Manila Standard - 2023 May 2 - Tuesday

OIL SHEEN SEEN IN TUBBATAHA —COAST GUARD

GOV’T TO STEP IN TO END POWER WOES IN VISAYAS

Marcos meets Biden, talks on

PBBM seeks closer US ties as he rejects ‘provocative action’ in WPS

By Vince Lopez

WASHINGTON D.C.—President

Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. and US President Joe Biden met at the White House as of press time Monday afternoon

(early Tuesday dawn, Manila time) to discuss efforts to further strengthen economic and political ties as well as keep the peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

The dialog with Biden, which happened a day after Mr. Marcos arrived in Washington, is also set to cover possible changes to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the two longstanding allies.

It will followed by an expanded meeting with key Cabinet officials. This is the second meeting for the two leaders after they attended the UN General Assembly in New York in September last year.

Mr. Marcos will also meet with members of the Filipino community in Washington D.C.

China, PH discuss near-collision, agree to SCS fishing rights talk

By Maricel V. Cruz

and Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday he has raised the near-collision

By Vince Lopez

ON BOARD PR001—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thinks a vaccination push, especially for the youth, instead of mandatory face mask use will help stem the tide of rising COVID-19 cases in the country, he said Sunday before leaving for an official trip to the United States.

“It looks like, we will have to conduct again, especially for young people, we’ll have to conduct again a vaccination push to lessen that (COVID cases), especially with people being a little bit, shall we say, getting sick of the heat, that brings down the immunity of the body and that will make

of Philippine and Chinese coast guard ships in the West Philippine Sea with Chinese officials.

The Philippines has accused the Chinese coast guard of “dangerous maneu-

vers” when one of its ships sailed into the path of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel carrying journalists near Ayunging Shoal, causing a near-collision.

“You know, this is the kind of thing

8-hr

brownout

that we are hoping to avoid. But this time it was a little more dangerous, because they were close and they almost collided with us. And that will cause

hits NAIA-3, 46 flights canceled

By Joel E. Zurbano, Macon Ramos-Araneta, and Darwin Amojelar

THOUSANDS of passengers were stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday due to the cancelation of at least 46 domestic flights following an eight-hour brownout at Terminal 3.

Authorities identified a “fault current” as the cause of the power outage on Labor Day – just as people were coming and going from a long weekend -- but an investigation is still ongoing to determine the root of the issue, which impacted some 9,000 passengers.

Later, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) ordered a full electrical audit on NAIA Terminal 3, and possibly for Terminals 1 and 2 as well.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the MIAA will implement the electrical audit as recommended by the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and added he will ask the National Intelligence Coordinating

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country’s oil firms cut pump prices by as much as P1.50 per liter effective today but raised the price of cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas by P0.85 per kilo or P10.15 per 11kilo tank to reflect the higher contract price of LPG in the world market.

The oil firms cut the price of gasoline by P1.50 per liter, kerosene by P1.40 per liter, and diesel by P1.30 per liter effective 6am Tuesday.

“Petron will implement the following price rollbacks effective 6 a.m. on May 2: P1.50 per liter for gasoline; P1.30 per li for diesel and P1.40/li for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international oil market,” the company said in its advisory.

PBMM to study mask mandate, renew vax push

LPG price up by P10.15 per 11-kilo tank

2023, that resulted in the

of over 30 flights. Danny Pata

In an interview with the media en route to Washington, the President said agriculture, power, infrastructure “and all these new technologies” are on top of his agenda during his five-day working visit.

“That’s on the economic level... On the political level, it will still be centered around the relationship between the Philippines and the United States,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President also talked about maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region amid global tensions as well as enhancing the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the global dialogue.

The chief executive is also expected to sit down with legislators, major US companies and business groups during his trip.

In his interview with the Philippine media delegation, Mr. Marcos said the country continuously “works for peace” and that the Philippines will not be used as a “staging post” for any military action amid rising tensions in the region.

“Our goal in the Philippines is sim-

Agency (NICA) to investigate for possible sabotage.

“If there was sabotage ... we are not discounting that,” he added.

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Cesar Chiong said the power outage, reported at 1:05 a.m. on Monday, affected mostly domestic passengers on 24 flights, with some international flights delayed.

The power outage also resulted in disrupted communications, the closure of stores and other businesses, poor ventilation, and the delayed departure of some international flights at the terminal.

Airlines had to resort to manual check-in and loading of baggage while processing passengers at immigration booths took longer than usual.

This happened four months after the New Year’s Day air space shutdown that affected hundreds of flights and 65,000 passengers at the country’s premier airport.

“There are a lot of possible causes of the power failure, so it’s time to do a full electrical audit since NAIA 3 was built in the 1990s... We will ask the help of Meralco for us to conduct the audit,” Bautista said.

“We really need to do procurement for the airport because it is a huge job. Meralco said it may take 60 to 90 days (for audit and repairs) for Terminal 3 alone,” he added.

“On behalf of the MIAA management, we really would like to extend our apologies to all the passengers… and everyone that was affected by this power interruption,” Chiong said in a virtual briefing on Monday.

“We really would like to thank all of our airline operators because they made sure that the impact to the operations and the power interruptions were really minimized and in fact, it was confined to domestic flights,” he said.

Chiong said the 9,000 affected passengers were equivalent to 7% of the total number of passengers who usually travel through NAIA Terminal 3, while the 24 roundtrip flights canceled translates to 6.5% of the 750 to 760 flights operated.

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) canceled 46 domestic flights to and from Cebu, Caticlan, Butuan, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Puerto Princesa, Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz, Legazpi, Pagadian, Cotabato, Iloilo, Davao, and Cauayan.

CEB management offered affected passengers to make a “Refund, Rebook their flights without fare difference for travel up to 30 days from the original flight date, or Store the amount in a virtual CEB wallet valid for six months and use this to either book a new flight or pay for add-ons such as baggage allowance and seat selection.”

“We thank our passengers for their patience and understanding,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Air Asia Philippines made slight changes in the scheduled departure of nine flights. Those affected include domestic flights to and from Caticlan and Cebu, and international flights to and from Taipei, Osaka, and Incheon.

Air Asia Communications and Public Affairs Country head Steve Dailisan also offered an apology to all affected guests.

“While waiting for the power supply to be restored, our ground staff have offered snacks and refreshments and have attended to other needs of our guests. We are also closely working with the MIAA management to minimize any inconvenience in the present circumstances,” he said.

ple, we work for peace... We’ll not encourage any provocative action by any country... We will not allow that to happen,” the President said when asked how he sees the Philippines’ role in the Indo-Pacific.

“All we are worried about is the peace and the safety of our people, here and abroad. And that’s the main consideration. So in my view, that’s the role,” he said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also plays a crucial role in “keeping peace” and “lowering tensions in our area,” he added.

“And I think the best move for us is to stay within ASEAN, keep ASEAN solid, strong, and united,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President’s assurances came after watching live-fire sea drills in the biggest Balikatan joint military exercises involving American, Filipino and Australian troops.

Manila recently granted Washington access to more Filipino military bases as the allies seek to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the region and its sweeping claims over disputed waters, islands and shoals in the South China Sea.

Mr. Marcos’ visit comes after the Unit-

ed States called on China to stop “provocative and unsafe conduct” in the contested South China Sea following a near-collision with a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.

“We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Saturday, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response. Manila and Washington are bound by a 1951 mutual defense pact.

The April 23 incident was “a nearcrash and that ... can cause casualties on both sides,” Marcos said on the flight to Washington DC.

“That’s exactly what we want to avoid.”

Mr. Marcos urged China to follow through on his agreement with President Xi Jinping, reached earlier this year in Beijing, to set up a “direct communication mechanism” on issues involving overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

While Manila has formed its team, Beijing has yet to do the same, Marcos said.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, ignoring an international court ruling in favor of the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China.

Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in the South China Sea.

Marcos has said he will not let China trample on the Philippines’ rights in the sea, and has gravitated towards the United States as he seeks to strengthen defense ties.

Last month, the Philippines identified four military bases – in addition to five existing sites -- to which US forces will have access, including one near the disputed Spratly Islands and two facing Taiwan.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Monday said the House of Representatives fully supports the initiative of the President. to push for the preservation of peace in the Indo-Pacific region as one of the key discussion points in his meeting with US President Joe Biden.

Romualdez was among the Filipino officials who welcomed President Marcos on his arrival in the United States at Joint Base Andrews airport in Maryland.

“Geopolitical tensions and apprehensions of possible hostilities in the region will have an adverse effect on our aspirations for sustained economic growth and prosperity. It is to everyone’s benefit to ensure that conflicts are resolved through diplomatic and peaceful means,” Romualdez said. With AFP, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty is very reassuring,” he said.

Other oil companies also cut pump prices, such as Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Cleanfuel, Seaoil Philippines, and Jetti Petroleum.

Meanwhile, Petron said it will implement a P0.85 per kg (VAT-inclusive) increase in LPG prices effective 6 a.m. on May 1.

“AutoLPG prices will likewise increase by P0.48/li at the same time. These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of May,” Petron said.

Solane LPG also increased prices for LPG, which is currently sold in Metro Manila from P818 to P980 per 11-kilo tanks, depending on the location, market forces, and brand.

DOE director for Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said world oil prices dropped amid deepening concerns of an economic slowdown, while a stronger dollar outweighed hopes of higher Chinese demand.

casualties on both sides, and that is exactly what we want to avoid,” he said.

The President also called for the final adoption of a Philippines-China “direct communication line.”

He said the Philippine side has already formed a team, but the Chinese have yet to do so.

While the overall priority is safeguarding maritime security, the President said China has agreed to sit down and talk about Filipinos’ fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea.

“So that’s what we have to do. That’s what we have to decide and they have agreed again to sit down. I’ve asked the Coast Guard and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to put together perhaps a map of these fishing grounds that we consider to be part of the Philippines, and we’ll see what they say when we give them our proposal,” Marcos said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Both President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier affirmed the establishment of a “direct communication mechanism” during the Filipino leader’s official state visit to Beijing in January.

Both leaders further agreed that “confidence-building measures would contribute to improving mutual trust.”

In a Twitter post, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils expressed concern over the near collision in the South China Sea.

“The UK is concerned by continued reports of dangerous conduct towards Filipino vessels in the South China Sea,” Beaufils said.

She added that the UK remains committed to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged President Marcos to recall the country’s ambassador to Beijing as a show of protest and displeasure over the “David vs Goliath” near-collision of a Philippine Coast Guard ship with a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel.

“Aside from the usual filing of a diplomatic note, we should order our principal representative in China to return home. He should not go back to Beijing until we receive a response from the Chinese government apologizing for their harassment and bullying tactics in the West Philippine Sea and committing to rectify their misconduct,” he said.

The country’s ambassador to Beijing is Jaime Flor Cruz, a former journalist who covered China for many years for American news organizations.

Rodriguez said the Philippines has filed hundreds of protest notes with Beijing over China’s aggressive and bullying activities.

In 2022 alone, 193 protest notes were served on Beijing, including 65 by the Marcos administration, he said.

“All these protestations fell on deaf ears. That is why they continue to harass and bully our Coast Guard patrols and our fishermen, from the northern part of our country in Pangasinan and Zambales to the south in Palawan,” he added.

The Mindanao lawmaker also lauded the reaction of the United States to the recent near-collision incident, which happened in the Ayungin Shoal area, where a small contingent of Filipino soldiers is stationed in an old, rusting Navy ship.

“We welcome the unequivocal, clear commitment by the US government. The reiteration of US obligations under

lusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP).

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday condemned the latest “act of harassment” from China.

In a statement released on Labor Day, the Transport Department said it viewed the act against the Philippines with “grave concern” citing that the PCG was exercising its rights to patrol its territory as granted by international law.

“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) views with grave concern the latest act of harassment against the Philippines in the Philippine exclusive economic zone forming part of the West Philippine Sea,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, PCG spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in an interview that he supports the plan to conduct joint maritime patrols in the country’s waters with the United States after China’s latest actions.

Tarriela said that these aggressive tactics from China have become routine occurrences in the West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela also countered the statement from China that the Philippine vessel was the one instigating “provocative actions” that led to the near-miss with the Chinese ship.

“The routine, seven-day maritime patrol carried out by the [PCG] in the WPS from April 18-24 was non-provocative and did not undermine the interests of other states,” Tarriela said on his Twitter account.

“The PCG is under no obligation to request permission from other nations while patrolling the waters near Ayungin Shoal, as this area falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” he added.

tiempo muerto (dead season) as a result of the sugar crisis.

“Oil kept falling in Asia as the outlook for global demand remained in question, and Asian fuel markets flashed warning signs on shrinking refining margins and investors await the release of oil inventory data by US EIA (Energy Information Administration) for further guidance,” Romero said.

This week’s rollbacks would be the third consecutive week of price cuts for diesel and the second consecutive week for gasoline and kerosene.

The oil companies implemented a per-liter decrease of P1.40 for gasoline, P0.70 for diesel, and P0.20 for kerosene on April 15.

From

them more vulnerable to COVID again.” the President said onboard Presidential Flight PR001 en route to Washington DC.

The goal of the vaccination drive, he said, is to increase the output of vaccinated Filipinos and lessen the risk of moderate to severe COVID-19 cases.

“We might have to think about it (mandatory masking) … But what I am looking is because although the rate is increasing, our baseline where we started is very low so hopefully, we’re still going to be able to do it (vaccination),” Mr. Marcos said.

The President added he will wait for the guidelines and recommendations of the Department of Health and of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) that manages the COVID-19 situation in the country.

“Let’s see if the IATF has a guideline, if DOH has guidance. I think --I hope we don’t have to (mandatory masking). We might, but I hope not.” Mr. Marcos said.

provide Filipino workers with better opportunities, as well as improved living and social conditions.

They also chided the government and lawmakers for focusing on amending the Constitution when they should be dealing with more urgent economic concerns.

“We endured the heat of marching under the sun because the burning issue of low wages and high prices is a priority concern,” said Rene Magtubo, national chairperson of the militant Partido Manggagawa (PM) and a city councilor in Marikina. “Chicha, not cha-cha,” he said, using the slang term for food and the shortened term for charter change.

The labor group also lambasted a newly drafted executive order (EO) creating an inter-agency committee on labor rights, saying it fell short of the recommendations of the International Labor Organization (ILO) high-level tripartite mission (HLTM) for the President to personally direct the committee and was crafted without a dialogue with workers and employers.

