Manila Standard - 2025 January 6 - Monday

tions,

China ‘Monster’ ship backs off

But remains inside country’s EEZ—PCG

By Rex Espiritu

THE China Coast Guard’s (CCG) mammoth patrol vessel, the CCG 5901, also called the “Monster,” withdrew from its position near Capones Island in Zambales province after being challenged by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) over the weekend.

away from its position when it was first spotted.

By Rio N. Araja

By Vince Lopez

By Rio N. Araja

X’MAS SEASON’S END. Commuters from Mindoro Oriental (top photo), and Sorsogon (bottom photo) begin their journey back to Manila a day before the start of work and classes in Metro Manila. Center photo shows travellers arriving from the provinces at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Sunday. Mindoro LGU, Sorsogon LGU, ABS-CBN grab

DSWD to sustain Kanlaon aid

By Rio N. Araja

KANLAON Volcano on Negros Island continues to show signs of heightened activity, prompting evacuations and sustained government relief efforts.

In a Sunday bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 23 volcanic earthquakes over a span of 111 minutes on January 4, accompanied by ash emissions lasting nearly two hours.

Plumes reached heights of up to 500 meters, while the volcano produced an average of 3,469 tons of sulfur dioxide daily, Phivolcs said. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, signaling intensified or magmatic unrest.

Phivolcs warned of potential explosive eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, and the possibility of lahars during heavy rains. Authorities have advised residents near the volcano to stay alert and adhere to evacuation protocols.

As this developed, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said over 5,000 individuals from affected areas are currently staying in evacuation centers. The agency has been working closely with local government units (LGUs) to provide

essential relief.

“We give them (evacuees) the food boxes in lump sum. We give them food boxes that will last them for 21 days and then start replenishing them again. We’ve been doing this since day one of the eruption,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also emphasized the DSWD’s readiness to augment resources if the situation worsens. He assured the public the agency would sustain its support for displaced families as the threat of further volcanic activity looms.

system for AKAP beneficiaries in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“The soon-to-be crafted AKAP guidelines will also include items that will state outright that the program is insulated from politicking in line with the overarching mother guidelines of the DSWD, and on existing policies insulating all government programs from politics,” the agency said.

It added that penalties for fraudulent activities such as forging of documents and beneficiary list, instances of cutting of disbursed assistance will also be included in the guidelines.

is effective Jan. 1 up to Dec. 31 this year.

As the sole policy-making body responsible for providing overall policy directions and program development to various key shelter agencies, and acting upon the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority, it passed the new resolution last December under the Rent Control Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9653), the NHSB said in a statement.

The rental cap is being implemented to safeguard housing tenants in lower-income brackets and other beneficiaries from excessive rent increases.

It applies to residential units currently occupied by the same tenants as of 2024, who pay P10,000 or less per month, and who would continue to occupy or renew their lease in 2025.

Units with rents exceeding P10,000 per month are exempted from the restriction.

If a unit becomes vacant in 2025, the lessor may increase the rent of a new tenant beyond the set limit.

An increase is permitted because the new tenant is not covered by the aforementioned resolution but in the case of boarding houses, dormitories, rooms and bed spaces, only one rent adjustment is allowed within 2025, even if the increased limit has not been reached.

New residential units built and/or leased out in 2025, on the other hand, may set the amount of their rent unilaterally, it was also stated.

A new limit of one percent shall apply to units occupied by the same tenants as of 2025, paying P10,000 or less per month, and who will continue to occupy/renew their lease in 2026.

Residential units with rents above P10,000 per month in 2025 are excluded from the 2026 rental cap.

The tenant is encouraged to seek alternative dispute resolution with his landlord or lessor through the Barangay Justice System’s mediation/ amicable settlement process.

The Monster was spotted some 54 nautical miles [around 100 kilometers] from Capones Island when the PCG monitored its presence using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system.

Tarriela said that upon being detected by a state-of-the-art system for finding lurking ships, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan promptly dispatched BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) along with a PCG helicopter and PCG Caravan to verify the incursion and assert their presence.

“By around 1700H this afternoon, MRRV 4409 and the PCG Caravan confirmed that the Chinese vessel was indeed in the area identified by the DVD,” he recounted.

“The PCG vessel and aircraft continuously challenged the presence of the

Chinese Coast Guard, emphasizing that it was operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in accordance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Law and UNCLOS,” he added.

Tarriela said that the BRP Cabra continues to monitor the Chinese vessel’s movement, which was last monitored heading west.

“It did not execute any aggressive actions… or carry out dangerous maneuvers. When we approached [CCG 5901] it moved away. So I think the deployment of the PCG vessel and the PCG aircraft is an effective way to deter the China Coast Guard from moving closer to our coastline,” Tarriela said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

“The PCG remains committed to closely monitoring this Chinese Coast Guard vessel to ensure that Filipino fishermen can operate safely and without harassment within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” he assured.

Manila gained access to the DVD system after it signed a 5-year agreement with the Canadian government in October 2023.

The DVD System is a program used to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUUF) by vessels that deliberately turn off their Automatic Identification System.

It is operated by MDA Space, a Canadian space technology company that uses geospatial technology, including its RADARSAT-2 satellite and Maritime Insights platform CCG 5901, a Zhaotou class patrol vessel, is currently the largest armed coast guard cutter in the world at 541 feet long.

The Monster’s discovery inside Philippine waters came after the recovery of a suspected Chinese submarine drone, marked “HY-119,” by fishermen off the coast of San Pascual, Masbate.

“While the DSWD social workers had always practiced prudence in screening beneficiaries through intake forms, interviews, and comprehensive vetting of documents, the new form will particularly identify whether the client is indeed affected by the effects of inflation,” DSWD said quoting Sec. Rex Gatchalian.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) would monitor and evaluate the AKAP, adding that data from the Philippine Statistics Authority could be used to check the number of minimum-wage earners in a family.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, for his part, said his agency would provide information on potential beneficiaries, including the standard wage rates across the country.

Gatchalian, Balisacan and Laguesma met on January 3 to iron out the details of AKAP’s guidelines.

“Moving forward, we’ll try to clean everything up and incorporate by Wednesday next week. We’ll route it to you again, let us know if you are ready for signing or if you want more incorporation,” Gatchalian said.

The DSWD chief said the improved guidelines would help assuage apprehensions regarding AKAP and “ensure that only rightful beneficiaries” could avail of assistance under the program.

The guidelines are expected to include a ceiling on the number of household members that can avail of the AKAP aid to reduce chances of aid duplication. It will also “include items that will state outright that the program is insulated from politicking in line with the overarching mother guidelines of the DSWD, and on existing policies insulating all government programs from politics.”

AKAP is intended to protect minimum wage earners and the near-poor from the effects of inflation, according to its proponents in Congress. The program’s beneficiaries can receive between P2,000 to P10,000, with a holdout period of three months. Critics of the program have pointed out that AKAP subsidies could be used to “buy” voters and have likened it to “pork barrel,” a discretionary fund for lawmakers that the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional.

to criminal activities and other serious offenses.

“The President is adamant that POGOs have no place in the Philippines," DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in an official statement said. "We are fully committed to supporting this ban for the safety and well-being of the Filipino people.”

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently announced plans to deport approximately 11,000 foreign POGO workers who failed to leave the country last year.

This figure includes those who neglected to adjust their visa status or voluntarily depart, as well as those who, despite downgrading their visas, overstayed beyond the validity of their visitor permits.

The DOJ confirmed that the BI is actively conducting widespread operations to apprehend the remaining foreign POGO workers within the country, who are now considered illegal aliens.

order during this sacred occasion,”

PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in a statement. Marbil added that the PNP's comprehensive security plan was implemented in coordination with local government units, religious organiza-

tions, and other relevant agencies.

In 2024, over 6.5 million devotees participated in the first Traslacion after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PNP Intelligence Group and Anti-Cybercrime Group will also closely monitor potential physical and digital threats. Specialized units trained in crowd control will ensure order and the smooth flow of the crowd. Medical and

quick-response teams will be on standby for emergencies.

To minimize traffic disruptions, the Highway Patrol Group and local traffic enforcers will manage traffic flow and implement rerouting schemes for devotees and the general public.

The PNP also reminded the public to adhere to security protocols and avoid bringing prohibited items, such as sharp objects.

“We call on devotees and the public to cooperate with security protocols, report any suspicious activities, and prioritize safety. Your vigilance and cooperation are vital to the success of this event,” Marbil said.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Through unity and collaboration, we aim to make Traslacion 2025 a secure and spiritually enriching experience for everyone,” he added.

pacts of La Niña, or La Niña-like conditions as issued in the advisory.

“Right now, there will be a 72 percent (chance of La Niña-like in December, January, February, March,” she said.

There is a possibility that the La Niña threshold could be reached in the next few months, she said, adding it does not necessarily mean that a full-blown La Niña could occur that may last for six months or more.

In response to continuous reports regarding the Shear Line, the Inter-

tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and other similar weather phenomena, the Office of Civil Defense meanwhile issued a memorandum for enhanced disaster preparedness and anticipatory actions.

OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the memo was issued to all OCD regional directors.

Power supply interruptions have been reported in one municipality in Region XI, and transportation infrastructure is also severely affected, with 39 roads and 6 bridges deemed impassable across Regions II, IV-A, IV-B, V, VIII, and XI.

A total of 436,164 families, affecting approximately 139,255 persons, are impacted in Regions II, IV-A, IV-B, V, VIII, and XI. Currently, 2,366 families, or 549 persons, are staying in 29 evacu-

As of January 3, 2025, OCD Disaster Report No. 01 indicates significant impacts from the ITCZ and Shear Line. There have been 5 reported deaths, with 20 individuals injured or ill, and 2 persons missing in Regions IV-B, VIII, and XI. Additionally, 1,092 houses have been reported damaged in Regions VIII and XI, including 394 houses that are totally destroyed and 698 that are partially damaged. The damage to infrastructure in Region XI alone is estimated at PhP 215,700,000.

ation centers, while 1,661 families, comprising 2,247 persons, are outside of these centers.

Regional offices are instructed to refresh their personnel on the National Disaster Response Plan and local contingency protocols, with an emphasis on worst-case scenario planning. A thorough assessment of Food and Non-Food Items (FNFI) and emergency response equipment must also be conducted to address any potential shortages proactively.

The OCD also urged all local government units and communities to remain vigilant and proactive in their disaster readiness efforts. Rex Espiritu

BOATING AT BURNHAM LAKE. Boating at Burnham Lake is one of the most frequently used activities by tourists visiting Baguio City. The concessionaires offer different sizes of boats and may charge a fee if they allow someone to row the boat for them. Baguio City Information Office.

AUTOMATED SYSTEM DEMO.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) held a demo of its Voter Education and Automated Counting Machine (ACM) demo to residents at Barangay Julugan VIII (7), Tanza, Cavite on January 2 in preparation for the May elections. Dennis Abrina

By Ram Superable

Coast Guard expects 200K travelers

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said it is expecting between 170,000 and 200,000 travelers to pass through seaports as the long holiday break comes to an end.

PCG spokesperson, Commodore Algier Ricafrente said that the trips across all seaports in the country are continuous to accept all sea-going passengers heading back to Manila or to their respective provinces before work and classes resume today.

IN BRIEF

Bataan freeport sees more investments

THE Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) now has 155 registered businesses and has 17 expansion areas in various towns of Bataan.

For the period between May 2023 and May 2024, FAB also reported a total committed investment of P17.3 billion.

The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) reported San Miguel Corporation was the top local investor. The conglomerate invested P10.6 billion to expand its food processing and power generation plants.

Among foreign investors, GQ Horizon, a mold and lamination producer, Kirubai, a specialty detergent maker, and Surex Safe Venture, a manufacturer of safety apparel and harnesses, made significant investments in their existing operations. The new AFAB expansion areas also committed up to P1.13 billion investments. Butch Gunio

Solon: Manufacturing to boost economy

NAVOTAS Representative Toby Tiangco expressed optimism that the sustained growth of the manufacturing sector will boost job creation and fuel economic development in the country.

“The Philippine government is fully committed to supporting our manufacturing sector. Under the leadership of President Marcos, we aim to further strengthen manufacturing as a major contributor to economic growth and job generation,” Tiangco said.

He cited the recent S&P Global report, which showed the Philippines’ Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 54.3 in December, significantly higher than other ASEAN countries.

