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FOUR YEARS FROM A DEADLINE, THE U.N. CONFRONTS A SOBERING TRUTH
DELEGATES filled the chamber during a session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at United Nations headquarters in New York in July. KIELAN SANTOS
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By Troi Santos & Kielan Santos
NITED NATIONS, New York —Ministers read remarks that sounded drafted months in advance. Delegates huddled in the hallways over a disputed paragraph. That much about the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development felt routine. What didn’t was the number that kept surfacing, in speech after speech, over the nine days the forum ran at United Nations headquarters in July: 36. That’s the share of measurable Sustainable Development Goal targets currently on track or making moderate progress, according to the annual Sustainable Development Goals Report released the morning the forum opened. Four years remain before the 2030 deadline governments set for themselves. Thirty-six percent is not a number anyone wanted to say out loud, but people kept saying it anyway. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin, which has chronicled these meetings for decades, summed up the week in a headline urging delegates to make these final years count. Less a slogan than a plea. It hovered over a ministerial segment billed, a little wistfully, as a future still theirs to shape. Lok Bahadur Thapa, the Nepalese diplomat serving as president of the Economic and Social Council, opened proceedings by describing the forum as the United Nations’ central venue for tracking progress on the 2030 Agenda — true since the thing was invented, but it landed differently this year, with the runway this short.
Each year the forum picks a handful of the seventeen goals for an in-depth review rather than auditing all of them at once. This time: clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry and infrastructure, sustainable cities, and partnerships, the last of which gets reviewed annually because, as one delegate remarked during a coffee break, none of the other goals gets met without it. Thirty-six countries, Albania to Uruguay, walked the room through their national reviews, admitting setbacks as readily as they claimed wins. That brought the tally of such reviews, since the practice began in 2016, to 437 by 190 countries and the European Union. The Philippines wasn’t one of this year’s 36—it delivered its fourth national review the previous July—but its delegation showed up anyway, working the thematic sessions instead. During the energy review, Omyr Abdalla, a third secretary with the Philippine mission, laid out the country’s push to expand renewable power and reach isolated communities still waiting for reliable electricity,
then pressed wealthier nations for more predictable climate financing. A few days later, during the water session, Marion Reyes, a Philippine committee adviser, told the room that water security was fundamental to delivering the entire agenda, pointing to Manila’s investments in watershed protection and AI-assisted flood forecasting. The Philippines also chaired a session on middle-income counContinued on A2
At this year’s closing session on global development goals, diplomats fought fiercely over a single reference to fossil fuels, even as a starker number, just 36 percent of targets on track, and the voices missing from the room told a harder story about a world running out of time to keep a promise it made a decade ago.
DELEGATES listen from the floor of the General Assembly Hall as a speaker takes the podium during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at United Nations headquarters. KIELAN SANTOS
PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 61.4320 n JAPAN 0.3848 n UK 82.7366 n HK 7.8330 n CHINA 9.0973 n SINGAPORE 47.9488 n AUSTRALIA 43.1621 n EU 70.8065 n KOREA 0.0432 n SAUDI ARABIA 16.3614 Source: BSP (July 31, 2026)
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FOUR YEARS FROM A DEADLINE, THE U.N. CONFRONTS A SOBERING TRUTH Continued from A1
tries, a role it has held for years as head of the Like-Minded Group for MiddleIncome Countries. The timing gave that presence some extra bite. Just as the forum opened, the Philippine Statistics Authority released its own scorecard: progress on ten goals since 2015, including poverty, clean water and industry and infrastructure, alongside outright regression on health and on sustainable cities. Progress was evident but inconsistent, the agency wrote, with only a few years left to reach 2030. A regional assessment from the UN’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, published earlier in the year, had been kinder, calling the Philippines a rare bright spot in a region at risk of missing nearly 90 percent of its targets. The energy sessions produced the week’s starkest numbers. Renewables now supply about 17.9 percent of the world’s final energy consumption, but the benefits are lopsided: renewable capacity averages roughly 1,224 watts per person in wealthy countries and just 33 in the poorest ones. Spain came up repeatedly as a resilience story, since gas now sets its electricity price only about half the time. The European Union reckons it avoided some 58 billion euros in fossil fuel costs through its renewable buildout; China, where oil and gas make up only about 4 percent of the power mix, rode out recent shocks largely untouched. Those shocks weren’t theoretical—delegates kept citing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as the reason fuel YOUNG delegates pose in front of José Vela Zanetti’s mural depicting humanity’s struggle for lasting peace, in the lobby of United Nations headquarters in New York, during the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. KIELAN SANTOS
prices had jumped worldwide, a reminder that conflict and energy security have become the same subject. If the forum has a reputation for bland, consensus-driven text, this year broke it. Negotiators from Albania and Sierra Leone spent days brokering the Ministerial Declaration, and one fight said more than any panel discussion. An early draft referenced the UAE Consensus, the 2023 agreement out of the Dubai climate conference committing countries to a gradual, equitable shift away from fossil fuels toward net-zero emissions by 2050. On the floor during the closing session, Uruguay, speaking for the Group of 77 and China, moved to strip the reference out. The vote was recorded: 82 in favor of deletion, 54 against, 12 abstaining. Ireland, speaking for the European Union, called the outcome disappointing, noting the language had previously been agreed by consensus. The United Arab Emirates defended its own consensus by name. Colombia called the deleted text a milestone in the fight against fossil fuels and objected to losing it. None of that stopped the declaration from being adopted, in the end, without the drama of the year before, when the United States and Israel had forced a vote and voted no. This time the room settled for grumbling on the record rather than voting the whole thing down. Not everyone in the building got equal airtime. An analysis published after the forum by the Global Policy Forum Europe pointed out that funding cuts, tighter visa policies and a narrowing of space for outside groups had thinned the ranks of civil society organizations, especially those from the Global South, who normally crowd
the side-event rooms. Fewer of those voices were around this year to push back on the polished statements from the podium—a gap that didn’t make it into any official summary but that several longtime attendees mentioned unprompted. Business filled some of that space instead. John Danilovich, secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce, opened his remarks at the industry review by pressing governments to align trade and financing rules with what small businesses actually need, then pointed delegates toward an SDG Business Forum expected to draw more than a thousand executives later in the month. Norine Kennedy, an executive with the United States Council for International Business, was the only business voice given the floor during the joint high-level segment shared by the forum and the Economic and Social Council, where she pushed to fold private-sector scientists directly into the next Global Sustainable Development Report. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed offered the plainest observation of the week, one that caught something the glossier language kept missing: that many countries were being asked to deliver on promises without being given the tools to keep them. It’s the kind of line that explains much of what happened over the nine days: a financing gap now estimated at roughly $4 trillion, official development assistance that fell by almost a quarter last year alone, and a declaration that leaned hard on calls to reform debt and international finance while saying nothing about taxing multinational corporations or the ultrawealthy, an idea being negotiated in a separate UN process and conspicuously absent from this one.
When ministers adopted the declaration, the text also broke new ground by committing to build governance frameworks for what it calls “transformative technologies”—language that explicitly covers artificial intelligence. A decade-old sustainability framework, written before anyone worried about generative AI as a policy question, was now formally saying the two problems are linked. Closing the session, Navid Hanif, the assistant secretarygeneral for economic development, put it as bluntly as anyone at the UN tends to: progress remains possible but is no longer automatic, he said, and reaching the goals will take more than business as usual. More than a hundred ministers and senior officials had cycled through the ministerial days by then, alongside well over a thousand registered stakeholders and, on the busiest afternoons, upward of 4,000 people moving through the building—mayors, scientists, youth delegates, local officials insisting cities will decide this more than capitals will. The forum folded into the Economic and Social Council’s broader meeting on July 16 the way it always does, with a declaration, a stack of pledges, and an admission that the hard part is still ahead. Delegates walked in already knowing barely a third of what they were reviewing stood a real chance of getting done on time. They walked out having voted, paragraph by paragraph, rather than quietly agreed, over a single phrase about fossil fuels, and having left a financing gap on the table that nobody in the room had a plan to close. Four years from the deadline they set for themselves a decade ago, the delegates who filed out of the General Assembly building were left holding the same question they’d carried in: whether these final years get remembered as the ones that counted, or just the ones that ran out.
The World
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Sunday, August 2, 2026
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Forced to operate anti-aircraft guns and artillery: Sudan teens describe foreign training and violence Children returning from the front often have nowhere to go
By Sam Mednick, Isabel Debre & Astrid Suárez
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The Associated Press
HARTOUM, Sudan—The teenage boy’s hands and legs were shackled to the antiaircraft gun mounted on a pickup as Sudanese warplanes attacked. He saw another child chained to the steering wheel. As their captors sought cover, the terrified children were ordered to stay and shoot down the jets over the capital, Khartoum. If they tried to flee, they’d be killed by their captors—if the planes didn’t get them first. The boy, now 17, told The Associated Press that those who ordered him strapped to the gun were Colombian mercenaries providing military aid to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces against the army in the war, now in its fourth year. Another child said he was forced to carry out artillery strikes and beaten for disobedience. The rare, firsthand accounts show the perils faced by tens of thousands of children believed to have been conscripted into the war by all sides. Six former child soldiers who were abducted and forced to fight with the Rapid Support Forces, known as the RSF, spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Two said they were trained by Colombians. Their accounts point to a wider deployment of Colombian mercenaries, who rights groups say were recruited by a state-linked firm in the United Arab Emirates to fight with the RSF. Human rights groups and Sudan’s military accuse the UAE of arming the RSF, and a U.N. panel said it had tracked weapons shipments to the RSF originating in the Gulf federation that includes Dubai. In a statement to the AP after this story was published, the UAE denied providing arms or military support to any warring party in Sudan. It also denied facilitating the movement of mercenaries or foreign fighters into Sudan or having links to mercenaries. The UAE said its investigation of the firm in question found no links to mercenary activity in Sudan. The UAE condemned atrocities on all sides and said it supported efforts to end the conflict. The boy who had been shackled to the gun burst into tears as he ran his hand over scars from some 18 months he was forced to fight. “I was extremely scared. I just
wanted to escape and go home,” he said.
The children were shackled day and night
HE said he was rounded up by RSF fighters in a market in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman, where he was selling cigarettes. The paramilitaries were searching for deserters and seized him by mistake, he said. He was 15 at the time. Never having held a gun, he was thrust onto the front lines in Khartoum. Scars on his head and under his eye mark where he says he was hit by shrapnel. He was later taken to an RSF base in Omdurman known as Central Reserve Camp, where he was held with dozens of other children. Their hands were bound all the time, even while eating. “We weren’t allowed to bathe. Instead, they would pour water over us while we were still bound,” he said. He said dozens of foreign mercenaries were at the base, described as Colombians by the RSF fighters there. Speaking through translators, they taught the children how to use anti-aircraft guns. They told RSF fighters to bind the children to the weapons so they couldn’t escape, he said. “When the planes flew overhead, the Colombians would retreat to their bunkers, leaving us outside shackled to the vehicles,” the teenager said. He was forced to fire, but he said he was too afraid and never hit anything.
