Manila Standard - 2023 June 18 - Sunday

PH set to sail ‘Layag-WPS’

P80-m livelihood program to help over 370,000 fishermen in EEZ

n By JOYCE BABE PAÑARES

THE Marcos administration will launch its “Layag WPS” project or the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yield and Economic Gains (Layag) from the West Philippine Sea aimed at protecting Filipino fishermen as well as state floating assets amid continuing incursions of Chinese vessels in the area.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources spokesman Nazario Briguera said the government has about P80 million to give comprehensive support to fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

“BFAR will launch our Layag WPS project in the next few days. We are planning to package this as a special project for this year,” he said in a press briefing on Saturday.

Briguera’s announcement came days after a Chinese Navy ship tailed a BFAR

Permanent no-entry into Mayon danger zone sought

n By VINCE LOPEZ

THE Office of the Civil Defense is looking at several proposals to ban residential settlements within the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) of the Mayor Volcano, including pursuing a natural park development project in the area.

“OCD is pushing for so-called sciencebased institutions – Phivolcs, DENR, and DPWH – to look at permanent solutions, and which are feasible. We should accept by now that there should be no residents within the 6-kilometer danger zone,” OCD Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno said in a press briefing on Saturday.

“We will push the PNP and the local

government units – encourage them –that if there is a legal way to force [the residents out of the PDZ], then that should be implemented,” he added.

Nepomuceno said developing the natural park project in the area is a long-term solution that would ease the burden of both the local and national governments and would better manage their respective disaster and relief funds.

“It is really exhausting – when they evacuate, we have to source food for them, classes get disrupted. Resources get drained from the barangay to the municipal to the national government level,” he said.

He

Don’t buy, use glow-in-the-dark ‘lato-lato’—FDA

THE Food and Drug Administration has warned the public against buying and using “unnotified” lato-lato or clacker toys, particularly the one with lights and the glow-in-the-dark varieties, as these can contain harmful materials.

“Potential hazards may come from ingredients that are not allowed to be part of a toy and childcare article product,” the FDA said in its advisory.

“The use of substandard and possibly adulterated toy and childcare article product may result to health risks including, but not limited to, endocrine disruption and reproductive or development effects; or may result to injury, choking or suffocation due to its small or broken parts,” it added.

The FDA told the public to always check if a product is notified through its website: https://verification.fda. gov.ph.

OCD will conduct a thorough research on related legislations that may already be pending or existing policies for enforcement, such as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas (E-NIPAS) Act or Republic Act No. 11038. Under the law, Mount Mayon Natural Park is one of the 94 sites declared as protected areas. Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3, continued to emit lava, Phivolcs said yesterday.

In the past 24 hours, the state seismology office recorded two volcanic earthquakes and 280 rockfall events at the volcano, which also emitted 978 tons of sulfur dioxide in a day.

multi-mission vessel, BRP Francisco Dagohoy, in an area six nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island, which is well within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

The rare encounter with China’s “gray” or military ship after BRP Dagohoy carried P4.95 million worth of fishing and postharvest equipment to fisherfolk groups in Pag-Asa Island.

Briguera, in an earlier interview, said

fisheries production in the West Philippine Sea has dropped by seven percent between 2021 and 2022.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, production was down to 275,872 metric tons of fish in 2022, from 295,332 MT in the previous year.

“When we say total production in the West Philippine Sea, we are not just talking about Pag-asa Island. We are referring to the total production of provinces fronting the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

spill recovery completed but containment continues’

THE extraction of the remaining oil from the sunken MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro has been completed – two days ahead of the June 19 target date – but containment efforts will continue, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday.

About 95 percent of the affected shorelines are now clean and only “very minimal traces” of oil are left in the vessel, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.

“The eight tanks are now empty with minimal pipe drips, which can no longer

be recovered through siphoning,” he said, adding that two salvage vessels would remain in the area. Balilo said the operation is not yet over. “There’s still much more to do,” he said, referring to the oil containment operation. “We will make an evaluation this week to make sure that the affected shorelines have been cleaned.”

The M/T Princess Empress was reportedly carrying about 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it encountered engine trouble on Feb. 28, leading to its sinking off the waters of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Fatherhood in the age of digital technology

By ANGELICA VILLANUEVA

AND PATRICIA

TACULAO

WHAT does being a father mean? Society perceives a father’s role into three parts: the protector, the provider, and the disciplinarian. But as the world entered the modern age where technology and new ideas reign, the image of a father changed. Today, we see fathers who embrace their emotions and teach their children to express themselves wholeheartedly. But regardless of their philosophies or parenting approach, their love for their children, with a little help from technological advances, trumps all odds.

during 2nd

‘Oil

BURST OF COLOR. People from all walks of life spend their evening at the K-Town Festive Walk in Iloilo under a canopy of colorful lanterns. Manny Marcelo

PATERNAL LOVE. Digital art card shows a photo of a father playing with his two sons on top of a slide at the Children’s Park in Luneta Park ahead of Father’s Day today. Photo by Norman Cruz, Art by Glenn Mark Abonita ‘Lato-lato’ or clackers. FDA

THE SIGN OF THINGS TO COME.

Water receptacles of all shapes and sizes form a long line along Road 10 in Tondo Manila waiting to be filled up as water rationing is apparently upon the metropoolis, with the staterun Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System giving assurances that every household will get their fair share of clean water even as the faucets run dry during a protracted El Niño season. Norman Cruz

NCRPO: Batasan area ‘no-fly zone’ during 2nd SONA

n By JOEL E. ZURBANO

THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has announced it will enforce a no-fly zone in the vicinity of Batasan Complex in Quezon City in connection with the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 24.

“The implementation of the "No Fly Zone / No Drone Zone" takes effect in and adjacent to the airspace of the Batasang Pambansa,” said NCRPO Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo.

Okubo also reminded the public that from 12:01 a.m. to 12 midnight of July 24, all Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence in Metro Manila will be suspended.

Meanwhile, an additional 824 police personnel will be assigned for SONA, bringing to 22,905 the total number of policemen who will be deployed to secure peace and order before, during and after the event.

Okubo said of 17,929 of the lawmen will come from the NCRPO; 4,476 from other government units, and the rest assigned as “force multipliers.”

SC: Marital support cuts both ways, not for just one side alone

SUPPORTING a so-called better half or lifetime partner is not for either the husband or the wife alone; it is a mutual arrangement of the couple under their marital contract, according to the Supreme Court (SC).

to his wife does not automatically mean he broke the law on violence against women.

“The obligation to provide support is imposed by the law mutually upon both spouses. The obligation is not a one-way street for the husband to support his wife,” the High Tribunal explained.

“The wife has the identical obligation to provide support to her husband. The

law certainly did not intend to impose a heavier burden on the husban to provide support for his wife, or institutionalize criminal prosecution as a measure to enforce support from him,” the ruling stated.

Although RA 9262 was enacted to protect women, the SC asserted it did not intend to limit or discount their capacity to provide for and support themselves.

“The law cannot presume that women are weak and disadvantaged victims. The wife was a person fully capable of providing for herself. She was gainfully employed as a massage therapist and owner of a sari-sari (retail) store. She was not a destitute victim who had no choice

but to depend on her husband’s money to live,” the SC noted. The SC added that it “would be gravely erroneous to interpret and apply the law in a manner that will perpetuate gender disparities that should not exist.”

The SC decision overturned a Court of Appeals’ ruling which had affirmed the trial court’s order.

The couple with the marriage on the rocks wed in 2002 and two years later, the husband left the country to work abroad. The union bore no children.

The husband stopped remitting money to his wife after a few months of his employment as a seaman and suggested that she considers living with her parents in the province.

Ex-Speaker Alvarez talks on divorce bill

n By RIO N. ARAJA

TODAY is Father’s Day. And for all the fathers out there: hear ye, hear ye.

“Being a father is a big responsibility. Fathers cry, too. They get hurt and abused in an unhappy relationship,” according to former Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez. Having said that, Alvarez reiterated

his commitment to vigorously push the divorce bill in Congress.

Acknowledging the heavy responsibility of being a father and the perception of fathers as providers, protectors, and pillars of the home, he recognizes the “emotional struggles that fathers often conceal beneath their strong demeanor.”

