Manila Standard - 2023 August 14 - Monday

Padilla: Develop Pag-asa Island, push back vs. Chinese incursions

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Robin Padilla said the government needs to develop Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea so residents would be encouraged to stay on the island despite continued Chinese incur-

sions in the surrounding waters.

“We need to develop Pag-asa Island so the civilians will stay there,” Padilla said in Filipino during his visit to the island on Friday. Instead of decreasing, the population there should be increasing, he added.

21 China ships swarm Pag-asa

US security expert says 19 Chinese vessels also remain at Ayungin Shoal

AT LEAST 21 Chinese maritime militia ships have been spotted heading toward Pag-asa Island while some 19 Chinese militia ships remained at Ayungin Shoal, a US maritime security expert said over the weekend.

Former US Air Force official Ray Powell said the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cabra found itself in the middle of a redeployment of the Chinese vessels traveling to Pag-asa Island on Friday.

“These 21 ships were among those swarming at Mischief Reef (Ayungin Shoal) during the Philippines’ blockaded August 5 resupply,” Powell said on Twitter.

Powell was referring to the Aug. 5 incident where Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels fired water cannons against Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.

“Any CCG ships still in the area have remained [automatic identification system]-dark, as have any PLA [Peoples’ Liberation Army] Navy ships (always dark),” he said in a series of tweets. Powell said three CCG vessels that took part in the blockade have returned to Hainan Island, while “three others remained AIS-dark and are unaccounted for.”

The blockade and illegal use of water cannons prompted the Philippines to file a diplomatic protest against China. Coast Guard ‘hotline’ terminated As this developed, the PCG’s "hotline" to its Chinese counterpart is now

High-level unrest, eruption in Mayon likely—Phivolcs

By Rio N. Araja

MAYON Volcano in Albay is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In the past 24-hour period, a slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano continued to feed the established lava flows on the Bonga (southeastern), Mi-isi (south), and Basud (eastern) gullies, Phivolcs also said. The lava flows maintained advances to approximately 3.4 kilometers, 2.8 kilometers, and 1.1 kilometers from the crater.

‘Hundreds of Filipinos missing in Hawaii wildfires’

By Rey E. Requejo

AN official of the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce in Hawaii said hundreds of Filipinos are among the more than 1,000 missing in the wildfires in Lahaina on Maui Island in Hawaii.

"Just not to exaggerate, hundreds of Filipinos are missing," Kit Zulueta Furukaw, director of the Maui Filipino

Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview with GMA news.

Furukaw said Filipinos comprise the second largest population on the island of Maui.

“The majority of the workforce are Filipino, and many of our hotels are there, so there's a lot of hospitality, a lot of small businesses, and a lot of new generation families in Lahaina are

Filipinos. Homes are gone, our friends just left there. It's pretty bad over here," Furukaw said.

Authorities said the death toll has so far reached 93 but said the number could still go up as search teams with cadaver dogs look for bodies.

The Maui wildfires fanned by winds of a distant hurricane erupted Tuesday and have torched 1,000 buildings and

left thousands homeless.

"The number of casualties is still going up; we don't know who they are yet, so search and rescue is still ongoing. We have many, many names in shelters. We have papers upon papers with names of people missing, so search and rescue is still ongoing.

Speaker to help reduce LWUA's 30% annual water system loss

By Rio N. Araja

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Sunday vowed to help the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) address its problem of system losses, which could have a huge impact on the government's water conservation, affordable water, and food security efforts. LWUA Chairman Ronnie Ong met with Romualdez earlier this month to seek his assistance in reducing, if not to tally eliminating, the almost 30 percent

Miss Universe junks franchise in Indonesia

WASHINGTON—The Miss Universe Organization has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, it announced days after allegations of sexual harassment, and will cancel an upcoming Malaysia edition.

In the complaint, more than a half dozen women said all 30 finalists for Miss Universe Indonesia were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check for scars and cellulite two days before the pageant's crowning ceremony in Jakarta. Their lawyer said Tuesday that five

annual water system loss of the water districts under the agency's jurisdiction.

Although startled by the figure, Romualdez was optimistic that the problem can be solved through the rehabilitation of water supply systems and capacitybuilding.

"The solution to these water service interruptions could be right under our noses. Patching up these water systems losses means more water for

The Ganer family looks through the ashes of their home on Malolo Place in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii. The wildfire that left Lahaina in charred ruins has killed at least 93 people, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the US state's history. AFP

Maynilad water interruptions resume

SEVERAL barangays in Metro Manila will experience 16- to 23-hour water service interruptions from Aug. 16 to Aug. 17 due to Maynilad Water Services Inc.'s maintenance activities.

Maynilad announced on its website and its social media pages that it would schedule maintenance activities from Aug. 14 to 22, 2023.

"These activities are being done as part of the company’s continuous effort to improve water services in the West Zone," the concessionaire said in an advisory.

21 China...

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"We're no longer using the PCG-CCG hotline…It no longer exists. It hasn't provided so much benefits for us. We didn't gain anything from this," said PCG West Philippine Sea spokesperson Jay Tarriela.

"The memorandum of understanding between CCG and PCG was no longer renewed when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. went to Beijing last January. This is one of the MOUs proposed by the Chinese Embassy but this time it was not renewed," Tarriela added.

The MOU was signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 in Beijing.

"I would say that for all maritime incidents that happened in the past six years, even in the past administration, this hotline was attempted to be used. Unfortunately, it never really gave a positive result to give us a chance to talk," he said.

Only the Department of Foreign Affairs' “hotline” with Beijing exists, but China “could not be reached for several hours” when the mechanism was used after the Aug. 5 water cannon incident. Social media warriors to combat WPS fake news

Tarriela also called on Filipino social media users to be active in sharing correct information on the WPS issue, and to counter false information spreading online.

"That is why I am urging every Filipino, if possible, I am calling out [to] all Filipinos who use Facebook, use social media, that if you see fake news on your feed, at least care to comment, share the right information,” he said.

"This is the only way that we can counter these fake news peddlers. Let us not allow this to proliferate. Otherwise, in our fight for the West Philippine Sea, we will lose," Tarriela added.

