Manila Standard - 2023 April 3 - Monday

Waterless for 19 hours daily

Maynilad warns shortage to persist as it boosts rationing in NCR, Cavite

By Othel V. Campos

MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. over the weekend warned its customers in Metro Manila and Cavite to brace for longer water interruptions that can last from 14 to 19 hours daily.

While it assured its customers that the possibility of 19 hours of dry faucets is a “worst-case scenario,” Maynilad said it will step up and boost rationing to some 20,000 connections in its service area as a stopgap measure.

The water shortage will persist unless the National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB) grants Maynilad’s petition to increase its water allocation from the dams to 52 cubic meters per second (CMS), the firm’s officials said over the weekend.

located on elevated areas,” Engr. Zmel Grabillo, Manila Business Area Head for Maynilad, said Sunday.

“These are hard to reach areas and have been experiencing difficulties even before the water interruption schedule was announced,” Grabillo added in a TeleRadyo interview.

By Rio N. Araja

ALBAY Rep. Joey Salceda on Sunday called

BRACE FOR LONGER WATER-LESS HOURS. File photo shows a group of women lined up for water tank rations along Olivarez Street in Palanan, Makati City last month following a water interruption that affected customers of Maynilad in parts of Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque.

By Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

enjoined the predominantly Catholic population on Sunday to “become better agents of change” and "conveyors of truth" by knowing Christ more during the observance of the Holy Week.

In his message, the President said while it may be “difficult to comprehend,” the message of salvation and eternal life “remains as timely as ever.”

“I urge all of us now to make this promise personal: Let it stir in each of us the desire to know Jesus Christ more so that we may become better agents of change and conveyors of truth wherever we go,” President Marcos said.

“No matter how constant or diverse the occasion is in the Filipino psyche, one thing emerges true each time: That God, in His divine and everlasting wisdom, manifested His immeasurable and incomparable love to us all through the very human person of Jesus Christ,” Mr. Marcos said.

“We’ve received information that the NWRB will maintain the current allocation level at 50 CMS, which is not enough to serve the demand of consumers this summer season. These areas are those that are quite far from the source and mostly

Maynilad currently serves over 9 million people in the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, and Valenzuela, along with most of the City of Manila and portions of Quezon City and Makati west of the Metro Manila Skyway, as well as Cavite.

An ABS-CBN report said about 73

POPE Francis thanked those who prayed for him during his illness Sunday, after presiding over mass in St Peter's Square, just a day after leaving hospital following a bout of bronchitis.

"I thank you for your participation and also for your prayers, which intensified during these

Wednesday with breathing difficulties sparked concerns he may not be well enough to attend a series of rites in the most important week in the Christian calendar.

But Francis had promised to be present, and he waved briefly to some 30,000 people as he rode in his popemobile through the square, which was adorned with over 35,000 plants

ANGELIC VOICES. Pupils of St. Joseph College in Las Pinas City—aptly called the angels—sing before the passing entourage of the parish priest commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Joseph Muego

By Charles Dantes

THE Philippine Coast Guard and Japanese experts began using an underwater robot to install specialized bags to seal

off leaks from the sunken MT Princess Empress, which was about 400 meters beneath the surface.

“The specialized bags from the United Kingdom have arrived at Oriental Mind-

oro to temporarily seal the leaking areas of the MT Princess Empress,” Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito Dolor said in Filipino on his Facebook post.

has a

‘Issue El Niño EO to avert water crisis’

Waterless...

From A1 percent of Maynilad customers would be affected by the long water interruptions, but it could not be verified with company officials as of press time.

Last Wednesday, Maynilad said it has begun daily service interruptionsto preserve the remaining supply of water in the Angat-Ipo system, as there will be less rainfall to replenish the dams because of the El Niño dry weather spell. The firm admitted there is no definite timeline when full or improved water services will be restored in the areas experiencing nearly the whole day without running water.

The prolonged water interruption in selected areas may even persist -

‘Issue...

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the problem, which he has by being clear about the existence of a water crisis. Now it is time to issue a related directive to mitigate the impact of El Nino,” Salceda said.

The congressman called for the development of small scale irrigation systems that can be set up quickly. He also urged speeding up the construction of small water impounding projects, and to remind barangays of their obligations to set up rainwater catchment facilities through the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Salceda also called for agricultural measures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of drought, including increasing cropping intensity, optimizing unit area productivity, decreasing water duty and diversifying the cropping system. Home gardening using pots and recycled containers should be encouraged, he added.

The Department of Trade and Industry, Food and Drug Administration andthe Department of Agriculture must monitor prices of basic and prime commodities, agricultural products, foods and drugs, he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources should look at fuel and fodder tree plantation, protection of catchments, watershed management, run-off storage and recycling, and rehabilitation of watershed areas.

Congress, he said, is likely to pass the Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM) bill right in time for Marcos’s State of the Nation

Address by May 8.

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee, author of House Bill No. 2880, seeks to create a department that will consolidate all agencies involved in water resources.

The DWRM will:

• Implement necessary policy and resource reforms with respect to the management of all water

• Monitor and evaluate compliance with the national goals relating to water, irrigation, sewage and sanitation;

• Formulate a national updated road map to address the water, sew -

Pope...

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He looked serious as he followed the procession through St Peter's Square of religious figures, including red-robed cardinals, carrying large palm leaves and olive branches.

He blessed the palms, then walked a short way with the aid of a walking stick to the altar, where he sat while the ceremony was conducted by a cardinal.

The Vatican said this was an arrangement adopted prior to the pope's latest illness, as the Argentine is no longer able to stand for long periods.

Francis, who had appeared pale at times, stood to say the Angelus at midday, and the crowds applauded as he thanked them for their prayers.

He then did a final round in the popemobile, waving and smiling.

Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Easter Sunday, which this year is on April 9, celebrates his resurrection from the dead.

As a smiling Francis had left Rome's Gemelli hospital Saturday after a threenight stay, he quipped to well-wishers who asked how he was "I am still alive!"

The head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics has suffered from increasing health issues over the past few years,

through the entire summer since there is a probability that waterlevel from the source, Angat Dam, may further decline owing to lack ofrain.

The water firm said it is continuously cooperating with local government units for the water rationing schedule and is keeping tabs of the window when water is flowing to make sure that residents in affected areas are urged to stock up on water.

Among the measures Maynilad is enforcing include the reactivation of deep wells and commissioning of modular treatment plants to produce more water from alternate sources, and the continued repair of pipe leaks and replacement of old pipelines to recover more water for distribution.

The company is also making available around 100 mobile water

age, and sanitation requirements of the state; and

• Improve conservation of water and increase system efficiency.

This measure is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s pronouncement on his administration’s “overall plan” to improve the country’s water resources management.

“There are many agencies that are concerned when it comes to water management. So we have to make it more cohesive. That’s why we put up the Office of Water Management, which... will be attached to the Office of the President and with DENR,” the President said in a recent interview, pending the passage of a bill creating the DWRM.

Lee emphasized the need for the government to urgently roll out mechanisms and infrastructure to help agricultural workers amid the looming water crisis.

“Even without El Niño, many of our farmers already suffer from the effects of water shortage. There are farmers who have long been burdened by the problem of poor irrigation. Now that it is the dry season, many of them are seeing a reduction in their production,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

If passed into law, the measure will set aside P2 billion from anyavailable funds for the organization of the DWRM and its initial operations. Thereafter, funds to carry out the powers and functions of the department will be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act.

On Friday, Sevilla David, National Water Resources Board executive director, said the NWRB is now readying contingency plans to deal with the El Nino.

"We at the NWRB are already prepared with our contingency plan or mitigating measures. One of them is the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System doing its part, such as the preparation for standby deep wells," he said.

"They have these so-called augmentation measures, such as the recovery of leaks and treatment," he added.

El Niño, a weather phenomenon characterized by below-normal rainfall that can lead to dry spells and drought, is expected to last until 2024.

including knee problems which have forced him to use a wheelchair and a walking stick.

Francis felt unwell Wednesday following a general audience in St Peter's Square, but his condition improved after he was given antibiotics.

The hospitalization was his second since 2021, when he underwent colon surgery, also at Gemelli.

His increasing health issues over the past year have sparked widespread concern, including speculation that he might choose to retire rather than stay in the job for life.

Francis marked 10 years as the head of the worldwide Catholic Churchearlier this month.

He has pushed through major governance reforms and sought to forge a more open, compassionate Church, although he has faced internal opposition, particularly from conservatives.

He has repeatedly said he would consider stepping down were his health to fail him—but said last month that, for now, he has no plans to quit.

Francis' previous stay at Gemelli in July 2021 lasted 10 days. He was admitted after suffering from a type of diverticulitis, an inflammation of pockets that develop in the lining of the intestine, that required surgery.

In an interview in January, the pope said the diverticulitis had returned. AFP

tankers for deployment, as needed.

It has installed 83 stationary water tanks (SWT) in strategic locations and is purchasing more SWTs for additional water storage.

Maynilad is also willing to scale up the deployment of more tankers in areas with longer interruptions.

The NWRB has allowed Maynilad access to 50 CMS water until April 15 this year, but what comes next is still uncertain – whether the agency will continue to supply the same volume or further cut availability of raw water as summer intensifies.

“At 50 CMS, we expect that the volume of raw water flowing to the Novaliches Portal in Quezon City will still be at reduced levels. Given this, the current daily water service interruptions will remain in

PBBM:...

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As Filipinos are presented with the chance to deeply contemplate the impact of Christ’s passion and death, President Marcos said it is “inevitable that our thoughts will gravitate to the events and challenges of recent years.”

Malacañan earlier announced half-day work on Wednesday for executive department agencies to give employees ample

SC...

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Valenzuela City Regional Trial Court’s conviction of Efren Agao of two counts of statutory rape, which was also upheld by the Court of Appeals.

In a 40-page decision penned by Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioaand released to the media over the weekend, the SC modified the lower courts’ rulings and found Agao guilty of one count of statutory rape and one count of simple rape.

In 2014, Agao was charged with two counts of statutory rape of a minor victim, the daughter of Agao’s live-in partner.

Agao was convicted by Branch 172, Valenzuela City RTC, which ruledthat while Agao’s penis only merely touched the labia of “AAA,” the crime of rape was nevertheless consummated following the 2014 case of People v. Besmonte.

That decision held that carnal knowledge, as an element of rape, does not require full penetration of the female organ.

On appeal to the CA, Agao’s conviction was affirmed, prompting him to bring his case to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court also urged Congress to re-examine the current inconsistency in the scale of penalties in rape, sexual assault, acts of lasciviousness, and lascivious conduct so they may “most accurately approximate and reflect the penalty that each crime truly merits.”

Applying the clarified threshold in the case of Agao, the High Court found that Agao’s erect penis touching the victim’s vulval cleft categorically shows that the minimum penile-vaginal contact between the penis and the vulval cleft needed for a finding of consummate rape was present.

However, the SC upheld the conviction of Agao for one charge of statutory rape, which occurred when the victim was 10 years old. The other charge should be reduced to simple rape, as it happened when the victim was 13 years old, the SC declared.

In upholding the conviction of Agao, the SC stressed the need to use unambiguous language in the resolution of rape cases.

“The Court now recognizes that there is perhaps no other way to reconcile and refine the current jurisprudence on rape than to peel away the euphemistic shrouds that have been resorted to so far, and instead inform case law with the exact anatomical situs of the pertinent body parts referred to in jurisprudence, which, unlike other matters that attend the crime of rape, are uncolored, self-evident, and inarguable in their precision,” the SC said.

The High Court noted that the

PCG:...

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He added that 16 more customized bags from a plant in Cavite were arriving on Monday.

The bagging technique is part of the next phase of the oil spill management.

The MT Princess Empress was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank in the waters off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro last Feb. 28, creating an environmental disaster.

At the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council(NDRRMC)’s first full council meeting, the PCG presented its priorities for the next level of operations, which include the hiring of marine salvor to do bagging, seal-

place, but the interruption schedules to be implemented starting April 1, 2023, have been adjusted to account for the full suspension of the crossportal sharing arrangement between Maynilad and Manila Water,” the company said earlier.

The company is also looking at possible intervention such as cloud seeding activities that the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS) may undertake.

Even before the service interruptions, Maynilad has been augmenting supplies through a “cross-portal” arrangement with Manila Water, because less water has been reaching the Novaliches Portal in Quezon City.

