Manila Standard - 2023 June 5 - Monday

Asia-Pacific may sink into ‘whirlpool’ of conflict–China

Gov’t seeks to lessen dependency on ‘ayuda’

Food stamp beneficiaries required to look for jobs

By Charles Dantes and Rio N. Araja

TO fight off the “culture of dependency,” the Marcos administration is adjusting its assistance to indigents by setting conditions that would help beneficiaries “graduate” from being poor.

Defense Sec. Lloyd Austyin

CHINESE Defense minister Li Shangfu on Sunday warned against establishing NATO-like military alliances in the Asia-Pacific, saying they would plunge the region into a "whirlpool" of conflict.

He issued the statement during a security dialogue in Singapore where the Pentagon also voiced concern over the Chinese military's "increasingly risky and coercive activities" in Asia.

Also in Singapore, Philippine Defense officer-in-charge Sec. Carlito Galvez called on neighboring countries to uphold the rule of law, including the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling which rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, amid persisting tensions in the disputed waters.

Galvez said adhering to international law is an effective way to settle maritime disputes, calling it the "greatest equalizer among states."

"We view the 2016 arbitration award as not only setting the reason and right in the South China Sea, but also as an inspiration for how matters should be considered by states facing similar challenging circumstances," Galvez said in the dialogue attended by Li and Pentagon chief US Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin.

PAGASA: 2 LPAs may enhance ‘habagat’

By Rio N. Araja

THE state weather bureau is monitoring two low pressure areas which may enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat.

In its weather outlook for June 5 to 11, PAGASA said the weak habagat will

prevail

ern Luzon until Friday, and may be enhanced by the two LPAs outside of the Philippine area of responsibility. The first LPA, which is located east

AN AMERICAN political science expert said traffic gridlock in the Philippines is caused by underinvestment in mass transit systems and an over-reliance on cars as mode of transportation.

Prof. John Sidel of

must enroll in the government’s jobgenerating programs.

In an interview with radio dzBB, DSWD officer-in-charge Undersecretary Eduardo Punay said the requirements would push 1 million beneficiaries to join programs from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Punay said these requirements would

help end the culture of dependency on government financial assistance.

“This design for the food stamp program is multi-purpose,” he said in Filipino. “The DSWD is evolving. We’re not all just about financial assistance. We’re becoming developmental. We are making sure that our beneficiaries do not become used to merely receiving financial aid or ayuda, and all they do is take and take.”

Next page

By Julito G. Rada

THE administration’s economic team adjusted current proposals for the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension reform, which will now offer three options for retirees to get their benefits.

Under the new proposal, MUPs who avail of optional retirement are given the prerogative to choose among three options: a) receive all pension benefits in one lump sum upon retirement; b) 60

PH gets 1st batch of bivalent COVID vax from Lithuania

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

months advance, then the payment of monthly pension benefits will kick in after five years; and c) receive pension benefits at age 57.

The new options were proposed in consideration of varying financial situations among MUPs and will be applied on a case-to-case basis, Finance Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco said.

Tiuseco presented the economic team’s latest proposal during the dialog

‘Too many cars, too few mass transit systems’ worsen PH traffic

China Defense Minister Li Shangfu

TO MARK WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2023 ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY Special Issue

Gov’t...

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He cited the case of the 4Ps conditional cash transfer where beneficiaries have become too dependent on government assistance.

“Some of our beneficiaries there do not want to leave 4Ps even though they are due for graduation. This is what we want to avoid in the new program,” Punay said.

Punay said the idea is to subsidize one meal for the beneficiaries to

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But Galvez said the Philippine victory was "not directed at any country," noting that it was a decision "favoring all nations subscribing to the rule of law."

Li warned that NATO-like alliances would "plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts."

"Attempts to push for NATO-like (alliances) in the Asia-Pacific is a way of kidnapping regional countries and exaggerating conflicts and confrontations," Li said.

"Today's Asia-Pacific needs open and inclusive cooperation, not buddying up into small cliques," he added.

Li's comments echoed long-held Chinese criticism of the United States' efforts to shore up alliances in the region and counter China's rise.

For his part, Pentagon spokesman

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From A1 with the AFP Health Service Command on June 2, which was attended by about 150 on-site participants and almost 100 virtual participants.

The adjustments were made after initial consultations with the AFP and the Presidential Security Group.

Finance Undersecretary Maria

Cielo Magno assured the MUPs that the economic team has been given the directive to study the current pension systems of other government branches enjoying similar pension benefits, amid pension sustainability concerns.

After four dialogues with the military, the economic team is scheduled to meet with uniformed personnel, starting with the Philippine National Police on June 7 at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The economic team said it will continue to gather sentiments of the MUPs and introduce necessary improvements to the proposal to come up with a well-balanced solution.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he wants a selfregenerating pension plan for both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

“We’re working hard on making sure that we have a pension plan both for the AFP and for the po-

allow them to use the money for job training and transportation as they look for jobs.

Earlier, the DSWD said the food stamp program, dubbed "Walang Gutom Program 2027: Food Stamp Program," will aid 1 million households that have been categorized as "food poor" or those who earn less than P8,000 a month and those who cannot afford to eat more than one meal a day.

Beneficiaries will receive P3,000 a month or a total of P36,000 a year worth of government assistance that will be distributed through electronic

Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, who is with Austin in Singapore, turned the tables on China, raising concern over “the PLA's increasingly risky and coercive activities in the region, including in recent days.”

The United States is a member of AUKUS, which groups it with Australia and Britain.

Washington is also a member of the QUAD group, which includes Australia, India and Japan.

Li sought to paint the United States as the trigger of regional instability, and China as seeking to ease tensions.

"It cannot be denied that if a fierce conflict or confrontation occurs between China and the United States, it would bring unbearable pain for the world," he said.

On Saturday, Austin called for toplevel defense talks with Beijing to prevent miscalculations.

"The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis

lice,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President said he wanted both the AFP and the PNP to have a self-sustaining pension plan to avoid a scenario where there will be no more funds intended for their benefits.

Mr. Marcos said these funds could start to shrink in five to six years as the government continues to re-evaluate the pension system for the military and police to avert a possible fiscal collapse.

“So even before that happens, we are taking preemptive steps. We are designing a better system,” he said.

Earlier, Defense officer-incharge Carlito Galvez Jr. appealed to senators to consider the morale and welfare of the troops in tackling the proposed new pension system for MUP retirees.

"In fact, the President also gave an instruction that he is very much concerned about the impact of this on the morale and welfare of the army personnel and policemen, and he wanted that there should be a continuous discussion to have a common ground," Galvez said.

Galvez said 70 to 80 percent of the enlisted personnel were eyeing early retirement to avail themselves of the current pension system.

"We should really look at the middle ground so that we can see that the morale and welfare of our people will be taken care of," Galvez said.

benefit transfer (EBT) cards provided by the DSWD. Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda urged the DSWD to integrate its food stamps program with efforts by the Department of Agriculture to buy and market domestic farm produce, saying that “the poorest communities remain the rural poor of this country.”

“Food stamps, as envisioned and implemented in other countries, are agricultural programs. They aim to bridge rural surpluses with food-poor urban communities. That way, we address both urban poverty and rural

or conflict," Austin said.

Also on Saturday, the United States deployed a destroyer from its 7th Fleet along with a Canadian naval vessel through the Taiwan Strait.

China responded by sending one of its naval ships close to the US destroyer, the USS Chung-Hoon, according to the Pentagon.

The strait is one of the world's most tense potential military flashpoints.

China claims Taiwan as its territory —vowing to take it one day, by force if necessary—and has in recent years ramped up military and political pressure on the self-governing island.

Austin on Sunday described the incident as "extremely dangerous", saying the Chinese vessel crossed "probably 150 feet (46 meters)" in front of the Chung-Hoon.

"I call upon the (Chinese) leadership to really do the right things to rein in that kind of conduct, because I think

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the Lithuanian government and our sincerest gratitude to our partner agencies for being one with the DOH in seeing that within our reach is a bountiful future, one that is most achievable starting with ensuring that we have sufficient protection against the COVID-19 virus,” Vergerie said.

“To every eligible Juan and Juana, we urge everyone to get the opportunity to gain longer and stronger protection by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Together, let us move towards a healthier Pilipinas,” she added.

On Sunday, the Department of Health logged 1,272 new COVID-19 cases – the lowest tally in five days.

Active cases stood at 13,808, while total recoveries increased by 1,862 cases.

PAGASA...

From A1 of Visayas, may develop into a tropical cyclone by the middle of the week but is not expected to make landfall, PAGASA said. The second LPA is in the West Philippine Sea and will head towards Southern China mid-week.

The state weather bureau on Friday officially declared the start of the rainy season.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is still closely monitoring the activity in Taal

poverty,” he said.

“Around 30 percent of farmers are poor. So, if you want to make this program sustainable, you link it with boosting farmer incomes,” he added, noting that the administration’s economic managers have balked at the program’s price tag.

“As it was originally implemented in the United States, where the food stamp program is most prevalent and arguably most successful, you can have a specific amount for general food items, and you can have a special stamp or voucher for surplus produce,” he said.

accidents can happen that could cause things to spiral out of control," Austin told reporters in Singapore.

Saturday's Taiwan Strait encounter followed what the US military said was an "unnecessarily aggressive maneuver" by one of Beijing's fighters near a US surveillance plane in the South China Sea last week.

Li told the Singapore audience on Sunday that the onus was on the United States to pull its military presence away from areas near China.

"Our Chinese military aircraft and warships won't ever go near the airspace and territorial waters of other countries to engage in so-called navigational hegemony," Li said.

"The best thing would be if all countries, and especially their warplanes and warships, refrained from wandering through other country’s territorial airspace and waters. What are you hanging around here for?"

The regions with the highest number of fresh infections in the last 14 days are the National Capital Region with 6,279, followed by Calabarzon with 4,316; Central Luzon with 2,419; Western Visayas with 1,551; and Cagayan Valley with 926.

For her part, Vergerie said the DOH is in constant contact with the COVAX Facility in order to get additional doses of bivalent vaccines for the public.

Based on the DOH guidelines, health workers and senior citizens will get priority access to the bivalent vaccines.

An individual may be vaccinated with the bivalent vaccines at least four to six months after receiving the second booster dose.

Bivalent vaccines provide protection against the original COVID-19 strain and Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

DOH’s latest data showed that over 179 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered as of March.

Volcano in Batangas, A low level activity was detected in the volcano last Friday, where weak and shallow but continuous tremors were detected. There was also an increase in the average emission of sulfur dioxide.

Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, Phivolcs director, said there were reports of volcanic smog yesterday morning due to the increased emission of SO2.

He advised residents living near the volcano to stay at home, or to wear protective masks when going out. Alert Level 1, which cites abnormal conditions, is still raised over Taal Volcano.

LOCAL DELICACY.

Residents of Barangay Aurelio sell ‘patupat’ for the ‘MAY-KAN: Discovering flavors of the North through Gastronomic Experience’ in Pangasinan The ‘patupat’ is a local delicacy made with sticky rice sweetened with fresh tuba juice and wrapped in woven buri leaves.

“What the farmers can get for surplus produce are food stamps for the general program. So, you help solve their food insecurity issues. You take out the surplus, helping manage prices. And you provide free surplus food to those who need it. It’s a great synergy,” he said.

“So, I think the DSWD should really team up with the DA on this program,” Salceda said.

He also said the government should consider using revenues from the sweetened beverage tax to fund the food stamp program.

Austin and Li shook hands and spoke briefly at the Singapore event's opening dinner on Friday, but there was no substantive exchange.

The United States had invited Li to meet with Austin on the sidelines of the conference, but China declined.

A senior US defense official told journalists Sunday that the US had also offered lower level meetings but that China didn’t respond.

A member of China's delegation said the removal of US sanctions on Li was a precondition for talks.

However, there have been some signs of improved dialogue between the two nations.

CIA Director William Burns made a secret trip to China last month, a US official announced on Friday.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will also travel to China on Sunday for a rare visit. AFP

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his paper, "Crisis at Catalyst: Introducing Urban Transport Reforms in the Philippines Amidst the Global Pandemic," in a forum hosted by the Move as One Coalition over the weekend.

Sidel said the need for reforms in the transportation system, including the promotion of active transport such as dedicated bike lanes and bus rapid transit systems, have become more stark amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic and the economic, logistical, and social problems it generated produced unprecedented — and hitherto unanticipated — opportunities to bring these reforms to fruition,” he said in his paper.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, for his part, acknowledged the role of the Move as One Coalition in achieving safe and inclusive public transport in the country.

"We achieved significant strides for a safe and inclusive public transit board because of the support of partners like NGOs today," Bautista said.

The Move as One Coalition, which has over 140 organizations and 77,000 individuals as members, has been advocating for a safer, more humane, and more inclusive public transportation system that is not designed with a car-centric approach.

Joey Razon

Angeles cops face charges for illegal arrest

By Charles Dantes

SEVEN police officers of Angeles City, Pampanga have been detained for the illegal arrest and arbitrary detention of 13 individuals in the area, the Philippine National Police - Integrity Monitoring Group (PNP-IMEG) said.

In a statement released by PNPIMEG, the seven cops were arrested inside the Angeles City Police Office Station 2 during a surprise investigation on June 2.

The PNP identified the suspects as Station Commander Police Major Marvin Aquino, Police Master Sergeant Romulo Meligrito, Police Staff Sergeant Nikko Dave Marquez, Police Staff Sergeant Mark Steven Sison, Police Corporal Richard Gozum, Police Corporal Diosdado Villamor Jr., Police Corporal Jaypee Mangilit, and a civilian named Esmael Arviola.

“PNP-IMEG and the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) would be given more teeth to weed out erring personnel from the service. IMEG is the primary PNP unit going after erring policemen while IAS is in charge of initiating the administrative charges against police scalawags,” PNP Chief Gen.Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement.

The operation stemmed after the IMEG-LFU office received a complaint personally lodged by one of the victims’ daughters after her mother was illegally arrested in their residence due to an alleged violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 last May 28.

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TOUR.

Pangasinan (2nd District)  Rep. Mark Cojuangco an ardent advocate of nuclear energy leads the site tour of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan on June 3 with members of Alpas Pinas a nonprofit organization advocating the use of nuclear energy, officials of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, and members of the press.

Joseph Muego

QC finalizes free bus ride for residents

By Rio A. Araja

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte is expecting more citizens to benefit from the Q City Bus Program after the program was institutionalized through an ordinance that was recently approved.

The current Q City Bus Program is now a part of the implemented programs of the city government-managed public transport system after Belmonte signed Ordinance No. SP-3184, S-2023, introduced by Councilors Alfred Vargas and Ram Medalla.

“Now that we have cemented the program through the passage of an ordinance, I am hoping that many of our Qcitizens would benefit,” she said.

In 2020, the local government launched the free transportation service to QCitizens amid the COVID-19 pandemic that restricted public transportation in the National Capital Region to limit the movement of the people.

Since then, the program has catered to more than 14.6 million passengers along eight routes.

“The program has significantly helped our citizens reduce their daily transportation expenses, especially so when prices of commodities also went up,” Belmonte said.

Under the Ordinance, the Transportation and Management Division of the Quezon City Traffic and Transport Management Department shall supervise the operation and further development of the Q City Bus Program.

CLEANUP. Members of the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) conduct a regular clean-up of the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach in Roxas Boulevard on the eve of World Environment Day along on June 4. Norman Cruz

‘PNP should overhaul system’

MEMBERS of the Philippine National Police (PNP) such as patrolmen and lieutenants should not be immediately allowed to be assigned to the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Sunday said.

In a radio interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Dela Rosa said that the PNP has to adjust its administrative policies-including its vetting system--on who should be assigned to the PDEG.

Dela Rosa made the comment following the alleged cover-up in the more than P6 billion shabu bust in Manila last year.

“As I’ve said, there should be no patrolman or lieutenant assigned in PDEG. They should be exposed in the field and to difficult assignments first. The ones graduating from the academy should not be sent straight away to PDEG. Their exposure is wrong,” Dela Rosa said. The lawmaker added that “they immediately get exposed to the wrong jobs

when the seniors they were assigned to were already like ninja cops.”

Earlier, the former director of the PDEG admitted lapses in the October 2022 drug bust in which P6.4 billion worth of shabu was seized but denied there was any cover-up.

Testifying before the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, former PDEG chief Police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo admitted he had not told the panel the whole truth about the drug raid.

“I admit that there are lapses in our entire operation, but such judgment

calls and procedural lapses were done by me in good faith based on the reports of my men,” Domingo said.

For example, there was a lapse when the operating team did not conduct an inventory on the scene after confiscating two kilos of shabu from then Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo.

However, Domingo said that if they had followed the rule, they might not have discovered the 990 kilos of shabu.

When the 990 kilograms of shabu was later seized, policemen committed a violation when they pilfered about 42 kilos of the contraband, Domingo said.

