Manila Standard - 2023 April 26 - Wednesday

DICT ON PNP SITE: NO HACK, JUST A DATA LEAK

DISASTER AGENCY FORMS EL NINO RESPONSE TEAM

SIM listup extended 90 days

PBBM orders DICT to prevent Pinoys from losing telco services

By Rey E. Requejo, Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez, Darwin G. Amojelar, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

THE government has extended for 90 days the April 26 deadline for the registration of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Tuesday.

DOH: Get vax booster amid COVID uptick

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

A DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH)

official said Tuesday more Filipinos must get their COVID-19 booster doses amid an uptick of cases in the country.

The Philippines recorded 3,148 COVID-19 cases in the past week.

From April 17 to 23, an average of 450 daily infections were logged in the country, which is 32 percent higher compared to the previous week, according to DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea De Guzman.

“We need more boosters for our targeted population--among senior citizens, only 82 percent are fully vaccinated, and only 30 percent of our target population have received boosters,” De Guzman told TeleRadyo as she attributed the increase in cases to additional mobility.

In related developments:

* People eligible to receive the second COVID-19 booster dose were called on by a medical professional to take the jab amid the reported rise in COVID infections.

In a public briefing Tuesday, Dr. Benito Atienza, Philippine Federation of Professional Association Vice

set up their respective registration platforms for users who present valid identification cards.

Data from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) showed that as of April 23, only 82,845,397 SIMs have been registered. These registered SIMs represent only 49.31 percent of more than 168 million all over the country.

EXTEND THE DEADLINE.

Remulla, who attended a Cabinet cluster meeting at Malacanang on Tuesday, said the government found the extension necessary as “most of the services that come with the cell phones that are not registered will be cut off with the telcos.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directs the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to start a 90-day extension period for SIM registration after the initial April 26, 2023 deadline during a Cabinet cluster meeting at Malacanang on Tuesday. PCO Photo

Mandatory SIM registration is provided for under Republic Act no. 11934, the SIM Registration Act.

RA 11934 provides that public telecommunications entities (PTEs) should

Of the 82 million registered SIMs, more than 37 million are Globe subscribers, more than 39 million are Smart subscribers and over 5 million are Dito subscribers. SIM holders were originally given until April 26 to register or face the risk of deactivation.

Biden, 80, bids for reelection, likely to face Trump in rematch

WASHINGTON -- President Joe Biden announced Tuesday he is running for reelection in 2024, plunging at the record age of 80 into a ferocious new White House campaign “to finish the job.”

“Every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for

democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms,” Biden wrote on Twitter, along with a video.

“I believe this is ours. That’s why I’m running for re-election as president of the United States. Join us. Let’s finish the job.”

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet with Biden on May 1, saying Monday that his government will seek a review of the treaty agreements signed with its long-time ally, while seeking more partnerships and enhance current deals on climate

Insurance firm vows to retrieve 300k liters of oil from sunken tanker

By Rey E. Requejo

Cruz

and Maricel V.

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said an insurance firm pledged to retrieve the remaining industrial fuel

oil in the MT Princess Empress, which sank off the cost of Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said Valeriano Del Rosario and May Valles, representatives of

Napolcom to review 36

‘ninja cops,’ clears 917

By Charles Dantes

THE Philippine National Police said Tuesday the fiveman advisory group has recommended 36 senior police officials for further evaluation by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo told a news conference the advisory group cleared the remaining 917 senior police officials, who also submitted their courtesy resignations, from any involvement in illegal drugs.

“For the remaining 36, they will undergo further evaluation by the Napolcom,” Fajardo said.

“And eventually, once the findings are submitted to the President, it will be the authority and discretion of the President whose resignations will be accepted,” she added.

Meanwhile, PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr., who assumed his post this week, said there was still no plan to implement a revamp in the police force.

Shipowners’ Protection and Indemnity Club (P&I), gave the commitment during the insurance firm’s first appearance in the inter-agency dialogue on the oil spill held last week.

“There is a big breakthrough. The

P&I committed to do the retrieval operations, and the possibility of raising the vessel itself. But it’s up to their technical assessment whether that would be considered,” Vasquez said.

change mitigation and adaptation. Mr. Marcos said through Mr. Biden, Manila and Washington will discuss commitments to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), a 70-year-old accord between the two allies.

REMEDIAL MEASURES. With their regular classroom lacking sufficient ventilation amid the smothering summer heat, a group of Alternative System Learning students at the Aurora Quezon Elementary School in San Andres, Malate, Manila hold their class at the school’s covered court on Tuesday. It was the same at Rafael Palma Elementary School in Manila, where a student is allowed to take a test along the classroom corridor (inset). Danny Pata and Norman Cruz

DFA: 50 Pinoys in Sudan evac’d, ceasefire helps

By Rey E. Requejo, Vince Lopez, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said 50 Filipinos were evacuated out of Khartoum, Sudan on Monday night amid the ongoing clashes between the Sudanese military and a paramilitary group.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the first batch of Filipino evacuees left Khartoum by land at 8 p.m. on Monday (Manila time). From there, the Filipinos were expected to reach Aswan in Egypt, and then its capital, Cairo.

The department earlier said that Filipinos in Sudan have sought the Philippine government’s help for their repatriation.

Earlier, three Filipinos, through their employers and the Saudi Arabian government, had been evacuated from the conflict-torn country to Jeddah.

The violence in Sudan erupted between the forces of the two generals who seized power in a 2021 coup: the

DICT says no hack, just data leak

NO HACK, just a data leak.

The Department of Communications and Information Technology stressed this Tuesday following the reported alleged data breach involving over 1.2 million records of law enforcement agencies.

“It was not a hack. It was a data leak,” DICT Secretary Ivan Uy told ANC’s Headstart.

“A cybersecurity researcher... happened to find a site where there was no security. It was just open to the public,” he added.

Based on DICT’s investigation, the data leak came from the online recruitment

portal of the Philippine National Police.

“It’s an employment portal or recruitment portal. The uploaded documents were the ones that were exposed,” Uy said.

“So, there was no hacking. It was an unsecured site that was just open, and anybody could see it.”

In a chance interview with Palace reporters, Uy also said there were “serious lapses in the procedure” of the PNP amid its wide-open recruitment system.

The National Privacy Commission is now handling the matter, the DICT chief added. The PNP’s IT department did not have knowledge about its recruitment page, Uy said.

The DICT has yet to discuss this with the PNP, Uy said, owing to the ongoing

transition in the police force. The PNP leadership under new Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has yet to comment on the issue.

“Definitely, there were serious lapses in procedure. First: If you want to do that kind of system, you probably should get the permission of your IT department and the head of your agency, and they should have approved it. Even they (IT department) were not advised of it,” Uy said.

Cybersecurity firm VPNMentor reported last week the alleged “massive data breach” of employee and citizen records from the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Civil Service Commission. According to the firm, the supposed

compromised database contained highly sensitive personal information such as passports, birth and marriage certificates, drivers’ licenses, academic transcripts, and security clearance documents.

Uy clarified the data leak did not happen in other agencies, adding the site was “not professionally developed” and the project was a “momand-pop operation.”

“Because it is a government agency, they just adopted and used it without even consulting the DICT on what are the best practices and international standards in terms of cybersecurity and data protection,” he said.

Uy said the site had since been taken down. With Charles Dantes

spouses may substitute BSKE candidates’

ONLY spouses of candidates are allowed to substitute for the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Tuesday.

According to Comelec chairperson George Garcia, they will only allow a wife or husband to substitute a candidate seeking position in the village polls.

“The only substitution that we shall allow are the spouses. We won’t allow others to become substitute bets,” he said in a radio interview.

The poll body chief noted that the policy is based on the Supreme Court decision in 2003 (Rulloda vs Comelec; GR 154198).

After a series of big legislative wins and momentous foreign policy struggles in his first two years in office, Biden has no real challenger from within the Democratic Party.

But in a campaign that may result in a rematch of the 2020 election against Donald Trump, he is expected to face constant and fierce scrutiny over his age.

The veteran Democrat would be 86 by the end of a second term. Even if a medical exam in February found him “fit” to execute the duties of the presidency, many including in his own voter base believe he is too old.

An NBC News poll released over the weekend found that 70 percent of Americans, including 51 percent of Democrats, believe he should not run.

Sixty-nine percent of all respondents who said he shouldn’t run cited concerns over his age as a major or minor reason.

Biden likes to answer those concerns by saying, “watch me” -- meaning that voters should focus on his policy wins at home and his marshaling of an unprecedented Western alliance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

Over the next year and a half, Biden will have all the advantages of incumbency, backed by a united party, while Republicans are only just starting a messy primary season.

Trump, despite becoming the first former or serving president to be criminally indicted -- and facing probes into his attempt to overturn his loss to Biden in the 2020 election -- is the overwhelming Republican frontrunner.

On Monday, Trump was quick to pitch in his own criticism of the man who defeated him last time around.

“With such a calamitous and failed presidency, it is almost inconceivable that Biden would even think of running for reelection,” he said in a statement.

“Most of the services that come with the cell phones that are not registered will be cut off with the telcos,” Remulla said.

The SIM Registration Act signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took effect last December.

The President has tasked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to make a public announcement on the extension.

“DICT is targeting to register 70 percent of active SIMs within the 90-day extension and reports to the President that more Filipinos will enjoy social, digital and financial inclusion upon SIM registration,” the department said.

The DICT said subscribers who fail to register their SIM cards might encounter a “gradual loss of phone services.”

“We are exploring some options that will be available to us [to] incentivize the public to register,” said DICT Secretary Ivan Uy.

“We did not put those conditions in the first SIM card registration but because of our observation that people are not taking our deadline seriously, we are now exploring other options to incentivize registration,” he added.

“We will observe the rate of registration and after a certain period, we’re seeing maybe 30 days or 60 days into registration, we will start deactivating some services on the SIM card,” Uy said.

“Let’s say after 60 days, you will lose your access to your Facebook accounts or your TikTok accounts. You can still use your phone, you can still call, you can still text and then after a certain period, you will lose your outgoing calls so that way, you can feel the effects if you fail to register,” Uy said.

The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has ordered several government agencies and private telecommunications companies to answer a petition challenging the constitutionality of RA 11934.

The most likely Republican challenger to the 76-year-old Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, presents a similarly right-wing figure, though starkly younger at 44. AFP army chief and his deputy, who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sudan’s RSF said on Monday it agreed to a US-mediated 72-hour truce with the Sudanese Army starting at midnight to facilitate humanitarian efforts.

The respondents include the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the National Privacy Commission, the DICT, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Education (DepEd).

The SC also directed Globe Telecom, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Dito Telecommunity Corp., Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., Sun Cellular and Cherry Mobile Communications, Inc., to file their comment on the petition.

The petitioners in the case were the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, journalist Ronalyn V. Olea, Lumad leader and former Bayan Muna Party List representative Eufemia C. Cullamat, Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr., Llorre Benedicto Pasco, Dean Matthias Razi Timtiman Alea, Maded Batara III of Junk SIM Registration Network, fisherfolk leader Alberto Roldan of PAMALAKAYA, peasant leader Danilo Hernandez Ramos of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, and lawyer Michael Christopher de Castro.

The petition invoked freedom of speech, rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, and privacy of communication in seeking to declare RA 11934 unconstitutional.

“Given the nature of cell phones and devices connected to the internet, the SIM Registration Act partakes in the nature of prior restraint. On its face, the law chills all speech done through SIM if disclosure is not made,” they also said.

“By imposing a condition to speech expressed through the modern-day equivalent of the printing press, the SIM Registration Act imposes prior restraint,” they added.

They also told the SC that the deactivation of unregistered SIMs will affect the government dissemination of public service announcements and that ordinary citizens will not be able to capture,

following a meeting with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) on current issues including the Sudan situation, particularly on how the government can bring Filipinos to safety.

“Right now, we are hoping that the 72-hour ceasefire that has been declared will hold and we will --- we are preparing ourselves,” Marcos said.

share, and discuss the misbehavior of their public servants, which is vital in a democratic country.

Also, they said that Filipinos with unregistered SIMS will be deprived of essential online services such as digital banking, online shopping, and transportation to courier services.

“Unregistered Filipinos will not be able to use internet services, websites, and social media platforms that require phone numbers as a mode of receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) to secure or recover user accounts,” the petitioners said.

Globe and TM subscribers may now register their SIMs on the GCash app.

“Globe and TM customers who are GCash users will receive a prompt to register their SIMs and they just need to follow the instructions. Once successful they will get free 1GB of data which they can use right away,” Globe said.

By registering their SIMs, customers will avoid SIM deactivation and have uninterrupted access to their ewallet accounts.

Customers who fail to register their SIMs that are linked to their accounts can still access their funds by requesting a transfer to a new registered mobile number from the GCash Help Center. The process, however, will take several days.

“That’s why we encourage SIM users with GCash wallets to register their SIMs before the deadline to avoid this inconvenience. We remind our customers to register their SIMs only with the GCash app or through the official portals of their respective telco providers,”

Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive said.

GCash said it will never ask its customers to share their OTP, MPIN, or other sensitive information.

Senator Grace Poe said the extension of the registration deadline was a welcome development.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, on the other hand, said the extension should be the last.

what we’re working on now. The difficult thing is that even the land routes are not completely safe. As yet, those airports that are still bombed cannot really be used. We are still trying to find alternative ways,” the President said.

“The BSKE is apolitical. Therefore, there are no political parties that can make substitutions,” he added.

To ensure that only rightful substitutes can replace the barangay bets, Garcia said that a candidate has to identify his/her spouse, if any.

“In their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs), we will ask them to identify their spouses,” he said.

The Comelec chair, however, said that substitution is not allowed among the youth aspirants.

The COC filing period for the 2023 BSKE will be from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.

Insurance...

From A1

Vasquez said the pledge of commitment by P&I was timely since the United States and Japanese coast guards that brought their own remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) have already left the site where MT Princess Empress sank.

“We gave them (P&I) 10 days to give us the report and for them to tell us how soon they will do that,” he said.

It was estimated that the vessel still contains about 300,000 liters of industrial fuel oil from the 900,000 liters it initially carried when it sank on Feb. 28.

Vasquez said that International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC) Director Gaute Sivertsten also attended the dialogue for the first time.

“The fact that the IOPC visited us showed their commitment to settle all claims because the IOPC is the one that handled the funds,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vasquez said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has “more or less completed the factfinding data.”

“Under the case buildup rule that we have now under the DOJ, the findings will now have to be assessed by the National Prosecution Service before we would even initiate a case whether criminal, civil or administrative against anyone,” he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been working closely with the DOJ in its case build-up against those responsible for the Mindoro oil spill.

Acorda said all movements in the organization would be based on policies, guidelines, merit, ability, capability, and moral ascendancy.