However, the declining water elevation at La Mesa Dam has forced Manila Water to gradually suspend the cross-portal sharing.

time to travel to their home provinces for the Lenten holiday.

The Philippine National Police has assembled over 78,000 to reinforce security during the observation of Holy Week and summer vacation inthe country.

About 38,387 policemen will be stationed for enhanced police visibility through mobile and foot patrols, while 39,504 cops will be placed in specific areas with high numbers of travelers.

PNP assistance hubs and desks were set up to aid the public with their concerns

use in jurisprudence on rape cases of“euphemistic but largely inaccurate descriptions have only so far convoluted matters regarding the act of rape that should have been kept unambiguous and definitive.”

“A clarification is overdue given that an error in the appreciation of the exact anatomical situs of the genital contact amounts to the justice system's complicity in the improper imposition of penalties,” the tribunal added.

The Supreme Court lamented that the lack of clarification has resulted in cases where, “despite clear testimony of child victims of repeated attempts and degrees of penetration of an erect penis, the accused therein were convicted merely of attempted rape, precisely because of the absence of the clear operative definition of penile penetration that qualifies as consummated rape, especially in cases of younger victims, in view of the physical natural resistance of their underdeveloped anatomy.”

“The apparent avoidance in the straightforwardness or clarity (in jurisprudence on rape cases) now presents the Court with the need to reiterate and clarify for the bench and the bar, the biologically accurate definition of what constitutes the slightest penile contact which consummates rape through penile penetration,” the SC stressed.

According to the tribunal, it chose to ensure that “no obscurity either unduly benefits the accused (in that the accused is convicted for attempted rape when in fact the crime was consummated) or unduly burdens the victims with the heartbreaking task of jumping through hoops of propounded questions in order to try and prove the genital assault required which jurisprudence itself has not so far made clear.”

Thus, in laying down the operative definition of the minimum threshold for a finding of consummated rape, the SC proceeded to a brief descriptive discussion, with illustrations, of the parts of the external female genitalia.

This included “a clear indication of the situs of the pertinent parts, in order to categorically delineate for the bench and the bar which physical threshold, when crossed, constitutes rape in the consummated stage.”

The Court then concluded that “mere introduction, however slight, into the cleft of the labia majora by a penis that is capable of penetration, regardless of whether such penile penetration is thereafter fully achieved, consummates the crime of rape.”

Reconciling the diverging rulings in existing jurisprudence, the SC clarified that “mere touch" of the penis on the labia majora legally contemplates not mere surface touch or skin contact, but

ing, patching of all identified leaks, and hot tapping and siphoning of the fuel cargo of the shipwreck.

As of March 31, some 47 Coast Guard personnel were deployed to conduct shoreline assessment clean-up while seven of its members were tasked to conduct offshore response operations.

To support shoreline response operations, around 16 Coast Guard marine science technicians, 20 personnel from the local government units, 58 personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and three volunteers from the Department of Health (DOH) were on duty.

On Thursday Dolor said the entire province of Oriental Mindoro will be placed under a state of calamity. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

This will mean less supply for Maynilad to distribute, resulting inlonger daily service interruption schedules starting April 1.

With a higher raw water allocation, Manila Water would be more comfortable with sustaining the cross-portal sharing arrangement with Maynilad.

“It would also increase the volume of raw water that reachesMaynilad’s treatment plants, enabling us to suspend the daily service interruptions that are currently in place,” the company said.

Maynilad is also taking other measures to help mitigate the supply shortage, including “massive leak repair activities at the conveyance system — from Bigti to La Mesa Dam—to arrest losses in the aqueducts and improve raw water flow to the Novaliches portal.”

and complaints. The PNP also intensified checkpoint operations to ensure the safety and security of all commuters.

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has announced that it will be on heightened alert during Holy Week to ensure safe and secure navigation in the country’s waters

In a statement, Marina said the alert is in line with the Department of Transportation’s drive to ensure the safety of all passengers traveling during Holy Week.

the slightest penetration of the vulval or pudendal cleft, however minimum in degree.”

The Court stressed that such clarification is necessary, as otherwise any nature and degree of touch of a penis of the female genitalia can be considered consummated rape.

This effectively results in all sexual assaults involving a penis and the vulva to only either be acts of lasciviousness or consummated rape, with no gradation of the attempted stage in between, it noted.

The high tribunal also took the opportunity to further clarify the stages of commission of rape for pre-puberty victims.

The SC held that “for child victims in the pre-puberty age, the genital contact threshold for a finding of consummated rape through penile penetration is deemed already met once the entirety of the prosecution evidence establishes a clear physical indication of the inevitability of the minimum genital contact threshold as clarified here, if it were not for the physical immaturity and underdevelopment of the minor victim's vagina, which may include repeated touching of the accused's erect penis on the minor victim's vagina and other indicative acts of penetration.”

Noting the peculiar nature of testimonies of child-rape victims, and taking into consideration their inherent linguistic limitations, the Supreme Court also enjoined courts to exercise circumspection in their appreciation of testimonies of child victims in rape cases.

It noted that the following can aid the courts in their determination of the existence of penile penetration: (i) when the victim testifies she felt pain in her genitals; (ii) when there is bleeding in the same; (iii) when the labia minora was observed to be gaping or has redness, or otherwise discolored; (iv) when the hymenal tags are no longer visible; or (v) when the sex organ of the victim has sustained any other type of injury.

“Once the testimony of the victim and/ or the above attendance circumstances reveal that the threshold genital contact occurred, the courts have sufficient basis to find for consummation,” the SC ruled.

The High Court also held that the set threshold of genital contact may also be applied by analogy to acts of rape by sexual assault under Article 266-A paragraph 2, of the Revised Penal Code, such that “a finding that the accused has penetrated the vulval cleft of the victim through the use of any instrument or object warrants a factual finding of consummated rape by sexual assault.”

“At the risk of testing its strength under the weight of its decisions, the Court must remain honest, clear-sighted and unflinching, for to look away is violence,” the tribunal concluded.

Resources, meanwhile, recommended that fish bans be maintained as tests yielded minimal traces o oil and grease in the province’s spill-affected areas.

The agency said the initial analyses are not yet conclusive evidence as far as food safety is concerned since the samples were collected during the early days of March.

Large parts of Oriental Mindoro were affected by an oil spill caused by the sinking of motor tanker Princess Empress.

Thousands of fishermen and their families are now part of the government’s cash-for-work program after fishing bans were imposed in the affected waters.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it has given at least P38.1 million in aid to affected families.

Gov’t releases

P700k in aid to ferry fire victims

By Vince Lopez

THE government has provided over P700,000 in cash and kind to the passengers and kin in the ferry fire that claimed 28 lives off the coast of Basilan province last week, Department of National Defense officer-in-charge Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said over the weekend.

In his report to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday, Galvez said both national and local government units have extended the necessary assistance to the victims of the fire that gutted M/V Lady Mary Joy 3, which ended up in Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the provincial government of Basilan have distributed financial assistance worth P640,000, and provided more than P71,000 worth of food and nonfood items, the DND official said.

Authorities on the ground accounted for 28 dead, 32 missing, and 227 survivors from the sea mishap as of April 1, Galvez said.

Local and provincial authorities in Basilan and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) provided the victims with hygiene kits and clothing, he added.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also distributed meals to the victims, while social workers conducted psychosocial intervention for the survivors staying at the DSWD Home for Women in Mampang, Zamboanga City.

The Philippine Red Cross also conducted first-aid treatment to the survivors and provided cadaver bags for the people who died, the Defense chief told the President.

“During the retrieval operations, it came out that out of the 18 bodies visually identified, only 17 actual cadavers were recovered from the scene. Subsequently, the said bodies were brought to Villa Arcega Funeral Homes in Zamboanga City for proper identification and disposition,” Galvez said.

By Willie Casas

THE Department of Health (DOH) logged 1,292 HIV cases in February, with 56 teens and kids contracting the virus.

Among the cases involving teens and kids, 54 were aged 10 to 19, while two were below 10 years old, the DOH said.

The February tally for the age group is lower than the 86 logged in January, the DOH said.

Mary Joy Morin, senior technical specialist of the DOH’s National HIV, AIDS, and STI Prevention and Control Program, said they are continuously monitoring the HIV cases among the 10-19 age group because of the worrying trend.

Morin noted though that many from this age group are now accessing testing services.

“There are more of them who are accessing the service. But we still want to reach those who have not been tested because they can contribute to more infections, more cases if they don’t know they have HIV,” she said.

The addition of 1,292 confirmed HIV cases pushed the national total to 112,028 since January 1984, of which 65,236 are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART) as of February 2023.

PALM SUNDAY BLESSING. Devotees wave palm fronds while some light candles at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help or Baclaran Church on April 2, 2023 as the predominantly Catholic nation observes Palm Sunday to herald the start of the Lenten Season or Holy Week. Norman Cruz

DFA chief: COC unlikely this year

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Sunday said he is not optimistic that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea will be completed this year, saying there was still a lot of work to be done.

Manalo said there were still many things to consider, making it impossible to complete the COC negotiations between the claimant countries within the year.

“You need all the countries to agree so that alone takes time. We have bigger issues, too. Political issues, whether the code will be really binding or not, we’re not yet there,” the Department of

Foreign Affairs leader said. Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino urged the DFA to carefully study the government’s plan for another round of exploratory talks with China.

This was after Manalo last Thursday said the Philippines and China are set to resume talks on a possible joint venture for oil and gas exploration in the West

Philippine Sea.

“Maybe, the DFA’s planned talk with the People’s Republic of China should consider the decision of the Supreme Court… and the context of the Constitution based on our rights on the exclusive economic zone,” Tolentino, vicechairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said on Sunday.

In an interview with radio dzBB, Tolentino said the DFA should consider the 2016 Hague Arbitral ruling as well as the recent Supreme Court decision that invalidated and declared unconstitutional the 2005 Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) before enter-

SBMA chairman Paulino tenders courtesy resignation

SUBIC Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino has tendered his courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In his letter, Paulino said his resignation will take effect on April 15, 2023.

In a Facebook post, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armie Llamas described Paulino as “a leader, a coach, mentor, a friend.”

“Time flew so fast because each day was fueled with the passion to serve our

stakeholders with your ‘Fast, Friendly and Flexible’ customer-centered motto,” Llamas said.

A source said Paulino cited health concerns in his resignation letter.

On Tuesday, in his first State of the Freeport Address, Paulino declared record-breaking accomplishments for Subic in 2022.

“2022 was a banner year for the SBMA despite the fact that the country was just recovering from the hia-

tus brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an opportune time to work together, so we could bounce back from the debilitating effects of the pandemic, achieve our ultimate goal—to attract investments and, more importantly, create employment,” he said.

Revenue collections by various SBMA departments “have increased compared to 2021 figures and even surpassed pre-pandemic performance,” Paulino said.

ing into another partnership with the Asian superpower.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo shared the pessimism of Manalo, saying almost the same thing as the DFA chief. Widjojo noted that while the negotiations were progressing, much work was still needed to be done.

“We are entering the third part of the 1/3 of the COC,” he said. “But in diplomacy, it could be anything. The most important is the parties are willing to meet each other and talk to each other.”

The Indonesian envoy admitted the biggest challenge among the parties involved “having differences.”

Ex-Davao Norte solon acquitted of graft charges

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court has acquitted then Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. after it reversed the 2020 decision of the Sandiganbayan that convicted the former legislator for graft.

The SC has overturned the decision of the Sandiganbayan convicting Floirendo of graft charges for failure of the prosecution to prove that the former lawmaker has financial gained from the May 21, 2003 Joint Venture Agreement between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO).

“For these reasons, the instant Appeal is granted. The Decision dated August 26, 2020 and Resolution dated January 22, 2021 of the Sandiganbayan in SB-18CRM-0101 are reversed and set aside. Accused-appellant Antonio R. Floirendo Jr.· is acquitted of violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019. Let entry of final judgment be issued immediately. So ordered,” the SC resolution declared.

The graft complaint against Floirendo was filed with the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017 by then House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

After finding probable cause, the Ombudsman filed a criminal case against Floirendo before the Sandiganbayan where it accused the former congressman of “willfully, unlawfully and criminally have direct and/or indirect financial interest in the 21 May 2003 Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc.

