Manila Standard - 2024 October 7 - Monday

Digong says he has no quarrel with Marcos

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

Solons probing Garma’s use of diplomatic pouches

By Rio N. Araja

Gov’t readies P1.48b aid as 'Julian' strengthens

THE government has readied P1.48

Ex-president willing to face Quad Comm probe

FBy Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

ORMER President Rodrigo Duterte maintained that he has no axe to grind with incumbent President Marcos as he highlighted the crucial role of an opposition to serve as check and balance, bu to the point of destroying the administration.

"If you say there is a need for an opposition, I would gladly take the role as an opposition, not to destroy the president, but to be there, just to see to it that everything is followed and everything is done correctly," he said during a press briefing in Davao City Saturday evening.

"I will tell you (President Marcos) as a friend if you are wrong and something has to be corrected. We will just keep our mouth shut, but if you do not do anything, then we will be forced to take the side as an opposition," he added.

Duterte insisted that he has no quarrel with his

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before con gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Com missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption with in the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in

sucessor in the Palace but certain quarters are pitting them against each other.

"That's the problem, that's what hurts, the presi dent knows that we don't have a fight," he said in Cebuano.

This was the second time Duterte pub licly said that he and Marcos are not en emies, political or otherwise.

On Sept. 21, the former president said during a political rally that, "Marcos doesn't have abuses that I

P276

and non-food items (NFIs) worth P919 million were already prepared by the Department of

and Development (DSWD). Some P171

in

By Rex Espiritu

fund is also

for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the cenIn Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

[Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) said yesterday they are ready to conduct possible mass repatriation of Filipinos in Lebanon as tension in the Middle East escalates further with nations around the world marking the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. Tens of thousands of protesters marched in cities around the world over the weekend calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. In Washington, more than a thousand protesters demonstrated outside the White House, demanding the United States, Israel's top military

By Darwin Amojelar

subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.

“The Bilyonaryo article is mali cious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

By Rex Espiritu

Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announce ment by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarbor ough Shoal, in the West Philip pine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the an nouncement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Co operative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

supplier, stop providing weapons and aid to Israel.

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

One man attempted to set himself on fire, Agence France Presse (AFP) journalists saw, succeeding in lighting his left arm ablaze before bystanders and police extinguished the flames.

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.

By Rio N. Araja

PRESIDENT Marcos through

healthcare workers, students and teachers.

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to under

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian with Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre delivered nearly P92-million in aid to 11,808 beneficiaries in the Davao region, including

By Vince Lopez

The aid was provided through the President's flagship Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the House of Representatives.

SHOWING UP. Among the politicians who showed up and

Senate; Sen. Koko Pimentel who will run for mayor of

PAGASA

BAUTISTA

PH reshapes defense strategy to adapt to situation

By Rachelle Tonelada and Rex Espiritu

THE Philippines has been actively reshaping its defense strategy by building stronger ties with nations that uphold a rules-based international order, moving beyond traditional alliances as part of its strategic efforts to protect territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), the foundation of the country’s defense strategy, aims to preserve our territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as assure our countrymen’s access to marine resources in our maritime domain,” retired Ambassador Marilyn Alarilla told Manila Standard.

“In the process of realizing these goals, the Philippines has expanded partnerships and defense programs with other countries that respect a rules-based international order,” she added.

The Philippines has seen increased diplomatic activity, with foreign leaders visiting to explore agreements similar to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and hold bilateral defense talks. These efforts, aimed at enhancing defense ties through joint military exercises and knowledge-sharing, strengthen the country's defense posture.

Digong...

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am aware of. For as long as he maintains this attitude it's okay. I think that I can live with him, I can bend with him."

However, Duterte pointed out that the Marcos administration's emphasis on distributing financial assistance for impoverished Filipinos should be moderated so there would be more funds left over for key infrastructure projects. "I am not passing judgment on the president. If that is what he wants to be remembered..." Duterte said in a mixture of Filipino and English. Meanwhile, after making himself

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we make a significant leap to our territorial defense.” Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala told Manila Standard

“These exercises will help us enhance our capabilities and interoperability. Aside from exercises/drills, we are also doing subject matter expert exchanges trainings with other countries like the UK, Japan,” he added.

Over the past years, the Philippines' defense posture has been steadily shifting from fighting local insurgency to maintaining territorial security.

This can be seen on the continuous visits and pledges of defense leadership of different countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and even the United States as already given.

For the Philippine Army, bilateral training with allied nations focuses on its transformation into a “world class army.”

Among those exercises is the Salaknib exercises that trained Army Artillery Regiment troops with a US made missile system, aside from the regular Balikatan Exercises.

“It is not directed to counter any country. We want to become a world class Army, multi-mission ready and cross domain capable. Our comprehensive strategic planning considers exercises that best suit our land force as

scarce during recent Quad Committee (Quad Comm) hearings at the House of Representatives, Duterte now says he is willing to face the probe on alleged state-sponsored executions of drug personalities if invited by congressmen. "What do they [ lawmakers] want to know? If they will invite me [I will come]. I just hope that they would ask educated questions," he said in a mixture of Filipino in English during a press briefing in Davao City Saturday evening.

When quizzed by reporters about extra judicial killings (EJKs) the took place during his presidency, Duterte cryptically said "Naku, totoo 'yan. (Oh, that's true)."

It left reporters wondering, howev-

The former president said the desire to run for higher position is there but his body cannot do it anymore because of his age

"You think I can still carry a national campaign? At my age? Do you want me die? The desire is there but matrabaho kasi yan. Baka mag collapse ako. I will be required to travel a lot, physical movement but di na kaya Ng katawan. The desire to become a senator is there but Ang problema ang katawan natin di na kaya," he said.

"I am ready to retire but I am open to suggestion. What do you want me to run? Mayor? Is that the popular clamor? Is the sentiment of the media reflects the community? Yan ba Ang gusto ng mga tao?"

As this developed, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel has submitted his candidacy for the congressmanship of the First District of Marikina, Oct. 6.

The revitalization of the city's shoe industry is at the top of his priorities.

"The country will not advance if the politician does not have a word of honor," the senator emphasized.

He will face incumbent Marikina Mayor Marcelino "Marcy."

OUTGOING Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez has filed his certificate of candidacy as Vice Governor of Davao Del Norte Saturday afternoon.

Alvarez was a no show at the Comelec's office in Capitol on Saturday but he sent his representative Audrei Perez to file on his behalf.

Perez is also running as board member. He filed his COC last week Alvarez in a text message Sunday morning confirmed that he is running.

"Yes, I confirmed I filed my COC for vice Governor yesterday," he stated in a text message.

Alvarez will be running under Reporma party.

Meanwhle, Mayor Krisel Lagman Luistro filed her certificate of candidacy for congressman in the 1st District of Albay in the 2025 midterm elections. She was a congresswoman before seeking the mayorlaty post at Tobaco.

edged the figures to be reliable.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters also gathered in cities across Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas to demand an end to the conflict, which has killed nearly 42,000 people in Gaza.

The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas militants attacked Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of them civilians, according to an Agence France Presse (AFP) tally based on official Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 97 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel launched a blistering military campaign in Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages.

Until now at least 41,825 people have been killed in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to the territory's health ministry.

The United Nations have acknowl-

PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo told the Manila Standard that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are capable of organizing massive evacuation efforts through the air force personnel and our C130 planes.

"Regarding this, the PAF is a force provider for AFP-directed missions. If in case called upon by higher headquarters to assist in the evacuation/ repatriation of Filipinos from conflict areas overseas, the PAF is capable for such missions using our heavy airlift aircraft such as the C130,” Castillo said.

Flight cancellations going to and from Lebanon delayed the repatriation of over a dozen Filipinos there.

Fifteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were supposed to be flown back to the country this week. They were originally scheduled to depart Lebanon last Sept. 25, but their flights were rescheduled anew following recent explosions in Beirut.

Of the 15, three OFWs, including one with a medical condition, are

For its part, the Air Force has participated in 6 bilateral exercises; Pitchblack, Cope Thunder PH among others, all of them were with US counterparts.

“These new alliances symbolize that a rules-based regional, and subsequently international order, is gaining strength… The perspective is on which values are driving countries with respect to their political and strategic decisions, including freedom of navigation and overflight,” Alarilla expounded.

She emphasized the importance of these partnerships in addressing regional security challenges, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

The former envoy described China as a revisionist state seeking to alter the international rules-based order to align with its interests, including promoting authoritarian governance.

This, she argued, poses an existen-

er, if that was an admission of authorizing EJKs or if he was just conceding that such crimes happened to have taken place during the six years he was in office. It can be recalled that solons called out Duterte, along with his close associates, for dodging Quad Comm hearings despite repeated invitations.

The panel's overall chair, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert 'Ace' Barbers has said that he has questions for Duterte regarding how the 'war on drugs" was conducted during his administration.

Likewise, Santa Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Ferandez said the former president has some explaining to do regarding the rise of Philippine Overseas Gaming

Solons...

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channels to transmit hge sums of money to her husband, Police Col. Roland Vilela while he was serving as a police attaché at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, California between 2020 and 2022.

The revelations suggest possible misuse of government resources, specifically the PNP’s diplomatic pouches intended for official communications and attaché salaries, with testimony from PNP officials indicating these channels may have been exploited for personal financial gain.

A diplomatic pouch is any properly identified and sealed package or container that is used to transport official correspondence, documents, and other articles intended for official use by embassies, and are not subject to customs and other searches by the host government.

The latest accusation came even as Garma is being linked to the executions of several foreign drug personalities and the murder of another PCSO official who threatened to expose corruption in the agency.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop’s intense questioning of former and current PNP officials, including thenchief of the Directorate for Intelligence and later PNP chief Benjamin

rescheduled to fly home on Oct. 11, while the remaining 12 will join 17 other OFWs who are set for repatriation on Oct. 22, "barring unforeseen circumstances," according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

The DMW added that the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut is also arranging the repatriation of 63 more OFWs with complete documentation and clearances to leave Lebanon. Castillo, however, said that no other details regarding that mission can be shared as of this time.

Meanwhile, Israel placed its forces on alert Saturday ahead of the anniversary of Hamas's assault, after a military official said the country was preparing its retaliation for Iran's missile attack.

The alert came with Israel engaged in an intensifying war with the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said would be hit "without concession or respite."

Ahead of Monday's grim anniversary, military spokesman Rear Admi-

tial threat to nations that advocate for democracy, good governance, transparency, accountability, and human rights.

Meanwhile, Matteo Piasentini, a political scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines - Diliman Department of Political Science, suggested that the push for 'defense diversification' is part of the country's broader effort to pursue a more independent foreign policy, aiming to reduce its ‘over-reliance’ on US security.

“This is also a way of signaling that Manila has its own agency regarding security and defense matters, countering narratives that portray the Philippines as merely a US pawn,” Piasentini told Manila Standard.

“That said, it’s also indisputable that these partnerships are (deliberately or implicitly) aligned with the broader objective of limiting China’s ability to project power in the region, which is why they don’t generally face US opposition,” he expounded.

Piasentini further explained that these partnerships “represent an effort to address the lack of deterrence capabilities that the Philippines is currently experiencing.”

“Strengthening partnerships is an effective way to temporarily offset the shortfall in defense capabilities. The

Operators (POGOs) during his term in Malacañang.

Duterte flatly denied that his government encouraged the prolifeation of POGOs in the country.

During the press conference, wherein Duterte also announced his intention to win back his old job as mayor of Davao City, he made a not-so-veiled threat against former Senator Leila De Lima.

The former president said he would release a supposed sex tape of De Lima if she continues making defamatory statements about him.

"I just want to make peace with everybody. But if she starts to f__k everything, hindi kita aatrasan (I won't back down from you)," he declared.

Acorda Jr., showed the possibility that the PNP’s diplomatic pouch system was used to funnel “personal” funds to Vilela.

Acorda confirmed that police attaché salaries and maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) were regularly sent through those channels.

Acop raised the system's vulnerability to misuse, asking if it could be used for personal transfers disguised as official ones.

“Yes, Your Honor, to my understanding,” Acorda told Acop.

Meanwhile, Acop, also a retired police general, grilled Vilela, asking him about the money other than his salary that he received through the MOOE.

Vilela responded that aside from his P120,000 monthly pay, he also received as police attaché.

Police Captain Delfinito Anuba, Vilela’s errand man, was responsible for converting pesos into dollars and sending them to Vilela in the U.S.

When asked if he had converted pesos to dollars, Anuba confirmed, “Yes, Sir,” and detailed the process, explaining that he collected the funds from Garma’s security team, specifically Sgt. Enecito Ubales Jr. Ubales is Garma’s first cousin.

Anuba said he would get the fund at the PCSO building, and that he converted P30 million and P20 million into dollars on two occasions.

Ubales denied any involvement.

ral Daniel Hagari said at a televised briefing: "We are prepared with increased forces in anticipation for this day," when there could be "attacks on the home front."

Israel's President Isaac Herzog called Iran an "ongoing threat" after Tehran, which backs armed groups across the Middle East, on Tuesday launched around 200 missiles at Israel in revenge for Israeli killings of top militant leaders.

As this developed, Sen. Imee Marcos called on the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to evacuate all Filipinos from danger areas in Lebanon and to repatriate them to the Philippines as soon as possible.

"Unfortunately, the circumstances in Lebanon may worsen as there is no sign that the hostilities will cease any time soon. For all intents and purposes, the situation is already an Alert Level 4 Crisis. More civilians, including Filipinos, will undoubtedly be in harm’s way. This is a risk that the Philippine Government should never take," the senator said. AFP

AFP modernization program will take years to complete, so the Philippines is seeking to compensate for this delay with a web of transnational defense ties,” Piasentini explained.

“While I don’t believe the Philippines currently has a comprehensive strategy for the Indo-Pacific region as a whole, these partnerships are instrumental in strengthening the country's ability to control its borders and assert its sovereign rights,” he added.

