Manila Standard - 2023 May 21 - Sunday

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NCR faces water interruption

MWSS: Deteriorating Laguna Lake water quality to affect services

THE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System yesterday raised the alert on a possible water interruption in various parts of Metro Manila and Cavite amid the decreasing water quality of Laguna Lake.

MWSS Division Manager Patrick Dizon said pollution, the presence of blue-green algae, and the high turbidity of the lake’s waters can affect water filtration systems, which in turn could result in water interruptions.

“Our problem is that our water quality is not good,” he said.

The Laguna Lake Development Authority earlier warned about the proliferation of blue-green algae, locally known as “liya,” which can complicate

MWSS sources nine percent of its water distributed in Metro Manila from Laguna Lake, which also supplies 80 percent of the milkfish and tilapia requirements of the National Capital Region.

MWSS, Dizon said, is coordinating with experts from its Singaporean counterpart to address the water quality in Laguna Lake.

“We have coordinated with the Public Utilities Board of Singapore.

They will arrive in Manila next week to assess the Maynilad plant in Putatan. We will seek guidance on what is the correct technology to be used based on the water quality,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Water Resources Board executive director Sevillo David Jr. said the Marcos administration has adopted a wholeof-government approach to ensure water security amid a looming El Niño phenomenon.

“We have various government

PNP eyes money laundering probe on scalawag cops

THE Philippine National Police will ask the Anti-Money Laundering Council to conduct a financial investigation on its personnel assigned to the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group as part of efforts to weed out so-called ninja cops involved in illegal activities.

Ninja cops are those suspected of involvement in returning to the black market their confiscated illegal drugs.

Christian Standhardinger

At least 20 more members of the anti-narcotics unit of the PNP were relieved from their posts as part of a continuing internal cleansing, bringing the total number of cops sacked to 117.

“This is on-going as part of our internal cleansing. We need to make sure that those who would be assigned in PDEG must be clean,” PDEG director Brig. Gen. Faro Antonio

Olaguera said.

“We will also file a request before the AMLC for necessary financial investigation of other personnel involved,” Olaguera added. PDEG has at least 1,363 personnel, more than half of whom were assigned in 17 of its Special Operations Units (SOUs).

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.

earlier said he was weighing options on the fate of the SOUs involved in the anti-illegal drugs campaign. Acorda said he was carefully studying the reforms amid controversies that hounded the SOUs, specifically in the conduct of buy-bust operations on the basis of information supplied by confidential informants or sources in the underground.

DSWD, BSP warn vs. ‘sangla-ATM’ scheme

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development warned beneficiaries of the government’s cash transfer subsidy program against using their

cash cards or ATM cards as loan collateral.

“Anytime you pawn a cash card given to you by the government, that is illegal. It was given to you and was issued in your name. Don’t ever give it to other people,” DSWD Secretary Rex

Gatchalian said in a dzBB interview.

“In effect, that new person becomes the new beneficiary. That is against the rules,” he added.

Gatchalian said the “sangla-ATM” modus carries penalties for the subsidy beneficiaries.

Standhardinger retires from Gilas Pilipinas

n By PETER ATENCIO

BEING a vital part of the national men’s team that restored the country’s pride in Southeast Asian Games basketball proved to be the right time for Christian

Standhardinger to hang up his Gilas jersey. And Standhardinger did just that, four days after Gilas Pilipinas completed its mission of redemption and regaining the SEA Games basketball throne. On Saturday,

Standhardinger announced his decision to retire from the Philippine men’s basketball team, a few days following the Gilas’ successful gold medal match with Cambodia last Tuesday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

agencies and sectors that are already preparing for a possible El Niño crisis this year,” he said. El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could cause dry spells and droughts in some areas.

DMW unveils cash aid for OFWs affected by Kuwait ban

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

MIGRANT Workers Secretary Susan Ople said the government will assist some 815 overseas workers whose travel to Kuwait has been deferred due to the suspension of visa issuances for newly-hired Filipino workers. She said the DMW is preparing a financial aid package of P30,000 per OEC-holder (Overseas Employment Certificate) who has already spent money in applying for work in Kuwait.

“We have agreed on a financial package and job-matching efforts for those whose dreams of working in Kuwait have been put on hold, temporarily, as both countries find the best way forward in addressing current concerns,” Ople said.

This developed as the chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas, on Saturday called for a complete deployment ban of all OFWs to Kuwait.

“This total deployment ban must be enforced until the Kuwaiti government sits down with our officials and agrees to our demands. Until then, we should not entertain their demands and acts of intimidation,” she said.

WORLD | A3 NEWS | A2 War with China is not an option, says Taiwan INSIDE Business A4 Sports A6 Entertainment A7 Pets A8 Filing of exemptions for gun ban starts June 5

Filing of exemptions from gun ban starts June 5—Comelec

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start accepting next month applications for gun ban exemption in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this October.

In a resolution released Saturday, the Comelec said applications for certificate of authority to carry firearms outside of residence must be electronically filed before the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) from June 5 until Nov. 15.

“Filing of applications shall be made through electronic means taking advantage of the current information

DOE: PH open to exploration of new gas fields

THE Philippines is open to exploration of potential gas fields that remained untapped, the Department of Energy (DOE) said on Saturday.

Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the agency could entertain investors interested in tapping the country's potential power resources.

"The more important thing here is the Philippines' openness for oil and gas exploration)," Sales said during the Saturday news forum in Quezon City.

"There are still many potential areas in the country, not just Malampaya, that have huge gas deposits," he added.

Sales said the government supports upstream exploration and production of oil and gas, despite the country’s full commitment to decarbonization to cope with growing demands.

On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the extension of Service Contract No. 38 for the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project until Feb. 2039.

The renewal is seen to add at least $600 million worth of investments for drilling two wells and subsea facilities, Sales said.

He explained that a contract renewal has to be signed to produce the remaining gas reserve after 2024.

“It’s about 80 to 140 BCF (billion cubic feet) that would have been stranded if the contract was not renewed. In the renewal agreement, it is also required that the consortium conduct near field appraisal and development. This is to add reserves and increase the production of the Malampaya field,” he said.

technology advancements, adopting the principle of efficient government service delivery, addressing the geo-logistical challenges in some regions, and for mutual safety under the new normal,” the resolution stated.

The filing may be done through the Comelec website at www.comelec. gov.ph.

The President, Vice President, Chief

Justice of the Supreme Court, the Senate President; all incumbent senators and all members of the House of Representatives Speaker; and all justices of the SC, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals are exempted from the ban.

Also not covered by the ban are all judges of the regional, municipal, and metropolitan trial courts; the Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman, and investigators and prosecutors of the Ombudsman; the prosecutor general, chief state prosecutor, state prosecutors, and prosecutors of the Department of Justice; and officials and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Likewise , Cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries, and assistant secretaries, all election officers, provincial election supervisors, and regional election directors are not covered by the ban.

The ban disallows the carrying and transport of firearms and other deadly weapons during the election period.

The CBFSC is composed of one Comelec commissioner as chairperson, and one senior officer each from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and not lower than officer grade 07, brigadier general, and police brigadier general, respectively, as members.