“Where is the President? The fact that President Bongbong Marcos is abroad today mirrors his absence in the interagency committee and reveals his utter disregard for improving the rights and welfare of workers,” Magtubo said.

Mr. Marcos is on an official visit to the United States.

Thousands of workers from various labor groups assembled at Blumentritt along Espana in Manila before marching towards Mendiola.

The main Labor Day mobilization in Manila was led by the coalition All Philippine Trade Unions which brings together the groups Nagkaisa, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Ki-

Similar rallies were held in the cities of Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, Iligan, General Santos, Cotabato and Tagum.

“Sahod, Trabaho, Karapatan” (Wages, Work and Justice) was the theme of the nationwide protests.

“We call for a P100 minimum wage hike to recover the lost purchasing power of workers. Also, we demand an end to endo and the return of regular employment as the norm. Finally, we ask the government to heed the ILO HLTM proposals on protecting labor rights in the country,” Magtubo said.

In Metro Cebu, PM assembled at the Plaza Independencia at 8:00 a.m. before marching to Metro Gaisano in Colon for the joint rally of the coalition Sugbuanong Mamumuo Nagkahiusa Alang sa Living Wage (SANAAL). Some 1,000 workers marched demanding a wage hike and regular jobs. The highlight of the protest was the destruction of a makeshift statue of Senator Robin Padilla by a giant hammer to symbolize the workers’ fight against cha-cha.

In Iloilo City, the coalition United Labor led the march of some 1,500 workers at 2:30 p.m. to the Capitol grounds.

The unions at Pepsi, Coke, URC and Iloilo Doctors were among the participants together with a contingent from the Iloilo Grab Riders Union (IGRU).

The IGRU is the first union established among Grab riders in the country.

In Bacolod, some 3,000 workers joined the United Labor of Negros rally at the public plaza. Sugar workers trooped to Bacolod City for the Labor Day protest of the groups PM, KMU, NACUSIP, BMP, CAILO, BUNYOG and BACOD. Unrest is brewing among sugar workers due to the early onset of

In Iligan, the Federation of Democratic Labor Organizations (FDLO) led the Labor Day march around the city, which ended at the city plaza. PM, Mindanow, and other civil society organizations joined the FDLO rally.

Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said the Senate committee on Labor, employment and human resources development, which he heads, will tackle the bills seeking to increase the minimum wage on May 10.

Among the measures that are expected to be tackled are the bill seeking to reform the system of increasing the minimum wage, the bill seeking to provide a P150 across-the-board wage increase and the bill amending the Wage Rationalization Act, which will impose penalties against employers who do not follow the daily wage increases.

“We will listen to the comments and inputs from the tripartite sectors: labor, employer, and government, and look forward to a mutually beneficial result for both workers and employers,” Estrada said.

In a television interview, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said it is high time to review the minimum wage in all regions, noting that the cost of living in the rural areas is now higher.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said 10 wage hikes are pending and under review by various regional tripartite wages and productivity boards.

Laguesma said there would be no wage hike announced during Labor Day.

President Marcos, who is out of the country, acknowledged the vital role of Filipino workers in the country’s economy in his Labor Day message. The President stressed the need to

“Our labor force is essential to the sustenance of a soaring economy and also in laying the groundwork for our important industries. That is why we strive to address the cares and concerns of our workers as well as provide them with better opportunities so that they are capable of their full potential and active participants in nation-building,” the President said in a statement.

Mr. Marcos called on the private sector to help the government promote good governance and labor reforms to ensure job sustainability, livelihood security, and economic productivity.

“If we all unite and work together with renewed hope, vigor, and enthusiasm in our respective fields, industries, and endeavors, I am certain that we can usher in a more equitable and prosperous future ahead,” he added.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez acknowledged the sacrifices workers make for their families and the country.

“Our workers are the backbone not only of their families but of the economy and the nation. The economy would not be running if not for their tireless toil,” Romualdez said.

“This is the reason why we in the House of Representatives always make it a point to attend to their concerns. We are committed to continue working on measures that protect their rights, promote their welfare and preserve their jobs and incomes,” he said.

He said recently-enacted laws that aim to enhance economic growth and improve the investment climate in the country are geared toward job and income preservation. With Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja

Gov’t may step in to resolve Negros, Panay power woes

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the government will intercede to address the persistent power outages in Negros and Panay islands reportedly caused by a failure in the distribution system.

This as Sen. Raffy Tulfo raised concern over the rotational brownouts in the two islands since April 27.

According to the President, it was ironic that Negros which actually has a power surplus, is experiencing brownouts due to a breakdown in the distribution lines attributed to faulty high tension wires. “So that’s what we will have to look into,” the President said in an interview with reporters onboard Air Force One.

According to reports, the islands of Guimaras, Panay, and Negros experienced a series of power outages last week.

The President said if the linemen of the privately owned utilities could not do the job, then the government has to step in.

Mr. Marcos added that the government was trying to manage both the country’s water and power supply.

He pointed out that the power outages resulted from the hot climate the country was experiencing at present.

The President also said that the government is doing its best to control the power consumption in the red power grid zones, as well as the water consumption.

“We are now trying to control or trying to manage rather our water consumption, our power consumption because that’s very closely related,” he said.

The government earlier acted on the power crisis in Occidental Mindoro with the activation of at least three power stations to provide 24-hour electricity in the province.

National Electrification Administration (NEA) chief Antonio Mariano Almeda reportedly met with Luis Manuel Banzon, owner of

the Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corporation (OMCPC), last April 27 to discuss measures to remedy the power crisis.

“In terms of Mindoro and even Marinduque, we’ve already been able to do some remedial measures,” he added.

Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, said the power outages can possibly continue in the coming days.

He said he was informed that the rotational brownouts started due to the line fault or tripping in the transmission line of the National Grid Corporation (NGCP).

But the NGCP was blaming the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) for the rotational brownouts, Tulfo said.

He had called the DOE (Department of Energy) and ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) to investigate the problem and determine who’s responsible for this.

He noted that NGCP and CENECO were blaming one another for the problem.

The NGCP asserted that the problem was not on its side because the tripping or line fault allegedly originated from the line of CENECO, and that there was a domino effect that’s why their line was also affected, thereby causing power outages even in Panay.

But the NGCP told Tulfo that in cases like this wherein there was a line fault or tripping, there should be protection systems to prevent the fault from spreading.

While NGCP claimed that its protection system worked as intended, Tulfo questioned why Panay was affected even though its electricity was not being supplied by CENECO.

Single ticketing to be pilot tested in 7 NCR cities

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will test today the single ticketing system’s efficiency in seven cities in the National Capital Region.

MMDA spokesperson Melissa Carunungan said the new system will be initially enforced in the seven cities to check possible problems that may arise.

The seven areas covered by the pilot testing are the cities of Manila, Parañaque, Caloocan, Quezon City, San Juan, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela.

“This will be a great relief for our motorists because within the single ticketing system, the top 20 most common traffic violations have uniform fines, contesting procedures, and digital payment platforms,” Carunungan said.

She added that local traffic enforcers have been trained on how to enforce the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 serving as guidelines for the new system, which “may also be implemented nation-

wide, if proven successful.”

The MMDA had signed agreements with the Land Transportation Office for the interconnectivity of local government units in Metro Manila with the agency’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said the signing of the memorandum and datasharing was a historic legislation in the Metro Manila Council since it took 28 years before being fully realized.

The MMDA will give handheld devices to apprehending officers that can provide options for cashless payments to violators. It will also help minimize corruption and eradicate forms of negotiations between the motorist and the officer, Artes said.

The single ticketing system is seen to harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement, as well as penalties and fines of the most common traffic violations stated in the Metro Manila Traffic Code.

PNP reiterates commitment to solve cases of missing sabungeros

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has reiterated its commitment to continue searching for the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) and put the perpetrators behind bars.

“The PNP remains steadfast in their search for the missing sabungeros as suspects in the case have been issued warrants of arrest,” PNP public information chief Col. Redrico Maranan said.

The case of the missing sabungeros includes the alleged kidnapping of six victims—James E. Baccay, Marlon E. Baccay, Rondel F. Cristorum, Mark Joseph L. Velasco, John Claude Venson

Inonog and Rowel Gomez that occurred at the Manila Arena in Sta. Ana, Manila on Jan. 13, 2022.

The Department of Justice has issued a 15-page resolution saying state prosecutors have found probable cause to indict six suspects for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.

The suspects were identified as Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnry Consolacion and Roberto Matillano Jr.

However, the complaint against two others identified as Jonas A. Alingasa and

Smooth execution of SC ruling eyed on Taguig and Makati land dispute

By Rey E. Requejo

FORMER Makati City Vice Mayor

Ernesto Mercado has urged both the Taguig City and Makati City governments to work for a smooth transition and implementation of a Supreme Court (SC) decision mandating that the 729-hectare Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation where the Bonifacio Global City is located and several barangays in Makati City are under the jurisdiction of Taguig City.

Mercado made the appeal after SC spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka announced that the High Tribunal has dismissed the omnibus petition of the Makati government requesting that the land dispute case be appealed before the SC en banc for to lack of merit.

Herolden Alonto was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. According to the resolution, the prosecutors considered the testimonies of witnesses and CCTV footage from different barangays that showed the forcible abduction. The victims’ cell phone conversations with their kin during the time they were abducted, the testimony of a witness who identified the suspects, CCTV footage showing a black and a gray van followed by a silver Toyota Wigo that left the Manila Arena, the short lapse of time as shown in the CCTV footage, and the victims’ disappearance since the abduction

IN BRIEF

Abalos to public: Be more vigilant vs. fires

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has asked the public in general to practice fire safety precautions to avoid losses of lives and property due to structural fires.

Abalos also urged the Bureau of Fire Protection to press its fire safety awareness campaign to ensure that communities and households are safe the whole year round.

Abalos made the appeal amid a series of fire incidents in Metro Manila and in the provinces.

“The DILG and the BFP strongly reminded the public to continue to be careful and vigilant to avoid fires,” he said.

were all cited as circumstances that may prove the suspects’ guilt.

The case of Inonog, Baccay brothers, Cristorum, Velasco, and Gomez was one of eight cases handled by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Special Investigation Task Group (CIDG-SITG) “Sabungero”. The SITG “Sabungero” encourages everyone with information regarding the case to come forward and help in the investigation.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr gave that the investigation would continue and that they would build a strong case against the suspects.

The latest fire incident happened at the Pritil Market in Tondo, Manila where two people were reported hurt, and more than P100 million worth of property were destroyed. The blaze, which reportedly started at a food establishment, reached the fourth alarm and gutted the whole market.

BFP records showed that fire incidents increased by nearly 40 percent from April 1-26, 2023, compared to the same period last year.

QC gov’t taps students to meet climate change

THE Quezon City government is tapping the talents of the students to attain a “livable, sustainable, and climate-resilient city.”

The project forms part of the “wholeof-city approach” to create a sustainable future for all, Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Towards this end, the city government partnered with C40 Cities and Minecraft Education in launching a competition among the students in formulating climate solutions for the city.

The SC stressed that since the tribunal has already issued a final and executory decision, it will no longer accept any pleadings, motions, letters or any communication concerning the case. In its decision, the high court declared that the territory in question was under the jurisdiction of Taguig based on historical, documentary and testimonial evidence. The 729-hectare, which was subject of the case and declared to be part of Taguig, covered Fort Bonifacio, Barangay Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo and Pitogo as well as the Philippine Army headquarters, Navy installation, Marines’ headquarters, Consular area, JUSMAG area, Heritage Park, Libingan ng mga Bayani, AFP Officers Village and six other adjacent villages.

INC enhances weekly TV show to cope with ‘fast-changing’ media

INC Chronicles, a weekly television featuredocumentary focusing on the rich history and community-building efforts of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s local congregations, has recently undergone tech-driven enhancements to make the show “more visually engaging in today’s fastchanging media landscape.”

With sharper cinematography, spruced up digital graphics, and creative animation, the reenvisioned program aims to better connect with today’s younger audiences and those yet unfamiliar with the Church’s storied beginnings, the INC said in a statement.

INC Chronicles’ new visually compelling episodes highlight the struggles, lessons, and timeless Christian values that marked the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s formative years in various communities around the Philippines and abroad, the religious denomination added.

The program seeks to create a deeper appreciation for the Church’s history and how

its spiritual and humanitarian activities have been helping drive community growth and empowerment for over a century.

INC Chronicles is broadcast every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on INCTV, with reruns every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 p.m. It is a co-production of the Christian Era Broadcasting Service International Inc. (CEBSI Inc.), the religious media arm of the INC and the INC Museum.

In an interview, INC museum director, Cornelio Cortez, emphasized the value of chronicling the story of the INC and expressed gratitude for the Church’s continued growth. “The hand of God is present during all those decades. We are thankful,” he stated.

According to Cortez, the INC’s dedication to preserving its history and cultural heritage is also reflected in the INC Museum which houses over 17,000 protected catalog items inside temperaturecontrolled and humidity-monitored rooms.

The QC Minecraft Challenge was initiated by the city’s Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability department as part of the Schools Reinventing Cities program, a collaboration between C40’s Reinventing Cities and Minecraft Education.

The program gives students an opportunity to design climate solutions for their city in Minecraft Education, a game-based learning platform, and to present their ideas to city leaders.

Interested Quezon City public and private schools may register and join the challenge until May 29.

The QC Minecraft Challenge was initiated by the the city’sClimate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department as part of the Schools Reinventing Cities program, a collaboration between C40’s Reinventing Cities and Minecraft Education.

BI arrests Korean fugitive at NAIA

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested a Korean fugitive as he was about to board a plane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. identified the passenger as Ko Daeyun, 31, who was apprehended at the NAIA 3 terminal.

Manahan said Ko was about to board a Cebu Pacific flight to Seoul when he was accosted by operatives from the BI’s border control and intelligence unit (BCIU) at the airport.

It was learned that the Korean had just presented himself to a BI officer at the immigration departure counter who noticed that the passenger’s name was in the BI’s watchlist of wanted foreign fugitives.

Ko was reportedly facing a deportation case before the BI legal division where he was charged for undesirability due to his being a fugitive from justice.

