Manila Standard - 2023 July 18 - Tuesday

President: SONA to report admin’s performance, significant progress

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he would report on the progress the country has made under his leadership during his second State of the

Nation Address (SONA) next week.

“It’s really very simple. It’s just a performance report for Filipinos to see if the many pronouncements and words said were relevant or were just mere words,” the President said during an interview.

P20/k rice still a goal

Marcos: Gov’t committed to fulfill campaign promise

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is doing everything it can to make good his campaign promise to cut the price of rice to P20 a kilo.

At the nationwide launch of his administration’s Kadiwa ng Pangula program in San Fernando, Pampanga, Mr. Marcos acknowledged they have yet to

COMING

SOON. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assures Filipinos his administration is doing all it can to fulfill his campaign promise of bringing down rice prices to P20 per kilogram. NFA rice (shown in photo) is sold at P25 per kilo, for a maximum purchase of four kilos, at the Diskwento Caravan Kadiwa ng Pangulo in front of the Pasay City Hall on Monday, July 17, 2023. Danny Pata

achieve his dream of P20-a-kilo rice.

“As to our dream of achieving rice prices of P20 per kilo, we’re not there yet, but we are doing everything we can,” the President said.

The Palace said all 81 provinces in the Philippines joined the simultaneous launch as they opened their own Kadiwa centers—government stores where people can buy agricultural produce at a lower cost by providing a venue for farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers.

“Kadiwa is good because we have a system where consumers can purchase

cheaper products,” the President said.

The President signed a memorandum of agreement that formalizes the partnership of several executive agencies— led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) which he heads—to collaborate and support the local government units in establishing Kadiwa stalls in their respective localities.

Other agencies that are part of the agreement are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Philippines will not comply if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant of arrest against anyone for deaths arising from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday.

Instead, Remulla said the ICC should allow the Philippines to run after the persons against whom the tribunal has evidence of having committed crimes during the anti-drug operations.

“As long as they have evidence against these persons that they want to run after, then they should give them to us so that we will be the ones to prosecute those who committed crimes in our country,” Remulla said in a media briefing.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the launch of the electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) System and the People’s Feedback Mechanism (eReport) in Malacañan Palace on Monday (July 17, 2023). He is joined by Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan Uy and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos. Rey Baniquet

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Pinoys want US help in resolving WPS row

By Macon Ramos Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

SEVENTY-five percent of Filipinos want the Philippines to partner with the United States to resolve territorial disputes with China over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Senate President Juan

Miguel Zubiri said Monday.

He said this was based on the latest Pulse Asia survey in response to Zubiri’s rider question: “Are you in favor or not in favor of strengthening the military ties between the United States and the Philippines amid security tensions in the West Philippine Sea?”

Zubiri noted that only 14 percent were not in favor, as the rest of the respondents marked themselves as not having enough knowledge to form an opinion (2 percent) or “can’t say” (8 percent).

Amid criticisms of the US military’s participation in drills in the WPS, which

Binay vows to help residents affected by SC ruling

By Joel E. Zurbano

MAKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay

on Monday expressed concern over the fate of more than 300,000 residents affected by a Supreme Court decision affirming Taguig City;s jurisdiction over

By Gabriellea Pariño

Bonifacio Global City.

“In the coming days, the city government and I will coordinate and work with the concerned national government departments and agencies. We will find a way for Makati to continue to be of assistance and service to you,” Binay said

Salonga asks fans to respect ‘boundaries’

By Angelica Villanueva

in a video message posted on her Facebook page.

The city chief executive noted that the dispute with Taguig is not about the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) or politics but the welfare

spotted in Mindanao

A RARE bird compared to the mythical “Ibong Adarna”—a female Philippine Trogon—was recently spotted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Davao Region in the tropical forests surrounding Mount Apo. The department shared photos of the colorful, long-tailed avian, scientific name Harpactes ardens, perched on a tree branch.

“The female Philippine Trogon, captured

here by the DENR Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) Region XI, displays shades of mustard-yellow underparts and an olive-brown head. On the other hand,

REAL-LIFE ‘IBONG ADARNA.’ A female Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), with subdued shades of mustard yellow underparts and an olive-brown head, is spotted in the tropical forests surrounding Mt. Apo in Davao. The bird, which has been associated with the fictional Ibong Adarna, is endemic to the Philippines. Facebook page of DENR Davao

MULTI-AWARDED singer Lea Salonga became the center of discussion on Sunday night when a video posted on Twitter showed her declining her fans’ request to have selfies inside her formance of “Here Lies

dressing room after a perLove” on Broadway.

‘PH won’t enforce arrest warrant if ICC issues one’

‘Ibong Adarna’

MAY END IN A FEW WEEKS’

COMELEC BUCKS SC ORDER FOR 2025 BRGY POLLS

Marcos condoles with S. Korea

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his deepest condolences to the South Korean government following flooding that claimed the lives of at least 39 persons

“We extend our deepest condolences to the people of South Korea for the devastating loss of 39 lives resulting from the recent floods and landslides,” Mr. Marcos said in a tweet.

“The Filipino people are with you, offering our steadfast support during this challenging time,” he added.

The death toll from flooding after days of torrential downpours in South Korea had risen to 40 on Monday.

Among those who died were a dozen people found inside a bus on a submerged underpass in Cheongju, 110km south of the capital Seoul.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Monday to “completely overhaul” the country’s approach to extreme weather from climate change.

Rescue workers waded through thick mud as they drained a flooded underpass in central Cheongju, searching

for more victims after vehicles were trapped in the tunnel by flash floods, the interior ministry said, with nine people still missing nationwide.

South Korea is at the peak of its summer monsoon season, and days of torrential rain have caused widespread flooding and landslides, with rivers bursting their banks, and reservoirs and dams overflowing. More rain is forecast in the coming days.

Minister Lee Sang-Min of the Ministry of Interior and Safety said at least 7,540 individuals were evacuated amid the bad weather.

Yoon ordered Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo to mobilize all available resources to minimize the casualties, as

more heavy rain was expected on the Korean peninsula. “This kind of extreme weather event will become commonplace -- we must accept climate change is happening, and deal with it,” the South Korean President said during an emergency response meeting Monday.

The idea that extreme weather linked to climate change “is an anomaly and can’t be helped needs to be completely overhauled”, he said, calling for “extraordinary determination” to improve the country’s preparedness and response.

South Korea will “mobilize all available resources” including the military and police to help with rescue efforts, he said.

PBBM: No decision yet on Afghan refugee request

He bristled at the possibility of the ICC investigators coming into the country.

“No. They won’t do anything here. They have nothing to do here. What are they going to do? Invade us? Do they want to come here just like a colonizer?” he said.

“We do not want other countries interfering with the justice system in the Republic of the Philippines. We are not a colony. We are also not a territory of other countries. It’s enough. We are a free country with our own system,” Remulla said.

The ICC’s Appeals Chamber is set to resolve on July 18 the appeal of the Philippines to stop the order of ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, which granted the request of the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor to resume its investigation of human rights abuses during Duterte’s war on drugs.

Remulla reiterated his earlier warning that should the ICC’s Appeals Chamber deny the Philippines’ plea, “the ICC is not welcome in the Philippines.”

“We are very hospitable people but if they interfere with us, we will not allow it because we have our own justice system, our own tradition, our own law enforcement, our own prosecution, our own courts that outsiders can’t interfere with or set aside,” Remulla said.

“‘They should respect our sovereignty,” he said.

Remulla said the ICC has allowed itself to be used by those with a political agenda in the Philippines.

“The ICC is for countries with no prevailing justice system and it is there they are needed,” he said.

“It is not to interfere in the established system of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.

Earlier, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who was Justice secretary during the Duterte administration, said the country has no more available appeal if the ICC decides to deny Manila’s plea to stop its investigation of the killings arising from Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.

By Vince Lopez PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. on

Monday said the government has yet to arrive at a decision on whether or not the Philippines would accept the entry of Afghan refugees as requested by the United States government.

“We’ll look at it very, very well before making a decision,” Mr. Marcos told the reporters in an interview dur-

Oil firms hike prices: Diesel up by P2.10/l

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PUMP prices will go up by as much as P2.10 per liter at 6 a.m. Tuesday to reflect the movement of fuel prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms set a big-time price hike of P2.10 per liter for diesel, P1.90 per liter for gasoline, and P1.80 per liter for kerosene, higher than the forecast prices last week.

“Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will increase the prices of gasoline by P1.90 per liter and diesel by P2.10 per liter effective 6AM of 18 July 2023,” the company said in its advisory.

Phoenix does not sell kerosene products.

the male ones show bright colors,” the agency added.

The bird has been associated with the creature of legend from the 16thcentury epic poem “Ibong Adarna” due to the bright and colorful tones of its feathers.

The DENR has called on the public to help protect and preserve the legendary bird.

The female Trogon possesses subdued shades of mustard-yellow underparts and an olive-brown head. They feed on insects and fruits and shelter in tree hollows, according to the DENR.

The bird can be found near the dormant stratovolcano located in the Southern Mindanao region and are found “blissfully living in the darker portions of our forests as they are reluctant to people,” the agency said.

The lush forests of the Philippine archipelago contain around 741 bird species, 74 of which are considered threatened, with the country ranking 9th among countries with the most number of globally-threatened birds.

About 200 species of avians in the country have also been deemed endemic, with at least 15 considered critically endangered, 12 as endangered, 47 as vulnerable, and 59 as near threatened, according to a study by Haribon Foundation.

The threat to local bird species is attributed to high levels of deforestation, habitat degradation, wildlife exploitation, lack of wildlife protection, and lack of funding for conservation efforts, according to a study from the University of Utah.

(DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), and the Philippine Communications Office (PCO).

Earlier, President Marcos said that there are more than 500 Kadiwa stalls across the country catering to the basic needs of consumers at a cheaper price.

The President said there’s a need to boost production to sustain the Kadiwa program and maintain affordable prices of basic commodities that favor consumers.

To realize this goal, Marcos said the DA, with the help of other agencies, is working to boost grain and fish production, as well as finding solutions to the diseases that plague the livestock and poultry industries.

In the fishery sector, he said the government is putting up cold storage facilities in coastal areas to minimize or prevent spoilage, which he said could

ing the sidelines of the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement on the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in San Fernando City in Pampanga.

“We’re trying to see what issues are arising. In doing so, we are trying to find ways to remedy those issues that we feel are something that we have to deal with. We have made some progress, there’s still some major obstacles to us being able to do it,” the President added.

reach up to 20 to 30 percent.

The Kadiwa program is a farm-toconsumer market chain that eliminates intermediaries, allowing local producers to generate higher income by selling their produce directly to consumers.

The President, meanwhile, led the distribution of government assistance to students, micro- and small entrepreneurs and local farmers associations.

The assistance distributed included:

* Livelihood grants from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), extending P1 million for the department’s Tulong Pangkabuhayan for the municipality of San Simon and P1.2 million for the municipality of Minalin;

* Financial assistance of P1.38 million from DOLE to 301 disadvantaged or displaced workers; and P611,000 in stipends released to 140 interns under the Government Internship Program;

* Eleven Negosyo sa Kariton, or NegoKart, worth P30,000 each were also distributed in addition to the seven Kabuhayan starter kits worth P30,000 each.

* From the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), P68,000 in training support to 25 shielded

will no longer receive the unique benefits and incentives that only Makati is giving. What will happen to them now?” she said.

The President’s sister, Senator Imee Marcos, earlier questioned what she described as the government’s” lack of transparency” in handling the request.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the proposal to assist the refugees was made in October 2022.

According to DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, US President Joe Biden raised the request again in May when Mr. Marcos visited Washington.

metal arch welding NC1 scholars.

* A training support fund amounting to P91,350 intended for 18 organic agriculture production NC2 scholars;

* Financial grants from the DA under the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program, benefitting various associations in Pampanga;

* Financial support worth P134.2 million for the Rice Sufficiency Program to the province of Pamapgna;

* Livelihood assistance worth P190,400 to 16 beneficiaries of the DTI;

* Loans worth P6.35 million extended by the Small Business Corp. to seven entrepreneurs; and

* Financial assistance from the DSWD worth P1.5 million under its Assistance to Individuals under Crisis Situations (AICS) Program.

Marcos also visited a job fair organized by DOLE in partnership with the provincial government of Pampanga, the Pampanga Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Pampanga PESO Managers Federation. About 20 local employers participated in the Job Fair, offering around 3,000 local jobs.

tured and taken care of them from the very start,” she added.

Binay said that in 2022 alone, Makati set aside over P9 billion for the welfare of District 2 residents.

of Makati residents in the ten barangays covered by the decision.

“It is painful, especially for me, to be separated from over 300,000 Makatizens who have been with us throughout the city’s recovery and progress,” she said.

The mayor also said she is worried over the future of thousands of public school students and the health benefits of other residents in these barangays.

“I am worried for the future of thousands of youth and students who will not be able to graduate from our public elementary and high schools in Makati, and at the University of Makati. They

“I am concerned for the sick who are being cared for at our health centers and at the Ospital ng Makati or OsMak -- they who enjoy benefits and quality but free health care that are given only in Makati. What will happen to them?” she added.

Binay also lamented the plight of senior citizens who are used to receiving annual cash allowances and other special benefits from Makati to help them meet their needs.

“It is them I am most concerned about. It feels like I have lost children, parents, and grandparents. I have nur-

“Unless you are on the guest list, we cannot have you back here. So, you have to go to the door. ‘Cause if I allow this now, then other people will take advantage of this,” Salonga said.

In the video, the Miss Saigon actress was quick to say sorry and ask the fans to leave her dressing room. She then instructed them to go to the designated area for taking photos, explaining why she could not accommodate them inside the holding area.

“We do not regard these as costs. It is the right of every Makatizen, as taxpayers and residents of Makati, to share in the city’s progress,” the mayor said.

The mayor also expressed her disbelief over statements that Taguig is prepared to provide over 300,000 residents of the 10 barangays the same services and benefits they are receiving from Makati.

She cited Taguig’s announcement that graduating senior high school students from these barangays can now avail themselves of the city’s scholarship program.

was caught saying on the video.

Chevron Philippines, Seaoil Philippines, Cleanfuel, Jetti Petroleum, and PTT Philippines issued separate advisories of the increase.

