BusinessMirror March 29, 2025

WEAKENED

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

According to the Business Expectations Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the business sentiment in the Philippines is “less optimistic” in the first quarter of 2025.

The overall confidence index (CI) fell to 31.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025 from 44.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024.

“This decline reflects a combination of a decreased percentage of optimists and an increased percentage of pessimists,” the BSP said.

Concerns on post-holiday decline in demand for goods and services coupled with a slowdown in business activities and potential resurgence of inflationary pressures gloom firms’ outlook.

Firms are generally less optimistic across all sectors, except for the construction sector, whose optimism was little changed, according to the BSP.

Meanwhile, firms expecting tighter cash or liquidity positions in the first quarter is expected, as

‘Pay as you file’ annual tax returns before April 15–BIR

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) told taxpayers to “pay as they file” their annual income tax return (AITR) for 2024 before the April 15 deadline

the financial condition index became more negative. Businesses also expect access to credit to turn tight in the first quarter, as the credit access index (CAI) reverted to negative territory. Moreover, firms anticipate the peso to depreciate against the US dollar in the first half of the year, but to appreciate over the next 12 months.

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By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

Total export sales for 2024 amounted to $73.27 billion, marking a slight 0.5-percent dip from the $73.62 billion in 2023. Exports had already declined by 7.5 percent in 2023, following a 6.5-percent growth in 2022.

industry is set for continued growth and expansion in 2025, driven by innovation and strategic shifts, according to a property consultancy firm.

Colliers highlighted the industry’s “resilience” and “adaptability” last year. In 2024, Metro Manila

ters of office space take-up, while provincial areas saw an additional 177,859 sq m occupied.

“While some companies have adjusted their

requirements in response to evolving work trends, the business process outsourcing [BPO] sector remains a significant contributor to the Philippine economy,” the firm said in a statement.

“Of

surge in 2022. The PSA also reported that the total value of the country’s external trade in goods reached $200.87 billion in 2024, representing a slight 0.5-percent growth from $199.83 billion in 2023.

the remaining 36.5

The biggest hit among export commodities in 2024 came from electronic products, which saw a $2.81-billion decline. Still, electronics held their spot as the country’s top export, bringing in $39.09 billion or 53.4 percent of the total export earnings.

Manufactured goods, on the other hand, remained the dominant export category, contributing $58.39 billion, or 79.7 percent of the total exports. On the import side, the total value of goods entering the coun-

STICKY, SWEET, AND GONE IN A FLASH! Candon

Colliers…

The Third-Party Outsourcing (3PO) and Shared Services sectors led the surge in office space demand, backed by the country’s skilled labor pool, BPO-ready office spaces, strong infrastructure, and government support, Colliers noted.

Based on its previous data, the IT-BPM industry’s revenue grew by 7 percent in 2024, reaching $38 billion compared to $35.5 billion in 2023. This mirrored office space transactions, which totaled 424,531 sq m, representing 44 percent of the 973,270 sq m of nationwide office deals.

Telus, a Canadian telecommunications company, led the office space take-up, securing 37,300 sq m across multiple locations, including 27,700 sq m in Quezon City and 4,600 sq m in Iloilo.

“With strong fourth-quarter results in 2024, driven by solid customer growth in its mobility and fixed services divisions, Telus is well-positioned to continue its momentum,” it said. However, not all companies expanded. VXI Global, a customer service outsourcing provider, and Cognizant, a multinational technology services company, vacated significant office space in 2024, releasing 10,800 sq m and 9,000 sq m, respectively.

“Around 49 percent of office transactions were driven by expansion, but several BPO firms vacated office space, either through non-renewals or early lease terminations,” Colliers said.

“While this may seem concerning, an analysis of employee numbers reveals that many companies are simply adapting to hybrid work models, reducing their office space needs,” it added.

Per Colliers, this trend reflects the growing adoption of hybrid work models. It said the enactment of the CREATE MORE Act, which allows Philippine Economic Zone Authority-registered firms to adopt up to 50 percent remote work while maintaining tax incentives, has encouraged companies to reassess their office space needs.

Bless Aubrey Ogerio

PHL agri trade gap widens to 1.9% in ’24

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

AGRICULTURAL trade in the Philippines remained in deficit last year, as imports continued to outpace exports, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Latest figures showed that the country’s agricultural trade balance ended at a deficit of $11.71 billion, reflecting a 1.9-percent increase from the previous year. This came after a 2.7-percent drop in the trade gap in 2023 and a sharp 32.8-percent rise in 2022.

The total agricultural trade climbed to $27.22 billion in 2024, up by 11.8 percent from 2023, which had previously seen a 9.2-percent drop. In 2022, agricultural trade had risen by 19 percent.

Agricultural exports were valued at $7.75 billion in 2024, representing 28.5 percent of the total agricultural trade. Imports, on the other hand, accounted for $19.46 billion or 71.5 percent.

“The 2024 value of agricultural exports accounted for 10.6 percent of the country’s total exports,” PSA said.

For the top 10 agricultural export commodities, about $7.52 billion was brought in as earnings, covering 97 percent of total agricultural exports. This marked a 21.2-percent increase from the previous year.

Leading the pack were animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils, contributing $2.35 billion, or 30.3 percent of the to -

tal export value.

Meanwhile, agricultural exports to Asean countries reached $1.07 billion, accounting for 9.7 percent of the region’s total exports from the Philippines.

Malaysia emerged as the largest buyer, importing $465.07 million worth of goods, representing 43.6 percent of total agricultural exports to Asean.

As for imports, agricultural products brought into the country totaled $19.46 billion in 2024, a rise of 8.6 percent from the previous year’s $17.91 billion. Agricultural imports made up 15.3 percent of the country’s total imports.

The top 10 imported agricultural commodities were valued at

$16.47 billion, contributing 84.6 percent to the total agricultural import bill. These imports registered an 8.8-percent increase from 2023.

Among the major import categories, cereals took the top spot with a value of $4.76 billion, making up 24.5 percent of all agricultural imports.

Asean provided $7.61 billion worth of agricultural products, accounting for 21.1 percent of the Philippines’ total imports from the region.

Vietnam was the leading supplier, contributing $2.54 billion or 33.3 percent of total agricultural imports from Asean nations in 2024.

PHL’s ’24 trade gap widens to $54.33B; Feb data shrinks

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try increased to $127.60 billion in 2024, up by 1.1 percent from the $126.21 billion recorded in the previous year. Imports had previously dropped by 8 percent in 2023, following a strong 17.4-percent growth in 2022.

Cereals and cereal preparations saw the highest annual import value jump in 2024, reaching $991.74 million.

Electronic products remained the country’s top import, totaling $27.38 billion or 21.5 percent of total imports. Meanwhile, raw materials and intermediate goods led major import categories, totaling $46.47 billion, which accounted for 36.4 percent of all imports.

Among the Philippines’s top export destinations, the United States held top spot with $12.14 billion worth of shipments, making up 16.6 percent of the total exports.

Trailing behind were Japan at $10.33 billion (14.1 percent), Hong Kong at $9.61 billion (13.1 percent), China at $9.44 billion (12.9 percent) and South Korea at $3.57 billion (4.9 percent).

For imports, China was still the Philippines’s biggest supplier in 2024, sending $32.83 billion worth of goods, which made up 25.7 percent of total imports.

Other key import partners included Indonesia with $10.64 billion (8.3 percent), Japan with $10.11 billion (7.9 percent), South Korea with $9.63 billion (7.5 percent) and the US with $8.17 billion (6.4 percent).

February trade gap narrows MEANWHILE , the trade numbers showed a narrower gap in February, signaling a bit of breathing room for the economy, according to preliminary PSA data. The International Merchan-

dise Trade Statistics put the trade deficit at $3.16 billion last month, or an 11.4-percent dip from the same period a year ago.

In contrast, January 2025 saw the trade deficit climb by 17.8 percent, while in February 2024, the gap had already narrowed by 8.2 percent.

The total external trade in goods came to $15.66 billion in February, up by 0.4 percent from the $15.59 billion recorded a year earlier. January 2025 and February 2024 saw higher growth rates of 9.4 percent and 10.7 percent, respectively.

“Of the total external trade in February 2025, 60.1 percent were imported goods, while the remaining 39.9 percent were exported goods,” the PSA said.

On the export side, sales hit $6.25 billion, rising 3.9 percent from $6.02 billion a year prior. January saw a 6.3-percent boost in exports, while February 2024 logged a 17.9- percent increase. Coconut oil led the pack in export growth in February 2025, with a surge in value to $132.53 million.

Still, electronic products dominated the export scene by commodity group, pulling in $3.52 billion and making up 56.3 percent of total shipments. Manufactured goods also remained a stronghold in major types of goods, contributing $5.18 billion or 82.8 percent of total exports.

For imports, the country brought in $9.41 billion worth of goods in February 2025. It reflected an 1.8-percent decline from the previous year’s $9.58 billion. While it had risen by 11.2 percent in January, February’s dip follows a slower annual increase of 6.6 percent in February 2024.

Defensor-Santiago Avenue, Quezon City, to assist all taxpayers.

The office will be open from March 24 to April 15, 2025, except on Sundays and holidays, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Moreover, Authorized Agent Banks will open on two Saturdays, on April 5 and April 12, and extend banking hours until 5 pm from April 1 to April 15 to accept tax payments.

“Our goal is to make tax compliance easier and hassle-free for our taxpayers. We will continue to enhance our services and exert more efforts to achieve that,” Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said. Lumagui said the BIR is committed to make the tax filing and payment more convenient by ensuring that the e-Filing Center and RDOs’ eLounges are available to assist taxpayers every step of the way.

“We encourage the early filing of AITR, and the payment of the full income tax due on the same day of filing using the BIR’s electronic services and available tax payment channels (i.e., Authorized Agent Banks, Revenue Collection Officers [RCOs], and various electronic platforms like MAYA, GCash and MYEG, etc.) for a smooth and hassle-free experience,” Lumagui added.

Meanwhile, the BIR said in a separate statement that the enhanced BIR Website features a more comprehensive and userfriendly interface to provide taxpayers with access to essential resources and services.

Among the features is the eServices Tab, which consolidates all BIR online services and platforms, to make tax compliance more convenient for individuals and businesses.

The BIR website also allows the public to access the BIR Citizen’s Charter, BIR forms, latest revenue issuances, zonal value of real properties, news, announcements and tax information materials such as BIR Tax Calendar, daily tax reminders and Taxpayer Guides. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Businesses also expect that peso borrowing rates may rise during this period, as well as for the inflation rate to quicken and persist over the next 12 months.

Firms also expect the inflation rate may average 3.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025.

This is seen to slightly quicken to 3.3 percent in the second quarter and at 3.4 percent over the next 12 months, within the government’s target of 2 to 4 percent.

“Stronger inflation expectations may be observed in all reference periods, as the percentage of firms expecting higher inflation increased vis-à-vis the Q4 2024 survey results,” the BSP said. For the second quarter of 2025, the business sentiment is more upbeat, with the overall confidence index increasing to 45.4 percent from 40.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024.

For the next 12 months, the BSP said the business outlook “remained buoyant,” with the overall confidence index at 56.4 percent.

SEC clears merger papers for LandBank, UCPB units

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the documents to merge state-run LANDBANK Leasing and Finance Corporation (LLFC) and UCPB Leasing and Finance Corporation (ULFC) to enhance their capital base and operational efficiency.

In a statement on Friday, Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) said the approval on February 27 was immediately followed by the operational turnover and transition activities, turning the LLFC as the sole surviving entity.

LandBank said the merger is in line with Executive Order (EO) 65 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on August 6, 2024, which authorized the merger to remove unnecessary overlap in the institutions’ mandates and functions.

“This merger is a strategic step towards strengthening our leasing and finance operations, ensuring greater efficiency and financial capability to support key sectors,” LandBank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz said.

“By consolidating LLFC and ULFC into a single entity, we are

optimizing resources, expanding market reach, and bolstering our contribution to the government’s inclusive growth agenda,” Ortiz added.

The consolidation will also enhance the state-owned financial institutions’ capital base and operational efficiency, LandBank said. It added that the merger is aligned with the bank’s target of advancing inclusive and sustainable growth by positioning the LLFC to scale up support for agriculture, infrastructure development and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Meanwhile, clients of LLFC and ULFC were assured by LandBank that the merger process will ensure uninterrupted customer service and will facilitate a smooth and orderly transition.

“With this merger, LandBank expands its financial services and reinforces its role in driving national economic development,” the state-run bank said.

This merger follows the integration of the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) into LandBank in 2022, which brought ULFC under LandBank’s umbrella. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

SEN. Raffy Tulfo presides over the Subcommittee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies' public hearing Thursday, March 27, 2025 on the alleged rampant unfair debt collection practices of lending companies. SENATE PRIB

Lenders imposing usurious rates, bullying borrowers censured by Senate panel

BBy Butch Fernandez

Y LENDING institutions that charge hefty interest rates and bully borrowers through de facto blackmail and nonstop harassment are once again in the crosshairs of the Senate committees on Banks and on Ways and Means.

At a recent hearing, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian censured financial institutions for charging hefty interest rates and the manner in which they collect payments from borrowers.

At a public hearing on the Rampant and Unfair Debt Collection Practices of Lending Companies Gatchalian noted that financial institutions make it easy for a person to borrow but charge almost 50 percent as interest rates and deductions. “There’s no financial institution that charges 50 percent as interest rates and deductions,” the senator noted, adding: “and if you don’t pay for just one day, you’ll be cursed, threatened or shamed.”

