Manila Standard - 2024 October 17 - Thursday

Bato wants own drug war probe

By Maricel Cruz

SENATOR Ronald

dela Rosa said he want to start a separate probe into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

This after Dela Rosa was tagged in the House Quad Committee investigation as being one of the perpetrators of reward system for every drug suspect killed during the term of former Presiden Rodrigo Duterte.

He said the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which Dela Rosa chairs, will “definitely” start the motu proprio investigation before the regular session resumes on Nov. 4.

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, who was also named by resource persons in the Quad probe, earlier said he is willing to file a resolution to investigate allegations on the drug war.

However, one of the Quad Comm leaders on Wednesday expressed

By Rex Espiritu

BIG business has teamed up with the government in combatting the illegal poaching and habitat destruction of several endangered species endemic to the Philippines.

DENR, SM Malls unite to save endangered species

Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction on Tuesday. Environment and Natural Re -

sources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said that this program specifically aims to protect

Marcos backs PNP’s move to reexamine EJKs

By Charles Dantes

THE Marcos administration expressed its full support for the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) plan to reopen cold cases related to the previous leadership’s supposedly brutal implementation of its war on drugs.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law.

“The reopening of the investigations of the high-profile killings related to the war on drugs should indicate that the Marcos administration places the highest importance on the fair dispensation of justice and on the universal observance of the rule of law in the country,” Bersamin said in a statement.

Together, the two sectors jointly launched the “Save from Extinction” program at the sidelines of

OVER 500 Filipinos still in Lebanon responded positively to Manila’s voluntary repatriation offer and are hoping to leave as soon as the Philippine Embassy can charter a plane to take them back home.

In an advisory on Wednesday, the Embassy told other Filipinos seeking to leave the war-torn country to register online, and prepare their passports and iqamas (residence permits).

Embassy authorities told them there is no need to submit a duplicate form to further hasten the repatriation process.

“The Embassy is actively coordi-

By Maricel V. Cruz

nating with Lebanese authorities to expedite the urgent release of exit clearances for undocumented Filipino nationals,” the advisory stated. Israel in recent weeks has carried out ground incursions into parts of Lebanon in addition to air strikes, with the stated aim to go after the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The Lebanese health ministry said that over the past year, Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,350 people, left nearly 11,000 wounded and displaced more than 1.2 million people.

doubt over Dela Rosa’s ability to conduct a fair Senate investigation into his former boss’ bloody war on drugs.

Dela Rosa served as chief of the Philippine National Police during Duterte’s term.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante

Jr., co-chair of the Quad Comm and chair the House Committee on Human Rights, said Dela Rosa’s close ties with Duterte could compromise the integrity of the Senate probe.

“I would think that he (Dela Rosa) would be more biased than actually balanced in that hearing,” Abante said.

The lawmaker questioned Dela Rosa’s ability to remain impartial given his involvement in the controversial anti-drug campaign.

Dela Rosa said he is planning to invite Duterte, admitting that the former President likely attend “because he’s more comfortable with the Senate compared to the House of Representatives.”

“I don’t think he will not attend if I will be the one inviting him,” Dela Rosa said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, for his part, underscored the importance of including Duterte in the planned investigation to ensure justice and transparency.

“The testimony of the former presi-

dent on the issue is crucial in uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served for all affected parties,” Estrada said in a statement.

Quad Committee resource persons implicated Duterte, Go, and Dela Rosa in the alleged EJKs during the drug war.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, for her part, hinted that Duterte’s confidential funds may have financed the reward system that incentivized drug war-related EJKs.

Last Friday, Castro pressed former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma on the alleged flow of money used to fund the EJKs.

“Do you think the source of the re -

wards were confidential funds or intelligence funds?” Castro asked.

“I don’t want to speculate,” Garma said.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra acknowledged there were rumors about the supposed reward system for slain drug suspects during the previous administration but no witnesses came forward to confirm it.

“There were rumors about it, but there was no actual witness who came forward to say that there was indeed such a system initiated by, you know, people at the top, so it can be said that it was a scheme,” Guevarra said in a television interview.

Guevarra served as Justice secretary during the Duterte administration.

Carmen Atencio Maske, 78

VALLEJO, California—Carmen Atencio Maske, widow of US Air Force Major Ernest Jay Maske and former teacher in the Philippines, died 6:30 am Saturday (California time), her family announced.

Maske, born in Moncada, Tarlac, and has lived in the United States since 1974, is survived by her two daughters, Caren Jay and Catherine Jay, sons-in-law Russell and Kyle, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters -- Gertrudes Atencio, Maria Rosa Cabie -- and brothersin-law Isidro Maen, a US Navy Vietnam War veteran, and Honor Blanco Cabie, Opinion Editor of the Manila Standard; nephews Orville, Michael, Andy Lord; nieces Harmony and Hermione, nephews-in-law Chris and Gerry, nieces-in-law Lui and Shirley.

Maske finished Education at the Nicanor Reyes University in Paniqui, Tarlac and taught for a while in Tarlac before she migrated to San Francisco where she briefly worked as an educator before working at the San Francisco General Hospital. She eventually found her niche in the retail industry and found her calling as a lay minister at the Saint Catherine of Siena in Vallejo.

Maske was one of four daughters of Feliciano Marquez Atencio, former Moncada town Mayor, and the former Zenaida Alegre of Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Cremation and funeral arrangements have not been announced but her remains will be buried alongside her husband’s at a Catholic graveyard in San Francisco.

The PNP’s move comes amid increasing cries from human rights groups to hold key Duterte administration personalities accountable for their roles in the killing of thousands of drug suspects.

However, Malacañang previously stated that it will not put the country under the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction again just to accommodate international prosecutors’ case against the previous administration.

“The Philippines will not return to ICC. Based on this, the president is not expected to change his mind and now refer the quadcom [Quad Committee] matter to the ICC,” Bersamin said.

The Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019, during former President Duterte’s term, after the court began probing allegations of human rights abuses during his bloody “war on drugs”.

Mr. Marcos has remained consistent in his refusal to rejoin the ICC, citing national sovereignty and insisting that the Philippines’ legal system is capable of handling such cases.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers, the House Quad Committee’s designated chair, said the panel will not submit any of its findings or documents related to extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under the Duterte administration’s drug war to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“My personal stand on the issue is that since we are not members of the ICC, and the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) has made a clear statement as to his position on the ICC, I will support that position,” Barbers said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview over Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

“We will not give any document or transcript made by the Quad Comm in relation to the EJKs for the ICC’s use because, again, we are not members of the ICC. And following the statement of the President, we will stick to that,” he added.

lookout bulletin, on the other hand was only issued on Sept. 16.

Barbers, who also chairs the House dangerous drugs panel, said Mylah sent the joint committee members a letter about her departure.

“Well, I cannot judge why she left, maybe because she has a letter for us saying that she went for a check-up in Singapore and she has not returned since then,” Barbers said in a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

“I hope nothing serious is happening to her, because it has been that long. We don’t know, we just hope and pray that there is no serious medical issue.,” he added.

Barbers said other lawmakers would insist on having Mylah personally attend and answer questions in the hearings, even if documents have been already submitted.

The Committee will decide on Myla Roque’s status when it resumes sessions next week.

Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros

urged authorities to continue to hunt down illegal POGOs (Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators) even after the December deadline set by the President.

“A ban is a ban. If Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) persist even beyond the December deadline, [the] government should still go after them.”

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Tuesday that “around 58 to 200” illegal POGOs are still operating in the country in defiance of President Marcos’ ban.

“We are still receiving many reports that these illegal [POGOs] are still going on. We’re taking seriously the order of the president that by the end of the year, all of that is gone,” PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said in a televised interview.

“Whether it’s legal or illegal, they should really be closing down. They should be winding down. That’s why we’re talking to the OIC of PAGCOR again about how to close even the legal [POGOs]. It’s really difficult. because they still have administrative matters that must be

settled such as the payment of fees to DOLE, BIR, and separation pay if any,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested around 17 Chinese nationals on Tuesday during a raid on a resort in Tagaytay City.

The NBI Cybercrime Division raided the resort in Barangay Francisco after receiving a tip from a Chinese national who claimed to have been tortured there. The victim was rescued. Upon entering the premises, authorities were surprised to find computer workstations and cellphones, which the suspects allegedly used for POGO operations.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago personally led a media tour of the operation. The victim also recounted to Santiago the alleged torture they suffered.

“These are their cellphones, the cellphones they use. All of these are used for transferring money, for cryptocurrency,” Santiago said.

“The victim wanted to leave, so they were beaten, electrocuted. That’s why we rescued them. They will be filing a complaint. They were the only one we rescued,” he added.” Maricel Cruz

six key species that are now dwindling in numbers.

These are the Pangolin, the Philippine Eagle, the Tamaraw, Marine Turtles, the Cockatoo, and the Dugong.

“We formalize our joint commitments with our league conservation partners in the private sector for the protection of six key species whose habitats are life support systems not just for the species themselves, but the communities that depend on the valuable ecosystem services that these habitats provide,” YuloLoyzaga said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) primary partner in this endeavor is the SM Supermalls, led by its President Steven Tan.

The project will leverage the mall developer’s banking and retail platforms to raise funds for the conservation of the country’s endangered faunas.

For his part, Tan said the six species are vital components of the country’s ecosystem, noting that they are remarkable creatures and not just symbols of the Philippines.

Through the “Save the Extinction” program, SM Supermalls will be initiating donation drives that will fund programs to preserve habitats of the animals.

clarification. He said they can provide screenshots of their conversations to disprove the allegations.

“So, for me to think that those people have enough documentation to show that we don’t need a referral or no referral, or we have a referral everyone goes to the office, we accepted it,” Gatchalian said, adding: “We don’t have that track record that we play politics in helping the needy.”

The DSWD chief said they do not politicize helping people as he pointed out that the ones responsible for extending assistance are the licensed social workers, which means their licenses are at risk if they politicize helping those in need.

Donations are also encouraged through BDO banks, automated teller machines, and donation boxes placed in the shopping malls.

Tan added that they will also sell merchandise through Kultura, a Filipino-craft boutique found in SM Malls, in which a portion of proceeds will go directly to conservation initiatives.

On October 9, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed Philippine government agencies to mobilize all available assets to repatriate Filipinos from affected areas in the Middle East.

As of October 14, the Department of Migrant Workers said that plane tickets have been booked for a total of 254 Filipinos in Lebanon, whose flights are scheduled from October 14 to 28.

Up to 300 Filipinos also have pending repatriation requests with the Lebanese authorities.

“To our knowledge, more or less 500 [OFWs] are seeking to go home to the Philippines,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac told Super Radyo dzBB in Filipino. Additionally, there are 178 Filipinos currently staying in shelters in Beirut amid the tensions in the Middle Eastern countries.

In total, 460 Filipinos have gone back to the Philippines along with their 28 dependents, since the repatriation efforts of the Philippine government

started last year. Alert Level 3 remains hoisted in Lebanon, meaning Filipinos there may repatriate voluntarily.

As this developed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Tuesday the idea of a ceasefire in Lebanon that would leave Hezbollah close to his country’s northern border, as the militant group threatened to widen its attacks.

Netanyahu’s comments came as the United States ramped up pressure over Israel’s conduct of the wars in Lebanon and Gaza, criticizing the recent bomb -

ing of Beirut and demanding that more aid reach the Palestinian territory.

In a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu said he was “opposed to a unilateral ceasefire, which does not change the security situation in Lebanon, and which will only return it to the way it was,” according to a statement from his office.

Netanyahu and the Israeli military have insisted there must be a buffer zone along Israel’s border with Lebanon where there is no presence of Hezbollah fighters. AFP

BUILDING FUTURE CHAMPS. Jollibee donated P5 million worth of sports equipment to the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. Present at the ceremonial turnover yesterday were (left to right): Olympic Double Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo, Jollibee Philippines Vice President and Head of Marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching, Jollibee Philippines President Ferns Yu Jr., DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, NAS Executive Director Josephine Joy Reyes, and Governor of Tarlac Province Susan Yap

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

RRep. Jocelyn Limkaichong: A leader in poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods

EP. Jocelyn Limkaichong’s adept management of resources and exploration of innovative revenue streams have ensured a solid financial foundation for our community. This strategic allocation of funds addresses pressing social issues, providing all members, especially women and marginalized groups, opportunities for growth and development.

Moreover, responsible financial stewardship fosters good governance, transparency, and accountability, building trust and confidence within the community. By investing in sustainable livelihood programs, communities can create long-term economic stability and resilience, empowering individuals to break free from poverty and improve their quality of life.

Rep. Limkaichong, fondly known as Josy among her constituents, graduated from De La Salle University in 1973 with an accounting degree. Her educational background was particularly helpful in managing financial resources and finding revenue opportunities for her constituents when she ventured into politics.

As a seasoned legislator and public servant, Rep. Limkaichong’s strong advocacy for education, health, women, poverty alleviation, good governance, and sustainable livelihood programs inspires hope for a brighter future.

In 2004, she became Mayor of the Municipality of La Libertad. She then ran for Congress in 2007, and for two consecutive terms, she served as the district representative of seven municipalities and two cities in Negros Oriental. She is now in her third term and re-elected as the First

District’s Representative in 2016. Rep. Limkaichong is a returning member of the House of Representatives, having previously served during the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th Congress.

meeting their demands, especially in

Rep. Limkaichong is deeply involved in providing service in every sector and meeting their demands, especially in times of need. One of her many programs is “HEART ni Josy,” which stands for Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Tourism.

help calamity victims in her district is just

Her active role in donating goods to help calamity victims in her district is just one example of her hands-on approach, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in her constituents. Her accounting background has also led to notable financial assistance programs for different communities.