On Friday, the Department of Energy forecasted a hike of more than one peso per liter across all fuel products, while industry sources said diesel may go up by P1.85 to P1.95 per liter and gasoline by P1.65 to P1.75 per liter.

Rodela Romero, DOE Director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau, said the higher prices were due 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.

On July 11, local oil companies rolled back the price of gasoline by P0.20 per liter, but increased the price of diesel by P0.75/liter and kerosene by P0.50/liter, respectively.

These price adjustments resulted in a year-to-date net decrease of P2.95 per liter for diesel and P5.50 per liter for kerosene. Gasoline, on the other hand, has a net increase of P5.65 per liter so far in 2023.

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has translated to trainings and regular flights within Philippine territory, Zubiri noted this survey data proves that most Filipinos welcome receiving support from the US military.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte urged the Department of National Defense to intensify efforts for joint maritime patrols in the WPS with the US and other allies like Japan and Australia.

The lawmaker said this in the wake of reports that Chinese maritime militia vessels masquerading as fishing boats have been swarming the Del Pilar Reef and Escoda Shoal within the WPS.

This includes the sighting of the biggest China Coast Guard vessel, dubbed a “monster ship,” that was seen near the Ayungin Shoal, according to US maritime security expert Ray Powell on Sunday.

“I hope that the recent swarming incident… reported by the AFP and the Coast Guard at Del Pilar Reef and Escoda Shoal near the Recto Bank, and the ‘dangerous maneuvers’ by the Chinese Coast Guard ships to block Philippineowned vessels from reaching Ayungin Shoal, would give our military reason to double down on the planned joint patrols of the WPS with the US and other like-minded allies like Japan and Australia,” Villafuerte said.

“We’ll see. That’s what I want to explain to people, that we have made significant progress. We can see the difference now, not only in terms of how the systems work, how the government works, it is also how we are seen or judged in the international community. That’s equally important,” he added.

“My SONA is a report to the people. We will show the things we discussed last year, this is what we have accomplished, and these are the things we still need to do,” Marcos said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has yet to detect se -

One fan even identified herself as a “friend” of Filipino actress G Tongi, who was said to be co-producing the event where Lea would be performing.

“My friend, G Tongi, who [was] the co-producer of this show,” the woman

curity threats to the President during his SONA on July 24. Similarly, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has yet to receive any application from groups that will hold protest actions, but it anticipates the presence of various groups on the day of the SONA.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City that the PNP will conduct simulation exercises, communication exercises, walk throughs, clearing operations and contingency planning in case there are protests.

The PNP spokesperson urged groups to hold their actions at the Quezon Memorial Circle, the designated freedom park in the city.

“But you are not on the guest list. Can you wait for me at the door? I’m really sorry… I’ll see you at the door. But don’t go outside. Stay inside the door,” answered Salonga. Breaking her silence on the issue, the 52-year-old Tony winner replied to one of the comments on the Twitter thread of the viral video, saying she had checked it with G Tongi who denied knowing the fan.

In case groups decide to march from the University of the Philippines-Diliman Campus to the Luzon Avenue flyover along Commonwealth Avenue, Fajardo said the police will observe maximum tolerance and will allow them to express themselves.

Meanwhile, QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said they have conducted a simulation of what could transpire during the SONA, including a possible face-off with protesters.

“Basically, this is a refresher of our crowd disturbance management technique and tactics,” Torre said. There will be around 5,000 police officers deployed at the House of Representatives and the Batasang Pambansa complex on July 24, half of them from the QCPD.

In a related development, Filipino and American military aircraft conducted air combat and maritime interdiction tactics over the skies of Visayas and Mindanao as part of the aerial exercises of Cope Thunder 2023-2 over the weekend.

“A number of aircraft from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and (US) Pacific Air Force (PACAF) soared into the skies of Visayas and Mindanao during various flight missions under Cope Thunder 2023-2 from July 12-15, 2023,” Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement Monday.

Torre also said maximum tolerance will be exercised.

The PNP earlier said more than 22,000 policemen and augmentation forces will be tapped to secure the President’s SONA.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the new government branding “Bagong Pilipinas” clearly sets the direction and objectives that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.wants to accomplish.

“We are one with President Bongbong Marcos in ensuring that the government puts the welfare and interests of Filipinos first through good governance,” he said.

“It is a strong reminder for every public servant, that again public office is a public trust,” he said.

11 Degamo slay suspects moved to Bicutan jail

By Rey E. Requejo

ELEVEN suspects in the killings of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine other people last March 4, 2023 have been committed to a prison facility of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Bicutan, Taguig City, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has submitted for resolution the preliminary investigation into multiple murder charges filed against suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. in connection with the killing of Degamo and the nine innocent bystanders.

Remulla said those transferred from the detention facility of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila were Marvin H. Miranda, Winrich B. Isturis, Eulogio L. Gonyon Jr., John Louie L. Gonyon, Joric G. Labrador, Benjie Rodriguez, Jhudiel R. Rivero, Dahniel P. Lora, Romel A. Pattaguan, Rogelio C. Antipolo Jr., and Joven C. Javier.

According to Remulla, the transfer was requested by the NBI since the bureau’s headquarters in Manila will be demolished for the construction of a new and modern building.

Besides the deaths of 10 people, 18 others had been injured in the massacre in Degamo’s residence in Pamplona town last March 4.

Except for Miranda, the 10 other suspects have recanted their earlier confessions of complicity in the Degamo murder and implicated Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. as the mastermind.

“We do not have to take every recantation as gospel truth because of their previous statements,” Remulla said.

“So, it does not change anything if at all because recantations, as always said, are looked upon with disdain by the courts and even by the prosecution,” he added.

Likewise, Remulla said he will attend the next Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) meeting this month to discuss his recommendations to have Teves designated as a terrorist.

Teves, who has not returned to the country, has been tagged as a “mastermind” in the Degamo slaying. He has denied the allegations.

COA to PTNI: Liquidate P75m in DOT ad fees

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has reminded the government-run People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) that it still has to account for P75.78 million in Department of Tourism (DOT) advertisements on the Kilos Pronto program.

The COA said two notices of suspension involving P60.009 million and P15.789 million, respectively, have already lapsed and matured into notices of disallowance (NDs).

In 2018, then DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo resigned following the controversial ad placements of the department to Bitag Media Unlimited, Inc. operated by her brother Ben Tulfo.

The two notices of disallowance in the audit report were marked “under appeal”.

The Tulfos have denied any wrongdoing and refused to return the questioned amount.

The NDs concerning the Tulfos were included in the P128.612 million total NDs of the PTNI.

A copy of the audit report was reportedly received by the PTV board, as well as its general manager Julio Castillo, Jr. on June 8, 2023.

Phivolcs sees last of Mayon eruptions in next few weeks

By Rio N. Araja and Gabriellea Pariño

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday said Mayon Volcano might calm within a few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) said a vaccine rollout in Albay will continue despite the threat of Mayon eruptions. Phivolcs placed Mayon under Alert Level 2 last June 5, then upgraded it three days later to Level 3 which remained unchanged until now.

“From our computations around 16 million cubic meters of volcanic materials have been released. Compared to the 2009 eruptions which spewed some 20 million cubic meters of volcanic mate -

rials, there is now a slight difference, so we could wait for a little more time before it is finally over,” Phivolcs resident volcanologist Paul Alanis explained.

More than 40,000 residents were evacuated amid during the 2009 eruptions. From Alert Level 4 in December 2009, it was reduced to Level 3, and then Level 2, in January 2010.

“From our assessment, the eruptions may end in a few weeks,” he added.

Phivolcs described Mayon’s activities as “relatively quiet effusive eruption,”

IN BRIEF

PNP, DICT ink accord on seamless connectivity

meaning lava steadily pours out of the volcano’s mouth.

Alanis also said the frequency of volcanic earthquakes has been increasing, with 834 quakes recorded since June 1 to the present time, or about two weeks, and 184 in just two days, or between July 16 and July 17.

He also noted the reappearance of “repetitive pulse tremors,” or a continuous tremor-like series of weak volcanic earthquakes at 11 a.m. on July 16.

Over 20,000 residents have been evacuated from Mayon’s six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

In a bulletin, Phivolcs said 238 rockfall events and three dome-collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC) events were also recorded.

Speaker eases release of P6.78m for cancer patients

By Maricel V. Cruz

IN line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s program to provide better health services to the people, the office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez facilitated on Monday the release of P6.78 million worth of medical assistance via guarantee letters at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City.

OTS enforces mandatory removal of shoes

By Joel E. Zurbano

AIRPLANE passengers will be asked to remove their shoes as the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) strengthens its screening processes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport all other major airports in the country.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in an advisory, said the OTS has updated and revised the standard operating procedure (SOP) on screening of passengers, flight crews, and other airport users.

“The mandatory removal of footwear shall be implemented at the Final Security Checkpoint in all airports nationwide effective immediately,” the advisory read.

OTS chief Ma.O Aplasca explained that the measure was meant to enhance the overall security of all passengers and staff, which is aligned with global security standards and best practices.

Requiring passengers to remove footwear, he added, provides an advanced layer of scrutiny while identifying potential security threats.

Aplasca emphasized that it is a longstanding policy and practice, which need to be strictly implemented to ensure security at vital transportation facilities such as airports regardless of the security condition level.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa City questioned the airport authorities on the removal of the passengers shoes.

This, as Romualdez attended his first town hall meeting during which he spoke on issues related to treatment, care and other problems confronting pediatric and adult cancer patients, their parents and health practitioners.

“To the care and medication of a cancer patient is among the most financially taxing things that a family can experience. It is even more difficult

RELIEF GOODS.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, TV host Willie Revillame, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, Rep. Sam Verzosa, Rep. Jil Bongalon, and former congressman Christopher Co, hand out relief goods to villagers tentatively sheltered at Gabawan Evacuation Center in Daraga, Albay; San Andres Evacuation Center in Sto. Domingo, Albay; San Antonio Elementary School Multi-Purpose Building, Tabaco, Albay, and Bariw Covered Court, Brgy. Bariw, Camalig, Albay. Norman Cruz

if children are involved. Through this medical assistance, we hope to somehow ease the burden on these families and give them hope,” Romualdez said.

All 30 cancer patients who attended the town hall meeting were given Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) of the Department of Health (DOH), or the guarantee letter, amounting to P50,000 each for a total of P1.5 million.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to establish a “harmonized and seamlessly coordinated ICT system” in the country.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to DICT Secretary Atty. Ivan John E. Uy for your presence, support, and partnership in this essential endeavor. I am confident that by working together, we will pave the way for a safer, more secure, and digitally empowered Philippines,” said PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr.

He said the accord will not only foster integration, interoperability, and interconnection between respective systems and applications but also ensure their reciprocal enrichment and interdependence.

“The effective utilization of ICT assumes a paramount significance in safeguarding the welfare, security, and overall prosperity of our society. Recognizing this, the PNP, as the primary law enforcement agency, and the DICT, entrusted with harnessing the potential of ICT for national development, recognize the value of collaboration in achieving our shared goals,” he said. Vince Lopez

CAAP launches 5-day technical exercise

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday began its five-day technical mission to further improve its Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Aeronautical Information Services /Aeronautical Information Management (AIS/ AIM) system.

The activity being conducted from July 17 to 21 is being supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the mission’s primary purpose is to conduct an analysis of the ATM and AIS regulatory structure, service delivery-level organization, operating environment and processes in the Philippines, and to provide recommendations on priority areas for consideration.

Joel E. Zurbano

BI warns vs. illegal recruitment of OFWs

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed alarm over the recurring illegal recruitment scheme targeting former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco cited the recent interception of a 37-year-old Filipina at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 who tried to board a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Doha, Qatar, with a layover in Dubai.

Immigration officers requested verification of the victim’s documents with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and discovered discrepancies, prompting subsequent cancellation of her departure clearance. Investigation by BI personnel revealed that the woman was illegally recruited to work as a household helper in Dubai. Vito Barcelo

TRANSPORT PROTEST ACTION. Jeepney drivers and operators stage a demonstration on Mendiola street near Malacañang to air their grievances over the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program that involves the gradual phaseout of the outmoded jeepneys. Norman Cruz

AFTERMATH OF A LANDSLIDE. Rescue workers and residents search through what was left of the houses downed by a landslide on Monday at Vista Verde Subdivision in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City, triggered by incessant rains over the past days. At least 14 houses were destroyed and a 41-year-old woman died in the disaster. Manny Palmero

Comelec to appeal SC order for new village polls

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec)

on Monday said it will appeal the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision directing the poll body to conduct another Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on December 5, 2025, compelling the Comelec to hold two elections in two years.

Comelec chairman George Garcia said the en banc is preparing to file a motion for reconsideration on the decision of the High Court which ruled that the next BSKE after the October 2023 polls shall be held in 2025.

The motion for reconsideration is expected to be filed after the Comelec receives the full copy of the Supreme Court decision, he said.

The SC, in its decision, declared unconstitutional the previous postponement of the BSKE and ordered another village polls to be set on the first Monday of December 2025. But for that year, the poll body has only been preparing for the midterm polls and has planned on introducing a new system and new automated counting machines.

Since they would have to prepare for two elections, the commission has to plan carefully how it would execute the preparations and conduct of these suffrage exercises, the official said

“But because of the SC’s decision, it seems that there would be an additional budget and there should be a decision on whether the BSKE 2025 would be automated. Of course, this would entail additional cost,” he added.

The Comelec meanwhile said it will withhold the salaries and benefits of officers and employees who have unliquidated cash advances in 2022.

Garcia issued the statement after receiving reports from the Commission on Audit (COA) that the poll regulator had P2 billion in unliquidated cash advances in 2022.

“The Commission en banc passed a resolution on the withholding of salaries and benefits of personnel until they have liquidated their cash advances,” Garcia said.

“In fact, it includes all other actions even including filing of criminal cases against individuals who will not properly liquidate,” he added.

NEW CLARK MEDICAL FACILITY.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conducted a briefing and site inspection of the first-ever Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on Monday. The construction of the first regional specialty medical center is in support of the administration’s efforts to establish more hospitals in different provinces and cities across the country. Alfred Frias/ NIB-PNA.

