Manila Standard - 2023 August 12 - Saturday

AFP: China training ‘might end’

Amid WPS woes, Brawner says review of officers’ exchange program ongoing

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines

“might terminate” its military exchange program that sends Filipino military officers to China amid Beijing's continued incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The review is ongoing. We are not yet terminating it,” AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told Manila Standard in an interview.

“We might terminate it depending on the results of the review,” Brawner added.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, earlier asked the AFP to submit a report on the military exchange program that is paid for in full by the Chinese government.

Senator Francis Tolentino described the military exchange program as “very alarming” while Senator Raffy Tulfo said it was a “slap in the face of Filipinos” amid China's aggressive acts, adding that it gave Beijing an opportunity to “infiltrate” the AFP hierarchy.

A well-placed source in the Defense Department said there is a high chance the program will no longer continue.

“The AFP will likely start responding to China that we will no longer be sending our officers the next time there is an opening for training,” the source said.

Pag-asa fishermen nix plan to recruit them into militia

By Vince Lopez

FISHERMEN on Pag-asa Island on Friday said they opposed a military plan to train them to become part of a reserve force in the face of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In an interview over radio dzBB, Larry Hugo, the president of the Pagasa Island Fisherfolk Association which operates about 36 fishing boats, said they would prefer to simply report any

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin

Romualdez said hoarders have started to manipulate the supply and prices of onion again, citing reports that the retail price of onion has recently doubled to P180 per kilo from P90.

He said this was based on the

DA: Deals with Vietnam, India for cheap rice start

untoward incident in the area.

“That would be difficult for us fishermen,” he said of the military plan in Filipino, adding that their group of 36 boats would not agree to carry firearms.

On Thursday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said they are considering putting up a maritime militia in the West Philippine Sea to strengthen their presence in the area.

By Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz and Othel V. Campos

"We

monitoring of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food.

“We will nip this problem in the bud. We will not allow the price to become too expensive for ordinary Filipinos," Romualdez said.

He said onion farmers had already sold their harvest to wholesalers, yet

By Alena Mae Flores

GRIEVING MOTHER. Officials of the Department of Migrant Workers meet overseas Filipino worker Rodaliza Baltazar (seated left) -- the mother of teenager Jemboy Baltazar, who was shot dead by policemen in Navotas in a case of mistaken identity—at the airport lounge on Friday to offer more assistance to her family

DBM sets P49b for seniors’ pension

By Julito Rada and Maricel Cruz

THE administration has allotted P49.81 billion in next year's proposed budget to cover the 100 percent increase in the social pension of indigent senior citizens from P500 per month to P1,000, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

“The budget for social pension for indigent senior citizens will be doubled to P49.81 billion from P25.30 billion in 2023 to cover the increased government monthly allowance of P1,000 for more than 4 million indigent senior citizens who are not part of

Pag-asa...

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Brawner said the military is looking at Filipino fishermen to be part of the reserve forces.

He issued the statement after Chinese vessels used water cannons and engaged in dangerous maneuvers against Philippine boats on a resupply mission for troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Aug. 5.

A Philippine Navy officer who was on board the resupply vessel that was fired upon with water cannons said they received radio challenges from the Chinese ships. At a press conference at the Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Lt. Ramsey

Gutierrez said the supplies and goods that were supposed to be delivered to troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre were destroyed because of the incident.

“The rice got wet. The other food provisions were hit by the water cannon, so they were destroyed—the vegetables and meat," Gutierrez said.

The Navy officer also said they were boxed in by the Chinese ships, and their movement was heavily restricted.

He said there were two militia vessels on the starboard and port side and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel right behind them.

“There was no way for the boat to sail on the intended track,” Gutierrez said.

Only one vessel was able to resupply the Marines on the BRP Sierra Madre, he said.

Lt. Junior Grade Darwin Datwin, who was on one of the boats, said the Chinese ships tried to ram their vessel.

"Our boats going there are only at 24 meters. Made of wood. This is a civilian chartered boat. The distance between them [Chinese ships] is less than five meters to the starboard of the boat,” Datwin said.

The AFP said another resupply mission will be conducted soon because only half a month’s worth of food and water was successfully delivered to the

DA:...

From A1 prices that are $30 to $40 lower than before," said Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban. Panganiban added that the government is working with India to discuss the possibility of their selling the Philippines some rice on humanitarian grounds, despite its recent ban on all rice exports.

These talks, Panganiban said, could pave the way for the country to get better terms for the 300,000 metric tons (MT) to 500,000 MT of rice it needs to import this year. But Rep. Wilbert T. Lee of the AGRI party-list group on Friday warned against being overly dependent on rice imports as he said the Philippines should focus on improving rice self-sufficiency.

"While we thank Vietnam for the assurance that there will be a steady supply of rice to the Philippines, the export policies of other nations are beyond our control and we cannot predict when these will change," Lee said, citing India as an example.

The president of Vietnam's National Assembly had earlier assured House Speaker Martin Romualdez that Vietnam—which currently supplies 90 percent of Philippine rice imports— will continue to provide the Philippines with a stable supply of rice at affordable prices.

Pump...

From A1 for gasoline, and P1.10 to P1.40 per liter for diesel. The source said this is based on the movement of the benchmark Mean of Platts Singapore for the first four days of trading in the global oil market.

The price adjustment forecast, once it takes effect on Tuesday, will result in a year-to-date net increase of P13.15 per liter for gasoline, P8.50 per liter for diesel, and P5 per liter for kerosene, respectively.

the pension system,” she said. The Social Pension for Indigent Seniors Act (RA 11916), which lapsed into law on July 30, 2022, has officially doubled the monthly pension from the current P500 to P1,000 per validated indigent seniors who

military outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

AFP WESCOM chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said he hoped the reception would be less aggressive, given the international attention now focused on Chinese actions in the area.

But former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio urged the government to do joint patrols with like-minded allies on the next resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.

Carpio, who played a pivotal role in securing a legal victory for the Philippines against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016, said the Philippines can follow the examples of Malaysia and Indonesia.

These countries continued their survey and naval drills in their exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea, together with the United States and Australia, despite warnings from the Chinese Coast Guard.

“We can have joint patrols with the US at the same time [in the next resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal]. We can calibrate it. Remember, Malaysia and Indonesia were able to survey and drill despite warnings from the Chinese Coast Guard that the area falls within the nine-dash line…"

"They sent their Navy together with the survey ship and the drilling ship, and, at the same time, the US and Australia conducted naval drills in the same area, that’s for Malaysia. For Indonesia, the US aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan happened to pass by,” Carpio said.

“The Americans are there. They did the favor for the Malaysians and Indonesians without a defense treaty. And the Australians also did the same for Malaysia. Why are they doing this? Because they want to preserve freedom of navigation… We can do all these things. It’s up to us if we have the political will,” he added.

Carpio made the statement during a forum on Thursday organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the United States Institute of Peace.

(See full story online at manilastandard.net)

On the other hand, the Indian government last month imposed a ban on non-basmati white rice after retail rice prices in India climbed 3 percent in a month after heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage to crops.

"As such, the best solution to shield ourselves from unpredictable export policies is for us to ensure our farmers are fully supported by our laws, programs, and policies to be able to plant and harvest rice,” Lee said.

The lawmaker argued that food security is a key component of national security, saying inadequate access to food can trigger social unrest.

Meanwhile, Sebastian, the DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, said he is optimistic that rice output in 2023 may hit more than 20 million metric tons (MT), following a bumper harvest in the first semester.

“With the 3 percent production growth in the first semester, we can expect that barring the occurrence of destructive typhoons, the production for 2023 could surpass 20 million MT,” Sebastian said.

He added that the 3 percent incremental output is excellent news for farmers and for the country.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that palay output from January to June 2023 rose to 9 million MT, from 8.7 million MT in the same period in 2022, higher than the DA’s projections. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Department of Energy director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero confirmed the forecasted oil price hike for Tuesday.

"This is attributed to the Saudi's production cut, US government agency projected a rosier outlook on the economy and Ukraine's threat to retaliate if Russia continues to block Ukrainian ports. These offset concerns about slow demand from China," Romero said.

Last week, oil firms raised pump prices by P4 per liter for diesel, kerosene by P2.75 per liter, and gasoline by P0.50 per liter.

are frail, sickly or with a disability; with no regular income or support from family and relatives; and without pension from private or government institutions.

The budget for the SPIC Program is part of the allocations for the Social Services sector, which will get P2.183 trillion or 37.9 percent of the proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program, Pangandaman said.

She said the spending priorities in the national budget are the starting point of the administration's 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda which aims to help address inflation by protecting the purchas-

AFP...

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The source said there is an upcoming training in the last quarter of the year for a one-week exchange, but the AFP will likely not send participants anymore.

Brawner said that on average, less than five military officers are sent every year to Beijing.

For his part, AFP Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said the exchange program gives Filipino military officers an opportunity to learn more about the system of other countries.

“Personally, for me, that is an opportunity to learn what is happening on the other side,” said Carlos, who graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 and completed his General Staff Course at the Naval Command College - People’s Liberation Army-Navy in China in 2008.

“That is my distinct advantage now. I know both the US and Chinese sides… I feel like it’s a good opportunity for us to learn about the other system—how they work, how they think. I don’t feel any 'utang na loob' (debt of gratitude) to China just because they sponsored my

ing power of families and consumers and to mitigate the socioeconomic scarring brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has expressed hope that the Senate will prioritize the passage of a bill strengthening the government’s national health program for senior citizens through a comprehensive nutrition and wellness program.

The chamber approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) 8461 which seeks to amend the Senior Citizens Act, as earlier amended, with a vote of 266 to none.

schooling there. Our work is the national interest of the government and the Philippines,” he added.

Brawner added that no Philippine Military Academy cadets are sent to a military school in China.

“We only send cadets to four countries: the United States, Australia, Japan, and South Korea,” he said.

Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino earlier told senators that only officers with the rank of lieutenant colonel or higher apply for a yearlong training in China.

The Philippines on Monday summoned Beijing's envoy to protest the use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

The incident happened Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard escorted chartered boats carrying food, water, fuel, and other supplies for Filipino soldiers stationed at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea and has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

New murder raps vs. Teves over deaths in 2019

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice has approved the indictment for multiple murders of suspended Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in connection with the deaths of three persons in the province in 2019.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said a DOJ panel of prosecutors has recommended the filing of criminal charges against Teves after finding sufficient basis to hold him and several others liable for the three incidents of killings in Negros Oriental four years ago.

Besides Teves, also facing criminal trial for murders include Hannah Mae Sumerano, Richard Cuadra, Jasper Tanasan, Alex Mayagma, and Rolando Pinili. “The resolution of the panel just came out. If it was not filed today, it will be filed this Monday,” Remulla stressed.

Remulla said Teves and his group were held criminal liable by the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors for the separate killings in 2019 of former Negros Oriental board member and former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent Michael Dungog; Lester Bato, a bodyguard of Basay mayoralty candidate Cliff Cordova; and Pacito Libron, an alleged hitman associated with Teves. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Ex-AFP official Garcia freed as sentence served

FORMER military comptroller retired

Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, who was accused of plunder but found guilty of lesser offenses, has been freed from the New Bilibid Prison after serving his sentence.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)

Director General Gregorio Catapang carried out the order after Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla approved the release of Garcia, whose sentence has been fully served under the law granting good conduct time allowance for persons deprived of liberty.

MAUI BURNS. An aerial view shows destruction caused by a wildfire in Lahaina, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, on August 10. At least 53 people have died after a fastmoving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said (see related story on World, page B3). AFP

PUV..

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Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston), Stop & Go Transport Coalition, and the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) requested the P2 fare increase nationwide for the first four kilometers.

“The immediate action and consideration of the good chairman of the LTFRB on this matter will go a long way [toward] uplifting the economic conditions of the drivers and operators,” the groups said.

They said prices of parts and throttle body alignment (TBA) “needed to ensure safe and comfortable transport service have increased significantly.

Likewise, the cost of fuel was experiencing an “uncontrollable surge” every week, they said.

Data from the Department of Energy showed that diesel prices have increased by about P10 per liter for the past five weeks, while gasoline prices have

Onion...

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the supply remained scarce, leading to higher prices.

"Based on the reports we have received, the farmers have already sold their harvests. That means, the onions are in cold storage and are not released in the market to bring the prices up," Romualdez said.

"The House committee discovered this modus operandi, which was put to a stop before,” he added.

The Speaker warned this could force the government to import onionsand sell these at lower prices, which would cause hoarders to lose income from the produce they have kept in their cold storages while trying to drive up prices.

already risen by P5 per liter in the same period.

The LTFRB in September last year approved a P1 provisional increase in the minimum fare for the first four kilometers traveled in both traditional and modern jeepneys and P2 for public utility buses.

The agency also granted a P5 increase in the flag-down rate for taxis and Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) providers.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda on Friday said he respects the move of various transport to file a petition seeking a fare increase across different modes of public transportation all over the country amid rising fuel costs.

"If we do not increase fares at the level of inflation, drivers and operators will have to absorb the losses. And if it goes to a point where they cannot absorb losses, it will ultimately lead to a reduction in available transport supply, at the inconvenience of passengers," said Salceda, who chairs the House committee on ways and means. He said a reasonable fare hike would help drivers and operations cope with the rising cost of living even if it is a temporary relief.

"If they can’t release the agricultural product, then the government would be forced to import onions. This would not affect farmers because their products are not with them anymore. If anything, the hoarders and price manipulators would definitely be on the losing end if there is importation."

The House agriculture and food committee chaired by Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga has been conducting an inquiry on the issue of hoarding, which is believed to have caused hefty price increases on onions and other basic commodities.

In his second State of the Nation Address last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government will train its guns on smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products, which he said contribute to rising prices on top of inflation pressures.

Garcia was sentenced by the Sandiganbayan Second Division to four up to eight years in prison for direct bribery and another 4 to 6 years for facilitating money laundering. Based on records, Garcia was sentenced to a definite prison term of 18 years and four months, but whose time served with time allowances already exceeded his maximum sentence.