“It is worth noting that the latest reading is the Philippines’ strongest result since November 2017 and the 16th consecutive month that the PMI had settled above the 50-mark,’ Tiangco said. “More importantly, the Philippines’ PMI remained the fastest among six ASEAN member countries in December, ahead of Thailand (51.4), Indonesia (51.2) and Myanmar (50.4),” he added.

PMI readings above 50 signal growth, while readings below 50 indicate contraction. Tiangco described the PMI report as a promising start for 2025. Jun David

“Based on our statistics last year, we are looking at around 200,000 passengers or around 170,000 to 200,000 passengers we expect today,” Ricafrente said in a televised interview with GMA 7 Super Radyo DZBB.

“We also have many countrymen who will take the opportunity to maximize their vacation, especially students, most of whom are still starting school tomorrow,” he added.

As of Friday, January 3, the PCG said that they monitored around 192,981

outbound passengers and 187,757 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide. The PCG placed their districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert from December 20, 2024, to January 3, 2025, to manage the passengers’ last-minute travel rush at the country’s seaports. Ricafrente said that amid the stream of passengers returning from the holiday breaks, the PCG will ensure that sea-going vessels, may it be Roll-in

Roll-out (RoRo) ships, fast crafts and motorized bancas will not exceed the authorized passenger capacity and load limit.

“The good thing of this is that despite the similar number of vessels deployed in the areas, the trip continues. It’s like they don’t have to follow their schedule. Just when they arrive and they’re the ones on the queue, they load immediately. When they finish loading, we allow them to travel so it’s fast,” he said.

Catapang sacks 4 NBP o icials over Jan. 2 stabbing incident

BUREAU of Corrections

(BuCor) director general Gregorio Pio Catapang has ordered the suspension of four New Bilibid Prison (NBP) officials following a recent stabbing incident that left one inmate dead and two others injured.

In a press statement on Sunday (Jan. 5), the BuCor announced that the four NBP officers have been relieved from their duties pending completion of

Residents flee homes amid oods in Davao

By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa

RESIDENTS inhabiting river banks and other low lying areas in Davao City were evacuated by the City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) Saturday night as floodwaters reached critical levels brought about by heavy rains.

The evacuees however, were allowed to go back home after the CDRRMO declared that the floods have eased and it was safe for them to leave the evacuation sites.

The CDRRMO announced early Sunday morning that Matina River has reached critical levels, causing flooding in the communities of Talomo and Lasang, thereby making mandatory evacuation of the residents a necessity.

“We thanked the Dabawenyos for their cooperation and immediate compliance with pre-emptive evacuation orders and safety protocols during the flooding incident which affected some parts of Davao City Saturday evening,” CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran said in a social media post.

“Your compliance with the law is a significant factor in ensuring everyone’s safety during flooding incidents,” Baloran added.

The CDRRMO recommended a preemptive evacuation on all residents living close to Matina River banks, including the neighborhoods of Talomo and Lasang after the water levels reached code red (critical), while Lipadas and Davao Rivers remained at green code or safe level.

However Bunawan and Licanan Rivers also swelled their banks early Sunday morning. The Balusong Bridge and Relief Bridge going to Bangkal from Matina Aplaya were temporarily closed due to the flooding. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes like Coastal Road and Diversion Road.

However the two bridges were reopened to traffic at midnight as the flood subsided.

ongoing investigations. Sacked were chief inspector Louie Rodelas and corrections officers Christian Alonzo, Joshua Mondres, and Glicerio Cinco, Jr.

The stabbing followed an altercation early Thursday at the NBP compound in Muntinlupa City. The incident raised concerns about the integrity of security protocols meant to protect the prisoners, also called persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Catapang held the suspended officials accountable, emphasizing the critical role that corrections officers play in ensuring the safety of inmates. He noted that one of their primary responsibilities is to adopt proactive security measures that prevent such violent occurrences.

“This situation indicates a lapse in our operation.

Our personnel should be alert and vigilant to enhance the safety protocols that govern the custody and management of inmates anytime of the day,” the BuCor chief stressed.

To promote transparency, Catapang requested the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an independent investigation. In a letter dated Jan. 4 addressed to CHR Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, Catapang sought to establish facts and identify liabilities. Similar letters were also sent to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Jaime Santiago and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, asking parallel probes into the incident.

Public warned against poseurs illegally soliciting funds, materials in FPPF’s name

THE Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation Inc. (FPPF) warns the public against unauthorized individuals soliciting materials or funds in the name of the organization.

“It has come to the attention of FPPF that some unscrupulous individuals are soliciting materials and funds in the name of FPPF,” the group said in a statement.

The FPPF clarified that only its chairman, Eduviges Y. Huang, and president, Pablo N. Beltran “have the authority to act for and on behalf of

FPPF in the matter of contracts and agreements, whether for money, promotion, or any sanctioned activity.”

“FPPF deals directly with companies and suppliers, and not through any agent or intermediary, selfproclaimed or appointed by us,” the statement added.

No other employee of FPPF, past and present, is authorized to solicit and/or sign agreements and contracts for and on behalf of FPPF, the group stressed.

According to the FPPF, no individuals or organizations, past and pre-

sent, have been appointed formally or informally to solicit and/or sign agreements and contracts for and on behalf of FPPF.

Most importantly, no individual or organization, past and present, is authorized to receive emoluments in any form under their name, through their bank account, or other channel.

FPPF and/or its officers and directors cannot be held accountable for any negotiation, solicitation, or activity entered into by any individuals other than Huang and Beltran, the FPPF said.

Senator takes DOH to task over HMPV controversy

By Ram Superable

SENATE majority leader Francis Tolentino has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to enhance public awareness amid ongoing misinformation and misconceptions on the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

In an interview on DZRH, DOH assistant secretary Albert Domingo dismissed social media claims of an alleged HMPV outbreak in China as “fake news.”

However, Tolentino stressed the importance of proactive communication from the DOH until the World Health Organization (WHO) clarifies the situation.

“It is important that our people get their information from the DOH and medical experts, rather than from social media posts based on unreliable sources,” Tolentino said.

He emphasized that accurate information is crucial for public health, and urged the DOH to resist misinformation effectively.

“The DOH must always be a step ahead in matters concerning public health in order to prevent the spread of wrong information, which sometimes can be as dangerous as a disease outbreak itself,” the senator said.

HMPV, identified in 2001, is a significant respiratory pathogen that primarily affects young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.

It is responsible for five percent to 10 percent of hospitalizations related to acute respiratory infections in children, often causing symptoms similar to those of the common cold.

While most cases are mild, HMPV can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, particularly among vulnerable people.

IN BRIEF

THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has started the New Year on a high note as it arrested Metro Manila’s top 10 most wanted persons within the first three days of 2025. The NCRPO said these achievements underscored their commitment to “ensuring public safety and bringing individuals who violate the law to justice.”

The latest arrest was made on Jan. 3 in Barangay 73, Caloocan City, with the suspect ranking No. 6 in the Regional Top Ten Most Wanted Persons (TTMWP).

The suspect was facing multiple criminal charges, including rape and acts of lasciviousness, and with multiple warrants of arrest issued by courts in Malabon City and Pagadian City.

On Jan. 1, two other suspects in the NCRPO’s TTMWP list were nabbed. One of them, classified as No. 8 in the police roster, was caught in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City. He was wanted for qualified rape logged in the Malabon City Family Court. Suspect No. 4 in the list was collared in Barangay Upper Bicutan, Taguig City, for acts of lasciviousness and two counts of statutory rape. Vince Lopez

10 crewmen of Navy ship get promotions

nition of their commitment to excellence and service,” the Navy said. Rex Espiritu

5.2 quake jolts Davao, no damage reported AN EARTHQUAKE of tectonic origin, measuring 5.2, jolted Davao Oriental at 5:16 p.m. on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. Based on its updated bulletin, Phivolcs said the epicenter was located 72 kilometers south, 71 degrees east of Governor Generoso town at a depth of 118 kilometers. Phivolcs warned of possible aftershocks, although no damage to property has been reported. The quake was felt in Mati, Davao Oriental and in Davao City, Davao Del Sur on Sunday afternoon, according to a report by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

WATER LEVEL MONITORING. The Davao City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management O ce closely monitors water levels on various waterways which reached critical levels due to incessant rains precipitated by the intertropical convergence zone over the Davao Region.

LONESOME JOB FOR MAN AND BEAST. With nobody else around, a farmer and his carabao go about their lonesome task of plowing the eld

there is sunshine from above and water on the ground. Edd Castro

OPINION

The Japan-Philippines equation reloaded

IN AN era marked by geopolitical tur-

bulence, the Philippines and Japan are sending a strong and unified message: alliances rooted in shared values and mutual respect are key to navigating the Indo-Pacific’s stormy waters.

Both countries understand that regional stability is not just about defense; it’s about securing livelihoods, ensuring consumer confidence, and safeguarding economic futures.

The recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement symbolizes this commitment. This landmark deal strengthens cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, enhancing joint exercises, disaster response, and maritime security.

Beyond its military implications, the RAA underscores an important truth: peace and stability in our region are inextricably linked to the prosperity of everyday Filipinos.

But these regional tensions have tangible effects to consumers, influencing the cost of imported fuel and goods, the reliability of supply chains, and the overall health of the economy.

For instance, disruptions in the West Philippine Sea, a vital maritime corridor, could lead to shipping delays and increased prices of essential goods.

Such challenges demand proactive measures, and the Philippines’ deepening partnership with Japan is a step in the right direction.

The economic rationale for this alliance is clear. Japan has long been one of our most trusted partners, consistently ranking among the Philippines’ top trading and investment allies.

Filipino consumers benefit from Japanese technology, infrastructure projects, and investments that generate jobs and drive growth.

Strengthening our defense ties with Japan complements this economic partnership, ensuring that both nations can operate in a secure environment that fosters trade and collaboration.

A deep history of diplomatic ties attests to the resilience and evolution of Philippines-Japan relations.

From Japan’s strong support during Typhoon Haiyan to recent defense equipment grants worth over P600 million, the partnership has grown beyond bilateral aid. Initiatives like the institutionalized 2+2 ministerial meetings and coast guard cooperation underscore our shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order.

On Jan. 10, the Stratbase Institute will host a forum featuring Dr. Shin Kawashima, a distinguished professor from the University of Tokyo.

The lecture, entitled “Reinforcing Japan-Philippines Strategic Cooperation to Maintain Peace and Stability in the IndoPacific,” will explore how like-minded nations can address asymmetric security

threats while balancing their interests.

Dr. Kawashima’s insights and dialogue with government and military officials, academe, and civil society will enrich the discourse on collaborative strategies to counter aggressive actions of China that continues to threaten regional peace.

—“—

The recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement symbolizes this commitment

Regional security, after all, is not just about deterring hostile actions; it’s about ensuring that our economies remain open, dynamic, and sustainable. The survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute reveals that 51 percent of Filipinos believe strengthening alliances is essential for addressing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that peace stability allows businesses to thrive and consumers to feel confident about the future.

As part of the Indo-Pacific’s broader security architecture, the collaboration between the Philippines and Japan sends a message to the global community. It reaffirms the value of diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law in addressing disputes. By opposing unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, both nations are advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and long-term regional stability.

This partnership is not just about geopolitics; it’s about securing a better quality of life.

Whether it’s safeguarding maritime trade routes or ensuring that international investors view the Philippines as a stable and reliable partner, the ripple effects of regional stability are palpable. The cost of living, access to goods, and job security are all tied to our ability to navigate the complex waters of international relations.

As we celebrate nearly seven decades of diplomatic ties with Japan, it’s worth reflecting on the lessons of this enduring partnership. It is a reminder that alliances are not just about defense; they are about building bridges—economic, cultural, and strategic—that ensure the well-being of our citizens.

Beyond the potential of reciprocal economic interests, trust is the foundation of any partnership. And in Japan, we have found a steadfast ally, one that shares our vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

As we look to the future, this partnership serves as a beacon of hope, proving that unity and collaboration are the best tools for navigating a complex and interconnected world.

Budget deception or strategic allocation?

IS THE Philippine government betraying its promise to prioritize education? The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition thinks so. Armed with a bold legal challenge, they’re calling out what they see as a glaring misrepresentation of the 2025 budget’s compliance with the Constitution. At stake are not just billions in funding but the future of Philippine education itself.