“It is because of this that I filed a bill, the Fair Debt Collection Act. It is important to collect payments and it is only right. But collecting payments should be done in the right and just way. We are not saying that borrowers should not pay. What we are saying is that the borrowing should be in accordance with the law and it should be legal,” Gatchalian said in Filipino. He lauded the committee headed by Sen. Raffy Tulfo for conducting the hearing since “a lot of the Filipino people are being fooled.”

Financial institutions include banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and investment companies which offer various

Risks remain despite Q4 rebound of real estate market, warns BSP

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

WHILE the Philippine real estate market rebounded in the fourth quarter of 2024, risks remain amid high interest rates and tighter lending conditions, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

BSP data showed residential real estate price index (RREPI) grew by 6.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024.

This is a reversal from the 2.3-percent contraction in the third quarter and 6.5-percent growth in the same period in 2023.

In terms of housing type, single-detached/attached houses recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate of 12.8 percent in the fourth quarter from 9.5 percent.

This was followed by condominium units with a 5.1-percent growth in the fourth quarter. This improved from a 4.1-percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, and a reversal from a 9.7-percent contraction in the third quarter of 2024.

However, prices of townhouses contracted to 3.4 percent in the

fourth quarter of 2024 from a 0.7-percent growth in third quarter of 2024 and 4.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Prices of duplex units expanded by 85.9 percent in the fourth quarter, reversing the 48.1-percent and 33.5-percent contractions in the third quarter and during the same period a year ago, respectively.

BSP said the uptick in residential property prices was more evident in Areas Outside the National Capital Region (AONCR) at 9.3 percent, driven by all housing types, except townhouses.

However, residential property prices in the National Capital Region (NCR) recorded a 0.4-percent contraction year-on-year in the fourth quarter from a 14.6 contraction due to decline in townhouse prices.

In terms of housing type, single-detached/attached houses recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate of 12.8 percent in the fourth quarter from 9.5 percent.

This was followed by condominium units with a 5.1-percent growth in the fourth quarter.

This improved from a 4.1-percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, and a reversal from a 9.7-percent contraction in the third quarter of 2024.

However, prices of townhouses contracted to 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 from a 0.7-percent growth in third quarter of 2024 and 4.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Despite the recovery in residential real estate prices, the number of residential real estate loans (RRELs) granted for new housing units in the Philippines continued to contract but at a slower pace.

The contraction in RRELs narrowed to 10.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 15.7 percent in the third quarter. Loans granted in the NCR decreased by -5.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with the same period-20.3 percent in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, the decline in AONCR loans granted was almost unchanged at -13.7 percent from -13.0 percent in the previous quarter.

25% US auto tariffs should spur ‘PHL brand’ creation for global value chains

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE recently announced 25 percent tariffs that the United States intends to slap on all imported cars should prompt the Philippines to create its own brand as it ventures into the “emerging” global value chains, with the focus on electric cars and car-related parts, according to a local economist.

products and services for individual and commercial clients, such as deposits, loans, investments, and currency exchange.

Tulfo presided over the Subcommittee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies’ public hearing. In his Senate Resolution No. 746, Tulfo took note of the growing complaints against abusive lenders in the country posting libelous and defamatory contents on social media, collecting payments from random contacts of their borrowers, and sending threats, including coffins and death threats. Tulfo said these lending companies violate Republic Act No. 10173, known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and with many facing numerous complaints filed with the National Privacy Commission, some of them have already been subjected to raids by law enforcement agencies but were not prosecuted adequately, allowing them to return and continue their operations afterward.

The senator also cited Section 1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission Memorandum Circular No. 18, series of 2019, which prohibits lending companies from using threats against their clients and contacting individuals on the borrower’s contact list, among others. “This has to stop! Although I still believe that debts should be paid. But there are ways for creditors to collect payment. It’s not something we should resort to with violence, that’s not the way it should be!” the senator said in mixed Filipino and English. The committee also tackled forgery in bank transactions and the complaints of some clients against pawnshops.

In a Viber message sent to the BusinessMirror on Thursday, Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) economist Leonardo A. Lanzona explained that the auto tariffs that the US is set to impose in April and May of this year may

have “insignificant” effects on the Philippine economy.

“The Philippines is a notable exporter of auto parts to the US, particularly in wiring harnesses and electronics. While not as large as Thailand or Mexico in this sector, it remains a competitive player in specific automotive components,” Lanzona said.

“Also, the Philippines exports these parts to Japan and other auto-exporting countries to the US,” he said.

Nonetheless, Lanzona emphasized that these transactions remain limited and US tariffs may have insignificant effects on the economy.

The economist said, however,

that the Philippines can use this US tariff policy as an “opportunity to restructure its production and export structures towards higher-valued products, whether auto-related or not.”  Lanzona added that the country should position itself in the emerging global value chains, such as electric cars and related car parts, by creating its own brand.

A Proclamation issued by the White House on Wednesday noted that US President Donald Trump has ordered the imposition of 25-percent tariff “with respect to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01

Condo-style social housing remains Marcos admin goal

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

AS President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marks his 1000th day in office, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) affirmed the administration’s commitment to providing condo-style social housing under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.

During an inspection of the Bocaue Bulacan Manor housing project in Bulacan on Thursday, Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar called for the expedited development of township amenities.

“The guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is for ordinary Filipinos to enjoy the amenities previously enjoyed only by the rich. Under 4PH, our beneficiaries will experience modern condominium living, complete with facilities,” Acuzar explained, partly in Filipino.

Reflecting on the administration’s efforts, Acuzar said the progress of vertical housing projects nationwide proves the program’s

impact after nearly three years of implementation.

“Seeing thousands of vertical housing units being built across the country is a testament that we have come a long way,” he added.

For the Bocaue project, six out of the planned 11 buildings are nearing completion, with the development of amenities and communal spaces already in progress. Once finished, it is expected to benefit 4,000 families.

The agency also reported that other projects are making strides in various provinces, including Ilocos Norte, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Albay, Camarines Sur, Bataan, Rizal, Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga City, and Palawan, as well as in Caloocan City.

Aside from vertical housing, the housing officials also promote township developments under the 4PH initiative. The first batch of housing units in the Palayan City Township Project in Nueva Ecija was handed over to beneficiaries last year, with more scheduled for turnover in the weeks ahead.

Acuzar reiterated that the department is not just building houses but creating “sustainable and inclusive communities.”

“We are inspired by the President’s Bagong Pilipinas vision which is why beyond building houses, we are creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities where Filipinos from all

“This is the third consecutive quarter of year-on-year declines in RREL across all areas and the second consecutive quarter of double-digit year-on-year contraction in RRELs in the Philippines and AONCR,” the BSP said. However, the BSP noted that these declines were less severe than those observed during the pandemic in the second quarter to third quarter of 2020. BSP data also showed the average appraised value of new housing units in the Philippines amounted to P135,076 per square meter (sq.m.) in the fourth quarter, a 17.2-percent year-on-year increase from P115,252.

The average appraised value in NCR was P143,059 per sq.m., while the average appraised value in areas outside of NCR stood at P81,983 per sq.m.

The RREPI is a measure of the average change in the prices of various types of housing units, such as single-detached/attached houses, duplex housing units, townhouses and condominium units, based on banks’ data on actual mortgage loans granted to acquire new housing units, excluding pre-owned or foreclosed properties.

The RREPI is used as an indicator for assessing the real estate and credit market conditions in the country. The BSP has been releasing the report since June 2016.

a.m. eastern daylight time on April 3, 2025, for automobiles, and on the date specified in the Federal Register for automobile parts, but no later than May 3, 2025, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.”

According to a report by Nikkei Asia published on Thursday, “Shares of Japanese and South Korean automakers slid on Thursday after US President Donald Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on all cars shipped to that country in his latest trade salvo.”  Smaller Japanese automakers that rely on the US for sales but are behind in onshore production were hit hard, added the report. “Subaru and Mazda each closed Thursday’s session down around 6 percent. Honda declined 2.5 percent and Toyota, the country’s largest automobile manufacturer, was off 2 percent.”

walks of life can thrive. This is our contribution to turning that vision into reality,” the housing czar said. In 2022, the President vowed to build one million low-cost housing units annually until 2028, with House Speaker Martin Romualdez backing the feasibility of the sixmillion target.  Two years later, DHSUD lowered its goal to 3.2 million units, with an estimated cost of P4 trillion.

‘Rice retail prices to climb if tariffs restored on imports’

By Ada Pelonia

RETAIL prices of rice will climb if the bid to reinstate the tariffs on imported staple grain plows ahead, according to an economist.

Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) fellow Roehlano Briones noted that if the government granted the petition to revert rice tariffs to their original rate, prices of the key farm produce will increase.

“I have no doubt that retail prices will rise if we restore [the tariffs],” Briones said during a Tariff Commission (TC) hearing on Friday.

July 2024.

According to Briones, there was a 7.5-percent drop in retail prices of the staple grain between June 2024 and February 2025 and an 11.5-percent decline in wholesale prices in the same period.

[to] 70,000 retailers dispersed all over the country.”

The number of retail outlets was more scattered compared to palay production areas concentrated in few parts of the country, wholesale centers, and import arrival hubs, he added.

Hegseth meets PBBM, pitches ‘deterrence’ for Indo-Pacific

By Samuel P. Medenilla

THE Trump administration, through United States (US)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is eyeing to expand its military cooperation with the Philippines on the use of “deterrence” to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

location in the country last January, saying it can threaten regional security.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) has urged the government to restore the tariffs on imported rice as lower duties failed to cut the price of the food staple.

The group called on the government to revert the duties levied on imported rice to its original rate of 35 percent for Asean countries and 50 percent for non-Asean countries by repealing Executive Order (EO) 62, which slashed rice tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent until 2028 and took effect in

“When you raise the cost of imports again by imposing tariffs, then certainly you will cause a deceleration—a halt, if not a reversal—in the retail prices that are already in the course of going down.”

He attributed this to the reduction in tariffs and the sharp tumble in global quotations of rice, particularly in Vietnam and Thailand, after India lifted its ban on the export of non-basmati rice, which augmented global rice supply.

With this, Briones explained that the drop in prices was not immediately felt due to the delay in market adjustment of supply and demand despite the “flood” of imported rice.

“Market adjustment of supply and demand would not happen instantaneously—they occur with some delay. And the slowest to communicate the decline in price is probably the retail level because there are about 50,000

“So, we should not expect retail prices to adjust immediately. But adjust they will, and adjust they are. It’s already in the process of that adjustment,” Briones said.

He noted that keeping the tariffs at 15 percent would provide retailers a chance to adjust, while the entry of rice imports would “finally communicate more and more of the retail price reduction as the days go by.”

“There are over 100 million rice consumers in the country that I think deserve a chance at lower retail prices and a relief from the affordability crisis that is gripping the country right now,” Briones said.

Droves rally in Davao Region for 80th birthday of Duterte

By Manuel T. Cayon

DAVAO CITY—The bailiwick of former President Rodrigo Duterte turned the streets of its cities and provincial capitals into a sea of open support against his detractors as they celebrated his 80th birthday on Friday.

This city turned up the biggest number in a crowd that filled the intersection of old Claveria Street, Roxas Avenue and Acacia here, with police estimating the crowd to reach as many as 100,000.

Maj. Catherine dela Rey, spokesman of the Police Regional Command here, said some 22,000 others turned up in birthday-turnedrallies in Digos City, Santa Cruz and Bansalan of Davao del Sur, Samal Island, Tagum City, Santo Tomas and Carmen of Davao del Norte, Nabunturan and Montevista of Davao de Oro and Malita of Davao Occidental. She said the crowd had swelled to 10,500 in the capital cities of Tagum, Digos and Mati alone. They waved flags and donned mostly green-colored T-shirts, the campaign color of Vice President

Sara Duterte. They waxed sentimental when the favorite personal and campaign songs of the former President were played and erupted into cheers when stage performers and hosts urged them to chant for Duterte. There were no counter rallies held elsewhere, she added. Police were on standby until 1:00 am at dawn Saturday, which rally organizers have requested them.

Supporters of the former President posted a list of places where birthday rally celebrations would be held on Friday in the so-called

Global Tribute to Tatay Digong. In a post dubbed “Let’s turn the world green” it listed 13 provinces and cities in Luzon, 18 in the Visayas and 45 in Mindanao.

Outside rallies by Filipino migrants were also expected to be held in 9 states and cities in the US, in front of the ICC building in The Hague, The Netherlands, in Papua New Guinea, Brunei, Ireland, China, Qatar, 6 states in Canada, Bahrain, 2 places in Saudi Arabia, England, 2 places in New Zealand, Vietnam, 5 places in Australia and in the United Kingdom.

Comelec, MMDA mount ‘Oplan Baklas’ as local campaigns open

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

AS political campaigns gain more momentum with the start of the local campaign period for the 2025 national and local elections, officials of the Commission on Elections and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted grand “Oplan Baklas” operations on Friday in Tondo, Manila, removing unlawful election materials.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes led the operation in adherence to Republic Act No. 3571 and Comelec Resolution No. 11111, which pro -

hibitsthe posting or installing of campaign materials on trees and electrical posts.

“Oplan Baklas” aims to clear public spaces of unauthorized campaign paraphernalia, which often clutters streets, walls, and other public areas.

Garcia said Comelec will send letters to candidates with “orders to remove” so that they can initiate the removal of posters in prohibited areas. If the campaign posters are not removed within three days, Comelec will issue a show-cause order.

“We are advising all candidates to post campaign materials only on common designated areas to avoid removal and pos -

sible disqualification cases,” Garcia said.

For his part, Artes said that the agency deployed its personnel from Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG) to work with Comelec in dismantling illegal campaign materials and advertisements that violate established size and placement regulations.

