Manila Standard - 2023 July 15 - Saturday

Stock rainwater, farmers told

By Vince Lopez, Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE government has put in place water management strategies to limit the damage that the El Niño dry spell will have on agricultural production, including collecting and storing rainwater, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday.

It is also implementing other water management projects, such as the improvement of irrigation canals and other small-scale irrigation projects.

Other mitigation projects include the replacement of unserviceable pumps and engine sets.

The chairman of the DA’s National El Niño Team, U-Nichols Manalo, said they are closely working with operating units under the department to address the possible effects of the weather phenomenon.

“These are just some of the measures

By Rio N. Araja and Butch Gunio

TROPICAL depression “Dodong” accelerated while moving westward toward the coastal waters of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Friday afternoon, with eight areas in Luzon placed under Signal No. 1.

“Dodong” is forecast to move westward or west northwestward before turning generally northwestward over the West Philippine Sea until it exits the Philippine

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Philippines on Friday rejected China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, which were invalidated by a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the Philippine position was that its territorial dispute with China had been settled by the United Nations-backed PCA, which invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash-line claims over the South China Sea and upheld Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Citing the statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Daza

that the government has been doing early on to prevent production losses due to the dry spells that El Niño entails,” he said.

Early this week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the government would release an El Niño Mitigation Plan to enable the public to take part in national actions to cushion the effects of the weather phenomenon.

Weather experts expect an unusual warming of sea surface temperatures, which may lead to the strengthening of

PBBM thanks Koreans for aid, relief work

JAKARTA—Top diplomats from the United States, China, and Russia attended a security meeting on Friday with Southeast Asian foreign ministers, with the spotlight on the disputed South China Sea, the Ukraine war and North Korea's missiles. The 27-member ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) will provide an arena for big powers to lock heads over a range of issues, and the closed-door roundtable has previously been a fractious affair.

Host Indonesia warned that Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN cannot become a

Remulla: ICC decision won’t affect

By Rey E. Requejo

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) decision on whether to grant the Philippine appeal to discontinue its probe on President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs will not affect the country, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin

PH

Remulla said Friday.

“Well, they can decide in the Hague where the ICC is. But that does not affect us here. They cannot enforce anything that they want in our country because we are not members of the ICC,” Remulla said in a media briefing.

Group: 200k joining SONA PUV strike

ALIWAN PRACTICE. The Binabayani Festival

Contingent from Masinloc, Zambales rehearses on Friday for their grand showdown performance for the Aliwan Festival 2023 in Pasay City on Saturday, July 15. They will be part of a lively display of cultural and artistic performances from different regions of the Philippines. Norman Cruz

Signal No. 1 over 8 areas for ‘Dodong’

The DA said it encourages food producers to stock rainwater for future use, citing that the country sees an average rainfall volume of 2,348 millimeters.

DOJ seeks SC guidance on POGOs

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice will seek guidance from the Supreme Court in dealing with cases involving illegally operating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), particularly on matters involving the Rules of Court.

“We will also be writing to the Supreme Court for certain issues that will need their guidance and help so that the procedures necessary to carry out our mandate to stamp out illegal POGOs will be done properly,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said in a press briefing.

Manila...

From A1 said the findings of the PCA on the South China Sea “are no longer within reach of denial and rebuttal" and "are conclusive as they are indisputable.”

The PCA ruling rejected China's historical claim over the whole South China Sea, which was based on its expansive "nine-dash line," and consequently affirmed the Philippines' sovereignty over the WPS, a part of the South China Sea.

Daza also quoted Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro’s statement on the 7th anniversary of the award on July 12 that the ruling "is no longer contestable and is beyond compromise." It is also now part of international law, she said.

Lazaro also said Manila would use as a basis the arbitral award in continuing to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs issued the statement after China once again refused to accept the arbitral ruling and accused the United States of getting other countries to support it.

The international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute on Friday condemned what it described as China’s “blatant disregard of the ruling and persistent violation of international law.”

Remulla:...

From A1

Remulla issued the statement as the ICC Appeals Chamber is expected to issue next week its decision on the government’s plea against resuming the ICC prosecutor’s investigation on the killings linked to Duterte’s drug war.

The appeals chamber said its decision on the Philippine appeal will be delivered on July 18.

But Remulla said he did not see the ICC entering the country to do whatever it wanted.

“We’re just trying to work with them in the spirit of comity. But if things happen as they do, if they will be adverse against us, so be it. But we are not members of the ICC,” the Justice secretary said.

Stock...

From A1 the abnormal weather phenomenon in the coming months.

The likelihood of below-normal rainfall is anticipated, causing dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country.

However, the western part of the country may still get above-normal rainfall due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Council-Office of Civil Defense(NDRRMC-OCD) on Friday said it will convene the National El Niño Teamin Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on July 19 as it synchronizes the preparations for the looming drought and dry spell

“We are looking forward to the finalization of the National Action Plan for El Niño by this team as we continue to undertake various activities specific to our agency mandates." OCD Administrator and Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.

Various team clusters are expected to

Signal...

From A1

area of responsibility Saturday evening or Sunday early morning.

Tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 1 was raised over Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands; Apayao; Ilocos Norte; Abra; Ilocos Sur; Mountain Province; Kalinga, and the northern portion of Isabela. Strong breeze to near gale-strength

Group:...

From A1 grow, as we expect up to 300,000," he told ANC's "Headstart".

Manibela said it is protesting the lack of urgency from the government to address their concerns in the PUV modernization program.

Remulla stressed that the DOJ is expected to raise matters involving the Rules of Court. He did not elaborate on the details.

“There are many things in the Rules of Court that probably should be considered as important and should be more threshed out to be able to be more effective in a

“The institute denounces all attempts by antagonistic and coercive states to thwart efforts to uphold and reinforce the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that underscores the victory of the Philippines and the peaceful resolution of disputes. We condemn the blatant disregard of the ruling and persistent violation of international law, particularly in the form of gray zone operations, swarming of foreign vessels, and destroying maritime resources within the Philippine territory,” Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit said in a statement. Manhit issued the statement following China’s claim that the arbitral ruling is “illegal, null, and void.”

“Maintaining a united front against those who violate the ruling, the international community’s increasing presence in the Indo-Pacific illustrates that it will not sit idly while belligerent actors infringe on the sovereignty of an ally and partner,” he added.

The think tank official reiterated that the arbitral award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the West Philippine Sea is final and legally binding on the parties of the proceedings.

“With this landmark ruling, the Philippines stands on the right side of history,” he said.

“Rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the award demonstrates the rule of law as a great equalizer among states. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Duterte pulled the Philippines out of the Hague-based tribunal in 2019 after it began a preliminary probe into his drug war, followed by the launch of a formal inquiry later that year.

Duterte has continuously dismissed the probe.

Under the Duterte administration's much-condemned drug war, at least 6,200 suspects were killed in police operations, based on government records. But human rights groups say the actual death toll could be from 12,000 to 30,000.

On Thursday, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra—who was Justice secretary under Duterte--said the Philippines had a “fair chance” of getting a favorable ruling.

Despite this, he said that should the country lose, the ICC may indict “certain individuals” if there is sufficient evidence.

present short-, medium-, and long-term plans to address food security, water security, energy security, health, and public safety issues due to the El Niño effects.

The state weather bureau is expected to provide an updated forecast of the climate phenomenon as well as the status of the various dams in the country.

On July 4, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon in the Tropical Pacific. Its effects, the state weather bureau said, are now expected in the Philippines.

The El Niño phenomenon is characterized by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperature in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and below normal rainfall.

Due to the El Niño, PAGASA said that as of June 30, dry spells were already experienced in Apayao, Cagayan, and Kalinga based on the provinces’ three-month actual rainfall.

A dry spell is three consecutive months of 21 percent to 60 percent reduction in

winds are likely in these areas. State weather bureau PAGASA said “Dodong” may reach tropical storm category today while over the West Philippine Sea.

The center of the tropical depression was estimated based over the coastal waters of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Meanwhile, The Department of Agriculture said it is ready to provide assistance to areas that may be affected by the tropical depression.

Valbuena said the government ignored their group after several attempts of requesting to discuss the controversial Omnibus Franchising guidelines.

He alleged that the Department of Transportation is prioritizing large companies and local government units to rationalize routes. The group also warned that monopoly of routes could lead to tripling of

world which is now more porous than ever,” he said.

Earlier, Remulla had expressed his dismay in cases brought to the DOJ by law enforcement agencies on alleged illegal operation of POGOs involving human trafficking.

“We are being held back in the cases because, like in all POGO cases, many don't want to testify,” he said.

“The transient nature of foreigners working in the country under temporary permits will need special rules so that the testimonies can be perpetuated so that we will be able to enforce the law properly,” the DOJ chief added. Remulla also reiterated the need for

improved coordination among government agencies against illegal POGOs.

“We will thresh out these issues so that we will not be pointing at each other, we will be working as a team for the government,” he said.

“All of the government agencies are being told to toe the line so that we work together to further the drive against illegal POGOs,” he added.

Last June 27, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNPACG) conducted a raid on a POGO facility in Las Pinas City that led to the rescue of around 2,700 persons including Filipinos and foreigners who were alleged human trafficking victims.

PBBM thanks Koreans for aid, relief as he inaugurates P1.1b Samar road

By Charles Dantes

P RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the South Korean government for the aid and relief efforts it extended during calamities, calling it “a very good friend to the Philippines.”

"Not only did they come to help us to bring the relief goods, they helped us very much in the water supply, and they brought their own vehicles and they assigned many of their soldiers to come and be of an assistance, and there were also engineers," the President said during the inauguration of the P1.126-billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project that was constructed with the help of the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

Mr. Marcos recalled that South Korea was among the first countries to send a "sizable contingent" to the Philippines when Typhoon Yolanda struck in 2013.

“Indeed you have helped us lay the groundwork for a more progressive and prosperous Philippines," he said.

South Korea is the Philippines' fourth

US,...

From A1

proxy, as US-China tensions flare over self-ruled Taiwan, Beijing's close ties with Moscow, and a tug-of-war for influence in the South Pacific.

China on Wednesday had accused the United States of masterminding efforts to rally countries against Beijing and instead support the 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated its expansive claims to the South China Sea and upheld Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

On the 7th anniversary of Manila's win in its arbitration case against China, Beijing on Wednesday night said the US has been pushing more countries each year to commemorate the ruling (see related story on A1-- Editors). US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, China's top diplomat Wang Yi and

the average rainfall or two consecutive months of over 60 percent reduction.

PAGASA said dry conditions were also experienced in Isabela and Tarlac provinces.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the Angat Dam in Bulacan needs at least four to five tropical cyclones to enable its water elevation to go back to normal.

Richard Orendain of PAGASA’s Hydrometeorology Division said with one tropical cyclone, the dam’s water elevation could only go up to its minimum operating level of 180 meters.

Angat Dam’s normal high water level is 210 meters.

About 65 millimeters of rain poured over the Angat watershed last Thursday.

On Friday morning, the Angat water level increased to 179.09 meters, still below the minimum operating level of 180 meters.

Orendain said there is a lag time of 18 to 24 hours for the rains dumped upstream to reach the reservoir.

He added that another storm after tropical depression Dodong could also increase Angat's water level.

“The following assistance will be provided to the affected farmers and fishers: rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas,” the agency said in a statement.

“Based on the combined data of Regions I, II, III and CAR (Cordillera Ad-

minimum fare as the competition is eliminated.

Transport groups planned a weeklong strike earlier this year but it was cut short after a meeting with government officials.

On Thursday, the DOTr refuted Manibela's claims that the agency failed to address the various concerns of PUV drivers and operators.

largest trading partner, with total trade between the two countries reaching $15.44 billion in 2022.

The SPCR is an 11.6-km road with three bridges beginning at the Simora Junction in Laoang to Barangay Mabaras in Palapag.

The project is seen as a vital part of the establishment of the Samar Island Circumferential Road which is poised to bring in the much-needed development in the communities.

The President said the development of the road in Northern Samar would signal the future development of agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds in the province.

“With the opening of this road and its bridges, the development of Northern Samar’s rich agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds will follow suit. It will also expedite the delivery and movement of our basic goods and services, which will hopefully boost our people’s quality of life,” Mr. Marcos said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will attend the ARF, a body set up to discuss security issues that also includes Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

"The Indo-Pacific must not be another battleground," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told ministers as she opened an earlier 18-nation East Asia Summit.

"Our region must remain stable, and we intend to keep it that way."

Experts said the South China Sea will be a priority because China claims almost the entirety of the strategic waterway and several ASEAN members complain about Beijing infringing on their own overlapping territorial claims there.

"South China Sea is probably going to be one of the issues discussed during the ASEAN-plus-three meeting in light of recent tensions in the area," said Aleksius Jemadu, professor at Pelita Harapan University in the capital Jakarta. AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Roy Badilla, Hydrometeorology Division chief, said the rains due to the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” were not sufficient to significantly raise Angat Dam's water elevation.

The dam supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water.

Also on Friday, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda called on Metro Manila residents to take advantage of the heavy downpour during the afternoon and evening.

"We can innovate many ways to collect rainwater and use that for watering our plants or flushing down our toilets,” she said. "We conserve water consumption as levels in Angat Dam have continued to fall beyond its minimum operating level.”

As a result of the declining levels, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. had announced that a nine-hour water service interruption would affect about 600,000 of its customers.

Maynilad operates in 17 cities and municipalities scattered across the west zone of the Greater Manila Area, servicing at least 9.5 million consumers.

ministrative Region), the area of standing crops that may be affected by Tropical Depression "Dodong" totals 421,153 hectares (78.8 percent of the national standing crops) for rice and 302,690 hectares (71.09 percent of the national standing crops) for corn,” it added. Power system operator and transmission service provider NGCP likewise implemented necessary preparations and precautions to minimize the impact of "Dodong" on transmission operations and facilities.

