THE MANILA TIMES | JANUARY 24, 2019

Farm output slows, misses 2018 target

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

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Sulu, Isabela City vote down BOL

BANGSAMORO PLEBISCITE Lanao del Sur (local canvassing) Maguindanao (local canvassing) Basilan (partial and unofficial) Sulu (local canvassing) Tawi-Tawi (partial and unofficial)

Yes - 503,420 Yes - 599,581 Yes - 146,898 Yes - 137,630 Yes - 151,788

ARMM Total

Yes - 1,539,317 No - 199,150

Cotabato City (local canvassing) Yes - 36,682 Isabela City (partial and unofficial) Yes - 19,630

No - 9,735 No - 9,096 No - 6,486 No - 163,526 No - 10,307

No - 29,994 No - 22,441

Source: AFP Western Mindanao Command

BY AL JACINTO

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AMBOANGA CITY: The capital of Basilan province, Isabela City, has joined Sulu province in rejecting the Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL. As a result, Isabela City, which is not part of the soon-to-be abolished Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), will not join the

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Filipinos are ‘accepting killings as a new normal’

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HE clos e d circuit TV video was blurry, but what it showed was clear as day. At about HALF PAST kVE IN THE AFTERNOON RECENTLY

helmet-clad men on three motorcycles STOPPED TRAFkC ON A #ALOOCAN STREET

REPUBLIC SERVICE RICARDO SALUDO

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Time does not fly‌we do

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RIENDS occasionally send me what they consider “good reads.� Justice Sam Martires sent me one this morning. The lines could have been very well written to me and of me, personally.

FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

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Manila Bay rehabilitation

H E Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is preparing to rehabilitate the Manila Bay — one of the best news we must all pay attention to.

FELINO A. PALAFOX

MENINGOCOCCEMIA SCARE A security guard stands next to a notice of temporary closure of the emergency room (ER) of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital in Manila. Hospital officials closed the ER on Wednesday after a patient showed symptoms of meningococcemia, an infectious disease. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN SStory toory r y oon n A8 A8

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Arroyo seeks P100M for titles of urban poor homes

3 Batocabe slay suspects apply for WPP

SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has sought a P100-million funding for title acquisition to the homes of urban poor housing benEkCIARIES Arroyo, convening t h e O ve r sight Committee on Q Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the National Government Center for Urban Poor Housing, said she would ask the House contingent of the bicameral conference committee on the

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What’s inside SHUN ‘ILLEGAL’ MEANS TO WIN ELECTIONS

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OUR ELECTIONS SINCE 2010 ALL VIOLATED THE LAW

Antonio ContrerasA4

THREE suspects in the assassination of AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe seek to become state witnesses of the case, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said

on Wednesday.

Albayalde said the three, whom he did not identify, applied to the witness protection program after they surrendered to the police and provided

SC: Real winner of VP contest known soon THE Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), is getting closer to knowing the victor in an election protest of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni�

Robredo.

Its final decision loomed after the electoral tribunal announced that the revision of ballots for pilot provinces in PET Case 005 was almost over.

The court said the revision of ballots was suspended to train revisors, but the recount would resume immediately.

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MEDIA EXCELLENCE

The Manila Times President and CEO Dante Ang 2nd (third from left) receives the media excellence award for print media during the 2nd Dangal ng Bayan at the National College of Science and Technology in DasmariĂąas, Cavite on Wednesday. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

Don’t use child couriers, Duterte warns syndicates

AND THE OSCARS NOMINEES ARE . . .

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to kill ILLEGAL DRUG TRAFkCKERS DESTROYING THE LIVES OF CHILdren amid his outrage over reports that minors were being used by drug syndicates.

Duterte issued the warning after the Philippine

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WESTBROOK TRIPLES AS THUNDER EDGE PORTLAND SportsC1

extrajudicial confessions about their knowledge of the Batocabe killing. “I think there are three [suspects] who are applying to the witness protection

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THURSDAY January 24, 2019

P O L I T I C I A N S WA R N E D

Shun‘illegal’means to win elections M

BY CATHERINE S. VALENTE

ALACAĂ‘ANG on Wednesday condemned the ambush of a Cebu town mayor, warning candidates to stop using “illegalâ€? means to win the elections.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo assured the public that “full force� would be applied on poll bets employing violence to win. “We deplore the ambush of San Fernando, Cebu Mayor Lakambini

Reluya and pray for her speedy recovery,� Panelo said. “We urge even as we warn the candidates to cease and desist [the] employment of undemocratic and illegal methods to win for the law on accountability shall be applied

Defer 2nd fuel excise tax hike – JV Ejercito SEN. Joseph Victor “JV� Ejercito on Wednesday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to order his economic managers to suspend the second phase of the fuel excise tax increase.

The senator said he was not yet about to “throw the towel� in opposing the implementation of the second wave of fuel excise tax increases, although it already took effect this month.

Under Section 43 of Republic Act 10963 or the “Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law,� implementation or suspension of the excise tax on fuel depends upon the recommendation of the Department of Finance (DoF) and the Development Coordination Committee (DBCC) to the President. “We only have to look back at our recent experience where prices of commodities skyrocketed when the first round of increase was imposed in order to realize that this course of action is a disaster to the people’s pockets,� Ejercito said.

He added that while the Philippines’ inflation rate slowed down toward the end of 2018 because of a drop in prices of petroleum in the world market, financial experts had predicted an upward trend in prices of commodities, mostly consumer goods, this year because of another increase in fuel excise tax. “I believe we can afford a six-month suspension. After that, let’s assess the situation,� Ejercito said. “The new year had just started and that

Q Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito [fuel excise tax increase] was what we introduced to the people. The poor people are the most affected by this. This should not be the case,� he said in Filipino.  Ejercito added: “While I agree that the government will get additional funds, which will be used for infrastructure projects, what I’m saying is that we need to suspend the increase for the meantime, let’s say six months, because the prices of commodities are still high and still keep on increasing.�

Sen. Francis Escudero in December also asked the President to reconsider the implementation of the second tranche of excise tax on fuel or at least consider its immediate suspension when inflation becomes uncontrollable again in 2019. BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

to them with full force and effect,� he added.

Three people were killed in the ambush in Barangay Linao, Talisay City on Tuesday evening, while Reluya and her two security aides were wounded.

Reluya’s husband Ricardo, a village chief of Panadtaran, died on the spot. Also killed were driver Allan Bayot and staff Ricky Monterona.

Police said the victims came from San Fernando and were on their way to Barangay Banawa, #EBU #ITY WHEN UNIDENTIkED ASSAILANTS OPENED kRE ON THEIR VAN

followers in their respective localities,� he added.

Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration did not condone such deplorable act. “The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been directed to monitor areas considered hotspots and to enforce the law strictly regardless of who are involved,� Panelo said. “Violence is anathema to democracy and this Administration will not allow nor tolerate any violence unleashed by any person or group that puts the voters and the general public at risk. The President is committed to shep-

Q WARNS FROM A1

Don’t use Drug Enforcement Agency’s operation in Navotas City led to the arrest of some 28 drug suspects, including 12 minors. “Kaya ‘yung nangyari noong kVE days ago. Ang nagme-maintain ngayon ng shabu ang mga bata.

Kung may parokyanong makita niya at naghahanap, dadalhin nila doon, pahithitin nila, sila na ang kokobra, pati ang mga bata shoot na rin sila. As young as six, eight, nine, 14 (In the incident that happened five days ago, the minors were maintaining the shabu trade. If there’s a resident looking for drugs, they will bring it to them and collect PAYMENT !ND THE KIDS GET THEIR kX

themselves. They are as young as six, eight, nine, 14 years old),� Duterte said during the annual assembly of the Provincial Union of Leaders Against Illegalities in Lucena City, Quezon on Tuesday night.

Duterte once again slammed

Q TITLES FROM A1

Arroyo seeks proposed 2019 budget if they could put in P100 million to facilitate the acquisition of titles of over 8,000 URBAN POOR BENEkCIARIES IN THE .'# along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

She formed the oversight committee to monitor implementation

Q WINNER FROM A1

Q VOTE DOWN FROM A1

SC: Real winner

Sulu

Edgar Aricheta, clerk of court of the tribunal, said the suspension of the recount would pave way for a second appraisal of ballot boxes. g4HIS IS TO CONkRM THE ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY the [electoral tribunal’s] Ad Hoc Committee regarding the suspension of revision proceedings...

This is to give way [to] the tribunal to prepare for the revision using the decrypted ballots and/or election paraphernalia,� he said in a letter.

In his protest, Marcos assailed election results in 39,221 clustered precincts.

Based on Commission on Elections data, the 39,221 clustered precincts are composed of 132,446 precincts.

Marcos, who lost to Robredo by 263,473 votes, accused her of massive electoral fraud such as preshading of ballots, pre-loading of Secure Digital cards, misreading of ballots, malfunctioning vote counting machines (VCMs) and an “abnormally high� unaccounted votes/undervotes for the position of Vice President.

The revision involved 5,417 clustered precincts from the provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental and began in April last year.

The camp of Robredo on Wednesday maintained that the Vice President’s lead remained intact.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or Barmm.

An autonomous entity with greater powers and control over natural resources, the Barmm replace the ARMM, as part of a 2014 peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The entire ARMM voted on Monday on whether or not to ratify the BOL passed

by Congress last year, with the “yes� vote leading overwhelmingly in four out of kVE PROVINCES Apprehension over the expected MILF dominance in the future Bangsamoro government fueled the “no� vote, which won handily in Isabela City and Sulu province.

Unlike Isabela City, however, Sulu has no choice but become part of the Barmm because it is already part of the existing autonomous region, which voted as a whole in the January 21 plebiscite.

The governor of Sulu, Abdusakur “Toto�

Tan 2nd, has a pending petition before the Supreme Court to declare the BOL unconstitutional.

The “yes� vote, however, won a major victory in Cotabato City, which is part of the ARMM province of Maguindanao but not part of the autonomous region. Cotabato

JOMAR CANLAS

past 6 p.m.

Panelo said political rivalry hitting “fever pitch� during the election was to be blamed for the ambush. “During election period, political rivalry is [at] fever pitch resulting in the upsurge of election-related violence. This unfortunate and standard norm cannot continue and the culture of violence that has characterized the electoral process will have to end,� he said “Citizens must be vigilant and it must put to notice law enforcement authorities on any brewing electoral violence between and among the candidates and their

Q WPP FROM A1

3 Batocabe program but [their acceptance] will depend on the court,� he added.

Five suspects were placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after they surrendered to authorities on separate occasions.

They are Rolando Arimando, Emmanuel Rosello, Jaywin Babor, Christopher Naval and Danilo Muella. !LBAYALDE SAID THE kVE SUSPECTS CHOSE to stay under police custody for fear for their lives.

TODA SUMMIT

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the TODA summit at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Wednesday. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA the human rights groups that persistently criticized his brutal crackdown on illegal drugs, which claimed the lives of at least 5,000 alleged drug offenders. “Kita mo ang ginagawa ng mga u**I. Tapos sabihin mo sa akin sa human rights (Look at what the fools have done? Then the human rights will tell me), ‘There’s a son of

a b***h lying dead there.’ Iyan lang ang worry mo tapos sinisira ang bayan ko? P***** i** mo, papatayin talaga kita (Is that your worry?

They’re ruining my country. Son of a b***h, I’ll really kill you),� he said.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would lower the age of criminal liability to 12.

of the National Government Center Housing and Land Utilization Act, which she signed into law when she was president in 2003.

Arroyo gave about 20,000 urban poor families in NGC, Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City to acquire land under the law.

She said 80 percent of the benEkCIARIES IN THE .'# S WEST SIDE HAD been awarded titles while 20 percent remained without titles because of

lack of funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Titles are yet to be issued to benEkCIARIES IN THE EAST SIDE gBECAUSE of failure to reblock the lots also due to lack of funding.�

Arroyo said a representative from the Department of Public Works and Highways told her that no funding was allocated for the NGC acquisition and reblocking. “This is very consistent with what

herd peaceful, honest and orderly elections,� he added.

The ambush of Reluya is among the series of attacks against politicians ahead of the 2019 midterm elections. !MONG THE HIGH PROkLE KILLINGS include the ambush of AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was shot dead in a gift-giving event in Daraga, Albay in December.

Earlier, Duterte warned politicians and other candidates to not resort to violence, even killing their opponent just to win in the polls, following the killing of Batocabe in December last year.

Duterte’s former top aide, Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go, backed the measure, agreeing with the President that syndicates were using young people to commit heinous crimes. “The law has only contributed to the rise of youth offenders in the county for they are exempted from any criminal liability, even when they commit heinous crimes such as rape and murder,� he said.

4HE FORMER 0ALACE OFkCIAL WHO is running for senator in the May midterm elections, added that the minors should not be sent to a regular jail.

Meanwhile, Duterte maintained THAT HE WOULD NOT LET DRUG TRAFkCKers jeopardize the lives of Filipinos. “Do not kill our sons and daughters, ‘yang droga na ‘yan (with that illegal drugs) because I will kill you. I could not be more clear than that. Pag sinira mo ang bayan ko talagang magwawala ako )F YOU RUIN MY COUNTRY ) WILL lY into a rage),� he said.

CATHERINE S. VALENTE

I said when we left for the Christmas Holidays that we already passed many good laws including my own law in 2003 that’s why they are now owners of their property. But what is important now is to make sure that they are well implemented. So this is part of what I have been saying that that’s the task I think the House of Reps. should be doing for the next six months,� the Speaker said.

REINA C. TOLENTINO

City will, thus, be part of the Barmm and serve as its capital.

Cotabato City’s “yes� votes totaled 36,682 while the “no� votes got 29,994.

Another plebiscite will be held on February 6, with residents in Lanao del Norte deciding whether six towns will be part of the Barmm. Residents in North Cotabato will also vote on the inclusion of 67 villages in the new autonomous region.

Isabela City Vice Mayor Cherrylyn Akbar and Jann Akbar, a strong advocate for the establishment of a federal government, spearheaded the “NO to BOL� campaign in the city.

Wednesday’s final plebiscite tally showed Isabela with 22,441 voting for “no� to BOL and 19,630 voting “yes.� “We are so happy and the voice of the people is heard loud and clear. We rejected the BOL,� Akbar said after receiving news of the results of the referendum.

Although Isabela rejected BOL, municipalities in the province voted for the RATIkCATION OF THE ORGANIC LAW “What’s important here is that Isabela will never be a part of the so-called Bangsamoro autonomous region,� Akbar said.

Sulu rejected the BOL, with 163,526 resiDENTS VOTING gNOu AND FOR ITS RATIkCAtion. A total of 301,196 registered voters participated during the plebiscite held on Monday. “It (BOL) will not prosper in Sulu. We do not want to be part of the Bangsam-

oro region. We are Tausugs, we are Bangsa Sug. Our people have spoken and they should respect our stand,� said former governor Sakur Tan, the spokesman and special envoy of the Royal Council of the Sulu Sultanate.

Tan said the Tausugs wanted out of the autonomous region and be part again of the Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 9.

The ARMM is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces.

Lanao del Sur saw 513,155 registered voters cast their votes. Of the number, a total of 503,420 “yes� votes were recorded while “no� got 9,735, according to local canvassers.

Maguindanao overwhelmingly voted “yes,� with 599,581 votes. “No� votes totaled 9,096. A total of 608,846 residents voted on Monday.

In the partial and unofficial count relayed by the Western Mindanao Command, the province of Tawi-Tawi got 151,788 “yes� votes and 10,307 “no� votes, while Basilan recorded 146,898 “yes� and 6,486 “no.�

In Manila, the Comelec en banc, sitting as the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers (NPBC), moved for the second time THE START OF ITS OFkCIAL CANVASSING AS IT HAD YET TO RECEIVE CERTIkCATES OF CANVASS #O#S The NPBC will reconvene at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

$ISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED IN THE kGURES that appeared on the CoCs of Sulu and Cotabato City.

The CoC from Sulu indicated that there were 137,630 “yes� votes and 163,526 “no� votes, or a total of 301,156. The total did not tally with the 301,196 who voted, or a difference of 40 votes.

The CoC from Cotabato City showed a disparity of 22,649 votes. The CoC indicated that of the 71,963 registered voters, 39,027 voted. But the total number of “yes� and “no� votes was only 61,676.

Jimenez explained that there was “clerical� error in the CoCs from Cotabato City and Sulu, adding that they would be corrected during the national canvassing.

Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia GuianiSayadi, in a radio interview, said the city WOULD kLE A PROTEST AGAINST THE RESULTS OF the plebiscite, claiming there was massive disenfranchisement of voters.

MalacaĂąang on Wednesday urged those against the inclusion of Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro region to honor the result. “All the major players, pro and con, must now come together and work together for the success of the common aspiration of the Bangsamoro people, which is to have a progressive and peaceful Mindanao,â€? spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

Henry Yuson, the self-confessed gunman, was detained on rape charges.

All six suspects pointed to Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo as the mastermind behind the assassination.

Baldo was arrested on Tuesday for illegal POSSESSION OF kREARMS BUT HE WAS LATER brought to the hospital for asthma attack and high blood pressure.

Senior Supt. Arnold Ardiente, director of the CIDG-Bicol, told The Manila Times in a phone interview that the mayor was brought to the UST Legazpi Hospital around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

(E SAID "ALDO HAD DIFkCULTY BREATHING inside his cell and started to hyperventilate.

Baldo’s blood pressure also shot up and that the mayor experienced an asthma attack.

Batocabe and his security escort, Senior 0OLICE /FkCER /RLANDO $IAZ WERE KILLED on Dec. 22, 2018.

Albayalde said the PNP had P25 million (P20 million from President Rodrigo Duterte and P5 million from various congressmen) to give to witnesses of the assassination.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the turnover of the P8 million to Albayalde in the House.

The government promised a P50-million bounty — P13 million from House members, P15 million from the AKO Bicol

party-list, P2 million from the provincial government of Albay and P20 million coming from the President in exchange for information on the assailants of Batocabe.

Albayalde said Emmanuel Judavar, the primary witness of the case, was most entitled to the cash reward but that he was still waiting for the CIDG to submit its evaluation on who should receive it.

4HE POLICE EARLIER kLED DOUBLE MURDER and six counts of frustrated murder charges against Baldo and his six alleged cohorts — Henry Yuson, Rolando Arimando, Danilo Muella, Christopher Naval, Emmanuel Rosello and Jaywin Babor.

WITH DEMPSEY REYES, WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL AND RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

ROY D.R. NARRA AND GLEE JALEA

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THURSDAY January 24, 2019

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High court seeks DND report on martial law

BY JOMAR CANLAS

Q Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino 4th

Aquino to youth groups: Be the voice of optimism 3%. 0AOLO "ENIGNO !QUINO TH ON 7EDNESDAY URGED OUTSTANDING YOUTH GROUPS TO BE THE gVOICE OF OPTIMISMu TO YOUNG &ILIPINOS FACING CHALLENGES 4HE SENATOR MADE THE APPEAL DURING THE TH 4EN !CCOMPLISHED 9OUTH /RGANIZATIONS 4!9/ !WARDS NATIONAL AWARDING CEREMONIES g7E NEED TO STRENGTHEN OUR INNER VOICE THAT SAYS @WE CAN DO IT "UT IS IS SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH u !QUINO SAID AS HE URGED 4!9/ WINNERS TO SERVE AS gTHE VOICE FOR OTHERS u g)N THESE TIMES IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO STRENGTHEN OUR INNER VOICE 7E ARE CALLED TO BE THAT VOICE FOR OTHERS u HE SAID IN HIS KEYNOTE SPEECH 4!9/ AWARDEES HE ADDED gNEED TO BE THAT voice of understanding for those who have KNOWN NOTHING BUT JUDGMENT g g!ND BE THAT VOICE OF CONkDENCE FOR THOSE THAT HAVE KNOWN NOTHING BUT DISAPPOINTMENT "E THAT VOICE OF INSPIRATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE PARALIZED BY THEIR FAILURES 7E ARE CALLED TO SPEAK UP FOR THEM AND NOT REMAIN SILENT 7E ARE CALLED TO SILENCE THE HOPELESS AND HATEFUL voices that weigh so heavy on the shoulders of OUR YOUNG COUNTRYMEN u HE SAID !QUINO CALLED ON THE YOUTH TO IGNORE CRITICS AND ALLOW THE INNER VOICE OF OPTIMISM TO TRIUMPH AND SHINE THROUGH g!S WE STEP OUT OF THIS ROOM AND BACK INTO THE DIM OF WORLD OF CRITICS SKEPTICS AND DEFEATISTS LET US BECOME THE LOUDEST VOICES OF INSPIRATION u HE SAID g,ET S USE OUR STORIES OF HOPE AND WEAVE A MORE JOYFUL MORE PASSIONATE MORE PRODUCTIVE 0HILIPPINES 7E ARE CHALLENGED TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE DOING WELL FOR OUR COUNTRY AMID ALL OF THOSE VOICES THAT SEEK TO BRING US DOWN u 4HE SEARCH FOR THE ANNUAL 4!9/ !WARDS IS OPEN TO CLUBS GROUPS ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETIES WITH AT LEAST kVE MEMBERS OF LEADERS WHOSE AGES ARE YEARS AND BELOW 4HE ORGANIZATIONS ARE JUDGED BASED ON THEIR PROJECT S IMPACT ON ITS STAKEHOLDERS MEANS OF HARNESSING THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM CREATIVITY and innovation, sustainability, and effective USE OF RESOURCES BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

House ratifies simulated birth rectification bill THE House of Representatives has ratified the reconciled Simulated Birth Rectification Bill, which, if signed into law, will allow parents and guardians to rectify simulated birth records through administrative proceedings.

The measure reconciled House Bill 5675, which sought to amend the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998, and Senate Bill 2081, La Union second district Rep. Sandra Eriguel said. “The proposed law will allow the child whose birth records were simulated to enjoy all the benefits available to legally adopted children,� Eriguel, who co-chaired a bicameral conference committee that consolidated the measure, said in a statement.

She said the proposed law “aims to make the relationship between parent and child whose birth records were simulated legal through administrative adoption proceedings.� “This will also exempt from criminal, civil and administrative liability those who simulated the birth record of a child prior to the effectivity of this law provided that a petition for adoption with an application for the rectification of the simulated birth record is filed within 10 years from the effectivity of the law,� Eriguel said.

Under the bill, the petition shall be filed with the city or municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (SWDO) where the child resides.

If the petition is in order, the SWDO will forward it to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional director within three days.

The regional director, who will review the petition, will transmit his recommendation to the DSWD secretary who shall act and decide on the petition within 30 days.

An order of adoption will be issued if the DSWD secretary determines that the adoption will redound to the child’s best interest. REINA C. TOLENTINO

T

HE 3UPREME #OURT HAS ORDERED THE /FkCE OF THE 3OLICITOR 'ENERAL /3' TO SUBMIT THE MONTHLY REPORT PROVIDED BY THE $EPARTMENT OF .ATIONAL $EFENSE $.$ TO #ONGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF martial law.

The high court gave the OSG until &RIDAY *ANUARY TO kLE THE REPORT The tribunal said it would assess if THE gSENSITIVE AND CONkDENTIAL MATTERSu CONTAINED IN THE $.$ REPORT SHOULD BE

DISCUSSED AND DELIBERATED UPON IN AN EXECUTIVE SESSION The court earlier ordered MalacaĂąang AND #ONGRESS TO ANSWER THE FOUR PETItions assailing the third extension of

martial law IN -INDANAO /RAL ARGUMENTS WERE RESCHEDULED TO *ANUARY FROM *ANUARY AND 4HE PETITIONS WERE kLED BY OPPOSITION LAWMAKERS LED BY 2EP %DCEL ,AGMAN THE GROUP OF FORMER #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS CHAIRMAN #HRISTIAN Monsod PARTY LIST "AYAN -UNA AND A ,UMAD GROUP The high court has ordered the conSOLIDATION OF THE CASES )N THEIR PETITION -ONSOD AND HIS GROUP ARGUED THAT martial law should BE LIFTED SINCE gTHE PRESENT FACTUAL SITUation no longer calls for an extension of

martial law AND THE SUSPENSION OF THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS u "AYAN -UNA MEANWHILE URGED THE 3UPREME #OURT TO gCONSIDER THE IMPACT ON HUMAN RIGHTSu IN DECIDING WHETHER TO UPHOLD THE EXTENSION OF MARTIAL LAW 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE DECLARED MARTIAL LAW IN THE REGION AFTER THE )SLAMIC 3TATE LINKED -AUTE GROUP ATTACKED -ARAWI #ITY ON -AY IN A BID TO ESTABLISH A CALIPHATE IN THE 3OUTH 4HE 0RESIDENT HAD ASKED #ONGRESS TO EXTEND MARTIAL LAW TWICE UP TO $EC

AND AGAIN UP TO $EC

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Opinion

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

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E d i to r i a l BEYOND ANGRY TWEET REACTIONS

Age of criminal liability needs serious, rational debate

A

BARRAGE of criticisms greeted Monday’s decision of the House Committee on Justice to approve a bill lowering the age of criminal liability to nine years old from 15.

But the critics, led by Caloocan Bishop Pablo David, UN Rapporteur Agnes Callamard, the Commission on Human Rights, and the usual coterie of militant lawmakers, seem to be reacting to news headlines and 280-character tweets.

They ought to read the substitute bill, which should be subjected to rational debate.

To be clear, The Manila Times, like everyone else, will not agree to children being mixed with adults in REGULAR PRISONS OR OTHERWISE SUBJECTED TO ANY CONkNEment in which conditions are inhuman. This point is no longer in contention.

It should be clear however, even to critics, that the status quo, in which minors are exploited by adults into participating in nefarious activities for the latter to avoid criminal liability, is no longer tenable. The House bill is bringing the matter to the plenary to start debates and try to change the status quo.

Setting the age of criminal liability at 9 years old is not new to the Philippines. Such was the case for nearly 70 years until Republic Act 9344, or the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act,� was passed in 2006 and raised the minimum age to 15. As a result, criminals found a loophole and employed juveniles, who could not be held criminally liable, to do their bidding.

Under the bill that the House has passed — and perhaps many of those who oppose it are unaware of this provision — children will not be branded CRIMINALS BUT AS gCHILDREN IN CONlICT WITH THE LAW u Children found to have committed “serious offenses,� and aged between 9 and 15 years old, will not be sent to a regular prison, or the Bilibid, Correctional OR )WAHIG BUT TO gMANDATORY CONkNEMENT u AND ONLY for crimes such as murder, parricide, infanticide, serious illegal detention and car theft.

-OREOVER CHILDREN IN CONlICT WITH THE LAW WILL NOT BE punished. They will stay in “reformative institutions� that will help them integrate with their communities.

It should also be noted that countries like Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, the United States, England and Switzerland have comparable legislations.

Some of the objections pertain to the quality of reformative institutions. Indeed, conditions at the existing Bahay Pagasa need to be improved, but this does not mean there should be no more discussions on the bill.

The solution is the allocation of enough funds to upgrade the status of these institutions. The bill places the Bahay Pagasa under the supervision of national agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, instead of local governments that could deprive these institutions of funding.

Another objection stems from the view that the government should focus more on their adult exploiters, not the children. This is false dichotomy; the bill could deal with both at the same time. The substitute bill, in fact, punishes these exploiters with up to 40 years in prison. !NY REASONABLE CITIZEN SHOULD kND IN THE BILL A good starting point for discussions on much-needed reforms in the Philippine criminal justice system. The usual critics need to do their homework and join the debate, rather than hyperventilate. ~

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 104

DANTE A. ANG, Chairman Emeritus RENE Q. BAS, Publisher Emeritus NERILYN A. TENORIO, Publisher-Editor ARNOLD E. BELLEZA, Executive Editor FELIPE F. SALVOSA II, Managing Editor LEENA C. CHUA, News Editor LYNETTE O. LUNA, National Editor TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA, Lifestyle Editor PERRY GIL MALLARI, Sports Editor LEA MANTO-BELTRAN, Supplements Editor JOMAR CANLAS, Chief of Reporters RENE H. DILAN, Chief Photographer DANTE F. M. ANG 2ND, President and CEO BLANCA C. MERCADO, #HIEF /PERATING /FkCER EVELYN A. FAUNI, Vice President for Finance RODA A. ZABAT, Advertising Director VICENTE P. CRUZ, JR., Circulation Director DENISE O. CALNEA, Marketing Communications and Services Director Telephone All Departments: 524-5665 to 66; Subscription: 524-5664 Local 222 Advertising: 524-5664 Local 121 Telefax: 310-5895 or e-mail advertising@manilatimes.net XXX NBOJMBUJNFT OFU t F NBJM OFXTEFTL!NBOJMBUJNFT OFU Letters to the Editor THE MANILA TIMES is published daily at 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002 The owners, managers, publishers and editors do not necessarily share the opinions expressed and the statements made by individual authors of columns, commentaries and other articles published in The Manila Times.

Our elections since 2010 all violated the law

T

HERE is an elephant in the room that many do not want to call out, name, talk about and even recognize. It is because in conceding its existence, there could not be any other conclusion than to admit that our elections since we started to automate them all violated the law.

We are a country that is at present existing on the biggest lie of all. The assumption that the fundamental exercise of the very basic process that cements our social contract to bind our political community is a valid and legal one is now virtually in tatters.

We are supposed to be a representative democracy. As sovereign, even if power emanates from us, we no longer directly participate in governing, but entrust this to a representative government composed of people that we choose in presumably fair, honest and credible elections.

These elections are supposed to be conducted under rules and PROCEDURES DEkNED BY LAW In 1997, Republic Act (RA) 8436

dated to be conducted. The law prescribed three important requisites for the review: that the review must cover all the vital AES components, that it must be made before the elections and that it established the automated election must be comprehensive and not system (AES). To ensure free, hon- restrictive. This was not followed. est, and credible elections, the law In 2010, there was no review conCLEARLY PROVIDED FOR kVE MINIMUM ducted, as admitted by Comelec election safeguards, all of which itself. In 2013, an incomplete were violated by the Commis- review was conducted but only sion on Elections (Comelec) and after the elections and not before its chosen AES service provider, as required by law. And in 2016, 3MARTMATIC 4HESE kVE INCLUDE THE the review that was conducted was conduct of a source code review, not comprehensive, as it was rethe requirement of a digital signa- stricted with Smartmatic denying ture, the issuance of a voter receipt, the reviewers access to the critical the mandatory use of ultraviolet portions of the source code. marks on ballots, and the conduct The law was also strict on the of a random manual audit. digital signature requirement. No What we saw was a procession candidate will be proclaimed unof acts where Comelec and Smart- less all three members of the Board matic virtually rendered the con- of Election Inspectors (BEIs) have duct of the 2010, 2013 and 2016 AFkXED THEIR DIGITAL SIGNATURES ON elections as pure and unadulter- the electronic election results beated violations of RA 8436. fore its transmission. In 2010, the To prevent fraud from being Comelec unilaterally ignored this incorporated into the software, important requirement of the law a source code review was man- when it issued Resolution 8786

ON THE CONTRARY ANTONIO CONTRERAS

directing the BEIs not to digitally sign the electronic elections results. This was repeated in 2013, when Resolution 9640 was issued by the Comelec directing the BEIs once again not to digitally sign the electronic election results. In 2016, the requirement for the BEIs to AFkX THEIR DIGITAL SIGNATURES WERE not satisfactorily complied with because the Comelec deemed the REQUIREMENT FULkLLED EVEN IF ONLY ONE MEMBER OF THE "%)S AFkXED his or her signature. At a hearing of the joint congressional oversight committee (JCOC) on the AES, resource persons reported cases where only the chairman of THE "%) AFkXED A SIGNATURE WHILE there were there are incomplete signatures in others.

The law also required that voters must each be given a receipt to be able to verify that their votes were correctly read and counted. In 2010 and 2013 the Comelec disabled this mandatory feature. It was only in 2016 upon the order of the Supreme Court that the voter receipts

ÂłContrerasA5

Q SALUDO FROM A1

Filipinos are ‘accepting killings as a new normal’ “One of them walked casually to the sidewalk,� said Caloocan Bishop Pablo David of a man who alighted from his bike, and went to a tricycle on the other side of the road from the CCTV camera. “He went straight to the tricycle driver, pointed his gun at the man’s head, and shot him (the driver) several times,� the bishop continued. “There was a little girl next TO HIM WHO lED WHEN THE VICTIM almost fell on her. After firing several more shots, the hitman walked casually back to his parked motorcycle and drove away.�

The killer had “a back-up team,� David recounted, “one of WHOM STAYED BEHIND AND kRED A few more shots, perhaps to make sure that the man was really dead.

I learned later that the role assigned to that [second assailant] WAS THAT OF A @kNISHER u g!FTER THE kNISHER WAS DONE WITH his job, he also walked casually to his parked vehicle, which was guarded by a companion,� said the prelate. “They drove off, signaling TO THE MOTORISTS THAT TRAFkC COULD move. And they all did move on, passing the victim’s body sprawled and bloodied on the pavement.�

Hours later at around eight, the body remained untouched, with no family, friends, bystanders, or even police, barangay and traffic patrollers taking it away, like a dog or a cat run over and left to rot on the road. “The scene struck me as a repeat of the parable of the Good Samaritan,� Bishop David remarked in the cavernous Hyundai Theater of the Ateneo de Manila University’s new Arete arts center last Sunday. “Except that there was nobody to play the role of the Samaritan,�

who aided a Jew waylaid by robbers in the Gospel story.

The shocking street murder footage was followed later by another CCTV video of a group of men entering an Internet cafe, and one of them looking over youths hunched OVER 0# TERMINALS kRING SEVERAL shots at someone off-camera, then leaving the other establishment patrons frozen terrified at their computer desks.

Concert for ‘EJK’ families “I wonder,� said David, “if the constant exposure of people to such acts of violence has the effect of deadening the conscience and conditioning people into accepting the killings as a new normal, such that nobody would even bother to check if the victims could still be saved, or at least cover their bodies with a blanket or with newspaper.�

Rubout videos are not your usual fare at a well-heeled benefit concert featuring religious songs performed by the Bukas Palad Music Ministry, the Himig Heswita group of Jesuit priests and seminarians, the Ateneo Grade School choir, and singersongwriter Noel Cabangon.

But then, the beneficiaries of “Hesus na Aking Kapatid� (Jesus, My Brother) prayer-concert were unusual, too: widows and orphans of alleged drug offenders killed in the Diocese of Caloocan during the government’s two-and-a-halfyear-old anti-narcotics campaign.

David reports that his diocese has documented about 700 cases of drug-war killings, which he believes are fewer than half the actual incidents. “As a bishop,�

he says, “I am seriously worried about this culture of violence [which] has gradually crept into our communities.�

At the two-hour concert, David ALSO SHARED "IBLE RElECTIONS ON THE Santo NiĂąo feast, celebrated that day, and the Black Nazarene fourmillion-strong commemoration over a week before. He found “a little inconsistencyâ€? between such religiosity toward the suffering Jesus and the tender, innocent Christ Child, and the quiet “acquiescence or approvalâ€? of people toward anti-drug killings. “How do we respond to the culture of violence spawned by the poverty dehumanizing our people?â€? the bishop asked. He reported that his diocese was working with local governments to rehabilitate users and pushers. It also gives financial and educational help to families whose menfolk were killed, as well as advice from 35 counselors trained by Ateneo and La Salle psychologists.

David also criticized strongly the bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility, likely to come up, along with drug-war killings, at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) plenary meeting in Manila this weekend.

He said children should not be punished for being abused by parents who send them out on the street, and adults who exploit them in criminal activities.

Support all crime victims The prelate’s call to help widows and orphans in the anti-drug war deserves widespread and generous response. At the same time, fair-minded Filipinos may ask

about advocacies and activities for victims of crimes committed by drug users and syndicates, and families of law enforcers killed by narco-traffickers.

Surely, those victims also deserve sympathy and support.

