Manila Standard - 2022 December 28 - Wednesday

PBBM taps ex-journo to run DSWD as OIC

Tulfo’s fate hangs in the balance

The Palace, however, remained mum on the status of DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, whose ad interim appointment was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments before Congress went on recess earlier this month.

The CA deferred the deliberations on the ad interim appointment of Tulfo as they raised the issues on the latter’s American citizenship and his conviction on four counts of libel.

“An announcement on Sec. Tulfo will be made soon,” Office of the Press Secretary OIC Cheloy Garafil said when asked whether Tulfo resigned, was let go by the President, or will eventually be reappointed.

On the citizenship issue, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Tulfo confirmed he was using an American passport until 2021. He was reported to have served in the US Army from 1988 to 1992.

Tulfo would need to show the CA panel additional documents such as a certification that he is no longer an

Glitches mar SIM card registration, thousands affected

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Rey E. Requejo

THOUSANDS of mobile phone users were unable to register their SIM cards on the first day of mandatory registration as technical glitches—and the sheer number of users—bogged down online portals set up by telecommunications companies to accept their information.

Globe, with about 87 million subscribers, launched its SIM registration portal early on Dec. 27, in compliance with the law but had to take the site offline just a few hours after going live.

Globe said several customers were able access the site and register between 4 a.m. and 7 Next page

DOH makes final push to extend expiring pandemic calamity state

By Willie Casas

THE Department of Health (DOH) has asked the Office of the President (OP) to further extend the state of calamity in the Philippines due to COVID-19, which is set to expire on Dec. 31, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said Tuesday.

“We already submitted our memo to the President, requesting the extension of the state of calamity in consideration of the fact that the CDC bill was not enacted on time,” she said, referring to the proposed measure creating the country’ Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

She said they were just waiting for an official response from the Office of the President.

Earlier this year, President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr. extended the state of calamity due to COVID-19 to the end of the year upon a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte placed the country under a state of calamity until Sept. 12, 2022.

Duterte said the state of calamity throughout the country was needed “in order for the national government and the local government units to continuously deliver COVID-19-related interventions such as but not limited to COVID-19 vaccination program;

American citizen, Zubiri said. A source in the department said Tulfo’s appointment as DSWD chief was

Death toll in X’mas floods climb to 17, with 20 still missing

THE death toll from intense rains and flooding that hit the country on Christmas weekend rose to 17 on Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

Agricultural damage reached P62.69 million, affecting Bicol Region and Northern Mindanao. Meanwhile, damage to infrastructure rose to P20.5 million. Of the total fatalities, nine were in Region 10, five in Region 5, two in Region 8 and one in Region 9.

Only 2 deaths, however, have been validated, the NDRRMC said, while the rest are still under investigation.

SIM mass listing may trigger e-wallet scam

AS THE country starts implementing the SIM Registration Law, mobile wallet firm GCash on Tuesday warned against scams that may take advantage of the mass enrollment.

GCash has been receiving reports that some telco subscribers are getting messages that their accounts have been restricted if they don’t pre-register their SIM cards, it said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier warned of the scam a day before the official start of mass SIM card registration.

“We would like to reiterate our warnings to our users that GCash will never send links via SMS, email, and

Gov’t rushes solutions to save 400k seamen’s jobs

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Migrant Workers on Tuesday said it is “actively pursuing solutions” for the Philippines to comply with an audit by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), with a

deadline set at yearend, as the jobs of more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers are at stake, according to a Deutsche Welle (DW) report.

DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina made the statement after the EMSA found 13 shortcomings and 23 grievances, among them the lack of

training equipment, inconsistencies in teaching and assessment, and deficiencies in the country’s seafarers’ education, training, and certification system.

“The country has not been able to pass the EMSA Audit since 2006 or for more than a decade. This is the final

No plan to import onions despite price spikes—DA

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it is not considering the importing onions given the expected harvest in the coming months, even as current prices breached the P500 per kilo level.

DA deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez said prices of onions have already reached up to P520 per kilogram in select markets in Metro Manila, with farmgate prices up to P300 per kilogram.

Estoperez said the DA will focus on possible interventions for the commodity, including credit for farmers, and providing them assistance in terms of logistics, transportation, cold

P RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Undersecretary Eduardo Punay as officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

INFO CAMPAIGN. Infographics help mobile phone users navigate the SIM registration site set up by a local network provider at a mall in Malate in Manila on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022.

Danny Pata

BLESSING OF REPLICAS. Devotees of the Black Nazarene witness the start of a three-day period for the blessing of replicas in front of

Quiapo Church on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Danny Pata

SAFE AND JUST AS NOISY. A sidewalk vendor in Cubao, Quezon City shows off his air

Manny Palmero

DSWD OIC Usec. Edu Punay

Flu cases up 45% this year—DOH

FLU or influenza-like illnesses (ILI) shot up 45 percent this year compared to the same period last year, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

The DOH said the country recorded 114,278 cases of flu (trangkaso in Filipino) since the start of the year, with 32,778 or 29 percent of ILI cases suffered by those aged 1 to 4.

Last year, the country reported 78,550 flu cases from January 1 to December 3, the Health Department said. Based on the latest DOH surveillance

report, 446 ILI-related deaths were recorded this year, or a case fatality rate of 0.4 percent – lower than in 2021, when some 955 deaths were logged for a CFR of 1.2 percent.

This year, Davao Region has the greatest number of flu cases at 23,177, followed by Northern Mindanao (17,283), Central Visayas (12,151), and

Calabarzon (10,922).

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire warned Filipinos not to be complacent when it comes to flu.

“We are reminding our countrymen that the symptoms of flu are almost the same as COVID-19,” she said in a press briefing, citing fever, cough, headaches, fatigue, and runny nose.

If down with flu-like symptoms, Vergeire said Pinoys should call their nearest local health facility to test and differentiate it from COVID-19.

She stressed that it is better to be safe

Marcos for the benefit of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged in a proactive and inclusive manner,” Punay said in a statement yesterday.

as the symptoms are “almost the same” as the coronavirus illness.

“So, we can’t be complacent that it is only the flu. So, we can be sure that the sickness will not spread, let us isolate once we feel these kinds of symptoms,” she said during a media briefing.

The DOH has recommended an extension of the state of calamity in the Philippines due to COVID-19.

At present, the country has recorded a total of 4,062,191 COVID-19 cases, including 15,472 active infections.

Tulfo’s brother, veteran journalist Ramon Tulfo, earlier discouraged him from pursuing his appointment under the Marcos administration.

year for the Philippines to adopt corrective measures towards full compliance,” Pampolina said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed the country would comply with the standards and pass the audit when he attended a joint meeting of the European Union and Southeast Asian leaders.

Two weeks ago, on a visit to Brussels, Belgium, Mr. Marcos ordered the creation of an advisory board to address deficiencies identified by the EMSA in the Philippine seafarers’ education, training, and certification system.

EMSA is charged with reducing the risks of maritime accidents, marine pollution from ships and loss of human lives at sea.

disaster preparedness, and response efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19; monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities; and provide basic services to the affected population.”

Meanwhile, the DOH said the detection of the Omicron subvariant BF.7 in the Philippines calls for caution but was not not a cause for concern.

The Philippines has detected four cases of BF.7, which is reportedly driving COVID-19 cases up in China.

The BF.7, a sublineage of the BA.5, is believed to be more transmissible and better at evading immunity, Vergeire said.

But currently available evidence for BF.7 does not suggest any differences in disease severity and clinical manifestations compared to the original omicron variant, she added.

Vergeire said she does not see a China-like surge happening to the Philippines.

She said Filipinos always err on the side of caution.

China abruptly lifted many of its harsh COVID-19 restrictions after nationwide protests.

Hospitals and crematoriums across China have been overflowing with COVID-19 patients and victims, while the National Health Commission on Sunday announced it would stop publishing daily nationwide infection and death statistics.

That decision followed concerns that the country’s wave of infections is not being accurately reflected in official statistics.

Beijing has admitted the scale of the outbreak has become “impossible” to track following the end of mandatory mass testing.

Also on Tuesday, the DOH said the Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for the bivalent vaccines of Moderna and Pfizer.

Vergeire said the EUA for the bivalent vaccines of Moderna and Pfizer had been released last week.

She said the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), which advises the DOH regarding COVID-19 vaccines, has also given its approval.

The DOH said it aims to have bivalent vaccines available by the first quarter of 2023.

only until Dec. 15.

During a gift-giving event of the DSWD at the Open Amphitheater at the Rizal Park in Manila on Dec. 22 attended by the President, it was already Punay who spearheaded the event.

“Our task is clear: to pursue the reforms and programs initiated by the administration of President Bongbong

The DSWD welcomed the designation of Punay as its OIC.

“This is needed to ensure the continuous operations of the agency and that no activities will be derailed or hampered, especially now that we need to provide assistance to those affected by the weather disturbance in the country,” the department said in a statement.

food packs and non-food items, as well as the status of prepositioning relief goods in different localities.

“Give up your post as secretary of the DSWD. There is no reason for you to stay longer in your place...If they don’t appreciate what you’ve been doing at the DSWD, why stick to your post like a ship barnacle?” said Ramon in his Facebook account – in a mix of English, Cebuano, and Tagalog. Vince Lopez and Rey Requejo

drowned in Zamboanga City, with her body found in Brgy. Zambowood.

Celia Dejond, press officer for the European Commission, told DW that in case a withdrawal decision is adopted, existing Filipino seafarers’ certificates would only be recognized until they expire. The maximum period for the recognition of seafarers’ certificates is five years.

“Since the Philippines reply [to the audit findings] was very extensive, the European Commission services assisted by experts are still carefully analyzing it with the intention to finalize the process with a final decision possible by end of first quarter 2023,” said Dejond.

A total of 48,358 families or 186,459 individuals were displaced by the rains and flooding.

Of the number, 10,873 families composed of 46,479 individuals were living temporarily in evacuation centers.

About 23 people were also reported missing: 12 in Region 8, eight in Region 5, and three in Region 10. Most of them were fishermen who failed to return to their homes after venturing into the sea amid the bad weather, the Office of Civil Defense said in an earlier report.

Also, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday said the agency remains in close contact with the victims of massive flooding caused by the shear line and northeast monsoon.

A shear line is an area in the atmosphere where warm and cold winds meet, causing rain clouds to form.

According to the information released by the Social Marketing Service (SMS) of the DSWD, the agency continues to provide assistance to families and individuals affected by the flood in Eastern Visayas (Region 8), Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9), and Caraga Region.

In Tuesday’s emergency meeting, all concerned DSWD field offices shared updates on their disaster response operations, including the provision of family

As of Dec. 26, more than P3.2 million worth of humanitarian assistance has been provided by the DSWD to Regions 8, 9, and Caraga.

Meanwhile, the office of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has distributed relief assistance to families in flood-affected areas in Zamboanga City following heavy rains due to the Christmas weekend shear line.

In a statement on Tuesday, the OVPDisaster Operations Center (DOC) said it reached affected families in remote areas Sunday night.

Mariano said most of the fatalities were recorded in Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) with seven; three people in Bicol Region (Region 5); two in Eastern Visayas (Region 8); and one in Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9).

Of the seven new deaths, two were logged in Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental, identified as Elenita Calamian, 43, and Mario Sambiog, 70. The causes of their deaths have yet to be validated, the OCD said.

In Virac, Catanduanes, Ariel Araojo, 43, drowned, with his body found only on Monday in Rapu-Rapu, Albay.

In San Roque, Northern Samar, Jimmy Adante, 47, who had been reported missing, was confirmed to have drowned, the same as Pablo Cerbito, 43. A certain Concepcion Carpio also

the SIM Registration Law.

The senator mentioned a fraudulent email made to appear as coming from GCash Promotions advising end-users that their transactions have been restricted.

Laurence Cajelo, 18, also died in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental but the cause of his death was still undergoing validation.

Mariano said search and rescue (SAR) operations for the missing persons were being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and concerned local government units (LGUs).

In Misamis Occidental, one of the most affected provinces, Gov. Henry Oaminal said rescue workers have been conducting SAR operations non-stop since Dec. 24. But the province was still experiencing light rains, making the search operations difficult.

“The rains started on Dec. 24 and intensified at midnight of Dec. 25,” Oaminal said in an interview over dzMM.

“We did not expect, we were not able to have that preparedness in terms of rescue because the what was included in the orange rainfall warning of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for that day were only the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. Misamis Occidental was not included,” the governor added.

Nonetheless, Oaminal said the provincial government was doing its best to reach isolated areas such as the hinterland barangay of Tudela in Clarin municipality, which was hit by a landslide.

Earlier this year, the agency specified that the training and certification in Philippine maritime education institutions fell short of guidelines mandated by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers.

The European Commission will ultimately decide the seafarers’ fate following the EMSA audit, DW reported.

If the Commission upholds the findings, it may no longer recognize Filipino seafarers’ competency certifications, which would prohibit them from working on EU-flagged vessels — effectively leaving them jobless.

The Philippines could also end up being excluded from the International Maritime Organization’s “white list” of countries with seafarer employability, the DW report added.

Pampolina warned that if the recognition of PH-issued STCW certificates is withdrawn, the country will undergo a new round of evaluation and must satisfactorily comply with the findings before the recognition is restored.

This means Filipino ship officers and ratings will no longer be qualified to be deployed in European Union (EU)-plying vessels that require such certifications, he noted.

messaging apps,” said Winsley Bangit, chief customer officer of GCash.

The Ayala-led fintech firm assured customers that their funds and account will remain safe as they go through the registration of their SIM cards as mandated by law, “But to ensure undisrupted access to GCash accounts, the e-wallet is encouraging its customers to promptly register their SIM Card with their respective telco provider,” the company added.

To reinstate the feature, Gatchalian said consumers have to pre-register by clicking a link, which can compromise the data of the end-users.

online schemes that we want to prevent relative to the enactment of the SIM registration law. The process for disclosing personal information is rigid and necessitates a court order,” he added.

Pampolina cited the EMSA Outlook for 2020 stating that the Philippines leads non-EU countries with the most seafarer officers working in EUflagged vessels with a total of 30,615, while data from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shows a total of 50,000 Filipino seafarers.

storage, and packaging.

“Right now we are not yet considering the importation of onions,” he said.

Prices of local red onion in Metro Manila markets averaged P500 per kilogram on Tuesday, Dec. 27, while there were no stocks available for the local white onion and the imported varieties.

This is more than double the P170 per kilogram SRP set in October, which the DA said was imposed “in order not to aggravate the current difficulties of the Filipino people.”

“Prices are dictated by supply and demand, so if the supply from production is weak, the prices will increase,” he said in Filipino.

“We have supplies, but not in abundance,” he added.

Estoperez said it would be hard to dictate prices of the commodity given the high cost of production, and strictly enforcing the SRP would deter farmers from selling.

“It looks like we will have difficulties in enforcement because if we place it in our hands and dictate, no one will be selling because of the high investment,” he said.

He also noted the harvest season of onions is expected in the coming months, but there is still no estimate as to the volume due to the recent typhoons that hit the country.

