Manila Standard - 2022 December 27 - Tuesday

SIM card registration starts today, early listing urged amid birth pains

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel Cruz

8 dead, 19 lost in Xmas flood

100k displaced in Visayas, Mindanao; Bicol agri suffers heavily

CHRISTMAS Day floods have left eight people dead, three injured, 19 others missing, and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 people from their homes in six regions across Visayas and Mindanao, civil defense officials said Monday.

The Office of Civil Defense said the initial estimated damage to agriculture stood at over P59 million, mostly in Region 5 or Bicol, where the flood destroyed irrigation and plants.

For the infrastructure sector, the OCD said it received reports placing the damage at P14 million.

“The reports are continuously coming in as we speak. There will be additional updates,” OCD joint information head Diego Mariano said.

Rivers overflowed, swamping rural villages and highways as well as the cities of Ozamiz and Oroquieta,

PBBM lauds free Wi-fi plan

Mr.

COVID cases up in 4 provinces, further climb seen

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE positivity rate for COVID-19 rose significantly in four provinces last week, the independent OCTA Research Group said Monday, even as health ex-

perts warned of more cases owing to the recent detection of Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is reported to be fueling the surge of cases in China.

Albay, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, and Pampanga saw more cases before Christmas, OCTA reported, with the seven-

day positivity rate the highest in Ilocos Sur at 44.8 percent on Dec. 24, up from 30.6 percent on Dec. 17. This was followed by Kalinga with 41.7 percent from the previous 26.2 percent.

The positivity rate also climbed in

AFP says CPP ‘gasping for breath,’ cites breakdown in communication

THE Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is “gasping for breath” following a breakdown in communication between its units due to the neutralization of its ranking leaders, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Monday.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Agular said the death of CPP’s chairman Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands has also left the underground movement, which observes its 54th founding anniversary Dec. 26, with “no sense of

purpose and direction.”

“There is a breakdown in the communication lines between the CPP Central Committee and its subordinate organs and armed group (NPA). This is primarily due to the neutralization of many of the CPP top leaders: Julius Giron; Menandro Villanueva; Jorge Madlos; etc, the silence and long absence of their supposed chairman now, Benito Tiamzon, and the loss of their mass bases and

Welcome 2023 with ‘torotot’ to avoid injuries—DOH

By Willie Casas

THE Department of Health has urged the public anew to avoid using firecrackers and opt for alternative noisemakers like horns or “torotot” to welcome the new year, as it tallied 20 fireworks-re -

SHORT-term visitors to the Philippines may soon be able to extend their stay in the country simply by filing their applications online, as the Bureau of Immigration is set to launch its visa waiver

lated injuries recorded in various parts of the country on Monday.

At least 15 new firecracker injuries were listed yesterday, quadrupling the total since the DOH began its injury surveillance report on Dec. 21.

But the Health agency continued to

online project by the end of the year.

In a televised interview Monday, BI spokesman Dana Krizia Sandoval said the agency aims to attract more international tourists to the country.

discourage the use of mouth-blown horns as they may still cause the spread of COVID-19 through saliva droplets. Before the pandemic struck, DOH Region 6 Health Support Division officer in charge Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia

“Yes, the program is scheduled for launch before yearend, this is called the visa waiver – it’s an online project,” Sandoval said during the Laging

MISAMIS FLOODING. Rescuers use a wooden banca to traverse the flooded streets of Oroquieta City on Monday, while Philippine Coast Guard rescuers evacuate people from a submerged area in Ozamiz City (inset), both in Misamis Occidental province. Christmas Day floods dampened the mainly Catholic country’s most important holiday, civil defense officials said. PCG, AFP Photos

EX-REDS. The weapons of 55 former communist insurgents who surrendered to authorities are laid on a table as they were presented to the media at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City, on Monday. The event marked the withdrawal of allegiance to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army of the fighters on the 54th founding anniversary of the CPP. Norman Cruz and Danny Pata

COLORFUL AIR HORNS. A vendor arranges the display of colorful air horns along Batasan Road in Quezon City on Monday. The horns were priced from P35 to P150, which are expected to sell briskly ahead of New Year’s Day. Joey O. Razon

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday assured Filipinos in remote areas the government will continue to work on establishing internet connections in far-flung areas since access to the Web has become a post-pandemic must-have.

Marcos made this statement as he joined a Zoom call between the Department of Information and Communications Technology

MAJOR telecommunications firms urged Filipinos to immediately register their SIM card starting today (Tuesday) instead of waiting until the

last minute to do so during the 180day registration deadline. According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), telco firms have expressed their readiness for the full implementation of the SIM

Senate mulls pension for poor PWDs

ABILL seeking to provide a P2,000 monthly pension to indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs) has hurdled the Senate’s committee discussion and will be up for plenary debate when Congress resumes sessions in January.

Bill sponsor Sen. Imee Marcos will defend the measure during the debate.

Bill authors include Senators Risa Hontiveros, Lito Lapid, Ronald dela Rosa, and Ramon Revilla Jr.

Registration act even as they expect “birth pains” in the initial days.

“As relayed to us by the different telcos, they are already ready with their systems come [today] and then are ready to accept the registration nationwide starting December 27,” NTC Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan said in a press conference.

For registration concerns, users of Globe Telecom Inc. can visit https:// new.globe.com.ph/simreg, DITO Telecommunity Corp. at https://dito.ph/ registerDITO, and Smart at https:// smart.com.ph/simreg.

“Based on our estimate, it is actually technically possible to finish registration of all 87 million Globe subscribers in less than 15 days, provided that all these subscribers really register on time and very early, and not wait for the last day of registration,” Globe Telecom Inc. corporate and legal services group head Ariel Tubayan said, citing results of their simulations.

Tubayan said users will be able to complete the process in a little less than 5 minutes.

He, however, acknowledged there may be “birth pains” and challenges, including users who kept their mobile numbers despite switching networks under the mobile number portability (MNP) system.

DITO Telecommunity Corp. chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said a key challenge is how to convince users to undergo the registration process.

“On the side of DITO, the big challenge is how to encourage the public to register because this is something new and it seems that by nature, there is a bit of hesitancy to register,” he said.

Tamano said DITO users who register their SIM cards will be given a reward of 2 gigabytes of mobile data upon completion.

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. head of group corporate communications Cathy Yang said they are already prepared for the registration as telco firms rolled out information campaigns for their users.

“We tested the platform, and it is working,” she said.

For her part, Sen. Grace Poe called on the government and telco companies to ensure that the mandatory SIM registration will be a convenient, secure, and easy experience for mobile phone owners.

“The SIM registration should be as easy as texting or sending a message,” Poe said.

Under Senate Bill 1602 or the “Disability Support Fund Act,” an initial amount of P2,000 will be given as monthly stipend to every PWD in an indigent family.

This will be given along with the current social protection and discounts being enjoyed by the said sector.

The bill defines an “indigent person with disability” as one “who is frail, sickly, and without pension or permanent source of income, or regular support from his/her relatives to meet his/ her basic needs.”

Covered by the proposed pension are PWDs with physical, mental, intellec-

ers so it’s a catch basin,” said Marlon Pajo of the Gingoog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

tual, and sensory impairments. The measure also recommends that the Disability Support Fund prioritize children with disabilities and adults with moderate and severe disability for its first three years of implementation.

Meantime, individuals found taking advantage of the law, like fraudulently claiming that a PWD applicant is indigent, will be fined from P50,000 to P100,000.

Xi urges steps to ‘protect’ lives amid virus wave

CHINESE President Xi Jinping urged officials on Monday to take steps to protect lives in his first public remarks on COVID-19 since Beijing dramatically loosened hardline containment measures this month.

Misamis Occidental governor Henry Oaminal said.

“The heart of the city was flooded including the public market. Power was cut off and there was no (telephone) signal,” he said, referring to Oroquieta, the provincial capital with 72,000 residents.

“We’ve had floods before, but these are the worst rainfall and water flow levels we have ever had,” he added.

“The waters rose above the chest in some areas, but today the rains have ceased,” civil defense worker Robinson Lacre said from Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, which accounted for 33,000 of the 45,700 people evacuated from their homes.

Gingoog Mayor Erick Cañosa has already declared a state of calamity to allow local authorities to access their calamity fund.

“Geographically, Gingoog is near riv-

Seven deaths – mostly from drowning – were reported in Clarin and the nearby southern towns of Jimenez and Tudela in Misamis Occidental.

The Coast Guard also said strong winds and big waves sank a fishing boat on Christmas Day off the coast of the central island of Leyte. Two crew members were killed, while six others were rescued.

Two others, including a baby girl, drowned in the eastern towns of Libmanan and Tinambac in Camarines Sur after they were hit by floods days before Christmas, the civil defense office said.

Some 23 fishermen aboard two boats that capsized when hit by big waves off the southern city of Zamboanga were also rescued on Sunday.

Nineteen people remain missing, most of them subsistence fishermen.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, around

noted the delay of the World Health Organization’s declaration of the Chinese outbreak of COVID-19 in January 2020, which he said led to the global pandemic.

15,487 families or 69,323 individuals in 98 barangays were affected by the massive flooding due to heavy rainfall caused by the shear line.

Social Marketing Service director Marlouie Sulima said that based on a report by the DSWD Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center, 55 of the barangays were in Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

“We are in constant coordination with DSWD field offices in the affected localities to determine the number of family food packs (FFPs) needed to be delivered,” he said, adding they have around 60,905 pre-positioned FFPs that are in stand-by status, ready for immediate distribution among the victims.

According to the weather bureau, the shear line will continue to affect the Visayas and Mindanao regions, bringing scattered to widespread rain showers.

On the other hand, the northeast monsoon or “amihan” is affecting Luzon and will bring cloudy skies with rain showers.

Tarlac, and Zambales also recorded decreases in their positivity rate.

Having mostly cut itself off from the rest of the world during the pandemic, China is now experiencing the planet’s biggest surge in infections after abruptly lifting restrictions that torpedoed the economy.

Studies have estimated that around one million people could die over the next few months. Many in the population are now grappling with shortages of medicine, while emergency medical facilities are strained by an influx of undervaccinated elderly patients.

“At present, Covid-19 prevention and control in China are facing a new situation and new tasks,” Xi said in a directive, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

“We should launch the patriotic health campaign in a more targeted way... fortify a community line of defence for epidemic prevention and control, and effectively protect people’s lives, safety and health,” Xi said.

Hospitals and crematoriums across the country have been overflowing with Covid patients and victims, while China’s National Health Commission on Sunday announced it would stop publishing daily nationwide infection and death statistics.

The decision to scrap the daily virus count comes amid concerns that the country’s blooming wave of infections is not being accurately reflected in official statistics.

Albay from 23.3 percent on Dec. 17 to 35.4 percent on Dec. 24. Pampanga recorded a positivity rate of 17 percent from the previous 12.5 percent.

The positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all who are tested.

This rate also rose in Batangas, Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon.

But Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said Monday there is a possibility that new COVID-19 infections will rise again considering the recent detection of Omicron subvariant BF.7, and the gathering of people over Christmas.

De Grano said the new subvariant may be more transmissible and may cause severe infection.

Another health expert, Dr. Tony Leachon, also said the new variant was a cause for concern.

“Well, that is a concern considering that we are not having accurate information coming from China and China has a past history of not disclosing the number of cases [and] the number of deaths,” Leachon told ANC’s “Headstart”.

The former adviser of the Philippine government’s coronavirus task force

“We have around 2 million Chinese visitors every year and because of the lack of solid plans in terms of the procurement of the bivalent vaccines, which can address the old Wuhan strain and the new variants, this may be a concern,” Leachon added.

Daily new COVID-19 infections in China are believed to have reached several hundred million based on figures released by regional authorities, amid the rapid spread of the coronavirus since the government significantly relaxed its strict antivirus measures earlier this month, Kyodo News reported.

The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Friday that four cases of the Omicron subvariant BF.7 have been detected in the Philippines.

The agency said, however, that current evidence does not suggest any difference in severity or clinical manifestations between the BF.7 and the original Omicron variant.

On the other hand, the positivity rate continued to decline in the National Capital Region (NCR) from 13.9 percent on Dec. 17, to 11.5 percent on Dec. 24.

Bataan, Benguet, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, La Union, Mountain Province, Pangasinan, Rizal,

its free WiFi project, noting that the recent connections the agency put up were “working nicely.”

Based on recent data from the DOH, NCR still recorded the greatest number of COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks with 4,887 cases.

Next was Calabarzon with 2,181; Central Luzon with 1,507; Western Visayas with 573; and Cagayan Valley with 464.

The DOH on Sunday reported 666 new COVID-19 cases on Christmas Day, the lowest single-day tally in five days.

The report also marks the third straight day of fewer than 1,000 new daily cases and brought the Philippines’ total cases to 4,061,663.

Active cases decreased by 552 cases to 15,937, the lowest in more than five months since the 14,862 active cases on July 13.

Total recoveries increased by 1,234 to 3,980,490, the second straight day in which there were more new recoveries tallied than new cases.

Total deaths increased by 21 to 65,236, the fourth straight day of more than 20 new deaths recorded.

The region with the most COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks was Metro Manila with 4,887 cases, followed by Calabarzon with 2,181; Central Luzon with 1,507; Western Visayas with 573; and Cagayan Valley with 464.

Nationwide COVID-19 bed occupancy is at 13.7 percent, with 5,042 beds occupied and 31,845 vacant.

Beijing has admitted the scale of the outbreak has become “impossible” to track following the end of mandatory mass testing, as people are now not obliged to declare test results to authorities. AFP

From A1

Seaoil Philippines and Unioil Philippines issued their advisory on the price adjustments while other oil companies are expected to follow suit.

Unioil Philippines forecast over the weekend that gasoline will go up by P0.50 to P0.60 per liter while diesel will go down by P0.50 to P0.60 per liter.

On Friday, the Department of Energy said that based on the four-day trading period, the oil firms were expected to cut diesel prices by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter, while gasoline could go up by P0.30 to P0.60 per liter while kerosene would increase by P0.40 to P0.60 per liter.

Reuters reported Friday that oil prices went up by more than $1 as traders expect a drop in Russian crude supply. This offset concerns about lower US transport fuel demand.

Meanwhile, higher COVID infections in China raised concerns over global oil demand.

(DICT) and the agency’s stakeholders.

Handa briefing.

She said it was “very simple” for short-term tourists coming to the country from 157 countries who can come to the PH visa-free to extend their visa online.

“It is very convenient, very easy for the traveling public, and we’re really encouraging people to use this platform,” Sandoval added.

Around 32,000 passengers arrived in the Philippines on Christmas eve, the bureau added Monday.