Filipino pilgrims arrive in Saudi to join yearly Hajj pilgrimage

THE first batch of Filipino pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to embark on the 2023 Hajj, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh announced Sunday.

The group, composed of 292 men and women, landed at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah on June 3 via a Philippine Airlines flight.

Citing the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the Embassy said over 7,200 Filipinos are expected to join this year’s Hajj, an important pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims must perform once in their lifetime.

The embassy emphasized its readiness to assist the traveling Muslim Filipinos throughout their visit, especially as pilgrims in the Kingdom are expected to encounter

challenges due to unfavorable weather conditions during the Hajj, which will commence between June 26 and July 1.

The Philippine Missions in Saudi Arabia, with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs, have also deployed Hajj assistance teams to help ensure the safety and security of Filipino pilgrims while in the Kingdom.

Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Rommel Romato, who welcomed the pilgrims, expressed appreciation to the Saudi government for its initiatives to enhance the experience of pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques.

“Millions of pilgrims, including those from the Philippines, will benefit from innovations such as automation of Hajj services and the Makkah Route initiative among others,” he said.

Abalos appeals for support for House bill on National Election Day

By Rio A. Araja

4PS part-list Rep. JC Abalos on Sunday appealed to fellow lawmakers and the public to support House Bill No. 8187 or the Election Holiday Act that seeks to establish a National Election Day as a regular non-working holiday.

Recognizing the fundamental value of electoral integrity and citizens’ voic-

es, he underscored the significance of House Bill No. 8187 as a proactive step toward strengthening democracy.

To grant a national holiday on Election Day would eliminate barriers that often deter individuals from casting their votes, particularly those faced with work or time constraints, he said “That in the minds of every voter, they should never have to make a choice

between the future of our nation and their ability to earn a day’s wage to support their family,” he said.

Currently, the national election is designated as a special non-working holiday through a presidential proclamation issued shortly before each national election.

This classification means that workers who choose not to work on that day

AID FOR FIRE

VICTIMS. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval along with the Malabon City Health Office, MDRRMO, and CSWDD leads the distribution of aid to residents affected by a fire that affected 35 families or 148 individuals in Kaunlaran Street, Barangay Muzon, Malabon City.   Andrew Rabulan

SM Foundation completes school repairs

will not receive compensation due to the “no work, no pay” policy, he cited.

“Consider the potential impact if we were to establish an election day that eliminates the constraints of work or other obligations, thereby creating a day that is more convenient and enables citizens to regard themselves as an integral part of the electoral process,” he said.

Pagcor warns public on illegal gaming sites

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reiterated its call to the public to be extra vigilant when engaging in online gaming activities as illegal online gaming sites continue to proliferate.

The renewed call from the country’s gaming regulator came on the heels of news reports that a certain website -- www.starspangled200.org – which was printed on close to 800,000 registered vehicle plates in Maryland, USA to promote the state’s history, was used by fraudsters as a link to an illegal gambling website allegedly operating in the Philippines.

According to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, the URL www.starspangled200.org printed on these Maryland plates which redirects to https://www. globeinternational.info/ has been used as an illegal gambling platform that not only violates players’ rights but also places the Philippines in a bad light.

“PAGCOR has nothing to do with the said websites, as well as the gaming activities happening therein. As the country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR does not condone illegal online gambling. Engaging or betting on illegal gambling activities is not only a criminal act; it also takes away from the government billions of pesos in revenues which can be used to fund priority programs that will benefit a greater number of Filipinos. Hence, we have been continuously working with various government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that our gaming policies are in place and the online gaming platforms that we regulate are safe and credible,” he said.

THE SM Foundation through its School Building Program completed the repair of six school buildings in elementary public schools in Antipolo City, Dagupan City, Legazpi City, Pulilan (Bulacan), City of San Fernando, and Sorsogon. The repair of the school buildings was programmed for the year 2023 with a budgetary allocation of P3 million. All repairs were completed and turned over to the beneficiary schools ahead

of schedule. The repaired school buildings are buildings donated by SM Prime through SM Foundation. The beneficiary schools are Mayamot Elementary School (Antipolo), East Central Integrated School (Dagupan), Bitano Elementary School (Legazpi), Balatong Elementary School (Pulilan, Bulacan), Telabastagan Integrated School (City of San Fernando), and Sorsogon’s Basud Elementary School.

IN BRIEF

Jinggoy touts passage of 2 ‘significant’ bills

FOLLOWING the adjournment sine die of the first regular session of the 19th Congress, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has managed to spearhead the passage of two significant bills within 10 months.

Estrada was referring to the 4,386 veterans; 2,276 wives of pensioners, and 795 minors covered under Republic Act No. 6948 or the Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and their Beneficiaries, who stand to benefit from the increased rates of the monthly disability pension benefit under the ratified Senate Bill No. 1480.

Senate working through sine die

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

WHILE Congress adjourned sine die last Wednesday, committee hearings will continue, said Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

“Our business does not end in the Senate. Our colleagues have expressed to continue conducting hearings during the break,” he added.

Adopted Senate Resolution No. 21 gives full authority to “all regular standing committees oversight committees and special committees of the Senate to conduct hearings, meetings, and consultations during every recess of the

Diokno backs

Maharlika as growth catalyst

By Julito G. Rada

FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Dio -

kno supports the immediate passage into law of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund bill because it will serve as a growth catalyst to strengthen the domestic economy’s resilience against increased global uncertainties.

“The expeditious establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund will provide the government cushion against external headwinds that now imperil the attainment of our near- and medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal targets,” Diokno said over the weekend.

Diokno cited the April 2023 World Economic Outlook, where the International Monetary Fund downgraded its global growth projection for this year from 2.9 percent to 2.8 percent on account of stubborn inflation, the prolonged war in Europe, a continuation of interest rate hikes in advanced economies, and the emergence of banking sector fragilities.

Diokno said while the Development Budget Coordination Committee decided to retain its growth target for this year at 6 percent to 7 percent, it also acknowledged the challenges brought about by these unfavorable external developments and has emphasized the need for timely policy interventions in order to sustain the high-growth momentum.

Senate to have continuity in the process of passing pending proposed legislations and to conduct investigations on issues of National Interests to aid in crafting relevant legislation.”

Before the adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress, the Senate was able to pass landmark legislation such as Villanueva’s pet bill Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, establish-

ing a National Employment Master Plan.

The One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act, Extension of the Period of Availment of the Estate Tax Amnesty, Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans, Institutionalizing the Shared Service Facilities for MSMEs Act, Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, Regional Specialty Centers Act, Disability Pension for Veterans Act, and the Maharlika Investment Fund Act were also passed.

Villanueva was assigned as the Senate’s caretaker for the next two weeks during the session break.

According to Special Order No.

2023-020 (OSP) signed on June 1, Villanueva was designated by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri as Officer-InCharge of the Senate of the Philippines from June 3 to 15 during Zubiri’s absence.

“Part of our role as Majority Leader is to step up when the leadership calls for it,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva’s designation is pursuant to Rule IV of the Rules of the Senate where “in the case of the temporary absence of the Senate President or the Senate President Pro-Tempore, the Majority Leader or in his absence, any of the two Deputy Majority Leaders, or any member designated by the Presi-

Another landmark legislation that saw its passage last March 22 in the recently-concluded regular session was Senate Bill No. 1849, which amends the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fixed term code and aims to enhance professionalism, ensure policy continuity, and advance modernization initiatives within the military. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Cayetano stresses benefits of sports

SENATOR Pia Cayetano believes that supporting sports activities for the youth helps develop their overall health and well-being.

She said it also teaches discipline and teamwork, which could help them in their future endeavors.

This was emphasized by Cayetano in an interview at the sidelines of the national finals of the Red Bull Half Court 3x3 Basketball Tournament, held in Bagumbayan, Taguig City on Saturday (June 3).

“You can’t go wrong with involving the youth in sports,” said the senator, herself a former champion varsity player for the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons Volleyball Team, and a national volleyball athlete. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘Set school opening to 1st Monday of June’

AN ILOCOS Sur legislator urged his colleagues to bring back the opening of classes in all schools to June.

House Bill No. 8508, filed by Ilocos Sur 1st District Rep. Ronald Singson, pushes for a modified start of the school year, which will cover all basic institutions in the country, including international schools.

The bill also seeks to establish the first Monday of June of every year as the start of the academic year, thereby harmonizing the opening of the academic year, according to a news release on Sunday.

“More than overhauling, revising, and redesigning the existing curriculum, other issues on education, such as setting a school calendar that is most beneficial to learners, should also be considered,” said Singson. Rio N. Araja

President appoints veteran broadcaster Puod as acting GM of PTV

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed veteran broadcast journalist Ana Puod to lead the People’s Television Network (PTV), the government’s official TV station.

Puod was officially sworn in as PTV’s acting general manager by Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Ga-

rafil over the weekend.

Aside from being the network’s acting GM, Puod will be sitting on its board of directors as a representative of the private sector and the broadcast industry.

A journalist for more than two decades, Puod started her career at

Villar sees Agrarian Emancipation measure signed

SEN. Cynthia Villar expressed confidence that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will prioritize the signing into law of a bill condoning loans by farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Villar, the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said Senate Bill 1850 or the New Agrarian Emancipa-

tion Act will benefit 610,054 ARBs

who were granted lands under Presidential Decree No. 27, Republic Act 6657, as amended by RA 9700, and who have outstanding loan balance as of the effectivity of the act.

The bill, which was already passed by both houses of Congress, emanated from Villar’s committee in the Senate.

It proposes to condone all principal and interests of loans from the award of agricultural lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Villar said farmers and farmworkers are waiting for the enactment of this measure, which will make possible their dream of receiving their land titles. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Solon: PhilHealth could pay P20.3b for dialysis bills

QUEZON City Rep. Marvin Rillo sees the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) paying up to P20.3 billion in dialysis claims this year amid the chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemic sweeping the country.

“Considering the surge in the number of Filipinos seeking dialysis treatment,

total claims payments are likely to increase by around P3 billion from P17.3 billion in 2022 to an estimated P20.3 billion this year,” he said.

The country is observing National Kidney Month “to raise public awareness of the fatal consequences of renal diseases.”

“We must guarantee Filipinos living

with CKD ready access to free dialysis treatment to assure them a superior quality of life,” Rillo said.

According to the city lawmaker, with his help, two state-of-the-art dialysis centers in Barangay UP campus and Barangay Doña Imelda would soon provide “absolutely free” treatment to kidney patients. Rio N. Araja

ABS-CBN News, where she produced the current affairs program

“The Correspondents.”

She also led several news leadership positions and executive-produced news programs at TV5, where she worked for more than 9 years.

Puod is the second veteran journalist

to have been recently appointed to lead the government’s information channels. Her appointment comes weeks after Mr. Marcos picked former ABS-CBN News Online senior editor Jose Torres Jr. as the new director-general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) replacing Ramon Cualoping III.

FREE PENCILS. Examinees of the University of the Philippines entrance test line up to get free pencils from the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity on Sunday. Danny Pata

NEW PTV GM. Analisa Vicente Puod (right) stands with Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil after the latter swore her in as the new Acting General Manager and Member, Representing the Private Sector and Broadcast Industry, Board of Directors of the People’s Television Network, Inc. PCO Photo

WIND ENERGY PLANS. (From left) Pierre-Antoine Tetard, Vice President APAC; Carlos Martin, Chief Executive Officer; Raymund Pascual, Country Manager - Philippines; and Armando Gamboa Jr., Project Delivery Manager - Philippines (not pictured) explain Blue Float

Too many lawyers?

I HAD several topics in mind for the regular Monday article, such as the recently passed Maharlika Investment Fund by the Senate where likely half of the members of our “august” chamber voted yes without having any real understanding of what they passed, and the bicameral conference committee then adopted the Senate “improved” version without reading.

But several have beaten me to the draw, and I agree with most of their observations, particularly those that Sen. Chiz Escudero recited.

It will soon be signed into law, despite all the ministrations of the “absent” Sen. Koko Pimentel, and likely appealed to the Supreme Court by the usual “me-ma” who know that the tribunal will not favor them anyway with a declaration of nullity.

So now our president will be able to announce in his SONA the “promises” that the Fund will bring to our highly leveraged economy.

To be fair, Congress has passed several pieces of legislation that are indeed laudatory, such as the extension of the amnesty to allow many to settle their estate tax obligations, which Sen. Ralph Recto asked his former colleagues to expedite before the sine die.

Other laudable bills passed into law we can perhaps tackle in another column.

I also wanted to chime in my own analysis of the political goings-on, starting from the demotion of PGMA from a ceremonial perch to a lesser but equally ceremonial one.

That demotion has led to political repercussions that many see as prelude to the jousts of 2025, and the championship fight in 2028, unless constitutional change is effected.

More of that too in another article.

What got my dander up is the latest twist on the Governor Degamo assassination where I decided to wait for the unravelling of the case after it is filed before comments. Meanwhile, the vice-governor who succeeded Degamo has died of natural causes, and the numero uno bokal is now the governor.

Or is this the case when too many lawyers crowd their profession, and the justice system has become for sale?

My Negros Oriental friend observed before that Roel Degamo is the first “timawa” in the political history of the province to become governor, initially also by succession.

The province had long been led by “de buena familia” members – the Perdices, Teves, Macias clans who in their time preserved the province along with its Sillimanian culture, as a haven of peace and tranquility.

Until one fourth generation offspring of the highly-regarded Teves clan began to lord it over the beautiful province which my esteemed mentor Liling Magtolis Briones waxes lyrically about.

It is probably the sign of the times.

Or how our politics has been transformed into the monstrous mess legislated by a confused Constitution and taken over by the curse of moneydictated elections where most voters choose “the least of us to lead us.”

I watched Sec. Boying Remulla announce on television that 10 pawns of the Number One mastermind (because there is a co-mastermind), have recanted their previous testimony which identified the co-mastermind and alluded to the real mastermind.

DOJ has gone on record naming the co-mastermind as Arnolfo Teves’ bodyguard Marvin Miranda who allegedly hired the hit team.

In exchange for their recantation, they were bribed to the tune of 8 million pesos each, Sec. Boying said.

And who were the bribers? Remulla pointedly named one Atty. Reynante Orceo, a former DOJ Undersecretary.

He also accused two other lawyers who mercifully had no high DOJ credentials in their curriculum vitae.

Jaded observers like this writer are not really shocked, that one in the second tier of DOJ leadership could be involved in what their profession deems most improper.

After all, some who were “fixers” in the DOJ in their stint eventually got appointed justices, so what else is new? I hope Sec. Boying, who I know to be a straightshooter from the time we both served in the palace beside the Pasig River, has his onions right.

Solution to plastic pollution

WE JOIN more than 150 countries today in marking the 50th anniversary of the UNorganized World Environment Day event under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.

While the leakage of plastics into the ocean and the subsequent impacts of marine life has been most studied, plastic pollution also affect freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

ILOCANOS—their language is spelled out Ilokano—take pride in their folk song Pamulinawen, among other tunes they have in their music chests, a song addressed to, a euphemism, a stone-hearted lady.

Part of the lyrics: Pamulinawen/ Pusok indengam man/ ‘Toy umas-asug/ Agrayo d’ta sadiam/ Panunotem man/ Ti inka pagintutul’ngan/ ‘toy agayat/ agrayo d’ta sadiam.//

The loose translation in English by an Ilocano musician: Pamulinawen/ please hearken to my heart/the one appealing/ has been under your spell/ please think of me/ the one you keep ignoring/the one beseeching/ enamored with your charm.//

The Pangasinenses have their Malinak La’y Labi (Peaceful Night): Malinak la’y labi, oras la’y mareen/ Mapalpal na’y dagem katekep to’y linaew/ Samit la’y kogip ko binangonan kon tampol/ lapu’d say linggas mo sikan sika’y amamaywen!//

Loose translation: Peaceful night, quiet hours/ Gentle is the wind mixed with dew/ Sweet was my dream and once I awoke/ My heart insisted that I caress you// Bicolanos themselves take pride in, apart from “Katurog na Nonoy” and “Sarung Banggi,” the song “Babaeng Taga Bikol: Maogmahon sa Kabicolan (2x)/ Madia kamo sa Kabicolan/ Dae nindo malilingawan/ Babaeng taga-Bicol.

Which means—again loose translation – it’s nice to be in Bicolandia (2x)/ Come on over to the region/

Sadly though, this revelation comes as further testament to how the legal profession in this benighted land has degenerated from the lofty esteem our people placed on the likes of Quezon, Osmena, Laurel, Roxas, Quirino, Garcia, Macapagal, Diokno, Tanada, Recto, and others who mesmerized us with their intellect and ethical conduct.

Or is this the case when too many lawyers crowd their profession, and the justice system has become for sale?