For National Security Expert Dr. Chester Cabalza, Philippine strategy to forge defense alliances, to conduct, host or join military exercises with nonsuperpower nations like Canada, South Korea and Australia can strengthen Indo-Pacific strategy.

“More than de-risking, it is called collective deterrence mainly because these allied countries have identified common threats. This is to advance their international support to maintain rules-based order,” he told the Manila Standard. Cabalza further described the numerous pacts and exercises “important to confront emerging security issues.”

“These are proactive and reactive instruments to create simulated realities to pursue their own national interest aligned in preserving regional and global security,” he concluded.

Gov‘t...

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House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada reported that the latest AKAP payouts amounted to P91.955 million, benefiting thousands across the Davao region.

“With the instruction of President Marcos, we will continue to deliver direct assistance to our people, especially with the good news about the inflation last month that eased to 1.9 percent from 3.3 percent in August and 4.4 percent in July,” Romualdez said in a statement. Last October 2, an AKAP event held at Davao de Oro State College’s New Bataan Campus provided aid to 2,190 students. They received P2,000 each, totaling P4.38 million. Additional payouts included P22.88 million to 2,288 beneficiaries at Davao Regional Medical Center, and P56.09 million to 5,609 beneficiaries at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. The AKAP payouts concluded on October 5 at ePark, Tagum City, where Davao del Norte Vice Governor De Carlo Uy and local officials led the distribution of P5,000 each to 1,721 private school teachers, amounting to P8.605 million.

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nearby municipalities. CCTV footage is also being reviewed for possible identification of the suspects, authorities said.

According to Alicia Dayrit Lulu, Arvin's mother, the two met a client and were on their way home when the fatal shooting happened.

In a CCTV footage, the couple was seen riding in a black pick-up followed by a motorcycle. Arriving in Barangay Sto. Rosario, the motorcycle stopped on the side of the road and the two men on it got off. The suspects reportedly walked to the pick-up truck where they opened fire on the two victims who were accompanied by 2 more passengers.

"We saw they're already tailing the victims' vehicle,” P/Lt. Col. Pearl Joy Gollayan, Mexico MPS chief, said.

Two passengers aboard the couple’s vehicle, their 6-year-old son and a cousin of Lerma, were not hurt, police said.

Authorities said a possible motive for the killing was related to business. "We are not dealing with a single motive, we are still looking at what the concrete motive is," Gollaya added.

Police are also investigating the client that the couple met earlier. The families of the victims are calling for the suspects to surrender.

The police said they have persons of interest and are still pursuing the suspects.

Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo said he will give a P100,000 reward to individuals who can provide information about those involved in the killing.

In a statement, Garbo said that although the shooting happened in Mexico, Pampanga, the victims were both residents of their city.

Soldiers seize arms cache in Eastern Samar

By Rex Espiritu

MEMBERS of the 78th Infantry Bat-

talion seized an arms cache in the Municipality of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, and facilitated the surrender of two members of a Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) earlier this week.

Captain Jefferson Mariano, chief of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, reported that Alias Jacobe, the Vice Squad leader, and Alias Aquilla, both from the remnants of the Apoy Platoon within the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), disclosed the locations of hidden arms caches in the remote villages of Osmeña and Laurel in General MacArthur.

The recovered arms cache included two M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, one .30 caliber Springfield rifle, and one AK-47 rifle.

In addition to these weapons, troops also seized hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several magazines, personal belongings, and subversive documents containing high intelligence value.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Brigade, commended the troops for their professionalism and successful negotiation that led to the surrender of these individuals.

“Two lives were saved from the grip of a dead ideology. It’s only a matter of time before all members of SRC Sesame will be neutralized. The success of this operation is credited to the tireless efforts of the 802nd Brigade in conducting comprehensive debriefings with former rebels and implementing programs such as the E-FReE Families program and Project APOY,” he said.

Rep. Tulfo joins Lakas; Speaker administers oath

By Rio N. Araja

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo has officially joined the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez administering his oath on Oct. 4 as the party’s 112th member in the House of Representatives. Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plusstrong chamber and Lakas-CMD president, lauded Tulfo as a valuable addition, saying he is confident in the significant contributions Tulfo would bring to both the party and the nation.

“Rep. Erwin Tulfo is a tremendous asset to both our party and the nation, embodying not only seasoned public service but also courage and integrity,” he said. Tulfo, a former journalist and Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development is known for his fearless, no-nonsense approach to public service and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of marginalized Filipinos. He is currently a frontrunner in the Senate race for the May 2025 midterm elections.

“Cong. Erwin’s track record speaks for itself, and we are honored to welcome him into Lakas-CMD. His fearless advocacy for the underprivileged and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos make him a perfect fit for our mission of nation-building,” Romualdez said. He expressed optimism that Tulfo’s membership would bring fresh energy to the party at a critical time for governance.

Oct. 15 is infant remembrance day

By Vince Lopez M

ALACAÑAN has declared October 15 as “National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.”

Proclamation No. 700, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 2, repealed Proclamation No. 586, which declared March 25 of every year as the “Day of the Unborn.”

The new proclamation aims “to honor and remember the infants lost during or shortly after pregnancy, and acknowledge the mothers and their families who have suffered through

these losses.”

“There is a need to designate a specific day to increase awareness and provide comprehensive support for affected families, including mental health services, community programs, and informed healthcare guidance,” the proclamation reads.

The Department of Health (DOH) is directed to lead, coordinate and supervise, as well as to identify the programs, activities and projects aligned with its observance. It also directed other government agencies and offices, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges to participate and render necessary support for its effective implementation. All local government units, nongovernment organizations, professional associations, and the private sector are encouraged to give support.

Gina de Venecia files candidacy; aiming to return to Congress

IN BRIEF

Army strengthens S. Korea, ASEAN military ties

THE Philippine Army earlier this week strengthened ties with the South Korean and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) counterparts during the inaugural Korea-ASEAN Armies Chiefs Conference (KACC) in Daejeon, South Korea.

Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army met with South Korean Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su during the KACC which was also attended by Gen. Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, the Malaysian Chief of Army; Gen. Mao Sophan, the Royal Cambodian Army Chief; and Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Nghia, deputy commander in chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army.

The Philippine Army and South Korean Army conducted high-level dialogues in bilateral and multilateral settings such as the KACC and the Land Forces Summit in Japan. The Philippine Army will host next year the 2nd Philippine ArmyRepublic of Korean Army (ROKA) Staff Talks.

The KACC multilateral security talks aim to support peace in the Korean Peninsula and strengthen multilevel security cooperation for a combined response to threats in the region. Rex Espiritu

TODA party-list vows to protect tryke, jeepney drivers

THE TODA Aksyon party-list on Sunday vowed to improve the rights, privileges. and benefits of those in the sector of tricycle operators and drivers’ associations through the passage of a Magna Carta law for them.

Its first nominee, ex-Valenzuela City councilor Rovin Andrew Feliciano, is eyeing a seat in Congress to look after the welfare of one of the most neglected marginalized sectors of society.

“The TODA Aksyon party-list will participate in the 2025 elections to give voice and representation to tricycle drivers and operators throughout the Philippines because for a long time, the truly marginalized sector has no representation,” he stressed.

The party-list, once elected in Congress, aims the passage of the Magna Carta for Tricycle Drivers and Operators. Rio N. Araja

Nartatez set to become PNP second-in-command

MAJ. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. will be the second top official of the Philippine National Police effective Oct. 9.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief will take over the post vacated by Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, who retired from the service in August, according to an announcement on Sunday.

Assuming the NCRPO Director position is Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia, chief of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.

De Venecia expressed gratitude to the people of Pangasinan’s 4th district for their continued support of her family’s public service legacy. Her husband, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, served seven terms in the House of Representatives, five of which as Speaker, and Christopher is currently in his third and final term.

FORMER congresswoman Gina V.P. de Venecia, popularly known as “Manay Gina,” officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Sunday, aiming to return to the House of Representatives. Her COC was filed on her behalf by her son, incumbent congressman Christopher de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in Dagupan City. She is running under the LAKAS-CMD political party headed by Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Manay Gina, herself, was elected as congresswoman in the 15th (20102013) and 16th (2013-2016) congresses and served twice as president of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI).

Manay Gina introduced her campaign philosophy encapsulated in the acronym L.O.V.E.: “L” for Livelihood Opportunities, “O” for Overall Health Care, “V” for Values Formation, and “E” for Education and Environment.

“Together, let us build a future founded on L.O.V.E. where every individual can flourish,” she said.

“My vision is to empower every generation by providing livelihood opportunities for all—from Gen Zs to Millennials and their parents,” she emphasized. She plans to champion the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as nurture local tourism, arts, and culture.

Hernia’s position will be given to Brig Gen. Benjamin Sembrano, the Acting Director of the PNP Forensics Group, which will be passed on to Brig. Gen. Constancio Chinayog.

On Friday, PNP chief Gen. Francisco Marbil also appointed Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo as chief of the PNP Directorial Staff following the retirement of Gen. Jon Arnaldo.

EYEING A SEAT IN CONGRESS. (Clockwise photo 1) Sta. Rosa Lone District Congressman Dan Fernandez files his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Sunday with his running mate, Gem Amante, wife of incumbent Mayor Vic Amante of San Pablo City, Laguna; (photo 2) Angkas CEO George Royeca is running for Congress with  "ANGKASangga" to advocate for the informal sector; (photo 3) Ida Abedaño Guintu files her COC to run as the first nominee of Pinuno Party-list in the She is the mother of Pinuno Party-list Rep. Howard Guintu, who is running for congressman of the First District of Capiz; (photo 4) Tabaco City Albay Mayor Krisel Lagman Luistro files her COC for congressman in the 1st District of Albay; and (photo 5) former Commission on Elections commissioner and Komunidad ng Pamilya, Pasyente at Persons With Disabilities (P3PWD) party-list first nominee Rowena Guanzon files her COC. Norman Cruz and Roy Tomandao

HIGHLANDERS PUT BEST FOOD FORWARD.

The people of Cordillera Administrative Region which covers Baguio City, the so-called ‘Summer Capital’ of the Philippines, celebrate a bountiful harvest through their Gong Festival that showcases traditional dances and colourful costumes to depict their cycle of planting, harvesting, courtship and wedding. Dave Leprozo

‘EO 70 to boost PH film industry’

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Marcos issued Executive Order No. 70 to promote the development of the Philippine film industry and to strengthen the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).

“To maximize the full potential of the Philippine Film Industry, it is imperative to ensure that world-class Filipino talents in the field of motion picture arts and sciences are given due recognition and assistance by the National Government,” the EO signed by Executive Secretary Lucas

Ex-MILF camps to be

turned into dynamic villages

By Rex Espiritu

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have forged a partnership to convert former Muslim rebel camps in Mindanao into dynamic communities based on science-and-technology innovations.

The OPAPRU and the DOST concluded a memorandum of agreement n General Santos City eyeing the transformation of six Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps into peaceful, productive and climate-resilient communities.

The partnership also seeks to empower MILF communities by providing them with technology-driven solutions to advance sustainable livelihood opportunities, promote community well-being, and build resilience, which are key in fostering long-term peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.

The agreement is in line with objectives of the camps transformation program under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro.

Bersamin stated.

“It is necessary to strengthen the FAP and further define its duties and functions to complement the programs, activities, and projects of existing government bodies involved in the promotion and development of the Philippine Film Industry,” the order read.

The EO reorganized the FAP and placed it under the administrative supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to be governed by a board of trustees composed of officials coming from different government agencies.

The FAP will have the primary function of giving due recognition to outstanding motion pictures, artists and relevant stakeholders with a view to revitalize and further promote the Philippine film industry.

It is directed to establish and organize a prominent annual National Film Awards which will recognize, promote, and celebrate world-class talents and

outputs of Filipinos in motion picture arts and sciences.

“The FAP may collaborate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and such other relevant government agencies relative to the establishment of the National Film Awards,” the EO said.

Consistent with Republic Acts Nos. 11904 and 9167, the FAP will collaborate with the Department of Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority , the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Philippine Creative Industries

IN BRIEF

Navy sends task force to exercise in Brunei

THE Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed its Naval Task Group 84 with the ship BRP Andres Bonifacio serving as its key surface component for the upcoming Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 09-2024 in Muara, Brunei Darussalam, set Oct. 7-11, 2024. PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., presided over the sendoff ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.

Adaci was joined by Rear Admiral Renato David, commander of the Philippine Fleet, and Brig. Gen. Edwin Amadar, commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force in the event.

Adaci enjoined the 169 officers and personnel from various Philippine Navy units in the delegation to seize this opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations with their Bruneian counterparts. MTA SEAGULL 09-2024 will cover a comprehensive range of activities, beginning with operational planning and communication discussions tailored to the various serials and events for the two-day sea phase. Rex Espiritu

Ranking NPA leader falls in Davao Norte

A RANKING leader of the New People's Army (NPA) was reported arrested earlier this week was apprehended by government forces in Davao del Norte.

The suspect, identified as Porferio Tuna, Jr. alias Danny/Ampong/ Ka Simon, allegedly a second deputy secretary and executive committee member of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, was nabbed during a joint law enforcement operation last Oct. 2, in Purok Magkidong, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The operation was conducted by the troops from the Army’s 1001st, 1002nd and 1003rd Infantry Brigades together with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Regional Intelligence Division, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and other police units. Rex Espiritu

Ex-Speaker Alvarez settles for lower post

FORMER Speaker and outgoing congressman Pantaleon Alvarez on Saturday filed his certificate of candidacy as Vice Governor of Davao Del Norte under his own Reporma party.

Alvarez was a no show at the Comelec’s office at the capitol building, but sent in his representative, Audrei Perez, to file on his behalf.

Perez is also running as board member. He filed his COC last week It will be a race between him and the daughter of his protégé Gov. Edwin Jubahib, Clarice Jubahib. Clarice will be her father’s running mate in the gubernatorial election in May 2025.

Alvarez hinted earlier that he would be running for the governorship, but decided later on for the vice governor’s position. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

PH, US troops to extend relief, aid to Batanes typhoon victims

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) on Saturday joined hands to extend assistance to the victims of Typhoon Julian in Batanes.