INBRIEF

Robin eyes additional Shari’a courts in PH

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla is pushing a measure seeking to establish additional Shari’a Judicial Districts, stations for the district courts, and circuit courts in the country to ensure Muslim Filipinos have access to fair and speedy justice.

Padilla filed Senate Bill 2215 proposing amendments to Presidential Decree 1083, citing the 1987 Constitution’s provision that the State shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions and institutions.

“This is to ensure that our Muslim brothers and sisters across the archipelago will have better access to the specialized knowledge and expertise of Shari’a judges, promoting fair and equal treatment of Muslims under the law, regardless of their geographic location,” the senator said. Joel E. Zurbano

Talusan assumes post at Subic Bay Customs

THE Bureau of Customs in Subic Bay, Olongapo City has welcomed Carmelita Talusan as its new district collector responsible for overseeing and managing the port’s operations.

“With her extensive background in Customs and trade, Collector Talusan brings experience and expertise to this critical role. Having served in various capacities within the bureau and successfully managed numerous projects, she is well-prepared to navigate the challenges and intricacies of operations at the Port of Subic,” port officials said in a statement.

Talusan holds a Mass Communications degree from Maryknoll College and a master’s in Business Administration. She also holds a Career Executive Service officer (CESO) V rank and has completed a Finance Course at the Ateneo graduate school of business.

‘COVID admissions in hospitals rising’

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

COVID-19 admissions in private hospitals are slowly rising, but remained manageable, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) said on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. renewed his appeal to the Departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track the release of COVID allowances due an

IT’S UNPLEASANT TASK BOT SOMEBODY HAS TO DO IT.

Elements of the Philippine Coast Guard sustains their unpleasant task of rounding up oil slicks unleashed by a sunken tanker off Naujan and Pola towns in Oriental Mindoro last February 23.

estimated 20,000 healthcare workers (HCWs) nationwide.

“For now, the admissions in private hospitals are manageable but there is a gradual and continuous rise in the number of patients,” PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

De Grano said hospital occupancy has reached 50 percent in some hospitals, but most reported less than 20 percent.

“Right now, we see that the highest occupancy is 50 percent. But for most

hospitals, it is still less than 20 percent, he noted.

De Grano said PHAPI member-hospitals have been continuing the restrictions regarding visitors which was implemented at the onset of the pandemic.

“For the protection of patients, as much as possible, we restrict visitors, he added.

He also said most of those admitted due to COVID were brought to hospitals for other reasons, but tested positive for the novelcoronavirus.

BI intercepts 4 passengers believed to be victims of illegal recruitment

n By VITO BARCELO

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has disallowed the departure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) of four passengers believed to be victims of illegal recruitment.

The passengers, consisting of three females and one male, with ages ranging from 20 to 30 years old, were intercepted on suspicions that they were victims of an elaborate illegal recruitment scheme. The hold-departure move was prompted by information from an anonymous source, providing details about the recruitment activities involving the four individuals.

Speaker, Tingog reach out to Parañaque fire victims

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, joined by Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre have reached out to some 500 victims of a fire that razed last Thursday the Fourth Estate subdivision in Barangay San Antonio, Parañaque City.

The Speaker, his wife and Acidre were joined in the humanitarian event by Mayor Eric Olivarez and

a representative of Parañaque rep. Gustavo Tambunting;.

The event involved the distribution of relief packs provided by Tingog containing basic commodities to the fire victims.

Former Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting was also present to help in the affair.

Tambunting thanked Tingog and Speaker Romualdez for their

prompt response and dedication in assisting her constituents during these trying times. In addition to the food packs, the Tingog lawmakers blankets to the victims.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has estimated the number of victims from 500 to 600 families. Maricel V. Cruz

According to the email, they had been deceived and recruited under false pretenses to work in Cambodia’s online casino industry.

The passengers initially claimed to be employed in the country, and were traveling as tourists. However, during the investigation, they confessed that they had been unlawfully recruited as telemarketers for an online gaming company, enticed with a promised monthly salary of $800.

The BI withheld the identities of the four in compliance with anti-trafficking laws. They were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance in filing legal cases against the recruiters.

Port of Subic plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade, ensuring Customs compliance, and fostering economic growth in the region.

Joel E. Zurbano

Taguig hosts annual graffiti, mural event

TAGUIG City has been selected as host of the official launch of the “Meeting of Styles,” reputedly the largest annual graffiti, street art and mural festival that promotes the relationship of the international community in the field of art. The event is an international gathering of graffiti artists and supporters and sponsors graffiti mural creation events in over sixteen countries. The events aim to promote and legitimize this art form.

On Friday, Mayor Laarni Cayetano led the kickoff event at TLC Park on Lakeshore Laguna Lake Highway in Barangay Lower Bicutan where the participating artists will use shipping containers that first served as quarantine facilities of the local government at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local artists including Quiccs, Egg Fiasco, Chill, Flip1, Kookoo, Meow, Nevs, EXLD, and many others attended the event and presented their talents. The Meeting of Styles will be open to the public for two days--on May 20 and May 21---providing an opportunity for everyone to experience and appreciate this event.

Joel E. Zurbano

THEY WORK HARD SO THE PEOPLE CAN EAT.

Farmers apply fertilizer to their corn field in Barangay Talogtog, Laoac, Pangasinan, unmindful of the sweat in the backs and brows just to help sustain the country’s food supply chain.

Manny Palmero

A GATHERING OF ARTISTS.

An artist applies finishing touches to his creation for the “Meeting of Styles,” reputedly the world’s biggest and only global graffiti and street art festival seeking to connect with the global artistic community. About 50 artists will take part in the event at the TLC Park, Laguna Lake Highway in Barangay Lower Bicutan, Taguig City. Danny Pata

Taiwan president: War with China not an option

TAIWANESE President Tsai Ing-wen vowed Saturday to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in the face of increased military pressure from China, saying that “war is not an option.”

Under Tsai’s two terms as president, the self-ruled island has seen stepped-up warplanes and sea incursions from China – which claims Taiwan as its territory to be claimed one day, by force if necessary.

Tsai – who rejects that Taiwan is a part of China – said that during her tenure, residents have shown the world “Taiwan’s determination to defend itself.”

“In the face of China’s civil attacks and military threats, the people of Taiwan are calm and not aggressive, rational and not provocative,” she said Saturday, the final day of her seventh year in office.

“War is not an option, and neither party can unilaterally change the status quo in a non-peaceful manner,” she said.

“We will not be provocative, aggressive and we will definitely not yield under pressure.”

Tsai’s speech comes as Taiwan gears up for its next presidential election, to be held in January 2024.

The poll is widely viewed as a referendum on Tsai’s handling of Taiwan’s relations with China – which has refused to meet her ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for talks because it views her as a separatist.

Due to the democratic island’s term limits, 66-year-old Tsai will not be standing for election.

The DPP has named Vice President William Lai as its presidential candidate.

He has been far more outspoken about independence than Tsai, saying in January that he considers Taiwan to already be a “sovereign country.” AFP

Biden says still optimistic US to avoid default

TALKS to avoid a US debt default were on a knife edge Saturday as President Joe Biden warned he would not accept “extreme” Republican demands but said he remained optimistic.