He stressed the importance to

Robin hits back at critics, asserts senators ‘not sleeping on the job’

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla on Saturday hit back at critics who claimed that some members of the present Senate are not “honorable-looking” and not taking their job seriously.

“The Senate now is not in the business of comedy because we inherited many problems facing the nation from the honorable senators who came before us. These are serious problems that need solutions,” said actorturned-politician Padilla.

He said the present batch of senators come from a new generation and are from the masses, and have their feet on the ground. The neophyte senator pointed out

BLOODLETTING.

Donors bleed at the multipurpose court of Barangay 76-A SIR Phase II in Davao City during a blood donation event organized by the local Philippine Red Cross chapter and the Drivers United for Mass Progress and Equal Rights –Philippines Taxi Drivers Association. Robinson Niñal Jr.

that while some senators may seem “noisy,” they were not sleeping on the job or fiddling with their phones absentmindedly.

“A senator giving inputs during a session is not a violation, but a parliamentary procedure allowed by the Rules of the Senate. A senator who talks to his or her constituents is not a liability, but a humble fulfillment of obligations,” he said.

Padilla also defended Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Leader Joel Villanueva whom he described as wise and straight leaders who work for the nation, and not traditional politicians.

Joel E. Zurbano

address the “overlooked” issue of battered husbands within marriages.

Alvarez’s push for reforms through the divorce bill reflects his deep understanding of the far-reaching impact it can have on fathers and the families.

By advocating for divorce, the lawmaker said he wants to “create an environment that fosters healthy

BIKE RUN FOR A CAUSE. Mayor

co-parenting arrangements and allows fathers to thrive both personally and professionally, thus ensuring the financial well-being of their children.”

“Father’s Day serves as a reminder to recognize the struggles fathers face and their need for support. It is our duty to support fathers trapped in toxic marriages, allowing them to break free and rebuild their lives,” he added.

The NCRPO cops are set to conduct simulations and communication exercises in mapping out contingency measures for various types of incidents that may occur.

"We are anticipating the presence of protest actions, so we are ready to maintain order and security. We will also strictly enforce maximum tolerance and compliance with Police Operational Procedures, especially valuing the human rights of all who will participate in this day," Okubo said.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said so far, the government has monitored no possible threat to the SONA 2023.

INBRIEF

Lawmaker files bill prohibiting bullying

PARTY-LIST lawmaker wants to criminalize bullying at the workplace, saying it is not right to bully anybody anywhere at anytime.

In this connection, ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo filed House Bill No. 8446 or the Anti-Bullying in the Workplace Act.

She lamented that institutions both in the government and in the private sectors often “normalize” and tolerate office bullying without regard to the victim’s mental health and possible emotional damage caused by the perpetrators,

“This has been an issue at work for a long time ago. It has never given attention to because others would just think it just okay. In fact, there are times that bullying comes from the bosses. They often disguise insults and harassment of their officemates in the form of jokes or friendly banter without being sensitive about the victim’s emotions,” she said.

“We have to protect our workers. We have to remember that part of our labor workforce’s welfare is their emotional and mental well-being. It’s never okay to bully someone regardless of the place, even in schools or at the offices,” she added. Rio N. Araja

Bill eyes additional prisons under BuCor

leads the observance of San Juan City’s 16th cityhood anniversary with a parade of bikers which is also meant to drum up public consciousness on the local government’s water conservation drive dubbed ‘Ang Tubig ay Buhay’ starting at the city’s historic Pinaglabanan

BI retains Tier 1 status for 8th year in campaign vs. human trafficking

n By VITO BARCELO

THE United States government has recognize the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) for its “unwavering commitment in combatting human trafficking.”

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said was told that the country has maintained its Tier 1 status for the eighth consecutive year in the US State Department’s 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report. The BI, as an active member of the DOJ-led Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT), has played a crucial role in strengthening efforts to protect

overseas Filipinos from the threat of human trafficking and labor exploitation abroad.

Tansingco cited the agency’s dedication to safeguard the welfare of the Filipinos.

“We will continue to protect our kababayans from this modern day slavery,” he said.

“The Bureau of Immigration remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting this crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens abroad,” the BI chief added.

The report acknowledges the Philippine government’s serious and sustained efforts in combating human trafficking, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DAVAO City Rep. Paolo Duterte and Benguet City Rep, Eric Yap wants additional penal penitentiary facilities under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to decongest the country’s prisons. Citing the “substandard and inadequate” jail facilities in the country resulting in over congestion and subhuman conditions of the prisoners, the two lawmakers filed House Bill No.8071 seeking to establish an additional penitentiary system to provide prisoners decent and humane accommodation.

“The Constitution vehemently opposes the use of substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions. Despite the said mandate, there are only seven existing correctional facilities in the country which are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Corrections,” Duterte stressed.

The seven facilities are the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City; Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City; Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro; San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City; Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte, and the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Panabo, Davao. Rio N. Araja

Francis Zamora

Shrine. Manny Palmero

TAKING A STAND.

Students hold signs as they protest outside the parliament in Budapest during their joint demonstration against the Hungarian government’s education policy as they called the new legislation a ‘revenge law’ designed to punish and demoralize protesters. AFP

Sudan war drives one million kids from homes—UN

THE conflict in Sudan has displaced more than one million children, 270,000 of them in the Darfur region, the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) has said, warning more were at “grave risk.”

Fighting has raged in Sudan since midApril between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

As well as the more than one million displaced, at least 330 children have been killed and more than 1,900 wounded, UNICEF said in a statement on Thursday.

“Many more are at grave risk.”

The United Nations agency said an estimated 13 million children were in “dire need” of humanitarian assistance.

“Children are trapped in an unrelenting nightmare, bearing the heaviest burden of a violent crisis they had no hand in creating –caught in the crossfire, injured, abused, displaced and subjected to disease and malnutrition,” said UNICEF Sudan representative Mandeep O’Brien.

Zelensky rules out talks with Russia as African leaders urge de-escalation

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out the possibility of talks with Russia after a visiting delegation of African leaders urged both countries to de-escalate.

The diplomatic team came to Kyiv to voice the concerns of a continent that has suffered from the fallout of Russia’s invasion – in particular from rising grain prices – with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa insisting “there should be peace through negotiations.”

But Zelensky rejected that possibility during a joint press conference, telling reporters: “I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering.”

Shortly after the African leaders’ arrival, air raid sirens sounded across the country as Russian missiles were detected, forcing the delegates to take shelter in the capital.

Zelensky said the strike on Kyiv during the delegation’s visit was evidence that Putin either did not control his army, or was “irrational.”

Ramaphosa, however, took the barrage as evidence that both sides needed to stop fighting.

“It is precisely that type of event that we saw today... that makes us call for de-esca-

lation,” Ramaphosa said, quoting Nelson Mandela several times on the need for peace.

In a statement, Zelensky said he had called on the leaders to set out their views on how to stop the “crimes committed by Russia,” and how to work towards food security.

“But first of all, we must restore the full force of the UN Charter and stop this brutal Russian aggression and free our land,” he added.

The African delegation had gone first to Bucha, a town outside the capital that has become synonymous with alleged war crimes carried out by Moscow.

The group includes four presidents: Ramaphosa, Senegal’s Macky Sall, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani, who also currently heads the African Union.

The leaders of Uganda, Egypt and Congo-Brazzaville pulled out of the visit at the last moment and sent representatives instead.

The talks came as Ukraine announced gains in a new counteroffensive, but Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed his claim

that Kyiv’s forces “stand no chance” in the sectors where fighting has intensified.

Following Friday’s attack on Kyiv, the Ukrainian Air Force said it had shot down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. There was no reported damage inside the city, but seven people including two children were wounded, the regional police said.

“With what happened today, it’s very obvious also to the African leaders how sincere Putin is about stopping the conflict,” said Peter Stano, a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Ukrainian officials were also quick to call attention to the strike.

“Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

The African leaders were set to travel on to the northwestern Russian city of Saint Petersburg and meet Putin on Saturday.

“In our view it is important to listen very carefully to what both countries have to say, and tomorrow we are now going to listen to President Putin,” Ramaphosa said.