A second boy recounts beatings, and a friend’s killing
THE second boy described how, at age 15, he was held at an RSF camp called al-Konan, where he said Colombians trained him and other boys on heavy artillery and drones. He said he was locked up and only brought out for artillery strikes. The Colombians and the RSF used drones to choose targets, and sometimes he saw civilians through the camera. When he refused to fire, they would beat him, sometimes with an electric baton. In one case, he said, a Colombian
AP ILLUSTRATION/PETER HAMLIN
beat him unconscious. An 18-year-old friend tried to flee and was shot dead by the RSF. He carried the body away. “I still have nightmares whenever I try to sleep,” he said. Both children spoke at a facility run by the military-backed government on Khartoum’s outskirts, where more than 200 former child soldiers were being rehabilitated. Many fell into the hands of the military when it retook the capital from the RSF over the past year. A member of the military media office accompanied the AP during the visit. The official did not choose who the AP interviewed. The AP retains full editorial control of its content.
Veterans of Colombia’s long wars have hired themselves out
THE AP could not independently verify the boys’ accounts, which are consistent with other reporting on the conf lict. Multiple countries are entangled in Sudan’s conf lict, and other foreigners, including Russians and Ukrainians, have taken part in hostilities. Some 10,000 Colombians have hired themselves out for foreign wars, including in Somalia, Ukraine and Sudan, according to the U.N. Colombia’s decades of internal conflict, involving guerrillas, paramilitaries and drug traffickers, have produced a large cadre of veterans prized for their US-backed military training and driven abroad by meager pensions and scarce civilian job prospects. A recent law bars Colombians from fighting in foreign conflicts, but veteran groups say recruitment has continued. Human Rights Watch and Conf lict Insights Group, a private
research firm, have documented the presence of Colombian mercenaries alongside the RSF in Sudan’s western region of Darfur, including during the October capture of El Fasher, where RSF fighters have been accused of mass killings. In separate reports this year, Human Rights Watch and Conflict Insights Group said the Colombians were hired by an Emirati contractor and trained in Emirati military bases. The UAE denied those allegations at the time and reiterated its position after this story was published. A Colombian mercenary who fought in Darfur for six months in 2025 told the AP that hundreds of Colombians were on the front lines with the RSF at the time and involved in training recruits. He said he saw children as young as 13 fighting with the RSF. He spoke on condition of anonymity, concerned over legal consequences. Less is known of the Colombians’ role in Khartoum. Ali Qader, the head of the rehabilitation center, said several children told him Colombians trained them at camps around the capital. A former RSF fighter, who defected to the government side and spoke on condition of anonymity out of security concerns, said he saw Colombians training children in Khartoum in July 2024. A Sudanese military officer with knowledge of the situation said Colombians were training children in and around Khartoum when the RSF held the city. The officer was not authorized to brief reporters and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Colombian government said it has no official information confirming allegations that Colombians recruited or trained child
Cracks in Israel-US alliance fuel Israeli anxiety over younger Jews By Giovanna Dell’orto The Associated Press
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ERUSALEM—Israelis across political and religious lines are worried about the weakening connection with younger Jewish Americans—who, according to a recent AP poll, tend to consider support for Israel less crucial to their Jewish identity than older adults. “It’s extremely important to us,” said Itai Nixon, who leads the diaspora department for Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. “We’re the state of the Jewish people, not just Israelis.” Lesley Sachs, who has protested the current Israeli government and chairs the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism, also considers a close relationship
with diaspora Jews a “strategic asset” for both Israel and Jews worldwide. So she’s greatly concerned about diaspora Jews losing the sense that Israel can be a homeland for them, especially as rising antisemitism targets them regardless of political and religious affiliations. “That was always really, really important that everybody around the world, especially after the Holocaust, knows that there is a country that will always take them,” Sachs said in her synagogue in Tel Aviv. “This is already a few generations after, and this is less prominent in their DNA. And I think that this is really a failure on the part of both Israel and world Jewry, that we have not managed to keep that prominent.” Since 2000, Taglit-Birthright Israel has brought a million Jewish young adults from the
United States and elsewhere for a free 10-day “discovery” tour of Israel. The organization’s CEO says it’s more necessary than ever to show what their connection to Israel could be like beyond controversial politics. “That really increases the importance of my job to expose people to what they give up on,” said Gidi Mark. “What we give them is a mirror.”
The staunch Israel-US relationship shows some cracks
ISRAEL and the United States have long been staunch allies. US President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington earlier this week to discuss the war against Iran they launched together five months ago. “The United States is perceived as the
best friend of Israel in the entire world, and that’s still the case,” said Tamar Hermann, who directs the Israel Democracy Institute’s Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research in Jerusalem. Divisions over the ceasefire in the Iran war, however, have weakened Jewish Israelis’ belief that Trump prioritizes Israel’s security—from 64% in March to 26% in June—according to the center. Amid diplomatic tensions, the role of Jewish Americans who historically lobbied for political, military and financial support for Israel gains new prominence, Israelis said. And that deepens the concern that many young progressive Americans, including Jews, now see supporting Israel See “Israel-US,” A4
soldiers in Sudan. It condemned such abuses.
Child recruitment is a war crime
TENS of thousands of children as young as 8 have been recruited during Sudan’s war, according to Abdelgadir Abdullah Abu, secretary-general of Sudan’s National Council for Child Welfare, a government body. The U.N. says all sides in the conflict have used child soldiers, including militias allied with the government. Many are believed to still be on the front lines. The RSF and the Sudanese government did not respond to detailed requests for comment. The RSF have roots in the Janjaweed militias that rampaged across Darfur in the early 2000s. Sudan’s then-president Omar al-Bashir was indicted for war crimes and genocide by the International Criminal Court over that campaign. Rights groups say the RSF employs similar tactics today, and that the UAE’s alleged support for it could implicate the Gulf country. “The evidence suggests the UAE could be substantially contributing to the RSF’s widespread crimes against humanity,” said Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, a senior adviser at Human Rights Watch.
AT the rehabilitation center, which included a soccer field and volleyball net, boys dressed in white uniforms showed an AP reporter their wounds. One was missing a hand; another had scars on his back from where he said he was tortured; a third had a bone jutting out of his side. The boy held at the Central Reserve Camp said that at one point, when tied to the anti-aircraft gun, he refused to fire on a jet. RSF fighters shot at him as punishment, wounding his foot. The wound filled with worms, he said. Eventually, the fighters abandoned him because of it, and he was later brought to the youth facility. Wiping away tears, he said he’s aching to return home. His mother died from illness during the war, and his father told him he was ashamed of what his son had done and doesn’t want to see him. Zeinab Mahjoub, a psychologist at the facility, said she tries to persuade relatives not to abandon the boys. At the same time, the boys are wrestling with their own trauma. Sheldon Yett, the head of the U.N. children’s agency in Sudan, said it was working with the government and other parties to speed up the process of releasing the boys, trying to convince authorities to treat “children as children.” Since the AP visited the center in April, the children have been released. The boy held at al-Konan Camp said that after nearly two years, he escaped one night when a guard left a door unlocked. He tried returning to his family but someone in the area knew he had fought with the RSF and reported him to the authorities, who referred him to the center. He’s trying to move on but is wrestling with guilt. “We have made mistakes,” he said. “We want to get out of here to rebuild Sudan.” DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Suárez from Bogota, Colombia.
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Trump touted his tariffs in Michigan despite rising costs; even some of his supporters are worried By Jacqueline Ganun & Will Weissert
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The Associated Press
ILFORD, Mich.—Flying to a rally at General Motors this week, President Donald Trump declared that “car companies are doing better than they’ve ever done” thanks to his tariffs. “All because of Trump,” he said. It was a message the Republican president repeated while touring a collection of new vehicles, predicting that “it’s amazing what tariffs will do for General Motors” before autographing a white Corvette commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. He later told a crowd of cheering supporters that “Michigan is thriving.” That’s not exactly true, according to many metrics. Tariffs have cost businesses in Michigan and across the country billions of dollars while helping to stoke inflation that has continued to run hot—despite Trump’s assurances his business background would wipe it out. Many Americans believe tariffs have pushed prices higher and the war in Iran has increased gasoline prices, hurting consumer confidence in the economy while keeping Trump’s approval ratings low. There are few places where cont r a d ic t ion s b e t w e e n t he president’s boasts and the economic reality of his tariffs are more likely to collide ahead of November’s midterm elections
than in battleground Michigan, which holds its primary on Tuesday. Trump won the state in 2016 and then again in 2024, after it had f lipped to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. During Trump’s rally in Milford, northwest of Detroit, the crowd was adoring. But even some of his ardent supporters said prices are too high and tariffs had caused short-term economic pain—even as they still support him overall. Lisa Scherer, a 64-year-old who used to run a landscaping company and work as a bus driver and union steward, acknowledged high gas prices are “hurting a lot” and it’s “very rough” to afford things. “But I’m just hoping, if we hang in there,” she said, emphasizing she still thinks the president is doing a good job.
Michigan and Canada have deep trade ties
THOUGH the Supreme Court struck down many of the tariffs Trump ordered upon first returning to the White House, his administration has launched new import
taxes and recently invoked the Tariff Act of 1930 to accuse Canada of using discriminatory practices and plans to impose 50% tariffs on many imports from that country. Mic higan rel ies on supply chains that are heavily integrated with Canada after decades of policies that encouraged reducing bilateral trade barriers. That included the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement from Trump’s first term. Trump chose not to renew that trade pact, setting up years of negotiations. GM said it was “honored to spend time showcasing our vehicles and facilities” for Trump. But automakers have long said tariffs increase production costs—so much so that the president offered them a reprieve from his auto parts tariffs, extending in October what was supposed to have been a shortterm rebate until 2030. Veteran Michigan pollster Bernie Porn said Trump’s rosy words can’t hide how his tariffs are helping intensify voters’ concerns about inflation and affordability. “When I was listening to him, I said, ‘What planet are you on?’” Porn said. Porn noted that some Republicans nationally are worried their voters won’t be motivated to turn out in November and “I doubt if Michigan is going to be very different.” “He is like an anchor around Republicans,” Porn said. Trump’s policies don’t bother Joe Miskovich, the 57-year-old owner of an aerospace business from Fenton, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Milford. He said of tariffs
that “the American public needs to look at the bigger picture.” People need to see, Miskovich said, that “yes, granted, there might be a little higher increase in price. But the long-term effect is going to be absolutely positive to the nation.”