Commentary on the anti-drug war and the public support it enjoys must also note how bad narcotics and crime were. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, crime tripled during the past administration, from 324,083 incidents in 2010 to more than a million a year in 2013 and 2014 (disregarding dubious data in 2011 and 2012, for which many police chiefs were sanctioned).

Smuggling also trebled, from $7.9 billion in 2009 to $26.6 billion in 2014, based on International Monetary Fund trade kGURES 7ITH THAT SURGE OF CONtraband came massive drugs, as then President Benigno Aquino 3rd admitted in his 2013 address to Congress. Those years of smuggling have made it hard to quickly STOP THE NARCO lOOD Still, under President Rodrigo Duterte, lawlessness and narcotics have dramatically dropped, by 25 percent or more a year for grave offenses or index crimes. Surveys also show that ordinary folk feel safer on the streets. That’s why most Filipinos support the war on drugs, despite the killings.

Will the carnage stop? Only with sustained anti-drug efforts by all sectors, and radical reforms in the justice system, so that arresting hoods can actually get them off the streets. May Church and State lead the nation in undertaking these indispensable initiatives to stop the drugs and the deaths.

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

Q AQUINO FROM A1

s

Time does not fly‌we do Hardly has the day started, and it is six in the evening.

Monday has barely arrived, and all too soon, it is Friday.

The month is almost over, the year, nearly gone.

And 50, or 60, or 70 years of our lives have passed.

7E WAKE UP TO kND OUR PARENTS and friends have left us, and we realize it is too late to go back.

So, let’s try to seize the day‌ take full advantage of the time we have left Ever on the lookout for activities that interest us.

Let us put color into our grayness.

Let us smile at the things that soothe our hearts like balm.

The time that remains, let us enjoy with serenity, Avoiding “after� whenever we can - I will do it after - I will say it later - I will think about it some other time.

We leave everything for “later� as if “after� were ours.

forms filled out, people talked to and sundry matters given the necessary attention, one looks at the watch again. It is a 5 p.m. and an entire workday is done, all too swiftly come and gone. And one feels very much like Sisyphus who must rise each morning to resume the purposeless and endless toil — meaningless in its purposelessness because of its endlessness! Is there no way of slowing time down?

My eminent musician-friend (ERMIE 2ANERA WHO HOLDS A 0H$ in education besides his musical QUALIkCATIONS ALWAYS ADVISES HIS students against thinking of “time management.� He insists that they manage themselves rather — and that, to me, is truly wise! Basically, time has to do with us. The orb that revolves with some regularity around our sun is only one convenient event of reference, but it is not time. The celestial phenomenon was in place long before the human person emerged from the long and convoluted story of evolution. It was only with the advent of the being who had possibilities, And the lines go lyrically on entertained options, existed by about “after� being “too late,� and constantly exceeding what he was the moment, being “now.� Carpe at any given instant that time made diem, indeed, but does not “seiz- of the picture a human picture. ing� itself suggest frenzy, and Time is the mode by which the hureintroduce the hurry that has man being is always more than the made of our days harried, dizzying, kXEDNESS OF NON HUMAN NATURE exhausting swirls? True, in an ofBut it is this very “goingkCE SWAMPED WITH TASKS AS MINE ahead� of ourselves — the very one takes one’s position behind a DEkNITION OF OUR EXISTENCE ‡ THAT desk and looks at one’s watch. It is harries us today, for the possibili8 in the morning, and after sheafs ties so enthrall that they make a of paper reviewed, pages printed, BLUR OF THE lURRY OF ACTIVITIES BY

Q CONTRERAS FROM A4

tual writers, psychologists and preachers today call “living the present moment� — and that is not bad advice at all.

The experience of the beautiful creates its own time. Before a breathtaking vista, or seated in a museum before some masterpiece, or listening enraptured to an orchestra rendering one of the world’s great symphonies, the watch is a disturbance, and the boor who allows the jarring sound of a ringing cellphone to break into the peculiar temporizing of the aesthetic experience is rightly booed and shamed. But there is the supreme experience of the irruption of the Face of the Other, l’epiphanie du visage, that constitutes the ultimate break from domination by what I can do, become or achieve. Whether it be conversing with someone I love dearly, or listening to the raspy, measured and halting voice of a dying mother, or just looking into the face of a frightened child who turns to you for comfort and assurance, seconds, minutes and hours become incongruous considerations. The ethical moment, the dialogue of charity, the fervor of UNSELkSH LOVE ‡ THESE CREATE THEIR own pace, sound a different beat and allow us to exclaim as on the mountaintop where the ordinary IS TRANSkGURED INTO THE GLORIOUS g)T is good for us to be here.�

NDF-BICOL ON BATOCABE ASSASSINATION AND COMMUNIST ‘EXTORTION’ THE NDF Information Office Bicol would like to provide the public with clarifications with regard to the letter from Ms Melanie Naag, a public schoolteacher from Daraga, Albay (“Bicolanos mourn Rep. Rodel Batocabe,� The Manila Times, Jan. 16, 2018). First of all, the CPP-NPA-NDF Bicol, once again, categorically denies any hand in the assassination of Rep. Batocabe. It maintains its position that this was a move planned by top-rank officials from the AFP-PNP, CIA agents and Duterte himself as they grow increasingly desperate to impose a nationwide martial law and further US-Duterte’s neoliberal and fascist rule. Regarding the issue of alleged extortion, NDF-Bicol reiterates that state-concocted claims that the NPA requires electoral candidates to pay for so-called “permit-towin� is nothing more than a desperate move to tarnish the revolutionary movement’s prestige. and is sheer hypocrisy when it is the AFP-PNP and paramilitary forces who will serve as Duterte’s principal instruments in manipulating the midterm elections.

The revolutionary forces maintain their fundamental criticism of the rottenness of the reactionary elections as they mire the masses in a cycle of reformism and bait them with false hopes. On the other hand, the movement respects the people’s exercise of suffrage. Thus, candidates who wish to campaign within revolutionary areas are required to follow policies promulgated by the revolutionary authorities to ensure peace and order, avoid dirty electoral practices such as vote-buying and smear campaigns and uphold the interests of the masses in the area. Permits to campaign are issued on the agreement to uphold the above policies with negotiated reasonable access fees and material items for production and other social welfare benefits for the masses.

NDF-Bicol encourages Ms Naag to study and analyze the present conditions and problems that ail the country. As a teacher, she must be made aware of the issues that threaten the security and the lives of her fellow educators. At present, the US-Duterte regime has unleashed an anticommunist witch-hunt against teachers, students, lawyers, journalists, human rights advocates, religious and other sectors whom they consider as “legitimateâ€? targets of their all-out war. The revolutionary movement in Bicol calls on Ms Naag and all concerned DaragueĂąos to expose the true masterminds and real murderers behind Rep. Batocabe’s slay case. Stand firm for the interests of the people and fight all reactionary efforts to undermine the ever-growing mass movement. Ms Naag and all her fellow DaragueĂąos must unite to fight this regime’s fascist and terrorist attacks against the people.Â

rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@outlook.com

Ka Ma Roja Banua Spokesperson, NDF-Bicol

The key to completing your 2019 professional goals

Our elections were issued, but only after Comelec removed all the security and evidentiary features, such as the precinct number and the ballot number, virtually rendering the voter receipts as useless pieces of paper. Furthermore, in 2016 Comelec altered the protective counter feature where there is a separate counter of votes and counter of ballots by removing the latter.

It was also required by law that the physical ballot should have necessary safeguards, such as ultraviolet marks and bar codes, to prevent fake ballots from being used. In 2010, Smartmatic supplied the wrong ink which the machines were not able to detect.

In the 2013 midterm elections and the 2016 presidential elections, the Comelec said that the ballot VERIkCATION FEATURE WAS WORKING BUT THERE WAS NO proof of technology that it was even implemented.

Finally, RA 8436 made it mandatory that a random manual audit be conducted in at least one precinct per congressional district, and such should be conducted on the night of the election.

2ESOLUTION SPECIkED THE MANNER THE RANDOM manual audit would be conducted. The rule that was approved was that the precincts to be audited manually would be randomly selected at noon on election day at the Comelec Operations Center. This rule was not followed in 2010.

Resolution 9595 issued by Comelec in 2013 and Resolution 10078 issued in 2016 changed the procedure in that the random manual audit would now be conducted no later than four days before election day. This was in violation of the intent and spirit of the law. Random manual audits are conducted to provide a quick assessment of the accuracy of the vote counting machines, and to detect discrepancies.

This is why these were supposed to be conducted in precincts that would be known only on election day, and that these were to be audited only during election night to deny election manipulators information that they could use to avoid getting caught. $URING A 3ENATE HEARING ON THE !%3 3EN 2ICHARD Gordon loudly proclaimed that there was prima facie cheating when election laws were blatantly violated. What we have is a shocking reality where ALL THE kVE MINIMUM SAFEGUARDS PROVIDED BY LAW to ensure fair, honest and credible elections were were violated not only through sheer negligence, but even by willful intent to disregard the law, and which was done even with audacity that they could even be expressed through Comelec resolutions.

The Comelec is not above the law. Even if it is a constitutional body tasked to promulgate implementing rules and regulations, it can only do so under the ambit of the law passed by Congress. It has no power to negate the intent of RA 8436.

There is so much hatred and vitriol flowing in our political landscape. But it seems these ARE FOCUSED ON OTHER ISSUES /UR 0RESIDENT IS so consumed with his quarrel with the Catholic Church, while social media is in a feeding frenzy with opposing sides devouring each other in squabbles, both partisan and petty.

Yet there is very little anger over the fact that our elections were conducted not in accordance with THE LAW 7E HAVE PUBLIC OFkCIALS WHO WERE CHOSEN in elections that for all intents and purposes, are void ab initio. The biggest crime against democracy was perpetrated against us. And it happened not only once, not twice, but thrice. And many of us seem not to care at all.

which we busy ourselves with our world. Because I am one to get a job done — whether it is the kNISHED PRODUCT THAT EXCITES ME

or the prospect of a handsome pay increase that goads me — immersing myself in the present seems to be a luxury in which I cannot indulge. I miss the gift, the present, that the present is because of a gaze intent on what can be but is not yet! Economics, demographics, sociology, medicine — almost all the disciplines that make of our days busy, that occupy us, are preoccupied with future products, future wonders, future delights that all “nows� and “todays� are nothing more than preludes to what can be.

Asceticism — that is found in different forms in different religions — recognizes that this is the problem: not in the movement of the celestial spheres but in the restlessness and distention of the human spirit. So, it has recommended the moderation of desire, the tempering of ambition, the rejection of greed and avarice.

So, a holy man could pray that he not be given himself to think things far beyond his reach, nor to set his sights on what was beyond him. Jouissance‌that, for the Jewish-French contemporary philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas, is the life of the “Iâ€? and while, for him, it was linked to that “egologyâ€? that tends to totalize, to BRING THINGS AND OTHERS UNDER one’s dominion, it is immersion in the present, what many spiri-

A5

A laser focus on defining your focus filter

E

6%29 YEAR WE ALL WRITE DOWN OUR top 10 goals for the year. It will be a combination of personal accomplishments, relationship status, life events, travel and most likely it will involve weight loss. In the end, I come up with a list of things that matter in many areas, but most likely not complete all of it by the end of the year and then just recycle the list to the year after.

On the professional front, most of the time, we are bound by conventional wisdom to one big move — perhaps it’s a speech we want to say in front of a large audience, to get a promotion, or maybe to jump-start that business.

The question is that for someone who maybe have a lot of things going on, what is there to do? What if you are someone that has a portfolio of interests and projects that you want to work on?

Life is too short anyway to limit yourself to one project, right?

After a conversation with my wife, she said that perhaps it is time to focus not on the volume of projects but on the quality or types of projects for the year that I will spend my time on.

Compounded by the time that I saw Tony Robbins in San Mateo at which he said that it’s both time and energy that you need to make sure you spend on to make progress, she encouraged me late last year to speak to one of our good friends and newly minted executive transformation coach, Kelly Lei. The transformation coach encouraged me to do an exercise to prioritize not projects but really what matters to me professionally, or in the end what impact do I want to have in my professional endeavors. I wrote down a few areas in general — like “impact� or “technology enabled� or “digital

T

HEY say that diamond formation originated in the earth’s mantle.

Many geologists believe that diamond deposits were formed in the mantle and delivered to the surface by deep-source volcanic eruptions.

Carbon is widely dissolved in the earth’s silicate minerals at part-permillion levels and lower. But whenever carbon occurs as a free species, diamonds have the potential to form.

Why the sudden topic shift to a rare and precious mineral? The analogy is just reasonable if it translates into leadership brilliance emanating from the roster of public servants in our nation’s history. Yes, buried in the rough and coated with carbon elements, the glitters refuse to be imprisoned underneath earth’s crust.

HARVARD VERITAS

EARL VALENCIA transformation� but in the end, it didn’t seem to be right. After a couple weeks OF QUESTIONING AND RElECTION ) REALIZED that it’s important to have a very strong kLTER FOR THE TYPES OF PROJECTS THAT YOU should focus on, which also includes your main hustle and your side hustles.

There are three distinct questions that YOU SHOULD BE ASKING TO kND YOUR kLTER

WHICH ) CALL THE gFOCUS kLTER u What questions should you ask in YOUR FOCUS kLTER 1. Impact scale: How large of an impact do you want your initiatives to create in your lifetime? This is imporTANT SO THAT YOU CAN kLTER THE TYPES OF EXpectations you have for yourself and can trade off perhaps longer-term projects and shorter-term projects as well. This will also set the focus and expectation on the amount of tools, technology and investment in time you might want to have to achieve a certain scale.

2. Geography or community: This is something that most people sometimes overlook, but most people really have a strong feeling or bias on.

Have you asked yourself, what type of community you want to impact? Is it to help out your local community or your town; is it your country; is it an industry? There is no wrong answer here, and you really would know deep inside what really is important.

3. Supporting function: How will you contribute to achieve your impact? What type of function are you planning to do to support your mis-

sion that perhaps your strengths are already predisposed and you can grow to be the best in the world in that function to support the mission that you are hoping to achieve.

In my own example, after weeks of RElECTION DURING THE END OF THE YEAR

) CAME UP WITH MY FOCUS kLTER ‡ THAT in 2019, I will only be working on projects that meet these three criteria: 1. Will it positively impact at least a million people long-term? $OES THE PROJECT IMPACT MY HOME COUNTRY OF THE 0HILIPPINES DIRECTLY OR indirectly and does it relate to my curRENT NETWORK IN 3ILICON 6ALLEY $OES IT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY PASsion and skill in early stage product development and the utilization of emerging technologies?

With this now, it is easy to look at the projects that I work on and spend my time and energy on in 2019 and beyond.

I think that most of us in this

new digital generation have lots of opportunities, and the key for all of us to change the world is to be selfaware on what type of areas you want to make a dent on in the world and massively focusing on this.

Good luck on 2019 and looking forward to hear about each of your OWN FOCUS kLTERS

%ARL 6ALENCIA IS A STRATEGY AND TRANSformation executive, speaker and venture adviser. He is the managing director of digital transformation for a Fortune 500 company and has advised hundreds of start-up companies, incuBATORS AND 6# FUNDS IN MULTIPLE CONTInents. He is a Stanford MBA graduate and honored as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Find out more about Earl at earlvalencia.

COM AND HIS PODCAST g4HE $IGITAL Mindset� that you can download from iTunes or Stitcher.

Digging up the crown jewels efforts that could plug the country’s LARGE BUDGET DEkCIT (ER ADMINISTRATION originally set a target to balance the national budget by 2010 and succeeded.

4HE TAX MEASURE BOOSTED CONkDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT S kSCAL CAPACITY AND 4HE COMPARISON WILL DEkNITELY ECHO helped to strengthen the peso, making a familiar name: Gloria Macapagal Ar- it East Asia’s best performing currency royo. A former trade undersecretary, a in 2005–2006. The peso strengthened senator, a vice president, a president, a by nearly 20 percent in 2007, making it congresswoman and now the Speaker one of Asia’s better performing currencies for that year, a fact attributed to a of the House of Representatives.

She is best remembered as an econo- combination of increased remittances mist who helped the country survive a from overseas Filipino workers and a worldwide global recession way back in strong domestic economy.

2008. She chose the unpopular remedy 4HE BENEkCIAL ECONOMIC MEASURES of the controversial expanded value she continued to keep our economy ADDED TAX E 6!4 LAW AS HER ADMIN- AlOAT EVEN AFTER HER TENURE %VEN UP istration’s economic reform agenda to now. We would later observe that aiming to complement revenue-raising the domestic economy performed best

MIRRORLESS

ROLLY G. REYES

during her time as compared to Cory, Ramos, Estrada and BSA3rd.

Among the glitters that we remember associated with her name are 0HIL(EALTH NAUTICAL HIGHWAY 2O2O

SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 3-%S

ONE TOWN ONE PRODUCT /4/0 HOLIday economics for domestic tourism, "0/S ROADS BRIDGES AIRPORTS PORTS

comprehensive agrarian reform, rural ELECTRIkCATION NATIONWIDE WATER DISTRIbution system, farm-to-market roads, automated election system and upbeat educational development.

Unfortunately, their luminance was buried under a persecutory administration. g$ESTROY ANYTHING RELATED TO THE NAME Gloria� was the mantra. The ‘black coal’ propagandists engulfed the brilliance for

ÂłReyesA6

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

Q PALAFOX FROM A1

Manila Bay rehabilitation This project is long overdue, for YEARS AS A MATTER OF FACT BEcause it was on Dec. 18, 2008 that the Supreme Court issued a mandamus ordering 13 government agencies to clean up and protect -ANILA "AY 7ITH THE SUPPORT AND CONkDENCE HE GAINED DURING Boracay’s clean-up, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu is deterMINED TO REHABILITATE -ANILA "AY

BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY #ONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE BEST NATURAL HARBORS IN THE WORLD -ANILA "AY HAS BEEN OUR COUNTRY S PREMIER GATEWAY TO THE 7EST AND TO NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES IN !SIA )T HOLDS MUCH SIGNIkCANCE IN OUR history, and it has played a vital role in shaping our nation and our identity as it has witnessed countless momentous events dating as FAR BACK AS TH CENTURY ! $ SUCH AS the commencement of trade with China, the arrival of the Spaniards, the Galleon Trade, and the Battle OF -ANILA AMONG OTHERS In 1975, my colleagues and I from the Planning and Project $EVELOPMENT /FkCE OF THE $EPARTMENT OF 0UBLIC 7ORKS 4RANSportation, and Communication PUBLISHED THE -ANILA "AY -ETRO-

POLITAN 2EGION -"-2 3TRATEGIC 0LAN 7E EMPHASIZED THE IMPORtance of not only focusing on the METROPOLITAN AREA BUT TARGETING THE PROVINCES AND CITIES BEYOND 4HIS IS WHY THE -"-2 COMPRISES -ANILA AND THE PROVINCES OF 2IZAL

Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, 0AMPANGA "ATAAN AND :AMBALES The coastline from Cavite to Bataan is 190 kilometers, the surface water is 180,000 hectares, and the land area of the watershed catchment area is 1,700,000 hectares ‡ EQUIVALENT TO 3INGAPORES and 1,700 Boracays. As early as

WE IDENTIkED HOW ECONOMIC development and social uplift must transpire simultaneously with environmental protection and cultural advancement. Until TODAY -ANILA "AY HOLDS A PRIMARY role in our economic growth as the area, including NCR and Regions 3 AND CONTRIBUTES APPROXIMATELY 55 percent of our GDP. Despite its economic and cultural endowMENT -ANILA "AY S ENVIRONMENT HAS BEEN DETERIORATING AT AN ALARMing rate. It is severely polluted with marine, domestic, industrial, and COMMERCIAL WASTE ‡ THREATENING marine life and the livelihoods

PRIMARILY DEPENDENT ON THE BAY S resources. According to the most RECENT WATER SAMPLES AND LABORATORY TESTS CONDUCTED BY THE $%.2

-ANILA "AY S COLIFORM LEVEL IS MILLION -0. ‡ EXCEPTIONALLY WAY BEYOND THE ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF LESS THAN -0.Ăœ ,AST *ANUARY

I was invited to attend the stakeholders’ meeting that took place at THE $%.2 OFkCE IN 1UEZON #ITY An endeavor of this magnitude WOULD TAKE AT LEAST kVE YEARS AND the government agencies and ,'5S TASKED WITH REHABILITATING -ANILA "AY WOULD NEED ALL THE help they can get from the private and social sectors. !S AN URBAN PLANNER ) STRONGLY support the revitalization and CONSERVATION OF -ANILA "AY ) BELIEVE THIS WIDE SCALE PROJECT presents numerous opportunities for waterfront development from which we can all reap long-term BENEkTS $URING A RECENT 46 INterview, I shared several ideas on HOW TO CLEAN UP -ANILA "AY &IRST of all, the formulation of a comPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN #-0 IS IMMENSELY CRUCIAL 2EHABILITATION PLANS MUST BE COHESIVE IN AN INTEgrated overall framework. Focusing

on the metropolitan region alone WOULD BE DISADVANTAGEOUS BECAUSE this would not address the root causes of environmental degradation in adjacent areas. To expound on this a little further, stricter environmental regulations must ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE 0ASIG River, Laguna Lake, San Juan River, -ARIKINA 2IVER AND 0AMPANGA 2IVER BECAUSE A GREAT NUMBER OF VIOLATORS CAN BE FOUND THERE AND WASTE DISPOSED ON THESE BODIES OF WATER lOW INTO -ANILA "AY Because the waterfront is a major community resource, I highly recommend designing URBAN WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS that can enhance people’s quality of life in all aspects. Esplanades, promenades and linear parks are GREAT WATERFRONT PUBLIC SPACES that have an invigorating effect on a city’s image and sense of PLACE 4HESE SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO BE WALKABLE BIKABLE AND WELL lit with minimal environmental impact, ultimately enhancing community health and development while interconnecting our fragmented metropolis. RemarkABLE PUBLIC SPACES ARE WHAT MAKE cities great. Famous illustrations

are the Central Park in New York, %IFFEL 4OWER IN 0ARIS ,AS 2AMBLAS in Barcelona, and Trafalgar Square in London. Among the world’s BEST WATERFRONTS ARE !MSTERDAM S and Denmark’s picturesque waterways, Venice’s famous canals, 3YDNEY (ARBOR THE "AY OF .APLES

$UBAI S WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

and the French Riviera’s famous BEACHFRONTS 7E SHOULD FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES ABROAD WHERE WATERfronts, including inland waterways, are treated as prime locations and CAN BE ENJOYED BY ALL ‡ NOT AS places for waste disposal.

Based on the principle of TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE ‡ PEOPLE kRST PLANET %ARTH AND THEN THE ECONOMY ‡ INFORMAL SETTLERS NEAR THE WATERFRONT OF -ANILA Bay and other waterways should BE RELOCATED AND PROVIDED WITH decent housing. Once the waterfront is cleared, standard EASEMENTS SHOULD BE STRICTLY APplied: 50 meters for the coastline OF -ANILA "AY METERS FOR ALL rivers, and 3.5 meters for esteros or estuaries. Sewage treatment plants and sewer interceptors can lower the coliform level, and esTABLISHMENTS MUST BE CONNECTED

Q REYES FROM A5

FOCUS

Little chance of quick end to painful US shutdown WASHINGTON, DC: The United States on Tuesday enters the second month of a partial government shutdown over a lack of congressional funding, with no quick end in sight to the historic crisis weighing on the nation’s economy and morale.

Since December 22, a quarter of the government has been paralyzed because of an impasse between opposition Democrats in Congress and the White House over funding for a wall to block illegal immigration at the border with Mexico.

President Donald Trump refuses to endorse a budget that does not contain $5.7 billion to build the barrier, the foundational promise of his 2016 election campaign.

Democrats oppose the wall, calling it “immoral,� costly and ineffective. They want the government reopened before any discussion of the matter.

On Saturday, the Republican president made a new proposal which he said aimed to break the logjam. It offered to extend temporary protection to about a million immigrants facing expulsion, in return for the $5.7 billion he wants.

Although it was rejected by Democrats — and even by some anti-immigrant voices — the offer could serve as a basis for new discussions.

Hotels and bars have stepped in to offer free rooms and complementary snacks. There have been fund collections, and food banks—which normally serve the most down-and-out—have opened up their services.

‘Unacceptable’

Visible impact The shutdown directly affects 0.5 percent of the labor force but has started to indirectly hit the morale of more than half of consumers, according to a survey by the University of Michigan.

Experts say it is also pressuring the world’s largest economy, against the backdrop of already slowing global growth.

In the most sensitive government agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, Transport and the State Department, the number of affected employees has been kept to a minimum.

Elsewhere, the impact is clear.

National Parks no longer have security guards, numerous museums are shut, and some airport security checkpoints have been closed.

About 800,000 federal workers, from

FBI agents to scientists and some food inspectors, are furloughed or working without pay while trying to meet their routine financial obligations.

US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz wrote in a Twitter post on Monday that “Our #USCG members sail across the world to protect US national interests while their loved ones cope w/ financial challenges & no pay at home.�

The longest ever An economist for the Internal Revenue Service in New York, Carol Lopilato, 59, has been effectively unemployed since December 23.

With the IRS since 1987, she was lived

through other shutdowns and said: “I never thought it would go on this long – never.�

Lopilato told AFP that she is “lucky in a sense� because so far she has not faced financial difficulty.

But “the longer it lasts, the more anxiety there is.�

She and others will eventually get backpay but more than one million contractors for the government don’t even have that to hope for. “I’m about to lose my Medicaid, my car insurance� and driver’s license, said Yvette Hicks, 40, a contractor with the Smithsonian museum complex.

The single mother of two added: “Right now, this shutdown is really destroying me and my family.�

The longest shutdown in US history is also beginning to have a political price.

A majority of Americans hold the Republicans and the White House responsible, according to several polls.

The political cost would have been even greater if Trump had followed through on threats to declare a national emergency in order to build his wall. Faced with likely court challenges, he backed off.

With his offer on Saturday, Trump held out protection from deportation for two categories of immigrants: 700,000 so-called “Dreamers,� children of people who settled illegally in the United States, and who have become a favorite cause of the Democrats, as well as 300,000 other immigrants whose protected status is expiring.

But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, refused this “compilation of several previously rejected initiatives, each of which is unacceptable and in total, do not represent a good faith effort to restore certainty to people’s lives.�

Trump, at the same time, alienated the fringe of his electorate opposed to what they saw as tantamount to an amnesty for the undocumented migrants.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to submit Trump’s proposal for a vote this week. He will have to convince several Democrats of its merit in order to pass the text which, in any case, has little chance of being endorsed by the House.

For the Republicans, the Senate vote should at least allow a resumption of discussions, and the text can be amended.

But according to a senior House Democrat, James Clyburn, it is essential to first reopen the government because “these negotiations could take three or four weeks.�

AFP

Factually incorrect cannot be morally correct LOS ANGELES: A few weeks ago, the Fresh Face of the Democratic Party, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, New York), gave one of the great defenses in the history OF POLITICS !CCUSED OF kBBING AND TWISTING facts to meet her radical agenda, OcasioCortez explained, “I think that there’s a lot OF PEOPLE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT BEING precisely, factually and semantically correct THAN ABOUT BEING MORALLY RIGHT u (ER STATEment was widely derided. But it is indeed the mantra of today’s politics. The narrative MUST BE PRESERVED AT ALL COSTS ‡ EVEN THE cost of the truth.

Take, for example, Ocasio-Cortez’s ridiculous statements this week on the state of modern America. She explained that her plan to radically restructure the !MERICAN ECONOMY IS NECESSITATED BY THE fact that “the world is gonna end in 12 YEARS IF WE DON T ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE u 3HE ADDED g!ND YOUR BIGGEST ISSUE IS HOW are we gonna pay for it? And like, this is THE WAR ‡ THIS IS OUR 7ORLD 7AR u .OW

put aside her Nostradamus-like assertion

CREATORS SYNDICATE

BEN SHAPIRO regarding the incoming apocalypse. The IMPORTANT PART FOLLOWED g(OW ARE WE saying, ‘Take it easy,’ when the America that we’re living in today is so dystopian with people sleeping in their cars so they CAN WORK A SECOND JOB WITHOUT HEALTH CARE AND WE RE TOLD TO SETTLE DOWN u .OW WHEN 0RESIDENT 4RUMP DESCRIBES America as a dystopia rife with crime and suffering, the media point out that !MERICA IS HARDLY A HELLHOLE ‡ WE RE THE most prosperous country in the history of the world. But when the charming AOC uses her false depiction of America to press for higher marginal tax rates, WE RE SUPPOSED TO BUY HER STORY 4HIS GAP BETWEEN THE FACTS AND THE NARRATIVE DOMINATES OUR POLITICS (ERE S HOW

THE NARRATIVE CHAIN WORKS 3OMEBODY makes a fact-free accusation of X, which supports the more general narrative, Y, supPORTED BY THE POLITICAL LEFT OR RIGHT /PPONENTS DEBUNK 8 4HAT ATTEMPT TO DEBUNK 8 is taken as evidence that opponents don’t TAKE THE PROBLEM OF 9 SERIOUSLY ENOUGH Facts are marshaled to show that Y is true, even if X isn’t. In a peculiar way, the lack OF FACTS TO BACK 8 LENDS PASSION TO THOSE WHO DEFEND 9 ‡ IT ALLOWS THEM TO MALIGN the motives of those who don’t defend Y. Let’s take an example. The students of #OVINGTON #ATHOLIC (IGH 3CHOOL ARE ACCUSED OF MOBBING AND MOCKING A .ATIVE American veteran. This incident supports THE BROADER NARRATIVE THAT 4RUMP SUPPORTers, religious Americans and young white men are emissaries of racism and toxic masculinity. Then it turns out that the VIDEO HAS BEEN TAKEN WILDLY OUT OF CONTEXT AND DELIBERATELY MISINTERPRETED -ANY advocates of the narrative immediately declare that while this incident is a poor EXAMPLE THE OVERALL NARRATIVE IS TRUE ‡

to sewer pipelines that will colLECT SEWAGE BEFORE REACHING THE waterways. In terms of connectivITY THE -ANILA "AY -ETROPOLITAN Region has high development POTENTIAL %STABLISHING A MORE efficient water transportation SYSTEM CAN IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY AND LINKAGE BETWEEN REGIONS Pasig River and Pampanga River CAN BE RE DREDGED SO THEY CAN BE MADE MORE NAVIGABLE 7ELL known major waterways that were dredged to improve navigation of commercial shipping are THE 4HAMES 2IVER $UBAI #REEK

and Suez Canal. The aforementioned recommendations that we at Palafox have put forward, AMONG OTHERS CAN HELP -ANILA "AY S REHABILITATION TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE WELL INTO THE future for the present and coming generations to enjoy. !S CUSTODIANS OF -ANILA "AY and its immense resources, we are at a crucial point wherein we must renew and act upon our ecological concern for it. Aligned with our President’s strong political will and DENR’s determination, let us all help in restoring -ANILA "AY TO ITS FORMER GLORY

AND THAT LEAPING TO CONCLUSIONS WILL BE JUSTIkED NEXT TIME IN ORDER TO PROVE THAT THE OVERALL NARRATIVE OUGHT TO BE TAKEN seriously. The only price: whomever is next maligned without facts.

This pattern will continue to dominate OUR POLITICS SO LONG AS WE ASCRIBE MALIGN motives to those who wait for the facts to EMERGE ‡ AND SO LONG AS WE REWARD THOSE who jump to conclusions in taking Y seriOUSLY 7AITING MUST BECOME THE ORDER OF the day. If it doesn’t, politics is going to get a lot worse, and quickly.

CREATORS.COM

Ben Shapiro, 35, is a graduate of UCLA AND (ARVARD ,AW 3CHOOL HOST OF g4HE "EN 3HAPIRO 3HOWu AND EDITOR IN CHIEF OF $AILY7IRE COM (E IS 4HE .EW 9ORK 4IMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF Bullies (E LIVES WITH his wife and two children in Los Angeles.

4O kND OUT MORE ABOUT "EN 3HAPIRO AND READ FEATURES BY OTHER #REATORS 3YNDICATE writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators 3YNDICATE WEBSITE AT WWW CREATORS COM

Digging up the crown jewels SIX YEARS AND WAS BURIED DEEP UNDER THE PLATES Pilloried for the duration of that term, this lady is a WOMAN OF STEEL (ER FAITH FOR THE COUNTRY S EMANCIPATION from poverty prompted her to hold her head up high AMID THE VILIkCATION THAT LINGER UP TO NOW )T SEEMS THAT HER ENEMIES ARE NOW TRYING TO BURY HER ALIVE AGAIN IN THE kNAL CHAPTER OF HER STINT AS THE (OUSE LEADER But she is determined to dig up the jewels and give them a new lease in life. One of her more famous ACHIEVEMENTS IS THE 3TRONG 2EPUBLIC .AUTICAL (IGHWAY It was one of her administration’s priority programs to ensure fast and economical movement of GOODS AND PEOPLE AND TO BOOST DOMESTIC TOURISM and trade. She promised to convene an oversight COMMITTEE IN THE (OUSE TO WORK WITH 00! AND $/4R TO UPDATE THE ORIGINAL STUDY DONE BY !$"

the original proponent of the program. )S THIS MOVE gSENTIMENTAL u 9OU BET IT ISĂœ /UT OF PROJECTS IN -RS !RROYO S ORIGINAL PROGRAM

former President BSA3rd cancelled the vast majority, 66, in 2011 on grounds that only six were needed. The only NUMBERS HE SHOWED THE PUBLIC CONCERNED INDIVIDUAL AND TOTAL PROJECT COSTS WITH NO DISCLOSURE OF COST BENEkT CALCULATIONS AND OTHER PROJECT AND PROGRAM FEASIBILITY METRICS You don’t do that to Arroyo. Especially when she noted that the RoRo system has helped lower the poverty LEVEL IN THE COUNTRY g$URING MY TERM ) BELIEVE THAT THE RRTS has helped a lot to lift up some of the very poor FROM EXTREME POVERTY AS THEY WERE ABLE TO kND JOBS AND NOW HAVE SOME MONEY TO BUY FOOD AND OTHER NECESSITIES u (ER ADMINISTRATION WAS ABLE TO CONSTRUCT VITAL 2O2O ROUTES IN ,UZON 6ISAYAS AND -INDANAO On digging up another diamond: 7HO WOULD THINK THAT IN A PRIME CENTRAL LOCATION along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, one can BUY A LOT AT 0 PER SQUARE METER 4HIS IS THE .ATIONAL 'OVERNMENT #ENTER IN "ARANGAY (OLY 3PIRIT IN 1UEZON #ITY WHERE THOUSANDS OF URBAN POOR FAMILIES WERE ABLE TO PURCHASE THE LAND THEY HAD BEEN OCCUPYING FOR ONLY P700 per square meter. In 2003, RA 9207 was passed WHICH ENABLED ALMOST URBAN POOR FAMILIES TO acquire the land for a small fraction of the prevailing market rate of P50,000 per square meter.

Janet Dungo, a longtime resident of NGC, said it was only during the time of then President Arroyo that they WERE ABLE TO ATTAIN HOUSING SECURITY BECAUSE OF 2!

5NDER THE LAW MORE THAN URBAN POOR FAMILIES IN the 422-hectare NGC were given the chance to acquire THE LAND THEY HAD BEEN OCCUPYING 2ANNIE ,UDOVICO A 1UEZON #ITY COUNCILOR WHO WAS BARANgay captain of NGC when RA 9207 was passed in 2003, said THE RESIDENTS OF .'# ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL TO !RROYO BECAUSE of the all the help she has done for the community.

Speaker Arroyo has convened an oversight committee on NGC to make sure that RA 9207 is properly impleMENTED $URING THE kRST OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE HEARING AT THE (OUSE OF 2EPRESENTATIVES 3PEAKER !RROYO VOWED TO PUT 0 MILLION INTO THE $EPARTMENT OF 0UBLIC 7ORKS AND (IGHWAYS BUDGET TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE MORE LAND FOR THE BENEkCIARIES And you think that she should take it easy with six months to go?