How a gambling lord can be elected several times to Congress is no longer strange when firstclass grafters and their contractor-bribers also populate its halls, an intended result of politics becoming a money-making business enterprise.

At least Atong Ang, a recognized gambling lord, never became a candidate for public office.

But going back to the hypothesis stated in the title of this piece, isn’t this also a case of having too many practitioners in a profession our society highly regards?

Media, then and till now, glorify bar topnotchers in front pages and star-billing, but hardly feature engineers, architects, scientists, and even medical professionals.

When I was in Taiwan, and a diplomatic row came about when one of the three POLO’s (Philippine overseas labor officer) assigned there threatened a lowly OFW-caregiver who ranted expletives against our president on her Facebook page with “deportation.”

The labor officer who happened to be a lawyer and a member of one of the highly-regarded legal fraternities, did not know, or knowing so, haughtily disregarded the fact that immigration and deportation are exclusive rights of a host government, and not a labor officer, not even the office of the foreign representative of our country.

I confronted and reprimanded the guy, recommended his recall to the department which assigned him to Taiwan, made amends with the foreign ministry there, and had verbal tussles with some of our high officials who said, even if rightly so, that the OFW was excessively rude to our president.

Later, in light-hearted conversation with some other diplomats in Taipei, someone remarked that the Philippines had too many lawyers, far more than scientists and engineers, unlike other Asian countries.

Now don’t get me wrong. Some of my closest friends are lawyers, although to my knowledge they have been exemplars of ethical norms.

But let’s go into real talk. The legal profession has long been tarred by “fixers” and “bribers” infecting many “officers of the court” including prosecutors, judges and justices.

In an intimate conversation with the late Doy Laurel even before the murder of Ninoy Aquino, I asked what he thought was the first thing a postMarcos government should address.

After a minute of introspection, he sighed, “we have to clean up our justice system,” and added, “the legal profession is no longer what it used to be during papa’s time,” referring to the late Pres. Jose P. Laurel, who served the country with utmost distinction from the Commonwealth, through the Second World War, and the nascent Third Republic.

In the summer of 1981, in his tiny office as a fellow at Harvard, I was with Ninoy Aquino alongside a Singaporean businessman and two visiting Filipino scholars from Hawaii.

Ninoy asked us: “What do you think is the gravest fault of the Marcos martial rule?”

The legal scholars answered, “his trampling of human rights and the Constitution which he intentionally crafted to suit his authoritarian rule.”

I said, “Perhaps to my non-legal mind, and to many ordinary Filipinos, it is the increasing institutionalization of corruption which has become too pervasive.”

Ninoy’s Singaporean friend weighed in, stating, “we have a rather authoritarian rule ourselves, but our leader tolerates no corruption.”

It has been almost 40 years since Ninoy Aquino was assassinated in the tarmac of our international airport.

That event sparked the downfall of authoritarianism, and ushered in the “Constitutional democracy” led by Ninoy’s widow.

More than an entire generation has passed since February 25, 1986.

As lawyers keep declaring, “Res ipsa loquitor.”

What has happened and what is happening in worse degree to our politics, our justice system, our legal profession, could be gleaned from the conversations we had then.

The world, with nearly 7.9 billion people, including 114 million from the Philippines, is being snowed under by plastic, with 300 million metric tons of plastic waste generated each year.

A report by science journal, Nature, determined that currently, roughly 14 million tons of plastic make their way into the oceans every year, harming wildlife habitats and the animals that live in them.

Chlorinated plastic can release harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil, which can then seep into groundwater or other surrounding water sources, and also the ecosystem.

This can cause a range of potentially harmful effects on the species that drink the water.

Once the plastic is in the ocean, it decomposes very slowly, breaking into tiny pieces known as microplastics, which can enter the marine food chain and become incredibly damaging to sea life.

The main source of ocean plastic

There is urgency in

call to hold hands and save planet Earth

pollution is land-based – 80 percent of plastic in the ocean originates on land.

Ecologists and preservationists say the toxic chemical additives and pollutants found in plastics threaten human health on a global scale.

Scientifically-proven health effects include causing cancer or changing hormone activity, known as endocrine disruption, which can lead to reproductive, growth, and cognitive impairment. It threatens ecosystems, animal and plant species, impeding their ability to deliver essential services to humanity.

Marine species ingest or are entangled by plastic debris, which causes severe injuries and death.

Plastic pollution threatens food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change.

There is indeed urgency in the call to hold hands and save planet Earth, with trees identified as the lungs of the world, and therefore planting more trees is required to help save Mother Earth so the oceans will be blue, the planet green, and the animals safe.

And we see the hands of the staff of the Manila Standard the other day as they stood to the environmental challenge by planting 350 saplings in the 2,659-hectare La Mesa Dam which contains the last remaining rainforest of its size in Metro Manila.

The young trees they planted assuredly will eventually help contribute to a clean environment by improving air quality through the process of photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology led by Secretary Ivan Uy has kicked off the National ICT Month in ceremonies with no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivering his latest pronouncements championing the acceleration of digital transformation across sectors.

The President opened his statement with a sense of urgency “to adopt all of these new technologies to be able to compete properly in the global stage.”

“Our government must keep up with that frantic pace – and it is frantic – and facilitate the rapid development of our interconnectivity infrastructure to allow our economy to ride the wave and open up an ocean of opportunities for prosperity,” President Marcos Jr. said.

He rightly pointed out that “you cannot compete (in the global market) on an even basis unless you are highly digitalized, both in the private sector and as well in the public sector.”

Very interesting is the launch of the beta version of the eGov PH Super App which the President said will be the citizen’s interface to a “digitized bureaucracy.” The Super App is envisioned to be go-to app that would make day-to-day government transactions simple, efficient, and minimize corruption.

Users will be able to do e-payments, banking services, receive news and information, e-tourism, and even a people’s feedback mechanism.

I tried downloading it to my smartphone and was able to register already. Check it out.

The National ICT Month banners the theme “Connecting Communities, Enriching Lives, Forging a Digital Future for the Philippines” which encapsulates how strategically critical digital technologies have become from both the macro and micro socio-economic perspectives.

Now that we have this exciting vision to become a competitive digital economy, building the digital infrastructure needed to deliver the broadband connectivity that will enable each Filipino to tap into the empowerments of a digital ecosystem should be the first priority.

When it comes to building this digital infrastructure, the heavy investments have been by the private sector especially dominated by the aggressive expansion and upgrading of networks of the telecommunications companies.

There have been enormous bureaucratic roadblocks that have been streamlined resulting in faster telco tower and fiber optic network expansion in the last couple of years.

But this needs to be sustained further and even improved as internet connectivity is now as indispensable as water and electricity utilities.

As all these technologies and digital infrastructure are powered by electricity, speeding up the electrification of new telecommunications towers has become a major concern of the telco sector.

tricity Cooperatives (EC); Right of Way issues even in non-private roads in the Barangays, additional requirements from ECs; Lack of available meters, poles, transformers in ECs; Slow processing and payments of Bill of Materials and differences in fees of LGUs and Coops; Various post construction documentation and permitting issues in some LGUs.

Mr. Ernest L. Cu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Globe gave insights on the challenges in energizing telecommunication towers bogging down the industry.

“I think one of the biggest bottlenecks today is the energization of particular sites – we can build them but we can’t power them up,” Mr. Cu said.

The group will further pursue initial recommendations to address the delaying factors that were raised.

This was the major issue raised during the recent Telco Workshop convened by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) held on May 19 at the Globe Telecom Tower in Taguig City. The meeting had 114 participants from telcos, tower companies and the energy/electricity providers of the country tackling the challenges of existing processes that are delaying the energization of telco towers and how the sectors can work together with government on effective solutions.

The main problem that was identified by the workshop participants is the long turnaround time across all the many steps and procedures to connect telco towers to electricity services.

Among the issues identified were lack of manpower, undefined timelines and schedules of Elec-

Some of the suggested solutions are: unify application and documentary requirements, boost the manpower and delegation authority of LGUs for final permit release, standardize and compliance to Service Level Agreements and turnaround times of processing transactions; standardize government connection and permitting fees, eliminate redundant steps in different cooperative processes, documentary requirements for Occupancy Permit and Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection should be same and not be dependent on national permits; strict compliance to the provisions of the Revised JMC 1-2021 and RA 11032 in processing permits and licenses related to electric service applications, align with DPWH on streamlining of permits and requirements, among others.

ARTA Director-General, Sec. Ernesto Perez expressed confidence President Marcos Jr. will sign the final draft of the much-anticipated executive order aimed at institutionalizing and further streamlining the tower construction application process.

Most of the delaying factors identified in the ARTA workshop involve processes in the LGUs and Electricity Cooperatives, especially in the rural areas where broadband connectivity will actually bring the most benefits.

Further feet dragging from these parties will be unacceptable and a serious disservice to their constituents whose welfare and interests they are supposed to serve.

Are PH’s regional folk songs in morendo? (Part 2)

and don’t you ever forget/ a lady from Bicol.//

In the Cordilleras, the Bontocs have a funeral song on Inan Talangey. This is about the life of a dead person and is sung by two or three groups of people during the evening wake, a practice common in northern Philippines.

The Kalingas also have their folk songs, like Banao, a lullaby song which relates the story of a baby sitter – perhaps a sibling or a close relative -while the child’s parents are out there in the farm.

The song says the baby-sitter lulls the baby to sleep by rocking it in a forward-backward movement of the torso and bending the knee a little, while singing: O-wah, o-wah, o-wah-wi-iyi-i/ Nasigab man-tagibi-iyi-i/ Maid suyop no labvi/ Anosan ta’n bvobva-i-i-i/ Siya’t kopyan dji bvobva-i/ O-way adjo’t ligatmi-i-iyi/ Man-i-goygoy no labvi/ O-wah, o-wah, o-wah-wi--iyi-i.//

The loose English translation by someone who has gone to the area: O-wah, o-wah, o-wah-wi-iyii/ Baby sitting is rather difficult/ No sleep at all at night/ We women can only bear/ That’s what women are born for/ Although there is much to suffer from.//

The Kalingas also have their “Dang-dang-ay,” another traditional song which became popular during the second world war in the 1940s.

Kalingas say the guerrillas sang this song while they bade good-bye to their sweethearts, the women not wanting their lovers to go away while the men were promising they would return.

Culture connoisseurs say there are other regions rich in folk songs which need wider dissemination and appreciation by the younger generations

Part of the lyrics: Ading di ka agsangit/ Agsubliyak mabiit/ Ading di ka agdanag/ Mabiit a mabayag/ Urray innak mabitay/ No diak gasat a matay/ Kastoy gayam ta ayat/ Pangkitaan ti rigat…//

The English loose translation: My young one, don’t weep/ I’ll be back before long/ Don’t worry / It’s not that long/ I might be hanged/ If it’s not my fate to die/ This is love after all/ Mirror of difficulties.// One is reminded of the “Ballad of the Green Berets, “ a patriotic song in the ballad style about the Green Berets, an elite special force in

the US Army.

It is one of the very few songs of the 1960s to cast the military in a positive light, yet it became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts for five weeks in 1966.

It was also a crossover smash, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart and No. 2 on Billboard’s Country survey.

The song was written by Robin Moore and Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler, while the latter was recuperating from a leg wound suffered as a medic in the Vietnam War.

The lyrics include: “Back at home a young wife waits/ Her Green Beret has met his fate/ He has died for those oppressed/ Leaving her this last request/ Put silver wings on my son’s chest/ Make him one of America’s best/ He’ll be a man they’ll test one day/ Have him win the Green Beret”// In the lahar-devastated province of Pampanga north of Manila are several folk songs, but one, according to patriotic minds, particularly stand out.

This is the song titled “Capampangan Cu” whose lyrics include Ing balen cung Capampangan/ Sale ning leguan at dangalan/ Paraiso ne ning cabanalan/ Luclucan ning catuliran/ Mibait la qng candungan na/ Ding bayani ampong biasa/ Balen co uliran ca/ Lalam ning bandera.//

Sources from the province say this is a patriotic song which elevates Pampanga, described as the place of the righteous, religious and law abiding citizens.

Those in the Queen City of the South have their “Usahay” whose lyrics, partly, say: Usahay magadamgo ako/ Nga ikaw ug ako nagka higugmaay/ Nganong damgohon ko ikaw/ Damgohon sa kanunay…// A loose English translation puts some graphic image: Sometimes I am dreaming/ That you and I love each other/ Why are you the one I dream of/ And always dream of my loneliness…//

The Tausugs of Sulo have their “Unu In Hi Langan” whose lyrics include: Unu in hi langan/ Sin hidlaw kan jungjungan/ Ayir bajanggang/ Sukkal banding di kapasangan/ Hi ula katumbangan/ Bang maisa kulangan/ Dayang in pagngnnan.//

The loose English translation: What can I sing/ (To ease my) yearning for my beloved/ (Her) incomparable presence/ cannot be matched/ (My) dear idol and lover/ When lying in the chamber/ I utter the name of my beloved.//

Culture connoisseurs say there are other regions rich in folk songs which need wider dissemination and appreciation by the younger generations – if only for the message of patriotism, love for kin and what the songs say of the community, the aspirations of the people, their laughter, their grief, and their dreams.

As the Cebuanos say, “Daghan na mga Pilipino ang miuyon,” endorsed by Bicolanos who say “Cadacul an mga Filipino na o yun.”

And the Ilocanos chase that with “Pudno, atanud, adu ti umanamong.”

the

Further feet dragging from these parties will be unacceptable and a serious disservice to their constituents whose welfare and interests they are supposed to serve

Telco Tower electrification delays will bog down digital economy

Cause, ‘people responsible’ for India train crash known I

NDIA’S Railway Minister said Sunday the cause and people responsible for the country’s worst train crash in decades had been identified, pointing to an electronic signal system without giving further details.

“We have identified the cause of the accident and the people responsible for it,” India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told news agency ANI, but said it was “not appropriate” to give details before a final investigation report.

The death toll from Friday’s crash near Balasore, in the eastern state of Odisha, was expected to climb above 288.

Ashwini said the “change that occurred during electronic interlocking, the accident happened due to that,” a technical term referring to a complex signal system designed to stop trains colliding by arranging their movement on the tracks.

“Whoever did it, and how it happened, will be found out after proper investigation,” he added.

There was confusion about the exact sequence of events but reports cited railway officials as saying that a signaling error had sent the Coromandal Express running south from Kolkata to Chennai onto a side track.

It slammed into a freight train and the wreckage derailed an express running north from In-

AI sage: Human extinction threat is  ‘overblown’

EVER since the poem churning ChatGPT burst on the scene six months ago, expert Gary Marcus has voiced caution against artificial intelligence’s ultra-fast development and adoption.

dia’s tech hub Bengaluru to Kolkata that was also passing the site.

Odisha state’s chief secretary Pradeep Jena confirmed that about 900 injured people had been hospitalized.

Desperate relatives searched Sunday for loved ones missing.

“I saw bloodied scenes, mangled bodies and one man with a severed arm being desperately helped by his injured son,” researcher Anubhav Das, 27, told AFP after surviving the crash.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and injured passengers being treated in hospital and said “no one responsible” would be spared.

“I pray that we get out of this sad moment as soon as possible,” he told state broadcaster Doordarshan.

A high school close to the crash site had been turned into a makeshift morgue, but officials said many of the bodies were so disfigured that many of the distraught families could only spot their loved ones by pieces of jewelry. AFP

But against AI’s apocalyptic doomsayers, the New York University emeritus professor told AFP in a recent interview that the technology’s existential threats may currently be “overblown.”

“I’m not personally that concerned about extinction risk, at least for now, because the scenarios are not that concrete,” said Marcus in San Francisco.

“A more general problem that I am worried about... is that we’re building AI systems that we don’t have very good control over and I think that poses a lot of risks, (but) maybe not literally existential.”

Long before the advent of ChatGPT, Marcus designed his first AI program in high school – software to translate Latin into English and after years of studying child psychology, he founded Geometric Intelligence, a machine learning company later acquired by Uber.

In March, alarmed that ChatGPT creator OpenAI was releasing its latest and more powerful AI model with Microsoft, Marcus signed an open letter with more than 1,000 people including Elon Musk calling for a global pause in AI development.

But last week he did not sign the more succinct statement by business leaders and specialists—including OpenAI boss Sam Altman—that caused a stir.

Global leaders should be working to reduce “the risk of extinction” from artificial intelligence technology, the signatories insisted.

The one-line statement said tackling the risks from AI should be “a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.”

Signatories included those who are building systems with a view to achieving “general” AI, a technology that would hold the cognitive abilities on par with those of humans.

operating at the accident site of a three-train collision near Balasore in India on June 4, 2023. Authorities were scrambling to understand the cause of the collision that killed at least 288 people, claiming that ‘no one responsible’ will be spared. AFP

“If you really think there’s existential risk, why are you working on this at all? That’s a pretty fair question to ask,” Marcus said. AFP

Hong Kong, China  beef  up security on Tiananmen crackdown anniversary

HONG KONG boosted security around a park Sunday where tens of thousands of people used to gather for an annual memorial of the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown, ensuring no protests on the event’s 34th anniversary.