Garcia was originally charged with plunder and money laundering in the information filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan in 2005 and 2009, respectively.

Garcia pleaded not guilty to plunder and money laundering but under the plea bargaining agreement, he pleaded guilty to direct bribery and facilitating money laundering. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SAN Miguel Corp. on Friday said its

P740 billion New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project is not being built on reclaimed land and has land titles.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and chief executive Ramon S. Ang said it is important to clarify the nature of its airport project amid recent discussions surrounding Manila Bay reclamation projects.

The construction of the airport project, covered by Republic Act 11506, does not involve creating new land from Manila Bay, Ang clarified.

Rather, he said, it involves redeveloping existing land, that had been inundated by water in previous decades due to factors that include flooding from heavily-silted river systems, conversion to fish ponds, and over-extraction of groundwater that made it more susceptible to land subsidence, among others.

“The airport project does not involve reclamation. The project site has existing, valid land titles indicating its original status as land," Ang said.

“Due to natural processes over time, this land had become prone to regular inundation. Instead of creating new land, we are redeveloping it to its former state ensuring its productive and sustainable use for the future,” he added. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

‘San Mig airport not being built on reclaimed land’

• First American mining company in the Philippines, established on August 12, 1903. Original incorporators were Metcalfe Clarke, Nelson Peterson and Herry C. Clyde.

• Benguet Consolidated Mining Company was its first corporate name, derived from the name of Benguet province where its first mining claims were located.

• BenguetCorp’s history is closely intertwined with the building of Kennon Road (1903), founding, of Baguio City (1909), and two of its historic institutions, Camp Jhon Hay (1903) and Baguio Country Club (1905).

• First in the country to operate a modern mine and mill facility in its Antamok Mine in 1906.

• First to install a three-stamp mill and amalgamated plate in the Philippines -1905.

• Pioneered the present-day Philippine mining industry.

• First dividend of P100,000 or US$ 50,000 paid to shareholders in 1916.

• First mining company to introduce, in 1916, a liberal labor policy, providing employees with free housing, water, light and fuel, schooling, hospitalization, rice ration and Christmas bonus, which has become a model for the industry.

• Produce over P 1M in gold bullion in 1920.

• “Richest gold mine in the Orient”. (1921 trade publication)

• First reforestation project in Benguet highlands in 1921.

• When the Manila Stock Exchange opened in August 1927, Benguet and Balatoc stocks were two of the six companies listed.

• First in the industry to use modern rock hammer operated by compressed air in 1929.

• First to introduce ball mill ore crushing technology in 1930s.

• First mining company to diversify by acquiring Heald Lumber in 1934 to control supply of timber requirements for mining operations.

• Built the longest (80 aerial kms) overhead tramline in Asia with 45 towers and three power stations.

• First contract mining agreement with Consolidated Mines Inc. to mine refractory chromite at Masinloc, Zambales in July 1934, which remains to this day.

• MCO is the biggest refractory chromite mining and milling operation in the Philippines up to the present.

• First to resume mining operation in the Philippines after devastation from the World War II: chromite mining operation in Masinloc in 1946 and gold mining operation in Antamok, Acupan and Balatoc in 1947.

• Established in 1947 a 3,400 ton/day centralized milling plant in Balatoc to handle gold ore from its Acupan and Antamok Mines. Mill was connected to both mines by an underground and surface railway system.

• First Philippine mining company to be listed at the New York Stock Exchange – 1949.

• Pioneered the semi-mechanized underground mining operation or “trackless mining” in the Philippines at MCO.

• Philippine Gold Subsidy Bill enacted in June 1954, where Benguet was biggest beneficiary as the largest mining company in the Philippines and Far East.

• Benguet Consolidated Mining Company ceased to exist on June 18, 1956, but received a new identity as Benguet Consolidated Inc. for a second 50-year life, and was renamed as Benguet Corporation in 1980.

• Acquisition of majority of interest in Engineering Equipment Inc. 1959, its principal subsidiary for 34 years with outstanding success in overseas construction, alloy steel foundry casting and machinery sales.

• Since 1960, gold bullion produced was shipped to London for refining, with refined gold delivered to Bank of England for credit to the Central Bank of the Philippines.

• Arrow Forwarding Corporation was organized in 1962 as an 80-percent-owned subsidiary to engage in freight haulage between Manila and Northern Luzon.

• In 1962 and at 95 years of age, Jhon W. Haussermann, the moving spirit of the Company for some 50 years, turned over the Presidency to Ralph W. Crosby.

• Ralph W. Crosby arrived in the Philippines and joined the Company in 1924 till 1930. He re-joined in 1948 as Asst. General Manager to Mr. Hausermann to oversee post-war operations and lead the Company until 1974. He stayed with the company as Director and Special Consultant until his retirement in 1976, spending 68 years of his life in the Philippines.

• Largest gold producer and biggest gold cyanidation mill in the Philippines and the Far East in 1965.

• In 1969, second most active stock in the New York Stock Exchange, where nearly 25 million of its shares crossed the tape of the “big board”.

• Benguet International, S.A. was organized in 1969 to direct the expansion into businesses outside the Philippines.

• By 1970, the Company’s gold production accounted to 50 percent of the Philippines gold production.

• With the termination of the parity rights, Jaime V. Ongpin became the first Filipino President in 1974 until 1986, when he steered the company into profitable heights in both mining and non-mining operations.

• In 1975, the Company embarked on a grand program of exploration and metallurgical investigation of the DCSMI property in San Marcelino, Zambales. Commercial production commenced in 1980 and ceased in 1997. Property turned over to DCSMI same year.

• Benguet Management Corporation (BMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of BenguetCorp, was organized in 1980 to diversify into “non-mining businesses”. It acquired full ownership of Heald Lumber Company and Arrow Forwarding Corporation and entered into contracts to manage other non-mining projects of the Company.

• BMC Marine Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BMC, acquired in 1981 its first vessel, MV Balatoc, a 6, 046-ton ore carrier, and its second vessel MV Antamok in 1984 to carry the Dizon copper concentrates to Japan and other bulk cargo to other countries in Asia.

• BenguetCorp Foundation, Inc. (BFI) was established in 1980 as the Company’s corporate social services arm in its mining and logging communities in the provinces of Benguet, Zambales and Camarines Norte. It was later renamed as Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI) in 1988.

• The Company explored for coal in Lianga, Surigao del Sur in 1980 and Malangas, Zamboanga in 1981.

• First to use a Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill at Dizon Copper-Gold Operation (DCO) measuring 28 feet in diameter by 13 feet – 1981.

• In 1981, the Company and its subsidiaries gross US$ 243M, of which US$ 195M consisted of gold or foreign exchange earnings equivalent to 4 percent of total Philippine exports. Among the top three most profitable private sector corporations in the country.

• In 1982, BMC embarked on the first real estate venture of the Company by developing a high-end 56unit condominium “Woodstown” in Baguio City.

• Completion of its corporate headquarters, a Leandro V. Locsin-designed Benguet Centre, in Mandaluyong in 1984.

• Peak of operations was in 1986 with over 23, 000 employees on a consolidated basis.

• The Bobok Timber Project, with an annual production of about 18 million board feet furnished virtually all the timber requirements of BCI’s gold operations and those of the other mining companies in Benguet and Mountains Provinces.

• The Employee Stock Ownership Incentive Plan (ESOIP) of the Company was the first of its kind in the industry and launched in 1986.

• The Masinloc Cromite Operation is the first mining and milling operation in the country that is ISO 9002 certified.

• Paracale Gold Operation in Camarines Norte commenced productive operation in 1988.

• The Company acquired in 1988 a Philippine-owned, Hongkong-based company and renamed it BenguetCorp International, Ltd. (BIL).

• BMC took over in 1988 the assets and operations of the Foundry Division of EEI. The plant, located in Alaminos, Laguna, is the largest commercial foundry in the country, producing a wide range of alloys for domestic and international markets.

• In 1990, its US subsidiary, BenguetCorp USA, Inc, started exploration drilling in its gold prospect in Esmeraldo Country, Nevada, USA.

• In 1990, Ebara Benguet Inc. was organized as a joint venture between BMC and Ebara Corporation of Japan for the manufacture of CRASS castings and centrifugal pumps for local and foreign markets and went on stream in 1993.

• Multi-awarded recipient for reforestation (Best Mining Forest for 3 consecutive years); energy management operation (Hall Of Fame – Emillio Abello Award); mine rescue and safety (industrysponsored contests ad national calamities}; mining processes and professionals (industry-sponsored contests); and community service.

• First in the industry to convert its mining facilities into tourism and launched Benguet Mines Tourism Village in 1997 as the first and only one of its kind mining tourism attraction in the country.

• First in the industry to take an innovative and viable approach to after-mine life rehabilitation through the conversion of a mined-out open pit in Antamok into a water reservoir, capable of supplying 120,000 cubic meters of water per day, as an essential component of the Company’s bulk water supply project.

• First in the industry to develop a unique community-based Acupan contract mining partnership, elevating small-scale mining into a safe, environmentally sound and legitimate livelihood, which has become a model for a Government-led intervention over a small-scale mining area in Mindanao.

• One of the top performing publicly-listed companies in the Philippines in corporate governance and was the recipient of the 2021 and 2022 ACGS Golden Arrow Award.

• Nickel Operations Awards & Recognition

• PLATINUM AWARD RECIPIENT OF THE 2022 PRESIDENTIAL MINERAL INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD (PMIEA) for the outstanding levels of dedication, initiatives, and innovations in the pursuit of excellence in environmental, safety and health management, and social/community development on its Nickel Operation in

BENGUET CORPORATION

Diversity in business, and Resiliency in the face of Adversity

“Deep into the bowels of Antamok mines in Benguet Province, Benguet Corporation’s history has already been cast in gold ever since two American ex-soldiers turned prospectors and a Manila soda fountain operator pioneered gold mining industry in the country in 1903…”

TODAY, August 12, 2023, Benguet Corporation celebrates

its 120th Anniversary.

To say that the company is strong and resilient is an understatement. Only a handful of business enterprises in the Philippines can look back and claim to have a history that spanned over a century. A history crisscrossed by economic and political upheavals, world war, and natural disasters, and each time, the company emerged stronger with more vigor and determination. In the mining industry, where it is the pioneer, only Benguet Corporation has reached this important milestone.

LEADERS & BUILDERS

The founders of then Benguet Consolidated Mining Company, now Benguet Corporation were: Metcalfe A. Clarke Henry C. Clyde Nelson Peterson

Attaining the venerable age of 120 years in a highly volatile, capital-intensive, marketsensitive, and over-regulated metals mining industry was reason enough for rejoicing. But the company has more to celebrate than the sheer fact of longevity and survival. In the course of its history, Benguet Corporation has produced more than 14.2 million ounces of gold, 10.5 million ounces of silver, 776 million pounds of copper, 15.52 million metric tons of refractory chromite. It also exported and 12.91 million metric tons of saprolite nickel with an aggregate value of over US$36.08 billion at current prices. It has planted more than 25 million trees, supported thousands of company scholars, and underwrote innumerable social development projects in its areas of operation. Its mining communities boast of inter-generational workers who raised families in the mines and have reared many professionals.

While retaining its core business of mining, the company has crossed over to other industries in pursuit of business sustainability. Its gold and nickel operations have maintained its certified ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System since March 11, 2016. On the other hand, BCLI is the only free standing private clinic in Baguio City that is certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System since January 3, 2018.

Its subsidiaries were engaged in domestic and overseas construction, foundry castings, shipping and manning, machinery sales and forest management. It also diversified into corporate farming, banking, metallurgical testing services, trading, handicrafts for export, freight, and logistics services. It has been involved in real estate development, eco-tourism, bulk water supply, ports management and services, and diagnostic health care. Its varied portfolio of businesses indicates the wealth of technical skill, knowledge and experience it has gained over the years.

Benguet Corporation allocated and spent hundreds of millions on environmental pro-

tection in each of its operations and in social development of the various barangays / LGU where its projects are located. It has paid billions of pesos to the government in taxes and royalties, provided employment in rural areas, generated livelihood and fostered downstream commerce with local businessmen, contractors, and suppliers. The infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) and various social facilities it built surrounding the mine site brought progress and improved the living standard of the host communities. Over 200,000 students have benefited from BenguetCorp’s scholarship and educational program in Benguet and Zambales provinces. Noteworthy to mention also is Benguet Corporation Endowment Fund at the Ateneo de Manila University, which was established in August 1981 by its late President, Jaime V. Ongpin.

The Fund continues to the present, having awarded Professorial Chairs, research grants, and performance excellence awards to non-teaching personnel of the University.

As the commodities market become even more challenging, Benguet Corporation foresaw the need to strengthen not only its mining arm, but its other non-mining services as well. It planned to harness idle resources as springboard to further diversification. In the pipeline for capital are existing projects of its subsidiaries that are ripe for expansion, and it is looking at opportunities in emerging businesses that can create new revenue streams.

In the recent company strategic planning sessions, several projects were identified as ready for development and are currently in various stages of implementation. The Company is poised to enter exciting fields such as renewable energy and hybrid agribusiness. Underutilized properties of its subsidiaries will be converted to Solar Farms. In agribusiness, it is studying collaboration with another company to develops a large-scale sustainable hybrid coconut plantation with integrated processing and manufacturing capabilities. These types of business have zero carbon footprint, capable of carbon sequestration, and/or will reduce carbon dioxide emission in the air, thus help-

ing to mitigate the negative impact of climate change.

The Company is also open to exploring opportunities in public infrastructure development by offering its services in construction and engineering, and its technical competence in civil works. This will be complementary to its other business of aggregates supply and other quarry- sourced materials. Taking part in the industrialization of the country is a shared vision on nation building.

Its mining agenda calls for the opening of new projects to replace its aging mines with emphasis on green metals as the world transition to green economy in the face of climate change. As always, the company will ensure that all its projects adhere to best practices and that latest technology is applied to operation. Compliance over and above the environmental norms and standards will be strictly followed as it raised the bar on community engagement.

