Manila Standard - 2023 April 12 - Wednesday

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 61 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TROPICAL Depression “Amang”

—the country’s first storm this year —could make landfall in the Bicol Region by Wednesday as about 19 areas in Luzon and Visayas were

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US, PH to boost growing ties

Militaries stay mum on China-Taiwan issue

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss growing military ties with the Philippines on Tuesday in Washington DC (Wednesday in Manila) before heading to Vietnam and Japan days after a new flare-up of tensions with China over Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and the United States launched their largest-ever joint military exercises on Tuesday, as the longstanding allies seek to counter growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.

Philippine counterparts – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and DND chief Carlito Galvez, who are already in the US capital -- in the first such joint talks in sev en years between the United States and its former colony. Austin confirmed the meeting in a press statement. “The secretary participates in joint press availability

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SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. US Marines Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, US exercise director and representative for Balikatan,

counterpart

speaks

Gen. Marvin Licudine listens during a press conference on Tuesday. Inset shows US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava (middle), Lt. Gen. William Jurney, USMC, Maj. Gen. Licudine, and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino link arms as a sign of oneness and brotherhood after the opening ceremony of the joint military exercise at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. AFP and Danny Pata

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DFA wary of ‘repercussions’ of neighbors’ row

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has warned in a forum in the United States that the tensions in the Taiwan Strait may have “adverse repercussions” on the Philippines.

This was after China said it had “suc-

Envoy: ‘Repeated infringements’ caused defense buildup

By Rey E. Requejo

“ REPEATED infringements” on the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) called for the enhancement of the country’s defense capabilities, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a forum in the United States on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

Manalo, speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum in Washington, D.C., cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s intention to continue upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the long-disputed WPS through “peaceful and legal means.”

This developed as China said Tuesday the ongoing “Balikatan” joint military exercises between the Philippines and the US should not interfere with the disputes in the South China Sea.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin stressed that the cooperation between Manila and

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

INTERIOR and Local Government

Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Tuesday again called on 10 high-ranking policemen to go on leave as he decried a “massive cover-up” of the circumstances around the arrest of cops who allegedly kept 42 kilograms of shabu seized during a huge drug bust in October 2022. At a press conference, Abalos said he was disappointed over the “very slow

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cessfully completed” three days of war games around Taiwan on Monday, capping a show of force that saw it simulate targeted strikes and practice a blockade of the self-ruled island.

Chinese warships and aircraft were still operating around Taiwan on Tuesday, the island’s defense ministry said, a day after Beijing declared an end to its

massive war games. Speaking during the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum held in Washington DC, Manalo stressed there are 150,000 to 200,000 Filipinos living and working in Taiwan, which just sits 200 kilometers north of the Philippines.

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Defer LRT fare hikes, PBBM orders DoTr, ‘study economic impact first’

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation to defer fare increases for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines 1 and 2 “pending a thorough study on the economic impact” to commuters after the agency announced the planned hikes on Tuesday. During yesterday’s briefing, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista explained that the DOTr will comply with the President’s instruction and will carefully study the economic repercussions of the increase to passengers of the three major rail lines in Metro Manila, which includes the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3).

“In compliance with the President’s instruction, we will thoroughly study how a fare hike today will impact passengers of our three rail lines in Metro Manila,” the transport chief said, adding that the increase for MRT-3 was likewise deferred “due to infirmities in complying with the requirements and procedure.”

Bautista last March 27 approved the boarding fare increase of P2.29 and P0.21 per kilometer distance fare for LRT-1 and LRT-2. Currently, the boarding fare for both

MWSS: MM to suffer massive water shortage in ‘24

By Othel V. Campos and Maricel V. Cruz

METRO Manila will suffer a massive water shortage next year, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said Tuesday, fol-

lowing a forecast of an El Niño dry spell in the first half of 2024 and increasing demand for water during the hottest months of the year.

The water regulator said the demand from Angat Dam, which supplies over 90 percent of potable wa-

ter to the National Capital Region, reached 5,680 million liters per day (MLD) in 2020 from 4,395 MLD in 2010. Given this trend, the agency said, Metro Manila will experience a water deficit in 2024.

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train lines is P11 plus P1 per kilometer. He said the DOTr’s Rail Regulatory Unit (RRU) endorsed the report favoring the fare increase for LRT lines 1 and 2. The Transportation Secretary chairs

while Philippines

Maj.

EDCA SITES. Map locating nine Philippine military bases where the US now have access. AFP

By Darwin Amojelar and Vince Lopez

PH unemployment eases to 4.8%

By Julito Rada

THE country’s labor market kept improving in February 2023, as employment increased to 48.8 million from 45.48 million a year ago, and the unemployment rate decreased to 4.8 percent from 6.4 percent a year ago, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday.

The unemployment rate in February 2023 remained at its previous month’s rate of 4.8 percent.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the latest workforce data showed that the Philippine labor market was steadily recovering.

He said the lifting of various restrictions that previously impeded

employment opportunities has resulted in an increase in job prospects for Filipino workers.

The unemployment rate among the youth, defined as individuals aged 15 to 24, decreased significantly from 14.2 percent in February 2022 to 9.1 percent this year.

The country’s labor force participation rate rose to 66.6 percent in Febru-

ary 2023, up from 63.8 percent during the same period in the previous year. This translates to an increase of 2.7 million Filipinos joining the labor force on a year-on-year basis, with 1.9 million of them being female.

Significant increases were observed among the prime working age group of 25 to 54 years old (+1.6 million) and among individuals who completed junior high school (+1.1 million).

But Balisacan said challenges to improving the quality of employment across sectors remained. He said the government should persist in enabling the creation of highquality jobs on the demand side and ensuring the upskilling and retooling of workers on the supply side.

“On the demand side, the strategy to create high-quality job opportunities begins with attracting more investments especially in infrastructure and in improving the regulatory environment. These interventions will improve the competitiveness of the entire economy and result in greater investor interest in other industries.”

“Our participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the amendments to the Public Service Act pave the way for more highpaying job opportunities being made available to Filipinos,” Balisacan said.

Additionally, he said the government will raise awareness among the workforce regarding the current opportunities for skill enhancement.

PBBM holds gab on bureaucratic efficiency, PPPs

“Taiwan is literally next door to the Philippines. So just looking at that, any kind of escalation of tensions or, even worse, some kind of a conflict, military conflict, would have really adverse repercussions on the Philippines. Of course, it would probably have repercussions on the entire region, but particularly the Philippines, given our proximity,” the Foreign Affairs chief said.

“We have always been very concerned if tensions escalate. Of course, there have always been tensions. But occasionally they tend to erupt and become more intense. And so we naturally look with concern at that,” Manalo added.

He also urged China and the United States “to manage their strategic rivalry with dialogue, transparent and sincere engagement, where possible.”

“We’ve always urged the parties concerned to try and, let’s say, manage these tensions by having, wherever possible, dialogue to prevent these tensions from escalating into something more. Because our view is that not only would it affect the Philippines, but it would affect the entire region, and could escalate to even something, you know, more dangerous,” the DFA chief said.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, meanwhile, said the Philippines should be unfazed by the ongoing military drills being conducted by China around Taiwan “not until the bullets land in our areas.”

However, Dela Rosa, vice chairperson of the Senate committee on national defense and security, said the Philippine government should just strictly monitor the actions of China, like what it has been doing to other countries.

The Philippines has expressed its commitment to adhere to the OneChina policy amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday held a sectoral meeting on improving bureaucratic efficiency at the State Dining Room in Malacañang Palace.

Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto Perez presented the agency’s projects and initiatives, mainly composed of public-private partnership (PPP) projects with Aboitiz, Meralco, and Unified Logistics Pass.

He also outlined the Ease of Doing Business Strategy Map throughout the country, focusing on the implementa-

Biden ends 3-yr. US emergency COVID status

WASHINGTON—US President Joe Biden on Monday officially ended the Covid national health emergency that for more than three years underpinned extraordinary efforts to provide care for a country where more than a million people died from the disease.

The White House said Biden signed a law passed earlier by Congress “which terminates the national emergency related to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

This closes lavish funding streams for Covid tests, free vaccines and other emergency measures thrown together -- starting in January 2020 -- to try and free the world’s biggest economy from the grip of the global pandemic.

with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez on the outcomes of the U.S-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue at 3:15 p.m. EDT at the Department of State,” it said.

The Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan all have longstanding territorial disputes with China that have grown more intense in recent years as Beijing flexes its muscle.

Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos –sister of the President -- called for certain limits in the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) including those on the number of US troops in the country and the length of their stay.

Marcos, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said having thousands of Americans conducting exercises daily is like the US forces already living in the country.

tion of the Ease of Doing Business Program, Regulatory Reform Program and the CHECC (Clean, Honest, Efficient, and Customer Centric) Program.

President Marcos Jr. directed the ARTA to simplify the Business Processing and Licensing Systems (BPLS) manual and expand its usage by the local government units (LGUs) nationwide, as well as simplify the eBOSS (Electronic Business One Stop Shops).

The President also received several updates as he leads a sectoral meeting on the Department of Transportation’s

on their numbers and visa validity. It should be cleared if they are allowed for a three-month-visa to 90-day visa to make sure they are not basing here permanently and there are still Filipino soldiers in our bases,” Sen. Marcos said.

Signed in 2014, the EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities and allows them to build facilities, and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels. Permanent basing is prohibited.

Last week, the Philippines announced four more military bases that US forces will be able to use, including one on Luzon Island just 400 kilometers from Taiwan -- a stark shift from a previous push by Manila to improve ties with China.

After condemnation from Beijing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that Manila would not take “any offensive actions” from the four bases, as well from five others agreed to with Washington in a 2014 agreement.

“If no one is attacking us, they need not worry because we will not fight them,” Mr. Marcos told reporters Monday.

accomplishments and projects for completion this year, as well as the Philippines’ compliance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista presented the DoTr’s list of projects under its airport development, port development, railways target milestones and active transportation, noting that at least 18 airport development projects and at least 13 port development projects are either underway or almost 80% accomplished. Vince Lopez

Beijing on Monday completed three days of military exercises said to simulate sealing Taiwan, a self-governing democracy it considers part of its territory (see story on A1 – Editors).

The show of force came after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met in California with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is second in line to the US presidency, in defiance of Beijing’s warnings.

The United States called for restraint by China but privately some officials were relieved the reaction was more muted than in August 2022, when Beijing fired projectiles around and over Taiwan after McCarthy’s predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, flew to Taipei.

“It’s not what it was in August and this could, hopefully, pave the way, let’s say, to calming the situation a bit on the Straits between China and the United States,” Manalo said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies ahead of Tuesday’s talks.

Mr. Marcos last year succeeded President Rodrigo Duterte, who early in his tenure sought closer ties with China.

Less clear is the impact the end of the emergency will have on the already tense southern border with Mexico, where US authorities have long struggled to manage the flow of undocumented immigrants and large numbers of asylum seekers.

A rule known as Title 42 was used during the official health emergency to impose stringent restrictions on acceptance of undocumented arrivals. That is set to end, forcing the administration to adopt a different legal mechanism if it wants to avoid the politically damaging potential of new influxes.

A senior official in the White House told AFP that the use of Title 42 “is expected to expire on May 11th.” AFP

Envoy:...

Washington should not target any third party.

“Exchange and cooperation between relevant countries should not target any third party and should be conducive to regional peace and stability,” Wang said.

“The US-Philippines military cooperation must not interfere in South China Sea disputes, still less harm China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests and security interests,” he added in a media briefing.

But Manalo said: “The Philippines has been clear and consistent about our interests in maintaining the South China Sea as a sea of peace and stability, and our aim to boost our defense capabilities, including in the framework of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement).”

Former MWSS chairman, now Future Water Asia CEO Ramon Alikpala said the China-backed New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project is the only viable long-term solution to the perennial water supply problems in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“The threat of another water crisis is serious, and this should be immediately addressed so that Filipinos will not suf-

In deference to this policy, the Philippines does not have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a democratic self-ruling island that has been separated from the Chinese mainland since 1949 but is still claimed by China as part of its territory. With AFP progress” of the Philippine National Police (PNP) investigation into the arrest of Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was accused of keeping 42 kilos of shabu when 990 kilos were actually seized in his building during the raid last year.

The seized shabu was said to be worth P6.7 billion, the largest drug haul in the country.

The stolen 42 kilos were later recovered, prompting the PNP to create the Special Investigation Task Group 990 to probe it.

But Abalos, who is the ex-officio chairman of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), said he had asked about the progress of the investigation after months had passed with no result.

He also noted that the special task group investigated only the 42 kilos of shabu that were pilfered and returned, “leaving the main matter of the 990 kil-

“From what we heard in Ilocos, around 17,000 American troops will come and conduct military exercises every day… In my opinion, that’s not an exercise anymore. It’s like they will live here, is that right?” she added.

“I think there should be limitations

fer. We cannot afford to face another water crisis. That’s why we must accelerate the development of long-term water resources such as the Kaliwa Dam,” Alikpala said during the Pandesal Forum on Tuesday. Industry stakeholders fear that any further delay in the project’s completion—on top of climate change, increasing siltation, and unaddressed logistical and infrastructural problems—may cut Metro Manila’s already dwindling supply of water.

“A new operating dam is much needed

ograms of shabu unexplained and unaccounted [for].”

CCTV footage presented by Abalos showed the arrested Mayo in handcuffs and then later released. The video also showed different police officials arriving and leaving the premises of the establishment where Mayo was arrested. Mayo was later dismissed from the service.

He called on 10 high-ranking policemen who were shown and mentioned in the video to file their leave of absence within the week.

“They should go on leave pending the investigation. If not, they will be suspended,” Abalos said.

The head of the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group and nine others on Tuesday accepted the call to go on leave to give way to an investigation of the alleged cover-up.

In a press conference in Camp Crame in Quezon City, PDEG chief Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo denied the alleged cover-up but said they will comply with Abalos’ request that they go on leave.

