Manila Standard - 2024 September 26 - Thursday

By Maricel Cruz and Rachelle Tonelada

House approves P6.3-t budget on final reading

Measure backs President's 'legacy projects'

By Maricel V. Cruz and Othel Campos

VOTING 285-3-0, the House of Representatives on Wednesday night overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025.

Gibo dares China to dismantle nukes, end hostile posture

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippines’ defense chief dared China to dismantle its own missile capabilities, including its nuclear arsenal instead of insisting on the disarmament of countries it is threatening.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro made the remarks after China claimed that the extended stay of the United States’ Typhon or Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system in the Philippines “is a move to turn back the wheel of history.”

“Why don’t they look at their own offensive missile capabilities and remove it, destroy their nuclear weapons, vacate Mischief Reef, and get out of the West Philippine Sea?,” Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of his department’s briefing for its

Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., representing President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., officially opened the 5th Asian Defense, Security, and Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference (ADAS 2024) yesterday at the World Trade Center. The event, which runs upto Sept. 27, 2024, brings together key stakeholders in defense, security, and crisis management to explore the latest technologies and foster collaboration. Inset shows models of the country's current Coast Guard ships.

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Marcos is pushing for the reorganization of water management in the country beginning

By Rolando Ng III

SENATORS Juan Miguel Zubiri and Alan Peter Cayetano found themselves the latest subjects of a new political viral video following their heated exchange that nearly went physical on Tuesday evening. The two had a serious argument over a Senate resolution on the 10 EMBO barangays of Taguig City that were previously under the jurisdiction of Makati. Zubiri raised that the resolution was not in the agenda of the Senate at the

with the creation of a Department of Water Resources.

“It’s a department because we are going to reorganize everything. But the original idea was that we would

time. Cayetano, however, emphasized its urgency. Cayetano, who was working for the residents of his hometown Taguig, apparently did not appreciate how Zubiri ‘raised his voice’ and undermined its importance for his constituents.

The session was suspended and the heated altercation ensued. Cayetano was heard approaching Zubiri about the rules until he seemingly got fed up with Zubiri’s comments.

“’Pag lugar mo ilang beses ka

THE House of Representatives moved to rationalize the budget of the Office of the Vice President -- retaining the P733 million budget recommendation from the Committee on Appropriations from the original P2.1 billion proposal. This came amid calls from some lawmakers to further reduce the OVP budget, with some pushing to slash it to zero following Vice President Sara Duterte’s repeated absences from the “As Speaker, I understand the senti ments of some of my colleagues in Con gress regardingVice President Sara Duterte not attending the plenary deliberations for her office's budget. She was invited three

SENATORS said their closed-door session with Alice Guo validated their earlier theory about the true puppet master who calls the shots for Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs).

However, Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the panel probing POGOs, said she continues to be dissatisfied with the outcome of Wednesday’s executive session, hinting that she wanted to squeeze more information from the disgraced ex-mayor during their private conversation.

"Hindi pa din ako masyadong satisfied sa mga pahayag sa Executive Session, bagama't there was one crucial personality confirmed by Guo Hua Ping. This corroborates a theory

that the Committee shared a month ago," she said in a statement. However, Hontiveros chose to keep the public none the wiser about the identity of POGOs’ “boss of bosses.”

For his part, Senator JV Ejercito opened the door for Guo to serve as a state witness, as she does not appear to be the POGO ring leader.

He also called the session with Guo outside of the media’s prying eyes and ears as just an “ice breaker.”

“Hopefully, we can get more information during subsequent executive sessions. Personally, I don’t believe that one such as Alice Guo

reorganize the entire water management process in the Philippines. But because of the exigencies of climate change, we really have to direct our efforts, our attention to [water],” he said on Wednesday.

chief executive made the remarks during the 6th Legislative Executive Development Advisory

Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message after the passage of the proposed 2025 national budget and subsequent adjournment of the plenary session of the House of Representatives yesterday evening. Inset shows the Speaker joining

Former DepEd official alleges VP Sara payoff

By Maricel Cruz

FORMER Department of Education (DepEd)

Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil Mercado submitted nine envelopes to the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability yesterday claiming they were evidence of regular cash payments from Vice President Sara Duterte during her time as the agency’s head of procurement (HOPE).

Visibly emotional, Mercado pulled out the envelopes, each labeled "HOPE," and said that they used to contain P50,000, totaling P450,000. This submission came in response to the Vice President’s denial of giv-

House approves...

From A1

trillion 2025 money measure include human and social development, job creation, and improving the country’s infrastructure and governance.

The 2025 General Appropriations Bill also supports President Marcos' “legacy projects,” which focus on specialty hospitals, food security, and housing for the poor.

Education, the top priority, is allocated P977.6 billion to ensure accessible, quality education for all Filipinos.

Public works and highways will receive P900 billion, while the health sector will receive P297.6 billion to improve healthcare services nationwide.

ing her monthly cash payments over a nine-month period.

"That was really painful. I'm just an ordinary worker, then the Vice President exercised power tripping on me. It's very painful," Mercado said as

she handed over the envelopes to the committee during the interpellation of House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre.

The submission of the envelopes was part of Mercado’s effort to clear her name amid the allegations made by the Vice President.

Duterte had accused Mercado of soliciting P16 million in donations from the private sector without her knowledge, describing her as a "disgruntled" former official and promising to provide a paper trail to back up her claims.

Addressing this accusation, Mercado explained that the P16 million in

question was intended to fund equipment for the DepEd Guru app and other technological improvements aimed at connecting teachers and automating the application process at the agency.

She emphasized that these donations were in the form of equipment, not cash, and that no improper actions were taken.

“There was no money involved there. These are equipment donations, not cash,” she clarified, adding that the two corporations involved were willing to provide affidavits confirming that no cash solicitation occurred.

Mercado explained that she never opened the envelopes while at DepEd,

only discovering their contents after her retirement.

Upon receiving advice, she donated the money to a non-government organization (NGO), which provided her with a receipt that she also offered to the committee as evidence.

In her testimony, Mercado revealed that she received the envelopes monthly between February and September 2023 from Assistant Secretary Sunshine Fajarda, allegedly on behalf of Vice President Duterte. Mercado, who resigned in October 2023, suggested that her departure was due to her refusal to bypass procurement guidelines.

House slashes...

From A1 times, but she did not show up," Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

Romualdez, however, emphasized the importance of keeping the OVP funded to ensure that services provided by the office continue uninterrupted and to safeguard the jobs of its employees.

"There are some members of Congress who have proposed to further reduce the budget of the Office of the Vice President, and others have proposed to reduce the office's funds to zero because of her non-appearance. But I rejected these suggestions. I un derstand the frustrations, but I believe that it is still important for the Office of the Vice President to have a sufficient budget to continue serving our countrymen," he said.

He said this was the reason why he appealed to leaders of all political parties in the House of Representatives late Wednesday to convince other

Cayetano,...

From A1

nakiusap sa akin e. Huwag mo akong sigawan (When it was your turf, you requested my support many times. Don’t yell at me),” Cayetano was heard telling Zubiri.

“Anong gusto mo? Anong gusto mo?... Wala kang pakialam sa mga bumoto doon e. Interes mo lang iniisip mo (What do you want? What do you want?... You don’t care about the voters there. You are only looking after your own interest),” he added.

Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Pia Cayetano—Alan Peter’s sister— and another man separated the two before things could turn uglier. Pia calmed her brother down. Later, when tensions cooled, Cayetano and Zubiri acknowledged their misunderstanding.

“If I raised my voice, it’s because, you know, I was… It didn’t have to go that way and I apologize if I raised my voice,” Zubiri said when the

Marcos...

From A1 Council’s (LEDAC) full meeting at the Malacañang Palace when asked if he is keen to turn the water resources department into an “umbrella agency” instead of an independent agency. During the meeting, he told Senate President Francis Escudero that Malacañang would come up with an executive version of the Department of Water Resources bill.

Mr. Marcos also urged lawmakers to immediately approve the “Wasteto-Energy Bill” to address the flooding problem in the country.

“We have to look at it in a more urgent sense because it really becomes such an important part of the flood control program,” he said during the 6th

The final version of the House approved measure shall be submitted to the Senate soonest.

President Marcos is expected to sign the money measure by December.

Mr. Marcos earlier certified as urgent the proposed 2025 budget bill on Tuesday.

Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe said the Palace certification enabled the House to approve the proposed budget on both second and final reading on the same day.

Romualdez earlier said the 2025 budget will "serve as an instrument for the government to spread the dividends of economic progress through various social protection and financial assistance initiatives, and funding for infrastructures like roads, hospitals, class-

Human and social development programs will receive P2.120 trillion, representing 33.38 percent of the budget.

House members to just adopt the recommendation of the Committee on Appropriations.

"Therefore, in accordance with our consultation with political party leaders from the Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), National Unity Party (NUP), Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc., and others, we followed the recommendation of the Committee on Appropriations after their thorough review," he said.

"It is still important for the Office of the Vice President to have a sufficient budget to continue serving our countrymen," he added.

The House appropriations committee previously approved the P733-million allocation, which closely mirrors the budget allocated to former Vice President Leni Robredo. The budget includes P30 million to account for inflation.

However, a portion of the budget initially intended for the OVP’s satellite offices and certain social services will be redirected to the Department of Social Welfare and Development

session resumed.

The senator from Bukidnon explained he was just surprised at the addition of the EMBO resolution in the agenda, suggesting if it could be discussed by Wednesday instead.

Cayetano, meanwhile, maintained that he broke no rules as the resolution was added a day prior. “It’s not just an emotional issue, it’s not a local issue. It’s an issue of constitutional importance. The ability for people to vote,” he said.

The lawmaker also mentioned he tried explaining to Zubiri the sense of urgency, saying he did not want to take the risk of delaying it further due to possible inclement weather that might disrupt the scheduled sessions again.

“You’ve seen the rains we've had lately. What if another storm comes and we adjourn tomorrow? Does that mean the residents of EMBO cannot run for congressman, no one can vote?” Cayetano said in Tagalog in another video.

Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) full meeting at the Malacañan Palace.

The Waste-to-Energy Bill was approved on the third reading by the House of Representatives but is still up for the second reading in the Senate.

During the LEDAC meeting, Mr. Marcos emphasized the need to fasttrack the measure “because the garbage problem is actually severe.”

While waste-to-energy projects have also reduced flooding by 40 percent, it has to be implemented at the local government level, he added.

“I think waste-to-energy now has taken on a new role. It is no longer just for garbage, or waste disposal or waste management. It is also now very much part of the flood-control effort,” the chief executive explained.

rooms, seaports and airports, irrigation systems, and transportation networks.”

“Next year’s spending legislation will serve as our tool for sustained economic development. It will support the Agenda for Prosperity programs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.," he said.

“We hope our people will feel the benefits of growth through the programs intended for them in the national budget,” the Speaker added.

The House has been conducting marathon sessions every day since Monday last week, starting at 10 in the morning.

It extended its proceedings to Thursday and Friday last week to meet its plenary debate-approval deadline.

Earlier in the day, the House approved increased budgets for the Department of Agriculture and the Na-

(DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH).

"Ultimately, continuous service is important for the well-being of our countrymen, and offices like OVP need adequate funds to do this. Although we expect accountability and participation, it is also important to ensure that public service continues for the good of all," Romualdez said.

Duterte on Wednesday insisted the House of Representatives cannot compel people to participate in the legislative process, saying that such right to refuse is protected by the Constitution.

“Inquiries should not be adversarial nor prosecutorial and should recognize the right of persons to refuse to participate in the crafting of laws," Duterte said.

“In fact, the invitation of the Committee itself lacks any clear legislative objective or contemplated legislation that is expected as an outcome of the deliberations,” she added in a letter addressed to Rep. Joel Chua, chairperson of the Committee on Good Govern-

Gibo...

From A1

proposed 2025 budget before the Senate.

For Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., the United States’ Typhon midrange capability (MRC) missile should stay in the country permanently.

Brawner made the remarks as the Army announced the extended stay of the ground-based missile system for training purposes, which is capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles, amid mounting tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“If I were given a choice, I would like to have the Typhons here in the Philippines forever,” Brawner said in an ambush interview in Pasay City.

The U.S. mid-range missile system (MRC) first arrived in the Philippines in April 2024 as part of a bilateral military exercise and was also featured in the Balikatan joint exercises.

The Philippines is considering purchasing similar missile systems in the future, with the extended stay of the U.S. system intended to train Filipino troops.

Senator...

From A1 is behind such an extensive international operation… there is an international crime syndicate behind this… Guo is only a pawn,” Ejercito said in Filipino.

The dismissed Bamban mayor earlier insisted she was not the mastermind behind the illegal POGO Bamban and agreed to reveal the

tional Irrigation Administration for 2025, setting them at P200.19 billion, 19.5 percent higher than the 2023 budget and P42.57 billion which was slightly up from P41.7 billion, respectively.

“Any additional budget that we could get from Congress will allow DA to step up efforts to ensure food security, modernize agriculture, and improve the lives of millions of farmers, fishermen, and their families,” said Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Lawmakers have emphasized the need to modernize Philippine agriculture and reduce dependence on food imports, aiming to boost farm production, improve farmer incomes, and address challenges in the agricultural sector, including low productivity, high costs, and the impact of climate change.

ment and Public Accountability. According to Vice President, the use of terms such as “inquiry” and “investigation,” as well as “persons” and “witnesses,” was improperly used interchangeably in the House rules. She added the issue regarding the utilization of the OVP's previous budget, specifically its 2022 confidential fund, is currently under review by the Supreme Court and therefore “should not be discussed before the House of Representatives," citing the sub judice rule.

Five officials from the OVP also skipped Wednesday's congressional inquiry, prompting Chua's committee to issue a show-cause order demanding their explanation. The officials named in the order include Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez (chief of staff), Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio (assistant chief of staff), Rosalynne Sanchez (director of Administrative and Financial Services), special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, and chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey.

Although it was initially expected to leave by September 2024, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated there is no set timeline for its withdrawal, as plans have since changed.

The MRC is a unit of the groundbased missile system capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles.

Teodoro said that if other countries feel uncomfortable with Manila bolstering its deterrent capabilities, they should lead by example and dismantle their ballistic missiles and nuclear armaments.