The TDC’s challenge

The TDC alleges the 2025 budget artificially inflates the education sector’s allocation by including items outside the traditional scope of education funding. Central to their argument is Article XIV, Section 5(1) of the 1987 Constitution, which states: “The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education…” Their main claims include:

Misallocation of Funds: By including allocations for agencies like the Philippine Military Academy and infrastructure projects, the government undermines the spirit of the constitutional mandate.

Shortchanging Teachers: Article XIV, Section 5(5) emphasizes “adequate remuneration” for teachers. The TDC argues that the budget fails to provide sufficient salaries and benefits to attract and retain qualified educators.

Non-Compliance with International Standards: The budget allocation for education is allegedly well below the UNESCOrecommended 6% of GDP, weakening its credibility as the “highest budgetary priority.”

The Constitutional provisions cited by TDC provide a robust foundation for their challenge:

Article XIV, Section 5(1): Mandates education as the highest budgetary priority.

Article XIV, Section 5(5): Guarantees adequate teacher remuneration.

Relevant laws include: Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act): Regulates how public funds are allocated and spent. Republic Act 7796 Expands the definition of education to include technical and vocational training, which the government may argue justifies its broader allocation.

This case is not just about numbers; it is a fight for the future of Philippine education

Procedural rules will likely involve invoking the Supreme Court’s certiorari jurisdiction under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court to question the constitutionality of the budget allocation.

The laws of education funding

Philippine Teachers’ Association v. Secretary of Education (1990): Affirmed education as a constitutional priority, emphasizing adequate funding as essential to fulfilling the State’s mandate.

Tobias v. Abalos (1994): Stressed the judiciary’s role in scrutinizing government compliance with constitutional mandates while respecting the separation of powers.

Araullo v. Aquino III (2014): High-

Media

ownership

is a public trust

APOLITICAL

cartoonist for The Washington Post quit her job after her work – a sketch depicting Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and other media and technology bigwigs kneeling and holding up bags of money before a statue of former President and President-elect Donald Trump – was rejected.

The cartoon also showed Mickey Mouse on the ground. Disney Company owns ABC News, which recently reached a $15-million settlement with Trump. The former and incoming President had sued the network for reporting on his sexual abuse trial in New York.

On Friday, Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Ann Telnaes said that this was the first time she “had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at.” Bezos, one of the moguls in her cartoon, owns The Post.

The newspaper, founded in 1877 and which became famous for its coverage of the Watergate Scandal in the 1970s that eventually led to the resignation of Presi-

lighted the limits of executive discretion in budget allocation, underscoring the need for adherence to constitutional principles.

These cases suggest that the Court has consistently supported robust funding for education, but they also underscore the judiciary’s cautious approach to intervening in budgetary processes.

Weighing the arguments

For the TDC:

Textual Argument: The Constitution explicitly prioritizes education, which should translate into the largest budget share for institutions delivering basic and higher education.

Equity for Teachers: The failure to prioritize teacher salaries undermines the quality of education, contradicting constitutional guarantees.

Public Interest: Aligning the budget with international standards would enhance the quality of education and support long-term national development.

For the Government:

Broad Definition of Education: Nontraditional institutions like the Philippine Military Academy and Philippine Science

that “the only bias was against repetition.”

—“—

The sooner we acknowledge this imperfection, the higher our chances are of pushing for “what should be” despite the odds, instead of being defeated by “what is”.

hey had already published a column on the same topic, Shipley said, and another one, a satire, was also due to be published. The rejection of Telnaes’ cartoon was not due to any “malign force,” it explained. The Post’s slogan is “Democracy dies in darkness.”

The paper’s statement on the matter could easily be confirmed by looking at columns that purport to address the same issue. It might also be that it pulled its punches because the cartoon could be seen as an articulation of an institutional

High School contribute to national development and can be legitimately included.

Budgetary Constraints: Balancing education funding with other priorities, such as healthcare and infrastructure, is a practical necessity.

Future-Oriented Investments: Allocating funds for infrastructure and future salary adjustments reflects a strategic, longterm commitment to education.

The implications

A Supreme Court ruling favoring TDC could force the government to redefine its budgeting process, potentially increasing allocations for basic and higher education while removing unrelated items.

Conversely, a decision in favor of the government might legitimize a broader interpretation of education spending, potentially diluting funds for traditional education programs.

This dispute could set a precedent for interpreting “highest budgetary priority,” influencing future budget allocations and the quality of Philippine education.

Recommendations

For the TDC:

position, not only the views of one writer or cartoonist.

But what are the rules, really, in toeing the editorial line when it conflicts with the practical demands of ownership? Ultimately, is the press freer on some issues than on others? Would a satire be exempt from the rules?

Unfortunately, the ideals of journalism often run counter to what journalists contend with from day to day. Realities such as politics, economics, and personal issues, even, could color a news organization’s practices and preferences vis-a-vis the profession’s lofty ideals. As a result, freedom is in fact uneven – something purists and idealists may find difficult to accept. The sooner we acknowledge this imperfection, the higher our chances are of pushing for “what should be” despite the odds, instead of being defeated by “what is”.

Anywhere in the world, ownership of media enterprises is driven by a host of factors. Meanwhile, it is incumbent upon journalists to keep pushing and testing boundaries. Stark realities notwithstanding, we know that the powerful forces in media are aware of the sheer power that their enterprise holds in shaping the nation. We continue to hope that despite their other interests, they continue to hold themselves responsible for the pursuit of the higher public good. They would not be so crass or tyrannical as to suppress a freedom we so cherish, and upon which our democratic society rests.

Strengthen legal arguments by engaging constitutional law experts. Advocate for transparency in budget computation, ensuring alignment with constitutional priorities.

For the Government:

Reassess the definition of “education sector” to align with the Constitution. Prioritize teacher remuneration and professional development in future budgets.

For the Public:

Demand accountability from lawmakers and budget officials. Support education sector reforms that prioritize students and teachers.

The TDC’s legal challenge underscores the critical role of education in national development and the need for vigilance in upholding constitutional mandates. This case is not just about numbers; it is a fight for the future of Philippine education and its ability to empower generations to come.

Whatever the outcome, it will undoubtedly shape the interplay between law, policy, and education in the Philippines for years to come.

dent Richard Nixon, denied that Telnaes’ cartoon had been rejected for its message. Editorial page editor David Shipley said in a statement

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a cartoon of a person holding a mobile device and hands are jutting out from the screen and covering the person’s eyes. There are confetti and fireworks exploding from the phone. The one using the phone is standing in a swamp that is labeled “real issues.”

MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025

IN BRIEF

Israel says missile from Yemen intercepted

JERUSALEM – The Israeli military said Sunday it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, the latest in a series of recent attacks.

“Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in Talmei Elazar, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted prior to crossing into Israeli territory,” the military said in a statement posted to Telegram.

On Friday, Israel’s military said it shot down a missile and a drone launched from Yemen, where Iran-backed rebels have stepped up their attacks since a November ceasefire between Israel and another Iranbacked group, Hezbollah, in Lebanon.

Like Hezbollah -- which began trading cross-border fire with Israel after Hamas’s October 7 attack last year -- the Huthis say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians, and have vowed to continue until there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. AFP

Indian forces clash with Maoist rebels

NEW DELHI – Indian security forces on Sunday battled with Maoist rebels in their forested heartland, police said, with at least four guerrillas and one policeman killed.

More than 10,000 people have died in the decades-long insurgency waged by Naxalite rebels, who say they are fighting for the rights of marginalized indigenous people in India’s resource-rich central regions.

Government forces stepped up efforts last year to crush the long-running armed conflict, with some 287 rebels killed in 2024, according to government figures.

Clashes broke out late Saturday in Abujhmarh district of Chhattisgarh state, a key battleground in the insurgency.

“Four bodies of Maoists, who were in their battle uniform, have been recovered after an encounter with police forces,” police inspector general P. Sunderraj told AFP, adding one police constable had also been killed.

“Action is still on,” he said.

Around 1,000 suspected Naxalites were arrested and 837 surrendered during 2024. AFP

Exiled Venezuelan leader to speak with Biden

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – Venezuelan opposition politician Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who fled the country after a tumultuous election and subsequent police crackdown, said Saturday (Sunday in Manila) he has plans to speak with US President Joe Biden.

Appearing in Argentina, where he met with President Javier Milei, Gonzalez Urrutia added that he was traveling to the United States on Sunday, though it was unclear when the conversation with Biden would take place.

“We are planning a conversation with President Biden and we are waiting for details regarding the new authorities,” Gonzalez Urrutia said in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, referring to incoming US president Donald Trump, set to take over on Jan. 20. AFP

Gaza truce talks resume in Qatar as violence suggests no let-up

PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – Israel confirmed during the weekend that negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal had resumed in Qatar, as rescuers said more than 30 people had been killed in fresh bombardment of the territory.

The civil defense agency said a dawn air strike on the home of the al-Ghoula family in Gaza City killed 11 people, seven of them children. AFP images from the neighborhood of Shujaiya showed residents combing through smoking rubble. Bodies including those of small children were lined up on the ground, shrouded in white sheets. As the violence raged, Israeli Defense

Minister Israel Katz confirmed that indirect negotiations with Hamas had resumed in Qatar for the release

in Qatar”, his office said.

Katz said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given “detailed instructions for the continued negotiations”. He was speaking after Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, released a video of Albag in captivity in Gaza. In the undated, three-and-half-minute recording that AFP has not been able to verify, the 19-year-old conscript called in Hebrew for the Israeli government to secure her release. In response, her family issued an appeal to Netanyahu, saying: “It’s time to take decisions as if it were your own children there.” A total of 96 Israeli hostages remain

in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the latest video was “firm and incontestable proof of the urgency of bringing the hostages home”. Hamas had said late on Friday that the negotiations were poised to resume. The militant group, whose October 7, 2023, attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war, said they would “focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces”. Mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States have been engaged in months of effort that have failed to end nearly 15 months of war.

Blinken wades into political crisis with stop in Seoul

SEOUL – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives late Sunday in crisisriven South Korea where he will seek delicately to encourage continuity with the policies, but not tactics, of the impeached president. Blinken will hold talks with counterpart Cho Tae-yul on Monday, the same day a warrant expires to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol who unsuccessfully tried to impose martial law on Dec. 3. Seoul is the first stop on what will likely be Blinken’s final trip as the top US diplomat as he seeks to highlight President Joe Biden’s record rallying

democratic allies before the return of the more mercurial Donald Trump. Blinken will head afterwards to Tokyo, making it crucial in the eyes of his advisors not to snub South Korea, which has a fraught and often competitive relationship with Japan, a fellow US ally also home to thousands of American troops.

Yoon had once been a darling of the Biden administration with his bold moves to turn the page on friction with Japan and his eye on a greater role for South Korea on global issues.

Yoon joined Biden for a landmark three-way summit with Japan’s prime

minister and -- months before declaring martial law -- was picked to lead a global democracy summit, a signature initiative for the outgoing US administration. Yoon also memorably charmed his hosts on a state visit by belting out “American Pie” at a White House dinner. Blinken may face some criticism from the South Korean left for the visit but should be able to navigate the political crisis, said Sydney Seiler, a former US intelligence officer focused on Korea now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Blinken has a high enough profile to be above the fray, and can keep the focus on challenges such as China and North Korea, he said. “Blinken can dodge a lot of these domestic South Korean landmines relatively easily and contextualise it not as trying to help the ruling party or artificially create a sense of normalcy where it otherwise isn’t,” Seiler said. In a statement, the State Department did not directly mention the political crisis but said Blinken would seek to preserve trilateral cooperation with Japan, which has included enhanced

Russia says Ukraine fired US-made missiles at border

MOSCOW

day.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden authorized Kyiv to use the long-range weapons against Russia last year, in a move Moscow denounced as a grave escalation of the nearly three-year conflict.

“On Jan. 3, an attempt was made from Ukrainian territory to launch a missile strike against the Belgorod region using US-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles,” the Russian defense ministry said.

“These actions by the Kyiv regime, which is supported by Western curators, will be met with retaliation,” it added, saying all the missiles were shot down.

