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PN beefs up vessel capability to repulse encroachment into PHL’s littoral waters

‘FAIC TO WIN’

By Rex Anthony Naval

These vessels are expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft. Earlier, PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said the “quick intercept capabilities” of the FAIC, which has a top speed of 40 knots, are ideal for “addressing current and emerging security threats.” This 32-meter high-speed vessel is also equipped with remote stabilized weapon systems. The FAICs were acquired for P10 billion.

ITH six Israeli-made fastattack interdiction craft (FAIC) now in its inventory and with another three expected to be assembled and delivered in the next two years, the Philippine Navy (PN) has grown more capable of defending the country’s littoral waters from hostile encroachment.

Littoral refers to the area near the shore, encompassing the part of a sea, lake, or river that is in close proximity to the shoreline. The fifth and sixth FAICs, constructed by Israel Shipyards Ltd., were delivered to the PN through general cargo ship Koga Royal on November 18, 2023. Once commissioned into PN service by late December, PG-906 and PG-907 will be formally known as the BRP Herminigildo Yurong and BRP Laurence Narag. Philippine Fleet (PF) spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said the FAICs are now at the Commodore East Posadas Wharf in Cavite City, where they are now undergoing “mandatory enhancement, maintenance, and training prior to commissioning.” He added that these ships will be under the PF’s Littoral Combat Force and part of the Acero-class patrol gunboat fleet. The Acero-class gunboats are also known as the Shaldag Mark V of Israel Shipyard Ltd. These vessels are combat-proven, constructed from aluminum, and are lightweight and fast with a high payload capacity, showcasing

exceptional maneuverability and seakeeping capabilities. It has a high firepower-to-displacement ratio designed to operate in naval security missions and can efficiently protect exclusive economic zones and littoral waters. The first two Acero-class gunboats, BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), were delivered in September 2022 and commissioned in November of the same year. The third and fourth FAICs, BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), were delivered in April of this year and commissioned a month later. “Their delivery is part of the FAIC Acquisition Project of the Revised AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Modernization Program Horizon 2 contracted with Israel Shipyards Ltd., which include a total of nine platforms, and the transfer of technology to bolster the PN’s shipbuilding capability,” according to Badidles. Deliveries of the FAICs are aimed at reinforcing the country’s littoral/coastal defense with modern fast patrol combat vessels that have proven to be highly reliable in

Hard-hitting ships

ON November 18, 2023, the Philippine Fleet received two additional FAICs, PG-906 and PG-907, from Israel Shipyards Ltd. The commissioning of these two ships is scheduled to take place sometime in December. Upon commissioning, the Philippine Fleet will have a total of six FAICs in its inventory, and an additional three are slated for delivery within the next two years. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE FLEET

addressing current and emerging threats, and transnational crimes. Three more FAICs are expected to be constructed and delivered within the next two years.

4 FAICs to be armed with missiles

FOUR of the FAICs will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles that have pinpoint accuracy, while the other five will be armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50-caliber heavy machine guns. These ships have a displacement of 95 tons, a maximum speed of 40 knots, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles. “With the FAICs, the PN shall have the capability to defend the key sea lines of communication (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu and Basilan Straits,

against conventional threats. Operating in restricted waters, the FAICs can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover,” the PN earlier said. The acquisition of these FAICs is among the 2019 projects approved by former president Rodrigo R. Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program. The notice of award for the FAIC project, worth around P10 billion, was issued on January 5, 2021. The FAICs will be useful in defending vital choke points, key sea lines of communication, and littoral areas of the country where terrorist groups and other lawless elements are operating.

DESPITE its small size, the FAIC can neutralize any target up to 25-32 kilometers with its NLOS missiles. “It is designed [to be armed with the] NLOS missile [system]; if you recall we have the multipurpose attack craft (MPAC) which is fitted with a missile and has a range of more or less eight kilometers but these Shaldag Mark V, when fitted with [this] missile system, can have a range of approximately 32 kilometers,” Adaci earlier said. The PN chief was referring to the 12 MPAC units of the Navy, of which six are armed with the SpikeER surface-to-surface missiles. Another 15 FAICs are being eyed by the PN to allow the naval service to meet its requirements in “patrolling the seas of the country.”

PN gets upgraded shipyard

MEANWHILE, the PN’s capability to build its own warships, particularly the small and hard-hitting FAICs, received a significant boost when Israel Shipyards Ltd. handed over the documents and keys of a newly refurbished shipyard on February 28, 2023. Navy spokesperson Captain Benjo Negranza said the upgraded

shipyard is located at Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite City. Negranza said the documents and keys were transferred by Israel Shipyards Ltd. marketing director, Noam Katsav, as part of the FAIC acquisition project. “The newly refurbished naval shipyard will facilitate the local construction of the three FAIC vessels, which will form part of the fleet of PN’s Acero-class patrol gunboats,” Negranza said. He emphasized that this marks a noteworthy milestone for the shipbuilding capability of the PN, concurrently enhancing the country’s Self-Reliance Defense Posture Program (SRDP), which stands as one of the key components of the Department of National Defense’s current 10-point agenda. Earlier, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, said this is part of their knowledge transfer under the FAIC project. “This is part of knowledge transfer because the idea is that those Shaldags will be partly also assembled here and maintenance will [also] be done here in the Philippines,” he added. Fluss also said an intensive training was conducted for the Philippine teams in Israel for this project. He also mentioned that Israel has expressed a keen interest in playing a “major” role in Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program. During the Horizons 1 and 2 of the program, Israel successfully delivered artillery, howitzers, and armored personnel and mortar carriers to the Philippines. “We’re looking into the future of the Horizon 3 Modernization Program. And obviously we do hope that Israel will also take a major part in the Horizon,” he added.

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 55.3190 n JAPAN 0.3755 n UK 69.4862 n HK 7.0821 n CHINA 7.7282 n SINGAPORE 41.2275 n AUSTRALIA 36.2284 n EU 59.5564 n KOREA 0.0420 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.7494 Source: BSP (December 8, 2023)

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In the salt deserts bordering Pakistan, India builds its largest RE project K By Sibi Arasu | The Associated Press

HAVDA, India—Rising from the bare expanse of the large salt desert that separates India from Pakistan is what will likely be the world’s largest renewable energy (RE) project when completed three years from now.

The solar and wind energy project will be so big that it will be visible from space, according to developers of what is called the Khavda RE park, named after the village nearest to the project site. At the site, thousands of laborers install pillars on which solar panels will be mounted. The pillars rise like perfectly aligned concrete cactuses that stretch as far as the eye can see. Other workers are building foundations for enormous wind turbines to be installed; they also are transporting construction material, building substations and laying wires for miles. When completed, the project will be about as large as Singapore, spreading out over 726 square kilometers (280 square miles). The Indian government estimates it will cost at least $2.26 billion. Shifting to RE is a key issue at

the ongoing COP28 climate summit. Some leaders have voiced support for a target of tripling RE worldwide in any final agreement while curbing use of coal, oil and natural gas, which spew planet-warming gases into the atmosphere. What makes this heavy industrial activity peculiar is that it’s taking place in the middle of the Rann of Kutch in western India’s Gujarat state. The Rann is an unforgiving salt desert and marshland at least 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) from the nearest human habitation but just a short army truck ride away from one of the world’s most tense international borders separating the two South Asian nations.

Ground zero

WHEN the Associated Press visited the RE park, two days of unseasonal heavy rains had left the ground

SOLAR panels are installed at an under-construction site of Adani Green Energy Limited’s Renewable Energy Park in the salt desert of Karim Shahi village, near Khavda, Bhuj district near the India-Pakistan border in the western state of Gujarat, India. When completed, the project will be about as large as Singapore. AP/RAFIQ MAQBOOL

muddy and water logged since the only escape for water in this rough terrain is evaporation. This made it even harder for the workers to do their job.

ects, including the Khavda park, will be inspiring for other developing countries. “Here is a country that was exactly where they are today and was able to make the change,” he said.

Environmental impact

A SIGN is displayed at the construction site of Adani Green Energy Limited’s Renewable Energy Park in the salt desert near the India-Pakistan border. AP/RAFIQ MAQBOOL

Notwithstanding the tough conditions, an estimated 4,000 workers and 500 engineers have been living in makeshift camps for the better part of the past year, toiling to get this project up and running. Once completed, it will supply 30 GW of RE annually, enough to power nearly 18 million Indian homes. As India aims to install 500 GW of clean energy by the end of the decade and to reach net zero emissions by 2070, this project site will likely contribute significantly to the world’s most populous country’s transition to producing energy from non-carbon spewing sources. As things stand, India is still mostly powered by fossil fuels, especially coal, which generates more than 70 percent of India’s electricity. Renewable energy currently contributes about 10 percent of India’s electricity needs. The country is also currently the third-largest emitter of planetwarming gases behind China and the United States. “There are people working here from all over India,” said KSRK Verma, Khavda project head for Adani Green Energy Limited, the RE arm of the Adani Group, which the Indian government has contracted to build 20 gigawatts of the project. Verma, with over 35 years of experience building dams across turbulent South Asian rivers and enormous natural gas tanks under the Bay of Bengal, says this is one of the most difficult projects he’s undertaken. “It’s not at all [an] easy site to work at, there is no habitation, the land is marshy, there are a lot of high winds, rains and this is a high earthquake- prone area,” said Vneet Jaain, managing director of Adani Green at its headquarters in the city of Ahmedabad. Jaain, who has overseen multiple ambitious projects for the Adani Group, said the first six months

were spent just building basic infrastructure. “From April this year is when we started working on the actual project,” he added. The Adani Group has been in the limelight this year ever since the US-based short-selling Hindenburg Research firm accused the Group and its head, Gautam Adani, of “brazen stock manipulation“ and “accounting fraud.” Adani Group has called the allegations baseless. Jaain of Adani Green says the allegations have had little impact on its ongoing projects, including work at the Khavda renewable energy park.

An example to emulate

“TWENTY years ago, India was exactly where a vast expanse of [the] developing world was,” Ajay Mathur, director general of the International Solar Alliance, said of the country’s renewable energy production. The alliance has 120 member-countries and promotes RE—primarily solar—across the world. About 200 kilometers away in the industrial city of Mundra, also located along the Gujarat state’s coastline, the Adani Group is manufacturing the solar and wind energy parts needed for the project. It’s one of the few locations in India where most solar energy components are made from scratch. Some of the factories are run like laboratories, with protective gear, facemasks and head covers required to avoid dust particles that can compromise solar cells. The nearby wind energy factory aims to produce 300 turbines a year, with each blade stretching nearly 79 meters (86 yards) and weighing 22 metric tons (24 tons). Each wind turbine generator is capable of producing 5.2 megawatts of clean energy. They will be India’s biggest. As Mathur of the solar alliance said, “India has traveled a long way,” and its large-scale RE proj-

WHILE acknowledging the importance of transitioning to RE, environmental experts and social activists say India’s decision to allow clean energy projects without any environmental impact assessments is bound to have adverse consequences. “The salt desert is a unique landscape” that is “rich in flora and fauna,” including flamingos, desert foxes and migratory bird species that fly from Europe and Africa to winter in this region, according to Abi T Vanak, a conservation scientist with the Bengaluru-based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. Vanak has overseen multiple environment-related research projects in the Kutch region. Kutch and other similar regions are classified as “wastelands,” by the Indian government—and Vanak says this is extremely unfortunate. “They are not recognized as valid ecosystems,” he said. With RE projects exempt from environmental impact assessments, “There is no system in place” to determine the best places for them, according to Sandip Virmani, an environmentalist based in Kutch. At a little over 45,000 square kilometers (17,374.5 square miles), the Kutch district is as big as Denmark and is India’s largest district. Given this, Virmani said there is enough land in Kutch for various RE projects. But he fears that dairies and other local businesses in the region might be impacted by large-scale projects. “It has to be in the context of not compromising on another economy,” he said. Meanwhile, longtime residents are still waiting to see how this huge project near their village will affect them. Hirelal Rajde, 75, who has spent most of his life in Khavda, is mindful of the upcoming energy project as well as the increase in tourism in recent years in this otherwise desolate region. “I think these developments are both good and bad,” said Rajde. “I think overall though it will benefit more than it will cause problems,” he said. “I tell everyone who lives here to hold onto their land, don’t sell it. In a few years, I tell them they’ll have so much business that they won’t be able to rest even at night.”