PhilHealth warns Pinoys vs. effects of heat stroke

WITH the onset of the dry season, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) advised the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat stroke.

“Heat stroke is no joke because it can cause permanent damage to the brain and other vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. So let’s avoid

soaking in the heat,” PhilHealth acting president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said.

He advised the public to avoid drinking hot beverages like coffee and tea when the weather is too hot.

“Let’s make it a habit to drink water so we don’t get dehydrated,” he added.

According to the US Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.

Heat stroke occurs when core body temperature rises to 41°C or higher and the body is unable to cool down.

PAO chief seeks equal pay for public defenders

By Rio N. Araja

PUBLIC Attorney’s Office chief Per-

sida Acosta believes that public defenders are co-equal with public prosecutors and deserve fair treatment and benefits.

The agency wrote the Department of Budget and Management to request an

adjustment in its senior officials’ salaries and benefits, including privileges in line with the PAO Law, Republic Act 9406 and RA 10071 or the National Prosecution Service Law.

It wants a salary upgrade for the positions of the chief public attorney, deputy chief public attorney, public attorney 5 (regional

public attorneys) and public attorney 4.

PAO, which is under the Department of Justice, extends free legal assistance to indigent clients in criminal, civil, labor, administrative and other quasi-judicial cases. The DBM, however, declined PAO’s request

1,292 new HIV cases in Feb., 56 were teens, kids

‘Return service can address lack of nurses’

SCHOLARSHIP programs with a mandatory return service may be one way to address the shortage of Filipino nurses, who prefer to work abroad because of much higher salaries.

Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes said in a news release Sunday that having a scholarship and return service program for nursing students will provide a “win-win solution” for the country.

Reyes has filed House Bill (HB) No. 6631 or the “Nursing Scholarship and Return Service Program Act” which seeks to provide scholarships to deserving students in state universities and colleges or private higher education institutions in regions taking up bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The student will serve one and a half years for every academic year of scholarship availed, in his or her province or municipality hospital or provider, as determined by the local government unit (LGU) and confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH).

“Our proposed scholarship scheme will definitely help those who wish to take up nursing in college and pursue it as a profession,” he said.

Data from the Professional Regulatory Commission show that as of March 24, only 53.55 percent of the 951,105 registered nurses in the country are active.

TOURISM MEET.

Delegates from 22 countries pose next to a centuryold Peruvian Parasol tree at the International School for Sustainable Tourism in Silang, Cavite, on Sunday.

The delegates attended the International Ecotourism Travel Mart which promotes ecotourism in the Philippines and elsewhere.

Norman Cruz

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE devastating methane gas explosion and subsequent landslide in Leuwigajah landfill in Bandung, Indonesia, should be a lesson for the Philippines to be “proactive’” about trash, a researcher from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) said.

Devina Arlingdarma, ERIA researcher said the incident led to the closure of the landfill, and the transfer of its functions to Sarimukti landfill, which will also be closed soon.

The tragedy, Arlingdarma said, serves as a painful reminder to take better care of our solid waste facilities.

She said open dumping sites are found not only in Indonesia, raising concerns about solid waste management.

In a recent report by CNN, Arlingdarma said the Brahmapuram landfill in India was found to have burned, causing harm to the residents and firefighters who fainted from the methane gas produced by the incident.

She said opening a dumpsite or rehabilitating an existing one is not an easy task. Regulation of indonesia’s Minister of Finance on funding support for state revenue and expenditure budget for waste management in the regions, allocates Rp500,000 (about $32) for waste processing in municipalities. The amount is for recycling, reducing, sorting, and treating trash of up to 1 ton.

SANDCASTLE. Local tourists pose at a sandcastle on Puerto Galera’s white beach in Mindoro. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier declared the start of the dry season in the country.

Danny Pata

Demand for Pinoy seafarers to rise

THE demand for Filipino seafarers is expected to rise after the European Commission’s (EC) decision to continue recognizing seafarer certificates issued from Southeast Asian countries, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)

Secretary Susan Ople said.

Ople also said demand will surge not in the European Union (EU) but also throughout the globe, ABS-CBN News reported.

“It’s a vote of confidence in the Philippines and in the quality of training, education and certification of our seafarers,” Ople, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.

Earlier, the EC acknowledged that the Philippines has been working to improve the training and certification of seafarers in the country after a recent audit.

Ople further said Filipino seafarers are “internationally compliant… This will boost the competitiveness and demand for our Filipino seafarers.”

As of 2022, there are some 490,000 Filipino seafarers in different parts of

the world, Ople said, citing data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday meanwhile welcomed the EC’s decision on Filipino seafarers.

“I am very happy that the European Commission granted an extension to our seafarers in their certification so that they can continue to work,” he said in a statement.

Mr. Marcos recognized that “deficiencies” in Filipino seafarers’ education, training and certification system have been a long-standing problem. Vince Lopez

Gatchalian urges Pagcor to act on erring officials on POGO mess

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian challenged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to initiate the filing of appropriate charges against erring agency officials involved in the anomalous procurement of a third-party auditor of gross gaming revenues of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

He noted that Pagcor officials and employees should be held accountable for being negligent and being in cahoot with Global ComRCI, the third-party auditor, to get the contract although not qualified.

The senator issued the challenge after

Pagcor ended its ten-year, P6-billion contract with Global ComRCI after it was found to “have committed unlawful acts” and to be “in default of its obligations.”

The termination follows an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Gatchalian, which revealed numerous irregularities in the way Global ComRCI secured the contract with Pagcor to undertake a third-party audit of gaming revenues generated by POGOs.

Among such irregularities include the submission of a falsified bank guarantee from a financial institution that was unauthorized by the central bank to provide financial services in the country.

With amendments, MIF bill has better chance of passing Escudero

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SEN . Francis Escudero said the latest version of the proposal to create the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) has a better chance of passing the Senate after key changes are introduced to the MIF which is meant to raise funds for the government.

According to Escudero, he already

signed the committee report reflecting the major amendments to the previous version of the MIF bill, which many of his Senate colleagues deemed unacceptable.

“As I stated from the beginning when we started to review the original bill filed by Senator (Mark) Villar, we will provide a better version. I said then that the Senate counterpart will not be in the same shape, size, color or form because,

as it was passed in the House (of Representatives), it clearly will not pass the Senate,” Escudero said.

Escudero also expressed his intention to participate in the interpellation of the committee report prepared by the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies. The measure will now be known as as Senate Bill 2020.

“I want to make sure that the bill

RESPITE. A young couple sleeps in front of an abandoned house  in Cubao, Quezon City. Manny Marcelo

By Rio N. Araja

CRAFTED to curb the country’s housing woes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program is a significant push to the Philippines’ overall goals on sustainable development, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar cited

the relevance of the 4PH Program, particularly on maintaining economic growth and creating more resilient jobs, as targeted in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“As we pursue the mission to build and dispense one million housing units per year, we are also espousing township development that will ensure sustainable co-existence of all elements and players in a housing community,” he said.

from Senate will have the necessary safeguards and more importantly, puts the interest of the Filipino people first,” Escudero said.

He further described the updated version as “totally unrecognizable” from its original form.

“If you will compare SB 1670 and SB 2020, ang layo. It is now totally unrecognizable,” Escudero said.

CA sustains decision on KAPA Ponzi case

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has sustained the legality of the 20 search warrants issued by the Manila City Regional Trial Court against officers and agents of Kapa-Community Ministry International, Inc. that allowed the National Bureau of Investigation to collect evidence, in connection with the group’s alleged involvement in a P50-billion Ponzi investment scheme.

In a 14-page decision, the CA’s Thirteenth Division through Associate Justice Mary Charlene Hernandez-Azura, dismissed the petition filed by KAPA through its representative Pastor Joel Apolinario who sought to quash the search warrants.

KAPA elevated the issue before the appellate court after the RTC denied its petition and motion for reconsideration in 2019 seeking the quashal and the recall of the search warrants and to suppress the evidence seized through the said warrants.

The search warrants issued by the Manila RTC Branch 20 cover KAPA’s offices in Quezon City, Sarangani Province, General Santos City, Taytay, Rizal, and Compostela, among others, where the alleged illegal investment scheme was being conducted.

PH urged to be ‘proactive’ on waste concerns

TAIPEI was damp and cold last week. It still is this week, when thousands of Filipinos will visit, the Holy Week respite being quite long and hot.

Taiwan is very much in the news these days, as the tension between the mainland and the island to its east rises with the former raising the decibels of protest against what it perceives to be the aggressive “deterrence” of the latter’s go-to protector, the US of A.

When I left Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen embarked on a trip to Guatemala and Belize, two Central American states still with full diplomatic ties to it, after Honduras junked Taiwan for the PRC the week before.

Only 13 sovereign states recognize Taiwan as of this writing: the Holy See in Europe; Paraguay in South America; Haiti, Guatemala and Belize in Central America; the Carribean’s tiny touristic islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Sta. Lucia; the South Pacific island states of Tuvalu, Palau, Nauru, Marshall Islands; and the lone African state of E’Swatini, formerly named Swaziland.

When I took over as Philippine resident representative in Taipei in 2016, there were yet 22 states recognizing Taiwan as an independent state instead of the PRC.

In less than seven years, nine flags were taken down from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ketagalan Boulevard in central Taipei.

The cost of “dollar diplomacy” has become too high for Taiwan, while the mainland has kept raising the ante in its bid to isolate the island it considers its “renegade” province from the rest of the world.

all nine sites, the most strategic of which are in Palawan, Zambales, Isabela and Cagayan facing the West Philippine Sea or the Bashi Channel that separates Batanes from Taiwan. In no uncertain terms, Beijing has warned the Philippines about involving itself in the conflict over Taiwan, which it vows to reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Observers here and abroad see the expansion of EDCA as announced by our president as “magnets for attack” in case the US, as it has expressed, gets into a war with China over Taiwan.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte himself unequivocally stated that we have no quarrel with China or the US, nor even Taiwan.

Thus, he said, those EDCA sites serve no purpose for us; they only serve the interest of the US in its desire to prevent China’s swift ascent as a world power.

Even Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong has stated the West must come to terms with China’s increasing economic and military power, and that it is best for both sides to work together in harmony, rather than to be in conflict.

For now, we can only witness tensions escalating, with the hope these do not graduate into the realm of military conflict. . If the DPP wins in 2024 and hardens its proindependence stand, expect China to harden its position as well. It will impose economic sanctions on the island, tightening the screws on an economy interdependent to a large extent on the mainland.

It can increase its cyber-attacks; it could ban more and more exports, hoping to cripple the Taiwanese economy. Will the West absorb the losses?

Further, the mainland could go to the extreme of imposing a blockade in the Taiwan Strait, which is just 100 miles – 160 kilometers, or the distance between Manila and San Manuel, Tarlac – at the narrowest point from Fujian, and which China claims to be part of its territorial waters. That would be the fuse to ignite a war.

And if the US attacks Chinese PLA vessels or even its militia to force through the blockade, China could very well attack Cagayan and Isabela, Subic and Palawan where the US, through EDCA, is pre-positioning armaments of “deterrence” for use “in case” hostilities erupt.

Later this year, some 16,400 US, Philippine, Australian and Japanese troops will undertake the largest “balikatan” exercises in the Ilocos region, the president’s home turf.

That will be a clear sign to China that we have taken the side of the US and its other allies, even as countries like Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia have staunchly maintained that they will never allow foreign powers to use their territory as staging ground for hostilities.

P10b to fight malnutrition

THE national government’s plan to allot P10 billion to address malnutrition in communities with high incidence of stunting in children is laudable, but perhaps long overdue.

Launched recently, the four-year Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project will cover 235 towns with high rates of stunted children and pregnant women. Project funding will come from the World Bank. The project will be implemented by the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

This follows a 2021 survey by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food Research and Nutrition Research Institute that found more than half of stunted children were from the poorest and poor households in the country. The Marcos administration has deemed it proper to put a high priority to the nutrition project. In fact, this is considered of strategic importance as it also covers such areas as food security, health care, and education, among others. Malnutrition is linked to longterm adverse developmental impacts. The World Health Organization classifies stunting in children, defined as being shorter than their age, as a “high public health significance.”

Stunting can lead to mortality from infections, as well as cognitive, social and emotional developmental delays, a lack of physical stamina in adult years and the increased likelihood of low economic productivity.