The joint relief mission dispatched two US Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules to fly the troops and supplies to the

country’s northernmost islands from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

These aircraft, deployed from the III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan, were supporting the transportation of essential aid under the direction of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

AFP deputy chief for operations Lt.

Col. Ariel Galimba and JUSMAG chief Col Edward Evans also paid a courtesy call on Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco. They emphasized the importance of close collaboration with local authorities to streamline logistics and ensure that vital resources reach the most severely impacted areas, the AFP said.

The JUSMAG team, along with representatives from the US Agency for International Development, also collaborated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for the swift distribution of the supplies to affected communities in Batanes. Rex Espiritu

NHA backs Congress’ housing

By Rio N. Araja

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) has ral-

lied behind the House of Representatives’ project dubbed “Housing Caravan: Asensong Ramdam” in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.

Through the guidance of NHA general manager Joeben Tai, assistant general manager Alvin Feliciano dispatched the agency’s delegation to the event.

From a total of almost 800 beneficiaries who attended the housing caravan, 219 availed themselves of the opportunity to raise their concerns through the NHA Region 3 office.

The NHA addressed issues related to estate management, proposed condonation program, receipt of amortization payments, election of

caravan

homeowners associations’ officers, and shortage of water supply with appropriate solutions and actions.

“The NHA is always ready to respond to your needs. We are willing to meet half way with you to resolve your problem regarding bills, delinquency interests, demand notices and so many others,” Feliciano said.

The caravan was an initiative of the House’s Committee on Housing and Urban Development chaired by Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes. Meanwhile, the NHA awarded housing units to 75 families affected by an earthquake in 2019 in Barangay Libertad, Arakan, Cotabato.

The agency enjoined the beneficiaries to take care of the units and enrich, and not sell them, being a gift from the government.

OPINION

The shameless flaunt it

FOR the vanishing middle class in this country who find their incomes unable to cope with inflation, never mind if the BSP and the PSA assure us the price index is going down, yet the tindera in the wet markets tell them, “sabi lang ‘yun ng gobyerno”, and need to draw down on precious savings to augment their incomes, nothing grates sensibilities more than seeing their officials flaunt their wealth, likely ill-gotten.

Over the last few days, we have seen online reports about how the country’s richest woman, Tessie Sy-Coson of the working rich Sy family, lines up at the baggage carousel to retrieve her luggage, as distinguished from officials who have the habit of having their staff or airport employees retrieve theirs while they hastily exit the airport.

I have seen Ms. Tessie, widow of my friend Louie Coson in socials, refusing to seat at presidential tables, and garbed in simple attire, the epitome of ennobling humility as against others less wealthy who sashay in hundred thousand peso designer outfits sporting million peso handbags, enjoying the feeling of being entitled.

In fact, I have seen many of the ancien riche, those whose wealth came from multi-generational herencias which they have husbanded well, live simple, even austere lives. The recently demised Bea Zobel comes to mind.

During the weeks when the members of the House of Representatives were grilling officials in trying to pin down the vice-president in obeisance to their cues and script, we saw postings of these ladies and gentlemen flaunting their wealth, unexplainable given the legal emoluments of their office.

Rolexes, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe on their wrists; Hermes, Vuitton, Chanel, Goyard hung from their arms, as they show their multi-million, latest model Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and other motor vehicles. The shameless flaunt it. Never mind the very poor, as our Philippine Statistics Authority, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and congressmen identify them, because they get their manna from those of us who pay our taxes, deducted from legitimate incomes, from the 4Ps, AKAP, AICS, TUPAD and whatever else our legislators invent, to be able to buy their loyalty aside from buying their votes come the May election date. Meanwhile, the “leaders” we elect, or rather, are elected by the recipients of the manna from our taxes, get their untold riches from Janet Lim Napoles and her re-incarnations, or from contractors who fork over 60 to 70% of the cost of their over-priced but under-specified projects to satisfy the greed of government officials down the line, plus other rackets from Philippine Offshore Gaming Op-

erators to Pharmally to laptops.

Worse, they get away with it. We have heard of legislators who now supposedly own buildings in the fashionable right bank of Paris, or in Kensington and Chelsea upon London, while depriving Secretary Jerry Acuzar of the budget needed to build the million houses per year that the President promised. How many sacks of rice, enough to feed a barangay, would be the equivalent of a Patek on one’s wrist, or an Hermes handbag?

How many sacks of rice, enough to feed a barangay, would be the equivalent of a Patek on one’s wrist, or an Hermes handbag?

Yet, the ignorant -- because they were malnourished in their infancy and further mis-educated under the tutelage of our likewise underpaid teachers -- keep voting these officials over and over again. Or their wives, their children, their siblings, entrenching these family dynasties for generations.

I recall a now deceased politician from Caraga whose political philosophy is to keep his constituents poor, so that they can easily be bought on election day.

Another newbie politician also in Caraga, where by the way, vote-buying was “invented” in the late fifties by filthy rich loggers, overthrew a well-known icon of corruption, by paying as much as 7,000 pesos per voter, “alindahaw” the poor call it, which the greedy cheapskate refused to pay. How do you suppose the newbie will recover his “investment”?

Ask a stupid question.

The late Miriam Defensor Santiago used to say that corruption is the cause of our nation’s poverty. Noynoy Aquino told us all that “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap”.

Returning senator Ping Lacson always says that “government itself is our biggest problem.” Correcting the government, he says, is the first thing we must do.

He has been fine combing our annual budget every time it is submitted to the Senate by the lower house, but despite his exposes of hidden costs and pork barrel entitlements which he solely declines, the budget keeps bloating, and so does pork transmogrify from slices to slabs.

Yet he is running again, in the hope that he can institute reforms in the system, because reforms cannot be done outside the system, so he says.

The impossible dream.

Looming garbage crisis in Central Luzon is mere imagination

By Engr. Eduardo Peralta

I’M NOT sure how long it has

news that the Kalangitan Landfill in Capas, Tarlac would soon be closed came out. The closure story carried on with scenarios of an anticipated garbage crisis. Almost all of those news portrayed an almost doomsday garbage polluted environment. The projected predicaments were repeated from different perspectives. I definitely understand the concerns. But I have this strong sense that the decision makers are not that dumb to not consider the most logical requirement for such essential facility closure—the existence of alternatives. It’s not rocket science. Could it be that the said looming garbage crisis in Central Luzon is mere imagination?

It’s simply common sense, right? Just like in a household, if the father or the mother decides to stop placing their garbage bin in a particular spot, there’s certainly a good reason for it, and there will definitely be a new spot for that bin. Pure logic.

Just recently, I chanced upon a special report that essayed the sound alternative destinations for the garbage that Kalangitan Landfill is receiving. For the benefit of those who didn’t see the article --especially those who need to know where the garbage can go other than the closing landfill -- here are alternative facilities in close proximity to Kalangitan Landfill.

There’s the Eco Protect Management Corporation, a 34-hectare Category 4

It is but a scare tactic that must be ignored.

facility in Porac, Pampanga with a daily capacity of 2,500 metric tons of domestic waste. The company is willing to offer promotional packages for local governments to ensure the proper disposal of their waste, even after the Kalangitan Landfill closes.

The Floridablanca Enviro Park Project Corporation facility currently operates a 91-hectare Category 4 Sanitary Landfill

EDITORIAL

Typhon deployment in PH

NO, WE’RE not talking about the weather disturbance that regularly originates from the Pacific Ocean and brings gusty rains and sometimes gale-force winds to our eastern seaboard, causing massive floods and death and destruction in its wake.

We’re talking about Typhon, a midrange launcher for Standard MS-6 and Tomahawk missiles developed by the United States Army. The weapon is named after Typhon, a figure in Greek mythology, often described as a giant and the father of all monsters, with hundreds of snake-like heads and is associated with storms and chaos.

Typhon was first fielded by the US Army in June 2023 with the successful launch of a Tomahawk missile. In April 2024, the US Army operationally

deployed Typhon batteries to the Philippines via a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster to an unidentified airfield in Northern Luzon for the Salaknib 2024 joint military exercises.

According to US Army officials, from that position in Luzon, Typhon’s missiles could cover not only the entire Luzon Strait but also reach the Chinese coast and various People’s Liberation Army bases in the South China Sea.

This could be a game-changer in the ongoing tense situation in the West Philippine Sea.

This could be a game changer amid the tense situation.

Philippine defense officials, however, clarified that the system was not used in live-fire exercises, but were used to train AFP troops on how to handle and maintain the missile system. The system was also employed during the Balikatan 24 exercises.

On July 4, reports citing statements by military officials indicated that the

PRESIDENT Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the Philippines highlights the enduring and evolving relationship between the Philippines and Republic of Korea (ROK). Built on shared democratic values, commitment to freedom, and support for a rules-based international order, this partnership has lasted for over 75 years and is more important than ever in today’s tense and complex geopolitical landscape.

The “Unification Doctrine” that President Yoon announced at a ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of South Korea’s Liberation Day is apropos amidst the increasing incidents challenging the stability of the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

President Yoon’s “Unification Doctrine” emphasizes peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula through freedom, human rights, and international cooperation, with a focus on economic and social integration, strengthening global alliances, and addressing North Korean security challenges. Reunification is seen as a path to greater prosperity and stability for Koreans, contributing to global peace.

The Philippines fully supports this doctrine, which aligns with our shared commitment to peace and the rule of law.

As tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea and Indo-Pacific, Korea’s vision for a unified, stable peninsula grounded in human rights offers hope for peaceful conflict resolution. A unified Korea would enhance regional security and prosperity, strengthening the principles that both nations uphold. Indeed, the values expressed by this doctrine predicate the significance of President’s Yoon’s state visit to the Philippines. The bond between the two nations was forged during the Korean War in the 1950s when the Philippines sent troops to defend South Korea. This has since grown into a dynamic alliance encompassing economic cooperation, defense

in Floridablanca, Pampanga. It can process 1,000 metric tons of domestic waste daily, and there are plans of increasing its capacity to 3,500 metric tons per day. In line with plans for the facility to increase its capacity for treated hazardous waste by 1,000 metric tons, the facility is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment. Floridablanca Enviro Park is a subsidiary of Berjaya Philippines, Inc. and part of the Berjaya Corporation Berhad network from Malaysia, known for its innovative landfills in Malaysia and China. According to the Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) preliminary assessment, both landfills have great potential to be alternatives to the Kalangi-

system could be withdrawn from the country “in the next several months.” A spokesperson for the Philippine Army later said the deployment of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines could be extended beyond September 2024, pending evaluation on whether the objectives of training exercises were met.

On September 4, 2024 a top official of the US Army announced the future deployment of the Typhon missile system to Japan as part of a Multi-Domain Task Force.

The deployment of the Typhon in the Philippines by the United States has enraged Beijing, claiming that it appears to be part of Washington’s effort to stoke an arms race that could threaten peace and stability in the region. But look who’s talking. Hasn’t China surreptitiously built artificial islands in parts of the South China Sea facing the Philippines where it has built airstrips and fortifications, and even installed missile sites ostensibly as part of a defensive military strategy? So why can’t the Philippines ask the US, its longstanding treaty ally, to assist our military in achieving a credible deterrence posture amid China’s frenzied military build-up in the South China Sea?

Shared values, shared future

collaboration, and cultural exchange. Economically, South Korea has been a steadfast partner, and its contributions to the Philippines’ infrastructure development cannot be overstated.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 3.16-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge in Mindanao, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to South Korea for its significant role in the Philippines’ development citing numerous projects funded through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the Korean EXIM Bank.

The Philippines-South Korea Partnership at 75.

The Panguil Bay Bridge, now the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao, will reduce travel time between Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental from over two hours to just seven minutes, benefiting more than 10,000 travelers daily.

South Korean firms currently support 21 infrastructure projects across the Philippines with two more in the pipeline. Many of these projects are some of the largest in the country. The P8.03-billion Panguil Bay Bridge exemplifies advanced Korean engineering, incorporating reverse circulation drilling and permanent steel casing techniques, showcasing South Korea’s cutting-edge technology. President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the deep involvement of South Korea in making the country’s infrastructure more efficient and improving the quality of life for Filipinos.

A major milestone in this economic relationship is the recent ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the Philippines. South Korea is already the Philippines’

tan landfill. EMB also ensures that these sanitary landfills comply with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Prime Waste Solutions Inc. in Porac, Pampanga has the largest capacity of the three facilities. It can process 5,000 tons of waste per day. Inaugurated in June 2024, this facility uses advanced waste segregation and storage equipment to reduce landfill volume and methane emissions. In total, the three alternative facilities have a capacity of 11,000 metric tons per day — much larger than the 3,500 metric tons per day capacity of the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill. These three alternative facilities have

fifth-largest trading partner, and the FTA promises to deepen economic ties by expanding opportunities in industrial development, innovation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Beyond economics, defense and security cooperation is equally critical. South Korea has been instrumental in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, providing FA-50 fighter jets and missile corvettes. These contributions have been crucial to strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities, especially amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

As the Philippines faces increasing aggression from China in the West Philippine Sea. South Korea’s support for the Philippines, particularly in upholding international law and calling for peaceful dispute resolution, solidifies the security partnership between the two countries. This shared commitment to peace and stability underscores the importance of continued collaboration in maintaining regional security.

Cultural ties between the two nations are another significant aspect of our relationship. South Korea remains the top source of foreign tourists to the Philippines, while Filipino tourists to South Korea are on the rise. The influence of Korean pop culture, from K-pop, Kdramas, K-beauty, and Samgyupsal has created a deep cultural connection, with South Korean brands, entertainment, and food becoming a familiar part of Filipino daily life.