In past years, Hong Kongers would converge on Victoria Park and its surrounding Causeway Bay neighborhood to commemorate the events of June 4, 1989 – taking part in a candlelight vigil or watching performances about the bloody incident.

But this weekend, the park hosts a “hometown carnival fair” organized by pro-Beijing groups, with scores of police deployed in the adjacent shopping district a day after four people were arrested for “seditious” acts and “disorderly conduct.”

Police searched shoppers in Causeway Bay on Saturday, and moved quickly to remove performance artists and activists.

IN BRIEF

Kim’s sister slams UN meet on Nokor

NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister Kim Yo Jong slammed the UN Security Council for holding a “most unfair” meeting over Pyongyang’s recent spy satellite launch, state media reported on Sunday.

North Korea’s new Chollima-1 rocket lost thrust and crashed into the sea with its satellite payload on Wednesday, Pyongyang said in a rare same-day announcement, adding that another test will be conducted as soon as possible.

The United States, South Korea and Japan slammed the launch, saying it violated UN resolutions barring the nuclear-armed country from any tests using ballistic missile technology.

The UN’s under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, took the Security Council to task on Friday for a “lack of unity and action” on North Korea’s tests.

Kim Yo Jong said the UN meeting was another reminder the council was acting as a “political appendage” to “gangster-like” Washington.

“I am very unpleased that the UNSC so often calls to account the DPRK’s exercise of its rights as a sovereign state at the request of the US,” she said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency and referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. AFP

Four people were also detained on suspicion of “breaching the peace.”

AFP saw artist Sanmu Chen chant “Don’t forget June 4!” before he was bundled into a police bus.

Discussion of the Tiananmen crackdown is highly sensitive to China’s communist leadership, and commemoration is forbidden on the mainland.

Thirty-four years ago, the government sent troops and tanks to Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to break up peaceful protests, brutally crushing a weeks-long wave of demonstrations calling for political change.

Hundreds—by some estimates, more than 1,000—were killed. For decades, Hong Kong was the only Chinese city with a large-scale commemoration of the incident—a key index of the liberties and political pluralism afforded by its semiautonomous status. AFP

Ukraine strike kills girl, injures 22

AN AIRSTRIKE hit a residential district in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, killing a two-year-old girl and injuring 22 others, officials said Sunday.

The attack, which President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed on Russia, partially destroyed a pair of two-storey buildings as well as 10 private homes, a shop and a gas pipeline, according to the region’s governor.

Russian airstrikes over Ukraine have ratcheted up in recent weeks, as have incursions in the opposite direction.

Kyiv has for months said it is preparing a major counteroffensive against Moscow’s occupation forces, hoping to reclaim territory lost since Russia invaded in February 2022.

After Saturday’s strike, a girl’s body was pulled from the wreckage.

“At night, a girl’s body was retrieved from under the rubble of a house in the Pidhorodnenska community,” Serhiy Lysak, governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, posted on Telegram early Sunday.

“She just turned two.”

“22 people were injured, 5 of them were children,” he added, having said earlier that three boys were in serious condition at hospital. Zelensky blamed Russia for the strike, saying more people were trapped beneath the wreckage.

“The Russians attacked the city,” Zelensky posted on Facebook on Saturday.

“Once again, Russia proves it is a terrorist state. The Russians will bear responsibility for everything committed against our state and people.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SEARCHING FOR SURVIVORS. This aerial view shows excavators and rescue workers

Low inflation, US debt deal to lift stocks

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SHARE prices are expected to get a boost from the progress of the US debt deal and the upcoming release of May inflation rate.

“The passing of the US debt ceiling bill may continue to give the local market an upward boost. Investors are also expected to take cues from our upcoming May inflation data,” Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said over the weekend.

Tantiangco said the further slowdown in inflation which could lead to a possible interest rate cut in the coming

PSEi June 2, 2023

TOP GAINERS

months may support positive sentiment.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said last week inflation likely eased further to as low as 5.8 percent in May from 6.6 percent in April following the rollback in petroleum prices and the reduction in poultry and fish prices.

Inflation reached a 14-year peak of 8.7 percent in January, before slowing down to 8.6 percent in February, 7.6

percent in March and 6.6 percent in April.

The BSP’s next policy meeting is on June 22.

Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said the local market remained on sideways movement amid thin trading last week despite recent positive developments.

“Generally the positive Q1 earnings report were not able to give the index enough escape to trade past the 6,700 level,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

Investors are expected to recalibrate their portfolio by focusing on stocks that would benefit from the slowdown in inflation rate.

The index is expected to trade

between 6,400 and 6,600 levels this week. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index closed lower by 18 points to 6,512 amid lackluster trading last week. Analysts said the market’s chart remained bearishly biased with the bourse posting losses for the second straight week.

Global stocks rallied Friday, closing out the week on a high in the United States following a bumper jobs report and a deal in Congress to avert a potentially catastrophic debt default.

The stronger-than-expected employment data released Friday morning suggests the US economy remains resilient despite concerted action from the Fed-

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince

Abdulaziz

bin Salman al-Saud arrives for the 186th Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting in Vienna on June 3, 2023. AFP

OPEC+ weighs fresh production cuts to prop up prices

VIENNA, Austria—There are growing signs that major oil producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia are considering slashing production further when they meet on Sunday in a bid to prop up prices.

The 13-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is due to consult with 10 other oil-producing nations, including Russia, to review the grouping’s future output policy.

The in-person OPEC+ meetings are set to take place from 0800 GMT Sunday in Vienna.

Analysts had expected OPEC+ producers to maintain their current policy, but signs emerged Saturday that staying the course might fall short of sufficiently stabilizing the oil market.

In April, several OPEC+ members agreed to voluntarily cut production by more than one million barrels per day (bpd) -- a surprise move which briefly

buttressed prices, but failed to bring about lasting recovery.

Oil producers are grappling with falling prices and high market volatility amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has upended economies worldwide.

Most delegations remained tightlipped or declined to comment on possible policy decisions as they arrived in the Austrian capital for their Saturday meetings.

Analysts were divided over whether heavyweights Riyadh and Moscow would keep the group on course with its current output policy, or further curtail production.

An output cut of 700,000 bpd to one million bpd was one of the options being discussed, a source close to the discussions told AFP, stressing that nothing was set in stone.

“There was no discussion of production volume today,” Iran’s OPEC gover-

How chocolate could counter climate change

HAMBURG, Germany—At a redbrick factory in the German port city of Hamburg, cocoa bean shells go in one end, and out the other comes an amazing black powder with the potential to counter climate change.

The substance, dubbed biochar, is produced by heating the cocoa husks in an oxygen-free room to 600 degrees Celsius (1,112 Fahrenheit).

The process locks in greenhouse gases and the final product can be used as a fertilizer, or as an ingredient in the production of “green” concrete.

While the biochar industry is still in its infancy, the technology offers a novel way to remove carbon from the Earth’s atmosphere, experts say.

According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), biochar could potentially be used to capture 2.6 billion of the 40 billion tons of CO2 currently produced by humanity each year.

But scaling up its use remains a challenge.

“We are reversing the carbon cycle,” Peik Stenlund, CEO of Circular Carbon, told AFP at the biochar factory in Hamburg.

The plant, one of the largest in Europe, takes delivery of the used cocoa shells via a network of grey pipes from a neighboring chocolate factory.

The biochar traps the CO2 contained in the husks -- in a process that could be used for any other plant. If the cocoa shells were disposed of as normal, the carbon inside the unused byproduct would be released into the atmosphere as it decomposed.

Instead, the carbon is sequestered in the biochar “for centuries”, according

Peik

transport bags for cocoa shells in Hamburg, on May 10, 2023. At a red-brick factory in Hamburg, cocoa bean shells go in one end, and out the other comes a black powder with the unusual potential to counter climate change. AFP

to David Houben, an environmental scientist at the UniLaSalle institute in France. One ton of biochar—or bio coal —can stock “the equivalent of 2.5 to three tons of CO2”, Houben told AFP.

Biochar was already used by indigenous populations in the Americas as a fertilizer before being rediscovered in the 20th century by scientists researching extremely fecund soils in the Amazon basin.

The surprising substance’s sponge-like structure boosts crops by increasing the absorption of water and nutrients by the soil.

In Hamburg, the factory is wrapped in the faint smell of chocolate and warmed by the heat given of by the installation’s pipework.

The final product is poured into white sacks to be sold to local farmers in granule form.

One of those farmers is Silvio Schmidt, 45, who grows potatoes near Bremen, west of Hamburg.

Schmidt hopes the biochar will help “give more nutrients and water” to his sandy soils. The production process, called pyrolysis, also produces a certain volume of biogas, which is resold to the neighboring factory. In all, 3,500 tons of biochar and “up to 20 megawatt hours” of gas are produced by the plant each year from 10,000 tons of cocoa shells.

The production method nonetheless remains difficult to scale up to the level imagined by the IPCC. AFP

nor Amir Hossein Zamaninia told AFP on Saturday, adding that all options still remained “on the table” for Sunday’s gathering.

Recession fears

Oil prices have plummeted by about 10 percent since the April cuts were announced, with Brent crude falling close to $70 a barrel, a level it has not traded below since December 2021.

Traders worry that demand will slump, with concerns about the health of the global economy as the United States battles inflation with higher interest rates and China’s post-Covid rebound stutters.

On arriving in Vienna, where OPEC is headquartered, Emirati energy minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei said he expected the outcome of Sunday’s ministerial meeting to”balance the market and ensure we are ready for any challenges in the future.” AFP

eral Reserve to suppress demand and bring down high inflation.

The passage of a debt limit deal through both houses of Congress appears to have eased market fears of a debt default as well, with Wall Street’s “fear gauge” sinking to its lowest level since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Senate swiftly approved the new debt ceiling deal in the US prompting relief in the markets,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

“A bigger bounce might have been forthcoming had investors not already been very much factoring in an agreement, with only a modest sell-off around the crisis,” he said. With AFP

Biden signs debt ceiling bill into law to prevent default

WASHINGTON, USA—US President Joe Biden on Saturday signed into law a debt ceiling bill passed by Congress after weeks of wrangling, moving to avert a catastrophic, self-induced default in the world’s biggest economy. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 authorizes the government to extend the so-called debt ceiling to renew borrowing, keeping the bills paid.

The Treasury had warned that if the debt ceiling was blocked beyond Monday, the country would default on its $31 trillion debt. A default would have likely triggered market panic, huge job losses, and a recession, with global implications.

In a statement Saturday, the White House thanked the Republican and Democratic leaders in Congress “for their partnership.”

In a rare Oval Office address late Friday, Biden said that the debt ceiling bill saved the country from “economic collapse.”

Speaking from behind the historic Resolute Desk on live primetime television, Biden said the deal resolving the standoff between Democrats and Republicans was a compromise where “no one got everything they wanted.”

However, “we averted an economic crisis,” he said. Oval Office addresses have always been reserved by presidents for moments of unique national danger or importance.

Biden used the occasion to project a reassuring, calm tone. Sprinkling his speech with chuckles and smiles, he praised his opponents for negotiating in good faith and promised Americans that he had never felt more optimistic.

Biden said that Congress has now preserved “the full faith and credit of the United States.”

But even with the House and Senate putting aside differences to finally rush through the agreement over the last week, the US economy’s reputation took a hit. AFP

on or before 5:00 p.m. on June 20, 2023. The identities of those registering to participate online will be going through a process of verification, after which an email from the Company will be sent to them giving instructions as to how they will be able to watch the livestream of the annual stockholders’ meeting. Please see Guidelines for Participating by Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia

The stockholders are likewise encouraged to participate in the meeting by either of the following: (i) by submitting duly accomplished proxies to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 2704 East Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Centre, Ortigas Center, Pasig City or via electronic copy by emailing corporatesecretary@abrown.ph on or before 5:00 p.m. on June 20, 2023.

For corporate stockholders, the proxies should be accompanied by a Secretary’s Certification on the appointment of the corporation’s authorized signatory.

(ii) by registering your votes on the matters to be taken up during the meeting through the e-voting platform set up for the purpose which can be accessed at https://www.abrown.ph/asmevoting2023/. The e-voting portal will be open until 12:00 noon of June 30, 2023.

Validation of proxies is set on June 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The votes already cast using the e-voting platform by that time will also be verified on said date.

This Notice of Meeting will be published in the business section of two (2) newspapers of general circulation, in print and online format, in accordance with the SEC’s Guidelines on Alternative Mode of Distributing and Providing Copies of Notice of Meeting. The following documents which are to be circulated in connection with the shareholders’ meeting may be accessed in the links indicated below:

(i) Definitive Information Statement: https://abrown.ph/kooroast/2023/05/A-Brown-Company-Inc._SECForm-20-IS-Definitive_ASM-2023.pdf

(ii) Annual Report on SEC Form 17A: https://abrown.ph/kooroast/2023/05/05_02_2023_A-BrownCompany-Inc._2022-SEC-Form-17-A-Annual-Report_02May2023.pdf

(iii) Quarterly Report on SEC Form 17Q: https://abrown.ph/kooroast/2023/05/05_15_2023_A-BrownCompany-Inc._2023-1st-Quarter-SEC-Form-17-Q-Quarter-Report_15May2023.pdf City of Pasig, Metro Manila, May 23, 2023.

Stenlund, CEO of the company Circular Carbon stands beside

BUSINESS

5-month investment pledges topped P560b

By Othel V. Campos

INVESTMENT pledges received by the Board of Investments crossed the P500-billion mark in the firstfive months, boosting the agency’s confidence it would achieve the P1.5-trillion full-year target set by the Department of Trade and Industry.

BOI managing head and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said over the weekend the approved investments registered with the BOI climbed by 172.3 percent in the fivemonth period to P560.2 billion from P205.72 billion in the same period

IN BRIEF

DOF eyes P2.5b from sale of idle state assets this year

THE government is eyeing to raise P2.5 billion from the privatization of idle assets to finance vital development projects this year, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said over the weekend.

“For the rest of 2023, the Privatization Council is targeting to privatize 137 properties with a total value of P2.5 billion,” Diokno said in a statement.

“This aggressive disposition of non-performing assets will not only clear the national government’s books of stagnant assets but will also provide additional much-needed revenue to fund priority projects in the Philippines,” Diokno said.

He said on May 31, 2023, the council approved the sale of six properties with a total value of P152.8 million.

Diokno said that within the first six months of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., it approved the final sale of P800 million worth of assets for disposition.

Julito G. Rada

BOI studies allowing third model under CARS program

THE Board of Investments is studying whether it would allow the two participants in the extended vehicle incentives program to introduce a third model so that they may hit the required volume of local production.

Toyota Motor Philippines and Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. are given another five years to deliver the volume under the extended Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program.

BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said Toyota’s enrolled model, the Vios, continued to perform well in the local market, but Mitsubishi’s Mirage may need more assistance if it is to reach the 200,000 units required under the program.

“I guess the participants should be the ones who need to propose this. We cannot propose for them. They may launch an all-new model revamp or introduce another model to comply with the volume requirement,” he said.

Rodolfo said the government is willing to listen and assist them so they can comply with the requirements and maximize the benefits given under CARS. Othel V. Campos

OFR Awards return to honor best retailers

THE prestigious and highly anticipated Outstanding Filipino Retailers Awards, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, is making a remarkable comeback with a special edition on June 8, 2023 at Okada Manila.

Organized by the Philippine Retailers Association in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, the OFR Awards aims to recognize exceptional Filipino retailers who have demonstrated unparalleled success, innovation and best business practices within the dynamic retail industry.

Since its inception in 1997, the OFR Awards has been the benchmark for acknowledging retailers who embody excellence in growth, creativity and business acumen. This highly anticipated event pays tribute to the ingenuity and resilience of Filipino retailers who have managed to stand out amidst challenges and rapidly evolving market trends. The OFR Awards will specifically recognize retailers who have displayed exceptional adaptability and responsiveness throughout the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

These retailers have not only sustained their operations but have also made significant contributions to their organizations and communities during these trying times.

last year on the back of major foreign investments in renewable energy projects.

“Majority of the investment leads and approved investments are renewable energy projects. For the investments leads, at least half of that are

RE,” Rodolfo said, referring to wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric power projects.

Data from the BOI showed that among the biggest investments are wind farms in Cavite, Negros Occidental and Guimaras Island.

Other approved renewable energy projects are a hydro power project in Kalinga and Apayao and a solar power project in Isabela.

Rodolfo said the Department of Energy endorsed the renewable power projects to the BOI.

“The DOE does not, anymore, endorse coal-fired power projects,” he said. The BOI said of the total investment

pledges from January to May, foreign investment approvals accounted for P403.86 billion, up by 7,075 percent from P5.62 billion in the same period last year.