“I still believe we’ll be able to avoid a default and we’ll get something decent done,” he told reporters at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

With the Treasury Department warning that the US government could run out of money as early as June 1 –triggering massive economic disruption in the world’s biggest economy and likely around the globe – the political battle in Washington has see-sawed without any clear sign of resolution. Republicans, who control the House

of Representatives, are demanding steep budget cuts as a price for allowing an extension of the government’s borrowing authority. The White House is seeking to whittle down Republican demands, while arguing that the traditionally uncontroversial annual debt ceiling increase is being weaponized for political gain. AFP

INBRIEF

Ukraine wins access to F-16 fighter jets

PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Hiroshima for talks with the G7 Saturday, after winning long-sought access to advanced US fighter jets to bolster Ukraine’s defence.

Zelensky’s surprise summit appearance—he had previously been expected to appear by video call—came after he welcomed a “historic” White House decision to allow Ukraine to obtain F-16 jets.

The group of seven rich democracies are meeting in Japan to discuss issues including the need for “constructive and stable” relations with China, which the bloc accused Saturday of “economic coercion”.

But it was Zelensky’s arrival, and debate about the future of Russia’s 15-month-old invasion of Ukraine, that dominated the summit. AFP

Top Aussie anchor quits over racism

ONE of Australia’s top television journalists has opened a bout of national soul-searching by quitting his show over the racist abuse he faces as an Indigenous man in the spotlight.

An award-winning journalist with the ABC, Stan Grant said the national broadcaster had lodged a complaint with Twitter about the “relentless racial filth” he endured.

But he added that the media itself “lie and distort my words” and had depicted him as “hate-filled” after he raised Britain’s colonial persecution of Indigenous Australians during the ABC’s coverage of King Charles III’s coronation.

“I pointed out that the crown represents the invasion and theft of our land,” Grant said in an article published Friday on the ABC’s website.

“Police wearing the seal of the crown took children from their families. Under the crown our people were massacred.” AFP

FOOD DIPLOMACY. Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (R) is shown how to make traditional Japanese Okonomiyaki pancakes at a restaurant in Hiroshima with travelling British journalists, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit Leaders’ Meeting on May 20, 2023. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau / POOL / )

Insurer localizes solutions to meet needs of Filipinos

FAST-RISING insurer EastWest Ageas Insurance creates products tailor-fit for the needs of Filipinos, says company president and chief executive Sjoerd Smeets.

EastWest Ageas, he said, aims to provide simple and flexible life insurance options by localizing the policies to adapt to market demands.

“When people are young you don’t think so much still about your health. But as age progresses, people are more impacted by this. So it’s really an investment for the future. From a business perspective, we do this because we want to sell more policies, but we also want to protect more Filipinos against anything difficult that can happen in their life,” he said.

EastWest Ageas is offering products created for the Filipino market on life or non-life coverage, each distinctly appropriate and with much emphasis on health, noting the high demand from Filipinos looking for health related products to protect them against critical illnesses.

The insurance company started operating in the Philippines in 2015 under the brand Troo and has recently embarked on a rebranding journey in 2022 to become what is now known as EastWest Ageas. The refreshing change sought to carry on the heritage of both parent companies - the Philippines most trusted finance solutions provider EastWest Bank and Belgium’s largest operating insurance company, Ageas.

“EastWest Bank is among the country’s banking experts and Ageas is an award-winning international insurance firm. Two strong names in their respective fields - banking and insurance - that merged together to help Filipinos plan a better tomorrow.

Our partnership with EastWest Bank, one of the country’s leading companies with over 400+ branches, and Ageas, an award-winning international insurance group with a heritage spanning 200 years, ensures that we offer our customers solutions designed with their needs in mind. Our solutions are easy to understand, simple to manage, and work with your budget,” said Smeets who has worked for Ageas in different markets in Europe since 2012.

Smeets started his career as an actuary in the Netherlands. He held various senior managerial positions in actuarial, risk, and underwriting in five countries, while focused on stimulating the connection with commercial and clientfocused areas. His most recent position before coming to the Philippines was as chief risk officer and member of the Ageas Portugal executive committee.

Customers are the core of every business, and Smeets primary goal

is to reinforce customer-centricity throughout the organization.

“If we keep improving our approach in this area, we will be able to better understand our customers’ needs. As a result, we will be able to provide financial solutions that address those needs,” he said.

He expressed hope that through EastWest Ageas, he could help more Filipinos with their financial planning for a better tomorrow.

Near-term goals

Setting goals allows leaders to stay focused on what matters most. Smeets believes it is critical to develop a vision for what needs to be done.

“Leadership is about providing a strategic direction to people and empowering them to perform. I enjoy encouraging others and assisting them in reaching their goals. And under my leadership, we will step up our efforts to help more Filipinos plan a better tomorrow so that they can live their best lives today,” he said.

EastWest Ageas is bullish about its operations in the Philippines. It aims to be among the country’s top 10 performing insurance companies in 2023. Latest data from the Insurance Commission showed EastWest landing at 12th spot among the best performing insurance companies in 2022, two notches up from 14th place in 2021 and 34th when it started operating in the Philippines seven years ago. Moving up to the top 5 position is the company’s ultimate goal within the next five years.

The company has an active portfolio of more than 250,000 policies with 130 insurance agents as of April 2023. It plans to close the year with as much as 1,000 agents to increase its presence not only in Metro Manila but in select cities and provinces across the Philippines.

In September 2022, EastWest Ageas opened its first agency house within the central business district of Makati City and a second in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. The

insurance firm is building a distribution channel to sustain gains with the launch of the Agency Community.

The company has also expanded its line of investment solutions with the addition of the Dollar Edge variable unit-linked plan and its first critical illness product, Life Essentials, that covers up to 40 types of critical illnesses in the Philippines.

“We started in the Manila area because if you want to start agency business, you want to start that closer to home, easier to manage, but also with a wider range because Metro Manila is a very big area with a lot of potential customers. But we’re also expanding outside of Manila so we have quite ambitious targets for the agency channel. We want to be expanding that over the next couple of years to have a relevant channel for us to support the Philippine market,” Smeets said. Keeping abreast with competition

By the end of July 2023, EastWest Ageas is going live on a new core system that has a lot of benefits to clients as it will be completely digital. “So customers need not sign

any papers. Everything can be done in a digital way and we will also improve the sale process limiting the hours spent from having an introduction to having the final presentation which normally would take 2 hours. This new sales process that we have developed is really there to support the interaction between the adviser and the customer. Our sales agents can actually sell a policy and have the discussion with the customer in 20 minutes,” Smeets said.

He said the entire process is a safe procedure that is backed by a host of security standards from its IT security team. “We did tests where we allowed specialized companies and see if they can penetrate our systems, but they never did. I would say that digital sales and being in the clouds clearly is a very safe way to do this,” he said.

From when EastWest Ageas started operating in the Philippines, its systems are already in the cloud - accessible from any location, anywhere in the country. A reliable internet provider is the key to having an efficient and seamless connection to customers where transactions can be done remotely.

