Manila Standard - 2022 November 30 - Wednesday

PBBM aims to stall price hikes

Targets rise in fuel, power costs to dampen inflation up until Christmas

By Vince Lopez, Rey E. Requejo, and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that Malacanang is working to slow down the rise in fuel and power costs at least heading into Christmas, saying Filipinos have already suffered much from the spiraling prices o f goods amid worldwide inflation.

In a press conference in Los Banos, Laguna, the President admitted he was worried by the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Court of Ap

President calls on agri sector to modernize operation

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tues day rallied various stakeholders to support the government in elevating the current condition of the local rice industry and pushing for sustainable rice value chains.

In his visit to the International Rice Re search Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, the President raised the need to adopt supportive policies to modernize the rice sector as part of a vibrant agri-food in dustry in the Philippines.

“There are new technologies that address the problems that we are facing, and those technologies are beginning to be disseminat ed down to the local farmers,” Mr. Marcos said in his speech.

Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters, the President said he had a timeline for leaving the post of Agriculture Secretary, saying there were things he wanted to achieve before doing Next page

peals (CA) on the Power Supply Agree ment (PSA) of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

By Vince Lopez and Vito Barcelo

PRESIDENT

EO to ease doing business up Ban of frozen pompano, salmon in wet markets hit

Marcos Jr. will be signing an Executive Order to promote ease of doing business in the Philippines and make it competitive with other South east Asian nations in terms of attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

This comes after the Department of Trade and Industry on Tuesday presented to the President the proposed EO on the Creation of Green Lane for Strategic Investments after identifying the barrier across multiple regulatory agencies that hamper the smooth entry of FDIs in the country.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz and Alena Mae Flores

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) came under fire

House to push budget for free rides, fuel aid

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday said the House contingent in the bicameral conference committee meetings on the 2023 national budget will push for the retention of funds al located for fuel subsidy and “Libreng Sakay” (free ride) programs under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“This is one of the pro-people provi sions of the proposed national budget. Our countrymen need this,” Romualdez said.

Tuesday for banning the sale of frozen imported pink salmon and pompano in wet markets.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Animal Industry said Tuesday there might be a slight shortage of domestic supply of

pork late this year amid the ongoing threat of African Swine Fever – only a week before the rush of shopping for the Christmas holidays.

In an interview on ABS-CBN’s TeleR

By Honor Blanco Cabie

TODAY, the 101st anniversary of the celebration of Bonifacio Day, will be the last this country of 114 million will

THE Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday approved the ad in terim appointments of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susana “Toots” Ople and Commis sion on Audit (COA) Chairman Ga maliel Cordoba.

But the powerful constitutional panel suspended its decision on Department

mark on this date the birth of the Su preme President of the secret revolu tionary society the Katipunan.

Next year, by virtue of Proclamation 90,

The Senate contingent, led by fi nance committee chairman Sen. Son ny Angara, is receptive to the idea, the Speaker added.

The House of Representatives de cided to earmark P5.5 billion for the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program (P2.5

WB, ADB seek audit of COVID vax funds

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Commission on Audit (COA) guaranteed that the procurement of COVID-19 medicines in 2020 and 2021 will be placed under a special audit as sought by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Facing the Commission on Ap pointments (CA), COA Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba said that aside

from their constitutional mandate to scrutinize all government spending, including the COVID-related loans granted by the World Bank and the ADB to the Philippines.

Cordoba said the Department of Health (DOH) also requested the con duct of a special audit, saying it could not share documents on vaccine pro curement because of a non-disclosure

Speaker: PH set on full recovery

THE nation is set to attain its economic growth target this year during the first six months of the Marcos administration and is on the road to full recovery, Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said on Tuesday.

“We are on the first stage to full eco

nomic recovery, and we are marching in the right direction,” he told media persons and businessmen gathered by the business daily Business World for its Economic Forum at the Grand Hyatt

CA confirms Ople, COA chief, defers DOE head

Ferdinand

PAST AND PRESENT. During his visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Headquarters on Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recreates the historic photo of his father and namesake with US President Lyndon B. Johnson (inset) -- taken at the same spot in the institute on October 26, 1966. Mr. Marcos Jr. is accompanied by IRRI Director General Jean Balié, IRRI Senior Scientist Steve Klassen, and other institute officials. Presidential Photo

SPEAKER AS GUEST. Speaker Martin G. Romualdez receives a token of appreciation from Business World President and Chief Executive Officer Miguel G. Belmonte (left) and Editor-in-Chief Wilfredo G. Reyes after attending the BusinessWorld Economic Forum as one of the keynote speakers at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City on Tuesday. Ver Noveno

FOR KA ANDRES. Workers from the Manila City Hall Engineering Department cleaning the statue of national hero Andres Bonifacio along C.M. Recto in Manila on Tuesday, while Department of Public Works and Highways staff cleans the surroundings of the Bonifacio Monument at Caloocan City in preparation for Bonifacio Day, a national holiday, today. Nor man Cruz and Manny Palmero

PBBM: OCTA poll ‘very encouraging’

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday he is encouraged with the recent OCTA survey result showing 85 percent of Filipinos believe the Philippines is headed in the right direction based on the government’s policies.

According to the President, the Fili pinos should feel that they are being served by the national government.

“Well, of course, it’s very encourag ing that people think that we are moving in the right direction. Also specifically, I haven’t been able to study it really but I have seen (part) – it crosses demograph ics, the number is more or less the same across the demographics,” Marcos said

in an interview with reporters.

“So that is important to me because every class of society must feel that they are being served by the government. And with that kind of statistic, then it looks like we have at least – we have made the government felt at every level of society. That’s what’s important to me,” he added.

Eighty-five of Filipino adults said “yes” when asked if the Philippines was

headed in the right direction based on the government’s policies.

The OCTA Research’s latest Tugon ng Masa survey, which was conducted from October 23 to 27, indicated that only 6% said “no” to the same question.

Nine percent answered didn’t know or refused to answer, the survey showed.

According to the recent OCTA sur vey, 91 percent of Filipino adults in the Visayas believe the chief executive is steering the country well, while 87 per cent in Balance Luzon and 84 percent in Mindanao affirmed this.

Meanwhile, 70 percent of Filipino adults in the National Capital Region

believe the country is headed in the right direction under the Marcos leadership.

By socio-economic classes, Class D or the lower middle class registered the highest agreement that the country is headed in the right direction, register ing 86 percent.

The OCTA research survey was conducted on Oct. 23-27 with 1,200 adult respondents.

Filipino respondents were asked the question: “Based on the policies and programs presented and implemented by the current administration, do you think the country is leading in the right way?” Vince Lopez

DBM outs P5.2b for DSWD’s cash transfer program

THE Department of Budget and Man agement (DBM) has released a total of P5.2 billion to fund the one-month requirement of the Targeted Cash Transfer program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The Special Allotment Release Or der was approved last Nov. 17 and charged under the Unprogrammed Appropriation, the DBM said in a statement.

It said the amount covers the third tranche of the TCT program seen to benefit some 9.8 million beneficiaries.

so. He did not offer any details of these goals or his timetable, however.

He also said vetting continues for the next Department of Agriculture chief.

Upon taking the post, Mr. Mar cos said the “very deeply embedded” problems at the department were so difficult it would “take a president to… turn it around.”

Also on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos reenacted the photo of his father and namesake with former United States President Lyndon Johnson with IRRI Director General Robert Chandler, and some scientists on October 26, 1966 (see banner photo on A1 – Editors).

Various global developments, in cluding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, reminded the world of “how fundamental” the agriculture sector is, Mr. Marcos said.

“The pandemic and the situation in Ukraine have been a glaring reminder of how fundamental the agricultural sector is, and food supply is, not only to the Philippines but to the entire world,” he said.

“We hope to strengthen those partner ships because we very much need —not only to be able to disseminate or to pro vide these new varieties, the new tech niques — but we also have to have a more focused approach to how we deal with the agricultural sector,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President, who is also the con current secretary of the Agriculture Department and is also an ex-officio member of IRRI’s Board of Trustees, recognized IRRI’s vigor and success over the years in the development of climate-resilient, high-yielding rice varieties and farming technologies that significantly improved farmers’ productivity, profitability, and com petitiveness all over the world.

The TRO could lead to a hike in elec tricity rates for 7.5 million Meralco cus tomers in Metro Manila and its suburbs.

“We are focusing our work on not raising the price of fuels, at least for this Christmas. If we could postpone and slow down the increase of prices, making the rise slower and keep the prices of fuel down, and if it rises at least gradually. It’s very difficult -- the people have suffered much” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General is studying all factual and le gal issues surrounding the deal between SMC’s South Premier Power Corp. (SPPC) and Meralco.

This follows the appeals court TRO stopping the Energy Regulatory Com mission (ERC) from implementing its decision denying the plea of the two power companies to increase their gen eration charges.

“The OSG is the counsel of the state in all litigations concerning the govern ment. It is presently studying the factual and legal issues involved in this case,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in a text message with reporters.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier said the OSG is working with the ERC on ways to get the Court of Appeals to lift its order suspending the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) of South Premier and Meralco.

“What worries me is what happened to this TRO given by the CA at the PSA of San Miguel and to Meralco, that wor ries me,” the President said in a press conference at the International Rice Re search Institute.

Senator Win Gatchalian also called on the Department of Energy (DOE), ERC, Meralco and San Miguel to en sure a steady supply of electricity.

“This case will set a precedent for the energy sector as to whether or not power-generating companies along with distribution utilities could revise power supply contracts with fixed prices,” said Gatchalian.

“We hope that at the end of the day, con sumer interest will be protected,” he said.

Mr. Marcos, in a Palace statement last week, asked the CA to reconsider its deci sion, noting that the TRO against the PSA would have an “extremely deleterious ef fect” on power rates in the country.

The TRO was issued by the CA 14th Division on November 24, fol lowing a petition filed by the San Miguel Corp. subsidiary.

The petition stemmed from the ERC’s decision on September 29 to reject the pleas of SPPC, San Miguel Energy Corp., and Meralco to increase their generation charges.

Meralco said it would be forced to hike power rates by 50 to 60 centavos per kilo watt hour if it is forced to buy power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market once San Miguel terminates its PSA with the power distributor, as it tries to recoup

government units and quasi-judicial bodies involved in issuing permits and licenses necessary for establishing stra tegic investments in the country.

P5 billion in losses from skyrocketing fuel prices worldwide.

The appellate court issued a TRO in favor of San Miguel Corp. subsidiary SPPC suspending the implementation of its power supply agreement (PSA) with Meralco.

“In view of the circumstances and the interest of the general public, this court grants the TRO and hereby suspends the implementation of the PSA. The TRO shall be effective for a period of 60 days from service on respondents,” the CA resolution stated.

SPPC sought the issuance of a TRO and a writ of preliminary injunction to enjoin ERC from executing its Sept. 29 decision. But the CA said it is con strained to resolve only the TRO, as the respondents have yet to file a comment.

The CA said that the SPPC, in its peti tion for certiorari, claimed that unless the implementation of the ERC order is im mediately restrained, it would be forced to continue to supply energy to Meralco under the PSA at a loss, “resulting in great and irreparable injury before its applica tion for a writ of preliminary injunction can be heard on notice.”

“This court emphasized with peti tioner’s serious losses which are capable to render it insolvent due to unforesee able cause,” the CA stressed.

SPPC claimed the ERC acted with grave abuse of discretion in denying its rate increase petition and when it inter preted the rights of the company and Meralco under the PSA.

“The DBM fully supports the pro jects and programs that provide social assistance to our fellow kababayans,” Budget Secretary Amenah Panganda man said.

DSWD’s TCT program distrib utes unconditional cash transfers of P500 to the hardest hit households per month for 6 months to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and other commodities, the DBM said.

The Budget agency said it had ear lier released P10.33 billion to DSWD for 2 months of cash transfers for 10 million household beneficiaries.

The National Economic and De velopment Authority earlier stressed the timely release of cash transfers is crucial in helping vulnerable Filipinos weather rising inflation.

billion), Libreng Sakay (P2 billion) and bike lanes construction (P1 bil lion) as part of the P77-billion insti tutional amendments for pro-people programs in the national budget.

“Itong Pantawid Pasada at Libreng Sakay, diretsong ginhawa ito sa at ing mga kababayan. Ayuda ito sa mga drayber at operators sa panahon ng pagtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo. At ang libreng sakay naman ay malaking tulong sa ating commuter na nahihirapang pagkasyahin ang kita sa isang araw,”

The EO will mandate concerned of fices to establish a Green Lane to expedite and streamline the process and re quirements for the issuance of permits and licenses, including resolutions of is sues concerning strategic investments.

The proposed EO will cover all na tional government agencies and their regional and provincial offices, local

Among the strategic investments iden tified by the DTI were projects of national significance, highly desirable projects endorsed by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board and FDIs endorsed by the InterAgency Investments Promotion Coordi nation Committee (IAIPCC).

T hese are priority projects or activi ties under the Strategic Investment Pri

ority Plan, which are considered as pro jects of national significance or highly desirable that may be endorsed by the Board of Investments of the concerned Investment Promotion Agencies.

The EO mandates NGAs and LGUs to act on a permit or license application not longer than three working days in the case of a simple transaction, seven working days in the case of complex transactions, and 20 working days for highly technical transactions from the date of receipt.

Romualdez said these programs give direct relief to Filipinos, in par ticular public vehicle drivers and oper ators who are already groaning under high petroleum prices.

The free-ride program, meanwhile, benefits commuters trying to make ends meet amid high inflation.

Rising oil prices continue to bat ter the public transport sector, and Romualdez said the fuel subsidy pro gram remains one of the government services that drivers and operators look forward to in times of need.

of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lo tilla, with Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito motioning that the hearing be suspended due to time constraints.

CA and House Majority Floor Leader Lray Villafuerte endorsed to the plenary the confirmation of Ople, which was seconded by Senate Presi dent Juan Miguel Zubiri.

The Senate leader noted no other person is fit for the post except Ople, a known advocate of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the daughter of former Senator and Labor Secretary Blas Ople.

Toots Ople assured she will further strengthen the new department, which was created to focus solely on the welfare and interest of Filipino migrant workers.

Earlier, she said that once she is con firmed as DMW secretary, it would mean a “solid standing” as designated guardian and protector of OFWs in different countries.

agreement (NDA) the government signed with vaccine suppliers.

Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros con fronted COA on the NDA, asking if it would insist on not revealing the value of

vaccine purchases, which the government only estimated to amount to P300 billion.

Cordoba noted they were informed by the agency’s legal department that they are not covered by the NDA to look into the purchase.

Cordoba said the COA resident auditor has already been asking the DOH for cop ies of documents for the vaccine procure

Proclamation would be amended.

signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on November 11, the birth of Andres Bonifacio as a legal holiday will be moved to Novem ber 27, pursuant to what officials described as “holiday economics.”

And whatever date in the following years depending on what Monday would be nearest to November 30, unless the

inclusivity and sustainability.

“We in Congress are one with the Pres ident in this mission,” Romualdez added.

\“There is a need to adjust these holi days (regular and special non-working days) pursuant to the principle of holi day economics wherein a longer week end will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country,” the proclamation read.

The term “holiday economics” be came a hackneyed phrase during the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo adminis tration when a 2017 law – Republic

ment, but they have yet to be sent copies. If the DOH does not comply, the COA would issue a subpoena for the docu ments, Cordoba added.