“We deployed more than 500 MMDA personnel to the 17 local government units of Metro Manila to take down those illegal campaign materials,” Artes said.

MMDA will also intensify its Oplan Baklas operations “to ensure compliance with election rules.”

Moreover, MPCG personnel also conducted cleaning operations in the area.

Most of those removed were tarpaulins, posters, and other election paraphernalia hanging from tall poles, trees, electric posts, bridges, pedestrian footbridges, electric wires, and other non-designated areas.

Comelec is also urging the public to report any illicit political postings to a nearby Comelec office, their website, or its social media platforms.

The local campaign period for election 2025 began Friday, and lasts until May 10. The midterm elections are set for May 12, 2025.

Hegseth met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Friday to affirm Washington’s ironclad commitment to continue providing “mutually beneficial” support to Manila and ensure free navigation in the South China Sea (SCS).

“Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese,” Hegseth said.

“Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict to ensure that there’s free navigation whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea [WPS],” he added.

Hegseth made the remark after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said earlier this week that it expects the US military will deploy additional units of Medium Range Capability Typhon missile systems to the Philippines.

China expressed opposition to the deployment of a Typhon missile system at an undisclosed

Marcos said he is ready to remove the Typhon missile system if China will agree to stop its aggression in the WPS, the parts of the SCS within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. Beijing did not accept such condition.  The chief executive welcomed Hegseth’s visit to Manila, which he said showed US commitment in preserving regional peace. Aside from the Philippines, Hegseth will fly to Japan to participate in the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Hegseth is the first high-ranking official from the Trump administration to visit the Philippines.

“Your visit to the region, and especially the fact that you have come to the Philippines as your first stop, is a very strong indication and sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together, to maintain the peace in the Indo-Pacific Region within the South China Sea,” Marcos said during his meeting with Hegseth. The abrupt change in the stance of Washington on Ukraine last month has raised concerns on whether US President Donald Trump will continue to maintain its international military commitments, particularly in Asia.

Comelec urges candidates to use eco-friendly campaign materials

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded candidates on Friday to use biodegradable materials for their campaign materials whenever possible.

While not mandatory, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia urged candidates to adopt environmentally friendly practices during the campaign period.

“Again, as we have repeatedly emphasized, avoid using non-biodegradable materials. We want to instill in everyone the importance of not using materials that do not decompose,” Garcia said in an interview.

Under Resolution No. 11086, which outlines the Implementing Rules of the Fair Election Act for the upcoming polls, Comelec now requires all candidates to include the statement: “This material should be recycled or disposed of responsibly” on their printed campaign materials.

Garcia warned that candidates who fail to include this disclaimer will have their campaign materials removed—even if they are placed in common poster areas (CPAs) and comply with the prescribed poster size.

“We hope we won’t be criticized for being too strict. In the end, if you win while following the rules, you will be commendable,” the poll chief added.

Comelec also vowed to intensify efforts through its Task Force Baklas to ensure that all candidates, including those running for local positions, comply with the commission’s rules on campaign material placement.

Starting on Saturday, Comelec will start issuing removal notices to local candidates with posters that exceed the standard 2x3 feet size or are posted in public areas not designated as CPAs. Candidates who fail to remove illegal posters within three days will be issued a show cause order.

Avoid traffic disruptions MEANWHILE , Comelec also reminded candidates, as the campaign period for local posts officially begins, to avoid causing traffic congestion.

Garcia urged candidates to ensure that their campaign activities do not disrupt people commuting to work and school.

“We hope candidates will make sure that their activities do not inconvenience our fellow citizens traveling from their homes to schools or offices,” he added.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier announced that it would not issue permits for campaign motorcades or rallies on roads under its jurisdiction during weekdays. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said candidates would only be allowed to hold such activities on weekends and holidays.

“Crossing is allowed, but staying along the roads is prohibited. These activities will only be permitted on weekends and holidays, subject to approval,” he said. Candidates who violate this directive will face penalties for road obstruction. Justine Xyrah Garcia

Myanmar scam hub human trafficker

tries to pose as a victim, is found out, held

AHUMAN trafficker, who sent overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in scam hubs in Myanmar, was nabbed by authorities upon his return after staging his fake rescue, according to the Department of Migrant WorkerS (DMW).

In a statement posted on its social media account last Friday, DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment (AIR) and Trafficking in Persons Program reported the arrest of Jatnel John Rosario Japal after his arrival in the country accompanied by other OFW victims from Myanmar.

It noted Japal was detained by authorities after it was confirmed he was involved in illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

“Japal is currently detained in an NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] Detention Facility after undergoing an online inquest proceeding,” DMW said in Filipino in its statement.

It called the OFWs, who fell victim to the illegal operations of Japal to contact DMWAIR through its Facebook page so they can give their testimony and receive legal aid. The agency said authorities continue their campaign against the human traffickers who prey on OFWs and deploy them in scam hubs.

A total of 206 Filipinos, who became victims of scam hubs in Myanmar, were repatriated from March 25-26, 2025 through the joint-initiatives led by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). The victims, including professionals, were offered customer sales representative positions in exchange for high salaries. The Department of Justice (DOJ) assured it will conduct an investigation and go after the illegal recruiters and human traffickers, who were responsible for their deployment to Myanmar. Samuel P. Medenilla

Time BusinessMirror Our

Nepal’s elderly learn how to read and write

By Niranjan Shrestha The Associated Press

KATHMANDU, Nepal—Sushila Gautam, 77, checks her smartwatch, a gift from her son living in the United States, to see if she should leave for her reading and writing lessons.

“At home, I get bored when my son and daughterin-law go to work and grandchildren are at school. I want something to do,” she says with a smile.

When Sushila was young, girls in her village weren’t sent to school.

For about a year now, she has been going for free lessons near her home on the outskirts of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, at the Ujyalo Community Learning Center. The center was set up three years ago by the local council to provide basic education to women like her.

“Now, I finally have the chance,” says Sushila. She can now read signs in English and Nepalese, is able to check her heart rate on a smartwatch, and use a smartphone. But the skill she is most proud of is her ability to sign her name on official documents. Previously, she had to put thumbprints.

Bimala Maharjan Bhan-

dari, who runs the center, says she had difficulties at first to convince women to join.

“I had to tell them that being able to read phone messages, product labels and signing documents can benefit the whole family,” Bhandari said.

Slowly, by quietly persevering, she was able to persuade the women and their families. The center has made more than 200 women literate in its first three years.

Women sit at desks reading aloud from their Nepali language textbooks, following their instructor. Some write down simple sentences in their notebooks. During a break, they file out of the classroom to play soccer on a small hard court.

Bhandari believes that the center encourages friendship and physical well-being among the learners, creating a supportive environment for personal and collective growth.

Among the older students is 88-year-old Thuli Thapa Magar, who has spent her entire life as a homemaker. She, like Sushila, never went to school and was illiterate before joining the center. She is proud of the fact that she is finally learning.

The sound of emotions

PWD discounts, privileges remain while shifting to unified ID system

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs, on Friday assured the public that the delivery of basic services to persons with disabilities (PWD) will not be hampered while the unified identification (ID) system is in the works.

This is in line with the pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., assuring PWDs of the government’s effective implementation of beneficial policies and programs that will guarantee equitable opportunities, especially interventions and incentives.

In a press conference at the Philippine Information Agency auditorium in Quezon City, Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the DSWD International Affairs, and Attached and Supervised Agencies said PWDs can still avail themselves of the 20-percent discount, valueadded tax exemption, and other services while transitioning from the old ID to the unified ID system.

The development of the unified ID system aims to address the illegal issuance, sale, and utilization of fake IDs and boost the delivery of basic services to the vulnerable sector.

PWDs need to re-apply for an ID once the unified system has been developed. They will be given a 12-month transition period.

“It’s not abrupt. There will be mechanisms to ensure that what we are doing are effective and appropriate to the needs of the PWDs,” she said.

“There will be a digital ID that will be issued by the system where he/she will register. While the applicant is waiting for the physical ID, he or she can use the digital ID, generated through the system. There will be no hampering of services and benefits for per sons with disabilities.”

At the same time, Fallarcuna said extensive information and awareness

THERE is one episode in the Netflix series “Adolescence” in which the action or should I say non-action takes place in one room. Riveting and engrossing, it’s actually a long verbal joust between a 13-year-old boy murder suspect and a female psychologist. The episode consists of a long continuous virtuosic shot, which I think lasts for an hour.

More significant to me is that the slow-paced episode allows us to pick up what a sound specialist calls “the acoustic expression of emotions.” I am referring to the heavy sighs, scoffing, snorting, taps on the table, grating sound of chairs being dragged, sudden guttural growl, the diverse nuances of pitch, tone, and tempo in the expression of words, and last but not least, tense pauses and pregnant silences. Since there was minimal background music, all the sounds are natural and organic to the scene.

It is a mini demonstration of the relationship between sounds and emotions. The sounds we make are full of encoded emotions conveyed acoustically. We signal emotions when we laugh, scream, cry, whisper, sigh, or even when we are silent. The question is how acoustically conditioned or sensitive are we to be able to grasp the diverse range of emotions embedded in sounds?

Remember the popular Zen riddle: “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” If one is deaf or clueless to the meaning carried by the sound that is transmitted, then the communication is incomplete or lost. It is only a sound if someone hears it and understands the information in it.

If we are to believe the ancient Eastern mystics, we are all connected to nature and the universe by a universal sound vibration. According to them, that eternal cosmic

sound is “Om.”

Now, scientists are discovering that the universe has a background “hum” sound (sounds like “om’) produced by overlapping ripples in space-time, which were previously speculated by Albert Einstein over a century ago.

In 2010, mystic belief intersected with science when an astronomer was able to record the “om” sound, then put it in the computer and found that the frequency of the “om” sound is exactly the same as the frequency of the earth’s rotation around its own axis.

That amazing discovery is out of this world, but even in the here and now, we are immersed in a constant hum. It consists of a treasure trove of unspoken, non-verbal sounds waiting to be discovered and transformed into something meaningful. From the hum of city traffic to the soft rustle of leaves, these everyday sounds can serve as triggers or building blocks for reflection, creativity and upliftment.

Speaking of creativity, Eumir Deodato, the Brazilian pianist, composer, and arranger, was said to have created music on the spot by listening and then accompanying the hammering sounds of a carpenter who was constructing the stage in one of his concert rehearsals. There’s also an interesting video featuring a musician who was able to produce a melodious song out of the meow sounds of his cat. Watch

campaigns will be conducted during the transition period to further ensure that the benefits and privileges of PWDs will continue to be available.

She said the system will be pilot-tested from July to December in 32 select local government units across the country, targeting 200,000 PWDs or 10 percent of the total number as of March 7.

“The unified ID system will be a big help not only to the DSWD but also to other government agencies and merchants because in that system, they can check real time if the physical IDs presented by PWD are verified or not,” she said.

Earlier, Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. said establishments cannot deny PWDs their legally mandated discounts even if the authenticity of their identification cards cannot be immediately verified. He said rejecting PWD discounts under such circumstances violates Republic Act No. 10754 and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Villafuerte cited a new legal opinion from the Department of Justice (DOJ), which states that withholding PWD benefits and privileges due to unverified IDs “constitutes a violation of the rights of PWDs.”

“Based on the five-page legal opinion issued by the DOJ in January, establishments cannot deny PWDs their 20 percent discount and 12 percent VAT exemption on the ground that the authenticity of the PWD ID cards presented to agencies, restaurants, shops, or stores are doubtful because these cannot be ascertained at the time of their presenta-

“Sometimes I’m Alone” on YouTube to see what I mean.

When I embarked on a career in mass media communication, I learned the value of sound design to create a specific mood or atmosphere or to evoke joy, sadness, tension, wonder and laughter. It’s more than just tweaking knobs and adjusting volume, tone or pitch—it’s about using sound to convey emotion and tell a story in a more immersive way that connects deeply with listeners.

Even those who can’t speak, like animals, express what they feel through sounds. Research findings suggest that fundamental mechanisms for the acoustic expression of emotions exist across other classes of vertebrates such as lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, including our domestic cats and dogs. There is now a field called bioacoustics, aimed at understanding animal acoustic communications.

tion,” he said.

DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said in the legal opinion that “verification of a PWD ID card is not required before the benefits and privileges may be availed of by a PWD.”

Villafuerte further explained that under RA 10754, PWDs only need to present a valid ID issued by a local government unit (LGU), the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO or MSWDO), the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), or a Philippine passport to avail themselves of their benefits.

The DOJ issued the legal opinion in response to NCDA Deputy Executive Director Dandy Victa, who had asked whether establishments could legally withhold PWD privileges if the authenticity of the IDs could not be verified immediately.

Victa noted concerns raised by business establishments regarding suspicious PWD IDs.

Vasquez said that while verification is conducted through the Department of Health’s PWD Registry, the registry “does not yet contain the complete listing of PWDs in the country for various reasons.”

Vasquez underscored that the

hear music. Some individuals can even smell a sound or hear a color.

As for me, I salivate when I hear the names of my favorite dishes. I can smell certain scents when I hear someone speak of persons and places in my memory. Maybe there’s a synesthete in me.

It is said that even walls have ears. I am not talking about recording devices that allow anyone to listen through walls. But do you know that there’s a device that can bring out sounds embedded in the walls of a room, in the way fingerprints can be detected? These could be snatches of conversations or whispers or screams or laughter absorbed by the walls inside the room in the past days or years.

But in addition to this, new research done by Canadian scientists suggests that sounds are not only heard but they are also felt. In fact, sensations on the skin actually helped people decipher sounds better.

