to wheat in China. Parts of southern Australia have seen a decline in rainfall over recent decades and the nation’s climate has warmed by an average 1.47C since records began in 1910.

Rising global temperatures threaten to damage crops that rely on predictable weather, which will likely lead to higher food prices. That raises the risks of governments curbing exports

“If we can invest in businesses where we can minimize our exposure to climate, which really impacts yield or productivity, that’s where we like to get involved,” Frank Barillaro from ROC Partners, which has about $8 billion under management, said during an interview at the conference.

Nuveen Natural Capital Global Head Martin Davies said there was a lot more opportunity to add value with permanent crops such as grapes, and that technology is an important part of the asset selection process.

It means “using climate prediction models to look at particular locations where there will be a heightened risk in the future and opting not to invest in those particular areas,” he said. “That’s not just in general terms, that’s getting down to individual crop types.”

Nuveen Natural Capital has more than $12 billion of assets under management, including over 3 million acres across nearly 600 properties in 10 countries, according to its website. Bloomberg News

links weren’t immune from a sector debt crisis that has sparked record defaults.

Once one of the stronger names among the country’s debt-laden developers, its struggles have been a sign of the sector’s ongoing liquidity constraints. That has been amplified recently by the payment struggles at Country Garden Holdings Co., which this year has lost its title as China’s largest builder by sales. Sino-Ocean expanded into a range of operations since it was founded in 1993, including property services, logistics and asset management.

In August, Sino-Ocean won bondholder approval to extend a combined $50.2 million of interest payments for three dollar notes by two months. A unit two weeks ago got creditor clearance to stretch repayment of a 2 billion yuan ($275

On Thursday, the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee said it had ruled that Sino-Ocean’s missed payment on dollar debt due 2024 was a failure-to-pay credit event, triggering credit default swaps.

Sino-Ocean’s largest shareholder is state-owned China Life Insurance Co., which held a nearly 30 percent stake in the Hong Kong-listed firm, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Having a nearly equal stake is Dajia Insurance Group Co., which took over most of the operations of China’s Anbang Insurance Group Co. and has been controlled by a state-run bailout fund.

The builder’s shares have fallen 39 percent this year to record lows. They did surge a record 82 percent on September 11 as a Sino-Ocean affiliate won a 90-day grace period if any event of default occurs involving a yuan note on which a payment extension was sought.

Bloomberg News

Oil prices creep higher, raise inflation concerns

NEW YORK—Oil prices are creeping higher and raising concerns about the impact on inflation’s cooling trajectory, consumers’ wallets and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy.

US crude oil prices started rising in early summer after slipping or holding relatively steady for most of the year. West Texas Intermediate crude, the US measure, is up 15 percent for the year and above $90 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard is up 5 percent for the year and has also breached the $90 mark.

Higher oil prices trickle down to everything from gasoline prices to transportation and production

costs for consumer goods. The unwelcome pressure on inflation comes as prices have been generally cooling throughout 2023.

Investors, economists and consumers are all hoping for the cooling trend to continue so the Federal Reserve can consider a longer pause after more than a year of aggressive interest rate hikes.

Gasoline prices are among consumers’ biggest concerns, as it remains a necessary purchase for most people. Average prices at the pump have held relatively steady at $3.83 per gallon according to AAA, only a slight increase from a year ago.

“Pump prices appear to be defying the odds at the moment,

despite a boost in the cost of oil,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in a statement. “This uneasy balancing act may last until we get beyond hurricane season.”

Saudi Arabia and Russia recently agreed to extend their voluntary oil production cuts through the end of this year, trimming 1.3 million barrels of crude out of the global market and boosting energy prices.

The impact on the Fed and the broader economy is a key concern for investors. The Fed is getting closer to its goal of lowering inflation to 2 percent, and it held rates steady at its last meeting. Wall Street expects a similar move at

the central bank’s next meeting and is hoping the pause continues into next year.

The central bank has so far been able to slow economic growth through rate increases without pushing the broader economy into a recession.

But recent economic indicators have shown that consumer spending remains strong, along with prices being paid for goods and services.

The same pieces of the resilient economy that have proved to be a bulwark to a recession could also prompt the Fed to continue raising rates, and actually push the economy closer to a recession. AP

main export

COCAINE is set to become Colombia’s main export, overtaking oil, as production of the narcotic continues to expand as the government take a more lenient policy regarding drugs, according to estimates by Bloomberg Economics.