Korean authorities tagged Ko as a member of a telecommunications fraud syndicate that preys on its victims through voice phishing, or using phone calls to gain access to a person’s money and other personal information. Vito Barcelo

LABOR DAY JOB FAIR. Instead of joining protest actions usually marking Labor Day, these job-seekers spend May 1st looking for work in a job fair put together through collaboration among the Department of Labor and Employment, the Marikina City government, and SM City Marikina. Norman Cruz

RITE OF PASSAGE. A kid gingerly looks on as his friend undergoes circumcision, largely considered as a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood, during a medical-dental mission jointly organized by the Manila Police District, the Sta. Maria Magni cent Eagles Club, and the Upsilon Sigma Rho Confraternity Association, Inc. in Tondo, Manila. Andrew Rabulan

IGLESIA NI CRISTO AFFAIR. Iglesia Ni Cristo museum director Cornelio Cortez (right) delivers his remarks during the relaunch of the INC Chronicles Special Screening on Friday.

PCG says oil sheen observed in Tubbataha

By Charles Dantes and Othel Campos

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Monday that an oil spill response team is ready for deployment in Tubbataha, Palawan after an oil sheen was observed in the area where a yacht recently capsized.

PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral

Armand Balilo said that an oil sheen was seen around the location where the yacht M/Y Dream Keeper sank.

“May nakitang oil sheen sa pinaglubugan pero hindi pa siya ganun karami kaya nandoon din ang oil spill response team natin. Doon sa area na pinaglubugan na four nautical miles ang layo sa wreck mismo,” Balilo told reporters in an interview. Based on the information from survivors, a squall or a sudden violent gust of wind was the reason for the sinking of the yacht. Authorities said 28 passengers have

PBBM eyeing additional Cabinet members who lost in last year’s polls

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is eyeing to pick additional Cabinet members among personalities who lost in the 2022 polls following the end of a constitutional ban this month.

“Marami namang magaling na hindi nanalo sa eleksyon na gusting tumulong. So we will certainly look into that in different positions,” the President said in an interview with the media onboard Flight PR 001 on Sunday.

“More or less, for the beginning of… the second year of my term, palagay ko mayroong mga ano. Not a shuffle but we will add people to Cabinet, to strengthen the Cabinet,” he added.

The President, however, is yet to bare the names of the new appointees as he wants to talk with his prospects first.

“I will not announce anybody. They should not hear it naman from the press. They should hear it from me. Kami muna mag-usap,” President Marcos said.

Based on Article IX-B, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution, no candidate who has lost in any election shall, within one year after such election, “be appointed to any office in the government or any government-owned or controlled corporations or in any of their subsidiaries.”

The presidential elections was held on May 9 last year.

ATI-ATIHAN.

already been rescued and four people are still missing including the yacht owner, the dive master, and two passengers.

The M/Y Dream Keeper departed from San Remegio, Cebu City April 27 and arrived at Tubbataha Reef on Saturday, April 29 at around 10 p.m. The PCG said it received the report from their sub-station in Palawan on the incident early Sunday morning, April 30.

The dive yacht is used by tourists to experience deep water diving in Tubbataha Reef, the PCG said. The PCG

More than 600 Pinoys out of Sudan

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Foreign Affairs

(DFA) on Monday said at least 616 Filipinos have been evacuated out of Khartoum, Sudan, while more will be repatriated to the Philippines in the next few days.

DFA Assistant Secretary Paul Cortes revealed that of the 616 Filipinos who left Khartoum, 414 were already in Egypt, while others were either at the Sudan-Egypt border or at Port Sudan bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to the official, around 750 Filipinos in Sudan – most of whom

are undocumented – have pleaded for help from the Philippine government amid the ongoing clashes there between the Sudanese military and a paramilitary group. The first batch of repatriates from Sudan consisting of 17 Filipinos arrived in Manila on Saturday.

“Tonight there are 15 Filipinos who will be repatriated. In the next few days, there’s something like 60. Our compatriots are coming back to the Philippines little by little,” Cortes said, in an interview with radio DzBB.

The DFA earlier said that despite the conflict in Sudan, there are still less

Companies

SENATOR Win Gatchalian urged the private sector to provide more employment opportunities for senior high school graduates of the TechnicalVocational-Livelihood (TVL) track.

is still conducting search and rescue operations as of press time.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) meanwhile said it is closely monitoring the developments of the ongoing search and rescue operations.

Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met with Department of National Defense acting secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief general Andres Centino to discuss ongoing search and rescue efforts on the capsized yacht.

Frasco instructed the DOT Dive Committee, including the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), to extend all assistance possible to the survivors of the capsized liveaboard M/Y Dream Keeper, which was reported to be ferrying a team of 15 crew, and 17 passengers, 5 of whom are dive masters, when the yacht capsized. The DOT said it also remains in constant coordination with the Philippine Navy, the PCG, and private entities involved in the incident.

A TOTAL of 11,013 nursing graduates from the Philippines took the US licensure examination for the first time from January to March this year, a House official said on Monday.

“In the January to March quarter, we saw the highest number of Philippine-educated nurses taking the NCLEX for the first time, without counting repeaters,” Rillo said, citing newly released figures from the U.S. National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc. (USNCSBN),” Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, House committee on higher and technical education vice chairperson, said.

The 11,013 represents a surge of 200 percent when compared to the 3,714 Filipino nursing graduates that took the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, for the first time in the same three-month period in 2022, according to Rillo.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in March ordered the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to come up with interventions to address the looming shortage of nurses due to overseas migration. Maricel V. Cruz

The Senate Committee on Basic Education chaired by Gatchalian conducted a hearing on Senate Bill No. 2022, or the “Batang Magaling Act,” which seeks to address the mismatch between the skills of K to 12 graduates and the demands of the labor market.

During the hearing, Gatchalian asked the opinion of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on whether membercompanies hire senior high graduates of the TVL track.

The senator emphasized that senior high graduates underwent training for specific vocational jobs and the work immersion program that provided graduates the opportunity to become familiar with the workplace and to apply their competencies in various work environments.

ECOP Legal Services Manager Robert Maronilla said employers continue to prefer employing college graduates over SHS graduates which is the usual case except when SHS graduates have secured a certification of a specialization.

Maronilla also suggested SHS students taking the TVL track should be more focused on “hard-tofill-in” jobs, such as those in the agriculture and automotive sectors. Macon Ramos-Araneta

than a hundred Filipinos who decided to stay there because of their families and other work commitments.

In a television interview, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega urged Filipinos who remain in Sudan to also consider being repatriated.

“I think we can say that everybody who wanted to leave Khartoum, has left Khartoum. Eventually, there may be more that may be coming in the next few days,” he said on ANC.

De Vega said that the DFA has already spent about $1 million to sustain its relief and repatriation efforts for the affected Filipinos.

‘TULONG

PANGKABUHAYAN.’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. hand a certificate of eligibility to Arnold Cabrera, one of the 75 persons deprived of liberty who is a beneficiary of the government’s “Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Worker Program.” Joseph Muego

COA

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has moved toward digital transformation of its audit approaches, techniques and processes during the next seven years under the term of its chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba. Cordoba’s ten-point agenda audit came out during a planning conference conducted by the Commission recently upon the initiative of around 140 senior COA officials led by the COA chairperson and Commissioners Roland Pondoc and Mario Lipana.

“These strategic thrusts focus on developing an easy to implement and technology driven government accounting system compliant with international standards; introducing e-audit as the manner of conducting audit through digitizing government transactions including collections in partnership with all government agencies; and leveraging technology to improve audit techniques and procedures including the development of an automated audit system for e-collections and e-payments and use of artificial intelligence to crunch big data to determine patterns and detect fraud,” Cordoba said in a statement. He said the strategic thrusts are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to embrace digitalization and adopt technological innovations to make the country more competitive. Maricel V. Cruz

Senators hail P/Col. Marantan’s role in solving Degamo killing in Negros

POLICE Colonel Hansel M. Marantan has reassumed his post as Regional Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for NCR, the CIDG national office said.

The bemedaled Marantan won praises from senators and local politicians for his handling of cases of violence, the latest of which was the March 4 massacre of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and 5 other people, Marantan was reinstated on orders of CIDG national chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. after the colonel testified at the April 19 Senate committee hearing in the presence of senators Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, and JV Ejercito.

At the committee hearing, the

senators gave Marantan a pat on the back for having successfully enforced 13 search warrants on the home and land property of fugitive Rep. Arnulfo Teves.

The warrants led to the arrest of six suspects and the filing of murder cases against them, including Teves, the suspected mastermind of the Degamo killing. Dela Rosa, former national police chief, also praised Marantan for being brave enough to expose the true situation in Negros Oriental, and for defusing the tension in the province. Degamo’s widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo who also attended the hearing, made a glowing endorsement of Marantan.

Miss Universe PH bets kick off East Visayas tour with parade

By Maricel V. Cruz and Ronald Reyes

THIRTY-EIGHT candidates of the Miss Universe Philippines kicked off their five-day tour of Eastern Visayas this Monday with a Flores de Mayo motorcade in Tacloban City as part of the National Costume Competition (NatCos) leading up to coronation night on May 13 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

The NatCos contest is hosted by the Offices of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez and Tingog Party list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre, and the City Government of Tacloban, Department of Tourism Region VIII, the Provincial Government of Leyte, the Provincial Government of Samar and the beautiful people of Eastern Visayas.

“This competition, although a non-points bearing event, is the most anticipated portion by pageant enthusiasts. The MUPh will determine our next crowned queen who will represent our country on the world stage. We are all excited because the Miss Universe title has been held

by many Filipino citizens,” Speaker Romualdez said.

At talaga namang pinapahanga natin ang buong mundo sa kagandahan at kagalingan ng mga Pilipina. When the Miss Universe competition is on, a majority of Filipinos watch it with pride, knowing we always have a chance of winning the title,” the House chief added. The Speaker, who represents the first district of Leyte, and Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez said they hope that the five-day tour of Eastern Visayas by candidates of the Miss Universe Philippines will help showcase the beautiful people of the region, as well as its tourist spots and vacation destinations.

“This is also an opportunity to show the country and the whole world the beauty and wonders that Eastern Visayas can offer. It has been 10 years since Yolanda leveled our region. Pero dahil sa pagsisikap at pagpupunyagi ng mga waraynons, nakabangon kami at nakausad pa mula sa trahedya ,” said Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, a former Binibining Pilipinas International 1996, of Tingog.

A colorful ati-atihan performance highlights the fiesta celebration of Barangay Barangka in Marikina City. Manny Palmero

MISS UNIVERSE ON RADIO. (From left to right) Miss Universe Philippines candidates Layla Adriatico, Kimberly Escartin, Airissh Ramos, Michelle Daniela Dee, and Clarielle Dacanay on Monday visit Favorite Music Radio 100.7 FMR Tacloban station for a live radio guesting. Ver Noveno

The Land Bank-DBP conundrum

The “silent protest” commenced last Friday, April 28.

From one observation, the DBP is already caught in a net already squirming which sooner or later would mean the death of DBP, which means a merger can happen sooner or later, since all it needs is an executive order by the President.

***

THE proposed merger of the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines has become contentious – even bankers are divided for and against it.

Actually, this is not the first time the merger of the government financial institutions has come to fore.

In 2016, then President Noynoy Aquino issued an Executive Order merging the two government banks, which was approved by the House of Representatives but rejected by the Senate.

Then, during the administration of President Duterte, the Land Bank merged with the United Coconut Planters Bank. That was in 2021.

There are of course arguments for merging Land Bank and the DBP.

The creation of a behemoth financial institution, of the Land Bank and the DBP, will create a financial institution too big to fail.

But, a point of view, it can also bring difficulties.

First of all, Land Bank and the DBP have different mandates.

Land Bank primarily has mandate to reinforce the agricultural sector, while the DBP has mandate for the industrial and the export sectors.

With the Land Bank as the surviving bank, industry and export will naturally suffer. This is from the point of view of a mere journalist.

Secondly, I believe this plan to merge the Land Bank and the DBP is ill-timed because it comes at a time when the country is being threatened with so many crises -- water, energy, food, especially climate change.

With this merger, the attention of respective agencies to attend to them would be divided.

There is also the need to concentrate on the demands of the agricultural sector, the main function of the Land Bank being to provide financial assistance, Santa Banana!

How It All Started

I congratulate the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas on its 50th anniversary.

The KBP, a self-regulatory media organization, was actually organized at the height of Martial Law, when Martial Law was declared by then strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos on Sept 21, 1972 to stop the takeover of the country by the communist movement.

When Martial Law was declared, President Marcos Sr. formed the MAC or Media Advisory Council, of which I was a member, and then headed by Primitivo Mijares.

Mijares, who was closely associated with FM, was supposed to handle print media affairs.

I was then president of the Manila Overseas Press Club, in charge of the foreign press, and because I was then connected with the Kanlaon Broadcasting System, I was assigned to handle broadcast media.

The MAC was a very powerful entity at that time, and whatever the MAC would recommend would be policy during Martial Law.

With my designation as in-charge of broadcast (radio and television), I knew that broadcast was stifled and totally ineffective during Martial Law.

I thought of an idea, to create a self-regulatory body that could be outside the ambit of Martial Law.

I sold the idea to Kanlaon Broadcasting chairman Roberto S. Benedicto, with his network leading the organization.

RSB, as he was called, bought the idea and told me he would present it to then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and to FM. They agreed.

I then called all my friends in both radio and television to organize all those who agreed with my idea to form a self-regulatory body and help the government get outside the tainted image of press censorship.

Initially it started with only 19 members, including Bob Stewart’s Republic Broadcasting System, the precursor of GMA-7.

Thus, on April 27, 1973, the KBP was born, and since I was the organizer and founder, I was elected president.

I must congratulate the initial members of the KBP, who went on developing the KBP Code of Standards, the vision of the organization and its CREDO, which still stands to this date.

The organization of the KBP, to my mind, was my small contribution to press freedom, which was then the biggest argument against Martial Law when all the media outlets were closed when Martial Law was declared.

Again, my sincerest congratulations to the KBP, its officers and directors on their 50th Anniversary. They may have forgotten how the KBP started, but it has its story to tell.

***

Then comes the problem of the Land Bank with its 10,000 workforce and the DBP with its 2,700 workforce. This will naturally be a problem of redundancy, which will be another problem of people out of jobs, my gulay!

On the other hand, those in favor of the merger can cite advantages.

And there are as many for as those against the merger. All in all, from my point of view as a journalist, it would do well for the economic and financial advisers of President Marcos to cut off the proposal to merge the Land Bank and the DBP following many more problems like the rising inflation which is hurting everybody, primarily the poor.

Another argument against a merger of the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines is this will necessarily create a behemoth financial institution with their combined branches, in almost every nook and corner of the country, which in effect will encroach on the coverage of private banks.

The biggest argument for the merger is the savings of P5.6 billion per year.

But, if we weigh the pros and cons of this merger, the cons far outweigh the pros.