3PEAKER !RROYO HAS BEEN GOING AROUND THE COUNTRY TO VISIT THE URBAN POOR HOUSING BENEkCIARIES DURING HER administration when she signed more than 100 presidential proclamations, executive orders and laws that ENABLED THOUSANDS OF URBAN POOR FAMILIES TO ACQUIRE the land that they had long occupied.

She said: “This is very consistent with what I said when we left for the Christmas holidays that we already passed many good laws, including my own law in 2003. That’s why they are now owners of their property. But what is important now is to make sure that they are well implemented. So, that’s THE TASK ) THINK THAT THE (OUSE OF 2EPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE DOING FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS u Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.

Regions Marawi City rehab needs ‘Convert govt lands or you’re fired’ more funds L ˜ The Manila Times

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY BELLY M. OTORDOZ

TASK Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) is seeking an additional P8.5 billion for the rehabilitation of Marawi City since the P3.5 billion allocated for Marawi in the proposed 2019 budget will not be enough.

Ricardo Jalad, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and TFBM, is a total of P12 billion would be needed to rehabilitate the Islamic city. This on top of assistance from foreign countries and the P5 billion sourced from the Yolanda budget. “That need cropped up after our initial review of the proposed projects from various implementing agencies,� he said in a text message to reporters.

Jalad said the request for additional funding was a result of their two-day consultation. “A potential funding shortage may occur in the implementation of projects in Marawi,� he said.

Asked about the status of foreign aid, Jalad replied that the OCD only has P36.9 million in donated funds at hand.

In 2017, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana listed down the countries that donated funds for Marawi City, including Australia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Thailand and China.

Australia donated P1 billion; the US, P730 million; Japan, P100 million; Thailand, P100 million; China, P85 million; and the European Union, P45 million.

The Department of Finance last year announced that the Philippines received P35.1 billion worth of pledges for the rehabilitation of Marawi City from several nations including the above mentioned countries, Spain and Germany.

In September 2017, Lorenzana also disclosed that Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno allocated P5 billion of the P7.5 billion of Yolanda funds for Marawi.

Last Saturday, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Armed Forces chief of staff, went to the main battle area of Marawi City along with members of the media from Manila.

The houses and establishments there had not been rehabilitated but were only marked with spray paint to determine the owners of the houses.

DEMPSEY REYES

UCENA CITY, Quezon: “To the DAR people, I will give you two years to convert government LANDS OR YOU ARE kRED u 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO Duterte said on Tuesday when he graced the 2nd !NNUAL 'ENERAL !SSEMBLY OF THE 0ROVINCIAL 5NION OF ,EADERS AGAINST )LLEGALITY 05,) HELD AT THE Quezon Convention Center in this city.

The provincial government and Gov. David Suarez organized

the event that was attended by 14, 000 PULI members, mostly

village officials and Luntiang Katipunero (environmental volunteers in the province).

Duterte told the audience that Quezon is known to have vast and fertile land that Filipinos should benefit from. He urged DAR personnel to expedite the conversion of government lands, so these could be distributed among landless and poor Filipinos.

The President expressed disappointment over the delay in land

ter, the President saw a small cafeteria behind the building and spotted turon (fried ripe banana in lumpia wrapper) and ate heartily in front of the amused audience.

The President was received by House Minority Floor Leader Danilo Suarez, former Quezon 3rd District Rep. Aleta Suarez, Alona party-list Rep. Anna VillarazaSuarez, Vice Gov. Sam Nantes, provincial councilors and Quezon town mayors.

Go: Empower villagers, youth for development 36 WVisayas LGUs eyed as election hotspots FORMER special assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go on Tuesday vowed to push for measures to empower barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK or Youth CounCIL OFkCIALS BY PROVIDING THEM capability-building opportunities as well as additional benefits, among others.

This was in recognition of their vital role in spurring development especially in rural areas, Go said.

In a meeting with residents of a village in Mendez-Nunez, Cavite, 'O SAID BARANGAY OFkCIALS INCLUDing SK chairmen, should receive SIMILAR BENEkTS GIVEN TO REGULAR government employees.

He added that SK councilors should also receive honoraria commensurate to their duties in fulfilling their mandate to their constituents.

At present, SK chairmen receive honoraria only and SK councilors do not receive any compensation at all for their services.

All SK officials, however, are entitled to free tuition in state colleges and universities.

Go’s proposals for barangay leaders are among the salient features included in the Magna #ARTA FOR BARANGAY OFkCIALS THAT he vowed to push if he wins a seat in the Senate in the 2019 mid-term elections.

(E NOTED THAT VILLAGE OFkCIALS bear a heavy responsibility to

Q Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go embraces two supporters in Cavite on Tuesday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO help spur development in their locality, so they should be provided with compensation comparable with the pay rate of regular government employees.

Go attended the Ugnayan sa Barangay, a program of the provincial government of Cavite wherein local leaders meet residents of villages to discuss with them national and local programs.

Cavite Gov. Jesus Crispin Remulla invited Go to speak at the event.

Go is seeking to lift the cap on the number of tanod (barangay PUBLIC SAFETY OFkCERS THAT A BArangay can hire, noting barangay UNITS MUST BE GIVEN THE lEXIBILITY

to employ more tanod depending on their security needs.

He said the barangay units were the government’s frontliners especially in dealing with issues on peace and order in the local communities.

Go broached the possibility of extending the term of incumbent village officials, which was cut short to only two years as a result of previous postponements of barangay elections.

Meanwhile, he said he would also want to improve the delivery of health services in the country, noting many public hospitals lack not only the necessary facilities but

NIA engineer shot dead in ambush SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao: An engineer of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) based in Midsayap, North Cotabato was ambushed and killed along the national highway in the town of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao on Tuesday afternoon, police said on Wednesday.

According to the police, Joseph

Adam, 50, a resident of Kabacan, North Cotabato who was working with the NIA-Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project based in Midsayap, was driving his car when he was ambushed at past 5 p.m.

Initial investigation showed that two suspects were seen tailing Adam’s car then one of them pulled out a cal. 45 pistol and

OPENED kRE ON THE VICTIM Police said Adam, who was traveling alone, sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the head and body, died instantly.

Investigators said a personal grudge or something work-related could be among the possible motives for the attack.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Bulacan marks120th year of 1st PH Republic CITY OF MALOLOS: As the country marked the 120th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic held at the historic Barasoain Church in this city on Wednesday morning, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra encouraged Bulakenyos to join the fight for justice as a way of giving importance to the hard-fought freedom of the Filipinos. “Let us join hands in freeing our country from those who abuse power, defend the oppressed and end all forms of slavery. Together, let us give justice to our hard-fought freedom, free our neighbors and ourselves from all forms of oppression,�

Guevarra said.

He added that history is a vital part of everyone, but more

conversion, thus denying people their own land to till.

Dutere lauded the governor’s effort to support the anti-drug campaign with the creation of PULI, which aims to act as force multiplier in their own villages.

Earlier, Suarez commended PULI members for their dedication in maintaining peace and order in their respective villages, despite lack of incentives.

Meanwhile, just before he entered the convention cen-

A7

important, the lessons that it imprint, on Filipinos should serve as a guide in the future. “Our history was written in sweat and blood. This is the freedom we are celebrating, but more than this, we should examine the lesson it gives because the war for independence has not ended, only the faces of our enemies have changed. This is the truth that the WAR FOR OUR FREEDOM IS ALSO A kGHT for justice,� Guevarra said.

Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said he was grateful that the First Republic in Asia was establihed in Bulacan as it led the province to a more meaningful journey toward development. “The blessings that the First RePUBLIC BESTOWED CONTINUES TO lOURish here as we face the developments

Nationinbriefs LOW PRESSURE AREA MAY DISSOLVE IN 12 HOURS A low pressure area (LPA) being monitored in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) might dissolve within 12 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Wednesday. It was last located 65 kilometers north east of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The northeast monsoon or amihan would continue to affect parts of Luzon and Visayas, the state-run weather bureau said on Wednesday morning. According to Pagasa, cloudy skies with light rainshowers were expected over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Aurora, while Apayao, Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan and La Union would experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain. The rest of Metro Manila would have

that will shape our province, new projects that show a more progressive province,� he added.

The governor cited ongoing projects in Bulacan such as the construction of the Metro Manila Skyway project, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7, the Bulacan Bulk Water Project, the International Airport, which is 10 times bigger that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport that will feature a modern terminal, runways, a road network, connection to MRT and ferry services.

The program started with a flag-raising ceremony followed by the wreath-laying activity at the monument to Emilio Aguinaldo.

Also present were Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando, Rep. Jonathan

Sy-Alvarado, Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad, Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, Police Provincial Director Supt. Chito Bersaluna, and board members Therese Cheryll Ople, Felix Ople, Alex Castro, Norma Roque, Perlita Delos Santos, Allan Andan and Joseph Andrew Mendoza.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 110141 or “An act declaring January 23 of every year a special working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic.� It was on Jan. 23, 1899 when the First Philippine Republic was established and marked the beginning of Filipino democracy.

FREDERICK SILVERIO

partly cloudy skies in the morning and partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers in the afternoon or evening.

JOVE MOYA

RED CROSS HELPS STRANDED FOLK PHILIPPINE Red Cross volunteers provided potable water, hot meals and blankets to over 200 families in Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Albay during the onslaught of Typhoon “Amang.� It packed winds of 65 kilometers per hour and badly battered Nasipit International Seaport in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, leaving thousands of seafarers stranded when seafaring was suspended at 5 p.m. on Sunday.The passengers were given hot meals, while those with fever were given first aid at the medical stations placed in the port. The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol said a total of 4,122 families or 16,150 persons were evacuated from Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Eastern Samar, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Amang, the first typhoon for 2019, made landfall in Siargao, Surigao del Norte at 8 p.m. on Sunday.

ED VELASCO

also hospital beds.

Go vowed, too, to push for a law that would mandate the establishment of a Malasakit Center in all provinces and urban centers of the country to expand the reach of the government’s medical assistance.

A Malasakit Center brings together in one room all concerned agencies such as the Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Go’s legislative agenda includes programs on health, agriculture, anti-illegal drugs and criminality, education, housing and anti-corruption.

BACOLOD CITY: Thirty-six local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas are under watch by authorities as possible hotspots in the May 13 midterm elections.

Data from the Regional Joint Security Control Center showed that of the 36 LGUs, nine were under the yellow category, 23 were under orange and four were under red.

The towns that fall under the yellow category are those that have a history of election-related violence, under orange are those with sightings of armed and rebel groups, and under red are critical areas or those with election-related violence and have a presence of armed and rebel groups within the municipality.

Supt. Joem Malong, spokesman FOR 0OLICE 2EGIONAL /FkCE SAID THE old system of labeling and identifying election hotspots was confusing that is why it was changed.

Prior to this, the Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police used “areas of concern� and “immediate areas of concern,� or categories one, two, three, and four in identifying the degree of election-related violence linked to a particular municipality.

EUGENE Y. ADIONG

Kidnap gang member killed in Zambo clash ZAMBOANGA CITY: Security forces killed a member of a kidnapping group in a firefight in Zamboanga del Norte’s Sirawai town in southern Philippines, officials said on Wednesday.

Army Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said policemen and soldiers were patrolling the village of Sipakit when they ran into a group of bandits and a firefight ensued.

He said Jul Hassan was killed in the running gunbattle, but the other gunmen escaped. Hassan was a member of the Jamilon Tukalan Group, blamed by authorities for the spate of kidnappings for ransom and extortion activities in the province.

Antipala said a report by Lt. Col. Danilo Ambe, commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, said security forces also recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver and one fragmentation grenade, including a cell phone.

He said there were no police or

military casualties.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the division commander, praised the troops for the killing of Hassan and said, “Our campaign against armed groups together with police will be relentless in order to minimize the atrocities and attain a just and lasting peace in our area.�

Last week, soldiers also clashed with bandits in the neighboring town of Sibuco and one infantryman was killed.

Troops were serving arrest warrants on criminal gang leader, Basiran Ahil Mudja, when fighting erupted.

The group fought with security forces for about 15 minutes then the gunmen escaped.

Mudja has two warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder in the province, which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front and bandits. It was unknown if the gunmen belong to the same group or not. AL JACINTO

Negosyo Centers assist 100,000 CLuzon MSMEs TARLAC: About 100,000 existing and potential micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon were assisted by the 94 Negosyo Centers (NC) in 2018.

A Department of Trade and IndusTRY $4) RECORD SHOWED THE SIGNIkcant number of these MSMEs were in Bulacan with 28,165 clients assisted while the Pampanga NCs assisted, 17,657 entrepreneurs.

The Nueva Ecija NCs assisted 17,481 clients, while the Bataan centers served 12,777 clients. The NCs in Tarlac assisted 11,499 clients, while those in Zambales had 11,204 clients, and 3,556 in Aurora. “Aside from business consultancy and advisory services, other types of assistance provided to the Central Luzon MSMEs include business name registration (BNR) assistance and registration as barangay (village) micro

business enterprises [BMBEs],� DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

A total of 66,611 business names (BNs) were registered in Region 3 in 2018 through different NCs of the DTI.Bulacan remained as the province with the most number of BNs registered in the NCs with 19,942, followed by Nueva Ecija with 13,512 and Pampanga with 10,616. Zambales had 8,016 BNs registered; Tarlac 7,192; Bataan 5,581; and Aurora 1,752.

In addition, a record of 2,983 enterprises in the region were registered as BMBEs in 2018. Out of the 94 NCs in Central Luzon, 30 were established in 2018 with Nueva Ecija having eight, followed by Zambales (seven), Tarlac (five), Pampanga (four), Bulacan (three), Bataan (two) and Aurora (one).

JERRY M. HERNANDEZ

News PCSO eyes mobile, text House OKs bill lowering betting to boost sales age of social responsibility T A8

˜ The Manila Times

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY GLEE JALEA

HE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading an amended bill that seeks to lower the “minimum age of social responsibility� (MASR) to 12 instead of nine.

House Committee on Justice Chairman Salvador Leachon said the bill changed the term “criminal� to “social� responsibility.

With Speaker Gloria Macapagal !RROYO ON THE lOOR LAWMAKERS passed via voice vote House Bill (HB) 8858 which will amend Republic Act 9344 or the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.�

Leachon said children aged 12 have reached the stage of cognitive development.

Minority lawmakers urged their colleagues to look at the real issues instead of punishing children.

Buhay party-list Rep. Jose “Lito�

Atienza Jr. stressed the need to solve the root causes of juvenile crimes. “[Why don’t we address] the

real issues? Police corruption, POLICE INEFkCIENCY LACK OF ENforcement and effectivity, the criminal justice system is also corrupt. This is just an alibi for failure of society and the government,� Atienza said in A NEWS BRIEkNG “We strongly denounce this particular proposed law. It is a product of disoriented minds.

Would you blame the children in applying peace and order?� he added.

During deliberations on HB 8858, most lawmakers, including Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, Rep. Edgar Erice, Rep. Michael Duavit, and Gabriela party-list

Rep. Arlene Brosas raised discrepancies such as lack of Bahay Pag-asa reform institutions and shortage of government workers who could protect the children IN CONlICT WITH THE LAW Leachon admitted that under the P40-million fund provided by Congress, only 63 Bahay Pag-asa institutions were established nationwide.

HB 8858 allows the Department of Social Welfare and Development and licensed nongovernment organizations to manage Bahay Pag-asa centers in providing shot-term residential care for children aged 9 to 18.

House OKs medical Tondo ER shut down marijuana measure THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a bill that seeks to legalize the use of medical marijuana.

House Bill 6517, authored by Rep. Rodolfo Albano 3rd, adopts a very strict regulatory framework that also promotes the people’s right to health by ensuring affordable and safe access to quality medical cannabis.

The measure defines medical cannabis as every kind, class and character of marijuana including its constituents, tetrahydrocan-

nabinol (THC) and other canabinoids as a physicianrecommended form of medicine or herbal therapy.

Medical cannabis, however, is prohibited from being used in raw form.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo previously admitted that medical marijuana works, as she had been using a pain patch after she was diagnosed with multiple cervical spondylosis, a condition involving the wear and tear of cartilage and bones affecting one’s cervical spine.

GLEE JALEA

THE Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center in Tondo, Manila temporarily closed its emergency unit on Wednesday when a 55-year-old patient exhibited symptoms of meningococcemia.

Meningococcemia is a “rare infectious disease characterized by upper respiratory tract infection, fever, skin rash and lesions, eye and ear problems, and possibly a sudden state of extreme physical depression (shock) which may be life-threatening without appropriate

medical care.�

In a statement posted on its Facebook account, the hospital said, “The emergency room of GABMMC is temporarily closed as part of standard safety procedure and infection control protocol because of a patient with suspected meningococcal infection.�

The hospital gave assurances that it had implemented all precautionary measures to stop the spread of infection.

The disease is not highly contagious un-

less one is in close contact with the patient, it added.

Dr. Rolan Mendiola, SENIOR HOUSE OFkCER OF the GABMMC, said the hospital was waiting for the results of a blood test to confirm if the patient was positive of meningococcemia.

The ER operations may resume on Jan. 24, 2019.

The closure came a week after the Department of Health quashed rumors on a meningococcemia outbrea.

CATHERINE A. MODESTO

THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes /FkCE 0#3/ IS EYEING ONLINE MObile or text betting to boost its sales up to 70 percent this year, General Manager Alexander Balutan said on Wednesday. “Meron na kaming nakasalang for approval and testing this year para makita natin ang new market. Eto kasing dati nating games, kilala na ito ng ating mga mananaya. Titignan natin ‘yung possibility ng mga bagong game proposals at iba pang sistema ng gaming. Also ‘yung computerization or online na pwede nating i-access sa ating mga cellular phones, i-o-offer na din para pwede ng tumaya online (It’s up for approval and testing this year.

Our present games are already known to the public, so we have to see the possibility of introducing new game proposals and other gaming systems, and the possibility of placing bets using phoes online,� Balutan said.

He expressed fears that the agency’s revenues might hit a plateau this year because of the roll-out of Small Town Lottery (STL) and Lotto nationwide. “Baka naisagad na natin. Baka this year, hindi na gaanong tataas. Mamaintain lang natin ‘yung P63.55 billion o umangat lang ng konti eh matindi na ‘yun. There is no possibility na ma-i-angat pa natin ang kakayahan natin. Kakalap pa tayo ng pondo through our gaming (We may have reached the limit. It’s possible [sales] would not soar this year.

If we maintain the P63.55 billion [earned in 2018] or if sales go up a bit, that would be great. We have to gather funds through our gaming),�

Balutan said.

Roger Ramirez, manager of Product and Standard Development Department (PSDD), said there were 16 game proposals for evaluation by the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Gaming.

However, many of these games were

found lacking in certain requirements and some have been denied. “The gaming sector should re-consider and review the games because the lifeblood of PCSO is the introduction of new games, considering the fact that in the past eight years, the sales of Lotto has plateaued,�

Ramirez said. “There is a marching order from the Board — from the GM himself — to expedite the processing of these games with the end in view of coming up with recommendations to the Board for the adoption of certain games.

Every year, there should be at least one new game to be launched,� he added.

Mobile, text betting Ramirez said the PCSO’s market penetration was only 12 percent, that was WHY OFkCIALS WERE LOOKING AT THE ADOPtion of mobile text betting whereby people can place their bets online. “Di ba nung nag-P1 billion ang jackpot prize sa Ultra Lotto 6/58 ang haba-haba ng pila? (Wasn’t it that when the Ultra Lotto jackpot prize reached P1 billion, there were long queues?) Can you just imagine if you can place your bets on your phones IN THE CONkNES OF YOUR HOMES OFkCES

or anywhere without having to go to Lotto outlets? With mobile and text betting system, I guarantee the market penetration rate will go as high as 70 percent. I think it’s going to push our market penetration rate to the skies. )T S THE FASTEST MOST SIGNIkCANT WAY to actually increase the sales,� he said.

Ramirez said the agency would also look into the registration of SIM cards to secure the bets. g-OST LIKELY WITHIN THE kRST SEMESter — January to June — we should have a new game. In April or May, meron ng ilo-launch (we will launch something),� he added.

Right to impugn child’s legitimacy belongs to husband Dear PAO, I have a 5-year-old daughter, but my girlfriend (her mother) and I are not married. In fact, my girlfriend is still legally married to another man, which is the reason why we cannot get married even if they have been separated for more than YEARS )N THE BIRTH CERTIkCATE OF MY DAUGHTER

it is the name of my girlfriend’s husband that is indicated as the “father� because, at the time of registration, my girlfriend was advised to place her husband’s details. Now, I want to correct the “father’s� details in my daughter’s birth CERTIkCATE SO THAT ) CAN DECLARE MYSELF AS HER REAL father and in order for her to carry my surname. #AN MY GIRLFRIEND AND ) kLE THIS IN COURT 9OUR advice will be highly appreciated.

Joshua Dear Joshua, Pursuant to Article 164 (1) of the Family Code of the Philippines: “Children conceived or born during the marriage of the parents are legitimate.� Our Supreme Court, through former Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, explained in the case of the Estate of Rogelio G. Ong vs. Minor Joanne Rodjin Diaz, Represented by Jinky C. Diaz (GR 171713, Dec. 17, 2007) that: “A child born to a husband and wife during a valid marriage is presumed legitimate. As a guaranty in favor of the child and to protect his status of legitimacy, Article 167 of the Family Code provides: “Article 167. The children shall be considered legitimate although the mother may have declared against its legitimacy or may have been sentenced as an adulteress. “The law requires that every reasonable presumption be made in favor of legitimacy. We explained the rationale of this rule in the recent case of Cabatania v. Court of Appeals: “The presumption of legitimacy does not only lOW OUT OF A DECLARATION IN THE STATUTE BUT IS BASED on the broad principles of natural justice and the supposed virtue of the mother. The presumption is grounded on the policy to protect the innocent offspring from the odium of illegitimacy.�

Taking into consideration the foregoing tenets, it appears that the entry in your daughter’s birth CERTIkCATE AS TO THE gFATHERu OF THE SAID CHILD WAS regularly done given that she was born during the subsistence of the marriage of her mother.

While we understand your desire to correct such ENTRY IN YOUR DAUGHTER S BIRTH CERTIkCATE WE REGRET TO inform you that neither you nor your girlfriend can go to court and seek to correct the entries in your DAUGHTER S BIRTH CERTIkCATE BECAUSE AS MENTIONED

the law presumes that said child is the legitimate child of your girlfriend and her husband. You also cannot go to court and seek to overturn the abovementioned presumption because the right to question the presumption of legitimacy of said child only belongs to your girlfriend’s husband or, IN HIS DEFAULT HIS HEIRS SHOULD THERE BE ANY BY kLing an action to impugn the child’s legitimacy. As provided under our Family Code:

DEAR PAO PERSIDA ACOSTA “Art. 170. The action to impugn the legitimacy of the child shall be brought within one year from the knowledge of the birth or its recording in the civil register, if the husband or, in a proper case, any of his heirs, should reside in the city or municipality where the birth took place or was recorded. “If the husband or, in his default, all of his heirs DO NOT RESIDE AT THE PLACE OF BIRTH AS DEkNED IN THE kRST PARAGRAPH OR WHERE IT WAS RECORDED THE period shall be two years if they should reside in the Philippines; and three years if abroad. If the birth of the child has been concealed from or was unknown to the husband or his heirs, the period shall be counted from the discovery or knowledge of the birth of the child or of the fact of registration of said birth, whichever is earlier. “Art. 171. The heirs of the husband may imPUGN THE kLIATION OF THE CHILD WITHIN THE PERIOD prescribed in the preceding article only in the following cases: “If the husband should die before the expiration OF THE PERIOD kXED FOR BRINGING HIS ACTION g)F HE SHOULD DIE AFTER THE kLING OF THE COMPLAINT without having desisted therefrom; or “If the child was born after the death of the husband. “It bears stressing that only the following grounds MAY BE RAISED IN kLING AN ACTION TO IMPUGN THE CHILD S legitimacy — that it was physically impossible for him to have sexual intercourse with his wife within THE kRST DAYS OF THE DAYS WHICH IMMEDIATELY preceded the birth of the child because of (a) his physical incapacity to have sexual intercourse; (b) the fact that they are living separately in such a way that sexual intercourse was not possible; or (c) his serious illness, which absolutely prevented sexual intercourse; (2) That it is proved that for biological OR OTHER SCIENTIkC REASONS THE CHILD COULD NOT HAVE been his, except if the child was conceived as a result OF ARTIkCIAL INSEMINATION AS PROVIDED IN THE SECOND paragraph of Article 164; or (3) That in case the child WAS CONCEIVED THROUGH ARTIkCIAL INSEMINATION WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OR RATIkCATION BY EITHER OF THEM was obtained through mistake, fraud, violence, INTIMIDATION OR UNDUE INlUENCE u !RTICLE )D We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same.

Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the 0UBLIC !TTORNEY S /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR #HIEF !COSTA may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net

ASIAN STOCKS: V S h a n g h a i 0 . 0 5 %

W S i n g a p o re 0 . 6 7 %

P52.75 TO $1

PSEi 7,989.65 DOWN 0.24%

What’s inside PRACTICING MINIMALISM TO IMPROVE FINANCES – MONEYMAX.PH BusinessB2

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PH LESS VULNEREABLE TO CHINA SLOWDOWN

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www.manilatimes.net V Seoul 0.47%

W To k yo 0 . 1 4 %

W Jakarta 0.27%

MANAGEMENT ACTION

V H o n g Ko n g 0 . 0 1 %

V B a n g ko k 0 . 9 7 %

Farm output slows, misses 2018 target

LNG VENTURE GETS REQUIREMENT DEADLINE

2018’s 0.56% result down markedly from 3.95% a year earlier

NIDEC EXPANDS PRODUCT LINE IN SUBIC FACILITY

GRICULTURE output growth slowed in last three months of 2018 from a year earlier even as it rebounded from a July-September contraction, the government reported on Wednesday, leading to a FULL YEAR RESULT WELL BELOW OFkCIAL ESTIMATES

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At 1.8 percent, the expansion was an improvement from the third quarter’s 0.83-percent drop but was lower than the 2.26 percent posted a year earlier, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed.

Full-year output growth came in at just 0.56 percent, below Agriculture Secretary Emmanual Piùol’s estimate of 1 percent and well short of a projected easing to 2.5 percent — instead of a

#ARLOS $OMINGUEZ RD CONkRMED that the government was willing to help Hanjin but said a formal proposal should be forwarded. “As I said we are ready to help, but they have to tell us what they need.

We’ll wait until they come up with a SOLUTION THAT SATISkES THEM u HE SAID A Hanjin default would be the biggest in Philippine corporate history.

The Subic-based shipbuilder reportedly owes Land Bank of the Philippines, BDO Unibank Inc., Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) around $412 million in addition to another $900 million to South Korean creditors.

Credit rating agencies have warned that the affected banks’ credit scores could be revised.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

ÂłTarget B2

PSEi drops on GDP fears, US declines

Govt ready to assist Hanjin white knight THE government does not have a DEkNITE PLAN TO TAKE OVER BANKRUPT Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Philippines (HHICPhil) but is ready to assist any POTENTIAL INVESTOR A #ABINET OFkCIAL said on Wednesday. “There’s no concrete plan. But we will not allow it to just fold without any contingency plan,� Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno told reporters. “One option is somebody from the private sector [who] may be tied-up with some foreign countries like, maybe, France or Israel.

They can join forces and then we will help them through government banks,� he added.

Diokno said that saving Hanjin would avert the potential negative impact on jobs and the economy.

For his part, Finance Secretary

B2

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THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 2019

Business Times

CURRENCY RATE

B1

NEW YEAR OFFERING

This picture taken on January 22, 2019 shows people looking at a limited Lunar New Year package made by Danish giant toy maker Lego, featuring a Lego pig and a Lego dragon, at a shopping mall in Beijing. AFP PHOTO

AN overnight drop on Wall Street and apprehensions over 2018 economic growth results weighed on share prices on Wednesday, with the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) again falling below the 8,000 level.

The benchmark PSEi closed at 7,989.65, 0.24 percent or 19.02 points weaker from Tuesday, while the wider All Shares grew 0.08 percent or 4.04 points to finish at 4,814.01.

P2P Trade Online sales associate Gabriel Jose Perez said investors were having some “hesitations� over 2018 gross domestic product (GDP) data to be released Thursday.

Ahead of the announcement, state statisticians lowered the third quarter

ÂłFears B2

‘Davos’ is actually the Q3 GDP growth lowered to 6.0% PH ‘quite Swiss word for ‘irrelevant’ insulated’ H ROUGH from trade

EY, do you know that the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) is being held this week in Davos, Switzerland? Do you even care?

Based on the paucity of mainstream business news headlines and data from social media anaLYTICS SHOWING RATHER THIN TRAFkC for the topics #WEF19 and #Davos2019, the answer to either of those questions is apparently “no.�

The world being what it is these days, there may be some justice in that.

The WEF has been meeting in the exclusive Swiss resort town since 1971, when the organization was founded by business professor Klaus Schwab. Known as the European Management Forum at kRST THE ORGANIZATION REBRANDED itself in 1987. In 2015, the WEF was given formal recognition under the Swiss Host-state Act, which gives it approximately the same status in terms of multinational courtesy as a UN agency.

The primary objectives of the

TRADE BEN KRITZ

WEF are to produce reports and hold meetings, tasks it pursues vigorously several times a year in different parts of the world. The highlight of the WEF calendar, however, is its annual meeting held in Davos, a small town in the mountains in the eastern part of Switzerland, the kind of place where a square meter of real estate costs more than you or I will make in a lifetime. The WEF prefers to hold its convo in January, when the climate at that elevation in that part of the world is approximately the same as that of central Antarctica; this is perhaps to prevent the attendees from being distracted from the scenery, which is actually quite stunning during the times of the year it is not buried under eight

ÂłKritz B3

STATE statisticians on Wednesday LOWERED THE OFkCIAL THIRD QUARTER GROWTH kGURE AHEAD OF THE RELEASE of October-December and full-year results for 2018.

Year-to-date gross domestic product (GDP) growth remained at 6.3 percent despite the revised JulySeptember number of 6.0 percent — down from 6.1 percent previously, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. “This was due to the downward revisions in manufacturing; trade and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, personal and household goods; and financial intermediation,� the PSA said in a statement.

Net primary income from the rest of the world was also cut to 4.8 percent from 5.6 percent, resulting in lower gross national income growth of 5.8 percent from 6.0 percent.

2EVISIONS TO '$0 kGURES THE 03! said, follow approved policy that is consistent with international standard practices.

Third quarter growth slowed from 6.2 percent in April-June and 6.6 PERCENT DURING THE kRST THREE MONTHS

in market and policy rates. The escalating trade war should have an impact, albeit modestly due to the low weight of goods exports in the economy. A slight trade impact could allow consumption growth to RECOVER ON LOWER INlATION u IT ADDED The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised policy rates by 175 basis HSBC outlook POINTS LAST YEAR DUE TO THE RISING INlA)N A RELATED DEVELOPMENT kNANCIAL TION 5"3 SAID LOWER INlATION EXPECSERVICES kRM 5"3 ON 7EDNESDAY tations would allow the BSP to keep said it expected Philippine econom- policy rates on hold until next year. ic growth to slow this year and the “Although real GDP growth is next from an estimated 2018 result projected to remain above 6 percent of 6.4 percent — also a deceleration and credit growth is likely to stay from the previous year’s 6.7 percent. IN DOUBLE DIGITS INlATION CAN FALL “[The] Philippines’ real GDP because the vast majority of the acmomentum should slow in 2019 CELERATION IN INlATION IN WAS after a recovery from policy-induced driven by food prices,� it noted. )NlATION IS EXPECTED TO HIT WEAKNESS IN THE kRST HALF OF We project 6.1 percent real GDP percent this year and 3.7 percent growth in 2019 and 2020 after 6.4 in 2020.

Instead of hiking policy rates, the percent [estimate] in 2018,� UBS BSP is expected to resume cuts to said in a report.

UBS’ 2019 and 2020 forecasts fall bank reserve requirements. below the government’s 7.0 to 8.0 -EANWHILE WHILE THE HIGH INlApercent target for years. tion “reducedâ€? President Rodrigo “Monetary conditions have tight- Duterte’s popularity, a strong showing ened as a result of the 2018 rise ÂłGrowth B2 OF THE YEAR AS INlATION ACCELERATED and the peso weakened.

The government, which has a downwardly-revised GDP growth goal of 6.5-6.9 percent — from 7.08.0 percent previously, expects to hit the lower end of the range.

war fallout ECONOMIC managers reiterated on Wednesday that the Philippines would remain insulated against rising trade tensions between advanced economies. “Are we worried about the trade war between China and the US? Not really because as you know, the net exports sector of the economy is not that big for us.

We are not an exports-oriented economy,� Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in an interview.

Finance Secretary Carlos

ÂłFallout B3

MORE TO FOLLOW (MTF)

MARK ANTHONY TAMAYO Due to space constraints, “More to Follow� will instead be published on Friday.

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

PH less vulnereable to China slowdown

BY ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

T

HE Philippines has limited exposure to China’s growth slowdown even as it starts to affect economies in the region, LondonBASED RESEARCH kRM #APITAL %CONOMICS SAID

Pakistan, India, Indonesia and the Philippines,� it said.

The research firm however warned that a shift in investor sentiment against the region could also pose problems for India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The report said Hong Kong, with a vulnerability score of 16 out of 20, is the most vulnerable to the slowdown. “Due to its deep trade and financial links and limited scope for a policy response, a hard landing would cause the territory to fall into a deep recession. The region’s two main commodity producers, Malaysia and Indonesia, would also be at substantial risk. Relatively closed economies like India and the Philippines would have limited exposure to a Chinese slowdown,� said Capital Economics. “The extent to which a sharp slowdown in China causes growth in the rest of the region to slow

will also depend on the degree to which policymakers can loosen POLICY )NlATION IS CURRENTLY LOW across most of Asia, which means policymakers will be able to cut inTEREST RATES AND LOOSEN kSCAL POLICY to cushion demand. One country that stands out with limited scope for policy action is Hong Kong, WHICH HAS A kXED EXCHANGE RATE and where domestic interest rates are determined by the US Fed,� it added.

Growth in China slowed to 6.4 PERCENT YEAR ON YEAR IN THE kNAL quarter of last year, down from 6.5 percent in the third quarter and 6.8 percent in 2017. “Our China Activity Proxy (CAP), which is our attempt to track the pace of growth in China without RELYING ON THE OFkCIAL '$0 kGURES

suggests that the economy slowed to around 5 percent year on year towards the end of last year,� Capital Economics said.

In a report on Wednesday, Capital Economics gave the Philippines a vulnerability score of 9 out of 20.

Five factors were used to measure the score. These include the volume of exports to China, export MIX kNANCIAL EXPOSURE AND CAPACity for policy response. “Weaker growth in China is already weighing on exports from the rest of Asia, and a further slowdown in the economy is one of the biggest risks clouding the outlook for the rest of the region. A slump in China would hurt economies with close trade links, notably Taiwan and Vietnam, while commodity exporters would also be

hit hard,� Capital Economics said.

Among the five factors, the Philippines’ highest score (3 out OF WAS IN kNANCIAL EXPOSURE and capacity for policy response. “A slump in China would almost certainly involve a rise in loan defaults for banks that have lent to companies in China. But within Asia, only banks in Hong Kong and, to a lesser extent, Singapore have any sizeable exposure to the Chinese market. Instead, the biggest impact could be through contagion.

As such, the economies that are hit HARDEST THROUGH THE kNANCIAL CHANnel could be those that are most vulNERABLE TO CAPITAL OUTlOWS NAMELY

Q TARGET FROM B1

Dominguez highlights CFOs’ vital role

Farm targeted 4 percent — from 2017’s nearly 3.95-percent expansion.

