Manila Standard - 2023 June 21 - Wednesday

AMMONIA LEAK KILLS BOY, SENDS 23 TO HOSPITALS

MAYON’S LAVA FLOW REACHES 2.5 KM–PHIVOLCS

PH, China fishing talks improve

Marcos: Chinese vessels just tail, no longer block Filipino ships

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said fishing talks between the Philippines and China have progressed, despite recent reports of Filipino fishermen being blocked by Chinese vessels off Pag-asa Island, and the latest incident in which a Chinese military ship tailed a government patrol boat.

“These things do not come very quickly… But we are slowly making progress because the key to that is the improved communication between the Philippine government and the Chinese government,” Marcos said on the sidelines of the Department of Agriculture’s 125th founding anniversary celebration in Diliman, Quezon City.

Addressing the latest incident, Mr. Marcos said unlike before, the Chinese vessel just tailed the BRP Francisco Dagohoy.

“’The latest report was the ship was just followed, it’s not blocked like before, so there’s a little progress there,” the President said.

The Philippines has filed hundreds of protests with Beijing over China’s aggressive and bullying activities in the West Philippine Sea.

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

But Mr. Marcos said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has even projected a bigger haul for Filipino fishermen due to the improved situation in the area.

“That is because we are continuing to talk to the Chinese government, President Xi [Jinping], in every way,” Marcos said.

The President also said that when he met with President Xi last January, he focused on the issue of fisheries instead

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

THE Philippines may run out of nurses in three to five years if nothing is done about their leaving for better-paying

jobs abroad, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Tuesday.

To address this problem, Herbosa proposes granting temporary licenses to board-eligible nursing graduates and have them work as nurses in govern-

ment

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ONLY the signature of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is needed on the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Bill before it is transmitted to Malacanang.

Deputy Senate Majority Floor Leader JV Ejercito told reporters Tuesday that the enrolled copy of the bill is ready for the signature of the Senate President. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can then either sign the measure into law or veto the MIF Bill, which he earlier certified as urgent.

Once signed by Zubiri, who has yet to return from an official trip to the United States, the enrolled bill will be transmitted to the Palace.

Ejercito admitted it took the Senate some time to fix the inconsistent provisions on the prescriptive period for the prosecution of crimes and offenses in the bill.

In the final copy of the Senate version of the bill, l Section 50 prescribes a 10-year period while Section 51 sets it at 20 years.

FE.1

may cause severe COVID infections

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

INFECTIOUS diseases specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante yesterday warned that newly detected FE.1 Omicron subvariant may cause severe infection in the vulnerable population.

Because of this, he cautioned individuals with comorbidities and the elderly to always wear face masks.

He noted that they should always keep their vaccination status up to date as their immunity weakens four to six months after receiving the jab.

He also said this new subvariant only causes mild symptoms, particularly in the younger population, since it targets the upper respiratory tract, unlike the Delta variant.

“We should not panic because for almost two years now the health care utilization rate has been good,” he said.

FE.1, a sublineage of the Omicron XBB subvariant, was added to the list

‘Maharlika only needs signature of Zubiri before sent to Palace’

variant

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the 125th founding anniversary of the Department of Agriculture on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Revoli Cortez

PH,...

of the territorial dispute involving the West Philippine Sea.

“I said let’s prioritize fisheries because it affects innocent people,” Marcos said.

President Marcos also has directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to come up with comprehensive studies on the rehabilitation and maintenance of the country’s marine habitats to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF).

As the concurrent DA secretary, Mr. Marcos has emphasized in a meeting on June 13 the need for the Philippines to comply with its international commitments, particularly to the European Union on preventing IUUF. He also highlighted the importance of addressing the concerns of fishery stakeholders by using a science-based approach in

FE.1...

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of variants under monitoring by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control on June 1, 2023.

The Department of Health (DOH) said it was initially flagged “for its increasing global prevalence” and has been detected in 35 countries so far.

The agency, however, stressed that currently available evidence for the subvariant does not suggest any differences in disease severity or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant.

“Limited information is available for the variant and researchers are currently characterizing FE.1 in terms of transmissability, immune evasion, and ability to cause more severe disease,” the DOH said.

Solante said bivalent COVID-19 vaccines could provide substantial protection against the FE.1 Omicron subvariant.

On Monday, the country detected its first case of FE.1 subvariant as shown in the DOH biosurveillance report reflecting the genome sequencing results from May 29 to June 12.

US...

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essential to reduce frictions between the two global powers.

“This is an absolutely critical way for us to manage competition, crisis communication, ensure that there is no miscommunication or misperception about each other’s intentions,” Beran told reporters in a digital briefing about the trip. “We remain willing and able at all levels to meet and call on China to respond appropriately to that.”

At the same briefing call on Tuesday, Daniel Kritenbrink, the US State Department’s top diplomat for East Asia, said successful and responsible management of the US-China relationship will only be possible if it is a “two-way street.”

Asserting that all bilateral problems were caused by one party “simply doesn’t reflect reality,” Kritenbrink said.

The most concrete result of Blinken’s trip -- in which he met with China’s President Xi Jinping -- was a commitment to more diplomatic engagements with further high-level US visits in coming months, including possible trips by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

During the first visit to China by a US Secretary of State since 2018, the nations agreed to temper rivalries to avoid conflict, but there were no breakthroughs.

China cited US sanctions as an obstacle to military dialogue, which Blinken said he had repeatedly raised with his hosts and would continue to push for.

Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu has been sanctioned since 2018 over the purchase of combat aircraft and equipment from Russia’s main arms exporter, Rosoboronexport.

The lack of open channels between both nations has prompted international jitters, with Beijing’s reluctance to engage in regular military-to-military talks with Washington alarming China’s neighbors.

At one of the most significant USChina exchanges since President Joe Biden took office, the two sides appeared entrenched over several issues, from Taiwan to trade -- including US actions toward China’s microchip industry -- plus human rights and Russia’s war against Ukraine. AFP with Rey Requejo

managing marine resources.

With this, the DA and the BFAR were directed to work closely with the Office of the Executive Secretary to ensure the enforcement of an administrative order requiring all commercial fishing vessels to install monitoring systems.

Earlier, the government said it would launch its “Layag WPS” project or the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yield and Econom -

ic 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 over the weekend.

Briguera’s announcement came days

‘Maharlika...

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Ejercito said this problem was fixed and a clean bill will be forwarded to Malacañang.

“It was fixed first... subject to style comma, grammar, numbering,” he said.

However, Ejercito guaranteed that the essence of the bill as approved by the Senate was not changed.

Sandiganbayan...

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prosecution’s bid to present a new witness shows a lack of competence in pursuing the case.

In March 2020, court records also revealed that the Office of the Solicitor General, then led by Jose Calida, had left Civil Case 0178 unattended for the previous 14 months.

Civil Case 0178 alleges that shares of the Marcos couple in ETPI were registered to the following individuals: Rosario Arellano, Victoria Legarda, Angela Lobregat, Pablo Lobregat (in trust for Rafael Valdez), Benito Nieto, Carlos Nieto, Manuel Nieto III, Ramon Nieto, Ma. Rita Delos Reyes, Carmen Tuazon, and Rafael Valdez; To Andres Africa (in trust for Rosario Songco), Lourdes Africa (in trust for Nathalie Africa, Jose Enrique Africa, and Paul Delfin Africa), Victor Africa, Juan De Ocampo (in trust for Rosario Songco), Raquel Dinglasan, Evelyn Romero, and Rosario Songco.

Government prosecutors, represented by the Office of the Solicitor General and the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), had wanted to replace its nine witnesses with an unnamed officer of the Sandiganbayan Third Division due to the following circumstances:

Witnesses Manuel Nieto Jr. and Rolando Gapud have already passed away;

No information was gathered as to the current addresses of Severino Buan, Jr., Maurice Bane, and Potenciano Roque despite assistance from other government agencies;

Rescuers...

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One of the passengers has been identified as British businessman Hamish Harding, whose aviation firm had posted on social media about his expedition.

Prominent Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, who is vice-chairm an of the conglomerate Engro, and his son Suleman were also on board, a family statement said.

The 21-foot (6.5-meter) craft, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, began its descent to the wreck on Sunday but lost contact with the surface less than two hours later, according to authorities.

“As of now, contact has been lost with their submersible craft and there is limited information available,” the Dawood family statement said.

“We are very grateful for the concern being shown by our colleagues and friends and would like to request everyone to pray for their safety,” it added.

The US Coast Guard had launched two planes to survey the remote area in the North Atlantic, while its Canadian counterparts had sent a plane and a ship.

Time is a critical factor. The vessel

after a Chinese Navy ship tailed a BFAR 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 post-harvest equipment to fisher groups in Pag-Asa Island.

Briguera, in an earlier interview, said fisheries production in the West Philippine Sea has dropped by 7 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.

“We cannot change the very essence of the bill because what has been approved on the floor is what will be forwarded to Malacañang,” he added.

Ejercito also said that the Senate is “definitely proud” of ratifying the MIF bill after the House of Representatives concurred to the Senate version during the bicameral conference.

“The Senate version is much much different already from the original ver-

PCGG was able to obtain information on the current residence of witnesses Evelyn Singson and Apolinario Medina, but the PCGG investigating team was refused entry into the subdivision where Evelyn Singson resides, while Medina appears not to be residing in his known address;

Witness Caesar Parlade declined to be a witness in the instant case, as he had already testified in Civil Case 0009, and is abroad with prosecutors unsure of his date of return.

The Sandiganbayan upheld its December 2019 decision on Civil Case 0009 in September 2020.

“This Court finds these circumstances or justifications insufficient to support the plaintiff’s Motion,” the Sandiganbayan said in Civil Case 0178.

“As correctly pointed out by the defendants, it is the plaintiff’s duty to diligently pursue the case and to secure its witnesses. Its inability to locate its witnesses now, after a period of 26 years, demonstrates its complacent attitude or lack of due diligence in pursuing the present case,” it added.

“In fact, even the plaintiff admitted in its Motion that the PCGG is still in the process of searching the whereabouts of the proposed witnesses as of March 20, 2023, or during the initial presentation of plaintiff’s evidence.”

The Sandiganbayan also noted that while the prosecution only intends to present the unnamed Sandiganbayan Third Division employee as a witness to establish that Parlade, Roque, Buan Jr., and Medina had testified in Civil Case 0009 and to identify the transcript of notes (TSNs) of their testimonies, the anti-graft court viewed this as an intention to adopt their tes -

has a range of 96 hours for the crew of five, and US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger said Monday afternoon that he believed it still had 70 or more hours of oxygen remaining.

“It is a challenge to conduct a search in that remote area, but we are deploying all available assets to make sure that we can locate the craft and rescue the people on board,” Mauger told reporters in Boston on Monday.

But with no reported sightings of the vessel or communication signals throughout the day, the US Coast Guard halted its flights for the day.

It said search operations through the night would be led by the US National Guard and the mission’s operator.

The Coast Guard added that searches by Canadian aircraft, which were using buoys to scan underneath the surface, would continue on Tuesday morning.

An OceanGate Expeditions spokesperson told AFP in a statement late Monday that “for some time, we have been unable to establish communications with one of our submersible exploration vehicles which is currently visiting the wreck site of the Titanic.”

“Our entire focus is on the wellbeing of the crew and every step possible is being taken to bring the five crew members back safely.”

There are at least 373,733 fishers that depend on the West Philippine Sea, BFAR data showed.

While the drop in fish production was attributed primarily to the frequent visit of typhoons in the country, Briguera admitted that removing “hindering factors” such as the presence of Chinese vessels could help boost output.

“[If there is no Chinese activity], is it possible to increase fish production in the WPS if there are no issues like this? I would say yes. If we remove these hindering factors, we can better take advantage of the resources in the West Philippine Sea,” he said during a press briefing, Citing data from the UP Marine Science Institute, Briguera said “the value of fisheries resources in WPS could be billions of pesos.”

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, and has rejected an arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines that invalidated its massive maritime claim.

sion. We made sure in the Senate that all the safeguards, safety nets were added in the bill,” he said.

The establishment of MIF, according to the Marcos administration’s economic managers, is part of the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 which are all instruments in pursuing the country’s economic transformation.

timonies and exhibits to form part of the records of Civil Case 0178.

The anti-graft court said this would be a violation of the defendants’ right to due process because Civil Case 0178 defendants were not charged in Civil Case 0009. As such, Civil Case 0178 defendants were not able to cross-examine the said nine prosecution’s witnesses in Civil Case 0009.

“To permit the plaintiff now to introduce the testimonies of Caesar Parlade, Potenciano Roque, Severino Buan, Jr., and Apolinario Medina in Civil Case 0009 through mere identification of their TSNs by an officer of the Third Division would unduly deprive herein defendants their right to be confronted at the trial by, and to cross-examine, the witnesses against them,” the Sandiganbayan said.

“Wherefore, this Court resolves to deny plaintiff’s (government’s) Motion For Leave Of Court To Present Other Witness And Documents for lack of merit,” it added.

The Sandiganbayan had already decided on Civil Case 0009 on December 2019 by ordering Jose Africa and Manuel Nieto Jr. to return their ETPI shares, as well as at least P68 million worth of shares of those of Polygon Investors and Managers, Inc. and Aerocom Investors and Managers, Inc., to the government.

The shareholders of the Polygon Investors and Managers, Inc. and Aerocom Investors and Managers, Inc., as stated in the December 2019 Sandiganbayan ruling, include Civil Case 0178 defendants Arellano, Legarda, Lobregat, Benito Nieto, Carlos Nieto, Manuel Nieto, delos Reyes, Tuason, and Nieto Jr. Rio N. Araja

The company uses a submersible named Titan for its dives to the Titanic wreck, with seats priced at $250,000, according to its website.

Harding, a 58-year-old aviator, space tourist and chairman of Action Aviation, had posted Sunday on his Instagram account that he was proud to join OceanGate’s Titanic mission.

“Due to the worst winter in Newfoundland in 40 years, this mission is likely to be the first and only manned mission to the Titanic in 2023,” he wrote.

Paul-Henry Nargeolet, a veteran diver and expert on the Titanic wreck, was also part of the Titan crew, Harding said in his post.

“The team on the sub has a couple of legendary explorers, some of which have done over 30 dives to the RMS Titanic since the 1980s including PH Nargeolet,” the post says.