“It seems to me that before other countries interfere with the creation of our credible defense posture, they should first stop their illegal activities, get out of the West Philippine Sea, take away their ballistic capabilities, destroy their nuclear arsenal,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro said such actions are in line with the government’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Posture which aims to protect the country against incursions in its exclusive economic zones, particularly in the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

“We will do what needs to be done to create a credible deterrent posture,” he also said.

identity of the one "most guilty" in an executive session with Senators.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros said she will also provide former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Accorda, whose name was mentioned in the inquiry, along with other policemen to explain their association with top POGO personalities.

“Since photos of a former chief PNP and other PNP personalities with POGO personalities were shown, we deem it important to give them a plat-

DOJ to file raps vs. brother of Rody adviser

THE Department of Justice said yesterday it will file criminal cases against Tony Yang, the brother of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser Michael Yang.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Tony Yang would not be deported as he has to face criminal cases, aside from violation of immigration laws.

Yang has denied his involvement with POGOs as Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian insisted on his connection with illegal gaming operations.

“We have a choice between immediate deportation and filing of criminal cases, I think the filing of criminal cases takes precedence now,” Remulla said.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said various government agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission were looking into other criminal cases against Yang aside from falsification and use of illegal alias.

“But aside from that, there is a much bigger investigation that will be done and we will coordinate with the NBI, AMLC, BI and maybe PAOCC to look into the various businesses of Tony Yang which may have been used, the warehouse, the possible POGO, to see if there is a more graver case against him," Ty said.

Ty noted that Yang used his fake Filipino citizenship to obtain lands and corporations in the Philippines.

PAGASA eyes approaching storm off NL

By Rio N. Araja

A LOW pressure area (LPA) is likely to develop inside the Philippine area of responsibility in the coming days, which may evolve into a new tropical depression that will be named ‘Julian.’

According to PAGASA weather forecaster Veronica Torres, the LPA is forecast to develop east of extreme Northern Luzon.

"If it becomes a tropical depression, it is possible to move northwest to the Japan area," she said, adding it is expected to bring scattered rains and gusty winds over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Meanwhile, warm easterlies from the Pacific will continue to affect Southern Luzon and the Visayas regions in the next five days.

Fair weather is expected in many parts of the country with possible isolated rain showers, especially in the afternoon due to thunderstorms.

As of 4:00 PM on Wednesday, PAGASA said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) was affecting weather conditions in Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan.

form to respond in the interest of fairness,” she wrote.

On Tuesday, Chinese businessman Yang Jian Xin, also known as Tony Yang, admitted to Senators his meetings with PNP top brass, as shown in the photos. Yang said he and Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Calugay also met with Accorda on a separate instance.

Meanwhile, Acorda admitted associating with known POGO personalities but said he did it for patriotic reasons.

How Rep. Tambunting became a driving force behind Paranaque’s growth

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

IN

PARAÑAQUE’S Second District,

the people witnessed the rise of Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, commonly known as Cong. Gus, a public leader who fostered growth within the community and valued the trust of his constituents, further empowering him to strive for new horizons that benefit the public.

Rep. Tambunting’s political career began when he was 23. He ran for a seat in the Municipal Council of Parañaque and won in the 1988 local elections, transforming him into a public figure that his constituents would soon know and love.

Despite his early political career start, Rep. Tambunting prides himself on being one of the youngest councilors ever elected in Parañaque. Knowing that the public trusted him even though he was still young encouraged him to become a proactive public servant.

From there, Rep. Tambunting went on to win several more elections and serve three more terms as councilor. He topped the councilor elections in the 1992 and 2004 elections with record-breaking votes. He was also awarded Most Outstanding Councilor for three consecutive years before taking a break from politics in 1995 to concentrate on the family-run business. He found it heartwarming to witness the people of Parañaque trust him as a councilor for many years. However, although he knew his duty was to the country, Rep. Tambunting realized he still had a duty to fulfill for his family, a value that has always been at the core of his decisions and actions. The district representative stepped back from Parañaque politics and assumed leadership in his family-run business, Superior Maintenance Services (SMS), founded by his grandmother, Mila del Sol, the queen of the Philippines’ golden age of cinema. With him at the helm, SMS grew to serve hundreds of clients, big and small, providing thousands of jobs to Paranaque and its neighboring cities. Eventually, SMS expanded to other cities outside Luzon to bring top-notch maintenance services to other regions. Even though he took a break from public office, Rep. Tambunting continued to find ways to contribute as a private citizen. In 1999, the Parañaque Chamber of Commerce and Industry honored him with the Salambao Award for being the city’s Most Outstanding Businessman. At 35, he became the youngest president of the Rotary Club of Palanyag-Parañaque.

By Peter Paul Duran

In 2007, he started serving as the Vice Mayor of Parañaque and was re-elected in 2010 for a second term. During his six years as Vice Mayor, Rep. Tambunting maintained a 100 percent attendance record as the City Council’s presiding officer, focusing on programs that supported the family.

Rep. Tambunting firmly believes that strong families build equally strong societies. He actively collaborates with his constituents to develop legislation that supports Filipino families through diverse social services, including housing, labor, and health.

In 2013, Rep. Tambunting was elected Congressman of the Second District of Parañaque City and re-elected for the same position in 2016. As a congressman, he authored and supported several measures passed into law, including RA No. 10747, otherwise known as “An Act Promulgating a Comprehensive Policy In Addressing the Needs of Persons With Rare Diseases”; RA No. 10653, which increased the amount of 13th-month pay and other benefits exempted from income tax; and Republic Act 10742 otherwise known as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015. These legislative achievements have significantly improved the lives of the people in his district, demonstrating his commitment to public service.

In 2022, he was elected again and is currently serving as the 2nd District Representative of Parañaque City. He is presently the Chairperson of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, a role that allows him to shape the policies governing our public utilities and services. He is also the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Employment and Committee on Transportation, and a Member of the House Committees on Accounts, Banks and Financial Intermediaries, Games and Amusements; Government Reorganization; Metro Manila Development; Nuclear Energy, and Ways and Means. These roles give him a significant influence in shaping national policies.

“Cong. Gus”, as he is more popularly known, continues to fight for his advocacies, such as Freedom of Information, rights for the homeless and underprivileged citizens, benefits for senior citizens, and SSS pensioners. He takes an active role in plenary sessions and committee meetings in Congress, ensuring that these issues are given the attention they deserve.

Throughout his more than three decades in service, Rep. Tambunting’s dedication to help remains steadfast today. His continuous service, even in the face of challenges, is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the people of Parañaque. For him, serving the people of Parañaque has become a vocation for him and his family, allowing them to create a tight-knit community that continues to grow along with the times.

2nd District: A

THE 2nd Congressional District of Parañaque, being represented by Rep. Gus Tambunting, includes the bustling barangays of BF Homes, Don Bosco, Marcelo Green, Merville, Moonwalk, San Antonio, San Martin de Porres, and

Holy Eucharist Parish, Moonwalk San Antonio de Padua Parish, Brgy. San Antonio

Our Lady of Peace Parish, Brgy. San Antonio

Mary Help of Christian Parish, Don Bosco

Mary Mother of Good Counsel, Marcelo Green Sun Valley. This district is a blend of thriving residential communities, cultural landmarks, and growing commercial hubs.

In Don Bosco, the Don Bosco Center of Studies, a prominent school of theology, stands as a key institution that has shaped generations of religious scholars from all over the world. In San Antonio, the seat of the city’s government, Parañaque City Hall, finds its home.

walk and San Martin de Porres are also thriving as commercial hubs, with growing local enterprises and dynamic communities. Situated close to Metro Manila’s main transport arteries and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Parañaque’s 2nd District plays a crucial role in the city’s commerce and connectivity. Under Rep. Gus Tambunting’s leadership, the district continues to progress,

HIGHGRADE. Bureau of Customs agent intercepted a bag of high-grade marijuana or ‘kush’ in Clark, Pampanga.

PH laws protect buyers of ‘lemon’ motor vehicles, says High Court

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday advised buyers of defective brand-new motor vehicles to enforce their rights under any available law.

In the case of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) v. Toyota Balintawak, Inc. (TBI), the SC’s Second Division ruled that consumers with brand-new motor vehicle issues may avail of the remedies under the Philippine Lemon Law, the Consumer Act, or any other applicable law.

IN BRIEF

Customs agents seize ‘kush’ in Clark

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark seized 460 grams “kush” or high-grade marijuana worth P759,000 in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and Brgy. Officials of Dau, among others. The shipment was declared as “Signed and Framed Sports Illustrated Magazine.” The BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) flagged it for physical examination after detecting unusual images. A K-9 sniff test further indicated the presence of illegal substances. Authorities discovered one piece of a transparent self-sealing pouch containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for the shipment for violating Section 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs f, i, and l (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.

LTO apprehends driver’s license ‘fixer’

WITH help from the Philippine National Police, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has arrested a 40-year-old woman for supposedly offering fast issuance of a driver’s license in an entrapment operation in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City. LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II identified the suspect as Desire Daginod from Pandi, Bulacan. He, however, said Daginod’s alleged cohort, a certain Gerlo Gomez, 35, was able to elude arrest. Reports reached the LTO that several fixers were again offering services to applicant-motorists, and that Daginod had advertised her illegal activities on her Facebook account. The agency’s intelligence agents, along with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group operatives, conducted a surveillance and an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of Daginod last Tuesday afternoon. Rio N. Araja

Septage plant for Calamba Water District

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna—The Calamba Water District has opened a new septage treatment plant in Brgy. Palo Alto, Calamba City. The new facility is said to be able to filter dirty water at a cheaper price and in a safer way. The utility company said the new facility aimed at addressing issues of improperly disposing of waste obtained from local businesses in the city. According to Exequiel Aguilar Jr., general manager of the Calamba Water District, the city government of Calamba led by Mayor Roseller Rizal and the Sangguniang Panlungsod supported the new facility that complies with the provisions of the Clean Water Act and the Writ of Continuing Mandamus of the Supreme Court for the Preservation of Manila Bay. Roy Tomandao

The High Tribunal explained the Lemon Law covers brand-new motor vehicles purchased in the country reported by a consumer to be defective within 12 months from the date of original delivery or up to 20,000 kilometers of operation, whichever comes first. The case involves Marilou Tan and

her husband, who after purchasing a Toyota Fortuner from TBI noticed a jerky movement in the vehicle whenever the transmission changed gears.

Marilou filed a complaint with the DTI, citing RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Consumer Act) where consumers have the option to request either a replacement unit or an immediate refund if a defect cannot be corrected within 30 days.

Later, the CA ruled in favor of TBI holding that the Consumer Act and the Lemon Law are conflicting because the first law gives the supplier 30 days to correct the defect, while

Comelec declares Akbayan victory; Cendaña to get a seat

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections

(Comelec) declared Akbayan a winner in the 2022 elections, enabling its first nominee Percival Cendaña to get a seat in the House of Representatives until June 2025.

The Comelec en banc certified that Akbayan received enough votes to qualify for last place in the 2022 party-list race.

The Comelec’s National Board of Canvassers issued the proclamation dated September 25 after the Supreme Court upheld the cancellation of the registration of An Waray partylist, leaving one House seat vacant. Akbayan, which was one rank shy of winning a seat in the 2022 partylist race, moved up a notch because of

the ruling. As a result, Cendaña will sit as member of the House of Representatives until June 30, 2025 as provided under Section 7, Article 6 of the Philippine Constitution.

In a statement, Akbayan Party president Rafaela David praised the Comelec for its swift decision on the matter.

“We would like to thank Comelec for their swift action in issuing the Certificate of Proclamation to Akbayan acting on Congress’ request to fill in a vacancy in the party-list seats as part of the constitutional mandate to fill in all seats allotted for party-list organizations,” David said.

Akbayan’s return to the House, David said, is a win for progressive, democratic, and reform-oriented forces in the country.

DOH: No need to worry about new COVID variant

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Health (DOH) said that there is no need to worry amid the detection of a new variant of COVID-19 named XEC.

DOH spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo said that a new variant will always mutate, but the spokesperson noted that there is still no data that the said variant is highly dangerous.

“Although there was a new variant that was introduced. We should remember that there will always be a new variant. XEC has a new mutation, maybe what they are worrying about is if it is easy to infect the people but there are still no data that shows if it’s highly infectious or not,” Domingo said.

The XEC variant is known as a “recombinant variant” a recombination of the KS.1.1 and the KP.3.3 variants, which both evolved from JN.1. The JN.1 variant was the dominant variant around the world at the start of 2024. Currently, there is a total of 600 XEC cases identified in 27 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia. XEC variant was discovered in Germany in August.

the second law allows the manufacturer, distributor, or dealer at least four separate repair attempts.

The SC held that the Lemon Law is not an exclusive remedy.

“There is nothing that prevents a consumer from availing of the remedies under RA 7394 [Consumer Act] or any other law for that matter even if the subject of the complaint is a brand new vehicle… RA 10642 [Lemon Law] is an alternative remedy granted to the consumer and the consumer is free to choose to enforce his or her rights under RA 7394 or any other law,” it said.

The DOH stated that the recorded infections of KP.2 and KP.3 have decreased to 80 cases per day from 400 to 500 per day. Domingo noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) said that flu-like illness in the current colder weather may not be attributed necessarily to XEC variant.

“The warning from the WHO is that even though the number of hospitalized patients due to flu has increased this time, it is not necessarily linked to the new variant XEC. It might just be due to gatherings leading to transmission,” the official said.

The health spokesperson also stated that there is no reported spike in cases in Germany. Moreover, he noted that mandatory face mask is not reimposed, but should be used voluntarily.

DOST, Phivolcs going after suspects in Mayon station vandalism

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is going after those who vandalized the Mayon Volcano observation station in Legazpi City, Albay.

The DOST said it is also seeking help from residents to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

“Any information concerning the above case of vandalism as well as all prompt reporting of similar Incidents in the future will be greatly appreciated,” a DOH-Phivolcs statement said.

The agencies warned vandals that they could be charged with violation of Republic Act 10344 or the Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act of 2012 that penalizes “the unauthorized taking, stealing, keeping or tampering of government risk reduction and preparedness equipment, accessories and other similar facilities.”

“DOST-Phivolcs strongly enjoins the

local government units and communities on Mayon to help in keeping volcano monitoring facilities safe from such illegal acts so that operational coverage of every sector of the volcano can be sustained,” it said.

