Manila Standard - 2023 February 11 - Saturday

PH, Japan blast Russia’s war

Call for troop pullout from Ukraine, tag nuke use as ’unacceptable’

THE Philippines and Japan “deplored in the strongest terms” the aggression made by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and called for its complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine.

According to a joint statement of the two countries issued by the Embassy of Japan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the position during a Summit-level Working Dinner on Thursday evening, in relation to the hostilities happening in other countries.

Lower Meralco bill, rollback in fuel prices set

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FILIPINOS are getting some relief from the high prices of fuel and electricity this month.

Consumers can expect a price rollback for petroleum products of as much as P2 per liter by Tuesday next week as it reflects the movement of prices in the world oil market.

Rodela Romero, Department of Energy director for the Oil Industry

Quake death toll tops 21,000, 2 Pinoys among dead

RESCUERS scoured debris in a desperate search for survivors on Friday four days after a massive earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, killing nearly 22,000 people, as the United States offered an $85-million aid package.

The Philippine Embassy in Turkey confirmed that two Filipinos were among those killed in the quake but did not identify them. It said it was coordinating with their families.

“It is with deepest regret that the Embassy must

"In this context, the two leaders stressed that the use or threat of nuclear weapons is unacceptable," the statement indicated.

"The two leaders also strongly opposed any attempt to jeopardize the foundation of the international order which

PBBM: Tokyo trip opens big opportunities

By Vince Lopez

TOKYO— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday urged top Japanese business leaders to invest more in the Philippines with the promise of a strong macro-economy, liberal business policy, and massive infrastructure development agenda.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Marcos witnessed the signing of 35 letters of intent (LOI) on investments and agreements between the Philippines and leading Japanese firms.

On top of the list was a memorandum of cooperation between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), signed by Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Nobuhiko Sasaki, chairman and CEO of JETRO.

During his speech at the Philippine Business Opportunities Forum, the President said the country has been "remarkable" in its recovery from the economic slump brought by the global pandemic,

Senate panel eyes task force, courts vs. agri smuggling

By Macon

Ramos-Araneta

The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food has recommended the creation of a presidential task force and special courts to focus on cases of smuggling of agricultural products, following the recent spike in the price of onions.

The anti-agricultural smuggling task force will be placed directly under the control and supervision of the Office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is also concurrent Agriculture Secretary.

“This will protect not only the onion industry but the entire agricultural sector,” said Sen. Cynthia Villar, who chairs the committee.

This developed as the P125-per-kilo

New BOC, NTC, ISAFP heads named

By Joel E. Zurbano, Vito Barcelo

and

Julito G. Rada

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Bienvenido Rubio as commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, replacing acting commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz.

Malacanang made the announcement Friday, days after the bureau celebrated its 121st anniversary, which was attended by Mr. Marcos.

Also on Friday, the Palace released the names of new appointees, including the respective heads of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the

PH,...

From A1 does not accept any change of the internationally recognized borders by force or coercion affecting Europe and any part of the world," it added.

Early in the conflict, US defense analysts have said Russia mightemploy tactical nuclear strikes to bring Ukraine down faster, but fears of this possibility have waned in recent weeks, the New York Times reported last week.

Marcos is in Japan for an official visit that aims to strengthen ties between Manila and Tokyo. He will be back in the country on Sunday, February 12.

The joint statement represents the strongest condemnation yet by Manila of Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has now lasted a year.

Previously, President Marcos described the Russia-Ukraine war as“unacceptable” and reiterated his call for both nations to end the conflict diplomatically.

“War is unacceptable and we ask all parties involved, there were several speeches that I made, urging that peace be brought back to Ukraine and that the con-

PBBM:...

From A1 citing its gross domestic product growth from 5.7 percent in 2021 to 7.6 percent last year.

"This growth—which exceeded expectations and our targets—was broadbased, reflecting high government spending and robust domestic demand driven by household consumption and private investments." Mr. Marcos said.

The President also noted that inflation in the country has remained "manageable," citing the December 15 forecast of the central bank that the 4.5 percent inflation rate this year will go down further to 2.8 percent next year.

"Aided by industrialization and jobcreation strategy, we expect the Philippine economy to graduate from lower-middleincome to upper-middle-income status by 2024, if not sooner. This will keep us on track in achieving high-income status by 2040," he said.

"Against this backdrop, we envision poverty incidence in the Philippines to be

Fil-Am...

From A1

The sentencing stems from crimes committed over a decade while the Gamos family operated the Rainbow Bright daycare and residential care company in Daly City, ABS-CBN reported.

Sentences imposed included nine years, eight months for Joshua Gamos, five years for Noel Gamos, and five years, eight months for Carlina Gamos.

Gerlen Gamos previously pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at a later date. The restitution hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2023.

The defendants targeted members of the Filipino community, many of whom were recent immigrants, using threats of arrest and deportation, false promises of immigration assistance, and passport confiscation.

“However, today’s sentencing did not recognize the level of horror that the Rainbow Bright victims experienced at the hands of the Gamos Family,” Bonta —who is Filipino-American—said in a statement.

“After ten years of abuse and nearly five years of court proceedings, today’s sentencing only put them through more

Quake...

From A1 inform the public of the passing of two Filipinos, both earlier reported to be missing in Antakya," the embassy said in a statement.

"The Embassy and Consulate General express their deepest condolences and are in coordination with the victims' families in both the Philippines and in Turkiye."

In an ABS-CBN report, Filipino journalist Ted Regencia, who is based in Istanbul, identified one of the Pinoy fatalities as Wilma Tezcan, whose death was confirmed by her daughter.

Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

NTC officer-in-charge Deputy Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez has been tapped as the agency's new commissioner, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil confirmed.

frontation be brought to the diplomatic space," he said last month.

Ukraine has been in conflict with Russia since February 2022, leading to the death of thousands and driving millions of Ukrainians to flee the country.

Mr. Marcos and PM Kishida further condemned North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles "including the unprecedented number of ballistic missiles [launched] last year."

They also reiterated the commitment "to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges of North Korea."

Reports last year said North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles, which triggered an alert to residents in parts of central and northern Japan to seek shelter.

Moreover, the two leaders denounced the abductions of Japanese citizens allegedly made by North Korea over the years as they also urged Pyongyang to immediately resolve the abductions issue.

They reaffirmed their intention to work closely for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation with a view to maintaining and strengthening the Treaty on the Non-

slashed by half or from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 9 percent by 2028," Mr. Marcos added.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Friday said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are in planning to put up three to four more underground railway systems in Metro Manila, which would extend all the way to Cavite province.

“As early as now, we are already planning for more subways in Metro Manila because this will ease the traffic,” Bautista said during the same Philippine Business Opportunities Forum.

The Transportation chief said the discussions for more subways are in the planning stage, which may be connected to the Metro Manila Subway Project starting in Makati City, which is now under construction.

In his earlier speech, the President thanked Japanese firms and partners for considering the Philippines as a place to grow their business.

The government has been working to deepen investor confidence in the Philippines by advancing “vital and game-

trauma. The victims showed resilience and courage throughout the proceedings.”

“We stand with them and will continue our fight to protect all Californians from injustice—because all Californians deserve dignity and respect,” he added.

The jury returned 38 felony guilty verdicts with multiple enhancements and aggravating factors against these defendants.

Employees of Rainbow Bright were forced to work excessive hours and sleep on floors and garages.

They were also deterred from leaving the dismal conditions by threats of being turned over to immigration officials and passport confiscation.

The jury found that the defendants took over $500,000 (about P27.2 million) from the scheme and acted with cruelty, viciousness, and callousness.

The California Department of Justice’s Victims’ Services Unit has worked with victim service providers to provide resources and support for survivors and their families throughout the case.

The Attorney General noted that human trafficking is a major issue in California and is prevalent in various industries, including hospitality, commercial sex, and construction.

Hailing from Lucena, Quezon, Wilma traveled from Istanbul to Hatay province on January 27 before Monday's quake, Regencia reported.

Meanwhile, the PH embassy said another Filipino who was reported missing in Antakya was discovered to be alive. Regencia said the Filipino was rescued from the rubble 60 hours after the quake struck.

Weng Timoteo, vice-president of the Filipino community in Turkey, told ABSCBN Filipinos are now banding together to help Tezcan's family.

Other Filipinos in Hatay whose houses were not destroyed in the quake have chosen to stay, she said. The Philippine government sent an 85-

Garafil also announced the appointment of Maj. Gen. Leonel Nicolas the new chief of ISAFP, the office in charge of the military's intelligence efforts. Meanwhile, resigned undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian was appointed as undersecretary for the Rice Industry Development of the Department of Agriculture.

Before his most recent appointment, Rubio was port operations service chief, and had also been assigned to the Intelligence Group and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service offices in Manila International Container Terminal (North Harbor) and the Port of Manila (South Harbor).

Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

Meanwhile, the Philippines and Japan are looking to have more substantial defense engagements in the coming years, after Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.'s meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu on Thursday on the sidelines of President Marcos Jr.'s official visit.

"The meeting concluded with the two countries looking forward to substantial defense engagements in the future, such as a possible reciprocal visit of Japan's Defense Minister in the Philippines, as well as the Philippines' hosting of the 2nd Foreign and Defense Ministerial (2+2) Meeting," Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Friday.

The two defense chiefs acknowledged the substantial progress of bilateral defense cooperation, especially on the recent signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) concerning humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

"Both sides looked forward to the full implementation of the TOR in enhancing

changing” reforms, he said.

"And it is our hope that companies such as yours will not only find the Philippines to be an attractive investment destination, we are designing our efforts to encourage you to stay and find our country to be a place where your businesses will thrive,” the President said.

The letters of intent are between the Philippines and Japan as well as different companies from both nations, covering a wide range of partnerships.

These include manufacturing, infrastructure development, energy, transportation, health care, and renewable energy.

The signing follows a day after the first meeting between President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo.

The business agreements signed include a wiring harness manufacturing expansion project with Asti Corp.; a printer manufacturing expansion project with Brother Industries, Ltd.; a hotel construction project with DoubleDragon Corp. and IwataChizaki Inc.; and a factory expansion project with Japan Tobacco Inc. Also included in the list are a new fac-

Lower...

From A1 Management Bureau, said that based on the four-day trading period, diesel and kerosene will go down by more than P2 per liter, but gasoline by less than P0.10 per liter.

An oil industry source told the Standard diesel may go down by P2 to P2.20 per liter, while gasoline is expected to go down by P0.05 per liter or no price change. It would be the second consecutive week of price rollbacks for fuel.

Meanwhile, customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will see lower bills as the power distributor slashed its household electricity rate for February.

In an advisory, Meralco said its overall household rate was cut by P0.0106 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P10.8895 per kWh, from January’s P10.9001 per kWh.

The reduction translates to a decrease of P2.12 in the electricity bill of a typical household consuming 200 kWh (see the full story in Business, page B1 –Editors).

On the oil price rollback, Romero said: "Yes (there’s a rollback) though it's only for the four-day trading (estimate), so the level of the rollback would still depend on

man response team to Turkey to help in the ongoing operations. The team arrived on Thursday in Istanbul, where most Filipinos are based and work as household service workers, businessmen, chefs, engineers, nurses, and teachers.

The first UN aid deliveries arrived on Thursday in Syrian rebel-held zones, but chances of finding survivors have dimmed since the passing of the threeday mark that experts consider a critical period to save lives.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) said its aid package will go to partners on the ground "to deliver urgently needed aid for millions of people," including through food, shelter,

He served during the time of then Customs commissioners Ruffy Biazon, Angelito Alvarez, John Sevilla and the late Danilo Lim. Under Rubio’s leadership, the agency is tasked to collect P901.3 billion, including P570.3 billion in value-added taxes from imports, P207.4 billion worth of excise taxes, P105.1 billion in import duties, and P18.5 billion from other fees.

In 2022, the BoC achieved the highest annual revenue collection in history amounting to P862.929 billion, exceeding its target collection of P721.52 billion by 19.6% or P141.409 billion. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

interoperability and capacities (of) the AFP and the JSDF on disaster response," Andolong said.

Galvez also took the opportunity to express appreciation to Japan for its provision of training, and search and rescue (SAR) equipment for the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The same engineering combat battalion is part of the Philippine Humanitarian Team to Türkiye in light of the recent earthquake (see story on A1—Editors).

Meanwhile, Hamada discussed Japan's new National Security Strategy, which was recently published in December 2022 that aims to reinforce Japan's defense capabilities, including counterstrike capabilities.

Galvez expressed appreciation for Japan's transparency on its new defense policies, and conveyed that Manila would continue to work with Tokyo in ensuring a peaceful, stable, and rules-based IndoPacific region.

Both ministers also exchanged views on regional security developments and discussed various areas of cooperation through bilateral, minilateral, and multilateral platforms. Vince Lopez

tory for auto parts with Kurabe Industrial Co, Ltd.; energy, transportation, health care, and afforestation projects with Marubeni Corp.; an automobile manufacturing expansion project and a commitment renewal to meet production targets with Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

Among the Philippine officials present were former President now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo, Trade Secretary Pascual, and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

The President said on Friday he had high hope after the business matching event arranged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for 85 Philippine companies yielded more than 255 meetings with their Japanese counterparts.

“In the afternoon, our delegates visited a facility in Odaiba that was built by a company that began as a startup and today builds ultra-compact spacecraft for comet exploration,” the President said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Friday [trading results]."

She said world oil prices declined after the US Energy Information Agency recorded an inventory build of 2.4 million barrels.

Fears of a tighter US monetary policy like further interest rate hikes also affected world prices.

“These reasons outweighed the signs of demand recovery in China,” Romero said.

On Feb. 7, local oil companies implemented a P2.10 per liter price rollback for gasoline, cutting diesel by P3, and kerosene by P2.30.

This resulted in a total net increase this year at P5.10 per liter for gasoline, P0.05 per liter for diesel, and P2.25 per liter for kerosene.

Meanwhile, Meralco attributed its lower rates to the decline in generation charge by 21.37 centavos to P6.9154 per kWh from P7.1291 per kWh the previous month due to lower costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) offset an increase in charges from Power Supply Agreements (PSAs).

In particular, WESM charges decreased by P3.7370 per kWh as the supply situation in the Luzon grid improved with less generation capacity on outage, lower demand, and the absence of yellow alerts.

and emergency health services.

It will also support safe drinking water and sanitation to prevent the outbreak of disease, USAID said in a statement.

Bitter cold hampered search efforts in both countries, but more than 80 hours after the disaster struck, 16-year-old Melda Adtas was found alive in the southern Turkish city of Antakya.

Her overjoyed father was in tears and the grieving nation cheered an agonizingly rare piece of good news.

"My dear, my dear!" he called out as rescuers pulled the teen out of the rubble and the watching crowd broke into applause.

AFP, Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Japan PM: Visa exemptions for PH gov’t execs

PHILIPPINE government officials will have visa exemptions when entering Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said.

According to a joint statement of Japan and the Philippines released by the Embassy of Japan, Kishida made the announcement during a Summit-level Working Dinner with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday evening.

"Prime Minister Kishida announced visa exemption mainly for Philippine government officials," the joint statement read.

"President Marcos welcomed Japan’s announcement and expressed his hope to build upon this momentum to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries," it added.

It was not disclosed yet when this will be effective.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy in Manila expressed its gratitude to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for the speedy action to effect the deportation of four Japanese fugitives wanted for theft and robbery in Japan.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your utmost understanding and steadfast cooperation in the deportation of the four suspected Japanese nationals,” Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said, in a February 9 letter to Remulla. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

ABOUT 750,000 new beneficiaries have been listed for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), replacing 800,000 who graduated from the government’s financial aid program, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said Friday.

“We recorded 750,000 beneficiaries who will replace those who graduated from 4Ps based on the database of Listahanan 2019-2020,” the newly-appointed secretary told GMA News TV.

The 1.3 million beneficiaries of the program were revalidated since the number was "outdated," meaning some of them are no longer considered poor, the former Valenzuela City mayor and lawmaker added.

When he assumed his post, Gatchalian said he would prioritize fixing the list of beneficiaries under the programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

However, Gatchalian said the DSWD will stop creating its own database for beneficiaries and will now depend on the database by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) as stated in the Community-Based Monitoring System law.

" It is stated in this law that by the end of this year, no other databases will be used except for the CBMS database, so the records would be really unified," he said.

Gatchalian said he and National Statistician and PSA chief Claire Dennis Mapa discussed the matter during a meeting on Thursday. With Maricel V. Cruz (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Senate...

From A1 suggested retail price of onions imposed by the Department of Agriculture has yet to be followed in some markets in Metro Manila.

According to a GMA News TV report, local white onions are going for P100 to P200 a kilo, while imported ones are sold at P150 to P250.

Local red onions are being sold at P240 to P320, while imported ones go from P130 to P320, the TV report added.

Vendors indicated in the report that they could not follow the suggested retail price because they still bought their onion stocks at higher prices.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said the DA has given out letters of inquiry to obtain the names of suppliers who continued to sell their onion stocks at higher prices.

Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee Report No. 25 calls for special courts that will hear cases of agricultural smuggling.

A special team of prosecutors from the Department of Justice will focus on similar cases, and thus would expedite cases of economic sabotage filed against smugglers and their cohorts, the report added.

During the Senate hearing on the skyrocketing costs of onions in the local market, it was established that farmers did not gain from the spike in the price of onions.

Instead, they incurred losses following the importation of onions, the arrival of which coincided with the harvest of local onions.

The report also suggested that profiteering from agricultural products and hoarding them, like smuggling, will be considered economic sabotage.

The committee also reminded the DA not to import onions and other agricultural products during harvest season.

New recipients of 4Ps down to 750k from 800k

Recycling definitely hits different with SM’s Eco Vendo! Here’s how

AS PART of its Environmental Programs on Solid Waste Management, SM Cares recently deployed special recycling booths in two of the biggest SM malls in the country, providing mall-goers with a fun and convenient way of disposing of their recyclable plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

Through the Reverse Vending Machine of SM Cares called “Eco Vendo”, the FIRST MALL of its kind in the private sector, SM mall goers can enjoy special discounts in exchange for their PET bottles and aluminum cans. To participate, they can simply deposit these recyclable items in the specially designed vending machines located in specific areas in select SM malls.

For every 1,000 mL worth of polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles and/or aluminum soda cans deposited, the customer can choose one of the following reward discounts: 15% off at SM Skating, or 15% off at SM Bowling. The machine will then print a voucher that the customer can use to redeem their discount. Customers can use one discount per transaction, and it must be claimed within 60 days from date of issuance, from Monday to Thursday in the following branches: SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and SM Fairview (for SM Bowling); and SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia (for SM Skating). Or, if the recycled items are less than 1000 ml, proceeds will automatically go to SM Cares, which will support its various programs.

In partnership with Spurway Enterprises, SM Cares deployed one Eco Vendo each in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall, which will be available from January 20 to April 20, 2023. These can be found in the following locations: SM Cinema, 3F Building A, SM Megamall (near Snack Time counter) & SM Cinema, 2F Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia (near Snack

Time counter).“With the continued degradation of our environment due to the global waste crisis, we need to ramp up our efforts to mitigate it. Every little thing counts,” said Program Director for SM Environment and Sustainability Engr. Liza Silerio. “Through our Reverse Vending Machine project, we want to communicate to our mall-goers that properly disposing of even just one plastic bottle already makes a difference.”

“By doing this, participants can also avail of rewards they won’t get anywhere else. But of course, nothing can be as rewarding as everyone being able to enjoy their right to a healthy environment,” she added.

Other sustainability projects of SM Cares include the Trash-To-Cash Market where individuals can drop off their recyclable waste such as paper and plastic in exchange for cash; the Plastic Waste Collection Program in partnership with NGO HOPE that aims to help redirect plastic waste

from ending up in landfills; and the Electronic Waste Collection Program where individuals can bring in their old gadgets and other e-waste for proper disposal by accredited hazardous waste collection partners, just to name a few.

These initiatives align with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including “SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation,” “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities,” “SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,” “SDG 13: Climate Action,” and “SDG 14: Life Below Water.”

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

An SM employee & mall goer trying out the new SM Eco Vendo located at SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall

OPINION

US capitalism has turned to cannibalism

LONG before capitalism evolved to become one of a ruthless economic monopoly, proponents of that system proclaimed to the whole world the substance behind their ideology is the propagation of freedom and liberty of the individual.

Filipinos’ love for America is purely equated with their love for freedom.

Seldom did they understand that their idea of freedom was conditional to that economic policy where that policy was equated with freedom, not knowing that once that system matures, it develops to one of monopoly-capitalism.

This is what this writer is trying to drive at, which today is giving contradiction and giving false hope of freedom of expression.

It is on our raw understanding of capitalism equated from free enterprise that we continue to love it, thinking of it as an ideology that gives us the concept of free enterprise as anchored on a system called freedom to do business.

Corollary to this economic policy is our misinterpretation of freedom viz. that socialism deprives us of the fundamental right to do business under a climate of free enterprise.

For the individual to engage in free enterprise, commonly misunderstood to do business, is a taken to mean one’s individual right to determine his life and existence.

From among traditionalist ideologue, that, for as long as it is not contrary to the basic norms of human conduct, it does not violate the rights of others, always acts in accordance to the fundamental law of the land, every individual is free to engage in business in pursuit of his freedom and such is the a concretization of his idealism.

of the publication and ownership of the paper with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In fact, foreign owners continue to ignore and defy our own laws, wondering why these publications are openly supported and financed by foreign governments with their convicted editor/ publisher continuing to parade and defy before our court as daring to continue to shout they are allegedly funded and supported by foreign international organizations.

In its simplest language, it would seem that many Filipinos are willing to act as fronts and stooges of foreign interest.

For that, many of them casually treat their betrayal as trivial.

Because free enterprise has little or knows no limitations except for the profit they earn, this now has badly affected the industry which they now see has nothing to do with freedom of the press.

The media moguls are eager to maintain their profit through the magic of propaganda and deception by resorting to currency manipulation.

One technique was to revalue the peso against the US dollar in the wake of the continuing depreciation of the US dollar against other currencies.

The despicably low wage most writers and editors receive are often tempted to receive bribes, sacrificing altogether the interest of the country.

Through this technique, one could deduce the interest of the country than in safeguarding the torch of keeping the freedom of the press.

Even if US publications naively thought they could still compete locally by adjusting the cost of paper and materials at par with the value of the peso, still there is no way US publication could compete with local publications.

American writers/reporters and editors feel discriminated against if they receive the same wage received by local reporters.

It is not only the cost of the US dollar to our local currency that is the source of corruption but also the income of the subscribers in the Philippines and in the US.

Staying the course

TODAY, the Manila Standard will mark an industry milestone—its 36th in the publication calendar— which will remind management and the staff of largely cultural and historic events the past nearly 40 years.

The date unquestionably puts a pin on the calendar beside the ruthlessly breathing deadline wall clock to remind the staff of something consequential to them and to their country.

The English language broadsheet, now rolling its presses in mid its fourth decade, debuted on Philippine newsstands in 1987, a day after the 6.7 intensity earthquake rumbled off the coast of Surigao del Norte which forced the government of Surigao City to declare a state of calamity.

The Manila Standard also reported on developments overseas, like armed conflicts in Afghanistan and the Syrian Civil War, disaster and accidents in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara Province.

Many would perhaps raise the question “Why celebrate” the milepost?

It is a grim reality a large percentage of startups fail to move beyond start-up phase, with some researches suggesting only 37 percent of ‘micro’ businesses, or start-ups, exist after two years.

That means 63 percent fail to reach their third birthday, and that’s in normal times, not jabbed by difficulties that approximate the ruthlessness of the coronavirus 2019, among other humps the staff, working as a cohesive team, hurdled in the past three decades .

The Manila Standard staff will hopefully be thus forgiven for literally shouting out from the

Their smiles in the sun during their pictorial for the anniversary supplement conceptualize their gratitude to their readers and different publics for keeping the faith with them

rooftop of the seven-story Universal Re building in Makati City—definitely they are not gloating, neither boasting. Their smiles in the sun during their pictorial for the anniversary supplement conceptualize their gratitude to their readers and different publics for keeping the faith with them—glad, thankful,

Manila Standard: On a roll

By Honor Blanco Cabie

The violent incident killed 13 and injured 74 more.

As said as capitalism once evolved to become a mature economic system, its own policies end to become a system of economic monopoly with the people surrendering whatever freedom they enjoy.

The first and ugly casualty of free enterprise is the disregard for the freedom they thought they enjoy. The ideologue never explained it that at a certain stage it is characterized by the operation of economic monopoly.

Thus, when the business of one is affected by the entry of another to affect the future status of their own private interest, which others call the “system of competition,” the advocates of free enterprise simply glorify this stage as fair and square.

After all, competition, they say, is legal although admittedly, there is a shade of immorality —so much that it results in the loss of business or income of the other.

Such is the consequence in free enterprise which is acceptable, that competition is moral and tolerated under the norms of freedom.

After all, what is important is that anyone who is engaged in business contributes to society through the amount of tax he pays.

What is rather prohibited and treated illegal is when the law prohibits this endeavor and that includes the non-payment of tax by the concerned individual.

Considering that competition ushers in a degree of illegality and shade of immorality especially in such areas that would affect the very core of the capitalist ideology, the promoters of free enterprise had to impose restrictions like imposing a citizenship to owners of newspapers and publications, imposition of tax privileges to operate such business like giving of discounts in the sale, reduced tax on the importation of publication of materials, and the distribution of newspaper for public dissemination. All these are undertaken to save the industry from collapse in the name of “freedom of the press”.

Despite everything, foreign publication, newspapers and publishing houses are not only given the utmost freedom but are accorded privileges only accorded to that industry.

Others exceed in the exercise of that privilege like their continued disregard of the citizenship requirement for ownership of the publishing company, the domiciliary requirement, registration

By Agnès Pedrero

IT IS perfectly legal to display Nazi symbols in Switzerland despite dismay at a large swastika flag being hung at a military memorabilia market earlier this month and Third Reich insignia openly traded online.

But things could be about to change in Geneva at least, one of the country’s 26 cantons. A cross-party group of regional lawmakers wants to change the canton’s constitution to “prohibit the display or wearing of Nazi symbols, emblems or any other Nazi object” in public. They hope Geneva’s cantonal legislature will agree to the change on Friday— International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Museums and film productions would be exempt from the ban, which would bring Switzerland in line with much of the rest of Europe.

It is not really the cost per copy that burdens the subscribers but also the added expense that will cost them as wage earners to shell out extra expense just to buy respectable and carefully edited American papers.

Even if those foreign publications remain relatively cheap despite the continuing inflation, nonetheless American publication managed to maintain their prices at affordable level just to maintain their subscribers.

Nonetheless, many of them ceased publication and distribution even in the US which goes to show the US economy has equally been affected.

The debilitating inflation due to the devaluation of the peso has made the concept of freedom of the press its first casualty .

Of the numerous American magazines that once proliferated in the country before the advent of currency devaluation, it has, today, wiped out almost 80 percent of the American and Western publications.

Some Asian-based magazines, either from Japan, China and even from South Korea have emerged but not to supply the old market.

US magazines that presented American politics, American lifestyle and culture were almost all wiped out.

Most US magazines like the prestigious Newsweek, Vogue, US News and World Report and Reader’s Digest have ceased publication. Time Magazine only comes out intermittently, while Reader’s Digest are distributed to former subscribers for free reading.

This explains why public opinion have their critical observation in the decline of US power and influence based on the number of publications in Asia.

In fact, it is only the US that suffered a decline in the number of newspaper publications indicating a declining power and influence of the US.

Invariably, the increase in the number of Chinese publications, be it in English or Mandarin is equally indicative of an increasing Chinese power and influence in the area.

Besides, the increase in the number of Chinese newspapers in the area is indicative there has been a change in the attitude of local community towards the Chinese. Public sentiment against China has somewhat been tempered unlike in the 60s where antiChinese sentiments were at its peak.

(rpkapunan@gmail.com)

THE English language newspaper Manila Standard, which has morphed a few times from an upscale tabloid to a Tall Boy to a full broadsheet, is on a roll in its fourth decade, the deadly coronavirus 2019 pandemic notwithstanding.

The newspaper, disclosed to the reading public on Philippine newsstands in 1987, rolled its presses to a fourth decade on February 11, 2017, its news executives, reporters, the newsroom’s unsung heroes, the administrative, advertising, circulation and printing staff at the ready for the new challenge launched four years earlier.

On January 1, 1983, newspapers faced the summons of the Internet. Prior to this, the various computer networks did not have a standard way to communicate with each other.

A new communications protocol was established called Transfer Control Protocol/ Internetwork Protocol (TCP/IP).

That challenge has not been lost on the staff of the newspaper while getting themselves up to the minute on the digital age, sometimes referred to as the information age.

This is generally considered to be that time in the 21st century, starting with the widespread use of the Internet, when we shifted from traditional industry to an economy based on information and communication technologies.

With the new roll, the newspaper is complemented by its digital service and its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The founders of the Manila Standard, created the publication, persuaded there was room for a newspaper “that seeks to present facts…to serve as an intellectual forum for ideas, whether clashing or complimentary, to test the limits of investigative reporting.”

Its maiden editorial was precise in the newspaper’s mission: “To stand firm in the face of sly machinations of power brokers; to offer nuggets from the arts, which are necessary if we are to live as sensitive human beings; to tell the stories of the little day-to-day heroisms that, minus the benefits of publicity mills, go sadly unnoticed and unmarked.”

Manila Standard hit the discriminating consciousness of the Filipino news readers on Feb. 11, 1987, fresh on the heels of what is now described as the Mendiola massacre – a confrontation between farmers rallying for and reform and in protest against President Corazon Aquino which ended in a shooting.

Readers had a first glimpse of the tall-man size newspaper—loosely, if immodestly, translated as “great in vertical dimension and high in stature”— nine days after a newly ratified Constitution was promulgated.

More than defining the news it underscored the future of competition in the discerning, if tasteful, print industry.

It competed with other firmly installed publications while it wrestled for a share of the advertising pie and attention from the opinionated and well-informed public.

With its coverage of the various domestic runs and overseas, Manila Standard slowly but steadily gained credibility as a distinct gatekeeper of news and information – both in its hard and soft sections

As the Manila Standard and other newspapers raced frenetically for honest, balanced and accurate reportage, they individually raised the challenge whether they could continue to be relevant in the years ahead.

The Manila Standard, for its part, has struggled—and has survived more than three backbreaking decades, despite numerous challenges, including the onslaught of technology, and some changes in ownership and names—like Manila Standard Today and The Standard.

Through the years, and thanks in large part to the people who literally manned the fort 24/7, the Manila Standard earned credit for its Xcellence, Xperience, and Xcitement—attributes that have defined and continue to define the newspaper.

As it continues to roll off the press today, February 11, 2023, and navigate online, the Manila Standard continues to be emboldened by

Swiss move to ban Nazi symbols

The change will have to be approved by the federal Swiss parliament in Bern and then by a referendum in Geneva.

“It is never too late to prevent Nazi ideas from being expressed via these items,” Liberal lawmaker Alexis Barbey, who co-signed the proposal, told AFP. Francois Lefort of the Greens condemned the “current morbid romanticism” surrounding Nazism and said the trade in fascist memorabilia “supports a racist ideology and is dangerous for democracy.”

“It’s highly symbolic because politicians from different parties have been trying to ban these Nazi symbols and objects for more than 20 years,” said Thomas Blasi, a lawmaker from the populist right Swiss People’s Party who initiated the proposal.

“Nazism has no place in Europe, no place in Switzerland,” said Blasi, a grandson of Gaston de Bonneval, who served as French wartime leader Charles de Gaulle’s aide-de-camp

between 1945 and 1964.

Bonneval was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943 and spent two years in Mauthausen concentration camp.

Around 200,000 detainees passed through Mauthausen—nearly half of whom lost their lives.

‘Prevention is no longer enough’ There is growing pressure on Switzerland,

proud, vindicated, confident, strong, purposeful and reassured they have made it this far.