Trump is helping decide next week’s primaries
AS he’s done in key midterm primary races nationwide, Trump has used his endorsements to help ensure candidates he sees as most loyal or potentially helpful to his policies prevail. In Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, Trump has endorsed congressman John James over rival Perry Johnson. Also speaking was former Rep. Mike Rogers, who’s again running for Senate after narrowly losing to Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin two years ago. More national attention has been focused on the state’s Democratic Senate primary, which will decide if Rogers faces Rep. Haley Stevens or progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed. But Rogers said Michigan needs a senator who promotes Trump’s agenda, not someone who works to stymie it. “This is the time that we will stand up and get Michigan up off of her knees,” he said at Trump’s rally. Scherer, who once ran the landscaping company, drove nearly five hours from her home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio, to see Trump’s speech. She’s nonetheless worried the president has left behind some supporters like herself who helped get him back to the White House.
“I’m brutally honest, like Trump is, aren’t I? He’s forgot about the people on a fixed income,” said Scherer, who lives on Social Security benefits of $1,100 per month. “But I look at it like, I guess, no pain, no gain.”
Automakers plan to increase domestic production— eventually
REPUBLICAN Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall praised tariffs at Trump’s rally, while also noting the president last year announced a new fighter jet mission that secured the future of the state’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base. “This is what putting Michigan first looks like,” he said. Some auto companies have pledged to ramp up US production, yet those benefits aren’t being felt yet. GM announced in June 2025 it planned to invest $4 billion to shift some vehicle production from Mexico to the US starting next year. Ford and Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, have a similar timeline for expanding domestic operations. Toyota also said it would invest $3.6 billion and relocate production of its Tacoma pickup from Mexico to Texas, but that will happen over roughly four years. In the meantime, Michigan has seen only modest increases in auto sector job creation during Trump’s second term, while jobs tied to auto parts manufacturing declined by about 4,000 statewide through June when compared with the same month last year. Michigan has lost 8,300 manufacturing jobs since Trump announced his “Liberation Day”
tariffs in April of last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Among some of Trump’s base, economic worries show
OUTWARDLY, the rally was a lovefest. When Trump told of encountering a “beautiful” waitress in Las Vegas during the 2024 campaign, a man in the audience bellowed, “You’re beautiful!” Later, the crowd began chanting “10 more years!” when Trump talked about needing to leave office after January 2029. “Trump is, like, No. 1. You know, he’s the best,” said Rose Stroud, 75, who attended the rally from Commerce, Michigan. “He thinks about the people, about what they need.” Some attendees insisted the president should get the benefit of the doubt—even as concerns about kitchen table issues tick up. “There’s always a method to the madness, and people sometimes don’t understand or get it,” said Roy Parks, 49, a self-employed handyman, photographer and videographer from Milford. “But there’s always a reason he’s doing things a certain way, and it may not make sense at first, but after six, 12 months, it all comes together.” He said the same goes for tariffs: “You may not like it at first, but it’s a short-term pinch, short-term pain, but long-term good. It works out in the end. It’s for the best.” “When you rip off the Band-Aid right away, it stings,” Parks added. “But, after a few minutes, there’s no pain. You have to go through a little bit of pain at first to get to long-term good.”
Trump announces deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza, but hurdles and uncertainty remain By Jonathan J. Cooper, Matthew Lee, Farnoush Amiri & Samy Magdy The Associated Press
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ASHINGTON—President Donald Trump said Thursday that a deal has been reached for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza, but many hurdles, conditions and long timelines remained to wind down the war in the Palestinian territory. The White House announcement comes nine months after a US-brokered ceasefire was signed. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas had largely deadlocked over the implementation of its second phase, including the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza. “The agreement will be carried out
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in any way as irreconcilable with their worldview. The decline in support for Israel has become particularly stark since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians in southern Israel, and abducted 251 others. Israel’s ensuing war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
in carefully structured phases,” Trump said on social media. “As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors.” Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan calls on the militant group to surrender its weapons and destroy its vast network of tunnels. It also envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the arrival of a new technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of an international security force and the rebuilding of the battered Palestinian enclave. Trump announced what he said was an agreement to realize one of the most difficult portions of the Gaza ceasefire while negotiations have stalled and military attacks have escalated in the war that the US and Israel in February launched against The ministr y, which was par t of the recently dissolved Hamas-run government, maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and international organizations. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make up around half of all fatalities. That in turn ignited protests across the United States, especially on college campuses. “Holocaust, refugees, the importance of Israel in times of need abroad, and the fact that Israel is a small country fighting
Iran, a key sponsor of Hamas. On Friday, a Hamas official said they have reached an agreement on disarmament, the most crucial part of the ceasefire deal. Israel didn’t give an indication that they had agreed.
Officials offer long or unspecific timelines for Hamas to disarm
US and Board of Peace officials, describing the deal to reporters on condition of anonymity under guidelines set by the White House, gave an extremely optimistic assessment of the agreement that laid out a scenario very similar to the one described by Trump and his top aides when the Board of Peace, an international body established by Trump to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, was first formed. The officials were unable to offer specific timelines for the disarmament of Hamas or other groups that operate in Gaza, such for its existence…that’s history they read in a book,” Sachs said of younger Jewish Americans. “They weren’t emotionally part of it in any way or any form. And so they look at their values and the things that they believe in. And they don’t see it in Israel.”
Jewish Americans have complicated relationship with Israel
ONLY about 4 in 10 religious Jewish adults under 45 in the United States say that supporting Israel is “extremely” or “very” important for their Jewish identity, while
as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but said the Gaza police force would turn over weapons to the technocratic Board of Peace-backed Gaza administration in the next two weeks. The Gaza police force, however, does not include the vast majority of Hamas militants and heavy weaponry is not included in that part of the agreement, according to the officials. Instead, the surrender of heavy weapons and the decommissioning of Hamas tunnels and other infrastructure are to come later in a process that could take between 200 and 350 days, a Board of Peace official said.
Israel has not responded but has been deeply skeptical
at every step of the negotiation. However, the official said Israel was not being asked to do anything more than what it had initially committed to when it agreed to Trump’s 20-point plan, which essentially involves withdrawing its forces from Gaza and committing to ending airstrikes on the territory. The official said Trump would be “very, very disappointed” if Israel didn’t adhere to the agreement. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on Tuesday, but neither said much about what was discussed in their first face-to-face meeting since launching the war against Iran.
Israel’s U.N. Mission said it had no immediate comment.
also not in a position to offer the group much support because it is preoccupied with the conflict with the United States. Hamas previously had insisted on implementing the first phase of the ceasefire before moving to discuss its weapons. The group’s founding charter calls for armed resistance against Israel, and it has been reluctant to give up an arsenal, including rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosives, that lies at the heart of its identity. Hamas announced earlier this month, however, that it had dissolved its government in Gaza and was preparing to transfer power to a technical committee backed by the United Nations as part of the ceasefire deal.
A US official said Israel, which has been deeply skeptical about Hamas’ willingness to give up its guns or relinquish at least behind-thescenes control of Gaza, had been consulted
THE official added that Iran remains a wildcard in the equation because although it counseled Hamas members not to accept a deal, it is
Cooper reported from Phoenix, Amiri from New York and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer contributed from the United Nations
about half of older religious Jewish adults do, according to the AP-NORC poll. The survey of 1,022 Jewish adults— including people who identify as Jewish by religion and religiously unaffiliated people who identify as Jewish through culture, ethnicity or family background—also found that only about half of religious adults say Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza are justified. The number drops to 2 in 10 among Jewish adults without a religious affiliation. At the same time, about 6 in 10 Jewish adults say prejudice against Jewish people is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem in the United States today. To many Israelis, safety threats against Jews make it all the more tragic—and dangerous—that young Jewish Americans do not see the state of Israel as a refuge or even an ally. “Antisemitism sadly helps us to explain why a Jewish homeland is not a bad idea,” said Asaf Zamir, a deputy mayor of Tel Aviv who served as consul general in New York. “Opposing the government is fine, but you cannot understand your history as a Jew without understanding the part of Israel in it.”
Israel reaches out to secular and liberal Jews in North America In order to promote deeper attachment between Israel and diaspora Jews, both the government and religious organizations are reinforcing exchange programs. For decades, young Israelis have traveled to Jewish summer camps across North America, and non-Israeli Jews get free trips to Israel. “To see Israel and meet Israelis is the gold standard,” Itai Nixon said of programs bringing teens to the country. Taglit-Birthright’s Gidi Mark said that since 2023, with multiple wars, tour participants are fewer—and their reactions to touring Israel have also changed. He recalled one participant shouting “Israel! Israel!” outside his hotel just because he felt safe to express himself. “These people don’t feel free to experience who they are in the places that they are coming from,” Mark said. These and other initiatives are focusing on secular Jews and adherents to Reform Judaism. The largest branch of the religion in North America, it emphasizes progressive values such as social justice.
Orthodox Jews abroad tend to have stronger ties to Israel—and Orthodox Jews in Israel tend to see themselves as closer to diaspora Jews than do secular Israelis, Hermann said. Within the Israeli Reform movement, which is a small part of Judaism in the country, there’s a push to send more young Israelis to the United States, including as camp counselors. “That kind of action is important, that one-on-one connection saying, ‘You know what, we believe in the same things you do. Really, we have the same ideology in general, and we feel we need to change Israel together,’” Sachs said. “We need to be partners in making Israel the country that we all need.” Alma Edry, 18, is spending two months as a counselor at a progressive Jewish summer camp in Ontario with teens and young adults from Canada and the United States. She said her biggest surprise has been “that Israel is such a big deal for people outside the country.” “Most of their friends are anti-Israel,” she said of the campers. “This is their chance to celebrate their connection.”
www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Lyn Resurreccion
Sunday, August 2, 2026 A5
Science communicators declare: ‘No terms, no commitment’ on Pax Silica
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By Edwin Galvez
nonprofit group of Filipino scientists, journalists and academics has urged the government to disclose the Pax Silica project’s “full agreement and its essential legal and financial terms” before its planned signing in November this year. Invoking the need for sciencebased evidence on the US-backed artificial intelligence (AI) hub’s economic and technological benefits for the country, among other concerns, the Science Communicators Philippines (SciCommPH) declared its “no terms, no commitment” position on the matter in a statement released Thursday. SciCommPH said that while the global initiative presents an “important opportunity” for the country—”its potential to bring advanced manufacturing, semiconductor development, artificial intelligence, and international scientific cooperation opportunities”— it may also “leave irreversible costs and obligations that could last for generations” if left unchecked. “The greater the promise that Pax Silica proclaims, all the greater is our duty to examine the evidence before committing the country’s land, water, energy, minerals, public funds, communities, and technological future,” the group said. It argued that “independent environmental, social, climate, health, energy, water, and life-
cycle assessments must be published and reviewed,” while “affected communities must participate meaningfully.” It also said that “binding commitments on Filipino jobs, research, technology transfer, and local economic value must be established and independent monitoring must continue throughout the project’s lifetime.” “Evidence, transparency, environmental protection, and public participation are nonnegotiable. Until the complete terms are disclosed and independently examined, our position remains: Philippine sovereignty must be protected,” the group said.