Local investment commitments fell 21.86 percent to P156.35 billion from P200.1 billion a year earlier.

Expected employment from the 114 investment projects is about 21,151 jobs, up from 12,451 in 2022.

The DTI and BOI revised the 2023 investment forecast to P1.5 trillion, or 50 percent higher than original target of P1 trillion due to a robust pipeline of investment leads, including those generated through the foreign trips of President Ferdinand

Marcos Jr.

BOI is one of the major investment promotion agencies that provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to both foreign and local investors.

Other IPAs are the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development Corp., Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan and BOIBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that total investment approvals by the IPAs reached P480 billion in the first quarter, up 151 percent from a year ago.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MREIT Inc., the real estate investment arm of Megaworld Corp., said it is open to adding shopping malls in its leasing portfolio as part of diversification strategy.

MREIT president and chief executive Kevin Tan said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting adding shopping malls owned by parent Megaworld is an “attractive diversification opportunity” for the group to expand its assets which are primarily composed of office towers.

NEW KFC STORE. KFC Philippines executives lead the opening of KFC Cayetano Blvd. Branch in Taguig City. The free-standing drive-thru store at the APASI Corporate Center, Cayetano Blvd. (formerly Levi Mariano Ave.) in Brgy. Ususan also has two stories of dining area. Attending the ribbon-cutting rites are (from left) KFC Philippines operations director Linda Jalandoni, general manager Maria Judith Marcelo, KFC Cayetano Blvd. Branch franchisee Albert Jocson together with his daughter Bea Louise and wife Lolith and franchising director Yvette Roldan.

June power rates to rise as distribution rate refund ends

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. said over the weekend consumers may experience higher electricity rates in June with the completion of the distribution rate refund amounting to P0.87 per kilowatthour in May.

“We may expect an increase in rates this June mainly due to the completion last May of the final distribution rate true-up refund,” Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said. This will be the second consecutive month of electricity price increase af-

ter Meralco announced a higher rate of P0.1761 per kWh in May, bringing the overall cost for a typical household to P11.4929 per kWh from P11.3168 per kWh in April.

“Lower coal market prices and our recent implementation of emergency power supply agreements to shield consumers from volatility of the spot market may result in lower generation costs. We hope that it will be a mitigating factor,” Meralco vice president and spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.

The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Mar-

ket, monitored a more than P1 per kWh increase in electricity prices in the first two weeks of May amid increased demand driven by higher temperature.

Luzon’s peak demand reached 12,417 MW on May 9, higher than the peak demand in May last year of 12,103 MW.

Zaldarriaga earlier said power consumption usually goes up by 10 percent to 15 percent from March to June because of higher temperature.

“Temperature levels play a very big part in terms of overall demand,” he said.

Meralco also expects temperature to remain elevated in the coming months with the onset of the El Nino dry spell.

PSE INDEX

SIANA GOLD MINE. Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Bruce Hartman (left) visits the Siana Gold Mine in Tubod, Surigao del Norte province which will soon start commercial operations. Upon the invitation of TVIRD chairman Clifford James, Ambassador Hartman was joined by second trade secretary Kayla Slobodnik and second political secretary Peter Wright on the two-day excursion. The delegation was welcomed on site by GRC general manager Albert Chan, key company officers and members of the indigenous Mamanwa Tribe who are part of the company’s host community. Canada’s TVI Pacific Inc. owns 30.66 percent of TVIRD together with majority shareholder Prime Asset Ventures Inc.

Gov’t super app to improve business environment, says PLDT president

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. said it supports the newlylaunched supper app of the Marcos administration as it will further improve the ease of doing business and digitalize all transactions in the local and national government.

“We echo the sentiments of President Marcos about maximizing use of the technologies available to us, with the eGovPH Super App expected to improve ease of doing business and interactions with the government,” PLDT president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio said.

The eGovPH Super App aims to simplify all government transactions and minimize corruption and other abuses.

Filipinos will be able to access and avail of highly desirable government services such as valid personal identification in digital format, essential day-to-day core government services; e-tourism and e-travel services; e-payments and banking services; and even useful news and information about various subjects.

“This aligns with how we at PLDT are committed to evolving with our customers’ increasingly digital lifestyles and delivering innovation to achieve our ambition of a completely connected and future-ready Philippines,” Panlilio said.

Available on Google Play and Apple Store, the e-GovPH Super App is a one-stop-shop platform for local

and national services, with transactions including SIM registration, LGU services, job application, healthcare assistance, e-payments and banking services, and more. Actualizing PLDT’s commitment to the government’s nationwide digitalization call, Panlilio is one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure Group of the Private Sector Advisory Council.

“Our PSAC seat permits us to provide regular policy recommendations to President Marcos, and we are grateful that he has been very engaging in initiatives specific to the nationwide expansion of internet connectivity and digitalization,” Panlilio said.

MORE Electric and Power Corp. said over the weekend its consumers in Iloilo City started to receive their bill deposit refunds.

MORE Power president and chief executive Roel Castro said the company was looking at a bill deposit refund of about P5 million this year. Castro said the company wanted to set an example for the rest of the distribution utilities. “This is very consistent with our customer focus activities. In fact. I was asking some DUs, why are you not returning? They said, well, the customers are not asking for it.

Again, that is where I can draw the line between the DU that is customer-focused. Because even if the customer does not ask for it,

Tan said revenues from Megaworld’s shopping malls already recovered and grew past pre-pandemic levels.

Megaworld has 484,000 square meters of shopping mall space that could potentially be injected into MREIT.

“We are now seeing the strong rebound in retail, driving the strong performance of our sponsor lifestyle malls. With current sales exceeding pre pandemic levels and rental concessions fully removed as of the start of the year, this creates opportunity for MREIT to diversify into terms of asset class, increasing the pool of properties from which MREIT can source its growth,” Tan said.

MREIT is also bullish on office leasing as net office take-up turned positive in 2022 for the first time since the pandemic.

Tan said demand was expected to pick up and allow the market to fully recover in the coming years.

MREIT chief finance offer Englebert Teh said the company was also open to debt and share issuance to fund acquisitions.

MREIT announced plans last week to acquire seven office buildings from Megaworld with a total leasable space of 150,500 square meters. These office assets in Iloilo, Taguig and Davao generated P1.2 billion in rental income last year.

Once completed, MREIT will expand its portfolio to around 475,500 sq. m. and bring it closer to its target of 500,000 sq. m. of assets under management by end-2024.

we go out of our way to inform the customers that this is due you and we will return it,” said Castro.

The bill deposit is the deposit required from customers by distribution utilities of new and/or additional services equivalent to the estimated billing for one month to guarantee payment of bills.

Under the Magna Calta for Residential Electricity consumers, the bill deposit should be refunded within one month from the termination of service provided all bills were paid. A customer who has paid his electric bills on or before its due date for three consecutive years may demand for a full refund of the deposit even prior to the termination of his service. Alena Mae S. Flores

MREIT plans to include malls in its portfolio

Iloilo consumers start receiving bill deposit refunds from MORE

MREIT president and chief executive Kevin Tan

Malixi eclipses LPGA pros but still way o Mizuho pace

RIANNE Malixi survived another scrambling round at the Liberty National course but the top Filipina amateur upstaged LPGA Tour campaigners

In-Kyung Kim and Lucy Li with a 73 worth 35 points in the third round of the Mizuho Americans Open-AJGA Juniors in New Jersey Saturday.

The LPGA players, however, tackled the par-72 layout over the 6,700-yard distance, 300 yards longer than the AJGA group.

Kim, a seven-time winner in the world’s premier circuit, including the Women’s British Open in 2017, and two-time Epson Tour titlist Li both carded 74s and yielded the stage to Malixi, who shot five birdies but made four bogeys and a double bogey for a 38-35 card.

Though the 16-year-old ICTSI-backed shotmaker moved to solo 13th from joint 16th with 100 points, she remained 10 points behind Yana Wilson and Anna Davis in their side of the American Junior Golf Association battle heading to the final round of the 72-hole championship held side-by-side with the $2.75 million LPGA.

Davis fired a tournament-best 43 points from a gross 66 she spiked with an eagle on No. 6 as she caught up with Wilson, who slowed down with 31 points with a five-over 77, for 110 points, four clear of Kiara Romero and Sara Im, who pooled 106 points after 38 and 33, respectively.

Ranged against the LPGA mainstays for the first time, Malixi held her ground with pars in the first two holes then birdied No. 3 from 12 feet. She two-putted for par on the next and went up-and-down on the fifth but bogeyed the next two on missed green mishaps.

She gained a stroke on the par-5 eighth, dropped two shots on the ninth but kicked off her backside bid with back-to-back birdies and barely completed a threebirdie binge on the 12th.

A couple of errant hits, however, led to a bogey on the next, then recovered from a muffed birdie putt on No. 14 with a 10-footer feat on the 15th. She missed a pair of birdie chances in the next two holes and overshot the 18th green and failed to return a 10-footer for another bogey.

Kim shot two birdies but made two bogeys and holed out with a double-bogey for a 35-39 while Li gunned down an eagle and hit two birdies but stumbled with two bogeys and two double bogeys for a 36-38 for 219s.

Malixi, with a nine-over 225 total in stroke play, faces Swede Anna Nordqvist and Aussie Grace Kim, who both assembled 214s, in the final round.

Eala wants to play in Asiad

By Peter Atencio

TAGAYTAY City—Filipino tennis star Alex Eala is making a return to the Philippines national team, this time in the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Eala’s world ranking has made her a sure entry to the national team, which will also comprise Francis Casey Alcantara and Ruben Gonzales.

Alcantara and Gonzales also earned their place in the Philippine delegation after winning the men’s doubles’ gold medal in the recent 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

The 18-year-old Eala, who made it to the finals of the W25 Yecla tournament in Spain, expressed her desire to represent the country in the Asiad to Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino.

“I already put the name of Alex. She wants to play,” said Tolentino.

Eala skipped the recent Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia to have a chance to play in the French Open.

But Eala did not make it after her ranking fell from to 239 to 214 when

she lost in the quarterfinals of the Monastir W25.

The Manacor, Spain-based Eala now seeks to redeem herself from her setback when she gained an opportunity to claim her third International Tennis Federation (ITF) last Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Eala will be in her first women’s singles’ finals game this year in the ongoing $25,000 W25 Yecla netfest, after she put away Lucia Peyre of Argentina, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, in the semifinals.

Beating Peyre sent her to a winnertake-all final clash with Swiss bet Valentina Ryser of Switzerland following her three-set clash with Peyre at Yecla Club de Tenis.

It took the second seeded Eala two hours and 25 minutes to get past the Argentinian.

“Over the moon to be competing in my first final of the year! Bringing the positive energy on the court tomorrow,” said Eala on Facebook, as she gets ready to face Ryser.

Eala has two other singles’ crowns to her credit, the 2021 W15 Manacor in Spain and last year’s W25 Chiang Rai in Thailand.

POC holds Hangzhou Asiad Fun Run today in Tagaytay

THE Philippine Olympic Committee will host the Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run today in Tagaytay City as part of the Olympic Council of Asia’s campaign to engage the whole continent in the build-up to the 19th edition of the games in September.

The fun run is part of the OCA’s “Asian Games for All” and will be staged starting at 6 a.m. along Bacolod-De los Reyes Street with the Tagaytay City BMX and Skateboard

Park as staging area.

POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the country’s top athletes and sports officials are joining the fun run which are being staged 109 days ahead of the Hangzhou games set from September 23 to October 8.

“As part of the OCA Family, the POC together with the national sports associations are one in celebrating and promoting the forthcoming Asian Games,” Tolentino said.

The OCA’s “Asian Games for All” campaign started in April and is threepronged—the National Olympic Committees: Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run, Asian Games Youth Reporter Project and Hangzhou Asian Games Children’s Art Competition.

“We want all National Olympic Committees to get into the spirit of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou this September and participate in our promotional campaign,” OCA

Century Tuna reaffirms support to full IRONMAN tilt

THE full IRONMAN Philippines girds for another gruelling jaunt on June 11 in Subic Bay with Century Tuna back as spearhead of the ever-popular endurance racing while championing in healthy and active lifestyle in general.

Kept out of the waters and roads during the pandemic, the full IRONMAN marked its return last year with Czech Petr Lukosz and Filipina Ines Santiago sharing top honors after the lung-busting 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run (full IRONMAN) race at the country’s top triathlon hub.

With everything else returning to normalcy, the country’s leading canned tuna brand is back at the helm of the premier swim, bike and run event as part of its continuing commitment to inspire Filipinos and the rest of the world to live a healthier lifestyle.

Director General Husain Al Musallam said.

“The ‘Asian Games for All’ campaign will engage Asian society all over the continent and give everyone the chance to be involved in Hangzhou Asian Games,” Musallam said. “Through this project, the OCA will help develop sport, culture and education among the youth of Asia and help to promote the values of respect, friendship, goodwill, peace and a clean environment.”

Prodigies, veterans shine at PH National Chess Championships

By Jessica M. Bacud

ALICIA, Isabela—The 2023 Philippine National Children, Juniors, and Seniors Chess Championships concluded on May 30 in Alicia, Isabela, with Adrian Pacis, the Philippines’ first FIDE Master, leading the winners.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines Region II Director Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro embarked on the holding of the tournament to promote competitive grounds and national-level chess contests in the Cagayan Valley region.

Alejandro said they will start an inter-provincial chess tournament and establish a chess club in order to encourage the youth, who have the potential to excel in this mind sport.

Adrian Pacis, the Philippines’ first FIDE Master, won the first National Seniors, maintaining his lead over seeded International Master Chito Garma after winning the direct encounter tiebreak with 6/7 points, outplaying his rival’s French Defense in Round 4.

With 4.5 points, National Master Edmundo Gatus finished third, followed by Reymundo Buenavida and Lionel Cerezo.

Wilson Laggui and Esteban Dayag were named Top Isabela Seniors 65+ and 50+, respectively.

Dasmarinas bet, IM Michael Concio Jr. won with 7.5 points, winning by half-point against UAAP Season 85 Most Valuable Player, NM Christian Marcelo Olaybal of Far Eastern University from Binangonan in a Four Knights’ struggle during the final and ninth rounds of the Junior Boys’ division.

Former leader Jan Clifford Labog of Solano slammed Concio with an unstoppable kingside attack in Round 7, but lost the championship to SEA Games Qualifying

Grand Finalist Chester Neil Reyes of Rodriguez, who finished second with 7 points in the final round.

Labog finished third, one point ahead of FEU’s Oscar Joseph Cantela and General Trias in the Bucholz tiebreak, with 6.5 points, while Prince Ivan Coloma was named Top Isabela Junior.

Ma. Elayza Villa of National University from General Trias was able to consolidate and turn the tables from a losing position in her last round against Far Eastern University’s reserve, Sheila Mer Donoga, to crown herself Juniors Girls’ champion, thereby edging the 14-year-old

UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year, WNM Ruelle Canino from FEU with 7.5 points in the final tally.

Bonjoure Fille Suyamin of General Trias finished third with 7 points, upsetting World Juniors’ veteran and last

season’s UAAP MVP, WNM Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of FEU from Apayao, who finished fourth, only half a point behind Suyamin. Aira Mae Babasa won first place in the Isabela Girls’ category.

Phil Martin Casiguran of Caloocan won the Under 12 Years Old Boys’ title after splitting the point with Tuguegarao’s Joash Alton Gumiran to get a higher Bucholz against Ilagan’s Jaycol Sodela with 7.5 points, while Pat Ferdolf Macabulos of Abucay finished third after beating Tuguegarao’s Kyle Sander Balao. Top Isabela, U8, U9, U10, and U11 Boys were won by David Voltaire Gabayan, seven-year-old Zeus Lester Manaois from Laguna, ACM Seigneur Juancho Ferrer of Cagayan, Ricky Ryan Besco of Camarines Sur, and AFM Joash Alton Gumiran of Tuguegarao, respectively.

“This is to me why it is important to do yet another staging of the Century Tuna Ironman Philippines—to help re-shape the world that was hit by a severe health crisis to become stronger and healthier,” said Greg Banzon, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of the sponsoring Century Pacific Food, Inc.

Through its flagship brand Century Tuna, CPFI has been at the forefront of triathlon since the early days of organized racing.

From small community races to the national age group triathlon series and the IRONMAN branded 5150s, 70.3s and even the first full IRONMAN, also in Subic, in 2018, Century Tuna has helped stage and sponsor these races to develop the sport while promoting a way of life that embraces regular exercise and healthy nutrition to improve one’s overall well-being.

“We are happy to see that our efforts to grow the sport over the many years through Century Tuna seems to have borne fruit given the very many organized races in many parts of the country we see today,” added Banzon.