Kyiv’s use of the missile systems has infuriated the Kremlin, which has threatened to hit central Kyiv with a hypersonic ballistic missile in response to the strikes. ATACMS missiles have a maximum range of 300 kilometres (190 miles), according to publicly available data. US President-elect Donald Trump said in an interview published last month he was “very vehemently” opposed to Ukraine using the arms, which he said were “escalating” the conflict. In Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, a Ukrainian “kamikaze” drone killed a reporter from Russia’s Izvestia newspaper as he was travelling on a highway between two Russian-held cities, the paper said. AFP

2023 attacks. AFP

PROTESTS AND RESISTANCE. A crowd control volunteer stands beside flower arrangements in support of impeached South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol during a rally near his residence as snow falls in Seoul on Sunday. Rival South Korean protesters were set to brave a snowstorm over suspended

CEREMONIAL DUTY. The Guard of Honor surrounds the flag-draped casket

DERRICK ROSE NIGHT. Recently retired Chicago Bulls’ legend Derrick Rose is honored at halftime of the game between the New York Knicks and the Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. AFP

Bachmann: PSC can do more with P1-billion funding in 2025

By Peter Atencio

WITH a budget that could reach more than a billion pesos in 2025, the Philippine Sports Commission has the potential to do more for national athletes, the national sports associations and the country’s grassroots development program.

PSC chairman Richard Bachmann said a lot can be done in the new year with an increase coming from the national budget and the possible implementation of the Supreme Court ruling handed down seven months ago.

“The PSC has been working with the legislators. I get visits from parents who support their kids at medyo nahihirapan din sila,” said Bachmann on the support it has for young athletes and grassroots development.

Bachmann said he expects more than a P1 billion to reach the hands of the PSC with recent developments.

“It’s more than a billion, we used

Finnegan leads LSU to opening win in ‘25 US NCAA season

THE Philippines’ top female gymnast Aleah Finnegan celebrated her 21st birthday on Saturday in a grand way.

Finnegan and her teammates at Louisiana State University impressed the largest crowd in program history, as the defending national champions kicked off the 2025 US NCAA gymnastics’ season with a decisive triumph over Iowa State.

A total of 12,324 spectators watched at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center as the no. 2-ranked LSU Tigers prevailed over the Iowa State Cyclones. The Tigers led with a score of 197.300 to beat the Cyclones’ 194.100. The 21-year-old Finnegan, who saw action in the Paris Olympics, took home four golds, and first claimed the all-around honors as the Tigers competed without one of their stars, Haleigh Bryant. With Bryant out after recently injuring her elbow and gone for an undetermined period, the Tigers made their score count as the second-highest in a season opener.

Finnegan, last year’s national NCAA floor exercise champion, stayed on course at retaining her crown with 9.95 points on that event. The St. LouisMissouri-based Finnegan registered the same score in topping the vault exercise.

This helped her take the all-around gold with 39.725.

Freshman teammate Kailin Chio settled for second place at 39.575. Peter Atencio

to average P110 million a month and we were able to close with a net of close to P800 million (in 2024). Wala pa du’n iyung proposals ng mga legislators natin. This is actually history (at the PSC), that we are getting more funding,” said Bachmann.

The government sports agency is set to meeting this week, starting on Monday to discuss the funding that Malacanang and the lawmakers have allocated to the PSC.

Senate Committee on Sports chairman Christopher “Bong” Go’s proposal to increase the budget of the PSC is now awaiting implementation

with President Marcos set to sign the P6.352 trillion national budget.

For 2024, only P174 million was proposed in the national expenditure program for the PSC,

But in 2025, Go is supporting an increased by P600 million to support the upgrading of the Rizal Memorial Complex, enhance services for athletes and coaches and facilitate the conduct of the Philippine National Games.

“In the mandate of the PSC, we cannot actually fund all the youth.

So, I’m asking the legislators to help me tweak our mandate,” added Bachmann.

The agency is also awaiting the implementation of a unanimous Supreme Court decision penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, ordering the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to remit a portion of their income for the funding of the PSC.

Gymnastics’ association named NSA of the Year

IT was a year like no other for the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP).

The 62-year-old federation was responsible for giving the country a truly memorable 2024 behind the first ever double gold of Carlos Yulo in the Paris Olympics.

The 24-year-old gymnast from Leveriza, Manila emerged winner in his two pet events – the men’s vault and floor exercise – for the Philippines’ historic first pair of gold medals in a single Olympic participation.

Philippine gymnastics in Paris though, didn’t only end with Yulo’s golden feat.

History was made when the stunning trio of Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar also represented the country in the 33rd edition of the Summer Games. It marked the first time in 60 years Filipina gymnasts participated in the quadrennial showcase since Evelyn Magluyan and Maria Luisa Floro wore the country’s tri-colors in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

For a remarkable 2024 that saw its years of nurturing talent finally bore into fruition, GAP is the hands down choice as the National Sports Association of the Year in the coming San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night at the grand ballroom of the Manila Hotel.

Together with GAP, Yulo takes centerstage in the January 27 proceedings co-presented by ArenaPlus, MediaQuest, and Cignal as the well-deserved winner of the Athlete of the Year honor.

This is the first time the gymnastics association under the loving care of its president Cynthia Carrion, is being recognized as NSA of the Year by the oldest media organization in the Philippines first established in 1949 and currently headed by The Philippine Star sports editor Nelson Beltran. Previous recipients of the award include the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, Jiu Jitsu Federation of the Philippines, Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, Philippine Taekwondo Association, among others.

Que seeks historic 4th title at TCC Invitational golf

ANGELO Que is poised to elevate his game in preparation for the ICTSI The Country Club Invitational, where he aims to secure a record-breaking fourth championship in a tournament renowned for its challenging course and elite competition.

Scheduled for Jan. 28–31, the P6 million event will test the limits of players’ shotmaking, putting and mental resilience on the demanding TCC course, famed for its length and toughness.

Que, one of only two three-time winners of the Razon Memorial Cup, the precursor to the TCC Invitational, brings a wealth of experience and confidence as he pursues this historic milestone. “I think my chances are good. I’ve been preparing for it,” said Que, whose victories in 2007, 2010 and 2011 have bolstered his confidence as he eyes another milestone. His runner-up finish to Tony Lascuña in last year’s Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Order of Merit underscores his readiness to compete and shoot for a record win.

While Que remains a dominant force with 16 professional titles across a 20-year career, the competition this year is fierce. He faces a formidable field that includes seasoned champions such as Lascuña, Clyde

THE national women’s futsal team formally opened its training camp last Saturday despite the unceremonious transfer of its coach – Vic hermans – to the men’s team over the holidays.

Pinay5 team manager Daniel Moran said they pushed through with their four-day training camp at the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation in Muntinlupa City to show the players that they are committed to their goal of representing the country in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup that the country will host this November.

A total of 12 of the 14 players showed up led by team captain Isabella Bandoja, who earlier expressed her intention to resign from the national team if the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) will push

Dutch standout Guido van der Valk, the back-to-

through its plan of replacing Hermans with a new coach.

Also staying with the Pinay5 are Agot Danton, Jada Louise Bicierro, Erissa Rivas, Kaycee Nañola, Joanna Vega, Angelica Teves, Lanie Ortillo, Louraine Evangelista, Mykaella Abeto, Demely Rollon, and Althea Rebosura.

Moran said they are pushing through with the program not to defy the PFF, but to recognize the hard work and the sacrifices that the player put in just to gain a once in a lifetime opportunity to vie for a spot in the team that will compete against the best futsal players in the world.

“The girls sacrificed years of commitment. We can’t let them down. We will fight for them,” said Moran, the chairman of The Henry V. Moran Foundation, an organization that sponsors count-

less football players from the marginalized sector.

“We remain committed to nurturing the futsal players who have dedicated immense sacrifice and effort to their growth and future. These players are true patriots and they will not only represent our nation with pride but will also inspire countless grassroots children as role models.”

Former PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta also rallied behind the Pinay5, saying that Moran and Hermans have made a lot of sacrifices to build the program from ground up.

“We recognize the hard work and sacrifices that The Henry V. Moran Foundation had put in for the development of futsal in the country,” said Araneta, who is also a member of the powerful International Football Federation (FIFA) Council.

back champion in 2020 and 2023, missed a three-peat last year, paving the way for Lascuña’s triumphant win over 2017 champion Miguel Tabuena.

At 46, Que remains a force on both local and international circuits. Though his last home-soil victory was a commanding 12-stroke win at the 2017 ICTSI Classic in Mount Malarayat, he is motivated by the chance to make history at this year’s TCC Invitational.

A victory would make Que the only player to claim a fourth title in the tournament’s 20-year history, cementing his legacy in Philippine golf. Yet, Que acknowledges the challenges ahead, citing the strength of his rivals and a new generation of talent as his greatest obstacles.

Founded by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon to honor his father, Don Pocholo, the TCC Invitational is a true test of skill and character. This year’s pro-am segment kicks off on Jan. 27, pairing select professionals with guest amateurs in the run-up to the main event.

Expected to join the competition are seasoned and up-and-coming players, including Rupert Zaragosa, Zanieboy Gialon, Hyun Ho Rho, Michael Bibat, Aidric Chan, Ira Alido, Ryan Monsalve, Russel Bautista and Kakeru Ozeki.

Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa and Reymon Jaraula, as well as rising stars like Keanu Jahns, Sean Ramos and Lloyd Go. Each has proven capable of raising the bar in the PGT’s flagship tournament.

Richard Bachmann

Angelo Que brings a wealth of experience and con dence in the ICTSI The Country Club Invitational.

The program of the national women’s futsal team will still push through despite the abrupt transfer of its head coach, Vic Hermans, to the men’s squad.

Aleah Finnegan

Sowing seeds of sustainable livelihood for

over 35,000

Filipinos under Bagong Pilipinas

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA)

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration has taken decisive strides to transform the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), enhancing the lives of more than 35,000 Filipinos nationwide.

Under President Marcos’ leadership, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched a revitalized version of the program, titled “Sibol: The New SLP,” in May 2023. The initiative aims to provide a step-by-step pathway for beneficiaries, equipping them with access to livelihood assets and resources to achieve sustainable well-being.

Within just four months of its launch, the program has already demonstrated its impact. By September 2023, beneficiaries began reaping the benefits of the initiative, which focuses on building the livelihood capacities of impoverished, vulnerable, and marginalized households.

These efforts align with the President’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance, especially during critical challenges such as volatile rice prices that heavily affected many communities.

“I’m so happy na nakadawat ko og subsidy from DSWD sa atong presidente nga si Bongbong Marcos nga grabe aksyon niya pagkahibalo nga taas na kaayo ang presyo sa bugas. Pasalamat gyud ko ug dako nga kani makatabang ni sa amoang pagka alkansi (I’m so happy that I received a subsidy from DSWD and from our President, Bongbong Marcos. His swift action upon learning of the skyrocketing rice prices is greatly appreciated. I am thankful because this will help us in mitigating our losses),” said Leonila Zorilla, rice retailer from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.

The revitalized SLP represents a step-by-step approach, guiding participants on their journey to economic empowerment through improved access to livelihood assets and resources. With its rebranding, the program aims to uplift socioeconomic conditions by equipping participants with enhanced tools and opportunities to improve their livelihoods sustainably.

“Like a plant, we will grow with you. We make sure that after we have planted the seed, we nurture it, water it, watch it grow, and watch it turn into something bigger than it was,” said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. The enhanced program focuses on streamlining processes, accelerating implementation, and providing participants with better training and capacity-building opportunities.

Under the new framework, participants will undergo a longer, more structured five-year incubation period. During the first phase, called Punla, participants will acquire the basic knowledge, skills, and initial capital needed to start a micro-enterprise or gain employment.

After two years, participants focus in maintaining their livelihood, making them sustainable and profitable. On the fourth year of the program, participants are expected to prosper and sell their products to wider market.

During the final or culminating phase, participants will graduate and receive a livelihood grant and incentive worth PhP250,000 per association. The SLP is expected to be completed in 2028.

Compared to the old SLP, which had a lengthy process of 66 steps and typically took months to a year to implement, the new

SLP significantly streamlines the process, reducing it to just 32 steps that can be completed within one month. The enhanced program also introduces additional grants during the third and fifth phases of the incubation period, addressing gaps in the old SLP, which provided only a one-time seed capital or training fund.

SLP provides safety nets to affected sectors

As part of President Marcos’ inclusive efforts to address the challenges faced by small businesses, the revitalized SLP was also utilized to support rice retailers affected by the government-imposed rice price cap.

According to Secretary Gatchalian, about 26,266 families of small rice retailers have also micro-retailers and sari-sari store owners had received aid through the revitalized SLP. To date, a total of PhP393.9 million in cash assistance has been distributed to micro-retailers and sari-sari store owners nationwide. These beneficiaries, heavily affected by fluctuating rice prices, were provided with cash assistance amounting to PhP15,000 per retailer.