General assurances not enough SCICOMMPH said that “scientific assessment must shape the agreement” and not treat it as a “post-agreement paperwork”. The group recommended undertaking an “independent, science-based assessment of not only individual facilities, but also the combined effects of manufacturing, mineral processing, data centers, power
THE United States and close to three dozen Pax Silica economies signed a Joint Statement on AI Opportunity at the second Pax Silica Summit held in Washington, D.C., in June. US STATE DEPARTMENT PHOTO
facilities, water systems, roads, ports, housing, land conversion, waste disposal, and related infrastructure” before any agreement is signed. The assessment, according to the group, must examine the full life cycle of the materials and technologies involved, from mineral extraction and transport to manufacturing, export, use, recycling, and disposal. “The methods, assumptions, data, and models must be disclosed and reviewed by independent experts from the academe, related industries, civil society, and the government,” the group said. Government projects the AI hub could raise $70 billion in investment and bring 190,000 direct jobs in semiconductor manufacturing, critical-mineral processing, artificial intelligence infrastructure, energy systems, logistics, research facilities, and related industries. “These projections are continually being touted without
supporting data,” the group argued. “A project of this scale cannot be judged on promises alone.” The group said the “final agreement, confirmed investors, detailed site plan, environmental studies, water and energy plans, communityimpact assessments, and many of the project’s legal and financial terms have not been made public, if these have been drafted or even considered at all.”
Environment, affected sectors must be considered
SCICOMMPH said the project must “create lasting Filipino capability” because the success of the initiative “cannot be measured only by capital inflows, export values, or headline job numbers.” “The Philippines must not remain merely a source of raw minerals, inexpensive labor, land, water, and energy while research, intellectual property, strategic control, and most of
the long-term value remain abroad,” the group said. Chief among these concerns is how the environment will be protected, while ensuring substantial employment benefits are given to Filipinos. “The proposed use of rainwater, surface water, recycling systems, and dedicated treatment facilities must be tested against actual rainfall, drought, El Niño, climate change, agricultural demand, household consumption, and ecological needs. The government must also disclose how industrial wastewater, hazardous chemicals, emissions, and waste from semiconductor and mineral-processing activities will be managed,” the group said. SciCommPH said the government must have detailed plans on labor concerns, including the number of permanent jobs and how many will go to Filipinos, the skills required, their pay scale, and
appropriate protection. “Any agreement must contain measurable commitments on Filipino employment, local procurement, technology transfer, scholarships, apprenticeships, research funding, university partnerships, supplier development, and Filipino participation in technical and leadership positions,” the group said. SciCommPH said consultation with farmers, Indigenous Peoples, workers, residents, local governments, businesses, environmental groups, and other affected sectors must be held to ensure that they can “examine the evidence, raise objections, recommend alternatives, and influence the final terms” of the agreement and not merely accept it as a completed one. The group added that the agreement should be “subject to Philippine laws, jurisdiction, environmental regulations, labor standards, taxation, public-health rules, dataprotection laws, and national security policies.” These include provisions related to “lease terms, tax and investment incentives, public spending commitments, ownership arrangements, dispute-resolution provisions, cybersecurity rules, environmental liabilities, foreign personnel arrangements, and any restrictions involving defense or dual-use technologies.” “No foreign government, office, investor, or project locator should receive authority outside Philippine law or protection from future regulations intended to defend public health, workers, communities, the environment, and national security,” the group added.
PHL to launch 1st sounding rocket in Cagayan in 2027 By John Eiron R. Francisco
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FTER years of relying on foreign rockets to deploy Philippine satellites, the country is positioning itself to become a provider of rocket launch services through its planned commercial spaceport. The initiative will begin with the demonstration launch of a liquid-fueled sounding rocket in Lal-lo, Cagayan, scheduled between December 2026 and February 2027, a mission announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address on July 27. “Cagayan is both geographically and economically primed to serve as our gateway to space and host the country’s first spaceport. A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year,” the president said. The sounding rocket, carrying a locally developed payload weighing up to 2 kilograms, will fly to an altitude of at least 5 kilometers. While the mission will not place satellites into orbit, officials said it is a key step toward developing the technology, infrastructure, regulatory framework, and skilled workforce needed for future launch operations. “Our vision is for the Philippines to have a spaceport that serves as a gateway for safe, responsible, and sustainable space access for the region and the world,” Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Director General Gay Jane Perez said. “It will be a commercial-driven, government-enabled spaceport, with predictable timelines for launch licensing and authorization,” Perex added. According to the Space Foundation’s
Global Space Economy Report, the first half of 2026 recorded a record 153 orbital launches and is on track to surpass the 329 launches recorded in 2025, averaging nearly one launch per day. The report said the increase is being driven by new launch vehicles and the opening of new spaceports in Norway and the United Kingdom. It also noted that existing launch facilities are booked years in advance as commercial demand continues to outpace available capacity. The US Federal Aviation Administration, for its part, expects commercial launches to reach as many as 225 this year, up from 82 through June 30. “As global launch rates continue to accelerate, existing spaceports cannot serve this increasing demand. With the Pacific Ocean to its east and its proximity to the equator, the Philippines is well positioned for safe and secure rocket launch and recovery operations, helping reduce costs, improve launch efficiency, and create opportunities for future launch services,” Perez said. She added, however, that geography alone is not enough. Launch companies also look for a clear and predictable regulatory process, timely approvals, and compliance with international obligations when choosing a launch site. “That reliability is where the Philippines intends to compete, and it marks a shift in the country’s role in the regional space economy, from a user of space services to one that helps provide them,” she said.
The first step skyward
ACCORDING to the US-based National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), sounding rockets are designed for short-duration, suborbital missions that carry scientific instruments and experimental payloads to high altitudes before returning to Earth. These flights typically last only a few minutes but provide sufficient time for scientific observations and technology demonstrations in regions of the atmosphere that are beyond the reach of aircraft but below the altitude of orbiting satellites. NASA said sounding rockets are also a cost-effective platform for research because they do not require the large launch vehicles and extended mission operations associated with orbital flights. Payloads can also be developed
in as little as three months, which allows researchers to quickly test new technologies and respond to emerging scientific opportunities.
Economic lift-off
MEANWHILE, Secretary Henry R. Aguda of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said space-based technologies are a critical component of modern information and communications infrastructure. “Sovereign launch capability will allow the Philippines to independently deploy communications satellites, Earth Observation systems, and navigation assets,” he said. According to Aguda, the initiative supports the country’s long-term goal of building a secure, resilient, and inclusive
PHILIPPINE Space Agency engineers advance the Philippines’ rocket launch capability during Phase 1 of the Know-How Transfer and Training Program on Small Launch Vehicles in partnership with South Korean Perigee Aerospace in October and November 2025. PHILSA PHOTO
digital ecosystem while strengthening its competitiveness in the digital age. For Administrator and CEO Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile of Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, the initiative is aimed at ensuring the Philippines is not left behind in the rapidly growing space industry. “It is about creating opportunities in aerospace, advanced engineering, scientific research, education, innovation, and high-value investments that will benefit future generations of Filipinos. It is especially meaningful that this opportunity will take root in our province of Cagayan,” she said. As part of the project’s capabilitybuilding efforts, selected Filipino engineers will undergo advanced training and hands-on activities using Perigee Aerospace’s Blue Whale-class sounding rocket platform under the Know-How Transfer and Training Program Phase 2. PhilSA said the program aims to build local expertise in rocket engineering while expanding the country’s pool of aerospace professionals through technology transfer and practical training. “We are encouraged by rocketry activities of universities across the country, which PhilSA intends to support. These activities demonstrate the increasing momentum and interest in space launch vehicles in the academe and help develop the skills needed for the Philippines to participate in the growing global space industry. They play an important part in building the country’s future space workforce,” Perez said. The project is being implemented by PhilSA, the DICT, and CEZA in partnership with Ascend International Gateway Inc.
and South Korea’s Perigee Aerospace Inc. The collaboration builds on a memorandum of understanding signed during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum on March 4, to advance the country’s launch capabilities and support the long-term development of a Philippine spaceport.
A decade of progress
IN 2016, the Philippines launched Diwata-1, its first microsatellite, marking a milestone in the country’s space program. The project was initiated following Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which exposed the need for faster and more reliable access to satellite imagery for disaster assessment, weather monitoring, and emergency response. The program was expanded two years later with the launch of Diwata-2, which featured improved imaging and communications capabilities to further strengthen the country’s Earth observation efforts. Despite these achievements, both microsatellites had to piggyback on foreign launch missions to reach space. Diwata-1 was carried aboard an Atlas V rocket from Florida, United States, before being deployed from the International Space Station, while Diwata-2 was launched aboard Japan’s H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. More than a decade after the Diwata-1 program began, the country’s space ambitions continue to expand. The Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA), the Philippines’ most advanced Earth observation satellite to date, is targeted for launch as early as April 2027 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-20 mission.
A6 Sunday, August 2, 2026
Faith
Sunday Editor: Lyn Resurreccion • www.businessmirror.com.ph
Bishop urges dialogue over ₧330-B wind Pope: Technology must project; warns against ‘corporate greed’ serve truth, common good
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CATHOLIC bishop in the northern Philippines is calling for dialogue and scientific study before a massive offshore wind project moves forward, warning that clean energy development must not come at the expense of coastal communities. The proposed P330 billion BuhaWind offshore wind project would place turbines in the coastal waters of four Ilocos Norte towns—Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud— an area long associated with the Philippines’ wind energy industry. “We call for dialogue, scientific study, and development that prioritizes genuine human ecology over corporate greed,” Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag said in a statement. More than 6,500 municipal fisherfolk could face economic displacement under the proposed 50-meter no-sail zones tied to the project’s offshore construction, according to the diocese.
