Manila Standard - 2023 April 22 - Saturday

Pagasa: Brace for hotter May days

By Rio N. Araja

BRACE for hotter days in May, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Friday.

The heat index is expected to hit 56 degrees Celsius in Nuevo Ecija’s Muñoz, and 50° Celsius in Cabanatuan City next month, said Marcelino Villafuerte,

Climate Impact Assessment and Application Section Climatology and Agrometeorology Division chief.

Pagasa was able to record 55 degrees Celsius in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on May 1, 2022 as the highest heat index, he said.

“During the month of May, that’s the time that we have always been observing

PBBM, Biden meet on May 1

White House gab marks warming relations amid US tensions with China

By Rey E. Requejo, Vince Lopez, and Charles Dantes

US President Joe Biden will welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the White House on May 1 in a sign of a warming bond between the two nations amid US tensions with China over Taiwan.

Biden will reaffirm Washington’s "ironclad commitment to the defenseof the Philippines, and the leaders will discuss efforts to strengthenthe longstanding USPhilippines alliance," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez on Friday said the US haspledged $100 million or over P5.5 billion for the acquisition of medium-lift helicopters for disaster response and non-combat operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, Galvez said the US has also increased to $100 millionthe funding for the Philippine military facilities which the US forces may access under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

"The US has also increased the funding for the development of the EDCA sites from $82 million to $100 million, which is equivalent to anotherP5.5 billion. This brings the total of the US’s pledge of support for the... helicopters and EDCA projects to P11 billion," he added.

The White House announcement comes a week after the largest-ever joint US-Philippines military exercises in the disputed South China Sea in the face of China's growing assertiveness in the region, particularly over Taiwan, the selfgoverning island it claims as its own.

Last week, the US secretaries

‘Dangerous consequences if China vilified over Taiwan’

By Rey E. Requejo

CRITICIZING China over Taiwan will have dangerous consequences, Foreign

Minister Qin Gang warned Friday, as he insisted Beijing is a "growing force for peace and justice."

Two weeks ago, China launched three days of military exercises around

Taiwan—simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of the island—in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

"Recently, there has been some absurd rhetoric accusing China... of unilaterally changing the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, through force or coercion, and

Bato: Pattern seen as ‘terror’ reigns in Negros Or.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

TERROR reigns in Negros Oriental, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, chair of the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs, said Friday, as the chamber continued its hearing into the assassination of the province’s governor Roel Degamo.

Fuel prices seen falling by P1.55/liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OIL companies are likely to cut pump prices next week by as much as P1.55 per liter due to the softening of prices in the world oil market.

An oil industry source told Manila Standard gasoline prices will may be rolled back by P1.35 to P1.55 per liter and diesel by P0.55 to P0.65 per liter.

From one person’s story to the next, Dela Rosa noted there appeared tobe a discernible pattern.

“It seemed the saying was once again proven to be true – violence cannot help but breed even more violence,” he added.

The former national police chief is leading the Senate investigation into the murder of Gov. Degamo and other

killings where suspended Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. was tagged as the mastermind. Dela Rosa said: “It would seem there was an agreement and arrangement how to commit a crime and how to kill without being arrested, among lawless elements within the Provincial Government.” He noted the violence in Negros

PNP ‘ninja cops’ evaluation ends, to endorse findings to Napolcom

THE Philippine National Police said Friday the five-man advisory group tasked to look into the records and documents of 953 active police officers linked to illegal drug operations has completed evaluating them.

The group met for the last time—to

evaluate the so-called “ninja cops”— on April 20, said PNP acting public information chief, Col. Redrico Maranan.

He added these officers submitted individual letters of resignation in support of the massive internal cleansing program

FACES OF ISLAM. A Muslim woman reads verses from the Koran at Rizal Park in Manila on Friday, while another tries on an abaya or headscarf before purchasing one for P1,200 at Globo de Oro in Quiapo, Manila to be used during the celebration of Eid'l Fitr on Saturday that ends their month-long fasting period (see story on A2). Danny Pata

The Department of Energy confirmed the possible price cut by Tuesday, based on the four day monitoring for the international oil market.

"There will be rollback on the prices

NEDA: Timely importation to stall food inflation

By Julito G. Rada

TIMELY and adequate importation is one of the short-term measures to keep food inflation down, the National Economic and Development

Authority said Friday. Importation would also fill domestic supply shortfalls, said NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon during a meeting of the inter-agency committee on inflation.

NEDA is also proposing the positioning of rice buffer stocks during the El Niño dry spell; strengthening the biosecurity and hog repopulation programs; improving and expanding

ENVOY. Ahead of the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang to the country, members of Akbayan Party gather at the Chinese Consular Office in Makati City on Friday to hold a 'Good Riddance-Despedida Party' for Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, whom them asked Qin to recall, make him apologize for his statements against overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan, and recognize the Philippines' right to form alliances with like-minded countries. Danny Pata

EO on offshore wind power inked P

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order to ramp up the issuance of permits for offshore wind (OSW) power projects as the government eyes boosting the use of renewable energy in the country.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 21, the President said Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, said the government should accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar,

PBBM,...

From A1 of Defense and State met with their Philippine counterparts in Washington in a high-level summit, days after the US gained greater access to Philippine military bases.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of "a troubling increase in coercion and dangerous operational behavior" in the South China Sea,an apparent reference to a three-day Chinese military exercise thatsimulated a blockage and targeted strikes against Taiwan (see related story on A1 – Editors).

The White House statement said Biden and Marcos would discuss other matters including economic cooperation, clean energy, and respect for human rights.

"The two leaders will also discuss regional matters and coordinate onefforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

Manila earlier this month announced the locations of four more military bases it is allowing the US military to use on top of thefive agreed on under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, known as EDCA.

The deal allows US troops to rotate through and store defense equipment and supplies.

‘Dangerous...

From A1

of disrupting peace and stability across the Strait," Qin said as he gave the keynote speech at a forum on Chinese modernization.

"Such claims go against basic common sense on international relations and historical justice," he told the audience in Shanghai.

"The logic is absurd and the consequences dangerous."

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control one day.

"The Taiwan question is the core of the core interests of China," Qin continued.

"We will never back down in face of any act that undermines China's sovereignty and security. Those who play with fire on Taiwan will eventually get themselves burned."

Qin will visit the Philippines later, a week after the largest-ever joint US-Philippines military exercises in the South China Sea, another area of

NEDA:...

From A1

the Kadiwa program to directly connect producers and consumers; and speeding up the distribution of targeted subsidies to farmers and fishermen.

Edillon said import decisions should account for the expected leandomestic production period and estimated transit time of commodities from the source country to address domestic supply gaps.

NEDA also presented three mediumterm measures to manage food inflation.

These are:

• Boosting the productivity and resiliency of the agriculture sector;

• Promoting private investment in facilities, transport, and logistics systems to bring safe and nutritious food closer to consumers; and

• Pushing for the passage of critical reforms such as the Livestock, Poultry and Dairy (LPD) Competitiveness and Development Act.

“In the medium-term, boosting local agriculture sector entails improving access to credit and insurance, integrating climate and disaster risks in plans and programs, developing and mainstreaming early warning systems, organizing small farmers to promote clustering, boosting local capabilities on production of agriculture and fisheriesinputs, and promoting the adoption of appropriate technologies,” NEDA said.

Finance Undersecretary Zeno Abenoja also presented four short-term interventions

Pagasa:...

From A1 the drive temperature and humidity increasing so we can expect higher values of heat indices,” Villafuerte said.

hydropower, geothermal, and ocean.

President Marcos said the Philippine Offshore Wind Roadmap has identified a total technical potential capacity of 178 gigawatts that could be harnessed from OSW resources.

“OSW, if optimally developed, will

Also. the Department of National Defense applauded the support from the mayors of Cagayan for implementing the EDCA sites in the province close to Taiwan.

In a statement Friday, Galvez said that 21 mayors have expressed their support and expect the numbers to increase, with one municipality evenwilling to donate a tract of land for the use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"Truly, the overwhelming majority of local chief executives in theprovince supporting our endeavor proves the Filipino people's appreciation of the merits of EDCA, not only for enhancing our national security but for providing opportunities to further develop our local communities as well," Galvez said.

As part of the new EDCA sites, the four additional bases will also serve as points for the evacuation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)in the event of a flareup in the region, especially with tension rising in the country's territorial waters.

Galvez also said that the US and PH Defense Attachés have been coordinating with their host countries on possible repatriation operations which can be partaken with the country's ally, the United States, should the need arise.

The DND chief said the development of the said sites will strengthen the country's maritime domain awareness and security and will serve as stations

territorial dispute for Beijing.

China is hoping that the visit of its state councilor and foreign minister Qin will improve the communication between the two countries.

Wang Wenbin, spokesman for Qin, said Beijing expects that the Chinese official’s visit to Manila between April 21 to 23 would result in increased engagements between the two countries and "mutual trust."

In his regular media briefing on Friday, Wang also said China hopes to "properly handle differences, deepen cooperation" and maintain the momentum of the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Qin's visit will come as the Philippines, under the Marcosadministration, starts pivoting its diplomatic priorities to the West, in stark contrast to the Duterte administration.

Relations have taken a turn, too, after Chinese Ambassador HuangXilian warned the Philippines not to interfere in Taiwan if it “truly cares” about the 150,000 overseas Filipino workers there.

Lawmakers and government officials have criticized what they see as aveiled threat from the Chinese envoy.

to mitigate non-food inflation. These are the implementation of demand management measures; protection of vulnerable sectors through fuel subsidies and targeted cash transfers; a careful review of wage and transport petition hikes; and timely and continued monitoring of non-food inflation indicators.

Measures to manage demand include energy conservation and efficiency proposals to reduce energy consumption through effective load management that could result in lower power demand. This also includes the promotion of responsible water consumption.

Abenoja also emphasized the need to carefully consider wage and transport fare hike petitions to ensure that inflation is not exacerbated by sudden increases.

The inter-agency task force was formed in March as a measure to fight inflation. The group, chaired by NEDA and the Department of Finance, serves as an advisory body to the government’s Economic Development Group on measures to keep inflation within the targeted range.

Members of the committee include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Trade and Industry. The DOF also serves as the committee’s secretariat.

Inflation reached a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January 2023 but eased to 8.6 percent in February and 7.6 percent in March. Despite the slowdown, inflation remained elevated and is one of the stickiest in the region.

“Heat stroke may happen under extreme danger level. It is too hot from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.,” he added.

The heat index in Metro Manila was high at 43 degrees Celsius on Friday noon.

play a major role in our country’sgoal for a low-carbon future, improved energy security, and reduced dependence on import fuels,” the EO read. The EO would streamline and expedite the approval process by the permitting agencies for the issuance of permits, licenses, and clearances for OSW projects and “eliminate unnecessary delays in every stage of an OSW project.”

The EO defined permitting agencies as government agencies or relevant

and shelters for radar local monitoring systems as the Philippines continued in its aim to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"More importantly, the deployment and modernization of the AFP Forces through EDCA, which is an integral part of our Mutual Defense Treaty, shall boost our territorial defense capabilities and will enable our fisherfolk to freely pursue their livelihood in our waters," said Galvez.

China warned last week the expanded military deal could endangerregional peace and accused Washington of a "zerosum mentality."

The four additional bases include sites near the hotly disputed South China Sea and another not far from Taiwan.

Mr. Marcos said China's reaction over the expanded military deal was "not surprising," but assured them the Philippines is only shoring upits territorial defense.

"We will not allow our bases to be used for any offensive actions.

This is only aimed at helping the Philippines whenever we need help," the President told reporters.

"If no one is attacking us, they need not worry because we will not fight them."

US-Philippines ties stalled under former president Rodrigo Duterte, who favored closer ties with China.

But Mr. Marcos, who succeeded Duterte last June, has adopted a more US-

China is trying to keep warm its relations with Manila amid its aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea, which may have pushed the Philippines to seek support from the US.

Qin is scheduled to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The remarks on Taiwan at the Shanghai conference came towards the endof a speech in which Qin repeatedly emphasized China's peaceful intentions.

"We have the best record in abiding by the purposes and principles ofthe UN charter, international law, and the basic norms of international relations," he said—even though Beijing has refused to recognize the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling favoring the Philippines in its dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.

Pointing out China's role in helping to bring about a recent reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, he also reiterated Beijing's positioning of itself as a mediator in the Ukraine war.

"China is not adding fuel to the fire or taking advantage of thesituation," he said, adding it was pushing peace talks to de-escalate the crisis instead.

Bato:...

From A1

Oriental had taken both small-scale and large-scale forms.

“Large-scale, in the sense that public officials like Miguel Dungog, Sherwin Lee Diangco’s father “Biyok” and Governor Roel Degamo getgunned down, sometimes even in broad daylight, and even in their own homes. Even journalists were not spared,” he said.

“But there was small-scale violence. These were the seemingly little rejections, seemingly minor acts of omission,” he added.

The wife of the slain governor, Mayor Janice Degamo pointed out the culture of violence and silence must end.

She believes violence can only persist in silence, which means a refusal to stay silent is one sure step to address violence, whatever form it may take.

The Degamo camp also backs the Department of Justice in moving to designate Rep. Teves as a terrorist.

According to Levito Baligod, lawyer of the Degamo family, they have "concrete evidence" linking Teves to terror groups in Mindanao.

"We have concrete evidence to prove that he is... in a tactical alliance with the communist terrorist group and the local terrorist groups in Mindanao," he told ANC's "Headstart". The Teves camp has yet to respond to Baligod's allegation.

Fuel...

From A1 of gasoline and diesel. Though, kerosene might have no adjustment at all or a rollback or an increasedepending on the last trading today," Rodela Romero, DOE

entities that are concessionaires or franchisees of the government which permitting process or authority is relevant.

The President also said that within 60 days from the issuance of the EO, the Department of Energy (DOE) should formulate and issue a policy and administrative framework “for the efficient and optimal development of the country’s OSW resources, which shall be made applicable to all permitting agencies.”

Vince Lopez

friendly foreign policy.

Galvez said the various projects at the EDCA sites, mostly for the warehousing and storage of humanitarian assistance and disaster response-related material, are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the President will be in Washington, D.C. from April 30 to May 4 on an official visit.

The President’s activities will start on May 1 with a meeting withBiden—his second after New York which was held on the sidelines of theUnited Nations General Assembly. It will be followed by expanded meetings with key US Cabinet officials.

The DFA emphasized the importance of the visit as it "will reaffirmthe bonds of friendship that give definition and significance to the many facets of the bilateral relationship, underpinned by the close affinity shared by Filipinos and Americans alike for many years."

"The trip will highlight the steadfast commitment by both sides to be reliable and resilient allies and partners in times of crisis and prosperity, amid a challenging global and regional environment," the DFA said.

From the US, the President will fly to London for the coronation of King Charles III on May 6. With AFP

Other speakers at the Lanting Forum included Brazil's former president Dilma Rousseff and The Gambia's Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara.

"China has put forward a different path to modernization," said Rousseff.

She emphasized that there was no "one size fits all" model fordevelopment, a message echoed repeatedly throughout the forum's opening ceremony.

Earlier this week, Vietnam criticized China for imposing an annual banon fishing in a vast area of the South China Sea, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and urging Beijing not to complicate matters.

China has imposed the ban each year since 1999 and Vietnam routinely opposes it. China says the ban, which will apply from May 1 to Aug.

16, is to promote sustainable fishing and improve marine ecology.

It covers waters 12 degrees north of the equator and includes parts of Vietnam's 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as well as the Paracel islands, which the two countries have both occupied and have contested for decades. With AFP

Baligod said Police Col. Hansel Marantan requested for an executive session during a Senate hearing to divulge certain information against the lawmaker.

Marantan, former chief of the Criminal Investigation and DetectionGroup in the National Capital Region, led the implementation of searchwarrants at Teves' residence in Negros Oriental.

"What I can tell you now is that the signature of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) recovered from the sugar central have the same bomb signature as that used by the NPA (New People's Army) and other terrorist groups in Mindanao," Baligod said.

"Col. Marantan is in possession of an affidavit of former member ofBIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) that details the connection," he added.

In March, police found IEDs buried at the sugar mill compound owned byTeves' younger brother, former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves.

For Baligod, designating the embattled lawmaker as a terrorist is a stronger approach to forcing his return to the Philippines.

"He is staying most of the time in Cambodia. Now, it would be verydifficult for the Philippine government to take jurisdiction over his person because of that... legal impediment," he said.

Baligod said the DOJ is working on applying for a blue notice against Teves Jr.

director for Oil Industry Management Bureau, said. She cited reasons for the forecast downward price adjustment such as "the monetary policy of US of further interest rates that could slow growth and curb oil consumption and the fear of stronger dollar will hurt global oil

PBBM to Muslims: Embody Ramadan values on Eid’l Fitr

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday encouraged the Muslim community to embody the values they learned during the month-long celebration of Ramadan.