Under COA’s 2009 Revised Rules of Procedure, the auditor may issue notices of suspension (NS) for transactions of doubt ful legality, validity, or propriety to obtain further explanation or documentation.

Act 9492 – moved certain holidays to Mondays.

In observance of Bonifacio Day (which falls on a Thursday for 2023), the proclamation declared November 27 – the nearest Monday to November 30 – as a non-working holiday pursuant to RA 9492.

Even a holiday falling on a Wednes day may be moved to the Monday of the same week.

If it falls on a Sunday, the holiday may

“These are smuggled and did not un dergo proper documentation,” he said.

“The House believes that the Li breng Sakay program will really help commuters. We funded it because it is needed,” Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, said.

The service contracting program of the DOTr and LTFRB started in 2020 and was mandated under the Bayani han to Recover as One Act. It was con tinued in 2021 and 2022.

be observed on the Monday that follows.

For the other holidays that could be moved, the president is required under RA 9492 to issue a proclamation on the changes at least six months before they occur.

Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco, at 40 years old the youngest member of the Marcos Cabi net, immediately welcomed the pros pect of longer holiday weekends as from next year.

and pastries.

Manila in Taguig City.

“Judging from interests shown by global businessmen in our international roadshow with the President, the Phil ippines may soon become the favorite investment destination in Asia. We, in Congress, are committed to bring this goal to reality,” Romualdez said.

The Speaker urged businessmen and the public in general to “stay the course with us and share the benefits of pro gress and development.”

“The best is yet to come,” Romualdez said. He said the Marcos administration has crafted an Agenda for Prosperity, which has as its core mission the coun try’s economic transformation towards

He pointed out that the administra tion’s economic development objectives are spelled out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and its eight-point socioeconomic plan, which the House of Representatives had adopted through Concurrent Resolution No. 2 shortly af ter the 19th Congress convened in July.

“For the first time, the country has a clear 6-year agenda with clearly defined goals,” he stressed.

Romualdez said the economy im proved by an average of 7.7 percent for the first three quarters of 2022 and it only needs to expand by 3.3 percent to 6.9 percent this fourth quarter to meet the growth target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year.

adyo, BFAR chief information officer Nazario Briguera said the bureau will seize imported pompano and pink salm on sold in wet markets starting Dec. 4 to protect the local fishing industry.

The bureau’s spokesman said the ban was based on the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 and an administrative or der issued in 1999, which governs the importation of fresh, chilled, or frozen fish for institutional buyers.

Briguera said disposal reports issued by importers are inaccurate, which led to the diversion of imported fish to wet markets. He added BFAR seeks to ensure that products sold in wet markets are le gitimate and have proper documentation.

As for the BAI, supervising science research specialist Lani Plata Cerna said during the Laging Handa briefing: “We might have a slight shortage of pork... we are at 95 percent sufficiency level,” citing supply data outlook from the Department of Agriculture as of October.

Despite the drop in supply, the Phil ippines is expected to have sufficient meat supply during the holiday season, she said, giving assurances any short age would come from pork imported from the US and Denmark.

“We have enough supply,” Cerna said, amid concerns of increased de mand during the Christmas Season.

She also said there is enough supply of eggs during Christmas as demand is anticipated to increase for bread, cakes,

“Based on the egg supply outlook, we will have enough egg supply to wards the end of the year where we will have a 112-percent sufficiency level,” Cerna said.

But Senator Raffy Tulfo said he smelled something fishy and demanded to know the real reasons behind the ban on the sale of pompano and pink salmon.

In a privilege speech, Tulfo pressed BFAR for the basis of its prohibition, saying he was unconvinced by the agency’s explanation.

He said while the administrative or der is about the importation of fish, the implementation targets small and poor vendors in the markets.

He said BFAR’s campaign should be waged in ports in coordination with the Bureau of Customs.

Top four GFIs back creation of super state-owned fund with P250b capital

By Maricel V. Cruz

FOUR of the country’s top-performing government financial institutions (GFIs) on Tuesday rallied behind a proposed bill creating a super government-owned fund and committed to raise the start-up capital for the project.

Speaker Martin Romualdez filed House Bill (HB) 6398 calling for the establishment of the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) patterned after the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) of other countries “to maximize the profitability of investible government assets for the benefit of all Filipinos.

During Tuesday’s hearing of the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries on the proposed measure,

Pag-IBIG sets aside P250b for mass housing

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PAG-IBIG Fund, also referred to as the Home Mutual Development Fund, a key agency of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), has committed P250 billion to the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino program of the Marcos administration.

Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito called on the DHSUD) to identify idle lands among the country’s urban centers that can host on-site, in-city, and near-city resettlement and community development.

In another development, Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed concern over the plight of informal settler-families (ISFs) who were relocated in areas lacking basic amenities and without access to mass transportation.

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who also heads the Pag-IBIG Fund board, has approved the allocation of P250 billion to the administration’s flagship housing program in the next six years.

“This is a huge boost to our President’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program—a giant step toward realizing the dream of every Filipino family to have decent, safe and affordable shelter,” he said.

“On behalf of those wishing to have their dream homes, my deepest gratitude to the members of the Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, especially to chief executive officer Marilene Acosta for your all-out support,” he added.

With assured funding support from Pag-IBIG Fund, the housing czar expressed optimism on the success of the program designed to address the country’s housing backlog estimated at more than 6.5 million units.

BI to investigate human trafficking through airports

By Vito Barcelo

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco has ordered the immediate investigation of reports of Filipino trafficking victims having been rescued in Myanmar.

The order stemmed from the statement of a female victim presented by Senator Risa Hontiveros during her privileged speech last November 21.

According to the victim, she and 11 others were recruited via Facebook, where they saw advertisements on several job openings for call center agent and encoder positions for Thailand.

The victim narrated that they were forcibly transported to Myanmar to allegedly work as scammers and were trained to scam Western men to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency accounts.

“We will be coordinating with the Office of Senator interested to find out how these victims were able to depart despite stringent immigration assessment,” he added.

It may be recalled that upon hi assumption as Commissioner, Tansingco conducted an inspection at the BI’s warned personnel that he will not tolerate any act of corruption.

“I will not tolerate involvement in issues like pastillas. corruption,” he warned.

Tansingco said anti-corruption remains the highest priority during his administration. He warned that administrative and criminal cases will be filed against any personnel proven to be involved in corrupt acts.

representatives from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Social Security System (SSS), the Land Bank of the Philippines (Land Bank), and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) unanimously backed the creation of the MWF.

“We are very supportive of this bill and we have committed P125 billion to be able to jumpstart the incorporation and help set in motion the principles of the

sovereign wealth fund,” said GSIS president and general manager Jose Veloso.

DBP president Emmanuel Herbosa, SSS president and chief executive officer (CEO) Michael Regino, and Land Bank of the Philippines president and CEO Cecilia Borromeo, likewise informed the committee that they stand four-square behind the proposed MWF.

Under the bill, the four GFIs—which shall be known as the founding GFIs---are mandated to invest equity with a combined total of P250 billion to start up the fund.

GSIS will provide an initial investment of P125 billion, P50 billion for both SSS and LBP, and P25 billion from the DBP.

The Speaker earlier explained that the creation of MWF will provide an “opportunity to ensure their respective funds’ optimal asset allocation as well as ensure

that resources are efficiently channeled to investments that will provide the most value not only to the participating GFIs but also to the country.”

In calling for the approval of the measure, Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said the MWF—managed professionally and guided by the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability—will yield the best return for the investment, providing the government with additional resources to address the country’s pressing problems.

For his part, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre noted that viewed in the context of the recentfinancial crisis, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the pandemic, the impact of sovereign wealth fund employed by many economies have been notably positive.

PNRI: Options still open on PH acquisition of nuclear plants

A PHILIPPINE nuclear research official on Tuesday said the country is open to dialogs with other nations pertaining to the acquisition of power facilities even as talks on the issue were underway with the United States.

Philippine Nuclear Research Institute executive director Carlo Arcilla indicated that other options were on the table.

It was announced during last week’s visit to Manila of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris that the so- called “123 agreement” between Manila and Washington might provide the legal basis for the export of American nuclear equipment to the Philippines.

Arcilla said the ongoing bilateral talks “does not lock us into the American negotiation policy.”

“Bukas pa din tayo sa ibang bansa,” he added.

He said South Korea has also offered to help the Philippines attain nuclear power capability.

“‘Yung South Korea, mayroon silang exact model ng planta natin na tumatakbo din ng halos 40 anyos,” Arcilla said

He pointed out that South Korea could make a nuclear power plant operational within five years,

“That is the fastest way for the Philippines to have nuclear power with 620 megawatts capacity which usually takes eight to 10 years to accomplish.

France, China, and Japan were also known users of nuclear energy and may provide assistance to the Philippines should President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decide to pursue the power option, Arcilla said.

“Yung pinakaimportante diyan ay South Korea kasi… siya ang active at isa sa mga bansang bagong nakapagpagawa ng nuclear plants… Nag-offer din sila sa Pilipinas na buhayin ang BNPP,” he said.

“Nagpahiwatig na ang South Korea na makipag-deal sa atin… Ang desisyon pong iyan ay manggagaling sa Presidente,” he said.

SSS marks 65th year, says P2.49t disbursed for members’ benefits

THE Social Security System (SSS) announced on Monday that it has disbursed a total of P2.49 trillion in members’ benefits through the 45 million claims it has received from the start of its operations in September 1957 up to August 2022.

The private sector pension fund made the disclosure as it marked its 65th year of service to the Filipinos workers.

Long-term benefits accounted for almost 90 percent of the disbursements with retirement benefits at nearly P1.33 trillion, death benefits at P792.92 billion, and disability benefits at P119.18 billion for a total of around P2.24 trillion.

Short-term benefits, on the other hand, made up the remaining 10 percent with maternity benefits at P120.91 billion, funeral benefits at P68.17 billion, sickness benefits at P56.92 billion, unemployment benefits at P3.69 billion, and employees’ compensation medical or rehab services at P1.77 billion for a total of about P251.47 billion.

SSS president and CEO Michael Regino said if the total amount of SSS benefit disbursements for the said period were adjusted for inflation, this would amount to P3.77 trillion with long-term benefits at P3.33 trillion and short-term benefits at P433.25 billion.

“From 1957 up to 2021, we recorded annual increases in the amount of benefit disbursements, except only for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our P223.98 billion benefit disbursements for 2021 are an all-time high. This year, however, we are on track to exceed this amount as for the first eight months of 2022, we have already disbursed P165.04 billion benefits, which is 7.1% more than the P154.05 billion disbursed for the same period last year,” Regino said.

The constant growth in SSS’ benefit disbursements can be attributed mainly to the gradual addition of benefits, increase in the number of its members, and expansion of membership coverage.

DOTr plans to reduce passenger security checks at NAIA

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is planning to reduce the number of security checks that passengers go through at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“What we plan to do is to reduce the (security) checks,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in an interview with CNN Philippines on Tuesday.

Bautista said at present, passengers undergo four security checks, especially those bound for the United States.

He said the DOTr, together with the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), conducting tests to reduce security checks.

“What we plan to do when we transfer the flight to Terminal 1 is to reduce this at least by one. In the meantime, we will not be able to reduce it by two. But the plan is to reduce it by one. If the TSA will be happy with the result of the test, we can reduce it to two,” Bautista said.

The Manila International Airport Au-

thority (MIAA) on Saturday announced the terminal reassignments of two major local airlines in a bid to decongest the NAIA terminals.

Starting December 1, Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to and from the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Bali (Denpasar) will transfer to NAIA Terminal 1 from Terminal 2.

However, PAL flights to other international and domestic destinations will remain in NAIA Terminal 2.

Meanwhile, Air Asia flights to and from Cebu and Caticlan will also be transferred from NAIA Terminal 4 to NAIA Terminal 3 beginning December 16.

“In Terminal 4, there are only like a little over 500 seats. When there is a delay of two or three flights, there’s really congestion,” Bautista said.

“Terminal 1 has unused capacity. This will improve the experience of the passengers as Terminal 2 has been very congested,” he added.

Ex-Standard editor Rene Alviar writes 30

RENATO M. Alviar, former assistant business editor of Manila Standard Today and a former senior editor of the Philippine News Agency (PNA), died on Nov. 27 due to lingering illness. He was 74.

Rene, as he is called by colleagues and friends, first served as a

He

He was also a correspondent for the Philippine Daily In-

quirer and the Philippine Star prior to his return to PNA as a senior editor from 2008 to 2018.

Alviar was born in Makati City on Jan. 10, 1948.

A devoted family man, Alviar was survived by his children Rene Descartes, Kim Jasper, DC, Renesett, and Xerxes.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa, and his parents, Rosauro and Julieta Alviar.

Alviar’s son, DC posted on Facebook of his father’s passing.

“I praise our Father in heaven for finally promoting our tatay Rene Alviar there. He would have turned 75 this Jan 2023. Salamat po sa mga

nakidalangin nung siya’y lumalaban pa sa stroke at mga positibong mensahe ng mga kapwa niya peryodista. Salamat po, Pang noon, sa lubos na kasiyahang hatid ni tatay para sa akin at sa amin (We would like thank those who prayed for him while he was still fighting for his life and for all the positive messages from his fellow journalists. Thank you, Lord, for the joy that my father brought to me and the whole family),” DC’s post read. Alviar lies in state at their ancestral home in Barangay Cuyab, San Pedro City, Laguna, across Cuyab Catholic Church.

senior reporter of the stateowned PNA from 1976 to 1982.

also worked for other major publishing companies as business reporter for Manila Evening Post, Bulletin Today (now Manila Bulletin) and Malaya.

DRUGS TURNOVER. The Bureau of Customs turns over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency some P12.5 million worth of illegal drugs including ecstasy pills and cannabis seized at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

MASS WEDDING. Two lovers enjoy their sel e after exchanging marital vows, along with 19 other couples who took part in a mass wedding o ciated by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas. Arnold Almacen /Iloilo City Mayor’s O ce

BARANGAY EMPOWERMENT. Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, assisted by MSgt. Gerardo Tubera and Col. Harry Ruiz Lorenzo distribute 40 hand-held radios and 96 whistles to at least eight barangays thru the initiative of Police Community Precinct 2 on= Dagupan Street in Tondo, Manila. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

Parts of NCR without water on Dec.1 to Dec. 2

PARTS of Mandaluyong City, Quezon City, and Antipolo City will be without water from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2 as the Ma nila Water Company (Manila Water) has scheduled service improvement activities.

In its advisory, Manila Water said af fected areas are parts of Barangay Hulo (Purok 32-38 and Purok 48-60) in Man daluyong City from 10 p.m. of Dec. 1 until 4 a.m. of Dec. 2, specifically along F. Blumentritt St. for line maintenance.

From 10 p.m. on Dec. 1 until 4 a.m. on Dec. 2, parts of Barangays Nayong Kan luran, Paltok and Sta. Cruz, particularly in Del Monte Avenue corner West Avenue; Barangay Matandang Balara, specifically in Vista Real Classica Subdivision for line maintenance; Barangays Ugong and Ugong Norte, all in Quezon City, particu larly in White Plains corner Temple Drive for line meter replacement.

Parts of Barangay San Isidro, spe cifically in NHA Avenue, Sitio Phase 2 Bagong Nayon II; Parts of Barangay Dela Paz, particularly in NHA Avenue, Sitio Lucban Phase 5, all in Antipolo City, Rizal province will also be affected by water interruption for line meter re placement.

The water company advised residents in the affected areas to store enough wa ter to supply their needs during the ser vice improvement activity.