Most of them landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Sandoval said.

A total of 31,992 passengers arrived on December 24, of which 10,047 landed at Terminal 1, 4,646 landed at Terminal 2, and 12,615 landed at Terminal 3.

Meanwhile, Sandoval said 29,968 passengers arrived on Christmas Day.

For departures, she said 22,248 departed from the country on Christmas eve while 27,934 departed on Christmas day.

“This is significantly higher than the last two years because, if you remember, the holiday season for the last two years was slightly glum (owing to COVID-19),” Sandoval said. Vito Barcelo

Calling himself a gatecrasher during the Zoom call, the President said: “I wanted to try for myself if what (DICT) Sec. Ivan (John Uy) was saying that was really working.”

Marcos congratulated the DICT for

mass organizations,” Aguilar said.

The CPP is left with only 23 guerrilla fronts, only five of which are able to implement party programs. The rest, he said, are “weak and gasping for breath,” Aguilar said.

“This gives the military the opportunity to focus its superior capability against the five while the civil govern-

“It seems like we have established a lot of new connections so they can have internet now… especially those far away because that’s what they need, more for the children who need it for school,” he said.

“This is just the start. We will do this so we can say that all Pinoys can talk to

ment needs only to implement programs that will address the source of peoples’ discontent,” he said.

Sison, who died on Dec. 16, established the CPP in 1968.

“To keep the organization afloat, the CPP through a digital person known as ‘Marco Valbuena’ can only come up with press releases and statements to convey the party’s directive and message to its lower organs and armed group, including its threat of tactical of-

all other Pinoys,” the President added. “Several (remote) areas also have Internet now so we will add to these,” Mr. Marcos said. “It’s good that there are more new technologies we can use and we are taking advantage of so the whole Philippines can have the connectivity that is so important nowadays,” he said.

The DICT’s BroadBand ng Masa Project (BBMP) seeks to roll out free WiFi connections to far-flung areas in the country.

fensives,” Aguilar said.

Following Sison’s death, the CPP said it would not seek a ceasefire with state forces this holiday season.

But Aguilar said there were no reported “atrocities” during the Christmas season despite the absence of a ceasefire.

The CPP’s call to its remaining New People’s Army (NPA) fighters to carry out “tactical offensives” against government troops, he said, was aimed at preventing the organization’s “total disintegration.”

On Dec. 20, 2022, the oil companies raised the price of gasoline by P0.70, diesel by P2.90 and kerosene by P1.65 per liter.

These resulted in a net increase of P13.95 per liter for gasoline, P27.50 per liter for diesel and P20.80 per liter for kerosene from the start of the year.

Pump prices are adjusted every Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market. Prices vary depending on the brand, location, and market forces.

Even after over 50 years, the CPP has failed to achieve its goals despite peaking with an estimated 28,000 members in the mid-80s, Aguilar said.

“Indeed, 54 years is more than enough. The country’s suffering must end now,” he said adding that after all that time, the underground movement never achieved anything significant to get closer to its goals of overthrowing the government, seizing power and overhauling the political system. Maricel V. Cruz

said the Department advocated the use of horns in welcoming the New Year.

“But while we are now under the new normal, with COVID-19 still around, we are discouraging the people from using (horns), as it could cause the spread of the virus,” she said.

While gatherings are allowed under the new normal, Sta. Lucia said that DOH is also encouraging the continued practice of minimum health protocols such as the use of face masks, observing physical distancing, frequent washing of hands, and use of hand sanitizers in New Year parties.

Meanwhile, at least 17 individuals were nabbed by authorities for selling prohibited firecrackers, the Philippine

National Police said Monday.

“Some of them were selling through online that is why we are also conducting cyber patrolling,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a televised briefing.

Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to local government units to set up community areas for firework displays for the New Year’s celebration, Fajar-

do warned individuals who plan to mount their own fireworks displays or use firecrackers outside of these designated places.

Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said private hospitals all over the country are now on alert for the admission of patients suffering from fireworks-related injuries as the New Year draws near.

Davao solon urges PhilHealth to adopt digital innovations

By Maricel V. Cruz

DAVAO City Rep. Paolo Duterte has called on the new leadership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC), also referred to as PhilHealth, to incorporate digital innovations in realizing its goal of providing medical insurance, as well as ensuring affordable and accessible health care services for all Filipinos.

Utilizing digital tools to deliver better health outcomes, especially in far-flung communities, should be reinforced with the approval and implementation of a congressional proposal to establish a national electronic health (eHealth) system, Duterte said.

Duterte, along with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and ACT-CIS party-list Reps. Edvic Yap and Jeffrey Soriano filed House Bill (HB) 4808 seeking to establish this digital-based system designed to complement and improve the delivery

of physical healthcare services.

“We need to re-imagine the way we bring quality health care to our countrymen, especially to those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where medical professionals are scarce. The use of digital technology to support the delivery of healthcare can help detect symptoms in patients in the early stages of their ailments and save lives,” Duterte said.

He said newly appointed acting PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma can begin expanding the application of digital solutions in the agency’s operations by allowing the use of more convenient online payment platforms, such as e-wallets, in settling PhilHealth premiums. Making premium payments easy and convenient will encourage members, especially those who are voluntarily paying, to keep contributing to the PhilHealth fund, Duterte said.

BARMM ratifies P85.3-billion expenditure program for 2023

By Nash B. Maulana

THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has ratified P85.3-billion budget for 2023.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim signed into law Parliament Bill No. 54 embodying the P85.3-billion Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP) for 2023Thursday night in Cotabato City.

Ebrahim said the 2023 BARMM general appropriation has been shaped by emerging factors including massive destruction wrought by the recent tropical storm “Paeng.”

“The BEP 2023 is inspired by many things; our collective experiences, recent economic changes, and just recently, tragedies that struck at the very core of our

homeland. These factors have been thoroughly considered in this process, and I am optimistic that the roadmap for next year is clear and responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said.

The Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) unanimously approved Parliament Bill No. 54 on third and final reading on Tuesday, December 20, with 44 affirmative votes.

The measure increased BARMM’s budget by 6.44 per cent from P79.8 billion in 2022 to P85.3 billion for 2023, providing the usual bigger allocations for education, health, infrastructure,

and social services.

The top 10 agencies with the biggest budget allocations are the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – P27.2 billion; Ministry of Public Works – P16.4 billion; Office of the Chief Minister, P5.9 billion; Ministry of Health – P5.8 billion; Bangsamoro Transition Authority P3.9 billion; Ministry of Social Services and Development – P3.07 billion; Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, P2.04 billion; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, P1.5 billion; Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy, P666 million; and Ministry of Transportation and Communications, P539 million.

BTA Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management chairman and concurrent Public Work Minister and Member of the Parliament Eduard Guera said the regional government’s expenditures program “underwent rigid scru-

tiny and deliberations in committee hearings where the agencies justified their appropriations.

“The Committee on Finance Budget and Management (CFBM) went through marathon hearings and scrutinized the proposed budgets of all ministries and offices to ensure that the budget is for the Bangsamoro people,” Guera said.

“Following this approval, we will move forward with the implementation of all projects and programs in the provinces of the region, including the Special Geographic Area,” he added.

Special Geographic Area (SGA) is composed of 63 barangays from Cotabato province which became part of the BARMM following the February 2019 plebiscite.

On the same day the budget law was approved, BTA lawmakers also filed several bills that seek to create eight municipalities out of the 63 SGA barangays.

DENR unveils unique wildlife sanctuary in Davao Oriental

A COMBINED force of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local leaders of Davao Oriental have joined forces to enhance the environmental protection and preservation of Mount Hamiguitan harboring an enigmatic beauty of dwarf trees.

The mountain, covering 1,234.56 hectares, has been declared a protected area by the UNESCO, and is officially called the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHWRS).

With an altitude of only 1,620 meters above sea level, the MHWRS has earned the unique category of one of the dwarf trees—and the distinction of being the “precious jewel” of Davao Oriental province.

The MHRWS, as a mountain range runs from north to south along the Pujada peninsula in the southeastern part of the

Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor. It occupies the land area within the municipal boundaries of Mati, San Isidro, and Governor Generoso.

To monitor the activities on the mountain, a Lawin Patrol together with the Bantay Gubat safeguards the mountain.

A regular IEC (information, education, communication) program is also conducted, which explains why there are no hunting activities reported from the area.

A multi-sector drive, including the indigenous peoples’ group called Lumads, promotes the need to protect the mountain. The University of the Philippines Los Baños, the Central Mindanao University, and the Davao Oriental State University also help in conducting research and data gathering of the area, according to protected area superintendent Rolly Tapec of the DENR.

PNP: Christmas revelry peaceful

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has described the country’s observance of Christmas Day as “generally peaceful.”

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there were no report of illegal discharge of firearms among policemen, or any signifi cant untoward incident that could have marred the celebrations nationwide.

“Masaya po tayong maibalita na naging generally peaceful naman po iyong celebration ng ating Christmas Day at sana magtuloy-tuloy po ito hanggang matapos po ang ating taon,” Fajardo told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo.

However, the PNP remained on alert as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) marks its 54th anniversary on Dec. 26, she said.

The CPP has rejected a holiday ceasefire with state forces this holiday season following the death of its founder, Jose Maria Sison.

Days ahead of the New Year, Fajardo also reminded the public that only pyrotechnic devices or “pailaw” like butterfl y, fountain, luges, sparklers, trumpilyo, and others are allowed in residential areas.

“But the rest po, iyong mga paputok po na gaya po ng mga triangulo, ay pupuwede lang iyang gamitin sa mga designated firecracker display areas na inutos at in-establish po ng ating respective local government units,” she said

The PNP recently arrested 17 people arrested for selling illegal firecrackers, most of them online, Fajardo said.

Two senators file measures on IP’s behalf

AT least two senators are exploring avenues to promote the welfare and culture of the minority tribes in the country.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 1586 also called the “Katutubong Tagapagtanggol Act” filed by Senator Francis Tolentino mandates the military and police academies to reserve at least 10 percent of their slots to indigenous peoples (IP).

For his part, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. wants indigenous games “preserved for future generations to build a strong psychological base for the IP children.”

Tolentino’s measure “recognizes and promotes the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of indigenous cultural communities and Ips, and ensure that they are afforded their rights, protections and privileges with regard to recruitment and employment.”

SB 1586 enjoins the Philippine Military Academy and Philippine National Police Academy to admit IPs to their academic programs, accorded the same procedures with non-IP members and must not be discriminated by reason of their physical, social cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs.

The Department of National Defense and Department of the Interior and Local Government will supervise the program.

On the other hand, Revilla’s SB 1523 is in keeping with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) declaration that play is one of the most important tools on how children gain essential knowledge and skills.

Revilla said indigenous games such as patintero, luksong tinik, taguan, sungka, and sipa that are considered markers of cultural heritage will also veer children away from gadgets and digital entertainment.

SB 1523 tasks the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in coordination with the Department of Education, to initiate measures to preserve traditional games.

PH, Brunei seal accord on joint anti-illegal drugs campaign

By Rio N. Araja

TO ramp up cooperation in combatting illicit traffic and abuse of narcotic drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has partnered with the Brunei Darussalam’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) after a decade of bilateral talks and coordination.

memorandum of understanding at the PDEA headquarters in Quezon City.

The memorandum focuses on cooperation in combating illicit traffic and abuse on narcotic drugs—those listed in the schedules annexed to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, psychotropic substances.

It also promotes cooperation between the NCB and PDEA through information exchange and collaboration in investigations involving nationals of

10 adrift seafarers rescued off Tawi-tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Ten people —eight Malaysians and two Filipinos —were rescued while adrift at sea off Tawi-Tawi province, the Navy reported on Monday. Brig.

Gen. Romeo Racadio, commander of the Naval Task Group (NTG)Tawi-Tawi and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Tawi-Tawi, said the seafarers were rescued Saturday by Falcon Triumph, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, and High Adventure, a Panama-flagged tanker.

Falcon Triumph radioed for help from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao’s Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS)-Bongao, saying they have rescued four people aboard a life raft.

The crewmen of High Adventure also reported to LMS-Bongao that they rescued six others who remained at their stalled vessel.

The rescued seamen were turnover to the NTG-Tawi-Tawi, which provided them assistance. emergency assistance.

Racadio said investigation showed that the eight Malaysians were crew and passengers of M/V Belait Surita that drifted at sea after they encountered a pipe explosion while traveling from Sandakan City, Malaysia to Talabtab, Malaysia. One crew member of the vessel was reported missing.

Racadio said the two Filipinos were aboard a motorboat that was battered by inclement weather after they departed Tahaw Island, Languyan, to Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi.

“The motor banca encountered weather challenges during its voyage,” he added.

both countries, including investigations related to money laundering activities as well as investigations on trafficking, smuggling, retail and other aspects of the drug trade.

As part of the exposure visit of the Brunei delegation, the group visited the Dangerous Drugs Board, ASEAN Training Center for Preventive Drug Education and Department of Health’s Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

PDEA director general Moro Virgilio Lazo and NCB director Dato Paduka Mohd Zalani forged a

SLEEP OF THE HOMELESS. A homeless man and his son spend Christmas Day dozing o on the pavement along P. Tuazon Avenue, Cubao Quezon City.

Manny Marcelo

REMEBERING A NATIONAL HERO. Local tourists have their photos taken on the very spot where Dr. Jose Rizal always stood as he heard mass at the St. James Church in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte where he was on exile prior to his death by a ring squad at the Luneta. The country marks his 126th day martyrdom on December 30, 2022 with the theme  Alaalang Iningatan, Yaman Ngayon ng Bayan. Danny Pata

KIDS AT PLAY. A day after Christmas, children frolic playing at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Joey O. Razon

More than 7,000 overseas Pinoys repatriated this year

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that more than 7,000 overseas Filipinos (OFs) from various countries were repatriated by the government this year.

In its accomplishment report submitted to Malacañang, the DFA said 57.67 percent of the repatriated Filipinos came from the Middle East; 942 OFs and distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are from Kuwait, and 70 are from Sri Lanka.

The DFA also reported that as part of its delivery of consular services, it issued a total of 3,589,620 passports from January to October this year.

An additional six temporary offsite passport services facilities were opened by the department. As of November this year, DFA has issued 55,574 visas and 551,635 Apostille certificates.

The DFA meanwhile said bilateral agreements were signed on defense, culture, counterterrorism, trade and investment, technology and data

Imee bill seeks Senate probe on soaring local onion prices

ARESOLUTION has been filed seeking a Senate investigation into the increasing market prices of local onions.