"As you culminate the holy month of Ramadhan by celebrating theFestival of the Breaking of the Fast, may you sustain the values, teachings, and practices that you have wholeheartedly discerned and embodied throughout this time," Mr. Marcos said in his message.

"Let these form the foundations of your characters as you continue to fulfill righteous deeds and strive to live a virtuous life moving forward," he added.

The President also noted that the entire nation joins the Muslimcommunity during the festive occasion, as the country embraces the Islamic faith as "part of our own collective consciousness."

"With our many faiths informing all our actions and bridging all our differences as a diverse set of peoples, we can transcend anychallenge and still remain united under the banners of camaraderie, respect, and love," he said.

Eid al-Fitr, which is the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, was moved from Friday, April 21 to Saturday, April 22 due to the crescent moon notbeing sighted.

Malacañan Palace had declared Friday, April 21, as a holiday for the observance of the occasion.

Vince Lopez

PNP...

From A1

initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government leadership.

"The advisory body convened yesterday, April 20, for the eighth timesince it was constituted to determine the fitness of all the senior officials to continue serving the PNP," he added.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tasked the members of the national and regional peace and order councils to address cases of political violence as well as those stemming from the illegal drug trade.

The President said these were the two biggest concerns threatening peace and order in the country. He also said that the PNP’s internal review aimed at determining cops with drug links was set to conclude in two weeks or so, as he vowed torelentlessly fight the proliferation of illicit narcotics in the country.

Maranan said the advisory group has wrapped up work and drafted itsreport containing findings and recommendations.

"The final report of the fivemember body will be formally endorsed to Napolcom (National Police Commission) chairman and DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. for final review and subsequent presentation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for approval," he added.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. thanked his co-membersand support staff for the successful culmination of the evaluation andscreening process of all 953 third-level police commissioned officers.

"This report is the result of painstaking hard work that speaks wellof the objectivity, fairness and integrity of the entire process. The whole exercise is founded on the common aspiration of an effective and trustworthy police organization that deserves the trust and respect of the people," he said.

demand making it more expensive."

On April 18, the country's oil firms implemented a mixed oil price movement.

The oil firms increased the price of gasoline by P0.30 per liter andP0.10 per liter for kerosene but rolled back the price of diesel by P0.40 per liter.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. filed Senate Resolution 573 which seeks to investigate the reported data breach in the databases of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies.

“Without reliable and trustworthy cybersecurity measures in place, these reported data breaches remain to have the dangerous potential of exposing individuals to identity theft, phishing attacks, and a range of other malicious activities, which will ultimately victimize the public,” Revilla said.

He added that government agencies as well as private entities may very well be endangered by the susceptibilities of our cybersecurity if left inadequate.

The senator also said data breaches in government records may lead to potential national security issues.

If unabated, the exposed data may lead to nefarious transactions such as criminals taking advantage of the leaked data to blackmail and threaten law enforcers, Revilla said.

To support his proposal, Revilla cited VPNMentor, a cybersecurity research company, which reported that a staggering 1,279,437 records belonging to law enforcement agencies.

This included sensitive police employee information, which has been compromised in an unprecedented data breach. The report was authored by cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler.

Revilla further said the data hacking reportedly exposed 817.54 gigabytes of both applicant and employee records under multiple state agencies, including the PNP, NBI, BIR and Special Action Force (SAF).

“The possibly compromised records include highly sensitive data such as fingerprint scans, birth certificates, tax identification numbers (TIN), tax filing records, academic transcripts, and even passport copies,” said Revilla said. He said the report even revealed that the said data were available for public access for at least six weeks

“The same report highlighted that these documents were stored in an unsecured, non-password-protected database, which is easily accessible to individuals with an internet connection and highly vulnerable to cyberattacks,” Revilla said.

De Lima: I will gain freedom based on merits

FORMER senator Leila de Lima said she will fight to gain her freedom against the “fabricated” cases filed against her in court based on “merits.”

De Lima was reacting to Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s earlier statement that he was “open to de Lima’s application for bail if it is based on humanitarian grounds and not on the merits of the drug cases against her.”

“I will gain my freedom on the merits, because the DOJ has no case against me from the very beginning,” De Lima, quoted by GMA News, said.

Although she was grateful for Remulla’s concern, especially after she was taken hostage in her cell at the Philippine National Police custodial center, de Lima said she “cannot thank him as the head of the agency that is primarily responsible for the fabrication of the charges” against her, GMA News also reported.

The former senator said that the charges filed against her during President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration are “maintained, to date.”

Remulla in an interview, said the DOJ would support De Lima’s bail based on humanitarian grounds not on the merits or demerits of the cases.

AFP spokesperson says military did not torture, kill rebel leaders

THE military has denied reports that Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon were allegedly tortured and killed by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Who is Marco Valbuena? He is a fictitious person telling fictitious stories to deceive our people,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar, quoted by GMA News, said.

“That’s how I describe ‘its’ (I cannot use he or she in referring to a ‘digital person’) press release and we are happy that our people today are well aware of the truth to believe its poisonous tongue,” he added.

In a separate statement, Aguila said the

CPP’s allegations are “propaganda” and an “attempt to deceive” Filipinos, GMA News further reported. “Their allegations of capture and torture are part of their propaganda and an attempt to deceive the Filipino people.”

Aguilar added that what happened in the August 2022 operation “was a legitimate encounter acting on information that VIPs of CPP-NPA were escaping from ongoing military operations.”

The AFP also added that the admission of the CPP that its ranking leaders, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, were killed last year in an encounter with patrolling military troops highlights the government’s success against fugitives.

“The recent CPP-NPA-NDF’s (New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) declaration of the demise of the Tiamzon couple, if indeed true, was the success of government operations against the fugitives of the law, as they confirmed in their statement that these personalities have important positions in the CTG (communist terrorist group) organization,” Aguilar said in a statement Friday. He added that the AFP has long suspected of the couple’s demise following an encounter with government troops in

the waters of Catbalogan City, Samar in August 2022 but could not confirm it due to lack of evidence.

However, Aguilar said CPP allegations that the AFP captured and tortured the Tiamzons before killing them is but propaganda and an attempt to deceive the public.

“Their allegations of capture and torture are part of their propaganda and an attempt to deceive the Filipino people. What happened in August 2022 operation was a legitimate encounter acting on information that VIPs of CPP-NPA were escaping from ongoing military operations,” he said.

Aguilar said the AFP maintains that the operation succeeded, with the CPP-NPANDF’s confirmation of their casualties, which included the Tiamzons.

FISHING ALONG THE BAY. Photo shows residents of Manila enjoying shing along an area in Manila Bay beside the Philippine Navy in Pasay City. Lino Santos

Panay-Guimaras bridge project seen facing delays

TWENTY-TWO years after its construction was proposed, the 32.47-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridge project that will connect the major islands in Region 6 appears headed for further delay, if not cancellation, according to several groups.

Various quarters, including South Korean joint venture Sambo Engineering, have forwarded objections against the results of the shortlisting and bid evaluation criteria for the detailed engineering design of the project.

The PGN project will link Panay-Guimaras and Negros Islands through the construction of two-sea-crossing bridges spanning a total 32.47 kilometers. It was initially proposed in 1999.

The groups also claim that the feared delay was raised in the ongoing prequalification bidding process for the $48 million consulting service contract on the Detailed Engineering Design and Tender Assistance of the PGN.

Suspected bias in the bidding was raised on the reported impending decision of the Bids and Awards Committee for Consulting Services of the Department of Public Works and Highways to recommend only one of participating South Korean firms to bid for the contract.

According to several groups, letters were sent to Antonio V. Molano Jr., chair of the DPWH.

BAC for Consulting Service, the Sambo JV pointed out a number of

concerns on the body’s criteria and the terms of reference for the competitive bidding participants.

Sambo JV and Yooshin JV, both from South Korea, were the only two bidders included in the shortlist of competitors although the governments of the Philippines and South Korea have agreed to allow five firms to participate in the bidding.

However, with Sambo JV contemplating on withdrawing from the bidding, Yooshin JV is expected to be left alone to pursue the contract.

Such a situation could provide basis for a declaration of failure of bidding as provided under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Law.

TELECOM regulator National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) disclosed that it is not targeting a 100-percent SIM registration of the country’s mobile users, as the deadline for registration nears.

NTC Deputy Commissioner John Paulo Salvahan cited the experiences of other countries, where an average registration only reaches 70 percent and the rest of unregistered SIMs get deactivated, ABS-CBN News reported.

“We are not looking at 100 percent registration, most likely ‘yung ibang SIMs diyan, hindi na ire-register, either one reason or another,” Salvahan, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.

Salvahan said as of April 20, around 75.5 million SIMs or 45 percent of the total number of active SIMs are currently registered. The NTC earlier said there are 168.9 million total active SIMs in the country.

The government earlier said unregistered SIMs will be automatically deactivated. However, the SIMs can be reactivated if appealed within five days.

According to the regulator, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the SIM Registration Act, however, does not provide a mechanism on how this would be done and what grounds will be considered for reactivation.

Earlier, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said there was so far no extension of the April 26 SIM registration deadline amid requests from telco firms.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual had said he supports calls to extend the SIM registration, as this would help in the country’s shift to digital payments.

Globe, Smart and DITO earlier cited the lack of valid IDs as one of the main reasons why many telco subscribers are not able to register their SIMs. Subscribers in remote areas in the provinces are also having problems registering because of weak internet signals.

CAPP assures airports will have enough staff during peak tourism travel season

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Friday assured all airports under its supervision have enough personnel and operational medical facility for the safety of passengers this peak travel season.

‘STOP SIM REGISTRATION.’ Members of multi-sectoral groups staged a protest rally on Friday after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) refused to extend the April 26 deadline for SIM card registration. Manny Palmero

Modern world-class fish port rises in Orani, Bataan

By Butch Gunio

SEN. Cynthia Villar and Bataan officials on Thursday led the groundbreaking of the P180.3 million Orani Fish Landing and Trading Post in Pantalang Bago, Orani, Bataan.

The fish port will have 60 consignee stalls and will be constructed on a onehectare area replacing the old Orani fish port.

Villar said the project will level up Orani as a world-class fish port serving fish traders and fishers in the area. She also said the modern fish port will also

open tourism opportunities for Orani.

The funding of the project came as a grant from the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Provincial Planning Development Officer Butch Baluyot said the DA loaned from World Bank to be able to fund the project by way of grant to Orani. He added both the national and provincial governments each provide ten percent of the project cost as counterpart.

Gov. Joet Garcia said there will be huge economic impact for local folks once the modern fish port is constructed.

“Napakaganda ng proyekto, maraming mga nag-aalimango, nagsusugpo, at ngayon mga nagsisilinyasi makikinabang,” Garcia said.

Vice Gov. Cris Garcia said they thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the two PRDP projects in Bataan. She said the other project is a road in Hermosa.

“With the onset of Summer 2023, 42 commercial airports operated by CAAP are fully ready and operational to accommodate and assist passengers,” said CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio. He said the agency has been working closely with its Area Center and Airport Managers to ensure that all health and standard safety protocols are in place and being followed.

In addition, medical personnel are

on standby during airport operational hours in case of health emergencies. These medical personnel are trained to provide first aid to passengers who may require medical attention while in the airport.

“All of CAAP’s commerciallyoperated airports are equipped with medical personnel to ensure that we can respond to any health emergency that may arise. We want to assure all passengers that their safety and well-being are our top priority,” said Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo. CAAP reminds all passengers, airport employees and stakeholders to take extra precautions to protect themselves from extreme heat levels that can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

GREEN PALAY

STALKS. A young resident of Barangay Crispulo, Salitran 1, Dasmariñas, Cavite holds stalks of green palay. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reiterated that the country’s rice supply remains stable

NTC not going for 100% SIM card registration

Frasco: Apart from P. Galera, Mindoro has more attractions

By Othel V. Campos and Rio N. Araja

AMID concerns on water quality in certain areas of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco urged tourists to explore other attractions in the island apart from swimming and water sports. Meanwhile, advocates, supporters, and other sectoral representatives have joined residents within the Verde Island Passage (VIP) in Batangas and formed a human boom in observance of Earth Day, seeking justice over the oil spill that has poisoned the sea waters around the island.

Tingog opens 3 more outreach centers in Davao Norte

By Maricel V. Cruz

TINGOG party-list Rep. Yedda Marie

Romualdez and Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday said more people can now avail of government services closer to their homes following the launch of three more Alagang Tingog Center (ATC) in Davao del Norte province.

On Thursday, Tingog expanded its outreach program with the inauguration of separate ATCs in Tagum City and the municipalities of Asuncion and San Isidro. Just a day before, Tingog also formally opened an ATC each in Samal Island, Panabo City, and the municipality of Carmen.

DFA: Repatriation of OFWs in Sudan starts next week

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Foreign Affairs

(DFA) on Friday said it will start next week repatriating Filipinos out of strife-torn Sudan.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega admitted that the repatriation process would take time because airport transfers were not possible amid the conflict between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“For the repatriation, we already have authorization [to do that] given proper conditions. It should be land evacuation, not by plane, because the airport is not operational. We hope it can be done next week,” de Vega said, in an interview with GMAnews.

“We will update you as soon as our team is able to enter Sudan. There is power supply and internet connection, and initially, Filipinos there on record are just around 250. Now, it is almost 500 since others were not registered, so we are asking them to reach out to us,” De Vega added.

He also called on Filipinos in Sudan to reach out to Philippine Embassy officials via the contact number +20 122 743 6472 and via the PHinEgypt Facebook messenger account so the embassy can send them proper assistance, particularly food.

“A lot of Filipinos employed by a big company there like DAL are being assisted by the company for their supplies, but it is not the case for others employed in other firms. The advantage for these Filipinos [not employed by a big firm] is that they are located in the same location in significant numbers, like 11 of them reside in the same building. It is easier to locate them,” De Vega said.

“The hotline is available, and the embassy will reach out to you,” he added.

“Consistent with Tingog’s mission to bring forth change, hope, and progress, we are pursuing the mission to reach out to more people, especially those in remote areas, to make it easier for them to avail of government services,” Rep. Romualdez said.

Romualdez, wife of the Speaker, also thanked the concerned local officials for their cooperation and assistance in the establishment of the ATCs in their respective jurisdictions as well as the people of Davao Del Norte for their warm reception.

“Salamat po sa lahat ng ating local officials sa suporta nila ganun din po sa ating mga kababayan sa Davao del Norte sa mainit nilang pagtanggap. Huwag po kayong mag-atubili

na pumunta sa ating mga ATC at makakaasa kayo na gagawin namin ang aming makakaya upang maihatid sa inyo ang karampatang serbisyo,” she added.

“With these new ATCs, many of our people in the province of Davao del Norte can enjoy needed government services practically next to their doorstep, sparing them the inconvenience of traveling to urban centers for this purpose. I hope and pray for the success of this endeavor so we can reach out to more people in the future,” the Speaker said. The ribbon-cutting for the additional ATCs in the province was led by Davao del Norte Vice Gov. Oyo Uy and House Deputy Secretary General Ponyong Gabonada.

PMMA puts up monument to honor late President Diosdado Macapagal

FORMER President now Pampanga

Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her sister ex-Pampanga ViceGovernor Cielo Macapagal-Salgado on Friday led the unveiling of a statue of their father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal.

The ceremony was held at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales.

In a statement, Arroyo said the PMMA built the monument to honor her father who in 1963 signed the law converting the Philippine Nautical School to the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, thus enabling it to confer the degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and automatically grant the Third Mate and Fourth Marine Engineer licenses without undergoing Professional Regula-

tion Commission examinations.

In her brief remarks, Arroyo recalled that when she was president in 2002, the PMMA was already producing 10 percent of the total number of Filipino deck and engine officers manning international ships, thus providing a “bountiful harvest of foreign exchange earnings for the country.”

She said overseas Filipino workers’ remittances, along with the fiscal economic reforms implemented in her term, enabled the country to achieve 38 uninterrupted quarters of successive growth and save the country from the major global recession that happened in 2008. Similarly, international ratings agencies credit Arroyo’s fiscal and economic reforms for raising the credit worthiness of the Philippines which has been enjoyed during the watch of her successors. Maricel Cruz

CHR cites Isabela

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday commended the Isabela City government in Basilan for enacting an ordinance protecting human rights advocates.

Isabela City Ordinance No. 22-717 was reputedly the first ever local government law on the protection of human rights defenders.

“The measure manifests the city government’s recognition of its legal and moral obligation to ensure the protection of human rights defenders who play a key role in promoting human rights, democracy andvthe rule of law,” the CHR said.

CHR chairman Richard Palpal-latoc,

Frasco noted that while the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) advised against consumption of water in some areas of Puerto Galera, the DOH in a subsequent announcement, advised travelers to temporarily avoid recreational seaborne activities in areas affected by the oil spill.