For instance, her indigent constituents aptly received financial assistance for burial, transportation, food, and other similar purposes. This assistance has significantly eased the financial burden on these families during difficult times. Rep. Limkaichong also provides financial support to farmers and students while offering them livelihood programs and scholarships and subsidized dorm housing to ensure they learn independence through her empowerment efforts. These initiatives

financial burden on these families during and students while offering them and subsidized dorm housing to ensure

have provided immediate relief and paved the way for a brighter future for Rep. Limkaichong also promotes livelihood programs among diverse working communities in her district.

One notable effort is creating a group of ICAN Weavers from the different barangays under her administration.

She likewise provides boats for the Besides financial aid and livelihood opportunities, the district representative also values health within her community.

Rep. Limkaichong recently delivered medical assistance to children with cleft and lip palate. This initiative has not only improved the health and well-being of these children but also alleviated the financial burden on their families. She likewise provides this help to her constituents so they can address their health problems promptly and without worries. These efforts underscore her commitment to ensure the health and welfare of

has not only improved the the financial burden on their her constituents.

Limkaichong her innovative

After more than a decade in public service, Rep. Limkaichong remains firm in her vision of improving people’s lives in her district through innovative projects and poverty alleviation policies, inspiring hope for a brighter future.

Yet Rep. Limkaichong’s efforts and presence go beyond her district. She has left her mark on the House of

Yet Rep. Limkaichong’s her left

Representatives. As of this writing, she has principally authored 142 legislative measures and co-authored 18 bills for the 19th Congress. These measures have addressed a wide range of issues, from education and health to poverty alleviation and good governance, and have significantly contributed to the country’s development and progress. Her policy priorities manifest her commitment to support local business ventures, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises. Rep. Limkaichong is also an advocate of measures that seek to address the impact of climate change. One example is House Bill 09609 or An Act To Institute Policies And Systems To Address Climate Change, Establishing The Necessary Institutional Mechanisms For The Protection Of Most Vulnerable Communities From Loss And Damage In The Country. As Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations, she has sponsored the DepEd budget for two consecutive years, the DSWD budget for nine years since the 17th Congress until present, and the CHR budget for the 19th Congress. For the 19th Congress, she also serves as a Vice Chairperson for the Committee on Climate Change and the Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, as well as a Member of the Committees on Housing and Urban Development, Labor and Employment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology, Tourism, Trade and Industry, Visayas Development, and Women and Gender Equality. Rep. Limkaichong proves that appropriately managing a community’s financial resources can bring great results. She continues to give back to the people and show them how they can take control of their lives as they move toward a progressive and sustainable future.

By Peter Paul Duran

LED by Rep. Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong, the 1st District of Negros Oriental is a region rich in natural beauty, culture, and community spirit. This northern part of the province is home to cities and municipalities that take pride in both historical significance and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Bagong Pilipinas.

Canlaon City stands out for its agricultural wealth, celebrated annually in the Pasalamat Festival. It is also the home of Mount Canlaon, the highest peak in the Visayas, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Canlaon Natural Park further showcases the region’s rich biodiversity.

In Guihulngan City, the Guihulngan Festival celebrates local culture, while nature lovers can explore the Hinakpan Mystical Hills and the area’s beautiful waterfalls, such as Bunga Falls and Binalbagan Falls.

Ayungon entices adventurers with its caves, including Tambo Cave, and its rivers and scenic countryside, perfect for outdoor exploration. Meanwhile, Bindoy offers peaceful retreats along the coast at Malabuyoc Beach, ideal for relaxation. For nature lovers, Jimalalud presents the stunning Jimalalud Falls and rivers that are perfect for kayaking. La Libertad is famous for its beautiful beach and natural caves, providing plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

The Manjuyod Sandbar in Manjuyod, often called the “Maldives of the Philippines,” is a breathtaking highlight, alongside its thriving marine sanctuaries. In Tayasan, visitors can enjoy the local specialty, Tayasan Bisayang Manok (native chicken), while Vallehermoso offers a scenic escape with its waterfalls and mountains, perfect for trekking. Under the leadership of Rep. Limkaichong, the 1st District of Negros Oriental stands as a testament to the beauty and culture that define Bagong Pilipinas.

Manjuyod Sandbar

Mt. Canlaon Hinakpan Mystical Hills

Ayungon Caves

Guihulngan Falls

these individuals.

fishermen in the area.

La Limar Beach Resort

IN BRIEF

BI agents halt passenger with fake stamp

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) officers prevented a 32-year-old woman from leaving the country for having a fake departure stamp in her passport in an attempt to illegally work abroad.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the victim, whose name was withheld in compliance with anti-trafficking laws, was supposed to board a Cebu Pacific Airlines flight to Vietnam but did not manage to get past the BI’s primary inspection.

“The victim arrived at the counter with her passport, which had a counterfeit departure stamp on it, attempting to convince the officer that she had completed the immigration departure procedures. She initially claimed to be a solo tourist in Vietnam for leisure,” said Viado.

In an interview, the victim revealed her travel plans, which included a trip to Thailand after her stay in Vietnam, intended to apply for an entry visa to Egypt, lured by the promise of an easy approval process. Vito Barcelo Lazatin seeks support for watershed protection

ANGELES City—Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. is calling on residents to help safeguard the watershed in Barangay Sapangbato here.

The Sapangbato Watershed is the city’s resource to prevent flooding and ensure the availability of clean water.

“I am appealing to all Angeleños to be vigilant and help us protect the Sapangbato Watershed,” Lazatin said. “If you see any illegal activities within the watershed—whether construction or any action that could harm the environment—report it immediately to the city government. The future of our water supply and the safety of our community depends on it.”

In a recent statement, Lazatin underscored the importance of the watershed’s protection, and its vital role in sustaining the city’s environmental balance. The area, which has been designated as nonbuildable in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance, faces the threat of illegal construction activities that could endanger its stability and the safety of Angeleños. Butch Gunio Yamsuan supports LGU digitalization plan

REP. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group is supporting an initiative to accelerate the digitalization of local government operations as this complements his advocacy of using technology to swiftly deliver support and services directly to the people.

Yamsuan said this digitalization initiative of newly appointed Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) would not only cut red tape in the delivery of services by the local government units (LGUs) but would also help target beneficiaries who are truly in need of state-funded support.

Yamsuan was referring to Remulla’s reform agenda for the DILG, which includes prioritizing the digitalization of LGUs. The DILG chief said digitalization would enhance the efficiency of governance and make the delivery of public services transparent and more accessible. Maricel V. Cruz

DND chief highlights global collab in disaster risk programs

DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) Secretary

Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday highlighted the importance of collaboration between policymakers and government agencies in disaster risk reduction.

In his address at the second plenary session of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024, Teodoro also highlighted the need for a review of existing laws to address emerging challenges and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they require.

been able to identify some gaps that need to be filled, some streamlining that needs to be done,” he added.

Teodoro also cited Senator Loren Legarda’s call to review the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010.

“Senator Legarda has underscored that our current disaster risk reduction law was enacted 15 years ago, and it is time for a review. Because of changing circumstances, because of experiences in the field, we have

“What I would like to underscore is the synergy between our policymakers and our legislators, and us in the executive branch of government who are supposed to make things happen based on the laws that they pass,” he said.

Teodoro said he is also calling for a data-driven, inclusive approach to disaster management, encouraging local resilience and community engagement, and stressing the significance of global cooperation in tackling disaster risks effectively.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga meanwhile said that the Philippines would host a Loss and Damage Fund Board meeting in December.

“The whole idea of the board and the fund is actually so that there can be funding sources from other than countries specifically,” she added.

In August, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12019 that granted legal personality and capacity to the board of the climate disaster fund.

The governing body of the fund shall have juridical personality with full legal capacity to contract, acquire, and dispose of immovable and movable property, as well as institute legal proceedings. Rex Espiritu

“In December there will be a meeting here of the Loss and Damage Fund Board—we will be the hosts, and we hope that there will be certain agreements reached, [one of which is] who will be actually funding the Loss and Damage Fund Board,” Loyzaga said, quoted by GMA News.

UN: Nearly 51m Filipinos face food insecurity

NEARLY 51 million Filipinos faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2020 to 2022, the highest number in Southeast Asia, according to a United Nations (UN) report.

The UN’s latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report showed there were 50.9 million people who did not have constant access to adequate food in the Philippines in 2022.

However, the prevalence of moderate or severe food security in the total population stood at 44.7% in the Philippines, the second highest in the

region after Cambodia (51.1%). It was also much higher than the 16.4% average in Southeast Asia.

The UN report found that around 29.6% of the global population, equivalent to 2.4 billion people, did not have constant access to food, as measured by the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity. Of this figure, around 900 million individuals faced severe food insecurity.

The UN report also noted that over 122 million more people are facing hunger in the world since 2019 due

to the pandemic, weather shocks and conflicts.

Between 691 million and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022, with a midrange of 735 million. This puts in doubt that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending

“Overall, we need an intense and immediate global effort to rescue the SDG. We must build resilience against the crises and shocks that drive food insecurity — from conflict to climate,” said UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres in a statement.

Group calls for food warning label policies

IN OBSERVANCE of World Food Day and the Global Week for Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) urged lawmakers to enact a mandatory food warning label policy to help address rising cases of NCDs in the country.

The HPA renewed its commitment to push for this initiative by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, October 16. Policymakers and health professionals, including former Health Secretary and HPA lead convenor Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, attended the ceremony.

The organization underscored the need for mandatory food labels to empower Filipinos to make healthier choices. Galvez-Tan emphasized the growing threat of NCDs, which ac-

count for 7 out of 10 deaths in the country. The HPA also cited UNICEF data that showed 74 percent of Filipino adolescents consume inadequate vegetables, while 38 percent drink sugary sodas daily, contributing to the rise in NCDs.

“If we do not do anything now, we will suffer in the future. The grim truth is that NCDs drain patients by trapping them in long-term or lifetime treatment,” Galvez-Tan said at the launch of their campaign in Cubao, Quezon City.

“These diseases can hinder Filipinos from being productive members in society and earning a living. The bottom line: NCDs threaten the quality of life of every Filipino. That is why we want to put this issue on center stage,” he added.

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned the public against politicians who may be using the agency to draw attention to themselves as the 2025 election draws closer.

DSWD Undersecretary Edu Punay told state television PTV said there will be many candidates with various “gimmicks” during election season. The DSWD official gave the statement days after the Office of the Vice President claimed that some of the beneficiaries they referred to the agency were allegedly turned away in social welfare offices, ABS-CBN News reported.

Punay also said the DSWD is not “politicking” and will not be used by politicians.

He also said there is no directive from Malacañang or DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the DSWD to be “selective” in giving aid to the needy.

All beneficiaries seeking cash aid from the DSWD need to undergo screening and interviews as mandated by auditing rules, Punay said.

This process needs to be honored to avoid previous allegations that the DSWD only caters to individuals who are backed by certain politicians, he said.

While the OVP said that “some clients referred by the OVP have been left unattended by various Regional Offices of the DSWD,” Punay underscored that beneficiaries do not need endorsements from any politician to avail of the agency’s services, ABSCBN News further reported.

The official said during the pandemic, the DSWD was accused of distributing its special amelioration program fund to relatives and supporters of barangay and local officials.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) meanwhile said it is working with artificial intelligence (AI) providers to stop the possible spread of deepfakes, which could be used to influence the 2025 midterm elections.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the government was aware of the

SWEET PEAS. A farmer goes about her daily farm chores tending to her crops of sweet peas which are almost ready for harvesting. Dave Leprozo

OPINION

If Heidi Mendoza wins, we are not hopeless

I KEEP repeating in this space that unless we decide to revise the present Constitution and revert to a two-party presidential form of government, we will always suffer the least among us leading us, whether in the presidency, Congress, even our local government units.

But among the crop of senatorial candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy before the Comelec, one stands out, even if she is yet to be listed in the surveys which have replaced the function of political parties in choosing candidates for higher office, but because she is among the four or five most qualified to be in the Senate.

I refer to Heidi Mendoza, former commissioner of the Commission on Audit, recognized by even the United Nations as an expert in the realm of government auditing.

Appointed to the COA by President Benigno S. Aquino III together with Grace Pulido Tan, Heidi Mendoza was a paragon of integrity, using eagle eyes to spot the truly violative of our corruption laws, without taking short-cuts like releasing to publicityhungry legislators the tentative audit reviews of resident auditors which respondent officials have yet to explain and justify to the commission itself.

In fine, Heidi knows the rules and the procedures, and sticks to those rules. And unlike those who preceded them, their commission has not had even the slightest rumor of being on the take, or being pressured and used by high leaders of the land for political ends.

In previous columns and along with other purveyors of opinion in other media outlets, I have rued the lack of competence and character of those who seek public approbation to become duly elected leaders of the land.

Some are members of family dynasties with no other qualification than a well-known surname. Some are “laos” or “mala-laos” members of the entertainment industry with neither diploma nor experience in management of anything. Yet they have been endorsed by otherwise big political parties and supposedly respectable personalities as being fit to become senators of the realm.

And because this sad reality is repeated every election cycle except when we had a two-party system where duly-entitled members winnow the grains from the chaff through conventions, we have had to endure a Senate of clowns, grandstanding loudmouths, and even a few who never open their mouths because there is hardly anything in their

brains to feed their vocal chords.

Yet we pay these 24 republics hefty salaries and allowances which amount to around a million per month, plus pork barrel entitlements which, according to Ping Lacson who in his previous terms refused these, now amount to a minimum of 2 billion Philippine pesos per year, more for the “favored” who get as much as 5 billion in pork each year.

We have elected some 67 contractors to become our representatives in the House, this number according to a congressman who was once a police general and lawyer as well. Since they kept greasing the palms of lawmakers and other dynastic officials per contract, more in fact than their profits, they have wised up and decided to be legislators. Now one of them has become the second most powerful member of the HoR.

We should dream, shouldn’t we?

Imagine the sea change if we had a Heidi Mendoza and a Ping Lacson working together in the Senate to expose in detail the magnitude of these pork barrel entitlements? Imagine if the two collaborated in exposing graft and corruption in the agencies of government and state corporations?