Beyond immediate financial relief, the SLP also equips beneficiaries with essential skills and resources to help them thrive in the long term.

Highlighting the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, Secretary Gatchalian emphasized President Marcos’ directive to ensure that assistance reaches even the smallest retailers in both urban and rural areas.

“Ang ating Pangulo ay nakikinig. Alam niya ang pinagdaanan ng ating mga rice retailers. Nauunawaan

niya iyon (Our President listens. He understands what our rice retailers have gone through),” Gatchalian stated.

In collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), the DSWD ensured that assistance was extended to rice retailers operating in wet markets, public markets, and other communityaccessible areas such as sari-sari stores. Even sari-sari stores located outside these traditional markets were eligible for SLP subsidies, reflecting the administration’s effort to promote inclusivity and fairness.

On September 9, 2023, the DSWD began distribution of the SLP cash aid to retailers from the National Capital Region (NCR) particularly in Caloocan, Quezon City, and San Juan. On September 11, the following number of recipients of cash aid were identified: 15 in Pateros, 161 in Navotas, and 129 in Paranaque.

Distribution had also been done in Mindanao from Sept. 11, 2023, with the following number of recipients: 170 in Zamboanga del Norte, 86 in Zamboanga del Sur, 58 in Davao del Sur, and 33 in Lanao del Norte. This was followed by other payouts in Iloilo and Negros Occidental on Sept.13, 2023. The DSWD, through its Field Office Western Visayas (FO VI), disbursed PhP720,000 in subsidies to small business owners.

In Iloilo, there were 316 recipients of the cash aid. The DSWD Eastern Visayas (FO VIII), on the other hand, reported that 433 beneficiaries came from Leyte, 135 from Northern Samar, 91 from Samar, 27 from Southern Leyte, 14 from Eastern Samar, and 12 from Biliran. On Oct. 9, 2023, the PIA-Region 8 reported 965 beneficiaries in the region.

In Luzon, the PIA-Region 3 reported that SLP cash aid distribution started on Sept. 14, 2023. The report said 107 recipients were from Nueva Ecija, 78 in Zambales, 37 in Tarlac,

29 in Bulacan, and 25 in Pampanga.

In another report, the DSWD said 680 recipients were from Batanes and Cagayan, and 116 from the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR)., while in Region 4B, those who received cash aid reached 1,192.

For the second payout in Luzon, the PIA-Region 3 reported the following beneficiaries: 556 in Nueva Ecija, 550 in Bataan, 366 in Zambales, and 333 in Bulacan.

SLP beneficiaries’ appreciation “Nagpapasalamat gayud mi kay Presidente Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. kay sa mga lugi nga amoang na experience atong niagi nga time, nasuklian sa iyahang hinabang karun (We are thankful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.; the losses that we had recently experienced were alleviated with this help),” said Fely Sabado Duhilag, one of the beneficiaries from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. “Bisan perdi ako to sang una at least may balik naman halin sa gobyerno, so nagpasalamat gid ako sa gobyerno kay gintalupangod naman amon losses kay daw ginbayaran man gali kami kag natalupangdan man ang amon nga problema. Okay man si President Marcos Jr. kay siling ya sang una tag Php20 na lang ang kilo sang bugas, so gina-amat-amat ya nafulfill (Here is the government helping us recover from our loss. So we thank the government for the attention and solution given to our problem. It is like our losses were paid for by the government. President Marcos said before that rice will be at PhP20/ kg, so this is an initial fulfillment of that promise),” said Delia Tribunsay, a 72-year-old rice retailer from Tigbauan, Iloilo.

“Wala mi magdahom nga naa diay plano ang gobyerno para sa amo nga mga retailers, nagpapasalamat gayud mi kay dili gayud diay mi mapasagdan nga mawala sa programa sa gobyerno ang mga retailers. (We did not expect that the government has plans for us, retailers. We are thankful because the government never leaves us out of its programs,” said Ramon Caluma from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. The President promised to continue helping the farmers and the most underprivileged families.

“Tinanggal na natin ‘yung mga control pero hindi ibig sabihin basta’t ganun na lang, dahil kailangan pa rin nating ayusin ang agricultural sector. Kailangan pa rin nating tulungan ang mga pinakamahirap at pinakagutom para kahit papaano ay makaahon sila. (We have lifted the price cap but we need to further improve the agricultural sector. We still need to help those who are experiencing extreme poverty and hunger so that somehow, they can get by),” the President said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos led the distribution of financial assistance and livelihood aid during his visit to Davao City on October 27, 2022. (Photo: PCO)

Presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos speaks to 1,118 beneficiaries of the SLP who received assistance through the Seed Capital Fund (SCF) on March 21, 2024. (Photo: DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program Facebook page)

P639-b projects under green lane evaluation

By Othel V. Campos

ABOUT 30 projects worth P639 billion are under evaluation for the green lane program, the Board of Investments said over the weekend.

BOI executive director for the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI) Bobby Fondevilla said the projects span renewable energy, manufacturing and food security sectors. Renewable energy projects dominate the pipeline, with 24 applications comprising 80 percent of the total.

30 projects

Under green lane evaluation

P639 billion

Cost of projects under evaluation

P4.54 trillion

Cost of projects certified under green lane

The sector accounts for P584.562 billion in proposed investments, including two major projects fully owned by Canadian and Singaporean investors, with combined investments of P7.5 billion.

The manufacturing sector has four applications with a combined investment of P54.304 billion.

Meanwhile, two food security projects, valued at P220 million showed the initiative’s support for ensuring sustainable agricultural development.

The green lane initiative evaluates applications based on strategic relevance and the capability of project proponents to manage the entire lifecycle, from pre-development and construction to full commercial operations.

The program is designed to expedite the approval and implementation of investments critical to national development.

Fondevilla said the predominance of renewable energy projects underscores the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

“Industry stakeholders see this as a reflection of increasing investor confidence in the country’s energy transition goals,” he said.

The government’s green lane initiative has certified 176 projects with a total value of P4.54 trillion as of Dec. 26, 2024.

POWER PROFILE

Natividad Cheng: Sound sleep is her business

By Jimmy L. Montejo

IT IS hardly called a blessing in disguise, but some of the poorest victims of super typhoon Yolanda said were it not for the donation of kind-hearted individuals, they wouldn’t have experienced sleeping comfortably on Uratex bed.

Of course, a sound sleep on a comfortable mattress would never compensate for the loss of loved ones and valuable pieces of property that the Yolanda victims had to endure in November 2013.

To Natividad “Naty” Cheng, co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Multiflex RNC Philippines, the company behind Uratex, such narratives would never be erased in her heart and mind. The company donated thousands of mattresses for the victims of Yolanda in Leyte, where some 6,300 people perished in its wrath.

Naty is a big fan of charity, and among her biggest beneficiaries were the innocent victims who were caught in the crossfire during the infamous Marawi siege in May 2017.

In retrospect, Naty and her husband Robert started producing foam and mattresses with the brand Uratex in a makeshift factory built under a santol tree, with a small seed money in 1968.

The firm was registered as Polyfoam Chemical Corp., with a workforce of no more than 10 employees.

The couple set off on their entrepreneurial journey by trading in furniture and construction supplies. But they kept their eyes peeled for business opportunities that came their way.

So the Chengs ventured into foam production. Naty recalled that at that time, there was only one company that makes foam for the domestic market. It was using only one machine made in Germany, and procured its chemicals also from Germany.

But its output capacity was somewhat erratic, hence, the Chengs decided that filling the deficit could be a wise move.

Naty acknowledges that the first years of Multiflex were extremely challenging, and the burden became heavier with Robert’s death on Sept. 16, 2021.

There were employees who relied on her for their livelihood, and customers’ orders to deliver on time. Thus, business should go on, with or without her beloved Robert, Naty told herself.

“Our workforce has expanded, and the customers and suppliers were very kind to us. We had multinationals, and they themselves were goading us to go on, until our business kept growing,” Naty reminisced.

Even with palpable success already on hand, Naty kept her feet on the ground, maintaining the values of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and loyalty to customers and consumers.

She advises against extravagance, but not to be skimpy about capital expenditures.

Meanwhile, daughter Pinky and Peachy are a big help in corporate affairs.

Now passed its half-century milestone, the Uratex brand is deemed the leading foam manufacturer in the domestic market, with 25 plants nationwide.

The flagship company oversees other firms and partnerships as part of the Uratex/RGC Group of Companies.

This 55-year-old enterprise now covers multiple business divisions including automotive parts and seats, foams and mattresses, monoblock and home accessories, fabrics and food packaging.

As a testimony to her achievements, Navy was adjudged the grand winner of the prestigious 2017 “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” by Ernst & Young and SGV Group. As such, she represented the Philippines in June 2018 in the “World Entrepreneur of the Year” competition held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Natividad ‘Naty’ Cheng, co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Multiflex RNC Philippines

MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks likely to trade sideways ahead of December inflation report

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks are expected to trade sideways this week ahead of the release of December inflation data, which will be a key indicator for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) next policy action.

Analysts said the BSP is expected to use the December inflation data to determine its next policy move. The BSP earlier forecast December 2024 inflation to settle between 2.3 percent and 3.1 percent.

“Eyes are going to be on the Philippines’ December inflation data as this will provide clues on the BSP’s policy outlook,” said Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco. “An inflation print within the BSP’s 2.3 percent - 3.1 percent range forecast, especially one biased to the lower end, may boost sentiment next week.”

He said investors are also expected to watch the country’s November 2024 labor force survey for signs of strength in the local economy.

Tantiangco said the continued strengthening of the peso against the dollar could also help lift market sentiment.

This week, market’s major support is still seen at 6,400. Major resistance is seen at 6,800.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 1.15 percent last week to close at 6,603.81.

The market has been on an upward trend since the last trading week of 2024 after dropping to the 6,400 level.

However, trading value has remained thin, which analysts said could imply weak market conviction.

“The plays for 2025 are set against a backdrop of numerous uncertainties in the macro but with attractive valuations at the corporate level,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said.

WATER ACCESS.

The health consequences of poor water, proper sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions are devastating, particularly for children. In 2019, poor WASH practices accounted for 86 percent of diarrhearelated deaths in the Philippines. Of these fatalities, 35 percent were children under the age of five, according to a paper published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

Court upholds John Hay property transfer to BCDA

By Othel V. Campos

STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomed the Baguio Regional Trial Court’s order blocking CJH Development Corp.’s (CJH DevCo) attempt to delay the full return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property.

The decision, issued on Jan. 3, 2025, followed the Supreme Court’s final ruling, ensuring the immediate and unconditional recovery of the property by the BCDA.

The court’s decision mandates the transfer of all land and improvements,

whether directly held by CJH DevCo, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or third parties claiming rights under them, back to the BCDA.

The order also directs court sheriffs to immediately and fully enforce the reinstated writ of execution and

notice to vacate, ensuring a smooth handover of the property.

BCDA assured the public that business operations within Camp John Hay would continue uninterrupted and encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate for a seamless transition.

BCDA said the latest ruling is a victory for the Filipino people as it would unlock opportunities for growth and development in Camp John Hay.

The agency said the decision would attract new investments to generate jobs, stimulate the local economy and support entrepreneurship.

It said more redevelopment proj-

ects are planned to transform the property into a world-class, familyand community-oriented destination that harmonizes with nature. It also said the ruling promotes sustainable economic growth by balancing environmental preservation with progress, uplifting local communities, and enhancing property values.

BCDA advised the public to be vigilant against misinformation and misinterpretations of the Supreme Court’s decision.

It said attempts to mislead the public in the guise of protecting third-party rights undermine the legal clarity of the ruling.

Globe rolls out private 5G network to address business, industry challenges

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said it rolled out the country’s first fully functional private 5G network to address major operational pain points and challenges in different industries.

Installed at a Globe facility in Makati City, this dedicated, on-premise wireless network showcases the potential of 5G to power advanced digital solutions that support critical functions with utmost reliability and efficiency.

Unlike traditional public networks shared by multiple users, Globe’s private 5G network offers businesses dedicated bandwidth, providing a higher level of control and security

over their network environment. It also enables customization to deliver high-performance, low-latency, and secure connectivity exclusive to a specific organization, facility, or operation. The service will soon be available to Globe’s Business-to-Business (B2B) clients, including those in ports, mining, and manufacturing, unlocking new possibilities across various sectors.

“This milestone demonstrates our drive to provide cutting-edge connectivity solutions that cater to the varying needs of our clients,” said Gerhard Tan, senior director and head of Technology Strategy and Innovations at Globe.