“We wish to highlight the plethora of offerings that this beautiful town and province has to offer, particularly to nature lovers and adventure seekers. Paramount of course is the safety of tourists while giving importance to the need to balance the life and livelihood of the people,” Frasco said.

She said tourists could go climb Mt. Malasimbo or enjoy the scenic Tamaraw waterfalls and other attractions in the area, including the Galera Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area, and the Iraya Mangyan Village.

There are other cities and municipalities in Oriental Mindoro that also have a wide range of tourism offerings. Tourists can explore the riverside and go on picnic at the Infinity Farm in Baco which just takes an hour land travel from Puerto Galera, or go on a food crawl in Calapan City or visit sites such as the Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark and Oriental Mindoro

City for protecting HR advocates

along with Commissioner Beda Epres, visited Isabela City to personally hand over a plaque of recognition to the city’s councilors.

“The enactment of this pioneer ordinance is a key development in the current Commission’s vision to bring the CHR and human rights directly to the people and communities. It is also a concrete move to protect human rights defenders at the local level, which is crucial in creating a conducive environment for human rights at the grassroots level,” Palpal-latoc said.

“Localizing the HRD bill has become one of our efforts together with our partners to institutionalize state obligations in the local level for the protection of the rights of HRDs as a

response to the attacks, red-tagging, vilification, and threats to their lives and security,” Epres said.

“The series of meetings, consultatons, and lobby efforts conducted by the CHR through the Policy Advisory Office and its partners yielded to this very first Human Rights Defenders Protection Ordinance in the Philippines. This is a milestone achievement for the CHR and all advocates of human rights as this marks the first tangible proof of our work in the local policy level to protect our fellow human rights defenders,” he added. The CHR envisions every local government to emulate Isabela’s move in protecting human rights defenders.

PCG rescues 85 from ferry stuck in shallow water off Lanao del Norte

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 85 people, including five infants, were rescued after a passenger vessel ran aground off Maigo Point, Lanao del Norte on Thursday evening. In a statement, the PCG said its search and rescue team responded to the area.

“Siniguro ng PCG ang kaligtasan ng 85 pasahero na maingat na isinakay sa Tugboat Foscon Diamond na ginamit sa naturang operasyon,” the PCG said. Passenger vessel MV Filipinas Cebu was on its way to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental from Lanao del Norte when it got stuck in shallow water.

Based on the assessment by the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU), there was no oil spill after the incident.

Heritage Museum, Frasco said. Visitors were also encouraged to go walking, biking, or jogging around Naujan Lake; trek to Talon Falls, or see the famed heritage houses in Pola; and go on a culinary tour in Pinamalayan.

The DOT, Frasco said, adheres to the recommendations of the DENR and the DOH with respect to tourism activities that should be allowed in the island given the current oil spill event.

The DOT, she added, is ready to assist affected tourism workers and front-liners should the destination be closed or tourism activities be suspended.

“In addressing the needs of tourism stakeholders, we look not only at the primary tourism enterprises but also the secondary enterprises as well as the entire tourism value chain involved including all of the informal and indirect employment generated in the areas like the vendors, for instance, the boat men, the pasalubong makers, the dive shops, divers, among others,” Frasco said.

The DOT provides training and livelihood programs, as well as other forms of assistance in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to equip qualified beneficiaries with alternative means of livelihood as tourismrelated activities continue to be affected by the oil spill crisis in the province.

Consultant eyes quarterly concerts at Malacañang

MALACAÑANG eyes the continuance of its concert series on a quarterly basis even as the maiden episode is set to unfold today.

This was disclosed by Cris Villonco, consultant for the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” project broached by President Marcos Jr. himself.

“We are planning every three months mag-showcase (ng talent). That means every three months may new program, new show, new set of artists, another part ng grounds ng Malacañang,” Villonco said.

Villonco said however that they do not have any plans yet on holding the concert series different places in the country.

She gave assurances that the concerts would not sell tickets as it was part of a plan to open the Palace to the public.

“Hindi rin namin alam how this would be received, and we are hoping that this would be received with major open arms,” she said..

The inaugural concert, slated on Saturday, will recognize the efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Office of the President earlier said in a statement.

Those included in the concerts are singers, theater artists, dancers and movement artists, rappers, spoken word artists, and even rock vocalists and beatbox artists.

PACT TO SAVE ECOSYSTEM FROM LEAD POISONING. The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and vehicle battery maker Motolite seal an accord meant to protect the environment from lead poisoning arising from discarded batteries.

Photo taken at the signing rite shows (from left) Lloyd Arcedo, assistant vice president of Evergreen Environmental Resources Inc.; Alexander Osias, Motolite marketing head; Dr. Jesus Arranza, chair of the Federation of the FPI, Max de Leon, Motolite spokesman; and Ru no Margate Jr., FPI secretary general.  Norman Cruz

Every day should be Earth Day

THIS April 22, we will celebrate the 53rd Earth Day.

The first was in 1970 when a United States senator arranged a demonstration to bring light to environmental issues.

This brought them the Environmental Protection Agency by the end of the same year.

Fifty-three years later, we still face environmental issues, certainly much worse and more catastrophic than in the 70s.

Extreme weather events are only getting stronger, the sea levels are getting to the point of entire islands disappearing, and the floods are happening more and more. In the Philippines, the typhoons seem to be stronger every year and the heat of our summers is becoming unbearable.

Just last February 28, 2023, the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro from the sinking of MT Princess Empress with 800,000 liters brought about more environmental issues.

President Marcos and the Filipino athletes

mitigation appear to have positive effects, we do not seem to be doing enough.

Some effective options we have for adaptation being soil moisture conservation, irrigation, agroforestry, community-based adaptation, use of agroecological principles and practices, and other approaches that work with natural processes. The problem is even with the upward trend in global climate finance, the finance for adaptation is becoming more and more insufficient with effects becoming more drastic.

Additionally, most of the climate finance is already put into mitigation, and yet we still fall short on limiting global warming below 2°C or to 1.5°C according to the IPCC report.

If we continue with the same (or higher) greenhouse gas emissions, it will increase global warming with an estimate of 1.5°C and every increment will come with intensified hazards.

Higher global warming would mean more abrupt and irreversible changes.

When we speak of climate change and our future like this, it is very easy to despair.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly confirmed his presence during the send-off ceremony for the Philippine delegation to the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia on April 25 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

It will be a big morale boost for the more than 1,000 athletes and officials competing in the biennial meet considered the ‘Olympics’ in this part of Asia.

The presence of no less than the highest official of the land lends credence to the importance of the event downplayed by few sports officials as the “lowest” international event. The SEA Games could be labeled the “lowest” but it serves as a stepping stone for athletes wanting to perform better in the Asian Games and eventually in the World Championship or the Olympics.

It should not be discounted nor set aside and be given the least priority. Besides, the SEA Games has always been a major tool of special bond with other Southeast Asian nations that participation and eventually excelling in it becomes a source of pride for the country and its athletes whose sports, including traditional ones, are not included in the Asian or Olympic calendars. The SEA Games, to say the least, promotes

According to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the damage from the oil spill is about to hit the P1 billion mark.

More than a month later, residents from the most affected areas continue to suffer the consequences.

According to them, even with their income and the aid combined, their money remains insufficient.

Some of them have not been able to earn at all.

As these coastal communities rely on fishing for a living, the impact has been huge, to the point that they are not able to send their kids to school since they cannot provide allowance.

On top of this, they have also had to face health hazards.

In a slightly ironic occurrence, we see the way fossil fuel and their companies impact our environment, not just in the waste they produce, but also in irresponsible and unregulated decisions made such as what led to the oil spill.

On the 53rd Earth Day, it is quite sad to reflect on where the Earth stands now. According to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “Human activities, principally through emissions of greenhouse gases, have unequivocally caused global warming, with global surface temperature reaching 1.1°C above 1850–1900 in 2011–2020.”

This and climate change have caused extremes in the form of heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones.

With this, 3.3-3.6 billion people are highly vulnerable as they live in areas prone to the impacts of climate change.

That is almost half of the entire world’s population.

While climate adaptation and

A CHILD’S burnt shoe, a charred pram, shattered kitchenware -- the items on display in the Polish capital tell the story of how Jews in wartime Warsaw lived, loved and died.

The exhibition at the Kordegarda gallery comes just in time for the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, when Jewish fighters revolted against Nazi German terror.

Put on in partnership with the Warsaw Ghetto Museum, the show presents rare, recently unearthed traces of the World War II Jewish district.

“Warsaw is not just one city, but two: one that we see, and another one down there, underground,” co-curator Jacek Konik told AFP.

“And these are, so to speak, voices from the buried city, calling from beneath our feet.”

Konik led the excavations in Warsaw, at a site adjacent to the bunker where the leader of the doomed uprising, Mordechaj Anielewicz, and his comrades committed mass suicide.

When Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939, roughly one third of the city’s

There’s no challenge in thinking that there is nothing we can do anymore.

That is not true.

The IPCC report enumerates different solutions for different industries that are a part of one whole.

For energy systems, net zero CO2 would demand things such as a big reduction of fossil fuel use, carbon capture and storage technology, and electricity systems free of CO2 emissions.

For industry and transport, mitigation options must be promoted that consider energy and materials efficiency.

Cities also need to develop urban systems that include adaptation and mitigation elements.

Old infrastructures can be reused, and public transport can be prioritized. For land, ocean, food, and water, the biggest call is to save our forests. The restoration of forests promises the highest mitigation potential.

There are many key areas that we can improve on to save our planet, but it is important to call on the government to support projects and initiatives that lead to climate justice.

Government actions in different levels, with civil society and the private sector, are crucial to develop plans that will lead us to sustainability and climate resilience.

They must prioritize risk reduction, equity, and justice when they make decisions for their constituency.

During a time when our home is close to killing us because we killed it first, we must not stop at honoring and fighting for it on Earth Day.

That is not enough. With our children’s future on the line, every day should be Earth Day.

Website: tonylavina.com. Facebook: tonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

population was Jewish.

A year later, the occupiers cordoned off the Jewish district to create the ghetto that no Jew could freely leave.

“These are items identical to what we could find in the non-Jewish parts of Warsaw, so it’s clear that the area, separated as a ghetto, was separated artificially,” Konik said.

Up to around 450,000 Jews were crowded into an area of around three square kilometers.

When the Nazi forces began deporting Jews to death camps, some of those in Warsaw put up armed resistance on April 19, 1943. Will to carry on

The nearly month-long uprising was brutally crushed by the Germans, who also razed the ghetto. Its remains are still buried there, only occasionally seeing the light of day.

Among the several thousand artefacts excavated, dozens of which are exhibited, one stands out as particularly meaningful: a charred door handle with a key still stuck in the lock.

“This handle is a symbol of the well-known decree for Jews to abandon their apartments

both the sports and cultural and sports aspects of the participating countries in this part of the world.

Back to the send-off ceremony, it’s an opportunity for the President to talk and meet the country’s sports heroes – those who will be

Analysis on EDCA, Part 2

THE Philippine Foreign Secretary disclosed that Forum Energy could not proceed in drilling the Reed Bank for, accordingly, Chinese ships are harassing Philippine vessels.

In May 2012, Manny Pangilinan met with CNOOC President Yang Hua to ask China for a joint venture to explore SC-72 to settle the Scarborough Shoal Standoff.

Minister Yang replied that CNOOC has also been awarded by the Chinese government to explore the Reed Bank. Nonetheless, the two governments agreed to a cooperative venture within 12 months from the signing of the MOU.

The two parties failed to settle their differences until after Secretary Teodoro Locsin cancelled the MOU.

Some believe the misunderstanding stemmed from the fact that China wanted to promote its state-owned corporation (CNOOC) while the Philippines wanted to pursue its state-owned PNOC-Exploration Corporation.

In fact, the Philippines granted service contracts to foreign oil companies in violation of our Constitution.

The moratorium referred to by Locsin is to ban the exploration in the Reed Bank under Service Contract 72 granted in 2010 by the Department of Energy to Forum Energy, Limited of which PXP Energy (formerly Philex Petroleum), led by Pangilinan, owns 79.13 percent controlling interest.

Forum Energy is an oil and gas exploration company incorporated in the United Kingdom with focus on the Philippines.

China took note of our joint oil exploration with Dutch Shell and Chevron where we got 10 percent share and 90 percent divided by the two foreign oil companies.

The government was later asked to pay the franchise tax of three percent.

China tried to rectify these inequities by strictly allowing us to observe the 60-40 partition provided in Section 2, Article XII of our Constitution.

The US can never demand the withdrawal of China in the SCS.

Chinese presence is integral to its geographical existence.

While China insists in claiming the socalled Nine-Dash Line, neither did it prevent the US and other naval powers from transiting through the SCS in the exercise of freedom of navigation and its right of innocent passage for commercial shipping.

All that China demanded is for the US to respect existing international laws based on the traditional 12-mile limit for our territorial waters and the 200-mile limit under UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) or for countries that have shoreline to enjoy exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the SCS.

Neither can the US accuse China of preventing other naval powers from passing through the SCS without the UN Security Council resolution.

The situation turned complicated because the original objective of exploring and exploiting oil and gas was converted into establishing foreign military bases.

doing battles in the arena, carrying the pride and Philippine tricolors. It is also a chance for the stakeholders, including the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, to show a solid and united team – a team with less bickering and intramurals.

In past send-off rites, coaches and athletes received messages from the Philippine president to be reminded of their mission to make their country proud in the sporting arena.

President Marcos’ reported confirmation to be at the send-off rites should turn the athletes on as they strive to improve on the fourth place finish in the Vietnam SEA Games last year.

The President, in his earlier instructions to the PSC, committed to providing the athletes with better nutrition and support for training.

The PSC under chairman Richard Bachmann is doing just that although there is more room for improvement since he has only taken office barely four months.

But the athletes under various National Sports Associations have been training hard with or without the PSC support as most of them have already shouldered the expenses even before the government agency could provide the needed funds.

There is an African proverb which many have heard: It takes a village. If all stakeholders and the President himself will be there for the Filipino athletes, there’s nothing they cannot achieve.

He fears jeopardizing Chinese investment and becoming a target in a conflict over Taiwan.

The US makes it appear the government steadfastly supports the plan to add four new sites: identified as the Camilo Osias Naval Base in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan.

Many believe EDCA will give the US the legal anchor to continue its presence in the SCS and to patrol the area as a hegemon. That now puts the impression that it is our country that sought US assistance to protect us against the possible invasion from China.

Our close relations with Taiwan technically reduced the Philippines to a surrogate state ready to be involved in a proxy war with China.

The US is fully aware the Philippines does not have the means to defend Taiwan and the US is cognizant of that situation.

The concept of a rules-based strategy is always in the mind of the Americans; that the principle represents the majority and think they are right.

Many are questioning this.

Control of the SCS has become primordial to their own military objective than to controlling the oil and gas deposit.

Things have become politicized that military rather than economic power now predominates the preoccupation of the major powers.

The RP-US military bases agreement has been upgraded to meet the exigencies of the post-Cold War period.

Our approval of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) indicates the nature of our pact with the US.

It is like having an alliance with two or three countries because of our ideological insecurity without knowing the root cause of our alliance.

The EDCA agreement with the US refers to the three sites in northern Philippines.

These includes a naval base, an airport in Cagayan, and an army camp in Isabela.

The naval base is in Santa Ana which is about 400 kilometers from Taiwan.

Another site is an air base in Balabac Island, off the southern tip of Palawan directly facing the SCS. Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba has publicly opposed EDCA.

this exhibition, we can complete the story,” Konik said. Today, very few buildings remain from the ghetto. One rare example is a pre-war townhouse at Chlodna street that was once home to Adam Czerniakow, tasked by the Germans to head the ghetto’s Judenrat Jewish administration. ‘Doomed to die’

There is also photo evidence of that time, but most of it was shot by the Nazis.

First, the context does not fit the condition for which it is applied.

All that the US policy makers do is for the Philippines to accept rather than question the agreement.

Moreover, the US insists its navy has every right to pass through the Strait of Taiwan for as long as they do not block the free passage thereof.

However, the US Navy never bothered to explain that freedom of navigation has limitations.

The catch is that for the US to patrol the Straits of Taiwan would certainly violate the passage because the median that separates China from Taiwan is less than 24 miles measured from the shoreline of the two countries.

In fact, China could prevent the passage of ships, insisting the passage would violate the territorial waters of either country.

Today, this is the cause of the on-going tension between the US Navy and China’s PLA. All that we know is the intransigence of China to allow free passage in the Strait. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

act of resistance was as important as armed combat,” Polin said on its website.

This year’s uprising commemorations-to be attended by the Israeli and German presidents—are also expected to shed more light on the civilian perspective.

Located just in front of the museum is the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, a 11-meter memorial at the site of several of the uprising’s armed clashes. Haska said the monument also has an overlooked side.

and leave the keys in the door,” Konik said. There are also some unlikely finds, such as the picture of Igo Sym, a Polish actor who collaborated with the German occupiers.