Through continued collaboration and developing relationships, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea can ensure that these shared values endure, not only for our peoples but for the greater good of the region and the world. As President Yoon aptly said, “In a unified Korea, we will enjoy more freedom and a greater range of opportunities. Achieving this will bestow a blessing upon the whole of humanity.”

enough capacity and ability to be the destination of waste coming from different places, including waste coming from Baguio City. Two of these facilities will be able to process medical or hazardous waste starting this October 2024. And the other one will soon accept hazardous waste as well. When one closes, more opens. Indeed, there is no garbage crisis taking place; it is just a product of imagination that created unnecessary apprehensions and a scare tactic that should be ignored.

Engr. Eduardo Peralta is a structural engineer who owns an architectural and engineering services firm in San Fernando, Pampanga.

UN chief: End ‘shocking violence’

UNITED NATIONS, UNITED STATES—The UN secretary-general denounced Hamas and called for an immediate end to the “shocking violence and bloodshed” in Gaza and Lebanon in a statement Saturday ahead of the anniversary of the Palestinian group’s October 7 attack.

Monday marks one year since the devastating assault on Israel that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, with Lebanon now also pulled into the fray and world leaders warning of a potential all-out regional crisis.

“This is a day for the global community to repeat in the loudest voice our utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of Hamas, including the taking of hostages,” UN chief Antonio Guterres

said in an anniversary message released Saturday evening.

While demanding the hostages’ “immediate and unconditional release,” Guterres also implored Hamas to allow the hostages to be visited by Red Cross personnel.

Hamas militants abducted 251 people on October 7, 97 of whom are still captive in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military has said are dead.

Guterres additionally voiced concern over the conflict spreading to Lebanon, where Israel in recent days has pounded the Hamas-allied group Hezbollah, killing over a thousand people and forcing more than a million to flee their homes.

“The war that has followed the terrible attacks of one year ago continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, and now the people of Lebanon,” Guterres said.

The October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. AFP

Xi vows to ‘deepen cooperation’ with NoKor’s Kim

BEIJING—Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday told his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un that Beijing hoped to “deepen friendly... cooperation” with Pyongyang, as the two leaders exchanged messages to mark a major diplomatic anniversary.

China and North Korea are traditional socialist allies, and Beijing has long provided crucial support for Pyongyang’s diplomatically isolated government.

State media in both countries said Xi and Kim exchanged congratulatory messages on Sunday to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

“China is willing to work with the North Korean side... to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, (and) write a new chapter in the traditional bilateral friendship,” Xi said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

He added that Beijing and Pyongyang “have worked closely to promote regional peace and stability, and uphold international fairness and justice”, Xinhua reported.

North Korean state news agency KCNA reported that Kim said Pyongyang “will steadily strive to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations

Kazakhstan holds referendum on first nuclear power station

ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN

—Kazakhstan voted on Sunday in a referendum on building the country’s first nuclear power station as the world’s top uranium producer looks to boost its power generation capacity. The result, due to be announced on Monday, is expected to be in favour despite lingering resentment over massive radiation exposure as a result of Soviet-era nuclear tests.

China, France, Russia and South Korea are in the running to build the new power station, which is to be located on the shores of Lake Balkhash. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was elected in 2019,

says it will be “the biggest project in the history of independent Kazakhstan”.

The “Yes” campaign has dominated ahead of the vote in a country which still has authoritarian reflexes, despite an easing of pressure on civil society under Tokayev’s rule.

To ensure a high turnout, Kazakhs are being allowed to vote even if they are not enrolled on electoral registers and riding on buses in major cities is free for the day.

“The referendum in itself is more proof of the enormous changes in Kazakhstan over the past five years —another clear demonstration of the concept of a state that listens,” Tokayev said ahead of the vote. AFP

between (North Korea) and China”. China and North Korea have stepped up diplomacy since ending years-long border restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Analysts say Pyongyang relies heavily on Chinese firms and banks to skirt international sanctions and buttress its military and moribund economy.

Bilateral ties have seemingly become more complex in recent months as North Korea has drawn closer to its other main ally Russia, with Kim announcing support for President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. AFP

Toddler among 4 dead in migrant Channel crossings

CALAIS, FRANCE—A two-yearold boy and three adults died overnight after two boats crowded with migrants got into difficulty while attempting the perilous Channel crossing from France to England, French officials said Saturday.

The latest tragedies bring to 51 the number of migrants who have died attempting to reach England from France so far this year, according to Jacques Billant, France’s prefect for the Pas-de-Calais region.

In one incident, a child was found unresponsive in an overloaded dinghy when migrants issued a call for assistance on Saturday morning.

The boat, carrying nearly 90 people, had suffered engine failure off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France. The boy could not be saved, officials said.

Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor Guirec Le Bras said the child, born in Germany to a Somali mother, had been crushed to death.

Fourteen other migrants were picked up by French officials, including a 17-year-old teenager who had to be hospitalised with burns to his legs, officials said.

The other passengers continued their journey. While French officials try to stop migrants launching their boats, for safety reasons they say they do not intervene once they are at sea except for rescues.

In the second incident, another boat overcrowded with migrants suffered engine failure off the coast of Calais. In the subsequent panic, several people fell overboard and had to be rescued. AFP

Two elephants die in Thai tour spot flooding

TWO elephants drowned during flash flooding in popular Thai tourist hotspot Chiang Mai, their sanctuary said Sunday, as local authorities evacuated visitors from their hotels and shops closed in the city centre. More than 100 elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai province were moved to higher ground to escape rapidly rising flood waters, an employee who gave her name as Dada, told AFP.

But two elephants—named in local media as 16-year-old Fahsai and 40-year-old Ploython, who was blind —were found dead on Saturday.

“My worst nightmare came true when I saw my elephants floating in the water,” Saengduean Chailert, the director of the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, told local media.

“I will not let this happen again, I will not make them run from such a flood again,” she said, vowing to move them to higher ground ahead of next year’s monsoon. In Chiang Mai city centre, people waded through muddy water close to knee height in the night bazaar, and water flowed into the central train station, which has now been closed.

Tourists

SPORTS

Ohtani magic fuels Dodgers in MLB thriller

LOS ANGELES — Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani blasted the first postseason home run of his career to help the Los Angeles Dodgers claim a 7-5 victory over the San Diego Padres in a thrilling Major League Baseball playoff duel on Saturday.

3-3.

ing a first-inning onslaught from the Padres’ powerful batting line-up.

“The stadium was electric and I was just really able to enjoy the game today,” said Ohtani, who is widely re-

garded as the best player in baseball.

“He’s a good pitcher and it’s not easy to get him, but I really wanted to make sure that I could hit one,” added Ohtani, who had never played a postseason game before Saturday.

With Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggling on the mound, the Padres regained the lead after Xander Bogaerts’ two-run double in the third inning made it 5-3.

set up a scoring run for Tommy Edman to cut the deficit to 5-4 before Teoscar Hernandez drove in two runs with a single to right field to make it 6-5.

“Shohei is Shohei -- I don’t think there’s anybody playing like him right now,” Ohtani said. “I’m just glad he’s on our team.”

But Ohtani once again helped spark a Dodgers revival in the fourth inning.

Ohtani’s single loaded the bases and

San Juan, Caloocan win playoff openers

SAN Juan hit high gear in the last three quarters and never sputtered to rout Rizal Xentromall, 79-64, on Saturday in the opener of their North Division quarterfinal playoffs in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Barely ahead after the first frame, 1716, the San Juan Knights, with Michael Calisaan as sparkplug, sped away at halftime, 48-38, and moved a win away from clinching the best-of-three series between the North’s top finisher and the eighth and last qualifier. Calisaan posted 16 points, 10 in the second quarter, and 5 rebounds to clinch the Daily Fantasy best player honors over Dexter Maiquez, who tallied 14 points plus 4 rebounds, and Reynel Hugnatan with 10 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

Elated by the victory that avenged San Juan’s 100-104 overtime loss to Rizal in the round-robin elimination round of the two-division, 29-team tournament, San Juan coach Sen. Jinggoy said: “I’m proud of the boys. They did their homework. They did their job very well.” Estrada, however, said the Knights need to lessen their turnovers if they wish to sweep the Golden Coolers and continue their chase for the MPBL crown they won in 2019. San Juan, which led by as far as 7755 midway through the fourth quarter, drew 8 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds from Agem Miranda and 7 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds from Top Gun Orlan Wamar.

MOTEGI, Japan — Francesco Bagnaia hailed an “example” weekend after winning the Japan MotoGP ahead of championship front-runner Jorge Martin on Sunday to cut the Spaniard’s lead to 10 points with four races remaining.

The Italian defending world champion overtook pole-sitter Pedro Acosta on the first lap at Motegi and stayed in front to finish 1.189sec ahead of Martin with Marc Marquez third.

Ducati rider Bagnaia also won Saturday’s sprint race to leave Japan 11 points closer to Pramac’s Martin than he was at the start of the weekend.

“I want to keep the championship -- I have to try to recover points every time but without taking risks,” said Bagnaia.

“It’s not easy but this weekend started well and we have to take it like an example for the next ones.

“We have to try to follow what we did this weekend, to work in a perfect way and try to always do the best job possible in the race,” he added.

The next leg is the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island in two weeks’ time.

It was Bagnaia’s eighth Grand Prix win of 2024, his highest tally in a single

BingoPlus delivers fun Star Magic to All Star Games Davao Ohtani

Dodgers catcher Will Smith scampered in for a run to make it 7-5 in the fifth inning. There was a nervous finale in the ninth inning as the Padres got two men on base. But closer Blake Treinen struck out Manny Machado to clinch a win which gives the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the bestof-five National League Division Series. Game two takes place in Los Angeles on Sunday. Dodgers slugger Hernandez paid tribute to the inspirational Ohtani after the win.

- Yankees, Mets winIn other playoff action on Saturday, there were wins for the New York Mets and New York Yankees while the Cleveland Guardians also opened their postseason with a victory. AFP

Bagnaia sets ‘example’ with Japan MotoGP win

season, and his first in Japan.

Martin, who is chasing his first world title, started from 11th on the grid after crashing in qualifying.

He finished fourth in the sprint race.

The Spaniard said he was happy with his Grand Prix runner-up finish despite a late surge that saw him eat into Bagnaia’s lead with a handful of laps remaining.

“For sure, being that close to Pecco (Bagnaia) I wanted to give it a try, so I never gave up,” said Martin.

“I pushed until the end. Then, three laps to go I had some moments so I said ‘OK Jorge, it’s time to relax and think about the points’.”

The championship moves to Thailand after the Australia MotoGP, then visits Malaysia before finishing the season in Valencia.

“I feel grateful, grateful to be here, that I can battle like last year. I feel stronger, so let’s go for it,” said Martin.

“There are some races where I feel a bit better, some others where Pecco is a bit better. The target is to bring it to Valencia and have the chance to win it.”

BINGOPLUS, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country and provider of your favorite tongits, bingo, and perya games, amped up the weekend fun at the Star Magic Exhibition Game Davao held at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium on August 31, 2024. With its role as the event’s co-presenter, BingoPlus made sure to make the Star Magic Exhibition Game enjoyable for the attendees.The brand’s official mascot, BingBing, along with BingoPlus dancers offered an eyecatching dance performance, hyping everyone up to enjoy the exhibition match even more. To deepen audience engagement, BingoPlus introduced a dynamic shooting game, offering participants the opportunity to win exclusive brand merchandise and rewards. In addition, the brand acknowledged the sportsmanship of the two teams who went head-to-head in the fun by awarding BingoPlus Best Player Award to the most valuable player from each side. Team Red, featuring Gerald Anderson, RK Bagatsing, Young JV, Elyson de Dios, Tristan Ramirez, Emilio Daez, and Lance Carr, and Team Blue, featuring Donny Pangilinan, Ronnie

Seth Fedelin, Jeremiah Lisbo, Kobie Brown, Argel Saycon, Ashton Salvador, and Dustine Mayores. Hence, BingoPlus awarded Red Team Best Player award to Lance Carr and Blue Best Player award to Donny Pangilinan.

Other than seeing their favorite stars compete against each other in a friendly match, fans were given the additional treat of seeing Belle Mariano as a guest performer and Shoti as the front act. BingoPlus’ partnership with ABSCBN is part of the brand’s commitment to elevating Philippine

Michael Calisaan of the San Juan Knights.

Alonte,

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Members of the Banh Mi Kitchen team are shown during the awards rites.

Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia of Italy rides his motorcycle during the MotoGP class qualifying session of MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi, Tochigi prefecture. AFP

Shown here are (from left) Lance Carr and Donny Pangilinan with their BingoPlus Best Player Awards.

Tigresses edge Lady Cards for 2nd straight win

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas breezed

past Mapua University, 25-18, 25-17, 25-20, for a second straight win in Pool B of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Other than a little challenge to close out the third set, the Golden Tigresses had a cakewalk to stay unbeaten and keep hold on the second spot behind pool leader University of the East (3-0).

Kyla Cordora led UST’s balanced scoring in the 83-minute clash with nine points, all from kills including the match-clinching hammer to halt the Lady Cardinals’ late rally.

“Nag-enjoy lang kami sa game. Naglaro kami na relax nu’ng first set, we just played our game and dinahan-dahan lang namin,” Cordora said.

Xyza Gula chipped in with eight points and Margaret Altea had seven. Jona Perdido and Regina Jurado added six each in the Tigresses’ strong follow-up to a 4-set decision over Lyceum of the Philippines University last Saturday in their debut outing in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, PeriPeri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.

Bianca Plaza pushed UST at match point, 24-17, on a quick attack but Mapua refused to go down without a fight as it answered with three straight points before Cordora closed it out.

UST will try to make it three in a row on Friday against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta at 6 p.m. before the much-anticipated showdown against UAAP rival UE on October 13.

The Lady Cardinals, led by Alyanna Ong’s eight points, remained winless in three starts.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines rallied from a set down to ground Letran, 17-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23, Saturday for its first win in Pool C of the competition which has Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), SM Tickets as technical partners.