Months earlier, the United States reached a separate agreement with Japan, a fellow ally on the other side of Taiwan, to disperse US forces across the southern island of Okinawa, another move seen as preparing for a potential Chinese move on Taiwan.

because the Angat Dam, which is Metro Manila’s main water source, can no longer keep up with the spiking demand for water. Simultaneously, there is also overpopulation and climate change that call for an immediate solution,” Alikpala added. MWSS site operations and management department manager Delfin Sespene said if not for the numerous delays of the Kaliwa Dam, Metro Manila residents would already have a sufficient supply of water today.

Despite the commitment of the project contractor to complete the project

But experts say the Philippines has increasingly realized that appeasing China has not brought any progress with its giant neighbor to the north, which has ignored a 2016 international court ruling in favor of Manila over Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. AFP with Rey E. Requejo, Charles Dantes, and Butch Gunio

within 2026 and start commissioning the dam by early 2027, Alikpala pointed out that regulators should also expedite the processes and clearances needed for the full construction of Kaliwa. Upon commencement of operations, the dam is expected to generate 600 million liters per day (MLD). Its water conveyance tunnel can further produce an estimated 2,400 MLD — all of these can lessen the current burden of the Angat Dam. Based on recent monitoring reports, the dam project was only 21 percent complete as of April 11, 2023.

adjustments in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 -- all of which, according to Bautista, were deferred.

“Nevertheless, repeated infringements on our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction; and other destabilizing actions that go against international law, the 1982 UNCLOS, and the spirit and letter of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea also necessitates the enhancement of our defense capabilities,” the country’s top diplomat added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs chief also pointed out that safeguarding the country’s rights in its own exclusive economic zone, and exercising those rights without harassment or denial of access “is as much about protecting our fisherfolk’s livelihood and ensuring their access to fishing grounds as it is about preserving our marine resources for future generations.”

In February, the DFA accused China of destabilizing peace and security in the WPS after Chinese coast guard personnel used a laser pointer against a Philippine government ship conducting a resupply mission in the Ayungin Shoal.

This prompted Mr. Marcos to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, while the DFA filed a diplomatic protest against China over the incident.

bility, services, and facilities of the two rail lines, the secretary said.

the RRU and has the power to deny or approve proposed fare adjustments.

The last approved fare hike for rail lines LRT-2 and MRT-3 was back in 2015. The LRT-1, which was privatized in 2015, has filed petitions for fare

placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, the state weather bureau said last night.

Amang maintained its strength and continued to move westward toward the northern coast of Catanduanes at about 30 kilometers per hour, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Tuesday.

The Light Rail Manila Corporation, which operates LRT-1, is allowed to apply for fare adjustments “of at least 10.25% every two years after the effectivity of the contract,” he said.

The proceeds of the increase would have been used for the technical capa-

Although Amang is predicted to remain over the coastal waters, PAGASA is not ruling out a landfall scenario in the Bicol Peninsula, adding it “may pass over or very close near Catanduanes” overnight.

Amang was 130 kilometers eastnortheast of Virac, Catanduanes at 5 p.m. yesterday, PAGASA said, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday announced that it is looking at the possibility of upgrading the alert

“The fare adjustment will help sustain the two commuter rail lines’ affordable mass transport services,” Bautista added.

The RRU, on the other hand, rejected the petition of MRT3 for a fare increase due to its failure to comply with the required notice and publication.

status of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (NDRRMO) Operations Center, with Tropical Depression Amang expected to affect a large part of the country.

“Alert status of the NDRRM Operation Center will be raised or maintained to Red or Blue,” said OCD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV in a statement.

He added that this is one of the OCD’s preparedness measures as Amang was spotted some 475 kilometers east of Virac town, Catanduanes province. Rio N. Araja

Most Filipinos favor return of ROTC—Pulse Asia

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ALARGE majority of the Filipino people favor the restoration of mandatory military training in colleges and universities as shown by a Pulse Asia Survey.

The research, commissioned by the office of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian indicated that eight out of ten respondents were for the return of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) as an academic requirement for higher education.

The survey, conducted last March 15 to 19, covering 1,200 respondents nationwide, also revealed that the highest percentage of those in favor of mandatory ROTC was recorded in Mindanao at 92 percent, followed by the Visayas with 80 percent, the National Capital Region (NCR) with 77 percent, and Luzon with 72 percent.

Only 13 percent were opposed to the ROTC, while eight percent were undecided. The rest said they don’t have enough knowledge on the subject to give an educated opinion.

Most of the pros (71 percent) said they believe that the ROTC would instill the values of discipline and responsibility among the youth, while 60 percent said it would prepare the students to defend the country, and 59 percent asserted that the ROTC will teach them leadership skills.

The survey also showed that 52 percent of those in favor believed that ROTC it will teach the youth the value of teamwork, while 40 percent said it will improve the youth’s physical fitness.

Meanwhile, 35 percent of those in favor of mandatory ROTC also said it will make young people become patriotic.

“It is clear that our people support the restoration of the ROTC is schools, said Gatchalian, co-author of Senate Bill No. 2034 or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act.

IN BRIEF

Cops need retraining on anti-terrorism law—PAO

PUBLIC Attorney’s Office (PAO)

chief Persida Acosta on Tuesday called for a retooling of policemen on the provisions of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act and RA 9406 or the PAO Law.

At a media briefing in Quezon City, Acosta clarified that Sec. 30 of RA 11479 has given PAO the duty to provide free legal aid to any person charged with or suspected of committing any acts terrorism.

Acosta, in a five-page letter, urged Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to end red-tagging of public defenders for representing in court an arrested or detained person accused of being a communist. Rio N.

Araja

DOLE to hold regional job fairs on Labor Day

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will hold a nationwide job fair and provide government assistance to honor workers on Labor Day, May 1.

The DOLE said all the activities would be held in 16 regional sites, with the National Capital Region (NCR) as the main event site.

The simultaneous job fairs would be held in various SM and Robinsons malls nationwide, while the main job fair site would be in Metro Manila.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), the labor department will host the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa to help workers access commodities at lower prices. Vito Barcelo

Ex-SBMA chief wins Asia-Pac Stevie Award

OLONGAPO CITY— Lawyer Wilma Eisma, former (SBMA) copped this year’s edition of the business innovations throughout the entire AsiaPacific region.

Eisma, who left the Subic agency in March last year following her appointment as director at the stateowned Development Bank of the Philippines, was named silver Stevie winner for “Thought Leader of the Eisma was nominated for the award category for the proactive measures she instituted as SBMA CEO before and at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, thus saving jobs and investments in Subic special economic zone. Butch Gunio

Ex-Speaker hits DOF plan to trim down pension funds of MUPs

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

DAVAO del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday expressed dismay over the Department of Finance’s (DOF) supposed plan to terminate the indexation of military and uniformed personnel (MUPs) in the face of rising pension costs.

For his part, Senator Christopher Go maintained that he is open to reforms to the pension system for the coun-

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN RITES IN TABACO CITY.

Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro heads a flag-raising and wreath-laying at the Monument of Unnamed Soldiers infront of the city hall in remembrance of the heroism and valor of World War II heroes on April 9, also called the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor.

Norman Cruz

try’s military personnel, but only if they will not adversely affect the benefits due to active and retired members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, as well as other uniformed personnel.

“It’s illegal, immoral, and cowardly for the government to alter the terms of the agreement after they gave their service to, and bled for, the country. Parang na-estafa sila niyan pag gawin yan ng gobyerno.

Mali talaga,” Alvarez said in a statement. Congress during the Duterte presidency, passed a joint resolution increasing the salaries of MUPs. The move was endorsed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Alvarez, who was the Speaker during the past administration, challenged the government to prioritize the welfare of the MUPs amid the rising cost of their pensions.

OSG insists Newsnet has no more franchise to

By Rey E. Requejo

NEWS and Entertainment Net-

work Corp. (Newsnet) could no longer be allowed to operate and granted a radio frequency after its legislative franchise expired in August 2021, according to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

OSG lawyers raised this argument in their recent pleading filed with a Court of Appeals (CA), which earlier reinstated Newsnet’s provisional authority (PA) to operate and maintain 25.35 to 26.35 GHz spectrum Local Multi-Point Distribution System (LMDS) until Oct. 1, 2021.

The CA’s Special Eleventh Division,

operate

in a decision dated Aug. 16, 2022, reversed and set aside the Feb. 9, 2021 and Aug. 21, 2021 orders of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) terminating Newsnet’s PA and directing the latter to cease and desist from operating its system under the said authority.

This decision, penned by Justice Maria Garcia-Fernandez and concurred in by Justices Tita Marilyn Payoyo-Villordon and Emily Aliño-Geluz, was the subject of a pending motion for reconsideration filed by the OSG on behalf of the NTC.

The state lawyers reiterated their request for the CA to reverse its previous

Ex-party-list solon arrested on IPC rap

POLICE arrested on Tuesday former Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Godofredo Arquiza inside the Quezon City Hall of Justice.

Initial report from the Quezon City Police District said Arquiza was arrested at around 11:30 in the morning by virtue of warrant issued by Judge Trese Dionco Wenceslao, of the Cabanatuan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 28.

Arquiza was facing violation of Section 155 of Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code (IPC) of the Philippines.

Before the arrest, Arquiza attended a hearing of his perjury case at the QC Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 38.

the hearing, the court de -

nied all motions by Arquiza, and instead reset the hearing on April 18.

Arquiza also made headlines in 2013, when the Commission on Elections (Comelec) refused to proclaim any of the nominees of his party-list, the Coalition of Association of Senior Citizens Inc., as part of the House of Representatives because of “violations of election rules and their bylaws”.

The Senior Citizen party-list apparently had two factions with a set of two nominees each. Both factions claimed to be the legitimate group.

The Comelec could not choose which of the two sets of nominees to put in the two seats won by the party. Jun David

ruling in light of the March 31, 2023 decision by the Office of the President (OP) dismissing Newsnet’s petition for review for being moot and for “utter lack of merit.”

In an urgent manifestation filed last April 5, the OSG lawyers urged the CA panel to take a cue from Malacanang in deciding the case of Newsnet, which continues to believe that it was entitled to a radio frequency despite having no legislative franchise.

Assistant Solicitor General Maria Victoria Sardillo and Associate Solicitors Camille Remoroza, Maximilian Perola and Alvin Duane Garge signed the manifestation.

“The government should not turn its back on the soldiers who have dedicated their best years in protecting the nation’s freedom and institutions,” Alvarez stated. He also asked the DOF to find a solution that honors our sacred contract with the country’s soldiers. “How about getting rid of parasites in the government who don’t even know how to say a simple thank you to our servicemen and women?”

Maguindanao Norte OIC to critics: Go to the Supreme Court

By Nash B. Maulana

COTABATO CITY--The acting governor of Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday appealed to critics opposing his presidential appointment to just follow lawyer Salvador Panelo’s advice to “go to the Supreme Court,” instead of dragging Malacanang officials into malicious insinuations.

Asked by reporters on the legal aspect of his appointment, Abdulraof Macacua, whom President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed governor of Maguindanao del Norte, said: “We agree with lawyer Sal Panelo that the right forum and the final arbiter will be the Supreme Court.”

Macacua said he didn’t care much if officials of Maguindanao del Sur would not recognize him as governor of Maguindanao del Norte, as long as the residents and the elected officials accept him and his residential appointment as officer-in-charge governor.

He said he thanked the Chief Executive for his pre-Easter appointment (April 3). Macacua added that Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim was happy to receive the news, albeit on a sad note also that he would have to leave his post as senior minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Officials and thousands of residents were visibly jubilant on Monday as they met Macacua and his family back in his home village in Gambar, Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte— from where he got his nom de guerre “Sammy Gambar” in the 1970’s.

ANTI-EDCA DEMO. Militant groups hold a protest action in front of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to oppose the holding of a projected biggest ever joint military exercise dubbed “Balikiatan” between the Philippines and the United States, involving an estimated total of 17,000 troops from both sides under the bilateral Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Manny Palmero

Mayor Francis Zamora

Japan panel eyes ending foreigner ‘trainee’ scheme

TOKYO, Japan—A Japanese government panel is set to recommend the closure of a controversial vocational training scheme for young people from developing countries, an immigration official said Tuesday.

The country’s “technical intern” program was launched three decades ago and has long been criticized by campaigners as a hotbed of abuse and discrimination.

The scheme is supposed to offer skills to overseas “trainees” in sectors such as construction, agriculture and food processing.

In a document released Monday after months of discussions, the panel highlighted the “discrepancy” between the program’s goal and the reality faced by young interns.

In 2022, the scheme had around 320,000 workers from countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and China.

It has been a valuable source of labor for Japan, which has the world’s oldest population after Monaco and strict immigration laws mainly courting highly skilled foreign workers.

But Japanese firms have been accused of treating participants as cheap, temporary workers, some of whom take on huge debts to come to Japan.

Draft recommendations by an immigration agency expert panel called for replacing the system with one that recognizes Japan’s need for labor and its wish to train people from less developed countries, the official told AFP.

The panel aims to submit its first proposals to ministers in the coming weeks before issuing an official policy recommendation after the summer, the official said. AFP

DOJ chief says Teves seeks to clear his name

By Rey E. Requejo

DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ)

Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday revealed that he had a meeting with former Negros Oriental Gov. Pryde Henry Teves before the Holy Week, in bid to clear his name over his alleged involvement in the March 4 killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others.

During their meeting. which was witnessed by several DOJ staff members, Remulla said the former governor merely repeated his public statements about his execution of a waiver to prove his innocence.

Teves’ waiver covers his bank accounts, phone records and emails.

“Actually, he’s in the process of trying to clear his name that he was not involved . . . He was not involved in this incident. He had no idea this was going to happen and that he just wants to live in peace,” Remulla said.

Teves’ elder brother Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves has been tagged by Remulla as one of the masterminds in the Degamo slay case even as investigators have yet to file a formal case against him.

Remulla said the solon served as the “executive producer” in the Degamo slay as he was the one who allegedly financed the implementation of the plot to kill Degamo.

EC decision on seafarers means ‘clean slate’ for PH

By Vince Lopez

THE European Commission’s (EC) decision to continue recognizing certificates for seafarers has given the country a “clean slate” to start with, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Tuesday said.