Tarriela said if disinformation is not countered, the false narratives that serve China's interests will be

Speaker...

From A1 time when El Niño remains a very serious threat to our daily convenience and food production," Romualdez said.

He said the ongoing deliberations on the 2024 budget were a perfect opportunity to explore solutions, including the rehabilitation of water supply systems and modernizing LWUA, Romualdez said.

In their meeting, Ong informed Romualdez that the water districts--which serve areas outside Metro Manila--yield an average non-revenue water (NRW) rate of 29.34 percent.

Ong said this translates to an annual water loss of around 488 million cubic meters, a quantity surpassing half the capacity of Angat Dam, which is the water lifeline for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Romualdez recalled that President Marcos emphasized efforts to attain water security amid an impending El Niño event in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24.

The Chief Executive has also issued Memorandum Circular No. 22 in June, compelling government offices to enforce national water conservation measures.

Ong said the NRW problem has a "capital-intensive infrastructure" component to address physical losses.

He also said that water districts have inadequate budgets to digitalize or build their capacity to address the commercial or virtual water loss component due to meter inaccuracies, illegal connections, and billing errors.

Romualdez and Ong agreed that addressing NRW is the low-lying fruit or the first domino among all solutions in ensuring water security.

Ong emphasized that NRW is a pervasive issue or one that has been going on for decades simply because the water districts do not have the budget to install new pipes with better quality and ensure speedy maintenance and repairs as water systems deteriorate over time or are damaged during typhoons and road projects.

"We must address this now… A reduced NRW will actually mean more affordable water,” Ong said, because production costs would be lower and supply interruptions would become less frequent.

LWUA says there are at least 244

Maynilad said residents of Barangays 462 to 471 in Sampaloc and Barangays 315 to 325; 336 to 343; and 349 to 352 in Sta. Cruz would have no water service from 8 p.m. of Aug. 16 to 7 p.m. of Aug. 17 because of network maintenance.

Maynilad also announced five to eight hours of service interruption in

successfully disseminated.

"Not countering the spread of lies online risks allowing propaganda operatives and pretend experts in the country to successfully disseminate false narratives that serve only PRC interests. If need be, expose these ‘fake news’ purveyors so the public may know," he said.

"Regardless of your politics – whether you support President Marcos, the Dutertes, or Leni Robredo, the fight in the West Philippine Sea is a fight of every Filipino," he added.

Survey: 70% of Pinoys want peaceful means

A majority of about 70 percent of adult Filipinos want the administration to assert the country’s territorial rights in the WPS through diplomacy and other peaceful methods, results of a survey conducted by OCTA Research showed.

Based on the Tugon ng Masa nationwide survey conducted from July 22 to July 26, Visayas had the highest percentage of Filipinos (84 percent) who believe that defending the country’s territorial rights in the WPS through peaceful means should be prioritized.

It was followed by Mindanao (70 percent) while the National Capital Region and Balance Luzon were statistically tied at 64 percent and 67 percent, respectively.

At least 65 percent of the respondents said military action, defined for survey respondents as expanded naval patrols and troop presence in the West Philippine Sea, is the best means to assert the country’s sovereignty.

At least 61 percent also want to modernize and strengthen the Philippine military’s capability first to protect the country’s territories.

About 41 percent said the government must expand diplomatic efforts with countries within and outside the region to reduce tension in the WPS, while 40 percent want joint maritime patrol and exercises with ally countries.

Only 19 percent were open to shelving the disputes for a joint economic development of the area.

Vince Lopez

water districts with NRW rates exceeding 21 percent, including at least 20 water districts that have NRW rates ranging from 48 percent to 71 percent.

"Solving the NRW will have an impact on food security as well, since reduced water system losses would mean that we won't have to spread our water resources too thinly to the detriment of farmers, livestock, and other food producing industries," Romualdez said.

LWUA is a government agency with technical expertise and a lending function on water supply projects, as well as regulatory power over 532 water districts in cities and provinces outside of Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte on Sunday said Congress could help address such the matter by empowering local government units to compel commercial, institutional and residential-estate developers to install rainwater retention facilities within their projects.

He filed a bill to authorize LGUs to make the installation of rainwater retention facilities in all new commercial, institutional and residential infrastructure projects in Metro Manila and other major cities a prerequisite for the issuance of construction permits to property developers.

For ongoing commercial, residential and institutional projects whose approved designs have no rainwater retention facilities, Villafuerte’s proposal has a provision requiring the developers of these construction projects to build them within three years if and when this becomes law, or face penalties for every year of non-compliance.

“The primary goal of this proposed LGU requirement before property developers can start building their projects is to preserve, restore or mimic the natural hydrology of the soil,” House Bill 5640 reads.

“Rainwater is a free, abundant and regular natural resource that the Philippines is fortunate to receive year in and out. It is high time that we make use of it for the general advantage of our people,” it added.

“These would-be rainwater retention facilities shall capture the rainwater, purify the same, and store it for non-potable uses, thereby effectively reducing the amount of rainwater that submerges Metro Manila roads during the rainy season as well as partially feeding the demand for water in the cities,” Villafuerte said.

several barangays of Bacoor City and Imus City Cavite from Aug. 14 to 15; four hours in several barangays of Binondo, Manila from Aug. 14 to 15; five to 16 hours in some barangays of Caloocan City from Aug. 15 to 16, Aug. 17 to 18, Aug. 18 to 19 and Aug. 21 to 22; seven to nine hours in several barangays of Las Pinas from Aug. 16 to 17; and eight hours in Alabang, Muntinlupa City from Aug. 14 to 15.

Several barangays in Quezon City will experience eight to 16 hours of service interruption from Aug. 14 to 15, Aug. 15 to 16, Aug. 17 to 18, Aug. 18

Hundreds...

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to 19, Aug. 19 to 20, and Aug. 20 to 21.

Maynilad advised affected customers to store enough water for the duration of the water service interruption. Maynilad said it would have water tankers on standby and would be ready to deliver water to affected areas as needed.

"Upon resumption of the water service, customers should let the water flow out for a few seconds until the water clears," it said in the advisory.

"We apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you for your support and understanding," it said.