Lady Maroons end 2-game slide; Adamson belles win

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines ended a two-game losing streak with a comefrom-behind 66-62 victory over De La Salle University, closing the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

IN A rare gathering of top talents, Princess Superal, Pauline del Rosario, Chanelle Avaricio, Daniella Uy and Marvi Monsalve headline the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge, set to begin tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 8) at the historic Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Sta. Barbara. These top players aim to reassert their dominance on the local stage after their recent international stints, making for a thrilling showdown in the P1 million, 54hole championship. Superal, returning to the local circuit after competing on the Step Up Tour in Japan, is out to make her LPGT comeback following her 11th place finish at the Lakewood Championship last June. Del Rosario returns following the conclusion of the Epson Tour season, while Uy, Avaricio and Monsalve resume their quests after playing in Taiwan and Thailand, where their performances varied.

With a competitive field and the challenging, hazardladen layout of the Iloilo course, the stage is set for an intense battle. Adding further excitement to the tournament orga-

and fought back from a huge deficit,” said UP head coach Paul Ramos.

The Fighting Maroons sealed the win when Christie Bariquit iced the game with two more free throws with just 9.1 seconds remaining, snapping their losing streak and notching their third win of the season. With the loss, La Salle finished the first round with a 1-6 record, tied for last place with FEU and UE in the eight-team league.

Meanwhile, Adamson University breezed past University of the East, 63-51, securing solo third place to close its first round campaign.

The Lady Falcons continued their impressive Season 87 campaign, finishing the first round with a 5-2 record, surpassing their win total

Guiao tips hat to import Fuller, Caracut

By Peter Atencio

AS the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters headed into the semifinals, coach Yeng Guiao commended two players who shone bright in Game 5 of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

Import Aaron Fuller’s hard work and Andrei Caracut’s big plays in the final minute were praised Guiao in the Elasto Painters’ semis qualification for a second straight conference.

Fuller topscored for Rain or Shine with 26 points, to go with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.

“Aaron carried us on his broad shoulders.

Magnolia’s defense was clamping down on him, double team, triple team, sometimes, the whole team is around him,” said Guiao when the game ended on Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo.

On the other hand, Caracut shot eight of his 14 points in final three minutes, with his two free throws handing the Elasto Painters team a comfortable 111-101 spread with 24.2

nized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. are other leading contenders, including Harmie Constantino, the season’s winningest player with three victories, and fellow champions Florence Bisera, Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda, Mafy Singson and Mikha Fortuna. Meanwhile, Korean prodigy Jiwon Lee is also on a mission to bounce back from her final-round collapse at Forest Hills, where she lost her grip on the title.

After winning the Lakewood crown as an amateur and capturing a pro title at Splendido Taal, Lee is eager to make amends for her last-round 80 in Antipolo that allowed compatriot and junior golfer Yunju An to steal the spotlight.

Completing the competitive roster are Pamela Mariano, Apple Fudolin, Rev Alcantara, Kristine Fleetwood, Lucy Landicho, Velinda Castil and Kayla Nocum.

The field faces a formidable challenge on the tight, up-and-down par-70 layout that demands precision and smart course management. With no player holding a significant edge, it will be a true test of skill and composure.

seconds left.

With their Game 5 triumph, after finishing their quarterfinal series with a 3-2 card, the Elasto Painters have joined Ginebra and TNT in the semifinal round.

“Andrei made some big shots. And to me, Andrei is the future of our team at the point guard position,” said Guiao.

Overall, Guiao said he is proud of how his players stood their ground against the Hotshots, who have experienced players in their roster.

“Pinaka-proud ako doon sa lumaban lang sila. They just competed. They fought it out. Hindi sila bumigay under pressure. It’s just the fighting heart that the guys showed,” added Guiao.

Guiao said the team was able to make the right adjustments after they won Game 1 with a 109-105 result, with Fuller leading with 24 points.

The Elasto Painters will clash with the TNT Tropang Giga in a best-of-seven semifinal affair.

from last season, where they managed only four victories across 14 games. This marks their best start in 12 years, replicating the 5-2 start they achieved in Season 75 back in 2012. That year, Adamson finished in third place after losing to La Salle in the stepladder semifinals on October 3, 2012.

“I’m very happy with how the first round went for us. It’s all about the effort of the players. Kami naman, we’ll just guide them,” said Lady Falcons head coach Ryan Monteclaro, who was a player in 2012 when the women’s team had its finest first round showing.

Lady Bullpups stretch

winning streak to 3 tiffs

NATIONAL University-Nazareth School and defending champion Adamson University pulled off key victories, handing University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University-Diliman their first losses in the UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Lady Bullpups extended their winning streak to three games with a 21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-17 victory over the Junior Golden Tigresses in a match that lasted an hour and 41 minutes. Meanwhile, the Baby Falcons bounced back from last week’s loss to the Lady Bullpups

all holding 4-1 records, while Adamson improved to 3-2. In the decisive fourth set of the NUNS-UST match, the Lady Bullpups surged to an early 10-1 lead and never looked back. A tip from Harlyn Serneche brought NUNS to match point, but UST managed to score four consecutive points, including two from Lady Bullpups’ attack errors, cutting the lead to 24-17. However, another tip from Serneche sealed the match.

“Sa part namin, the players stepped up sa

Kyla Cordora of UST smashes one against Mapua’s Angeli Manalo Gem Gavica in the Shakey’s Super League. ROMAN PROSPERO

Princess Superal

Yeng Guiao

August bank loans increased 10.4% as BSP began monetary easing cycle

By Darwin G. Amojelar

B

ank loans grew 10.7 percent year-on-year in August 2024, faster than the 10.4-percent increase in July, as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas began its monetary easing cycle. First PH subway to partially open by

The BSP reduced by 25 basis points its overnight borrowing rate to 6.25 percent on Aug. 15, 2024 and hinted of more rate cuts in the coming months.

Data from the BSP showed that on a month-on-month seasonallyadjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans, net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, rose 0.8 percent.

Outstanding loans, net of RRPs, reached P12.25 trillion as of endAugust, up from P11.1 trillion a year ago, data from the BSP showed. Outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, grew by 10.9 percent in August, faster than 10.4 percent in July.

Meanwhile, outstanding loans to nonresidents increased at a slower rate of 1.5 percent in August, down from 9.2

percent in the previous month.

Loans for production activities went up by 9.4 percent in August, from 8.8 percent in July.

The BSP said the growth was largely driven by loans to key industries such as real estate activities (up 13.2 percent); wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (10.7 percent); manufacturing (9.8 percent); transportation and storage (23.4 percent); electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply (7.0 percent).

Consumer loans to residents increased at a slower rate of 23.7 percent in August, from 24.3 percent in July, driven by credit card lending.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to ensure that domestic

liquidity and lending conditions are aligned with its price and financial stability objectives,” the BSP said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the pickup in bank loan growth in recent months could be attributed to improved business and economic conditions, especially in terms of improved data on employment and easing inflation.

“For the coming months, easing trend in headline inflation well within the central bank targets, especially in view of the reduction of rice import tariff rates to 15 percent [from 35 percent] or effectively a 20 percent discounted on imported rice, would eventually justify more local policy rate cuts later in 2024 and beyond,” Ricafort said.

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the Metro Manila Subway, the first underground railway system in the Philippines, is on track for partial opening from Valenzuela City to North Ave. in Quezon City by 2028.

Bank lending growth in August 2024

Bank lending growth in July 2024

10.7% 10.4% P12.25 trillion

Outstanding loans as of August 2024

Lotilla asks private sector to adjust for energy transition

By Alena Mae S. Flors

ENERGY Secretary Raphael Lotilla called for “innovative financial solutions” to address the cost of the country’s energy transition journey, which is “not going to be cheap and neither is it going to be achievable overnight.”

“This is a transition that requires adjustment on the part not only of the government, but particularly of the private sector who have to be nimble in adjusting to the different developments, whether they are technological, financial or regulatory in nature,” Lotilla said at the EJAPAboitiz Power Renewable Energy Forum on Friday.

He said the burden of high cost of energy transition should not be transferred to the Filipino people who are already paying among the highest power rates in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“At the same time, we also cannot ignore the efforts of other developing countries, particularly ASEAN neighbor economies which are strategically placing themselves in a position to cater to the global economy with a growing demand for clean energy,” he said.

“And so, our energy transformation journey involves the availability of innovative financial solutions and access to transition finance,” the energy chief said.

Lotilla thanked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission who are on the sustainable finance taxonomy body for the Philippines for collaborating with the agency on informing the banking and financial sector of the opportunities for renewable energy investments. He said energy transition is filled with uncertainty, and it is the Department of Energy’s duty to lay the groundwork for preparedness for adjustment.

Lotilla said the long-term Philippine Energy Plan takes note of global changes and adjustments in the overall global and local environment.

FABRICATION YARD. Officials of the Department of Transportation

inspect the Baliuag

By Jimmy Montejo

“RECOGNITION or publicity is not important. What matters is that we are able to use our resources to extend a hand wherever we can, in the best and most expeditious way possible.”

This dogmatic policy she learned from her late father Mariano Que, founder of the Mercury Drug chain, has allowed Vivian Que-Azcona to maintain a low profile, notwithstanding her enormous fame and fortune.

It was on record that in 2012, Vivian surpassed erstwhile presidential daughter and actress Kris Aquino as the No. 1 individual taxpayer in the country, turning in P131 million in income tax.

The Que siblings’ net worth was estimated at $1.2 billion as of 2023.

As a company policy, Mercury Drug, which has over 1,200 outlets manned by some 15,000 employees nationwide, attributes its success to “serving the Filipino people.”

In partnership with the corporate foundation Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Mercury Drug has also made safe, potable water accessible to waterless communities, through its Operation Pa-Tubig program, to help improve health and sanitation, uplift living conditions and quality of life in the communities.

For Vivian, who was born on Sept. 1, 1955, success means nothing without giving back to the communities that host

the company.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the partial operations would extend to Ortigas, Pasig City by 2029. He said the construction progress was now at 15.57 percent. Billed as the Philippines’ “crown jewel” of mass transit system, the Metro Manila Subway will cut across eight cities from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino Interantional Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. The 33-kilometer and 17-station rail line aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.

Once operational, the underground railway system can service up to 370,000 passengers daily. Meanwhile, the DOTr said the viaducts between Bocaue and Balagtas stations of the NorthSouth Commuter Railway System (NSCR) were connected on Friday. The Viaduct Span Connection involves the NSCR’s Contract Package 01, which covers the Malolos-Tutuban segment’s elevated structures with six stations and one depot.

Contract Package 02 includes elevated structures with three stations all in Bulacan. The overall progress of the NSCR is at 51.46 percent, with construction progress at 23.5 percent.

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said ports are not intended as storage areas for importers and other users as these facilities are primarily designed to facilitate the efficient movement of cargo.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the agency was coordinating with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to streamline their processes to discourage importers from using ports as storage areas or warehouses for their goods.

“We are slowly reviewing our processes in PPA and in coordination with BOC,” Santiago said.

The PPA said some importers were waiting for a month to file import

This mindset gave rise to Mercury Drug’s peoplecentered projects, ranging from sales promos to scholarships being pursued through the PBSP.

Vivian, who took over the pharmacy chain as president in 1998, never lost sight of the company’s humble beginnings with his father selling medicines from a pushcart, then opening his first drug store in Manila providing affordable drugs in a city devastated by World War II. He died in March 2017 at age 96.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercury Drug was confronted with daunting challenges from an invisible enemy, including hoarding of face masks and alcohol, debilitating lockdowns, and fake news on drugs.

Somehow, Mercury Drug with Vivian at the driver’s seat, faced up to the dire situations, even pushing the company to greater heights in terms of public service.

In times of calamity, Vivian always makes sure that disaster relief assistance packaged as medicines or hygiene kits immediately reaches those that needed it most.

This resulted in a recognition by the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Award as 2021’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

Ports not storage areas for importers—PPA

entries for cargo despite these goods already unloaded at the ports. The filing of entry signals the start of processing at the BOC.

“Some importers delay the filing of the import entry since they can save on storage cost [at the ports] compared to if they store goods in private warehouses. They pay only P700 a day [per container]. For a month, that is P21,000, which is a small amount compared to the value of the shipment,” he said.

Importers have 30 days to pull out their cargo from the time these are cleared by the BOC, after which these are deemed condemned, the PPA said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Despite the fame and fortune the Que siblings enjoy, Vivian doesn’t fail to look back to the legacy his father left behind.

Darwin G. Amojelar

With only P100 as start-up capital in 1945, the patriarch pushed a cart to peddle a so-called miracle drug named sulfathiazole ostensibly effective to cure a number of illnesses.

With his savings, Mariano opened the first pharmacy in Bambang, Manila that same year. He named it Mercury Drug after the Roman god of commerce who, like his Greek counterpart Hermes, wears a helmet and sandals with wings bearing the caduceus, a winged staff adopted as a symbol of medicine.

Unknown to Mariano, his moves set the stage for what was to become an immensely large and popular drug store chain in the country decades later.

Meanwhile, for his industry, the Philippine Retailers Association conferred on Mariano the title “Father of Philippine Health and Wellness Retailing.”

Vivian stepped into the family business after graduating cum laude in Pharmacy at the University of Santo Tomas.

“She started at the ground level, working her way up from staff assistant to the company’s top executive. She learned the ropes in running the business—from inventory and stock control to marketing and finance,” her biographical sketch read. She was appointed assistant general manager in 1980, vice president and general manager in 1984, then president in 1998.

(DOTr) led by Secretary Jaime Bautista

Fabrication Yard of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) on Oct. 4, 2024. The huge off-site yard of Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Corp. (SMCC) covers 86,650 square meters where the concrete walls being installed at the subway are manufactured and transported to the subway construction sites. The yard began operating at full capacity on Sept. 2, 2024, producing 90 segments daily.

WATER SALUTE. The maiden flight of Philippine Airlines is welcomed with a ‘water salute’ at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Oct. 2, 2024.

BUSINESS

BOI seeking to align LGU policies with national investment priorities

By Othel V. Campos

THE Board of Investments (BOI)

seeks to align local government unit (LGU) policies to national investment priorities through the creation of a joint memorandum order (JMO).