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End-Nov GIR rises to $101.3B on rising world gold prices: BSP By Cai U. Ordinario

(LEFT to right, standing): Masanori Sugiura (DTBC Director), Francis Estrada (DTBC Chairman of the Board), Yasuhiro Matsuzawa, Business (Development General Director & Board Member), Kiyonori Nakamura (Director for Overseas Development), Thaddeus Acuña (DTBC CFO), Rene Paraba (DTBC Director for Local Government Engagement), Mrs. Charita Puentespina (matriarch and shareholder), Jose Santillan (DTBC Financial Consultant), Atty. Hector Belisario (DTBC Corporate Secretary) (Seated L to R): NDC GM Anton Mauricio, DTBC President Olive Puentespina. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NDC invests ₧40M in biodegradable waste management pioneer DTBC

HE National Development Company (i.e. NDC), an investment arm of the Philippine government, recently signed a P40-million commitment into Davao Thermo Biotech Corporation (i.e. DTBC) via an investment agreement. The signing ceremony between NDC General Manager Anton Mauricio and DTBC President Olive Puentespina was held at Matina Aplaya, Davao City on December 7, 2023, in the presence of DTBC top management and DTBC’s key Japanese technology partner, Kyowa Kako. The timely P40-million investment by NDC will be used to fund further expansion plans by DTBC, such as the installation of a dashboard at the plant by 2024, in order to monitor air and composting activity, among other key expansion plans. Besides the key speeches by NDC Undersecretary and General Manager Anton Mauricio and DTBC Chair Francis Estrada, the ceremony was also highlighted by a key message of support coming from Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual. During his warm message of support, Pascual highlighted the innovative nature of the DTBC business venture, that converts biodegradable waste into biofertilizer. Aside from such environmental sustainability, Pascual also highlighted how such investments by the government (through the NDC) further demonstrated the government’s thrust in diversifying and promotion investments in other part of the country. The DTI Secretary expressed hope to also visit the DTBC plant and see first-hand the plant’s conversion process in the near future. Davao Thermo Biotech Corp, established in 2015, is a Filipino company engaged in biodegradable waste management through the use of a patented hyperthermophilic aerobic composting. This novel Japanese technology is environmentally safe, natural, and is compliant with local

laws and regulations. The composting plant is appropriately designed to prevent any leachate contamination during the mixing & composting process, thereby preventing any negative impact on public health and the water table. To date, more than 30 million kilos of biodegradable waste have been diverted from landfills and other traditional dump to its composting plant in Binugao, Toril, Davao City. To complete the cycle, at the end of the composting period, all biodegradable wastes is turned into biofertilizer, a necessary component in healing the deteriorating Philippine farm lands to support farm productivity and food security. DTBC believes that waste is not the problem. Their circular reframing views waste as a resource, not refuse, and by managing waste through biodegradable composting, waste itself becomes generative, useful, and productive. With its mission to help clean Philippine environment and revolutionize Philippine agriculture, and the inspired leadership of the late Dr. Roberto “Doc Bo” Puentespina, a passionate wildlife veterinarian with great experience in environmentalism, DTBC’s operations transform biodegradable wastes into an agricultural resource through novel biotech technologies; becoming a leading sustainable enterprise that acts as a powerful catalyst for the effective management of Philippine ecosystems. NDC, the government’s investment arm, is the Philippines’s leading state-owned enterprise—investing in diverse industries, serving as an effective catalyst for inclusive growth. As mandated in its Revised Charter (PD 1648) NDC, may on its own, or in joint venture with the private sector, undertake vital projects when necessary or when the private sector is not willing or able to undertake such projects due to high risks or to lack of funds/resources.

ADB okays $200-M loan to boost PHL’s climate resiliency, low-carbon initiatives

HE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently approved a $200 million loan to support the country’s climate resiliency and low-carbon infrastructure efforts. ADB said the loan, the second additional financing for the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF), will help boost economic growth and improve Filipinos’ access to jobs, markets and public services, such as education and health care. The IPIF is used to suppor t the preparation of complex and critical climateresilient road, bridge, transport, and flood risk management projects identified by the government as flagship projects. “The Philippines has raised its public infrastructure spending in recent years to steer the economy toward a sustainable, high-growth path,” said ADB Senior Transport Specialist Daisuke Mizusawa. “With this additional financing, we aim to help the government scale up the scope of its investments, further improve the readiness and quality of public infrastructure projects, and strengthen public investment management systems,” he added. ADB will assist in building up the capacity of implementing agencies such as the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways to implement large and complex infrastructure projects.

A $1.5 million technical assistance grant was also extended to strengthen regulations and policies and enhance investment planning for low- carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure, and the development of frameworks and methodologies to consistently identify and mitigate climate risks in infrastructure projects. Previous ADB support under the IPIF has helped in the preparation of more than $40 billion worth of ongoing and planned infrastructure investments, exceeding initial estimates. These investments were financed by ADB, other development partners, and the government. ADB’s suppor t for infrastruc ture development in the Philippines has steadily grown since 2018, and now accounts for almost 60 percent of ADB’s total portfolio in the country. The bank has committed financing of $8.4 billion for transport projects, including the Malolos Clark Railway Project and the South Commuter Railway Project, which are part of the North-South Commuter Railway system connecting Metro Manila to nearby northern and southern provinces. These projects, along with other major bridge and public transport projects, are collectively expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 497,866 tons per year. Cai U. Ordinario

HE increase in gold prices in the international market boosted the country’s dollar reserves as of the end of November 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Based on the data, the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) rose to $101.3 billion as of end-November 2023 from the end-October 2023 level of $101 billion. This was the highest in seven months or since the $101.76 billion GIR posted by the country as of the end of April this year.

“The month-on-month increase in the GIR level reflected mainly the upward valuation adjustments in the value of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ [BSP] gold holdings due to the increase in the price of gold in the international market, and the BSP’s net income from its investments abroad,” BSP said. The data showed the country’s gold holdings reached $10.82 billion as of the end of November 2023. This was the highest since the $11.61 billion posted in December 2020. “The BSP’s reserve assets consist of foreign investments, gold, foreign exchange, reserve position in the

IMF, and special drawing rights,” BSP explained. The data also showed the country’s latest GIR level represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. BSP said that the GIR is considered adequate if it can finance at least threemonths’ worth of the country’s imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. Moreover, it is also about 5.8 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.6 times based on residual maturity.

Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and longterm loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months. Meanwhile, data showed the net international reserves increased by $0.2 billion to $100.5 billion as of end-November 2023 from the endOctober 2023 level of $100.3 billion. The net international reserves refer to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets or GIR and reserve liabilities. Overall, the level of GIR, as of a particular period, is considered adequate, if it provides at least 100 percent cover for the payment of the country’s foreign liabilities, public and private, falling due within the immediate 12-month period.

Security forces nab suspect behind deadly MSU bombing By Rex Anthony Naval

ILITARY and police units in Marawi City arrested one of the suspects allegedly involved in the deadly bombing of the Mindanao State University (MSU) that killed four persons and wounded 50 others last Sunday. “Combined troops of Task Force Marawi and Marawi City police captured on December 6 a certain Jafar Gamo Sultan, a.k.a. ‘Jaf/Kurot’, who is one of the accomplices in the bombing at Mindanao State University last week,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Friday. The suspect was apprehended in an operation in Barangay Dulay Proper in Marawi. “[The suspect] is [the] companion of a certain Omar, the person identified by witnesses to have placed the improvised explosive device at the Dimaporo Gymnasium. Also seized

by troops are t wo motorc ycles,” Trinidad noted. The military official said that they are still determining the suspect’s linkages to the Daulah IslamiyahMaute Group, the terrorist group operating in Lanao Del Sur, and among those who instigated the five-month Siege of Marawi in 2017.

No other details were immediately available as of this writing SULTAN’S arrest highlighted the seriousness of the government in capturing the perpetrators of the terrorist attack on innocent civilians and in ensuring that similar incidents will not happen again. “It also demonstrates the AFP’s commitment to its mandate as protector of the people and the state,” Trinidad said. Earlier, the Philippine National Police released the pictures and the possible identities of the two “persons of

Ceres creates help desks to assist victims of deadly bus mishap in Hamtic, Antique

HE Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) management is providing assistance to the families of 18 fatalities and 11 wounded passengers in connection with the Thursday, December 5, passenger bus mishap that happened in Hamtic, Antique. “The injured passengers are currently admitted to Iloilo Western Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, and Angel Salazar Medical Hospital in San Jose, Antique. The 11 admitted patients are now in stable condition,” said Jade Ceballos, Media Relations Officer of VTI. The company had established “Ceres Help Desk” in the above-mentioned hospitals and in Hamtic Police Station in Antique. Ceres employees have been deployed to assist in the release of medical needs and extension of financial support to the families of the victims, according to Ceballos. Ceres employees are reaching out to the families of the deceased who have not yet availed of the said assistance. The Ceres Help Desk is situated in the respective lobbies of the said hospitals and at Hamtic Police Station in Antique, Ceballos added. “VTI management is mourning the loss of its four employees. But, despite of its loss, VTI management is proud and consoled with the thoughts that

Bus Driver, Ricky Serios, Conductor, Wilmar Marcelino, Line Inspectors, Jevy Bordago and Jose Glenn Fandagani were worthy of emulation in saving the lives of a teacher and a pregnant passenger. They have chosen to save the lives of the passengers even at the expense of their own, said Ceballos,” VTI said in a statement. At the same time, VTI said it welcomes the preventive suspension of the twelve units included in the franchise of the unit involved in the accident. The management is now processing the necessary documents in compliance with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board requirements for the said suspension. With the suspension of the 12 units, VTI management is assuring the riding public in the Province of Antique that sufficient number of units are available to transport them safely and comfortably to their respective destinations. Also, the management is appealing for the humane consideration of the public to refrain from posting, sharing, and/or entertaining fake videos and pictures of the accident. These fake videos and pictures are adding an emotional toll to the families who are grieving the great loss of their loved ones, said VTI in the statement.

interests” (POIs) in the bombing attack at MSU last December 3. T he t wo “POIs” identif ied as Kadapi Mimbesa alias “Engineer” and Arsani Membisa alias “Khatab,” “Hatab” and “Lapitos” were tagged as alleged members of the local terrorist Daulah Islamiya-Maute Group.

Investigations revealed that Mimbesa was spotted carrying a bag where the bomb or improvised explosive device could have been possibly hidden. Both have standing warrants of arrests for various crimes like murders. These “POIs” were identified based on witnesses’ descriptions.

Saturday, December 9, 2023

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UN chief invoked ‘Article 99’ to push for Gaza cease-fire. What exactly is it?

By The Associated Press

T’S called “Article 99.” And it hasn’t been used for decades. Until this week.

With an intensifying Israeli offensive and escalating civilian casualties, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked a rarely exercised power this week to warn the Security Council of an impending “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. He urged members to demand an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter—last used over half a century ago—which says the secretary-general may inform the council of matters he believes threaten international peace and security. Here, Edith M. Lederer, longtime chief UN correspondent for The Associated Press, breaks down what this could mean.

What is Article 99 and why is Guterres invoking it?

IT’S a provision of the United Nations Charter, the UN constitution. It states that the secretary-general—the UN’s top diplomat—may bring to the attention of the Security Council “any matter which, in his opinion, may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.” This gives an important additional power to the secretary-general, since the real power at the UN

is held by its 193 member nations and especially the 15 countries that serve on the Security Council. Article 99 is extremely rarely used. The last time it was invoked was during fighting in 1971 that led to the creation of Bangladesh and its separation from Pakistan. Guterres invoked Article 99 because he sees the situation in Gaza at risk of a “complete collapse” of the territory’s humanitarian system and civil order. It was something he felt needed to be done.

How likely is this to have an effect, given the US veto power?

AR A B and Islamic nations followed up on Guterres’s letter immediately. The United Arab Emirates, the Arab representative on the Security Council, circulated a short resolution to Security Council members late Wednesday calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. They plan to put that resolution to a vote at a Security Council meeting on Friday morning. T he Un ite d St ates, wh ic h is Israel ’s closest ally and has veto power on resolutions, has not supported a cease-fire. On Tuesday, US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said that the role of the Security Council in the

UNITED Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a session at the COP28 UN Climate Summit on December 1, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP/JOSHUA A. BICKEL

Israel-Gaza war is not to get in the way of important diplomacy that’s taking place. And he said the Security Council resolution at this time “would not be useful.” This could signal a likely veto, but the US has not said either way.

In that case, why invoke it?

BECAUSE Guterres believes that the humanitarian system and the humanitarian operations in Gaza are collapsing. He also warns in his letter that in the current situation, “amid constant bombardment by the Israeli Defense Forces and without shelter or essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible.”