A huge field braces for another test of power and stamina in the upcoming centerpiece event with another big set of bidders also all geared up for their own side of the racing duel in the Subic IRONMAN 70.3 to be disputed over the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run distance.

“However, what is even more important is that the third staging of the full IRONMAN signals the return of big triathlon racing in the country. And nothing is bigger than a full distance IM event,” said Banzon.

Registration is ongoing. For listup, visit www.ironman.com/ironmanphilippines or www.ironman. com/im703-subicbay.

3 PH GOLDS AT ASEAN PARA GAMES. Arnie Gawilan swims to the gold medal in the Men’s 400m freestyle S7 at the Aquatic Center of the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sunday. Inset shows Gawilan kissing his gold medal. Other gold medalists for the Philippines were Gary Bejino, who reigned supreme in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S6, and Cendy Asusano, who ruled the women’s shot put F54.

NCFP Region II Director Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro with the chess winners

Alex Eala

Padiz, Villabrille top Kazakhstan Futures tourney

SOLOMON Padiz Jr. and Julius Villabrille annexed the men’s doubles’ title at the 2023 APACS Kazakhstan Future Series on Saturday at the Center of Badminton in Shymkent.

The up-and-coming Smash Pilipinas duo swiftly defeated India’s Abhyuday Choudhary and Zhakuo Seyie, with a lopsided final score of 21-3, 21-8 in just 26 minutes.

The victory not only secured the championship, it also awarded them the 1,700 BWF World Ranking points associated with the tournament.

The event is part of the BWF Future Series, which is the third grade of the third-level Continental Circuit. It provides World Ranking points for qualification into higher-level tournaments such as the World Championships and the Olympics.

Padiz and Villabrille, the top-seeded duo in the tournament, collected their second title for Smash Pilipinas this year.

Earlier in February, Alvin Morada and Christian Bernardo had opened the year with a victory at the 31st Fajr International Challenge.

The two National University student-athletes concluded their conquest in a manner similar to how they began the tournament—by securing dominant wins against the local favorites Artur Niyazov and Yevgeniy Yevseyev, with a score of 21-7, 21-10, as well as against Uzbekistan’s Amrullo Bakhshullaev and Artyom Savatyugin, with a score of 21-8, 21-11.

Jewel Angelo Albo, Mark Velasco, and Lance Vargas also participated in the men’s singles event. The fourthseeded Albo and Velasco reached the third round, while Vargas exited in the preceding round.

Malone warns: We can even do better

DENVER—Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone told his players on Saturday that they “haven’t done a damn thing” despite an opening-game romp over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

The Nuggets, led by 27 points from Nikola Jokic and 26 by Jamal Murray, ripped visiting Miami 104-93 on Thursday for a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series ahead of Sunday’s game two in Denver.

But Malone was not pleased about the opportunities the Nuggets allowed the Heat and urged players not to get swelled heads with pride over winning without playing their best.

“I told our players today, ‘Don’t read the paper, don’t listen to the folks on the radio and TV saying that this series is over and that we’ve done something, because we haven’t done a damn thing,’” Malone said.

“I told our players the reason I was excited this morning is because we won game one and we didn’t play well and there are so many things we can do better. If we do those things at a better level, we’ll have a chance to win game two.”

Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic added 10 rebounds and 14 assists while Murray also contributed 10 assists as the Nuggets led by as many as 24 points in the third quarter before the Heat trimmed the margin in the final quarter.

“They were 5-of-16 on wide-open threes,” Malone said of Miami’s longrange shooting. “The fact they got 16

Nuggets’ coach Michael Malone

wide-open threes is problematic and if you think that Max Strus is going to go 0-for-9 again or Duncan Robinson is going to go 1-for-5 again, you’re wrong.

“The fourth quarter, we gave up 30 points, 60% from the field, 6-of-12 from the three-point line.

“I thought our pick-and-roll defense was poor. I thought our shrink the floor was poor... There are so many areas we can clean up.

“I’m not worried about what they’re going

Wycoco, Chope dominate URCC 85

ALLEN Wycoco survived an exhausting bout before stopping Dondon “Rugbiboy” Serrano, while Will Chope retained his belt against a former foe in the Universal Reality Combat Championship 85: UNDERDOG last week at the DD Night Club in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Wycoco, an former amateur boxer based in New Zealand before joining the Dyincredible Fighting and Fitness Center, banked on his superb boxing experience to exploit Dondon “Rugbyboy” Serrano’s lack of stamina to score a fourth-round technical knockout win and keep the bareknuckle boxing welterweight belt.

“My coach instructed me to use my boxing skills, use my footwork and clinch wisely. I’m tired, but he felt more exhausted than me so I continued fighting,” Wycoco, 32, said. “I salute Serrano for fighting with a lot of heart. I know he’s tired, but he still wanted to fight. I caught him though.”

The unbeaten Wycoco, coached by active mixed martial artist Rolando Dy, caught Serrano with various combinations, also in the third and fourth rounds, before the referee halted the fight with 2:44 left to improve his win-loss record to 2-0.

Chope, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter, got his revenge quick in the first few

California Academy crowned champion

CALIFORNIA Academy bagged the inaugural Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League, thwarting Naga College Foundation with a 25-18, 18-25, 25-14, 2519 win Saturday night at San Andres Gym in Malate, Manila.

Jelaica Gajero, the Best Opposite Spiker, fired 18 points as Most Valuable Player Casiey Dongallo hammered 17 to prove an unstoppable duo in the perfect championship run of the Antipolo City-based squad.

Jenalyn Umayam added 13 more points for California Academy, which completed a 5-0 sweep of the historic high school tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri and R&B Tea with the City of Manila as a government cooperation partner.

to do. I’m worried about the things that we have to do better to try to win game two.”

Malone said he stressed tougher defending against Bam Adebayo, who led the Heat with 26 points.

“If you’re going to score 26 points on 25 shots, that’s something we’re willing to live with,” Malone said. “But we can do a better job. That’s something we talked about, giving him different looks, making sure we’re contesting, making sure we’re shrinking the floor.”

Malone is less concerned about making strategy adjustments than he is about matching what he expects will be a higher energy level from the Heat on Sunday.

“I expect the Miami Heat to come out with a much greater energy and force and attack mindset,” he said.

‘Going to be better’

Serbian superstar Jokic said the Nuggets stumbled with their large fourthquarter lead.

“In the first three quarters, they score (63) points. I think that’s really amazing. And then they scored 30 in the fourth,” Jokic said.

“Some possessions we play amazing and some possessions we didn’t play good. Some quarters we played really good. That’s basketball. That’s why it’s a live thing. You cannot predict what’s going to happen.

“Of course we’re going to be better, but we’re going to take 1-0 for us. Just being focused for 48 minutes, I think that’s going to be the key.” AFP

“It wasn’t a perfect game as Naga played really well. We’re glad that in the end, history is made and the girls won the first Shakey’s GVIL. We’re proud of that,” said coach Obet Vital.

California Academy’s impressive campaign included a mammoth win against reigning UAAP juniors champion National U-Nazareth School in the Final Four for a rousing momentum entering the Last Dance.

Still, the road to the summit was not a walk in the park as the California Academy spikers needed everything they could handle to hold off the resilient Naga side.

As Gajero and Dongallo set the tone in a 25-18 start, Naga refused to go down without a fight behind Arah Ellah Panique to spark a 10-3 start and equalize with a similar score, 25-18.

Umayam then joined the party, conspiring with Gajero and Dongallo for a lethal troika in their 2514 snowball in the third set before erasing a 2-5 deficit in the fourth for the clincher.

Panique, the Best Outside Hitter, posted a game-high 19 points as Nathasza Kaye Bombita added 15 in the valiant runner-up finish of the Parley Tupaz-mentored Naga team, which had to brave long hours of travel every week just to play here.

Dona Mae De Leon (Best Middle Blocker) of Bacolod Tay Tung High School, NU-NS’ IC Cepada (Best Libero) and California’s Kizzie Madriaga (Best Setter) were also named to the Super Team of the tournament powered by Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Toby’s Sports, Genius Sports, SM Tickets and Summit Natural Drinking Water.

seconds of the first round by submitting Brian Paule with a rear-naked choke to keep the URCC welterweight interim title.

“I’m a man of my word and this is my 136th MMA professional fight. I did everything in the URCC for 12 years and I am thankful to Alvin [Aguilar],” the 32-yearold Chope said after the fight as he improved his winloss record to 42-19.

The URCC fight card, organized by founding president Alvin Aguilar and URCC co-owner/ General Manager Aleksandr Sofronov, is supported by Crazywin and the DD Night Club.

In the preliminary fights, Rhyle Lugo blasted Richard Lachica in the second round via technical knockout in their featherweight fight, while Tokartzhy Ushqyn beat Dave Morata during their lightweight encounter in the second round via a technical knockout win.

In a bareknuckle featherweight match, Dan Ascano knocked out Gerardo Sismundo in the first round.

For inquiries about future fight events, check the official URCC website www.urcc.online or download the official URCC app https://apps.wix. com/place-invites/join-lp/b4e05b90-55a0-40a88fac17ccf4a2c074?ref=pre_banner_top, available for iOS and Google.

Go, Fortuna whip up LPGT Valley chase

LOIS Kaye Go and Mikha Fortuna anchor a crack roster of amateurs setting out against the cream of the women’s pro crop, warranting another frenetic battle in the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge beginning tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Valley Golf Club in Antipolo.

Go has had shots at a breakthrough in her previous Ladies Philippine Golf Tour stints with the many-time national player bullish on her chances at the rolling, challenging Valley South the way Fortuna does with the 54-hole championship serving as a qualifier for the Oklahoma U mainstay’s pro bid.

The duo will be joined by 2022 World Amateurs teammate Mafy Singson, who bested pros Chanelle Avaricio, Harmie Constantino and Sunshine Baraquiel by one to snatch the Splen-

dido Taal crown last year. Singson also clinched another low amateur honors in the recent ICTSI Villamor Philippine Masters.

Koreans Minyeong Ki, Jiwon Lee and Eunhua Nam are the other amateurs in the event put up by ICTSI while jungolfers Levone Talion and Rafa Anciano join the fray to gain exposure and experience coming off the Junior PGT Series at Mount Malarayat.

But they will all need to outdo themselves to steal the show and put one over the pros with Constantino all prepped for a third straight victory after snaring the Luisita crown through a playoff over Daniella Uy and reigning at Villamor again via a two-shot victory over Chihiro Ikeda.

Go, a University of South Carolina product, and Fortuna, however, are

coming into the event armed to the teeth and ready to mix it up with the best in a three-day test of will and character at the one of the country’s toughest courses.

Meanwhile, Uy and Ikeda try to put up a big bounce-back with the former hoping to finally deliver in the clutch following a couple of stretch-run breakdowns and the latter seeking to ride on her runner-up finish the last time out.

Others vying in the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized event are Sarah Ababa, Florence Bisera, Pamela Mariano, Gretchen Villacencio, Lesley Icoy, Martina Miñoza, Sheryl Villasencio, Lovelynn Guioguio, Lucy Landicho, Eva Miñoza, Apple Fudolin, Monica Mandario, Rev Alcantara and Korean Juyoung Yang.

Earlier, De Leon showed the way with 13 points on 11 hits and two blocks as Bacolod swept NU-NS, 25-14, 25-22, 25-15 to clinch the bronze medal. Jothea Marie Ramos chipped in 11 points while Alexia Montoro and Ana Hermosura fired six apiece.

“Malaking bagay na ito. Malaking bagay na ‘yung bronze na maiuuwi namin sa Bacolod,” said coach Ian Macariola.

Kianne Louise Olango, with 16 points, served as the lone bright spot in NU-NS’ rare miss at a podium finish.

All games of Shakey’s GVIL, in partnership with Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc., (ACES), are accessible on all social media platforms court esy of Plus Network with CNN Philippines, Solar Sports and Tap Sports

Members of the California Academy team celebrate their title romp in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League.

Solomon Padiz Jr. and Julius Villabrille

Lois Kaye Go

Will Chope is congratulated by Alvin Aguilar

Kim Chiu reflects on past struggles, embraces success in showbiz

ACTRESS Kim Chiu’s path to success in show business was not without its obstacles. Her journey reflects a story of resilience, determination, and a strong drive to overcome adversity.

Through her own reflections and open sharing, Kim has revealed the challenges she faced and the steps she took to create a better future for herself and her family.

“My life is an open book, so I share my story with anyone who is interested in my life. Since I started in a reality show, it feels like my life has become public, and I have nothing to hide,” she told the entertainment press during her launch as the new face of the leading feminine hygiene brands in the country.

In her earlier years, Kim’s family faced financial hardships, which necessitated moving to different cities and relying on the support of relatives. This constant change of environment and schools could have easily deterred her, but it instead fueled her determination to succeed and create a brighter future.

“Before, I didn’t know which school we would attend. It depended on whoever would temporarily take us in. It was difficult,” she told the press in the vernacular.

With unwavering perseverance, Kim worked tirelessly to ensure that her siblings would not have to endure the same difficulties she faced. She became the pillar of strength for her family and strived to provide them with stability and security.

Why Filipinas are beautiful

ENGLISH poet John Keats eloquently expressed the timeless concept that “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” He further describes how its delightful qualities continue to grow, never fading away but rather perpetually bringing happiness and pleasure.

These famous lines from “Endymion” have been quoted numerous times, taking on various interpretations. And in today’s millennial era, two Filipinas embody the essence of these words by the British poet. Miss World Philippines 2021, Tracy Maureen Perez, and Abdania Galo are the epitome of beauty and wisdom, personifying the ideals of Beauty Wise with their captivating faces and charismatic personalities.

Perez believes in using her beauty to inspire and encourage young individuals, particularly those with a similar morena skin tone. She embraces her brown skin and wants others to see themselves as beautiful as well.

“If you go to the provinces, most people are morena. I want them to look at me, see me on TV, and say, ‘She’s morena. But she’s beautiful.’ I want them to realize that they are beautiful, too,” she said.

Brown-skinned individuals are fabulous, she affirms: “Beauty is subjective, and accepting and embracing your own beauty should start from within. Tell yourself that you are beautiful and capable of achieving anything in life.”

As a Beauty Wise ambassador, she also dreams of entering show business: “I won’t deny my desire to be part of the entertainment industry. Being Miss World Philippines opens doors to many opportunities that I can’t overlook. I’m ready to take that step and give my best

wherever I go.”

Tracy expresses her aspiration: “I would love to become a TV host, perhaps on a noontime show. I’ve also taken acting lessons, so I know it will be a new and

Kim is the new brand ambassador of Sisters Sanitary Napkins and Pantyliners

enjoyable challenge where I can learn a lot. We should never stop learning and exploring new things, regardless of our age.

Just go out there and live our lives.”

She admires local actors such as John Lloyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales, and Joshua Garcia

The other miss with a face that refreshes Beauty Wise is Abdania Galo. This miss of eighteen summers holds the distinction of being Manila’s youngest chief executive officer of the company which her mother started.

Galo admits: “When I was a little girl, a part of me wants to join show business but As I grow up, I had a change of mind and heart.”

“My inspiration in life has always been my mom. She’s so into business, and I’m watching her every day, doing struggles and inspiring me a lot. And that’s something I am willing to learn,” Galo declares.

As a young CEO, she understands the immense responsibility: “Being in this position feels heavy, but it’s what I’ve been searching for. I’m committed to giving my best and leading the company to success.”

Galo shares her mother’s advice as she begins her CEO journey: “My mom told me to keep learning, give my best, and explore. I’ve always wanted to be a CEO, and it’s something I’m proud of.”

Tracy and Abdania exemplify the enduring joy of beauty through Beauty Wise, showcasing the beauty of Filipinas.

Chiu took to social media to ‘flex’ her new vacation home

“I understand the struggle of having no money, so I know the importance of saving and working hard. I don’t want to go back to that state. Appreciating the value of money, I strive to work diligently for a better future,” she added. As a testament to her dedication, Kim even built a new vacation house for her dad and family, creating a sense of stability and a place they could relax.

Kim’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and the impact of determination. Her experiences have shaped her into a strong and compassionate individual, inspiring others to overcome their own challenges and strive for success.

It is these very values that led Sisters Sanitary Napkins and Pantyliners to select Kim as their latest celebrity ambassador.

“We are delighted to welcome Kim as our brand ambassador as she embodies qualities that align with their premium product and resonate with consumers. Despite her prominent status in the industry, Kim’s lively, inspiring, and down-to-earth nature has impressed us,” said Aileen Choi Go, Vice President of Megasoft Hygienic Products Inc.

“I can’t believe that despite the length of my journey in showbiz, there are still people who continue to trust and believe in me,” Kim said in turn.

Having recently celebrated her 17th year in the industry, Kim is a regular host in It’s Showtime and captivates audiences with her dance performances in ASAP Natin To every Sunday. She is also part of the highly anticipated TV series, Linlang, set to air later this year.