Imagine further if the two worked hand in hand to cut the wasteful expenditures in the budget so that we will not sink further into debt?

The daily government expenditure is P15.8 billion while only P11.7 billion is generated from taxes and other revenues. This leaves a gaping deficit of P4.1 billion, which is financed by borrowing more and more.

That would amount to 1.5 trillion a year, and at that rate, interest charges not included, we will have a total national indebtedness of P21 trillion to P22 trillion by the time this administration bows out in 2028!

Heidi is probably realistic enough to know that the odds against her election to the once-august body are slim, but she has chosen to at least add a “stone in the edifice” of educating our voters in the campaign, despite a paucity of resources, one who would speak the truth while others would shirk from it because it would work against their electoral chances. “Suntok sa buwan” is how we might characterize her impossible dream.

But we should dream, shouldn’t we?

New NAIA fees

ALTHOUGH the public expects higher fees in a privatized NAIA in exchange for better efficiency, comfort and ambiance, this is normally done after some tangible improvements have been made. And probably not as high as the new charges are. To many people, it does look like the new airport management is in a hurry to recover its investments.

This early, the NAIA has increased its overnight parking fees going up from around P300 to about P1,200. The reason given was to reduce traffic congestion in the area and because parking fees had never been increased for the last 20 years. Other service fees for people requesting VIP treatment have also now been increased from P800 to P8,000 per individual. This particular increase appears to have raised a lot of eyebrows which forced the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to

EDITORIAL

Internet connectivity boost

THE good news

is that the World Bank (WB) has already approved a loan worth 268.22 million euros (about $287.24 million or P16 billion) to fund broadband internet connectivity under the “Philippine Digital Infrastructure” project of the national government.

The project funding from the Washington-based multilateral lending institution will be spent to develop the government’s national fiber optic backbone, middle-mile and last-mile connectivity infrastructure. Part of the funding will help ensure that these facilities are made secure against cybersecurity threats and climate risks.

The new financing will carry a concessional rate and better terms for the government compared with those coming from commercial loans.

“Improved internet access will

say “let us observe first.” He did not elaborate any further. Airplane parking fees are also now being increased which means that very soon, airfares will be going up. To be fair, however, this was bound to happen when the airport management was privatized. What was not expected was the amount of increase – it is substantial. Increasing the fees tenfold, I would say, is quite difficult to defend. But if we want an airport that is going to be at par with the world’s best, we have to be prepared to pay more for better services.

Let us be patient and see what happens next.

Furthermore, we should expect that the new NAIA management will be charging other fees on many other things that the public did not pay anything before. Let us take the case of comfort rooms. It is currently free but who knows, clean comfort rooms after all require constant cleaning and that is an added expenditure which will have to be recouped. We have to bear in mind that the terms of the agreement between the government and San Miguel are stiff. For instance, in the profit sharing, San Miguel, if I remember correctly, agreed that the government’s share would be 82 percent. It also transferred to the government coffers P30 billion upon signing of the contract and agreed to some kind of a yearly rent. That does not include the P170 billion to be spent in the rehabilitation of the NAIA which will be solely shouldered by San Miguel. Since San Miguel is a business conglomerate

help all Filipinos, especially those in remote areas of Mindanao, gain better education, health care, social protection and government services,” according to the World Bank country director for the Philippines.

—“—

We will be able to attract more foreign and local investments, boost overall economic growth, and even reduce income inequality.

This project, no doubt, “fosters a brighter future for lagging regions by connecting everyone and ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable Filipinos can benefit from the power of technology,” it added.

The national fiber optic backbone refers to a network of high-capacity cables that link different regions of the country. Carrying large amounts of data at high speeds, this network serves as the principal data highway for com-

and not a charitable organization, it must understandably be able to not only recover its investments but make money during the life of the agreement. Given the current conditions in the current NAIA complex, Ramon Ang should be commended for taking a monumental undertaking of transforming NAIA into a truly worldclass facility because the challenges are certainly enormous. For one, the P170 billion envisioned to be invested in the project would not be enough if the areas surrounding the airport terminals will not be included in the rehabilitation. Transforming mainly the airport terminal buildings into more modern structures will not be enough to make the airport complex world-class.

As I have written many times in the past, the shanty areas leading to the terminal buildings together with Tramo Road that leads to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 must be redeveloped. For those

munications within the country.

This project will complete the remaining parts of the backbone, connecting the two main international landing stations in Baler (Luzon) and Davao City (Mindanao).

Investments in the middle-mile infrastructure will extend connectivity from the main backbone to more localized underserved areas in the regions of Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Easter Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

The project funding will help establish more infrastructure that can connect public institutions, schools and hospitals in Eastern Mindanao, and facilitate free Wi-Fi access points in these facilities.

The project is expected to benefit at least 20 million Filipinos in various areas of the country. Once completed, this will definitely contribute to the goal of facilitating the ease of doing business in the country, among other benefits.

With better connectivity, we will be able to attract more foreign and local investments, boost overall economic growth, and even reduce income inequality in the years ahead.

who have traveled to many countries, they know that there is hardly any country in the world that has the kind of shanty towns surrounding their airports as we do. Other countries try their best to landscape and beautify the areas going to their airports to try to give visitors a good first impression. We are the only country that does not do it.

This is the reason why no matter how much modernization is done on the terminal buildings, if the uncollected garbage remains on the streets together with all those spaghetti electrical wires along the road, the NAIA will never be world class. We need to redevelop the entire airport complex to make it more presentable to first time visitors to the country. Having a road like Tramo going to the NAIA will not attract tourists but will scare them not to come back.

I am sure Ramon Ang and his people already realize this. So, let’s be patient and see what happens next.

Nepali rescuers retrieve bodies of Russian climbers

KATHMANDU — Nepali rescuers

Iran to give ‘decisive’ response if Israel strikes

IN BRIEF

Myanmar junta chief to travel to China

YANGON — Myanmar junta chief Min

Aung Hlaing will travel to close ally China next month, two sources close to the military told AFP Wednesday, in what would be his first known trip there since he led a coup in 2021.

Min Aung Hlaing “is planning to go China in November... the trip has been planned since Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visited Myanmar” in August, a source close to the military said.

“He (Min Aung Hlaing) will visit China next month,” another source said.

Both sources requested anonymity to talk to the media. AFP has contacted China’s embassy in Yangon for comment.

Beijing is a major ally and arms supplier of the internationally isolated junta that is battling opponents across the country following its coup in 2021.

Analysts say Beijing also maintains ties with Myanmar ethnic armed groups that hold territory near its border.

Some of those groups have seized territory from the junta in northern Shan state, disrupting traffic along a vital trade highway to China. AFP

New euthanasia bill filed in UK

LONDON — A UK lawmaker was Wednesday to introduce into parliament legislation that would legalise assisted dying, setting up the first vote on the emotive issue in almost a decade.

Euthanasia is illegal in Britain, but if Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s bill becomes law it would give terminally ill people “choice” at the end of life. It would also align Britain with some European countries where assisted dying is in place to varying degrees.

Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

In Scotland, it is not a specific criminal offence but assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to a charge of murder or other offences. Previous attempts to legalise it have been voted down, but public opinion is shifting and attempts to change the law are under way in Scotland, which has a separate legal system and powers to set its own health policy. AFP

Italian navy brings first migrants to Albania

SHËNGJIN, Albania — A navy boat carrying migrants intercepted in Italian waters docked at Shengjin port in Albania Wednesday, AFP journalists saw, the first arrivals under a new deal between Rome and Tirana. The Italian navy vessel arrived after a 36-hour voyage carrying 16 men from Bangladesh and Egypt. They will be settled in prefabricated housing while their asylum requests are processed. Italy’s two processing centres in Albania, surrounded by high walls and security cameras, are at Camp Gjader, 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the port. They will be operated under Italian law, with Italian security and staff, and

Colombia grants IPs new environmental authority

BOGOTA — The Colombian government said Tuesday it had granted the country’s Indigenous groups new environmental authority on their lands, just days before hosting the UN’s COP16 conference on biodiversity.

“We have signed a decree with the president of the republic that recognizes the Indigenous authorities as the environmental authorities of their people and territory,” Environment Minister Susana Muhamad told reporters.

She added that 115 Indigenous communities would wield new powers within their territories, including over land use, ecosystem protection and conservation rulemaking.

“This is one of the main messages of COP16. It is the constructive dialogue between science and institutions with ancestral and traditional knowledge that is really going to be able to make peace with nature,” Muhamad said.

It remains unclear how the decree will be implemented, and several agricultural groups have raised concerns that it does not define the boundaries of Indigenous lands and could lead to restrictions on water use.

President Gustavo Petro hailed the decree as the payment of a historical debt to Indigenous communities.

“No one can teach any Colombian or any institution how to build a vital

Hong Kong to eliminate ‘shoebox flats’, cut spirits tax

HONG Kong leader John Lee rolled out plans on Wednesday to ban flats under eight square

balance between human beings and nature, like Indigenous peoples,” he said on social media platform X, adding that those who had been “forcibly brought to their knees” were claiming new powers with the decree’s signing.

At the COP16 biodiversity conference in the Colombian city of Cali, delegates will discuss ways to combat poaching of everything from elephant ivory to pangolin scales. In an interview with AFP last month, Muhamad said a key priority of the conference would be creating a body that allows Indigenous communities to access funds for conservation. AFP

TEHRAN — Iran’s top diplomat has warned UN chief Antonio Guterres that Tehran is ready for a “decisive and regretful” response if Israel attacks his country in retaliation for a missile attack.

The Islamic republic fired about 200 missiles at Israel on October 1 in revenge for the killing of two of its closest allies, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as well as an Iranian general.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed last week that his country’s retaliatory measure would be “deadly, precise and surprising”.

“Iran, while making all-out efforts to protect the peace and security of the region, is fully prepared for a decisive and regretful response to any adventures” by Israel, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during a phone call with Guterres, according to a statement from his office on Wednesday.

During the call on Tuesday evening, Araghchi also appealed to the United Nations to use its resources “to stop the crimes and aggressions of the Israeli regime and to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Gaza”.

Iran’s top diplomat also spoke on the phone with his French counterpart JeanNoel Barrot on Tuesday, his office said. In the call, Araghchi stressed the need to stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon, warned against any “new adventures” by its archfoe in the region, and called for the removal of Israeli “obstacles” impeding the delivery of aid to displaced people.

It followed a phone conversation on Sunday between the two countries’ presidents, Emmanuel Macron and Masoud Pezeshkian.

Over the past week, Araghchi has visited Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq and Oman in an effort to ease tensions.

Araghchi arrived in Jordan on Wednesday before travelling to Egypt and Turkey, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said in a post on social media platform X.

The developments come against the backdrop of a war between Israel and Iran-allied Palestinian militant group Hamas that has been raging for more than a year and has expanded to include Lebanon in recent weeks. AFP

VATICAN STAIRCASE. People walk on the Bramante Staircase at the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani),in Vatican City. AFP

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH, Aussie military drills in full swing in CamSur

By Rex Espiritu

APHILIPPINES-AUSTRALIA military tactical exercise is in full swing in Camarines Sur involving a total of 316 soldiers from both countries.

The drills, called KASANGGA Exercise 2024 being held at Camp Elias in the town of San Jose, cover urban operations, close combat techniques, combat shooting, and tactical casualty care.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie

Dema-ala, said the participants came from the Army’s 9th Infantry Division and its Australian counterpart.

“KASANGGA” 2024-2, set Oct. 14 to Nov. 8, is the inaugural combined training exercise between Filipino and Australian ground troops in the

Bicol Region, Dema-ala said.

The troops will also undergo training in explosive assault breaching, cybersecurity operations, mortar gunnery with forward observers, and civil-military operations.

KASANGGA aims to enhance the skills and bolster the interoperability of both armies in various war-fighting functions.

The Army’s 5th Infantry Division hosted the first edition of the combined exercise for the year with Australian ground troops held earlier this year.

Comelec poised to raffle roster of party-lists in 2025 elections

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set on Oct. 18 the conduct of electronic raffle for the purpose of avoiding alphabetical listing of partylist groups in the official ballots for next year’s midterm elections.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the raffle will determine the random listing in the official ballots of the 156 party-lists qualified to participate in the 2025 polls.

He said the policy would prevent partylist groups with names that start with 1 or A to head the list in the ballots for the upcoming national and local polls.

To be included in the raffle are existing party-list groups, whose registrations were retained by the Commission and have filed their manifestation of intent to participate in the party-list elections and party-list groups that are newly-registered and accredited by the poll body.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 11068, the raffle will be held Oct. 18 at 9 a.m., in the Comelec’s office in Intramuros, Manila. It will be simultaneously aired through the poll body’s official streaming platforms.

The existing party-lists are 1 RIDER, 1PACMAN, 1TAHANAN, 4PS, A TEACHER, AA KASOSYO, ABANG LINGKOD, ABONO, ABP, ACT TEACHERS, ACT-CIS, AGAP, AGIMAT, AGRI, AHON MAHIRAP, AIA, AKBAYAN, AKO BICOL, AKO BISAYA, AKO OFW, AKO PADAYON, AKTIBONG KAAGAPAY, ALONA, ANAKALUSUGAN, ANG KOMADRONA, ANG PROBINSYANO, ANGAT, ANG KASANGGA, APAT DAPAT, APEC, API PARTY, ARISE, ARTE, ASAP NA, ASENSO PINOY, AANGAT TAYO, BABAE AKO and BAGONG PILIPINAS.

4Ps enjoins beneficiaries to register vital info data with PhilSys

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) encourages beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to register their demographic and biometric information to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).

“The PhilSys registration and authentication will serve as an equiva-

IN BRIEF

‘AI charges on stifling of free speech baseless’

THE National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday strongly denied accusations by the Amnesty International that the Philippine government stifles dissent and freedom of expression under the Marcos administration.