Mayugba raised environmental concerns, saying heavy underwater foundations and continuous underwater noise could disrupt fragile marine habitats in Bangui Bay. The bishop also pushed back against what he called recent misinformation about the diocese’s position, saying it does not oppose renewable energy or economic growth. “We are not antidevelopment. We are for just and inclusive development,” Mayugba said. “We do not speak in opposition. We speak in solidarity with our fisherfolk, coastal communities, and future generations.” “We are not against clean and renewable energy. What we
BISHOP Renato Mayugba of Laoag. PHOTO FROM THE DIOCESE OF LAOAG
uphold is that true ecological conversion demands that the pursuit of green energy must not come at the expense of the poor and the destruction of our local environment,” he added. He described the region’s natural resources in moral terms, rejecting the idea that they should be treated purely as assets for private investment. “The land, wind, and seas of Ilocos Norte are a sacred trust,” he said, adding that they must serve the people first, not
corporate interests. The diocese said its goal is cooperation, not confrontation, among government, developers and residents most affected by the project, and that it remains committed to listening to affected communities and weighing the project through science, faith and moral responsibility. “We will defend our waters, we will protect our poor, and we will preserve our future,” Mayugba said. CBCP News
Cardinal Tagle: Gossip is not friendship
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REAL friend will never hand you gossip, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle told young Catholics Sunday, warning that rumors and hurtful jokes are quietly poisoning friendships among the young. Tagle spoke at a youth gathering during the 12th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization at the University of Santo Tomas, saying many young people mistake gossip for real friendship. “If you receive gossip, bias, lies, violent and destructive content, the one who sent you that is not a friend,” said Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. Friends who constantly criticize others will eventually turn on each other, too, he said, urging the youth to spot that pattern early in their own circles. Gossip breaks trust, Tagle said, but steady, quiet love slowly
CARDINAL Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, speaks at a youth gathering during the 12th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization at the University of Santo Tomas’ Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila on July 26. RCAM MEDIA
heals it. A person who feels truly accepted becomes a faithful friend in return, he added. The cardinal grounded his message in the Gospel of John, where Jesus calls his disciples friends because he shares sacred
truths with them, not idle talk. “I have called you friends,” Tagle said, quoting the Scripture. “Friendship is sharing the holy things that we have experienced from God.” He said real friendship
demands gentleness toward those who struggle, not judgment or quiet exclusion from the group. Tagle recalled a young woman at a global synod who said some youth feel unworthy of the Church because its leaders often come across as harsh and unwelcoming. “Some of us young people feel we are not good enough for the Church,” Tagle recalled her saying, adding that her words moved him deeply. Young people need friends and pastors who accept them fully, without gossip, shame or rejection standing in the way, the cardinal said. “The person who gives you a lot of headache is the person that you should love the most,” Tagle told the crowd. He urged the youth to guard their friend circles carefully, choosing truth and loyalty over rumors, and love over careless talk. CBCP News
OPE Leo XIV has encouraged communicators to ensure that every technological tool is placed “at the service of truth and the common good,” as the Church reflects on the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. His message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was sent to participants in the Seventh International Seminar on Church Communication, that took place on July 27 and 28 at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile in Santiago. The seminar, titled “The Challenges of Artificial Intelligence,” has brought together communicators, pastoral workers, academics and Church representatives from across Latin America and the Caribbean to reflect on the ethical, cultural and religious implications of artificial intelligence in light of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Magnifica humanitas.
Wisdom and responsibility in the age of AI
ADDRESSING Archbishop René Osvaldo Rebolledo Salinas, President of the Chilean Bishops’ Conference, the pope expressed the hope that participants will promote “a communication that, in the face of the new opportunities offered by technological development, knows how to safeguard the dignity of the human person and place every tool at the service of truth and the common good.” Pope Leo also entrusts the seminar to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, praying that its participants may address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence “with wisdom and responsibility, so that ecclesial communication may foster encounter among people and contribute to the proclamation of the Gospel.”
Social media as human spaces
OPENING the seminar, Cardinal Fernando Natalio Chomalí Garib, Archbishop of Santiago de Chile, reflected on the impact of social media, describing them as “truly human” spaces because they reflect emotions, relationships and conflicts.
“Everything that happens to us also happens there,” he said, proposing four essential criteria for communication: truth, goodness, beauty and usefulness. The cardinal highlighted that Magnifica humanitas, dedicated to safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, should not be read solely from a technological perspective. “Today there is much discussion about artificial intelligence,” he noted, “but this Encyclical speaks above all about human dignity and truth.”
Building Jerusalem, not Babel
CHOMALÍ said communication rooted in those principles can strengthen community life in an increasingly individualistic society. “We will promote dialogue, we will promote fraternity; in the end, we will build Jerusalem, not Babel,” he said. The same themes were echoed in the homily he delivered during the Eucharistic celebration that followed. Describing Magnifica humanitas as a “Christological” Encyclical, he called for communication marked by discernment and expressed the hope that artificial intelligence would always remain at the service of human dignity.
A shared journey for the Church
AMONG the other speakers on the opening day were Juan Carlos de la Llera, rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and Archbishop Rebolledo Salinas, who described the gathering as a concrete expression of synodality and of the Church’s shared journey. He said the publication of Magnifica humanitas has given renewed depth to the Church’s pastoral reflection on emerging technologies. “The inviolable dignity of the human person must constitute the principle, the criterion and the ultimate goal of both technological development and scientific progress,” he said. Giovanni Zavatta
Orthodox monks the first to live, pray at a monastery in Estonia in 80 years
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ALLINN, Estonia—The ancient words of the Divine Liturgy echo in Estonian as Bishop Damaskinos, clad in flowing white and gold vestments, intones prayers in a small, dark chapel separated only by curtains from the bustling daily life of a new monastery nestled within a farmhouse. Founded last year in one of Europe’s most secular societies, the Kirikla Orthodox Monastery is the first monastery the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church has established in decades. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the church has coexisted alongside a separate Orthodox church affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate, which has a larger membership in the Baltic country. Even so, the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church has long sought to rebuild its own male monastic community within its own borders. Bishop Damaskinos, the 41-yearold abbot, and his fellow monk, the Rev. Paisios, are the first monks to live,
work and pray at the new monastery’s farmhouse, about 40 kilometers outside the capital, Tallinn. While the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church system currently has more than 60 churches, as well as a convent, the last Orthodox monks lived in Estonia more than 80 years ago during a period of independence between the world wars. With the long-awaited return of a monastery, the daily prayers of Damaskinos and Paisios in the chapel go beyond the Baltics. “The monastery’s meaning is also global in the sense that we pray for the whole world,” Damaskinos said.
Monastic life appeals to the youth
WEARING a wide-brimmed straw hat and a black cassock, Damaskinos weeds a flower bed in the garden outside the farmhouse after the service, while Paisios, 31, works in the potato field with young volunteers who came to help the monks this summer. There is little downtime in the
monastery, as work alternates with services, prayers and spiritual talks, and even less time to look at a cellphone. Shielded from the stressful environment outside, the monks say they feel rested despite the routine. Their lifestyle appeals to young visitors of the monastery, Paisios said. “They say, ‘It’s so nice to just put the phone away and not be focused on the phone the whole day, and just to get away from social media and everything and to be in the real world and connect with people,’” he added. A country of about 1.3 million, Estonia has a very secular society. Yet Priit Rohtmets, an associate professor of church history at the University of Tartu, sees the first signs of growing interest in religion among young Estonians, raised without the anti-religious prejudices fostered during the Soviet era, when religion was stigmatized and most monasteries were closed. “They don’t have any bad experience
with religion, they don’t have any experience with religion at all,” Rohtmets said. “This, of course, gives a chance for religious communities.”
Happiness in religion and routine WHEN a person wants to become a monk, he has to first stay in a monastery as a novice for up to three years and follow the same daily routine as the other monks. When the abbot thinks the novice is ready, he takes vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, receives a new name and commits to live as a monk for the rest of his life. Unlike Orthodox priests, who may marry before ordination and live in parishes, monks must remain celibate and stay in monasteries. Though Damaskinos and Paisios are currently the Kirikla Monastery’s only monks, the bishop said he is not worried about the number. “What we are worried about is the spiritual quality of the monks,” he said. “That the monks actually take seriously
their task of praying for the whole world.” The monks follow the rhythms Damaskinos first learned as a monk at Mount Athos in Greece, a center of Christian Orthodox monasticism for more than 1,000 years. The day starts at dawn with solitary prayers before the morning group service, and continues with the daily work of gardening or construction. The only free time is in the evening, after a second service. While the monks are still settling into their new home, they open their doors on certain days. Through social media, they invite visitors and pilgrims to join their services, rest from the hectic world and see a different kind of lifestyle. “Monastic life is difficult, but through all these difficulties we find true happiness,” Damaskinos said. “So I hope that when people come here they see the happiness that we represent.”
Building the brotherhood
WHILE Kirikla Monastery is the only
Orthodox one in the country, other faiths have established their own monastic communities in Estonia. A Dominican order returned to a small monastery in Tallinn in 1996 and a Theravada Buddhist monastery is located on Aegna Island. Founding a new monastery is rare in Europe in 2026. Some are closing altogether as fewer monks take their vows. So the Kirikla Monastery’s success, even on such a small scale, is heartening to the Orthodox faithful as well as religious scholars. Even though the monastery does not have any other buildings yet besides its farmhouse—which was donated by a local businessman—Damaskinos’ priority is to plan for the future. To earn income, the monks may sell their garden’s produce or crafts like candles or incense. But the bishop is more concerned about the spiritual world rather than the physical realm. Kostya Manenkov/Associated Press
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Meet sea turtle Pawi in its adventures in disputed West Philippine Sea
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By Jonathan L. Mayuga
AWI is a curious green sea turtle on a journey through mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and coastal communities. Through Pawi, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) introduces the West Philippine Sea (WPS) through a children’s electronic book series. The e-book, “The Wonderful West Philippine Sea with Pawi, the Sea Turtle,” the first of a three-part children’s e-book series introduces young Filipinos to the country’s marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting the WPS. Launched in observance of the 10th anniversary on July 12 of the landmark 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, the series is part of the DENR's continuing efforts to make marine science, environmental stewardship, and environmental education. Written for children aged 6 to 9, the illustrated story introduces readers to whale sharks, giant clams, reef fishes, and the people working to protect them—from scientists and sustainable fishers to community volunteers and coast guards. It explains, in age-appropriate language, how pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss threaten marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. “Stories make big ideas small enough for children to hold,” Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said in a statement. “By meeting Pawi, children learn that protecting the West Philippine Sea also means protecting our food security, livelihoods, biodiversity, and shared heritage. We also want them to understand, in simple terms, why the 2016 Arbitral Award matters for our nation
and our seas.” The e-book features species-spotting activities, coloring pages, and a family pledge encouraging simple environmental actions, such as reducing single-use plastics,
disposing of waste properly, conserving water, and joining community clean-up drives. The publication was unveiled during the symposium Scienceto-Stewardship-to-Sovereignty: A Decade of Marine Scientific Research in the West Philippine Sea on July 28. Cuna said the initiative complements the DENR's broader efforts to conserve biodiversity in the WPS by helping cultivate environmental awareness and stewardship among the next generation. “Through ‘The Wonderful West Philippine Sea with Pawi
THE cover of the e-book “The Wonderful West Philippine Sea with Pawi, the Sea Turtle.” DENR PHOTO
the Turtle,’ we hope to inspire children to appreciate this sea that has long sustained Filipino families, recognize it as an important part of our natural heritage, and understand our shared responsibility to protect its rich marine biodiversity for present and future generations,”Cuna said Two more titles will be released over the next two months. The second book, scheduled for August, follows Maria and her Lolo (grandfather) as they share stories about the WPS and its importance to the country’s natural heritage. The final book will be launched in September to coincide with the observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day. The series complements the DENR's ongoing conservation and environmental governance initiatives by fostering ecological literacy from an early age. The e-book will be available for free download through the DENR website (https://tinyurl. com/thewonderfulwestphilsea), while printed copies will be distributed to coastal schools, barangay halls, and partner organizations. Educators and community leaders interested in obtaining copies or organizing storytelling sessions and partnerships may contact the DENR Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service at scis@denr.gov.ph. The 2016 Arbitral Award clarified maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, affirming the Philippines' rights within its exclusive economic zone. Through child-friendly storytelling, the e-book introduces these concepts in ways that help young readers understand the value of protecting the country's marine environment and natural heritage.