Action Aviation posted Sunday on Twitter that “the sub had a successful launch and Hamish is currently diving,” and included several photographs of Harding and mission staff on the surface. The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank in 1912 during its maiden voyage from England to New York with 2,224 passengers and crew on board. More than 1,500 people died.

percent in the board exam to work for the government, even though they did not pass the exam, as long as they retake it and pass the board exam after a period of time.

These temporary licensed nurses will then have to render up to four years of return service to a government hospital after they pass their board exam before they are allowed to go abroad.

He acknowledged that this was only a temporary solution, but said it could head off a crisis in years to come.

“I saw the figures More nurses are leaving than what we are producing,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Senator Nancy Binay, however, said a thorough study must be undertaken before the DOH taps unlicensed or board-eligible nurses.

“We should first listen to their sector. There should be a deep and extensive consultation, including the allied sectors in the medical field,” she said.

She said she also wants to see first a clear and concrete DOH program for hospitals as far as alleviating the plight of health care workers is concerned.

Binay also said the most practical way to narrow the gap was to hire unemployed nurses.

She also said if there is a budget for hiring unlicensed nurses, that money should just be given to existing nurses.

Former Philippine College of physicians (PCP) president Dr. Anthony Leachon, on the other hand, said that although there is a lack of nurses, there were certain legal, moral and accountability issues in hiring unlicensed nurses.

“We should not espouse a culture of mediocrity,” he said.

He recommended a health human resources summit involving all the major medical groups.

“We need to have short term , medium term and long term plans towards the realization of the Universal Health Care [Law], “ he said.

Binay said if the DOH is serious in fixing the whole system, address the gap and make the pay of health care workers competitive.

“We in the Senate are willing to provide the necessary tools and budget to improve the state of our public health,” she said.

The DoH proposal, supported by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, will allow non-board passers to work in state hospitals under supervision and with temporary licenses. Non-board passers will be given four years to pass the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination.

After passing the board exam, they have to sign a four-year return service agreement and work in a government hospital.

Meanwhile, Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza called for the review of barriers to employment, such as the difficulty in passing board exams amid “the shortage of medical professionals, especially nurses.”

In a speech at the House plenary, he cited the perennially low passing rate in licensing examinations, saying from 2017 to 2022 in 36 professions, the passing rate was only 52.58 percent, or half the number of examinees.

The wreckage is in two main pieces 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, some 13,000 feet underwater.

It was found in 1985 and remains a source of fascination and a lure for nautical experts and underwater tourists.

Without having studied the craft itself, Alistair Greig, professor of marine engineering at University College London, suggested two possible theories based on images of the vessel published by the press.

He said if it had an electrical or communications problem, it could have surfaced and remained floating, “waiting to be found.”

“Another scenario is the pressure hull was compromised – a leak,” he said in a statement. “Then the prognosis is not good.”

While the submersible may still be intact during its dive, “there are very few vessels” able to go to the depth to which the Titan might have traveled.

“The clock is ticking, and any submariner/submersible deep divers know how unforgiving the Abyssal domain is: going undersea is as, if not more, challenging than going into space from an engineering perspective,” said University of Adelaide associate professor Eric Fusil in a statement. AFP

Phivolcs: Mayon restive ‘in gentle and quiet mode’

IN BRIEF

3 tra icking victims back from Myanmar

THREE more Filipino victims of the human trafficking syndicate were repatriated from Myanmar, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the three victims, in their 20s and early 30s, arrived from Myanmar on board a Singapore airlines flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

The three victims departed last April 2023 disguised as tourists bound for Singapore.

However, they admitted that they were recruited online to work in a call center in Thailand, only to end up being shipped to Yangon, Myanmar to work in a pseudocall center involved in scam operations.

“One of the victims was even an online influencer, with more than 10 thousand subscribers,” Tansingco said.

He reiterated his warning to aspiring overseas workers not to agree to work abroad by posing as tourists.

“Leaving as tourists makes you more vulnerable, and we have received reports of victims being physically abused by these traffickers. If you wish to work abroad, do so legally, through the Department of Migrant Workers,” he added.

The three victims were assisted by the NAIA Task Force against Trafficking, the National Bureau of Investigation, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Migrant Workers.

CBCP welcomes Afghan refugees

AN OFFICIAL of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) has expressed support to the Philippine government’s plan to accommodate some 50,000 Afghan refugees, saying it is an act of “charity and compassion.”

“As a Catholic country, it is considered acts of charity and compassion to assist and to welcome them. We heed to God’s call that ‘as I am a stranger you welcome’,”

CBCP-ECMI vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement Tuesday. He noted that Filipinos were known to be charitable and hospitable.

“It is our natural traits (to be) hospitable, helpful, and hardworking people,” Santos said.

He also believed that it is also part of the country’s international commitment to open its doors to refugees.

“Our commitment as United Nations signatory is to help and accommodate migrants and refugees,” he added.

Earlier, the United States asked the Philippines to admit the 50,000 refugees from Afghanistan. They will briefly stay in the country while they await the approval of their special immigration visas from the American government.

Last week, Malacañang said the government was evaluating the US. request on behalf of the Afghan refugees.

OFFICIALS of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have joined calls for a probe on last Sunday’s killing of five people in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur, allegedly by men in uniform.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace negotiator for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), on Monday called on the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament to seek for the return of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) as an effective platform in probing instances of ceasefire violation

The killings were purportedly perpetrated by a “raiding team” of police personnel, according to the victims’ families.

They said armed men, some of them clad in military uniform, raided a house, followed by gunshots that left five people dead. Two of the fatalities were identified as Nasser Yusseff Husain; Norjihad Madídis Husain, both members or were children of former MILF combatants.

At least one more member of the BTA Parliament has unofficially concurred in to Iqbal’s call for inquiry. However, the official who wished to remain anonymous added that calls for probe were best extended to the national government, particularly the House of Representatives and the Senate. Nash B. Maulana

MAYON Volcano continued to be restive on Tuesday, but “in a gentle and quiet mode,” according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) which also said lava flows have reached 2.5 kilometers along the Mi-isi gully in Daraga, Albay.

The Phivolcs said very slow effusions along Bonga gully in Legazpi City has also reached 1.8 kilometers, while lava streams on both gullies were within 3.3 kilometers long.

Additionally, 301 rockfall events, two pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and one volcanic earthquakes were recorded by Phivolcs in their 24hour observation from early morning of Friday and Tuesday.

Mayon was still under Alert Level 3 due to intensified magmatic unrest.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense

(OCD) said that they are ready for the possible Alert Level 4 status in anticipation of more activities from the volcano. OCD administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ariel Nepomuceno said P1.3 billion worth of assistance was on standby.

Nepomuceno said the government has prepared for the basic needs of affected residents such as food, water, hygiene kits, and others.

On the other hand, Daraga municipal health officer Dr. Edna Freya Tan has

given assurance that the local government has bolstered its continuous COVID-19 prevention and control efforts amid the first case of COVID-positive evacuee in the evacuation center.

Since the confirmation of the first COVID-positive evacuee on June 19, the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) encouraged the evacuees to get primary vaccinations and booster shots.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said they were still closely monitoring the volcano’s activity, especially its parameters—the bases for downgrading or raising its alert status.

Alert Level 3 stays over the volcano, meaning to say that there remains a relatively high unrest and an increased tendency toward hazardous eruption.

“What we see are low-level parameters,

largely similar to its 2014 effusive eruption,” he said.

“Effusive eruption involves the gentle release of lava on the edifice of the volcano,” he added.

Over the past 24 hours, the Mayon Volcano Network said very slow effusion of lava from its summit crater continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies.

“Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 800 meters before drifting to the general west,” it said. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 389 tons/day on June 19 as compared with June 18›s 889 tons/day.

Phivolcs said the residents living within the permanent danger zone must remain at the evacuation centers.

Lawmaker asks DOTr to defer LRT fare hike

CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte on Tuesday made a last-ditch appeal for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to put off the planned fare increases in Metro Manila’s rail transit systems, saying the people were still reeling from the effects of runaway inflation that sent prices of oil and basic commodities rocketing sky high.

“I am making an 11th-hour appeal for the deferment of the planned fare adjustments by the three train lines in Metro Manila as ordinary commuters continue to reel from the persistent elevated inflation brought about primarily by high oil and food prices,” Villafuerte said.

He was reacting to reports that the DOTr and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) were raising fares at LRT Lines 1 and 2 beginning Aug. 2.

AMMONIA LEAK

Navotas ammonia leak kills boy, sends 23 to hospitals

By Jun David

A TEENAGED boy died while 23 people were taken to various hospitals Tuesday morning after an ammonia leak that also set off a fire in a cold storage facility in Navotas City.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Navotas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) head Vonne Villanueva said the casualty, who had a pre-existing condition, was taken to the MCU Hospital in Caloocan City after complaining of breathing difficulty.

Villanueva said the DRRMO will ask local health officials to investi-

gate if the 16-year-old child’s death was directly related to the ammonia leak. Meanwhile, 12 people were taken to Navotas Hospital and 11 others to the Tondo General Hospital after complained about difficulty in breathing. Most however, were sent home after being observed in the medical facilities, Villanueva added.

The DRRMO said an ammonia leak in the mechanical room of the cold storage facility was reported at 11 p.m. on Monday. The Bureau of Fire Protection responded to control the ammonia leak, but the facility caught fire. It reached third alarm

U.S. grants P65m for Cagayan, Isabela as EDCA sites

THE United States government has allocated P65 million in grants to the Philippines to boost energy security and support conservation efforts in Cagayan and Isabela, two provinces eyed as future sites of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

In a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and

nano generators, in the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan.

“With greater energy access, Cagayan and Isabela’s remote communities can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters,” the embassy said.

“Communities surrounding the EDCA sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants,” it added.

The grants were awarded during the recent visit to the Philippines of USAID) assistant administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer from

June 15 to 18.

In supporting the provinces’ efforts for energy security, Schiffer said the US government “understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education, and transport, among other services.”

“We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country,” he added. Rey E. Requejo

and was declared tapped out at 1:57 a.m. on Tuesday. According to Villanueva, around 100 families had to be evacuated, but soon returned home after the authorities assured them of their safety.

Villanueva also said authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the ammonia leak and fire.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco told CNN Philippines that the facility will be closed until deemed safe. Local officials will also tap experts to set better standards in operating a cold storage facility and prevent similar incidents in the future, he noted.

A similar fare hike was also impending at the Metro Rail Transit-Line 3. “I didn’t expect our transport officials to foist a fare hike upon our train riders in Metro Manila who, along with the rest of the Filipino mass, continue to reel from the stubborn elevated inflation that continues to erode their purchasing power and makes it far more difficult for them to make both ends meet,” Villafuerte said.

“The DOTr, LRTA and MRTC should not spring this surprise upon commuters in the metropolis just two months after President Marcos himself ordered them to put back the planned fare adjustments,” he said.

The approved fare increase for both the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) and Line 2 (LRT-2) will lighten the government’s burden in subsidizing the commuters’ fares by around three percent, the DOTr said.

In a Laging Handa briefing on Tuesday, DOTr Assistant Secretary for railways sector Jorjette Aquino said the actual cost per passenger of a single end-to-end trip at the LRT-2 is about P178 while only charging P30 to passengers. Rio N. Araja

NWRB advises water conservation to ensure supply in summer of ‘24

THE National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said water from Angat Dam must be conserved to ensure sufficient supply for the summer of 2024.

The state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has predicted that the El Nino dry spell might last until 2024.

Nonetheless, the PAGASA allayed fears on the declining water level of the Angat Dam, which provides 90 percent of Metro Manila’s water demand.

This means that the water allocation of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water could change by July and the succeeding months.

NWRB executive director Dr. Sevillo

David said they allowed for the last time the extension of the 52 cubic meters per second allocation from June 16 to 30 this year.

If the expected rains don’t come in to replenish the Angat and Ipo reservoirs, there could be water service interruptions for 630,000 Maynilad customers from nighttime until early morning, according to estimates, the NWRB said. However, the interruptions might be averted if the rains could fill the dams to capacity.

The MWSS has urged ordinary consumers to conserve and harvest rainwater if possible, in order to lessen dependence and consumption from concessionaires.

If each household could fill a regularsized drum with rainwater, that translates into the daily consumption of a regular family, David said.

TRUCK VS. LRT POST. An eight-wheeler truck runs smack into a monolithic LRT-2 post on Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, but caused no injury to any person except damage to the vehicle itself. The driver claims he tried to avoid hitting a car, but lost control of the wheels and hit the elevated rail’s post instead. Manny Palmero

REVOLUTIONARY COIN CHANGER. Governor Felipe Medalla of the Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas and Robinsons Retail Holdings president and chief executive o cer Robina Gokongwei-Pe demonstrate how to use a sophisticated Coin Deposit Machine during a launching ceremony at the Robinsons mall in Malate, Manila.  The machines can convert coins into GCash credits or shopping voucher that can be spent to shop at department stores nationwide. Danny Pata

SET OFF THIS BLAZE. Fire ghters battle a raging re reportedly triggered by a blast set o by ammonia leak at the Icy Point cold storage warehouse in Navotas City on Tuesday midnight. Residents within a 200-meter radius were evacuated to avoid chemical poisoning which can induce vomiting and nausea. Normal Cruz

PBBM vows bonus for DA personnel, cites agriculture role in development

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday made the announcement and added that the agency has the savings for it. Mr. Marcos, who is concurrently the DA chief, also said he wanted the DA personnel to be happy and “to smile” during a photo opportunity and vowed to give the bonus.

The President, in a speech further reiterated his commitment to modernize agriculture equipment to boost production, saying they need to achieve more goals.

Mr. Marcos also said that

IN BRIEF

QC LGU to hold sustainability award

THE Quezon City government is urging barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan, youth-based organizations, and businesses to showcase their best practices on disaster resiliency and sustainability to be recognized in the first-ever Quezon City Green Awards.

“Initiatives and solutions to the adverse effects of climate change and disasters should be people-centered and truly responsive to the challenges faced by and the circumstances of the communities. Their ideas will help the city develop better programs for every QCitizen, particularly for those who are most vulnerable and marginalized,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Launched in May, the Quezon City Green Awards recognizes and incentivizes groups and organizations that implement outstanding and inclusive programs on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Action. Rio N. Araja

Hagedorn: Bill causing ‘problems’ for China

PUERTO Princesa City—Palawan 3rd

District Rep Edward Hagedorn revealed that Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian had warned him that his proposed bill to declare parts of the West Philippine Sea as a marine protected area is causing significant problems for Beijing.