People with synesthesia, a psychological phenomenon, may see colors or taste flavors when they

Even plants make high-pitched noises that humans can’t hear. One research study found out that when they are stressed, infected, or cut, plants start clicking frantically. So, when you chop your vegetables, they might be emitting silent cries of pain.

We have barely tapped the power of ambient sounds to heal and promote wellness by evoking feelings of relaxation, warmth, joy and comfort. There’s even talk about “sound bath” that can cleanse negative vibrations out of you.

The question now is how con-

lack of a verification system or a complete PWD registry should not be used as basis for denying benefits, as doing so undermines the intent of the law.

“Denial or withholding of PWD benefits and privileges due to unverified PWD ID cards or when the verification results in ‘no records found’ in the registry would undoubtedly defeat the purpose of the law,” he said.

Villafuerte, meanwhile, reminded businesses of DOJ Opinion No. 45, issued in October 2024, which clarified that the 20 percent discount and 12 percent VAT exemption apply to the total cost of meals purchased by PWDs, whether for dine-in or takeout.

The opinion affirmed that the discount is applicable regardless of the quantity or size of the order, as long as the food is for the exclusive consumption of the PWD cardholder. Villafuerte has filed House Bill No. 8223, seeking to establish a Disability Support Allowance Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The bill proposes a monthly disability allowance of P2,000 to help PWDs cope with the rising cost of living and support their integration into society. PNA

scious are we of the sounds around us and how do they affect us? How do we experience the diverse sounds around us emotionally and unconsciously? Why do we get attracted towards certain sounds while being repelled by others?

Maybe we need to talk together to reflect on our emotional experiences of sound, drawing on the collective knowledge of acoustics experts, therapists, sound artists, and musicians.

Broadening our perspective, there are sounds that society at large has chosen to ignore time and again. They come from the natural environment around us—the cries of our last remaining forests being gutted down, the silent cries of turtles, dolphins, seabirds entangled in plastic debris, the widespread coughing coming from human lungs suffocated by densely polluted air. They come from the world around us—the countless death knells of the innocent slain by war, the groanings of the poor weighed down by social injustice, the painful growling of starving stomachs. With more of us listening up and standing up, we can turn the noise of war and violence and injustice into an uplifting music of

and justice and inclusiveness. Acoustically connected to one another and to all living beings, we may yet help create a better “soundscape for well-being.”

peace, harmony,

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development guarantees the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to persons with disabilities while transitioning to a unified ID system, as discussed

ELDERLY women attend a class at the Ujyalo Community learning center in Kathmandu, Nepal, February 6, 2025. AP PHOTO/NIRANJAN SHRESTHA

A6

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

Marian Rivera on financial literacy and her favorite digital wallet

Group of Companies

event (from

Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, chief business development officer; Robert Ben Castro, chief operating officer; Karlo Castro, president and CEO; Angelita Castro, deputy chairman and co-founder; Bobby Castro, founder and chairman; Lilian Castro-Selda, vice chairman and chief financial officer; and Korina CastroFernando, chief human resources officer, with new brand ambassador Marian Rivera.

ACTRESS Marian Rivera prefers to call her role as the new face of the Palawan Group of Companies a collaboration instead of just an endorsement.

“I admire how Palawan continues to innovate to make financial transactions easier and more accessible for our sukis,” said the actress in Filipino.

The Palawan Group of Companies includes PalawanPay, Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, and Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry.

In particular, Marian admires how the Palawan Group has made the e-wallet app PalawanPay userfriendly and easy to navigate.

As the manager of her household, Marian is in charge of paying bills and taking care of the staff’s payroll, which she all does via PalawanPay.

“It’s very convenient,” she said.

’yung pambayad ”

For this purpose, Marian even has a notebook where she places the bills to be paid.

She and her husband, actor Dingdong Dantes, review their finances regularly to set goals and adjust them if needed.

But beyond that, the partnership between Marian Rivera and the Palawan Group of Companies is rooted on financial inclusion, promoting financial literacy, and empowering communities.

Known for her strong family values and practical approach to managing finances, Marian was handpicked by the Palawan Group to be its new endorser.

“We’ve always looked for someone who truly represents what Palawan stands for—resilience, hard work, and success. Marian’s journey, the sacrifices she has made, and her dedication to her family and career mirror Palawan’s own story,” said Karlo Castro, president and chief executive officer of Palawan Group of Companies.

As she promotes the brand, Marian hopes to inspire her followers to take charge of her finances like she does.

“I want to be a role model by encouraging my supporters to manage their money wisely. By partnering with Palawan, I hope to inspire more Filipinos to make informed financial decisions for their families and future,” said the actress. Marian is proud of her budgeting and organizing skills. “Ako talaga ang in-charge sa pagbayad ng bills. To stay organized, I prioritize budgeting and take advantage of financial apps to track our income and spending. But don’t get me wrong! Binibigay ng asawa ko

So, accepting the Palawan Group of Companies endorsement was easy for the actress.

“I’m honored to work with a Filipino company that aligns with my values,” said Marian.

WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN IT

SUN Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines, the Global Capability Centre of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, recently hosted a workshop for young women interested in  pursuing careers in information technology.

The workshop, dubbed IT Girls: Empowering the Youth in Their IT Careers, provided insights into how to enter and thrive in the IT industry and, more importantly, offered an insider’s view on career opportunities in SLGS.

To celebrate Women’s Month, WiTech (Women in Technology), a non-profit organization that aims to educate, inspire and empower the youth to break gender barriers and use tech to make a difference in society, gathered students from different universities and colleges for an afternoon of informative talks and fun activities organized by SLGS Philippines leaders.

SLGS is a talent and innovation hub that provides expert technology, client operations, and knowledge services and advanced solutions.

“SLGS is a strong believer of the importance of

nurturing an inclusive and respectable environment. As the technology solutions provider to the leading insurance company in the Philippines, we are in a unique position to inspire and empower young women as they start their career in technology,” said Nathalie Bernardo, vice president and site head of SLGS Philippines.

The workshop began with a discussion of key trends in the IT sector by Jennifer Lumbao, SLGS head of Asia Technology. The session identified key innovations such as Gen AI, Big Data, Robotic Process Automation and mobile applications as technology trends students can explore and learn as they start their career.

SLGS Philippines provides solutions that have impacted various aspects of Sun Life. Meanwhile, Sun Life Asks, which is implemented by Sun Life Global Technology teams, is an internal GenAI chatbot that enables employees to find quick answers and general assistance with daily tasks. Sun Life Asks was recognized at the 2024 CIO Awards Canada, which celebrates Canadian organizations and the teams within them that are using IT in innovative ways to deliver business value.

Meanwhile, the Sun Life mobile app allows clients to engage with the brand to manage their accounts anytime, anywhere, thanks to the Sun Life PH mobile app. The app also includes an office locator, a findan-advisor feature, and a section for frequently asked questions.

■ For more information on Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com/slgs/en.

Meta starts testing crowd-sourced fact-checking, based on X example

FACEBOOK and Instagram parent company Meta Platforms Inc. began testing its crowd-sourced factchecking program, Community Notes, which was scheduled on March 18. It was initially based on a ratings system used by Elon Musk’s X. Meta ended its fact-checking program in January. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the time that fact-checkers had become “politically biased,” using some of the language that conservatives have long used to criticize his platforms. But media experts and those who study social media were aghast at Meta’s policy shift. The decision “not only removes a valuable resource for users, but it also provides an air of legitimacy to a popular disinformation narrative: That fact-checking is politically biased. Fact-checkers provide a valuable service by adding important context to the viral claims that mislead and misinform millions of users on Meta,” said Dan Evon, lead writer

for RumorGuard, the News Literacy Project’s digital tool that curates fact checks and teaches people to spot viral misinformation.

Meta began fact checks in December 2016, after US President Donald J. Trump was elected to his

first term, in response to criticism that “fake news” was spreading on its platforms. For years, the tech giant boasted it was working with more than 100 organizations in over 60 languages to combat misinformation. The Associated Press ended its

participation in Meta’s fact-checking program more than a year ago. Community Notes will replace fact checks, although not right away. Meta said potential contributors in the US can begin to sign up to take part in the program, but the notes they write won’t appear immediately.

“We will start by gradually and randomly admitting people off of the waitlist, and will take time to test the writing and rating system before any notes are published publicly,” Meta said. Meta said it won’t decide what gets rated or written and the notes “won’t be published unless contributors with a range of viewpoints broadly agree on them.” And unlike with fact checks, where posts that were determined to be misinformation had their distribution reduced, posts with Community Notes won’t be penalized, Meta said.

Fact checks will stay in place outside of the US for now, though Meta says it eventually plans to roll out Community Notes worldwide. AP

‘Agnostic’ carrier networks will boost digital transformation

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES

TELCO-NEUTRAL data centers have been proven to be beneficial to enterprise-grade organizations because they provide flexibility, enhanced network connection, network resilience, cost optimization and scalability.

In other words, an “agnostic” carrier network provides organizations an option to work with several telcos to ensure their seamless connectivity.

As far as Bee Information Technology (Beeinfotech) Philippines Inc. is concerned, the entry in the Philippines is timely, as the country is aggressively pursuing digital transformation. Furthermore, the Philippine government led by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is actively promoting data center investments, through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. This proves that the current administration regards data centers as very important to the country’s economic future.

In a press briefing, Beeinfotech Philippines CEO and President Wing Cheung expounded the company’s roadmap to reporters and emphasized the critical role of hybrid data centers. Furthermore, he commended the Philippine government in crafting a smart nation accelerating digitalization across industries, and driving economic growth—all of which are driven by robust and reliable digital infrastructure.

He pointed out that HIVE’s purpose is to be the digital infrastructure platform where data and computers come together to empower a sustainable digital platform.

As one of the largest telco-neutral data centers in the Philippines, HIVE distinguishes itself with eight key advantages: business continuity and reliability, scalability and flexibility, accessibility and convenience, standard and customized product offerings, security and compliance, sustainability and green, carrier neutrality, and experienced industry expertise.

Located at the Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City, Cheung said HIVE will serve as a vital hub connecting enterprises, government, and key industries, fostering connectivity, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. “Together, we are empowering a thriving digital economy and building a smarter Philippines,” Wing added.

As a key technology partner in the HIVE Hybrid Data Center project, Cheung said the Shenzhen, China-based ZTE Corp. has been deeply involved in every stage—from initial construction planning and consulting to mid-term solution design and final project delivery—ensuring the successful launch of the data center.

Wang Zhuo, CEO of ZTE Philippines, said ZTE’s collaboration with Beeinfotech Philippines on HIVE has great potential. “With the rapid acceleration of global digital transformation, the Asia-Pacific region has become a key hub for the data center industry. ZTE is honored to collaborate in building the HIVE Hybrid Data Center, providing solid technological support for local enterprises in their digital operations, and contributing to the thriving digital economy in the Asia-Pacific region.”

As the wave of digital transformation accelerates, the grand opening of HIVE Hybrid Data Center marks not only a significant milestone in Beeinfotech Philippines’ strategy but also a critical step in the country’s journey toward digital transformation. As Beeinfotech continues to expand globally, a smarter, more efficient, and interconnected digital future is rapidly becoming a reality.

A “telco-neutral” or “carrier-neutral” data center is defined as a provider of services that is not tied to any single telecommunications provider. It offers multiple connectivity options, increased redundancy and reliability, enhanced network resilience, greater flexibility and scalability, and cost optimization.

European Union lays out how Apple must open its tech up to competitors under bloc’s digital rules

LONDON—The European Union on Wednesday outlined the steps that Apple must take to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to work better with competing technologies. It’s the first time the EU has moved to compel a technology company to comply with the bloc’s digital Digital Markets Act—a wide-ranging set of regulations designed to prevent Big Tech “gatekeeper” companies from cornering markets.

After the DMA took effect a year ago, the EU’s executive Commission moved swiftly to open a raft of investigations into Big Tech companies.

Brussels also opened two “specification proceedings” in September to spell out what Apple needs to do under the DMA, which aims to make digital markets “fairer” and “more contestable” by breaking up closed tech ecosystems that lock consumers into a single company’s products or services.

In its legally binding decision, the commission detailed measures that the iPhone maker has to take involving nine connectivity features for its iOS operating system.

The measures will give device and app makers better access to iPhone features that work with devices. For example, iPhone users will have “enhanced possibilities” to receive notifications on non-Apple smartwatches, including receiving pictures and the ability to reply to them. Users could also benefit from more seamless pairing of wireless headphones from other brands.

Access to Apple’s wireless file transfer technology would let third-party developers create apps similar to the AirDrop feature.

The commission also laid out a second set of measures to make the process for software developers requesting access to iPhone features more transparent and effective. Among the changes are better access to technical documentation not yet available to third parties, it said.

With its decision, Brussels is “providing regulatory certainty both to Apple and to developers,” the European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera said in a press release.

“Effective interoperability” will mean “better choice for consumers in the fast-growing market for innovative connected devices,” she said. European consumer group BEUC hailed the decision.

“For too long, Apple has operated a walled garden around its products and prevented interoperability,” Director General Agustin Reyna said. Apple, however, voiced its unhappiness, saying it’s bad for the company’s products and for European users. The company said it will continue to work with the European Commission to “help them understand our concerns on behalf of our users.”

The Commission also said Wednesday that Google wasn’t doing enough to comply with DMA. Despite making changes, including removing flight listings, Google was still giving preference to its own services in search results, it said. Google said the EU findings will require the company to make even more changes to how it displays some search results, “which would make it harder for people to find what they are looking for and reduce traffic to European businesses. This is, quite simply, misguided.”