If you ever go to any branch or the main building of DBP, don’t be surprised to see personnel wearing black or sporting black armbands,

They call it their “silent protest” against the merger and “show of protest and solidarity” because the merger would mean that the surviving bank will be the Land Bank. Santa Banana, this in effect would put about 70 percent of the DBP employees out of jobs, as I said earlier, because of redundancy.

A Push for a DDR once again

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is one legislator who seems committed to the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience.

There are other things I admire about Bong Go, like being committed to helping fire victims and other victims of disasters.

He amazes me for having put up 156 Malasakit Centers nationwide, a one-stop center where the needy and the poor can go to seek assistance from the Philippine Sweepstakes Office, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. for hospitalization and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for other financial assistance. It’s for all his commitment to the poor and needy that’s why I commend him . Since I am also in favor of the creation of a DDR, considering the fact the Philippines is one of the world’s most vulnerable not only to climate change but also to calamities and disasters, I believe a Department of Disaster Resilience is a “must” under any administration.

The precarious location of the country in the Ring of Fire makes the Philippines prone to destructive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The country is also one of the third most vulnerable to global temperature and sea level to climate change.

For these reasons I believe a DDR should be a priority of President Marcos Jr.

Senator Bong Go refiled Senate Bill 186 to create a specialized department solely responsible for managing the country’s response and mitigation efforts.

The DDR will focus on three areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, and recovery and building.

I commend Bong Go.

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

Forging stronger ties with US M

ANY eyes and ears will be zeroing in on the meeting in Washington today between President Joe Biden and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., their second since September last year on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

President Marcos’ official visit comes at a time as the 65-year-old Filipino leader, 15 years Biden’s junior, seeks to bolster bonds with Washington amid growing tensions with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. The trip follows Washington’s call on Beijing to stop “provocative and unsafe conduct” in the disputed waterway after a recent near-collision with a Philippine coast guard vessel.

Mr. Marcos has described his meeting with President Biden, a year away from running for re-election, at the White House as “essential to advancing our national interest and strengthening that very important alliance.”

“We will reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long standing alliance as an instrument of peace and as a catalyst of development in the Asia Pacific region,” the President said in a pre-departure statement.

The visit comes just three months after the United States secured access to four key military bases in the Philippines—a deal seen by observers as a major step in Washington’s

bid to counter China in the region.

The agreement will add to the five Philippine bases the United States already uses for training and the pre-positioning of equipment.

The visit happens just days after the 2023 repeat of Balikatan, the annual bilateral exercise between Filipino and American troops, was concluded.

Earlier on, US State Department

spokesman Matthew Miller blasted China over the near collision of one of its coast guard ships with a Philippine patrol boat a week ago, saying it was a reminder of Beijing’s “harassment and intimidation” in the contested waterway.

“We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct,” he said in a statement, adding any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response. President Marcos’ meeting with Mr Biden will be followed by an expanded meeting with key Cabinet officials,” according to the Philippine Presidential Communications Office.

“It will substantively progress efforts to further deepen relations and political ties, to bring about lasting socio-economic partnerships, as well as to enhance defense and security cooperation,” Malacañang said. Topics the two leaders are expected to discuss include agriculture, energy, climate change, digital transformation and technology, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supply chains, and infrastructure.

“The trip will highlight the steadfast commitment by both sides to be reliable and resilient allies and partners in times of crisis and prosperity, amid a challenging global and regional environment,” Malacanang said. Whatever will be discussed and agreements signed, allies will be watching and listening intently to the two leaders’ phrasal verbs and full swing.

A public servant extraordinaire

TOGETHER with the Filipino nation, I mourn the passing of Ambassador Albert Del Rosario. Whether in the field of business, diplomacy, or public service, Del Rosario inspired respect and admiration. He was a consummate diplomat, a respected businessman, a public servant extraordinaire -- a friend to every Filipino.

As a respected businessman, he chaired the Philippine Stratbase Consultancy and the Makati Foundation for Education.

Del Rosario sat on the board of more than 50 companies in the banking, insurance, real estate, shipping, telecommunications, consumer products, retail, pharmaceutical and food sectors, including, directorships in PLDT Inc., Business World Publishing Corp., First Pacific Co., PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Philex Mining Corp., Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp., Manila North Tollways Corp., ABC Development Corp., Rockwell Land Corp., Cignal TV and TV5 Network As a diplomat, Ambassador Del Rosario cared deeply for the welfare and protection of Filipinos abroad, especially those in distress.

A defender of national sovereignty and interests, he represented the Philippines in a case against China’s claim of the South China Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He led numerous humanitarian missions to rescue and repatriate Filipinos from conflict zones, disasters, and pandemics.

Del Rosario served as foreign secretary under then President Benigno Aquino III from 2011 to 2016. In the citation I wrote for the 2018 Ateneo de Manila Traditional University Awards Honorary Degree (Doctor of Humanities), he is heralded for his contributions:

“As foreign affairs secretary, he ‘underscored the economic role of the foreign affairs department and revitalized it through an aggressive promotion of Philippine trade, investments, tourism, and official development assistance, in cooperation with its partner agencies.

‘During his time, more than 205 economic agreements were signed, covering labor, trade, education, tourism and air services from 2010–2016 . . .

‘Within the department itself, Secretary del

Rosario implemented reforms that strengthened our diplomacy by boosting the morale of the career service corps, increasing their competencies through further training, and reinstituting the merit system, among others.

‘He also emphasized the management approach of leadership by example, rationalized Philippine presence overseas and reallocating resources where these are most needed, strongly encouraged all foreign service personnel to reach beyond their grasp, at all times, to promote the national interest, and brought cost-effective consular services closer to the people by moving DFA offices to malls such as Ayala, Gaisano, Robinsons, SM, and Ali Mall . . .

His memory is etched forever in the hearts and minds of the family and friends whom he loved, and the

‘Secretary del Rosario embarked on 151 official missions over the course of five years to advance the three foreign policy pillars of the Philippines: national security, economic diplomacy, protection and promotion of the welfare of Filipinos abroad.’”

Together with retired Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, he expressed the Philippines’ stance against China’s extensive maritime claims in both domestic and global forums. He asserted the arbitration decision obtained by his team in 2016 has legally safeguarded the country’s extensive exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea for current and future generations of Filipinos. The Ateneo citation honors him for this:

“If in the end, we will triumph against attempts to undermine our territory and sovereignty, it is because Secretary Del Rosario, with other likeminded Filipinos, stood their ground and drew sharp lines in the seas. Future generations will benefit from their vision and courage.”

An authentic patriot, Ambassador Del Rosario exuded patriotic fervor whether performing official duties or in his personal capacity, He will be remembered as a true statesman, a man who loved his country, and overall, a great human being.

A dignified and gentlemanly person, he fought indefatigably for his convictions and principles.

He led a purposeful life, in total service to his fellow men so much so that he could say, together with St. Paul his letter to Timothy,” I “have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. . . .”

The Ateneo citation rightly summarized his life: “It is said that a nation has four elements: its people, territory, government, and sovereignty.

“Albert F. Del Rosario has defended and promoted all of these that constitute what we are as a country.

“He took care of Filipinos in the diaspora, defended our territory and sovereignty with passion and discipline, and he worked consistently for a better and more dynamic government bureaucracy.”

Del Rosario joined his Creator on April 18, 2023 while traveling on his way to the United States for a religious pilgrimage.

Surely, he went straight to heaven for living such a life of service and giving.

His memory is etched forever in the hearts and minds of the family and friends whom he loved, and the grateful Filipino people whom he served with utmost dedication and selflessness.

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

GG: Lessons in life you would like to inculcate in the minds of your offspring?

AP: God first. He is our priority in everything; give thanks because he is the source of perfect gifts.

NEARLY 127 years after the Basi Revolt in the northern town of Piddig in Ilocos Norte erupted on September 16, 1807, Anunciacion Duldulao was born on March 25, 1934.

Sixty-seven years later, she was to take her oath, before Judge Iluminada Ines in Pinili, where warriors walked during the Philippine-American War and the Japanese occupation in the 1940s, as local chief executive under bright Ilocos sunshine.

The mother of seven children and 20 grandchildren, and 11 more great grandchildren years later, was taking over the helm of the local government unit from her husband, retired Army Colonel Samuel Pagdilao Sr. – a position she held for two more terms.

Today, the educator-turned public servant, who holds a doctorate in education from the Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila, remains an active member of her town’s Sangguniang Bayan.

Years earlier, the 1.49-meter Dr. Pagdilao, who also worked for some time in Mindanao molding young minds, retired as Senior Planning Analyst from the Office of the Planning Service of the Department of Education in Manila.

She admits there has not been any change in her diet, in physical energy except a dimming vision 14 years ago but has since been corrected following a cataract operation in October last year.

The 2009 Dangal ng Bayan Awardee, given by the Civil Service Commission for extraordinary act of public service and consistent demonstration of exceptional ethical behavior, also admits taking maintenance medicines to control hypertension since seven years back, takes 12 glasses of water every day and sodas occasionally but no wine.

We were able to have an exchange of views with the God-fearing and lens-wearing likable public servant, in between her crafting resolutions and drafting proposed ordinances for eventual presentation in the town’s SB meetings.

We got a mirror of her character as a public servant, ascendant, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother as well as her philosophies and beliefs as an elderly.

GG: How do you handle physical and psychological stress now? Was there more stress when you were still working or what?

AP: I just pray when I feel tired. I go to rest and sleep.

GG: What time do you retire to bed? What time do you wake up now that you are retired or as an elderly.

What’s your meal for breakfast, lunch, dinner?

AP: Early to bed and early to rise is my habit ever since. I have not changed, except when activities required me to sleep late.

Generally, my diet is the same with little

variation when invited to parties. My breakfast consists of one egg, rice and coffee with cream and honey, and two glasses of warm water.

Lunch, I have rice and vegetables and a big chunk of chicken specially legs.

For dinner, I have less rice, pinakbet (a typical Ilocano cuisine with sauteed mixed vegetables with fish or shrimp sauce), fish broiled or fried with tomatoes.

GG: Are you active in community activities, including those in religious organizations? AP: I am very active in planning, budgeting, implementing projects or programs.

As a public servant, I am committee chairman in various government organizations, and chairman of the board of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, an ecumenical protestant

denomination committed and dedicated in manifesting prophetic witness of the Church.

GG: At what age did you start feeling you are physically weaker than previously?

AP: At age 85.

GG: What is your secret, if any, for biologically aging gracefully?

AP: I always smile and keep my thoughts clean.

I pray always for my children, and I never entertain hatred but love, even (for) the unlovely.

GG: Are there things you now remember as an elderly that you should have done when you were younger?

AP: Yes, my husband and I used to travel together. We were able to visit at our old age the Holy Land, China, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia. We would have enjoyed more if we were younger.

GG: How do you address the fact of getting old?

AP: Part of life development. There is no turning back.

GG: Would you hide your true age? If so, any reason, if not, why not?

AP: No, I don’t. I am proud to tell (my age) because getting old in age shows wisdom. Besides looks reveal it anyway.

GG: Do you let your children make their decisions on their own, or do you try to influence their decisions?

AP: They make their decisions in life but I give encouragement and guidance.

GG: Your philosophy in life, as a person, as a public servant.

AP: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam, 15:22).

And the Golden Rule precept in the Gospel of Matthew (7:12): “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .” This rule of conduct is a summary of the Christian’s duty to his neighbor and states a fundamental ethical principle.

GG: Do you have fears as an elderly?

AP: No, I always consider that God is with me. I feel at ease when alone or when with a group. I can relate myself to any situation in life.

When my husband left (in May 2021) I (have since become) prepared; someday I will join him, he just went ahead.

What makes me confident is that he is now resting in peace and that his mission on earth is finished.

My mission is not yet finished; I linger a little bit more to finish my task.

After that I know he is there to welcome me home where God prepared a place for us.

grateful Filipino people whom he served with utmost dedication and selflessness

The DDR will focus on three areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, and recovery and building

Whatever will be discussed and agreements signed, allies will be watching and listening intently to the two leaders’ phrasal verbs and full swing

‘God is the source of perfects gifts’

God is our priority in everything; give thanks because he is the source of perfect gifts

EYES

China factory activity cooled in April as recovery challenges

JPMorgan moves to acquire troubled First Republic Bank

loom

BEIJING—China’s manufacturing activity contracted in April, official figures showed Sunday, due to tapering global demand and slow domestic recovery after Covid-related curbs were lifted.

The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index—a key gauge of Chinese factory output –fell unexpectedly to 49.2 in April from 51.9 in March, and below the 50-point mark that separates expansion and contraction in activity, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

Analysts polled by Bloomberg News had expected April factory activity of 51.4. The drop comes after February recorded the highest reading in more than a decade as factories returned to normal following a surge in Covid cases.

China’s economy grew 4.5 percent in the first three months of the year as the country reopened after dropping strict health controls that helped keep the coronavirus in check but battered businesses and supply chains.

But the world’s second-largest economy is also beset by a series of other crises, from a debt-laden property sector to flagging consumer confidence, global inflation, the threat of recession elsewhere and geopolitical tensions with the United States.

The official non-manufacturing PMI, which measures growth in the services and construction sectors, fell to 56.4 from 58.2 in March. The March reading was the highest since May 2011, as the country saw a surge in demand for travel, entertainment and other leisure services unavailable for nearly three years during the pandemic.

The government has set a comparatively modest growth target of around five percent this year, a goal Premier Li Qiang has warned could be hard to achieve. AFP

SAN FRANCISCO— US financial authorities have taken possession of California’s troubled First Republic Bank, which will be acquired by JPMorgan Chase, government regulators announced Monday in the latest banking failure.

First Republic, the second-largest bank by assets to collapse in US history, has been in freefall since disclosing last week that it lost more than $100 billion in deposits in the first quarter, causing its shares to plummet.

The San Francisco-based lender had

been under heavy pressure after the bankruptcies in March of regional banks Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank sparked fears of contagion and rattled financial markets.

Officials have been scrambling to come up with a rescue package.

The US Treasury and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), an agency in charge of guaranteeing bank deposits, approached six banks last week to gauge their interest in buying First Republic’s assets, a source familiar with the matter told AFP.

As part of the deal struck early Monday, the California regulator appointed FDIC as the receiver of First Republic, to be immediately sold to JPMorgan Chase.

On Monday, the 84 First Republic offices in eight states will reopen as branches of JPMorgan Chase Bank, according to the FDIC.