2 Manila churches elevated as shrines

MANILA archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula has elevated two parish churches in Manila to the rank of arch diocesan shrines.

In separate decrees, the Archdiocese of Manila declared as shrines Nues tra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Parish (NSPS) in Sampaloc district and San Vi cente de Paul Parish (SVPP) in Ermita district.

In a decree dated Nov. 27, the Car dinal approved that SVP Parish on San Marcelino Street will be conferred the title of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

“On the Feast of Our Lady of the Mi raculous Medal, we received a gift. We give thanks to the Lord for this bless ing,” according to the parish statement issued on Monday.

On the other hand, the parish located at Calamba corner Instruccion Streets will be known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro through a decree issued on Nov. 2 but announced on Sunday.

Among the requirements for a church to be declared a diocesan shrine, it must be a place of historical significance, prayer, and pilgrimage for a special rea son of piety.

A parish files a petition asking the bishop to canonically elevate the church. Meanwhile, for a church to be de clared a national shrine, it must have the approval of the bishops’ conference.

House honors Arenas for AIPA service award

THE House of Representatives has unani mously adopted House Resolution (HR) 598 commending and congratulating for mer Deputy Speaker Rose Marie J. Arenas for bringing honor to the country after re ceiving the Association of Southeast Asian Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Distinguished Service Award.

Given to exemplary individuals whose invaluable service, outstanding contribu tion, and unceasing and tireless efforts proved significant in achieving the goals and objectives of AIPA, the award was conferred to Arenas at the 43rd AIPA general assembly held November 20 to 25, 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The resolution, which was adopted Monday, likewise cited Arenas for her other outstanding accomplishments dur ing her term as a member of the House of Representatives.

“…For her laudable accomplishments on both local and international fronts, Honorable Rose Marie ‘Tita Baby’ J. Arenas deserves the highest honor and distinction not only from the House of Representatives but from the whole na tion as well,” the resolution said.

HR 598 was introduced by Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Lead er Manuel Jose M. Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan, senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Al exander A. Marcos, and Tingog PartyList Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre. Maricel V. Cruz

90% of Pinoys infected with COVID-19— expert

By Willie Casas

APPROXIMATELY 90 percent of Filipinos may already have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, an epidemiologist said Tuesday.

This is based on modeling estimates conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), an independent global health research center at the University of Washington, according to Dr. John Wong.

“If you look at the Philippines, we’re about 90 percent of the population infected,” Wong said in a virtual town hall forum.

Wong, founder and senior technical adviser of health research institution EpiMetrics Inc., disclosed this while

discussing about COVID-19 endemicity.

Based on IHME estimates, 76 percent of the world’s population had been infected with COVID-19, he said. “The only reason we don’t see that many cases in our case counts is that they also estimated only about 33 percent of infections are detected,” Wong said.

While the country’s immunity wall from both natural infections and immunizations is high, he said infectioninduced immunity is unreliable.

To date, the Philippines’ primary series vaccination rate is only at 64 percent, Wong also said. The focus now, Wong said, should be on vaccinating the unvaccinated.

The Department of Health (DOH) meanwhile said the Philippines’ new COVID-19 infections may decrease to as low as around 429 daily by December if minimum public health standards will be continuously complied with,

Based on FASSSTER national projections, DOH Epidemiology Bureau

Director Dr. Alethea de Guzman said that daily and active COVID-19 cases may continuously decline next month if the current pandemic scenario and observance to heath protocols would remain by then.

However, De Guzman had warned that infections may go as high as 2,294 by the end of December if people would reduce compliance to the minimum health standards, such as masking and social distancing.

“If our MPHS compliance further decreases, our daily cases will actually, may probably range from 1,140 to as high 2,294 by the end of December, and our active cases may also reach a total of as of December,” she said.

De Guzman said based on AuTuMN projections in the National Capital Region (NCR), hospital utilization will not increase if the vaccination rate is further improved and there are no variants of concern that will enter the country.

Ex-DOE chief Cusi charged with libel over Malampaya issue

In a resolution dated Nov. 14, Valenzuela Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Rudy Ricamora recommended that “Alfonso G. Cusi be indicted for violation of Sec. 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175 otherwise known as the Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012.”

The case was eventually raffled off to Valenzuela City Regional Trial Court Branch 75,” according to Gatchalian’s staff, quoted by the ABS-CBN News report.

In a text message to ABS-CBN News, Cusi’s lawyer Atty. Rui Rondain said that his client posted bail and would issue a statement later Tuesday.

The cyber libel case stemmed from Cusi’s Feb. 4, 2022 statement uploaded on the DOE website in response to several Senate Committee on Energy hearings led by Gatchalian on the transfer of Chevron Philippines Ltd.’s 45-percent participating interest in Chevron Malampaya Philippines to UC Malampaya Philippines Pte Ltd, a Udenna Holdings Corporation subsidiary.

Cusi claimed Gatchalian had “chosen to lend his ear to those adversarial business interests” which allegedly propagated “innuendoes, speculation and hearsay.”

He also accused Gatchalian of fueling misunderstanding that the Malampaya deals were supposedly “defective, lutong macau and graft-ridden,” calling it an insult to DOE officials and employees.

Gatchalian, as chair of the Senate energy committee, caused the passage of a Feb. 2, 2022 resolution expressing the “sense of the Senate” that appropriate criminal and administrative charges should be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission against Cusi and other DOE officials for approving the transfer of shares.

A NEW “unified penalty system” against traffic violators will be rolled out in the first quarter of 2023, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said on Tuesday.

LTO Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade said the “single ticketing system will establish a uniform definition for traffic violations and use a common and unified penalty system across all cities,” ABS-CBN News reported.

The official was quoted as saying that the LTO can monitor the performance

of drivers via a “common demerit point system.”

“We will make sure na yung privilege to drive ay mapupunta lang sa mga karapat-dapat,” he said.

The single ticketing system “is not to increase the penalty but to have a penalty that will serve as a deterrent,” Tugade said, noting that some cities impose a P300 fine for the failure to wear helmets, while others have a P1,500 monetary sanction, ABS-CBN News further reported.

The official said this is part of President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order is to “restore the trust and confidence of the public” to the LTO.

Tugade, who was also recently named as head of the LTO was further quoted saying that the ticketing system is also part of the campaign agains fixers, corruption in the agency, and as a way to improve customer service.

“I will make sure not only to impose administrative liability kapag kayo ay nahuli ko but… criminal liability ang aking ipu-pursue,” the official said.

In indicting Cusi, Valenzuela prosecutors said his statement pictured Gatchalian as “dishonest,” a “fraud,” abusive of his power as senator and chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, and a “corrupt” public official, to the damage of the lawmaker’s reputation, the ABS-CBN News report further said. Cusi reasoned out there was no publication.

But Valenzuela prosecutors said Cusi himself admitted that he authored the statement and it was uploaded on the DOE website, a public website.

“A defamatory post uploaded in a public website constitutes sufficient publication since it was parted in such a way that it can be read by person other than Gatchalian,” the resolution said.

“Under the orders of the Commission en Banc, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government is directed to immediately implement the en Banc resolution… disqualifying Noel Rosal,” he said.

Rosal has yet to issue an official state ment, the GMA News report said.

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives approved a bill seeking to promote the country’s indigenous writing systems by including these in relevant subjects of basic and higher education such as elective or specialized courses in higher education studying the same, among others.

With an overwhelming 251 votes, the chamber on Monday approved on final reading House Bill (HB) 6069 or the Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems Act to “generate greater awareness of indigenous and traditional scripts of the Philippines and engender wider appreciation of their significance and beauty… as part of our cultural treasures.”

“…While these writing systems are being revived again, it is

becoming vulnerable and in danger of misrepresentation and alteration due to technological advancements. Proper and official recognized standardization, publication, and documentation must be established in order for the writing systems to sustain its intrinsic characteristics,”

Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre, two of the principal authors of the bill, said.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez was among the co-authors of the bill.

“It is the declared policy of the State to foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression. To this end, the State shall promote, protect, preserve, and conserve the Philippine indigenous and traditional writing systems as a

means to inculcate patriotism and social consciousness among the citizenry,” HB 6069’s declaration of policy read.

Aside from the inclusion of the indigenous writing systems in subjects, the bill also mandates the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and local governments (LGUs) to conduct activities that promote awareness of the writing systems, particularly during Buwan ng Wika and similar occasions and events.

The conduct of seminars, conferences, conventions, symposia, and other relevant activities on writing systems indigenous to a particular region was also provided under the bill.

The measure also requires government agencies to ensure record-keeping of relevant documents and preservation of oral evidence on the writing systems.

“The

Laudiangco

Albay Vice Governor Edcel Lagman Jr. will replace Rosal while the highestranking member of the Sangguniang Pan lalawigan will take over Lagman’s post.

The Comelec earlier issued a certificate of finality and entry of judgment on the disqualification of Rosal.

This came after the Comelec en Banc junked his motion for reconsideration and upheld the Comelec First Division’s deci sion to disqualify him.

Albay gov ordered to vacate post after Comelec upholds disqualification

House approves measure to promote indigenous writing systems

FORMER Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi is facing a cyber libel charge before a Valenzuela court. This after prosecutors indicted him for cyber libel over his statement against Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s handling of the Senate probe on the Malampaya deals, ABS-CBN News reported.

ALBAY Governor Noel Rosal has been or dered to vacate his post following a Com mission on Elections (Comelec) decision upholding Rosal’s disqualification.

Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudi angco said the order regarding the issu ance of a writ of execution and the actual writ of execution were served to the con cerned parties at 10:30 a.m, GMA News reported.

Comelec has declared and ordered Governor Rosal to vacate his post and the office of the governor of Albay,” Laudi angco, quoted in the GMA News report said.

said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was tasked to implement the resolution and remove Rosal from office.

‘SEA OF CLOUDS.’ Tourists flock to the Mirador Jesuit Villa Retreat House and Eco Park, a popular tourist destination in Baguio City. Visitors go to the park to watch a “sea of clouds” and await the setting sun. Dave Leprozo

NEW HEALTH CENTER. Taytay Municipal Mayor Allan Martine De Leon and SM Foundation executive director for health services Connie Angeles led the ceremonial inauguration of the newly-renovated health center of ABNAI-Barangay Health Station in Barangay Sta. Ana in Taytay, Rizal on Tuesday. Norman Cruz

‘ZUMBA’ AT DOLOMITE BEACH. Members of the Department of Health, Manila Metropolitan Development Authority, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources participate in a ‘zumba’ session followed by the unveiling of the “No smoking, No vape” sign inside the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach along Roxas Boulevard on Tuesday. Norman Cruz

What’s the real score on the insurgency?

The P1.084 billion is lodged in the proposed budget of the Philippine National Police, which is under the supervision of the DILG, to “cover and monitor activities meant to address the root causes of insurgency,” according to Sen. Sonny Angara, Senate finance chair.

WITH the communist-led armed rebellion in the country poised to mark its 54th year this month, it’s timely and relevant to ask the question above.

After all, the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed recently that the Maoist insurgency has been effectively contained.

The numbers, they said, clearly tell us that the rebellion has been on a consistent decline, with their strength substantially reduced from a high of 25,000 in the 1980s to a minuscule 2,000 regular fighters spread out in a few regions in the country at present.

The number of ‘guerrilla zones’ where the NPA has at least a battalion of fighters on active duty is now down to a single digit, according to the security sector, enough reason for the government to say that it has scored a ‘strategic victory’ over the NPA.

But we’re confused no end by a seeming inconsistency in the numbers that the DND and the AFP are citing, and the increase in the intelligence budgets that government agencies whose responsibilities include national security are asking for next year.

If the communist-led rebellion is on its death throes as claimed by the defense establishment, it stands to reason that the intelligence funds for those government agencies with national security functions should be substantially reduced, not increased.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is not pleased at all that one agency, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, has more than P1 billion in its proposed 2023 budget of P252.58 billion just to assess and evaluate the government’s counter-insurgency campaign.

At the recent DILG budget deliberation, Pimentel said he was aghast after he saw such a “huge amount allotted merely for monitoring the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“This really shocked me,” he said, citing the P400 million given for the task this year, plus the P1.084 billion for the same task next year, despite the NTF-ELCAC being repeatedly criticized for its failure to account for the billions that it has received over the past three years.

Pimentel lamented that the amount was tacked onto the DILG’s anti-insurgency programs even if it was not tasked with identifying villages cleared of rebel influence or control, which would receive funding and would not undertake the distribution of the cash assistance.

The senator asked why such an amount was being given for making assessments and evaluations while many other agencies were begging for funds just to sustain their operations.

Angara said the P1.084-billion fund is separate from the P10 billion earmarked for the NTF-ELCAC, through the Assistance to Local Government Units lodged in the Department of Budget and Management.

He said the DILG funding includes monitoring the implementation of the Support to Barangay Development Program under the

History, it is said, occurs twice: the first time as tragedy, the second as farce

NTF-ELCAC.

The BDP involves projects aimed at economic development of communities that were once influenced or sympathetic to the insurgency.

The funds for the programs and activities of the NTF-ELCAC have apparently been scattered among several agencies as part of the government’s counter-insurgency campaign.

It is the AFP, however, that declares which barangays are classified as cleared and are entitled to get funding support of P20 million, while the DBM releases the amounts to barangays concerned.

On the other hand, the PNP is tasked to conduct counter-mobilization activities, law enforcement, capacity building, monitoring and other activities.

Pimentel is on the right track in urging the public to monitor how hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential and intelligence funds will be spent by agencies not responsible for national security or law enforcement, such as the Department of Education, even as the country grapples with a bloated national debt.

What’s going on today gives us a sense of déjà vu.

We recall that it was in the 1960s that the term “budgetary Huks” was coined by the political opposition then to refer to the justification used by some lawmakers to get a bigger budget ostensibly to contain the communist threat represented by the remnants of the Huks (short for the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon) that continued to fight the government even after the end of the Second World War.

But the demand for a higher budget for the defense department and the armed forces so they could fight the Reds at the time was misplaced and unseemly as the Huk rebellion had already been largely decimated and its key leaders incarcerated in maximum-security prison.

History, it is said, occurs twice: the first time as tragedy, the second as farce.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

ippines

1,

His story puts him in the very center of the killing of the brothers Andres and Procopio Bonifacio.

THIS year we are celebrating the 101st Bonifacio Day.

According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the country commemorates Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio’s birthday every Nov. 30.

Enshrining this a national holiday was initiated by Senator Lope K. Santos, whose bill to designating November 30 as a national heroes day was approved in February 1921.

A separate National Heroes’ Day was created through another law in 1931, and a law separating Heroes’ Day from Bonifacio Day was passed in 1952.

Andres Bonifacio is regarded as a national hero for founding the Katipunan and initiating the Philippine Revolution in 1896 against the Spanish empire, whose grip over the archipelago lasted for nearly 400 years.

Despite Bonifacio’s contributions to overthrowing the colonizer, he died at the hands of his countrymen.

This is why his day is celebrated on his birth date and not his death date, as in the case of Jose Rizal, who was executed by the Spanish colonial government for the crime of rebellion.

Rizal was not aligned with Bonifacio and his group, but his writings were incendiary and sparked a wave of feeling against the colonizers.

The Katipunan, founded in 1892, spawned an aggressive movement that saw members ripping their cedulas and fighting against the Spanish.

According to historian Ambeth Ocampo, Bonifacio’s death is still controversial because “his death raises painful questions. Bonifacio was killed by the very revolution he started.