"DOTr, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) have been in the past many weeks engaged in consultations with our PUV drivers and operators regarding their concerns such as the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP)," the agency said.

Collect P92.49b from employers, COA tells SSS

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Audit has warned

the Social Security System that its reserves could be negatively affected by its non-collection of P92.492 billion from delinquent employers in 2022.

In an audit report, COA said that out of the total amount, P83.826 billion or 90.63 percent went uncollected for over five years.

The total amount of non-remitted premium contributions were from 466,881 employers, including penalties and damages.

In other COA reports:

• State auditors flagged the National Housing Authority (NHA) over delays in the completion of projects with a total cost of over ₱7.7 billion in 2022.

• COA has flagged the Department of Tourism (DOT) over P6.1 million worth of "irregular, unnecessary and excessive" expenditures last year.

Under the Social Security Act of 2018, the SSS coverage of employees is not prejudiced by the failure or refusal of employers to pay or remit their contributions. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

President sees nothing wrong with ‘Barbie’

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday that he doesn't see any issue with the commercial release of the movie "Barbie" in the country.

The President's remarks came days after concerned citizens called on movie regulators to block "Barbie" for its alleged depiction of China's nine-dash line in one scene with star Margot Robbie.

Mr. Marcos called the movie's depiction a "work of fiction".

"What they are saying is that in the movie, a boundary line is created. What do you expect? It's a work of fiction," said the President.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board recently gave its permission for "Barbie" to be shown in the Philippines starting July 19 despite calls from politicians for a ban.

“Considering the context by which the cartoonish map of the character ‘Weird Barbie’ was portrayed in the film, the Review Committee is convinced that the contentious scene does not depict the ‘nine-dash line.’ Instead, the map portrayed the route of the make-believe journey of Barbie from Barbie Land to the ‘real world,’ as an integral part of the story,” MTRCB said in a statement.

IN BRIEF

Vega apologizes for 'Ama Namin'

PURA Luka Vega, the drag queen behind the viral “Ama Namin” video, on Friday apologized to those who felt uncomfortable with his performance, but added the issue will not be the end of their way of expressing art and practicing faith.

“I feel like they want me to apologize, but I apologize if it made them uncomfortable, but I really did that performance as a way for me to kind of heal the exclusion I have experienced as a Catholic, as a queer person being somewhat being made to feel that I don’t really belong,” Vega told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

Big oil price hikes next week—DOE

THE pump prices of petroleum products will get a big bump up in the coming week, local oil industry sources said Friday.

Citing trading from July 10 to 13, an oil industry source told Manila Standard that the price per liter of diesel may go up by P1.80 to P2.00. Gasoline prices, meanwhile, may be adjusted upwards by P1.50 to P1.70 per liter.

Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau Assistant Director Rodela Romero said: “For the four-day trading, we are expecting an increase in prices of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel and kerosene.”

The price hike could be as much as over P1 per liter across all three fuel products, Romero said.“The increase is attributed to the planned supply cuts by the world's biggest oil exporters and hopes for higher demand in the developing world offset wider economic concerns globally,” she said.

IN BRIEF

Solon cites DMW move to modernize operations

OFW Rep. Marissa Magsino on Friday hailed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for its efforts to modernize with the forthcoming launch of a digital app containing the OFW Pass, the digital alternative to the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

Magsino said the OFW Pass will streamline the application process for the OECs of Filipino workers abroad.

The DMW is working on the final stages of its modernization program with the imminent launch of a digital app, which is envisioned as the digital alternative to the OEC.

Magsino recalled that during her dialogue with OFWs in Indonesia last October, “the OFWs raised their complaints against the OEC application process: the long and tedious process occasioned by back-and-forth dealings with concerned agencies; the accompanying exorbitant expenses for the prescribed requirements; the insufficiency of appointment schedules and personnel assigned to process the applications vis-à-vis the volume of applications; and misinterpretation and misapplication of regulations by some frontline government personnel who demand additional documents over and above what the rules only require.” Maricel V. Cruz

HI-TECH COMMAND CENTER

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority inaugurates its P300-million, stateof-the-art command center in Pasig City with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and MMDA chairman Romando Artes in attendance. The facility is seen to boost the MMDA’s disaster response, public safety, and traffic management functions.

PAO sets in motion SC ruling on conflict of interest issue

‘Man

OFWH with best medical professionals’

CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund

Villafuerte on Friday urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to recruit the best medical professionals to practice at the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital (OFWH) in Pampanga.

Villafuerte said that medical specialists should be encouraged to hold clinics at the hospital that was established to serve migrant Filipino workers who have returned from abroad.

Villafuerte’s proposal is contained House Bill (HB) 8325, which the bigger chamber unanimously passed on third and final reading, tasks the Department of Health (DOH) to sign up medical specialists to treat OFWs and their families at the OFWH, which is the Level III hospital that lawmakers have proposed to be established in San Fernando, Pampanga, said Villafuerte, a co-author of this bill. Maricel V. Cruz

BI reminds plane pax to check in 3 hrs. early

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reminded departing international passengers to check-in at least three hours prior to their flight due to security protocols being implemented by the Immigration officers at the airports.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the reminder in response to a viral complaint of a male passenger who alleged that he missed his flight due to the conduct of secondary inspection.

‘Upon verification with systems, it was confirmed that he checked in only one hour and 27 minutes prior to the boarding of his flight. He was able to present himself for primary inspection only 12 minutes prior to boarding time,” Tansingco pointed out. Vito Barcelo

THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has issued an office order directing all of its lawyers to comply with section 22, Canon III of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) as mandated by the Supreme Court (SC) on the issue of conflict of interest.

Section 22 limits the invocation of “conflict of interest” to a PAO lawyer and his/her direct supervisor handling a case to allow other PAO lawyers to represent the opposing party, the SC clarified.

PAO earlier questioned this provision saying it would pit one PAO lawyer against another, but the SC issued a resolution denying PAO’s request to delete the provision.

The High Tribunal reminded the PAO

COPS BAG SUSPECTS IN JOURNO

SLAY BID

Quezon City policemen escort two suspects in the attempted murder of tabloid photojournalist Joshua last June 29 that left eight people wounded, mostly members of the Abiad family. Manny Palmero

that its primordial mandate is to provide legal assistance to the underprivileged, regardless of which side of the case the litigant is.

The SC also required PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta to explain why she shouldn’t be cited for contempt of court or subjected to disciplinary action over her comments on the issue.

In PAO Office Order No. 96, the agency directed its lawyers to follow section 22.

“In as much as the Supreme Court had already publicly issued a press statement/ release published in its official website on July 12, 2023: ‘SC Denies PAO Request to Delete Section 22, Canon III of the CPRA,’ we will hereby comply/adhere to the same,” the PAO order stated.

“We hereby give the discretion and disposition as a lawyer to the individual resident public attorneys assigned in specific courts to comply with the said rule in relation to Sections 13 and 18, Canon III thereof,” it added.

Section 13 of the CPRA requires consent of all parties after disclosure if a lawyer represents conflicting interests.

On the other hand, Section 18 obligates lawyers to secure written in-

Zubiri eyes P150 across-the-board wage hike for NCR workers

A BILL eyeing a P150 across-the-board daily minimum wage in the private sector will be among the Senate’s priorities in the second regular session, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Friday.

Zubiri was referring to his Senate Bill 2002 which aims to increase by P150 per day the current P570 daily wage of workers in Metro Manila and possibly

other places across the country.

Zubiri’s measure came after the Regional Wage Board approved a P40-wage hike for National Capital Region (NCR) workers. Concerned business leaders were also opposed to Zubiri’s proposal.

“Given the urgency of the situation, a legislated wage increase is called for to ease the effect of wage erosion brought

about by inflation... to cover food, water, fuel, electricity, clothing, transportation, rent, communications and other personal needs,” Zubiri explained. Congress is expected to pass the wage hike measure along with the 20 “priority measures” identified during the July 5 LEDAC meeting before lawmakers went on Christmas break in December,

Zubiri said.

The priority measures included the Center for Disease Control Bill, the Amendments to BOT/PPP Law, the Internet Transactions Act, the Mandatory ROTC bill, Revitalizing the Salt Industry, the Ease of Paying Taxes, the New Philippine Passport Act and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

formed consent of a former client if a prospective client has materially adverse interests in the same or related legal matter.

The same order however reminded PAO lawyers of Art. 209 of the Revised Penal Code which punishes betrayal of trust by an attorney or solicitor.

The provision imposes a penalty of between 6 months and 1 day to 2 years and 4 months and/or a fine of between P40,000 and P200,000 on a lawyer or his/ her representative for a “malicious breach of professional duty or of inexcusable negligence or ignorance” that prejudices the client, or for revealing a client’s secrets which a lawyer obtained in his/her professional capacity. Rio Araja

DOH asserts all COVID policies for public good

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reaffirmed that all policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were for the “good of the public.”

“The DOH… takes this opportunity to reaffirm that all regulations and policies implemented during the pandemic were enacted with the utmost consideration for the common good,” the DOH said in a statement.

The statement came after the Supreme Court (SC) tossed out multiple petitions against COVID-19 regulations formulated by the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and other national government agencies for violation of the hierarchy of courts.

Among these were IATF Resolution 148-B which orders establishments to require their eligible on-site employees to take RT-PCR tests every two weeks at their own expense.

The petitioners argued that the issuances violated their right to life and liberty without due process, constituted a breach of their right to travel, and infringed on the equal protection mandated by law.

Support P40 wage hike with lower prices—solon

By Maricel V. Cruz

RIZAL Rep. Fidel Nograles has expressed belief that the government should “aggressively move” to bring down the cost of basic goods to complement a wage hike.

“Our efforts to improve workers’ quality of life should not stop with a

wage hike. We also need to aggressively move to lessen the cost of commodities to increase workers’ purchasing power,” said Nograles, chairman of the Committee on Labor and Employment.

Nograles issued his observation after the regional wage board approved a P40-minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region, which takes effect on July 16.

This brings the daily minimum wage rate in Metro Manila to P610 from the existing P570.

There are also ten other wage hike petitions that are pending with various Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs), the Department of Labor and Employment announced in May.

Risa wants socialized housing alongside rail projects

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Friday underscored the importance of prioritizing socialized and affordable housing amid the expansion of the country’s railway system. Hontiveros urged that the Department of

Human Settlements and Urban Development’s (DHSUD) socialized and affordable housing programs be given priority over private property developers when allocating the lots surrounding train stations.

“We need to give space to DHSUD cheap housing for our people who cannot afford to pay the cost of high-rise condo-

miniums,” the opposition senator said. She said the problem on transportation do not only involve railways projects. “This is also an opportunity to build affordable housing and a bridge between farmers and market in the city,” said Hontiveros as she cited the importance of value chain.

SHABU HAUL Bureau of Customs agents at the Port of Clark in Pampanga under district collect Ricardo Uy Morales II confiscate two shipments of shabu worth P16.1 million being smuggled into the country from Torrance, California. BOC photo

PAGCOR aims stronger regulatory role

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) vowed to strengthen its regulatory controls to make the country a prime gaming destination and to continue to promote the privatization of Casino Filipino facilities.

“By focusing on its regulatory functions, PAGCOR will be able to avoid the complexities of running two different shows. It can also streamline its processes and create more revenues that will fund more high-impact government projects,” PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said.

Speaking at the G2E Asian IR Summit in Macau recently, Tengco also expressed optimism that with the gaming regulatory reforms which the agency is undertaking, the Philippine gaming industry will be more responsive to the needs of the changing times while addressing the social ills that come with

gaming operations.

In view of its dual role as operator and regulator, PAGCOR’s operations have been the subject of scrutiny by key decision-makers and major gaming industry players, Tengco said.

Since its assumption a year ago, the new PAGCOR Board of Directors has started strengthening the agency’s regulatory function and has promoted the privatization of PAGCOR-run Casino Filipino facilities. Such moves will allow the corporation to grow and compete in both

IN BRIEF

domestic and international markets through the infusion of new capital and advanced technologies which can facilitate expansions, upgrades, and innovations, Tengco further said.

The Philippine gaming industry started to bounce back as it gradually transitioned into the new normal. Following its mandate to regulate and uphold the integrity of gaming operations in the Philippines, PAGCOR generated P58.96 billion in 2022, an impressive 66.16% year-on-year increase from its P35.48 billion total income in 2021.

Customs agents intercept cargo from US laden with shabu

By Vito Barcelo

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) agents in Clark, Pampanga seized two shipments of shabu worth more than P16 million which came from California, USA.

BOC Port of Clark District Collector Ricardo Uy Morales II said the first shipment was declared as “Ash + Axel 2PK Cryo Therapy Set” while the other shipment was declared as “Gent Leather

Old navy ship runs aground in Bataan: PCG

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has responded to a maritime incident involving Motor Tanker (M/T) BRP Lake Caliraya that ran aground in the vicinity waters off Sitio Crossing, Barangay Poblacion, Morong, Bataan, early Friday.

According to the three crew members, the motor tanker and former Philippine Navy ship, which had no stored fuel onboard, ran aground while under tow en route to Subic, Zambales. BRP Lake Caliraya’s tow lines snapped due to strong waves, causing it to drift, the PCG said.

As of press time, the PCG Station Bataan is conducting a rescue operation for the three crew.

The PCG meanwhile said it is still determining if the incident will affect the upcoming Sinking Exercise (SINKEX) of the Philippine and US marines in the area.

Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said that the ship will be the target of the SINKEX.

Furthermore, the PCG Station in Bataan, in a recent update said it is now coordinating with the tugboat in charge for the immediate pull out of the decommissioned navy ship.

Shower Gel 33.8,” which was consigned to different receivers.

Both shipments were flagged after X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel saw suspicious images on the shipments. K9 dogs confirmed thepresence of dangerous drugs.