He also said the shuffling in the ranks has been discussed during his first command conference.

“This SOPB (Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board) will be empowered to make sure no policies are violated and also the candidates are scrutinized,” he added.

Fajardo said Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced that 917 of the 953 senior police officials who submitted courtesy resignations were already cleared. She said the release of the names of the cleared third-level police officers will depend on the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On January 4, Abalos appealed to senior PNP officials to submit their courtesy resignations as part of the government’s efforts to rid the police force of officers involved in the illegal drug trade or so-called “ninja cops.”

Abalos said this was “the only way to make a fresh start” in the PNP, as he expressed concern over the involvement of some high ranking police officers in the illegal drug trade.

On April 20, the five-man advisory group completed the review on the courtesy resignations of 953 senior police officers of the PNP.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday that the government is doing the necessary preparations in anticipation of the 72-hour ceasefire declared in Sudan, hoping it could provide an opportunity to bring home Filipinos stuck in the war-torn country.

President Marcos made the remarks

“So, we’re trying --- we’re watching this situation very, very closely and to see if there’s a window of opportunity to evacuate our nationals,” he added.

The President said Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople is on her way to the region, hoping to take advantage of the lull in the fighting to move people out of Sudan.

“We can get our people out. So that’s

The government, he added, is looking at Saudi Arabia and Djibouti in East Africa although the original plan was to take Filipinos to Cairo, Egypt, despite being a longer route than other locations.

The US announced on Monday that the warring factions in Sudan had agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire starting at midnight on April 24.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the agreement between the Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, and the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, came following intense negotiation.

DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said possible violations against environmental laws, especially the Philippine Clean Water Act, will be added to the overall assessment of the potential damage, which will be determined by the DOJ.

“The DOJ findings will also include the compensation due to affected fishermen,” Leones said in a statement.

Leones said the DENR will continue to monitor water quality in affected areas, assess the environmental impact, and provide the necessary technical assistance in addressing the oil spill.

President III, stressed the importance of getting the additional booster dose at least six months after the first dose to improve the body’s resistance against COVID-19.

“It’s for our protection because we know that after a few months, the ‘fighter’ in our vaccine decreases, thus a booster shot is needed. The booster shot would increase the level of our immunity against the disease,” he said.

De Guzman noted the omicron subvariant was still the most predominant COVID variant in the Philippines.

* The COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila increased beyond 10 percent on Sunday, data by independent monitoring group OCTA Research showed on Tuesday. OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said the percentage of people found

positive for COVID-19 in the National Capital Region among the total number of individuals tested jumped from 7.3 percent on April 16, to 10.6 percent as of April 23.

Department of Health officer-incharge Maria Rosario Vergeire, however, reiterated that there are a lot of factors affecting the positivity rate, thus it should not be the sole basis of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

“As compared to before, only a few people now get themselves tested. We may get biased towards people who really have symptoms and get tested, if we only look at those who are getting tested,” Vergeire said.

* The Philippines has confirmed its first case of omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, which is spreading around the world, according to the Department of Health.

Based on the agency’s latest COVID-19 biosurveillance report, the case of XBB.1.16 was detected in Western

Visayas.

Dubbed “Arcturus” on social media, the new COVID-19 offshoot is a descendant lineage of XBB, a recombinant of two BA.2 descendent lineages.

The World Health Organization designated the XBB.1.16 as variant of interest or VOI last week following a sustained increase in its prevalence.

So far, the XBB.1.16 has been reported in 33 countries and has been mostly documented in India.

* The Philippines was known to have the longest and strictest lockdown in the world, as the previous administration employed a militaristic method instead of a health-centric approach to our COVID-19 response, said Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

In her speech before the Global Conference of Parliamentarians on Population and Development in Tokyo, Japan, Hontiveros noted that the consequences of the long lockdown were most felt by the most vulnerable among us, especial-

ly our women and children.

The event was organized by the Asian Population and Development Association, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development Japan, the Parliamentarians Federation for Population, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the United Nations Population Fund, and the Japan Trust Fund. “Cases may have risen because number 1, the Lenten season just finished and a lot of people went out. We see each other more often, and we are more mobile,” De Guzman said.

Hontiveros also detailed the forms of gender-based violence, from incidents of sex-for-pass in checkpoints to cases of online sexual exploitation of children on social media, that were prevalent in the Philippines, primarily brought about by the health and economic crisis.

The DOH has signed a set of guidelines for the use of a second COVID-19 booster to the general population.

‘Only

PBBM doles out P543m to boost farm produce

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday gave away a total of P543.16 in government “interventions” for the procurement of modern farming equipment meant to boost and stabilize national food security.

Mr. Marcos, who is also Secretary of Agriculture, underscored the importance of agriculture as the centerpiece of his administration, particularly in the country’s struggle for economic recovery and progress.

“With your great contribution to the country’s agriculture, we sincerely thank you all for your efforts to feed our countrymen. As your President, expect that our administration will always support agriculture,” the President said in brief remarks at the distribution ceremony held in Muñoz City, Nueva Ecija.

Funded through the DA-rice program, the San Andres Small WaterIrrigation System Association (SWISA) of Muñoz received P6 million for the rehabilitation of its impounding project.

The Makabagong Magsasaka MPC of Cabanatuan City, on the other hand, got P5 million for the construction of a warehouse with mechanical dryer.

Also for the Nueva Ecija rice sector, the DA’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) distributed P15.97 million worth of hand tractors, four-wheel tractors, transplanters, rice combine harvesters, recirculating dryers, and precision seeders from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

During the event attended by some 2,500 farmer-beneficiaries,exhibitors and DA project partners, the President noted that there are now several local manufacturers of farm inputs, machinery, and equipment evolving from scientific researches and technological innovations meant to improve agricultural productivity.

IN BRIEF

Let Kadiwa sell sugar at cheaper prices—Go

AMID a move by the Sugar Regulatory Administration. (SRA) to sell seized smuggled sugar through Kadiwa stores, Sen. Christopher Go asserted that such action must be done toward making sugar accessible and affordable to benefit the poor “Focus must be on efforts to make such commodities more accessible and affordable to the poor by stabilizing sugar prices and helping address the supply shortage in the country,” Go said.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture, the Kadiwa program is a government initiative meant to provide affordable and accessible food to Filipinos. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Chinese businessmen eye Bataan freeport

CHINESE investors are eyeing at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) as a viable site to put up business in the Philippines.

A group of Chinese businessmen led by Director General Qian Fangli of the Department of Electronic Commerce and Information-Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) recently visited the FAB to assess the facility’s viability.

The Chinese contingent inspected areas inside FAB that have potential to be hubs for e-commerce business, warehousing, and logistics, the FAB information office said.

The Chinese visitors were escorted by provincial board member Popoy Del Rosario and Metro Bataan Development Authority manager Bong Pizarro. Butch Gunio

Bataan vice governor eyes more PRDP funds

BATAAN Vice Gov. Cris Garcia has urged local government units in the province to study the meticulous preparation of the documentation requirement of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) to secure project grants.

“We can get more grants from PRDP as long as we know how to accomplishtheir meticulous documentation requirement”, she said during the groundbreaking of Orani Fish Landing and Trading Post on Thursday.

The project worth P180 million was funded through PRDP of the Department of Agriculture (DA) .

The vice governor noted that other provinces were able to get bigger grants from PRDP, citing as example Isabela province that reportedly received P1 billion worth of project. Butch Gunio

NAVAL DRILL. The Philippine Navy’s elite special operations forces carry out GOPLAT drill in the ongoing Balikatan 2023, a joint military exercise between the Philippines and the Unites States. The Naval Special Operations Command takes part in a Gas and Oil Platform Takedown and Recovery simulation exercise alongside US Naval Special Warfare troops, meant to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation. US Navy photos

PH confidence in children’s vaccines declined by 25%—UNICEF

THE UNICEF has raised concern over a notable decline in the Filipinos’ confidence in children’s vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the UNICEF, public confidence in children’s vaccines dropped by 25 percent in the Philippines, described as among the “steepest declines” among dozens of countries.

“While the decline in perception doesn’t necessarily equate to intentor actual uptake of the vaccine, it’s really important to monitor because widespread

and long-term vaccination confidence issues would hamper efforts to get children vaccinated,” Kathleen Solis, social and behavior change specialist from UNICEF Philippines, said in a press briefing.

Conversely, China, India, and Mexico showed positive change in vaccine confidence, Solis said.

UNICEF’s latest global report showed that some 67 million children partially or fully missed routine vaccines globally between 2019 and 2021. Of the 67 million children whose vacci-

nations were “severely disrupted,” 48 million missed out on routine vaccines entirely, also known as “zero-dose,” the UNICEF said, raising concerns about potential polio and measles outbreaks.

The UNICEF report also indicated that the Philippines has 1,048,000 zero dose children, the second highest in East Asia and the Pacific Region, and the fifth highest globally.

The top five regions with most zero-dose children include Calabarzon (146,160), Central Luzon (99,541), West-

DHSUD: 48k Mindanao families to get homes under 4PH

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has formalized partnerships with four Mindanao local government units (LGUs) for housing projects targeting some 48,000 families.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar signed memoranda of understanding with Mayors Rolando Uy of Cagayan De Oro City and Erick Cañosa of Gingoog City, Jayfrancis Bago of Opol town in Misamis Oriental, and Dionisio Cabahug of Tubod, Lanao del Norte as rep -

resented by Vice Mayor Clifford Jumalon.

The signing rite was held at the DHSUD central office in Quezon City. More than 60 hectares of land are set to be developed in the various barangays in the four areas for the construction of multiple medium to high-rise buildings under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program of President Marcos.

In his message, Acuzar highlighted the important role LGUs play in the flagship housing program as he enjoined their commitment to ensure its

MMDA traffic men to wear body cams

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will equip 100 traffic enforcers with body cameras while doing their duties along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region.

The agency’s Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) is currently giving orientation briefings to the traffic enforcers on the use of the body cameras.

“This is part of the familiarization with the technical specifications, features, and parts of the gadget that will be used by some traffic enforcers in their traffic management operations,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.

The charged body cameras will last up to eight hours.

Artes said recordings from the body cameras are linked to the new MMDA Command Center in Pasig City, and the information could be used as evidence in case a motorist filed a complaint.

Initially, the newly-procured body cameras will be distributed to MMDA traffic enforcers assigned along Katipunan Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, Timog Avenue and Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Artes said the MMDA expects to buy more body cameras for other traffic enforcers in the coming months, but added that funding could be a concern.

The agency wants traffic enforcers to wear the device while apprehendingerring motorists, as well as prevent them from engaging in irregular acts such as bribery and extortion while performing their tasks.

success.

“The huge housing backlog is not just a figure we need to close. Each number represents a family needing a roof over their heads. As we pursue our mandate and push for the administration’s 4PH Program, we recognize the important role of local government units,” Acuzar said.

“Your commitment is crucial for its success as you are involved in all its phases – from identifying the location, planning the design, and determining target beneficiaries,” he added. Acuzar also vowed DHSUD’s all-out support to the LGUs.

ern Visayas (96,774), Bicol (80,905) and the Bangsamoro (75,671).

Partial 2022 data showed coverage for Fully Immunized Child (FIC) and Measles Containing Vaccine 1 (MCV1) were at 57.35 percent and 68.94percent, respectively. Some 95 percent is required to reach herd immunity.

According to the Vaccine Confidence Project, people under 35 and women were more likely to report less confidence about vaccines for children after the start of the pandemic in most countries. AFP

By Rey E. Requejo

ONLY business establishments at John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) that are registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) can enjoy duty and tax free privileges, according to the Supreme Court.

In a 45-page decision written by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the SC’s Second Division also declared businesses the John Hay Special Economic Zone not registered with PEZA must pay their national and local taxes, duties, and fees.

The ruling sustained a decision issued by the Regional Trial Courtof Baguio City which junked the petition for declaratory relief, with a prayer for a writ of preliminary injunction filed by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and JHSEZ last March 12, 2010 against the Baguio City government.

In its May 13, 2010 ruling, the Baguio City RTC held that business permitsand the payment of fees to the local government unit are of a different character than that of taxes and duties, as revenue generation was not their sole purpose.

The trial court concluded that the JHSEZ was exempted from paying local and national taxes, but not from the requirement of business permits.

The lower court also held that neither the BCDA nor John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) possessed any police power, thus, they were not exempted from the local government unit’s power to require business permits and exact regulatory fees for their businesses.

The BCDA and JHMC filed a motion for reconsideration, but the trialcourt denied their plea on June 24, 2010.

Only PEZA-listed biz at John Hay can get duty, tax perks—SC

MANILA CARES. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna (left) mingles with her constituents during the “Kalinga sa Maynila,” a one-stop shop service delivery project in San Andres area. Norman Cruz

NO FACEMASK, NO RIDE. The MRT-3 management deploys security personnel to strictly enforce the wearing of facemasks by its passengers in all 13 stations and trains of the rail system. The security marshals and station staff also use public address systems to remind commuters about the minimum health and safety protocols. DOTR photo

Gov’t to tap new project to address Mindoro outages

THE government is seeking to resolve the power crisis in Occidental Mindoro through the additional 17-megawatt (MW) contract to provide continuous power in the province.

Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan also said the National Electrification Administration (NEA) is consolidating available resources to address the 20hour daily power outage in Occidental Mindoro, including the assessment of a powerplant that could give additional 6 MW, and generator sets that have 8-MW capacity.

Marasigan, quoted by GMA News, said “this will happen in two months while we build the additional 17 megawatts that will provide 24/7 operation in Occidental Mindoro. This will give us the remedy for the electricity supply in the province to become continuous.”

“Ito po ang magbibigay ng lunas sa atin para maging continuous na ang suplay ng kuryente sa Mindoro,” he added. NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda earlier said that the DOE already issued a certificate of exemption or emergency power supply agreement (EPSA), which allowed the government to enter a contract with DMCI for the additional 17-MW power supply, GMA News further reported.

According to Almeda, DMCI committed to roll out 10 MW in 30 days and the other seven MW in two months.

Governor Eduardo Gadiano on Friday said Occidental Mindoro is currently under a state of calamity due to power outages for the last month and a half.

Sandigan says Ampatuan graft ruling now final

FORMER Maguindanao governor Sajid Ampatuan has been found guilty of multiple counts of graft, malversation, and falsification of public documents, the Sandiganyan said.

The Sandiganbayan also said the decision is “final and executory.”

This developed after the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division, in an April 20 resolution, junked Ampatuan’s Motion To Reinstate the Right of the Accused to Avail of Post-Conviction Remedies due to lack of merit, GMA News reported.

The Sandiganbayan ruling said Ampatuan failed to comply with the requirements needed to avail of such remedy under the Rules of Court, namely that he must first surrender to the Court within 15 days from the date of the promulgation of judgment, and to show that his absence during the February 9 promulgation was for a justifiable cause.