During Hagedorn’s address at the 3rd Community-Based Sustainable Tourism Convention 2023 at the PGP Convention Center within the Provincial Capitol Complex on June 9, Hagedorn shared that the Chinese Ambassador, Huang Xilian, cautioned him about the potential implications of his proposed bill.

Hagedorn claimed that the China envoy warned that if the law were to succeed, it would transform from an environmental issue into a territorial concern due to the contradictory claims involved. Roy Tomandao

Undesirable alien escapes from custody

A CONGOLESE who was barred entry to the country by immigration officers for being an undesirable person escaped while being held inside the holding area at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The foreigner, whose identity was not revealed, was denied entry into the country by the Bureau of Immigration on June 18.

The Congolese was under the custody of the security officers of an international airline company and was able to sneak from his airport security and join a group of arriving passengers. His escape was found out only during the headcount by Immigration officers the following day, June 19.

NAIA Terminal 3 manager Elsie

Lucero said the foreigner was supposed to be sent back to his country of origin when the incident happened. Vito Barcelo

the agriculture sector will always be an important contributor to the nation’s economy, noting that the government should continuously develop this sector. He also underscored the importance of agriculture to the growth and development of the Philippine economy.

“Agriculture is and will always be an important contributor to our national economy. In the first quarter of 2023, the agriculture sector grew by 2.2 percent while contributing 9.1 percent to our

total gross domestic product,” the chief executive noted.

“And every analysis, even if it’s not the farmers who do the analysis, even those in the banks, even the World Bank, ADB, they always say your economy will not grow if you don’t improve this sector because everything we do in the economy is based on a strong and vibrant agricultural sector,” the President added.

The President said that despite some modest gains, there are still several undertakings ahead to improve the sector through several programs and projects.

“That’s why we need to observe, study and guard the various forces that we feel sometimes become an obstacle to our per-

Romero pushes measure on gov’t food stamp program for the poor

1PACMAN party-list Rep. Mikee Romero has filed a proposed measure to assist the disadvantaged sectors by tapping the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

House Bill No. 8532 seeks to supplement all poor families’ intake and to possibly diminish and in time completely eliminate hunger in urban and rural communities.

“This comprehensive food stamp program, as proposed and executed in other countries, are actually agricultural programs. They aim to link rural surpluses with foodpoor urban communities. This way, we could effectively address both urban poverty and rural poverty,” Romero said.

Under the House bill, the DSWD should integrate its planned food stamp program with efforts by the agriculture department to expand the market for local farm products.

By Charles Dantes

“As the lead agency in social welfare and development, the DSWD would formulate policies and plans which provide direction to intermediaries and other implementers in the development and delivery of social welfare and development services,” the lawmaker said.

The proposed measure aims to create a comprehensive Food Stamp Program with the protocol and mechanics that there shall be benefit cards or tap cards loaded with food credits amounting to P5,000, and that the beneficiaries could use the cards to buy a select list of healthy products from DSWD-accredited local retailers. Beneficiaries could choose from a list of different food groups, and the program would be conditional and have a work component, signing up would need to find work to keep the benefits; and the beneficiaries are families whose income does not go beyond P8,000 a month. Rio N. Araja

formance. Those are decreasing productivity, climate change, diminishing natural resources, and our market is also changing,” President Marcos said.

“But through the years, the DA banner programs and projects have continuously provided farm inputs, credit assistance, equipment, machinery, production and post-harvest facilities.That also includes farm-to-market roads and our irrigation to improve our productivity,” he added.

The President said that the DA will continue to come up with programs to advance agri-fishery practices, improve the competitiveness of the country’s agri-fishery products, and further boost the income of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. Vine Lopez

By Rio N. Araja

Solon files bill on exi sched for pregnant women workers BARMM execs convene on peace programs

LOCAL leaders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) met at a summit on June 20 to discuss initiatives for sustainable development and long-lasting peace in the region.

Part of Project CIRCLE (Communities of Inclusion and Resilience through Collaborative Local Engagements), the LGU Fellowship Program on Social Cohesion and Resilience held the conference in Pasig together with various local agencies and groups.

In its official launch, the fellowship program together with the pioneering batch of leaders from different towns in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao del Sur showcased their innovative programs, policies, plans, and solutions to violent extremism.

The fellowship aims to foster a community of practice among

local government chiefs to promote sustainability and positive programs and practices on social cohesion and resilience.

Galing Pook Foundation chairperson Mel Sarmiento said that the key to attaining peace and order in the region is strong local governance.

“We believe that stronger local governance is a foundation to pursuing sustainable peace and preventing violent extremism. LGUs are the forefront of ensuring public safety, order, and security, and that requires building cohesive and resilient communities,” Sarmiento said.

“We have seen the power of creating spaces for interLGU collaboration and peer-to-peer learning among mayors and their teams, and we will constantly support the LGUs in constantly learning from (one) another,” he added.

The summit was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, The Asia Foundation, Galing Pook Foundation with support from the Australian

NORTH Cotabato Rep. Ma. Alana

Samantha Taliño-Santos has filed

House Bill 8471 to allow pregnant women and those who have just given birth to have flexible work arrangements, to work from home, or be allowed to adjust their time-in and time-out schedules.

“Studies have shown that accommodations for pregnant employees also have positive impacts to overall work productivity, reduce absenteeism and improve employee satisfaction and retention,” she said.

The proposed flexible work arrangements shall extend for at least one year from the date of childbirth.

She, however, clarified the flexible work arrangements shall be agreed upon by the employer and the pregnant employee and post-natal mother, and shall adhere to labor standards.

A violator will be fined P20,000 to P200,000 or imprisoned for 30 days to six months.

Employers may seek an exemption from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The proposed measure provides that mothers who avail of the flexible work arrangement shall be assured security of tenure, and “exercise of this option by them shall not be used as a basis for demotion in employment or termination.”

“By enacting this legislation, we empower pregnant women and postnatal mothers to effectively balance the responsibilities of their professional commitments with the demands of their family life, particularly during this crucial phasef of motherhood,” the lawmaker cited.

Government and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP assured the fellowship that the police force is fully committed to working hand-in-hand with LGUs.

“PNP remains fully committed in supporting this local cause, the police force will continue to work hand-in-hand with LGUs, civil society organizations, and communities to break down barriers, build bridges of understanding and pave the way for peace and progress,” PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said in a statement.

During the meeting, DILG officially launched its new website dubbed ResilientLGUs.PH to help LGUs in disseminating information to others.

Formerly known as LGUsvsCovidPh, ResilientLGUs. PH is an information portal that provides LGUs with information on best practices, local policy templates, and tools to build resilience and inclusion through democratic governance and engagements in their communities.

RTC judge to pay fine on garnishment case

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered a regional trial court judge in Davao City to pay a fine of P700,000 after finding him guilty of violating the Code of Judicial Conduct when he issued orders directing the execution and garnishment of the amount of $17 million against the subsidiaries and affiliates of Shell Oil Company, including Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC).

In an 18-page en banc decision written by Associate Ramon Paul Hernando, the SC upheld with modification the report and recommendation issued by the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) against Regional Trial Court, Davao City, Branch

14 Presiding Judge George Omelio.

In its February 16, 2022 report submitted to the en banc, the JIB recommended to hold Omelio liable for gross ignorance of the law and be fined in the amount of P40,000.

But the SC modified the JIB’s recommendation when it declared that Omelio is actually guilty of two counts of gross ignorance of the law, one count of grave abuse of authority and one count of gross misconduct constituting violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Because of this, the SC declared that the respondent judge should pay a fine of P700,000 within a period of not exceeding three months from the date of promulgation of the decision.

HERO’S BURIAL. The remains of former senator and military chief Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon were laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Tuesday. Danny Pata

GROUNDBREAKING. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva salutes members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) during a groundbreaking ceremony of the multipurpose building in Limay, Bataan on Tuesday. In a speech, Villanueva highlighted the importance of the PCG in protecting Philippine waters.

LAST week I wrote about the writing workshops going on this summer, with the aim of nurturing and developing the skills of Filipino writers.

I mentioned how essential these workshops are not only to teach craft and technique, but also to build and foster a sense of community among people who often feel they are alone in their endeavors. I can’t emphasize enough just how important workshops, literary conferences, and similar gatherings are, especially those that are conducted face-to-face.

As I see in workshop after workshop the happy and fulfilled faces of participants and read their messages of thanks and acknowledgment, I become even more convinced we need to do more to propagate activities and events that bring people together to celebrate the written word and all the other forms and permutations of narrative and storytelling.

Thus I call upon provincial and city/ municipality leaders to be open to holding literary residencies and workshops in their areas to further promote reading and writing among their constituents, and to provide points of collaboration for their writers with others from across the country.

What are writers’ residencies?

These are programs that provide housing, food, etc. to writers to stay in a certain area for a certain length of time (could be weeks or months) so that they can do research or finish a literary work.

Residencies are necessary because the craft of writing requires time, focus, and an environment conducive to creativity.

Writing residencies offer a unique opportunity for writers to retreat from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in their work.

To fully harness the potential of literary talent in the country, local governments should consider offering and subsidizing writing residencies.

These programs not only foster the growth of individual writers but also contribute to the cultural fabric and creative landscape of a nation.

By offering fully or partially funded residencies, governments can alleviate the financial burdens that often hinder writers from pursuing their craft full-time. Subsidized residencies enable writers to focus on their creative endeavors without the constant pressure to generate income through unrelated jobs. This support allows them to explore their artistic potential, develop their voice, and refine their writing skills. In turn, these accomplished writers become ambassadors for their province or city’s achievements.

Writing residencies also promote cultural exchange. When writers from different regions and cultures come together, a vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives takes place.

This cultural cross-pollination enriches the literary landscape, fostering the development of new narratives, styles, and approaches to storytelling.

By facilitating such exchanges through subsidized residencies, provinces and LGUs may empower their writers to connect with their peers and expand their creative horizons.

These interactions not only enhance the quality and diversity of a nation’s literature but also contribute to a deeper understanding of different cultures, fostering empathy and appreciation.

Last March I went to Pangasinan for the “Panitikan ng Panumduman” literary conference organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Among the guests of honor were National Artists for Literature Gémino Abad and Virgilio Almario. The 200 or so students who attended fangirled over these literary idols. It was obvious such exchanges are treasured by participants.

What if we conducted such events more often and in more places all over the country? How many more of the youth will walk away inspired to create?

While in the province, we stayed in Lingayen and met the city’s leader, Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil.

He told us tales about Limahong, the Chinese pirate who plays a large part in the area’s history. But there are hardly any books, if any, about the personage and the historical incidents surrounding him.

I asked in an open forum if the Mayor would be amenable to supporting a writer’s residency program in their town. I suggested that guest writers could collaborate with local historians and storytellers to come up with narratives about Limahong, Lingayen, and other local topics.

The resulting books could be sold at their LGU gift shops, be given to guests, and donated to libraries.

Mayor Bataoil said he was most interested in the idea, and their cultural consultant approached me afterward for a proposal. Now if only more mayors and provincial governors would show the same support!

Riffing off this anecdote, I present another rationale for writer’s residencies: to preserve national heritage.

Every community in this country has a unique cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved and celebrated. Writing residencies can play a crucial role in

Right to access information

this endeavor by supporting projects that explore and capture the essence of a country’s traditions, history, and folklore. By providing financial aid and resources to writers working on projects centered around national themes, provinces and LGUs can actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage.

Such initiatives result in a body of literature that not only resonates with domestic audiences but also attracts international readers, further enhancing a nation’s global literary footprint.

Supporting writing residencies can also have a significant impact on a nation’s publishing industry.

As writers benefit from the focused writing time provided by residencies, they produce high-quality manuscripts that can contribute to the growth and diversification of the domestic publishing market.

By subsidizing residencies, LGUs can encourage the creation of compelling stories and foster a literary ecosystem that nurtures both emerging and established writers.

The resulting surge in original works helps stimulate readership and book sales, bolstering the publishing industry’s economic vitality while putting national literature on the global map.

LGUs can work together with writers’ group and communities, universities, NBDB and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and other organizations to set up their writing residency programs

What’s additionally important to note is that local publishing is entering a new renaissance.

There are more Philippine publishers than ever, and in fact foreign publishing houses are releasing more works by Philippine authors (thank you, Penguin Random House SEA, for one).

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) under its chairperson Dante ‘Klink’ Ang and its visionary executive director Charisse Aquino Tugade are also giving major support to Philippine letters with their local and international book fairs, grants for writers, and many other programs.

Their efforts have helped boost the local publishing industry to a great extent.

Writing residencies can also contribute to tourism and the local economy.

By creating programs that allow the public to engage with resident writers through readings, workshops, and other events, LGUs can capitalize on the cultural and economic potential of these programs.

Writing residencies can become valuable components of a broader cultural tourism strategy, attracting visitors interested in exploring the literary traditions and contemporary voices of a country.

This can lead to increased tourism revenue, job creation in the creative sector, and the conduct of literary festivals and events that further showcase the nation’s literary heritage.

I call upon the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Liga ng mga Barangay, and other related organizations to give stronger consideration and priority than they are giving now to developing the literary arts in their communities. LGUs can work together with writers’ group and communities, universities, NBDB and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and other organizations to set up their writing residency programs.

By recognizing the intrinsic value of literature and investing in the growth of national literature through writing residencies, LGUs can foster an environment where the written word thrives, cultural identities are celebrated, and the legacy of a nation’s literature grows and endures.

* * * FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com

WE SALUTE the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) which held its 14th international meeting in Metro Manila Monday where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to champion the right to information.

The ICIC is a network of information commissioners and ombudsmen from round the world who have been meeting regularly since 2003 to discuss topical issues related to the protection and promotion of the right to public information. The President was clear and precise when he congratulated the ICIC “for all its efforts in advancing the people’s right to access information, and in fostering a conducive and inclusive atmosphere for the healthy exercise of this universal human right.”

The Philippines’ Freedom of Information – Program Management Office, an agency under the Presidential Communications Office, hosted the event attended by ICIC member countries. The President was definitive when he said “The Philippines stands in solidarity with the ICIC and the entire international community in this advocacy.”

The President said the Philippines is “very honored” not only to have been selected as the host for this year’s event, but have a “great distinction to be the first Southeast Asian nation to become part of the ICIC, and a founding member of Asia’s network of

fora, to improve people’s access to public information and their ability to hold public bodies accountable.

The goals of the ICIC include the protection and promotion of access to public information; promotion of dialogue and mutual cooperation; and support the development and sharing of information and best practices, including peer learning among member states.

guarantees

The right to access information guarantees everyone the right of access to all information and documents related to the management of public affairs

Access to Information Bodies.”