“First, I would like to clarify that the recognition of the Philippine government by the European Commission is a normal recognition. That means there is no condition; it is not grey matter. It is a regular recognition issued by EC, and we have a clean slate to start with,” MARINA Administrator Atty. Hernani Fabia said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“The recognition is good for ten years, subject to reassessment and mon-

itoring by the EMSA. So that’s why we have also to conduct regular training and capacity building for our stakeholders and our marine personnel,” the MARINA chief said.

Last month, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport extended its recognition of the Philippine government’s maritime education, training and certification for seafarers after taking note of the country’s actions in addressing some of

IN BRIEF

BI reports more than 6k passengers offloaded

its serious deficiencies.

In a letter received on March 31, Director-General Henrik Hololei toldMARINA that the EU Commission had assessed the actions taken by the Philippine government to address the deficiencies in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and Code.

“The outcome of the analysis allows the EU to extend the recognition of the Republic of Philippines STCW system. Nevertheless, the services of the European Commission consider that there are still issues to be addressed,” the EU official said, noting that they expect the Philippine government to continue improving in other areas of the system.

DoTr aiming to complete maintenance of 18 airports

By Vince Lopez

DEPARTMENT of Transportation

(DoTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said the agency aims to complete the maintenance of 18 airports by June, just before the 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Bautista submitted the progress report, which included aviation, road sector, and

maritime project updates, in a Press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.

“We also reported ports that will be completed before June, around 20 of these. And of course, road sector projects, which will include the construction of the mega bike lanes and there are more projects for example in the rail sector,” Bautista said.

The transportation department also

reported to the President the finalization of different contract packages for the North-South Commuter Railway, as well as contract packages for the Metro Manila Subway. The Metro Manila Subway will have 17 stations connecting Valenzuela City to Pasay City and is expected to serve over 519,000 passengers daily once it becomes operational.

BOC seizes P600-m smuggled drugs in NAIA

By Joel E. Zurbano

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) agents

seized more than P600 million worth of smuggled drugs as a result of an intensified campaign on dangerous contraband at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) during the first quarter of the year.

From January 2023 to the present, the Port of NAIA already had accomplished 15 seizures of smuggled shipments of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, and party drug ecstasy.

Most of the seized illegal drug shipments were misdeclared as toys, coffee cans, microwave ovens, boxing gloves, massage gadgets, car mufflers,

wedding dresses, chairs, baby cribs, and religious items. Just recently, Bureau of CustomsNAIA agents with the help from the agency’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) have seized more than P400 million worth shipments of smuggled shabu in a cargo warehouse.

The shipments found to contain 58.93 kilos of the prohibited substance came from Guinea, Africa.

NAIA district collector Collector Carmelita Talusan attributed the port’s accomplishments to her men and the continuing support of the CustomsXIP, CIIS, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.

MORE than 6,000 passengers have been offloaded from their flights in the first two months of 2023 amid the country’s fight against human trafficking, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported.

The BI explained that the affected passengers may have exhibited red flags which the immigration officers might have considered in denying them their right to board their flights, GMA News reported.

The 1987 Constitution guarantees Filipinos the liberty of travel, which shall not be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law. The provision covers the right to travel both within and out of the country.

However, Republic Act (RA) No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act of 2003 allows the BI to set guidelines to curb human trafficking cases.

SSS turns to solar to save on power

TO save power costs and promote the use of renewable energy, the Social Security System (SSS) plans to pilot the installation of solar panels in its central office in Quezon City.

SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet, on Tuesday said the project implementation would involve 445 solar panels with a combined capacity of 200 kilowatt-peak (kWp).

“Upon the completion of this project, we estimate to generate an average of around 18,872 kilowatthours per month, equating to a monthly savings of P200,798.08; and to reduce our carbon footprint by 9.57 tons, equivalent to planting 57.4 trees,” he said.

He added that SSS is also contemplating installing solar panels in all SSS branches nationwide, especially in areas that experience frequent power outages and charge higher costs of electric power. Rio N. Araja

Group urges support for TB cure campaign

THE TBpeople Philippines is urging the public to sign its petition as part of the “World TB Day 2023” commemoration

The group is also seeking support for its “Fast Track the Cure” campaign.

“Sign our petition now to ask world leaders and partners in the global tuberculosis (TB) response to commit to providing universal access to new, shorter, and effective six-month drugresistant TB (DR-TB) treatments by 2024,” the group, in an online petition said.

The group said nobody anywhere in the world should have to die from TB. Despite being preventable and curable, TB is one the world’s oldest and deadliest pandemics, infecting 10 million and killing 1.6 million each year, the

group said.

MOURNING. Black banners hang on the facade of Melchor Hall at the University of the Philippines - Diliman on Tuesday. The said banners symbolize students’ mourning after the UP Board of Regents elected lawyer Carlo L Vistan III as the new chancellor of UP Diliman. Vistan succeeds Dr. Fidel Nemenzo, who was seeking a second term. Manny Palmero

INTENSE

BLAZE. Some 114 individuals or 55 families have been affected by the fire that broke out 2:30 am of April 11, in Barangay Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Of the total, 112 are temporarily sheltered at the All Saints Mission School while two sought shelter from their relatives. The evacuees were provided with food, food packs, hygiene kits, and orange family kits by the concerned agencies. Bontoc EOC Photo

PBBM AND ENRILE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. talks to Presidential Legal Adviser Juan Ponce Enrile meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to discuss unified and sustained efforts to guarantee the country’s continued compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. PCO Photo

OPINION

Academics up in arms over choice of UP chancellor

SOMETHING’S brewing over at the Diliman Republic, if we’re to go by a recent photo uploaded on the Facebook Messenger app showing the UP Administration building partly shrouded in black cloth, apparently in reaction to the latest developments there.

We didn’t have to search far and wide for the reason.

Our inbox yielded a press release dated April 10 with Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, Dean of the UP College of Engineering as contact person, titled “Choice of UP Diliman chancellor challenged, UP President asked to explain.” Here’s what it said.

“Senior faculty and professors emeriti of the University of the Philippines have penned an open letter to UP President Angelo Jimenez, questioning the selection of Atty. Edgardo Carlo Vistan as UP Diliman chancellor by the UP Board of Regents, the highest governing body of the University System, on April 3.

community of accomplished academics and researchers across 27 colleges and disciplines.’

“This selection simply defies logic and goes against the standards of academic meritocracy – which we judge ourselves by – as well as elementary standards of good governance, and basic principles of organizational management,” their letter continued.

“The signatories noted the emerging pattern of choosing the country’s premiere university’s leadership:

‘The fact that the three most senior academic officials of our University –the Chancellor, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and your good self –do not hold PhDs will not go unnoticed in the international community, especially in this age of ever-rising academic standards.

‘This is not to say that you cannot be up to doing your jobs; but it will be a challenge to dispel the impression that academic achievements come secondary to other factors in UP.’

“Given the questions raised by the election, the concerned professors emeriti and faculty members urged President Jimenez to release the full report of the Search Committee, which he formed on 26 January, and to reveal his vote as well as to convince the other regents to do the same in the spirit of transparency and democratic governance.

Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Waves of anxiety remain M

ONDAY this week, China declared “successfully” completing three days of war games around Taiwan, capping a show of force that saw it simulate targeted strikes and practice a blockade of the self-ruled island.

China’s exercises were a response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last week, an encounter it had warned would provoke strong countermeasures.

Tsai met McCarthy outside Los Angeles on her way home from a visit with two allied countries in Central America.

In August last year, China deployed warships, missiles and fighter jets around Taiwan in its largest show of force in years following a trip to the island by McCarthy’s predecessor Nancy Pelosi.

Tsai meeting with McCarthy in the United States, rather than in Taiwan, has been viewed by diplomatic and military observers as a compromise that would underscore support for the island but avoid inflaming tensions with Beijing.

After three days of exercises, the Chinese military said it had “successfully completed” tasks related to its “Joint Sword” drills which the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Command said “comprehensively tested the integrated joint combat ability of multiple military branches under actual combat conditions.”

PLA’s statement said troops were “ready for battle and can fight at any time, and will resolutely smash any form of ‘Taiwan

“41 signatories, composed of professors emeriti, officials and former officials, stated: ‘We are disheartened at the outcome and the manner by which the Board of Regents decided on the chancellorship of the University of the Philippines Diliman in utter disregard of the overwhelming sentiments and choice of the UP community.’

“The open letter comes a week after Vistan, an assistant professor who joined UP Diliman in 2015 and had only finished two years as Dean of the College of Law, was catapulted to the top academic and administrative position in UP Diliman by the 11-person BOR in an executive session and through secret balloting.

“Vistan was up against Dr. Fidel Nemenzo who, as chancellor from 2020-2023 led UP Diliman through the pandemic and was perceived as the frontrunner, having gotten the endorsements of colleges and members of the community. On April 1, four regents, including the student, faculty, and staff representatives, publicly declared their vote for Nemenzo.

The signatories also compared the academic and administrative qualifications of the three nominees, which included Dr. Victor Paz of the School of Archaeology, and found that the BOR chose ‘the most junior candidate with the least experience, preparation, and credentials to lead a

“The signatories reminded Jimenez, who was appointed UP President on February 10: ‘As the Chief Academic Officer, Head of the Faculty, and Chief Executive Officer of the University of the Philippines System, you have been entrusted to stand by, if not promote, the interests of constituent universities as well as defend the integrity and autonomy of the University against vested interests, undue external pressure, and outside influence.’

“The BOR elects the chancellors and deans of the 17 constituent universities of the UP System. Besides Jimenez and the sectoral regents who are selected by their respective constituencies, the other regents: the Commission on Higher Education chair who is concurrently the BOR chair; the heads of the Senate and House and Representatives education committees; and three members appointed by Malacañang.

“The full copy of the open letter can be downloaded from bit.ly/ PAJOpenLetter”

Hmm.

Are we seeing here the beginning of a broad movement to “defend the integrity and autonomy of the University against vested interests, undue external pressure, and outside influence” in the days ahead?

And if it does, how will the national government respond to what appears to be popular clamor for changes in the way top UP officials are chosen?

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

independence’ separatism and foreign interference attempts.”

The war games saw Beijing simulate targeted strikes on Taiwan and encirclement of the island, including “sealing” it off, and a state media report said dozens of planes had practiced an “aerial blockade.”

One of China’s two aircraft carriers-the Shandong--also “participated in the exercise,” the military said.

The United States, which had repeatedly called for China to show restraint, on Monday sent the USS Milius guided-missile

destroyer through contested parts of the South China Sea.

“This freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea,” the US Navy said in a statement.

It added the vessel had passed near the Spratly Islands--an archipelago claimed by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. It is about 1,300 kilometers from Taiwan.

The deployment of the Milius immediately triggered a condemnation from China, which said the vessel had “illegally intruded” into its territorial waters.

Separately, Beijing warned that Taiwanese independence and cross-strait peace were “mutually exclusive,” blaming Taipei and unnamed “foreign forces” supporting it for the tensions.

Close Chinese ally Russia defended the drills, with a Kremlin spokesperson saying Beijing had a “sovereign right” to respond to what Moscow called “provocative acts.” China and Taiwan split at the end of a civil war in 1949. China views the democratic island as part of its territory and has vowed to take it one day.

The United States has been deliberately cryptic on whether it would defend Taiwan militarily.

But for decades it has sold weapons to Taipei to help ensure its self-defense and offered political support. In the meanwhile, capillary waves are causing pins and needles in the Sea of Japan, the East Sea, the Luzon Strait, which connects the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea.

Belfast’s ‘peace walls’ still stand 25 years after conflict

By Anna Cuenca

STRETCHING high into the sky, the barrier between communities around the republican Falls Road and loyalist Shankill Road is the most imposing example of Belfast’s so-called peace walls. Built in 1968 by the British army to separate the pro-Ireland republicans from pro-UK loyalists at the outset of decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, the 14-meter metal structure still standing today is covered in graffiti.

And the wall, an enduring symbol of the divisions that have continued to plague the province despite the end of the conflict in 1998, has become a somber tourist attraction.

“I didn’t realise there were so many walls still standing, definitely not 25 years later,” Lori Castillo, an American tourist, told AFP as she smiled and signed her name on the wall.

The wall is one of 75 in Belfast, which collectively stretch 13 kilometers in length.

In 2013, Northern Ireland’s devolved government set itself a 10-year deadline to tear down the walls.

But the goal, opposed by residents who say they still need the physical and psychological protection given by the barriers, remains far out of reach.

“They are still a safety mechanism for people,” said Ian Shanks, head of Action for Community Transformation, which works to reintegrate former loyalist paramilitary fighters.

Michael Culbert, an ex-paramilitary member imprisoned for 16 years for killing British soldiers who now helps rehabilitate former republican prisoners while offering tours of west Belfast, noted there “could be lots of reasons” for their perceived need.

“They don’t maybe trust the peace process,” said the former member of the Irish Republican Army.

‘My enemy’ According to Rob McCallum, a Catholic association leader in an area of north Belfast where the two communities interface, there was “never a plan in place” to remove the walls. His job is to try to build mutual trust, he explained, because in a segregated community, “you may grow up thinking all the people on the other side are my enemy.”

“You have to travel the whole way around.”

According to Byrne, the walls have become “magnets for violence and social disorder.”

In April 2021, they served as flashpoints in Belfast for clashes between the communities as tensions over post-Brexit trade rules boiled over.

“Particularly young people, if they’re looking to engage in what we’ve often called recreational rioting, they will come to points here where they can get a reaction from (the) other community,” Byrne said. ‘Twin track’

McCallum explained that while some want the walls dismantled, others remain stuck psychologically “20 or 30 years ago, depending on the impact that the troubles had on them”.

Failure to remove the walls is a legacy of “missed opportunities”, Byrne said.

“The communities where the walls exist are some of the most socially deprived in Northern Ireland. They have been the most affected by the conflict and yet they haven’t seen some of the big benefits,” he added.

In Belfast’s modern center, loyalist Protestant and republican Catholic communities mix freely.

But in a patchwork of working-class areas across the city, communities can live side by side but completely segregated.