GREEN LIGHT

Raymund B. Habaradas

ARE you a single professional without children? At work, is there an expectation—whether explicit or unspoken—that you can work longer hours compared to your married colleagues who are parents just because you have no children yourself? On a more positive note, do you enjoy the freedom and flexibility of being single, allowing you to engage in hobbies or to occasionally file a leave of absence to travel domestically or abroad?

In this article, I present highlights of the work of my doctoral mentee Jelica ‘Jel’ Enriquez who successfully defended her dissertation towards the end of 2024. In her dissertation “All Work and No Play? Perspective of Single Professionals without Dependent Children on Work-Life Balance in the Contemporary Workplace: A Multiple Case Study,” she talked about how single professionals strive to attain work-life balance by either integrating or segmenting their professional and personal domains.

Jel’s work is especially relevant because it captures the voice of single professionals whose perspectives on work-life balance are underrepresented in academic literature, which mostly dwelled on the concerns of married employees with dependent children. It is no surprise that work-life balance policies and programs in many organizations are designed in favor of married employees (e.g., family day, maternity and paternity leaves, scholarships for children of employees) and largely neglect

Singles without kids: Do they work hard or play hard?

the unique challenges of single professionals, whose notion of work-life balance might differ compared to their married colleagues.

Jel’s dissertation was informed by boundary management theory, which suggests that individuals deliberately create, maintain, and negotiate boundaries that separate their work (professional) and non-work (personal) domains. The degree of integration or separation of these domains is primarily determined depending on whether boundaries are rigid and impermeable or flexible and permeable.

Permeability pertains to the degree to which a person can fulfill a certain role in one domain while occupying the space associated with another domain (Clark, 2000). For example, if an employee booked a flight to Boracay during work hours, this signifies a permeable border because being in the work domain does not preclude non-work activities. Psychological permeability, also known as spillover, refers to a situation during which an individual’s emotions, worries, and attitudes have the tendency to transfer across domains (e.g., an employee is compelled to check her emails even during the Christmas holidays because she could not keep herself from worrying about work-related concerns.

Flexibility, on the other hand, is the degree to which a border might tighten or expand based on the demands imposed by the work and nonwork domains (Clark, 2000). For instance, an employee who is allowed to leave the office

It is no surprise that work-life balance policies and programs in many organizations are designed in favor of married employees…and largely neglect the unique challenges of single professionals.

two hours earlier than usual to accompany his mother to the hospital enjoys a certain degree of work flexibility.

In Jel’s dissertation, some single professionals prefer integrating their professional and personal domains. Pam, one of the study’s respondents, appreciates the flexibility of working from home. “Sometimes, in the afternoon, when it’s my downtime,” she said, “I do some chores like buying groceries that we need at home.” Erin, who also works from home, does her laundry while attending online meetings.

For other single professionals, however, the absence of clear boundaries can be dysfunctional. Jim, for example, reported how he always thinks about work-related matters, even during dinner break and or

even when taking a bath. Angela, on other hand, shared that “sometimes, I dream of my problem tickets.”

Other respondents, however, prefer to clearly segment their professional and personal domains. Pam, for example, refrains from divulging excessive information about her personal life to her work colleagues. “For example, a fight that I had with my mom is not something that I would share with them.” Dwight, on the other hand, does not discuss work-related stuff with his family. “My father does not need to know that I’m struggling with a project, right?” In the case of Meredith, she can focus on the current role or task at hand. “When I am in the company, I think about my work. When I am in school, I think about school. When I am travelling, I think about my travel.”

At this point, it is left to the individual to weigh the costs and benefits of having less rigid and permeable work borders. Might you be one of those who prefer the traditional set-up where work and non-work boundaries are clear? Or do you prefer flexible work arrangements that enable you to work and play hard at the same time?

Raymund B. Habaradas is a full professor at the Department of Management and Organization of De La Salle University (DLSU). He can be reached at rbhabaradas@ yahoo.com

of the Philippines energizes the 150MVA Transformer No. 2 of its

Davao Substation in Davao City, Davao del Sur. This will improve the quality of power transmitted in the area, and augment the existing 300MVA capacity of the substation which serves Davao Light and Power Company Inc.

DA lauds industry support for KADIWA rice

By Othel V. Campos

DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. credited the support and cooperation of the industry and stakeholders for the success of the KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-for-All initiative, which has been providing affordable rice to consumers.

Tiu Laurel thanked rice millers, importers and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for supporting the government’s efforts to provide affordable rice to consumers.

In a meeting with rice importers to discuss strategies for stabilizing rice

prices, Tiu Laurel cited their active participation in the KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-for-All initiative.

“We remain hopeful that more likeminded businesses will join President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration in addressing food inflation and

ensuring affordability for Filipino consumers,” he said.

The rolling stores have been offering well-milled rice at P40 and P45 per kilogrram in public markets across Metro Manila since Dec. 21, 2024.

Some 26 KADIWA rolling stores and kiosks serve consumers in various markets and select MRT and LRT stations, with plans to expand to all major public markets in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Beyond the rolling stores, 40 KADIWA Centers in NCR and Bulacan provide basic necessities, prime commodities, and rice for vulnerable

SWINE PROGRAM. The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), led by regional executive director Jose Apollo Pacamalan, signs a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Taparak Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative of the local government unit (LGU) of Alubijid town and First Community Cooperative (FICCO) under the Modified Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program on Dec. 27, 2024. Project proponents will each receive one unit of a 30-sow level production farm project. Total project cost is P10 million.

NPC offers 4 pilot areas for fuel hybridization plan

By Alena Mae S. Flores

STATE-RUN National Power Corp. (NPC) said it will hold the bidding this month for the Accelerated Hybridization Plan (AHP) of four pilot areas, a key priority this year.

NPC president Fernando Martin Roxas said the Government Procurement Policy Board approved the terms of reference and customized bidding documents for the AHP, which would allow private sector participation in renewable energy (RE) generation at Napocor’s Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) diesel power plants.

“We intend to start the tender for our four pilot clusters—Bicol, El Nido, Batanes and Tawi-Tawi— within this month of January and award contracts in May,” Roxas said.

“The AHP aims to replace about a quarter of our diesel consumption with RE sources. However, we still need to address the remaining 75 percent fossil fuel usage.

We are piloting biofuels at two existing plants —one in Southern Palawan and another in Western Mindanao— with completion targeted for 2025,” he said.

Roxas said NPC’s second priority is establishing an alternative fuel supply chain for missionary areas. “We are starting with a pilot project for Western Mindanao, planning to tender in the second quarter of 2025 and award contracts in mid-2025,” he said.

He said NPC is also planning a biomass application in Southern Luzon, which it hopes to initiate in early 2026. “We are seeking multilateral funding to support these research initiatives,” he said.

NPC warned last year it would be forced to curtail operating hours of its SPUG operations by March this year if it did not receive approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for its pending cost recovery petitions.

Roxas said NPC needs P11.5 billion for fuel costs in 2024, adding that for every P1-billion deficit in fuel costs, there will be 2.1 hours of no power.

CAVITE EBOSS. Cities in Cavite province launch their respective BusinessOne-Stop-Shop (BOSS) programs on Jan. 2, 2025 for those who will prepare and pay their annual taxes, including investors and residents.

Dasmariñas, Imus, Bacoor and General Trias launched their respective programs to encourage investors and residents to pay taxes on time.

Dennis Adrina

AirAsia PH ready for passenger influx after long holiday

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines said on Sunday it is fully prepared to accommodate a surge of passengers returning from holiday travels.

The budget airline said its teams are on high alert at key airports to ensure smooth travel for all passengers, particularly as it anticipates a peak in passenger numbers starting today.

AirAsia Philippines served more than 400,000 passengers from Dec. 16, 2024, to Jan. 6, 2025, surpassing its projected count of 300,000 for the period, indicating a strong rebound in travel demand among Filipinos.

“We expect a continuous increase in passenger traffic at our check-in counters until January 10th, as

many of our kababayans (countrymen) have extended their holiday leave,” said Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs head.

He said the airline would maintain operational readiness after the holidays, anticipating increased travel demand during the upcoming fiesta season in key destinations like Kalibo, Cebu and Bohol.

The recent advisory from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on fuel surcharges will help ensure stable pricing. Airlines can collect a fuel surcharge ranging from 117 pesos to 342 pesos for domestic flights, depending on distance, and from 385.7 pesos to 2,867.82 pesos for international flights.

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five ASEAN countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

sectors, including P29 per kilo rice. “While the DA is working closely with millers and importers to bring more affordable rice options, we remain dedicated to helping Filipino rice farmers increase their productivity and maintain their profitability,” Tiu Laurel said.

He also urged importers to diversify by including rice with 25-percent broken grains in their shipments to further lower rice prices. Such varieties are more affordable than the commonly imported rice with only 5-percent broken grains, he said.

IN BRIEF

Cash remittances seen rising 3% to record $35.5b in 2025

Cash remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are expected to rise 3 percent in 2025 to about $35.5 billion from the projected $34.5 billion in 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said over the weekend.

This also follows the similar 3.0-percent growth projected in 2024 from $33.5 billion in 2023. The figures are based on the updated balance of payments (BOP) assumptions of the BSP for 2024 and 2025. Data showed the cash remittances grew 2.9 percent in the first three quarters of 2024 to $25.2 billion. Meanwhile, business process out-

Solar developers warn vs. delay in 4th round of GEAP

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) said over the weekend investors eagerly await the holding of the next auction for floating, rooftop and land-based solar, and further delays could affect funding and partner commitment.

“The one-year gap in the scheduled auction has already sent jitters to potential investors. Any further delay on the upcoming Green Energy Auction Program [GEAP] 4 will have a significant impact on the commitment of funders and partners,” the group said.

The additional installation resulting from the auction will increase the share of solar in the country’s energy mix, and fulfilling the government’s promise to hold yearly auctions will greatly improve the credibility of this administration in its commitment to transition goals, PSSEA said.

The Department of Energy has yet to release the terms of reference for the fourth round of the GEAP, where solar technologies, onshore wind, biomass, waste-to-energy and integrated renewable energy systems (IRESS) will be offered for private sector development.

“PSSEA applauds DOE for including integrated renewable energy with storage [IRES] as an auction item for 2025. This solution will provide a shortterm solution and allow additional solar capacity into the grid. We urge DOE to remain steadfast in its commitment to renewables and introduce storage solutions to the 2025 auction schedule. There is so much to look forward to, and such opportunities can benefit the community in terms of employment, environment, and security,” the group said.

sourcing (BPO) revenues are seen rising 6 percent in 2025 to $33 billion from the projected $31.2 billion in 2024.

Travel receipts are also expected to increase 20 percent in 2025 to $12.6 billion from the projected $10.5 billion in 2024.

The BSP reduced the growth forecasts for both goods and services exports in 2024 alongside higher pro-

jected services imports.

The latest growth forecast for services exports is anchored on the expected deceleration of revenue inflows coming from the BPO and travel activities, consistent with latest trend driven in part by domestic constraints in AI adoption and slow return of Chinese tourists into the country, the BSP said.

“In addition, merchandise exports are seen to deliver a more subdued performance in 2024 following the more pronounced slowdown in export revenues in the third quarter of 2024 reflecting the decline in exports of semiconductor products, copper metal and bananas,” it said.

“Expectations of softer global demand amid tight monetary conditions, post-pandemic fiscal consolidation, as well as larger trade barriers and increased uncertainty from Presidentelect Trump’s announced policies also continue to weigh down the nearterm prospects for goods exports,” the BSP said. It said that for 2025, the overall BOP is anticipated to remain in a surplus position despite the foreseen widening of the current account relative to the 2024 forecast.

Sustained net inflows from the financial account will continue to buoy the overall BOP outlook this year, it said.

BSP’s Monetary Board trims number of policy meetings to six in 2025

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Monetary Board (MB) said over the weekend it reduced the frequency of its monetary policy stance meetings to six in 2025 from seven last year.

“This change to bimonthly intervals will enable more in-depth analysis of data updates and provide the BSP with greater scope for consultations with sector experts on its forecast assumptions,” the MB said in a statement.

The MB slashed its key interest rates by 75 basis points in 2024 to align its policy with the monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve and help support economic growth amid stabilizing inflation.