The foregoing strategy will allow the company to achieve a healthy balance of mining, mining-allied and non-mining revenues in the long term. As in the past, Benguet Corporation is open to the business model involving strategic alliance and partnerships. It believes that this strategic path would maximize the value of its various assets and offer better return of investment to stakeholders. Depending on what the final structure and arrangements of relationships will be agreed upon, the company will remain focused on delivering the anticipated benefits to stakeholders.

Going forward into the future, Benguet is reaching out for greater growth and prosperity.

As it navigates its way towards these goals, the indelible imprint of its corporate culture and its tenacious spirit honed by the adversities it has surpassed and, will be its guide in steering the ship of business along the treacherous waters of the post pandemic era.

The company is looking toward a bright and challenging tomorrow with much hope and anticipation, aspiring to be the best company in whatever industry it finds itself. It takes pride in its positive contribution over the years to the nation, its shareholders, employees, and their families. As in the past, the company carries with it into the future a legacy of trailblazing, innovation and social responsibility. Benguet Corporation lives on!

Speaker eyes national food stability

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday cited a report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reflecting a 4.3 percent growth in gross domestic product during the second quarter and 5.3 percent improvement for the first semester, saying the figures “highlight both our achievements in areas requiring intensified action.”

“We, in the House of Representatives, commend the unwavering efforts of our economic managers in navigating our nation towards recovery amid challenging times,” Romual -

COURTESY CALL. Region 8 police officials accompanied by Tingog

IN BRIEF

Marcos taps DHSUD to lead Pasig cleanup

dez said in a statement. Romualdez noted one pressing concern that is evident is the rising food inflation, which has been a significant driver of the economic slowdown.

“Addressing this is paramount to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable, nutritious food while also stimulating our agricultural sectors:

The Speaker identified four key areas that needed special government attention.

“Firstly, is agricultural investments. We will focus on injecting funds into our agricultural sector, promoting modern farming techniques, and improving storage and distribution infrastructure. This will help increase yield and reduce post-harvest losses.

Secondly, supply chain enhancement,” he said. «By optimizing supply

chains and reducing logistical bottlenecks, we can ensure that food reaches consumers swiftly, reducing costs and wastage.”

Thirdly, price monitoring and regulation: “The House supports initiatives to monitor and regulate the prices of essential commodities, ensuring that unscrupulous practices do not exploit Filipinos.

Fourth, according to him is import policies. “Reviewing and, if necessary, adjusting our import policies can help stabilize food prices. Strategic imports, when local supply is low, can prevent excessive price hikes.”

Herbosa names Leachon as DOH special adviser

By Gabriellea Pariño

and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has appointed Dr. Tony Leachon as the Department of Health’s (DOH) new special adviser for noncommunicable diseases.

Leachon, internist and cardiologist at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital, was highly commended by Herbosa.

“Together, we continue to move steadfastly in further realizing the Universal Healthcare. With the aid of Dr. Leachon, we will ensure that each Filipino will feel the efforts of the DOH,” Herbosa said in a statement.

Dr. Leachon served as a special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19 in 2020 to which he resigned citing differences with the health department’s policies and apparent lack of urgency in dealing with the pandemic.

“I am so honored to have the trust by our Health Secretary and be recognized for our collaborative work through the years. It’s about time to work together to meet the huge challenges in healthcare,” Leachon wrote in a tweet.

Leachon emphasized that he wishes to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.

“I can help bring ideas and plans to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the Philippines and that we will be successful in contributing to a healthier country,” Leachon said.

Uphold justice over procedural technicality—SC

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that courts should not sacrifice the dispensation of justice in favor of procedural rules, particularly when the life and liberty of a person are at stake.

“The Court can overlook the short delay in the filing of pleading if strict

compliance with the Rules would mean sacrificing justice to technicality,” the SC’s Third Division said, in resolution dated January 30, 2023.

With the ruling, the high court ordered the Court of Appeals to review “with reasonable dispatch” the appeal of two Panabo City residents who were convicted by a trial court in 2018 of il-

legal sale, trade, and delivery of dangerous drugs.

Court records showed that on July 10, 2015, Jaime S. Edlay Sr. and Kenneth Paul G. Edlay were arrested in a buybust operation. They were charged for the delivery of six packs of marijuana weighing 1,330 grams to policemen posing as buyers.

ANTI-CHINA PROTEST.

Members of the militant group Socialista Pilipinas stage a protest action at the Chinese Embassy in Makati City to condemn China’s bullying tactics against Philippine troops and fishermen at the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Teddy Brul

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tapped the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) under Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar as lead agency in a massive clean-up and rehabilitation of the historic Pasig River in Metro Manila.

The President issued Executive Order 35 naming the DHSUD as head of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development program.

Acuzar, along with key housing officials, has started inspecting key areas along the Pasig River and laid out plans on how to implement the President’s order.

He checked on the portions of the historical river in Manila, particularly at the back of the Central Post Office, which is being eyed as pilot area for mixed-use development and tourism spot, and Parola Compound for the affected informal settler families.

“We already have plans, and we will soon present it to the Office of the President and before the council for approval,” he said. Rio N. Araja

PCA eyes propagation of 100m coconut trees

THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) eyes the propagation of 100 million coconut trees in a bid to reassert the country’s dominance in coconut production.

According to PCA deputy administrator Roel Rosales, while the Philippines remained the top coconut exporter, Indonesia and India were ahead in terms of production volume.

“We used to be the dominant coconut producer, but no more. That threatens our position in the international market,” Rosales said.

The coconut planting directive came from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also heads the Agriculture department, Rosales said. Rosales said the program would be implemented in Mindanao and some areas in Northern Luzon.

Belmonte wants QC to be innovation hub

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte wants the city to be an innovation hub, saying a local government unit must create an inclusive environment that promotes growth and progress for all types of businesses.

Belmonte presided yesterday at the awarding of P5 million worth of financial grant to StartUp QC finalists under the first cohort of StartUp QC.

“The program was launched in October 2022. It is a government-led initiative to support existing early-stage startups through various training and mentoring sessions, industry exposure and networking events,” she said.

The awardees were Bamboo Impact Lab, a company that produces high-quality bamboo-derived products; EdukSine Production Corp., an online platform that provides socially relevant, Filipino independent films; ITOOH Homestyle, the first tech-enabled marketplace for quality-vetted home and office furniture largely crafted by local craftsmen. Rio N. Araja

Comelec bares rules on public works ban during BSKE season

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Come -

lec) on Friday announced that the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social welfare projects, construction of public works, and deliv-

ery of materials for public works will be prohibited starting September 15 to October 30, 2023 in relation to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The Comelec issued the updated guidelines on social welfare projects and public

PNP told to review operational rules after fatal shooting of Navotas boy

By Vince Lopez

DEPARTMENT Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to review its operational procedures, Abalos issued the directive following the police killing of 18-year-old Jemboy Baltazar of Navotas allegedly due to mistaken identity.

“We will have a meeting with the PNP leadership to discuss what we should do. We will revisit all modes of procedure and the command responsibility, to find out the level of liability and prevent this from

happening again.” Abalos said in a statement on Friday. Abalos and PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. separately visited the wake of the teenager on Thursday.

Earlier reports said that the victim Baltazar was a minor being 17-years old, but a text message by PNP Public Informations Office chief, Brig. Gen. Medrico Maranan stated that the victim was already 18 years old and of legal age.

On August 2, Baltazar was aboard a small vessel and on his way to go fishing when he was shot and killed by Navotas City cops in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran.

works ban to prevent candidates from utilizing government projects as part of their election campaign propaganda.

Under Resolution No. 10944, the Comelec said all social welfare projects of national, regional, provincial, and local government units (LGUs) and those

of government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and their subsidiaries, the period of prohibition is from 15 September 2023 to 30 October 2023, except for Assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS), the distribution of which is prohibited from 20 to 30 October 2023.

PREPPING FOR SCHOOL OPENING.

Personnel of the Quezon City School’s Division Office roll out their own version of Brigada Eskwela 2023 with the theme “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan” at the Commonwealth Elementary School in Quezon City. Launched in 2003, Brigada Eskwela is a volunteer-driven nationwide community service program for the cleaning, refitting, and rehabilitation of classrooms ahead of the re-opening of classes. Manny Palmero

The Ayungin Shoal incident

QUITE strange is the report made by an American security expert from Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center (GKC) for National Security Innovation, Raymond Powell, through Twitter, alleging that China’s coast guard, on August 8, 2023, fired water cannon at our coast guard in the latter’s attempt to deliver supplies to navy personnel guarding a purposely stranded navy ship Sierra Madre near contested island identified as the “Ayungin Shoal” or Thomas Shoal.

Despite the proximity of the boundary that separates the Philippines from the island of Palawan in what now constitutes the South China Sea, with the edges of the boundary of less than 12 miles under international law, the Philippines, for more than a century, recognized this boundary as legitimate and valid.

Most of those affected were small islands at the periphery of Palawan which were allegedly “discovered” by a Filipino navigator named Tomás Cloma in the 1950s.

Thinking the islands off Palawan were res nullius or not owned by anybody, Cloma claimed them as his private property and sought to have them titled.

Then President Marcos issued P.D. 1529 making the Kalayaan Group of Islands a municipality of Palawan to prevent Cloma from declaring it his private property.

Our claim in some of the disputed islands in the South China Sea is on the basis that, historically, the area has been the rich fishing ground for our fishermen.

But never can the country claim Thomas Shoal or Ayungin Island as a part of the Philippine archipelago.

The map indicating the Philippine archipelago shows Ayungin Shoal has never been made part of the country.

To fully understand the history behind the conflicting claims, it is imperative to know what this Ayungin Shoal is and to recall some chronological events.

We cannot blame China. It was the US and Spain that first demarcated the boundaries in the South China Sea

Hence, “Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal is an atoll in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, 194 kms west of Palawan.

Claimed by several nations but exclusively located in the economic zone of the Philippines, the atoll is currently militarily occupied by several countries.

Located south-east of the Mischief Reef (09°55′N 115°32′E), Second Thomas Shoal is near the center of Dangerous ground in the north-eastern part of the Spratly Islands; there are no settlements north or east of it.

It is a tear-drop shaped atoll, 20 kms long north–south and fringed with coral reefs. The coral rim surrounds a lagoon which has depths of up to 27 meters and is accessible to small boats from the east.

Drying patches are found east and west of the reef rim.

On 12 July 2016, the tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration concluded that ‘Second Thomas Shoal’ is, or in its natural condition was, exposed at low tide and submerged at high tide and, accordingly, has low-tide elevations that do not generate an entitlement to a territorial sea, exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

Second Thomas Shoal is claimed by the Philippines and China.

The Philippine navy maintains a presence of less than a dozen navy personnel on the 100 meter-long Second World War US-built Philippine Navy landing craft BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), deliberately made to run aground the atoll in 1999 in response to the Chinese reclamation of Mischief Reef.

The Philippines claims the atoll is part of its continental shelf, while parts of the Spratly group of islands, where Second Thomas Shoal lies, are claimed by China, Brunei, the Philippines, malaysia and Vietnam.

Slower economic growth

In 2014, the Chinese government asked the Philippines to remove the grounded ship.

Philippine supply ships subsequently avoided Chinese blockades to deliver food, water and other supplies to the stranded garrison.

Chinese coast guard vessels blocked the two attempts to resupply the garrison on March 9, 2014.

Supplies were airdropped to the garrison three days later.

A supply ship with replacement troops successfully reached the atoll on March 29, 2014 by sailing through shallow waters where the PRC vessels, having deeper drafts, were unable to follow.

During the approach, Philippine crew members and troops on the resupply ship waved the peace sign at the pursuing Chinese coast guard crew.

Since then, the Philippine military has been sending monthly relief missions in the form of air-dropped provisions to the troops stationed in the shoal.

This American security adviser, Ray Powell, should not have been given importance by local social media to allow him to influence an elected President on matters involving the country’s national security which for obvious reason involves our foreign policy.

This explains why the young Marcos considers the incident involving the hosing of our coast guard by China as a grey area indicating that either the West wants him to remain ignorant of the situation and promote a proxy war in the South China Sea.

A reaction by the President could directly involve the country which the US wants us to do while not directly involving the US in a conflict.

Had we reacted aggressively to Powell’s report, the spraying of water cannon to our coast guard cutter could have officially started a proxy war in the Ayungin Shoal with PBBM playing ignorant of the incident.

Many Filipinos to this day are wondering why our territorial waters in the South China Sea have been demarcated too close to Palawan that they even violated our 12mile territorial waters where our oil and natural gas are found and where service contracts have been awarded to private companies.

Instead of the Philippines reacting violently against illegal occupation of Vietnam and Malaysia in the Thomas Shoal area, it seems that China is directly poking at our nose, even directly threatening to evict us in the area.

This is an unnecessary taunting against us by a mighty neighbor, China.

This has happened because since the time BBM came to power in 2020, he has become more antagonistic to China to a point of canceling some of the country’s worthwhile economic and developmental projects with them.

Many suspect the US is purposely doing this to make the EDCA bases in the Philippines viable and for the fact PBBM was installed by an unabashed proAmerican stooge.

Instead of being antagonistic to China, Vietnam extended peace offering to cultivate economic and developmental projects which it hopes could enhance their own security while Malaysia is mainly concentrating to mind its own business, knowing its position is the most tenuous among the claimant countries in the South China Sea.

Particularly, the US has remained silent because the Philippines was excluded in the Treaty of Paris.

Only the US and Spain signed the Treaty even if the demarcation of the Philippine boundary in the South China Sea was wholly disadvantageous to the country. We cannot blame China. It was the US and Spain that first demarcated the boundaries in the South China Sea.

The Philippines was a non-participant in that treaty, and is now made to observe the boundaries made by the contracting parties.

(rpkapunan@gmail.com)

THE economy disappointingly registered a slower growth in the second quarter of 2023.

Reduced government expenditures, including those for infrastructure projects, partly led to a sluggish expansion.