“Accused Ampatuan had fifteen (15) days from February 13, 2023, or until February 28, 2023, within which to surrender and file a motion for leave of court to avail of the remedies. Although accused Ampatuan filed his instant Motion well within the said period, he has not yet surrendered to the Court,” the Sandiganbayan, quoted by GMA News, said.

“Thus, the requirements for allowing a convicted accused to regain standing and to avail of the remedies under the Rules of Court have not been complied with. There being no motion for reconsideration or notice of appeal filed within the said 15-day period, the Court’s judgment has now become final and executory,” it added.

The Sandiganbayan likewise reiterated its directive for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Ampatuan for the said cases, which were in connection with bogus school projects in 2009 worth P72 million.

Disaster agency forms team to address El Niño impacts

By Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said it has formed a team to address the impacts of El Niño, as the country braces for a hotter climate.

In an interagency meeting Monday, NDRRMC Director and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the need for harmonization of interventions of concerned government agencies for the El Niño phenomenon.

The proposed El Nino team will be led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government with the Office of Civil Defense as co-chair, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) as members.

A support team has also been formed composed of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO),

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, El Niño may start as early as June to August this year with chances of increasing severity toward the first quarter of 2024.

In the forecast, provinces including Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Metro Manila, Apayao, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Spratlys Islands, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Spratlys Islands, Albay, and Guimaras may experience belownormal rainfall conditions.

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE.

The Maligcong Rice Terraces in Maligcong, Bontoc has been nominated by the Cultural Properties Protection and Regulation Division (CPPRD) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes.

IN BRIEF

Agents nab Japanese wanted for fraud

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a Japanese national wanted by authorities in Tokyo for involvement in financial fraud.

The fugitive was identified as Sato Shohei, who was cornered along Newport Blvd., Pasay City by operatives from the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

“He was ordered deported after the Japanese government sought our assistance in locating and arresting him so he can be deported to his country to stand trial for his alleged crimes,” the BI chief said.

He added that Shohei was already placed in the immigration blacklist, thus he is perpetually banned from re-entering the country for being an undesirable alien.

According to BI-FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Shohei was issued an arrest warrant by a summary court in Tokyo where a case for theft was filed against him October last year.

House committee approves tax amnesty measure

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives committee on ways and means on Tuesday approved with amendments the bill seeking to extend by another two years the availment of the estate tax amnesty, as prescribed under Republic Act 11213 or the “Tax Amnesty Act”.

The panel, chaired by Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, approved House

Bill 7409 which proposes to extend the availment period of the estate tax amnesty from June 15, 2023, to June 14, 2025.

“This committee hereby directs the secretariat to prepare the substitute bill incorporating the amendments and style and the corresponding committee report and file the same with the Committee on Rules this week,” Salceda said.

LTO

One of the bill’s authors, AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert T. Lee welcomed the committee action on the bill which is set for second reading approval when session resumes on May 8. Lee earlier filed HB 7842, Lee which aims to provide taxpayers enough period to settle their tax dues as the amnesty period is about to lapse on June 14, 2023 under RA 11213 or the “Tax Amnesty Act.”

urged to fast-track drivers’ licenses

By Maricel V. Cruz

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Wednesday urged the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to expedite the acquisition of plastic cards for driver’s licenses.

Lee made the statement in light of the shortage of drivers’ plastic license cards that resulted in the inconvenience of motorists whose licenses have expired or are expiring shortly.

The LTO this week confirmed the shortage, which they said was the result of a department order they received in January, stating that all procurements involving P50 million and above should be conducted by

the Department of Transportation central office.

The agency also said that its inventory of plastic card licenses is forecast to completely run out by the last week of this month.

The LTO also announced that it will be extending the validity of licenses that are expiring soon, after it faced backlash over the weekend over news of the shortage.

Lee underscored the need for government agencies not to waste resources. “This is a call not only for the LTO, but for all card-issuing agencies as well. Kung kaya naman nang patunayan ng official receipt, huwag na tayo gumawa ng temporary card.”

Japanese authorities have reportedly alleged that Shohei conspired with several other accomplices in stealing money from the bank accounts of victims whose ATM cards they obtained by misrepresenting themselves as police officers or financial service agency representatives.

Vito Barcelo

Air Asia plans transfer to NAIA Terminal 2

AIR Asia Philippines is mapping out plans for the transfer of all its domestic flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 3 and 4 to NAIA Terminal 2 beginning July 1.

The transfer is in line with the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) schedule and terminal assignment rationalization (STAR) program to optimize the capacity of the four NAIA terminals.

Air Asia Communications and Public Affairs Country head Steve Dailisan and MIAA officials led by its general manager Cesar Chiong met and discussed preparations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer, including the proposed location of checkin counters at the south wing of the terminal.

Joel E. Zurbano

MIAA eyeing airport

CCTV system upgrade

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) disclosed that it would upgrade its closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage at key airport areas and immigration counters.

MIAA Senior Assistant Manager Bryan Co at the public briefing on Tuesday, said “we identified critical cameras in areas where passengers go in and out of Immigration areas, where passengers pass through the pre-departure gates. When arriving and where they pass, we were able to identify the key cameras to upgrade.” Co, quoted by GMA News, also said “this week, we are undergoing the procurement process. We will release the NAIA requirements and we aim to award this by next week, Monday.”

“The retention period will increase from 30 to 90 days, effective two weeks from now,” he added.

a return to traditional clothing styles

culture and creativity. We become culture bearers as well.

Third, we should economically support artisans such as weavers and embroiderers.

It’s great to see entrepreneurs working with weavers of inabel, kantarines, inaul, and other fabrics to create modern wearable piece such as jackets, boleros, and blazers.

Addressing El Niño

these are already affected.

THE traditional clothing of a nation represents its culture, identity and heritage, and symbolizes its unique history and unique sense of self.

A return to traditional styles that are better suited for our climate and carry our sense of identity is something we should seriously consider, and here are some points why.

First, for comfort.

Our bodies change throughout the years, and for many of us, middle-aged spread is often the outcome.

We find ourselves having “thin” and “fat” pants, skirts, and blouses, and at some point we must’ve thought to ourselves, this is costing too much money and trouble.

We also need to consider our tropical climate.

So I looked to pre-Hispanic clothing styles.

Our clothing then reflected the culture of the region and in my mind hearkens back to the Hindu influence we received via the Srivijaya and Majapahit thalassocratic empires. Women wore tight-fitting tops. Men and women alike wore fabrics wrapped around their waist.

Supporting local artisans that create these one-of-a-kind handwoven textiles is essential in order to continue their cultural practices and help them with their livelihoods.

For me, wearing malong is not only a visual representation of my ancestry, but also a statement of pride in my culture and identity, and a demonstration of respect and appreciation for traditional crafts and support for those who create them.

So I decided to incorporate baro and malong into my everyday wear and, drawing inspiration from my Maguindanaon heritage, searched for inaul (“woven”) fabric.

I found some on the “Malong Maguindanaon-Filipino Indigenous Handwoven Fabrics Malong” FB page run

23.

by Janessa Sulaik,

This young entrepreneur, who is taking Tourism Management at the University of Mindanao-Matina, started selling inaul only last year. With her sister’s kalilang (“wedding”) approaching, she wanted to wear something special. “I was tired of wearing the same formal attire available in malls or local shops and needed some uniqueness,” she said.

She wore inaul to the occasion and got her family to do the same. Now, her main purpose for her shop is to “keep our culture alive.”

Her inaul, which she sources from local weavers, is bought mostly by older clients, many of them based abroad. She has many customers in the U.S. and Canada.

Among the younger set, though, she believes “there is potential” but “it’ll be a long road” for inaul to be in popular use among them.

Janessa says it is rare for young people in her area to wear traditional attire, because they see it as impractical and expensive.

WE ARE encouraged by the Presidential statement earlier on that his 10-month administration has plans to ensure the country’s agricultural sector would not be badly jabbed by the impact of a possible El Niño phenomenon.

He told farmers at an event in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, right in the bosom of the rice granary of the Central Plains, that government officials are crafting plans to ensure that water supply would not be reduced. He ordered the creation of an El Niño unit and told government agencies to prepare for the said phenomenon, as chances of a dry spell continued to increase, which underlined weathermen’s announcement the PAGASA might issue an El Niño alert by May.

In a separate interview, Mr. Marcos stressed the need to ensure the country’s water supply to mitigate the effects of El Niño, adding the government was looking for ways to “convert our dependence of water supply from underground water to

surface water,” and one way was to make use of the rainwater and conserve it until needed.

At the same time, we are a bit flustered by the statement of former agriculture secretary and Federation of Free Farmers president Leonardo Montemayor the production of vegetables will be affected by the El Niño phenomenon in the agriculture sector.

President Marcos Jr.’s statement should raise the confidence of not just the farmers but all Filipinos standing on El Niño’s helpless path

Montemayor added El Niño could result in a supply shortage with vegetables in the country, with the real impact of this weather phenomenon starting to be felt from July onwards.

We note the palay harvest for the dry season crop is ongoing. At least the impact on palay is not yet felt, but, according to Montemayor, for other crops that need water, like vegetables,

Lawmaker clears the air

An early Spanish historian I came across wrote that they were “unstitched fabrics.” The malong, tapis, patadyong, and the like are generally described as tubes of fabric tied around the waist.

The unisex malong is the perfect nether garment because it is infinitely adjustable to the wearer’s waistline -- whether we gain or lose weight, or we just had too much to eat, the malong can be retied to fit just right.

It’s also soft and cool, it lets air circulate around our legs, unlike jeans and trousers.

Refer to the Arab robes, abayas - same hot climate, same principle of loose clothing that does not constrict.

The baro was a short cotton blouse, the original cropped top.

It had long sleeves that could be folded back, and a square or round neckline.

Women wore the tapis only at first, then Spanish influence came up with the saya (skirt) for modesty, but the tapis was retained as an overskirt.

The baro and tapis combination may be recognized as a modification of the Indian sari, with its tight top and draped skirt. It’s a look seen all across Southeast Asia.

My second point for wearing indigenous and traditional clothing styles is to assert a decolonized identity.

Philippine fabrics and styles of clothing are deeply steeped in centuries of culture and tradition.

Wearing them is not only a fashion statement, but also a way to honor and appreciate the long history and culture of the Filipino people.

By wearing these garments and supporting the local artisans that create them, we demonstrate solidarity with their communities and spread awareness of their

Inaul, she adds, was once only accessible to those of datu and bai status and is still out of reach of many students today because their price reflects their handmade origin.

She hopes to someday launch a streetwear line that incorporates inaul into modern fashions.

There are laws and policies that advocate the use of traditional fabrics, such as Republic Act. 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics law that prescribes their use by government officials and employees.

The law was authored by Sen. Loren Legarda, who has consistently promoted the use of traditional fabric and clothing. But the cost of such fabrics make the implementation of such laws difficult.

Janessa calls on the national and local government to support inaul weaving and the promotion of its use.

“[Sana] maging kasing-uso ng inaul ang piña,” she says. “Kapag Pinoy kasi, Filipiniana using piña ang unang naiisip. Inshallah, masali ang inaul.” She suggests that the government streamline and cut down processes and paperwork that add to the cost of creating and trading inaul. As an advocate of local fabrics and their industries, I believe we can be of support by adopting traditional fashion in our daily garb. One suggestion is to start by wearing malong. There are versions for every budget, such as the cotton batik ones that go for less than P200.

What’s important is for us to begin normalizing wearing such clothing in public (again) and revive their regular use.

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

A VIDEO that went viral last week showed Sen. Cynthia Villa raising her voice as she confronted a group of security guards and the president of the homeowners’ association of a subdivision in Las Piñas City where she resides. The issue: the installation of steel barricades on a public road within the BF Resort Village (BFRV).

The lawmaker has since clarified she did nothing wrong.

Several subdivision residents also defended her after the verbal tussle with Euan Rex Toralballa, newly elected president of the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (BFRVHAI), who is said to have opposed several of her projects inside the village.

Villar and her legislative staff rushed to the site along Aventine Hills Street upon learning that Toralballa, accompanied by security guards, installed steel barriers on the road in front of her composting and vermicomposting project.

“I don’t understand why these officials of the BFRVHAI closed it off. That’s for the people,” said Villar, who has been a resident of BFRV since 1976.

BFRV is a gated subdivision in southern Metro Manila. It was a project of Banco Filipino (BF) before it was abruptly closed by the government in 1985.

Villar’s composting project in Las Piñas, inaugurated in 2017, processes kitchen and garden wastes into organic fertilizer. The composting facility helps the city attain zero waste management goals. In the video, Villar insisted the barricade should be removed:

“Tanggalin niyo yan!” She was even heard in the video telling Toralballa, “pinipersonal mo ako!”

“We are not doing anything bad,” she said in a television interview.

Prior to the April 17 incident on Aventine

Hills Street, village resident Loida Rafal disclosed the Villar family had donated millions of pesos for the construction of the bridge which had been approved by barangay officials and the homeowners’ association.

However, for unknown reasons, Toralballa and the new directors in the homeowners’ association opposed the construction of the bridge. The bridge is supposed to connect Las Piñas and Bacoor in Cavite.

The lawmaker’s staff is also planning to plant trees this month in the open spaces around the composting and vermicomposting facility and to have the sidewalk paved with concrete.

So how will this controversy—or noncontroversy, depending on how you look at it— play itself out?

However, Toralballa and his security guards padlocked the entrance gate going to the project, Rafal said.

Because of this, she said, trucks with ready-mix cement could not enter the BF Resort Village, resulting in delays in project completion.

Rafal said with Toralballa’s directive, Villar’s project managers could not even purchase construction materials from hardware stores inside the village since Toralballa and his men had threatened to close the hardware stores.

The viral video showed another village resident, Maribel Laguidao, saying Villar did not hurt the security guard but only

Earlier on, Climatology and Agrometeorology division chief Dr. Marcelino Villafuerte II of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)’s Impact Assessment and Applications Section, said the weather bureau might increase the El Niño alert status in May.

“Overall, if there is an issue with water due to lack of rains and high temperature, it affects the water for vegetables. Farmers should make sure their crops receive enough water,” Montemayor noted.

We understand the increasing anxiety of farmers, since the drought will not only affect the crops, the high temperature will also affect animals.

There is also a greater possibility that more problems will erupt like a red tide.

Montemayor is on track when he says we really need to be prepared, pointing out, as chaser of a thought, the water for irrigation is also affected, particularly with the continuous drop in the level of Angat Dam, which supplies the requirement of at least 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.

But President Marcos Jr.’s statement should raise the confidence of not just the farmers but all Filipinos standing on El Niño’s helpless path.

ordered him to leave.

“As a matter of fact, Villar is fighting for the welfare of the people.”