Insurance outlook

Smeets said there’s a strong growth potential for the Philippines, given how invested Filipinos are in their health and future. He noted how quickly the local insurance industry bounced back from the effects of pandemic to revive general businesses.

“It’s one of the reasons that we are here. We don’t enter very mature markets where the insurance sector is already very saturated. So we look for growth opportunity. And if you look to the Philippines with 110 million inhabitants, the market penetration of life insurance returns are between 2 to 3 percent. There’s a lot of opportunity for growth and that will be fueled by gradually increasing spending power of the Philippine population, gradually increasing more knowledge about financial literacy, savings and protecting for the future,” he said.

Smeets sees a huge demand for medical coverage, particularly for critical illness. With what science has advanced in the last few years in terms of breakthroughs in the medical field, the rate at which critical illnesses is growing is almost at par and sometime surpasses medical advancements.

Othel V. Campos

DENR, Nestlé PH and stakeholders support law promoting circular economy

WITH the enactment of RA 11898, also known as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, the Philippines moves one step closer to advancing a circular economy and addressing the country’s plastic waste problem towards a more sustainable future.

Global food and beverage leader Nestlé Philippines is among the early, if not the earliest, advocates and adopters of EPR in the country. It has actively campaigned for the passage of the EPR Act through sustained dialogue with government policymakers, and active participation in the legislative process. Two years before the law was enacted, Nestlé PH had already started voluntarily practicing EPR through its initiatives to attain plastic neutrality.

“Plastic waste is a global problem in which everybody has a stake. Through collaboration, we will find workable solutions. This roundtable is a collaborative effort among policymakers, business leaders, government agencies,

and change makers. We have come together to discuss how we can accelerate the transition to a waste-free, circular economy. In particular, a major challenge is the lack of waste management infrastructure in the country,” said Nestlé senior vice president and head of corporate affairs Jose Uy III during a roundtable dialogue with stakeholders and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The DENR said RA 11898 is a good start and a wiser approach to waste reduction that allows producers to take on environmental responsibility and improves the equity in the process of waste management.

“EPR is proven to address packaging collection through recycling meaningfully and through various EPR schemes that require companies to pay for the collection, sorting and recycling of their plastic packaging,” said DENR secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.

The law requires large-scale companies and enterprises to be environmen-

Fastfood conglomerate CMO enjoys early retirement at 50

DONDI Gomez, the chief marketing officer of the Jollibee Group of Companies took an early retirement at age 50 to enjoy life as a regular family man.

As the top marketing guy, Gomez established the company’s Global Marketing Division and institutionalized the “Jollibee Group Way of Marketing” that has driven the success of the restaurant conglomerate’s 16 brands across 34 countries around the world, including the Philippines.

“It is one of the greatest honors of my life to have been part of the Jollibee Group’s global success story in the last 15 years. Although I am retiring early to spend more time with my loved ones, I am confident that I am leaving the Jollibee Group in the capable hands of world-class marketeers who will take the company to greater heights with the marketing capabilities we have successfully instituted for more than a decade,” he said.

tally responsible throughout the life cycle of their products―from manufacturing, usage, and post-consumer stage―by establishing EPR programs

and mechanisms that ensure effective reduction, recovery, treatment, and recycling and/or disposal of waste, especially plastic packaging.

Gomez led the Jollibee Brand’s International Marketing Strategy, elevating Jollibee to a global brand with substantial local mainstream patronage in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Before that, Gomez served as the company’s youngest corporate officer and executive team member soon after he joined the conglomerate in 2008.

He was also instrumental to the success of acquired businesses such as Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Highlands Coffee Vietnam, Yonghe King China, and Smashburger USA, to name a few. Through his marketing leadership, many of Jollibee Group’s brands have become market leaders in their respective categories and geographies.

More recently, Gomez led the marketing pivot strategy during the pandemic, which was critical in the Jollibee Group’s strong recovery in 2021 and recordbreaking business performance in 2022.

“Dondi’s gift of marketing leadership, collaborative approach to problem solving, and compassion for our people have been instrumental to Jollibee Group’s success in the past fifteen years,. I am deeply thankful to Dondi for his devotion to the company, our customers, and our people. I wish him well on his long-planned adventure with his family,” said Jollibee group chief executive officer Ernesto Tanmantiong.

Human resource platform sees continuing demand for Asian tech talents despite slight drop in Q1

THE Asia tech job market is showing early signs of softening with an 8 percent YoY decline in tech job ads in the first quarter of 2023, but tech talent in the region remain confident in their prospects, according to SEEK, the parent company of Asia’s leading employment platforms JobStreet and JobsDB.

In a study titled “What Tech Jobseekers Wish Employers Knew ; Unlocking the Future of Recruitment” published by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network, a global alliance of recruitment websites which SEEK’s JobStreet and JobsDB are a part of, revealed that 71 percent of tech talent in the region feel that they have a positive negoti -

ation power. Almost half of them are approached with job opportunities on a weekly or monthly basis, making them a highly sought-after talent category.

SEEK Asia CEO Peter Bithos said the decline for tech talent from the peak of 2022’s boom is still 42 percent higher than pre-COVID levels, indicating that the demand for tech talent remains strong despite the easing of tech hiring activities.

“Many traditional tech companies are now scaling back after over-hiring during the pandemic, and the cooling hiring rate may persist as businesses are faced with higher interest rates and a possible recession. Nonetheless, the need for strong tech talent

won’t be going away anytime soon.

To put things into perspective, in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower reported that there was a total of 6,440 retrenchments in 2022 across all industries, but the number of tech roles available on JobStreet Singapore still exceeded 10,000 every month last year,” he explained.

According to the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that 150 million new technology jobs will be created over the next five years, and 77 percent of jobs will require digital skills by 2030. However, businesses currently face a tech talent shortage as only a third of technology jobs worldwide are filled by workers who possess the necessary digital skills.

The data from SEEK’s platforms shows that the average number of applications per tech job ad in Asia has increased by over 40 percent, year-onyear, which could indicate that tech talent affected by layoffs are actively applying for jobs, or they are optimistic about their chances of finding a better job elsewhere.

“While a shift is taking place in the tech talent market, the ball is not back in employers’ court yet. Tech talent are still in high demand, and the recent layoffs have created an opening for non-tech companies to attract top talent from a growing pool of jobseekers with tech experience, as well as an opportunity to attract them in jobs that offer more stability,” Blithos said.

The DENR and Nestle Philippines hold roundtable dialog on the implementation of the EPR Act.

EastWest Ageas opens second agency house in Ortigas, with new president and chief executive Sjoerd Smeets.

SEEK Asia CEO Peter Bithos

YoungLIFE

Teaching kids life skills valuable

The Cancerans both share a passion for cooking and appreciates how it helps them become independent

through cooking

The Deligeros gain confidence through cooking, especially when they know it teaches them how to look after themselves and show their affection for others

By Patricia Taculao

AS the famous saying goes, “The way to a person’s heart is through his/her stomach.” We Filipinos enjoy sharing good food and company because of our firm familial ties and love for gastronomical experiences, with homecooked Filipino meals being among our favorites to indulge in. It takes time, effort, and passion to produce hearty meals that leave a mark on people.