While the Philippines has not passed a Freedom of Information law, it is the only Southeast Asian country-member accredited by the ICIC in 2020, recognizing then President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 2 series of 2016 as a national policy on access to information.

The ICIC’s mission is to share knowledge and best practices, strengthen the capacity, and act as collective voice in international

A much-needed shot in the arm

WHAT can you buy with $4 billion or P224 billion?

More than enough, if you’re an individual with even an outrageously extravagant lifestyle.

But if you’re a middle-income country still trying to recover from more than three years of lockdowns and job losses from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a modest sum that nonetheless can help boost economic activity.

The $4 billion will come from the deep pockets of the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the form of a grant for the national government’s socio-economic agenda and infrastructure projects for this year alone.

This was a commitment made by ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during their recent meeting at the ADB headquarters.

The money will be spent, among others, for the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project, the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, and the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project. In fact, the ADB has increased its financing to the Philippines by fourfold reaching a total US $12.7 billion between 2018 and 2022.

Part of the grant will also go to helping address the country’s vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change due to its exposure to severe weather events

This, the ADB said, will “be a core priority of our assistance going forward.”

During the ADB’s annual meeting in September last year, the financial institution announced its US $14 billion assistance package from 2022 to 2025 to help developing member countries address food security issues.

The ADB was the Philippines’ top source of active Official Development Assistance (ODA) among 20 development partners in 2022, accounting for 34 percent (US$10.74 billion for 31 loans and 28 grants) of the US $31.95 billion of the total active ODA.

From 2010 to 2022, ADB’s annual loan financing for the Philippines averaged US $1.4 billion.

Three loans amounting to US $1.10 billion have been signed with ADB

within the first nine months of the Marcos administration.

This goes to show that the ADB, a multilateral financing institution with headquarters in Manila, trusts the national government enough to keep funding for vital infrastructure and social development projects flowing at a constant rate.

ASEAN on Myanmar violence

We’re glad the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in their recent summit in Labuan, Indonesia, called for an end to hostilities in militaryruled Myanmar to allow inclusive dialogue and humanitarian assistance.

The ASEAN should not stop exerting diplomatic pressure on the Myanmar junta to return to civilian rule

Their communiqué read: “We are deeply concerned with ongoing violence in Myanmar and urge the immediate cessation of all forms of violence and the use of force to create a conducive environment for the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogues.”

This is a case of better late than never.

Myanmar’s security situation has been deteriorating since its military seized power in a 2021 coup and embarked on a campaign to crush its opponents.

The ASEAN summit took place days after unidentified assailants shot at a convoy carrying ASEAN diplomats and aid workers delivering supplies in western Myanmar, putting into doubt the junta’s willingness to end the violence and ensure safe humanitarian access.

The regional bloc had urged the junta to implement a “five-point peace consensus” in late 2021 that includes ending all hostilities and engaging all stakeholders.

The right to access information guarantees everyone the right of access to all information and documents related to the management of public affairs regardless of the status of the concerned person and the purpose for obtaining the required information.

It is reassuring the Executive Branch recognizes the right of the people to information on matters of public concern, and adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, subject to the procedures and limitations provided in Executive Order 2. We cannot over-emphasize the right of the people to information on matters of public concern is the right of every citizen to access official records, documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development. We add that giving the people that access contributes to the protection of human rights and social justice, fosters an informed citizenry, and facilitates effective citizen participation in processes of public planning and decision making.

It barred the generals from attending highlevel meetings until progress is made.

We commend Indonesia for taking a lead role in getting the Myanmar junta to implement the five-point plan.

As chair of ASEAN this year, Indonesia has also been quietly engaging Myanmar’s military, shadow government, and armed ethnic groups to kick-start peace talks. But no doubt, the ASEAN, which espouses a policy of non-intervention in members’ sovereign affairs, should really take a harder stance against Myanmar.

The military junta appears hell-bent on ignoring worldwide opinion and holding on to power for as long as they can.

It is true keeping Myanmar away from ASEAN meetings unless they shape up and take concrete steps to end military rule makes them exempt from accountability as a full-fledged member of the regional bloc.

The ASEAN should not stop exerting diplomatic pressure on the Myanmar junta to return to civilian rule and allow the duly elected National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi to take their rightful place in the country’s political system.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Sexual assault claims cast light on Australia’s macho politics

SYDNEY—Australia has allowed a sexist culture to fester inside its parliament, a prominent lawmaker has told AFP, as sexual assault allegations again ring through the country’s halls of power.

The macho nature of Australian politics was highlighted in late 2021 when a scathing review found Parliament House rife with heavy drinking, bullying, and sexual harassment.

Less than two years later the country is again wrestling with the behavior of its political class, after sexual assault claims were leveled at a conservative senator.

Independent politician Zali Steggall said women had experienced “horrific” levels of harassment and sexual assault while working inside parliament. “The culture of the Australian parliament has been exposed in the last few years, and still has a long way to go,” she told AFP.

“It has been an overwhelmingly patriarchal environment.”

Few initially took notice as Lidia Thorpe stood

to address the Senate last Wednesday evening, but her interjection would rapidly grip the nation.

Thorpe accused fellow senator David Van of sexually assaulting her in 2021, and would later describe how she had been propositioned by “powerful men.”

By Thursday, conservative senator Amanda Stoker had also accused Van of groping her during a party in Parliament House. Van, a former PR consultant, has vigorously protested his innocence, describing the allegations as “scandalous,” “concocted” and “utterly untrue.”

‘Harmful and destructive’

Australia’s two major parties spent last week slinging mud at each other over the handling of a rape allegation made by former political staffer Brittany Higgins in 2021.

Although the case ended in a mistrial in October last year, the claims have resurfaced in recent weeks after Higgins’ private text messages were leaked to journalists. Steggall, who won a bronze medal for slalom

Conservative senator Amanda Stoker had also accused (fellow senator David) Van of groping her during a party in Parliament House

skiing at the 1998 Winter Olympics, said it was “harmful and destructive” to see rape allegations weaponized for political gain.

“It was a very disappointing, distressing week in parliament,” she said. “It did set us back in terms of the kind of workplace it is.”

Political scientist Marian Sawer said the level

of sexual harassment in Australia’s parliament was similar to that reported in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, fellow Westminster-style democracies.

Sawer told AFP the combative nature of politics in those countries possibly normalised “aggressive conduct.”

A sweeping review published in November 2021 found that one in three people working inside Australia’s Parliament House had experienced some form of sexual harassment.

The same review, by the Australian Human Rights Commission, also found a laddish culture permeated the building, fueled by frequent bouts of heavy drinking.

“I do often describe Parliament House as the most sexist place I’ve worked,” one respondent told the authors.

Gender politics researcher Blair Williams said fixing the sexist culture was never going to be easy.

“It’s hard to fix a huge problem, a longstanding problem, with one or two fixes,” she told AFP.

“We are still hearing these accounts of sexual

harassment and assault happening in the halls of power,” she added.

Williams said Australia’s parliament was badly behind the times, 30 years after a similar “reckoning” remolded the country’s business sector. Australia has only ever had one woman prime minister, Julia Gillard, who was relentlessly bombarded with sexist jibes while leading the country between 2010 and 2013.

Although Australia has increased the number of women sitting in parliament, it has done so far slower than other countries.

In 1999 Australia had the 15th highest proportion of women in its parliament, according to rankings compiled by the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

By 2022 it had slipped down the table to 57th place.

Williams said this was an easy place to start.

“I feel that if there were more women in parliament, perhaps the culture would be a bit better.” AFP

AFTER RARE VISIT BY BLINKEN

China, US see progress but close no gaps

CHINESE leader Xi Jinping said Monday he saw headway in the strained relationship with the United States on a rare visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, but the rival powers remained at odds over their core disputes.

In a symbolic sign of lowering the temperature after soaring tensions, President Xi received Blinken in the vast Great Hall of the People and said the two powers had “made progress and reached agreement” on unspecified issues.

“I hope that Secretary Blinken, through this visit, can make positive contributions to stabilizing China-US relations,” Xi told the top US diplomat, the highest-ranking American official to travel to Beijing in nearly five years.

US President Joe Biden, in brief remarks to press during a trip to California, reacted hours later by saying, “We’re on the right trail.”

Both sides had played down prospects for breakthroughs, with Blinken saying his more than 11 hours of talks over two days were more about restoring dialogue.

“We have made progress and we are moving forward,” Blinken told reporters in Beijing, while adding: “None of this gets resolved with one visit.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang agreed to pay a return visit to the United States but Blinken acknowledged limited progress on jumpstarting communication with China’s military, a key priority for the United States as tensions simmer over Taiwan.

“Direct engagement and sustained communication at senior levels is the

best way to responsibly manage differences and ensure that competition does not veer into conflict,” Blinken told reporters.

“I heard the same from my Chinese counterparts. We both agree on the need to stabilise our relationship,” he added.

Blinken said the world’s two largest economies would work together to expand flights – still at a bare minimum since the COVID-19 pandemic – and would explore ways to discuss Chinese exports of chemicals that make fentanyl, the painkiller behind an addiction epidemic in the United States.

At the ornate Diaoyutai State Guesthouse earlier Monday, China’s foreign policy supremo Wang Yi told Blinken that the United States and China need to “make a choice between dialogue and confrontation, cooperation or conflict.”

“We must reverse the downward spiral of China-US relations, push for a return to a healthy and stable track,” Wang said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Wang also issued a warning on Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing.

In the past year, China has launched live-fire military drills twice near the island in anger over meetings between top US lawmakers and Taiwanese leaders.AFP

Israeli troops kill Palestinian near occupied Bethlehem in West Bank

ISRAELI troops shot dead a Palestinian the army accused of throwing petrol bombs near the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem late Monday, Palestinian officials said.

Zakaria Mohammed al-Zaoul, 20, was “martyred by live occupation (Israeli) bullets to the head, in the town of Husan,” the Palestinian health ministry said. The Israeli military said troops were “on routine activity” in the city, south of Jerusalem, when “a suspect hurled Molotov cocktails” at them.

“The soldiers responded with live fire. A hit was identified,” the statement added.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANTOLIN MADRID DYCOCO has been extrajudicially settled among his heirs as per Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate dated 28 February 2019 executed at New York, USA before Vice Consul Tanya Faye O. Ramiro, with Document No. 02721, Service No. 95-100, Series of 2019.

Manila Standard TODAY

(MS-JUNE 7/14/21,2023)

PHILIPPINES COURT JUDICIAL REGION QUEZON CITY Compound, Diliman, Quezon City rtc1qzn104@judiciary.gov.ph/Landline: 8.3545.227

CASE No. R-QZN-17-04039-SP

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported the military used live fire, tear gas and stun grenades during the clashes with young Palestinians.

Zaoul’s death was the latest in a surge of violence linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has killed at least 165 Palestinians, 21 Israelis, a Ukrainian and an Italian this year.

The tally compiled from official sources includes combatants as well as civilians and, on the Israeli side, three members of the Arab minority.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and its armed forces routinely carry out patrols and raids in Palestinian towns and cities. AFP

URGENT HIRING

Position: Thirty (30) Construction Managers

Job Description:

• Review work progress on a daily basis of all Construction Project planning process works.

CREDITORS the above-entitled case in favor of the same is hereby, given to all decedent, EMMANUEL BERNABE, or implied, whether the same be or expenses of the last sickness of against him, requiring them to file their of Justice Annex, Quezon City Hall months after the first publication of

• Prepare internal and external reports pertaining to job status.

Trump defends mishandling of secret documents

FORMER US president Donald Trump, facing dozens of charges of mishandling classified government secrets, defended himself Monday in an unusually tough interview on conservative-leaning Fox News, saying he had been too “busy” to sort through the documents.

Trump appeared last Tuesday before a judge in Miami to be formally presented with 37 charges brought by the federal government following an FBI search of his Florida mansion last August.

The Department of Justice accuses Trump – who is vying to win back the White House next year – of violating the Espionage Act and other laws when he removed classified documents upon leaving office and failed to give them up to the National Archives.

The 77-year-old told Fox News host Bret Baier, in an interview broadcast Monday evening, that as he quickly left the White House in January 2021, his personal belongings were mixed in with government documents.

“In my case, I took it out pretty much in a hurry, but people packed it up and we left. And I had clothing in there, I had all sorts of personal items in there —much much stuff.”

“I have every right to have those boxes,” he claimed.

When Baier asked why he did not just hand over documents when asked by officials, Trump said: “Because I had boxes —I want to go through the boxes and get all my personal things out. I don’t want to hand that over... yet.”

He added: “I was very busy as

you’ve sort of seen.”

In its indictment, the Justice Department described evidence including an audio recording from a July 2021 meeting that Trump, who was no longer president, had with an author, a publisher and two of his staff—none of whom had a US security clearance —in which Trump showed them what he called a “secret” and “highly confidential” document.

“This is secret information... See as president I could have declassified it,” Trump said according to the indictment. “Now I can’t, you know, but this is still a secret.” AFP

When pressed by Baier about the exchange, Trump claimed the thing he had been showing the others “wasn’t a document.” AFP

IN BRIEF

Vietnam holding climate activist incommunicado

A PROMINENT Vietnamese climate activist detained for alleged tax evasion is being held incommunicado and has no access to a lawyer, rights groups said on Tuesday.

Hoang Thi Minh Hong—the founder of now-defunct NGO CHANGE, which advocated for action on climate change and wildlife protection—is the latest environmentalist to be accused of tax evasion by Vietnam’s authoritarian government.

Hong had been widely recognised for her work, joining the Obama Foundation Scholars programme at Columbia University in New York in 2018.

On Tuesday, more than 60 environmental and human rights groups, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace UK and Friends of the Earth US, published an open letter urging former US president Barack Obama to demand her release.

“The government is preparing to prosecute Hong on a false charge of tax evasion,” they wrote.

“She faces up to seven years behind bars and if found guilty, she may be subjected to a prison system that is known for torture and wilful neglect.”

No one has been able to speak to Hong since her arrest on June 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, they said.

The United Nations, the United States and Britain have expressed concerns over the arrest. Hong founded CHANGE in 2013, focusing on mobilising Vietnamese, particularly young people, to take action against pressing environmental issues including climate change, the illegal wildlife trade and pollution. AFP

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said countries must tackle the “underlying conditions that can lead to terrorism,” such as poverty, to prevent such violence from spreading.