That video clip, she said, showed that Toralballa was trying to provoke ugly reactions from the senator. “Pinipikon nila si Senator para magalit habang naka-video.”

The controversy started in July last year after the newly-installed village administration posted security guards at Onelia Jose St. who then moved to prevent Las Piñas resident-holders of the “Friendship” stickers from freely using the street that connects to the Zapote River Drive leading to Cavitex and the bridge that leads to Bacoor in Cavite.

Under the new traffic scheme, nonBFRV residents, even if they are Las Piñas residents and holders of “Friendship” stickers, will only be allowed entry and exit via Onelia Jose St. if they will buy the BFRV sticker worth P2,500 per vehicle.

The move by the new BFRVHAI administration is said to have created confusion among Las Piñas residents in other subdivisions and villages since they have been enjoying free access to the friendship route since 1995.

It was in 1995 when the city government of Las Piñas issued an ordinance directing developers and homeowners’ associations in the city to allow the public to use their streets free of charge as alternative routes (the so-called “Friendship Route”) to ease or decongest traffic along the Alabang-Zapote Road and other main streets in Las Piñas, and imposing penalties for violations.

So how will this controversy—or noncontroversy, depending on how you look at it—play itself out?

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Stench of death engulfs Sudan hospitals, but leaving is mortal danger

KHARTOUM, Sudan—Ibrahim Mohamed turned in his hospital bed to find the patient next to him had died, but fighting that had erupted in Sudan’s capital hours earlier meant the body could not be moved.

Battles since April 15 between the forces of two rival generals have turned Khartoum into a war zone, shuttering hospitals and preventing health professionals from providing care.

By the time Mohamed, a 25-year-old leukemia patient, was finally evacuated from the Khartoum Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, the body was still there.

“Because of the intense fighting, the person could not be moved and buried,” Mohamed’s father, Mohamed Ibrahim, 62, told AFP.

Attiya Abdullah, general secretary of the Sudanese doctors’ union, said the same was happening in other hospitals.

“Decomposing dead bodies are kept in wards” for lack of anywhere else to put them, he told AFP.

With explosions, heavy gunfire and air strikes that have killed hundreds in the capital

and in other parts of the country, “morgues are packed and the streets are littered with bodies”, Abdullah said.

According to him, urban warfare between forces loyal to Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned-rival, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the commander of the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has triggered a “complete and total collapse of the healthcare system.”

As Ibrahim waited with his son in the hospital ward under ceaseless blasts, “the stench filled the room”, the father said, made worse by power outages in the baking heat.

“We could either stay in the pungent room, or go outside and be met with gunfire.”

Hospitals under fire

At around 1:00 pm on Tuesday, after three days with no food, water or electricity, the father and son finally left, but not to safety.

“The hospital was being shelled,” Ibrahim recounted.

According to the doctors’ union, 13 hospitals nationwide have been shelled and 19 others evacuated since fighting began.

At least eight people have died in attacks

On Friday, as a third ceasefire collapsed, the doctors’ union shared advice on Facebook on how to handle, shroud and bury decomposing bodies

on health facilities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“The RSF and the army were fighting right outside the hospital,” Ibrahim said, adding that some of those evacuating were hit by gunfire themselves.

When the bombs start falling near hospital premises, doctors face a grim choice.

“We find ourselves forced to let patients

leave,” Abdullah said. “If they stay, they would be killed.”

Ibrahim managed to shield his sick son from the crossfire, but “had to go on foot” through the streets, dashing from one safe point to another.

It took them five hours to get home “safely, but my son’s health has deteriorated since”, the father said.

With nearly three quarters of hospitals shuttered and “operational hospitals only providing emergency services”, according to Abdullah, there was nowhere else Mohamed could go.

“I just want all of this to stop so I can take my son to be treated,” his father said.

Medics ‘extremely exhausted’

According to Abdullah, even hospitals that have remained open, receiving mostly gunshot wounds, “are at risk of closure at any time.”

“They don’t have enough surgical equipment, not enough fuel to run generators, not enough ambulances or blood.”

The WHO said 413 people had been killed and 3,551 wounded in the fighting across

Sudan, but the actual death toll is thought to be far higher, with doctors and humanitarian staff unable to reach those in need.

“Some hospitals have had the same team working” for eight days straight, Abdullah told AFP.

“Some have only one surgeon. All are extremely exhausted.”

Medics have made daily appeals for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian access to move through, transport the wounded and bury the dead.

But brief lulls in the fighting in Khartoum have repeatedly given way to the crackle of gunfire, cutting through the momentary silence, and no truce has taken hold.

As civilians rallied on social media to find any sources of medication for chronically ill relatives, UNICEF has warned power cuts and fuel shortages were putting at risk the cold storage of more than $40 million worth of vaccines and insulin.

On Friday, as a third ceasefire collapsed, the doctors’ union shared advice on Facebook on how to handle, shroud and bury decomposing bodies. AFP

What’s important is for us to begin normalizing wearing such clothing in public (again) and revive their regular use

Sudan’s warring rivals agree to 72-hr. ceasefire

KHARTOUM—A US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire between Sudan’s warring generals officially came into effect Tuesday after 10 days of urban combat killed hundreds, wounded thousands and sparked a mass exodus of foreigners.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to the ceasefire “following intense negotiations”, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement shortly before the truce took effect at midnight (2200 GMT Monday).

Previous bids to pause the conflict failed to take hold, but both sides confirmed they had agreed to the three-day halt.

“This ceasefire aims to establish humanitarian corridors, allowing citizens and residents to access essential resources, healthcare, and safe zones, while also evacuating diplomatic missions,” the RSF paramilitary tweeted.

In a statement on Facebook, the SAF said it would also abide by the ceasefire on condition its rivals did so.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned earlier that Sudan was on “the edge of the abyss” and that the violence “could engulf the whole region and beyond”.

The fighting has pitted forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against those of his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the RSF.

The RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militia that then-president Omar al-Bashir unleashed in Darfur, leading to war crimes charges against Bashir

Singapore slams Branson over cannabis case

KUALA LUMPUR—The Singapore government criticized British billionaire Richard Branson on Tuesday for saying authorities “may be about to kill an innocent man” over one kilogram of cannabis.

Singaporean Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, is scheduled to be hanged on Wednesday after being convicted of conspiracy to traffic 1,017.9 grams (35.9 ounces) of cannabis, twice the minimum amount that merits the death sentence under the city-state’s tough drug laws.

Branson, a member of the Genevabased Global Commission on Drug Policy, urged Singapore on his blog on Monday to halt the execution, saying Tangaraju was “not anywhere near” the drugs at the time of his arrest.

He warned that Singapore might be about to put an innocent man to death.

“This is patently untrue,” Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement, adding that Tangaraju’s guilt had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Branson showed “disrespect for Singapore’s judges and our criminal justice system with such allegations,” it said. It will be Singapore’s first execution in six months and the 12th since last year.

Cannabis has been decriminalised in many parts of the world, including in neighbouring Thailand. Rights groups have been appealing to Singapore to abolish capital punishment. AFP

and others.

The Forces of Freedom and Change, the main civilian bloc which the two generals ousted from power in a 2021 coup, said the truce would allow for “dialogue on the modalities of a permanent ceasefire.”

At least 427 people have been killed and more than 3,700 wounded, according to UN agencies.

Among the latest to die was the assistant administrative attache at Cairo’s embassy in Khartoum, Egypt’s foreign ministry said.

- ‘Corpses litter the streets’ -

The official was killed while heading from home to the embassy to follow up on evacuation procedures, it said.

More than 4,000 people have fled the country in foreign-organized evacuations that began on Saturday.

The United States and European, Middle Eastern, African, and Asian nations launched emergency missions to bring to safety their embassy staff and Sudan-based citizens by road, air and sea.

But millions of Sudanese are unable to flee the country, which has a history of military coups.

They are trying to survive acute shortages of water, food, medicine, and fuel as well as power and internet blackouts. AFP

Anchors away: Carlson out at Fox, Lemon at CNN

NEW YORK—Conservative firebrand Tucker Carlson, host of Fox News’ most popular show, has abruptly left the US network, it was announced Monday, days after the outlet paid a huge settlement to end a defamation case.

Also on Monday, the rival CNN network sacked veteran presenter Don Lemon, who recently made remarks about women and aging that were seen as sexist. Carlson was the best-known name on Fox’s presenting roster, hosting a prime-time evening show that won fierce loyalty among the broadcaster’s right-wing viewers.

A key figure in Republican politics, he often interviewed Donald Trump, and has been widely criticized for spreading disinformation as well as nightly reams of allegedly racist and hate-filled rhetoric.

“Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson

have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” the network said in a brief statement, giving no reason for his immediate departure.

The 53-year-old Carlson, who joined Fox in 2009, provided no reaction.

Railing against everything from immigration policies to gun controls, “Tucker Carlson Tonight” pilloried liberal trends in modern America, appealing to viewers’ outrage and propelling the show to the heights of cable television.

The news of Lemon’s departure from CNN came a little after midday Eastern time, with CNN providing a statement to Newsweek from Chairman and CEO Chris Licht. No reason was given for the decision in Licht’s note, with the company head stating that Lemon would “forever be part of the CNN family.”

“CNN and Don have parted ways,” Licht’s message read. “Don will forever be part of the CNN family and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on his future endeavors.”

Lemon, in a message shared to Twitter a little after noon, expressed shock over the news, characterizing it as a “termination.” Lemon also expressed frustration over hearing the news from his agent.

“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN,” Lemon wrote. “I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. AFP

Kenya fears more starvation cult victims found as search resumes

MALINDI, Kenya—Fears were growing in Kenya on Tuesday that there could be more victims of a starvation cult as investigators resumed their searches after finding dozens of corpses in mass graves.

Police have spent days scouring the Shakahola forest near the coastal town of Malindi after receiving a tip-off about a cult led by Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who urged his followers to starve to death to find God.

Police sources told AFP late Monday that the death toll was now 73, with a number of people rescued and taken to hospital.

The grim discovery has sent shockwaves through the country, prompting President William Ruto to pledge a

Sokor leader’s office defends his viral Japan comments

SEOUL—South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol was in hot water Tuesday after comments he made about former colonial power Japan not needing to “kneel down” to improve ties went viral on social media.

Yoon, who is on a six-day state visit to the United States, has made boosting relations with Tokyo a key plank of his administration’s policy as he seeks to increase regional security cooperation in the face of rising threats from North Korea.

Bilateral ties were long strained by lingering issues linked to Tokyo’s brutal 1910 to 1945 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula—including sexual slav-

Good vibrations: Thai party makes election pledge to legalize sex toys

BANGKOK—A conservative Thai political party is seeking to woo voters ahead of next month’s general election with a pledge to legalise sex toys, pointing to the fiscal—and frisky —benefits.

Despite its reputation for being one of Southeast Asia’s most sexually liberated countries, Buddhist-

majority Thailand remains conservative and vibrators, dildos and other intimate devices are illegal.

The royalist Democrat Party has been a major player in Thai politics since the 1940s but it flopped in the 2019 election and is sagging in the polls for the May 14 vote.

“Sex toys are useful because they could lead to a decrease in prostitution as well as divorce due to a mismatch of sexual libido, and sex-related crimes,” party representative Ratchada Thanadirek said in a statement Monday.

She said the government was also missing an opportunity to collect tax on the legal import of erotic stimulators.

ery and forced labour—even as Washington has repeatedly urged its two key regional allies to boost cooperation.

Yoon told The Washington Post ahead of his trip that he could not accept the idea that Japan “must kneel because of our history 100 years ago” if ties between the two countries were to be improved.

The comments—including the hashtag #mustkneel—quickly became a top trending topic on Korean language social media and Twitter, and prompted wall-to-wall coverage in mainstream media.

Yoon’s office said Tuesday that the president had meant “he can’t accept

the claim that improving relations with Japan is impossible unless they kneel down in a time of great need for security alliance”, a presidential aide told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It is foolish to render the entire history of exchange and cooperating -- dating 1,500 years—meaningless because of an unfortunate history spanning less than 50 years,” the aide said.

Seoul unveiled a plan in March to compensate victims of Japan’s wartime forced labour without Tokyo’s direct involvement, which has enraged some victims. AFP

crackdown on “unacceptable” religious movements amid fears that the toll is set to climb higher.

“We believe there are more,” Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome told reporters on Monday.

It is believed some followers of the Good News International Church could still be hiding in the bush around Shakahola and at risk of death if not quickly found.

Hussein Khalid, executive director of the rights group Haki Africa that tipped off the police, urged the authorities to send more rescuers to scour the 325-hectare (800-acre) area of woodland for survivors.

“Each day that passes by there is very high possibility that more are dying,” he told AFP. AFP

Colombia expels Venezuela’s top opposition leader

BOGOTÁ—Colombia expelled leading Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaido on Monday, hours after he arrived in Bogota for a conference on his crisis-torn country. Neither Guaido, recognized in 2019 by more than 50 countries as Venezuela’s de facto leader, nor Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro were invited to attend the event.

The conference, organized by Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, seeks to restart negotiations between Venezuela’s government and the opposition that began in Mexico City in 2021 but reached a deadlock in November.

Venezuela’s opposition, backed by many countries including the United States, did not recognize Maduro’s 2018 re-election in a vote widely dismissed as fraudulent.

The next year, Washington ramped up sanctions against Caracas, which were first imposed in 2015 over the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Last month, a Venezuelan official said free presidential elections in 2024 were dependent on the lifting of sanctions.

Colombia’s foreign ministry said Guaido, who arrived in Bogota in an “irregular manner”, was taken to the capital city’s El Dorado airport for a “departure on a commercial airline to the United States during the night.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SAFE IN SAUDI. A member of the Saudi armed forces carries a girl who arrived at King Faisal navy base in Jeddah, following a rescue operation from Sudan. A ship carrying some 200 Saudi citizens and 14 other nationalities rescued from the battle-scarred African nation arrived in Jeddah, Saudi television said. AFP

RESCUED. Security personnel carry a rescued young person from the forest in Shakahola, outside the coastal town of Malindi, on April 23. Twenty-one bodies have been exhumed in Kenya while investigating a cult whose followers are believed to have starved themselves to death, police sources said on April 22, warning the toll could rise. AFP

UN-RUSSIA MEET. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) and UN secretary general Antonio Gutterres shake hands following a UN security council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York on April 24. AFP

SEOUL, South Korea—Netflix will invest $2.5 billion in South Korean content over the next four years, the streaming giant’s CEO Ted Sarandos announced after meeting with the country’s President Yoon Suk Yeol in Washington.

South Korea has cemented its status as a global cultural powerhouse in recent years, thanks in part to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” and the hit Netflix series “Squid Game”.