Imported red onions, estimated to be worth P20 million, meanwhile were recently seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and its intelligence branch at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) sub-port in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Senator Imee Marcos, who filed Senate Resolution 350, said that there is a need to determine the cause and ensure that the Bureau of Plant and Industry’s (BPI) recommendation to import onions will not “kill the local onion production or industry.”

She cited Administrative Circular No. 09 issued by the Department of

Court affirms deposition on $2m case against Nani Perez

THE deposition of witness Lilibeth Pono in Germany in the $2-million forfeiture case of former justice secretary Hernando “Nani” Perez has been affirmed by the Sandiganbayan Third Division, ABS-CBN News reported.

In the resolution dated Dec. 19, 2022, the court denied the motion for reconsideration filed by respondent Ernest De Leon Escaler, a co-accused of Perez, the report said.

The court in November allowed the taking of the testimony of Pono, a former consul at the Philippine Embassy in Switzerland who is currently in Germany.

The court did not agree with Escaler who argued that Philippine Embassy in Germany consul Gerardo Abiog cannot administer the written testimony of Pono because Abiog is an employee of the petitioner, the Republic of the Philippines.

“After a careful review of the arguments raised by respondent Escaler, the court finds that the issues raised therein have already been passed upon by this court and no substantial arguments were presented to warrant a reversal of the assailed resolution, hence, it is pro forma,” the court, quoted by the ABS-CBN News report, said.

The court also agreed with the petitioner that the motion of Escaler is already a second motion for reconsideration.

The forfeiture case against Perez stemmed from his alleged extortion of $2 million from former Manila Sixth District Rep. Mark Jimenez which involved supposed fund transfers to the account of Escaler.

“The court likewise agrees that respondent Escaler is now estopped from challenging the propriety of the deposition as well as the authority of Mr. Abiog as deposition officer as he had already sent his cross-interrogatories addressed to Hon. Pono,” the court said.

The court noted in its November resolution that Pono’s testimony will be on the certificate of authentication of documents material to the case when she was still a consult at the Philippine Embassy in Berne.

Agriculture (DA) last October 7 which sets the suggested retail price for red onions at P170 per kilogram in Metro Manila, GMA News reported.

However, Marcos noted that the prices of red onions in public markets remained high despite the government’s imposition of a price cap.

Citing DA data, the senator said majority of Metro Manila public markets are still selling local red onion at P280 to P300 per kilogram as of November 29.

Marcos also noted that the BPI has supposedly recommended the importation of onions to stem the surging pric-

es of red onions and combat the supply shortage due to crop damage from Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in October 2022 and increasing demand this holiday season.

Further, she cited a news article dated November 30 where Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) president Rosendo So has warned that the retail prices of onions could reach P400 per kilo due to shortage, GMA News further reported. She quoted So as claiming that some DA officials were allegedly conniving with traders to manipulate the supply of onions.

The BOC meanwhile reported that the seizure of the red onions occurred at a time when the price of red onions in the local market has reached as high as P500 per kilo during the Christmas

season.

In an interview Monday, lawyer Justin Roman Geli, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in Northern Mindanao, said contraband from China was wrongfully declared as bread and pastries.

“Examination of Alerted Shipment consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. with Bill of Lading (BL) nos. SITTARCD1460239 and SITTARCD145254 with container numbers TLLU1127887 and OTPU6548034 declared as Bread and Pastries found positive to contain undeclared onions,” a report from the CIIS said.

Geli said the two container vans were loaded with about 50,000 kilos of red onions. It arrived at the MCT on Dec. 21 and seized on the same day.

protection, and migrant workers protection.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that the coordination between the DFA and the newly-created Department of Migrant Workers would be further strengthened in a bid to provide assistance to OFs.

“We will further intensify this coordination to provide prompt and appropriate service and help to overseas Filipinos in need),” Marcos said in a meeting with the Filipino community in Cambodia in November, which took place on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.

In his official trips abroad, the President proudly described OFWs as the pride of the Philippines who “bring honor to the Filipino nation.”

Marcos also cited the valuable contribution of OFWs, especially during the time when the country’s economy was dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

IN BRIEF

Fire displaces 72 families in

Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY—At least 175 persons or 72 families were left homeless when a fire broke out early Monday morning in Barangay Veterans, at the city proper here.

The affected families are currently staying at the barangay gymnasium, according to City Social Welfare and Development Office (CWSDO).

Reports said the fire hit a residential area at around 5:30 a.m. and was declared fire out by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) at around 6:11 a.m. The fire was initially traced from the residence of Charlie Escopil that immediately spread to adjacent houses.

Thirteen houses were gutted down while six were partially damaged.The CSWDO immediately sent food and nonfood items to affected families.

“It is still under investigation but according to the owner of the house it is an electrical short circuit that caused the fire,” said BFP Fire Chief Inspector Vincie Jojo Arguelles in a phone interview.

This month, he said five other fire incidents were also recorded with damage reaching around PHP4 million.

Arguelles said the fire incidents occurred mostly in areas where there are informal settlers.

DOH: Fireworks injuries decreased in Cebu

CEBU CITY—The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) on Monday reported that the number of fireworks-related injuries on Christmas eve has decreased by 58 percent from 24 in 2021 to only 10 cases this year.

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU)-5 reported nine cases of firecracker injury as of Monday, in several towns in the Cebu province.

The report said only one case was reported in Bohol province.

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, RESU-7 cluster head, said there are zero injuries due to firecrackers in the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue as well as in the province of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

She said the figures from the previous report may differ due to late reports submitted for further verification.

Agents nab Korean fugitive wanted for telco fraud

By Vito Barcelo

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a South Korean fugitive wanted by authorities in Seoul for engaging in telecommunications fraud.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the arrested fugitive as 40-year-old Byun Jonghyun, who was nabbed in Bgy. Balibago, Angeles City by operatives from the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

Tansingco said Byun will be deported immediately as an order for his summary

deportation was already issued by the BI board of commissioners last September.

He was already placed in the immigration blacklist and banned from re-entering the Philippines for being an undesirable alien, the BI chief added.

According to BI-FSU acting chief Rendell Ryan Sy, Byun is also the subject of an Interpol red notice issued on April 2020.

The said notice stemmed from an arrest warrant issued against the Korean by the Seoul central district court where he was charged with violating his country’s tel-

Housing agency opens doors for pre-Xmas dialogue with militant leaders, groups

By Rio N. Araja

HOUSING

Jose Rizalino Acuzar has opened the door of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in Quezon City for a recent dialogue with militant leaders and other cause-oriented groups as part of an inclusive effort of tPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.

Renato Reyes Jr. of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna (Nation First), Etrelita Bagasbas of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), Mary Joy Guevarra of Gabriela, Jaime Valdez of Anak Pawis, Maria Fe Hullipaz of Samahang Maralita sa Tem-

porary Housing-Tondo Chapter, and Andrea Trinidad of Urban Poor Coordinating Council-National Capital Region took part in the dialogue on December 22.

The DHSUD secretary presented the administration’s plan to address the 6.5 million housing need under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program designed to construct one million housing units per year or six million housing units in 6 years.

The groups’ leaders shared their firsthand experiences of relocation through government housing projects and provided insights for consideration in program implementation.They expressed appreciation of the program’s strategies and agency’s open-door policy, citing the program’s sustainability.

ecommunications business act.

Korean authorities alleged that Byun is a member of an organized crime syndicate based in Manila that defrauds their compatriots back home by engaging in voice phishing operations.

It is estimated that the syndicate’s earnings from the racket already amounted to more than 674 million won or roughly half a million dollars.

Byun is now detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while awaiting his deportation to Korea.

The DOH-7 launched on Dec. 13 the “Oplan Iwas Paputok’ campaign to remind the public to be extra careful as Dr. Jaime Bernadas, its regional director, said they have aimed for “zero firecracker-related incidents” during the Christmas and New Year.

However, Bernadas said his projection for an increase in the number of injuries in firecracker incidents, citing the peoples’ eagerness to return to pre-pandemic normalcy in celebrating the holidays, did not happen as the cases significantly went down this year.

“People may no longer be familiar with how to use firecrackers because the past two years, we didn’t use them. That’s why we really have to take care to avoid injuries,” Bernadas said.

The health department identified kwitis, triangle, lantaka, flying tiger, and hotdog as the top five firecrackers that are causing injuries.

czar

LUNETA CLEAN UP. Street sweepers collect garbage left by parkgoers at the Luneta Park after Christmas Day in Manila on Monday. Norman Cruz

SCAVENGING. A man tries to save whatever is left from the fire that broke out in a residential area in Barangay San Dionisio in Parañaque City on Monday. At least 100 houses made of light materials were hit by the fire. Danny Pata

became a social activist

IN THIS and in the next two columns, I will share excerpts of my commencement speech to the graduates of the Ateneo School of Government last December 18, 2022.

The speech is titled “Imperatives of a happy life: stories, virtues, and gestures” where I share stories from a life of six decades of engagement with many big causes and issues of the world.

From these stories, starting when I was 15 years old to just a few months ago when I nearly died in the hospital from blood loss due to an operation that was supposed to be minor and not life-threatening, I will extract virtues and gestures that I consider imperatives of a happy and meaningful life.

In 1974, I was a high school student in Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. I was an OK student, not particularly outstanding, certainly not an honors student, not even a leader.

But then something happened that year –the great war between the central government in Manila and the Moro National Liberation Front.

I believe in peace processes and that we must work for a peaceful settlement of all conflicts in this country

My home city of Cagayan de Oro became a critical area for both our military and for the rebels and for people directly affected by the war, not a battleground but a place for rest and recreation and a place where evacuees congregated to escape conflict.

I noticed that many of our graduates are from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. You would know the dynamics when war happens and people are uprooted from their homes. Many lose everything. Life becomes uncertain. Many questions are asked.

In 1975, as I entered senior year of high school, I immersed myself in activities to help refugees – feeding and providing relief goods, helping young children with their disrupted education, and sadly helping bury those who died in the refugee camps.

War made me a leader, gave me a calling and mission.

I began asking serious questions about our island, Mindanao, and our country and world. Why was this war happening at all? Why could people be so violent? Who was at fault? What can we do to stop this?

I asked hard questions about the Marcos regime, about martial law.

I read pre-martial law magazines Iike the Free Press and Graphic. I got access to underground publications exposing the truth about the dictatorship that had taken over the country.

At 15 years old, I became a social activist and said yes to a mission to build another

world, a better world.

48 years later, I have kept that activist perspective and have tried to be faithful to that mission.

I protest the poverty of our people, the inequality and social injustice in our society, and the corruption that continues to the core of government and the private sector.

I am a human rights lawyer, an indigenous peoples’ and especially a Lumad advocate, and a climate and environmental justice champion.

It does not matter that I am red tagged for this.

A former undersecretary and spokesperson of the NTF-ELCAC has even accused me of being a member of the central committee of the CPP-NPA.

Having worked for almost all our postEDSA presidents, a consultant of several senators and government agencies, and a professor of dozens of military and police officials here in ASOG (Ateneo School of Government) and in many law schools as well as many government officials of all levels, that would be an absurd accusation.

Co-founding the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center, the leading environmental justice organization of the country, and the Samdhana Institute, that gathers activists and scholars in Southeast Asia for the social and environmental renewal of our region, are two accomplishments I would always be proud of.

As a teacher, I challenge my students, and that include many of you, to see our society, government, and politics for what it is, with all its structural defects and failures.

But protest is not enough.

The war in Mindanao and the martial law experience opened my eyes yes, but it also encouraged me to understand the roots of our dysfunctional society and to find solutions to overcome them.

Years later I would be appointed by several presidents in the government peace panels that negotiated with the MNLF as well as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Through the years, I also assisted in our negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, for example, in drafting the government version of the Comprehensive Agreement on SocioEconomic Reforms or CASER in the latest round of peace talks which President Duterte eventually abandoned.

I believe in peace processes and that we must work for a peaceful settlement of all conflicts in this country.

That was my takeaway in working for our only president with a military background, Fidel V. Ramos, Website: tonylavina.com. Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

Brother and sister’s future separated after Taliban university ban

until the 12th grade, but what can we say now?” Dreams crushed

MARWA was just a few months away from becoming the first woman in her Afghan family to go to university—instead, she will watch achingly as her brother goes without her.

Women are now banned from attending university in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where they have been steadily stripped of their freedoms over the past year.

“Had they ordered women to be beheaded, even that would have been better than this ban,” Marwa told AFP at her family home in Kabul.

“If we are to be so unlucky, I wish that we hadn’t been born at all. I’m sorry for my existence in the world.

“We are being treated worse than animals. Animals can go anywhere on their own, but we girls don’t have the right even to step out of our homes.”

The 19-year-old had recently passed an entrance exam to start a nursing degree at a medical university in the Afghan capital from March.

She was thrilled to be joining her brother, Hamid, in attending the campus each day. But now their futures have been pulled apart.

“I wanted my sister to achieve her goals along with me—to succeed and move ahead,” said Hamid, 20, a student of business administration at a higher education institute in Kabul.

“Despite several problems, she had studied

The ban by the hardline Islamist government, which seized power in August last year, has sparked global outrage, including from Muslim nations who deemed it against Islam.

Neda Mohammad Nadeem, the Taliban’s minister for higher education, claimed women students had ignored a strict dress code and a requirement they be accompanied by a male relative to campus.

But the reality, according to some Taliban officials, is that the hardline clerics that advise the movement’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada remain deeply skeptical of modern education for females.

Girls have also been banned from secondary schools in most of the country.

Women have been slowly squeezed out of public life in recent months, pushed from government jobs or paid a fraction of their former salary to stay at home.

They are also barred from traveling without a male relative and must cover up in public. Women are prohibited from going to parks, fairs, gyms and public baths.

Marwa and Hamid come from an impoverished family but their parents had supported their pursuit of higher education.

With dreams of becoming a midwife, Marwa had planned to visit remote areas of Afghanistan where women remain deprived of health services.

“I wanted to serve women in faraway places so that we never witness the loss of a mother’s life during childbirth,” she said.

EDITORIAL

TODAY, the world celebrates yet again the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness by carrying out educational activities.

As exemplified by the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, major infectious diseases and epidemics have devastating impacts on human lives, wreaking havoc on long-term social and economic development.

Global health crises threaten to overwhelm already overstretched health systems, disrupt global supply chains and cause disproportionate devastation of the livelihoods of people, including women and children, and the economies of the poorest and most vulnerable countries.

We add our voice to the urgent need to have resilient and robust health systems, reaching those who are vulnerable or in vulnerable situations.

In the event of the absence of international attention, future epidemics could surpass previous outbreaks in terms of intensity and gravity.