“We take very strong exception to the one-sided, misleading, and baseless report of Amnesty International for making rash judgments of the Marcos administration so far removed from reality. Freedom of expression in the Philippines is constitutionally-protected and we can see that in the robust and healthy traditional and social media environment where opinions are expressed freely every single day,” said NSC asst. director general Jonathan Malaya. Malaya asserted that the report provides a one-sided portrayal, failing to account for the Marcos administration’s efforts to protect freedom of speech and of the press in the country.

“AI did not even account for the side of the Philippine government before it released its report. The National Security Council should have been given the opportunity to rebut each of their so-called findings before this was released to the public. This only fuels speculation that the report is more for propaganda purposes to vilify the state rather than an honest assessment,” said Malaya.

Rex Espiritu

OCD cites NOLCOM for typhoon relief ops

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has lauded the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) for its vital role in the relief operations in Batanes. OCD administrator. Ariel Nepomuceno extended cited NOLCOM under Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca =, and the American forces, for extending relief and assistance to the hard-hit victims of super typhoon Julian in northern Luzon.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly to Lieutenant General Buca and the personnel of NOLCOM, for their unwavering commitment and dedication during the recent relief efforts in response to Typhoon Julian. Your tireless work alongside President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. has been instrumental in providing much-needed assistance to our affected communities,” Nepomuceno said in a statement.

lent to compliance of 4Ps households with the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) condition for the October to November 2024 period,” 4Ps national program manager and director Gemma Gabuya said. According to Gabuya, the implementation of PhilSys registration and authentication as an FDS equivalency is based on a directive by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to increase the number of 4Ps households who

DAR: Help farmers promote their products

By Rio N. Araja

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III on Wednesday urged the public to help promote the products of farmer-beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and enable them to be globally competitive. As the nation joined the celebration of the International Rural Women’s Day and Rural Women’s Month, the Department of Agrarian Reform holds a fourday Agraryo Trade Fair at its central office on Elliptical Rd. in Diliman, Quezon City.

“Let us help promote the products of our agrarian reform beneficiaries not only for local consumption, but also globally. The DAR has allocated funds for training so that they can improve their products for it to be competitive and marketable not only locally, but

also around the world,” Estrella said.

He cited the importance of establishing local and global networks to help the farmers promote and sell their products through a value chain system whereby DAR helps the farmers from land to material sourcing, production, credit assistance, product processing, consumption and marketing assistance.

Undersecretary for support services

Rowena Niña Taduran said the trade fair showcasing various food and nonfood products is a platform to celebrate not only the spirit of agriculture, but also the vital contributions of farmer organizations in a collective mission to ensure food security.

“As we embark on this journey together, we recognize that these organizations play a crucial role in transforming our agricultural landscape,” she noted.

have Philsys or national IDs, and to ensure that they benefit from the enhanced identification system.

“It will be rolled out nationwide in partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), with focus on areas in Regions 3 (Central Luzon) and CALABARZON where the logistical support of PSA allows for the saturation of all household members,” Gabuya stressed.

She said eligible 4Ps beneficiaries can register for PhilSys at designated registration centers, including barangay halls, shopping malls, and FDS co-location venues, as well as sites organized by the PSA.

Since Oct. 5, NOLCOM, in close coordination with the United States III Marine Expeditionary Force and supported by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), spearheaded relief missions to Batanes. Rex Espiritu

“A household grantee registered to the PhilSys will be entitled to one month of FDS compliance, while households, where all members are registered, will receive two months’ worth of compliance,” Gabuya explained.

Remulla swears in successor in Cavite NEWLY installed Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Remulla Jr. joined the Monday’s flag-raising ceremony in Trece Martires, Cavite where he officiated the oathtaking of Gov. Athena Bryana Tolentino.

In his remarks, Remulla reflected on his 29 years of service to the province from the time when he was the Benjamin of the provincial board up to his recent position as governor.

Remulla said he has made a lot of realizations over the years and he accepted the call to serve not only the province but the entire county in support of the President’s development agenda, bringing with him the same energy that he gave when he led the province.

“Cavite is my home, you are my people”, Remulla said as assured the current and future administrator4s of the province of his full support. Dennis Abrina

COURTESY CALL. Brunei Darussalam Minister of Home Affairs Dato Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman calls on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. The two officials discussed matters of mutual interest on the sidelines of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction hosted by the Philippines and attended by delegates from various countries.

PH, AUSSIE MILITARY EXERCISE. KASANGGA 2024, a week-long joint military tactical exercise involving some 300 troopers from the Philippines and Australia, unfolds in Camp Elias in San Jose, Camarines Sur.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Avaricio’s red-hot 63, Uy’s solid 65 lead to shootout

MURCIA, Negros Occidental—Chanelle Avaricio wielded a scorching putter to fire a brilliant seven-under 63, catching an equally in-form Daniella Uy at the top of the leaderboard and setting up a thrilling showdown for the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge crown here on Wednesday.

Avaricio, a multi-titled Ladies Philippine Golf Tour campaigner, made her presence felt early, carding four birdies in the opening holes at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club. She carried that momentum into the back nine, adding three more birdies to produce a flawless 31-32 round, putting herself firmly in contention for the P130,000 champion’s purse in the P1 million tournament presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.

Returning to local competition after a series of international stints, Avaricio showcased her well-rounded game. Despite a modest fifth-place finish at last week’s Iloilo Golf Challenge, she entered the Bacolod event without lofty expectations.

After an uneven first-round performance of one-over 71, Avaricio found her rhythm in the second round, excelling in all facets of her game, particularly her putting, to assemble a 134 aggregate heading to the final 18 holes.

However, her quest for another championship is far from easy, as Uy delivered her own flawless performance, firing a 65 highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 No. 7.

Facing a tricky decision between a 50- or 54-degree wedge for her 104yard approach on the 368-yard hole, Uy opted for a controlled shot, and the result was spectacular. The ball landed near the hole and rolled in for an eagle, boosting her scorecard.

The former Junior World champion added birdies on Nos. 11, 15 and 17 to finish with a 33-32 round, tying Avaricio at six-under total.

As the final round approach, Avaricio and Uy, both bracing for an intense shootout, are maintaining a measured approach despite the high stakes.

Behind the leaders, Sarah Ababa, fresh off her win at last week’s Iloilo Golf Challenge, shot a solid 66 to move into solo third at 138, four shots off the pace.

PH’s pencak silat team bags gold, 5 silvers in Uzbekistan

By Randy Caluag

FILIPINO martial artists continued to make waves in the international sports scene.

After the remarkable performances by athletes in sambo and kickboxing, it was the Philippine Pencak Silat team’s turn to shine at the 8th Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2024 in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, bagging an impressive haul of 1 gold, 5 silver, and 9 bronze medals.

The standout performance came from Angeline Viriña, making her international debut. She clinched the country’s lone gold medal in the tanding women’s -45kg category, outclassing competitors from Uzbekistan and Indonesia.

PhilSilat Sports Association President Princess Jacel Kiram expressed pride in the team’s achievement, highlighting their dedication and perseverance.

“Out of 22 athletes, 19 secured medals— a remarkable testament to your hard work. Your efforts have made us all proud,” Kiram shared in a social media post.

She also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission for its continued support, adding, “Mabuhay ang

Volley team owner Milka Romero vows to focus on sports

MILKA Romero has been very busy of late with her rapidly growing food business, but she just can’t simply veer away from sports –volleyball in particular.

The co-team owner of the Capital1 Solar Energy – the other is sister Mandy – in the Philippine Volleyball League (PVL) has hinted of something big to come as they intend to add more valuable pieces to their team in their desire to raise their first ever championship trophy the soonest.

“The team has overachieved in the last PVL conference, but winning a championship is still our main goal, so we are doing everything possible so we can have the best players in our team,” said the charming daughter of outgoing 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero.

Though she will become as busy as a bee in the coming months in preparation

Depilo bucks odds, ties Que, Chan at helm

MURCIA, Negros Occidental— Rico Depilo, often a contender but yet to clinch a title, surged into the spotlight once again with a

bogey-free 64, forcing a three-way tie for the lead midway through the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge here on Wednesday. Sharing the top spot at eight-under 132 with seasoned pro Angelo Que (63) and rising star Aidric Chan (66), Depilo’s strong performance has set the stage for a thrilling battle as the P2.5 million tournament lives up to its reputation as a true test of skill and endurance at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club.

With just two strokes separating the top 10 players, the tournament is wide open. Among those lurking just behind the leaders is Kim Tae Soo, who fired the best round of the tournament with a 62 under preferred lies to sit at 133, alongside seasoned contenders like Jhonnel Ababa (65) and Reymon Jaraula (66).

Keanu Jahns has also positioned himself firmly in the hunt for a second career victory following his breakthrough win at Forest Hills last month. Delivering a strong 65, he climbed into a tie for eighth place with a two-day total of 134, alongside Japan’s Ozeki Kakeru, who shot a 67, and Fidel Concepcion, who carded a 68.

Despite Depilo’s impressive play and solid history of contention, he has yet to claim a Philippine Golf Tour title, something that has eluded him throughout his career spanning over two decades.

“My shots were steady, and my approach shots landed close to the hole, which helped me score six birdies. Hopefully, I can play like this again tomorrow (Thursday) so I will have a chance to win the championship,” said Depilo in Filipino.

“I didn’t expect to score this well, but I got lucky today, and it worked out in my favor. It was all just luck,” Depilo added with a candid smile. “Who knows, maybe I can do it again tomorrow.”

for next year’s midterm elections being the No. 1 nominee of her father’s party-list in Congress, Milka stressed that she will remain deeply involve with the team’s planned buildup especially now that some PVL stars have shown interest in joining Capital1.

“We are actually excited about that,” said Mandy. “So watch out.”

Capital1 reached the quarters of the Reinforced Conference in only its second conference, beating some established teams along the way to gain the attention of even the rabid volleyball fans.

But the call of being a public servant is no stranger to the 31-year-old part-time model being on her father’s side on several occasions the former Senior Deputy Speaker was delivering aids to the poor and needy in various institutions across the country.

Mixed martial arts gets boost from Tolentino

AMATEUR mixed martial arts action

(MMA) got going on Monday night with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino vowing to help nurture the sport that will make its debut in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) next year in Saudi Arabia. Tolentino heads the newly-established Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas (NMMAPP)—the highest governing body for amateur MMA in the country—which organized the inaugural Asian Mixed Martial Arts Manila Open, a threeday competition that started Monday and ended Wednesday at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Manila.

A total of 88 fighters from 16 Asian countries—among them the Philippines, Thailand, India, China, Mongolia, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan—competed in 11

weight classes in the event.

“We are very thankful to your overall support and we will make sure that this amateur sport will be the safest,” said Tolentino during his address in the event’s opening ceremony. “We’re happy that MMA is in the program of the 2025 AIMAG in Saudi Arabia.”

Tolentino thanked Gordon Tang, Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) president and Olympic Council of Asia vice president, of Cambodia for choosing the Philippines as the inaugural venue of the open. With Tolentino and Tang on opening night were VIP Director of 9 Dynasty Group Derries Wong, pro fighter Kazuhiro Sakamoto,AMMA sports committee chairman Wang Zuankan, Jiang Longyun, Okada Shie and NMMAPP secretary-general Alvin Aguilar.

City event, which is also being dubbed the “ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila Marathon presented by AIA pre-run,” provides runners with a taste of what’s to come in the official marathon scheduled for Nov. 24. Runners and their supporters can look forward to a unique blend of fun, music and

stints, Chanelle Avaricio showcased her well-rounded game. Manny Marcelo

Team Pilipinas! Here’s to more success in the future!”

Over the weekend in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Philippines made big waves at the 2024 Asian Kickboxing Championship with 5 golds, 1 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

One of the notable athletes were Jovan Medallo, a forms specialist, who emerged as a double gold medalist, and boxing Olympian Hergie Bacyadan, along with Carlo Von Buminaang and Gina Araos, who each claimed gold in the combat division.

The PH pencak silat team

Milka Romero with Tagudin folks in Ilocos Sur

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (7th from left) is shown with Asian mixed martial arts executives, o cials and stakeholders, including VIP Director of 9 Dynasty Group Derries Wong, pro ghter Kazuhiro Sakamoto, Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) sports committee chairman Wang Zuankan, Jiang Longyun, AMMA president Gordon Tang, Okada Shie and Nasyonal Mixed Martial Arts Pederasyon ng Pilipinas secretary general Alvin Aguilar.

Rico Depilo Manny Marcelo

ACTION PLAN. The launch of the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan (PHISAP) 20232028 on Wednesday at The Westin Manila culminates with a traditional Filipino rice and salt ritual, symbolizing the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) and the Philippine Hotel Owners Association’s (PHOA) commitment to ushering in a new era of growth and prosperity for the Philippine hotel industry. The ritual performed by Sindaw Philippines, incorporates heirloom rice to represent abundance and fertility, reflecting the rich heritage of the country’s farming communities, and Philippine sea salt, symbolizing purity and good fortune.

BSP cuts key interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.0%

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reduced its policy rates by 25 basis points Wednesday amid an improving inflation outlook.

The BSP cut the overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 6.0 percent. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also adjusted to 5.50 percent and 6.50 percent, respectively. These will take effect on Oct. 17, 2024.

Oxford Economics said “this decision raises the risk of a weaker currency, particularly as the peso has faced a recent period of depreciation.”

September car sales growth slowed to 2.3%

VEHICLE sales grew 2.4 percent in September 2024, slowing from the 10.3-percent increase registered in August, two industry groups said Wednesday.

Industry data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that sales increased to 39,452 units in September 2024 from 38,628 a year ago. Passenger car sales went up by 9.2 percent to 10,348 unit from 9,558, while commercial car sales rose by a marginal 0.1 percent to 29,104 from 29,070.

Demand also increased 1 percent month-on-month from 39,155 units in August 2024. Passenger car sales rose 9.54 percent on a monthly basis, while commercial vehicles declined 1.8 percent.

CAMPI noted the lack of new model releases in September, possibly due to the brands’ preparation for the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show in October where members expect to launch new models.