Guterres said the situation could get even worse, pointing to possible epidemics and the mass displacement of Palestinians into neighboring countries. He sees a looming disaster. Previous secretaries-general have brought threats that they saw to international peace and security to the Security Council without mentioning Article 99. This includes Congo in 1960, the US hostage crisis in Iran that began in November 1979, the IranIraq war in 1980 and more recently Myanmar in 2017. We don’t know why they didn’t invoke Article 99, and several of the previous secretaries-general are now dead. Guterres has been very outspoken on both the Hamas attacks on Israel and the very high death toll of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. AP

Chinese surveillance balloon spotted Oil’s bounce fails in Taiwan Strait, Defense Ministry says to erase worst

AIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwan’s Defense Ministry says a Chinese military surveillance balloon was spotted in the Taiwan Strait, as well as a largescale movement of military aircraft and ships. The ministry said the balloon passed southwest of the northern port city of Keelung on Thursday night, then continued east before disappearing, possibly into the Pacific Ocean. However, there seemed to some uncertainty about whether the balloon was operated directly by the People’s Liberation Army, the military branch of China’s ruling Communist Party. The ministry referred to it both as a “”PLA surveillance balloon” and as “1 PRC’s balloon,” using the acronym for the People’s Republic of China, China’s official name. A Defense Ministry spokesperson said they had no additional information. China has long blurred the lines between military and civilian functions, including in the South China Sea, where it operates a huge maritime militia—ostensibly civilian fishing boats that ac t under government orders to assert Beijing’s territorial claims. Taiwan has threatened to shoot down such balloons, but the ministry did not say what, if any, action was taken. It said the balloon was monitored flying at an altitude of

weekly losing streak since 2018 By Yongchang Chin

TAIWAN military vessels are seen in Keelung Harbor in Taiwan on August 4, 2022. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said a Chinese military surveillance balloon passed over the northern port city of Keelung on Thursday night, December 7, 2023, then continued travelling east before disappearing. AP/JOHNSON LAI

approximately 6,400 meters (21,000 feet). It also said 26 Chinese military aircraft were detected, along with 10 Chinese navy ships, in the 24 hours before 6 a.m. Friday. Of the aircraft, 15 had crossed the median line that is an unofficial divider between the sides, but which Beijing refuses to recognize. Some also entered Taiwan’s self-declared air defense identification zone outside the island’s airspace, which encompasses the 160-kilometer (100 mile) - wide Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s militar y monitored the situation with combat aircraft, navy vessels and land-based missile systems, the ministry said. The incident came just over month

before Taiwan is to hold elections for president and the legislature and raises questions about possible Chinese efforts to influence the vote. Such incursions occur regularly as a means of advertising China’s threat to use force to annex the self-governing island republic it considers its own territory, wear down Taiwan’s military capabilities, and impact morale among the armed forces and the public, who remain largely ambivalent to China’s actions. The Chinese missions have also prompted Taiwan to up its purchases of aircraft from the United States, its chief ally, and revitalize its own defense industry, including producing submarines. AP

IL rebounded after a torrid run but remained on course for the longest weekly losing streak since 2018 on concerns about a global glut, with traders doubtful that deeper supply cuts by Opec+ will be effective. Global benchmark Brent, which rose toward $76 a barrel, is still headed for a seventh weekly drop. West Texas Intermediate approached $71 a barrel after retreating by 11 percent over the past six sessions. Widely watched timespreads are mired in bearish contango structures through to the middle of next year, with prompt contracts trading at a discount to later-dated ones. Crude has closed every session lower since last week’s meeting between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies as the group’s plans for deeper cuts were met with skepticism. The slump has come even after leading producer Saudi Arabia said the curbs could be extended beyond March, followed by similar remarks from Russia, Algeria and Kuwait. There are also concerns about the trajectory of demand. Chinese consumption is expected to grow by 500,000 barrels a day next year, according to a Bloomberg survey, less than a third of the increase seen in 2023. In the US, meanwhile, many economists see a recession starting next year. “The oil demand outlook remains bleak,” said Ravindra Rao, head of commodity research at Kotak Securities Ltd. in Mumbai. “China’s recovery failed to gain traction, while Western factory activity continues to be in contraction.” The prolonged retreat in oil—as well as declines in related products such as gasoline—will be a boon for central bankers as they seek to rein in inflation. Average retail motor fuel prices in the US have collapsed to the lowest in a year, according to data from the American Automobile Association. While Opec+ has been reducing supplies in an attempt to rebalance the market and support prices, production from drillers outside the cartel has been expanding. Official data show US supply running at more than 13 million barrels a day, up from about 12 million at the start of the year. Bloomberg News

Editor: Angel R. Calso • www.businessmirror.com.ph

After day of rest at climate summit, negotiators turn back to fossil fuels By Seth Borenstein & Sibi Arasu The Associated Press

UBAI, United Arab Emirates—The United Nations climate conference on Friday began its final week with negotiators expected to zoom in on the future of fossil fuels on a dangerously warming planet. Thursday was a rest day, a bit of quiet before talks at COP28 grow even more intense. Negotiators will work to finalize a key document called the Global Stocktake. It evaluates the world’s climate change progress since the 2015 Paris agreement and what needs to be done now to avoid blowing past its goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) compared to preindustrial times. “You start off very hopeful, euphoria,” COP28 CEO Annan Amin said. “Things are happening. Then the negotiations get hard and people start spreading rumors and conjecture and a little bit of depression, and then things start to come up again. And the clarity of the negotiations process becomes clearer. Then you have the political engagement, and that’s where the real intensity and excitement comes from.” A draft of the Global Stocktake was already circulating before Thursday’s rest day, although it was packed full of so many possibilities that it’s far from clear what the final document will say. Now it’s up to global leaders to haggle over what the future should look like and whether there should be a commitment to phase out oil, coal and natural gas—as climate activists, many experts and some nations say—or something softer. Professional negotiators who have been working on getting options into shape will turn over their work to senior national officials, many at minister levels, who will have to make the tough political choices. A new draft with amendments should be ready for leaders early Friday morning. EU countries, along with small island countries—oft-victimized

by climate change—and some pro g re s s i ve L at i n A me r ic a n countries are aligned on calling for a phase-out of fossil fuels, negotiators said. W hile there will be strong resistance to this measure, officials are confident references to fossil fuels will appear in the final text for the first time and within a timeline compatible with UN science reports. Representatives for poor nations and climate advocates are putting a lot of pressure on negotiators for the fossil fuel sections. “The success of COP28 will not depend on speeches from big stages,” said Uganda climate activist Vanessa Nakate. “It will depend on leaders calling for a just and equitable phase-out of all fossil fuels without exceptions and distractions.” Me a nw h i l e , he a d w ay w a s made Thursday on deciding the conference hosts for next year’s COP29 after Azerbaijan and Armenia released a joint statement agreeing to work toward a peace treaty. It said that Armenia supports Azerbaijan’s bid to host the talks by withdrawing its own candidacy. Countries had been unable to agree on an eastern European host for next year’s climate summit with Russia vetoing European Union countries and Azerbaijan and Armenia refusing each other’s bids. A decision on the meeting’s location and presidency is due within the next week. Away from negotiations, Friday’s theme at the climate conference was youth day, with organizers calling it vital for young people to take part in climate activism because they’ll be most affected by the decisions at COP28. Activists are expected to ramp up calls for stronger action Friday and into the weekend. Notably absent will be climate activist Greta Thunberg, who is skipping the conference. Thunberg, who does not fly because of the carbon pollution it emits, criticized its location earlier this year in a major oil-producing country.

Banks put $10 billion into projects that interconnect South America By Mauricio Savarese The Associated Press

ÃO PAULO—Four investme nt b a n k s a n nou nce d Thursday during a meeting of leaders of the Mercosur trade bloc that they will put $10 billion up for infrastructure works aimed at better connecting South America, including funds for port, airport, road, rail and power transmission projects. The “Routes for South American Integration” initiative was launched in Rio de Janeiro with host Brazil introducing a plan involving more than 120 projects, many of them in Brazil’s north bordering Venezuela, Guyana, French Guyana and Suriname. The funds will come from the Inter-A mer ican Development Bank with $3.4 billion, the Development Bank of Latin American and the Caribbean with $3 billion, the Brazilian Development Bank with another $3 billion, and FONPLATA, a bank owned by Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with $600 million more. Aloizio Mercadante, the president of Brazil ’s Development Bank, said his institution will finance works “ from the border within Brazil” and the other banks will pay for projects “from the border to the outside.” “It is the biggest fund ever built for South American integration and for Mercosur in Mercosur’s

history,” Mercadante said. Brazil’s Planning and Budget Ministry said in a statement the new infrastructure is aimed at “significantly reducing the time of transportation of merchandise between Brazil and Asia.” Similar plans for South American integration failed in the last three decades, but Brazil’s Planning Minister Simone Tebet says it will be different this time. “The regional integration project is finally mature enough to come true. That has happened after a lot of dialogue and many conversations between leaders,” Tebet said. The integration plan includes five main projects. The Guyana Islands route project will boost infrastructure in Brazil’s northern states of Amapa and Roraima to better connect them to Guyana, French Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. The Manta-Manaus route includes the Brazilian state of Amazonas and parts of the states of Roraima, Para and Amapa in a river link to Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. The Rondon Quadrant route involves the Brazilian states of Acre and Rondonia and the soybean rich portion of the Mato Grosso state to connect it with Bolivia and Peru. The Capricorn rout links the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana and Santa Catarina through multiple pathways to Paraguay, Argentina and Chile.

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Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, December 9, 2023

The joys and travails of traveling seniors

By Lito Cinco

ld folks are generally perceived to be grouchy and grumpy as they live out their remaining years of life whether at home or outside. Short-tempered, impatient, demanding, sentimental, sensitive, and entitled because of their oh so precious senior discount cards and age would be some apt descriptions for them. Now try getting a group of late 60s senior folks to travel together for almost a week, staying in one house not a hotel, for four guys even staying in one room, eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time, riding in vans to go from one place to the other, for the menfolk, drinking whatever is available at any time, even in the vans, and for the women’s side, shopping together and exchanging talks about their better or bitter halves. And that is exactly what happened to our group of 12 seniors— all members of Paco Catholic School Batch ’72, including spouses for some, when we flew to Albay and went around in two vans for side visits to Camarines Sur and Sorsogon, experiencing both the joys the travails of the young once traveling together for a vacation. Aside from making sure that one has packed everything—the maintenance medicines, cell phones and chargers, jackets to protect brittle

bones from the assumed cold and rains and whatever—one had to make sure to be at Terminal 2 at around 3:30 a.m. for our 5:45 a.m. PAL flight. Couple Cecile and Yong Quimbo came all the way from Iloilo and proceeded straight to the airport. The forgetfulness began on this writer’s part when he forgot to wear the prescribed 50th year reunion tshirt, but the group understood it perfectly. And it was a norm throughout until the end, on our final day, we were 10 minutes away from the house when we received a call from the caretaker asking who left behind an item tied with a red ribbon. Atty. Joey Zulueta knew at once that it was his wife’s, and the female van had to return for it. The story with Joey and wife Fe did not end there, we were already in Legazpi when another call came, two cellphones were found under a pillow, again Joey had an idea as to the owner. He knew he brought 3 phones with him but there was only one left in his shoulder bag. Before that, he also dropped some money in the room and remembered it when we were already out. The fact is, it was the interroga-

tive sentence form that was the most used by the group, like “have you seen my....?” or “now where did I put my......,” or “now what was I supposed to do?” Anyway, except for one spouse of a batchmate, we all made it and landed at the Daraga International Airport before 7 a.m. and proceeded to Biggs resto in Legazpi for breakfast, then to the Air B&B house in Tabaco rented by balikbayan Bong Nocon, he also paid for the round trip plane tickets for all 14 of us, bless him. We shared the expenses on the food, vans, and the good times. The women had a grand time shopping, the men did not. This writer was in one room with Bong, Jojo Arcilla, and Jose Aramburo who has settled down here for good from California, and countless hours were spent relating on and off the record stories about personal matters. Even exchanging survival tips on how to have a good time and get away with it with the wife. Bong even strongly recommended that men of our age should put on their underwear while sitting down to avoid losing balance and fall down, and he was speaking from experience. Even as the weather did not cooperate, except on the day the group left for Manila, it did not prevent them from going around, a lot of questions though were asked when Bong suggested we go to Naga around two hours away to hear Mass when there were nearby churches. But how does one argue with the one who paid for the trip? Ironically, the timing was off and we did not complete the Mass at the Our Lady of Penafrancia church but managed to visit the Jesse Robredo