China’s central bank vows ‘moderately loose’ policy

BEIJING—China’s central bank has outlined a “moderately loose” monetary plan aimed at boosting domestic demand to spur growth, days after President Xi Jinping called for more proactive macroeconomic policies. Beijing last year struggled to lift the economy out of a slump fueled by a property market crisis, weak consumption and soaring government debt. Officials have unveiled measures aimed at bolstering growth, including cutting interest rates and easing homebuying restrictions, but economists have warned more direct stimulus may still be needed.

The People’s Bank of China (PBoC)

said in a statement it will “implement a moderately loose monetary policy... to create a good monetary and financial environment for promoting sustained economic recovery”.

The statement released Saturday reiterated plans to cut interest rates and the reserve requirement ratio which dictates how much banks must hold in their coffers, rather than lending or investing.

It said the changes would be made “at an appropriate time” depending on conditions at home and abroad.

The PBoC emphasized the need to weed out corruption -- signaling the continuation of a long-running crackdown in China’s finance industry.

It also said it would continue to help local governments resolve debt burdens with “financial support”.

The measures are to “prevent and resolve financial risks in key areas, further deepen financial reform and high-level opening up, focus on expanding domestic demand, stabilizing expectations, and stimulating vitality,” the statement said.

The bank’s announcement came after officials convened for a two-day conference in the capital.

Beijing was aiming for growth of around five percent in 2024, a goal Xi has expressed confidence in achieving but which many economists believe will be narrowly missed. AFP

BSP Governor and MB chairman Eli Remolona Jr. also hinted that the monetary easing cycle would continue this year.

The BSP released the 2025 schedule for the MB meetings on the monetary policy stance, along with the publication dates for the Monetary Policy Report (MPR) and the highlights of

the MB meetings on monetary policy. The MB would hold its first policy meeting in 2025 on Feb. 20 and the rest on April 3, June 19, Aug. 28, Oct. 9 and Dec. 11. All meetings are scheduled on Thursdays. It also announced the schedule of the releases of MB meeting highlights and monetary policy reports.

WASHINGTON—An investigation by a US Senate panel has found that troubled investment bank Credit Suisse concealed information during previous inquiries into Nazi-controlled bank accounts during World War II. Tens of thousands of documents discovered during an ongoing examination have provided new proof of the existence of account holders linked to the Nazis, the Senate Budget Committee said in a statement released Saturday. The bank did not reveal the existence of these accounts during previous investigations, notably in the 1990s, the committee said. Credit Suisse, now a subsidiary of investment bank UBS, agreed in 1998 to take part in a $1.25 billion

settlement of lawsuits brought by Holocaust survivors, but it has been accused of not being completely open about its past dealings with Nazis. The Senate committee said Saturday that one set of newly discovered files, including 3,600 physical documents and 40,000 microfilms, was found to have a “high relevance rate” of Nazi connections. It said the revelations stem from an interim report by former prosecutor Neil Barofsky, who was fired as an “independent ombudsperson” by the bank in 2022 after being pressed to

UBER IN INDIA. Birds fly over an Uber pick-up point at the Kempegowda International Airport, during sunset in Bengaluru on Jan. 4, 2025. AFP

$1.3-M TUNA. A bluefin tuna from Oma, Aomori Prefecture, which was purchased earlier in the day for $1.3 million, is presented to the media following the first tuna auction of the New Year at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market on Jan. 5, 2025. AFP

REAL ESTATE

Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa unveils model unit

PUEBLO DE ORO Development Corporation (PDO), the residential development arm of the ICCP Group, unveiled recently the model units of Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa, an exclusive residential community in City of Lipa, Batangas.

Nominated as Best Premium House of the Year 2024 in the recent Outlook 2024: Philippine Real Estate Awards, Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa embodies the essence of the courtyard concept, with residential lots artfully positioned to face or adjoin expansive green spaces.

Designed to cater to evolving lifestyles, targeting the middle-income market, this exclusive subdivision embraces the ‘new normal’ with amenities such as an exclusive village pool, clubhouse, children’s playground, basketball court, and a scenic jogging path.

The 10-hectare subdivision features modern single-attached two-storey houses with lot sizes ranging from 88 to 110 square meters (sqm). Each home boasts spacious interiors, a floor area of 104 sqm, and ample room for future expansion.

Located about an hour and a half drive from Manila, the project is situated south of Leviste Avenue, providing easy access to daily family and worklife establishments such as top schools, shopping malls, convenience stores, and landmark churches. The project is also just a few kilometers from hotels, resorts, beaches, and other leisure facilities in the south.

Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa offers the gold standard of community living, a commitment upheld by Pueblo de Oro for almost three decades. It provides exclusive and self-sustaining communities and townships with thriving commercial and business centers complemented by nature’s beauty

Targeted for completion by July 2027, Pueblo de Oro Courtyards Lipa is part of PDO’s significant investment in the province of Batangas. In 2023, the company launched the 48-hectare Pueblo de Oro Townscapes Malvar township, part of a larger 286-hectare ‘live-work-play’ development.

For this year it is scheduled to launch the P1.7 billion Pueblo de Oro Westwoods Heights subdivision project in Batangas City.

Green buildings to shape NCR

THE demand for green, healthy and sustainable office spaces will significantly increase over the next three years, according to real estate consultancy firm Colliers Philippines.

Colliers Philippines said in a recent report sustainable office buildings would play a key role in shaping Metro Manila’s office market and that landlords would have to respond to this demand.

The demand for green buildings is primarily coming from multinational companies and large Filipino businesses focused on sustainability.

Colliers Philippines estimated that as of end September 2024, about 2.6 million square meters of office space remained vacant in Metro Manila.

It would likely take five years for this space to be filled as office vacancy rate in Metro Manila reached 20.5 percent in 2024, a record high.

Despite this trend, green and sustainable office spaces are expected to dominate new office supply in the region from 2025 to 2027, it said.

It said about 61 percent of the new office supply from 2025 to 2027 would be green-certified.

Some 1.2 million square meters of new office space would be completed during this period, with around 722,000 square meters receiving green building certifications.

In the first nine months of 2024, nearly half of all office transactions in Metro Manila were in greencertified buildings.

To attract more tenants, landlords should focus on offering safe and healthy office spaces. Colliers Philippines said landlords should also highlight their buildings’ amenities and value-added features to encourage employees to return to the office. It said developers should consider differentiating their properties by adding green and sustainable features including lower density ratios, curtain wall systems with thermal insulation, touchless access in elevators, vertical gardens, UV disinfection lifts, and filtered air circulation systems to create healthy, efficient workplaces for traditional and outsourcing occupiers. Green-certified spaces

As more employees return to office, Colliers Philippines recommends that landlords offer spaces in buildings that prioritize health and well-being. This may include buildings with certifications like LEED, BERDE or WELL.

The majority of these new green buildings will rise in Makati fringes, Ortigas fringes and Quezon City. These include Innoland Altaire, Araneta Cyberpark Tower 3, SM North EDSA Towers 4 & 5, GBF Center Tower 2 and The Yuchengco Center. Green certifications

Developers should also consider pursuing green building certifications such as LEED or BERDE for their residential projects.

For instance, DMCI Homes plans to secure green certifications for its upcoming Fortis Residences project. Arthaland will also launch six mid-rise condominium buildings at its Sevina Park township in Laguna, which is the country’s first residential community to achieve LEED. “Colliers believes that incorporating green and sustainable features will be important for future-proofing residential projects,” it said. Jenniffer B. Austria

DoubleDragon seeks more properties

DDMPR REIT Inc., the real estate investment trust company of DoubleDragon Corp. has unveiled a new three-year strategy that will strengthen its position in the market and deliver consistent returns to its investors. The company said it plans expand its real estate portfolio by acquiring high-quality real estate, and maintain a strong financial position to ensure long-term growth and stability. It also aims to improve the performance of its existing properties by increasing rental income, maintaining high occupancy rates, and undertaking property enhancements. By working closely with its property manager, DDMPR plans to optimize the use of space and negotiate better lease terms to drive steady growth. The company also plans to strategically acquire new properties in prime locations, with a focus on Grade A commercial buildings that offer stable income and long-term capital appreciation. These acquisitions will help diversify DDMPR’s portfolio and ensure sustainable growth in the future. In addition to managing properties

and acquiring new ones, DDMPR will maintain a strong balance sheet. The company is debt-free, which provides financial flexibility to take advantage of opportunities in the market. By managing risks effectively and focusing on cost efficiency, DDMPR aims to maximize returns for investors.

To achieve these goals, the company plans to diversify its tenant base by attracting tenants from a variety of industries, including banking, government, and technology.

This will help reduce risk and ensure stable rental income.

It is also committed to providing regular and stable distributions to its shareholders by focusing on rental escalations and cost-efficient operations. With a clear strategy in place, DDMPR is focused on delivering steady returns and creating long-term value for its investors. The company is committed to maintaining a strong market position and continuing its growth in

MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

YOUNG actor Miguel Tanfelix

was so excited to talk about his latest project that he said it would give his fans a sneak peek of what he is planning to do in 2025.

In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, the 26-year-old star described 2024 as “very eventful,” with a mix of intense work schedules and enriching travel experiences. After completing Running Man, he had the opportunity to travel to Japan and Bali, “which are part of the highlights of my 2024,” he said.

This year, Miguel is ready to shift gears and be even more dedicated to his craft.

“I’ll be laser-focused,” he smiled. “Perhaps I’ll have a more concentrated approach to my future projects.”

This commitment to focus is already clear in his current project, Mga Batang Riles, the latest drama series from GMA Network. For Miguel, Mga Batang Riles is more than just a TV project— it’s another opportunity to demonstrate his growth as an actor.

In Mga Batang Riles, Miguel plays Kidlat Asuncion, a principled young man struggling with poverty in Sitio Liwanag. As the leader of a group of underprivileged boys, Kidlat must fight against a wrongful accusation and clear his name. Along with his companions, including Kokoy De Santos, Raheel Bhyria, Bruce Roeland, and Antonio Vinzon, Kidlat challenges corruption and injustice in their town, hoping to restore honor and truth.

The series also marks the return of action star Ronnie Ricketts as Bayani Salvacion, with Diana Zubiri taking on a special role as Maria ‘Maying’

Miguel Tanfelix shifts into high gear for 2025

Asuncion. The drama promises intense action, with themes of resilience, which Tanfelix seems to embrace throughout his career. Miguel expressed gratitude for the trust GMA has placed in him. “Perhaps they see my drive and passion for every project I do. That’s why they give me projects like this,” he said. “I have no issue with any role or show they assign me because I will give my 101 percent.”

intense stunts.

“It’s really hardcore action,” Miguel explained. “There can’t be a day without action, there can’t be a day without stunts. It’s physically tiring, but it excites us as actors.”

The series keeps the cast on their toes, as each taping day brings new challenges. “Every taping day involves action, and there’s always something new to look forward to,” he shared.

Discussing the physical demands of the series, Miguel compared the level of action in Mga Batang Riles to his previous role in Voltes V. While Voltes V featured more robotic action, Mga Batang Riles centers on human-driven,

The show also features a strong cast, including Jay Manalo, Roderick Paulate, Jeric Raval, and Desiree Del Valle, alongside the younger generation of actors such as Zephanie, Faye Lorenzo, and TikTok creators Jomar Yee and Spencer Serafica. The

Hollywood A-listers set to shine at Golden Globes

HOLLYWOOD’S best and brightest from film and television will hit the red carpet Sunday (Monday in Manila) for the Golden Globes, the year’s first major showbiz awards gala, with the surreal narco-musical Emilia Perez leading the movie pack.

French director Jacques Audiard’s genredefying film about a Mexican drug lord who transitions to life as a woman, which first made waves at the Cannes festival last year, earned 10 nominations — the most ever for a comedy/musical.

Emilia Perez — which is almost entirely in Spanish — is hoping a big night at the Globes, which are seen as a bellwether for the Academy Awards, could propel it to Oscars success in early March.

“It’s a true musical that wowed people,” Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond told AFP. “I think it’s got the international thing going for it, and it just swept the European Film Awards.”

The Golden Globes offer separate awards for dramas and comedies/musicals, widening the field of movie stars in contention — and thus highlighting more performances for Academy voters, who will soon cast ballots for the Oscar nominations.

Emilia Perez earned nominations across the board, including three acting nods for Karla Sofia Gascon, who plays the title character, as well as Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana It will compete for top musical-comedy honors with smash hit Wicked, Cannes darling

Anora, tennis love-triangle film Challengers, Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, and body horror film The Substance, starring Demi Moore Wicked, the movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, earned four nominations, including for Tony winner Cynthia Erivo as the green-skinned Elphaba and pop sensation Ariana Grande as the bubbly pink-clad Glinda.