Speaking at an annual economic forum in Saint Petersburg on Friday, Putin displayed little appetite for peace talks, announcing the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus while also calling Zelensky a “disgrace to the Jewish people”.

Russia first announced plans to station tactical nukes in its ally and neighbour in March, with Putin saying Friday that the “first nuclear warheads were delivered to the territory of Belarus.”

He said the weapons were meant as a deterrence to “those who are thinking of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.”

Putin also told forum attendees he had “a lot of Jewish friends” who had told him “that Zelensky is not Jewish, that he is a disgrace to the Jewish people.” Despite Zelensky’s Jewish heritage, Moscow has justified its war with claims it needs to “de-Nazify” Ukraine.

Analysts, meanwhile, said the delegation’s mediating effort could hope to win some concessions from the Kremlin ahead of a Russia-Africa summit next month.

The African continent has been badly hit by rising grain and fertiliser prices as well as the wider impact on global trade since Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

“This conflict is also affecting African countries negatively, touching on the livelihoods of 1.2 or 1.3 billion people on the African continent,” Ramaphosa said.

African nations have been divided over their response to the war, with some siding with Ukraine and others remaining neutral or gravitating towards Moscow. AFP

Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers whistleblower, passes away at 92

DANIEL Ellsberg, the whistleblower who leaked the “Pentagon Papers” about the Vietnam War – changing public perceptions of the conflict – died on Friday, his family announced. He was 92.

Ellsberg was a military analyst when he released thousands of documents to US media in 1971 that revealed successive United States administrations had lied to the public about the Vietnam war.

The 7,000 classified pages determined that, contrary to the public assertions of US government officials, the conflict was unwinnable.

The leak was recounted in the 2017 Hollywood thriller “The Post,” which detailed the nail-biting behind-the-scenes story of the papers’ publication.

Ellsberg announced in March that doctors had told him on February 17 that he had

Biden royally baffles audience with ‘God save the queen, man’

JOE Biden on Friday left Americans scratching their heads with an off-the-cuff remark that was, well, royally unusual for a US president: “God save the queen, man!”

What he meant, which queen he was referring to, and why he threw in what sounded like the traditional patriotic British cry, no one could immediately tell.

Queen Elizabeth II, whom Biden met, died in September 2022 and was replaced by a king – her son Charles.

Biden had just completed an impassioned speech at the National Safer Communities Summit in Connecticut on getting Congress to toughen gun ownership laws when he made the remark from the stage.

The pool journalist responsible for following the president all day on his travels couldn’t help. He messaged the worldwide group of outlets receiving pool reports: “Several of you have asked me why he might have said that. I have no idea.”

That the president tacked on a classic downto-earth Bidenism – man – didn’t help either.

Later, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton somewhat cleared up the mystery, telling reporters that Biden had been “commenting to someone in the crowd.” AFP

terminal pancreatic cancer and only around six months to live.

“He was not in pain, and was surrounded by loving family,” his wife and children said in a statement announcing his death.

They highlighted that his last months had been well spent despite his illness.

“He was thrilled to be able to give up the salt-free diet his doctor had him on for five years,” they said.

“Hot chocolate, croissants, cake, poppyseed bagels, and lox gave him extra pleasure in these final months.

“He also enjoyed re-watching his favorite movies, including several viewings of his all-time favorite, ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” added his wife Patricia, sons Robert and Michael, and daughter Mary.

The New York Times initially published excerpts of the Pentagon Papers until the

administration of President Richard Nixon obtained a court injunction barring the newspaper from continuing to do so on national security grounds. The Washington Post then took up the mantle. Ellsberg was charged under America’s Espionage Act but the case ended in a mistrial in 1973 after illegal evidence gathering by the government came to light.

Announcing his diagnosis on March 3, Ellsberg reflected on his history-changing actions.

“When I copied the Pentagon Papers in 1969, I had every reason to think I would be spending the rest of my life behind bars,” he wrote.

“It was a fate I would gladly have accepted if it meant hastening the end of the Vietnam War, unlikely as that seemed (and was). AFP

It said the situation in Darfur, already scarred by a two-decade warthat left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced, was especially concerning.

“The situation in West and Central Darfur, in particular, is characterised by active fighting, severe insecurity and looting of humanitarian supplies and facilities,” UNICEF said.

Daglo’s RSF have their origins in the Janjaweed militias which former strongman Omar al-Bashir unleashed on ethnic minorities in the regionin 2003, drawing charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Its paramilitaries have been accused of carrying out the Wednesday killing of West Darfur state governor Khamis Abdullah Abakar hours after he made remarks critical of the paramilitaries in a telephone interview with a Saudi TV channel. The RSF has denied any responsibility.

The United Nations said “compelling eyewitness accounts attribute this act to Arab militias and the RSF,” while the Darfur Lawyers Association condemned the act of “barbarism, brutality and cruelty.”

“All those responsible for this killing must be held to account including those who bear command responsibility,” Jeremy Laurence, spokesman for the UN rights office, told reporters in Geneva. AFP

INBRIEF

25 killed in attack on Uganda school

TWENTY-FIVE people have died in a “terrorist attack” on a school in western Uganda by fighters from the Islamic State-aligned Allied Democratic Forces militia, the national police spokesman said Saturday.

“So far 25 bodies have been recovered from the school and transferred to Bwera Hospital,” Fred Enanga said of the overnight attack that occurred near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Enanga said the ADF, which is based in eastern DR Congo, attacked a secondary school near Bwera where “a dormitory was burnt and food store looted.”

“Also recovered are eight victims, who remain in critical condition at Bwera hospital,” he said.

The army and police units were pursuing the attackers in the direction of Virunga National Park, which lies over the border in DR Congo where the ADF is based.

Originally insurgents in Uganda, the ADF gained a foothold in eastern DRC in the 1990s and have since been accused of killing thousands of civilians. AFP

‘Premature for any talks with Myanmar’

SINGAPORE Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Friday that conditions were not yet right for ASEAN to open high-level talks with Myanmar on the country’s political situation.

“We believe it would be premature to reengage with the junta at a summit level or even at a foreign minister level,” Balakrishnan said when asked about a news report that Thailand’s military-controlled caretaker government had proposed talks.

Speaking in a joint press conference in Washington with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Balakrishnan said the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had recently reaffirmed their stance.

“We condemned the coup, and the ongoing violence against civilians, the instability in the country, the setback to national reconciliation, and the enormous impact on the economy,” he said of the 2021 military takeover in Myanmar.

“Unfortunately, it’s now more than two years. We haven’t seen any signs of improvement,” Balakrishnan said.

The Irrawaddy, a Myanmar-focused news website operated in Thailand, said that Thailand’s foreign ministry proposed in a recent letter to host an informal ministerial meeting of some ASEAN members with Myanmar on Monday to relaunch engagement.

Balakrishnan did not reject all engagement with the Myanmar junta. AFP

made

than

people in the Indian state of Gujarat and Pakistan’s neighboring Sindh province fled the path of Biparjoy—which

Daniel Ellsberg. AFP

THE heritage town of Dupax del Sur in Nueva Ecija, home to the oldest church in the province, the San Vicente Ferrer Church, now has a fine dining destination which gains popularity as a perfect travel destination for foodies with a sense of wanderlust.

Manila-based entrepreneur diversifies into farm tourism

City-bred entrepreneur John Lacanlale Danao, co-founder and managing partner of the farm-togourmet table The Green Oasis of Dupax, is proud to have pioneered haute cuisine in the closely-knit community where farmers trade produce and even give them for free during bountiful season, instead of letting the crops go to waste.

Upscale dining, he said, should not be exclusive to the people in the metro.

“Let our folks in the province experience gustatory delights at a price made affordable by the vastness of local produce the province offers,” he said.

“We believe people will patronize good food without regard to the price as long as they get good value for what they pay for. We bring the finest to this part of the province so that people will be educated on how and what fine dining is about,” he said.

The Green Oasis of Dupax is a haute cuisine restaurant at the heart of a three-hectare ancestral farmland of the Danaos in the north. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, working on the fusion concept of Mediterranean and Filipino cuisine.