‘Out of Service’ society By Nick Tayag

my sixty-zen’S WORTH

our bladder is full and you’re desperate to empty it. So you walk in long strides to the nearest comfort room. Upon reaching it, a closed door meets you with a sign: “Out of Service.” It’s happened to me many times. “Out of service” means not working, not functioning, broken; currently unavailable. Nothing can be more frustrating than to see an “Under Maintenance” sign at the elevator or a stalled escalator on your way to a higher floor. My wife and I frequent a mall where 1 of 2 elevators is often out. Not just for a day but for multiple days and even weeks. So there’s a long queue of people in front of the one working elevator and we have no choice but to line up and take our turn, arthritic knees and all. When I asked the elevator girl why the other elevator is not working, she said “the parts have not yet arrived.” I’m sure you had similar vexing encounters. An ATM that doesn’t work when you’re in a hurry to get cash. A paper copier that’s out of service when you urgently need it. A flush or faucet in a public toilet that doesn’t work. A vending machine that suddenly conks out after you’ve inserted the required money. Before cellphones made payphones obsolete, you would be lucky to see one that was working and not “out of service.” Now with cellphones, out of service has been replaced by out of reach. I am reminded of our old car. When I would bring it to the mechanic to be fixed, it would work for a while. Then something would go wrong again and I had to take it back to the shop. The mechanic was never able to fix it right the first time. Then when I’ve had enough, I brought the car to another shop. From the new mechanic, I found out that some of the parts used by the former mechanic were either improvised or came from “cannibalized” cars. This is the Pinoy attitude of “gawan ng paraan” or “abilidad” at its worst. My negative experiences have built in me a cynical perception of Filipino maintenance mechanics and repair technicians. When a commuter train station in our area was newly

inaugurated, I made a bet with a friend as to which of those brand new elevators or escalators would conk out first before a year has elapsed. True enough, in just a few short months, one elevator for senior citizens and PWD already had an “under maintenance” sign. Then one or two of the new escalators have been out of service a few times. In fairness, they get fixed after just a day or two. I assume the spare parts and the technicians must be readily on hand. But to be fair, users of these machines are also to be blamed. For instance, they throw away litter that can jam escalators. They press on the elevator button repeatedly as if it would make it open by doing that. Many use the toilet facilities so uncaringly and thoughtlessly as if they owned them. I can’t remember the countless times I’ve seen chewing gum, cigarette butts and toilet paper on urinals. I’ve also witnessed impatient individuals who beat up and kick on helpless vendo machines that were slow to process their orders. Let’s be honest, many people don’t have “urbanidad” and are abusive and careless in their use of common facilities and bring their “balahura”(nasty) habits to public spaces. What’s the price we pay as a result of machines or systems that are out of service? If one can make a calculation on how much is lost when people are delayed, inconvenienced or unable to accomplish things, I’m sure the cost would be huge. To be sure, productivity dips down, whether as an individual or as an organization. In my case alone, having the car fixed during workdays made it difficult for me to go to work or to a meeting. I was forced to use up all my allowable number of “leaves.” This frustrating and exasperating syndrome in our society is not confined to machines. It is also prevalent among people.

The perfect photo opportunity came when the majestic Mayon Volcano showed herself in full view to the group on their way to Lake Bulusan.

Museum that was open even on Sundays. Good place to visit, thanks to the pretty guide who toured us and related anecdotes about the man who could have been president if not for his untimely death in a plane crash. We also got a chance to visit the Quitinday Hills in Camalig, Albay’s answer to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. It featured a 450-step climb to the first view deck, and another 100 steps to the second deck for a view of this natural attraction. The group was divided into two, the wise old fools and the old fools. Five of us belonged to the latter and did the climb, me despite my qua-

Many employees, for example, are physically at the workplace but they are never there. Occupying space but not really present because their minds are not working, are “out of service.” They’re either not committed to, engaged in or focused on their tasks. You’ve heard of non-working holidays. Some people are in non-working holiday mood on most workdays. In and out of service. The reason is distraction, which is everywhere. But the biggest distractor based on a survey conducted by CareerBuilder is the cellphone. Other reasons for being distracted and unfocused are personal stress, fatigue, poor health or dissatisfaction. But many people with talent and skills are “out of service” not because they don’t want to work but because of lack of opportunities as well as built-in social bias. For instance, in the subdivision where I live, young idle teens, boys and girls, from informal settler families along a nearby creek casually gather in one spot daily just frittering their time away. Being together most of the time with nothing to do, the girls soon become pregnant and the boys turn to petty thievery and so the poverty cycle turns. Occasionally we call on one or two of them to do simple tasks like cleaning our yard or trimming the plants in our front garden. Why not harness the skills of these indigent teens, train them properly and put them into productive service? Sayang! What a waste. What about retired, old folks who are being “put out to pasture,” a term that was coined to describe tired old horses who were retired from their work and put out to the pasture to graze and wait quietly to die. To force someone to leave a job or not employ him because of old age is a repugnant mindset that we need to delete from our society. Such prejudice is reflected in monikers like “tanders” or “gurang” said out of earshot. In a creative group where I was a former consultant, my youthful colleagues did not bring me to client meetings because they were worried my white hair (“pardon your age is showing”) would turn off the brand managers who were more comfortable dealing with trendy agencies staffed by youngsters of the same age who think and speak like them. Well...it’s their loss. The h--l with ageism! I will never be ready to be put out to pasture and so are other socalled “jurassic” kindred spirits, like Ridley Scott, Miyazaki and Clint Eastwood. So much talent, knowledge and know-how are

druple bypass in early 2021. The wise ones stayed behind. Misibis Bay resort, far as it was from Daraga, was beautiful even when it was raining. And it was a pleasant surprise that the food prices were not as expensive as we thought. Mount Mayon was playing hide and seek throughout our stay, and when we visited the Cagsawa Ruins, she was in fully hidden mode and did not show herself up. At times, parts of her would peek, like when the group went to Lake Bulusan and along the way, the majestic volcano showed herself in full view. The Zulueta couple also bought crabs to take home, even as they had shrimps and

squandered, unused, and discarded when society automatically herds gramps and golden agers away under “out of service” status. What I am more worried about are old geezers who put themselves “out of service” by choice. Shunned by younger executives, feeling unwanted, or worse, unserviceable and unfit for use, they wallow in self-pity, misery or idleness, making no effort to change their feelings or situation. Boredom is dangerous, pervasive and can have dire consequences, especially among seniors. It often goes hand in hand with feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation and loneliness. It can strip away at a person’s overall health, purpose and self-worth. One of our former colleagues passed away last year while in such sorry state, much to our regret. This is why there’s an urgent need to provide opportunities for retirees and pensioners to be of service again where they can use their minds, interact with others and be productive. I’m glad there is now a columnistopinion maker advocating a shift in how we look at senior citizens as not just recipients of benefits but a driving force in education, community development and corporate social responsibility. It is said, nowadays, a 60-yearold still has 20 bonus years of active life. Giving them productive roles will not just make them feel good; it may actually save them from premature demise. The thing is, so much in Filipino society is “out of service” or broken down, or needs repairs. This is because we have not been maintaining our democratic way of life properly. Our moral compass seems out of order. We have allowed our institutions to be eroded by corruption, kleptocracy and kakistocracy. Our electoral, legislative, justice, healthcare, social welfare and educational systems are either jammed or in various states of disrepair. The perennial refrain is: sorry for the inconvenience, waiting for new parts to arrive. This is why I find it laughable that some of us are even contemplating putting up a nuclear energy generator in our country where “pwede na” is the prevailing mindset. When we can’t even rightly maintain the condition of our escalators, elevators, public toilets, Internet connections, how can we be sure a Chernobyl or a 3-mile Long scale disaster won’t happen in our earthquake, typhoon prone land? If this nuclear energy generator pushes through, it won’t be long before we would see an “Out of Service” sign at the door of the nuclear facility. So much needs to be fixed first before we get ahead of ourselves. Let’s begin with ourselves. Knowing that so much around us is “out of service” today, can each of us strive to be the new parts that our society’s “elevators” need to finally lift all of us to higher level?

crabs for lunch there. This writer stayed at home with Bong who was not feeling well. Dining together was always an enjoyable experience, complete with selfie photos but more so when Mila and Hector Garcia celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary and treated the group to dinner in a nearby resort owned by a college classmate of our class valedictorian Nonito Garcia who brought his wife Norma. We had the whole place for ourselves that night. The highlight and fun part of that evening was the roast and toast part, which this writer emceed plus the compatibility test for the two, with questions like when did they had sex the last time. A week before, they replied, and we all agreed to give them the benefit of the doubt. Last question I posed for the night was how would they rate each other when it comes to sex, they gave contrasting reasons but Hector got the higher mark of 11 on a scale of 10. Unfortunately for her, she only got 8. Our last night’s dinner was at Socorro’s, a lakeside restaurant in Sumlang Lake in Camalig. We visited this very instagrammable place late afternoon, even rode a bamboo balsa, and when the night set in, we were rewarded with the view of the place ablaze with Christmas lights. For the boys’ night out in Malilipot, what happened in Albay stays in Albay and this writer’s lips are sealed, but it was good clean fun, most of the time anyway. Overall, everyone agreed it was a lot of fun and it should be done again, and again. Certainly the joys trumped the travails.

Antique honors 13 senior citizens for outstanding service, leadership

San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran (fifth from left) received his Outstanding Senior Citizens Award from Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao (fourth from left) during the Senior Citizens Congress held at the Binirayan Gymnasium in San Jose de Buenavista. Cadiao, in her message, said the annual congress gathers and recognizes the significant contributions of the senior citizens in their communities and the province. PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay

AN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique—The provincial government of Antique recognized 13 senior citizens for their service and leadership, highlighting this year’s Senior Citizens Congress held at the Binirayan Gymnasium in San Jose de Buenavista on Tuesday. Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao said the annual congress gathers and recognizes the significant contributions of senior citizens in their municipalities and the province. “Although the seniors are already in their twilight years, but then we would like to let them feel that they are vital and our provincial government cares for them,” she said in her message. San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran, one of the recipients of the Outstanding Senior Citizens Award, said he feels more inspired to support their programs and projects and committed to being an active member of their association in Barangay Funda-Dalipe once he steps down from public service. “I will continue to be an active member of the senior citizens organization, and we will make it stronger,” he said in his message. Meselemia Bitancor, president of the Municipal Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines in Sibalom, said she would cherish the award since it’s her first being a senior citizen. She worked for the realization of their Multi-Purpose Center in Sibalom town proper, which serves as the venue for their meetings and other gatherings. Other awardees included Norma Vergara, Cecilia Romero, Isagani Belarmino, Adorada Sibugan, Lily Francisco, Felomina Mabaquiao, Laura Piansay, Ernesto Gilvas, Pablo Crespo Sr., Victoria Millares and Beltranico Miles. PNA

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Editor: Mike Policarpio

OET vows to elevate Pinoy health-care workers’ English communication skills

By Roderick L. Abad

ITAL for Filipino health-care workers is to be armed not just with medical acumen, but with strong English language skills to ensure safe and effective patient-care delivery.

A s S e n at e C om m it t e e on Health and Demography chair, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go prioritizes healthcare workers’ welfare in the country or abroad. His proposed “Advanced Nursing Education Bill” seeks to protect and improve the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in a relevant learning system for better career prospects. “The nursing education in the country has long been acknowledged as a strong foundation for producing competent and compassionate health-care professionals. However, with the rapidly changing health-care landscape, it [is crucial to update the curriculum and training methods that will meet] demands of modern healthcare practices, while encouraging nurses to serve their communities

and stay in the country,” Go said in his message read by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnaldo Arevalo “Arnell” Ignacio during the “Advancing Healthcare Communication in the Philippines: OET’s Role in Enabling Collaboration” forum organized by the Occupational English Test (OET) in Manila last November 28. “Possessing strong English skills is invaluable, enabling our nurses to excel in host organizations and contribute significantly to global health care,” expressed the senator, who passionately believes in the power of effective communication in achieving successful outcomes in all endeavors.

Short talent supply creates opportunity

GLOBALLY, labor shortage re-

mains a challenge being faced by the health-care industry at present. Based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) report published in 2019, the shortfall will reach about 18 million by 2035 which, per OET CEO Sujata Stead, means that “there will be an increase in demand for health care, but insufficient interest in the profession.” In this set up though, the Philippines remain to be at the radar of topnotch health-care institutions in the world. In fact, the country is “the gold standard” for nurses that makes it the top source globally of such professionals, according to OET regional director for Asia Pacific Tom Keenan. “Basically, if you talk to people in hospitals in Australia and in the United Kingdom, they’ll tell you about their preference for Filipino nurses because they are so adaptable, flexible, compassionate, and really good at what they do,” he noted.

Good communication leads to better care

AMID the continued high demand abroad for local health-care talents, Filipino nurses still need to sharpen further not only their medical expertise, but also their communication skills to remain

competitively world-class. “Communication is important in the provision of care,” said Regional Manager Krizelle Kilicaslan of OET in the Philippines. “We need more health-care professionals who need to be equipped with strong English skills to deliver safe and effective patient care.” Getting the necessary English skills required for global employability is quite difficult, according to OET. Filipino health-care workers have to undergo rigorous training and preparation to be equipped with the mental acuity and test skills to take high-stakes language tests. However, the lack of access to effective medical English training tailored to their needs limits opportunities available and leads to lower-than-expected salaries for thousands of Filipino nursing professionals. Designed to mirror the language used in health-care workplaces, the “OET Test” is an English examination introduced more than 30 years ago, providing robust training, development, and assessment of the English communication skills that health-care professionals need to excel in the global stage. Leading in this field is OET, which was created in 2013 and has since set the global benchmark for work place medical English. It has

equipped thousands of professionals across more than 100 countries with world-class language expertise aligned to international standards. The company’s OET Test assesses health-care professionals in reading, writing, listening, and speaking using real work place scenarios and health-care terminologies. The results accurately reflect an individual’s ability to communicate in an English-speaking health-care setting, offering medical workers boundless options for practice and competency here or abroad. “At OET, our goal is to enable health-care professionals to have the English language and communication abilities required to provide exceptional and safe care wherever they choose to work,” Stead explained.