Agency eyes repurposing of P276-b flooding budget

By Othel V. Campos

THE Water Resources Management

Board (WRMO), a newly-formed agency at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) seeks to repurpose part of the P276-billion budget intended for the flood control program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

WRMO head and DENR undersecretary for Environmental Science Car-

DOH asks Pinoy nurses to stay and work in PH

THE Department of Health (DOH) is again urging licensed nurses to work in hospitals, whether public or private, amid a continuing shortage of nurses in the country.

DOH spokesperson Undersecretary

Enrique Tayag made the appeal in response to the proposal of Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. for the DOH to track down around 124,000 registered nurses who were believed to be unemployed, underemployed, or doing non-nursing work, GMA News reported.

Tayag said the DOH has already considered such a thing to fill in the vacancies in government hospitals.

“We ask our nurses: Where are you?

Our country needs you. Come to us because we are waiting for you and this may be the time for you to serve in hospitals, not only in public, but also in private ones,” the health official said.

Tayag said that while the government cannot force licensed nurses to work in government hospitals, the DOH will continuously announce job postings for nurses hoping that they would apply.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa has repeatedly raised concern about this matter, noting that 4,500 plantilla items for nurses are currently vacant in over 70 hospitals of the DOH nationwide.

IN BRIEF

Revilla backs P150 salary increase proposal

SEN. Ramon Revilla Jr. on Monday vowed to continue pushing for the passage of a P150 across-the-board wage hike bill.

Early this year, Revilla together with Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri filed Senate Bill No. 2018 to grant a P150 wage increase to all employees of the private sector regardless of the region or sector they are employed.

‘Immigration will take into custody POGO workers’

By Rey E. Requejo

DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Sec-

retary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will take into custody the foreigners rescued during the June 27, 2023 raid of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Las Pinas City.

Remulla said the BI custody of the foreigners was agreed upon during a meeting between the DOJ and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) which conducted the raid that led to the filing of human trafficking complaints against five Chinese nationals.

In a press briefing, Remulla said the foreigners are under “legal custody because they under investigation for violation of their visas or the conditions of their visas,”

los David said the proposal will help the country sustain the supply of clean and potable water which is finite and dwindling.

“We’ve been talking to NIA (National Irrigation Authority) and the DPWH if we can, perhaps, repurpose some of the (flood control) projects so they can longer be dikes alone but actually impounding projects, small hydro dams and reservoirs for water supply of communities and irrigation,” he said at the Water for Life forum organized

Las Piñas City kicks off Ms. Waterlily Pageant

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar kicked off the 16th Ms. Waterlily Pageant and presented to the public the candidates who came from the 20 barangays in Las Piñas City.

“The Waterlily Festival in 2020 and 2021 were temporarily halted due to COVID pandemic, but we were given the chance to resume and revitalize it in 2022 last year. So for 2023, we are here again for a happy celebration of our 16th Ms. Waterlily Pageant,” Villar said.

The senator is elated that just like the previous years, all the city’s 20 barangays participated in the Pageant.

In the pre-pageant, the Ms. Waterlily

candidates who wore costumes made from water lily, were introduced.

She noted that the Waterlily Festival is a great way to show Las Piñeros’ capacity for friendship and camaraderie with the other barangays in Las Piñas.

“Looking back, it was in 2005 when we started our Waterlily Festival, our goal was to raise awareness on an environmental challenge we were experiencing –the clogging of two rivers- the Las Piñas, ang Zapote River at Las Piñas River due to overgrowth of waterlilies and other trash thrown in the river and esteros,”

Villar added.

Together with the Villar SIPAG, the senator said they exerted efforts to remove the waterlilies that clogged the two rivers.

by Stratbase ADR Monday. He mentioned projects such the P744 million San Cristobal River in Calamba, Laguna, can be repurposed into building many small water impounding systems. This year, one side of the river has been fitted with dikes and the other side by next year. From the same budget, the government can initiate the rehabilitation of a small dam upstream of the river that can provide irrigation to nearby towns, he said.

“The licenses of these POGOs were canceled by PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) which gives rise to the fact that these are already illegal,” Remulla said.

Once the BI takes legal custody of these foreigners, Remulla stressed that this will “clarify a lot of issues about the habeas corpus petitions being filed because they are being held for cause by the Bureau of Immigration.”

Metro Manila’s wage board earlier approved a P40 wage increase which was affirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

The senator has consistently filed legislative measures which intend to raise the daily wage of laborers as early as his first term as a senator during the 14th Congress, and subsequently during 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th Congress.

In the 16th and 18th Congress, Revilla was the only legislator in the upper chamber to file measures to such effect. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Solon seeks more

specialized cancer centers

REP. Ray T. Reyes of Anakalusugan on Monday called for more specialized centers in provinces after a recent study showed that the Philippines has one of the lowest screening rates for breast and cervical cancer.

“Many of our people in the provinces do not have access to specialized medical services to treat illnesses like cancer,” he said.

Reyes, vice chair of the House Committee on Health, filed House Bill 3134 of the “Regional Specialty Hospitals Act” to give people access to hospitals providing specialized healthcare services including cancer care. Maricel V. Cruz

LTO rushes to deliver licenses as SONA nears

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is rushing to deliver physical license cards and vehicle plates days before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The LTO further said the department was assured by a private contractor that there is “proof of capacity” to deliver the cards.

The P219-million project was awarded to Banner Plastic Card Inc., the contractor behind LandBank’s Visa debit cards.

“Five thousand is the sample cards. It will just be good faith offer that they can do it. I’ve seen the factory here in Pasig. They can do 15-30k copies every day. It’s proof that they can deliver,” LTO Officerin-Charge Hector Villacorta, in an ABS-CBN News report, said.

‘KILO/S KYUSI.’ Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte leads the launching of “Kilo/s Kyusi: Kilo Store ng Bayan, Tulong para sa Kinabukasan,” at the Quezon City Hall on Monday, as part of the local government’s continuing efforts to raise awareness on education and garner support for Quezon City’s learning programs. Manny Palmero

‘PINEAPPLE TREE.’ Miss Apayao Universe Kristeen Mae Boccang stands beside a “pineapple tree,” a 19-foot tower made up of 980 individual pineapples. The tree is part of the 36th Cordillera Month Celebrations hosted by Apayao Province. Dave Leprozo

Water crisis, floods —the new normal

for the onset of typhoon season. It is now clear that life in the Metro with the water crisis and floods is becoming the new normal. Crisis on nurses

Another crisis that has come up is the shortage of nurses with the continuous outflow of nurses seeking greener pastures, a shortage that affects us all.

Angat Dam raises hopes

FOR the rest of the year and even next year, Metro Manila will have a water crisis, like it or not.

Starting with Maynilad ( I live in an area serviced by Maynilad) scheduled water interruptions as the new normal.

Other cities serviced by Maynilad have water interruptions almost the whole night long with the water level of Angat Dam continuously receding from its minimum level of 180 meters. We have had water crises before when people had to line up for water and the usual water dump trucks for the rationing of water.

Metro Manilans are no longer strangers to the water crisis.

We had it before, and people had to bear with it.

This shortage has come to a point that hospitals, both state-run and private, are so hardpressed to find nurses that it has compelled the new Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa to propose hiring not only board exam passers, but graduates who flunked if only to augment health forces.

This is of course stupid, but it is a reflection of the crisis now facing our health system.

Nursing continues to be in demand as a course, but many graduates are jobless by choice, waiting mainly for an opportunity to leave for abroad and work overseas.

And we all know the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the problem about catching the virus.

Records show as of December 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, no less than 200,000 nurses reportedly were out of work not because of choice but because they couldn’t be employed.

The reason for this is the meager pay they get and working conditions.

Santa Banana, the problem got worse because high income countries also short of nurses started to dangle incentives such as resettlement of nurses’ families.

Santa Banana, this constitutes a double whammy to the Philippines because of the lack of remittances from those working abroad.

Perhaps in an attempt to cushion the impact of the problem which has become a crisis, President Marcos Jr. said, “we are victims of our successes.”

Are we?

WITH El Niño exhaling threats on the Philippines, there appears good reason to smile with the water level at Angat Dam, which supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs, rising a bit.

The water level at Angat Dam, on the southeastern part of Central Luzon, originating on the slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains, has increased to 179.06 meters on Sunday.

But the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said while the dam’s water level had slightly increased due to rains brought by the southwest monsoon, it remained below its minimum operating level of 180 meters.

The Angat Dam, which energizes a hydro-electirc power plant, also provides for the irrigation needs of 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga. PAGASA however said the water level in Angat Dam may still fall.

With this possibility, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Water Resources Management Office (DENR-WRMO) issued Bulletin 1 or its water conservation guidelines for government agencies following Malacañang’s Memorandum Circular

The country’s problem with water has an adverse effect on the food supply

22, which requires WRMO to track other departments’ progress in water conservation by analyzing their monthly water bills.

While El Niño—projected by PAGASA from June to first quarter of 2024—does not directly cause water scarcity, the reduced rainfall it brings can influence decreased water supply and droughts.

Only last month, Senator Loren Legarda pointed out in a statement that “we are facing the alarming truth that our water resources are already depleting at a disturbing rate.’’

There is a need for everyone to

conserve water and act swiftly to avoid a potentially devastating water crisis that would impact our daily lives, food production, and the environment.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised an indictment with his belief the government has not been examining the water crisis in the country.

“We do not look at it, just find other ways and put up with the idea that once in a while we’ll have to pull out our buckets and fill our bathtubs with water because there’s not going to be water for the next 24 hours,” the President said.

According to the President, the country’s problem with water has an adverse effect on the food supply, citing the importance of irrigation in the agriculture sector.

“And so when they say water is life, it’s not just a cliché, it’s a truism. And it is something that we must always keep in mind especially now,” he said.

The President has signed an executive order that will create the Office of Water management, which aims to manage the country’s water resources and respond to environmental challenges.

In the meanwhile, we join officials in asking citizens to conserve water, but local government units must as well assure clear and constant communication with water suppliers to manage demand,

My gulay, I am wondering why the government hasn’t done anything about this problem.

This brings to fore questions like, why Metro Manila has to rely on Angat Dam.

Maynilad and Manila Water have not done anything but to rely only on what water regulators -- the Metropolitan Water and Sewage System and the Water Resources Board— have provided for Metro Manila.

Yes, we in Metro Manila had survived the water crisis before, but should we accept a water crisis as a new normal?

Our water concessionaire, Maynilad, continues to explain to us what is happening and there’s not anything we can do but to accept everything.

But, Santa Banana, what has been done to at least mitigate the crisis?

Should we just accept everything that has been given to us, the consumers?

And for goodness sake, what has the government done, as I said, to mitigate our suffering as consumers?

They say when the rains come, the water crisis will at least be mitigated.

Again, I know I am asking for nothing much from the government to lessen the water crisis that has adverse effects on the people.

But, it seems we have to live with it, and there’s nothing we can do about it, and, like it or not, admit it or not, my gulay, there’s nothing we can do but to accept it.

What I’m worried about are the poor who must line up for a can of water.

At least for me and my family, we have a water tank that we can refill everyday.

Should this be the case, the new normal?

Good thing there are deep water wells that serve as an alternative to lining up. But, will we accept it just as it is?

When the rains came

Because of the dry spell that brought about the water crisis in Metro Manila, came floods in most parts of Metro Manila that caused a traffic standstill which took commuters hours to go home.

Santa Banana, Metro Manila must be cursed!

But, personally I prefer the rains because, my gulay, at least Angat Dam could be refilled, and Maynilad and Manila Water would have a chance to mitigate the hours of long rationing of water to millions of their customers, all caused by the El Nino dry spell.

As for the floods that usually result when rains pour on Metro Manila, there’s no end to it because of clogged waterways and esteros.

That can be blamed on the inability of Metro Manila Development Authority to prepare

The problem now is how to have nurses stay in the country to increase the workforce.

The DOH now has the problem of how to contend with the shortage of nurses.

The DOH itself has a shortage of staff with only 194,000 personnel, including 106,000 nurses and 67,000 physicians.

Also lacking are pharmacists. I’d rather say that we are not victims of our success, but our failure to stop the exodus of nurses and even physicians by not giving them good pay and better working conditions.

It’s no success at all, but our abject failure to provide decent jobs to our own people.

NAIA concessionaire planned

With the unsolicited offer of the six conglomerates of P210 billion to repair and modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following the continuing criticism that NAIA is perhaps the worst international airport in the world, there are also plans to privatize management and make the six conglomerates the management as a concessionaire for 20 years and renewable for another 15 years.

That’s a good idea and logical.

More than a modernized international gateway, there is an urgent and imperative need for NAIA to be handled and managed well and only in private hands can it be done.

With the management of NAIA in private hands, President Marcos Jr. can give the people a modernized international airport and, with modernization, an international gateway we can be proud of.

Customs and Immigration, of course, can still be in government hands.

What is more important than a modernized NAIA is that, with privatized management, we hope for less brownouts and breakdowns of air-conditioners.

The Civil Aviation Authority will remain as the agency to ensure navigational air space, communications and security.

That’s a government function since it involves national security.

What’s happening?

BBM must really be scratching the bottom of the barrel with the appointment of a disbarred lawyer as presidential adviser on poverty alleviation.

When a lawyer gets disbarred by the Supreme Court, it’s a reflection on the character of that member of the bar.

Then, there’s the controversy of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) having a new logo costing P3 million.

Santa Banana, P3 million just for a new logo ? What a waste of the people’s money.

Political prisoners in new Philippines

NEXT Monday, July 24, 2023, we will be told by President Bong Bong Marcos that we are a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines).

Such a Philippines, according to Memorandum Circular 24 issued on July 3, calls for “deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government, and fosters the State’s commitment towards the attainment of comprehensive policy reforms and full economic recovery” and will be “characterized by principled, accountable and dependable government” pledged to help Filipinos reach their “goals and aspirations.”

Well, that’s good and I am all for a new Philippines. But let’s look at the facts on a single issue alone – political prisoners.

The Philippines, as of June 2023, has 778 political prisoners in detention centers, according to human rights organization Karapatan.

Forty-nine out of the total were arrested under Marcos Jr.

Unfortunately, many Filipinos seen to have political beliefs and work dissenting against the government are put behind bars.

During Marcos Sr.’s martial law, many activists were illegally detained for fighting against the dictatorship.

This practice of detaining activists has bled to the present.

While it is not as easy to arrest activists without a warrant, the state still finds a way to go around this. Usually, they are arrested through trumped up charges as an excuse.