According to Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, Phivolcs director, the Mayon Volcano Observatory personnel conducted a routine preventive maintenance activity last Sept. 11, and found out that “significant sections of metal fencing were sawed off and taken from the DOSTPhivolcs’ Upper Lidong Observation Station (VMUL) on the eastern borders of Legazpi City.”

“This station operates critical monitoring instruments, including a borehole tilt meter for recording ground deformation caused by magma movement beneath the southeast fl ank of Mayon and an infrared camera for visual observations of the edifi ce even during nighttime. VMUL was just commissioned in October 2022 and provided crucial data covering the recent 2023 of Mayon that led to its successful early warning and response,” he further said.

MRS. UN CANDIDATE. Mrs. United Nations Philippines, Giselle Llavanes Raymus of Barangay Lingunan, Valenzuela City, accompanied by her husband James Raymus, is in New Delhi, India, to represent the Philippines as a nalist in the Miss and Mrs. United Nations competition from September 24 to September 29, 2024. She is the country’s very rst representative for the beauty title.

FLOOD WALL REPAIR. Workers continue the repair works on the ood wall in the Baseco Tondo in Manila. The ood wall is expected to reduce widespread ooding in Metro Manila and other areas. Norman Cruz

OPINION

The tsismoso and the crying lady

RAUL Villanueva’s bombshell about a former Chief of the Philippine National Police assisting in Alice Guo’s escape turned out to be nothing but tsimis. But why did he do it and shouldn’t there be consequences to his action? Was it an attempt to show that in all these Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators hullabaloo, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation is as clean as a whistle?

I do not believe that the public bought the ploy. Pagcor, after all, is the government agency that has control over all POGO operations. Furthermore, didn’t Pagcor continue to recommend the continuing operation of POGOs even after the raid in Bamban, Tarlac? Pagcor should just keep quiet and spare the public from its maneuvering in a vain attempt to look good. Besides, the POGO stink has already permeated many parts of the government. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, heads would eventually have to roll. The only question now is who will be left standing when this sordid investigation ends.

Villanueva, being a retired General of the AFP and an intelligence officer, should have known better than blurt out unverified intelligence information because of the reputational damage it can do to his fellow retirees from the PNP. Instead of achieving whatever purpose he had in mind, the ill-advised action has left him and his organization looking very bad.

But with the investigation stopping, at least the 24 retired PNP Chiefs who are still around, can now breathe a sigh of relief. Right from the beginning of Villanueva’s revelation, I already had serious doubts. This is because I would not have thought that a retired PNP Chief would be stupid enough to sacrifice the tranquility of his retirement to get involved in a controversial undertaking. Such a blunder could ruin everything that he worked, and it would certainly affect his family. Congress or the PNP should now investigate why the general made the accusation in the first place.

As the two Congressional hearings are showing, the tentacles of POGO have pervaded many parts of the government bureaucracy. This reminds me of jueteng, but one on a bigger scale because of its international reach and the amount

of money involved. The so-called payolas, for instance, dwarf jueteng money by a huge margin as shown by the amounts being mentioned in the Congressional hearings. It is really mind boggling. To pay P200 million just to facilitate an escape shows the kind of money that can corrupt even the most steadfast government official.

And since we are on the subject of Police officials, we now have a new crying lady or queen of tears in the person of retired Police Colonel Royina Garma, the former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Who will be left standing when this sordid investigation ends?

We do not know whether her tears are crocodile tears. By reputation, she is supposed to be one of the toughest officers to have put on a PNP uniform. The allegations circulating against her like -- being a leader of the dreaded DDS of Davao City and the things that she also allegedly did while Chief of the Cebu City Police and CIDG -- scares the hell of anybody reading the story.

In my years of military and police service, I had the opportunity to know many so-called battle-hardened officers. There are those with real combat experience of fighting against enemies who can actually fight back like the CPP/NPA terrorists or the secessionist Muslim rebels in Mindanao. There are also those whose alleged fighting experience revolves around the death of criminal suspects who cannot fight back.

I do not know the tough retired Colonel personally. I can only surmise to which category she belonged.

If in the end, the allegations against her are proven, she should face the music. Her story has some similarities to Cristopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, who sold himself to the devil for a moment of power and glory then wanted to rescind his contract with the devil. Unfortunately for him, it was too late. Those still in the service should learn from this story.

‘Singing fools’ attack Uganda government through satire

A PACKED Kampala audience holds its breath as four self-styled “singing fools” in choir uniforms bound onto the stage for their latest daring satire of Ugandan politics.

The Bizonto comedy troupe recount the misadventures in a fictional village, ruled by an ageing leader and suffering from a dire lack of basic services and sky-high taxes.

The parallels with real-life Uganda -- ruled for almost four decades by 80-year-old Yoweri Museveni -are not hard to spot.

The troupe’s name means “mentally unstable”, which they chose when they formed in 2020 in the hope it would provide some protection from the authorities.

But it has not diluted the sharpness of their satire.

“Our message means people know we are actually not fools,” said troupe member Maliseeri Mbambaali, 40.

The show “supports issues raised by the majority of the population,” he told AFP.

Their buffoonish front has not always protected them.

In 2020, they released a video sarcastically calling on Ugandans

The

gamble in restarting US nuclear power plants

NEW YORK — Two American energy companies are each preparing to bring a nuclear power station back into service, an unprecedented operation which should help meet the growing need for electricity in the United States.

With demand for nuclear energy rising in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the US government eager to transition to carbon-free resources, the calculus has changed on the shuttered nuclear plants.

On Friday, Constellation Energy unveiled plans to restart a reactor at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island, which was closed for economic reasons in 2019. The plant was the site of the worst commercial nuclear power accident in US history in 1979.

The relaunch initiative is part of a 20-year electricity supply contract with Microsoft.

Last October, Holtec started the ball rolling by filing an application with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to resume operation of the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, which was shut down in 2022.

According to several specialists, restarting this plant would be a world first.

to pray for their leaders, including Museveni, the police chief and the head of prisons, that quickly went viral.

All four members -- Mbambaali, Julius Sserwanja, 41, Tony Kyambadde, 21, and Joshua Ssekabembe, 19 -- ended up in jail, charged with “promoting sectarianism” and facing up to five years’ imprisonment.

Their time in jail was not so funny, but charges of ‘promoting sectarianism’ were eventually dropped.

The government was on edge at the time ahead of 2021 elections, with singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine galvanising youthful opposition to Museveni’s regime.

With a comedian’s exaggeration, Sserwanja describes how “50 men armed with 70 guns, helicopters and sub-machine guns” swarmed to arrest the quartet at a radio station. But their time in jail was not so funny.

“Everyone’s kind of watching what we’re doing with this project and seeing how viable it is,” said Holtec spokesperson Patrick O’Brien. “So it’s something that if we can show it’s done, the international stage might start looking at the same kind of thing.”

Contacted by AFP, the NRC said that only one application for restart had been submitted to it to date, that of Holtec, which is aiming for the end of 2025.

The dismantling of a power plant takes several decades, and in the case of Holtec’s Palisades site, it had not begun in full.

At Three Mile Island the fuel was removed from the reactor, but “major equipment removal or demolition ac-

“I thought a lot about whether we’re ever going to leave the cells -- what’s going to happen to us?” Mbambaali said.

They didn’t know that outside, #FreeBizonto was trending on social media.

“We gained energy and followers... our fan base grew,” Mbambaali said.

The pressure helped ensure the charges were eventually dropped, but the episode still carried a dark warning.

“It gave a signal that whatever we do, the government will be monitoring us,” said Mbambaali, who

tivities have not started,” a Constellation spokesperson told AFP.

“There is a lot that you can reuse at a site, even if you have to rebuild the nuclear plant,” said Jacopo Buongiorno, professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Holtec estimates the cost of the operation at around $2 billion, according to its spokesman, while Constellation puts the bill for the Three Mile Island restart at $1.6 billion.

The calculus has changed on the shuttered plants.

By comparison, the construction of the two most recent reactors in the US, to be connected to the grid in 2023 and 2024 at the Vogtle site in Georgia, cost more than $30 billion.

More to come?

With the global energy balance affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine and energy transition policies now incorporating nuclear fission more frequently and more widely, nuclear energy is gaining momentum.

Around 56 percent of Americans are in favor of developing nuclear energy in the US, compared with 43 percent just four years ago, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center published in August.

The future seemed reserved for the new generation of small modular reactors (SMRs), with their shorter construction times and the possibility of mass production.

But the initial design and construction of these pocket-sized power plants is proving costly because they are still prototypes.

The first Natrium from start-up TerraPower, currently positioned to be the first operational SMR in

vowed to take a more “coded” approach to future satires.

‘We never gave up’ Bizonto’s audience stretches across the generations. In the crowd at a recent show were 72-year-old widow Miria Kawuma and her granddaughter Christine Nabaata Kamwesi, 29.

“The performers capture what Ugandans are going through like corruption, bad roads, drugs lacking in hospitals,” Kawuma said.

“We pay higher taxes but they are stolen by officials,” she added.

Uganda ranks a lowly 141 out of 180 countries on Transparency In-

the US in 2030, is expected to cost around $4 billion. Thus, restarting an existing power station appears to be the quickest and cheapest route, which could inspire other projects -- where possible.

“I don’t think there are that many mothballed nuclear plants out there that you’ll be able to restart,” said Jacopo Buongiorno from MIT. In response to a query from AFP, NextEra Energy Resources said it was “evaluating this opportunity” of restarting the Duane Arnold power station in the midwestern US state of Iowa, which closed in 2020, but that it “needed to make an informed decision about resuming operations at the facility.”

As for the Indian Point nuclear site north of New York City which was shut down in 2021 under pressure from the state’s then-governor, Andrew Cuomo, “nothing is impossible with time and resources,” according to Holtec’s Patrick O’Brien.

But, he added, it would be much more complicated to resurrect than Palisades or Three Mile Island.

Reactivating an existing facility raises the question of safety for plants that were originally intended to have a 40-year lifespan. While people may think “it must be unsafe, it must be crumbling,” that’s simply not true, he said.

“Because, with the exception of the concrete containment, which is of course monitored and the reactor pressure vessel, again, heavily monitored, virtually everything else in these plants has been replaced at one point or another,” he added.

And the project has the backing of the federal government, with the Biden-Harris administration earlier this year agreeing to provide a $1.5 billion loan to Holtec for the Palisades project “for our nation’s historic transition to a safe and secure clean energy future,” according to an Department of Energy spokesperson. AFP

ternational’s Corruption index.

Young people, infuriated by a string of scandals, took to the streets earlier this year, only to be met with a heavy-handed police response.

At the Bizonto show, cheers, shouts, and ululations make it clear that the comedians’ message is striking home.

Their time in prison may have shaken them, but the troupe remains undeterred.

“We never gave up. We never stepped back,” Mbambaali said. “We knew we were on the right path.” AFP

CHR backs SC move to e-filing of civil raps

1 heading heading hea heading heaidng head

IN BRIEF Lakas-CMD rally kicks off poll season in Cavite

PAF meets ASEAN air forces in Cambodia

PHILIPPINE Air Force (PAF) commanders have met with their counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cambodia to address regional security challenges.

PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said PAF chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreno represented the country during the 21st ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference in Siem Reap, Cambodia last Sept.15-18.

The regional convention, themed “Enhancing Information Sharing and Cohesive Cooperation among ASEAN Air Forces for Peace and Development,” served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among Southeast Asian air forces.

The event focused on addressing regional security issues, promoting mutual understanding, and creating frameworks for multinational air force operations. Parreño held bilateral meetings with air force commanders from Cambodia, Brunei, and Singapore, discussing areas of cooperation, best practices, and strengthening military ties. Rex Espiritu

OCD wants disaster preparedness a priority

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday urged all Filipinos to prioritize disaster preparedness following the devastating flooding and landslides that have recently struck central Japan.

The recent disaster has claimed at least seven lives, with many others injured or missing as rescuers continue to search through the debris-strewn riverbanks.

“As we witness the impact of natural hazards around the world, it is crucial that we, too, prepare ourselves and our communities. We must ensure that we have emergency plans in place, sufficient supplies, and a strong awareness of the risks we face in our own country.” Civil Defense administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said.

The heavy rains that have pounded the region, recording over 540 millimeters (21 inches) in Wajima over just 72 hours, have been described as the most significant continuous rainfall in decades. Rex Espiritu

Gen. Trias hosts 1-day seminar on gender dev’t

SOME 50 members of the Gender Focal Point System – Technical Working Group (GFPS-TWG) and focal persons from the Cavite provincial government on Monday met in General Trias City for a oneday training on Gender and Development (GAD) Planning and Budgeting.

The initiative, organized by the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSDW) aimed to strengthen the participants’ understanding of GAD planning, budgeting, and fund utilization.

Ekeiko Paola Haidah Sadang, head of the OPSWD, emphasized the importance of building the capacities of GFPS-TWG members to ensure effective gender mainstreaming and promote gender responsive governance in the province.

Lawyer Melissa Mae Marero of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, gave a comprehensive review of the parameters for the GAD Plan Budget and Accomplishment Report.. Dennis Abrina

By Dennis Abrina

NOVELETA, Cavite—Cavite 1st

District Rep. Ramon Revilla III has formally proclaimed the LakasChristian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) candidates here led by 1st District board member Davey Chua as mayoral candidate with his elder brother, the incumbent Mayor Dino Chua as running mate.

The proclamation was held during a rally Tuesday night at the

Unlad Gymnasium in Barangay San Rafael II for the coming May 12, 2025 midterm elections in the country.

The candidates for councilor are Jeg Alix, incumbent councilors Donn Alvarez, Edwin Salud, Ricky Saria and Emelito Lontoc, Patrick Barzaga, Axl Enriquez, Jay Lontoc, and bets for board member in the 1st District Romel Enriquez and Jygs Gandia . They are set to file their certifi-

cates of candidacy (COCs) on the first day of filing on Oct. 1, at the local Commission on Elections here.

Under the law, local bets will have 45 days to campaign ending on May 10, while candidates for national posts, the senators in particular, may file their COCs from Oct. 1 to 8.

The Comelec said substitute candidates will have until Oct. 8 to file their COCs.