“As such, we would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to stay tuned for exciting news and releases related to the 9th PIMS on Oct. 24 to 27, 2024,” said Gutierrez. Othel B. Campos

In the first half of October, the peso depreciated by 3 percent against the US dollar, as concerns over the US

INVESTMENT PROMOTION. The Board of Investments (BOI) and the Korea TradeInvestment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) formalizes their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing joint efforts in investments promotion. Signing the agreement are Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (second from right) and KOTRA vicepresident Jihyung Lee (second from left) on Oct. 7, 2024.

growth outlook eased driven by positive news out of the September jobs report.

“The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment that price pressures remain manageable. The risk-adjusted inflation forecast for 2024 eased to 3.1 percent from 3.3 percent in the previous meeting,” the BSP said.

“However, the risk-adjusted forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have increased slightly to 3.3 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively. Nevertheless,

this outlook is safeguarded by wellanchored inflation expectations,” it said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier reported that inflation rate dropped to 1.9 percent in September 2024, the lowest level in 52 months. This marks a significant decline from 3.3 percent in August 2024 and 6.1 percent a year earlier. Inflation in the first nine months of 2024 averaged 3.4 percent, within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

“The balance of risks to the outlook for 2025 and 2026 has shifted toward the upside owing mainly to potential adjustments in electricity rates and higher minimum wages in areas outside Metro Manila. Meanwhile, downside factors continue to be linked to the impact of lower import tariffs on rice,” the BSP said.

THE Department of Transporta -

tion (DOTr) said Wednesday it completed 53 airport projects as of August 2024, a significant increase from the 17 airports finished in June 2022.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the achievement underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing the country’s air transportation infrastructure.

“Building on this momentum, we are actively advancing the modernization of our airports through PublicPrivate Partnerships creating more opportunities for innovation and

growth,” Bautista said.

“This September, we initiated a significant step by transferring control of the country’s main gateway to a private concessionaire, facilitating the development of a newer, bigger and better airport in Metro Manila,” Bautista said.

Beyond infrastructure, Bautista said operational safety could not be overstated. “It is a pledge we make to every life that depends on the skies,” he said.

“In line with this commitment, we are strengthening the independence of the Aircraft Accident Investiga-

PUBLIC-PRIVATE partnership (PPP) projects are vital for bolstering disaster resilience in the Philippines, particularly in developing climateresilient infrastructure, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan made this statement as he joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the opening ceremony of the 2024 AsiaPacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City on Oct. 15, 2024.

“Limited fiscal space, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates developing our

tion and Inquiry Board [AAIIB].

The board’s recent restructuring under the direct oversight of DOTr is essential for conducting unbiased investigations eliminating any potential conflicts of interest from the CAA, [Civil Aviation Authority],” Bautista said.

Bautista also said the agency and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines were actively working to minimize the environmental impact of aviation growth through the integration of sustainable practices and continuous operational improvements. Darwin G. Amojelar

governance framework for public-private partnerships to finance climateresilient infrastructure,” Balisacan said.

He said while most PPP projects are in the physical and digital connectivity sectors, “major water supply, flood control and irrigation infrastructure projects are also in the pipeline to meet the economy’s growing needs while ensuring climate-change resiliency.”

NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos and assistant secretary Roderick Planta were also among the Philippines’ representatives at the conference. Darwin G. Amojelar

PH aims to have 456,000 hotel rooms by 2028

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) expects the accommodation sector to have 456,000 room keys by 2028. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the need for the hotel and accommodation industry to act swiftly.

“Every delay in building capacity and improving infrastructure is a missed opportunity,” Frasco said, while addressing the participants during the launch of the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan for 2023 to 2028.

She said the Philippine Hospitality and Sustainable Accommodation Program (PHISAP) would strive to advance the required infrastructure to help accommodate the rising number of foreign arrivals.

“PHISAP is a crucial step in our journey to transform the Philippines into a world-class tourism destination. By increasing our hotel room capacity, we can accommodate more visitors and boost our economy,” Frasco said.

To support the growth of the tourism industry, the government is investing in infrastructure projects, improving public-private partnerships and implementing policies that promote tourism development.

Frasco called for the construction and expansion of tourism roads, bridges and airports as well as the adoption of digital platforms to enhance the tourist experience.

The DOT is also prioritizing trust-building and investing in the well-being of tourism employees and stakeholders, as Frasco emphasized the importance of sustainability, hygiene and safety in attracting travelers, particularly in the postpandemic era.

Frasco said the challenges facing the tourism industry are too complex to be solved by any single sector or government alone. She stressed the need for collaboration and a resilient, adaptable and forward-thinking tourism ecosystem to meet the demands of today’s travelers and anticipate the needs of the future.

CLEAN WATER. The corporate social arms of Prime Infra and Manila Water, together with Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) Pampanga, turn over the newly-completed deep well facility to the Katutubo Village, an Aeta community in Barangay Planas located in Porac. The facility was built to provide the community with long-term access to clean and safe water, addressing the challenges of limited supply that had affected health, hygiene and sanitation.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

SEC files complaint against Bulacan Ukay Ukay for offering investments

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Wednesday it filed a criminal complaint against Bulacan Okay Ukay Direct Supplier for offering investments to the public without a license.

It filed a complaint before the Department of Justice on Oct. 10, accusing the owner of Bulacan Ukay Ukay Direct Supplier of violating several laws, including the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The SRC prohibits selling securities without proper registration from the SEC. Violators can face fines up to P5 million or imprisonment for up to 21 years, or both.

The Cybercrime Prevention Act increases penalties for crimes using technology.

The Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA) classifies misleading investment offers as fraud, while the Anti-Money

Laundering Act (AMLA) can also apply, the SEC said.

The complaint follows an entrapment operation by the Philippine National Police and the SEC in Guiguinto, Bulacan on Oct. 9.

They acted on reports that the owner of Bulacan Ukay Ukay was soliciting investments between P2 million and P4 million, promising monthly returns of 7 percent to 10 percent through her Facebook page.

The SEC said investigations showed that she was soliciting investments without SEC registration. The SRC requires registration for selling securities and prohibits fraudulent schemes.

The complaint said that “publicly offering and selling said investment contracts without a license or approval from the SEC is not only illegal per se but would also operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person.”

Jenniffer B. Austria

PH stocks edge lower despite new BSP interest rate cut

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE local stock market edged lower Wednesday despite the decision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to reduce its key interest rate by 25 basis points. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 19.31 points, or 0.26 percent, to end at 7,437.00. The broader all-shares index, however, advanced by 11.11 points, or 0.27 percent, to close at 4,097.56.

Veteran stock brokerage Jonathan Ravelas said the market was strug-

SM’s green project empowers PDLs, skilled artisans

SM GREEN Finds, in collaboration with social entrepreneur and designer Zarah Juan, created nearly 100 jobs, including opportunities for independent artisans and people deprived of liberty (PDL) in Quezon City. The project, focused on repurposing discarded tarpaulins into stylish tote bags and pouches, fostered economic growth and skill development in vulnerable communities.

By upcycling 34,000 square feet of used tarpaulins—an area equivalent to seven NBA basketball courts—the project helped reduce waste while providing practical and entrepreneurial training for participants.

More than 52 skilled artisans from Bulacan turned the design into reality, while PDLs were responsible for cleaning and preparing the discarded tarpaulins for sewing.

“The tarp bag project significantly empowered and upskilled more than 30 female PDLs in Quezon City,” said Quezon City Jail chief inspector Lourvina Abrazado.

“By providing them with practical and entrepreneurial skills and a sense of purpose and dignity, the project

gling to stay positive and that cutting interest rate was not enough to sustain the market’s rally.

He said the global headwinds and the upcoming US presidential elections also affected investor sentiment.

Analysts said the weakening of the peso against the dollar weighed down on the equities market. The peso closed at 57.70 against the greenback Wednesday, slightly up from 57.86 Tuesday.

Four sectoral indices in the stock market closed in the negative territory, led by mining which declined by 1.08 percent and property which

dropped by 0.83 percent.

Industrial rose 0.32 percent, while financial climbed 0.04 percent.

Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly fell Wednesday after a tech-led selloff on Wall Street fueled by worries about the sustainability of the AI rally, while oil prices clawed back some of the previous two days’ hefty losses.

Traders were keeping tabs on China after Beijing said its housing minister would hold a briefing with central bank and finance ministry officials on Thursday, raising hopes for more help for the property sector. With AFP

helped improve their overall wellbeing and future reintegration prospects,” Abrazado said.

Juan designed the bags with functionality and aesthetics that go beyond fleeting trends. “I designed it for enduring appeal and longevity,” she said, adding that she is confident that every customer who purchases an SM Green Finds tote bag will appreciate their own contribution towards a sustainable lifestyle.

SM Green Finds x Zarah Juan The Tarp Project bags are available at Kul-

FILIPINOS, perhaps, are the most prepared and resilient people in the face of disasters. They are nonchalant and shrug off every calamity that come their way.

They cope with unfortunate events with their bahala na or fatalism attitude and accept unfortunate events as part life’s challenges.

Gustavo González, UN resident coordinator in the Philippines, is amazed at how Filipinos deal with disasters during his frequent visits to the country. He has concluded that the United Nations’ standard toolkit for humanitarian and development programming may not be the ideal model for disaster response.

Ahead of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction last Sunday, Mr Gonzalez is learning that the affected people are in the best position to decide what they need and where the UN can add value in the aftermath of a disaster.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself recognized the resiliency of the Philippines during the opening of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk

Reduction hosted by Manila.

“Much has been said of the resilience of the Filipino spirit. While nature has gifted us with natural wonders, it has reminded us of its formidable power. We are visited by more than 20 tropical cyclones in a year,” he said. “Still, we remain Asia’s engine of growth. We find ourselves at a critical juncture.”

Around 4,000 delegates from 70 countries gathered in Manila to stress the urgency of strengthening regional efforts to ensure a safer future for all.

Mr. Gonzalez, meanwhile, cannot help but notice the Filipino brand of resilience to natural disasters. He notes that the exposure to disasters and the vulnerability to climate change have compelled Filipinos to cultivate a unique sense of resilience.

The “saving lives” spirit is widely spread within local communities, UN News quoted him as saying. As Filipinos frequently say, “as long as there is life, there is hope.”

The Philippines is the most prone to natural hazards in the world and they are becoming more intense due

tura branches nationwide. Tote bags are priced at P999, while the pouch bags are at P499. Sales from the tote bags will be donated to the SM Foundation’s youth and education initiatives, furthering the social impact of the campaign.

SM Green Finds is a multi-year campaign focused on products made from natural, local ingredients to support local communities and empower micro, small and medium enterprises in their green practices.

Consunji firms declare special cash dividends

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DMCI Holdings Inc. and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), two listed firms led by the Consunji family, on Wednesday declared special cash dividends.

DMCI Holdings said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved a special cash dividend of P0.48 per common share for shareholders on record as of Oct. 30, 2024.

This follows a previous declaration of P0.72 per share in regular and special dividends made on April 4, 2024. It said that with the October declaration, DMCI’s total dividend payout for 2024 reaches P1.20 per share, amounting to P15.9 billion, representing 65 percent of the company’s core net income in 2023.

The ex-dividend date is set for Oct. 29, 2024, with payment scheduled for Nov. 15, yielding a 10-percent dividend based on the company’s closing price of P11.72 on Oct. 15.

DMCI Holdings has a dividend policy that commits to a dividend payout ratio of at least 25 percent of the preceding year’s consolidated core net income.

The board of SMPC also approved the declaration of a special cash dividend of P2.50 per outstanding common share for shareholders on record as of Oct. 29, 2024.

The ex-dividend date is Oct. 28, with payment expected on Nov. 14.

PH disaster resilience is unique

Filipinos have a simple set of priorities in preparing for and coping with disasters.

to climate change.

The UN, in response, has been coordinating with the Philippines to prepare for a wide range of disasters.

“The Philippines, with its (7,100) islands and many coastal cities, has always been extremely vulnerable to intense weather events and natural hazards. Each year there are some 20 typhoons, and many can transform into super typhoons, which are very destructive extreme weather events,” says the UN coordinator.

But Filipinos have a simple set of priorities in preparing for and coping with disasters. Granting them small financial assistance to help them carry their valuable assets to evacuation centers and stock up on food is all they need before

rebuilding their homes.

The Philippines ranks first globally in the World Risk Index that measures vulnerability and exposure to natural extreme events. That makes Filipinos inure to disasters, including volcano eruptions, earthquakes and the seasonal typhoons.

Mr. Gonzalez now realizes how the diverse geography of the Philippines influences the priorities and requirements of the Filipinos in coping with disasters.

“When I visited an area affected by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021, I assumed that it would share the same cultural identity and political dynamics as other parts of the country, but this was far from the case,” he notes.

“Even on a tiny island you can be confronted with totally different socioeconomic realities, in locations just a few kilometers apart. While one community may ask for mobile phones to rapidly re-establish communications and put solidarity in motion, the neighboring community may require livelihood support or just some materials to start rebuilding

This follows the company’s April payout of P3.50 per share, totaling P14.88 billion in dividends. With the latest declaration, Semirara’s total dividend payout for 2024 will reach P25.50 billion, equating to a remarkable 91-percent payout of its net income, above its policy of at least 20 percent.

The total annual dividend of P6 per share results in an almost 18-percent yield based on its closing price of P34 on Oct. 15. Both announcements highlight the Consunji family’s commitment to returning value to shareholders through substantial dividend payouts.

Shares of DMCI on Wednesday surged 5.8 percent to P12.40, while the stock price of SMPC closed unchanged at P34.

DMCI reported a 29 percent decline in net income to P11.1 billion in the first half of 2024 from P15.6 billion a year ago. Net income of SMPC, country’s largest coal producer, also declined in the first half by 34 percent, to P12.6 billion from P19.2 billion a year earlier on weaker coal prices and higher coal production costs.

their homes,” he says.