According to the Health Department, one in every three Filipino children under the age of 5 or about 30 percent is considered stunted. There are an estimated 10 million children in this age group.

The DOH plans to start slowly because in the first or one and a half years, it will perform baseline assessments for the 235 municipalities to get a clearer picture of their nutrition status.

The assistance to be given to beneficiaries will be performance-based grants and support packages in the form of primary healthcare services and nutritious food.

The agency believes the government cannot expect communities without proper access to food, education and livelihood to nurture healthy citizens.

Taking off from similar initiatives in other countries, the Philippines’ nutrition project hopes to replicate Indonesia’s accomplishment of bringing down stunting by as much as 8 percent after three years.

The Multisectoral Nutrition Program is an investment in the nation’s future that deserves the full support of all concerned national government agencies as well as local government units.

This initiative reflects the whole-ofsociety approach that we hope will produce salutary results as an integral part of a broader anti-poverty program in the years ahead.

The digital way to prosperity

Note that most of the remaining diplomatic allies are sparsely-populated countries whose ways and means are adequate enough and could suffice with less financial and technical assistance from Taiwan.

Others could sooner or later be enticed to disengage and fall into the waiting arms of Beijing.

In the forthcoming elections in Paraguay, the issue of whether to shift alliance to Beijing over Taipei is a central issue.

Haiti and Guatemala are always in need of foreign assistance and could fall prey to the enticements of Beijing.

Will the Pacific islands of Tuvalu, Nauru and the Marshall Islands fall into the web of the PRC, just like Kiribati and the Solomon’s have?

If Beijing softens on its demand to have veto power over the naming of Roman Catholic bishops in the PRC, will the Vatican likewise switch, considering that even if it is able to convert just one percent of China’s population into its fold, that would be several multiples of the number of Catholics in Taiwan?

After Honduras last week ditched Taipei for Beijing, the DPP announced an end to “dollar diplomacy,” describing the practice as a “meaningless contest,”

Instead, Tsai flew to Guatemala and Belize, passing by New York on her seventh trip to the US in seven years as president, and on the way back, she plans to meet with Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

If this tete-a-tete materializes, Beijing is likely to go into yet another round of tantrums in the Taiwan Strait, as it did when former Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei last year.

Meanwhile, former president Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang upped the “One China-Two Systems” card as he visited China.

In a trip to Nanjing last week, he chokingly described the infamous “Rape of Nanjing” by Japanese invaders more than a century ago as “animalistic brutality rarely seen in human history.”

That event always rekindles resentment by the Chinese race against Japan.

Today, Japan has formed alliances with those countries which confront the PRC claiming “deterrence,” among them the US, UK and Australia (AUKUS), or the QUAD among the US, Japan, India and Australia.

The “defense” of Taiwan against a military invasion by the People’s Liberation Army ostensibly binds these nations, to “preserve the peace” in the region and to ensure “freedom of navigation” in the South and East China seas.

And in New York, Pres. Tsai declared that the US and Taiwan are now “closer than ever.”

Meanwhile, our president has pushed the envelope of EDCA, granting four more strategic locations for visiting American forces.

Albeit clad in “non-permanent” status, the US can now pre-position arms and munitions in

Meanwhile, coinciding with Tsai’s sojourn to the West, her predecessor, KMT’s Ma, in what detractors from even his own party describe as a private trip borne out of vainglory, met with Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao in Wuhan, where he reaffirmed the importance of the “1992 Consensus,” where both sides of the Taiwan Strait recognize there is only “One China” with each having its own interpretation of what China means.

The DPP has resolutely refused to accept the 1992 Consensus, and while it has not declared independence that would provoke war, it maintains that Taiwan, which it officially calls the Republic of China, is a self-governed state with a democratic system.

It remains to be seen how these moves by the DPP and KMT, the latter maintaining an ambiguity due to the current unpopularity of being perceived as pro-assimilation, will impact on the January 2024 presidential election in Taiwan.

It is not easy to read the shifting mind of the Taiwanese electorate.

In the recent mid-terms, the KMT swept most of the local posts.

Including the all-important Taipei City mayoralty, where it fielded Chiang Wan-an, a great grandson of Chiang Kai-shek, who won over Tsai’s popular former health minister and a third candidate endorsed by two-term Mayor Kho Wen-je, himself touted as a future candidate for president.

A KMT president would likely stay the hand of Xi, who is anxious to make good before the Politburo and the PLA on his promise of the “great rejuvenation” and re-unification” before his third term ends in 2027.

Conversely, a DPP victory could hasten the Xi itch to recover Taiwan. Those elections are a scant nine months away, and, meanwhile, the suspense and the tensions escalate. Factor in the US elections later in 2024, with China and the Taiwan issue becoming a major foreign policy issue, along with the continuing war in the Ukraine.

The geo-political brew is not only heady; it can be explosive.

But our country, instead of being a negotiator with both sides for peace, has, with the EDCA expansion, joined the fray and chosen sides.

Sure we have many issues with China over the rocks and islets in the West Philippine Sea and the frequent incursions into our fishing areas, but these are issues that could be resolved with firm diplomacy wisely negotiated.

In 1941, we were an American colony, with scores of military bases utilized by the Americans all over the country. The day after Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese, the enemy was in our door.

We are now an independent sovereign state but a magnet, even a target, for attack by the PLA should hostilities erupt after 2024 and likely before 2027.

STUDIES have shown there is a direct correlation between a country’s digital competitiveness and its economy.

This is not really a new thing but rather similar to how a country is able to manage its resources and develop technologies that will create industries that will drive economic growth. If you look at the history of industrial revolutions, the level of technology accessible to a country’s industries determines its advantage or disadvantage.

In the 2022 IMD World Digital Competitiveness ranking, ranked first out of 63 global economies is Denmark because of “the level of country preparedness to exploit digital transformation” and its strong performance in business agility, Information Technology integration, and “adaptive attitude.”

In the report, the Director of the World Competitiveness Center Arturo Bris points out that “This ranking describes the importance of national factors in explaining the digital transformation of companies and the adoption of digital practices by citizens.

“Digital nations result from a combination of digital talent, digital regulation, data governance, digital attitudes and the availability of capital.”

Denmark is also among the leading economies in education and digital training.

In the top five is United States at second, followed by Sweden (3rd), Singapore (4th), and Switzerland (5th). The Philippines is at 56th.

The digital competitiveness of these countries relates to how they ranked in the 2023 Legatum Prosperity Index which considers a country’s performance according to its inclusiveness as a society, the openness of its economy, and how its people are empowered.

Topping 167 countries in the study is again Denmark, Sweden is likewise third, Singapore, Switzerland comes 5th, Singapore is 17th, and the United States at 20th. The Philippines is at 84th.

Our country’s performance in these rankings is yet another reflection of how far behind we are in the global context and why the most talented technical professionals we are producing are venturing out for careers in the more prosperous foreign economies.

On several occasions, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has emphasized the urgency to fully digitalize the economy and called on the private sector to be partners in upgrading and expanding access to internet and communications services.

hopefully be a sustained priority given how far we are to becoming digitally competitive.

But given these resources, we need to look at a fundamental gap in the country’s digital readiness which is the need to develop our digital infrastructure to be at least at par with global standards.

Investing in digital infrastructure has been driven by the private telcos which I’ve pointed out many times is not enough and will need government to complement ongoing telco builds to accelerate the expansion of broadband services.

The telcos definitely have commitment and resources, but red tape is still the cause of delay. Acting on this is the Private Sector Advisory Council and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) who are pushing the Palace to issue a Digital Infrastructure Executive Order to speed up the permitting and licensing of ICT related infrastructure.

This would institutionalize ARTA’s Joint Memorandum Circular 1 and 2 which effectively truncated the 8-to-12month delay of telco tower projects to 2 months.

assessment and planning for the roadmap to 10 million trees by 2030 at the MWSS Bulwagang Plaridel in Quezon City. Established to ensure and build on the success of the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC), MTFI’s roadmap to plant and nurture 10 million trees more by 2030 was reached during its strategic planning session in 2022. With the global movement for sustainable development, MTFI is grateful for the active participation of its program partners in the oneday activity.

Representatives from MWSS concessionaires Manila Water Company, Inc., Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation were also in attendance. Each concessionaire shared their respective best practices in forest and landscape restoration. Maynilad tackled its Plant for Life Program while Manila Water discussed its Tree Nurturing Program.

For 2023, Budget Secretary Amenah

F. Pangandaman recently disclosed in a DBM forum: that P24.13 billion has been allotted ICT-related expenditures to fund programs such as the Free Public Internet Access Program, National Government Data Center Infrastructure, National Broadband Plan, and the National Government Portal; P3.56 billion of this budget will go to the Department of Finance and attached agencies Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Bureau of Customs to digitalize the government’s revenue collection; P7.24-billion is allocated for financial assistance to LGUs for the development of ICT systems and infrastructure to enhance permitting, licensing, collections and disbursements;

— P4.24 billion has been allocated for the Department of Information and Technology for its ICT systems and infostructure development.

These budget allocations for digitalization are indeed a stark contrast from the past administration and will

To reiterate their recommendation, the EO should adopt Section 4 of Republic Act 11494 (Bayanihan to Recover Act) particularly the “Temporary suspension of requirements to secure permits and clearances for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure;”

“Streamlining of regulatory processes and procedures for the development and improvement of digital, internet and satellite technology infrastructure”; and directing all government agencies and LGUs to “act on all pending and new applications for permit, license, certificate, clearance, authorization and resolutions within a non-extendable period of seven working days.”

The private sector should be allowed to unleash their full potential to help realize a systemic digital transformation at a pace that will get us up to a competitive position in the global digital economy.

The Digital Infrastructure EO will be an enabling policy to get us up to digital speed.

A commitment toward sustainable development

For LCWDC, the newest among the three concessionaires, Government and Public Relations Officer Jobelle C. Bisa gave a presentation of its Tree Planting Program.

LCWDC, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, operates the Bulacan Bulk Water which supplies potable water to municipalities in Bulacan.

It started commercial operations in 2019. In the same year, its tree planting program was also launched.

LCWDC’s tree planting program is anchored on the Malasakit Para sa Kalikasan advocacy pursued by SMC under the leadership of its President and CEO Ramon S. Ang. known as Mr. Malasakit.

Malasakit Para sa Kalikasan is a rallying cry being adopted across the SMC group of companies. SMC has launched programs to protect and rehabilitate the country’s natural resources.

These programs include the rehabilitation of polluted water systems such as the Tullahan and Pasig rivers, and the Marilao-MeycauayanObando river system in Bulacan.

Its tree planting programs include Project 747 of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., Puno ng

Buhay of Petron Corporation, Trees Brew Life under San Miguel Brewery, Inc., and Ginebra San Miguel’s Mangrove Project. Since 2019, SMC has planted more than five million trees in different parts of the country.

Of this number, LCWDC’s tree planting program accounts for 14,400 trees planted in the

Angat-Ipo watershed area.

When the program began, LCWDC planted 3,200 trees.

In 2021, the same number of trees was planted.

By 2022, the number increased to 8,000 trees.

Trees planted were narra (Pterocarpus indicus), cacao (Theobroma cacao), kupang (Parkia javanica), and guyabano (Annona muricata).

Survival rates of trees planted by LCWDC were reported by DENR CENRO Guiguinto, Bulacan as 94.2 percent in 2020, 90.4 percent in 2021 and 95.6 percent in 2022.

Being a relatively new organization with less than a hundred employees, LCWDC collaborates with DENR CENRO Guiguinto, Bulacan and Briquettors Association of the Philippines in the conduct of its tree planting program.

The organization heeds recommendation from DENR on the right kind of tree species to be planted.

Prior to planting, sites are prepared; while after care program for planted trees is implemented.

SMC’s Malasakit Para sa Kalikasan as exemplified in its different programs seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change, boost

biodiversity, and provide jobs. In the case of LCWDC, job generation benefits the forest dependent communities, especially the Dumagat community in the Angat-Ipo area.

Over all, the goal of SMC’s Malasakit is to improve the quality of life.

Malasakit is evident not only in SMC’s environment protection initiatives but in other CSR programs as well.

RSA once said “Sustainability has always been ingrained in our company culture. We continuously invest on programs that preserve the environment and promote environmental stewardship among various stakeholders.”