People are still looking for friends and family, so it's pretty raw. I can give you the situation on the ground like that, but it's very bad and very depressing here," Furukaw said.

Hawaii Filipino-American Senator Gilbert Keith Agaran said many Filipino houses were among those burned in the massive wildfire in Lahaina.

Agaran said the Filipino population in Lahaina is significant, and many of them lost their homes.

"Filipinos are a significant number of Lahaina’s population. We lost quite a few people, and a lot of our fellow Filipinos lost everything or a considerable amount of their housing and possessions," Agaran said.

Hawaii Consul General Emilio Fernandez said authorities are currently focused on search and recovery efforts, which is why the consulate hasn't received official information about the burned houses of Filipino nationals.

“Given the significant number of Filipino-Americans residing in Hawaii, including Maui, we can expect to have several members of the Filipino American community whose homes have burnt down. Exact figures from local authorities on this matter are not yet available. The consulate continues to coordinate with local authorities to obtain the latest information," Fernandez said.

There is no electricity, and communication is difficult in Lahaina, which is severely affected by the wildfires.

More than 1,000 people have been reported missing, and around 1,700 structures have been burned, according to the latest report from Hawaii Governor Josh Green.

Padilla:...

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Padilla said he hoped the island would become a fishing hub.

Fishers in Pag-asa Island were reportedly anxious about sailing farther out to sea as Chinese vessels could block their boats.

They said there was abundant fish around three sand bars near Pag-asa Island.

"Pag-asa is ours," Padilla later said on Facebook. “I believe Pag-asa Island will play a big role in the Philippines' history. This is ours. We should not allow others to take it.”

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, has filed a bill that seeks to establish the country’s archipelagic sea lanes.

The move was triggered by the latest incidents of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, including the firing of water cannons at Filipino boats seeking to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, which is within the country's exclusive economic zone.

“It is critical and imperative that we pass legislation that would designate the country’s archipelagic sea lanes to protect the country’s national security, and economic and environmental interests, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” Gatchalian said.

The senator filed Senate Bill 2395 known as the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

"We need to ensure the protection of the security and sovereignty of the country, including the welfare of our fishermen sailing off the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

He noted that existing laws already aligned the country’s archipelagic baseline

Miss...

From A1 of the women had their pictures taken.

"In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia, it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations," the US-based Miss Universe Organization posted Saturday night on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

It said that it had "decided to terminate the relationship with its current franchise in Indonesia, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and its National Director, Poppy Capella."

It thanked the contestants for their bravery in coming forward and added that "providing a safe place for women" was the organization's priority.

Jakarta police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said Tuesday that an investigation into the women's complaint has been launched. The Indonesia franchise also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia, where there will no longer be a competition this year, according to the New York-based parent organizer.

In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Indonesia franchise director

High-level...

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Rockfall and pyroclastic density currents or PDCs generated by collapses of the lava flow margins as well as of the summit dome deposited debris still within four kilometers of the crater.

The Mayon Volcano Network recorded a total of 221 volcanic earthquakes, including 111 tremor events lasting one

system with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which the Philippines is a signatory.

Aside from the establishment of archipelagic sea lanes in Philippine archipelagic waters, the measure also seeks to protect the country’s ecological integrity by prohibiting fishing, marine bioprospecting, exploitation of marine resources, unauthorized research and survey statistics, and dumping of wastes and other noxious substances.

If enacted into law, the proposed measure will prohibit foreign ships or aircraft from conducting unauthorized research and survey activities as well as fishing, marine bioprospecting, loading, and unloading of persons, goods, or currency.

Gatchalian emphasized that the proposed measure supports UNCLOS, which recognizes the sovereignty of the archipelagic states over their archipelagic waters, the air space above them, the seabed and subsoil below them, and the resources contained therein. UNCLOS also affords all ships and aircraft archipelagic sea lanes. which may be designated by the archipelagic state.

The Senate recently adopted a resolution urging the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring to international attention China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen in the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

The 2016 arbitral ruling invalidated China's claims to historic rights and resources within its nine-dash line. It also confirmed China's violation of the Philippines' sovereign rights over the disputed area as well as its marine environmental protection obligations under the UNCLOS.

Capella denied involvement in any body checks.

"I, as the National Director and as the owner of the Miss Universe Indonesia license, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking," she wrote.

She added that she is against "any form of violence or sexual harassment."

The Jakarta competition was held from July 29 to August 3 to choose Indonesia's representative to the 2023 Miss Universe contest, and was won by Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld.

Miss Universe said it would make arrangements for her to compete in the finale, scheduled for November in El Salvador.

This year's Indonesia pageant also came under fire for announcing a "significant change in this (year's) competition guidelines" with the elimination of its minimum height requirement after it had crowned a winner.

In its statement, the Miss Universe Organization said it wanted to "make it extremely clear that there are no measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant worldwide."

to 28 minutes. Some of these tremors were accompanied by rumbling sounds audible within the seven-km radius from the crater of Mayon.

It detected 152 rockfall events, three PDCs and three lava front-collapses. Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 799 tons/day on 12 August 2023.

Mayon Volcano is still generally inflated relative to baseline levels.

The Phivolcs meanwhile reported that a magnitude 5.4 earthquake was record-

Cadaver dogs from various parts of America have arrived in Lahaina to help search for the missing tourists and residents.

On Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said there is still no report of Filipino deaths arising from the raging wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said at least 80 people have died, while a thousand more remain missing due to the wildfires, but none of them were confirmed as Filipinos.

“There is still no news. Eighty people died. We still don't have confirmation that there were Filipinos. Let's pray,” De Vega said in an interview with radio dzBB.

De Vega said there were 25,000 Filipino-Americans in Maui, which comprised 17 percent of the island’s population. In total, 200,000 FilipinoAmericans were staying or working in the state of Hawaii.

De Vega said it was possible that hundreds of Filipinos are missing, but authorities were still gathering data as the internet and communication lines to the island were still down.

“The Filipinos were not staying in the forest. They were not exactly where the fire was, but they were close to it. There are neighborhoods where houses have burned down. Filipinos who work in tourist resorts or hotels who went missing might have lost contact or were evacuated,” he added.