BOI director for investment assistance service Ernesto delos Reyes Jr. said the initiative aims to streamline the green lane process, expedite approvals and efficiently attend to investor’s concerns.

“While LGUs have administrative guidance, it’s crucial to have a unified approach. That’s why we’re conducting information dissemination to educate LGUs about the green lane program,” he said.

By creating a joint memorandum circular with the LGUs, the BOI hopes to harmonize local and

national regulations, ensuring a consistent and supportive environment for investors.

The agency plans to conduct regional education rounds in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to explain the benefits of the green lane program and address any concerns.

“We recognize that the upcoming local elections may bring changes in leadership and policies. Therefore, it’s crucial to establish a strong foundation for the green lane program that can withstand these transitions,” delos Reyes said.

The BOI’s goal is to sign the JMC with LGUs before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the BOI unit is working on approving 90 green lane projects in the rest of 2024 and establishing a threshold for investments through the green lane.

PLDT providing connectivity to all state universities by 2025

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. said it is expediting efforts to provide full internet connectivity to all state universities in the Philippines by 2025.

The company’s initiative aligns with ongoing collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to promote digital inclusion in education and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to expand internet access in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

The PLDT Group, through its

corporate business unit PLDT Enterprise, activated 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across 220 public higher education institutions (HEIs) in 60 provinces, providing critical internet access for students and educators since 2022.

PLDT chief operating officer Menardo Jimenez Jr. underscored the importance of sustaining and expand-

Commission director Sharon Ocampo-Montaner, SEC commissioner Javey Paul Francisco and EJAP secretary Maria Bernadette Romero.

FLI completes land development, opens new phase at Amarillo Crest

PROPERTY developer Filinvest Land

Inc. (FLI) opens a new phase at Amarilyo Crest Residences within the sprawling Havila Estate in Taytay, Rizal.

The company announced the successful completion of land development during the recent unveiling ceremony held at Phase 1A of the project.

Amarilyo Crest Residences features a vast expanse of greenery and a collection of coveted, spacious lots ranging from 140 to 258 square meters.

Its new phase has 35 exclusive lots available, offering the ideal property size to build a dream home located near various conveniences for modern living.

Among the many benefits of living in the thriving community is its accessibility to Metro Manila, the Ortigas central business district and multiple key destinations.

Nestled in the 300-hectare Havila township that spans across Taytay, Antipolo and Angono in Rizal, the vibrant enclave ensures effortless connectivity to essential establishments.

Residents enjoy proximity to pres-

tigious educational institutions such as San Beda University and PAREF Rosehill as well as major commercial centers, making it an ideal location for both work and leisure.

Placed in one of the highest landscapes in Havila, Amarilyo Crest Residences is carefully planned to elevate life and leisure experience. Residents here can unwind and spend countless moments in healthy, family-friendly amenities surrounded by stunning hillside views and the refreshing mountain breeze.

The clubhouse with swimming pool creates the perfect venue for simply relaxing with loved ones while the basketball court and children’s play area are for those seeking active pursuits. There are also dedicated parks for having a picnic, meditating, and sightseeing within the community.

Residents can also revel in the

ing these efforts to ensure that digital education remains accessible and uninterrupted.

“Continued support is necessary to maintain this transformative initiative,” Jimenez said.

“We are calling for renewed efforts to make digital education accessible in all state universities by 2025. This vision aligns with the advocacy of our chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan, who has long been a champion of initiatives that promote education and digital transformation for Filipinos,” he said.

Expanding connectivity in HEIs supports PSAC’s broader push for

digital inclusion, where PLDT is among the founding members of the digital infrastructure sector along with its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc.

Lead convenor Sabin Aboitiz, sector head Myla Villanueva and the collaboration of local telcos at PSAC will be pivotal in steering digitalization efforts, which include the planned activation of key GIDA sites starting this year.

“Through this collaboration, we are shaping a future where all students, regardless of location, have access to the tools they need to succeed in a digital world,” Jimenez said.

DA tracks 3 major agri projects to boost productivity in Mindanao

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is tracking the implementation of three major projects in Mindanao to boost agricultural and fisheries productivity in the region.

Through the Second Additional Financing for the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP-AF2), the DA seeks to enhance food logistics and access, ensuring food security for Filipinos.

The project builds upon the successes of the first PRDP and addresses the challenges posed by the post-COVID era.

The DA-PRDP Scale-Up project focuses on clustering and consolidation strategies to address persistent challenges in the agri-fishery sector.

It also emphasizes private sector participation and climate resilience in project interventions.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) aims to sustainably

increase agricultural productivity, resilience and market access for organized farmer and fisherfolk groups in selected ancestral domains.

The MIADP will address low incomes caused by weak marketing linkages and inadequate infrastructure in these areas by strengthening the capacities of local government units (LGUs).

These projects are expected to significantly contribute to Mindanao’s agricultural production, which accounts for 35.1 percent of the country’s total output.

“We thank the Department of Finance for providing funds to finance the government counterpart for these ongoing foreign-assisted projects. This is a huge help for us since we are striving to complete them as soon as possible and according to schedule, so that Filipinos can benefit from them right away,” said DA assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa. Othel V. Campos

DENR agrees to grant rights for offshore wind projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), granting developers rights to use offshore areas covered by offshore wind energy (OSW) service contracts, including auxiliary areas to accelerate OSW exploration, utilization and development.

“This MOA is a crucial step in realizing the goal of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver the first kilowatt-hours from offshore wind projects by 2028. By streamlining the process for accessing critical areas, we are paving the way for a rapid and responsible rollout of offshore wind projects, which will contribute significantly to our clean energy transition,” said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

The MOA allows access to both offshore and auxiliary areas or areas needed to support the OSW during the pre-development/exploration, development and commercial development phases, subject to necessary DENR requirements.

The DOE will provide the DENR with a list of identified OSW projects within 30 days of the execution of the MOA. The list will be regularly updated, in collaboration with the DENR, to reflect new OSW energy service contracts and development activities.

The DOE issued 92 OSW service contracts with potential capacity of 65.049 gigawatts as of March 25, 2024.

The parties said that if an area falls within an environmentally critical zone or is subject to prior vested rights, the DENR may impose additional conditions or deny access altogether.

breathtaking views of the stunning vistas at Outlook Park, adding a spectacular natural touch to their everyday living experience.

FARM TOURISM. The Department of Tourism organizes an educational farm tour on Sept. 21, 2024 at Yoki’s Farm in Cavite province as part of the month-long celebration of Family

RE FORUM. The Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), in partnership with Aboitiz Power Corp., holds its first Renewable Energy Forum at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s SecECenter in Makati City on Oct. 4, 2024. Shown are (from left) EJAP board member Alena Mae Flores, AboitizPower chief engineering and project officer Don Paulino, Philippine Daily Inquirer business editor Tina Arceo-Dumlao, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, EJAP president Jerome Morales, Board of Investments director Ernesto delos Reyes Jr., Energy Regulatory

PROJECT EXPANSION. Executives of property developer Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) lead the opening of a new phase in Amarilyo Crest Residences within

Money supply expanded 5.5% to P17.4t in August, says BSP

By Darwin G. Amojelar

MONEY supply grew 5.5 percent year-on-year to P17.4 trillion in August 2024, slower than the 7.3 -percent increase in July, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said over the weekend.

The BSP said that on a month-onmonth seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 marginally decreased by about 0.1 percent.

Domestic claims expanded by 10 percent year-on-year in August, compared to 11.4 percent in the previous month.

Claims on the private sector grew 11.9 percent in August, from 12.0

Macasaet steps down as SSS chief executive

THE Social Security System (SSS) said Rolando Ledesma Macasaet stepped down from his position as president and chief executive effective Oct. 6, after nearly two years with the state-run pension fund.

Macasaet, who has been the head of SSS since Jan. 5, 2023, was also vice chairperson of the Social Security Commission, the SSS’ policymaking body. Throughout his tenure, he championed the goal of ensuring every Filipino receives a pension.

Under his leadership, SSS intensified membership drives, extending social security coverage to all, including those in remote areas. He launched initiatives to bring services closer to grassroots communities and implemented programs benefiting SSS employees nationwide.

One of his notable achievements as SSS chief is expanding access to social security protection for more Filipinos through extensive membership coverage drives nationwide.

Under his leadership, SSS recorded a historic high of three million new members from January to September 2024, more than double the number of new members recorded during the same period last year.

“SSS typically averages around one million new members annually in previous years. However, for just the first half of 2024, we have already doubled that number due to our intensified efforts,” Macasaet said.

SSS is optimistic of reaching four to five million new members by yearend. Macasaet advocated for SSS coverage for job order, contract of service and barangay workers who are not included in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) due to their employment status.

percent in July, driven by sustained expansion in bank lending to nonfinancial private corporations and households.

Net claims on the central government increased by 8.5 percent from 14.1 percent in the previous month on continued borrowings by the national government.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso

terms rose 2.4 percent year-on-year in August, compared to 11.2 percent in July. The BSP’s NFA grew by 7.7 percent, while the NFA of banks contracted, largely due to higher bills and bonds payable.

The BSP said it would continue to ensure that domestic liquidity conditions are consistent with the prevailing stance of monetary policy, in line with its price and financial stability objectives.

“For the coming months, M3/domestic liquidity growth could pick up after the latest cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratio announced on Sept. 20, 2024 and effective Oct. 24, 2024 that could infuse about P400 bil-

lion in additional peso liquidity into the banking system/financial system [from the BSP] that may allow banks to increase lending and other investing activities,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

“The BSP signaled possible further cut in banks’ RRR in 2025 and could be possibly reduced to zero within the term of BSP Governor Remolona from the current 7 percent for large banks, or equivalent to a total more than P1 trillion as of now; but any further RRR cuts, which add more peso liquidity in the banking/financial system, would be gradual in the coming years,” he said.

IN BRIEF

LandBank selling 97.6% stake in UCPB Savings Bank under privatization plan

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Phil-

ippines said it is selling its ownership share equivalent to 97.55 percent of the equity of UCPB Savings Bank Inc. (UCPB-SB) to qualified private parties, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the latter’s privatization.

LandBank said it is intensifying its focus on serving key development sectors following the privatization of UCPB-SB. It said the strategic move would allow it to streamline resources and allocate capital more efficiently.

President Marcos issued Memo -

randum Order No. 28 on Aug. 6, 2024. The domestic savings bank became a subsidiary of LandBank following its merger with the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) in 2022.

The privatization stems from LandBank’s capacity to offer similar banking services to those of UCPBSB and is aligned with the government’s broader efforts to rationalize resources and improve operational efficiency.

“The privatization of UCPB Savings Bank is a strategic initiative designed to improve operational effi-

CDC reaffirms decision not to renew MCWMC contract

By Othel V. Campos

CLARK Development Corp. (CDC) reaffirmed its decision not to renew the contract for service with Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC), which expired on Oct. 5, 2024. Citing an opinion from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGC), CDC said extending the contract would violate the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) expressed its interest in developing the 100-hectare land area occupied by MCWMC in New Clark City.

The agency said it expects MCWMC to vacate the property and return any improvements made during the contract period.

PWS started collection of residual waste within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. “We are fully ready to start servicing Clark’s locators. We deployed our bins round the clock the past week as part of our comprehensive service, ensuring that waste collection is streamlined and efficient from day one,” said PWS Pampanga president Cara Peralta. CDC issued on Sept. 16 a memorandum recognizing PWS Pampanga as its newly-accredited lone service provider authorized to handle collection of residual waste within Clark.

Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) Pampanga commences its collection of residual waste within Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone on Oct. 6, 2024, with newly-installed bins ensuring proper handling and disposal of waste across the area.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) issued on Sept. 16 a memorandum recognizing PWS Pampanga as its newly-accredited lone service provider authorized to handle collection of residual waste within

ciency and service quality. This transition will optimize resource allocation and support LandBank’s mission of inclusive development, consistent with the National Government’s broader efforts to streamline operations,” LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz said. Aside from reducing demand on government resources while maintaining high service standards, the privatization will allow LandBank to better focus its resources on serving its mandated and priority sectors, in support of the country’s inclusive development agenda.

Globe Telecom joins global industry’s responsible AI maturity roadmap

GLOBE Telecom Inc. joined a group of leading telecommunications companies worldwide committed to the GSMA’s industry-first Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap. The GSM Association is a nonprofit industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. The initiative underscores Globe’s dedication to ethical and responsible AI development and deployment, ensuring these powerful technologies benefit its customers, the environment, and society.

Globe said that as part of its broader sustainability strategy, it views responsible AI as a critical component in driving sustainable digital transformation. By adopting the GSMA RAI Maturity Roadmap, Globe ensures that its AI will not only deliver business value but also contribute to sustainable development.

The GSMA developed the RAI Maturity Roadmap to address the growing importance of AI in the telecom-

munications industry. This marks the first time an entire sector has committed to a common approach to AI. Globe is among 19 mobile network operators from around the world that have adopted the roadmap to track, maintain and improve AI use.

The roadmap, based on insights from McKinsey and a group of leading operators, provides a structured framework for telecommunications companies to assess their current AI maturity level and identify areas for improvement.

This allows them to align their AI strategies with responsible practices, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI applications. The roadmap addresses five core dimensions: a company’s vision, values, and strategic goals; operating model and AI governance; technical controls to ensure compliance with regulations; collaboration with third-party ecosystems; and corporate change management and communication. Darwin G. Amojelar

Clark.

RICE FACILITY. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. leads the inauguration on Oct. 3, 2024 of a rice processing system in Naguilian, Isabela worth P184.4 million million through cost sharing between the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Center for Postharvest Research and Mechanization and the Providers Multipurpose Cooperative.

REAL ESTATE

THE Quezon City local government unit has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with mass housing developer 8990 Housing Development Corp. to provide 2,699 housing units for city government employees and informal settler families.

The signing took place on September 28, as part of the Urban Deca Homes Commonwealth project near Batasan Road in Barangay Commonwealth.

Quezon City mayor Ma. Josefina Belmonte emphasized the significance of the agreement, especially given the Philippines’ ongoing housing backlog, which exceeds 6.5 million units.