The Philippine economy expanded just 4.3 percent in the second quarter, slower than 6.4 percent in the first quarter and 7.5 percent a year ago, to bring the first-half growth to 5.3 percent.

The economy struggled amid an uncertain global environment that led to higher inflation and increased interest rates.

Some sectors of the economy are expanding at a faster clip, led by tourism, commerce and the services industry. But their contribution is not enough pull up the rest of the economy.

The higher costs of goods and services and prohibitive bank lending rates are a dampener for business operations and

The economy must expand by 6.6 percent in the second semester to keep the government’s 6-percent to 7-percent growth goal on track—and Mr. Balicasan thinks this is attainable

personal consumption.

The inflation rate in the first six months of the year stood at 6.8 percent, or much above the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

The government’s chief economist, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. however, remains upbeat despite the unimpressive growth figure. The economy must

expand by 6.6 percent in the second semester to keep the government’s 6-percent to 7-percent growth goal on track—and Mr. Balicasan thinks this is attainable.

His statement implies that the government may have to front-load some of the government’s programmed expenditures in the third quarter of the year to play catch-up with the gross domestic product target.

The GDP figures showed that the government final consumption expenditure and gross capital formation in the second quarter contracted 7.1 percent and -0.04 percent, respectively.

In simple terms, the government spent less on public works and on the construction of school buildings and infrastructure projects.

Higher expenditures on civil works, especially in the aftermath of strong typhoons and the heavy monsoon rain that destroyed bridges and flooded roads, will increase economic activities and consumption.

They may offset the slow economic growth in the first six months of the year.

Hope in the faithful youth

AFTER a long wait and a one-year postponement caused by the pandemic, World Youth Day (WYD) 2023 was celebrated in Lisbon, Portugal, from August 1 to 6.

The central idea for this year’s World Youth Day is derived from Luke 1:39, which states: “Mary arose and went with haste.”

When questioned about his selection of Mary as the theme for World Youth Day, Pope Francis explained, “Mary wasted no time when she learned she would become the mother of God.

“She didn’t linger for selfies or seeking attention. Her immediate action was to embark on a purposeful journey, quickly moving to aid and serve.

“You also should draw inspiration from her, embarking on a journey to assist others.”

In the multitude of raised flags symbolizing nations both big and small around the world, Pope Francis conveyed to approximately 500,000 energetic and spirited young individuals that God’s invitation is directed towards every individual personally, rather than their online identity.

“You are not here by mistake,” he told the mass of people in Lisbon’s Eduardo VII Park Aug. 3 for the welcome ceremony for World Youth Day. “You, you, you, over there, all of us, me, we were all called by our names.”

While social networks know young people’s names, tastes and preferences, “all this does not understand your uniqueness, but rather your usefulness for market research,” he said at his first World Youth Day event.

The “illusions” of the virtual world “attract us and promise happiness” but later show themselves to be “vain, superfluous things, substitutes that leave us empty inside,” the pope said.

“I’ll tell you something, Jesus is not like that; he believes in you, in each one of you and us, because to him each one of us is important, and that is Jesus.”

Amidst the youth scattered across the park, basking in the Lisbon sunlight for hours prior to the pope’s arrival, was 18-year-old Tyler Nguyen from Colorado. He shared with Catholic News Service that among young individuals striving to uphold their faith, the most significant hurdle they face is presented by social media “since Catholics are often perceived online as being extreme.”

But in the church, Pope Francis said, “there is space for everyone, and when there isn’t, please, let’s work so that there is—also for who makes mistakes, for who falls, for who it is difficult.”

Departing from his prepared speech, he asked all the young people to “repeat with me: ‘Everyone, everyone, everyone!’” before waves of “todos, todos, todos”— “everyone” in Spanish and Portuguese— spread throughout the crowd.

With the shadow of so many actual and potential wars hovering over so many places in the world, including the Korean peninsula, we need signals of hope

“That is the church,” Francis said, “the mother of all; there is room for all.”

Throughout the crowd there were flags from countries with large Catholic populations such as Spain and Brazil, but also proudly displayed banners from countries where Catholics represent a small portion of the population.

Throughout his time as Pope, the Holy Father has encouraged young individuals during World Youth Day to respond to the Gospel’s summons and embrace Jesus within their hearts.

“Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life,” the Holy Father said on July 28, 2013, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

World Youth Day held local diocesan celebrations on Palm Sunday in 2014. In his message to young people that year, the Holy Father said: “Young people who choose Christ are strong. ... Have the courage to be truly happy!”

In his 2015 message for World Youth Day, which the Church celebrated in local dioceses, Pope Francis said, “The greatest good we can have in life is our relationship

Outcry as Turkish journalist jailed by text message

ISTANBUL, Turkey—Even in a country which regularly holds the world record for jailing journalists, the case of Turkish investigative reporter Baris Pehlivan stands out. Pehlivan—whose latest book accused Turkey’s last interior minister of having links with organized crime—is about to be locked up for the fifth time in three years.

Having been jailed, released on parole and locked up again, this time Pehlivan has been ordered back behind bars by text message.

The order has been widely condemned, with 19 international human rights and media freedom organizations uniting to decry “the repeated judicial harassment of Pehlivan, who is exercising his fundamental right to free speech as a journalist.

“Pehlivan has already been incarcerated four times due to his journalism, two of those... for the same sentence,” they added.

“This order would mark his fifth time behind bars.”

The journalist said he was informed by the Turkish justice ministry on August 2 that he had to turn himself in at the Marmara Detention Center, formerly known as Silivri prison, where many of the critics of Turkey’s government are held, on August 15.

Pehlivan and six other journalists were sentenced to three years and nine months in prison in 2021 for reporting the funeral of a member of Turkey’s MIT secret services who was operating in Libya, where Ankara supports the UN-recognized Tripoli government.

While his death has never been denied by the Turkish authorities, the reporters were charged with revealing “state secrets.”

‘Abusive prosecutions’

Pehlivan, editor in chief of the OdaTV website and a contributor to the secular daily Cumhuriyet, was conditionally freed

Twenty journalists remain behind bars in Turkey despite 15 being released last month

on May 15, then sent back to jail for a day after multiple cases were opened against him.

On Wednesday, Turkey’s justice minister cancelled a meeting with the main opposition party about the case at the last minute, to the fury of the CHP MPs.

“A few minutes before the meeting, the minister announced that he had something

very important to do,” said CHP MP Ali Mahir Basarir.

Pehlivan—whose name means wrestler in Turkish -- said he was resigned to turning himself in “for the fifth time”.

“I have neither killed nor raped anyone,” he wrote on Twitter, now known as X.

“I have never sold anyone drugs.”

In its open letter to the Turkish government, press freedom groups including PEN International and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on Ankara to “reverse the decision to reimprison Pehlivan and end the systematic judicial harassment against him and other journalists.”

It also highlighted how the journalist was targeted after co-writing a book, “SS”, about the then interior minister Suleyman Soylu, in which he accused him of “having ties to organized crime.”

The press freedom groups said Pehlivan’s

with God.”

World Youth Day was conceptualized by Pope John Paul II and debuted in Rome in 1986.

The inception of World Youth Day occurred subsequent to the engagement of numerous youths hailing from diverse global regions who answered the Pope’s call to take part in the International Jubilee of Youth in 1984 and the United Nations’ International Year of Youth in 1985, both hosted in Rome.

Pope John Paul II drew inspiration from the church’s Youth Jubilee (1984), a significant gathering between the pontiff and young Catholics at the culmination of the 1983–84 Year of Jubilee, as well as from the United Nations International Youth Year (1985), when he initiated the creation of World Youth Day in 1986.

Concluding World Youth Day in Portugal with a grand Mass, Pope Francis encouraged the youth to cast away fear.

He also revealed that the next World Youth Day, marking the first time in three decades, will be hosted in Asia.

Addressing approximately two million participants at the Catholic event in Parque Tejo, Lisbon, the Pope emphasized the Church’s reliance on them and encouraged them to pursue their aspirations.

He then disclosed that Seoul, South Korea, would be the host of World Youth Day in 2027.

The venue for the next World Youth Day could not be more appropriate.

With the shadow of so many actual and potential wars hovering over so many places in the world, including the Korean peninsula, we need signals of hope.

And what greater sign of hope can we have than that of the faithful youth, perhaps led by BTS and other K-pop artists leading, songs of courage, peace, love, and solidarity.

Website: tonylavina.com.

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parole was revoked before he was even charged with insulting Soylu, who is deputy chairman of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party.

Soylu has denied being linked to the Turkish mafia despite being named by exiled mob leader Sedat Peker in a series of sensational YouTube videos, which detailed alleged ties between politicians and the criminal underworld.

RSF’s Erol Onderoglu said the “threat of prison hangs over the press at every turn” in Turkey, which came 165th out of 180 countries in its latest press freedom index.

Pehlivan “should not spend another day in prison,” he told AFP. “The truth is that he is constantly the victim of abusive prosecutions.”

Twenty journalists remain behind bars in Turkey despite 15 being released last month, according to press freedom groups. AFP

Taguig taking 14

schools from Makati side

THE Taguig City government on Friday announced it is fully prepared for the upcoming opening of classes in 14 public schools that were previously under the control of Makati City.

The local government is referring to the 14 public schools in EMBO (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) area, namely - Makati Science High School, Comembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Pitogo Elementary School, Pitogo High School, Cembo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, and South Cembo Elementary School.

BARMM govs present agenda in leaders’ gab

THE BARMM Governors Caucus

(BGC), composed of the five elected governors in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has strongly advocated a common agenda to promote the rule of law, peace and order, and inclusive governance and development.

This developed in the first meeting of the Council of Leaders, an advisory body for the governance of the region, last August 9 in Davao City.

The Council of Leaders has also adopted the BGC recommendation for the Council to meet quarterly.

The common issues the governors raised were contained in a Joint Position Paper presented by BGC Spokesman and Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., which were deliberated and positively responded to in the Council of Leaders meeting.

These issues, among others, are peace and order leading to the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, rationalizing and harmonizing regional and provincial planning for greater impact of development projects and programs in LGUs;

Greater coordination between regional ministries and the provincial governments in the implementation of development projects in LGUs; and transparent, accountable and efficient implementation of development projects.

Adiong underscored the urgent need to address peace and order in the region.

“The whole BARMM is preparing for the barangay and SK elections, down to our towns and villages. Most important is there is no chaos ensuing in the barangays in the region. Hence, the BGC is pursuing the decommissioning process (of former Muslim rebels) on the ground,” Adiong noted.

MMDA nixes group’s plan to remove EDSA Carousel

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is against the idea of removing the EDSA Bus Carousel, saying further study should be conducted before any action is taken.

Chairman Romando Artes expressed opposition to the proposal of the Mega Manila Consortium and warned that bringing back passenger buses along the 23.8-km Epifanio de los Santos Avenue under the old system would cause traffic congestion. He said it is important to consider all factors before making decisions that could impact public transportation and the people who rely on it.

Artes has pointed out that the EDSA

HEARTTHROB’S NEW ‘ROLE.’

Joshua Garcia becomes a Jollibee crew member for the day, handing out orders to delighted drivethru patrons at the Katipunan branch in Quezon City. The surprise encounter happened Friday during his fan meet-and-greet, where he shared Cheesy Yumburgers and memorable moments. Manny Palmero

Bus Carousel has been effective in moving commuters and has reduced traffic congestion along EDSA.

“Commuter travel time along EDSA was cut in half because of the EDSA Bus Carousel,” the MMDA chief said. The government has already invested in the EDSA Bus Carousel and Bike Lane, and its stations are still being improved.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has completed its Bike Master Plan and has continued to build infra-

structure under the project.

Artes stated that it is up to the DOTr to decide whether or not to remove the EDSA Bus Carousel.

Reports showed that Mega Manila plans to reclaim the two outermost lanes of EDSA, which includes the bike lane, for buses.

Additionally, the group is going to bring back the 14 bus stops that were previously removed along the thoroughfare. This could lead to some major changes in traffic flow and transportation options in the area.

The government began operating the EDSA Busway project in July 2020 to complement the operations of Metro Railway Transit line 3 and its bus augmentation program.

Jubahib warns of Davao Norte crisis if power coop’s woes unresolved

DAVAO Del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib warned of an economic crisis in the province if the power woes caused by the inefficiencies of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORDECO) are not resolved immediately.

“It will cause the collapse of our provincial economy because we know that electricity is a basic utility. Our business-

men and residents need this,” the governor said in Filipino in a radio interview.

“Businessmen are already leaving us. Businesses will close down, they are moving to other provinces that have ample supply of electricity -- which is what I feared. Where will my constituents find work, where will we get an income? This will be tragic for Davao del

Ilocos Sur’s Singson takes charge of Typhoon Egay relief operations

ACTIONS speak louder than words in the face of adversity.

In the wake of the devastating Super Typhoon Egay that swept through Ilocos Sur province, Vice Governor Ryan Singson has emerged as a beacon of hope and solidarity for the affected communities.

He has been at the forefront of relief operations, orchestrating a series of relief operations aimed at assisting those gravely impacted by the natural disaster.

This proactive response not only reflects his leadership but also the resilient

spirit of the province.

Demonstrating unwavering dedication, Singson orchestrated a series of relief operations aimed at assisting those gravely hit by the typhoon.

The Vice Governor’s approach has been comprehensive, addressing the immediate needs of the affected families.

From conducting swift rescue operations during the typhoon to ensuring access to essential supplies and providing financial assistance, the relief operations have been a beacon of hope for those grappling with the aftermath of the typhoon. Lino Santos

Norte,” he added. The Governor also debunked NORDECO’s claim that the rotational brownouts have already been resolved, saying the power outages still last for more than six hours in various parts of the province.

Noting that they still suffer from daily brownouts, Jubahib said residents

and businessmen in Davao Del Norte who are fed up with the power outages held various protests to condemn NORDECO’s poor service.

Even residents and businesses in the Island Garden City of Samal have protested the prolonged brownouts under the cooperative’s service area, he pointed out.