Gatchalian earlier warned the public against a scam using virtual wallets such as GCash ahead of the rollout of

“We fought for the passage of the SIM Registration Act in the past years because we want to protect the users of SIM against cyber criminals. We need to advise our countrymen to exercise caution against these schemes,” the senator, who co-authored the SIM Registration Law, said.

“Identity theft is precisely one of the

In a recent Facebook post, GCash warned its users against messages that falsely represent the platform, and urged the public to report these incidents to its help center.

Moreover, Gatchalian urged the public to register their SIM immediately, as this would enable authorities to track cyber criminals who take advantage of customers.

He added that SIM users also need to ensure they register only through a secure platform or website provided by their respective service providers.

However, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista assured that the government will address the findings of EMSA to avoid the Philippines from being blacklisted by European shipping companies.

“It’s important that we should not be alarmed by this, because we did not fail the audit,” Bautista said.

He said the President has already ordered the creation of a body to monitor and work closely to ensure that the Philippines comply with the EMSA evaluation and pass the International Convention on STCW.

quirement – the uploading of selfies.

72 hours from today to observe our SIM registration portal to ensure all patches made are technically stable.”

a.m., but the portal was then taken offline for “optimizing.”

As early as 6:30 a.m., the registration link for Globe showed a “bad gateway” error and asked subscribers to “try again later.” Users trying to access the site at 10:30 a.m. were taken to an FAQ page.

“Globe is committed to make SIM registration easy and convenient for its 87.9 million customers. However, it is very unfortunate that we discovered potential minor vulnerabilities in our microsite that require careful patching in order to prevent any serious threat to customer data,” Globe said in a statement Tuesday evening.

“These issues prompted Globe to take proactive measures to make the site temporarily inaccessible as customer data security is paramount and any problem detected is treated with utmost severity.

In light of this development, Globe has requested the NTC for a maximum of

Prior to this, at least 20,000 Globe users were able to register.

“Globe takes full responsibility for the actions it has taken and is prepared to accept any regulatory penalty if merited, in order to prioritize the protection of its customers’ data,” Globe said.

In an advisory, Smart Communications Inc., with about 68 million subscribers, also said that due to the high volume registrants, some subscribers may experience difficulty accessing the SIM registration site.

“Our technical team is working on increasing capacity,” Smart said.

Smart said its prepaid subscribers will get 3GB of data upon completing the registration of their SIM cards.

It was unclear if DITO Telecommunity Corp., which has only about 15 million subscribers, experienced any problems on its portal. The company said its subscribers who successfully register their SIM cards will receive 2GB bonus data.

The online registration will be free of charge and will require customers to provide their personal information (full name, date of birth, sex, present/official address) and a government-issued identification card. Minors are expected to register under their parent or legal guardian’s name along with any government-issued ID of the parent or guardian, and the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian to register the SIM. Multiple SIM cards can be registered under one name.

Businesses that will register a SIM card must submit additional requirements.

Subscribers of all telecom companies have until April 26, 2023 to register their SIM cards.

Before Tuesday’s start of the registration process, all the telecommunications companies said they were confident that their systems could handle the volume of users.

“We are ready for it. The system we’re using is robust,” said Crisanto.

Just a few hours after the site went live, however, Crisanto said the portal was taken down to adjust to a new re -

Cathy Yang, PLDT and Smart Corporate Communications first vice president and group head, also said their systems were ready for the influx of registrants.

“All systems go for the SIM registration. It will only take three minutes to register,” she said in a radio interview.

But in an advisory posted on its Facebook page later, Smart acknowledged that subscribers could have difficulty accessing the registration site because of the high volume of registrants.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it is launching a 24/7 complaint center where the public can report issues related to the SIM registration.

DICT Spokesperson and Undersecretary Anna Mae Y. Lamentillo said that the first two weeks of the implementation of the SIM registration is considered as a test period, during which some glitches or technical issues are expected as the public telecommunications entities (PTE) fine tune their respective processes. With Joel E. Zurbano

Mayor Sotto bans all online gambling in Pasig City

ONLINE gambling has no place in Pasig City and Mayor Vico Sotto has given them an ultimatum to pack up and ship out within one year.

Sotto was particularly irked by a report that a mother pawned away her child due to her addiction to gambling.

Under Ordinance 55 signed by Sotto, online gambling establishments in the city have one year to shut down their operations or face prosecution “Ordinance 55, s-22. Existing online gambling establishments in Pasig have one year (2023) to wind up operations,” Sotto said in a tweet with an attached copy of the ordinance.

Sotto said new online gambling establishments including Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will not be granted permits.

“While we have seen the social ills of these forms of gambling (have you heard about a mother who pawned her child? That’s not all. I take it as a personal insult when there are “alleged” offers of bribes every permit renewal season. If it is legitimate, then why is a bribe needed?” Sotto noted.

Signed by the city council on December 15, Ordinance 55 Series of 2022 took effect immediately.

The ordinance disallowed the operations, applications, and approval

of licenses to operate online games of chance in the city, and sets a one-year period for the cessation of operations of listed operating establishments.

These games include online casinos, e-games, online sabong, e-bingo outlets, online poker, computer gaming stations.

The ordinance also covered the operations of service providers of technical support to these games.

“Any person, natural or juridical, who is found liable for violating this Ordinance shall be fined in the amount of P5,000 or an imprisonment for a period of one year, or both in the discretion of the court,” the ordinance stated.

PSA issues 12m digital version of national ID

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) bared it has issued close to 12 million digital version of the national ID called ePhilID.

Fred Sollesta, chief of the Philippine Identification System registry office, said the PSA eyes the launch of the downloadable version of the national ID by the end of the year.

“We have already pregenerated 21.75 million ePhilIDS. So far, we have distributed or issued close to 12 million, actually 11.9, and we are poised to achieve 13 million ePhilID issuance by the end of the year,” he told the ANC broadcast network.

“Hopefully, we can launch the downloadable version by the end of the year and doing full blast for the downloadable version starting January next year,” he added.

The ePhilID is a part of the PSA’s proactive strategy to allow the immediate use of PhilSys as a valid proof of identity and age, subject to authentication.

The digital ID or ePhilID is designed to have the same functionality and validity as the actual card, accepted by government agencies and private establishments in transactions requiring proof of identity or age.

On reports of defective ePhilIDs, Sollesta said the PSA is trying to deter-

mine if the problem stems from batch printing.

“Our communication team is doing the coordination especially with our field offices if there were cards surrendered with defects,” Sollesta said.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier ordered the PSA to fast track the printing of ePhilIDs.

The ePhilIDs serve as a temporary national ID pending the issuance of the actual card.

DHSUD forges 43 accords with LGUs to build 6m homes in 6 years

Nueva Ecija.

BI nabs alleged Aussie hacker in Interpol list

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted an Australian hacker trying to enter the Philippines.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that operatives of the BI’s Border Control and Enforcement Unit (BCIU) interdicted Risteski Borche, who attempted to enter the Philippines aboard a Cebu Pacific flight from Sydney.

Borche was apprehended upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Borche, an Australian of Macedonian descent, has been flagged by the International Police (Interpol).

The foreigner was reportedly wanted in Macedonia for unauthorized entry into a computer system, in violation of the country’s computer law.

He is facing four years imprisonment in his own country, the BI said.

He was ordered to be deported back to his port of origin and was recommended to be included in the BI’s blacklist.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has entered into 43 memoranda of understanding to pursue its goal to build one million homes per year in six years.

DHSUD Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III said at least 43 accords

have been forged with various local government units pursuant to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.

The program aims to address the 6.5 million backlog in housing units until 2028.

DHSUD has also piloted 12 groundbreaking projects, including one in

Sweden offers PH Saab–made JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets

SWEDEN has offered to sell to the Philippines its owned brand of fighter jets, according to the Department of National Defense (DND).

Acting DND chief Jose Faustino Jr. and Swedish Ambassador to Manila Annika Thunborg held initial discussions on the offer during the envoy’s recent visit to the DND offices in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong, in a statement, said Sweden’s offer to supply Saab-made JAS-39 “Gripen” multi-role fighters (MRF) to the Philippines was among the key topics discussed by Faustino and Thunborg.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) was eyeing the JAS-39 “Gripen” in its shortlist for multi-role fighter (MRF) jets for its defense modernization program.

Also included in the PAF’s shopping list was the Lockheed Martin F-16V “Viper” jet fighter.

The MRFs are expected to backstop the military’s existing fleet of 12 South Korean-made Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH light jet fighters.

The requirements for the MRF project stipulate that the aircraft must be “fourth generation or higher.”

The project also requires 12 MRFs capable of patrolling the country’s protected waters and airspace.

“This is just a proof that there is a shift in our public housing sector, and on top of this, we are not neglecting our day-to-day operations,” he noted.

The Social Security System, the Government Service Insurance System, the Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Land Bank of the Philippines, as well as other financial

institutions backed the agency’s shelter program.

“Ito pong support na ito magsisigurado na meron pong developmental loan para po mag-kickstart ng construction dito sa ating pabahay,” Tolentino said.

He said the DHSUD plans to adopt the digitalization of its day-to-day operations for a more efficient public service.

But like the other small farmers in town in need of capital, Ayco was forced to deal with informal lenders who charged high interest rates from 10 percent to up to 20 percent per month. He felt helpless against the unfair interest rates brought about by the monopoly of the post-production market by informal lenders.

But things started to look up for Ayco and other farmers in Dumingag when LANDBANK conducted site visits in the province and offered low-interest loans for production requirements under then newly-launched LANDBANK Sikat Saka Program.

“Malaking tulong talaga ang pagpasok ng LANDBANK sa buhay ko. Tuwang-tuwa kami sa Sikat Saka Program. Hindi lang sa mababa ang interes, madali lang din ang proseso ng pag-apply,” said Ayco.

Ayco was one of the first farmers in the area to avail of a loan under the Sikat Saka Program. Through the assistance of LANDBANK, Ayco enjoyed low interest of 0.75 percent to 1.25 percent per month under the Program from 2013 to 2019.

Since joining the formal credit system, Ayco said his income increased with every cropping cycle, allowing him to provide a better life for his family. He was able to save enough income to hire other farmers for planting services, as well as procure tractors and harvesting services that he rented out to other farmers in the area.

Malaking tulong sa amin ang Sikat Saka Program. Kaya nga’t kusang loob akong nanghingkayat rin ng mga katulad kong magsasaka. Sinabi ko na maganda ito. Basta dapat aalagaan mo yung utang mo. Dapat maayos yung pagbayad mo para di siya mawala,” Ayco shared.

However,

So he was grateful when the health restrictions were finally eased and the LANDBANK Zamboanga del Sur Lending Center reached out to him and other farmers and to introduce the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program. As a long-time client of the Bank, Ayco was granted financing anew with low interest rates under the ACEF Lending Program to fund his rice production.

“Malaki talaga ang pasasalamat namin sa LANDBANK dahil sa naitulong nila sa aming mga magsasaka. Sana magpatuloy pa rin ang pagtulong ninyo sa amin,” Ayco said.

The ACEF is a direct lending program administered by LANDBANK in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), which aims to increase the productivity and income of farmers and fishers, their cooperatives and associations, as well as micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

The ACEF Lending Program finances farming needs such as the acquisition and establishment of production, postharvest and processing machineries, equipment and facilities, farm inputs, and improvements.

As of 31 October 2022, LANDBANK has released under the ACEF lending program a total of P8.5 billion to support over 32,200 borrowers nationwide.

Interested borrowers may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide or call LANDBANK’s customer service at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.

DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur Unhappy and longing for his family while working away at sea, Allan A. Ayco decided to disembark from the boat and his former life as a seafarer, returning to his home in Dumingag to make a living cultivating his farmland.

Aside from accessible financial support, Ayco and the other farmers in the area were also provided with support services and capacity building trainings by LANDBANK and its partner agencies.

the onset of the pandemic in 2020 closed the borders around the Zamboanga Peninsula and significantly affected their livelihood, which prevented them from renewing their credit line with LANDBANK for the next cropping season. Ayco shared that it was a difficult season.

Allan Ayco was one of the first availers of the LANDBANK Sikat Saka Program from Dumingag in 2013, and among the combined 655 rice farmers in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay who enjoy a low 2 percent per annum loan interest rate under the ACEF Lending Program.

Sollesta

COPS ON BIKES. Manila Police District (MPD) Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon leads at the distribution and blessing rites for 100 bicycles to be used by his men in their regular anti-crime patrols within the city. Norman Cruz

Manny Palmero

Enhanced PH-Japan defense cooperation

FILIPINOS who were born or who grew up in the years before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941 and occupation until 1945 would no doubt be filled with dread today if they saw Japanese ‘Zero’ fighter planes above our skies, rekindling fears of impending death and destruction in their midst.

But these days, if there are still ‘Zero’ planes still intact, these would no doubt only be in war museums in Japan, as mementoes of that country’s plan to establish what they called the ‘Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere,’ a thinly veiled scheme to impose their will on this side of the Pacific through the use of naked force.

But that’s probably neither here nor there at present, when the balance of forces in the world has dramatically shifted from the Cold War between the US and USSR in the aftermath of the Second World War to a struggle between the US and China for economic and military dominance.

What must have sent shivers of apprehension down the spines of Filipino old-timers would be the recent sight of two Japanese jet fighters on our airspace presumably emblazoned with the Japanese flag with the red sun on a white background.

Increased defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan comes on the heels of closer economic cooperation between them

But the imagined fear is unjustified as the presence of two Japanese fighter planes in Philippine skies for the first time since World War II is nothing but a part of a friendly bilateral air force exchange program, as the two US allies seek to reinforce military alliances amid regional tensions.

The two F-15Js of the Japan Air SelfDefense Force (JASDF) landed at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. The Philippines is the third country to which Japan has sent its fighter jets, after the US and Australia.

The Japanese fighter jets, which arrived at the tail end of the exchange, did not take part in kinetic exercises or a flight demonstration. They only held a “goodwill flight” with the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 light fighters when they were escorted upon their arrival.

“The fighters’ goodwill visit will serve as an avenue to leverage bilateral cooperation with JASDF to increase mutually beneficial activities and develop PAF’s defense capabilities given the current security challenges in the region,” the PAF said.

A total of 60 Japan air force personnel and 91 from the PAF took part in the exchange, held from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7.

The final day of the program covered a briefing by JASDF on actions against violation of territorial airspace, and joint exercise activities with fighters.

The two air forces exchanged best practices in the fields of communication and electronics, civil engineering, aircraft main-

tenance, medical affairs, base defense security, meteorology, air traffic control, welfare facilities and battle management.

Previous exercises between JASDF and the PAF in the last two years had focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The militaries of both countries have been stepping up bilateral engagements in recent months after their foreign and defense ministers met in Tokyo in April to expand defense cooperation amid concerns over the situations in the East and South China Seas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It was the first “2+2” meeting between the two US allies.

The two countries are currently in talks for a visiting forces agreement which will make it easier for Japanese forces and their military equipment to operate in the country, including conducting joint exercises.

The Philippines keeps a similar pact with the United States and Australia.