Streets meet an abrupt end where they run into one of the barriers. Gates are opened within their structures to allow movement during the day, but close at fixed times in the evening until early morning.

And while families that have lived with the walls for generations pay them little notice, they inevitably impede mobility.

“If something happens, say after nine o’clock, you can’t just get through the other community to the hospital,” criminal justice expert Jonny Byrne said.

The Ulster University expert said the lack of real benefit since 1998 to working-class communities compared to the rest of society had created a “twin-track peace process”.

In Belfast, 97 percent of social housing remains segregated along community lines.

Shanks said pro-UK unionists had not “reaped benefits from the Good Friday Agreement” of 1998.

“We were told... local communities would thrive, major investment would be put into them and we’d have this great kind of loop and sadly that hasn’t materialized,” he said.

Many unionists, he explained, would not be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the peace agreement and many from the community who voted for it then would not vote for it now— “and that would be very worrying.” AFP

National Artists Abad, Almario grace NCLA lit conference in Lingayen

Narratives Vol. 1, intended as a textbook for literature classes. I am honored to have one of my award-winning short stories published there, “How I Spent My U.S. Vacation.”

personalities to the regions, where they can share so much.

establish an undergraduate dual degree program.

CONGRATULATIONS to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Literary Arts (NCLA) on its successful conduct of a literary conference in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Titled “Panitikan ng Panumduman (Literature of Memory),” the conference delved into three strands: Klima (Climate), Kuwerpo (Body), and Kronika (Chronicle).

The two-day public plenary event held March 24-25 featured two National Artists for Literature, Dr. Gémino H. Abad and Prof. Virgilio Almario as the keynote speakers along with Dr. Mahar Lagmay Jr., executive director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute and one of the developers of weather forecasting service Project NOAH.

Among the activities were tributes to Pangasinan literary stalwarts National Artist F. Sionil Jose, Carlos Bulosan, and Maria Magsano, as well as a launch of four literary publications by the NCLA.

One of the books launched was the 21st Century Philippine Literature Reader: Prose

The conference featured stellar scholars from across the country, among them, as moderators, Dr. Joyce Arriola (an outgoing NCLA officer), Dr. Luna Sicat-Cleto, and Dr. Priscilla Macansantos (recently named a National Book Award finalist for her collection of essays “Departure”).

Among the many presenters were prolific writers and researchers Dr. Genevieve Asenjo, Dr. Edgar Calabia Samar, Ms. Honeylet Alerta, and Dr. Joey Tabula.

I was also glad to have the chance to present my paper on Philippine horseracing as a construct of collective memory (pamanang gunita).

The event was among the NCCA’s activities celebrating National Arts Month (February). It was coordinated by NCLA outgoing head Dr. Julieta C. Mallari and incoming head Mr. Niles Jordan Breis.

Thanks to Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, and their staff who showed us their kind hospitality, and allowing the NCLA the use of the magnificent Sison Auditorium that is the best conference hall I have ever seen in the country to date. The food was excellent, and the hosts took the opportunity to showcase the best of

Resident writers can partner with writers and cultural workers from the area to come up with books of local history, short stories, poetry, and essays on topics and themes rooted in the region

Pangasinan cuisine, particularly their bangus, tamales, and other dishes.

That’s one of my fondest memories of that event, along with seeing NAs Abad and Almario deluged with requests for selfies and autographs by the students of Pangasinan State University who attended the event, some 200 of them. Abad and Almario were treated like the (literary) rock stars that they are.

This appreciation by the young people of these stalwarts of Philippine belles lettres is a signal that we need many more such outreach events. Let’s bring the NAs and other

Perhaps the incoming NCLA can spearhead more conferences all over the country this year.

I also proposed to Mayor Bataoil a residency program for writers that was well received by Pangasinan educator and cultural worker Dr. Linda Andaya-Grubb, who asked for a proposal.

I hope that we can come to an arrangement on this program not only with Lingayen but with other LGUs across the country.

A writers residency program will feature writers from all over the country visiting a certain area for a month or two, for the purpose of having the space and inspiration to complete a research or creative work.

Their stay will be sponsored by the LGU.

Resident writers can partner with writers and cultural workers from the area to come up with books of local history, short stories, poetry, and essays on topics and themes rooted in the region. This would help LGUs, particularly those with significant tourism initiatives, to ramp up production of books and materials on their local culture and history.

Governors and mayors, please feel free to email me if you would like to support this idea in your province/city/town.

* * *

The Asian Institute of Management has partnered with the University of Houston to

Last March 15, AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, & Entrepreneurship (ASITE) through AIM President and Dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang and UH’s C.T. Bauer College of Business through Dean Dr. Paul Pavlou signed an agreement for a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Business Administration (BSDSBA) and Bachelor of Business Administration Major in Management Information Systems (BBAMIS) double degree program.

This is a “first-of-its-kind double degree undergraduate program in the country…and the region,” AIM said.

It is among their initial forays into offering programs for undergraduate students.

The program will be taught by faculty from AIM and UH.

The first three years of the program will be held at the AIM Campus in Makati, Philippines with one online class per semester taught by UH.

For their senior year, students have the option of attending classes onsite at UH with a 12-month visa and the opportunity to pursue optional practical training in the U.S. after graduation.

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

In Belfast, 97 percent of social housing remains segregated along community lines

of a broad movement to ‘defend the integrity and autonomy of the University against vested interests, undue external pressure, and outside influence’ in the days ahead?

Capillary waves are causing ;pins and needles in the Sea of Japan, the East Sea, and the Luzon Strait, which connects the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea

LOUISVILLE—A 25-year-old bank employee opened fire at his workplace Monday in Louisville, in the US state of Kentucky, killing five people and wounding at least eight others in a livestreamed attack before police shot and killed him.

After an initial death toll of four, Louisville authorities announced in the evening that a fifth victim, a 57-year-old woman, had died of her injuries.

Police identified the gunman in the latest US mass killing as a white man named Connor Sturgeon and said he was an employee of Old National Bank, located downtown in Kentucky’s largest city.

After receiving reports of gunfire in the bank at 8:38 am (1238 GMT), police were on the scene within three minutes. The suspect shot at officers, who

Punching Pooh: unofficial badge all the rage in Taiwan

TAIPEI—Patriotic badges showing Winnie the Pooh being punched in the face by a Taiwanese black bear—a humorous dig at China’s leader Xi Jinping—have gone viral across the self-ruled island.

The iron-on patches being worn by some of Taiwan’s air force pilots are a defiant message to Xi, who is often satirised for looking like the honey-loving cartoon bear.

“It’s amazing. It’s the happiest thing in recent days,” social media user Mark Sasha Liang said on Facebook.

Chen Kai-chu, another fan, said: “Wear this to go through Chinese customs.”

China, which claims the island as part of its territory, launched three days of massive war games on Saturday that involved simulating attacks on democratic Taiwan.

The show of force from Beijing was a response to Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last week.

Taiwan’s defence ministry released a series of images and videos during the drills to show off its military preparedness.

One picture in particular, of an airforce pilot inspecting a fighter jet, immediately caught the eye of social media users.

They noticed on the sleeve of his jacket a patch featuring an illustration of a flagwielding Formosan black bear pounding Winnie the Pooh.

The discovery set off a social media storm.

Two of the badges have the word “scramble” at the bottom, one of them also proclaiming “we are open 24/7.” AFP

returned fire and killed him, interim police chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel told an afternoon press conference.

“His weapon of choice was a rifle,” she said without specifying if it was an assault weapon of the kind often used in the massacres that have become tragically common in the United States.

Gwinn-Villaroel confirmed that the shooter, whose age was at first reported as 23 but later updated by police to 25, had broadcast live video of the attack on Instagram.

A spokesperson for Meta, the so-

cial media app’s parent company, told AFP that it was “in touch with law enforcement and quickly removed the livestream of this tragic incident this morning.”

There was no immediate word on the suspect’s motive, but CNN cited a law enforcement source as saying he had just been informed he was losing his job.

Gwinn-Villaroel said that three people were in critical condition, including a police officer who took a bullet to the head.

One of those victims later succumbed to her injuries, the Louisville Police Department said, adding to another woman and three men killed in the attack -- all aged between 40 and 64 years old.

One of the men killed, Tommy Elliot, 63, was a friend of the Louisville mayor and of the Democratic governor

of Kentucky. The latter said he once ran a campaign out of the building where the shooting took place.

“Tommy Elliott helped me build my law career. Helped me become governor. Gave me advice on being a good dad,” Andy Beshear told the news conference, visibly shaken.

“He was an incredible friend,” the governor said.

This was the latest spasm in a gun crisis that has left more than 4,900 people dead of firearm-related violence already in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

President Joe Biden -- who is pushing for lawmakers in Washington to break a years-long deadlock and take action against gun violence -- voiced frustration after the latest “senseless” killings.

“Too many Americans are paying for the price of inaction with their lives,”

5 killed, 8 hurt in Kentucky bank shooting IN BRIEF

Biden wrote on Twitter, adding: “When will Republicans in Congress act to protect our communities?”

The White House later said that Biden had spoken by phone with Beshear. Windows ‘blown out’

The incident triggered a massive police deployment outside the Old National Bank building.

CNN reported that some people had been able to take refuge in the bank vault and lock themselves in -- contacting police from inside.

Fox affiliate WDRB cited a witness saying she heard multiple gunshots and breaking glass while in her car at an intersection near the site.

“Gunfire erupted, like, right over my head,” said the woman, who gave her name only as Debbie. “When I turned, I saw that one of the windows in the bank had been blown out,” she added. AFP

Macron visits Dutch amid US-China row

AMSTERDAM—French President Emmanuel Macron begins a state visit to the Netherlands on Tuesday featuring a speech on Europe that will be keenly watched after his controversial remarks on its ties with the US and China.

Macron, freshly returned from a visit to China last week, sparked criticism after saying in an interview published Sunday that Europe must not be a “follower” of either Washington or Beijing on Taiwan.

His comments threaten to overshadow a two-day visit to the Netherlands that is meant to highlight a new dynamic between Paris and The Hague after the turning point of Brexit.

ANOTHER US SHOOTING. Law enforcement officers respond to an active shooter at the Old National Bank building on April 10 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. According to reports, there were five fatalities and eight injuries. The shooter died at the scene. AFP

PM Netanyahu vows to restore security in Israel

TEL AVIV—Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to restore security “on all fronts” after surging violence that included rocket fire from Lebanon and Syria and two more deaths on Monday.

Netanyahu also reinstated the defence minister whose firing he announced last month.

Heavy clashes, shootings, rocket strikes and a car-ramming attack have marred a period when the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter.

The latest casualties were a Palestinian teenager and a British-Israeli mother who succumbed on Monday to injuries from a West Bank gun attack that earlier killed her two daughters.

The day after Israeli police on Wednesday stormed the prayer hall of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque—Islam’s third-holiest site—more than 30 rockets were fired from Lebanese soil into Israel.

The Israeli army said the attack was most likely carried out by the Palestinian armed movement Hamas.

Israel then bombarded the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, targeting “terror infrastructures” it said belonged to Hamas.

“We will not allow the terrorist Hamas to establish itself in Lebanon”, by acting on “all fronts”, Netanyahu said at a news conference Monday.

Israeli-Palestinian violence had already intensified since Netanyahu’s

new government took power in December, a coalition with extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties.

The latest surge came late last month after he announced a “pause” for dialogue on judicial reform legislation, which split the nation and caused divisions in his government.

Among the political casualties was Yoav Gallant, whom the prime minister dismissed on March 26 after he called for a halt to the legislative process, citing national security concerns and threats by reserve military personnel not to report for duty.

Netanyahu is currently battling very low levels of domestic popularity. A recent survey showed him likely to lose if an election were held now. AFP

‘Catastrophic’ doctors’ strike poised over England’s public health service

LONDON—The public health service in England was on Tuesday braced for “the most disruptive industrial action” in its history as junior doctors walk out over pay and working conditions.

The National Health Service (NHS) has been hit by waves of strikes in recent months as soaring inflation eats into wages and pandemic backlogs coupled with staff shortages increase workloads.

But the four-day walkout by junior doctors threatens to be the most serious action yet, with national medical director of NHS England Stephen Powis warning it will pile “immense pressures” on the service.

“This is set to be the most disruptive industrial action in NHS history, and the

Kim Jong Un calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence

yang.

SEOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for expanding the country’s war deterrence capabilities in a “more practical and offensive” way, state media said Tuesday, to counter what it called “frantic” aggression by the United States and South Korea.

Pyongyang has opened the year with a flurry of weapons tests, including what state media has claimed are nuclear-capable underwater drones and the launch of two intercontinental ballistic missiles.

On Monday, Kim attended a meeting of the Central Military Commission to discuss ways to “cope with the escalating moves of the US im-

perialists and the south Korean puppet traitors to unleash a war of aggression,”

Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency said.

Kim ordered that the country’s deterrence capabilities be strengthened with “increasing speed” and in a “more practical and offensive” manner.

North Korea last year declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power, effectively ending the possibility of denuclearisation talks.

Earlier this year, Kim ordered the military to intensify drills to prepare for a “real war”.

In response, Washington and Seoul have intensified defence cooperation, staging joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and high-profile US strategic assets.

North Korea views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion, and on Tuesday described them as “frantic” drills “simulating an all-out war against” Pyong-

strikes tomorrow will bring immense pressures, coming on the back of a challenged extended bank holiday weekend for staff and services,” he said on Monday.

“Emergency, urgent and critical care will be prioritised but some patients will unfortunately have had their appointments postponed.”

Up to a quarter of a million appointments could be postponed, according to the NHS Confederation, which represents the whole healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Family doctors are reported by British media to be closed for appointments for up to a week, as GPs are drafted in to provide cover for junior doctors. AFP

South Korea on Tuesday also accused North Korea of being “irresponsible” after Pyongyang cut hotline contact with Seoul last week.

For five days, North Korea has not answered the twice-daily calls made through a military hotline and an interKorean liaison channel, South Korean Unification Minister Kwon Young-se told reporters.

The links were cut a day after Seoul accused Pyongyang of continued unauthorised use of a joint industrial complex in the North Korean city of Kaesong.