Colonizers are the villains in our history, but Bonifacio’s death points to Filipino villais.”

In one of his columns, Ocampo cites a Phil-

Makapagal said he received orders from General Mariano Noriel to take the Bonifacios from Maragondon, Cavite where they were detained, to Tala hill in that area.

Makapagal complied, taking with him four soldiers.

According to historian Ambeth Ocampo, Bonifacio’s death is still controversial because ‘his death raises painful questions. Bonifacio was killed by the very revolution he started. Colonizers are the villains in our history, but Bonifacio’s death points to Filipino villains’

At Tala, he broke open a sealed packet of orders that Noriel had handed him. “But I already had a presentiment of the order contained within the parcel,” Makapagal recounted.

“It was an order for the execution of the brothers.”

Makapagal gave orders for Procopio to be shot.

Andres, some distance away, begged for forgiveness and attempted to escape.

Citing his “military duty,” Makapagal ordered him shot as well.

Andres was fired upon in the back as he tried to flee into the shrubbery. As Makapagal

EDITORIAL

Bonifacio’s bulletin board

FILIPINOS, from Batanes up north to Tawi-Tawi down south, will respectively look at the bulletin board today and read for themselves the heroism, sacrifice and nationalism of the founder and eventual Supremo of the Katipunan.

Andres Bonifacio (Nov. 30, 1863, Manila—May 10, 1897, Mt. Buntis, Cavite), known as the “Father of the Philippine Revolusion,” has been described by historians as a patriot, founder and leader of the nationalist Katipunan society, who instigated the revolt of August 1896 against the Spanish.

From the writings on the board, never scratched out by the dust of time, today’s generation and their elders will once more read some lessons like determination against odds, teamwork, and dreaming big.

Only 33 years old when the wellread warehouse clerk declared Philippine independence in 1896 – when the 26-year-old Emilio Aguinaldo, the officially recognized first president of the country, declared independence on June 12, 1898—following the execu-

tion by Spain of Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan, now the Luneta in Manila.

Bonifacio, orphaned at an early age, was a self-educated man, a very smart person and an au courant who read books and articles on politics, law, revolution and religion.

From the writings on the board, never scratched out by the dust of time, today’s generation and their elders will once more read some lessons like determination against odds, teamwork, and dreaming big

In his home, Bonifacio, who married twice—his neighbor Monica (surname not known) and later Gregoria de Jesus —kept a collection of La Solidaridad and letters of Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Jose Rizal.

Bonifacio earned the distinction of being called the Great Plebeian who immersed himself in the daily struggles of

the working classes and exemplified the aspirations to nationhood and freedom of the nation’s poor.

Historians say Bonifacio believed that for private and public services to be delivered efficiently and effectively, workers should be hardworking and timeoriented because the development of the country and the progress of society depended on them.

After the Spanish arrested Rizal in July 1892, Bonifacio, who had in his demeanor the mirror of great courage, decided that the Philippines would only achieve independence through revolution.

On July 7 that year, he founded the Katipunan, a secret society open to both peasants and the middle class that employed Masonic rituals to impart an air of sacred mystery.

Today, the Filipinos will also read in the bulletin board that this will be the last November 30 they will celebrate the heroism of what some historians call the Unofficial First President of the Independent Philippines.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation 90 signed last November 10, Bonifacio’s birth anniversary as a legal holiday will already be celebrated on the nearest Monday to November 30 every year.

The Filipinos are still looking at the board, and looking up to the man who set on fire a sense of patriotism among the then less than five million population throughout the archipelago.

Migz Zubiri at the BNA anniversary

vaccines, not only purchasing doses for your own people with your own money, but donating half to government—a lifesaving, hopegiving, buy one-take one promo.

“And because charity begins at home, you kept within your payroll, as much manpower as long as possible, and avoided the layoffs as much as possible.

“Business magazines and newspapers report on the numbers that truly matter.

“Vital statistics like GNP, employment, investments, poverty incidence, corporate incomes, fiscal performance, these are what constitute the essential, and not the “likes,” “shares,” or “reach” of social media posts.

THE following are excerpts from Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s inspirational speech at BiznewsAsia’s 21st Anniversary, November 25, 2022 at New World Hotel:

“None is a better measure that we’re over the age of quarantine than the fact that Sir Tony Lopez has, after two years, summoned us all for what is considered the Oscars of the business world.

“And when you are served a Subpoena Duces Tecum by Tony Lopez, you fail not to appear under the pain of denying yourself a wonderful night.

“So thank you, Sir Tony, for gathering, in this one room, 80 percent of the country’s GNP.

“This is by far the greatest concentration of wealth I have seen in a long time, under one roof.

“My friends, ladies and gentlemen:

“As we emerge from, not one “annus horribilis” but rather two, there are so many things we are thankful for.

“People to be honored, deeds to be commended, and heroes to be remembered.

“Let me begin with our friends from the business sector, who responded to the call of the times with everything they’ve got.

“Some of you, my dear friends, retooled your factories so they would produce wartime necessities, like turning gin into sanitizing alcohol, or fashioning PPEs out of packaging materials.

“You let your planes fly half empty, ships sail without cargo, because you believe that the people still have to travel and places resupplied.

“You donated your vehicles for use by medical personnel and patients alike, and stocked the commissaries of hospitals under siege.

“You even built entire wards and wings of hospitals, and quarantine facilities.

“When ventilators were in short supply, some of you scrambled your planes to shop for them, giving hospital administrators a sigh of relief.

“You gave away fuel to frontliners, and food too. And the ancient miracle of feeding the multitude with bread happened here too.

“You were ahead of the curve in sourcing

said, the brothers were not bound.

A grave was dug and Andres buried in it.

Other sources state that Noriel was president of the Council of War that tried the Bonifacio brothers in Naic and Maragondon.

They were convicted of sedition and treason and sentenced to death, but General Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the Revolutionary Government, commuted the sentence to banishment to the Pico de Loro mountain in Maragondon.

However, many senior military officers and prominent citizens, including Noriel himself, warned that the Revolution was in danger if the Bonifacios were allowed to live.

Why was Bonifacio charged with these crimes?

“Above all, you kept your businesses open, because people need to buy food, drug prescriptions must be filled, utilities must run, and factories must continue to churn out essentials.

“Lest it be forgotten, while your bottomlines were bleeding in red, you paid taxes which allowed government to finance the war against COVID and provided welfare to the most affected.

“The true state of the nation are not found in the hifalutin speeches by government spokesmen, but in the statistics, in business pages, because these are hard to spin or slant.

“This is perhaps one reason why economic journalism is an area trolls do not dare tread because it requires analytical mind and impartial judgment of which BizNews Asia is an exemplar.

“Tony, the gracious host that he is, told me that I can speak as long as I want.

reason

This is perhaps one reason why economic journalism is an area trolls do not dare tread because it requires an analytical mind and impartial judgment of which BizNews Asia is an exemplar

“And for that, we say, thank you—for all your help for our country.

“Looking back, one of the weapons in our arsenal in the war against the coronavirus was information.

“Truth was as important as wearing masks in a small crowded van. As fake news was as fatal as not wearing any.

“Crisis creates fear which in turn incubates misinformation. And there was not a lack of opportunists who, out of the desire to make money or mayhem, trafficked fake news.

“And this is where the likes of Mr. Tony Lopez came in, who shielded the public from the harm of wrong, dangerous information, like a deworming medicine peddled as a wonder drug that can annihilate the virus.

“Tony’s work was and is like a monitoring machine plugged to the economy.

“His magazine BizNews Asia is like a dashboard of needles which gauge the health of our economy, and as such an early warning device that screams what sectors are about to flatline.

The Library of Congress states that: “Following the execution of Rizal in 1896, Bonifacio proclaimed Filipino independence on August 23, 1896.

This time, the Spaniards moved against him, forcing his flight to the Marikina mountains, while other forces headed by Emilio Aguinaldo were more successful and won control over some towns.

“When Bonifacio tried to rein him in, Aguinaldo ordered him arrested and charged with treason and sedition. He was tried and convicted by his enemies and executed on May 10, 1897.”

This was a dark incident during those difficult days, but Bonifacio’s role seems pretty clear. According to the NHCP, Bonifacio was

“But I have no intention of turning his night into a privilege hour, more so before an audience in which those who campaign for office are outnumbered by campaign contributors.

“Let me just run through, as quickly as possible, what the Senate is doing.

“If it were movie in need of a title, or a magazine cover wanting a blurb, it would be this: A Senate for National Reconstruction.

“Whether they are the budget or bills, our work falls into two genres:

“Providing safety nets to the those who— not by choice, but by circumstances—ontinue to fall in between the cracks.

“And providing the scaffolding on which citizens, companies, and communities can climb up from the craters of the pandemic.

“By the way, we’d like to congratulate the House as well as the Senate for approving the budget in the fastest-ever time.

“This double-barrel approach is manifested, for example, in the health budget next year.

“While we will be sending more medical students on scholarship to school and improving hospital facilities, financial aid to families who are one sickness away from bankruptcy will be retained.

“While libreng sakay will remain, billions are appropriated for rail, so more trains can bring more people to more places through our mass transport systems.

“While we will be giving away fertilizer and fuel to farmers in a targeted manner, there will be measures that will unlock ownership restrictions on farmlands, to allow for corporate farming.

“While rationalizing tax measures, and removing some, in fact, are on the table, this will be coupled with initiatives that will continue to ease the conduct and the burden of doing business.”

the “lighting guide of the revolution.

His courage and determination was undeniable and the struggle for freedom started by him and his Katipuneros became the flame of inspiration of other revolutionary groups to continue the fight for freedom.”

May today and our other heroes’ days lead us to recall the sacrifices of our forebears who fought and died for our country’s freedom and for democracy—and may we not waste their efforts.

* * * (Dr. Ortuoste is a board member of PEN Philippines, member of the Manila Critics Circle, and judge of the National Book Awards. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO )

Free Press news item from Dec.

1928 that focuses on the account of a soldier named Lazaro Makapagal.

China cities under heavy policing

SHANGHAI—China’s major cities of Beijing and Shanghai were blanketed with security on Tuesday in the wake of nationwide rallies calling for political freedoms and an end to Covid lockdowns.

The country’s leadership faced a weekend of protests not seen in decades, as anger over unrelenting lockdowns fuels deep-rooted frustration with the

country’s political system as a whole.

A deadly fire last week in Urumqi, the capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang re gion, was the catalyst for the wave of out rage, with protesters taking to the streets of cities around the country.

The demonstrators said Covid restrictions were to blame for hampering rescue efforts -- claims the government has denied as it accused “forces with ulterior mo tives” of linking the fire deaths to the strict Covid controls.

Anger over lockdowns has wid ened to calls for political change, with protesters holding up blank sheets of paper to symbolise the

censorship the world’s most populous country is subjected to.

‘So many police’ More protests were planned for Monday night but did not materialise, with AFP journalists in Beijing and Shanghai noting a heavy police presence of hundreds of vehi cles and officers on the streets.

People who had attended weekend rallies told AFP Monday they had re ceived phone calls from law enforce ment officers demanding information about their movements.

In Shanghai, near a site where weekend protests saw bold calls for the resignation of President Xi Jinping, bar staff told AFP they had been ordered to close at 10:00 pm (1400 GMT) for “disease control”.

Small clusters of officers were de ployed to metro exits near the protest site.

Throughout Monday, AFP journalists saw officers detaining four people, later releasing one, with a reporter counting

12 police cars within 100 metres along Wulumuqi street in Shanghai, the focal point of Sunday’s rally.

Despite the overwhelming police deployment, the frustration with zeroCovid remained palpable.

“The (zero-Covid) policies now -–they’re just too strict. They kill more peo ple than Covid,” one 17-year-old passerby who did not want to be named told AFP, saying he had been surrounded by police when passing through the area.

In an audio recording shared with AFP, a man can be heard asking for his address, to which the passerby -- who asked to be named Ray -- insists law enforcement officers do not “have the right” to demand it.

Elsewhere, rallies did go ahead.

In semi-autonomous Hong Kong, where mass democracy protests erupt ed in 2019, dozens gathered at the Chi nese University to mourn the victims of the Urumqi fire. AFP

Macron heads to US for ‘personal’ 2nd state visit

PARIS—French President Emmanuel Macron heads to Washington Tuesday to discuss a slew of issues with US counterpart Joe Biden, ranging from aligning policy on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to easing trade spats.

Macron, in a rare honour the first French leader to be invited for two US state visits, can look forward to another 21-gun salute and ostentatious White House dinner that ex-president Donald Trump provided in 2018.

His travelling entourage of foreign, defence and finance ministers, as well as business leaders and astronauts, il lustrates the range of transatlantic co operation Paris hopes to push forward.

But one senior American official told AFP that while there might be concrete “progress” in some fields, “this visit is about the personal rela tionship, the alliance relationship” with France.

“There are enormous opportuni ties to cooperate between the Biden administration and the Macron gov ernment,” said Martin Quencez, deputy director of the Paris office of think-tank GMF.

“But for various reasons, coopera tion and coordination haven’t gone as far as one might imagine”.

good faith by the petitioner;

8. That there was a time that respondent introduced me to his cousin who used to work in Saudi Arabia and it was same person whom he instructed to on the year 2015 to secure papers in Manila proving the fact that respondent is single; 9. That thereafter, since petitioner is of marrying age and ready for any responsibility, she decided to return to the Philippines on the year 2015 and be with respondent to be his bride on December 2015;

10. That after the wedding, petitioner return to work abroad on January 2016 to resume her employment contract;

11. That petitioner was surprised that respondent cannot be contacted anymore at his previous number and petitioner was able to installed an IMO App in the Internet under respondent number and was again surprised that somebody a female responded

12. That petitioner used the respondent number, it is as if he is the one communicating to the woman at Saudi Arabia, and the latter responded that the respondent had pending account with her;

13. That she even told the woman that she is a single person;

14. That the said other unidentified female was demanding payment of respondent account since he was working at Saudi Arabia and that female person was the other woman of the respondent;

15. That the woman of respondent and petitioner began to communicate regarding to his account obligation amounting to 2,500 Saudi Riyal and after knowing this, petitioner confronted the respondent and he twisted the facts and everything and we got quarreled; 16. That despite of the infirmities of the respondent, love and forgiveness of petitioner prevails and all the patience has been shown by the petitioner in order to maintain their relationship despite the odds; 17. That thru their promise, the petitioner and respondent decided to tie the knot on December 8, 2015 at Ermita, Manila, and copy of their Marriage Contract is hereto attached and marked as ANNEX “A” and made integral part hereof; 18. That at the time of her marriage, petitioner was not aware that respondent is already married to a certain Anecita Talomiya Tinggas on March 7, 1992 as this fact was revealed only after their marriage and he even told me lies that the said Anecita was his sister and she maligned me because of what discovered; 19. That the petitioner and respondent have no biological child of their own during their marriage; 20. They have even no real properties established during their marital union; 21. That sometime on August 30, 2019, petitioner was able to secure a CENOMAR at the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) and discovered that indeed respondent have Two (2) existing marriages, one from Anecita Talomiya on March 7, 1992 and the other subsequent marriage is with petitioner on December 8, 2015, copy of the said NSO SECPA CENOMAR is attached and marked as ANNEX “B” and made integral part hereof; 22. That subsequent marriage was contracted by respondent while his first valid marriage is still subsisting-hence, the second is a bigamous marriage; 23. That the petitioner discovered the said first existing marriage on

The tone between Paris and Washington has calmed since a year ago, when the United States snatched a lucrative contract to supply Australia with submarines from under French noses -- and launched a new US-UK-Australia alliance in the Pacific, dubbed AUKUS, that excluded France.