PiĂąol admitted that while OctoberDecember farm output had recovered from the previous quarter, it was “not enough to really make things prettier as we expected it to be.â€? “Obviously it was a challenging year for Philippine agriculture and we attribute to the almost monthly tropical disturbances and typhoons punctuated by Super Typhoon Ompong, which really affected agricultural production,â€? he told reporters.

In value terms, farm output hit P521.24 billion in the fourth quarter, up from P500.94 billion a year earlier. It led to a full-year result of P1.82 trillion, also higher than the P1.72 trillion posted in 2017.

The PSA said all four sub-sectors — crops, livestock, poultry and kSHERIES ‡ CONTRIBUTED TO HIGHER production in the fourth quarter.

The crops sub-sector, which comprised the bulk of agriculture output at 50.40 percent of the total, grew by 0.25 percent in October-December — lower than the year-earlier 2.68 percent — as palay output fell 2.2 percent and corn grew by 10.82 percent.

For the full year, crop output fell by 0.98 percent — a reversal from 2017’s 6.69-percent surge.

Livestock, with a 17.74-percent share of total farm output, saw October-December growth ease to 1.64 percent from 1.84 percent a year earlier. Full-year growth, however, improved to 1.89 percent from 1.12 percent in 2017.

Poultry output — 16.18 percent of total production — posted the best performance for the year with a 6.99-percent fourth-quarter expansion, higher than the 4.73 percent recorded 12 months earlier. This led to full-year growth of 5.75 percent, up from 4.62 percent in 2017.

Fisheries, which rebounded from a year-earlier 0.92-percent drop to post 1.93 percent growth in the fourth quarter, still ended the year with a 1.13-percent contraction although this was an improvement from 2017’s 1.68-percent fall.

Farmgate prices, meanwhile, rose by 2.22 percent in the last quarter of 2018 — lower than the 6.99 percent a year earlier. Still, price gains for the full year were better at 5.62 percent from 4.9 percent in 2017.

In the wake of 2018’s dismal result, PiĂąol said he was optimistic that 2019 would be better. “What is important here is the fact that while the agriculture faced so many challenges in 2018, the fundamentals are in place. If the fundamentals are in place, agriculture will always rebound and come up with a better performance,â€? he added.

FROM A REPORT BY EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

THE ROLE OF kNANCIAL EXECUTIVE IN A world of advanced digital technologies was highlighted at the Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines’ (Finex) inaugural meeting and induction ceremonies in Taguig City on Wednesday. g4HE ROLE OF THE CHIEF kNANCIAL OFkCER HAS BECOME EVEN MORE VITAL to the competitiveness of our enterprises and broader access to services and opportunity,� Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd said in a keynote speech.

This is because the pace of change nowadays is dictated by the rapid evolution of digital technologies, Dominguez explained. “This is a time of disruption. Old ways of doing things fall by the wayside. New

products and new business practices emerge every day,� he added.

Change is happening faster and more disruptively in the area of kNANCIAL TECHNOLOGIES AS NEW DIGITAL hardware and even newer software and transactions happen in real time, he said.

Dominguez cited current technological disruptions in China. “I just want to mention that last year, I asked my staff to plan a trip where we would look into the future. And they did, and we ended up spending half a week with Jack Ma in Hangzhou. Believe me, that future is happening already in China, it’s very exciting and it’s very scary as well, I’m sure, FOR kNANCIAL EXECUTIVES LIKE YOU u

he told Finex members.

In the Philippines, Dominguez said the pace of change for enterprises has been made even more feverish by the rapid growth of the economy. “With a more robust lOW OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS

renewed enthusiasm for our equities market, and growth-inducing policies adopted by the Duterte administration, we will all be very busy in the coming period,� he said.

Meanwhile, newly-installed Finex 0RESIDENT %USEBIO 4AN SAID kNANCIAL executives should be able to understand and harness technological innovations to improve their respective businesses that would ultimately contribute to economic growth.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

ECCP calls for quicker CIT reduction ACCELERATING corporate income tax (CIT) reductions could make the investment prospects in the Philippines more attractive, the European Chamber Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, ECCP President Nabil Francis said the Philippines’ CIT was one of the highest in the region and had to be lowered to maintain competitiveness.

Francis commended the effort of the government, through the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill, to lessen CIT but said a “bolder� move should be taken.

The Trabaho bill aims to reduce CIT from 30 percent to 20 percent in 10 years, which he finds too long. “The sooner the better. We try to squeeze it as quickly as possible,� he said.

ECCP Executive Director Florian Got-

tien said, “We have to give away incentives in order to attract companies to invest in the Philippines.� “Some of our Asean neighbors are moving forward, faster than we do. I think that’s the main issue,� he added.

Looking at the local macroeconomy, Francis said the ECCP had a “cautious optimism� for this year amid the global headwinds that could impact the country.

He enumerated the political impact of US President Donald Trump on the markets, the on-going US-China trade war, Brexit and the recent economic slowdown of China which recorded its lowest gross domestic products (GDP) figure in 28 years. “We need to be vigilant because these may have some impact,� Francis said.

He said the economic conditions in the country were also becoming favorable with above 6-percent GDP

growth being sustained and inflation easing from its nine-year high. “The fundamentals in the country are good. The country debt is below 40 percent. The budget deficit less than 3 percent,� he added.

Although no figures were released yet for the 2018 foreign direct investments (FDI), Francis said it was estimated to be around $10 billion or more. This is figure is at par with the 2017 FDI but above the $7.93 billion and $5.64 billion recorded in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

Earlier, the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines said this year’s FDI was expected to exceed $10 billion as the country anticipates high prospects with “continued political and economic stability.� “We believe that we can do better. We believe the Philippines can do better,� Francis said.

TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

Q GROWTH FROM B1

by the president’s supporters in the 2019 mid-term elections is expected to bolster policy continuity, “Post-election, there will be a window of 18 months for new policy

initiatives before attention switched to the 2022 Presidential elections,�

HSBC noted.

FROM REPORTS BY ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

Q3 GDP G

OVERNANCE covers the processes related to governing, whether the one governing is the government or a publicly listed company or those that belong to the private sector. It can comprise of sets of rules and laws for the people to abide by and a framework to lay out the strategy to achieve its intended goals. An organization with good governance also promotes accountability and transparency to ensure that people remain aligned to the goals set out.

Governance is everywhere. As kids we had to go through admission requirements to get accepted to our university of choice; as newly graduates we had to submit and adhere to the job scope to LAND IN OUR kRST JOB 4HE LIST GOES on. As we move forward with our lives, one will get used to how

Practicing minimalism to improve finances MONEYMAX.PH A T some point in your life, you WILL kND YOURSELF DEALING WITH a lot of clutter at home. Admit it, you find decluttering a tedious task. You convince yourself that you need every little thing in your possession. It’s hard to let go of an object especially if it has sentimental value. Even if you don’t use certain items anymore, it’s the memories that you cling to, and having that particular item helps you reminisce good times. “I’ll start segregating things as to what I need and what I don’t need anymore,� is the mantra you often say to yourself. If you’ve WATCHED THE POPULAR .ETlIX SHOW “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,� the Japanese decluttering expert and best-selling author advises her audience to let go of the things that don’t spark joy. She gave the deciding factor on how one can declutter through her Konmari method.

What Kondo talks about involves minimalism. It’s a lifestyle in which you carefully think about the items that bring value to your life and abstain from those that don’t. Think about the impact of living with minimal needs. This will eliminate the distractions in your life. Practicing minimalism refocuses your APPROACH ON kNANCES Focusing on minimalism limits the items you own. This helps you to spend less on buying items, allowing you to increase your savings. With this, you can keep your MONEY FOR OTHER kNANCE DRIVEN goals like a dream vacation.

Apart from helping you save money, minimalism also gives you more space. After decluttering your home or apartment, you’ll realize that it’s actually more spacious for you. If that’s the case, you can consider getting a smaller space that is enough for you and your belongings. This also allows you to save money on rent.

After decluttering, sell the items you no longer need. If you have the time and extra space at home, a garage sale is a good idea to let go of your then-belongings. The money you’ve earned from the sale can help you get rid of other kNANCIAL CLUTTER IN YOUR LIFE LIKE debt. You can also keep it and build an emergency fund, or for retirement savings.

If you want to take financial minimalism seriously, follow perSONAL kNANCE EXPERT +IM ,OWRY S advice: to track your spending on

Q FEARS FROM B1

PSEi drops GDP figure to 6.0 percent from 6.1 percent, although year-to-date growth remained at 6.3 percent.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research associate Piper Chaucer Tan said investors were on “wait-and-see� mode.

He also said that the market “mimicked the US market sell-off as worries on trade talk negotiations and global growth slowdown has been churning the Philippine markets,� he added.

Overnight, the Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all ended in the red, dipping by 1.22 percent, 1.42 percent and 1.91 percent respectively amid renewed wor-

JOSH MASCARIÑAS a monthly basis. Write down how much you’ve spent and all the products you’ve bought. After a month of practicing this method, perform an audit on your list. This way, you can determine consistent spending habits that are insigNIkCANT TO YOU !FTER EVALUATING your spending, you can eliminate such spending habits from your lifestyle.

Minimalism challenges you to spend less than your monthly salary. You should know how much money you truly need to survive.

Anything else beyond that are just wants. To delve deeper in spending, you need a budget. Create a SPREADSHEET TO LIST SPECIkC ITEMS and expenses. Use this sheet to plan meticulously and keep track of everything you’re spending on.

Mindful shopping habits can also improve your budget. Control your spending. Master your cash lOW AND ALWAYS DOCUMENT WHERE your money goes. Lastly, make sure you spend on something that is relevant to your needs.

While you embrace financial minimalism, organize your finances by automating bills payment. Enroll your bills in an online banking app so you can credit the payment on your bank account.

You can also use a third party bills payment app. Avoid missing due dates and penalty fees by paying your bills three to five days in advance.

Minimalism can improve your kNANCES 4HERE ARE OTHER METHODS you can do to avoid financial clutter and unnecessary spending.

These are just practices that can lead you to a simpler lifestyle.

0RACTICING kNANCIAL MINIMALISM comes with good money management skills that can result to greater BENEkTS &OCUS ON WHAT BRINGS YOU value and apply it to your spending, saving, and investing habits.

Just don’t lose sight of why you’re doing these things.

Josh MascariĂąas is a content writer at MoneyMax.ph. Save money on car insurance, credit cards, and loans when you compare and apply at www.moneymax.ph! Visit our website to know more. ries over US-China trade talks.

Asian markets were mixed on Wednesday.

Hong Kong was flat, having swung back and forth through the day, while Shanghai closed 0.1 percent higher and Tokyo ended slightly down.

Sydney was down 0.3 percent while Singapore shed 0.5 percent and Seoul added 0.5 percent. Wellington and Taipei were all lower while Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta inched up.

In Manila, all sectors ended in the red with mining and oil sector down the most by 0.89 percent.

Volume turnover stood at 1.22 billion shares valued at P6.66 billion.

Losers led winners, 120-77, while 57 issues were unchanged.

TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD AND AFP

Good governance necessarily be allowed to go out with her friends alone until she has shown some level of maturity and responsibility – the decision of which solely lies on her parents. If she was permitted do so and yet failed to come home on companies, institutions and other time, the parents are forced to ESTABLISHMENTS RElECT THEIR WAY OF implement some ground rules governing. An executive’s search to ensure that such incident will for a senior role in a company not happen again. Curfews may will likely take more time due to be established or the young girl the more stringent requirements: may not be allowed to go out for background investigation and the time being. The idea is that validation, reference checks, in- the lesson would be learned and terviews and so on and so forth. that no repeat would be made Bigger decisions require bigger later on. reviews. Without such, the deciAs Filipinos we are trained to sion made in the end may be comply on the rules set to us by considered wasted effort. those that have control over us.

Even in family households, They are our parents, our employone would expect forms of gov- ers and most especially by our ernance. A young girl may not government. The irony here is that

MANAGEMENT ACTION

KAY CALPO LUGTU

while compliance is second nature to law abiding citizens, it does not follow that the same applies to the government. Case in point here, as an example, and this is stating IT VERY SIMPLY IS THE QUALIkCATIONS needed for an individual to run for PUBLIC OFkCE .O CREDENTIALS ARE required by law, except that one is obviously a Filipino citizen, age at minimum 35 years old and able to read and write. One can only cringe in disbelief at this misfortune; whatever happened to good governance?

Given that the citizenry is unable to change these rules at this point, the most that we can do is to choose our leaders very wisely, and much of this depends on the education our population has access to. The challenge is with us.

The stark contrast on governance

between our government and those in the private sector shows us the level of opportunities available in the former to provide good governance. While technology will play a vital role, the key to this also involves cultural and behavioral shifts so that our country can sustain its growth and competitiveness in the future.

Kay Calpo Lugtu is the COO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital AND CULTURE TRANSFORMATION kRM Co-Founder of Caucus, Inc. and Deputy Director of Global Chamber Manila. Her advocacies include DATA PRIVACY kNANCIAL LITERACY AND nation-building. The author may be reached at kaycalpolugtu@ hotmail.com or, to the more cautious now, at kaycalpolugtu@ protonmail.com

Corporate News LNG venture gets requirement deadline

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

A

JOINT venture between Phoenix Petroleum 0HILIPPINES )NC AND #HINA .ATIONAL /FFSHORE /IL #ORP #.//# SUBSIDIARY 'AS AND 0OWER 'ROUP #O ,TD HAS BEEN GIVEN HALF A YEAR TO FULkLL ALL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING A LIQUEkED NATURAL GAS ,.' FACILITY IN "ATANGAS PROVINCE In an interview on Wednesday, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi

said the joint venture, Tanglawan Philippines LNG Inc., has “six

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

monthsâ€? from the issuance of the “notice to proceed...to do all of the submissions‌â€? The notice was issued on Dec, 21, 2018.

Among those it needs to submit to the Energy department are details on the planned facility, including its timeline for the project.

At the sidelines of an event in Taguig City, Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos told reporters that Dennis Uy-led Phoenix Petroleum and the CNOOC unit had to show how serious they were in construct-

ing a 1,100-megawatt (MW) gaskRED POWER PLANT Tanglawan also has to reach a kNANCIAL CLOSING BEFORE SIX MONTHS and look for an offtaker, he said. “Otherwise, the market or commercial viability of the project will not push through.�

Tanglawan is scheduled to break ground for the facility this year, hoped TO REACH A kNAL INVESTMENT DECISION BY yearend, and start construction by the second quarter of 2020. /NCE kNISHED THE HUB SHALL HAVE

A REGASIkCATION AND RECEIVING TERMInal with a 2.2-million-ton per anNUM CAPACITY AND A GAS kRED POWER generation facility with an installed capacity of up to 2,000 MW. State-run Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) is working with Tanglawan on this particular project, Cusi said.

Meanwhile, the DoE is still evaluating the applications of Lopez-led First Gen Corp. and its Japan-based partner Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd., as well as US-based Excelerate

B3

Energy L.P. for their proposed LNG terminal projects in Batangas.

Established in Davao City in 2005 and listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange in July 2007, Phoenix Petroleum is into trading AND MARKETING REkNED OIL PRODUCTS

INCLUDING LIQUEkED PETROLEUM GAS and lubricants; operating oil depots and storage facilities; and offering hauling and into-plane services.

Shares of Phoenix Petroleum shed 4 centavos or 0.36 percent to close at P10.94 each on Thursday.

Nidec expands product line in Subic facility NLEX seeks to complete *!0!.%3% kRM .IDEC #ORP HAS added gear reducers to the line of automation parts it is now manufacturing at its plant in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which Filipino AND *APANESE OFkCIALS HAILED ON 7EDNESDAY AS BENEkCIAL TO THE economy and reflecting strong INVESTOR CONkDENCE According to Sen. Richard Gordon, who once headed freeport operator Subic Bay Metropolitan Administration (SBMA), the expansion mirrors the continued business growth in the former American naval base.

The expansion “is not just about generating employment [or] creating precision robotics to ;kLL= THE WORLD S HUNGER FOR QUALITY instruments. I’m happy that the Japanese people and the Filipino people could work together to create fantastic products that will be used widely in other corporations in the world,� Gordon said.

For Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda, Nidec’s business growth reflected Japanese COMPANIES INCREASING CONkDENCE in investing in the country. “It has been a delight to see Japanese companies in the Philippines forging ahead in their

road projects this year NLEX Corp. expects to finish several road projects in 2019, its chief said late on Tuesday. “2019 will be even better for everyone as big-ticket projects are set for completion this year,� Rodrigo E. Franco, president and chief executive officer of NLEX Corp. parent firm Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), said in a statement. According to MPTC’s toll road unit, four projects are set to be operational this year. These are the additional toll lanes in San Fernando and Angeles cities and Mexico town, all in Pampanga province; the expanded connecting ramps of NLEx-SCTEx (North Luzon Expressway and SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway); the new NLEX Drive & Dine service facility; and the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10. San Fernando will have two southbound exit lanes and one southbound entry lane; Angeles, two entry lanes and one exit lane; and Mexico, one exit lane. Additional lanes would also be established at the connecting ramps of NLEx and SCTEx in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

NLEX Corp. subsidiary NLEX Ventures Corp. is also set to officially

complete its 15,500-square-meter service facility in Valenzuela City that shall offer 32 leasable spaces for retail and food establishments.

Targeted for opening later this year is the P16.5-billion NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, which aims to cut motorists’ travel time from NLEX to the Port of Manila to 10 minutes. The project has two sections: the 5.65-kilometer elevated expressway traversing the NLEx from MacArthur Highway in Karuhutan, Valenzuela City, passing through Malabon City and Circumferential Road 3 (C3) in Caloocan City; and the 2.6-km extension from C3 in Caloocan and R10 in Navotas City, which is set to finish by end-2019. Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said in May 30,000 to 50,000 cars are expected to use the Harbor Link daily. NLEX Corp. said over 20 new and enhancement projects have been completed this year. These include the new Mabiga Interchange; the Sta. Ines-Magalang Exit; the additional lane in the San Fernando northbound exit; the pedestrian and tricycle overpass in Mapulang Lupa; and the drainage enhancements in Balintawak and Meycauayan.

LISBET K. ESMAEL

trade talks had faltered. “We are optimistic this year.

Big projects will take off this year and also we have an election year.

Usually, during elections we have at least 0.5-1.0-percent increase in GDP (gross domestic product),�

Diokno said.

Dominguez added: “We are building on our own momentum and on the massive economic investments we have programmed for this year. We fully expect to be a growth leader in this dynamic region.�

The government is banking on a massive infrastructure push to propel economic growth to 7.0-8.0 percent this year.

Growth is currently running below the 6.5-6.9 goal for 2018 based on latest data, averaging 6.3 percent as of end-September FOLLOWING kRST TO THIRD QUARTER OUTturns of 6.6 percent, 6.2 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively.

Fourth quarter and full-year 2018 GDP figures are set to be released today (Thursday).

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

its contrived economic system on the other. China is steadily being revealed as a political and economic power whose reach exceeds its grasp.

Among multilateral groupings, the meters of snow.

Organization of Petroleum ExportAttendance at the WEF meeting ing Countries has been rendered is by invitation only and being virtually powerless by its members’ invited to Davos is a sign that one self-interests; the most recent APEC has truly been recognized as one meeting ended in contention withof the world’s “movers and shak- OUT A kNAL GROUP STATEMENT THE kRST ers�; we know this, because all the time that has ever happened.

WEF marketing material (which Even in the relatively stable Asean, MANAGES TO kLL THE kRST THREE PAGES one member state (Malaysia) is of any Google search for “World wrestling with resolving a corrupEconomic Forum�) says so. Many tion scandal of galactic proportions heads of state make an appearance, while enjoying a sideshow of having as well as leaders of multinational TO CHOOSE A NEW ROYAL kGUREHEAD corporations, non-governmental because the previous one married organizations, media executives, a Russian Barbie doll; another and celebrities representing unob- (this one) after a brief flash of jectionable social causes. promise has descended again into The theme for this year’s meeting banana republic politics. Another is, “Shaping a New Architecture for (Indonesia) is doing a fair job the Next Wave of Globalization.� of managing itself, but has been That optimistically ambiguous sen- suffering a major natural disaster tence fragment perfectly illustrates approximately once a week. Anthe biggest criticism against the WEF other (Cambodia) is being sold and the Davos meeting in particular, to China by a dictator who for the in that it is irredeemably out of step last election supplied more ballots with the current global reality. pre-marked with votes for him than Consider the backdrop against there are actual living people in the which this year’s meeting is tak- country; and another (Myanmar) is ing place: The entire US official being run by a minority elitist who delegation to the meeting is absent dropped the “icon of democracy� due to the government shutdown pretense so fast when she assumed in that country. Likewise, the UK power that it made a ringing noise is in utter political turmoil due to when it hit the ground. that country’s laborious effort to Whatever is happening in the amputate itself from the European world, it isn’t the sort of globalism Union. The EU itself is in a tenuous the folks visiting wintry Davos this state due to growing nationalism on week imagine it is, and it’s not hard the one hand, and the instability of to see why. For all its pretensions

of representing the world view, the WEF annual meeting continues to RElECT ON AND CELEBRATE THE PERSPECtive of the “Davos Man� (a term coined by Samuel P. Huntington), THE RARIkED LESS THAN ONE PERCENT of the human population who can actually afford to be the “stateless elite.� And who are they? According to the list of invitees provided by the WEF, two-thirds of them are from Western Europe or North America; FOUR OUT OF kVE OF THEM ARE MEN These people will spend about four days milling about an isolated ski resort where the cheapest available hotel room (as of Tuesday night) measures 12 square meters and costs 10,000 Swiss francs a night, protected by a 55-mile defense perimeter, restricted airspace, and no fewer than 5,000 Swiss army troops, pontificating on the importance of women, marginalized populations, developing countries, small entrepreneurs, and being kind to the planet. Hundreds of business and political reporters will dutifully report every word that is said as though it were the minutes of a board meeting on Mt. Olympus, pausing only to wipe their hands so they don’t get grease from their $40 sushi plates on their laptop keyboards.

And then in a year’s time when it all happens again, everyone involved will be genuinely mystified as to why their “insightful� and “groundbreaking� discussions didn’t inspire the world to change.

Q (From third from left) Sen. Richard Gordon, Nidec Senior Vice President Hitoshi Inoue and SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma pose with other officials during the opening of the Nidec Subic Philippine Corp. at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Wednesday. PHOTO BY RUSSELL PALMA RESPECTIVE kELDS .IDEC S EXPANsion demonstrates the continued *APANESE INVESTOR CONkDENCE OF the Philippines’ business potential,� Haneda said.

The technology-parts manufacturer targets to initially produce 1,000 of these machine parts monthly for export to top robotics and automation companies in Europe and America.

Nidec plans to increase this number to 100,000 monthly by

December and 120,000 a month by 2020. At its plants in the Japanese cities of Kyoto and Ueda, the company aims to produce 30,000 and 50,000 gear reducers, respectively, monthly this year.

Previously, the 96,000-squaremeter Subic facility only produces spindle motors — used in hard disc drives — at a capacity of 2 million a month. The company plans to transfer its production of these products to its plant in Laguna province.

Despite increased production, Nidec does not plan to hire more workers, with First Senior Vice President Hitoshi Inoue saying its current 500-strong workforce is still enough.

Nidec has been operating in Subic since 1998. Nidec-Shimpo, the subsidiary that produces gear reducers, posted sales of P30 billion in 2018. It operates in 22 sites globally.

DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

Q FALLOUT FROM B1

PH quite Dominguez 3rd, meanwhile, remarked: “First of all, we’re not really a big international trader.

Of course we are affected by the headwinds but because we have this ‘Build Build Build’ program, we are sort of ‌ quite insulated.â€?

The statements were made following reports — denied by the White House — that US-China

Q KRITZ FROM B1

‘Davos’

Email: ben.kritz@manilatimes.net

B4

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

Special Feature New Australian Ambassador:

I mean business

BY STEVE STE TEVE VE ROBINSON ROB OBIN INSO SON N AO , A AUSTRALIAN USTR US TRAL ALIA IAN N AM AMBA AMBASSADOR BASS SSAD ADOR OR T TO O TH THE E PH PHIL PHILIPPINES ILIP IPPI PINE NES S

Q Steve Robinson AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines

WHEN I first visited the Philippines as a university student nearly 40 years ago I was struck by those things that greet most new visitors.

I saw the archipelago’s natural beauty, experienced the warmth of the Filipino people and felt the dynamic energy of the cities of Manila, Cebu and even Zamboanga.

It was enough to seize my attention, and I’ve since made several return visits to the country, though never long enough to get to know it deeply.

In fact, I spent many years working elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

But to best represent one’s country to a

KƌŝŐŝŶĂƟŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ŝĐŽŶŝĐ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ ^ŶŽǁLJ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ ŚLJĚƌŽ ƉŽǁĞƌ ƐĐŚĞŵĞ͕ ^D ;^ŶŽǁLJ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƟŽŶͿ ŚĂƐ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ƐŝŶĐĞ ϭϵϳϰ ĂŶĚ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ Ă ƉĞƌŵĂŶĞŶƚ ŽĸĐĞ ŝŶ DĂŶŝůĂ ŝŶ ϭϵϵϯ͘ ^D ͛Ɛ ĮƌƐƚ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ ŝĚ ĨƵŶĚĞĚ ĂŵďŽĂŶŐĂ ĚĞů ^Ƶƌ ĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ WƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝŶ DŝŶĚĂŶĂŽ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ĐŽŵƉƌŝƐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŚĂďŝůŝƚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƌŽĂĚƐ͕ ďƌŝĚŐĞƐ͕ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƐƵƉƉůLJ ĂŶĚ ǁĂƐƚĞǁĂƚĞƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘ ^ŝŶĐĞ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵĞŶĐĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ͕ ^D ŚĂƐ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ƚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ŽƵƌ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĂŶĚ ŐŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ďLJ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŶŐ ƚŽ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ƉƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

neighbor, there is no substitute for spending time on the ground.

So it is a great honor and a privilege to return here as Australia’s new Ambassador to the Philippines.

My positive early impressions as Ambassador take me back to my student years—some things don’t change.

However one thing that has matured over time is the strength of the relationship between our countries.

In diplomatic terms, we call it a ‘comprehensive partnership’.

That means we share common interests and views.

We are tackling regional and global challenges that are better resolved by working together.

And we are cultivating deeper links between our peoples, to the extent that over a quarter of a million Filipinos now call Australia home, thanks to long-term skilled migration.

We have much to be proud of as two countries with 70 years of official cooperation, forged in wartime, on top of unofficial ties that reach much further back into history.

As we look ahead, however, what is clear to me is that we can do more to build on the big opportunities in our trade and investment links.

We start on solid ground.

Australia is now the top destination for tertiary students from the Philippines who choose to study abroad.

Philippine investment in Australia is growing fast,

especially in agriculture and renewable energy, while Australian investment in this country is worth over A$9.7 billion.

The trade relationship is valued at around A$4.7 billion, yet that still puts the Philippines outside of Australia’s top 20 trade partners.

We can do more, which is why doing more business between our countries is a top priority.

I’m happy that many of my favorite Australian brands are available here, but I’d love to see more Australian fresh food and produce available to consumers in local supermarkets and grocery stores.

Australian firms have much to offer in this country’s building and construction boom, from sustainable materials and design, to managing complex projects.

The local mining sector is familiar with Australia’s expertise in the minerals sector.

Australia will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy to power rising demand.

There’s scope to deepen partnerships in the healthcare sector, an area where Filipino professionals are making their mark across the world.

I can name other sectors too but the bottom line is this: a growing Philippine economy will need more of the kinds of goods, services and investment that Australia is well-placed to provide.

I first came here as a traveller, and I’m delighted to return as Ambassador, because this time I mean business.

NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Projects - ĞƚĂŝůĞĚ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ ĞƐŝŐŶ E> y ^> y ŽŶŶĞĐƚŽƌ ZŽĂĚƐ͖ ŽŶĐĞƉƚ ĞƐŝŐŶ ĨŽƌ ^ƚĂ͘ DĞƐĂ ZĂŵƉƐ ĂŶĚ ZϭϬ ^ƉƵƌ͖ /ŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĂŶ ƐƐĞƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ^LJƐƚĞŵ͖ EĂƟŽŶĂů ZŽĂĚƐ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ WŚĂƐĞ //͖ ĂŶĚ E> y ʹ WĂǀĞŵĞŶƚ ŝƐƚƌĞƐƐ /ŶǀĞƐƟŐĂƟŽŶ ^ƚƵĚLJ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƌŽĂĚ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ǁŝůů ĞŶƐƵƌĞ Ă ĐŽŶƟŶƵŽƵƐ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ďLJ ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ Ă ƌĞůŝĂďůĞ ůŝŶŬ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƉƌŽǀŝŶĐĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ EŽƌƚŚ ĂŶĚ ^ŽƵƚŚ ŽĨ >ƵnjŽŶ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ůĞĂĚƐ ƚŽ ŵŽƌĞ ĐŚŽŝĐĞƐ ŝŶ ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚŵĞŶƚƐ͕ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ͕ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ƐŽĐŝĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘ Basic and Detailed Design for the Malolos Clark Railway Project and the North South Railway Project – South Line (Commuter); Basic and Detailed Design of Civil, Structural and Architectural Works for the North South Commuter Railway (38 kilometers), Manila dŚĞƐĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ǁŝůů ŽīĞƌ ĐŽŵŵƵƚĞƌƐ Ă ĨĂƐƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ ĐŽŵĨŽƌƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŵŵƵƟŶŐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĨƌŽŵ >ŽƐ ĂŹŽƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ^ŽƵƚŚ ŽĨ >ƵnjŽŶ ƚŽ ůĂƌŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ EŽƌƚŚ ^ŝĚĞ ŽĨ >ƵnjŽŶ͘ ZĂŝůǁĂLJ ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚ ŝƐ Ă ĐŚĞĂƉĞƌ ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚ ĂůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ĨĂƐƚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ŽĨ ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŽ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŚƵƐ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŶŐ ƚŽ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ͘ Waste to Energy (WTE) Technologies: Feasibility Study ʹ ^D ǁĂƐ ĞŶŐĂŐĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƵĚLJ ƚŽ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĞ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽƐƚ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞ ǁĂƐƚĞ ƚŽ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐŝĞƐ ĨŽƌ ϭϳϴ ůŽĐĂů ŐŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ƵŶŝƚƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ DĂŶŝůĂ ĂLJ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ ŽŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŝƐ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĞĚ͕ &ŝůŝƉŝŶŽƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽLJ Ă ĐůĞĂŶĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂůƚŚŝĞƌ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ Ɛƚ ƚŽƵƌŝƐŵ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ͘

Q Ambassador Steve Robinson AO presents his credentials and President Rodrigo Duterte reaffirms the broad and deep ties between Australia and the Philippines.

Renewable Energy Projects including the Colasi, Pantabangan and Masiway, Bubunawan 2 Run of River, Irisan and Puyo Hydropower projects ĞƐŝĚĞƐ ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ ƚŽ ƐĂƟƐĨLJ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ŶĞĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƉŽǁĞƌ Ăůů ƚŚĞƐĞ ƌĞŶĞǁĂďůĞ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞ ŽĨ ƌĞĚƵĐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶĐĞ ŽŶ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĞĚ ĨƵĞů ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ůŽǁĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉŽǁĞƌ ĐŽƐƚ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽƵŶƚƌLJ͘ ůƐŽ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ŶŽƚ ŽŶůLJ ŚĞůƉ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ďLJ ĐƌĞĂƟŶŐ ũŽďƐ ďƵƚ ĂůƐŽ ŚĞůƉ ŝŶ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŶŐ ŽƵƌ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ͘ Taguig Water Supply Project Phase 2 Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design ʹ tĂƚĞƌ ŝƐ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĞǀĞƌLJĚĂLJ ůŝǀĞƐ͕ ^D ǁĂƐ ĞŶŐĂŐĞĚ ďLJ Dt / ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ĂƐ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ϯϰ ŚŽƵƌ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƚŽ ĨŽƵƌ ďĂƌĂŶŐĂLJƐ ŽĨ dĂŐƵŝŐ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŚĞůƉƐ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŐŽŽĚ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĂŶĚ ǁŚĞŶ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĂƌĞ ŚĞĂůƚŚLJ ƚŚĞLJ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ŽŶ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ũŽďƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ Ɛƚ ŽƵƌ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ͘ džƉĂŶƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ŽŶŝĨĂĐŝŽ tĂƚĞƌ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƟŽŶ ^ĞǁĂŐĞ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ WůĂŶƚ ʹ &ĞĂƐŝďŝůŝƚLJ ^ƚƵĚLJ ĂŶĚ WƌĞůŝŵŝŶĂƌLJ Engineering ʹ ^D ǁĂƐ ĂƐŬĞĚ ƚŽ ĨŽƌŵƵůĂƚĞ ŶĞǁ ƉůĂŶƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƌǀĞ ĂƐ Ă ďůƵĞƉƌŝŶƚ ĨŽƌ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƌĞĂ͛Ɛ ƐĞǁĂŐĞ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ǁŽƵůĚ ĞǀĂůƵĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐƐŝďŝůŝƚLJ ŽĨ ƌĞͲƵƐŝŶŐ ŐƌĞLJ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĨƌŽŵ ƐĞǁĂŐĞ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ƉůĂŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŶŽŶͲƉŽƚĂďůĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ďLJ ƐĂǀŝŶŐ ŵŽŶĞLJ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞͲƵƐĞ ŽĨ ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĂůƐŽ ďLJ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ͘ ^D ůŽŽŬƐ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ďƵŝůĚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ƌĞůĂƟŽŶƐŚŝƉ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƚĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚĂů ǁĞůůďĞŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ͘

Q One of Australian Ambassador Robinson AO’s first meetings was with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin.

Australia now

I

N 2019, Australia is engaging and connecting youth audiences across Southeast Asia through Australia Now. A year-long series of events in the Asean countries including the Philippines will showcase the vitality, diversity and innovative capability of our youth and connect future leaders across the region.

The personal links lie at the heart of the modern AustraliaPhilippines relationship. The close bonds stem from having around a quarter of a million people, born in the Philippines, who have become part of Australia’s diverse society, through migration and work.

Australia is the country of choice for over 10,000 Filipinos who study at Australian universities. And there’s a growing number of Australian students who study and work in the Philippines through the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan.

Australia Now 2019, with its focus on youth, is an exciting opportunity to involve a new generation in the Australia—Philippines relationship.

The Philippines is a young nation, and with a median age of 24 and millennials making up a third of the population, Filipino youth describe themselves as confident, passionate and ambitious. They are focused on building their careers and following their

dreams. They are innovators but are also keen to involve themselves in projects that support a social cause.

The Australian Embassy has put together a program highlighting Australian creativity. It will showcase aspects o f Au s t r a l i a n c u l t u r e t h a t makes our society appealing to the next generation of Australians and Filipinos who will build on our close partnership.

Program highlights will include: visit by an Australian celebrity chef; a festival of Australian food, fashion and film; dialogue and debates about issues confronting youth in the digital age; and pocket exhibits illustrating the scope of Australian - Philippine collaboration in education, development, and the arts.

Join the Australia Now celebration throughout 2019! To get updates on the program follow @AusAmbPH on Twitter and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Special Feature

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

A

ANZ BANK ANZ Philippines is a world class international bank, helping institutional customers TO kND EFkCIENT AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS for managing and moving their goods and capital both within the Philippines and internationally.

Future Unlimited AUSTRALIA is one of the top preferred study destinations for Filipinos, with over 10,000 students coming to Australia for education every year.

Australia is a global education powerhouse with some of the world’s best facilities and educators, providing students with a choice of over 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions. Australian education has a distinct focus on meeting global industry needs, providing quality training and connecting skills with job outcomes. Australian universities have a proven track record globally, ranking consistently high for their quality of education, research and student satisfaction. Australian institutions continue to feature in the top 50 ranked universities IN THE WORLD ACROSS A RANGE OF STUDY kELDS

including Arts and Humanities, Clinical, Pre-clinical and health, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences.