De Vega also said that there were no reports of Filipinos being evacuated to Hawaii's capital, Honolulu.

“No Filipinos were transferred to Honolulu… They are all still in Maui. The situation will be clearer within 24 to 48 hours,” De Vega said.

On Saturday, anger was growing over the official response to an inferno that leveled a Hawaiian town, killing at least 93 people in the deadliest wildfire in the United States for over 100 years.

More than 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed as the fire tore through Lahaina, according to official estimates, wreaking $5.5 billion in damage and leaving thousands homeless.

Hawaiian authorities have begun a probe into the handling of the fire, with residents saying there had been no warning.

"The mountain behind us caught on fire and nobody told us jack," Vilma Reed said.

"You know when we found that there was a fire? When it was across the street from us."

Reed, whose house was destroyed by the blaze, said she was depending on handouts and the kindness of strangers.

"This is my home now," the 63-yearold said, gesturing to the car she has been sleeping in with her daughter, grandson and two cats. With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard. net)

ed on Sunday morning in the waters off Sabtang in Batanes.

The quake occurred at 9:43 a.m. with an epicenter at 20.46°N, 121.49°E - 042 km N 71° west of the municipality of Sabtang.Of tectonic origin, it had a depth of 48 kilometers.

Intensity 5 was felt in Sabtang in Batanes; intensity 4 was experienced in Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, and Uyugan in Batanes; and intensity 3 was felt in Itbayat, Batanes.

FIESTA SCENE. Youngsters find their faces covered with white powder during a parlor game as part of celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Assumption at Barangay 719 in Leveriza, Manila on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Danny Pata

IN BRIEF

Lanao gov’t expands good governance program

A LANAO del Sur development team has expanded the province’s criteria on Building Opportunities for Meaningful Bangsamoro Inclusive Town (BOMBIT) Program for local government units (LGU) as models of good governance.

The provincial team focused on the BOMBIT Program is currently on an Assessment and Planning Workshop at the Go Hotel, Iligan City, said Salma Jayne Tamano, the provincial information director of Lanao del Sur.

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. said the BOMBIT Program is his flagship program “to encourage and inspire the Barangay LGUs to continue performing their mandate, and bring development to their areas and their people.”

Tamano said the program’s acronym

BOMBIT is also Governor Adiong’s nickname. She said Adiong works on the province’s development programs in minute details, he being a civil engineer by profession. Nash Maulana

Bataan launches ‘trash to cash’ project

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan—Bataan

3rd District Rep. Gila Garcia on Friday launched the “Trash to Cashback” project to promote waste segregation and recycling.

Garcia said students will segregate trash in their houses and bring the recycled waste to their respective schools.

The project will be part of the Brigada Eskwela program in the district. Basic Environmental System Technology Inc. will get the gathered trash for recycling.

Garcia explained the trash collected will have corresponding environmental points.

Parents and barangay volunteers will assist schools in the implementation of the project.

The lawmakers said as a token of appreciation, the volunteers and parents will be given P2,000 food subsidy from DSWD. Butch Gunio

Teachers question DepEd budget

By Gabriellea Pariño

THE Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) is questioning budget cuts that the Department of Education (DepEd) is reportedly implementing despite the DepEd’s P760 billion budget for next year.

ACT said the DepEd is reducing the funding for the Early Childhood Care and Development Council, the Early Childhood Care and Development Council, the National Book Development Board, and other agencies.

The group also questioned the confidential and intelligence funds that several departments—including the DepEd—are getting from the na -

tional budget.

“We raise the question: Is this still the education department or the Department of Intelligence? The government is focusing on a different kind of intelligence,” ACT chairperson Vladimer Quetua said in an interview.

The DepEd declined to give any comment. The proposed DepEd budget has increased by at least 5.8 percent, or a

difference of at least P36 billion from the previous year, ACT said in a report.

Quetua also cited the DepEd’s commitment to allocate more funds for classrooms for chairs and tables, especially to schools that were destroyed by recent typhoons.

ACT has also reported that the DepEd plans to hire only 7,800 teachers for the next school year despite a shortage of at least a hundred thousand teachers.

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel meanwhile questioned Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on the confidential and intelligence funds allocated to government agencies under the proposed P5.768 trillion national

budget for 2024.

Manuel also questioned Pangandaman on how such funds can help the economy, adding that “it seemed that the DBM allows this scheme in different agencies. My question is, how can confidential and intelligence funds help the economy?”

Manuel said out of the P10.14 billion allotted for government agencies, P5.27 billion is earmarked for intelligence expenses, while P4.86 billion is for confidential expenses. Reports said the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, both headed by Vice President Sara Duterte, have allocations reaching P500 million and P150 million, respectively.

Escudero bats for penalties for refusal to vacate posts

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SEN. Francis Escudero on Sunday said additional penalties should be imposed on any elected or appointed public official who will defy or refuse to follow an executory legal suspension or removal order.

The additional penalty, Escudero said, should include temporary or permanent disqualification to run or hold any position or office in the government.

Escudero issued the statement following the Senate public order committee investigation on the refusal of Bonifacio, Occidental Mayor Samson Dumanjug to follow his suspension order.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan suspended Dumanjug and his wife Vice Mayor Evelyn Dumanjug due to corruption charges. Police reportedly violently evicted Dumanjug from his office.

If the mayor only followed the suspension order, Escudero said there will be no “untoward incident.”

In insisting that the Miranda Rights was not read to him, Escudero said Dumanjug seems to admit that “he committed a crime.”

The senator further said the local police should not neglect their duties in implementing the laws and the legal suspension order.

He stressed any chaotic situation could have been avoided if only policemen of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental followed the right protocol.

Outstanding partners shine in LANDBANK’s diamond celebration

TO MARK six decades of meaningful public service, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) honored outstanding clients and partners who have become its strong allies in promoting countryside and national development during an appreciation event on 08 August 2023 in Pasay City.

The 60-year-old state-run Bank conferred the prestigious Distinguished Initiators and Movers of National Development (DIAMOND) Awards to exceptional loan clients, and fund management and digital banking partners from across the country.