Leila de Lima, a former senator and strong opposition against Duterte, is a prominent example.

She has been detained for six years now, with three drug cases filed against her.

One was dismissed in 2021, while she has just been acquitted for her second case in May 2023. Human rights organizations, both local and international, have also recognized that her detention is arbitrary and the ‘evidence’ is fabricated.

Despite this, the court has denied her bail.

The state has also charged several activists with illegal possession of firearms and explosives. This is a common trumped up charge.

In 2020, they raided and arrested five

activists in Leyte because of this.

They arrested Frenchie Cumpio, community journalist, Mira Legion, chairperson of Anakbayan in Eastern Visayas, Alexander Abinguna, Marielle Domequil and Marissa Cabaljao, secretary-general of People Surge Alliance-Eastern Visayas.

Alexandrea Pacalda, a youth activist, was also arrested in 2019 for the same case. Just last March 15, she was convicted with reclusion perpetua (up to 30 years imprisonment).

Political prisoners are not just robbed of their freedom, but of their ability to protect and care for their loved ones suffering from ailment.

In another case, just this year, Kapatid has been demanding the release of the ‘oldest political prisoner in the country.’ Gerardo dela Peña is 84, serving his time at New Bilibid Prison. Tatay Gerry was a farmer from Vinzons, Camarines Norte. He was also a former human rights worker and village councilor.

He was detained in 2013, convicted of the murder of his nephew Melchor.

These political prisoners, usually activists or coming from marginalized sectors, are also red-tagged in the process of their arrest.

It is not uncommon for the military or the NTF-ELCAC to claim those who have been arrested are ‘terrorists’ or members of the NPA.

However, those they arrest are on-theground activists working with communities.

It is quite frustrating that the justice system favors the arrest of those who are also trying to fight for justice.

Some political prisoners have been detained for so long that they are now either suffering from ailments, are elderly, or both.

In Reina Mae Nasino’s case, her arrest has cost the life of her baby.

Reina, together with Alma Moran and Ram Carlo Bautista, were arrested in 2019, also for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

While they were released in 2022, this was not before the unkind situation Reina and Baby River Nasino had to go through.

Reina had asked if her baby could stay with her until River was at least six months old since she was not healthy enough.

However, authorities refused this request. Baby River ended up in the hospital a month after their separation.

Reina’s daughter passed away shortly after.

While the NPA took responsibility for this, the prosecution maintained that Tatay Gerry was guilty. They also insisted on redtagging Tatay Gerry but he denied these accusations.

While his name has been submitted to the DOJ since 2019 to be considered for release due to humanitarian reasons, they haven’t succeeded.

Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim also mentioned, “[N]o political prisoner has been included in any of the trumpeted government releases of elderly PDLs (persons deprived of liberty). Not even one.”

Because of this even further marginalization that political prisoners are experiencing, Selda led the launch of a campaign called “Breaking chains, Reclaiming freedom from Marcos Sr. to Marcos Jr.” Since Selda is an association of former political prisoners during Marcos Sr.’s regime, it was only appropriate that they led the launch.

One of the campaign’s goals is to get support from the public for political prisoners.

To push this movement forward is to raise awareness on the plight of political prisoners as well as to advocate for their release.

By building networks and coalitions, everything remains possible.

A new Philippines is possible. But first let free all political prisoners!

Website: tonylavina.com. Facebook: tonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

Study trips, livestreamed fish: Fukushima charm campaign

TOKYO—From livestreamed fish to diplomatic study trips, Japan is waging a concerted campaign to calm controversy before it begins releasing treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

The problem is massive: the Fukushima Daiichi plant, where several reactors melted down after the 2011 tsunami overwhelmed cooling systems, generates 100,000 liters of contaminated water a day.

The mix of groundwater, rainwater that seeps into the area and water used for cooling is treated by plant operator TEPCO and stored on site. But 1.33 million cubic meters later, space has nearly run out.

TEPCO and Japan’s government want to release the treated liquid, diluted with seawater, via a pipe extending a kilometer from the coast where the plant sits.

They say filtration removes most radionuclides—elements that emit radiation —and renders the water no different to that regularly released by nuclear plants elsewhere, a view endorsed by experts and the UN nuclear watchdog.

The release is a “robust plan,” according to Tony Hooker, an associate professor at the University of Adelaide’s Center for Radiation Research, Education and Innovation.

“No environmental or human health impacts are likely to be observed,” he said, though he noted there is growing debate about the global practice of ocean dumping.

Claims about risks “are not founded in scientific evidence,” added Jim Smith, professor of environmental science at the University of Portsmouth. “Those making claims... should consider the negative impact of their -- I think scientifically baseless -- claims on the communities in Japan who have been affected by the Fukushima accident,” he added.

‘Radiation risks’

Still, Japan’s government and TEPCO have faced persistent concern and criticism, with some pointing to missteps around the initial accident as grounds for distrust.

Anti-nuclear group Greenpeace has been among the loudest voices condemning the plan, accusing the government of having

“discounted the radiation risks.”

And neighbors from China to Pacific nations have expressed varying degrees of concern. Fishing communities that spent years battling stigma and even bans on their catches now fear that rebuilt customer confidence will be destroyed.

No surprise then that dozens of government officials have been drafted in to work on swaying domestic and international opinion.

Regional and international delegations and media have been led on plant tours, sometimes stopping at tanks where fish swim in treated

and diluted wastewater—an experiment streamed on YouTube.

There have also been technical briefings for neighbors like South Korea, though government officials said multiple invitations for such talks with China had gone unanswered.

Perhaps the most important plank of Japan’s campaign is a review by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has endorsed the release plan and will monitor its implementation.

“This is the organization which can provide reassurance to not only the Japanese people but to the international community... they provide the gold standard,” said Shinichi Sato, director of the international nuclear cooperation division at Japan’s foreign ministry.

‘Negligible impact’

The IAEA, whose chief is visiting Tokyo and the Fukushima plant this month, said the plan meets international standards and will have “a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.”

Still, it is likely to remain controversial, with Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General

Henry Puna last month urging “more time and an abundance of caution.”

And while Seoul has tempered earlier opposition, as diplomatic ties between the neighbors warm, that hasn’t stopped panic buying of salt by some convinced the release will contaminate local seawater.

It’s a painful moment for Fukushima’s fishing communities, whose livelihoods have been battered.

A spokesman for the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations said TEPCO’s measures inspired little confidence about radiation risks.

But “the reputational damage is the bigger concern,” he told AFP, declining to be named.

“There are still concerns raised both at home and abroad ... and we want the government to do more.”

The release is expected to unfold over several decades, and Japan’s government says its campaign is far from over.

“We understand that this requires a lot of explanation, and we are ready to do that,” said Sato. AFP

Heat wave threatens to break records

ROME, Italy – Scorching heat across the Northern Hemisphere threatened to break records and whip up wildfires on Monday as the dire consequences of global warming take shape.

Parts of Europe, Asia and North America were preparing for historic heat with health warnings and evacuations.

In the North America, swaths of the United States, home to more than 80 million people, were under heat warnings or advisories Sunday (Monday in Manila), as relentless, record-breaking temperatures continued to bake western and southern states.

The National Weather Service warned of “a widespread and oppressive heat wave” in parts of the South-

west, western Gulf Coast and southern Florida, with sizzling temperatures carrying into the coming week raising health risks for millions.

In Arizona, the state capital Phoenix recorded its 17th straight day above 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), as temperatures hit 113F (45C) on Sunday afternoon. Europe could record its hottest-ever temperature this week on Italy’s islands of Sicily and Sardinia where a high of 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahren-

heit) is predicted, the European Space Agency said.

“I’m really struggling with the heat. I’ve bought a mini fan, an umbrella and bottles of water,” said Lilu Da Costa Rosa, a 48-yearold Brazilian saleswoman visiting Rome on Sunday.

In the Vatican, 15,000 people braved sweltering temperatures on Sunday to hear Pope Francis lead prayers, using parasols and fans to keep cool.

But in their black robes, priests like Francois Mbemba said they were “sweating like hell”.

The 29-year-old said it felt hotter in St Peter’s Square than in his Democratic Republic of Congo diocese.

IN BRIEF

Sokor president vows ‘overhaul’

In Japan, authorities issued heatstroke alerts for tens of millions of people in 20 of its 47 prefectures as near-record high temperatures scorched large areas and torrential rain pummeled other regions.

National broadcaster NHK warned the heat was life-threatening, with the capital Tokyo and other places recording nearly 40 degrees Celsius.

Japan’s highest temperature ever -41.1C first recorded in Kumagaya city in 2018 -- could be beaten, according to the meteorological agency.

Some places experienced their highest temperatures in more than four decades Sunday, including Hirono town in Fukushima prefecture with 37.3C. AFP

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president vowed Monday to “completely overhaul” the country’s approach to extreme weather from climate change, after at least 39 people were killed by recent flooding and landslides during monsoon rains.

Rescue workers waded through thick mud as they drained a flooded underpass in central Cheongju, searching for more victims after vehicles were trapped in the tunnel by flash floods, the interior ministry said, with nine people still missing nationwide.

South Korea is at the peak of its summer monsoon season and days of torrential rain have caused widespread flooding and landslides, with rivers bursting their banks and reservoirs and dams overflowing -- and there is more rain forecast this week.

“This kind of extreme weather event will become commonplace -- we must accept climate change is happening, and deal with it,” President Yoon Suk Yeol said Monday, ahead of a visit to flood-hit North Gyeongsang province. AFP

Boat carrying dozens sinks

DHAKA, Bangladesh—An unknown number of people were missing Sunday after a water bus carrying up to 40 passengers sank in a river in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, police said.

Police said the bus was ferrying people across the Buriganga at around 8pm when it was hit by a cargo vessel carrying sand near Sadarghat, Bangladesh’s largest river port.

Prothom Alo, the country’s largest Bengali daily, said that between 25 and 30 people were missing.

One woman who swam ashore told AFP her daughter had yet to be found.

“She does not know how to swim,” said Mokseda, who has only one name.

“Can you tell me what happened to her?” she asked from the marine police station at Sadarghat.

Police sub inspector Hasan Ali said that at least four bodies had been recovered and several survivors had been interviewed. AFP

‘Intensified’ combat on; Putin says counteroffensive failing

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine ssaid Sunday said fighting had “intensified” on the eastern front as Russian President Vladimir Putin deemed Kyiv’s counteroffensive a failure.

Putin is yet to decide if Russia will renew the grain deal -- expiring late Monday -- that allowed the resumption of Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea, temporarily halted when the invasion began in February 2022.

Ukraine last month began its highly anticipated fightback after stockpiling Western weapons and building up its offensive forces.

It has however admitted difficult battles and called on the United States and other allies to pro -

vide long-range weapons and artillery.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Ganna Malyar said “the situation has somewhat intensified in the east.”

“For two days in a row, the enemy has been actively attacking in the Kupiansk sector in the Kharkiv region. We are on the defense,” Malyar wrote on Telegram. She nevertheless said Ukrainian forces were “gradually moving forward” near the eastern city of Bakhmut, which Russian forces seized in May.

She said Ukrainian soldiers were advancing south of Bakhmut and trying to hold their positions in the north.

On the front near Bakhmut, a commander of the artillery battalion of the 22nd separate mechanized

brigade told AFP he was satisfied with the counteroffensive but said progress was painful.

“Any day that we take back 10, 20, 100 metres is already a big win and achievement,” said the commander under the call sign “Bulat”.

Battery commander “Volyna” told AFP “we are encircling Bakhmut, kicking out (Russians) of Klyshchyvka,” a village south of the hotspot city.

Bakhmut, once home to 70,000 people and known for its sparkling wine and salt mine, has been destroyed by the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.

“In Bakhmut itself, we are shelling the enemy, and the enemy is shelling us,” Malyar said. AFP

China urged to step up efforts on climate

BEIJING, China—US climate envoy John Kerry was in Beijing on Monday to revive stalled talks and pressure China to step up its efforts to reduce planet-warming emissions.

Bilateral climate talks stalled last year after Nancy

Pelosi, then speaker of the US House of Representatives, enraged Beijing by visiting self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers to be part of its territory.

But Kerry, a former secretary of state, has enjoyed comparatively cordial and consistent relations with China despite Washington and Beijing locking horns over Taiwan and a number of other thorny issues.

He is likely to have his work cut out for him, however, with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan telling CNN on Sunday that Kerry would press China not to “hide behind any kind of claim that they are a developing nation” in order to slow-roll efforts to cut emissions.

“Every country, including China, has a responsibility to reduce emissions,” Sullivan said. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC—The United States would not be surprised if North Korea conducts another nuclear test, following the regime’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile this past week, a senior White House official said Monday.

“I have been concerned for some time that North Korea would conduct what would be its seventh nuclear test going back multiple administrations. And I remain concerned about that,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CBS talk show “Face the Nation” in an interview.

“I don’t see any immediate indications that that’s going to happen,” he added.

“But it would not come as a surprise if North Korea moved forward with another nuclear test with respect to its intercontinental ballistic missile capability.”

Sullivan stressed that Pyongyang had begun testing its nuclear capacity several years ago and “they have continued to test it.”

North Korea said Thursday it successfully test-fired the reclusive country’s newest ICBM, with leader Kim Jong Un personally overseeing the launch.

The missile, a solid-fuel Hwasong-18 that had reportedly been testfired only once before, flew 1,001 kilometers at a maximum altitude of 6,648 kilometers before splashing into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

‘No surprise if Pyongyang conducts new nuclear test’

Stock market falls amid heavy profit-taking

By Jenni er B. Austria

LOCAL stocks

plunged Monday on profit taking after last week’s strong recovery.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 74.03 points, or 1.12 percent, to close at 6,550.75.

Philstocks Financial Inc. analyst Claire Alviar said the lower-than-expected China’s gross domestic product growth in the second quarter also dampened investors’ sentiments.

“This adversely affected sentiment in Asia as many countries in the region are either China’s trading partners or have some form of connection with the country,” Alviar said.

Foreign investors remained net buyers despite the market decline. Value

turnover was thin at P2.82 billion.

Other Asian markets also struggled Monday to build on last week’s rally, with new data showing China’s economy grew less than expected in the second quarter as its post-Covid recovery runs out of steam.