GMA Network names Oliver Amoroso as SVP

OLIVER Victor B. Amoroso becomes Senior VP for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy at GMA Network. Under his leadership, GMA Integrated News has consolidated various news platforms, strengthening its position as the leading multimedia news source in the Philippines. Amoroso successfully integrated GMA News platforms, strengthening its position as the Philippines’ top multimedia news source. GMA Integrated News delivers high-quality reporting, including exposés and special reports. The Weather Center has been upgraded with advanced technology and an expanded team of forecasters.

Under his leadership, GMA Network’s 24 Oras has become the highestrated weekday newscast in Total Philippines, based on Nielsen’s TV Audience Measurement people ratings for the period January to latest May 2023 readings.

GMA Integrated News, on the other hand, has evolved into a dynamic multimedia newsroom while maintaining journalistic principles.

GMA Integrated News, meanwhile, has achieved over 5.11 billion views on social platforms this year and ranks among the top publishers globally, alongside NBC News, BBC News, and Yahoo.

As the News Chief, Amoroso grew Regional TV news operations from three newscasts in 2016 to eleven newscasts in 2022, four of which were launched

at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Heeding the clamor from viewers in urban and rural areas, RTV launched the #LocalNewsMatters campaign which gives importance to community news. Amoroso also oversees the Network’s regional operations, content and production, and business development, which include 12 TV stations strategically located across the Philippines and handles the Network’s various initiatives and partnerships including sports production.

With Amoroso at the helm, GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy recently won local and international awards including the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards Silver World Medal for , two Excellence honors at the Philippine Quill Awards for GMA Masterclass Series and ‘Kapuso Barangayan on Wheels’ initiatives, PMPC Star Awards for TV Best News Program for 24 , and received the ‘Best Regional TV Network’ at the Platinum Stallion National Media Awards, among others. Amoroso, a loyal Kapuso for 16 years, graduated with distinction from Silliman University’s College of Mass Communication.

Oliver Victor B. Amoroso is GMA Network’s newly appointed Senior VP for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy

Leading music distributor expands team in APAC, partners with PolyEast Records

FUGA, a prominent full-service B2B distributor under Downtown Music, has recently forged a partnership with PolyEast Records, an independent label owned by Filipinos. In addition, FUGA has expanded its team in the region with the appointments of Jeffrey Joson and Jay Villasenor, who will spearhead business development and operations, respectively. FUGA, which is the preferred platinum and plus supplier for Spotify and Apple, will be providing its extensive global digital distribution offering to PolyEast Records for all current and catalog artists on their impressive roster.

Home to successful Filipino acts such as Francis M, Joey Albert, Regine Velasquez, Bamboo, Sugarfree, Sandwich, Martin Nievera, and TJ Monterde, PolyEast Records will also be utilizing FUGA’s award-nominated mar-

keting services, including access to the distributor’s enhanced trends and analytics platform, which processes and analyzes almost 30 billion streams per month.

PolyEast Records has become synonymous with nurturing and championing independent artists who have garnered significant success in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) industry.

With its head office based in Metro Manila, PolyEast is led by Ramon Chuaying, Jesmon Chua, and Sharon Dy-Law and boasts a multitude of arms, including talent management, events production, and an extensive publishing division; as well as continuously exploring additional business partnerships.

The announcement lands ahead of new singles from breakthrough Filipino singer/ songwriter and vlogger, Benedict Cua who rose to fame with his cover version of Justin

Bieber’s “10,000 hrs”; receiving viral reception across YouTube and TikTok, and awardwinning Filipino alternative rock band, Sandwich , who’s most notable work includes “Sugod” and “Betamax.” Both will be released by PolyEast records later this year.

PolyEast Records President Ramon Chuaying announced the partnership with FUGA, expressing confidence in their ability to digitally distribute PolyEast’s diverse catalog. General Manager Jesmon Chua sees the partnership as opening doors to a bright future.

Finance Director Sharon Dy-Law believes the collaboration is proof of music’s unifying power. FUGA’s CCO, Dorothée Imhofff, sees the partnership with PolyEast Records as a significant step in their regional expansion. Joson, on the other hand, is excited to provide better music distribution and marketing services for OPM artists.

Kim (right) with Vice President of Megasoft Hygienic Products Inc. Aileen Choi Go

Beauty Wise ambassdors Abdania Galo (left) and Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez

Ramon Chuaying (left) of PolyEast and Anita Zagar of FUGA

Kim

Introducing Chef Tatung’s exquisite culinary haven for family dining

AZADORE, the newest restaurant opened by celebrity chef and internationally awarded book author Chef Tatung Sarthou, is the perfect place to enjoy a home-cooked style meal with the whole family.

Located in a beautifully restored 1950s home, this restaurant offers an extensive menu of Spanish and international flavors. From traditional to modern interpretations of classic dishes, Azadore is sure to satisfy the cravings of everyone in your family. The relaxed ambiance and excellent service make it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

Barely two months after its soft opening, Azadore immediately gained fans and loyal customers. Best-selling dishes include the signature Azadore Salad, Paella Mixta and Paella Negra, Salpicao, Grilled Pork Chop (Pork Tomahawk), and Truffle Pasta.

Gourmands or food lovers are known to choose the steaks (certified US Angus Ribeye steak is a favorite), Smoked BBQ Ribs, and the Oyster Rockefeller. For the coming months, Chef Tatung will introduce innovative dishes, tapas, and beverages regularly to keep the res-

taurant fresh and connected to its diners.

Built in the 1950s, the restaurant’s structure reminisces the post-American era. The original residence features a multi-level floor and spacious garden, perfect for outdoor dining. Tasked with transforming the place into a commercial unit, well-respected and Celebrity Interior designer Ivy Almario decided to focus on two major concepts in restoring and redesigning the restaurant.

One is to respect the house’s original layout, as it serves as the anchor for the restaurant, and the other is to give it a

Israel’s first hotel

WE RAVE so much about our Grand Old Dame, the historic Manila Hotel, because it is the first luxury class hotel in the country and its interiors easily speak of elegance and class. It has become the favorite venue for grand and elaborate celebrations simply because its ambience gives guests the feeling of luxurious exclusivity, making each event a special one.

The Israelis are also now raving about a new development in their accommodation industry. A once-old-now-new hotel is sparkling in their social horizon, and has easily become the favorite cocoon for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

The Elkonin Hotel Tel Aviv, which was first established in 1913 and closed in the 1940s, has been reopened by Dominique Romano and the MGallery chain after the restoration of the historic building. The hotel is located in the heart of Tel Aviv, in the picturesque district of Neve Tzedek, and is designed as a boutique hotel with 44 rooms including two luxurious suites.

The historic building in which the hotel was built has been carefully restored and offers unique services and facilities, preserving every detail of its historical past, and following the architectural models characteristic of Tel Aviv at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel offers a magical environment for a wide variety of sensory experiences, from taste, through smell to a general sense of calm, and is intended for business people, tourists, and Israelis who wish to live the dynamic rhythm of the city.

The rooms of the renovated hotel are decorated in either blue or coral pink color motif, designed with maximum functionality and comfort in mind. The hotel has a Skydeck with a pool and a bar, offering

modern vibe by introducing designs that will allow the place to be relevant for relaxed family gatherings. As a result, Azadore can be considered one of the most tastefully redesigned restaurants in the area.

When Chef Tatung was asked what Azadore represents for him and his journey as one of the most celebrated chefs in the country, he said, “Azadore is me moving out of the box. It is me pushing limits and boundaries and finding comfort in it. Of course, it may not be a groundbreaking concept, but its scale

is bigger than any resto I have done before, and I did it with so much ease.”

“I am proud of Azadore as a whole. The result of my creative collaboration with Ivy Almario is one of my career highs. It’s not just the food or the design – it’s the world we have created with Azadore,” the renowned chef added.

Azadore is by far one of the biggest restaurants in the Scout area, with a seating capacity of 113 people indoors and almost 200 in the Breezeway Terrace (al fresco area). Its size makes Azadore a perfect venue for family celebra-

tions such as birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, and weddings, as well as corporate parties and annual events. There are also multiple entryways inside the restaurant, allowing people easy access to wherever they are heading. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, an extravagant meal, or a party venue, Azadore has something for everyone.

Azadore is located at 111 Scout Fernandez Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City. It is open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 mn. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 101 0070.

McCormick’s ‘Together, We Flavor’: A culinary expertise and innovation forecast

By Joyce Babe Pañares

MCCORMICK Culinary, through its “Together, We Flavor” event, presented delightful food inspirations and insightful revelations on the food industry that go beyond flavor.

The spotlight was on McCormick’s 23rd Flavor Forecasts that looked into over a thousand trend signals and sampled hundreds of flavors.

The McCormick Culinary team of experts identified three main flavor trends for 2023:

Full Flavored Fats - Gone are the days when fats were misunderstood and shunned. Now, they have emerged as the unsung heroes in the kitchen, infusing everyday dishes and drinks with an irresistible richness. From velvety butter to plant-based wonders, the possibilities are endless and the flavors are simply divine.

This hotel’s first design when it first opened in 1913 one of the most desirable and exclusive views of Tel Aviv, a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings.

The L’Epoque restaurant, the first for the Robuchon group in Israel, has opened at the entrance floor of the hotel. The owning group prides itself on being one with a total of 31 Michelin stars from its chain of restaurants worldwide. The group’s Chef David Alves was the right-hand man of the legendary chef Joel Robuchon for more than 20 years and took the reins of the company after his death.

At the hotel’s opening ceremonies, owner Dominique Romano declared that reviving the hotel is “fulfilling a great personal dream” that was born out of his great love for Tel Aviv and Israel. He is overjoyed to have the opportunity to breathe life into the historic building by bringing modernity and the art of hospitality to an unparalleled level.

MGallery is part of the Accor group and is a chain of 107 boutique hotels in 31 countries. These hotels combine uniqueness and elegance and capture the hearts of guests with their creative and attractive design style. We have one of these hotels here in Manila and it recently opened along Roxas Boulevard, easily becoming the favorite of the party set.

If your future travels should bring you to the Holy Land, the Elkonin Hotel Tel Aviv, Israel’s very first hotel, has opened its doors for you.

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YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE:

A group of women were at a seminar on how to live in a loving relationship with their husbands.

As part of the lesson, they were told to text their husband, “I love you, Sweetheart!” just to determine their husband’s love for them. One reply was, “What now? Did you wreck the car again?” ----------O----------

Everyday French - This cuisine has been liberated from the confines of fine dining to make its way into the hearts and kitchens of everyday food lovers. Grounded in the techniques and ingredients of French cooking, but democratized for today’s kitchen, French cuisine has never been more approachable.

Beyond Heat - Heat means more than being just hot. McCormick pushes beyond singular spicy by experimenting with complementary ingredient pairings that push boundaries and awaken the senses with the different notes that each spice brings out.

Grand Hyatt’s Executive Chef Mark Hagan presented his Loup De Mer A La Meuiniere – a testament to the power of full-flavored fats. The delicate sea bass, pan-seared to perfection butter, was crowned with a luscious lemon caper butter sauce.

The Camembert Au Four showcased the magic of Everyday French. Baked to perfection, the creamy camembert was adorned with homemade fig jam,

honey, and toasted walnuts.

The Spiced Soft Serve Ice Cream, on the other hand, showcased the strength and depth of spices beyond their fiery reputation. Velvety vanilla soft serve, infused with McCormick’s Szechuan peppers, took center stage, accompanied by a delicate honey twill.

For his part, Miko David, president and co-founder of David & Golyat Management, Inc., shared insights on consumer preference in the Philippines.

He said the pandemic has reshaped the dining landscape, with fast food services surging in popularity and chicken dishes becoming a morning staple.

David also noted the influence of social media in shaping consumer choices, underlining the importance of establishing a strong digital presence for food establishments.

Greg Camacho, Grab Director for Deliveries, said that in a world where hybrid lifestyles reign supreme, “an omnichannel strategy is integral in futureproofing the success of businesses after the height of the pandemic.”

“Food enterprises must provide consumers with the digital convenience they need both for on-demand deliveries and in-store dining. The future of food lies in embracing technology while nurturing authentic human connections,” Camacho said.

Eric Dee, Chief Operating Officer of Foodee Global Concepts, added that technology is a powerful tool to enhance efficiency and streamline operations, allowing more time for meaningful human connections in the culinary industry.

Follow McCormick Culinary Philippines at: FB: https://www.facebook.com/mccormickculinaryphilippines IG: https://www.instagram.com/mccormickculinaryph/ Shop for McCormick: https://store.mccormick.com.ph/ To get in touch with McCormick Culinary: Email: culinary@mccormick.com.ph

Enjoy good food and a relaxing ambience at Azadore’s al fresco dining area

The façade of Israel’s newly renovated historic hotel, the Elkonin Hotel Tel Aviv

Renowned McCormick chefs Michelle Zammit (Senior Culinary Development, McCormick Australia, right) and Tenten Casasola (Innovations & Culinary Team Manager, McCormick Philippines)

Corporates, LGUs join hands to eliminate plastic pollutants

By Patricia Taculao

Over the years, people have seen how plastic has become a dominant material in various industries because of its diversity, hence a radical increase in its production from the 1970s to the 1990s. But too much of something doesn’t lead to good things.

According to the United Nations, the world produces 400 tons of plastic waste annually, which is hard to manage.

Single-use plastics, like plastic bottles and bags, are among the top contributors to environmental pollution, harming marine life and others. Unlike other materials, plastic takes a significantly long time to deteriorate. As a pollutant, it lasts longer in the environment and disrupts the Earth’s natural ecosystems as it’s not made from organic materials.

Of the seven billion tons of plastic waste generated globally in recent years, less than 10 percent has been recycled. In the meantime, a million others were lost to the environment or shipped to destinations for burning or dumping.

Today, people from across the globe are coming together to celebrate World Environment Day, where everyone can take the opportunity to play their part in environmental preservation.

Celebrating 50 years of World Environment Day World Environment Day is a global

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Foundation renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last May 29, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia. The partnership seals SM Supermalls’ commitment to making urban gardening available in 21 more SM malls.

As a staunch advocate of green and sustainable living, SM Supermalls has long championed urban gardening as an essential component of a sustainable lifestyle.

In 2015, the SM Foundation introduced the Urban Edible Garden Training as part of the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program, with the objective of enhancing food security and providing alternative livelihood opportunities in urban areas. Since then, SM has remained unwavering in its commitment to fortifying the agricultural industry of the Philippines.

Rooftop urban gardens have been successfully established at SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Sta. Mesa, and SM City East Ortigas, serving as beacons of urban gardening excellence. In the years to come, SM aims to further enrich the program by

platform that inspires positive change and brings together people from over 150 countries to take environmental action, including the efforts of governments, businesses, and individuals, to create a more sustainable world. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has led the event since its inception in 1973. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the global celebration.

The first World Environment Day in 1973 was celebrated with the theme “Only One Earth,” highlighting the need for society to protect the Earth.

Since then, the event has taken on various environmental concerns as its subject to guide people towards a more positive outcome. In recent efforts, like last year, World Environment Day focuses on sustainability because it promotes inclusivity for present and future generations.

Meanwhile, this year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, giving a more targeted goal to its participants.

Despite the rising number of plastics in the environment, World Environment Day provides good news that society has science and solutions to address the problem. Although there have been green initiatives, the United Nations recognizes a public and political surge Turn to D2

SM Foundation renews partnership with the Department of Agriculture to promote urban gardening

establishing additional gardens and increasing its visibility among mallgoers.

To close the loop, SM’s latest initiative, launched last March, is the SM Sunday Market, which has helped almost a thousand local and backyard farmers by providing them with hightraffic spaces at more than 30 malls nationwide to display and market their products to weekend shoppers, employees, and tenants.

SM Supermalls’ partnership with the DA will empower our fellow countrymen to comprehend the significance of urban gardening in ensuring food availability and, ultimately, enable them to establish their own agricultural enterprises.

To know more about the locations of the SM Sunday Market,visit the SM Supermalls website.

From left: Pasay City Mayor chief of staff Peter Eric Pardo, Pasay City tourism and cultural affairs office chief Teresita CalixtoRobles, Department of Agriculture (DA)–Bureau of Plant Industry director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations Bien Mateo, DA senior undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, SM Foundation executive director Deborah Sy, and SM Foundation assistant vice president for outreach program Cristina Angeles

From left: SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations Bien Mateo, DA senior undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, and SM Foundation executive director Deborah Sy.

From left: Department of Agriculture (DA) senior undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, SM Foundation executive director Deborah Sy, and SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations Bien Mateo press the screen to plant the seed of partnership between the DA and SM Supermalls’ commitment to making urban gardening available in 21 SM malls last May 29, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia.