Oil exports posted a drop of 30 percent in the first half and the trend of cocaine trade has consistently risen, meaning the latter could be Colombia’s No. 1 export as soon as this year, according to Bloomberg economist Felipe Hernandez.

“We estimate cocaine export revenues jumped to $18.2 billion in 2022—not far behind oil exports of $19.1 billion last year,” Hernandez said in a note. “The government is destroying laboratories where coca leaves are manufactured into cocaine, but that hasn’t prevented production from expanding.”

Colombia’s cocaine output surged to a record 1,738 tons last year, while the amount of land planted with coca, the raw material for making the drug, rose 13 percent to a record 230,000 hectares (570,000 acres) in 2022 from the previous year, according to a UN Office on Drugs and Crime report published this week.

Hernandez said the increase in cocaine production has had a short-term effect on activity, domestic demand and external accounts while not seeming to correlate with the performance of the Colombian peso.

President Gustavo Petro, the first Colombian leftist leader, has changed the nation’s approach toward drug trafficking, seeking to hit drug lords who benefit more from the sale of narcotics overseas rather than targeting coca leaf producers, who are the weakest link in the production chain.

Petro is seeking talks with the nation’s main drugtrafficking groups, in the hope of ending six decades of civil conflict though peace accords.

The new policy approach toward drugs is facilitating illegal groups to increase cocaine production, Hernandez said.

Bloomberg Economics calculates the export volume as the difference between production and seizures, meaning the figure could be lower as the calculation doesn’t account for domestic consumption and seizures in transit and destination countries, while it estimates the export price adjusting the methodology of average wholesale prices in 2015-2018 and the cost, insurance and freight export price calculated by Andres Arias (2019).

Bloomberg Economics is a branch of Bloomberg LP that offers macroeconomic research service for Bloomberg Terminal subscribers and is separate from the newsroom. Bloomberg News

CHINA’S economy picked up steam in August as a summer travel boom and a heftier stimulus push boosted consumer spending and factory output, adding to nascent signs of stabilization.

Extreme weather turns up the heat on investing in agri

set to overtake oil as Colombia’s

THE US believes Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu is under investigation and has been relieved of command, the Financial Times reports, a sign of potential further upheaval in President Xi Jinping’s government less than a year into his third term.

The report cited three US officials and two people briefed on the intelligence as saying the US has concluded Li had been stripped of his responsibilities. It didn’t describe the nature of the probe.

China’s Foreign Ministry didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Friday morning before business hours.

Last week, Xi called for a “a high degree of unity” in the People’s Liberation Army, as rumors swirled about the defense minister in diplomatic circles. China’s military in July launched a corruption probe into hardware procurement going back to October 2017, without saying why that date was significant.  Li headed the equipment department from September 2017 to 2022, though the government has given no indication he is suspected of wrongdoing.

Speculation over Li’s absence follows a series of abrupt personnel moves in the upper echelons of Chinese power. Last month, Xi abruptly purged two generals leading the secretive rocket force, which manages the country’s nuclear arsenal, without explanation. That came weeks after the Chinese leader stunned the world by ousting Qin Gang from the role of foreign minister, just seven months into that job.

Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, recently linked Li

The World

to those unexplained moves, saying in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that the Communist Party official hadn’t been seen in public for two weeks. When asked about Emanuel’s post, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said she was “not aware of the situation.” Li last made a public appearance on Aug. 29, when he delivered a keynote speech at the 3rd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing. He also traveled to Russia and Belarus in midAugust. He called China’s military relationship with Russia a “model for cooperation” during a security conference in Moscow.

Li was schedule to attend an annual meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders last week, but canceled at short notice, it was reported on Thursday, citing three officials with direct knowledge of the matter. Beijing cited a “health condition” for the minister’s absence, two Vietnamese officials said.

The defense minister’s removal could be a boon for the US: Li is the subject of sanctions the Trump administration imposed in 2018, after he oversaw an arms purchase from Russia. That’s impeded US efforts to restart top-level military contact severed after then-House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August last year.

The lack of communication has raised concern about an accident potentially setting off a conflict.