Indeed, there is great need to raise awareness, the exchange of information, scientific knowledge and best practices,

quality education, and advocacy programs on epidemics at the local, national, regional and global levels as effective measures to prevent and respond to epidemics. Only proper and timely that we strengthen epidemic prevention by applying lessons learned on epidemic management and how to prevent the stoppage of basic services, and

The United Nations system, in particular the World Health Organization, plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to epidemics, in accordance with its mandate, and in supporting national, regional and international efforts to prevent, mitigate and address the impacts of infectious diseases and epidemics in accordance with the goal of advancing the 2023 Agenda.

As UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said: “COVID-19 demonstrated how quickly an infectious disease can sweep across the world, push health systems to the brink, and upend daily life for all of humanity.

“It also revealed our failure to learn the lessons of recent health emergencies like SARS, avian influenza, Zika, Ebola and others.”

On on this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, let us give this issue the focus, attention and investment it deserves.

real bids!”

But still the auctioneer continued. “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?”

BECAUSE of numerous demands for me to recount the Tale of the Son which is very significant this Christmas Season, here it is. The Son

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.

A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.”

The young man held out his package.

“I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.”

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man.

He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the portrait.

“Oh no, sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”

The father hung the portrait over his mantle.

Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his collection of paintings.

Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great painting and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son.

The auctioneer pounded his gavel.

“We will start the bidding with this portrait of the son. Who will bid for this painting?”

There was silence. Then a voice at the back of the room shouted, “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.”

But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?”

Another voice shouted angrily. “ We didn’t come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the

Marwa’s mother, holding her newborn baby in her arms, said she felt history repeating itself

Instead she will now stay home to teach her six younger siblings, while her father, the family’s sole breadwinner, earns money as a vegetable vendor.

History repeating

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son.

“I’ll give $10 for the painting.”

Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

“We have $10, who will bid $20?”

“Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters, said one man. The auctioneer continued. “$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?”

BBM’s last act as agriculture secretary may well be to go after all the smugglers of agricultural products like sugar, onions, rice, fish and meat

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the painting of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!” A man sitting on the second row shouted, “ Now let’s get on with the collection.”

The auctioneer laid down his gavel.

“I’m sorry, the auction is over. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.

“Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the painting. The man who took the son gets everything.”

-- Author Unknown

In the Tale of the Son, the message this Christmas Season is much like the auctioneer, God’s message today is “The Son, the Son, who’ll take the Son?”

*** *** ***

I would like to take this occasion, being two days after Christmas Day, that holidays are not about partying and traveling nationwide and internationally or what they call “revenge travel” to far off places , but an occasion to meditate on what Christmas is all about , that God has His Son become man to save Mankind!

I would like to take this occasion to tell you, gentle readers, that my usual “Persons of the Year” go to all health workers and frontliners, including journalists who bring to you news of the day both here and abroad.

These health workers and frontliners expose

Minister Nadeem insists women students behaved in a way that insulted Islamic principles and Afghan culture.

“They were dressing like they were going to a wedding. Those girls who were coming to universities from home were also not following instructions on the hijab,” he said in an interview on state television.

But Hamid strongly rejected the justification for the ban.

“When universities opened under the Taliban, different days were specified for boys and girls,” he said.

“They (girls) were not allowed to enter unless they wore a mask and hijab. How then can they (the Taliban) say they were without hijabs?”

themselves to the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic to help those in need.

It’s for this reason why I believe there’s a need for both the government and the private sector to give them their due, like better pay and allowances.

*** *** ***

I would also like to take this occasion to give due credit to my choices of “Achievers” in whatever pursuits they are in.

I take special mention of Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go as the No. 1 “Achiever” of the year.

I commend him for the help and assistance he gives to those in need whenever fire, floods and landslides, or whatever disaster or calamity hit. Bong Go is always there to commiserate with the victims and to even give them financial assistance.

Bong Go continues to amaze me. He has already set up his 153rd “Malasakit Center,’, a one-stop shop for all those in need of assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Pagcor to help the indigents and the needy.

And, above all, Bong Go by his lonesome is pushing for a DDR or a Department of Disaster Resilience, an agency sorely needed by a country like the Philippines, which is always prone to calamities and disasters, like super and killer typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and storm surges, when nobody else is pushing for the longpending DDR bill in the Senate.

Likewise, I would like to commend Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who was adjudged, Santa Banana, the best performer and achiever among Metro Manila mayors.

I commend Joy. I know very well both her parents, former Quezon City Mayor Belmonte and the late Betty Go Belmonte, founder of the Philippine Star. Her parents taught her well. Congratulations to you, Joy. *** *** ***

I would like to commend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his excellent work in “selling” the Philippines not only here in our own Southeast Asia region, but also in the US and Europe where “ investors’’ now realize that the Philippines is “now open for business.”

If I were to score BBM in his first six months in office, I’d give him 87 percent. So far so good, as they say, in all his appointments including his latest in naming his press briefer, who is somebody who can amplify to express what BBM wants to say or what he intends to do.

But, I also believe he should name a permanent Secretary of Health, not merely another officer-in-charge.

BBM’s last act as agriculture secretary may well be to go after all the smugglers of agricultural products like sugar, onions, rice, fish and meat.

As President, BBM has more than a myriad of things to do to meet all the challenges he is facing.

After the Taliban seized power, universities were forced to implement new rules, including gender-segregated classrooms and entrances, while women were only permitted to be taught by professors of the same sex, or old men.

Marwa’s mother, holding her newborn baby in her arms, said she felt history repeating itself.

Two decades ago she was forced to quit her studies during the Taliban’s first regime between 1996 and 2001.

“I’m happy that my son is able to pursue his goals, but I’m also heartbroken that my daughter is unable to do the same,” said Zainab, 40.

“If my daughter does not achieve her goals, she’ll have a miserable future like mine.” AFP

Wong/Ray S. Eñano

G. Estabillo Publisher

By Estelle Emonet and Abdullah Hasrat

EAGLE EYES TONY LA VIÑA

raise the level of preparedness. We need to stress the significance of partnership and solidarity among every individual, community and State, and regional and international organizations, in all stages of epidemic management, as well as the importance of considering a gender perspective in this regard.

‘West wants to tear apart Russia’

MOSCOW—President Vladimir Putin has blasted the West for trying to “tear apart” Russia and said in an interview aired on national television that his offensive in Ukraine aimed to “unite the Russian people”.

About 100 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, Russian air defence troops shot down a Ukrainian drone early Monday as it approached a Russian airbase, with the debris killing three, news agencies reported.

“As a result of the fall of the wreckage of the drone, three Russian technical servicemen who were at the (Engels military) airfield were fatally injured,” the defence ministry announced, ac-

cording to TASS news agency. Monday will also see a call from Ukraine for Russia to lose its vetowielding permanent seat on the powerful UN Security Council, said Kyiv’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. It comes a day after Putin accused his country’s “geopolitical opponents (of) aiming to tear apart Russia, the historical Russia”.

Putin has used the concept of “historical Russia” to argue that Ukrainians and Russians are one people -- undermining Kyiv’s sovereignty and justifying his 10-month offensive in Ukraine.

“Divide and conquer, that’s what they have always sought to accomplish and are still seeking to do,” Putin said in an interview.

“But our goal is different: it’s to unite the Russian people.”

Putin declared his government was acting “in the right direction... protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people”.

He repeated that Moscow was ready

Taiwan says China deployed 71 warplanes in weekend war drills

TAIPEI—China deployed 71 warplanes in weekend military exercises around Taiwan, Taipei’s defence ministry said Monday, including dozens of fighter jets in one of the biggest daily incursions to date.

The People’s Liberation Army said it had conducted a “strike drill” on Sunday in response to unspecified “provocations” and “collusion” between the United States and the self-ruled island.

Data from Taiwan’s defence ministry showed those drills were one of the largest since they started releasing daily tallies.

In a post on Twitter, Taiwan said 60 fighter jets took part in the drills, including six Su-30 warplanes, some of China’s most advanced.

Michael S. Sy”) who died on 30 August 2021 in Quezon City and at the time of his death, he was a resident of 38 1st St., New Manila, Quezon City. A copy of his death certificate is thereto attached as Annex “A”; that Decedent Michael S. Sy’s wife, Rosa L. So (the “Decedent So”), predeceased her husband by about four (4) months as she died on 06 April 2021 also in Quezon City. A copy of her death certificate is thereto attached as Annex “B”; that Decedent Michael Sy and Decedent So had no issue or children; that to the best of Petitioner’s knowledge, the Decedent left the following personal properties estimated to have a gross value of Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php4,500,000.00). Petitioner further alleged that as neither of the Decedents left any will, this Petition is being filed to judicially settle their intestate estates pursuant to Section 1, Rule 73 of the Revised Rules of Court; that as stated, Decedent So predeceased

Moreover, 47 of the sorties crossed into the island’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the third-highest daily incursion on record, according to AFP’s database.

Taiwan lives under constant threat of invasion by China, which claims the democratic island as part of its territory, to be taken one day.

Beijing has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan under President Xi Jinping as relations have deteriorated.

One of the pressure tactics China has increasingly used is probing Taiwan’s ADIZ with its warplanes.

So far this year, there have bee more than 1,700 such incursions compared with 969 in 2021 and 146 in 2020.

China did not specify the number of aircraft mobilised for Sunday’s exercises, nor the exact location of these manoeuvres.

Taiwan’s daily tally showed most of the incursions crossed the “median line” which runs down the Taiwan Strait that separates the two sides, while a smaller number went through Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. AFP

to negotiate and appeared unfazed when asked about the new air defense system the United States will deliver to Ukraine.

“Of course we will destroy it, 100 percent!” Putin said, referring to the Patriot missile battery promised to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In televised remarks Sunday night, Foreign Minister Kuleba said Russia had lost its claim to a permanent Security Council seat.

“We have a very simple question: Does Russia have the right to remain a permanent member of the UN Security Council and to be in the United Nations at all?” he said. AFP

US blizzard kills 32, power out, travel snarled

NEW YORK—A brutal winter storm brought Christmas Day danger and misery to millions of Americans Sunday as intense snow and frigid cold gripped parts of the eastern United States, with weather-related deaths rising to at least 32.

A crisis situation unfolded in Buffalo, in western New York, where a blizzard left the city marooned, with emergency services unable to reach the worst-hit areas.

“It is (like) going to a war zone, and the vehicles along the sides of the roads are shocking,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a native of Buffalo, where eight-foot (2.4-meter) snow drifts and power outages have made for life-threatening conditions.

Hochul told reporters Sunday evening that residents were still in the throes of a “very dangerous lifethreatening situation” and warned anyone in the area to remain indoors.

More than 200,000 people across several eastern states woke up without power on Christmas morning and many more had their holiday travel plans upended, although the five-day-long storm featuring blizzard conditions and ferocious winds showed signs of easing.

The extreme weather sent wind chill temperatures in all 48 contiguous US states below freezing over the weekend, stranded holiday travelers with thousands of flights canceled and trapped residents in ice- and snowencrusted homes.

Thirty-two weather-related deaths have been confirmed across nine states, including at least 13 in Erie County where Buffalo is located, with officials warning the number is sure to rise. AFP

UN: 180 Rohingya adrift on boat feared dead

Thousands of the mostly Muslim Rohingya, heavily persecuted in Myanmar, undertake risky sea journeys from Myanmar and

in Bangladesh every year trying to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.

This latest boat is thought to have set out last month and was reported to be drifting close to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India’s Andaman Islands and the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

“Relatives have lost contact. Those last in touch pre -

sume all are dead. We hope against hope this is not the case,” the UNHCR tweeted on Sunday.

“If true, this will be devastating news. Our heart goes out to all the families who would have lost loved ones in this shocking tragedy. We repeat our pleas to the States in the region to help save lives. This must be a priority.”

Last week Noor Habi, a resident of a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh, said her 23-year-old daughter Munuwara Begum was on the boat and had spoken to her sister by walkie-talkie.

“We are in danger. Please save us,” Begum had said, according to an audio clip of the call. AFP

Suu Kyi lawyers set to make final arguments in Myanmar junta trial

Council called on the junta to release Suu Kyi in its first ever resolution on the situation in Myanmar since the coup.

Suu Kyi has been a prisoner since the military toppled her government in February 2021, ending the Southeast Asian nation’s brief period of democracy.

The Nobel laureate, 77, has already been found guilty on 14 charges ranging from corruption to illegally importing walkie-talkies and breaching the official secrets act.

Rights groups have slammed the trial as a sham, and on Wednesday the UN Security

The resolution marked a moment of relative Council unity after permanent members and close junta allies China and Russia abstained, opting not to wield vetoes following amendments to the wording.

Suu Kyi’s legal team and junta lawyers are due to make final arguments relating to five remaining charges of corruption on Monday, according to a source with knowledge of the case.

The verdict will be given “after that stage”, the source said, adding a date had not yet been set. AFP

DHAKA—Relatives of around 180 Rohingya refugees adrift on a boat for weeks in the Indian Ocean presume that all those on board are now dead, the UN refugee agency said.

refugee camps

YANGON—A Myanmar junta court is expected to hear closing arguments for the last remaining charges against jailed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday, after the UN Security Council called for her release.

SHELTERED CHRISTMAS. Local residents, dressed in traditional costumes, sing Christmas carols inside a metro station in Kyiv on December 25 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

BUS REMAINS. The wreck of a bus lies in the Lerez river after it plunged while crossing a bridge, killing four people, in Cerdedo-Cotobade, northwestern Spain, on December 25. The accident occurred on December 24 near Vigo and the border with Portugal. The regional La Voz de Galicia newspaper said the bus was carrying people visiting their loved ones jailed in Monterroso in central Galicia. AFP

BHP faces $12-b damages over Brazil dam collapse

LONDON,

billion)

More than 400,000 claimants could eventually join the compensation claim against the Australian company in London’s High Court over the tragedy at an iron ore tailings dam that killed 19

MATTHEW ELI G. BALURAN

Green LiGht

Why is individuation important in family businesses?

IN HER book, Successful Family Businesses: Dynamics of Five Filipino Business Families, Queena Lee-Chua wrote that a business could succeed or fall for many reasons, one of which is family. She estimates that family businesses make up between 80 percent and 90 percent of all businesses in the Philippines. In fact, big businesses here are owned by families (e.g. SM Investment Corp, JG Summit and Ayala Corp.). Like all other businesses, these big ones started small. So, how did they become successful, and how have they survived this long?

According to Lee-Chua, one of family businesses’ most sensitive issues is succession.