If the commission decides Google is in “non-compliance” with the DMA, it can issue a fine of up to 10 percent of the company’s annual global revenue. But officials have said that they want to avoid issuing blockbuster fines and instead negotiate with companies to get them to comply. AP

BusinessMirror

More than a summer �ling: The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is for keeps

YOU’VE spent weeks perfecting your summer itinerary—carefully choosing the destinations, planning each activity down to the hour, and curating your OOTDs for every photo-op. But even the most well-prepared trip can be derailed by one thing you didnt count on: your phone failing you. Whether it’s a missed shot because of a blurry camera, a dead battery halfway through the day, or worse (like, your phone getting water damaged because of a little splash)—this even before the real adventure begins.

Thats exactly what realme set out to prove when they brought us to the scenic Nature Escape Camp in Tanay, Rizal for Clarity Camp—a summer adventure designed to push the realme 14 Pro Series to its limits. From rugged trail hikes to adrenaline-pumping water tubing, the phone was put through the kind of challenges your travels might throw at it. The goal? To show that it’s built to keep up—and more importantly, it captures every moment in stunning detail, frame after frame.

OOTD AND POOL READY

SINCE its first reveal, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G has turned heads—thanks to the worlds first colorsensitive changing back panel. The Pearl White variant, in particular, features a stunning oceaninspired pearl finish that reacts to cold. Expose it to around 16°C, and the back projects some elegant shades of blue—like a seashell catching sunlight beneath the waves. It’s the kind of detail that quietly impresses—perfect for travelers who care about their OOTDs as much as their gear.

Realme also made sure it’s not just pretty to look at. With smudge and stain resistance built in, you wont stress about fingerprints, coffee spills, or the occasional sauce splash.

Summer means beach trips, waterfalls, poolside hangouts—and sometimes a whole lot of unexpected splashes. Fortunately, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G isnt afraid to get a little wet. It comes with IP69, IP68 and IP66 ratings, making it one of the most rugged smartphones in its class. IP69 means it can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets— basically, it’ll survive rainstorms or even being near a power washer. IP68 ensures its fully dustproof and submersible in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30

GLOBE TO BRING CONNECTIVITY TO 100 MORE REMOTE AREAS IN 2025

TELCO giant Globe is set to connect 100 more Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) to its network in 2025, bringing vital digital services to more underserved communities across the country.

“Connectivity is a fundamental enabler of progress. By expanding network infrastructure in GIDAs, we are unlocking access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities for millions of Filipinos. Globe remains steadfast in working with industry partners and the government to ensure inclusive digital access,” said Darius Delgado, Globe’s chief commercial officer. With 600 operational cell sites already in place, Globe aims to expand this further to 700 by the end of the year as part of its commitment to nationwide connectivity. This initiative is driven by the Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF) under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) in partnership with the country’s three mobile network operators (MNOs). MNO leaders have pledged to construct 1,050 new towers in GIDAs between 2025 and 2028, providing connectivity to approximately 12 million Filipinos in remote and underserved regions. Telcos have committed to deploying more towers in GIDAs to remote and unconnected communities until 2028. Globe (www.globe.com.ph) continues to advocate for a collaborative, industry-wide approach to network expansion in GIDAs. The company emphasizes the importance of private sector and government partnerships to efficiently deploy telecom services to underserved communities. By leveraging shared infrastructure and optimizing existing capacity, the industry aims to make digital services more accessible and sustainable, positioning connectivity as a key driver of inclusive growth and development.

minutes, perfect for pool dips and sudden downpours. Meanwhile, IP66 certifies that it can resist strong water jets from any direction. It even comes with a dedicated Underwater Mode. Dive up to 2 meters deep, and you can still take photos using the power or volume buttons—no need to fiddle with the touchscreen. It’s perfect for pool shots or freshwater spots, though it is not recommended for saltwater use.

PERFORMANCE THAT KEEPS UP WITH YOU

TRAVELING is the ultimate multitaskers challenge, and the last thing you need is a phone that lags when the pressure is on. The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3—a 4nm processor with 2.5GHz clock speed and Adreno 810 GPU. That means smooth multitasking and hassle-free app switching even when you’ve got dozens of tabs open. We travel to make memories—and in today’s world, that means taking hundreds (if not thousands) of photos to capture every moment. The realme 14 Pro+ 5G delivers gallery-worthy shots, thanks to its impressive triple Sony camera system.

It has a 50MP Sony IMX896 main camera, equipped with a large 1/1.56”sensor, a bright f/1.88 aperture, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This is your go-to lens for everything—from golden hour selfies to evening city strolls. OIS helps eliminate blurriness caused by shaky hands or low light, which is perfect when you’re capturing handheld shots during night markets or twilight walks on the beach.

Complementing the main sensor is a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens. This one is for your long-range travel moments. With 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital SuperZoom, this lens allows you to get closer to the action without physically moving.

Then there’s the 8MP Sony IMX355 ultra-wide camera, which captures more of the scene in one shot—ideal for group photos, dramatic landscapes, or wide city street views. With a 112° field of view, it ensures that nothing gets cropped out of your memory. This lens comes in especially handy when you’re trying to shoot in tight spaces. To enhance lowlight and evening portraits, realme added MagicGlow Triple Flash, a smart three-LED flash system that lets you adjust brightness and color temperature to suit your subject. Built-in filters like Déjà Vu and Retro also let you create nostalgic, social media-ready looks without downloading editing apps.

What truly makes this camera system travelfriendly is the suite of AI tools packed into realme UI

6.0—from AI Ultra Clarity 2.0 that will detect blurry parts of a photo and clean them up in seconds, to AI Snap Mode that is designed for moments where things are moving fast and uses intelligent scene prediction to time the shutter perfectly so you get the clearest possible frame.

DISPLAY BUILT FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS TRAVELING often means being under the sun— whether you’re navigating unfamiliar streets, taking photos at the beach, or finding directions during a stroll. The realme 14 Pro+ 5G delivers a solid viewing experience that holds up even in outdoor conditions. It features a spacious 6.83-inch OLED Quad Curve Display with a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1272) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The display is bezel-less and curves on all sides, blending seamlessly into the frame for a truly immersive, edge-to-edge experience. The screen produces vibrant colors and crisp details that make everything from social media to videos look clean and easy on the eyes.

BATTERY THAT LASTS—AND CHARGES FAST LONG travel days mean your phone needs to keep up. Good thing the realme 14 Pro+ 5G packs a 6000mAh battery—easily lasting you through a full day of shooting, navigating and streaming. Running low? 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging gets you from 0 to 50 percent in just 23 minutes, and full in about an hour. Plus, realme guarantees 80 percent battery health even after 1600 charge cycles—so the battery wont conk out a year into your adventures.

FINAL WORD: When you’re constantly on the move, your phone isnt just a device—it’s your navigator, camera, travel journal, and connection to the world. For adventurers, wanderlusters, and content creators alike, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G hits that sweet spot—it brings together a stunning design, rugged durability, smooth performance, and one of the best camera systems in its class. It looks good in every OOTD, handles splashes and tumbles like a pro, and captures your travels with clarity that rivals far pricier phones. And the best part? You dont need to blow your entire travel fund to get it. The realme 14 Pro+ 5G starts at P21,999 for the 12GB

DepEd and LinkedIn to upskill 200K+ teachers, prepare job-ready graduates

THE Department of Education (DepEd) and LinkedIn are partnering to bridge the local education-employment gap by strengthening the teaching workforce and equipping the next generation with skills for the artificial intelligence (AI)driven economy.

The partnership was formalized with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Singapore led by Sec. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara along with LinkedIn’s CEO Ryan Roslansky and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific Feon Ang graced the ceremony. For LinkedIn, it marked a significant milestone in the Philippines’ drive to enhance educational standards.

The world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn has formed a strategic partnership with the DepEd that will address the nation’s educational and workforce challenges. It aims to provide over 200,000 public-school teachers with access to “LinkedIn Learning” courses, mapped to the Philippines’ “Professional Standards for Educators.” Said initiative will help teachers develop key competencies in areas— including creative thinking, data analytics and digital skills, as the country undergoes rapid digitalization by AI. This will empower teachers to stay relevant, become more productive and efficient in daily tasks, and deliver a higher quality of education in the classroom. Beyond upskilling educators, DepEd will also rely on “LinkedIn Talent Insights (LTI)” to shape and inform curriculum design, particularly for Grade 11 and 12 students. This data-driven approach will ensure that classroom pedagogy aligns with in-demand skills and competencies to better guide and prepare job-ready graduates as they enter the workforce.

Angara acknowledged that the Philippines is facing significant challenges in addressing teacher distribution and a shortage of nearly 90,000 educators: “The global pandemic underscored the need for ongoing teacher support and training to deliver quality education in diverse and remote learning environments. Our partnership with LinkedIn enables DepEd to establish robust professional development programs for teachers beyond one-off training initiatives.”

He furthered that “by leveraging LinkedIn’s global insights and comprehensive LinkedIn Learning course offerings, we can provide educators

Akbayan’s Diokno eyes

with the tools and the data-driven resources to close skill gaps, improve competencies, and drive meaningful change in classrooms nationwide.”

Setting up for success

WITH over 1.1 billion members globally—including 16 million in the Philippines—LinkedIn has a unique view into work changing at an unprecedented pace. Its recently launched Work Change report projects that the skills required to do a job in the Philippines will change by 70 percent by 2030, accelerated by AI. According to LinkedIn, 10 percent of workers hired in 2024 hold job titles

financial aid for college students’ school-related expenses

KBAYAN Partylist’s first nomi -

Anee Atty. Chel Diokno vows to push for the passage of a measure that will provide direct financial aid to college students, helping them cover other education-related expenses.

Diokno said he will submit the “Allowance is Essential” measure once he secures a seat in Congress, as he pointed out that it will complement and expand the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” or the law providing free tuition to students.

that did not exist in 2000 in a new AIdriven era of work. Roles like AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Sustainability Manager, Social Media Manager, and Customer Success Manager are now commonplace.

It said that the growing demand for AI-related competencies is clear: 68 percent of Filipino leaders would hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills, than a more experienced candidate without them. However, with AI’s potential to automate more routine and everyday tasks, business leaders are also recognizing the importance of soft skills, or those that set people apart to innovate and collaborate in ways technology cannot.

In the Philippines, six of the top 10 growing in-demand skills are soft skills, with writing and critical thinking being the most in-demand, followed by problem solving, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

For Ang, the value of skills will continue to be raised by AI, as it becomes relevant to every job in the future and woven into many tasks. “But as we integrate this technology into daily work, human skills like communication, creative thinking, and leadership will become even more critical.”

The LinkedIn official added that “our focus is on equipping educators with the technical and soft skills that reflect this shift. By partnering with the [DepEd, we aim to empower edu -

cators in leading this transformation, while preparing] the next generation of graduates with the skills and in-demand capabilities they need to thrive in an evolving world of work.”

Helping HS students WITH this backdrop of skills transformation, DepEd also plans to roll out “LinkedIn 101” training to senior high school students, ensuring they have the right expertise to optimize their profiles, build a professional network, and leverage the world’s largest professional platform to land job opportunities.

The training programs, conducted with LinkedIn, will guide students on effectively highlighting their skills, achievements and experiences to potential employers. This will empower fresh graduates in boosting their visibility to recruiters, standing out in an increasingly competitive job market, and connecting to economic opportunity.

“This partnership reflects DepEd’s commitment to elevating educational standards and LinkedIn’s role as our trusted partner in upskilling the Philippines’ workforce. By preparing educators and students alike for the evolving job market, we can collectively empower the next generation of Filipino professionals to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape,” Angara concluded.

The human rights lawyer emphasized the necessity for additional assistance for students, pointing out that the college dropout rate remains high despite the free tuition due to lingering financial concerns.

According to the Year Two report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2, the higher education attrition or dropout rate is at 39 percent nationwide.

The lawyer believes that despite having legislation on free college education, there is a large number of youth that fail to finish tertiary learning as they lack monetary allowances, thus unable to meet their needs for studying.

During a forum with students in Bacolod City, Diokno said that daily expenses still pose heavy burdens to them. They include allowances, transportation fares, dormitory fees, books, and miscellaneous needs for learning, thus the need for more financial aid from the government.

HONORED with the “Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) for Business,” Laus Group of Companies (LGC) chairperson and CEO Lisset Laus-Velasco continues to turn recognition into action.

The award’s proceeds are being allocated to fund scholarships for deserving students, reinforcing her lifelong advocacy for education and gender equality. By investing in the next generation, Laus-Velasco is ensuring that more young leaders—especially women—have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

As the world celebrates Women’s Month, her commitment to education and empowerment stands out, creating a lasting impact for future generations.

Education has always been at the core of Laus-Velasco’s vision for progress. Under her leadership, LGC has initiated scholarship programs that provide opportunities for students to gain technical skills and professional development. Beyond corporate-led initiatives,

The Allowance is Essential Law, he said, aims to help poor students graduate from college. He further stressed that Akbayan Partylist will push for the inclusion of senior high and basic education students under such.

Aside from this, the partylist will also push for educational reforms, such as the allocation of at least 6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product for the education budget to help address the education crisis and improve learning outcomes of students.

Diokno also promised to upgrade public-school teachers’ salary-grade levels and provide children with wellreviewed textbooks in all subjects.

Akbayan’s first nominee is also pushing for the full implementation

the Levy P. Laus Foundation Inc. (LPLFI), established in 1992 has been key in advancing educational support for Kapampangan youth. Dedicated to the intellectual and professional advancement of students across Luzon, the LPLFI—named after its founder—has supported 90 scholars since its inception, with 19 active scholars pursuing degrees in Business Management, Accountancy, and Automotive Technology at esteemed institutions.