Unlike China’s foreign minister, who makes public appearances roughly once a week, the defense minister typically has a less public profile.  Bloomberg News

Surging rice prices raise specter of Asian food scare, HSBC says

“The memory of the 2008 Asian food price scare sits deep,” economists led by Frederic Neumann said in a research note on Friday. “Back then, rising rice prices in some economies quickly spilled over into other markets as consumers and governments across the region scrambled to secure supplies. It also lifted the prices of other staples, such as wheat, as buyers shifted to alternatives.”

Export prices for rice from Thailand, a global benchmark, jumped to more than $600 a ton, almost a 50 percent year-on-year increase. That’s an issue for policymak -

ers because unlike tomatoes and onions, which tend to normalize quickly after a spike because of short harvest cycles, rice prices can stay elevated for much longer, according to Neumann.

Global rice imports as a share of consumption have roughly doubled over the past 25 years, and are up around 4 percentage points since the 2008 food price scare, the note showed. “This means that disruption in one economy could have much bigger spillovers into others than in the past,” Neumann said.

Erratic rains and drought in many parts of the world are ham -

pering crops, reducing supply and driving up costs. Top rice exporter India has imposed curbs on overseas shipments to keep a lid on local prices, further constricting global supplies.

Malaysia and the Philippines are the two Asian economies most reliant on rice imports, followed by

Kim Jong Un to tour Russian jet plant as US warns on arms deals

NASA appointed a research director to oversee the effort to investigate sigh tings of unidentified craft, as it takes steps to develop a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding unexplained events.

On Thursday, the agency initially said it wouldn’t name the official, but offered that the person has worked in the position for a while, according to Nicola Fox, NASA’s associate administrator. However, by the end of the day Thursday, NASA backtracked and named the director as Mark McInerney.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the appointment Thursday at a news briefing, soon after the agency released a report on findings from an independent study team about how NASA can better identify UAPs, or unidentified anomalous phenomena. The panel recommends creating a systematic reporting framework incorporating greater use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“This is the first time NASA has taken

concrete action to look into UAPs,” Nelson said. McInerney will be responsible for developing and overseeing implementation of studies into unidentifiable observations of events in the sky, commonly referred to as UFOs.

One reason NASA had originally wanted to keep the person’s identity secret was over concerns of threats and harassment, which some panel members experienced in relation to UAP studies, said Dan Evans, NASA’s assistant deputy associate administrator for research. The panel nevertheless said NASA would remain transparent about what it finds in the skies.

In an update released Thursday afternoon naming McInerney, NASA clarified that he used to work as a NASA liaison to the Department of Defense—a role the allowed him to cover UAPs in a limited capacity.

Nelson said he wanted to dispel the stigma around UAP research and “shift the conversation from sensationalism to science.” Bloomberg News

NORTH KOREAN leader Kim Jong Un is set to tour a Russian factory that makes military aircraft, the Associated Press reported, as the US warned he is on a visit that could support Moscow’s assault on Ukraine.

Kim arrived in the eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur on Friday ahead of an expected tour of a facility that makes fighter jets and other aircraft, AP said. Traffic was blocked at the station where Kim’s train stopped, and a convoy of vehicles thought to be carrying the North Korean leader could later be seen pulling away.  Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted an invitation from Kim to visit North Korea after the two met Wednesday at the Vostochny Cosmodrome space center in the Amur region to hold their first summit in four years.

No date has been set for a visit that would be Putin’s first since

2000, when he met Kim Jong Il, the father of the current leader.

The two discussed issues of mutual interest, peace and security in the region and international justice in an “epoch-making” meeting, North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported without providing details of any agreements.

Putin said North Korea was interested in Russian space rockets, and his country would potentially be willing to help it build satellites, according to RIA Novosti, a Russian state-owned newswire.

The visit to the space facility underscored some of the items that may be on Kim Jong Un’s wish list in exchange for supplying munitions to Russia. Pyongyang has failed twice this year to deploy a spy satellite and could be seeking assistance from Moscow in putting one into orbit. Kim may also be seeking technology that would help his regime’s nuclear warheads

survive the heat from reentry to the atmosphere.

Kim is next expected to go to Vladivostok on Saturday to inspect Russia’s Pacific fleet and meet military officials, Yonhap News Agency of South Korea reported. After that, he may head back home.