This week’s visit could be seen as the capstone of US efforts to placate a NATO ally which is one of the strongest voices calling for European “strategic autonomy”, said Celia Belin, a researcher at the Brookings Institution.

“The French aren’t always easy to manage, but when the French and the Americans agree, that moves things forward a great deal.” AFP

US to release emergency aid for Ukraine energy infrastructure

BUCAREST—The United States is expected to an nounce “substantial” financial aid to Ukraine on Tuesday to help it deal with the damage caused by Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, senior US officials said.

The aid, which will be detailed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in the Romanian capital Bucharest, “is sub stantial and it is not the end”, one senior official told journalists Monday, speaking on condition of ano

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late HERMINIO R. POBLETE was extrajudicially settled by heirs as per Doc. No. 10; Page 3; Book No. 2; Series of 2022 Before

Notary Public Hazel Delos Santos Reyes of the Province of Cavite. MS-(NOV. 30, 2022 DEC. 7 & 14, 2022)

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late REYNALDO MANLAPIG was extrajudicially settled by heirs as per Doc. No. 12; Page 3; Book No. 2; Series of 2022 Before Notary Public Hazel Delos Santos Reyes of the Province of Cavite. MS-(NOV. 30, 2022 - DEC. 7 & 14, 2022)

nymity and without giving further details. However, he noted that the Biden administration had budgeted $1.1 billion for energy spending in Ukraine and Moldova.

It comes ahead of an international donors’ confer ence on support for the Ukrainian civil resistance to be held December 13 in France, he pointed out.

A Russian campaign of missile strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has damaged be tween 25 and 30 percent of the grid, according to

figures cited by Kyiv.

“What the Russians have been doing is targeting these large transformer stations. They are high-volt age transformer stations”, not just power plants, the US official said, a move aimed at disrupting the en tire energy network from production to distribution.

NATO foreign ministers are meeting Tuesday and Wednesday in Bucharest where the alliance’s support for Ukraine since the Russian invasion will be discussed. AFP

Add Great Barrier Reef to ‘in danger’ list—experts

SYDNEY—Australia’s Great Barrier Reef should be add ed to a list of “in danger” World Heritage sites, according to United Nations experts who warned the fading wonder has been “significantly impacted” by climate change.

A UNESCO-tasked report said on Monday warming seas and agricultural pollution had put the reef at risk and that its resilience had been “substantially compromised”.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s premier tourist drawcards and putting it on the in-danger list could

substantially tarnish its allure for international visitors.

UNESCO considered listing the reef after a damning report in 2021 but held off following intense lobbying from Australia’s previous conservative government.

It first raised the alarm about the reef’s deteriora tion in 2010.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society said the reef supported 60,000 jobs and generated Aus$6 billion ($4 billion) in revenue every year. AFP

Seoul orders striking cement truckers back to work

SEOUL—South Korea ordered striking cement truck drivers back to work on Tuesday, a rare move that Seoul said was necessary because industrial ac tion posed a danger to the economy.

A broader truckers’ strike, which started Thurs day over minimum pay, is generating an estimated 300 billion won ($226 million) in daily losses, ac cording to interior minister Lee Sang-min. The strike -- the second major industrial action in

less than six months -- has again triggered concerns about the impact on global supply chains, already strained by prolonged Covid-19 lockdowns in China and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While the walkout was organised by the 25,000-strong Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union, the back-to-work order only affects drivers specifically in the cement industry -- around 1,000 of those in volved in the action. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

ERUPTION. This aerial image released by the US Geological Survey (USGS) from Civil Air Patrol on November 28 shows the lava on the northeast rift zone of Mauna Loa in Hawaii, the largest active volcano in the world, which erupted for the first time in nearly 40 years, US authorities said, as emergency crews went on alert early Monday. AFP

GUINNESS TRY. Venezuelans dance salsa casino during a Guinness World Record attempt in which 2040 people took part, at the Teo Capriles velodrome of the National Sports Institute, in Caracas, Venezuela on November 27. AFP

Stocks, peso advance as China unrest eases

STOCKS extended their rally on Tues day, sending the benchmark index above the 6,700 mark, while the peso strength ened against the US dollar in line with the movement of regional currencies.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark, climbed 99 points, or 1.5 percent, to close at 6,780.78, led by the property subsector.

The broader all-share index also went up 32 points, or 0.9 percent, to settle at 3,513.98 on a value turnover of P23.5 bil lion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 103 to 88, while 42 issues were unchanged.

Four of the 10 most active stocks end ed in the green, led by Ayala Land Inc. which climbed 5.2 percent to P31.50 and SM Prime Holdings Inc. which rose 3.7 percent to P36.40.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong stocks surged Tuesday as fears about unrest in China gave way to hopes authorities will start to roll back some of their tough, economi cally painful zero-Covid policies.

Asian equities rose and the dollar weakened Tuesday as China avoided an other night of protests after a weekend of unrest. The peso closed at 56.56 against the greenback Tuesday, up from Mon day’s 56.64.

Bills Pay PH launched to digitalize retail sector

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Payments Management Inc. launched on Tuesday the Bills Pay PH in line with continuing efforts to digitalize the country’s retail payments landscape.

Bills Pay PH facilitates digital trans actions between accounts from different payment service providers. Transactions can be performed by scanning or upload ing the QR Ph Person-to-Biller code or by manually inputting payment details for the non-QR mode of payment. QR Ph is the national standard for quick response codes.

“Through our continued collabora tion with PPMI, we expect to broaden the reach of the benefits of digitalization for more Filipinos, be it individuals or businesses, through more convenient, af fordable, efficient, and responsive digital payment services,” BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said.

Medalla expressed optimism that the new facility would take the central bank closer to its goals of digitalizing at least half of retail payments and financially including at least 70 percent of Filipino adults in the country by 2023. Julito G. Rada

Globe delivers most consistent mobile service

DIGITAL solutions platform Globe said Tuesday it delivered the most consistent mobile quality in the Philippines based on the latest report of Opensignal.

Based on Opensignal’s Mobile Net work Experience Report for October 2022, Globe users have continued to en joy the best available experience when streaming mobile video over 5G connec tions. Globe scored 73.5 in 5G video ex perience, edging out the nearest competi tor’s 68.4.

The company was either an outright or joint winner in all seven regions for the said category. It was the only telecom company in the number one position in Calabarzon, Davao, Metro Manila and Western Visayas.

Globe also achieved 5G upload speed supremacy nationwide with a score of 12.8 Mbps, an increase of 1.8 Mbps, booting out competition with a 1.4 Mbps lead.

It led outright in 5G upload speed in five of the seven regions where 5G ex perience was analyzed, while sharing the win with competition in Western Visayas. Darwin G. Amojelar

Alsons welcomes SC ruling on sale of 2 diesel plants

THE Alsons Power Group lauded the Supreme Court decision upholding the Commission on Audit’s approval of the Iligan City government’s sale of two diesel power plants to the group’s Conal Holdings Corp. in 2012.

The court en banc, in a resolution dated August and made public in October, dismissed a petition that questioned COA’s approval of the negotiated sale of the diesel plants by the city government.

“The Supreme Court’s decision en banc validates the agreement we reached with the city government. Upon the COA’s approval of the sale, we were able to rehabilitate and operate the MPC Iligan Diesel Power Plants just in time to deliver much-needed power to Iligan City and other key areas in Mindanao during the May 2013 elections,” Alsons Power chief executive and MPC president Tirso Santillan Jr. said.

The group behind the petition opposed the sale of the diesel assets to Alsons Power’s CHC, alleging that the sale had given unwarranted benefit to CHC.

The diesel plants with a combined capacity of up to 103 megawatts are now owned and operated by Mapalad Power Corp., also part of the Alsons Power Group.

The MPC power plants began operating in 2013, soon after the COA’s September 2012 approval of the validity of the sale. The COA approval was questioned on the basis of its valuation method.

“During those days of power shortage in Mindanao in 2013 to around 2015, the timely operation of the MPC plant was able to help provide relief to the people of Iligan, Zamboanga City, General Santos, Pagadian, Butuan, and other major cities in the island,” Santillan said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

IMF advises Bangko Sentral to further raise interest rate

By Julito G. Rada

This was contained in the recent conclusion of the 2022 Article IV consultation with the Philippines by the IMF’s executive board.

The IMF said the BSP’s prompt action to fight inflation was welcome, but further monetary tightening might be needed to keep inflation expectations well anchored.

“The current policy stance remains accommodative, and BSP should aim at bringing the policy rate close to the neutral real rate to securely bring inflation within the target range. Should inflation pressures continue to rise, the BSP should respond with a tighter policy stance,” the IMF said.

“Similarly, if inflation proves less persistent, or if significant downside risks to growth materialize, monetary policy tightening would need to be recalibrated. Clear communication about inflation and the BSP’s policy intentions can help reduce uncertainty and improve policy transmission,” it said.

The policy-setting Monetary Board of the BSP on Nov. 17 raised the benchmark policy rate by 75 basis points to a near 14year high of 5 percent to rein in inflation and support the peso. The last time the policy interest rate reached 5 percent was in February 2009.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said the latest baseline forecasts indicated

a higher inflation path over the policy horizon, with average inflation breaching the upper end of the 2 percent to 4 percent target range in both 2022 and 2023 at 5.8 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively. The forecast for 2024 was also raised to 3.1 percent.

The IMF said calibrating the policy mix to preserve macroeconomic stability, enhancing fiscal and financial resilience and accelerating structural reforms were critical to sustaining the recovery. It said monetary and fiscal policy were aligned in the right direction to support external and domestic balance.

“A tightened policy stance will keep inflation expectations anchored and help alleviate pressure on capital outflows and the exchange rate. Exchange rate flexibility remains important as a shock absorber against the backdrop of persistent terms of trade shock and a wider current account deficit. Policies will have to remain nimble, carefully balancing growth and price stability objectives, while managing limited fiscal buffers, preserving financial stability, and ensuring external sustainability,” it said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 99.31 PTS.

6,780.78

F oreign

United States Dollar 1.00000056.7960

Japan Yen 0.0071970.4088 UKPound1.19610067.9337 Hong KongDollar0.1279797.2687 SwitzerlandFranc1.05363059.8420 CanadaDollar0.74090542.0804 SingaporeDollar0.72511141.1834 AustraliaDollar0.66480037.7580 BahrainDinar2.652520150.6525 Saudi Arabia Rial 0.26617015.1174 BruneiDollar0.72249141.0346 IndonesiaRupiah0.0000640.0036 Thailand Baht 0.0279721.5887

UAE Dirham0.27227915.4644

EuroEuro 1.03410058.7327

Korea Won 0.0007460.0424 ChinaYuan0.1387627.8811 IndiaRupee0.0122490.6957 MalaysiaRinggit0.22346412.6919 New Zealand Dollar 0.61630035.0034 TaiwanDollar0.0322781.8333 Source: BSP

ERC freezes collection of FIT-All in next three months

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission said Tuesday it suspended the collection of the feed-in tariff allowance for three billing months from December this year to February 2023.

It said it reviewed the FIT-All fund balance and found that its present healthy status would be sufficient to cover the FIT-All payment requirements for the next three months.

The ERC said it issued the resolution to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living and inflation on the public, including the rising cost of electricity.

“The commission is sensitive to the impact of the rising level of inflation and cost of living to millions of Filipino households. We join the rest of government in introducing remedies to ease inflation pressure on our citizens, including those that impact on their ability to pay for the rising cost of electricity due to external pressures,” ERC chair Monalisa Dimalanta said.

ALI starts securing permits to absorb four Cebu companies

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AYALA Land Inc. said Tuesday it started the process of securing the requirements to complete the proposed merger with four Cebu-based property units by the first quarter of 2023.

ALI plans to merge with Cebu Holdings Inc., Asian I-Office Properties Inc., Arca South Commercial Ventures Corp. and Central Block Developers Inc. as part of its internal restructuring and consolidation of its Cebu portfolio under one listed entity.

ALI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it had begun processing the requirements from the Bureau of Internal Revenue for the certificates authorizing registration in its name of the real properties and shares of stock of the absorbed corporations.

“As of today, the CAR application is still under review and pending approval. We are closely monitoring the said application,”

ALI said.

ALI said it would also secure the Philippine Stock Exchange’s approval for the additional listing of shares to cover the shares to be issued pursuant to the merger.

It said stockholders would be able to trade the merger shares upon the PSE’s approval of its listing of additional shares.

“ALI endeavors to complete the process of securing the PSE approval for the additional listing of shares and secure from the BIR the CARs within the 1st quarter of 2023,” the property firm said.

The merger is expected to result in operational synergies, efficient funds management and simplified reporting to government agencies.

FIT-All is a uniform charge imposed on electricity consumers and is a component of the electricity bill that ensures the development and promotion of renewable energy in the country. Power customers are paying a FIT-All rate of P0.0364 per kWh.

The ERC said the FIT-All fund had a balance of P4.245 billion as of Nov. 7. The average monthly cost recovery collection from January to November 2022 was P1.795 billion.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Tuesday its business unit in Misamis Oriental acquired a mobile harbor crane to enhance capacity and boost productivity.

The MHC will augment the Mindanao Container Terminal’s quay cranes to enhance overall vessel handling capability by enabling simultaneous handling of two longer ships. It will be operational by December.

MCT deployed two new rubber-tired gantries in March to increase the efficiency of its landside operations. It will also deploy a side lifter in November to support MCT’s recentlylaunched empty container depot service.

MCT’s acquisition of additional port equipment is part of its ongoing expansion program. This comes after the 100-meter berth expansion and installation of dolphin mooring and inland bollards back in 2020.

These improvements are meant to address the increase in volume and service demand, allowing MCT to better support the growing markets in Mindanao.

MCT develops, manages and operates the container terminal at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

It provides full terminal operations and supports the Philippines’ agro-industrial sectors in

Philippines.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should respond with a tighter policy stance if inflation continues to accelerate in the coming months, the International Monetary Fund said in a report released to the media Tuesday.

ICTSI’s Mindanao unit gets mobile harbor crane

Mindanao and the country’s international standing as a leader in fresh and canned pineapple trade.

Mindanao Container Terminal, International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s business unit in Misamis Oriental, acquires a mobile harbor crane to enhance capacity and boost productivity. The MHC will augment the terminal’s quay cranes to enhance overall vessel handling capability by enabling simultaneous handling of two longer ships. The MHC will be operational by December.

INVESTORS RECOGNITION. Trade Secretary and Philippine Economic Zone Authority board chairperson Fred Pascual (center) recognizes the commendable performance of PEZA and its locators during the 2022 Investors Recognition Day. With Pascual are (from left) PEZA board member Robert Aranton, officer-in-charge deputy director-general for finance and administration Aleem Guiapal, PEZA OIC director-general Theo Panga and OIC deputy director-general for operations Vivian Santos. The Investors’ Recognition Day is the biggest annual event of PEZA where registered business enterprises, developer-operators and other stakeholders are acknowledged for their enormous contributions to the Philippine economy.