As a former corporate employee, I’ve always thought that succession would be straightforward. For example, when Queen Elizabeth II died, her eldest son, Prince Charles III, inherited the throne. Apparently, in businesses, especially family-owned ones, succession is more complicated. Factors such as the involvement of relatives and in-laws, technical competence, outside professionals and employee respect in choosing a successor must be considered. In some cultures and conservative businesses, gender is also a factor. Lee-Chua also discussed how the businesses were performing and where they were headed. Objectives and long-term goals were mostly decided by the company president/CEO, who was also the head of the family. However, some families made decisions collectively.

One of the author’s main points was the idea of the individuation of family members. “Individuate” means “to form into a distinct entity.” Family members should not confuse their roles in the family with their roles in the business.

The book implied that the ability to individuate depends primarily on one’s family’s background and dynamics. The relationship between family members could also depend on their culture. For instance, one family discussed in the book was very traditional.

The major decisions were made solely by the father. His wife and children had very little say in all matters. So, when he made his eldest son the heir, many people left the company because the eldest son had never been involved in the business, unlike the youngest daughter and her husband, who were very much involved and respected by the employees.

As a result, the third generation of the family did not want to be part of the company because of the drama. During family reunions, there was always tension among the siblings and their families. So, instead of achieving individuation, the family members became disengaged. This case sounds like something you would watch in a television series, but this is real.

I recently finished my insider action research, the capstone requirement that is equivalent to a thesis in our MBA program.

I used the family business framework called the Three-Circle Model of Renato Tagiuri and John Davis in my research. The authors stated that “the family company has unique, inherent attributes” that are “sources of advantages and disadvantages” to the company. These attributes include simultaneous roles, shared identity and lifelong common history. For example, can a founder separate his roles as a CEO and father? Do issues among family members affect business decisions?

When my action research collaborators and I tried solving problems, we wouldn’t always succeed. Our tendency when we failed was to point fingers and blame others. During these occasions, I would sometimes think about the shortcomings and limitations of my family in problem-solving. Resolving problems would sometimes require us to take risks. My family members have never been risk-takers. I’m the exception. Investing and starting a business during the pandemic was my idea, and I’m the first in our family ever to start a business. Even so, I would never lambast or bring up past issues to them to get my message across.

As children, we were taught to respect our parents. I still accompany my mom during her long walks and treat her (and sometimes my dad) to coffee and cake and run errands for her. In the bigger picture, it’s best to realize that my family and I are still young entrepreneurs, and we have a lot to learn and a long way to go. I believe that families such as the Sys, the Gokongweis and the Ayalas had similar challenges, but were able to move past their personal hurdles, which contributed to the growth and stability of their businesses. Having good values within the family can be THE FOUNDATION of a family business.

Matthew Eli G. Baluran is a business owner and an MBA graduate of De La Salle University. He can be reached at matthew_ eli_baluran@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty and its administrators.

people.

It will be the largest group litigation in English civil court history, according to law firm Pogust Goodhead, which is leading the case on their behalf.

The 2015 tragedy unfolded after the dam in the Minas Gerais region ruptured.

It resulted in the deaths of 19 people, the flooding of 39 towns, and the polluting of hundreds of kilometers of river in one of the worst environmental disasters Brazil has ever seen.

Following several years of preliminary court hearings, judge Finola O’Farrell ruled in a judgment pub-

Republic of the Philippines

ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

City

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 24 October 2022, Agusan Del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) filed an Application dated 11 August 2022, seeking the Commission’s approval and confirmation of its Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Program for the years 2016 to 2019. The pertinent allegations of the said Application are hereunder quoted:

1. ANECO is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office at Km. 2 J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City;

2. It holds an exclusive franchise from the National Electrification Commission to operate an electric light and power distribution service in the province of Agusan del Norte with two (2) cities and ten (10) municipalities namely: Butuan City, Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Santiago and Tibay.

LEGAL BASES OF THE APPLICATION

3. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136, ERC Resolution 26, Series of 2009 and other laws and rules, and in line with its legal mandate to provide safe, quality, efficient and reliable electric service to its consumers, ANECO seeks approval and confirmation from this Honorable Commission of its implementation of the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Program for Years 2016 to 2019.

THE CAPEX PROJECTS

4. The projects subject of the instant application is summarized hereunder, as follows: Proposed Projects Project Cost (PhP) No.TitleType2016201720182019Total

1

3

Replacement of the Defective 5 MVA Power Transformer of Kinabjangan Substation

Safety 6,998,000.00 0.000.00 0.00 6,998,000.00

4.336,323.231,828,155.535,803,348.7411,967,827.50

1,134,000.00387,500.001,015,000.002,536,500.00

3,885,190.009,395,080.009,811,600.0023,091,870.00

5 Wires, Meters and Accessories for New Connections Capacity 5,798,410.005,113,500.003,087,000.0013,998,910.00 Grand Total 6,998,000.0015,153,923.2316,724,235.5319,716,948.74 58,593,107.50

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PLAN

5. The projects are discussed in detail in ANECO’s Capital Expenditure Plan for Years 2016 to 2019 with technical and financial analysis and supporting data presented in ERC-specified templates.

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION

6. Financing Plan. ANECO’s CAPEX Projects for the years 2016 to 2019 amounting to

FIFTY-EIGHT MILLION FIVE HUNDRED NINETY-THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SEVEN PESOS AND 50/100 (P58,593,107.50) will be directly financed through ANECO’s Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures (RFSC). The table below summarizes the financing of ANECO’s CAPEX projects for 2016-2019: No. Title Total Fund Source

1.Replacement of the Defective 5 MVA Power Transformer of Kinabjangan Substation 6,998,000.00RFSC

2.Rehabilitation of Distribution Lines 11,967,827.50RFSC

3. Installation of Distribution Transformer for New Customers2,536,500.00RFSC

4. Installation of Service Drop Wires, Meters and Accessories for New Customers 23,091,870.00RFSC

5. Replacement of Defective kWh Meters 13,998,910.00RFSC Total 58,593,107.50 7. Furthermore, the CAPEX Projects under this application were already implemented through temporarily utilizing ANECO’s general fund since the cooperative is prohibited from utilizing its RFSC without the prior approval of the Honorable Commission 8. ANECO plans to replenish its general fund from the RFSC upon approval of the instant Application in order for it to have sufficient funds for its operational costs. ANECO does not intend to avail of any loans for these projects considering that the collected RFSC for years 2016 to 2019 are enough to cover the costs of the projects. This would maximize the utilization of the RFSC revenue and will allow ANECO to avoid incurring unnecessary loans with interests. 9. Cash Flow. ANECO’s cash flow shows that the collected RFSC for years 2016 to 2019 sufficiently covers the costs of the CAPEX projects subject of this instant Application, as well as the amortizations for the outstanding loans incurred in financing its past CAPEX projects and the ERC permit fees. As such, ANECO can evidently pursue and implement this CAPEX Plan without necessarily causing any increase in its electricity rates. (This space is intentionally left blank.) 10. Rate Impact. The instant CAPEX Plan was envisioned to have no rate impact, focusing

lished Wednesday that the case must go to trial.

“It is now time to avoid further delay and make substantive progress in determining the dispute,” she said in a 17-page judgment dealing with various aspects of the complex litigation.

O’Farrell set the trial start date for April 9, 2024, with the court hearings expected to last eight weeks.

Pogust Goodhead called setting a trial

FUND

CAPEX

CAPEX

CAPEX

date a “transformational moment” in the years-long legal battle but accused BHP of “prolonging the misery” of the hundreds of thousands of claimants.

“Having committed ecocide through their negligent conduct prior to the collapse of the dam in November 2015, BHP continues to destroy shareholder value in the way it conducts this litigation,” the law firm’s CEO Tom Goodhead said in a statement. AFP

6,998,000.0015,153,923.2316,724,235.5319,716,948.74 0.00 0.00 0.00 58,593,107.50

Annual

679,540.00679,540.00 0.00 1,950,000.00992,700.00 0.00 4,301,780.00

5,423,445.13

0.75/Php

application (ERC Case No. 2021-033 RC, Emergency CapEx), Php 32,263.3532,263.35

Replenishment of General Fund of the approved application including Motion for Reconsideration (ERC Case No. 2013-129 RC, Interim & Regular CapEx), Php 1,750,000.001,983,152.00 1,690,293.135,423,445.13

Replenishment of the General Fund for the pending application (ERC Case No. 2022-035 RC Force Majeure CapEx), Php 54,807,853.1254,807,853.12

Replenishment of the General Fund for the Subject Case (2016-2019 Regular CapEx), Php 58,593,107.5058,593,107.50

Replenishment of the General Fund for the pending application (2020-2022 Regular CapEx), Php 36,480,490.3436,480,490.34

Replenishment of the General Fund for the pending application (ERC Case No. 2018-044 RC, Emergency CapEx), Php 1,575,240.001,575,240.00

Replenishment of the General Fund for the pending application (ERC Case No. 2021-033 RC, Emergency CapEx), Php 4,301,780.004,301,780.00 Total Cash Outflows, Php 58,677,422.95143,256,068.29111,104,454.16102,882,541.10110,285,515.3479,764,791.81490,479,471.841,096,450,265.50

Cash Balance Ending, Php, Excess/(Shortfall) 98,991,644.4659,199,445.2876,461,913.8972,566,554.9655,860,073.4886,454,488.449,183,806.849,183,806.84 Excess/ (Shortfall) on RFSC, Php/kWh 0.3179 0.18350.21630.19300.15450.22010.0217 0.0036

11. Finally, in compliance with the documentary as well as pre-filing requirements for the instant application, Applicant is submitting herewith the following documents which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit:

Annex Markings Nature of Document

A Capital Expenditure Plan for Years 2016 to 2019

BAffidavit of Posting of the Notice on the Proposed Projects

B-1Notice on the Proposed Projects

C Affidavit of Undertaking that the corresponding application for approval of concerned agencies shall be filed, when required

D and series Proof of furnishing of copies of the Application to the Office of the Governor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte, as well as the Office of the Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Butuan City

E and series Proof of publication of the Application in a newspaper of general circulation covering ANECO’s franchise area or where it principally operates PRAYER

WHEREFORE, premises considered, applicant Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) respectfully prays of this Honorable Commission that after due notice and hearing, ANECO’s Capital Expenditure Program for Years 2016 to 2019 be approved and confirmed.

Other reliefs as may be appropriate under the circumstances are likewise prayed for The Commission has set the instant Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference and presentation of evidence on the following dates and online platform for the conduct thereof, pursuant to Resolution 09, Series of 20201 and Resolution No. 01, Series of 20212 (ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure):

Date and Time Platform Activity 27 January 2023 (Friday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 PM) Microsoft Teams or Zoom Application

18,208,829.0418,271,661.30 36,480,490.34

154,245,682.46103,463,869.11128,366,922.7798,987,182.1793,579,033.86110,359,206.77413,208,790.241,102,210,687.38

157,669,067.41202,455,513.57187,566,368.05175,449,096.06166,145,588.83166,219,280.25499,663,278.681,105,634,072.33

Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and Expository presentation 03 February 2023 (Friday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 PM)

Pre-trial Conference and presentation of evidence

ANECO was directed to host the virtual hearings at ANECO’s principal office at Km. 2 J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, as the designated venue for the conduct thereof, and ensure that the same is open to the public and the community quarantine guidelines are observed at all times. ANECO shall also guarantee that, during the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the public shall not be impaired.

Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at docket@erc. ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation.

Moreover, all persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following:

1) The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

2) The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3) A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised

Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following:

1) The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of such person;

2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

The grounds

United Kingdom—Global mining firm

BHP must stand trial in the UK to face an estimated £10 billion ($12

damages claim over a deadly 2015 dam collapse in Brazil, a judge has ruled.

Bank economist sees peso falling against US dollar after the holidays

By Julito G. Rada

THE peso will likely weaken in the first quarter of 2023 from the 55-per-dollar level in December that saw seasonally high remittance inflows as Filipinos working overseas sent more money to their families for holiday spending.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said in a reply to a Manila Standard query the peso might average between 56 and 57 against the greenback by the end of the first quarter in 2023.

The peso closed at 55.15 a dollar on Dec. 23 after hitting a record low of 59 in October.

Economists from First Metro Investment Corp. and the University of Asia and the Pacific said in a joint report that while the peso-dollar exchange rate strengthened in November and December, “this will prove unsustainable.”

“And so expect renewed weakening starting Q1 2023,” they said.

The peso lost P4.151 or 8.1 percent of its value this year from 50.999 on the last trading day of 2021.

Ricafort said the local currency’s performance was in line with the movement of other regional currencies such as the Indian rupee, Chinese yuan, Indonesian rupiah, Malaysian ringgit and Thai baht.

He said the still relatively weaker peso in recent months could increase the possibility of further local interest rate hikes amid recent signals from monetary authorities on possibly matching future Fed rate adjustments if inflation remained high.

Ricafort said the more than 8-percent depreciation of the peso against the dollar since the start of the year might have benefitted OFWs and their families, exporters, business process outsourcing, foreign tourism businesses and others that earn in US dollars.

He said any advantage might be offset by higher inflation which hit a new 14-year high of 8 percent in November and could still peak in December. The Philippine Statistics Authority will release the official December inflation in the first week of January.

PH, China discuss energy investments outside WPS dispute

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippines and China are looking at areas of cooperation in the energy sector outside the West Philippine Sea dispute, according to Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

“I can tell you I have discussions with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China on different aspects of cooperation in the energy sector, and that’s not only limited to the West Philippine Sea issue,” Lotilla said.

Lotilla said the Department of Energy was also in talks with Chinese companies for possible investments in renewable energy.

The energy chief said Chinese firms visited the DOE for possible investments in offshore wind, solar and other technologies.

Lotilla said the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President were taking the lead regarding the West Philippine Sea issue, with the DOE in close coordination.

He said the agency was working with concerned parties regarding the prospects of developing service contracts in the West Philippine Sea.

“These are in the delicate stages of negotiation and therefore, best we leave it to the President and DFA to talk about this on this topic,” he said.

“We continue to encourage the exploration and development in all areas of the country, and we hope there will be other movements on this as well, which are not necessarily tied to negotiations or ongoing talks between China and the Philippines,” Lotilla said.

The Marcos administration wants to revive investor interest in oil and gas exploration in the country, which has been lagging compared to other countries in the ASEAN.

The Philippines ranked 9th among ASEAN countries in terms of exploratory drilling, according to the 2021 IHS report.

DTI explores free trade deals with Mexico, Brazil

By Othel V. Campos

The Department of Trade and Industry plans to explore free trade agreements with the largest economies in Latin America next year to boost exports and imports, a top official said.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the Philippines which signed a joint economic cooperation with Chile would benefit from similar agreements with other countries in South and Central America.