“I remember one inspirational local leader on Dinagat island who was very clear about the priorities of her community following a super typhoon. She respectfully questioned some of our standard and globally practiced humanitarian interventions. She argued that some items were superfluous, while highlighting gaps in other areas, and requested a customized response to improve the effectiveness of the response.”

Mr. Gonzalez surmised that incorporating the wealth of local knowledge into the humanitarian response is a paradigm shift away from the UN’s standard approach. “Portraying affected communities just as a combination of needs and vulnerabilities is oversimplifying a complex reality. Developing the humility to listen, discover and genuinely engage with communities is an absolute requirement,” he concluded.

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

ABOITIZLAND’S AWARDS. Aboitiz Land Inc. and its president and chief executive David Rafael are named as

Circle of Excellence Awardees at 2024 Asia CEO Awards for innovation and leadership. Rafael won the CEO of the Year Circle of Excellence Award, while Aboitiz Land earned the Technology Company of the Year Circle of Excellence Award for its groundbreaking OneVecino platform. These accolades highlight their leadership, innovation and significant contributions to the real estate and technology sectors.

Local bag artisans from Bulacan province create and assemble bags from used tarpaulins of SM Store. This is part of SM Green Finds’ livelihood project in collaboration with renowned social entrepreneur and designer Zarah Juan.

BUSINESS

San Miguel wants to optimize Angat hydro plant

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SAN Roque Hydro Power Inc.

(SRHP), a unit of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., is pursuing the 4-megawatt Angat Run-of-River Project (ARORP) and the 150-megawatt Angat Optimization Project (AOP) in Norzagaray, Bulacan province with an estimated capital expenditure budget of P8.437 billion.

SRHP said in documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources the projects are expected to be completed by 2028 to address the projected increase in

DOE endorses 19 projects for grid impact study

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday it endorsed to grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) 19 power generation projects with total capacity of 3,600 megawatts for the conduct of a system impact study in September.

The SIS will determine the capacity of the power grid to accommodate additional capacities and identify necessary improvements needed such as transmission lines, transformers or substations.

“In September 2024, the DOE issued 19 SIS endorsements to the NGCP, which are composed of three amendments and 16 new applications,” the agency said.

This brings the total number of issued SIS endorsements to NGCP to 148 since January 2024.

Among the big-ticket projects endorsed for grid impact study are the 1,000-megawatt Mindoro onshore wind project of Vortex Offshore Wind Corp. in Mindoro and Antique, the 425-MW Magahis solar plant of Tuy Solar Power Corp. in Batangas, the 400-MW Ilocos onshore wind power project of wpd Philippines Onshore Inc. in Ilocos Norte and the 478-MW Burgos Dasol solar project of North Luzon Green and Sustainable Energy, Inc. in Pangasinan.

The DOE also endorsed to NGCP the 209-MW Casilagan solar project of Cleanergy 2 Inc. in Nueva Ecija, the 100-MW Villahermosa-Danlog Solar Power Project of Exhal Renewable Energy Corp. in Sorsogon and the 100-MW Alegria Wind Power Project of MC Project Solutions Inc. in Cebu. Alena Mae S. Flores

demand in the Luzon grid.

The Angat River, which flows through Norzagaray, is used for irrigation, domestic water supply and hydroelectric power generation.

The proposed projects will harness the flow of the river for hydroelectric power generation. As water is discharged from the Angat Dam to the Bustos Dam to irrigate Bulacan and Pampanga, the ARORP will utilize the runoff water by passing it through a turbine to generate electricity before it continues to flow.

SRHP said the Angat Hydroelectric Power Plant (AHEPP) main units are

not reaching their full capacity due to the effects of climate change.

“Thus, the Angat Optimization Project will maximize the water discharged by the AHEPP Main Units by pumping it back to the existing Angat reservoir during off-peak periods (nighttime) to make it available again during peak periods (daytime),” the company said.

The AOP process involves storing the water discharged by AHEPP main units during its power generation in a lower pond that will be created by constructing a small dam along the Angat River downstream of AHEPP’s tailrace.

DTI supports VAT on non-resident digital providers

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Wednesday it supports Republic Act (RA) No. 12023, a landmark legislation that imposes a 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on non-resident digital service providers (DSPs) such as Netflix, Disney and HBO.

RA 12023 aims to create a more equitable digital landscape by requiring foreign DSPs to pay their fair share of taxes. The law promotes healthy competition and enables local businesses to thrive.

“With a more competitive landscape, we can better leverage digital technologies to innovate, expand, and thrive in the global marketplace. Ensuring that all DSPs, regardless of origin, contribute their fair share promotes healthy competition, and supports the growth of our local enterprises,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.

The law is projected to generate substantial revenue for the government, estimated at P105 billion over the next five years.

The Department of Finance

expects a significant increase in revenue from the VAT on foreign DSPs, with P7.25 billion expected in 2025 alone.

To further support the creative sector, five percent of the total expected revenue will be allocated to the Malikhaing Pinoy program. The initiative benefits over 7.26 million Filipinos employed in the Philippine creative industries, providing them with wider support and opportunities.

The Malikhaing Pinoy Program, a flagship DTI initiative, has been instrumental in developing the country’s creative industries. With the additional financial support from RA 12023, the program is poised to expand its initiatives and empower Filipino creatives to compete globally.

PNOC in talks with Petronas, Pertamina for self-generating industrial project

STATE-RUN Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) is in talks with its Indonesian and Malaysian counterparts to support its planned self-generating industrial project (SGIP) in Tawi-Tawi and Dinagat islands, according to its top executive.

The SGIP project envisions an innovative industrial park powered by a microgrid combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy sources like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

PNOC president Oliver Butalid said during the Senate hearing Tuesday Indonesian state-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina and Malaysia’s

Petronas could provide small-scale LNG once the project becomes successful.

“We intend to pilot this concept in two off-grid islands—Tawi-Tawi and Dinagat,” Butalid said, adding that 70 percent of industrial activities in the country is concentrated in provinces north and south of Metro Manila.

“That is where all industrial activities are, and that is also where land is very costly, labor is costly… So a place like Dinagat and Tawi Tawi are suitable for this project because we want to create baseload capacity 24/7 there using LNG modular generators.

And in fact, we’ve had meetings already with both Petronas and Pertamina and willing to support this project by delivering small scale LNG if this project will proceed,” he said.

PNOC is seeking budget approval from the Senate for SGIP project amounting to P750 million.

The SGIP employs blended generation strategy which aims to significantly lower electricity costs for businesses within the industrial zone and serves as a proof-of-concept for integrating the energy transition into the Philippines industrial strategy.

The project is vital for areas with

Cebu farmers seek to hike market share in Jollibee supply chain to 78%

SUDLON II, Cebu—Cebu-based Lamac Multi-purpose Cooperative plans to significantly increase its market share in the supply chain of Jollibee and Chowking in Cebu to 78 percent by 2025.

Lamac is one of the oldest and biggest groups of farmers supplying the fast-food giant’s network of stores.

Lamac Cooperative business development manager Justine Lynn Limocon said the group is now supplying 39 of 104 Jollibee Group stores.

“We intend to double the number of Jollibee stores we are supplying to 80 next year. We are diversifying our sources by getting produce from Bukidnon, helping both farm-

ers and the Jollibee Group’s supply chain,” she said. She said the ambition is to export produce to other Jollibee Group stores outside Cebu, once it achieved 100-percent sustainability in the province.

The group is also eyeing to develop the supply chain for Jollibee Group’s stores and the local food chain, first in Mindanao and then in the Visayas.

Limocan said the next stop after forming a cluster in Bukidnon is Bohol, where the cooperative intends to source ginger and rice from Boholaño farmers and bring the produce to Cebu.

“Our focus on quality produce, with our

strong partnerships with farmers, has enabled us to gain the trust of the major food chains,” she said.

Lamac Cooperative forged partnerships with government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA) to support its growth. The DA provided the cooperative with a P11-million facility for a rice warehouse, a rice mill and hauling trucks. From a capitalization of P3,500 in 1973, Lamac Cooperative has grown its assets to P4 billion as of September 2024. It is one of the pioneer implementors of the Jollibee Group Foundation’s (JGF) Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP).

Othel V.

limited transmission capacity.

PNOC said that by showcasing how electricity costs could be reduced, the SGIP project would encourage industrial park developers in the Visayas and Mindanao where LNG is not currently available.

It said this would boost regional development and provide stable manufacturing jobs where grid supplied electricity is inadequate.

These SGIPs will use modular LNG generating units for base load power and solar and wind energy installations to supplement the demand. Alena Mae S. Flores

Campos

TAX EXEMPTIONS. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. (left) and Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chairperson Meynardo Sabili (right) sign a memorandum of agreement on Sept. 10, 2024 to assist the PCUP by granting tax exemptions to donations made by private companies. The initiative

DA lifts import ban on UK meat, livestock products

Marcos backs simplified mining tax

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked Congress to pass the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime to create a more equitable system for the industry.

Speaking at the 2023 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) ceremony Wednesday, Marcos emphasized the need for a simplified fiscal framework for mining operations across the country.

“The Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime is fundamental to creating a fair and equitable mining environment for everyone involved,” the President said.

The proposed measure includes a revised system imposing a four-tier, margin-based royalty of 1.5 percent to 5 percent on mining revenues, depending on profitability.

The current fiscal structure imposes royalties only on mining operations within governmentdeclared mineral reservations, leading to inconsistent obligations across companies.

The president also ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to bolster regulatory oversight of the mining sector, stressing the importance of strict adherence to safety and environmental standards.

He pointed to measures like Administrative Order No. 202204, which mandates biodiversity management in mining operations, as steps toward responsible mining.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday it lifted the temporary ban on the importation of live cattle, meat products and related items from the United Kingdom.

It imposed the ban on May 30, 2024 in response to reported cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, in the UK.

The DA sought to protect the local livestock industry and mitigate potential health risks to consumers. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signed Memorandum Order 45 on Oct. 11, 2024, lifting the

import ban following official reports from the UK to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) indicating that the mad cow outbreak was resolved and there were no additional cases since Aug. 7, 2024.

The UK authorities also provided evidence to the DA that their food safety measures are equivalent to Philippine guidelines.

As a country recognized by the WOAH as having a “negligible” risk of BSE, the Philippines can now accept all in-transit and incoming shipments from the UK, provided they are accompanied by verified equivalence certificates from the United Kingdom Veterinary Authority.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BS-CBN Corp. said Wednesday it laid off about 100 employees over declining revenue from its television and pay TV operations.

The Lopez-led company said it “made the difficult decision to retrench around 100, or about 3 percent of its workforce” as it continued to struggle with lower advertising revenue, a trend also affecting the broader TV industry due to decreased consumer spending.

“We are committed to providing those affected with full benefits and support, and are deeply grateful for their many years of service to the company and to the public,” the company said in a statement.

ABS-CBN first implemented a retrenchment program in July 2020, following the non-renewal of its congressional franchise.

ABS-CBN said, however, the company made significant progress in many of its businesses this year.

“TV ratings continue to improve, Star Cinema produced two hits so far, with one of them being the highest grossing Filipino movie, and our music business has gotten a strong boost from the popularity of girl band BINI,” it said.

BDO unit holds financial literacy lessons for teachers

THE Department of Education

(DepEd) and BDO Foundation organized a financial literacy session for the benefit of 20 teachers from Naga, 20 teachers from Iriga and 60 teachers and nonteaching personnel from Camarines Sur in commemoration of this year’s National Teachers’ Month.

This was hosted by Schools Division Office-Camarines Sur.

Designed to empower teachers in the early stages of their career, the session focused on essential financial management lessons like budgeting, saving, financial planning, debt management, and fraud and scam prevention.

“As teachers, we are responsible for setting a positive example to our stu-

Ateneo research paper wants flavored tobacco products regulated

THE Tobacco Control and Governance team of the Ateneo Policy Center recently published a paper entitled “An analysis of flavor descriptors on tobacco products in the Philippines: Regulatory implications and lessons for low- and middle-income countries” in the peer-reviewed journal Globalization and Health. Tobacco companies have used flavoring agents to enhance the appeal of tobacco consumption, encourage initiation and experimentation of tobacco use and sustain tobacco use. The Philippines, however, does not regulate flavored tobacco products, despite the increasing market shares of flavored tobacco products and novel technologies such as crushable capsules. Research and project assistants Sa-

mantha Ackary and Patrik Cabrera, program ,anager Alen Santiago and non-resident research fellow Gayle Amul analyzed 106 cigarette and cigar products from major cities across the country, revealing widespread use of flavor descriptors and imagery.

The team identified five main categories of flavors: menthol, concept descriptors, tobacco, beverages and other flavors.

The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive regulation, including a potential ban on flavored tobacco products and the adoption of plain packaging to curb their appeal.

The study is an updated examination of the landscape of flavored tobacco products conducted by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control in 2016.

dents – we are their second parents after all,” said Norma Samantela, Camarines Sur schools division superintendent.

“This training initiative enables us to be better role models as we make sound financial decisions and secure our futures and those of our families.”

DepEd and BDO Foundation worked closely to help improve the financial literacy levels of beneficiaries in the education sector. Together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the partners implement a financial education program for public schools across the country.

Veteran business journalist and staunch fin ed advocate Salve Duplito facilitated the learning session held at Lotus Blu

Hotel. Raised by a mother who was also an educator, she related to the common struggles of teachers, especially those with family responsibilities.

“Sharing the gift of knowledge that hones the minds of the youth is what teachers do best. We want to give back to them in the same way – through financial education,” she said.

Financial inclusion is one of the program pillars of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. The initiative in Naga is one of the many efforts of the organization to spearhead actions that aim to help improve the economic well-being of Filipinos in different sectors of society.

ABS-CBN said Batang Quiapo and It’s Showtime are currently the top-rated television shows in the Philippines.

ABS-CBN reported a 5 percent decline in its net loss to P2.1 billion in the first half of 2024, compared to P2.2 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues went down by 11 percent to P7.8 billion from P8.8 billion last year.