To date, 88 scholars have benefited from these initiatives, further solidifying LGC’s role in empowering future leaders through education. Augmenting this, the “Automotive

Technician Education and Skills Development Program” was established in partnership with the Department of Education-Region 3 and the Philippine Business for Social Progress in 2023. This program has provided grants to 25 Grade 12 students from Northern Luzon. It also supports automotive technical-vocational students, many of whom have successfully completed their studies and are now thriving in the workforce.

The Laus Group remains steadfast in creating job opportunities for the youth, recognizing that access to education is the first step toward sustainable economic empowerment.

of the “Magna Carta for Public School Teachers,” other laws on overtime pay, as well as the provision of ample instructional supplies and equipment for teachers.

“We need to provide all the necessary support to our teachers: from adequate salary and other benefits to sufficient supplies and materials for teaching, so they can effectively fulfill their duties to our students,” he said.

Diokno visited several schools in Bacolod City which included Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, College of Arts and Sciences of Asia and the Pacific, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, and Fast Central College, where he discussed human rights and youth participation in good governance.

In 2023, Laus-Velasco was recognized by the Asean Women Entrepreneurs Network as one of the leading women entrepreneurs from the Philippines, reinforcing her role as a trailblazer in business and leadership.

“My journey has always been about more than just continuing a legacy— it’s about expanding it with purpose,” Laus-Velasco shared. “Empowering women and future leaders is not just an advocacy; it is a commitment that drives our efforts at Laus Group. From education programs to business opportunities, we ensure that success is not limited by gender but strengthened by it.”

With the celebration of Women’s Month highlighting the importance of inclusivity, leadership and progress, Laus-Velasco’s story serves as a testament to what is possible when excellence meets purpose. Through her leadership, the Laus Group of Companies continues to invest in education and gender equality, ensuring that the next generation—especially young women—can rise as leaders and changemakers.

ATIONAL UNIVERSITY

N(NU) is marking its 125th anniversary in 2025 with a key milestone: the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas within SM properties, bringing its total campus count to 14.

This expansion is expected to increase student enrollment to 85,000, deepening the university’s commitment to its mission of providing accessible and quality education to more Filipinos. It also reflects the shared vision of the SM Group and NU to foster positive change through education and community development.

The new campuses, slated to open later this year, are an integral part of the higher education institution (HEI)’s goal of reaching more students across the country. This mirrors both the SM Group and NU’s dedication to social good, as they work together to break barriers and create opportunities for all Filipinos.

Henry Sy Sr. strongly believed that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, which continues to guide the Sy family’s support to NU since 2008.

“We’ve been expanding with the purpose of providing more access to quality education, which is core to the SM Group’s commitment to social good,” said Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita Jr. who is the university’s president and CEO. “For us, giving back means ensuring that excellence in education reaches more Filipinos, regardless of their background. The Sy family has always aimed for excellence at NU—whether in academics, infrastructure, or sports.”

In line with SM’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, along with its belief in every student’s potential, NU maintains an open admissions policy and invests in assessments that determine necessary intervention to help senior high-school graduates to be college-ready. This ensures that a wider pool of Filipino students has the chance to pursue higher education regardless of their background or status. This is aligned and supportive of the group’s wider aspiration of creating avenues for growth and social mobility through education.

Committed to providing more access to quality education, NU is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas this year. Dr. Ermita revealed they are transforming NU into a research-oriented university: “This is in direct alignment with the SM Group’s long-standing advocacy for advancing education and social progress.”

As part of this vision, NU aims to offer greater international mobility for its students, ensuring their credentials are globally recognized. This, along with SM’s support, enhances opportunities for students to compete in the global marketplace. In true NU fashion, Dr. Ermita concluded that their students can rise above their circumstances through hard work, dedication, patience, humility, strength, and conviction: “With the continued support of the SM Group, together, we embark on this ongoing journey to success, driving social good through education.”

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Tourism&Entertainment

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

THAILAND’S OG RESORT TOWN

Fish port turned beach destination Hua Hin

BEFORE Phuket and Koh Samui became travel hotspots, there was Hua Hin. Once a sleepy fishing village, Hua Hin became a royal resort and summer retreat in the 1920s.

Patronage by Thai royalty slowly spurred its development, with the town boasting of an efficient road and rail network connecting it to the rest of Thailand.

Located south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is one of two popular beach destinations within striking distance from Bangkok, the other being Pattaya. But just as Hua Hin and Pattaya are separated by the Gulf of Thailand, so too are the vibe in each resort town. Pattaya has a vibrant atmosphere and active party scene, while Hua Hin is quiet and laid-back.

Hua Hin has consistent warm weather year-round. Its coastal areas are backed by lush forests, which keeps the climate soothing even in the summer. Patronage by Thai nobility has given Hua Hin a high-end, exclusive reputation with Thai’s elite snapping up beach villas and luxury condominiums, similar to the Hamptons in the USA.

I spent a few days in Hua Hin in 2022, while waiting out quarantine restrictions in Bangkok. An uncle who had visited the area many years before recommended the area. Compared to the overwhelming urban-scape of Bangkok, or the party scene in Pattaya, Hua Hin is a welcome break.

The beaches of Hua Hin are pleasant, but frankly, a far cry from the beaches in the Philippines (and the same goes for Pattaya). But over a century of progress and development in Hua Hin has enticed some of

the biggest hotel and resort brands around the world to build properties in the area, including some of the most glamorous in the region such as The Standard Hua Hin, Peri Hotel Hua Hin, the Chiva-Som Resort, and Anantara.

From Bangkok, it’s a relatively easy bus, train, private coach or car ride to Hua Hin. And with on-going efforts to upgrade the Hua Hin Airport, it might even be possible for international travelers to avoid Bangkok and fly directly to Hua Hin. For now, it’s more convenient to book a car via Grab—especially if you’re travelling with a friend or two and have luggage. It costs about THB2,400 (P4,000) for a Grab car from the airport straight to your hotel or resort in Hua Hin.

As far as accommodations go, there are so many options on where to stay at every price point. But my favorite by far are the ones within the vicinity of the Hilton Hua Hin and Centara Grand Village (those two are really nice resorts, albeit a bit pricey).

GATEWAY TO BATANES

Batan Island from North to South

BATAN Island, the gateway to Batanes, is one of three main islands of the province (the others are Sabtang and Itbayat) and home to four of the province’s six municipalities, including Basco, the provincial capital.

You can circumnavigate the island in less than a day but touring the island should be done at leisure, the north in one day and the south in the other. Both feature historical sites, Spanish-era structures, traditional Ivatan houses, magnificent lighthouses and the surreal beauty of gorgeous hills and seascapes from a number of view decks. The northern tour starts with the beautiful Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chapel (also known as Tukon Chapel), a favorite wedding venue opened last May 3, 2008 and, further up, is the PAGASA Radar Station (also known as Radar Tukon).

Both have magnificent and breathtaking 360-degree views of Batan Island, the West Philippine Sea, boulder-lined cliffs, Mount Iraya, rolling hills and the magnificent pastoral beauty of labyrinth-like hedgerows (liveng) and fields, on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other side.  A short drive away is the Dipnaysuhuan Japanese Tunnel, an abandoned 250-meter long interconnected network of six bat-filled tunnels

What to do and see in Hua Hin

Wat Khao Takiab LOCATED south of the town proper, Wat Khao Takiab is perched on top of a 270-meter high mountain and boasts of a lovely view of the sea. Climb about 100 steps to the top of the temple where there is a stupa and several bronze bells you can ring. Pilgrims say ringing all 40-or so bells, brings good luck. I’m iffy on the luck part but the sound of the bells causes vibrations that are felt throughout your body, similar to the effect of singing or healing bowls.

Khao Takiab is also known as the Monkey Mountain as it is home to hundreds of Macaque Monkeys— many of whom are mischievous. They will grab your things if they can, so secure loose items like eyeglasses and your mobile phones. The resident monks do feed the monkeys at certain times during the day, and it is interesting (a bit scary too) to watch hundreds of monkeys flocking in one

area at the same time.

At the bottom of the mountain is a cliff with a giant standing golden statue of Buddha overlooks Hua Hin beach. There used to be a path from the temple to the cliff—I had hiked there in 2022, but it has since been overgrown with vegetation. There is another road from the main temple to the statue that takes a little longer, but it’s easier.

Past the iconic golden Buddha are small bars and restaurants that serve light snacks and cold drinks on tables near the cliff. From here, you can make your way down to the fine, white sand of Hua Hin Beach.

Hua Hin Beach

HUA HIN Beach is an eight kilometer stretch of white sand beach that starts at Khai Takiab and ends near the Hua Hin Airport. While it’s possible to walk along the entire beach, there are areas blocked off by rocks. It’s also possible to lay a towel anywhere along that beach, or go to ar -

which served as a shelter and lookout for Japanese soldiers during World War II. The 3-kilometer long, scenic Valugan Boulder Beach is, as its name suggests, made up of medium to big size boulders, of different colors, that help create an incredible landscape framed by almost vertical cliffs and rolling hills. In Basco town proper is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  Built in 1812, this church is the oldest in the province. The famous Vayang Rolling Hills, one of the most picturesque sights in the province, has seemingly endless wave of undulating hills, covered in verdant grass and patches of green trees, that are a perfect spot to relax and take in the province’s serene and laidback atmosphere. Naidi Hills, another good leisurely warm-up for a Batanes trek, has a unique panoramic view of Baluarte Bay, Basco, Mount Iraya, the sunset and the rolling hills. Here, you can visit a magnificent, 6-storey (66-foot high), conical lighthouse, built in March 2003. For the southern tour, you can start with breathtaking Chawa View Deck which has a panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea beyond, the pounding waves below, the rolling green hills and the rugged western cliffs. Just before entering the town proper of Mahatao, you will pass by the Mahatao Boat Shelter Port, a man-made cove where falowas,

tatayas and other small inter-island vessels

eas where lounge chairs and tables are for rent at THB100 (PHP170) for the entire day.

Hua Hin Train Station

THE original station that dates back to the 1920s is still intact—benches, signages and platform, but there’s a new station now that’s in use. But the old buildings with its mix of Thai and European colonial architectural elements, are still worth visiting. From here, you can walk around the older part of town and get a feel of its laid-back charm and vintage buildings.

Hua Hin Night Market

NOW this is where you can get your fill of street food and sweet treats. Open from 530pm-onwards, Hua Hin market is located in the heart of town proper. It’s a walking street lined with vendors of food, trinkets, clothes and other items. I kept coming back for Rotee—pancakes made with bananas and condensed milk, paired with Thai

Milk Tea. There’s also an Italian expat who has made Hua Hin her home, and she makes artisanal gelato sold only at this market.

Seafood, Thai style FOR all the development in Hua Hin, the town remains a fish port, and there are several families that have made their living over decades running seafood restaurants. Several of these are located by the Hua Hin Beach, though my favorite one is Koti, a Chinese seafood restaurant that’s been around since 1932. Their specialties include steamed fish, with a choice of three different infusions— soy sauce, lemongrass and chili, or plum; and the spicy seafood salad. Hua Hin can also serve as a gateway to the rest of southern Thailand. There are waterfalls and other attractions at least two to three hours away; including the renowned Monsoon Valley vineyard. Maybe third time’s a charm, and I can head out to see more when I go back.

on the upper portion of the façade, for its bells. Instead, it has a separate fortress-like bell tower, also the only one in the province. Also nearby is Radiwan Port and its lighthouse (built in 2022). Other Spanish-era structures within Ivana are the

Photos by Charo Logarta

Story & photos by Benjamin Locsin Layug

Rock Formation in Uyugan

HUA

The World

Cars under $30K may become casualty of Trump’s tariffs

By David Welch Bloomberg News

CAR prices have already climbed out of reach for many Americans. The search for a cheap car is poised to get even tougher.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs on automobile imports set to take effect next week are expected to drive up costs across the industry, raising sticker prices by thousands of dollars. The effects could be particularly pronounced at the low end of the market, with many of the least-expensive models from the likes of General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., Kia Motors and Hyundai Motor Co. being built outside the US.

“It’s going to be a real struggle for those buyers,” said Erin Keating, executive analyst at researcher Cox Automotive. “We only expect prices to rise and incentives will go away. Some vehicles could go away.”

A shiny new car in the driveway is a rapidly disappearing piece of the American dream alongside an affordable home. The average price of a new car in the US now approaches $50,000, with high interest rates adding to the financial toll.

There are 20 models on the market priced below $30,000, according to Cox, and at least half of them will be hit severely by the new tariffs. Among the vehicles assembled in Canada or Mexico, costs would rise by $5,855 on average, it estimated in a recent research report.

“The impact on ‘affordable’ vehicles would likely make many of them unviable in the US market,” Cox said in the report.

Detroit’s automakers have already abandoned much of the passenger car market to prioritize

more profitable crossovers and SUVs, ceding the small sedans that have historically accounted for many of the industry’s mostaffordable cars to automakers based in Asia.

Trump has cast the tariffs as “permanent,” but it’s unclear how long they’ll last, and whether concessions from trading partners could result in the levies being reduced or lifted.

But for now, the duties will hit many of the domestic industry’s entry-level offerings that are largely imported from countries with lower labor costs and supplychain advantages. GM builds the low-priced Chevrolet Trax compact SUV and the Trailblazer crossover in South Korea. Both are among GM’s cheapest vehicles.

GM has had a hit with the Trax, which starts at about $20,000. The most well-equipped Activ trim level starts at under $26,000. GM sold more than 200,000 of the Trax in the US last year and did so profitably thanks to Korea’s cheaper supply base. The vehicle will soon face a 25 percent tariff, which will force GM to make tough decisions on how to handle the extra cost.

Stellantis NV makes its least expensive Jeep—the Compass SUV—in Mexico and brings the Dodge Hornet to the US from Italy. Ford imports the entry-level Maverick small pickup from Mexico, as well as the Bronco Sport compact SUV.