Filipina nurse as global ambassador

IN the Philippines, OET is accessible through its 15 venues nationwide strategically located in the City of Manila, Makati City, San Juan City, Quezon City, Baguio City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Davao City and Cagayan De Oro City, as well as the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Bohol. Within the next 18 months, Keenan bared

their launch of a more computerbased and adaptive test that is quicker, more user-friendly and convenient for candidates to take. OET has also partnered with various local institutions, such as the Philippine Nurses Association, Dr. Carl Balita Group of Companies, and a number of local universities aiming to equip Fi l ipino hea lt h- ca re workers with world-class language skills and extended job opportunities abroad. To give a face to OET and the entire Filipino nursing professionals here and abroad, May Parsons— the Filipina nurse who administered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine—was tapped as the company’s global ambassador. For her, English proficiency is really important to their success not only in the provision of safe patient care, but also for their own personal and professional advancement. “Develop and actually try and practice the English as soon as you can. The English language is going to take you so far. This is something that you would want to be in your pocket because that’s going to literally bring you closer to your dream,” Parsons pointed out. “The things that you will do with the language is literally something that will unlock your future and your success.”

Groups urge schools: Boost My thoughts on DepEd’s planned ‘Catch-up Fridays’ smoking and vaping ban EDUCATORS SPEAK By Jeric Tindoy Olay

PON hearing the news about the Department of Education’s (DepEd) plan to keep Fridays for reading activities, I couldn’t help but ruminate on past memories when I was still in grade school. Could they as well rekindle the quite underrated home-reading reports? Apart from our first encounter with agronomy where we grew vegetables and rummaged distant lots for organic fertilizers, reading stories formed part of our elementary days. We had to read because a home-reading report was compulsory. Unlike today, most pupils then had no Internet access. We relied on physical books. But they were scarce, except for what was available in the teacher’s mini library. Common sights there were Bato Balani magazines, and I couldn’t forget that in those times, thick Collins and Webster’s dictionaries and encyclopedia sets were nothing short of a prized collection. Since the story selection was of the pupils’ volition, short fiction from the ever-familiar English for All Times reading textbook became our staple. Some chose fairy tales and legends from slim and cheap books that they bought from “mysterious” peddlers, and some picked moral tales from Aesop’s fables. Unknowingly, the home-reading activity made some pupils voracious readers. And in terms of their comprehension, they had to read seriously for them to take in the needed details for their reports such as characters’ traits and the moral or lesson of the story, and for them to produce the story’s summary.

On my part, this reading activity played a role in building my affinity and love for words and language in general.

Many can’t write

HOME reading—once a perennial activity—has lost its spark over the years. In 2010, the DepEd advised public elementary teachers not to give homework on weekends for “pupils to enjoy their childhood, and spend quality time with their parents without being burdened by the thought of doing lots of homework.” Because of the very nature of home reading, this too was affected. Nowadays, however, there are still some teachers who ask their pupils to make home-reading reports. They conduct the activity on a quarterly basis. And yes, they followed the old format. If making those reports affords the pupils’ opportunities to obtain vocabulary, make sense of the basic syntactic rules, and develop their reading habits, then this type of activity is not at all asinine. And how about bringing the idea of home reading to high school, and assign two readings each quarter? This might be a good move, but not promising, because many students are already reliant of artificial intelligence or AI. They let ChatGPT create their reports. The line from one of the late National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose’s think pieces still reverberates: “Truly, development starts at the grade-school level, with our very young.’” So, if we want to develop a love for reading among our young learners, then giving a new life to home-reading activities is an option. As a senior high school teacher, it pains me to accept the real-

ity that, at their age, many SHS students can’t write. Of course, common reasons are linked with a lack of knowledge on sentencelevel rules, which could have been learned in their previous years, especially in elementary. I suspect it’s the “messy” competencies that have obscured the view for teachers to really hit the targets. I could only wish that the newly conceived “MATATAG” curriculum would change the course. Another reason that carries weight is that these students don’t read. Reading precedes writing. Which is why, from the very start, at the grade-school level, these students should have been fed with a good number of stories.

Issues, assessments

ISSUES such as learners’ inability to read, write, and comprehend are no longer surprising, for we are being slapped by these realities through a myriad of research findings and the results of international assessments. Now, the Education Department has to implement policies (but be mindful of half-baked ones) to address what needs to be addressed “pronto.” And they need to consider that just because it sounds revolutionary, it also works as imagined. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio’s latest policy, though still verbal, offers new hope to the learning crisis that has since crawled like metastasis to the core of the country’s educational system. In the proposed policy, one day is allotted for the literacy program. This has never been observed in the department’s history. As written on the department’s web site, Philippine public schools will allot a free day (every Friday)

for learners to read. The goal is to cultivate a reading habit. Though the policy on paper is yet to be released, I hope that this does not turn out to be half-baked, and curated hastily. DepEd said that it will prepare age-appropriate materials. If I were to be asked, they have to choose selections that are “companionable.” Readability must be a chief criterion. And in choosing short stories, they have to put a premium on works by local or regional writers. Works that are rich in local color, vernacular expressions, with themes that reflect local values. Practices create connections, thereby facilitating quick understanding of the text that the learners have read. If these criteria were considered, who knows, the program might also be instrumental for the development of the learners’ sense of nation and identity. But the chief essence of the program, which is to raise a reader, will not be felt if the grassrootslevel implementers don’t read. I’m referring to our teachers. The problem arises when teachers assign reading tasks, but they themselves haven’t done close reading, or worse, haven’t fully grasped the meaning of the text that they have given. While waiting for the specifics, which will be released this month, I also keep my hopes high that DepEd will mention and revitalize the time-honored home reading activity as a supplement to the “Catch-up Fridays” program. It is set to implement the program by January next year. Olay teaches language at Ichon National High School in Macrohon, Southern Leyte, and describes himself as an “educator and poet.”

ROUPS advocating for prohealth and pro-children policies have encouraged schools to safeguard learners from the lethal effects of tobacco products. In consecutive fora conducted in Manila City, Pasig City, and Pateros, Social Watch Phils. (SWP) and “Aktibong Kilusan Tungo sa Iisang Bayan (AKTIB)” Phils. appealed to learning institutions to take serious action versus tobacco products, boost smoke-free and vape-free laws, as well as support evidence-based pro-health proposals. Per the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in the Philippines, of pupils aged 13 to 15 years old, 10 percent smoke cigarettes, while 14.1 percent use the electronic kind. Despite the smoking ban inside and outside school premises, the study revealed that 62.7 percent had seen someone smoking inside or outside school buildings. “The brain keeps developing until about age 25. Exposure to nicotine—a chemical found in tobacco products—in the formative years can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, lear ning, mood, and impulse control; hence, [the] academe should regard tobacco control as one of its health priorities, and fully appreciate the positive impact of smoke-free and vape-free endeavors on our learners’ overall well-being,” said SWP joint convenor Dr. Ma. Victoria R. Raquiza. “Schools are potentially conducive for tobacco prevention and control because teachers and other personnel can significantly influence children’s habits and behaviors during the developing years.” In addition to strictly implementing existing policies, Dr. Raquiza emphasized that teachers and other personnel can serve as

good role models, and should be provided with proper training to deliver tobacco-related programs. The SWP also appealed for parental involvement to maximize healthy practices, understand the off-school factors behind the child’s nicotine dependence, and provide appropriate intervention. The group asked learning institutions to report tobacco industry interferences—including sponsorships, scholarships, and other engagements. Citing the 2019 GYTS, the organizations pointed out that a total of 11 percent of the surveyed students were even offered a free tobacco product from a tobacco-company representative, and 8.4 percent had something with a tobaccobrand logo on it, such as a T-shirt, pen, backpack, lighter, hat, and shades. Dr. Raquiza explained that tobacco companies claim to follow applicable laws to deter youth access; “however, their marketing methods operate differently. They entice children into vaping by offering fun flavors like chocolate, bubblegum, and cotton candy.” Moreover, she said, they characterize smokers and vapers as “cool, sexy, and independent— portrayals that appeal to teens.” “The companies also use deceptive harm-reduction claims, such as vaping being a better alternative to smoking. These marketing ploys prompt cigarette smokers to shift to vape and attract a new generation of nicotine-dependent consumers. Afterward, they redirect the blame to our children by justifying smoking and vaping as ‘free and informed lifestyle choices.’ [Both] contradict free choice since these acts, for those who are hooked, are addictions rather than voluntary decisions,” the co-convener furthered. “We appeal to the academe to break this cycle, and save young lives.”

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, December 9, 2023 A7

THE ROAD TO MANDALAY And other historic cities of Upper Myanmar Nagayon temple in Amarapura

Ruins of a Buddhist temple in Innwa

Temple ruins in Innwa

The only finished section (50 meters high) of what should have been the largest stupa in the world

Story & photos by Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero

yanmar is probably not the most appealing Southeast Asian destination today, but it is certainly not impossible to visit it. It is a country that has a rich history, nurturing some of the most powerful kingdoms and empires the entire region had seen. Most visitors flock to Bagan, the exquisite land of thousand temples, upon arriving in the capital Yangon. For those with more days to spend, the natural next step is heading to Lake Inle. But, in between Bagan and the beautiful lake, one fabled city is often overlooked. Mandalay has been immortalized in literature through a poem entitled “Mandalay” by Rudyard Kipling. It was even later rendered into the song “On the Road to Mandalay” by Oley Speaks. George Orwell, while stationed there, wrote “Burmese Days.” All these references made to Mandalay only speak of the city’s reputation and ability to charm anyone who has visited it. But

Reconstructed Royal Palace of Mandalay

for some reason, the old charm seems to have been forgotten, ignored, or even deliberately avoided nowadays. Is it still worth it to spend a few days in Mandalay? Yes. Mandalay was the last royal capital of the Upper Myanmar kingdom before the abolition of the monarchy, and it still houses several interesting remnants of its former glory. As Burmese kings loved moving their capitals so often, it is one of the rare places in the world where four older royal capitals lie just close by. This then makes Mandalay a worthwhile destination for those who love to trace back history, appreciate the evolution of Burmese architecture, and witness living culture that may not have changed much. Let’s get to know each of these ancient cities:

Locals selling souvenirs at one of the temples in Innwa

MANDALAY. Mandalay is a massive city laid out in an interesting grid plan. At the center is an huge walled and moated enclosure that houses the Royal Palace. What stands nowadays is a reconstruction as the original palace was destroyed during World War II, with only the watchtower standing as the sole survivor from the devastation. By some luck, the Shwenendaw Monastery made completely of invaluable teakwood was moved outside the palace grounds before the war and, thus, survived as well. It is now one of the finest remaining wooden structures from the Konbaung dynasty in the country today. The city also boasts what is considered as the largest book in the world: a collection of 729 steles recording the holy Buddhist texts and teachings called Tripitakas. The largest book is housed in Kuthadaw Pagoda, and have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World. A hilltop temple also lies behind the pagoda, providing a good panoramic view of the entire city on the bank of the Irrawaddy River.

AMARAPURA. Ten kilometers outside Mandalay, easily reached by

Sagaing Hill and its temples a tuktuk, is the old city of Amarapura which is also remarkable for its city planning. It served as the capital of Upper Myanmar twice between 1783 and 1857, until the seat of power was finally moved to the latter. It is known for its living traditions such as silk weaving, and its extensive school and training ground for those who want to become monks. It is what most would describe as a monk town. There are two impressive structures that should not be missed in Amarapura. First, the U-Bein Bridge, which is the longest and oldest teakwood bridge in the world at 1.2 kilometers long, winding through the picturesque Taungthaman Lake. The second one is the unique Nagayon Temple, whose main shrine is strangely draped by the serpent Maculinda that is believed to have protected the Buddha while he was attaining enlightenment.

MINGUN. Right across the river from Mandalay is a site of ambitious projects by a king with delusions of grandeur. Mingun is now a low-key village, but it served as the royal residence of Upper Myanmar monarchs between 1810 to 1819. What was projected to become the highest

Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay, one of the finest all-teak structures in Myanmar

View of Mandalay from Mandalay Hill stupa in the world was constructed in there, the Pahtodawgyi. It was abandoned when cracks showed up after an earthquake in 1819. This leaves us with only the base of the pagoda finished, a mere 1/3 of the envisioned building. In its present state, it is still considered as the most massive brickwork there is to find. Another monumental project, however, was completed: the casting of the Mingun Bell, considered as the largest ringing bell in the world. The nearby Hsinbyume Pagoda embodies a large departure from traditional temple construction and is built in a striking seven-layer mountain outline.