In addition to strong academic credenTIALS !USTRALIA HAS kVE OF THE BEST CITIES in the world for students based on student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity.

Many of the international students who have studied in Australia have returned to their own countries, and elsewhere in the world, to become government ministers, business leaders, researchers, scientists, medical practitioners and community leaders. The Australian education system has produced scientists, designers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists and humanitarians who have changed the world and won prizes from Nobel to the Oscars.

More and more Filipinos are learning about Australian universities and other higher education choices, and about AusTRALIAN CAMPUS LIFE 4O kND OUT MORE AND to hear directly from students and alumni about their experiences and career outcomes head to the Study in Australia and Australia in the Philippines Facebook pages.

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Trade Ties

USTRALIA is a prime destination for tourism, education and training, and investment. As close neighbours in the region with similar open economies, the Philippines and Australia are natural trade partners.

4RADE AND INVESTMENT lOWS HAVE SIGNIkcantly increased since the Asean Australia NZ Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) came into force, including in the food and beverage, infrastructure and services sectors. A number of major Philippine conglomerates are also investing in Australia to secure their supply chains and access advanced products and technology.

With the Philippines embarking on an exciting digital transformation, Australia has partnered with government, industry and academia to share knowledge around cyberSECURITY kNTECH BLOCKCHAIN AND DIGITAL HEALTH There are more than 300 Australian companies in the Philippines directly employing over 40,000 Filipinos, significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth. A number of these global Australian companies are showing their support behind the Australia Day celebration this year, and are helping to make the event a success. These include ANZ Bank, Austal, Crone, GHD, Greenstone, IDP, Macquarie, Oceanagold, Qantas, QBE, Site Skills, Telstra, and TWPS.

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

AUSTAL Austal is a global shipbuilder, defence prime contractor and maritime technology partner of choice; designing, building and supporting high-speed commercial and military vessels for the world’s leading operators.

CRONE Crone established a presence in Manila in the late 90s, undertaking a number of major master planning projects. In the last 10 years Crone has designed numerous Premier Grade high rise towers in both Manila and Cebu.

GHD GHD has had a permanent presence in the Philippines since 1998 and operates in an extensive range of market sectors including water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings and transportation.

GREENSTONE GREENSTONE Resources Corporation (GRC) is a registered Philippine company

AND AN AFkLIATE OF 2ED ,IMITED A 7ESTERN Australia-based gold exploration company whose shares are traded in the Australian Stock Exchange. GRC has interest in the Siana Gold Project (MPSA No. 184-2002XIII) and the Mapawa Gold Project (MPSA No. 280-2009-XIII), both located in Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

IDP IDP is a global leader in international education services and co-owner of IELTS. In 50 years of experience in the industry, they’ve helped over 400,000 students study in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They also have a network of more than 100 international student placement centres in at least 32 countries.

MACQUARIE Macquarie Group Limited (Macquarie) is a diversified financial group providing clients with asset management and finance, banking, advisory and risk and capital solutions across debt, equity and commodities.

Founded in 1969, Macquarie employs 14,869 people in 27 countries. At 30 September 2018, Macquarie had assets under management of $A551.0 billion.

OCEANAGOLD

SITE SKILLS

Oceanagold is a multinational, mid-tier GOLD MINING COMPANY WITH SIGNIkCANT global operating development and exploration experience for over 27 years.

They are a strong operation with highquality assets in New Zealand, the United States of America and in the Philippines WITH THEIR lAGSHIP OPERATION LOCATED IN Didipio, 270km north of Manila.

Site Skills Training is part of Site Group International Limited, an ASX-listed company that delivers a range of Australian accredited and internationally recognised training programs tailored to the needs of the mining, oil and gas, engineering, and construction industries.

QANTAS

With current contracts at 34 sites with total more than 12,000 megawatts of generation, TWPS is a major independent operations and asset services provider to the power generation market in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. This operational depth gives TWPS the ability to leverage from multiple sites and deep technology knowledge, to provide the latest in innovation and best practice for its clients

Founded in regional Queensland in 1920-as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service-Qantas is one of Australia’s most iconic brands and has played a central role in the development of the Australian and International aviation industry. Today, the Qantas Group is a diverse global aviation business, comprising Qantas Domestic, Qantas International, the Jetstar low-cost carrier group and Qantas Loyalty.

QBE GROUP QBE Insurance Group is one of the world’s top 20 general insurance and reinsurance companies, with operations in all the key insurance markets. QBE is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and is headquartered in Sydney. They employ more than 12,000 people in 31 countries.

TWPS

TELSTRA Telstra is a leading telecommunications and information services company. They offer a full range of services and operate the largest mobile and Wi-Fi networks in Australia. Globally, Telstra provide’s end-to-end solutions including managed network services, global connectivity, cloud, voice, colocation, conferencing, and satellite solutions.

THE FILIPINO, LEADING GLOBAL INNOVATION. The future of container terminal operations is in Melbourne.

Victoria International Container Terminal One of the most innovative, sustainable, fully automated terminals in the world.

VICT is ICTSI’s first entry into Australia and the larger Oceania region – extending the Company’s portfolio of managed ports to 32 terminals in 19 countries.

AUSTRALIA

VICT

www.ictsi.com

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THURSDAY January 24, 2019

Green Industries

Sierra Madre, Cordillera need reforestation T

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGOÂ

UGUEGARAO CITY: In a move to address Cagayan River basin’s continued siltation, the provincial government of Cagayan has urged the public to take responsibility in bringing back the forest cover along Sierra Madre and the Cordillera mountain ranges.

Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba said that the heavily silted Cagayan River bed had also caused the recent flooding, particularly in low-lying areas because the river could no longer contain the excess water from the mountains every time there was a heavy downpour or typhoon. “We need to dredge the Cagayan River because it is already heavily silted. This way, we can address the PROBLEM OF lOODINGS IN #AGAYAN Valley (Region2) which affect greatly the lives, properties and economic activities of the people,�

Mamba said.

The Cagayan Valley comprises the island province of Batanes, Cagayan and Isabela, and the headwaters of the Cagayan River that are in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

Recently, the provincial government of Cagayan created a task force in collaboration with the Cagayan 6ALLEY OFkCES OF THE $EPARTMENT OF Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to take an action plan in protecting the environment and agricultural lands in the region.

“The task force will craft plans and programs on the protection, preservation and conservation of the Cagayan’s forest cover in coordination with other concerned government agencies in the Cordillera region,� Mamba added.

Impact of farming He said farmers and other sectors should to lessen or avoid the use of pesticides in their farms that cause the loosening of soil, particularly those along the riverbanks and in the upland areas.

Mamba added that huge areas in the region’s forest cover had been converted to agricultural areas. “We have noticed that more and more farmers have been converting forests into cornfields and vegetable areas. These practices have adverse impacts on the local environment, including land degradation, soil erosion, and INCREASED lOODING u HE SAID Mamba said they were also expecting the neighboring provinces of the Cordillera region for the reforestation of the mountain ranges.

The Cagayan River is the longest and largest river in the Philippines.

It is located in the Cagayan Valley Region in northeastern part of Luzon Island and traverses the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Isabela and Cagayan.

The river’s headwaters are at the Caraballo Mountains of Central Luzon at an elevation of approximately 1,524 meters. The river lOWS NORTH FOR SOME KILOMEters to its mouth at the Babuyan Channel near the town of Aparri in Cagayan Province.

The river drops rapidly to 91 meters above sea level some 227 kilometers from the river mouth. Its principal tributaries are the Chico, Siffu, Mallig, Magat and Ilagan rivers.

According to the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in the region, portions of the Cagayan river in the towns of Amulung, Alcala, Gattaran, Lallo and Camalaniugan, among others, are the most heavily silted.

Engineer Mario Ancheta, DENRMGB Cagayan Valley director, said a geo-hazard mapping and study was conducted by the bureau that recommended the dredging of the “heavily silted� Cagayan River “to avoid further erosions.�

He said the river’s siltation had BEEN PREVENTING THE lOW OF WATER WHEN THERE ARE lASHlOODS “There are islet formations in the middle of the river which usuALLY ALTER THE DIRECTION OF THE lOW of water, thereby, causing continuous erosions along the Cagayan

River banks,� Ancheta explained.

In the study, the MGB also recommended some measures to avoid any disorder during calamities, and advised communities and local ofkCIALS TO RELOCATE TO SAFER GROUNDS or establish a resilient evacuation centers during calamities.

The University of the Philippines has also conducted a bathymetric study in the lower Cagayan River and recommended to the provincial government the need to dredge the silted parts of the river.

Fernando Siringan, a marine geologist from the university, said they discovered constriction of channel from a sand bar growth THAT CAUSES SEVERE lOODING DURING the rainy seasons. g$REDGING WILL LESSEN lOODING problem and reduce river bank erosion. The geomorphic study of the Cagayan River also helps evaluate potential sites for the establishment of a port in the mouth of the river,� he explained.

Siringan said a large area of the lower part of the Cagayan River was prone to rapid geomorphic changes “which was why dredging is very necessary to remove siltation and TO EVENTUALLY HELP SOLVE lOODING IN some parts of the province.�

But dredging cannot be a longterm solution on the flooding problem and there is a need for LOCAL OFkCIALS TO ASSOCIATE SOME programs that can help prevent soil erosion, such as tree-planting in the uplands and mangrove planting along the seashores.

GREEN TRANSPORT INITIATIVE The Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, in partnership with the Manila Electric Co. and the city governments of Makati and Mandaluyong, launched a new developmental route under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) on Friday. Fifteen electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys) were initially deployed to ply the busy route from the Buendia MRT in Makati to Mandaluyong City Hall via Jupiter Street, and back. These e-jeepneys are euro 4-compliant, making them eco-friendly and emission-free, and are compliant with the PUVMP, featuring a side entrance, automated fare collection system, GPS tracking system and CCTV cameras.

PIA PHOTO

Fewer birds spotted in Cagayan wetlands RECENT bird monitoring of water birds in Palaui Island and Buguey wetlands in Cagayan Province revealed lower population compared to the previous year.

According to environmental group Haribon Foundation, one plausible reason for the decrease in population is the habitat change of birds in Buguey wetlands from the recent monocropping of mangroves in the area.

However, the number of bird species spotted this year increased compared to 2018. 27 species of birds were sighted in Buguey wetlands and 15 species were recorded in Palaui Island, among which were the vulnerable Chinese Egret and the near-threatened Northern Lapwing.

The bird monitoring activity was conducted as part of the annual Asian Waterbird Census held this month by the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesCommunity Environment and .ATURAL 2ESOURCES /FkCE $%.2 Cenro) Aparri, assisted by the Haribon Foundation. Led by Haribon

wildlife biologist David Quimpo, members of Haribon visited Buguey wetlands and Palaui Island in Cagayan Province to count water birds as part of a global monitoring program on water bird population. The census aims to record the changing trends of water bird count, monitor the status and condition of wetlands, and to generate interest on water birds and wetlands among the public.

Every year thousands of migra-

tory birds visit the Philippines. As the habitat up north freezes during the winter season, birds travel to warmer places such as the tropics to kND FOOD 4HE 0HILIPPINES IS PART OF the East Asian/Australiasian Flyway where various migratory bird species from China, Japan, Siberia and other countries take course during the months of September to April.

As these birds fly thousands of kilometers to cross countries, they

Q Members of Haribon Foundation conduct water bird census in the shoreline of Palaui island. HARIBON PHOTO

look for good places to rest and eat, including the wetlands.

Wetlands are frequented mostly by water birds or waders because it GIVES SUFkCIENT FOOD 7ATER BIRDS ARE mostly distinguished with their long legs that they use for wading in the water and their long beaks to pick UP kSH AND CRUSTACEANS #OMMON water bird species include egrets, herons, plovers and sandpipers.

Haribon Foundation urges the public to keep these wetlands in good condition as the survival of migratory birds depends on it.

To raise awareness in the locality, DENR-Cenro Aparri and Haribon also conducted a learning session in three schools in Buguey, wherein grade school students learned about migratory birds and the importance of conserving their habitats. This learning session is part of a series of information and education campaigns led by Cenro Aparri in preparation for the World Wetlands Day on February 2.

PRINCESS DEL CASTILLO

Lopez power firms join Carbon Clean 200 list THE two power firms of the Lopez Group of Companies made it to the Carbon Clean 200, the list of the top 200 largest and greenest companies worldwide.

In recent statement, First Gen Corp. clinched the 113rd spot with estimated clean energy revenues of $632 million in 2017, while Energy Development Corp.

(EDC) ranked 139th with estimated clean energy revenues of $494.72 million. “Being the only Philippine companies on the list is a strong recognition of our commitment to not invest in coal and to make RE (renewable energy) more

accessible to the Filipinos to help drive a low-carbon economy for the country,� First Gen and EDC chairman and Chief Executive Officer Federico Lopez said.

This is the first time for First Gen and third time for EDC to be included in the list compiled by non-profit organization As You Sow of the US and market research group Corporate Knights of Canada.

The two firms were the only Philippine companies that joined the prestigious list.

To qualify, an entity must have more than $1 billion in market capitalization and generate more than 10 percent of its

total revenues from clean energy sources.

In Carbon Clean 200, which is updated twice a year, greenest companies are chosen based on the size of their revenues from clean energy sources, which Bloomberg New Energy Finance rates.

It excludes all oil and gas companies and utilities that generate less than 50 percent of their power from renewable sources, as well as the world’s top 100 coal companies in terms of reserves.

The ranking also excludes those that generate profit from weapons manufacturing, tropical deforestation, the use

of child and/or forced labor, and those engaged in negative climate lobbying.

For this year, 33 countries were represented in the latest list: 52 from China, 34 from the US, and 19 from Japan.

First Gen is engaged in the business of power generation that has 3,490 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, while its subsidiary EDC is into exploring, developing, operating, and utilizing geothermal energy and other indigenous renewable energy sources for electricity generation with 1,471.8-MW installed capacity.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Environmental threats dominate global risks landscape ALL ABOUT E CHOICES

(First of two parts) NVIRONMENTAL threats dominate our global risks’ landscape, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2019.

Other risks include economic vulnerabilities, geopolitical tensions, societal and political strains, and technological instabilities.

Global risk, as defined by the report, “is an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, can cause SIGNIkCANT NEGATIVE IMPACT FOR SEVeral countries or industries within the next 10 years.�

These environmental threats inCLUDE EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS lOODS and storms, among others), failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation, major natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, among others), man-made environmental damage and disasters (oil spills and radioactive contamination, among others), and biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse.

For the third year in a row, these environmental threats dominate the report accounting for three of the TOP kVE RISKS BY LIKELIHOOD AND FOUR OF THE TOP kVE BY IMPACT %XTREME weather is again out on its own as a high-likelihood, high-impact event.

Extreme weather events The year 2018 was characterized with extreme heat, extreme cold, STORMS lOODS DROUGHTS AND WILDkRES g/F ALL RISKS IT IS IN RELATION TO the environment that the world is most clearly sleepwalking into catastrophe,� the report said. Even now, at 1 degree Celsius (C) of warming, the world’s climate is already entering dangerous territory. “Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0 C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8 C to 1.2 C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5 C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate,� reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in October 2018.

We have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe and make the drastic and unprecedented changes needed to prevent average global temperatures from rising beyond the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-C target.

According to the data from the Centre of Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters based in Brussels, Belgium, in 2018 so far approximately 5,000 people died and 28.9 million needed emergency assistance or humanitarian aid because of extreme weather.

Scientists say these types of events are becoming more frequent and intense as emissions rise and the planet heats up. “A warming Earth is continuing to send us new and more extreme weather events every year. The message of this science is that our civilization is increasingly out of sync with our changing climate,� Jeff Rosenfeld, editor in chief of Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, said during the release of the research report titled “Explaining Extreme Events in 2017 from a Climate Perspective� in December 2018. “Increasing levels of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are key drivers of climate change and ATMOSPHERIC CONCENTRATIONS RElECT a balance between emissions due to human activities and the net uptake by the biosphere and oceans,� according to The State of the Global Climate in 2018 by the World Meteorological Organization. Further, a consortium of researchers known as the Global #ARBON 0ROJECT kNDS THAT GLOBAL CARbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels are likely to have increased by about 2.7 percent in 2018, after a 1.6-percent increase in 2017. The rise comes after a three-year period in which emissions remained MOSTLY lAT ‡ PROVIDING HOPE TO SOME climate activists that global carbon emissions had reached their peak. The increases in 2017 and 2018 seem to suggest otherwise.

There seems to be some worry on environmental policy failure: having fallen in the rankings after Paris, “failure of climate-change mitigation and adaptation� jumped back to number two in terms of impact this year. And the most frequently cited risk interconnection was the pairing of “failure of climate-change mitiga-

LUDWIG O. FEDERIGAN tion and adaptation� and “extreme weather events.�

Ten of the most expensive climate-change driven weather events of 2018, according to the report “Counting The Cost: A Year of Climate Breakdown� published

by Christian Aid in December 2018, include hurricanes “Florence� and “Michael� in the United States; typhoon “Mangkhut� (“Ompong�) in the Philippines AND #HINA WILDkRES IN #ALIFORNIA droughts in Argentina, Australia, Europe and Cape Town, South !FRICA AND lOODS IN #HINA *APAN and Kerala, India. The executive summary concluded that “all of these disasters are linked with human-caused climate change. )N SOME CASES SCIENTIkC STUDIES have shown that climate change made the particular event more likely or stronger, for example with warmer oceans supercharging tropical storms. In other cases, the event was the result of shifts IN WEATHER PATTERNS ‡ LIKE HIGHER temperatures and reduced rainfall THAT MADE kRES MORE LIKELY ‡ THAT are themselves consequences of climate change.�

One of the strongest storms of recent years that hit the Philippines was typhoon Mangkhut that had gusts of up to 330 kilometer per hour and was the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane. The typhoon killed 127 people in the Philippines and destroyed 10,000 homes (MapAction, 2018) with an estimated damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the Philippines of about $644 million, according to the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

Storms like Mangkhut are made more destructive by climate change.

Warmer atmospheres and seas increase wind speeds and rainfall levels (World Weather Attribution, 2018). Oceans are becoming steadily hotter, with global ocean heat content in recent years regularly breaking records. Two weeks ago, A STUDY CONkRMED THAT THE OCEANS are warming 40 percent faster than many scientists had previously estimated. By measuring the oceans more directly, scientists again came to a now-familiar conclusion: “Yes, things really are as bad as we feared�

(Eric Holthaus, 2019). “Rising sea levels also mean that storm surges from tropical storms will cause increasing damage. Storms HITTING THE .ORTHWEST 0ACIkC HAVE increased in frequency and intensity over the last four decades, and storms in the region could increase in intensity by another 14 percent by the end of the century, with devastating impacts,â€? the Christian Aid report said. “The Global Risks Report demonstrates how high the stakes ARE ‡ MY HOPE IS THAT THIS YEAR S report will also help to build momentum behind the need to act,â€? said Børge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum. “It begins with a sweep of the global risks landscape and warns of the danger of sleepwalking into crises.

It goes on to consider a number of risks in depth: geopolitical and geo-economic disruptions, rising sea levels, emerging biological threats, and the increasing emotional and psychological strain that many people are experiencing,� he continued.

N N N The 14th Edition of The Global Risks Report is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) with the Marsh & McLennan Companies and Zurich Insurance Group as strategic partners; and the National University of Singapore; Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford; and the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center, University of Pennsylvania, as academic advisers.

The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland is currently ongoing until the Jan. 25, 2019.

World Putin, Abe talks fail to break island impasse M ˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

OSCOW: The leaders of Russia and Japan fell short of agreement on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) over a disputed island chain that has long prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty to formally end World War 2.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo !BE S VISIT TO -OSCOW MARKED THE TH TIME HE AND 2USSIAN President Vladimir Putin have met SINCE A RElECTION OF THEIR EFFORTS TO BUILD COOPERATION DESPITE the territorial disagreement.

The Soviet army seized the four +URIL ISLANDS BETWEEN THE 3EA OF /KHOTSK AND THE 0ACIkC /CEAN IN

the last days of World War 2.

4OKYO S REFUSAL TO RECOGNISE -OSCOW S SOVEREIGNTY THERE HAS BEEN A BARRIER TO PEACE FOR MORE than seven decades.

Putin told journalists following the talks that there remained “detailed work� ahead for the TWO PARTIES BEFORE ANY AGREEMENT BUT HAILED THE SUMMIT AS

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

gUSEFUL AND SUBSTANTIAL u (E CONkRMED -OSCOW WAS STILL INTERESTED IN BUILDING THE NEGOTIATING PROCESS ON A 3OVIET *APAnese declaration “which stipulates kRST AND FOREMOST THE SIGNING OF A peace accord,� Putin said.

The declaration mooted giving Japan two of the smaller islands after a peace deal, which fell through DUE TO 4OKYO S CLAIM OVER ALL FOUR and its eventual military alliance with Washington. !BE SAID AT THE JOINT BRIEFING that the leaders “discussed the peace agreement without hiding anything from one another� and “agreed to continue energetic

work,� in comments translated from Japanese.

The two leaders held a “tete-atete MEETING FOR ABOUT MINutes,� Takeshi Osuga, the Japanese FOREIGN MINISTRY S PRESS SECRETARY

TOLD A BRIEkNG IN -OSCOW FOLLOWing the talks.

Earlier this month Moscow reSPONDED FURIOUSLY TO A .EW 9EAR S MESSAGE FROM !BE IN WHICH THE Japanese premier said Russians LIVING ON THE ISLANDS SHOULD BE helped to accept that the “sovereignty of their homes will change.�

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tokyo needed to recOGNIZE 2USSIA S SOVEREIGNTY OVER

the Kurils. “Why is Japan the only country in the world that cannot accept the results of World War II in their entirety?� he asked.

Moscow has also lamented *APAN S HESITATING TO INVEST IN Russian projects, including on the Kuril islands themselves.

On Tuesday, Putin said that no “qualitative shift� had happened in the realm of economic coopERATION HOPING THAT BILATERAL TRADE WOULD GROW TO BILLION FROM ABOUT BILLION IN His spokesman Dmitry Peskov INDICATED THAT -OSCOW WOULD BE keen to see some investment to get

B7

the peace talks rolling. “Trade and ECONOMIC TIES MUST BE DEVELOPED

and that will allow other issues to BE RESOLVED u !BE S -OSCOW VISIT IS THE kRST leg of a trip to Europe, which will also include a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

Recent reports have indicated that !BE MAY BE LEANING TOWARD A FRAMEwork that would see Japan claiming two of the smaller islands, Shikotan AND (ABOMAI WHICH ARE ACTUALLY A GROUP OF UNINHABITED ISLETS But it is not clear whether the +REMLIN WILL BE WILLING TO TRANSFER sovereignty over any territory. AFP

Maduro thinks US behind coup plot CARACAS: 6ENEZUELA S 0RESIDENT .ICOLAS Maduro on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) accused Washington of ordering a coup against his government and called for a “total revision� of ties with the United States.

4HE LATEST CLAIMS BY #ARACAS OF A US coup PLOT CAME THE DAY BEFORE A MASS STREET PROTEST ANNOUNCED BY the opposition, and one day after A MUTINY BY SOME SOLDIERS -ADURO WAS SPECIkCALLY REACTING TO COMMENTS BY 53 6ICE 0RESIDENT Mike Pence, who posted a video on 4WITTER BRANDING -ADURO gA DICTATOR with no legitimate claim to power.�

2EFERRING TO 7EDNESDAY S planned opposition rally, Pence added: “As the good people of Venezuela make your voices heard TOMORROW ON BEHALF OF THE !MERIcan people, we say: estamos con ustedes. We are with you.�

Maduro responded during a RADIO AND 46 BROADCAST THAT gWHAT the government of the United States did through Vice President Mike Pence, was to give orders to carry out a coup from the fascist state... which is unparalleled in THE HISTORY OF RELATIONS BETWEEN the United States and Venezuela in 200 years.�

He ordered Foreign Minister *ORGE !RREAZA TO BEGIN gA TOTAL REvision of relations� with Washington, which has already sanctioned TOP 6ENEZUELAN REGIME kGURES 7ITH -ADURO S GOVERNMENT OMINOUSLY PREDICTING THERE WOULD BE violence against opposition protestERS 53 3ENATOR -ARCO 2UBIO WARNED 6ENEZUELA S INTELLIGENCE SERVICE TO “reconsider the plan they have for TOMORROW BEFORE IT S TOO LATE u g9OU ARE ABOUT TO CROSS A LINE ;AND= TRIGGER A RESPONSE THAT BElieve me you are not prepared to FACE u THE &LORIDA 2EPUBLICAN SAID on Twitter.

2UBIO URGED PRAYERS FOR gTHE thousands of Venezuelans who WILL FACE DANGER DIFkCULTY IN THE hours ahead. May God give them strength. And may he change the hearts of military leaders so that they protect not repress their fellow countrymen.�

4HE 6ENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT S RHETORIC INTENSIkED THE DAY AFTER A group of soldiers rose up against Maduro at a command post in the NORTH OF #ARACAS 4HEY PUBLISHED a video on social media calling FOR THE PUBLIC TO COME OUT AND support them.

AFP

Thai king decrees first election since coup BANGKOK:Â 4HAILAND S KING HAD ISSUED A ROYAL DECREE ENDORSING THE kRST GENERAL election since a 2014 coup, the palace said Wednesday, with the date of the LONG DELAYED POLL EXPECTED TO BE ANnounced imminently.

4HE DECREE PUBLISHED IN THE Royal Gazette, called for a general gELECTION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENTu AND GIVES THE KINGDOM S %LECTION #OMMISSION kVE DAYS TO announce when it would hold the much-anticipated poll.

4HE ELECTION WILL BE THE kRST SINCE the junta toppled the administration OF 9INGLUCK 3HINAWATRA NEARLY kVE years ago, rewriting the constitution, muzzling dissent and appointing key MILITARY ALLIES ACROSS THE BUREAUCRACY The junta had said polls would BE HELD NO LATER THAN THE END OF &EBRUARY BUT THE LATE SIGNING BY YEAR OLD +ING -AHA 6AJIRALONGkorn might mean elections are put BACK FOR SEVERAL WEEKS The decree means campaigning CAN OFkCIALLY START ALTHOUGH AN array of new parties — including some aligned to the military, oth-

ers to the still powerful Shinawatra CLAN ‡ HAVE ALREADY BEGUN MEETings and recruitment.

Analysts say the military is positioning itself for a return to government through its proxy party with junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha angling for a role as civilian leader after the election.

The army-linked Phalang Pracharat PARTY LED BY MEMBERS OF THE JUNTA S CABINET HELD A RECRUITING DRIVE IN THE TRADITIONAL RURAL BASE OF 9INGLUCK AND HER BROTHER 4HAKSIN WHO WAS TOPPLED

BY AN EARLIER COUP IN 1UESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT WHETHER 0HEU 4HAI THE 3HINAWATRAS main party, still draws the loyalty OF ITS VOTE BANKS IN THE POOR RURAL north and northeast without the STAR POWER OF ITS BROTHER SISTER DUO Both remain in self-exile to avoid convictions they say were politically motivated.

Thaksin has launched a weekly podcast sharing his views on Thai society and economy, while YinGLUCK HAS EMBARKED ON SEVERAL rounds of photo ops.

AFP

FARE HIKE PROTEST Demonstrators march against a bus fare increase in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). The protest was organized by the Free Fare Movement, after bus fares raised from 4 to 4.20 Reals, or about $1.15. AP PHOTO

China vows $6-M aid to Cambodia LA teachers BEIJING: China had promised four BILLION YUAN MILLION IN AID TO #AMBODIA THE 3OUTHEAST !SIAN COUNTRY S 0RIME -INISTER (UN 3EN said Tuesday on a visit to Beijing.

Meanwhile, the Japanese govERNMENT IS PROVIDING MILLION TO #AMBODIA THROUGH 5NICEF TO implement a three-year project to end all forms of violence against children, with the expectation that MORE THAN ONE MILLION VULNERABLE #AMBODIAN CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE BETTER PROTECTION 4HE LARGEST INVESTOR IN #AMBODIA #HINA HAS PUMPED BILLIONS of yuan into the economy and HAS WRITTEN OFF DEBT WHILE SWEEPing aside questions over Phnom 0ENH S ABYSMAL RIGHTS RECORD 4HE FOUR BILLION YUAN GRANT would run from 2019 to 2021, Hun 3EN SAID IN A POST ON HIS OFkCIAL &ACEBOOK PAGE ACCOMPANIED BY pictures of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping from the DAY BEFORE Xi had also pledged to import 400,000 tonnes of rice from CamBODIA THIS YEAR INCREASE BILATERAL TRADE TO BILLION BY AND encourage more Chinese invest-

ment into the country, the prime MINISTER S POST SAID The pledge comes just days after the European Union resumed tarIFFS ON RICE IMPORTS FROM #AMBODIA FOLLOWING INTENSIVE LOBBYING BY )TALY WHO SAID CHEAP IMPORTS were damaging its farmers. “I am grateful to China for its long-standing support and valuABLE HELP TO #AMBODIA AND FOR #HINA S FRIENDSHIP ESPECIALLY with the royal family,� Hun Sen said at the meeting, according to THE OFkCIAL 8INHUA NEWS AGENCY Hun Sen was welcomed at the ORNATE 'REAT (ALL OF 4HE 0EOPLE BY Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday as part of his three-day visit.

After closed-door talks, the two men witnessed the signing of six agreements, including for increased COOPERATION ON "EIJING S "ELT AND Road infrastructure initiative. “The major points of our discussions are in the political, economic and security spheres,� head of the #HINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY S !SIA DEpartment Wu Jianghao told reporters.

"ILATERAL TRADE REACHED BILLION FROM *ANUARY TO !UGUST

UP PERCENT YEAR ON YEAR

Worldinbriefs SKOREAN PROSECUTOR JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE SEOUL: A former senior South Korean prosecutor was convicted of abuse of power and jailed for two years Wednesday, in connection with a high-profile case that triggered the country’s #MeToo movement. Ahn Tae-geun was accused of repeatedly groping a female junior colleague at the funeral of another co-worker’s father. After Seo Ji-hyun filed a formal complaint, he had her transferred to a provincial position and her career went nowhere. She suffered in silence for years until she went public with a tearful live television interview last January, detailing her experiences. The interview was a rarity in a still conservative society where female victims of sexual assault are often reluctant to come forward due to fears of shaming. But it triggered a flood of similar accusations against powerful men in fields ranging from art and literature to politics and religion that grew into a South Korean #MeToo movement.

AFP

US HIGH COURT ALLOWS MILITARY TRANSGENDER RESTRICTIONS

ROBOT GUARDS Versions of Sony’s puppy-sized robot dog ‘Aibo,’ including a 2019 limited special color model (left), are displayed during a press conference at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2019. Sony will offer a ‘policing’ service by its puppysize robot dog to make sure family members are safe at home while you are away. AFP PHOTO

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration can go ahead with its plan to restrict military service by transgender men and women, while court challenges continue, the Supreme Court said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). The high court split 5-4 in allowing the plan to take effect, with the court’s five conservatives greenlighting it and its four liberal members saying they would not have. The order from the court was brief and procedural, with no elaboration from the justices. The court’s decision clears the way for the Pentagon to bar enlistment by people who have undergone a gender transition. It will also allow the administration to require that military personnel serve as members of their biological gender unless they began a gender transition under less restrictive Obama administration rules. The Trump administra-

#HINA S -INISTRY OF #OMMERCE SAID IN .OVEMBER (UN 3EN S VISIT COMES AMID speculation Beijing is seeking SUPPORT TO BUILD A NAVAL BASE OFF THE #AMBODIAN COAST CLAIMS THE premier has vehemently denied.

Three Chinese warships stopped at Sihanoukville port earlier this month for a four-day visit, CamBODIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY SPOKESman Chhum Socheat told AFP. “The issue of national defence is sensitive,� said Shi Yinhong, a RESEARCHER AT 2ENMIN 5NIVERSITY S School of International Relations. “If the relationship is too deep, it may complicate the relationSHIP BETWEEN #HINA AND SOME OF #AMBODIA S NEIGHBOURS u HE SAID

adding that Beijing has chosen to BE CAUTIOUS China has had a long and volatile history with its Southeast Asian NEIGHBOR !FTER BACKING THE +HMER Rouge, it fell out of favour when the Pol Pot regime was deposed.

4IES HAVE BEEN REVIVED IN THE past decade under the government of Hun Sen, who marked 34 years in power just over a week ago.

AFP WITH KHMER TIMES

okay deal, end strike LOS ANGELES: Teachers overwhelmingly approved a new contract Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) and planned to return to the classroom after a six-day strike over funding AND STAFkNG IN THE NATION S SECOND largest school district. !LTHOUGH ALL VOTES HADN T BEEN counted, preliminary figures showed that a “vast supermajority� of some 30,000 educators voted in favor of the tentative deal, “therefore ending the strike AND HEADING BACK TO SCHOOLS tomorrow,� said Alex CaputoPearl, president of United Teachers Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric 'ARCETTI ACCOMPANIED BY LEADers of the union and the Los Angeles Unified School District, announced the agreement at City Hall a few hours after A HOUR BARGAINING SESSION ENDED BEFOR E DAWN “This is a good agreement. It is a historic agreement,� Garcetti said. AP

tion has sought for more than a year to change the Obama-era rules and had urged the justices to take up cases about its transgender troop policy immediately, but the court declined for now.

AP

PELOSI PUSHES IMPROVED OBAMACARE WASHINGTON, D.C.: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is laying out her strategy on health care and first up is improvements to “Obamacare� and legislation to lower prescription drug costs. “Medicare for all� will get hearings. Pelosi and President Donald Trump have been sounding similar themes about the need to address the high drug costs. But her plans to broaden financial help for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act are unlikely to find takers among Republicans. Pushing her agenda, Pelosi is working from the ground up through major House committees. Her relationships with powerful chairmen and subcommittee chairs stretch back years.

She’s “playing chess on three boards at once,� said Jim McDermott, a former Democratic congressman from Washington State, who predicts Pelosi’s most difficult challenge will be “herding new members� impatient for sweeping changes.

AP

GENE EDITOR FACES ‘SERIOUS PUNISHMENT’ THE university where Chinese scientist He Jiankui worked has terminated his contract, while a Chinese expert called for a thorough investigation into the university and institutes involved in the controversial gene-edited babies case. Southern University of Science and Technology (SUST), where He had worked, announced on Monday that they had ended all his teaching and scientific activities at the university. However, Qiu Zongqi, the first Chinese laureate for the Avicenna Prize for Ethics in Science, told the Global Times on Tuesday that He’s employer, SUST, should also be liable for failing to properly supervise.

Qiu said that investigators should also dig deep into He’s team and relevant institutes. He, who created the world’s first genetically edited babies last year, and people involved in his experiment will face serious punishment.

GLOBAL TIMES

TTHURSDAY H U RSDAY JANUARY 24, 20199

Public Square

B8 Public Square appears on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

For contributions, email to publicsquare@manilatimes.net

publicsquare@manilatimes.net

Global leaders to be honored at the 71st George Washington Charity Ball T

HE American Association of the Philippines (AAP), the oldest American organization in the Philippines, will celebrate the 71st George Washington Charity Ball event at The Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La, in Makati City, on Feb. 16.

The organization will also acknowledge leaders who are making a difference not just here in the Philippines but globally.

The ball will feature performers such as Arnel Pineda of the American band “The Journey.� Organizers are expecting 500 attendees with different leaders to grace the event with the usual attendance of the representatives from different embassies.

Last year, AAP had the first Filipina CEO, Sheila Lirio Marcelo, who made it at New York Stock Exchange came.