On a Thursday call with investors, Stellantis Chairman John

Elkann voiced concern that “the affordability of our products made in America” and the “uncertainty” stoked by the tariffs could hurt demand in the US.

“It is critical that tariffs are implemented in a way that avoids raising prices for consumers” and maintains North America’s competitiveness as a global auto production bloc, the American Automotive Policy Council said in a Wednesday statement. The group, which lobbies on behalf of Ford, GM and Stellantis, said it was committed to advancing Trump’s goal of increasing jobs and production in the US.

Hyundai’s cheapest vehicle— the Venue small crossover—and its entry-level Elantra sedan are built in South Korea, which also supplies the vast majority of each model’s parts, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Affiliate Kia’s entry-level Soul small crossover is also made in South Korea and its K4 sedan is assembled in Mexico.

Mexico also supplies Nissan Motor Co.’s least-expensive models for US consumers, including the Kicks small SUV, Sentra compact car and Versa subcompact.

The bargains in the cheap-car market could end up being from Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. The roughly $28,000 Honda Civic hatchback is made in Indiana. Toyota builds its Corolla compact in Mississippi and starts at about $23,000.

Trump has acknowledged that car prices are likely to rise due to tariffs, but he argues that any short-term pain would be offset by long-term gains in domestic manufacturing. Besides the 25 percent levy on auto imports announced this week, the US plans additional tariffs on other industries and specific countries.

Trump left some wiggle room for automakers, at least for now. The levies will only apply to the non-US share of vehicles and parts imported under a free-trade agreement with

Canada and Mexico. Tariffs on parts from the US neighbors that comply with the USMCA trade deal won’t take effect until there’s a process in place to collect those tolls.

US auto prices broadly could rise 11.4 percent on average if tariffs are fully passed on to consumers, JPMorgan Ryan Brinkman said in a research note. That’s up from his previous estimate of a 5.7 percent increase from 25 percent tariffs imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico.

“It’s reasonable to expect that vehicle prices will rise, which presents an added challenge to an industry that is already grappling with ongoing affordability concerns,” Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds’ head of insights, said in a statement.

Eye-watering prices have already begun to push longtime newcar buyers into the used market, and further increases could accelerate that shift.

As of midday Thursday, shares of used-vehicle dealers CarMax Inc. and Carvana Co. were each modestly higher, while rental-car company Hertz Global Holdings Inc. soared as much as 27 percent to its best intraday gain in more than three years. GM, Ford and Stellantis all fell.

But even the used-vehicle market is troublesome, said Keating of Cox. The Covid pandemic hurt vehicle production, which has resulted in thinner inventory of sought-after one- to three-year old used models. That has put upward pressure on prices for models ranging from four to six years old, Keating said.

The average used car in inventory is now more than six years old. That’s half a year older than in 2021, and the oldest on record, Keating said.

“We’re seeing a squeeze on usedcar inventory,” she said. And for many of the most affordable new cars, “there’s a reason they’re made outside the US, because that’s what keeps them affordable.”

Germany’s shaky recovery seen at risk from automobile tariffs

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s decision to slap 25 percent tariffs on all auto imports into the US is jeopardizing Germany’s recovery from years of stagnation, according to Bloomberg Economics.

The hit to Europe’s biggest economy may amount to as much as 0.5 percent of gross domestic product, an evaluation of the measures shows. Analysts polled by Bloomberg currently see expansion of just 0.2 percent this year and 1.1 percent in 2026.

Germany had long relied on frictionless global trade to drive output, and has by far the biggest surplus with the US of any European Union nation. Weak global demand has already roiled its export-oriented manufacturing sector and contributed to two years of declining output.

Improvement may come from plans by Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz to spend hundreds

Sweden and the UK are also looking at a sizable hit. Output in there could be damped by 0.4 percent and as much as 0.3 percent respectively, according to Bloomberg Economics. Uncertainty around the forecasts is high because it’s unclear how exactly US consumers will respond, what other tariffs Europe will face and whether there’ll be retaliation. Such vagaries have kept European Central Bank officials from giving any clear signals about their next steps. Bloomberg Economics still reckons the “chances are rising” that there’ll be another interestrate cut in April because of weaker demand caused by tariffs. Bloomberg News

Starbucks is cutting wait times for drive-up and mobile orders

CUSTOMERS who pull up to Starbucks Corp.’s drive-through locations should soon get their orders within four minutes. At least, that’s the goal.

The new wait time target is being rolled out at more than 11,000 company-owned stores in North America, according to recent training documents viewed by Bloomberg News. The plan also includes goals for mobile orders.

It’s part of a push to lure in customers by improving service, and echoes a fourminute target for in-store orders announced last fall. Starbucks didn’t previously have company-wide service time goals for all types of orders. The changes should improve the customer and worker experience, “reducing complexity and friction to enable baristas to showcase coffee, craft, and connection,” said Mike Grams,

who serves as Starbucks’ North America chief coffeehouse officer.

Starbucks is looking for a turnaround after drink delays and other issues led to disenchanted customers and rare sales declines. Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol, who took over in September, is seeking to make Starbucks more of a destination again, both for patrons who want to sit in its cafes and those who want to pick up something quickly. For mobile and delivery orders, the wait should be no longer than 12 minutes from when the order is submitted, according to the training materials, though the priority for app orders should be having items ready within the estimated time shown to customers. For in-store and drive-through orders, the four-minute clock starts once the order is placed. Bloomberg News

www.businessmirror.com.ph

LA City utility accused in suit of igniting Malibu-Area blaze

THE city of Los Angeles’ electric and water utility faces a lawsuit claiming one of its toppled power lines ignited a wind-whipped blaze in January that devastated ultra-wealthy coastal neighborhoods in the second-largest US metropolis.

The complaint filed by a group of property owners against Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) appears to be first to allege that the public utility’s equipment caused ignitions—following numerous other suits blaming the LADWP for not supplying enough water to fight the Palisades Fire.

The fire victims allege that about 12 hours after the massive fire first started around 10:30 a.m. on January 7, the LADWP wooden power poles snapped, causing a downed line next to a hiking trail to spark a “second ignition” that quickly spread through the Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

The plaintiffs also claim the utility issued a “false statement” in the media days later asserting that the line had been de-energized for years, saying this was a “massive cover-up” to conceal from the public that its equipment was an ignition source.

The LADWP said in a statement this week that the power line referenced in the complaint was “re-energized in 2024 for operational needs” and remained energized on the morning of Jan. 7. But the utility says “the part of the line nearest to the suspected area of origin” was “manually deenergized” at around 2:15 p.m., more than eight hours before the plaintiffs said the second ignition happened.

The utility also said that the neither the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, which is investigating the cause of the fire, nor any other investigating authority “has indicated that LADWP facilities were involved in the ignition of the Palisades Fire.” It said devices monitoring the line recorded no faults or anomalies around the time of initial ignition.

The January fires in the LA area were among the most destructive in California’s history, with the Palisades Fire having razed nearly

7,000 buildings and damaged almost 1,000 more.

The complaint includes multiple photos of the location where the power poles broke before, during and after the Palisades Fire, including a surveillance camera image that shows flames burning at night near homes that appear to have lights turned on.

The plaintiffs in the new suit say the utility’s failure to de-energize its lines after the Palisades Fire started resulted in several spot fires that made the overall conflagration worse.

“Because [the] LADWP did not de-energize its electrical circuits even after the Palisades Fire erupted, its distribution equipment throughout Pacific Palisades experienced arcing and exploding transformers, sending showers of sparks and molten metal raining down into homes, businesses and vegetation below,” according to the suit.

The suit also includes a claim made in previous suits: A reservoir that had been drained and not repaired, coupled with inadequate water pressure in fire hydrants, undercut efforts by firefighters and ultimately allowed the Palisades Fire to spread out of control.

“[The] LADWP had a duty to properly construct, inspect, maintain and operate its water supply and its overhead electrical transmission and distribution systems,” the plaintiffs said in the new suit. Damage from “could have been avoided” if the utility acted responsibly, according to the complaint.

Separately, Edison International Inc.’s southern California utility is facing more than 100 lawsuits blaming its equipment for igniting the Eaton Fire in the Pasadena area.

Overall, analysts have projected that insured losses from the major LA fires could reach $30 billion.

Under California law, a utility can be held liable for property damage when its equipment ignites a fire even if it didn’t act negligently.

The case is Smith v. City of Los Angeles, 25STCV08564, California Superior Court, Los Angeles County.

Trump admin targets crime, illegal immigration in DC with task force

PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to create a task force for Washington, DC, aimed at tackling crime and illegal immigration—a sweeping action targeting a city he has long derided as violent, rundown and disorderly.

The order says its goal is to “make the District of Columbia safe, beautiful, and prosperous by preventing crime, punishing criminals, preserving order, protecting our revered American monuments, and promoting beautification and the preservation of our history and heritage.”

The DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force will include members of Trump’s administration and coordinate efforts with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that municipal officials carry out the president’s priorities on crime and immigration. According to the order, the task force will monitor the city’s “sanctuary-city status” and see to it that Washington enforces federal immigration laws, including redirecting resources to apprehend and deport undocumented migrants. It will also work to deploy a “more robust” federal law enforcement presence in the city. It also seeks to target fare evasion and other crimes on the local public transit system.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump cast US cities as beset by crime, and his criticism often signaled out the nation’s capital, which he painted as dangerous and marred by graffiti, vandalism and homelessness.

Turkey’s jailed mayor decries West for ‘silence’ on Erdogan

EKREM IMAMOGLU, the Turkish opposition figure whose detention this month triggered mass protests and a market selloff, criticized Western leaders for their muted response to his arrest.

In a piece published in The New York Times on Friday morning, Imamoglu, who is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival, accused the US and Europe of prioritizing geopolitical interests over democratic values.

“Their silence is deafening,” Imamoglu wrote of world governments. “Washington merely expressed ‘concerns regarding recent arrests and protests’ in Turkey. With few exceptions, European leaders have failed to offer a strong response.”

Erdogan, who has led the country of 85 million people for more than two decades, has positioned himself as a key power broker from Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa.

As commander of NATO’s second-biggest army and at a time Europe is fretting about the US potentially reducing its footprint on the continent, Erdogan doubts leaders in places such as France and Germany want a dispute over Turkey’s democracy. US President Donald Trump, for his part, called

Erdogan a “good leader” this week.

Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, said the lack of international condemnation of Erdogan is helping ensure Turkey’s shift toward authoritarianism.

“Democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms cannot survive in silence, nor be sacrificed for diplomatic convenience disguised as ‘realpolitik,’” he said.

“A country with a long democratic tradition now faces the serious risk of passing the point of no return.”

Turkish police detained Imamoglu on March 19 and he was later formally arrested on corruption charges, which he denies. Erdogan’s administration says the courts are independent and don’t act on instructions from the presidency.

Imamoglu’s detention led to hundreds of thousands of Turks taking to the streets and a plunge in the country’s stocks and bonds. The central bank intervention’s to stem the lira’s drop totaled around

Powerful quakes rock Thailand, Myanmar

By David Rising & Jintamas Saksornchai

BThe Associated Press

ANGKOK—A high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Thailand and neighboring Myanmar midday on Friday, police said, and possible casualties are not yet known.

A dramatic video circulated on social media showed the multistory building with a crane on top collapsing into a cloud of dust, while onlookers screamed and ran.

Police told The Associated Press they were responding to the scene near Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak Market, and had no immediate information on how many workers were on the site at the time of the collapse.

The midday temblor was followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock, and people in Bangkok evacuated from their buildings were cautioned to stay outside in case there were more.

running the wrong way down the escalators, lots of banging and crashing inside the mall.”

Like thousands of others in downtown Bangkok, Morton sought refuge in Benjasiri Park— away from the tall buildings all around.

“I got outside and then looked up at the building and the whole building was moving, dust and debris, it was pretty intense,” he said. “Lots of chaos.”

palace and buildings, according to videos and photos released on Facebook social media.

While the area is prone to earthquakes, it is generally sparsely populated, and most houses are low-rise structures.

$27 billion, according to calculations by Bloomberg Economics, significantly reducing Turkey’s foreign-exchange reserves. Turkish stocks are on track for a recovery this week, while the lira and bonds stabilized.

Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said last week that Imamoglu’s detention was “depressing,” but other European leaders have largely refrained from issuing similar statements. The UK government hasn’t commented on the deportation of a BBC journalist on Thursday.

Since Imamoglu’s arrest, Turkish authorities have detained nearly 1,900 people, including students and activists, and have cracked down on media coverage. Local news channels, online broadcasters, and YouTubers are the target of penalties and investigations. Imamoglu’s lawyer was also detained, state-run Anadolu reported on Friday. Bloomberg News

sending parts toppling to the ground, and some homes.

In Bangkok, alarms went off in buildings as the earthquake hit around 1:30 p.m., and startled residents were evacuated down staircases of high-rise condominiums and hotels.

The greater Bangkok area is home to more than 17 million people, many of whom live in highrise apartments.

Water from high-rise rooftop pools sloshed over the side as they shook, and debris fell from many buildings as the long-lasting earthquake rattled the city.

“I have experienced earthquakes twice before in Myanmar, but that was only one second, one big bang, but here it went on for at least, I’d say, a minute,” said Zsuzsanna Vari-Kovacs, a Hungarian resident of Bangkok, who had just finished eating at a restaurant when the quake hit.

“My husband was in a high-rise, I think that’s even worse.” Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention said the quake was felt in almost all regions of the country.