Searca talk show turns students into ‘climate detectives’
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OS BAÑOS, Laguna—A new generation of Southeast Asian “climate detectives” is being inspired through the Youth in Agri Talk Show, which aims to build climate awareness and interest in agriculture among young learners across the region. The show’s fourth episode, “Climate Detectives: The Case of the Changing Climate,” aired recently on Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture’s (Searca) Facebook page has garnered 55,000 views, whose largest audiences were from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste.
Featuring agri-tech leader as ‘Chief Detective’
HEADLINING the episode was Ochie San Juan, chief farmer and co-founder of Mayani, an agri-tech startup that connects farmers to markets. The show’s “Chief Detective,” San Juan helped young viewers investigate the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as practical solutions for climate-smart agriculture. Throughout the episode, students from across Southeast Asia posed questions on climate science, water availability, pests, and food security. Among them were:
From the Red Cross Youth San Pablo City Chapter (Philippines): Why climate change matters even when local temperatures do not feel hotter. From Tarlac National High School (Philippines): The difference between climate change adaptation and mitigation. From the Red Cross Youth San Pablo City Chapter: Where farmers can source water during prolonged dry seasons. From Achievers International School in Cambodia: How pests and unpredictable weather patterns damage crops and affect food security. From SMP Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto in Indonesia: What practical actions young people can take home and in school to protect the planet. San Juan answered the concerns using simple analogies, comparing weather to a daily “mood” and climate to a longerterm “personality.” He explained how human activities thicken the Earth’s “blanket” of greenhouse gases, driving global warming and climate change.
Showcasing climate-smart solutions
TO highlight climate-smart
practices, the show featured a game segment called “Identify the Clue,” which presented practical tools and technologies that farmers can use to cope with a changing climate. Among them are: Drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to plant roots and minimize wastage; Composting practices that nourish soils and help retain moisture; and Reducing food waste, starting small gardens at home or in school, and speaking up about environmental issues in their communities. San Juan underscored that it is vital for children and youth to understand how to care for the environment, respond to climate change, and appreciate the farmers and fisherfolk who ensure that food reaches their tables.
Educators welcome meaningful engagement
TEACHERS welcomed the show’s interactive format and meaningful engagement. “It was such an honor and valuable experience to be part of this meaningful program. We truly appreciate the opportunity and look forward to future collaborations with Searca in empowering young people
through inspiring initiatives,” said Almas Faliq Ahdanai, an educator from SMP Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto in Indonesia.
Innovative platform endorsed by Seameo and DepEd
THE Searca Youth in Agri Talk Show adopted an innovative, nonconventional approach to learning designed specifically to spark interest in agriculture among basic education students in Southeast Asia. Its educational value and regional relevance are supported by official endorsements from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization and the Philippine Department of Education. Previous episodes of the talk show have presented agriculture as a viable career path, explored the ecological role of beneficial insects, and highlighted the positive effects of school and home gardens on student development. The episode was hosted by Searca youth ambassadors Zara Mae Estareja, senior associate for Public Relations, and Joseph Matthew Hedreyda, senior associate for Partnerships and Advocacy, both from Searca’s Partnerships Unit.
A GROUP of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) are sighted in the waters of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYUM TAMARAW SJ FREEDIVERS/DENR MIMAROPA
Rarely seen melon-headed whales spotted in Mindoro By Jonathan L. Mayuga
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POD of approximately 50 melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) was recently spotted and documented in the municipal waters of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, an island province in the Southwestern Tagalog Region, or Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). The spectacle, a rare sight in the region, offered a glimpse of one of the ocean’s most remarkable marine mammals and underscored the province’s rich marine biodiversity, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mimaropa Regional Office said. The marine mammals were encountered by members of TAYUM Tamaraw SJ Freedivers while traveling to a dive site near Ambulong Island on July 19. Mimaropa harbors the most diverse and unique wildlife in the Philippines, both on land and in the water. Because of the region’s rich biodiversity, it has become a tourist magnet and is frequented by nature trippers, hikers, divers, and beachgoers, with the hope of witnessing a rare spectacle, such as the gathering of melon-headed whales. Initially mistaken for dolphins because of their similar appearance and schooling behavior, the animals were later identified by the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network as melonheaded whales. The pod was observed calmly resting at the water’s surface, with several individuals occasionally breaching before continuing their
movement toward deeper offshore waters. Melon-headed whales are oceanic members of the dolphin family that inhabit deep tropical and subtropical waters. Highly social by nature, they typically travel in large pods and play an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Experts said their presence is an indicator of productive and relatively healthy marine habitats capable of supporting diverse marine life. The sighting serves as another encouraging reminder of the ecological importance of Occidental Mindoro’s marine environment and reinforces the need for sustained conservation efforts to protect marine mammals and their habitats, according to the DENR Mimaropa Office. “Healthy oceans not only support wildlife but also sustain fisheries, ecotourism, and the livelihoods of coastal communities,” it added. The DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro)San Jose reminds boat operators, divers, fishers, and the public to practice responsible wildlife viewing by maintaining a safe distance from marine mammals, minimizing noise, avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction, and refraining from feeding or disturbing them. Responsible interactions help ensure the welfare of these species while allowing future generations to continue appreciating the Philippines’ remarkable marine biodiversity, the Cenro added.
Maynilad targets record 230,000 trees for 2026 Ipo Watershed restoration
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EST ZONE concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) has begun its 2026 Plant for Life program, setting its highest annual planting target to date: 230,225 indigenous tree seedlings across 450 hectares of priority restoration areas within the Ipo Watershed. The 2026 planting sites cover areas in Norzagaray, Bulacan, and Mt. Balagbag in Rizal, both of which form part of the Ipo Watershed. The sites were identified in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as priority areas for forest restoration. The Ipo Watershed is a critical part of the Angat-Ipo raw water system, which supplies water to Metro Manila. Reforesting denuded portions of the watershed helps reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water infiltration, support biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the vital water source. Unlike one-day planting activities, Plant for Life provides for three years of site maintenance through partnerships with local people’s organizations. It includes regular monitoring, protection of planted areas, vegetation management, and replacement planting when necessary to improve seedling survival and support long-term forest restoration. The program has maintained a
seedling survival rate of more than 85 percent in the past seven years. In 2025, a 450-hectare restoration site covering Mt. Balagbag and Norzagaray recorded an overall seedling survival rate of 92.1 percent, as validated by the DENR. “Watershed restoration is measured not only by how many seedlings are planted, but by how many are able to survive and become part of a functioning forest,” said Maynilad Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu. “By combining indigenous tree planting with sustained site care and community stewardship, we help strengthen the natural systems that support water quality, water availability, and the resilience of nearby communities,” Espiritu said. Indigenous species such as narra, kupang, and kalumpit will be planted under this year’s program to help restore biodiversity and establish vegetation suited to local watershed conditions. Since Plant for Life was established in 2007, Maynilad has planted more than 1.64 million seedlings and supported the restoration of nearly 2,420 hectares of watershed and other environmentally critical areas. The 2026 Plant for Life kickoff brought together Maynilad employee volunteers and representatives from TELUS, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., GHD, Makati Medical Center, Light Rail Manila Corp., and World Vision.
Sports BusinessMirror
A8 Sunday, August 2, 2026
mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao
ALAS GIRLS READY FOR BIGGEST TEST YET IN U17 WORLDS Assistant Coach Oliver Balse: We’re all training just as hard, and we’re around the same age. We shouldn’t be afraid, we will show what our team is capable of.
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IRISH MAY MAHINAY and Frances Dianne Ramos of NU, Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia of Ateneo, Taj Arkhea Teves of University of
AIDEN LAZARO strikes a pose at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. IMG PHOTO
look forward to bringing home everything I gain from this so I could contribute more to my teams in the Philippines.” “I’m very thankful to IMG Academy for welcoming me into its baseball and holistic athletic training program and for working closely with my mom over the past few months to help create exciting opportunities for my future. I’m humbled by this privilege and I’m ready to work hard to make the most of it,” he said.
THE Alas Pilipinas U17 Girls team—(from left) Cristina Madele Gale, Irish May Mahinay, Resty Jane Olaguir, Jello Andrea Mauricio, Taj Arkhea Teves, Nadeth Faye Herbon, Jhenica Sadia (covered), Caera Celis, Frances Dianne Ramos, Megan Yesha Hernandez, Sharina Rhyza Lleses, Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Xyz Ellen Rayco, Princess Khaira Manzano, assistant coach Oliver Balse (inset) and head coach Edwin Leyva. ROY DOMINGO their game,” Bulandres said. Manzano, also from NU, believes leadership comes from making an impact whenever she gets the chance, saying producing points can help lift the team energy. “I want to do my part as a leader, on and off the court,” Manzano said. “I want to show that I can be a leader whenever my number is called,” Lleses, from King’s Montessori, said. Eyes will be on Rayco, who emerged as the leading scorer for the Philippine squad during the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s U16 Championship and is expected to shine anew after helping Alas Pilipinas place
fifth in the 16-team AVC meet to secure a spot in the worlds. “I want to show that I never back down,” Rayco, from NU, said. UST star Hernandez stressed that communication will be just as important as skill as they try to gain respect on the big stage. “I will be more approachable, someone my teammates can easily talk to so we can work through any problems together,” Hernandez said.