“Presumably it belonged to some young, prewar fan of the handsome actor,” Konik said.

“Unfortunately, behind the attractive appearance, there was a monster,” Konik said of the star later assassinated by the Polish resistance.

All of the items testify to the will to carry on despite the horrors of antisemitism and war.

“That is perhaps what’s most poignant--that ordinary life was cut short, and now, through

“It is very annoying that we still see the ghetto through German eyes. It shouldn’t be like that,” Agnieszka Haska from the Polish Center for Holocaust Research told AFP.

However, the public will soon be able to check out recently discovered photos of the ghetto taken by a Polish firefighter.

The images are part of a new exhibition at the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews that focuses on the fate of Jewish civilians during the uprising.

“Instead of responding to summons to turn up for transports heading towards imminent death, they remained in hiding. Their silent

“We usually see... the one of the fighting, the combatants” where visiting officials lay wreaths, she said.

“But extremely interesting is the second side of the monument, the one dedicated to the civilian experience that we want to particularly commemorate this year.”

That side shows a line of civilians on their way to death.

“In other words: the elderly, the women, the children—those who lived in the Warsaw ghetto and were doomed to die,” Haska said. AFP

If all stakeholders and the President himself will be there for the Filipino athletes, there’s nothing they cannot achieve

‘Voices from the buried city’: Warsaw ghetto memory lives on

That side shows a line of civilians on their way to death

Macron, Biden to ‘engage’ China on Ukraine issue

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden

“agreed on the importance of continuing to engage” China in helping to end the war in Ukraine, the French presidency said Thursday after talks by phone between the leaders.

In a statement, Macron’s office said Macron had briefed Biden about “the results obtained” during his visit in the first week of April to Beijing where the French leader spent several hours in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The French statement added: “China had a role to play in contributing, in the medium term, in ending the conflict in accordance with the principles and aims of the United Nations charter.

“The two heads of state agreed on the importance of continuing to engage Chinese authorities on this basis.”

Macron also stressed “the importance of European countries continuing to re-arm themselves in order to take on their responsibilities in sharing the burden of transatlantic security,” the statement said.

“The two presidents share the same desire to reinforce cooperation underway and to support international law, including the freedom of navigation, in the whole of the Indo-Pacific region,” the statement added, in a reference to Taiwan.

Returning from his trip to China, Macron had raised hackles among allies by saying that Europe shouldn’t be a “follower” of the United States in the event of conflict between the US and China over Taiwan. AFP

Sudan deaths mount; army rules out talks

SUDAN’S warring forces clashed again in the nation’s capital early Friday, with bombing and shelling reported in several areas of Khartoum, as they ignored appeals by world powers for an end-ofRamadan ceasefire.

Both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called separately for a ceasefire of “at least” three days to mark Eid al-Fitr in the mostly Muslim country, as explosions and gunfire resounded in the capital Khartoum for the sixth straight night.

“On the night of Eid al-Fitr, several areas of Khartoum were bombed and are still exposed to shelling and clashes between the armed forces and the RSF,” the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors said in a statement.

“We call on all citizens to exercise caution, stay home, close doors and windows and lie down. We also call on these forces to be responsible and immediately stop fighting to protect innocent lives.”

The capital has borne the brunt of some of the fiercest fighting, with most of its five million people sheltering at home without electricity, food or water.

Residents have struggled to sleep for nearly a week and been jolted awake by “the roaring sound of fighter jets and air strikes”, said Nazek Abdalla, a 38-yearold in southern Khartoum.

“We locked our doors and windows, hoping no stray bullets would hit our building, Abdalla added. “We wish the fighting would stop during Eid festivities. We know it will not happen though.”

Blinken “condemned the indiscriminate fighting” in separate conversations with both Burhan and Daglo, his spokesperson said in a Friday statement.

“He urged both military leaders to implement and uphold a nationwide ceasefire and sustain it through at least the end of Eid al-Fitr, Sunday, April 23,” the statement said. AFP

Western allies to meet, Ukraine urges support

THE United States will host a meeting in Germany on Friday to discuss further support for Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed Western allies to send more fighter jets and long-range missiles.

Representatives from around 50 countries will gather at the US Ramstein Air Base to coordinate their backing for Kyiv, as battles with Russia rage in the east of the country.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who will attend the meeting, was in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday—his first visit since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Zelensky took the opportunity to press NATO to invite Kyiv to join the alliance and ramp up military support for Ukraine’s army.

The Ukrainian president asked for NATO’s help to “overcome the reluctance” of some member states in providing long-range rockets, modern fighter jets and armoured vehicles.

NATO members have sent some Soviet-era fighter jets to Ukraine, but no modern planes such as the US-designed F-16 have been pledged despite Ukraine’s requests.

Ukraine’s Western supporters have also been reluctant to send long-range rockets because of concerns that Ukraine could use them to

US, France ease tensions after Chinese trip

hit targets within Russia. Air defence

On the visit, Stoltenberg said the meeting in Ramstein would focus on the delivery of more weapons to Ukraine, while stressing the importance of supplying more munitions and enhancing maintenance operations to support Kyiv.

Earlier in the week, Ukraine said it had received the first shipment of Patriots, seen as one of the most advanced US air defence systems.

Germany likewise delivered a Patriot battery to Ukraine as well as a promised Iris-T anti-air missile system.

The kit has been one of Kyiv’s key asks from Western allies as it looks to defend itself from Russian missile attacks and roll back Moscow’s invasion. AFP

Twitter’s verified account blue ticks start vanishing

TWITTER began the mass removal of its blue ticks on Thursday, as the symbol previously used to signify a verified account vanished from users including the Pope, Donald Trump and Justin Bieber.

Owner Elon Musk, who has seen his $44 billion investment in the site shrivel, earlier pledged to get rid of what he described as a “lords & peasants system.”

North Korea has ‘irreversible’ nuclear power

NORTH Korea’s status as a nuclear power is “final and irreversible”, Pyongyang’s foreign minister said Friday, slamming a Group of 7 Nations call for Kim Jong Un to give up his nukes entirely.

Pyongyang has conducted another record-breaking string of sanctionsdefying launches this year, including test-firing the country’s first solid-fuel ballistic missile this month -- a key technical breakthrough for Kim’s military.

Seoul, Washington and the United Nations have all criticised the tests, and this week G7 foreign ministers called for the “complete, verifiable, and irreversible abandonment of (North Korea’s) nuclear weapons”.

North Korean foreign minister Choe

Son Hui slammed the “extremely interventionist” statement, saying the G7 were “malignantly pulling up” her country’s “legitimate exercise of its sovereignty”.

“The position of the DPRK as a worldclass nuclear power is final and irreversible,” Choe said in a statement carried by the official KCNA, referring to North Korea by the initials of its official name.

Choe said the “G7, a closed group of a handful of egoistic countries, does not represent the just international community but serves as a political tool for ensuring the US hegemony.”

Kim had already declared the North an “irreversible” nuclear power in September last year, effectively ending the possibility of denuclearisation talks. AFP

He offered instead to sell the blue badge to anyone who would pay $8 a month, in a move he said last year would “democratize journalism & empower the voice of the people.”

Earlier dates set for the rollback of the ticks—predominately used by celebrities, journalists and politicians—have slipped by without noticeable action.

But on Thursday high-profile accounts, as well as those of many reporters at AFP and other news organizations, appeared to have had the checkmarks removed.

Politicians and official bodies also appeared to have been hit, with US Senator Brian Schatz objecting to the possible effect on public confidence in the event of disasters. AFP

US President Joe Biden and President Emmanuel Macron signaled efforts Thursday to ease tensions in the wake of the French leader’s recent remarks on Taiwan and the European security relationship with Washington.

The White House and Elysee said in separate statements after the phone call that the leaders discussed Macron’s state visit in the first week of April to Beijing, where he spent several hours with President Xi Jinping.

As he ended the trip, Macron caused a stir by telling reporters that European countries should not be drawn into a fight between China and the United States over democratic, Westernbacked Taiwan.

Macron said Europe should avoid “crises that aren’t ours.” He also repeated previous comments calling for the EU’s “strategic autonomy” from the United States, which has been instrumental in defending Europe since helping to defeat Nazi Germany in World War II.

The White House statement emphasized their shared positions.

They “discussed President Macron’s recent travel to the People’s Republic of China and their ongoing efforts to advance prosperity, security, shared values, and the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region,” the statement said. “They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”

Biden and Macron also discussed the Russian invasion of pro-Western Ukraine and “reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal aggression,” the statement said. AFP

Biden praises Colombia prexy rights record

COLOMBIAN President Gustavo Petro told President Joe Biden in their first meeting Thursday that he supports lifting sanctions on the far-left government in Venezuela in return for restoring democracy.

Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, met with Biden in the White House and told reporters afterward that he discussed a strategy for resolving the crisis in far-left leader Nicolas Maduro’s Venezuela, which is deeply isolated by US and European sanctions.

“A strategy was proposed..., which is to hold elections first and then lift sanctions. Or gradually -- as an electoral agenda is fulfilled, those sanctions are also lifted in parallel,” Petro said.

He said he and Biden had discussed a conference on Venezuela hosted by Colombia next week, with foreign ministers from Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

Washington supports the lifting of sanctions for democracy, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Thursday.

“We’ve long been clear that that we will —we would—review our sanctions policies in response to constructive steps by the Maduro regime and if the Venezuelan parties can make meaningful progress in return to a democracy.” AFP

NATO LEADER IN KYIV. This handout picture taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential press service on April 20, 2023, shows NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posing for a photo during their meeting in Kyiv, amid Russia’s military invasion on Ukraine. The NATO secretary general said that the alliance’s priority was to ensure Ukraine “prevails” in the war against Russia and that a membership plan for Kyiv will be discussed at a summit in July. AFP

TANK PATROL. Sudanese army soldiers, loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, sit atop a tank in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, on April 20. More than 300 people have been killed since the fighting erupted April 15 between forces loyal to al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. AFP

SMILING PREMIERS. Czech Republic’s Prime Minister Petr Fiala (second from left) and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) are shown images during a meeting at the Government Office in Hanoi on April 21. AFP

Most Asian markets track Wall St losses

few months”.

PSEi April 20, 2023

TOP GAINERS

HONG KONG, China—Asian markets fell Friday on lingering recession worries as data indicated the US economy was slowing down, while Federal Reserve officials pressed their case for further rate hikes to battle stubborn inflation.

The losses tracked a selloff on Wall Street, where tech firms took a hit from bets on further monetary tightening and carmakers tumbled due to concerns

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

about a possible price war.

Investors were also spooked by earnings reports from US regional banks that pointed to a weakening profit outlook following sector turmoil last month that saw three lenders collapse.

Figures showing recurring unemployment benefit claims hitting their highest level since November 2021, combined with an increase in new applications for jobless insurance, pointed to a softening labour market.

That came with news that the closely watched Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index fell more than expected and stood in contrast to a surprise surge in the New York Empire Fed Survey on Monday.

The readings indicated the world’s

top economy was beginning to feel the weight of a year-long rate hike campaign by the Fed. But while that suggests inflation could come down, there is a worry that a recession is coming.

“The trend higher in jobless claims clearly shows a slowing in the labour market and plays to views of a US recession in 2023,” said National Australian Bank’s Tapas Strickland.

And Edward Moya at OANDA said jobless claims “will soon see new cycle highs as corporate America has steadily announced more layoffs”.

But he added that “the lag in when the layoffs will happen will keep wage pressures strong throughout the next

Eurozone economy accelerates in April, hitting 11-month high

BRUSSELS, Belgium—The eurozone economy’s growth accelerated in April and hit an 11-month high, according to a closely-watched survey published on Friday. Data from the HCOB Flash Eurozone purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey published by S&P Global rose to 54.4 in April from 53.7 in March. A figure above 50 indicates growth.

Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB), said the indices for the eurozone showed “a very friendly overall picture of an economy that continues to recover” but warned “a closer look reveals that growth is very unevenly distributed”.

“For example, the gap between the

partly booming services sector on the one hand and the weakening manufacturing sector on the other has widened further,” he added.

The strength of services comes despite inflation remaining high in the eurozone and incomes that have not kept up with rising consumer prices.

Inflation fell to 6.9 percent on an annual basis in March, but is still far above the European Central Bank’s two-percent target. Although concerns over a Europewide recession has receded in recent months, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official warned Europe would see a “sharp slowdown” in economic growth this year.

“There is certainly in some countries a recession risk, but it’s very different from what we foresaw and feared for, even in January,” Alfred Kammer, the director of the IMF’s European department, told AFP last week.

Germany is the only euro area country the IMF now forecasts will enter recession in 2023.

Kammer said much of Germany’s contraction was due to the ongoing economic impact of the war in Ukraine. The data also showed a sharp decline in output in France’s manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing firms pointed to subdued demand which S&P Global said was “in some instances were linked to recent strike action” in the country. AFP

Brazil may surpass US as world’s No. 1 corn exporter with 2023 record production

By Morgann Jezequel

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil—On his farm in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil’s grain basket, Ilson Jose Redivo finished planting his corn crop a few weeks ago, acting quickly once he’d harvested the soybeans that he’d grown on the same fields.

In this region of west-central Brazil, the fields stretch as far as the eye can see and the schedule is well established: The farmer plants the two crops, soybean and corn, on “almost 100 percent” of his over 1,550 hectares (3,800 acres). The corn will be harvested in June.

The corn is a second crop, or “small crop,” which Brazilians call a “safrinha.” Over the past decade, the second crop has turned into Brazil’s main corn crop and taken an increasing share of world corn production.

This year’s expected production should hit a record, making Brazil the world’s leading corn exporter ahead of the United States, a position it has only reached once before, in 2013.

Production is expected to hit 124.9 million tons (up 10.4 percent compared to last year), of which 76.3 percent is second crop, according to the latest report from the National Supply Company (Conab), published this week.

This is despite a “delay in the soybean harvest” due to a “surplus of rain” in Mato Grosso, the country’s main producer of soybeans and corn, where the mild winter and the distribution of rainfall allow a second annual harvest.

Powered by GMOs

The increase in the price of the cereal grain, driven by the opening of corn ethanol plants from 2017, has

All three main indexes on Wall Street ended in the red, and Asia followed.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangkok and Taipei all fell.

London rose even as data showed UK retail sales fell much more than expected last month.

Paris also edged up as figures pointed to a surge in eurozone economic growth, though Frankfurt dipped.

Bets on further Fed tightening also led the dollar higher against its major peers. While traders are keeping close tabs on the release of corporate earnings, their attention is turning to next month’s Fed rate decision. With AFP

US seeks fair economic ties with rival China

WASHINGTON—The United States seeks a “constructive and fair economic relationship” with China, even as Washington holds firm in defending the country’s national security, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Thursday.

Her speech comes as relations remain strained between the world’s two biggest economies over a variety of issues, from Taiwan to trade to spying.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang last month accused Washington of stoking tensions between both powers, warning of “conflict and confrontation.”

But Yellen said that the United States remains firm in its conviction to defend its values and national security.

“Within that context, we seek a constructive and fair economic relationship with China,” she said in a speech at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in Washington. She also raised the need for both countries to be able to “frankly discuss difficult issues” and work together when possible.

Stressing that “healthy economic competition” is only sustainable with fairness, she said: “We will continue to partner with our allies to respond to China’s unfair economic practices.” Yellen noted that China has expanded support for its state-owned enterprises and domestic private firms, to “dominate foreign competitors.”

On the possible economic impact of some US national security decisions, Yellen insisted that those moves were “motivated solely by our concerns about our security and values.” AFP

Norway wealth fund posted $84-b gain in first quarter

OSLO—Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, posted a gain of $84 billion in the first quarter due to the strong stock market following big losses last year, the central bank said Friday.

The robust showing, representing a return of 5.9 percent, erases about half of the fund’s massive $165.4-billion loss last year amid turbulence over the start of the war in Ukraine.

The fund, one of the world’s biggest investors, was worth a dizzying $1.34 trillion at the end of March, or almost $245,000 for each of Norway’s 5.5 million inhabitants.

“The equity investments had the most positive contribution to the return in the quarter,” the fund’s deputy director Trond Grande said in a statement.

Lopes, of the commodity market analysis firm StoneX.

In this file photo taken on May 12, 2023, trucks harvest corn grains at a farm in Guarapuava, Brazil. AFP encouraged producers to invest more in “safrinha,” says Redivo, who spoke by phone to AFP.

“Corn as a second crop has become more attractive, so we have acquired more fertilizers, genetically improved seeds and farm machinery that allows for faster and more accurate planting,” he stresses.

“We have been able to increase the area” devoted to corn cultivation, “improve our productivity and thus increase our production significantly.”

Genetically modified varieties now occupy almost all of Brazil’s cornfields.