INNWA. The royal capital of Upper Myanmar for five times between 1364 to 1841, Innwa was previously called Ava. It retains its walls and moats, and inside are the remains of i mpor t a nt st r uc t u res d at i ng back from its heyday. The Bagaya Monastery is another all-teakwood monastery that was used a training ground for future kings, and not far from it are several ruins of impressive temple complexes, some of which have no equal elsewhere in the country. Another monumental

monastery made of brick is the Maha AungMye Bomsan, which was built by a queen rather than a king. There are two remaining structures from the royal palace: the watchtower and the princesses’ pool. The temples of Innwa are beautifully surrounded by rice paddies and lakes, which never fails to bring about a very calming effect to those visiting.

SAGAING. Nicknamed as “Bagan on a Hill”, Sagaing houses numerous temples and monasteries, some of which have been active since 14th century when it succeeded Bagan as one of the centers of power in Myanmar. The fairytale-like hill protrudes towards the Irrawaddy River, and it remains to be an important religious center. The ancient capital on a hill is capped by its two most important temples, the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and the U Min Thonze (man-made) Cave Temple. These two temples provide amazing views of the mighty river and the flatlands of central Myanmar. All the royal cities can be visited in a day, but a longer no-rush stay is recommended. Mandalay captivated the world in the past. It is the time again to revisit the reason as to why it did.

The CURA experience at Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort Story & photos by Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

t’s finally December, and the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is only a few days away. But with the compounded stress brought by the Christmas rush, year-end pressures at work, and events and parties left and right, December is also the “Most Stressful Month of the Year,” even and especially to tourists. Frequent travelers in particular are under pressure ticking the boxes off their Christmas lists, including and especially the places they need to visit even as they also need to accomplish the other demands of their professional and personal lives, so much so they also often tend ton forget to take care of themselves. In this season of giving, the best gift anyone can give themselves is a time for relaxation, recovery, and restoration—a much-needed self-care. At the CURA Luxury Spa and Wellness, derived from the Latin word meaning ‘help’ and ‘care,’ a sanctuary of rejuvenation and serenity awaits.

Relaxing experience

CURA is part of the 8-hectare European-inspired luxury mountain resort Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort’s amenities and offerings for their guests, including walk-ins. The resort is nestled within the lush mountains located at Bagac, Bataan, and boasts luxury villas, ranging from 79-200 square meters, on top of a Koi pond and has its own

The Luxury Villa

A private outdoor jacuzzi with the view of Mount Mariveles

a treadmill, exercise bike, punching bag, and various cardio and strength conditioning machines. “Pagpunta mo dito, wala kang kailangang isipin. You’re here to relax, you’re here to let go of your worries,” added del Rosario. [When you come here, you don’t need to think.] Del Rosario is right. As my work now includes many out-of-town assignments, coming here was certainly just what I needed. During my overnight stay at the resort, I tried to let go of anything that worried me and just let myself relax and be in the moment to savor it all.

CURA’s Signature Massage

Inside one of the Luxury Villas in Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort

outdoor jacuzzi and private balconies and gazebos overlooking the mountains. The villas are a mix of traditional and modern; from floor to ceiling, all villas are intricately designed with handcrafted woodwork and controlled using Google’s voice command, Alexa. On top of the mountain, Bataan can be appreciated through a 360-degree view

The massage room at the CURA Luxury Spa and Wellness

featuring the West Philippine Sea, Mount Mariveles and Mount Natib. “Most of the guests who come to the resort want to relax. When they want to relax, they think of going to the spa and wanting to have a massage,” said spa owner Mel Christine del Rosario to the BusinessMirror. The luxury spa provides an array of curated services and treatments such as massages,

facials, manicures and pedicures, hand and foot spas, and waxing services with an ambiance of pure elegance. It also has a detoxifying steam and dry sauna and boasts of its Roman bath, inspired by the bathhouses in Europe, to soak in afterward. To complete the overall wellness experience, there’s a gym in the spa equipped with

When our media group came to the spa at 8 p.m. for our massage, the therapists warmly accommodated us and gave us a form to fill out regarding our health concerns, such as allergies, skin type, medical history, health condition, massage pressure, and what areas in the body we have discomfort or pains for a personalized massage. We then headed to the dry sauna and sat inside for a tolerable 15-minute session in the heat. It was my first time to try a dry sauna, and I didn’t know that it has a lot of health benefits, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, relief from certain skin conditions, fewer symptoms of asthma and improved exercise performance. After that, I took a shower to rinse off the sweat in my body and proceeded inside the treatment room for the much-awaited massage.

I had the CURA Signature Massage, an aromatherapy massage, and in one hour, it melted all the physical and emotional stress and tension in my body. My massage therapist used the Balance Signature Oil, a blend of virgin coconut oil with rosemary, lavender and peppermint essential oils, on my body for mood enhancement, emotional balance and hormonal support. After inhaling it, my mind was in a state of calm and bliss. She then proceeded to the massage and focused on kneading the knots (or “lamig” as Filipinos call it) on my shoulders and upper back. Since I carry a heavy backpack to work, I always feel pain in my back at the end of the day, so it was such a relief when the therapist was able to relieve it. She also placed a heat pack on my back, which was very comforting, as she massaged the rest of my body. The cherry on top was the facial massage using the Cryo Sticks. As it glided on my face, it did not just contoured it but also promoted blood circulation. Since the sticks are chilled, it soothed the redness and inflammation, which my skin suffers from, and minimized my pores. Apart from the physical relaxation, it also rejuvenated my skin concerns and emotional state—three things I struggle to take care of that they did for me through a massage. Spending an overnight stay at Rancho Bernardo was a short but sweet time. It took away all the stress from my body and mind and prepared me for the long nights brought by December.

Saturday, December 9, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Practical holiday gi�ting minus the traffic

THERE are now many online options for buying gifts. Here are some gift suggestions from DOOGEE, Five Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, Bash, Colourette Cosmetics, and Five Beauty. IMAGE CREDITS: FIVE BEAUTY, MAC COSMETICS, SUNNIES STUDIOS, BASH, DOOGEE, AND COLOURETTE COSMETICS

ITH the heavy traffic in Metro Manila and the country’s key cities, it seems like Christmas shopping this year will be an ordeal. But there’s always online shopping. Even exchange gifts these days involve posting online shopping

links to make it easier for those who are buying the presents. So we have compiled a list of practical gifts that you can order online. Some of these, you can have delivered to the recipient directly: ■ FIVE BEAUTY HYBRID COLOR STICKS.Five Beauty is a beauty brand co-owned by actress Gabbi Garcia. You can actually order their Hybrid Color Sticks via their website (www.fivebeauty.co) and have them delivered within Metro Manila. They’re also on Shopee and Lazada. These Hybrid Color Sticks can be used on the cheeks, eyes and lips, and they come in five universally flattering colors. The brand also has a virtual try-on so you can see which of the colors suit you best (www. fivebeauty.co/pages/virtual-try-on). ■ MAC SQUIRT GLOSS. This TikTok-viral lip gloss is one of MAC Cosmetics’ bestselling products for 2023. This moisturizing product has a tingling effect on the lips and it comes in different shades (I like the purple

and brown colors). For 12.12, the brand has an offer on Lazada where you can get two tubes for P1,740 instead of P2,900. For every check-out, you also get a limited edition tote bag worth P1,500. Check out the 12.12 offer at s.lazada.com.ph/s.RbdfO. ■ EYEWEAR POUCHES FROM SUNNIES STUDIOS. The Duo Sac is a limited edition double compartment pouch designed to conveniently store two pairs of glasses, sunglasses, or a pair of both. I have several of these and as someone who has a lot of eyeglasses, I really can’t live without them. The Duo Sac has magnetic closures on each side with suede lining. They’d make perfect gifts for people who always misplace their glasses. You can get them from Sunnies Studios’ website (ph.sunniesstudios.com/products/duo-sac) for P245. ■ DOOGEE S MINI. The DOOGEE S Mini is a smartphone that measures 133.0 x 60.0 x 13.5mm and weighs 155g. It fits in one hand and your thumb can reach all four corners of the phone. The DOOGEE S Mini has a rating of IP68 (dust and water resistance) and IP69K (resistance against highpressure, high-temperature water jets). The phone is also compliant with the MIL-STD-810H standard so it can withstand falls. It is available for P12,699 on 12.12 (with free DOOGEE CS2 Smartwatch valued at P2,499 starting midnight on December 12 at DOOGEE’s TikTok Shop). ■ BASH TRAVEL POUCHES. Bash is a brand co-owned by actress Bea Alonzo. Its products are travel pouches and packing cubes. I have some of these and the quality is really good. They’d make great holiday gifts. Bash is available on Lazada, Shopee, and their TikTok Shop. ■ COLOURETTE COLOURBOUNCE JELLY-TO-POWDER BLUSH. The Colourbounce Blush is one of my favorites from this woman-owned brand. This is a jelly-topowder formula that is easy to use with a brush or even your fingers. My favorite color is Mochi, a burnt sienna, but on TikTok the most popular ones are the shimmery shades. At P499 each, these would make great gifts for makeup-lovers because they’re very blendable and long wearing. They also come in a pink bubble wrap pouch so you can have them delivered directly to the recipient. These blushes are available on Shopee, Lazada, and www.colourette.ph.

SPANISH NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION FILES MULTIMILLIONEURO SUIT AGAINST META OVER ADVERTISING PRACTICES BY CIARÁN GILES The Associated Press MADRID—A Spanish association representing more than 80 newspapers has filed a lawsuit against Facebook parent Meta accusing it of unfair competition in online advertising by allegedly ignoring European Union rules on data protection. In a statement, the Information Media Association said it is demanding 550 million euros ($600 million) from the social media giant. The association represents dozens of newspapers including Spain’s principal dailies El País, El Mundo, ABC and La Vanguardia.

The association accuses Meta of “systematic and massive noncompliance” with EU data protection regulations between May 2018, when they took force, and July 2023. It said Meta has repeatedly ignored the requirement that citizens give their consent to the use of their data for advertising profiling. The company declined to comment, saying it hadn’t seen the legal papers. Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms have long used behavioral advertising to make money. The practice involves tracking individual online behavior such as web browsing habits, mouse clicks and app usage, then using that data to build profiles for targeting ads to users.

But court rulings have eroded Meta’s ability to justify its methods under the EU’s data privacy regulations. In July, the EU’s top court ruled the company can’t force users in the 27-nation bloc to agree to personalized ads, saying users need to freely give their consent. Meta responded by offering ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram for European users for a monthly fee. The Spanish association said the use of personal data of users of Meta platforms, tracked without their consent, allowed the US company to offer advertising space based on an “illegitimately obtained competitive advantage,” indirectly threatening the

livelihood of Spanish media. It called on advertisers in the public and private sectors “to entrust their advertising campaigns to safe, reliable and responsible media, respectful of the rights of citizens and committed to promoting democratic quality in Spain.” “The time has come to put an end to the behavior of technology companies that can afford to pay million-dollar penalties to continue failing to comply with regulations, destroying the market in which we operate and making the illegitimately obtained income their own,” said Irene Lanzaco, director general of the association. The case was filed at Madrid’s mercantile courts.