“I believe we should start looking at the bigger economies like Argentina, Brazil and Chile in South America and Mexico in Central America. Those are the ones that can open their market to us and our market to them,” said Pascual.

Pascual said Central and South American markets are more open for possible bilateral agreements because, “we have complementary export goods.”

The signing of the JEC between the

Philippines and Chile is a step towards forging an FTA, Pascual said.

He said the JEC with Chile is a significant milestone for both economies as it represents the first trade and investment mechanism of the Philippines to formally engage the South American region.

The Philippines now has free trade agreements with Japan and the European Free Trade Association which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It is also a part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations where seven FTAs are in force.

The Philippines substantially con-

cluded the FTA negotiations with South Korea and signed early this year a joint statement with the intent to pursue the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

The DTI said that at the regional level, the Philippines is a part of the recently-launched ASEAN Canada FTA negotiations. It is also negotiating for the upgrade of ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area.

ASEAN as a bloc is also discussing FTAs with other countries for possible review or upgrade, the DTI said.

The department said that for countries or trading partners where the Philippines does not have FTA arrangements, it adopts a joint economic cooperation mechanism to discuss several topics such as trade, investment, market access issues, capacity building and economic cooperation. The Philippines has 32 JECs with its trading partners.

The Philippines is also working on the concurrence by the Philippine Senate of the country’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership which the DTI targets to accomplish by the first quarter of 2023.

SEC warns public vs. unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission warned the public against investing in unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges which were targeting Filipino investors.

It issued the advisory amid the recent collapse of several international cryptocurrency exchanges which left hundreds of thousands of investors with little recourse in recovering their hardearned money.

The SEC said a number of unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges operating in

the country were deliberately targeting Filipino investors and borrowers through online advertisements in social media. These exchanges offer different products and schemes which are “high risk and sometimes fraudulent”.

It said the unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges offer facilities and platform for investors to buy cryptocurrencies, convert cryptocurrency to another cryptocurrency and facilitate the issuance of unregistered token or coin offerings.

“Always remember that in case of doubt as to whether or not it is safe

Globe aggressively expanding Visayas coverage

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said it is aggressively expanding its network in the Visayas to provide fast and reliable connectivity to households and businesses recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

The telecom unit of the Ayala Group said it built 129 new cell towers and upgraded 1,126 cell sites to 4G LTE in the first nine months of the year. This additional infrastructure is necessary to meet the increased demand for connectivity for work, learning and leisure and support the growing tourism and IT-BPO industries in the region, it said.

Another Globe project, the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network, also addresses the need for reliable communications through fiberization. The joint venture with Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc. will lay down the country’s longest domestic subsea cable project.

The $150-million project landed in

several areas in the Visayas, paving the way for fiber connectivity. The project’s Visayas landing sites include Iloilo City; Bacolod City; Roxas City; Palompon, Leyte; Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran City; Baclayon, Bohol; San Carlos City; Toledo City; Caticlan, Aklan; and Boracay, Aklan.

“At Globe, we are committed to providing the best services to our customers, and our network improvements, especially in the regions, are a key part of that effort,” said Patrick Gloria, director for external affairs in the Visayas and Mindanao and regional lead for the Globe Visayas leadership team.

“By investing in infrastructure and innovation, we are able to deliver a world-class network that improves the lives of the people in the Visayas and across the Philippines,” Gloria said.

Globe’s network rollout in the Visayas is a part of its overall investment in infrastructure and innovation to deliver a first-world network nationwide.

to transact with an online platform or entity, check with the SEC if the corporation is registered or not,” the corporate regulator said in a statement.

The SEC said all entities intending to conduct business in the Philippines are required to register with the agency.

It said all securities should not be sold or offered for sale or distribution in the country without a prior registration statement filed with and approved by the SEC.

The SEC overseas about 600,000 active corporations in the Philippines.

1.204500 66.4041

Switzerland Franc 1.074114 59.2159

Canada Dollar 0.732815 40.4001

Singapore Dollar 0.739153 40.7495

Australia Dollar 0.666600 36.7497

Bahrain Dinar 2.652872 146.2528

Saudi Arabia Rial 0.265957 14.6622

Brunei Dollar 0.736431 40.5994

Indonesia Rupiah 0.000064 0.0035

Thailand Baht 0.028670 1.5806

UAE Dirham 0.272272 15.0104

Euro Euro 1.059700 58.4213

Korea Won 0.000774 0.0427

China Yuan 0.143111 7.8897

India Rupee 0.012054 0.6645

Malaysia Ringgit 0.226142 12.4672

New Zealand Dollar 0.623700 34.3846

Taiwan Dollar 0.032527 1.7932 Source: BSP

PC shipments fell 19.8% in Q3 to 565,000 units

PERSONAL computer shipments in the Philippines fell 19.8 percent year-on-year and 11 percent quarter-on-quarter to 565,000 units in the third quarter, according to International Data Corp.’s worldwide quarterly personal computing device tracker.

“Desktop shipments posted annual growth of 7.6 percent due to the knock-on effects of companies returning to their respective offices. On the other hand, notebook shipments recorded a YoY decline of 29.5 percent caused by the weakened demand from market saturation and inflation effects on the average buyer,” said IDC Philippines associate market analyst Jean Velasco.

The $600 to $1,000 price band remained the most popular price point for four consecutive quarters, declining by only 0.5 percent YoY given its optimal price-to-performance ratio in which the top PC makers are maintaining affordability while offering sleeker designs with greater processing capabilities and a wider selection of available models.

“The upcoming holiday season may become challenging for vendors as the demand for technological products dampens. Consumer spending priorities will be shifting to other goods and services, such as traveling, dining out, and recreation, while the commercial space will weaken due to seasonality and uncertainty in the government sector’s deployment of large-scale national projects, which will lower the expectations of shipment arrivals for the fourth quarter,” Velasco said. Othel V. Campos

Spectrum to install solar system in OB Montessori

MSPECTRUM Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manila Electric Co., teamed up with Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center to put up a solar power project in its Quezon City campus. Spectrum will install a 99-kilowattpeak solar photovoltaic system in OB Montessori Fairview, allowing the educational institution to generate about 132,000 kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually.

This is expected to translate into annual savings of close to P900,000 a year.

“Meralco, our parent company, and OB Montessori both share the steadfast commitment to sustainability and nation-building, making this partnership more promising,” Spectrum chief operating officer Patrick Henry Panlilio said.

“Through Spectrum’s energy expertise and end-to-end solar solutions, OB Montessori is assured to receive not just excellent and reliable service but also the necessary strong support that they will need as they transition to clean energy to further advance their existing sustainability practices,” Panlilio said.

The project marks OB Montessori’s gradual shift to clean energy and signifies its commitment to sustainability by going beyond its array of environmental stewardship activities such as tree planting, coastal clean-ups and going paperless.

Alena Mae S. Flores

CitySavings named most innovative savings bank

CITY Savings Bank Inc. , the thrift banking arm of Union Bank of the Philippines, was named the Most Innovative Savings Bank-Philippines at the International Finance Awards 2022.

The recognition solidifies CitySavings’ position as the country’s leading digital mass market bank.

International Finance is a highly-regarded global business and finance magazine that recognized CitySavings for its straightforward banking and easy and user-friendly services.

C-level executives and senior management representatives in finance, banking, asset management, brokerage, insurance, energy, oil and gas, logistics and utilities participated in the decision-making process.

“CitySavings Bank provides simple solutions to one’s banking needs, thanks to its digital innovations. The bank also has a chatbot called Talk to Maria, which played a crucial role in helping their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” International Finance said.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our customers and communities to make banking simple for them,” said CitySavings president and chief executive Lorenzo Ocampo.

“This award is a testament to our dedication to customers and our advocacy to elevate the lives of our clients through relevant digital solutions,” he said.

HYGIENE ALLIANCE. Manila Water Foundation strengthens its commitment in bringing water access, sanitation and hygiene to communities and workplaces as it joins the Hand Hygiene Alliance Philippines as one of its founding members. HAP! aims to enable a culture of hand hygiene and provide access to facilities, products and info-educational materials, especially in disadvantaged areas and vulnerable communities. Other founding members are Ecolab, E&V Water and Life Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Rotary Club of Marikina North.

Pascual

Department of

through the Philippine Trade & Investment Center in Osaka concludes a series of activities in Osaka and Okayama on Dec. 9 as part of joint efforts with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to encourage Japanese companies to locate in the Philippines and help boost the country’s manufacturing supply chain and ecosystem.

The highlight of the roadshow was the Philippine Investment Forum in Okayama organized by the PTIC Osaka in partnership with the Okayama International Business Association at the Okayama International Conference Center. The investment forum gathered around 70 top executives of Okayama prefecture-based companies and prominent business leaders.

Sports

By Randy Caluag

TONG Il-Modo, a mixed martial art sport that originated in South Korea, is knocking on the door of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The sport’s officials in the Philippines believe that its membership with the country’s governing body for Olympic amateur sports will pave the way for more opportunities for Filipino athletes both in the local scene and international stage.

“We have written the POC requesting associate membership and we are now getting more active in completing the required documentation and tournaments that will make us part of the prestigious association,” said Bernardo Villagante, president of World Tong-Il Modo- Philippines.

“This will benefit not just the sport, but a lot of Filipino athletes aspiring to become national athletes,” he added.

TIMD is a comprehensive unified martial arts discipline from South Korea, founded in 1979 by Grandmaster Dr. Joon Ho Seuk. He called it “the way of the unified martial arts.”

It is similar to Russia’s Sambo and Vietnam’s vovinam, although TIMD gives more preference to kicking techniques because of Korea’s long history of association with taekwondo.

Sambo and kickboxing were the most recent combat sports that made it as members of the POC when they were included in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games calendar.

Another combat sport knocking on POC door

Its yearly World Championship is regularly participated in by at least 16 countries, including, among others, USA, Japan, Thailand, Zambia, Turkey, Iran and Kenya.

In the most recent edition that concluded a week ago in Mombasa, Kenya, the Philippine team brought home 11 golds, 4 silvers and 4 bronze medals.

What makes TIMD more significant is that the sport can be used as a step-

ping stone by combat athletes to excel in other combat events that are played in the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games.

“Since we are not yet being played in the SEA Games, our athletes are joining national tournaments for other sports and they get the chance to become part of the national team,” said Dr. Venus Agustin, the WORLD TIMD executive

vice president.

Agustin was among the pioneer students of TIMD when it was introduced to the country in 1984.

“TIMD is a good start for athletes because our accredited schools all over the country are open for free training to poor students,” added Agustin, referring to TIMD’s “Zero to Hero Project ‘’ that started in 2017.

Favorable winds raise hopes for record time

SYDNEY—More than 100 yachts set sail Monday in the Sydney-Hobart race as favorable winds raised hopes for a record time in one of the world’s most punishing ocean events.

Fans gathered at coastal vantage points and on scores of spectator boats for a crowded start in the sun-splashed Sydney Harbour, which hours earlier had been shrouded in a thick fog that halted all ferry traffic.

A starting cannon fired to release 109 yachts on the 628-nautical mile (1,200-kilometer) blue water classic.

Crews dashed to get out of the city’s harbour, with four 100-foot supermaxis—the fastest boats in the contest— tacking within a few metres of each other in a heart-stopping battle to get the best line out to the open sea.

A final weather briefing on race day predicted “fresh to strong” north to northeasterly winds over the next day or so, giving the big boats a chance to challenge supermaxi Comanche’s 2017 record of one day, 9 hours, 15min and 24sec

By late afternoon, the four supermaxis were speeding south along Australia’s eastern coast, leading the fleet towards the treacherous Bass Strait and a finish line in the Tasmanian state capital.

Comanche held the lead in the race for line honours, with rival supermaxis LawConnect, Black Jack and Wild Oats chasing, an online race tracker showed.

“We always think we’re going to be the best boat out there and do as well as we can,” Comanche skipper John Winning said ahead of the race.

“We’ll just try and outsail the others and win it on that.”

‘Eggs in one basket’

Mark Richards, skipper of nine-time line honours-winning supermaxi Wild Oats, said his crew was buoyant after preparing for exactly these conditions.

“We put all our eggs in one basket and we put all our money on black for a downwind forecast and we have ended up ge tting it,” he told public broadcaster ABC.

“I think Wild Oats is going to be very fast,” Richards added.

“The world is going to find out who is the fastest boat downwind.”

Weather is a critical factor in the race, which was first held in 1945.

Though the supermaxis are expected to be powered by northerly winds to a quick f inish as early as Tuesday, slower mid- to small-sized boats will still be in the water in the following days facing possible gales and changes in wind direction. AFP

Fitzpatrick: US Open win ‘10 million times better’

LONDON—English golfer Matt Fitzpatrick says his shock US Open triumph was “10 million times better” than he had ever imagined.

The 28-year-old swept to a maiden triumph at the majors at Brookline in June when he edged Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris by just one shot.

“It was 10 million times

better than I thought it would feel after winning a major. It was so incredibly rewarding,” Fitzpatrick told the BBC in a Christmas review.

However, he admitted to enduring mixed feelings in the aftermath of his breakthrough win.

“It’s very weird. I’ve done it and it’s like ‘perfect let’s go and try and win more’ but at the same time I’ve had ‘well I’ve done it now, why do I have to do any more?’,” he explained.

Tenorio: Winning Game 1 very important

By Peter Atencio

PLAYING on Christmas Day had a different feel for LA Tenorio, who was not able to spend time with his family for the first time during the holiday season.

“It was really a mix of emotions because this is the first time I will spend Christmas away from my family,” said Tenorio after he led Barangay Ginebra to a 96-81 win over Bay Area on Sunday. “It just happened that this is a Christmas game, but the most important thing is to really get Game 1. This is very important for us.”

Tenorio’s big game with two other teammates gave them a good head-start in the best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

“Might as well win this thing all the way, right?” added Tenorio, whose wife and kids have gone on vacation overseas without him.

During the game, Tenorio raised his conference-high record to 22 points, while also getting two rebounds, three assists and three steals in 33 minutes.

Tenorio is seeking to earn his eighth PBA title overall.

What made this triumph more special and emotional for Tenorio and his teammates was that 18,252 fans came and watched. It was considered as the biggest Finals’ crowd since 20,224 came to see the Kings’ when they won in Game Six of last season’s Governors’ Cup in April.

“Added motivation (crowd) for me na hindi ako nakasama doon,” said Tenorio.

Recently naturalized Filipino Justine Brownlee put in a game-high 28 points,13 rebounds and six assists for the most popular team in the PBA.