Other than the outcome, cooking has further benefits for people. For instance, others use it to express their creativity or emotion. But when it comes to the youth, the older generation sees cooking as an avenue to learn valuable life skills. After all, eating is a basic necessity to survive.

Whenever possible, some mothers take the time to teach their children some basic cooking skills, treating it as a way for them to bond.

In celebration of Mother’s Day 2023, Manila Standard revived its Clash of Kawali cooking competition to bring A Mother’s Day Special , where mothers will demonstrate their cooking and budgeting skills while working closely with their daughters to create savory meals.

Besides the thrill of the competition, the contestants, Maricris Canceran Jacie Libuano , and Neriza Deligero , all see it as an opportunity to further instill a sense of responsibility in their children.

Canceran has a deep passion for cooking. She learned from her American employer, who would provide her with a cookbook so she could follow recipes closely. She passed her interest in cooking to her daughter, Jannelle

“Since nagtrabaho ako, kaming mag-asawa, natuto na

siyang magluto. Responsible siya kasi siya ‘yung gumagabay sa dalawa niyang kapatid. Siya ‘yung nagluluto sa bahay ,” she shared, adding that her daughter can cook dishes like tinola, adobo, and afritada, among others. On the other hand, Jannelle hopes to turn her passion for cooking into a profession someday, as she realizes the fun and complexity of whipping up dishes in the kitchen for herself and others. Cooking for herself and others also prompted Libunao to start in the kitchen at an early age. As the

eldest child, she would care for her younger siblings when their parents were away for work. She passed on the same mindset to her eldest daughter, Jasmine , because she and her husband were away for work on weekdays. “ Tinuruan ko siya para makatulong din sa amin sa bahay.

Dorm cooking made easy

METRO Manila is a bustling city that provides numerous opportunities. Students from across the Philippines are also keen on enrolling in specific colleges and universities to broaden their horizons and learn from some of the best in the academe. Renting dorm rooms near their chosen schools is how many students close the distance between their homes and schools.

Yet being away from home means leaving behind some comforts–like home cooking. While some students have the luxury of space in their dorm rooms to cook hearty meals, others have to work with a limited area to get by. Fortunately, many kitchen appliances have become more space-saving, catering to kitchensavvy individuals who don’t have much room to move around.

Xtreme Appliances has a wide array of kitchen appliances that are compact yet efficient, allowing students to make quality food in their dorms.

Some students, especially those with a tight budget, rely on quick, easy meals to curb their hunger. But too much of something can be dangerous, especially if it has artificial flavorings. But cooking meals like sinigang or adobo is also a costefficient way to eat hearty, healthy meals. And making these dishes shouldn’t be complicated and use too much space and equipment.

Xtreme offers a multi-cooker with

a two-level steam tray, ideal for making stews, soups, and hotpots. Students can even steam their food without worries, using a healthier option for cooking their meals and ideal for making dim sum.

Induction and rice cookers are also kitchen must-haves in dorms. Both products have a keep warm option so students can enjoy hot meals despite their busy schedules and responsibilities. The induction cooker has eight stages for its power settings and six cooking programs to provide students with a cooking range

Xtreme's Multi-Cooker with a two-level Steam Tray lets users steam food without worries

from frying to boiling.

For those who want a little more complexity in their meals, Xtreme has an Airfryer Oven with a baking tray, wire rack, crumb tray, air-fry basket, rotisserie, rolling cage, fetch rack, and baking tray rack. It has a temperature control of up to 230 degrees Celsius and has a 24L capacity, perfect for those who love cooking large meals for everyone to share.

On the other hand, students who love making power smoothies and other blended drinks to cool off after a tiring day at school can use Xtreme’s Glass Blender with an Ice Crush Function that produces finer ice. Its small glass mill is also beneficial for grinding beans and spices. The blender also has a safety lock system, prompting the blender to automatically shut down if the jar is not attached to the body.

Cooking doesn’t have to take up too much space. Many others have proved they can make filling meals with limited space and equipment. Hence, living in dorms shouldn’t be a problem for students who want to unleash their culinary skills or create meals to get them by. With Xtreme Appliances’ kitchen products, students living in dorms can whip up equally satisfying meals to make them feel at home even when they’re miles away.

The Libunaos see cooking as a responsibility to help out in the household, teaching them initiative

Para pag-uwi, may nakahanda ng kanin at ulam na lang kulang ,” Libunao said. She also taught her daughter how to slice ingredients while considering her safety, something that people should frequently think about. Giving her daughter some responsibility and familiarity in the kitchen also enables the child to explore new flavors and experience different kinds of food when possible.

Meanwhile, Deligero, a mother of three, imparts her knowledge and wisdom in the household to all her children. Her youngest, Angelina , is independent enough to cook her meals when her mother is away. Deligero learned some tricks of the trade in the kitchen through her mother, who also passionately cooks for her family.

“Nagluluto ako ng iba’t ibang ulam para sa kanila. Nakakatuwa pag inuubos nila ‘yung niluto ko kasi doon ko din pinapakita ‘yung pagmamahal ko sa kanila. Minsan, natututo na din sila magluto sa sarili nila kaya kampante ako na kaya nila sarili nila,” Deligero said.

Through the example she sets, Deligero’s youngest daughter has gained confidence in the kitchen, sometimes experimenting with other cuisines that piqued her curiosity.

Cooking is more than just producing food, as these mothers demonstrated. It’s also a great way to create deeper connections and encourage the younger generations to learn life skills, gain confidence, and have a healthy relationship with food.

Watch Manila Standard’s Clash of Kawali: A Mother’s Day Special live on Manila Standard’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH) today at 1 p.m.

ARTIST’S CORNER

TECHNOLOGY has opened various opportunities for the youth to learn new tricks and broaden their horizons. Alliah Bautista a student from the University of the Philippines Open University, discovered her passion for crocheting by watching random videos on YouTube and how they helped develop her patience.

“It’s strange how I started this with no understanding of how to make it; I almost gave up on my first try since I couldn’t seem to follow the instructions, but because of my patience and desire for it, I can say that I’m more used to making it and I’m becoming better,” she said.

Crocheting is a type of

needlecraft that uses a hook to create fabric from loops of yarn. People can create various items through crocheting, from apparel to accessories to decorations, among other possibilities. Besides creating adorable and practical products from crocheting, Bautista also finds it relaxing and forget her worries for a while.

“This allows me to have some peaceful time in the midst of the pressure of university. Also, because we don’t have face-to-face classes, this can assist me to pass the time. Eventually, I’ve saved a lot of money because of this hobby, which I also utilize as a source of income,” she shared.

Angelina Deligero

Jasmine Libunao

Jannelle Canceran

Some of Bautista’s adorable crochet products

Maricris Canceran Jacie Libunao Neriza Deligero

Shakey’s Girls volley q’final cast complete U

NDEFEATED National U-Nazareth School and California Academy marched on to the quarterfinals with ease after big wins against their respective rivals at the close of the 2023 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (GVIL) elimination play Saturday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.