“Netflix is delighted to confirm that we will invest USD 2.5 billion in Korea including the creation of Korean series, films, and unscripted shows over the next four years,” Sarandos said in a statement given to AFP on Tuesday.

“This investment plan is twice the total amount Netflix has invested in the Korean market since we started our service in Korea in 2016.” Sarandos said that Netflix had “great confidence” that South Korea’s creative industry would continue to tell great stories, pointing to the recent success of global hits such as “The Glory” and the reality show “Physical 100”.

“It is incredible that the love towards Korean shows has led to a wider interest in Korea, thanks to the Korean creators’ compelling stories. Their stories are now at the heart of the global cultural zeitgeist,” he added.

Over the last few years, South Korean content has taken the world by storm, with over 60 percent of Netflix viewers watching a show from the East Asian country in 2022, company data showed.

Netflix, which spent more than 1 trillion won ($750 million) developing Korean content from 2015 to 2021, had previously said it would be expanding its South Korean show output, without giving details of spending plans. AFP

Stock market drops slightly; MPIC, ICTSI buck downtrend

STOCKS slightly declined Tuesday, tracking the movement of Asian markets as a lack of clear direction ahead of key announcements this week presented a challenge for global investors.

The PSE index, the 30-company bellwether, shed 4 points, or 0.08 percent, to close at 6,593.39, while the index for all shares went down 3 points, or 0.09 percent, to settle at 3,506.79 on a value turnover of P5.23 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 106 to 79, while 52 shares were unchanged.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

Please be notified that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of GMA Network, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on May 17, 2023 (Wednesday) at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom application through https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84219442424 to consider, discuss or vote on the following:

1. Call to Order

2. Certification of Notice and Quorum

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Held on May 18, 2022

4. Annual Report of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

5. Financial Report

6. Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Corporate Officers

7. Approval of the Meritorious Justifications for the Retention of Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban and Dr. Jaime C. Laya as Independent Directors

8. Election of Directors (including the Independent Directors)

9. Election of the External Auditor

10. Consideration of such other business as may properly come before the meeting

11. Adjournment

CALL TO ORDER

The Chairman will call the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. on May 17, 2023.

Four of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Metro Pacific Investments Corp. which climbed 3.03 percent to P4.08 and International Container Terminals Services Inc. which rose 0.46 percent to P218.00.

Meanwhile, the peso advanced for a third day to close at 54.54 against the US dollar Tuesday.

Hong Kong stocks fell for a third straight day, with Alibaba Group Holdings down more than three percent, internet giant Baidu down nearly four and pharmaceutical maker Wuxi Biologics dropping almost seven.

The index had shed nearly two percent at the close.

“Investors seem to be having concerns about the sustainability of the recovery in China and the heightening of

A brief description of each item is summarized under Annex “A” of this Notice. Moreover, the rationale for each agenda item including the requirements and procedure for nomination and election of Directors is set forth in detail under Annex “B” of the Notice of the Meeting attached to the Definitive Information Statement (“DIS”). The DIS, the Management Report, and the Annual Report may be viewed at and downloaded from www.gmanetwork.com/asm2023.

For purposes of the meeting, the Board of Directors has set April 26, 2023 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice, to participate, and to vote in absentia, at such meeting and any adjournment thereof.

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Company will be conducting the annual stockholders’ meeting via remote communication. The conduct of the annual stockholders’ meeting including the attendance and participation thereto will be through Zoom application.

Stockholders of record who intend to attend and participate via remote communication and/or vote in absentia shall notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary by email to GMA2023ASM@gmanetwork com beginning April 26, 2023 until May 8, 2023 and shall register in accordance with the procedure set forth in the attached Procedure for Registration, Participation and Attendance in the 2023 GMA Annual Stockholders’ Meeting by Remote Communication and Procedure for Voting in Absentia (Annex “A” of the Notice of Meeting attached to the DIS). All information to be submitted as required under Annex “A” shall be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary. Upon successful registration, the meeting link will be sent to the participant/stockholder.

Voting for matters to be submitted for approval, including the election of directors, shall be made in absentia through a secure online voting facility. Once duly registered, the stockholder may vote in

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

BERLIN—Germany is joining other European countries in scrutinizing the use of personal data by the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT and demanding answers from US maker OpenAI, a regulator said Monday.

Regional data protection authorities in Europe’s top economy have compiled a questionnaire for OpenAI and expect a response by June 11, said Marit Hansen, commissioner for the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. “We want to know if a data protection impact assessment has been carried out and if the data protection risks are under control,” Hansen told AFP. “We are asking OpenAI for information on issues that stem from the European General Data Protection Regulation.”

German authorities want to verify whether OpenAI under EU law sufficiently informs people whose data is used by ChatGPT that they “have rights, for example to access, correct or even delete their data,” she said.

It is also necessary to “clarify how these rights can be exercised”, she said, adding that regulators were particularly concerned about the processing of data relating to minors.

“As soon as personal data of European citizens is processed, European data protection law must be respected,” she said.

Italy temporarily banned the program last month over allegations its data-gathering broke privacy laws. It has since asked OpenAI to adjust its chatbot so it could be back online in the country at the end of April. France’s regulator said earlier this month that it had opened a formal procedure after receiving five complaints, while Spain’s AEPD data protection agency also said it had opened an inquiry into the software and its US owner. AFP

CERTIFICATION OF NOTICE AND QUORUM

The Corporate Secretary will certify that a written notice for the meeting was duly sent to stockholders and that a quorum exists for the transaction of business. Kindly see Procedure for Registration, Participation and Attendance in the GMA Annual Stockholders’ Meeting 2023 by Remote Communication and Procedure for Voting in Absentia under Annex “A” of the Notice of the Meeting contained in the DIS.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING HELD ON MAY 18, 2022

The approval of the minutes of the previous year’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting is made part of the agenda for transparency and in order to comply with the requirements of the Company’s By-laws, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 11232), as well as the pertinent rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A copy of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on May 18, 2022 was posted on the Company’s website within five (5) business days from adjournment of the said meeting and is attached to the Notice of the Meeting attached to the DIS as Annex “I” thereof. These minutes are subject to stockholders’ approval during this year’s meeting.

The annual report of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer is made part of the Agenda in order to inform the stockholders of the Company’s ratings and financial performance during the previous year and to adhere to the principles of transparency and good corporate governance. The annual report also contains the Audited Financial Statements (AFS) for the year ended 31 December 2022 which was audited by Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV. & Co.) which have been reviewed and approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company on March 31, 2023. Stockholders may request for a hard or soft copy of the 2022 Annual Report through GMA2023ASM@gmanetwork.com. The Annual Report is also posted on the Company’s website.

FINANCIAL REPORT

The Company’s financial performance during the year 2022 has been detailed in the Audited Financial Statements (AFS) of the Company which were reviewed in audit by the Company’s independent external auditor. The AFS have been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors, as recommended by the Audit and Risk Management Committee. The Company’s 2022 AFS is attached as Annex “G” of the DIS.

RATIFICATION OF THE ACTS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND CORPORATE OFFICERS

The Acts of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Corporate Officers taken or adopted since the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on May 18, 2022, until May 17, 2023 were duly deliberated upon prior to their approval and were conducted in the Company’s ordinary course of business. The aforementioned acts of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Corporate Officers are submitted for approval to the stockholders

geopolitical tensions,” Redmond Wong, of Saxo Capital Markets HK, told Bloomberg.

Shanghai was down as well, while

Taipei lost more than 1.5 percent.

Seoul was another big loser, despite of a surge in media stocks following a $2.5 billion investment announcement by Netflix, as well as new data showing South Korea had dodged a technical recession in the first quarter.

Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore were also down, while Tokyo, Mumbai, Wellington and Jakarta were up.

US equity futures were trading lower and bourses in London, Frankfurt and Paris all opened down on Tuesday after spending the previous session dipping in and out of negative territory. With AFP

absentia on or before May 15, 2023 in accordance with the procedure set forth in Annex “A” of the Notice of the Meeting attached to the DIS. In order to allow time to validate the votes, the deadline to cast votes shall be on or before May 15, 2023. Votes submitted after May 15, 2023 will no longer be included in the tabulation of the total votes cast for each of the items in the Agenda.

We are not soliciting your proxy. However, if you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to be represented thereat, you may accomplish the sample Proxy Form(s) attached to the Notice of the Meeting attached to the DIS (as Annexes “C” and “D” thereof). Stockholders who wish to appoint a proxy should submit advance electronic copies of their duly accomplished forms during registration and must send the originals on or before 3:00 p.m. of May 8, 2023 at the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 15/F Sagittarius Building, H.V. De la Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati not later than May 8, 2023, for validation purposes. Any stockholder may vote by proxy provided that such authorization remains unrevoked and on file with, or is submitted to, the undersigned at the said address.

A video and audio recording of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting will be available ten (10) days after the meeting and the recording shall be available for access by the stockholder within thirty (30) days from posting date, subject to the stockholder’s compliance with the requirements set forth in Annex “A” of the Notice of the Meeting attached to the DIS.

For complete information on the annual meeting, kindly visit: www.gmanetwork.com/asm2023 through the QR Code provided hereunder.

in compliance with the Company’s By-laws, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, as well as pertinent rules and regulations of the SEC. APPROVAL OF THE MERITORIOUS JUSTIFICATIONS FOR THE RETENTION OF CHIEF JUSTICE ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN AND DR. JAIME C. LAYA AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

On March 31, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company provided meritorious reasons for the retention of Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban and Dr. Jaime Laya as Independent Directors, subject to the stockholders’ approval at the May 17, 2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. The meritorious reasons for their recommended retention are set forth as Annex “B-1” to the DIS.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The incumbent Directors have been recommended by the Company’s Nomination Committee for reelection. On the basis of the nominated directors’ proven track record as shown by the results of the Company’s performance and after review of their qualifications, the said Directors were recommended for re-election by the Nomination Committee. Their appointment is submitted for approval to the stockholders in compliance with the Company’s By-laws, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, as well as the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Procedure for Nomination of Directors is set forth under Annex “B” of the Notice of the Meeting in the DIS.

ELECTION OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR

Upon the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and after proper deliberation, the Board approved the reappointment of SyCip Gorres & Velayo & Co. (SGV) as the Company’s external auditor for 2023. The SGV’s appointment is submitted for approval to the stockholders in compliance with the Company’s Revised Manual on Corporate Governance, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, as well as the pertinent rules and regulations of the SEC.

ANNA TERESA M. GOZON-VALDES Corporate Secretary

TO: ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF GMA NETWORK, INC.

FASHION EXHIBIT. In this photo taken on April 24, 2023, people visit ‘The Spring Women’s Clothes Exhibition-2023’ which opened in Pyongyang on the first day of the exhibition. AFP

SM Prime plans $1-b REIT offering with initial assets of up to 15 malls

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. disclosed Tuesday its plan to raise a record $1 billion from its real estate investment trust offering in the second half of 2023.

SMPH president Jeffrey Lim said in a news briefing following the annual stockholders meeting the company had started the process of incorporating an REIT unit that would initially own 12 to 15 malls in the Philippines.

“Hopefully we can launch the REIT by second half of the year subject to market conditions,” Lim said.

SM Prime owns 82 malls in the Philippines and seven malls in China. Of the 82 Philippine malls, 30 to 35 are

Gov’t approves Bacolod IT park, expansion of Batangas ecozone

By Othel V. Campos

THE Office the President approved and proclaimed a new economic zone in Bacolod City and the expansion of another in Batangas province, with combined investments of P1.64 billion, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Tuesday.

“The two economic zones will certainly bolster and spread economic growth outside the National Capital Region,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

President Ferinand Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 200 on April 14, 2023, promulgating a P777.35-million IT park in Banago, Bacolod City to be known as Robinsons Cyberpark Bacolod.

He also approved Proclamation No. 402 on April 19, 2023, designating several parcels of land in Barangays Santiago, Luta Sur and Bagong Pook in Malvar, Batangas for the expansion of Lima Technology Center Special Economic Zone. The expansion is estimated to bring in P864.224million in investments.

Panga said PEZA is on track on to cre-

ating 30 economic zones outside the National Capital Region every year to diffuse the benefits of economic zones and bring jobs closer to Filipino workers.

The agency is keeping its 10-percent growth forecast for 2023, he said.

PEZA said 20 more applications for economic zones were awaiting the approval of the President, including 11 IT centers, eight manufacturing and one agro-industrial ecozones.

“It is exactly what we need to continue what the administration is gearing towards: inclusive economic development where thousands of jobs are created in the respective jurisdictions. More investments mean more exports and more jobs,” Panga said.

PEZA vowed to strengthen the ease of doing business and digital transformation especially with the inclusion of the economic zone development program in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 and in support of the Department of Trade and Industry’s science, technology, innovationdriven industrialization strategy.

fully mature, according to the company.

“We can initially transfer 12 to 15 mature malls into the REIT, and then the rest will be for the future for the growth of SM REIT,” Lim said.

SMPH is the remaining major property developer in the country that has not launched an REIT company.

SMPH said it would use the proceeds from the REIT listing to partially fund a $2-billion reclamation project in Pasay City.

The Bay City reclamation project, which will be connected to the Mall of Asia Complex, is a 360-hectare mixeduse development with various components such as mall, offices, residences, entertainment arena, hotel and convention center.

SMPH chief finance officer John Nai

Peng Ong said the company earmarked P80 billion in capital expenditures for 2023 to expand its mall, residential, office and hotel businesses.

He said that for the residential business, the property firm lined up 10 new projects with total sales value of P80 billion.

Jose Mari Banzon, president of residential arm SM Development Corp. said these projects are mostly affordable to mid-rise projects located in key provinces.

NOTICE OF 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of FIRST GEN CORPORATION will be conducted at 10am on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at The Fifth East at Rockwell, 5th Floor Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Following is the agenda1 of the meeting: 1.

Only stockholders of record as of March 3, 2023 are entitled to notice of, and vote at, the meeting.

Pursuant to the March 13, 2023 Notice of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Information Statement and its attachments, minutes of the previous meeting of stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting, can be accessed through the company website www.firstgen.com.ph. The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format.

Should you have any questions about the conduct of the meeting, you may send an email to 2023asm_info@firstgen.com.ph.

Pasig City, April 25, 2023.

Banzon said SMDC is also preparing to launch a new product line—affordable lots. SMDC will initially launch the new product in Tarlac, Pampanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Bacolod.

Banzon said despite the rising interest rates, demand for residential units remained strong, particularly from overseas buyers.

He said at least 70 percent of SMDC’s sales came from overseas market, while 30 percent represented local buyers.

SM Prime registered a P30.1-billion consolidated net income in 2022, up by 38 percent from P21.8 billion in 2021.

Consolidated revenues grew 29 percent to P105.8 billion from P82.3 billion, while consolidated operating income climbed 52 percent to P49.2 billion from P32.4 billion.