In 2013, Japan donated 10 ships valued at US$11 million to our Coast Guard. Japan and the Philippines share a “mutual concern” over China’s increasing assertiveness in its territorial claims.

In May 2016, the two sides even discussed the possibility of signing a Philippines-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty, but this has since been scuttled with the Duterte administration’s pivot to China.

On February 29, 2016, Japan signed a pact to supply defense equipment to the Philippines. The agreement provides a framework for the supply of defense equipment and technology and will allow the two countries to carry out joint research and development projects.

Increased defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan comes on the heels of closer economic cooperation between them.

The strategic partnership between the two countries has gained pace in recent years.

In November 2015, the Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency signed a $2-billion loan agreement for the JICA to fund part of the construction of a railway system between the Tutuban railway station in Manila to Malolos, Bulacan, which is part of the plan to expand the country’s railway system.

The agreement is said to be JICA’s largest assistance ever extended to any country for a single project.

Japan has become the biggest donor of Official Development Assistance to the Philippines since 2001, with its ODA loans to the Philippines accounting for 72 percent of the country’s total bilateral loan portfolio as of 2021.

The loans for various infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, carry concessional interest rates and long grace periods.

Japan disburses ODA to the Philippines through the Japan International Cooperation Agency when the ODA is in the form of projects, and directly through the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines in the case of non-project grants.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

lar!” “Shallot sa lipunan,” another said. Also in the first week of December, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta floated the idea of food pills to feed hungry Filipinos.

“I’m thinking aloud na kung sakali pong makaimbento tayo nung kinakain nila (astronauts), ibibigay ko po sa mga mahihirap na kababayan natin. Even for months hindi sila kakain, hindi sila mamatay,”

THE past month has not been particularly kind to many of our kababayan.

The Department of Trade and Industry kicked off December by publishing a post about a P500 Noche Buena meal that looked hardly enough to feed one person, let alone a family of four.

It was seen by some as government washing its hands of its responsibilities for tamping down high prices and curbing rampant inflation, now at 8 percent as of last month —the highest since November 2008.

The annual average from 2019 to 2021 was 3.22 percent.

The pitiful-looking meal DTI came up with further rubbed salt into the wounds of Filipinos who wonder why a kilo of onions —an integral component of Filipino cuisine — now cost more than a kilo of meat.

Faced with backlash, DTI took down its post.

Well, which is what usually happens when tone-deaf officials miss the mark and have to get dragged down from their high horse by the common folk.

Like when Sen. Cynthia Villar said she “could live without onions,” witty netizens retorted, “We can live without Cynthia Vil-

Marcoleta said. He asked if Filipino scientists could invent something like food energy pills.

They can save themselves the trouble. There already is something in the market that staves off hunger and has a long shelf life.

It’s high in fat that provides energy and keeps fresh for months in a container. It’s called dog food. Shades of Soylent Green!

But wait, that’s not all.

After they foist off an absurd Noche Buena on us, forcing us to make ‘diskarte’ or ‘tiis’ instead of expeditiously addressing food security and supply chain issues; after they tell us to do without onions (which is indispensable in the Holy Trinity of pang-gisa along with garlic and tomatoes); after they muse about feeding Filipinos what is essentially food pellets; we are faced with a rising number of COVID cases in four cases due to Omicron subvariant BF.7.

Health expert Tony Leachon said the new subvariant is a cause for concern.

Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. President Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said it is possible the new variant is more transmissible.

Other researchers have said the variant

EDITORIAL

Honoring the Holy Innocents

THE Feast of the Holy Innocents, also called Childermas or Innocents’ Day, is the Christian feast that marks the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:16–18).

Different cultures have come up with different symbols and meanings, including playing practical jokes and pranks on anyone to this day, punctuated often by laughter.

On this day it is custom for instance in Mexico to give the youngest child in the household the power to rule the day: From what to eat, where to go, and what to do.

On this day, the Catholic Church honors the first martyrs: The children of Israel killed by King Herod, appointed king of Judea in 37 BC, in his quest to find baby Jesus.

Let’s honor the sacrifice of the Holy Innocents and celebrate the children in our lives today.

The Massacre of the Innocents is the incident described in the nativity narrative of

Let’s honor the sacrifice of the Holy Innocents and celebrate the children in our lives today

the Gospel of Matthew in which Herod the Great orders the execution of all male children who are two years old and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem.

Estimating by the size of Bethlehem, including its surroundings, there could not have been more than 25 baby boys two years old or younger at any given time. The feast of the Holy Innocents has been remembered by the Church since the fifth century.

According to the New Testament, Holy Innocents’ Day was the massacre of some 20,000 boys, two years old and below.

It was ordered by a furious King Herod more than 2,000 years ago, after he learned that he was tricked by the Three Kings, whom he asked to drop by at his Palace in Bethlehem so he would go with them to visit the newly born child, Jesus Christ.

The feast is observed by Western churches on December 28 and in the Eastern churches on December 29.

The slain children were regarded by the early church as the first martyrs, but it is uncertain when the day was first kept as a saint’s day.

It may have been celebrated with Epiphany, but by the 5th century it was kept as a separate festival. In Rome it was a day of fasting and mourning.

It was one of a series of days known as the Feast of Fools, and the last day of authority for boy bishops.

Parents temporarily abdicated authority. In convents and monasteries the youngest nuns and monks were allowed to act as abbess and abbot for the day.

These customs, which were thought to mock religion, were condemned by the Council of Basel (1431).

In medieval England children were reminded of the mournfulness of the day by being whipped in bed in the morning; this custom survived into the 17th century.

The day is still observed as a religious feast day and, in Roman Catholic countries, as a day of merrymaking for children.

Some churches omit both the Gloria and the Alleluia of the Mass in honor of the grieving mothers of Bethlehem, unless the feast falls on a Sunday.

On BizNewsAsia

night, Senate President Migz thanked “Sir Tony, for gathering, in this one room, 80 percent of the country’s GNP.”

ON NOV. 25,

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

The two speakers recited paeans for BizNewsAsia. I was floored.

Speaker Martin said BizNewsAsia has earned that essential element vital for any publication’s endurance and survival – “the precious trust of its readers”.

Martin added, “(its success) was in a large part due to the vast experience and exceptional journalistic acumen of Tony, as well as his leadership attributes that contributed to the rise of BizNewsAsia to its enviable position as the country’s largest weekly news and business magazine.”

During the anniversary night, BizNewsAsia awarded trophies to distinguished individuals for management excellence. Migs Zubiri and Martin were the awardees for public service.

Migz Zubiri’s citation on his trophy reads: “In 20 years as a legislator, including 9 years as a congressman and 11 years as a senator and now as Senate President, he has brought to public service an extraordinary sense of mission and purpose, diligence and hard work, decency and affability that resulted in 650 reformist laws, boosted people’s confidence for a bright future, and reaffirmed their faith in their leaders and in their democracy.”

Martin’s trophy citation says: “As the fourth highest official of the land, leads Congress in helping fiscal balance, curbing corruption, economic dynamism, national digitalization, disaster resilience, taxation, consumer protection, pension reform, and the national budget, among landmark reforms. He is a steadfast ally of President Marcos Jr. in national transformation, robust economic growth, inclusion, and unity.”

Speaker Martin is the principal author of the Maharlika Investment Fund which seeks to raise billions for key infra and investment projects to accelerate the Philippines’ rise to upper middle class status during Marcos’s presidency.

In his inspirational speech before the elite of business and the professions during the

What the country needs are concrete solutions to bring down inflation, assure our kababayan of an adequate and affordable supply of basic food commodities, and make sure that public health protocols versus COVID are still being observed

may have immune-evading properties. Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene So-

The Senate chief used the occasion to express gratitude to everyone who helped the Philippines recover from the pandemic and post a robust economic rebound, especially, “the business sector, who responded to the call of the times with everything they’ve got.”

“Above all, you kept your businesses open, because people need to buy food, drug prescriptions must be filled, utilities must run, and factories must continue to churn out essentials,” he told the tycoons gathered that night.

The Senate chief used the occasion to express gratitude to everyone who helped the Philippines recover from the pandemic and post a robust economic rebound

Migz noted the role played by media like BizNewsAsia in that uplift, noting that “one of the weapons in our arsenal in the war against the coronavirus was information. Truth was as important as wearing masks in a small crowded van. As fake news was as fatal as not wearing any.”

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

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

“Tony’s work was and is like a monitoring

lante said daily COVID infections may reach 5,000 next month due to people gathering over the holidays.

Any solutions on government’s part? Last week, Sen. Joel Villanueva filed a resolution asking for a legislative inquiry into the Philippine food security status.

“Despite efforts made by the government agencies at the forefront of achieving food security in the Philippines, particularly the Department of Agriculture, hunger incidence and the rising food prices in the country are still on alarming levels,” he wrote in his proposed Senate Resolution 385.

“Alarming” is right.

I hope this inquiry goes further than mere poking and prodding at the problem’s carcass.

What the country needs are concrete solutions to bring down inflation, assure our kababayan of an adequate and affordable supply of basic food commodities, and make sure that public health protocols versus COVID are still being observed.

We haven’t even discussed some of the other perennial problems such as the awfulness and hellish state of public transportation (which is why a great many employees

machine plugged to the economy.

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

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

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

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

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

Zubiri took time to inform his audience on what the upper chamber has been doing as “A Senate for National Reconstruction.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

biznewsasia@gmail.com

prefer to work from home); the high cost of electricity, one of the highest in Asia; and poor internet coverage in remote areas (hoping the government’s Broadband ng Masa will truly reach underserved areas, and not just peter out after installing a few here and there).

These are what we want for Christmas, along with a responsible and ethical government that doesn’t think of shady schemes such as a sovereign wealth fund that was supposed to have dipped into government social security funds, if the people didn’t cause a ruckus that made officials backtrack.

Basic needs met and served, and improvements to our way of life and living standards -- these have been a long time coming.

When is change going to come?

Hoping that your Christmas was merry and bright in the arms of your loved ones, and that the New Year will bring us better things, all the good things we deserve.

Happy holidays.

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

2022, at the 21st anniversary of BizNewsAsia, the Philippines’ largest weekly business and news magazine, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez were the guests of honor and speakers, with some 250 top tycoons and taipans in attendance.

Chin

P500 Noche Buena, high inflation, and more

DPWH: 75kms of farm-to-market roads built from July to November

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has built some 75 kilometers of farm-to-markets roads from July to November this year as part of President Marcos’ pledge to help farmers transport their harvest to public markets.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency continues to build, upgrade and rehabilitate bridges, flood control structures and school buildings to make life easier for common folks.

“To ensure the unhampered transport of goods and services in the provinces, the DPWH built, upgraded, and rehabilitated a total of 112 bridges, 650 flood control structures as well as 2,575 school buildings for use of public school students,” the DPWH said.

The DPWH has also played an active role in disaster response like what

it did in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Abra where the agency deployed thousands of personnel to help in the search, rescue and relief efforts.

In its report to Malacanang, the DPWH said it deployed more than 7,000 personnel as the government responded to several disaster areas brought about by earthquakes and the successive typhoons that hit the country this year.

Aside from personnel deployment, the DPWH also dispatched 1,711 pieces of equipment and cleared 168 road sections in multiple provinces from Luzon to Mindanao.

Responding to the President’s call to build high-quality and efficient infrastructure, the DPWH said in its accomplishment report that it has so far constructed, maintained and rehabilitated 1,105 kilometers of roads from July to November this year.

SC sustains COA disallowances on P83.06m PhilHealth payments

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has sustained the notice of disallowances (NDs) issued by the Commission on Audit (COA) against the payment by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation of P83.06 million for educational assistance allowances and birthday gifts to its officials and employees in 2014.

In an en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting and made public last Dec. 9, the SC resolved to dismiss PhilHealth’s petition which challenged COA’s ruling issued in 2018 and affirmed in 2019.

In upholding the NDs, the SC agreed

SB gives aid to kids of migrant workers

FAMILIES left behind by migrant workers must be assisted by the government considering that their children are deprived of parental attention during their formative years, according to a measure filed by Senator Mark Villar.

Senate Bill No. 1527 or the LeftBehind Household of Migrant Workers Act noted that the healthy development of the children is affected when left behind by either their father or mother, or worse, both.

Children of migrant workers experience a vast range of poor physical and mental health due to separation from their parents, most starting from early childhood, that may result in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes, according to studies.

“Although migrant workers fulfill the basic needs of the family especially food and financial security, the psychological needs of belongingness and intimacy were fully challenged because of physical separation” Villar said in his explanatory note.

The bill seeks to establish Migrant Workers Family Centers nationwide and provide welfare assistance and counselling services to the families of migrant workers; serve as coordinating office with non-government organizations and associations that cater to the plight of migrant workers; and serve as a link of left-behind households to various services and/ or agencies of the government on overseas employment.

with the COA ruling that while selected government entities are exempt from the application of the Salary Standardization Law (SSL), PhilHealth’s law under Republic Act No. 7875 does not contain the same express exemption.

The COA ruled that RA 7875 does not

expressly grant fiscal autonomy to PhilHealth and the authority of its board of directors to fix the agency’s personnel compensation and classification is not absolute.

Besides, COA held that even if PhilHealth was expressly allowed by its charter to have its own position and compensation plans, it would still be required to report the same to the President through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

It said that EAAs and birthday gifts are not classified as benefits and allowances under the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentives which are given for productivity and cost saving efforts by a government agency.

“The granting of benefits and allowances

by virtue of the resolutions passed by PhilHealth in the exercise of its fiscal autonomy, no matter how long practiced, if done in violation of existing rules and regulations, is still considered unauthorized and should be disallowed,” the COA said.

It then ruled that “all approving/certifying officers and recipients of the subject benefits and allowances are liable for the disallowed amounts.”

It also held that “the approving/certifying officers cannot be deemed in good faith, inasmuch as the rules and regulations requiring the prior approval of the Office of the President and the DBM were already existing prior to the grant and payment of the subject benefits and allowances.

14 coops receive awards for countryside welfare programs

THE Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) recognized 14 cooperatives for their contribution in improving the quality of life of Filipinos, especially from the countryside.

Former Senate President Manny Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar led the awarding ceremonies and handed over plaques of recognition to the cooperatives that showed exemplary assistance to their communities from different parts of the country.

Each awardee received P250,000 in cash from Villar SIPAG. Thirty four cooperatives were shortlisted from 153 entries and 14 emerged as the final awardees.

“Cooperatives play a significant role toward realizing the aspirations of our countrymen, especially those from the rural areas. They are the true epitome of Sipag at Tiyaga, values that have helped me succeed in my career as a businessman and a public servant,” former Senate President Villar said.

“Through this recognition, we hope to inspire and encourage cooperatives to continue with their work to uplift the lives of their communities,” added Sen. Cynthia Villar, director of Villar SIPAG.