Prior to the trip, the New York Times reported Kim may be looking for help in building a nuclearpowered submarine. Before leaving for Moscow, he attended the launch ceremony for what North Korea billed as its first “tactical nuclear attack” submarine that experts believe has a diesel-electric power system.   South Korea’s military expressed doubts about the capabilities of the vessel. North Korea has one of the world’s largest sub fleets but most of its boats are small, old, relatively noisy and “designed to disrupt sea lanes, lay mines, attack surface vessels,

Korea and Taiwan, Neumann said. Other economies such as Indonesia are exposed, too. Hong Kong and Singapore import all of their rice, though given their purchasing power they can readily secure supplies.

“Go easy on the curry,” Neumann concluded. Bloomberg News

and assist special operations units’ infiltration,” according to a white paper from South Korea’s Defense Ministry.

While Pyongyang and Moscow have denied US accusations of arms transfers, North Korea sits on some of the largest stockpiles of artillery and unguided rockets that could be used in the Sovietera weaponry Russia is using to bombard Ukraine.

A South Korean presidential official said North Korean weapons have been used for a long time by Russia against Ukraine, Yonhap reported. US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby told a briefing at the White House this week, “we obviously have concerns about any burgeoning defense relationship between North Korea and Russia.”

Seeking military aid from North Korea would mark a reversal for the two states. The Soviet Union was the biggest backer for Pyongyang after it was formed 75 years ago and supplied it with weapons that were essential in its invasion of South Korea at the start of the 1950-1953 Korean War. Bloomberg News

China pushes ‘integration’ with Taiwan while militarily threatening the island

TAIPEI, Taiwan—China is promoting new economic opportunities for Taiwanese people while at the same time ramping up military activity around the island it claims as its own.

Experts say the “carrots and sticks” approach, which Beijing has employed for years, signals a choice between peaceful “reunification” and military aggression ahead of a Taiwanese presidential election next year.

This week, China unveiled a plan for an “integrated development demonstration zone” in its southeastern Fujian province, the closest to selfgoverned, democratic Taiwan. Taipei strongly rejects China’s sovereignty claims.

As part of the plan, Beijing is encouraging Taiwanese companies to list on Chinese stock exchanges and is promising better conditions for Taiwanese investors and a more “relaxed” environment for travel, according to a statement Tuesday by

the Communist Party’s Central Committee and the State Council, China’s Cabinet.

“The goal is to build an integrated development demonstration zone in the entire area of Fujian province to fully show the effect of Fujian as the firstchoice destination for Taiwanese people and enterprises to pursue development on the mainland,”

Pan Xianzhang, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a news conference Thursday.

The economic overture comes at a time of increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan.

On Thursday, Taiwan’s defense ministry said it spotted 68 Chinese warplanes and 10 warships near the island over the previous 24 hours.

It said 40 of the aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense zone, in the latest of near-daily incursions meant to threaten Taiwan’s government, which Beijing deems “separatist.”

Earlier this week, China sailed

an aircraft carrier 110 kilometers to Taiwan’s southeast.

Pairing economic incentives with military coercion of Taiwan “is a very old playbook on China’s part,” said Drew Thompson, a research fellow at the Lee

Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

Many of the policies underlined in the Fujian plan, such as easy access for Taiwanese to the mainland, were already in

place, making the initiative more performative than substantive, he added.

“At the end of the day, this is not an actual economic plan for integration of China with Taiwan,” Thompson said. “It’s a political tool that seeks to drive a wedge between the ruling party and that portion of the electorate that probably doesn’t support the ruling party anyway.”

Taiwan is set to have presidential elections in January. The frontrunner, current Vice President William Lai, is considered by Beijing a separatist. China has refused to hold talks with Lai’s party, the Democratic Progressive Party, which has been in power since 2016.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said the document was a compilation of existing policies and measures.

“It is completely one-sided wishful thinking to try and seduce our members of the public and enterprises to the mainland and integrate into their system,

laws, and norms and accept the leadership of the Communist Party,” it said.

The council also urged Beijing to respect Taiwan’s “insistence” on freedom and democracy.

Some of the measures zero in on outlying Taiwanese islands that are closer to Fujian province than to Taiwan’s main island, such as Matsu and Kinmen, which Chinese state media have said should play “an even more prominent role” in boosting ties.

But news of the announcement appeared to have gone unnoticed in Matsu. A coffee shop owner, reached over the phone, said he didn’t know of the measures and hadn’t been reading the news.