It has not been lost on today’s staff the vision of the founders of the Manila Standard who believed there was room for a newspaper “that seeks to present facts...to serve as an intellectual forum for ideas, whether clashing or complimentary, to test the limits of investigative reporting.”

The maiden editorial was unambiguous in the newspaper’s mission, which remains in the heartbeats of the publisher, the editors, and the other unsung newsroom heroes and their extensions offsite.

It said: To stand firm in the face of sly machinations of power brokers; to offer nuggets from the arts, which are necessary if we are to live as sensitive human beings; to tell the stories of the little day-to-day heroisms that, minus the benefits of publicity mills, go sadly unnoticed and unmarked.”

As we move with excitement, with excellence and experience beneath our industry belts, we pause and quickly look back at the different barometers from previous decades to measure the pluses and the minuses and decide on what to focus on in the years ahead.

Sans doubt, we know this is our team as we recognize the anniversary can well serve as a platform on which we can strengthen, if reinforce and redefine, our core values and culture as we stay the course in this rather very competitive industry.

Time as well to recognize the staff – who continue to strive for the five Cs: communication, camaraderie, commitment, confidence and coachability – and thank our clients and other stakeholders who continue to believe in us. We see the Manila Standard as staying the course.

EvEryman

its commitment to provide information far and wide.

It continues to endorse the axiom that the newspaper will continue to be the “honest mirror of society.”

The Manila Standard gets its muscle from the men and women who contribute their time and best lights to give the necessary information for its readers in this era of SMS and the Internet – the editors and copy tasters, the reporters and the correspondents, the layout artists, the page designers, the editorial assistants and the other staff.

As the newshounds and the staff rise to the requirements of its uncharted fourth decade, they get reassurance from the efforts of their elders who blazed a trail in column inches for them in the newsroom in an earlier punishing clime.

With them were the circulation, the advertising and the human resources departments, the same departments that will stand alongside the news department in the years hence to help the news department pursue the newspaper’s mission “to be a vital link in the struggle for change…evolve into a truly unfettered, intelligent—and therefore responsible—press, cognizant of and vigilant against the pitfalls that litter the road toward freedom and justice.”

With its coverage of the various domestic runs and overseas, Manila Standard slowly but steadily gained credibility as a distinct gatekeeper of news and information—both in its hard and soft sections.

As the Manila Standard stands on the headland of a promising future, its news executives, the unsung heroes and other staff take great pride in looking back at some of the major events at home and abroad during the past three decades, confident they will have the same energy and commitment to gear up to similar browbeating assignments.

But as they look back to developments at home and overseas, they have their resolve to move forward, in keeping with their mission and vision to seek the truth and report it, which includes factchecking, not intentionally distorting information, identifying sources, avoiding stereotypes, and supporting the open exchange of opinions.

(HBC, a twice returnee to the MS, was a former senior correspondent of Reuters, covering Asia and the Philippines, when he was not teaching in the undergraduate and graduate courses. He is at present the paper’s Opinion Editor.)

which stayed neutral during World War II, to fall in line with a number of other European countries in banning Nazi symbols.

Full bans are in place in Germany, Poland and several other eastern European nations.

In France, meanwhile, the exhibition of Nazi objects is banned but their sale is not, even though it is rarely tolerated.

In Switzerland “the wearing and exhibition of Nazi symbols in public is not banned as long as it is not accompanied by a message promoting racist or anti-Semitic ideology,” said Johanne Gurfinkiel, secretary general of Cicad, which combats anti-Semitism in the French-speaking west of Switzerland.

But that fine line has been exploited by neo-Nazi groups and those who trade in Third Reich uniforms and memorabilia, he said.

Cicad said there has been a substantial increase in the use of symbols linked to Nazism or the Holocaust in recent years, particularly

during protests against anti-COVID measures. Faced with this trivialization, a lawmaker called on the national government to take action in 2021.

But Bern insisted that “we must accept the expression of disturbing ideas, even if the majority finds them shocking”.

Under mounting pressure, however, the government finally instructed the justice ministry to look at whether action was needed.

In December it said a ban on Nazi symbols “is possible in principle, but the creation of a new standard would come up against significant legal obstacles.”

Meanwhile parliament’s legal affairs scrutiny committee said on January 12 that it would support a ban.

For the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities, it is time to act because “when prevention is no longer enough, the criminal law must intervene.” AFP

In its simplest language, it would seem that many Filipinos are willing to act as fronts and stooges of foreign interest

Full bans are in place in Germany, Poland and several other eastern European nations

Fall in love at Vista Mall this Valentine’s

THE day of hearts is again upon us. To celebrate love’s favorite holiday, Vista Mall is presenting an exciting lineup of events to celebrate the wonderful spirit or romance so palpably in the air.

INTIMATE AND LUXURIOUS

NOMO - A Vista Lifestyle Center is holding an exciting collaboration with Wolfgang’s Steakhouse this coming February 14.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, known for its world-famous steaks and entree selections will be holding a four-course dinner for lucky couples, serenaded by The Quartet Manila’s Trio. Reservations can be made through 09773723711.

THE MUSIC OF LOVE

What is romance without the music, especially the classics? Internationally-

acclaimed singer Rex Smith will be serving up the joy of romantic nostalgia with some special guest performers at the following locations:

February 12 - Vista Mall Taguig

February 18 - Vista Mall Antipolo

February 19 - Vista Mall Naga

OPM stalwart and now-viral sensation, Mayonnaise will be playing through their 20th Anniversary Tour that started February 4 at Vista Mall Bataan, with subsequent dates at the following branches:

February 12 - Vista Mall Tanza

February 19 - Vista Mall Malolos

February 26 - Vista Mall Iloilo

Joey G of the legendary Side A Band will sweep you off your feet as he performs at Vista Mall Sta. Rosa on February 19.

Across all Vista Mall locations, local chorale and orchestra performances will set the Valentine stage for lovers and families alike.

HEART-FLUTTERING SURPRISES

What is Hearts’ Day without a bouquet of roses, a box chocolates or teddy bears?

Leading to Valentine’s Day, Vista Mall guests will be feted with exciting surprises at Vista Malls, Starmalls and Lifestyle Centers nationwide.

Capture priceless smiles and moments at Valentine’s Day-themed mall installations. Feel in exciting and swoon-worthy activities such as flower arrangement workshops, portrait sketching, pet events—among other exciting plans for patrons.

‘Shame on you!’: Erdogan faces voter fury in quake zone

ADIYAMAN, Turkey—Hakan Tanriverdi has a simple message for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan days after Turkey suffered its worst disaster in generations: “Don’t come here asking for votes.”

The earthquake that killed more than 21,000 people across Turkey and Syria came at one of the most politically sensitive moments of Erdogan’s two-decade rule.

The Turkish leader has proposed holding a crunch election on May 14 that could keep his Islamic-rooted government in power until 2028.

The date gives his splintered opposition little time to hammer out their differences and agree on a joint presidential candidate.

Whether that vote can now go ahead as planned remains to be seen.

Erdogan has declared a threemonth state of emergency across 10 quake-hit provinces. The region is still digging out its dead and many are living on the streets or in their cars.

Campaigning here seems out of the question.

But there is also a political dimension that is deeply personal for Erdogan.

The earthquake struck just as he was gaining momentum and starting to lift his approval numbers from a low suffered during a dire economic crisis that exploded last year.

Tanriverdi’s bitterness is a bad sign for Erdogan in a province where he handily beat his secular opposition rival in the last election in 2018.

“We were deeply hurt that no one supported us,” Tanriverdi said of the government’s earthquake response.

Erdogan fights back

Tanriverdi’s grievances are common in Adiyaman province—one of the hardest-hit by the quake.

Locals complain that rescuers didn’t arrive in time to pull out people who survived the first critical hours. Some pointed to a lack of machinery to drill through slabs of concrete. AFP

Zelensky, hailed by EU as a hero, urges bloc to hasten arms deals

BRUSSELS—Hailed as a European hero on his arrival in Brussels, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged EU leaders on Thursday to accelerate the promised delivery of modern long-range weapons.

The Ukrainian leader warned that he could not return empty-handed from what was only his second foreign trip since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion just under a year ago. With a renewed Russian offensive piling pressure on Kyiv’s forces in the east, the former actor turned war leader urged

his allies to turn what he said were their “positive signals” into “concrete” words. After Wednesday’s visits to London and Paris to lobby Britain, France and Germany for modern fighter jets and long-range missiles, Zelensky flew on to Brussels to address EU leaders and the European parliament.

MEPs treated him to cheers and a standing ovation as he portrayed Ukraine as the country fighting to defend Europe’s eastern borders and urged a rapid welcome into the EU fold.

“We are defending against the most anti-European force of the modern world—we are defending ourselves, we Ukrainians on the battlefield, along with you,” Zelensky told MEPs.

After the parliamentary address, Zelensky joined the 27 leaders of the EU member states as the special guest at their regular summit, invited by European Council president to make an opening address.

Nicaragua releases 222 dissidents, sends to US

WASHINGTON—Over 200 detained members of Nicaragua’s opposition were freed Thursday and expelled to the United States, in a surprise move by the Central American country’s increasingly authoritarian president, Daniel Ortega.

After weeks of quiet talks with Washington, Nicaragua allowed the 222 detainees—which include former challengers to Ortega—to board a chartered flight to Washington.

US officials said they would allow the former prisoners, who were taken to hotels, to stay for at least two years and provide medical and legal support.

“I would like to thank God and everyone who made possible this miracle—the miracle of freedom,” Juan Sebastian Chamorro, who was arrested before he could challenge Ortega in 2021 elections, said at Dulles International Airport near the US capital.

“We are here in the land of freedom and we are very grateful,” he said.

Chamorro, whose aunt defeated Ortega in the 1990 presidential election, said that the group had no warning until they were given clothes and taken to another cell before being put on buses.

“It’s been 20 months behind bars in a maximum-security prison, totally incommunicado,” he said. “But here we are with our heads high.” Ortega did not immediately comment on the release. But Octavio Rothschuh, president of an appeals court in the capital Managua, described the prisoners as having been “deported” and called them “traitors to the homeland.” AFP

“I have to thank you personally for your unwavering support of our country and our aspirations, our aspirations to live in a united, free Europe,” he told them. But he also warned that Ukraine needs to receive artillery, munitions, modern tanks, long-range missiles and fighter jets faster than Russia can prepare what he said would be a dangerous new offensive. He said he saw “positive signals, concerning the respective weapons” from EU leaders and expressed hope those murmurs would become a “concrete voice”. After hours of talks, Zelensky left the summit and had an audience with Belgium’s King Philippe. AFP

IN BRIEF

Pence subpoenaed in Trump US probe

WASHINGTON—Former US vice president Mike Pence has been subpoenaed by the special counsel investigating Donald Trump and his role in the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol, US media reported Thursday.

The Justice Department appointed Jack Smith as special counsel to oversee federal probes into Trump’s role in the riot, as well as his handling of classified documents stored at his Florida beach club.

The subpoena “follows months of negotiations between federal prosecutors and Pence’s legal team,” ABC News reported.

Pence’s testimony could help shed light on Trump’s bid to block the certification by Congress of Joe Biden’s election victory.

Trump publicly pressured Pence, who presided over the session of Congress, not to certify the election results, but the vice president resisted his demands.

Pence has denounced Trump’s actions on January 6 as “reckless” but declined to answer questions from a congressional committee investigating the Capitol attack.

Trump, who has announced a new White House run in 2024, could try to block Pence’s testimony by citing executive privilege, as he has tried to do with other former officials.

Pence is believed to be considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 but has not yet announced his candidacy. AFP

Bus rams day care, kills 2 in Quebec

LAVAL, Canada—A driver charged with first-degree murder after ramming his bus into a day care center in Canada and killing two children was ordered Thursday to undergo psychiatric evaluation, as mourners laid flowers and lit candles for the victims.

Pierre Ny St-Amand, 51, faces nine counts and is scheduled to appear in court again on February 17.

“He is so far presumed fit to appear,” Karine Dalphond, the prosecutor in charge of the case, told AFP.

In the city of Laval, a suburb of Montreal, incomprehension and anger dominated a day after St-Amand drove his bus into the nursery as some parents were dropping off their children.

Mourners—among them Canadian politicians, Laval residents and people who had traveled from other cities— came to lay flowers or stuffed toys and to light candles at the site as well as at a nearby church.

“It’s a terrible tragedy, I’ve been speechless since yesterday,” said Yannick Lebeau, who came with his wife from their home 20 kilometers (12 miles) away to pay tribute.

His wife Annick Belisle, a teacher for 20 years, was in tears at his side. She called the deaths “senseless.”

“Words fail me to express how infinitely sad it is, it’s terrible,” said Laval resident and mother of two Veronique Chamberland. AFP

ROYAL AUDIENCE. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo flank King Philippe of Belgium as they pose for the official photo at the Royal Palace in Brussels on February 9. Zelensky visited Brussels to address the Summit of European Government leaders. AFP

Ramaphosa attempts

‘PH should focus on investments’

ECONOMIC experts pressed for investment-led growth strategies in a virtual business roundtable on Thursday in Makati City, organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute.

Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia believes investment in physical infrastructure is more feasible via public-private partnerships (PPPs).

In his presentation, the former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) secretary said “the current administration seems keen on undertaking PPP projects, especially given the economy’s tight fiscal constraints”.

“Physical infrastructure is a very costly undertaking but the advantage in invest-

Senators not keen on ChaCha, says Sen. Binay

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATORS are not receptive to amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, Senator Nancy Binay said.

Binay also said she believes moves to amend the said provisions are as “good as dead” in the Senate.

She noted that senators are “not warm” on the amendments which are being pushed by Sen. Robin Padilla.

In a media briefing, Binay also said she has no knowledge that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing for the Charter changes or “ChaCha”.

She related that the senators believe they should focus on other important things hounding the country, including issues that harm the lives of Filipino people. She also stressed that inflation and the possible global recession should be given priority.

“If we are talking about economic provisions, we should first look at the implementation of the Public Service Act and Trade Liberalization,” she also said. “Why don’t we try selling them to foreign investors? We have not yet tried them,” she added.

Binay also said it is up to Padilla, who chairs the Senate constitutional amendments committee, if he wants to conduct a hearing on the said amendments.

Binay also said she believes that economic recovery should be the ultimate concern and top priority of our government and the lawmakers.

IN BRIEF

Araneta Center fire reignites, BFP reports

THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the Araneta Center bus terminal fire in Cubao, Quezon City that was put out Thursday evening reignited on Friday noon.

The BFP said the fire was at the 1st Alarm at 12 p.m. The blaze first broke out at 4:46 p.m. on Thursday and reached the Task Force Bravo alarm before being put out, GMA News reported.

The fire started at the sanitation barracks at a commercial building’s mezzanine. The cause was still under investigation. The fire caused P245 million in property damage. One person was reported hurt in the fire, reports said.

The Araneta City business center management announced earlier that operations at the Times Square Park and Beep jeep terminals were temporarily suspended due to the Thursday night fire.

P21.6b illegal shipments seized in North Harbor

ment in physical infrastructure is more feasible via public-private partnerships (PPPs). It is crucial, though, that the conditions and guarantees imposed by the public sector on private sector partners are fair and sufficiently attractive for them to recover their investment cost and with reasonable returns,” Pernia explained. Aside from physical infrastructures, Pernia urged the government to also invest heavily on human capital and social infrastructures such as schools and health

centers to ensure economic progress.

“The vitality of the economy is only as good as the country’s health and education systems… The budget for physical infrastructure is P1.2 Trillion. I would say that half of that should go to the human capital and social infrastructure because the other half of the budget for physical infrastructure can come from the private sector via the publicprivate partnerships,” Pernia said.

Ateneo de Manila University Economics Department chai Dr. Alvin Ang also emphasized the importance of PPPs and investing in human and social infrastructure.

“The power to push investment is re -

ally dependent a lot on the government and the private sector working together to bring in more investment opportunities in the country,” Ang said.

“We need to show consistency in how the previous PPPs were done. For example: the skyway, the LRT and the extensions… We have the models. We can show it. And we can ask out investors to help improve our education and agricultural sectors as well,” he added.

Similarly, Stratbase president Dindo Manhit believes mutual collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital to withstand global economic shocks and help rebuild the Philippines into a more resilient nation.

CUSTOMS Intelligence and Investigation Service agents assigned in Manila North Harbor seized more than P21.6 billion worth of contraband, including smuggled shipments of illegal drugs, in 2022.

Of the total amount, P4.02 billion came from 121 alerted shipments, P9.1 billion from 50 letter of authorities (LOAs), and the P8.4 billion seizures from buy-bust operations the CIIS men conducted with other law enforcement agencies.

Those seizures were among the accomplishments made by the CIIS that was recognized by the Bureau of Customs during the agency’s 121st anniversary celebration on Feb. 7 attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Outgoing Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz commended and gave CIIS director Jeoffrey Tacio the plaque of recognition for helping the bureau fulfill its mandate of border protection. Joel E. Zurbano

Lawmaker files bill on longer SK, brgy. terms

CAGAYAN de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a bill lengthening the term of office of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or youth council officers from three years to five years.

House Bill 7123 amends Section 43 of the Local Government Code, under which barangay and SK officials enjoy a tenure of three years and a three consecutive term limit. The bill maintains the term limit.

The proposed longer stay in office would take effect in the first barangay and SK elections after the enactment of the proposed amendatory law.

In suggesting a longer tenure, Rodriguez, chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, said the three-year term “is too short a time for the unity and stability in barangay leadership and affairs.”

“It is not enough to ensure that the programs of the barangay are carried out properly, especially considering the fact that it cannot be denied that the last year of the term is basically used for campaigning,” he said. Maricel V. Cruz

Advocates raise alarm on use of nursing attendants in public hospitals

By Willie Casas

DR. TERESITA Barcelo, former president of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), expressed concern over the plan of some hospitals to use nursing attendants as “substitutes” for nurses amid the shortages of nurses in the country.

“If there are less trained people without the qualifications that are needed by a registered nurse to give the essential nursing care, then the Filipino public may be shortchanged,” Barcelo said. Barcelo said that nurses require four years of training to acquire a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is the only

DOJ urges PNP to address incestuous rape cases

By Rey E. Requejo

DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Sec-

retary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to come up with a program to address the problem of increasing incidence of incestuous rapes, or forced sexual activity between family members.

In his speech during the 70th anniversary celebration of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Remulla lamented that more than half of the persons in the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) are victims of incestuous rape.

“So I ask this of the CIDG, I hope we can have a program to address

this,” Remulla said, noting that most of the suspects in incestuous rape are fathers and husbands who are breadwinners of the families.

“Since the suspects are breadwinners, whenever a child complains about an abuse, the mother would be the ones to stop the filing of complaints,” he lamented.

‘Silver Shadow’ arrives in Kalanggaman Island

By Ronald O. Reyes

TACLOBAN City- The cruise ship

“Silver Shadow” of Monaco-based Silversea fleet arrived in Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte on Friday. Eastern Visayas was recently listed

among the top local and international destinations recommended by travel experts for “revenge travel” this year.

The Silver Shadow’s itinerary includes Auckland through the Bay of Islands to explore a string of island gems in Melanesia, Micronesia, and the Phil-

ippines, before arriving in Manila, according to the cruise company. Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Karen Tiopes disclosed there are 330 guests onboard the award-winning cruise liner who will experience the “Infinite Escapes” in the region.

qualification recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission.

Because of the shortage, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi) has been forced to hire nursing attendants to perform nonsensitive medical tasks such as taking blood pressure.

Barcelo said this short-term solution could lead to more problems.

The Department of Health (DOH), together with PHAPi, is actively searching for solutions to address the country’s nursing shortage.

Many Filipino nurses have been opting to work abroad due to better pay and benefits.

NEW UP PRESIDENT. The University of the Philippines (UP) welcomes its 22nd president, former UP Regent and labor lawyer Angelo Jimenez, on February 10 in a ceremonial turnover at the Quezon Hall in UP Diliman campus. Manny Palmero

NEW DIALYSIS MACHINE. Paranaque Mayor Eric Olivarez (2nd from right) listens to Dr. Patrick Ismael Cruz II (left) hospital director as he explains the state of the art of the dialysis machine during the grand opening and blessing of the Ospital ng Paranaque District II in Dona Soledad Avenue. Joseph Muego

Ensure no placement fee for Japan-bound OFWs — Romualdez

By Maricel V. Cruz

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday called on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to work on a no-placement-fee scheme for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) eyeing Japan.

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go expressed confidence that bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan would strengthen further and generate more economic opportunities for Filipinos.

Romualdez made the call as Japanese companies and employers, during a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., vowed to hire more Filipinos.

Mr. Marcos is currently on a five-day visit to Japan. Romualdez is with the President.

OFWs expected to be hired by Japanese employers include seafarers, professionals, and non-skilled workers.

“I hope that the DMW can engage the recruitment industry and Japanese employers on how to make Japan a 100-percent no placement fee labor market,” the Speaker said.

He also said while workers under the Technical Internship Training Program and specified skilled laborers need not pay placement fees, there are Filipino job seekers who fall outside these categories that are being asked to pay, such as professionals and highly skilled workers.

He expressed elation over how Japanese employers treat their Filipino employees.

“We are happy to hear directly from our OFWs in Japan on how much they are valued by their employers, and vice-versa,” he said.

The Speaker appealed to workers in Japan

and job applicants in Manila “to report excessive

and illegal fees to the DMW and through our Migrant Workers Offices in Osaka and Tokyo.”

“Congress will work with DMW in strengthening existing laws and regulations to enable the government to run after and punish those who collect illegal fees,” he said.

Zubiri and Go were also with the presidential delegation to Japan.

Go said he looks forward for more agreements between the two countries that will bring investments and job opportunities to the Philippines.

“What is important now is the economy and employment, and I'm sure President Marcos will bring home a lot of investments to provide jobs for our poor countrymen,” Go said in a statement.

The senator likewise thanked Japan for all the assistance it has extended the country over the years.

“I'm sure Japan has been very supportive to our country even during the previous administrations. Several of our projects here were initiated and supported by them,” Go noted.

For his part, Zubiri batted for a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with Japan.

“It makes strategic sense. Japan is an ally, and with ongoing territorial disputes over our waters, we stand to benefit from stronger security cooperation with our allies,” Zubiri said in an earlier statement.

“Japan is already offering vital support to our Coast Guard, not just through vessels and equipment but also through other capacity-building opportunities such as training. The VFA will strengthen our partnership even further,” he added.

He said that while, peaceful diplomacy remains as the country’s foremost move toward conflict resolution, the VFA will be able to empower our Coast Guard and Armed Forces in times of conflict.

“Apart from the VFA being crucial to building up our security and defense, it will also be massively helpful to us in times of naturalcalamities and disasters,” Zubiri said.

Abalos to LGUs: Use incentive fund on ‘high impact’ projects

By Joel E. Zurbano

INTERIOR and Local Government

Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Friday urged the 350 local governments units awarded with 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to use their incentive funds on high-impact projects in their localities—not for personal gains.

Abalos reminded the local officials concerned to comply with the provision prohibiting them from putting their names and photos streamers and road signs about their government projects. “Don’t take advantage of government projects and use them for personal gain. We serve for the people and they do not owe

Makati hands out P19m financial aid to 39 sister-LGUs

us to provide good projects and services because this is our job,” Abalos said.

He said the recognized LGUs - 18 provinces, 60 cities and 272 municipalities - have the opportunity to use the money they received for projects that would greatly help their constituents.

“We urge you to use this fund to effect positive change through high impact projects within your jurisdiction. Use this fund to improve service delivery to our countrymen and make your areas prosperous,” Abalos said.

The SGLG incentive fund was established through Republic Act 11292 or SGLG Act of 2019 meant to harmonize local government initiatives with the national development agenda.

Sandiganbayan orders ex-JPE aide to post P450,000 bail

THE Sandiganbayan has ordered a former aide of exSenator-now presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail in connection with her graft cases arising from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scandal.

The respondent, Gigi Reyes, faces15 counts of graft, with the recommended bail at P30,000 for each case, or a total of P450,000 for all 15 cases.

At the adjournment of Thursday hearing for the plunder and graft cases against Reyes, Enrile and some other co-accused, Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez called the attention of Reyes’ lawyer on the bail issue.

“After a review of the records, the court was surprised that accused Reyes has not yet submitted bail for these cases,” Fernandez told Reyes’ counsel.

The anti-graft court’s 3rd division then gave Reyes 15 days to post the complete bail for the graft cases.

However, lawyer Levito Baligod, one of the private complainants in the PDAF scam, pointed out that the petition for habeas corpus was for Reyes’ plunder case, which was non-bailable.

Observers noted that Reyes should not have been released from detention without posting her bail.

“In legal circles, napag-usapan po namin ‘yan,

bakit pinalabas ng Bureau of Corrections si Atty. Reyes na wala pa siyang bail doon sa 15 counts of graft, kaya po they were able to remedy it,” Baligod told Teleradyo. Baligod also said the BuCor might be held administratively liable for releasing Reyes, considering that the petition was only for her plunder case. Pwede ring may pananagutan ‘yung management or ‘yung namamahala ng Bureau of Corrections, dahil ang saklaw lamang noong pagpapalaya kay Atty. Reyes ay ‘yung sa plunder, hindi po doon sa 15 counts of graft,” he explained.

Reyes, who was Enrile’s former chief of staff, was released last month after the Supreme Court (SC) granted her lawyer’s petition for habeas corpus in connection with her almost nine years of incarceration over the non-bailable case of plunder.

Reyes was present in court since the SC directed her to attend all her hearings at the Sandiganbayan.

During the hearings, the prosecution presented four farmer beneficiaries from Rosales, Pangasinan, namely, Ernesto Calantoc, Jr., Saturnino Brizuela, Melito Meriales and Edwin Meriales.

The farmers testified that they did not receive any agricultural subsidy from connection the PDAF.

Sara elected SEAMEO prexy

By Bobby Lagsa

VICE President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte

was elected on Thursday as the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) president for 2023-2025.

SEAMEO is a regional inter-governmental organization established in 1965 among governments of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries to promote regional cooperation in education, science, and culture in the region.

The SEAMEO maintains its work and aspirations for development with peoples of the region to make lives better in quality and equity in education, preventive health education, culture and tradition, information and communication technology, languages, poverty alleviation, and agriculture and natural resources.

SEAMEO convened in Manila on February 8, for its 52nd council conference.

Brunei Darussalam’s Education Minister Her Excellency Datin Seri Setia Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh was also elected as vice president.

Duterte said as the new SEAMEO council president and chairperson, she will continue to combat the education challenges and work on programs to fill the learning losses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Duterte added that the Philippines accepts the challenge of leading its Southeast Asian counterparts to post-pandemic recovery.

“While pursuing much-needed reforms in our education systems, ensuring that these fit within our Priority Education Agenda outlined in the SEAMEO Strategic Plan 2021-2030,” Duterte added.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the President of the SEAMEO Council. More importantly, it is an inspiration to work harder and more passionately toward bringing impactful changes to the way we prepare our future workforce,” Duterte added.

THE Makati City government has distributed P19 million in financial aid to 39 local government units affected by the recent typhoon and earthquake.

Mayor Abigail Binay led the distribution of the financial assistance to the city’s sister localities directly hit by Typhoon Paeng and the Abra earthquake last year.

“We are aware of the devastation caused by these disasters, and through this financial assistance, we want to help communities rebuild and bring back a sense of normalcy to their lives,” Binay said. She said the city council approved the release of the P19 million as financial assistance to Makati’s 39 sister LGUs last December 1, 2022.

The mayor also said the financial assistance, sourced from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, was based on the recommendation of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Binay said the amount allocated per sister LGU, ranging from P250,000 to P1 million, was based on the severity of damage to infrastructure, size of population, the number of households affected, and the extent of damage as determined by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“We hope that this assistance will help bring some relief and comfort to our sister LGUs, and I urge everyone to continue to work together and help our fellow Filipinos in this difficult time,” she said.

Among the 39 localities that received the financial assistance were Enrile and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan; Gasan in Marinduque; Legazpi City in Albay; Labo in Camarines Norte; Libmanan in Camarines Sur; Bato and Virac in Catanduanes; Libacao, Nabas, and New Washington in Aklan; Bugasong, Hamtic, Libertad, San Jose de Buenavista, and Tobias Fornier in Antique; Cuartero, Dao, Dumarao, and Sigma in Capiz; Batad, Carles, Dumangas, Estancia, Iloilo City, Pototan, and San Dionisio in Iloilo; Pulupandan in Negros Occidental; Zamboanga City in Zamboanga Del Sur; Datu Abdullah Sangki, General Salipada K. Pendatun, Pagalungan, and Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao. Meanwhile, Makati also handed out financial aid to localities affected by the Abra earthquake, namely, Caoayan in Ilocos Sur; and Bangued, Bucay, Dolores, Pilar, and Tayum in Abra.

Under the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the LDRRMC may transfer funds to support other local government units upon recommendation of the LDRMM.

The quick response fund is used to provide relief and recovery programs that help normalize living conditions for people living in communities affected by emergencies and disasters.

Last July, a magnitude 7 quake shook the province of Abra, destroying houses, health centers, and other infrastructures in the Cordillera and Ilocos regions. Meanwhile, Typhoon Paeng hit the country last October, affecting some 4.8 million people in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Regions.

At present, Makati has 558 sister LGUs nationwide. Joel E. Zurbano

PH BUSINESS FORUM. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, and former President now Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo beam to the camera during a break at the Philippine Business Opportunity Forum at the Tokyo Palace Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Ver Noveno

VALENTINE STAMPS. A philatelist shows his copies of the newly released Valentine’s Day 2023 stamps during the Philippine Postal Corp.’s ceremonial launch. The newest edition of Philippine stamps, nscribed with Filipino phrases of love such as “Pusong Nagmamahal,”“Pusong para sayo,” and “Ikaw ang Puso Ko” sell at P16 apiece. Danny Pata

Meralco:

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER consumers will experience slightly lower rates in February as generation charges declined, Manila Electric Co. said Friday.

Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said the overall rate for a typical household would be P10.8895 per kWh in February, or P0.0106 lower than P10.9001 per kWh in January, because of lower charges at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. This means that residential customers consuming 200 kilowatthours will see a slight decrease of P2 in their monthly electricity bill.

Zaldarriaga said the lower generation charges more than offset the impact of distribution refund completion.

Generation charges went down by P0.2137 to P6.9154 from P7.1291 per kWh the previous month as the lower costs from WESM and the independent power producers offset an increase in charges from power supply agreements.

Zaldarriaga said WESM charges decreased by P3.7370 per kWh as the supply situation in the Luzon grid improved with less generation capacity on outage, lower power demand and the absence of yellow alerts in the supply month.

“The secondary price cap was also not triggered, marking the first time since October 2021 that the cap was not imposed during a supply month,” the executive said.

WESM, the trading floor of electricity, accounted for 16 percent of Meralco’s energy requirement in the period. Charges from Meralco IPPs also went down by P0.2950 per kWh.

“The First Gas plants’ reduced use of more expensive alternative fuel and lower natural gas prices after the quarterly repricing of Malampaya gas that reflected the recent trend in international crude oil prices pulled down the IPP rate,” Zaldarriaga said.

The continued appreciation of the peso, which affected 95 percent of IPP costs that are dollar-denominated, also contributed to the reduction.

Foreign direct investments hit $8.4b in first 11 months of 2022

By Julito G. Rada

NET inflows of foreign direct investments reached $8.4 billion in the first 11 months of 2022, near the full-year target set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, as the government continued to promote the Philippines as an investment hub in the region.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said that FDI net inflows amounted to $793 million in November, lower by 43.6 percent than $1.4 billion a year earlier amid the prevailing high interest rates globally.

THE National Electrification Administration ordered eight electric cooperatives to explain the alleged “highly irregular” competitive selection process or bidding they conducted for an aggregated power requirement of 130 megawatts.

It said that during a consultative meeting with the ECs on Feb. 9, the agency discovered that the joint third party bids and awards committee of the eight ECs declared two failed biddings on June 14, 2022 and Dec. 9, 2022 after the bidders failed to comply with the requirements prescribed under the pertinent terms of reference.