South Korea said North Korea had refused to accept its notice to cease activity at the factory, which was once a symbol of reconciliation.

Seoul pulled out of the venture in 2016 following a North Korean nuclear test, saying the complex was helping to fund Pyongyang’s weapons programmes. AFP

Macron, who is accompanied by his wife Brigitte and seven ministers, will dine with Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, see the hot-ticket Johannes Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and meet Prime Minister Mark Rutte on a canal boat.

But eyes will now be on the French president’s speech on “European sovereignty” in security and economic matters on Tuesday afternoon at the Dutch Nexus institute in The Hague.

He will use the address to present “a doctrine of economic security” against China and the United States, amid European unease over US climate subsidies. AFP

UN chief Guterres in Somalia anew

MOGADISHU—UN Secretary-General

Antonio Guterres arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday to kick off a brief visit to Somalia, a country scarred by protracted armed conflict and climate disasters.

Guterres was given a red-carpet welcome at the capital’s airport by Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Huruse who posted pictures of the event on Twitter.

Somalia has imposed a security lockdown on Mogadishu for the visit, with most roads closed and public transport restricted.

Guterres’s trip comes with the country in the grip of a calamitous drought that has driven many to the brink of famine, while the government is also engaged in a major offensive to put down a bloody Islamist insurgency.

The UN chief, who previously visited Somalia in March 2017, is due to hold talks with political leaders and visit a camp for internally displaced people, according to local media reports.

The United Nations has launched a $2.6 billion appeal for humanitarian aid for the troubled Horn of Africa nation, but it is currently only 13 percent funded.

Five straight failed rainy seasons in parts of Somalia as well as Kenya and Ethiopia have led to the worst drought in four decades, wiping out livestock and crops and forcing at least 1.7 million people from their homes in search of food and water. AFP

RESTLESS YOUTH. Masked youths attack a Police land rover with petrol bombs after Republicans took part in a march to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising, in the Creggan area of Derry (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland on April 10. US President Joe Biden will arrive in Belfast Tuesday to launch high-profile commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the deal that brought peace to Northern Ireland. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

PACKING A PUNCH. This picture shows patches depicting a Formosan black bear holding a Taiwanese flag punching Winnie the Pooh at a shop in Taoyuan on April 11. The iron-on patches being worn by some of Taiwan’s air force pilots are a defiant message to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, often satirized for looking like Pooh bear. AFP

Stocks, peso decline; BDO leads advancers

PSEi April 11, 2023

TOP GAINERS

STOCKS and the Philippine peso fell Tuesday after a long holiday period following the release of government data showing double-digit decline in exports and imports in February.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, shed 8 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 6,479.63 as four of the six subsectors declined. It was also down 1.32 percent since the start of this year’s trading.

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

The broader all-share index also went down by 6 points, or 0.20 percent, to settle at 3,479.86 on a value turnover of P5.37 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 106 to 61, while 63 issues were unchanged.

Four of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by BDO Unibank Inc. which climbed 4.67 percent to P130.00 and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company which rose 1.30 percent to P58.30.

The peso retreated nearly 1 percent to close at 54.93 against the US dollar from 54.40 on April 5 before the Easter break.

Meanwhile, Asian and European markets mostly rose Tuesday after an Easter

break that thinned trading volumes in the region, with focus now turning to the release of US inflation data later in the week.

The consumer and wholesale price reports due follow Friday figures that showed a continued healthy rise in jobs creation, reinforcing expectations of another Federal Reserve interest rate hike next month.

But the jobs report also soothed concerns that the world’s top economy was slowing too fast and could be on course for a recession, after last week’s sub-par manufacturing and services sector activity numbers.

However, analysts warned that the 236,000 jobs announced Friday could

Australia hails near breakthrough in trade dispute with China

SYDNEY—Australia said Tuesday it was inching closer to “stabilizing” its fraught relationship with China, as the two countries moved to solve a festering trade dispute over barley exports.

The once-cozy trading relationship has soured in recent years as Australia sought closer military ties with the United States and China vied for influence in the Pacific.

Beijing slapped hefty tariffs on key commodities such as barley, beef and wine in 2020 at the height of a bitter dispute inflamed by Australia’s former conservative government.

Australia retaliated by complaining to the World Trade Organization, alleging China had breached international obligations by artificially jacking up tariffs “without justification”.

But the country’s center-left govern-

ment has adopted a far less confrontational stance since its election in May last year, prioritizing the resumption of trade.

In the latest sign of thawing tensions between the countries, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia would be temporarily suspending its complaint after China had agreed to review its barley tariffs.

“We have made it clear that we believe there’s no justification for the measures that China introduced in relation to barley,” she told reporters.

“We have also made clear that we believe it is in both countries’ interests for these trade impediments to be removed.”

Wong, who visited Beijing in December, said this demonstrated Australia was slowly “stabilizing the relationship

with China”.

The tariffs, as well as an unofficial ban on Australian coal, are estimated to have cost more than Aus$5 billion (US$3.47 billion) in lost revenue from China.

Meanwhile, Beijing has confirmed that Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu will travel to Australia later this week, making him one of the most senior officials to visit in years.

Australia faces a difficult balancing act -- China is its largest trading partner, but the United States is a crucial military ally.

Canberra angered Beijing in March by announcing it would purchase nuclear-powered submarines from the United States as part of an ambitious plan to bulk up Western muscle in the AsiaPacific. AFP

Global PC shipments plunged 29% in first quarter on rough economy

SAN

FRANCISCO—Ship-

ments of Apple Macs plunged during the first quarter of this year as the global personal computer market suffered due to tough economic conditions, market research reports said on Monday.

Weak demand, excess inventory, and a worsening macroeconomic climate contributed to a “precipitous drop in shipments of traditional PCs” in the first three months of this year, according to the report from IDC.

PC shipments globally tallied 56.9 million, some 29 percent less than the same period a year earlier, the research firm said.

Shipments of Apple Mac computers, which are in the premium segment of the market, shrank more than 40 percent in the quarter, IDC and Canalys, another research firm, reported.

“Consumers and businesses will remain cautious about outlays on new PCs in the short term,” said Canalys analyst Ishan Dutt.

“Demand across all customer segments remains dampened, with more pressure arising from further interest rate increases in the US, Europe and other markets, where reducing inflation is a top priority.” Lenovo had the largest share of the PC market with slightly more than 22 per-

Global PC shipments plunged 29% in first quarter on rough economy

An Apple store cent, despite shipments slipping 30 percent when compared with the same quarter a year earlier, the market trackers reported. The declines represented “a coda to the era of Covid-driven demand” for PCs and a return to a pre-pandemic trend, according to IDC.

The PC market was expected to improve later in the year as the global economy improves and consumers become interested in upgrading to the latest Windows operating system.

“By 2024, an aging installed base will start coming up for

mark the last report to top 200,000 for some time and that it could turn negative within months.

“It does appear the US payrolls have seemingly steadied the ship after the market got a bit out-of-step with, or at least over-extrapolating, an imminent recession from the gloomy... data last week,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes. Wall Street provided a broadly positive lead, with all three main indexes recovering from early deep losses. The Dow and S&P 500 chalked up gains though the Nasdaq finished marginally lower.

Still, most of Asia enjoyed an upbeat day. With AFP

All China-made AI to undergo security check

BEIJING, China—All new artificial intelligence products developed in China will be required to undergo a “security assessment” before being released to the public, a new draft law by the country’s internet regulator showed Tuesday.

“Before providing services to the public that use generative AI products, a security assessment shall be applied for through national internet regulatory departments,” the draft law, released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, reads.

The draft law -- dubbed “Administrative Measures for Generative Artificial Intelligence Services” -- aims to ensure “the healthy development and standardized application of generative AI technology”, it read.

AI generated content, it continued, must “reflect core socialist values, and must not contain content on subversion of state power.”

It must also not contain, among other things, “terrorist or extremist propaganda”, “ethnic hatred” or “other content that may disrupt economic and social order.”

The Cyberspace Administration of China said it was seeking public input on the contents of the new regulations, which under Beijing’s highly centralized political system are almost certain to become law.

The fresh regulations come as a flurry of Chinese companies including Alibaba, JD.com, Netease and TikTok-parent Bytedance rush to develop services that can mimic human speech since San Francisco-based OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November, sparking a gold rush in the market.

China has announced ambitious plans to become a global leader in the field of AI by 2030, and consul-

Tesla sued over workers’ access to video images

SAN FRANCISCO, USA—A Tesla owner is seeking class action status for a lawsuit accusing the automaker of allowing its workers to use intimate or embarrassing imagery captured by the electric vehicles for “tasteless entertainment.”

San Francisco resident Henry Yeh filed the suit in federal court on Friday, in the wake of a Reuters report citing former Tesla staff who said video or pictures had been accessed from people’s cars.

Tesla employees “circulated recordings of Tesla customers in private and embarrassing situations, without their consent,” courtesy of sophisticated camera systems built into the cars, a court filing contended. Examples listed in the suit included a naked man walking toward a Tesla and road-rage incidents.

A video showing a Tesla hitting a child on a bicycle quickly spread around a Tesla office in Silicon Valley, the court filing said.

refresh,” said IDC Devices and Displays research vice president Linn Huang. “If the economy is trending upwards by then, we expect significant market upside...If recession in key markets drags on into next year, recovery could be a slog.” AFP

It added that Tesla employees had shared pictures of people’s pets, making some into “memes” embellished with commentary before being posted in group chats. Cameras in vehicles captured “highly-invasive videos and images” which were used for “the tasteless and tortious entertainment” of Tesla employees, the suit maintained.

The activity dates back to at least 2019, according to the filing. The lawsuit asks the court to order Tesla to stop the “wrongful behavior” and pay unspecified damages. AFP

STOCK TRADERS. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on April 10, 2023 in New York City. The stock market opened low after coming off an up and down week that ended with a report from the Labor Department that showed the unemployment rate down to 3.5 percent and the US economy adding 236,000 jobs in March. AFP

BUSINESS

Foreign investments fell 45.7% in January

By Julito G. Rada

NET inflows of foreign direct investments fell 45.7 percent in January to $448 million from $824 million a year ago as higher inflation and interest rates impacted investors’ sentiment, latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

The BSP said in a statement Tuesday the slowdown resulted from the decrease in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments and equity capital. Non-residents’ reinvestment of earnings increased slightly.

“FDI net inflows declined during the

IN BRIEF

Benguet Corp. recorded

P4.03b in 2022 revenues

LISTED miner Benguet Corp. said Tuesday it registered P4.03 billion in consolidated revenues in 2022, surpassing by 5 percent the P3.84 billion in posted in the previous year.

The revenues were sourced mainly from nickel, gold and lime sales. The company sustained its strong performance with operating income rising from P1.57 billion in 2021 to P1.66 billion in 2022. After tax net income reached P1.33 billion in 2022, compared to P1.42 billion in 2021 as fluctuations in non-cash revaluation adjustments decreased. It said the 2022 performance was still commendable given the economic volatility due to pandemic hangover.

The upward trend was supported by elevated metal prices and favorable foreign exchange that prevailed through most of the year.

The company’s nickel subsidiary Benguetcorp Resources Management Corp. was the recipient of Platinum Achievement AwardSurface Mining Operation Category, while its Irisan Lime Project was awarded Safest Mineral Processing-Calcining Plant Category Award – Runner-up during the 68th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference on November 18, 2022.

These awards are testament to BC’s sustainability endeavors and commitment as a responsible mining company.

Manufacturing output

posts

slower growth of 7.2%

ELEVATED inflation and higher interest rates resulted in a slower growth of the manufacturing sector in February 2023, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show.

The PSA said the volume of production index recorded a year-on-year increase of 7.2 percent in February, slower than the 11.2-percent rise in January.

The manufacture of food products contributed 29.7 percent to the downtrend of VoPI in February. Other main drivers to the decline were manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, -14.2 percent from -6.9 percent; and manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products, -2.7 percent from 17.8 percent.

The value of production index went up 11.1 percent in February, but slower than the 16-percent expansion in January.

“The manufacture of food products contributed 29.9 percent to the downtrend of VaPI for the manufacturing sector in February 2023. Out of the 22 industry divisions for the manufacturing sector, manufacture of food products had the highest weight in the computation of VaPI,” the PSA said. Julito

G. Rada

MPIC wins gold at Asia Integrated Reporting Awards

METRO Pacific Investments Corp., the country’s leading infrastructure investments conglomerate, bagged the gold award for first time category at the 8th Asia Integrated Reporting Awards which is widely considered as the most distinguished accolade for integrated reporting in the region. MPIC, in a virtual awards ceremony, was recognized alongside other integrated reporting leaders in Asia, celebrating best practices in integrated reporting and communications. Communicating MPIC’s value creation process through its maiden integrated report follows global frameworks and standards that cater to the needs of its investors and shareholders.

“This integrated annual report reflects our dedication to transparency, as well as our efforts to deliver long-term value to all our stakeholders,” said MPIC chairman, president and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan. “This recognition from AIRA inspires us to do even more to elevate sustainability practices, which will not only benefit our immediate stakeholders, but also the country-at-large.”

The virtual awards ceremony began with an opening address by Kara Owen, the British High Commissioner to Singapore. Tom Moody, regional director for South East Asia for climate and energy and Charis Yeap, regional lead for green finance at the British High Commission in Singapore, and Elaine Cohen, a well-respected sustainability reporting expert and a member of the ASRA judging panel, presented the awards.

month amid global economic uncertainties and high inflation, which continued to weigh on investor decisions,” the BSP said.

It said that by country source, equity capital placements came mostly from Japan, Singapore and the United States. These were invested largely in manu-

facturing, financial and insurance and real estate industries.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the January 2023 FDI net inflows were the lowest since May 2021.

Ricafort said higher inflation was one of the causes of decline “that fundamentally led to the rising trend in short-term interest rates and still relatively higher long-term interest rates in the US/globally/locally recently that increased borrowing costs.” He also underscored the risk of recession in the US. He said these factors dragged FDIs. He said net FDIs could pick up in the coming months as the economy reopened towards greater nor-

malcy and the economy was expected to have one of the fastest growth rates in the region. Net FDI inflows contracted by 23.2 percent in 2022 to $9.2 billion from the record $12-billion in 2021 amid the sluggish global growth and elevated inflation. The 2022 net inflows, however, surpassed the target for the year of $8.5 billion.