• Manage team, subordinates, labors and disseminate works in order to complete as per Site plan.

• Forecast activity to ensure equipment and material availability for the work execution.

• Initiate immediate and appropriate actions required for all defects to be implemented on site.

• Manage the submittal of Inspection Request, Drawings/Shop Drawings, Materials, Method Statement.

• Ensure the project is constructed and documented in accordance with the contract documents.

• Oversee all onsite and offsite constructions and monitor compliance with building and safety regulations.

• Ensure quality construction standards and the use of proper construction techniques.

• Implement and coordinate schedules and activities.

Qualification:

LOWELL FREDRICK A. MADRILEÑO

Branch Clerk of Court

• Bachelor’s Degree.

(MStandard - May 24, 31 & June 7, 2023)

• With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions.

“While we have made some significant gains over the years, terrorism and violent extremism continue to take root and grow,” he told a conference on the subject in New York.

Guterres called on nations to “stand as one against this global threat.”

impacting the world, from the food and energy crisis to climate change and the spread of hatred online, Guterres said: “We must focus on the most effective approach to ending this menace: prevention.”

‘Massive’ overnight drone attack on Kyiv –Ukrainian officials

RUSSIAN forces launched a major drone assault on Kyiv overnight as well as attacking other regions, Ukrainian officials said early Tuesday, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

“New massive air attack on the capital,” wrote the Kyiv City Military Administration, adding that it was the first attack on the city in 18 days to use Iranian-made Shahed explosive drones.

“According to the usual tactics for mass UAV attacks, drones entered the capital in waves, heading from different directions. The air alert lasted more than three hours,” it said on Telegram.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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• Good communication skills and can comprehend both English and Korean writings.

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• Leadership and human resources management skills

• Familiarity with construction management software packages

Interested Applicants may send your updated CV/Resume to

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manese.rocel@hdec.co.kr grace.sangalang@hdec.co.kr Walk-in: Unit 803, 8th Floor, The Bonifacio Prime Bldg., Lot 14 Block 2, Mckinley Business Park, BGC Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

“Al-Qaeda and Da’esh affiliates in Africa are rapidly gaining ground in places like the Sahel and probing southward toward the Gulf of Guinea,” he said, also citing the “brutal legacy” of the so-called Islamic State group (IS) in Syria and Iraq.

“Neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements are fastbecoming the primary internal security threats in a number of countries,” Guterres added.

Stressing that extremism “preys” on the multiple crises

“Prevention means more than just foiling attacks and disrupting plots. It means addressing the underlying conditions that can lead to terrorism in the first place – such as poverty, discrimination, disaffection, weak infrastructure and institutions and gross violations of human rights.”

Guterres also insisted that the fight against terrorism must respect human rights, including the repatriation of foreign jihadists and their families still held in camps following the defeat of IS.

“(I) reiterate my call for all member states to help accelerate the pace of repatriation as an urgent priority. This is a matter of human decency and compassion, and it is also a matter of security,” he added.

“Almost two dozen enemy targets were detected and destroyed by the forces and means of our air defence in the airspace around Kyiv.

“There is no information regarding casualties or destruction at this time.”

In Lviv to the west, “critical infrastructure” was hit by drones, the head of the regional administration Maksym Kozytski wrote on Telegram, without giving further details.

No injuries were reported.

The military administration of Zaporizhzhia said the southern city and its surroundings had been the target of a “massive attack” aimed at civilian targets.

Three Shahed drones were also shot down over the southern region of Mykolaiv, governor Vitaliy Kim said on Telegram.

The Ukrainian General Staff later said that, of the 30 drones launched by Russian forces overnight, 28 were shot down by Ukrainian air defences. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

UN chief urges ‘prevention’ in fight against terrorism, violent extremism

AFP

FAREWELL. The father of Palestinian Amjad Aref Jaas who succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained in yesterday’s Israeli raid, kisses him during the funeral in Jenin in the occupied West Bank on June 20, 2023. The 48-year-old’s death raises to six the number of Palestinians killed in Monday’s hours-long raid by Israeli troops, which wounded more than 90 Palestinians according to health officials. AFP

BALANCING ACT. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and China’s Premier Li Qiang inspect a military honor guard on June 20, 2023 in front of the Chancellery in Berlin. China’s Premier Li Qiang meets German leaders at a time when Beijing’s policies on Russia, trade and human rights are receiving an increasingly hostile reception in the West. AFP

Stocks decline; peso rises to 6-week high

LOCAL stocks fell to track the movement of Asian markets as a smaller-than-forecast interest rate cut by China’s central bank added to worries about the lack of action to kickstart the country’s lumbering economic recovery.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, lost 1 point, or 0.02 percent, to close at 6,448.90, as two of the six subsectors retreated. The broader all-shares index also declined 1 point, or 0.05 percent, to settle at 3,439.54 on a value turnover of P4.75 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 92 to 81, while 47 issues were unchanged.

PSEi June 20, 2023

TOP GAINERS

Seven of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by PLDT Inc. which climbed 4.20 percent to P1,340.00 and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. which rose 2.26 percent to P54.30.

Meanwhile, the peso climbed to a six-week high after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported a stronger-thanexpected balance of payments position

in the first five months. Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed that the local currency appreciated 0.39 percent Tuesday to close at 55.52 against the US dollar from 55.74 Monday.

It was the peso’s strongest showing since it finished at 55.25 a dollar on May 8. The peso was also up 0.42 percent since the start of this year’s trading.

The BSP reported that the balance of payments posted a surplus of $2.9 billion in the first five months amid the continued structural dollar inflows in the country, a reversal from the $1.5-billion deficit recorded in the same period last year.

In Asian markets, the optimism that fed last week’s rally across world markets appears to be fading as traders are left disappointed by Beijing’s efforts to act, even as growth slows and weakness persists.

The People’s Bank of China reduced its benchmark five-year rate -- used to price mortgages -- by 10 basis points, less than the 15 points expected, though it did meet forecasts for a 15-point reduction in the one-year rate.

The move came after monetary policymakers last week lowered two other key rates and pumped billions into financial markets.

Stocks in Hong Kong dropped more than one percent, with tech firms—

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

Airbus gets biggest order on first day of Paris Air Show

LE BOURGET, France—European

aircraft maker Airbus got the Paris Air Show off to a soaring start on Monday with the announcement of the biggestever order for civil aircraft, as the French president joined a big crowd for the event’s return after a four-year Covid hiatus.

The 500-plane deal with low-cost Indian carrier IndiGo kicked off what organizers have billed as the “recovery airshow” after the coronavirus ravaged the sector and the biennial trade fair was canceled in 2021.

Fighter jets and civilian aircraft streaked across the sky while suited and uniformed delegations, including Ukrainian military officials and President Emmanuel Macron, toured the stands. This year’s airshow has a new focus on defense following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as the industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, with French President Emmanuel Macron arriving in a helicopter partly using sustainable aviation fuel.

Macron called for “restraint” to protect the environment but said measures for aviation should be “reasonable” rather than “punitive”, adding that the world shouldn’t “give up on growth”.

Huge traffic jams around Le Bourget airport outside Paris were a testament to the interest in this year’s show, as aircraft makers field hundreds of orders and airlines brace for a near record number of passengers this year. AFP

German-Chinese

SpaceX launches satellite to boost Indonesia’s internet

JAKARTA, Indonesia—Elon Musk’s company SpaceX and Indonesia have launched a satellite from the United States aimed at bringing high-speed internet to remote areas across the sprawling archipelago of more than 17,000 islands.

Over a third of Indonesia’s population does not have access to the web, especially in far-flung areas of the world’s fourth most populous country.

The European-built SATRIA-1 took off early Monday Indonesia time from a Florida launch station, deployed by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

“SpaceX launched the PSN SATRIA mission to a geosynchronous transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida,” the firm wrote on its website.

The satellite—built by French defense electronics company Thales -- cost $540 million and Jakarta hopes it will connect 90,000 schools, 40,000 hospitals, and government buildings.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo called it the country’s “first government-owned multi-function satellite with the biggest capacity in Asia” in an Instagram post on Monday.

He said it would orbit above Papua province, Indonesia’s easternmost region.

It will “distribute internet access, especially for education, health, and public service in the remote, isolated, and outermost areas”, acting communication and informatics minister Mahfud MD said.

He said SATRIA was an acronym for

“Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia”.

The device is scheduled to come online by 2024 and will offer a connection speed of 150 gigabytes per second -three times the current speed of satellite internet in the archipelago.

Thales said in a press release that the satellite would “bridge the digital divide” in Indonesia and be “the most powerful in the Southeast Asia region”. Its construction was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, added Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, president commissioner of PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), in a speech broadcast during the launch.

The company is part of the project in partnership with the Indonesian government. AFP

which are susceptible to higher borrowing costs—taking the brunt of the selling, while property companies also dropped. Shanghai was also in negative territory.

Robert Carnell, at ING, said that with the cuts being so small that “isn’t going to do an awful lot to boost the struggling economy”.

“Even with further reductions, and we expect more of the same in the coming months, perhaps several iterations of cuts, it is not likely that we will see demand for property swing around strongly, construction will likely remain weak, and local governments will continue to feel the pinch from reduced land sales and tight finances.” With AFP

Modi heads to US, military, technology ties on the agenda

NEW DELHI—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the United States on Tuesday to meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress, with military and technological ties on the agenda as his hosts seek a regional counter to China.

The leader of the world’s most populous nation will also receive all the pomp of a state dinner at the White House on Thursday—only Biden’s third since his inauguration.

Hailed by New Delhi as a “historic” chance to “expand and consolidate” ties, the visit comes at a time of rising concerns on human rights and democratic backsliding under the Hindu nationalist leader.

But Washington is seeking to boost ties with a potential regional ally to counter an increasingly assertive China.

Analysts expect landmark announcements in clean energy and strategic technology, including a deal to jointly produce fighter jet engines.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, on a visit to New Delhi earlier this month, announced an “ambitious new roadmap for defense industrial cooperation” with India.

It has been linked to a likely announcement, expected at this week’s summit, of a long-discussed multibillion-dollar plan to co-produce the jet engines in India.

New Delhi has been trying to become less dependent on Russian military hardware by diversifying imports and boosting domestic production. With many countries wooing Modi, Washington hopes its co-production and technology offers will help secure a key market.

Ashok Malik, India head of The Asia Group advisory firm, said US-India ties were defined by “pragmatism and deep alignment at the government level”, with “very strong” economic and business links. India is important as “a growing power” in a region “where China is becoming unusually assertive”, New Delhi-based Malik told AFP. AFP

China’s youth face bleak job market amid unemployment

BEIJING, China—Rather than celebrating finishing university, this summer Chinese graduates shared photos of themselves theatrically throwing their degrees into bins, underscoring the bleak outlook as youth unemployment sits at a record high.

The jobless rate could rise even further this summer, analysts warned, providing another headache for the government as it tries to jumpstart the country’s sluggish post-Covid economy.

With well-paid jobs few and far between, young people told AFP they were opting to remain in university, while others are scrambling for limited government jobs as opportunities in the private sector dry up.

Sampson Li, who graduated this month with a master’s degree in software engineering, was looking for work but has given up to apply for a doctorate instead.

The 24-year-old told AFP he passed three rounds of interviews at a major tech company in Shenzhen, dubbed China’s Silicon Valley, before the employer said it had frozen recruitments.

“Three other companies asked me to take a lower pay than the market rate,” he said. “I can’t survive with that salary in this city.”

Data released last Thursday by the National Bureau of Statistics showed May’s unemployment rate for people aged 16-24 hit 20.8 percent, an increase on the previous record of 20.4 percent hit in April.

Larry Hu, Macquarie Group’s chief China economist, warned that the figure could increase further in July when

11.6 million more college graduates start looking for work.

“Corporates are reluctant to hire because of consumer demand, while consumers are reluctant to spend because of the weak labor market,” he told AFP.

“As a result, policy is the only game changer at this stage.”-

At a State Council meeting in April, Premier Li Qiang pledged to ensure stable employment opportunities for young people.

“We have to take measures to stabilize the scale of employment in manu-

facturing and foreign trade enterprises, optimize university curriculums, and improve the quality of vocational education and skills training based on the market demand,” Li said.

However, a hoped-for raft of stimulus measures for the economy, including help to boost the jobs market, fell flat, as did an interest rate cut Tuesday, which was less than expected.

One of the reasons China’s oncefreewheeling private sector is seeing much slower growth is because of a sweeping government crackdown on

This file photo taken on April 11, 2023, shows people attending a job fair in China’s southwestern city of Chongqing. AFP

property companies, tech giants and private tutoring firms.

“While Beijing runs a state-led economy, private companies provide up to 80 percent of China’s urban jobs,” Yu Jie, a senior China research fellow at the London-based think tank Chatham House, wrote. These sectors relied on “young people willing to work long hours for lower salaries”, she said.

Liu Qian, armed with a degree in fintech, has been job hunting for the past six months. AFP

GERMANY-CHINA TALKS. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (left) and China’s Premier Li Qiang (center) arrive to attend

economy consultations on June 20, 2023 at the Chancellery in Berlin. China’s Premier Li Qiang meets German leaders at a time when Beijing’s policies on Russia, trade and human rights are receiving an increasingly hostile reception in the West. AFP

BUSINESS

PH posted $2.9-b BOP surplus in 5 months

By Julito G. Rada

THE Philippines posted a balance of payments surplus of $2.9 billion in the first five months amid the continued structural dollar inflows in the country, a reversal from the $1.5-billion deficit recorded in the same period last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

Data showed that the BOP position resulted in a lower deficit of $439 million in May, compared to the $1.6-shortfall a year ago. The latest figure reflected outflows arising mainly from the national government’s net foreign currency withdrawals from its deposits with the BSP to settle foreign currency

IN BRIEF

ST Telemedia to expand data center capacity in PH

ST TELEMEDIA Global Data Centres (Philippines), a joint venture between Globe, Ayala Corp. and Singapore-based ST Telemedia Global Data Centres said Tuesday it is set to increase its capacity by 5.2 megawatts by the third quarter amid high market demand and continuing digital transformation of the country.

The aggressive expansion across STT GDC Philippines’ three existing data centers in Makati, Cavite and Quezon City will exceed the capacity of most single data centers locally and is designed to serve nearterm capacity needs.

“The ever-growing demand for digital services has underscored the necessity for the private sector to actively contribute to the nation’s digital transformation,” said STT GDC Philippines president and chief executive Carlo Malana.