Using the harvest of the day, The Green Oasis of Dupax offers a wide range of culinary dishes from entrees to beverages and desserts, made of crops produced from the Oasis Farm and other gardens in nearby sitios.

As the restaurant has high demand for basil and other aromatic leaves, it cultivates its own herbs on a designated garden. Various vegetables like lettuce and eggplants are also grown in greenhouses next to the restaurant and the Oasis Kitchen. All produce are sustainably-sourced and 100-percent organic, giving premium to healthy eating. The Green

The restaurant supports local farmers by buying their produce and adding value to crops. At the Oasis Kitchen, the one-of-a-kind tomato pie and tomato ice cream are made from tomatoes of Ambaguio, a nearby municipality known for its teeming tomato industry.

Another unique item on the menu is the ginger ice cream, with the main ingredient sourced from the farmers of Santa Fe. There are also the cinnamon onions rings sourced from the farmers of Aritao.

The bounty of local farms is more than enough to supply daily provision for the restaurant. Even edible flowers have a niche in the restaurant’s unusual menu.

Danao said the restaurant strives to come up with a peculiar menu to be a crowd-drawer to both local and foreign tourists.

“We’re actually laying the foundation to make Nueva Vizcaya a gourmet dining destination. This is the only way we can help elevate the status of farmers here. We boost the livelihood of the farmers, we boost the local economy in the province,” he said.

He takes pride in having contributed some of the unique food preparations. The artisanal ice cream collection has unusual flavors like Roselle Hibiscus or

JFC legal counsel named lawyer of the year by regional citation body

JOLLIBEE Food Corporation’s (JFC) global general counsel, ethics head and compliance officer Valerie Feria Amante was named In-House Lawyer of the Year by the 19th Annual Asian Legal Business (ALB) Southeast (SE) Asia Law Awards 2023. Amante is the sole Filipino individual awardee this year.

“I am honored to have been recognized as In-House Lawyer of the Year for Southeast Asia. I have always believed that Filipinos can stand proud alongside the best in the world, and I am happy to be one of many examples showing this to be true,” Amante said, who leads a team of 19 lawyers and 10 paralegals spanning six countries that include the Philippines, China, Vietnam, USA, Singapore, and Ireland.

“This award represents the work of the great team of lawyers and paralegals across our offices in six countries that comprise the Legal organization in the Jollibee Group, as well as the collaboration of colleagues from different functions and businesses,” she added.

The ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2023, judged by an independent panel of senior and expert legal industry leaders from various sectors across the region, rec-

ognizes the exceptional performance of private practitioners and in-house counsel in SE Asia.

Amante has been with the Jollibee Group for over 16 years and has led the development of the legal, ethics, and compliance functions as integral components in Jollibee Group’s growth and expansion over the years.

She highlighted how the Jollibee Group is invested into providing and hiring people based on merit, highlighting that over 70 percent of the legal organization within the Group are women, and two lawyers, including herself are Persons with Disability (PWD).

Amante graduated salutatorian from Batch 2000 of the University of the Philippines College of Law, and placed 7th in the Philippine Bar Examinations of the same year. After starting her career in a large law firm and in another publicly listed company, she joined JFC in 2007.

Amante is two-time ALB In-House Lawyer of the Year awardee after clinching the citation in 2016 in the Philippines and the latest 2023 ALB award covering the SE Asia region.

Mineral resources developer upholds DEI in the workplace

MINING firm Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) has unveiled its new policy on diversity, equality, and inclusivity (DEI), making a significant stride towards fostering a healthy environment for all its employees.

“We firmly believe in the power of diversity and the invaluable contributions that every individual brings to the table. The launch of this groundbreaking policy during Pride Month reinforces our unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community and our commitment to providing an environment that respects and celebrates the unique perspectives of all employees,” said NAC president and CEO Martin Antonio G. Zamora.

The policy, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on Gender Equality, encompasses a range of explicit commitments, such as ensuring diversity within its leadership and making a steadfast pledge to hire and promote employees based on merit and performance as aligned with the company’s values while simultaneously guaranteeing a safe and respectful work environment, free from any instances of harassment or discrimination.

In pushing these goals, NAC will provide comprehensive training to equip and ensure that employees have the necessary tools and understanding of diversity, inclusivity, and equality.

“Sustainability is about more than just taking care of our environment

and practicing responsible mining. It’s about embracing the

that make our organization

we are

Gumamela ice cream, Ginger, Malunggay, Tomato and Citrus flavor. There is also the Blue Ternate juice, one of the unique concoctions under the edible flower series.

House coffee is sustainably soured from Talbek, a sparsely populated hilly barangay producing quality, organic green beans. The restaurant does its own roasting of Arabica and Robusta varieties and creates its own blends.

One of the popular fusion dishes is the signature Tempura Pinakbet, and another trademark delicacy is the rabbit’s meat menu—Rabbit Sisig and Rabbit Salpicao.

“Our mulberry cheesecake and roselle hibiscus cheesecake are crafted using sweet potato as base for the crust. We think this one-of-a-kind menu will be interesting enough to whet the appetite of food lovers, those adventurous enough for a six-hour drive or seven-hour bus ride from Manila,” Danao said.

For those staying a few days, there are nearby accommodation facilities always open to visitors. It may take a while for the restaurant to expand to a bed and breakfast (B&B) format, as it is still working on the completion of a garden gazebo and a function area that can hold as many as 300 people for big events.

Danao said the good camaraderie among his staff, who are all Dupax natives, is key in sustaining the flow of creativity and innovation within the establishment.

He also recalled how the pandemic has been instrumental into making his passion a reality. Just as the lockdown started to ease, he relocated his family from Metro Manila to reside for good in Dupax, which is a far cry from what the life his family was used to.

“Literally, there’s nothing to do in the middle of a farm. And truly, we’ve been missing going to Tagaytay for day trips. It’s the nearest place, out of town, to go when we’re craving for good food with a view. So we’re missing that during the pandemic. And here in the province, life is so relaxed compared to the city,” he said.

He said he was always amazed at how fine restaurants in Tagaytay are always full to the brim and, during weekends, have long queues despite the expensive menu. Othel V. Campos

Snacks company supports plastic recycling to reduce consumer waste

IN CELEBRATION of its 60 years in the Philippines, Mondelez Philippines recently inaugurated a plastic recycling facility in Parañaque City that will produce “ecobricks” from plastic wastes collected from the city.

The recycling facility will utilize technology from Green Antz Builders while socio-development organization Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has pledged to support the management and operations of the facility.

“We are excited for the future of this recycling facility which we are launching in partnership with our home city of Parañaque. Mondelez Philippines is not only celebrating 60 years in the country but more specifically six decades in the City. The inauguration is just the start of possibilities for our community. We are looking forward to supporting the reuse of plastic so it doesn’t end up as litter, and providing livelihood for the community members who will operate the facility,” said Mondelez Philippines managing director Aleli Arcilla.

The plastic recycling facility broke ground in September 2022 to help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and waterways. By shredding and mixing the plastic into cement to make ecobricks, the facility will help contribute to creating a circular economy for plastics.

“We applaud the efforts of companies like Mondelez Philippines in supporting initiatives to reduce plastic waste and pollution. As their partner, we will provide the tools and support to ensure that the facility is able to sustain its goal of waste reduction and livelihood creation. We recognize that plastic pollution is a problem bigger than one company or one community, and it will take collective and sustained efforts to reduce, dispose, or divert our waste properly,” said PBSP executive director Elvin Ivan Uy. Green Antz, a circular economy and innovation group, develops and deploys disruptive solutions to reduce the amount of waste generated, discarded, and existing.

Oasis of Dupax co-founder and managing partner John Danao

YoungLIFE

Women advocates unite to raise awareness on CERVICAL CANCER

By Gabriella Andrea C. Tresvalles

IN this time and age, society has begun learning to love the skins they live in and respect others’ decisions on how they want to live their lives. When it comes to using beauty products, the public has embraced the benefits of makeup and similar products in boosting their confidence and enhancing their natural beauty. After all, there’s nothing wrong with looking

According to the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, cancer is now the third leading cause of death nationwide. Some of the most common cancers among Filipinos are lung, breast, colon, rectum, and prostate. People don’t talk about cervical cancer and support the disease as much as other women’s cancers, such as breast cancer. This cancer, caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), is still the second most common cancer afflicting women in the country and worldwide. As of 2020, nearly 8,000 Filipino women were diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Although it is one of the most preventable cancers, the Philippines still has the lowest rate of HPV vaccination, early preventive screenings, and diagnosis worldwide.