The Lady Bulldogs bested Gracel Christian College Foundation (1-2), 25-21, 25-17, to complete a 3-0 wipeout of Group A as California Academy trounced Arellano U (12), 25-11, 25-20, for a similar sweep of Group C.

Both squads thus topped their respective groups en route to the crossover quarterfinals of the 16team GVIL, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Potato Corner, PeriPeri and R&B Tea with the City of Manila as government cooperation partner, starting Sunday at the same venue.

In the fourth game, La Salle Lipa (2-1) clinched the second spot in Pool A with a 25-7, 25-18 win, over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to also advance to the quarterfinals behind the six points of Vida Caringal.

Later, Bacolod Tay Tung High School (3-0) and Naga College Foundation (3-0) also swept Pools B and D, respectively, with Adamson (2-1) securing the second seed in Pool B to complete the quarterfinal cast.

Bacolod smothered Kings’ Montessori School (1-2), 25-16, 25-18, on Alexa Marie Montoro’s 18 points as Naga leaned on Sheena Sarie’s 13 points to clip Emilio Aguinaldo College-Immaculate Conception Academy (0-3), 25-13, 25-14.

Far Eastern U-Diliman, which

LIST OF NEW SET OF NOMINEES OF MAGKAKASAMA SA SAKAHAN, KAUNLARAN (MAGSASAKA) PARTY-LIST

ended its campaign at 2-1 as early as last week, finished second behind California Academy in Group C to also qualify in the knockout playoffs.

In Pool D, the University of Santo Tomas (2-1) booked its own ticket as the No. 2 seed after a stunning win over La Salle Zobel (1-2), 25-19, 25-20, in the battle of UAAP powerhouse squads.

Kianne Louie Olango and Yesha Noceja connived with eight points each to spearhead the Lady Bulldogs with Bienne Louise Bansil adding seven. Robielle Angela Silla and Celine Marsh threw in six points apiece in their balanced attack.

“Marami pa po kaming kulang. Hindi po namin best game iyon. Gagawin po namin lahat para maipakita pa lahat ng kaya namin,” said Kianne Louise Olango.

Casiey Monique Dongallo, for her part, sizzled with 24 points to anchor California Academy, which revs up for a tougher challenge moving forward in the GVIL also powered by Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Toby’s Sports, Genius Sports and SM Tickets.

“We have to work more in the quarterfinals. Kung ano po ‘yung ipinakita namin ngayon, we can show more,” she said.

Bacolod Tay Tung High School (2-0) and Naga College Foundation (2-0), likewise, enjoy inside track to the quarterfinals in Pools B and D, respectively, while other teams were still to determine their fates in the remaining matches as of press time.

Smart proud of SIBOL’s medal haul in SEA Games

FROM Lakad Matatag to Taon ng Tagumpay, SIBOL athletes displayed their skills and spirit as they bagged six medals in the games that they joined – a bronze medal for Crossfire, another bronze medal for Valorant; a gold medal for League of Legends: Wild Rift, and a threepeat championship win for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Men’s Team.

This is also the first time that SIBOL won a bronze medal for the PUBG Mobile category. The MLBB Women’s Team – which is comprised of members of Smart Omega Empress –also won the silver medal for their division.

“We congratulate SIBOL for dominating the esports competition at the recent SEA Games. You showcased what hard work, teamwork, and determination can do, proving that you are the true

legends of the battlefield,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business – Individual at Smart.

Smart has been a sponsor of the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), the national sports agency behind esports and SIBOL, since its establishment. The telco has also been a key figure in the development of the esports community in the country – from national athletes, professional and casual gamers, stakeholders, and fans.

“This is evident in our efforts to level up the gaming experiences of Filipinos through our fastest and best mobile network, recognized by Ookla, platforms like GIGA Arena, products and services that cater to the needs of our gamers, and events that continue to delight our esports fans and partners,” Flores added.

Manila Chooks! drops Masters opener

MANILA Chooks! fought hard but fell in its Chooks-toGo FIBA 3x3 World Tour Manila Masters 2023 opener to reigning FIBA 3x3 World Tour winner Ub Huishan NE, 9-21 (5:06) on Saturday at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.

The Serbian powerhouse performed like a well-oiled machine from the get-go, racing to a 9-0 start in the first two minutes before The Philippines’ No. 1 3x3 player Mac Tallo broke the ice with a two-pointer.

“Naunahan kami. Ub knows our game very well. They know Mac, so I thought they really took advantage of the familiarity,” Chooks! head trainer Chico Lanete said.

Marko Brankovic, the No. 2 3x3 player in the world, paced Ub with 15 points while veteran Dejan Majstorovic added 5 points for the squad which also took home the Manila Masters crown last year.

Brankovic and Majstorovic joined hands in scoring six straight points for Ub as they pushed themselves up to a commanding 15-2 lead with 6:46 left to play.

“Our concern was our individual defense. We knew Serbia’s players are all capable of shooting from the outside. I told them not to help too much,” Lanete said.

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) celebrates the golden performance of SIBOL, the national team for esports, at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. ( Photo from Sibol FB Page)

The Lady Green Archers from Lipa bowed to NY Lady Bulldogs but bounce back with a win over recovered University of Perpetual Help System Dalta. The two teams made it to the quarterfinals.

This

lookalike wants to follow in

Miley Cyrus Sarah G’s footsteps

becomes a learning experience as Carren navigates banter and interactions with her co-hosts.

“I was very disappointed with myself. I felt that I didn’t do great. It felt

By Nickie Wang

CARREN Eistrup is grateful for those who have pointed out the resemblance between her and global pop star Miley Cyrus. She admits that it brings attention to her.

“It gives me an advantage as people notice me more. However, I have also expressed my desire to establish my own identity and be recognized by others for who I truly am,” the bubbly teen singer and host says.

At just 14, Carren has captivated audiences and emerged as the grand winner of Eat Bulaga’s hit talent competition “Bida Next.” Hailing from Cebu City, this young singer has impressed both hosts and viewers, positioning herself as the show’s next breakout star.

Carren dreams of following in the footsteps of Sarah Geronimo, and her determination is taking her on an incredible journey.

Now that she’s a co-host of Eat Bulaga

Carren is determined to make a name for herself. She eagerly looks forward to gaining more recognition for her talents and dreams of being cast in television

The 14-year-old is the grand winner of ‘Eat Bulaga’s’ talent competition ‘Bida Next’

dramas – just like her idol who is a wellrounded performer. “I’m looking forward to being recognized more for my talents, and also in teleseryes. I’m also planning to join acting workshops again to further improve my skills, especially in Tagalog,” she said during an event organized by her management, Merlion Entertainment.

Prior to joining Eat Bulaga, Carren also competed in Centerstage, the defunct singing reality search of GMA-7, and “Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids,” the singing competition in It’s Showtime of ABS-CBN. Her remarkable talent has taken her beyond the Philippines’ borders. In 2018, she proudly represented the country in the prestigious World Championship of the Performing Arts held in the United States.

Competing in the vocals with instrument category, Carren’s exceptional performances earned her an astounding eight gold medals. This achievement not only showcases her vocal prowess but also underscores her potential as a global sensation.