According to Loida Nicolas Lewis from her recent publication, “Sheila Lirio Marcelo is one of only 3 percent women CEOs in public traded companies. Five years ago, on January 24, 2014, the company Care. com she founded in 2006 was listed in the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker symbol CRCM. Care. com—headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts—is the world’s larg-

Q During a meeting, seated, from left: Rick SobreviĂąas, chairman; Irene Donahue SobreviĂąas, trustee; Grace Bondad Nicolas, trustee; standing: Jeff Gaines, trustee; Bob Thorssen, trustee; and Larry Dimagiba, corporate secretary. est online destination for finding and managing family care, serving more than 27 million people across 20 countries. As Care.com has grown and scaled, Sheila has been honored with numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Top 10 Women Entrepreneursâ€? by Fortune Magazine. In 2014, she was the youngest recipient of the Harvard Business

School Alumni Achievement Award.�

According to Grace Bondad Nicolas, one of the Board of Trustees, “Acknowledging these Leaders is also our one way to inspire others. These global leaders set an example and continuing to do more in-spite of being successful which in return helping not just its organization, not just a nation but reaching others worldwide. We

need to emulate their work ethics and will to help others.�

The Association was born in the Philippines in 1949. AAP is also the Owner-in-Trust of the American Historical Collection, approximately 60,000 volumes about the American colonial Period and Post-war events that used to be housed in the US Embassy.

COPC invites Andanar as honorary guest in Dapitan City meeting SECRETARY Ruperto Martin Andanar graced the convergence of THE OFkCERS OF THE #AGAYAN DE /RO Press Club at the Yugo Restaurant, Villa Angelina Luxury Suites in Dapitan City on Jan. 12.

Those who were also in attendance were former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, former Congressman Cesar Jalosjos, Congressman Bullet Jalosjos, former Governor Rolando Yebes, former Mayor Francis Olvis and City 4OURISM /FkCER !PPLE -ARIE !GOLONG 4HE OFkCERS OF THE #/0# WHICH is composed of radio station managers, print media writers, television reporters and radio reporters, felt that it is now high time to familiarize themselves with Dapitan City as the place of exile of national hero, Jose Rizal, the entrance to Mindanao via

Q During the meeting, from left: Undersecretary Jimeno, former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, City Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong, Secretary Martin Andanar and COPC President Ruffy Magbanua.

Nautical Highway, a Historical and with while on vacation.

Garcia Jalosjos, is inviting everybody to Heritage City, an Eco Tourism Haven Meanwhile, to welcome the New join in the Motor/Car/Truck Show on and a place where every member of Year, the local government unit of the Jan. 26, DASH 2.0 Obstacle Race the family have something to be busy Dapitan City, through Mayor Rosalina on Jan. 27 and Urban Race on Feb. 4.

of foundational workplace competencies based o the 21st century skills framework,� said Anastacio.

The program proposal is in line with ACT WRC framework being implemented in selected states in the US. Simmy Ziv-El, vice president, Global Business Development, Act, Inc., Iowa City, represented the ACT, Inc. during the launch of the tie-up dubbed “Partnership for Workforce Readiness� held at Luxent Hotel in Timog, Quezon City recently. “ACT Workeys Curriculum helps people build the essential skills employers demand in today’s competitive business

Q During the contract signing, from left: Gina Jusay, managing director and career coach at SFI Career Center; Luis “Lloyd�Anastacio 2nd, president and CEO of the SFI Group; Simmy Ziv-el, Global Business Development of ACT, Inc. vice president; and Pawan Adhikari, regional business development director for Asia of ACT, Inc. environment,� said Ziv-El. The effectiveness of ACT KeyTrain, an interactive online training system, has been proven when the the provincial government of Bataan

in coordination with SFI and ACT launched the study in 2014. The online training system aims to help students improve their work readiness and skills levels.

Hi-Precision Diagnostics opens third branch in Mindanao Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD), one of the country’s leading medical laboratories, recently opened a branch in Davao City, its third in Mindanao, following Cagayan de Oro and Butuan City.

4HE )3/ CERTIkED MEDICAL DIAGNOStic facility and Trusted Brands awardee continues to be a pioneer in the industry by acquiring technologicallyadvanced machines and software to

uphold the quality of its tests to be at par with international standards.

Keeping its clients’ convenience in mind, HPD patients can go online at https://www.hi-precision.com.ph/ to check and monitor the comparative results of their blood tests.

Hi-Precision Diagnostics Davao is located at GF Bormaheco Bldg.

209 JP Laurel Ave. Bajada, Brgy. 19-B Poblacion, Davao City, Davao del Sur.

Q Davao team led by Mark Arquiza (at center with glasses)

Muntinlupa becomes debt-free in 2019 THE Muntinlupa City Government OFkCIALLY BECOMES A DEBT FREE LOCAL government unit for 2019 as it fully settles a P2-B loan contract from the Development Bank of the Philippines and LandBank of the Philippines.

A total of P 1,012,034,593.00 in loans plus P 175,188,499.72 in interest was incurred during the administration before Mayor Jaime Fresnedi which was set to be paid by the local

Q2 HR Solutions, a fully integrated human resource solutions company, recently appointed Sarah McLeod as its new managing director.

Working in Q2 for the past 10 years, McLeod has been a key part of the evolution of the company from a six-man staff to having over 100 while expanding its services to start-ups and growing companies in the Philippines.

Q2 chairperson Trixie Whyte explained the appointment of McLeod as a key part of their commitment towards growing their Philippine operations and overseas expansion plans. “She has a wealth of experience building client partnerships, achieving goals, and leading successful teams. Sarah recently REACHED A SIGNIkCANT MILESTONE

celebrating her 10th year in the company, joining in December of 2008 as Q2’s Executive VicePresident,� Whyte said.

Known in the Philippine business community as a networking virtuoso, McLeod has more than 26 years of sales and client management experience in Europe and Asia.

Outside of Q2, McLeod is

also currently the chairperson of the Asian Students Christian Foundation and president of Springboard Foundation.

She has also served twice in the board of the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, twice served as president of the British Women’s Association, and a trustee at the Philippine Business Leaders Forum.

Q2 started operations in 2000 and quickly became an HR company that provides holistic solutions to companies in the country. It is THE kRST 0HILIPPINE COMPANY TO REceive Gold and Platinum accreditations from the United Kingdom based Investors in People (IiP).

City of Dreams Manila welcomes Year of the Earth Pig

Partnership to boost work readiness in PH launched THE Servicio Filipino, Inc. (SFI) has signed a partnership with ACT, Inc. which will help address the assessment needs of the Filipino labor force in terms of building the human capital in line with the current skills.

Luis “Lloyd� Alberto Anastacio 2nd, SFI Group of Companies president and CEO, said the partnership will use ACT System as a tool for the upgrading the skills of students and trainees entering the work force. “We will implement the full-scale Work Ready Communities (WRC) framework in the Philippines. The main purpose of the study was to examine key strengths and weakness of the workforce in terms of their level

Q2 HR Solutions appoints new managing director

government until September 2021.

Other unpaid obligations to complete the 2B debts are garbage services, gasoline suppliers and terminal fees.

As of January 2019 , Muntinlupa LGU has been cleared of all loans as CERTIkED BY THE SAID LENDING BANKS Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines.

Muntinlupa Public Information

Officer Tez Navarro noted that Mayor Fresnedi has set aside funds annually for the debts and ensured THE EFkCIENT UTILIZATION OF FUNDS TO settle all balances. She added that the initiative was facilitated while not suffering the quality of delivery of public service.

Navarro said that the local government started to settle all the loans from 2013 until its

completion on 2019 which was two years ahead of the original loan payment in Sept 2021.

Despite limitations brought by the outstanding balances incurred from the previous administration, the Muntinlupa City Government under the leadership of Mayor Jaime Fresnedi strived to deliver more inclusive and expansive services to the constituents.

CITY of Dreams Manila ushers in the bountiful Year of the Earth Pig with menu specialties from Crystal Dragon and Red Ginger restaurant; and auspicious line up of activities in front of CafĂŠ Society at The Shops at the Boulevard.

From Jan. 25 to Feb. 19, Crystal Dragon is offering specialty menus available for lunch at 12:00 p.m.

To 3:00 p.m. and dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The premium Chinese restaurant highlights symbolic and premium renditions of the traditional “Yu Sheng� salad with a fruity twist, the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng with Fruit Salad, and the Shredded Roasted Duck with Fresh Fruit Salad. “Yu Sheng� salad or “Lo Hei� is said to have been originated from a Cantonese phrase which means “tossing up good fortune.� A traditional Chinese New Year ceremony from Singapore, Malaysia and China, “Yu Sheng� customARILY USES RAW kSH TO SYMBOLIZE abundance. Crystal Dragon’s Yu Sheng salad with abalone symbolizes good fortune and the one WITH DUCK SIGNIkES FERTILITY MIXED with brightly-colored fruits that denote wealth, youth, happiness and long life. To bring in good luck, a ceremonial prosperity toss is usually held, where everyone gathers before the table, use their chopsticks to mix the ingredients, and toss it as say “Lo Hei!� as well as their well wishes.

Crystal Dragon also showcases Poon Choi menu which consists of Stewed Abalone Poon Choi Cantonese Style and Stewed Tiger Prawn Poon Choi Cantonese Style. “Poon Choi� in Cantonese

is known as “basin dish,� and was historically served to emperORS IN ANCIENT #HINA )T SIGNIkES PROSPERITY AND AFlUENCE AND IS composed of a generous assortment of premium ingredients.

Flavors of the Lunar New Year can likewise be savored at Red Ginger for the whole month of February, which puts into spotlight its Lunar Festive Menu.

Meanwhile, activities that bring good fortune and delight are lined up from Feb. 8 to 10 at the activity area in front of CafĂŠ 3OCIETY UPPER GROUND lOOR 4HE Shops at the Boulevard.

Dedicated fortune tellers are present every 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to help guests chart their destiny and find out what is in store for 2019; while the God of Fortune mascot is making appearances every 2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to give out fortune tokens to lucky patrons.

For the guests’ entertainment, cultural dancers are staging Chinese cultural performances at 4:20 p.m. and 6:25 p.m.

For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

QC to establish multi-purpose hall in Sto Domingo RESIDENTS of Quezon City’s Barangay Sto. Domingo shall soon enjoy a new multi-purpose hall for various activities.

Mayor Herbert Bautista recently approved a new Quezon City Council resolution authorizing the city government to construct a multi-purpose building in the said barangay.

City Resolution 7629-2018, introduced by Councilor Anthony Peter Crisologo, states that two

properties in the said barangay, whose total area is 1,312.40 square meters, will be utilized to establish a multi-purpose hall. “Barangay Santo Domingo is in need of a multi-purpose building to fully operate and discharge its mandated functions,� the resolution reads.

Once built, the multi-purpose hall will be used as venue for community activities and temporary shelter during emergencies.

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TTHURSDAY JJANUARY 24, 2019

www.manilatimes.net

Westbrook triples as Thunder edge Portland

Q Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George (No. 13) shoots in front of Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (No. 4) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

AP PHOTO

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OS ANGELES: Russell Westbrook bagged his 14th triple double of the season as the Oklahoma City Thunder overpowered Western Conference rivals the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

Westbrook finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists — to reach double digits in three key statistical categories — while teammate Paul George led the scoring with 36 points in a 123-114 victory at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The win saw the Thunder improve to 29-18, tightening their grip on third place in the West ahead of fourth-placed Portland, who slipped to 29-20 with the defeat.

While Westbrook and George led the Thunder’s scoring, they received

support throughout the lineup, with every starter posting double-digits.

New Zealand’s Steven Adams and shooting guard Terrance Ferguson had 14 points apiece while Jerami Grant had 11 points.

Dennis Schroder added 13 off the bench in his 22 minutes on court. “It’s very important to get everyone involved,� Westbrook said. “We’ve got so many guys in this team that are talented. We try to get everyone involved and into the game.�

The burden of Portland’s scor-

ing was once again shouldered

by Damian Lillard, who had 34 points. C.J. McCollum added 31 points while Bosnian international Jusuf Nurkic added 22 points.

In the Eastern Conference on Tuesday, Toronto bagged their 36th win of the season with a 120105 defeat of the Sacramento Kings at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena despite resting star Kawhi Leonard.

The Kings, who fell to 24-24 after the loss, jolted the home crowd after TAKING A kRST QUARTER LEAD

But the Raptors clicked into gear in the second quarter to build a four-point lead at half-time which held onto after the interval.

Point guard Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet had 19 points each, while teammate Pascal Siakam once again impressed with 18 points.

Center Serge Ibaka again had a monster night, snagging 10 rebounds while chipping in with 15 points.

Toronto ace Leonard, meanwhile, is expected to be rested once again when the Raptors face

the Pacers in Indianapolis before coming back to the starting lineup for Friday’s test against Houston. “It was just a chance to get him some extended rest. We’re sitting him out this back-to-back and HE S DEkNITELY GONNA PLAY &RIDAY in Houston,� Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said of Leonard.

Nurse was happy with the performance of Lowry, who dictated the Raptors tempo while also providing nine assists. “I think he looked a little bit

ROCKETS OFFLOAD ANTHONY TO BULLS – REPORTS LOS ANGELES: The Houston Rockets have agreed to offload Carmelo Anthony to the Chicago Bulls in order to ease the franchise’s luxury tax bill, reports said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

The Chicago Tribune reported that the Bulls would receive $1 million in cash for Anthony, who fills an open roster spot with the franchise.

The paper reported that Anthony will be waived by the Bulls before the February 7

trade deadline and is not expected to suit up for his new team.

The Rockets confirmed in November that Anthony was no longer in their plans after he played just 10 games for the Western Conference side. “Carmelo had a tremendous approach during his time with the Rockets and accepted every role head coach Mike D’Antoni gave him,� general manager Daryl Morey said in a

How many more years for Pacquiao?

(First of two parts)

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ANNY PACQUIAO’S decision win over Adrien Broner over the weekend, defending successfully his World Boxing Association world welterweight (147 pounds) champion, has many boxing fans believing he still has some good fighting years ahead.

But how many years more?

T h i s t wo - p a r t s e r i e s will discuss possibly how many years Pacquiao still has in the fight game, and what does his decision win over Broner has revealed.

Although there was much rejoicing over Pacquiao’s unanimous decision win over Broner, what I saw in the fight is the Pacquiao who is no longer the elite fighter we saw five to 12 years ago.

Five to six years ago, Pacquiao still had some crunch in his punches as shown in his fights against Chris Algieri, Timothy Bradley and Brandon Rios. He even knocked down Algieri and Bradley.

About ten to 12 years ago, Pacquiao stopped or knocked out the likes of Oscar Dela Hoya, David Diaz, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

And the Pacquiao who knocked out Lucas Matthysse in July last year was not the Pacquiao who mowed down De La Hoya, Diaz, Hatton and Cotto.

But you have to give credit to Pacquiao for putting Broner on the defensive for much of their fight over the weekend.

And it only proved what skeptics have thought about Broner – that Broner was not one of the top dogs in the welterweight and junior welterweight (140 pounds) divisions whose names go by Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Terrence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and Mikey Garcia. Porter and Mikey Garcia are among the few fighters who have beaten Broner.

Broner just won’t let his hands go or mix it up with Pacquiao, and maybe he showed too much respect for the Fili-

pino’s punching power.

So who is the most logical opponent for Pacquiao outside of the group if it is dangerous for him to take on any of the top dogs I just mentioned?

Floyd Mayweather Jr? Given that Mayweather and Pacquiao are already in their 40s, the Filipino taking on the American for a second time looks more logical.

So who wins Mayweather-Pacquiao 2?

Win or lose against Mayweather, how many fighting years does Pacquiao still have?

Very few fighters have managed to fight past 40 years old or even up to 50 years old, with Archie Moore and Bernard Hopkins coming to my mind.

Then there’s George Foreman, who won a world heavyweight title at 45 years old.

So can Pacquiao defy father time and fight until his mid 40s? I will discuss that in the next part of this column-series.

In ending this column, let me discuss Hopkins who could have ended his career with a more respectable note if he did not push his luck too far.

Hopkins, one of the most disciplined warriors in boxing, could have retired from boxing after defending successfully his three world light heavyweight (175 pounds) titles against Beibut Shumenov in April 2014 at 49 years old.

And having defending his reign as middleweight champion 20 times making him ONE OF THE GREATEST kGHTERS IN THE DIVISION S history, Hopkins should have considered retiring before reaching 50 years old.

Hopkins last fight in December 2016 saw him knocked out of the ring in a light heavyweight title fight against the then 27-year old Jose Smith Jr. But you have to admire Hopkins for how he was able to stretch his career beyond 50 years old, and much of it has to do with his being a boxer and nothing else more.

ANTITHESIS

CONRAD M. CARIĂ‘O

statement at the time. “The fit we envisioned when Carmelo chose to sign with the Rockets has not materialized, therefore we thought it was best to move on as any other outcome would have been unfair to him.�

Anthony, selected third overall by Denver in the 2003 NBA Draft, He moved to the New York Knicks in 2011 and, after a spell with Oklahoma City, signed with Houston as a free agent last year with

the aim of contending for a title.

The 34-year-old is one of 11 players in NBA history with career averages of at least 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists and is a three-time Olympic gold medalist.

His departure from the Rockets edges him closer to a possible landing spot at the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been repeatedly linked to a move for the veteran.

AFP

more like himself here tonight,�

Nurse said.

The Raptors are now lying in second in the Eastern Conference on 36-13, 3.5 games clear of the third-placed Pacers.

Milwaukee leads the standings in the East.

In Tuesday’s other games, Dennis Smith Jr. returned from his mysterious week-long absence to help the Dallas Mavericks claim a 106-98 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Smith Jr, whose absence had been attributed variously to a sore back and a stomach bug, scored 17 points on his return, along with Luka Doncic, who also had 17. Harrison Barnes led the Mavs with 20 points.

Elsewhere, Karl Anthony-Towns scored 25 points and had 18 rebounds for Minnesota in a 118-91 blowout against Phoenix. The Suns fell to 11-38 after the loss and remain anchored to the bottom of the Western Conference.

AFP

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Sports

˜ The Manila Times

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THURSDAY January 24, 2019

Beaten Serena hails Pliskova’s ‘crazy’ Open comeback M ELBOURNE: Serena Williams denied those match points, said the who made a comeback choking after falling victim to one American, last year after having a baby. “She of the greatest ever comebacks literally played her best tennis Wednesday, saying she was powerless as ever on those shots.�

Czech foe Karolina Pliskova “just went ‘Go bananas’ crazy� to storm into the Australian Open Williams, SEMIkNALS Williams had Pliskova on the rack serving at 5-1 in the third set but the seventh seed fended off four match points to bounce back and end the American’s latest bid for a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam. “She just played lights out on match point, literally hitting lines,� Williams said. “Just went for it, just went crazy on match point. She just played unbelievable.�

The 37-year-old made a slow start and conceded the first set but had recovered and looked set for a hard-fought win before a desperate Pliskova went on the rampage. “She was killing me... I was almost in the locker room, now I’m standing here as the winner.

It’s a great feeling,� an exhausted Pliskova, seeded seven, said after the two hour 10 minute epic. “My mind was in the locker room. I wasn’t playing very well in the third set but I thought let’s try, this game (will make it) 5-2.

She got a little bit shaky in the end so I took my chances and I won.�

Q Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pliskova, who will play Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the semis, was on the brink until Williams double faulted with the end in sight.

The 37-year-old, a seven-time Australian champion, then failed to win a point on serve for the rest of the match.

The elated Czech rated it the best comeback of her life and said she always believed she could beat the American legend. “I know she’s the greatest ever, but I don’t want to put her somewhere where I would not have a chance to beat her,� she said in explaining how she approached the match. “I beat her before. She was No.1 at that time. I knew I’m going to have my chances. But I had to play well.�

Williams said there was nothing she could do against an opponent in such form. “I can’t say that I choked on

seeded 16,

had b l a z e d through the early stages of the tournament, seeing off world number one Simona Halep in the fourth round.

But against Pliskova she lacked the intensity she had previously displayed and was soon trailing FOR THE kRST TIME during her campaign after a slew of uncharacteristic errors.

The American said it was a lesson to not take anything for granted on match point. “This is when you go psycho, when you have match point... just go bananas on it,� she said.

Pliskova, who entered this year’s tournament on a high after winning the Brisbane InternaTIONAL WARM UP CAME OUT kRING

Q Serena Williams of the US reacts after a point against Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova.

AFP PHOTOS

Q Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova serves against Serena Williams of the US during their women’s singles quarterfinal match on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Wednesday. and bested Williams on serve to TAKE THE kRST SET Williams rebounded in the second before imploding in the decider.

Former world number one 0LISKOVA HAS MADE THE QUARTERknals in her last two appearances at Melbourne Park and made the kNAL AT THE 53 /PEN IN She has been a regular in the second week of Grand Slams in recent years, reaching the quarters or better six times since late 2016, but is still searching for a breakthrough win.

The Czech said the win over 7ILLIAMS WAS A HUGE CONkDENCE booster before facing US Open champion Osaka. “She’s dangerous but nobody is more dangerous than Serena,� she said.

AFP

PSL NATIONAL SERIES GOES TO CAVITE MORE than 500 young swimmers will be vying for honors in the 152nd Philippine Swimming League (PSL) National Series–ABC Swim Challenge slated on Saturday at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

Besides medals and trophies, also at stake in the swimming meet are slots for international tournaments in Thailand, China, United Arab Emir-

ates, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and Canada. “We want to bring our competition to the next level. We want to challenge every swimmer to aim high, aim for big international competitions.

We always say that a medal won in any international competition shines brighter than a medal won locally,� said PSL president Susan Papa.

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age band while the really exceptional competitors will receive

Most Outstanding Swimmer trophies in the tournament supported by The Manila Times , Behrouz Persian Cuisine, Jas Yu m my S t e a k z , M X 3 , T Y R and Vermosa. “PSL is really a grassroots development program since it focuses on the youngest two years old and up as well as 18 and over. Swimmers must undergo this process of development as there is no shortcut in sports,� added Papa.

Only two categories will be staged this time namely the unikED #LASS ! AND " AND #LASS #

“We are giving exposure to swimmers not only locally, through our monthly competition, but also on an international level. We want these kids to experience competing against their foreign counterparts to hone their skills,� said Papa.

Heading the list of participants are 2018 Palarong Pambansa Most Bemedalled Athlete Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh of Immaculate Heart of Mary College-ParaĂąaque and PSL Male Swimmer of the Year Marc Bryan Dula of Masville Elementary School-ParaĂąaque.

Bolt foregoes football dream KINGSTON, Jamaica: Usain Bolt is giving up on his dream of forging a career as a professional footballer following his try-out last year with Australian side Central Coast Mariners.

In remarks reported by Jamaican media outlets on Tuesday, the eight-time Olympic sprint champion said he had drawn a line under his hopes of playing football as a professional.

The 32-year-old athletics icon had told reporters last month he had not given up hope of becoming a footballer.

However at an event in Kingston on Monday, Bolt said he now planned to concentrate on his business career. “I don’t want to say it wasn’t dealt with properly, but I think we went about it, not the way we should and you learn your lesson, you live and you learn,� he was quoted by Television Jamaica as saying. “It was a good experience. I really enjoyed just being in a team and it was must different from track and kELD AND IT WAS FUN WHILE IT LASTED “The sports life is over, so I’m now moving into different businesses, I have a lot of things in the pipeline, so as I say, I’m just dabbling in everything and trying to be a business man now.�

Bolt was speaking as he handed over a $1 million cheque to help fund Jamaica’s team at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in the United Arab Emirates in March.

The star of the Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro Olympics meanwhile said he was concerned at failure of a new generation of Jamaican sprinters to emerge following his 2017 retirement.

Bolt questioned whether young athletes in Jamaica handed lucrative contracts were being given too much too soon. “A lot of these athletes I think it’s much easier now for them,� he said. “When we were coming up it was a struggle, we didn’t get big contracts when we left high school. “I think a lot of the athletes aren’t motivated any more. When they leave high school and they get a big contract they are happy AFP with whatever.�

Q Mark Barroca of Magnolia dribbles past Alaska’s Chris Banchero during a Season 43 PBA Governors’ Cup game at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City last year. PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO

PH can make it to World Cup – Barroca MAGNOLIA veteran guard Mark Barroca said that it is not impossible for the Philippines to make it to the World Cup in China on August 31 to September 15. Barroca made the statement as the Philippine team, under the tutelage of coach Yeng Guiao, prepares for two road games during the sixth and last window of the International Basketball &EDERATION &)"! !SIAN 1UALIkERS next month. “Mission impossible? I don’t think so,� Barroca told The Manila Times in a phone interview. “I think we have a strong chance of making it to the World Cup despite the situation, especially now that Andray Blatche will be there.�

The Philippine team will face Qatar in Doha on February 21, and Kazakhstan in a rematch on Febru-

ary 24 in Astana.

The 6’11 naturalized Andray "LATCHE WHO DIDN T PLAY IN THE kFTH window last December; reportedly will rejoin the team on February 1. “But it is going to be tough and both games are must wins. I’m ready to deliver and do what is necessary for the country. I’m happy that I’m with the national team again,� added Barroca, who last played for the Philippines in 2011 then under Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.

After losing their previous two home games last November, the Philippines dropped to No. 4 with a 5-5 win-loss record in Group F. Things become bleaker when the PH Team lost to Kazakhstan (88-92) and Iran (70-78) on December 3 in the last window.

The Philippines is facing a daunt-

ing task of sweeping the two remaining games in the sixth window to qualify for this year’s World Cup. Only the top three finishers in Group E and F plus the best fourth placer will qualify.

So far, Australia has already qualikED WITH A LEADING WIN LOSS REcord. Iran (7-3) and Japan (6-4) are No. 2 and 3, respectively, in Group F. Kazakhstan (4-6) and Qatar (2-8) are No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, also in Group F. Besides Barroca and Blatche, the other members of the 14-man Philippine team are Troy Rosario, Paul Lee, Raymond Almazan, June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Scottie Thompson, Roger Pogoy, Marcio Lassiter, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, JP Erram and Christian Standhardinger as back-up naturalized Player. JOSEF T. RAMOS

˜ The Manila Times

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THURSDAY January 24, 2019

Thais dominate LPGT opener but Pinays lurk CHONLADA Chayanun birdied two of the last four holes to card a 69 and lead the crack Thai charge but Princess Superal and Chihiro Ikeda stayed in the mix with 70s in opener the ICTSI Beverly Place Ladies Classic in Mexico, Pampanga.

Mookharin Ladgratok and Ornnicha Konsunthea also hit late birdies to match Chayanun’s two-under par effort at the short, flat but tricky Beverly Place’s par-71 layout with tough pin placements, giving the Thais early control of the P750,000 event serving as the third leg of the new Ladies Philippine Golf Tour season.

Ladgratok checked a bogey-bogey skid from No. 15 with a birdie on the 17th while Konsunthea, who tied for sixth with Chayanun in the last LPGT stop at Pradera Verde, birdied the par-5 closing hole as the Thais set in motion their bid to extend their domination after winning five of the 12 tournaments in the previous edition of the circuit put up by ICTSI. “The pin placements are difficult, placed near the edge of the greens,� said Chayanun.

But the local aces didn’t stray too far behind the Thais although Ikeda needed to birdie the last hole to save a 71 after blowing a sterling three-birdie splurge after five holes. The many-time LPGT winner bogeyed Nos. 7 and 9, birdied Nos. 12 and 16 to atone for a double-bogey blunder on No. 15 then recovered from a bogey on

the 17th with that closing birdie for a 33-37 card.

Superal, who scored back-to-back title romps at Highlands and Riviera on her way to claiming the Order of Merit title, failed to really get going, settled for an up-and-down pair of 35s made up four birdies against three bogeys.

Another Thai, Punpaka Phuntumabamrung, also squandered an eaglespiked three-under card after nine holes with three bogeys in the first four holes at the back and needed to birdie the 17th in the last flight to join Ikeda and Superal at fourth.

Narisara Kerdrit, also from Thailand, also holed out with a birdie to salvage an even-par round for solo seventh while fancied Dottie Ardina and Pauline del Rosario rebounded late to wheel back into contention after a shaky start in the early going of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Ardina dropped strokes on Nos. 7 and 8 birdied No. 16 to save a 72 while 2017 OOM titlist del Rosario struck back from a double bogey on No. 6 and a bogey on the 13th with birdies in the last two holes, a comeback she hopes to sustain as the race to the top 15 plus ties spots heats up in today’s pivotal second round.

Other one-over par scorers were Thais Jaruporn P Na Ayutthaya, Tiranan Yoopan and Aunchisa Utama along with Filipina Daniella Uy while three more Thais turned in identical 73s, including Kamonwan Lueamsri, Wannasiri Sirisampant and Nattapan Siritrai.

Q Strong windup nets Chonlada Chayanun share of one-shot lead.

PHOTO BY ROGER RAĂ‘ADA

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Q Tiger Woods AFP PHOTO

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Woods raring to go ahead of 2019 bow

A JOLLA, US: Tiger Woods makes his 2019 debut here on Thursday (Friday in Manila), having replaced the trepidation of a year ago with an eagerness to capture an eighth Farmers Insurance Open crown in California.

7OODS GOT HIS kRST LOOK AT THE Torrey Pines course on Tuesday when he played a nine-hole practice round in the company of Jordan Spieth.

It was a happy return to the clifftop course overlooking the PaCIkC /CEAN WHERE HE WON THE LAST of his 14 Majors at the US Open more than a decade ago. “I haven’t played on the Tour since September, so it’s been a while and looking forward to getting started, looking forward to getting out there and playing,� said Woods. “This is a golf course property that I’ve always loved. Jordan asked me today as we were play-

ing, he said, ‘How long have you been coming down here?’ I said, ‘Well, 10 years longer than you’ve been alive,’� the 42-yearold quipped. “I’ve been coming out here QUITE A BIT 4HIS IS THE kRST 0'!

Tour event that I ever attended with my dad when this was the old Andy Williams tournament. “To have won on this property and had the success I’ve had, it’s been a lot of fun and looking forward to getting out there this week.�

Twelve months ago, Woods didn’t know what to expect as he returned here in his attempt to come back from a near two-year injury absence.

“It was quite interesting to try AND kGURE IT ALL OUT AS THE YEAR progressed and it evolved. “This year I have a great understanding of what I can and can’t do. There’s not uncertainty that I had going into the year last year after what I did at the end of last year. Playing seven out of nine weeks was quite a bit. Body held up better than I thought it would, even though I got pretty tired at the end. Overall, it held up pretty good.

Woods revealed his back now A moving target feels so strong he spent part of Woods finally ended a more his off-season deep-sea diving in than five-year winless drought the Bahamas and off the coast of amid emotional scenes at the Florida, using scuba tanks for the Tour Championship in subur- kRST TIME IN YEARS Woods’ only health issue is ban Atlanta. “My expectations are now struggling with a head cold, someway different to a year ago,� he thing he picked up from one of his children. said Tuesday.

Woods will play the opening “I know what my body can and cannot do. So last year was very two rounds in the company lUID AND IT WAS LIKE TRYING TO HIT A o f X a n d e r S c h a u f f e l e a n d Tony Finau. moving target.

AFP (E EVENTUALLY kNISHED RD It took just three events to silence those critics when Woods fell one shot shy of forcing a play-off in the Valspar Chamionship.

Woods then led, albeit for two holes, during the final round of the Open Championship at Carnoustie while he drew record crowds to Bellerive when he got himself into contention a few weeks later at the PGA Championship.

Asiad queen banners huge PH Ladies Open cast ASIAN Games gold medalist Yuka Saso expects to draw much attention as she sets out for her titleretention drive in the Champion Philippine Ladies Amateur Open slated on February 19 to 21 at the Manila Golf and Country Club.

The talented 17-year-old shotmaker, who anchored the Philippines incredible comeback IN THE kNAL ROUND TO SWEEP THE individual and team golds in the quadrennial games in Jakarta LAST YEAR HAS CONkRMED HER PARticipation in the 57th staging of the annual championship which drew an early roster of 94 players, including 54 foreign bets.

They include the top and rising shotmakers from Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Korea, Thailand and the US, all eager to slug it out with the country’s cream of the crop, including the likes of Samantha Dizon, Mafy Singson, Eagle Ace Superal, Arnie Taguines, Laia Barro, Angela Legaspi, Monica Mandario, Junia Gabasa, Kyla Nocum and top jungolfer Nicole Abelar.

But no one packs a credential as imposing as Saso, who also powered the Phl to the team and in-

Q Yuka Saso FILE PHOTO

dividual gold in the World Junior Girls Championship in Canada in 2016. She also boasts of two victories in the local pro circuit, THE LAST AT !YALA 'REENkELD LAST

year where she bested the likes of LPGA Tour-bound Dottie Ardina and a host of strong Thai players before beating Mikha Fortuna by two to rule the 56th Philippine

Ladies Open at the Orchard.

That makes the Fil-Japanese ace the player to beat in the event, organized and conducted by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines and sponsored by EVA Air, San Miguel Corp., Cherrylume, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Pascual Laboratories, Group Management & Development, Inc., G&W Clubshares, Inc. and the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

The upcoming championship, backed by the ladies chapters of Alabang, Forest hills, Tagaytay Highlands, Sta. Elena, Canlubang and Manila Golf clubs with Vermogen, Sports + Action and Sports U channels of ABS-CBN, also marks its return to its old home at the posh Forbes Park layout, which is expected to provide a tough test for THE COMPETING kELD WITH ITS TIGHT fairways and sleek putting surface.

Meanwhile, registration is ongoing with entry fee pegged at 0 FOR LOCAL PLAYERS AND for foreign participants. For reservations and details, email kathy_ uy@yahoo.com (WGAP chairperson) or secretariat@wgapgolf.com (WGAP president Anna Haurie).

11 teams intend to join Philippine Premier League PHILIPPINE Premier League (PPL) commissioner Bernie Sumayao is looking to initiate a fresh start for the struggling club football competition in the country.

The PPL replaced the now-defunct Philippines Football League (PFL), which ran for two seasons before folding up late last year. In the past decade, two top division leagues—the PFL and the United Football League— closed due to various problems. “The PPL is a new entity. It’s a rebirth, a reborn. We are here because we want to develop the sport,� said Sumayao during the media launch of the PPL at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

&OR ITS kRST SEASON THE 00, IS eyeing to have at least eight participating clubs. Sumayao bared that TEAMS HAVE ALREADY SIGNIkED their intention to join. “Most of those that joined last year (in the PFL) had intention to join this year. We just need a little bit of time because there are also other clubs that want to enter but WE HAVE TO PRE QUALIFY THEM kRST SO we can have a competitive league.�

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has given Sumayao and his PPL Sports Group Inc. to operate and market the league. “Without a league, football WILL NOT lOURISH IN THE COUNTRY

Hopefully, we’ll see a rebirth of league football,� said PFF president Mariano Araneta, Jr. Sumayao, a 59-year old Filipino businessman who had a rich background on football and media in Thailand, said that they will take necessary steps to avoid closure.

The new league’s commissioner vowed to help the clubs to have kNANCIAL STABILITY According to Sumayao, teams will only have to pay for an annual registration fee instead of a costly franchise fee.

Sumayao said that the matches will be held in centralized venues to lessen the teams’ expenses. He also stressed

the importance of fan engagement.

Sumayao is also eyeing the involvement of local government units in promoting the league and football in general.

The league will run on a triple round-robin format and retain the cup competition to meet the Asian Football Confederation’s requirement on the number of matches for its club tournaments.

Each club will have a total of 27 matches in a season, with some kXTURES TO BE AIRED LIVE ON %30.

Plus. An online merchandise store and fan magazine will be put up as part of the league’s marketing efforts. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA Â

Q (From left) Philippine Premier League (PPL) commissioner Bernie Sumayao, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta and tournament director Richard Gannaban lead the media launch of the new top football league in the country. PPL PHOTO

TTHURSDAY H U R S DAY JJANUARY ANUARY 24, 2019

Lifestyle

D1

www.manilatimes.net

Say no to take outs with easy, healthy and yummy recipes F IGURING out what to eat every day can be challenging and even stressful sometimes, especially for those in the home responsible for serving up meals for the rest of the family.

More often than not then, it becomes very tempting to pick up the phone or go online for a quick delivery, even with complete knowledge that to eat healthy, cooking at home is a must.