This paved the way for ECs to resort to direct negotiation as sanctioned under the DOE Department Circular No. DC 2021-090030, amending DOE Department Circular No. DC2018-02-000 and NEA Memorandum No. 2019-007.

IN BRIEF

Solar PH, Prime Infra advance solar ventures

SOLAR Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. and Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. agreed to sign agreements to advance their solar power joint ventures.

SP New Energy Corp. said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday its board approved on Feb. 9 the planned MOA signing between parent company Solar Philippines and Prime Infra for their partnerships in Terra Solar Philippines Inc., Solar Tanauan Corp. and Solar Philippines Tarlac Corp.

Solar Philippines’ shares in these joint ventures are part of SPNEC’s share swap.

The MOA includes an amendment to the shareholders’ agreement of Terra Solar to streamline the decision-making process and reach agreements efficiently and commercially via deadlock resolution mechanisms.

The parties agreed to continue the Terra Solar joint venture, which signed an 850-megawatt power supply agreement with Manila Electric Co. with a scheduled delivery date by the first quarter of 2026. Alena Mae S. Flores

SEC clears sandbox run of GStocks PH

THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the sandbox run of stock trading partnership between AB Capital Securities Inc. and GCash, the mobile wallet of Globe.

The sandbox arrangement means that select users will test the functionalities of GStocks PH―a new feature to be offered on the GCash app that will allow users to avail of ABCSI’s online

“This resulted from the drop in nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings. Meanwhile, net placements of equity capital rose year-on-year for the third consecutive month,” the BSP said in a statement Friday.

Equity capital placements came mostly from Japan, Singapore and the United States. These were invested largely in the manufacturing, information and communication and real estate sectors.

The November figure brought the 11-month FDI net inflows to $8.4 billion, down 13.4 percent from $9.l7 billion a year earlier, but near the full-year $8.5-billion projection set by the BSP. Data showed that non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings declined while their net placements of equity capital increased during the period.

“The slowdown in the net FDI data may

The NEA said, however, that despite the successive failure of the participating bidders to comply with the TOR, the ECs limited the negotiations only with them.

The NEA said that when it asked why the aggregation still chose to negotiate with the said bidders, it discovered that the ECs had already issued a notice of award for the implementation of the project.

It said the ECs also did not disclose the issuance of the award to the agency, which prompted NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda to order a show cause order against the officers of the ECs why they should not be found administratively liable for having violated the pertinent laws, rules and regulations on the proper conduct and transparency for the procurement and awarding of the project.

Alena Mae S. Flores

retail trading services.

This move opens up bigger and better opportunities for GCash’s 71 million users to grow their funds and invest in local companies.

Select users coming from GCash and ABCSI’s employee base will be able to register and apply for a trading account with ABCSI, top up their trading wallet and trade Philippine stocks using the company’s system through the GCash app. SEC commissioner Kelvin Lester Lee said the agency supported new and emerging business concepts, especially with new innovations in financial technology.

Darwin G. Amojelar

CREIT lists P4.5-b

ASEAN green bonds

CITICORE Energy REIT Corp., the country’s first renewable energy real estate investment trust company, on Friday listed P4.5 billion worth of ASEAN green bonds on strong demand from investors. The P3-billion base offer was oversubscribed, prompting the company to issue P1.5 billion in over-allotment option, the company said in a stock exchange filing. The offering, which was listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp., bears a coupon rate of 7.0543 percent and will mature on Feb. 10, 2028.

“This listing marks our second capital raising activity in just twelve months, following our initial public offering almost a year ago. We are very grateful for the investment community’s continued favorable reception and the support of our joint lead underwriters, regulators and participants. Without all of you, this exercise would have not been a successful offering, especially amid a looming global recession,” said CREIT president and chief executive Oliver Tan.

CREIT said it would use the proceeds from the fund-raising activity to acquire value-accretive properties to grow its green asset portfolio. Jenniffer B. Austria

also have to do with higher short-term interest rates and the peak in long-term interest rates in the US, globally, [and] locally that increased borrowing costs, risk of recession in the US [which is the world’s largest economy]... all of which dragged on investments,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort told Manila Standard He said net FDIs could recover in the coming months as the economy reopened towards greater normalcy.

“[The] Philippine economy [is] still expected to have one of the fastest growth rates in the region,” Ricafort said, adding that the country’s attractive demographics, China’s reopening and investment commitments obtained by the Marcos administration from overseas trips in recent months would forebode higher FDIs.

The BSP earlier lowered the 2022 FDI target to $8.5 billion from the previ-

ous estimate of $10.5 billion, taking into account the uncertain global trade environment. These headwinds included the more subdued global growth projection, higher inflation, continuing war between Russia and Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Net FDI inflows posted a record $12.4 billion in 2021, breaching the previous high of $10.3 billion in 2017.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his five-day official visit to Japan, received investment commitments from different companies. He witnessed the signing of 35 business agreements, including a memorandum of cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, awarding of certificate of gratitude to the government of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the signing of several letters of intent and agreements between the Philippine government and businesses with major Japanese companies.

Shopee Bayanihan: Working hand in hand with our partners to serve communities all over the Philippines

THROUGH every hardship and victory, the spirit of “bayanihan” is what drives Filipinos to keep going. It is this culture of community and togetherness that inspired Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee’s umbrella CSR program that seeks to provide support for communities in need, wherever they are in the Philippines.

Today, Shopee Bayanihan continues to evolve as a multifaceted program through partnerships with various organizations that cater to the ever-changing needs of Filipinos. Each of these initiatives are grounded in Shopee’s core mission to better the lives of the underserved through technology.

EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN WITH WHISPER AND WORLD VISION Shopee partnered with Whisper and World Vision for the #ShareTheConfidence campaign, which aimed to educate young Filipino women on the importance of menstrual hygiene management and give access to sanitary pads. Shopee users had the opportunity to support this cause, as Whisper pledged to match and donate sanitary products for every Whisper product sold on Shopee from May 28 to June 30, 2022.

In July 2022, Shopee delivered the sanitary products to over 150,000 beneficiaries all over the Philippines. Shopee, Whisper, and World Vision culminated the campaign with an on-ground event held at Laurel, Batangas to mark the success of the initiative.

DELIVERING RELIEF AID TO DISASTER-STRICKEN FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES WITH UNILAB

After Typhoon Paeng badly hit Cavite and the widespread fire in Mandaue, Shopee worked together

with Unilab to provide aid to the families and individuals affected by these disasters. An in-app donation portal was also mounted by Shopee to support its charity partners by generating user donations for their on-ground relief operations.

Shopee delivered 40,000 medicine tablets and 14,000 bottles of vitamins donated by Unilab for over 250 families in Bacoor, Cavite who were affected by severe tropical storm Paeng, and also aided over 350 families in Mandaue, Cebu who were displaced due to a massive fire. Shopee volunteers in the area also helped with the distribution to affected individuals.

SUPPORTING COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN SORSOGON WITH THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

In December 2022, Shopee partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard Station Sorsogon to deliver Noche Buena food packages to coastal communities in Sorsogon. Over 400 families from coastal communities in Sorsogon received Noche Buena food packages that were donated. Shopee volunteers and Coast Guard Sorsogon representatives worked together in distributing the donations, and providing hot meals for the families.

In the true spirit of bayanihan, these meaningful partnerships enable Shopee to work hand in hand with like-minded organizations in utilizing resources for the betterment of the community. Through initiatives like these, Shopee is able to drive towards its mission to harness the power of technology to serve Filipinos across the country.

Power rates to slightly drop in February

NEA flags ‘irregular process’ of 8 electric co-ops

CEMEX’S AWARD. Cemex Holdings Philippines investor relations director Pierre Co (center) receives on behalf of the company the ACGS Golden Arrow recognition as a top performing publicly-listed company. Conferring the award are (from left) SEC chairman Emilio Aquino, Institute of Corporate Directors vice chair and president Ma. Aurora Geotina-Garcia, Philippine Stock Exchange president and chief executive Ramon Monzon and ICD chairman Cesar Villanueva.

Market rises; Meralco leads advancers S

TOCKS rose Friday on bargain hunting, while the peso advanced against the US dollar on reports that the gross international reserves hit a six-month high.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, gained 34 points, or 0.50 percent, to close at 6,876.79, as five of the six subsectors posted gains.

The broader index representing all shares also went up 9 points, or 0.27 percent, to settle at 3,653.17, on a value turnover of P5.92 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 93 to 90, while 60 issues were unchanged.

Six of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Manila Electric Company which climbed 11.31 percent to P315.00 and GT Capital Holdings Inc. which went up 2.91 percent to P530.00.

Analysts said investors decided to

transfer their money to PLDT Inc. after the removal of ACEN Corp. from the MSCI Philippines Index. ACEN’s shares fell 3.97 percent to P7.01.

The peso closed higher at 54.42 against the US dollar Friday from 54.45 Thursday. The local currency appreciated on the back of reports that the GIR climbed to nearly $100 billion in January. Meanwhile, most Asian markets fell, tracking another loss in New York as interest rate hike fears course through trading floors after last week’s blockbuster jobs report. While data in recent months has shown inflation is coming down, the employment figures showed the econo-

my remained robust, leading several top Federal Reserve officials to warn much more work was needed to get prices under control.

Having spent January optimistic that the days of central bank tightening would soon come to an end, traders have been brought back down to earth this month as they contemplate borrowing costs going higher and staying there longer than expected.

Richmond Fed president Thomas Barkin added his voice to colleagues this week in warning that the bank had to “stay the course” in lifting rates if it wanted to bring inflation down to its two percent target.

However, with the cost of borrowing going higher still -- and some warning it could go to a two-decade-high six percent―fears are growing that the world’s top economy will tip into recession.

“Inflation most likely won’t get con-

Meta finalizes buyout of VR company Within

WASHINGTON—Facebook-owner Meta finalized its buyout of virtual reality firm Within Unlimited, the VR company’s chief executive said after a court rejected an attempt by US regulators to block the deal over competition concerns.

A spokesperson for the Federal Trade Commission told AFP on Thursday that it would not appeal the Feb. 1 decision.

The courtroom loss was seen as a setback for FTC head Lina Kahn, who has been an advocate of imposing tougher scrutiny on Big Tech companies on antitrust matters.

The FTC filed a complaint in federal court in July, arguing that Meta was trying to unfairly buy an advantage in the virtual reality market with the purchase of Within, the maker of the fitness app “Supernatural.”

A US judge denied the request on February 1 but gave the FTC time to decide whether it would appeal its rejection.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Within and Supernatural, as we officially join Meta,” said Within CEO Chris Milk on Twitter.

“We’re elated for the opportunity to bring joy, awe, wonder, and a happier, healthier life to more people around the world,” he added. The social media giant said when the suit was filed that the FTC’s move defied reality, and expressed confidence that its buy of Within would be good for VR users as well as developers who make apps in that market. AFP

quered if the economy doesn’t break,” said OANDA’s Edward Moya. “Disinflation trends remain in place but it will be hard for them to continue with a strong labour market and as the economy keeps on growing. We’ve seen commodities and goods price declines, but core services remain tricky.”

He added that the Fed would continue hiking until personal consumption expenditure―the bank’s preferred inflation gauge―was trending sharply lower. “And that might not happen until the summer,” he said.

After Wall Street’s retreat, most of Asia was in the red.

Hong Kong led the losses, shedding 1.8 percent, as tech firms suffered more heavy selling pressure, while there were also losses in Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta, though a weaker yen helped Tokyo higher. With AFP

UK posted zero growth in Q4 to escape recession

LONDON, United Kingdom—Britain’s economy avoided recession after flatlining in the last three months of 2022, but finance minister Jeremy Hunt warned Friday it was “not out of the woods yet” over surging inflation.

Gross domestic product registered zero growth in the fourth quarter, in line with expectations after shrinking 0.3 percent in the previous three months, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.

German GDP in contrast unexpectedly shrank 0.2 percent in the same period as Europe’s top economy also battled fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, recent data showed.

The ONS added Friday that the UK economy expanded 4.1 percent last year, shrugging off decades-high inflation, after growth of 7.4 percent in 2021.

Nevertheless, sky-high consumer prices have sparked a cost-of-living crisis in Britain -- and widespread industrial action that weighed on December’s performance.

“We are not out the woods yet, particularly when it comes to inflation,” Hunt said, but also noted that “our economy is more resilient than many feared”. Persistent inflation

The technical definition of a recession is two straight quarters of negative growth.

“In December public services were hit by fewer (hospital) operations and ... visits (to see doctors), partly due to the impact of strikes, as well as notably lower school attendance,” said ONS economic statistics director Darren Morgan.

“Meanwhile, the break in Premier League football for the World Cup and postal strikes also caused a slowdown.”

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey expressed concern Thursday over persistently high inflation even if the rate of price increases shows signs of cooling.

The remarks to a cross-party committee of MPs boosted the pound on raised expectations of more hikes to British interest rates, analysts said.

“We are concerned about persistence (of high inflation). This is why we (again) raised interest rates,” Bailey told the Treasury Committee.

At its most recent regular monetary policy meeting a week ago, the BoE hiked its interest rate for the 10th time in a row as global authorities race to combat runaway inflation.

The bank lifted UK borrowing costs by a half-point to four percent, the highest level since late 2008 during the global financial crisis. AFP

STEEL MILL. Laborers work at a steel mill at an industrial area in Islamabad on Feb. 9, 2023. Pakistan’s government on Feb.

9 remained locked in crunch talks with the International Monetary Fund over the release of a crucial financial bailout on the last scheduled day of the global lender’s visit. The steel industry has warned the government that unless scrap metal imports are restarted, there will be a cascading effect on employment. AFP

SIEMENS CEO. Roland Busch, chief executive of German industrial conglomerate Siemens, speaks during the virtually held annual general assembly of Siemens in Munich, southern Germany, on Feb. 9, 2023. AFP

ChatGPT: Can it help AI-led cyberattacks?

SCIENCE, technology and all its components have strongly benefited the human race over generations. By definition, it is the search for new knowledge to improve the quality of life. However, everything has the potential of being good or bad depending on the people who are behind it.

The relentless quest to mimic and decipher the human mind has ushered an era of Artificial Intelligence. ChatGPT, a text-based artificial intelligence (AI) bot has made headlines for its use of advanced AI. From accurately fixing a coding bug, generating cooking recipes, creating 3D animations, to composing entire songs, ChatGPT has showcased the mindblowing power of AI to unlock a world of incredible new possibilities and new risks.

Since its launch on November 2022, tech experts and commentators worldwide have been concerned about the impact AI-generated content tools will have on cybersecurity.

In the recent Black Hat and Defcon security conferences, a demonstration of hacking humans with AI-as-a-service revealed howAI can actually craft better phishing emails and devilishly effective spear phishing messages than people.

Researchers using OpenAI’s GPT3 platform in combination with other AI-as-a-service products focused on personality analysis generated phishing emails that were generated customised using their colleagues’ backgrounds and characters. Eventually, the researchers developed a pipeline that refined the emails before hitting their targets. To their surprise, the platform also automatically supplied specifics, such as mentioning a Singaporean law when instructed to generate content for people in Singapore.

The makers of ChatGPT have clearly suggested that the AI-driven tool has the in-built ability to challenge incorrect premises and reject inappropriate requests. While the system apparently has inbuilt guardrails designed to prevent any kind of criminal activities, however, with a few tweaks, it generated a near flawless phishing email that sounded ‘Weirdly Human’.

Robots to enhance e iciency, customer service in Davao Light

DAVAO Light and Power Co. Inc., a utility company and subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), deployed another 34 robots on top of an existing 16 in a bid to further enhance the efficiency of its operations.

“They are not electromechanical robots but software robots,” said Engineer Jeffrey Lingatong, Davao Light’s RPA expert. “Robotic Process Automation will perform any established steps, instructions, logic, or error handling using your computer.”

Davao Light currently employs seven robot experts. Together, they created the initial 16 robots, which were responsible for saving 700 hours of manual manpower.

“Doing menial things repetitively will consume so much of an employee’s working hours. It is really stressful, time-consuming, and prone to human error,” Lingatong explained. “With RPA, different business processes can now be automated and the employee can do more value-adding tasks, be more creative, and come up with new ideas for the company while the robot performs in the background.”

“As a result, automation will increase the productivity and efficiency of an employee and further improve the quality of our services,” he added.

Called collaborative robots or “co-

RELX launches new look, offers ray of hope for users

RELX International unveiled their new and upgraded brand identity and strategy. The new branding conveys the brand’s continued focus on providing the best quality and inspiring ecigarette products to users around the world. It also communicates the brand’s focus on championing and supporting RELX users who embrace change and are always exploring new possibilities.

The new year marked the launch of the refreshed look for all its products. The company’s new branding, the RELX Ray of Hope, embodies RELX International’s commitment to transforming lives and offering a better alternative to millions of adult smokers and e-cigarette users.

According to RELX International CEO, Bing Du: “The roll out of our new look will happen gradually on our kiosks, physical stores, and online. We assure RELXers that with our refreshed look comes our strong commitment to help millions of adult smokers find a better alternative to traditional cigarettes,” said Du. “Since we began in 2018, we have helped more than 22 million RELXers make the switch,” Du added.

New Ray of Hope

The new brand identity involves three new core brand identity elements: the Phoenix Icon, the Ray of Hope, and the Color of the Sun.

The golden Phoenix that is repeatedly reborn, rising from the ashes to live a new life, restored, and renewed. The Phoenix acts as a powerful beacon for RELX, bringing the timeless story to life for a brighter future.

Meanwhile, the Ray of Hope symbolizes the lighter, brighter future of possibility that RELX inspires. It is a beam of positivity and life, casting a warm glow on the lives of users and illuminating an incredible path ahead.

Under its new branding and revitalized brand purpose, RELX is focused on creating hope for its customers as well as providing high-

bots,” they help the employees efficiently analyze data to make better and more accurate decisions in less time.

For example, a recently deployed robot in Davao Light processes 25,000 eBillTxt accounts per batch on a monthly basis. eBillTxt is the new billing service of Davao Light, wherein customers can receive their electricity bill through text. With manual processing, it takes more than one month for 25,000 customers to be enrolled in the system. Instead of an employee spending the whole working day to process such accounts, a “cobot” can automate the process for up to eight hours per day, resulting in 25,000 customers registered in less than a month and just in time for the next billing cycle.

“The ultimate measure of success is the satisfaction of our customers, and we hope to continue to improve the efficiency and quality of our services through the automation of our processes at Davao Light,” Davao Light President and Chief Operating Officer

quality, joyful, and convenient vape products.

“We are always exploring possibilities and we are here to creating hope for our customers who embrace change,” Du said. He added that the group finds strength in carrying on from voices of their customers and the company is responding “to return the strength of hope to them and to smokers around the world”.

One pastry chef who shared her experience said: “I always worry about my taste buds from smoking. But since I picked up my RELX, my sense of taste has improved. Thanks for helping me quit cigarettes.”

Drawing inspiration from their customers’ stories and its brand thrusts, RELX International is committed to empowering communities and takes compliance seriously with regulatory bodies and product standards.

As a trusted brand for adult smokers, RELX will continue to empower users through its superior vape products developed with cutting-edge technology and harness its industry-leading technologies and scientific advances through RELX Technology. Further, RELX enjoined customers to watch for its refreshed look and highlighted the importance of choosing ecigarettes from reputable brands and outlets that can guarantee safety and highquality vape products.

“We are extremely excited to provide adult smokers and vapers with a more aspirational and joyful brand identity to help them on their journey to switch or to continue on their path away from traditional cigarettes,” Du said. “We have tested our new visual identity with existing adult users and the results have shown us that they find our new identity to be more joyful, brave, and encouraging. The new brand experience is one of many things we are implementing this year to further drive growth and a better user experience with RELX.”

Rodger Velasco said.

Davao Light sought to replicate the success of its RPA developers in automating and improving its business process through an RPA boot camp — a short yet intensive and rigorous course of training in developing software robots. Forty team members from various departments joined the boot camp, resulting in the creation of 34 additional robots. Davao Light team members are now equipped with

new tools and skill sets to come up with innovative and efficient solutions to improve the distribution utility’s processes. The program is in line with AboitizPower Distribution Utilities’ massive transformative purpose of “Empowering the Evolution of our Cities” and the continuation of product innovations in distributing power that will help the cities it serves to reach greater heights.

Davao Light team members are now equipped with new tools and skill sets to come up with innovative and e cient solutions to improve the distribution utility’s processes.

Forty team members from various departments joined the boot camp, resulting in the creation of 34 additional robots.

Dutchman breezes to 2nd triumph at TCC Invitational

STA. ROSA, Laguna—Guido Van der Valk rode on a near-impeccable frontside charge to cushion the impact of a faltering finish but still won by five over Lloyd Go with a 73 as the rest succumbed in stifling heat and high winds to retain The Country Club Invitational crown here Friday.

Not even a backside 40 that could easily ruin one’s title drive in big-time championships could stymie Van der Valk’s claim to a second straight championship in the Philippine Golf Tour’s centerpiece event as he built too much of a buffer – eight shots over Go – with a frontside, tournament-best 33 spiked by four birdies against a bogey.

Like the Dutchman, the rest failed to hurdle TCC’s exacting backside as difficult pin placements made the stretch run chase more daunting and challenging.

That paved the way for Van der Valk’s easy win as he assembled a six-over 294 total, including a first round 73 and a couple of 74s, and pocketed the record P2 million purse in four days of hard work and tests after emerging the best in what had been billed as the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup for the second straight time.

“It’s an honor to win this tournament twice. It’s very special to win back-toback and I’m super happy that I managed to do it,” said Van der Valk, who became

By Peter Atencio

ANTONIO Hester’s all-around performance lifted the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots to a 108-95 swamping of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters on Friday in the 2023 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The 6’4” Hester banged in 28 points, to go with 10 rebounds, five assists and a block for the Hotshots, who picked up their first win in four matches.

Hester provided a big lift to Jerrick Ahanmisi in the pivotal second period

only the second player to score a repeat in 16 editions of the annual championship. There were no TCC Invitationals in 2015-16 and 2021-22.

“I played really good after 9 holes but I struggled a little bit at the back but I had enough of a buffer to still be comfortable,” added Van der Valk. “I’m thrilled to have done this again and I look forward to defending my title next year.”

Angelo Que won in 2007, five years after the event was l aunched by ICTSI chairman/CEO Ricky Razon to honor his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo.

The three-time Asian Tour winner then reigned in 2010 and 2011.

Unlike Que, who had to rally to beat fellow three-time TCC winner Juvic Pagunsan in 2010, Van der Valk spiked his TCC ‘double’ in wire-to-wire fashions, leading from the start and enduring an enthralling battle of nerves and wits that stretched up the final hole to edge Clyde Mondilla by one three years ago.

He also set the pace with three others with 73s Tuesday. But while Jerson Balasabas, Clyde Mondilla and Jay Bayron faded one after the other, Van der Valk stayed steady and took solo control with a 74 halfway through then kept a two-shot lead—after blowing a five-stroke bulge in the stretch— with another two-over card in moving day.

Magnolia banks on Hester’s all-around show to nail 1st win

Magnolia’s Antonio Hester drives to the basket and is challenged by three Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters in a PBA game won by the Hotshots, 108-95.

with three rebounds, two assists and a block as the Hotshots grabbed a 58-36 halftime spread.

Ahanmisi scattered four triples in the second canto for a 12-point tally overall, triggering a big 22-6 blast, which allowed Magnolia to move away from 30-24 edge, and into a 22-point advantage at 52-30.

“We changed a lot of our movements, especially our offensive schemes. We could not do it without any post threats, and this guy (Hester), to open up the floor,” said Hotshots coach Chito Victolero.

Andy Barroca added 19 points for the Hotshots, who were ahead by 26 points

in the 4:10 mark of the third period off his driving layup following Hester’s rebound, 84-58.

Calvin Abueva shot 18 points and provided 10 board for the Hotshots, who sit in seventh spot.

Jason Perkins top-scored with 20 points for the Fuel Masters, who are now behind at 1-5.

Paul Lee made 14 points, with his trey with 2:23 left in the second period, giving the Hotshots a 58-34 spread.

The Hotshots will aim for a second win as they seek to get past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their next game on Sunday.

TOP seed Alexa Milliam pounded her way to the finals of the first Rina Cañiza Women’s Tennis Open yesterday, dispatching Shaira Rivera, 6-1, 6-2, while unranked Tennielle Madis mounted her own charge in the lower draw, easing past No. 14 Nichole dela Rita, 6-2, 6-2, at the PCA outdoor courts in Paco, Manila. Milliam, 17, sustained her run of lopsided victories since thrashing Debbie Gom-Os, 6-1, 6-2, in the second round following an opening day bye in the upper half of the 64-player draw as the La Carlota ace blasted Sydney Enriquez next, 6-1, 6-1, then repulsed Melanie Dizon, 6-4, 6-2, in last Thursday’s quarterfinal round of the Group A event put up by former national player Rina Cañiza in partnership with the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala, led by president/ CEO Bobby Castro, to boost women’s tennis.

Against the No. 16 Rivera, who turned back No. 10 Dominique Malazarte, 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, in the quarters, Milliam took the first four games, dropped the fifth on her service turn, before sweeping the next two. She then broke Rivera in the third game of the second set, held serve to stay in control then

won three of the last four games to complete the straight-set romp and zero in on the top P50,000 purse staked in the event presented by Dunlop. Madis, 15, likewise kept churning out one big game after the other in her side of the battle and like Milliam, the Mlang, Cotabato find, who shocked No. 2 Alexei Santos, 6-3, 6-3, in the second round, posted a pair of straight-set victories, including 6-0, 6-2 demolition of Hannah Divinagracia, and a 7-6(2), 4-0(ret.) win over Rachel Velez, to earn a crack at the coveted title in the They dispute the championship at 8 a.m. today (Saturday).

Meanwhile, the top-seeded Rivera and teammate Mae Bornia trounced dela Rita and Gom-Os, 6-2, 6-1, to seal a title showdown with Divinagracia and Joanna Tan, who upended No. 2 Nina Alcala and Aileen Rogan, 7-5, 6-4, in the doubles play which also offers a top prize of P50,000.

Meanwhile, the National Collegiate Tennis Championship will start on Feb. 13, featuring individual and team plays, also at the PCA courts. For details, contact tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Guido Van der Valk hoists his huge TCC Invitational trophy and replica of the check worth P2 million. Manny Marcelo

Top seed Alexa Milliam (left) braces for a stiff challenge from unranked Tennielle Madis in pursuit of the inaugural Rina Cañiza Women’s Tennis Open crown.

Economic blueprint envisions sustainable economic growth

THE government renews its commitment to sustainable economic growth with the launch of a new economic blueprint that underscores the importance of protecting the environment to achieve its goal of having a prosperous society by 2040.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. unveiled in January 2023 the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028— the blueprint for deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.

The President said this growth should be inclusive—building an environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos and equipping them with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.

The plan was based on the president’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda that tackle immediate, on-the-ground concerns such as high inflation, scarring due to COVID-19 and the tight fiscal space; address long-standing, critical constraints to generating more jobs, quality jobs and green jobs over the medium term; and provide the necessary enabling environment—level playing field and peace and security in the long term.

President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 14 to adopt the plan that will set the Philippines towards becoming an

upper middle-income country by the year 2025. “But beyond economic development, the plan also focuses on social development and protection, disaster resilience digital transformation and many other things,” the President said.

Under the PDP, the government aims to achieve a gross domestic product growth of 6 percent to 7 percent in 2023 and 6.5 percent to 8 percent from 2024 to 2028, following the 7.6-percent expansion in 2022—the fastest since 1976. The plan also seeks to reduce the unemployment rate to a range of 4 percent to 5 percent by 2028 after settling at 4.2 percent in November 2022, the lowest in nearly two decades.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said PDP 2023-2028 would serve as the country’s development roadmap that would help improve the economic performance over the next six years.

Green future

THE world faces a major challenge of balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. As we mark the 36th anniversary of the Manila Standard, we highlight the crucial role that businesses play in driving progress towards a more sustainable future. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this balance is investing in clean or renewable energy.

“While the pandemic exposed the frailties and weaknesses within our system in the past few years, we were able to draw from those lessons and can now move forward with a better sense of what our priorities and urgent needs are,” Balisacan said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the 2022 gross domestic product expanded by 7.6 percent—the fastest in 46 years. This surpassed the government’s target range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent for the year despite the global headwinds highlighted by higher interest rates and elevated inflation.

“The trajectory of our post- pandemic recovery is undoubtedly promising. Still, we cannot rest easy, knowing that we have much work ahead of us as we strive to sustain and improve our performance,” Balisacan said.

“In these next six years, we can look forward to seeing the government take swift and decisive action, with various agencies working in synergy towards our shared goal of significantly improving the quality of life of the Filipino people and working towards a prosperous, inclusive and resilient society,” Balisacan said.

The plan clearly and coherently maps out the vision, timeline and strategies for deep and genuine socioeconomic transformation. By 2040, the Philippines is envisioned to be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor. To push for economic transformation in a post-pandemic context, a favorable business environment is required.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Environment protection plays an important role in the development plan. It recognizes the importance of feeding a population of 110 million which is expected to further rise in the future, while sustaining the country’s natural resources.

It acknowledges climate change and recommends action to reverse the trend. It noted a dramatic shift in the world’s weather patterns, as temperature records have been routinely set every three years since 1981.

The Philippines is considered “one of the most, if not the most, vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change.”

WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY APPROACH

Both the government and the private sector have crucial roles to play to mitigate the impact of climate change on the population and the economy.

Strategies in the PDP will support human and social development, including protection from risks and preparation for future economic disruptions.

The government is determined to spearhead a whole-of-nation approach in the implementation of strategies and programs laid out in PDP 20232028.

“This has to be a whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration for economic transformation,” Balisacan said.

“In these next six years, we can look forward to seeing the government take swift and decisive action, with various agencies working in synergy towards our shared goal of significantly improving the quality of life of the Filipino people and working towards a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society,” he said.

President Marcos said “every part of society must be part of this transformation.”

The transition to renewable energy is one of the most pressing needs of our time. It is well known that conventional energy sources such as coal and oil are finite, and their continued extraction and use have contributed to the degradation of our environment. Investing in renewable energy is a crucial step towards mitigating the negative impacts of conventional energy sources.

We have seen a growing number of businesses and organizations embrace this idea in recent years, as they invest in clean energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro power. The shift towards renewable energy has not only reduced the carbon footprint of these groups but has also created numerous job opportunities and boosted the local economy.

An example of a business that has embraced green energy is the tech giant Google. The company has committed to using 100-percent renewable energy to power its operations and has invested heavily in renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms. As a result, Google has substantially reduced its carbon footprint and is helping create a greener future.

Another notable example is the international investment bank Goldman Sachs. The bank has established a dedicated team to invest in renewable energy projects and set a goal to finance and invest $150 billion in clean energy projects by 2025. This investment is expected to provide a significant boost to the growth of the renewable energy sector, creating new jobs and mitigating the impact of conventional energy sources.

The shift towards renewable energy is not only beneficial to the environment but also to the bottom line of businesses. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with conventional energy sources, providing a stable and predictable source of energy that can help reduce operating costs and increase profitability.

The implementation of sustainable business practices is also essential for long-term economic sustainability. Businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability are not only creating a better future for our planet but are also securing their own long-term success. Companies that embrace sustainable practices are often viewed more favorably by consumers and investors, leading to increased brand recognition and a more positive reputation.

Investing in green energy is a crucial step towards achieving economic and environmental sustainability. We are seeing more and more businesses embracing this idea. They invest in clean energy projects and implement sustainable business practices. As we mark the 36th anniversary of the Manila Standard, we recognize the role of businesses in driving progress towards a greener and more sustainable future.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) leads the launching of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

PH on a quest for long-term supply of sustainable energy

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ENERGY is an essential commodity and a prime mover of development, and like many countries, the Philippines is on a quest for a long-term sustainable energy supply.

A reliable and affordable access to ample supply of energy will help ensure the realization of the Marcos administration’s socio-economic agenda, according to the Department of Energy.