VICE-GOV AT WORK.

Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Ryan Singson hands out relief goods as he orchestrates a series of operations to assist those gravely hit by typhoon Egay. Lino Santos

These schools were transferred from the Department of EducationDivision of Makati City to the Division of Taguig-Pateros following a Supreme Court decision that ruled in favor of Taguig in the two cities’ territorial dispute.

Mayor Laarni Cayetano said they will take necessary measures to ensure that the school premises are safe and ready for the students and teachers who will be returning to campus.

She said the local government is committed to providing a conducive learning environment for the students and supporting the educational needs of the community.

The city officials, Dep-Ed Division of Taguig-Pateros Superintendent, and school principals met to plan and synchronize their efforts for a seamless start of various educational initiatives. Joel Zurbano

IN BRIEF

Cebu Pacific halts Cotabato operations

CEBU Pacific Air (CEB) announced on Friday it is suspending flight operations in Cotabato due to the pending completion of asphalt overlay repairs at the runway of Awang Airport.

The CEB management decided to suspend operations at the airport, saying some repairs need to be completed on the runway for the safety of air travelers before it can resume flights. The following flights will not operate until further notice: 5J 885 and 886 Manila – Cotabato – Manila; and 5J 887 and 888 Manila – Cotabato – Manila.

Passengers booked on these flights will be rerouted to and from Davao International Airport. Additionally, the airline will operate several recovery flights between Manila and Davao from August 19 to 23, as well as a Davao-Manila flight on August 21.

CEB offers flight rebooking and rerouting, travel fund storage, and refund options through its Manage Booking portal. Joel Zurbano

‘Stopping NGCP charges a big win’

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday described as a “big win for all power consumers” the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission to halt the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ practice of charging electricity consumers with the 3 percent franchise tax it is supposed to pay the government.

Gatchalian said the practice has unduly burdened consumers for many years now.

“I laud and fully support ERC for upholding consumer welfare in its decision,” he said.

“This is also a reminder for enterprises of the need to play fair and maintain corporate integrity,” the senator said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

20 jail guards relieved over missing prisoner

AROUND 20 jail guards in the New Bilibid Prison have been relieved from their posts after Michael Angelo Cataroja, a prisoner or person deprived of liberty (PDL), went missing, Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said Friday.

Catapang maintained that Cataroja had fled the national penitentiary and that his mother wants to surrender him to Senator Raffy Tulfo.

“We have a stakeout in Angono, Rizal where Cataroja’s mother lives.

There is development there. According to the mother, she wants to surrender her son to Senator Tulfo,” Catapang said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

‘EMBO’

QC DEMO DAY STARTUP. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (center) leads the awarding of P1 million to one of the five beneficiaries of the Demo Day Startup program on Thursday at the Luxent Hotel. The local government-led initiative aims to support existing early-stage startups through various training and mentoring sessions, industry exposure, and networking events. Manny Palmero

Hawaii fire death toll hits 53, town lay in charred, smoking ruins

KAHULUI, Hawaii – The death toll from a terrifying wildfire that razed a historic Hawaiian town hit 53 Friday, making it one of the deadliest disasters to strike the islands since they became a US state.

Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii’s Maui island -- fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane -- broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed the seaside town of Lahaina.

Rocket carrying Russian probe to Moon lifts off

MOSCOW, Russia—Russia launched a Soyuz rocket carrying a probe to the Moon on Friday, live images showed, kicking off its first mission to the celestial body in nearly 50 years.

The rocket with the Luna-25 probe lifted off at 02:10 am Moscow time (07:10 Friday Manila time) from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, according to live images broadcast by the Russian space agency Roscosmos.

The spacecraft is due to reach lunar orbit in five days, will remain on the Moon for a year, and will be tasked with “taking (samples) and analyzing the soil” as well as “conducting longterm scientific research”, the Russian space agency said.

It will then spend between three and seven days choosing the right spot before landing in the lunar south pole area.

Roscosmos expects the probe to land

on the Moon around August 21, a source in the agency told AFP.

The launch is the first mission in Russia’s new lunar program, which gets underway at a time when Roscosmos is being deprived of its partnerships with the West amid the conflict with Ukraine.

This is the first lunar mission for postSoviet Russia. The last one took place in 1976, when the USSR was a pioneer in the conquest of space.

The mission is important for the Russian space sector, which is suffering from funding problems, corruption scandals and increasing competition from the United States and China, as well as from private initiatives such as billionaire Elon Musk’s Space X.

According to Russian space expert Vitali Iegorov, the mission is the first time that post-Soviet Russia has attempted to place a device on a celestial body.

“The biggest question will be: can it land?” he told AFP, stressing that this mission is “of great importance” for Russia.

President Vladimir Putin has pledged to continue Russia’s space program despite sanctions, pointing to the USSR’s sending of the first man into space in 1961, at a time of escalating East-West tensions.

“We are guided by the ambition of our ancestors to move forward, despite difficulties and external attempts to prevent us from doing so,” Putin said at the Vostochny Cosmodrome last year.

The mission is important for the Russian space sector, which is suffering from funding problems, corruption scandals and increasing competition from the United States and China, as well as from private initiatives such as billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX. AFP

The flames moved so quickly that many were caught off-guard, trapped in the streets or jumping into the ocean in a desperate bid to escape.

“In 1960 we had 61 fatalities when a large wave came through Big Island,” Governor Josh Green said, referring to a tragedy that struck a year after Hawaii became the 50th US state.

“This time, it’s very likely that our death totals will significantly exceed that.”

Officials in Maui County said the confirmed number of dead now stood at 53, and firefighters were still battling the blaze.

Lahaina on Thursday lay in charred, smoking ruins, with Green saying 80 percent of the town was gone.

“There is no doubt everyone would describe this as though a bomb hit Lahaina,” he said.

“It looks like total devastation; buildings that we’ve all enjoyed and celebrated together for decades, for generations, are completely destroyed.”

Ecuador under state of emergency after presidential candidate killed

QUITO, Ecuador – Ecuador declared a state of emergency Friday and asked the FBI to help probe the assassination of a popular presidential candidate, whose death has highlighted the once-peaceful nation’s decline into a violent hotbed of drug trafficking and organized crime.

Police said six Colombians have been arrested in the murder of Fernando Villavicencio, a 59-year-old journalist and anti-corruption crusader who was gunned down as he left a campaign rally in the capital Quito on Wednesday night.

Another attacker, also Colombian, was shot dead by security agents, authorities said.

Interior Minister Juan Zapata said the assailants belonged to “organized crime groups,” without specifying which ones.

Ukraine urges evacuations for civilians

KHARKIV, Ukraine—Ukraine has urged civilians near the northeastern front line to evacuate as Russia ramped up an assault to capture territory already seized once during the conflict.

Kupiansk and the surrounding areas of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region were recaptured by Kyiv’s forces in September but Moscow has since pushed back into the region.

“Given the difficult security situation and the increasing amount of shelling by Russian terrorist forces in Kupiansk community, you have the opportunity to evacuate to a safer place,” the city administration said.

It said residents could evacuate to Kharkiv, some 90 kilometers west, where they would have the option to move to safer regions, and urged children, the elderly and the sick to leave.

“Do not neglect your safety and the safety of your loved ones,” said the statement.

The warning came as Russia’s defense ministry announced its soldiers had “improved their position” along the front line near the city, after reporting advances earlier in the week.

“In the course of offensive operations near Kupiansk, assault teams of the Western battle group improved their positions along the forward edge of the front line,” it said in a daily briefing. AFP

President Joe Biden on Thursday declared the fires a “major disaster” and unblocked federal aid for relief efforts, as residents said they needed more help in a recovery that could take years.

US Coast Guard commander Aja Kirksey told CNN around 100 people were believed to have jumped into the water in a desperate effort to flee the fast-moving flames as they tore through Lahaina.

Kirksey said helicopter pilots struggled to see because of the dense smoke pouring from the huge fire, but that a Coast Guard vessel had been able to rescue more than 50 people from the water.

“It was a really rapidly developing scene and pretty harrowing for the victims that had to jump into the water,” she added.

For resident Kekoa Lansford, the horror was far from over.

“We still get dead bodies in the water floating and on the seawall,” Lansford told CBS.

“We have been pulling people out... We’re trying to save people’s lives, and I feel like we are not getting the help we need.” AFP

people were “outraged” by the murder of a man she saw as “the hope for honesty in our country. A candidate who denounced the corruption of narcopolitics.”

She described the situation in the country as “very worrying. You can’t walk peacefully... there is no security.”

President Guillermo Lasso declared a two-month state of emergency, and said the US Federal Bureau of Investigation had accepted the country’s request for help, with a delegation arriving soon.

Villavicencio had complained of receiving threats from Los Choneros, one of the country’s most powerful drug gangs.

“They told me to wear a (bulletproof) vest. I don’t need it. Let the hitmen come! They may bend me but they will never break me,” the politician told a rally earlier this week in Chone, the gang’s birthplace. AFP

West African bloc backs military ‘standby’ force for Niger

ABUJA, Nigeria—West African lead-

ers have approved the deployment of a “standby force to restore constitutional order” in Niger, an intervention that will take place as soon as possible, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has said.

The ECOWAS regional bloc did not provide details on the force to be deployed or the timetable for action against the military officers who seized control of Niger two weeks ago, deposing Mohamed Bazoum as president.

But on his return to Abidjan from the emergency summit in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, Ouattara said: “The Chiefs of Staff will have other conferences to

finalize things but they have the agreement of the Conference of Heads of State for the operation to start as soon as possible.”

Ivory Coast would provide a battalion of 850 to 1,100 men alongside soldiers from Nigeria and Benin, and other countries would join them, Ouattara said.

“We are determined to restore president Bazoum to his functions.”

Earlier, in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray had announced the deployment of the bloc’s force.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a non-violent solution to reverse the coup, praising the “determina-

US prosecutors propose January for Trump trial

WASHINGTON, DC—Prosecutors recommended Friday that Donald Trump go on trial in January for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 US election, threatening the former president with a high-profile court case days before the Republican primary contest begins.

The Justice Department accuses the 77-year-old billionaire of plotting with aides to illegally pressure local and national government officials and have party activists fraudulently certify bogus Trump victories in several states won by Joe Biden.

“The government’s proposed trial date represents an appropriate balance of the defendant’s right to prepare a defense and the public’s strong interest in a speedy trial in the case,” lead prosecutor Jack Smith said in court filing asking for a January 2 start.

tion of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis” in a statement on Thursday.

The bloc was “playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS’ leadership and work on this”, he told reporters earlier Thursday.

Former colonial power France gave its “full support to all the conclusions” ECOWAS reached, the foreign ministry said.

But even as the summit took place, Niger’s new military rulers moved to consolidate their position and signalled further defiance by appointing a new government. AFP

BEIJING—The death toll from recordbreaking rains across northern China rose to at least 78 on Friday, as authorities warned of more flooding and another storm approached the country.

Deaths from flooding in Hebei province rose to 29, state media reported Friday, after Storm Doksuri, which hit mainland China as a typhoon two weeks ago, brought on the most severe rainfall since records began 140 years ago.

Rescuers have continued to search for people swept away by the floods, as another storm, Khanun, approaches over the weekend.

The deluge followed weeks of historic heat, with scientists saying such extreme weather events are being exacerbated by

Trump, who is facing prosecution in multiple jurisdictions over allegations of criminal conduct before, during and after his presidency, quickly responded to the request with a furious post claiming “Election Interference.”

“These Fake Indictments against me didn’t come down from heaven, they came from the most corrupt President in the history of the United States, Crooked Joe Biden, in order to Rig & Steal another Election,” he said.

Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor at the Hague, charged Trump last week with four felony counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct, and actual obstruction of, an official proceeding; and conspiracy against the right to vote. AFP

climate change.

Streets in parts of Hebei, which borders the capital, were still caked in mud when AFP visited on Wednesday.

Residents were scrambling to recover waterlogged belongings and clean up damaged homes.

During a visit to affected communities last week, Hebei province party chief Ni Yuefeng said that the area could “reduce the pressure on Beijing’s flood control” and serve as a “moat” for the capital.

As of Thursday, 29 people had been killed by the rains across the province, six of whom had been previously listed as missing, state broadcaster CCTV said Friday. AFP

78 die in record northern China floods, new storm approaches over weekend

DEADLY BRUSHFIRE. An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. The death toll has reached at least 53 people dead a fast-moving wildfire, fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane, turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said as visitors asked to leave Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. AFP

VIOLENT HOTBED. A handout picture released Friday by the Ecuadorian Police shows six Colombian men arrested in connection with the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in Quito. Six people arrested in connection with the slay and one attacker who was shot dead were all Colombians, police said AFP Shocked citizens expressed their frustration with the burgeoning violence in the South American country, which has

seen its murder rate soar as drug gangs wage bloody turf wars. Housewife Ruth Flores, 65, told AFP

MISSILE STRIKE. Rescuers climb the ladder outside a destroyed church after a Russian strike in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, where Ukraine said two people were killed, and 14 others including a 3-yearold girl and a 14-year-old boy wounded. AFP

BUSINESS

By Julito G. Rada

LARGE supply shocks will compel the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to again raise the benchmark interest rate which is now at 6.25 percent, Governor Eli Remolona said Friday.

Remolona said in an interview with Nomura research analyst Euben Paracuelles the country was not yet “out of the woods,” meaning risks remained that could impact the economy and the trajectory of inflation.

“If we have new supply shocks on inflation, which are unusually large, and

Ayala Corp.’s core income climbed 55% in six months

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. reported a 55-percent increase in core net income in the first half of 2023, lifted by solid contributions from banking, property and power generation businesses.

Ayala said in disclosure to the stock exchange Friday first-half core net income amounted to P20.5 billion, or 38 percent higher than the pre COVID levels.

Ayala president and chief executive Cezar Consing said the positive results from Bank of the Philippine Islands, Ayala Land Inc. and ACEN Corp. compensated for the P2.4 billion one-off provisions booked by AC Industrials. Including one-off items, the conglomerate’s net income was up 13 percent to P18.4 billion.