For those of us who devote time to advocate the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of our natural resources, we are grateful for organizations like SMC.

Protecting our environment is our task and obligation if we are to ensure our country’s sustainable development for future generations.

(The author is president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. He is also a prolific book writer and publisher.)

This initiative reflects the whole-ofsociety approach that we hope will produce salutary results as an integral part of a broader anti-poverty program in the years ahead

Protecting our environment is our task and obligation if we are to ensure our country’s sustainable development for future generations

The geo-political brew is not only heady; it can be explosive

The Digital Infrastructure EO will be an enabling policy to get us up to digital speed

Water shortage poses challenge to strategists

‘… unsustainable water use, pollution and unchecked global warming are draining humanity’s lifeblood’—UN Secretary-General Antonio

Guterres

‘The growing incidence of extreme and prolonged droughts is also stressing ecosystems, with dire consequences for both plant and animal species’—UNESCO report

‘… water allocation from agriculture to urban centers has become a common strategy to meet freshwater needs’—UN

THE lack of access to potable water is an age-long problem facing global leaders and climate change is exacerbating the challenge.

In the Philippines, some 11 million families face the dilemma and are forced to rely on “unprotected” deep wells, springs, rivers, lakes and rainwater for their household needs.

Lack of sanitation facilities, according to National Water Resource Board (NWRB) executive director Dr. Sevillo David Jr., has also forced some families to defecate in the open, risking water contamination and diseases.

The water supply lack worsens during the dry season. “We have enough water supply for now. But the PAGASA says El Niño is looming,”says David. “We need to prepare for this as it could affect our water supply, particularly in our farms,” David said.

The water crisis received centerstage during a three-day United Nations Conference that drew some 10,000 participants in New York. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on March 24 called on the world to safeguard water resources to avert conflict and ensure future global prosperity.

Water, he says, is “the most precious common good” and “needs to be at the center of the global political agenda,” he said at the end of three-day UN conference.

“All of humanity’s hopes for the future depend, in some way, on charting a new science-based course to bring the water action agenda to life,” Guterres said. “Now is the time to act.”

The world is not on track to meet its 2030 water goals, including access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all.

Guterres before the meeting described water as humanity’s “lifeblood” and said its “vampiric overconsumption” had “broken the water cycle” and led to more natural disasters.

The world is “blindly traveling a dangerous path” as “unsustainable water use, pollution and unchecked global warming

are draining humanity’s lifeblood,” Guterres said in a foreword to the report, released hours ahead of the first major UN meeting on water resources in nearly half a century.

Worsening shortages

Between two and three billion people worldwide experience water shortages. These shortages will worsen in the coming decades, especially in cities, if international cooperation in this area is not boosted, warn the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and UN-Water in the latest edition of the UN World Water Development Report.

Globally, 2 billion people (26 percent of the population) do not have safe drinking water and 3.6 billion (46 percent) lack access to safely managed sanitation, according to the report.

The global urban population facing water scarcity, says the report, is projected to double from 930 million in 2016 to 1.7–2.4 billion people in 2050. The growing incidence of extreme and prolonged droughts is also stressing ecosystems, with dire consequences for both plant and animal species.

There is an urgent need to establish strong international mechanisms to prevent the global water crisis from spiraling out of control. Water is our common future and it is essential to act together to share it equitably and manage it sustainably, the report said.

In 2020, two billion people were still without safe drinking water and 3.6 billion lacked access to safely managed sanitation services, including 494 million who had to relieve themselves in the open, according to the latest figures compiled by the UN-Water website.

At least two billion people drink water contaminated with feces, and 2.3 billion lack basic sanitation services—conditions conducive to the spread of cholera, dysentery and polio.

While climate change makes droughts more frequent and intense, UN climate experts (IPCC) also estimate that about half of the world’s population suffers from “severe” water shortages during at least part of the year.

The World Bank estimates that climate change-exacerbated water shortages could cost some regions up to six percent of GDP by 2050 due to impacts on agriculture, health, income, and potentially forced migration or even conflict. Ray S. Eñano with AFP

NGCP empowers communities through its P2.5-b CSR projects

NATIONAL Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the country’s transmission system operator, continues the work of empowering communities through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, benefiting 13,722 residents in various host provinces since it began officially operating in 2009.

For 2023, several social infrastructure projects are lined up, whose locations will be finalized in coordination with the Department of Education.

“Social responsibility is an essential component of NGCP’s corporate culture, and this is the reason why we established our Corporate Initiatives and Advocacies Division or CIAD–our CSR arm–to respond to the development needs of our partner communities through projects that help improve the residents’ quality of life, build up their capabilities and protect the environment, as well,” said Ada Lopez, head of NGCP’s Corporate Initiatives and Advocacies Division.

A total of 130 social infrastructure projects, says Lopez, were built to date, such as footbridges; multipurpose halls that also serve as evacuation centers; classroom buildings; learning centers; multipurpose covered courts; industrial arts buildings; and water systems, including drainage repair and area backfilling in various host communities. NGCP since 2017 has constructed 39 computer laboratories utilized by some 6,240 learners and 273 teachers in 25 provinces across the country.

In the last three years, 16 health centers in 14 provinces were built including the most recent one turned over in January for Barangay Zone 1 in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Among those who greatly benefited from the social infrastructure projects are the learners and faculty of Binugao Central Elementary School in Toril District in Davao City through an air-conditioned computer laboratory building that was turned over in June last year.

Equipped with WiFi, 25 laptops, a router, two printers plus chairs and computer tables, the lab can accommodate 25 users. Binugao Central Elementary’s ICT coordinator Shelly Abenoja said the lab is instru-

Coca-Cola, USAID teaming up for Iloilo, Negros Occidental watershed rehab

COCA-COLA Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI) continues to support community access to clean, safe water through its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines and non-government organizations.

CCFPI teamed up with the USAID to improve watershed conservation and promote a water-secure future in Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

CCFPI and USAID signed two memoranda of agreement, one for the Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative Project and another for Sustaining Watershed Health through Sustainable Livelihood and Agroforestry Project in Negros Occidental, on March 22 at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative (IWARI) Project aims to promote climate resilience and help enhance water availability from the Tigum-Aganan Watershed and Iloilo-Batiano Watershed for upstream and downstream communities, including Iloilo City, through improved resource management. Through the CCFPI grant, IWARI Project will be implemented on the ground by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines and Green Forum Western Visayas, while USAID will provide technical oversight. The project will address the urgent need for sustainable management of critical watersheds in Iloilo province and ultimately help improve water availability from the watersheds.

Meanwhile, the Sustaining Watershed Health through Sustainable Livelihood and Agroforestry (SWATH) Project in Negros Occidental aims to implement agroforestry and watershed conservation activities to help protect the province’s sources of freshwater, especially the Himogaan River Watershed and Sicaba River Watershed— ensuring sustainable water resources for the farming communities and households of Negros Occidental residents.

Through the CCFPI grant, the SWATH Project will be implemented on the ground by Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF) while USAID Philippines will provide technical oversight.

mental in improving the skills of learners in working with software programs, completing assignments, interacting with teachers, and developing other skills in preparation for future job opportunities. “Aside from textbooks and worksheets, technology provides teachers with more tools to support students and help them develop a better understanding of the material,” said Abenoja.

She cited the computer laboratory was very helpful during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the implementation of “blended learning” that enabled the creation of “Google classrooms” where teachers can post modules and students can send in their activities and output.

In Barangay Calean in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, the learners and teachers of J. Hector Lacson Elementary School also felt the positive impact of the two-classroom school building donated by NGCP.

Meresa Bacea, who was the school principal from 2018 to January 2023, said a fire razed a two-classroom building in 2020, displacing learners whose parents mostly work as farmers or laborers. NGCP, being its neighbor and supporter of various programs to its students, was approached for assistance.

After a series of virtual meetings and upon completion of the required documentation, the plans were finalized within a month and the building was constructed in less than 90 calendar days.

“The building is conducive to learning with enough lights and ventilation. Aside from being used as instructional rooms, it can also serve as a function hall for official meetings or gatherings that can accommodate about 100 persons. The school building is very useful for the community,” said Bacea, adding K to 3 learners also received school supplies from NGCP. “We are not just a transmission facility. We aim to be a partner in nation-building by helping light up the future of Filipinos through the social infrastructure and development projects,” said Lopez.

Total NGCP support to CSR has amounted to P2.5 billion since 2009 that improved the quality of life of Filipinos as part of its commitment to help the country achieve sustainable growth and progress.

representative Sanda Rihtman, CocaCola Foundation Philippines chairman Tony del Rosario, USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn and CocaCola Foundation Philippines president Cecile Alcantara represent their respective organizations to cement their partnership for the IWARI program in Iloilo.

Objective of Recall : “TO CERTIFY”

Objective of Recall : “TO CERTIFY”

Name of Product : HAZARD PROTECTOR

Name of Product : HAZARD PROTECTOR

Brand : C-MYX TRADING

Batch/ Serial Number : 5 LBS DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER CMYX5 023-01, CMYX5 023-02, CMYX5 023-03

Brand : C-MYX TRADING Batch/ Serial Number : 5 LBS DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER CMYX5 023-01, CMYX5 023-02, CMYX5 023-03

Office Address : N. CAPISTRANO-MONTALVAN STS. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Office Address : N. CAPISTRANO-MONTALVAN STS. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Contact Person : RICARDO J. DANLAYON JR.

Contact Person : RICARDO J. DANLAYON JR.

Contact Number : 0936 458 2371

Contact Number : 0936 458 2371

Where to Return the Product Warehouse Address : CAPISNON-KAUSWAGAN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Where to Return the Product Warehouse Address : CAPISNON-KAUSWAGAN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Contact Person : RICARDO J. DANLAYON JR.

Contact Person : RICARDO J. DANLAYON JR.

Contact Number : 0936 458 2371

Contact Number : 0936 458 2371

Duration of Product Recall : 30 days from date of Publication

Option offers to clients returning products : FULL REFUND

Duration of Product Recall : 30 days from date of Publication Option offers to clients returning products : FULL REFUND

We would like to inform the public that the above mentioned manufactured products did not undergo the certification process of the BPS and so with that we are requesting our clients to return the product to our office. The sole-proprietor will take the full responsibility of any consequence that may occur with the said product. We are very sorry for the inconvenience.

We would like to inform the public that the above mentioned manufactured products did not undergo the certification process of the BPS and so with that we are requesting our clients to return the product to our office. The sole-proprietor will take the full responsibility of any consequence that may occur with the said product. We are very sorry for the inconvenience.

The faculty of Binugao Central Elementary School in Toril District in Davao City, Davao del Sur led by Ismael L. Segundo, Public School District Supervisor (right), Shelley B. Abenoja, School ICT Coordinator (center) and Jocy M. Gatchalian, Master Teacher I, inaugurates the air-conditioned computer laboratory building donated by NGCP.

MPT South eyes CALAX completion by 2024 with resolution of ROW issues

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE entire 45-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway is expected to be completed by 2024, an executive of MPT South said over the weekend.

“We are still discussing with the government the right-of-way, because they committed to fully funding the ROW. Within the year, if we are able to get the properties, we can complete it by next year. It really depends on the acquisition of the right-of-way,” MPT South president and general manager Raul Ignacio said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said the overall ROW acquisition for the CALAX project stood at 79.94 percent, with the Cavite side at 66.70 percent and Laguna side at 99.80 percent.

The DPWH earlier said that the Department of Budget and Management allocated P2 billion for the CALAX ROW this year.

Its operational segment stretches from Mamplasan in Binan, with interchanges at Laguna Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road and up to Silang East Interchange.

Subsection 4 or the Silang (Aguinaldo) segment of Calax reached 65-percent completion, while more than 57 percent of the whole CALAX project was already done.

The DPWH expects to complete the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange by June after it secured an order from a local court in Tagaytay City to implement the writ of possession on the remaining 15,650 square meters of land needed to finish the project.

Once completed, CALAX will connect to the busiest highway in Cavite— the Aguinaldo Highway—and help decongest major thoroughfares in the province and Laguna. The interchange will serve more motorists, including the 298,000 Silang residents, given the reduced congestion.