Sports

Blazers end 20-year wait, take on Knights for crown

By Peter Atencio

THE San Beda Red Lions missed their desperation attempts in the dying seconds, allowing the College of St. Benilde Blazers to escape with a 62-61 victory on Tuesday and claim a finals’ slot for the first time in 20 years in the 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

The top-seeded Blazers went to their tight interior defense after Miguel Oczon connected with two charities that gave them a 62-59 lead in the final 12.7 seconds of their Final Four encounter with the fourth-seeded Red Lions.

San Beda tried to force an overtime off a tightly guarded James Kuwekuteye, but his misses kept the Mendiola-dribblers from forcing an overtime.

When Damie Cuntapay finally scored

Future bright for Suyom, says POC chief

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino welcomed on Tuesday 17-yearold Ronel Suyom—a potential “next big thing” of Philippine boxing.

“It’s a great showing by a 17-year-old boxer from the South and we’re hoping he can be our next Olympian in the future,” said Tolentino of Soyum, who paid the POC chief a courtesy call at the Knights Templar Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay City.

Soyum, a prized find from Agusan del Norte, proudly wore on his neck the silver medal he clinched in the minimumweight class in the International Boxing Association (Youth Men’s and Women’s World Championships held in La Nucia, Spain, over the weekend.

“He can do a lot better as his trainings and competitions go by,” Tolentino said. “I wish him luck and encourage him to prepare himself as the next big thing in amateur boxing.”

Suyom is tipped to follow the careers of silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial from last year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Interestingly, Paalam and Petecio also validated their medals in Tokyo. Paalam won a bantamweight gold and Petecio a featherweight bronze at the Asian championships in Amman, Jordan, a month ago.

“Congratulations to ABAP [Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines] for developing a boxer like Suyom, who is expected to win medals for our country in years to come ,” Tolentino said. “I am hoping they will find more boxing talents.”

Suyom yielded to India’s Vishvanath Suresh in the battle for the gold in La Nucia. He was one of six boxers sent to the world youth championships. They were coached by ABAP program director Don Abnett, Elias Recaido and Elmer Pamisa.

on a follow-up with 4/10ths of a second left, the Red Lions, were a point short of tying the game and the Blazers went on to make league history with their return to the finals after last making it in 2002.

St. Benilde will face defending champion Letran in the finals after the Knights held off the Lyceum Pirates, 67-58, in their Final Four clash, where Fran Yu tallied 11 points and King Carilipio added 10.

Louie Sangalang and Brent Paraiso shot

nine points apiece for the three-peat-seeking Knights, who will meet the Blazers starting on December 4 in Game 1 of their title showdown at the Araneta Coliusem.

Oczon went on to finish with 17 points and six rebounds for the Blazers, who ended a 20-year wait to make it to the best-of-three championship round.

Back in 2002, the Blazers hurdled the Philippine Christian University Dolphins twice in the Final Four and engaged the San Sebastian College Stags in a best-of-three finals affair, which they eventually won.

“It’s a good feeling. I told the boys I’m happy to make the Final 4. But for me, my main goal is to make the finals. Now we achieved. Siyempre, now that you’re here, you want more. The players deserve all the credit. They poured their hearts out,” said Blazers’ coach Charles Tiu.

Kwekuteye, who had 11 points, first got screened by Mark Sangco on his first

bid to put the match into an extra five minutes at the 6.6-second mark.

Sangco, who only scored four points and had eight rebounds and a block, was in front of Kwekuteye again with teammate Joshua Marcos with 4.8 seconds left.

It was a disappointing finish for Kwekuteye, whose trey with 15.7 seconds left allowed San Beda to come closer, 59-60, before Oczon delivered his freebies.

James Pasturan backed up Oczon with 16 points, while top MVP candidate Will Gozum added 10 points, to go with 11 rebounds.

The Scores:

CSB 62 -- Oczon 17, Pasturan 16, Gozum 10, Nayve 8, Corteza 7, Sangco 4, Cullar 0, Carlos 0, Marcos 0, Lepalam 0, Lim 0.

SAN BEDA 61 -- Cortez 13, Kwekuteye 11, Bahio 9, Sanchez 8, Ynot 6, Cuntapay 4, Andrada 3, Cometa 3, Alfaro 2, Visser 2, Payosing 0.

Quarters: 19-14, 34-31, 54-48, 62-61.

stuns Cignal, but HD Spikers still make finals

OVERSHADOWED by Tai Bierria’s late-set heroics in the third, Lindsey Vander Weide owned the fourth frame like no other, unloading a string of power blasts to steer Petro Gazz to a 25-14, 25-21, 25-27, 25-19 victory over erstwhile unbeaten Cignal at the close of the Premier Volleyball League semifinals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

But Bierria and the HD Spikers came out of the match with heads held high as they clinched the first finals berth despite the setback, finishing with a higher set ratio over the 2019 champions, largely behind their stirring four-set reversal over the grand slam-seeking Creamline Cool Smashers last Sunday and a straight-set romp over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers last Thursday.

Creamline is tipped to force a threeway tie at 2-1 with Cignal and Petro Gazz but a sweep or a four-set win over Chery Tiggo would net the Cool Smashers the other championship slot.

But a Chery Tiggo victory or a fiveset result in the nightcap would send Petro Gazz to the best-of-three finals starting tomorrow (Thursday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But the sure thing was Vander Weide was in her element, pumping in five of her top-scoring 30 points in the clutch, the last an off-the-block hit that finished off the HD Spikers and pumped life to their title-retention drive.

“Sayang, but we’ll take it (win). We will just wait for the result in case of a three-way tie,” said Petro Gazz coach Rald Ricafort.

The Angels actually had a golden chance to punch their way to the finals as they sat on a 24-21 cushion in the third after sweeping the first two.

But Bierria made things happen again for the HD Spikers the way she did in their last two games.

She came away with 15 points after coming off the bench late in the first set. Though she struggled in the second frame, the New Orleans ace came alive late in the third, personally saving three match points then lifting the team to a 26-25 lead on a dump.

She didn’t stop there as she came up with a big dig off a Petro Gazz power hit, leading to Riri Meneses’s quick attack that literally saved Cignal from getting bumped off the finals race after the HD Spikers swept their first two semis matches over the top ranked teams.

Gel Cayuna likewise kept the HD Spikers together as the team teetered on the brink, setting up Bierria for back-to-back off-the-block hits that tied it at 24 and another power baseline hit that the Angels contested—without success.

House OKs Brownlee’s PH citizenship on final reading

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the measure granting Philippine citizenship to Gilas Pilipinas prospect and Philippine Basketball Association import Justin Donta Brownlee of Barangay Ginebra.

With 274 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and one abstention, House Bill 6224 was given final approval by the members of the plenary during Monday’s session.

“This is the House’s humble contribution to the national basketball team’s quest for glory in the FIBA World Cup. Anything is possible if you put your heart or ‘puso’ into it. Speaking of puso, we commend Justin for his desire in joining Gilas Pilipinas in this path, to represent the Philippines which is his home in this corner of the world,” said Speaker Martin G. Romualdez.

Brownlee signed a basketball and gave it to Speaker Romualdez as a token of gratitude during his courtesy visit at the House of Representatives

Tuesday afternoon. The authors of the bill are Romualdez, Reps. Michael L. Ph.D. Romero, Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr., Manuel Jose M. Dalipe, Gus S. Tambunting, Juliet Marie de Leon Ferrer, Roberto V. Puno, Margarita Ignacia B. Nograles, Jonathan Keith T. Flores, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Pablo John F. Garcia, Loreto B. Acharon, Ma. Rachel J. Arenas, Irwin C. Tieng, Ron P. Salo, Raul Angelo D. Bongalon, Dante S. Garcia, Olga T. Kho, Laarni Lavin Roque, Zaldy S. Villa, Divina Grace C. Yu, Jaime R. Fresnedi, Francisco Paolo V P. Ortega, Romeo M. Acop, Roy M. Loyola, Joseph Stephen S. Paduano, Jose Gay G. Padiernos, Raul C. Tupas, Dan S. Fernandez, Celso G. Regencia, Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, Arnie B. Fuentebella, Paolo Z. Duterte, and Jeffrey Soriano.

Brownlee, 34, originally from Georgia in the United States, has been very forthcoming to lawmakers about his plans of suiting up for Gilas.

Manila Southwoods grabs 5-point lead

BAGUIO—Manila

out with its guns blazing and turned a two-point deficit into a fivepoint advantage after two rounds of seniors’ competition in the 72nd FilAm Men’s Invitational played at the Camp John Hay Golf Club.

Veteran Jun Jun Plana used his extensive course knowledge to score 38 points. He made four birdies on hole nos. 3, 6, 10 and 15 that negated a lone pick up on no. 7. Raul Miñoza turned in a 32 and Manfred Guangko shot a 30. Jose Roy III’s 27 gave Southwoods 127 for the day and 248 total.

Luisita, out to regain the premier Fil-Championship division crown,

got 33 from Benjie Sumulong, 31 from Marty Ilagan, 29 from Dan Cruz and 27 from Chino Raymundo for 120. However, they trail by five as action shifts to the short but tough Baguio Country Club course starting today.

“I believe that guys have already settled down after 36 holes. The battle now is how to manage our games in BCC. Apart from being good, it also helps to be “lucky” there. Sometimes, good shots are not rewarded and bad shots are rewarded,” said Southwoods captain Freddie Mendoza.

Mamala Bay pooled in 118 and

occupied third with 224. Chris Howard was superb with 40 points, but did not get solid support as Rusty Barfield made 28, Dale Jorgenson had 26 and Bill Connors contributed 24.

Over at BCC, Camp John Hay Team 1 has virtually pocketed the title in Fil-B after racing to a whopping 53-point lead against Baguio Country Club Team 1.

CJH assembled 96 points for 326 while BCC collected 85 for 273. Scorers for John Hay were Dai Tsuchiya 26, John Marasigan 25, Villamor Bumanglag 23 and Bayani Tecson 22.

“Justin Donta Brownlee is hereby granted Philippine citizenship with all rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well as the duties and obligations appurtenant thereto, under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of the Philippines,” read HB 6224.

The measure mandates that Brownlee “shall take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippi nes before an officer duly authorized to administer the same”.

“The Oath of Allegiance shall be registered with Bureau of Immigration,” it added.

“Upon registration of the Oath of Allegiance, the Bureau of Immigration shall issue a Certificate of Naturalization to Justin Donta Brownlee who shall thereupon enter into the full enjoyment of Philippine citizenship,” it further said.

One of the proponents of Brownlee’s Philippine naturalization in the House, Romero, has laid out before the plenary the 6’6” basketball player’s achievements and

Southwoods came

Riera

Petro Gazz’s Lindsey Vander Weide smashes one inside in a game won by the Angels over the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-14, 25-21, 25-27, 25-19

HOLE IN ONE. Ryan Tablac of the Baguio City Golf Team aced the 110-yard hole no. 9 at the Baguio Country Club using a Honma Sand Wedge. His ightmates/ witnesses are Faustito Caballero of El Kapitan, Ronald Catacutan of Isabela and Rodolfo Valdez of Vancouver Horizon Golf Association.

Justin Brownlee

Climate Change: Everybody’s Challenge

Preparing the country against climate change

By Patricia Taculao

EVERY country faces the impact of climate change, a global phenomenon that has caused distress for decades. Over the years, governments and organizations have learned approaches that mitigated the harmful effects of climate change, preparing the public to become more resilient.

The Philippines, through the efforts of its local government and private organizations, has taken vital steps toward combatting the effects of climate change, equipping Filipinos with the knowledge and tools to achieve the lofty goal of saving the planet.

An average of 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility annually. Although many Filipinos are aware of this occurrence, the typhoon’s intensity takes them by surprise.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOSTPAGASA), for one, warns the rising sea levels in the Philippines could affect various industries in the country.

Rising sea levels arise from the additional four degrees Celsius expected to increase in temperature by the end of the 21st century. Experts from PAGASA note that the continuous climb in temperature has caused sea levels to rise by five inches during the past two decades--three times faster than the world average.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, the national government has since imposed measures that prove its strong commitment to a climate policy and institutional reform agenda.

A decade ago, specifically in 2009, it enacted Republic Act 9729, or the Climate Change Act, into law. It mandates the mainstreaming of climate change considerations in government policy and planning. It became the foundation to create the Climate Change Commission, the National Framework Strategy of Climate Change from 2010 to 2022, and the National Climate Change Action Plan from 2011 to 2028.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, tasked with creating an information management system, has a Climate Change Service that addresses the needs surrounding the issue.

Besides the DENR, other government agencies assumed their parts in combatting climate change. Since it’s not an easy feat, it requires a significant budget that focuses intently on the issue.

In the recent CCC commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Consciousness Week held last November 21, Monday, government leaders led by the Department of Finance emphasized the national targets on mitigation and adaptation. It calls for fortified commitments from international channels and the private sector to invest in the Philippines’ priorities on climate action.

Future investments will go to climate resiliency programs, which focus on reducing gas emissions, establishing climate-resilient infrastructures, and adapting climate-smart technology, among other approaches.

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also underscores the need to combat climate change and meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement on the issue, which aims to lessen the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the environment, thus lowering the level of global warming.

Throughout the Philippines, local government units have mobilized initiatives that contributed to the country’s bid for climate resiliency. Some even went far as to ban plastic, impose environmental laws that promote cleanliness, and teach Filipinos about the relevance of climate change in their daily lives.

The national government, along with its foreign counterparts, recognizes that for any effort to become effective, there has to be a collective attempt from them, the private sector, and even everyday citizens.

Some private companies in the Philippines also recognize the role they can play in mitigating the effects of climate change. As a result, they don’t hold back in participating however they can in creating a safer place for present and future generations.

An example is Manulife’s corporate social responsibility. As one of the leading life insurance firms in the country, Manulife assumes responsibilities that help make life better for everyone.

Manulife actively incorporates climate change considerations in its decision-making for operations, investment decisions, and products and services. The company partnered with Haribon Foundation to demonstrate the relevance of nature-based solutions in preserving the planet.

Forests are a vital part of the planet that keep temperatures down, provide shelter for ecosystems, and prevent soil erosion. Manulife established the

In the meantime, some companies pledge their corporate social responsibility to the environment through financial efforts. For instance, Landbank, a government-owned bank in the Philippines, focuses on serving the needs of farmers and fishermen, and offers policies supporting initiatives for combatting climate change.

Landbank commits to innovative products and services that allow the bank and its clients to fulfill their sustainability and environmental protection goals through business lines, lowering carbon footprints, and promoting ecological enhancement. Their Environmental Policy on Credit Delivery

ensures that all financed projects are environmentally-sound and compliant with all environmental laws. Meanwhile, the Green Procurement Good Practices serve as the bank’s supplemental guide in setting standards to evaluate products and services.

As for getting the public involved, SM Cares celebrated Children’s Month this November through a partnership with SMDC Light Mall and the Emmy-nominated children’s show Superbook. They created a specially-designed program that teaches children the significance of disaster preparedness.

It educated children on common disasters in the Philippines, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods, and gave them tips on what to do in times of calamity.

While mitigating the effects of climate change remains the primary goal, the Philippine government and private companies also instill that resiliency through disaster preparedness, can also help the community avoid intense impact. Disaster preparedness is a relevant value to have, particularly when climate change phenomena have increased their intensity. It’s something that every industry should learn because of how it could affect their progress in the future.

Mitigating the impact of climate change is an enormous feat that could become successful through the collaborative effort of governments, private companies, and the public. With enough initiatives and participants, the world could lower temperatures to preserve the environment and everything in it.