Higher power demand lifts spot market prices

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines said Tuesday electricity demand increased in April amid higher temperature, resulting in slightly higher prices at the spot market.

IEMOP, operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, said this led to a 16.8-percent increase in prices to P7.68 per kilowatt-hour as of April 23.

Power demand reached 11,033 MW for Luzon and Visayas as of April 23, up by 789 MW or 7.7 percent from March because of hotter temperature.

IEMOP said in its monthly market operations highlights average demand also increased from 1,752 MW to 1,790 MW for Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Luzon peak demand soared to 12,221 MW on April 19, breaching last year’s peak demand of 12,103 MW which

IN BRIEF

Aboitiz offers to improve Iloilo International Airport

ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc. submitted to the Department of Transportation an unsolicited proposal for the development and improvement of the Iloilo International Airport, a top executive said Tuesday. “We are actively exploring further opportunity growing our airport platform, and in fact we have just submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop and improve the Iloilo International Airport as a response to [Iloilo] Mayor Treñas,” AIC president and chief executive Cosette Canilao said in a virtual briefing.

Treñas earlier sent a letter of request to the National Economic and Development Authority and to InfraCapital to consider the upgrade of the airport under the public private partnership scheme.

“We believe that we have the right ingredients in AIC in terms of experience and expertise via our technical partner Dublin Airport Authority and on the ground knowledge to deliver the best solution for Iloilo,” Canilao said.

“We are excited for our proposal to be considered and we look forward to working with the government for that,” she said. Canilao said the company also submitted updated unsolicited proposals for Bohol International Airport, Laguindingan Airport and Bicol International Airport for NEDA evaluation and approval.

Darwin G. Amojelar

UnionBank’s net income rose 30% to P3.4b in Q1

UNION Bank of the Philippines said Tuesday net income in the first three months jumped 30 percent year-on-year to P3.4 billion.

UnionBank president and chief executive Edwin

occurred on May 12, 2022. This was also 747 MW or 6.5 percent higher than 11,474 MW in March.

Demand in the Visayas peaked at 2,380 MW on April 17, while Mindanao also recorded a new peak demand of 2,363 MW on April 19, up 10 percent from the same period last year.

“Year-to-date peak demand for all regions has breached its previous year’s peak demand level,” IEMOP said.

IEMOP said available supply in Luzon and Visayas was slightly higher in April to 14,612 MW compared to 14,226 MW in March, as fewer power plants were on scheduled outages.

“Supply level in Luzon-Visayas increased by around 386 MW or 2.7 percent for April 2023, attributable to minimal generator outages. In Mindanao, the average supply was maintained at around 3,000 MW level,” the agency said.

Bautista, in a statement, listed a number of factors that contributed to the bank’s better performance in the first quarter. “UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-to-bank card customers are at a record level. We are geared up to grow our retail banking business,” Bautista said.

UnionDigital Bank, a fully-digital lender, secured its approval to operate from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on July 12, 2022.

Bautista said UnionBank has sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow its earning asset base.

Net revenues, which largely came from recurring income, increased 57 percent year-on-year to P16.1 billion. Net interest income grew 43 percent to P11.5 billion, driven by the P3-billion contribution of the acquired Citi consumer business and strong consumer loan growth in the parent bank, CitySavings and UnionDigital. Julito G. Rada

ECCP welcomes improved global ranking of

PH

logistics

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said it welcomes the World Bank report which put the Philippines on the 43rd spot of 139 countries in terms of logistics performance index, representing an improvement of 17 spots from 60th place previously.

The ECCP said it continuously supports measures that will aid logistical efficiency and customs and trade facilitation in an increasingly globalized world where seamless and sustainable trade is essential.

The seventh edition of the LPI report came after three years of unprecedented supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, when delivery times soared.

The LPI, which covers 139 countries, measures the ease of establishing reliable supply chain connections and the structural factors that make it possible such as the quality of logistics services, trade and transportrelated infrastructure and border controls. Othel V. Campos

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

By Order of the Board of Directors:

R. HERNANDEZ Corporate Secretary

FINANCIAL LITERACY. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla leads the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and BDO Foundation on the development of a free online course on personal finance. The agreement aims to boost the financial health of over four million learners of technical and vocational skills. Other signatories are BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, TESDA director-general Danilo Cruz, TESDA deputy director-general Rosanna Urdaneta, BDOF president Mario Deriquito and BDOF trustees Lucy Co Dy and Lazaro Jerome Guevarra.

Butler fires

Heat past Bucks; Lakers sink Grizzlies

MIAMI—Jimmy Butler conjured a dazzling 56-point performance as the Miami Heat came from behind to shove the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks to the brink of elimination from the NBA playoffs Monday, while LeBron James led an overtime rally to give the Los Angeles Lakers a commanding series lead over the Memphis Grizzlies.

In an electrifying battle at Miami’s Kaseya Center, Butler all but single-handedly led Miami to a 119-114 win that leaves the Bucks 3-1 down in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series.

In the Western Conference, the second-seeded Grizzlies are also staring down the barrel of an early playoff exit after the Lakers claimed a 117-111 victory to take a 3-1 series lead.

James finished with 22 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists and grabbed a game-tying driving layup with 0.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

James then marshalled the Lakers superbly in overtime, scoring four points to put the Lakers in sight of the conference semi-finals.

But the performance of the day came in Miami, where Butler’s 56-point haul was the joint fourth-highest individual scoring total in an NBA playoff game ever.

Only Michael Jordan (63 points), Elgin Baylor (61) and Donovan Mitchell (57) have scored more in a postseason game.

Milwaukee, who welcomed Giannis Antetokounmpo back into their lineup after a two-game injury absence, had looked to be cruising towards victory after leading from the opening seconds and keeping Miami at arm’s length throughout.

‘Complete team effort’

Milwaukee led by 14 points early in the fourth quarter and seemed to be poised to square the series at two games apiece after a ruthless shooting performance from Brook Lopez, with Antetokounmpo providing scoring support.

But Butler led an astonishing late 13-0 run to transform the contest and with the crowd roaring him on, scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to leave the Bucks shellshocked in defeat.

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra saluted Butler’s basketball intelligence.

“He’s one of the most intelligent basketball players in this association,” said Spoelstra.

“He understands what we’re trying to do and he understands what they’re trying to do—and they’re a very good team.” AFP

POC’s dream of own home gets boost from President

AHOME to call its own.

The Philippine Olympic Committee’s dream of having its own place to call home got a huge boost from no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who hinted at helping the Olympic body build its own home in one of the most ideal of all locations—the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City.

President Marcos made the hint as he spoke before athletes, coaches and sports officials during the sendoff ceremony for Team Philippines to the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games on Monday at the Philippine International Convention Center.

“The Philippine Olympic Committee, I understand is still squatting in the environs of the CCP,” President Marcos said in his speech. “Kailangan natin siguro—mahirap naman ang dami nating pinapagawa, sa inyo na hindi—wala kayo man lang sarili ninyong opisina.”

building since its inception early in the last century. The organization maintains

The POC doesn’t have its own office President Marcos

offices in existing government buildings like the Philippine Sports Commission building at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and currently, at the PhilSports Compex in Pasig City.

“But anyway, if there is anything more that this government can do, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, you please make sure you will tell me because we are all rooting for you,” the President added.

Cambodia SEAG: Team PH raring for action

WITH no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowing full support, backed by top sports officials of the country, the 840-man Philippine delegation is exuding confidence as it prepares to do battle 10 days from now in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

“Handang-handa na ako for the gold medal!” gushed 2021 SEA Games bronze medalist and Philippine Vovinam team member Emmanuel Cantores.

“Salamat sa mga sports officials natin, kasama si President Bongbong Marcos na nagpakita ng suporta sa aming mga atleta, kaya ganadong-ganado akong lumaban para sa bayan!”

The enthusiasm felt by the Philippine athletes was overwhelming.

“Napakasaya pong pakinggan na ang ating Presidente ay very supportive po sa aming mga atletang Pilipino. Isa po iyon sa mga motivations po namin sa team,” said two-time SEA Games gold medalist Phillip Delarmino, who will vie for another gold medal in Cambodia’s Kun Bokator event.

“Ang goal lagi is to aim for the gold and for the best. Hopefully, this is the year that we can bring that gold. Good luck sa ating lahat. Gawin natin ang best natin at lahat ng ating makakaya.

Laban Pilipinas!” stated national karateka Ricca Torres who is out to better her two bronze performance in previous SEAG editions.

In his message, Marcos wished the Philippine contingent good luck during

the send-off ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City last Monday, April 24.

“One of the greatest pleasures I have found, being the leader, is to be able to give honor and to recognize, hopefully to inspire, and to provide support to our athletes, who are in fact our ambassadors in sport and play a very, very important part beyond just their participation in such important sporting events,” the President said in his speech.

“If there is anything more that this government can do, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, please make sure to tell me because we are all rooting for you. And we all want to do everything that we can do to make

you as successful as you possibly can in your chosen events,” added Marcos.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the overwhelming support for Filipino athletes, “It’s always good that the President and the country support our athletes. That’s a good morale booster and hopefully we all do well compared to last year. We’re all praying for that,” said Bachmann who is on his first major international games as PSC chief.

“The PSC is behind all our national athletes. All the commissioners and myself will be there to watch all the games,” assured Bachmann.

Team Philippines will be vying in 38 sports from May 5 to 17.

La Salle opens defense of D-League title vs CEU

DE LA Salle-EcoOil begins its titleretention bid against Centro Escolar University as the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup comes off the wraps on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The meet marks the first official coaching job for Topex Robinson as new coach of the Green Archers, who won last year’s edition of the tournament by beating Marinerong Pilipino in the deciding Game 3 of the finals, 91-78.

Marinerong Pilipino has tied-up with San Beda Red Lions this time and will be one of the seven competing teams this season together with defending NCAA men’s basketball champion Wang’s Basketball-Letran, AMA Online, Perpetual Help University, and the Philippine Sports Performance Fitness gym. The La Salle-EcoOil-CEU en-

counter serves as the main game on opening day at 4 p.m., just after the Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda versus Philippine Sports Performance Fitness gym game set at 2 p.m.

“Not just La Salle, San Beda, and Letran because the other collegiate teams are also beefing up their lineups,” said PBA Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“Magaganda ang games natin because it’s the team’s way of developing their players in preparation for their respective mother leagues.”

All games will be shown live on One Sports and PBA Rush, and to be played at Ynares Pasig and FilOil-EcoOil Centre every Tuesday and Thursday.

All seven teams will play a single round robin, with the top two advancing outright in the semis.

The third and fourth teams meanwhile, enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage against the fifth and sixth teams in a crossover quarterfinals phase. Both semis and finals are best-ofthree series.

Castro also announced in the same forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) the DLeague will only have one conference this year and in 2024.

“For now, based sa calendar natin entering the 48th season with two conferences of the PBA, we’ll have one D-League conference by 2024,” he said.

President Marcos’s vow excited POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who conceived the House of POC in early 2022, but couldn’t get government’s commitment.

“With the President himself promising his support, particularly on the POC office, we can now say that the House of POC would no longer be a dream,” Tolentino said. “It will sooner or later be a reality with the promise of our President.”

Tolentino wanted the permanent POC headquarters not only to house the organization’s staff but also include a museum and a multi-purpose hall.

He picked the CCP Complex as the most ideal location because of the government and private-sector landmarks and offices, proximity to the airport, hotels and entertainment facilities as well as the consistent congregation of people in the area who could be visiting the museum.

Fil-Am world dance champ denied SEAG participation

By Peter Atencio

FIL-AMERICAN breakdancing phenom Logan Ellana Edra won’t be allowed to compete in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

Officials of the Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee recently informed the Philippine Olympic Committee of their decision not to let the 19-year-old Edra represent the Philippines in the biennial meet.

“Hindi pinayagan. Sa susunod na lang,” said POC president Abraham Tolentino after receiving word from Camsoc on the status of Edra, the 2021 Red Bull BC One Women World Breakdancing champion.

Tolentino said there is still hope for Edra to see action for the country in the future.

That’s because she will be able to meet a two-year residency requirement imposed by the SEA Games Federation, once she gets a release from the United States’ DanceSport Breaking Division to be able to dance for the Philippines.

Tolentino said Edra missed a chance to dance for the country after her Philippine passport application only was approved last February.

Edra’s Filipino partner Ilyvm “Dudut” Gabriel will just have pair with another female partner in the Games.

National coach Melvin Ang said they will now have to choose between Alyanna Tallam and Debbie Mahinay.

Last February, Edra was formally presented as a member of Team Philippines. She was in the country for two weeks to finalize the process of acquiring her Filipino passport.

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat screams his heart out during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playo s at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

POC chief Rep. Abraham Tolentino

PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro

Chooks’ next aim: Manila Masters tilt

WITH an overhauled all-Filipino line-up, Manila Chooks! got the exposure needed from the FIBA 3×3 Ulaanbaatar Super Quest, making head trainer Chico Lanete believe his charges are far from done.

The Filipino 3x3 cagers are shifting their focus on the Manila Masters set next month at home soil, determined to live up to their lofty billing.

“We need to focus more on finishing the game. May mga adjustments lang na kailangang gawin especially bago pa rin sa amin si Paul (Desiderio) and CJ (Payawal),” Lanete said after Manila Chooks! fell 15-21 to world No. 9 Sansar MMC Energy of Mongolia last Sunday.

“We will make sure we are ready para sa Manila Masters lalo pa sa home court natin ito gagawin,” he added.

Manila Chooks! wound up seventh in the tough 12-team field, with Japanese side Utsunomiya BREX ruling the tourney at the expense of Futian of China.

Chooks-to-Go president Ronald is convinced the team has what it takes.

“Our team has shown significant improvement in every tournament they compete in,” the amiable godfather of Philippine 3x3 said. “That close quarterfinals loss against world No. 9 Sansar showed that with more exposure to high level tournaments, we can match the firepower of the top 3x3 teams in the world.”

“Coach Chico and the team continue to make the necessary adjustments in preparation for the May 20-21 FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters when we protect our home court against the top teams in the world.”

Desiderio, who was under the weather in the tiff, showed the way anew for Manila Chooks! against the Mongolians with eight points, while Mac Tallo added six.

The former University of the Philippines standout maintained he and his teammate could only get better.

“Playing in an international tournament is a good opportunity to assess my skills and see the team’s capability to compete with our international counterparts,” he said. “It has been a very fulfilling experience and a learning opportunity for me, coming from an ACL injury, I need to work on my conditioning.

“I’m still adjusting, especially since it was an international competition and 3x3 is a fast game and the level of competition is high. So, you need to prepare dahil kung wala ka sa kondisyon, mahirap.”

SMC joins PH’s FIBA World Cup ‘23 hosting

SAN Miguel Corporation has offi cially signed on as partner in the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 this August in a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for Filipino fans to watch the best teams and players from all around the world.