With such production forecasts, “the country should increase its exportable surplus,” which will enable it to sell more abroad, points out Joao Pedro

Geopolitical events and climate have put Brazilian corn in high demand, especially with problem harvests in the traditional corn powerhouses of the United States, Argentina and—because of the war—Ukraine, another grain basket nation. Demand has also risen with the opening of the Chinese market following the signing of an agreement between Brasilia and Beijing in early 2022, Lopes says.

Challenges ahead

According to the US Department of Agriculture, Brazil could export 52 million tons of corn this year, up from 31.9 million tons in 2022, and dethrone the US, whose exports are projected at

49 million tons.

“Brazil is emerging as the competitor to the US and has the capacity to increase production further. There is still a lot of land available for this crop” on already opened agricultural plots, “and our productivity can still progress,” assures Enori Barbieri, vice president of the Brazilian Association of Corn Producers (Abramilho).

But to improve its performance, Brazil must “succeed in raising its investment in agricultural equipment,” in order to “speed up sowing and harvesting,” and “continue to improve its logistical infrastructure to dispose of production,” warns Lucilio Alves, a researcher at the Center of Advanced Studies in Applied Economics at the University of Sao Paulo. AFP

“The rise of the equity market was to a great extent driven by the technology and consumer discretionary sector,” he added.

Fueled by revenues from Norway’s state-owned oil and gas companies, the fund is aimed at financing future spending in the generous welfare state.

According to a ranking by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI), the Norwegian fund is the biggest in the world, just ahead of the China Investment Corporation and followed by those in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Singapore.

Shares, which accounted for 70.1 percent of the Norwegian fund’s portfolio at the end of March, saw a 7.4 percent return in the first quarter. AFP

RAIL STRIKE. A woman stands on an empty platform during a strike of rail workers at the main railway station of Essen, western Germany, on April 21, 2023. German transport union EVG called for the rail strike as workers demand higher wages to cope with high rates of inflation, the latest industrial action in Europe’s largest economy. AFP

BUSINESS

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Friday it resumed domestic and international flights out of its hub in Clark International Airport in Pampanga province, strengthening connectivity for its passengers from northern and central parts of Luzon.

The budget airline said it flew its inaugural flights from Clark to Bacolod, Boracay, Davao and Bangkok Friday as part of its plan to operate a combined 15 destinations from its Clark hub. It will also boost the airline’s network from its

Tanduay’s income rose 14% to P1.42b in 2022

TANDUAY Distillers Inc. continued its growth momentum under president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III who assumed the leadership of the company in 2019.

Consolidated net income reached P1.42 billion in 2022, or 14 percent higher than in the previous year, with consolidated revenues at P31.6 billion, a 26-percent increase from 2021.

“We can say that we have overcome the challenges of the past years and are now focused on growing the business further here in the Philippines and other countries,” said Tan.

Tanduay’s liquor volumes went up by 16 percent in 2022. It continued its dominance in the Visayas and Mindanao, where every three of four liquor drinker chose Tanduay products. The company also grew its share in the overall domestic market.

Consolidated cost of sales went up by 28 percent to P28 billion due to higher excise taxes and manufacturing costs, but Tanduay still ended 2022 with a 12-percent growth in its gross profit at P3.6 billion.

Figaro Coffee hiking capital stock to P1.34b

FIGARO Coffee Group Inc. is increasing its authorized capital stock to P1.34 billion from P660 million as it plans to raise fresh funds through preferred shares offering.

FCG said in a stock exchange filing its board of directors approved the increase in authorized capital stock to P1.34 billion consisting of P1.155 billion common shares and P185 million worth of preferred shares.

FCG’s board will determine the features of the preferred shares and other terms and conditions of the offering to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company said the preferred shares would not have any pre-emptive rights over other issuances or re-issuance of preferred or common shares. It will be the second equity offering of FCG after its initial public offering last year.

Instant noodle and biscuit maker

Monde Nissin Corp. completed the acquisition of a 15-percent stake in FCG for P820 million in February. FCG said it would use the proceeds from the subscription to finance expansion. Jenniffer B. Austria

Filinvest-Engie to study

RE projects for Merasenko

FRENCH company ENGIE, together with Filinvest-ENGIE Renewable Energy Enterprise Inc., signed a memorandum of understanding with medical firm Merasenko Corp. to explore renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions across its project sites in the Philippines. Under the agreement, ENGIE will conduct detailed energy audits and studies to determine the feasibility of various green energy and energy efficiency solutions for Merasenko.

FREE, a joint venture company of FDC Utilities Inc. , the power utility arm of Filinvest Development Corp., and ENGIE Services Philippines, will undertake solar projects agreed with Merasenko based on ENGIE’s recommendations.

“ENGIE and FREE are proud to leverage our sustainable energy expertise to support Merasenko in advancing its decarbonization in the Philippines,” said

FREE director Thomas Baudlot.

“I believe this partnership will demonstrate that strategic implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency measures can save money and improve operations, while helping companies fulfil their social responsibility to minimize climaterelated threats,” Baudlot said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Clark hub and reestablish it as an important gateway for local and international travelers.

The budget carrier began daily flights from Clark to Bangkok, Boracay and Davao and three-times weekly flights to

Bacolod on April 21.

It will also launch three-times weekly flights from Clark to Iloilo on April 22; daily flights to Hong Kong and threetimes weekly flights to General Santos on April 26; daily flights to Singapore and three-times weekly flights to Macau on April 28; and four-times weekly flights to Taipei on April 29.

Cebu Pacific will launch daily flights from Clark to Incheon on May 5; threetimes weekly flights to Cagayan de Oro on May 6; four-times weekly flights to Narita (Tokyo) on May 21; and three-times weekly flights to Puerto Princesa on June 24.

Cebu Pacific is also set to increase

flight frequencies from Clark to Caticlan, Davao, Hong Kong and Cebu in the coming weeks.

It said the relaunch of its Clark hub allows the airline to continue providing great value for passengers, with an additional 10,000 seats per month and fares for both domestic and international flights which are 30 percent lower than their pre-pandemic average.

Cebu Pacific said to support the expansion, it is set to take delivery of three additional aircraft which will be based in Clark. These are on top of the 10 new Airbus NEO aircraft that will be delivered in 2023 to expand the airline’s fleet.

Cebu Pacific resumes flights out of Clark IN BRIEF

“The launch of our Clark flights today is a fulfillment of Cebu Pacific’s mission to help make air travel more accessible and affordable for travelers in north and central Luzon. This expansion will give the traveling public more opportunities to explore the Philippines and the rest of the world,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao. Noel Manankil, president and chief executive of Luzon International Premier Airport Development, the private consortium that manages Clark International Airport, reiterated its support to Cebu Pacific’s initiatives to grow its network and capacity from the station.

IMI still bullish as it banks on EV expansion

By Jenniffer B. Austria

INTEGRATED Micro-Electronics Inc.,

a leading global technology and electronics manufacturing solutions expert, remains bullish on the prospects of the company this year despite headwinds.

IMI president Jerome Tan said during the annual shareholders meeting the company put in place measures and contingency plans to mitigate the headwinds in the electronics component supply, the surge of demand for connectivity solutions and rising raw material prices.

Tan said these measures helped increase the company’s operational efficiency and improve overhead costs. He said IMIs collaborated with customers to renegotiate selling prices to share the burden of increased material and labor expenses and protect profitability.

He said more than $20 million worth of elevated costs was realigned with customer pricing this year.

ERC vows to mitigate impact of P22-b generation charges

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission assured over the weekend it would mitigate the impact of the P22.64-billion charges on consumers related to the Supreme Court ruling on the 2013 generation costs.

ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalan-

ta said the collection of the charges from consumers would begin by the fourth quarter of 2023.

“We are looking at a staggered collection over a period longer than one year, but still evaluating now. Earliest implementation would be fourth quarter,” Dimalanta said.

The Supreme Court last year issued a

ruling nullifying the ERC order imposing regulated prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market for the supply months of November and December 2013.

The ERC implemented a regulated pricing to mitigate the impact of the high WESM rates to consumers resulting from the Malampaya gas facility maintenance shutdown.

The shutdown coincided with the maintenance of other power plants, resulting in very high rate in the spot market. This prompted the ERC to also conduct an investigation after allegations of collusion and market abuse at the WESM surfaced.

The SC voided the ERC order imposing regulated prices pending the result

of its investigation over allegations of market power abuse.

Dimalanta did not provide further details on the possible price increase per distribution utility as this would depend on the collection period and validation.

The SC ruling also allowed Manila Electric Co. “to collect the price increase in November 2013 on a staggered basis as proposed by Meralco and approved by ERC for the protection of consumers.”

Meralco head of regulatory management Ronald Valles earlier said the staggered collection “would be a big win for consumers, especially if that would be implemented today when fuel prices are skyrocketing.”

PSE INDEX CLOSING

“We have also decided to prune the low-performing businesses within our portfolio and replace them with highgrowth, high-margin customers that fit within IMI’s vision of serving the key markets of the future,” Tan said.

IMI ended 2022 with an annual revenue potential from new wins amounting to $352 million.

“As the eighth largest automotive EMS company globally, we are proud to see how major Automotive Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, power semiconductor companies and heavily-funded start-ups continue to trust and rely on us for technologies and design related to the electric vehicle ecosystem and vehicle electrification,” Tan said.

IMI teamed up with Californiabased Zero, a global leader in electronic vehicle motorcycles, in March to assemble Zero’s electric motorcycle models and other assemblies in IMI’s facility in Laguna province.

LandBank lending P6b to help fund Pangasinan projects

By Julito G. Rada

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines said Friday it will lend P6 billion to the provincial government of Pangasinan to support development projects.

LandBank said in a statement the majority of the P6-billion omnibus term loan agreement worth P2.85 billion would fund big-ticket infrastructure projects designed to enhance mobility and upgrade healthcare services in the province.

Terminals, land port and bus stops will be built along the Pangasinan Link Expressway to complete an intermodal transportation system designed to promote better mobility to local tourist destinations.

MalaysiaRinggit0.22522512.6306

New Zealand Dollar 0.62000034.7696

TaiwanDollar0.0327621.8373

GCash teams up with DT One to roll out feature that allows sending load to international number

GCASH, the mobile wallet of Globe, teamed up with DT One, a leading global digital transfer solutions provider, to roll out an international feature that will allow Filipinos to send and buy load from 21 countries for their relatives abroad. GCash will be the first e-wallet in the country to introduce the feature which will be under beta mode for a limited time. Similar to the existing buy load feature on the app, the international load feature allows users to buy load for an international number.

“With this feature, Filipinos can eas-

ily access 48 international telecommunications providers and buy prepaid load for their family members to help them stay connected wherever they are in the world,” GCash president and chief executive Martha Sazon said.

The service will be available in Egypt, Ghana, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia. GCash said the full launch is expected

in the latter part of 2023.

Overseas Filipino workers in the US can also buy load for themselves and access other GCash services on the GCash app. GCash is accessible in other territories such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy.

“It is GCash’s mission to make the lives of the Filipinos better every day and this is not only for our local users but extends to their families no matter where they may be in the globe. We recognize the sacrifices our OFWs had

to endure to give a better future to their families,” Sazon said.

“That’s why recently, we have been doubling up our efforts to improve their connection to their loved ones in the Philippines. GCash will continue to innovate and improve our services for our modern-day heroes,” she said.

Also in the pipeline are the construction of seaports, the expansion of the Lingayen Airport and the construction of a new airport in Bani which will support a salt farm resort. The loan will also cover the establishment and upgrading of provincial hospitals in the city of Urdaneta and the municipalities of Lingayen, Tayug, San Carlos, Binalonan and Umingan.

“The P6-billion loan is in full support of Pangasinan’s development agenda towards a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable local economy. This investment also underscores LandBank’s collaborative efforts for the province’s growth trajectory anchored on the efficient delivery of public service,” LandBank president and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo said.

Amojelar

GCash has 79 million registered users that can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; and send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines. Darwin G.

HOUSING PROJECT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (second from left), alongside (from left) Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jerry Acuzar, Pulilan Mayor Maria Rosario Ochoa-Monetejo, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Project—a flagship housing program of the Marcos Administration, which aims to provide Filipino people with decent and affordable housing and further narrow the housing gap in the country. The project in Pulilan involves construction of 13 low-rise buildings, each with three floors, with a total of 1,044 housing units.

2 MILLION TREES. Manila Electric Co. employees join a tree planting activity in Siniloan, Laguna as part of the One for Trees program of the One Meralco Foundation. The program marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful planting of over two million trees across the country as the world celebrates Earth Day 2023.

President lauds athletes, artists for giving glory to PH

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday congratulated Filipino artists and athletes, who competed and won in various international events, thanking them for putting the country on the global map anew.

“Getting to know Filipinos who sing well, act well, are really good at the arts and also, culture. So thank you very much for the honor that you have brought to the country and the enjoyment that you give to so many people,” President Marcos said during a meetand-greet in Malacañang.

The President urged the artists and athletes to continue bringing glory to the Philippines, saying the very important part of their achievement is highlighting the grand tradition of Filipino artists and athletes in putting the Philippines once again on the global map.

PH’s football U-20 squad to get a week of practice before SEAG

By Peter Atencio

NEW coach Rob Gier will have a week to prepare the Philippines under-20 national men’s football team, which will seek a better finish in the 32nd

The Filipino booters are set to leave next week, in time for their opening game on April 29 of the men’s football event in Phnom Penh.

The Filipino squad will meet Indonesia in its opening match at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium at 4 p.m.

A clash with host Cambodia is set on May 2, followed by an encounter with Timor Leste on May 4, and a game with

Bacolod standout to play for UST

DYLAN Despi, a prized recruit from Bacolod, has committed to play for the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs in the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Junior Basketball Tournament.

The standout of Bacolod Tay Tung

High School Thunderbolts basketball team opted to transfer to the Tiger Cubs following many offers from other Manila-based schools

“There are a number of schools who approached me, but I chose UST kasi nakita ko na maganda ang basketball program [nila] and I also heard na iba rin magpakita ng suporta ang mga Tomasino,” said Despi in a statement.

The 17-year-old Despi received a number of Most Valuable Player honors as a member of the Thunderbolts and was recently tapped to play for the RST Don Bosco Dumaguete team in the SM National Basketball Training Center National Finals in Manila.

Despi is the second player to commit to the Tiger Cubs this week following San Beda University Red Cubs center Alfred Loreto.

Tiger Cubs team manager Jarvis Co said the 6’1” Bacolodnon guard will be a key addition to the UST crew of head coach Manu Inigo.

The Tiger Cubs are seeking to improve their fourth-place finish in the UAAP Season 85 juniors’ basketball tournament, “He will definitely have his minutes with us and we will assure that we will take care of his basketball career moving forward,” said Co Despi further said that the impending move to the Tiger Cubs inspired him more to continue to work on his abilities as he vowed to help the squad to reach its goal in the upcoming UAAP juniors’ season. Peter Atencio

Myanmar on May 9.

The Filipino-British standout has returned after a seven-year absence, and since Gier retired from the Philippine Azkals, and became a professional player.

Gier played 66 matches and scored two goals for the Azkals since playing for the Philippines in 2009, until he quit in 2016.

After that, Gier became the head coach of the Oxford University women’s team for almost two years from 2016 to 2018.

With the Philippines settling for a seventh-place finish in the Vietnam SEAG last year, Gier hopes things will be better this time around.

“I’m happy to be back in the pitch with the national team. I’m super excited to get started,” said Gier, who has been supervising practices with the squad for the last three days at the Rizal Memorial football pitch.

Gier is officially back after the Philippine Football Federation appointed him last month.

Rob Gier

FIBA World Cup abuzz with pre-tourney activities

By Randy Caluag

EXCITEMENT is in the air as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and its World Cup Organizing Committee have arranged a roster of activities for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, beginning with the official draw on April 29 at the Araneta Coliseum.

All 32 participating countries will get to know their opposing teams and groupings in the draw, which will sort the qualified teams into eight groups of four teams each.

The FIBA Local Organizing Committee, represented by Erika Dy, presented the activities during the Swing For All fun golf organized by Smarts Sports, headed by Jude Turcuato on Thursday at

the Orchard Golf in Cavite. The golfest also launched a fund-raising activity for the Volunteer Program.

The lineup of events leading to the historic World Cup also includes FIBA Manila Street Festival, 100-Day Countdown and Individual Game Ticket Launch in May; Launch of PH Basketball Hall of Fame, Test Tournament, and City Look and Feel Dressing in June; and City Dressing, Clinic, and World Congress and the actual games in August.

Host countries Philippines, Japan and Indonesia will hold the draw in the presence of NBA legends and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, Luis Scola and FIBA Players’ Commission chair Dirk Nowitzki.

International celebrities Saweetie, Sarah Geronimo, and Billy Crawford, beauty queen Catriona Gray and former Gilas player and Ginebra’s LA Tenorio will spice up the event held in partnership with Wanda.

Representing Japan is Takehiko Orimo, a legend in Japanese basketball and who played in two previous World Cups, including in 2006 when the competition was last hosted in Japan.