Comelec approves registration of health workers’ party-list

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the accreditation of a health workers’ party list, enabling the sector to secure a legislative seat during the 2025 midterm elections

Comelec granted the appeal of the Health Workers Party-list (HWP) after the Comelec en banc reversed its August decision dismissing the group’s bid to be registered as a party-list organization, citing the need for medical front-liners to be represented in Congress.

In its August 22 decision, the Comelec said the group failed to “undoubtedly establish its intent to participate in the 2025 elections as a sectoral organization.”

The poll body has since said the group met requirements to register as a “sector organization.”

“Considering the various issues affecting health workers and the need for their representation in the legislature, the denial of registration of the petitioner will minimize, if not, divest, the health workers’ chance of representation,” the Comelec en banc said in a resolution.

“They are our front-liners. It is good that they are given a chance to participate in the elections, and, if they are fortunate, to be a member of Congress. In the end, it is the people who will decide which party lists will have seats in the House of Representatives,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday backed the Supreme Court’s (SC) initiative to transition toward electronic filing of civil cases in trial courts.

“The Commission recognizes the potential benefits of digitalization, particularly in streamlining court proceedings and reducing the physical and financial burdens associated with traditional filing methods. Additionally, the shift to electronic filing can democratize access to justice by making legal processes more accessible, especially for individuals and communities in remote or underserved areas,” the CHR said in a statement.

The SC earlier said “starting Sept. 1, 2024, trial courts shall only act upon pleadings and other court submissions in civil cases if the filing is accompanied by an electronic transmittal of the same document in PDF format through email.” Electronic submissions must be completed within 24 hours of the primary manner of service, which includes personal filing, registered mail, or accredited courier.”

While digitalization offers significant advantages in filing cases, the CHR emphasizes the need for inclusivity in this transition.

“The right to access justice should not be compromised for those who may face challenges in adapting to electronic filing. We advocate for continuous dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that this shift does not inadvertently exclude any sector of society,” the statement read.

The CHR cited the importance of safeguarding the privacy rights of the public.

“As the judiciary moves toward digital platforms, the protection of personal data and the right to privacy must be paramount,” it added.

Tingog lawmaker named EDCOM2 commissioner

By Maricel V. Cruz

TINGOG party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has been appointed as a Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), the national body responsible for conducting an indepth assessment and evaluation of the Philippine education system’s overall performance.

“I am honored to take on this responsibility. The future of our nation hinges on a well-educated citizenry, and EDCOM 2 will play a crucial role in ensuring that our education system adapts to the needs of our rapidly changing world,” Acidre said.

EDCOM 2 focuses on addressing issues such as access, quality, and the alignment of education to global standards. These include efforts to identify gaps in the current system and propose reforms that enhance learning outcomes and teacher quality.

During his first term as congressman, Acidre, in collaboration with Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, also of Tingog, had principally authored several legislative measures seeking to improve educational access and quality.

Such legislation includes the Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act; the Equitable Access to Math and Science Education Act; the Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged ConflictInflicted Areas and All Roads to All Learners Act; and the State Universities and Colleges Mental Health Service Act.

LEGACY BAND. The famous Banda Malaya Uno of Taytay, Rizal under Maestro Noel Singcuenco perform during the launch of Pamana: Road to 150 Years of Legacy at the town’s SM City. The event also honors the countless musicians who contributed to the rich history of band music in the country. Norman Cruz

EARLY BIRDS. Cavite 1st District Rep. Ramon ‘Jolo’ Revilla III formally proclaims the Lakas-CMD candidates of Noveleta town led by 1st District board member Davey Chua as mayoral candidate and his elder brother incumbent Mayor Dino Chua as his

HEZBOLLAH

missile fired by Hezbollah had reached the Tel Aviv area before being intercepted by air defences.

“The Islamic Resistance launched a ‘Qader 1’ ballistic missile at 6:30 am (0330 GMT) on Wednesday, 259-2024, targeting the Mossad headquarters in the outskirts of Tel Aviv,” Hezbollah said in a statement.

China conducts rare test, fires ICBM into Pacific

BEIJING — China said it testlaunched an intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, firing it into the Pacific Ocean in its first such exercise in decades.

The launch sparked protests from other countries in the region, with China’s neighbour Japan saying it had not been given advance notice and expressing “serious concern” about Beijing’s military build-up.

Beijing has stepped up its nuclear development and boosted defense spending in recent years, with the Pentagon last October warning China was developing its arsenal more quickly than the United States had anticipated.

China held more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is likely to have more than 1,000 by 2030, it said.

On Wednesday, the Chinese military’s Rocket Force “launched an ICBM... carrying a dummy warhead to the

high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 08:44 on September 25, and the missile fell into expected sea areas”, the defence ministry said in a statement.

An analyst told AFP such tests were very rare.

“This is extremely unusual and likely the first time in decades that we’ve seen a test like this,” said Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

“(The test) likely speaks to China’s ongoing nuclear modernisation manifesting in new requirements for testing,” he added.

China’s defence ministry, however, called the firing a “routine arrangement in our annual training plan”.

“It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target,” it said.

Japan, however, said it was given “no notice from the Chinese side in advance”, with a government spokesman adding that Beijing’s military build-up was a “serious concern”.

New Zealand also said the launch of the missile, which landed in the South Pacific, was “an unwelcome and concerning development”. AFP

WikiLeaks’ Assange to speak in first post-prison address

SYDNEY — Controversial

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange plans to break his post-prison silence in an address to the Council of Europe next week, his organization said Wednesday.

WikiLeaks said the 53-year-old would travel from his native Australia to Strasbourg on October 1 to testify before a parliamentary legal committee investigating his case.

Assange was released from a British prison in June, after serving time for publishing hundreds of thousands of confidential US government documents from 2010. The trove included searingly frank US State Department descriptions of foreign leaders, accounts of extrajudicial killings and intelligence gathering against allies.

Assange spent most of the last 14 years holed up in the Ecuadoran embassy in London while trying to avoid arrest or locked up at Belmarsh Prison.

Supporters hail him as a champion of free speech and investigative journalism who was persecuted by authorities and unfairly imprisoned.

Detractors see him as a reckless

blogger whose decision to publish ultra-sensitive documents uncensored put lives at risk and fundamentally jeopardised US security.

He was released on 25 June and returned to Australia after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to obtain and disseminate national defense information.

Since then, Assange has not publicly commented on his legal woes or his years behind bars.

He has been seen infrequently, appearing at a court in the Marianas Islands, reuniting with his wife on arrival at a Canberra airport and spending time with his family on a quiet beach in Australia.

WikiLeaks and his wife Stella Assange have occasionally offered updates about his well-being.

“Julian Assange is still in recovery following his release from prison,” the organisation said on Wednesday.

The group said Assage would attend the Council of Europe “session in person due to the exceptional nature of the invitation.”

WikiLeaks said that “on October 1, Julian Assange will arrive in Strasbourg to give evidence before the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights”.AFP

Thai farm culls 125 crocodiles amid floodings

BANGKOK — A crocodile farm in Thailand has culled 125 of the reptiles because of fears they could escape during ongoing floods and endanger human lives, the owner said Wednesday.

Heavy monsoon rains swept across northern Thailand this month, triggering floods and landslides that have killed more than 20 people.

Days of heavy rain in the northern province of Lamphun damaged the enclosures at Natthapak Khumkad’s farm, raising the risk that his herd of three-metre (10-foot) Siamese crocodiles could escape and roam the countryside preying on villagers and livestock.

“The rain was eroding the farm walls, so we sadly had to kill all 125 crocodiles,” he told AFP.

“We’ve had them for 17 years.”

Natthapak said he and his workers electrocuted the animals.

Photos on his personal Facebook account showed a digger being used to remove three large crocodiles.

Siamese crocodiles are critically endangered in the wild, but widely bred in farms across Thailand for their skins.

Patarapol Maneeorn, a vet for Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said that while he understood the owner’s decision, the crocodiles could have been transferred to another area not affected by floods. AFP

“This headquarters is responsible for the assassination of leaders and the explosion of pagers and wireless devices,” it added, referring to attacks last week that killed scores in Lebanon including a top commander.

It also said the strike was carried out in support of the people of Gaza and “in defence of Lebanon and its people”. Military analyst Riad Kahwaji said it was the first time Hezbollah had fired ballistic missiles at Israel, adding that they were “Iranian-produced”. AFP

MAKING WAVES. A surfer cuts up wave during a rough conditions at the world renowned surfing spot of Manu Bay, some six kilometres south of the coastal town of Raglan. AFP

STREET ART. A pedestrian walks past a wall mural along a street in Mumbai. AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Shakey’s Super League Collegiate pre-season meet lures 18 squads

EIGHTEEN top volleyball squads from leading colleges and universities in the country battle it out for crown and glory in the third staging of the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship unwrapping on Friday at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The league welcomes the return of University of the Philippines and De La Salle University after taking a leave of absence last year to complete the tournament cast featuring all eight teams from the UAAP and 10 from the NCAA.

“All 18 schools are confirmed. This is our third conference this season. This is our flagship conference. Our main event. The goal really was to get all 18 schools, the 10 NCAA teams and eight UAAP schools. We’re happy that we’re able to do that this year,” said Dr. Ian Laurel, president of SSL organizer Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), during the league’s press conference Wednesday at Shakey’s Malate.

UAAP champion National University eyes annexing a third straight conference crown and a sweep of the season after its flawless National Invitationals conquest last July.

But the Lady Bulldogs are sure to face tough opposition from a very competitive field in the centerpiece SSL tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.

The 18 squads are split into four pools with NU, Arellano University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Ateneo de Manila University and San Beda University bunched in Pool A.

Pool B comprises University of Santo Tomas, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, University of the East and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Pool C is bannered by La Salle, Letran College, Jose Rizal University and UP while Pool D has NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde, San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Adamson University.

Suarez nears world title dream, climbs to no. 1 in WBO rankings

By Randy Caluag

FILIPINO Olympian and undefeated super featherweight contender Charly Suarez is closing in on his dream of becoming a world champion as he secured the No. 1 spot in the latest World Boxing Organization (WBO) rankings, bringing him one step closer to a title shot.

Suarez, 36, earned his lofty spot with a dominant thirdround TKO victory over Jorge Castaneda on Sept. 21 in Glendale, Arizona. The win not only extended his undefeated record to 180, with 10 victories coming by knockout, it also earned

him the WBO International title.

Castaneda was a late replacement for the original opponent, Andrés Cortés, who withdrew two weeks before the fight.

Cortés, previously ranked No. 2, has since dropped to No. 3 in the WBO rankings.

Suarez, who was ranked No. 3 before the fight, surged to the top spot thanks to his impressive performance against Castaneda.

In addition to his WBO ranking, Suarez is currently positioned at No. 5 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) standings.

He hopes to earn a shot at the WBO World Super Featherweight Championship, which will be contested between Mexican fighters Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez.

Notably, another Filipino boxer, former featherweight champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, is ranked No. 4 in the WBO’s super featherweight division, adding to the excitement in the weight class.

Lady Bulldogs stay unbeaten in 5 games

NATIONAL University continued its impressive run in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, remaining unbeaten after a dominant 22-point victory over Adamson University, 74-52, on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Riding the momentum of their four-game winning streak, which includes a convincing win against the defending champions University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses last Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs solidified their grip on first place with a perfect 5-0 record.

“Going into this game, the goal was after the final buzzer, we want to keep the final spot because we know for a fact that Adamson was also gunning for the top spot,” said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan.

“That was the challenge for us going into this game, we kind of started slow, and we needed that halftime break para somehow gisingin yung

SMART/MVPSF

the third-year Lady Bulldogs mentor continued. NU showcased its dominance in the

PH team joins world taekwondo junior meet in Korea

NINE promising Filipino taekwondo jins—five male and four female – will vie in the 2024 World Taekwondo Junior Championships slated Oct. 1 to 6 in Chuncheon, South, Korea. Philippine Taekwondo Association Secretary-General and delegation Rocky Samson expressed confidence the national junior team would do well in the weeklong tournament that has attracted almost all the finest junior taekwondo jins in the world. Samson said the five male players led by Michael Cabaluna Jr. (-45kg) and Felix Ace Perez (-48kg) are among the favorites in their respective divisions.

Other members of the male team that has the backing of the Philippine

Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee are Ethan Jervey Dayne Chavez (-51kg) Mythaious Angelous Franois Lustado(-55kg), John Angelo Pascual (-59kg).

Comprising the women’s side are Rhiyanna Agatha Shay Cadilena (-46kg), Tachiana Keizah Mangin(49kg), Quynh Louise Edillor(-42kg), and Felicity Jana Castel (-44kg).

All of them have very good chances,” said Samson. “We did well in the past so we expect them to likewise do well this time.”

Former Asian Games champion Kirstie Elaine Alora and Paul Romero have been named coaches of the squads that will challenge perennial contenders like the host nation, Thailand, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

second half, turning a narrow 33-27 lead into a commanding 19-point advantage, 48-29, after a stunning 15-2

Games on Saturday (SM Mall of Asia Arena)

8 a.m. - UPIS vs ADU (JHS)

9:45 a.m. - NUNS vs UE (JHS)

11:30 a.m. - UP vs ADU (Women) 1:30 p.m. - NU vs UE (Women) 4:30 p.m. - UP vs ADU (Men) 6:30 p.m. - NU vs UE (Men)

run to open the third quarter.

From there on, NU never looked back.

Three consecutive baskets by Maymay Canuto, Angel Surada, and Ann Pingol further extended NU’s lead to a game-high 24 points with less than two minutes left on the clock.

Surada led NU’s scoring punch with 14 points on an efficient 6-of-8 from the field to go along with six rebounds, four steals, and three assists.

Camille Clarin was scoreless but the Lady Bulldogs captain facilitated the team’s offense well with nine assists and had plus-24 efficiency rating.

In her first game against her former school, point guard Dindy Medina was limited to two points on 1-of-4 shooting in 7 minutes and 28 seconds of play.

PGH charity golf tilt to aid cancer patients

THE Friends of Philippine General Hospital (FPGH) will hold its fourth charity golf tournament on Oct. 25 at Canlubang Golf and Country Club, Laguna, to raise funds for a “Healing Garden” at PGH’s Cancer Institute.

The garden aims to provide a peaceful sanctuary for cancer patients, families and healthcare workers.

Dr. Gap Legaspi, PGH executive director, emphasized the garden’s role in fostering wellness and healing.