BANK ACCESS. Banks and financial institutions meet with Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion (seated, fourth from right) and Go Negosyo senior advisers Dr. William Dar (seated, third from right) and Josephine Romero (standing, sixth from right) to explore how to ease access to capital for small farmers. Joining them are pioneer big-brother companies represented by Christian Moeller of Lionheart Farms and James Amparo of Yovel East, who shared with the group how their inclusive models can integrate small farmers into their businesses, thus addressing the perceived risks associated with lending to farmers. The PSAC Agriculture Group’s Michael Tan is also present.

Filipino bankers maintain positive outlook

By Julito G. Rada

BANKING industry leaders maintained their growth outlook on the banking system in the next two years based on the results of the Banking Sector Outlook Survey released over the weekend.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said expectations of double-digit growth in assets, loans, deposits and net income and the general improvement in the banks’ asset and loan quality indicators supported this level of optimism.

“Philippine banks likewise plan to maintain risk-based capital, leverage and liquidity ratios at levels higher than

Ayala Land launches new technology hub in Iloilo City township

By Jenni er B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. expanded its office leasing footprint in Iloilo with the launch of Atria Technohub within the 21-hectare township development Atria Park District.

ALI president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy said in a statement Atria Technohub was envisioned as a BPO campus development that would cater to the growing demand for offi ce space.

ALI initially broke ground on two office buildings totaling 25,500 square meters of gross leasable floor area.

“With the city’s rapidly expanding BPO market, we break ground on Atria Technohub. This is envisioned to be a BPO campus and the business address of choice of top BPO investors in this region,” Dy said.

“The strategic cluster of office buildings, supported by sprawling retail and civic spaces, will not only cater to the rising demand for office spaces but will also significantly contribute to the vibrant local economy,” he said.

Dy said Iloilo is one of the preferred locations for local and foreign BPO investors because of the high quality of education, which could support the expansion of offices all over the city.

ALI said Iloilo has become a rapidly emerging market with the domestic economy being driven by a wider range of industries including agribusiness, tourism, BPOs, trading activities and service-driven firms including banks, educational institutions, hospitals, among others.

ALI said Atria Technohub would continue to uphold the Ayala brand of architecture and building systems while keeping sustainability in mind particularly in how the natural landscape is incorporated in the design.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE fixed broadband speed in the Philipines escalated in February as telecom companies ramped up building cellular towers and fiber optic network, according to Ookla Speedtest Global Index report. The report showed that the country’s fixed broadband median speed improved to 90.03 megabits per second from the 88.13 Mbps registered in January.

Average fixed broadband speed was

domestic and global standards to support expansion in their operations and promote institutional stability,” it said.

Data, however, showed that bank lending slightly slowed in February 2023 in the face of rising interest rates and higher inflation.

Outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repur-

chase placements with the BSP, grew by 10 percent year-on-year in February, slower than 10.4 percent in January. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans, net of RRPs, eased slightly by 0.2 percent.

Outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, increased by 9.9 percent in February, slower than the 10.2-percent rise in January.

Outstanding loans for production activities expanded by 8.7 percent in February, slower than 9.2 percent in January. This was driven by the growth in credit to key sectors, including financial and insurance activities (12.5 percent); wholesale and retail trade, repair of

motor vehicles and motorcycles (9.2 percent); electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply (9.3 percent); information and communication (18.6 percent); manufacturing (8.3 percent); and real estate activities (3.8 percent).

Consumer loans to residents rose 21.2 percent in February, up from 20.3 percent in the previous month with the sustained growth in credit card and salary-based general purpose consumption loans.

Outstanding loans to non-residents went up by 14.8 percent in February, following a 16.8-percent growth rate in January.

Peliminary data also showed that domestic liquidity (M3) grew by 6.0 percent year-on-year to about P16.1 trillion in February, from the 5.6-percent re-

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Friday,

vised growth in January. On a monthon-month seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 increased by about 0.8 percent.

The BSP said the sustained credit and ample liquidity would continue to support robust domestic demand.

“Even as the Philippine banking system remains sound, the BSP will keep a watchful eye over evolving market conditions to ensure that credit and liquidity dynamics continue to be in line with its price and financial stability mandates,” the BSP said.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the February bank lending growth was the slowest in 11 months, or since March 2022.

Stocks seen moving sideways this week

SSS-BI TIEUP. The Social Security System and Bureau of Immigration sign a memorandum of agreement at the BI main o ce in Intramuros, Manila to provide social security coverage to at least 800 job order and contract of service workers serving in the immigration regulatory body. Signing the agreement are SSS president and chief executive Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (right) and BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said over the weekend it will re-start the operations of its 1,200-megawatt Ilijan natural gas power plant next month after the commissioning of Linseed Field Corp.’s liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas province. SMC president Ramon Ang said the first LNG cargo would soon arrive at Linseed’s LNG terminal in Ilijan, Batangas.

Ang said the commissioning of the natural gas terminal would start this week and would take about a month to be completed. “So, that fuel can already fuel the 1,200

registered at 142.57 Mbps, representing an improvement of 18.95 percent since the Marcos administration began in July 2022.

Mobile median speed slightly dipped as the country yielded a download speed of 24.58 Mbps from 24.59 Mbps the month before. Average mobile speed was registered at 58.66 Mbps.

The National Telecommunications Commission attributed the improvement in broadband speed to the streamlining and speeding up of the issuance of LGU permits in July

MW. And then 1,300 MW additional power plant capacity will be online next year. So, in total, [it would be] 2,500 MW,” Ang said.

SMC’s South Premiere Power Corp. operates the Ilijan gas plant. The plant did not operate for several months.

“In a month it [Ilijan power plant] will start running,” Ang said. He expressed hope that the plant could meet the increased electricity demand during the dry months.

Ang said the additional 1,300 MW LNG capacity would come in next year from SMC subsidiary Excellent Energy Resources Inc.

The Department of Energy earlier said two LNG terminals would be

2020 which generated a significant increase in permits granted to telcos from July 2020 to January 2023.

“Improvement on internet speed is largely attributed to this development as telcos are able to fast-track building infrastructure [cellular towers and fiber optic network] necessary in boosting services and connectivity,” the NTC said.

It said that ensuring the improvement of internet speed remains a priority as the country fast-tracks its digitization.

“We are also happy that Elon Musk’s Starlink is also now available in the

completed this year and would have no problem securing LNG despite the tight global supply forecasts.

Aside from Linseed, FGEN LNG Corp. is also expected to complete its terminal this year. FGEN LNG, a subsidiary of First Gen Corp., together with BW LNG providing LNG storage and regasification services, is looking at starting commercial operations by June.

The DOE approved seven LNG terminal projects including FGEN LNG and Linseed. Other companies developing LNG terminals are Luzon LNG Terminal Inc., Energy World Gas Operations Philippines Inc., Shell Energy Philippines Inc. and Vires Energy Corp.

country to give Filipinos in underserved and unserved areas fast and reliable internet,” NTC commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez said.

Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., the Philippine unit of SpaceX, announced in February that its satellite internet service is now available in the Philippines.

The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to enjoy Starlink services which offer high-speed low-latency satellite internet with download speed between 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps.

Week.

SHARE prices are expected to move sideways this week on thin volume amid the shortened trading week. Financial markets will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Holy Week. Analysts said the investors would likely stay on the sidelines as trading volume would likely thin out this week, while the index would likely move sideways or even slightly decline amid lackluster trading.

“With local trading capped to three sessions during the Lenten break, brace for thin volumes as lack of stronger catalysts encourage wait-and-see mode until after Easter,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said.

“Third liners and speculatives are set to get the most out of generally fragile sentiment with possible windows for bargain hunting amid the market’s state of flux,” it said. Investors would also await the release of March inflation rate this week which could provide indication on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ next rate path. Jenniffer B. Austria

DBP loans to energy projects reach P77b

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines ramped up support for the government’s energy programs, focusing on projects that promote affordable, reliable and sustainable solutions to address the country’s energy requirements, a top executive said.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the bank approved nearly P77-billion in loans under its Financing Utilities for Sustainable Energy Development Program, the flagship credit program that seeks to increase access to electricity services in the countryside.

“As of December 2022, DBP has approved 92 accounts under the FUSED Program, 27 of which are renewable energy projects,” de Jesus said.

“We also expect that by 2030, we have funded P58-billion of the estimated investment requirements for power generation and distribution indicated in the Philippine Energy Plan 2012-2030,” he said.

DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development.

Metrobank bags two Asia Money awards

METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co.’s Private Wealth business bagged two accolades at the 2023 Asiamoney Private Bank Awards, further strengthening its position as the preferred partner of ultrahigh net worth segment.

Metrobank garnered the Best Domestic Private Bank in the Philippines award for the second straight year. It was also named as the Best Bank for the Ultra-High Net Worth clients. Metrobank’s performance versus competitors, successes in achieving market share and ability to cope with difficult or changing market conditions, were among the reasons why Asiamoney named Metrobank as the winner for both categories.

Metrobank’s Private Wealth Division managed to deliver exceptional results in 2022 amid challenging market conditions.

Lady Tams move to .500 in UAAP volleyball

FAR EASTERN University recovered from a second-set hiccup to clip winless University of the East, 25-16, 18-25, 25-23, 25-16, and move to .500 in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Sunday.

Ann Asis’ ace put the Lady Tamaraws at set point in the third frame, 24-19, but Ja Lana willed the Lady Warriors back to within one, 23-24.

However, Mitzi Panangin said enough and denied Lana in the ensuing play for the 2-1 FEU advantage, 25-23.

Then, the Lady Tamaraws did not let go of the momentum, opening the fourth period with a stunning 9-1 start en route to the clincher.

“5-5 masarap ‘yung pakiramdam, kulang pa pero I think para masustain namin ‘yung goal namin kailangan naming mag double time ngayong break,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak after the two-hour 14-minute match.

The Lady Tamaraws remain in striking distance from the Final Four with a 5-5 mark while the also-ran Lady Warriors fell to 0-10.

Valdez, Mangulabnan to captain PH volleyball teams to Cambodia SEAG

ALYSSA Valdez and Vince Raphael Mangulabnan will captain the national women’s and men’s teams to the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games, whose compositions were officially announced by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation on Sunday.

Sisi Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga, gold medalists in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in Subic last December, lead the women’s beach volleyball squad also composed of Bernadeth Pons and Floremel Rodriguez.

“These teams are composed of perhaps the most formidable rosters to date with each and everyone of these

athletes dedicated and determined to rise to the challenge in Cambodia,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

“With the skills given and dedication to flag and country considered, our coaches put premium on chemistry, on how these players would blend based on the competitions and challenges of the SEA Games,” Suzara added.

Joining Valdez on the women’s team are her Creamline teammates Julia Melissa Morado-De Guzman, Kyla Llana Atienza, Celine Elaiza Domingo, Jessica Margarett Galanza, Diana Mae Carlos and Michele Theresa Gumabao.

Also on the team coached by Brazilian Jorge Edson Souza De Brito are Cignal’s Maria Angelica Cayuna and Glaudine Troncoso, PLDT’s Kathleen Faith Arado and Dell Palomata (PLDT), Choco Mucho’s Cherry Rose Nunag and Katrina Mae Tolentino and Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat.

With Mangulabnan are his AMCCotabato teammates Joshua Umandal,

Lloyd Josafat, Kim Harold Dayandante, Vince Patrick Lorenzo and Jayvee Sumagaysay.

Also in the squad are National University-Archipelago Builders’s Rwenzmel Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales, Cignal’s, Manuel Sumanguid III, Iloilo’s Jade Alex Disquitado and University of Santo Tomas’s Jay Rack Dela Noche.

Filipino-Americans Steven Charles Rotter, Cyrus Justin De Guzman and Michael Raymund Vicente complete the team coached by another Brazilian, Sergio Valad ares Veloso.

Alnakran Abdilla, Jaron Requinton, Jude Garcia and James Buytrago make up the men’s team of the beach volleyball squads coached by Joao Luciano Simao Barbosa. The men’s volleyball coaching staff includes Arthur Odjie Mamon assistant coach), Rommel Abella (assistant coach), Mark Gil Alfafara (trainer), Melchizedek Samonte (strength and conditioning coach) and Jerome Guhit (team manager).

Cebu trounces Mendiola, takes PFL lead

DYNAMIC Herb Cebu FC bucked the absence of in-form midfielder Daniel Gadia to subdue Mendiola FC 1991, 3-1, last Saturday and grab top spot in the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite. The Gentle Giants scored all of their goals in the second half as they continued their unbeaten run to 17 matches and hiked their tally to 43 points this season, two ahead of Kaya FC Iloilo.