An examination conducted by customs examiners discovered two packs of Muscle Recovery Bath Soak containing white crystalline substances weighing 1,122

grams and 1,218 grams, respectively. Samples were then turned over to the PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis which yielded positive result for Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or commonly known as “shabu”, a dangerous drug under the Republic Act (RA) No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“We are grateful to our frontliners for their vigilance which resulted to a series of apprehensions here in Clark but we are

also bothered by the rampant smuggling of prohibited drugs. May these seizures be a warning to drug smugglers to stop what they are doing because we will not let these illegal drugs reach the public,” Morales said.

“The Bureau of Customs will never cease in implementing strict border protection measures as we remain firm in our anti-illegal drugs campaign,” he added.

Estrada files Senate bill against discrimination of IP SEN. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said indigenous people should not be discriminated against when it comes to employment opportunities.

Estrada, the chairperson of the Senate labor committee, also said belonging to an indigenous group should not be used as a basis for hiring a potential employee.

Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 1026 which makes it unlawful for companies to discriminate when hiring and firing of indigenous people.

“To exclude any person from any employment opportunities because of his religion or ethnic origin is unacceptable,” he said.

Aside from ensuring equal employment opportunities to members of indigenous cultural communities, Estrada said his proposed legislation also aims to address poverty and inequalities being experienced by indigenous groups.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) noted in a 2020 report that indigenous people are nearly three times as likely to be living in extreme poverty as their non-indigenous counterparts. Macon Ramos-Araneta

NHA eyes housing for quake victims in Cotabato

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) is aiming to build homes for earthquake victims in Cotabato.

NHA general manager Joeben Tai personally led the groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremonies at the agency’s project site for the earthquake victims in the town of Makilala. The project is under the NHA’s Housing Assistance Program for Calamity Victims designed to respond to the housing needs of families affected by calamities, such as quakes, floods, fires, landslides and typhoons.

A total of 1,329 families whose homes were destroyed by a series of 6.1 to 6.9-magnitude earthquakes in Cotabato in the last quarter of 2019 would benefit from the project.

The family-beneficiaries come from nine barangays of Makilala — Bato, Buenavida, Buhay, Cabilao, Indangan, Luayon, Malabuan, Malasila and Sto. Niño. Rio N. Araja

BI nabs Polish wanted for drug-related crimes

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested a Polish national wanted in his country for drug-related crimes.

BI-fugitive search unit (FSU) Chief Rendel Ryan Sy identified the arrested foreigner as Mateusz Lukasz Pluta, who was cornered at Purok Uno, Canasagan in San Juan, Siquijor.

Pluta was the subject of a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco after receiving information from the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime about his crimes.

He is reportedly wanted in Poland for counteracting drug addiction and offense against safety in traffic violation, in violation of the Polish penal code.

The Polish man will be temporarily held at the San Juan Police Station prior to his transfer to the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig. Vito Barcelo

Police arrest another suspect in journalist’s shooting in Quezon City

AUTHORITIES announced that another suspect in the June 29 attack against photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad and his family is in its custody.

In a presser, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III identified the suspect as Jomari Campillo alias “Mata,” who was

arrested upon his arrival from Pampanga at a bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday afternoon.

“Mata” allegedly acted as the driver of the pink motorcycle tailing the vehicle of the gunmen in the shooting incident.

The suspect yielded a handgun dur-

74-yr-old ‘Lola Ellen’ completes elem school

By Joel E. Zurbano

SEVENTY-ONE year old Ellen Rivera is proud to say she has completed her elementary school at the Maharlika Integrated School in Taguig City.

Rivera received her Primary School Leaving Certificate during the graduation ceremony on July 12 attended by Mayor Laarni Cayetano. Mayor Laarni Cayetano, who attended the graduation and completion rites, praised Lola Ellen and the other graduates for their grit and determination.

“Congratulations, Grandma Ellen. I’m proud of your determination. With the care of those who sheltered Lola Ellen, she was able to leave the poor status of life and continue her education,” said Cayetano. Cayetano said Rivera finished elementary school with her perseverance.

“She is proof that education knows no age. She also encourages fellow senior citizens who want to study again or finish any level of education and not ashamed to go back to school to study,” she said.

For her part, Lola Ellen thanked Mayor Cayetano for the free education program she had initiated in the city. She was also grateful for the free school supplies and other things the students needed for their education such as shoes, uniform, and socks, among others.

As a Transformative, Lively, and Caring City, the Taguig City government promised to continue to extend opportunities and help reach every “Taguigueño, regardless of their age, to achieve their dreams in life.”

Last year, three other senior citizens in Taguig also finished elementary and high school through the city government’s alternative education system.

ing the arrest. In a separate interview, the suspect also confirmed that he served as a spotter during the surveillance of the activities of the victim. He also said a certain “Juan”, “Nanad” and “Greg” are the brains behind the attack.

“It’s Juan who is really connected to the crime. Nanad is the mastermind while Greg is his right hand man. Juan only contacted us),” Campillo said, adding that he has received P15,000 for his work as the spotter.

Torre also said manhunt operations against “Nanad” are ongoing.

STILL MISSING. Members of the Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights troop outside the Court of Appeal building in Manila to express disappointment and frustration over the absences of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a scheduled hearing on Friday on the alleged abduction of Gene Roz Jamil “Bazoo” De Jesus and Dexter Capuyan. The group says the postponement of the hearing prolongs the suffering of the victims’ families and colleagues. Danny Pata

RAINWATER. Miguel Cayobit, a utility personnel of Rafael Palma Elementary School in Manila can be seen inspecting rain catcher containers in the school. The rainwater that is collected helps the school irrigate ornamental plants and crops during El Niño. Norman Cruz

SM’S BADMINTON COURTS. Players try the badminton courts in SM Cherry Antipolo. This newest addition to SM Cherry Antipolo’s attractions aims to encourage sports enthusiasts of all ages to engage in the sport. Manny Palmero

Proposal to expand NATO to include Asia

and Pacific countries

THE US proposal to expand the membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to include countries in Asia and the Pacific has been interpreted by sensible political analysts as more of desperation of the US to corral than to entice its allies in its unpopular bid to contain China.

There is a big flaw why NATO should not be allowed to expand and operate an alliance when by its nature, such a geo-political grouping should operate in different political spheres, and each seeking to achieve different interests and objectives, which, as one would put it, anachronistic to the purpose of NATO.

NATO is a specific alliance to the region in the North Atlantic.

To recruit countries outside of the area already constitutes a violation of the treaty.

The US itself keeps on repeating this principle that an attack on a memberstate will invite immediate and prompt retaliatory action from the members.

The preposterous thing about this policy is the repeated use of the so-called “rulebased” policy as if to remind countries not to mess with NATO; that should a non-member country violate the territorial integrity of a member-state, it could result in a retaliatory and punitive action by NATO under Article V of the alliance, meaning that an attack to a member will be construed as an attack against all of the members.

If one has to ask, what rule-based principle must they observe?

Has it been declared by an international organization like the UN?

Even before an announcement was made by NATO secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, that NATO plans to put up an extension branch in Asia to accept members in the region, that already constitutes a violation of the concept of the geo-political alliance which accepts member- countries located in the North Atlantic.

The term North Atlantic is specific and can never be interpreted otherwise.

The acceptance of Japan as member of NATO is a glaring example of US bullying; that Japan could either not refuse the US invitation or use it as bargaining leverage to intimidate China on its dispute over Diaoyu or Senkaku islands and with Russia over its claim on the Kuril Islands.

The US wants to take advantage of the fact that Japan was a defeated country and now wants to pressure Japan against its objective of wanting to isolate China and Russia.

Both the US and Japan are using their interests to advance their position in the region.

With Japan as a de facto member of NATO’s Asia branch, it will surely help in advancing US interest in Asia.

The approach made by the US to entice countries in Asia to join NATO amounts to gradual mental conditioning; that keeping such breach in the geo-political alliance dormant and uncontested would appear like seeming tolerance by Asian countries to allow Japan to operate as NATO member and acting as caretaker of the region, but in truth is interceding on behalf of US and European interests.

The existence and membership of Japan as member of NATO if not questioned for a time could result in acquiescence of it as illegal regional grouping.

The US and other NATO members would be defending it like an original member.

Some could even interpret that this socalled Asian version of NATO as illegal

Metro logjam EDITORIAL

way out of the traffic mess.

and cannot co-exist with the original NATO.

In fact, the meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania already raised the alarm bell on the determination of NATO’s expansion to Asia.

Aside from Japan, NATO already invited South Korea, New Zealand and Australia.

The only problem to the invitation to join NATO is it has not formally announced the name of the alliance, for possibly, such could trigger an uproar and protest for the existence of an Asian edition of NATO.

It is this possible backlash that most strategic policy planners are compelled to act with great hesitation and caution.

ASUDDEN downpour

– and Metro Manila is mired in hours of gridlock.

Such is the state of traffic on the roads of the urban capital region during the rainy season. There seems be no immediate solution to the logjam facing commuters of the 17 cities and towns that comprise Metro Manila.

Toll roads and railways are designed to speed up the movement of vehicles and people—but they are not enough to catch up with the travel demand of the ever-increasing population.

The monstrous traffic jams we saw in the past two days as a result of thunderstorms will certainly not be the last, even without the heavy rains.

The congestion will get worse as more Filipinos from the provinces migrate to Metro Manila for jobs, and as vehicle sales continue to increase.

policymakers, thus, are not serious in decongesting Metro Manila, Filipino commuters for the meantime should bear the unpleasant ride

period in 2022. Metro Manila’s roads are expected to be swamped with more vehicles, assuming half of the yearly sales are accounted by buyers living or working in the metropolis.

Policymakers should work out incentives to lure business establishments, including mega malls, away from the capital region.

They should deter proposals that would only exacerbate the current traffic situation.

One case is the offer from the private sector to modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, or NAIA.

An upgraded and bigger NAIA that can accommodate more air travelers will aggravate Metro Manila’s gridlock, unless the project incorporates a railway component.

Modern urban centers in the world build and design their airports with a rail link to improve the accessibility of passengers to downtown areas or, in some cases, suburbs or distant cities.

The railway connection provides air passengers an option to avoid chaotic road traffic conditions in getting to their next immediate destination.

Allowing NATO to open a branch office in Asia is like opening another front similar to what NATO and the European Union did to wage a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. A war similar to what is happening now in Ukraine becomes a likely possibility.

For one, there is no more road space to accommodate additional vehicles in the capital region.

Total car sales sales in the Philippines grew 30.7 percent in the first half of 2023 to 202,415 units from 154,874 in the same

NATO is a specific alliance to the region in the North Atlantic

By then, the US has already managed to get lackeys willing to spend and die for its cause in the Taiwan Strait.

Most disturbing is that some countries located outside of Asia are acting as though they are members of the alliance which in fact do not exist and are allowed to exercise as members to openly violate China’s territorial waters like crossing the Straits of Taiwan in the guise of freedom of navigation.

We would like to cite participation of UK, Australia, Canada and India.

Most of these countries have only collateral alliance with countries in Asia, meaning their alliance is merely collaterally attached with the US or UK which in turn exercises hegemony for them to exercise their right.

In other words, none of them should be allowed to operate using NATO as their passport to secure their own security.

As far as the geo-strategic jurisdiction consideration is concerned, NATO should not be allowed to operate in Asia.

Moreover, the term “Indo-Pacific” denotes another sphere of geo-political jurisdiction and just a concoction of the US to expand its sphere of influence to legitimize the inclusion of India and the Pacific Ocean.

The idea of floating NATO in Asia is most unpopular and unwelcome.

Right now, only Japan and South Korea are the two Asian countries willing to broker the US-agitated proxy war against China.

Both countries are noticeably indebted to the US with Japan being occupied during WWII and South Korea during Korea War in 1950s.

This, aside from a number of US military bases embedded in their respective countries. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

Authorities blame several flash floods for the heavy traffic on Wednesday that prompted one toll road operator to apologize to the public. A poor drainage system leads to flash floods that slow down road traffic, although it is only one of the causes of the gridlock that has become a standard fare in a fastdeveloping economy like ours. Decongesting Metro Manila is the only

American and European airports complement their airports with metros, or subways. If policymakers, thus, are not serious in decongesting Metro Manila, Filipino commuters for the meantime should bear the unpleasant ride.

Ipon, a table treat among Ilokanos

THIS time of year, fishermen in the Ilocos Region and the coastal areas of Cagayan facing the Babuyan Channel start counting the nights while fixing their boats – trying to figure out when the full moon will be.

In August, that means nine days after August 1, the so-called fishy one indeed – the full ‘Sturgeon Moon,’ named for abundant fishing, particularly of lake sturgeon in late summer.

There will be another full moon, on August 31, called the blue moon, so-called to describe the way the moon actually looks when, for different reasons, it had turned a blueish color.

Nine days after the full moon, ipon or goby fries, a delicacy in the region, appear and are captured in the millions from the mouth of the river by fish traps or fish pots called “bubo” in the Ilokano language.

Ipon is an Ilokano name for the fry of various species of gobies that spawn in the sea but spend most of their lives in the nearby fresh water streams of the interior.

Gobies are small fishes, carnivorous bottomdwellers living along the shores, lakes, rivers, and fresh-water swamps. They are practically abundant nine days after the full moon during the months of August, September, October, November, December, January and February, according to old hands –although as early as July some already watch their fortunes in the sky and the shorelines.

Called by its scientific name sycyopterus lachrymosus, this small fish that measures about 1 inch in length and ¼ inch in diameter is only endemic to the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan Valley.

No wonder, in Pias-Gaang in Currimao, Ilocos Norte or the nearby Sadiay Baybay Beach in Badoc, Ilocos Norte as well as the coastal towns of Ilocos Sur, fishermen and hawkers, with coronavirus 2019 already off their bulletin boards, as well as buyers of the goby fries would gather early on the shoreline.

Same scenes in Laoag City, and the northern coastal towns of Bacarra, Pasuquin, Bangui, Burgos and Pagupud and the shoreline communities of Cagayan, including Sanchez Mira and Aparri, where the Cagayan River empties into the Babuyan Channel, all the way east to Nangaramoan Beach in Santa Ana.