“To protect depositors, the FDIC is

TOP GAINERS

entering into a purchase and assumption agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Columbus, Ohio, to assume all of the deposits and substantially all of the assets of First Republic Bank,” FDIC said in a statement.

The federal regulator estimated it will cost about $13 billion to cover First Republic’s losses.

The government’s takeover and sale of the bank comes two months after the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, which led to a snowball effect as concerned investors looked for signs of weakness in the broader banking sector in the United States and Europe.

Another US regional bank failed in the aftermath of SVB’s collapse, while the Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse became the highest-profile casualty a few days later when it was pushed by regulators to merge with its bitter rival, UBS. AFP

Singapore faces slower growth in 2023, but seen to avoid contraction

SINGAPORE—Singapore is expected to post slower economic growth this year but it “should avoid an outright contraction”, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Sunday.

The Southeast Asian city-state’s economic performance is often seen as a barometer of the global environment because of its reliance on trade with the rest of the world.

The financial center also has one of

the busiest ports in the world which serves as a key link between Asia and the rest of the world. In his annual May Day message, Lee said there is hope inflation will let up in the second half of the year and that retrenchment numbers “remain manageable.”

“But our external environment remains volatile, fraught with serious geopolitical tensions,” Lee warned, pointing to the risk of recession in the

West, where interest rates continue to be hiked to tame inflation. “The multilateral trading system is being progressively undermined by growing nationalist and protectionist sentiments, affecting international trade and cooperation.” Singapore’s economy expanded 3.6 percent in 2022, slowing from the 8.9 percent growth in 2021.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has said the financial hub’s GDP is expected to

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

grow between 0.5 percent and 2.5 percent this year. The city-state will have to adapt to the economic disruption of emerging industries and technologies, Lee added. “Singapore’s survival depends on us staying open and doing business with the world,” he said. “This means continually transforming our industries, enhancing existing capabilities and building new ones as we move into growth markets.” AFP

Government supports small reactor startups to push US into new nuclear era

HOUSTON, USA—Several American startups are working on building a new generation of small reactors that could push nuclear energy into a new phase, with support from the US government.

During a recent hearing before the House Appropriations Committee, US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm restated the “importance of nuclear energy” for the current administration regarding America’s power supply.

But despite the Biden administration’s stated support for nuclear power, there are no new projects underway for any traditional nuclear reactors.

In fact, today’s 93 remaining legacy reactors—which provide around 18 percent of the country’s electricity—are ageing fast; six reactors have already been decommissioned since 2017.

The future of the industry will likely rely on small modular reactors—or SMRs—similar to the ones currently powering submarines.

SMRs have been promoted as a cheaper option than legacy reactors, with shortened construction time and less fuel needed to power them, which translates into less nuclear waste.

“I’ve spoken to many utility CEOs and many of them simply stated that they plan to build SMRs and not large reactors,” says William Freebairn, Senior Managing Editor at S&P Global.

Many SMRs will replace coal plants in remote locations where “the ability to place a really large unit is very limited,” he added.

Although SMR technology has been under development for decades, momentum is picking up due in no small part to the push from the

US

AFP government, and the recent adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act which will provide tax credits of up to 30 percent of investments.

Several US companies are currently working on their own SMR or AMR (Advanced Modular Reactor) designs.

But only one, from Portland’s NuScale, has been fully certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Approval was only granted in January this year, six years after the company filed its application.

“Other countries around the world that are interested in this technology really watch what’s happening in the United States very carefully, and they kind of follow suit in terms of what’s been approved by the NRC,” said Bahram Nassersharif, Nuclear Engineering Program Director at the University of Rhode Island.

“That’s kind of the stamp of approval that they accept,” he said.

NuScale initially expected its pilot six-module plant to be fully operational by 2026 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, but delays have already pushed the deadline to 2030.

Time is of the essence, with 28 percent of America’s coal-fired electricgenerating capacity to be retired by 2035, according to an Energy Information Agency (EIA) estimate.

US designs also face increasing competition abroad; some 70 to 80 SMR designs have already emerged in countries including South Korea, France and Russia.

Although it’s currently leading the pack, NuScale’s costs are mounting. The expected bill for its Idaho plant is projected to be $9.3 billion, up 75 percent from initial estimates. Almost half of this money will be provided by government subsidies. Ten of the 36 public utilities that had signed on to help build the plant have dropped out of the group.

“We are aggressively pursuing not only new participants, but also working to incentivize current participants to increase their subscription levels”, explains Stephen Handy, spokesman for Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems. ‘Much safer’

“The first project is always the hardest”, said Chris Levesque, president and chief executive officer of TerraPower, a Bill Gatesbacked company expected to break ground next month on its first reactor called Natrium in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Natrium will be built close to a nearby power plant scheduled to close in 2028.

“There’s the design, which you don’t have to pay for more than once, the licensing with the safety authority, and then the learning curve, just building it for the first time,” Levesque said.

Unlike the NuScale prototype which, like conventional reactors, uses pressurized water, Natrium relies on something called “molten salt technology”, which presents no risk of explosion and does not require a traditional bulky concrete containment structure.

Another American startup called Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC)is aiming to have its plant in Champagne, Illinois, online as early as 2027. It has chosen a regulatory approach that it hopes will allow it to certify the various elements of its installation during construction.

As with other SMRs, USNC’s model includes standardized parts, which would significantly reduce costs and build times, explains Daniel Stout, the nuclear manager of the Seattle company. AFP

WASHINGTON, USA—Elon Musk on Saturday announced a plan for his Twitter platform to allow media publishers to charge users on a per-article basis with a single click.

“This enables users who would not sign up for a monthly subscription to pay a higher per article price for when they want to read an occasional article,” the billionaire entrepreneur said on Twitter, adding, “Should be a major win-win for both media orgs & the public.”

He said the plan would begin next month, but provided no details on exact pricing or what cut Twitter would take. The announcement came as Musk has been struggling, amid frequent controversy, to make Twitter profitable. Media organizations have wrestled for years with how to formulate subscription plans that pay their operating costs even as readers have grown accustomed to getting news free on the internet. The Musk plan raises questions about how exactly he hopes to make the micro-payment approach work when others have failed.

British journalist James Ball listed several problems with micro-payment —an idea, he wrote in the Columbia Journalism Review, that has “definitely occurred to major publishers across the planet.” Many readers will simply click away when encountering a paywall, he noted.

And publishers “vastly” prefer to sign up full-time subscribers, which bring far more in ad revenue than the 20 cents or so from the sale of a single article. Several people posting on Twitter raised other objections. The per-article approach, they said, could encourage a flourishing of “click bait,” it might favor big publishers over small ones, and it is unclear that authors—not just news groups— would see any profits.

But some on Twitter reacted positively. “Great idea,” tweeted user Greg Autry. “As a frequent author in publications like Forbes, Foreign Policy, and Ad Astra I’m ofen frustrated when my work ends up behind a paywall that my followers aren’t willing to subscribe to. AFP

Musk describes Twitter’s new article payment scheme a win-win

LABOR DAY RALLY. Trade union groups and labor activists stage a May Day rally calling for improved working conditions and rights in central Seoul on May 1, 2023. AFP

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm speaks during the daily press briefing in the James S Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Jan. 23, 2023.

Moody’s Analytics sees April inflation decelerating to 7.3%

By Julito G. Rada

INFLATION in April likely decelerated further from the previous month’s and the 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January 2023, Moody’s Analytics said in its Asia-Pacific economic preview for the week.

Moody’s Analytics—-a unit of Moody’s Corp. that focuses on non-rating activities—said in a report Monday inflation in April eased to 7.3 percent from 7.6 percent in March.

Its estimate was higher than the 6.3 percent to 7.1 percent forecast range announced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for April 2023.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release the official figure in a news briefing on May 5. Moody’s Analyt-

ics did not provide explanations on its April inflation forecast.

Inflation accelerated to a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January 2023 but eased to 8.6 percent in February and 7.6 percent in March. Inflation averaged 5.8 percent last year, surpassing the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

The elevated inflation in the Philippines, considered one of the stickiest in the region, compelled the BSP to raise the benchmark interest rates by 25 basis

points to 6.25 percent in March 2023.

The interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee earlier raised the average inflation rate assumption for 2023 to a range of 5 percent to 7 percent from the previous estimate of 2.5 percent to 4.5 percent, given the persisting high prices of food, energy and transport costs.

Members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook said they were committed to pursuing an all-of-government approach to continuously implement immediate and medium-term strategies to alleviate inflation, ensure food and energy security and return to the target range of 2 to 4 percent between 2024 and 2028.

NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said during the IAC-IMO meet-

IN BRIEF

SEC issues IRR on financial consumers protection law

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said it released the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11765 or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act to protect consumers from fraud and abuses.

It said the IRR covers all financial products and services including credit, securities and investments.

ing on April 20 that importation would fill the domestic supply shortfall of basic goods.

Aside from importation, other measures proposed by NEDA are the prepositioning of rice buffer stocks during El Niño; strengthening the implementation of biosecurity and hog repopulation programs; improving and expanding the Kadiwa program to directly connect producers and consumers; and fast-tracking the distribution of targeted subsidies to farmers and fisherfolks.

Edillon said import decisions should take into account the expected lean domestic production period and estimated transit time of commodities from the source country to address the domestic supply gap.

“True to the objectives of the FCPA, the IRR advances financial consumers’ right to equitable and fair treatment, to disclosure and transparency in the marketing of financial products and services, to protection of consumer assets against fraud and misuse, to data privacy and protection, and to timely handling and redress of complaints of consumers,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

“In turn, the IRR reinforces the commission’s mandate of, and unwavering commitment to, protecting financial consumers, and inculcating in financial service providers the values of fairness, transparency, accountability and ethics,” Aquino said. FCPA and the IRR also reinforce the SEC’s power over issuers of securities in tokenized or digital forms. Jenniffer B. Austria

PEZA seeks higher threshold on investment approvals

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority will push for an increase in the investment threshold to a range of $3 billion to $5 billion from less than $1 billion for incoming projects locating inside economic zones.

“Ideally, the approval of big-ticket projects is reserved to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board.

At present, we can only process projects less than $1 billion,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

Panga said the FIRB trained PEZA on cost benefit analysis of projects, making it easier for the agency to assess and approve projects without duplication. Having this authority will strengthen PEZA’s position as an IPA that directly promotes investments and interacts with investors, he said.

“Thus we can commit that the necessary incentives will be offered directly to investors instead of going through the FIRB for separate approval and confirmation of incentives,” he said.

Data showed that investments approved by PEZA grew by 53.99 percent in the first quarter to P12.53 billion. “We have achieved positive investments for this year’s first quarter and we can sustain this momentum in the coming months as we expect more inbound delegations of foreign investors. The best is yet to come as we further open up the economy and manage the external headwinds,” Panga said. Othel V. Campos Bank

lending standards stayed unchanged in Q1

HOUSING EXPO. The Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations Inc. musters the support of government and private sector stakeholders to attain its vision of ‘a home for every Filipino’ through the staging of the first Visayas-Mindanao Regional Housing and Real Estate Conference and Expo on April 26 to 28, 2023 at the SM Trade Hall in General Santos City. Leading the conference are (from left) CREBA national president Noel Toti Cariño, conference chair Isidro Protacio, vice president-chapter Jocelyn Yumul and vice president-academics Techie Bautista. The event drew the attendance of real estate and housing players from various regions eager for updates and insights on major growth drivers that will help propel the property sector to a strong rebound and recovery.

AREIT to accelerate expansion as retail, hospitality sectors recover

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust company of Ayala Land Inc., is ready to further expand and diversify its portfolio as the retail and hospitality sectors start to recover.

AREIT president Carol Mills said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting the group’s strategy is to seek out opportunities for office properties and complement them with hotel and retail components.

“As we enter 2023 with a track record of

delivering solid performance and growth, AREIT is ready to accelerate expansion and diversify its portfolio,” Mills said.

“With the pandemic behind us, we see a strong rebound in commercial businesses, particularly retail establishments. This improvement provides an opportunity to expand and balance AREIT’s portfolio, in line with its prospectus when we listed it as a commercial REIT,” she said.

AREIT is undertaking P22.5 billion worth of asset infusion which would increase total assets to P87 billion and

portfolio to 23 properties.

The infusion which involves prime flagship assets from ALI office and malls would enable AREIT to achieve its three-year investment plan of P90 billion in assets under management.

The proposed assets to be acquired by AREIT include One Ayala Avenue at the corner of Edsa and Ayala Ave. with 71,000 square meters of office space, the newly-redeveloped Glorietta 1 and 2 mall and office buildings and Ayala Mall Marquee in Angeles City, Pampanga. ALI’s crown jewel—Glorietta 1 and

2—is home to essential local and foreign retail brands and well-established F&B offerings. It also has two office buildings on top of the mall, while MarQuee Mall has consistently been one of the group’s top-performing provincial malls, pre- and post-pandemic.

AREIT’s portfolio is composed primarily of offices, with high occupancy of 98 percent. It said about 88 percent of expired office leases were renewed, and all 7,000 sq. m. of pre-terminated leases in 2022 were replaced.

ENEX pursuing 1,100-MW gas turbine plant without ACEN’s financial backing

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ENEX Energy Corp., together with its joint venture partner, is “in very advanced stages of development” of the P60-billion, 1,100-megawatt combined-cycle gas turbine power plant in Batangas City.

ENEX and US-based Blackstone Inc. portfolio company Gen X Energy LLC are jointly developing Batangas Clean Energy Inc., the project company of the natural gas power plant.

“That’s in very advanced stages of development, and we believe it can participate in the upcoming CSP [competitive selection process] of Meralco [Manila Electric Co.] for instance,” ENEX chairman Eric Francia said.

THE standards for bank lending were broadly unchanged in the first quarter of 2023, results of the latest Senior Bank Loan Officers’ Survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed.

A larger percentage of bank respondents maintained their overall credit standards for business and household loans based on the modal approach. Meanwhile, the diffusion index method showed a net tightening of lending standards to firms and a net easing of lending standards for households.

Modal-based results showed that a higher number of respondent banks (73.3 percent) had unchanged credit standards for enterprises in the first quarter. The diffusion index approach showed a net tightening of overall credit standards across all borrower firm sizes with several reasons cited by the surveyed banks. These are the deterioration in the profitability and liquidity of banks’ portfolios, less desirable borrowers’ profiles, uncertain economic outlook and a lower risk tolerance. Both modal and diffusion index approaches indicated that banks anticipate generally steady loan standards for the next quarter because of stable economic outlook, broadly steady risk tolerance and stable profile of borrowers. Julito G. Rada

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SUSTAINABLE STARTUPS. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual underscores the vital role of public and private partnerships in encouraging investments toward building resilient and sustainable tech-startups during the launch of SCALE program. SCALE is a mutual endeavor of DTI, the Management Association of the Philippines, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Foxmont Capital Partners and IdeaSpace Foundation in building collaborative programs to strengthen tech businesses to be scalable enough to reach the global market.