Ivan Ouano, Marius Kore and Kintaro Miyagi all found the back of the net for the Gentle Giants who needed to keep their poise as tempers flared in the last 10 minutes.

“We only focused on what impact we can

do in the match,” said Ouano who came in at halftime and scored 10 minutes later.

Jeremiah Borlongan set up Ouano on the left, before the Cebu striker slotted the ball past Mendiola keeper Joseh Ceniza.

Kore doubled the lead five minutes later off Borlongan’s corner, but Mendiola set up a thrilling finish when Junior Sam scored in the 80th minute.

Ceniza was sent off late after hitting Rintaro Hama, leaving Mendiola with 10 men. But the Gentle Giants also lost a player due to a red card on Nicolas Ferrer who elbowed Peter John Banaynal.

Miyagi restored the cushion with a diving header late on, sealing Cebu’s win.

Blu Girls off to flying start in Asia Cup

THE Philippine Blu Girls Asia Cup Campaign was off to a rousing starting after it blanked Hong Kong, 7-0, in an abbreviated game.

“It was a great performance by the girls and it will augur well for their confidence heading to their next match against host Korea. I expect them to continue playing well after their months of hardwork at training,” said ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier.

While blasting the overmatched Hong Kong squad with numerous hits that resulted in 7 runs, defense was the key to the excellent win by the Blu Girls, led by starting pitcher Royevel Palma, mid-game pitcher Ezra Jalandoni; and, closer Glory Alonzo as they frustrated Hong Kong’s

offense for five whole innings.

“I’m satisified with the way the team played today. But the competition gets tougher and I’m confident the girls will be up to the task,” said Blu Girls’ Coach Randy Dizer

The team goes up against host nation South Korea in an expected cliffhanger, gunning for a win as it hopes to inch closer to getting one of the three coveted World Cup slots.

Nine countries are battling it out for Asian supremacy, led by powehouse world no. 2 Japan, no. 3 Chinese Taipei, no. 13 China, no. 30 Philippines, no. 35 South Korea, no. 38 Hong Kong, no. 42 Singapore, no. 46 Thailand, and no. 53 India.

Chenie Tagaod and Panangin controlled the net with six and five blocks, respectively, leading FEU’s domination of the blocking department, 23-2.

“I-commend ko ‘yung mga coaches. Sobrang commendable yung coaches na nageeffort talaga sa blocking, sa tiyaga para tulungan sila sa timing ng block,” added Salak.

Tagaod finished with 20 points while Jovelyn Fernandez chipped in 12 points including four blocks as well. Panangin had 11 points.

FEU playmaker Tin Ubaldo also tossed 17 excellent sets to go with six points.

Lana punched in a 24-point output on 21 attacks, two aces, and a block to go with 10 excellent receptions for the Lady Warriors.

Up next for UE is Adamson University on April 15 while FEU faces National University on the 16th. Both will be held at Philsports Arena. Watch the UAAP Season 85 Collegiate Volleyball Tournament on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 HD). Available on Prepaid Loads 300 & up (valid for 30 days).

Pros to comprise majority of PH cage pool for ‘23 SEA Games

By Peter Atencio

A NATIONAL pool composed mostly of players from the Philippine Basketball Association will make up the national men’s team for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this May.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios said many of the players, who are in the B.League in Japan and in the Korean Basketball League won’t be available for the biennial meet.

“Wala tayong overseas players. Hindi kasi FIBA-sanctioned ang SEA Games,” said Barrios during the weekly Power and Play program.

The Gilas men’s squad, which is also getting ready for the FIBA 2023 World Cup, has a big challenge in the SEA Games -- to regain the crown it lost last year.

Team Philippines was dethroned by Indonesia last year after 33 years of dominance in the region.

Among the bigs, who are in the 28man roster submitted by the Philippine Olympic Committee to the organizers include Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Mason Francis Amos, Benjamin Phillips III and Ariel John Edu.

They also have Christian Standhardinger, Raymond Almazan, Karl Kevin Quiambao and John Paul Erram.

Among the wingmen are Marcio Lassiter, Brandon Rosser, Calvin John Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, Arvin Tolentino and Jeremiah Gray.

The guard list has the likes of CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Earl Scottie Thompson, Stanley Pringle Jr., Roger Pogoy, Michael Williams, Chris Newsome, Norman Aaron Black and Kevin Louie Alas, together with collegiate standouts Deschon Winston, Jerom Lastimosa and Michael Phillips.

FEU’s Alyzza Devosora foils the smash attempt of UE’s Vanessa Bangayan in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Sunday.

Cebu striker Ivan Ouano gets past Mendiola’s Eldwin Escosora.

Cast of ‘Here Comes The Groom’ adds zest to inaugural Summer MMFF

KEEMPEE de Leon, Maric Racal, Awra Briguela, Gladys Reyes, Eugene Domingo, and Xilhouette all had their moments in the film Here Comes the Groom . But Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren had a more challenging time essaying their roles.

“I will always be grateful to Kaladkaren for being generous to me as an actor. S iya rin ang kalahati ng movie,“ Enchong, who portrays the titular role of the groom possessed by the Kaladkaren’s character, said during the film’s press screening.

Bawat eksena, gigisingin pa siya ng production to ask him kung paano gagawin eksena ko. Ganun siya ka generous,” the actor added.

Nagpapasalamat din ako nang buong puso kay Enchong for helping me act like a man . Bawat eksena tinatanong ko din siya how to deliver ‘yung mga linya ,“ Kaladkaren said in turn.

Directed by Chris Martinez Here

Comes the Groom is the sequel to the hit movie Here Comes the Bride (2010), which starred Angelica Panganiban , Eugene Domingo, John Lapus Tuesday Vargas, and Jaime Fabregas

Here Comes the Groom is much more hilarious as it delves into the unique story of Rodrigo, Sr.’s family

‘Here Comes The Groom’ is the star-studded sequel to the hit comedy movie ‘Here Comes The Bride’

Enchong Dee plays the groom who will be possessed by Kaladkaren’s character

who attends his son Junior’s wedding in the middle of a solar eclipse. While traversing a magnetic field, they figure in an accident with the family of gay pageant contestants  - Mama Wendy, Wanda, Winona, and their trainee Whitney. Here Comes the Groom produced by Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, and Brightlight Productions, also stars Tony Tabrusca and Miles Ocampo playing equally wacky roles. – Nickie Wang

Gerald Anderson, Kylie Padilla spark new discussion on mental health

True colors

of this love affair with the Muses are his six studio albums, as a guest entertainer for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America where he made guests and co-workers happy as his performance brings them cheers and feels of home thanks to the kababayan on stage and this visual arts exhibition.

Laurente says: “I wish to thank NCCA for this platform and physical venue that they have given me to promote in my own little what I am advocating for and that is spreading awareness about love for your cultural roots and taking pride in being a Filipino.”

FILIPINO film gamechanger Mavx Productions

Inc. is out to spark a new discussion on mental health in its latest offering Unravel, an official entry to the first summer edition Metro Manila Film Festival.

The Swiss Side love story starring Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla focuses on the controversial practice of voluntary assisted death, which is legally condoned in other countries, particularly Switzerland, as long as the person who wishes to die is of sound mind and is able to end their life on their own.

Unravel follows Lucy (Padilla), a Filipina executive who is facing clinical

depression amid reaping huge success in her field. The story unfolds as Lucy flies to Switzerland to get enlisted for voluntary assisted death. Her plans take a turn when she meets Noah (Anderson), a kababayan whose personal mission turns out to be encouraging people to choose to live.

Their journey brings out not just the beauty of Switzerland, but also the beauty of life, which Noah hopes for Lucy to see.

“When I first read the script, natakot ako,” Kylie said during the film’s press screening last week. “The subject matter is very dark. But as an actress, I stepped into Lucy’s point of view immediately.

“And in her stroy, human connections saved her life. And I think dahil nga dun sa pinagdadaanan nilang dalawa, they needed human connection,” she went on.

Kylie added that after reading the

focuses on the controversial practice of voluntary assisted death

script, and despite being deeply affected by the theme and its conflict, the story somehow sparked a little hope and made her realize how important it is to communicate your problem by asking for help.

“And there’s always a second chance in life. Just give a chance for people to give you that hope. I believe that,” she said. Meanwhile, Gerald shared that even before the script has handed to him, the story immediately made him feel so intrigued and fascinated by the subject of the film.

“Actually, even before I became part of this film, this has always been my motto, to always be nice to strangers. We don’t know their struggles. And we don’t know their problems or whatever they’re going through. May mga pinagdadaanan tayo You saw in the film yung pinagdadaanan ni Lucy, iba din sa pinagdadaanan ni Noah, di ba? So just be nice, and respectful. Always be kind.”

Directed by RC Delos Reyes Unravel is also one of Mavx’s three offerings marking ABS-CBN Star Magic’s 30th anniversary, alongside I Love Lizzy and Swing Help is available to those who need it. Hopeline is open 24/7 at (02) 8804-4673 or 0917-5584673.

Top content producer wins 29 trophies at 4th Village Pipol Choice Awards

ABS-CBN shows and personalities received a total of 29 awards across multiple categories in entertainment and business during the 4th Village Pipol Choice Awards on Wednesday, March 29. Star Cinema’s comeback movie An Inconvenient Love, starring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, nearly swept the board in the Film category, winning five awards, including Movie of the Year. Cast members Donny, Belle, and JC Alcantara won Movie Actor of the Year, Movie Actress of the Year, and Supporting Movie Actor of the Year, respectively, while Petersen Vargas was named Movie Director of the Year.

Aside from this, DonBelle and their fans “Bubblies” were also crowned as Loveteam of the Year and Fandom of the Year, respectively. Meanwhile, Belle was given a special award as Headliner of the Year.

The hit series 2 Good 2 Be True and its leading stars Daniel Padilla and Kathyrn Bernardo won three awards, including TV Series of the Year, TV Actor of the

Donny

Year, and TV Actress of the Year.  Vice Ganda continues to solidify her hosting prowess as she was named TV

Host of the Year for It’s Showtime ABS-CBN News’ flagship show TV Patrol was named News Program of the Year, while Karen Davila

personalities also received awards across multiple categories, including Anji Salvacion (Promising Female Star of the Year), KD Estrada (Promising Male Star of the Year), Kaori Oinuma (TV Supporting Actress of the Year), BGYO (Group Performer of the Year), Kaila Estrada (Breakthrough Social Media Star), Sharlene San Pedro (Female TikTok Face of the Year and Online Streamer of the Year), Lapillus (KPOP Act of the Year), Karen Bordador (VP/Xclusives Cover of the Year) and Francine Diaz (VP/Cover of the Year). Other winners from ABS-CBN include Flower of Evil (KDrama Adaptation Series of the Year), iWantTFC (Video Streaming Service of the Year), and “Amakabogera” by Maymay Entrata (Viral TikTok Video of the Year). The VPCA, organized by Village Pipol Magazine, aims to recognize the best of the best from the travel, lifestyle, technology, business, and entertainment industries.

MY personal encounter with world-class performer and seasoned singer Reuben Laurente started during the press conference for his fourth solo album HeartBlends.  At that time, I knew he was the baritone from the CompanY who has embarked on a solo career.

The most noteworthy recollection about the album is that it had a unique repertoire of anthems sung by female artists that got a fresh reinterpretation by a male singer. Every song and line from each number, Laurente infused it with the emotional honesty, clarity, and commitment the ditties deserved. The subtexts, hidden meanings, and stories came throbbing, pulsating, and poignant, with him on the vocals.

Since that initial press conference, a friendship was forged, grew through the years, and though seeing each other has now become a luxury for thus, we have proven that we have a bond that is stronger than love and friendship.

That is why when he informed me about Pilipino Ako, Ito Ang Aking Lahi (I Am A Filipino, This Is My Race as his latest artistic and creative baby, supporting it is a no-brainer.

Aside from the 44 visual art pieces that will be showcased during the exhibit, the most laudable aspect of this artistic project is its projection of the true colors of the singer and visual artist.