According to ichthyologists, who specialize in the branch of zoology devoted to the study of fish, including bony fish (Osteichthyes), cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), and jawless fish (Agnatha), the fish zygote is meroblastic, meaning the early cell divisions are not complete This type of meroblastic cleavage is called discoidal because only the blastodisc becomes the embryo.

Fish embryos go through a process called midblastula transition which is observed around the tenth cell division in some fish species. They are also called lunar fish because they only appear after counting nine days from full moon. The fishermen can catch this fish from three to five days once in a month, making one harvest in the morning and another in the afternoon.

There are at least two fish tales – enjoyed retelling by old fishermen – that a huge egg hatches in the middle of the water.

They are also called lunar fish because they only appear after counting nine days from full moon

Another is that it comes from the sea water to migrate into the river water and later on when it grows bigger it becomes the bukto, or bunog (goby fish) – popular among dwellers of the coastal communities of the rugged Ilocos coastline that stretches from Ilocos Norte down to the towns in Pangasinan just beyond the border of La Union facing the Lingayen Gulf.

This perhaps partly explains why the ipon are abundant in communities near river banks: Santa in Ilocos Sur has the 206-km long Abra River that empties into Luzon Bay, the 73-km Padsan or Laoag River in Ilocos Norte which empties too in the Luzon Bay, the 505-km Cagayan River that empties into the Babuyan Channel, and the 96-km long Amburayan River that originates from the Cordillera mountains and traverses the provinces of Benguet, La Union, and Ilocos Sur and empties into Luzon Bay.

Of course, there is the Currimao River near the town of Pinili, where warriors walked during the Philippine-American War at the turn of the 20th century and the Japanese Occupation in the 1940s, and a stream that meanders through from Lang-

ayan in the east to Anggapang westward to PiasGaang. With the eased lockdown restrictions, few fishermen, eager to replenish their fishing baskets and nets with this autochthonous delicacy, have been reported spotted on some stretches of the shoreline that stretches from the Salugan side in Currimao to Sadiay Baybay due south in Badoc, Ilocos Norte due west of Pinili.

The day’s catch may not be as voluminous as those caught in Santa, well known for this fish species, or those caught in the shoreline barangay of La Paz in Laoag, or in Aparri for this species they call there ludong.

Sometimes, non-Ilokanos, as those from the national capital, mistake ipon for their hipon or shrimp, the decapod crustaceans with elongated bodies and a primarily swimming mode of locomotion – most commonly Caridea and Dendrobranchiata, or the mobile savvy as the iPhone.

In Laoag previously, a kilo of ipon would have a price range of P300 to P400.

In Currimao, the price range is not far off the La Paz tag, but Ilokanos, who cook this or just squeeze some lemon or the indigenous dalayap or lime, would have their appetite satisfied despite the seemingly extortionate price.

At times, they just have them steamed, eaten raw or the so-called kilawen with limitless sprinkling of onions, vinegar, and ginger, or do the Mexican cuisine torta with scrambled egg, paksiw with vinegar or the sukang (accent second syllable) Iloko, sinigang (ipon soup with tomatoes and ginger), adobo, or grilled ipon wrapped in banana leaf.

In Ilocos Sur, villagers cook it as tinubong –after sometime, they turn this into boggoong nga ipon (ipon fish paste). The deep-rooted Ilokanos never call their fish paste as bagoong, imitating those in the metropolis and surrounding provinces.

There have been some who raise the red sign on eating raw ipon because, their thesis, eaters can catch the Paracapillaria philippinensis, which causes human intestinal capillarisis.

Unlike C. hepatica, humans are most likely the main definitive host, with transmission occurring primarily through eating undercooked fish.

But there is an oft-repeated narrative that Nana Apit and Nana Bikang swear none of their customers these many decades have gone to their final resting places because they relished at one point eating raw ipon.

As the Ilokanos say, with a satisfied look in their profile, “Naimas ti ipon lokdit,” loosely translated as “Ipon is truly a delicacy,” with the added expression popular in many areas of the Ilocos and Cagayan.

‘Russian roulette’: Last residents brave shelling in east Ukraine

AVDIIVKA, Ukraine—Viktor Grozdov was in a hole.

Wearing a cap and thick glasses, the Ukrainian pensioner was lying at the bottom of a shell crater, trying to pick himself up and gather the food that had spilled out of his shopping bags.

In the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, battered by shelling since 2014, Grozdov had strayed into the crater while returning from a grocery store in April this year.

An AFP team pulled him out, found his shopping and saw him on his way back home.

This week journalists tracked him down again, with help from local officials, since the town has almost no communications.

“I was walking along the avenue and thought I’d quickly walk round the hole where the shell fell—or a bomb, I don’t know,” recalled Grozdov, sitting in his flat near the town’s former cinema.

“I stumbled as I stepped and fell in. I tried to get out but the earth was loose and slipping under me, I couldn’t get out at all.”

Despite having no intact buildings, mains water or electricity, Avdiivka still has 1,719

inhabitants, according to Vitaliy Barabash, the head of the town’s military administration.

“Around 60 percent are people aged 65 and over,” he told AFP.

A suburb of the city of Donetsk built around a huge coke fuel plant, Avdiivka is eerie and very dangerous.

It gets shelled on average 30 times per day, the town’s chief said.

“In the last four months or so, there hasn’t been a day without aerial or rocket strikes.”

Grozdov uses a stick to walk outside and keeps to routes he knows well.

‘Won’t go anywhere’

Despite his poor vision adding a further obstacle, Grozdov, a wiry 77-year-old, is determined to stay where his wife and son are buried.

“Whatever happens, I won’t go anywhere now,” he said.

“My soul is at home, it’s not trying to leave.

I’m not anxious, I’ve become calm.”

In his flat, all the windows have glass blown out and there is a sheet hung across one. The wallpaper is peeling around formal family photographs.

The main respite for residents is a public shelter in a cellar where volunteers provide food and hot drinks, and they can use Wi-Fi, watch TV and charge devices

There is a radio set on his bed and bottles of sunflower oil and tinned food in the bath. Volunteers bring Grozdov water and supplies, and he can cook on a camping stove. When shelling starts, Grozdov said he hides in the bathroom and sometimes lies flat on the floor.

He appears to pay no attention to the sound of incoming tank rounds outside.

After his mother was killed when he was a baby, he grew up in a children’s home in Donetsk. He then worked at Avdiivka’s coke plant most of his life.

He hinted at a life of great difficulty -- his late son was a violent drug addict and hit him in the head, causing him to lose vision in one eye.

On the ground floor of his block of flats, a strike has left a shell stuck in the wall of the landing.

Grozdov’s neighbor, 63-year-old Vitaliy Zemin, sits in the cellar carving wooden animals—a hippo, a turtle, a monkey— wearing a head torch.

“It distracts you from the thoughts a person has all the time: about people, about Ukraine, about why there isn’t any peace,” he said.

‘Russian roulette’

The main respite for residents is a public shelter in a cellar where volunteers provide food and hot drinks, and they can use Wi-Fi, watch TV and charge devices.

Around 25 people sat there on Wednesday, mostly wearing headphones and engrossed in phones and tablets.

Pavel, 65, whose spectacles only have one arm, was watching war news on a tablet.

The retired factory worker said this was the only time he could relax.

“It’s safe in the cellar. There’s light, there’s internet. At home you wonder if a strike will hit you or not—it’s like Russian roulette.”

‘Such despair’

“Sometimes I feel such despair, I would go to the end of the world not to see these destroyed buildings,” he said, insisting he must guard his home from looters after his family left.

In a sad development for residents, the shelter’s water supply via a deep borehole —opened in March—has fouled up with sand and mud, meaning the washing machines and showers cannot be used.

“It’s impossible to clean up,” said Barabash, the head of the town’s administration.

“We’ll need a new one,” he said, promising this in the “near future.” AFP

If

Biden says Putin has ‘already lost’ war in Ukraine despite attacks

HELSINKI, Finland – US President Joe Biden has said Russia’s Vladimir Putin has already lost the war in Ukraine, expressing hope Kyiv’s counteroffensive would force Moscow to the negotiating table.

As Russia launched fresh strikes and a new bout of nuclear-saber rattling, Biden said there was no real prospect of Putin using nuclear weapons and insisted the war would not drag on for years.

Biden also used a visit to Finland, NATO’s newest member, to pledge that Ukraine would one day join the alliance, despite NATO leaders failing to give Kyiv a timeline at a key summit this week.

“Putin’s already lost the war. Putin has a real problem,” Biden told a press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. “There is no possibility of him winning the war in Ukraine.”

NATO leaders had dashed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky’s hopes for a clear timeline to join the military alliance, saying at this week’s summit in Vilnius that they would offer an invite only when “conditions are met.”

But while Biden said no country could become a NATO member while it was at war -- with Ukraine joining now meaning a “third world war” -- he vowed Kyiv would one day join the club.

“It’s not about whether or not they should or shouldn’t join. It’s about when they can join, and they will join

Wang to Blinken: ‘Work with China’ on improving ties

BEIJING—Beijing’s top diplomat

Wang Yi has urged Washington to “work with China” to improve ties during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Chinese foreign ministry said Friday.

The discussion on the sidelines of Southeast Asian talks in Jakarta on Thursday was the latest in a series of high-level interactions as the two sides try to ease trade and geopolitical tensions.

In their second meeting in less than a month, Blinken raised concerns about alleged Chinese cybersecurity threats after Microsoft said Chinese state-backed hackers had breached email accounts of US government agencies.

Washington “needs to take a rational and pragmatic approach, work with China in the same direction”, Wang told Blinken according to a statement on Friday by the foreign ministry in Beijing.

He urged the United States to stop “interfering” in China’s affairs.

“Wang outlined China’s stern position on the Taiwan question and urged the US to avoid wantonly interfering in China’s internal affairs,” the ministry said. He also urged the United States to “stop suppressing China in the economy, trade, science and technology, and lift illegal and unwarranted sanctions against China”.

Tensions between the United States and China have soared in recent years over a range of issues, including trade, US military support for Taiwan, Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and its cosy relationship with Russia. AFP

NATO,” Biden said.

Putin told journalists Thursday if Ukraine were to be admitted to NATO, it would “in general make the world much more vulnerable” and boost global tensions.

Moscow also launched another aerial assault on Ukraine, injuring four people, while Kyiv said it had destroyed 20 Russian attack drones and two cruise missiles.

Senior Ukrainian military officials meanwhile said they had received controversial cluster munitions promised by the United States. “We just got them, we haven’t used them yet, but they can radically change (the battlefield),” Ukrainian army commander Oleksandr Tarnavskyi told US broadcaster CNN.

In a sign of its anger at Western backing for Kyiv, Moscow said it would regard F-16 fighter jets sent to Ukraine as a “nuclear” threat because of their capacity to carry atomic bombs.

“Russia cannot ignore the ability of these aircraft to carry nuclear weapons. No amount of assurances will help here,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying by the Russian foreign ministry. AFP

INDONESIAN WARNING.

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (right) shakes hands with Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir during the courtesy calls of ministers at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministersí Meeting in Jakarta on Friday. Widodo later said ASEAN cannot become a proxy for other countries, as US-China tensions rise over issues in the Asia-Pacific. AFP

Singapore issues arrest notice vs. billionaire

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s powerful anti-graft body issued an arrest notice for one of the city-state’s richest people, his company said Friday, widening a probe into rare high-level corruption.

Hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng was given “a notice of arrest and has posted bail,” Hotel Properties Limited said in a filing with the Singapore Exchange.

The billionaire was asked by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) “to provide information in relation to his interactions” with Transport Minister S. Iswaran, the company said.

Iswaran was ordered to go on leave earlier in the week by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after the CBIB said the minister was “currently assisting”

an ongoing investigation.

Lee said the anti-graft body had sought his approval for a formal investigation that would involve interviewing Iswaran, among other people.

The CPIB said it could not disclose details as the investigation was still underway.

Hotel Properties Limited, of which Ong is the managing director, said in its filing that the tycoon had posted bail of Sg$100,000($76,000).

The company owns the Four Seasons and Hilton hotels and also has properties in Australia, Canada, Britain and the United States, according to local media.

Ong, a Malaysian who is a Singapore permanent resident, is credited with helping bring the Formula One Grand Prix to Singapore in 2008.

His private company Singapore GP and the Singapore Tourism Board last year renewed the contract to host the F1 race until 2028.

“Mr Ong is cooperating fully with CPIB and has provided the information requested,” the company said.

It added that no charges have been filed against Ong, who was listed by Forbes along with his wife as the 24th richest people in Singapore last year. Ong, in his late 70s, was allowed to travel overseas from Friday and will surrender his passport to the anti-graft body upon his return, the company said.

Corruption probes involving cabinet ministers are rare in Singapore, which has ranked consistently in international surveys as among the least corrupt countries in the world. AFP

Thai parliament to hold another PM vote after reformist candidate foiled in his bid

BANGKOK—Thailand’s parliament confirmed Friday it would vote again on a new prime minister on July 19, after pro-royalist lawmakers foiled liberal frontrunner Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid for the top job.

Pita’s Move Forward Party (MFP) won the most seats in May elections, buoyed by young Thais eager for progressive reforms after nine years of army-backed rule.

But the Harvard-educated millionaire’s campaign to lead the next government was knocked back Thursday by the legislature’s military-appointed senators, who consider his pledge to reform the kingdom’s strict royal defamation laws a red line.

And the vote came just a day after the kingdom’s top election body recommended the Constitutional Court sus-

pend Pita as an MP -- providing more fuel for senators already poised to vote against him.

Thailand’s parliament will hold its second ballot to elect a new prime minister on July 19, deputy house speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan told AFP on Friday.

“The schedule is the same,” Pichet said, confirming local media reports on when the vote would be held.