Carlk Tsao, who runs a bed and breakfast on the islands, said he did not know about the new Fujian economic integration plan. “Usually, we in Matsu won’t see these type of things,” he said. “For me personally, I think they’re just making empty promises.” AP

RISING food prices are likely to prove an additional concern for central bankers trying to subdue inflation as the cost of rice—a staple food in Asia—surges the most since 2008, according to HSBC Holdings Plc.

US believes Chinese defense minister under inquiry, Financial Times says

‘From sensationalism to science’: NASA names UFO chief to investigate mystery craft sightings

THE Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) conducts routine underway operations in the Taiwan Strait, on September 9, 2023. US NAVY VIA AP

A WORKER holds white rice in a godown in Gurgaon, Haryana, India, on Friday, September 1, 2023. Rice prices in Asia rebounded on escalating concerns around supply as top exporter India implemented more restrictions on its shipments.

JUSTIN QUIBAN pounced on Marvin Dumandan’s costly birdie miss from close range on the 72nd hole then endured an extra four-hole battle of power and wits to capture the fiercelydisputed International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) South Pacific Classic crown in Davao City on Friday.

S aying he had grown edgy with an unresolved outcome after their repeated returns to the 337-yard No. 9, Quiban attacked the hole with great resolve in their last two trips, the last leading to a two-putt birdie and ending the protracted duel set up by Dumandan’s sorry miss on No. 18 that saw him flub a birdie-putt from five feet.

D umandan also failed to extend the match further with a miss from long range.

T hey matched pars after exchanging a couple of muffed

birdie bids in their first three visits back on No. 9 with Quiban opting for his trusted Ping driver in the last two occasions, the first, however, led to a three-putt par.

But in his next crack at eagle feat, Quiban confidently stroked it to near the hole and drilled the putt that mattered in a day marked by drizzle and ended under the scorching heat that was the condition in the first three days of the P2 million championship sponsored by ICTSI.

“ My strategy in the playoff was to play it [No. 9] as I did the whole week, lay-up with the 4-iron and try to get it as close as I can and try to make a birdie,” said Quiban, who closed out with a 69 and tied Dumandan, who carded a 70, at 279.

“But after we didn’t make birdies, I decided to use my driver because it’s

By Josef Ramos

BOXING icon Manny Pacquiao

reiterated on Friday his desire to compete at next year’s Paris Olympics—a dream, he said, that he brought along when he first came to Manila as a nobody in the sport that gifted him fame and fortune.

From the very beginning, my biggest dream when I went to Manila

QUIBAN STEALS SHOW IN DAVAO

Editor: Jun Lomibao

MP REITERATES OLYMPIC DREAM

was to join the Philippine team. But I was rejected because I wasn’t that good,” Pacquiao said.

“It has always been my dream and in my heart to get an Olympic gold medal,” said Pacquiao during the launch of his Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association organized by the Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. at the Sheraton Manila Hotel.

At 44, Pacquiao is beyond the maximum Olympic boxing age of 40 but the eight-division world champion has reached out to Philippine Olympic Committee

president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino to find ways for his possible qualification for Paris.

“ I will wait for it and I am excited for the opportunity,” said Pacquiao on an appeal to the International Olympic Committee for his participation in Paris.

The former senator, meanwhile, unboxed his MPVA, a volleyball league akin to his Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) that is already on its sixth year.

The MPVA, Pacquiao said, will be played from October to December

carrying the same local government unit-based teams like the MPBL.

Ten teams—Quezon City, Bacoor, Marikina, Biñan, Caloocan, Rizal, Agusan del Norte, Bulacan, Manila and a squad called “Blue Hawks”— have signed up for the MPVA.

Pacquiao said that the volleyball league is focusing on homegrown players immersed with three professional athletes for each team. Games will be home-and-away.

L eague commissioner Michael Tavera said that the teams will hold a series of tryouts.

Germany, Italy, New Zealand on PHL FIBA hosting: Job well done

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 champion Germany, as well as Italy and New Zealand, joined Canada in lavishing praises to the Philippines for co-hosting the quadrennial tournament among the world’s best teams.

For us at the German Embassy in Manila, it was with great pleasure that we followed the 2023 FIBA World Cup,” Germany’s First Secretary for Political Affairs Alexander Schmidt told the BusinessMirror “ The Philippines as one of the three host countries has lived up to its reputation of being a very friendly, welcoming and hospitable country,” Schimdt said. “Certainly, the positive

atmosphere in Manila and the enthusiasm and love of Filipinos for this sport have helped the German basketball team to play such a successful tournament.”