To raise awareness for cervical cancer in the country, healthcare company MSD Philippines held the

“Women Bloom in SolidariTeal” event at Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros, Manila, last Friday, June 9, 2023.

Women of Strength

Women from different organizations, cervical cancer survivors, and advocates came together towards the elimination of cervical cancer in the country, where Niña Corpuz, a broadcast journalist and SolidariTeal advocate, hosted an interactive talk show.

In the first part, Dr. Efren Domingo, President of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) gave some facts regarding cervical cancer and situations in the Philippines.

Then, they featured cancer survivors Isabella Fernando-Dela Cruz and Eden Guzman-Lucero to talk about life after their diagnosis.

ARTIST’S CORNER

CREATIVITY isn’t always limited to a single platform. Some artists prefer working on various pieces, whether it be visual or literary. When properly unleashed and fostered, a person’s creativity knows no bounds.

In the meantime, beginner artists can still embrace their passion for creation as they explore the crevices of their minds for inspiration that allows them to translate their thoughts and emotions into something tangible.

Afterward, a panel discussion was held on cancer-free the next day. Among the panelists are Dr. Cecilia Llave, Chairman of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP); Ms. Donna Miranda Awareness and Demand Generation Officer for Jhpiego Philippines; and Dr. Jesus Randy “Bogs” Rivera, founder of CerviQ, a social enterprise. For the final segment of the interactive talk show, they discussed what communities are doing to prevent and eliminate cervical cancer. The panelists are composed of Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla of Banna, Ilocos Norte; Ms. Karen Villanueva, President of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), and Dr. Elmer Bondoc, Vice President for Programs and Development of Philippine Nurses Association, Inc.

After the talk show, 11 cervical cancer survivors walked on the runway to show that women can outlive and beat cancer with appropriate healthcare systems and interventions. 11 is significant because it

represents the number of women dying from this dangerous disease.

Beatriz McLelland, Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2022 and staunch cervical cancer awareness advocate, led the signing of the petition to end cervical cancer.

Teal all over the country

During the event, selected landmarks and hospitals nationwide participated in the lighting ceremony and bled teal to support eliminating cervical cancer.

Some of Manila’s known landmarks, such as the Rizal Monument, Manila Clock Tower, Kartilya ng Katipunan, and Rajah Sulayman Park, are lit in teal. The Quezon Memorial Circle also participated in light of the Quezon City government.

Aside from the lighting teal all over the country, there was also an art gallery catering to artworks from 12 local female artists, and a photo exhibit displayed images from seven female photographers who supported cervical cancer advocacy. Teal is the color for cervical cancer awareness and advocacy. In color psychology, teal regulates and heals emotions, creating emotional balance and stability. As such, wearing a teal ribbon symbolizes healing over the disease beyond signaling cervical cancer advocacy.

In the end, MSD Philippines calls out to everyone to encourage their wife, mother, daughter, sister, or friend to get vaccinated, screened, and diagnosed early for cervical cancer.

Truly, prevention is still better than cure.

(“This

Yssa Marie Racho, a senior high school student from Carcar, Cebu, recently tapped into her creativity to produce pieces that reflect her daily struggles with growing up and coming into her own as an individual.

“My poetry and art always reflect my genuine self. Although I understand there’s much for me to learn, there’s no better time to start than now. I get inspiration from different kinds of authors, mostly from Lang Leav and Michael Faudet,” she said.

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) provides coverage for cervical cancer screening through the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) primary care package and cervical cancer treatment through the Z Benefits. Since 2015, benefit claims for cervical cancer filed under the Z Benefits amount to P31 million.

“We are glad that your PhilHealth has been able to extend medical care benefits to those women suffering from this dreaded disease. Indeed, the state health insurer is always looking into the welfare of its members and always doing its best to provide financial risk protection whenever and wherever Filipinos need quality health care,” Acting PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. said.

Each year in the Philippines, 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 4,052 fatalities. Cervical cancer ranks second in cancers among women in the Philippines and the second most common cancer in women between the ages of 15 and 44 (DOH, May 2023). Warning signs of cervical cancer show abnormal bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, bleeding after sexual intercourse, persistent back, leg, or pelvic pain, and unexplainable weight loss.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends screening for cervical cancer from 30 years of age in the general population of women or earlier for sexually active

PhilHealth has been able to extend medical care benefits to women diagnosed with cervical cancer

Cervical cancer coverage: A top PhilHealth priority in Universal Health Care

women. Further, updated guidelines of the WHO recommend Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer screening, which is more cost-effective than cytology (i.e., Pap smear). In addition, the WHO also recommends the primary target of vaccination against HPV, which is the first line of defense against cervical cancer, are girls aged 9-14. The secondary targets for HPV vaccination are boys and other females whenever feasible and affordable.

Meanwhile, in a recent report by Professor Dindo Manhit of Stratbase ADR Institute, along with other Cancer Societies and Cancer-free Movement, their groups discussed evidence-based and costeffective interventions that will scale up the elimination of cervical cancer in the Philippines and officially launch the Zero Cervical Cancer Movement.

PhilHealth acknowledges the groups’ effort to lessen cervical cancer incidents, if not eliminate this catastrophic illness, by boosting immunization, vaccination, and treatment control programs and fully supporting their future projects in collaboration with other sectors. Furthermore, in response to their call to expand coverage of the Z benefits package for cervical cancer and even include HPV Screening in the soon-to-be-introduced Konsulta Plus

Package, the PhilHealth Chief has this to say.

“We are determined to further enhance our benefits package to provide responsive coverage for our members and their dependents needing treatment. Cancer screening will be included under Konsulta primary care package, while the Z Benefits cover treatment for this type of cancer. This year, enhancement in select Z Benefits packages will include cervical cancer,” he added.

Currently, PhilHealth has two Z Benefits packages that cover a complete course of treatment for cervical cancer for stages IA1, IA2-IIA1, where it pays P120,000 for Chemoradiation with Cobalt and Brachytherapy (low dose) and P175,000 for Chemoradiation with Linear Accelerator and Brachytherapy (high dose).

Ledesma also stressed the importance of more healthcare providers being contracted for PhilHealth’s Z Benefits Package for cervical cancer to ensure greater patient access. “To date, there are seven (7) contracted hospitals where qualified patients can avail of the Z Benefits package for cervical cancer. PhilHealth is committed to engaging more healthcare providers to partner with us to make this more accessible to members and their dependents afflicted with the disease,” he explained.

Participating hospitals and landmarks flash teal lights on their facades as they

Cervical cancer survivors taking the runway to celebrate their win against the disease

Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2022 Beatriz McLelland leading the petition signing to end cervical cancer

n By PETER ATENCIO

OLYMPIAn Carlos Yulo and Fil-American Aleah Finnegan delivered brilliant performances as the Philippine flag waved proudly on Saturday in ongoing men’s and women’s finals the Asian Senior Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore.

Yulo displayed near-flawless form in ruling the men’s floor exercises finals to claim 15.3 points for the gold while Finnegan settled for a bronze medal in the women’s apparatus action.

Getting a score of 9.00 out of a possible 10 in execution, the 23-year-old Yulo then got a difficulty mark of 6.9 points from the judges.

This allowed Yulo to keep the title that he won last year in Doha, Qatar.

Yulo continued to fortify his bid for a second stint in the Olympics as the win gave him a ticket to the world championship which also serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In the end, Yulo was almost a full point ahead of silver medalist Dimitriy Patanin of Kazakhstan (14.366).

China’s Su Weide took in the bronze with 14.333, with Japanese Sasaki Fumiya in the range at fourth with 14.233.

This will be Yulo’s second medal

Yulo cops gold, Finnegan bags bronze in Asian gymnastics

after he earlier claimed a silver in the individual all-around finals the other day.