“May these awards inspire you to dream bigger and achieve more, while serving as a testament to our solid partnership, and to our unified resolve to continue making a lasting impact to the sectors and people we serve,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz.

Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Benjamin

E. Diokno likewise expressed appreciation to the DIAMOND awardees for their contributions in accelerating the post-pandemic recovery of the Philippine economy.

“As chairman of this Bank, I assure you that we will continue to be a reliable partner in your development journey as we build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy where no one is left behind,” said Finance Secretary Diokno.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin joined Finance Secretary Diokno and LANDBANK President Ortiz in presenting the DIAMOND Awards to clients. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, and Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo

F. Panganiban also graced the event.

LANDBANK bestowed the DIAMOND Awards to outstanding loan clients nationwide who have trusted the Bank for the growth and development of their business operations, and have made ripples of positive change in their respective communities.

Awardees include the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative as the Outstanding Agri-based Cooperative; ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative as the Outstanding Non-Agri-based Cooperative; Dolefil Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative and Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO) as the Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Cooperatives; and Biotech Farms, Inc. as the Outstanding Partner in Agribusiness.

Other LANDBANK outstanding loan clients include the Green Innovations for Tomorrow Corporation as the Outstanding Partner in Renewable Energy; Leyte Metropolitan Water District as the

Outstanding Partner in Water Development and Distribution; Fiesta Communities Incorporated as the Outstanding Partner in Socialized Housing Development; Allah Valley Medical Specialists’ Center, Inc. as the Outstanding Partner in Health Services; Juan Sumulong Memorial Schools Systems Inc. as the Outstanding Partner in Learning and Development; spouses Marcelina and Salvador Cabaero as the Outstanding Agri-based SME; and Mr. Porfirio P. Mina as the Outstanding Non-Agribased SME.

LANDBANK also recognized outstanding partners in fund management who have extended resolute confidence in the Bank and remained loyal clients over the years.

Recipients of the LANDBANK DIAMOND Awards under fund management include the Bureau of the Treasury; San Miguel Group of Companies; OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc.; Peninsula Electric Cooperative, Inc.; WCS Construction Inc.; JM Maligaya Group of Companies; Metro Retail Stores Group Inc.; ECJ Negros Farms ARB Cooperative; and Ulticon Builders, Inc.

The DIAMOND Awards were also conferred to LANDBANK’s outstanding digital banking clients and partners who have helped advance digitalization and financial inclusion by leveraging on the Bank’s innovative products and services.

Awardees comprise of the Department of Education as Top in eMDS and weAccess Utilization; the Philippine National Police as Top in Link.BizPortal Utilization; Mastercard Transaction Services (Philippines) Inc. as Top Remittance Partner through LBRS (Local); and the Rural Bank of Sipocot (Camarines Sur), Inc. as the Top Agent Banking Partner.

Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative General Manager Elena C. Limocon delivered a special message on behalf of all the DIAMOND awardees and thanked LANDBANK for its unwavering support to clients.

“Our deepest gratitude to LANDBANK for the trust and support showed to us throughout our institutional journey. This award serves as a reminder that through collaboration, convergence, perseverance and a strong sense of purpose, we can truly make a difference in the lives of our people,” said General Manager Limocon.

LANDBANK is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month, representing six decades of uplifting lives, empowering communities, and serving the nation—all in pursuit of an inclusive and sustainable economy.

(left photo): LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz extends her appreciation to clients and partners for their trust and support for the Bank over the past 60 years. (right photo) Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Benjamin E. Diokno congratulates the DIAMOND awardees and assures all stakeholders of the Bank’s continued support towards building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

(left photo): Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative General Manager Elena C. Limocon delivers a message of appreciation to LANDBANK on behalf of all the DIAMOND awardees. (right photo) Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin (rightmost), Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Benjamin E. Diokno (2nd from right), and LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (leftmost) confer the DIAMOND Award to Lamac MultiPurpose Cooperative.

PREPARING FOR FIBA. The globe at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City has been fitted with a basketball ring on Saturday, ahead of the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 from August 25 to September 10.

Manny Palmero

IT CERTAINLY is a welcome development in the Manila Bay reclamation issue that the president has ordered a halt to the 22 different projects rushed for approval by the Philippine Reclamation Authority and given the requisite ECCs by the DENR prior to Sec. Toni Yulo-Loyzaga’s appointment.

We can only hope a thorough review of all these are done by the DENR and even the local governments within whose municipal waters some of these projects may be located.

We do not know if the president was referring to the New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, Bulacan, a privately financed undertaking of San Miguel Corporation, as the only one which has passed scrutiny.

Manila will rapidly decline into urban decay.

Yet there is so much land in the suburbs, whether in eastern Rizal, northeastern Bulacan, or southern Laguna, and much more in other provinces where, once upon a time, government declared a policy of decongesting the metropolis and developing the countryside.

This writer has always maintained opposition to reclamation projects in Manila Bay for reasons we have kept enumerating in this space.

Instead, the national government should be serious about moving the government center and its many offices outside NCR, and President Marcos Jr. should take the lead.

Whatever happened to the hundreds of hectares reserved for a National Government Center in Clark? Even the DoTr which during Sec. Tugade’s stint had moved there is now back in the metropolis. If the national government moves out of Metro Manila, prices of real estate should then go down, as supply will be more available for private sector development.

Think of the military camps, the NAIA complex of some 640 hectares, the government complex around Quezon Memorial, and many others that could be sold to raise funds while augmenting the supply of land for private commercial and residential uses.

* * *

It may be time also for the national government to think out of the box when it comes to resolving the perennial undersupply of rice as our staple food commodity.

The labor group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is urging the House of Representatives to pass a bill mandating a P63,997 starting salary for nurses in both the government and private sectors so they can be convinced to stay put in the country instead of looking for higher pay in whatever country would accept them.

The proposed pay is nearly double that of what nurses in government medical facilities and health centers are getting at present, which is P36,619.

But it’s the nurses in the private sector who are getting the short end of the stick from the government.

Private sector nurses in the National Capital Region receive a daily wage of P610 while those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) get a ridiculously low daily wage of P431, which is way below the daily minimum wage in NCR.