“Private organizations like the FPGH play a crucial role in jumpstarting projects that might otherwise face bureaucratic delays,” said Dr. Legaspi. “But, of course, the government continues to provide the bulk of patient support, ensuring that treatment remains free.”

The FPGH has long supported PGH through projects benefiting indigent patients. Previous projects include the repainting of children’s wards with Disney characters and securing funds for medication.

The PGH Cancer Institute, originally built in 1938 to accommodate 40 patients, now cares for 400 at any given time, with nearly half of them being children under 18, many of whom suffer from leukemia and brain tumors.

Lita Salvador, president of the FPGH, highlighted the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting PGH.

“For 40 years, we’ve been providing medical services, diagnostic tests and treatments for the hospital’s indigent patients. We’ve also helped acquire essential medical equipment,” she said.

Interested sponsors or participants can contact FPGH volunteers via email at rvfrancisco45@yahoo.com (Renee Francisco), lina.n.gison@ gmail.com (Lina Gison), or glv725@ yahoo.com (Grace Villanueva).

DALUPAN TROPHY WINNER. The Meralco coaching staff, led by Luigi Trillo and active consultant Nenad Vucinic, was honored with the Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan trophy during the 30th PBA Press Corps Awards Night at the Novotel Manila for steering the franchise to its first PBA title during last season’s Philippine Cup. With them are the grandchildren of the late ‘Maestro’ of Philippine basketball coaching, along with past and present heads of the PBAPC, led by Vladi Eduarte of Abante.

mga players,”

Charly Suarez From Top Rank Boxing

NU’s Jainaba Konateh

The rising stars of Philippine taekwondo (back row, from left) pose before prior to their training session at the PTA headquarters at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. They are (back row from left) Rhiyanne Agatha Shay Cadileña, Tachiana Keizha Mangin, coach Paul Romero, delegation head Raul Samson, coach Elaine Alora, Felicity Jana Castel, Quynh Louise Edillor (Female -42kg).

In the front row are Felix Ace Perez, Ethan Jervey Chavez, John Angelo Pascual, Mythaious Angelous Francois Lustado and Michael Cabaluna.

Bacoor City Mayor

and Transportation Secretary

lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of active transport infrastructure in Bacoor, Cavite at Niog Road corner Bacoor Boulevard in Bacoor, Cavite on Sept. 25, 2024. The project is set to establish 18.96 kilometers of bike lane for the benefit of more than 664,625 active transport users including cyclists, students and employees. Joseph Muego

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) maintained its growth forecast for the Philippines, citing lower inflation, monetary easing and sustained public spending on infrastructure.

The ADB, in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024 report, kept its growth forecasts for the Philippine economy at 6 percent in 2024 and 6.2 percent in 2025. It said “the expansion in gross domestic product [GDP] will be driven by broad-based domestic demand, supported by lower inflation and interest rates.”

ADB maintaining 2024, 2025 PH growth forecasts

ippines’ sustained economic growth are in place—rising government revenues are boosting public expenditures on infrastructure and social services, increasing employment is driving consumption and reforms to open the economy to more investments are underway,” ADB Philippines country director Pavit Ramachandran said.

“With inflation slowing, the country is in a strong position to lead growth in Southeast Asia,” he said.

The government expects the GDP growth to fall within a range of 6 percent to 7 percent this year and 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent next year. Gov’t revenue jumped 24% in August, reduced deficit by 59%

ADB’s growth forecast for 2024

ADB’s growth forecast for 2025

The ADB reduced its inflation forecast to 3.6 percent in 2024 from its April estimate of 3.8 percent, reflecting the sustained deceleration in food prices partly due to lower tariffs on

rice imports.

Inflation is expected to ease further to 3.2 percent in 2025 from the previous estimate of 3.4 percent.

“Most of the ingredients for the Phil-

ADB’s inflation forecast for 2024

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday it sold gold in the first half of 2024 as part of its active management strategy of the gross international reserves (GIR). It said in a statement it took advantage of the higher prices of gold in the market and generated additional income without compromising the primary objectives for holding gold, which are insurance and safety. International brokerage tracking website bestbrokers.com said the BSP sold nearly 25 tons in the first half of 2024, bringing its current gold holdings down to 134.06 tons. Amid the gold sales, the country’s GIR remained robust, with the endAugust 2024 figure rising to $107.9 billion from $103.8 billion as of endDecember 2023, the BSP said.

The GIR level provides adequate external liquidity buffer and is equivalent to 7.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, it said. It also represents about 6.0 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.8 times based on residual maturity. Darwin G. Amojelar

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE government is eyeing a $250-million funding facility to support geothermal projects and establish a geothermal resource de-risking facility (GDRF), the Department of Energy said Wednesday.

The GDRF is expected to unlock the country’s untapped geothermal potential estimated at 4,000 megawatts towards becoming the

ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) officer-in-charge Jesse Hermogenes Andres vowed to “expeditiously” act with “fairness” on pending matters as he assumed office on Wednesday following the issuance of a memorandum from the Office of the Executive Secretary on Sept. 20, 2024.

Andres, a former Department of Justice undersecretary, would replace Monalisa Dimalanta who was suspended by the Ombudsman as ERC chairperson and chief executive.

world’s biggest geothermal producer anew. The Philippines is the world’s third biggest geothermal producer next to the United States and Indonesia.

DOE assistant secretary Mylene Capongcol said the GDRF concept paper and framework was completed, but they were still looking for a project implementor and the fund manager.

“We are finalizing who to designate,” Capongcol said at the

The ADB said, however, risks remain from potential severe weather events which could drive inflation higher. External factors such as a sharper slowdown in major advanced economies and the People’s Republic of China, financial volatility due to US monetary policy decisions, geopolitical tensions and rising global commodity prices also pose threats to growth, the report said.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco welcomes Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) director-general Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. on Sept. 24 at the DOT Central Office in Makati City to discuss potential areas of collaboration between the two agencies. Marciano proposed several areas where the PhilSA could work with the DOT such as space data mobilization for green tourism initiatives, tourism infrastructure monitoring and tourism promotions using satellite images, among others.

sidelines of the 5th Philippine International Geothermal Conference organized by the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines. She said the DOE was in talks with the Department of Finance and financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines and Philippine Guarantee Corp. for the financing of the facility.

along with executive director Nancy Aurora Fajardo and general counsel Heiddi Barrozo on his first day at the regulatory agency.

The meeting focused on briefing the chairperson on the core mandates of the agency and the urgent matters requiring immediate action by the ERC leadership to ensure the continued action on critical decisions.

Andres also convened the management committee (ManComm) to emphasize the urgent need for expeditious action on all pending ERC matters. The ManComm, in turn, committed to providing full and necessary support to the Andres. Alena Mae S. Flores 6.0% 6.2% 3.6%

Andres held a meeting with ERC commissioners Alexis Lumbatan, Catherine Maceda, Floresinda BaldoDigal and Marko Romeo Fuentes,

than

by

in August

from a year ago, cutting the budget deficit by 59 percent during the month, the Bureau of the Treasury said Wednesday. Data showed the government ran a budget deficit of P54.2 billion in August, down by 59.24 percent from the P133-billion deficit it recorded a year earlier.

The BTr attributed the narrower deficit to the 24.40-percent increase in government revenue and the 0.68-percent decline in government spending.

It said this brought the eightmonth budget deficit to P697.0 billion, or 4.86-percent smaller than the previous year’s P732.5 billion. This also represented 46.95 percent of the full-year budget target for 2024.

Revenue collections climbed by P75.8 billion from a year ago to P386.3 billion in August 2024, driven by strong non-tax collections. The resulting P3-trillion eight-month collection also topped the previous year’s outcome by 15.91 percent, or P410.8 billion, and accounted for 70.10 percent of the P4.3-trillion full-year program for 2024.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected P238.1 billion (net of P417 million in tax refund) in August, 11.51 percent above last year’s comparable outturn. This pushed the agency’s cumulative collection to P1.9 trillion in the eight-month period, outperforming the P1.7-trillion collection logged in the same period a year ago by 12.55 percent.

The Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) collections amounted to P78.5 billion (net of P219.0 million tax refund) in August, underscoring a 4.69-percent or P3.5-billion growth over the P75 billion raised a year ago. This drove the BOCs’ 2024 cumulative collections to P614.4 billion, up by 5.66 percent from its January-August 2023 performance. Non-tax revenues in August reached P66.1 billion, more than thrice last year’s outturn of P18.8 billion, pushing the yeat-to-date collections to P434.9 billion, equivalent to 96.73 percent of the revised full-year program of P449.6 billion.

The government disbursed P440.5 billion in August 2024, reflecting a modest decline of 0.68 percent from last year’s P443.6 billion. Darwin G. Amojelar

BACOOR BIKE LANE.

Strike Revilla (fifth from left)

Jaime Bautista (fourth from left)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stock market pulls back from 4-day rally

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine stock market pulled back on Wednesday as investors took profits after four straight days of gains.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 69.59 points, or 0.94 percent, to close at 7,362.62, while the broader all-shares index went down by 23.86 points, or 0.60 percent, to settle at 3,939.64.

“The market pulled back as investors took profits from its recent rallies,” said Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco.

Analysts said the market’s decline represented a healthy correction as the index reached the overbought territory after hitting the 7,400 level. Five of the six sectoral indices ended in the red. Financials dropped 2.02 percent, while services slipped 0.71 percent. Holding firms decreased 0.55 percent, while property and industrial

edged lower by 0.42 percent and 0.17 percent, respectively. Mining and oil surged 2.83 percent.

Universal Robina Corp. was the top index gainer, climbing by 2.16 percent to P104.20, while Bank of the Philippine Islands was the day’s main index laggard, plunging by 4 percent to P132.

Despite the market’s decline, value turnover was strong at P7.54 billion. Foreign investors remained net buyers, with net inflows reaching P921.22 million.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Shanghai extended gains Wednesday as China announced another interest rate cut the day after unveiling a series of measures to boost the country’s ailing economy.

However, after a bumper start to the day -- building on Tuesday’s rally and following a record performance on Wall Street—most other markets fell as traders took a breather. With AFP

FLI plans ‘tender offer’ via share swap with Filinvest REIT

PROPERTY developer Filinvest

Land Inc. (FLI) announced Wednesday a “tender offer via share swap” plan that will allow its stockholders to exchange their FLI shares for Filinvest REIT Corp. shares.

FLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the buyback of up to 1.866 billion common shares, representing 7.69 percent of its total shares.

The offer gives FLI shareholders the chance to trade their shares for FILRT shares, which are expected to provide higher value and better dividend yields.

Shareholders can benefit from the

Axelum gets nod to repurchase

P500-m shares

AXELUM Resources Corp., an exporter of premium coconut products, said Wednesday its board approved a P500-million share buyback program to boost shareholder value.

Under the plan, it will buy P500-million common shares from the market for six months from Sept. 25, 2024 until March 24, 2025, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The company’s board, on the management’s recommendation, may extend the buyback program by another six months.

Axelum said the amount allotted for the repurchase program may be increased from time to time, subject to availability of unrestricted retained earnings.

The buy-back program will be executed in the open market through the trading facilities of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“The buy-back program shall be implemented in an orderly manner and should not adversely affect the company’s and its subsidiaries’ prospective and existing projects,” Axelum said. Jenniffer B. Austria

potential growth of FILRT while receiving a premium price for their FLI shares by participating in this exchange.

If successful, the buyback will increase FILRT’s public ownership to 46.75 percent, exceeding the Philippine Stock Exchange’s minimum requirement of 33.33 percent for real estate investment trusts (REITs).

FLI president and chief executive Tristan Las Marias said the buyback not only offers a favorable price compared to the current market value of FLI shares but also enhances shareholder value through the higher-yielding FILRT shares.

“Despite current share price challenges, we continue to believe in the intrinsic value of Filinvest Land, as we enter a more positive macroeconomic environment that favors our business,” Las Marias said.

“The share buyback allows existing FLI shareholders to unlock value. Not only does the offering value their shares higher than the current FLI market price, but they are also getting higher-yielding FILRT shares in return. With this share swap, we are also able to create room for a potential dividend-accretive asset infusion by FLI into FILRT,” he said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

BUILDING a new government hub outside Metro Manila is a feasible solution to decongest the capital region.

It will rectify the failed policies in urban planning that led to monstrous traffic jams and social inequities, and made Metro Manila prone to natural disasters like floods.

A new metropolis, such as New Clark City or Clark Green City in Tarlac province, will also lead to the creation of the country’s first green and smart city that can rise to the challenges of climate change.

Climate change is a real threat―the warming of the oceans is fueling stronger typhoons and causing heavy rains and floods that wreak havoc on the economy and kill hundreds of people.

New communities as envisioned by New Clark City planners should be relocated to higher and safer ground to improve the disaster preparedness of the population.

The vision embodied by the 9,450-hectare New Clark City has of late gained the support of notable Asian developers. Just last week, state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), owner of New Clark City, and South Korea’s National Agency for Administrative City Construction (NAACC) signed an agreement to develop the hub.

The partnership aims to leverage knowledgesharing and collaboration opportunities in urban planning, smart city technology, green energy

NGCP to build Batangas-Mindoro power line for P90b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking an approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission for its P90-billion Batangas-Mindoro 500kV Interconnection and Backbone Project (BMIBP).

NGCP, in its filing with the ERC, underscored the need to upgrade the design of the interconnection of Mindoro to the Luzon grid and implement a new scheme of the interconnection project to provide a bigger transmission capacity at 500 kilovolt consistent with the Philippine Energy Plan 2023- 2050.

It said the BMIBP would also encourage the development of power generation potential in Mindoro Island, such as those renewable energy in the two Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ), with an aggregate capacity of around 343 megawatts for solar PV and 710 MW for wind farms.

“This will provide opportunity to power generation companies due to a wider market brought about by completion of the project,” NGCP said.

The project will be developed in two phases, with stage 1 costing P45.59 billion.

Stage 1 involves the development of combination of overhead transmission lines and undersea/submarine cables from Pinamucan Substation in Batangas to the proposed Calapan Substation in Oriental Mindoro.

The transmission line is designed at 500kV but to be initially energized at 230 kV and includes the development

of Calapan 500 kV Substation. The estimated project implementation period is 66 months from the start of pre-construction activities subject to certain scenarios.