Energy protects the purchasing power of families through energy cost reduction, reduces vulnerability and mitigates the impact of the pandemic by strengthening social protection. This generates more livelihood opportunities through energy security and provides green jobs through livable and sustainable communities.

3-PRONGED APPROACH

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, in a recent forum, pushed for a three-pronged approach to secure a sustainable energy supply.

“First is on diversifying sources of energy, especially developing indigenous sources of energy. And that is why the emphasis has been given to opening up the renewable energy sources, which is foremost in the agenda,” said Lotilla. He said the government should consider other untapped sources of energy including nuclear power. “The tragedy of the past is that we tend to ban technologies, but our effort is to be open to all technologies, to make sure that they live up to standards that are set by the government,” the energy chief said.

The second approach is to improve the government’s general attitude [including those of local government units] towards investments at all levels in energy.

Lotilla cited as an example the delay in the repair of typhoon-damaged transmission lines because

METRO Pacific Investments

Foundation. Inc.’s (MPIF)

commitment to support the conservation of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site (TRNP) has reinforced its Biodiversity and Habitat Protection, Research, Monitoring, and Restoration program by provi ding the necessary funding to mobilize ecosystem research, monitoring, and enforcement.

From January to September 2022, MPIF has funded two of three of the six annual relieving trips for marine park rangers, including their corresponding subsistence allowance. MPIF’s financial support has also allowed for the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) to pursue its water quality monitoring and beach forest reforestation initiatives, as well as its equipment and supplies procurement.

“MPIF’s commitment to Tubbataha recognizes that strengthening its marine conservation includes supporting the stewards who work in service of the environment,” said MPIF President Melody del Rosario. “Safeguarding the Philippines’ Crown Jewel should be a collective effort inclusive of all stakeholders and thus benefiting the common people.”

This partnership between MPIF and TMO envisions to result in the improved conservation and protection of Tubbataha by determining ecosystem health, generating sound scientific information, serving as a basis for formulating proactive strategies, measuring biophysical indicators of management effectiveness, and ensuring the Park’s integrity and safety.

ON ENFORCEMENT

AND ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH

TRNP was named a Ramsar site—a wetland site of international importance—by the Ramsar Convention or “The Convention on Wetlands”, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO. The Convention provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Placing more importance to this integral biodiversity location, enforcement is one of the key elements in protecting and conserving the TRNP. Beyond funding three relieving trips conducted last April 11, June 8, and December, MPIF financed the subsistence allowances for 51

some local government units refused to have the lines rehabilitated.

“We’ve got to make all sectors realize that they cannot be blocking power projects that are going to benefit the entire country, if we are to see the sustainable development of our country,” he said.

The third approach is working together towards a more sustainable future.

“As we transform the economy, we must also focus on, not only on the indigenous sources but on others that can help improve the delivery of services to the country,” Lotilla said, adding that this includes relieving transmission constraints to stranded power around the country.

LOW-CARBON FUTURE

Lotilla said the Philippines, under the Marcos administration, is strengthening its commitment to attaining a sustainable low-carbon future.

“The use of greener energy sources is becoming the trend in the global energy landscape. Industrialized economies have pledged to prioritize energy transition strategies to shift from a lowcarbon economy to a net-zero or carbon-neutral society,” Lotilla said in one of his speeches.

“However, for a developing country like the Philippines with scarce resources, this remains an ambitious goal as achieving it requires substantial capital investments, tighter policies and regulations and the deployment of next-generation technologies, among other considerations,” he said.

Lotilla said the government is asserting a more gradual clean energy transition, “as there is a narrow line to be crossed between balancing economic growth and consumer welfare, while still pursuing our sustainable environmental goals.”

ENERGY PLAN

The DOE crafted the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040 which captures the sector’s longterm goals, priorities and strategies in achieving a cleaner, more efficient, resilient and more sustainable energy system.

The country’s energy transition as envisioned under the PEP’s Clean Energy Scenario would be pursued through scaling up RE programs and projects; strengthening energy efficiency and conservation measures across different sectors; providing greater space for alternative and emerging energy technologies; integrating information and communications technology in the energy chain; and building up energy resiliency.

“In the long run, it will entail achieving the government’s Ambisyon Natin 2040 aspirations for every Filipino, our nationally determined contribution targets in accordance with the Paris Agreement, as well as our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal in promoting clean energy,” Lotilla said. RE PRIORITIES

“In charting a sustainable path towards clean energy, the department heeds the marching orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to accelerate and expand the development of our domestic energy sources to provide the Filipino people an energy supply that is both accessible and affordable,” Lotilla said.

One of the major strategies is to increase RE share in the power generation mix to 35 percent by

2030 and at least 50 percent by 2040.

Lotilla said the DOE would continue implementing pertinent policies and programs to further implement the RE Law. These include the National Renewable Energy Program, Renewable Portfolio Standards, Green Energy Auction Program, Green Energy Option Program and NetMetering Program.

The DOE also established the Competitive RE Zones to identify 25 strategic areas across the country with the highest concentration of wind and solar resources.

Results indicated that the country has a total potential capacity of around 58 gigawatts of solar and almost 94 GW of wind energy.

Lotilla said offshore wind energy is another focus area in the RE sector. The Offshore Wind Roadmap for the Philippines identified 178 GW of OSW energy potential across the country, particularly in the areas of Northwest Luzon, Manila, Mindoro, Guimaras Strait and Negros/Panay West. RE INVESTMENTS

Meanwhile, Lotilla said the liberalization of foreign ownership for RE investments is a major development in the RE sector.

The amendment to Section 19 of the implementing rules and regulations of the RE Act now allows 100-percent foreign ownership of RE projects. This is expected to encourage the flow of investments in RE development.

Lotilla said the Philippines requires a dynamic private sector to take the lead in steadily increasing capital investment, given the limited fiscal space available to the government.

The energy chief encouraged the private sector to participate in the country’s clean energy transition where some 92,320 MW of new additional capacities are needed by 2040, with RE making up 80 percent of that requirement or about 73,000 MW.

“Higher private investment, especially direct foreign investment, would raise the country’s competitiveness and productivity through knowledge sharing and innovation,” he said.

MPIF, TMO partnership strengthens Tubbataha Marine Conservation

monitoring initiatives. With the assistance of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) staff, water samples and situated water parameters were collected from the 20 monitoring sites on the reef, inside the lagoon, and in the buffer zone of the park.

The parameters collected included temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and salinity. Water samples were taken to the PCSD Environmental Laboratory for analysis.

Since the saplings planted in Bird Islet in 2021 did not thrive due to the lack of fresh water, excessive pressure from seabirds, and disproportionate amount of sea spray due to rough seas, TMO partnered with residents of Cagayancillo to propagate beach forest trees for planting in Tubbataha during the season. MPIF defrayed the costs of propagation, transportation, and planting of the saplings.

“Our partnership with MPIF has ensured that we continuously value Tubbataha as an integral site for Philippine marine biodiversity. The initial stages of our collaboration have already resulted in beneficial initiatives and we look forward to pursuing equally important efforts for the coming years,” said Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Protected Area Superintendent Angelique Songco.

At Christmastime, monster waves and winds battered the 23-year-old ranger station so that marine park rangers had to be evacuated to safety by the Western Command. MPIF committed to provide an additional P1M this year for the repairs of the heavily-damaged Tubbataha Ranger Station.

The new ranger station complex will include the ranger quarters, a research station, and a helipad.

Shore It Up!’s commitment to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is aligned with Gabay Kalikasan, one of the MVP Group’s Gabay Advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines. It is also in line with MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 14 Life Below Water, 15 Life on Land, and 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

moorings.

Water quality monitoring and beach reforestation initiatives were conducted to fulfill their ecosystem research and

This partnership bolsters MPIF’s role alongside MPIC, as the largest catalyst for a Sustainable Philippines, aimed to improve the lives in the country through providing essential services and mobilizing advocacies that uplift the quality of life of all Filipinos.

Tubbataha Marine Park Rangers

Tubbataha Ranger Station pre-December

Firms adopt ESG standards to drive sustainability agenda

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ENVIRONMENTAL, social

and

corporate governance or ESG is becoming a major influence on the way Philippine conglomerates and core subsidiaries operate, enabling them to rise above challenges and address the needs of their stakeholders amid the pandemic.

Many publicly listed firms, including Ayala Corp., SM Investments Corp. and JG Summit Holdings Inc., have committed to adopting ESG standards that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Ayala Corp, which has investments in property, banking, telecom, power generation and automotive businesses, announced its commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

It also plans to finalize its Net Zero Roadmap by end of 2023. This encompasses full accounting and validation of emissions, intervention assessments and setting science-referenced targets for each business unit.

AC is bringing new technologies to expand access to sustainable energy and mobility. It is also adopting a mindset of stewardship and a guiding principle of creating shared value that will pave the way towards long-term resilience, sustainability and equality.

The conglomerate’s power generation arm ACEN Corp. targets to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will involve the early retirement of its remaining coal plant by 2040 and transitioning the company’s generation portfolio to 100-percent renewable energy by 2025.

Ayala Land Inc. made bolder commitments of reducing and removing 100 percent of controllable emissions within the group by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Automotive unit AC Motors announced plans of selling electric vehicle Kia EV6 this year, while ALI started operating EV charging stations across malls, offices and estates.

SM’S INITIATIVES

SM Investments Corp., one the biggest conglomerates in the country, is focusing its initiatives on incorporating sustainability and resiliency strategies across its various projects.

It allocated 10 percent of its capital expenditure into incorporating disaster resiliency and sustainability in its infrastructure designs, disaster preparedness of communities and forwarding disaster resiliency advocacy among local governments and international communities.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the conglomerate’s property and mall developer, plans to increase the renewable energy utilization of its property portfolio to 50 percent.

JG SUMMIT’S PROGRAMS

Another major conglomerate that is accelerating its sustainability approach to emerge as a stronger business postpandemic is JG Summit Holdings Inc., which has substantial interests in food manufacturing and agro-industrial and commodities, real estate and hotels, air transportation, banking and petrochemicals.

JG Summit said its sustainability agenda is ingrained in its five-year business strategy as it aims to accelerate and transform its operations in the new normal.

The group is expanding its low-carbon operations and strengthening its climaterelated risk management across core businesses. Its malls and manufacturing facilities, both here are abroad, have switched to greener energy sources to help cut down greenhouse gas emissions.

Robinsons Land installed rooftop solar panels in 24 Robinsons Malls, which are capable of generating 30.79 megawatts in total, while Universal Robina Corp.’s plants in Laguna and Thailand have rooftop solar panels with a combined capacity of 7 megawatts, generating 3,490.83 megawatts-hour of renewable energy.

Cebu Pacific, its airline unit, is modernizing its fleet and improving fuel use by refleeting with Airbus A330neo aircraft, which consumes 25 percent less fuel than the previous generation aircraft.

By Julito G. Rada

THE Department of Finance expressed support to proper plastic waste management involving the use of recyclable packaging to put an end to the “throw-away culture.”

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno welcomed the approval of a proposed bill that imposes excise tax on single-use plastics (SUPs).

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading in November 2022 House Bill 4102 or the Single-use Plastic Bags Tax Act, imposing an excise tax of P100 for every kilogram of SUPs removed from the place of production or released from custody of the Bureau of Customs.

The bill seeks to help regulate the consumption of SUPs as part of the country’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

Diokno thanked the House under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand

Martin Romualdez for exercising swift and careful judgment on the approval of the Single-use Plastic Bag Tax Act. The bill was transmitted to the Senate on Nov. 15, 2022.

“This is our contribution to the global movement to reduce pollution, while raising revenues needed to manage economic risks and rehabilitate the country—like hitting two birds with one stone,” Diokno said in a statement.

The price of a pack of plastic labo bags is estimated to increase by around 75 percent in the first year of the proposed law’s implementation, with an estimated decline in volume by around 24.7 percent.

The retail price of sando bags is expected to rise 79.3 percent, which is expected to result in a 26.1-percent decline in volume.

The proposed tax will increase yearly by 4 percent beginning 2026, and incremental revenues collected will be allocated to the Department

of Natural Resources’ programs for the implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

A 70-percent assumption in collection efficiency will translate into estimated revenues of P38.06 billion for five years of implementation beginning 2023. If passed into law, the bill will address the long-standing issue of plastic waste management by promoting the use of recyclable packaging, and ending the “throwaway culture.” Studies showed that market-based instruments, such as taxes aimed at discouraging the use of SUPs, proved effective in curtailing plastic waste generation.

In the ASEAN region, Brunei and Vietnam imposed taxes on SUPs. Vietnam saw a 23-percent reduction in daily plastic consumption—from 746 tons a day in 2014 to 577 tons in 2017.

In the United States, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Seattle curbed plastic consumption by 85 percent, 72 percent and 78 percent, respectively after taxing SUPs.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam account for 55 percent to 60 percent of plastic wastes entering the oceans. SUPs were also found to be among the primary wastes collected during DENR coastal cleanup campaigns.

ROLE OF LGUS

Diokno also sought the expanded role of local government units in the fight against climate change.

He said LGUs should play a broader role in helping reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by teaming up with the national government in implementing “green” programs such as reforestation, rehabilitation and development of mangroves and transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, to name a few.

DOF welcomes bill ending ‘throw-away culture’

Companies transition to clean power sources as part of CSR

FOREIGN and local companies in the Philippines are transitioning to clean power sources as part of their corporate social responsibility program.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, signed a long-term clean energy supply deal with Aboitiz Power Corp. in August 2022 to power its malls and other properties.

Under the agreement, Aboitiz Power will supply reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from the Tiwi and MakBan Geothermal Power Plants and PV Sinag’s power plants operated and managed by subsidiary Aboitiz Renewables Inc. to SM Prime.

“This partnership with Aboitiz Power is aligned with our unwavering commitment to being a catalyst for economic growth and steward of nature. We will continue providing world-class amenities within our sustainable lifestyle cities that have been beneficial and inspirational to millions of Filipinos,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim.

The long-term contract will power SM Prime properties, including malls, leisure homes, offices, hotels and other establishments under the retail competition and open access regime by the end of 2022.

“We thank SM Prime for trusting us to be their partner in their transition to clean and renewable energy. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to power various SM Prime properties with our renewable assets,” said Aboitiz Power senior vice president for commercial operations business unit Sandro Aboitiz.

CLEANERGY PORTFOLIO

Aboitiz Power said it would expand its Cleanergy portfolio in the next ten years to support the government’s plans to boost the renewable energy industry in the country. The Department of Energy aims to increase the country’s renewable energy supply share to 35 percent by 2030.

Aboitiz Power expects to have 50:50 Cleanergy and thermal capacity mix by 2030.

“We have supported a growing number of corporations transitioning to clean and renewable energy and we are excited at the prospect of seeing a future where Cleanergy is the norm,” said Aboitiz Renewables Inc. vice president for commercial strategy, sales and engagement David Aboitiz.

SM Prime is also a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living, and a green culture.

GEOP

Aboitiz Power said that in the Visayas, its retail electricity supply company Advent Energy Inc. won contracts to supply renewable power under the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Option Program.

Car parts builder NKC Manufacturing Philippines Corp.’s factories in Lapu-Lapu City and sugar producer Victorias Milling Company Inc. now run on Cleanergy, Aboitiz Power’s renewable energy solutions brand.

Aboitiz Power supplies communities and businesses with power derived from run-of-river, large hydro, solar and geothermal.

GEOP empowers consumers by allowing them to source renewable energy from a licensed supplier. The program also promotes renewable energy use, thereby increasing the share of clean energy in the country’s generation mix.

NKC president Norihiko Matsuda said using reliable and responsibly-sourced energy is essential in their business operations.

“While we help build vehicles, we want to do our part in creating a safer world where families can enjoy the products we put to life. We are confident that having Aboitiz Power as a supplier paves the way for NKC to go full speed with this direction,” Matsuda said.

VMC said the choice to shift to renewable energy to run their bioethanol plant is a way to help the company achieve its sustainability goals.

“As a sustainable enterprise, our company undertakes environmentally responsible practices within our business and promotes these across our supply chain and surrounding environment,” VMC president Minnie Chua said.

“We support the GEOP initiative of the DOE as it gives customers the freedom to choose renewable energy in meeting their energy requirements and their own energy supplier,” said Aboitiz Power senior vice president for commercial operations Sandro Aboitiz.

“More importantly, it allows end-users to play an active part in reducing environmental impact and safeguarding the future of generations to come.”

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Meanwhile, Energy Development Corp., a unit of First Gen Corp., started supplying 20 megawatts of renewable energy to More Electric and Power Corp. on July 25, 2022.

EDC’s five-year power supply to MORE Power will come from the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant, one of the company’s largest geothermal facilities.

“Green power is not only reliable but also affordable. MORE Power gives priority to affordability of electricity, then having renewable energy in our portfolio. We are confident that this partnership with First Gen and EDC will give us both our priorities that will benefit our consumers in the long term. Especially now that global fuel prices are, and will continue to be volatile, having renewable energy in our portfolio will save our consumers from high electricity costs,” said MORE Power president and chief executive Roel Castro.

Geothermal energy can provide uninterrupted, year-round baseload power and hardly emits carbon dioxide.

EDC said MORE Power would avoid releasing a minimum of 124,942 tons of carbon dioxide that could otherwise be emitted annually if the electricity came from a coal-fired power plant.

EMISSION REDUCTION

Japanese waste management and recycling company GUUN Co. Ltd. also secured renewable energy from First Gen to help achieve its 42-percent target carbon dioxide reduction by 2030.

First Gen’s power marketing, trading and economics vice president Carlo Vega said GUUN made the right choice of switching to RE “to decarbonize its Philippine operations and help its cement plant customers to also do the same.”

BSP embraces sustainable banking amid climate risks

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas adopts Sustainable Central Banking as one of its strategic thrusts in view of the significant impact of climate and environmental risks on prices of goods and services and on the safety and soundness of financial institutions.

The Sustainable Central Banking Framework embodies the BSP’s role as an enabler, mobilizer and doer with respect to advocating sustainability in the financial system.

The BSP fosters a conducive policy and regulatory environment that enables its supervised financial institutions to take a balanced and proportionate approach on the adoption of the sustainability agenda.

The BSP earlier rolled out a two-pronged approach to promote sustainable finance. These are increasing awareness and capacity-building activities and issuance of enabling regulations.

In increasing awareness and capacity-building initiatives, the BSP actively takes part in regional or international groups of central banks and supervisors such as the Network for Greening the Financial System, Sustainable Banking and Finance Network, Inclusive Green Finance Working Group of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion, Executives’ Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks Working Group on Banking Supervision and task force or working groups at the ASEAN level.

The BSP also holds various studies or preliminary insights on sustainable finance such as the “Impact of Extreme Weather Episodes on the Philippine Banking Sector using Branch-level Supervisory Data,” “Climate Change and Monetary Policy:

Some Preliminary Thoughts” and the “Report on The Roles of ASEAN Central Banks in Managing Climate and Environment-related Risk”, which is a collaborative project of the ASEAN Central Banks.

It also teams up with local and international organizations or developmental agencies in the conduct of fora and training for deepening the capacity and enhancing the skill sets of the banking community.

SUSTAINABILITY GUIDELINES

Cognizant of the evolving nature of sustainable finance concepts and best practices, the BSP adopted a phased approach in introducing sustainability-related guidelines on the principle of proportionality.

The first phase involved the issuance of Circular No. 1085 that pertains to Sustainable Finance Framework. The key areas of the framework are the roles of the board of directors and senior management; environmental and social risk management; and disclosure requirements.

The framework underscores the role of the board in leading and institutionalizing the adoption of sustainability principles. This brings to fore the key elements of board and senior management responsibilities encompassing company culture, risk management oversight, accountability and transparency.

The second phase is the issuance of Circular 1128 (Environmental and Social Risk Management

Framework). This provides granular expectations on the management of environmental and social risks in relation to credit and operational risk exposures of banks.

Banks are expected to set strategic environmental and social objectives which cover short, medium and long-term horizons, including progressively increasing loan allocations for green or sustainable projects.

The third phase is the issuance of Guidelines on the Integration of Sustainability Principles in Investment Activities of Banks (Circular 1149). The regulations provide the expectations on the integration of sustainability principles in investment activities of banks, particularly in the banking book.

Banks should consider their sustainability objectives and risk appetite in their investment activities and ensure that such investment does not contribute to sectors considered to have harmful effects to the environment or society.

The BSP said it would soon issue regulations covering the following areas: conduct of climate risk stress testing by banks; amendments to disclosure requirements under Circular No. 1085; enhancements of prudential reports for data collection and surveillance analysis; incentivized lending or financing of green or sustainable projects or activities; and development of sustainable finance taxonomy.

The BSP is also working with the World Bank, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and volunteer banks in the conduct of climate stress testing and vulnerability assessment to better understand climate and other environmentalrelated risks and estimate its potential impact on the banking system.

The BSP was one of the early investors in the green bond funds of the Bank for International Settlements. Initial investment amounting to $150 million was done in October 2019. Since then, the BSP’s total investments in the green bond funds

have grown in size, reaching above $500 million.

The BSP, through its membership in the Executives’ Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks, has also taken part in discussions on promoting green bonds in the region.

The Sustainable Central Banking Roadmap sets 11 targeted strategies and related initiatives that the BSP will pursue in the coming years to mainstream “green” and sustainability principles and practices in BSP operations and across the financial system.

The conduct of vulnerability assessment of BSP offices and branches intends to improve the resiliency of BSP facilities to better withstand the challenges brought about by natural hazards; and enhance emergency response systems and business continuity strategies to reduce business disruptions.

GREEN INITIATIVES

In May 2021, the BSP issued an internal policy prohibiting the use of disposable or single-use plastic materials and encouraging its employees to utilize reusable utensils, containers, and tumblers, among others.

In 2018, the BSP adopted an electronic transmission and distribution of Monetary Board Agenda Papers which significantly reduced paper usage during MB discussions.

In April 2022, the BSP began its phased issuance of polymer banknotes in its bid for “smarter” (more secure and sustainable), “cleaner” (more hygienic and sanitary) and “stronger” (durable and costeffective) paper banknotes.

Recently, the BSP issued guidelines on the proper handling of polymer banknotes. These include storing banknotes in wallets where they fit properly (the typical bi fold wallet fits this criteria), keeping them clean and using them as payment for goods and services.

GREEN FACILITY

The BSP is also developing a new complex in New Clark City which is envisioned to become “a global benchmark for a smart, green and modern facility, promoting environmental sustainability and efficiency.”

Major banks mobilize green finance to protect environment

By Julito G. Rada

Banks

Bank of the Philippine Islands set a milestone in the country’s sustainable banking operations as its branches in Iloilo Solis and Loyola Katipunan earned Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies certification from International Finance Corp. EDGE is a green building certification with quantitative metrics, providing cost-effective strategies to reduce energy use, water use, and embodied energy in materials. BPI has three more branches in the pipeline for EDGE certification.

“[In 2023], we have 25 branches planned for re-construction to also achieve EDGE certification. This forms part of our vision to lead in sustainable business practices in the Philippine banking industry and build a better Philippines—one family, one community at a time,” said BPI head of consumer banking Maria Cristina Go.

The certification of BPI Iloilo Solis and BPI Loyola Katipunan branches was issued by Philippine Green Building Initiative Inc., an IFC-accredited certification body.

PGBI president and chairman Leandro Conti and PGBI EDGE program director Ramon Aguilos lauded BPI for the

achievement. “Our assessment confirms the auditor’s report that BPI Iloilo Solis resource-efficient design will result in reductions of 22 percent in energy, 23 percent in water and 76 percent in materials’ embodied energy compared to a local base case,” PGBI said.

As for BPI Loyola Katipunan, PGBI’s assessment confirmed the auditor’s report that its “resource-efficient design will result in reductions of 25 percent in energy, 31 percent in water and 84 percent in materials’ embodied energy compared to a local base case.”

Since 2017, BPI has been guiding real estate project owners on complying with IFC EDGE’s resource efficiency standards. This forms part of BPI’s longstanding commitment of embedding sustainability in the conduct of business to generate positive value for the society and environment.

BPI also continues to harness the power of technology by adopting a

phygital approach—a combination of physical and digital channels—to provide banking clients with a wider variety of services and experiences. With advanced digital capabilities in place, the bank enables clients to consciously support sustainability through paperless banking, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.

SEF PROGRAM

BDO Unibank Inc., the Philippines’ largest lender led by the Sy Group, is a pioneer in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency project financing, having instituted the Sustainable Energy Finance program as early as 2010 in partnership with the IFC., the private banking arm of the World Bank Group.

BDO’s SEF Program has funded projects that advance energy efficiency and harness renewable energy including solar, wind, hydro and biomass.

In December 2017, BDO launched a $150-million green bond—the first

such transaction by a commercial bank in the Philippines. The BDO green bond exclusively financed climatesmart projects, helping contribute to the development of the climate finance market.

BDO’s Sustainable Finance Framework aims to achieve strategic resilience by incorporating sustainability in the way BDO conducts business; integrate environmental, social and governance and sustainability principles in financial products and services; embed sustainability principles when making decisions, assessing relationships and creating products; align business operations with the SDGs; support the principles of the United Nations Global Compact; and strengthen leadership in responsible finance locally, regionally, and globally. Sustainable finance instruments may include green, blue, social and sustainability bonds, loans and any other debt financing instruments that fund or will fund the sustainable finance portfolio that conform to the sustainable finance framework.

METROBANK’S INITIATIVES

The environmental contributions of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest lender in terms of assets, range from active promotion and participation in conservation initiatives within its organization, its supply chain and in local communities where it operates, to commitments to wellrecognized domestic and international standards and reporting agreements.

Metrobank is fully supportive of the Paris Agreement’s goal to keep the rise in global average temperature this century to well below two degrees

Celsius and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5°C.

It is working to reduce its operational footprint on the environment through energy conservation in its offices and branches and taking environmental protection into account when making lending decisions.

The bank consistently strives to improve its operations through the conservation of energy, water and resources. In 2021, the bank expanded the scope of its environmental performance data to include corporate centers and domestic branches.

Metrobank’s environmental performance changed due to the workfrom-home arrangement and the utilization of online platforms during lockdown. In addition, Metrobank embarked on a number of initiatives, including assessing its performance on the following areas in its operations such as energy billing, operation of equipment, preventive maintenance plans and energy audits.

It implemented more energy conservation measures to further reduce power consumption, which included the rewiring of lights, reduction of motor frequency, optimization of air conditioning units operation, installation of motion sensors, scheduled light switch on/off on unused areas, continuous replacement of conventional fluorescent bulbs to LED (in 25 percent of all its major centers), use of inverter A/C units for renovated branches, installation of metering devices to monitor the improvements in its utility consumption with the implementation of energy conservation projects.

are well aware of their pivotal role in mitigating the impact of climate change and global warming to the environment and the economy.

Telecom firms join campaign for ‘zero-carbon world’ by 2050

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TELECOM companies vowed to make their networks green and eco-friendly as their contribution to “zero-carbon world” by 2050.

Mobile phone maker Ericsson said the telco industry accounts for about 1.4 percent of emissions worldwide, slightly lower than the aviation sector’s 2 percent.

“We are one with global mobile operators in helping the mobile industry achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We acknowledge that this requires a collective effort to realize large-scale positive impact,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu.

Cavite, three in Cebu, two in Makati and one each in Mandaluyong, San Juan, Manila, Marikina, Laguna, Batangas and Tarlac.

Globe started its decarbonization journey in 2019 by buying renewable energy bundled with verified carbon offsets through power purchase agreements.

The recent shift harnessed the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Option Program which allows consumers with a monthly average peak demand of 100 kilowatts and above, the option to directly engage with renewable energy suppliers and ensure that the facility consumes energy from renewable resources.

“This shift to renewable energy is part of Globe’s overall climate action roadmap and in support of both the country and the Ayala Group’s goal to reduce carbon emissions,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, chief finance officer, treasurer and chief risk officer at Globe.

ZERO EMISSIONS

Alfredo Panlilio, president of PLDT Inc., said they are pursuing several key initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

“PLDT and Smart are one with the GSMA in the Race to Zero . Where at the finish line awaits the wreath of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” he said.

Globe is a part of the United Nationsbacked Race to Zero campaign to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero-carbon world by 2050. It also supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 13, which underscores the importance of climate action in saving lives and people’s livelihood to address climate emergencies.

The Race To Zero campaign involves a major multi-stakeholder coalition of leaders, aims to send a resounding signal to governments that businesses, cities, regions and investors are united in achieving net zero emissions and in creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

ECO-FRIENDLY NETWORKS

Given its sustainability strategy in incorporating more green solutions into its operations, Globe has deployed sodium nickel batteries for its core network sites which house high-capacity communication platforms and facilities to reduce the need for frequent replacements.

To date, more than half of its core network sites are already fully or partially using sodium nickel batteries, with the rest to follow suit.

“We are progressively moving to ecofriendly batteries which employ the latest technology in backup power for our core network sites as opposed to fossil fuels. Their eco-friendly features also align with our commitment to climate action, one of which is to reduce our carbon emissions,” said Globe chief sustainability officer and senior vice president for group corporate communication Yoly Crisanto.

Over the years, Globe has deployed more than 8,500 green network solutions such as fuel cell systems, direct current hybrid generators, free cooling systems and lithiumion batteries.

Globe has 14 key facilities, including its headquarters, running on 100-percent renewable energy via power purchase agreements. It is also piloting hybrid power alternative sources for cell towers in off-grid and bad-grid sites. Globe teamed up with ACEN, the renewable energy platform of the Ayala Group, in shifting 10 more facilities in Cavite, Cebu, Quezon City, Manila, Marikina and Laguna to clean energy, raising to 24 the total number of high-energy utilization facilities now running on renewables.

Aside from The Globe Tower in Taguig, the company has other facilities already running on green energy: six in Quezon City, five in

“For this purpose, we are pursuing several key initiatives: First, we are reducing emissions by progressively improving our operational efficiencies. Second, we are turning to green technologies. For example in 2019, we reduced our greenhouse gas intensity by 10 percent even though the number of our base stations increased by 25 percent,” he said.

Panlilio said PLDT Group is pursuing the use of renewable energy in its facilities. The company is participating in carbon-offset programs that protect the environment.

“So for us, ‘The Race to Zero’ has already begun and we have hit the ground running,” Panlilio said.

“We realize this is not a sprint but a marathon. So we will run this race at a steady pace, keep our eyes focused on our goal and stay determined to see it through to the finish line,” he said.

PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. recently marked a milestone in their sustainability journey after energizing solar rooftop panels in its biggest business facility in the Visayas, located along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.

This is the third PLDT facility in the Visayas to be partly powered by solar energy. The project which aims to cut carbon emissions by integrating renewable sources of power in its energy mix not only aligns with PLDT and Smart’s direction to further embed sustainability in the business, but is also an opportunity to reduce energy costs. The solar panels in the five facilities were installed by Spectrum, a subsidiary of the Manila Electric Company.

Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu

Alfredo Panlilio, president of PLDT Inc

Gov’t opens RE sector to foreign investors, sees massive projects

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry, as steward of corporate sustainable governance, encourages companies to demonstrate their adoption of adequate environmental protection systems and sustainability strategies.

opinion of the Department of Justice.

The government lifted foreign ownership restrictions on RE generation projects in December 2022, which led to a significant increase in interest among investors.

Investors are looking at solar and wind projects as well as manufacturing of equipment such as wind turbine generator towers, foundations, blades and other wind turbine parts.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Trade Secretary Pascual and Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla held a roundtable meeting on renewable energy in Beijing, China on Jan. 5, 2023 to drum up support for RE projects in the Philippines.