Equities surged last week as news that US inflation slowed more than forecast fanned hopes that the Federal Reserve would soon end its campaign of interest rate hikes.

The advance was also bolstered by pledges from Beijing to introduce stimulus measures for the struggling economy.

However, the scale of the work facing Chinese officials was laid bare Monday, with data showing gross domestic product expanded 6.3 percent on-year in April-June, much less than forecast in an AFP survey.

Growth was also sharply down on a quarter-on-quarter basis, which is seen as a better guide to the state of the

China’s economy shows further signs of weakness, fails growth expectations

BEIJING—China’s economy showed further signs of weakness in the second quarter as data Monday revealed growth missed expectations and consumers remained cautious, adding pressure on leaders to unveil further stimulus.

The disappointing figures follow a string of below-par readings in recent months indicating the post-Covid recovery was already going off the rails and highlighting the tough work authorities face reviving momentum.

The National Statistics Bureau said the world’s number two economy grew 6.3 percent on-year in April-June, faster than the previous three months but much weaker than the 7.1 percent predicted in an AFP survey of analysts.

That came despite having a very low base of comparison with last year when the country was hit by a series of Covid lockdowns in major cities.

In quarter-on-quarter terms—considered a more realistic basis for comparison—

growth came in at 0.8 percent, well down from the 2.2 percent seen in JanuaryMarch, the first full period after the removal of zero-Covid restrictions.

NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said in a statement that the economy “showed a good momentum of recovery”.

“Market demand gradually recovered, production supply continued to increase, employment and price were generally stable, and residents income grew steadily,” he added.

But Fu admitted at a Monday news conference the Chinese economy faces “a complex and difficult international situation, and arduous tasks for reform, development and ensuring stability”.

Additional data reinforced the view that the post-pandemic recovery was petering out.

Retail sales, a key gauge of consumption, edged up 3.1 percent in June from a year earlier, according to the NBS, slowing from the 12.7 percent rise in May. AFP

Global debt dominates as G20 finance chiefs meet

GANDHINAGAR, India—G20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs opened talks Monday on debt restructuring deals, multilateral bank reform and finance to tackle climate change, as they aim to bolster a sagging global economy.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, chair and host of the summit in Gandhinagar, began by telling finance leaders of “the responsibility we have... to steer the global economy towards strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth”.

Key on the two-day agenda will be “facilitating consensus to intractable issues associated with rising indebtedness”, Sitharaman said earlier on Monday, speaking to reporters alongside US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

Talks will also focus on “critical global issues such as strengthening the multilateral development banks and taking coordinated climate action”, Sitharaman added.

Yellen said: “The world is looking to the G20 to make progress on key challenges like climate change and pandemics as part of our work to strengthen the global economy.”

She also cited work to tackle debt distress among the world’s poorest countries, noting debt restructuring progress in Zambia, which she had discussed when visiting Beijing this month.

‘Go faster’

China, the world’s second-largest economy and a major lender to several stressed, low-income countries in Asia and Africa, has so far resisted a common multilateral understanding on the issue, officials said.

Yellen on Sunday said the Zambia deal had taken “too long to negotiate”, and added she hoped debt treatments for Ghana and Sri Lanka could be “finalized quickly”.

“We should apply the common principles we agreed to in Zambia’s case in other cases, rather than starting at zero every time,” Yellen said. “And we must go faster.”

More than half of all low-income countries are near or in debt distress, double the case in 2015, Yellen added.

A top official from G20 chair India said there had been a “not so encouraging response” from Beijing on shared debt understanding.

Several economies have struggled following the double blow of the coronavirus pandemic and fallout from Russia’s war in Ukraine -- which hit global fuel and commodity prices.

China is a major creditor in some of these cases and has faced criticism for its stand on nations’ debt restructuring. Climate finance

The Group of 20 major economies will also discuss multilateral development banks’ reform, cryptocurrency regulations, and making access to financing to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change easier.

“In the Global North, climate change means emissions reductions,” World Bank chief Ajay Banga said in an op-ed ahead of the meeting. AFP

economy owing to the low base of comparison with last year’s Covid-depressed performance.

The National Bureau of Statistics also said youth unemployment hit a record 21.3 percent in June and retail sales also missed estimates, adding to months of data highlighting softness in the world’s number-two economy.

“China’s recovery is going from bad to worse,” said Harry Murphy Cruise at Moody’s Analytics.

“After a sugar injection in the opening months of 2023 (following the lifting of zero-Covid measures), the pandemic hangover is plaguing China’s recovery.”

The readings will further stoke calls for authorities to announce more measures to fire growth, having cut interest rates last month. But while officials have pledged to do more, there has been little concrete out of Beijing so far.

“Asia investors have been greeted by a dismal Chinese data dump to start the week,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.

“But... the data will be viewed through the lens of how it will influence the policy decisions made at the upcoming Politburo meeting in late July. With that in mind expectations should grow that Beijing will do major fiscal soon.”

Shanghai fell nearly one percent, and there were also losses in Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Manila and Wellington. Taipei, Mumbai and Jakarta edged up.

Hong Kong was closed because of a typhoon, while Tokyo was shut for a holiday.

London, Paris and Frankfurt dropped at the open.

The tepid performance Monday came as investors weighed the outlook for US interest rates after last week’s consumer and wholesale price indexes came in be-

low forecasts.

The readings were seen as giving the Federal Reserve room to wind down its monetary tightening drive, which has lasted more than a year.

While it is expected to hike again this month, there is debate over whether it will then call it a day or announce one more before the end of the year.

“We think it is premature to declare victory on inflation and expect volatility to remain elevated over the near term,” JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategists led by Phoebe White said.

Still, bets that the Fed is close to the end of its cycle have weighed on the dollar in recent weeks, with other central banks still lifting costs owing to stubbornly sticky inflation prints.

The euro last week touched $1.1248, the highest level since February 2022, while the yen and sterling have also pushed to multi-month highs. With AFP

LONDON—The UK government on Sunday hailed what it said was its biggest trade deal since Brexit, as it formally signed a treaty to join a major Indo-Pacific bloc.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch signed the accession protocol for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in New Zealand.

It makes the United Kingdom the first new member and first European nation to join the bloc since it was created in 2018.

The CPTPP comprises the UK’s fellow G7 members Canada and Japan, plus longstanding allies Australia and New Zealand, alongside Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico,

Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

It has been seen as a bulwark against Chinese dominance in the region, although Beijing has applied to join.

Badenoch said in an interview with Sky News that the deal showed the UK “looking outwards towards the world”.

“We have a seat at the table in the fastestgrowing region, countries are queuing up (to join),” she added.

“I’m really excited that we’ve brought home the biggest trade deal since we left the European Union.”

London has been pushing a “Global Britain” strategy since formally severing nearly 50 years of ties with its nearest neighbors in

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 10 August 2023 at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/SoldivoFundsASM2023 Webinar password will be sent via email after registration. The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 14 October 2022

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2022

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2023 to 2024

VIII. Delegation of Authority to the Board of Directors to Appoint External Auditor for 2023

IX. Other Matters

X. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 15 June 2023 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Given the current circumstances and in order to ensure the safety and welfare of our stockholders in light of the COVID -19 pandemic, the Corporation will dispense with the physical attendance of stockholders at the meeting and will allow attendance only by remote communication and by voting in absentia or voting through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2023 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 31 July 2023. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 03 August 2023. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

The procedures for participating in the me eting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement.

the European Union three years ago. Sunday’s signing at a CPTPP meeting in Auckland was the formal confirmation of the agreement for UK membership after nearly two years of talks.

The government said it will cut tariffs for UK exports to CPTPP countries, which with UK membership will have a combined GDP of £12 trillion ($15.7 trillion), and account for 15 percent of global GDP. It will give British businesses trade access to a market of more than 500 million people and access to the wider region, it added.

The agreement is expected to come into force in the second half of next year, after parliamentary scrutiny and legislation. AFP

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtual ly or via remote communication on 10 August 2023 at 3:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/SoldivoFundsASM2023 Webinar password will be sent via email after registration. The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 14 October 2022

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2022

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2023 to 2024

VIII. Delegation of Authority to the Board of Directors to Appoint External Auditor for 2023

IX. Other Matters

X. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 15 June 2023 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting. Given the current circumstances and in order to ensure the safety and welfare of our stockholders in light of the COVID -19 pandemic, the Corporation will dispense with the physical attendance of stockholders at the meeting and will allow attendance only by remote communication and by voting in absentia or voting through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2023 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 31 July 2023. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 03 August 2023. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement.

Makati City, Philippines, 19 June 2023

UK joins trans-Pacific trading bloc, biggest trade deal since Brexit

INAUGURAL CALL. TecPlata, International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s cargo handling operations at the La Plata Port adjacent to Buenos Aires in Argentina, receives the inaugural call of Zim Integrated Shipping Services’ Patagonia Express Service that connects Argentinian trade to the United States and the Caribbean Gulf, among other destinations. ZIM’s newly launched service links Argentina to the Caribbean and the US Gulf Coast through the ports of Kingston, a major Caribbean hub, and Houston in the Gulf of Mexico.

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (right) speaks next to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during a joint statement with US as part of the G20 Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors and Finance and Central Bank Deputies meetings, at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on July 17, 2023.

BSP says remittances grew 3.1% to nearly $13b in first five months

By Julito G. Rada

REMITTANCES rose for the 28th straight month, supporting the growth of household spending and the general economy amid the elevated inflation, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

The BSP said Monday cash remittances rose 2.8 percent in May to $2.49 billion from $2.43 billion in the same month last year, driven by the growth in receipts from land- and sea-based workers.

Money from Filipinos working overseas have been growing year-on-year since January 2021 when it slightly dropped 1.7 percent.

Cash remittances in the first five months of 2023 reached $12.98 billion, or 3.1 percent higher than $12.59 billion

Australian battery firm investing $10m in New Clark City

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AUSTRALIAN electic vehicle manufacturer StBattalion is investing $10 million to establish a lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility at Filinvest Innovation Park in New Clark City in Tarlac province.

StBattalion on Monday signed a five-year contract with Filinvest Land’s wholly-owned subsidiary FCGC for the lease of two ready built factory units with a total of 5,000 square meters of space to produce more battery packs that can store more than 1 million gigawatthour of electricity annually.

StBattalion founder and director Trevor St Baker said the plant would produce lithium-ion phosphate battery packs catering to residential and commercial scale battery energy storage systems for electric vehicle charging station power control and back-up.

It will target markets in the Philippines and other ASEAN countries, Australia, the United States and India.

“StB Giga Factory is positioned to capture the once in century transition towards a renewable energy electricity system, in which lithium-ion batteries are expected to play a pivotal role,” St Baker said.

“Our battery products will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve fuel independence, improve electricity reliability, decrease the grid reliance for EV charging at peak system demand times, and with major electricity cost savings for households and businesses, and transport users generally,” he said.

St Baker said the factory would start commercial operation by the first quarter of 2024 with an initial output of 150 megawatt per hour, rising to full first-stage production capacity of 1.2 gigawatt-hours by 2030.

He said while the factory is being constructed, the company is already considering the possibility of further expanding the facility.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

$2.70 billion a year earlier.

“The increase in personal remittances in May 2023 was due to higher remittances sent by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more, and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,” the BSP said.

in the world after those going to India, China and Mexico.

The Philippines is among the biggest suppliers of nurses around the world, accounting for at least 20 percent of the total. It is also the main supplier of seafarers worldwide, accounting for about 20 percent to 25 percent of the global tally.

a year ago.

“The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the first five months of 2023,” the BSP said in a statement.

The US posted the highest share of overall remittances during the period, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, amounted to $2.78 billion in May, also up 2.9 percent from

Personal remittances in the first five months went up by 3.1 percent to $14.46 billion from $14.02 billion a year ago. Cash remittances rose 3.6 percent to a record $32.54 billion in 2022 from $31.42 billion in 2021 on sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas. The full-year remittances growth missed the official target of 4 percent set by the BSP.

Studies showed that remittances to the Philippines were the fourth largest

The deployment of OFWs has become more diversified over the years to include more countries.

The BSP expects remittances to grow by 3 percent in 2023.

Remittances support the country’s balance of payments and play a significant role in the stability of the foreign exchange rate.

It also drives the expansion of various sectors such as banking, real estate, transportation, retail and services in the Philippines.

DTI underscores need to industrialize economy

TRADE Secretary Alfredo Pascual underscored the need for local businesses to industrialize to complete globally.

“Competition does not happen in a limited space, it has to be global. I think we have a chance of industrializing through technologybased industries instead of other fields where neighbors have a bigger head start,” Pascual said during a Makati Business Club forum.

Pascual said the growing interest from foreign investors was partially due to economic reforms passed in the first year of the Marcos administration and towards the end of the Duterte administration.

He said the reforms provided “an initial foundation for building on what we want.”

“In my case, what I want is to pursue industrialization for the country,” he said.

Pascual has led 14 trips so far to promote the country as an investment destination.

Othel V. Campos

11.8 million credit cards issued as of March 2023

BANKS and other financial companies have issued about 11.8 million credit cards in the country as of the first quarter of 2023, a group said Monday.

The Credit Cards Association of the Philippines said of the total, 65 percent of users are considered as “transactors” who pay their total outstanding balance in full every month, while only 35 percent are “revolvers” or those who pay only the minimum amount or less than the full outstanding balance.

in the country. Smart was also awarded Ookla’s Speedtest Award for the Best Mobile Network in the Philippines for the rst and second quarters of 2023.

DOTr expects to get $900-m ADB loan for MRT-4 next year

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transporta-

tion said Monday it expects to sign a $900-million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank by the first quarter of 2024 for the construction of Metro Rail Transit Line 4 that will run from San Juan City to Taytay, Rizal.

“We are expecting that the loan agreement [with ADB] will be signed somewhere in the first quarter or second quarter of next year,” the DOTr said.

MRT 4 would be a fully-elevated mass-transit system serving the eastern side of Metro Manila and the highlypopulated areas of Rizal province.

The 12.70-kilometer project, with 10

stations, is expected to address the transport bottleneck along Ortigas Avenue.

The DOTr said the project’s design stage is slated this year, while early works would start in 2024, with completion likely in 2028.

Once fully operational by 2028, the P59.3-billion MRT-4 trains could run 80 kilometers per hour at maximum speed and 25 kilometers to 40 kilometers an hour at commercial speed.