Payo launches first logistics mobile application BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES E-COMMERCE enabler Payo recently launched its first logistics mobile application, providing merchants with a more innovative and convenient way to manage their businesses online. Payo chief technology officer Dennis Hilario told BUSINESSMIRRO� in an interview the entry of smartphones has changed the e-commerce landscape. “Smartphones are now part of our way of life both as business owners and customers. The Payo app lets merchants access our services and manage day-today operations with just a few simple taps anytime, anywhere,” said Hilario. “We even integrated a feature that allows self-onboarding for new merchants who want a more personalized experience.” As more and more businesses venture into online marketplaces and digital platforms, Hilario said Payo has bridged countless merchants locally and internationally to reach Filipino audiences nationwide. From storage and packaging to order fulfillment and more, he pointed out that the company has harnessed technology to provide seamless operations management for merchants and a smooth consumer journey for customers. He said Payo further elevates how online sellers manage their business by launching its own mobile app. Among the key features of the Payo app is Self Onboarding. This allows new merchants to register, activate their account, and create orders all by themselves. Instructions are readily available to support self-onboarding and serve as reminders for users of the app. They also have the option to Book a Call with a Payo business development manager who can assist them with the onboarding. Merchants can keep better track of their income using the Sales Tracking function of the Payo app. This dashboard shows the Total Cash Collected, Total Sales Made, and Revenue Earned. The Payo app also lets business owners create orders through its Ordering feature. All they need to do is input the merchant and buyer details, and an order will be created. Additionally, the in-app Shipping Fee Calculator gives an accurate cost estimate based on package information and shipping information. “Since we process around 1,500 to 3,000 orders daily, we believe the Payo app will enable us to assist more merchants and have more orders fulfilled in a shorter period,” said Hilario. “With the holiday rush starting to pick up, they have real-time visibility over orders and sales through the Payo app.” Other notable features available in Payo’s app include Shipbill Tracking to help merchants track shipments, and the Notification Bell to alert them of changes to the status of orders in real time. A downloadable copy of their Statement of Account can also be viewed from the app. “Aside from the current features, we’re exploring how we can make the Payo app more holistic in terms of functionality, service delivery, and other merchant benefits,” said Payo IT product manager Alexsa Romero. “Among those that we’re eyeing are Inventory Management, Business Analytics, AI-based Insighting, Payment Gateway Integration, and KYC Platform Integration for an even better onboarding experience.” “Beyond being a merchant app, we also look further ahead and see what else we can offer. We envision integrating consumer-centric features like a conversational AI chatbot and live agents so we can cater to customers as well for a well-rounded experience,” added Romero.

airasia MOVE partners with Henann Group to provide seamless travel experience in PHL BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor AIRASIA MOVE (formerly airasia Superapp) has tied up with Henann Group to provide the market with a seamless, value-for-money and personalized travel experience. With this collaboration, travelers can digitally book and manage their accommodations in the homegrown hospitality group directly within the app in a fast and convenient way. Also, it will allow users to easily find and book the room suited to their budget and travel

requirements—all in one place. In Boracay, they can choose from the Group’s seven properties: Henann Regency Resort & Spa, Henann Lagoon Resort, Henann Garden Resort, Henann Prime Beach Resort, Henann Crystal Sands, Henann Palm Beach Resort, and Henann Park Resort. Henann Resort Alona Beach and Henann Tawala Resort are its offerings in Bohol. Such integration will give travelers more options and flexibility when planning their trips, while guaranteeing an experience of the highest standards of hospitality and comfort only Henann can provide.

“We are thrilled to work with Henann Group to bring together two leading brands in the Philippine travel and hospitality industry. This partnership is proof of our commitment to providing our users with the best value-for-money. Having Henann Group onboard means we can offer more quality accommodations and facilities. We are confident that this collaboration will further enhance our services, strengthening airasia MOVE’s position as the go-to platform for all things travel in the Philippines,” said airasia MOVE chief operations officer Mai Yin Tan. On their part, Henann Group vice president

Karl Hendrick Chusuey noted that they are elated by their partnership to reach a broader audience of travelers and showcase their world-class brand of hospitality. “This partnership will provide our guests with a seamless and integrated travel experience, from booking their flights and accommodations to enjoying the many amenities and activities that we offer,” he added. For a rewarding experience, travelers who reserve a stay at Henann until December 2023 on the airasia Superapp can earn airasia points that they can use for future purchases in the app.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, December 9, 2023

Gi�ting wellness: Keeping your holidays safe and germ-free

OTHING dampens the festive spirit of the holiday season quite like getting sick. As families gather and friends reunite, the joy and cheer that define this time of year can quickly be overshadowed by the onset of a cold, the flu, or other seasonal ailments. It’s a stark reminder that health remains as a precious gift, one that requires attention and care, especially during the busy and often stressful holiday season. To safeguard our health and that of our loved ones, it’s essential to adopt proactive and effective approaches to cleanliness, both within our homes and in our external environments. Traditional cleaning methods, such as using damp rags, brooms, and feather dusters, are no longer enough. These tools often fall short, sometimes even introducing invisible threats like viruses, allergens and bacteria into our living spaces. To reduce the likelihood of these unseen dangers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests several strategies. These include wearing a mask outdoors as it protects our sensitivities from viruses, smog, vog, pollution, and the like. Another strategy is keeping your vaccines updated. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone aged 6 months and older. It lowers your chance of getting the flu, and of having complications from the flu. The CDC also suggests increasing airflow by using portable high-efficiency particulate air filtration systems such as air purifiers; using natural ventilation when possible, and utilizing ultraviolet (UV-C) germicidal irradiation as a supplement to help inactivate the virus. For part two of our gift guide, I’ve curated a selection of innovative products from UV Care, emphasizing the importance of choosing genuine, labtested products that guarantee effectiveness against a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and allergens. 1. UV CARE ULTRA CLEAN SUPER POWER UV-C VACUUM: Beds, being the sanctuaries of rest and relaxation, are often overlooked in regular cleaning routines, yet they are hotspots for dust mites, allergens, and microscopic debris. Using a specialized bed vacuum, designed specifically for this purpose, can make a significant difference. Unlike standard vacuums, these are equipped with features tailored to the unique demands of bedding materials. They often come with enhanced suction power suitable for fabrics, UV-C light technology for germicidal action, and fine filtration systems that capture minute particles. This level of cleaning is crucial not only for surface cleanliness but also for the deeper removal of

allergens and pathogens, contributing to a healthier sleep environment. As a leader in UV-C germicidal technology, the UV Care Ultra Clean Super Power UV-C Vacuum doesn’t just clean but sanitizes, offering you an unmatched level of cleanliness and safety. This UV-C vacuum employs powerful UV-C light, eliminating up to 99.9 percent of surface germs, viruses and bacteria, including common culprits like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It has a more powerful 12kPa suction power, dehumidification (heat) to effortlessly remove excess moisture, enhancing comfort in pillows and beds; ultrasonic technology utilizing high-frequency sound waves to effectively repel bed bugs and dust mites; ultrafine Dust Filter to capture the tiniest particles, including dust and allergens; deep-cleaning roller brush for a thorough clean on mattresses, sofas; and a dual dust collector that separates ultrafine dust and doubles the capacity of regular vacuums. 2. UV CARE POCKET STERILIZER: The CDC suggests regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, laptops, cellphones, light switches, and countertops. The UV Care Pocket Sterilizer is your best investment for protection on the go. Handy and lightweight, this sterilizer uses UV-C germicidal technology, which means it can kill up to 99.99 percent of surface pathogens. Carry it with you on car rides, commutes, and when handling your mobile phones, tablets, laptops, remotes, keys and the like to avoid transferring bacteria from one surface to the other—especially useful for a quick swipe over kid’s toys and devices. Take note that not all UV devices are the same. According to experts at UV Care, when choosing a UV sterilizer, choose only genuine UV-C devices as these are the ones most effective for germ protection while UV-A is most effective for skin aging, and UV-B for burning. UV-C sterilization has gained recognition as a powerful tool in surface disinfection. It not only offers a quick and chemical-free approach but is also effective in eliminating deadly germs and superbugs, providing an added layer of protection. 3. UV CARE PURE AIR PORTABLE AIR PURIFIER: Because of the pandemic, you probably have already invested in a home air purifier. But what about a portable one you can take with you to the office, in your car or when you need to travel? Designed for mobility and convenience, this rechargeable air purifier combines the best of UV Care’s UV-C germicidal technology with advanced air filtration, ensuring that you always have access to purified air, whether at home, in the office, or on the move. It effectively purifies air in spaces up to 15m² without bothering anyone because of its whisper-quiet operation even at the highest fan speed. Pure Air features ViruX Technology, scientifically proven to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in under a minute, alongside other harmful pathogens like E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. With its medical-grade H13 HEPA Filter, it can capture 99.998 percent of all particles as small as 0.1 microns, effectively trapping airborne contaminants. Its Plasma Ion Technology can actively neutralize pollutants such as bacteria, viruses and odors, and it’s also designed to clip on or

place on a table or in your car, fitting seamlessly into your daily life. It can even function as an essential oil aromatherapy diffuser to enhance your environment with stress-reducing scents to help in relaxation and sleep while repelling insects. Adding a UV Care air purifier can eliminate episodes of asthma and allergic rhinitis as it gets rid of these triggers in the air. It also has been tested to instantly kill SARS-CoV-2 and viruses and eliminates 99.9 percent of airborne pathogens, odors and molds at home or in the office. 4. UV-C TOOTHBRUSH STERILIZER: You might be brushing three times a day to keep your teeth healthy, but what are you doing to keep your toothbrushes clean? According to a Columbia University Boulder research, whenever we flush, airborne particles shoot out quickly, at speeds of 6.6 feet (2 meters) per second, reaching 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) above the toilet within 8 seconds. These potentially harmful particles, E.Coli, and fecal matter can eventually land everywhere including on your toothbrush. So don’t brush what you flush. The UV Care Clean Brush UV-C Toothbrush Sterilizer harnesses the power of UV Care’s leading UV-C germicidal technology, to ensure your toothbrush remains free from harmful bacteria, contributing to a healthier mouth and overall wellbeing. It can effectively eliminate up to 99.9 percent of surface pathogens, including common bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococci, safeguarding against oral diseases. This device can quickly sterilize your toothbrush in just 3 minutes, and automatically shuts off to prevent unwanted UV-C exposure. It’s also rechargeable, compact and lightweight making it perfect for maintaining oral hygiene on the go. UV Care has been a trusted partner in germ protection of many homes and businesses for more than eight years. It is the leading brand in UV-C sterilization technology and has the most comprehensive range of UV-C devices for industrial, medical, corporate, and commercial solutions. There is a UV Care UV-C device in almost all leading hospitals, malls and businesses in the Philippines. You can visit www.uvcare.net for their complete line of products.

CHRISTMAS BONUS: For those who are looking for a new smartphone that wouldn’t drain their entire 13th month pay, Xiaomi just released the Redmi 13C, offering outstanding entertainment and photographic experiences to satisfy the creative needs of Gen Z. The phone has a thin, trendy flat frame design, with nature-inspired colors: Midnight Black, Navy Blue, Clover Green, and Glacier White. It has an 6.74-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate for a satisfyingly fluid viewing experience. The device prioritizes viewing comfort with an LCD display, featuring DC viewing and TÜV certification for Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology, minimizing eye fatigue. The enhanced 50MP triple camera and upgraded 8MP front camera promise better portraits and selfies even in low light conditions and deliver a remarkable 34.9 percent improvement in capture speed while using night mode, for both low-light shoots and video capture. Moreover, the Redmi 13C offers 10 film

camera filters and film frame options, providing users with more creative visual possibilities. The Redmi 13C is powered by a MediaTek Helio with 8GB of RAM which can be boosted up to 16GB via memory expansion and supports up to 1TB of expandable storage. Lastly, it has a 5000 mAh battery and comes with an 18W PD fast charger. The Redmi 13C comes in two variants— 6GB+128GB (P5,499) and 8GB+256GB (P6,499) and is available in all Xiaomi stores and partner retailers nationwide. An online exclusive version with a 4+128GB version will be available via Shopee and Lazada for P4,999. ■

AMAZON TARGETS SHEIN WITH FEE CUTS FOR CHEAP APPAREL SELLERS AMAZON.COM Inc. is sharply cutting fees for merchants selling clothing priced below $20, a sign it’s hunkering down for a price war with Chinese fast-fashion upstart Shein. On Tuesday, Amazon announced it would reduce seller fees on clothing products priced below $15 to 5 percent beginning in January. The rates on clothing priced from $15 to $20 will drop to 10 percent. The commissions on both categories had previously been 17 percent. It’s rare for Amazon to reduce the so-called referral fees it charges merchants on its online store, and no other changes of that nature were announced. That signals Amazon is specifically looking to entice merchants offering low-cost clothes—an area where Shein has excelled with its $9 hoodies and other bargain-basement apparel. “This will make Amazon way more competitive in the lowprice apparel category because a dollar or two can make a big difference,” said Lucas Barnes, a former Amazon executive who founded PNW Web Marketing, a consulting firm. “Amazon wants to let Shein spend all of its money offering discounts without losing too many Amazon Prime shoppers to the $9 hoodie.” Amazon dominates US e-commerce by capturing more than $1 of every $3 spent online, making it about six times bigger than closest online competitor Walmart Inc., according to Insider Intelligence. But it faces new threats from companies with ties to China. That includes Shein, which plans to hold an initial public offering in 2024, and Temu, a shopping app that launched in the US last year and is offering steep discounts on a broad assortment of products. Social media app TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd., also launched a US shop on its app earlier this year. Amazon announced the reduction in seller fees on apparel in a blog post that didn’t offer any explanation about why it was reducing fees for just lowerpriced products in one category. In a subsequent emailed statement, an Amazon spokesman said: “We are reducing referral fees for the apparel category in order to help drive and incentivize even greater selection for customers and competitive prices. Our focus is always on how we can best support the growth and success of our selling partners.” The Seattle-based company has had some missteps in apparel. In November, it announced the closure of its Amazon Style clothing stores in California and Ohio—outlets that had just opened in 2022. BLOOMBERG NEWS

Sports

MEMBERS of the women’s South Korean national handball team perform a team-building exercise with rubber boats during physical training at a boot camp for the Marine Corps in Pohang, South Korea, on March 30, 2016. AP

BusinessMirror

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Masters champ Rahm on bolting for LIV Golf: It’s a great offer, money is great, it’s wonderful

aturday, December 9, 2023 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

JON RAHM: It’s was a great offer, the money is great, obviously it’s wonderful. AP

South Korean athletes pushed to train in Marines boot camp

EOUL, South Korea—South Korea’s Olympic committee is pushing to send hundreds of athletes to a military training center to enhance their mental toughness for the Paris Olympics, a move that’s been criticized as outdated and regressive. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee advised domestic associations last week to send athletes to the Korea Marine Corps camp in the southeastern port city of Pohang for three days of training this month, according to some associations. About 320 athletes, including women, are expected at the boot camp, committee officials said on Thursday. Sports associations have previously asked their athletes to take marine-style training ahead of big sports events but it’s the first time the Olympic committee has recommended it, committee officials added.