Raffi Ahman, a popular actor, presenter, and singer, represents Indonesia.

The Draw Festival will include the launch of the official FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Molten Official Game Ball as well as the introduction of the Official Licensing collections via a fashion show.

“The Philippines and its people will remember us once more as this grand culture with such great capacity, with such great potential that you are now showing to the rest of the world. Thank you once again for all that you have done,” he said.

The country, he said, has a lot of potential in sports and it can produce great players through dedication, hard training, and proper coaching.

Among those who paid a courtesy on the President include Filipino singer Jex Marc De Castro; boxers Melvin O. Jerusalem, Charly C. Suarez, and Marlon T. Tapales; the Makati Football Club; and the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team.

The athletes and artists won in various international competitions from January to April, 2023.

De Castro, the 5th Filipino Grand Prix winner, won the Stars of the Albion Grand Prix Title (singing category) in the Euro Talent Festival 2023 held last March in London, United Kingdom.

Jerusalem won the World Boxing Organization’s Mini Flyweight World Title via a technical knockout against Japanese boxer Masataka Taniguchi on January 6, 2023.

Suarez won the International Boxing Organization’s World Eliminator on March 15, 2023 against the formerly undefeated Australian boxer Paul Fleming via a TKO.

Also meeting the President was Tapales, who clinched the IBF World Super Bantamweight Title and the WBA World Super Bantamweight belt against Uzbekistan boxer Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev via split decision on April 8, 2023.

On the other hand, the MFC, founded in 1976, has over 1,000 players nationwide, representing the Philippines in international competitions since 1983. It won the Paul Parker Overall Championship in the Junior Soccer School and League Singapore Academy 7s 2023 on April 7 to 9, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Ice Hockey Team bagged gold in its debut at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Ice Hockey World Championship Division IV, held on March 23 to 26, 2023 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The championship title also promoted the Philippines to Division IIIB next season.

Lascuna back on winning track, wins Caliraya golf by 3

CAVINTI, Laguna—Tony Lascuña kept defying Father Time as he cracked a pair of runner-up finishes with a dominant wireto-wire win that could spur another title run on the Philippine Golf Tour, bagging the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship behind a high level of consistency at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club here Friday. He closed out with a 69 and beat Asian Tour campaigners Angelo Que and Lloyd Go by three on an 18-under 270 total that included rounds of 68, 66 and 67, keeping his overnight four-stroke lead as firm as he kept his form through sheer training and teaching through the years.

Not even a bogey on No. 15 could derail the 52-year-old shot-

maker’s march to another championship after claiming the inaugural ICTSI Match Play crown at Villamor last year as his pursuers all failed to mount any last-gasp attack in baking heat on this mountain-top course.

“I’m so thankful that I was able to win it. I kept an eye on Angel (Que) and Clyde (Mondilla) and just did what I did in the first three rounds – fairways and greens and make the most of my (putting) chances,” said Lascuña, who kept polishing his stroke on the practice green late Thursday when all the others had left for home. His frontside 34 practically held off his rivals’ charge as he stayed four shots ahead heading to the last nine holes.

Though Que pressed his bid to pull within two in a flight ahead of the championship group of Lascuña, Mondilla and Reymon Jaraula, the Davaoeño ace kept his nerves in check and hit clutch birdies on Nos. 12 and 14 to keep a three-four shot cushion on his way to victory worth P450,000.

“I just stayed focused but it was only after I hit my approach shot on the 18th that I knew I would win,” added Lascuña, who also gained the needed momentum as the Philippine Golf Tour heads to Luisita next month.

“There’s a lot of young, talented players, but I am able stay in shape through training, practice while improving my mental well-being,” added Lascuña.

Southeast Asian Games.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed to the Palace Filipino athletes and artists, who have brought honor to the country in various international competitions in the past four months.

Tony Lascuna displays the winner’s trophy after ruling the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship. He is anked by Bambi Mar l of ICTSI; David Du, Caliraya Springs vice president for operations; Lascuna’s son Tony III and Caliraya Springs General Manager Jerome Baldoz. Manny Marcelo

HOME/DESIGN

Mantawi Residences, Cebu’s newest ‘sweet spot’

RLC Residences

recently launched high-end development Mantawi Residences, a move that signals the housing unit of Robinsons Land Corp.’s (RLC) return to its roots— the conglomerate’s founder, late tycoon John Gokongwei Jr., grew up in Cebu and eventually established his businesses there.

“We are happy to come back here in Cebu with another promising project that is Mantawi Residences,” declared RLC Residences senior vice president and business unit general manager John Richard B. Sotelo, at the launch event held at the Nustar Casino Hotel in Cebu City.

Sotelo said Mantawi Residences best represents the outlook of the Gokongwei Group founder, the late John L. Gokongwei Jr., who grew up in Cebu with his family. The peddler-turned-successful business tycoon’s vision was to constantly look for opportunities in life. “That’s why we designed this condo development with unique and high-quality features that can support our future residents’ quest for success,” he explained.

P60-million penthouse in Cebu

Mantawi Residences is selling three luxurious penthouse apartments for P60 million. There were initially four such units on the shopping block, but Sotelo revealed that a 207-square meter penthouse was already sold to an unnamed client.

For those who may find P60 million a tad steep, , Mantawi Residences is selling a onebedroom, 46-square meter condominium at P15 million. These prices are already above most developments in prime central business districts like Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and Makati City.

Is the Cebu market ready for these prices?

RLC Residences’ executives claim there’s a segment with deep pockets that can swing it.

“We did take a long, hard look at what’s the price point that we feel the Cebu market

MISAMIS ORIENTAL HOUSING

PROJECT BREAKS GROUND. A multistory housing project that will benefit 10,400 families will soon rise in Barangay Sta. Ana, municipality of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. groundbreaking was held recently for the construction of Valley View Townships, a shelter initiative of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Housing Program. To be built by RGJ Realty Corporation, the multi-billion peso township project is expected to benefit workers in Tagoloan and nearby areas, including employees in the municipality’s

3,000-hectare PHIVIDEC Industrial Park. The said economic zone is home to several dozens of major local and international companies that employ workers in the manufacturing and service sectors. Each of the 25 towers in the township will consist of 13 floors with 32 units at each level. At the ceremony were Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan, Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Pal Jalosjos, Tagoloan Councilor Yevonna Yacine “Yvy” Emano, former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Cesar Jalosjos, DHSUD Region 10 Director Ariel Abragan, Landbank Lending Center Head Ronaldo Tumanda, and Pag-IBIG Fund Area Manager Rey Cue.

is ready for. When we took a look at our experience with Amisa [Private Residences], and then we also checked competition, to see how prices are going. The price point that we have initially is actually not so far from what we’ve proven we can sell, and what we’ve proven that the market is willing to take,” said Sotelo.

Drawing a bead on “growing professionals”

Cebu is the second largest real estate location outside Metro Manila, with demand rising 24%, latest figures of Colliers showed.

An average price of a condominium in Cebu is at P4 million, while the luxury segment averages at P8 million. These figures show that units in Mantawi Residences are above the average rates and its lowest-priced units are even more luxurious than the luxury offerings currently available in the Cebu market.

In a press briefing following the launch, RLC Residences marketing head Karen Cesario said that they are looking at overseas Filipinos and “growing professionals” aged

35 to 45 as among those who are likely to be interested in buying a unit in Mantawi Residences.

With the steep price point, RLC Residences executives assured potential buyers that they will get their money’s worth. This segment that can afford it are even “hungry” for it, according to Cesario.

“Raise, live, connect”

All told, the master-planned vertical community sits on the 20,328 square meters of property. When it is finished, it will have four condominiums, each rising at 40-story and housing penthouse units worth P60 million each and one- to three-bedroom units at a price range starting at P15 million. Mantawi Residences is selling 474 units. It is currently pre-selling some 310 onebedroom units (46 square meters), 148 twobedroom units (92 to 115 square meters), 12 three-bedroom units (138 square meters), and three penthouses (207 square meters). Unit finishes include porcelain tile floorings, a kitchen with glass doors and a

pantry cabinet, and glass shower enclosures.

For the penthouse, the master bedroom’s toilet will have a bathtub.

Capturing RLC Residences’ “Raise, Live, Connect” vision, this upscale project boasts of a 1.3-hectare amenity area, where hypersized and above-standard facilities will soon be made available. It is set to feature a variety of landscaped areas, beach-inspired swimming pools, a cascading water wall, a pet park, an outdoor play area, etc. It will also offer curated global retail brands at the ground floor. The upscale property is designed to provide spacious living spaces and built-in smart home devices to its residents. It will have exclusive and roomy penthouses with multiple loggias, so owners can enjoy the city’s skyline. Located at the heart of Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City, Mantawi Residences is near academic institutions, shopping hubs, and hospitals. It will to future developments in the pipeline, as the Mandaue government plans to develop the Metro Cebu Expressway and the Cebu Bus Transit, turning the Cebu International Port into an international cruise docking area, and the establishment of a premier waterfront development featuring a commercial space and a luxury district.

Unit turnover in 2029

“It really is an exciting time to RLC Residences because we really put the needs and the demands of our customers,” said Sotelo.

“The pandemic has persuaded people who are intending to buy a condo -- the ones who really are ready to spend—to invest in developments like Mantawi Residences. I think, we probably made a couple of right decision choices that appeal to what people are looking for post-pandemic,” Sotelo added, referring to some tweaks they made in terms of the project’s design. Moving forward, he shared that they will prepare the property floor planning at the latter part of this year. For the first tower, he noted that they will begin the board filing, with half of the podium built by October of this year, as unit turnover is set in the first quarter of 2029.

“We normally do not start selling a new tower until we’re 80 percent or 90 percent sold on the first tower,” he explained. “So if I look at our sales progress for the last couple of years [with our other three preceding projects here], we’ll probably launch maybe about a year or a year-and-a-half for [the remaining] three towers.”

Heart Evangelista says properties are best investment

AT THE media launch of RLC’s newest property Mantawi Residences, held in Mott 32 in Cebu, Robinsons Land Corp. ambassador Heart Evangelista made a strong pitch for properties as the best investment, mentioning that her rental business is what sustains her lifestyle when she encounters a drought in showbiz projects.

“For me, jewelry is not really an investment.

I [am] not just saying that to justify [my endorsement] but it’s not,” Heart said. She suggested that it is easy to sell jewelry without considering how much more it can appreciate over time.

Jewelry may be a valid store of value for many people, but Heart says it is best to make money from real estate, which she started investing in at age 17.

What Heart looks for

“The primary consideration is the location and definitely the company (developer) you can trust. They have to be trustworthy and the reputation is good,” Heart said.

Investors need to research first on the property developer’s track record before deciding to put their money in land, condominium unit or apartment being sold.

“Research what they’ve done, their projects, and how consistent they are when it comes to branding and marketing because if they rise, your rise. If they get successful, kasama ka doon,” she averred.

“I want something fresh”

Media members at the launch were also impressed with Heart’s “summer-inspired haircut”

“I wanted something fresh,” she simply put it out there.

Heart said she decided to cut her hair short because of the summer heat in the Philippines.

“Honestly kasi nawawalan na ako ng time, [so] I just wanted something fresh. Mainit na eh,” said the Kapuso Queen of Creative Collaborations.

According to Heart, aside from wanting a refreshed look, her new haircut also allows her to show off her new ear piercings.

“I just got my ears pierced, so I needed to show it off, so ni-cut ko na hair ko,” Heart said, ending her statement with a playful “charot.”

Citi Global transforms to become sustainable leisure property developer

THE recent global pandemic changed many consumers’ views on how they will live in the future. They have become more thoughtful and selective in their decision-making, giving preference to brands they trust.

Buying patterns are also changing as consumers shift from discretionary spending to essentials, and it is likely to stay that way as the finances come under pressure due to domestic and global economic trends. Companies today have realized the changing buying patterns of consumers, and they are instituting corporate reforms to be aligned with the prevailing consumer preference.

In the highly competitive real property market, one company that is aligning its operations to suit consumers’ changing purchasing decisions is Citi Global Realty and Development, Inc., a leisure-type property developer.

Citi Global is currently undergoing an organizational transformation to become a more customer-centric and people-oriented organization.

‘Affordable’ leisure properties

Citi Global made a name by providing ‘affordable leisure properties’ to its target clientele – mostly overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in search of their dream vacation house.

“Our target markets are the middleclass, particularly OFWs in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, working as healthcare professionals, service professionals, and seamen,” said Beth To, Managing Director of Citi Global.

In the past, it was widely believed that leisure properties were only for the affluent class of society. Citi Global wanted to disprove this misconception, putting its best foot forward to build and offer a quality house

and lot project in Metro Tagaytay, Tagaytay

Fontaine Villas (TFV).

Citi Global placed an affordable price tag on the single-attached units and marketed the property not to the usual upper-scale rich, but to Filipinos abroad.

Investing in the future

Inspired by the positive market feedback of its Fontaine development, Citi Global developed another project, this time a condohotel (condotel) development, Tagaytay

Clifton Resort Suites (TCRS), which again targets the middle class.

What makes Citi Global’s condotel concept unique is that instead of just selling properties to OFWs, they are providing an opportunity for them to invest in their future.

Citi Global’s condotel units start at P2.8 million. Once completed and operational, owners can have their units managed and leased out by Citi Global’s partner hotelier, Horrigan Hospitality Services, Inc. Unlike time-share schemes with limited redemption periods, the condotel allows investors to own their units and enjoy a free stay for a few nights per year.

Unit owners are encouraged to enroll their unit(s) in a hotel pool, thus the condotel concept allows them to earn passive income through dividends from the hotel operation.

This is the reason why one of the famous celebrity endorsers in the country, Vic ‘Bossing’ Sotto, chose to endorse Citi Global, despite being wooed by known real estate companies in the Philippines.

“Apart from owning their own homes, OFWs should also enjoy having another property that is really an investment – yung pwede nilang magamit for vacation at yung pwede rin nilang pagkakitaan. Itong klaseng money-making at vacation properties ang specialization ng CitiGlobal,” Sotto said.

TAKING A PROMISE TO THE HEART. Creating masterplanned communities for decades now, Sta. Lucia Land Inc. has always been at the forefront of providing modern, convenient lifestyle not only to its residents, but also to the customers of its mall and office, as well as the public.  Recently, the developer opened, and assisted in the

BULLISH ON THE FUTURE. Senior vice president and business unit general manager John Richard B. Sotelo; senior director marketing head and chief integration officer Karen Cesario; and assistant vice president and business development and design head Stephanie Anne Go.

OPPO unveils Imagine IF Photography Awards

OPPO, a leading global technology company, officially launched the Imagine IF Photography Awards 2023, a mobile photography competition that pushes the boundaries of creativity beyond the limits of existing images and expressions.

The vision of “Beyond the Image, Beyond Imagination” reflects OPPO’s commitment to driving progress through technological innovation and igniting the creativity of users worldwide. OPPO’s professional mobile photography technology is designed to inspire maximum aesthetics and inspiration, empowering non-professional users to create timeless masterpieces.

As a testament to OPPO’s commitment to inspiring mobile photographers, the awards offer one of the highest prizes in the industry. The OPPO imagine IF Master of the Year (Golden Award) includes a prize of CNY160,000, participation in the Hasselblad Image Training Camp, and international photo exhibition opportunities. There are also four Silver Awards (CNY 60,000), ten OPPO Bronze Awards (CNY 20,000) also offering attractive prizes as well as opportunities for training and exposure.

Additionally, there are four Honorable Mentions in each of the eight categories as well as Partner Channel Awards and Monthly Activity Awards to include more inspiring works.

Prestigious Global Judges OPPO has assembled a prestigious panel of

The judges

judges composed of worldrenowned photographers who bring diverse perspectives and extensive experience to the competition. Among the distinguished judges is Alec Soth, one of the most famous contemporary photographic artists and a member of Magnum Photos. Pete Lau, Senior Vice President, and Chief Product Officer of OPPO, adds his valuable insights to the panel. Tang Hui, a top Chinese portrait photographer, and Hasselblad Master, brings his wealth of experience to the judging process. Tina Signesdottir Hult, an internationally recognized art photographer and Hasselblad Master, also graces the panel with her discerning eye. Wang Jianjun, a top landscape photographer

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, OnePlus Nord Buds 2 now here

ONEPLUS’ newest smartphone and true wireless earbuds are available starting April 21, aiming to deliver excellent mobile entertainment and gaming experience at an affordable price point.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G assures significant upgrades from its predecessor, allowing users to live “Larger than Life” by enjoying the phone’s long battery life, high resolution camera, and a top-of-the-line chipset. Not to mention it comes in a sleek and trendy design that will help you stand out and turn heads wherever you go.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G carries a large 5000 mAh battery, making it a perfect companion for your long trips or work days, or for uninterrupted, all-day gaming and binge-watching. It has 67W SuperVOOC fast charging that allows you to charge from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This lets you have more time using your phone when you’re out and about without the worry of plugging it in every so often. Furthermore, its high-resolution 108MP camera with 3x lossless zoom feature gives you the chance to capture brighter, clearer, and more natural images.