SMC President and Chief Executive Officer and SMB Chairman Ramon S. Ang expressed confidence that the return of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines for the first time in 45 years, will serve as a significant boost to the country’s profile in the international sporting stage, if not help usher a new generation of young players that will carry the country’s flag in the future.

Ang said that the decision to back the Philippine hosting of the prestigious competition was not a difficult one to make, given its benefits to local fans, athletes, basketball organizations, and the whole country in general, as it recovers from the nearly three-year pandemic.

SMC’s support is bannered by San Miguel Brewery, Inc. —through its San Miguel Pale Pilsen brand —that is also behind the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Magnolia Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel are the two other SMC teams in the PBA.

“We are very proud to have been given this rare opportunity to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup. I think it’s the best time to have a prestigious international competition in the Philippines. After almost three years of the pandemic, we want to say that we are open for business, Filipinos are excited to welcome athletes from all over the world, and we are all eager to watch the very best teams play in our homecourt,” Ang said.

A longtime sports patron, Ang enjoined Filipinos to cheer for the Gilas Pilipinas team, which is among the 32 teams that will participate in the event that the Philippines is co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia.

“San Miguel’s history is closely intertwined with sports, particularly bas-

ketball. By supporting this world-class event, we also hope to give our local players an opportunity to see different teams and further elevate their games. Also equally important, we want to encourage and inspire young players and the youth in general, to continue pursuing their passion--whether it is basketball or another sport. With enough hard work, discipline, and dedication, they too can be world-class and can carry our flag someday in international competitions,” Ang said.

Ang said he expects the competition at this year’s FIBA. World Cup to be even more stiff, as the world basketball landscape has changed a lot since 1978, when the country’s previous hosting saw former Yugoslavia emerge as champion.

“The immense improvement of many countries since the country’s last hosting in 1978 makes this event a showcase of basketball talent that will be very exciting to watch,” Ang emphasized.

“This is also one of the times when our country can take center stage and show to the world what we are capable of doing. Definitely, hosting the FIBA World Cup is one of those golden opportunities and a privilege,” he added.

MILO energizes #NotAlone Beach Fun Run

IN line with MILO®’s goal to energize Filipinos into becoming an ‘ACTIVE PILIPINAS’ through sports, MILO® partners with Malay Federated Parent-Teacher Association for its #NotAlone Beach Fun Run for Mental Wellness.

Happening on April 29 at the Boracay beachfront, the run aims to raise awareness about the importance of an active physical lifestyle in maintaining good mental health and well-being.

Bringing together nearly 14,000 students, families, and teachers of 16 public and 16 private schools in the district of Malay, the #NotAlone run will raise funds for workshops and conferences that Malay Federated PTA aims to host for students, parents, and teachers this year. Born out of the concern for the rising number of students attempting suicide, the workshops and conferences will help equip them with the skills and tools to deal with or

address mental health issues and challenges.

“Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and can help improve your mood and overall well-being. Personally, running has been very instrumental in helping me overcome my depression. With brands like MILO®, we urge everyone, not only the Aklanons, to stand up and get moving for a healthy and happy lifestyle,” said Miriam Quiambao-Roberto, former beauty queen and president of the Malay General Federated PTA.

By supporting the #NotAlone Run, MILO® continues its ACTIVE PILIPINAS campaign of getting kids from couch to court, addressing the problem of 84% of Filipino adolescents having insufficient physical activity.

“More than just medals and trophies, we know that sports give children values that they can take with them until they grow older, but even more than

Camp John Hay to host The Invitational on April 28

CAMP John Hay Golf Club is ready to host more than 100 two-person teams in the upcoming The Invitational, which is set to tee off beginning April 28 in Baguio City.

that, events like this #NotAlone Fun Run show us the important role that sports play in helping maintain one’s mental health. We’re honored to be part of this purposeful event which has been a great opportunity to energize more of our kababayans in Aklan to get started on their active journeys” said Carlo Sampan, head of MILO® Sports. The #NotAlone Beach Fun Run for Mental Wellness will happen on April 29, 2023 (Saturday) at the Front White Beach of Boracay Island. Registration is still open for its 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K run categories starting at P799 for students and P899 for adults. Grab your running shoes and sunscreen to start your active journey at the #NotAlone Fun Run by registering at http://hub.myranggo.com/notalonerun. Spot the MILO® booths at the run to re-energize with a cold cup of MILO®!

San Juan tames Caloocan; Bacoor, Mindoro beat rivals

SAN Juan extended its winning run while Bacoor recovered its potent form in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan on Monday.

The new-look San Juan Knights thwarted the veteran-laden Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, 7668, and climbed to 3-0 in the single round-robin elimination round of the 29-team tournament.

Smarting from a home loss to Caloocan on April 17, the Bacoor Strikers routed the listless Quezon City Gaz N Go, 93-58, and rose to 5-1, within range of idle pacesetters Nueva Ecija and Quezon Province, both with 6-0 cards.

Powered by former San Beda star James Kwekuteye and former St. Benilde stalwart Jimboy Pasturan, Bacoor poured on the heat in the second half to lead by as big as 90-55 in the coast-tocoast victory.

Kwekuteye ended up with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists while Pasturan finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for

Coach Alex Angeles, who had the luxury of shuffling 14 players, all of whom scored.

Quezon City tumbled to its sixth straight defeat after an initial victory as none of its players managed to post twin digits.

San Juan leaned on Michael Calisaan and Orlan Wamar to erase a 41-48 deficit and build a 64-54 lead entering the last five minutes.

Calisaan fired 20 points, including 12 in the third quarter, and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Wamar added 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the Knights, the MPBL Datu Cup champions who are thriving without many of their former stars.

Nikko Panganiban also delivered for Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who has assumed the head coaching chores for San Juan, with 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Caloocan dropped to 3-2 despite the 18-point, 8-rebound effort of Gabby Espinas.

Oriental Mindoro crawled out of an 18-point hole in the third quarter to stun Sarangani, 107-

97, in the opener and tally its first victory after dropping six straight games.

Agem Miranda poured 17 of his night-high 33 points while Sherwin Concepcion fired 15 of his 26 in that span to push the Disiplinados ahead, 81-78, for good.

The 6-foot-1 Miranda, former Jose Rizal University star, posted a triple-double with 13 assists and 11 rebounds, while the 6-foot-2 Concepcion, former gunner of the University of Santo Tomas, submitted a double-double with 10 rebounds.

The MPBL goes to the Cuneta Astrodome on Tuesday with a triple-bill pitting Marikina against GenSan at 4 p.m., Zamboanga against Batangas at 6 p.m. and Laguna against Pasay at 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, Avenelle John Alecaide won a Suzuki Avenis after making his second halfcourt attempt during the halftime break of the San JuanCaloocan encounter. Alecaide, from Barangay Claro in Quezon City, became the third winner of a motorcycle being staked in the Suzuki Halfcourt Shot Challenge.

The participants of the three-day, annual member-guest tournament would be classified into four groups based on the average handicap of both members and guests. Each team will play two rounds using the best ball format on the initial day and aggregate on the next day. Aside from the tournament trophies, players will also have the chance to bring home fantastic holes-in-one prizes including two Vespa S125 motorcycles, one each from Laus Group of Companies and Absolute Advantage Inc., and a Cobra LTD iron set from JTen Sports. Baguio Blue Bloods and CWC International Corporation are this year’s presenters with The Manor and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, Le Chef,Januarius Holdings, Inc./Golf X, Golforce Inc., CJH Development Corporation, AIP Construction as major sponsors. Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices, Baguio Craft Brewery, Mylk Tea, Bishop Carlito J. Cenzon Foundation, Inc., MRT DevCo, Abomar Equipment Sales Corp., Ortigas Land, Forest Hills Golf & Country Club and Baguio Country Club are minor sponsors.

Hole sponsors are Federal Management and Maintenance, Inc. (FMMI), Benguet Fitness Center, Cartel Gaming, TOBI Group of Companies, Warbird Securities & Investigation Agency, Sherwood Hills Golf Club, Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club, Asiatraders Corporation, Luisita Golf & Country Club, Dynamic Sports Corporation, Splendido Taal Golf Club, Rizgolf Sports Marketing, Valley Golf & Country Club, Escala Tagaytay, Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club, Amare La Cucina, Inc.

The Filipino community in Mongolia show up to support the Manila Chooks! team.

Michael Calisaan lifts San Juan past Caloocan.

AllTV’s ‘Negosyo Goals’ gets new segment host

By Nickie Wang

Magkawas

ANNA

, the CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, has been given the opportunity to host a new segment called “Ka-Negosyo with Anna” on AllTV’s business-centric show Negosyo

Goals

This came about after the show’s primary host Gerry “Mr. Freeze” Santos invited Magkawas to join him following her inspiring success story at an event. The show’s producer, Ivy Ataya selected Magkawas for her authenticity and unique approach to doing business.

During her debut episode, Magkawas shared how she built her company from the ground up to become a well-known brand trusted by celebrity influencers. In future episodes, she plans to showcase how her brand helps others establish small businesses and turn them into successful brands.

Magkawas is a successful CEO with close to a

million followers on TikTok and millions of views.

Despite her success, she was surprised to be offered a TV hosting role, as she was not used to appearing on TV. However, she saw this as an opportunity to inspire others and accepted the offer.

“Until now hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na ito na talaga yon kasi hindi ako sanay Parang hanggang vlog, hanggang TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram lang ako tapos biglang lalabas tayo sa TV,” she confessed to her Instagram followers.

Gerry Santos noted that Magkawas’ character, as well as her business savvy, made her an ideal choice for the show. He wanted viewers to be inspired by her success story, which involves transitioning from being an employee to a successful businesswoman. The result of their partnership was the creation of “Ka-negosyo with Anna”.

"

Ganda rin nung success story sya Sinabi ko kina Ivy (Ataya) and Joyce (Selga), producers of the show. Tapos nag meeting sila at nung nakita na

okay, binigyan namin ng chance maging co-host ng 13 episodes,” said Gerry.

It was not just her business savvy that was impressive, he noted, but most importantly, her character.

“Humility is good for character building kaya sabi ko, gusto ko itong i-feature sa Negosyo Goals kasi may success story sya,” he related. Marami kasing successful pero napunta sa ulo ‘yung success. [Kami] parang may same story kaya kinuha ko.”

In the segment, Magkawas features success stories of the dealers of her budding beauty empire, Luxe Beauty and Wellness, and shares insights on how she and her husband grew their home business. She also provides business tips and product recommendations.

Magkawas’ ultimate “negosyo goal” is to have her own pharmaceutical company so she can help others while also making a profit. Negosyo Goals is an inspiring 30-minute business show that airs every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on AllTV.

Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali

headline advocacy series to raise awareness on environmental issues

By Angelica Villanueva

STARS GMA Network

and Nestle Philippines have launched their newest environmental digital series campaign called Kalikasanovela, with reallife couple Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid as the main stars.

The advocacy series, which was launched in celebration of Earth Day last April 17, aims to promote solid waste management systems and address the plastic waste crisis and environmental problems in the Philippines. The show features love teams Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay in the episodes “Katok,” “Ibaon,” and “Sirena,” who also share their experiences and learnings from participating in the project.

“As artists, it’s our responsibility to use our platform’s influence for good, especially when it comes to matters concerning the environment. Being part of the Kalikasanovela series is my way of doing this – by helping spread awareness about the plastic waste problem in the Philippines,” said Umali.

The plastic waste crisis is a longstanding environmental problem in the Philippines, with 2.7 million tons of plastic waste generated in the country each year, according to the World Bank. The country also has one of the highest rates of mismanaged plastic waste globally, resulting in plastics ending up as litter and in landfills, and eventually leaking into bodies of water. The Kalikasanovela series aims to address this issue by promoting awareness and educating Filipinos about solid waste management and reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste.

“Instead of using single-use plastics

when I eat out or shop, I bring reusable items to reduce my consumption,” Pablo shared.

“There are many alternatives to single-use plastics that are readily available in the market from water bottles and utensils to shopping bags. It’s up to us to make that choice to help our planet in our own little ways,” she continued.

Each Kalikasanovela episode makes use of a well-loved Filipino movie and TV series genre to tell a short story about plastic waste. The show also showcases Nestle PH’s initiatives and milestones in addressing the plastic waste crisis, including upcycling sachets into school chairs, reducing plastic in their product packaging, collecting and diverting over 60 million kilos of plastic waste from the environment, and educating its employees to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics in their homes.

“Today marks a milestone as we launch Kalikasanovela, a fusion of our love for storytelling with our love for the environment. It is our belief in GMA that we need a concerted and cooperative effort to save our Earth and keep it livable,” said Angel Javier Cruz, vice president and head of Corporate Affairs

and Communications of GMA Network.

“This is why our partnership with Nestle is very significant for us. With our complementary strengths and the same vision, we hope to encourage as many Filipinos to be more responsible in their everyday living and be kinder to our environment,” stated Cruz.

The collaboration between GMA Network and Nestle Philippines is a significant effort to create a more responsible and sustainable environment.

Kapuso leading lady Sanya Lopez also joins the roster of stars who participated in the environmental series for “Paalam.”

All episodes can be watched on GMA 7 and the digital platforms of GMA and Nestlé Philippines. “We thank GMA Network for sharing our vision of a waste-free future. Our goal for the Kalikasanovela series and this partnership as a whole is to inspire more Filipinos to be part of the solution in addressing the plastic waste problem even in ways as simple as reusing, reducing and recycling plastic waste,” said Jose Uy III, SVP and head of Corporate Affairs of Nestlé Philippines.

“We have to remember, tayo

Jury selection commences in Ed Sheeran’s plagiarism trial over hit song

JURY selection began Monday in a trial to determine whether British pop star Ed Sheeran plagiarized American music legend Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” in his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud.”

The plaintiffs are the heirs of Ed Townsend, a musician and producer who co-wrote Gaye’s 1973 soul classic.

A scene from the ‘Thinking Out Loud’ music video

They allege that there are “striking similarities and overt common elements” between Gaye’s sultry classic and Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”

It’s not the first time Sheeran has been taken to court, as copyright lawsuits in the music industry flourish.

Sheeran testified in a London court in April last year in a case centered around his song “Shape of You.” He is among the potential witnesses to be called in this trial as well, in which opening arguments were due to begin Tuesday after a jury is selected, a lawyer working on the case told AFP Townsend’s family has pointed out that the group Boyz II Men has performed

The British pop star’s hit song is the reason why he won a Grammy in 2016

mash-ups of the two songs, and that Sheeran has blended the songs together on stage as well.

Sheeran’s team contests the allegations, saying “there are dozens if not hundreds of songs that predate and postdate” Gaye’s song, “utilizing the same or similar chord progression.”