Stage 2, costing P45 billion, involves the energization to 500 kV of the overhead transmission lines and submarine cables from Pinamucan to Calapan 500 kV substations and the full development of the Calapan 500 kV Substation.

The 500 kV interconnection system (under Stage 1) will be extended to the southern part of Mindoro Island through the development of CalapanMagsaysay 500 kV Transmission Line and Magsaysay 500 kV Substation to serve the loads in Occidental Mindoro and accommodate the potential OSW projects in the southern part of the island.

Stage 2 will be implemented over 70 months from the start of pre-construction activities.

NGCP said the present power system of Mindoro Island is composed of 69 kV transmission lines connected to various load- end substations and being operated by Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) of the National Power Corp. (NPC), and independent power producers (IPP).

New Clark City addresses Metro congestion and overpopulation

and administrative systems.

BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang hopes to replicate the success of Korea in relocating several administrative agencies to Sejong City.

For the emerging metropolis, the BCDA has secured commitments to relocate from several agencies, including the Philippine Space Agency, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the National Academy of Sports and the Department of Science and Technology.

Singapore was among the first to lend its hand to develop New Clark City after the recent visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to the Philippines.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the BCDA have presented the government’s vision of transforming New Clark City into an industrial hub where Singaporean businesses can contribute.

The BCDA teamed up with Surbana Jurong of Singapore in drawing up New Clark City’s Comprehensive Master Development Plan, tapping the island nation’s expertise in smart city development.

Building smart and green cities is one of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. The concept aims to help stimulate inclusive growth, promote social inclusion, decrease traffic congestion, improve resilience during natural disasters and reduce greenhouse

It may take a while to realize New Clark City’s vision. But lessons must be learned from the daily traffic jams in Metro Manila...

gas emissions. They are one of the potential solutions to urban problems in developing and developed countries.

For the New Clark City, the BCDA is forging partnerships with foreign companies to develop Clark Green City. Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corp. volunteered to connect Clark Green City to Manila as well as surrounding cities by rail.

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute also offered to assist the BCDA in coming up with “smart and disaster-resilient” features for the planned community.

New Clark City, to be truly carbon-free, is tapping renewable energy sources to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. BCDA and Danfoss Philippines Inc. signed an agreement to develop a decarbonization framework for New Clark City.

The partnership is seen to drive the adoption of energy-efficient and carbon-neutral technologies in the city’s development.

“With this decarbonization program, we aim to position New Clark City as a model and benchmark for other cities in the Philippines― and even around the globe―that are striving to achieve a net-zero transition,” said Mr. Bingcang.

Danfoss, a Danish company specializing in energy-efficient solutions, will provide technical expertise and knowledge for the initiative.

“By offering a roadmap for green urban transition, it shows how cities can act as ambitious, inspirational, front-runners that showcase green technology and create attractive places to live and work,” said Danfoss general manager Allan Alfredo Almendrala It may take a while to realize New Clark City’s vision. But lessons must be learned from the daily traffic jams in Metro

and the current infrastructure gap in the transport sector.

A growing population and the continuous migration of workers from the provinces to Metro Manila are causing traffic mayhem in the whole of the capital region. It is time to reverse the tide.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Manila

ANGONO PROPERTY. Property developer Haus Talk Inc. (HTI) seals a landmark deal with Liberty Flour Mills (LFM) for a 37-hectare Angono property in Rizal province. Signing the agreement are (from left) Jose Ma. Lopez, LFM treasurer; Ma. Rachel Madlambayan, HTI president and chief operating officer; Terence Madlambayan, HTI chairman; and John Carlos Uy, LFM president and chairman.

BUSINESS

BSP launches DWF in place of rediscounting facility

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Tuesday it will enhance its rediscounting facility, adding advances against government and BSP securities and helping align its credit operations with global best practices.

Under the change, the rediscounting facility will be replaced by the Discount Window Facility (DWF), which will begin operations when BSP Circular No. 1202

By Othel V. Campos

THE International Technology Security & Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund) will train about 6,000 Filipino students and provide them with advanced skills in semiconductor technology, said Arizona State University (ASU) principal investigator of the ITSI program Jeffrey Goss.

“This partnership provides invaluable opportunities for students and professionals in the Philippines to gain cutting-edge skills in semiconductor technology. ASU is proud to support the Philippines’ journey toward becoming a key player in this rapidly evolving industry,” Goss said during the opening of the three-day kick-off of the ITSI Workforce Accelerator forum. The ITSI Fund, a cornerstone initiative of the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to improve semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience globally. The Philippines is one of six strategic countries chosen for the endeavor.

The program launch includes a series of strategic kick-off sessions in the Philippines, focusing on workforce development and public policy. These sessions aim to identify the country’s strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector, leading to actionable plans to enhance its capabilities.

ITSI released $13.8 million to ASU to drive talent development and formulate public policy recommendations across the country. ASU launched a dedicated portal offering free courses to students interested in the semiconductor industry.

dated Sept. 24, 2024 takes effect two months after its publication.

The BSP currently rediscounts loans, accepting government securities (GS) as additional collateral. Under the DWF, banks will be able to directly offer GS and BSP securities in exchange for advances.

This gives the BSP an additional mode to influence credit volume consistent with its objectives of

maintaining price and financial stability, it said in a statement.

DWF lines approved under the new circular can be tapped by banks either by rediscounting loans or by offering their GS and BSP securities for advances.

Banks can also tap existing rediscounting lines until these lines expire a year after their effectivity, but only for rediscounting loans.

ITSI fund to train 6,000 students on electronics sector Foodpanda

PH financial assets posted fastest growth

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines, among the less affluent economies in Asia, posted a 13.2-percent growth in net financial assets to 1,940 euros per capita in 2023, based on the 15th edition of the “Global Wealth Report” released by Allianz Global.

The report said the growth of the Philippines financial assets in 2023 was the highest in six years and led the region, outpacing

EXCELLENCE AWARD. Security Bank Corp. receives the Technology Excellence Award for Enterprise Software at the Asian Technology Awards 2024 for the bank’s new enterprise Operational Data Platform (ODP). Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) Chris Head, contributing editor of Asian Business Review; Aloysius Mendoza, first vice president and platform services head of Security Bank; Francis Michael Paje, assistant vice president and real time data streaming lead of Security Bank; and Richmond Umagat, assistant vice president and data architecture lead of Security Bank.

China and India. It provided a comprehensive analysis of the asset and debt situation of households in nearly 60 countries.

It said that in the Philippines, the growth was driven by securities, which increased by 16 percent.

Bank deposits and insurance/ pensions also saw strong growth, but insurance/pensions remained underrepresented in Filipino portfolios.

Real growth, adjusted for inflation, was 6.8 percent,

IAEA supporting PH bid to develop nuclear program

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed support for the Philippines’ move towards the realization of its nuclear energy program with an initial 1,200 megawatts of capacity by 2023.

“We are ready to support the Philippines as it reconsiders nuclear power,”

IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi said in his tweet after meeting with the Philippine nuclear delegation in Vienna, Austria recently.

The conference aims to provide a platform for multilateral discussion and cooperation in promoting a strong and sustainable global nuclear safety and security framework in memberstates to protect people, society and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

The Philippines participated in the 68th regular session of the IAEA general conference in Vienna, Austria from Sept. 16 to 20, 2024.

Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Sharon Garin said during the high-level general debate of the IAEA conference that 2024 is a landmark year for the Philippines with the release of its nuclear roadmap, outlining the country’s path forward using the IAEA’s milestones approach to develop a nuclear program.

“We aim to have commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032, with at least 1,200 MW initially entering the country’s power mix, gradually increasing to 4,800 MW by 2050,” said Garin.

Garin said the Philippines is actively working in its efforts to establish an independent nuclear regulatory authority to oversee the safe and secure development of the country’s nuclear energy program (NEP).

She said the government is giving high priority to the approval of key legislation focused on nuclear safety, ensuring that the legal and regulatory frameworks are in place to safeguard public health, environmental protection and national security.

Garin said that at the heart of the country’s nuclear efforts is the Nuclear Energy Program – Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), led by the DOE, which adopts a whole-ofgovernment approach in integrating nuclear power in the country’s energy mix.

of 13.2% in 2023—global report

surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Liabilities also grew, leading to a debt ratio of 27.1 percent, which remained relatively low.

According to the report, 2023 witnessed a robust recovery in global financial assets, growing by 7.6 percent and reaching 239 trillion euros.

The recovery was widespread, with only New Zealand and Thailand experiencing negative growth.

Emerging economies, including

PINK jeepneys, a vibrant addition to the Metro Manila cityscape, have been turning heads and offering free rides to commuters. The eye-catching vehicles are part of a new marketing campaign by foodpanda Philippines, aiming to bring joy and convenience to the holiday season. The online food and grocery delivery platform launched its Christmas campaign, featuring free rides on popular routes and a hilarious new TV commercial. The pink jeepneys, operating between Cubao and Marikina and Monumento and EDSA Rotonda, are designed to capture attention and promote the brand.

“When you think foodpanda, you think food and fun,” said Patricia Ja-

cinto, foodpanda Philippines director of growth and marketing. “We wanted to bring that spirit of joy and energy throughout this festive season.”

Foodpanda also unveiled a playful TV commercial featuring office workers who break into a lively dance after remembering the delivery app. The “foodots” dance trend, inspired by the Filipino music genre “budots,” has quickly gained popularity on TikTok.

“With the festive Filipino spirit in mind, we’re excited to share the joy of the holiday season nationwide,” Jacinto said. “We want to provide moments of indulgence, allowing everyone to savor each meal and truly be present in the joy of the season.”

those in Asia and North America, displayed growth exceeding 8 percent. However, the growth advantage of emerging economies over advanced economies shrunk considerably, signifying a more unequal world in the face of increasing fragmentation. Financial assets of Asian households increased by 7.5 percent in 2023, totaling 63.8 trillion euros. While all asset classes contributed, bank deposits were the primary driver.

Piracy crackdown boosts PH bid to exit FATF gray list

THE National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights’ (NCIPR) relentless crackdown on counterfeiting and piracy did not only protect consumers and intellectual property rights holders but also strengthened the Philippines’ prospects of being removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list.

“We are very confident that when the FATF gray list is taken up this October, the Philippines may already exit the gray list because of our performance in various areas including intellectual property [IP] protection,” said Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres at the 2024 NCIPR High-Level Meeting on Sept. 24.

With the potential to materialize by 2025, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) underscored the crucial link between effective intellectual property enforcement and the broader fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

“Trade in illegal goods is a transnational crime often run by complex criminal networks. Failing to deter illicit goods such as IP infringing goods from the market further emboldens these criminal groups to expand their operations and harm more people and brands,” said IPOPHL deputy-director general Nathaniel Arevalo.

He highlighted the NCIPR’s recordbreaking seizure of P35.24 billion worth of counterfeit goods in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing the previous year’s total of P26.89 billion. Othel V. Campos

GREEN INITIATIVE. Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) chairman and chief executive Manuel V. Pangilinan (second from right) leads the acceptance of tree seedlings from Communications Electrical Equipment & Supply Co. Inc. (Celeasco)

president Natalie Siy (second from left). The donated seedlings will form part of Meralco’s greening initiative under the One For Trees and PowerPlants environmental programs. With them are One Meralco Foundation president Jeffrey Tarayao (left) and Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond Ravelo.

Pink jeepneys pop up in busy spots, drawing attention and curiosity from passersby.

These vibrant jeepneys, which offer free rides on two popular routes: Cubao to Marikina and Monumento to EDSA Rotonda, are part of foodpanda Philippines’ exciting new Christmas campaign, designed to bring fun and convenience to the forefront.

Filipino-Chinese chambers celebrate China’s anniversary

By Michael Wong Ho

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations Foundation (FFCAP) and the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. (PCCCII) jointly held a National Day banquet to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Sept. 23, 2024.

2,000 attendees from Filipino-Chinese communities attended the event. China Ambassador to the

Philippines Huang Xilian emphasized the close ties between the Philippines and China.

“Next year, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-China diplomatic relations. FilipinoChinese play an irreplaceable role in strengthening these ties,” said Xilian.

He urged the community to foster unity and kindness to overcome recent challenges in the relationship.

FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro said the bond between the

Philippines and China has lasted over 1,000 years, connecting their histories and friendships closely.

“We should continue our cooperation and strive for fruitful projects,” he said.

Pedro expressed gratitude for the enduring friendship between the two nations and committed to enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

The event underscored the importance of cultural and economic collaboration as both countries navigate contemporary challenges.

56

students selected to study at prestigious China universities

THE Philippine Chinese Education Research Center (PCERC) said it continues its commitment to enhancing Chinese language education in the Philippines with the launch of a new cohort of 56 students.

The students, selected from various Filipino-Chinese high schools, will study at prestigious universities in China under the ongoing “Hematopoietic Plan.”

Since its inception in 2004, the plan has successfully addressed the pressing shortage of qualified Chinese language teachers in FilipinoChinese schools in the country.

To date, 320 students have been sent to study in China, with 264 graduates currently serving in schools across the Philippines, some of whom have dedicated nearly two decades to the vital role.

This year, the selected students will study at prestigious institutions such as Beijing University of Language with 1 student, Quanzhou Overseas Chinese University with 6 students, Guangzhou Jinan University with 43 students and Minan Normal University with 6 students. PCERC’s approach involves securing scholarships that cover tuition and accommodation fees, allowing students to earn a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Education.

Upon graduation, they are required to return to the Philippines and teach in Filipino-Chinese schools for a minimum of five years.

Despite the challenge of retaining graduates in the teaching profession, as many are attracted to higher-paying positions in commercial and industrial sectors, PCERC reported a high compliance rate with this requirement.

The organization actively manages post-graduation support to encourage graduates to fulfill their commitments. Michael Wong Ho

Tzu Chi welcomes 69 new scholars for 2024-2025

THE Tzu Chi Foundation welcomed 69 new scholars from the National Capital Region (NCR) during a recognition cere mony at the Jing Si Hall of the Bud dhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila on Sept. 8, 2024.

The scholars for school year 2024-2025 are all incoming secondyear college students from various Tzu Chi partner schools. They received their scholar IDs from Tzu Chi Philippines chief exec utive Henry Yuñez and education committee head Rosa So.