Ateneo and ADI: Co-creating the future to drive innovations further and develop more AI solutions

ABOITIZ Data Innovation (ADI) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo), one of the top universities in Southeast Asia, to create meaningful initiatives, drive innovations further, and co-develop AI solutions. During the signing event, Ateneo and ADI presented the vast possibilities in Data Science and AI (DSAI) and a discussion of what are the exciting opportunities that the partnership offers. The event was attended by members of the faculty and students from different Ateneo schools. The university has received international honors such as recently, the World Universities Debating Championship in Madrid, Spain, where the university’s team won against over 260 teams from all over the world. ADI was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Dr. David R. Hardoon, AI & Innovation Center of Excellence Head Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, and Marketing Adviser Albert Cuadrante while Ateneo was represented by Dr. Roberto N. Galang, John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) Dean and Joseph Benjamin R. Ilagan, JGSOM Information Technology Entrepreneurship Program’s Program Director.

AI has the power to impact the world in many different ways, having the ability to empower lives, from improving social inclusion and sustainability to reducing carbon footprint. The Philippines has been increasingly adopting AI systems and solutions in the country, driving their National AI Strategy further as industry transformation for economic, social, environmental, and governance sustainability are priority concerns. ADI aspires to make lives better and easier using the power of DSAI. They believe in turning data into a valuable resource that can create solutions that advance businesses and communities. Together with Ateneo, ADI plans to deliver effective, directed, and quality services, which includes implementing comprehensive programs that will drive the development of social capital and the measurement of impact for its community, and international audiences.

“We are excited to work with one of Southeast Asia’s top universities, Ateneo, as it allows us to share the benefits of DSAI applications for the community, and also cultivate an AI culture amongst the youth by co-creating targeted integrated programs that help develop the necessary capabilities in our next generation, who will eventually be the ones to drive social innovation,” said ADI CEO Dr. Hardoon.

PARTNERSHIP INKED. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between ADI and Ateneo to drive innovations further and develop more AI solutions. JGSOM Dean Dr. Roberto N. Galang (left) and ADI CEO Dr. David R. Hardoon.

Ateneo’s Computer Science program has been awarded a Level 4 status accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU), making them and their students well-positioned to advance the discovery of progressive AI solutions. This accreditation is the highest level given by PAASCU for “accredited programs that are highly respected as very high-quality academic programs in the Philippines and with prestige and authority comparable to similar programs in excellent foreign universities.”

Roberto

“We are grateful for this opportunity and eager to work with ADI to co-create AI solutions and programs that are evidence-based, comprehensive, and integrated to build social innovation and impact in the Philippines. Through this partnership we hope to be able to tackle challenges faced in our communities and further facilitate the adoption of AI across functional areas,” said Dr. Galang, JGSOM Dean. This partnership brings many new possibilities to the Philippines’ AI scene. It also aims to pave the way for other sectors and institutions to follow in adopting AI systems. “I see the actual impact of the right and efficient use of technology and data science from our business in improving the lives of the customers that it serves,” noted Cuadrante, UnionBank Chief Marketing Officer and ADI Marketing Adviser. “I’m excited for other companies and communities to experience the same thing that UnionBank has already benefited from and continues to benefit from.”

Businesses are part of the growth cycle of the economy and their footprints leave indelible marks which can either be good or bad, according to Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual. “Sustainability is a criterion in determining priority activities for inclusion in DTI’s Strategic Investment Priority Plan under the CREATE Act [Republic Act 11534]. Qualified projects listed in the SIPP are entitled to tax incentives. Through these incentives, DTI encourages investments in businesses involving processes and innovations that will lead to the attainment of sustainable development goals,” he said.

PILLAR OF INDUSTRIALIZATION

The DTI underscores the vital role of the energy sector as a driver of industrialization and economic growth.

The investment promotion agencies monitor registered enterprises’ compliance with environmental laws as a requirement for the grant of incentives. For instance, energy-related projects should utilize energy sources adopting environment-friendly technologies that comply with the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Impact System law, the Biofuels Act, where applicable, and other relevant environmental laws and regulations.

The DTI supports the transition to renewable energy, increasing renewable energy’s share to 50 percent of the total energy supply by 2040, as stated in the Philippine Energy Plan for 2020 to 2040.

SUSTAINABLE POLICIES

Under the Renewable Energy Act, foreigners can own up to 100 percent of renewable energy projects in solar, wind and tidal energy, as recently clarified by the legal

Pascual underscored the importance of the RE sector in achieving economic development. “The energy sector is a vital driver of Philippine industrialization and economic growth. For industries to flourish in our country, we need a secure, resilient and competitive supply of energy. In the face of climate change and the worldwide shift to green development, the Philippine government finds renewable energy to be a long-term solution to our sustainable development,” he said.

The DTI chief said the Philippines now has a healthy and competitive business environment that would enable RE companies to thrive.

“Investors will find that the Philippines, with its geographical advantage, is home to abundant sources of renewable energy. On the policy front, investors will find it relevant that in our existing Renewable Energy Act, foreigners can own up to 100 percent of renewable energy projects in solar, wind and tidal energy. This should help the Philippines increase renewable energy’s share to 50 percent of its total energy supply by 2040,” he said.

Chinese RE companies responded positively towards the Philippines’ policy directions and conveyed interest to invest and help the country realize its National Renewable Energy Program 2020-2040 goals.

Pascual said that as issues involving climate change become even more pressing, investments in the RE sector would help the Philippines navigate the path towards a more sustainable business ecosystem. The sector also creates employment opportunities up and down the supply chain.

He said about $13.76 billion worth of investments in the RE sector are now in varying stages in the investment pipeline.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual

Expert pushes balanced strategy to ensure sustainable agriculture

By Othel V. Campos

PROACTIVE policies

backed by sufficient funding hold the key to improving the state of agriculture, according to an agriculture economist.

“Our agricultural sector has been neglected. And now it’s being given

attention because the President himself is the [Agriculture] secretary, giving emphasis on this important housekeeping to agriculture, and the budget has now increased. Now, we really have to make sure that the downloading of these resources, of the budget, will go to the right projects,” said Danilo Fausto.

In 2023, the agriculture sector will receive a 39.2-percent increase in budget amounting to P184.1 billion for the strengthening of banner food programs and irrigation services

and to ensure food security and agricultural productivity.

“With the bigger budget, there are so many things to be done. We have to make sure that the producers will make money. Agriculture is not just production for us. It involves the entire value chain―post harvest, packaging and logistics distribution down to the retailer,” said Fausto.

“The farmers, they do not have the capacity to do this. They should have assistance or partnership with those that are in the value

chain. So that is where the traders will come into the picture. But the farmers should have more say in the marketing of their produce. They should not allow the traders to dictate the prices nor the profit generated from the production,” he said.

VULNERABLE CROPS

A case in point is the recent issue over onion production and importation. “For onion, year-in, year-out, we are short. The area of plantation is about 18,000 hectares.

If we increase it to 25,000 hectares, we

Agriculture economist Danilo Fausto talks about how Philippine agriculture continues to fail to surmount the odds and how the varied sectors tied to agriculture are still in hand-to-mouth existence, failing to provide for the future. are more or less sustainable. We can be sufficient in onion. But let me clarify that sufficiency is different from security. Food security is providing for the future needs which we are not yet capable of,” he said. Fausto said the lack of post-harvest facilities such as cold storage makes it difficult for farmers to hold on to their produce and sell at the right price. The issue then is sustainability which is beyond production, he said. He said rice importation is another tricky business. Many times in the past, the importation volume grossly exceeds the actual deficit. Fausto said that in 2022, the government allowed the importation of over 3 million MT, while basing on the current per capita consumption multiplied with the rice-consuming population, the deficit should be only 1.8 million.

Surplus in any importation, whether agricultural commodity or otherwise, tends to depress the price of the commodity in the market, according to Fausto. The government should have strategic buffer stock of all major commodities that it can hold on to, so if and when prices spike, it can release the buffer stock to the market to stabilize prices, he said.

“We are not sustainable because of the fact that the policies of importation are killing the producers.

We need to import only what is needed. The very basic problem is we do not have data to be able to manage it properly. If you cannot measure it, you cannot plan ahead. An information network should provide the decision makers with the data and may propose the right action relative to the situation,” Fausto said.

Fausto said the sustainability in rice production would entail an increase in hectarage of irrigated lands. Right now, only 64 percent of paddy rice plantation is irrigated. There is a clamor from the farmers to increase irrigation by at least 10 percent to 15 percent to expand coverage.

That will render palay farming, more or less, sustainable, he said.

Romualdez: PDP 2023-2028 key to PH poverty reduction

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE effective implementation of the latest five-year economic development plan crafted by the administration is the key to poverty reduction so long as it is backed by legislation that will smoothen its implementation, Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

Under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the government aims to make the Philippines an uppermiddle-income country by 2025 and to

bring down the poverty rate to a singledigit level -- 9 percent – by the time the administration’s term ends in 2028.

“The nation is on the road to full economic recovery,” Romualdez told the Manila Standard in an interview.

He said the plan, which will detail “actionable strategies” to develop the

domestic market, will be matched with concerted government effort through President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s persuasive pitch for the Philippines as an ideal investment destination.

“Judging from interests shown by global businessmen in our international roadshow with the President, the

Philippines may soon become the favorite investment destination in Asia. We, in Congress, are committed to bring this goal to reality,” Romualdez said.

“We are on the first stage to full economic recovery and we are marching in the right direction. As more investments come in, we create

additional income for the government and more jobs for Filipinos to reduce poverty,” he added.

He said the Marcos administration has crafted an “Agenda for Prosperity,” which has as its core mission the country’s economic transformation toward inclusivity and sustainability.

“Congress is one with the President in this mission,” the Speaker said.

The administration’s economic development objectives are spelled out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework and its eight-point socioeconomic plan, which the House of Representatives adopted through Concurrent Resolution 2 shortly after the 19th Congress convened in July, Romualdez said.

He added that for the first time, the country has a clear 6-year agenda with clearly defined goals.

“To achieve the PDP plan, I urge businessmen and the public in general to stay the course with us, and share the benefits of progress and development. The best is yet to come,” Romualdez said.

The NEDA said this “is a plan for deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path. This growth must be inclusive, building an environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos, and equipping them with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.”

“Through the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, we will ensure inclusive growth that creates more and better, green, or resilient jobs to enable Filipinos to improve their quality of life.

The nation is on the road to full economic recovery.

– Speaker Martin Romualdez

Mondelēz International aims to strengthen leadership on Valentine’s Day with new campaigns from Cadbury and Toblerone

CAPTURING the hearts of the Filipino people, Mondelēz International in the Philippines is launching its Valentine’s Day campaigns featuring limitededition packs for its twobestselling chocolate brands, Cadbury and Toblerone, to give Filipinos fun and sweet gift ideas for their loved ones this February.

For Valentine’s 2023, Cadbury Dairy Milk’s “Pop Your Heart Out” and Toblerone’s “Give a Thoughtful Gift This Valentine’s” campaigns aim to continue expanding the presence of the brands in the Philippines while leveraging on the role that snacks like chocolates play in consumers’ lives.

“Valentine’s Day marks one of the two top gifting seasons in the Philippines. And February has traditionally shown the highest sales for chocolates. Currently we hold the positions for #1 chocolate in Modern Trade with Cadbury Dairy Milk and #1 Gifting brand with Toblerone. This is because chocolates play a crucial role in the lives of Filipinos. We express our love through gifting sweet treats and chocolates are among the top gift choices during the love month,” said Aleli Arcilla, VP and Managing Director, Mondelēz International.

This love month, Cadbury and Toblerone chocolates are enhanced with love-themed packaging.

“For Cadbury, we have a limited edition ‘Pop Your Heart Out’ chocolate bars. When you open the chocolate bar, there will be a heart-shaped chocolate in the middle that you can pop out. Another unique way to share your love is through our 3D paper heart that you can give to your dearest one,” said Raf Baradas, Category Lead for Chocolates of Mondelēz International.

For its Toblerone bar, it comes with a special packaging.

“We did a play around its sleeves, wherein one can pull a tab and write heartfelt messages for an even more thoughtful surprise. You don’t need to wrap it anymore. You can already put your message on it,” Baradas added.

“The design innovation is quite subtle, but it is very romantic and sweet,” Arcilla continued.

The special, limited-edition Cadbury and Toblerone packs are available at leading supermarkets and while supplies last.

TeaM Energy aids farmers, agriculture workers through development programs

TEAM ENERGY CORPORATION, in partnership with stakeholders in government, has contributed to the growth of the country’s agriculture sector by implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that help push agriculture forward. This is being done through its corporate social responsibility arm, TeaM Energy Foundation Inc. (TEFI).

“We realize that the growth of Philippine agriculture is closely tied to the country’s development. TeaM Energy is glad to have been given the opportunity to undertake modest community projects that support the growth of agriculture and complement government efforts to push this sector forward, while helping improve lives,” said Froilan Gregory H. Romualdez III, Head of External Affairs, TeaM Energy.

In Sual, Pangasinan, the livelihood of a community of small rice farmers in Barangay Sioasio was given a boost through TeaM Energy’s construction of a solar-powered rice milling facility, provision of a palay de-husker, winnower, destoner, and a sewing machine to make rice sacks. This has improved rice production and significantly increased the income of beneficiary farmers while helping contribute to the region’s food security.

The project is in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE), European Union (EU), the Sual local government, and the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO). Additionally, TEFI also installed a solar-powered airconditioning system for a honey processing plant managed by the Sioasio East Forest Development Association in Sual.

In Quezon province, TeaM Energy constructed a 500 square meter solar slab dryer for rice and corn farmers in Barangay Mayao Silangan, Lucena, Quezon. This has made possible quicker product turnaround, helping them increase farm productivity and revenues. The power firm also built an irrigation line canal spanning 300 meters in Barangay Binahaan, Pagbilao Quezon, that will help rice farmers in the area water their crops.

Vulnerable groups to get bivalent vax first—DOH

THE Department of Health said the government will administer the first batch of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines to vulnerable groups.

Those who will be prioritized include healthcare workers, senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities, the DOH said.

This is in line with the conditions set by COVAX facility, the United Nations-backed international vaccine-sharing scheme.

“Once additional doses are secured and available, prioritization may be expanded to other priority groups,” the DOH said, adding that it was finalizing the guidelines on the use of the bivalent vaccines –modified jabs that target the Omicron variant and the original form of the virus.

“Rest assured that the guidelines shall be issued in time for the implementation of the roll-out of the vaccines in the country.”

The Philippines has secured an initial donation of around 1 million doses of Pfizer’s bivalent vaccines from the COVAX facility. The shots are expected to arrive in the country before the end of March.

Since the Philippines started its inoculation program in March 2021, more than 73.8 million or 94.54 percent of the eligible population in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Of the figure, over 21.3 million have received their first boosters while 3.8 million have gotten their second boosters.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, however, appealed to the private sector not to procure doses of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccines yet to avoid further vaccine wastage.

“We are strongly advising the private sector at this point to just rely on the national government’s procurement so that we can prevent further wastage of our vaccines since we still have a lot of these monovalent vaccines in the country which we can use as boosters for our population,” Vergeire said.

The private sector is allowed to procure the second-generation vaccines targeted against the Omicron variant through the mechanisms of the national government.

But Vergeire said around 26 million COVID-19 vaccines remain unused.

Of these unused vaccines, around 16 million doses are in the national warehouse, while 10 million have been distributed to various local government units.

That’s on top of the 24 million doses that have already expired, she said.

So far, the Food and Drug Administration has already issued an emergency use authorization for the bivalent vaccines of Moderna and Pfizer.

Vaccine misinformation

so-called ‘pure blood’

In par tnership with the DOE, EU, Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), and the Don Salvador Benedicto local government in Negros Occidental, TeaM Energy provided a 4-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system that powers a decorticating machine to produce high-quality, export-ready pineapple fiber for farmers in the municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto.

In General Nakar, Quezon, TeaM Energy has implemented a program that educated and trained members of the indigenous Dumagat tribe to plant, process, and market various native products such as guyabano tea, powdered turmeric, lagundi, and honey. A livelihood center was built where members of the community can study and develop various native products they can sell and market to local and foreign tourists.

At the onset of the pandemic, to help fisher folk cope with its initial impact, TeaM Energy donated fishing nets, materials to build fishing boats, and various fishing equipment to members of the Samahan ng Yamang-dagat ng Bantigue (SYDB), a fishermen’s association in Pagbilao, Quezon.

TeaM Energy also donated equipment to help with oyster farming in the area, and provided support to SYDB in maintaining a brooding pen for female crabs.

An aqua-culture project in Padre

Burgos, Quezon was also established by TeaM Energy for local fisher-folk. Grouper (Lapu-lapu) fingerlings and materials for fish pens were donated for the now self-sustaining program. In Quezon, 113 heads of cattle were provided by TeaM Energy to the local government of Pagbilao to augment its animal dispersal program and help residents have a sustainable income source through livestock breeding and farming.

In addition, another 17 heads of carabaos and different farm implements like ploughs (araro), insect nets, garden hose, shovels, and fertilizers, were donated to local farmers in Pagbilao to enhance the municipality’s livelihood and food security program.

Clearly, the power firm’s agriculture-related CSR programs aim to boost farm production and increase the income of agriculture workers in the Philippines. This is the kind of private sector support the government will need to ensure the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of our agriculture.

VACCINE skeptics blocking transfusions for life-saving surgeries, Facebook groups inciting violence against doctors and a global search for unvaccinated donors – COVID-19 misinformation has bred a so-called “pure blood” movement. The movement spins anti-vaccine narratives focused on unfounded claims that receiving blood from people inoculated against the coronavirus “contaminates” the body.

Some have advocated for blood banks that draw from “pure” unvaccinated people, while medics in North America say they have fielded requests from people demanding transfusions from donors who have not received the jab.

In closed social media groups, vaccine skeptics – who brand themselves as “pure bloods” – promote violence against doctors administering coronavirus jabs alongside false claims of mass deaths of vaccinated people.

Taking the hysteria to the next level was the recent high-profile case of a New Zealand couple, who sought to block life-saving heart surgery of their infant on the grounds that any blood transfused could have come from a vaccinated donor.

Their stance prompted a New Zealand court to take temporary custody of the baby to allow the procedure, but the case became a cause celebre among vaccine skeptics around the world.

“Cases like this spread like wildfire on both fringe and mainstream news sites and then social media, providing attention for anti-vaccine conspiracy theories,” Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois

spawns

movement

Chicago, told AFP.

“There is absolutely no science behind these conspiracies. If you give blood from a vaccinated donor to an unvaccinated person, the person receiving the transfusion does not become vaccinated.”

George Della Pietra, a Swiss naturopath founded Safe Blood Donation, a global mediation service that falsely labels mRNA coronavirus vaccines a “health threat” and seeks to connect unvaccinated blood donors with recipients.

The Zurich-based nonprofit offers to obtain “fresh or canned” unvaccinated blood for its patrons, according to Safe Blood’s website, which says it has a presence across western Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, Asia and Africa.

AFP’s email to Pietra requesting comment elicited a reply from Safe Blood’s media director.

“There are a large number of scientists and doctors who not only have great concerns about the COVID vaccines, but are convinced that they also enter the body via the blood through the back door, so to speak, and remain there,” wrote Clinton Ohlers, the media director, quoting from the website.

That directly contradicts scientific assertions.

“Blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are safe for transfusion,” Jessa Merrill, from the American Red Cross, told AFP.

“Similar to other vaccines... the COVID-19 vaccine is designed to generate an immune response to help protect an individual from illness, but vaccine components themselves are not found within the bloodstream.” AFP

GETTING THE SHOT. A teenage boy receives a BioNtech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine during the inoculation of the population aged 12 to 17 at a stadium in San Juan City. AFP

The sweetest thing. Mondelēz International launched today its Valentine campaign dubbed, #PopYourHeartOut, showcasing the new packaging of their best-selling chocolate brands, Cadbury and Toblerone, to celebrate the love month. Present are Aleli Arcilla (left), vice president and managing director, Mondelēz International; and Raf Baradas, category lead for Chocolates Mondelēz International.

Globe, AFI, Virlanie laud first batch of graduates from the Hapag Movement’s livelihood training program

A TOTAL of 100 women from disadvantaged communities celebrated a major milestone in their journey towards financial stability and independence as they became the first batch of graduates from the livelihood program of the Globeled Hapag Movement. The Hapag Movement is Globe’s and its partners’ unified fight against involuntary hunger, aiming to provide support for 500,000 Filipinos through tech-driven channels. A crucial part of it is livelihood training, which empowers Filipinos with relevant skills that will allow them to create sustainable income sources.

The training program complements the supplemental feeding program in a 12week engagement which will be done with various communities nationwide.

In a special ceremony held recently in Quezon City, the pioneer batch was recognized by Globe, the Ayala Foundation, and partner organization Virlanie Foundation. The graduates came from partner communities at the Manila North Cemetery, Parola, Rolling Hills, and Bagong Silangan in Quezon City. They were enrolled in various programs including beauty care, baking, food processing, rags making and sewing, and mushroom and urban gardening.

“The Hapag Movement is an important initiative for Globe, as it not only helps to address hunger in the Philippines, but it also empowers communities to be selfsufficient through key skills and training. We look forward to continuing to support our fellow Filipinos as they build a sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families,” said Apple Evangelista, Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility at Globe.

During the ceremony, the graduates showcased and sold some of their products, including macaroons, banana bread, banana muffins, chocolate chip cookies, rags, potholders, and customdesigned tote bags. They are also proud GCash users and able to conduct cashless transactions.

Beauty care graduates even volunteered to style and help each other with their makeup in preparation for the ceremony. The program achieved several

Puyat: Revenge tourism a huge economic boost

FORMER Tourism chief and now Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette RomuloPuyat is optimistic about continuous economic recovery with the current upward trend in “revenge tourism.”

“I am happy with revenge tourism because people want to travel and spend money, they make purchases, which is good for the economy,” Puyat said in a recent interview.

“Revenge tourism” was observed postpandemic where people were motivated to travel after being confined to their homes during the height of the health crisis.

“The way we’re seeing it, the economy is alive unlike before when I was the only tourist due to the frequent lockdowns,” she said.

Puyat said the Monetary Board and the BSP want more tourism stakeholders to shift to digital transactions since it is not only fast but also efficient and safe.

She noted that more local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders in the business sector are adopting the Paleng-QR program of the BSP which is part of the financial inclusion program of the government.

The arrivals translated to P208.96 billion or $3.68 billion in tourism revenues, a whopping 2,465.75-percent increase from 2021 figures.

Based on the monitoring of the Department of Tourism from the time the country reopened its borders to all travelers in February until Dec. 31, 2022, arrivals peaked in December as more Filipinos and tourists alike opted to spend the Christmas and New Year vacations in the Philippines. Of the total 2.65 million international arrivals last year, 628,445 were returning Filipinos while the bulk of 2.02 million tourists were from top markets United States (505,089), South Korea (428,014), Australia (137,974), Canada (121,413), the United Kingdom (101,034), Japan (99,557), Singapore (53,448), India (51,542), Malaysia (46,805) and China (39,627).

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco expressed elation over the achievements of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

She said the tourism sector’s growth clearly showed the hard work of the entire industry in order to recover from the unprecedented crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Moments of great difficulty are also moments of great opportunity. In the past, we have overcome a global pandemic and survived various calamities. The Philippine tourism industry has managed to exceed expectations and our tourism partners and frontliners continue to offer the best of Filipino grace and hospitality to the world,” Frasco said in a statement.

The Paleng-QR program encourages online payment for goods and services.

Last year, the country breached its 1.7-million tourist target with 2.65 million international arrivals as of the end-December.

Romualdez:...

milestones, including improving product quality, reducing competition among members, adjusting prices to be more competitive, and helping communities become formal cooperatives.

“Noon, nakikipagkompetensya kami sa isa’t isa sa presyo at hindi pare-pareho ang quality ng aming trabaho. Dahil sa Hapag, nagawa naming i-standardize ang kalidad ng aming mga produkto at nakabuo pa kami ng isang grupo. ‘Pag mas mataas ang quality, mas malaki din ang kita,” said Abigail Mamita, 44, leader of beneficiaries for the rag-weaving group from Quezon City.

The graduates were presented with certificates of completion for their participation in the program and for mastering new skills that are in high demand within the local job market.

Cel Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Communications at Ayala Foundation said: “We believe in the power of education to create positive and lasting change in the lives of individuals and communities. The Hapag Movement is a testament to this belief, as it has allowed us to create more opportunities for our beneficiaries outside of our usual efforts.”

“The Hapag Movement is a perfect example of how organizations can work together to support vulnerable communities. We are grateful to have partnered with Globe and Ayala Foundation to provide these 100 graduates with the tools and skills they need to build sustainable livelihood and improve their lives,” said Arlyne Fernandez, RSW, Executive Director for Virlanie Foundation Philippines.

The initiative is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

The Hapag Movement is particularly important given the current unemployment rate in the Philippines, which was 5% in September 2022, translating to 2.50 million unemployed Filipinos out of 50.08 million in the labor force. The services sector consistently dominates the labor market, registering the largest share of 58.9% of the total employed population.

From E1

Inclusive growth across the archipelago will be our vehicle for reducing poverty incidence from 18 percent of the population in 2021 to a single-digit level by 2028,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“An economy is only as dynamic as its people. As global and domestic headwinds persist and keep commodity prices elevated, protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos and ensuring food security remain at the top of the government’s priorities. To ensure that the Philippines reaps the demographic dividend, we will prioritize policies to develop our human capital stock further, improve worker productivity, and promote measures for the efficient movement of people by reducing transport costs,” Balisacan added.

Romualdez said the roadmap is needed for the effective implementation of projects designed to hasten the country’s development that is focused on poverty reduction through the existing strong cooperation between the executive and legislative branches.

“This will make this plan doable and achievable. With the right policies that will continue to implement President Marcos’s prosperity roadmap, with the existing close cooperation between the executive and legislative branches, we can build on our stellar economic performance,” Romualdez said.

The Speaker maintained that the House is doing its best to hasten the approval of several measures, particularly the bills the executive and legislative branches had agreed on in October during the meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

He said these proposals are likewise among those enumerated by President Marcos in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

“These measures are components of the President’s Agenda for Prosperity, which we fully support,” he said.

Among the pending urgent bills are as follows: enabling law for the natural gas industry, amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension Act, National Land Use Act, National Defense Act, National Government Rightsizing Program Bill, Budget Modernization Bill, Department of Water Resources Bill, proposed law

“We look forward to the continued convergence and collaboration of our tourism stakeholders—travelers, tourism players, national agencies, local government units and host communities—in propelling our industry to the heights of becoming a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” Frasco said.

– Arsenio Balisacan, NEDA Secretary

establishing Negros Island Region, Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, the E-Governance/ Government Act, and a proposal to establish regional specialty hospitals.

Romualdez said the House would work with the Senate for the expeditious enactment of various bills the larger chamber had approved on third and final reading before Congress started its Christmas recess last month, including the Internet Transactions/ E-Commerce Bill.

“The enactment of these proposed pieces of legislation will further enhance our economic performance,” he said.

An economy is only as dynamic as its people. As global and domestic headwinds persist and keep commodity prices elevated, protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos and ensuring food security remain at the top of the government’s priorities.

“I am happy with revenge tourism because people want to travel and spend money, they make purchases, which is good for the economy.”

Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, BSP Deputy Governor

62 LGUs to join housing program

AT LEAST 62 local government units have signed up to be partners of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in its mission to build one million houses every year in the next six years.

The project is under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, that seeks to address housing gap of some 6.5 million units in the country.

According to Mario Mallari, Director for Public Assistance Service of the DHSUD, the 62 LGUs have each signed a memorandum of understanding (MOUs) with DHSUD to formalize their intent to pursue housing projects in their respective areas.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar noted that the overwhelming support of the LGUs indicates that the housing program is on the right track.

“With the President’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), I know we are off to a good start. I can see this program as the embodiment of the dream of every Filipino family wanting to have a house of their own, “ Acuzar said.

“We aim to make this dream a reality in the next six years of this administration,” he added.

Acuzar said the LGUs play a very important role in the program from the planning stages up to the actual turnover and maintenance.

The LGUs also play an active role

in identifying idle government lands that can be tapped for the government’s housing program.

“Under this program, we are introducing an innovative framework which will ease the burden brought by two major bottlenecks in housing production and finance – affordability and access to funds,” Acuzar said.

“We are now exploring out-of-the-box concepts and financial structures which could potentially be the breakthrough strategies to arrest the homelessness woes in the country.”

Earlier, President Marcos said he is looking at a P1 billion subsidy to reduce monthly amortizations for recipients of the government’s low-cost housing units.

He made the pronouncement during the groundbreaking ceremony of a housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay program.

“We are still left with the fact that many of our beneficiaries will still not be able to afford the monthly amortization of these units,” Marcos said, reiterating his vow to provide “decent and affordable housing for every Filipino family.”

“Perhaps, if we find a funding source, we will allot P1 billion to start with the

distribution of subsidies for our future tenants,” he added.

He also urged Congress to include housing interest support as part of the regular appropriations in succeeding years.

President Marcos then emphasized that the development of sustainable human settlements would help his administration realize its bid to build “better, more resilient, and more equitable communities.”

The Batasan Development Urban Renewal Master Plan, spearheaded by the DHSUD, will see the completion of three main sites at the Batasan Road Development, NGC-West Controlled Economic Zone, and the Manotoc Property.

The first phase of the Batasan area’s redevelopment will include the construction of two 33-story buildings with a total of 2,160 housing units planned to become both commercial and residential.

The plans include the use of the lot’s ground floor for the improved terminal for the Batasan Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (BaTODA). The BaTODA members will be among the priority beneficiaries of the project.

President Marcos said that the groundbreaking of the first phase of the Batasan Development Urban Renewal Plan is “only the beginning of one of the largest projects” under the government’s flagship housing program.

Turn to G3

A HOUSE FOR EVERY PINOY FAMILY. Photo shows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Project – Batasan Development and Urban Renewal Plan. According to the President, this will be the government’s largest flagship housing program, which will fulfill the goal of providing every Filipino family with a proper and decent house.

Office of the Minority Leader

M E S S A G E

7 February 2023

Allow me to congratulate The Manila Standard for making good use of its 36th anniversary issue, entitled “Towards a Sustainable Future,” to highlight the efforts of government and the private sector to fight harsh climate change.

The highly destructive impact of drastic shifts in temperatures and weather patterns on our communities is becoming more apparent every day.

In January alone, sweeping weather disturbances caused heavy rains and severe flooding that distressed over two million persons, or nearl y half a million families, across the country.

In my home province of Eastern Samar, we had to conduct disaster relief operations for 50,000 families adversely affected by rapid flooding, including 16,000 individuals forced to seek refuge in evacuation centers.

We must build communities and businesses that are highly protective of our natural environment. We must forcefully adopt green solutions.

This is the only way we can reverse climate change and assure our children a more sustainable – and a safer – future.

MARCELINO “NONOY” C. LIBANAN

4Ps Party-list Representative

Former Representative, Lone District of Eastern Samar HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DepEd begins SHS curriculum review

By Joel Zurbano

The Department of Education has started the review of the curriculum for the senior high school grades, DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said.

Poa said the department has just concluded the review for the curriculum for kinder to Grade 10.

“The President gave us a timeline of around a year to finish the review. We are trying to decongest our curriculum to focus on the essential subjects and the basics, like math, reading, science,” he said.

“We want to really look at literacy in a way that we’ll be able to inculcate not just foundational literacy but also functional literacy,” Poa added.

Vice President and Education Secretary

Sara Duterte-Carpio earlier said the government wants a more responsive curriculum.

She said in its present form, the K to 12 curriculum is “congested” and that “some prerequisites of identified essential learning competencies are missing or misplaced.”

President Marcos earlier acknowledged that the education system has “failed” Filipino children as he vowed to do better to improve the education sector.

“We have failed them. We have to admit that we have failed our children. And let us not keep failing them anymore. Otherwise, we will not allow them to become the great Filipinos that we know they can be,” the President said after receiving the 2023 Basic Education Report from DuterteCarpio.

“The Filipino is better than this. The children are better than this. And we cannot

LGUs ROUNDUP

Iloilo City’s urban housing initiative among world’s best

ILOILO CITY—Iloilo City’s “Participatory Housing and Urban Development” has been named as one of the runners-up in the 2021-2022 World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Center Prize for Cities, a global award that celebrates and highlights transformative urban change.