The railway will cut across the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Quezon, Pasig and the municipalities of Cainta and Taytay in Rizal.

It is expected to serve 4,464 passengers at peak and 2,678 passengers an hour off-peak with an estimated travel time of 27 minutes from N.

Domingo in San Juan to Taytay.

The daily ridership is seen reaching 328,804 by 2030.

The ADB said the project would provide reliable, rapid, affordable and safe public transport and would reduce traffic congestion and commute/travel times from Taytay to the Ortigas CBD from one to three hours by road to less than half an hour by rail.

“With insufficient public transport options available and no capable public mass-rapid-transit systems in place, travel times during peak hours along this corridor can take an average of three hours for the 11.5 kilometer journey from Tikling in Taytay, Rizal to the Ortigas CBD in Mandaluyong City,” the ADB said.

SEC drafts guidelines to encourage power firms to hold initial public o ering

THE Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing guidelines that will encourage at least 150 power generators and distributors to comply with the required initial public offering.

SEC director for market securities and regulation department Graciano Felizmenio Jr. said in an interview at the sidelines of a recent forum the draft guidelines

aim to facilitate and create a friendly environment for power-related firms to meet public listing requirement under Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.

“We are crafting this [SEC Power guidelines] to ensure the compliance of power and energy-related corporations with the listing requirement,” Felizmenio said.

Section 43 of the EPIRA and Rule 3 Section 4 of its implementing rules and regulations provide that the generation firms and distribution utilities are mandated “to offer or sell to the public a portion of not less than 15-percent of their common shares of stock.”

These firms are required to conduct stock offering five years from the effectively of the law or as early as 2006.

ERC to spread court-ordered power rate hike over 3 years

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission said Monday it will spread the Supreme Courtordered power rate increase amounting to P22.64 billion over a three year period. The Supreme Court earlier allowed Manila Electric Co. “to collect the price increase in November 2013 on a staggered basis as proposed by Meralco and approved by ERC for the protection of consumers.”

ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta did not provide the estimated impact of the SC decision

on power rates, but said it would take effect next year.

“I already asked for a computation. We’re working on the timing. Actually, the IEMOP [Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines] has completed the simulation, so likely we will have a two-year, three-year spread,” Dimalanta said. Dimalanta said the rate impact would be significant, so the commission was looking at spreading the cost recovery over a threeyear period.

“It’s significant. Definitely, we cannot do it in one year. Two

years is still huge, so three-year spread,” she said.

Dimalanta said the ERC would issue an order giving IEMOP the authority to collect from consumers.

“Not all gencos [generation companies] have claims. Some will even have to pay. The situation is different for each genco,” she said.

The Supreme Court issued a ruling last year nullifying the ERC order imposing regulated prices at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market for the supply months of November and December 2013.

However, several energy companies had delayed compliance with the IPO requirement, citing volatile market conditions. The move to draft guidelines for listing of energy firms is patterned after the SEC’s previous guidelines that enabled various hospitals to raise up to P1 billion from direct public offering.

Austria

Jenniffer B.

CCAP is composed of 17 major credit card issuers in the Philippines.

CCAP executive director Alex Ilagan said credit cards could be powerful tools for micro, small and medium enterprises to gain ready access to funds and manage their finances. He said there is a need to raise awareness on the use of credit cards for business.

“We know that MSME owners often mix their personal and business finances. They use their personal credit cards to pay for bills or purchases related to their business, enabling them to manage tight cashflow situations. Credit cards can be more than that,” Ilagan said. Julito G. Rada

Genteel Home opens

atelier in Mandaluyong

GENTEEL Home, a premier furniture design studio based in Angeles City, Pampanga, opened its newest furniture atelier at the Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City on July 13, 2023 as it celebrates 10 years in the local home furnishing industry.

Genteel Home founder and principal designer Katrina de Leon, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan and actress and international fashion icon Heart Evangelista led the ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Our goal is for you to feel seen and understood, as if your desires have been brought to life because Genteel Home is an embodiment of all that is personal, touching, and inspiring.

This is what we proudly showcase here at our newest Design Atelier. It is an open invitation for anyone to step in and have a piece of furniture uniquely designed for them,” de Leon said. De Leon presented Evangelist with an iconic chair thoughtfully created for the international fashion icon.

“This is something that I would definitely love to have. Life is too short and you just really want to live your life as fullest as possible. At the end of the day, you want a home that is peaceful, that feels full of love and your furniture does reflect that. So choose something that would calm your soul,” Evangelista said.

FREE CULTURED MILK.

Universal Robina Corp. and Asahi Beverages Philippines distribute more than 130,000 free Goodday cultured milk drinks to 150 schools as part of an initiative to o er a healthier beverage alternative to students in the country. Goodday is URC’s foray into the P6.5-billion cultured milk category, in partnership with Asahi Beverages. The free drinks were given to schools in Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, Marikina, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasig and Taguig in Metro Manila; Bocaue, Meycauyan and Marilao in Bulacan; Santa Rosa, San Pedro and Binan in Laguna; and Kawit, Bacoor and Silang in Cavite.

SPEEDTEST AWARD. PLDT Inc. chairman Manuel Pangilinan (center) and PLDT and Smart president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio (fourth from right) meet with Stephen Bye (fourth from left), president and chief executive of Ookla, a division of Zi Davis, and other executives from the company, in a courtesy visit on July 13. This marks another milestone in PLDT, Smart and Ookla’s long standing partnership aimed at helping improve the quality of internet experience in the

Philippines and assisting PLDT and Smart

premier broadband and mobile service providers

PhilCycling bids to host Asian tilt again, 2025 UCI BMX World Cup

THE PhilCycling wants an encore in its hosting of the Asian BMX Championships as its offered an early bid to again host the 2025 edition as a prelude to its bigger target of the Philippines becoming the first Asian country to hols an International Cycling Union BMX World Cup in the same year.

Cycling head and Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino made the offer to Asian Cycling Confederation secretary general Onkar Singh and UCI management committee member Datuk Amarjit Singh of Malaysia on the final day of the 2023 Asian BMX Championships for Freestyle and Racing at the Tagaytay City

MILO utilizes power of tech with Digi Dash

NESTLE MILO recently launched the MILO® Active Pilipinas last January to get the nation back into sports and from couch to court through various sports programs and activities such as the National MILO Marathon and the MILO Sports Clinic.

BMX Park on Sunday.

“With the success of this year’s Asian BMX championships, Tagaytay City is declaring its bid not only for the continental championships but also for the UCI World Cup in 2025,” said Tolentino, who’s also the mayor of Tagaytay City.

More than 200 athletes and officials from nine Asian countries—including

riders as young as 9 years old who competed in the Challenge events— converged for the three-day championships that was the last qualifier for the cycling discipline for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

For the country to host the World Cup, Tolentino said the current BMX track has to be modified.

“Innovations on the current BMX track would be implemented, especially on raising the start ramp from its present 5-meter height to the world championships and World Cup standard of 8 meters,” he said.

Plans to build a V-shaped start ramp— 5 meters and 8 meters—would be implemented soon, he said.

PH’s reserve players key Gilas Women’s U16 title romp

By Peter Atencio

RESERVE players, led by Fil-American point guard Nevaeh Smith, provided points for the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s National Team as they fended off Iran, 83-60, on Sunday evening (Monday morning in Manila) and claimed the crown in the the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship 2023-Division B in Amman, Jordan.

The 5’3” Smith, who is from Los Angeles, California, went on to finish with 21 points, spiked by five crucial triples in helping the Filipinas get promoted to the tougher Division A.

Aside from on-ground activities, MILO® partnered with Meta and utilized the power of technology with its first-ever gamified augmented reality filter, Digi Dash, allowing Filipinos to continue their sports journey using their mobile phones anytime and anywhere. MILO® Marathon Digi Dash is the first in Nestlé to activate an augmented reality filter requiring full body movement— making the experience close to reality. This campaign has reached over 40M Filipinos across digital platforms.

Engaging over 500,000 Filipinos with a collective running distance of 20,000 kilometers, allowing anyone to get into sports and run their own “marathon” with the use of any smartphone.

A Unique and Gamified MILO® Marathon Experience for Everyone

The MILO® Marathon Digi Dash filter incorporated gamification and social media, making sports more interesting and inviting for kids to participate in, with the help of their parents. Users are challenged to outrun the virtual persona of renowned coach Rio, promoting not only physical movement but also engraving a sense of perseverance and grit to kids at a young age.

“But hosting the Asian championships and the World Cup would have to be in the first five months of the year when the rains—and the Tagaytay fog—are scant,” he said.

The ACC and UCI officials—as well as foreign commissaires—were all praises of the track and the organization of the championships and agreed in principle on Tolentino’s proposal for 2025.

Onkar Singh said he expects more Asian countries to take part in 2025 as he witnessed first-hand the high standard of the track as well as the efficiency of the local organizing committee.

A UCI World Cup of BMX attracts no less than male and female riders from no less than 40 countries.

Sangiao has no plans to relinquish unbeaten streak

AS he gears up to step inside the ring once again on August 5, Jhanlo “The Machine” Sangiao has one goal in mind, and that’s to keep his remarkable undefeated streak intact.

The 21-year-old Filipino phenom is penciled in to lock horns with Mongolia’s Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu for a three-round bantamweight MMA clash at ONE Fight Night 13, which goes down live from the fabled Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Sangiao holds an immaculate 6-0 professional record with a 100 percent finishing rate, with three of his wins happening under the ONE Championship banner.

At all costs and in whatever manner it may be, the proud La Trinidad, Benguet native is keen on sustaining the momentum he started with. In his promotional debut in December 2021, Sangiao submitted Paul Lumihi with a wrenching rear-naked choke in the first round.

“What matters to me is that I do my best in pursuit of a win. The knockout or submission, that’s just a bonus to me. I’m

going in there to fight and to win. That’s my own goal,” he said. With his next outing providing him with a litmus test of what he should expect at the elite level of his division, “The Machine” is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations.

“I have a lot of training partners who are very, very strong and keeping me sharp for this fight,” he said.

“For me, I’m just here to train and to fight. I don’t care who it is. Whoever ONE Championship decides to send my way, I’m taking it. I’m training hard and pushing myself every day to come out on top.”

In fact, Team Lakay comrade Adonis

“The Lion” Sevilleno is now playing a key role in Sangiao’s training camp.

]The ONE Warrior Series Philippines winner lost a grueling encounter against Baatarkhuu by unanimous decision this past April.

“Adonis has been telling me a lot about what [Baatarkhuu] can do, and it really helps me to formulate the right approach for this fight,” Sangiao said.

Smith’s game was one of the reasons which got national coach Patrick Aquino excited after the memorable game with the Iranians.

“They came out well. Medyo jittery in the first few minutes. But, it was the second five which sparked the rally,” said Aquino in an interview with the Manila Standard as the Philippines celebrated their entry into Division A.

The Filipinas, slightly ahead in the start of the first period, 19-15, drew strength on the efforts of Kimi Sayson, Aubrey Lapasaran and Ariel La’O to move away for good.

Sayson’s two triples, along with barrelling shots from Lapasaran and La’O, saw the Filipinas widening a four-point lead, and taking a 41-26 halftime spread.

It was Smith’s trey with three ticks to before the first half ended, which allowed the Filipinas to grab a 15-point edge.

“Hindi lang dalawa ang nag-contribute. Lahat sila,” said Aquino, before they left home to Manila.

With the historic win, the Team Philippines redeemed themselves from a disappointing finish last year.

Last year, the Philippines was the favorite to rule the Division B after sweeping their three-game Group Phase.

But the Filipinas lost their chance when they fell to Samoa in the semis and eventually settled for a thirdplace finish.

“I’m just happy to see that we can compete that well,” added Aquino.

Helya Houdneh and Fatemeh Jafari tallied 14 points apiece for Iran.

Earlier, Malaysia fought off Hong Kong, 52-46, to finish third, with Ke Xin Lee scoring 11 points and 7 rebounds.

The Filipinas reached the finals after Ava Fajardo took charge with 20 points and 10 rebounds as the Gilas Women’s National Team when they they crushed Malaysia, 74-44, in their knock out semifinals contest.

PPS Alonte junior tennis draws record field

CLOSE to 300 youngsters from all over brace for fierce duels in various age group categories when the PPS-PEPP Rep. Marlyn AlonteNaguiat national juniors tennis championships unfolds Wednesday at the Brent Tennis Center in Biñan, Laguna. All but one in nine age-group divisions will feature 32-player draws, underscoring the tremendous response of those bidding in the 10-unisex all the way to the premier 18-and-under class of the Group 1 tournament presented by Dunlop. Only the girls’ 18-U will have 16 entries but the battle for top honors and ranking points is expected to be tight as in the rest of the competition.

To accommodate the record number of 272 entries in the event serving as part of the country’s longest talent-search, playing times and days have been extended, according to organizer Jonathan Bernardo, also the person-in-charge of the PPS-PEPP Committee on Tennis in the Calabarzon area. Quezon City’s Chloe Mercado, fresh from her feat in the Lanao del Norte swing of the nationwide circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro, gains the No. 2 seeding as she gears up for a title collision with No. 1 Jane Diaz with Sandra Bautista and Alexi Jarata both seeking to crowd the fancied bets in the centerpiece girls’ division.

Kale Cyd Villamar, on the other hand, is all primed for battle with the likes of Vince Serna and Kendrick Bona as the Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte bet takes the No. 3 seeding in the boys’ 18-U play that also includes Ariel Cabaral, Reign Maravilla, siblings Frand and France Dilao and Marben Alimarin.

Meanwhile, the juniors circuit moves to Sucat, Paranaque next for the Mayor Eric Olivarez National on July 25-29 at the Olivarez Sports Center while Palawan will host the next stop on Aug. 2-13 that will also feature the Puerto Princesa City Open.

For listup and details, contact tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

POC and PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (left) welcomes PSC chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann on a foggy Sunday morning during the Asian BMX Freestyle and Racing Championships Sunday at the Tagaytay City BMX and Skateboard Park.

Nevaeh Smith

Jhanlo Sangiao

Quezon City’s Chloe Mercado

LONDON—Carlos

Alcaraz believes his “dream”

Wimbledon triumph against Novak Djokovic can signal a changing of the guard in men’s tennis.