Despite the non-renewal of its franchise, ABS-CBN said it continued to explore and pursue other business relationships with local and foreign entities to ensure the maximum exposure and monetization of its content assets.

The company teamed up with Zoe Broadcasting, allowing ABS-CBN’s programs to be shown on channel A2Z.

Several ABS-CBN shows began airing on select time slots on TV5 on Jan. 4, 2021, while “It’s Showtime” started airing on GMA Network’s second free-to-air channel GTV on July 1, 2023.

IN BRIEF

Backed by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the campaign aims to educate consumers about the dangers of counterfeit and smuggled alcohol.

“For those of us who choose to drink, responsible drinking starts with knowing what you are drinking. Counterfeit alcohol can never replicate the taste and experience of genuine, authentic products,” said AACS managing director David

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Lucky Lunar Luau brings groups together

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Alumni Association of Xavier School (AAXS), together with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Association Inc. (FFCAAI) Youth Committee and The Socials Connect Group, hosted the Lucky Lunar Luau at Angelo King Multi-Purpose Center (MPC) of Xavier School in San Juan City on Oct. 12, 2024.

The event, designed to promote networking and socialization among Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs and executives, attracted

By Michael Wong Ho

over 150 participants.

AAXS president Dan Chua Balanzat and executive vice-president Jim Howard See and FFCAAI

About 933 people from nearby areas received care during the event.

president Golden David attended the event.

Participants were treated to a buffet dinner followed by icebreaker games aimed at encouraging mingling and breaking down social barriers.

The highlight of the event was the mooncake dice game, a cherished tradition in the FilipinoChinese community symbolizing good fortune and unity.

Participants rolled the dice and vied for a chance to win prizes do-

nated by both individual and corporate sponsors.

The Lucky Lunar Luau provided an exciting evening filled with entertainment and opportunities for meaningful connections.

It marked a successful return for the mooncake dice game, which has been a staple for the FilipinoChinese community since 2013, interrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attendees gathered prizes, formed new friendships and

earned valuable business connections, which strengthened community ties and business opportunities.

The planning committee, including AAXS secretary-general Jonathan Richie Yap, Socials Connect co-founder Howard Kendrick Choa, FFCAAI Youth secretary Chloe Ginelle Yap, FFCAAI Youth adviser Michael Tan as well as hosts Stefani Hazel Santos and Jhoana Yeo played a crucial role in the event’s success.

FFCCCII provides medical aid to 933 patients in Pasay CanCham, CFBCI discuss cooperation

THE Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., led by president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, in cooperation with the FilipinoChinese Chamber of Commerce of Pasay City Inc. and the Volunteer Fire Brigade of Pasay City Inc. organized a medical mission at the Philippine Pasay Chung Hua Academy on Sept. 29, 2024.

A medical team consisting of four doctors and nine dentists provided essential healthcare services to the local community.

They treated 650 patients, extracted teeth for 80 individuals and distributed 203 pairs of reading glasses.

Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Rep. Tony Calixto and leaders from the Pasay Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Pasay Volunteers Fire Brigade participated in the event.

Founded in 1932, the Philippine Pasay Chung Hua Academy has a long history of community involvement, with its staff actively participating in the charity mission.

The teamwork highlights how local organizations, including the Filipino Chinese community and the local government, are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community.

THE Arranque Volunteer Fire Brigade Inc. (AVFB) inducted its new set of officers on Sept. 28, 2024 at The Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila. AVFB honorary president Wu Ming Yong, newly-elected president Xu Yuan Hong and forever honorary president William Gosiaco, who is also vice president of FFCCCII, were present during the ceremony.

Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, and Association of Volunteers Chinese and Fire Volunteers of the Philippines Inc. president Yang Ji Chen attended the event and extended

THE Parañaque Filipino-Chinese Fire Volunteer Association (PFCFVA), under the leadership of fire marshal Katherine Joyce Ong, fire chief Allan Norman Birion, honorary officerin-charge Marc Alain Ong and safety and training officer Von Laurell Cypress held a drills and exercise training day at their headquarters on Oct. 13, 2024.

The training featured a range of critical training exercises aimed at enhancing the skills and readiness of fire volunteers.

During the search and rescue drill, participants engaged in realistic scenarios designed to sharpen their search and rescue capabilities, emphasizing the importance of team-

their congratulations to the new officers.

Guest speaker Dr. Cecilio Pedro, president of Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) lauded the brigade for its unwavering commitment to serving the Filipino-Chinese community over the past six decades.

Pedro emphasized AVFB’s role in saving lives and protecting properties as well as its involvement in civil projects aimed at assisting marginalized groups.

He expressed hope for the continued growth of the brigade and encouraged the organization to attract more supporters to join in its noble mission. Michael Wong Ho

work and quick decision-making in emergency situations.

The volunteers also underwent training on the proper usage of ceiling hooks, a vital tool for ensuring safety and effectiveness during firefighting operations.

The session also included zero visibility training, preparing participants to operate efficiently in conditions with severely limited visibility, a common challenge faced during fires.

“Safety starts with the right technique,” said Ong. “Through rigorous training, our volunteers are not only enhancing their skills but also ensuring they are prepared to protect our community at all times.”

Julie Ann Lope

Paco Filipino-Chinese Chamber

THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI), led by president Samuel Lee Uy welcomed Julian Payne, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham), at CFBCI headquarters on Oct. 2, 2024 for a discussion on potential collaboration between the two organizations.

Uy expressed hope for a partnership that could lead to positive changes for Filipinos.

“CFBCI is looking forward to becoming a partner of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in making the Philippines a more progressive and humane society,” he said.

The club officers including honorary president Stephen Sia, vice presidents Paul Yeung and Antonio Tan and English secretary Mexica Bausa were present during the meeting.

Payne was accompanied by CanCham assistant corporate secretary Carol Marcelo.

The meeting featured a video presentation of CFBCI’s social service programs, followed by Payne’s remarks on the organization’s active role in the Tsinoy community.

He highlighted the chamber’s involvement in international trade and investment, advocating for eased restrictions on foreign investment and reduced corporate income tax in the Philippines to attract more investors.

Payne also lauded the Philippines for its English-speaking workforce and the government’s openness to trade discussions, noting the increasing cultural exchange as more Filipinos migrate to Canada.

CFBCI vice president Antonio Tan inquired about the importation of Canadian products, to which Payne provided insightful information.

The meeting concluded with CFBCI officers presenting Payne with the official seal of collaboration and a special coffee table book commemorating the club’s 20th anniversary. Julie Ann Lope

Lucky Lunar Luau brings Filipino-Chinese community together.

Dr. Cecilio Pedro (center), president of Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), lauds the Arranque Volunteer Fire Brigade Inc. (AVFB) for its unwavering commitment to serving the Filipino-Chinese community over the past six decades.

The Paco Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 76th founding anniversary at Century Seafood Restaurant on Oct. 15, 2024.

The Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. led by president Dr. Cecilio Pedro (left) holds a medical mission in Pasay City on Sept. 29, 2024.

THURSDAY,

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Seunghan went on a hiatus back in November 2023, two months after his debut with

By Charmaine Cunanan

, a former member of the K-pop group , has found himself at the center of a global wave of support following his sudden departure from the group

Just two days earlier, Wizard Production, a division of SM Entertainment responsible for RIIZE, had announced Seunghan’s scheduled return in November after an 11-month hiatus. However, the agency was forced to retract this statement after intense backlash from local fans.

The situation escalated when over 1,000 funeral wreaths, traditionally used in Korea to mourn the dead, were delivered to the front of SM Entertainment’s building in Seoul.

These wreaths carried harsh and threatening messages directed at Seunghan, expressing discontent over his potential return and demanding RIIZE remain a sixmember group. The extreme reaction from local fans prompted SM Entertainment to reconsider their decision, leading to Seunghan’s permanent departure from the group.

SHOWBIZ

International fans rally for Seunghan after exit from K-pop group RIIZE

However, this move sparked outrage among international fans, who quickly mobilized online and offline to show their support for Seunghan and advocate for RIIZE as a seven-member group. Many deemed his forced exit “inhumane” and “unlawful,” believing that Seunghan was bullied into leaving the group. His name and hashtags #BringBackRII7E and #SMSupportsBullying began trending on X (formerly Twitter), amassing over 2 million posts.

Side A in San Diego for special anniversary show

SAN Diego, California — Many bands in the music industry are defined by either their flamboyant frontman, the songwriting genius behind the music, or both. Not Side A. This band has lasted for 40 years by maintaining its music and brand, regardless of who’s writing songs, singing, or playing.

Side A’s Now & Then USA & Canada Tour 2024 is showcasing this message through finetuned performances, stage camaraderie, and effortless rapport with the crowd. The performance was wellreceived by kababayans at Four Points by Sheraton in Aero Drive, San Diego, last Sunday. Of course, there must be gifted musicians to deliver the hits, deep cuts, and familiar covers.

synergy explains why fans have remained loyal, even without Joey Generoso, and how their music has helped mend broken hearts.

This tour is particularly special as the lineup includes current and former members — a reunion 40 years in the making, only made possible after reconnecting during the COVID pandemic.

“Side A was formed in 1984. How about a hand for the band,” said Rodel Gonzalez, a founding member who left but returned as a guest vocalist for the tour. His brother, Naldy, has led the band since its inception.

Presented by NY Entourage and Stargaze Prod, Side A - Now and Then demonstrated the class and durability that the group is known for. Despite performing the previous night, their precision in delivering song after song mesmerized the audience. They kicked off with classics like “Hold On” and “Set You Free.” Their

Yubs Esperat , a newer addition to the band, impressed with his vocal timbre and presence, making it easy for the crowd to embrace him despite not being part of the original lineup. He confidently performed the songs fans came to hear, showcasing a band that prioritizes sound and quality over individual personalities.

Drummer Ernie Severino’s steady backbeat and low-key demeanor have made him a beloved figure. His simple delivery of the opening line of “Got To Believe In Magic” thrilled the audience.

Newer members like guitarist Leevon Cailao and bassist Ned Esguerra brought youthful energy to the seasoned band, helping bridge the gap between long-time fans and younger audiences.

Ned, in particular, has filled the shoes of Joey Benin by contributing

to the band’s songwriting, although his song “Die Just A Little” didn’t make it to the setlist.

“We’ve been away for three weeks. We miss home,” said Naldy G., before launching into Hotdog’s “Manila.”

The concert, attended mainly by San Diego County-based Filipinos familiar with Side A, picked up excitement as former members joined the stage one by one.

Pido Lalimarmo was the first to join, performing songs like “Windows of Our Souls.”

His guitar work, paired with Leevon’s, showcased the band’s impressive musicianship, proving that the “ballad band” can rock.

Joey Benin followed with a bass solo, reminding the crowd of his songwriting talent, particularly his hit “Forevermore.”

Humble and gracious, Joey and Rodel shifted the spotlight to Naldy, who, they said, has carried the band for 40 years. “As long as Naldy is here, the sound of Side A will always be the Side A we love,” Joey remarked.

Rodel then performed “Di Pa Huli,” a song he wrote about unexpressed love, followed by a rendition of “Pain In My Heart,” a classic he popularized with Second Wind.

The concert closed with a party atmosphere, as the band performed Labuyo’s “Tuloy Pa Rin Ako” and then transitioned into “Forevermore,” blending Tagalog lyrics interpreted by a student for a class project.

The special tour continues at Carson Hall Victoria Conference Centre in Canada on Friday, Oct. 18, and at the Palladium Times Square in New York on Friday, Oct. 25.

International fans also launched a petition that has already gathered more than 200,000 signatures.

Fans from around the world, particularly in the U.S., Thailand, Latin America, and the Philippines, joined in solidarity, condemning SM Entertainment’s handling of the situation. Support trucks were sent and parked in front of SM Entertainment’s building in Seoul, displaying digital billboards with messages like “SM Protect Your Idols” and “WE LOVE YOU SEUNGHAN.”

Additionally, a subway station near SM Entertainment’s headquarters, which features fan advertisements for Seunghan, has been covered with handwritten notes from supporters, encouraging him to stay strong and reminding him that he is still loved and wanted by fans.

After debuting with RIIZE in September 2023, Seunghan took a hiatus in November 2023 following personal controversies.

The hiatus was believed to be connected to the leak of private photos and videos of Seunghan in intimate situations with a former girlfriend and smoking in public. While many international fans viewed the incident as an invasion of privacy, it caused significant backlash in his home country and other parts of East Asia, where cultural expectations around idols are stricter.

The divide between Korean and international fans has been stark, with many Korean fans insisting that idols must maintain a pristine image, while international fans argue that Seunghan’s personal life should not affect his career.

Two days after news of his departure from RIIZE, Seunghan remains a trending topic, with his exit highlighting the unfair treatment of entertainment companies toward their artists, the mental health of Korean celebrities, and the dangerous parasocial relationships fans have developed with their idols.

LIONSGATE Play offers an exciting lineup of captivating series this October, catering to fans of crime dramas, historical fiction, and action-packed thrillers.

With a range of shows designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, the streaming platform promises suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable storytelling.

Three Pines (2022) - Now streaming

In this Canadian crime drama, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache (Alfred Molina) investigates murders in the seemingly peaceful Quebec village of Three Pines. As he uncovers the dark secrets of the community, Gamache confronts his past while exploring themes of social justice and colonialism. Based on Louise Penny’s novels, the series delves into the hidden complexities of small-town life.

Ten Pound Poms (2023) - Now streaming

Set in post-war 1956 Manchester, this British historical drama follows Annie Roberts (Faye Marsay) and her family as they emigrate to Australia in search of a better life. Promised a prosperous future for just £10, they quickly discover that life in Australia is far from the dream they envisioned. Ten Pound Poms explores the hopes and sacrifices of those who sought a fresh start in the 1950s.