Hammond said he believed Wicked would be at a “disadvantage” at the Globes, given its lack of nominations in key categories, but favors Erivo to take home the prize for best lead actress. She will compete with Gascon, Anora star Mikey Madison Amy Adams of Nightbitch, Moore, and Challengers star Zendaya

The Globes are in year two of a revamp, following a Los Angeles Times expose in 2021 that showed that the awards’ voting body — the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — had no Black members. Now under new ownership, and with the HFPA disbanded, organizers are hoping to capitalize on a ratings bump registered last January, and perhaps even burnish the gala’s status as a predictor of Oscars success. Hammond says the reorganization shines through with nominees like The Brutalist, starring Oscar winner Adrien Brody as a Hungarian Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States. The Globes are “definitely more

international. They’re more open to different kinds of movies,” he said, citing The Brutalist — which earned seven nominations — as an example. It will do battle for best drama film with Conclave, a fictionalized account of high-stakes Vatican horse-trading, depicting how the death of a pope sends the church’s various factions into battle for its future. Beyond the two favorites, others vying for the best drama prize include Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two, 1960s reform school tale Nickel Boys, and 1972 Munich Olympics thriller September 5 The Globes also honor the best in television, with comedy The Bear earning five nominations, and historical epic Shogun and comedy Only Murders in the Building tied at four. Comedian Nikki Glaser will host the

in Beverly Hills, which begins at 5:00

time. AFP

and

“The

is a

the

and

of

show also features veteran actors like Cris Villanueva, Tina Paner, Chuckie Dreyfuss, and many others. Mga Batang Riles is directed by Richard Arellano, with a special contribution from dramatic director Laurice Guillen

series

story of resilience, justice, and the unyielding spirit of youth,” Miguel stated. “Kidlat and his friends fight for their town

their futures, we aim to inspire viewers through our portrayal

perseverance

courage in

face of adversity.” Mga Batang Riles premieres tonight and airs from Monday to Friday at 8:00 p.m. on GMA Prime, with global audiences able to catch it on GMA Pinoy TV.

gala

p.m. Pacific

Miguel Tanfelix is back on primetime as Kidlat Asuncion in ‘Mga Batang Riles’

Bruce Roeland as Matos Victor Kokoy De Santos as Kulot Canla

Antonio Vinzon as Dagul Moreno

Raheel Bhyria as Sig Borja

From left: Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, and Selena Gomez all earned Golden Globes nominations for their work in ‘Emilia Perez’

Comedy actress Nikki Glaser is set to host the Golden Globes awarding ceremony

‘Wicked’ stars Cynthia Erivo (left) and Ariana Grande

Apayao joins UNESCO’s elite biosphere club

By Angelica Villanueva

APAYAO , a landlocked province in the Cordillera region, has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of its 11 new “biosphere reserves” for 2024. This recognition acknowledges the province’s unique ecological value and its potential as a travel destination.

Spanning 3,960 square kilometers, Apayao is divided into two distinct regions: the rugged terrain of Upper Apayao, with towering peaks and valleys, and the flatter Lower Apayao, which features rolling hills and plateaus. The province is also home to the Apayao River, which nourishes 18 tributaries and stretches over 180 kilometers.

As part of UNESCO’s recognition, Apayao is emerging as a growing ecotourism hub. The provincial government is keen to promote its natural attractions, particularly for hikers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

The province’s seven towns—Sta. Marcela, Luna, Calanasan, Pudtol, Flora, Conner, and Kabugao—boast stunning waterfalls, such as Calanasan’s Carmela Falls and Kabugao’s Gololan Falls. Each provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy tranquil surroundings and take in the lush greenery.

For those seeking more adventure, Apayao offers cave exploration, particularly in Luna’s Lussok Crystal Cave, known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river suitable for boating and kayaking. The Dupag Rock Formation, perched atop a 30-meter hill in Marag Valley, provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Another must-see is Mount Sicapoo, known for its towering monolith and panoramic vistas.

Hidden gems like the Hutungan Hidden Paradise in Pudtol, with its giant rocks and crystal-clear waters, showcase Apayao’s unspoiled beauty. Visitors can also enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like ATV rides and kayaking at the Tacang Small Water Impounding Project.

Apayao is home to the Isnag people, an indigenous group who value nature and maintain the Lapat system—a customary practice regulating the use of natural resources and environmental protection. This focus on sustainability aligns with the province’s biosphere status.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has lauded Apayao’s UNESCO recognition, underscoring the ecological importance and ongoing conservation efforts. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco noted that such initiatives contribute to the Philippines’ appeal as a unique travel destination.

Your passport to unlimited connectivity

GLOBE has introduced its new Roam Surf global packs that offer more data for extended stays abroad at reduced daily rates. Travelers can now access reliable and affordable connectivity without the need to swap SIM cards in over 120 destinations worldwide.

The new packs aim to provide seamless internet access during international trips, making it easier to stay connected while traveling across countries.

Here are six reasons why the all-new Roam Surf Global Packs should be your ultimate travel companion:

More affordable roaming made possible

Enjoy daily rates as low as P107, a remarkable drop from the previous P200 per day. These refreshed packs combine reliable connectivity with unmatched value, giving travelers more room to enjoy unforgettable adventures while staying seamlessly online.

Convenient, no-switch SIM solution

Now with lower prices, you can skip the hassle of swapping SIMs or hunting for local alternatives. Just book your preferred promo in advance via the GlobeOne app, and activate it upon arrival at your destination by turning on mobile data and roaming. No extra steps needed.

One promo, multiple countries

Access your data with ease in over 120 countries worldwide. Whether you have a layover between two destinations or are exploring France and Italy, your pack simply follows you. No extra changes whatsoever as you country-hop from one place to another.

More data for every traveler

At 3GB for 5 days, this offer provides more data compared to other connectivity options that only give 1GB for 7 days. Stay online longer, share more moments, and navigate your travels smoothly without being limited by your data packs.

Apayao’s tourism continues to grow, with the province taking part in cultural events like the Mangan Taku 2024 food festival and the Marag Tourism Village’s recognition as a runner-up in the DOT-CAR’s Search for the Best Tourism Village.

Joining the ranks of Albay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera, Apayao’s designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve further cements the Philippines’ position as a top travel destination. With its pristine natural beauty and commitment to sustainability, Apayao is poised to become a gem for both local and international travelers.

To reach Apayao from Manila, visitors can travel by land, with the journey taking approximately 13 hours. The best time to visit is between February and May, during the hot season.

For more information about the Philippines, visit https://thephilippines. online or download the Travel PH app on Android and iOS.

Whether it’s a quick getaway or a long vacation, flexible options ranging from 3 to 30 days ensure there’s a plan tailored to every traveler’s itinerary. Booking made easy Book your preferred promo effortlessly in advance through the GlobeOne app. Globe Prepaid and TM users can also register via GCash for added convenience.

“Travelers deserve affordable and dependable connectivity to make the most out of their adventures. The allnew Roam Surf Global Packs reflect Globe’s

Dupag Rock Formation in Luna, Apayao

(Photo by Provincial Government of Apayao)

Enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like kayaking in Hutungan Hidden Paradise (Photo by DOT-CAR)

Apayao also offers cave explorations with its Lussok Cave and Underground River in Luna, Apayao (Photo by DOT-CAR)

Mount Sicapoo is known for its towering monolith and panoramic vistas (Photo by DOT-CAR)

Visitors kayaking at the Tacang Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) in Sta. Marcela, Apayao (Photo by Provincial Government of Apayao)

Relishing super, natural British Columbia

FOR over

30 years, this has been the tourism slogan of Canada’s westernmost province, perfectly capturing what visitors will see and enjoy. Although the capital of British Columbia is Victoria, the province’s largest and most popular tourist destination is Vancouver.

My first visit to Vancouver was when my siblings, coming from various parts of the world, and I decided to hold our family reunion in the city to celebrate my birthday two years ago. To save on expenses, we opted for an Airbnb villa instead of booking individual hotel rooms. The villa featured nine bedrooms, a swimming pool, a sauna, a bar, a game room, and a spacious lanai overlooking the city. It was the ideal venue for a family reunion, allowing us to enjoy private accommodations and daily celebrations.

During the day, we made sure to carve out time to explore Vancouver’s many tourist attractions. What are some important facts about Vancouver? Its port is the busiest and largest in Canada. While forestry is the city’s major industry, its proximity to nature makes its tourism industry a close second. It also has a growing film production center, which has led to the branding of the city as “Hollywood North.” Stanley Park is the city’s most popular tourist attraction. It is a 405-hectare “green escape” from modern urban life and provides the peace and calm ambiance that any harried mortal longs for. It is bigger than New York’s Central Park. For those who prefer an easier

way to explore the park, there is the Stanley Park Train or the more enchanting horse-drawn carriages, similar to those in New York’s Central Park. For a leisurely meal, there are many restaurants to choose from, most offering a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and lush green mountains on the other.

If you’re looking for adventure, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the tourist attraction for you. This 136-year-old bridge spans 450 feet across the Capilano River and stands 230 feet high. It is made of hemp rope and planks from cedar trees. It sways with the weight of people on it, which is the thrill that visitors seek.

However, the bridge’s claim to fame is its sturdiness, being strong enough to carry the weight of a fully loaded 747 aircraft or 75 full-grown elephants. When my siblings and I walked on it, I don’t know how many Hail Marys I prayed for my safety, though I was smiling the whole time because such a thrilling “physical endeavor” was something entirely new to me.

Grouse Mountain’s iconic Skyride is an experience that’s hard to forget. The breathtaking scenery it offers is simply out of this world. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, once you’re on the Skyride,

surrounded by the awe-inspiring panoramic view of nature at its finest, you can’t help but appreciate God’s marvelous creations.

If you’re looking for adventure, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the tourist attraction for you. This 136-year-old bridge spans 450 feet across the Capilano River and stands 230 feet high. It is made of hemp rope and planks from cedar trees. It sways with the weight of people on it, which is the thrill that visitors seek. However, the bridge’s claim to

Visa made easy: Your ticket to your dream

SOUTH Korea has extended its Simplified Tourist Visa Program for Metrobank credit cardholders until Dec. 31, 2025, making it easier for Filipinos to explore their K-drama and hallyu-inspired travel dreams. The program allows eligible Metrobank cardholders to use their credit card statement of account (SOA) in place of traditional financial

documents when applying for a tourist visa. Applicants with Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa, Metrobank World Mastercard®, or Metrobank Platinum Mastercard® only need to submit a Certificate of Employment, a photo of the front side of their credit card, and their past three months’ billing statements to complete the visa process.

fame is its sturdiness, being strong enough to carry the weight of a fully loaded 747 aircraft or 75 full-grown elephants. When my siblings and I walked on it, I don’t know how many Hail Marys I prayed for my safety, though I was smiling the whole time because such a thrilling “physical endeavor” was something entirely new to me.

Grouse Mountain’s iconic Skyride is an experience that’s hard to forget. The breathtaking scenery it offers is simply out of this world. Located just

South

This streamlined program not only simplifies visa applications but also offers exclusive perks for Metrobank credit cardholders through Klook. Travelers can enjoy 20 percent discounts on hotel bookings, tours, activities, and flights with specific minimum spending requirements.

In addition, Metrobank’s Big Travel

15 minutes from downtown, once you’re on the Skyride, surrounded by the awe-inspiring panoramic view of nature at its finest, you can’t help but appreciate God’s marvelous creations.

----------O----------

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: What did one snowman say to the other? It smells like carrots over here.

----------O---------For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

Korean adventure

Bonus promo rewards cardholders with up to P20,000 in e-GCs for travel-related expenses, including Klook transactions. This promotion runs until Jan. 15, further enhancing the travel experience for cardholders.

With these exclusive deals and simplified visa requirements, now is the perfect time for Metrobank cardholders to plan their South

Korea getaway. Whether it’s exploring Seoul’s bustling cityscape or enjoying the coastal charm of Busan, the program opens up endless possibilities for adventure.

More details about the Simplified South Korean Tourist Visa Program and Metrobank’s travel deals are available on their official website.

Get lost at Stanley Park’s Lost Lagoon surrounded by lush greenery and a backdrop of mountains

Awesome view of the Skyride going up Grouse Mountain

The exciting Capilano Suspension Bridge is a must for thrill-seekers

The city of Vancouver is called the ‘Hollywood of the North’