In other words, if our nurses receive starvation wages whether they’re in government or in the private sector, we

our nurses what is rightfully due them—a decent living wage—to allow them and their families to keep body and soul together?

cannot blame them if they want to go abroad where their services and expertise are better appreciated.

If government does not consider the noble nursing profession as deserving of better pay despite their having finished four years of a nursing course and passing a difficult board exam, then the country is likely to have a shortage of nurses that will adversely affect the over-all

quality of our health system.

We understand that there are already no less than 58 bills pending before the House of Representatives and 21 in the Senate all aimed at raising the salaries of nurses to between P50,000 and P64,000.

So what’s keeping our lawmakers from taking the plunge and giving our nurses what is rightfully due them— a decent living wage—to allow them and their families to keep body and soul together?

The FFW-UERM Employees Union has pointed out that there is a significant disparity between the pay of nurses in the public and private sectors, with those working in government already getting P35,000 monthly.

“These wage disparities are severe and unjust. Nurses, regardless of their employment sector, merit higher compensation given their crucial role and the intense physical and mental strain of their profession,” the union pointed out.

We completely agree with their position: “We must stem the brain drain. We need to give our nurses compelling reasons to stay in the Philippines and not seek greener pastures abroad.”

Truth is, technically speaking, SMC did not reclaim from the sea by dumping sand into newly-created islands, unlike what is happening in the Manila Bay reclamation projects.

They bought titled properties through many years, some of them rice fields converted into fishponds, and augmented the height of the property above sea level.

What were properties with very little value from which the municipality hardly earned from property taxes became highly valued land on which an aerotropolis with a 4-runway international airport would be built.

That airport will be a magnet for foreign investments in electronics and other types of manufacturing aside from servicing the travel requirements which the NAIA with its single long runway cannot adequately serve.

The islands being built by dumping sand into the Manila Bay, on the other hand, is for real estate development by speculators who find reclamation cheaper than expensive mainland real estate.

These will be sold to the very rich, many of them foreigners from China, Korea and elsewhere, while the mainland will be repopulated by the construction workers who will have no other option but to live as informal settlers in our squatter colonies.

While there may be gleaming new cities in the reclaimed islands, the inner Metro

I refer to promoting the consumption as well as production of substitutes like white corn, camote and saba bananas.

Before Masagana 99 made rice affordable, even if only for a few years, before overpopulation and corresponding demand caught up with meager supply, many in the Visayas and Mindanao subsisted on these crops.

I remember then Prof. Leonor Briones who hails from Negros Oriental mention this to me when I headed the NFA—why not promote these alternative staples?

But when I advocated a stop to “unli-rice” marketing practices by some fastfood purveyors, media roundly condemned the idea.

Demand management may be difficult, and it may take time to bear fruit, but it deserves a second look.

And we should start with the young, who, whether at home or in school, should be taught proper nutritional habits, including less carbohydrate consumption.

DA on the other hand, should propagate such alternative staples, especially in areas where these were traditional food crops, while exerting all efforts at producing more vegetables and fish as cheap source of protein.

For many of our urban poor, carbo-loading is the only recourse because viands are expensive.

And a diet of rice plus instant noodles has led to malnutrition and stunting, breeding a nation of—I hate to say it—future morons.

Illicit trade syndicates

ILLICIT trade is the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of goods that violate trademarks, intellectual property rights, and evade taxes.

This has been a persistent problem that seriously affects the economy and poses risks to the environment and public health.

Most affected is the agricultural sector, particularly tobacco, rice, meat, and let’s not forget the onion industry.

Illicit trade is a serious problem that every administration has tried to solve but only managed to make occasional seizures and peon arrests while the deeply embedded smuggling networks remain operational.

The Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 classifies large-scale agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage and imposes harsh penalties for offenders.

However, enforcing this law remains a challenge due to the lack of coordination among government agencies, the presence of corruption and collusion, and the difficulty of tracking and monitoring illicit trade activities.

To give you an idea of how big and how damaging smuggling operations are, the Bureau of Customs reported seizures valued at over P 23.8 billion during the first quarter of this year.

Among the top products are counterfeit agricultural goods, tobacco, general merchandise, and illegal drugs.

Almost anything that can be manufactured in a factory or a sweat shop is at risk from counterfeiters and illegal traders.

bacco products and alcoholic beverages.

This creates the perfect scenario for smugglers and their distribution networks to exploit a big market of low income tobacco and alcohol consumers who cannot afford the highly taxed retail prices.

In compliance with Republic Act 11346 or the Tobacco Tax Law of 2019 the excise on cigarettes is now P55 per pack, a P5 increase from last year.

programs such as the massive Build Better More projects to upgrade and expand the country’s transportation infrastructure like roads, airports and seaports.

There will be less resources to implement the Universal Healthcare programs. There will be less budget allocation to operate and improve public services.

Black market syndicates will hurt the viability of all legitimate businesses, big and especially the small enterprises, and their millions of dependents.

Whenever a consumer buys contraband products on the streets or online, the money exchanged is lost to illicit traders.

They are known to be connected to organized crime syndicates whose operations are linked with more illegal and nefarious activities such as drug and human trafficking.

KAHULUI, Hawaii—The first Vilma Reed knew there was a fire bearing down on Lahaina was when she saw it a few meters from her house.

Like many of those who fled the fast-moving blaze that killed at least 80 people on the Hawaiian island of Maui, she got no official warning and no order to evacuate.

“You know when we found that there was a fire? When it was across the street from us,” the 63-year-old told AFP in an evacuation center parking lot.

“The mountain behind us caught on fire and nobody told us jack.”

Reed herded her daughter, grandson and two pet cats into the car and careered out of town.

“I raced a line of fire to get my family out,” she said.

The cause of the terrifying inferno was still under investigation Saturday (Sunday in Manila), but experts say whatever sparked it, a collision of circumstances meant that it spread very quickly.

These include the unchecked growth of flammable non-native plants, the volcanic topography that creates drying down-slope winds, an unusually parched winter, and a churning hurricane hundreds of miles (kilometers) to the southwest.