As participants in Tzu Chi’s edu cational assistance program, they underwent preliminary screenings and face-to-face interviews with Tzu Chi volunteers in August. Among the recipients, fraternal twins Jean Myca and John Welter Manayaga expressed their disbelief upon receiving the scholarships.

“We accepted the possibility that only one of us would be taken, so we couldn’t believe that they took us both,” said Jean Myca.

The twins, both marketing students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, are raised by their widowed mother.

The Tzu Chi scholarship provides tuition, allowances and a rice subsidy, alongside monthly Humanity classes aimed at instilling values.

Julie Ann Lope

Dance performance showcases Mongolian culture, boosts relations

IN my recent visit to Davao City, I was deeply impressed by the long history and vision of the Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao Inc. (PASDI) as well as the peaceful ambiance of Long Hua Temple situated on the school grounds.

PASDI has blossomed from a humble beginning into a thriving educational institution. This year marks its 30th year of guiding young minds in the teachings of Buddhism,

By Julie Ann Lope

Inner Mongolian Song and Dance Ensemble held a performance at East Ocean Palace in Paranaque City on Sept. 20, 2024, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Inner Mongolia.

The event, co-organized by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Associations of the Philippines Foundation (FFCAP) and the Chinese Embassy in Manila, attracted hundreds of attendees excited to experience Mongolian culture through music, dance and traditional instruments.

China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian emphasized the significance of the China-Philippine Humanities Station Project which was launched in 2022.

Davao school marks 30 years as beacon of Filipino-Chinese education

while celebrating Chinese culture.

Founded in 1994 with just 50 students, PASDI aimed to guide youth in studying Buddhism, nurturing them as dedicated Buddhist disciples.

The school also teaches Mandarin and introduces Chinese culture to Filipino and Filipino-Chinese children, aiming to help the country develop morally upright individuals with exceptional talents.

Today, that vision has become a reality, as the school proudly accommodates over 1,100 students.

As the school grew, so did its curriculum, which now spans from kindergarten to senior high school. The focus remains steadfast on Chinese education, offering comprehensive courses in the Chinese language, Mathematics and values education, where Buddhism is integrated into daily lessons. Michael Wong Ho

He said the initiative facilitated numerous cultural exchange activities, illustrating the vastness and diversity of Chinese civilization, particularly focusing on the unique charm of Mongolian grassland culture.

FFCAP president Cai Yongning shared his optimism for the future and said that through such performances, both nations could transcend racial boundaries and foster mutual resonance and understanding.

He underscored the importance of laying a solid foundation for continued friendship between the Philippines and China.

The performance highlighted the artistry of Mongolian culture and served as a bridge for deeper cultural ties between the two countries, promoting collaboration and shared appreciation.

FFCCCII holds medical mission in San Juan

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) organized a medical mission at Philippine Chen Kuang High School in San Juan City on Sept. 1, 2024.

Under the guidance of FFCCCII president Cecilio Pedro, the initiative was led by social responsibility committee director Hong Zhao Jian and co-director Xu Huan Ran. PCKHS president Jeffrey Ng, who also serves as FFCCCII vice president, participated in the activity along with the school staff.

The FFCCCII free clinic team,

consisting of five doctors and 11 dentists, treated 350 patients, performed extractions for 51 dental patients and distributed 229 pairs of reading glasses. The clinic provided assistance to 630 individuals.

FFCCCII said it remains dedicated to the principle that, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The group vowed to continue implementing various social welfare projects aimed at supporting national development in the Philippines. Julie Ann Lope

China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian emphasizes the close ties between the Philippines and China during the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Sept. 23, 2024.

Around

Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao Inc. (PASDI)

The Inner Mongolia Song and Dance Ensemble performs at East Ocean Palace in Parañaque.

BOARD OF INVESTMENTS @ 57:

BOI surges past 2023 investment goal, approves P1.35t by mid-September

in these sectors illustrate our steady progress in realizing these priorities.”

BOI’s impact: 57 years of economic growth and transformation

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

IN today’s interconnected global economy, investments are the lifeblood of a nation’s progress. They fuel economic growth, create jobs, and drive technological advancements. A country’s ability to attract and nurture investments is a crucial indicator of its financial health and potential to thrive in the competitive global market.

15 last year. The energy sector, mainly projects in renewable energy, continued to dominate the investment approvals at P1.29 trillion. Other top sectors included Real Estate Activities (Mass Housing) at P20.28 billion; Manufacturing at P12.13 billion; Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing at P10.05 billion; and Administrative and Support Service Activities at P 5.46 billion. Special Assistant to the President (SAP) for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go lauded the recent milestone of the BOI, emphasizing how the approved investment projects align with the Administration’s strategic priorities. “We have identified key sectors – renewable energy, semiconductors & electronics, mining & mineral processing, food & agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and steel – as essential drivers of the country’s growth. The approved investments

Relatedly, SAP Go also highlighted the efforts of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) in collaborating with Investment Promotion Agencies to secure the passage of the CREATE MORE Bill. “This will improve ease of doing business, promote inclusive economic growth, and solidify the Philippines’ position as an attractive investment destination,” he added.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque echoed this commendation, celebrating the BOI’s achievement. “Reaching the P1.35 trillion in investment approvals by midSeptember highlights the government’s success in cultivating a stable and attractive environment for investors. These approvals represent more jobs for Filipinos, opportunities for MSMEs to be part of global value chains, pathways for innovation, and significant economic progress across the nation. Guided by our vision of Bagong Pilipinas, the DTI will continue to foster an enabling business environment for foreign investments in the country.”

One such government agency that makes this possible is the Board of Investments (BOI), which plays a pivotal role in attracting and facilitating investments in the Philippines. As a strategic partner, the BOI provides a supportive environment that encourages local and foreign investors to contribute to the country’s economic landscape. By offering incentives, guidance, and advocacy, the BOI helps create a conducive climate for businesses to thrive, instilling confidence in its capabilities.

On September 25, the BOI will be marking its 57th founding anniversary with pride and achievement. Investment approvals for the first nine months of 2024 have soared to a record-breaking P1.35 trillion, a remarkable 82 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This significant increase is a testament to the country’s promising economic growth and potential.

Renewable energy projects have been the driving force behind this surge, accounting for a substantial P1.29 trillion of the total approved investments. This not only signifies a shift towards sustainable practices, but also a significant contribution to our economic growth. The focus on renewable energy projects instills hope for a sustainable and prosperous future.

The Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and

Western Visayas regions have emerged as the top investment destinations, attracting a combined P1.1 billion investment. Bicol and Ilocos Region also secured significant investments, rounding out the top five. Foreign investments have played a crucial role in driving this growth, contributing P341.78 billion to the total approvals. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United States, and Taiwan have actively invested in the Philippines.

Another more timely initiative from the agency is adapting and promoting sustainability throughout their partnerships and projects. For instance, the BOI recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the Philippines-Manila (UP-M) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to collaborate on investment promotion activities for locally developed biofertilizers and herbal medicine technologies. Besides spearheading various efforts, the BOI is also discerning in recognizing other institutions’ initiatives for a more rapid implementation through the Green Lane endorsement, a government order meant to expedite, streamline, and automate government approval and registration process of priority investments and strategic investments.

Through the Green Lanes program, the BOI can endorse various initiatives for investments, allowing their respective industries to flourish and thrive from the support.

Moving toward self-sufficiency

Since its establishment in 1967, the BOI has been a cornerstone of the Philippines’ economic development. Through its various mandates and legal bases, the BOI has played a pivotal role in attracting investments, promoting industrial growth, and improving the country’s image as a viable investment destination.

The BOI’s history is deeply intertwined with the Philippines’journey towards economic self-sufficiency. The Investments Incentives Act of 1967 provided the legal framework for the agency, outlining the areas where investments were encouraged and the incentives available to investors. The subsequent Foreign Business Regulation Act of 1968 granted the BOI authority to implement provisions related to foreign investments, further bolstering the country’s attractiveness to international investors.

In 1979, Batas Pambansa Blg. 44 was enacted to accelerate industrial and agricultural development in lessdeveloped areas. This law provided additional incentives to investors who established projects in these regions, contributing to a more balanced and equitable distribution of economic growth.

The Omnibus Investments Code of 1987 marked a significant milestone in the BOI’s history. This comprehensive legislation consolidated existing laws and decrees related to investments, streamlining procedures and harmonizing incentives. The Code provided a clearer and more efficient framework for investors, making it easier for them to navigate the investment landscape in the Philippines.

WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

GMA Network is launching the second season of its Kapuso Bigtime Panalo promo, offering more than P10 million in cash prizes, including a P1 million grand prize.

The promo, starting on Sept. 28, is open to shoppers and sari-sari store owners across the Philippines. Participants have the chance to win the top prize of P1 million each for a shopper and store owner, alongside other prizes, including P70,000 for 70 winners, P7,000 for 70 winners, and P1,000 for 980 winners.

To join, participants must purchase any of the seven participating products – Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, Bear Brand Fortified Powdered Milk, Lady’s Choice, Surf, AJI-No-Moto Umami Seasoning, Palmolive Naturals Shampoo, and Nescafé Mixes. Entries can be submitted through drop boxes located in Mercury Drug branches, select Puregold outlets, and GMA TV and radio stations nationwide.

Winners will be announced weekly via Facebook Live on the official GMA Promos Facebook Page. Kapuso Bigtime Panalo Season 2 will run until Dec. 6. For more information on the promo mechanics, visit www.gmanetwork.com/ GMAPromos or follow GMA Promos on Facebook and TikTok.

New drama explores modern motherhood and family dynamics

By Nickie Wang

TIn a recent interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Longjas explained that the film addresses the modern notion of parenthood, particularly the idea of individuals choosing not to have children.

“I want to challenge that and open the idea that it’s okay not to have children,” he said. “The film bridges the notion that you can love and raise a child even if you’re not their biological parent.”

Longjas emphasized the importance of acknowledging diverse perspectives on motherhood.

“These kinds of thoughts exist, and we acknowledge that. That’s the connection we wanted to bridge in the film,” he noted. The film is aimed at a broad audience, particularly families and mothers. Longjas believes it will resonate with mothers and those aspiring to become parents, as well as individuals having problems with bearing a child. He clarified that the film portrays a nuanced view of motherhood, stating.

“This movie is especially for

BEHIND THE SCENES.

mothers because it will resonate with them, particularly if they are mothers themselves or want to be mothers. It’s also for those who have been trying to conceive but haven’t been able to and those who do not wish to become mothers. In this film, not wanting to be a mother isn’t portrayed as villainous; it circles around the theme of motherhood.

Mujigae follows the story of fiveyear-old Mujigae (Ryrie Sophia), who is half-Korean and halfFilipino. After losing her Filipino mother in South Korea, she goes to live with her estranged Aunt Sunny (Alexa Ilacad) in the Philippines. As they adjust to this new situation, they face grief, cultural differences, and the importance of family and community. Through their journey, Mujigae learns to accept change with courage and ultimately find

HE film Mujigae, directed by Randolph Longjas and produced by Unitel Straight Shooters (UXS), explores themes of grief, cultural complexity, and the power of family and community. It will be released exclusively in SM Cinemas on Oct. 9.

THERE were hardly any similarities between the two acts featured in the I Love OPM concert on Sunday, Sept. 22, in San Diego, California. Kuh Ledesma represented the Filipina diva, emerging in splendor during the golden age of Philippine music when Manila Sound was at its peak. She had the major hits, the classy figure, and the humor that earned her the title of OPM’s Pop Chanteuse. Her voice sounded as charming and sexy as ever, proving she was still in remarkable shape. Watching and listening to her would make you believe that age is just a number. She joked about being 59, one of her punchlines for the night.

The other featured act, 4th Impact, embodied the modern girl group – young, powerful vocalists, dancing with energy, and a product of reality TV. The four biological sisters, formerly known as the Cercado Sisters, emphasized their grounded nature and proudly mentioned their humble beginnings in Santiago, Isabela, exclaiming, “from Santiago to San Diego.” Yet, both Kuh and

SHOWBIZ

her place in the world.

Alexa shared her experience filming Mujigae, noting the challenges of motherhood. “My main takeaway is that it’s really hard to be a mother. It takes so much selflessness. It made me ask myself, ‘Could I ever do this?’” she said.

Despite this newfound understanding, Alexa clarified that motherhood is not part of her immediate plans.

“It’s not something I’m thinking about right now. I want to focus on my career. I have big dreams, like

saving more money and achieving stability. But maybe one day, if I’m stable enough and have the right partner, I will consider having a family,” she explained.

a special role.

Mujigae joins the lineup of significant family dramas produced by Unitel, following their awardwinning film Crying Ladies

4th Impact fit seamlessly into the show’s concept and complemented each other.

The mostly Filipino crowd at the Mater Dei School Theater in Chula Vista, a city in San Diego County, appreciated what the performers brought to the theme of the night: love for Filipino music – songs written and popularized by Filipino artists, in both Tagalog and English.

The concert lasted three and a half hours, including guest performances such as Felson Palad, whose witty joke about being “popularly known as the husband of Donita Rose” matched his commendable performance.

That runtime is comparable to a Martin Scorsese gangster film, where you’d lose count of tuxedoed victims. But here, no one noticed the time passing as the audience was thoroughly entertained.

Kuh paid tribute to Cecile Azarcon, performing many of

massive hit.

“When a husband and wife work together, God is pleased. God brings success to those who are faithful to each other because of the sacred vow,” Kuh said during one of her lesson-filled spiels, sprinkled with humor.

the prolific songwriter’s hits. She didn’t sing George Canseco’s “Ako Ay Pilipino,” but delivered a lesser-known patriotic song, also by Azarcon, with equal fervor.

Following 4th Impact’s performance of a foreign classic, Kuh, who received the Awit Awards’ “Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino,” sang her rendition of John Legend’s “All of Me.” She apologized for the difficulty of the song, having had only three hours of sleep the previous night.

She didn’t need to. Her emotional delivery, despite the struggle, matched the intensity the song demands, similar to Heart’s Nancy Wilson recording “These Dreams” with a cold, which resonated with listeners and became a

“I’m not preaching, ha. Nagshe-share lang ako,” she added with a smile.

That’s what you get from a Kuh Ledesma concert – great singing, spiritually charged insights, and punchlines that hard-working, gossip-loving Pinoys enjoy.