Globe commits to building resilient network amid climate hazards

THE Philippines, a country located along the typhoon belt, is no stranger to experiencing the impact of climate-related hazards. In the WorldRiskIndex 2022 report, the country was reported to have the highest disaster risk among 193 countries.

In the face of these challenges, Globe strives to build resilient network infrastructure that can withstand the impact of stronger and more frequent weather disturbances and other natural disasters. This is enclosed in the Globe Business Continuity Management Policy which stipulates the company’s commitment to provide continuity of critical operations that support delivery of key products and services, among others.

Globe’s head for Stakeholder Engagement and Management Miguel Bermundo shared this commitment at the recent Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Barangay Resilience Exchange 2022 Digital Conference, where he spoke in a panel on the topic “To The Rescue: Private Sectors sa Panahon ng Kalamidad.”

“A strong and resilient network is critical during times of disasters. So we have put in place a number of measures to ensure that our network remains up and running even in the most difficult conditions,” said Bermundo.

These efforts are part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development, and UN SDG 17 which highlights the value of partnerships in achieving the sustainable development goals. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

Some of these measures include having a dedicated team of engineers and technicians who are on standby 24/7 to address any issue that may arise, and investing in high-quality equipment designed to handle extreme weather conditions.

Globe also has network reinforcement efforts such as re-designing and retrofitting cell towers that fall along the typhoon path in compliance with the latest National Structural Code of the Philippines (7th edition). It also equips key sites with relevant access technologies and redundant transport facilities in the event of an area-wide outage, fortifies transport facilities, and complements backup environmentfriendly batteries with higher capacity generator sets to address prolonged commercial power outages.

The company also invested in rapid-deployment solutions for stop-gap approaches and quick fixes in areas that need immediate support in times of disasters.

This includes Cell Site On Wheels (COW) and Tower on Wheels (TOW), which are retractable towers that can be deployed quickly to provide temporary coverage and capacity in areas affected by network outage.

Other solutions include the Cellsite-on-a-Light Truck (COLT), Genset-on-a-Truck (GOAT) mobile generators and Network-in-a-Box (NIB) portable cell sites, which can be set up in strategic locations to provide temporary coverage and capacity in these affected areas.

Globe also aspires to empower customers through digital solutions such as timely disaster-related SMS alerts and cell broadcasts in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Beyond this effort, it encourages customers to contribute to reforestation using Globe Rewards and the GCash platform.

Illustrating the success of Globe’s network resiliency efforts, Globe was the fastest telco to complete service restoration work in all parts of Luzon stricken by Super Typhoon Karding, which struck in September. Globe pulled this off through earlier preparation in its facilities on the typhoon’s path, including ensuring redundant emergency energy sources and prepositioning field personnel for quick dispatch to affected areas.

“We want to make sure that we are prepared for any eventuality so we continue to invest in building better network infrastructure and newer technologies. We regularly assess risks and impact to improve processes and address local climate-related hazards. At the same time, we empower our customers by giving them the tools and information they need to stay safe during times of disaster,” said Bermundo.

partnership Forests for Life program with Haribon to restore Philippine rainforests. Manulife commits to planting 15,000 seedlings that cover 12 hectares of land in Haribon’s conservation areas in Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal.

Government leaders, business and financial sectors, and civil society organizations commit to boost investment for climate and sustainability initiatives and accelerate just transition to achieve a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050. (Facebook page of the Climate Change Commission Philippines)

Climate Change: Everybody’s Challenge

Combatting climate change is everyone’s role

By P.Y. Deligero

CLIMATE change undoubtedly affects everyone, big or small. Every day, people find themselves troubled by the impact of global warming. As the climate change phenomena become more intense every year, governments, industries, and private organizations urge the public to protect the world and its environment.

Yet, saving the world isn’t easy, especially for those who live simple lives. But that’s not true. Everyone can contribute to the effort against climate change, and it could start with initiatives that stem from the home.

Here are some ways that people can take a step against the impact of climate change.

ADAPT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Experts claim that the energy industry plays a significant role in global warming. Since every home in the Philippines requires energy to function efficiently, they can start by choosing products that offer energy-saving options.

Most stores carry energy-saving fixtures that can still provide the service it promises without consuming too much electricity.

Sustainable practices also extend to appliances. Several companies and the local market highlight devices, gadgets,

and electronics that don’t require a lot of energy to function well. Not only does this save the homeowner some costs for their bill, but it also allows them to participate in the effort against climate change.

On the other hand, since the Philippines is a tropical climate with hot summers and cold rainy seasons, Filipinos need to learn how to manage the use of their air conditioners or electric fans to lessen their energy consumption.

Furthermore, practicing sustainability at home can come from following the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It

Pitmaster Foundation vows more sustainable measures in mitigating climate change

PRIVATE charity organization Pitmaster Foundation has pledged that its initiatives in addressing climate change would be more responsible and more sustainable.

In a Facebook post, Pitmaster Foundation executive director Atty. Caroline Cruz said adaptation to climate change is among the priorities of their organization.

“For the past 2 years, the Pitmaster Foundation strategically positioned its resources to lessen the harm that disasters cause through relief operation by sending foods to affected communities to mitigate hunger among the communities which could not yet rebuild their normal life,” Cruz said.

“Recently, the Pitmaster Foundation, reposition further its resources of supporting activities that lead to the root cause of all these typhoons/disaster— Climate Change,” she added.

Just last month, the foundation sponsored a Disaster and Climate Emergency Policy Forum dubbed “2023-2028 Policy Roadmap: Charting the Urgency of the PBBM Climate Agenda and the Philippine Contribution to Achieve the Global Goal of Net Zero 2030 and 2050 Targets”, wherein stakeholders from various sectors were invited to talk about climate emergency measures.

The charity organization, chaired by businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, also continued its mangrove and tree planting activities last October 14 and 21 in Albay as part of its #PitmasterGoesGreen initiatives which aim to forward climate change mitigation efforts.

To date, the foundation has already planted about 10,000 trees in the mountain ridge of Laguna and mangroves in Albay.

According to Cruz, the task of protecting the environment is an important advocacy as she stressed that the issue of climate change is “no longer the issue of the day but the issue of our times.”

“The Philippines has seen increasing storms and typhoons cause havoc with more frequency in an incredible amount of rainfall, flooding many areas in the country for months. This was the first sign of climate change and weather disturbance that became frequent in the following years,” she said.

“Now, the Pitmaster Foundation is proactively involved on causes that would address ongoing problems left behind by limited relief packages. How long are we going to be resilient? And how long can we sustain our relief operation? The frequent disaster expanded its coverage and so the number of affected communities,” she furthered.

The Pitmaster official also mentioned that climate change is “generally describe as an environmental issue, often without the public considering its full ramifications.”

With this, Cruz pointed out that the matter needs the “assistance and understating of every citizen to mitigate and to adapt to climate change.”

“The weather is no longer distinct. During summer, it was very hot. Now, due to unpredictable weather, it would rain, or worse a strong typhoon arrives. Extreme weather may significantly impact crop yields, livestock fisheries and fish counts, a drastic shift to food unavailability,” she said.

Meanwhile, several netizens took to social media to commend Pitmaster Foundation for delivering immediate disaster response as well as its next-level measures in addressing the impact of climate change in the country.

They also praised the foundation for “always helping the less fortunate wholeheartedly in times of crisis.”

Saludo talaga ako sa Pitsmaster Foundation at Kay Atty. Caroline Cruz sampu ng kanyang mga kasamahan. Sa nagdaan na Kalamidad dulot ng bagyong Paeng at Queenie na marami ang binawian ng buhay dulot ng sakunang Pangkalikasan,” a Facebook user said.

“Ang Pitsmaster Foundation ay masasabi kong nangunguna sa pagtulong at pagpapabot ng mga relief goods at maraming pang tulong dahil sila mismo ay umaaksyon. Tunay na may compassion sa pagtulong. Mabuhay po kayo na Pitsmaster Foundation!” he added.

Another netizen thanked the charity organization for reallocating its resources to accelerate its mission to preserve and manage the environment.

“Since climate change is the primary cause of all typhoons, including the recent one that devastated us, we are grateful to the Pitmaster Foundation for further reallocating its resources to supporting initiatives that address this issue,” he said.

“Likewise, for the quick response required for government work like disaster assistance efforts. For those of our fellow citizens who were severely impacted by the typhoon, being able to start afresh will be of huge benefit for them,” he continued.

aims to teach people how to lessen waste by consuming fewer resources from their daily activities.

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Combatting climate change can also extend outside the comfort of one’s home. Traffic in the Philippines is notorious because of the congestion on the streets. Schools often teach people that carbon emissions from gas-powered vehicles add to the greenhouse gases that intensify global warming.

As a response, several automobile companies released electric vehicles

to the market. It aims to lessen the public’s dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions that go into the atmosphere.

Despite the popularity and growing interest in electric vehicles in the Philippines, the public has yet to adopt a more widespread acceptance of the innovation. Nonetheless, it’s getting there.

On the other hand, the government and other organizations have encouraged Filipinos to use public transportation when traveling. Meanwhile, thanks to innovative minds, the public now sees electric counterparts of jeepneys, tricycles, and buses on the streets, giving them a greener option for commuting.

In the meantime, those who prefer to go at their own pace can travel via biking. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle, allowing people to boost their health and the preserve the environment.

An act against climate change doesn’t have to be grand, like how governments and private organizations do them. Small steps, especially from everyone, can make a relevant difference. After all, everyone knows that a collaborative effort matters the most in the battle against the impact of climate change.

French-Lebanese architect seeks pro-climate construction transformation

By Isabel Malsang

LINA

Ghotmeh has pegged her career on sustainable construction.

The French-Lebanese architect wants to see her industry transformed by drastically reducing the use of concrete--a major CO2 contributor--using more local materials and reusing existing buildings and materials.

“We need to change our value system,” the 42-year-old told AFP last month.

The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry and create buildings that can better resist the impacts of climate change.

But it’s not an easy battle.

The industry accounts for almost 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations.

Ghotmeh, who designed the Estonian National Museum and taught at Yale University, doesn’t advocate for fewer buildings--she knows that’s an unrealistic goal in a world with a growing population.

“That would be like saying ‘stop eating,’” she said.

‘DON’T DEMOLISH’

Instead, we should “keep what already exists, don’t demolish,” but refurbish and retrofit old buildings in a sustainable way where possible.

Building a new detached house consumes 40 times more resources than renovating an existing property, and for a new apartment complex that rises to 80 times more, according to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (Ademe).

And where new constructions are needed, local materials and design should be used in a way that incorporates natural surroundings and saves energy.

Ghotmeh used more than 500,000 bricks made from local dirt for a new Hermes building in France, expected to open early next year.

The bricks also regulate the building’s temperature and reduce energy needs.

The building will produce as much energy as it consumes, by being made energy efficient and using geothermal power.

‘CIRCULAR THINKING’

Architects must, early in the project process, “think in a circular way,” Ghotmeh said, choosing reusable organic or natural materials like wood, hemp, linen or stone.

This shouldn’t stymie the design process either, she insists.

“In Canada, we build wooden towers, in Japan too. It’s a material that is quite capable of being used for tall buildings,” added Ghotmeh, who will build a wooden tower in Paris in 2023.

Another key approach is to build lighter, using less material and fewer toxins.

And then there’s concrete, the main material in so many modern buildings and perhaps the most challenging to move away from.

“We must drastically reduce the use of concrete”, she said, insisting it should only be used for essential purposes, such as foundations and building in earthquakeprone areas.

Some 14 billion cubic metres of concrete are used every year, according to the Global Cement and Concrete Association.

It emits more CO2 than the aviation industry, largely because of the intense heat required to make it.

Alternatives to concrete already exist, such as stone, or making cement--a component of concrete--from calcium carbonate. There are also pushes for low-carbon cement made from iron and steel industry waste.

BEIRUT INSPIRATION

Building more sustainably often comes with a higher price tag--it costs more to double or triple glaze windows and properly insulate a house--but the long-term payoff is lower energy costs.

For Ghotmeh, it’s an imperative investment in our future.

It was her birthplace of Beirut that inspired her to become an architect, spurring a desire to rebuild the so-called “collapsed city” ravaged by war.

In 2020, she completed the “Stone Garden” apartment tower in the city, built with concrete covered with a combed coating, a technique often used by local craftsmen. She used concrete in the construction because of earthquake risks.

The building was strong enough to survive the port explosion in 2020 that destroyed a large part of the city.

And the city continues to inspire her today, even when it comes to climate sustainability.

“Since there is practically only an hour of electricity per day, all the buildings have solar panels now. There is a kind of energy independence which is beginning to take place, by force,” she said.

“Does it take a catastrophe like the one in Lebanon to make this transition?” AFP

‘The Nice Grand Arénas project perfectly embodies our vision of a creative, resilient, friendly and inclusive city. We are very pleased, along with all the members of the consortium, to contribute to the metamorphosis of the Grand Arénas and to the influence of Nice, through the realization of this “concentrated city and life!’ Founding President of APSYS Maurice Bansay — project lead developper. (Photo courtesy of FB page Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, Nice, France)

Home &Living

Construction Special Feature

DIY solutions for home maintenance

By Patricia Taculao

HOME is where the heart is, which is the reason why people invest heavily in building their abodes. Over time, as people settle in, their houses experience the usual wear and tear from prolonged use. Nonetheless, some signs of activity add to its character and testify to how it served its purpose as a haven for individuals or families.

Meanwhile, other people see signs of use as an omen to expand their horizons in housing. Although dabbling in real estate could open new opportunities for everyone, today’s economy, affected by inflation, recession, and global crises due to political conflicts, makes it challenging to acquire new properties.

If one is to check the prices of housing and condo units today, one will be shocked at their high rates, especially in highly developed areas. So, the best action for anyone with a house or interested in owning one is to maintain its quality. Proper home maintenance could help a property last for years despite continuous use.

There are several ways people can maintain their homes. One is to hire professionals to get the job done. But for those, who want to try a more hands-on and affordable approach, they turn to do-it-yourself solutions that work like a charm.

DIY home solutions are easily accessible and practical. It also allows homeowners to explore various ways to maintain their homes without breaking the bank.

AN ALL-AROUND CLEANING SOLUTION

Vinegar is a kitchen staple that adds acidity to any meal or sauce. On the other hand, knowledgeable homeowners know there’s more to it than just being a condiment. With the appropriate measurements and combinations, vinegar is a powerful agent that could rid a home of pesky dust and dirt.

cooling effect and natural ambiance. Mopping it with soap and water can easily remove any dirt or debris to keep it spick and span. Since floors receive the most foot traffic in any house, they need frequent cleaning to avoid damage.

A soap solution also works well for scrubbing walls. Some homeowners find cleaning their walls unusual, but these also accumulate dust and debris over time and require attention. Depending on the material, they can use soap solutions with more cleaning ingredients or diluted ones to remove any dirt to make their walls brighter.

Other homeowners who want to make the most from the properties of soap and white vinegar often mix the two ingredients, creating a solution that works well as a glass cleaner.

FIT FOR BAKING, CLEANING, AND DEODORIZING

Baking soda is another cleaning material that homeowners love using in their fixtures. Although it’s not as acidic as white vinegar or lemon, it’s a potent ingredient in solutions. Moreover, it’s a widely known deodorizer.

dumping baking soda and vinegar in sink drains removes any grime and odor in the pipes.

Just pour warm water down the drain to heat the pipes for a while before sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda. Follow it up with white vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes. The mixture will cause fizzing. Rinse with warm water for best results.