Francia said, however, that while ENEX’s parent company ACEN was supporting the joint venture company, “ACEN has already committed to only invest in 100-percent RE [renewable energy].”

“I just want to make it clear that it is not the intent of ACEN to invest in the construction equity of a gas-fired power plant because we already committed to become 100-percent RE generation by 2025,” Francia said.

“What it means is that ENEX will have to source, together with its partner, for the capital once the project gets to financial close,” he said.

Francia said the BCE project is not yet in financial closing, and it is looking to win a long-term contract given the volatility of fuel prices.

“It is very risky to invest in a merchant, uncontracted gas power plant. It would need a contract with a reasonable pass-through mechanism and so forth,” Francia said.

“We would like nevertheless for the project to succeed. We will exert all efforts to make sure the project gets fully-funded and that would be the role of ENEX to play and we have various options,” he said.

1,200-MW Sual coal plant resumes operations after weekend maintenance shutdown

THE Department of Energy said Monday the 1,200 megawatt Sual coal-fired power plant is now back in operation after undergoing maintenance shutdown over the weekend. It said the Sual coal plant underwent maintenance from April 29 to May 1 to conduct repairs.

“Concerns with Sual units 1 and 2 were resolved and both are operating as planned. Sual unit 2 is fully operational, while unit 1 is maintained [at] max level

of 580 MW until further repair and maintenance activities are done by June or July,” Energy assistant secretary Mario Marasigan said.

The grid operator did not place the Luzon grid on red or yellow alert despite the maintenance shutdown because of low demand over the weekend.

The Sual plant had to resolve the buildup of a leak from the boiler tube and clean the generator stator lot bar to rectify the increase in temperature.

Energy officials said, however, that if they allowed plant to conduct the maintenance for seven-days on May 5 to 11 as requested, it would result in a possible yellow alert, or worst, red alert on Week 18 (May 1 to 7) and Week 19 (May 8 to 14). This was agreed during the assessment meeting among the DOE team, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and TeaM Sual Corp. on April 25.

The DOE received a notice from the TSC on April 24 requesting to undergo

unplanned maintenance of its Sual Unit 1 on May 5 to 11.

The DOE also asked for the public’s cooperation by rationalizing the use of power during the peak demand hours of 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to mitigate the impact of the maintenance shutdown.

It encouraged all offices and residences using air conditioners to set their thermostat at 25 degrees Celsius during these times. Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine E-Commerce Association said it expects to see a sustained growth this year as more Filipinos turn to online shopping.

PECA president Jere Von Basa told reporters the e-commerce industry in the Philippines would continue to grow faster this year and beyond.

“Right now, we have about eight million online sellers in the Philippines, and based on the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] data, the industry’s monthly sales range between P2 billion and P3 billion,” Basa said.

“The growing trend of e-commerce in the Philippines has brought good news to many establishments, as well as more challenges, primarily on security and fraud,” he said.

Basa said inadequate access to finance remained a major obstacle for micro, small and medium enterprises, particularly online sellers.

Data from the DTI showed that 99.5 percent of companies in the Philippines were MSMEs as of last year.

“These are just among the top concerns PECA would like to address as it sees that e-commerce in the country will continue to prosper in the coming years,” Basa said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority earlier reported that the country’s digital economy amounted to P2.08 trillion, contributing 9.4 percent to the gross domestic product in 2022. The amount represented an increase of 11 percent from P1.87 trillion in 2021.

The digital economy is composed of digital transactions covering digitalenabling infrastructure, e-commerce and digital media/content.

PECA anticipates sustained growth of PH e-commerce

Falcons acquire 2 standouts from jr team

THE Adamson Falcons are taking in two talented cagers from their high school squad.

Guards Peter Rosillo and Mat Edding ¥made commitments to play for the Falcons in college in the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

Soaring Falcons’ coach Nash Racela confirmed their commitments to the seniors’ basketball program of Adamson University.

“This is big for the continuity of our program. We are aware of how other programs do their recruitment and we want to do it another way. That’s why we put so much importance in our high school program in the hope that they will transition smoothly to our seniors’ team,” said Racela.

Rosillo is a 19 year old, 5’8” playmaker from Placer, Surigao del Norte, with averages of 13.79 points, 4.14 rebounds, 2.43 assists, 1.5 steals in 25 minutes.

Banged-up Standhardinger, Anthony praised for PH 5 stint

By Randy Caluag G

INEBRA’S Christian Standhardinger and the rest of the underrated stars from the Philippine Basketball Association received praise from netizens on social media for answering the call of duty to serve as the country’s representatives in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games.

With other so-called superstars staying away from the competition, citing family and personal commitments, coach Chot Reyes had to make do with “volunteers” willing to wear the Gilas uniform in the competition regarded as the “lowest” in terms of international prestige.

But the stakes have become higher, however, as the Philippines is aiming to redeem its pride and the basketball gold medal that was snatched by Indonesia in last year’s edition in Vietnam. Indonesia, boosted by several Indo-

Filipinos net

3 silver medals at Singapore nationals

By Peter Atencio

TEAM Philippines, preparing for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, bagged three silver medals at the close of the Singapore National Athletics Championships.

Clinton Kingsley Bautista, Joyme Sequita and John Mike Lera all settled for runner-up finishes behind their respective rivals during the three-day meet.

This gave the Filipinos a sixth-place finish, while Malaysia, Singapore and Chinese Taipei ended up in first, second and third, respectively.

Malaysia scooped up 13 golds, eight silvers and three bronze medals, while Singapore had a 7-7-6 tally, with Chinese Taipei getting six golds and three silvers.

Bautista clocked 14.16 seconds and was at the back of Hanoi Games silver medalist Ang Chen Xiang, who took the gold in 13.89 seconds.

Xiang’s performance was considered a new national record, as he broke the 13.90-second standard, according to results posted on the tournament’s official website.

Bautista’s clocking was far from the national record of 13.78 he set last year in the 2022 SEA Games.

South Korean Dae Hee Kim settled for third at 14.53 seconds.

Sequita, who will be in the men’s 4x400 meter relays with Bautista, settled for second place in the men’s open 400-meter run in 47.73 seconds.

Hanoi SEA Games bronze medallist Calvin Quek took the gold medal in 47.43 seconds.

Lera leaped to a distance of 7.48 meters in the men’s long jump open for the silver, with Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chia Hsiang taking the gold medal in 7.66 meters.

Laotian bet Xaida Vongsavanh grabbed the bronze medal (7.23 meters).

A 54-member national squad in athletics has been formed to seek a better performance in the biennial meet in Cambodia.

nesian-foreign players, is seriously intent on keeping the crown as it set up camp in Australia and played with several professional teams. They even reportedly beat a squad from the National Basketball League.

Standhardinger was among the few to answer the national team’s call and reported early for practice even though he was banged up from the recent Governors’ Cup Finals.

And netizens were quick to shower him with praise.

“He is more Filipino than most Fili-

pinos. He is serving the country with no complaints or excuses. I Salute you CStan with both hands,” said Michael Buminaang.

“One of the most admirable guys in the league gives little to no reasons when playing the game and gives his all,” Ian Depositario added.

An obvious Ginebra fan even branded Standhardiner as a hero.

“CStan is truly Filipino, he had the blood of our heroes who is willing to sacrifice their personal interests just to fight for the country’s pride and honor. CStan is the Man I salute you! NSD! (Never Say Die).”

Netizens also praised NLEX Warrior veteran Sean Anthony, who volunteered to be a practice player even if he was not invited.

“I admire Sean Anthony also, even though he is not called for Gilas, duty he volunteered himself for practice, while those so-called deserving, wala ‘di nasipot,” said Yetzkie Cortado.

NSAs thank POC for ‘personalized and hands on’ delivery of national team kits for SEA Games

THE Philippine Olympic Committee went the extra mile over the weekend to complete the distribution of national team kits to athletes in 44 sports and disciplines who are seeing action in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games whose opening ceremony is set Friday.

POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was hands on in the distribution process that had its staging area at the Sigtuna Hall of the Tagaytay City Atrium on Saturday and Sunday.

“The POC wants all national team kits to be in the possession of athletes and coaches as soon as possible,” Tolentino said. “We received the kits in batches last Friday and Saturday and we didn’t waste a minute to sort them and send to the preferred locations of national sports associations [NSAs].”

A total of 1,200 national team kits were disposed with the arduous task wrapping up with the final delivery to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines.

The kits included track suits, tech shirts, socks, backpacks, caps, shoes, towels, string bags, shorts and luggage.

“ Gymnastics supplies received! Thank you POC President @Cong Bambol Tolentino and to your tireless team,” GAP officials told Tolentino in a text message via the POC-NSAs chat group at 9:25 p.m. Sunday.

The kits included track suits, tech shirts, socks, backpacks, caps, shoes, towels and luggage.

“Karate just received all luggage, track suit and shoes,” the karate federation told Tolentino also via text message. “First time supplies are delivered and sent to NSA’s preferred location! Kudos to President Bambol and the POC team for all the hard work!”

The national team kit includes track suits, tech shirts, socks, backpacks, caps, shoes, towels, string bags, shorts and luggage.

“So many inclusions. The athletes are so happy. Thank you again,” said a message from athletes and coaches in Kun Khmer, an indigenous Cambodian martial arts that the hosts included in the Games program.

Supplies for athletes and coaches in cricket, sailing, chess, obstacle sports, volleyball and windsurfing, who flew ahead to the Games, got theirs in Cambodia.

Among those who expressed gratitude to POC via the chat group for getting their supplies were floorball, arnis, weightlifting, tennis, billiards, jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling, boxing, sepak takraw and basketball.

The 20-year-old Edding is a 6’1” skipper from Zamboanga City, who normed 10.92 points, 7.77 rebounds, 4.62 assists, 2.46 steals in 25 minutes.

Adamson has also added 6-foot FilAm guard Mathew Montebon from Newark Memorial High School in California, along with transferee Eli Ramos from Ateneo.

Meanwhile, the National University Bulldogs will keep Patrick Wilson Yu for two more seasons.

Yu decided to stay on with NU after becoming one of the 5,887 passers in the board exams for civil engineers this year.

The 6’3” playmaker is returning after one season.

Buldogs’ coach Jeff Napa said they will have a fitting substitute to guards Kean Baclaan and Steve Nash Enriquez in their rotation. Peter Atencio

Moraes preparing for biggest fight yet in ONE meet

FORMER ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes is leaving no stones unturned entering the biggest fight of his career.

The Brazilian grappling ace looks to settle his trilogy with ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10 on 6 May at the sold-out 1stBank Center in Colorado. Things have fallen right into place for Moraes. Not only will he get the chance to come up on top against a fighter who many consider as the greatest to ever do it — he gets to attempt it in ONE’s debut on U.S. soil.

“I consider Johnson the biggest rival of my career. He is considered the best in the world and also in the history of this division. He was my greatest victory, and at the same time, my greatest defeat,” he said.

“I was the first World Champion of ONE’s flyweight category. I’m glad to be one of the pillars of the division and to be in the main event of the first ONE Championship event in the U.S. It will be very significant to beat him here.”

In fact, he’s going full-throttle now at American Top Team in Florida to sharpen every facet of his game to prepare for Johnson’s multi-pronged attacks.

“Because it is a trilogy, the preparation is more detailed because we know each other well, but it is intense training the same way [as with any other opponent],” he said.

“I have great training partners and coaches that help me every day.

Katel Kubis for Muay Thai, Steve Mocco and Mike Brown for wrestling, Pitu and Gabriel de Oliveira in boxing, Marcos ‘Parrumpinha’ and Rani Yahya in jiu-jitsu.

“‘Cobrinha’ came here and helped, and ‘Buchecha’ helps me in grappling as well. In MMA there is Pedro Munhoz, Alexandre Pantoja, and other guys who help me a lot.”

CHEERLEADING CHAMPS. The Arellano Chiefs claimed their 4th consecutive cheerleading title and took home the P100,000 cash prize, while perennial contender, the Perpetual Altas Perpsquad finished runner-up and received P75,000 at the conclusion of the NCAA Cheerleading Championship on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. Dennis Abrina

Christian Standhardinger

MPBL works with GAB to keep sport’s integrity

THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and the Games and Amusements Board will work together for the betterment of the league and local basketball in general.

GAB Chairman Atty Richard Clarin and MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes made this commitment on Sunday during the welcome dinner tendered by the league for the 29 member teams competing in the ongoing OKBetMPBL Fifth Season and its sponsors at the Palacio de Maynila in Malate.

Accord- ing to Duremdes, apart from providing livelihood and promoting basketball at the grassroots level, MPBL CEO and Founder Manny Pacquiao intends to protect the players and teams from unscrupulous elements.

Clarin, who served as the keynote speaker of the event, concurred and said the country’s regulatory and supervisory body for professional sports is bound to protect the integrity of the sport and the MPBL.

Reiterating the 3Ps (Promote, professionalize and Protect) advocacy of the agency, Clarin warned the players from getting involved in game-fixing as well as playing in Ligang Labas without informing their mother teams, the MPBL and the GAB, otherwise their licenses will either be suspended or blacklisted.

He added that the GAB and the MPBL will be conducting random drug testing.

Earlier, MPBL executive Joe Ramos thanked the league’s major sponsors led by OKBet, which was represented by Robert Chen, Anta, Xtreme, Suzuki Philippines, Molten and Buracai de Laiya.

MPBL Operations head Emmer Oreta, on the other hand, reconfirmed that the league will be taking a break from August 25 to September 10 to give way to the 2023 FIBA World Cup the Philippines will be co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia.

Pacquiao was unable to attend the event he initiated after being hit by jet lag following his arrival from the United States.

DISC GOLF LAUNCHED. The Nayong Pilipino Foundation, in partnership with the Disc Golf Association of the Philippines, launched Disc Golf as a Sport Tourism in the country with an inaugural tournament participated in by at least 40 professional disc golf players from different parts of the Philippines. Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, is a professional, highlycompetitive sport with one of the fastest-growing, most dedicated fan and player communities in the world. It is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer.