Those officials reportedly decided on the camp following the Asian Games in China in October, when South Korea finished third in the gold medal count to China and Japan. After the Asian Games, Olympic committee head Lee Kee-Heung floated the idea of marine camp training and said athletes would be joined by top committee officials including himself, according to South Korean media reports. Messages slamming and deriding the Olympic committee plan flooded South Korean social media and internet sites. “Are we still under the period of military rules?” read a message on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another X user said “they can just select marines with strong mental power as Olympic athletes,” while others called the Olympic committee’s plan “a comedy” or “out of mind.” Details of the December 18 to

20 camp in Pohang are still under discussion between the Olympic committee and the Korea Marine Corps. But previous pre-Olympic marine camp training involving fencers, wrestlers and handballers included rappelling courses, and carrying 140-kilogram (310-pound) inflatable boats on their heads together. Reached by The Associated Press, South Korea’s wrestling and breakdancing associations said they won’t send their athletes to the marine camp because they have competitions when the training is scheduled. Yukyoum Kim, a physical education professor at Seoul National University, said athletes can still learn something from marine training. The programs were developed not only by marine officers but also sports management and medicine professionals, Kim added. “It is crucial to help the athletes

overcome small and big hardships for their personal and teams’ growths,” Kim said. “Although it has involved forceful group camps and violence in the past, marine boot camp has played a rather effective role to achieve those goals.” Big companies and schools have also sent employees and students to the marine camp and other militaryrun trainings. South Korea has risen from war, poverty and military dictatorships to a cultural and economic powerhouse with a vibrant democracy. But many in South Korea still link successes in big sports events like the Olympics to national pride, and problems related to training culture have often been ignored as long as athletes succeeded. Male athletes are exempted from 18 to 21 months of mandatory military service if they win gold medals at Asian Games and any medals at the Olympics. AP

HD plunges into action in Doha, aims to keep or improve No. 7 world ranking

Cool Smashers, HD Spikers go for finals berths in PVL

NLESS Chery Tiggo produces a solid defensive game to at least slow down the dominant Creamline side, the Cool Smashers could well be on their way to another Premier Volleyball League championship appearance. So does Creamline’s sister team Choco Mucho, which is out for redemption after squandering a 2-0 set lead and yielding to a resurgent Cignal in their side of the best-ofthree semifinal series in the AllFilipino Conference Thursday. The Cool Smashers and the HD Spikers go for the clinchers in Game Two of their respective playoffs at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Saturday with the former aiming to move two wins away from replicating their title romp in 2019 via an amazing 20-game sweep of the Open Conference. Game time is 6 p.m. Veteran skipper Alyssa Valdez served as the catalyst in a back-andforth second set duel in Game One, scoring three straight points and the Cool Smashers went on to pound out a 25-18, 27-25, 25-22 victory, their

JEMA GALANZA high-fives Ella de Jesus during their Game 1 victory. 12th straight counting the 11 matches they swept in the eliminations of the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. “The fight’s not over, we still need another win to enter the

finals,” Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said. The defending champions used the one-day break to assess their lapses from the series’ opener where they committed 21 unforced errors against the Crossovers’ 16. But they compensated for their struggles by dominating the skills duels, 51-40 (spikes), 8-4 (blocks) and 2-0 (aces). The troika of Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza combined for 44 points. The team’s middles Pangs Panaga and Risa Sato also contributed six points apiece to help anchor their straight-set victory. Eya Laure did score 18 points but no other Crossover posted doubledigit outputs with the seasoned Mylene Paat ending up with just nine hits in a match she was expected to dominate. Cza Carandang actually held her ground in the middle and scored nine points but Shaya Adorador and Pauline Gaston made just four and three points, respectively, and EJ Laure ended up with just a point in a limited stint.

Wushu athletes weave wonders in November

USHU aces Mark Ragay, Mark Polo and Vincent Ventura and other topnotch martial artists struck hard for the Philippines on the global stage in November. Ragay, Polo and Ventura won gold in taolu’s men’s duallian at the 16th World Wushu Championships in Texas to lead the honor roll of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) for the

penultimate month of 2023. The trio continued wushu’s tradition as consistent producer of world champions and anchored the Philippine contingent’s one-gold, four-silver and one-bronze harvest. Agatha Wong (taolu women’s taijijian), Arnel Mandal (sanda men’s 52 kgs), Clemente Tabugara Jr. (sanda men’s 65 kgs) and Jennifer Alipio (sanda women’s 48 kgs)

Olivarez, Verdad stay on collision course

OP seed Eric Jed Olivarez and No. 4 Fritz Verdad stayed on track for another potential final showdown as they trampled their respective rivals in the Rep. Edwin Olivarez Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat,

Parañaque, on Thursday. Olivarez dispatched Marco Macalintal, 6-2, 6-0, to arrange a semifinal duel with fifth-ranked Eric Jay Tangub, who likewise posted a convincing 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Justin Suarez in the upper half of the 64-player draw.

ASTERS champion Jon Rahm bolted for Saudifunded LIV Golf on Thursday for what’s believed to be more money than the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour’s entire prize fund, a stunning blow that deepens the divide in golf as the two sides were negotiating a commercial deal. Rahm confirmed the move in an interview with Fox News. Wearing a black letterman’s jacket with the LIV logo, he said it was not an easy decision. “I’ve been very happy,” Rahm said. “But there is a lot of things that LIV Golf has to offer that were very enticing.” He said he would keep private how much the deal was worth amid reports that put his compensation in the $500 million range, which likely would include equity in his new team. The PGA Tour’s total purse in 2023 was about $460 million. The development comes 25 days before the deadline for the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund try to finalize their June 6 agreement to become commercial partners in a for-profit enterprise, along with the European tour. Talks have been going slowly, and Tiger Woods said last week there were a lot of moving parts. The biggest moving part turned out to be the 29-year-old Rahm, the No. 3 player in the world and a two-time major champion approaching his prime, being the latest to defect. Rahm had been adamant that he has enough money and that he cares only about history and legacy. He recently said he “laughed” whenever he saw his name linked to LIV. “It was a great offer. The money is great, obviously it’s wonderful,” Rahm said. “But what I said before is true: I do not play golf for the money. I play golf for the love of the game and for the love of golf. But, as a husband,

as a father and as a family man I have a duty to my family to give them the best opportunities and the most amount of resources possible and that is where that comes in.” He remains eligible for the majors for the next five years—the Masters for life, the US Open until 2031. Still to be determined is how the move affects his eligibility for the Ryder Cup. “It’s hard to sit here and criticize Jon because of what a great player he is,” Rory McIlroy said in an interview with Sky Sports. “Jon is going to be in Bethpage in 2025 [for the Ryder Cup]. Because of this decision, the European tour is going to have to rewrite the rules. There’s no question about that.” Rahm’s addition gives LIV Golf seven of the last 14 winners at the majors. “LIV Golf is here to stay,” Lawrence Burian, the COO of LIV Golf, said in a news release sent out after Rahm’s appearance on Fox News. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan had been scheduled to meet this week with Yasir AlRumayyan, the head of the PIF. The meeting was delayed until next week, but it wasn’t clear if it was still on or how Rahm’s announcement affects the negotiations. Since the stunning commercial partnership was proposed on June 6, the tour has also entertained offers from private equity groups. Those include Fenway Sports Group and Acorn Growth, which includes former AT&T Chairman Randall Stephenson. He resigned from the PGA Tour board out of protest with its deal with Saudi Arabia. The agreement originally included language to end the poaching of players, but that was removed when the Justice Department had antitrust concerns. Signing with LIV is counter to everything Rahm has said about the league. He has declared his support for the PGA Tour dating to February 2022, and as recently as August he told a Spanish podcast that “I laugh when people rumor me with LIV Golf. I’ve never liked the format.” He had said 54 holes with no cut and a shotgun start “is not a golf tournament.” “I want to play against the best in the world in a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years,” he said at the US Open last year. “That’s what I want to see.” He sang a different tune in the Fox interview, saying while money was a factor, there were other elements “that make it so exciting.” AP

HIDILYN DIAZ-NARANJO and Erleen Ann Ando train ahead of their competition in Doha.

delivered the silvers and Russel Diaz (sanda men’s 48 kgs) accounted for the bronze. Not to be outdone was Hergie Bacyadan, who shone bright in the Vietnamese martial art of vovinam. Bacyadan made Philippine history with her conquest of the women’s -66 kgs class at the World Vovinam Championships in Ho Chi Minh City. Over in Muju in Korea, Patrick King Perez won the mixed pair gold with Jocel Nibobla in the World Taekwondo Poomsae Open Challenge and the men’s

team bronze with Ian Matthew Corton and Jeus Gabriel Yape. In Yerevan, Armenia, Sydney Sy Tancontian posted a podium finish in the World Sambo Championship. Youngsters made their presence felt, too, with Fide Master Gian Karlo Arca and jiu-jitsu prodigy Aielle Aguilar claiming world titles. Arca, 14, clinched the mint in the World Youth Blitz Chess Championship in Montesilvano, Italy with 8.5 points in nine rounds, beating titled rivals.

Verdad, on the other hand, overcame an opening set scare from Andre Alcantara then dominated in the next to hack out a 7-6(1), 6-1 victory. The veteran campaigner will next take on second seed Vicente Anasta for a spot in the finals of the Group A tournament presented by Dunlop. Anasta advanced with a 5-7, 6-4, 3-0(ret.) win over Noel Damian

in the 10-day men’s Open singles championship backed by Mayor Eric Olivarez, Palawan Pawnshop, Slazenger, Dunlop and MTE Tennis. Jed Olivarez had previously defeated Verdad in the MITF Open finals in Iloilo last month in a victory that also avenged his semifinal loss in the Mayor Eric Olivarez Cup National Open ruled by absentee AJ Lim, also at the OSC last August.

By Josef Ramos

WO formidable foes stand in the way of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo as the women’s -59 kgs competition unfurls Saturday in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Grand Prix II at the Holiday Villa Hotel and Residence in Doha, Qatar. But for Diaz-Naranjo, securing a podium finish ranks behind her goal of keeping her world ranking intact or better at No. 7. “We are all strong in the 59-kg category,” Diaz-Naranjo told BusinessMirror in a brief message at the hotel training facility. There are eight weightlifters in Diaz-Naranjo’s event— one is compatriot Erleen Ann Ando and two others are formidable opponents—North Korea’s Kim II Gyong China’s Luo Shifang? Kim was the very same weightlifter who won gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games, setting a world snatch record of 111 kgs and Luo was the silver medalist—absent in Doha is Chinese-Taipei’s Kuo Hsing-chun, bronze medalist in Hangzhou where Diaz-Naranjo finished outside the podium at fourth place. “Our biggest goal is to qualify for the Paris Olympics, so our main focus is to improve our rankings,” Diaz-Naranjo’s husband and coach Julius Naranjo told BusinessMirror via chat on Friday. Lou is ranked No. 1 in the world, followed by Ukraine’s Kamila Konotop, Colombia’s, Yenny Alvarez, Kuo, Canada’s Maude Charron, Nigeria’s Folashade Lawal, Diaz-Naranjo, Mexico’s Janeth Gomez, the US’s Nicole Wilkins, Belarus’s Nina Stercx, Venezuela’s Anyelin Venegas and France’s Dora Meiriama Tchakounte. Konotop, Charron and Sterckx are also in Doha making the field elite, along with Tokyo Olympian Erleen Ann Ando. Doha is the fourth Olympic qualifier for Diaz-Naranjo after the world championships December last year in Bogota, Asian championships in Jinju (South Korea) last May and this year’s world championships in Riyadh last September. The Asian Games are not among the Olympic qualifiers with two more scheduled next year—the Asian championships from February 3 to 10 in Tashkent and IWF World Cup from March 31 to April 11 in Phuket. The top 12 weightlifters in the world rankings will compete in the Paris Games set from July 26 to August. Diaz-Naranjo and Ando each have an entry lift of 230 kgs, while Luo and Pei are starting off at 235 kgs. Two-time Southeast Asian Games champion Vanessa Sarno and 2019 SEA Games gold winner Kristel Macrohon will compete Monday in women’s -71 kgs.