Pichet, also a lawmaker for the MFP’s coalition partner Pheu Thai, said it remained unclear whether Pita would be renominated or whether he would face any additional candidates in the next ballot.

“We still have to talk about it first,” he said. “For now, it’s gathering opinions and feedback from the people.” AFP

said in a statement.

SYDNEY—Solomon Islands said Friday its policing pact with China posed no “threat” to the Pacific, rebuking Western powers who raised fears the deal could inflame regional tensions.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inked a raft of deals during a trip to China this week, including an agreement allowing Beijing to extend its police presence in the developing Pacific nation until 2025.

The United States, Australia and New Zealand have expressed unease about the policing “implementation plan”, urging Beijing to soothe concerns by releasing more details.

In response, the Solomon Islands

France awards video journalist

Soldin its highest order of merit

PARIS—France posthumously awarded Agence France-Pressed video journalist Arman Soldin, killed while working in Ukraine, the Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honor) on Thursday.

Soldin, AFP’s video coordinator in Ukraine, was killed in a rocket attack in eastern Ukraine on May 9, more than a year after the Russian invasion began. He was 32 years old. His death sparked an outpouring of sympathy and tributes from across the world.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron hailed Soldin’s “bravery” in a letter sent to AFP in May.

“Through his strength of character, his

Solomon Islands says Beijing police pact not a ‘threat’ Mercenaries not participating in Kyiv—Pentagon

journey and his drive, Arman Soldin embodied your editorial staff’s passion -- a passion to convey the truth, tell stories and gather testimonies. It was a passion for a cause: the duty to inform,” he said.

Soldin was given the chevalier de la Légion d’honneur with effect from June 28, 2023 by a presidential decree issued on Thursday.

Born in Sarajevo, Soldin was a French national who said he was drawn to telling stories of people displaced by fighting, stemming from his family’s experience fleeing conflict.

As an infant, he fled fighting in Bosnia with his family, taking a humanitarian flight to France on April 25, 1992. AFP

government declared that critics should “respect our sovereignty and right to make our own decisions”.

A spokesman for Sogavare said the pact would plug security gaps exposed by violent anti-government riots in November 2021, which destroyed large sections of the Chinatown district in the capital Honiara. It would cover areas such as drone training, cybersecurity and the provision of vehicles and equipment, the spokesman added, saying the government failed to see how this was a “threat to the Pacific region”.

“We have suffered enough because of these security gaps,” the spokesman

TOP HONOR.

Agence FrancePresse video journalist Arman Soldin smiles to photographer as a cat stands on his shoulders during an assignment for AFP in Ukraine on November 11, 2022. France has posthumously awarded him, after he was killed while working in Ukraine, the Legion d’Honneur. AFP

The 2021 riots were partly fuelled by anger over China’s growing sway in the Solomons, which in 2019 severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she had raised her “clear views on security in the Pacific” with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, whom she met on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit overnight.

A spokesman for the US Embassy in neighbouring Papua New Guinea said there were concerns about the expansion of China’s “internal security and surveillance apparatus beyond its own borders.” AFP

WASHINGTON, DC—Wagner mercenaries are no longer participating in “any significant capacity” in combat operations in Ukraine, the Pentagon said Thursday, more than two weeks after the group’s aborted mutiny in Russia.

“At this stage, we do not see Wagner forces participating in any significant capacity in support of combat operations in Ukraine,” Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder told a news briefing.

The armed group, which played a key role in the Ukraine offensive, sought to topple Russia’s military leadership during the brief rebellion, before backing down.

The whereabouts of its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin are largely unknown in the wake of an agreement with the Kremlin that allowed for him to be exiled to neighboring Belarus.

Ryder said the the United States assessed that “the majority” of Wagner fighters were still in areas of Russianoccupied Ukraine.

Russian army chief of staff Valery Gerasimov Gerasimov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had for months been the targets of fierce criticism from Prigozhin, leading up to the attempted rebellion. AFP

STRATEGIC BOMBER. This handout photo taken on July 13, 2023 and provided by the South Korean Defense Ministry shows a US Air Force B-52H strategic bomber (middle right) flying with South Korean Air Force F-15K (left) and US Air Force F-16 fighter jets during a joint air drill in South Korea. Handout/South Korean Defense Ministry. AFP

Market rises on hope rate hikes will end

Russia›s invasion of Ukraine.

TOP GAINERS

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL shares kept their upward momentum, sending the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index above the 6,600 level as concerns about inflation and interest rates abate.

The 30-company gauge rose 46.30 points, or 0.70 percent, to close at 6,624.70, while the broader all-shares index advanced 18.75 points, or 0.54

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

percent, to 3,515.81.

Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said investors were bullish on the outcome of the US price index.

Ravelas said the PSE index would likely test the 6,650 to 6,700 levels in the near term.

Asian traders on Friday welcomed more data showing falling US inflation, giving the Federal Reserve room to bring the curtain down on more than a year of interest rate hikes.

Global markets have been bubbling this week on hopes for an end to monetary tightening aimed at taming inflation, which was fueled by post-Covid reopening, supply chain snarls and

That has come just as China pledges to introduce measures to kick start its stuttering economy and bring an end to a painful crackdown on the huge tech sector.

Wall Street cheered news Thursday that wholesale prices rose less than expected in June. That followed Wednesday›s report showing the consumer price index below forecasts.

While the CPI remains above the Fed›s target, analysts said there is growing confidence that officials were winning their battle and the economy could avoid a feared recession.

US traders pushed the S&P 500 up almost one percent to its highest finish

Singapore avoids recession on surprise second-quarter growth

SINGAPORE—Singapore›s economy grew more than expected in the second quarter, data showed Friday, helping it avoid a recession, but analysts warned the trade-dependent city faced headwinds owing to weak overseas demand.

The Southeast Asian nation’s performance is often seen as a barometer of the global environment because of its reliance on international trade.

Official data showed the economy expanded 0.3 percent quarter-on-quarter in April-June, having shrunk 0.4 percent in the previous three months. It had been tipped to contract 0.2 percent in a Bloomberg survey. That meant it dodged falling into a technical recession, defined as two

successive quarters of contraction. On a year-on-year basis the economy grew 0.7 percent, according to trade ministry estimates, after 0.4 percent expansion in January-March.

The surprise reading came even as manufacturing, a pillar of the economy that covers key semiconductor exports, dropped 7.5 percent on-year, worsening from the 5.3 percent decline in the first quarter.

“The economy avoided a technical recession in the second quarter but we continue to expect growth to come in well below consensus this year as elevated interest rates and weaker external demand weigh heavily on economic output,” research house Capital Economics said in an analysis.

It noted, however, that the advance

estimate is based on the data from the first two months of the quarter “and is often subject to large revisions.”

Selena Ling, chief economist at Singapore›s OCBC Bank, said “the anticipated recovery in the global electronics industry, especially for semiconductors, appears to be delayed towards the fourth quarter... or even early 2024.”

Because of this, Singapore›s domestic manufacturing slump may persist into the third quarter at least, she said in a note.

The trade ministry said in May that it expects the economy to grow between 0.5 and 2.5 percent this year but warned that downside risks for the world economy have risen. AFP

UN calls for debt pause as 165m people fell into poverty in 3 years of crisis

UNITED NATIONS, United States—The COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Ukraine have pushed 165 million people into poverty since 2020, the United Nations said Thursday, calling for a pause in debt repayments for developing countries.

Because of these shocks, 75 million people will have fallen into extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $2.15 a day, between 2020 and the end of 2023—and 90 million more will fall below the poverty line of $3.65 a day, according to a study published by the United Nations Development Program.

“The poorest suffer the most and their incomes in 2023 are projected to remain below pre-pandemic levels,” the report said.

“Countries that could invest in safety nets over the last three years have prevented a significant number of people from falling into poverty,” UNDP chief Achim Steiner said in a statement.

“In highly indebted countries, there is a correlation between high levels of debt, insufficient social spending, and an alarming increase in poverty rates.”

The report called for a “debtpoverty pause” in economically struggling countries “to redirect debt repayment towards financing social expenditures and countering the effects of macroeconomic shocks.”

“The solution is not out of reach for the multilateral system,” the report said.

12, 2023. AFP

According to another UN report published on Wednesday, some 3.3 billion people, nearly half of humanity, live in countries that spend more on paying interest on debt than on education and health.

And developing countries, despite having lower levels of debt, are paying more interest, partly because of higher rates.

According to the report, the annual cost of lifting the 165 million newly poor people out of poverty would be

over US$14 billion, or 0.009 percent of global output and a little less than 4 percent of total public external debt service in 2022 for developing economies.

If the income losses among the already poor prior to the shocks are also included, the mitigation cost would reach some US$107 billion, or 0.065 percent of the world›s GDP and around a fourth of total external public debt service, the report›s authors estimated.

“There is a human cost of inaction

since April last year, while the Nasdaq surged more than one percent as tech firms benefit from a lower rate environment.

“The back-to-back softer inflation prints have further convinced traders that the Fed is topping out this month as thoughts of a September hike get blotted out,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management. “As a result, after numerous fits and starts, the door appears wide open for global investors to strap on those peak Fed trades.”

The upbeat mood on Wall Street filtered through to Asia, where Hong Kong rose for a fifth successive day thanks to a bounce in Chinese tech giants. With AFP

IEA trims forecast on oil demand as interest rates bite

PARIS, France—The IEA trimmed its forecast for 2023 oil demand for the first time this year as macroeconomic headwinds including higher interest rates bite, but still sees it reaching a record level thanks to China›s thirst for fuel.

The International Energy Agency now sees oil demand rising by 2.2 million barrels per day this year, down from its previous forecast of an increase of 2.4 mbd.

Nevertheless, the Paris-based organization which unites energy consuming nations, expects global demand to hit a record 102.1 mbd this year.

China will account for 70 percent of the global demand increase even though the rebound in its economy has appeared to falter.

“China’s oil demand remained robust despite rising unemployment, renewed property market stress and a general slump in business and consumer sentiment,” said the IEA in its regular monthly report on oil markets.

But it warned overall «world oil demand is coming under pressure from the challenging economic environment, not least because of the dramatic tightening of monetary policy in many advanced and developing countries over the past twelve months.”

Central banks in leading industrial nations have jacked up interest rates in an effort to bring down inflation, but the higher borrowing costs suppress economic activity and risk provoking recessions that would lead to a drop in oil demand.

Such concerns have kept crude prices in check even though Saudi Arabia and fellow OPEC cartel nations along with their allies have limited or even cut output for the past year. AFP

US body probes ChatGPT app for bad information

WASHINGTON—The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating OpenAI to determine if its hugely popular ChatGPT app harms consumers by generating false information and whether its technology mishandles user data.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI was notified of the investigation in a 20page questionnaire in which the company is asked to describe incidents in which users were falsely disparaged, and share any company efforts to ensure this does not happen again.

The investigation by the US regulator was first reported by The Washington Post.

OpenAI›s release of ChatGPT last November stunned the world as it displayed the power of large language models (or LLM), a form of artificial intelligence known as generative AI that can churn out humanlike content in just seconds.

in not restructuring developing countries’ sovereign debt,” Steiner said. “We need new mechanisms to anticipate and absorb shocks and make the financial architecture work for the most vulnerable.”

Earlier this week Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who has been pushing for a reform of international financial institutions, denounced “our outdated global financial system, which reflects the colonial power dynamics of the era when it was created.” AFP

Amid the marvel at the technology›s capacities, reports came in that the models could also churn out offensive, false or just strange content, sometimes called “hallucinations.”

FTC chair Lina Khan addressed a congressional committee hearing on Wednesday, and while she did not mention the investigation, she told lawmakers that her agency had concerns about ChatGPT’s potentially libellous output.

“We’ve heard about reports where people›s sensitive information is showing up in response to an inquiry from somebody else,” Khan said. AFP

NUCLEAR PLANT VISIT. Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (right) attends a visit of the federal government to the nuclear plant of Engie, next to workers, in Tihange on July 13, 2023. AFP

A man searches food inside a trash can where discarded fruits and vegetables are deposited at the Central Market in Buenos Aires, on May

BUSINESS

By Julito G. Rada

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. disclosed Friday a plan to monitor how Philippine banks use their funds to help or harm the environment.

“The BSP will work with scientists to develop a taxonomy of bank assets and examine whether these are beneficial or harmful to the environment,” Remolona said during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Toronto, Canada on July 13.

Remolona said in a presentation the BSP plays a vital role in slowing cli-

2.47m foreign tourists visited PH in first half

SOME 2.47 million foreign travelers visited the Philippines in the first six months of 2023, Quezon City 4th District Rep. Marvin Rillo, vice chairperson of the House committee on tourism, said Friday.

“The number of foreign tourists that arrived in the Philippines between January and June 2023 already exceeded the 2,025,413 that entered the country in the whole 12 months of 2022,” Rillo said.

“There’s no question that our tourism sector is on the road to a strong recovery, and that this upturn is helping to drive jobs creation,” Rillo said.

Data from the Department of Tourism showed that the country registered total arrivals of 2.7 million in the six-month period, including 231,283 overseas Filipinos and 2.47 million foreign tourists.

The increase in arrivals brought back jobs to the tourism, travel and allied sectors.

Rillo said that based on employment figures released by the Philippine Statistics Authority earlier this month, the “accommodation and food service activities” gained 398,000 jobs as of May 2023 from a year ago.

APC Group awarded geothermal contract

THE Department of Energy awarded a new geothermal service contract to APC Group Inc. through subsidiary Aragorn Power and Energy Corp.

APC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the DOE awarded the GSC to APEC for the Southwest Kalinga geothermal power project in the municipalities of Pasil, Lubuagan and Tingalyan, Kalinga province.

The new contract will allow for an exploration period of seven years.

“We continue to remain committed to support our country’s objective to develop renewable energy and help improve the lives of our host community,” APC president Ian Jason Aguirre said.

APC Group Inc. owns 97.6 percent of APEC, which was established to engage in renewable energy resource exploration, development and utilization.