The order signed Thursday also aims to provide assistance to facilitate the prompt accreditation of the city’s forensic crime laboratory, help the Metropolitan Police Department with recruitment and retention of officers and review policies on seeking pretrial detention of criminal defendants to ensure that “individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety are detained to the maximum extent permitted by law.”

The text also says the task force will aim to provide help to more quickly process and lower the cost of concealed carry license requests in the city. That move runs counter to many of the city’s own efforts to reduce firearm possession and prevent gun violence, a key priority for Washington’s Democratic leaders.

Trump’s order also calls for members of his Cabinet to coordinate with local officials to implement a “a program to beautify” the city, which would include a “coordinated” plan for monuments, facilities, land, parks and roadways in and around the district. It would also seek to restore public monuments, memorials and other such landmarks that have been “damaged or defaced, or inappropriately removed or changed” in recent years. It also calls for the Interior secretary to issue a directive for the National Park Service to remove and clean up homeless encampments and graffiti on lands within their jurisdiction. Bloomberg News

Trump has vowed to beautify the city during his second term, even as his administration moves to slash the federal government’s workforce and examines moving some agencies out of the capital.

“All of a sudden the whole building began to move, immediately there was screaming and a lot of panic,” said Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, who was in one of Bangkok’s many malls shopping for camera equipment.

“I just started walking calmly at first but then the building started really moving, yeah, a lot of screaming, a lot of panic, people

The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ center for geosciences said the earthquake was a shallow 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with an epicenter in Myanmar, according to preliminary reports.

In Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and close to the epicenter, the earthquake damaged part of the former royal

In the Sagaing region just southwest of Mandalay, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and some sections of the highway connecting Mandalay and Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, were also damaged.

Residents in Yangon rushed out of their homes when the quake struck. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.

In the capital Naypyitaw, the quake damaged religious shrines,

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the quake.

Adam Schreck, Haruka Naga, Jerry Harmer and Penny Wong contributed to this report.

CHILDREN walk near a damaged monastery compound after an earthquake, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. AP/AUNG SHINE OO

RBy Josef Ramos

Sports BusinessMirror Vargas expresses confidence in World Boxing

A12 | SAturdAy, MArch 29, 2025 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

ICKY VARGAS expressed relief over the inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics program after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) continue to also indicate credence over a new international federation (IF) for the sport called World Boxing.

“We took one big step closer to full recognition,” said Vargas on World Boxing which looked bound to replace the controversial International Boxing Association as an IOC-recognized IF.

“We’re not talking only about the LA Olympics because that’s only our short-term objective and we’re already there after being being given probationary recognition [by the IOC],” said Vargas, chairman of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines who’s the only Asian founding member of World Boxing when it was established in April 2023.

“The long-term objective is being a regular member of the IOC to bring boxing to succeeding Olympics,” added Vargas, a member of the board of the continental confederation Asian Boxing. “We’re very thankful to the IOC, thankful to Asian members and to other nations for making this a possibility.”

Vargas said World Boxing accomplished last March 26 IOC’s requisite for recognition of a minimum membership of 75 countries.

“We have 78 right now in World Boxing,” he said. World Boxing also established membership in the five continents and, according to Vargas, that 62 percent of the boxers who competed the Paris Olympics were from members of the new organization. Vargas said they had to make sacrifices in forming World Boxing.

“We took the risk of not being invited by the IBA to the ASBC Championships, the risk of being taken out of recognition by the Philippine Olympic Committee because we don’t have an IF, and the risk of not being funded by the Philippine Sports Commission,” he said.

“But I’m happy that the POC and the PSC remain supportive of our decision,” he added.

Celebrities lead fitness advocacy bike ride in Imus

CELEBRITIES and influential fitness advocates Piolo Pascual and Matteo Guidicelli lead the cast in what is expected to be a record-breaking turnout in this year’s Sun Life Cycle PH.

Pascual and Guidicelli are cycling enthusiasts and passionate role models who embody discipline, perseverance and a commitment to well-being—perfect qualities as Sun Life ambassadors.

Sun Life and its partners, including the organizing Sunrise Events Inc., announced that the Cycle PH registry has breached 1,500 participants at the Vermosa Sports Hub this Sunday in Imus, Cavite.

Pascual’s journey with Sun Life began in 2009 through his foundation, which provided scholarships to children.

“It’s always nice to do something with Sun Life because we’ve been partners for the last 15 years,” Pascual said. “We started through my foundation, supporting kids in school, and now we’re helping inspire families to live healthier lives.” Guidicelli, an athlete at heart, brings his passion for sports to the event.

The actor-triathlete has long championed the importance of fitness, and his presence at Cycle PH further amplifies the message that cycling is for everyone—young and old, beginner or seasoned pro.

Their involvement in Sun Life Cycle PH isn’t just ceremonial—Pascual and Guidicelli actively participate in the rides, setting an example for cycling enthusiasts across the country. The event is a celebration of cycling’s inclusive spirit with categories for all ages and skill levels –individual 3- km and 45-km rides to the 60-km corporate challenge and family-friendly rides for children as young as six.

Pegula on Eala: She’s really good

WAlexandra Eala’s dream run in the Miami Open ended in the semifinal stage on Thursday with No. 4 Jessica Pegula of the US needing to dig deep to pull off a 7-6 (7-3), 5-7, 6-3 victory at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

The 19-year-old Eala dragged Pegula to a marathon match—two hours and 26 minutes—that ended at 12:40 a.m. Friday in Florida, earning praise from the exhausted former US Open finalist.

“She’s really good, really good tennis player,” Pegula said. Pegula added: “Goes for her shots, takes the ball early. Being a lefty is always tricky. Competes really well. Obviously, she has beaten a lot of players this week, I don’t really think she needs me to tell her that she’s a great player.”

On the way to the semifinals, Eala defeated former French Open champion and world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the Round of 64, Australian Open titlist and No. 5 Madison Keys of the US in the Round of 32, got a walkover in the Round of 16 when Paola Badosa of Spain withdrew due to injury before beating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland in the quarterfinals.

Ranked 140th in the WTA entering the tournament, Eala is set to make it to No. 75.

The finish also earned Eala $332,160 (about P19 million).

The Miami Open women’s final features Pegula against top seed Aryna Sabalenka. It is also a rematch of the 2024 US Open final, won by Sabalenka.

Pegula had to be spectacularly resilient in the semifinal to stop the history-making run of the teenager from the Philippines.

Eala showed she is a crafty lefty star in the making with drop shots, deft volleys and a big forehand.

The Hard Rock Stadium fans rooted on the player who had taken out major champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek previously.

Pegula fought off a set point in the first set. She was twice down a break in the first set forced a tiebreaker and dominated it.

Eala had played forcefully through most of the first set, moving Pegula around and coming to the net at advantageous times to showcase her volley.

But suddenly it turned. Eala served for the first set at 5-3, but at set point, she registered two straight double

faults, then made an unforced error on her forehand. She lost eight straight points as Pegula seized control.

In the second set, Eala took a spill and needed a medical timeout to wrap her ankle, trailing 2-1.

Eala, who upset Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, roared back and got up a break 4-3. Pegula came back and Eala was two points away from losing the match at 5-4 before she hit another high gear to pull out the set.

Eala’s service speed had dropped to the 70’s in the second set—which seemed to frustrate Pegula.

In the first women’s semifinal, Sabalenka routed sixth-seeded Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 in 71 minutes.

Paolini, the 2024 French Open finalist, spent some of the afternoon smirking at Sabalenka’s deft shot-making.

The Belarusian hasn’t dropped a set so far. “I think I was so focused and everything went smoothly,’’ Sabalenka said.

In the day’s first men’s quarterfinal, unseeded teenager Jakub Mensik beat 17th-seeded Arthur Fils 7-6 (7-5), 6-1. The 19-year-old Mensik advanced to his first semifinal at an ATP 1000-point level event.

The 54th-ranked Mensik, of the Czech Republic, will face on Friday third-seeded American Taylor Fritz, who squeaked out a three-set marathon Thursday night over No. 29 Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-7 (9-7), 7-5 Fritz squandered six match points in the second set against the Italian, including in the tiebreaker, but survived in the third set to make his first Miami Open finals. The match lasted two hours, 44 minutes. “Now I can sleep tonight and not worry about the chances I blew,’’ said Fritz, who lives in Miami. “You have two options—one of them is to regroup.’’

Djokovic is finding a higher gear in South Florida after a sluggish start to 2025.

Djokovic, gunning for his seventh Miami Open title, dispatched American Sebastian Korda 6-3, 7-6 (7-4)

Thursday in one hour, 24 minutes in a quarterfinal match that was postponed from Wednesday night because the women’s quarterfinal between Jessica Pegula and Emma Raducanu ran past 11 p.m. and would have begun at about midnight—against new ATP rules.

Djokovic will face Bulgaria’s Grigor

Stakes sky high as PVL All-Filipino semis get going

THE Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference kicks off its semifinal stage Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with a high-stakes single round-robin showdown where every match matters. Choco Mucho and Akari are first to ignite the battle for supremacy in the 4 p.m. opener of what promises to be a nerve-wracking semifinals phase as both survived grueling five-set victories in the quarterfinals.

The Flying Titans are determined to erase the heartbreak of last year’s title pursuit, while the Chargers are equally focused on seizing a championship after falling short in the Reinforced Conference Finals.

“We always say ‘take it one game at a time.’ We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves, we will keep working hard,” said Sisi Rondina, whose Choco Mucho steam went the extra mile in each of the their two quarterfinals encounter against PLDT. “This is an extra motivation for me—I will never

Dimitrov. Djokovic is 12-1 against the 33-year-old Dimitrov, who reached the tournament finals in 2024.

Djokovic, who won all six of his titles at the tournament’s previous venue at Key Biscayne, is going for his 100th professional title.

“I’m getting great support,” Djokovic said. “I feel I have a really good chance to go all the way here.... I’m playing the best I have in some time.”

With the Hard Rock Stadium fans cheering the 37-year-old and chanting his name, Djokovic rallied in the second set from 4-1 and 5-2 down to win in a tiebreaker. He served an ace on match point and finished with an 83 first-service percentage against the 24th-seeded Korda. The 37-year-old Serbian let out a yell after the victory and strummed his racket like a violin. AP

Akari’s Faith Nisperos said. “But to achieve we have to work hard every day and keeps our focus one game at a time until we reach that goal.” All eyes, however, remain on defending champions Creamline, which is gunning for an unprecedented 11th league title—the Cool Smashers face a formidable challenge in the 6:30 p.m. main event from the Petro Gazz Angels. Creamline’s dominance in the league is undeniable but coach Sherwin Meneses prefers a prepared body and mind.

“We remind ourselves not to be complacent, even if the match is still far ahead,” Meneses said. “Even in training, we really go all out. If we start to relax a bit, Ate Ly [Alyssa Valdez] and Ate MG [Michele Gumabao] immediately remind us about how we should be.”

“That’s a huge thing because we get reminded every day,” said Creamline top hitter Bernadeth Pons. Petro Gazz, led by coach Koji Tsuzubara, is determined to break through after surviving a tough threegame series against ZUS Coffee. With Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Aiza Pontillas, Jonah Sabete, Remy Palma and star middle blocker MJ Phillips anchoring their campaign, the two-time Reinforced Conference champion Angels will be out to prove they can finally claim an elusive All-Filipino crown.

“We have to have the mindset that these teams, they have more firepower, I would say, and a little bit more,” former MVP Van Sickle said. “We can’t come out flat. Like, you see how the PVL, it’s been all sorts of ups and downs, and you don’t know who wants it more. So we just better come out.”

Knights hunt down Tamaraws; Biñan wins at home

THE San Juan Knights defused the Mindoro Tamaraws’ last bombs to prevail, 77-72, on Thursday night in the Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-Maharlila Pilipinas Basketball League 2025 Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Bi ñ an, Laguna. Coasting along, 71-60, with less than four minutes left, San Juan felt the heat as Mindoro drilled in four straight triples—first from Jonas Tibayan and the rest by Wendelino Comboy—against the Knights’ four points and threatened at 72-75 with 43.6 seconds to go. Dexter Maiquez, however, came to the rescue by grabbing the rebound following a missed jumper by Orlan

Wamar and driving in with 16.5 ticks remaining to secure the Knights’ second straight win in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team tournament.

The Tamaraws sued for time but failed to execute their final plays and tumbled to a 1-4 record. Michael Calisaan, who towed San Juan to its biggest spread at 69-54, emerged best player with 17 points, including six in the fourth quarter, and eight rebounds.

Also shoning for coach Alex Angeles were Maiquez with 15 points and seven rebounds, homegrown John Galinato with 14 points and Wamar with 11 points and five assists.

a

Bi ña n Tatak Gel trounced Ilagan Isabela, 87-77, in the nightcap and climbed to 2-3 won-lost. Powered by Kenney Roger Rocacurva and Christian Fajarito, Bi ñ an led by as many as 79-63 in notching its second win in five outings. Rocacurva wound up with 17 points and 11 boards to clinch best player honors over Fajarito, who notched 15 points. They were supported by Renzo Subido with 11 points, Kristan Hernandez with 10 points, Carlo Lastimosa with nine points and Jeric James Pido with eight points. Ilagan Isabela fell to 2-3 despite Joshua Gallano’s 19-point, 9-rebound, 4-assist effort.

Comboy delivered 18 points, all from triples, while Tibayan had 14 points spiked by three triples and RJ Ramirez added 12 points for the Tamaraws, who are on

three-game skid.

SAN JUAN’S Michael Calisaan delivers an all-around game against Mindoro.

ALEX EALA makes world No. 4 Jessica Pegula work extremely hard in the quarterfinals and after a near Cinderalla run in Miami, the 19-year-old Filipina rocks the tennis world. AP