Now, as one of the co-hosts of the popular noontime show Eat Bulaga, she faces the challenge of communicating in Tagalog, her third language after Cebuano and English. Each day on the show

like I didn’t meet people’s expectations on my first day, so I didn’t pay attention to the comments. They told me to watch myself on TV so I can see my mistakes and know which parts I can improve,” the young singer shared. With a rapidly growing fan base and as she continues to refine her skills, hone her craft, and captivate audiences, Carren is poised to leave an indelible mark on the local entertainment scene.

Megan Young’s unforgettable summer

said that face serums and sunscreens are two of the most essential things that she can’t live without – especially this summer.

As for Megan, she encourages every Filipino to use sunscreen and serum which she says is a must-have item for protection and skincare that we all need every day.

She furthers, ”I use Megan Beauty. Pero, itong bagong product I was using sunflower variant but then may bago tayo ngayon. I’m so excited kasi pagkita ko dito may Niacinamide and Vitamin C. And of course, we want all of these included sa ating daily routine.”

queen and TV actress Megan Young

AND just in time for summer, Megan Beauty has just released its newest summer skincare essentials for that warm

soak under the sun. The release of the new products was launched during the Meet and Greet with the brand’s ambassador, Megan Young

The beauty queen and TV actress was warmly welcomed by Lifestrong Marketing Inc. COO, Margaret Lee and CEO, Lance Lee. Megan graced the event last April 28, at Watsons - SM North

The

EDSA

Grand, where she

According to Miss World 2013, she discovered Megan Beauty in her grocery shopping when she was looking for selfcare kits and chose to try Megan which became a part of her everyday skincare routine. She bubbly expressed how she fell deeply in love with Megan Peel Off Mask.

And when she was asked whenever some people ask her if she owns the brand, Megan Beauty, she didn’t hesitate to make the crowd laugh by jokingly

saying, “I love Megan Beauty. It’s mine! What do you like about it? I’ll give you products.”

She ended the Q&A portion with a bang by publicly announcing her new teleserye project called Royal Blood starring her and her husband Mikael Daez with various big stars to look forward to.

With the theme “A Summer to Remember with Megan,” the event was hosted by Tracy Manlangit, and the attendees had the chance to personally see the beauty queen – in the flesh –while they also got to have the first dibs on Megan Beauty’s newest products! There were also 10 lucky winners that got the cutest and very chic Megan Beauty tote bag signed by Megan herself.

On the other hand, one of the event’s highlights was the Fast Talk segment with Megan, where she confidently answered a couple of questions that are all about her preferences, biases, and even gaming.

A few of Megan’s picks include animal crossing, coffee, and pageantry, and when it came to choosing between BTS’ Jin and her husband Mikael, the beauty queen chose the former, elaborating that Mik is already her forever, which her loving fans filled the venue with giggles and butterflies in the stomach.

All in all, this event not only made the fans meet Megan but it also reminded the importance of using sunscreen and serum on a daily basis as a “skinvestment.”

Surely, this event is a core memory for A Summer to Remember.

Sofia and Allen explore the world of lucid dreaming

FOLLOWING their successful team-up in their first-ever primetime series Luv is: Caught in His Arms, Sparkle sweethearts Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay are set to solidify their love team via GMA Public Affairs’ digital drama series In My Dreams, which premiered May 18.

The six-part narrative series follows the story of Sari (Sofia), a certified NBSB who feels she has no control over anything in her life. One day, she stumbles upon an article about lucid dreaming and attempts to achieve it until she finally does. In her dream, she meets a handsome young man named Jecoy (Allen). With her consistent lucid dreaming, the two reunite each night and

eventually fall in love. Will the romance she found in her dreams become a reality?

With the unique storyline, Sofia and Allen welcomed the chance for them to explore their roles.

“[It was] Really enjoyable kasi since kakaiba nga po ‘yung kwento, nakapag-explore [ako] ng kakaibang acting style,” shares Sofia.

“Mas na-realize ko po na may mga kailangan [at pwede] pa akong gawin kasi maganda ‘yung twist ng kuwento,” says Allen.

Joining Team Jolly are fellow Sparkle artists Elijah Alejo, Cheska Fausto, Tanya Ramos, Juancho Trivino, and Sanya Lopez. Adding excitement to the romance-magic realism series are content creators Ashley Rivera, Christian Antolin, Berniecular, Alexis Vines, and Prince Adrian Dagdag In My Dreams is from the team behind the hit series, The Lost Recipe The digital series airs from Tuesday to Thursday at 6:00 p.m. on GMA Public Affairs’ Facebook page and Youtube channel.

Sparkle sweethearts Sofia Pablo (right) and Allen Ansay headline GMA’s digital drama series, ‘In My Dreams’

Carren Eistrup bears some resemblance to global pop star Miley Cyrus

Carren (left) with comedian and TV host Joey de Leon

Beauty

‘Nag-aapoy na Damdamin’ stars (from left) Tony Labrusca, Ria Atayde, Jane Oineza, and JC de Vera

Pets and their superpowers

By Mariana Burgos

WHEN I was just a kid, my siblings and I would play “pretend.”

We would pretend we were somewhere magical and we would have epic adventures. Sometimes, we would pretend we had magical powers like Harry and his gang in Harry Potter or superpowers like the superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Every time I was asked what superpower would I choose, I would always say I want the powers of Dr. Strange or the Scarlet Witch. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have superpowers like so for real?

We, humans, can only dream of having such abilities. Maybe, there are a selected few who do have superpowers. But did you know that your furry family member is a natural superbeing? Yep, they are! And, they are not the only animals who possess such unique abilities. Hundreds of other species also do. This makes you think why we have come to the conclusion that we are the “most evolved,” huh?

Not only do chimp genes show greater evidence of positive selection than ours, making them technically more developed, but the various species have also chosen diverse evolutionary routes to better adapt to their individual habitats. As a result, many animals have evolved abilities that we can only admire as actual superheroes. (Human) Superheroes always tend to make themselves known. But in the animal kingdom, superheroes are more humble and not as showy. Here are a couple such creatures.

DOGS (CANINES)

We need look no further because our pet dogs are one species that sure do have superpowers. In the article, "Animals With Powers, Nature’s Superheroes" of the OpenMind BBVA website, man's best friend already has abilities that we would want to have, like a sense of smell that is tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours, allowing them to discern scent trails in the air as readily as we follow a track with our eyes. Dogs' olfactory aptitude has been compared to the capacity to identify a teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic-size swimming pools or to detect one bad apple in two million barrels. Their enhanced sense of smell is a million times more sensitive to subtle changes in odor

linked with epilepsy and may be trained to identify cancer by scent. They can assist doctors in making early diagnoses by detecting the unique odor of cancer cells. Their chilly, wet nose can detect heat from a long distance, which they may undoubtedly utilize to locate prey. Even more remarkable is their recently found ability to navigate the Earth's magnetic field. They also have superior night vision.

CATS (FELINES)

Cats have so many superpowers. According to the article, "The 9 Amazing Abilities of Cats" of the Vetstreet website, they have psychic whiskers. A cat's whiskers are so sensitive that it doesn't even need to contact an object to detect close movement — variations in airflow are sufficient.