Christian Standhardinger was also a big factor in the game, with his double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Tenorio, Brownlee and Standhardinger were at the forefront of Ginebra’s big 19-6 assault in the second period. Their huge effort allowed Ginebra to grab a 45-40 advantage at halftime.

“In a lot of Finals appearances that I had, Game One is really important,” said Tenorio.

“I’ve spoken to a few people about it and it’s a very common trait after they achieve success. I’ve always pushed myself hard, people always say you’re too hard on yourself and I probably am.

“But it’s been leading up to that moment to win a major championship. The first few weeks afterwards it’s like pure elation and everything is amazing and then the dust settles and you’ve got to get yourself up and do that all over again.” AFP

Contador has surgery to remove 100+ tumors

The Spaniard, who also won the Spanish Vuelta three times and the Giro d’Italia twice, posted a video on Instagram in which he pulled up his shirt to show his torso swathed in bandages. Both legs were swaddled.

“Yesterday it was time to go to the repair shop. I needed to get some lipomas removed and it turned out I had over 100!” he wrote.

He indicated to the bicycle leaning on a wall behind him and said he hoped to be back on it “in the next month or so”.

A lipoma is a fatty non-cancerous tumour between the skin and the muscles. It is usually harmless. AFP

PARIS—Retired double Tour de France winner Alberto Contador has undergone surgery to remove more than 100 benign tumours.

Randy M. Caluag,

Yachts sail out of Sydney harbour at the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. AFP

Alberto Contador (FB)

Matt Fitzpatrick (FB)

Members of the Philippine Tongil-Modo team that bagged medals in the recent World Championship in Mombasa, Kenya are shown here.

LA Tenorio

LPGA record title winner Whitworth passes away

WASHINGTON—Kathy Whitworth, the most successful LPGA golfer with a record 88 titles, has died at the age of 83, the women’s tour announced Sunday.

Her wins are six more than Sam Snead and Tiger Woods, who hold the career record for the men’s game.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that LPGA Hall of Famer Kathy Whitworth has died at the age of 83,” the tour said on its official Twitter account.

A statement on the LPGA’s website by Bettye Odle, Whitworth’s long-time partner, said that “Kathy passed suddenly Saturday night celebrating Christmas Eve with family and friends.”

As well as her 88 tournament victories—which included six majors—Whitworth was runner-up 93 times in a career which started in 1959.

“I was really fortunate in that I knew what I wanted to do,” Whitworth once said.

“Golf just grabbed me by the throat. I can’t tell you how much I loved it. I used to think everyone knew what they wanted to do when they were 15 years old.”

Her great rival, Mickey Wright, ended her career with 82 titles. However, 13 of those came in the majors.

“Mickey was the greatest golfer, but Kathy was the greatest winner,” said LPGA co-founder Louise Suggs.

LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan described Whitworth as “one of the most incredible women.”

“Kathy was a champion in the truest sense of the word, both on the golf course and off,” she said in a statement.

Whitworth won at least once over a record 17 consecutive years, establishing her greatness against multiple generations of women’s golf stars.

Her first LPGA title came at the 1962 Kelly Girls Open and her last was captured at the 1985 United Virginia Bank Classic.

NUGGETS—Twotime reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic delivered an epic tripledouble to give Denver an overtime triumph on Sunday while Jayson Tatum powered NBA-best Boston to victory.

Serbian 27-year-old superstar center Jokic scored 41 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and passed off 15 assists to spark the Nuggets over visitors Phoenix 128-125.

Jokic’s point total, coming on 16of-25 shooting from the floor, was the largest for any Christmas triple-double in NBA history.

“It’s nice. It’s just one game,” Jokic said. “Everybody can have one good game.”

It was Jokic’s 83rd career triple-double and his seventh of this season.

The victory gave the Nuggets (21-11) a one-game Western Conference lead over Memphis, who lost Sunday at defending champions Golden State, and New Orleans.

“We keep fighting,” Jokic said of the comeback victory. “We have a lot of guys who can play. I’m just happy that we are winning. We’re playing really good.”

Denver’s Aaron Gordon added 28 points, many on high-leaping slam dunks, and 13 rebounds while Jamal Murray had 26 points.

Jokic’s epic triple-double lifts Nuggets to West lead

“It was a crazy game, a lot of up and down, a lot of runs for both teams,” Jokic said. “I think it’s supposed to be easier game for us. We got the win. That’s the most important thing.”

Reserve Landry Shamut scored 31 points to lead Phoenix, who lost star Devin Booker to a groin injury after playing only four minutes.

At Boston, Tatum matched Jokic with 41 points to lead the Celtics over Milwaukee 139-118 in a showdown of the league’s two top clubs.

Jaylen Brown added 29 points for the Celtics, who improved to 24-10 and stretched their Eastern Conference lead over the Bucks (22-11).

“They are one of the best teams in the league and it’s always special to play on Christmas,” Tatum said. “We just wanted to give our fans a present today and come out of here with a victory.”

Tatum scored 20 points in the third quarter on 7-of-10 shooting as the Celtics boosted their 62-61 halftime lead to 100-86 entering the fourth quarter.

“We wanted to come out in the second half, especially at the start of that third quarter, with some pace and some energy,” Tatum said.

Tatum delivered the most spectacular hoop of the game with a slam

points and nine rebounds but no blocked shots.

“You’ve got to attack the rim,” Tatum said. “If you go in there and lay it up, he’s going to send it to the parking lot.”

Golden State, without injured top scorer Stephen Curry, defeated Memphis 123-109 to knock the Grizzlies from a share of the West lead.

Jordan Poole scored 32 points to lead Golden State before getting his second technical foul and being ejected with 9:20 remaining.

The Warriors improved to 13-2 at home and 16-18 overall.

Ja Morant had 36 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to lead the Grizzlies. Klay Thompson added 24 points for the Warriors.

Sixers beat Knicks

Joel Embiid and James Harden sparked Philadelphia’s 119-112 victory at New York, the 76ers’ eighth consecutive triumph.

Cameroonian star Embiid struck 35 points and eight rebounds while Harden contributed 29 points and 13 assists.

New York’s Julius Randle scored 35 points and Jalen Brunson added 23 points and 11 assists before leaving with an apparent right-hip injury in the fourth quarter.

At Dallas, the host Mavericks got 32 points, nine rebounds and nine assists from Slovenian star Luka Doncic in downing the Los Angeles

O’Neill ‘most talented player ever’ in eyes of Zidane, dies

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay—Former Uruguay international midfielder Fabian O’Neill, once hailed by Zinedine Zidane as “the most talented player” he’d ever seen, died Sunday after a long battle with alcoholism. He was 49.

“Goodbye Wizard,” tweeted O’Neill’s formative club Nacional after he passed away due to chronic cirrhosis in a Montevideo hospital where he had been rushed on Saturday suffering from a hemorrhage.

“The most talented player I’ve ever seen,” was how French World Cup winner Zidane, a teammate at Juventus, described O’Neill.

After making his debut for Nacional at the age of 18 in 1992, O’Neill was transferred to Cagliari in Italy three years later.

In 2000, he moved to Juventus but after playing for the Turin giants for just one season, he was farmed out to Perugia.

He then returned to Nacional before quitting in 2003.

O’Neill earned 19 caps for Uruguay and scored two goals.

He was part of the squad that was eliminated in the first round of the World Cup in South Korea and Japan in 2002 although he did not feature in any of the group games due to injury.

“Uruguayan football is in mourning. One of the best players to emerge in recent decades and who knew how to shine on the field with his talent and magic has left us,” wrote the El Pais newspaper.

El Observador said that “Fabian O’Neill was one of those great talents wasted.... his career was marked by alcohol and excesses.” AFP

Juve scandal rumbles on as accounts stay deep in red

MILAN—Juventus’ troubles will continue on Tuesday when the shareholders of Italy’s biggest football club meet to approve the latest disastrous set of accounts following last month’s mass boardroom resignations.

Juve’s entire board quit as an investigation by prosecutors in Turin into allegations of false accounting and irregularities in the transfer and loans of players led to 15 people and the club being charged with a variety of offences.

On Tuesday revised losses for the 2021/22 season of 239.3 million euros (255 million dollars) will be ratified, the fifth straight set of annual accounts in the red.

Juve are listed on the Italian stock market and in September announced record losses of 254 million euros, a figure revised downwards after losses for 2020/21

were revised upwards from 209 million euros to 226 million euros.

Those accounts were modified following findings of stock exchange regulator CONSOB as well as auditors and prosecutors.

Tuesday’s meeting had been scheduled for November 23 but was pushed back just over a week before the board announced its decision to step down.

Chairman Andrea Agnelli was among those to resign, bringing to an end a 12year reign which brought a host of trophies and for a period re-established Juventus as one of Europe’s best teams.

However, Juve’s run of nine straight league titles came to an end in 2021 and their performances on the continent plummeted after they spent more than 100 million euros to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid three years before.

Ronaldo’s arrival coincided with an

increase in salary costs which combined with the COVID-19 pandemic led to two capital increases worth 700 million euros from parent company Exor, controlled by the powerful Agnelli family.

In documents seen by AFP, Juve are accused of artificially inflating transfer values and also lying to the stock market when announcing at the height of the pandemic that players would help the club save 90 million euros by giving up their salaries for March, April, May and June 2020.

Prosecutors say the club privately assured players they would only have to give up one month’s salary, saving just 22 million euros.

Trial date looms

Shareholders are set to meet again on January 18 to appoint the new board which is to be led by Gianluca Ferrero, a Turin-born former head of coffee brand

Brady’s Bucs boost NFL playo hopes; Packers, Rams win

MIAMI—Tom Brady marched Tampa Bay 66 yards in nine plays in overtime to set up Ryan Succop’s game-winning 40-yard field goal on Sunday that gave the Buccaneers a dramatic 19-16 victory at A rizona.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady completed 32-of-48 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions, but sparked the Bucs to score the final 13 points in a crucial triumph for Tampa Bay’s NFL playoff hopes.

“Tougher than we should have had and tougher than we wanted,” Brady said.

“They played really well on defense and we had some long fields and turnovers again but we grinded it out and found a way to win.”

The 45-year-old quarterback, playing in his first Christmas contest, won his 11th regular-season overtime game as the Bucs improved to 7-8 to stay one game atop Carolina and New Orleans in the

NFC South division.

Tampa Bay can clinch the division crown and a playoff berth with a home victory next Sunday over Carolina. Had the Bucs lost to Arizona, they would have needed to beat Carolina to keep any playoff hope alive.

“We’ll lick our wounds, regroup and try to be at our best next week,” Brady said. “We’ve got to go home and play a huge game on Sunday.

“It will take our best. We haven’t had our best for 60 minutes yet. We’ve got to bring it. Going to be a really tough game.”

James Conner’s 22-yard touchdown run with 10:47 remaining gave Arizona a 16-6 lead, but just 2:44 later, Brady flipped a three-yard touchdown pass to Rachaad White to lift the Bucs within three.

Tampa Bay’s William Gholston recovered a fumble with 4:53 to play at the Arizona 45yard line to set up Succop’s third field goal, a 42-yarder with 2:27 remaining, to lift the Bucs level and set the stage for overtime.

The Cardinals, already eliminated from playoff contention, suffered their seventh loss in eight games.

At Miami, Aaron Rodgers threw for 238 yards and a touchdown while Green Bay defenders intercepted three passes in the fourth quarter of the Packers 26-20 triumph over the host Dolphins.

The Packers improved to 7-8, level with Seattle and Detroit and one-half game behind Washington for the final NFC playoff berth.

‘A special day’

Green Bay picked off Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa to set up field goals of 28 and 26 yards by Mason Crosby and a final Packers interception by Rasul Douglas in the dying seconds sealed their third victory in a row.

“A special day for us. Our defense came up and played outstanding,” Rodgers said. “We were down 20-10 and scored the last 16 points. Offensively we struggled in the red zone. But this was special.” AFP

Lavazza who is trusted by Exor chairman John Elkann—Andrea Agnelli’s cousin.

A preliminary court hearing next month will decide whether those charged by prosecutors will be defendants in a trial which would provide a troublesome backdrop to the second half of what has already been a complicated season for Juventus.

The Turin giants were knocked out of the Champions League after finishing the group stage with just three points and trail Serie A leaders Napoli by 10 points.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri had been under fire following an appalling start to the campaign but a run of six league wins in the month leading up to the World Cup dragged Juve to third in Serie A.

The chaos elsewhere hasn’t had a direct impact on Allegri, who is still in place alongside sporting director Federico Cherubini.

For Agnelli however the season is becoming something of a nightmare, with Juve’s finances also under investigation by UEFA.

European football’s governing body also appear to be winning the battle against the remaining proponents of the aborted Super League, which included Agnelli.

The European Court of Justice’s top legal advisor said earlier this month that UEFA and global body FIFA had acted within the law when they threatened to expel clubs or players who joined the closed breakaway league.

As Juventus chairman Agnelli and his counterparts at Barcelona and reigning European champions Real Madrid were hanging on to the Super League idea despite its collapse just 48 hours after its announcement in 2021 following fan outrage. AFP

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets reacts after a made basket in overtime against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena. AFP

Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws an interception during the 3rd quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. AFP

From obscurity to SB19 stardom

Justin de Dios and his

winning story

TO help celebrate its 25th anniversary in the retail industry, Puregold has decided to shine a spotlight on feel-good “panalo” stories that will inspire its loyal customers. These episodes were shared in a series of uplifting videos on Puregold’s official social media channels.

Among the stories depicted was that of Justin De Dios, who recently came into prominence as a member of the uberpopular P-Pop group, SB19. Justin may be the youngest in the lot but he’s an integral part of SB19, and has his own set of adoring fans. In fact, according to an online poll, Justin was ranked 3rd among the top Asian Celebrities of the Year.

It wasn’t always that way for Justin, though. As all aspiring artists will tell you, the road to stardom has numerous speed bumps. It’s an exhausting journey where rejection may await at every turn, and where each step one takes may be the moment that makes them want to quit.

Few things illustrate this better than the fact that at a young age, Justin worked on achieving a balance between school obligations and chasing after his dream. He was studying for his multimedia arts degree at the College of Saint Benilde when he began the rigorous singing and dancing training required of a P-Pop star. At one point, Justin nearly gave up his

Student films on Sine Reel for free

iWantTFC is the official media partner of Sine Reel 2022, which features the works of independent film production houses run by the seniors of the Communication Arts Students’ Association.

Viewers can stream Room 305, where two introverted female roommates get caught in a baffling situation when one of them suddenly disappears, while So, Ano Nga? explores how three graduating students must set aside their differences to produce their dream short film.