The BSP statistics on FDI are compiled based on the balance of payments and international investment position manual, 6th edition.

FDIs include investment by a nonresident direct investor in a resident enterprise, whose equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent and investment

Private equity firm Navegar eyes more investments in PH

By Othel V. Campos MANILA-BASED private equity

firm

Navegar announced Tuesday it is eyeing major investments in fast-growing businesses in the Philippines.

Navegar co-founder and managing partner Nori Poblador said the equity firm is optimistic about the continued postpandemic recovery of the economy and planned to ramp up investments, despite macroeconomic concerns.

“The underlying factors that have propelled the country’s economic growth over the last 10 years remain intact, and excluding 2020, GDP has grown consistently at 5 percent or above, often ranking among the highest in Southeast Asia. The future looks even brighter with annual GDP growth projected to climb to 6.5 percent to 8 percent between 2024 and 2028,

per the Development Budget Coordination Committee,” he said. He said the driving force of the steady and robust performance is a strong domestic consumption, underpinned by a large, well-educated and youthful population of 114 million that continues to grow at a rate of 1.7 percent annually. This year, consumer spending is expected to be boosted by higher employment levels, personal income tax cuts and minimum wage increases.

The firm said the government’s support across fiscal policy, infrastructure and various industries created a stable business environment, drawing more interest and raising confidence among investors. Navegar co-founder and managing partner Javier Infante said the company is a firm believer in Filipino entrepreneurs and

Merchandise exports and imports plummeted in February

THE country’s merchandise exports and imports fell at double-digit rates in February amid a challenging global economic environment.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed Tuesday that trade deficit eased by 2.7 percent in February to $3.876 billion from $3.984 billion a year ago.

Export sales in February reached $5.08 billion, reflecting an annual decline of 18.1 percent, while imports dropped 12.1 percent to $8.95 billion.

This brought the total export earnings in the first two months to

$10.332 billion, down by 15.6 percent from the $12.25 billion in the same period last year.

By commodity group, electronic products continued to be the country’s top export in February with total earnings of $2.68 billion and accounted for 52.7 percent of the total. This was followed by other manufactured goods with an export value of $337.18 million (6.6 percent); and ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircrafts and ships which amounted to $239.52 million (4.7 percent).

Total imports value in the first two

their ability to not only build successful, resilient companies but also affect positive change in society at large—creating jobs, championing innovation and fueling the economy over time.

“In the face of the pandemic, we witnessed many of our portfolio companies weather the storm and emerge even stronger with improved operations, enhanced products and services, and greater profits. Beyond investing capital, our aim is to equip our companies along their unique journeys, providing resources and guidance to overcome challenges of all sizes,” he said.

Navegar assisted e-commerce enabler Great Deals in resource planning and establishing financial systems, allowing it to onboard numerous brick-and-mortar brands facing the surge in demand for ecommerce.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

made by a non-resident subsidiary/associate in its resident direct investor. It can be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings and borrowings.

The BSP FDI statistics are distinct from the investment data of other government sources. The BSP’s FDI report covers actual investment inflows.

Meanwhile, the approved foreign investments data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority are sourced from investment promotion agencies and represent investment commitments which may not necessarily be realized fully, in a given period.

The PSA data are not based on the 10-percent ownership criterion under BPM6.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. said Monday electricity rates went down by P0.1180 per kilowatt-hour this month because of lower generation charges.

Meralco spokesperson and vice president Joe Zaldarriaga said the overall rate for a typical household went down to P11.3168 per kWh from P11.4348 per kWh in March.

Residential customers consuming 200 kWh will experience a decrease of around P24 in their monthly electricity bill.

Zaldarriaga said the generation charge went down to P7.3295 this month from P7.3790 per kWh, even with the collection of the first installment of deferred generation costs equivalent to around P0.20 per kWh this April billing period.

Meralco coordinated with suppliers and the Energy Regulatory Commission last month to stagger the collection of around P1.1 billion in generation costs to cushion the impact of the rate increase to customers.

“The effect of the collection of the first installment was more than offset by lower costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and Meralco’s power supply agreements for the April billing period,” Zaldarriaga said.

WESM charges were lower by P1.0462 per kWh on improved supply situation in the Luzon grid, as the average plant capacity on outage decreased to around 235 MW.

Meralco sourced 32 percent of its total requirement from the electricity spot market, compared to 22 percent the previous month after some of its supply agreements were terminated and expired.

Charges from PSAs also went down by P0.0741 per kWh due to the peso appreciation, which affected 43 percent of PSA costs that were dollardenominated.

Higher share of excess energy deliveries of some PSAs, which are priced at a discount, and higher average plant dispatch, as First NatGas-San Gabriel returned to normal operations after the Malampaya shutdown, contributed to the price reduction.

Meralco procured 41 percent of its energy requirement from the PSAs last month.

Charges from Meralco’s independent power producers increased by P0.6710 per kWh following the collection of the first installment of deferred generation costs. Dispatch of the First Gas plants also went down as they underwent scheduled maintenance in March to ensure availability during the dry season.

“The increase in the IPP rate was mitigated by the significant reduction in the use of more expensive alternative fuel by the First Gas plants and the stronger peso against US dollar which affected 97 percent of IPP costs,” Zaldarriaga said.

months hit $19.94 billion, or 3.9 percent lower than $20.744 billion a year ago.

The commodity group with the highest imported value in February 2023 was electronic products with an import value of $2.13 billion or a share of 23.8 percent to the country’s total imports. This was followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials at $1.59 billion and transport equipment at $818.24 million.

The trade deficit hit a record $58.24 billion in 2022, up from a $42.19-billion shortfall in 2021. Julito G. Rada

ACEN Corp. said Tuesday subsidiary ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd. and its partners secured financing to develop the $1-billion Monsoon Wind Power Co. Ltd.’s 600-megawatt wind project in Lao PDR. This is the first wind power project in Lao PDR and the first cross-border wind project in Southeast Asia.

Monsoon Wind is also touted to be the largest renewable energy platform for regional connectivity and decarbonization in the region.

ACEN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monsoon Wind would construct, own and operate a 600-MW wind power plant and its 500-kV transmission line in Sekong and Attapeu provinces in southeastern part of Lao PDR.

The project is a partnership among ACEN, BCPG Public Company Ltd., Impact Electrons Siam Ltd., Mitsubishi Corp. and SMP Consultation and STP&I Public Co. Ltd. ACEN will have a 24-percent economic stake in the project.

“Vietnam has significantly scaled up solar and wind over the last few years which made it an ideal place for sustainable investments. Power demand in the country is recovering strong post-COVID, and the MOU between Laos and Vietnam unlocks a new avenue of providing more power to Vietnam while serving as a catalyst for more cross-border power sharing in the region,” ACEN International chief executive Patrice Clause said. Alena Mae S. Flores

DREAM BIG. A delegation from the Aboitiz Group, headed by president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz (third from left), embarks on a three-day innovation and technology tour in Israel on March 13 to 15. The delegation was immersed in Israel’s innovation ecosystem as they explored and engaged with various tech companies and met with industry change-makers. With Sabin Aboitiz at the Peres Innovation Center in Tel Aviv are (from left) Tristan Aboitiz, Mikel Aboitiz, Sabin Aboitiz, Cosette Canilao, Gie Polanco, Tony Canova, Ginggay Hontiveros, Luis Miguel Aboitiz, Tony Moraza, Emilie Sydney-Smith, Montxu Aboitiz, David Hardoon, Toto Hilado, Endika Aboitiz and Manny Rubio.

WATER CONFERENCE. Manila Water Company Inc. participates in the UN Water Conference on March 22 to 24 in the UN headquarters in New York City through social development arm Manila Water Foundation. Represented by MWF Integrated WASH program manager Bes Par, Manila Water aims to exchange best practices and knowledge and develop new linkages that can complement to existing programs and initiatives, such as advocating for Water Access, Sanitation and Hygiene for marginalized communities, signifying its commitment on acting and achieving the targets set for SDG-6 or Clean Water and Sanitation.

Keon sees big future for PH skateboarding

By Randy Caluag

St. Benilde blanks Lyceum to zero in on volley crown

ZAMANTHA Nolasco led the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers to a sweep the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates, 25-17, 25-19, 25-19 in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 98 women’s volleyball finals on Tuesday at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Nolasco’s block on Jaja Tulang at the net gave the Blazers an 8-3 cushion in the third.

Top spikers Jade Gentapa and Gayle Pascual provided the needed points for the Lady Blazers in the first two sets to help the Lady Blazers ke ep their distance.

Pascual showed the way for Benilde with 15 points, while Gentapa added n ine, as they helped put the Lady Blazers within a win of another title.

In men’s action University of Perpetual Help System DALTA came nearer to the crown after getting past San Beda University, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 in Game 1

The three-peat seeking Altas, behind MVP candidate Louie Ramirez, can claim the crown if they sweep the Red Spikers in Game 2. Ramirez, who had 17 points and 13 successful receives, led the Altas as they built a 21-14 lead in the second set.

By Peter Atencio

Keon, who was one of those responsible for the rise of late the former Asia’s Sprint Queen Lydia De Vega and long jump icon Elma Muros Posadas in athletics, has expressed support for skateboarding and hopes to produce future elite skateboards from his city.

It was through his nephew Vincent Marcos that Keon came to know about skateboarding and Asian Games champion Margielyn Didal.

“I became aware how good we were pala in skateboarding through the performances of Margielyn Didal. Also, the comment of the group who hosted is that despite the absence of a skateboard park our skateboarders are quite proficient. So with (enough) support, skateboarding

can take off as a sport here in Laoag and Ilocos Norte,” said Keon, who headed the highly successful Gintong Alay sports project of then president Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.

Vincent brought with him some skateboarders, led by Didal and SkatePilipinas president Carl Sambrano and conducted a mini tournament, with Keon and Ilocos Norte governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc as special guests.

Didal’s rags-to-riches’ story through skateboarding has inspired a lot of young kids in Ilocos and established the Ilocos Norte Skateboarding Association, headed by Dexter Rasco.

From helping her mother sell fishballs in the streets in Cebu, Didal rose to become the 2018 Asian Games champion, a double gold medalist in the 2019 Philippine Southeast Asian Games and finishing 7th in the 2022 Tokyo Olympics.

“Both Vincent and his group were surprised by the passion, diversity, and general talent of the local skateboarders, who were primarily from Laoag City. Vincent also asked me about the possibility of creating a skateboard park in Laoag City. We will study the possibility of establishing a skatepark here in Laoag City,” added Keon. “I welcome this new sports initiative.”

Eala’s world ranking slides to no. 255

FILIPINA tennis star Alex Eala, who won’t be part of the national women’s team to the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, fell in the latest rankings of the Women’s Tennis Association.

The 17-year-old Eala, who is currently competing in Switzerland, has gone down from no. 217 to no. 255 this week.

The drop came after she lost to Romanian netter and world no. 37 Irina Camella Begu, 2-6, 5-7, last month in the Miami Open.

Eala is now in Switzerland, compe ting in t he International Tennis Federa tion World Tour in Chiasso.

In the first round of the W60 tournament, Eala is set to clash with another Romanian bet in Alexandra Ignatik, whose rankings have also gone down from no. 217 to no. 222 this week.

National team head coach Chris Cuarto on Tuesday confirmed that

Eala won’t be playing in the biennial meet in Cambodia.

Eala is preparing for the qualifying matches of the 2023 French Open, starting on May 28 at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.

“Alex is not playing. I am still confirming the others who will play, as we make adjustments in the roster,” said Cuarto, adding that final selection for the national squad will be confirmed this week.

In the last SEA Games, Eala was part of the national women’s team with Marian Jade Capadocia, Khim Iglupa and Jenaila Prulla.

The men’s was composed of Treat Huey, Ruben Gonzales, Nino Alcantara, Jeson Patrombon and Jed Olivarez.

The national tennis team is currently playing under the banner of the Philippine Olympic Committee, with the POC tennis stabilization body under Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who is supervising its formation with Cuarto.

A stabilization body has been working in close coordination with officials of the Philippine Tennis Association since last year, following the suspension of the PHILTA of its membership from the International Tennis Federation due to ongoing leadership conflicts.

Eala said she is currently managing the

number of competitions she is joining as the Women’s Tennis Association has allocated her 20 professional tournaments to join before she turns 18 on May 23.

Eala said during her recent Manila visit that she will run into scheduling conflicts if she suits up for the national t eam in the SEA Games.

Michael Medalla’s ace capped it off for Perpetual as they took a commanding 2-0 lead. Peter Atencio

Ninoy Aquino Stadium is netball’s new home

By Lito Cinco

THE women’s sport of netball will finally have an official home of its own this April following the approval of its request to use the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

This was revealed by national coach Piao Fedillaga, who thanked Philippine Sports Commissioner Bong Coo.

“We have been practicing at a private gym at the RONAC building in Mandaluyong for the past months and we truly appreciate that we are getting our own venue, which we will share with handball I think,” she said.

With the sport’s exclusion from the Southeast Asian Games’ list of events, the team, mostly crossover athletes from basketball, including many-time national cager Ewon Arayi, Fedillaga is looking forward to netball’s firstever participation in the Asian Indoor Games and Martial Arts event in Thailand in November.

The Philippine netball team finished 6th in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games, the first time the country plunged into international competition.

Since then, the sport has made some progress with 5th-place finishes in the 2017 and 2019 SEA Games. The Philippines also joined the 2018 Asian Netball Championship, where it placed ninth. Two years later, it rose to 5th place.

“We hope we get more support so we can grow this sport as we have the potential to make good,” concluded Fedillaga.

Blu Girls need international exposure for World Cup

THE Philippine women’s softball team, better known as the Blu Girls, will need all the exposure it could get as it prepares for the 2023 World Cup scheduled July 22 to 26 in Italy.