They also have lightning-fast feet. Over short distances, certain cat breeds may attain speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Super hearing ability. Your cat's cone-shaped ears can detect sounds and movements up to five times farther than human ears, allowing him to determine the exact location of the source. Superb flexibility. Frequent standing, arching, and stretching help keep the cat's 30 spinal vertebrae (excluding the vertebrae in the tail) supple and robust. This is, most likely, the reason why they always tend to land on their feet whenever they accidentally fall. The thin shoulder blades allow for a great range of movement, while the narrow chest and absence of a genuine collarbone allow your cat to fit through small openings.

Super vision. Cats have a far wider range of vision, roughly 200 degrees, which is 20 degrees wider than humans. They also have excellent night vision and do not require frequent blinking, making them dangerous nocturnal preda-

tors. This is according to Kaylee Herzog’s article “10 Superior Powers of Feline Friends”.

FROGS

For those who have frogs as pets, did you know that wood frogs (in my opinion) are the best to have? Kate Kershner points out in her article "10 Superhero Powers of the Animal Kingdom" that these frogs freeze as soon as their skin feels the sting of a severe cold. The water in their bodies freezes, but the syrupy liquid inside their cells remains sticky. A wood frog in winter resembles a dead frog: no organ function, no breath. It could stand frozen for up to eight months!

As the ice melts, the blood of the wood frog begins to circulate. The frog begins to operate around 30 minutes after the ice melts, with no harm done. Isn’t that great? Imagine, if you, its owner, had to be gone for a couple of days, you could simply have it freeze for a while until you come back. No worries, right?

FISH

Here is another pet you could leave for a period of time without worrying whether it is eating or not because they don’t have to. How can they if they bury themselves by then?

Lungfish are living fossils. They are the clos-

est thing we have to an existing missing link between terrestrial vertebrates and their marine ancestors, and while they may appear like other fish, they are profoundly different in many respects. Another funny fact about this fish is that, this kind of fish cannot stay in the water too long or else, they will drown.

According to the article “Lungfish Fish Facts” of the AZ Animals website, lungfish take in air. They have gills and lungs, but they must breathe air to survive - unlike other fish - and will perish if they do not rise from the bottom of the ocean to gulp air.

So the earliest fish had lungs! Lungfish are the only fish that have maintained them.

Lungfish may survive times of dryness in their aqueous environments by digging tunnels in the mud and breathing via their lungs. When the water runs out, they burrow into the mud and vomit mucus to create a home that allows moisture and air to enter.

They may sit in a condition of torpor, or reduced activity, called aestivation, thanks to their lungs. These incredible fish may live buried in the mud for up to five years, with just a breathing tube providing oxygen. This is what allows them to endure lengthy periods of drought.

These are just a few of known animals with superpowers. There are still many more of them to learn about. You may check out the latest documentary called, “Super/Natural” of the National Geographic on the Disney channel if you want to see more of the ‘naturally’ superheroes of this planet.

About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She has been a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.

This Test Can Detect Erlichia, Heartworm, Lyme, and Anaplasma And Save Your Dog

THE four-flex or 4DX snap test is the most trustworthy method of screening for heartworm and tick-borne illnesses. A pet owner is advised to have one’s dog tested immediately when the dog shows symptoms of these diseases which can cause death. The test costs P900.00 to P1,200.00.

In the article “What is a 4DX?,” the Hillcrest Animal Hospital said the 4Dx test for dogs employs cutting-edge technology to identify four indicators in as little as 10 minutes: heartworm antigen, Lyme disease antibody, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma antibodies.

The Hillcrest Animal Hospital added this is a screening test that provides a 'yes' or a 'no' answer. If a positive result is obtained, further test is needed. Early detection of the disorders means early and generally effective treatment.

Diagnosing the four infectious diseases

In the article published by the Grand Avenue Veterinary Clinic, a tiny blood sample is used to check four infectious disease indicators in dogs using the 4Dx test:

1. Heartworm Disease: This marker identifies the presence of heartworms or microfilariae, an internal parasite that can cause death if left untreated. Heartworm is transmitted through mosquitoesbites. A positive heartworm test reveals the presence of worms within the dog's heart. Positive tests are usually confirmed through a second test submitted to a laboratory; if the second test comes up positive, therapy will be advised.

2. Lyme Disease: This marker recognizes antibodies related to lyme disease which is caused by bacteria spread by tick bites. The condition normally causes fever, joint stiffness, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can also lead to renal failure. Keep an eye out for fever, appetite loss, and joint stiffness in your dog. It is also possible for a dog to test positive for lyme disease even if the dg never exhibited symptoms. Lyme nephrosis, on the other hand, is extremely dangerous

and often deadly. Protein is commonly seen in the urine of dogs suffering from renal illness.

3. Anaplasma phagocytophilum: Anaplasma is a rickettsial illness spread by deer tick bites, much like lyme illness. The symptoms are essentially similar to lyme Disease, except it can

also cause platelet loss and associated bleeding issues. A positive 4Dx Anaplasma test, like a positive lyme test, indicates that your dog has been exposed to anaplasma but does not necessarily indicate that it has the illness. There is very little information available on the prevalence

of seropositive dogs and their relationship to symptomatic illness. If a dog tests positive for anaplasma on the 4Dx, please watch for signs and seek treatment only if symptoms occur. Fever, joint stiffness, fatigue and evidence of prolonged bleeding are among the symptoms. Red spots on the gums, bruises, blood in the eye, and vomiting or defecating blood are all signs of prolonged bleeding.

4. Erlichia canis: Erlichia is another rickettsial illness transmitted by ticks. Bleeding problem is a primary symptom. Ehrlichia is related to lyme disease and anaplasma. The bacteria can be found in white blood cells. Infection symptoms are comparable to lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Chronic infection can also lead to renal failure.

When is the best time for performing the 4dx test on dogs?

The 4Dx test should be conducted at least once a year to protect your dog against heartworm and tick-borne infections. The 4Dx test for dogs is best performed in the spring or early summer since it tests for heartworm exposure from the previous season. Your vet should prescribe a 4Dx test for your dog about four (4) weeks following tick exposure.

Do I still need to test my dog if he is on heartworm and tick preventatives?

Even if your dog is on preventative medicine, it is best to test the dog once a year. This will show if the preventives were successful and that your dog is still protected from these infections. Tick prevention is critical and should be administered all year. Ticks can sprout on warm days and even in the winter. However, because tick control is not always 100 percent successful, all dogs should be checked with the 4DX once a year. The important thing to remember is that they are all avoidable vector-borne illnesses that can be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Mariana Burgos

An illustration of a 4Dx Snap Test and how to read the result.

(Photo from the article “What is a 4DX?” of the Hillcrest Animal Hospital website.)

This dog who has a tick on its ear is examined by a vet. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.)

A dog is being vaccinated by a vet in a clinic. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.)

A cat cautiously peers out from a concrete ledge. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.)

An unfrozen wood frog on the grass. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.)

A south American lungfish in an aquarium. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.)

A trained German Shepherd sniffs out a luggage. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.)