The 10th Villar SIPAG Awards for Poverty Reduction are: Luzon:

1. Thanksgiving Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Upper Green Valley, Camp 6 Kenon Road, Tuba, Benguet

2. St. Paschal Baylon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Zone 3 San Quintin, Pangasinan

3. Bagnos Multi- Purpose Cooperative, Brgy. #9 Binacag, Banna, Ilocos Norte

4. Fatima Vigan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Pantay Fatima Vigan, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

5. St. Vincent Parish Multi- Purpose Cooperative, St. James Coop Building, Brgy. Bagumbayan Dupax Del Sur, Dupax Nueva Viscaya

6. St. James The Apostle Multi-Purpose Cooperative, St. James Coop Building, Purok 3, San Miguel Betis, Guagua Pampanga

7. General Trias Dairy Raisers MultiPurpose Cooperative, Purok 1 Brgy. Santiago, General Trias, Cavite

8. Pangkalahatang Samahan Ng Mga Magsasaka Ng Siniloan, L. De Leon Street, Brgy. Wawa, Siniloan , Laguna Macon Ramos-Araneta

Agri party-list supports Kadiwa ng Pasko extension

By Maricel V. Cruz

AGRI Party-list Representative Wilbert Lee on Tuesday expressed his support for the extension of the Kadiwa ng Pasko program beyond Christmas to help Filipino families cope with high food prices.

“We support the continuing Kadiwa ng Pasko beyond 2022. In fact, we should be looking at institutionalizing this program and implementing it on a much larger

scale because this is a program that helps not just consumers but also producers,” Lee said.

The program, which was launched nationwide in November, aims to provide a market to local farmers and small enterprises while also giving the public access to affordable food and other basic necessities.

Consumers can buy National Food Authority (NFA) rice for as low as P25 per kilo, and sugar at P70 per kilo, at the

Maynilad vows more service improvements in ‘23

By Rio N. Araja

TWO water concessionaires at the National Capital Region (NCR) and its nearby provinces have vowed to bring in more improvement in their services in 2023 and to ensure safe, clean, and potable water to millions of their customers amid the impact of climate change and the growing population.

West zone Maynilad Water Services Inc. plans to spend P163 billion in 2023 until 2027 for infrastructure projects, of which P101 billion would be allotted for water projects.

Its service improvement plan aims to enhance water security, environmental sustainability, service expansion and disaster resiliency.

“A bulk of the investment will go toward developing more water sources,

building more pumping stations and reservoirs and replacing old pipelines so we can deliver more water supply in response to the growing demand,” chief operating officer Randolph Estrellado said.

“We have already built 20 wastewater facilities since 2007, and we plan to build six more in the next five years so we can sustain sewer coverage expansion,” he added.

The water firm is also allocating P9.9 billion to replace 639 kilometers of old and leaky pipes in the cities Manila, Parañaque, Pasay, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas from 2023 until 2027 to upgrade the distribution system and lower water losses.

“Our goal is to provide 100% of our concession area with 24-hour supply at appropriate water pressure,” Estrellado said.

Kadiwa ng Pasko rolling stores.

According to Lee, the Kadiwa stores provide the ideal template that the country should achieve to fulfill the public’s right to cheap and healthy food, and ensuring the viability of farmers’ and fisherfolk’s livelihood.

The lawmaker also said that the extension of the Kadiwa program would be “at least a year-long gift for Filipino families groaning under the weight of expensive food.”

Senate bill seeks creation of center for disease control

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Win Gatchalian is pushing for the creation of a Center for Disease Prevention and Control, which will be at the forefront of government response during health crises similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The current COVID-19 situation emphasizes the risks and highlights the need to improve preparedness, surveillance, and response at local, national and international levels against future pandemics,” Gatchalian said in the explanatory note of Senate Bill No. 825 or the Disease Prevention and Control Act, which he filed.

“To avoid heavily burdening our public health system that may signify serious repercussions, including countless morbidities and mortalities, trade disruptions, and negative effects on the economy, our proposed measure emphasizes the importance of having a strong public health capacity in communities across the country before any public health emergency occurs,” Gatchalian added.

Under the proposed measure, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and the Department of Health’s (DOH) Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, Epidemiology Bureau, Health Emergency Management Bureau, Bureau of Quarantine, and Health Promotion and Communication Service will be transferred under the Center.

The center, she said, shall serve as the principal agency for developing and applying communicable disease prevention and control initiatives.

It will be an attached agency of the DOH.

Aside from managing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases in the country, the Center’s other functions will cover research, health promotion programs, and the conduct of clinical trials, among others. The center will also assess and support the capabilities of local government units (LGUs) to prevent the emergence and transmission of communicable diseases.

Gatchalian’s proposed measure also seeks the creation of a National Health Strategy for Disease Prevention, which will consider challenges in areas such as the medical capacity and capability of hospitals and other health care facilities, and enhancement of information and technology in public health, among others.

SOLICITATION. Aeta families living in the mountainsides in Zambales often go down to Metro Manila and solicit during the holiday season.

Manny Palmero

RELIEF OPERATIONS. The Office of the Vice President Disaster Operations Center (OVP-DOC) conducted relief operations for residents affected by the flooding in Zamboanga City. Relief boxes were delivered to Barangay Putik, Cabuluay, Culianan, Pasolobong, and Boalan.

LOAN PROGRAM. SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino (seated center) and Pag-IBIG Fund representative Sharon Ravelo, on behalf of Pag-IBIG Central Luzon I Area Head Christian C. Chua, sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) recently on the Pag-IBIG Fund Online Short-Term Loan (STL) Application program for SBMA employees. Joseph Muego.

Japan’s Kishida loses 4th minister in three months

JAPAN’S reconstruction minister resigned on Tuesday over alleged financial improprieties, becoming the fourth minister to depart Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s cabinet in just three months.

Reconstruction Minister Kenya Akiba, who is under fire over alleged illegal political payments to his aides, wife and mother, told reporters: “I believe there is no illegality in terms of my actions.”

But “it is not my wish to see proceedings for the budget and other legislative agendas stall,” he added.

His resignation comes as Kishida battles some of the lowest approval ratings of his tenure.

OF THE CENTURY’

Storm leaves 50 dead across US ‘BLIZZARD

EMERGENCY crews in New York were scrambling Monday to rescue marooned residents from what authorities called the “blizzard of the century,” a relentless storm that has left nearly 50 people dead across the United States and caused Christmas travel chaos.

Blizzard conditions persist in parts of the northeastern US, the stubborn remnants of a massive sprawl of extreme weather that gripped the country over several days, causing widespread power outages, travel delays and at least 49 deaths across nine states, according to official figures.

In New York state, authorities have

described ferocious conditions, particularly in Buffalo, with hours-long whiteouts, bodies being discovered in vehicles and under snow banks, and emergency personnel going “car to car” searching for survivors.

The perfect storm of fierce snow squalls, howling wind and sub-zero temperatures forced the cancelation of

more than 15,000 US flights in recent days, including nearly 4,000 on Monday, according to tracking site Flightaware.com.

Buffalo – a city in Erie County that is no stranger to foul winter weather – is the epicenter of the crisis, buried under staggering amounts of snow.

“Certainly it is the blizzard of the century,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters, adding it was “way too early to say this is at its completion.”

Hochul said some western New York towns got walloped with “30 to 40 inches (0.75 to 1 meter) of snow overnight.”

Later Monday, Hochul spoke with President Joe Biden, who offered “the full force of the federal government” to support New York state, and said he and First Lady Jill Biden were praying for those who lost loved ones in the storm, according to a White House statement.

Biden also approved an emergency declaration for the state, the White House said.

The National Weather Service forecast up to 14 more inches of snow Monday, in addition to the several feet that have already left the city buried, with officials struggling to get emergency services back online. AFP

The public has become increasingly disillusioned with his cabinet after a string of scandals and revelations about ties between lawmakers and the Unification Church sect.

Akiba’s firing comes after the minister for internal affairs resigned last month over alleged campaign finance irregularities.

That departure was preceded by the resignation of the justice minister, who stepped down after reportedly saying his “low-profile” job only generated media coverage when approving death penalty sentences.

And in October, the minister for economic revitalisation resigned over allegations of ties to the Unification Church.

The sect has been in the spotlight since reports emerged that the man accused of killing former prime minister Shinzo Abe resented the organisation over donations his mother made that bankrupted the family. AFP

open court on September 28, 2022 and the admission of the Amended Petition attached thereto.

Thus, the issuance of this AMENDED ORDER for publication as provided by the Rules as follows.

This is a Verified AMENDED PETITION filed by the SPOUSES RUEL J. SAUNAR and SHEILA MARIE P. SAUNAR on SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 for the purpose of adoption of minor TIMOTHY ARTHUR PALOYO ANCHETA ALSO KNOWN AS EDWARD THOMAS PALOYO WITH APPLICATION FOR HIS CHANGE OF NAME, FROM “TIMOTHY ARTHUR

Finding the AMENDED PETITION and its attachments sufficient in form and substance, the same is set for hearing for the presentation of jurisdictional requirements/initial hearing on JANUARY 11, 2023, at exactly 8:30 o’clock in the morning before this Court sitting at Room 203 Second Floor Hall of Justice Annex Building, Quezon City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City.

Let copy of this Order be

Madam MAE B. PILLO, the Social Worker of the Court is ordered to conduct prepare and submit CHILD & HOME STUDY REPORTS pertaining to the herein petitioners, the adoptee and their family; and shall verify likewise with the Civil Registry the real identity and registered name of the adoptee ESPECIALLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE FILING OF THE AMENDED PETITION. The same Social Worker shall establish that the child is legally available for adoption and the documents submitted in support thereof are all valid and authentic; that the petitioners has sincere intention and the adoption shall inure to the best interest of the child. In the preparation of Child and Home Study Reports, Ms Mae B Pillo is required to have this properly coordinated with the then Social Worker of the Court Madam Mariebec Cariaga considering that Ms Cariaga made initial study and examination of the subject, the petitioners and their family in the original petition.

If after the conduct of the case studies, the social worker finds that there are grounds to deny the petition, she shall make the proper recommendation to the court furnishing a copy thereof to the petitioners.

The counsel for the petitioner is given ten (10) days from receipt of a copy of this ORDER to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, DSWD, NSO, the City Civil Registrar of Quezon City and the Philippine Statistics Authority copies of the Amended Petition complete with annexes and to show compliance thereof soonest time possible.

Let copies of this Order be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, Assistant City Prosecutor Arnel F. Pabellar, DSWD, the NSO, the City Civil Registrar of Quezon City, the Philippine Statistics Authority and the petitioners/counsel for their perusal and immediate reference.

The City Civil Registrar of Quezon City, whereby the proposed adoptee is registered, and any one/offices who wishes to oppose instant petition including the Civil Registrar General are likewise ordered to appear on the above mentioned scheduled hearing to show cause why this petition should not be granted.

The petitioners and the proposed adoptee must personally appear and they must testify before the undersigned

SO

Taiwan extends mandatory military service to one year

TAIWAN on Tuesday announced an extension in mandatory military service from four months to one year, citing the threat from an increasingly hostile China.

Beijing considers self-ruled, democratic Taiwan a part of its territory, to be taken one day, by force if necessary, and the island lives under the constant fear of a Chinese invasion.

China’s sabre-rattling has intensified in recent years under President Xi Jinping, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further deepened worries in Taiwan that Beijing might move similarly to annex the island.

China’s “intimidation and threats against Taiwan are getting more obvious”, President Tsai Ing-

wen told a press conference after a high-level government meeting on national security.

“No one wants war... but my fellow countrymen, peace will not fall from the sky.”

“The current four-month military service is not enough to meet the fast and ever-changing situation,” she said. “We have decided to restore the one-year military service from 2024.”

The extended requirement will apply to men born after January 1, 2005, Tsai added.

Mandatory service used to be deeply unpopular in Taiwan, and its previous government had reduced it from one year to four months with the aim of creating a mainly volunteer force. AFP

South Korea pardons jailed ex-president Lee

JAILED former South Korean president Lee Myung-bak received a presidential pardon on Tuesday, cutting short his 17year sentence on corruption charges, the justice minister said.

Lee was on a list of more than 1,300 people who received special pardons “from the perspective of broad national unity through reconciliation, tolerance and consideration,” Han Dong-hoon told reporters after a Cabinet meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The 81-year-old Lee, who in June was granted a temporary release from jail due to his age and deteriorating health, is serving 17 years for bribery and embezzlement.

It was effectively a life sentence as he was not due for release until 2036, when he would be 95.

The former Hyundai CEO-turned-president was charged with 16 criminal allegations in 2018 and sentenced in 2020. AFP

PALOYO ANCHETA ALSO KNOWN AS EDWARD THOMAS PALOYO” TO “EDWARD THOMAS PALOYO SAUNAR”.

presiding Judge of this Court.

ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 10th day of October, 2022.

FROZEN. A man and a boy walk across the frozen Reflecting Pool toward the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on December 26, 2022. Heavy snow, howling winds, and air so frigid it instantly turned boiling water into ice took hold of much of the US over Christmas weekend, including normally temperate southern states.

SAFE AT LAST. A Rohingya refugee rests at a temporary shelter following her arrival by a boat in Laweung, Aceh province in Indonesia on December 27, 2022. AFP

Chargers beat Colts, clinch NFL playoff seat

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Chargers are headed back to the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2018 after a 20-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday.

The Chargers clinched an AFC wild card berth, aided by defeats for the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the week.

It will be their first post-season appearance under head coach Brandon Staley and with star quarterback Justin Herbert, who was drafted sixth overall in 2020.

“It means a lot for our team,” Herbert said of a Chargers side that lost a string of key contributors to injury this season.

“We’ve been through so much this year and for the guys to battle and keep fighting the way they have, it’s been great to see,” he added in a post-game interview with ESPN.

Herbert completed 25 of 31 passes for 235 yards, with one interception.

Austin Ekeler ran for two touchdowns and Cameron Dicker kicked two field goals for the Chargers, with Herbert admitting that offensively there is “a lot of room for improvement.

“We can get better,” he said. “Just left a lot out there. But I thought the story of the day was the defense. They’ve done such a great job battling all year and they made plays when they needed to most.”

While the Chargers may have been less than electrifying offensively, the Colts were worse.

Nine days after their historic collapse against the Minnesota Vikings, the Colts gained just 173 yards, their only points coming from a field goal by Chase McLaughlin.

Quarterback Nick Foles, standing in for Matt Ryan, connected on 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards with three interceptions. He was sacked seven times.

With games against the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos remaining in the regular season, the Chargers improved to 9-6.

They welcomed safety Derwin James back to their starting lineup after a two-game injury absence, but James was ejected in the first half for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts receiver Ashton Dullin.

Both were examined for head injuries, Dullin departing the contest with a concussion. AFP

Djokovic back in Australia as 3-year COVID ban ends

SYDNEY–Former world number one Novak Djokovic was due to return to Australia on Tuesday, almost one year after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19, the country’s tennis boss said.

Nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic was initially banned from the country for three years after losing a highstakes legal battle earlier this year over his vaccine status.

Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid.

The government confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was no longer banned and had been granted a visa allowing him to play in the next Australian Open, which starts in January.

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said he hoped local fans would em-

brace Djokovic’s return.

“We welcome him back to Australia,” he told reporters.

“I think as we speak he’s landing in Adelaide and I think that he is going to be again the player to beat.

“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react how we hope they will react.”

Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles, has been condemned for his part in the saga, which played out as rolling antivaccination protests took place in Australia’s major cities.

He is scheduled to play in the Adelaide International, beginning Sunday, as he warms up for the Open in Melbourne.

“Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” the world number five said in Dubai last week after ending 2022 with a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals crown.

“After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.”

Djokovic last arrived in Melbourne in January for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, claiming he had obtained a medical exemption to enter Australia without being vaccinated because he had recently recovered from Covid-19.

However, Australian border officials said he did not meet the requirements to be exempted from strict vaccination rules and he was detained for five days while pursuing an ultimately fruitless legal appeal. AFP

Nets hold off Cavs for 9th straight NBA victory

LOS ANGELES—Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving scored 32 points apiece as the Brooklyn Nets pushed their NBA winning streak to nine games Monday with a 125-117 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brooklyn edged ahead of the Cavs for third place in the Eastern Conference, withstanding a late Cleveland surge even after Durant fouled out with 1:54 left to play.

The Nets were up by 10 when Durant departed after he was whistled for an offensive foul while driving to the basket.

Irving, who played a key role alongside LeBron James in Cleveland’s 2016 championship run, had the last word against his former team.

Darius Garland’s floater cut the deficit to four points with 44 seconds remaining, but Irving made a pair of free throws and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton came up with a big block and the Nets held on.

The Nets’ nine-game winning streak is their longest since a 14-game streak in the 2005-06 season. They have won 14 of their last 15 games.

In the first half, Durant passed former San Antonio Spurs great Tim Duncan for 15th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list as the Nets built a quick lead.

“To be able to pass an all-time great, legend -- somebody who changed the game -- that’s something I’ll call my folks about tonight,” Durant said. “I want to celebrate those small things, but keep pressing forward.

“I know I’ve got more to do.”

The Cavs cut a 13-point deficit to one with 3:54 left in the first half, but the Nets responded with a vengeance to lead 65-49 at the break.

Garland scored 18 of his 46 points in the fourth to keep the Cavs in it, but Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell was held to just 15 points.

TJ Warren added 23 points off the bench for Brooklyn and Royce O’Neale, Claxton and Yuta Watanabe scored 10 each as the Nets became just the second Eastern Conference team to beat Cleveland on their home floor this season.

Brooklyn’s surge follows a dismal season start, the sacking of coach Steve Nash and the anti-Semitism row that engulfed Irving.

Current coach Jacque Vaughn said the secret to the turnaround was simple.

“Each day we try to gather as a team and think how we can get better,” he said. “It is as simple as ‘we’re going to try to get a win’ that day.”

In Detroit, the Los Angeles Clippers dominated overtime to beat the Pistons 142-131. AFP

PSC fast-tracking development in grassroots, elite sports

FOLLOWING President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s statement Filipino athletes as the Philippines’ new heroes, the 4th quarter of the year saw the Philippine Sports Commission further sustaining its momentum with a newly chartered plan for sports and fresh achievements, both in the elite and grassroots sports.

PSC chairman Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala began his stint conducting a very well-attended PSC-NSA consultative meeting, where he met with officials from 68 out of 74 national sports associations at the Philippine International Convention Center last October 13. The 11th chairman asserted the need for mutual respect between the agency and the NSAs, and responsible autonomy rooted in transparent

management of government funds.

Aside from laying out the agency’s plans and programs, Eala also laid out the framework of his administration’s national sports agenda.

“We will establish a pathway to success beginning with the ‘Duyan ng Magiting’ or the ‘Cradle of the Brave’ at the grassroots level leading to the tweaked version of the Gintong Alay which we will call Project: Gintong Laban which is to be implemented at the elite level,” Eala said.

Improving the relationship with the Philippine Olympic Committee was also a top priority for the PSC.

Apart from strengthening ties with the NSAs, chairman Eala alongside commission-

er Olivia “Bong” Coo, also ensured the PSC’s continued support to elite athletes even with a full board yet to be completed.

Various achievements of Filipino elite athletes grew under this administration. These achievements include the gold-medal win of Filipina weightlifting superstar Hidilyn DiazNaranjo, who clinched the crown at the 2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championship in Bogota, Colombia; Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam’s gold medal romp at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan; Olympic gymnast Caloy Yulo’s silver and bronze medal win at the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships; and new jiu jitsu world champions courtesy of Meggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne

Custodio, among others.

President Marcos’ concern for Filipino athletes, continues to be the driving force behind the PSC caring for Philippine sports like no other. Some of these elite athletes were fully cultivated in the grassroots programs of the sports agency such as the Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games.

Before the year ended, the PSC also successfully conducted the return of the Batang Pinoy National Championships, hosted by the Province of Ilocos Sur from December 17 to 21.

Over 6,000 delegates from 140 cities and municipalities nationwide competed in the 17 sporting disciplines for face-to-face and virtual competitions.

Bañares crowned Sharks Invitational 10-Ball Billiards champ

JERICHO Bañares foiled Yves Cabrito’s repeated threats to reign supreme in the Battle for Supremacy-Sharks Invitational 10-Ball Billiards Championship recently at the state-of-the-art Sharks Billiards and Pool Arena in Diliman, Quezon City.

Nicknamed “Panday” in the pool community and the county’s thirdranked player, Bañares made a decisive runout at the hill to defeat Cabrito, 19-13, in the Race to 19 finals, topping the prestigious 10-ball tournament presented by Rep. Arnie Teves, with support from Bugsy Promotions, Andy Billiards Cloth, Hard Times Sports Bar,”K” and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines.

Bañares dismantled Dian Mark Castronuevo in a Race to 9 preliminary and edged Edgie Geronimo in a Race to 13 quarterfinal.

Cabrito, on the other hand, eliminated Jeffrey Horzerada and Michel

Daganan respectively to reach the penultimate stage.

Then, the Antipolo pride Bañares outclassed Mark Ejay Cunanan, while Valenzuela pool shark Cabrito toppled Roel Nalaunan in their Race to 15 semifinal, to seal the battle for supremacy in the local pro-billiards tourney, organized by Sharks and managed by tournament director Hadley Mariano.

“Nasaksihan natin dito ang panginternational caliber sa billiards ng ating local talents na kailangan lang mahasa nang husto sa ganitong mataas na antas ng kumpetisyong handog ng Sharks. Nasa hanay nila ang susunod na katatakutan sa international pool scene,” said Hadley, a former varsity billiards’ player of De La Salle Greenhills and son of billiards’ patron Perry Mariano.

Bañares took control of the match in the early goings with a 6-2 advantage, but Cabrito inched

closer, 7-8, and stayed within striking distance in the ensuing racks, before “Panday” broke loose to reach the hill, 18-12.

But he missed the pressure-packed black 8 ball to give Cabrito another lease on life and salvage a victory by claiming his 13th in the 31st rack.

The Valenzuela pool idol, though, failed a runout in the 32nd rack, enough for Bañares to be crowned Supremo of the league sanctioned by Games and Amusement Board.

The champion pocketed the P200,000 top prize, while Cabrito took home the P100,000 runner-up purse.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates defeating Austria’s Sebastian Ofner during the 2022 World Tennis League exhibition match at Dubai’s Coca-Cola arena in the United Arab Emirates. AFP

PSC chairman Noli Eala

“Tindi ng laban. Buti na lang kundisyon ako sa pisikal at isip para mapagtagumpayan ko ito. Mahusay si Yves (Corbito) kaya patibayan na lang ng dibdib,” said Bañares, who also acknowledged Sharks in organizing the high-caliber billiards’ league for

Filipino talents.

Yves Cabrito

Jericho Bañares

Sports

Andoo Comanche leads Sydney race

SYDNEY—Australian

Comanche

About 22 hours after the boats departed Sydney Harbour, Andoo Comanche was leading the three other 100-foot supermaxis -- the fastest boats in the blue water classic.

The boat, skippered by owner John Winning, was 16 nautical miles in front of perpetual challenger Wild Oats, according to an online race tracker.

LawConnect was in third while defending champion Black Jack was at the rear of the supermaxi pack.

There were hopes Andoo Comanche could beat the race record time after the fleet took advantage of favourable winds on Monday afternoon, although those conditions lightened overnight.

The race leader will need to make up about 76 nautical miles to challenge the record of one day, 9 hours, 15min and 24sec -- set by Comanche under a different skipper in 2017.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast north to north-easterly winds would build throughout Tuesday to about 35 knots, potentially freeing the fleet for

Suarez ready for world title shot

By Randy Caluag

The 34-year-old Suarez, a long-time member of the Philippine national team, joined the professional ranks a bit late.

He only debuted two years ago and didn’t mind going through the starter, four-round bouts, even though he owns a colorful, international amateur boxing background.

It’s not that Suarez and his team are being complacent, but the many-time Southeast Asian Games champion and Rio Olympian knows that the right time will come.

“Naghihintay lang po talaga kami ng tamang panahon, in God’s grace,” he said.

And that time could be next year, according to his trainer-manager Delfin Boholst.

“Hopefully, next year makalaban na kami for the world title, hinog na hinog na si Charly,” said Boholst after his ward stopped Indonesian opponent Defry Palulu in the second round to bag the vacant International Boxing Federation Asia Junior Lightweight belt in Vietnam two weeks ago.

Suarez earlier won the World Boxing Association Asia Super Featherweight belt in March and clinched the Philippine Super Featherweight belt after defeating compatriot Carlo Magali via unanimous decision in October.

Suarez, who stayed unbeaten in 14 professional fights, said his latest victory will serve as a stepping stone in his bid for a world boxing champion-

Saso gears up for 2023, inks deal with Federal Land

MAJOR champion Yuka Saso’s buildup for the 2023 LPGA season gathers momentum in terms of support as she linked up with Federal Land, Inc., becoming a brand ambassador for the country’s top real estate developer.

The 2021 US Women’s Open champion said she’s delighted to have signed up with Federal Land, which marked its golden anniversary celebrations yesterday (Tuesday, Dec. 27) with the Fil-Japanese gracing the soft opening of the first-ever Mitsukoshi Mall in the country at the Grand Central Park in North BGC (Bonifacio Global City).

“I’m so honored to be invited and partner with Federal Land, Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd., and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. Just by walking through today (yesterday), they are really bringing the best of Japan to the Philippines,” said Saso, whose Fil-Japanese ties makes her a prime example of how strong partnerships could produce

excellence.

“It always feels like home. I was born here and grew up here. I hope to come back a lot more but obviously I can’t. December and January are the only time I can come back. Hopefully I can come back around summertime where there’s a lot of junior tournaments I can visit. Hopefully I can do that but I can’t promise,” said Saso, who led the

festivities with a ceremonial tee-off on a golf simulator where she showed her world-class swing and shared tips and her expertise with future golf champions and enthusiasts.

“It’s awesome. It reminds me of when I started playing golf. To see how they enjoy golf, it’s awesome. It reminds me not to forget to have fun in golf. They inspire me. Hopefully I can inspire

them a little bit and I can continue doing those stuff in the future,” said Saso, referring to the seven jungolfers who took part in the mini-clinic.

“Her Filipino-Japanese heritage is an embodiment of discipline, perseverance, and excellence, which mirrors our partnerships’ commitment to provide unique living experiences within our developments,” said Federal Land, Inc. president and COO Thomas Mirasol.

“We believe that strong partnerships are essential for reaching greater excellence and higher standards in the industry. During our golden year, we showcase Japanese ingenuity and Filipino sensibilities in our projects, thereby projecting the best of both worlds in terms of quality and innovation,” said Mirasol. “Our collaboration with Yuka is yet another example of achieving this objective. We are very excited to have her grace the first-ever Mitsukoshi in the Philippines and interact with some of our local patrons.”

Commodore of the Cruising Yacht

of Australia, Arthur Lane, said a record time for the 628-nautical mile race could not be discounted.

“It should be an early evening finish because the winds will increase all day today. It will get fast and furious from here on, and I would expect them to be, before midnight, in Hobart,” he told Nine News.

“They are behind race record at the moment, but the winds are increasing. They are going to be very, very fresh from midday onwards today. So, I think you will find that the record is still quite possible to break.”

While the supermaxis can hit high downwind speeds, they must balance it with the need to avoid breakages and sail damage.

The Bass Strait, which separates Tasmania from the mainland, can unleash perilous conditions.

In 1998, a deep depression proved catastrophic for the fleet. Six sailors were killed, and 55 more were rescued after five boats sank.

Race officials said only two of the original 109 boats at sea had been forced to retire to date. AFP

Azkals bow to Thais, 0-4, in ASEAN football meet

THE Philippine Azkals fell in a 0-4 setback to Thailand, Monday night in their ongoing ASEAN Football Federation-Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 sortie at the Thammasat Stadium.

The Filipinos were stunned some three minutes into the contest when Thai booter Teerasil Dangda found the back of the net with a header off Theerathon Bunmathan’s free kick.

Dangda then flicked in a goal at the 41st minute off a penalty, scoring past Azkals stopper Julian Schwarzer.

The War Elephants then took aa three-goal cushion in the 57th minute, as soon as Adisak Kraisorn capitalized on a Dangda assist to volley the ball home.

Thailand got its fourth goal in the 63rd minute when Suphanan Bureerat scurried in from close range.

The Thais went on to reach the top of Group A with 6 points and a goal difference of +9 above Indonesia, which also has 6 points but a goal difference of +8.

On the other hand, the Philippines will face Indonesia at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Indonesia is in second place after securing a 7-0 victory against Brunei earlier in the day.

Peter Atencio

Dragons’ coach: PBA finals a battle of adjustments

By Peter Atencio

FOR Bay Area Dragons’ coach Brian Goorjian, their seven-game finals’ series with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings will be about how their team can adjust with the physicality of the other team’s game plan.

Goorjian said this as he reflected on what the Dragons will need to do in Game 2 of their championship series in the 2022-2023 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum

“The seven-game series is about adjustments. Everything is a first win, first basket, first practice together. And now, we’re in a finals situation, first finals.

And it’s all learning. Can we adjust, can we grow?” said Goorjian.

Adjusting to the way the Gin Kings play will help the Dragons take a game in the series.

“Again, these are young guys, a first to experience. We got pretty well manhandled tonight, so the ball’s on our court to make some adjustments,” said Goorjian.

The Bay Area Dragons are known to average 38.75 percent on field goals before the finals series and they allow their opponents 37.5 percent on field goals.

And in Game 1, the Gin Kings’ defense forced the Dragons to their lowest output this conference in a 96-81 setback. They had their fewest offensive outing in an

89-92 loss to the Meralco Bolts during the elims.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone said they watched out for the Dragons’ outside shooting in Game 1 and will continue to do so in their next game.

“We were just lucky that (Hayden) Blankly went 0 of 7. And he makes 30 percent. And those are the things that we’re gonna have to look at again,” said Cone.

The Dragons usually make 12.75 points off their triples, mostly from Andrew Nicholson (19 of 37) and Kobey Lam (14 of 30).

And limiting their outside shooting will be one of the goals of the Gin Kings again.