Alena Mae S. Flores

SmartSAT subscribers asked to register SIMs

PLDT Group asked subscribers with Smart Satellite to register their SIM cards ahead of the deadline on July 25 this year to ensure continued service.

“As mandated under the SIM Registration Act, you also need to register your SmartSAT SIMs. Otherwise, any unregistered satellite SIM will be deactivated after the set SIM registration deadline by the government,” Mitch Locsin, first vice president and head of enterprise and international business groups of PLDT and Smart, said.

SmartSAT provides voice calls, emails, text messages and data services in areas with compromised or difficult cellular coverage.

The service is useful to individuals and communities in critical and demanding fields such as the media, the military, adventure tourism and the country’s disaster and emergency response agencies, as well as to business groups and even private entities who need the security of having a back-up or enhanced mobile coverage, for extreme scenarios when everything else breaks down.

All SIM users are required to register their SIMs, according to Republic Act No. 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act.

Darwin G. Amojelar

mate change and proposed 11 strategies, including encouraging banks to disclose the environmental, social and governance impacts of their specific assets. He said that under the Reporting Climate-Related Disclosure, banks would be asked to report specific assets that

are “good, not so good, bad and very bad for climate.”

The 11 sustainability strategies proposed by the BSP are vulnerability assessment, enhanced disclosure, climate stress testing, E&S risk in prudential policy, climate change in monetary policy, incentives for green lending, sustainability in BSP’s portfolio and risk management, task force for inclusive green finance, reporting climate-related disclosure, sustainability in BSP’s operations and capacity building. Remolona attributed the Philippines’ outstanding recovery from the pandemic to the resiliency of the banking sys-

tem that maintained around 16 percent in capital adequacy ratio. He said Philippine banks maintained an impressive 188-percent liquidity coverage ratio, exceeding the global standard of 100 percent.

Remolona joined the Marcos Cabinet in apprising Canadian investors of business opportunities in the Philippines. The economic team hosted its eighth Philippine Economic Briefing at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Canada.

“We have uncharted waters to explore in terms of trade and investments in mutual areas of interest, including elec-

tronics manufacturing, machineries and electricity, mining, and agriculture,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in his keynote message.

Canada is the Philippines’ 20th largest trading partner in 2022 with total trade reaching $1.5 billion. Moreover, with nearly a million overseas Filipinos in Canada, cash remittances reached $1.2 billion in the same year.

Alain Auclair, managing director and head of global banking-Canada of UBS Securities Canada, acknowledged the Philippines’ strong credit status and attractive fixed-income instruments amid global headwinds.

BSP to monitor banks’ climate funding IN BRIEF

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said crowdfunding and initial public offerings will help fill the $220-billion credit gap in the Philippines.

It said during the Manila leg of the nationwide roadshow for micro, small and medium enterprises that crowd funding, IPOs and other capital market raising activities are some of the accessible and convenient means for businesses to secure funds for expansion.

The SEC, citing data from the International Finance Corp., said the country has an estimated $220-billion credit gap.

BEACH CLEANUP. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry corporate social responsibility committee led by chairman Nora Lacuna (sixth from left), holds a cleanup drive at the Dolomite Baywalk Beach along Roxas Boulevard on July 1, 2023. With Lacuna are volunteers from the PCCI secretariat who joined the cleanup project, which yielded more than 50 bags of waterlilies and waste. The program aims to reduce the coliform level (fecal bacteria) of 1,000 to a standard level of 100 and make it safe for swimming and raise awareness of the growing garbage problem affecting the beaches around Manila Bay and encourage all businesses and the public to be responsible for garbage disposals.

ERC studies lifting suspension on feed-in tariff collection

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission is studying the lifting of suspension on the collection of the feed-in tariff allowance amid the softening prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

“We are studying and monitoring the submissions of TransCo [National Transmission Corp.],” ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

TransCo manages the FIT-All― the uniform charge imposed on all on-grid electricity consumers and is a component of the electricity bill

that ensures the development and promotion of renewable energy in the country.

“WESM prices are declining, then the fund is being used up, so we have to check up to when [we can suspend]...We’ll check because I have not seen the simulation,” Dimalanta said.

Dimalanta said that as the suspension would end in August, they needed to make a decision this month.

The ERC in February 2023 directed the FIT-All collection suspension for another six months from March 2023 until August 2023. Before

this, the regulator issued a resolution in November 2022 suspending the FIT-All collection from December 2022 to February 2023.

The ERC’s move aimed to bring relief to consumers in terms of a lower power rate by P0.0364 per kilowatt-hour.

The ERC re-evaluated the FIT-All Fund balance in view of the rising level of inflation and cost of living affecting millions of Filipino households. It found its healthy status which could sufficiently cover the FIT-All payment requirements until August 2023.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Friday,

Thailand Baht 0.0289771.5812

UAE Dirham0.27228714.8582

EuroEuro 1.12270061.2635

Korea Won 0.0007900.0431

ChinaYuan0.1398897.6335

IndiaRupee0.0121890.6651

MalaysiaRinggit0.21800711.8962

AirAsia’s logistics venture acquiring more aircraft to strengthen operations in Southeast Asia

By Joel E. Zurbano

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia―Teleport, the logistics venture seeded by Capital A Berhad (AirAsia), is acquiring more aircraft to strengthen its position as the market leader in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

Pete Chareonwongsak, chief executive of Teleport, said the arrival of its first Airbus A321 Freighter aircraft into its air logistics fleet is a key for the company to continue and strengthen its dominant position in the region.

He said the new aircraft also allows the company to carry more, do more and

cover more―by adding skidded capacity into its extensive air cargo network and having more control and flexibility to accommodate customers’ diverse needs.

“And with the first A321F based out of Kuala Lumpur, it is the perfect hub as its five-hour flight range gives it access to over 80 destinations across Southeast Asia and 80 more key cities in the Asia Pacific,” Chareonwongsak said.

The A321F with 24 containerized positions on both the main and lower deck can carry a payload of up to 27 tons of various cargo including e-commerce parcels, express or small parcels, large

volume cargo and dangerous goods.

“Our number one route, our volume in the whole region is in the Philippines― Davao to Manila, so the Philippines is very, very important,” said Chareonwongsak.

Teleport serves the top 15 global freight forwarders as well as three of the largest marketplaces in Southeast Asia: Shopee, Lazada and Zalora.

Two other A321Fs are expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024, respectively.

The aircraft will have the flexibility to be based out of Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta or Manila, leveraging Tele-

port’s multi-hub operating model.

Capital A chief executive Tony Fernandes said “the Philippines is where we see Teleport having very big operations, although AirAsia Philippines is currently handling all of Teleport’s work. Some of the ten aircraft we are discussing will be invested in the Philippines.”

“This is not only a testament to their hard work and dedication in the everchallenging logistics industry, but a win for all of us at Capital A as it validates our diversification and growth strategy to be a value driven, low cost, high quality aviation and travel group,” he said.

A survey conducted by the Asian Development Bank in 2020 also revealed that 47.5 percent or almost half of MSMEs used their funds or retained profits to survive the pandemic, while only about 4.8 percent obtained credit from banks.

“Most of [small businesses] rely on internal resources for their capital needs. While those who apply for traditional bank loans face tedious documentation, high interest rates, and mandatory collateral requirements,” SEC commissioner Karlo Bello said in his opening remarks during the event.

“Further, the recent economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated our MSMEs’ poor financial position. Hence, in our continuous bid for financial inclusion, we recognize that there really is a need to broaden the financing instruments available for MSMEs,” he said.

Crowdfunding is a fundraising activity typically conducted by startups and SMEs, where the public can support or fund a business idea through an online platform.

THE National Electrification Administration said it granted P560.66 million worth of loans to 18 electric cooperatives as of end-June 2023.

Data gathered from the NEA’s accounting management and guarantee department showed that P225.81 million was utilized for the capital expenditure loans of 13 ECs.

These are First Laguna Electric Cooperative Inc., Quezon I Electric Cooperative Inc., Sorsogon I Electric Cooperative Inc., Iloilo III Electric Cooperative Inc., Northern Negros Electric Cooperative Inc., Leyte V Electric Cooperative Inc., Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. and Misamis Oriental I Rural Electric Service Cooperative Inc.

The other ECs are Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative Inc., Siasi Electric Cooperative Inc., Basilan Electric Cooperative Inc., Siargao Electric Cooperative Inc. and Surigao del Sur I Electric Cooperative Inc.

The NEA lent six ECs a total of P272 million for their working capital requirements. These are Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, First Laguna Electric Cooperative Inc., Antique Electric Cooperative Inc., Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative Inc., Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. and Misamis Oriental II Electric Cooperative Inc.

About P12.85 million went to Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative Inc. for the acquisition of a modular generator set.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. availed of P50 million as a short-term credit facility. Alena Mae S. Flores

NEA grants P560m worth of loans to electric cooperatives

Crowdfunding, IPOs to help fill $220-b credit gap

Roderick T. dela Cruz, Editor Alena Mae S. Flores, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Capital A Berhad’s (AirAsia) logistics arm Teleport unveils a new freighter plane A321F that will strengthen its cargo network in the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia in a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Joel E. Zurbano

Angels seek semifinals vs. Flying Titans

PETRO Gazz faces another stern test in chase of the first semifinal seat in Pool B, taking on a Choco Mucho side keen on bouncing back and enhancing its own drive in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig today (Saturday).

That guarantees another slam-bang encounter at 6:30 p.m. with the result either clearing up or throwing the semis race into a wild finish Tuesday.

After yielding a four-set loss to the Cignal HD Spikers in the June 27 inaugurals of the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision, the Angels racked up three straight victories, including a gripping 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 33-35, 15-9 escape over fellow semis contender and erstwhile unbeaten F2 Logistics Cargo Movers last Thursday.

Sotto proves worth in 13 minutes, but is it enough?

By Randy Caluag

AFTER spending years of training, brief exposures in Australia and Japan and sitting out three Orlando Magic games, Filipino phenom Kai Sotto took only 13 minutes to show the best he could offer to an NBA team interested in his services.

Sotto finally made his debut in a Magic uniform even as his team lost to the Portland Trail Blazers, 8871, in the NBA Summer League on Thursday.

“Impacting the game, defensively,” said Sotto when asked about his game, where he scored six points, hauled four rebounds and blocked three Portland

Dequinan running 6th in heptathlon

SARAH Dequinan is in sixth place in the ongoing women’s heptathlon meet in Day 3 of the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships at the National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 30-year-old Dequinan got this far after three events and with 2308 points to her credit.

Swapna Barman of India is in front with 2617 points, with Uzbekistan’s Ekaterina Voronina trailing with 2573 points.

Caijuan Chen of China is at third with 2569 points.

Dequinan earned her points after taking seventh in the 110-meter hurdles, clocking 14.76 seconds, behind Ninali Zhang of China, who led in 13.92 seconds.

She was fourth in the high jump after Karin Odama of Japan and Karina Geints of Kazkhstan with a similar clearance of 1.68 meters.

A 11.18-meter performance in shotput saw Dequinan finishing in eighth place.

Earlier, Fil-Spaniard John Cabang

Tolentino came close to hitting the national record that he set last month when he clocked 13.7 seconds in the men’s 110-meter heats.

Tolentino, who came within a fraction of the record 13.65 seconds he achieved in clinching the Campeonato de Esukadi gold in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain last June 16, is in the finals.

Zhouyi Xu of China topped the heats with his 13.57 seconds, with Alyouha Yaquob tied in third with another Chinese, Ning Xiaohan at 13.62. Peter Atencio

shots and had one turnover in 13.23 minutes of play.

But is it enough? Hopefully, an NBA team that is weak in the middle, took notice.

“It’s the inside presence defensively. I’m the tallest player out there so I’ve got to help the team (defensively). Take (over) the paint when I’m there,” said

Sotto during an interview with the media.

It was an impressive all-around game from a young guy, who remained focused and positive even as he sat out the first three games of the Magic team that included him in its 22-man lineup for the Summer League.

Despite not being given the chance to prove his worth in the first three games—to the disappointment of his thousands of Filipino fans—Sotto remained calm and focused. On Friday morning (Manila time), he got his chance and played to the delight of his fans, mostly Filipinos, all over the world.

“It’s a great feeling just to go out there and compete. We learned a lot from this

game. I think we’re pretty good defensively. Just got to work out and get better’ added Sotto.”

All the while, Filipino fans all over the world and those who came to watch at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, have been cheering him on and bashing Orlando coach Dylan Murphy for not giving him the chance on the floor.

“To have a lot of guys cheering for you, it’s a blessing. I just had to do my part and show 100 percent effort every time,” said Sotto. “Hopefully, I made them happy and proud.”

“Go Kai’ We believe in you, Just Keep going,” said Joshua Bianan Abanilla, in one of the thousands of comments on the Orlando Magic page.

With the HD Spikers dispatching the Farm Fresh Foxies in three, Petro Gazz, F2 Logistics and Cignal found themselves locked at 3-1 with Choco Mucho making it a four-way battle for the two berths with a 2-1 slate.

A victory by the Angels, however, will net them a spot in the next phase, a carry-over round, making the encounter so crucial for both teams.

But a reversal will put Choco Mucho in a tie instead with the idle F2 Logistics and Cignal, jeopardizing the Angels’ semis bid in the mid-season conference of the league backed by BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, Mikasa, SMART, Rebisco, Kumu, Asics and SportRadar,

Despite getting stalled by the Angels, the Cargo Movers are tipped to advance with the winless Foton Tornadoes being their last opponent although the latter will be out to play the spoiler’s role at the close of the tight single round elims Tuesday. Ties will be resolved via the league’s tiebreak system (set ratio).