Power Book II: Ghost (2023) - Now streaming

The final season of Power Book II: Ghost picks up after a dramatic cliffhanger. Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.) struggles to escape his father’s legacy while navigating the dangerous world of drug trafficking. As his ally Brayden Weston (Gianni Paolo) spirals into reckless behavior, Tariq faces new and old enemies, all while grappling with his troubled past.

Paris Has Fallen (2024) - Oct. 18

In this new installment of the Has Fallen franchise, Vincent (Tewfik Jallab), a French protection officer, and Zara (Ritu Arya), an MI6 operative, must prevent a terrorist plot following a devastating attack on Paris. Racing against time, the duo uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the French capital.

Magpie Murders (2022) - Oct. 25

Magpie Murders is a British mystery series inspired by Anthony Horowitz’s novel. Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville), an editor, discovers the unfinished manuscript of a famed author’s detective novel, only to find herself entangled in a real-life mystery mirroring the fictional plot. This suspenseful series blends intrigue and literary brilliance, making it a must-watch for mystery fans. Lionsgate Play, a premium streaming service from Lionsgate India and Starz,

K-pop boy band RIIZE debuted with their single ‘Get A Guitar’

Side A during their performance at the Four Points at Sheraton in Aero Drive, San Diego

‘Magpie Murders’ follows the story of an editor who finds herself in the middle of a mystery which mirrors the unfinished manuscript of an author

‘Ten Pound Poms’ is a British historical drama about a woman and her family who move to Australia for a better life

stars

Michael Rainey Jr.

By Angelica Villanueva

DBoosting reproductive health efforts against unintended pregnancies

ESPITE declining total fertility rates in the Philippines, unintended pregnancies remain a pressing issue in the country, particularly among young women. In fact, according to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the Philippines ranked 56th out of 160 countries in terms of having the most number of unintended pregnancies.

To address this issue, coinciding with World Contraception Day, the Commission on Population Development (CPD) emphasized the negative consequences of unintended pregnancies, including limited educational and economic opportunities, as well as potential health risks for both mothers and children.

“The alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies, especially among minors and young girls, underscores a pressing issue. Significant increases in live births among these groups, along with repeat pregnancies and rising adolescent fathers, point to serious concerns, including sexual abuse,” said Lisa Grace S. Bersales, Ph.D., Executive Director VUndersecretary of CPD.

“By raising awareness and bolstering family planning and contraceptive services, we can empower young people to make responsible choices and take control of their futures,” she added.

Aiming to spread more awareness, CPD partnered with Bayer Philippines and the Forum for Family Planning and Development to help in normalizing conversations around Family Planning (FP) and Reproductive Health (RH).

“As we commemorate World Contraception Day, our vision remains the same: a world where every pregnancy is wanted, where choices on reproductive health and family planning are made from an informed standpoint,” stated Angel-Michael Evangelista, Managing Director and Country Division Head –Pharmaceuticals, Bayer Philippines Inc.

“Together with our partners at the Commission on Population

Development, and The Forum, our goal is to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health, by ‘Empowering Choices, One Decision at a Time’,” she continued.

Recognizing the power of digital platforms in raising awareness and improving access to information, Bayer Philippines and the CPD conducted a study on the impact of FP content on Facebook. The study found that social media can be a valuable tool in motivating individuals to seek out and utilize family planning services.

“Survey after survey, the top sources of young people’s information on sex and sexuality remained to be their peers or friends and other sources like the internet. We believe that if correct information becomes more accessible to the youth, it can enable them to make empowered choices to protect themselves. At the same time, they can be the peers to their other friends who can share correct information about sexual health,” said The Forum President Dr. Corazon Raymundo

“Social media can be a powerful tool to inform and empower individuals, providing them with the resources they need to claim their full set of rights,” said Bersales.

Despite the growing use of digital platforms, many Filipinos still face significant barriers to obtaining modern contraception and FP services. These barriers include lack of awareness, affordability constraints, and societal limitations.

To overcome these challenges, CPD and its partners, Bayer Philippined and The Forum, continue to strengthen efforts to disseminate accurate information both online and offline, which includes providing comprehensive sexuality education, promoting men’s involvement in reproductive health, and addressing socio-economic factors that hinder access to FP services.

Where city life meets wellness vibes

IN THIS fast-paced era with so many competing demands on our time and attention, how does one bring life back into lifestyle? As we navigate this complex world, even the simple act of spending time in an inspiring public space to have fun, commune with nature, and just “be” can have a profound positive effect on one’s wellness and productivity. In the heart of Metro Manila along EDSA, you’ll find Greenfield District. Conveniently located near offices and residential condominiums, it provides urbanites accessible opportunities to regularly experience wellness, green open spaces, and a sense of belonging. As a lifestyle hub, it exemplifies how a small change of scenery just minutes away can be restorative, and that one need not spend a fortune to live the good life. Thrive through play

An essential ingredient to a healthy lifestyle is achieving work-life balance. Increasingly, individuals and companies are recognizing that optimal rest and recreation are crucial for boosting productivity by enhancing brain performance. And when one is in a flow state, satisfaction follows.

Greenfield District presents opportunities for play that are easily reached by office workers and residents in the area, and a short walk from the MRT for those coming from other Metro Manila cities. Gameville Ball Park has two FIBA-standard wooden basketball courts that can be converted to volleyball courts. The nearby Sports Resto + Bar serves as a post-game hangout spot. The District is also home to the largest indoor climbing facility in the Philippines, Climb Central. Routes and boulder problems are periodically modified, ensuring that visitors of varying skill

levels can look forward to new and challenging experiences.

For those wanting to take their fitness routine to the next level, Greenfield offers support through various options. Obstacle Central challenges individuals and groups with Spartan-grade obstacle courses and experienced coaches. Play Padel offers clinics and tournaments for beginners and seasoned players of this increasingly popular racket sport. Soon, a dance studio will welcome learners who love to move to the beat, and you can even join free classes such as yoga, taekwondo, fencing, community workouts, and more.

Dining as a Social Experience

Social health is another essential aspect of wellness. Especially in the Philippines, emotional bonds are strengthened over a good meal, and today’s diners actively take part in the evolving food culture. At Greenfield District, The Hub boasts an array of international flavors, local specialties, and healthy meal options within a 2,000-square-meter space. The dynamic

One simple step to healthy, happy feet

MAKATI Medical Center (MakatiMed) orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Charles Rainier F. Arandia emphasizes the importance of proper shoe fit to prevent foot problems and maintain overall health.

Footwear, whether worn for fitness or daily commuting, can cause wear and tear on the feet, according to Dr. Arandia. “Our feet provide balance and stability for our entire body. They aren’t only meant to help us run and walk, but they also help prevent falls and injuries and maintain good posture,” he said.

One common issue, Dr. Arandia notes, is wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Ill-fitting shoes, especially narrow ones, can lead to bunions and corns, while shoes that are too big or lack proper arch support can cause plantar fasciitis and blisters. These conditions can interfere with daily movements and cause discomfort.

Dr. Arandia warns that neglected foot issues can also affect the knees, hips, and lower back. “Wearing improper shoes adds strain to these areas, misaligning muscles, ligaments, and joints, which can lead to back pain and altered gait,” he said.

To prevent these issues, Dr. Arandia recommends ensuring a proper shoe fit. He advises measuring foot length at the end of the day when feet are largest, allowing about a finger’s width between the longest toe and the shoe’s end. Additionally, shoe width should comfortably fit the ball of the foot, allowing the toes to spread naturally.

Foot arch is also important. Dr. Arandia suggests those with high arches select shoes with cushioned midsoles for shock absorption, while individuals with flat feet should choose shoes with rigid midsoles for added support. Comfort should always be a priority, and shoes should be tried on while standing and walking to ensure proper fit.

When selecting shoes, it’s also important to consider the intended activity. Dr. Arandia recommends choosing footwear that provides adequate support and protection, especially for those who walk frequently during daily commutes.

Investing in well-fitted shoes, Dr. Arandia concludes, can promote better foot health, reduce discomfort, and prevent longterm issues such as back pain.

For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www. makatimed.net.ph.

The executives of CPD, Bayer Philippines, and the Forum for Family Planning and Development

C4 LIFE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Bela Padilla simplifies beauty with effortless makeup solutions

Very Wang

VLADIMIR Camurungan emphasized the critical role of physical therapy in managing pain, enhancing mobility, and preventing injuries during his speech at the grand opening of PTXperts.

According to Camurungan, therapeutic exercises and manual techniques are invaluable tools for recovery, allowing patients to avoid relying on medication or additional surgeries.

“Physical therapy is essential for long-term health and mobility,” said Camurungan, a partner in the newly launched health and wellness brand. He explained that by using physical therapy techniques, patients can rehabilitate after surgery or injury and regain their strength without the need for further medical interventions. “By addressing the root cause of pain through targeted exercises and hands-on methods, we help the body heal naturally.”

Camurungan is one of the partners of celebrity couple Mariz and Ronnie Ricketts, alongside industry experts Dr. Eugene Ketselman Roly Dimol, and Dr. Andrei Altavas, in their new wellness brand, PTXperts.

BELA Padilla is changing the beauty industry, one simple yet powerful product at a time.

Her brand, Bela By Bela, aims to make beauty accessible and uncomplicated by offering products designed to enhance, not hide, natural beauty.

From the release of her Dot Perfection cheek tint to her recent launch of Dani By Bela, a perfume collaboration with Dani Barretto, Bela is steadily shaping a beauty line that embodies her vision of inclusive self-expression.

The Dot Perfection cheek tint, one of the standout products from Bela By Bela, is a cream-based formula that adjusts to the user’s skin tone.

“You only need a small dot to achieve a natural, healthy glow,” said Bela. This minimalist approach is a key part of her philosophy: beauty should be simple and shouldn’t alter who you are. “We don’t want to cover up your natural look. We just want to make you feel a bit better.”

Bela’s journey in beauty entrepreneurship is rooted in the concept of “borrowed confidence,” but she sees it from a positive angle.

Nickie Wang want a the

“Makeup is borrowed confidence because it makes someone feel good. But it shouldn’t completely change the way you look,” she explained. Bela wants her products to complement one’s natural self without overwhelming it. That’s why Bela By Bela started with two essential items—lip balm and cheek tint.

“We don’t want to change who you are; we just want to enhance what’s already there,” Bela explained.

The brand is also focused on inclusivity, ensuring that its offerings cater to all skin types and tones.

part

“Beauty in the Philippines has often been one-dimensional,” she acknowledged. For Bela, part of her mission is to break the traditional definition of beauty, which has historically been tied to fairness and long hair. “I see the beauty standards changing slowly, and we want to be part of that change,” she said. Through her campaigns, she has made an effort to feature people of different ages, skin textures, and colors.

Her dedication to inclusivity extends beyond her products. She and Dani recently introduced Dani By Bela, a perfume line that carries a personal significance.

“Dani has been my best friend for about 15 years, and we’ve always wanted to work together,” Bela shared. “We looked into different ventures, but this perfume line felt right, given the timing and my ability to focus on it.”

The partnership underscores Bela’s belief that fragrance is a form of personal expression, not borrowed confidence.

Bela stands out for promoting empowerment and self-acceptance in a society where rigid beauty standards prevail. Instead of conforming to a fixed ideal, she encourages embracing individuality. “Your idea of beauty changes as you meet new people, travel, and grow older. When I was young, I thought beauty was just one thing, but now I see it differently,” Bela shared.

rigid individuality. changes

When on

The actress underscored that Bela By Bela is more than just a beauty line; with its focus on simplicity and self-expression, it’s a movement toward a more inclusive and empowering definition of beauty.

How physical therapy can get you back in the game

The clinic, located in Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City, focuses on offering comprehensive orthopedic, spine, and sports physical therapy services. It aims to provide relief from pain and improve overall wellness.

Mariz, an actress and entrepreneur, explained that their involvement in PTXperts aligns with their belief in preventive care. “We’ve always believed in the benefits of physical therapy,” she said. “It’s not just for recovery but also for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you’re healthy, you’re happy.”

The clinic’s mission goes beyond just rehabilitation. It allows patients to better manage their health and prevent future injuries through education and consistent care. “We’re here to help people understand that physical therapy is for everyone,” said Camurungan. “Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovering from an injury or just looking to maintain your health as you age.”

The clinic stands out for its focus on delivering advanced care based on US training and expertise. The PTXperts team brings world-class physical therapy techniques to the Philippines, ensuring Filipino patients receive the highest standard of care.

“We’ve trained extensively in the United States, and we’re bringing those skills back home to provide the same level of care that’s recognized internationally,” Camurungan said. The clinic uses cutting-edge methods such as dry needling, ultrasound-guided electrolysis, and mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT), which have been proven effective in managing musculoskeletal and spinerelated issues.

Ronnie Ricketts, a well-known action star and martial artist, is a strong advocate of physical therapy, citing it as a key part of his daily routine.

“I work out every day,” he said, mentioning his gym at home where he starts his day at 5:00 a.m. He highlighted the importance of health in maintaining an active lifestyle. “Healthy living is the foundation of everything. If you’re healthy, you feel better about yourself, and you can achieve more,” he added.

PTXperts, according to Ricketts, caters to patients recovering from surgeries, sports injuries, and chronic conditions such as back pain and arthritis. In addition to traditional physical therapy, the clinic also focuses on preventive care, aiming to empower people to lead healthier, more active lives as they age.

As Ricketts put it, “Our goal is to help people live pain-free, active lives without having to depend on medications or surgeries.”

“We focus on innovative, US-trained techniques and personalized care,” he ended.

Physical therapy has an important role in managing pain, enhancing mobility, and preventing injuries

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the wellness clinic in Victoria Sports Tower

Celebrity couple Ronnie (left) and Mariz Ricketts are partners of Vladimir Camurungan for wellness brand PTXperts

Actress-entrepreneur

Bela Padilla launched Dani by Bela in collaboration with Dani Baretto

Bela Padilla (center) shares that her beauty line leans towards an inclusive and empowering definition of beauty

From left: Lan Ros Tañedo, Bela Padilla and Dennis Valbuena