IF plans push through, Olympian Charly Suarez will be aiming for the world boxing title next year.

boat Andoo

held a slim lead in the Sydney-Hobart yacht race Tuesday but will need winds to pick up if it is going to challenge the course’s record time.

a speedy run through the treacherous Bass Strait to the finish line in the Tasmanian state capital.

Club

ship crown.

“Handang-handa na po para sa world title. So, it is just onward and upward for

this Christian Soldier, I will await what the Lord has planned for me,” Suarez said.

Yachts Moneypenny (left) and Andoo Comanche compete at the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Sydney Harbour. AFP

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

Federal Land president/COO Thomas Mirasol and Fil-Japanese pro-golfer Yuka Saso

Charly Suarez (right) with his trainer-manager Delfin Boholst

Investor group airs ‘deep concern’ over PLDT’s cost overrun

A MINORITY investor protection group on Tuesday expressed “deep concern” over PLDT Inc.’s P48-billion cost overrun in the past four years.

The Shareholders Association of the Philippines said in a statement this development had caused apprehension among shareholders and resulted in the sudden and sharp decline in PLDT’s share price over the past trading days.

SharePHIL said it expected PLDT to take the necessary measures to uphold their values of transparency, accountability and integrity.

The group also welcomed PLDT’s move to take swift action in addressing the matter and cooperate with regulatory bodies over inquiries raised.

“We look forward to a quick and decisive resolution of this matter, for the good of the investors and to restore investor confidence in the company,” SharePHIL said.

The share price of PLDT rose 2.6 percent Tuesday to close at P1, 262.00, after falling 16.78 percent last week.

PLDT said Tuesday it was in talks with vendors and suppliers to replace certain projects included in the P48billion budget overrun.

The company told the stock exchange there were ongoing discussions or renegotiations between the company and its various suppliers on possible cancellations or portions of works not yet started or completed, which would reduce the capex overrun.

“The discussion also includes the possible replacement of certain projects that will be cancelled, with new projects that will improve revenue growth and customer experience,” it said.

PLDT also clarified that there were no “unrecorded transactions” or “undocumented purchase orders” based on its investigation. Jenniffer B. Austria and Darwin G. Amojelar

BILLS PAY PH

LAUNCH. Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla (top left) leads the launch of ‘Bills Pay PH’ to promote payments efficiency and support economic growth. Bills Pay PH allows customers to pay bills conveniently and safely even if their bank or e-wallet accounts have different service providers than those of the billers.

Top right photo shows BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan (center) in the live demonstration of a utility bill payment, while the bottom picture shows Medella with BSP and Philippine Payments Management Inc. officials. Bills Pay PH is a joint project of the BSP and PPMI.

Top Frontier issues over P51-b preferred shares to Ang’s firm

By Jenniffer B. Austria

TOP Frontier Holdings Inc., the parent company of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., said Tuesday it issued P51.08 billion worth of redeemable preferred shares to Far East Holdings Inc., a private company owned by the family of businessman Ramon Ang. Ang, who is also the president and chief executive of San Miguel Corp., together

with his son John Paul, did not participate in the board approval of the redeemable preferred shares issuance. This followed FEHI’s sale of 4.4 billion shares, or equivalent to 88.5-percent stake in Eagle Cement Corp. to San Miguel for more than P97 billion in November.

FEHI has investments in real property, construction, operation and management of hotels.

Top Frontier said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday it issued P15.3billion Series A, P11.15-billion Series B and P24.63-billion Series C of redeemable, non-voting preferred shares.

Redeemable preferred shares contain a call option that allows the issuer to buy back the stock at a certain price.

Top Frontier said, however, the pre-

ferred shares have no fixed redemption date and are subject to a coupon rate of 6.25 percent per annum for Series A and Series B and 6.5 percent per annum for Series C.

It said it would use the proceeds from the preferred shares offering for debtliability management, including payment of obligations and redemption of preferred shares.

TFHI said the issuance would have no effect on the ownership and capital stock structure of the company.

“In view of the nature of the redeemable preferred shares, the ownership structure and capital stock structure of the company shall remain the same, before and after the redeemable preferred shares issuance,” it said.

Revenue collection up 16.6% in November

THE government’s budget deficit went down by 3.71 percent in November to P123.9 billion from P128.7 billion a year ago as revenue collection grew 16.57 percent, faster than the 10.24-percent increase in expenditures, the Bureau of the Treasury said Tuesday.

This brought the cumulative budget deficit as of end-November to P1.2 trillion, down by 7.23 percent or P96.3 billion from a year ago and represented 75 percent of the P1.7-trillion full-year program.

Revenue collection reached P331.1 billion in November, up by P47.0 billion from a year earlier, bringing the year-to-date collection to P3.3 trillion, 18.13 percent or P503.1 billion above last year’s figure and representing 99 percent of the P3.3-trillion goal for the year.

Taxes contributed P3.0 trillion or 90 percent to the total and registered a 17.48-percent year-on-year growth in the period. The balance of P317.7 billion (10 percent) from non-tax sources also improved by 24.59 percent from the previous year’s level.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue raised P237.1 billion (net of P471.0 million tax refund) in November, up 12.53 percent or P26.4 billion year on year. Cumulative collection by the agency from January to November reached P2.2 trillion, 12.56 percent or P240.6 billion higher over the same period last year. Julito G. Rada

ICTSI unit buys 20%

stake in Bauan Port

A WHOLLY-OWNED subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. acquired a 20-percent stake in Bauan International Port Inc. from Marubeni Corp. for P507.41 million.

ICTSI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange IWI Container Terminal Holdings Inc. signed a share purchase agreement with Marubeni for the acquisition of the latter’s 2.05 million shares in BIPI for P507.41 million.

BIPI, owned by ICTSI, operates a roll-on/roll-off and project cargo terminal in Batangas province serving the region’s automobile and construction industries.

The terminal supports cargo movements in and out of the Cavite-Laguna- Batangas-Rizal-Quezon area. Shipment from the Philippine operations of Japanese car makers Mitsubishi and Honda pass through the Bauan Port.

ICTSI earlier reported a net income of $465.1 million in the first nine months, up 47 percent from $316.4 million in the same period last year.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DOE submits draft AO on energy conservation

THE Department of Energy said Tuesday it submitted to the Office of the President a proposed administrative order that will further accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs that will result in government savings of almost P7 billion annually.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the measures under the AO would translate into energy savings of 347.42 megawatts.

The proposed AO aims to accelerate the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program and Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee resolutions on switching to energy-efficient lighting and cooling (inverter) for government buildings and facilities apart from energy conservation practices, according to DOE director Patrick Aquino. Lotilla said the government’s EE policies resulted in savings of P284.93 million as of Dec. 13, 2022.

“This is on the part of the government alone. If the private sector can be more fully mobilized voluntarily and empower itself through efficient energy management, we can achieve more,” he said.

Lotilla said 4,241 designated establishments from the commercial, industrial and transportation sectors were already implementing various projects to reduce energy consumption.

These projects had a total investment worth P4.5 billion or an equivalent of 491.75 gigawatt-hours of energy savings. “We are working to increase these numbers,” Lotilla said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Coca-Cola PH makes strides in sustainability in 2022

IT HAS been two years since COVID-19 changed the world, and people from all walks of life are embracing their role in creating a more sustainable world to help future generations. People are thinking more about sustainability, the environment, and the link between everyday actions and the planet we all share.

As a beverage company that has refreshed Filipinos for 110 years, Coca-Cola Philippines recognizes its responsibility to help drive social change and positively impact people’s lives. In 2022, the company made strong progress on its World Without Waste program–the company’s global sustainable packaging initiative to support a circular economy, aiming to eliminate waste through the continual use of packaging as a valuable resource.

“As we look to a new year, we’re committed to sharing the magic of Coca-Cola with our consumers in the Philippines as we have for more than a century and we’re also committed to working with our partners to build a sustainable future for succeeding generations,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of CocaCola ASEAN and South Pacific. “We will do all of this while staying true to our company purpose, which is to refresh the world and make a difference,” del Rosario added.

HELPING BUILD A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

FOR PET PLASTIC PACKAGING

Coca-Cola Philippines has taken continued steps to build a circular economy aligned with the company’s global vision of a World Without Waste. The company’s World Without Waste goals include making 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and using at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030; helping to collect and recycle a bottle or can for each one it sells by 2030 and; bringing people together to support a healthy, debris-free environment.

In 2022, Coca-Cola made strong progress on its World Without Waste program. The company strengthened its efforts throughout 2022 to adopt a closed-loop recycling system using multiple approaches, emphasizing design innovation in sustainable packaging.

By 2023, Coca-Cola Philippines will add more products to its portfolio packaged in 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles (excluding caps and labels) with the transition of select Coca-Cola Original Taste and Wilkins Pure packages. This is on top of the company’s Viva! Mineral Water and Sprite 500ml bottles that already use 100% recycled PET. CocaCola currently uses returnable glass bottles for approximately 50% of its business in the Philippines and has lightweighted its PET plastic packaging to reduce the overall impact of its carbon footprint in the Philippines.

Coca-Cola believes in collaborative partnerships with civil society organizations and the private sector and, with its partners, the company has been able to set up collection systems to boost the circularity of its packaging. To date, over 800 collection points have been established across the Philippines through innovative programs such as “Tindahan Extra Mile: Balik PET Bottle” and “Tapon to Ipon – Basta Klaro, Panalo!”. These programs empower MSMEs by tapping them to function as collection hubs of used plastic bottles for communities nationwide.

Also reinforcing the vision of Coca-Cola Philippines for a World Without Waste is PETValue Philippines—a world-class bottle-tobottle recycling facility that makes use of advanced recycling technologies, located in General Trias, Cavite—which became fully operational in 2022.

The groundbreaking partnership between CocaCola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI)—the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country–and Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical company, will give PET bottles, regardless of brand, a second life. Capable of processing approximately 2 billion pieces of used clear PET plastic bottles, PETValue will be a significant contributor to a circular economy in the country and will create more direct and indirect job opportunities for Filipinos. The facility’s locally produced recycled PET resin will also be used for Coca-Cola products in recycled PET plastic packaging, thus creating a circular economy within the Philippines.

“These initiatives are a testament to the vast potential of PET plastic bottle collection for recycling in helping build a circular economy for our packaging here in the Philippines,” said Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. “We strongly believe in multi-sector partnership and we’ll be doing more to grow our sustainability network in the years to come.”

HARNESSING THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS FOR COLLECTION AND CAPACITY BUILDING

To help reduce water challenges and develop community water resilience, Coca-Cola and its social investment arm, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI), have fostered several partnerships targeted to rehabilitate watersheds and provide communities in underserved areas with access to clean and safe water. Among its long-term partners is the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines), which helps conserve a large proportion of the Sapang Munti Micro Watershed. CCCFPI and WWF also collaborated to launch Daloy: Reimagining TigumAganan Watershed, which will assess the water system of the Tigum and Aganan rivers to help achieve a sustainable water future for communities in Iloilo City and surrounding provinces.

Phase 1 of the project concluded with 16,000 kilos of waste collected and diverted through junk shops and composting. The project will soon be expanded to include Taytay in Palawan and will scale up waste management strategies in Davao Gulf.

The Foundation has also joined forces with Plastic Bank, Pure Oceans, and Peacepond Farmers Association to implement projects that expand the company’s collection initiatives, help empower workers in the solid waste management sector, and mobilize residents to create zero-waste communities in various regions of the country.

Another innovative partnership is with Bokashi Pinoy, which developed the BAZERO Solid Waste Management 3E Program, a six-month information and educational campaign to drive changes to solid waste management and soil regeneration. The project was able to divert 15 tons of food waste from landfills and certify 600 Bokashi Pinoy Practitioners with positive behavior change at the household level.

Alongside this Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, with the support of 28 partner NGOs, has contributed to programs that have collected over 25,000 kilos of waste and empowered more than 680 waste pickers in over 200 barangays nationwide.

More than supporting the collection and recycling of packaging waste, Coca-Cola Philippines also supports initiatives to help uplift the well-being of the informal waste sector and their families. Through a partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the company, through CCFPI, has supported this sector with programs in Sitio Pintor, Rizal. These initiatives provided parenting and nutrition education to mothers, resources for public school teachers, a 120-day supplemental feeding program for children, safety, and personal protective equipment for 100 families relying on waste picking. The partnership also provided clean water access and handwashing facilities to the community.

Continuing the success of the 5by20 program that the company started in 2010, Coca-Cola partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to develop the National Solid Waste Management Training Program for a World Without Waste. The partnership created TESDAcertified skills training programs for workers in the waste sector. The program has been a success at Angono, Rizal, with plans to make it available to more LGUs next year.

“We are devoted to our goal to help create a World Without Waste while helping improve the lives of the communities and the people that we serve,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of CocaCola Foundation Philippines, Inc,. “Forging strong partnerships with private organizations and the government makes our goal more achievable, as this helps us promote collective action and empower Filipinos to do their part in creating a debris-free environment, from the grassroots to the national level.”

EMPOWERING MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS ACROSS THE NATION

Reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Coca-Cola Philippines continues to support the economic empowerment of microentrepreneurs. The company continued this year the iSTAR Program, the digitized adaptation of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program implemented in partnership with TESDA. To date, the program has reached over 250,000 women entrepreneurs in the retail sector across 17 regions and 81 provinces of the Philippines, giving MSMEs access to tools, skills training, and peer-to-peer networks that will improve their business acumen and consequently help break the cycle of generational poverty.

USE

PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE RESOURCE

Beyond partnerships, CCBPI is committed to strengthening sustainability efforts at the operational level by focusing on resource

In keeping with its global commitment to return every drop of water used in its finished beverages back to nature and communities, Coca-Cola is expanding its water leadership efforts to provide community access to clean, potable water. Since 1992, the company has worked with partners on projects that have provided safe water access to thousands of Filipinos across hundreds of underserved areas, such as the P4Water project in partnership with USAID and MUAD-Negros.

It has also adopted a 2030 Water strategy to support water security for its operations, local communities, and watersheds. As a testament to its efforts, CCBPI received the award for best in Water Resource Management from the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines during its first Europa 2020 awards.

CHOICES AND REDUCING ADDED SUGAR

OFFERING MORE

As the company forges ahead toward becoming a total beverage company, CocaCola Philippines continues to evolve and offer a wide array of beverages–expanding not only in different beverage categories beyond soda, water, and juices–but also in offering more options, including drinks with less added sugar and more brands with low- and no-calorie options. This year alone, Coca-Cola continued to expand its Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Sprite Zero Sugar variants to more outlets, introduced CocaCola Vanilla Zero Sugar, and offered its limitededition Coca-Cola Creations Marshmello drink in zero sugar flavor. The company also provided smaller packaging choices for consumers to choose the beverages that fit their needs.

“We are proud to serve Filipino consumers with their favorite brands of beverages as we respond to evolving needs and preferences, support communities and the environment while building a thriving and sustainable business in the Philippines for the future,” said del Rosario.

Know more about Coca-Cola Philippines and its programs at coca-cola.com.ph or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Ray S. Eñano (on leave), Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

The Coca-Cola system in the Philippines continuously works with partners from the government, private sector, and civil society to implement packaging collection efforts across the nation, promote zero waste communities, and build competencies of workers in the solid waste management sector.