“As part of STT GDC Philippines’ growth strategy to support the country’s digital infrastructure build, this capacity expansion is part of the commitment made to support the government’s endeavors in delivering reliable and robust digital infrastructure to our fellow Filipinos,” he said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

ERC vows to act on NGCP’s

applications for ASPAs

THE Energy Regulatory Commission on Tuesday committed to facilitating the approval of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ ancillary services procurement agreements to ensure that consumers continue to have access to reliable electricity.

It said that as of June 19, it was processing for approval the majority of the 36 ASPAs entered into by the NGCP pursuant to the competitive selection process mandated by the Department of Energy.

The NGCP issued notices of award for 36 ASPAs on April 18, and of this number, 14 applications were filed with ERC and were scheduled for hearing.

The remaining 16 applications were awaiting payment by NGCP of filing fees before they could be considered as formally filed. The ERC said it is also completing the pre-filing review of the remaining six ASPA applications. Alena Mae S. Flores

Shakey’s Pizza expects

20% income growth in 2023

RESTAURANT chain operator Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. said Tuesday it expects net income and sales to grow by more than 20 percent this year despite continued challenges caused by rising cost of raw materials.

Shakey’s chairman Christopher Po said in a media briefing following the annual stockholders meeting said the company is bullish on domestic operations as all brands have the capability to expand and grow by double-digits.

“We foresee better than 20-percent growth for topline and bottomline for 2023. Even with the potential economic headwinds, we will weather all these transitory challenges,” Po said.

Po said minus the impact of the latest acquisition, Potato Corner, the Shakey’s and Peri-Peri brands are also registering better sales and profits in 2023 compared to a year ago levels.

“Overall, we are bullish on the Philippine economy. The Philippines is one of the few countries that pre pandemic had 20 years of 5 percent or better GDP growth. Now that the pandemic is behind, we have every reasons to believe that this 5 percent or better GDP growth will be trend for the coming foreseeable future, led by the consume sector,” Po said. Jenniffer B. Austria

debt obligations and pay for various expenditures.

“Based on preliminary data, this cumulative BOP surplus was partly attributed to net inflows from personal remittances, net foreign borrowings by the national government, trade in services and foreign direct investments,”

the BSP said.

BOP refers to the difference in total value between payments into and out of a country over a period.

Meanwhile, the gross international reserves decreased to $100.6 billion as of end-May from $101.8 billion as of endApril. The latest GIR level represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It was also about 5.8 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the $439-million BOP deficit in May

was the widest since February 2023.

Ricafort said that in the coming months, the BOP data “could still improve with the continued increase in the country’s structural inflows—such as OFW remittances, BPO and exports revenues and tourism receipts.”

The BSP reduced last week its BOP forecast for 2023 to a deficit of $1.2 billion from a previous estimate of $1.6-billion shortfall on the back of the narrowing trade deficit.

“For 2023, the overall BOP position is seen to register a lower deficit relative to the March 2023 projection exercise. This development is underpinned largely by a narrower merchandise trade gap, as goods imports growth is expected to slow down sharply following the

Meralco files petition to collect P8b from customers

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co.

filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission to collect from consumers P8 billion or equivalent to an increase in power rates of about P0.2191 per kilowatt-hour over a 12-month period.

Meralco said this represents underrecoveries from the generation rate, transmission rate, system loss and real property taxes. Meralco’s application also includes over-recoveries from the lifeline subsidy, senior citizen discounts and subsidy and local franchise tax.

The recoveries cover the period January 2020 to December 2022 for generation, transmission, system loss, lifeline subsidy and senior citizen discounts and

subsidies and January 2021 to December 2022 for the local franchise tax and real property tax.

“It is urgent that a provisional authority be immediately issued upon filing and pending hearing of the instant application. Meralco stresses that the costs covered by this Application are all passthrough costs. Hence, Meralco should neither earn any income nor incur any losses from the imposition of the same,” the company said.

Meralco wants to collect underrecoveries in the generation charges amounting to P6.413 billion equivalent to P0.1975 per kWh.

The generation charge over or underrecovery occurs due to the lag in the recovery of generation costs from consumers. The rate used to compute the

generation charge in a current billing month is based on the generation cost incurred in the previous month, which is the supply month.

Meralco is also seeking approval for the under-recovery in system loss charges amounting to P764.168 million equivalent to P0.0151 per kWh.

System loss over/under recovery mainly occurs due to the difference between the actual average cost of system loss for a given year and the sum of the actual monthly system loss billings for that same year.

The company also sought approval for the under-recovery in transmission charges amounting to P607.375 million equivalent to P0.0120 per kWh and real property taxes of P228.875 million equivalent to P0.0045 per kWh.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

pullback in international prices of major commodities, particularly fuel. This is accompanied by a sustained fall in goods exports as global demand weakens further,” it said in a statement.

The BSP said despite the optimism attached to the reopening of China’s economy, such a view remained tentative given its numerous domestic challenges including the declining property sales and real estate investments.

Latest Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that the trade-in-goods deficit, or the difference between the value of exports and imports, reached $4.53 billion in April, down from $5.32 billion a year ago.

The BSP expects a lower BOP deficit of $500 million for 2024.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines said Tuesday it finalized a purchase agreement with Airbus for the firm order of nine A3501000 long-range aircraft.

PAL president and chief operating officer Captain Stanley Ng and Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international Christian Scherer signed the agreement in the presence of PAL Holdings Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III during the Paris Air Show. PAL Holdings is the parent firm of the flag carrier.

“This order will see PAL operating one of the youngest and most modern widebody fleets in Asia. We selected the A350-1000 to give PAL the power to match capacity closely to predicted demand on both the very longest routes to the North American East Coast but also on our prime trunk routes to the West Coast and potentially to Europe as well,” Ng said.

“At the same time the aircraft will use significantly less fuel than older aircraft of a similar size, which also brings an important reduction in carbon emissions,” he said.

The A350-1000 has been selected under PAL’s Ultra Long Haul Fleet project and will fly on non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada.

The new aircraft will join two A350900s already in service at the airline.

PAL’s A350-1000 fleet will be able to accommodate 380 passengers in a three-class layout, with separate cabins for business class, premium economy and economy class.

“At Philippine Airlines we are committed to offering our passengers the best possible travel experience. These state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to give them the convenience of nonstop flights on long range routes in a comfortable passenger cabin where our cabin crew can do what they do best – extend gracious service and world-class Filipino hospitality,” Tan said.

“The A350-1000 is our ‘mission aircraft’ to connect the world and boost the Philippine economy and society,” he said. Scherer said the order is another strong endorsement of the A350 as the world’s long-range leader. In terms of non-stop flying capability, efficiency and passenger comfort it is proven to be best in class, he said.

BUSINESS ENHANCEMENT. Clark Development Corp. is recognized for its commitment to promoting ease of doing business, with a pledge to enhance government service delivery to all locators within the Freeport. As part of this effort, CDC president and chief executive Agnes Devanadera (third from right) conducts an ocular inspection and meeting at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex on June 19. The meeting includes Sarith Vaikuntan (fourth from right), general manager of Metrojet Engineering Clark Limited. MEC expressed appreciation for CDC’s implementation of streamlined procedures and requested assistance in recruiting highly skilled professionals to meet the demands of clients.

Hirers registered at employment platform double to 40,000

By Othel V. Campos

ONLINE job portal JobStreet by SEEK reported Tuesday that the online employment marketplace’s hirer base doubled from an average of 20,000 employers pre-pandemic to 40,000 this year, increasing the jobs available for Filipinos seeking employment.

“We are very grateful for the hirers who have been trusting us throughout this journey. It gives us the inspiration to do so much more for them—giving them more quality candidates and the best talents available in the market. This proves that through teamwork and passion for the mission of giving jobs to every Filipino, it can actually be achieved,” said

JobStreet by SEEK country manager Philip Gioca.

About 30 percent of the employers in JobStreet by SEEK are offering flexible working arrangements, he said.

The platform records a daily average of 80,000 jobs available, the highest number since the pandemic. About 40 percent are entry-level jobs available for fresh graduates or jobseekers with no experience.

The peak in JobStreet by SEEK’s hirer base also translated into P1 billion in revenue. The milestone indicates that more and more hirers are trusting the job portal in seeking quality candidates, offering a variety of jobs for many Filipinos. JobStreet by SEEK said it is compli-

ant with the protocols of the Department of Labor and Employment, and mechanisms are in place to eliminate scammers that are proliferating in current times, so candidates and hirers can guarantee that the jobs on the platform are from real employers and that they can find real talent.

Driven by its mission of providing jobs to every Filipino, JobStreet by SEEK has been at the forefront of nation-building. The platform has worked with different government agencies and private sectors to bring together hirers and candidates through on-ground and online job fairs. It also continuously innovate the platform offering more useful tools for jobseekers.

AIRASIA Philippines said Tuesday it will start transferring its domestic flights to a bigger and better home at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on July 1, 2023.

“Our transfer to NAIA 2 is a winning move for our guests. They can now enjoy a bigger space and expect better airport service. We may be moving to a new terminal building but they can only expect the same world’s best service from AirAsia,” AirAsia Philippines chief executive Ricky Isla said.

“Now that we are on the growth stage, we look forward to expanding further our domestic routes and capacity through this new terminal building,” he said.

AirAsia Philippines’ transfer to NAIA T2

“It also brings significant reduction in emissions and an immediate contribution to industry sustainability goals. And in the larger widebody category, the A350-1000 has set a standard of its own, with the lowest operating costs and emissions for intercontinental service. We thank Philippine Airlines for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and look forward to working with the airline as the A350 becomes the flagship of its widebody fleet,” he said.

is part of the Manila International Airport Authority’s schedule and terminal assignment rationalization which aims to decongest NAIA Terminal 4. The airline’s international flight will remain at NAIA Terminal 3.

“Change is good and we are embracing it. Weeks before our scheduled transfer we’ve already sent preflight notifications to our guests via SMS, registered email and have announced the movement extensively through our social media platforms. Also, we are working closely with MIAA management to make sure that we close the gaps of confusion among guests during the first few weeks of operation,” Isla said.

Darwin G. Amojelar and Joel E. Zurbano

CREBA PARADE. Top real estate developers from Ayala Land Inc., DMCI, CDC Homes, Golden Topper, Primehomes, Convergence Realty, Megapines-FC Laranang Baguio and the PagIBIG Fund join the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations Inc. delegation at the opening parade of Kalayaan 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre on June 10 to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day. The major crowd-drawing Filipino community event gets support from various organizations, professional groups, schools and partners from the United Arab Emirates.

11-under 60 hands

Mondilla 5-shot lead

ANTIPOLO—Clyde Mondilla flicked on the attack mode early and sustained his assault to the finish, leading to a confounding 11-under 60 for a huge fivestroke lead over Albin Engino at the start of the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic at the Nicklaus layout here on Tuesday.

The Del Monte ace’s amazing birdiebinge in preferred conditions didn’t actually stop until after he had run out of holes to play on, birdying the last five in a fashion only a player of his caliber could dish out on a course that punishes even the slightest of mistakes.

“Sa backnine, tuloy-tuloy. Every hole na makikita ko, feel ko mabi-birdie ko,” said a delighted Mondilla, who launched his stirring run with four frontside birdies, including on the ninth.

His exploit, however, won’t stand in the Tour record book since it was played preferred lies, leaving Tony Lascuña’s 63 in the PGT Forest Hills Championship in 2017 and Jhonnel Ababa’s eightunder card in the PGT Asia in 2018 as the course mark.

Mondilla made it four straight with birdies in the first three holes at the backside of the par-71 tight course that virtually lay defenseless to Mondilla’s solid driving, superb iron play and outstanding putting.

“My mindset was to hit the fairways and greens. After 3-4 holes, I got the confidence (in driving). Driving is key here although there are tight holes (fairways) but I kept on attacking. I hit it close on my approach shots and my putting clicked although I missed a couple of putts,” said Mondilla, who finished with 22 putts.

Luck also smiled at the former Philippine Open champion who last won in the PGT Asia at Pradera Verde in 2020, whose pitch from just above the drainage on No. 12 bounced before the green then rolled and disappeared into the cup.

“I was just trying to hit it close to save par. Pero pag-pitch ko, pumasok. Parang araw ko talaga at bonus na talaga un. So added confidence din,” said Mondilla, who had also set course records at Splendido Taal (63) and Calatagan (64).

Though a bogey on the par-3 13th stalled his charge, it didn’t stop Mondilla from fashioning out his remarkable feat as he birdied the last five holes inside 6 feet.

Despite his big lead, Mondilla isn’t taking any chances since there are still 54 holes remaining in the P2 million championship serving as the seventh leg of this year’s PGT put up by ICTSi.

‘Greek Freak’ Giannis coming to PH for FIBA World Cup

FIBA world No. 9 team Greece, which boasts off a national team anchored around NBA champion and back-to-back Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, the power-dunking 6-foot-9 forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, is headed to the Philippines.

Known around the NBA and the world as the “Greek Freak,” Antetokoumnpo will be making his first appearance in Philippine soil on August 25 to September, with his home team of Greece bracketed with the United States, New Zealand and Jordan in Group C of the preliminaries.

Filipino fans will be able to witness Antetokounmpo in action live for as low as P999 for a day pass, covering two exciting, world-class basketball games.

Day passes and other ticket packages are already on sale at https:// philippines-ticketing.worldcup.basketball/. Fans of Antetokounmpo and Greece, even Milwaukee Bucks, can avail of the Follow My Team Pass which allows pass holders to watch five games that their preferred team will play in the Group Phase. The two remaining dates of play will be decided depending on their position after the first round of the Group Phase.

Understandably, the demand for tickets to the USA-Greece clash on June 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City has gone through the roof, rivaling even the clamor for passage to Group A games featuring Gilas Pilipinas.

LA’s NBA coach to Sotto: Keep working, stay ready

THREE-TIME champion assistant coach Phil Handy of the Los Angeles Lakers believes that Filipino center Kai Sotto has the tools to someday make it into the NBA.

The Lakers’ leader in player development, who has coached superstars LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kahwi Leonard and the late Kobe Bryant, admits having watched Sotto grow as a player, saying that given the right circumstances, could crack an NBA roster at the right time.

“I believe he’s very talented. I don’t believe in putting timelines on athletes. I’ve had a chance to see him play for a couple of years. He’s naturally gifted. He spent some time down in Australia, and that really helped develop his game” explained Handy, who finished his playing career as an import in the National Basketball League, where Sotto started his professional career.