Yulo’s cousin and teammate John Ivan Cruz landed with 11.433.

Meanwhile, Fil-American Aleah Finnegan, who finished second in the qualification, settled for the bronze medal in the women’s vault finals.

The 20-year-old Finnegan placed behind top qualifier Yeo Seojeong of Korea, who tallied 13.717 points and Uzbekistan standout Oksana Chusovitini took second in 13.517.

Finnegan, who is from St. Louis, Missouri, scored 13.483, and she got her highest scores of 4.6 points in execution and 9.2 in difficulty in Finnegan’s first routine.

Yulo later settled for fourth with 14.033 in the ring finals.

Lan Xingyu of China took the gold

(15.2) while reigning Southeast Asian Games champion Nguyen Van Kam Phong claimed the silver (14.366), and Hong Kong Ng Kiu Chung placed third with 14.1.

Fil-Am gymnast Emma Malabuyo finished fifth in the women’s floor exercise finals with 13.033 points, with China’s Zhang Qingying taking the gold with 13.533, Shin Solyi of Korea (13.233) and Korean Lee Yunseo(13.166) settling for the silver and bronze.

So far, Yulo, Finnegan, and another Fil-Am in Kylee Kvamme already earned slots in the World Championships set in Antwerp, Belgium late September.

Yulo qualified in the floor exercises, the all-around, and the rings, while Finnegan made it in the vault with Kvamme after finishing 14th in the individual all-around.

Parañaque stuns Sarangani; Pasay thwarts Mindoro in OT

THE Parañaque Patriots poured 10 points and held the Sarangani Marlins scoreless in the last four minutes to tally a come-from-behind 77-75 victory in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League)

Fifth Season on Friday at the Olivarez College Gym in Paranaque.

Trailing, 67-75, following a 7-point cluster by the Marlins, the Patriots countered behind two charities and a hook shot by Joshua Gallano, a triple by Jielo Razon, and a lay-up by Keith Pido to seize control at 76-75 with still 13 seconds to go.

Lean Vincent Martel then pulled off a steal, got fouled, and split his two free throws in the last eight seconds for the final count that raised Paranaque’s record to 7-8, tying its victim in the single round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

Gallano, star of the Olivarez College Sea Lions, fired

a game-high 26 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and issued 5 assists to earn best player honors. He was supported by Paolo Castro with 15 points and John Umali with 14. Sarangani got 22 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, 7 assists and 5 rebounds from Jeff Viernes. John Paul Cauilan added 15 points for the Marlins, who also got 11 points from Romel Calahat and 10 from Jefferson Comia. With Gallardo and Martel, who had 13 rebounds, joining forces, the Patriots ruled the boards, 62-30, and scored 42 points inside the paint as against only 14 for the Marlins.

Earlier, Pasay and Marikina won in contrasting fashion over Oriental Mindoro and Quezon City, respectively. The Pasay Voyagers needed to go through overtime before subduing the Oriental Mindoro Disiplinados,

Beermen seek to regain winning touch, battle Converge FiberXers

SAN Miguel Beer has been winning and losing close games.

Even minus their big stars, the Beermen have been competing.

It is as clear as day San Miguel will continue to be among the teams to be reckoned with as the regular season reels off sometime in October.

Meanwhile, the Beermen continue to battle with their second stringers as they take on the Converge FiberXers at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in PBA on Tour, presented by Arena Plus and sponsored by Bingo Plus, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

After dropping tight matches versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Meralco Bolts, coach Jorge Gallent’s troops hope to regain their winning ways versus the Converge side which also looks to snap its own losing skein.

The Beermen are now at 2-3, bowing to the Bolts, 89-92, as Terrence Romeo joined other SMB stars on the sideline in their last outing.

Sans June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Vic Manuel, Simon Enciso, Marcio Lassiter and Romeo, the Beermen went to Jericho Cruz, Moala Tautuaa, and Rodney Brondial for leadership, firepower, and defensive muscles. Still, they dragged the Bolts to a battle.

Cruz (19 points), Allyn Bulanadi (18), Marvin Lee (18),

Tautuaa (12), and Brondial (15) all delivered double-digit outputs as starters, but SMB drew just eight markers from the rest of the team.

The FiberXers, meanwhile, have skidded to 1-3, losing their last three games after a winning debut in the preseason series -- a 119-92 rout of the Terrafirma Dyip.

After the big triumph, the FiberXers reeled to successive losses to the Magnolia Hotshots (95-99), the Meralco Bolts (88-96), and the Blackwater Bossing (97-102). (From PBA.ph)

Wheelchair race champ inspires kids to take up taekwondo

JERROLD Mangliwan, the country’s top wheelchair racer, is inspiring the next generation of his family to be competitive.

After earning a total of six Asean Para Games gold medals in the last 18 years that he has competed, he inspired his three children to find their own interest and get serious with it.

When he finally earned two gold medals in the recently-concluded meet in Cambodia, his eldest child Ryzza, a

taekwondo enthusiast, got encouraged to join the regionals in Bulacan.

The 14-year old Ryzza managed to top the Region 3 qualifiers, and earned the right to represent Bulacan in the national finals of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa this July in Marikina.

“Hopefully, sumunod siya sa yapak ko(as a competitive athlete),” said Mangliwan, whose family is based in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Mangliwan, afflicted by polio since

he was two years old, is one of veteran competitors in Para Games since 2005. He feels that the Cambodia games is very special to him and his family.

“Ito na po ang pinaka-special sa akin. Kasi po, well motivated ang team,” added Mangliwan, who is married to Rosie. Because of the great support that he and members of the Philippine team had for each, Mangliwan said he was able to be at his best. Peter Atencio

89-86, while the Marikina Shoemasters dumped depleted Quezon City Gaz N Go, 89-50. Mindoro could have won outright, but Paulo Hubalde missed on a drive as the final buzzer sounded, enabling Pasay to rise to 11-3.

The Voyagers drew 29 points from Laurenz Pasul Victoria, 23 points from Alejandro Inigo and 10 from Rommel Mangalino.

Mindoro, which fell to 2-13, got 21 points from Kristan Hernandez, 16 from Christian De Chavez and 10 from Marvel Jimenez.

With Eloie Tan Marikina posting 13 points plus 9 boards, Marikina climbed to 7-8. Quezon, which fielded only 10 players, tumbled to 3-13.

The MPBL goes to the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena on Saturday with a triple bill pitting Bulacan against Bacolod at 4 p.m., Muntinlupa against Negros at 6 p.m. and Makati against Quezon at 8 p.m.

Uy toughens up in pursuit of elusive LPGT win

DANIELLA Uy has had her fair share of woes six stops into this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. But the former Junior World champion isn’t one to dwell on the past, always looking for ways to get better and stronger while gearing up for the next battle.

Heading to the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic, which begins Tuesday (June 20), Uy took a respite after another runner-up finish at Valley, hit the gym for strength training and polished her putting stroke.

That should make her armed and equipped as she chases the elusive win in the P1 million championship put up by ICTSI. “After Valley, I took a few days off to give my left wrist a rest. Then I focused on getting my body stronger in the gym and worked on my putting,” said Uy, who scored her maiden LPGT win at Riviera-Langer in 2021 but has since come up short of a follow-up victory.

She campaigned abroad for the majority of 2022 to toughen up but has not hit paydirt back on the local tour although she has never missed a Top 5 finish halfway through the season. She placed fifth in Bacolod, tied for fourth in Iloilo, shared fifth place at Caliraya Springs, lost in sudden death at Luisita, tied for third at Villamor Philippine Masters and ended up runner-up again at Valley ruled by amateur Mafy Singson. She rued her shaky putting the last time out and has put a lot of time working on her stroke in anticipation of a challenging week at Forest Hills.

“My putting was really bad (at Valley) that’s why I needed to work on it to shoot low at Forest Hills,” said Uy. “I

expect Nicklaus course to be hard, it’s hilly and the greens are challenging.”

She also emphasized the need for ball control, saying: “It’s really important to know my yardages.”

Meanwhile, Harmie Constantino seeks redemption from a joint fifth-place finish at Valley, where she was tipped to figure in the hunt for a record third straight championship after topping the Luisita and Villamor stages.