From left: Pasay City Mayor chief of staff Peter Eric Pardo, Pasay City tourism and cultural affairs office chief Teresita Calixto-Robles, Department of Agriculture (DA)–Bureau of Plant Industry director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations Bien Mateo, DA senior undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, SM Foundation executive director Deborah Sy, Mesa ni Misis founder Juana Yupangco, SM Foundation assistant vice president for outreach program Cristina Angeles, SM Foundation executive director for education Carmen Linda Atayde, SM Foundation senior assistant vice president for education Eleanor Lansang, and SM Investments assistant vice president for corporate affairs and sustainability Victor Persius Chan.

SOME hundred years ago, plastics changed how humans lived and became a milestone in history that provided society with ease and accessibility.

of food sovereignty in this time of crisis,” he said.

The DA prepared a transition report— outlining the short, medium and long-term plans—to significantly increase the productivity of key commodities such as rice, corn and fishery products and augment the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk. It also took account of the current state of the agriculture sector and recommendations and policy proposals from various sectors.

As part of the strategy to address the food crisis, the DA drafted a list of programs that the incoming administration should prioritize—such as the balanced fertilization strategy which involves upscaling the use of biofertilizers and stimulants.

The DA said it is also crucial to increase the budget for fuel and fertilizer to subsidize the cost of important commodities such as vegetables, following the uptick in global fuel prices.

Kadiwa marketing program.

The DA is working on the proposed creation of the Bureau of Agri-Industry and Cooperatives Development and institutionalization of the Kadiwa marketing program as well as the development of a food terminal system. It proposed the transfer of the Food Terminal Inc. back to the DA from the Office of the President.

The said policy recommendations were drafted to strengthen agriculture cooperatives and associations and help establish an efficient food value chain and logistics system to stabilize food prices, tame inflation and provide farmers and fishers bigger incomes.

“We have crafted a 10-year national agriculture and fisheries modernization and industrialization plan, and we fervently hope the President-elect will favorably consider it to attain our joint aspiration of food security and food sovereignty in the next six years,” the DA said.

Other priority activities under the “Plant,

New DOT secretary promotes inclusive and sustainable tourism

Limiting plastic output protects the environment

INCOMING Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco is promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism to bring development to more communities nationwide.

By P. Y. Deligero

“It is this inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and collaborative tourism governance that I intend to bring to the Department of Tourism,” Garcia-Frasco said during the welcome ceremonies organized by the Department of Tourism staff.

Garcia-Frasco brings with her the perspective of valuing the input of local government units in the crafting of national policy, “considering that the policies that are crafted nationally will be implemented by the local government units on the ground.”

THE United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) annual global event, World Environment Day, focuses this year on a single goal: #BeatPlasticPollution.

Like all other World Environment Day celebrations before, stakeholders from across the globe, from major corporations to governments to private citizens, have come together to implement steps to contribute to environmental protection.

Frasco said the inclusivity of all local government units to the overall tourism plan would help uplift the economic status of municipalities, cities and provinces and the nation as a whole.

“From our experience in Cebu, there is a theoretical notion of the importance of national and local government cooperation. There is the mandated importance by the local government code requiring prior coordination between the national and the local government,” she said.

Coinciding with this year’s theme, the UNEP also released a report titled “Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy” to guide stakeholders on embracing a plasticfree, sustainable lifestyle.

Global plastic production and use have grown exponentially since the 1950s, withduction and plastic processing industries. The world currently produces 430 million metric-

Plastic production will triple by 2060 if the global market maintains a business-as-usual

tic pollution and proposes a systems changetic pollution instead of its symptoms alone. The systems change encourages countries to turn off the tap in plastic production and end the underlying environmental problem. Its results could bring about lesser numbers of

ble jobs for workers in the informal sectors and creating business and job opportunities.

Over the years, the three R’s, reduce, reuse and recycle, are frequent practices in waste management. The UNEP report offers a modernized approach to the model.

For instance, the first shift is to reuse. It encourages the market to accelerate reus-

Corporates...

She underscored the importance of harnessing the marketability of already wellknown tourism sites, “but at the same time, shed light on sites in the Philippines that have not yet had equal opportunity for promotion and product development.”

able products to transform the throwaway economy into a reuse society by creating an enabling environment to ensure a more relevant business case for the reuse market than single-use plastics.

She said a multidimensional approach to tourism should not only focus on the country’s natural resources, but also on the development and promotion of people and products.

From D1

Next is to recycle. It ensures a more stable and profitable venture by accelerating plastics recycling while reducing the amount of plastic pollution by an additional 20 percent by 2040. The shift requires adequate feedstock availability for recycling and means recycled materials can compete with virgin resources in the market.

Immediately after assuming office, the new Tourism secretary plans to present plans and programs, so the new leadership can set the direction for the department.

She highlighted the general vision set by the outgoing administration to revitalize the tourism industry and ensure that it is inclusive in the countryside.

It is also part of department’s plans to improve the overall tourist experience, not only to bring back lost tourism numbers, but also to explore potential markets to increase visitor arrivals.

The leadership at the DOT also deems it imperative to develop domestic tourism, considering its vast potential and the opportunities this will give to small businesses and the livelihood it will generate.

“I intend to be a listening Tourism secretary. To listen to the hopes and aspirations of our local government units as far as the development of their respective tourist destinations, and to find a way to make their desires cohesive as well with the overarching desire of the administration of President-elect Marcos to expand countryside development, to further develop our country as a tourism destination, and to give equal opportunities to all,” she said.

Othel V. Campos

Lastly, instead of merely jumping to recycle plastic materials like the traditional model, the UNEP report suggests the third shift in managing plastic waste among industries is to reorient and diversify. This shapes the market to embrace sustainable alternatives and avoid plastic products that could displace impacts instead of reducing them. These sustainable options can reduce pollution by 17 percent by 2040. However, it is not without challenges, as these products may struggle to compete in markets with products made of virgin fossil fuel-based polymers owing to some challenges like product cost, consumer demand and lack of appropriate regulations. Fortifying the reusable market is taking a step ahead of plastic pollution by providing society with more access to sustainable materials instead of single-use products. Although the three R model is not uncommon because of its prominence in environmental bids, UNEP’s updated version allows for a change in the system to address the problem from its roots, thus creating a more long-term solution to #BeatPlasticPollution. Read the full report at https://www.unep. org/resources/turning-off-tap-end-plasticpollution-create-circular-economy.

to expedite actions from governments, companies, and other stakeholders to solve the crisis. Through the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign, World Environment Day shows how stakeholders can learn to use plastic more sustainably, hoping to eradicate plastic pollution someday. Côte d’Ivoire is hosting World Environment Day 2023 after setting an example of combatting plastic pollution. The West African country since 2014 has banned plastic bag use and shifted to reusable packaging. The country’s largest city, Abidjan, has also become a hub for environmentally-minded start-ups.

Jean-Luc Assi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, sees plastic pollution as a “visible threat that impacts every community.” Nonetheless, the country is proud to champion various treatments to offer sustainable solutions.

The Netherlands supports World Environment Day 2023, being one of the nations taking ambitious steps along the plastic lifecycle. The Netherlands is a signatory of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment and a Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter member.

Vivianne Heijnen, Netherlands’ Minister for the Environment, stresses how plastic pollution is detrimental to various aspects and cannot be easily ignored. But thanks to several policies aimed at plastic pollution management, the Netherlands and the European community are fully committed to playing their roles in reducing single-use plastic production and consumption while promoting durable and sustainable alternatives.

Since plastic contamination is a global problem, much as pollution and climate change are, the idea of environmental preservation and protecting the planet appear to be difficult for an individual. But as World Environment Day emphasizes, everyone can play a part in the plastic crisis.

Every day Filipinos know how single-use plastics promote accessibility, but some are already conscious of their environmental impact and are eyeing more sustainable approaches. For instance, major shopping centers and supermarkets in the country are embracing greener initiatives by lessening the use and distribution of single-use plastics by encouraging the use of reusable bags among their consumers. Meanwhile, other brands charge a small fee for plastic bags, while some switched to more biodegradable options. These collaborations spark significant change in society and bring about positive results.

Campaigns like these are not limited to private companies and their establishments, as local governments can implement similar practices. They can introduce local laws, support businesses and encourage sustainable consumer behavior through these advocacies. While some clean-up drives or initiatives inspire Filipinos to take charge of their immediate surroundings and eliminate waste, some cities can build more robust waste management systems. Designating proper disposal bins or areas for plastics is one step in promoting waste segregation and ensuring that a significant chunk of plastic in the environment can undergo recycling.

Local cities can partner with institutions to make alternative packaging more appealing, consumer-friendly and cost-effective than single-use plastics. More progressive communities have already prohibited the public from using other single-use plastics, like straws, cups, and plates.

Another option is to install free public water fountains to encourage their communities to ditch plastic bottles and opt for reusable jugs.

On the other hand, government agencies and public servants can pass legislation that bans environmentally harmful practices, like openly burning waste, which is already in effect in bustling metropolitans.

#BeatPlasticPollution for World Environment Day 2023 marks yet another milestone for the United Nations and its efforts to preserve the Earth and its resources and protect the future of human society. For five decades, it has brought together countries from across the globe to share a common goal of environmental sustainability.

Incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco

Championing sustainability in the city

By Patricia Taculao

IN CELEBRATION of World Environment Day this June 5, Monday, Manila Standard held its annual tree planting activity, dubbed “The Green Wave,” on June 3, Saturday, at the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City. It marks the 12th tree planting initiative from the publishing company.

The event, held in partnership with SM Supermalls, Megawide, Meralco, Citicore and Converge, commemorates Manila Standard’s standing commitment, through its corporate social responsibility, to give back to society by participating in the bid to protect Earth and its resources.

Manila Standard employees, with representatives from their partners, greeted the day bright and early as they went to the site with a shared goal of promoting sustainability, especially in the city. They planted 300 seedlings provided by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Engaging in greening programs has been the main component of our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts that began in June of 2010. We’ve done tree planting, mangrove planting, seedling propagation, and coastal clean-ups for the past 13 years. The aim is to promote sustainable development and protection of the environment,” said Manila Standard’s Circulation Department Chief Edgar Valmorida.

He added by actively participating in greening programs, Manila Standard continues to contribute, however small, in mitigating environmental concerns such as deforestation, climate change, pollution, land degradation and more.

World Environment Day is an annual global celebration, with 150 countries participating, to bring communities together to play their part in addressing immediate environmental concerns. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution to highlight the pressing issue of plastic pollution and finding apt solutions.

Manila Standard continues to recognize the relevance of creating relevant collaborations upholding its position as stewards of the Earth. This tree-planting activity aims to set the standard on how private-public partnerships can be the advents of change that create positive results for environmental preservation.

Converge launches campaign for mothers in partnership with Caritas Manila, KREations PH

IN CELEBRATION of Mother’s Day this month, leading fiber internet provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has launched the “Mula sa Nanay, Para sa Nanay” campaign to help support underprivileged mothers in nourishing their infants from their womb to up to 2 years of age. These mothers are from communities under the Unang Yakap program of non-government organization Caritas Manila.

With the help of employees, Converge conducted a fundraising activity where it sold upcycled bags made of discarded tarpaulins crafted by the mother-sewers of women-led social-enterprise KREations PH.

All the proceeds from the said fundraising activity will be donated to Caritas Manila, the socio-economic development and welfare arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, which through their partners, will provide nutritional and medical assistance to a mother and her infant during their first 1000 days.

The Unang Yakap program was created to support mothers and their infants from conception to up to two years old. To date, Caritas has launched the program in Metro Manila, some areas in Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna.

“Partnerships like this with Converge are testament to the fact that there are companies who are committed to building a better future for those in need,” Caritas Manila Executive Director Rev. Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual said.

“Converge extends its support to Filipino women dealing with the challenges entailed by motherhood, especially from pregnancy to childbirth. Through this initiative, we hope we can contribute in allowing moms and their infants to live healthy and more fulfilling lives,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado.

“At the same time, we are happy to provide additional livelihood for the mothers of KREations who make bags and other materials from our old tarpaulin collaterals through this program. This way, Converge also reduces its solid waste and helps protect Mother Earth,” she added.

For this year’s Mother’s Day celebration, Converge also led an activation for its women employees, handing out special giveaways and offering them free pampering services such as body massage, manicure and pedicure, and eyebrow threading.

Converge recently launched its “Mula sa Nanay, Para sa Nanay” campaign, conducting a fundraising activity by selling upcycled bags made of discarded tarpaulins crafted by the mother-sewers of Kreations PH.

Converge employees participated in the fundraising activity which will benefit the underprivileged mothers from the communities under the Unang Yakap program of the non-government organization Caritas Manila.

A Converge employee as she looked over the upcycled tarp bags from KREations PH. Converge partnered with KREations for its Zero Waste campaign which also helps provide livelihood to the marginalized women in Angono, Rizal.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

One Meralco Foundation takes an active role in enhancing disaster response and recovery planning of LGUs

LOCATED along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, as well as typhoons.

This extreme susceptibility of the country to life-threatening natural events prompted the One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), to take on a more active role in helping the government enhance disaster response planning of cities and municipalities across the country.

Through its support to the rollout of the web application PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild, OMF and Meralco aim to contribute to the government’s agenda of utilizing research and innovation, science-based decision making, and multi-sector collaboration to enhance disaster risk reduction and management.

In addition, this will help local government units (LGUs) to attain the national government’s agenda to establish livable and sustainable communities by fostering resiliency against natural disasters.

Empowering LGUs

Since November 2022, OMF has been supporting a series of regional training sessions designed to enhance the disaster response capabilities of LGUs with the help of the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild app.

“The PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild is an investment for the safety and survival of our people and the livelihoods and communities we have built. PlanSmart is a very important downpayment. It is now our responsibility to pay for the balance by learning to utilize this for the good of the country and its future,” OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao said.

Developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Office of Civil Defense, supported by the Government of Japan, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, and the World Bank, the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild web app speeds up the development of rehabilitation and recovery programs and supports evidence-based decision-making and planning for pre- and postdisaster events.

It is also envisioned to revolutionize disaster risk reduction and management planning processes in the country by helping LGUs efficiently plan for disasters.

Capacity-building activities were provided to over 180 participants from 52 LGUs in Metro Manila, the Southern Tagalog Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. These include data managers, disaster risk reduction and management officers, planning officers, and other technical staff involved in disaster rehabilitation and recovery programs.

“This training is an opportunity for all of us to learn and be able to use innovations in our communities. The PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild app is born out of science, experience, and collaboration for the benefit, not only of your organizations, but most importantly of our kababayans, our fellow Filipinos,” DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said during one of the training sessions. Through these activities, LGUs are equipped to come up with their respective rehabilitation and recovery plans even before disasters happen using the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild app.

“This app proves the saying ‘prevention is better than cure’. We cannot prevent natural disasters from occurring. But through this app, it is easier for us to input and generate comprehensive data and help us generate realtime output so we can prevent the bigger destructive effects of disasters,” shared Marlon Lopez, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer 1 from Pasay City.

Noting its advocacy of inclusive disaster preparedness, the World Bank hailed the development of the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild web app as it reaffirmed its support to the Philippine government.

“The World Bank is always ready to support the Philippine Government as it advocates a culture of preparedness and resilience. We are happy to share this commitment with private sector partners, such as the One Meralco Foundation, because inclusive disaster preparedness, response, and recovery is best achieved when all stakeholders are all hands-on deck,” World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Lesley Y. Cordero said.

“We supported the development of this innovative platform to help government, especially the LGUs, to plan for disaster and climate risks more efficiently and rebuild resiliently,” Cordero added.

Digital tools such as the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild app are part of the continuous efforts of the national government supported by OMF to innovate and further enhance the capacity of LGUs to respond to disasters and build resilience given the continuing impact of climate change.

“Aside from actively implementing emergency preparedness and disaster response operations, OMF believes in the need to maximize technology and build capacities of local governments to strengthen stakeholder ownership and accountability in planning for and responding to disasters,” Tarayao said.

Beyond disaster response, Meralco, through OMF, has been actively supporting underserved communities with electrification programs and through grassroot partnerships to deliver truly sustainable solutions that bring lasting change.

TO SAVE MORE LIVES. One Meralco Foundation supports the government’s rollout of the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild web application to enhance the capacity of LGUs to prepare for, respond to, and recovery from disasters better.

One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey O. Tarayao delivers his message during the opening ceremony of a training session for the use of the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild web app attended by local government unit representatives.

CAPACITATING LGUs. One Meralco Foundation supports the conduct of regional training sessions designed to enhance the disaster response and recovery capabilities of LGUs with the help of the PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild app. Seen in the photo are (from left) Office of Civil Defense Rehabilitation and Recovery Management Services Director Harold Cabreros, DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol, Former OCD Region 4-A Director Maria Theresa Escolano, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., World Bank Operations Manager for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand Achim Fock, One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey O. Tarayao and World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Marilyn Tolosa-Martinez.