“It could be this summer, it could be next

year. It really just depends on the opportunity,” Handy said.

Handy, a 6’5” former guard for the Golden State Warriors, is in the Philippines to share his knowledge with elite local school teams and the Converge FiberXers of the Philippines Basketball Association.

On Tuesday, he began his Philippine tour with a clinic at the Philippine National Police Academy in Cavite.

At his arrival press conference on Monday, Handy said that Filipinos in general have the heart to play basketball at the highest level. He said that for those like Sotto, all that remains is to be given the right break to get into the big leagues.”

“It really just depends on opportunity,” he adds. “Sometimes, players’ opportunities come at different times. The advice I would give Kai is to keep working, keep playing, and keep being ready for the opportunity.”

The Phil Handy Tour goes through the Philippines and Singapore, and was organized by CST Accountants and Advisors, which has offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, London and the Philippines. This is their first international sporting event.

National team duties may be over for Valdez

By Peter Atencio

TEAM captain Alyssa Valdez could possibly retire and miss action when the national women’s volleyball team sees action in the Hangzhou Asian Games.

An official of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation raised this possibility as they assembled a new pool of players for the national men’s and women’s squads to the Asiad.

National training director Tonyboy Liao said the national men’s pool has a good selection of players to choose from.

As for the women’s side, Liao said discussions on its roster will have to be undertaken.

“We will play in the Asian Games. But we’re still choosing the lineup. We will have to talk about it,” said Liao.

“We have to sit down and discuss kung ano ang gagawin. She (Alyssa) might retire already from the national team,” he added.

During the last Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the national women’s team, composed mostly of Creamlime players, saw Valdez sparingly utilized by coach Jorge Souza

How ‘Filipino Picker’ got his hands on a vintage PBA trophy

By Randy Caluag

MARK Anthony Kyle

Gianan,

popularly known as the “Filipino Picker” among local collectors, has one prized piece that stands out from among his vast sports collections—a trophy that was not won in any tournament, but acquired in a junk shop.

It’s a Philippine Basketball Association trophy, whose logo the pro cage league used between 1989 and 1992.

“It’s such an honor to own a piece of history. Forgotten treasures. Especially ones that are manufactured with obsolete materials. Nowadays, trophies are made of stainless steel and glass or acrylic,” Gianan told Manila Standard Sports.

“This is one of a kind and the last of its kind,” he said. Gianan was told that the trophy

was actually a second-place PBA conference trophy. It was not known what team had won it and in what year and conference.

The famous collector described his find.

“The top is steel and aluminum.

The bottom is wooden infested with “anay” therefore damaging the label and name of the awardee.

It was damaged, but it was how the collectors wanted it best. The patina is just awesome from rust to the pest-infested wood. “

Gianan said the staff at the junkshop in Sampaloc, Manila, where he found it, claimed it was formerly owned by the father of actor Archie Alemania.

The piece ended up at the junkshop when the father passed away.

Tracing the trophy’s history, the Sampaloc area is very near the factory of the famous maker of medals

and trophies, Angela Zamora Sons Inc., which was said to be owned by the father-in-law of former PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios.

Gianan said the trophy was signed by Barrios at the last History Con in Manila and is now stored at his Museo ng Kahapon in Boni, Mandaluyong. He also displayed the trophy at a weeklong exhibit at Greenhouse Mall in Alabang from June 12 to 18, along with his other vintage collections.

Among Gianan’s collections are the iconic Kaypee Futura shoes owned and signed himself by Alvin Patrimonio and former Crispa star Freddie Hubalde’s championship set-warmers, green leather bag, and team towels. His latest acquisition was a limited edition, autographed card set signed by basketball legend Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez.

de Brito because of her knee injury.

The Philippines settled for fourth place in the biennial meet.

Valdez has been undergoing rehabilitation for her injury, which she sustained last December.

De Brito has been coaching the women’s team since July, 2021, and his two-year tenure is set to end by next month.

The women’s squad is currently competing in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup for Women in Indonesia and has reached the quarterfinals.

Phil Handy

Clyde Mondilla banks on solid driving, superb iron play and outstanding putting to grab a 5-stroke lead. Manny Marcelo

Alyssa Valdez

PSC opens VNL practice games for volley coaches

THE Philippine Sports Commission is opening its doors to local coaches for them to learn from world-caliber volleyball teams, as the upcoming Volleyball Nations League 2023 holds its practice games inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex starting June 27.

PSC chairman Richard Bachmann announced this initiative, in partnership with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, which will provide an opportunity for the country’s local coaches to witness high-level play from renowned coaches and athletes.

“As the PSC supports the PNVF and its hosting of this year’s VNL, this is a great opportunity for our local volleyball coaches as well to be equipped by the world’s best talent, and uplift our grassroots development in the sport,” said Bachmann, who graced the VNL press conference at Diamond Hotel on Monday.

PNVF President Ramon “Tats”

Suzara echoed this, and thanked the PSC chief for making available its sports facilities including the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium located inside the historic RMSC.

“As part of our commitment to the PSC and the development of Philippine volleyball, this invitation will allow our coaches to gain insights and foster greater participation in sport,” said Suzara, who was joined by Malacañang Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto Rubiano, MOA Arena General Manager Arnel Gonzales and Diamond Hotel Rooms Division Manager George Reynoso.

Eight of the world’s top 25 men’s teams, including VNL defending champion Italy, Poland, Brazil, as well as crowd favorite Japan, Slovenia, Netherlands, Canada and China, will battle it out for the championship on July 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

World Aquatics gives nod to Vargas, new PSI officers

WORLD Aquatics has recognized Michael Vargas as president and Rep. Eric Buhain as secretary general of the Philippine Swimming Inc., thus closing all issues on which group will govern Philippine aquatics.

The international federation for the sport also recognized the members of the board of directors who won in the Philippine Olympic Committee-supervised and World Aquatics-ordered elections last June 8 in Pasay City.

“Please be advised that the World Aquatics Bureau has reviewed these results and following the results set out above, the newly elected members of the PSI have been approved by World Aquatics,” said the letter that was signed by World Aquatics Executive Director Brent Nowicki and dated Monday.

Copies of the letter were sent to Vargas and POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“As a requirement for POC recognition, we also now recognize the new officers and board of directors of the PSI,” said Tolentino during the POC Executive Board meeting on Tuesday in a Pasay City restaurant.

Also recognized were vice president Jessi Arriola, treasurer Marie Dimanche and members of the board of trustees Cris Bancal, Angelica Leonardo, Roel Rosales, Ronald Talosig, Isagani

PH Sports Expo to gather all stakeholders

THE stage is set for the first Philippine Sports Expo, a massive threeday event that aims to gather as many stakeholders in sports in the country, including the athletes, the associations they represent, and the brands, goods and products behind them.

The event will take place from June 30 to July 2 at the Crystal Pavilion of Okada Manila.

The men behind the event graced Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, and called on the stakeholders to participate in the event. “It will be a gathering of all stakeholders in sports—not just the brands and other services but the athletes themselves, the associations and federations and even the government,” said Michael Herrera.

Christian Ensomo and Patrick Buenaobre, PSE directors, said the event is also open to different national sports associations and for their teams to do demonstrations and even mini-competitions.

They told the forum presented by San

Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation they’ve

Career-best 66 nets Ababa 4-shot lead

ANTIPOLO—Sarah Ababa dished out a career-low round of five-under 66 and took full command after 18 holes of the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic—four strokes clear of Daniella Uy and Mikha Fortuna in Cogeo here on Tuesday. Two birdies from pin-length high, a chip-in feat, and another couple of drained putts from the fringe highlighted Ababa’s pair of 33s at the par-71 hilly Nicklaus course as the Davaoeña ace put herself on track toward ending a winless campaign since securing her first victory at Sherwood Hills way back in 2015.

“This is my best round (as a pro) but this is my first tournament here,” said Ababa in Filipino, who tied for third with amateur Lois Kaye Go in the last Ladies Philippine Golf Tour leg at Valley. Ababa, who birdied Nos. 1, 3. 11, 12 and 17—all par-4s, added she was motivated by the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.’s recent ruling setting a cut (85) after 18 holes to further improve the quality of play in the women’s side of the two-pro circuit

sponsored by ICTSI.

“There was an effort, for sure, to do better. I practiced hard (at Orchard) and stayed patient all throughout, especially off the mound since the fairways are narrow,” said Ababa, who also bucked the heat and the wind which blew at regular intervals.

Daniella Uy matched Ababa’s twobirdie feat in the first three holes to coshare the lead in the P1 million tournament and the former Junior World champion pulled ahead with another birdie on No. 10, only to yield it on Ababa’s back-to-back feats from No. 11 coupled with her bogeys on Nos. 12 and 17.

Uy, also chasing a second win after topping the Riviera leg in bubble setup in 2021, ended up with a 70, which Fortuna matched in a 35-35 round marked by an eagle on No. 6 and birdies on Nos. 12 and 16 against three bogeys.

After winding up eighth in her maiden pro tournament at Valley with a closing 80, Fortuna birdied two of the first seven holes

at the back to get going then recovered from a two-bogey mishap (Nos. 18 and 5) with an eagle on the par-5 sixth. But the former Univ. of Oklahoma mainstay missed seizing solo second with another miscue on the par-3 seventh for joint second while Apple Fudolin likewise posted her best start in year with a two-birdie, two-bogey card for solo fourth with 71.

Florence Bisera, meanwhile, squandered a two-under card after 10 holes with four bogeys against a birdie in the last five holes as she wound up with a 72 to slip to a share of fifth with Korean Min Yeong Kim, who bogeyed two of the last four, while Go finished with a 74 for a share of seventh with Rev Alcantara.

Harmie Constantino, the pre-tournament favorite with back-to-back victories at Luisita and Villamor, groped for form all day, limping with three double bogeys and three bogeys against three birdies as she fell to joint 10th at 77 with Korean Ju Young Yang.

invited those offering merchandise, health foods, supplements and other health products.

Herrera said the PSE, in its bid to reach out to a bigger audience, will hold similar events in Baguio City in December then in Cebu in March next year.

Among those planning to hold demos are athletes from karate and arnis. At least a dozen more sports have shown interest in joining the activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Invitations have been sent out to sports icons like Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Efren “Bata” Reyes and Ramon Fernandez as well as Sen. Migz Zubiri. For details, please call 0995-8479933.

“This is not just for the brands but a celebration to connect and recognize our athletes, and their endless contributions. It is also a good platform especially for the smaller brands,” said Ensomo.

“The mission is to bring everybody together and celebrate sports in the Philippines in general,” added Buenaobro of Triple Threat Sports.

GOLF CHAMPS. Pro Antonio Lascuna and amateur partners Robert Sobrepeña, president of Forest Hills, Thirdy Escaño and Ronnie Samaniego emerged as the champion team of the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic after shooting a 16-underpar 55 at the Nicklaus course. They beat by countback the foursome of Guido Van der Valk (pro), Alvin Buenaventura, Lee Tajonera and DJ Padilla. With them is Forest Hills sports and games head Mari Imperial.

Azkals not in game shape vs. visiting Taiwanese

By Peter Atencio

MEMBERS of the Philippine Azkals

men’s national football team were not in great shape when they absorbed a 2-3 loss to Chinese Taipei in a rain-drenched friendly on Monday evening at the Rizal Memorial Complex.

The Taiwanese took advantage of this and found their scoring opportunities in the final minute of the match, just minutes after the rain subsided.

Ming-Wei Lin scored the go-ahead goal for the Taiwanese in the dying seconds of the match.

He followed up on a deflection by goalkeeper Niel Etheridge in the final minute to score the winning goal.

The score was earlier tied at 2-all when Yu Yao Hsing intercepted a pass by Enrique Linares inside the box on the 58th minute.

“I think in the first half, we were very much in the game. A little luck here and there. We had a 2-1 lead with morale and spirit. But in the second half, morale and spirit could not surpass situations if you don’t have the basics, like what many players had,” said Weiss, referring to the questionable game shape of his players during the game.

Taiwan’s win came a few days after the Azkals turned back Nepal, 1-0, in their first friendly under coach Hans Michael Weiss.

The Azkals led at halftime, 2-1, when Patrick Reichelt flicked in a volley in the 39th minute.

Taiwan coach Gary White said they were aware of the Azkals’ situation and waited patiently for the right moment before pulling off their final attack.

“It was raining, there was lightning. It was a very fast game, end to end. I think we came out the deserving winners today. The players never gave up. We knew at halftime that it was going to be difficult for the Philippines to stay with us. So, we waited, and we were patient,” said White.

Shown here are Sports Expo president Michael Herrera and directors Christian Ensomo and Patrick Buenaobra at the PSA Forum. Rudy Esperas

Michael Vargas (left) and Rep. Eric Buhain

Corpuz, Jessie Lacuna and Emmanuel Manialung. All officers and members of the

board of trustees will serve in a transition period until regular elections under PSI’s charter are held in 2025.

Sarah Ababa put herself on track toward ending a winless campaign since securing her rst victory at Sherwood Hills way back in 2015. Manny Marcelo

GMA Network records highest trust score among PH news brands

FOR the third straight year, media giant GMA Network continues to have the highest trust score among news brands in the Philippines, data from the 2023 Digital News Report (DNR) revealed.

The country’s leading broadcast firm even surpassed its previous record, tallying a 74 percent brand trust rating this year from its 70 percent rating last 2022 in the said research released by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

The network’s flagship AM radio station, Super Radyo DZBB, likewise strengthened its position among news

brands with the highest trust score, ranking second with 68 percent – also higher than its 65 percent rating last year.

Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, DZRH, The Philippine Star, and TV 5 also made it to the second spot, while Teleradyo and ABS-CBN followed with 66 and 62 percent ratings, respectively.

GMA Network also scored the highest reach in the country both for online and offline categories.

Online, the Kapuso Network dominated the audience share with GMA News Online scoring the highest weekly

‘It’s Showtime’ bids TV5 goodbye, announces

transfer to GTV

By Angelica Villanueva

IN a surprising turn of events, GTV, the free-to-air television network of GMA, has delighted fans of the popular noontime show It's Showtime by announcing its transfer from TV5. The news left the show's loyal audience both shocked and thrilled, eagerly anticipating what the new partnership will bring.

GTV took to their social media platforms to tease the upcoming collaboration with a captivating poster featuring the hosts of "It's Showtime" along with the text, "Madlang people, g na g na ba kayo?" The teaser instantly caught the attention of fans, generating a buzz of excitement and speculation.