Alcaraz sets up Zverev revenge bid in Madrid

MADRID—World number two and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday set up a Madrid Open last 16 duel with Alexander Zverev, the German rival who handed him a heartbreaking, realitycheck defeat at Roland Garros last year.

Alcaraz defeated Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 6-2, 7-5 in the Madrid third round as he continues his bid to win a 10th tour title before his 20th birthday.

The Spanish crowd-pleaser was briefly troubled when 31-year-old Dimitrov broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set.

However, that merely delayed the inevitable as Alcaraz wrapped up victory in 90 minutes, making just four unforced errors. It was his 25th win of 2023 against just two losses and a 15th victory on clay.

The 19-year-old swept past Zverev in the Madrid final in 2022 for the loss of just four games.

However, just weeks later, the German claimed a four-set victory in the French Open quarter-finals. That was Zverev’s third win in the pair’s four meetings.

“I really want to play that match. We played a few times, head-to-head he is up,” said Alcaraz.

“I really want to show my great level here in front of my home crowd. I have

La Salle, PSP eye 2nd wins in a row

Games Tuesday 2 p.m. – University of Perpetual Help System Dalta vs PSP Gymers 4 p.m. – Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda vs EcoOil-La Salle

REIGNING champion EcoOil-La Salle and PSP Gymers shoot for their second straight wins against separate counterparts in a bid to maintain early leadership in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

La Salle (1-0) tangles with Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda (0-1) in the main act at 4 p.m., following the 2 p.m. tussle between PSP and the debuting University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

The Green Archers opened their title-retention bid with an easy win over Centro Escolar U, 84-62, but will be facing a tall order against the Red Lions without the services of brothers Mike and Ben Phillips.

The Phillips siblings are part of the Gilas Pilipinas training pool currently in Calamba, Laguna for a closed-door, intensive training camp in preparation for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

La Salle, however, vowed to be ready against the odds even with a crippled crew.

“We’ll be shorthanded but we will come prepared,” said deputy mentor Gian Nazaro, who’s taking over for new head coach Topex Robinson, who is currently in the United States.

“We know that San Beda can play. Alam namin yung potential ng San Beda and we have a lot of respect for coach Yuri (Escueta) and his staff. We’re really gonna prepare for them.”

great memories from last year in the final but obviously I have to be really focussed in that match.

He added: “I know that Sascha is a really good player, a really aggressive one with good serves. I have to show all my skills.”

Two-time Madrid champion Zverev needed just 56 minutes earlier Sunday to dispose of France’s Hugo Grenier 6-1, 6-0 on the back of six breaks of serve and 26 winners.

“With Carlos it will be a match-up people will look forward to,” said 16thranked Zverev.

“We played in the final here last year, played a massive match at Roland Garros before I got injured (in the semi-final against Rafael Nadal).”

Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina toppled world number seven Holger Rune 7-6 (7/1), 5-7, 7-6 (7/5).

Rune, who turned 20 on Saturday, had saved a match point in the previous round against Alexander Bublik. AFP

PSP, on the other hand, wants no let-up against another established collegiate program in Perpetual after a debut to remember versus San Beda with a 94-92 come-frombehind win last Thursday.

“Kailangan kalimutan na namin ‘yung debut namin. Kailangan handa kami vs Perpetual. Kailangan gutom kami palagi. Kumpyansa pero dapat hindi kampante,” said coach John Paolo Lao, who’s getting a lift from his assistant coaches in PBA cagers CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz and Jackson Corpuz. Skipper Val Acuña headlines PSP along with Jayvee Dela Cruz, Dariel James Bayla and Ian Jay Yutuc, who delivered the goahead basket in the clutch to cap their comeback from 10 points down in the fourth quarter.

Home comforts can help end spell for Mondilla

CLYDE Mondilla hopes to put it all together back at “home” in pursuit of the elusive win when the Philippine Golf Tour swings to Tarlac for the ICTSI Luisita Championship beginning May

“Sana nga, makabawi na sa Luisita

(Hopefully, I can recover at Luisita),” said Mondilla after losing steam in the final round of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship two weeks ago and ending up fifth.

The 2019 Philippine Open champion has also put himself in contention in Bacolod last month but was unable to a unleash a strong finishing kick that has marked his

previous triumphs, the last at Pradera Verde in 2020 where he rallied from way back with a closing 67 then edged four others in a playoff to snatch the PGT Asia crown.

But back at Luisita, which he also calls home and where he won last in 2018, the Del Monte ace is confident he can make the most of his local knowledge of the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed layout to get back into the winner’s podium. He also feels as though there is an unfinished business at Luisita after yielding the crown to Miguel Tabuena in sudden death last year.

But a slew of seasoned campaigners and rising stars are all primed for a crack at the championship, ensuring another spirited

title chase in the P2 million event serving as the fourth leg of this year’s PGT put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Tony Lascuña, for one, is brimming with confidence after snapping a pair of runner-up finishes in Bacolod and Iloilo with a big victory at Caliraya, making him the marked player next week, along with Bacolod leg winner Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa, who scored a breakthrough with an imposing triumph in Iloilo.

Dutch Guido van der Valk, the runaway back-to-back The Country Club Invitational winner, is also tipped to contend for the championship given his brand of play that could fit at the tight,

water-laced layout.

Others in the hunt are Reymon Jaraula, Michael Bibat, Jhonnel Ababa, Marvin Dumandan, Elmer Salvador, Mars Pucay and Jay Bayron and young guns Sean Ramos, Gabby Manotoc and Korean Rho Hyun Ho.

But no one comes into the event with as much confidence as Mondilla, who is using the tournament as part of his buildup for his Asian Development Tour campaign, starting with the Phuket Open on May 25-28 in Thailand.

“I’m really preparing to compete again in the ADT with an eye on earning a shot at an Asian Tour card next year,” said Mondilla.

ONE Championship breaks ground in US as 1 of 2 global leaders in martial arts

ONE Championship makes its longawaited United States debut this week with ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Saturday, 6 May, at the sold-out 1stBank Center in Colorado.

This marks the Western arrival for a promotion which has brought the Asian martial arts scene back in the global spotlight.

From 2011, The Home of Martial Arts has climbed its way toward global relevance—and now they head to the U.S. for the first time as the largest promotion in Asia.

“If you look at the largest players in the combat sports industry, pure facts and figures, forget about marketing. Pure facts and figures – the Nielsen industry report, if you’re a fan or if you don’t know anything, go see how many follow-

ers ONE has,” ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong told Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour.

“We have 70 million social media followers, globally. And I think UFC has 100-plus million. It’s very clear there are two big giants, one in the East and one in the West.”

The numbers support Sityodtong’s statements.

ONE Championship has not only used the online space to amass 70 million social media followers, it has also generated more organic video views over the past year, with 6,135 (m) compared to UFC’s 4,636.

Compared to other promotions, Glory comes the closest with 1,488 while PFL (295), Bellator (241), Rizin (225), and KSW (215) round out the major promotions.

“I think you should take a look at hard

facts and numbers. Then, if you are a casual fan, just go to all the social media pages. Look at the number of followers. Look at the engagement rates. Look at the organic video views,” Sityodtong continued.

When it comes to TV viewership, ONE is also ruling that department. According to the 2022 Nielsen report “Year

In Review: Sports Consumption Evolution,” ONE sits at 406 (m) in Global Cumulative TV reach to UFC’s 259.

ONE also broadcasts to more countries than the UFC – 170 to 165, respectively.

“According to Nielsen, our TV reach, unique reach, meaning viewers who watch ONE Championship, is 400+ million. UFC’s was 259 million. These are global numbers. And Bellator was at 11 million. Those are in the combat sports [industry],” Sityodtong said. ONE chairman/CEO Chatri Sityodtong

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz throws his racket during his 2023 ATP Tour Madrid Open tennis tournament singles’ match against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov at the Caja Magica in Madrid. AFP

Clyde Mondilla

GAB chairman

Atty. Richard Clarin

Danny Pata

An unconventional love story

GMA Network’s upcoming afternoon series, The Seed of Love, promises to deliver a gripping story of love and revenge. The program is bannered by Glaiza de Castro and Mike Tan

Playing important roles are Valerie Concepcion and Boy2 Quizon

The Seed of Love follows the story of Bobby (Mike) who decides to have his sperm frozen due to cancer scare. He has been in a long, tedious relationship with a bratty socialite Alexa (Valerie) until Bobby finally breaks up with her.

Valerie Concepcion brings life to bratty socialite Alexa

Bobby that he impregnated her after a recent one-night stand. How will the truth unravel? Is it really goodbye for Eileen and Bobby’s happy family? How far can Alexa and Peter go for the sake of their wrong and unfair love?

Boy2 Quizon plays an equally significant role as an obsessed and hopeless romantic lover

Later on, Bobby meets the optimistic and doting Eileen (Glaiza). Their love blossoms and soon, the two get married. Bobby and Eileen agree to have their child via in-vitro fertilization using his preserved sperm cell.

But Alexa will do everything to destroy the couple and win her exboyfriend back. One day, Alexa steals the embryo of Eileen and Bobby. She does this in connivance with Peter (Boy2), her obsessed and hopeless romantic lover.

Peter then implants the stolen embryo in Alexa’s uterus and replaces Eileen’s with a random embryo. Alexa eventually convinces

A celebration...

From C4 Sitio de Amor Farm Resort San Pablo City, Laguna

A heartful lunch and merienda plus a “hacienda” tour at Sitio de Amor Farm was a cherry on top as we ended our Kulinarya Tagala trip.

Our table was served with a lunch from Cafe Gaudencio’s menu that features dishes from the provinces of Laguna and Quezon like pako salad, sinigang na hipon sa buko sinantolan, sinaing na bangus, and believe it or not, a Christmas staple – we were treated with fresh-from-the-bamboo puto bumbong, glazed with butter, leche flan, and macapuno

The visit to the six-hectare property owned by Amor and George Bondad also comes with a tour of the whole farm resort and among the

Starring in this daring and intriguing series are Alan Paule as Nelson, a self-made millionaire and Bobby’s supportive father, Bernadette Allyson as Ginny, Bobby’s loving sister-in-law and Eileen’s OB-GYNE, Tina Paner as Ludy, the kind and caring sister of Eileen, and Ervic Vijandre as Mandy, Bobby’s trusted friend and colleague in their real estate business.

Completing the star-studded cast are Ashley Rivera as Frieda, Alexa’s best friend and partner-in-crime, and Yanna Asistio as Mona, the funny and protective best friend of Eileen.

The Seed of Love is an original concept of RJ Nuevas and Nehemiarey Debad Dallego. a8 on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Glaiza de Castro (left) and Mike Tan play the lead characters in ‘The Seed of Love’

‘Face 2 Face’ of

By Nickie Wang

alone is not enough and that there should be a purpose behind the content being produced.

The actress and host also believes that their show should strive to leave a lasting impact on the audience by extending beyond the entertainment factor.

Face 2 Face gives a fresh take on the popular talk show’s format with its new mantra, “Isyu ay harapin, huwag palakihin” as it features real people with real problems and finds the best possible resolution to their conflicts.

Ready to help resolve these issues are the show’s resident Trio Tagapayo – “Dr. Love” Bro. Jun Banaag representing the clergy, Atty. Lorna Kapunan giving legal advice, and Dr. Camille Garcia sharing her perspectives as a psychologist.

Evolving with the changing times, the 2023 reboot presents the new duo of Karla Estrada and Alex Calleja as hosts and mediators in resolving the heated rivalries of the show’s guests and diffusing the escalating tension in each episode.

During the show’s press conference, Karla emphasized the importance of imparting valuable lessons to viewers through the television program. She said that entertainment

The new faces Boys will be boys

ONE of the engaging cinematic features that you may watch on the AQPrime Streaming app is Niokz Arcegas’s Losers -1, Suckers - 0. Its amateurish feels, creative crudeness, and novel take on why boys will always be boys, give its some kind of wonderful charm and hook, and it satisfies as a happy entertainment viewing fare.

Losers -1, Suckers - 0 is one part coming-of-age, one part the naughtiness and playfulness of boys and their quest to becoming “real men.”

It’s another part is dark fantasy, with the perfect amount of allure, and an equal blend of how life experiences transform them from hormonedriven boys to men with a deeper comprehension of love, women, and the unexpected twists of life.

This motion picture with a quartet of juveniles as its leads namely Jayden Bravo (Alex), Charles Temones (Mac), Khiester Bernardino (Boogs), and Bench Manalon (Spanky) are the resident campus losers. They work well as a barkadahan but sadly, they are constantly bullied and are unpopular with their female classmates. Adding more burden to their masculinity and existence is the fact that all of them are relative virgins. For the four, this is the

the

TV5 brings back its beloved and legacy program, Face 2 Face, providing daily doses of juicy controversies and gossip, making it a favorite amongst the “Mariteses of the Philippines.” Just like the original version, Face 2 Face, which premiered yesterday on TV5 and One PH, is serving as a virtual “barangay hall on air,” where viewers can tune in to hear the latest buzz and witness heated discussions on various issues.

This new Face 2 Face covers a wide range of topics, from family relationships to personal struggles and triumphs, all with a goal of inspiring empathy and understanding between the conflicting parties.

With Karla’s motherly compassion and Alex’s quick wit, they make an interesting tandem whose teamwork can help diffuse tension in the studio.

Face 2 Face airs from Monday to Friday at 11:00 a.m. on TV5, and 8:00 p.m. on One PH, available on Cignal Ch. 1, SatLite Ch. 1, and Cignal Play. For further details and updates, visit the official social media pages of TV5.

kryptonite that makes them weaker and unlovable, and the bane of their humdrum existence Eager beavers to end their virginities and assert their passed-on concept of what makes a man a real man, the universe conspired to grant them their wish and by some cosmic design, they discover online a hypnotic and intriguing enclave called Casa Esmeralda. With this discovery, they follow the calling of their loins with high hopes that their dream of an orgasmic sexual congress happen in the casa. The boys are in for the biggest page-turner of their lives as the house offers more than what they expected.

What makes the Arcegas-directed streaming flick watchable are its four leads whose earnestness and commitment to showcasing the desire and longing of boys during their age of curiosity and conquest is funny and real.

From bullied virgins to survivors who learned to appreciate and respect gender differences, this story highlights the unimaginable challenges they faced and how they developed a deeper understanding of love and relationships.

Bravo, Temones, Bernardino, and Manlon (reads like the name of a prominent law firm) are the fantastic four newbies who played their roles with rawness and

sincerity. Their chemistry, palpable and pulsating, friendship believable on screen.