But in a state not unused to natural disasters—Hawaii has earthquakes, active volcanoes, a history of tsunamis and is regularly hit by powerful tropical storms —the lack of warning from authorities has puzzled and angered many.

“We underestimated the lethality, the quickness of fire,” Hawaii congresswoman Jill Tokuda told CNN.

“It’s not like hurricane force winds are unknown to Hawaii, or dry brush, or red flag conditions. We saw this before in (Hurricane) Lane. We did not learn our lesson from Lane (in 2018)—that brush fires could erupt as a result of churning hurricane winds below us to the south,” Tokuda said.

The fire knocked out power and resi-

dents of Lahaina told reporters that they had no cell service—a common channel that authorities use when they want to alert residents to danger.

The same electricity blackout would certainly have limited residents’ ability to watch television or listen to the radio -- two other channels where official warnings are issued.

But the more robust outdoor warning sirens that are intended to alert islanders to danger did not sound, the Hawaii Emergency Services Administration (HI-EMA) said Friday.

“Neither Maui nor HI-EMA activated warning sirens on Maui during the wildfire incident,” the organization said, according to NBC News.

Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, said it was “too early for me to tell” whether the absence of sirens was a technical failure or a deliberate decision by operators.

On Friday, the state’s attorney general, Anne Lopez, said she was launching a probe into the timeline of the blaze, including “critical decision-making” at the time the flames were spreading. ‘Big sirens’

For Kamuela Kawaakoa, it felt like the town was left to fend for itself as disaster struck.

“There were no emergency alerts. No warning systems went off—nothing, so some people didn’t even know about the fire till it was too late,” the 34-year old told AFP.

Kawaakoa, who is now living in a popup tent and surviving on the kindness of strangers, said even without cell service and power, there should have been a way to tell people what was happening.

“You can still call 911 without any cell service, you should still be able to get emergency alerts on your phone,” he said.

“And then we have these big sirens on poles... I’m sure they have a way of making it work even without power.

“You know, they gotta be prepared for that kind of stuff.”

The counterfeiters and smugglers have a well-entrenched system of transporting, concealing, and distributing contraband to be distributed to consumers looking for cheaper options in the black market. Illicit traders have infiltrated social media and e-commerce platforms as online outlets for counterfeit products.

Whenever the government imposes high taxes on certain products, they become easy targets for illicit trade.

If you are a smoker or if you indulge in alcoholic beverages, you know how the “sin” taxes have greatly increased the price of to-

Kawaakoa, who worked in the now-razed Captain Jack’s restaurant on Lahaina’s touristy Front Street, said victims were pointing to downed power lines as a possible source of ignition for the blaze.

Why, he wants to know, were they not shut off?

Next year this will increase to P60 per pack.

Notably, the taxes contributed by the tobacco industry accounted for about half of the country’s total annual excise tax revenues which translates to approximately P147 billion a year.

However, the illicit side of the tobacco trade continues to steal billions from this revenue potential.

In a statement during a recent forum organized by the National Tobacco Administration, its Regulatory Head, Mr. Robert Ambros said the yearly haul of tobacco smugglers has been estimated at a whopping P30 billion.

It would be safe to assume that the real figures are much higher due to the very clandestine nature of illicit trade syndicates.

The impact of illicit trade goes beyond lost government revenues and strikes deep into the economic and social dynamics of society.

Lost tax revenues mean there will be less resources for urgent economic recovery

“I can’t believe that God allowed this to happen,” he told AFP, after losing everything in the fire that devoured Lahaina, a picturesque harbor on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Garcia came to Lahaina from California for a weekend in 1993 and never left, building his life in the laid-back town that was once home to Hawaii’s royal family.

His apartment looked down on a busy tourist street, where visitors packed bars, restaurants and trinket shops.

All of that is now gone, subsumed in flames that killed at least 80 people and destroyed hundreds of houses.

The 80-year-old has slept rough in the burned out shell of the town for the last few nights, unable to process the scale of destruction and absence in what was once a vibrant, joyful place.

He clings now to the area underneath a huge spreading banyan tree, the spiritual center of the town, and—until this week—a symbol of its stability.

“I feel like there was more that could have been done to save a lot of people that died in this fire,” he said.

Elsewhere, for three days since the hurricane-fuelled wildfire tore through his town, Anthony Garcia has swept a square normally packed with tourists, but now filled with charred debris and the scorched remains of animals, trying to make sense of a catastrophe that came from nowhere.

“This tree? Standing for more than a century,” he said.

“And there? Lahaina’s first courthouse. Beyond? The Pioneer, opened in 1901, Hawaii’s first hotel!”

The wildfire was first reported early Tuesday morning, but seemed distant enough from the town.

It flared later in the day, and then power-

Smugglers and their illicit trade syndicates do not worry about any regulatory compliance to protect the welfare of their customers.

They don’t care about the quality or safety of the contraband they sell because it would be impossible for a victimized consumer to run after them, more so to prosecute them for any harm that might befall the use or consumption of their fake products.

The recent spikes in rice and onion prices that struck hard on the already inflation-weary consumers from price manipulation of the criminal alliance of smugglers and hoarders are causing concern.

No less than the President has stated in his last SONA that “ we will run after them and we will file charges against them,” and even emphatically warned in Filipino that the days of smugglers and hoarders are “numbered.”

I certainly hope President Marcos Jr. will be successful in his crack down against illicit trade.

When he does, this will be the first President to win against an evil and notoriously resilient Enemy of the State.

ful gusting winds blew it suddenly through the streets.

Many residents knew almost nothing of the flames until they saw them coming, consuming homes, cars and public buildings.

“It took everything, everything! It’s heartbreaking,” Garcia said.

Under the still-spreading but blackened branches of the banyan tree, Garcia piles scorched debris and dead animals that he has collected in an almost futile effort to put things right.

In his mind’s eye, he can still see turquoise waves breaking on the boardwalk, as visitors take selfies and lick their ice creams.

“In the mornings, this place was full of birds singing, exchanging stories,” said Garcia.

Now only the occasional pigeon scuttles through the ashes, pecking uselessly at the baked ground.

Some of those who have returned to find their houses in cinders stop to greet him.

For many, there is no reason to stay; nothing left to find among the ruins of their lives.