Still within the month of January, individuals and families can still kick this habit of fast food

eating at home by taking a deep breath and reassessing one’s kitchen. Is there a way you can organize your cooking tools to make food preparation easier? Do you need a cooking appliance or two to make cooking not just quicker but more enjoyable for you?

If your answer to these ques-

tions is a yes, then you can move on to channel Marie Kondo in your kitchen space, do a bit of pencil pushing on your budget, head out to get the cooking helpers that you need and try out these delicious recipes courtesy of Beko Philippines and FC Barcelona nutritionists.

The easy entrees below are not just heathy and yummy, but sure fire guarantees to block those takeout temptations.

Turkey Burgers with Spinach and Feta

Cooking time: 25 minutes; serves 4

Ingredients: 500 g ground turkey 50 g oats 2 eggs 250 g spinach, chopped 50 g feta cheese, crumbled G ONION kNELY CHOPPED 1 g garlic powder Salt and pepper Directions: Add all ingredients into a large bowl. Combine them with your hands.

Form into patties.

Put a skillet over medium heat and grease it with a little bit of olive oil.

Cook the burgers on both sides until golden brown.

Q Now this guy’s cooking easy on his all-you-need cooking range with four gas burners, two hot plates, a gas oven and electric grill to get meals done timely and stress-free. PHOTO COURTESY OF BEKO PHILIPPINES

Oven Baked Salmon with Broccoli

Cooking time, 20 minutes; serves 2 Ingredients: 200 g broccoli G SALMON kLLET 30 g extra virgin olive oil 2 slices of lemon 50 g green beans 5-6 small potatoes Salt Pepper to taste

Directions: Boil the potatoes for 5 minutes.

Place the salmon fillet on a baking tray with 2 slices of lemon on top.

Garnish with the vegetables and boiled potatoes on the side and season with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake it for 15 minutes.

»seen@thescene International chef-host, students tour Farmers Market TOP chefs and American students were spotted at The Farmers Market in Araneta Center enjoying an all new experience with no less than world-renowned Filipino chef Margarita Fores as their guide.

On January 13, Chef Rick Bayless, an expert on Mexican cuisine, author and host of the PBS series “Mexico: One Plate at a Time” got a sampling of the popular market’s freshest produce, meat and seafood.

Bayless was simply in awe of the market’s fruit and vegetable section and even got a taste of the Filipino delicacy “balut.” He was also impressed by the freshest catch and meat available in the market.

In 1988, Bayless was awarded as the Best New Chef by the Food and Wine Magazine, and was named by the James Beard Foundation as National Chef of the Year in 1995. He was inducted in the Culinary Hall of Fame in 2012.

Joining him at Farmers Market besides Fores was Jose Maria Miñana, group president and head of Country Business Group of Jollibee Foods Corporation, with

whom it is reported he is entering a food business partnership.

A couple of days later, it was the turn of 30 Business students from Columbia University to experience the market scene in Manila.

Fores, awarded Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, was in her element as she introduced to the Ivy Leaguers some of the country’s freshest fruits including the ripe and green mangoes, the guyabano (soursop), the langka (jackfruit), the durian, dragon fruit, chico (sapodilla), lanzones, and many more.

“I’ve never tasted any of the fruits that you have here or even heard of them. It was so good, so interesting,” student Jane Beilenson from the United States said.

Fores also showed them how coconut milk and coconut juice are extracted, how yellowfin tuna is filleted, and how milkfish are deboned.

She also explained the difference between male, female and “gay” crabs, and even made a shrimp and crab ceviche (kinilaw), which the guests thoroughly enjoyed.

More than sampling the products at the market, the foreign students also learned more about the Filipino way of life.

“The tour was amazing. It helped us know more about Filipino culture. It was a great experience,” student Luis Acosta from Mexico said.

It will be remembered that one of the most famous culinary stars to visit Farmers Market was the late Anthony Bourdain who visited it in 2009 for his hugely successful show “No Reservations.”

During his visit, Bourdain got to shop for the ingredients of his lunch, which were cooked in the market’s “Dampa.”

In the past, some Michelin star chefs from different parts of the world participating in Madrid Fusion Manila have also experienced the goods available at the Farmers Market, which all just goes to show that with such ingredients available to them, Filipino chefs — like Margarita Fores — are almost if not already in step with the best of them.

Q Top chefs Margarita Fores and Rick Bayless pose for a group picture at the Farmers Market.

Student-chef represents PH in Young Chef Olympiad 2019 VALERY Jane Rodriguez Anthony will represent the Philippines in the 5th Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) in India, the biggest cooking battle that gathers budding culinarians from 55 countries.

Organized by India’s International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in association with the United Kingdom’s International Hospitality Council (IHC), YCO 2019 will not just test the contestants’ mastery of skills, but also their expertise, creativity, techniques, and innovation in two pre-qualifying rounds to be held across various key cities in India.

The top 10 participants from the eliminaTIONS WILL PROCEED TO THE GRAND kNALS WHILE ranks 11 to 20 will compete in the Grand Trophy Plate round.

It will likewise serve as an opportunity for them to establish global linkages with celebrity chefs, industry practitioners, and fellow participants.

Anthony, a culinary student from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM) was trained in the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF) in d’Asti and in the Michelin-star restaurant Il Picolo Principe in Luca, Tuscany, and is a veteran competitor for the annual Young Hoteliers’ Exposition. For the tournament, she will be guided by Chef Mentor Thomas Edward Fung Chua, an industry practitioner, restaurateur, and a SHRIM faculty member.

Among the year’s chef judges are sterling industry experts from the culinary scene, among them celebrity chef, entrepreneur, writer, and TV personality Sanjeev Kapoor; International Culinary Institute (ICI) Acting Program Director for Western Cuisine Operations and Training Andreas Muller; celebrity chef Enzo Oliveri; Institute of Hotel and Restaurant Management chef-instructor Enrico Bricarello; Canadian Food and Wine Institute instructor Scott Baechler; and Chair of the international Hospitality Council and renowned hospitality educator Professor David Fosket.

Meanwhile, the United World of Young Chefs, a celebration of culinary cultures, will allow the apprentices and mentors to share a particular dish from their national cuisine with the fellow participants, judges, organizers, and special guests which includes luminaries, dignitaries, and distinguished people from the hospitality scene.

»cheers!

Q Valery Jane Rodriguez Anthony is a student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management.

THURSDAY January 24, 2019

Funtimes

w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

D2

˜ The Manila Times

Answer to trivia test © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers 1. 10 percent of your assets or $200 2. Many 3. Suva 4. Capcaicin 5. Deoxyribonucleic Acid 6. The numerator 7. Renaissance 8. Rights retained by the states 9. AB negative (less than 1 percent) 10. George Gershwin

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (01/24/19). Good things come through friends this year. Handle backstage details. Manage domestic surprises. Begin a new partnership phase this winter. Get physical this summer, before hiding away into a peaceful escape. Rediscover a sense of purpose next winter. Collaboration increases the results, reach and fun.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

1. GAMES: How much do you have to pay if you land on the “Income Tax” space in Monopoly?

2. LANGUAGE: What does the Greek prefix “poly” mean in English?

3. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of the island of Fiji?

4. FOOD & DRINK: What is the substance in chili peppers that makes the tongue burn?

5. SCIENCE: What does the acronym DNA stand for?

6. MATH: What is the top number of a fraction called?

7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What was the Secret Service code word for first lady Michelle Obama?

8. LAW: What is the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution about?

9. ANATOMY: What is the rarest blood type in human beings?

10. MUSIC: The film “Rhapsody in Blue” was about the life of which composer?

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA ( SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You’re on top of the world. Use your power and confidence to advance a personal project. Direct attention to a practical solution. Lead by example.

SCORPIO ( OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Slow down, and focus on planning. You imagination goes wild today and tomorrow. Figure out your moves before you make them. Consider your best options.

ARIES ( MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Connect anew with your partner over the next two days. Support each other with a chalOHQJH &RPPXQLFDWLRQ ÀRZV ZLWK HDVH (GLW DQG SROLVK \RXU PHVVDJH

SAGITTARIUS ( NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- You have more friends than you realized. Share what you’re learning. Social HYHQWV DQG JDWKHULQJV VSDUN QHZ DQG ROG FRQQHFWLRQV (QMR\ D meaningful conversation.

TAURUS ( APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Things are getting busy. Physical action gets the job done. Apply discipline to your practices for satisfying results. You’re growing stronger. Balance activity with rest.

CAPRICORN ( DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Focus on a professional challenge. Review options to discover a hidden advantage. A friend’s expertise comes in handy. Find out how to provide what’s needed.

GEMINI ( MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Strengthen your connection with someone sweet. Romance is a distinct possibility.

Talk about long-term dreams and visions. Play a game. Imagine some fun together.

AQUARIUS ( JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Things fall into place. Your studies, travels and investigations reveal hidden treasure. Keep digging; don’t give up right before striking gold.

CANCER ( JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Authorize home improvements. Things may not go as planned. Discuss changes with family. Investigate different options, prices and colors. Choose together.

LEO ( JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Dig deeper into a faYRULWH VXEMHFW 6WXG\ DQG UHVHDUFK &UHDWLYH H[SUHVVLRQ ÀRZHUV WRGD\ and tomorrow. Figure out what you want to say. Practice your arts.

VIRGO ( AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Focus on making money for a few days. Provide valuable services. Business grows with satisfied customers. Whatever you’re doing, it’s working.

» SUDOKU

PISCES ( FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Keep meticulous books. Manage accounting and financial tasks for a few days. Send invoices, and pay bills. Work with a partner to fulfill shared priorities.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black’s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @LindaCBlack. For more astrological interpretations like today’s Gemini horoscope, visit Linda Black Astrology by clicking daily horoscopes, or go to www.nancyblack.com.)

NANCY BLACK.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats.

Solution from yesterday’s puzzle.

PAGE FROM THE PAST

Today, we look back at an old front page of The Manila Times, the oldest national daily that was founded on October 11, 1898. (Note: This image was adjusted to fit the page.)

TTHURSDAY H UURSDAY R S DAYY JANUARYY 24, 4, 2019

Entertainment

D4

www.manilatimes.net

EXCLUSIVE

Lukas Graham conquers Manila L

UKAS Graham, the Danish band behind the hit singles “7 Years,� “Love Someone,� and “You’re Not The Only One,�

OPENED AS THE kRST FOREIGN ACT TO PERFORM IN the Philippines. They held a show on January 13 AT THE %ASTWOOD -ALLfS /PEN 0ARK AS PART OF THEIR “3 (The Purple Album)� album tour.

Their latest album was released on October 26, 2018 under Warner Music Philippines. The 10-track record makes its debut as lead single Love Someone follows in the footsteps of the breakout hit 7 Years, as it rapidly climbs the Hot AC radio charts, amassing 50 million Spotify streams and 30 million YouTube views. Love Someone is on track to become a global smash, reaching No. 1 in their home country of Denmark and continuing to climb the charts in the UK, Europe, Australia and beyond.

3 (The Purple Album) serves as the follow-up to Lukas Graham’s eponymous global debut, which racked up over 23 million units in worldwide consumption, saw 7 Years hit number one in 13 different countries, and earned the band three Grammy Award nominations — including both Record and Song of the Year.

The breakout smash was the highest selling single by a debut artist in 2016, and catapulted the Danish band to soldout tours around the world, critical acclaim from the likes of The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Billboard, and countless television performances, including the Grammys and the MTV Video Music Awards, where they were nominated as Best New Artist.

Music Geek had an exclusive one-on-one interview with the lead vocalist Lukas Forchammer from this Danish band before their show, thanks to Warner Music Philippines.

-USIC 'EEK 7HO ARE THREE SPECIAL PEOPLE THAT MADE AN IMPACT IN YOUR LIFE Lukas Forchammer: Well, without my mother and my father I wouldn’t be here so they are two of the most important ones. And I had a music teacher who instilled in me the understanding of working hard. Because I had just the talent of singing, and he said to me once, “yeah, you’re the best in the choir but what does that matter if you never practice. If you don’t know the words, I can’t use you.�

MUSIC GEEK MUS MARK BONIFACIO

I read in your interviews that people think it’s a sad song but IT IS ACTUALLY AN EMPOWERING ONE

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT Yeah probably right now it is‌ Well for me, we’re suppose to grow.

We’re suppose to change. Losing my father is the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. But it’s also one of the things that has given me the most power in my life. The whole idea of “7 Years� is half truth and the second half is made up from when I was 25 when I wrote the song so the idea of 30 and 60 is all made up. It’s crazy.

But now I’m 30 and I did the things I wrote about in the song. We travelled around the world and we are still roaming. For me it’s an empowering song. If someone thinks it is a sad SONG IT S kNE ) DON T WANT TO DECIDE what your perception is.

Is it the same thing with Love 3OMEONE Love Someone is also a song

I have been thinking about it a lot recently like how a mean teacher can give you something.

(OW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE LEVEL OF SUCCESS GOTTEN THROUGH YOUR WAY LATELY The level of success for us is pretty phenomenal. All the people I grew up with, no one has seen so many countries. Some of the friends that I grew up with are in jail. So the difference between where I am now and where I came from is so so big that it’s really hard to understand.

(OW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SUPPORT FROM PEOPLE AROUND YOU Sometimes I get a little it’s-hard-to-breathe feeling. Quezon City is where most of my music streams in the whole world. Coming here is like woah, it’s 19 hours away from Q The band is known for such hits as '7 Years' and 'Love Someone.' where I’m from. People are listening to my songs and con- far away from Madrid to come to about being afraid to lose and necting with it. I can get a little the concert so I got the letter from therefore do your best. the label and she was writing that 0ERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY

emotional about it (laughs). she had an autistic brother. That it HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR MUSICAL 7HAT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED My family and my friends from was really hard to have an autistic ARTISTIC VISION CHANGED We all have these ideas and back home. When I go and chat older brother because he couldn’t with the guys I grew up with, some understand everything and he’s perceptions of how things are of them are like criminals, so it’s a acting out a lot. But when they put going to be or how you want different lifestyle and they ask me, on my music, he was calm and they them to be then you start and it like the rest of the world, “Are you could talk. Letters like there’s this changes. I [have] start[ed] singing happy with your success? Are you six year old girl and because she is classical and folk music, writing happy with money?� And when I putting on our record she could talk rap music, listening to all these come back to the guys, they ask me to her brother. As soon as the music different styles. The music that I’m “Are you happy?� Just like you’re stops, he becomes like this and he writing now is a little slower and happy. If the answer to that ques- can’t concentrate anymore. And I more emotional than the music I tion is no then stop doing what just thought "wow, I’m helping this WAS WRITING kVE YEARS AGO 3INCE you are doing if you are not happy. girl." I didn’t mean to but I’m help- I started writing songs, I’ve lost At least for me, I grew up poor. I ing her and that meant a lot to me. my grandfather, my father and Perhaps, you will be best re- I became a father. I’ve also lost grew up with nothing. My parents owned nothing when my father MEMBERED FOR THE SONG g 9EARS u friends. Some to bullets. Some to

Âťglobalspotlight

Q Lead singer Lukas Forchhammer and his band brought the house down at an open-air concert at Eastwood City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS/MIKE YAP illness. Some because they were bad people. We had to cut them off and that hurts. I think it is important to understand that suffering can make you grow, if you let it.

We’re not supposed to get over the death of a father. We are supposed to understand it, live with it and help us grow. It’s the same about writing about my feelings.

Everything I experienced changes my artistic vision. I think once upon a time I just wanted to be a worldwide artist at any cost. Now either something I don’t want to do I say no. I say “no thank you.�

But no is an important word. $O YOU HAVE ANY RULES YOU FOLLOW WHEN IT COMES TO COMPOSING SONGS I have no rules. Rules are for the weak. Rules limit you, right?

Most of my songs were written where lyrics don’t necessarily have a melody. It changes all the time from song to song.

I s yo u r n e w a l b u m t he SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW 7HY IS THAT My life right now, I’m a father, a touring musician, a husband, I work a lot. I want to be better. A year ago my friend William hung himself and that’s “Not A Damn Thing Changed� is also about.

How everything’s changed but nothing’s changed. My life has a lot of good and bad. I’ve come to terms. Michelle Obama says in her new book “you can have it all but not at once.� And that’s okay. !NY FAVORITE TRACKS IN THE NEW ALBUM My favorite track in the new album is “You’re Not The Only One� because it carries the message of change, love and compassion. I think we need some change in the world.

7HAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ,UKAS 'RAHAM MUSIC VIDEO Not a Damn Thing Changed.

We did it in a church where we buried my father, William and everyone. That was weird. Only one other movie has filmed in there. The priest only allowed us TO kLM BECAUSE IT WAS 7ILLIAM S family that asked if we could do it.

The bar in the video was the one where we used to go after football matches. The little football kELD WHERE WE PLAY IN THE NIGHT time was next to where we go or our after-school club. It’s in our

OLD NEIGHBORHOOD )T WAS kLMED where all the guys I grew up with, where we used to live and play and kGHT AND LOVE 7HAT ADVISE WILL YOU GIVE FOR THOSE WHO ARE FORMING THEIR OWN BANDS If you’re in doubt, sit down in a quiet room alone and breathe. )F YOU CANNOT kND PEACE YOU ARE working too much. But it can be also the other way around. If you cannot kND PEACE MAYBE YOU ARE NOT WORKing enough. Sitting still can be difkCULT 4HAT IS WHY "UDDHIST MONKS practice all their lives to be able sit still. Like all Buddhist monks start with walking meditation because movement is easier than stagnation. #AN YOU GIVE US kVE RANDOM FACTS THAT YOUR FANS DIDN T KNOW Random facts. I studied law until I got my record deal. I grew up in a neighborhood where you can’t own your house and basically borrowing it from your community. Grew up wearing second hand clothing and [eating] leftovers. That was great by the way, left overs taste better. I am a classically educated soprano soloist which is where a lot of my singing comes from. I wrote my kRST SONG WHEN ) WAS YEARS OLD I really enjoyed doing gymnastics.

I’ve been doing it for the last year and a half. I’m practicing and I’m getting good at it so I can now show off my tricks.

7HAT LEGACY WOULD YOU LIKE TO leave and how would you like to BE REMEMBERED I want my daughter, when I’m dead, to say I taught her to ride a bike, cook chicken and all the things we did together and I taught her. I don’t want her to say “my Dad was never home.� That is why I try to bring my family as much as I can.

-ESSAGE TO YOUR FANS I just wanted to say thank you for listening to the songs I’ve been writing and hope you want to listen to more of them. I just write songs about love, life, death and sorrow. All the things we go through, we can all relate to the fact that we love and we lose and we must live with these things until we die. Have a great 2019!

Follow the author on Instagram: markbonifacio25

Oscar nods given to ‘Roma,’ ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Black Panther’ Q Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in 'A Star is Born.'

Q Olivia Colman in 'The Favourite.'

died, we had to pay the bills like for the hospital. So I know I can be happy with nothing. So why struggle to gain something if it makes me unhappy? $O YOU HAVE A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS BASED FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE No one has ever been you before. No one will ever be you again so you should be the best version of you that you can be rather than a bad version of someone else. If you copy, you can only be a bad copy. A good copy doesn’t exist. So be you and trust in you, I would say.

Can you share some stories ON HOW YOUR MUSIC HAS INS PIRED PEOPLE Before I used to read a lot of the letters that we were given but some time now there are too many of them and some of the stories are too emotional. There was a girl in Spain who sent me a letter. She lived too

Q Michael B. Jordan in 'Black Panther.'

NEW YORK: Oscar voters on Tuesday showered Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma� and Yorgos Lanthimos’“The Favourite� with a leading 10 nominations for the 91st Academy Awards, while two dominant but contentious Hollywood forces — Netflix and Marvel — each scored their first best picture nomination.

Though many expected “A Star Is Born,� Bradley Cooper’s revival of one of Hollywood’s most remade show business myths, to top the nominations, Cooper was surprisingly overlooked as director and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences instead put its fullest support behind a pair of indies by international directors.

With the black-and-white, Spanish-language “Roma,� Netflix scored its first best picture nomination, a prize the streaming giant has dearly sought. Marvel, too, joined the club with Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther,� the first superhero movie ever nominated for best picture.

Cuaron tied the record for most decorated Oscar nominee ever for one film with four individual nods for “Roma,� his deeply personal exhumation of his Mexico City childhood.

Cuaron was nominated for direction, cinematography, original screenplay and best picture. Only Orson Welles (“Citizen Kane�) and Warren Beatty (who did it twice with “Reds� and “Heaven Can Wait�) have matched the four-nod feat.

Just as rewarded Tuesday was Lanthimos’ period romp, which resounded most in the acting categories thanks to its trio of actresses: Olivia Colman in the best actress category, and Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone in supporting.

Along with “Roma,� Black Panther� and “The Favourite,� the eight nominees for best picture were: Peter Farrelly’s interracial road trip tale “Green Book,� Spike Lee’s white supremacist evisceration “BlacKkKlansman,� the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,� Adam McKay’s highly critical Dick Cheney biopic “Vice� and “A Star Is Born,� which still landed eight nominations, including best actress for Lady Gaga and best supporting actor for Sam Elliott. “Black Panther,� the year’s biggest domestic box-office hit and a bona fide cultural event, finally cracked the category long kryptonite to superheroes . The lush, big-budget craft of Black Panther�was rewarded with seven total nominations, including Hannah Beachler and Jay Hart’s production design, Ludwig Goransson’s score, Ruth Carter’s costume design and Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s song “All the Stars.�

Three decades after landing a writing nod for 1989's Do the Right Thing,� Spike Lee was nominated for his first directing Oscar for “BlacKkKlansman.�

The other directing nominees were Lanthimos, Cuaron, Pawel Pawlikowski (“Cold War�) and McKay (“Vice�) — a field that, a year after continued focus on gender inequality in Hollywood, included no female directors. Some had campaigned for Debra Granik (“Leave No Trace�) or Chloe Zhao (“The Rider�) to become the sixth woman ever nominated for best director.

The nominations, announced by Kumail Nanjiani and Tracee Ellis Ross from the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, California, included plenty of surprises. In a blockbuster year for documentaries

, the Fred Rogers documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor� was snubbed despite more than $22 million in ticket sales (a huge sum for a doc). Instead the nominees were “Free Solo,� Hale County This Morning, This Evening,� Minding the Gap,� Of Fathers and Sons� and the Ruth Bader Ginsberg portrait “RBG.�

The acting categories played out largely as expected with a few notable differences. Along with Lady Gaga, Colman and Aparicio, the best lead actress nominees were Glenn Close (“The Wife�) and Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?�).

In best actor, the expected front runner Christian Bale was nominated for his transformation into Cheney in “Vice� (Bale’s fourth Oscar nod), along with Cooper, Willem Dafoe (“At Eternity’s Gate�), Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody�) and Viggo Mortensen (“Green Book�).

The nominees for best supporting actress were Amy Adams (“Vice�), Marina De Tavira (“Roma�), Regina King (“If Beale Street Could Talk�), along with Stone and Weisz. Tavira was something a surprise, likely unseating Claire Foy of “First Man.�

But perhaps the biggest acting snub came in best supporting actor, where Timothee Chalamet, who broke through last year with “Call Me By Your Name,� was left out for his drug addict turn in “Beautiful Boy.� Nominated were previous winner Mahershala Ali (“Green Book�), Adam Driver (“BlacKkKlansman�), Richard E. Grant (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?�) and Sam Rockwell (“Vice�), who won the trophy last year.

Last year’s Oscar telecast was watched by a record low of 26.5 million viewers.

AP

Campus Press

A SECTION FOR THE STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net EDITOR: Marishelle R. Medina marishelle.medina@manilatimes.net

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THURSDAY JANUARY 24 , 2019

Boys still left behind in basic education – PIDS

M

BY ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

ORE boys in the Philippines were missing out on basic education in 2017, state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said.

In a policy note released by PIDS, authors Clarissa David, Jose Ramon Albert and Jona Flor Vizmanos cited data showing that in the country, 65 percent of outof-school children (OOSC) aged 5 to 15 years old in 2017 were boys. “School attendance was largely associated with economic status OF THE FAMILY 4HREE kFTHS percent) of the 1.2 million OOSC aged 5 to15 years in 2017 belonged to families in the bottom 25 percent of the per capita income distribution. Among the poorest families, boys had a higher likelihood than girls to be out of school,� the policy note said.

The policy note said the reverse gender gap in OOSC “widened SIGNIkCANTLY AS AGE PROGRESSES u In primary school age, (6 to 11 years), OOSC rate for boys was 5.4 percent compared to the girls’ 3.4 percent. In lower secondary school level (12 to 15 years old), THE //3# RATE FOR BOYS WAS AT percent, while rate for girls was at 3.1 percent.

For the upper secondary level

(16 to 17 years old), the rate for boys was at 22.3 percent compared to just 11.6 percent for girls. “[The] results of the study revealed that the main reasons for not attending school were the lack of interest by the child, the high cost of education and illness or disability. For primary-school-age children, lack of interest was the most commonly cited reason for leaving school,� the authors said.

They further noted that boys were more likely lacking interest than girls.

For higher grades, the authors of the study revealed that based on interviews with parents and teachers, a high number of boys dropped out of school “due to peer INlUENCE AND VICES u “Also, computer and mobile phone-based games were frequently mentioned as reasons for chronic absenteeism and lack of focus.

Children lose sleep playing games and come to school still sleepy and dazed. Boys are more likely to engage in computer and mobile games, skip school with their peers,

Q Boys who miss out on basic education outnumber girls and the reverse gender gap increases as age progresses, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies said in a policy note. FILE PHOTO and start drinking and smoking.

The older boys get, the more they DEVELOP DIFkCULT ATTITUDE PROBLEMS

especially if they are falling behind academically,� they said.

The authors said interventions should focus on how to keep boys in school, including giving

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS lEXIBILITY TO design interventions specific to addressing the barriers boys face in learning, giving incentives to schools and teachers who develop effective learning interventions for boys and employing more male teachers.

They also urged the Department of Education to closely coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to prevent boys from “getting waylaid by peers and vices, including computer games.� “It is time to treat the under-

achievement of boys’ education as an urgent problem that needs urgent solutions with the ultimate goal of reducing the overall OOSC incidence in the country and attain greater gender parity not only in education outputs but also positive social outcomes,� they said.

Veer from electioneering, DepEd urges officials EDUCATION Secretary Leonor Briones cautioned all public school teaching and non-teaching personnel against electioneering and engaging in any partisan political activity in connection with the 2019 midterm elections this May. In a press statement posted on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) website dated Jan. 15, 2019, Briones reminded agency personnel to strictly observe the periods of certain prohibited acts. “The Constitution mandates that NO OFkCER OR EMPLOYEE IN THE CIVIL service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign. The same APPLIES TO OUR OFkCIALS TEACHERS AND employees. DepEd must maintain its focus on non-partisan public service and remain a beacon of integrity in

these times,� Briones said. $EP%D /RDER SERIES identified activities regarded as partisan political activities, in acCORDANCE WITH EXISTING RULES AND regulations promulgated by the Civil Service Commission and the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The prohibited activities include but are not limited to: – Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/ or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate/party. – Making speeches, announcements, or commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate or party for public office. – Publishing, displaying, or dis-

tributing campaign literature, or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate or party. – Receiving any contributions for political purposes, either directly or indirectly. – Wearing of t-shirts or pins, caps or any other similar election paraphernalia bearing the names of the candidates or political party EXCEPT AS AUTHORIZED BY #OMELEC – Being a watcher for a political party or candidate during the election. – Utilizing government resources such as personnel (including job order or contract of service hires) time and properties for political purposes.

DepEd officials are also prohibited from using their position OF AUTHORITY TO INlUENCE TEACHING

and/or non-teaching personnel under their supervision of jurisdiction to support any preferred candidate or political party.

Meanwhile, DepEd MemoranDUM S PROVIDED GUIDANCE FOR ALL OFkCIALS AND PERSONNEL on the Comelec resolutions that prescribe a calendar of activities and periods of prohibited acts BEGINNING -AY UNTIL !UG 11, 2019. ! $EP%D OFkCIAL OR PERSONNEL who commits any of the prohibited acts shall be dealt with in accordance with DepEd Order 49, s. 2006 (Revised Rules of Procedure of the Department of Education in Administrative Cases), the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service and the Omnibus Election Code.

SAFER SCHOOLS ENSURE CHILDREN’S SURVIVAL — SAVE THE CHILDREN PHILIPPINES

THE Philippines ranks third in the 2016 7ORLD 2ISK )NDEX OF THE MOST DISASTER PRONE countries in the world. Every year, the country is hit by almost all forms of natural and man-made calamities like typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions and landslides. Lingering armed conflict in Mindanao and parts of Visayas continue to disrupt classes and displace families and children.

Q ‘Education Safe from Disasters’ commitment wall. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY LEI TAPANG/SAVE THE CHILDREN

From 2007 to 2012, a total of 11 million schoolchildren in the Philippines were affected by major disasters, jeopardizing their rights to education and survival. “Children face the harshest impact of disasters and emergencies, as they miss out on school, suffer injury and worse, deaths,� lawyer Alberto Muyot, Save the Children Philippines CEO, said.

Muyot said safety in schools guarantee

Q From left: Marc Fancy, Prudence Foundation executive director; Alain del Pascua, Department of Education undersecretary for administration; and Alberto Muyot, Save the Children Philippines CEO CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY LEI TAPANG/SAVE THE CHILDREN

children’s rights to survival and basic education.

Learners spend five to eight hours in schools during weekdays and their safety and security should be ensured while they are away from parents and guardians.

Thus, in response to this, Save the Children Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Education and Prudence Foundation, launched the “Education Safe from Disasters� project on Jan. 16, 2019 to strengthen safety in schools, as millions of children face risk of injury, psychosocial trauma and deaths during disasters and emergencies.

The three-year project improves the capacity of learners, teachers, schools staff and officials on disaster preparedness and risk reduction. It also integrates safety and disaster resiliency in the construction and retrofitting of school buildings.

The program will be pilot tested in 16 schools division in Metro Manila. “We welcome the ‘Education Safe from Disasters’ as part of our comprehensive child-rights based response to the needs of learners before, during and after disasters and emergencies,� Muyot said.

Save the Children Philippines has been providing emergency response during disasters by establishing Child Friendly Space where displaced children can play and learn and Temporary Learning Space where school-age children can attend alternative classes. The organization has provided interventions for thousands of displaced children during typhoon “Mangkhut� that hit Northern Luzon provinces and armed conflict in Marawi.

Q School students account for 40 percent of victims of online fraud, online fraud report platform Liewang said.

FILE PHOTO BY RUY L. MARTINEZ

Students most vulnerable to online fraud SCHOOL students are the most vulnerable group in online fraud schemes, accounting for over 40 percent of victims, a research report has shown.

The report by Liewang, an online fraud report platform jointly sponsored by Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and the 360 Internet Security Center, found that the “post-00s generation,� those born after 2000, had become a new target of online fraud schemes.

This group accounted for only 0.7 percent of all reported online fraud on the platform in 2014, but grew to 15.8 percent last year.

The report’s findings were derived after an analysis of over 115,000 valid repor ts collected by the platform as well as the 45 million phishing websites dealt with by the 360 Internet Security Center over

the last five years.

The report revealed that in 2018, a victim’s average financial loss caused by online fraud was 24,476 yuan ($3,618).

It also found older generations, although a smaller group in terms of total victims, suffered the most significant financial losses.

On average, each “post-60s generation� victim was swindled out of 67,985 yuan by online fraudsters last year, it said.

According to the report, although many victims claimed to be harmed both financially and mentally, about 60 percent chose not to report their case to police.

The platform, therefore, stressed that timely reports from victims were necessary as they help the authorities effectively solve cases and prevent further crimes.

PEOPLE’S DAILY ONLINE

The Campus Press welcomes contributions from students of all levels. Students can submit their written works in English, artworks, photographs, cartoons and other works to marishelle.medina@manilatimes.net with the subject line: Campus Press. Please include your name, grade or year level, and name of school. Thank you!

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The ËœManila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY January 24 , 2019

How the three kinds of objects work in English grammar

OMETIME back, a Russia-based Forum member requested a tutorial of sorts on how the three kinds of grammatical objects work in English.

Ivan I. was sure that in a sentence like “She gave me the report,� the pronoun “me� is the indirect object while the noun “report� is the direct object. But then he wondered what kind of object “me� is in “She gave it to me� and “She did it for me.� He asked: “Can we call it a prepositional object or, if that’s a wrong term, would it be better to say that ‘to me’ and ‘for me’ are just prepositional phrases?� ) EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT TO CLEARLY understand how English grammatical objects work, it’s very importANT TO DEkNE THEM kRST

Here are the core points of my EXPLANATION Generally, an object is a noun or pronoun that denotes the goal or result of the verb’s action. It’s of three kinds: direct object, indirect object, and object of the preposition.

A direct object receives the verb’s action or shows the result of that ACTION )N g4HE MECHANIC FIXED the car,� FOR EXAMPLE THE NOUN “car� is the direct object because it’s the entity acted upon by the VERB gkXED u An indirect object receives the direct object of the verb. It’s the

placed his integrity under a cloud of doubt.� Here, the noun phrase “a cloud of doubt� is the object of ENGLISH PLAIN AND SIMPLE the preposition “under.� .OW LET S kGURE OUT WHY )VAN found it tough to categorize the objects in these sentences: “She gave it to me.� “She did it for me.�

4HEIR SYNTAX LOOKS PRETTY NORMAL secondary goal of the verb’s action as it goes. The pronoun “it� as — an intermediary or “pass-on� direct object comes right after the RECEIVER )N g!LEX GAVE me a ride,� verb “gave� and “did,� respectively, FOR EXAMPLE gMEu IS AN INDIRECT while the pronoun “me� as indiobject because it’s only a “pass-on� rect object appears at the tail end. receiver of the direct object “ride.�

An unusual thing happens, An object of the preposition is though, when the direct object a noun or pronoun introduced isn’t “it� but a noun like, say, “lapby a preposition to complete the top� or “favor.� In the sentences MEANING OF A PHRASE THAT MODIkES “She gave me the laptop� and “She a sentence. This modifying phrase did me a favor,� for instance, “me� is what’s known as a preposition- has moved from the tail end to a al phrase, as in “The unsavory position right after the verb. This revelations against the politician question then comes to mind:

JOSE A. CARILLO

Did “me� change status from indirect object to direct object in the process?

Then, something even more unusual happens when “laptop� and “favor� are reverted to the pronoun “it,� which was their original form. It yields these very awkward, bad-sounding, and fuzzy constructionist: “She gave me it.� “She did me it.� Clearly, a sentence becomes dysfunctional when it lumps the verb with a direct object and indirect object that are both pronouns, for it seriously blurs the distinction between the direct object and indirect object.

How does English avoid such awful constructions? )T USES THE EXPEDIENT OF POSITIONing the direct object “it� right after the verb and moving the indirect object “me� to the tail end where

it becomes the object of the preposition or what Ivan calls a prepositional object. 4HE kRST SENTENCE THAT BAFlED HIM THUS BECOMES THE clearer, better-sounding “She gave it to me,� where “me� is now the object of the preposition “to�; the second sentence becomes “She did it for me,� where “me� is now the object of the preposition “for.�

Keep in mind though that in both constructions, “me� remains the verb’s indirect object. .EXT The proper use of “can� and “may� marks one’s civility)

Visit Jose Carillo’s English Forum, http://josecarilloforum.com. Visit me on Facebook, https://www. facebook.com/jacarillo. Follow me AT 4WITTER COM * #ARILLO % MAIL J CARILLO YAHOO COM

De La Salle University Medical Center offers package for heart bypass surgery THE Philippines ranks 28th in the world for Coronary Heart Disease deaths, according to the World Health Organization (2015). In Cavite, it ranks number 1 in the 10 leading causes of deaths in the province. This means that out of every 100,000 population, 101 patients died of heart disease, according to the Cavite provincial statistics for 2016.

