US-PH relations bring in real investments...

for expansion, like Procter & Gamble that will open an additional plant to increase its manufacturing line to cater to both domestic and export markets. For the IT-BPM sector, Optum is establishing two locations in the Philippines for its BPM services while for logistics, Fedex is expanding its delivery services facility to 10 times bigger than its midPacific hub.

For telecommunications – considered a critical global economic sector – we have Starlink that is now operational in the Philippines, the first in Southeast Asia.

The U.S.-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system is now also up, connecting the Philippines directly to Japan and the U.S. West Coast.

Another important sector is health care, and I am very pleased that Moderna – whose very effective mRNA antiCOVID-19 vaccines saved so many lives all over the world, including Filipinos – will set up one of three worldwide Enterprise Solutions Hub and commercial operations in the Philippines to service the Asia Pacific market.

These investment pledges from the U.S. are no pie in the sky promises; these are real dollars that are coming in.

Let me be clear: We are carrying out President Marcos’ instructions to all Philippine ambassadors –that is, to promote goodwill in our host country; bring in more investments and generate more jobs for Filipinos. As Ambassador to the United States, I will unequivocally continue to do just that, which is to keep good relations with our one and only defense treaty ally –the United States.

* * *

My sincere congratulations to Rigoberto Tiglao for his recent award from the Chinese embassy.

An article on the Manila Times website announcing the award said Tiglao was one of the awardees in the Outstanding Contributions category that “recognizes individuals of lesser prominence” but who nonetheless are making “notable contributions” in promoting Philippines-China ties.

Tiglao was the former

Philippine Ambassador to Greece whose short pathetic failed stint was marked by petitions and protests for his ouster by overseas Filipino workers (https://www. gmanetwork.com/news/ news/pinoyabroad/203170/ pinoy-protesters-in-greecedemand-ouster-of-envoy/ story/) and was even described by leaders of different migrant workers’ groups as “one of the worst in Philippine diplomatic service.”

Nonetheless, Tiglao must have made his patrons happy when he called the 2016 arbitral tribunal award that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea as “a hoax” and even had the audacity to write a book about it.

He is relentless in his efforts to denigrate the initiative taken by the Philippines to file a case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague that challenged the so-called nine-dash-line that China has been using to claim almost the whole of the South China Sea – without even considering the basis for that suit.

He has been so prolific in thrashing the award which many other nations –including other claimants to the disputed territories – have recognized and supported, undoubtedly making it lawful for us to demand for China to stop the harassment and bullying of Filipino fishermen who continue to suffer everyday at the loss of their livelihood. Tiglao seems to have a propensity for the “I couldn’t care less” attitude towards the plight of our OFWs and our fisherfolk.

One can only wonder, does Tiglao – who is repeatedly fact-checked – really mean what he has been writing and saying, or is he mouthing the thoughts and words of another country? In any case, that should not really be surprising because he has actually been described, and worked as – a mouthpiece. (Philstar.com)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Climate disasters affect kids from 5.6 million poor Filipino families

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — Children from 5.6 million low-income families in the Philippines are exposed to the worsening impacts of climate change—a problem they will inherit even though they are least responsible for it.

This was according to advocacy group Save the Children Philippines, which stressed that climate change will make the existing challenges that children face much worse.

“Millions of Filipino children remain poor due to inequality and discrimination, and their situation is exacerbated by the climate crisis. Many of them lack access to basic services on health, education, proper nutrition or adequate housing,” Save the Children Philippines CEO Albert Muyot said.

Families living in poverty and in rural areas have increasingly shouldered the brunt of climate disasters. Poor households also have less support and resources to adapt to climate-related changes.

According to a 2021 report published by the Save the Children Philippines, Filipino children born in 2020 will experience 4.9 times more scorching heat waves, 2.3 times more river floods, 1.2 more droughts, and 1.5 times more crop failures than their grandparents or people born 60 years ago.

“During climate emergencies, many affected families find it hard to send their children to school or even access healthcare. Children suffer the most because they look for work to help augment their daily needs,” Save the Children Philippines said.

It added that climate change exacerbates violence against women, putting Filipino girls “at greater risk” of being abused, neglected, exploited or subjected to child marriages.

Climate change at the center

The advocacy group called for child-centered climate change mitigation and adaptation plans.

“Without urgent and concrete actions to mitigate the negative impact of climate change and support for the most vulnerable families, we are at a setback in fulfilling children’s right to survive, learn, be protected, and thrive,” said Rexel Abrigo, environmental health advisor of Save the Children Philippines.

Climate scientists backed by the United Nations earlier called on countries to strengthen measures that will help people cope in a warming world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change also warned that “rapid and farreaching transitions” across all sectors and systems are needed to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all. n