“We are one of the five cities all over the world that received that award. We are the only city in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia to receive that award,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The city was screened from among the 260 applications from 155 cities in 65 countries worldwide.

“We have a program where we work together with the homeless to acquire properties for them and build houses with them. We started this even in my first (term) as mayor and we continue to do that,” the mayor added.

Iloilo City was represented by Sonia Cadornigara, regional coordinator of the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, Inc. (HPFPI) - Western Visayas, and the main proponent of the initiative during the awarding ceremony held in New York on Feb. 1, 2023 with a prize of US$25,000.

14 Ilocos Norte coops get P7-m solar dryers

LAOAG CITY—Fourteen units of multipurpose drying pavements worth P7 million will be constructed in various parts of Ilocos Norte to increase the income of farmer cooperatives by offering more quality produce.

“With the solar dryers, farmers are expected to avoid drying their produce along road shoulders of highways, thus also reducing post-harvest losses,” acting provincial agriculturist Ma. Theresa Bacnat said.

Multipurpose drying pavement is a solar dryer where farmers can dry various crops such as rice and corn.

She added that the construction of the 14 solar dryers is expected to start as soon as Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc and the recipient farmer associations and cooperatives will be able to sign a deed of donation soon. In a previous consultation with farmers, most of them requested solar dryers.

Shermman Valdez, a farmer from Badoc town, said the presence of accessible dryers will make their work easier and faster.

fail them. And that is the main motivation that we should keep in our hearts,” Mr. Marcos added.

In her report, Duterte-Carpio revealed the multiple challenges hounding the education system as she launched the socalled “MATATAG” roadmap to address the identified problems.

These problems included the lack of school infrastructure, the “cracks” in DepEd’s procurement practices, the decrease of enrollment in private schools, congestion in the K-12 curriculum, employability of senior high school graduates, and lack of support for teachers, among others.

“We will rally for an improved learning system in the country. Together, we will rally for every Filipino child,” the Vice President said.

She said MATATAG will have four critical components: MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and Give support to teachers to teach better.

“We know that the road will be bumpy, but our direction is clear. We know that the challenges are vast, but we Filipinos are resilient. We will overcome,” Duterte-Carpio said.

11 BARMM offices, hospitals get DOH ‘Red Orchids’ seal

COTABATO CITY—The Department of Health (DOH) national office and the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) have recognized 11 government offices and hospitals in the region for effectively implementing the no-smoking policy in their premises last year.

MOH-BARMM information officer Saida Ali attributed the “Red Orchids Award 2022” to the MOH non-communicable diseases (NCD) cluster.

Dr. Ahsan Paudac, head of the MOH-BARMM NCD cluster, said the program aims to ensure a smoke-free environment and workplaces across the region and in other parts of the country.

“Congratulations to the awardees...we appreciate your efforts in maintaining a healthy surrounding in BARMM,” Paudac said. Ali said the recognized agencies and health facilities were given trophies and cash incentives of P25,000 for first-time awardees and P50,000 for the Hall of Famers.

First-time awardees were the Datu Odin Sinsuat District Hospital in Maguindanao del Norte province, and the 12th Forward Service Support Unit ASCOM, Philippine Army.

91 DTI-established

Negosyo Centers serve Bicol MSMEs

LEGAZPI CITY—At least 91 Negosyo Centers in Bicol are now fully operational and ready to serve all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and would-be entrepreneurs, the Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol (DTI-5) said.

DTI-5 regional director Rodrigo Aguilar said MSMEs will now enjoy access to financing, business advisory services, capability building, access to markets and other support services.

“We have 91 Negosyo centers that are ready to help in your business concerns,” Aguilar said.

Negosyo Centers are open from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

“DTI encourages everyone to avail of the services offered in our Negosyo Centers which include business name, barangay micro business enterprise registration, business advisory, information and advocacy, product development, trade promotion, financing facilitation, and investment promotion,” Aguilar added. Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, mandates that a Negosyo Center should be established nationwide in all cities and municipalities.

CURRICULUM UNDER REVIEW. Photo shows students of Araullo High School in Manila. After an over two-year hiatus, public schools returned to full face-to-face classes. Norman Cruz

MGen: Lifelong impact to grassroots communities

TRUE to its commitment of empowering communities, the unified MERALCO PowerGen Corporation and Global Business Power Corporation (Mgen-GBP) continues to provide its host communities with various capacity-building efforts in the areas of livelihood, education, and health.

To ensure the attainment of its aspirations for the communities, MGen-GBP anchored its social development programs on One Meralco Group’s sustainability agenda of Powering the Good Life, particularly under the Prosperity pillar. This pillar aims to bring lasting impact to its host communities and ultimately, uplift the quality of their lives.

One of the efforts under the Prosperity pillar is the Aplaya Sardines Enterprise in Atimonan, Quezon Province, which provides an alternative livelihood for fisherfolk during off-peak seasons.

Atimonan One Energy, a subsidiary of MGen-GBP, in partnership with the local government unit and other partners, have been helping the Atimonan Coastal Food Producers Association in marketing its products, in securing business registration, and in capacity-building effort since 2019.

It also has a “Kaisa sa Kalusugan” radio program in Atimonan, in partnership with a local radio station―Radyo Natin― that helps cascade relevant and timely information about COVID-19 and other pressing health concerns. Both the Aplaya Sardines Enterprise and Kaisa Sa Kalusugan bagged Excellence Awards during the 19th Philippine Quill Awards.

For its host community around BulacanSol, its solar power plant in San Miguel, Bulacan, MGen-GBP trains health workers and frontliners with the necessary skills that they can use to better manage health issues in their area through the KlinikaBarangay Program.

Through PH Renewables, Inc., a subsidiary of MGen Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGreen), the company turned over a livelihood starter kit which is composed of a chest freezer, refrigerator, and kitchenware for Balai Café―a collaborative project initiated by 80th Infantry Battalion―that gives former rebels a source of income to help rebuild their lives.

To provide students with more educational materials on patriotism, art history, and fighting fake news and disinformation, Mgen-GBP distributed 800 books authored by the Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) to various public elementary and high school students who are the company’s scholars in Iloilo, Aklan, Cebu, and Rizal.

Moreover, MGen-GBP’s subsidiaries Panay Energy Development Corporation and Panay Power Corporation sponsored the printing of over 100 modules for the Bulig-Basa Project in Iloilo. The program aimed to upskill and reskill teachers to help them better facilitate distance learning for students amid the pandemic.

More than just a company that provides adequate, reliable and cost-competitive energy, MGen-GBP hopes to bring a sustainable future for Filipinos through

62 LGUs...

From G1

“Slowly but surely, we will be able to achieve our greatest aspirations for the nation, including the dream for decent and affordable housing for every Filipino family,” he said.

“Those living here in the surrounding areas will have complete access to markets, to schools, to hospitals and various means of making income so they will prosper and get to see their goals and dreams come to life,” Marcos said.

Acuzar said the monthly amortization could be lowered with the help of an interest subsidy. With such a subsidy, instead of P8,000, a family could pay P3,500 to P4,000, he said.

“We are looking for ways to include an interest subsidy in the housing program. This is very important as this could lower monthly amortizations,” Acuzar said. “It’s not free but people will pay at a lower price.”

“This project is proof that we do not just aim to bridge the housing gap―we also exhaust all efforts to ensure that we renew our urban spaces to help improve the lives of our countrymen,” Acuzar said.

these community programs, complemented by its sustainability commitment of building 1,500 MW of renewable energy in the next seven years to initiate its lowcarbon energy transition.

MGen-GBP, with a total power generation gross capacity of 2,446 MW, is the power generation arm of MERALCO―the largest private sector electric distribution utility company in the Philippines.

EMPOWERED COMMUNITY.

Members of the Atimonan Coastal Food Producers Cooperative prepare Aplaya Spanish Sardines, an enterprise powered by Mgen that provides an alternative livelihood for fisherfolk during off-peak seasons.

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When people thought that all we have are third-world bus terminals, we built the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, the country's first "landport" with world-class facilities.

And when others deemed it impossible to deliver 10,000 classrooms in 5 underserved regions in Luzon, we found ways to work in communities and made it happen.

This is who we are.

We aspire to chase every possibility to transform our nation.

Because if we have a vision to raise a nation, we better do it First-World.

PH1 World Developers, Inc. is a realestate company that aims to disrupt property development conventions through innovation and engineering technology.

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Identifying green technology in PH

By Patricia Taculao

In recent years, technology has broadened its focus to more than just developing innovations to benefit people. With the continuously rising concern about climate change, researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders in the tech industry gave more attention to producing sustainable and environment-friendly advancements.

Since the Philippines has dedicated itself to mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving its natural environment, it uses several examples of green technologies across its sectors. Their use allowed for new experiences among users as they contributed to making the world a better place for present and future generations.

AGRICULTURE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant rise in farming activity, especially in the metro. Yet before this spike, many Filipinos discovered the benefits of hydroponic farming for personal consumption or sale. Farmers can cut their costs significantly and grow various crops without soil through a hydroponics setup.

The hydroponics system has several methods users can choose to meet their preferences. But basically, it uses nutrientrich water that passes through the crops’ roots, keeping them nourished without too much effort. The water passes through pipes and filters to continue the cycle, helping farmers preserve water compared to regular watering and applying synthetic fertilizers.

In the meantime, vertical farms using a hydroponic setup are also ideal in the metro because it helps farming enthusiasts grow food without worrying about space or keeping a close eye on their crops.

Another setup called aquaponics has a similar approach but uses an extra element, fish. Waste from the fish serves as the natural fertilizer for the crops.

HOME APPLIANCES

Various reports on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions claim the energy sector as the most significant contributor. As a result, key players in the technology industry began shifting their products to include energy-saving properties and lessen their carbon footprint.

For instance, inverter air conditioners are present in many Filipino homes. It uses microprocessors to control the speed of its compressor motor to match the required output. Once the room is cool or warm, an inverter air conditioner lowers the motor’s speed to save energy and maintain the desired temperature.

Seeing its environmental (and financial) benefits, we began switching to other appliances that offer power-saving options. Even fixtures like energy-saving lightbulbs also became a frequent presence in modern homes.

While on the topic of energy and costcutting, it’s also relevant to note that some of us went the extra mile by shifting our energy source entirely. Although it’s more costly to transition to renewable energy sources like solar panels, the returns are worth the investment.

If placed and angled appropriately, solar panels convert solar energy to electricity, allowing users to harness a natural source instead of relying on artificially-produced electricity. It will also lessen their monthly electricity bill significantly.

BIODEGRADABLE

AND SUSTAINABLE ITEMS

Pollution remains at the top of the list of global environmental concerns. With continuous demand for single-use products, like plastic, the pollution level is at a standstill or hasn’t seen a significant drop in recent years.

However, thanks to innovative minds, the technology sector has produced various items that are biodegradable and sustainable. For instance, some local shops in the Philippines created paper or similar materials that contain seeds. Instead of being thrown away into the environment, these can help new plants grow and do their part in environmental preservation.

Another example is a local brand that produces biodegradable plastic packaging from natural materials like cassava. These brands often undergo rigorous research to develop an efficient product that meets their environmentfriendly goal of lessening pollution.

Most of these efforts become fruitful with international partnerships because it helps intensify the production and process of switching commercial plastic packaging with its biodegradable counterparts.

FOOD AND CONSUMPTION

Besides plastic packaging, local sustainable shops are also promoting edible utensils to replace plastic spoons, forks, and knives. Its earlier counterparts were wood or metal items in a set for portability. However, some argue that it poses a problem in using resources because it requires water when cleaning. Moreover, with repeated use, these items will also become disposable and counteract their purpose. Hence, the edible utensils.

TECHNOLOGY and innovations have made our lives easier for as long as we can remember. Without these advancements and steps toward modernization, we wouldn’t be enjoying the comfort and accessibility we do now, thanks to our gadgets, machinery, and other examples of technology.

Vertical farming

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TECH &

Technology helps ensure

PH’s sustainable future

NOWADAYS, more and more consumers and businesses take on sustainability as a strategic imperative to unlock competitive and growth opportunities. In a recent report, PricewaterhouseCoopers noted that 43 percent of CEOs in the Philippines included climate change and environmental damage in their strategic risk management activities.

But what does innovation have to do with sustainability? How does it help enable companies to become more sustainable?

In the recently held Globe Innovtalks, in collaboration with SAP SE (NYSE: SAP), Simone Pigason, Head of Digital, Resilient, and Sustainable Supply Chain of SAP Southeast Asia, and Ivan Curada, Cloud Engineer at Globe’s Information Systems Group (ISG), shared how innovations can help Philippine businesses pursue sustainability in today’s world.

Nowadays, most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originate from businesses’ supply chains. A 2020 study by non-profit charity CDP revealed that emissions from the supply chain are about 11.4 times greater than those from operations, making up at least 92 percent of the whole GHG emitted by a business.

Simone Pigason noted that digitalizing supply chains help organizations reduce their carbon emissions to become more sustainable. What’s more, this enables supply chains to be agile, productive, and connected, thus resilient to future disruptions.

“The global health crisis has shown businesses the importance of having resilient supply chains. And as various disruptions still happen globally, resilient supply chains are a must to provide consumers consistently with the goods and services they need,” said Pigason.

Pigason added that SAP has two sustainability enablers that allow businesses to track their sustainability efforts.

First, the Sustainability Control Tower automates the report of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts and GHG emissions of businesses. Operating in a single dashboard, it also keeps track of emission levels from various areas. Through the Sustainability Control Tower, businesses

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can see what parts of the Philippines have the most carbon emissions.

Secondly, the Plastics Warrior is a gamification process by SAP, which motivates consumers to recycle more. Aside from notifying supermarket shoppers about their plastic use, it utilizes advanced analytics to learn about a retail company’s plastic waste. With the help of Plastics Warrior, businesses can enable Filipino citizens to recycle more.

Innovation in the Workplace

According to Curada, Globe generates at least 4,000 memos each month, with an average of five pages. If these are printed on paper, it consumes around 20,000 sheets or 40 reams per month. Recent research by Benoit Cushman-Roisin and Bruna Tanaka Cremonini revealed that 16.67 reams of paper are produced from a single tree, which takes years to grow.

To minimize paper consumption and enable faster approval processes, Curada explained how Globe digitalized its memos through its own system called memo.ph. This system drastically cut paper use in the company.

“This serverless application digitalizes our memo approval processes to allow us to save at least two trees every month. It also offers templates to make memo creation as easy as possible while using an open-source library, so you are not paying for any license to make this application possible,” added Curada.

Pigason could not agree more about utilizing technology in innovating the workplace.

“To become more sustainable, organizations must be able to digitalize their traditional processes. All these solutions and applications prove how technologies can help build a sustainable future in today’s world,” she said.

From H1

Edible utensils incorporate local starch ingredients like cassava and beans. The starchiness of these edible materials allows for the shaping of the tool and various possibilities for the innovators to add flavors for an added experience.

Straws are also a popular product made sustainable because these small plastic utensils cause immense water pollution and jeopardize marine life.

TRANSPORTATION AND FUEL

Due to the shift to renewable energy from various sectors in the Philippines and the world, car manufacturers also transitioned from depending solely on fossil fuels to finding cleaner counterparts.

In previous years, Filipinos saw a spike in electricity-powered cars and vehicles in the country. Yet even though there are charging outlets in gas stations and malls, the public has to embrace the change. Meanwhile, local fuel companies have cleaner options in the market than regular fossil fuels using ingredients derived from natural materials. Users only need to verify the compatibility between the newly-developed gases and vehicle units.

Green technology spans more industries in the Philippines because of the demand for modern yet eco-friendly solutions. We can see these innovations in our homes or on the streets. Because of intensified efforts against climate change, provinces and cities have taken the necessary steps to move the country forward.

Technology has indeed opened new opportunities for our benefit. Through the years, we’ve undoubtedly gained and progressed with its help, but we overlooked a crucial element in our security, the environment. Fortunately, it’s not too late for us to make some changes in our lifestyle and the technology we use.

It takes a collective effort from private individuals and industries to spark the change toward a sustainable future.

Maya builds...

QR Ph-capable Maya QR. “Basta QR Ph, pwede kami,”Lazaro added.

From H4

for their everyday transactions with Maya QR but also creating a financial footprint that allows them to access more advanced banking services offered by Maya,” said Mar Lazaro, Maya’s Head of Enterprise Business.

Since QR Ph’s launch in 2019 for personto-person (P2P) payments and in 2021 for person-to-merchant (P2M) payments, Maya has led the charge among financial institutions in the rollout of the QR Ph national standard and now counts over 800,000 merchant touchpoints powered by

Building ‘digi-palengkes’ nationwide is part of Maya’s own LGUs Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization (L.E.A.D). Through this program, LGUs encourage local merchants and constituents to digitalize their transactions with Maya’s business-in-a-box payment solutions and disbursement tools.

On top of digitalizing public markets, Maya has become the growth partner of choice of Philippine businesses. These enterprises include pharmacies, transportation, travel, retail stores, public utilities, food, hospitals, service providers, and schools

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Cebu’s well-loved Lantaw restaurant stays afloat despite challenges

BUSINESSES took a big hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the food and beverage industry in the country. In Cebu, just when businesses are starting to recover from the health crisis late last year, Super Typhoon Odette struck and further devastated many establishments. At that point, the restaurant scene in Cebu was languishing.

But with the economy reopening and restrictions easing this year, a Filipino floating restaurant owned by one of the most well-known food groups in Cebu is coming back in a big way.

Just one of the 17 brands under the Cebu-based and family-owned Pages Group, Lantaw Floating restaurant aims to create a dining experience similar to a tranquil ocean cruisesurrounded not just by the calming blue waters but by a feast of Filipino dishes.

“Lantaw basically offers you a very native Filipino experience, akin to how you would feel if you’re dining by the sea. We have the freshest catch of the day since we have sutokil offerings and also a grilled selection,” said Trisha King, Marketing Head for the Pages Food Group.

The Lantaw Floating Restaurant which started with its main branch in Cordova faced the impact of the pandemic and the super typhoon head-on as the floating structure itself was destroyed by Typhoon Odette last December 2021.

However, as the pandemic shut down some branches of the food brands under Pages group, and the Lantaw floating structure destroyed, the food group’s social media presence grew by leaps and bounds as Cebuanos took to ordering

meals online. The food group quickly pivoted and developed their own in-house delivery service that catered to all their brands.

Staying online and connected is part of the Group’s strategy in moving forward as it still gets inquiries through its social media pages. In this regard, it has relied on the pure-fiber connection of Converge ICT Solutions Inc. in powering its point of sale systems and internal connectivity.

Trisha King, Marketing Head for the Pages Food Group shares that the well-loved Cebu floating restaurant has embraced digitalization as it moves forward from the pandemic. Converge powers the POS and internal systems for the restaurant and ensures that they are able to deliver the best to Lantaw customers.

“Even before (Super Typhoon) Odette, we already had Converge in several of our restaurants. Specifically for Lantaw, when the typhoon happened, we had to decide if we would push through with our monthly subscription. Our IT specialists called Converge and they were quick to respond and reinstalled when we were about to reopen this branch,” noted Trisha.

Lantaw boasts of a very native Filipino food experience featuring the freshest catch of the day for the sutokil and grilled selection. Since the pandemic, many customers have gone online to order food or to know more about new offerings from

In 2022, the Pages Group, seeing the opportunity to restart the brick and mortar businesses, is reconstructing the Lantaw floating restaurant and says it will be ready in a year’s time. It also opened a second branch in Il Corso. While the floating restaurant itself is being rebuilt, the area that used to be a parking lot adjacent to it has been converted into a bright and welcoming open-air dining area, so it can start serving the Filipino favorites of its customers.

“We’re doing very well actually, we just reopened this branch in Cordova last June. We decided to rebuild a small portion, like a prelude to our floating restaurant, because we want to make sure the brand continues to be felt in Cebu. Because it is still loved by everybody,” noted Trisha.

Now with Lantaw’s Cordova branch and the connectivity powered by Converge, recovery of the food brand can fully take place until the floating restaurant can be rebuilt.

“We have to make sure customers are very pleased with the internet and for our POS system to keep running on a reliable connection. We have to make sure we have the best brand out there for our internal systems and the satisfaction of our customers,” ended Tricia.

To know more about Converge, visit their website convergeict.com.

The famous Lantaw Crispy Pata is best enjoyed while watching the sunset.

Lantaw’s Sutokil is made with the fresh catch of the day.

TECH & GADGETS

Maya builds more ‘digi-palengke’ in Central Visayas

MAYA, the country’s all-in-one digital banking and money app, is making cashless transactions a lot easier in public markets nationwide with the rollout of the Paleng-QR initiative in Central Visayas, starting with Bohol province.

Paleng-QR Ph program supported

Basta

Tagbilaran City, residents and tourists alike can now pay for their favorite local delicacy, kalamay, from vendors via the QR Ph-compliant Maya QR. With QR Ph, merchants like Renato Socobos (left) and Jenalisa Melegrito (center) can accept payments from other e-wallets and bank accounts – hassle-free.

Maya has transformed Bohol’s Tagbilaran City Public Market into adigi-palengkein today’s ceremonies led by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Bernadette RomuloPuyat and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap.

The Paleng-QR Ph initiative is spearheaded by the BSP and the Department of Interior and Local Government, and it aims to empower the City Government of Tagbilaran to help public market vendors and tricycle drivers accept cashless payments from any customer via the QR Ph, the country’s standard for

QR payments.

Basta QR Ph, pwede sa Maya. With the Paleng-QR Ph program supported by Maya in Tagbilaran City, residents and tourists alike can now pay for their favorite local delicacy, kalamay, from vendors via the QR Ph-compliant Maya QR. With QR Ph, merchants like Renato Socobos (left) and Jenalisa Melegrito (center) can accept payments from other e-wallets and bank accounts – hassle-free.

“Small merchants and Filipino consumers are not only enjoying a hassle-free payment experience Turn to H 2

QR Ph, pwede sa Maya. With the

by Maya in

TECH & GADGETS Green technology: The future of sustainable tech world

By Peter Paul Duran

AS the world of technology continues to advance, more and more individuals are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Green technology, which leverages renewable energy sources and conserves natural resources, is becoming increasingly popular.

Solar, wind, and bio-fuel are just a few examples of the renewable energy sources that are gaining popularity and becoming more readily available. Recycling technology is also becoming increasingly prevalent, helping to conserve resources.

Not only does green technology benefit those who produce it, it also empowers the everyday person to play a role in protecting the environment. Smart home technology, such as home automation systems, can control lights and regulate water usage, ultimately reducing energy and water bills.

Smart thermostats and green gadgets such as LED bulbs and solar-powered chargers also help to conserve energy.

In the long run, green technology can be a financial win for individuals as well as the planet. Energy-efficient appliances and gadgets can save money on energy costs. The benefits of green technology go beyond just the environment. Clean and renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions. Access to resources and services can also be improved through green technology, elevating quality of life.

Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats and automated lighting systems, are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to reduce their impact on

the environment. Devices such as smart appliances, home solar energy systems, and electric vehicles can help to reduce energy waste and emissions. Innovations like smart irrigation systems and green building materials, made from recycled materials, also play a role in conservation efforts.

With the increasing awareness of climate change, more and more people are seeking out eco-friendly gadgets that can help reduce their negative impact on the environment.

From self watering planters to portable micro wind turbines, there are a variety of gadgets that make it easy to lessen our environmental footprint.

Eco-friendly travel is also becoming more popular as people seek out ways to reduce their carbon footprint, with products such as eco-friendly way-finders like bamboo flashlights, and rainproof solar chargers. These gadgets make it easier to make sustainable decisions while still enjoying the convenience of modern technology.

Green technology is the future of sustainability in the tech industry and is growing in popularity every day. It offers a way for everyday individuals to reduce their impact on the environment, save money, and improve their quality of life. Investing in green technology helps to create a more sustainable future for all.

business centers become collection points for e-waste

Harnessing power of renewable energy

By Patricia Taculao

MODERN technology and development

undeniably made life easier for civilizations.

Yet the advantages of modernization have their setbacks, particularly on the environment.

Climate change remains a primary concern among countries as they have felt the impact of extreme weather phenomena that threaten the longevity of numerous industries and human welfare.

There are several causes of climate change, foremost of which is energy pollution. Several studies from different organizations discovered that fossil fuels are the top contributors to greenhouse gases, which further global warming and environmental pollution. As a result, it causes rapid changes in the earth’s temperature and the degradation of natural resources.

Coal remains the dirtiest fuel that emits more greenhouse gases than other energy sources. However, many industries, particularly in urban areas, continue to rely on coal for energy because it’s accessible and costeffective.

As global reports become increasingly concerning, governments have begun looking or shifting to renewable energy as a safer and more sustainable alternative. The Philippines is among those countries focusing on strengthening the use of the renewable energy sector.

Renewable energy pertains to the power that comes from natural resources. It replenishes itself at a rapid rate than its consumption.

Some renewable energy sources in the country include geothermal, hydro, biomass, solar, on- and off-shore wind, and waste-to-energy. Yet several roadblocks pose challenges to achieving

complete reliance on renewable energy. Nonetheless, the Philippine government continues to find solutions, starting with the public and the set of rules on renewable energy.

One known initiative toward shifting to green energy in the Philippines is the Green Energy Option Program.

The GEOP is one of the Department of Energy’s programs to meet the objectives of the Renewable Energy Act, which aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources, achieve self-reliance, and mitigate the impact of climate change in the country. It empowers consumers by encouraging them to switch to renewable energy as their source of electricity, which is cleaner and more environment-friendly than fossil fuels.

Before the government furthers the effort, they’re looking to fine-tune particular rules in the GEOP to address challenges that discourage consumers from participating. There are less than 160-end users currently enrolled in the program.

Shifting to renewable energy is a concept that seems foreign to most Filipinos. Limited awareness among the population can hurt the cause rather than support it. Switching to renewable energy requires more than long-term planning and regulation from the government. It has to present opportunities like jobs, distribution, and fair prices to capture the public’s attention.

Implementing apt improvements on the GEOP’s design and clarifying

its technicalities can help unlock the program’s full potential and for renewable energy to become the norm among Filipinos.

Apart from benefiting Filipinos as they transition to renewable energy, a well-developed GEOP will encourage global companies to purchase similar sources and invest in its development.

Other efforts from the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Program include a directive to use biofuels through a program that furthers its development through fund allocation and other similar steps. The NREP signals the country’s leap to a focused and sustained drive toward energy security and improved access to clean energy.

Recognizing its long-term benefits

The United Nations (UN) and other governing bodies across the globe recognize the relevance of renewable energy in combatting the effects of climate change. The best thing about renewable energy is that its sources are readily available and abundant in the environment.

Using renewable energy could help countries meet the goal of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below two, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. Possible results include the reversal of rapid temperature changes that cause extreme weather phenomena and threaten the sustainability of various industries.

Besides lessening the number of

greenhouse gases from fossil fuels in the atmosphere, there are other advantages to transitioning to renewable energy.

One notable benefit is protecting the public’s health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 99 percent of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits, thereby putting their well-being at risk. Fossil fuels contribute unhealthy levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide to the atmosphere.

Switching to renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, are better alternatives to protect the public’s health.

From an economic standpoint, renewable energy makes more sense as it only requires a sizeable investment initially, but eventually becomes more affordable if implemented appropriately.

Moreover, the UN justified that reducing pollution and climate change impacts could save the world up to $4.2 trillion annually by 2030.

The renewable energy industry also has the potential to create three times more job opportunities for the public than fossil fuels. Workers, especially skilled technicians, are responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining the processes of these sustainable energy sources. It creates a community, where nobody gets left behind as the global population strives toward self-sufficiency through clean energy.

Although energy lies at the heart of climate change, solutions on how to address it are available. One ideal course of action at the moment is shifting to renewable energy. The Philippines has abundant renewable energy sources, but has yet to refine its implementation nationwide. Fortunately, the government isn’t sleeping on the issue and has taken the necessary steps to the transition.

BPI takes home multiple Marketing Excellence Awards

THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to prove its mettle as it scored 3 golds and 1 silver in the recent 2022 Marketing-Interactive, which awards Marketing Excellence Awards.

Affirming its position as a trusted banking leader in the country, BPI bagged Gold for Excellence in Personalisation Marketing, Gold for Excellence in Data-Driven Marketing & Consumer Insights, Gold for Excellence in Viral Marketing, and Silver for Excellence in Content Marketing. Last 2021, the bank won Bronze for Data-Driven Marketing. Marketing-Interactive, which awards the best Advertising, Marketing, and Media Intelligence initiatives across Southeast Asia, gave the recognitions during what is only the second annual edition of Marketing Excellence Awards in the Philippines. The awards program acknowledges the Philippines’ outstanding marketing campaigns chosen by senior industry experts from reputable brands.

For BPI Chief Customer and Marketing Officer Cathy Santamaria, the bank has worked hard in reinventing itself throughout the years, and it is precisely foresight, ability to adapt, and culture of customer obsession that have allowed BPI to thrive in these changing times. The awards are proof that BPI’s customer-centered approach is working at evolving this 171-year-old brand.

BPI is not talking like a bank anymore, the CCMO says. We are changing the way we do things as we continue to put our customers at the core of everything we do, which we aim to bring out more in all our upcoming campaigns, she adds.

The bank recently launched two big campaigns: Love the Life You Live with celebrities Iya Villania, Drew Arellano, and their son, Primo; and Sustainability with Bea Alonzo.

The latest campaign is driven by the bank’s goal to make it easy for their customers, and to help them prosper in the space, activities, or projects that they love.

The Love the Life You Live campaign highlights how BPI has been a reliable partner to Filipinos from their small steps to big goals. Drew and Iya, long-time BPI clients, share their story which captures how the financial solutions offered by the bank allow their customers to love the life they live.

#BPISustainableWithYou with Bea Alonzo is the bank’s push to champion sustainability and create a livable Philippines for future generations. Sustainability and responsible banking have always been a top priority at BPI, and this campaign shows how even BPI customers can help make a better Philippines in simple ways, even in their everyday banking transactions.

Doubling down on digitalization to make banking easier for their

customers, and hyper personalization to foster a ‘customer of one’ brand of service, BPI strives to create types of content that are relevant and suited to their customers’ specific interests and needs.

Despite being around for almost two centuries, BPI aspires to remain at the forefront of banking by staying attuned to the needs of their clients and helping them love the life they live, today and tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of Green Option Energy FB page

MEGA PRIME FOODS INC. AIDS NATION-BUILDING THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY

MEGA Global Corporation, the company behind the Philippines’ number-one sardine brand, recently launched Mega Prime Foods Inc. as its newest subsidiary which will house and distribute all of the wellknown Mega brands such as Mega Sardines, Mega Tuna, Mega Prime canned fruits and vegetables, sauces, noodles, Primo Sparkling Juice and all its future products.

Mega Prime Foods Inc. remains committed to its purpose in improving Filipinos’ quality of life through sustainable growth, and with the opening of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing

A platform that puts food on the table

THE effects of food insecurity go beyond physical. Involuntary hunger has been a long standing problem in the Philippines, and during the pandemic, when millions lost their means of livelihood, this became more apparent with the surge of mental health concerns.

A study by University of Arkansas professors Di Fang, Michael Thomsen and Rodolfo Nayga Jr., published by BMC Public Health in March 2021, found that food insecurity caused by the pandemic was also associated with increased risk of mental illness.

“The complex hunger problem leads to so many other social ills and requires collective action. Using new digital technologies, we can lend a hand easier as donating becomes very convenient. We are creating a multi-sectoral platform that provides sustainable solutions to help

It determined that “food insecurity is associated with a 257% higher risk of anxiety and a 253% higher risk of depression.” The study then recommended that public health measures should focus on getting direct subsidies of food purchases to poor families, especially families with children.

As the country continues to grapple with the detrimental effects of the pandemic, there is a need for urgent intervention. This is an imperative as the country comes out of the worst of the pandemic, with 3.1 million Filipino families saying they experienced involuntary hunger at least once, based on the latest Social Weather Stations survey in the first quarter of the year.