To reduce the incidence of cardiac-related mortality, Coronary Artery Grafting (CABG), popularly known as heart bypass surgery, is performed to treat patients who have severe coronary artery disease that could lead to coronary artery-related deaths. The average cost of having a CABG in the Philippines, however, is prohibitive, amounting to around P700,000 to P1 million. Thus, having a medical catastrophe plus an economic catastrophe may result in an immense misfortune for the patient and the family.

To cope with this problem, the De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) applied for accreditation with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to cover CABG at a more affordable price, as it has

the facilities and the expertise of doctors to offer the “Z benefit� package for CABG. Z benefit refers to the maximum benefit that PhilHealth can offer.  DLSUMC launched the Z-benefit package for CARG on Aug. 6, 2018 in the presence of De La Salle Health Sciences Institute President Br. Gus Boquer FSC, vice chancellors, hospital directors, managers, medical consultants, PhilHealth Imus Social Insurance Officer Benjamin Rodil Jr., and Credit and Accreditation Supervisor Presciosa Marie Alba.

DLSUMC is the first hospital in Region 4-A (as per PhilHealth division of regions) to be accredited by PhilHealth of the Z-benefit package for CABG. Qualified PhilHealth members can avail of the maximum coverage of P550,000.

From a total estimated cost of almost P1 million for a heart procedure, with the Z-benefit package, the patient will be asked to pay only P350,000. PhilHealth will pay an additional P550,000 to cover for the rest of the expenses, including the doctors professional fees and post-operative cardiac rehabilitation.

Realizing the reduced quality of life and the limitation of physical activities a cardiac patient suffers,

undergoing the heart procedure with the help of PhilHealth’s Z-benefit package will improve the patient’s quality of life and over-all health, not to mention prolong the patient’s life. This will allow them to return as productive citizens of the community.

For patients who need to avail of this lifesaving procedure, their cardiologist will refer them to the Z-benefit for CABG team. Appropriate screening and laboratory tests will be done to determine the eligibility for the program. Eventually, it is DLSUMC’s aim to be accredited for a “No-Balance Billing� package for indigent patients, which means no more cash out for the patient.

The availability of Philhealth’s benefit package for heart surgery in DLSUMC is a big leap toward achieving affordable, comprehensive and competent life-saving procedure. DLSUMC continuously looks for ways and means to provide the community compassionate, proficient and collaborative healthcare services to all our citizenry. For further inquiries on the benefit package for CABG at DLSUMC, please call (6346) 481-8000 or (632) 988-3100 local 1220.

STUDENT TRUSTEE

The Marinduque State College (MSC) has installed Mykiel Carlo MaĂąanita as the student trustee of the Board of Trustees (BOT). Photo shows MaĂąanita (fourth from left) taking his oath of office from Perfecto Alibin, Commission on Higher Education commissioner and designated chairman of the MSC BOT. Looking on are (from left) Julie Rodelas, MSC Faculty Association president and BOT member; Ma. Josefina Abilay, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 4-B and BOT member; Dr. Mani, MSC president and BOT vice chairman; Carmelita Rejano Reyes, private sector representative and BOT member; and Antonio Gerundio, Department of Agriculture Regional Office 4-B and BOT member. AGPAPA/MSC MEDIA BUREAU

Q Ang Nuno Dance Troupe PHOTO COURTESY OF ANG NUNO DANCE TROUPE

Angono dance troupe triumphs in Vietnam

ANG Nuno Dance Troupe of Regional Lead School for the Arts in Angono, Rizal was a big winner in the Asia Pacific Arts Festival (APAF) in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam ON *ANUARY TO The troupe, who joined the FESTIVAL FOR THE kRST TIME WON TWO gold medals in two categories, Contemporary Dance and Folk Dance, and was declared overall kRST RUNNER UP IN &OLK $ANCE Ang Nuno Dance Troupe was the RECIPIENT OF g0INAKAMAHUSAY

na Mananayaw ng Taon� awarded

by Gawad Filipino Awards.

Thirteen countries participated in the APAF. The Philippines competed against China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei and Japan.

APAF aims for the pursuit of harmony, peace and global friendSHIP THROUGH DIVERSIkED CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND PERFORMING ARTS competitions.

GABRIELA G. BARON

Social media and mental health summit in UST

Vatel Manila joins 11 other Vatel schools to experience Bangkok OVER 100 future hoteliers from 12 Vatel schools around Asia gathered in AN EXHILARATING DAY CROSS CULTURAL SUMMER EXCHANGE PROGRAM WHEREIN they interacted with members of sister schools plus learned more about their host country, Thailand, and its cuisine and culture.

Vatel, a worldwide network of hospitality and management institution of 37 years, continues to be the pioneer business school that prepares

protĂŠgĂŠs for the international industry.

With 43 schools around the world AND AN ENROLMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 7,000 students, its alumni roster 35,000 strong occupy management and leadership positions in hotels and restaurants globally.

For years, the revered institution has AN EXISTING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE $E ,A Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) to jointly offer a Double Bachelors and Master Degree programs.

With this collaboration, Benilde’s culinary and hospitality departments are now known as Vatel Manila.

Other participants who are part of Asia’s Vatel Network included Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam.

The Philippine delegation were composed of DLS-CSB International Hospitality Management

Q Silpakorn University International College, gathered around 100 future hoteliers from Vatel schools in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam in an extensive 12-day cross-cultural program of self-growth. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

students Carl Jerald Castillejos, -AXINE ,OUISE $AWIS %MERSON Forte, Luzanne Jee Libarnes, Xueyao Liu, Alyssa Gabrielle Manlangit, Kyle Brent Quintos, Jessika Isabelle Tiu, Anna Danielle Vicente and Tazia Kate Villanueva.

Assistant professor Dr. Sompid Kattiyapikul, dean of Silpakorn University International College, guided the participants through an interesting array of activities, such as tours around the city’s hotspots, like the central province of Nakornpathom, the eco-cultural Sampran Riverside, and the landscaped gardens of the Ancient City.

The attendees, likewise, immersed themselves to learn on how to cook signature Thai dishes, plus EXPERIENCED SOME LOCAL TRADITION and culture. g4HE SUMMER EXCHANGE PROGRAM has been a great opportunity for YOUNG STUDENTS TO BE EXPOSED TO THE world’s diversity,� said Vatel Manila student Alyssa Manlangit. “I hope that there will be more opportunities such as this because it will be helpful for the youth to grow, to meet people AND SHARE EXPERIENCES TO GET TO know another culture, and see the world outside of our comfort zone.� she added.

IMAGE FROM UST.EDU.PH THE LinkEd 2.0: A Social Media in Education Summit organized by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is on its final day today, January 24, at the UST Tan Yan Kee Student Center, The three-day summit, which began last January 22, was aimed at determining “the possible link between social media and mental health considering the rising cases on mental health-related issues among adolescents and the sustained massive use of social media, in order for schools to know best to handle these new realities,� Summit co-Chairman Philippe Jose Hernandez said in a press release.

Speakers included medical doctor and media influencer Ma. Gia Sison, UST

psychologist Ma. Claudette Agnes, PhD, psychologists and psychometrician Renz Christian Argao, Youth for Mental Health Coalition Inc. founder and National Chairman and medical doctor Raymond John Nagui, Lyceum of the Philippines University Guidance Director Carolyn Quiba, and De La Salle College of St. Benilde Student Involvement head Leandro Loyola.

Conference topics were “Social Media and Mental Health,� “Mental health and the Curriculum,� “Teachers’ Roles in Students’ Mental Health,� “How Social Media Mobilizes Advocacies,� “Developing a Mental Health-Friendly Campus,� and “Social Media and Student Affairs.�

The ËœManila Times

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THURSDAY January 24 , 2019

Campus Press

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Benildean students renovate daycare and health centers in Manila I NTERIOR Design (IND) graduating students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) recently conducted renovation of daycare centers of Barangay 739 and 752 and health center of Barangay 745 in the Manila streets of Arellano and Singalong in Malate, and Gonzalo in San Andres.

The renovation mission, titled “Odyssey: Seeking Adventures through Timeless Local Folklores and Its Morals,� found inspiration from the country’s abundant and colorful Philippine folk stories.

Named aptly, the Odyssey project was a long journey full of adventures, aimed to recapture the hearts and minds of both the old and the young through literature and design through renovation, refurbishing, replacement and repair.

4HE )NTERIOR $ESIGN %XHIBIT BATCH WAS COMPOSED OF STUDENTS divided into three groups, and each selected venues in different nearby barangay (villages). “It started as a class requirement WHICH HELPED US TO MAXIMIZE OUR skills and create substantial impact among the members of the community,� project leader Bianca Barican said.

The class, which headed the renovation for Barangay 752 Day Care Center, replaced the old big cabinets into more compact shelves to have a wider sitting room for the pupils.

The ceiling was repaired and designed WITH A BUTTERlY WING TO INSPIRE CHIL-

dren to be more creative and artistic.

Their inspirations were Philippine folklore “Alamat ng Bulaklak� and “Alamat ng Paru-Paro.�

Meanwhile, the unit for Barangay 739 Day Care center likewise changed big cabinets into colorful shelves to save space for more comfortable sitting. At the same time, the daycare’s walls were painted with plants and animals to encourage curiosity, creativity and connection that interplays with tradition, nature and contemporary life. The concepts behind these designs were Philippine origin stories such as “Si Malakas at si Maganda.�

On the other hand, the team for Barangay 745’s Health Center revamped the monoblock chairs into seats with foams for comfort, durability and ability to support weight. The walls were designed with images of ancient Filipinos and mythical creatures, following local myths.

Several fundraising campaigns, such as garage sales and selling of student-made merchandise, were held to ensure the success of the projects.

Q Barangay 739 after the renovation with the concept of Philippine origin story ‘Si Malakas at si Maganda’ CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Q Interior design students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde designing the walls of a daycare center CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Q The newly renovated health center of Barangay 745 inspired from Philippine myths CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The transformations took a month to be completed. And, in thanksgiving for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of neighbors,

success of Odyssey and to those who we hope we helped make their lives a little brighter through their spaces, thank you for all the patience and

the batch concluded the project by distributing food and treats for the kids and the senior citizens. “To all who worked hard for the

cooperation for making certain that this project became successful. We all learned something from this heartWARMING EXPERIENCE u "ARICAN STATED

Mondelez Philippines on the lookout for future leaders SNACK company Mondelez Philippines Inc. is calling out applicants to its Graduate Trainee (GT) Program.

4HE '4 0ROGRAM IS AN MONTH leadership development program for new graduates. Within this time, they are set on a leadership development path with learning EXPERIENCES IN DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS of Mondelez Philippines.

Just as the company has been

empowering people to snack right for the past 55 years, its GT Program has been nurturing the capabilities of new graduates and, possibly, future members.

3INCE IT kRST STARTED IN THE GT program has offered hundreds of new graduates an accelerated CAREER GROWTH A JOYFUL WORK EXPErience and a promising future with Mondelez Philippines.

gram selects students who show the makings of leaders, including The GT Program offers not above average scholastic perforjust an entry position, it is a MANCE AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES distinguished leadership program Key leadership characteristics are that provides new graduates also sought among applicants.

Bianca Baluyut, one of the many with learning and knowledge to help jumpstart their careers EXEMPLARY GRADUATE TRAINEES WHO and develop them not only as now holds a management position in Mondelez Philippines, shared employees, but as leaders.

What further differentiates the HER EXPERIENCE OF BEING PART OF THE program is that as leaders, GT Program, “After being selected GTs are not only given as a Graduate Trainee, I was hired training and knowledge AS A REGULAR EMPLOYEE TRAINEE FOR about their home func- months. Within this period, I was TION &OR EXAMPLE IF A '4 able to learn the business through is assigned to sales, he or 3ALES EXPOSURE AND PROJECTS ) WAS she will also learn about also provided with cross-functional marketing, finance, hu- EXPERIENCES LIKE IN (2 MANUFACTURman resource and other ING MARKETING kNANCE AND CUSTOMfunctions within the com- er service and logistics.�

GTs are given regular coaching pany. This way, GTs are not only trained, they are truly and feedback sessions to help in their development during the Q Bianca Baluyut and Gela Encanto are former graduate trainees of Mondelez Philippines who honed as future leaders.

MONTH PERIOD 'ELA %NCANTO IS At the onset, the GT pronow hold leadership positions within the company. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Life as a Graduate Trainee

Notable failures

BY PIT M. MALIKSI LICEO DE SAN PABLO/LA CONSOLACION COLLEGE TANAUAN THERE is life after failures. Thus, there is hope for dropouts, flunkers and quitters this New Year. Instead of berating themselves, there is a way to keep them from the dark side of their studies or career slump. They must keep their faith and enthusiasm to turn over a new leaf and find a new lease behind their dashed hopes in life.

So, when was the last time someone sat you down and told a story about the famous prodigies of the world? Yes, there is something enticing as ever about these men and women whose piles of genius never fail to impress us.  But would you believe if someone told you that Albert Einstein was no genius? It wouldn’t have been possible, you’d reason.

How could someone who turned physics in his head with the dizzying Theory of Relativity be so?

Yet, Albert Einstein was already four years old when he uttered his first word, and he was seven when he could read. Truth was, Einstein’s parents thought he was retarded.

He was also advised by his teacher to drop out of high school as he could answer questions only after laboring in thought.

But he didn’t mind such put-downs and set his mind with simple yet brilliant equation

E=mc2. This formula became the basis for modern physics, including for the development of the atomic bomb.

Einstein’s story is, in fact, not an exclusive story. History is replete with failures among famed scientists, inventors, musicians and writers. After being vilified many times by their contemporaries, these great men and women learned from their mistakes and resisted brooding over them.

Let’s take a look at other notable failures: Sir Isaac Newton, an English scientist and mathematician who described the basic laws of gravity and motion in 1697 and was the inventor of calculus and the reflecting telescope, was a very poor learner in grade school and his parents thought he would not make it to high school.

Thomas Alva Edison’s teachers told him he was too stupid to learn anything, but he succeeded in contributing to America and the world his 1,093 inventions, including the phonograph (1877), electric light (1879), stencil (1887) and motion picture (1889), to name a few.

Louis Pasteur, a French chemist who founded the science of microbiology, developed the theory that germs cause

disease in 1857, discovered the paste urization process to kill germs with heat in 1864, and invented vaccine for rabies in 1885, was rated as mediocre in chemistry when he attended the Royal College.

Charles Goodyear bungled an experiment and discovered vulcanized rubber in the process.

He initiated the rubber industry in America in 1839.

Charles Robert Darwin, a British naturalist and biologist who wrote the Origin of Species (his Theory of Evolution) in 1859, did so poorly in school that his father said he would be a disgrace to himself and to Q The young Albert Einstein (three-year old in his family. the main photo) was thought to be retarded by Sir Winston Churchill, one of his own parents. Today, he is considered one the greatest British statesmen and historians whose major work of the most brilliant minds in history. IMAGE is History of the English-Speaking FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS Peoples, failed 6th grade. At the Confession (1879). peak of his achievements, he Louisa May Alcott, an early-modern author said, “Courage is going from failure to failure of Little Women was told by her editor that without losing enthusiasm.� she could n ever write anything that had Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy or Leo Tolstoy popular appeal. flunked out of college but ended up a great German composer Ludwig von BeethoRussian novelist whose celebrated works ven, who is one of the musical geniuses included War and Peace (1862), Anna of all time, was warned by his teacher Karenina (1875), What is Art? (1897) and A

another best-in-class alumna from the GT Program, who is currently growing her career not only in the 0HILIPPINES BUT IN -ONDEL Z )NTERnational in South East Asia. She EXPLAINED THE PROCESS THAT SHE AND other trainees went through. “When we were hired as Graduate Trainees, WE WERE ABLE TO ENJOY ALL THE BENEkTS of regular employees. We were also treated as high-potential talents and were given specialized training and REGULAR EXPOSURE TO THE LEADERSHIP team of the Company.� “Each of us was assigned with ‘buddies’ or peers who were often graduates of the GT program as well, to serve as our guide as we NAVIGATE OUR MONTH STINT !T THE END OF THE MONTHS WE '4S undergo a graduation ceremony of SORTS WHERE WE SHARE OUR kNAL CASE study and what we have learned in the past months,� Baluyut added. !FTER THE MONTH PROGRAM

in music that he was hopeless as a composer, but look, he created masterpieces including 9 symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, 17 string quartets, and 5 piano concertos. “Moonlight Sonata� and “Ode to Joy� were his top compositions.

Enrico Caruso, an Italian tenor who is one of the world’s most celebrated opera stars and who sang with New York Metropolitan Opera from 1903 to1920, got insulting remarks straight to his face from his music teacher that he couldn’t sing for he had no voice at all.

Giacomo Puccini, Italian composer of universally popular operas “La Boheme�

(1896), “Tosca� (1900) and� Madame Butterfly� (1904) had no talent in music as far as his music teacher was concerned.

Pablo Picasso’s tutor gave up on him and he was pulled out of school at age 10. This Spanish painter and sculptor later helped found cubism and produced major works in styles ranging from neoclassicism and surrealism. His famous works include the paintings“Woman in White�(1923),“The Three Dancers�(1925) and“Guernica�(1939), and the sculpture“Woman’s Head�(1909).

Walter E. Disney, American creator and producer of animated cartoons and motion pictures, was fired as an artist because his newspaper editor thought he had no ideas.

Daniel Webster, American statesman and orator, said there was always room at the top when he was advised not to become a lawyer because the profession was overcrowded.

Malcolm X, an African-American who

the GTs are then formally welcomed to their home function and positions, and begin their new role within the company. To date, 12 GT alumni now occupy managerial positions within Mondelez Philippines. Several GTs have also accepted positions across South East Asia and Australia as market LEADERS IN THE LAST kVE YEARS AND 55 percent of all GT graduates continue to be employees of the company as well. !PART FROM THE EXCEPTIONAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES -ONDELEZ Philippines is proud of the joy it creates inside every working day with fun celebrations, competitive COMPENSATION AND BENEkTS OPEN and inclusive policies and an enjoyable workplace.

To learn more about the company, visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow it on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ. is one of the century’s great proponents of anti-racial segregation and oppression, only finished 8th grade and was sent to prison for his cause. While in prison, he copied on his tablet everything printed in the dictionary from the first page to the last including the punctuation marks. He learned to be a sharp writer, being a patient reader of what he called a miniature encyclopedia. When asked where his alma mater was, he answered, “Books.�

Other notable failures Dr. Milton E. Larson, John Robbins and Richard Saul Wurman say artists must always remember American violinist Isaac Stern, who had given outstanding performances throughout the world. Stern had said, “The most important thing that the National Council of the Arts can do is to give the creative mind the right to fail. It is only through failure and through experiment that we learn to grow.�

Happy New Year to you all! With prayers, patience and faith, you’ll end with what you wished for!   Pit M. Maliksi, an alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas and Central Texas College, founder of Philippine Axiologists Association, an English teacher of Liceo de San Pablo and La Consolacion College Tanauan, was the Most Outstanding Professor for 12 years of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sto. Tomas, Batangas (STB), where he is the Educational Program Officer of Kiwanis International STB, and the founder of Mga Apo Ni Tomas STB, a civic society of young professionals.

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Philippines offers low-cost solution to China’s growing English teacher demand

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BY YAO LIJUANÂ

HE Philippines has become a fast-growing source for China’s burgeoning English teaching market, with many Chinese online platforms starting to look for language teachers in the country.

The first choice of foreign English teachers for many Chinese might still be native speakers from countries like the US, UK and Australia. However, Filipino teachers are becoming increasingly popular among cost-conscious Chinese language learners.

Booming demand With a computer and a big smile, Mike Alfi starts his work as early as 6 a.m. The 27-yearold from Bacolod city in the Philippines is a home-based English language teacher who has been teaching online Chinese students thousands of miles away for three years.

Filipino English teachers started gaining popularity in China after several Chinese online teaching platforms opened branches or teaching bases in the Philippines. These include 51Talk and First Future.

These internet platforms mainly target kindergarteners to 12th graders (K-12). The busy hours for Filipino online teachers start when Chinese students return from school. Sometimes they prefer online tuitions even before school hours. “I usually work 6 to 7 hours a day. I get up at 5 a.m. and start work at 6. The busiest time is 6

p.m. when students come back home. During weekends, I’m always busy for a whole day,� said Alfi.

Like Alfi, there are more than 10,000 Filipinos working for internet-based teaching sites and the demand is growing fast. “Online education is a hundred-billion-yuan market. Chinese parents, especially those from first- and second-tier cities, have demanding requirements for their children’s education and many of them resort to online education resources.

English and mathematical logic are most popular classes,� Wu Jing, CEO of online teaching company Koudai Kids told the Global Times.

According to 51Talk, there would be a shortage of 500,000 foreign English teachers in China. The company said it had 10 million registered students and planned to increase the number of Filipino teachers from 16,000 TO IN THE NEXT kVE YEARS

Why Philippines?

But, the Philippines is not a country a Chinese would think of as a place to find an English teacher When one searches for “Filipino English teachers� on Baidu, a Chinese searching en-

gine, “Filipino English teachers’ accent� appears in the related search section. “Filipinos are not native English speakers. Many Chinese parents are not good at English so they can’t tell whether Filipino teachers pronounce well.

Western teachers are no doubt more reliable,� said the mother of a 10 year-old boy surnamed Xiong.

To dispel doubts, these Chinese online teaching platforms emphasize that they hire foreign teachers who have a good accent, are fluent in English and have good educational backgrounds.

Some companies even claim only 3 percent of foreign teachers can pass their entrance EXAMINATION English is the Philippines’ official language. Some Filipinos do have a clear American accent partly because the country was a US colony for five decades.

But many others have a local ACCENT MIXED IN THAT LENDS A twist to the diction. Well-educated Filipinos are relatively fluent speakers and have better pronunciation.

For an increasing number of Chinese who want to improve English, the benefits of studying with Filipino English teachers are obvious. The price of a 25-minute online course provided by an American teacher is more than 120 yuan ($17.62), while that of a Filipino teacher costs only 40 yuan.

It is also easier for Chinese companies to control costs in the Philippines. “The cost of teachers and technical maintenance in the Philippines is

Q A boy learns English from a Filipino teacher on online English teaching platform 51Talk.

PHOTO BY YAO LIJUAN/GT Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana recently told the Global Times that the two governments had signed an agreement under which about 2,000 Chinese universities would Win win start hiring about 2,000 Filipino Creating jobs is one of the English teachers.

For 51Talk COO Zhang Limtop priorities for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The ing, it’s good news for online EXPANSION OF #HINESE ONLINE English education companies. teaching platforms in the Phil- “That shows the Chinese govippines is undoubtedly in line ernment’s recognition of Filipino English teachers which will with his agenda.

Duterte personally started convince more Chinese people a “promotion� for Filipino that Filipinos can be good EnEnglish teachers in China last glish teachers,� said Huang.

It can be an opportunity for year. He said before attending the Boao Forum for Asia online teachers too. Online IN THAT AT LEAST English teaching is considered Filipino English teachers were a relatively high-income job in needed in China. It was since the Philippines.

People familiar with the inthen that the governments of the two countries started talks dustry told the Global Times on hiring them. that online teachers’ salary

much lower. Managing the team is also more convenient because the country is in the same time zone as China,� said Wu

varied according to the length OF WORK TIME EXPERIENCE AND their popularity. On average, they earn more than 3,000 yuan per month. The most popular teacher gets as much as 10,000 yuan per month.

The entry-level pay for public school teachers in the Philippines is P21,000 pesos ($400), according to Philippine Star.

Many believe Filipino English teachers could receive higher salaries if they are hired in China. Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Labor Silvestre Bello 3rd once predicted that they could be paid up to P60,000 ($1,150) a month.

Alfi hopes he could teach English in China someday. “I’m learning Chinese now. I would love to work in China. If there is an opportunity, why not?�

GLOBAL TIMES

ISSUE NO. 22

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Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL 2nd DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFH ; Tangub City

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that SOUTH PACIFIC, INC. ZLWK RI¿FH DGGUHVV DW WK )ORRU 6WUDWD Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) for Bulk Marketing of Petroleum (LPG) Product (Mandaue City, Cebu LPG Terminal with 2,000 MT LPG Storage Tank) under the 2017 IPP under the Special Law – Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act (RA 8479) with site address at Brgy. Opao, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Invitation to Bid The Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) Misamis Occidental 2nd 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH 7DQJXE &LW\ WKURXJK LWV %LGV DQG $ZDUGV Committee (BAC), invites contractors to submit bids for the contract: Contract ID No. : 19KJ0075 Contract Name : Construction of Barangay Roads Cluster Contract Location : Misamis Occidental Brief Description : Construction of Concrete Road $SSURYHG %XGJHW IRU WKH &RQWUDFW $%& ŕŹ‘ Source of Funds : GAA FY 2019 Contract Duration : 80 Calendar Days

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

MARY ANN E. RAGANIT 2IÂżFHU ,Q &KDUJH Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

The BAC is conducting the public bidding for this Contract in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

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To be eligible to bid for this Contract, a contractor must meet the following major requirements: (a) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership/ corporation with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (b) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of the ABC, and (c) Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC) at least equal to the ABC.

HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD Expanded National Capital 5HJLRQ )LHOG 2IÂżFH 6th Floor, Sunnymede IT Center, Quezon Avenue Quezon City

The DPWH will use non-discretionary “pass/failâ€? criteria in the eligibility FKHFN SUHOLPLQDU\ H[DPLQDWLRQ RI ELGV HYDOXDWLRQ RI ELGV SRVW TXDOLÂżFDWLRQ and award.

The schedule of key procurement activities for this contract is shown below:

NOTICE

Activity

Time

Place Hard copies at BAC Secretariat, DPWH-Mis. Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub January 24 – City, Downloadable from DPWH February 14, 2019 website www.dpwh.gov.ph, PhilGEPs website www.philgeps.gov.ph 2. Pre-Bid February 1, 2019 at BAC Conference Room DPWH-Mis. Conference 10:00 AM Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City 3. Receipt by the February 14, 2019 BAC Conference Room DPWH-Mis. BAC of Bids until 10:00 AM Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City 4. Opening of February 14, 2019 at BAC Conference Room DPWH-Mis. Bids 01:00 PM Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City

Notice is hereby given that TRIUMVIRATE D E V E L O P M E N T CORPORATION (Owner/ 'HYHORSHU KDYH ÂżOHG with this Board a sworn registration statement for the sale of lots and units at ONE TRIUM TOWER located at Filinvest Ave., Palms District, Filinvest City, Alabang, 0XQWLQOXSD &LW\ VSHFLÂżFDOO\ described as Lot 6, Psd-00043795 covered by TCT No. 014-2018001535 with a total area of 3,076 square meters.

1. Issuance / Downloading of Bidding Documents

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Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V IURP the last day of publication.

Any request for additional information concerning this bidding shall be directed to the following: MANUEL P. MEDINA BAC - Chairperson DPWH – Mis. Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City Tel no.(088) 545-0081 Email address: dpwhmodeo2@gmail.com

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Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL 2nd DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFH ; Tangub City Invitation to Bid The Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) Misamis Occidental 2nd 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH 7DQJXE &LW\ WKURXJK LWV %LGV DQG $ZDUGV Committee (BAC), invites contractors to submit bids for the contract: Contract ID No. : 19KJ0076 Contract Name : Concreting of Road Clarin Cluster Contract Location : Misamis Occidental Brief Description : Construction of Concrete Road $SSURYHG %XGJHW IRU WKH &RQWUDFW $%& ŕŹ‘ Source of Funds : GAA FY 2019 Contract Duration : 80 Calendar Days The BAC is conducting the public bidding for this Contract in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

To be eligible to bid for this Contract, a contractor must meet the following major requirements: (a) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership/ corporation with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (b) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of the ABC, and (c) Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC) at least equal to the ABC. The DPWH will use non-discretionary “pass/failâ€? criteria in the eligibility FKHFN SUHOLPLQDU\ H[DPLQDWLRQ RI ELGV HYDOXDWLRQ RI ELGV SRVW TXDOLÂżFDWLRQ and award.

The schedule of key procurement activities for this contract is shown below: Activity

Time

Place Hard copies at BAC Secretariat, DPWH-Mis. Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub January 24 – City, Downloadable from DPWH February 14, 2019 website www.dpwh.gov.ph, PhilGEPs website www.philgeps.gov.ph 2. Pre-Bid February 1, 2019 at BAC Conference Room DPWH-Mis. Conference 10:00 AM Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City 3. Receipt by the February 14, 2019 BAC Conference Room DPWH-Mis. BAC of Bids until 10:00 AM Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City 4. Opening of February 14, 2019 at BAC Conference Room DPWH-Mis. Bids 01:00 PM Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City 1. Issuance / Downloading of Bidding Documents

Bidders shall pay the BAC a non – refundable fee of Php 25,000.00 for the Bidding Documents, upon securing hard copies of the documents. Bidders that download the Documents from DWPH/ PhilGEPs website shall pay the fee upon submission of their bids.

The DPWH – Misamis Occidental 2nd DEO, Tangub City reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process any time before the Contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders, in accordance with the provisions of Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR. Any request for additional information concerning this bidding shall be directed to the following: MANUEL P. MEDINA BAC - Chairperson DPWH – Mis. Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City Tel no.(088) 545-0081 Email address: dpwhmodeo2@gmail.com SOFRONIA C. UY Head, BAC-Secretariat DPWH – Mis. Occ. 2nd DEO, Tangub City Tel no.(088)545-0081 Email address: dpwhmodeo2@gmail.com

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HEADQUARTERS ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES HEALTH SERVICE COMMAND OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF FOR LOGISTICS, H4 Camp Colonel Victoriano K Luna, V Luna Ave, Quezon City

INVITATION TO BID One (1) lot various unserviceable/junked materials of AFP Health Service Command at Camp V. Luna, Quezon City.

Floor Price: Php90,000.00 1. Pre Bid Conference : 25 January 2019 at 2pm 2. Opening of Bid Proposal : 01 February 2019 at 2pm Note: Ocular Inspection is from 29-31 January 2019 Please coordinate with OH4, AFPHSC at this number: 0915-167-7821 MT - Jan. 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24, 2019

HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD Expanded National Capital Region )LHOG 2IÂżFH 6th Floor, Sunnymede IT Center, Quezon Avenue Quezon City NOTICE Notice is hereby given that SM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (2ZQHU 'HYHORSHU

KDV ÂżOHG with this Board for the sale of condominium units of VINE RESIDENCES PHASE 2 & 3 located at Brgy. San Bartolome, Novaliches, 4XH]RQ &LW\ VSHFLÂżFDOO\ GHVFULEHG as Lot 441 of the Piedad Estate (TCT No. 004-2010004451) and Lot 976-B-1-B, Psd-00-093101 (TCT No. 004-2017008338) with a total area of 31,071 square meters.

A Temporary License to Sell No. ENCRFO-17-04-008 and License to Sell No. 033376 were issued on 26 April 2017 and 19 April 2018, respectively.

The foregoing project is utilizing units in REGINAROSA RESIDENCES located at Brgy. Sta. Teresita, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, owned and developed by SUMMERHILLS HOME DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, as its compliance pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279, as amended

by Republic Act No.10884.

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V IURP WKH ODVW day of publication.

HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD Expanded National Capital Region )LHOG 2IÂżFH th 6 Floor, Sunnymede IT Center, Quezon Avenue Quezon City NOTICE Notice is hereby given that SM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SMDC) (Owner/Developer), has ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV %RDUG IRU WKH VDOH RI condominium units of BLOOM RESIDENCES PHASE 3 (TOWERS L & M) located at Dr. A. Santos Ave., 6XFDW 3DUDQDTXH &LW\ VSHFLÂżFDOO\ described as Lot Nos. 1 & 3 Pcs-00015449, TCT No. 010-2017001589 and 010-2017001591, respectively, with a total area of 61,540 square meters. A Temporary License to Sell No. ENCRFO-17-10-024 dated 17 November 2017 was issued to the project.

The foregoing project is utilizing lots/units in a BALAI FILIPINO HOUSING PROJECT located at Brgy. Lasang, Davao City, owned by Local Government of Davao and to be developed by SMDC, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. ST 6747 Resources Corporation, 102 E. Delos Santos Realty Co. Inc., Metro South Davao Property Corporation and Prime Metro Estate, Inc, as its compliance pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279, as amended by Republic Act No.10884. A Temporary License to Sell No. NCR-17-10-024 dated 23 October 2017 was issued to the Project.

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith be LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V IURP WKH ODVW day of publication.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, JAN 08, 2019

Quezon City, Metro Manila, JAN 14, 2019

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(SGD.) ATTY. NORMAN JACINTO P. DORAL 2IÂżFHU ,Q &KDUJH

M.T. - January 17 & 24, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION (STR)

M.T. - January 17 & 24, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION (STR)

NOTICE

PAUNAWA

Notice is hereby given that LEAH UMANDAP RIVERA AND SAMUEL REINOSO UMANDAP (Owners) and CITI GLOBAL REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT INC. (Developer) by virtue of a Memorandum of AgreePHQW KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ registration statement for the sale of residential condominium units at DIAMOND BEACH RESIDENCES PALAWAN located at Brgy. San Rafael, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and more particularly described as Lot 2-E and Lot 2-F, Psd-04-037875 and covered by TCT Nos. T-1215 & T-1216. The project is under PD 957.

Ipinauunawa na sina LEAH UMANDAP RIVERA at SAMUEL REINOSO UMANDAP (May-ari) at CITI GLOBAL REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT INC. (Taga-debelop) ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng “residential condominium units� sa DIAMOND BEACH RESIDENCES PALAWAN na matatagpuan sa Brgy.

San Rafael, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan at sinasakop ng mga Lote Blg. 2-E at Lote Blg. 2-F, Psd-04-037875 na nasa ilalim ng mga Titulo Blg. T-1215 at T-1216. Ang nasabing proyekto ay sumasailalim sa PD 957.

The foregoing project is utilizing the Participation Through InvestmentIncentivized Compliance by depositing the amount of one million two hundred sixty seven thousand ÂżYH KXQGUHG VHYHQW\ VL[ DQG (P 1,267,576.65) in Trust Account under Escrow Agreement by and among CITI GLOBAL REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT INC., HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD (REGIONAL OFFICE) and ASIA UNITED BANK, as its compliance to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279 as amended by Republic Act No. 10884.

Ang nasabing proyekto ay ginagamit ang Participation Through InvestmentIncentivized Compliance, sa pamamagitan ng pag deposito ng “one million two hundred sixty seven WKRXVDQG ÂżYH KXQGUHG VHYHQW\ VL[ and 65/100 (P 1,267,576.65)â€? sa Trust Account sa ilalim ng Escrow Agreement sa pamamagitan at sa gitna ng CITI GLOBAL REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT INC., HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD (REGIONAL OFFICE) at ASIA UNITED BANK, bilang pagsunod sa Seksyon 18 ng Republic Act No. 7279 na naameyendahan ng Republic Act No. 10884.

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon.

Ang mga kasulatang kaugnay nito ay maaring suriin ng sinumang tao na nagtataglay ng ligal na interes doon pagkatapos ng wastong aplikasyon at kaukulang bayad.

Absent legal impediment, the abovecited project is deemed registered DQG D FHUWLÂżFDWH LQ HYLGHQFH WKHUHRI VKDOO IRUWKZLWK EH LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH

days from the last day of publication.

Pagkaraan ng limang (5) araw mula sa huling araw ng pagkalathala ang proyektong nabanggit ay ituturing na rehistrado na at maaring bigyan ng sertipiko bilang katibayan nito kapag wala nang sagabal na ligal.

Calamba City, Laguna, 22nd day of January 2019.

Recommending Approval: (SGD.) ENGR. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head - Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD) Approved by: (SGD.) ATTY. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU MT - Jan. 24 & 28, 2019

Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika-22 ng Enero 2019.

Recommending Approval: (SGD.) ENGR. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head - Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD) Approved by: (SGD.) ATTY. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

MT - Jan. 24 & 28, 2019

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THURSDAY January 24, 2019

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