A “Larger than Life” streaming and gaming experience also awaits you with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

TCL takes Top 2 TV brand spot globally with Mini LED technology

TCL Electronics, a leading brand in consumer electronics and TV manufacturing brand was named the Top 2 TV Brand, Top 1 Android TV, and Top 1 98inch TV brand according to OMDIA’s Global TV sets Report 2022. TCL is continuously innovating and investing in research and development and making Mini LED TVs more affordable and accessible to consumers.

Building on its success, TCL is now focused on making Mini LED TVs more affordable and accessible to consumers by continuing to innovate and invest in research and development. Mini LED is a next-generation screen that offers better contrast, color, and brightness than traditional LCD screens. TCL was the first consumer electronics brand to launch a TV with the Mini LED screen.

According to the latest data, TCL’s TV business has seen a 75.7% growth in 65+ inch sales year-on-year, accumulating in the brand and rising up the ranks as it continues to make its technology available to more customers. The TV industry witnessed a decline in 2022, with global TV shipments down by 4.8% year-on-year, and global revenue down by 13.2%, leading to fierce competition among the industry’s key players.

and member of the Chinese Photographers Association, lends his expertise to the competition. Yin Chao, a top Chinese fashion photographer, and Hasselblad ambassador brings his expertise to the judging process.

Eight Categories to Explore

Artistic Expressions

The competition features eight different entry categories, including The Distant View, Portrait, Night Scenery, Colors, Landscape, The Taste of Memories, Light & Shadow, and Chapters of a Life, aimed at inspiring creativity among OPPO users worldwide.

Submissions for the OPPO Imagine IF Photography Awards 2023 are open until 24:00 GMT on July 25, 2023 and can be made through OPPO Imagine IF official website, or partner channels-500px.

For more information, please visit the official OPPO Imagine IF Photography Awards website at https://imagine-if. oppo.com/en/

5G with its built 6.72” FHD Display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 680 nits of peak brightness, and up to 200% volume via dual stereo speakers. It also sports a reliable Snapdragon 695 Chipset and 8GB RAM expansion that lets you switch in between apps faster and multitask more easily.

A perfect partner to the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is the OnePlus Nord Buds 2. These wireless earbuds deliver impactful bass and superior audio quality, amping up your daily listening experience.

The Nord Buds 2 have an extra large 12.4mm driver unit for richer details and punchy bass quality. OnePlus’ BassWave bass enhancement algorithm is a special feature that endows deep and broad bass to the earbuds while keeping its audio quality as true to the original. Furthermore, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2’s active noise cancellation feature has a 25dB depth and a dual-core processor to reduce unwanted background noise.

Grab the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G at just P14,990! It comes in two colors - pastel lime and chromatic gray. The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 is priced at just P3,990 and available in lightning white and thunder gray colorways.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G and OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are now available for pre-order in all OPPO and

Enjoy a “larger than life” smartphone experience for only P14,990 and “get in the groove” with new wireless earbuds for only P3,990 from OnePlus’ Nord Series

OnePlus authorized stores nationwide from April 21 to April 30 and will be available in-store on May 5. Get a free OnePlus Bullets Wireless Earphone Z2 when you pre-order the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G from April 21 to May 4.

TCL carved out its unique advantage by being the first brand to adopt a valueled Mini LED proposition. This successful approach resulted in TCL’s TV business recording a total of 23.8 million shipments in 2022, going against the global downward trend.

The World’s First Truly Accessible Mini LED TV Realizing the potential of Mini LED technology, in 2019, TCL launched the world’s first Mini LED TV to achieve mass production. TCL’s consumers responded to the advantages of Mini LED technology–thanks to the increase in local dimming zones, producing greater brightness levels than ever before, for better contrast, color, and clarity, and overall enhanced picture quality. Through its strong brand influence and global channel advantages, TCL’s proportion of sales continues to increase with shipments of its Mini LED TVs rising by an impressive 26.8% in 2022.

Testament to the popularity of TCL’s advancements in Mini LED technology, the brand has received numerous industry accolades. Two of TCL’s XL Collection Mini LED TVs, the TCL 75C935 and TCL 75C835, won CES 2023 Innovation Awards for their innovative ergonomic design and advanced Mini LED display technology, while the TCL 65C835, won the “PREMIUM MINI LED TV 20222023” EISA award from the European Imaging and Sound Association for its best-in-class performance.

TCL Set to Launch Brilliant and Game-Changing TV Series for a Variety of User Scenarios TCL Electronics is set to launch a new series of smart TVs designed to cater to a variety of user scenarios. This new series promises to deliver exceptional picture quality, an immersive gaming experience, and big-screen viewing pleasure. With cutting-edge technology and outstanding color expression, these TVs will outperform competitors in the same price range. The gaming TV will offer hardware and software configurations comparable to a PC for a super smooth gaming experience. Additionally, with support for Mini LED, QLED, and AiPQ Processor 5 Ai algorithm, this new series of smart TVs will deliver a full range of picture quality performance. TCL’s new series of smart TVs promise to provide exceptional audio-visual quality and software function, making it an ideal choice for avid gamers and movie enthusiasts alike. With TCL’s new series, you can “C the Brilliance” in every scene, immersing yourself in a world of stunning visuals and lifelike colors.

Acer bares new laptops, gaming devices, eco-friendly air purifier, monitors

ACER unveiled new devices, including laptops, monitors, projectors, and an air purifier under its acerpure brand during the Global Press Conference held online on April 20. Acer announced new additions to its ecofriendly Vero line with the Aspire Vero Laptop and Acer Vero Projector. In line with Acer’s Earthion platform, the latest Vero products integrate PCR plastic on their chassis and utilize recyclable packaging.

The Aspire Vero 15 laptop, powered by 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors with Intel® Iris® Xe graphics, features a 15-inch FHD IPS display, Acer VeroSense™ for battery management, and a 1440p QHD webcam that comes with Acer PurifiedView™ and Acer PurifiedVoice™ collaboration technology.

Compared to the previous generation of eco-friendly laptops, the Aspire Vero 15 has more percentage of PCR plastic used in the chassis from 30% to 40% and was successfully made with 30% fewer CO2

emissions in the production of the chassis material, which is paint-free and has less volatile organic compounds. The keycaps and adapter casing use 50% PCR materials while the smooth OceanGlass™ trackpad also incorporates recycled ocean-bound plastic.

Meanwhile, the Acerpure Pro Vero Air Purifier, is the first of its kind to incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in its chassis.

The Acerpure Pro Vero air purifier is made with 100% recyclable materials and uses 35% PCR plastic in the chassis to decrease 20% CO2 emissions during its production compared to using virgin plastic. The air purifier also uses water-based ink and recyclable packaging to further minimize its carbon footprint. The air purifier features a spacesaving exterior, a clean, matte white finish, and an intuitive LED touch panel.

Acer also announced major updates to its Predator gaming laptop line-up, with

new designs and support for industry-leading technology, including 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 Series GPUs.

The Predator Triton 17 X ((PTX17-71) is Acer’s most powerful gaming laptop to date, pairing a sophisticated minimalist design with game-ready hardware. This is perfect for gamers and professionals who want a thin mobile workhorse that can handle graphic-intensive AAA games and resourceintensive work apps.

The Predator Helios 3D 15 SpatialLabs™ Edition brings glasses-free, stereoscopic 3D to the world of gaming, bringing new life into more than 70 modern and classic titles, with continuous additions. Acer also launched the new Acer Swift X 16 (SFX16-61G), a laptop with a suite of performance-packed features for graphic designing, 3D rendering, and video editing.

Other new launches from Acer are the Predator Triton 14 and Predator Helios 3D

One of the Highest Prizes in Mobile Photography Awards

MOTORING

Used car batteries - made new again

MORE than 90% of the cars on the road in the country use batteries that can be recycled after an initial lifespan; however, only licensed businesses are able to complete the laborious recycling procedure.

BYD becomes catalyst towards ‘Zero-Emission Mobility’ after MIAS

BYD, a global pioneer in new energy solutions with fully electric vehicles, served as a spearheader towards zero-emission mobility after the brand graced the recently-concluded 2023 Manila International Auto Show.

BYD, through its authorized local distributor Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corp., showcased its latest and premium 100% electric vehicles with sustainable design and a full display of the “floating” Blade Battery, a game-changer in the EV world in terms of safety and efficiency.

“EVs offer a number of benefits over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, including lower emissions, reduced fuel costs, and smoother and quieter operations,” said Mark Andrew Tieng, President and CEO of Solar Transport. He added that BYD has contributed immensely to cutting down carbon

Shell Advance launches moto gymkhana competition

SHELL Advance, one of the leading motorcycle oil brands in the Philippines, is back in action at the 15th Annual InsideRACING Bike Festival held from March 24-26, 2023, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This year’s event highlighted the launch of the 2023 Nationwide InsideRACING Club Wars powered by Shell Advance which was a hit among motorcycle riders, making it a fun day of camaraderie for all club members.

The Club Wars is a safe, less technical, and beginner-friendly gymkhana event that provides casual riders with an opportunity to try their hand at motorbike competitions. Each run is held head-to-head on identical courses with electronic timing systems visible to the crowd. Over a million pesos worth of cash prizes and scooters at stake.

The Club Wars will happen nationwide from March 24 launch until October 22, 2023, in partnership with InsideRACING and The Racing Line to be participated in by local bike clubs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The competition is open to small bike clubs with a minimum of 10 members, with various categories for underbone, backbone, and scooter bike users.

This year marks a significant difference as Shell Advance is the one coming to the local bike communities, providing an opportunity for riders to experience first-hand the benefits of Shell Advance’s high-quality lubricants for their motorcycles with exciting prizes that await them as well.

Shell Advance is ready to meet every rider’s needs and is committed to supporting grassroots bike groups and promoting riding practices anchored on safety. Riders who are up to join the Club Wars are in for an action-packed experience with a community dedicated to promoting safe and enjoyable riding experiences. Interested participants can easily sign up for just PHP 250 per rider or join for free when you purchase any Shell Advance Oil.

For more details about the Shell Advance product range, visit www.shell.com.ph/motorists/oilslubricants/advance-for-motorcycles.

emissions. In fact, as of April 13, 2023, BYD has saved 31,941,212,881 kilograms of carbon emissions equivalent to planting around 900 million trees. How was BYD able to do this? It is powered by the company’s commitment to “Build Your Dreams” — Sustainability, Innovation, and Global Reach. Innovation is at the heart of BYD. It has developed the revolutionary Blade Battery. Unlike conventional EV batteries that are made up of thousands of individual cylindrical battery cells connected together, the Blade Battery is composed of highly efficient battery cells that are stacked together in a unique structure that resembles

a blade. This innovative design allows for more space-efficient, and better cooling, enabling BYD to reach another level of safety and efficiency. Part of BYD’s innovation is the e-Platform 3.0, which adopts the integrated design of the blade battery and the body and, on this basis, allows BYD to reduce manufacturing costs and increase production efficiency. This system can be configured for front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive, depending on the vehicle’s design.

To know more about BYD, follow the official social media pages of BYD Philippines @BYDPhilippines or visit us at www.byd.com.ph.

5 reasons to check out new Changan CS55

THE New Changan CS55 Plus made its official public debut at the country’s biggest auto show - The 2023 Manila International Auto Show. Almost a week has now passed since that very day, yet people are still raving about the latest member of the powerful Changan Auto roster. Now that the CS55 plus has been made more accessible through your nearest Changan dealership, here are 5 reasons why it is a MUST SEE (and must have) car!

1. LASTING SAFETY GETS SMARTER. Advanced safety features in the New CS55 Plus take a step closer to fully automated driving: The Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) System helps assess the likeliness of hitting a vehicle up ahead. It works with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) which detects slow moving vehicles in front.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go feature accurately monitors and adjusts speed to that of the vehicle in front, maintaining a safe distance then automatically speeds up once the coast is clear.

The 360-degree panoramic camera with HD Driving Recorder System gives an all-around view of the surroundings to help the driver avoid obstructions while parking or maneuvering through tight spaces. The Emergency Video Recording auto-saves 30 seconds of video—15 seconds before and 15 seconds after incidents of sudden braking or collision.

2. NEXT-GEN CONVENIENCE. The futuristic cockpit is designed for relaxed but focused driving. All controls are within easy reach. Voice Control lets you operate the windows, sunroof, air conditioning, infotainment, and in-call system, hands-free!

3. TERRIFIC IN-CAR SOUND. The CS55 Plus’ Pioneer Premium Sound System delivers clear, crisp sound quality and powerful bass for hours of pleasurable driving.

4. STAND-OUT STYLE. The structured lightweight body, sleek front and tail lights, and panoramic sunroof all scream

sporty sleekness. It’s available in your choice of four stunning colors--Black Pearl, Fantasy Gray, White Knight, and SuperNova Red.

5. PEACE OF MIND. Like all Changan vehicles, it’s covered by the Changan 5-Year or 150,000-km warranty and Vital 5 After Service to ensure a perfectly wild and mannered driving experience for years to come. Catch and test drive the New CS55 Plus, the New CS35 Plus, and the Alsvin at the Changan Pavilion “Beyond the Vision” display at the Manila International Auto Show from April 13 to 16, 2023 at the World Trade Center. Also up for viewing are the Uni-K and the Uni-T.

Know more about Changan at www.changanphil.com, follow the brand on facebook.com/ChanganPhil or get in touch with the Changan dealer nearest you.

Maserati goes electric at 2023 Shanghai Auto Show

DNA, driving it forwards towards the future, where its success will rely on its uniquely Italian character, its ability to arouse emotions with quality and exclusive products, and the magic of innovation. All this is exactly what the automotive industry will require in the future. The first full-electric Maserati SUV: Grecale Folgore Grecale Folgore is the first full-electric SUV in Maserati’s history. It offers an “everyday exceptional” experience, including for customers who enjoy electrification but do not want to forgo performance in pure Maserati style.

As such, it completes the Grecale family, the fullest range ever, with internal combustion/hybrid or full-electric engine.

Evergreen Environmental Resources Inc., a significant recycling business in Bulacan, the Philippines, runs cuttingedge facilities that can collect 99 percent of the lead-acid, the primary constituent of used lead-acid batteries (ULAB), as well as 68 percent of paper and paperboard, 25 percent glass, 63 percent of yard trimmings, and 9 percent of plastics from those batteries that are being recycled.

So, you see, almost 99 percent of those recycled batteries are being plowed back to the same battery companies that collect these ULABs from their customers.

One of these is Motolite, the most reputable battery company in the nation, which has its “BalikBaterya Program” and takes care of the recycling through its authorized recycler, the EERI. Ulabs should only be handled, disposed of, and recycled correctly since they are extremely dangerous and can pollute the environment.

Since I am aware that they have the necessary infrastructure to dispose of it, I made it a point to sell the old Motolite when I used it as well. Yes, they do pay a fair amount for those that are already used rather than selling them to a magkakalakal. Motolite transports all of these spent batteries to EERI for recycling before returning them to Philippine Batteries Inc., the company that makes Motolite and is also located in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

According to Chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) Jesus Arranza, a bombshell exposing the anomalous and illegal export of lead scraps typically derived from these ULABs was dropped last week.

This occurred when the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between FPI and Motolite was signed (the marketing and communications heads, Alexander Osias and Max de Leon, were present). The agreement calls for the two parties to cooperate in further purging the environment of the ULABs that cause contamination across the many FPI member organizations and contributors.

The “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990” and its implementing regulations are set forth in Republic Act (RA) 6969 and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) 2013-22, respectively, and place a ban on the export of these hazardous wastes.

When the nation of origin has the capacity to recycle them, it is against policy to export hazardous wastes like lead scrap and ULAB. How did these shipments manage to go through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and even appear in the PSA export statistics if there is no DENR clearance? How come the DENR and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) haven’t kept track of who these exporters are?Arranza enquired.

Approximately 500,000 ULABs, weighing an average of 15 kilograms each, were shipped by the Philippines from January to August of last year, according to statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

MASERATI is thrilled to show the world its latest full-electric creations at The 2023 Shanghai Auto Show where its doors open for an electrifying new edition, marking the historic moment of being the first Italian luxury brand to produce 100% electric vehicles China is the cradle of this fascinating and exciting revolution mobility -for innovation but also of forward-thinking and embedded interest in the luxury market, as such Maserati decided that it will be the ideal venue for the global premiere of Maserati Grecale Folgore alongside the new Maserati GranTurismo. The powerful and timeless coupé which has been introduced to the Asian market for the first time in its combustion engine and its electric powertrain version, the GranTurismo Folgore. Folgore is the name of the Trident’s electric range and represents innovation, luxury, functional beauty and the vision that unites the past and the future in the name of Maserati’s incomparable style. The 2023 Shanghai Auto Show is therefore the ideal meeting point between the Asian market and the brand, to remark on and enhance the concept of “Italian luxury performance”, at the dawn of a new era. Electrification will play a key role in Maserati’s future strategy, with a commitment to produce electric versions of all its models by 2025 and full-electric vehicles alone by 2030. It is an ambitious plan that reflects the audacity that has always defined the Trident’s

Given how these exporters are managing and destroying their accumulated ULABs, which are classified as hazardous wastes, this is a highly risky scenario. “Did they simply toss them in the garbage or into the water?