Further building anticipation, GTV's caption accompanying the teaser post read, "Madlang people, let's make some noise!" This simple statement added fuel to the already heightened enthusiasm surrounding the announcement, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more details about the upcoming changes.

Confirming the transfer, ABS-CBN shared a statement with Manila Standard

Entertainment quoting the air date of the show's debut on GTV. Starting from July 1, viewers can catch It's Showtime on GTV from Monday to Saturday at 12:00 noon. The media company encouraged the "Madlang people" to join them on this new adventure, stating, "G na G na tayo, Madlang People!"

“We are also very grateful to GMA’s GTV Channel and happy to announce that It's Showtime has found another home. For 14 years, It's Showtime has brought joy and entertainment to our Madlang People here and abroad. We value the meaningful relationship we

have built and nurtured with our audience in the noontime slot. It is for this reason that we have respectfully declined the 4:30 p.m. timeslot offered by TV5 for the show," the statement added.

On the other hand, It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda also shared the good news on his Instagram with the same teaser poster saying, “Tara na! G na G na kami."

The Kapamilya network also expressed its gratitude to TV5 Chairman Manny Pangilinan for letting the Kapatid network becomes the show’s home since July last year.

“ABS-CBN would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to TV5 Chairman Manny Pangilinan for his support for ABS-CBN and for bringing ‘It's Showtime’ to a wider audience through our content partnership," the statement stated.

“We are thankful for the loyal support our audiences have provided for ‘It's Showtime’ and hope they continue to find joy and entertainment on the show as it seeks to find more ways to reach them,” it added.

It’s Showtime is currently airing on Kapamilya platforms, A2Z, and TV5. However, with the new programming movements that TV5 is preparing and after it sealed an agreement with former Eat Bulaga! hosts and icons Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, the transfer to GTV happened. Collectively known as TVJ, the trio exited Eat Bulaga! on May 31 after four decades of being its main hosts. Its fellow Dabarkads Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Main Mendoza, Allan K., Ryan Agoncillo, and Ryzza Mae Dizon filed their immediate resignation the same day.

Darwin Amojelar

reach at 48 percent. It was ahead of ABSCBN News Online, which only managed 40 percent.

GMA Network also emerged on top in the “TV, Radio, and Print” category, getting the highest weekly reach at 53 percent for its newscasts ‘24 Oras’ and ‘Saksi,’ as well as its second free-to-air channel, GTV.

The recent trust score further strengthens GMA Integrated News’ position as the ‘News Authority ng Filipino,’ having evolved into a dynamic multi-platform mega news organization with the integration of GMA News

Manila, GMA Regional TV, GMA News Online, and Super Radyo DZBB in the span of six months.

GMA remains the largest local network with 101 TV stations and 21 radio stations across the archipelago to date.

The Digital News Report 2023 was commissioned by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism to understand how news is being consumed in a range of countries. The research was conducted by YouGov using an online questionnaire at the end of January/ beginning of February this year.

GMA Network remains as the country's news brand to earn the highest trust score

NET25 Films makes World of Cinema debut with 'Monday First Screening’ starring Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar

AS NET25 continues its expansion, the network has entered the realm of film production with the launch of NET25 Films. This significant milestone showcases the talents of seasoned and multiawarded actors Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar in their latest film, Monday First Screening.

The movie, known as a "senior citizen rom-com," tells the story of two elderly individuals who find love while attending the first screening of free movies every Monday, a practice observed in some Metro Manila malls.

Audiences will be introduced to Lydia, portrayed by Gina, a recently retired high school principal who discovers a newfound connection with a group

of fellow senior citizens through their shared love of movies.

The film's premiere was held through an invitational screening on June 12 at the EVM Convention Center in Central Avenue, Quezon City. The event not only marks NET25's debut film production but also served as an opportunity to provide free medical services to senior citizens.

Guests who attended the premiere were given access to complimentary medical and eye check-ups. Additionally, there was free distribution of medicines, vitamins, reading glasses, hearing aids, and a limited number of wheelchairs for participants of the program.

Joining Ricky and Gina in the cast are acclaimed actors Ruby Ruiz, Soliman Cruz, Che Ramos, and David Shouder. The film also introduces the new love team of Allen Abrenica and Reign Parani.

Madlang People will begin to see 'It's Showtime' hosts on GTV starting on July 1

Young artists Reign Parani and Allen Abrenica will also be part of the film as the newest love team

Directed by Benedict Mique, Monday First Screening features a screenplay co-written by Aya Anunciacion, with Owen Berico serving as the director of photography.

Primetime King Coco Martin stars in new ‘Batang San Miguel’ TVC

THE world-famous brew San Miguel Pale Pilsen has been a part of Filipino culture for more than a hundred years. It continues to bring friends and family together over a bottle of beer, and has been instrumental in bringing trends and talents that resonate with the times.

In keeping with the brand’s tradition of serving nothing but the best, San Miguel Pale Pilsen partners with a similarly iconic figure — actor, director, and film producer Coco Martin Honestly, sobrang humbled and proud ko talaga kasi pag sinabing San Miguel Pale Pilsen napaka-iconic ng lahat ng nagdadala ng brand na ito,” the actor shared. Widely regarded as the

country’s “Ultimate Superstar,” Coco’s work has earned him numerous awards and box-office hits. Having been in the industry for over two decades, he is considered the most awarded actor of his generation and one of the top-earning actors of the last ten years. In 2011, during the 34th Gawad Urian Awards, Coco received the recognition of “Actor of the Decade” for his enduring and outstanding works.

Coco credits his achievements to his ability to persevere and stay dedicated in pursuing his passion. “Ang pinakaimportante sa akin ay hard work.

Ang gusto ko, mula sa pinakamababa hanggang sa taas, tatrabahuhin ko. Pagsisikapan

ko ‘yan dahil importante sa akin ang kalidad ng trabaho,” Coco expressed. This drive to succeed and to continue producing exceptional work is what makes him the ideal face of San Miguel Pale Pilsen, a brand that is known worldwide for its enduring quality and excellence. Yan ang katangian na nakikita kong meron sa San Miguel Pale Pilsen, ‘yung kalidad na maipagmamalaki natin noon hanggang ngayon. Kahit ilaban pa ‘yan sa ibang bansa,” Coco enthused. Through the partnership, Coco stars in his first television commercial with the brand. The material revolves around the title “Batang San Miguel,” a tag

that generations of San Miguel Pale Pilsen drinkers can easily relate with. The campaign highlights the brand’s influence on people from all walks of life.

“Ito na ‘yung nakamulatan ko. Bata palang ako, sa mga lolo at sa tatay ko pa lang, everytime na may okasyon, may kasiyahan, o bonding ng pamilya, may San Miguel Pale Pilsen. Parte na ‘yan ng kulturang Pilipino. Kaya nga sabi natin, sarap laging kasama,” Coco recalled. Catch Coco Martin in his new San Miguel Pale Pilsen TV Commercial “Batang San Miguel.”

'Batang Quiapo' star Coco Martin is the new face of San Miguel Pale Pielsen

The stellar cast and director of 'Monday First Screening' during its press conference

Veteran directors and actors Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar lead NET25's newest film, 'Monday First Screening'

C4 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023

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

What happens when nature, culture, and art meet?

A mesmerizing afternoon welcomed SM shoppers, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers as the grandest and biggest bonsai, ikebana, and suiseki exhibition in Asia opened at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia last June 10 to 12.

“SM Supermalls is honored to be the venue for the first-ever joint convention of the Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention (ASPAC) and the Asia Pacific Bonsai Friendship Federation (ABFF). The exhibition also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Bonsai Society, Inc. (PBSI),

Bonsai is the Japanese art form of miniature lifelike representation of nature the country’s oldest and most prestigious garden club,” said SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin. Over 300 bonsai trees were on display at the MOA Music Hall, Entertainment Mall, and Central Atrium. Also, the exhibit which ran until June 12, showcased three distinct forms of Japanese art: Bonsai, a miniature lifelike representation of nature; Ikebana, the Japanese

art of flower arrangement that conveys emotions and reveals the harmony between flora and other elements; and, Suiseki or the Japanese art of stone appreciation. Joining the exhibit launch were the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires, Hon. Minister Matsuda Kenichi; PBSI President, Yumie Gupit; and ASPAC and ABFF 2023 Chairman, Bobby Gopiao. They were

warmly welcomed by SM officials, San Agustin, Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, and Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations - Premier 3 Perkin So.

“The event’s theme ‘Beauty beyond years, beyond borders,’ is an apt description of how the bond our nations have developed through the years. Like the Bonsai showcased today, time and past experiences helped plant the seeds of friendships between our nations–cultivated into the beauty that they are now,” said Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires, Hon. Minister Matsuda Kenichi.

Meanwhile, the exhibit also featured a three-day workshop and learning session on Japanese art with renowned Japanese Bonsai masters Kunio Kobayashi, Shinji Suzuki, and Hiroaki Suzuki. Global bonsai federations were also present at the event, including from Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, and India. Demonstrations were also made which featured the intricacies of bonsai, ikebana, and suiseki “So many creative minds, hands, and hearts brought this event together to fruition. Let us, together, celebrate the beauty before us and the friendship that has

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement that conveys emotions and reveals the harmony between flora and other elements Alexi Santos

made you come all the way to the Philippines to celebrate with us,” said Yumie Gupit of PBSI.

To know more about the event, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

‘Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela’

Bukid and other classics like Walang Sugat, Paglipas ng Dilim, and Sa Bunganga ng Pating, but also contemporary sarsuwela productions like Pilipinas Circa 1907, Ang Palabas Bukas, Hibik at HImagsik nina Victoria Lactaw, and Ang Palasyo ni Valentin.

A typical sarsuwela generally revolves around a love story set in the context of social realism. Walang Sugat is set during the Spanish Revolution and PhilippineAmerican war; Paglipas ng Dilim tackles colonial mentality; Dalagang Bukid poverty and arranged marriages; and Sa

Captivating ‘Crossroads’ of six Filipino artists

CONRAD Manila’s Gallery C presents an enthralling exhibition titled Crossroads, which brings together six Filipino artists and promises to be a captivating showcase, inviting numerous interpretations.

This edition marks the 24th installment of Conrad Manila’s “Of Art and Wine” series, and it focuses on the spotlighting of Fitz Herrera, Binong Javier, Marlong Magbanua, Coeli Manese, Bea Policarpio, and Resty Tica. The ongoing exhibition celebrates diverse styles and techniques within the realm of abstraction.

Coinciding with Conrad Manila’s seventh-anniversary celebration, Crossroads proudly displays an impressive collection of artworks by these esteemed artists. With a total of 23 outstanding pieces, the exhibit encourages guests and patrons to delve into and appreciate the wide spectrum of artistic expression.

“As we celebrate our 7th anniversary this month, we aim to elevate overall guest experience not only through our brand of hospitality with a touch of luxury and sought-after culinary delights, but also through several meaningful activities, that are true to our core,” says Fabio Berto, the hotel’s general manager during the opening ceremony.

“Staying committed to paying tribute to the geniuses and finest in contemporary Philippine art, we are honored to showcase the works of

talented artists who have poured their hearts and souls into producing a collection that is as mesmerizing while opening doors to a multitude of interpretations,” he added.

Present at the official unveiling are notable personalities including Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SMHCC, Cid Reyes, a renowned Filipino artist and art critic, Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), and Fabio Berto, General Manager of Conrad Manila.

Curated by Nestor Jardin Of Art and Wine: Crossroads is on view until August 12 at Gallery C. The artworks are available individually for purchase. For more information, contact Conrad Manila at +63 2 8833 9999 or email Ruston.Dongaol@ ConradHotels.com

‘Crossroads’ has 23 outstanding pieces, that encourages guests and patrons to delve into and appreciate the wide spectrum of artistic expression

WITH a new performing venue comes the need to create new programming that complements the philosophy behind the establishment of the CCP Blackbox Theater - which is to produce and present experimental and out-of-the-box shows and programs.

This year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines gets out of the box with its new series of concert productions, dubbed CCP Out-of-The-Box (OTB) Series, featuring performances that audiences normally wouldn’t see in conventional programming.

Conceptualized by former artistic director Chris Millado, the CCP Out-ofThe-Box Series aims to create a space “for adventurous audiences, artists, and ideas.”

The OTB Series premieres with Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, featuring excerpts and songs from classic and contemporary sarsuwela works, on June 30, 7:30 p.m., and July 1, 3:00 p.m., at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).

“When CCP was planning for this series, we thought about the things we have not yet done or haven’t done in a long time,” shared CCP current artistic director Dennis Marasigan. “We have had discussions on the possibility of producing another sarsuwela, particularly with Tanghalang Pilipino, which has done a number of sarsuwela revivals since the 1980s.”

Owing its roots to the Spanish zarzuela originally brought to the Philippines in the late 1800s, the sarsuwela became the popular form of entertainment for many Filipinos, particularly in the early 1900s.

“The best proof of this is when cinema was first introduced to the Philippines, some of the first films produced were based on many of the sarsuwela, such as Dalagang Bukid. The actors of these films were mostly sarsuwela stars,” enthused Marasigan.

The CCP artistic director tapped music director Joed Balsamo, who suggested to include excerpts not only from Dalagang

Bunganga ng Pating, the evils of usury.

For Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, Marasigan and Balsamo have put together top-notch performers who have all distinguished themselves in musical theater, such as Nenen Espina, Franco Laurel, Ayen Munji Laurel, Reuben Laurente, Lorenz Martinez, Shiela Valderrama Martinez, Jonathan Tadioan, and Karylle Tatlonghari.

“It would be interesting to see the dynamics of the real-life couples in the cast – Franco and Ayen, and Shiela and Lorenz – as they perform love duets. Tad (Tadioan) and Nenen have done a number of sarsuwelas. Karylle and Reuben are excellent singers eager to immerse in the form. All in all, it will be an entertaining evening.”

Catch the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series: Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela this June 30 and July 1 at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez.

The ongoing exhibition celebrates diverse styles and techniques of abstract art

‘Crossroads’ puts the spotlight on Fitz Herrera, Binong Javier, Marlong Magbanua, Coeli Manese, Bea Policarpio, and Resty Tica

Suiseki or the Japanese art of stone appreciation. The photo shown is ‘Dragon Slayer’ by Romeo Antipuesto, Jr. Alexi Santos

Ayen Munji Laurel

Franco Laurel Reuben Laurente

Shiela Valderrama Martinez

Lorenz Martinez Jonathan Tadioan

Karylle Tatlonghari Nenen Espina