Mikha Fortuna is likewise expected to atone for her final round showing where she closed out with an 80 after crowding the leaderboard with a second-round 71 in her first pro tournament.

Chihiro Ikeda, who won two legs last year, is also due for a big finish, along with Sarah Ababa, Florence Bisera, Pamela Mariano and Martina Miñoza and top amateur Lois Kaye Go, while Koreans Juyoung Kim, MinYeong Kim and amateur Jiwon Lee seek to halt the locals’ domination in the absence of injured and Caliraya Springs leg runner-up Seoyun Kim.

Joshua Gallano shines for Paranaque.

San Miguel Beer is forced to use second-stringers in the PBA On Tour to get its top players well-rested. (Photo from PBA.ph)

Carlos Yulo ruled the men’s floor exercises (Photo by Janet Tenorio) while Aleah Finnegan bagged the bronze in the women’s vault. (From Singapore Gymnastics).

Patricia Javier’s son wins Mister Teen International 2023 in Thailand

lows parents to crown their own sons if they emerge as winners.

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Robert

Douglas Walcher IV, the son of former actress Patricia Javier-Walcher was crowned Mister Teen International 2023 during the recent finals held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Guess who had the honor of crowning Walcher? It was his mother, Patricia herself, who was watching the event and was invited on stage by the organizers to place the crown and sash on her son.

Mister Teen International is perhaps the only pageant in the world that al-

“I couldn’t be prouder as a mother when I crowned my son Rob as Mister Teen International 2023. He truly gave his best to represent the country,” Javier said of her son, who also received special awards for Best Smile, Mister Charming, Mister Teen Sash Factor, and Peo ple’s Choice. Walcher, a 5-foot-11 ramp and commercial model, initially hesitat ed when he was invited to represent the country in the teen pageant by the Mister International Philippines Organization, headed by nation al director and president Manuel Deldio . Persuaded by his mother to accept the title, Walcher chose to promote mental health aware ness, emphasize the importance of education, and support the less privileged as his advocacies in the competition.

Marikina City’s pride competes in Mister International Philippines 2023

Young, articulate, purpose-driven, and civic-conscious are just a few of the qualities that set apart Mathew So, the representative from Marikina City, from the other candidates in the Mister International Philippines 2023 pageant.

At 19 years old and currently pursuing a Management Engineering degree at the Ateneo de Manila University, So considers himself one of the standout candidates in Mister International Philippines 2023. He advocates for the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and youth empowerment.

This pleasant and unassuming Filipino-Chinese individual aspires to become a business consultant

BTS shares a decade of success with ARMYs

n By ANGELICA VILLANUEVA

THE members of BTS are celebrating another milestone in their music career as they mark their 10th year in the industry, and they are sharing this moment with none other than their loyal fans—the ARMYs.

The group has prepared surprises for their fans to commemorate the 2023 BTS Festa, an annual event held to celebrate their anniversary. Pre-recorded clips featuring the seven members have been uploaded to their YouTube channel, and fans were thrilled to receive their heartfelt messages.

“Sometimes it strikes me how important and precious memories are. Let’s continue walking together and create more priceless memories in whatever form they may take in the future!” said BTS leader RM

“I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for sharing your precious moments, for laughing and crying with us over the past 10 years. Thank you for teaching us about happiness and love, maybe even more than we could ever imagine. I hope to keep walking with you all for the next 10 years as well,” wrote JungKook “It’s truly touching.

In a way, these records have been accumulating for more than 10 years since our trainee days. I hope to revisit them all from the beginning when I find the time,” added V In a tribute to BTS’ significant contributions to the country, landmarks in Seoul City, such as the Namsan Tower, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul City Hall, and the HYBE building, have been illuminated in purple, the color that symbolizes BTS.

Formed in 2010, the group consists of seven talented individuals—RM, Suga j-hope Jin, Jungkook, V, and Jimin—who found each other shar-

ARTIST Partner Group (APG), in collaboration with Universal Pictures and Universal Music Group (UMG), has released “Angel Pt. 2,” the latest version marks the return of popular singer-songwriter and Grammy-nominated producer Jvke, Jimin from the renowned pop group BTS, and Grammy-winning vocalist Muni Long, joined by global icon and four-time Grammy nominee Charlie Puth “Angel Pt. 2” marks Puth’s comeback to the franchise after his 2015 hit with Wiz Khalifa, “See You Again.”

“I have a deep connection to this franchise and have always been proud to be a part of the Fast Family,” Puth expresses. “I’m excited to collaborate with all these incredible artists on ‘Angel Pt. 2.’”

Coinciding with the release of Fast X, “Angel Pt. 1” was launched worldwide alongside a star-studded music video featuring all the returning artists, as well as Kodak Black and NLE Choppa. The video showcases emotional performances from the artists interspersed with snippets from the film.

ing the same dream. Exactly 10 years ago, they released their single “No More Dream” as Bangtan Sonyeondan or BTS.

Their hard work and efforts have truly paid off. The group defied the odds, becoming one of the world’s top-selling acts. Seven years after their debut, BTS’ “Dynamite” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list, opening

doors for K-pop music worldwide. As they gained recognition in the music scene, they also garnered a massive international following, dominating prestigious music charts, selling out tickets and stadiums, and enjoying the support of dedicated fans who embraced their merchandise.

Currently, the Grammy-nominated group is on hiatus as members pursue

Within three weeks, the video has garnered over 23 million views, reaching #4 on the overall YouTube Music trending chart. The single reached #1 on the Apple digital song charts and has accumulated over 110 million global streams to date. Initially, the track was only available as a 62-second teaser, quickly amassing over 8 million streams and over 1 million views for its music video trailer within the first week on YouTube, while also sparking several TikTok trends.

In line with the franchise’s tradition of featuring music that captures the high-octane action and adrenaline-fueled excitement of the Fast & Furious Saga, fans were treated to an early preview of the project with the release of “Let’s Ride” by YG, Lambo4oe, and Ty Dolla $ign

The song debuted in February during Super Bowl Sunday, alongside the film’s first official trailer, which amassed over 36 million views on YouTube and incorporates an interpolation of Notorious BIG’s “Notorious Thugs.”

solo activities and fulfill their mandatory military service. Jin and j-hope have already entered the service, and the remaining five members will follow suit.

BTS plans to reunite in 2025 after completing their solo projects and military service, but for now, they hope to celebrate this special moment with their loyal fans.

and entrepreneur after completing his studies.

“To prepare myself for this, I have taken an active role in the Management Engineering Association (MEA), serving as the project manager of the Ateneo Challenge for Transformational Sustainability (ACTS) and as a Junior Associate for Externals in the previous year. I have also joined the AIESEC organization, which aims to empower young people through leadership development, cross-cultural internships, and global volunteer exchange experiences,” So explained.

“My parents encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and audition for this pageant. Participating in this pageant allows me to develop myself and be exposed not only to the entertainment industry but also to other sectors,” added So, who is new to male pageants.

Are you in a situationship?

NAVIGATING the labyrinth of modern relationships can be a perplexing journey, especially when it comes to the enigmatic realm of so-called “situationships.”

Singer-songwriter Timmy Albert vividly captures this kind of affair in his captivating new song titled “It’s Complicated!” which sheds light on the intricacies and emotional rollercoaster that accompany these undefined connections.

According to Timmy, this funky and vibrant song is a modern love, dance, R&B, indie-pop track that describes a “situationship” and reflects the “gen-z” social media status of a complicated relationship. The upbeat and danceable vibe of the song maintains a positive mood despite the uncertainty of having no labels and not being official. It portrays the struggle and hassle of a complicated relationship, yet conveys the irresistible allure of it.

Timmy expresses that you wouldn’t want it any other way with anyone else. Truly, “It’s Complicated!” depicts the delicate dance between two individuals who are simultaneously more than friends but less than a committed couple. It explores the bittersweet moments of connection, the desire for clarity, and the fear of losing something special.

With this latest release, the artist has created an anthemic piece that he considers his personal favorite thus far. He produced the song along with his bandmates Ryan Pineda (Carousel Causalities), LJ Panganiban (Brisom/Meryl), and Bob Sadural (St. Wolf).