Germany is a football country but its basketball team this year pulled a series of surprise wins in the Philippines—first by beating the favorite Team USA during the quarterfinals and clinching the World Cup crown against Serbia.

Italian Ambassador to Manila Marco Clemente said he watched almost all the FIBA matches in the Philippines and had a rare opportunity to assess the teams’ and the host’s performances.  “I know attending many international sports events in my life, organizing such a big event is

not an easy task. You did a really good job,” Ambassador Clemente told BusinessMirror in a phone interview.

Also, you hosted the final part of the tournament, which is under the scrutiny of the international federation, you did an excellent presentation. That was really impressive,” he added.

Italy reached the quarterfinals this year, its best ever performance in 25 years in FIBA history.

The results are not that exciting for our teams even though Italy ranked among the first eight. It was not a bad result,” Clemente said. “The expectation was a bit high. We actually beat Serbia, which reached the finals.”

M eanwhile, the New Zealand Embassy in Manila said the

SENATOR GO BATS FOR SPORTS FACILITIES

SENATOR Christopher “Bong”

Go on Friday emphasized the urgent need for improved sports facilities in communities nationwide during a budget hearing he presided on as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

A s its budget’s sponsor, Go highlighted the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) crucial role in the nation’s grassroots sports development as he expressed deep concern over the state of existing sports infrastructure. Looking into the facilities shown [by the PSC], there is a need to invest in sports facilities and let’s not allow these to deteriorate,” said Go, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Sports.

G o also urged the government

to refocus resources for the construction of training facilities and comfortable housing for athletes instead of allocating funds on flood control projects located in areas with little to no population.

Let’s provide out athletes with decent and comfortable living quarters, and I am calling on the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] that instead of flood control projects in areas where there are no people, lets focus these resources to our athletes,” he said. “Perhaps you can set aside a budget for this.”

He specifically mentioned the need for repairs at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City which opened in 1985 and the provision of comfortable quarters for athletes.

feedback from Basketball New Zealand (BNZ) on their experience in FIBA Manila was also positive.

Based on the feedback of the Mr. Dillon Boucher, Chief Executive of Basketball New Zealand [BNZ], shared that the Tall Blacks along with everyone from BNZ team enjoyed their time in Manila,” the New Zealand Embassy said in an email message.

Earlier, the Canadian Embassy congratulated the local organizers of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila for the “successful” co-hosting the event.

“ We commend them for a superb job in bringing the world’s top teams to the Philippines for some of the most exciting basketball games in history,” the Canadian embassy’s statement said.

been my eighth-week straight [of playing] and I wanted this to end. No guts, no glory.”

“Unfortunately, I made a threeputt par on the third playoff hole and then on the last, I hit the green again and two-putted for birdie and got the victory,” said Quiban, who pocketed P360,000 for his feat. He also contended in the Asian Development Tour in Vietnam three weeks ago and in last week’s Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Del Monte Championship.

Quiban shook his head in disbelief after missing his uphill birdie bid from six feet on the 72nd hole but gained a reprieve as Dumandan missed wrapping it up in regulation in a day replete with drama on the long championship layout with tricky greens that featured stunning birdie runs and rueful collapses, including that of Gen Nagai.

ut in a duel of aces seeking to end a long title spell, Quiban came out to clutch a cherished trophy, five years after he scored a breakthrough five-shot victory over Jay Bayron in Binitin, Negros Occidental. He also beat Joenard Rates by three to secure the PGT Asian Central Azucarera de Tarlac trophy in late 2017.

t was a sorry setback for Dumandan, who stuffed a brilliant approach shot to within 5 feet on the par-5 18th to re-ignite his bid to end a 14-year title spell as joint frontrunner Quiban, who tied him at nine-under overall heading to the 72nd hole, missed his uphill birdieputt from six feet.

ut the amiable Dumandan’s championship putt from five feet swerved to the right at the finish— to his and the big hometown gallery’s disappointment, leading to a sudden death, the first title to be disputed over 72 holes in nine legs of this year’s circuit put up by ICTSI and backed by Kampfortis Golf, the official apparel of the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

D umandan settled the P236,000 prize.

D umandan, sparkling with his neon green shirt, threatened to pull away with a four-under card after 10 holes but the local ace, who last won in 2009 at Apo, cracked as the pressure mounted at the back, yielding crucial strokes on Nos. 11 and 13 and missing the winning putt on the 18th.