“For the balance of the year, we will build on our solid first-half results and continue to recycle capital wherever it makes sense to do so,” Consing said.

BPI’s net earnings grew 23 percent to P25.1 billion driven by average asset base expansion, margin growth and reduced provisions, while ALI’s profit jumped 41 percent to P11.4 billion as its property development and commercial leasing businesses registered higher revenues. ACEN’s net profit jumped 94 percent to P4.2 billion on higher net generation from a stronger wind regime and increased operating capacity. Jenniffer B. Austria

Security Bank posted

P4.9-b profit in first half

SECURITY Bank Corp. said Friday it posted a net income of P4.9 billion in the first half of 2023, driven by growth in core businesses, increase in quarterly net interest margin and normalized credit provisions.

Net interest income increased 9 percent in the six month period to P15.7 billion, while non-interest income went up 2 percent to P4.9 billion. Service charges, fees and commissions grew 7 percent to P2.8 billion.

Pre-provision operating profit was P8.2 billion. The bank set aside P1.6 billion as provisions for credit losses in the first half, an increase from P408 million a year ago. Gross non-performing loan ratio decreased to 3.06 percent from 3.28 percent.

NPL reserve cover improved to 100 percent from 92 percent. Return on shareholders’ equity was 7.67 percent, while return on assets was 1.20 percent.

Total deposits reached P525 billion, with the share of low-cost savings and demand deposits rising to 63 percent from 59 percent a year ago. The bank said it shed high-cost deposits, resulting in a 13-percent year-on-year decrease in time deposits.

Dominion Holdings books P125.3-m income

DOMINION Holdings Inc., formerly BDO

Leasing & Finance Inc., said Friday net income grew to P125.3 million in the first half of 2023 from P3.7 million in the same period last year.

Gross income increased more than six-fold to P162.3 million as the firm reallocated its funds to higher yielding investments and debt securities to capitalize on the prevailing attractive interest rates. Total resources reached P6.3 billion, majority of which was accounted for by shortterm investments. Stockholders’ equity improved to P6.25 billion, derived primarily from net profits.

The company obtained an approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18, 2022 for the change in corporate name of BDO Leasing and Finance to Dominion Holdings, the shift in primary and secondary purposes from a leasing and financing company to that of a holding company and the corresponding amendments to articles of incorporation and by-laws.

This is to give Dominion Holdings more flexibility to pursue business opportunities that can enhance shareholder value for stockholders. Its primary purpose now is to hold/ own real estate properties, securities/shares of stocks and other assets of other companies and engage in investment and business activities involving these assets.

if El Nino turns out to be very severe and combined with a confluence of other factors, we would have to tighten again,” Remolona said.

He said inflation settled at 4.7 percent in July, and the BSP wanted it to fall within the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

“But we also want to be comfort

able that inflation is staying within that range and inflation expectations remain anchored. As you know, if we don’t tighten when those shocks materialize, then expectations could get out of hand, inflation will feed on itself and it gets much harder for us,” he said.

Remolona said the recent pauses by the Monetary Board in the past two meetings meant the signals from the data were still mixed and not consistent. He said some indicators showed the economy was holding up, while others showed it was weakening.

“If this continues, then it’s likely prudent for us to still pause,” Remolona said.

The policy-setting Monetary Board will hold its next meeting on Aug. 17, 2023.

Remolona said local inflation would have more weight in the BSP’s next policy moves, although it was closely watching the actions of the US Federal Reseve.

BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said inflation might return to the target range before the fourth quarter of 2023.

Dakila said in a panel discussion during the Post-SONA Philippine Economic Briefing in Cebu the latest trajectory of inflation in the past six months was very encouraging. He said inflation was forecasted to average 5.4 percent this year, still above the target range.

BSP warns of supply shocks, interest hike IN BRIEF

“Barring any unforeseen supply shocks… inflation should be below 4 percent by the fourth quarter this year,” Dakila said. “There is a chance we may go back to the target [range] even before the fourth quarter.”

Inflation eased for the sixth straight month in July, pulled down by slower year-on-year increases in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels. From a peak of 8.7 percent in January 2023, inflation eased to 8.6 percent in February, 7.6 percent in March, 6.6 percent in April, 6.1 percent in May and 5.4 percent in June.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines said Friday said it is on a “recovery track” after posting a 194-percent increase in second-quarter net income on the back of higher passenger volume.

The airline unit led by tycoon Lucio Tan booked a net income of $141 million from April to June, almost tripling the $47.9-million profit it earned in the same period last year.

FINTECH INVESTORS. Delegates from the Singapore Fintech Association express interest in exploring business opportunities in the Philippines during a courtesy call on the officials of the Board of Investments on Aug. 9, 2023. Shown are (seated, from left) SFA community engagement and events lead Gwendolyn Loh, Department of Trade and Industry assistant secretary Mary Jean Pacheco, SFA chief operating officer Reuben Lim, BOI management services executive director Maria Veronica Magsino; BOI investments promotion services executive director Evariste Cagatan; Fintech Alliance Philippines founding chair Lito Villanueva, BOI industry development services executive director Ma. Corazon Dichosa of the BOI’s Industry Development Services; and BOI international investment promotion services director Lanie Dormiendo. With them are other executives of SFA and Singapore fintech companies.

Ayala clinches deal to be official distributor of BYD cars in PH

By Othel V. Campos

AYALA Corp. said Friday unit AC Motors Automobile Group signed a deal with BYD, a global leader in hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturing, to be the official distributor of the latter’s vehicles in the Philippines.

AC Motors head Jamie Alfonso Zobel de Ayala underscored Ayala Group’s goal of addressing national pain points to provide long term value to stakeholders.

“This partnership between one of the largest multi-brand automotive groups in the Philippines and the world’s leading EV brand is a cornerstone of the group’s goal of accelerating the future of mobility in the country,” said Zobel de Ayala.

“Our long-term vision is for AC Motors to become the leading platform for EVs and other new energy vehicles in the Philippines. This includes building up BYD to become a key brand in the

Philippine market, with leading share among EV brands and meaningful presence in the automotive market as a whole,” he said.

BYD managing director for the Philippines and Singapore James Ng noted the Philippine government’s support for local efforts to create policies that would usher in technology for new energy vehicles.

“The Philippine government is also promoting the construction of electric vehicles and establishing new green industrial chain. Consumer consumption of cars is increasing which is one of the most important reasons why we are promoting environmental friendly technology for new energy vehicles,” he said.

BYD has an expansive line-up of both passenger and commercial vehicles at competitive price points, allowing the vehicles to be deployed at a larger scale.

The China-based EV manufacturer has

ramped it production of EVs to 5 million units as of July 2023, making it one of the biggest EV manufacturers globally. Its operations as an automotive manufacturer are also fully-integrated, with capabilities not only in designing and assembling the final vehicles, but even in battery technology, electric powertrain development and semiconductors.

BYD also has investments in rail transit, renewable energy and battery storage.

Ayala has been prioritizing the electric mobility vehicles as the enabler of Ayala’s ecosystem. The group is uniquely positioned to provide longterm value to EV customers, given its assets in renewable power generation, automotive distribution and dealerships, property development and management, manufacturing, financing and insurance and digital connectivity—all of which are critical components of the EV ecosystem.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

This brought the flag carrier’s total income in the first half to $250 million, up 257 percent from $70 million a year ago.

PAL’s second-quarter revenues grew 27 percent to $820 million, on higher passenger numbers. The airline flew 4 million passengers, up 80 percent year-on-year; operated over 50,400 flights and logged an 81.6-percent average passenger load factor.

“The latest positive financial results enable us to build a better, stronger and more agile Philippine Airlines that creates greater value for our customers, and we are grateful for their continuing support and patronage,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng. Lucio Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings Inc., the airline’s parent company, said it was “on a recovery track.”

He said PAL was in a position to carry out major product and digital transformation initiatives to grow amid a more competitive and challenging aviation industry.

PAL is investing $3.2 billion for the acquisition of nine Airbus A3501000 long-range jetliners based on the list price of $366.5 million per aircraft.

By

Jenniffer B. Austria

JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc., the listed holding company of the Gokongwei family, bounced back to post a net income of P10.4 billion in the first half of 2023 from a P2.75-billion net loss in the same period last year.

JG Summit said in a stock exchange filing Friday it achieved the strong first-half results on the back of sustained margin expansion across listed subsidiaries and double-digit consolidated topline growth.

DIGITINDAHAN. Leading finance super app GCash and global food company Nestlé launch DigiTindahan on GLife powered by leading e-distributor Great Deals as its main aggregator. With the partnership, shopping for snacks, cooking essentials, beverages, confectionery, cereals and more can now be done with just a few taps on user’s smartphone. Signing the partnership agreement at the Nestlé office in Rockwell, Makati are (from left) GCash chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad, Nestle Philippines chairman and chief executive Kais Marzouki and Great Deals E-Commerce Corp. founder and chief executive Steve Sy.

Vitol Group delivers second shipment of LNG for San Miguel’s 1,200-MW Ilijan plant in Batangas

By Alena Mae S. Flores

VITOL Group delivered the second liquefied natural gas cargo for San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.’s 1,200-megawatt Ilijan natural gas power plant in Batangas province.

The second LNG cargo was delivered to Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Philippines’ PHLNG—the first operational LNG terminal in the country.

Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd., a trading unit of Vitol Group, delivered the first LNG shipment of 137,000 billion cubic meters in April 2023.

“While this is the second cargo to be delivered by FSU Ish [the first was the

STS or ship to ship in Subic], this operation is novel as it is the first STS done while the FSU [floating storage unit] is docked alongside the PHLNG terminal,” said AG&P assistant vice president for commercial operations Sam Ligas.

“The operation showcases to the world the enhanced energy infrastructure in the country with the development and operation of specialized infrastructure such as PHLNG terminal and regasification facility,” Ligas said on his LinkedIn page.

San Miguel Global’s subsidiary South Premiere Power Corp. owns the Ilijan power plant, which resumed operations in May using LNG as fuel. The Ilijan

plant stopped operations in June 2022 after its gas sale and purchase agreement with the Malampaya consortium ended.

The reintegration of the Ilijan power plant helped secure the Philippines’ power supply requirements as demand went up due on increased economic activity as the country emerged from the pandemic.

LNG is seen as “transition” fuel, enabling countries to move away from coal power responsibly, without compromising the continuing need of people and economies for affordable and reliable baseload power—while targeting wider adoption of renewable energy over the longer term.

First-half consolidated sales rose 13 percent year-on-year to P163.4 billion on higher revenue contribution from airline, food, and domestic property businesses.

Net income also improved to P5.4 billion in the second quarter from P44 million a year ago.

“The group’s earnings improvement further accelerated in 2Q with the sustained demand recovery and growth across our food, airline and property businesses. On top of this, initiatives across our business units to tackle cost inflation and implement efficiencies to recover our margins continue to bear fruit,” said JG Summit president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei.

He said to sustain the growth momentum in the second half, airline unit Cebu Air Inc. was working to augment capacity and improve operational resiliency by adding more planes while food manufacturing arm Universal Robina Corp. was addressing supply chain issues.

Robinsons Land Corp. is also working to improve its office and mall occupancy rates and carefully launching new project developments while its petrochemical business is ramping up operations after months of being shut down.

JG Summit bounced back to post P10.4-b income in six months

PAL on ‘recovery track’ with strong profit growth in Q2

Rain or Shine must tame 6-11

Am-Taiwanese in Jones Cup

TAIPEI, Taiwan—Rain or Shine aims for a winning start to its grueling Jones Cup schedule when it tangles against the host

Chinese Taipei Team A which will be bannered by 6’11” American-Taiwanese Wialliam Artino on Saturday, Aug. 12.Game is set at 7:30 p.m. with the Elasto Painters hoping to pull the rug from under the Taiwanese national team which is expected to get a lot of boost from its home crowd.

More than that, the E-Painters are looking for a victory which could set the tone for their campaign especially that they are set to play six straight games in as many days.

First, the E-Painters must neutralize Artino and veterans Liu Cheng and Ying-Chun Chen if they are to hurdle their first assignment.

Rain or Shine, headed by Alternate Governor Edison Oribiana and Redmond Yu, immediately went to work at the Taipei Heping Gymnasium upon arriving in Taipei on Friday, Aug. 11.

“It’s always good to start it with a win especially against the home team. We know the odds are stacked against us but we just have to believe that we can win. If we have a good start we usually have a good ending,” said ROS deputy Caloy Garcia who facilitated the team’s first practice.

Expected to lead the way for ROS are imports Ange Kouame and Nick Evans, although the team will also be relying on the young core of Rey Nambatac, Shaun Ildefonso, Anton Asistio, Santi Santillan and Andrei Caracut.

Diaz inspires young teammate to join her Paris Olympic quest

By Peter Atencio

The 32-year-old Diaz is pushing her younger teammates to join her quest to return to the Olympics.

One of them is 18-year-old Rosegie Ramos, who is now preparing and training with Diaz and her husband-coach Julius Naranjo, at their camp in Jala Jala, Rizal. Ramos was among those, who

claimed honors in the recent Asian Youth and Junior Championships, where the Philippines scooped 19 gold medals at the Gautam Buddha University in New Delhi, India.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, kailangan i-push ko sarili ko. Buti na lang at nandiyan si Ate Hidi, Kuya Julius at ang Team HD,” said Ramos on

Olivarez tops Hagedorn Open

ERIC Jed Olivarez snapped a lengthy search for a major victory with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 win over doubles partner Charles Kinaadman, securing the Rep. Edward Hagedorn Open tennis championship at the Karawatan PPS Playground in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last Thursday.

The fifth-ranked Olivarez pulled through in a tense-filled duel of breaks in the first three games of the decider, holding serve in the fourth then breaking Kinaadman again in the next to seize a commanding 4-1 lead. They held serve in the next three with Olivarez clinching the match and the championship with a four-point run after yielding the first point in the eighth game.