Currently, the song is available on digital streaming platforms and has been included in Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlists, as well as playlists in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and of course, the Philippines.

Young artist Timmy Albert’s new single ‘It’s Complicated!’ tackles the complication of being in a ‘situationship’

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By Mariana Burgos

RETAINED testicle, also known as cryptorchidism or "hidden testicle," is a rare condition in male cats that causes one or both testicles to be retained in the abdomen rather than lowering into the scrotum. This usually occurs at two months of age and always before six months of age.

Veterinarians Krista Williams, Ryan Llera, Robin Downing, and Ernest Ward, in their article "Retained Testicle (Cryptorchidism) in Cats,” say that unilateral cryptorchidism, or the retention of one testicle, is far more prevalent than bilateral cryptorchidism, or the retention of both. A cat with only one retained testicle can still generate sperm, but a cat with both retained testicles is infertile. Cats with one or both testicles still generate testosterone.

The veterinarians above also say that, typically, the testicles begin to move from the belly to the scrotum through the inguinal canal while the kitten is still growing in its mother's womb. This procedure is often completed between the ages of ten days and two months, but always by the age of six months. Although it is extremely unusual in cats, this migratory process does not always begin or finish. When this happens, one or both testicles can remain in the abdomen, become trapped in the inguinal canal, or become caught just beneath the skin in the groin. Any cat diagnosed with this illness should be treated right away since the retained testicle or testicles can cause pain and put the cat at a higher risk for infection.

Symptoms

There is usually just one indication of a retained testicle in a kitten. The kitten has one or no testicles in its scrotum at six months of age,

rather than the customary two. When an unneutered adult cat seems to have no testicles in its scrotum, as if it has been neutered, but nevertheless exhibits the following characteristics--- spraying, musky scents, aggressiveness, and urinating in the litter box, erections, and sexual behavior--- the cat should be evaluated by a vet to find out if the cat has one or two retained testicles.

A cat of any age that has one or both testicles retained should be treated right away, as this ailment can cause the following: torsion of the spermatic cord, causing discomfort, and an increased chance of developing malignancies on the abdominal testicles.

Causes

The same veterinarians note that cryptorchidism affects fewer than two (2) per cent of cats but may be more common in purebred or pedigreed cats such as Persians, Himalayans, and Ragdolls. The illness is widely encountered in cat households and appears to be hereditary, while the precise etiology is unknown.

Treatment

The removal of both testicles, whether in the belly or the scrotum, while your cat is under general anesthesia, is the chosen therapy

for retained testicles in cats. If a testicle is found in the scrotum, it will be removed as part of the standard surgery for neutering a cat, which involves making an incision in the scrotum. Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that needs as little as two small abdominal incisions, is commonly used to remove the abdominal testicle or testicles. The abdominal testicle is extracted through one of these incisions with laparoscopic equipment.

If the testicle cannot be found during laparoscopy, more invasive abdominal surgery may be required.

It is technically conceivable to surgically insert the retained testicle into the scrotum. This is not encouraged, however, because veterinarians normally believe that cats with this genetic defect should not be permitted to reproduce.

For cats that have had one or two retained testicles removed, the prognosis is favorable. Your cat may be in pain for up to a week following surgery. A laparoscopic operation will require much shorter recovery time than a more invasive surgery. During this time, your veterinarian may give pain relievers as

well as antibiotics to avoid infection. You will most likely notice no difference in the kittens' habits once they have healed. Aggression, spraying, and sexual activity in an adult cat should stop when both testicles are removed. Although your veterinarian may suggest a follow-up consultation to check your cat's healing progress, your cat is unlikely to require any additional veterinary care in the long run.

Because cryptorchidism is a hereditary disease, it is not suggested to breed cats with the unilateral condition (i.e. one testicle only), as they will pass it on. However, the majority of cats with bilateral cryptorchidism are infertile. This may be because the temperature within the body is too high and sperm cannot develop appropriately.

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

THE function of the liver in any living organism is very important for it to live a long, good life.

RETAINED TESTICLES OR CRYPTORCHIDISM IN CATS: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Keeping Your Cat’s Liver Healthy

In the article "Liver Disease in Cats," the International Cat Care (ICC) stressed one of the biggest organs in your pet's body is the liver. It is vulnerable to sickness and injury since it is nestled between the lungs and the stomach, which is why it is crucial to understand its activities.

A cat's liver, like the human liver, serves several important functions in their health. It is responsible for the production of hormones, proteins, and glucose (energy), as well as the removal of waste materials, medicine, and poisons from the blood.

ICC said that another important role of the liver is to store vital materials such as vitamins, iron, and energy. Furthermore, it aids in the battle against illnesses by creating immunological factors and eliminating germs from the blood, ensuring that your cat remains healthy and happy. A healthy liver will also aid your pet's body in the digestion and absorption of fat and other essential nutrients. A number of conditions can affect the liver, and other diseases (for example,

diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and lymphoma) can also cause liver damage.

Cats are more susceptible to liver illness because they lack specific metabolic pathways in the organ that would allow them to deal with certain poisons.

What are the signs that your cat has liver disease?

Veterinarian Michael Kearley, in "Liver Disease in Cats" on the PetMD website, said that unless in the late stages or caused by a more severe form of liver illness, the most symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bruising and/ or bleeding that is unusual, thirst and urine increase.

Liver illness is also associated with jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), or signs of hepatic encephalopathy and behavioral abnormalities such as circling and head pressing, seizures, and coma.

How is liver disease diagnosed?

Veterinarans Krista Williams and explained in their article "Liver Diseases in Cats" that in moderate or early cases of liver disease, the indications are frequently very nonspecific, and further diagnostic tests will be required to determine its existence. Because the liver is in charge of so many metabolic tasks, there is a large range of blood and urine laboratory tests that may be used to examine liver illness and function. Any changes in the size or appearance of the liver will be shown by radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasonography.

How is liver disease in cats treated?

Kearley said dependng on the underlying reason, liver illness in cats can be cured. Medications and food are frequently indicated as primary therapies. Because the liver is in charge of numerous tasks linked to digestion and nutrition metabolism, a diet that

needs less labor from the liver might be beneficial.

To treat liver illness, medications such as SAMe, acetylcysteine, vitamin supplements, and ursodiol are frequently used.

To halt disease development and allow the liver to recover, supportive treatment such as IV fluids, pain management, antacids, and anti-nausea medications—and even a feeding tube—might be advised. Plasma transfusions may be required in severe situations, and chemotherapy and/or surgery may be considered if appropriate.

How can the right diet help?

The liver is an organ with an incredible ability to repair itself, and it can function even when up to 75 per cent of it is damaged or eliminated. A properly tailored food can be a successful therapy for liver illness in cats, assisting in disease management and returning your cat's liver to normal.

Because the liver is involved in di -

gestion and metabolism of all main food categories, conventional advice is to give a diet that "reduces the workload" of the liver. However, the best technique to accomplish this in cats is less obvious than in other species. Although reducing protein intake may be advantageous for some liver disorders, the cat is an obligate carnivore that requires high quantities of high-quality animal protein in its diet. Dietary fats are limited in the majority of animal species with liver disease, including humans. Because cats have high dietary fat needs, dietary fat restriction is of dubious utility in cats.

In cats with liver illness, dietary carbohydrate levels should be kept to a minimum. However, the most important consideration in feeding a cat with liver illness is that the cat continues to eat. As a result, palatability is an important factor when deciding the best food for a cat with liver illness, especially if the cat has a weak appetite. Special prescription diets have been developed to satisfy the needs of cats with liver illness, and your veterinarian may advise you to feed one of these scientifically developed diets to your cat.

Mariana Burgos

This Siamese cat on a tree branch has two normal testicles. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images)

A cat being neutered in a vet clinic. Neuter means removing the testicles. (Photo from Shutterstock royalty-free images)

A cat cleaning his behind. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images)

This is an illustration of a cat which shows the location of each of its internal organs.

(Photo from Shutterstock royalty-free images.)

A close up of a cat with liver disease. (Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.) This shows the yellowing of the inner skin of a cat’s ear which is a sign of jaundice.

(Photo from Dreamstine royalty-free images.)