POINTERS IN CLEANING AND MAINTAINING A HOME

Cleaning is an essential effort in maintaining a home’s quality. Homeowners need to keep track of the elements in their homes to see which ones need cleaning or replacement.

Before creating the solutions and going on a cleaning spree, they should prepare the items and other tools to make a more efficient effort. Investing in sturdy, quality mops, brooms, brushes, and more is an ideal step to get the best outcome from do-it-yourself home cleaning solutions.

Moreover, homeowners should also explore various ingredients for cleaning, natural or otherwise, and their properties to determine which best fits their fixtures and surfaces.

Homes are a significant investment in every person’s life. These provide shelter and a venue to create new memories with loved ones. Although time, dust, and dirt threaten its longevity, DIY solutions can address any issue and help homeowners maintain their home’s quality so they can further enjoy living in them.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022 ||C3 www.manilastandard.net

Safety tips in construction

FROM the concept to its structural properties, labor and expertise in construction are a necessity. Heavy machineries, electrical tools, sharp equipment must adhere to safety measures to minimize accidents. Nevertheless, accidents are unpredictable but the probability of injuries can be kept to a minimum.

In the list are the top safety measures in a construction site.

HEADS UP

s Wear your protective hard hats as debris, or any falling objects are an ever-present danger. We do not want our heads to be filled with stars much like a cartoon character.

s Clad yourself with Personal Protective Equipment to protect your skin from UV rays, site dust, and allows you to move freely.

s Roam the site with safety boots for scraps can be everywhere on the ground. Six-inchhigh boots are recommended.

s Be visible, and navigate the construction area with safety vest in vivid colors like neon green or yellow.

s Gloves are on the go to protect your fingertips or hands in general. This will keep you secure, while cleaning or handling objects to keep you safe from heat emission of the equipment and its sharp edges.

SHIELD UPGRADED

s Toxic chemicals such as lead are on the site. Therefore, extra precaution in the form of a mask is a must.

s Sparks from welding rods are in the zone, also. And your eyes would not like this. Save your vision with face shields and safety glasses.

s We build, not fall. A safety harness could make a worker hang in comfort without sacrificing a life. Always check the locking and cable.

CORRECTED BY

s Inspect, inspect, inspect. Under constant threat of site accidents, regular inspections can prevent construction mishaps that could cost someone’s life.

s Training will uplift. This brings enthusiasm and field review. Construction involves legwork fueled by stamina.

s Organize material storages. This can sort out all the tools and block unwanted occurrences like electric shock. (https://www.facebook.com/ officialREAC)

Most homeowners often worry about dust and dirt that pile up with the comings and goings of its occupants or even through prolonged neglect. Yet a cleaning agent with a vinegar base can clean just about anything, including countertops, sinks, and light fixtures, among other items within a home.

All they need is hot water and white vinegar. Measurements may vary per user and their preferences. They can also easily remove vinegar’s pungent smell with several drops of their preferred essential oils. With just a few spritzes and a good wiping down using this solution, homes can look and feel rejuvenated. It’ll also smell nicer.

Lemons are also an ideal alternative to vinegar because of their acidic properties. However, homeowners must exercise vigilance about the material they’re trying to wipe down. Vinegar or lemon-based solutions are often potent and could leave dull spots and wear down soft surfaces like marble and granite.

NOTHING WRONG WITH SOAP

If there’s one material that people love to use when cleaning their homes and most of their fixtures, it’s soap. Any dish soap or similar products that remove dirt and bacteria effectively will work just as fine—it’s also affordable. Just mix it with water and scrub the surface clean.

Many Filipino homes often feature wood flooring because of its

Through the years, homes get musty from various odors due to poor ventilation or other reasons. Baking soda can neutralize foul smells and is ideal for different surfaces.

Mixing baking soda with essential oils and water is also efficient as an upholstery cleaner. It removes any foul odors to make the upholstery smelling fresh. Still, homeowners should also be wary of the material of their upholstery. While some are sturdy against cleaning solutions, others require gentler solutions, or they’ll leave a permanent mark.

Apply a small amount of the baking soda, water, and essential oil solution to an inconspicuous area with upholstery. If it doesn’t leave a mark, proceed with the task. Reapply the solution whenever the surface needs refreshing.

Speaking of neutralizing foul smells,

Uniquely Pinoy gifts for the Holidays

DISCOVER unique gifts for everyone on your list from Kultura, your one-stop shop for the ultimate Filipino Christmas.

There are eco-friendly finds and festive fashion accessories, chic home accents, delicious treats, and aromatic personal care items, all beautifully packaged in pandan and kraft boxes.

Here are some meaningful, special gift ideas you can find in our stores:

Something Decadent. Say it sweetly while supporting the local cacao industry with a basket full of chocolates from Davao. This bundle includes an assortment of dark and milk chocolates from Malagos, tree-to-bar chocolates from Auro, and Coco low-glycemic variants using coco sugar from Coco Dolce.

Something brew-tiful. Merienda gift set includes Gourmet Farms’ expertly roasted drip coffee from Cavite, a statement mug, and Manila Cookie Story’s shortbread cookies in an adorable jeepney tin.

Something Comforting. Classic champorado, coco and strawberry jams, acacia bowls and plates from Pampanga plus a pair of handprinted napkins make a

delightful gift set that celebrates s Pinoy snack time with a dose of nostalgia.

Something Precious. Give the gift of prayers and well wishes to those who share your faith and make someone’s Christmas more meaningful with these lovely rosary bracelets made from Philippine pearls.

Something Sustainable and Eco Friendly.. Encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle with gifts from Kultura like this sustainable tote, bamboo and aluminum lunchbox, and a bamboo tumbler mug. Likewise, Versatile bamboo mugs and cutlery support sustainable living in practical ways while adding rustic charm to your kitchen

Something Stylish. Embroidered fans, jute coin purses, and beautiful shawls all wrapped in pandan boxes.

Discover and delight in local craftsmanship this Christmas at the Kultura’s Christmas Market! Shop local artistry online at www.kulturafilipino.com Stay updated with new arrivals, sales, and more by following us on IG @kulturafilipino and FB @kulturaPH/

All that Holiday blues and jazz

HERE we are, less than a month before Christmas Day. But I still don’t feel like celebrating. How could I, when a kilo of onions reaches P350 in the traditional market? Nakakaiyak ang sibuyas

We always have that image in our head, proliferated by the mainstream media and the marketing industry, on how holidays are supposed to be – sprucing up their living spaces with colorful decors, planning the menu for Noche Buena, exchanging gifts, attending parties and what have you.

Not to be Mr. Grinch, but that does put a certain pressure to put on that happy face and be jolly throughout the season. No matter where we turn, it feels like everything is trying to force us to imbibe the Christmas spirit.

Even with all the reasons not to feel blue, not everyone is looking forward to celebrating. Some have to work on this supposedly happiest day of the year; they probably have to miss this occasion to put bread on the table.

Others don’t have family or friends to spend it with, especially those living away from their loved ones. There are some people who have yet to come to terms with losing someone they love, whether through death or breakups.

Sometimes, the more we try to be happy, the more anxious and stressed we feel. The idea is to acknowledge these emotions rather than sweep them under the rug.

Feeling sad during the most joyous season is okay. And yes, it is okay to let the Christmas spirit pass us by and just literally sleep on it.

* * *

While the Christmas season is the most joyous occasion for most Filipinos, it is also the busiest days – from tree lighting events in almost every hotel and establishment to taking advantage of sale promos in every mall and shopping outlet, checking out travel and staycation opportunities and down to enjoying endless company parties.

Even in the artistic community, holidays seem to be the busiest time; which is good in a way. At the Cultural Center of the Philippines, we have a wide variety of engaging performances and programs for just about every artistic preference this December.

We have the all-Filipino Christmas ballet, Puso ng Pasko, on December 2 to 4, 8:00 p.m., with matinee shows at 3:00 p.m., at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP

The annual CCP Light and Sound show returns on a grander scale, featuring the Christmas façade décor dubbed “Binurda,” to be launched on December 15, 7:00 p.m., at the CCP Façade and Front Lawn. The CCP holiday decorations are inspired by the Callado embroidery on piña jusi textile with sampaguita design. A light and sound show compliments the façade décor.

During the launch, the Bayanihan National Dance Company, The Nightingales, Male Ensemble of the Philippines (MEP), and surprise performers bring the magic of the season and instill the warm spirit that Paskong Pinoy is known for.

Watch selected films that feature familyoriented stories that inspire and give hope in Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS) on December 14 to 16, at the CCP Front Lawn.

CUTS is an open-air, hybrid outdoor cinema to encourage moviegoers to walk-in, bike-in or drive-in. This is free to the public.

On December 16, 8:00 p.m., the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah, the greatest classical holiday musical treat. Under the baton of conductor Carpio, the PPO will perform alongside a 200-member grand chorus.

Ballet Philippines brings back the well-loved Christmas classic ballet, Nutcracker, on December 17, 8:00 p.m., and December 18, 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The ballet production follows the adventures and misadventures of a young girl on Christmas Eve, in a magical land where every child’s dream comes true.

The CCP Arts Education Department will launch Vamos A Belen: Sama Samang Paggunita and Pagdiriwang dance competition, on December 21. This event is a platform for dancers and dance groups to showcase their skills in interpreting dance literature focusing on Pastores piece. This is in preparation for the 50th anniversary production of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group September 2023.

CCP continues its long-established tradition of Simbang Gabi, in partnership Lady of Sorrows Parish hermanas, with on-site celebrations on December 16 to 24, 5:00 a.m., at the CCP Main Ramp. The Misa de Aguinaldo will be on December 24, 8:00 p.m., at the CCP Main Theater, with a pre-mass program featuring the Panunuluyan.

GLAZING LIFE

BY GLAIZA LEE

For the third year, the CCP will also have a virtual Simbang Gabi, in partnership with various parishes from the different regions of the country to celebrate anticipated masses. The Anticipated Mass from the Regions runs from December 15 to 23, 9:00 p.m., and will be streamed simultaneously on the CCP Facebook Page.

* * *

As the popular Kdrama puts it, “it’s okay to not be okay.” No one is forcing you to be happy all the time, even if it is Christmas. No one is really

having the perfect holiday season, and if all you want for Christmas is a nap, then go and take that muchneeded rest.

NAKAKABASA na Ako! (I Can Fi nally Read!), a guidebook for Filipino teachers to effectively teach reading to literacy-deprived children in the Philippines will be off the press midJanuary 2023 announced Miguel Z. Patolot, the book’s publisher.

Authored by Teacher Julie Wey gan Aparato, the book captures a dedicated educator’s decade of expe rience in teaching literacy-challenged Filipino street children to read.

Quoting Teacher Julie, “This book serves as a guide in establishing a lit eracy program at the community lev el targeting disadvantaged children, seven years and older, who are unable or are struggling to read.”

Much of the content of the book is based on actual experiences of the author in leading a community-based literacy program, which has helped at-risk children attain a literacy level that would eventually lead to these children’s improved academic perfor mance.

“Classroom-based day-to-day experiences comprise the ultimate resource and guide to deliver an ef fective and practical reading system for the literacy-deprived children,” Teacher Julie said.

“I believe the best teachers are those who never lose hope and pur sue what they see as challenges to the learner,” Dr. Cristina Lim Yuson said in the book’s Foreword.

Yuson, Founder-Director of the successful Early Learning Center (1974-2003) concluded after her re view, “A seasoned mentor who uses the play method might also accom plish more than the regular rote learn ing.”

“Identifying the kids, assessing their levels of literacy, involving the parents and doing repeated home vis its—these are humbling tasks only a committed member would do . . . If regular teachers just follow these steps, I am sure our school kids would learn to read and enjoy reading for a

SHANGRI-LA The

Christmas has officially arrived at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila as characters of Enchanted Wonders came to life to welcome guests to their hotel of choice beautifully adorned for the season. A 20ft Christmas Tree greets celebrating families, groups of friends, and loved ones for their post-worthy snaps where the city comes alive. With over 1,000 LED bulbs and 2,000 Christmas balls and ornaments, the larger-than-life Christmas tree presents a gateway to Enchanted Wonders.

To mark the beginning of our festive season, Ballet Philippines graced the stage with a magical performance to entertain special guests and the audience with its classical rendition of The Nutcracker

Characters of Shangri-La The Fort, Manila comes to life in magical visits with Ballet Philippines performances every Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. starting December 2

Meanwhile, hotel guests are invited to celebrate the season in luxurious and leisurely city getaways with festive staycations at Shangri-La The Fort. Book “Holidays At The Fort” and enjoy buffet breakfast for two at High Street Café, use of the gym at Kerry Sports Manila and the outdoor swimming pools, and complimentary wired and wireless internet access. Rates start from P12,160 per night.

Book “Home At The Fort” for a minimum stay of seven nights and enjoy stays set in a well-appointed and spacious residence with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, dining, and walk-in wardrobe. Experience an enriched and comfortable city stay with access to Kerry Sports Manila, outdoor swimming pool facilities, wireless internet connection, and daily housekeeping services on weekdays.

Rates start from P14,000 per night.

For more information about Shangri-La at the Fort’s festive offerings, menu prices, and performance schedule, please visit https://www.shangrilafortexclusives.com

Catch the well-loved Christmas ballet, ‘The Nutcracker,’ at the CCP

For her part, Portia Padilla, PhD, Nakakabasa na Ako! I Can Finally Read!) shows poor readers do not always remain poor, or worse, become poorer – thanks to the able leadership and collective ef fort of people who do what they can, despite and against the odds, whether there is a pandemic or not.”

Padilla heads the Faculty, Reading Education, of the University of the Diliman, and is Program Chair, Language and Literacy Educa tion, of UP Open University.

“Both personal and practical, this book invites us not only to read and learn, but more importantly, to act to gether for the benefit of our children.”

Key contents of Nakakabasa na I Can Finally Read!) include: Organizing the Literacy Class, In formal Assessment Tools, the Cur riculum, Approaches, and Activities; Reading and Recommended Tech niques, Developing Reading Fluency; Migration to e-Learning, among oth

lifetime.” commented, “ ( Philippines ( ers.

For inquiries and reservations, contact the publisher at miguelpatolot74@gmail.com.

Nickie

Main Theater). It is like a sequel to Tuloy Ang Pasko the dance production we premiered in 2020. Lolo Val, the main protagonist who now lives in California, reminisces about how he and his barkada would celebrate Christmas in the most Filipino way in the 1970s. Puso ng Pasko put the spotlight on the Yuletide festivities and traditions from the different regions of the Philippines.

A ground-breaking work, Ronelson Yadao, artistic director of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) choreographs the Filipino version of Nutcracker, with musical arrangements by National Artist for Music Ryan Rayabyab

Fort, Manila opened a world of Enchanted Wonders as it celebrates a festive season of time-honored traditions in the heart of vibrant Bonifacio Global City.

‘Nakakabasa na ako!’ captures a dedicated educator’s decade of experience in teaching literacychallenged Filipino street children to read

Christmas is merry and bright with these cute lamps dressed in Filipiana outfits

Freshwater pearl rosary bracelets

Salapid Crochet

Get into the Christmas spirit with holiday productions at the CCP, such as ‘Puso ng Pasko’

‘Handel’s Messiah’ is an ideal classical holiday musical treat for everyone to enjoy

Mark Anthony

ballet production follows the adventures , a Pastores dance competition, on December 21. for in with Our and other

Shangri-La The Fort executives posing in front of their vibrant Christmas tree that brings out the child in everyone