“These medleys are irrelevant to any issue in the case and would be misleading [and] confuse the jury.”

Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” shot up America’s Billboard Hot 100 charts when it was released, and won Sheeran a Grammy Award for “Song of the Year” in

2016. The lawsuit, filed in 2016 – and refiled in 2017 after being rejected on procedural grounds – also names Sony.

In Sheeran’s London trial, the singer called the lawsuit emblematic of copyright litigation that goes too far, potentially stifling creativity.

Gaye’s family is not part of the New York lawsuit against Sheeran, though his estate successfully sued the artists Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I. over similarities between the song “Blurred Lines” and Gaye’s “Got to Give it Up.”

ang bida sa ating kwentong pangkalikasan. Together, we have what it takes to create a better world and shape a waste-free future for our children and for generations to come,” he ended.

Real-life couple Bianca Umali (left) and Ruru Madrid

‘CIA with BA’ tackles new laws on debt in latest episode

IN the latest episode of CIA with BA, Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano and King of Talk Boy Abunda faced another set of complaints involving debt.

In one case, a woman complained about her partner who allegedly abused her several times and still demanded payment for some of the expensive things he spent with her when they were together.

In the other case, three men sought legal advice as the checks they received as payment from a business process outsourcing (BPO) company for their services bounced.

Responding to Abunda’s clarification for the audience if there are people who get imprisoned due to debt, Senator Alan said: “Bawal kasi sa konstitusyon natin na magpakulong dahil sa utang pero [may] nakukulong dahil sa tumalbog na cheke.”

The sibling senators admitted that issues like these need a closer look and perhaps new sets of laws considering the speedy advancement of technology.

Malay mo, magkaroon din ng digital na cheke,” Senator Alan said. “Kasi ngayon ‘yung mga digital payment [ay] either bayaran ka o hindi. Walang postdated doon.”

For her part, Senator Pia said lawmakers like her and her brother need to sit down and consider all the necessary steps.

Bilang mambabatas, job naming isipin ngayon ‘yan [na] ano naman ‘yung mga bagong batas na kailangan naming gawin,” she said.

“Kung dati, ang paniguradong pambayad ay cheke, ngayon naman kung ayaw mo kaagad ng pag-send ng payment,

From left: King of Talk Boy Abunda with Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano

ano ngayon ang transaksyon? — ‘Yan ang mga kailangan namin isipin,” she added.

CIA with BA, which aired its pilot episode on February 5, marks Senator Alan Peter and Senator Pia’s debut outing as on-air legal advisers.

Future shows – airing Sundays at 11:30 p.m. on GMA 7 – will help viewers learn more about the country’s laws and how they affect their daily lives. Watch out for the new episode this coming Sunday, April 30.

Senators Alan and Pia carry on the legacy of their late father and original Compañero of the airwaves Senator Rene Cayetano, who led and co-hosted the popular legal advice program ‘Compañero y Compañera’ on radio and television from 1997 to 2001.

Business woman and social media personality Anna Magkawas (left) with 'Negosyo Goals' host Gerry Santos

Kapuso love teams join the bid

LIFE

Unleash your creative side in fun-filled arts and crafts workshops

you create unique gift cards. There will be experienced instructors to teach you how to make a gift card for Mother’s Day.

Easy Calligraphy with Titus hosted by Maricar Ramos takes place on May 7, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Learn how to write beautiful words and phrases with our calligraphy workshop for kids. Have the best time learning the basics of lettering and various calligraphy techniques from expert calligraphers.

Have Fun with Basics: Doodling Workshop with Paper Mate will be hosted by Alyssa Bartoline on May 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Let your creative juices flow freely with a back-to-basics workshop on freehand drawing and doodling as well as the fundamentals of color theory.

Learn how to create beautiful pieces of art with acrylic paints. Experienced instructors will guide you step-by-step as you create your unique painting pieces

EXPLORE your artistic side and express your creativity with SM Stationery’s virtual Art Fest this May. Enjoy fun-filled arts and crafts workshops on all weekends starting May 6 to 28. This online art event offers creative activities to explore and enjoy – from workshops and tutorials to competitions and challenges. Workshops include painting, canvass doodling, slime art, calligraphy, and even a special Mother’s Day card-making

workshop. There will be a total of seven online classes to choose from hosted by Artherapy, Artline, Elmer’s, Faber-Castell, Paper Mate, Sharpie, and Titus. With workshops and tutorials from top creatives, you can pick up valuable art tips from the pros and get inspired to create something new. Here’s what awaits you: Sign up for the DIY Greeting Card for Beginners Workshop with Sharpie hosted by Alyssa Bartoline on May 6, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Unleash your creative side as

There’s more fun up ahead with the Avalanche Slime Workshop with Elmer’s hosted by Jill Dungo-Pangilinan on May 20, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Discover and create cool pieces of art with slime for you and your friends.

Not to be missed is the Character Illustration using Watercolor Pencils with Faber-Castell hosted by Carla Chua on May 21, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This insightful course on character anatomy will show participants how to illustrate using a blend of soft watercolor pencils.

Start crafting and personalizing your tote bags with this easy and hands-on course on freehand doodling using rich colored permanent markers with the Canvas Doodling Workshop with Artline hosted by

With an exciting range of online workshops, tutorials, challenges, exhibitions, and collaboration opportunities, there's something for everyone at the SM Stationery Virtual Art Fest

Climate change, saving the planet

Nina Hidalgo on May 27, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Capping off the fun is the Kids Painting 101 Workshop with Artherapy hosted by Valerie Teng on May 28, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Learn how to create beautiful pieces of art with acrylic paints. Experienced instructors will guide you step-by-step as you create your unique painting pieces. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the basics of color theory and various painting techniques. Registration is easy:

1. Choose your online Art Fest workshop.

2. Purchase your chosen workshop’s Art Fest Workshop Kit or reach the minimum purchase requirement. You can purchase this online at SMStationery.com or in-store at any of the participating SM Stationery branches. Don’t forget to keep your receipt or screenshot of your online order as proof of purchase. Purchase period is ongoing until May 28. You can find an Art Fest Workshop at SM Makati, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Southmall, SM Pampanga, SM Bacolod and SM Mall of Asia.

3. Register online at https://bit.ly/ ArtFest2023 or scan the registration QR code.

4. Wait for our confirmation email for your workshop Zoom link. Join the SM Stationery Virtual Art Fest 2023. Follow SM Stationery @ smstationeryph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit its website SMStationery.com for more updates.

Taste your way through Asia in ‘Asian Eats 2023’

ONE of the best ways to understand a country and its cultural nuances is through its food.

THESE concepts have always been a contention in the social debate, and have always been part (or not part; depends on whether the leaders champion this advocacy) of the political agenda.

But these topics are more apparent in the arts and culture sector. A growing number of artists, galleries, and arts institutions respond to environmental challenges and inspire creative collaborations to push this social issue.

Year after year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines makes sure that environmental issues are tackled as part of its programming. This year, the premiere art institution celebrated Earth Day with a series of public art installations made by visual artists who advocate the environment and its preservation.

Kintab Artists Group, Inc. (KAGI), a Bicol-based nonprofit group of visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creative talents dedicated to expressing diverse identities through their unique artworks, created ‘Surogpon Kita (We are Connected)’.

The expansive structure is made of bamboo, a symbolic material representing unity in diversity, promoting brotherhood and harmony within the installation art. The installation features papier-mâché masks and assemblages made from natural and indigenous materials sourced from Bicol such as abaca ropes, coco coir, palaspas, cogon grass, and balagon (local vines).

Through the installation, the group of artists highlights the importance of connectivity and self-identification with our planet in an organic and grounded manner. Self-proclaimed stewards of Mother Earth, KAGI emphasizes the need for the protection and cultivation of our planet’s resources.

What I like about the art installation is, it engages the public through creative physical conversations. Viewers can walk through the exhibit, and look at the masks created by participants of the art workshops conducted prior to the installation of the artwork.

During the launch, there was a performance of Kawayanon, where seven performing artists drew inspiration from their personal experiences to unpredictably respond to the expansive art installation. The performance conveyed the idea of being present in the moment, fostering connection, and promoting the concept of “being connected” as members

Kawayanon performance art

of one human family. The Surogpon Kita art installation can be viewed until May 28. Complementing the art installation is a light show on the façade of the CCP Main Building. The façade is painted in earth colors and will be lit up from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, Abdulmari “Toym” De Leon-Imao, a multimedia artist in both classical and contemporary styles, turned the Liwasang Kalikasan into a folklandia of sorts through the exhibit Tanod-Lupa (Nature Guardians).

Tanod-Lupa public art features Philippine mythical creatures, with illuminated lanterns to enhance their otherworldliness in the installation site. The designs draw inspiration from pre-colonial patterns and iconography to portray these creatures as essential parts of the natural ecosystem rather than just evil or demonic. The figurative lanterns, made of welded steel, fibers, and fiberglass, are larger than life and internally illuminated by LED lights. The whimsical design ensures that the creatures do not appear frightening or stereotypical.

As of today, there are three “mythical creatures” on display at the Liwasang Kalikasan. And what’s on display are still just frameworks. The exhibit will grow, adding more mythical creatures, as well as the reinvented panolong of Maranao Torogan houses.

The panolong is an architectural element representing the naga, a serpent or dragon protecting the perimeter of the nobleman’s Torogan house. It visually elevates the Torogan above the ground, showing that the structure is unique and has an essential status in society.

Hopefully, by September, the Tanod Lupa will be completed and will be ready for the big launch. So, watch out for it.

weekend

From April 28 to 30, take an epicurean adventure of Asia and discover its diverse and delightful cuisines in Asian Eats at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City. The weekend food fest is a collaboration between Asia Society Philippines and various Asian embassies in Manila putting together a curated mix of merchants. Find out the latest food ven ture of award-winning chef, best-selling author, and culinary heritage advocate, Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, at his TinDeli.

Be transported to the streets of Bangkok at The Thai Plate and ChaTruMue. Discover aromatic spices that are the essence of Indian cuisine at Flavours Indian and Mediterranean Cuisine.

Get your fix of kimchi fried rice and kalbi jjim at Kaya. Sample Laotian dishes that are hard to find in the metro as prepared by the ladies of the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Enjoy a satisfying serving of banh mi

Savor a bowl of laksa and a plate of nasi lemak from PappaRam Malaysian Kitchen and the ladies of Perwakilan. Enjoy a beloved Japanese classic, the okonomiyaki, at Botejyu. Pair a hearty pho with a crunchy bahn mi at Em Ha Noi. Enjoy the different layers of flavor of Indonesian comfort dishes at Bakmi Nyonya and at Rumah Makan Padang Huang Jia. Pick up some bottles of Australian wine, cheese, and gourmet products for a

Over at the NOM booth, share

experienc

wine and cheese party from Unitetris and Silverwave Corporation. Grab your choice of Vietnamese coffee and pastries from Highlands Coffee’s pop-up cart. Peruse the shelves of well-loved sauces and condiments at NutriAsia’s booth. HSBC cardholders and credit card applicants, get a chance to pick a prize at the HSBC booth. Over at the NOM booth, share your cooking, dining, and culinary travel experiences in the country’s firstever food community platform.

learn how cooking can be of Indonesia, and

At the Main Stage, learn how cooking can be made simple from Chef Tatung on April 29, Saturday, at 4:30 p.m. The Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, and Prof. Carlito Camahalan Amalla with the Tinampuso will take centerstage on April 28 to 30, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with cultural performances that give a glimpse of the culture and tradition of South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, respectively. Asian Eats is presented by Asia Society Philippines in cooperation with HSBC, NutriAsia, and Shangri-La Plaza. Visit Asia Society Philippines’ website (https://asiasociety.org/philippines), Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages at @AsiaSocietyPH, or visit the official hashtag #AsianEats2023 for details and updates.

New book takes off to revolutionize reading in the Philippines

LITERACY-STUNTED, literacy-challenged no more. Filipino children who have languished under this demeaning appellation now stand a better chance, as their teachers mold them, wielding the new edition of Nakakabasa na Ako! (I Can Finally Read!). This guidebook for Filipino teachers to mentor children who are unable to read, pulling them out of the ignominy that threatened them with a bleak future, was launched on March 11, announced Miguel Z. Patolot, the book’s publisher.

Authored by Teacher Julie Weygan Aparato the book captures and embodies a dedicated educator’s method in reaching out to Filipino street children, as well as to children in public schools, whose reading skills have chronically deteriorated.

Quoting Teacher Julie, “This book serves as a guide in establishing a literacy program at the community level targeting disadvantaged children, 7 years and older, who are unable or are struggling to read.”

The author’s personal experiences leading a community-based literacy program are reflected in much of the book’s content. Despite being located on the outskirts of Quezon City’s leading educational institutions, amidst both affluence and poverty, the program has successfully raised the literacy level of at-risk children.

Teacher Julie closely monitored their reading progress, transforming their skills from poor to excellent, as demonstrated during the program’s launch. By creating a comfortable and enjoyable classroom environment, the program was able to achieve impressive results. As Teacher Julie explained, “Classroom-based day-to-day experiences comprise the ultimate resource and guide to deliver an effective and practical reading system for literacy-deprived children.”

“I believe the best teachers are those who never lose hope and pursue what they see as challenges to the learner,” Dr. Cristina Lim Yuson, Founder/Director, Early Learning Center (19742003) wrote in the book’s Foreword.

A seasoned mentor who uses the play method might also accomplish more than the regular rote learning. Identifying the kids, assessing their levels of literacy, involving the parents and doing repeated home visits—these are humbling tasks only a committed member would do . . . If regular teachers just follow these steps, I am sure our school kids would learn to read and enjoy reading

for a lifetime,” she stressed.

Nakakabasa na Ako! (I Can Finally Read!) shows poor readers do not always remain poor, or worse, become poorer—thanks to the able leadership and collective effort of people who do what they can, despite and against the odds, whether there is a pandemic or not,” reflects Portia Padilla, PhD, head of the Faculty, Reading Education, University of the Philippines, and Program Chair, Language and Literacy Education, UP Open University, in her book review.

“Both personal and practical, this book invites us not only to read and learn, but more importantly, to act together for the benefit of our children.” Dr. Padilla said.

Key contents of Nakakabasa na Ako! (I Can Finally Read!) include: Organizing the Literacy Class, Informal Assessment Tools, the Curriculum, Approaches and Activities; Reading and Recommended Techniques, Developing Reading Fluency; Migration to e-Learning, among others.

To place orders for the book, kindly contact the Publisher, Miguel Z. Patolot, at miguelpatolot76@gmail.com, and mobile number +63.2. 917.822.9294.

The ‘Surogpon Kita (We are Connected)’ installation is an expansive structure is made of bamboo, a symbolic material representing unity in diversity, promoting brotherhood and harmony