This is Reuben’s second visual art exhibit and his very first solo exhibit that showcases 44 art pieces, some are old paintings that he did in 2013 while on board a ship. Painting was his way of resting his voice as he was afflicted with acute laryngitis while working on the high seas. The remaining visual arts pieces are creative products of resilience and faith in the Lord, which he did during the pandemic.

Whether alabaster, cream, ivory, or milky, the third most prominent Laurente true color is white. It is the most appropriate hue because there is purity to his intentions. This love for country, culture, and his fellow Filipino are articulated in its most pristine visual arts exhibition.

“The pieces take you down cultural arts lane,” declares Laurente. “With what they will see, I hope it rekindles their hearts and minds. May the paintings become a reminder as to why we are in so many ways a unique race, why we are worth all the global recognition and attention, and why we should always be filled with pride when we say

The first true Laurente color, be it azure, cerulean, cobalt, or navy, is blue. As blue as the blue on the Philippine flag, this exhibit is his manner of expressing himself and why he is proud of being a Filipino. Both a tribute and homage to our Pilipinas nating mahal and the richness of our cultural heritage with four categorical representations namely “Ang Babaeng Pilipino” (The Filipino Woman), “Kwentong Bayan At Iba Pa” (Folk tales and Others), “Mwebles”(Furniture Pieces) and  “Pagdiriwang” (Celebration).

Pieces) and  “Pagdiriwang”

Laurente’s

Laurente’s second true color is red, which perfectly represents his passion and love. Testaments

He wishes to thank his creative Yugel Losorata (exhibit writer), Dr. Raul Ceralde(photographer), Manuel Roma, Jr. (graphic artist), and the whole curatorial team of Carla Gamalinda, exhibit curator, Mara Logarta Bryan Llapitan Mario Vista (all from the NCCA Gallery Secretariat).

The Pilipino

Ako: Ito Ang Aking Lahi runs from April 6 to 30 at the NCCA Gallery, G/F, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Building, 633 Heneral Luna St., Intramuros, Manila,

will see, I hope it rekindles their hearts and attention, and why we should Filipino .” He team, Supnet Jr. (graphic artist), and the curator, Vista Ako: NCCA Gallery, G/F, National Commission Building, 633 Heneral Luna Intramuros,

The Artist’s Reception and ribbon cutting ceremony is slated on April 12.

World-class performer and seasoned singer Reuben Laurente

Local streaming app launches own music label

STREAMING platform AQ Prime has launched AQ Music, a new division of the company that will handle new musical artists and help amateur songwriters by giving them much-needed support

In line with the launch of the label, a new P-Pop group and a solo P-Pop artist will banner the initial roster of talents of the emerging entertainment company.

Known for its different genres of movies – from romantic movies to adult-themed and internationally acclaimed films – subscribers in America, Canada, Europe, and Middle East are now able to watch all the movies of AQ Prime.

Attorney Mary Melanie “Honey” Quiño, one of the owners of AQ Prime

‘Here Comes The Groom’ stars (from left) Gladys Reyes, Maris Racal, Enchong Dee, and Keempee de Leon

Besides being a love story, ‘Unravel’

Pangilinan (right) and Belle Mariano in ‘An Unconvenient Love’

The cast of ‘Unravel’ aboard its MMFF float during the ‘Parade of Stars’

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

FOR the longest time, I have been hearing suggestions from some of my tour operator friends that we should also give focus on “Halal Tourism.” These hard-working tourism stakeholders have lost to other countries some Muslim groups for the simple reason that we do not have enough Muslim-friendly establishments in the country, meaning, those that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers.

Research shows that we only have 14 halal-certified establishments and 65 restaurants, and they’re mostly in Mindanao, putting us in the 8th spot among the top 20 non-Islamic countries frequently visited by our Muslim brothers. Halal refers to food and non-food products that are permissible under Shari’ah, a body of religious law that forms a part of the Islamic tradition.

According to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009, to be halalcertified, the establishment must offer Halal food prepared from a separate halal kitchen, and should provide a prayer room and a cleansing room which Muslim guests can use before performing the Salah or Muslim prayers. Aside from these requirements, halal-certified hotels should also make available the list and addresses of embassies of Muslim countries, the location of nearby mosques, and the schedule for Salah , among others.

The good news is that The Heritage Hotel Manila (THHM) recently launched its halal buffet at its Café Riviera. The much-anticipated buffet is available every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with the delectable culinary specialties specially prepared from a separate halal kitchen.

Opening day saw a full crowd as this remarkable undertaking finally came to fruition, much to the delight of our Muslim brothers and our industry stakeholders who have exerted so much effort in attracting tour groups from Islamic countries.

I saw my good friend, THHM General Manager Farid Schoucair, grinning from ear to ear as he busied himself greeting guests. It really is

Hail, hail, halal

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE:

PRICELESS PIECE OF ADVICE: Before you marry anyone, you should first make him/her use a computer with slow internet to see what kind of a person he/she is.

something to be very happy about because the hotel is currently the only accommodation enterprise in Metro Manila with a restaurant that serves halal food.

In fact, I know that my tour operator friends have already made it a point to sample the delectable buffet so that they

could offer it to their clients abroad who have been hankering for good halal food in the metro. Congratulations to The Heritage Hotel Manila for having joined our industry’s efforts to show some focus on halal tourism

A hearty bowl of Laksa

and be able to compete with our neighboring countries in luring our Muslim brothers abroad to enjoy what our country has to offer.

THHM director of sales Onelle Pacheco

Verzosa sees the business potential in being the only hotel initiating marketing efforts in

Indulge in flavorful and Halal-certified dishes, like this Falafel

Satisfy sweet cravings with a bite of baklava

Beef rendang is a rich and tender, flavorful coconut beef stew

promoting halal tourism. Offering this halal buffet is certainly a big step towards that. As to the hotel’s next step, I am eagerly anticipating it with bated breath. Meantime, I happily proclaim “Hail, hail, halal, at the Heritage Hotel.” For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

Passholders can participate in the annual exclusive Easter event at DreamPlay

CONRAD Manila concludes the Lenten season and celebrates the coming holidays with extravagant festivities such as the “Easter Feast” at its award-winning Brasserie on 3, premium Easter goodies from Bru Coffee Bar, and an elevated “Afternoon Tea by the Bay” at C Lounge. Available on Easter Sunday, April 9, Executive Chef Warren Brown takes guests and patrons on a gastronomic journey through the Philippines’ rich and vibrant kitchens with an Easter-themed buffet spread at Brasserie on 3, the hotel’s all-day restaurant. Buffet highlights include sustainable seafood paluto prime ribs, as well as a playful dessert station with traditional Easter favorites such as chocolate bunnies and eggs, complemented by local and colorful kakanin or Filipino rice cakes from different regions.

The “Easter Feast” on April 9 is priced at P3,500 nett per person, available for lunch and dinner.

The little ones dining at any of Conrad Manila’s F&B outlets with their parents or adult companions are invited to come in their favorite Easter costumes and take part in special Kiddie Afternoon Activities such as the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Magic Show and more. The Easter Egg Festival is open from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Roosevelt function room on the Third Level.

At C Lounge, elevate your afternoons with Conrad Manila’s signature teas best paired with delicately hand-crafted sweet and savory Easter-inspired light bites. Available for the whole month of April from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., “Afternoon By The Bay” at C Lounge is priced at P2,688.

Now through April 9, Conrad Manila’s Bru Coffee Bar presents a colorful selection of Easter Chocolate Bunnies, Surprise Eggs, Signature cakes, and more, all available to order online for takeaway or delivery. Prices start at P150 nett.

For guests who wish to pamper their body and mind, award-winning Conrad Spa is offering a deeply nourishing coffee scrub followed by its signature healing massage. And to complete the rejuvenating journey, let the rich flavors of BRU Coffee Bar’s specialty coffees awaken the senses. Conrad Spa’s “Easter Bliss” is priced at P5,000, available month-long.

‘Eggciting’ wonderland

Enjoy a fun-filled day of activities with your favorite Disney characters plus a hotel-style buffet on Easter Sunday. Happening at Tivoli Royale Country Club’s Game Center, this family-perfect activity is an event no one would surely want to miss.

For only P1,200 for adults (12 years old and above) and kids (4 to 11 years old), and 1,000 for toddlers (three years old and below), “EggCiting Wonderland” is set to delight everyone from parents to children.

Tivoli’s fun-filled Easter event, in partnership with Wonderfun Talents & Events, Lotus Biscoff, and Daily Fix Granola, presents an egg hunt adventure to go with a well-rounded

Indulge in Easter festivities

whimsical egg chocolates with bunnies, and chocolate chicks.

A Lenten Staycation at Nuwa Manila, Nobu Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Manila Guests availing of a luxurious staycation experience at the three Forbes Travel Guiderated hotels Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Manila, from Maundy Thursday (April 6) to Easter Sunday (April 9), will be treated to a special welcome gift of Easter meringue lollipops.

Hotel Okura Manila’s offerings for Holy Week

In harmony with the Holy Week observation in the Philippines and the spring season in Japan, Hotel Okura Manila presents an array of its warmest offerings from staycations to meatfree dishes, and exciting events for the kids and the whole family.

The hotel located at Newport World Resorts makes for a soulful escape right at the heart of the city, where the signature Japanese omotenashi and the sacredness of Filipino tradition come together.

Step into Japan’s spring season with clear skies, warm sunshine, and a relaxing staycation at the hotel. The Haru room packages offer a magical journey to the land of the rising sun without leaving the metro. These include a special welcome amenity, daily breakfast for two adults and two kids, P2,000 food and beverage credits at Yamazato Restaurant, and access to the fitness center and outdoor swimming pool. The Haru room package price starts at P15,000 nett per night. Booking dates are from March 20 to April 10 for the stay period beginning April 1 to 15.

Easter, a celebration of rebirth, is a little sweeter with a selection of desserts. Crafted by the hotel’s pastry team, these treats are available until April 9.

5-star hotel-style lunch buffet. Making the celebration extra special is the chance to bond with everyone’s favorite Disney characters, such as Frozen’s Queen Elsa and Princess Anna and Encanto’s Mirabel. There are four delectable stations, along with a salad bar, prepared by Executive Chef Jonnel Roxas and his team. Dig into an assortment of bread and pastries that include egg brioche and ham and bacon quiche. Tivoli Royale Country Club’s signature hot dishes from beef tapa to country fried chicken and gravy to hoisin roaster pork with prunes are guaranteed crowdpleasers, together with brunch favorites such as mini pancakes and waffles. Top it all off with a sweet choice between bircher muesli parfait and seasonal fresh fruit cocktail.

Book now at 09177081445.

The splendors of Easter

A spectacular line-up of Easter experiences and treats are in store at City of Dreams Manila.

Families can relish the joyous occasion with a fun-filled Easter event at DreamPlay or a splendid Sunday brunch at Nobu Manila and complement their revelry with Eastertime chocolates and delicate pastries and cakes at Café Society. A staycation also beckons with a special welcome Easter amenity.

DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorksinspired family entertainment center, presents the annual Ultimate Easter Eggstravaganza.

This exclusive Easter event for passholders will be held on April 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The facilities will be open to the public from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Over at Nobu Manila, the restaurant hosts

an Easter edition of its popular Sunday brunch that athe innovative new-style Japanese cuisine globally popularized by the famed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and some dishes with local flavors.

The Nobu brunch concept combines allyou-can-eat dishes in an a la carte menu with a buffet spread.

Nobu Easter brunch is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and price starts at P4, 303. net per person for the Regular package, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails.

Until April 9, Café Society will delight chocoholics and the sweet-toothed with a selection of Easter treats and showpieces that are almost too cute to eat. Handcrafted chocolates masterfully prepared by chocolatiers showcase Easter bunny and duck chocolates, oversized chocolate eggs containing eight praline eggs,

Indulge at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Yawaragi from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday. Choose from an assortment of Meat-free Teishoku lunch sets served with rice and various side dishes made available until April 9, price starts at P850 per set.

By Easter Sunday, delectable delights and special surprises fill the bountiful-Japanese inspired Easter celebration at Yawaragi. The Easter brunch offerings include robatayakigrilled yakitori, assorted fresh sashimi, Japanese hot dishes, and signature roast carving. To top off the springtime celebration, children can delight in festive fun with egg painting activities and entertainment.

The Easter brunch is available on April 9 from 12:00 nn to 3:00 p.m. for P3,700 per person.