The hard-fought journey of making ends meet is highlighted in Birthday Ko, Birthday Ng Lahat , where a simple birthday party turns into mayhem after a young girl gets bashed by her estranged family, and Limpak , where a young girl’s morals are tested after she fi nds an unattended bag fi lled to the brim with money.

In Pintas , a gay son struggles to live by his parents’ expectations as he secretly takes up drag performances at night. Meanwhile, in The Sis Defense , two sisters’ petty argument turns into a full-blown ‘thesis defense’ as they attempt to prove who the legitimate winner is between them after they both win a major raffl e. In Mirage , an unusual friendship turns into a tormenting one when two girl friends get hounded by rumors about a supposed secret.

Kunig follows the life of a nursing graduate who mysteriously starts befriending a painting, Pabili Po highlights the struggles of a young boy who is forced to learn the ins and outs of stealing in order to provide for his family, while One Last Shot is about a group of friends and their last hangout before graduation that could change their lives forever.

6 P.M . tells the story of how a young boy discovers that he wants to be a girl with the help of his yaya, while N/A , which is set on the busy streets of Manila, tackles the unfiltered reality of the urban poor.

Catch all the participating films for free on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com)

studies to focus on his aspirations. His brother even once tweeted about Justin crying over such a tough call. But the young man persevered and eventually graduated with honors before moving on to SB19.

Now, the multifaceted Justin is known for his artistic spirit and creativity. Not only is he a singer for SB19, but he’s also done the creative direction for several of their music videos. He even won the P-Pop Male Main Visual of the Year at the 7th PPop Awards, showing the great skill he has as a creative visionary.

This past year, Justin, alongside the rest of SB19, even took their talents overseas. In September, they announced their firstever world tour. Following a series of successful dates in the Philippines, they spent the end of the year performing all over the world in cities like Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore.

It is with great pride that Puregold presents Justin’s “panalo” story, while reaffirming that going after our passion takes hard work but it is all worth it in the end.

Shaina is loveless but content

FOR a long time now, Shaina Magdayao ’s love life is silent.

According to the 33-year-old Kapamilya actress, she has told herself many times that she’s ready to fall in love again but it always gets delayed or interrupted.

“All my plans don’t just push through,” she said in a recent interview.

Personally, Shaina set 30 years old as her ideal marrying age, “But as you can see, I’m 33 now. Perhaps, I still have lots of unfinished tasks.”

When she exited Ang Probinsyano before, the actress thought that she could already focus on her love life.

“That’s what I thought. That I would have the time to go out and mingle with people. But as I’ve said, it always gets interrupted. It’s not that it’s on pause but I guess, I still have things to do. But definitely, we’ll get there,” she stated in an optimistic tone.

In the same interview, Shaina admitted that she is not dating someone at this point.

“When I was younger, I told myself that I didn’t want to have any distractions. But I guess, if it’s the right person, he won’t be a distraction but an inspiration for me to become a better person in all aspects of my life,” Shaina said.

If ever she would plunge into a new relationship, the actress said that the public will know.

“I have nothing to hide. Everything that’s happening in my life, I’m open about it. So, the time will come when I can tell you about it. At the moment, there’s no specific person yet,” she ended.

* * *

Dimples Romana has an interesting story when she recently attended the premiere night of My Father, Myself in which she’s part of the cast. The movie, which is an entry to the ongoing 48th Metro Manila Film Festival is produced by 3:16 Media Network and Mentorque Productions and is under the helm of award-winning director Joel Lamangan According to Dimples, she felt uneasy and nervous when she was at the venue. It was her first time attending a grand showbiz event once again where there are lots of people. After the red

Valenzuela City’s Shalom Choir is TV5’s ‘Christmas Chorale Showdown’ grand champion

TV5’s successful “Sama-Samang Tinig ng Pasko” chorale competition officially proclaimed the Top 3 winning chorale groups during the Grand Finals at Ayala Malls Feliz on December 17.

Prior to the Grand Finals, the network organized a series of barangay showdowns in Manila, Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Marikina where the best two out of ten chorale groups in each city became part of the Top 8 who would compete at the Grand Finals.

The 8 groups that battled during the Grand Finals were Manila’s University

of the East and San Sebastian Chamber Singers; Valenzuela’s Ictus Vocal Ensemble and Shalom Choir; Quezon City’s The Disciple Choir and San Antonio de Padua Choir; and Marikina’s New Anthem and Marikina Gospel Chorus.

Valenzuela’s Shalom Choir won 1st place and bagged the grand prize worth P300,000 plus the opportunity to perform during the PBA halftime.

Marikina’s New Anthem won 3rd place and received a cash prize of P100,000.

Valenzuela’s Ictus Vocal Ensemble won 2nd place with P150,000 cash.

In partnership with Joy Expert Dishwashing Liquid and with special thanks to Sting, Milkita Lollipops & Candy, Flanax, Paracetamol Tempra, Alaska, Eden, Dr. S. Wong’s Sulfur Soap, C2, Knorr, and its venue partner Ayala Malls Feliz, TV5 gave away amazing prizes and freebies from event sponsors.

With the engaging activities and entertaining serenade brought by the talented participants, TV5’s “SamaSamang Tinig ng Pasko” chorale competition truly resonated with the network’s “Iba’ng Saya ng Pasko ‘Pag Sama-Sama” Christmas message.

carpet, she apologized to everybody for being a bit evasive and for wearing a face mask since she is still being careful not to contract COVID-19.

“It’s my first time attending a full-blown showbiz function once again. I’m still afraid of COVID. As you all know, I have a baby at home. I have to be careful. Just to make sure,” she went on.

“It’s still different when you’re cautious. That’s why I put on my mask as much as possible. While watching the movie, I still had it on,” she added.

But Dimples is happy to show her support for My Father, Myself being a cast member. And she’s humbled by the positive feedback the film gets.

“I really hope that the viewing public will support our offering!” Dimples concluded.

TWELVE unique and inspiring stories are now available for viewers around the world to enjoy as iWantTFC exclusively offers free streaming of movies from Sine Reel, the longestrunning student film festival in the country.

Justin de Dios of SB19

Justin de Dios has been a role model working on achieving a balance between school obligations and chasing after his dream.

Shaina Magdayao

Shalom Choir of Valenzuela City

Sine Reel features the works of independent lm production houses run by the seniors of the Communication Arts Students’ Association. Viewers

PENSHOPPE just dropped a new collection and this just might be the answer to your daily clothing woes. Take your wash-and-wear collection to the next level because your everyday outfit need not be dull.

The Penshoppe Essentials Collection is curated with a thoughtful understanding of how comfort takes the lead in making life easier. Think of attires that allow you to move with so much ease and comfort as you go about your day. If you are the outdoorsy or sporty type, this collection is your best friend. Heading out for multiple errands or simply just loving casual everyday wear?

Pick your everyday outfit from the collection’s range of

hoodies, pullovers, and tees paired with either joggers or shorts for that perfect balance of comfort, performance, and style that is easy to pull off. Mix and max it, and still be stylish.

An outfit will not be complete without accessorizing your essentials. Checkout out the casual yet stylish sliders in this collection. For a no-fail look, go for the tan or black shades, however, if you want to achieve that subtle flirty vibe, go for the pearl blush design. Mix and match with these daily essentials, experiment if you must, and do not fret as you can never go wrong in pulling off that casual, comfortable yet still stylish everyday look.

Complete the getup with one (of the two) adorable beanies or hats in the

Holiday season leftovers: Store and reheat

SAY

You’ll love the way brands like Cadbury and Ferrero have special packages that celebrate the spirit of the season.

Gift your loved ones with Chupa Chups and Mentos Advent Calendar containing 24 assorted variants of Chupa Chups Minis and Mentos Minis to make Christmas more fun. After indulging in Toblerone bars, transform the limited-edition packaging into Christmas Tree ornaments.

Add more sweetness with Hershey’s Kisses Special Selection in Yogurt, Truffle, and Strawberry flavors or a box of Ferrero Collection.

Feel the spirit of giving with Trolli Celebration Packs and Christmas Stockings, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk Share Bag and Holiday Stockings full of treats.

Celebrate the season of giving with Mondelez. For a minimum single receipt purchase worth P1,000 of any Cadbury Dairy Milk, Toblerone, Oreo, and Chips Ahoy, get one free Cadbury 160g (CDM Fruit & Nut, Milk Chocolate or Hazelnut) until December 31.

Shop in-store or online and celebrate Christmas with SM Snack Exchange. Chat Snack Exchange at m.me/smsnackexchange or at thesmstore.com/ PS to have a personal shopper assist you. For more updates and exciting deals, follow SM Snack Exchange Facebook Page or check out their online catalog on Viber.

By Chef Margarita Isabel Marty

Filipinos love to prepare bountiful meals during the Christmas holiday season. At times, this causes leftovers. Give them to your guests as “take-home.” Enclose reheating instructions. This would reduce your leftovers. However, you may still have some food items to store at home.

Here are some tips:

Storage:

• Store food items in a clean dry plastic or glass container.

Food must be tightly covered.

• Label the containers with the name and the date.

• Store it on the top shelf of the chiller or freezer.

Consume food chilled food within three to four days.

• Consume frozen food within a month.

Reheating:

Reheating stored food while maintaining the taste and consistency can be tricky. Many will say it is easiest to microwave. This may be true, but

At the Haliya, the restaurant festive menu highlights a four-course menu good for two to three persons at P6,000 net: Crab and Melon Ensalada, which combines compressed green melon, pickled red radish, avocado purée, mint yogurt gel, squid sponge, caramelized dalandan and cucumber consommé; Beer Mami (noodle soup), a comforting dish of Pinalutong na (crispy) Chicken Dumpling and Ukoy (vegetable fritters), boiled egg, baby pechay, fried garlic and

spring onion; a delicious take on Kansi (Bacolod’s local beef soup), comprising a reverse-seared Black Tyde Ribeye steak, garlic confit, asparagus, king mushroom, hand-crushed marble potatoes, cherry tomatoes and Kansi gravy; and for dessert, Ube Palitaw (sticky rice cakes) with toasted sesame seeds, grated coconut, raspberry muscovado tuille, and shaved white chocolate.

Meanwhile at the Crystal Dragon, available for a minimum of two persons

heated. Should you still choose to keep it, you can reheat it on a non-stick frying pan with little oil. Cover over low heat and turn it every few minutes until completely heated. You may also use the toaster oven or the air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes.

For food stored in the freezer, allow it to defrost in the chiller overnight. It may also quickly defrost in the microwave. Heat it by steaming, roasting, or via stovetop.

Remember: Reheated food should be consumed immediately and should be disposed of otherwise.

About the Author

Chef-educator Margarita Isabel Marty, ME, CGSP, FSCO, is the program chairperson of the Culinary Arts of the De La Salle -College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) and the faculty culinary co-chair of the Young Hotelier Exposition. Outside of the academe, she renders her expertise as a chef consultant for The Picnic Kitchen Catering & Canteen Service.

Marty earned her Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Business Management from the De La Salle University and Master in Entrepreneurship (Awarded Guru’s Commendation) from the Asian Institute of Management. She likewise finished Hotel Operations and Administration from Glion Hotel School, formerly Hosta Hotel & Tourism School, in Switzerland.

until January 1, for P5,800++ per person, is the acclaimed Cantonese restaurant’s seven-course festive set menu that features premium dishes: Crystal Dragon’s Signature Trio Platter, which consists of Kataiffi (shredded phyllo pastry) Seafood Roll, Roasted Pork, and Steamed Hokkaido Scallop with garlic and vermicelli; Braised Lobster Broth with Sea Treasure and dried scallop; Stuffed Seafood in crab shell with “La Tzi” Sauce; and Steamed Cod Fish with tofu in Teochew pickled green

mustard; Wok-fried Ohmi Wagyu Beef with black Garlic; Wok-fried fragrant rice with duo scallop, diced seafood, and salted egg yolk; and Marbled strawberry yogurt Jell-O and deep-fried golden sesame ball, for dessert.

New Year Countdown at CenterPlay

City of Dreams Manila’s entertainment destination CenterPlay is the place to be to ring in the new year, with thrilling live performances from the best of local talents complemented by interactive bar tricks and sophisticated drinks by talented bartenders. CenterPlay’s New Year’s Eve revelry begins at 8:00 p.m.

Revelers can groove to the hit song covers of MUB band and to the rock and roll songs of Part 3 band. Bar seats are at P2,000 net, per person, which comes with a glass of prosecco and food and beverage consumables. Table seating starts at P4,000 net per person inclusive of two glasses of prosecco and consumables.

For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@ cod-manila.com. For more information,

Nickie Wang Editor Patricia Taculao Editorial Assistant

IT sweetly this holiday season with SM Snack Exchange confections that kids and kids-at-heart will surely love.

CITY of Dreams Manila culminates 2022 and rings in the New Year with a countdown revelry at CenterPlay and media noche festive menus at its premium restaurants – Nobu Manila, Haliya, and Crystal Dragon. On December 31 and January 1, Nobu Manila’s New Year six-course dinner tasting menu at P5,600++ per person, includes: a complimentary Zensai; Nobu Assorted Canapes consisting of Shima Aji (striped jack mackerel) with Amazu Basil, Oyster with Maui Onion Salsa, Wagyu Taco, and grilled vegetable spicy Miso on prawn chip; Nobu-style Assorted Sushi: Seared Engawa (flounder fin) with

Dried Miso, Ama Ebi, Salmon Karashi Su Miso (tart miso mustard sauce) and Tamago; Sashimi Salad of Lapu-lapu with cilantro dressing, mixed field greens, and Matsuhisa dressing; Surf and Turf Truffle Duo of Lobster and Shitake Dumpling with Truffle Kuzu Dashi, and Sous Vide Beef Tenderloin, Truffle SMR (soy-mirin reduction) and smoked cauliflower purée; Clear soup with Inaniwa noodles, mixed mushrooms, and Asari clams; and Blueberry Stone Tart with Matcha Lime financier dough, Anana ginger insert, and Chocolate Almond Crumble.

collection. Better yet, get them both so you have more options. These pieces are available online and in select Penshoppe stores. Make sure you get the first dibs on these special

collections. Try Penshoppe’s ‘Shop Online, Pick-up in Store’ option where you can simply make your orders online and pick up the items at any participating branch of your choice.

Haliya’s

The Penshoppe Essentials Collection is curated with a thoughtful understanding of how comfort takes the lead in making life easier.

Benilde Culinary Arts Chairperson Chef Margarita Isabel Marty, ME, CGSP, FSCO