The Blu Girls advanced to the World Cup for the first time since 2018 following its fourth-place finish in the recent Women’s Softball Asia Cup in Incheon, South Korea, where they had a 5-3 record. Somehow, it was mission accomplished for the Blu Girls, who are ranked no. 4 in Asia. But in Italy, they will be bracketed with tougher teams like Japan, Canada, Venezuela, New Zealand and Italy.

“That’s why we need more foreign exposure. Alam naman ng coaches natin na ‘yun ang kulang,“ said team captain

and starting pitcher Ann Antolihao in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

“We’re happy na nakabalik tayo sa World Cup,” added Antolihao during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Joining Antolihao were pitcher CJ Roa and catcher Celine Ojare, who reiterated the need for foreign exposure heading to the World Cup, where the top two teams will earn seedings to the 2024 edition.

The Blu Girls made it to the World Cup with an all-homegrown lineup, under the

guidance of coaches Ray Pagkaliwagan, Randy Dizer and Anthony Santos, and the support of ASAPHIL president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

If given a choice, Roa said they would prefer a foreign training camp in Japan, where they can have a field day playing tune up matches with top teams.

“High-level training talaga sa Japan kahit sa tuneup games with university schools. Kaya kung bibigyan kami ng chance, sana sa Japan,” said the pitcher from University of Santo Tomas.

The Blu Girls also have players from, Bacolod, Bukidnon, Batanes, and Makati.

“Skills-wise mayroon naman po tayo dito. Pero kulang tayo sa exposure,“ added Roa.

SKATEBOARDING, one of the newest Olympic sports, has found an ally in Laoag City mayor and former Gintong Alay Project Director Michael Marcos Keon.

EYES ON THE BALL. Barcelona’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski stares at the ball during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP

Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon Marcos greets Asian Games’ skateboarding champion Margielyn Didal during a recent skateboard activity in Laoag City. Keon FB Page

Alex Eala

Celine Ojare, Ann Antolihao and CJ Roa

Makati FC wins Parker overall title

MAKATI FC captured the Paul Parker overall championship in the JSSL Singapore Academy 7’s 2023 over the weekend.

Banking on the Girls’ 2011’s impressive championship run and the finals appearances by its Girls’ 2009, Boys’ 2011 and Boys’ 2009, Makati FC secured the overall championship for the second time and the first since in 2018.

Makati FC nipped Northern Tigers FC, 1-0, in the Girls’ 2011 final to cap an undefeated campaign and atone for its 0-1 defeat to the Australian side in the Girls’ 2009 championship match.

Makati FC topped the Girls’ 2011 Group A table with 10 points on three wins and a draw, defeated Singapore sides Euro Soccer Academy, 4-0, in the quarterfinals and JSSL FC, 1-0, in the semifinals.

In the Boys’ 2011 final, Makati FC dropped a 1-2 decision to Hong Kong’s Boas FC and settled for second place in Boys’ 2009 following a 1-2 loss to Singapore’s Turf FC.

Makati FC placed third in the Boys’ 2014 and Boys’ 2008 categories.

The participation marked Makati FC’s seventh year of competing in Asia’s premier youth football championship.

The JSSL Singapore Professional Academy 7s showcases the young talent of over 450 teams across 17 countries. Among the young athletes competing are talented kids from provinces nationwide who were selected to join the prestigious club to reinforce the teams.

Makati FC has played a very important role in developing young football athletes in Philippines since 1976, as Tomas Lozano, a former Real Madrid FC player, pioneered youth football in the country.

Gobert suspended 1 game after punching teammate

LOS ANGELES—The Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday suspended Rudy Gobert for one game for punching a teammate, ruling him out of the team’s play-in clash with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Minnesota said in a statement Gobert would not travel to Los Angeles for Tuesday’s clash with the Lakers, where the winner will secure a postseason berth.

“The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has suspended center Rudy Gobert for one game following

yesterday’s incident,” the Timberwolves said in a statement. Gobert was benched by the Timberwolves on Sunday during the team’s roller-coaster 113-108 defeat of New Orleans after a stunning incident in the second quarter where he aimed a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson.

FIFA: Women’s World Cup will be ‘watershed’ football moment

SYDNEY—FIFA has predicted the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be a “watershed” moment that propels the game to another level, with the target to eventually rival the men’s version.

Women’s football is already enjoying a surge in popularity in some countries, and the tournament looks set to spark further global interest.

With 100 days till kick-off, FIFA’s chief women’s football officer Sarai Bareman told NewsCorp Australia in comments published Tuesday that more than two billion viewers were expected to tune in, double the previous tournament in France, won by the United States. Record attendance is also predicted, with 650,000 tickets already snapped up. The next phase of sales opened Tuesday.

Bareman said she believed the event would be a major turning point and a driver for social change, creating role models for young girls and helping promote gender equality.

“People will be saying, ‘That was the watershed moment that changed everything and took the game to the next level’,” she said.

“And that’s in every aspect— commercially, participation, popularity and growth.

Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka celebrates after winning against Netherland’s Tallon Griekspoor in their MonteCarlo ATP Masters Series tournament round of 64 tennis match in Monaco. AFP

The players were forcibly separated by other Timberwolves players. Gobert was pulled from the game following the clash.

The French center later apologised for the incident on Twitter, saying that “emotions got the best of me”.

“I should not have reacted the way I did regardless of what was said,” Gobert wrote.

“I wanna apologize to the fans, the organization and particularly to Kyle, who is someone that I truly love and respect as a teammate.” AFP

Wawrinka, Thiem advance in Monte Carlo

MONTE CARLO—The 2014 Monte Carlo Masters winner Stan Wawrinka was full of relief Monday to get past the first round as Russian qualifier Ivan Gakhov secured a date with world number one Novak Djokovic.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka has slipped to 90th in the ATP ran kings but secured his second-round ticket with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Tallon Griekspoor.

Also past the first hurdle in this warmup for the French Open were 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and Dominic Thiem.

But Andy Murray’s participation in the Principality ended prematurely with the Scottish wild card despatched 6-1, 6-3 by Australian 14th seed Alex de Minaur.

Gakhov’s reward for edging past American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 6-3 was a Tuesday second-round date with Djokovic, a David and Goliath clash with almost 200 rungs in the rankings between the pair.

The Serb has not hit a shot in anger since losing his semi-final in Dubai at the start of March to Daniil Medvedev.

Forced to miss the American swing in Indian Well and Miami due to his anti-Covid

Hollywood actors celebrate as Wrexham moves closer to promotion

LONDON—Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrated in the stands as Wrexham moved closer to promotion from the National League in dramatic fashion on Saturday.

The Welsh club have shot to international fame through the reality television series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which charts the fortunes of the team since their 2020 sale to Reynolds and McElhenney.

Wrexham have played in the fifthtier National League for the last 15 years, but, revitalised by their celebrity owners, they are on the verge of a return to the professional ranks in League Two. Reynolds and McElhenney were in attendance to witness a potentially decisive 3-2 win over promotion rivals Notts County at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday.

And fittingly there was a plot twist ripped straight from a feelgood Hollywood movie as former England goalkeeper Ben Foster saved a stoppagetime penalty to preserve Wrexham’s vital victory.

After receiving the freedom of the borough at a civic ceremony earlier in the day, Reynolds and McElhenney watched John Bostock’s stunning free-kick put Notts County ahead late in the first half.

Paul Mullin and Jacob Mendy struck to give Wrexham a 2-1 lead before Kyle Cameron equalised 15 minutes from time.

But Elliot Lee quickly restored Wrexham’s advantage and the 40-yearold Foster, who came out of retirement last month after regular ‘keeper Rob Lainton was injured, saved Cedwyn Scott’s last-gasp penalty to spark wild celebrations from the club’s famous

vaccination stance Djokovic said on Sunday he was “motivated” to hit the clay-court season running as he targets a 23rd Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

His path to a third Monte Carlo title has been smoothed by the absences due to injury of 11-time champion Rafael Nadal and Spanish teenage star Carlos Alcaraz.

Wawrinka, who next faces American eighth seed Taylor Fritz, said “it’s great to be here” after his defeat of Griekspoor.

The 38-year-old Wawrinka, who beat Roger Federer to the 2014 title, has failed to make it past the second round since 2017 and after two seasons blighted by injury is keen to make up for lost time.

“Nowadays, each win is important,” he said.

“Physically I’m doing well and my form is decent enough.

“I’m capable of beating lots of players, I’ve just got to play my game.”

As for Berrettini, he was claiming his first win on Monte Carlo’s clay at the third attempt after dominating Maxime Cressy 6-4, 6-2.

Thiem knocked out France’s top hope Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4, with Danish sixth seed Holger Rune waiting for the 2020 US Open winner in the second round. AFP

“I think people will really look back and choose the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as that watershed moment where the growth, which is already exponential, just took off to the absolute next level.”

Bareman, a New Zealand-born former Samoan international, said the ultimate goal was to grow the tournament to rival the men’s and get females on equal footing in terms of pay.

“We know the men’s World Cup is the primary source of revenue for FIFA and football, and that generates in excess of $US5 billion per edition, and that’s a clear target for women’s football,” she said.

“We want to get to that level.

The first World Cup for men was in 1930, it wasn’t until 61 years later the first women’s World Cup was introduced, we’re still in our infancy as a product.

“But we have to look at what’s happening in the men’s game as an inspiration and a target, for me it’s got to be in the billions and we have to keep pushing until we get to that level.”

The tournament, which will take place in five Australian and four New Zealand cities, has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams for the first time.

It kicks off when New Zealand face Norway in Auckland and Australia meet Ireland in Sydney.

Despite Bareman’s upbeat outlook, some broadcasters have reportedly made low-ball offers for rights to screen the event, a move slammed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino as “not acceptable”.

The concerns are around some games being played at night or the early hours of the morning in lucrative markets in Europe and the Americas.

Bareman told NewsCorp that broadcasters underbidding could miss out entirely. AFP

owners. Wrexham sit top of the table, three points clear of second-placed County with a game in hand, putting them in pole position to secure the league’s only automatic promotion place.

In a bid to keep his jubilant players focused, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson played down their strong position in the promotion race.

“Of course it’s a step in the right direction but there’s a lot of work to be done,” said Parkinson, whose side have four games remaining.

“The title race is not over until it’s mathematically ours. We’ve got work to be done, we’ve got to keep going.

“It was a big moment for Fozzy (Foster). I brought him in for those moments and one’s happened today.

“But we’ve got to keep our feet firmly on the ground because we’ve achieved nothing yet.” AFP

Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before a game. AFP

US actor and Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds acknowledges the fans after the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Wrexham and Sheffield United at the Racecourse Ground Stadium in Wrexham, north Wales. AFP

all-girl group Revamped takes spotlight

in exciting world of Pinoy pop

released on all streaming platforms, PPop Gen is ready to take to its place in the exciting world of Pinoy pop.

Originally from forty-five members (called P-pop Generation) and now down to seven talented young girls, this is now the best version of the group, embodying youthful energy and vitality as it was envisioned hand in hand by Viva Records, Viva Artists Agency, and choreographer/ dance artist Geleen Eugenio

MAKING a name as a pop group can be a challenging but rewarding process. And PPop Gen members can perfectly attest to that.

The “reconfigured” all-girl Pinoy pop group is more than ready for its time in the spotlight by creating a strong brand and identity, developing a social media presence, and making more music to build momentum and reach new audiences.

“That’s our initial goal, but what we really wanted is to build a wide fanbase and be known throughout the world. We believe that’s the long-term goal of most pop groups, to be known internationally,” the pop group told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.

With a brand-spanking new single titled “Hanggang Tingin Ka Lang” already

PPop Gen includes Gabh (leader/ main vocalist), Sofia (center/main dancer), Sarah (face of the group/sub-rapper), Princess (visuals), Madz (lead vocalist/ main rapper), Char (sub-vocalist), and Angela (visuals/lead rapper).

All of them now make up the collective that is the super-talented girls who have banded together to enliven a music scene that a young generation of audience who likes listening to Pinoy pop music can easily relate to.

As they’re now remade with a much stronger and bolder outlook in making music and performance, the girls shared that they now feel the spotlight is on them as they were trained originally from the big group and are now trimmed down to the current lineup.

Gabh commented, “Hindi rin madali yung process [from] PPop Generation to [becoming] PPop Gen kasi may mga umaalis so madaming adjustments’’ and the other members also added that they had a hard time to perfect their

GMA Network exec selected anew for AFP Health Service Command’s multi-sector advisory board

GMA Network’s First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor B. Amoroso has been chosen once again as a distinct member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command (AFPHSC) MultiSector Advisory Board (MSAB).

The oath-taking ceremony took place last March 31 at the AFP Health Service Command Victoriano Luna Auditorium, Camp Victoriano K. Luna, in V. Luna, Quezon City.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be chosen once again by the AFP Health Service Command to become part of its Multi-Sector Advisory Board. We commit to contribute as much as we can in upholding AFPHSC’s strategic priorities so that we can better help strengthen and recalibrate the health services for the Filipino soldiers, not only in the National Capital Region (NCR) but in key regional areas across the Philippines,” said Amoroso.

At the height of the pandemic, Amoroso was first selected to become part of the AFPHSC MSAB in 2020 wherein he was appointed as Committee Chairperson for Communications and Advocacy. He became one of the Transformation Roadmap Champions from the private sector who helped AFPHSC realize its vision of becoming “A World-Class Health Care Services Provider of the AFP by 2028.”

The GMA executive also provided expert advice in the implementation of AFPHSC Transformation Roadmap and assisted in improving transparency

“JUST some old demons,” detective Jake Doyle (Martin Lawrence) says as he grimly looks over a murder victim found inside a church, who’s made to appear like a statue of an archangel with golden wings. It’s rather artistic and beautiful, one might say, as Doyle recognizes the signature of a previous serial killer called “The Artist.”

There is only one problem in this murder case: The Artist is currently serving his sentence in a psychiatric institution and could not have committed the murder.

So, who could this new killer be?

That’s how Lionsgate’s Mindcage begins, a psychological thriller that PLDT Home subscribers can now stream on Lionsgate Play just by activating their complimentary voucher for a free subscription.