Globe’s Hapag Movement provides a platform for anyone to help put food on the table of families experiencing involuntary hunger. It has mobilized multi-sectoral partners and came up with ways for customers to help through a few clicks on their mobile phones.

Converge...

plant in Batangas, the company is one step closer to their goal of helping the country in nation-building.

Through the new manufacturing plant, MPFI is in the position to be a valuable partner for the country by boosting economic growth through the creation of jobs for thousands of Filipinos.

MPFI is also primed to boost the tourism and education sectors through educational tours showcasing best practices in the food manufacturing industry.

As part of its push for sustainable development in

the FMCG industry, MPFI’s new manufacturing plant operates with clean renewable energy and zero-waste management systems in place. Through these efforts, MPFI continues to expand sustainably while pursuing its mission of alleviating hunger and malnutrition by offering affordable, nutritious, highquality food products.

The establishment of the Mega Manufacturing Plant is proof of MPFI’s commitment to providing Filipinos with sustenance and growth as the company continues to meet its vision of providing Filipinos with affordable and deliciously healthy meals.

From I1

small appliances, and other electrical wastes.

The E-Waste art of Converge, entitled “Converge at the heart of a sustainable city” is on display at the Converge New Street office in Balibago, Angeles City.

Through partnerships with governmentaccredited waste recycling companies, the donated e-wastes are hauled, processed, and recycled into new materials such as bricks, chairs, and others, in accordance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources standards.

According to Converge Head of Workplace, Premises and Fleet Management Solomon Joya, the zero waste campaign is two-pronged as it also aims to further expand the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of the company.

“Proceeds from the zero-waste campaign will be reverted back to our CSR programs to help communities where we operate,” he said.

“This is the continuation of the program we launched in November 2022. Now we’re launching it here in Pampanga. There are a lot of ways we have to think about committing to zero waste and one of these streams is e-waste. As an ISP, we really have a lot of e-waste. We have at least 64,000 kilos worth of cables and we have computers in Clark too. Bibilhin yan ng third party service provider,” said Joya during the launch in Pampanga.

communities recover,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.

The Hapag Movement’s integrated approach includes not just supplemental feeding activities, but also skills development and capacity building sessions. It also offers a micro-lending program to help jumpstart livelihood activities for Filipino families.

This is in line with Globe’s commitment to uphold the UN Global Compact Principles and contribute to 10 UN SDGs.

Globe customers can now help provide food for families in need every time they purchase Globe prepaid load or pay for their monthly Globe subscriptions. Each transaction lets customers earn Globe Rewards points which can be donated to The Hapag Movement for the alleviation of extreme hunger in the country.

To support, simply download the New GlobeOne app and donate your Rewards points for as low as P1.

“One of the pillars of our sustainability commitment is taking care of our planet. Reducing our waste is one of the ways to do that and we are targeting zero waste to landfill output by 2030, which is aligned with the broader United Nations sustainable development goals. We started this campaign…with what we have, which is electronic waste. And we want to enjoin our employees and the rest of the community, including our customers, to join us in this effort. That’s why we rolled out our (collection) boxes not just in our offices but also in our business centers,” added Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations JayAnne Encarnado.

The e-waste drop boxes will initially be deployed at Converge business centers in Dau, Mabalacat, and Clark in Pampanga. Last November, Converge piloted its e-waste campaign in its Metro Manila headquarters in Pasig City.

More e-waste boxes are expected to be rolled out within the year with its next leg to be held in Nueva Ecija in February.

Converge has committed to achieve zero waste to landfill output by 2030 and aligns its goals with the Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) target of increasing the global e-waste recycling rate by 30% starting this year. Also under the zero-waste campaign of Converge, old tarpaulins used for marketing and other corporate events are being recycled into sustainable tote bags through a partnership with women-led social enterprise Kreations PH.

Drive home brand-new crossover with ‘CHERY Hop In A Tiggo Promo’

Cash discounts as much as P130k, DPs as low as P28,888, monthly payments as low as P7,796

CHERY Auto Philippines starts your year right with fabulous cash discounts, easy-on-the-pocket low down payments, or budget-friendly low monthly installments with its Hop In A Tiggo Promo!

Enjoy huge cash discounts of up to Php130,000 (for the Tiggo 7 PRO), all-in low down payments of as low as Php28,888 and low monthly payments of as low as Php7,796/month (for the Tiggo 2 PRO).

It’s an even brighter first quarter as CHERY gifts you with several wallet-friendly options with affordable financing deals as part of the Hop In A Tiggo promo that runs until March 31, 2023.

The promo is applicable to all CHERY models—from the subcompact Tiggo 2 PRO and Tiggo 5X to the compact Tiggo 7 PRO, all the way to the all-new midsize 7-seater Tiggo 8 PRO.

“What better way to start the New Year than by gifting oneself or others with a new car!” exclaimed CHERY Auto Philippines President Erroll Dueñas. “We are more than happy to help maximize the budgets of all crossover buyers with these budgetfriendly discounts and affordable payment terms for our full range of CHERY crossovers,” he added.

Ideal for first-time new car buyers or those who need a versatile second car, the stylish Tiggo 2 PRO is available for as low as Php7,796/month and with cash discounts of as much as Php50,000. All-in down payments go as low as Php28,888. The Tiggo 2 PRO is one of the country’s tech-loaded crossovers, making it competitively priced even against entry-level hatchbacks.

For those who might need a bit more space and luxury in a subcompact crossover, CHERY offers the generous comfort and convenience features of the Tiggo 5X. Available in two variants (AT and AT Luxury), the handsome Tiggo 5X is available with cash discounts of up to Php95,000, all-in down payment of as low as Php38,888, or monthly amortization of as low as Php8,235.

Comfort and convenience come standard with the CHERY Tiggo 5X with its available leather seats, push start button, and multifunction steering wheel.

Projecting a very upmarket and European-inspired styling, the sleek Tiggo 7 PRO is offered with a huge Php130,000 cash discount, down payment as low as Php48,888, or monthly payment as low as Php10,870. This popular world-class crossover is equipped with a push start button; a huge 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof and is

powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged DOHC 16-valve VVT engine mated to a 9-speed CVT. CHERY’s biggest and most luxurious offer is the all-new 7-seater midsize Tiggo 8 PRO, which is available with an all-in down payment of as low as Php98,888, or a monthly installment of as low as Php16,448 (for the Tiggo

8 PRO 1.6T variant). The elegant Tiggo

8 PRO 1.6T and Tiggo 8 PRO PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) are perfect for executives, families, and even single people who put luxury,

style, comfort, space, and safety on top as the Tiggo 8 PRO boasts all the luxury, convenience, and safety features found in high-end European luxury SUVs.

To underscore their confidence in their automobiles, CHERY Auto Philippines offers its industry-leading 105-3-3 CHERY Premium Preserv with a 10-year/1-million-km Engine Warranty, a 5-year General Vehicle Warranty, plus a 3-year FREE Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) and FREE 3-year Roadside Assistance to all buyers of Tiggo 2 PRO, Tiggo 5x, and Tiggo 7 PRO models.

The Tiggo 8 PRO (including PHEV variant) enjoys a 7-7-3-3 CHERY Premium Preserv protection with a 7-year General Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty, 7-year Engine Warranty, FREE 3-year full PMS, and FREE 3-year roadside assistance. Visit Chery Auto PH at www. cheryauto.ph and follow Chery Auto PH on social media: Chery Auto Philippines (Facebook) and @cheryautophilippines (Instagram) for more updates. You may also call the 24/7 Chery Auto Philippines hotline at (0917) 552 4379 or email chery@uaagi.com for more info.

SmarTrade reminds online traders to partner with the right broker

WHETHER you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, trading online can be a daunting task. There are so many different sites to choose from and so many different types of investments to make. To top it all, there are also a myriad of brokers with different services and fees.

One way to make trading easier is to find the right broker. That is why SmarTrade, a financial education provider, educates its clients on how to find the right broker for their needs and how to avoid brokers that are scamming traders.

For many, it can be challenging to find the best broker for their trading needs. There are numerous brokers out there and ten times as many different types of traders who have their own unique goals and lifestyles. Through various learning sessions and oneon-one consultation that it offers for free, SmarTrade is able to get to know the needs of their clients and customize a strategy that fits the needs of each client.

SmarTrade outlines the following things to keep in mind when looking for the best broker for your trading needs.

The first thing you should do is decide what broker suits your trading needs. If you are a day trader, you will need a broker that offers a high level of liquidity. If you are looking for a broker that offers a high level of security, you may be interested in a broker that offers a high level of insurance. It is essential to be clear about your trading goals because this will spell out all the strategies that follow.

It is important to look for a broker that is widely known and globally acclaimed so that you are sure that your investments are safe and secure. Many fly-bynight operations are flooding the market, so it is crucial to be wary of these scammers.

Make sure the broker is transparent, safe, and secure, as well as equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows fast and help improves trader decision making to meet the ever-changing market and client demands. Above all, it should offer the best customer service.

As SmarTrade continues to educate its clients on how they can start and thrive in the world of online trading, it has also partnered with ATFX to help clients apply their knowledge in the real world. ATFX is a globally-acclaimed broker that employs more than 450 team members in 14 different countries, covering Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Asia.

“It is important that we partner with a company that is aligned with our own core values. ATFX is focused on providing the latest innovation in financial technologies and, at the same time, believes in a clientcentric approach,” says Joyce Mayo, President & CEO of SmarTrade.

“Like ATFX, we put our clients at the center of our organization by educating them about how to manage their investments wisely and gearing them up for success. We believe that the way our organization can be successful is when our clients are successful, so we do our best to create a win-win environment.”

SmarTrade was established in 2017 as a training and consultancy company to fill the need for educational platforms that can introduce Filipinos to the online trading world. It has been providing free learning sessions, covering a range of topics from foundational concepts to risk management and the creation of trading plans and strategies, plus the importance of partnering with a reputable trading broker.

To date, SmarTrade has reached more than 22,000 Filipinos in 334 areas nationwide to assist them in their online trading journey via group training sessions and one-on-one coaching.

To learn more about SmarTrade and its services, or to sign up for free online or face-to-face learning sessions, visit www.smartradeph.com. SmarTrade’s learning sessions are perfect for both novice and advanced traders and are without any hidden fees or charges.

With Lindy being a regular crusader of the road, her mindset is always set towards efficiency and sustainability; planning trips, routes, and fuel saving is always on her checklist especially with fuel prices being so erratic. Yet whilst ensuring the factors that are within her control, she admits that what frustrates her are those factors on which that aren’t. Whenever around the metro, roads for her can get very tight due to the terrible traffic situations plaguing around. According to her, car volume is bearable, yet what irks her the most are the motorcycles scattered all over the place without proper road etiquette and awareness. “Grabe sila, they’re so erratic,” she exclaims. “With that, there’s nothing I can do besides telling myself to stay calm and patient.

When it comes to maintaining the wellness of her pick-up, there’s no other way but to keep it “casa-maintained”, with Preventive Maintenance Services (PMS) administered every 3 months to change the oil, handle filters—everything. Yet Lindy admits: “All this PMS scheduling, it can get expensive. Not to mention the need to avail of car insurance with full coverage should something happen”.

Looking into the future, Lindy firmly believes that owning a car would still be her preference - regardless of the circumstance.

“Unless our transport system in general becomes something like how it is in Japan, Singapore, Morocco or anywhere else in the world, I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t be braving the streets behind the wheel of my own car,” she concludes. Sure and Secure Fidel used to own three cars, with one of them supposedly planned to be a “project car”. Yet due to lack of parking space and possession means, he had to let go of the two

—leaving him with his Kia Rio which was handed down to him by his mother. For Fidel, safety is one of the top priorities in having his own car. Although commuting offers practicality, it hasn’t reached the level of safety that he wants to attain for him and his family. “Tuwing nakikita ko yung mga public transport na hindi masyadong safe, parang lagi kong naiiisip na sana yung mga naaksidente may private na, or at least nakasakay man lang sila sa mas secured na sasakyan para sa kanilang ikinabubuti.” he said. Aside from safety, Fidel’s edge as a car owner is being able to withstand weather hindrances such as typhoons and floods. He claims that the only way to attend important functions or gatherings productively is through private transportation.

Compared to other cars, Fidel considers his Kia Rio as a basic car relative to its price. For him, it complements his simple personality and his mother’s profession as a doctor. Despite that, the Kia Rio is complete when it comes to the features he needs. It fulfills its function to drive his mother to the hospital back and forth which is of great help, objectively.

However, privacy and safety compensate for the cost of keeping the car. “Yung cost mo compare sa nag cocommute ay doble, triple. Compared sa namamasahe, ang cost mo lang is 60 pesos papunta, 60 pesos pauwi. Pag nag sarili kang sasakyan, ang cost nun 300 - 500 pesos per day.”

This is why he always allots at least 5% of his adequate salary for vehicle maintenance. After all, it is a worthy investment for him because of its reliability.

“Once na nagrely ka na sa vehicle mo, pag biglang kailangan mo siya tas hind siya reliable, parang sobrang hirap mag adjust sa sarili,” he said.

ATFX Chief Market Analyst Martin Lam leads a learning session on online trading held at SmarTrade’s Makati headquarters.

Hitch a ride to the ‘auto life’: What every day is for automobile owners

By: Khrystyn Andaya, Mitzi Buenconsejo, and Jhannah Gaad

WITH the growing clamor for better public transportation, purchasing private vehicles is a more viable option for those who can. Cars, more than being a vehicle, is a symbol of its driver’s lifestyle and a reflection of who they are, and that’s why there’s more to being a car owner than being a driver.

James Castro, Lindy Pellicer, and Fidel Fernando Jr. are proud car owners, each having their own perspectives on what it takes to be one.

With power comes responsibility

Besides its quality and durability, the brand reputation says a lot about the driver and car owner. And having good taste in cars can be helpful. James’ confidence in his Lexus ES350 is of no question as he deems his car as a “complete blend of form and function”

In James’ eyes, there’s more to a car than its transportation advantages. “It can serve as an identity or a mark for who you are. But for me, the personal pleasure and fulfillment of owning a car you want stands above anything else”.

Moreover, owning a car within his financial capabilities is both fulfilling and “symbolic”. “For a lot of people, your car becomes a testament to where you are in life born out of the process or hard work entailed to get there,” he adds.

James stated that it’s been a “holistic feeling” being able to have such an advantageous mode of transportation - along with its aesthetic appeal and overall comfort. He believes that the form and functions of his car are a statement. “I can say there’s a taste of luxury in it; I can feel at peace getting to where I want to go. It doesn’t just

take me from one destination to another, but also minimizes the stress involved whilst getting there - thus giving me happiness and fulfillment whilst on the road”.

However, owning and maintaining a car should suit one’s way of life, hence what people do on a day-to-day basiswhether it be for necessity, amusement, or pleasure. “With the luxury and privilege of owning a car, also entails the amount of responsibility in keeping it road-worthy – regardless of what vehicle it would be,” James said.

“I make it a point to periodically inspect if my car is in good condition - preventive over curative ALL THE TIME. Tire pressure, lights, brakes, battery, fluids, alignment, even fuel levels… the works! Add ko na rin siguro personally, I make sure my car is always clean and tidy - inside and out. And of course, you should always be prepared for the worst - even if you take good care of your vehicle on and off the road,” he adds.

All in all, having the ability to be behind the wheel gives him utmost control over most situations. “I love driving - whether it be near or far. And as a car owner, I can directly get to wherever I want and have to go in a manner that is most ideal - especially with how transportation systems are

NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS OPENS FIRST URBAN FARM

here in the country. Yet amidst all its advantages and privileges, one should never overlook what it actually takes to own and operate something that is of your own,” James concludes. Practicality and Personality Lindy got her first car in 2001 - a Ford Lynx while working for a radio station. Years have past and now she now owns a Nissan Navara bought last 2018 - fruits of hard work as well. She also said that having a vehicle is very crucial for her daily routine, including “providing service” to her children. They even coined the term “mama move” because she drives them almost everywhereincluding frequent weekend visits to Lindy’s mother in Tagaytay. Lindy admits that her love for cars

was born out of her dad’s influence, yet her interest eventually turned out to be a sort of a “need”. According to her, she didn’t want to depend on anyone. “I just want it to be free because it’s very empowering. It’s very liberating when you own your own car as you have control over where you wanna go,”

In today’s time, various luxury cars are released almost everywhere around the world. Yet amidst it all, Lindy continues to prefer a more practical option than a luxurious one. She even believes that her choice for practicality resembles her personality. “Even if I have the money, I won’t invest in a luxury car because what I want is to be comfortable, practical, safe, yet not so flashy - and I believe it speaks so much

about who I am”.

Compared to normal cars, the Navara pickup truck is huge since it can load numerous stuff at the back during events plus the things she brings on a daily basis. Looking at its interiors, it’s soft, it has a cool aircon, and it’s easy to drive despite its size and shape.

Definitely, the main reason why Lindy bought a pick-up truck is due to what it can provide. Aside from its enormous load capacity, one of her most loved features is its ability over rough roads and floods— which is prevalent in the country. “Riding a pick-up, I feel safe because I’m higher than other cars. Not to mention, there’s so much space for me to store my everyday stuff and even my equipment for work/ events.”

By EE Castillo

The country’s pioneering integrated resort, Newport World Resorts, is taking a bolder step in its property-wide I Love Earth (ILE) sustainability program with the launch of a technology-controlled onsite farm, through Marriott Hotel Manila, to grow high-value vegetables for use in its restaurants.

“The launch of the I Love Earth Urban Farm is one of the priority projects undertaken by our “Green Team,” on Healthy, Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing, passionately led by Chef Meik Brammer of Marriott Manila. The technology behind the Urban Farm gives us the ability to source clean greens all year round, producing a higher yield while using 95% less land, 95% less water, 95% less fuel, with No Carbon Footprint.” Kingson Sian, Newport World Resorts’

President and CEO shares how the ILE Urban Farm came to be.

The collaborators tapped BoomGrow, a regional agriculture technology startup based in Malaysia to develop the first ILE Urban Farm within the property as part of its sustainable culinary program. The opening of the ILE Urban Farm makes Newport World Resorts the first destination resort outside of Malaysia to house BoomGrow’s Indoor Precision Farming Machine. This allows fresh produce to be grown and nurtured within a highlycontrolled environment, using bestin-class hydroponic systems that are supported by artificial intelligence to ensure optimal conditions at all times.

Bruce Winton, Multi-Property Vice President - Philippines, Marriott International and General Manager, Marriott Manila and I Love Earth Council Chairman stresses the importance of this ambitious collaboration, “This partnership with BoomGrow is a major undertaking under the ILE framework. Today we are harvesting the product of this partnership, and it is just the beginning. Growing our own vegetables is a good thing–for our hotel, for our guests, and for the planet. Beyond that, this new model for sustainable urban farming

opens up a world of possibilities for the rest of the Philippines, and the region. We need more innovations like this to ensure a greener, better world for future generations.”

Through the ILE Urban Farm, herbs and nutritious greens will be readily available for use in the integrated resort’s kitchens. Marriott Hotel Manila’s Man Ho Chinese Fine Dining restaurant will be among the first kitchens to integrate the freshest harvest from the in-house farm to its menu.

The ILE Urban Farm is the latest addition to the Healthy, Responsible, and Sustainable Sourcing initiatives that include sustainable seafood offerings and cage-free egg use led by Marriott Hotel Manila executive chef Meik Brammer. Last year, Newport World Resorts

ramped up its commitment to caring for the planet with the launch of the ILE program. By 2022, the property has earned a coveted Bronze Benchmarked certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism.

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on the I Love Earth sustainability initiative, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts and @ILovEarthPH on Facebook and Instagram, and @nwresorts on Twitter. Make the most of your visit and sign up for an Epic Membership or download the Newport World Resorts Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Newport World Resorts President and CEO Kingson Sian, Pasay City Mayor Hon. Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, and Marriott International Multi-Property Vice President - The Philippines Bruce Winton (center) led the launch of Newport World Resorts’ I Love Earth Urban Farm with (L-R) Marriott Hotel Manila Executive Chef Meik Brammer, Department of Tourism National Capital Region Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Embassy of Malaysia Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Mohd Fareed Zakaria, and BoomGrow Co-Founders Murali and Dr. Jay Desan.

Flash Wok Shanghainese Bokchoy Salad with Swiss Chard Dumpling

A DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MILESTONE FOR MERALCO

MORE FEMALE LINECREW READY TO CLIMB NEW HEIGHTS

WIPING the sweat off her forehead, former migrant worker Zuzette Castro smiles as she looks back on her six-month journey in the Meralco Linecrew Training Program (MLTP), an opportunity that paved the way for her to stay in the Philippines to raise her one-year-old son.

From dispensing change at a gasoline station in Dubai, the 32-year-old mother returned to Manila at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to find a living to support her family while being physically present for her son.

“The thought of giving my son a better life is what kept me going and motivated to stay and find a job here in the Philippines,” Castro said in Filipino.

As one of the 13 female trainees under the MLTP, Castro is now equipped to professionally climb utility poles. She is set to be assessed by Meralco for hiring and deployment so she can finally put her training to good use and serve her fellow Filipinos by helping ensure a steady power supply in areas serviced by the power distributor.

“Being a linecrew is hard but what motivates me is the thought that this job will allow me to provide for my family and be of service to the public,” she said.

A comprehensive training course open to both men and women, the MLTP involves a series of lectures, thorough physical conditioning, critical assessments, and on-the-job training (OJT) program geared towards Meralco’s efforts to continuously develop a pool of skilled linecrew.

The relaunch of the MLTP included 34 aspiring male and female linecrew, and forms part of the power distributor’s goal to increase women representation in the workforce to nearly half or 40 percent by 2030.

“All of the new MLTP trainees are equipped with the necessary training and tools so that they can safely perform their jobs to the best of their abilities,” MLTP Manager Roman Leandro Manlapaz said.

“I am confident that the latest batch of MLTP graduates will use their new learnings to help deliver excellent service to Meralco’s customers,” he added.

Castro recalled how she put her learnings to practice during her OJT when Severe Tropical Storm Paeng hit the country in early November 2022 and she was among those who helped restore power in Rizal province following the onslaught of the typhoon.

“The MLTP prepared us for the actual work of a linecrew and I experienced that firsthand. Our mentors ensured that we were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills so we can do our work safely,” she said, noting that trainees won’t be allowed to complete the program ill-equipped for the job.

HEIGHTENED PUSH FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Traditionally operating in a male-dominated industry, Meralco pioneered the training and hiring of female linecrew in Southeast Asia back in 2013 as part of its commitment to champion diversity and inclusion.

At present, 11 women from the first MLTP batch are still working in Meralco in various capacities–helping deliver stable and reliable electricity service to the power distributor’s customers.

Like Castro, John Dexter Alonte also joined the MLTP in hopes of finding a stable job so that he can better provide for his family after working as a contractual hardware salesman for three years.

“When you’re a contractual worker, there are no benefits and there’s always that worry of finding your next job,” the 27-year-old Alonte said in Filipino. “Joining the MLTP gave me the opportunity to find a permanent job so I can provide more for my family.”

Working as a linecrew, according to Alonte, would help him improve his family’s life while being of service to his fellow Filipinos.

“There’s that fulfillment of knowing that your work helps other people. It feels good to know that I am of service to the public,” Alonte said.

Looking back on the six-month training program, Alonte said he was inspired by the dedication of the female linecrew aspirants who took on the same challenges as male linecrew aspirants.

“Seeing women take on jobs that are typically done by men motivates me to excel in my work since I can see them all striving to do well,” Alonte said, adding: “When I feel discouraged or tired, I tell myself that if women can do it, so can I.”

BUILDING A MORE GENDER-BALANCED WORKPLACE

The inclusion of female linecrew aspirants in the MLTP is part of #MBrace – Meralco’s overarching diversity and inclusion program aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 5 on Gender Equality and UN SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

The program likewise fortifies Meralco’s commitment to the UN Global Compact’s Principle 6: Elimination of Discrimination in Employment and supports the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles as well as the advocacies of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment. True to its commitment to build a more gender-balanced workplace, Meralco has achieved 22 percent women representation as of 2021–double the global energy sector average of 11 percent.

#Mbrace is an important part of Meralco’s Sustainability Agenda called “Powering the Good Life” which is anchored on four pillars: Power, Planet, People, and Prosperity. The program cements Meralco’s dedication to advancing diversity in a workplace that recognizes the contributions and the important role women play in the organization and in society.

Meralco also recently established a Diversity and Inclusion policy through which the company pledges to ensure equal employment opportunities for all and to respect all individual and value differences across gender, age, ethnicity, physical appearance, health, family status, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background.

Sustainable Mobility = Greener Future

By Peter Paul Duran

FOR years, the motoring industry has been under fire for its contribution to carbon emissions and pollution. But with the increasing demand for sustainable solutions, the industry is now paving the way towards a more eco-friendly future.

The Philippines is taking strides towards a more sustainable future, and one of the major catalysts of this push is the popularization of modern e-vehicles. The burgeoning eco-friendly transportation industry is proving to be an invaluable asset to Filipino

communities. According to the latest figures, the country is set to benefit from the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs). In the last few years, the number of EVs on the road has nearly tripled, with more than 8,000 in operation.

This represents a significant move towards sustainability, as these vehicles are powered by clean energy sources, reducing the environmental impact of gasoline-powered cars. The government is also taking steps Turn to

Mobility on the crossroads

By Andy Sevilla

The parade of more than 150 electric vehicles during the 2011 Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, where more than 4,000 personalities from various parts of the world gathered to shape the future of mobility, somewhat heralded the transformation of how cars are now being made.

“We

a variety of energy sources. All this needs to be done concurrently without wasting any time, with defined objectives, a wellbalanced regulatory framework and all this must be coordinated globally. In contrast to conventional technologies, which will undoubtedly still be used due to the high prices of energy, raw materials, and de-pollution solutions, we need to outline the scenarios under which these technologies will become economically feasible. This is why we are emphasizing the business case component in the numerous workshops that we are planning for Berlin,” said Patrick Oliva - the chairman of the Michelin Challenge Bibendum, whose statements, few years later, seemed to foretell future developments.

Yes, almost ten years after that incident, the world has come to accept “electric vehicles” as one of the finest options for a more sustainable and cost-effective transportation system.

The call to “decarbonize” the environment was already in full swing just before the pandemic hit the entire world in 2020. The majority of customers supported the clean air initiatives that were promoted by various governments throughout the world.

The majority of European nations began producing their cars exclusively out of electric power while accelerating the development of their electric infrastructure. Europe can be considered a success in its transition to EVs, even though it took some time and was briefly derailed.

Up until the middle of the 2010s, the industry’s focus was on diesel technology because of the strict emissions regulations set by the European Union. However, after Volkswagen was implicated in the massive “Dieselgate” emissions-cheating scandal in 2015, work on EV technology—which had previously advanced in the background as diesel technology advanced—began to pick up speed. Germany is setting the pace for the continued fast expansion of manufacturing

capacity. German manufacturers in particular have historically depended heavily on the Chinese market, and Europe’s reaction to how quickly the Chinese EV market was expanding also had a role.

The two countries where the development of EVs significantly advanced were China and the United States

With the help of Elon Musk’s Tesla, an electric vehicle (EV) production that swamped not only the US market but the entire world, Elon Musk is a visionary multibillionaire.

As it tackled its pollution problem, China began converting its fleet of public and private buses to electric vehicles (EVs). Many manufacturers were persuaded to switch to electric vehicles with the assistance of the government through various incentives, and consumers showed a great deal of enthusiasm.

2015 marked the “Made in China 2025” movement - a long-term industrial strategy with the objective of becoming China the world’s leading vehicle producer by 2025. The strategy sets a goal of 20% of all new car sales being electric and other newenergy cars, which is anticipated to be reached by 2022. The Chinese government was successful in creating a comprehensive supply chain for batteries and other electric car components by providing significant subsidies for electric vehicles and enacting laws that benefited domestic manufacturers. A phased reduction in subsidies in recent years and worries that EVs would lose popularity resulted from the Chinese market at one point becoming oversaturated with literally hundreds of EV manufacturers vying for business. However, rapid growth in charging infrastructure ensured that China’s EV policy got off the ground.

Japanese automakers, who have long dominated the global mobility market, were slow to jump on the EV bandwagon since they experimented with the technology for a very long period and had little success with their own battery-powered EVs. As a result, they have been pushing hard for the hybrid system, which powers the car with both electric and gasoline batteries.

Here’s an intriguing perspective from a Japanese writer on why that country would be viewed as a latecomer to the EV boom. See how Kuwajima Hiroaki put it: “In 2020, there were slightly under 120,000 electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) sold worldwide that were built in Japan. The sum for both Nissan and Toyota is shown here. No doubt, Japanese automakers were quick to introduce electric vehicles. With the i-MiEV, Mitsubishi led the way in electric vehicle development in Japan in 2009. Nissan followed suit with the Leaf in 2010, and Toyota followed with the midsize SUV RAV4 EV in 2012. Therefore, it is not always the case that Japanese firms are coming late to the party. Instead, Japanese producers never increased their capacity for EV production. This is due to the many years spent developing expertise in the

The tire manufacturer wanted to give the world a preview of what to expect on the mobility front, so at that enormous conference at the former Tempelhof Airport Convention Center, a variety of small and enormous

2-wheel, 3-wheel, and 4-wheel vehicles running on “electric” were launched.

need to encourage the electrification of vehicles, improving internal combustion engines, and utilizing

MOTORING

to encourage sustainable motoring. In 2019, the Department of Energy launched the Motor Vehicle Development Program, which provides incentives and support to those who purchase electric vehicles. Furthermore, the government has implemented policies to reduce the cost of EVs, making them more accessible to the public.

The private sector is also making great strides in sustainability. Several car companies in the Philippines have taken the initiative to manufacture more eco-friendly vehicles, including hybrid and electric cars.

However, the Philippines still has a way to go in terms of transitioning to a more sustainable motoring industry.

Currently, most EVs on the roads are imported from other countries, so locallymanufactured vehicles are still far and few between. Additionally, the infrastructure to support electric vehicles is still in its early stages, and there is a lack of charging stations and repair shops.

These issues notwithstanding, the motoring industry in the Philippines is making progress towards sustainability. In the future, we can expect to see more electric vehicles on the roads, as well as new policies and initiatives to support the industry. This will not only help to reduce our carbon footprint, but also create jobs and improve the livelihoods of Filipinos.

On the other hand, in response to the global shift to cleaner, greener fuels, many companies are monitoring and investing in emerging e-vehicles and modern mass transportation markets. This is especially true in Metro Manila, where citizens have long been held back by congested highways and unreliable public transport.

In recent years, the Philippines has seen a ten-fold increase in the number of e-vehicles, as reported by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP). EVAP is working closely with the government and the private sector to support the growth of e-vehicles in the country.

Another important aspect of sustainable transportation in the Philippines is the modern mass transportation system.

The government is taking steps to upgrade the country’s transportation infrastructure and improve existing mass transport

production of internal combustion engines, an area in which Japanese automakers excel, as well as the Prius, which Toyota introduced in 1997, and other hybrid vehicles, which are fiercely competitive. It cannot be denied that the enormous costs associated with the development of a brandnew platform have made them hesitant to invest in new technology that would take a long time to turn a profit (a phenomenon similar to what Harvard lecturer Clayton Christensen dubbed the “innovator’s dilemma”).

Furthermore, hybrid production plants have now fully depreciated, making hybrids a leading source of revenue for Japanese auto manufacturers.In addition, manufacturers in Japan are still leery of EVs because of difficulties in setting up a charging infrastructure, problems with lithium-ion batteries’ safety and cost, problems with range, and problems with the rare earths and conflict minerals imported from Africa and other places to make the motors and batteries that make up the bulk of EVs. Japanese manufacturers may have misinterpreted the swift expansion in the EV market seen in nations like the United States and China, which was worsened by delays in acquiring information on outside markets owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The history of the Japanese automobile industry also indicates that, despite some differences between manufacturers, the industry still tends to be vertically integrated, with trade largely kept within corporate group silos.

As a result, the prospect of restructuring a component supply chain optimized for legacy technology is extremely expensive.