Alas Pilipinas undaunted
IMG Academy training for Ateneo standout Lazaro
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ATIONAL junior team standout and Ateneo Junior High School baseball phenom Aiden Lazaro has reached another milestone after embarking on a long-term elite baseball development pathway with the renowned IMG Academy. Based in Bradenton in Florida, IMG Academy is one of the world’s leading sports training institutions, known for developing young athletes into elite competitors in their respective sports. Major League Baseball (MLB) standouts James Wood and Chris Perez and this year’s sixth overall pick Zion Rose as well as tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams, Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova are among IMG’s notable alumni. Interestingly, IMG Academy’s sister brand, IMG Tennis Management, represents Filipino
tennis ace Alex Eala whose sporting journey mirrors that of Lazaro. Both athletes began playing their respective sports at a young age before committing to elite international training at 13—Eala at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca in Spain and Lazaro at IMG Academy in Bradenton. Recruiting Lazaro to its vaunted sports program reflects IMG Academy’s confidence in his long-term potential, built on years of consistency and steady development in the local and regional circuit. Together with his hands-on and devoted mom Shelly, Aiden recently spent considerable time at IMG’s 600acre campus and sports facilities, where he undertook the first phase of his long-term holistic athletic development plans under former Major League and other professional league baseball
AI sports system A visitor adjusts his baseball swing angle with an AI sports system at the AI Wave Show exhibition in Taipei Friday. AP
coaches, players, and scouts. The 13-year-old Aiden is also granted access to IMG’s Performance & Sports Science Center which oversees his strength and conditioning, speed and agility, mobility, injury prevention, recovery, sports science, as well as nutrition and mental performance. “I’m excited to immerse myself in a new training environment and learn from everyone at IMG Academy who helped develop some of the top athletes and professional players,” Lazaro said. “I
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Santo Tomas, Nadeth Herbon of Leyte National High School and Jello Andrea Mauricio of San Felipe Neri Catholic School also suit up for Alas Pilipinas, which sees action in Pool B with powerhouse China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia and Venezuela. Host Chile heads Pool A featuring Czechia, Egypt, Thailand, Turkiye and the US. Pool C has Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, Japan and Poland. Italy and Korea are In Pool D with Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Chinese Taipei. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara have separately noted that the gap between teams is generally narrower at the youth level, where players are developing and results often hinge on preparation and chemistry. Alas Pilipinas Girls assistant coach Oliver Balse shares that belief, saying these players have the skill to compete despite the size disadvantage. “In age-group, regardless of nationality, they’re all level. There are taller players of course, but skills we can match up with them,” said Balse, speaking on behalf of head coach is Edwin Leyva. Hernandez echoed that confidence, saying Alas Pilipinas should not be intimidated against the more established volleyball nations. “We’re all training just as hard, and we’re around the same age. We shouldn’t be afraid, we will show what our team is capable of,” Hernandez said. The previous world championships underscored Asia’s strength in the age group, with China defeating Japan for the gold and Chinese Taipei wound up fourth behind Italy.
By Aldrin Quinto
LAS Pilipinas Girls vowed to bring out the best in one another as they gear up for the biggest challenge of their young careers Megan Hernandez, Madele Gale, Jhaynna Bulandres, Khaira Manzano, Sharina Lleses, Caera Celis, Xyz Rayco and the rest of the Philippine youth squad leave for Chile this week to compete in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship in Chile where they will measure themselves against the best teams from across the globe. Bacolod Tay Tung’s Gale said communication will be crucial, while National University’s (NU) Bulandres hopes her hard work ethic rubs off on the rest of the squad as they head into the tournament set August 6 to 16 in Santiago, San Felipe and Los Andes. “I want to be someone who can help my teammates raise
JGFP puts up ‘Community’ for jungolfers
Young(est) guns are blazing I REMEMBER vividly 30 years ago when amateur standout Tiger Woods joined the professional ranks, there were veteran pros who thought “let’s see what you got, kid.” More often than not, amateur standouts get the shock of their early professional lives as soon as they join the pro ranks. Just ask US Open champion and Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose. JR may be among the distinguished older pros now, but in 1998, after a stellar showing at The Open Championship where he finished tied for fourth as a 17-year-old, he decided to turn pro. What followed was a disastrous streak of 21 missed cuts. So there is some wisdom when pros took a look at Tiger’s record six straight US Golf Association trophies and smiled. In Tiger’s debut at the Greater Milwaukee Open in 1996, he sat down with US Open champion Curtis Strange for an interview before the tournament started. Strange asked about Tiger’s expectations for the week and Tiger, being on the cocky side of confident, replied “a victory.” Surprised and amused at the gall of Tiger the kid, Curtis Strange responded with “you’ll learn.” Of course, we all know how Tiger “learned” and learned quickly. In his pro debut, Woods finished tied for 60th—not the victory he had aimed for, but decent. He followed that performance with an 11th
place finish at the Bell Canadian, tied fifth at the Quad City Classic, tied third at the BC Open, and a win at the Las Vegas Invitational. After four starts and improving finishes, Tiger Woods won his fifth pro tournament. He followed that up with a third and in less than eight starts, win number two at the Walt Disney Classic. It wasn’t any more a question of will the kid win, but how many and by how much. A few months later, in April 1997, Woods answered that question with a record-shattering Masters win—all in less than a year after turning professional. Jackson Koivun is no Tiger Woods, that should be clarified. But as the No. 1 amateur in the world, with an NCAA win for Auburn and three straight SEC Championships, Koivun had a lot to prove.
HE Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) announced the launch of The JGFP Community—a national movement that brings together families, alumni, corporate partners and supporters behind a mission of creating more opportunities for the next generation of Filipino golfers. More than a membership program, The JGFP Community is founded on the belief that when a community comes together, every child has a greater opportunity to succeed. It is an avenue where parents, alumni, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, golf enthusiasts and advocates become part of a community committed to opening doors, creating opportunities and giving back to the sport that has shaped so many lives. “Every young golfer’s journey begins with someone who chooses to believe in them,” JGFP president Oliver Gan said. “Our responsibility at JGFP is not only to develop great athletes, but to build a community that stands beside them every step of the way.” Members of The JGFP Community will enjoy exclusive partner privileges, member experiences, community events, volunteer opportunities, foundation updates and meaningful ways to contribute to JGFP’s mission. SIGMA Ventures spearheaded the launch of The JGFP Community. “Communities create the greatest and most lasting impact when they rally around a shared purpose,” SIGMA Ventures Managing Partner Ronald Robins said. “At SIGMA Ventures, we believe investing in people creates the greatest long-term return.”
THE Superkit Tournament at Apo Golf in Davao City last June features (from left) Mateo Guiang, Daniel De Luna, Marcus Habagat and Kvan Alburo in the 10 to 12 years old division. JGFP PHOTO
Jackson’s college golf stint resulted in the first ever and second NCAA Championships for Auburn. Two wins in three years for a school that never won before Koivun joined their program. So when Koivun turned pro, expectations were understandably high, but cautiously so. All that pressure might result in a pro debut like Justin Rose’s. Koivun missed the cut at his first pro event, the John Deere Classic. The fight in the kid refused to be bowed and he promptly followed up his shaky debut with a tied-10th at the ISCO Championship. And just two weeks later, at his third event as a pro, Jackson did the unthinkable. He won the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities for one of the best pro debuts since TW. The week of the 3M Open had all eyes on low scores coming in one after the other. On Friday, Michael Kim shot a 12-under 59, punctuated by a final hole birdie to hit the magic number. But the week ultimately belonged to tour rookie Jackson Koivun, steady play combined with 305-yard 3 wood approach shots into par 5s was just too much for everyone. Not even a final day charge by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler could stop Koivun in his tracks. When the pressure mounted, Koivun executed brilliant shots, and most importantly, saved clutch pars to keep the chasing pack at bay. Going bogey-free just as the final day’s pressure was mounting showed steady nerve and unbelievable self-belief from the rookie. In just three starts, Jackson Koivun proved he IS the real deal. Everyone better watch out for the new gunslinger in town!
BusinessMirror
How the lighthearted social media trend of ‘teen takeovers’ took a serious turn
August 2, 2026
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BusinessMirror AUGUST 02, 2026 | soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com
X MARKS THE FUTURE
YOUR MUSI
XG’s ‘The CORE’ captivates diverse crowd in Manila
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Story and photos by Zoe Davad
he letter X has always held a unique place in the alphabet. It marks kisses, crosses out mistakes and evokes edge and chaos. But more than that, X denotes a variable: something subject to change, carrying infinite possibilities. It’s the perfect symbol for a group that refuses to be pinned down. Short for Xtraordinary Genes, the global EDM septet XG—comprising rappers and vocalists Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona—returned to the Philippines on July 22 . Taking over the SM Mall of Asia Arena for the Manila leg of their “The CORE” world tour managed by Ovation Productions, their performance was nothing short of explosive. Walking into the Mall of Asia Arena on a humid Wednesday evening, it was shocking to see the seats full. Despite it being a work and school night, the kind of evening that usually sees crowds thinning out early, not gathering in the thousands, the venue was electric with anticipation. The sheer dedication of the ALPHAZ—XG’s
passionate fanbase, named for the leader of a wolf pack—was evident in the howling and barking that erupted during the brief pauses between sets. The demographics of the crowd were as diverse as the group themselves. Young students in their school uniforms stood alongside working professionals who had clearly rushed from the office, their lanyards still dangling around their necks. There were families with young children, groups of friends decked out in matching merchandise, and solo attendees clutching lightsticks. It was a testament to the universal appeal of XG’s music and message, a message that resonates across age groups, nationalities, and backgrounds. It’s one of self-discovery, of carving your own path in a world that constantly tries to define you. XG doesn’t just sing to this generation; they are this generation, embodying its contradictions, its struggles, and its boundless potential.
Framed by smoke and light, XG takes the stage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Photos by Zoe Davad.
XG pulls off perfectly synchronized choreography during their performance of TGIF.
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XG’s performances were brought to life through a masterclass in concert production. The show’s pacing was immaculate, seamlessly balancing high-energy hype anthems with slower, emotional ballads while avoiding the dreaded dead air during quick changes. Across four distinct wardrobe changes, the group balanced collective cohesion with individual flair. Behind them, digital, cybernetic backdrops completed the show, anchored by recurring moon imagery—a symbol of transformation. The setlist was a dream for any ALPHAZ, featuring a comprehensive selection from XG’s growing discography. The show opened with their hit “Gala,” a high-energy track that immediately set the tone for the night. From there, they launched into “Mascara,” “TGIF,” “In the Rain,” “Hypnotize,” and “Tippy Toes”. Beyond the group choreography, the unit stages truly showcased the full spectrum of their talents. The rap line—Jurin, Cocona, Maya, and Harvey—delivered a fierce, charismatic rendition of “PS118.” Leader Jurin anchored the stage with her magnetic stage presence, while Cocona stunned the crowd with their razor-sharp flow. Maya brought magnetic, infectious energy to her verses, perfectly complemented by Harvey’s distinct, punchy delivery. Thevocalline—Chisa,Hinata,andJuria—followed with a breathtaking performance of “4 Seasons.” Juria’s rich, resonant tones grounded the song’s emotional weight, harmonizing brilliantly with Chisa’s soaring high notes and Hinata’s soft, crystalline vocal textures. Betweenintensesets,XGmadesuretohighlighttheir playful chemistry. During the talkback section, Harvey greeted the crowd with a warm “Magandang gabi,” and each member introduced themselves in turn. Hinata, the dancer of the group, said, “ALPHAZ, it’s almost time to say goodbye,” to which the whole stadium responded with a collective “Aww!” Ever the vibrant mood-maker,
Maya, Harvey, Jurin, Hinata, Chisa, Juria, and Cocona of XG take a bow at the conclusion of the encore set. Chisa exclaimed, “We heard you wanted an encore all the way backstage!” During one memorable game, the members had to race into exact dance formations the second a random snippet of a song played. The resulting scramble drew laughterfromtheaudience,offeringahumanglimpseinto idolswhootherwiseseemalmostsuperhumanlypolished.