As for Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina of 4th Impact, whose first audition in The X Factor prompted Simon Cowell to say it was “probably one of the best,” they were forgiven for performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” in a concert titled “I Love OPM” due to the sheer strength of their vocal harmonies. They also performed Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak,” which appeared unrehearsed but was a fitting tribute.

“This is a dream come true for us po,” one of the sisters said. Whether they were referring to sharing the stage with Kuh Ledesma, performing in San Diego, or securing work visas that allowed them to stay in the U.S. for more shows – or all of the above – was unclear.

For the Filipino-Americans in the audience, delighted to be reminded of their homeland for a few hours without a dull moment, Kuh and 4th Impact had one thing in common: they delivered a damn good show.

GMA Network’s Kapuso Bigtime Panalo is open to shoppers and owners of sari-sari stores in

Joining Alexa in Mujigae is Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, who portrays Ji Seong, the father of fiveyear-old Mujigae. Comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto also appears in

‘Mujigae’ stars Alexa Ilacad (left) and Ryrie Sophia

‘Mujigae’ is directed by filmmaker Randolph Longjas

‘Mujigae’ revolves the story of a young half-Korean and half-Filipino girl who comes to live with her aunt in the story following her mother’s death

Randolph Longjas (leftmost) with the cast and producer of ‘Mujigae’

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Search is on for finest public restrooms

Celebrate the Philippines’ top throne rooms at Oro Inodoro Awards

By Nickie Wang

THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) will honor 11 distinguished alumni at the 2024 edition of The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Awards, set to take place on Sept. 27 at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom in the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building in UST Manila.

The biennial awards recognize alumni for their exemplary contributions to society and the Church. Recipients are chosen through a thorough review process conducted by a selection committee made up of past awardees, UST administrators, and UST Alumni Association, Inc. (USTAAI) officers.

This year, the honorees include Alice G. Eduardo for Accountancy, Business, and Management; Sr. Maria Marissa R. Viri, RVM for Health Allied; Associate Justice Amy C. LazaroJavier for Law and Judiciary; Nestor D. Cuartero and Joselito B. Zulueta for Media and Entertainment; Catherine S. Teh, M.D. for Medicine; Edgar D. Doctor and Ar. Jose Pedro C. Recio for Music, Arts, Literature, and Design; Hasan Fard for Science and Technology; Grace Tan Caktiong for Service to Humanity; and Pilar I. Romero, LPT, Ph.D. for Service to the Church.

In addition, special awards will be given to individuals and families who demonstrate Thomasian core values in both their professional and personal lives. These include Assistant Secretary Paul Anthony M. Pangilinan as the Young Thomasian Achiever, Engr. Mariano S. Agoncillo, who will be honored posthumously, and the Ling Family (JSLA Architects Family) receiving the Thomasian Family Award.

Oro Inodoro Awards is training the spotlight on Philippines’ top public restrooms. Supported by Maynilad Water Services, Inc, the campaign recognizes clean, efficient, and eco-friendly facilities, aiming to provide public comfort through well-maintained restrooms.

Organizers focus on responsible wastewater management, stressing the importance of proper collection and treatment to promote public health and conserve water resources. The awards consider criteria such as cleanliness, maintenance, visual appeal, comfort, and accessibility.

This year, the awards feature three categories: Commercial and Retail, Offices and Schools, and Parks and Terminals. The overall winner will receive P30,000, while category winners will take home P10,000 each. Only public restrooms within Maynilad’s service area are eligible for these main awards.

Winners of these awards will also receive P10,000 each.

Formerly known as the Golden Kubeta Awards, the Oro Inodoro Awards have celebrated top-notch restrooms since 2016, emphasizing that toilets do more than meet daily needs—they elevate the overall quality of service establishments offer.

Nominations are open until Oct. 6 via the Kubeta PH Facebook page. Users can nominate entries by commenting on the official post with a photo of the restroom, its location, reasons for nomination, and the hashtags #KubetaPH and #OroInodoroAwards. The categories of the Oro Inodoro Awards include Commercial and Retail, Offices and Schools, and Parks and Terminals (Image generated with help from AI)

In addition, two national awards—Banyo ng Bayan and Banyo Para Sa Lahat—will recognize public restrooms across the Philippines. The former is a people’s choice award based on social media likes, while the latter honors facilities that are inclusive and accessible to marginalized groups.

UST honors 11 distinguished alumni at 2024 TOTAL Awards

The biennial TOTAL Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of its alumni to society and the Church

Filipino compassion celebrated as global force for change

U.S. MEDAL of Freedom awardee

Fr. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, highlighted the transformative power of compassion during his visit to the Philippines.

“Access to a clean restroom is a public good,” said Marie Antonette De Ocampo, SAVP and Head of Maynilad’s Corporate Affairs and Communication. “Through the Oro Inodoro Awards, we hope to encourage creativity and invigorate establishments that strive to serve the public better through welldesigned restrooms.”

Carla Abellana opens up about struggles with hypothyroidism

By Abigal Adriatico

THROUGHOUT her time in the limelight, actress Carla Abellana has been praised for her performances in numerous films and shows. However, as her career prospered, she has been silently struggling with a condition that has affected her daily life – hypothyroidism.

In a post shared on Instagram, the actress revealed that she had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like extreme fatigue, weight gain, and even depression.

She shared that despite her efforts to cut down on food intake to the point of starvation, she continued to gain weight. She admitted to consulting five doctors, undergoing numerous tests, and trying several medications that cost hundreds of thousands of pesos, none of which were effective for her.

Known for running the world’s largest gang-intervention program, Fr. Boyle praised Filipinos for their deep sense of care and mutual support, calling it a “superpower” that could inspire global change.

“Filipinos’ ability to care deeply for one another is a powerful force that, if harnessed and shared globally, could help create a better world,” Boyle said.

During his visit, facilitated by Elaine Kahn of Integra Wellness Center, Fr. Boyle spoke at Ateneo De Manila University and led a retreat on kinship, compassion, and healing. He emphasized the need to view people as “persons to love, not problems to fix,” urging societies to foster unconditional love and support. Boyle also advocated for a shift in rehabilitation efforts, particularly in penal systems, focusing on healing rather than punishment. Drawing on his experience at Homeboy Industries, he stressed the importance of addressing trauma and emotional well-being to ensure long-term reintegration and success.

Fr. Boyle’s visit serves as a reminder of the power of Filipino compassion and its potential to promote healing and positive societal change.

While it felt like her efforts were in vain, she eventually met Dr. Roland Angeles, who specializes in Obesity Medicine, in October 2023. He provided her with a diet plan that allowed only 100g meals and restricted certain types of food.

“I wanted to cry, but my desperation was stronger,” the actress said.

In a few months, Abellana began to see results as she started to lose weight. Eventually, she lost around 18 pounds. While grateful to Angeles and others who supported her through her struggles, the actress emphasized to those battling hypothyroidism that there is no shortcut to managing the condition.

“Having hypothyroidism is a pain in the butt because there is no cure for it, but there is a way. It may not be the same for all of us, but there really is a way,” she said.

Since its inception in 1993, the TOTAL Awards have recognized over 295 outstanding alumni and 10 Thomasian families. Among the prestigious past recipients are former President Diosdado only pounds. the no way,” she

U.S. Medal of Freedom awardee and Homeboy Industries founder Fr. Greg Boyle (left) and Integra Wellness Center founder Elaine Kahn

Actress Carla Abellana currently stars in ‘Widows’ War’ as Georgina BalayPalacios

Macapagal, National Artist Leandro Locsin, Jollibee founder Tony Tan Caktiong, and National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

Editor Writer Writer

HAIR loss is a widespread issue that affects many individuals, stemming from genetic factors or environmental influences. Those experiencing hair loss often face emotional challenges, including feelings of self-pity and even depression.

While some find coping mechanisms, the aspiration to regrow hair remains strong.

In a recent consultation at Svenson’s Quezon City clinic, trichologist Shai Aya-ay emphasized that hair growth is not an overnight process.

“You need to undergo active treatments to address your hair and scalp issues,” she said. “Simply seeking professional advice is a crucial first step in your hair growth journey. This will ensure you receive tailored guidance to effectively tackle your concerns.”

Unexpected hair loss can be particularly daunting, manifesting as early balding in one’s 20s, stress-related thinning, or hereditary conditions. Facing these challenges alone can be overwhelming.

cells, play a vital role in cellto-cell communication and regeneration. According to Mike Lee, CEO of PrimaCure, “Exosomes are vesicles containing growth

Groundbreaking therapy gives hair loss the boot

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Recognizing that a full head of hair is more than a physical attribute, Svenson specialists highlight that each strand tells a story about living fully and thriving in one’s passions.

To assist individuals in their hair restoration efforts, Svenson has introduced NexoHair exosome therapy, expanding its range of proven treatments.

NexoHair is a groundbreaking hair loss treatment utilizing exosomes, a promising advancement in hair regeneration. This innovative solution aims to deliver faster results, enhance hair density, and increase coverage for those struggling with hair loss in the Philippines.

Exosomes, naturally produced by

factors, genetic material, and lipids. They protect and facilitate the delivery of these crucial components to cells, resulting in faster and more standardized outcomes compared to traditional methods.”

NexoHair utilizes E50-H exosomes sourced from marine origins, specifically engineered to promote hair growth by reactivating dormant hair follicles and encouraging the formation of new ones. Lee notes that this therapy can stimulate hair stem cells to create new hair follicles, leading to significant results in a shorter time frame.

The treatment is virtually pain-free and requires no downtime, as it is administered through microneedling, which involves minimal discomfort. “No blood drawing is necessary,” Lee adds.

By Angelica Villanueva

THE Philippines ranked third among countries with the worst sleeping habits, according to a recent study. In research conducted by Australian bed company Onebed, data revealed that Filipinos average 6.13 hours of sleep per night, which is below the global average.

Additionally, the country has the highest noise pollution level among the top 10 countries studied, with a score of 55.60. Other factors contributing to poor sleep quality in the Philippines include an Air Quality Index of 31 and a stress level of 7.30.

The study also noted a high volume of Google searches related to sleep deprivation, indicating that many Filipinos are struggling with sleep issues.

“The Philippines ranks third, marked by a composite score of 0.87. The country suffers from the highest levels of noise pollution at 55.60 and stress among the top 10, severely affecting sleep quality. The average sleep duration in the Philippines is 6.13 hours per night, and the high number of sleep-related Google searches shows that people are still struggling with sleep problems,” the survey said.

The Philippines is followed by the United Kingdom and Mexico in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

“You’ll feel a sensation similar to tapping your scalp with your nails.”

Following the application of exosomes, NexoHair enhances the treatment with TargetCool, which

facilitates deeper penetration of exosomes into the scalp while reducing inflammation and improving oxygen supply to tissues.

“This method utilizes cold temperature and pressure to drive products into the microchannels created by microneedling, maximizing exosome delivery,” Lee explains.

For those hesitant about surgical options, NexoHair presents an effective alternative that can yield comparable results to hair transplants.

Lee asserts, “While hair transplant surgeries may offer faster results, especially for older patients, exosome therapy can deliver similar outcomes within three to four months.”

How to Combat Daytime Sleepiness

AS THE day begins, you’ve had your morning shower and a hot cup of coffee, but you find it hard to keep your eyes open. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a condition that can impact your daily responsibilities.

“When you feel sleepy in the morning, it’s often assumed that you haven’t had the recommended eight hours of sleep the night before,” said Dr. Maria Patricia Ann T. Puno, a sleep medicine specialist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Late nights spent working, partying, binge-watching shows, or other factors like jet lag or caring for a newborn can contribute to this fatigue.”

Getting enough quality sleep is crucial to avoiding EDS, but for some, even eight hours isn’t sufficient. This persistent sleepiness may signal a condition known as hypersomnia, defined by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders as “the inability to stay awake and alert during major waking episodes, resulting in unintended drowsiness or sleep.”

Dr. Puno noted that hypersomnia can manifest in various symptoms, including constant sleepiness, difficulty staying awake despite adequate sleep, irritability, and lack of energy or appetite.

“Power naps do not alleviate the sluggishness experienced by patients,” she added.

Identifying and addressing the root causes of excessive sleepiness is essential for managing hypersomnia. Certain medications – such as antihistamines, anti-epileptic drugs, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants – can induce sleepiness during the day. Additionally, medical conditions like head trauma, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, and mood disorders like depression can also contribute.

In some cases, hypersomnia may arise from genetic factors or rare sleep disorders. Dr. Puno explained, “Narcolepsy is characterized by sudden urges to sleep deeply, often due to a lack of orexin, a neurotransmitter that helps keep you awake. A rarer condition, Kleine-Levin Syndrome, involves chronic daytime sleepiness accompanied by cognitive disturbances, potentially linked to illness or injury to the hypothalamus.”

With proper diagnosis, hypersomnia can be treated using antidepressants, stimulants, or medications specifically designed for narcolepsy. Dr. Puno recommended consulting your primary physician if you are taking prescription medications that cause drowsiness, as dosage adjustments or alternatives may be available.

Lifestyle changes can also help manage daytime sleepiness. “If your sleep is disrupted, consider going to bed earlier to ensure longer rest,” advised Dr. Puno. “Regular 20-minute exercise can enhance sleep quality, as can relaxation techniques like meditation. Caffeine can be helpful, but moderation is key to avoid affecting nighttime sleep. Additionally, a brief 15-30 minute nap during the day can rejuvenate your mind and improve your mood.”

For more information, contact MakatiMed OnCall at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.

Filipinos get an average of 6.13 hours of sleep every night PH ranks 3rd for worst sleeping habits

From left: Dr. Young Seob Lee, Dr. Mike Lee, and Nico Share of Marie France Group

PrimaCure CEO Mike Lee (left) shares the importance of exosomes in cell-to-cell communication and regeneration

The NexoHair treatment is administered through microneedling

Dr. Young Seob Lee (center) and Dr. Mike Lee (right) with Svenson trichologist Shai Aya-ay (left)

The treatment also includes TargetCool which utilizes cold temperature and pressure to allow exosomes to further penetrate the scalp

Exclusively available at Svenson, NexoHair complements the clinic’s established hair and scalp recovery programs, providing a cuttingedge solution for those seeking to reclaim their hair. Svenson continues to be recognized as a leading authority in hair loss treatments in the Philippines.

(Images by Paui Guevarra)