The DENR, DTI, BOC, and other government organizations have to investigate this unlawful behavior, according to Arranza.

So, who exactly is responsible for exporting these dangerous goods, and where do they ship them? Arranza promised to investigate this phenomenon further.

A continuing duty to ‘Invest in Our Planet’

By Patricia Taculao

EVERY April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day to show its unwavering support for environmental protection. It also marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement, which began in 1970.

This year’s theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” continues the efforts from last year’s Earth Day, which follows a similar campaign due to its previous success. According to EARTHDAY.

ORG (EDO), the global organizer of Earth Day and the most extensive recruiter of environmental movements worldwide, the theme focuses on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part.

Although human activity has contributed to environmental challenges and degradation, it’s not too late to set things straight. Hence, investing in a green economy in various industries boosts the chances of a healthy, prosperous, and equitable future.

In recent years, governments across the globe enacted relevant green initiatives, like switching to renewable energy, to lessen greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. Further efforts include building green economies to incite a green revolution to meet the goal of environmental preservation.

However, the objective is only possible through an action-based collaboration between governments, businesses, and private citizens since climate change affects everyone, thus benefiting everyone should its effects minimize.

Once again, Earth Day calls upon businesses, inventors, and investors to drive value for their

target markets and communities using green innovations and practices to encourage the private sector to embrace similar ideas. Economic revolutions often recognize how the private sector brings significant progress with speed and scale.

For instance, governments can begin incentivizing citizens, businesses, and institutions to apply innovations to advance the public’s interest in creating the framework for an equitable and sustainable Turn to D2

global economic system. As a result, citizens and customers can follow a similar lifestyle and spark change.

Numerous brands, organizations, and local and national governments in the Philippines progressed efficiently in applying and implementing green practices. Some of their efforts include using sustainable materials for various products, offering renewable energy, and minimizing single-use plastics, among other initiatives.

These became relevant steps that allowed Filipinos nationwide to join the campaign for environmental protection and recognize its relevance, thus coming closer to the goal of creating a green future that offers opportunities for all.

A quick background on Earth Day

Before Earth Day became the global event it is now, it began as an idea in 1970 when Wisconsin Senator Gaylord grew alarmed about the deteriorating environment in the United States. As a result, he wanted to promote environmental policies on a national scale.

He drew inspiration from the student anti-war movement. The senator wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution.

Following the first Earth Day, Congress authorized the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency to further the movement and see efficient progress.

The first Earth Day has also paved the way for the passage of the Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts in the United States.

members from different communities to share a common goal.

Collaborate with local government units (LGUs), brands, and organizations to create a more cohesive clean-up drive that brings results while keeping everyone safe and satisfied. Moreover, the area doesn’t have to be in a prominent location. Efforts within neighborhoods and communities are well-appreciated.

Those who prefer doing it alone can pick up trash during their time outside to contribute to the global celebration. Everyone can also take the initiative to calculate their carbon footprint and waste in their households or workplaces. It can give them a clear idea of embracing greener initiatives, like opting for plant-based meal options, supporting organic ingredients, or pushing for reusable or biodegradable products.

Another activity everyone can join in is learning more about the climate and the environment. Since Earth Day became possible with the help of student movements, allowing people from modern society to understand its relevance can help them embrace investing in the earth and continuing the decades-long environmental revolution.

In the summer of 2020, EDO launched a formal campaign on Climate Literacy to bring students from across the globe high-quality education to develop into informed and engaged environmental stewards. Meanwhile, other organizations and institutions also offer classes on Climate and Environment Literacy, online and face-to-face, to empower their local communities.

A Silver EarthCheck Certification for Newport World Resorts

By 1990, the celebration became global and mobilized 141 countries in participation to protect the environment. April 22 became the chosen date to maximize the number of students joining the celebration.

Earth Day has since become the most extensive secular observance in the world, with more than a people annually doing what they can to change human behavior and create global, national, and local policy changes.

How to celebrate Earth Day

While Earth Day calls for relevant action on a global scale, there are several everyday tasks that individuals, governments, and businesses can engage in to maximize the event.

One standard initiative is to clean the surroundings. While it’s possible individually in their immediate or select areas, others organize a clean-up drive to encourage more people to participate and cover more ground. Besides raising awareness about waste management, it also brings together

Yet learning more about the climate is one way to take action during Earth Day. Students can create demand from schools, universities, and educational departments to offer lessons on the topic.

On the other hand, educators and those in the academe can advocate for climate education likewise. They can play a hand in creating related topics that are interesting and educational for students from various grade levels.

Many, if not all, of these activities are available on EDO. Those who want to launch their campaigns coinciding with Earth Day 2023 and its theme are more than welcome since it takes a collective effort to achieve significant results.

To quote Wendell Berry, an American poet, writer, and farmer, “The Earth is what we all have in common.”

IT’S AN Earth Day celebration indeed for Newport World Resorts this year. The country’s premier lifestyle and tourism destination has recently earned its EarthCheck Silver Certification through its all-encompassing, fully-integ rated sustainability program dubbed I LOVE Earth (ILE). This milestone was achieved in just under 6 months since the Bronze Benchmarked status in November of last year.

Kingson Sian, Newport World Resorts’ president and chief executive officer proudly shares the milestone with every individual who has taken a stand for sustainability, “This certification is the end result of having completed a lengthy process that involved validating our long-standing sustainability efforts and comparing these to our industry’s top performers in the region. It is a true testament to our relentless commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible tourism, and the well-being of local communities as part of our larger advocacy to repurpose our world through sustainable living.”

EarthCheck is the world’s leading certification, consulting, and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organizations. The rigorous and comprehensive certification process focuses on various key performance areas that cover environmental, social and cultural sustainability.

Newport World Resorts is the first and only integrated resort in the country with the coveted EarthCheck badge, which covers the entire property including its gaming areas, the Newport Mall, the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Marriott Grand Ballroom, and its line of international hotel brands from Manila Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Hilton Manila,

Hotel Okura Manila, and Holiday Inn Express ManilaNewport City.

Stewart Moore, EarthCheck founder and chief executive, congratulated the whole ILE Council, composed of the hotel GMs and Newport World Resorts leaders with relevant expertise, on their achievement. “Newport World Resorts is a valued member of a global group of tourism operators who dare to make a difference.”

Launched in 2021 to consolidate and harmonize the sustainability programs of all hospitality brands in the property, the ILE program became the conduit for Newport World Resorts to revisit and reassess operations and make improvements where necessary. Through the EarthCheck’s certification board, the ILE Council was able to optimize and enhance ILE programs further to reach the next level of certification. From healthy, responsible and sustainable sourcing of ingredients to environment impact and energy efficiency measures and holistic transformations through teaching, training, and technology, the property’s entire ecosystem pitched in to create more environmentally-friendly operations.

ILE Council chairman, Marriott International Multiproperty vice president - Philippines and Marriott Manila general Mmanager Bruce Winton shares this achievement and win with the entire property, “Through the work of every individual that has taken the ILE commitment to heart, we have made major strides in integrating sustainability into our operations throughout the property. We have always worked with the belief that what gets measured gets done, and the Silver Certification validates these efforts and steers us towards the right direction.”

EARTH DAY Special Issue

Top 10 Earth Day events of 2023

watersheds of the Greater Los Angeles area safe, healthy, and clean since 1985. For them, every day is this Earth Day, but April 22nd is extra special because communities from around the world come together in appreciation for our shared home and work together to help heal our planet.

On April 22nd, Heal the Bay is hosting their Earth Day Jubilee on the Santa Monica Pier as they celebrate the beauty of our oceans. With indoor and outdoor activities ranging from visits with the aquarium’s most beloved animals and wildlife observation decks to craft stations, short films, and mini dance parties throughout the day, this familyfriendly Earth Day event is a great way to educate our children and youth about the environmental movement. For more information about Heal the Bay and their Earth Day Jubilee, please visit: https://healthebay.org/.

#7- VILLAGE FOR THE EARTH IN THE GREEN HEART OF ROME (ITALY)

finish the weekend off, The Big One will be joining forces with the London Marathon on Sunday the 23rd to engage with the huge crowds of spectators and completing the four-day event on Monday the 24th by delivering the demand to Parliament to choose a green future. For more information, please visit: https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-bigone/#which-days-should-i-come.

#4- END THE ERA OF FOSSIL FUELS AT FREEDOM PLAZA IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

traditional African music, food, and arts, and collectively advocate for environment and climate action. To learn more, please visit: https://www. earthday.org/africa/.

#2- PLEDGE TO OUR KEIKI DIVE ACROSS EVERY ISLAND IN HAWAII

From parties, parades and protests to cleanups, rallies, and teach-ins, there are an endless number of ways to activate in celebration of Earth Day. Here are the 10 major events happening around the globe you should know about and consider attending this Earth Day!

#10- THE CAPE CORAL CLEANUP IN CAPE CORAL, FL

The city of Cape Coral has come a long way in recovering from Hurricane Ian, but there is still much more to be done. This Earth Day, they are focused on building a cleaner and healthier community by tackling the remnants of trash and debris left behind in the wake of the storm. With more than 5,000 volunteers expected to participate, Cape Coral is planning to host the biggest cleanup their city has ever seen in honor of Earth Day 2023. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/CityofCapeCoral.

#9- ‘HEAVEN ON EARTH’ CLEANUP AT THE DAL LAKE (INDIA)

Up in the Himalayas is the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir (often referred to as ‘Heaven on Earth’). Its major town, Srinagar, has a special attraction for tourists – the iconic ‘Dal Lake.’ Dal Lake is dotted with over a thousand houseboats (shikaras) serving as residences, schools, and markets where you can buy items embroidered with the local crewel and handicrafts crafted out of walnut wood.

For years, Earth Day India has helped clean up this major tourist attraction. For Earth Day 2023, a final clean up and special ceremony will take place, declaring the area as an Earth Day Star Village for their dedication to being stewards for the Earth. To learn more about this clean up, please visit, https:// www.facebook.com/earthdaynetworkindia/.

Earth Day Italia annually hosts the 5-day celebration of World Earth Day in the green heart of Rome between the Pincio Terrace and the Villa Borghese Galoppatoio.

Known as the most iconic of all Italian Earth Day celebrations, Village for the Earth consists of over 600 events in collaboration with more than 200 organizations over the course of April 21-25. These unforgettable five days hold ample opportunities to indulge in entertainment, culture, sport, and environment, with a full schedule of celebrations, institutional meetings, forums, shows, and a village dedicated to children with playful and educational workshops. For more information, please visit: https://www.earthdayitalia.org/villaggio-per-laterra/.

#6- EARTH DAY: IN LOVE AND RAGE AT CITY HALL PLAZA IN BOSTON, MA

Extinction Rebellion is an international movement using non-violent and direct action to demand just action on the climate and ecological emergency we face. In protest of the federal government’s newly approved projects in Alaska and Massachusetts, Extinction Rebellion is rallying at Boston City Hall on April 21st to demand no new fossil fuel infrastructure in Massachusetts.

This family-family party encourages activists to come dressed up as their favorite endangered species and/or carry one of the animal puppets provided by them. If you love Earth, love animals and nature, and want a livable future, join Extinction Rebellion alongside friends and family to march, dance, and process in support and love for the Earth! For more information, please visit: https://xrboston.org/action/earth-day-2023/.

#5- THE BIG ONE ON THE STREETS OF LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)

With the support of more than 70 organizations, including EARTHDAY.ORG, the Extinction Rebellion has organized arguably the largest environmental protest of 2023. Starting on the streets of London, 100,000 individuals (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) are expected to march side by side to fight for Parliament to act against the climate crisis.

Starting Friday, the 21st, individuals will unite to survive by flooding Westminster with a wave of flags and banners. Saturday the 22nd will be an enormous celebration of individuals united for nature, biodiversity, and the planet, and led by a family-friendly march in honor of Earth Day. To

Earth Day DC is saying NO to fossil fuels by coming together this Earth Day to fight for climate justice and demand real change from decisionmakers. Kicking off the day, a youth-led rally in Freedom Plaza will feature the voices of young people from around D.C. and across the country alongside music from the Too Much Talent Band.

Following the rally, individuals will take to the streets of Washington, D.C. and march to the White House to demand President Biden take bold action to follow through with his promise to end the fossil fuel era. Lastly, the event will conclude with a fair back at Freedom Plaza where climate cages, art projects, teach-ins, dance parties, and more will take place. For more information, please visit: https://www.earthdaydc.org/.

#3- EARTH DAY FIESTA (ZIMBABWE)

Earth Day Africa works with staff and partners in Sub-Saharan countries to activate everyday citizens to rise and come together to make positive, tangible, and sustainable changes to protect Africa. Following up on the first ever commemoration in 2022, Earth Day Africa will host the second annual Earth Day Fiesta this April 22nd to celebrate Earth Day and share the African Climate Story.

Aligning with this year’s theme, Invest in Our Planet, the fiesta will bring together everyone from Africa for a historical fun day together in Zimbabwe. The fiesta will host a day full of

Kanu Hawaii is an organization of dedicated, everyday individuals working together to protect and highlight what makes Hawaii so special. This Earth Day, they are organizing movements across Hawaii to transform thought into action. April 22nd will begin with a global moment of peace. Faith leaders will join in prayer at sunrise atop two volcanoes in honor of the children of Hawaii to rise and awaken the world in support of the Pledge to Our Keiki.

As the day continues Kanu Hawaii, alongside partners and local businesses, will attempt the world’s largest dive cleanup, with more than 700 divers expected to participate across the Hawaiian Islands. In addition to the dive, more than 400 nonprofits, 800 events, and over 20,000 volunteers will activate to draw attention to what drives global pollution and to call out the systems causing massive amounts of waste. To learn more, please visit: https://www.kanuhawaii.org/.

#1-

AN EARTH DAY 2023 EVENT LOCAL TO YOU

If the events listed above aren’t close enough for you to join in, or you want to show your environmental stewardship in another way, don’t worry! EARTHDAY.ORG’s interactive Events Map shows you up-to-date rallies, cleanups, and so much more happening all around the world and in communities local near you.

April 22nd serves as an annual reminder to NEVER underestimate your power. When your voice and actions are united with millions of others around the world, we can create an inclusive and impactful movement impossible to ignore. United together, we’ll drive a year of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to a sustainable and equitable future for our planet. (earthday.org)

3 Zayed Sustainability Prize winners call for more PH entries

FILIPINO winners in Zayed Sustainability

Prize are calling for more entries to increase chances of the Philippines winning in the 2024 Cycle

Speaking online before 517 viewers from various parts of the Philippines, social entrepreneur Illac Diaz, science and math educators Ma Regaele Olarte and Jason Albaro recounted their respective experiences in explaining their projects where they used free, cheap local materials, local technology but which nevertheless turned their projects into sustainable ones that benefitted the communities around them and across the world.

They were invited as guest speakers to the webinar “A Winners’ Journey” organized by Zayed Sustainability Prize. Submissions of entries from SMEs, nonprofit organizations and global high schools are being accepted until May 23 this year through this online portal Illac won in 2015 in the energy category for his Liter of Light project―a sustainable lighting project―which used recycled plastic soda bottles, water, bleach and a simple

technology to build bottle lights which marginalized communities used to light their homes, businesses and streets. He is the first Filipino and first Asian to score this award.

In January 2019, Muntinlupa National High School won the Global High School category, East Asia and Pacific region, making it the second winner from the Philippines.

The entry, called ReVAMP (Revitalized Algae Micro-farm Projects), proposed the building of a scalable solar-powered microfarm with photo-bioreactors to produce highvalue products from green algae (Chlorella Vulgaris) that can be used in food, energy and medicine. It is also a source of biofuel. Regaele and Jason used their US$100,000 prize money to make bioreactors and build their algae microfarm―the first in the Philippines.

JUST as Valentine’s Day nudges us to cherish our loved ones a little more, Earth Day is a reminder to dedicate our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. April 22, 2023, marks the 53rd anniversary of the birth to the modern environmental movement. The celebration of eco-consciousness takes place in more than 190 countries around the globe and is the most widely observed nonreligious holiday in history.

#8- EARTH DAY JUBILEE AT HEAL THE BAY AQUARIUM IN SANTA MONICA, CA

Heal the Bay is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to making the coastal waters and

Social entrepreneur Illac Diaz is the first Asian and first Filipino to win an award in the Zayed Sustainability Prize in 2015.

Algae microfarm project