This initiative addresses the dream of homeownership for many Filipino families, particularly in District 2. She praised 8990 Holdings for their commitment to delivering quality, affordable housing.

8990 Holdings chairman Mariano Martinez Jr. highlighted that this partnership marks the company’s first collaboration with a local government unit and expressed hope that it would foster a more inclusive community.

He also mentioned that 8990 Holdings has successfully developed various projects, including

Urban Deca Homes in multiple locations across the Philippines, which aim to provide affordable housing options for low- and middle-income families.

The signing was attended by Quezon City District 2 Representative Ralph Wendel Tulfo and District 2 Councilors Mikee Belmonte and Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla, Brgy. Commonwealth Brgy. Capt. Manuel Co, 8990 general manager - Legal Atty. Hazel Helmuth and 8990 chief finance officer Roan BuenaventuraTorregoz.

QC gov’t teams up with 8990 for affordable housing DMCI Homes expands to Cebu City

DMCI Homes, the Philippines’ leader in resort-inspired developments, continues its expansion beyond Mega Manila and is now preparing to enter Cebu City’s booming condominium market.

For its first project in the city, DMCI Homes vice president for project development Dennis Yap said the company is investing about P20 billion to develop a four-hectare property in Barangay Guadalupe.

“Cebu City’s robust economy and growing demand for quality homes make it an ideal location for our expansion,” Yap said. “We’re excited to introduce our signature resort-inspired condominiums to this bustling city and be part of its dynamic development.”

Commitment to quality

With condominium living being highly popular in Cebu, Yap expressed confidence that Cebuanos will appreciate DMCI Homes’ valuefor-money offerings.

“The Queen City of the South deserves nothing but the best, and we’re about to deliver just that—our project with the biggest open space to date,” Yap said.

“We’re equally thrilled to introduce Cebu to the distinct DMCI Homes lifestyle, showcasing our proprietary Lumiventt® Design Technology, internet-ready units and RideShare carpooling service—just some of the innovative features we’re bringing to take condominium living to new heights in this vibrant market,” he said.

Expansion strategy

The decision to enter the Cebu property market follows the company’s successful ventures in San Juan, Batangas and Tuba, Benguet over the past year. DMCI Homes has also developed quality projects outside Metro Manila, including Laguna, Cavite, Baguio City, Boracay and Davao City.

Yap noted that while the pandemic had temporarily halted their Cebu expansion, the

opportunities in the Queen City of the South made it clear that moving forward with the plan would be the right decision.

“Cebu is a rapidly growing market with great potential,” Yap said. “We look forward to making a positive impact and contributing to the city’s growth.”

While DMCI Homes is new to Cebu’s property market, its sister firm, DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI), has made its mark with several landmark projects in the city. DMCI was part of the Cebu Link Joint Venture, a consortium with Acciona and First Balfour that built the iconic Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Other landmarks built by DMCI in Cebu are SM Cebu, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, the Ayala Life Cebu office building and Ayala Center Cebu.

As the Philippines’ first Quadruple A developer, DMCI Homes aims to make its mark in Cebu, backed by a sterling track record of completing 72 quality developments across Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Baguio City, Boracay, Davao City and other key locations in its 25 years in the industry. Jenniffer B. Austria

SMX Convention Center, the largest operator of convention centers in the Philippines, has secured three additional major awards this year, reaffirming its position as a leader in the country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

SMX was named Best Local Convention Centre 2024 – Philippines by APAC Insider’s South East Asia Business Review, Best Convention Center –Philippines at the World MICE Awards, and earned the highly regarded Best Convention & Exhibition Center – Philippines title at the 33rd TTG Travel Awards. These accolades are proof of SMX’s commitment to excellence and its reputation for delivering first-rate event experiences. The 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards, in particular, highlights the center’s recognition among travel consultants, tour operators and destination management companies only, underscoring SMX’s leadership in the region. As the only convention center in the country to receive such honors, SMX continues to set the

standard for its industry.

With eight branches across key locations in the Philippines―including Clark, Olongapo, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Megatrade Hall in Ortigas, and SMX Aura at SM Aura Premier― SMX consistently delivers unmatched versatility and convenience.

The center actively supports the government’s efforts to boost tourism, particularly through the development of the MICE sector, which is vital to enhancing the Philippines’ global presence in business tourism.

Future growth plans include new venues, notably a larger facility in Cebu that will surpass the size of SMX Manila. This expansion underscores SMX’s long-term commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ standing in the global MICE arena.

These awards reflect our focus on service excellence and our efforts to continuously push industry boundaries,” said Michael Albaña, vice president – general manager at SMX Convention Center.

Ayala Land recognized at BCI Asia Awards 2024

AYALA Land, Inc. (ALI) has been honored with the prestigious BCI Top Ten Developers Award for its Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2 (ATG 2) and Ayala North Exchange at the recent BCI Asia Awards 2024 held at BGC, Taguig. ALI’s dedication to innovative architectural design, sustainable development, and responsible environmental practices is exemplified by this recognition.

Strategically located within the iconic Ayala Triangle Gardens (ATG) Tower 2 is ALI’s latest masterpiece. The development occupies an 18, 150-square meter lot, integrating with the lush, verdant surroundings of the Ayala Triangle Gardens. ATG Tower 2 stands as a centerpiece with unparalleled combination of the top-of-the-line performance specifications aligned with global building standards of LEED Gold and WELL Gold certification ensuring a healthy and elevated overall working experience for employees, tenants, and visitors.

Ayala North Exchange, on the other hand, is a LEED certified mixed-use complex consisting of two towers situated at Ayala Avenue in the Makati Central Business District (CBD). This development has been meticulously designed to cater to the needs of both multinational corporations and business process outsourcing companies.

In addition to the office spaces, the development features a retail podium with a variety of dining options and basic conveniences for employees and visitors alike. The project also includes the Seda Residences Makati.

One Evotech is ALI’s first technopod address in its Nuvali estate in Laguna. One Evotech is located near lakes, parks, various retail destinations and master planned residential properties. The 4-storey building is designed to meet the special demands of IT and BPO companies. It is LEED silver certified. The annual BCI Asia Awards—now into its 19th year—recognises developers and architecture firms that have built and designed the greatest volume of buildings, as well as ecologically sensitive projects and impressive interiors in seven Asian markets: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Michael Albaña, vice president – general manager of SMX Convention Center accepts prestigious TTG Award on behalf of SMX Convention Center at the 33rd TTG Travel Awards in Bangkok, Thailand

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

SHOWBIZ

Is music finally reckoning with #MeToo?

including “Diddy” ran a criminal sex ring that preyed on women and blackmailed them into silence—accusations that have activists and industry watchers hoping music’s moment of accountability has arrived.

Their hope has been bolstered by a massive class action suit that followed Combs’s federal charges, as well as a new lawsuit against country star Garth Brooks

When an explosive series of accusations against R&B hitmaker R. Kelly went public five years ago, outlets including AFP asked if that was the beginning of a sea change in music.

Kelly was convicted and sentenced to more than 30 years of prison for child sex crimes, sex trafficking, and racketeering.

It was indeed a milestone for the #MeToo movement as the first major sex abuse trial where the majority of accusers were Black women.

But wider cultural shifts in the industry longcliched as a bastion of sex, drugs, and rock and roll didn’t seem to crystallize.

The shock rocker Marilyn Manson, the music mogul Russell Simmons, the DJ Diplo the producer Dr. Luke – over the years women have made serious accusations against these and many other powerful men in the industry. Few repercussions have followed.

“There’s this whole pass we give rock stars because of the rock star trope,” said Caroline

R&B artist R. Kelly was sentenced to more than 30 years of prison for child sex crimes, sex trafficking, and racketeering

“A lot of survivors that I’ve spoken with from the music industry, they’ve internalized the rock star idea – that they should have expected” bad behavior, “because he was a rock star,” she told AFP Kate Grover – a women’s and gender studies professor at Washington and Lee University, who has researched intersections of gender and the music industry – said the notion of “geniuses” is also particularly pronounced in music.

“Once we have labeled someone as a genius,” she said, “it kind of creates a scarcity model,” where they’re seen as too big to fail. AFP

Finding our own ‘Mujigae’

Very Wang Nickie Wang

THE Filipino-Korean family drama Mujigae, directed by Randolph Longjas, is a story that every mother can relate. And paraphrasing his words, Mujigae is for all mothers, including those who don’t want to be mothers and those who want to be mothers but cannot.

“I’m not here to tell people how to feel, but I believe there will be moments in the film that stay with them long after they leave the theater. It’s a movie for everyone,” he said.

“It’s been a while since I worked on a feature film, and this project feels like reliving my first experience. It carries a lot of emotional weight for me,” Longjas, who directed a full-length feature for the first time in seven years, said. He added that working on Mujigae allowed him to reconnect with the essence of storytelling, particularly in portraying the innocence of a child “navigating difficult circumstances.” Longjas expressed his appreciation for the cast and crew who helped bring his vision to life.

“We faced a lot of challenges along the way, but we persevered. The process reminded me of seeing the rainbow after a storm,” he remarked.

ed by an ensemble cast, including Quan, Kate Alejandrino, Set against the backdrop of both the Philippines and South Korea, journey of a young girl after she loses her mother. The half-Korean, half-Filipino Mujigae is brought to the Philippines, where she is cared for by her aunt. The film explores themes of grief, family, and the cultural challenges that come with being raised between two worlds.

The film’s trailer has already garnered significant attention online, with many viewers anticipating a deeply emotional experience. One scene that has resonated with audiences shows Mujigae pleading with her aunt, saying, “Bad Ba’t mo ‘ko ipapamigay bad, Aunt Sunny! Why are you giving me away?). The trailer hints at the tension between family responsibilities and personal desires, themes that the director believes will strike a chord with viewers.

Tarrayo shared her own insights on the project saying that the story’s message about family had a personal impact on her.

Talking about his approach to working with child actors, he shared, “I wanted them to own their roles. I didn’t just dictate what I wanted but encouraged them to fi nd their characters. It was amazing to watch them stay in character even after the cameras stopped rolling.” Produced by Madonna Tarrayo, Mujigae is hitting the theaters nationwide on Wednesday, Oct. 9, exclusively at SM Cinema.

The film tells the story of Mujigae, a lively fiveyear-old orphan, played by rising star Ryrie Sophia, who finds an unexpected mother figure in her estranged aunt, Sunny, portrayed by Alexa Ilacad. Alongside them is Korean actor Kim Ji-soo now part of GMA’s Sparkle roster.

The film also features a special appearance by comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto and is support-

“Coming from a family that’s always been close-knit, this film’s idea of finding family in unexpected places hit home for me,” she said.

Tarrayo believes that family isn’t limited to blood relations but can be found in friendships, work relationships, or even with pets.

Mujigae represents that connection. Her love brings people together, even through difficult times,” she added.

Tarrayo, who has over 37 years of experience producing content across various platforms, emphasized that “Mujigae” was made to create a unique cinematic experience.

“Every film deserves to be seen on the big screen. That’s what we aimed for with this project—to create something that feels both intimate and expansive,” she explained. She also commented on the relevance of the film in today’s landscape, noting that her team always strives to stay ahead of trends.

“We’re constantly evolving. Whether it’s an ad, a series, or a film, we’re always looking at what resonates with audiences today,” Tarrayo said.

Kim Ji-soo, who portrays Mujigae’s biological father in the fi lm, re-enters the protagonist’s life, leading to moments that will challenge the idea of what it means to be a family. As the story unfolds, audiences will witness the choices Mujigae faces as she deals with the idea of having two homes, a theme central to the fi lm’s emotional core.

Singer Debbie Lopez honors roots in debut song

COSPLAYER and online DJ Debbie Lopez has finally launched her debut single, a Visayan song titled “Ang Higugmaon Ka.” Composed by Bryan Balucan, it is a love song about secret love, hoping for reciprocation.

“The title translates to ‘Ang Mahalin Ka’ in Tagalog. We want this song’s message of love accessible to a wider audience,” she said.

“I wanted to release a Visayan song as my tribute to my roots,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment during the launch of the single at Mellow D in Quezon City, where she gave a live vocal performance.

Originally from the Visayas and now based in Baguio, Debbie has been passionate about music from a young age. When she was just four years old, her family was visiting Jamaica, and that’s when her musical journey began. Recognizing her potential, Debbie’s mother enrolled her in an international music school.

With her uncle, Dr. Noni Espina, an internationally renowned musician, having a significant impact on her career, music seems to run in the family.

“At fi rst, it was my parents’ dream for me to be a singer, but as time went by, I started falling in love with singing, and I think that’s when my passion for it really started,” Debbie added. In addition to being a singer, cosplayer, and DJ, Debbie is also interested in entering showbiz. She expressed her desire to work with her celebrity crush, JM de Guzman, with whom she exchanged text messages. He brightened her day when he expressed his desire to meet her in a birthday message.

“Tsaka nung Valentine’s Day, nagsabi ng ‘I love you,’” she shared. “Pero nag-text kami once lang. Alam niya papasok ako [ng] showbiz. Alam niya rin [yung] launching. Sinabi ko celebrity crush ko siya tapos nalaman ko na lang sila na.” Knowing that JM is now in a relationship with Donnalyn Bartolome, Debbie said she is considering pairing up with another musician who is single.

Si Rico Blanco, kasi may Donnalyn na si JM,” she said in jest.

THE music industry has long evaded a #MeToo reckoning like that experienced in Hollywood or the media, but the blockbuster charges against hip-hop magnate Sean Combs

Rapper Diddy has been accused of running a criminal sex ring

Country singer-songwriter Garth Brooks was accused of sexual assault and battery by his former hair and makeup artist

Heldman, an Occidental College professor and co-founder of the Sound Off Coalition, which is focused on sexual violence in the music industry.