I n a flight ahead of the championship group, Cebu-based Japanese Nagai forced a three-way tie at nine-under with a fourth straight birdie on the par-5 12th. But he came up short on his approach on the 18th, putted aggressively that sent the ball veering to the left near the fringe and muffed a six-footer.

A p roduct of this year’s PGT Q-School, Nagai, a former national junior champion, wound up with a three-putt bogey for a 69 and missed joining Dumandan and Quiban in the playoff with a 280 total for solo third worth P136,000, his best in three PGT stints. He posted a joint 25th finish at Luisita and tied for 18th at Valley.

Business leaders exchange notes with Tolentino in rare occasion

BUSINESS and industry leaders opined on the country’s sports program to be focused on individual sports as the major sector of society met its counterpart in the sports community in a rare occasion on Friday in Quezon City. “

Let’s focus on investing in individual sports because that’s our strength. Imagine EJ Obiena, he’s been winning a lot of medals for the Philippines,” George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told the Pandesal Forum on Friday at the Kamuning Bakery where Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was also one of the forum’s special guests.

Not to forget our very own first Olympic gold medalist, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, she made everybody proud, and hoping we can produce a lot of them in the future,” Barcelon added.

Tolentino thanked Barcelon and his fellow business and industry leaders—Dr. Cecilio Pedro, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., and Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr., head of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines—who graced the forum moderated by Wilson Lee Flores.

It’s an honor and privilege that our leaders in business and industry are supporting our athletes and our sports program in general and that their concern inspires young athletes to set higher goals,” Tolentino said.

Pedro, a staunch supporter of sports who once maintained a competitive commercial basketball, gave Tolentino a high mark for his leadership in sports.

Sports is very important for us because it gauges the country if it’s moving forward, and I am very happy to see that somebody like EJ Obiena is in the forefront or being No. 2 in the world,” Pedro said.

It’s because of the all-out support and leadership of our POC president, Abraham Tolentino,” Pedro said. “We are always behind him and the endeavor of our Filipino athletes.” W ith the issue on the West Philippine Sea lingering in the sidelines of the 19th Asian Games that start Friday in Hangzhou, Tolentino assured the business and industry leaders that sports would be insulated in the games.

“ Hopefully, the treatment of the host country [China] is good even though there’s a geopolitical issue,” Tolentino said. “I hope it won’t affect our relationship with the host country. Sports unifies all.”

Tolentino told the forum that 396 Filipino athletes are competing in Hangzhou and are inspired to surpass the four gold medals won in the 2018 edition in Indonesia.

We are hoping we do more and surpass our finish in Indonesia,” he said.

GO

Go reiterated his strong belief that sports can serve as a deterrent for the youth against engaging in illegal drugs and other harmful activities.

“ I always say ‘get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit,’” he said. “Sports is one effective way of shielding the youth from illegal drugs.”

He added: “This is one way of continuing the anti-illegal drugs campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte. If illegal drugs are back flourishing, criminality and corruption in government follows.”

UAAP host UE unveils unique S86 logo, theme

THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) unveils a thrilling new theme and logo that encapsulates its mission and spirit for Season 86.

The UAAP Season 86 theme

“Fueling the Future” was unveiled Friday setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

W ith the theme “Fueling the Future,” UAAP Season 86 underscores its commitment to being the driving force behind the development of future professional

athletes and national teams.

It proudly serves as the stepping stone, training ground and building block for athletes who aspire to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

W hat makes this theme even more special is that it coincidentally shares the same initials as “face-toface,” an alignment highlights the eight member schools’ return to its roots in full onsite and in-person mode post-pandemic.

The Season 86 logo is a visual testament to the energy and vibrancy that define the league.

A t its core, the logo prominently features the UAAP season and theme, proudly displayed front and center. S urrounding the central element are splashes of colors that evoke the explosive collision of energy, creating sparks that ignite passion and excitement. W hat makes the logo even more captivating is its representation of the member schools.

E ach school’s official colors are masterfully integrated into the design.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino with business and industry leaders (from left) Dr. Cecilio Pedro of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., George Barcelon of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr. of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines and Wilson Lee Flores, moderator of the “Pandesal Forum.” NONOY LACZA

JUSTIN QUIBAN gets the tradition douse of water from his opponents.