Alcaraz ended Djokovic’s run of four successive Wimbledon titles with an epic 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory in a final for the ages on Sunday.

The 20-year-old wore down Djokovic over four hours and 42 minutes of unrelenting drama on Centre Court, clinching his first Wimbledon crown and the second major title of his career.

After two decades of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominating the sport, Alcaraz says his victory could be the start of a new era.

“It’s a dream. I’m 20. I didn’t experience many moments like this.

Making history like I did today, it’s the happiest m oment of my life,” Alcaraz said.

“Beating Novak at his best on this stage, making history, being the guy to beat him after 10 years unbeaten on this court is amazing for me.

“It’s great for the new generation to see me beating him and make them think they are capable of doing it as well. It’s great for me, and the young players as well.”

When Djokovic won his first major at the Australian Open in 2008, Alcaraz was still three months shy of his fifth birthday.

But with Federer retired and Nadal close to the end of his glittering career, Alcaraz has emerged as Djokovic’s biggest challenger.

Alcaraz, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, has replaced the Serb at the top of the world rankings and his Wimbledon victory may hasten the emergence of a new generation to replace the “Big Three”.

“Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon is something I dreamed about since I start playing tennis,” Alcaraz said.

Djokovic was aiming for a recordequalling eighth Wimbledon title and could also have matched Margaret

Court’s all-time mark of 24 Grand Slam singles crowns.

Instead, the 36-year-old leaves Wimbledon licking his wounds after beating over-powered by the relentless Alcaraz.

In an ominous warning to Djokovic, Alcaraz said his All England Club win can provide a foundation for more success when they meet again.

‘I grew up a lot’

“Probably before today I didn’t think I was ready to beat Djokovic in five sets

Alcaraz’s ‘dream’ Wimbledon signals changing of the guard Grant grabs 1st LPGA title; Corpuz runner-up

in an epic match like this, to stay good physically and mentally against a legend like Djokovic,” Alcaraz.

“I will remember this moment in other Grand Slams and think I am ready to play five sets against him. It probably changed my mind a bit.”

Alcaraz’s previous clash with Djokovic had ended in defeat in the French Open semi-finals in June, when the Spaniard fell apart after suffering stress-related cramping. AFP

PSA Forum tackles boxing, billiards

TWO sports dearest to the hearts of Filipinos are the featured discussion in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday (July 18) at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, headed by newly-elected president Robbie Puno, serves as the main guest of the two-part session that will also have the protagonists of the Sharks International 9-Ball Open.

The session starts at 10 a.m., with San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation as major backers.

Puno, the current congressman representing the first district of Antipolo, will be accompanied by secretary-general Marcus Manalo and executive assistant Karina Picson to talk about the ABAP’s immediate plans and activities, including its coming campaign in the Asian Games, which serves as qualifier to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Chief organizer Hadley Mariano, on the other hand, is going to discuss the Sharks 9-Ball Open meet that will have World Cup of Pool champions James Aranas and Johann Chua as among the top participants.

PSA president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of the Philippine Star, enjoins members to attend the session being livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, which also shares it on its official Facebook page.

WASHINGTON—Sweden’s Linn

Grant captured her first LPGA title on Sunday, following up her stunning third-round 62 with a three-under par 68 to win the Dana Open by three strokes from US Open champion Allisen Corpuz.

Grant had entered the final round at Highland Meadows with a six-shot lead, having flirted with the second-ever 59 in LPGA history on the way to her nine-under third round.

“I think I could be a bit more relaxed,” she said of the big lead. “But I knew this course was very scoreable. So in my mind I was just thinking someone was going to shoot the same score I did yesterday.”

That didn’t happen, and four birdies with one bogey was more than enough to secure the win with a 21-under total of 263.

Corpuz, fresh from capturing her first major title at Pebble Beach last Sunday, did manage to apply some pressure with six birdies in a six-under par 65 that left her in second place on 18-under par 266.

But Corpuz admitted that going into the final round six adrift she never really expected to be challenging for the trophy.

“Linn’s such a solid player,” she said. “And a six-shot lead is tough to overcome. I really just tried to come out and just give it my best shot.”

FREE THROW SHOOTER

NATHANIEL DELA CRUZ

The Region Beta Paradox

“PEOPLE rationalize divorces, demotions, and diseases, but not slow elevators and uninspired burgundies.”

Or, as a manifestation of the region beta paradox, when a terrible condition forces a person to act on it and end up in an optimal or best possible situation, something someone who is in the same, but less terrible situation, would not do simply because his situation is bad but bearable.

Let’s say you are hungry and there is bread and water inside the room. It is possible that you will just stay put and settle for what’s already there.

Now let’s say you are hungry and there is no food inside the room. That is a terri-

Grant made seven straight pars before birdies at the par-three eighth and parfour 11th.

A birdie at 13 was followed by her lone bogey of the day at 14, but she pulled a stroke back at the par-five finishing hole.

“I’ve imagined this day so many times, so many ways in my own mind,” Grant said. “Just being here now I’m just so

ble situation to be in, and unlike the other person whose hunger can be alleviated with bread and water available to him, you have no choice but to go outside and look for food, and possibly find something better than just bread and water. Something great happened from trying to resolve a terrible situation.

Crystallized. Simplified. Applied. If you want the full discourse, read “The Peculiar Longevity of Things Not So

Bad” by Daniel T. Gilbert, Matthew D. Lieberman, Carey K. Morewedge, and Timothy D. Wilson, the research that birthed the region beta paradox, published in Psychological Science, a monthly, peer-reviewed, scientific journal and the flagship journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

Despite the names that surrounded Damian Lillard, we all know he was given just bread and water from his first, to his (potentially) last, day in Rip City. CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, and Nic Batum are good - regular season good at best. LaMarcus Aldridge has always been underwhelming. Carmelo Anthony is a real pit bull, but he joined Damian at the decline of his career.

The amazing part - and testament to Lillard’s professionalism and integritywas his content.

He never got the superstars that be-

speechless and at the same time I feel familiar with the setting for some reason.”

Grant, 24, earned her LPGA tour card for last season but was barred from the US because of Covid vaccination requirements.

She had four top-10 finishes in six LPGA starts outside the United States last year plus four Ladies European Tour

came available with every free agency that came and went, and unlike many of today’s marquee players, Lillard (to my knowledge) never threw tantrums and demanded Portland get blue-chip players. Lillard, the 6th overall pick from Weber State in the 2012 NBA Draft, let the front office and coaching staff do their job, and he did his. The ship has holes, but it will float. Damian Lillard, the recipient of the 2020-21 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award, rationalized loyalty, patience, hard work, and timing, not instant championships and super teams.

This is not to say that he didn’t want a ring. He wanted one, just like every competitive basketball player. But first, he wanted to be patient. He did not obsess over winning a championship solely. He wanted to do it the right way, or at least, in a way that does not stain the hardware that was won, like openly recruiting stars and fighting with the front office and coaching staff and trying to find a shortcut and do it the easy way.

And that’s what we saw him do all throughout his 11 years in Portland. He never felt the need to resort to drastic measures.

Not until he started rationalizing championship, legacy, and achievement.

What do we call superstars who have

(LET) triumphs and won her fifth LET title in May in France.

Great form Now she’ll take added confidence into the next two majors of the season, the Evian Championship in France and the British Women’s Open.

“I feel like I’m in great form at the moment,” she said. “I really like that (Evian) golf course. I’m really excited to go back and play there again.”

Corpuz, who has been caught up in a whirlwind since her US Open triumph, said her first priority this coming week would be “a lot of sleep.”

“Seeing a couple of friends to celebrate,” she said of her other plans, then “just repacking the bags for Europe.

“I missed the cut at both Evian and British last year,” Corpuz said. “So have a lot of room for improvement. The game feels really solid so (I’ll) just try to keep doing the same thing.”

American Lindy Duncan matched Corpuz’s 65 to finish alone in third on 269. Australian Stephanie Kyriacou and China’s Lin Xiyu shared fourth on 270.

Kyriacou played alongside Grant and said the experience added to an instructive week.

“I learned a whole lot about the mental side of golf,” she said of the week. “How to deal with nerves and all that stuff. So a lot of things to take away from this week, even though one wasn’t a trophy.” AFP

been chasing a championship for many, many years?

Yes, hungry. The situation inside the room changed from tolerable to unacceptable. Now, bread and water (and loyalty) are not enough to feed the body, mind, and championship. Kailangan ng sustansya, in the local parlance.

He’s not even looking for an outright championship. He is looking for a great coach, an excellent culture, a winning attitude, and a real competitive spirit, things that the Miami Heat organization has been consistent in, even after their superstars have left with at least five banners owed to the organization and fans on a king’s promise during the Big Three’s euphoric ascension.

Damian Lillard does not want a feast on the table laid out for him. He is not lazy, and he never said he wanted it easy. He wants to hunt, and this time he wants to return from the trip with the prize in the bag. He doesn’t want to be pampered. He wants to earn what he deserves - and a championship is something he has long deserved.

It is such a travesty that he has to become desperate, but maybe that is what the NBA and the fans need: peak and desperate Lillard and the favor of Daniel Gilbert’s region beta paradox.

Cargo Movers gun for PVL semis berth vs. Tornadoes

RANGED against a rival already out of the semis race, expect F2 Logistics to start out strong, annex the all-important win and sidestep any complications that may arise from a reversal as it faces Foton at the close of the elims of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.

Gametime is at 12 noon with the Cargo Movers, tied with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Cignal HD Spikers for the Pool B lead at 3-1, eager to get going and clinch the first semis berth in their side of the two-group field in the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Choco and Cignal dispute the other berth at 4 p.m. while PLDT and Chery Tiggo clash at 6:30 p.m. for the second semis seat in Pool A topped by defending champion Creamline.

Gerflor and Akari usher in the quadruple bill in a duel of winless team in Pool A at 9:30 a.m.

Choco Mucho carved out a crucial five-set reversal over Petro Gazz late Saturday to force a three-way tie while virtually striking off the Angels from the race. Had the Angels won, they would’ve advanced outright and would’ve left the Cargo Movers and the HD Spikers to dispute the second berth.

But with the last Pool B result somewhat working to F2 Logistics’ favor, the Cargo Movers are in no mood to pass up the chance with coach Regine Diego expected to make full use of her deep bench to thwart any Foton threat or uprising.

Although F2 Logistics also yielded a heart-breaking five-set result to Petro Gazz the last time out, the Cargo Movers are brimming with confidence heading to their crucial duel with the Tornadoes with Diego enjoying a band of aces ready to step up at any given set.

They include veterans Kim Dy, Aby Maraño, Myla Pablo, Majoy Baron, Ara Galang, Shola Alvarez and setter Kim Fajardo, along with sophomore Ivy Lacsina and top rookies Jolina dela Cruz, Jovelyn Fernandez and playmaker Mars Alba.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz holds the winner’s trophy as he smiles at the stands after beating Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during their men’s singles final tennis match in the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. AFP

Linn Grant of Sweden is doused with water by Linnea Johansson of Sweden and Linnea Strom of Sweden after winning the Dana Open at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio. AFP

Julie Anne, Rayver tackle love and betrayal in ‘The Cheating Game’

By Nickie Wang

THE Cheating Game delves into the contrasting reactions of two individuals when faced with betrayal. It's a romantic drama that analyzes the intricate dynamics people engage in after experiencing infidelity, offering a mature, relatable, and authentic perspective on modern-day dating.

The plot revolves around Hope

(Julie Anne San Jose), an idealistic young professional who believes she can change the world and knows it all. Her world shatters when a sex video of her fiancé with another woman comes to light.

Heartbroken and disillusioned, she leaves her engagement, the NGO they co-founded, and the life she once cherished. Starting anew as a

content producer at a company that has a hidden troll factory, she resolves to protect herself from future heartbreaks by creating a 'cheat sheet' that analyzes the 'anatomy of a cheater,' using it as her guide in the world of dating.

Enter Miguel (Rayver Cruz), a selfmade businessman who seems like the ideal partner, displaying all the right qualities. Hope thinks she has found the perfect man, but as their relationship

deepens, long-concealed secrets begin to emerge.

Julie Anne and Rayver, lovingly known to their fans as 'JulieVer,' are thrilled that their first movie is hitting the big screen.

Versatile actress Bea Alonzo

Bea Alonzo ready to pass the baton

DURING a recent television guesting, Bea Alonzo was asked about her feelings regarding the possibility of losing the popularity she currently enjoys. In response, the actress expressed, "Honestly, no. I firmly believe that it's inevitable for all of us to experience that phase. The key is to handle it with grace."

According to Bea, one cannot remain at the pinnacle of fame forever. She acknowledged, "Yes, everyone has their time in the spotlight and the opportunity to pursue their desires. Eventually, it's essential to give others a chance.

Bea likened this situation to passing the baton to another individual with grace in a relay race. She expressed her delight in knowing that her body of work is being appreciated both online and on social media. She felt gratified that the characters she portrayed will forever be immortalized in the hearts of her audience.

Hypothetically speaking, if Bea were to quit showbiz at this very moment, she confidently asserts that she could indeed live comfortably. With a sense of humility, she reveals that her hard work has spanned over 22 years, during which she managed to save significantly for herself and her future family. Bea attributes her financial security to her disciplined approach, having abstained from leading an extravagant lifestyle.

Bea is thankful that she learned to value money through the advice of some important people who are close to her.

“There’s my mom for one. Then, there’s my manager Ms. Shirley Quan. Mr. Johnny Manahan, during the time when both of us were still with Star Magic, he also taught me when it comes to handling money properly.”

The actress also shed light on the issue that she and Alden Richards allegedly had a fight when they were doing their hit soap Start-Up PH “No, for the record, we didn’t fight. We just had a little misunder-

standing which has something to do with our profession. I guess, we have different backgrounds as artists. But everything’s water under the bridge now. We were able to sort things out. In one of our promotional trips for our show, we were able to talk about the issue and all’s well that ends well.

I think that’s what’s important,” Bea ended.

***

Enrique Gil belied the rumor that he and Liza Soberano have already parted ways. It’s more than a year now that said issue has been circulating.

“Actually, we’re both okay at present,” he avers. “We’re busy with our respective projects.”

What’s good is that even if they’re both busy, they support each other.