Coca-Cola Philippines, through its partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has implemented the iSTAR Program, which equips micro-retailers with training and access to financial resources that can help empower them to scale up their businesses.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. has partnered with Indorama Ventures to establish PETValue Philippines, the country’s first food-grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility that makes use of advanced recycling technologies to process over 2 billion pieces of used clear PET plastic bottles. The recycled PET resin from the facility will be used for Coca-Cola brands in recycled PET plastic packaging.

CCFPI is also working with WWF on the Plastic Smart Cities program, which has piloted tailor-fit waste management solutions for cities, coastal communities, islands, and lowlands in the Davao region and Sorsogon.

The company’s water stewardship programs have reached out to local communities providing access to safe water, protecting and restoring watersheds, and educating citizens on the importance of conservation in order to ensure that water continues to flow for life. It has also made innovations in operations to ensure sustainability is achieved in every aspect of the business.

compliant.

Musk says nearly 100 Starlinks now in operation in Iran

SAN FRANCISCO, United States—

Nearly 100 Starlink internet terminals are currently operating in Iran, SpaceX chief Elon Musk said Monday.

The tycoon had promised to bring the satellite internet network to the country in September as Iranian authorities imposed increasingly severe access restrictions, in a move activists called a campaign to limit information about protests that had broken out nationwide.

“Approaching 100 Starlinks active in Iran,” Musk tweeted Monday.

Starlink has more than 2,000 tiny satellites orbiting just a few hundred kilometers above Earth, providing internet access to users below.

The land-based terminals are then wired up to basic routers that create small wifi spots.

Earlier this year, controversial billionaire Musk gained hero status in Ukraine after sending thousands of Starlink terminals to the country in the days after Russia’s invasion.

Ukraine now has 20,000 of the small white receivers throughout the country.

Twitter head Musk’s Monday message was posted in response to a user whose video they said was taken in the “streets of Iran,” where there is now “more freedom for the women to choose whether they cover their hair or not.”

The post appeared to reference protests that swept Iran and the world after the September death of 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini following her arrest in Tehran for an alleged breach of the country’s strict dress code for women.

Iran has unleashed a crackdown arresting around 14,000 people, according to the UN, and killing 469 protesters, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights.

The country’s top security body in early December gave a toll of more than 200 people killed, including security officers.

The authorities had already restricted access to Instagram and WhatsApp -- until this autumn, the last remaining unfiltered social media services -- and then clamped down on apps like the Google Play Store as well as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that seek to circumvent local access restrictions. AFP

Stock market advances; Converge and PLDT rise

STOCKS rose Tuesday, tracking the movement of other Asian markets as China said it would end quarantine for arrivals, spurring hopes for the revival of the world’s second-largest economy and boosting oil which continued its upward surge on fears of Russian production cuts.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, rose 23 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 6,564.90 as four of the six subsectors advanced, led by property companies.

The broader all-share index also went up 8 points, or 0.26 percent, to settle at 3,441.42 on a value turnover of P2.89 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 97 to 88, while 42 issues were unchanged.

Six of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Converge ICT Inc. which climbed 5.60 percent to P14.70 and Ayala Land Inc. which went up 2.74 percent to P30.00.

PLDT Inc. gained 2.60 percent to P1,262.00.

Most Asian markets also traded higher Tuesday as China reversed its strict pandemic restrictions even as a surge in infections overtakes the country.

The curbs had torpedoed the economy and sparked nationwide protests.

The latest easing will see three years of border controls end on January 8 when Beijing downgrades Covid-19 to a Class B infectious disease.

People in China have since gone rushing to search for overseas flights, with the reopening set to be a boon for the travel industry.

China’s benchmark Shanghai index and the second index in Shenzhen both posted healthy gains, while Tokyo ended a shade higher with Seoul, Singapore and Mumbai all also up. Markets in Hong Kong and Sydney were still closed for a holiday.

“Global equities climbed Tuesday while the dollar declined amid positive sentiment from China upping the speed limits on zero-Covid off ramps and the softening of a key inflation measure in the US,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said.

“Inbound tourism is not a huge economic bounty for China relative to domestic tourism but policy fast-track and early zero-Covid exit means growth could recover enormously,” he added.

Markets have also been buoyed by fresh data last week that indicated a slowing of US inflation, as well as an uptick in consumer spending, which saw Wall Street take gains into the Christmas break.

But the news was not definitive and all eyes will be on how the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to balance inflationary concerns alongside the possibility of a recession caused by increased borrowing costs. With AFP

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 FERRO 2.36 0.34 16.83%

2 PRC 7.89 0.89 12.71%

3 COAL 0.23 0.02 9.52%

4 CPG 0.37 0.025 7.25%

5 FJP 2.1 0.12 6.06%

6 CNVRG 14.7 0.78 5.60%

7 HOME 1.52 0.08 5.56%

8 PRIM 2.05 0.1 5.13%

9 SSP 1.45 0.07 5.07%

10 CLI 2.7 0.13 5.06%

TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 LSC 0.455 -0.14 -22.88%

2 NRCP 0.56 -0.06 -9.68%

3 MAH 0.65 -0.05 -7.14%

4 2GO 6.5 -0.48 -6.88%

5 JOH 5.58 -0.41 -6.84%

6 ABSP 7.5 -0.5 -6.25%

7 LC 0.11 -0.007 -5.98%

8 FOOD 0.51 -0.03 -5.56%

9 PERC 4.6 -0.2 -4.17%

10 ORE 0.69 -0.03 -4.17%

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME VALUE (PHP)

1 SM 352,220 326,670,705

2 TEL 148,605 188,581,095

3 JFC 792,850 181,447,338

4 SMPH 4,627,300 164,639,750

5 ALI 4,703,700 139,544,265

6 CNVRG 9,221,700 132,675,200

7 BDO 1,239,460 131,496,783

8 MONDE 10,817,900 124,715,812

9 ACEN 15,106,800 114,415,707

10 UBP 1,224,890 102,118,111

Prepayment meters worsen energy inequality in the UK

The

Pierre-Joseph, 40, who lives with her grown-up daughter, was recently switched to a prepayment meter by her supplier following a debt dispute.

She now pays more for electricity and gas than the old direct-debit payment system, worsening the cost-of-living crisis as prices of food and other essentials also soar.

More than two million UK homes are connected via such smart prepay devices which link up to suppliers and use remote credit payment.

Another two million households have older prepay meters which use electronic keys or cards that are charged up at local shops.

‘Top up now’

“About six weeks ago, I came home from shopping, and I went into my kitchen, put bags down, and looked at my smart meter,” PierreJoseph told AFP.

“And it had a message that said, ‘Top up now’, and had about £3 [$3.60] on there, which was really odd.”

Credit can be purchased online, over the phone or via the post office and a network of small shops.

Domestic energy prices have rocketed across Europe this year following key gas producer Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

And people with prepayment meters -- who tend to be poorer -- have been the worst affected because they charge in advance and cost more, according to Peter Smith, policy director at fuel poverty charity National Energy Action.

“We

“It

Consumer associations estimate that hundreds of thousands of UK homes could be forced into prepayment meters due to spiraling debts during the cold northern hemisphere winter.

Households are rarely disconnected for non-payment of energy bills by suppliers in Britain.

Instead, the real risk is “self-disconnection”, where the poor face a stark choice between heating or eating –and choose the latter.

Some “households just don’t have the means to top up their energy meters and stop consuming energy in their home, much to the detriment of their health and well-being”, Smith warned.

‘Very challenging’

UK energy regulator Ofgem has also expressed deep concern.

“We’ve become aware of possible failings in how some suppliers treat vulnerable smart meter consumers, including some customers being switched to prepayment meters without full regard to the customer’s situation,” it said.

“In extreme cases the reports we’ve received suggest this has led to some vulnerable customers being left without power for days or even weeks.

AFP

same time and date in the presence of the participating bidders.

The LGU reserves the rights to reject any or all bids without offering any reason, to waive any formality or technicality, and to award to any bidder whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the LGU. The LGU neither assumes any obligation for any loss whatsoever that may incurred by the bidder on the preparation of their respective bids nor does the LGU guarantee that an award will be made.

Approved: EDNA A. PERANG, EnP MPDC/BAC Chairman

NOTED: THELMA G. LAMANILAO, MD Municipal Mayor (MS-DEC. 28, 2022)

By Olivier Devos

LONDON, United Kingdom—A bitter cold descends on snowtopped terraced houses in north London as Samantha Pierre-Joseph warms her living room with a small whirring fan heater.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NEW YEAR TRADITION. An employee harvests Vinalopo grapes at a vineyard in Novelda, eastern Spain, on Dec. 26, 2022. In a nearly century-old tradition, many Spaniards eat 12 Vinalopo grapes as midnight strikes on New Year’s eve, lured by the promise of good luck to those who manage a grape and wish per chime. AFP

home, bedecked with snowflake decorations and a Christmas tree, has the central heating switched off to save cash as energy bills rocket but temperatures plunge.

In contrast, a direct-debit billing system allows consumers to spread the cost and access cheaper tariffs under normal market conditions.

know that households on prepayment meters have been the hardest hit by the energy crisis (because) from day one, they’ve had to pay for the soaring cost of energy upfront,” Smith told AFP.

is a more expensive payment method compared to direct debit.”

Samantha PierreJoseph poses for a photograph in her house in London on Dec. 13, 2022 during an interview with AFP. Pierre-Joseph, 40, who lives with her grown-up daughter, was recently switched to a prepay meter by her supplier. She now pays more for electricity and gas than the old direct-debit payment system to heat her house, worsening the cost-of-living crisis as prices of food and other essentials also soar. AFP

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ screens in 4DX and IMAX cinemas

The

By Patricia Taculao

IT HAS undoubtedly been an eventful year for Director Paul Soriano and his wife, actress-host Toni Gonzaga . They dominated headlines in Philippine media for several months because of their projects, accolades, and especially when they voiced their beliefs.

Paul also became the newly-installed Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications, adding to his role as a husband, father, and director. Nonetheless, he remains dedicated to his purpose and responsibilities while maintaining the values he believes.

As a husband and father

Gaining media fame throughout the year also meant receiving backlash from the public.

In their upcoming movie, My Teacher, Paul fulfills a goal for Toni, who holds teachers in high regard. He simply follows the mantra “happy wife, happy life” when it comes to his relationship with the actress-host. Paul also remains his wife’s biggest fan.

“If I can a step back, and from a perspective of not being her husband, or her producer or director, I believe Toni is probably the most powerful celebrity today,” Paul said during a press conference at Winford Manila last Monday, December 5.

His stance comes from seeing Toni take criticisms from bashers but continue to get up and face another day.

MOONTON Games taps ABS-CBN as M4 World Championship broadcast partner

INTERNATIONAL gaming developer and publisher MOONTON Games has forged a partnership with the Philippines’ leading media and content company ABSCBN Corporation to stream the upcoming M4 World Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia, from January 1 to 15.

ABS-CBN Corporation has vowed to deliver a premium livestreaming experience for global Filipino fans anticipating the M4 World Championship. This is in line with MOONTON Games’ goal to provide the best esports experience to its fans.

M4 World Championship’s Group and Knockout Stages will be shown live on the network’s streaming platform iWantTFC, with the Grand Finals showcased on iWantTFC, ABS-CBN Entertainment, and ABS-CBN Sports YouTube channels, January 15. Selected matches will also be replayed on TV via the Kapamilya Channel.

“ABS-CBN and iWantTFC continue to find ways to expand its content offerings to cater to more viewers. With our partnership with MOONTON Games, one of the leaders in esports, it is a great opportunity for us to bring premier esports content to even more audiences in the Philippines, which is already one of the biggest esports communities in Southeast Asia,” said Jamie Lopez, head of ABS-CBN digital.

“We are grateful for this partnership with ABS-CBN to level up the streaming experience of our fans. Now, Filipinos can watch the much-awaited M4 World Championship in multiple streaming platforms, and rally behind both ECHO and Blacklist International as both teams strive to bring glory to our country through another world title,” said MOONTON Games Senior esports marketing manager Tonyo Silva

The many roles of Paul Soriano

highest-grossing film of 2022.

“I’ve seen her in her darkest moments. I’ve seen her vulnerable, but she chooses to get up and face that camera. She could have easily just moved out, taken all the criticisms, and gone somewhere else,” the director said.

Moreover, despite their busy schedules, he and Toni always find time to look after their only son, Sevi

During his busy days, Toni would spend some time with Sevi and vice versa. The noted director also shared that he makes adjustments to pick up their son from school whenever possible.

As a director

For the upcoming film My Teacher, Paul directed Toni again, but it’s his first time doing it with her as his wife. Although Toni conceptualized and wrote the film during the pandemic, Paul still exercises his authority on set.

He admitted there were creative differences between him and Toni, but he’s not rigid in accepting others’ ideas. He welcomes debates to get a better perspective of things.

Joining Toni in My Teacher is veteran actor and comedian Joey De Leon. Like Toni, Joey also shares insights on certain scenes, which Paul also considers.

As the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications

His position in the government gives Paul a unique opportunity to advance the creative industry and relate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s idea that communication is an essential tool in shedding light on the true meaning of public services.

“We shall endeavor to bridge the need to enhance our creative industry and create that synergy of culture, history, and the performing arts to re-awaken the pride and patriotism in our country,” Paul said.

Paul will hold the position for six years. Everyone now has their sights on him and Toni and where they’ll go next.

Unrivaled on air, a force to reckon with online

BROADCAST giant GMA Network continues to achieve great heights beyond television as it further cements its solid dominance across various digital platforms, growing online followers and reaching audiences from all demographics.

The network’s official YouTube channels have taken over ABS-CBN’s in total monthly views in October and November 2022. GMA’s YouTube channels tallied a total of 784,340,818 views in October and 666,927,697 in November. ABS-CBN’s, on the other hand, had 708,777,743 and 633,172,250 views for the same period, according to data from Tubular Labs.

Driving this growth are well-loved Kapuso shows Lolong, Abot Kamay na Pangarap, and Running Man PH. Further attracting online traffic is the high-rating and talked-about series Maria Clara at Ibarra reaching peak viewership for the channel in October.

The only Philippine network to own three Diamond Creator Awards, GMA Network keeps on making milestone after milestone on YouTube.

As the ‘News Authority of the Filipino,’ GMA Integrated News, likewise reigns supreme as the number one local news channel on YouTube, leading in numbers every month. With 12.7 million subscribers, it tallied a total of 2.3 billion views for January to November 2022, while ABS-CBN News had 1.3 billion.

GMA Integrated News’ livestream of 24 Oras continues to be watched by online audiences, while the condensed versions of 24 Oras and other newscasts remain as top news sources for Kapuso viewers abroad.

Meanwhile, digital powerhouse GMA Public Affairs recently crossed the 20-million-subscriber mark on YouTube. This comes on the heels of amassing 10 million subscribers in 2020, which gave GMA Network its second Diamond Play Button. The first 10M-subscriber feat was achieved by GMA Entertainment in 2019 while GMA News followed suit in 2021.