Cosplayer and online DJ Debbie Lopez’s debut single ‘Ang Higugmaon Ka’ translates to ‘Ang Mahalin Ka’

The cast of Filipino-Korean family drama ‘Mujigae’

‘Mujigae’ follows the story of a little girl who ends up with her aunt after losing her mother

Director Randolph Longjas (fourth from right) with the cast of ‘Mujigae’

The Philippines’ unique STORIES OF LOVE

By Nickie Wang

THE Philippines’ tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” was recognized as Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign at the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony, held at City of Dreams Manila on Sept. 3.

Launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in June 2023 to mark its 50th anniversary, the new campaign aims to showcase the country’s cultural and natural offerings to international and local travelers.

The campaign highlights attractions – like beaches, dive spots, mountains, and festivals – to encourage visitors to explore the archipelago of over 7,600 islands. It also emphasizes connections through local experiences by building lasting ties between visitors and the destinations they visit.

In her speech, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her gratitude for the recognition from the World Travel Awards.

“This campaign is our way of communicating to the world what the Philippines is all

about by going to the heart of every Filipino,” she added.

As one of Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destinations, the Philippines offers a variety of experiences. Travelers can visit bustling cities like Manila, explore Cebu’s beaches and historical sites, or enjoy natural wonders like Mt. Apo in Davao.

The “Love the Philippines” campaign positions these regions as attractive destinations for leisure and business travelers.

The Philippines, known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” promotes not only its well-known tourist spots but also emerging destinations. By appealing to both international tourists and local travelers, the DOT hopes to inspire a renewed appreciation for the country’s landscapes and culture.

A selection of uncommon flavors from Filipino cuisine

The DOT has built its “Love the Philippines” campaign around four main pillars. First, biodiversity, as the Philippines is recognized for its rich ecosystems, being home to a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Second, the campaign highlights the country’s natural beauty, showcasing UNESCO World Heritage sites and well-known landmarks like Boracay’s beaches.

Third, festivals and culture play a significant role, with the country’s numerous cultural celebrations attracting visitors year-round.

prove the tourist experience. These include tourist rest areas, fi rst-aid facilities, and the Tourist Assistance Call Center, which enhances safety and communication for both domestic and international travelers.

The DOT is also encouraging local travelers to explore more of the Philippines through the “Bisita Be My Guest” program, which offers incentives for Filipinos who invite foreign friends and family to visit the country.

FILIPINO cuisine is known for its variety of dishes bearing rich flavors that serve as a treat to the senses. With the number of regions in the country having their own special take on viands like sinigang, adobo, and many others, there is seemingly an unending array of flavors for all to enjoy. However, with the numerous types of dishes and their variations, it is inevitable for some to have little to no recognition of their unique look and taste. Because of this, they are often ignored in restaurants and other establishments.

Chef Alfred Santiago, the Chef de Cuisine of Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s Waterside, saw how these dishes are often unnoticed and hoped to give people a sense of how delicious they could be through the restaurant’s “Salu-Salo sa Waterside” promotion. Serving as a celebration of Filipino culture, Waterside’s “Salu-Salo sa Waterside” joins together traditional Filipino music and dance performances with unique dishes from the various regions in the country, which will be set up in a “boodle fight” manner with a large banana leaf sprawled on the table as guests are welcomed with a refreshing aperitif like guava-passion fruit infused lambanog or a citrus-guava mocktail.

Santiago, with his eagerness to promote forgotten dishes from Filipino cuisine, came up with six main dishes together with his team.

Since the launch of the campaign, the DOT has actively promoted the “Love the Philippines” message abroad. The campaign has been presented at tourism events in Europe, North America, Japan, Korea, and China, where the Philippines showcased its attractions to international travelers.

Lastly, Filipino gastronomy, shaped by various cultural influences, is promoted as a key feature, emphasizing the unique flavors and local dishes that define the country’s culinary identity.

“Our chosen brand pillars guide us and all our regional offices and agencies in effectively promoting what to love about our country,” Frasco noted.

Complementing the

“Love the Philippines” campaign are several DOT projects designed to imcountry’s numerous cultural

Frasco said that the campaign’s global reach has been well-received by both Filipino communities overseas and international tourism stakeholders. The campaign has also garnered support from foreign governments, with partnerships promoting the Philippines across various media platforms in key markets.

The Philippines’ success at the World Travel Awards extended beyond the “Love the Philippines” campaign. The country also received recognition for top tourist destinations, including Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination, Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination, and the Transformative Leadership Award for Frasco.

Japan expo recognizes PH tourism campaign with Jury’s Special Award

By Angelica Villanueva

THE Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign has been recognized with Jury’s Special Award at Tourism EXPO Japan 2024 last Sept. 26.

The award highlighted the campaign’s exceptional efforts in showcasing the Philippines’ cultural richness, natural beauty, and dedication to sustainable tourism through a collaborative approach.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco acknowledged the award, emphasizing the Filipino’s commitment to showcasing what the Philippines can offer.

“This jury citation reflects the shared passion and commitment of Filipinos to showcase the best of our nation to the world, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for the tourism industry,” said Frasco.

“Through the ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign, we continue to highlight our rich history, stunning landscapes, and the warmth of our people, resonating with travelers globally,” she added.

Frasco added that the award also strengthened the bond between the Philippines and Japan.

“This award reflects the deepening bond between the Philippines and Japan, as we continue to share our culture, heritage, and natural beauty with our Japanese friends. The steady increase in Japanese visitors underscores this growing rapport and solidifies the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse on the global stage,” stated Frasco.

Tourism EXPO Japan 2024, co-organized by the Japan Association for Tourism Promotion, Japan Association of Travel Agents, and the Japan National Tourism Organization, is one of the most prominent international travel events, featuring participants from over 80 countries and regions

“We had to do research from books [and] from the internet. But [from] what I chose, I wanted it to [use] coconut because the main ingredient that we produce here in the Philippines is coconut,” shared Santiago, adding that the process of researching took two to three months.

The chef also shared that his culinary team hailed from different regions in the country, which had helped in ensuring the authenticity of the dishes’ taste as cooking them entailed a collaborative effort. The viands on the “Salu-Salo sa Waterside” menu which are these six forgotten dishes consist of Iloilo’s lauya, a flavorful soup that has very tender pata, unripe langka or jackfruit, and vegetables and nilatik na kalabasa or squash cooked in coconut milk and shrimp, Davao’s tiyula itum, a black soup with beef and goat pieces, and burnt coconut meat, Cavite’s pancit puso which mixes bihon and miki with pork, shrimp, fishball, kikiam, chicken and vegetables, Sorsogon’s pagulong at pasayan, a delicacy with shrimp and sigarilyas in coconut cream, and Cebu’s kinilaw na langka Other dishes include inihaw na pampano or grilled fish,

The Cagwait White Sand Beach in Surigao del Sur is one of the mesmerizing spots that the province is known for

The Philippines’ vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life make it one of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world

The Jury’s Special Award is an addition to the recent accolades for the “Love the Philippines” campaign, including its recognition as Asia’s Leading Tourism Campaign 2024 at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania

The Magellan’s Cross Pavilion in Cebu features a painted ceiling depicting various events during the time Christianity was rst introduced to the country by Magellan

The ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign was rst launched in 2023

Waterside Chef de Cuisine Alfred Santiago with his team of chefs

Uncommon Filipino dishes are served in a ‘boodle ght’ style with the viands served on a banana leaf

The ‘Salu-salo sa Waterside’ menu features uncommon dishes from various parts of the country

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

C4 LIFE

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

THE recently concluded and highly successful Travel Sale Expo (TSE) made me reminisce about my trips to various countries in the world as I went around the Expo’s colorful booths, which offered all kinds of affordable tours.

Now in its second year, the TSE was hosted by the Global Tourism Business Association and One Klik Events, led by my friend, Michelle Taylan

This year’s edition of TSE had more than 200 colorful booths that showcased the best, not only of our country but also of other countries in the Asia Pacific region. Braving the thick crowd during opening day, I made it a point to see what attractive tours to various countries were on sale; at the same time, I couldn’t help but recall my earlier visits to those destinations.

The alluring booth of the Guam Visitors Bureau brought me back to many decades ago when, as Country Manager of the Northwest Airlines GSA here in the country, I had to open an offi ce in Agaña, downtown Guam, in preparation for the start of our scheduled fl ights between Japan and the island. I rented a condo there for several months until the new offi ce was fully operational, handling passenger and cargo bookings.

Although Guam is a small island and one can drive around it in less than an hour, I never felt bored because it has so many interesting places to see. Two Lovers Point is an awesome lookout spot with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the lush mountains on the other.

Of course, there are also the whitesand Ypao Beach and Tumon Beach, which were my favorite weekend destinations. One time, I took the Atlantis Submarine Tour, which put me

How Travel Sale bringsExpo back memories of past trips

find myself at the Premier Outlets Mall, where branded luxury items were so temptingly affordable.

TSE also had the Malaysia booth, where I checked what new attractions the country had. I recalled the time I visited Kuala Lumpur with my eldest son. Our fi rst destination was the famous Petronas Towers. It was only two blocks away from our hotel, so we spent many afternoons there, fi nding ways to get the best angle for a souvenir shot of the humongous towers in the background.

During that Malaysia visit, my son and I also drove to the very modern Putrajaya, a city south of Kuala Lumpur, which has the Putra Mosque made of rose-colored granite with a pink dome. The city also houses the Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister’s office complex, and the three-tiered Putra Bridge, copied from Iranian architecture with four minarets, overlooking the manmade Putrajaya Lake. Poring over the items at the Vietnam booth reminded me of my many visits to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Northwest Airlines planned to start scheduled flights to either of these

Making the Philippines accessible, a ordable to local and foreign tourists

By Abigail Adriatico

WITH revenge travel still driving up the numbers of local and foreign visitors in tourist spots, many travelers looked for more ways to save as they explored new places and gained new experiences.

Eager to help tourists with this endeavor, the Travel Sale Expo (TSE) opened its doors once again for its second year and offered a wide array of travel discounts with its theme “Experience the World, Travel is Life.”

During the media conference for the upcoming expo, TSE 2024 chairperson Michelle Taylan shared how the event’s theme aimed to encourage people to actively travel more as there were many things that they had yet to see, learn, and experience in both the Philippines and other countries.

“Nowadays, travel is considered a regular activity because it is a part of our life. So at the Travel Sale Expo, we made sure that we could make travel convenient and more affordable by offering discounted fares through our airline partners and discounted tour packages,” said Taylan.

With the event providing numerous offerings to travelers, Taylan shared that there were many things she looked forward to during the event.

“What made me excited was the different destinations that we offered to our visitors that gave them, of course, more options to choose where they could travel all over the world and most especially the excitement from our visitors to see their favorite performers that performed in the three-day event,” she said.

“I was always excited to see the stakeholders or

the different members of our associations that were able to offer their different packages and services to many people,” she added. In its second year, the Travel Sale Expo had 176 exhibitors that were made up of airlines, hotels, travel agencies, cruise liners, resorts, tour operators, insurance companies, theme parks, food concessionaires, and embassies, which occupied a total of 200 booths. Retail outfits that offered travel accessories ranging from bags fit for traveling to shoes and clothing made to brave any weather were also present at the event along with booths providing wedding supplies and assistance for those planning to have a destination wedding.

Apart from such exhibitors, several branches of the government concerned with tourism such as the Department of Tourism (DOT-

wasted, as I enjoyed every single one of them. I had the chance to see one of the famous Seven Wonders of Nature—Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters and hundreds of towering limestone islands. I also made time to watch the entertainment feature that Vietnam is known for all over the world—the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. This famous cultural attraction depicts scenes from Vietnamese folklore, history, and daily life and originally started in the rice paddies and ponds of rural villages during festivals. It is now officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. I also made many visits to Ho Chi Minh City, originally named Saigon, where I enjoyed the savory street food, a cruise along the Mekong Delta, and exploring the exciting Cu Chi Tunnels. The latter is a very impressive underground network of tunnels in one district of Saigon, but it is part of a much larger network of tunnels under the entire country. The Viet Cong used it as their base of operations during the Vietnam War. There were many other booths from other countries, but I could only talk about these three due to space limitations. Our Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) booth was also a part of the Travel Sale Expo, mainly to attract locals who would be interested in becoming marketers. These are individuals or companies that would help attract foreign retirees to make our country their new home. These marketers are given a hefty marketers fee for every referral they give to PRA, a feature that made our booth very popular. Congratulations to GTBA and One Klik Events for the Travel Sale Expo’s resounding success. I certainly look

two cities. My counterpart from the airline’s Minneapolis headquarters and I made many visits to Vietnam, as we were trying to convince its government leaders to approve our airline’s application for landing rights in either of the two cities. Unfortunately, it took time for the government to decide, and our airline eventually gave up the plan. But those Vietnam visits were not

NCR) Philippines, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Philippines Retirement Authority (PRA) had booths of their own along with ASEAN nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and Brunei, who all aimed

to promote their countries as tourism spots for Filipino travelers.

The three-day expo also featured various corporate game shows, product updates, exhibitors and sponsors’ presentations, raffle draws, conferences, and entertainment programs for attendees to enjoy. Some events included cultural performances from the Korean Cultural Office, K-pop dances, a K-pop singing competition, standup comedian Boobsie performance, and Quezon City Symphonic Band music.

There was also an awarding ceremony towards the end of the expo where the Travel Sale Expo King and Queen Award, the Embassy Award, and the Exhibitor’s Top-Grossing Award were given to respective winners.

The Travel Sale Expo 2024 was held at the SM Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall from Sept. 27 to 29 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The opening ceremony on Sept. 27 was at 1:00 p.m. Tickets for general admission were priced at P75 while it was P60 for senior citizens. Those who paid through GCash only needed to pay P50. forward to next year’s edition. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

The Philippine Retirement Authority’s booth at SM Megamall’s Mega Trade Hall during the

The Malaysia booth featured the new attractions the country has

The Department of Tourism - National Capital Region’s booth

The representatives of DOT-NCR, TIEZA, PRA, ASEAN nations, and Travel Sale Expo sponsors during the media conference

TSE 2024 chairperson Michelle Taylan