Meanwhile, PLDT expects to rebound from a shutout loss to Pool A semifinalist Creamline (3-0) as it tangles with winless Gerflor at 12 noon while the Cool Smashers go for a sweep against Akari at 4 p.m. Foton and Farm Fresh kick off hostilities at 9:30 a.m. in a duel of ousted teams. Focus will thus be on the Petro Gazz-Choco Mucho face-off with Grethcel Soltones and Sisi Rondina bracing for a fiery exchange of attacks and the rest gearing up for another long protracted, grueling duel.

Rodtang rooting for compatriot Superlek vs. Khalilov

ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon couldn’t be more excited for his compatriot and reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9’s return to action.

Superlek takes on the dangerous Tagir Khalilov in a flyweight Muay Thai bout in the main event of ONE Fight Night 12 this Saturday morning, July 15, inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rodtang expects a classic fight between the two. However, he warned his friend about the dangers that Khalilov presents, especially since he’s already faced the Russian and had a hard time dispatching him.

“This fight should be super exciting. Tagir is one of the toughest fighters. His

style is similar to mine. He’s not scared to trade weapons with opponents and take risks. He always aims to finish his opponent,” Rodtang said.

“Superlek must watch out for Tagir’s punch. He loves to punch a lot. And his punch is powerful.”

Rodtang believes that both fighters have the ability to finish each other, but he ultimately favors Superlek if his compatriot plays it smart.

Ultimately, “The Iron Man” expects Superlek’s defense and counter punching to hold up in this exciting clash between the two flyweight strikers.

“If Superlek doesn’t try to trade with him too much, he will win this match. But on the other hand, if he decides to press forward and trade with him directly, both of them will

Filipinas vow to make impact in World Cup

By Peter Atencio

FOR skipper Tahnai Annis, the Philippine national women’s football team is a young squad that’s out to make an impact the coming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

But being together for a long period of time will make the Filipinas a better squad.

“We are definitely a rookie team in terms of playing in our first World Cup, but this group has been around for a good amount of time. We have a core group of veterans who have been leading the way. And then we’ve been picking up new players along the way who are ready and preparing with us,” said Annis during a break in their training camp, on FIFA.com.

A friendly match with Sweden is coming for the Filipinas, now that the composition of its 23-member roster is complete.

The encounter is set on July 17, and coach Alen Stajcic is excited about the showdown.

“We have a good combination of experienced players, new players, young talent, older talent...

I think we have a good, diverse mixture of expe-

rience and youth,” said Annis.

The first official World Cup encounter is against Switzerland on July 21 in Dunedin.

After that, the Filipinas take on host New Zealand on July 25 in Wellington, before finishing their Group A campaign against Norway on July 30 in Auckland.

Annis said the team is now getting to feel the support of the fans and Filipinos based in New Zealand.

“We know we have so much support back home and support from all over the world—it’s not just when we’re in the Philippines (we have backing), but also when we’ve had camps in Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, we have supporters who come out everywhere,” added Annis.

Stajcic said the Filipinas are in their final stages of training, and they are finding ways to improve.

“Last few days of training before our friendly and we get into it against Switzerland. I’m really looking forward to the week ahead. We’re always finding ways to improve on the ball and off the ball, tactics, set pieces, always focusing on our mentality,” said Stajcic.

equally have a chance to KO the other or get knocked out. It depends on who makes a mistake first,” Rodtang said.

“Superlek can be knocked out by Tagir’s punch. Or Tagir can be knocked out by Superlek’s high kick, elbow, or his counter punch, because Superlek has better defense than Tagir. And of course, I’m rooting for my Thai compatriot. I’ll go for Superlek.” Rodtang also addressed the possibility of facing Superlek in a battle between two of the best Thai World Champions today – a matchup that has long been a fantasy for fight fans around the world. While he didn’t shut down the possibility of facing Superlek, Rodtang said that fans will have to wait, noting that he has a different target in mind for now.

Kai Sotto of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trial Blazers during the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Malea Cesar controls the ball during practice

Superlek Kiamoo9

Sarah Dequinan

HOME/DESIGN

ALVEO, the upscale property brand of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), recently launched Park East Place, its latest offering within the Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Located on corner of 32nd Street and 9th Avenue, Park East Place counts as its neighbors St. Luke’s Medical Center, S&R Membership Club and MC Home Depot, among others

Enhancing the cityscape

The successful launch of Park East Place further enhances BGC’s cityscape. It also sets a new record for Alveo Land, registering P6 billion in sales.

“The success of Park East Place’s project launch reaffirms Alveo’s presence in BGC,” said Alveo Land President, Mike Z. Jugo. “The extremely strong reception is a clear affirmation of Park East Place’s unique project concept, strategic location, and trust in the Alveo brand.”

In the middle of retail, lifestyle centers Park East Place’s 32nd Street and 9th Avenue corner location is distinct and inimitable.

Along 32nd Street are office buildings such as The Curve BGC, The Globe Tower, Eco Prime, Eco Tower, Menarco, IBM One World Place, Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center, as well as Alveo office developments Alveo Park Triangle Tower and Park Triangle Corporate Plaza.

9th Avenue is the major NorthSouth axis connecting retail and lifestyle areas in the 800-meter-long Bonifacio High Street such as One BHS and Market!Market! malls to commercial areas like Uptown Mall, and Mitsukoshi. There are also prestigious hotels like Seda BGC, Shangri-La The Fort, and Grand Hyatt Manila.

Numerous parks and open spaces are also within easy access, such as the 4,600-square-meter BGC Turf conveniently located behind Park East Place, Track 30th, Terra Park 28th Street, and Burgos Circle Park.

Vertical community

Park East Place is a collaboration between local architectural firm Aidea and foreign design consultant Smith Group. The

Alveo lights up BGC with Park East Place

residential skyscraper features distinctive design elements such as stone columns, decorative aluminum cladding and an amenity podium highlighted with angled fins.

Park East Place will have 59 physical floors, with 53 residential floors and a total of 523 units. 8 floors will be dedicated parking spaces – 3 basement levels and 5 podium parking levels. This is also the developer’s first project with an electric vehicle (EV) parking system in place.

This signature tower has a maximum of 10 units to a floor, ranging from approximately 61 to 131 square meters. All units will have balconies. Spacious configurations of one to three bedrooms include a range hood, a multi-point water heater, Kohler toilet fixtures, as well as split-type air conditioning for all main rooms (living room and bedrooms).

Most of the community’s exclusive amenities are housed in the 7th floor podium, enhanced with a residents’ lounge that serves as a transition between the indoors and outdoors. Featuring carefully curated designer furniture pieces decked out in natural finishes of stone and wood, the ground level also features a similar lounge complementing the 400-square-meter entry lobby and drop-off lounge for a distinctly inviting setting.

Park East Place will be finished by 2030.

Urban bathroom spaces, courtesy of Inax

IN A WORLD where urban living spaces come at a premium, the Japanese are masters in achieving maximum comfort in the minimum of spaces.

The Maxi-Compact, S200 LINE Inax is a design concept born through this approach, maximizing both comfort and functionality within compact spaces. Inspired by the Japanese rituals of water, the INAX S200 LINE bathroom collection articulates all the functional essentials of an everyday bathroom that cater to the busy and fastpaced urban lifestyle. The one-piece and close-coupled toilets both feature the proprietary INAX Aqua Ceramic technology, which inhibits waste attachment and watermark build-up. The S200 LINE collection also includes semicountertop and wall-hung compact-sized basins that feature ample rimmed decks for placing daily necessities. Designed with INAX expertise and craftsmanship, the basins’ shape and depth prevent water from splashing out – ideal for multi-purpose use like hand washing delicate linen.

BALI IN MY MIND. Digital real estate firm, Presello Reality Group, Inc., recently kicked off its partnership with Balitecture and Balitecture Realty, the property developers behind some of the high-end property projects in the tropical island of Bali. The partnership is seen to help Filipino property seekers find either a second home in the best locations in Bali or investment-grade international property to diversify their portfolio. Marvin Sim, the vice president and co-founder of Presello, said the

arrangement would grant the company access to Balinese and Tulum-style villas in Bali. With the collaboration, Presello is responsible for marketing and selling properties while Balitecture caters to design and construction of properties as well as portfolio and villa management.

To know more about the trends in real estate and updates on Presello’s future investment location, follow Presello’s website www.presello.com and social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and Youtube.

HOME improvement and construction retailer Wilcon Depot recently launched its 88-Wilcon Hotline, a customer support hotline catering to all Wilcon customers nationwide.

The hotline is a direct line for customers to connect with Wilcon’s knowledgeable team of professionals, who are ready to assist with inquiries, provide product recommendations, and guide customers throughout their purchasing journey.

The 88-WILCON Hotline uses AI technology to streamline customer inquiries and improve call handling efficiency. Aside from the hotline, customers can also rely on Wilcon’s existing customer service channels, including the live chat support agent via Wilcon Online Shop and social media platforms, and in-person assistance at any Wilcon branch nationwide. 88-WILCON (88-945266) is open to receive calls from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., to address all inquiries, provide product details, and assist with purchases.

REIGNITING AN ALREADY VIBRANT TOWN. At the launch of Park East Place were (from left) Alveo Land president, Mike Z. Jugo; general manager Antonio S. Sanchez III; chief operating officer Rufino Hermann S. Gutierrez; and Sharlene Chua, marketing director.

SM group, partners launch urban farming initiative

IN recent years, Filipinos developed an affinity for urban farming, or growing food crops in highly developed areas. Eventually, what began as a hobby became a lucrative venture for many urban gardeners in the metro. As a result, many government agencies and private organizations continue to encourage the practice today.

Last July 7, Friday, the SM group introduced its Urban Farming Initiative through the SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) to further uplift communities and promote environmental consciousness. The program will also be introduced in 21 SM Supermalls nationwide.

SM’s Urban Farming Initiative aims to equip Filipinos, especially those from low-income communities, with essential skills in high-value crop farming, as rooted in the late Henry Sy Sr.’s vision. He envisioned empowering individuals to cultivate their produce and foster potential income sources while contributing to the country’s

environmental sustainability.

Also present at the launch were local government agencies and stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Development of Science and Technology (DoST), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the local government of Barangay Sto. Cristo in Quezon City.

Since its inception in 2007, the KSK-SAP has effectively collaborated with government agencies and partner farmer schools, successfully training over 28,550 beneficiaries in rural and urban farming techniques.

The urban farming initiative will also provide comprehensive training on urban farming techniques and hands-on lectures on product development, marketing, and basic accounting while transforming underutilized urban spaces into productive gardens. Patricia Taculao

DA, NCIP ink MOA to address IP poverty, boost agri growth

TO resolve persistent poverty among indigenous peoples (IP) in Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) signed last Monday, July 10, 2023, a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP).

The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity and improve access to markets and services for farmers and fisherfolk in selected ancestral domains in the region. It has a total cost of P6.6 billion, wherein P5.3B will come from the World Bank loan financing scheme.

the health benefits Understanding of rabbit meat

By Rendell Ron Pacho

AS people lean more and more toward healthier diets, some are exploring the benefits of starting a plant-based diet. In the meantime, others are searching for healthier meat alternatives, although without adopting a wholly vegetarian habit.

One option is rabbit meat, recognized for being a low-calorie, highprotein alternative, making it a good choice for those looking for a wellbalanced diet.

Based on recent studies, integrating rabbit meat into your diet has various advantages. Rabbit meat is high in lean protein and low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier option than typical meats. It provides critical minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which promote good health.

Rabbit meat also has a delicate flavor and sensitive texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations.

Fortunately, people don’t have to look far to acquire rabbit meat because many rabbit farming has since been a growing industry in the Philippines.

Ramel T. Sofranes, 40, is a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for five years, a welder, and now a vlogger, who began rabbit farming in his garage during the pandemic by purchasing a pair of rabbits for breeding, a medium size cage and adequate amount of pellets. Sofranes said rabbits became his family’s meat source during the lockdown when it’s hard to afford meat in the market due to skyrocketing prices.

Sofranes is also a member of the Montalban Rabbit Producer Association (MRPA), an organization composed of rabbit breeders in Rodriguez, Rizal. It aims to provide rabbit meat to some small-scale food businesses in their community and introduce rabbit meat in the local market.

“The benefit of consuming rabbit meat was it’s very healthy to eat, it was

high in protein, and there is almost no fat.

That’s why I highly suggest every Filipino family try to eat rabbit meat.” Sofranes said. He started a small-scale business of rabbit meat delicacies since he also learned a lot in cooking when he was working abroad that even some celebrities ordered from him, including Billy Crawford, Bayani Agbayani, Francoise “Laboching” Faisan, and Wacky Kiray. Although there wasn’t a market for rabbit meat before, Sofranes shared the Department of Agriculture (DA) raised awareness about the livestock produce. Furthermore, market demand for rabbit meat in the Philippines is still developing, and farmers may need to focus on efficiently promoting their goods.

Rabbit farming was an often-overlooked sector but has been progressively recognized as a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture, bringing a variety of advantages to both farmers and the environment.

Despite the challenges, the future of rabbit farming in the Philippines looks promising. Stakeholders predict that demand for rabbit meat will climb gradually as public knowledge of its health advantages develops.

To recognize rabbit farming’s importance, the Philippine government has taken steps to assist and develop this industry.

Training programs, financial aid, and market connections have been placed to encourage farmers to engage in rabbit farming, increasing productivity, strength-

ening the value chain, and assuring longterm sustainability. Rabbit farming has various advantages, including efficient feed-to-meat conversion and a lower environmental imprint than major livestock.

It could also contribute to rural development, poverty reduction, and tackling the country’s chronic malnutrition problem.

Moreover, the rabbits’ adaptability, effective use of resources, and potential for fast reproduction make them an appealing alternative for ambitious rabbit breeders wanting to break into the agricultural market.

Collaborative efforts from government agencies, agricultural extension services, and private stakeholders can solve challenges such as limited awareness, lack of technical knowledge, and limited access to quality breeding stock and feed, allowing rabbit farming to thrive and contribute significantly to the Philippine agricultural sector.