To date, the Public Affairs channel has tallied 12.8 billion views from 2009 and has recorded 1.2 billion hours of watched videos.

Receiving the Gold Play Button award this year is the comedy channel YouLOL, which now has 1.54 million subscribers. YouLOL features the best Filipino comedians in one channel and bite-sized highlights from hit GMA comedy shows.

Growing their subscribers as well are Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Family Feud Philippines, which both earned the Silver Play Button after reaching 100,000 subscribers, with the latter hitting the milestone in less than 10 days – the fastest so far for a GMA Network account. At

present, Family Feud Philippines has almost 590,000 subscribers.

This year, GMA Network also introduced its latest addition to its roster of YouTube channels – “ATM: Adventure. Taste. Moments.” The lifestyle channel promotes self-love by inspiring viewers to live their best lives.

In time for the Christmas Season, GMA Public Affairs inked a partnership with YouTube for an original series entitled Pinoy Christmas In Our Hearts Exclusively available on YouTube, the four-part series brings together awardwinning broadcast journalist Jessica Soho and mainstream creators and celebrities Ninong Ry, Small Laude, Christian Antolin, and Herlene Budol as they treat Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to a heart-warming holiday celebration. The videos have so far amassed over two million views based on YouTube Analytics.

GMA’s YouTube channel is powered by the Network’s forerunner in technology, GMA New Media, Inc. (GMA NMI). NMI is also behind the Kapuso Stream which allows viewers to watch some of the official, full episodes of GMA programs via live streaming on YouTube.

Connecting to Younger Audience GMANetwork.com is also the highest ranked local News & Entertainment website in the country last November 2022, according to Similarweb. The Network’s website garnered 14.4 million visits in the same period.

Further, in the Digital News Report 2022 released by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, GMA Network received the highest trust among Philippines’ top news brands. GMA was also the top brand for both online (GMA News Online) and offline (24 Oras, Saksi) platforms.

On Facebook, the GMA Network page has logged 1,768,491,355 views in

November alone, taking over ABS-CBN’s page which only got 1,519,629,307 views

GMA has amassed 22,590,488 Facebook likes as of writing, leading ABS-CBN by over half a million which only has 21,974,563 likes. Some of GMA Network’s top Facebook content include Kapuso ArtisTambayan, Kapuso Watchfest, Kapuso Exclusives, Program Online Exclusives from GMA programs, Kapuso Stream, and Kapuso Covers

GMA Integrated News’ Facebook page, on the other hand, has 21.56 million followers. Various newscasts and shows have amassed a solid online presence as well, totaling 16.21 million followers, with 24 Oras nearing 10 million. In terms of viewership, GMA Integrated News amassed over 2.8 billion views for January to November 2022, while ABS-CBN News had 1.4 billion.

Still on Facebook, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) remains as the most followed news magazine show in the Philippines with 28.8 million followers. GMA Public Affairs, on the other hand, currently has 9.6 million followers.

GMA further extends its online supremacy on popular video platform TikTok.

The Network’s official handle now has 1,932,597 followers and 481,476,425 views as of November 2022. Some of its top posts are from the daily showbiz news updates Kapuso Showbiz News, Kapuso Rewind, TikTok Live of Kapuso artists, and behind-the-scenes exclusives.

GMA Integrated News likewise tallies impressive numbers on Titktok with 1.5 million followers. Data from the Reuters Institute Digital News Report shows that GMA Integrated News and 24 Oras are among the top news publishers on the said platform.

In Asia Pacific (excluding Indonesia),

GMA Integrated News ranks eighth in the list of most followed news publishers. It is also among the top publishers worldwide on average viewership, alongside global news brands NBC News, BBC News, and Yahoo.

Meanwhile, 24 Oras, which has 1.8 million followers, is the first Philippine newscast to livestream locally on the platform.

With unique and original content, GMA Public Affairs continues to attract followers at 3.5 million. KMJS, which was hailed as the Top Media Publisher in this year’s TikTok Awards Philippines, further flexes its online power with its followers almost nearing 5 million as of this writing.

On Twitter, GMA Network has 1.7 million followers, while GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs have 6.4 million and over 230,000 followers, respectively.

These Kapuso handles are growing on Instagram as well. GMA Network has 2 million followers while GMA Integrated News has 1.7 million and GMA Public Affairs with almost 400,000.

On top of these numbers, GMA’s digital efforts are also acknowledged by different award-giving bodies.

This year, the Network’s Eleksyon 2022 digital campaign Dapat Totoo won “Best in Audience Engagement” at the World Association of News Publishers, Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2022. It likewise took home the “Best in Audience Engagement” honor at the Digital Media Asia Awards 2022. GMA is the first-ever Philippine TV network that won in the events and in both categories.

The network’s Eleksyon coverage likewise made GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs the top news outlets in the Philippines, clinching fifth and ninth spots, respectively in Tubular Labs’ global leaderboard for Overall Creators in the News and Politics content genre. It bested international outlets such as ABC News (No. 23), Fox News (No. 27), Reuters (No. 31), and Al Jazeera (No. 33).

As the year winds to a close, GMA’s Digital Video Lab has won the latest round of the Google News Initiative (GNI) Asia Pacific Innovation Challenge for a comprehensive new project called “InoculatED,” that aims to combat online misinformation.

These numbers and recognitions prove that the majority of tech-savvy consumers put their confidence in the Kapuso Network as it brings credible and outstanding content both online and on-air.

ENJOY the holiday spirit with an adventure that takes you to the breathtaking world of Pandora in Avatar: The Way of Water. The must-see spectacle this Christmas season for families and friends, breaking new ground

Academy Award-winning epic adventure, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña return as Jake Sully and Neytiri. Set ten years after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water shows how

film also stars Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi, and Kate Winslet

James Cameron sci-fi sequel has now earned 20th Century $287.7 million in the US, becoming the fifth

in the same period according to Tubular Labs.

Film director and Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano

GMA Network’s home page

A scene from ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

CCP MET Opera Live in HD presents Donizetti’s ‘La Fille Du Régiment’

THE CCP Met Opera in HD kicks off the New Year with the special screening of Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti’s La Fille Du Régiment on January 10, 5:30 p.m., at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Malls Cinemas in Makati City.

Bel canto stars Pretty Yende and Javier Camarena team up for a feast of vocal fireworks on the Met stage. Baritone Maurizio Muraro plays Sergeant Sulplice, with mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe as the outlandish Marquise of Berkenfield. La Fille Du Régiment is an opera in two acts conducted by Enrique Mazzola.

It tells the story of an adopted daughter of the 21st Regiment of the

French army, named Marie, who fell in love with a boy (Tonio) who saved her life spite of him being a part of the nation’s enemy. While fighting for their love for each other, their plans of getting married were torn to pieces as their true identity of Marie got exposed.

The marquise, Marie’s mother, wishes her to marry the nephew of the Duchess and dismisses her love for Tonio. Catch how Tonio fights for his love and rescues Marie from the chaotic situation.

In its seventh season, the CCP Met Opera in HD is a special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast

and New Media Division, Production and Exhibition Department, in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas. The series showcases operatic productions through high-definition digital video technology and Dolby sound, recreating the experience of watching an opera production at the Met “live.”

For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates.

Experiencing the colorful city of Cotabato

By Kyle Llamas

FOR the first time in history, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao collaborated with the City Government of Cotabato to celebrate the Great Work of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan.

It is a festival showing off the colorful, vibrant, and rich culture of the Bangsamoro People and honoring the contribution of Kabunsuan, bringing the teaching of Islam to Mainland Mindanao and Lanao.

The festival started on December 15 and ended on the 19th with the “Guinakit” fluvial parade in the Tamontaka River, Cotabato City.

This year’s theme is “One heritage, one culture, endless possibilities,” highlighting inclusivity, diversity, and unique traditions among tri-people communities in the Bangsamoro region, including Moro, Christians, and Indigenous people.

Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao led the reenactment of the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan in the Philippines through the rivers of Rio Grande de Mindanao.

After the opening program and reenactment, the afternoon got heated because of the passion and termination of schools and dance troupes from different provinces of Cotabato City who joined the “Kuyog” Showcase Competition.

The top three winners took home almost P1 million worth of cash prizes and trophies, including P50,000 for a consolation prize.

The second runner-up received P150,000 (Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao), first runner-up received P250,000 (Isulan, Sultan Kudarat), and the champion received P350,000 (Tulunan, North Cotabato).

The festival also showcased locally manufactured products of various tribes in Cotabato City and the Bangsamoro region to show diversity and inclusivity.

Culture, arts, and tradition

From the second day to the fourth day of the festival, it focused even more on the cultures, arts, and traditions by showcasing the Life and Works of Kabunsuan, the Quran Reading Exhibition, Colors of Cotabato, and the Inaul Fashion Show.

In the Quran reading competition held at Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, 15 contestants show off their passion by reading the central religious text of Islam.

Another highlight of the week-long festival was their very own Inaul fashion show.

According to Cotabato City Tourism Council chair Bai Sandra Sema, former Maguindanao representative, the inaul cloth is a heritage that warrants preservation and deserves national recognition.

“We are working to push inaul to become a national fabric,” Sema said. “If we are talking about unity, if we are to talk about solidarity, the Philippines must recognize inaul as the national fabric.”

What a year it has been

GLAZING LIFE

BY GLAIZA LEE

A COUPLE of days ago, someone special asked me: what was my favorite memory of 2022?

It was a question that made me stop on my track and pushed me to reflect on how my year has been. This year has been a roller coaster ride. I won some, I lost some.

Lots of changes have happened. Some of my favorite colleagues have retired (shout out to Michele Logarta, our OIC who steered the whole team throughout the pandemic), and will be retiring soon (hello, sir Andrew Baldonado).

It’s the year when we had to step up even with the limited human resources we have and do a better job at promoting our shows and projects. We’ve dealt with unexpected things, but I hope we could at least receive an outstanding grade.

Personally, 2022 has been a year of realizations, reflecting on the things that are acceptable and sustainable, grasping

new opportunities when they arrive, stepping up the game, acquiring new skills, asserting myself while choosing which dragons to slay, and strengthening friendships.

This year, it was all about advocating work-life balance, as well as working smarter than harder, and knowing when to rest without feeling guilty. Hence; all those weekend getaways I did throughout the year. I rested when I needed to, which meant going on trips to the beach, my happy place.

Finding that happy place you can always go back to when you need to destress and recharge from your hectic life is necessary.

Recently, I had a chance to change scenery before things got too hectic this holiday season. Through the invitation of Nestor Jardin and Celine Arenillo, I was able to visit Pico de Loro Beach again.

I first visited the place sometime in 2008, when the newest SM real estate development partnered with the WWF Philippines to plant 40 taklobos (giant clams) in Santelmo Reef on Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas.

A couple of years later, I found myself

Inaul is a Maguindanaon term meaning woven, symbolizing strength and demanding pride and respect from its wearer.

The inaul’s best known patterns are the panigabi, makabimban, and binaludto (rainbow) (taro). Sinindengan, matampuhay-seko, seko-kawang, and sinupikan motifs are featured in the weft weave.

The karanda and the unusual tie-dye fabric known as binaludan (ikat), which features waving patterns, are other weaving techniques.

The designers featured in the fashion show were Wilfred Yee, Melissa Ajaddi Chin, Akmad Kari Jr., Cely Nicolas, and Marc Gernan.

The festival also showcased the rich flavors and species of delicacies and desserts in their Culinary Showcase held in the Bangsamoro Government Center.

Most of their food features coconut, coconut milk, and coconut meat.

Unity

The message of peace and unity despite

differences should be interpreted from the celebration’s use of the colors “red, yellow, and green,” according to Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao.

Wood is the primary component of the Guinakit. Riders carry musical instruments, and the vehicle has colorful traditional Muslim clothing.

“More than the display of this colorful bancas (motorboat), this celebration symbolizes strong Islamic faith in Mindanao while respecting and living side by side with peoples of various faiths, cultures, and traditions,” Matabalao said in Magindanaoan.

Despite the number of Muslims in Cotabato City, they do not treat Christians and Indigenous people differently. They all promote inclusivity and peace, which is why locals and tourists enjoy the week-long festival.

Spectators viewed the Guinakit fluvial parade (a convoy of bancas) in the Tamontaka River, which flows into the southwest seacoast of Cotabato City.

at the premier seaside development on Hamilo Coast again when they formally opened in 2011. Only two and a half hours away from Manila, the 1.5-kilometer sandy shore of Pico de Loro Cove offers a comprehensive selection of recreational and leisure activities. Guests and club members can enjoy a variety of food and beverage outlets that each offers unique and exciting menus.

This year, I returned to join their holiday festivities. They ushered in the festive season with a Christmas tree lighting by the beach, led by Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club chairwoman Elizabeth T. Sy, president Rita Dy; SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation SVP for Operations Walid Wafik, and Costa del Hamilo VP for Project Development Imee Francisco.

The 30-foot Christmas tree, which symbolizes joy and positivity, was handmade. Pico de Loro, as I mentioned during dinner, has the most creative staff. As early as September, a small team led by housekeeping supervisor and chief designer Florencio Garcia would gather locally sourced materials and found objects around the cove. They would turn these

recyclables into creative decorations, including the bird-inspired Christmas tree. The team worked with the Engineering team, led by chief engineer Paul King, to make the carefully handcrafted decorations come to life and bring joyous sparks.

Stage/film actor Vien King serenaded the guests during the tree lighting, followed by the ceremonial gift-giving for Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. Proceeds from the sale of the Green Christmas products were received by Jennalyn Platon, on behalf of the foundation. Guests enjoyed sumptuous cocktails specially prepared by the culinary team headed by executive sous chef Charles Marinduque.

The media team, with blogger friends Alex De Vera Dizon, Rod Magaru, Ryan San Juan, and Myke Soon, as well as veteran journalist friends Carla Mortel, Lea Manto-Beltran, and Annie Alejo, enjoyed our stay at Pico Sands Hotel, the tropical contemporary hotel that offers 154 wellappointed rooms with captivating views of the lush mountains and tranquil lagoon. We even had a chance to visit Santelmo cove again, even with a last-minute request from our lovely host.

It was a short stay, but it was enough to

Nickie

Over 500 years ago, Shariff Kabunsuan and his boat of Muslim missionaries arrived in Mindanao along the banks of Masla Pulangi, today known as Rio Grande de Mindanao, on a massive ban-

rejuvenate our weary city souls. ***

In four days, we will say goodbye to 2022 and welcome the new year. We won’t know what curve balls life would throw our way, or how things will pan out. But I hope things will work out well in our favor.

Here’s to more adventures, taking chances, and being happy. Cheers!

‘La fille du Régiment’ (The Daughter of the Regiment) is an opéra comique in two acts by Gaetano Donizetti

The media team at Santelmo Cove

Pico de Loro is a premium leisure resort located in Nasugbu, Batangas

The 30-foot ‘green’ Christmas tree in Pico de Loro

The Kuyog competition champion, Tulunan, North Cotabato

A captivating piece designed and styled by Wildred Yee

Mayor Mohammad Ali ‘Bruce’ dela Cruz Matabalao during his opening remarks held at Cotabato State University