Director Arcega’s narrative explores the lives of campus outcasts and their path to redemption, shedding light on the various cliques that exist on campus, clueless authority figures, and the significance of gender differences. What the narrative says does not border on the preachy and pretentiousness, simple lang, pero rock, as they say in Filipino slang. The young filmmaker knows the teen landscape, what makes them tick and click, and we can expect that he has more stories to tell about the wonder years and the power of the youth.

The casting of seasoned actors Ara Mina and Marcus Madrigal is ace of the movie as well. As Esmeralda, the awardwinning Mina is a hypnotic vixen with a body to die for. Her character is a lady who empowers women treated unfairly and unjustly and gave them the means to implement revenge.

The always reliable Madrigal, on the other hand, portrays Principal/Tito Art with a lot of paternal energy who just wants his students to be responsible and focus on their learning.

Losers -1, Suckers - 0 is a welcome addition and definitely one of the better offerings of AQ Prime offerings that is worth everyone’s while and hard-earned pesos. A simple story of boys being boys and how they became men, big time. It is an assurance that youth indeed is not wasted on the young for as long as the learnings from their growing-up experiences are taken in and remain in their hearts and are now thrown out the windows.

The cast and director of ‘Losers-1, Suckers-0’ movie

‘Super Mario’ makes 2023 box office history

THE Super Mario Bros. Movie easily held its first-place position on North American movie screens this weekend while its accumulated global total pushed past the $1 billion mark, analysts said Sunday.

The video game-based film earned an estimated $40 million for the Fridaythrough-Sunday period in the United States and Canada for a domestic total so far of $490 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported. With overseas earnings now at $532 million, its accumulated global total has hit $1.02 billion.

That makes Super Mario – a joint project of Universal, Nintendo, and Illumination studios – the year’s first film to pass the billion-dollar mark and only the 10th animation ever to do so, according to the Hollywood Reporter

Second place, for the second straight weekend, went to bloody horror film Evil Dead Rise from Warner Bros., at $12.2 million. Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland play sisters battling a demonic crew known as the Deadites.

In third was Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, a new comedy-drama from Gracie Films and Lionsgate Films, at $6.8 million.

Based on the beloved Judy Blume novel of the same name, it stars Abby Ryder Fortson

Chris Pratt, who lends his voice to Mario (inset), attends a Los Angeles screening of 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' on April 1 as Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader navigating the challenges of that awkward age. Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates also star. Still strong in its sixth weekend out, Lionsgate’s neo-noir John Wick: Chapter 4 placed fourth at $5 million. Keanu Reeves plays the titular hitman.

highlights was the Caluag House of Tomas Morato, Sr

The tour was long enough to digest what we had for lunch yet our hearts our full in appreciating the man-made lagoon and nature’s beauty. After an almost two-hour tour, we helped ourselves to enjoy Lucena’s Antonas Bread and Pastries owned by Emmanuel ‘Hobbie’ Enriques who brought his best-sellers chicken empanada, taco turnover, cheese rolls, and eclairs. My personal favorite is the creme brulee tart that literally melts in your mouth.

Overall, it felt really good to be back at events like ‘Kulinarya Tagala’ and see that we’re slowly getting to our life before where we’re free to explore the local cities and provinces and be knowledgeable about its culture, traditions, and food.

And showing the enduring lure of the Star Wars franchise, Disney’s re-release of Return of the Jedi placed fifth, taking in $4.8 million. The film starring icons Mark Hamill Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher marks its 40th anniversary in late May. It sold more than 80 million tickets in its initial run. AFP

The new duo of Karla Estrada (right) and Alex Calleja for the 2023 reboot of ‘Face 2 Face’

C4 TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023

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

By Angelica Villanueva

THIS year, in celebration of National Food Month, San Miguel Foods Culinary Center brought back its gastronomic tour featuring two provinces of the Southern Tagalog region – Laguna and Quezon.

I have been living in Rizal since birth yet I haven’t known the region like the way I know my favorite boy group. Having been invited to this event was a great opportunity for me to learn more about my roots.

My father has been staying in Quezon for quite a long time now and he’s been telling me a lot about the province and I wouldn’t miss the chance to see it myself what its towns have to offer. I am also craving to learn more about our national hero’s hometown, Laguna. I knew there was a widespread of things to catch up with

LIFE

wouldn’t be complete without having an authentic pancit lucban with longganisang lucban

As part of the Linang ni LK experience, guests were also treated to a coffee demonstration by its in-house barista who showcased how to make kape salay and kape pandan Bukid Amara Lucban, Quezon

A celebration of the richness of Filipino cuisine

Ultimate gastronomic tour of Laguna and Quezon for National Food Month

these provinces and I guessed, I was right.

National Food Month is a celebration in the Philippines that aims to promote the country’s rich culinary heritage and highlight the diverse flavors and food products from different regions of the country. In line with this celebration, the San Miguel Foods Culinary Center has organized a gastronomic tour that focuses on the two provinces.

Laguna is known for its traditional dishes such as the famous buko pie espasol, and puto binan. It is also recognized for its freshwater fish, such as tilapia and bangus, which are used in various dishes such as sinigang, paksiw, and grilled fish.

Meanwhile, Quezon is famous for its lambanog, a distilled coconut liquor, and its delicacies such as kakanin, suman, and longganisa

During the gastronomic tour, participants experienced the local food culture of Laguna and Quezon by

visiting various food establishments and participating in cooking workshops. They learned about the different ingredients and cooking techniques used in these regions, as well as the history and stories behind each dish.

“Our last food tour in the region was back in 2012, and we’re excited to be back to rediscover the unique flavors of Southern Tagalog cuisine and explore new food destinations in Laguna and Quezon,” started Llena Tan Arcenas, San Miguel Foods Culinary Center manager.

“In many ways, it’s the pandemic that helped bring about a number of the stops we are featuring. On the other hand, for some that are considered old favorites, it is all about adaptation and innovation, while staying true to the core of Tagalog cuisine,” she continued.

Dubbed “Kulinarya Tagala,” the two-day culinary tour aimed to promote the diverse and dynamic food culture of

Higher power marks Calaca’s founding fest this May

A HIGHER level of revelry comes to the new city of Calaca, Batangas with its much-awaited CalacAtchara Festival running until May 10.

Celebrating its 188th founding anniversary with the theme: “Calaca

Rising: Higher Power”, Calaca beams the energy of its people with highlights its culture and history, as it underscores its remarkable transition as the first city in Western Batangas.

Mayor Sofronio “Nas” C. Ona, Jr ., who led Calaca in the cityhood elevation, states: “This year’s CalacAtchara showcases and honors our people’s talents, creativity, dedication, and energies to propel our new city forward. I enjoin Calacazens, Batangas neighbors, and delighted visitors to check out our announced programs on this historic celebration.”

An opening program was held on May 1 with Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go gracing the occasion.

“Green Power: Calaca City AgriFair” is from May 1 to 10, and banners products under the One Barangay, One Product Program, and Livelihood programs in all 40 barangays. A “Pinaka Contest” recognizes products with the “mostest” by participants.

“Power of Story: Calaca Film Festival” runs until May 9 with stories of courage and empowerment. Fulllength and short stories which uplift the spirit and provide perspectives

across dramatic themes are featured. It also signifies the openness of Calacazens to embrace modern art expressions, celebrating freedom of expression and awareness. On May 3, “Power Within: Ms. Gay Calaca City 2023” competition highlights and honors LGBTQ talents while on May 5, the first Binibining Lungsod ng

Calaca is chosen through “Empowered Women: Bb. Lungsod ng Calaca 2023”.

A city fest is only a fest with street dancing. On May 6 “Calascope Street Dance and Exhibition” takes place as a kaleidoscope of ingenuity and brilliance with the Deped Calaca community presenting its own colorful dances.

Calaca as a center of development and a promising hub for investors is manifested in the “Power of Light Float Parade: Illuminating the City of Calaca” on May 7. Marvelous light floats signify the role of industries in city growth.

Outstanding men, women, and organizations of Calaca get center stage on May 9 with Gawad Parangal Grand Power Ball Higher Power Awards.

Culminating these is “Araw ng Calaca Mayor’s Night” on May 10, marking the 188th founding anniversary. Pumped-up energy from popular talents of the country caps off the event on a high note, as well as presents a powerful backdrop to future festivities.

Other events that will further liven the celebration are Horseback Riding, Mountain Bike Challenge, Car and Motor Show, Job Fair, Barangay Power Up Challenge, Power Pups Dog Show, Power Play Inter-Barangay League, Photo Exhibit, Fun Run & Zumba and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the City Hall Annex Building and National Government Center.

The imposing facade of Calaca Municipal Hall

the region.

“As we promote local food tourism, we also hope to emphasize the importance of sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and producers, and promoting sustainable practices while supporting the local economy,” Arcenas added. The two-day food tour was tiring yet it was insightful and had given us a glimpse of the kind of life in the province. Not just that, it literally gave us feasts on our table that even the space for desserts was consumed.

Aurora Filipino Cuisine, Santa Cruz, Laguna

After a four-hour trip, we arrived at our first stop – Santa Cruz, Laguna – where we were welcomed by the traditional dances of a local dance troupe. We had our brunch and I can still remember how I was captivated by Aurora Filipino Cuisine’s Inalamangang Baboy We were also served mini pancakes and bacon, pan de coco, salmon omelet, chicken adobo sa dilaw, and sinugno na tilapia fillets made with fresh coconut sourced from the restaurant’s backyard.

The meal was perfectly capped off with fresh fruit, pandan iced tea, and L’OR Essenso Brazilian 3in1 Coffee and LÓR Essenso Colombian 2in1 Coffee, which served as perfect accompaniments to Aurora’s torta de pili Linang ni LK Lucban, Quezon

Owned by Chef Francis Ocoma

Linang ni LK is a farm resort founded in April 2019 and is created because of his love for cooking and farming. Known for being the Lakwatserong Kusinero, he named his farm-to-kitchen resort to ensure guests fresh, farm-totable dishes and a unique “farm-cation” experience.

And, yes, we felt that as we enjoyed our ube taw, glutinous ube-flavored rice balls topped with Magnolia ube ice cream. Of course, a trip to Quezon

I’m telling you, this trip was in fact a delightful treat for food buddies like me. It’s a snack-after-snack tour.

After a coffee break at Linang ni LK, we were brought for a quick tour at Bukid Amara owned by Michael ‘Mike’ Caballes where we got to see its impressive landscape of edible flowers, a man-made lake, and greenhouses featuring flowering plants, herbs, and edible greens, all with the magnificent Mt. Banahaw as its background.

We also got to try the farm’s floral spring rolls which are filled with chicken, edible flowers fresh from the farm, egg omelet, and vermicelli noodles, partnered with cucumber and citrus quencher.

Rodillas Yema Cake Tayabas City, Quezon

We’re not done yet! We were also given the chance to have our desserts at Rodillas Yema Cake by Monica and Jett Bakeshop which was owned by Vincent and Juliet Rodillas

I have been looking forward to having a tour of the plant of its local bakeshop as part of our itinerary since it has now become one of the province’s most iconic local delicacies.

After a quick tour, owner Juliet ensured that we won’t go home without some pasalubong in our hands from her oven such as the all-time favorite yema cake, cheesecake, cheese cupcake, and lengua jar.

Jardin de Pio, Tayabas, Quezon

To end our first day, we had our dinner at Jardin de PIo located in the town of Tayabas. The cuisine is led by Chef Peter Dellosa who served us with a wide spread of dishes. But my favorites were the gambas aligue, aglio olio pasta, and silvanas

We were also introduced to Quezon’s cultural brand, the Tagayan Ritual, and enjoyed the rest of the night with rondalla music.

unveils groundbreaking project at ‘Renacimiento’ event

GOLDEN Haven Memorial Park, the most prominent name in the Philippine deathcare industry, recently unveiled Golden Haven Las Piñas’ two new services and a ground-breaking project at a grand event called “Renacimiento: A New Era of Golden Haven Las Piñas Life Care”.

A Spanish word that translates into “rebirth,” renacimiento signifies the spirit of new beginnings at Golden Haven Las Piñas, which has often led the charge in offering innovative services, environmentally friendly upgrades, and excellent customer care.

“Renacimiento: A New Era of Golden Haven Las Piñas Life Care” was held at the Sipag Hall, where scores of clients, customers, and industry stakeholders joined company executives in witnessing the launch of the Memorial Alcove, the newest pre-selling project of Golden Haven Las Piñas.

Set to rise in the picturesque Jardin de Angeles, the Memorial Alcove will feature elegant and minimalistic aesthetics that support its innovative style of memorialization, and a vertical design that occupies less land space. Each alcove may inter one body and additional bone remains, making it a cost-effective option for investors keen on adding sustainable and environmentally sound properties to their portfolios.

Golden Haven Las Piñas likewise introduced its up-and-coming service, the pet crematorium, offering pet owners the chance to bid their beloved furry friends a dignified and loving farewell. Guests at Renacimiento were also treated to the spectacle of hundreds of butterflies being released, providing a unique and symbolic way of saying goodbye to loved ones. This beautiful

ritual will now be offered to clients who may want to send off their dearly departed in such a heartwarming manner.

All these impressed those present at the momentous occasion, led by Golden Haven’s president, Emy Lustado; Information Technology and Marketing Services Head, Maria Renee Regala; Las Piñas Division Head, Iris Guazon; South Luzon Division Head, Glenda Adriano; North Luzon Division Head, Analyn Anero; MIS lead, Pat Andrea Basa; and Las Piñas Marketing Staff, Kezia Capitulo. Meantime, several attendees were observed investing in their own memorial lots and services in the course of the evening. A beaming Emy Lustado later emphasized the importance of providing clients with innovative and cost-effective solutions to their memorial needs.

“We promise you that we will continue to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion that have made Golden Haven a leading name in the industry and to continue exceeding your expectations,” she said.

Overall, Renacimiento lived up to its joyful purpose, which was to ensure that Golden Haven Las Piñas will continue to flourish as Golden Haven’s flagship brand.

Today, Golden Haven’s widespread presence aligns with every Filipino’s dream of one day retiring and enjoying their twilight years in their birthplaces and – when the time comes – to be laid to rest in their beloved hometown.

If you wish to invest in Golden Haven Las Piñas’ Memorial Alcove or in their other memorial products and services, you may get more information by visiting our website.

Mayor Sofronio ‘Nas’ C. Ona Jr.

Linang ni LK’s

taw

de Pio’s gambas aligue

baboy