The victory, worth P50,000, came on the heels of Olivarez’s stirring 6-3 6-3 reversal

over top seed and Lanao Open series tormentor Johnny Arcilla in the semis and it also served as payback for his 1-6, 2-6 loss to Kinaadman in the Jubahib Cup final in Davao del Norte last year.

But the third seeded Kinaadman, who trounced Alexis Acabo, 6-3, 6-1, to reach the finals of the Group A tournament presented by Dunlop, looked headed to repeating over Olivarez when he snatched the opening set on a big windup.

Trailing 3-5 after losing the seventh game while on serve, the Lapu-Lapu City ace held in the ninth then won the next three that featured fierce exchanges in the 10th and 11th games.

But Olivarez quickly recovered and broke Kinaadman at the start of the second set then took four of the next five games to all but level the match at 5-1.

Olivarez and Kinaadman, however, fell short of their sweep bid as they bowed to Arcilla and Nilo Ledama, 4-6, 6-3, 6-10, in the doubles finals of the event held as part of the country’s longest talent-search under the PPS-PEPP program put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

In other results, third seed Evan Bacalso held off No. 2 Brice Baisa, 7-5, 6-2, in the semis then toppled top ranked and doubles partner Vince Serna, 6-0, 6-1, to nail the boys’ 18-and-under crown while Erica Jean Gascon dominated Ysabelle Cajandab, 6-0, 6-2, to reign in her side of the junior battle.

13 PH tracksters join Japan tourney

THIRTEEN tracksters, led by reigning Southeast Asian Games long jump champion Janry Ubas, are heading to the 66th Tokai Athletics Championship slated from Aug. 26 to 27 in Fukuroi, Japan.

Ubas will use the tournament to get ready for his stint in the coming Asian Games, with Ronnie Malipay (men’s triple jump), Jessel Lumapas (women’s 400-meter) and Sarah Dequinan (women’s 110m hurdles, long jump, high jump and javelin throw).

Joining them are Anfernee Lopeña (men’s 100m) and the relay team of Umajesty Wil-

liams, Frederick Ramirez, Michael del Prado and Joyme Sequita (men’s 400m) around. Also coming are Clinton Bautista (men’s 110m hurdles); John Paul Sarmiento (men’s javelin throw); Junel Gobotia (men’s 3,000m steeplechase) and Bernalyn Bejoy (women’s 800m).

Coaches Jeoffrey Chua, Isidro del Prado and Dario de Rosas will be with the team.

Ubas will seek to move beyond his personal best of 8.08 meters, following two podium finishes from his recent sorties in Europe. Peter Atencio

Sports Radio. Ramos won three gold medals in the women’s junior 49-kg class, while her younger sister Rose Jean claimed four golds, a silver and a bronze in the 45-kg category.

Ramos will be competing with Diaz in 2023 World Weightlifting Championships, set in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from Sept. 4 to 17.

It will be the second time for Ramos to be in the tournament, adding it will be harder this time, now that she is training away from her family and sister, Rose Jean, who is in Mampang, Zamboanga City.

WEIGHTLIFTING superstar Hidilyn Diaz won’t be seeking a 2024 Paris Olympics’ qualifying slot all by herself.

Rain or Shine players arrive in Taiwan for the Jones Cup basketball tournament.

Rosegie Ramos

Eric Jed Olivarez (right) holds his singles Open and doubles runner-up trophies as he poses with Charles Kinaadman (left) and Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala executive vice president Angelita Castro.

HOME/DESIGN

Putting Calatagan on the map

NESTLED across the white sands of Calatagan, Batangas is the 15-hectare Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe), one of Landco’s latest BeachTowns in Batangas along with 23-hectare Club Laiya in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

Landco Pacific Corporation, which is known for pioneering premium developments for more than 30 years—created CaSoBe as a world-class and master-planned leisure and tourist community with mix use spaces for luxury homes and commercial establishments, and an upcoming resort-inspired condominium.

CaSoBe features a laidback resort lifestyle in an intimate setting with hospitality and leisure amenities

complemented by the rich heritage of Calatagan. CaSoBe’s amenities are managed by Landco Pacific’s hospitality arm Millennial Resorts. Some of the popular nearby tourist spots are Calatagan’s Little Boracay known for its fine white sand; Starfish Island, which is a sanctuary for starfishes; and Cape Santiago, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines.

UNLEASHING A RIVER OF EXCELLENCE. Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. (MPIF) and its partner program Gabay Guro recently hosted an “Alay sa Batang Rizal” event, where they presented home-grown scholars to Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of MPIF (Show here with scholars and MPIF President Melody del Rosario). The “Alay sa Batang Rizal” program provides financial allowance to 50 scholars, and will continue to support them as they enter college for the upcoming school year 2023-2024. During the event, Pangilinan shared his own educational journey and encouraged the scholars saying “Pinagpala kayo ng Diyos, alam niya kung ano ang pangarap niyo, and He will listen to every single voice.” Melody del Rosario, President of MPIF, reiterated the organization’s commitment to go beyond providing financial assistance. She that MPIF, together with Gabay Guro will commit to mentoring the students and embarking on future outreach programs to ensure the scholars’ holistic development and growth.

ULTIMATE CITY LIFESTYLE. The Ascott Limited Philippines recently opened Citadines Benavidez Makati, located in the heart of Makati City. The latest addition to the Citadines brand will complement the mix of Ascott’s properties in Makati which include Ascott Makati, Somerset Millennium Makati, Citadines Salcedo Makati, Somerset Central Salcedo Makati, and the soon-to-open Somerset Valero Makati. Citadines Benavidez Makati offers 207 units, ranging from Studio Deluxe, Studio Premier, One-Bedroom Deluxe, Two-Bedroom Deluxe, and Two-Bedroom Premier. “We are thrilled to open the new Citadines Benavides Makati as part of our continued commitment to providing world-class accommodations and services to our guests,” said Philip Barnes, Country General Manager for The Ascott Limited Philippines. Citadines Benavidez Makati is set to open its doors in September 2023. For reservations and updates about The Ascott Limited’s Citadines properties, visit the official website and its social media pages in Facebook and Instagram.

‘EXTRA SPACE AT NO EXTRA COST’. PH1 World Developers, Inc. (PH1WD), the property development arm of Megawide Construction Corp. (Megawide), recently secured a Php3 billion Developmental Loan from BDO Unibank. The loan will be used for My Enso Lofts (MEL), PH1WD’s flagship vertical development in Quezon City. MEL is a 45-storey development that introduces PH1WD’s unique “Extra space at no extra cost” concept through its Add-loft innovation that gives customers the freedom to customize their living spaces and maximize functionality. At the signing ceremony were PH1WD’s leadership team, led by its chairman, Edgar B. Saavedra; president Ma. Gilda G. Alcantara; and head of finance

Michelle B. Zabal-Jacinto, together with their counterparts from BDO Unibank, represented by Cecile Tan, lead co-head Institutional Banking Group; Sophia Ong, first vice president and unit head, Corporate Banking; and Jose Mari Carlos, vice president and team head, Corporate Banking.

Innovations to create value

DMCI Homes reaffirmed its commitment to help promote research-driven solutions in the construction industry by recently donating a 2000 kN Universal Testing Machine to the Construction Materials and Structures Laboratory (CoMSLab) of the University of the Philippines-Institute of Civil Engineering (UP ICE).

The turnover of the equipment, along with laptop computers and laboratory furniture, was attended by Engr. Alfonso Aliga Jr., Executive Director of UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc (UPERDFI); Dr. Nathaniel Diola, UP-ICE Deputy Director for Planning Development and Finance; Dr. Jose Regin Regidor, UP ICE director;

and Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Dean and former UP-ICE director, who represented the UP-Diliman College of Engineering. “Research is very important for innovations, and in companies like DMCI Homes, we always do a lot of innovations for us to be of service to the community around us and to be able to create value for our customers,” said DMCI Homes President Alfredo Austria. He added that stressed that the donated equipment represents DMCI Homes’ concern for quality. “As our Chairman Sid Consunji said, ‘what is not measured is not managed.’ We should have the right tools and equipment to enable us to deliver good quality,” he explained.

The role of agriculture in community building

By Rendell Ron Pacho

IN the heart of the mountain area of barangay

Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal, lies a community that epitomizes the spirit of perseverance and self-sufficiency–Sitio Macaingalan. This remote village has become a model of sustainable agricultural methods, producing nutritious food for its inhabitants.

Residents of Sitio Macaingalan have maintained a substantial connection to the land for generations. Their agricultural way of life provided them with food and promoted a sense of community solidarity.

Fernan A. Bejerano, 22, a young farmer, Sangguniang Kabataan (S.K.) secretary, emergency first responder, and volunteer of the Philippine Red Cross, focused on developing his family’s farmland. His family’s ancestry goes back to the bloodline of the indigenous people of Aklan.

“In grade 12, I had a strong desire to help the community and formed an association of farmers to preserve our culture and traditions. I pursued to become a simple farmer, inheriting my parents’ methods and skills to build my life’s dream and aspirations to help the community,” Bejerano said.

Today he has his farm where he grows crops like banana, calamansi, sour orange, pomelo, coconut, and santol fruit trees. He

also grows taro and sweet potato and raises livestock like chickens, ducks, rabbits, and fish.

“During my younger years, I didn’t ask for allowance when I went to school. I just went to our farm and got what was available there. We never had a problem with food. Nature will always provide.” Bejerano added.

Despite Bejerano’s age, he co-founded the community’s primary cooperative, the Multicultural Minorities Farmers Association Inc. It aims to unite and become a model community of farmers that can contribute to the country’s food security and help develop new farming methods. Recently, their association shared their farmlands with other locals in Rizal so that the community could produce more agricultural products.

The community’s unwavering dedication to sustainability is a driving reason behind this land allocation. Farmers in Sitio Macaingalan have reduced their dependency on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides by embracing organic agricultural practices, promoting healthier produce and a cleaner environment.

Their community cultivated crops from rice and vegetables to fruits and herbs because of the good soil, adequate water supplies, and agreeable weather. This agricultural tapestry offers a complete meal for the locals and contributes to preserving traditional farming methods passed down through generations.

The agricultural products of the community are bananas, coconut, root crops such as taro, sweet potato, gingers, turmeric, other vegetables, and some upland rice, which is usually the staple food of the people in the community.

However, the community also faces some challenges. The residents of Sitio Macaingalan have confronted issues ranging from unpredictable weather patterns to limited access to different resources and fundamental healthcare because of undeveloped roads. The agricultural products often do not reach the market because of accessibility is

Cagayan Valley’s first I-Corn Complex breaks ground in Ilagan City

By Jessica M. Bacud

ILAGAN, Isabela—In line with the celebration of Ilagan City’s 11th Cityhood Anniversary and Mammangi Festival, Senator Mark Villar and Mayor Jay Diaz led the groundbreaking and construction of the first-ever I-Corn Complex in Barangay Marana 1st.

The I-Corn complex is the country’s first, with processing and postharvest facilities for feeds and food to ensure the quality of cornbased goods. The structure will provide comprehensive aid to local maize growers in Ilagan, Isabela, and surrounding provinces in Region 2.

Villar lauded the City Government of Ilagan, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 2, and the DA national level’s assistance for the Complex’s development.

“The incomes and productivity of our farmers will

increase once this facility is finished,” the senator said.

“This is a symbol of progress, unity, and collective effort of the DA and the City Government for the people of Ilagan City to harness the potential of the corn industry,” Villar said.

“It will also demonstrate Ilagan’s commitment to invest in the future of farmers to ensure their prosperity in the long run.”

The senator also pledged his complete support to the project “until the full benefits are realized.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Diaz emphasized that the I-Corn Complex launching represents “a spectacular confluence of technology, sustainability, and economic development.”

“We envisioned to build the corn innovation center as a training and development hub for agricultural technology advancement, practical farming skills, and technology demonstrations

on corn production,” Diaz stressed.

Ilagan, as the Corn Capital of the Philippines, “must live up to its hype” to become the hub for food production, considering the viability of raw materials, livestock, and food products through the forward integration process.

Once completed, this will function as a one-stop Agri-Commercial Center to resolve challenges in maize production, notably drying during the wet season.

The facility will also serve the entire Isabela Province in processing their corn harvest. It will cater to the needs of the farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders. Its goal is to be a one-stop shop for all produce.

“We are confident that the project will catalyze positive change in the corn industry by raising standards and establishing new precedents for excellence,” Mayor Diaz remarked.

sues, resulting in a surplus in their harvest.

Bejerano’s vision for his community was high and complex. More than his goal for agricultural development, he was also one of the pioneer residents to become an emergency first responder since he wanted his community to access primary healthcare.

As of now, their association is planning to have a raffle for some motorcycles and small vehicles. It was a part of their aim to fundraise for a multi-purpose terrain-capable ambulance, which could also serve as an accessible clinic and not just an emergency vehicle for the locals.

“There is a big chance of progress in agriculture because it is the main food source for the people. The country’s future depends on the farmers because, without farmers, the people also have no food,” he said.

Bejerano also wanted to promote agriculture tourism. He understands that their place is naturally beautiful, and having an accessible road is the key to boosting their local tourism industry. Their association even planned to have an integrated resort to

their farms.

Residents have a revitalized sense of pride in their agricultural heritage. Younger generations are avidly engaged in the rehabilitation of traditional farming systems, bridging the gap between historical wisdom and innovation. This intergenerational collaboration protects their ancestors’ past and advances their community toward a future in which sustainable agriculture is a foundation of strength.

“Development depends on the citizens’ efforts and the local government’s support to those in real need. By repairing the road, farmers will not have difficulty in selling their products, and through agri-tourism, the level of livelihood of local farmers will increase, and the community will develop more.” Bejerano said.

The members of this close-knit town have established a path that honors their roots while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. It demonstrates that even the smallest town can inspire greatness in the agriculture industry with dedication and solidarity.

is life’

Visayas, DOST, Eco Life partner to develop aquaculture feeds

THE University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the private company Trading Room, the manufacturer of Eco Life, have signed a Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) to develop immunoactive and growth-promoting aqua feed made from Ulva or seaweed. The project aims to boost the production of organic, seaweed-based feeds for aquatic species such as fish, shrimps, and tilapia.

UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano and Trading Room Managing Director Obi Roco signed the agreement. Joining them were Senior Science Research Specialist Fedelia Flor Mero of the DOST- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD); Dr. Rex Ferdinand Traifalgar of UPV-DOST; Director Dr. Reynold Tan of UPV’s Technology Transfer and Business Development Office; and UPV’s Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Harold Monteclaro.

“The agreement signifies the joint commitment of the academe and industry in advancing research and development in the country,” said Ms. Mero. “With a focus on creating a positive impact on the agriculture and aquaculture sectors, the DOST-PCAARRD, through its Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division, remains dedicated to supporting projects like this to ensure that we are working towards nourishing our resources to stimulate a healthy ecosystem for the benefit of our stakeholders.” Through the support of DOST-PCAARRD, UP Visayas and Trading Room will be able to work together on R&D—with the former providing the technical expertise and the latter leveraging on its large-scale pro-

duction of the ingredient and its marketing network. The project leader is UPV’s Dr. Rex M. Traifalgar, recipient of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) 2015 Outstanding Young Scientist Award in Fisheries Science.

The outcome of the collaboration will facilitate the production of healthy and abundant aquaculture products and invigorate the coastal communities that harvest Ulva seaweed.

Trading Room is the Philippine pioneer in ulva seaweed production and came up with the all-natural feed additive called Eco Life G1. Trading Room’s Ms. Roco declared that this latest partnership affirms their belief in Filipino scientists.

“The result is going to be profound,” she said. “Not only will our seaweed farmers increase their harvests… More farmers will be encouraged to do aquaculture. Suppliers of feeds, vitamins, fishery equipment, and commodity supplies will also benefit from the expansion of the aquaculture industry.”

Chancellor Camposano noted that the prospects are truly encouraging. “Lumot is life,” he quipped, referring to the local term for seaweed.

“U.P. Visayas is determined to engage more deeply with industry, particularly in partnership with companies committed to sustainability and social inclusion and equity,” Chancellor Camposano said, adding their university is exploring the possibility of expanding the partnership to include working with the Mindanao State University in Tawi-Tawi.

For more information on Eco Life G1, visit www. ecolife.ph.

‘Lumot

The Multicultural Minorities Farmers Association Inc. aims to unite and become a model community of farmers that contribute to the country’s food security and help develop new farming methods

Fernan A. Bejerano is a young farmer from Sitio Macaingalan who sees agriculture as a stepping stone for community building

(From left) Dr. Reynold Tan, UPV TTBDO Director; Dr. Harold Monteclaro, UPV Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension; Dr. Rex Ferdinand Traifalgar, CFOS-IA Director/ UPV-DOST Ulva Seaweed CRADLE Project Leader; UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano; Ms. Obi Roco, Managing Director of Trading Room; Ms. Fedelia Flor Mero, Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST-PCAARRD

Among the association’s goals is to highlight their environment’s natural beauty by establishing farm tourism destinations

Epson reiterates commitment to support local businesses

By Patricia Taculao

AS THE Philippines and its business industry continue to embrace technology and modernity, trailablazers in niche sectors underscored their support for helping local businesses to foster growth, inclusivity, and sustainability. Among them is Epson Philippines.

Being a global technology leader in innovative and sustainable solutions, Epson shared significant market updates and business frameworks, an exciting new lineup of product releases, and its plans to take its sustainability efforts and initiatives a step further in the country at its recently concluded Fusion, the 14th iteration of the company’s annual media event.

“Epson’s goal has always been to create groundbreaking innovations that revolutionize the way its customers operate,” said Epson Philippines President Masako Kusama. “Across various sectors and industries, the company leverages its efficient, compact, and precise innovations to effect positive and meaningful change that extends beyond just the workplace, but to the rest of the world.”

Epson promises to step up its efforts in 2023, starting with driving business-to-business transformation by leveraging digital and streamlining operations.

Last year, Epson saw an eight percent year-over-year growth for 2022, owing much of its market share growth to its CAD, projectors, scanners, and signage. Its continuous ink supply system products also drove revenue and sales for the company, with a three percent year-over-year growth in 2022.

Renan Lacson, Epson Senior Manager for Product Management, shared that the company’s product lineup for the year includes a mix of B2B and B2C (business-to-consumer) items, such as the SurePress industrial printer range, which features a water-based inkjet digital label press and digital UV label press; large format printers and new dye sublimation printers as seen in the new SureColor R-Series; business inkjet printers; and home and office smart projectors that boast high image quality.

“While these new releases target different needs, markets, and users, they all guarantee consistent, highquality, and high-speed products while ensuring reliability, flexibility, and performance—all without com-

promising Epson’s commitment to sustainability,” Lacson said.

Besides realigning their business focus, this year also marks Epson’s 25th anniversary, paving the way to create more meaningful collaborations with other stakeholders who support the company’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts.

Epson Philippines Senior Manager of the Vertical Business Department Noelle Gonzalez underscored the company’s efforts to drive sustainable operations in the Philippines, which have always been at the company’s heart. For Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Epson will promote its sustainable products, services, and practices.

Meanwhile, for Responsible Con-

Puregold Channel’s digital series in numbers

PUREGOLD Channel recently wrapped up its latest hit series, Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile, with a swoon-worthy season finale that left romcom fans happily fulfilled when lead stars Bryce (Wilbert Ross) and Angge (Yukii Takahashi), who had earlier drifted apart, finally found their way to each other—again.

It was the ‘happily ever after’ that ALSLNP’s loyal followers wished for years earlier when Bryce and Angge agreed to part ways to seek self-discovery and personal growth.

sumption and Production, Epson will help reduce waste from its own products in the Philippine market by participating in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Extended Producers Responsibility Act and by partnering with recyclers and other non-governmental organizations focused on reducing plastic and packaging recycling. Lastly, for Partnership for the Goals, Epson will increase its network and invest in more partnerships to promote sustainability across wider audiences and to further solidify the company as a thought leader in sustainability in tech. All these efforts coincide with Epson’s bid to embrace circularity and leave a positive impact on industry stakeholders and local businesses.

Block Dojo, nChain see PH as blockchain powerhouse

LEADING business owners, investors, venture capitalists, and political figures, gathered at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, to celebrate the launch of Block Dojo in Asia recently.

The VIP evening was hosted by Block Dojo, a renowned incubator fostering blockchain entrepreneurship, in partnership with nChain, a leading global technology company, offering software solutions, consulting services, and IP licensing for clients across major industries looking to benefit from the security, transparency, scalability and cost-effectiveness of blockchain.

The event aligns with the President of the Philippines heralding the importance of Blockchain and digital asset technologies in November 2022 and, more recently, calling for digital transformation across the nation. nChain and Block Dojo are committed to creating tangible business opportunities for Blockchain development and acting as a leading light in the digital revolution

in the Philippines.

The culmination of the event marked the opening of Block Dojo’s call for submissions from start-ups across the Philippines, interested in securing a place to attend the 12-week programme, which puts entrepreneurs through their paces via technical education, investment guidance, investor pitching, and commercialization.

Stefan Matthews, nChain Executive Chairman & Block Dojo Director, said:

Last December, I committed to the Provincial Government of Bataan to establish an instance of Block Dojo here in the Philippines, specifically in Bataan. The official launch represents the delivery of that commitment. Further, we are delivering against the mandate announced by His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in October 2022. We invest in promoting Filipino start-ups, guiding them to provide blockchain solutions to the Philippines and the world, and internationally showcasing technology, innovation, and capabilities.

The finale also depicted “endings,” not only in the realm of love and romance but also of friendship, like that of Genski (Kat Galang) and Ketch (Migs Almendras). Series fans also saw how life panned out for Bryce’s mother Bessie (Marissa Sanchez) and Angge’s brother Cyrus (TJ Valderrama).

There were glimpses, too, of Bryce and Angge as individuals with career aspirations. All told, ALSLNP bore priceless lessons on the realities of life, much of which viewers could relate to.

Indeed, just like Puregold Channel’s previous YouTube series, Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask, and its awardwinning Tiktok sensation 52 Weeks, Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile was a resounding success as it delivered pure entertainment to Puregold Channel’s 219,000 subscribers, along with viewers across various other platforms. ALSLNP’s feat translates into impressive digits. On YouTube alone, episodes of ALSLNP garnered views ranging from 150,000 to more than 300,000. The trailers for the series drew widespread attention, as well, amassing organic views ranging from 190,000 to 270,000.

Moreover, the show sparked fans’ enthusiasm in expressing their thoughts and feelings, with each episode generating scores of positive comments filled with praise and admiration.

“This remarkable achievement is a win for Puregold’s retailtainment efforts,” Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s Marketing Manager, proudly noted, “We are happy that we created and presented a story that beautifully weaves together Filipino culture and values with contemporary issues.” Fans couldn’t contain their excitement and shared their thoughts on the final episode:

@easterlizaborcelis couldn’t get enough, and says, “Grabeng ganda.

Lagi akong nakaabang sa episode nito. More please.”

“Naaliw ako sa series na ito. More projects for these actors and actresses. Sarap din minsan makanapanood ng light lang na drama, may comedy pa,” @pril0413 adds.

@danicatresvalles6461 calls on Puregold to create more of these stories.

“More pa sanang ganito, please, Puregold. The best ka!”

Xiaomi Pad 6 designed for e ective work, even more entertainment

XIAOMI on Thursday released for its Philippine market the Xiaomi Pad 6, designed for work, but an entertainment center, too.

Built to be an efficient workstation for today’s multitasking professionals, Xiaomi Pad 6 features an 11-inch WQHD+ (2880 x 1800) display at 309 ppi that delivers sharp, clear images.

Meanwhile, its Snapdragon® 870 Mobile Platform ensures powerful performance throughout the working day. Outstanding energy efficiency and a large 8840mAh (typ) battery enables professionals to quickly switch between open applicationsaz to quickly respond to diverse workplace demands.

Designed to advance your productivity and achieve more every day

Packed with practical features, this high-performing tablet is built to anticipate and meet the needs of the busy professionals. It achieves this with MIUI for Pad software—an exclusive mobile user interface, an upgraded Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd generation) and Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard, which seamlessly improves overall productivity. The Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd generation) makes it even easier to take notes, grab a screenshot or use the drawing function to illustrate creative ideas.

The handy buttons on Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd generation) enable you to take a quick screenshot, or quickly switch between writing, painting and color functions whenever needed in the Notes application.

What’s more, the display’s higher pixel density ensures small font sizes are easier to read so even more content can

be viewed on the display to ensure less scrolling.

When used with a Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard, functionality is ramped up further and the interface is customizable so users can create personalized shortcuts. For vidaeo calls, Xiaomi Pad 6 has a centered ultra-wide front camera with FocusFrame function that automatically adjusts the camera to keep the user clearly in the middle of the shot.

The tablet’s four microphones pick up the user’s voice accurately and significantly reduce background noise, even in busy locations like open-plan workspaces, cafés and airports.

Xiaomi Pad 6 also features a built-in USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which connects to other devices for swift data transfer and supports an output video signal for up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, sure to satisfy all multi-tasking work needs. Work hard, and play hard—this tablet keeps going day and night

To entertain on social media platforms, watch videos or jump into gaming, Xiaomi Pad 6 delivers as a personal ultra-portable entertainment center,

supporting Dolby Vision®, offering an amazingly vivid visual experience. It offers 99% DCIP3 color gamut for 1.07 billion colors (following CIE 2015 standard) for bright compelling images and the display’s refresh rate is up to 144Hz, offering a fluid gaming experience. Meanwhile, TÜV Rheinland certified Low Blue Light ensures hours of viewing with reduced eye fatigue.

Supporting Dolby Atmos® and HiRes Audio, Xiaomi Pad 6 features a quad-speaker setup covering a wide range of sound, from powerful bass to high pitch, delivering a great audio experience whether listening to live rock concerts or operas. Your slim and stylish companion to tackle all tasks

Whether on the morning commute, crossing the city for a meeting, taking a business trip or jumping on a plane for an exotic vacation, Xiaomi Pad 6 is the ideal companion to have in your bag

every day, ready for when and wherever you need to work.

Slim, light and resilient, Xiaomi Pad 6 features an aluminum-alloy unibody design with a 6.51mm bezel and weighs merely 490g, suitable for use wherever you go.6 Adding to its appealing appearance, Xiaomi Pad 6 opts for the iconic design aesthetic of the flagship Xiaomi 13 Series, promoting a professional yet stylish image in any situation!

Price and availability

Xiaomi Pad 6 is available in three color options:

Gravity Gray, Gold, Mist Blue. 8GB+128GB starts from P20,999 and 8GB+256GB starts from P21,999. The first 50 online buyers will get a free Xiaomi Smart Pen on a first come, first serve basis starting August 11, 2023.

Xiaomi Pad 6

8+128GB

● SRP: P20,999

● Early bird promo (August 12-20):

○ P16,999 (Aug 11, 2023; online only)

○ P17,999 (Aug 12-20, 2023; online only)

8+256 GB

● SRP: P21,999

● Early bird promo (August 18-27): P19,999

Xiaomi Pad 6 Keyboard

● SRP: P3,499

● Early bird promo (August 12-27): P2,499.30

Xiaomi Smart Pen

● SRP: P3,999

● Early bird promo: (August 12- 27) P2799.30

Epson Philippines President Masako Kusama

Shown here are (from left) Stephanie Tower, nChain Business Development LeadPhilippines; Alex Bell, nChain Co-founder and Programme Director; Stefan Matthews

-nChain Co-Founder & Executive Chairman; Jay Gujral, nChain Global Commercial Director; James Merchant, Executive Chairman - nChain Block Dojo and Chief Business Development O cer; and Dr. Craig Wright, nChain Chief Scientist.

Xiaomi Pad 6 is built to be an e cient workstation for today’s multi-tasking professionals.

Puregold Channel has triumphed in its e orts to create a digital series.