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the boom for these supposedly eco-friendly electric automobiles began in 2021, and it continued through 2022.

According to the most recent edition of the yearly Global Electric Vehicle Outlook, the number of electric cars (totally electric and plug-in hybrids) sales doubled in 2021 to a new record of 6.6 million.

Sales continued to grow rapidly into 2022 despite supply chain challenges, with 2 million electric cars sold globally in the first quarter, up by 75 percent from the same period a year earlier. By the end of 2021, there were around 16.5 million electric vehicles on the road worldwide, which was quadruple the number in 2018.

In 2021, the number of electric car sales in China nearly tripled to 3.3 million,

systems, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems in Manila, for instance, have undergone significant upgrades with the introduction of new trains and improved infrastructure.

The Philippine Department of Transportation is also working to introduce innovative mass transportation solutions such as electric buses, electric jeepneys, and bicycle-sharing systems.

The Philippines is also taking steps to embrace greener fuels like biofuels and compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. In 2020, the Department of Energy launched the National Biofuels Program to support the growth of the biofuel industry in the country.

The Filipino public is also taking the initiative to reduce their carbon footprint, intending to reverse the damage done to the environment.

For example, cyclists are now taking to the streets in droves, utilizing bike lanes invested heavily in by the government during the height of community quarantines.

Mass transportation is another way to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. In the Philippines, the government is taking steps to improve the public transportation system, providing more reliable and efficient services.

For example, the Metro Manila Subway is set to open in 2022, offering a clean and efficient way to get around the city.

Overall, the Philippines is making great strides towards sustainability in the transport sector. By investing in electric vehicles, biking, and mass transportation, we can create a greener, more eco-friendly future.

The country is on a journey towards a more sustainable future - and transportation and mobility are crucial aspects of this journey. With innovative solutions like e-vehicles, modern mass transportation, greener fuels, and rider initiatives, the country is wellpositioned to overcome the transportation challenge and make a meaningful contribution to the global effort of a sustainable world. It is now up to all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of these initiatives and bring the Philippines closer to a more sustainable future.

accounting for roughly half of all global sales. Sales increased significantly in both Europe (by 65% to 2.3 million) and the United States (more than doubling to 630 000). Compared to other markets, Chinese electric vehicles are often smaller.

EVs are gradually making their way into the Top 10, and their ascent to the top is truly rapid and furious, despite the fact that cars powered by ICEs still dominate the global market.

The Corolla and RAV4 from Toyota were ranked first and second in a recent survey of the best-selling vehicles worldwide.

In 2022, 1.12 million Corollas were sold compared to 870,000 RAV4s. But strangely, compared to last year, both of their sales were down. In contrast to last year, the Corolla is down 2% while the RAV4 has significantly decreased by 14%.

With 787,000 sales last year, the Ford F-Series is a very close third overall. However, this number is lower by 9% than their revenues for 2021.

The two Tesla EVs, the Model Y and the Model 3, which are the biggest surprises, are both electric vehicles. With 759,000 sales, the Tesla Model Y is fourth overall. Many people were surprised by its popularity given that its sales this year are an astounding 88 percent higher than they were last year. The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, came in at number seven with 596,000 sales, an increase of 4% from 2021.

The two other ICE cars are the Honda CR-V, which sold 601,000 units in 2022, down 18% from last year’s sales, and the Toyota Camry, which came in at No. 5 with sales of P675,000, a 3% decrease.

Although one could argue that gaspowered cars are still in their prime. Those electric cars are definitely moving slowly. While they still still represent a small portion of new car sales, their market shares are increasing slowly but steadily in most areas, and there are some pieces of information that make it evident that EVs are rapidly replacing conventional vehicles.

Many automakers have plans to electrify their fleets that go beyond legislative targets, and an increasing number of nations have ambitious vehicle electrification ambitions for the ensuing decades. Globally, there were 450 electric car models available by the end of 2021, which is five times as many as there were in 2015.

However, buyers are beginning to have second thoughts about electric cars. Additionally, the bulk of Japanese automakers are urging its devoted customers to purchase hybrid automobiles.

Exploring a more natural side to Philippine tourism

By Patricia Taculao

ACCORDING to the Department of Tourism (DOT),

earlier this January, 2.65 million foreign tourists visited the country in 2022, higher than its 1.7 million target. In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos keep local tourism alive by flocking to domestic destinations to try new experiences.

Most tourists often visit vital locations in the Philippines to immerse themselves in the culture and cuisine.

While tourists remain attracted to regional festivals because it highlights the provinces’ colorful heritage, they also search for attractions like malls, carnivals, amusement parks, and restaurants.

Since countries have begun a bid to preserve the environment due to alarming pollution levels, local government units (LGUs) and private organizations have promoted ecotourism to eager travelers.

From its name, ecotourism promotes sustainable travel that benefits local communities by minimizing environmental impact. It focuses on educating tourists to travel green, encouraging them to play their part in protecting nature and its resources for future generations.

The Philippines, thanks to its geographical location as an archipelago, has several ecotourism sites worth visiting. Beaches, parks, and trails all have something to offer and are worth preserving. It provides tourists with an immersive experience of the destination while keeping the

natural area intact. Many of these areas also serve as a sanctuary or home for endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna.

On the other hand, some ecotourism sites include those heavily impacted by pollution but have been recovered due to diligence, consistency, and empathy for nature.

MASUNGI GEORESERVE

Since its opening in December 2015, the Masungi Georeserve has welcomed different types of travelers, from outdoor enthusiasts to newbies.

The 1,600-hectare conservation area hides between the lush rainforests and limestone formations in Baras, Rizal. Its name comes from the term masungki, meaning spiked, which refers to limestone structures in the area.

Its top tourist attraction is its various hiking trails, which include winding paths, rope courses, and other unique stops. The Masungi Georeserve is also home to numerous flora and fauna endemic to the Philippines. Tourists are more than welcome to enjoy themselves as they get closer to nature and catch a glimpse of the plants and wildlife in the area.

PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK

When people mention Puerto Princesa, Palawan, several things come to mind. Among them are the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Another tourist destination notable in Puerto Princesa is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which became of the most famous tourist destinations in the province since its recognition as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. Also commonly known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the attraction is only accessible by boat. It is an 8.2-kilometer-long subterranean river located under a mountain range in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It’s also the longest navigable underground river in the world, and the surrounding area represents a complex ecosystem, home to several animals, like crab-eating

monkeys and monitor lizards. It takes travelers inside the cave to witness the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK

For tourists who want to explore and experience the natural wonder of the sea, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is an ideal destination to visit. It is a protected area in the middle of the Sulu Sea, under the jurisdiction of Palawan, and one of the top diving destinations in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

Due to its isolated location, tourists must journey for about 10 to 12 hours to reach the area, which is only accessible from mid-March to mid-June. Only a boat can access the Tubbataha Reef, but many travelers know it’s worth the miles.

Visitors can see the rich marine life in the waters around the Tubbataha Reefs, including 600 species of fish, 360

species of coral, 11 species of sharks, and 13 species of dolphins and whales. They can also find Hawksbill and Green sea turtles.

APO ISLAND AND MOUNT APO

NATURAL PARK

Despite having similar names, Apo Island and Mount Apo Natural Park are in different areas of the Philippines. Still, they remain notable travel destinations for tourists who want to experience ecotourism in the country.

Located in Digos City, Davao del Sur, the Mount Apo Natural Park is one of the most highly-prioritized protected areas and significant heritage sites in the Philippines—with good reason. It primarily serves as a sanctuary for 600 wildlife species, including endangered ones like the Philippine Eagle. The nature park is also home to Mount Talomo and Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. Turn to L2

Novotel Suites Manila: A staycation destination at the heart of the metro

By Patricia Taculao

FAMILIES are relevant to Filipino

society as we enjoy strong connections with our loved ones. We often find time, despite busy schedules, to get together and create new, lasting memories. One of our favorite activities is traveling to different destinations. Now that health restrictions are minimal, we’re making the most of all the opportunities to visit new locations with our loved ones.

Staycations are popular among families and have been all the rage for several years because of their practicality and accessibility. Imagine going on a relaxing or eventful trip without leaving the city or going significant distances. Fortunately for families in Metro Manila, we have several choices in finding the ideal staycation destination.

Hotels are often the top choice because of their abundance, proximity, and various amenities to cater to their guests’ preferences. One of the hotels worth looking at for a premiere staycation with the entire family is Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua.

As Century Properties’ first hospitality venture, Novotel Suites Manila opened its doors to the public last December 15, 2022. It is a 152-room hotel conceptualized by Century Properties Group, Inc., in collaboration with Accor, a globallyknown hospitality company.

If you’re worried about going too far for a staycation destination, Novotel Suites Manila boasts a prime location in Metro Manila. Guests can easily find it at the boundary between Makati and Mandaluyong, where everything is a few minutes away.

It is accessible via the Estrella-Pantaleon and Makati-Mandaluyong bridges that connect the two cities and is close to the Guadalupe-EDSA area, which connects to the airport via the Skyway.

The accessibility to other points in the metro allows guests to explore the city without worrying about straying too far from their home away from home.

Families enjoying a staycation at Novotel

Suites Manila can also look for travel, shopping, culinary, and entertainment hotspots at Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City.

Yet there’s more to Novotel Suites Manila than just being a staycation destination that families and guests can use as an access point to and from relevant locations in the metro. Its modern, spacious, and stylish rooms offer a luxurious experience with its Live N’ Dream beds.

Guests will be delighted to know that the room options–standard studio, one-bedroom deluxe suite, one-bedroom superior suite, and one-bedroom premier suite–are spacious and offer them premiere views of the Makati and Mandaluyong skylines, which captivate onlookers at any time of the day.

Besides its rooms, Novotel Suites Manila also has several amenities its guests will love, including a fitness center with modern equipment on the 21st floor to meet the requirements of their healthy lifestyles. On the other hand, they can also go for a refreshing dip in the hotel’s 6th-floor swimming pool. Here, the experience is amped up by the spectacular views of the Pasig river across as well as the sunrise and sunset, making for a perfect early morning or afternoon swim.

Last but not least, no staycation is complete without good food. Luckily for

families, Novotel Suites Manila is also ensuring stays become memorable with its food and beverage concepts, a lounge, a café, and a pastry shop. There’s something for everyone in the family as Novotel Suites Manila ensures their guests satisfy their culinary cravings with a wide array of choices.

The hotel tapped King Golden Dragon, the company behind House of Lasagna, as its official food and beverage partner. The restaurant group also promises diversified offerings and a leveled-up service and menu as it partners with Robert Davis, a veteran chef with an international hotel dining experience.

Meanwhile, the Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua’s all-day dining restaurant overlooks the pool, making brunches, lunches, and dinners genuinely unique experiences. There’s also a lounge for bite-sized treats, coffee, and sweets on the 21st floor. Not only will they be able to enjoy award-winning lasagna, but luscious cakes and pastries to pair with their coffee.

Apart from families who enjoy staycations, Novotel Suites Manila is also suitable for business travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient experience with the hotel’s meeting rooms for small-scale meetings, including the Coronado, Hulo, and a private dining room. Each features high-speed WiFi with other meeting and communication facilities.

The good news is families can now enjoy all these with special staycation rates: the Premier Suite is available at P13,542 net while the Superior Suite is at P12,928 net. Package rates are allinclusive of Room Accommodation for up to two (2) adults and two (2) children, breakfast for two (2) adults, and Playpen Set-Up. The extra person charge for additional guests is P1,500++ per adult, with breakfast for one (1). Additional inclusions include early check-in/late check-out (upon availability), free WiFi use, and access to the pool and gym.

Guests can book and enjoy their staycations at Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua exclusively on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only) starting March 1, 2023, to August 31, 2023. Each booking is eligible for Loyalty points (All/AccorPlus).

Book your staycations at Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua now for a new family bonding experience by calling 0917-5322252 or emailing H9607RE@accor.com.

The Legacy Trail at Masungi Georeserve is one of its top tourist attractions

Living sustainably: A guide to eco-friendly lifestyle choices

Happy 36th Anniversary!

From: Sen. Nancy Binay

By Peter Paul Duran

AS THE world continues to strive for a more sustainable future, many people are turning towards eco-friendly lifestyle choices to create positive change. From ecotourism to sustainable fashion, there are many ways that we can work towards a more sustainable future.

Eco-tourism is a great way to explore the world without damaging the environment. From rainforest hikes to wildlife-watching safaris, eco-tourism is popular with travelers who want to experience nature without damaging it. Eco-tourism companies are mindful of the environment, using green transportation and eco-friendly lodgings.

Another way to live more sustainably is to choose sustainable fashion. Many fashion companies are offering sustainable and ethically-made clothing. For instance, many fashion designers are now using organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp to create their garments, as well as employing sustainable manufacturing processes. Consumers are becoming aware of the need to reduce their fashion footprint and are increasingly looking for sustainable fashion alternatives.

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle also involves making changes at home. This includes simple changes such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use, washing clothes in cold water, and using reusable bags for shopping. These small changes can make a big difference in the effort towards a more sustainable future.

It is encouraging to see that more and more people are choosing to live a sustainable lifestyle.

From small changes at home to largescale eco-tourism initiatives, it is possible to create a brighter and more sustainable future. Everyone can do their part to live a more sustainable life, and together we can all make

a difference.

Here are the things you can do to live sustainably:

Eating locally sourced and organic food whenever possible is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your diet.

Local food is often fresher and more nutritious than imported food, and organic foods are grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Investing in renewable energy can help reduce your carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are clean, renewable, and more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels.

Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less electricity and water, so they can save you money on your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.

Composting food and yard waste helps minimize landfill waste and produces nutrient-rich soil for gardening and landscaping.

Installing solar panels is a great way to produce your own energy and to reduce your carbon footprint.

Reusing and recycling materials whenever possible helps to reduce waste and preserve resources. Reducing water waste is another easy way to conserve resources.

Planting trees will help clean the air, reduce carbon emissions, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Finally, supporting companies that practice sustainability and ethical labor practices can help create a more sustainable future.

Exploring...

From L1

Tourists who enjoy the outdoors have a variety of activities to try at the Mount Apo Natural Park. They can trek through the trails while enjoying the sights or the endemic species in the area.

On the other hand, Apo Island offers a serene experience of the sea. The small volcanic island in Dauin, Negros Oriental is widely known as a world-class diving destination teeming with healthy corals and marine life because of its position in the Coral Triangle, an area in the world with the most abundant marine biodiversity.

Most tourists visit Apo Island to go swimming and snorkeling to catch a glimpse of sea turtles and other underwater species.

Even though the other tourist destinations in the Philippines aren’t considered ecotourism

sites, visitors must always be mindful of what they leave on their travels. For instance, the Philippines is known for its white, sandy beaches and clear waters. Just the simple act of throwing trash away properly from the beaches would help locals and their environment immensely. Traveling and exploring new destinations is always an exciting activity for anyone. But at this time and age, even tourists should be mindful of how they leave their marks on the places they’ve visited.

People have since become aware of their environmental impact, and ecotourism sites are an ideal way to remind them that nature is worth preserving. As a famous saying goes, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”

The unique rock formations at the Masungi Georeserve

Claiming back the city

Metro Manila needs more public parks, green spaces

By Hector Zabala

PAULO Alcazaren, a noted urban planner and landscape architect, recently revealed to Manila Standard an anecdotal but extremely believable fact: “sales of properties at the edges of Metro Manila and beyond — past Muntinlupa and Bulacan — appear to have gone up during the world’s longest COVID-19 lockdown.”

“Not surprising because from 2020 to 2022, the city was beginning to feel claustrophobic,” he explained. “Many families began looking for places outside the city. Laguna, for example, or Antipolo, were still close enough to Manila where many people work, but far removed from the heavy, gray reality of the city. These were just some examples.”

“Those who could afford it, moved out and stayed out of the metro,” Alcazaren claimed

He surmised that people simply grabbed the chance to take a deep breath. “There aren’t many green places in Metro Manila, and spots for fresh air aren’t easily accessible. At the end of the day, this calls to question the livability of Metro Manila,” he pointed out.

OF LIFE

QUALITY

What constitutes a livable city in the first place?

According to the UK based Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) global rankings, Metro Manila, which accounts for 32% of the country’s gross domestic product, ranks 109th out of 140 cities in terms of livability. In Global Finance’s rankings, Metro Manila is dead last out of 134 cities evaluated.

Five factors make a city livable and attractive, according to these global rating agencies,.

The first is a favorable urban sprawl. In other words, the prominence of parks, open spaces, and public recreational/cultural centers.

The second is inclusivity. Meaning, the city is made for all, not just a narrow elite. This manifests itself in the prioritization of public transportation over cars as well as the absence of gated villages and exclusive sports clubs (especially golf courses since they consume much land).

The third is sustainability. This refers to cities that are green, those that operate on a smaller carbon footprint and those that produce their own renewable power.

The fourth is resilience. This has to do with a city’s ability to cope and bounce back from natural disasters and black swan events like a pandemic. The fifth is being “smart.” Smart cities are those widely connected to the digital grid, those with efficient supply chain infrastructure (e.g., airports, seaports, cold chain warehouses, and the like) and those whose conditions are conducive to innovation.

25 K SOULS PACKED PER SQUARE KILOMETER

Metro Manila is one of the densest cities in the world with 13.48 million permanent residents spread over 619.57 square kilometers. This amounts to some 22,277 people per square kilometer. This does not even count the 6 million transients that come from outside to work. For context, downtown Vancouver has a population density of only 5,400 people per square kilometer. As of the 2015 census, 57.4% of NCR’s residents live in condominiums, the average size of which is 50 sq.m., 27.2% live in single houses, and 14% live in duplexes. There are 2.5 million informal settlers.

Only 20% of the population use private cars for daily transport while the rest utilize public transportation. Yet, Metro Manila’s transport infrastructure is built for and around cars. Decent sidewalks and promenades are only accessible in private townships, not in public roads. This is the reason why street life, or commercial and cultural activities along main roads, are either non-existent, or poorly developed outside private townships. As for open spaces, only 0.2% of Metro Manila’s land mass is green and open if the La Mesa dam watershed is factoredout. For context again, the United Nations recommends that there should be nine square

meters of open space for every resident of a city. Metro Manila fails miserably in this respect.

LGU GREED?

Why the scarcity of open spaces in Metro Manila? Greed is the culprit. Metro Manila’s Local Government Units decided to abandon Metro Manila’s zoning ordinance ratified in the 1990s. This allowed the mayors to sell public spaces to private entities to build gated communities and/or commercial developments. Even no-build zones in seismic fault lines and flood catchments areas were sold off.

Converting public open spaces into malls and high-rise towers proved catastrophic. Among its consequences is vehicular traffic. Studies show that a mall or 40-storey office tower can instigate vehicular traffic of 4,000 cars per day. Worse, selling off open spaces reduced our inventory of trees, all of which were chopped-down to make way for property developments. It takes 10 trees to overcome the carbon monoxide of a single car. Data from 2018 shows that there were 1.52 million cars registered in Metro Manila. This means that the city must have 15.2 million trees, at least, to maintain a status quo in air quality. The city falls short by a wide margin. This has accelerated the degradation of Metro Manila’s air quality.

Selling off public spaces worsens income inequality, especially when land is used for a mall or commercial strip. The few families that own malls in prime areas of Metro Manila eventually control the commerce in that locality. As rent-seekers and takers of a percentage-of-sales of every transaction, their economic power over the regular citizen is strengthened in each passing day. Worse, the presence of malls in a community has proven to drive micro, small and medium sized enterprises out of business in their localities.

GATED COMMUNITIES

Gated communities are another problem. They consume large chunks of land yet provide residence to only a select few. They emphasize income inequality in this regard. Further, they hog access to roads and make the city less walkable. Gated communities exacerbate problems which is why the Singaporean government banned them in the 1970s.

Traffic is a consequence of gated communities. Since inner road networks of Magallanes, Dasmariñas, Forbes, and Corinthian Garden are inaccessible for public use, EDSA has become a major artery, a minor artery, a major collector road, a minor collector road, and an access road leading to commercial centers, all in one. This is why the average car speed on EDSA is just about 15 kilometers per hour, typically.

Gated communities jack-up land prices to a point where housing becomes unaffordable for medium to low-income families. This pushed the working class to live in far flung areas in Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and Bulacan. A one-way two-hour commute or a two-way four-hour commute has become “normal” for the medium to low level worker, which is criminal in better governed countries. A four-hour commute across 6 million people translates to lost productivity of P120 million a day.

Even the city’s airspace is used for profit by the narrow elite at the expense of the public. Billboards serve no one’s interest except the mayors and their officials, the rich owners of outdoor advertising companies, the landowners, the advertisers. They inundate our highways with ugly tarpaulin making the city even more dense and disorderly.

HOW GREEN IS MY CITY. An aerial photo shows the severe lack of green spaces in Metro Manila.  Photo courtesy of Paulo Alcazaren

Manila Standard fuels ‘IntegriTree’ Adopt-A-Tree Program with 11th sowing

By Charles Dantes

For the past 14 years, Manila Standard has heeded the call of Mother Earth and been a strong advocate of environmental preservation and conservation toward building a brighter future for everyone.

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, Manila Standard , through its corporate social responsibility, held its 11th sowing of the MS “IntegriTree” Adopt-A-Tree Program in Tanay Rizal last September 2022, as it continues to give back to the environment and set a positive example to the community.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Rizal, together with the Tingog Partylist and United Riders Charity

foodpanda Ph CEO Daniel Marogy: The future of commerce is the marriage of online and offline

THE food sector has gone through a significant evolution over the years, with the emergence of online food delivery services being the most recent. While the figures might differ in various locations, online food delivery rates are expected to grow to more than $220 billion by 2025. In South East Asia (SEA) alone, food delivery platforms’ gross merchandise value (GMV) has seen immense growth, mainly driven by markets like the Philippines. As online food and grocery delivery has become common amongst consumers, q-commerce platforms have also taken the interest of consumers looking for same-day, matter-of-minute delivery of their daily essentials.

One of the most prominent and influential tech companies leading the charge in this emerging industry is foodpanda, which has been providing food and delivery services to Filipino consumers for the past eight years. At the forefront of this fast-growing quick commerce digital platform is their Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Daniel Marogy.

Before joining foodpanda in early 2020, Dan was with 7-Eleven for several years and served as Managing Director of CLiQQ, the company’s digital venture. With years of experience in the tech and e-commerce space, he witnessed the digital transformation of the Philippine market, which helped him understand consumer demands much better.

“Over the years, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution in consumer habits here in the Philippines, with the apparent emergence of a vibrant digital ecosystem,” said Marogy. “The pandemic clearly accelerated digital adoption, but relative to other markets in APAC and beyond, we see there is so much more to come.”

The rise of online shopping and delivery platforms

Even before the pandemic, the Philippines’ digital transformation was already well underway, with online shopping slowly integrating itself into the consumer buying process. However, when the pandemic happened, and lockdowns were enforced, people were even more compelled to shift to digital platforms for their basic necessities – from paying bills to ordering food. The country’s digitalization suddenly went into hyperdrive overnight.

Philippines, the tree-planting program was a success as more than 400 bamboo seedlings have been planted along the bank of Lamitan River, within the Kaliwa Watershed Forest Reserve as recommended and advised by DENR.

A symbol of strength, flexibility, and growth, the bamboo has been the ideal image for Manila Standard’s CSR, as the company resumed adapting, growing, and fortifying its own roots to survive during these trying times.

This 2023, expect a bigger, better AdoptA-Tree program as Manila Standard vows to expand its ongoing CSR projects to uphold its fight against climate change and light up hope for everyone toward a sustainable and greener future.

“At foodpanda, we also saw a rapid growth in consumers shifting to digital quick-commerce platforms for the speed and convenience they offer. Traditional brick-and-mortar businesses such as restaurants and groceries started going digital as a way to keep serving–and retaining–their customers while their stores remained closed,” Marogy shared. Old trends combined with new demands

Now that it has been months since restaurants finally opened for dine-in customers, foot traffic has increased again. On the other hand, Marogy expects that the trend of take-out and delivery options will stay even in the post-pandemic world.

“We know this first-hand, as even though the loosened restrictions are tempering our once hyperdriven numbers, the demand for both food and groceries delivery remains on a growth trajectory. Marogy also revealed that the demands of foodpanda’s app users in 2022 also showed an increased preference for dine-in and pick-up services. “With

dine-in and pick-up, even when consumers are finally going out, foodpanda can still be their partner as we offer them new and improved ways to enjoy food and satisfy their cravings.”

“The transition from long periods of lockdowns to more relaxed restrictions had a marked impact on the consumer trends and behavior in 2022 where we saw a mixture of usage between online and offline services.”

Marriage of online and offline Marogy postulated that as we move further into the postlockdown world, we will simultaneously see more of both worlds – offline and online- in action.

“Digital will be an additional channel and will never replace brick-and-mortar businesses. There are just too many consumer tastes and preferences for any single channel to accommodate, and as a consequence offline and online players should look to form close partnerships and leverage the other’s strengths.”

For their part, foodpanda continues to change the game in the new normal world by merging online and offline commerce and redefining their relationship from competition to close collaboration.

“We have been supporting our partner vendors’ physical and digital business streams so we can capture both of these markets. For restaurants forced to abandon brick-and-mortar stores and start-up brands with small capital, we offer unique support via our shared kitchens that allow them to operate in the same physical space, share resources, and maximize efficiencies.

As per Marogy, these initiatives aim to connect both the physical and digital worlds effectively. We’ve seen it in other e-commerce and quick-commerce markets in developed countries across the globe, and we are proud to lead the charge here.

What to expect for the future of food

“I firmly believe the future of commerce is a hybrid of online and offline, and the collaboration between digital and non-digital players is the key to bringing out the best in both worlds. Retailers should do retail, restaurants should serve food and beverages, and tech companies should do tech. Through partnerships anchored on multiple players specializing in the areas where they have experience and advantages, we can jointly provide customers with limitless options on how they want to consume—whether at the store, in the comfort of their homes or some mix of the two.”

According to foodpanda PH chief, their company aims to become an even more trusted and go-to platform that will cater to the different food-related needs of customers.

areas where they have experience and advantages, we can aims to become an even more trusted and go-to the most significant and most attractive segment are dedicated to digitizing the food our north star while ensuring

In a market like the Philippines, we believe the most significant and most attractive segment in the digital space is food, where an outsized proportion of consumer spending is focused compared with more developed, highincome markets. For foodpanda, we are dedicated to digitizing the food space in the Philippines and will be committing all our energies toward realizing that goal. “This will be our north star while ensuring that our community of other stakeholders like partner vendors and delivery partners, are all satisfied and happy.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Daniel Marogy

ASMALL amount of charity and compassion will go a long way in protecting Mother Nature as climate change worsens.

Manila Standard Loyalty Awardees embody passion, perseverance

By Angelica Villanueva

AS

PETER GABRIEL ATENCIO, REPORTER

Peter actually started his sportswriting career in 1987 as a Manila Standard correspondent. He became a regular employee 15 years ago after gaining valuable experience under his belt. Since then, he has witnessed the victories and defeats, stories and milestones of our national athletes as they became our country’s pride all over the world.

ROBIN O. PUNAY, DISTRICT ASSISTANT

Starting in 2008, Robin began working for the broadsheet as one of the staffs of the Circulation Department. His 15 years of service have helped and contributed to the company to maintain its credibility in delivering the truth and latest news.

REY REQUEJO, SENIOR REPORTER

Rey Requejo started working for the newspaper in 2008. Spending his 25 years on the field as a reporter for Manila Standard is what Rey considers his biggest achievement. For the past decades, he has been true to his creed of giving a keen eye on what matters to our readers—the truth.

ROGER DIAZ, DISTRICT ASSISTANT LEADMAN

A district assistant leadman, Roger has been with the Manila Standard since August 5, 1998. Roger is of the MS employees, who stay up late, just to give the readers the truth they deserve.

BILLY EMPEÑO, POST-PRESS COORDINATOR

Billy is the man behind the production of the newspaper. A seasoned veteran in the field of printing, he has been serving the Manila Standard since 1993, marking his third decade with the newspaper.

DEALERS AND SUBSCRIBERS

Manila Standard’s mission to provide the most essential information would not be possible without the help and unwavering support of its reliable dealers—Wilson Pascual, Dolores Trinidad, Danny Mesina, Jorge Diomampo, and H-Asia—and loyal subscribers—JRS, D.S. Navarro & Associates, Chinese General Hospital, Security and Exchange Commission, and DLSU-College of St. Benilde.

The newspaper business is hard with the power it holds and the responsibilities that come with it. But the load of putting up a newspaper becomes “lighter” with the people, who work with undying passion and great perseverance -- traits that Manila Standard employees have embodied for decades.

The Men and Women of PMSPI and KPPI

Building a sustainable future: CSR thru sustainability in action

By Peter Paul Duran

AS THE world grows more connected, there is an increasing focus on corporate social responsibility or CSR. This is a commitment by companies to consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of their actions and to act ethically and responsibly in the best interests of their employees, customers, and the wider community.

CSR is an important part of sustainable business practices, which focus on longterm economic, environmental, and social wellbeing. Enterprises are utilizing CSR initiatives to create a sustainable future by reducing their environmental footprint and improving the lives of their employees, customers, and surrounding communities.

The concept of sustainability has become more prominent in recent years, with businesses across the globe taking steps to be more eco-friendly and socially conscious. Companies are recognizing the importance of investing in projects that will benefit the environment and society in the long-term.

One example is the sustainable packaging movement, which focuses on reducing unnecessary packaging, using recycled materials, and minimizing waste. Companies like Apple and Unilever are investing in research and development to make their packaging more sustainable. This helps reduce their environmental footprint and drives the circular economy, which works towards reducing waste, reusing materials and reducing emissions.

Innovative companies are also investing in renewable energy sources. Google, for example, recently announced that they are investing in the construction of two solar farms in the US as a part of their commitment to powering their operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. CSR initiatives also focus on improving the lives of employees and customers.

Companies are looking at ways to support their communities, such as providing educational opportunities, creating safe and comfortable workplaces, and investing in local initiatives. Starbucks, for example, has a program called “Hands on Hope” which provides financial support and job training

to young people who are facing barriers to employment.

The focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability is an important step towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Companies have a responsibility to ensure their operations are not detrimental to the environment or society and to invest in initiatives that build a more sustainable future. Companies are also taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint through improved energy efficiency. Many companies are investing in energy-saving technologies such as LED lighting and motion sensors to reduce their energy consumption. Companies also invest in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy to power their operations in a sustainable way.

In addition, companies are looking at ways to reduce their water usage. For example, some companies are introducing water recycling systems and using re-usable products instead of single-use items to reduce water waste.

Firms are also investing in sustainable materials and production processes. For example, many companies are using only sustainably-sourced materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled plastic in their products. This helps reduce their environmental footprint and supports sustainable businesses and communities.

Finally, companies are engaging in corporate philanthropy to support social good initiatives. This can take the form of direct financial donations, in-kind donations of goods or services, or volunteering with local charities or non-profits. Companies are recognizing the importance of investing in their communities and taking action to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

ANITA F. GREFAL

Operations Head

BALDWIN FELIPE

Advertising Sales Head

PAULA MARIE REYNOSO

Supplement Head

CHITO CONSTANTINO

KPPI General Manager

EDGAR VALMORIDA

Circulation Manager

MERCE PASCUAL

SHIRLEY UMALI

CHARIES VILLACARLOS

BESSIE GOOD

Ad Solutions Managers

SHEILA SUAREZ

JOAN VELASCO

ED PATAC

Advertising Support Group

JUN BUSCAS Online Head

JOYCE PAÑARES

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ

RIERA MALLARI

NICKIE WANG

MILO RIVERA

JOEL LACSAMANA

Section Editors

ALENA MAE S. FLORES

JENNIFFER B. AUSTRIA

JULITO G. RADA

DARWIN G. AMOLEJAR

OTHEL V. CAMPOS

MARICEL V. CRUZ

JOEL E. ZURBANO

PETER PAUL DURAN PATRICIA BIANCA TACULAO