Rabbit farming is a viable endeavor, with its nutritional advantages and sustainable agricultural approaches as the main advantage. The practice would thrive in the country through correct care, education, and marketing tactics, giving a sustainable source of income and better food options for Filipinos.

Rabbit meat can boost food production, ecological balance, and economic growth, making rabbit farming a relevant component of the country’s agricultural landscape.

“MIADP is designed to build the capabilities of local governments to increase the farm productivity and business opportunities of 120,000 indigenous farmers and fisherfolk in six regions across Mindanao. This is a project that corrects a long history of neglect on the part of our government and society,” DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban said.

NCIP Chairperson Allen Capuyan underscored the importance of the indigenous community in the Southern Philippine region. “Ang katutubong pamayanan ay isang napaka-significant na sektor sa Mindanao. Almost one-half of the Min-

danao land area is ancestral domains, and half of the Mindanao population is IP. I am very glad that the MOA signing will formalize everything so that the communities in Mindanao will become resilient, relevant, and responsive,” he emphasized.

Under the agreement, DA will lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and other relevant activities. It will also provide technical support and assistance and ensure all activities follow environmental and social safeguards.

NCIP, for its part, shall select and endorse IPs and Indigenous Cultural Communities and facilitate processes related to the conduct of the program, including the gathering of necessary data such as Ancestral Domain Title, Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim, Certificate of Ancestral Land Title, and other pertinent documents.

The MIADP has a social preparation component that will capacitate IP organizations during the first year of implementation. It will commence by August this year until 2028.

Witnesses of the signing ceremony were Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel De Mesa and NCIP Executive Director Mervyn Espadero. Ira Y. Cruz, DA-AFID

DA-ATI rolls out hydroponics training for senior citizens

TAYABAS CITY, Quezon–The Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) CALABARZON, in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), successfully held the “Agri-wellness Seminar on Basic Hydroponics for the Elderly Sector” last June 23, 2023, at Leverize Heights Subdivision, Barangay Isabang, Tayabas City, Quezon.

The seminar aims to teach the participants about hydroponics, a modern farming technology that thrives even with limited space. The DA-ATI CALABARZON’s Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) conducted the training.

Evener Arguelles, Agriculturist II, welcomed the participants. Meanwhile, Leuvina Isipin from the Quezon OPA served as the trainer. She discussed various topics related to hydroponics, such as benefits, practice, methods of use, and its different types.

“I hope this activity will be repeated again. In addition to having a full stomach and mind and having fun, it is important to us that we senior citizens are given attention,” said Librada Alvasan, one of the seminar’s participants, in Filipino. Each participant also received a hydroponic starter kit they could use to start growing produce.

V. Dela Cruz

Juvelyn

Representatives of the SM group and local government agencies during the launch of KSK-SAP’s Urban Farming Initiative

Ramel T. Sofranes encourages Filipinos to try rabbit meat and enjoy its health benefits

From left: NCIP Executive Director Mervyn H. Espadero, NCIP Chairperson Allen A. Capuyan, DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, and DA Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel De Mesa during the MOA signing

Senior citizens participating in the hydroponics seminar

Collabera Digital partners with OutSystems to accelerate digital transformation

COLLABERA Digital, a leading provider of Digital Engineering Services, announced a strategic partnership with OutSystems, a global leader in high-performance application development.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations across industries are seeking innovative solutions to address their digital challenges efficiently and effectively. As a result, the demand for low-code development platforms has been on the rise, enabling businesses to develop and deploy applications faster and more cost-effectively than traditional software development methods.

Collabera Digital’s Low Code Centre of Excellence has created a dedicated hub of expertise and resources focused on the OutSystems high-performance low-code platform. The CoE serves as a centralized knowledge hub where Collabera Digital gains in-depth understanding, proficiency, and hands-on experience with OutSystems technology. This deep expertise enables Collabera Digital to showcase its capabilities and demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality solutions on the OutSystems platform.

Through this partnership, Collabera Digital will accelerate their clients’ digital advancement initiatives to achieve exceptional business outcomes, by providing:

• Accelerated Application Development to maintain a competitive edge and swiftly adapt to evolving market demands.

• Seamless Integration for smooth transition and minimized disruption during their digital initiatives journey

• Scalable Solutions to future-proof their digital infrastructure, making it easier to introduce new features, accommodate increased user demand, and expand into new markets.

• Enhanced User Experience by delivering highly engaging and responsive applications that provide a superior user experience

Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan, Executive Vice President & Head of Digital Engineering Services, Collabera Digital, said, “By combining our deep industry expertise with the robust capabilities of OutSystems’ platform, we have enhanced our ability to expedite our clients’ transformative journey, and unlock innovated avenues for growth and innovation.”

Aligning cybersecurity to business objectives helps shore up revenue

ORGANIZATIONS

that closely align their cybersecurity programs to business objectives are 18% more likely to achieve target revenue growth and market share and improve customer satisfaction, as well as 26% more likely to lower the cost of cybersecurity breaches/incidents, on average, according to new research from Accenture (NYSE: ACN).

Accenture’s “State of Cybersecurity Resilience 2023” report is based on a survey of 3,000 security and business executives from large organizations across Europe, North America, South America and Asia-Pacific. The report identifies a group of companies that are leading the way in their cybersecurity efforts.

These companies—which Accenture calls “cyber transformers” and account for 30% of respondents—strike a balance between excelling at cyber resilience and aligning with the business strategy to achieve better business outcomes.

“The accelerated adoption of digital technologies like generative AI— combined with complex regulations, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties—is testing organizations’ approach to managing cyber risk,” said Palo Dal Cin, global lead of Accenture Security. “In this rapidly changing environment, businesses leaders need to embed cybersecurity into the fabric of their digital core transformation efforts to become business resilient. This is one of the key differentiating traits of cyber transformers, who demonstrate that they are better equipped to drive successful business outcomes.”

Four characteristics set cyber transformers apart from other companies. They: • Excel at integrating cybersecurity and risk management. Cyber transformers integrate a cyber riskbased framework into their enterprise risk management program; have their cybersecurity operations and executive leadership agree on the priority of assets and operations to be protected; and consider cybersecurity risk to a great extent when evaluating overall enterprise risk (65% vs. 11%).

Accenture State of Cyber Resilience 2023 report reveals key traits of “cyber transformers,” who make cybersecurity the cornerstone of their business transformation e orts ing victim to successful breaches coming from outside their organizations,” said Jacky Fox, Accenture Security lead for Europe. “Working more effectively across the C-suite and ensuring that security efforts have a positive business impact require a business-led CISO who acts as an educator and collaborator with non-security leaders.”

The report highlights that organizations that embed three key cybersecurity actions into their digital transformation efforts and apply strong cybersecurity practices across the organization are nearly six times more likely to experience more effective digital transformations than those that don’t do both. The cybersecurity actions that organizations can take to increase the success and satisfaction of their digital transformations are:

• Require cybersecurity controls before all new business services and products are deployed.

• Leverage cybersecurity-as-a-service to enhance security operations. Cyber transformers are more likely than others to use managed services providers to administer cybersecurity operations (40% vs. 24%).

• Are more committed to protecting their ecosystem. Cyber transformers are more likely than others to take such actions as incorporating their ecosystem or supply chain partners into their incident response plan (45% vs. 37%) and to require them to meet strict cybersecurity standards (41% vs. 29%).

• Rely heavily on automation. Cy-

Hot or cold? Kaspersky uncovers new phishing scheme targeting cryptocurrency

KASPERSKY has unearthed a phishing campaign targeting cryptocurrency users across the globe. The scheme showcases the ever-evolving tactics used by cybercriminals, reflecting cryptocurrency’s increasing appeal. During the spring of 2023 alone, Kaspersky’s advanced solutions detected and thwarted over 85,000 scam emails, encompassing both hot and cold wallets. Kaspersky provides an in-depth report revealing the intricacies of these two distinct email attack techniques and enlightening the differences in hot and cold cryptocurrency storage methods.

With over 400,000,000 cryptocurrency wallet owners globally, as reported by Crypto.com, the spike in popularity of hot wallets comes from their accessible nature. Online storage services such as crypto exchanges and dedicated apps have become prime targets for cybercriminals due to their constant internet connectivity.

Phishing attacks aimed at hot wallet users typically employ relatively simple tactics, often exploiting non-technical individuals. Malicious actors impersonate wellknown crypto exchanges through fraudulent emails, urging users to validate transactions or reconfirm the security of their wallets.

Unsuspecting victims who click on the links are redirected to fake web pages that prompt them to enter their seed phrase—an essential element for wallet recovery. By gaining access to the seed phrase, scammers can seize control of the victim’s wallet and transfer funds to their own accounts.

In contrast, cold wallets are entirely offline storage systems, like a dedicated device or even a private key jotted down on paper. Hardware wallets are a prevalent type of cold wallet. They have garnered favor among users storing substantial cryptocurrency holdings due to their enhanced security measures.

However, Kaspersky researchers recently discovered a targeted phishing campaign specifically tailored to exploit cold wallet owners. This campaign is initiated with an email masquerading as a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, Ripple, enticing recipients with the promise of participating in an XRP token giveaway.

Instead of directing victims to a phishing page, scammers employ a more sophisticated technique by creating a deceptive blog post that mimics the Ripple website’s design. This blog offers users the chance to enter a giveaway of XRP tokens, the platform’s internal cryptocur-

rency, by following the specified link. After following the link to a fake Ripple page using a domain name that closely resembles the official Ripple domain (a Punycode phishing attack), victims are prompted to connect their hardware wallets, such as Trezor or Ledger, to the scam website. This interaction allows scammers to gain access to victims’ accounts and initiate fraudulent transactions.

Example of a fake Ripple blog

recommend the following:

ber transformers are far more likely than others to rely heavily on automation for their cybersecurity programs (89% vs. 57%). In addition, 96% of all respondents whose organizations substantially automate their cybersecurity said that automation helps them alleviate cyber talent shortages —a key challenge for any company seeking cyber resilience.

“While organizations are taking steps to better align cybersecurity programs with business goals, there is still plenty of room for improvement, with more than 60% of respondents still fall-

Puregold wins best TikTok campaign in Hashtag Asia Awards

As of spring 2023, Kaspersky’s anti-spam solutions successfully detected and blocked over 85,000 scam emails aimed at cryptocurrency users. This nefarious campaign reached its peak in March, with more than 34,000 intercepted malicious messages. Kaspersky continued safeguarding cryptocurrency users in April and May, thwarting roughly 19,902 and 30,816 scam emails in these months, respectively.

“We are witnessing an ongoing surge in the popularity of cryptocurrencies, and with it, the need for users to stay alert and implement strong security measures to protect their digital assets. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of the sender and exercise caution before clicking on any links or providing sensitive information,” comments Roman Dedenok, a security expert at Kaspersky.

Read the full report on the cryptophishing campaign at Securelist.com.

To keep crypto assets safe, Kaspersky experts also

• Purchase from official sources: Only buy hardware wallets from official and trusted sources, such as the manufacturer’s website or authorized resellers.

• Inspect your wallet: Scan your new hardware wallet for any signs of tampering before using it.

• Verify the firmware: Always verify that the firmware on the hardware wallet is legitimate and up to date. This can be done by checking the manufacturer’s website for the latest version.

• Secure your seed phrase: When setting up your hardware wallet, make sure to write down and securely store your seed phrase. A reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, will protect your crypto details stored on your mobile device or PC.

• Use a strong password: If your hardware wallet allows for a password, opt for a strong and unique one. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or reusing passwords from other accounts. To manage passwords effectively and securely, consider utilizing Kaspersky Password Manager.

PUREGOLD’S first-ever TikTok series in the Philippines, “52 Weeks,” recently won the gold prize in the Best Social Media Campaign category of Hashtag Asia Awards, a competition that aims to recognize the outstanding work that companies and project teams have displayed in the field of online advertising.

“52 Weeks” edged out the Raya Ni Saya Rindu campaign of BigPay, which won the silver prize, and the CP Malaysia TikTok Contents Creation & CP Chicken Roll Challenge of PRK Agro Industrial Products, which won the bronze prize. The winners were decided by an esteemed panel of judges that included experts from around the world. All entries were judged on the following criteria: challenge, strategy, execution, and results.

“We’re very grateful to the Hashtag Asia Awards for the recognition,” Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s Senior Manager for Marketing, said. “It is both exciting and rewarding to see that our retailtainment efforts are being acknowledged on an international scale. We share this honor with all Puregold channel subscribers, and the cast and crew who made ‘52 Weeks’ possible.”

“52 Weeks” is part of Puregold’s retailtainment efforts—combining retail and entertainment to create delightful content for brand building and product awareness.

“52 Weeks” was the company’s first

• Apply cybersecurity incrementally as each digital transformation milestone is achieved.

• Appoint a cybersecurity representative as part of the core transformation team who orchestrates cybersecurity across all transformation initiatives. You can explore the State of Cybersecurity Resilience 2023 report in Accenture Foresight, Accenture’s new thought leadership app, which provides a personalized feed of all our latest reports, case studies, blogs, interactive data charts, podcasts and more. Download the app at http://www.accenture.com/foresight.

“52 Weeks” was recently named the Best Social Media Campaign on TikTok by the Hashtag Asia Awards.

episodic foray into TikTok, followed by several other series released on YouTube via the Puregold Channel.

The series was directed by Lemuel Lorca and produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig. The campaign was overseen by Republic Creative Creations, led by Sonny Bautista.

The digital series starring Jin Macapagal and Queenay Mercado was released last July 27, 2022, and ran for 36 episodes. It told the story of Mina (Mercado), a hopeless romantic who had No Boyfriend Since Birth. Wanting Mina to finally have a love to call her own, her best friends Chem (Derick Lauchengco) and Eya (Herbie Cruz) gave themselves 52 weeks to find the perfect boyfriend for her. The series garnered over 34.1 million views across its run on TikTok. Do you want FREE entertainment? Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube. For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @ puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

Example of a phishing email targeting Coinbase users