Detective Mary Kelly (Melissa Roxburgh, Star Trek Beyond, Manifest) is tasked to assist the lead investigator Doyle (Martin Lawrence, Bad Boys). She finds out that five years ago, The Artist (John Malkovich RED, Space Force) kidnapped and murdered six prostitutes. The

GMA Network’s Oliver Victor

B. Amoroso

and accountability in reporting performance.

In 2021, Amoroso was conferred with Command Plaque by the AFP for his remarkable contribution to the AFPHSC MSAB. He was honored for “championing the Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command Transformation Roadmap towards strong functional systems and processes of good governance and genuine transformation that successfully led to the conferral of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Transformation Roadmap Institutionalization Pathway Proficient Status with Gold Governance Trailblazer Certification.”

The MSAB was formed in response to AFPHSC commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability within the framework of stakeholder consultation and engagement.

The members of the all-girl Pinoy pop group PPop Gen

performances because of this. However, the girls looked on the bright side as they embraced the presence of each other and referred to their now compact and updated circle as ‘Ppop lucky 7’ as they promised to stay and support each other. Char referred to these changes as “an opportunity to help one another” in honing their strengths while also acknowledging their weaknesses and aiming to improve them. Sarah even shared that they “would like to be known for their resiliency” as they never backed down with all the challenges that they faced as a young Ppop group – and even came back stronger than ever.

Madz concurs as she states that “this time, I believe that we are stronger and mas solid talaga kasi now that were only seven, mas nag shine kami, mas madali kaming makikilala ng ibang tao unlike before nung 45 pa kami ang hirap na mamemorize yung names namin.”

As PPop Gen welcomes a new era in their career – from their single “Prinsesa” that highlighted women empowerment – they have recently released a new track in rousing and sassy new song titled “Hanggang Tingin Ka Lang.” Angela narrates that “the song talks about putting people in their place as they tend to forget and cross boundaries in admiring them as a group.” Gabh also added that “Some people kasi parang akala mo sinusuportahan ka nila as an idol tapos yun pala iba yung intention nila.” Thus making this Kevin Yadao-produced and Geleen Eugenio co-produced track the latest statement track from PPop Gen. The group thrillingly showcased all their efforts on the just released official music video for “Hanggang Tingin Ka Lang” that is now available on Viva Records YouTube channel.

Knowledge Channel will distribute on-air and online video lessons of ‘My TV School’ to hone K-3 students’ interest and mastery of the four macro literacy skills in English

Knowledge Channel partners with USAID, New Zealand Embassy to strengthen advocacy

KNOWLEDGE Channel Foundation Inc.

(KCFI) strengthens its advocacy on boosting early childhood development education among Filipino parents and kids by entering a partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and receiving a High Embassy Fund (HEF) Grant from New Zealand. Knowledge Channel will distribute on-air and online video lessons of “My TV School,” co-developed by USAID and RTI International with the Department of Education for the “Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (ABC+)” project. It aims to hone K-3 students’ interest and mastery of the four macro literacy skills in English – listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

“We thank the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. for taking interest in our initiative to help further promote learning and ensure access to education, particularly for the most vulnerable

and marginalized children in the country. We, at USAID, believe that engaging with private foundations like Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. can help improve and strengthen the quality of education and further encourage investments in the education sector,” said USAID acting mission director Rebekah Eubanks

Meanwhile, through the New Zealand HEF Grant, KCFI will be able to train child development workers, teachers, care providers, and parents of children 3 to 4.11 years old from 11 barangays in Burgos, Ilocos Norte through the “Learning Effectively through Enhanced and Evidence-based Pedagogies (LEEP)” project. Each barangay will also receive a Knowledge Channel Portable Media Library for early childhood development (KC PML-ECD), containing offline video lessons and resources.

“We recognize that this partner (KCFI) is passionate about doing something in the

community and we also recognize that this partner has a track record, capability, or capacity.

Those are probably the three (3) big things that we look at when we hope to partner with a community,” shared New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Peter Kell KCFI also continues its partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to co-produce 50 new episodes of Wikaharian, an animated series in Filipino that aims to help young learners, specifically Grade 2 students, improve their foundational skills in reading.

“We hope that by bringing these video lessons to more audiences all over the country, we will be making a meaningful contribution to the efforts of schools, teachers, and parents all over the country who are working hard to enrich the learning of their students and children,” said KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez

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

LAST March 30, the monument, Soar on Selah by CMO2 Kristine Lim PN (Res) – a donation from JCI Quezon City Capitol to the 2nd Infantry Jungle Fighters Division of the Philippine Army – was unveiled at the main entrance of Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.

The unveiling or Soar on Selah was part of the program Capitol on a Mission; collaborative project between JCI Quezon City Capitol, 2nd Infantry Jungle Division Camp Mateo Capinpin, Naval Reserve Command; with the support of Naval Reserve Center - NCR, Naval Force Reserve - NCR, 22nd NGR NFR-NCR, and NRPAU.

The monument was designed by CMO2 Lim, and was built together with the brave soldiers of 14IMB of 2ID, headed by Maj Noel Pajel PA.

The initiative was also part of the camp’s founding anniversary celebration.

Kristine Lim, being a Philippine Navy Reservist and Ambassador, also carries with her and her artwork the spirit of the steadfast bond between the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy. This is a banner for all to see. A banner that we all raise together to show that in unity, we are standing on God’s victory.

LIFE

Visual artist Kristine Lim unveils another collaborative work

Artist on a Mission Kristine Lim (rightmost) during the unveiling of ‘Soar on Selah’

Several activities such as tree planting, boodle fight, and project discussions were conducted as well. The event was made possible by the

officers and members of JCI Quezon City Capitol (headed by President Atty. Patrick Maglinao), officers and personnel of the 2nd Infantry Jungle

When arts, tech, and business collide

Division Camp Mateo Capinpin (lead by their commander MGen Roberto S. Capulong PA), Naval Reserve Command (led by commander MGen

Joseph Ferrous Cuison PN(M); with the support of Naval Reserve CenterNCR led by Commander Capt Junmar A. Sales (GSC), Naval Force ReserveNCR (led by commander Capt Norman R. Biola PN (MNSA) (RES), 22nd NGR NFR-NCR (led by Cdr Reynaldo M. Rosas PN (MNSA) (RES), and NRPAU (headed by OIC Cdr Medardo C. Deacosta, Jr. PN (MNSA) (RES), and with all the officers and personnel of the 2ID Philippine Army & NavResCom Philippine Navy.

The event was followed by an art for peace workshop for more than 100 children of families who are prone to rebel influence in General Nakar, Quezon. The primary purpose is to instill the values of peace, diplomacy, and patriotism in the new generation of future leaders.

Art materials, storybooks from Adarna Group Foundation, Inc., toys from McDonald’s, and snacks were distributed after the workshop. Several items were also turned over to staff and students of Minahan ES. Led by project chairman Jay Rod Danganan and co-chairman Gabriel Astudillo, this is aligned with JCI Philippines’ national program of Peace is Possible.

WHEN he graduated at the De La Salle University, multi-awarded computer game designer Elson Niel Dagondon realized that there were actually no game development companies in the Philippines. Armed with his strong desire and passion for games, Dagondon established his own company, the Anino Games in 2001.

After establishing the first and largest game development company in the country, he had to face another hurdle. There was a big gap between the industry demand and the education program. In short, there were only a few skilled game developers in the country.

Understanding the severity of this unfortunate situation, the multi-awarded game designer and developer ventured out into the education sector and built an information and communication technology school, CIIT College of Arts and Technology (formerly Cosmopoint International Institute of Technology) in 2007.

By Ar. Kamille Kym Olympia

WHEN anyone is asked what teachers do, there is truism in the unanimity of answers that they teach. The same for doctors that are mostly known to cure sickness. An overgeneralization as both have different majors, specializations, and types. Most disciplines are with similar faith, but the responses are also not generally wrong. It is a little bit more complicated in the case of the architect.

Architects themselves cannot pinpoint what they do in a general simple phrase. Drawing buildings. Designing buildings. Building buildings. Drawing, designing, and building buildings. It is still not enough to broadly represent the work of an architect.

A simple phrase meant an understanding that successively

The comfortable seating areas and tables provide students with a quiet and inviting space to study, read, and conduct research

Back then, there were only 21 students enrolled in diploma courses for graphic design, multimedia application, software engineering, and network design. Specialist courses for working professionals were added in 2011, followed by bachelor’s degrees in computer science and multimedia arts the following year.

With innovation at its core, CIIT introduces two next-level programs for future business innovators and technopreneurs, namely BS Entrepreneurship (BSE) and Senior High School Accounting, Business, and Management Strand (SHS ABM) this year.

“Innovation is part of our DNA as it is one of our core values. We seek to continuously improve systems, processes, and our way of doing things. Our courses are customized based on industry needs and standards. With the help of our more than 100 company partners, we upgrade or modify our curricula so that the applications or technologies that we use are up-to-date,” shared CIIT president Sherwin O

The idea of introducing business programs stemmed from entrepreneurial opportunities that arose during the

The drawing room is equipped with a lightbox to make drawing and tracing easier for students. The room features a spacious and well-lit workspace with large windows providing ample natural light

pandemic. New entrepreneurs sought unique ways to do business and maximized the existing modern technology to venture out and explore opportunities.

“CIIT has always been into arts and tech, but it is missing the business aspect that ties things together. It was time to go full circle and give students the chance to turn their business ideas into reality – just how Niel saw an opportunity amid the gap in the industry. The school now has an ecosystem of innovators and creators who can make their ideas a reality, much like how Silicon Valley has fostered great talents,” shared O.

Unlike most entrepreneurship and business management programs, CIIT goes beyond the usual expectation of discussing classroom concepts and creating traditional business models. It transforms experience by adding digital platforms and business-level tools to allow its students to turn their ideas into real tech startups.

Each subject in entrepreneurship and ABM programs is paired with industry-grade software used by local and international companies. Aside from teaching business theories and concepts like marketing, operations, human resource, finance, and accounting,

among others, the school teaches them how to optimize business tasks through various applications used by organizations worldwide. This also enables them to execute their ideas immediately.

For instance, in marketing, the students are taught to create and launch Facebook advertising campaigns and analyze the reports. In operations, students learn to optimize clerical tasks using Airtable to focus more on growing the business. “We focus more on the practical applications and see to it that we are agile enough to adjust the curriculum and tailor it to the needs of the industry. CIIT has already been using different technologies in its daily operations, which is what we wanted to share so that future entrepreneurs can also use them to revolutionize how their future organizations can be operated and managed,” said O.

When I visited the campus located along Kamuning in Quezon City, I was amazed at how technology-driven the school is. While most schools are burdened with heavy administrative and clerical work, which can be counterproductive in teaching their students, CIIT has utilized technology in its daily operations.

Take, for example, the enrollment processing. A typical enrollment of a school would require so much time and effort, with students falling in long lines and all teachers on deck to process the enrollment forms manually.

In CIIT, they have only one registrar to handle 1,600 enrollees using Edusuite, a software that enables business continuity requiring less manpower and manual processes, and automating the enrollment processes.

While none of their employees have been replaced, CIIT leverages automation in almost every clerical task in the school administration system. With fewer manual tasks, CIIT educators and management are able to focus on developing and delivering high-quality next-level educational experiences for students.

Another thing I noticed was the school culture. Students are free to voice their opinions and are heard by the school. They can also approach their teachers, even the president, with their concerns.

“As a college of both art and tech, and a diverse, next-level community, we encourage collaboration of all kinds. Our students not only learn the value of logic but also take pride in their creative spirit. We welcome creators from many different backgrounds because we recognize that each and every one of you is capable of weaving a future together,” concluded O.

Is architecture still a myth?

affects the profession’s merit. Though it is contestable to say that understanding alone can alleviate value, still one cannot patronize what one does not comprehend.

This complication shows more in the extreme perceptions of the architect. On one side, you can do without them. They are an additional expense that just presents the clients’ ideas in a fancier manner.

On the other extreme side, it is the architect to call as they know all. Accountable for almost everything and indefinitely if building operations are to be

Ikebana workshop at Sunshine Place

SUNSHINE Place is pleased to announce that slots are now open for Introduction to Ikebana Workshop Batch 4 It will be conducted every Saturday starting April 15.

The workshop consists of Part 1 for Beginners, which is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Part 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Participants in the Beginners Part 1 workshop will learn the basics of Japanese art of flower arrangement - upright Moribana style, basic slanting and Variation # 4 with movements, basic Nageire Style, and combination of Moribana & Nageire Arrangements.

On the other hand, the Workshop Part 3 is a follow-up to the Introduction to Ikebana Workshop Beginners Part 1. It will be a demonstration/workshop covering a review of basic and other additional variations both for Moribana, Nageire, and selected topics on advanced Ikebana lessons. This workshop is only open to students who have completed Beginners Part 1.The lecture-demonstration will be conducted by Marc Tomas, former president of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108. He is also a member of Sogetsu Potential Manila Chapter.

The workshop will be in person and with limited slots. For inquiries and enrollment, call us at 0917-515-5656 or email Sunshine Place at hello@sunshineplaceph.com

considered.

This is still parallel to what architectural critic Reyner Banham mentioned in his essay 33 years ago. He likened architecture to a black box that tries to fit everything evading with its exclusivity the opportunity for understanding and criticism but may just be nothing but a mystery. Yet being understood is the least of the problems of the freelance practitioner who continuously looks for projects, the employee who have deadlines, and so as for other Filipino architects.

A single-phrase answer

though seems to be a simple step to take. A possible gateway to ease the extreme misconception of the architect’s work and value that mirrors the profession of architecture operating like a myth.

Ar. Kamille Kym Olympia is a part-time professor at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and the Technological University of the Philippines Manila. She is also a partner of the Boring Studio Architecture, which specializes in art outputs, offices, and restaurant projects.

Currently, she is living in Dessau, Germany to finish her thesis term on the Master Program COOP Design Research under Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation in cooperation with Humboldt University Berlin.

Ikebana is the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers Architect Kamille Kym Olympia from the Benilde Architecture Program