The X-Pop Factor
THAT delicate balance between charm and commanding stage presence sits at the heart of XG’s identity. On the surface, they appear to slot neatly into the machinery of K-pop. All members are Japanese, yet they trained under therigorousK-popmodelinSouthKorea,asystemfamous for its demanding schedules, vocal and dance training, and carefully curated idol personas. They sing primarily in English while maintaining a distinctly polished, K-popinspired production quality. Yet, to label them solely as K-pop feels incomplete; you can’t divorce them from its influence, but you can’t fit them under that label either.
To describe them merely as another group feels inadequate. They perform with both the relentless hungerofrookiesandtheeffortlesscommandofseasoned veterans. This ambiguity is precisely why the concept of X-Pop exists. Far from a simple marketing gimmick, X-Pop gives a name to their refusal to be categorized. As we grow up, it’s easy to fall into the belief that everything has already been done. Modern culture often seems trapped in a loop of nostalgia—obsessed with Y2K, retro revivals, and dark academia—because the future feels daunting to invent. We spend so much time moving through systems built by others, consumed by routines and algorithms, that we risk becoming mere observers in our own lives. XG offers a radical refutation of that passive cycle. They didn’t fit cleanly into J-pop or K-pop, so they carved outX-pop.Theydidn’twaitfortheindustrytodefinethem; they defined themselves. Watching them command the stage in Manila was a vivid reminder that the only way to find your place in the world is to create it.
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AUGUST 02, 2026 | soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com
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BREAKING AWAY
BUSINESS
Why ROCCO says sometimes the hardest thing is knowing when to step back
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Story by Bless Aubrey Ogerio
OR nearly a year, life rarely slowed down for Filipino-American singer-songwriter ROCCO.
Touring schedules, writing sessions and the constant demands of releasing music kept him moving from one project to the next. By the time the whirlwind finally settled, he found himself doing something he hadn't allowed himself in months: taking a break. Not from music, though, but from the pressure of constantly creating. "I've been home now just writing music, and it feels really refreshing," ROCCO told SoundStrip in a recent interview. "I probably feel the most free I've been creatively." For an artist whose music often explores longing, heartbreak and vulnerability, slowing down became less about stopping and more about making space for ideas to grow. Today, ROCCO reaches more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify and has built a substantial online following, with more than 400,000 TikTok followers, over 18 million likes on the platform and millions of YouTube views. Despite growing global audiences, the Philippines remains his biggest market in Asia and second only to the United States worldwide. Yet even with those milestones, this season of his career feels less defined by numbers than by creative freedom.
Lights, camera... heartbreak
THAT renewed sense of freedom became the foundation for his latest musical chapter. A longtime fan of romantic comedies from the 1990s and early 2000s, ROCCO challenged himself to create music that unfolded like a movie, with songs connected by a larger narrative, saying, "For the first time, I wanted to create a real story that goes hand in hand with music." The result is a cinematic approach that blends visual storytelling with his signature dreamy bedroom-
pop sound. "It's been really cool seeing people receive it so positively," he said. One of the project's centerpiece tracks, Break, captures a familiar emotional contradiction: loving someone deeply while realizing that distance may be necessary. "Pain and heartbreak can have such a negative connotation. But sometimes it's necessary. A lot of the time, good comes out of it,” he explained. In Break, he said, the narrator recognizes that moving on may be the healthier choice but still treasures what the relationship meant. "He still wouldn't have it any other way," ROCCO explained. "It really explores that bittersweetness— that heartbreak isn't always a bad thing."
bigger moments." Learning how verses, pre-choruses and choruses build into one another has changed the way he approaches songwriting. "I thought I knew how to write a song," he said. "But this whole year I've learned so much more."
More than music
AS ROCCO’s songs become increasingly cinematic, so do his ambitions. He no longer sees music and visual storytelling as separate creative pursuits, saying, "I've realized that I'm just a storyteller.” Whether through songs, short films or even screenplays, he hopes to continue building narratives that extend beyond audio alone. The positive response to his recent visuals has even sparked interest in exploring screenplay writing—and perhaps acting someday. "I probably have to get a little bit better at that," he joked. "But I think there are so many stories to tell." And for him, the medium matters less than the story itself. "I won't stop until I don't have any more
stories to tell."
Coming home
ALTHOUGH ROCCO has built an international audience, one destination sits near the top of his wish list—The Philippines. Born in Quezon City before moving to the United States at age three, he admits that growing up overseas created some distance from his Filipino roots. "As I grew up, I started becoming more in tune with it," he said. "I feel like there's still so much more of my culture I want to explore." That desire makes the Philippines especially meaningful, not only because it ranks among his biggest streaming audiences, but because it represents a personal homecoming. The prospect of finally performing for Filipino listeners excites him as much as releasing new music. "I want to head out to Asia, especially the Philippines, and just enjoy my time." Until then, he plans to keep creating—whether through music, film or whatever form storytelling takes next.
Better stories, better collaborators
WHILE listeners often focus on the finished song, ROCCO said the people behind it shape the music just as much. Break was written alongside producer Aidan Hogg and songwriter Jules Brave, a collaboration he describes as effortless despite the song's emotional weight. "It was funny because Break is such a yearning, heartbreaking song, but the room was happy," he recalled. "We were all just enjoying what we do." That experience reinforced one lesson he now shares with younger musicians. "You don't need a whole team to make a song," he said. "It really just takes one person and a good idea." Working with trusted collaborators also pushed him to experiment with songwriting in ways he hadn't before. Compared with earlier releases, ROCCO said his newer material places greater emphasis on song structure, arrangement and dynamics. "I never really wrote a bridge before," he admitted with a laugh. "This project has so many
ROCCO
How the lighthearted social media trend of ‘teen takeovers’ took a serious turn By Safiyah Riddle & Corey Williams The Associated Press
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HEN Damarion Spann, 18, saw an Instagram flier calling for a massive gathering on a beach near downtown Chicago, he immediately wanted to go. Thousands of others joined him that night on the sand, blasting music and dancing. The cultural trend of so-called teen takeovers has popped up across the U.S. in recent years, influencing local policing and national politics. The events, often hyped online and captured in videos on social media, have led to shootings, theft and vandalism. City officials and police are concerned about an increase over the summer, and are under pressure to prevent similar gatherings or to punish those who participate. Over the July 4 holiday weekend, several thousand young people converged in two spots in Raleigh, North Carolina, police said. Nine people, including an adult who was not part of the gatherings, were shot and wounded. There were also takeovers in Pensacola, Florida, where a 19-year-old was shot and killed; and Newport Beach, California, where more than 400 were arrested after the police chief said teens launched “explosive mortars and other projectiles” at officers ordering them to disperse. But Spann and other teens say that the events are largely misunderstood. They point to formal curfews or limits on group size at malls and movie theaters that have made it harder for teens to gather, exacerbating a feeling of disconnection they trace back to remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
Teens say there aren’t safe spaces for them to gather
FOR Spann, the recent media attention on the events has largely failed to capture the appeal to young people. “You feel like a young person who has freedom, who’s not being held to something,” said Spann, who is Black. At the event he went to, he was able to catch up with people he hadn’t seen since 8th grade. He said that the events are a direct result of a cascade of school closures across Black neighborhoods over the past couple decades in Chicago. To deter people from gathering even at basketball courts, where there were sometimes fights, officials have removed
HUNDREDS of young people gather near the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in the Hyde Park neighborhood as Chicago police officers attempt to disperse them, Monday, May 25, 2026. AP the nets. Spann said that his mom, who grew up in the same neighborhood, frequently talks about how much easier it used to be to hang out outside without a fear of gun violence. When Spann goes to malls in more affluent areas with his mostly Black group of friends, shoppers often stare and security guards question them. To avoid scrutiny, Spann and his friends sometimes
down with law enforcement. In St. Louis, officers have started to bring some teens to community centers instead of jails so their parents can pick them up, and in Baltimore, officials have tried leaning on public schools to provide alternative programming. In Chicago, Spann received a $11,000 grant from the city and partnering nonprofits to host an event for his peers at the end of the sum-
‘Teens say that the events are largely misunderstood.’ sneak into outdoor shopping centers or areas downtown in smaller groups at staggered times. By contrast, in the same spaces, Spann said, “If I’m with my white friends, I feel like I belong.” Despite the physical dangers that come with takeovers and the threat of getting a ticket or even arrested, the allure is strong, according to Jeffrey Bernstein, a psychologist and author. “The kids still do it because they feel like it’s their second family,” which he said “really takes over as their primary sense of connection.” “They’re getting things from their peers that they can’t get from their parents.” Some cities have tried to meet that need head-on, instead of cracking
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mer, in an effort to give his community more places to gather.
What cities are doing to address ‘teen takeovers’
IN April, Daveion Page, a 16-year-old in Detroit, was bored. He turned to his phone, creating a post on social media promoting a teen takeover. Hundreds of teens soon flocked to a site downtown and fights broke out by the end of the night. At another takeover in May, a 14-year-old was shot and wounded. Page told reporters that he didn’t intend for the takeover he organized to result in violence. “I just wanted to get out of the house, have fun, enjoy time with my family and my homeboys and my homegirls, too,” said
AUGUST 2, 2026
Page, who was flanked by Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and other city officials at a news conference. He told city officials that young people might respond if there were more safe places to gather. Before the takeovers, there were already plans to use $1.5 million from the city’s budget for summer programming and to support violence prevention programs. In response to the takeovers, the city has launched an office of youth affairs, met and listened to students at schools, and created a youth advisory board comprised of teens and young adults. “We have brought them to the table and made them a part of our structure in regards to identifying what the needs and concerns are of the young people in the city,” Brent said. In Detroit, a late-night basketball league has formed as an alternative hangout spot for teens and young adults. Jerseys and sneakers are provided by the city. “This league just helps me find something to do,” Cameron Chandler, 21, said while playing basketball at the recreation center. He’s never participated in a takeover, but recently after practice, he stumbled on one near his home. “There were a lot of cops and some people got arrested,” Chandler said. “You just have to think, ‘that could easily be me.’” n Cover photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com