“We’re good. I’m busy with my projects. She’s also busy with hers. She’s focusing on building an international career and it is super good for her. Of course, we’re supportive of each other no matter what. So, yeah, I’m super happy for her and vice-versa.”

To prove that nothing has changed between them, the good-looking actor posted on his Instagram account his birthday greetings for Liza last January which read: “We might be worlds apart, but you’ve never been closer to my heart. To the most beautiful soul in the world. To my best friend and baby [emoji] I love you so much [emoji] Happy Birthday!”

“We started shooting it before the pandemic, we shot some scenes in the province, and then we resumed filming this year. It still feels surrecheated. All of us, at some point, become blinded when we fall in love,” Rayver adds.

al because time has passed so quickly," shares Julie. "I'm very excited and grateful. There's a new family, a new set of characters, new people to work with, and a great production team. Everyone is so nice and accommodating. We had a healthy working environment."

grate

She adds that she welcomes the thought of working with Rayver again but this time around, for a movie.

Rayver echoes Julie’s sentiments. He expresses genuine enthusiasm as the public will soon get to witness the result of their hard work in the film. Rayver takes immense pride in the movie, particularly because it marks his first collaborative project with Julie.

Set to spice up the plot is a mix of young and veteran cast that includes Martin Del Rosario as Brian Villogo; Winwyn Marquez as Vanessa; Yayo Aguila as Faith Celestial; Candy Pangilinan as Tita Gelly; Phi Palmos as Joi Celestial; Thea Tolentino as Natalie; and Paolo Contis as Mister Y.

their hard work in the film. Rayver takes

“I’m very thankful and blessed to work with Julie and be part of this project,” he says.

work with Julie and be part of this proj

"I enjoyed making the movie because doing it was a learning experience for me, to become aware of how to handle being

The film also features Charm Aranton, Jose Sarasola, Charlize Ruth Reyes, Rocelyn Ordoñez, Aaron Maniego, Andrea So, Ida Sabido, Evan Tan, Roi Oriondo, Bernadette Anne Morales, Felds Cabagting, and Iman Manoguid.

The Cheating Game, from GMA Public Affairs, unspools in cinemas on July 26.

A cinematic reflection on red-tagging, EJKs

ANG Duyan ng Magiting

(The Cradle of the Brave), a film written at the height of red-tagging and extrajudicial killings, provides a perspective on the socio-political climate in the Philippines.

Written and directed by Dustin Celestino, the 120-minute piece revolves around the journey of a student named Jose, who leaves a letter to his mother that states he will be living among those in the armed movement. It is an anthology of interwoven narratives on life and terrorism in the country following a college professor, university chancellor, social worker, police chief, lawyer, two mothers, and two pupils.

Ang Duyan ng Magiting is an adaptation of Celestino’s eponymous play, which won 1st Prize in the Dulang Ganap ang Haba Category at the 2019 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Penned during the previous administration, it is a contemplation and meditation on the agony of an entire nation as it mourns the courageous Filipinos who have suffered in the name of patriotism.

“Over those six years, we lived in a culture of violence and impunity. That instinct towards violence spread like a

virus,” he recalled.

“Upon reflection, I noticed the same impulse grew within me,” he shared. “That was when I started asking: Am I becoming the very thing that I despise?”

Further motivated by Leni Robredo’s 2022 Presidential Campaign on “radical love”, Celestino turned to his craft to create a cautionary tale about the “dangers of becoming similar to the monsters we seek to destroy.”

“Ang Duyan ng Magiting is a criticism of the impulsive violence that was normalized during the last half-decade of our country’s history and a reminder that everything we do has far-reaching consequences,” he

explained.

“It is an attempt to take the first step by extending our empathy towards those we disagree with the most,” he added. “This is a call for understanding and patience.”

To offer a more nuanced and balanced view of the ongoing conflict, Celestino, who likewise teaches screenwriting under the Digital Filmmaking (DFilm) Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) School of New Media Arts (SNMA), avoided falling into the stereotypes and generalizations of antagonizing people with different political views.

“It is an appeal to listen to the better angels of our nature – a reminder that all this pain and anger we feel comes from a sincere but wounded place,” he stated.

Ang Duyan ng Magiting stars Dolly de Leon, Bituin Escalante, Agot Isidro, Miggy Jimenez, Jojit Lorenzo, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Paolo O’Hara, Joel Saracho and Dylan Ray Talon.

The film will premiere on August 5, 6:00 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) as part of the 2023 Cinemalaya Film Festival.

'Haunted Mansion': a premiere without stars as strike bites

THE first major world premiere since Hollywood actors went on strike featured no stars – and a mournful director who said he backed the walkout but missed his cast "terribly."

The Haunted Mansion premiere at Disneyland in California on Saturday evening was scaled back after actors took to picket lines and movie and television production ground to a halt in the most serious Hollywood strike in decades.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) members have joined writers who have been on strike for weeks, triggering the first industry-wide walkout for 63 years.

"I'm a director and a writer and an artist in this industry. And it's really, really hard," Justin Simien, director of Haunted Mansion, told AFP at the premiere.

"I absolutely support them (the actors). And I'm part of the fight myself."

Disney still laid on a red carpet at the theme park's Haunted Mansion ride, but none of the movie's stars were in attendance, including LaKeith Stanfield,

The red carpet at the world premiere of Disney's Haunted Mansion at the Hyperion Theatre inside the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. AFP

Tiffany

, who has been active in the strike organization.

Actors formally went on strike at midnight Thursday after negotiations to reach a new deal with production studios ended without an agreement. The union's demands have focused on dwindling

pay in the streaming era, and the threat posed by artificial intelligence. The "double strike" has essentially shut down all US productions, with limited exceptions such as reality and game shows. AFP

Rayver Cruz (left) and Julie Anne San Jose’s first movie project, ‘The Cheating Game’, will hit the cinema on July 26

Julie Anne portrays the role of an idealistic young professional named Hope while Rayver plays as Miguel, a self-made businessman

Rayver and Julie Anne from a scene of their film

Miggy Jimenez as Jose Santos in movie about extrajudicial killing

Haddish, Danny DeVito. and Jamie Lee Curtis

Redefining architecture and interior design with Filipino flair

The opening of the new LEGO Certified Store is part of Shang’s mission to bring exciting offerings to its valued mall guests

Ready, set, LEGO!

ARCHITECT

and interior designer

Erwin Ereno has crafted an impressive portfolio that showcases a unique design philosophy and a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Speaking to Manila Standard Life Erwin, the man behind Erwin Ereno Design Studio, talked about his early beginnings that laid the foundation for what would become a trailblazing career in the world of design.

At the height of the economic storm that engulfed the Middle East in 2011, Erwin dared to dream big, setting the stage for a remarkable tale of resilience and triumph. He embarked on a journey that would test his mettle and push the boundaries of architecture and interior design.

From the moment Erwin stepped out of Adamson University in 2000, the world of design beckoned him with its promises. He honed his craft under the guidance of the esteemed Edith Olivers and Leo Almeria, who ignited a fiery

Discover the colorful, creative world of the new LEGO Certified Store at the Shang

LEGO enthusiasts and collectors are in for a treat as the muchawaited LEGO Certified Store (LCS) has officially opened its doors at Shangri-La Plaza. This state-of-the-art store aims to revolutionize the concept of play, catering not only to loyal collectors but also to a whole new generation of creators. This LEGO store at Shang is also expected to offer one-of-a-kind experiences that encourage anyone to explore, touch, and interact with the iconic toy bricks.

Build new memories brick by

Check out the curated stall to play with opened LEGO sets, or the disruptor bay with an oversized moveable magnifying glass to appreciate the intricate details of meticulously crafted LEGO sets and marvel at the artistry of the designs.

Looking for something more personal? Stop by the Build A Mini-Figure area to customize LEGO mini-figures that can match a person’s hair color, facial features, and clothes. Here’s more, bring builds to life by simply scanning them using the AI-powered Digibox that instantly displays and animates sets right inside the Shang store.

“This is the first new retail platform LEGO Certified Store in the Philippines, which has a whole new modern and futur-

istic look and feel to the store’s interior, designed with unique features not found in other stores,” says Justin Bautista, Sales and Marketing Head of LEGO Certified Stores at Ban Kee Trading, Inc. The opening of the new LEGO store expands Shang’s dynamic amusement offerings that already include indoor playgrounds Kidzoona and Heroes Headquarters for kids, and the escape room Breakout Philippines for adults.

“We’re so excited to welcome one of the most iconic and beloved brands in the world here at Shangri-La Plaza,” shares Joy R. Polloso, EVP for Retail and Commercial at Shang Properties. “The opening of the new LEGO Certified Store is an essential part of the Shang’s mission to build for the better and to bring exciting offerings to our valued mall guests. It is surely going to become a fun destination that has something for everyone, a Shang spot that fans of all ages will surely love for years.”

Explore the future of play and build a new world at the LEGO Certified Store, now at Level 5, East Wing in the Shang.

This LEGO store at Shang is also expected to offer one-of-a-kind experiences that encourage anyone to explore, touch, and interact with the iconic toy bricks

Cebu Pacific partners with Airlink for disaster resiliency and response

passion within him for the art of interior design.

In a leap of faith, Erwin cast aside the corporate shackles and established his own design empire. However, the road to success was paved with trials and challenges.

Bahrain’s strict business permit process for expats was an insurmountable hurdle, demanding a local partner to enter the fray. But our undeterred protagonist, refusing to succumb to adversity, sought and found the right sponsor to light the path ahead.

In 2016, the tides turned in Erwin’s favor as the Bahrain Government opened the gates to expats seeking full ownership of businesses, giving birth to his cherished consultancy. With newfound freedom, the studio blossomed, merging the realms of construction and design under one harmonious roof. Their creations transcended

Most of his creations are inspired by his client’s stories

mere aesthetics; they aspired to craft spaces that whispered tales of inspiration to the hearts of those who inhabited them.

“Our philosophy is based on core values of innovation and mutual growth.

We constantly strive towards adherence to high ethical standards and building long-term relationships with our clients. We believe that the best re-

sults are attained by involving our clients in the idealization process so as to ensure the design is a true reflection of your lifestyle,” Erwin shared.

Proudly embracing their Filipino heritage, Erwin and his team breathed life into their designs, infusing each project with a unique blend of philosophy and flair. The studio’s reputation soared, leaving local designers in awe of their innovative spirit and unyielding passion.

The doors of opportunity flung wide open when the prestigious Royal Family placed their trust in Erwin Ereno Design Studio.

“Right now we’re working with the Royal Family, the King of Bahrain. I think we’re the only Filipino company working with them. The project is within the military base. I think they’re more comfortable working with us Filipinos because our design philosophy is different we’re capable of designing anything base,” Erwin said..

As the seasons turned, Erwin Ereno Design Studio’s legacy transcended borders, reaching far beyond the confines of Bahrain. Their ingenuity graced commercial arenas like coffee shops and hotels, their signature furniture and fittings leaving an indelible mark on every space they touched.

Erwin’s story, however, was not bound by the realms of design alone. The spirit of entrepreneurship coursed through his veins, birthing various ventures across Bahrain, from a travel agency that unlocked the world’s wonders to a hair salon that adorned patrons with newfound confidence.

LEADING airline Cebu Pacific is joining the roster of international airlines and logistic partners that provide airlift, logistical solutions, and support to disaster nonprofit Airlink (www.airlinkflight.org) in its mission to help communities respond to and recover from disasters.

Airlink is a global nonprofit organization that delivers critical aid to communities in times of crisis. It leverages the power and speed of aviation, with the support of logistics partners, to get aid to distressed communities for more than 130 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. Airlink makes that possible through partnerships with more than 50 airlines across the world, which now includes Cebu Pacific. Since its founding in 2009, Airlink has mobilized aid in more than 70 counties, moved more than three million kilos of supplies, and transported more than 10,000 responders.

Recently, Airlink, in conjunction with its partner, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), hosted a twoday workshop at the PDRF Emergency Operations Center at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, Philippines. Through the workshop, which focused on logistics preparedness for nonprofits responding to humanitarian crises in Asia and the Pacific, Airlink aims to equip the participants with the awareness of how to organize quickly and effectively any logistical response following an emergency. Another objective is fostering better relationships, resources, processes, and technical capacity to increase preparedness ahead of any emergency.

“Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance are areas that Cebu Pacific has actively contributed to and supported over the years. We have always believed that air transport allows for an efficient and quick mobilization of necessary re-

sources, both personnel and cargo, in responding to disasters or crises. Hence, Cebu Pacific is proud to be one of the key partners and sponsors of the APAC workshop organized by Airlink for capacitybuilding towards disaster resiliency and response in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Alex Reyes, Cebu Pacific’s Chief Strategy Officer.

More than two dozen representatives from 19 Airlink NGO partners, including Anamatangi Polynesian Voices, Bayat Foundation, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Children International, Disaster Relief Australia, Human Initiative, Mercy Relief, RSG Relief Singapore, RE:ACT Disaster Response, Save the Children, and ShelterBox attended the first postpandemic workshop.

“This event gave us an opportunity to reconnect with our NGO partners faceto-face and provide a platform for them to network and draw lessons from each other’s experiences. Our partners cover disaster response in a very diverse area ranging from Afghanistan to Vanuatu in the Pacific, Sri Lanka to Ukraine, Turkiye to New Zealand. They shared the challenges they faced or overcame, giving valuable insights on how we can improve processes and responses to prioritise impacted communities,” said Jennifer Torner, Humanitarian Programs Manager for Asia and the Pacific for Airlink.

“Airlink is working to improve regional responses by collaborating with local and regional actors to deliver aid more effectively. Forging new partnerships with PDRF and Cebu Pacific is a step in strengthening our Regional Response Framework. Regional training for our NGO partners also helps focus on collaboration with local and regional actors,” said Claire Leow, Airlink’s Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.

Erwin

his skills in the field of architecture and interior design to establish his own design empire

With an expanding portfolio and offices in Manila and Thailand, Erwin Ereno Design Studio continued to make waves in the architecture and interior design world, driven by their passion, innovation, and commitment to their clients’ visions.

Bahrain-based Filipino architect and interior designer Erwin Ereno

brick at the newly opened LEGO Certified Store (LCS) at Shangri-La Plaza

The people behind the Erwin Ereno Design Studio

used

Erwin’s designs are based on core values of innovation and mutual growth