“I’m sad for everyone,” said Garcia, staring out to sea as a truck hauling rubble rumbles past. “But I’m staying here. I don’t want to go to another place, I want to help rebuild.”

“This place gave me so much joy, it made me a happy man,” Garcia added.

“So I’m going to start over. We have to try again.” AFP

‘Nobody told us jack’: Hawaii fire victims say no warnings

In a state not unused to natural disasters, the lack of warning from authorities has puzzled and angered many

A diet of rice plus instant noodles has led to malnutrition and stunting, breeding a nation of—I hate to say it— future morons

Black market syndicates will hurt the viability of all legitimate businesses, big and especially the small enterprises, and their millions of dependents

IN BRIEF

Ex-Manila vice mayor

Danny Lacuna dies, 85

FORMER Manila Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 85, his eldest daughter, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, announced.

In a Facebook post, the Lacuna family said their “Daddy Danny” died early Sunday morning surrounded by his loved ones.

“A man of great service and compassion, Danny touched many, creating a life that spans further than just his years and into the hearts of us all where he will remain forever,” the post read.

Lacuna served as Manila Councilor from 1968 to 1975, and Manila Vice Mayor from 1970 to 1971; 1988 to 1992; and 1998 to 2007.

He also founded the local political party, Asenso Manileño, which produced former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna, according to the Manila public information office (PIO).

The late vice mayor is survived by his wife Melanie “Inday” Lacuna and five children: Honey, Lei, Dennis, Liza, and Philip.

Details regarding the wake will be announced later, according to the Manila PIO.

LTO

warns vs. fixers in license plates deals

LAND Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II on Sunday warned vehicle owners with unclaimed license plates against dealing with unauthorized fixers out to make a fast money out of the transactions.

Mendoza cited reports that certain individuals were are already negotiating with LTO clients for a P200 for the release of license plates.

“Those people would ask for P200 to avoid long queues in all district offices and distribution sites. I am telling the public now that it is not true. We have put in place an orderly system to expedite the distribution process,” he said.

“And take note, this is all for free. I am asking the public to immediately report to us whoever would ask money from you,” he added.

The distribution process for the license plates has started in some areas, particularly in Bicol, he said.

“This is the kind of public service that the Filipino people expect from us on the marching order of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista,” he added. Rio N. Araja

Cop dies in ambuscade on Basilan vice mayor

THE vice mayor of Ungkaya Pukan in Basilan and government escorts were ambushed by unidentified gunmen, leaving one dead and several wounded on Saturday noon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) said Sunday.

“At about 3:45 p.m., one platoon of the Alpha Company of the 64TH Infantry Battalion, together with Vice Mayor Ahmadin Baharim of Ungkaya Pukan and JPST (Joint Peace and Security Team) onboard two Kia KM450 and two civilian vehicles were ambushed in Barangay Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province by more or less 10 unidentified perpetrators,” the Westmincom said in a statement.

The assassination attempt took place as Baharim and his escorts were inspecting Brgy. Ulitan in preparation for an upcoming medical outreach program for the local community.

Authorities said the firefight lasted five minutes and resulted in the death of one soldier and nine others including one policeman wounded.

Vince Lopez

KEEPING THEM FIT.

P1.4b set for Manila Bay rehab N

OTWITHSTANDING

controversies over massive reclamation projects at the Manila Bay, the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) is getting another P1.4 billion in new appropriations to sustain the cleanup and rehabilitation of Manila Bay pursuant to a Supreme Court order, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo said on Sunday.

“The DENR’s Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Management Strategy will be receiving another P1.4 billion in 2024. The sum is in addition to the P1.5 billion earmarked (for the same operational plan) in this year’s national budget,” Rillo said.

“We are all for the complete environmental restoration of Manila Bay for the enjoyment of future generations of Filipinos,” he added.

Rillo is vice chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development and a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction, the DENR last week ordered the suspension of 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

Rillo said the operational plan for Manila Bay was pursuant to the Supreme Court’s 15-year-old ruling directing the DENR and a dozen other agencies to restore the sea inlet’s waters to Class B, and make them suitable and safe for public swimming, skindiving and other forms of seaborne recreation.

At present, Manila Bay’s waters are largely unsafe for public swimming due to severe contamination with human waste and the heavy presence of disease-carrying bacteria and viruses.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonio YuloLoyzaga earlier expressed grave concern that the reclamation projects, which are now under review, could obstruct the DENR from fulfilling its duties under the Supreme Court’s 2008 mandamus.

The DENR chief said the reclamation projects could upset the operations of existing and future sewage treatment plants (STPs) to be built around Manila Bay.

The STPs are meant to capture and clean Metro Manila’s wastewater before they drain into the bay.

AFP backs amnesty package for communist insurgency holdouts

By Vince Lopez

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) on Sunday rally behind the government’s plan to grant amnesty to communist rebel holdouts in a bid to ultimately resolve the long-standing communist in-

surgency movement in the country.

In a text message to Manila Standard, AFP spokesman, Colonel Medel Aguilar said they support the amnesty program that was being finalized by the Marcos administration designed to “unify Filipinos.”

Tingog widens outreach coverage with 4 more ATCs set up in Bohol

By Rio N. Araja TINGOG

party-list Reps. Yedda

Romualdez and Jude Acidre recently opened four more Alagang Tingog centers (ATCs) in Bohol, bringing to 80 the total number of ATCs nationwide.

The newest ATCs are situated in the municipalities of Ubay, Sierra Bullones, Balilihan and Tagbilaran. Romualdez and Acidre also led the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) pay-out to 1,000 beneficiaries from each municipality who received P5,000.00 each.

The beneficiaries said the financial

“We support it. It will unify us, strengthen us. It is the road to peace.”

Aguilar’s text message stated.

The proposed amnesty was rejected earlier by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) stat-

ing that revolutionaries are “not motivated by selfish desires and personal gain.”

“The Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army will firmly reject Marcos’s treacherous offer of amnesty and surrender,” CPP spokesman Marco Valbuena said in a statement.

help from DSWD and Tingog partylist would be used for their daily basic needs, such as food and medicine.

The party-list also gave away grocery bags, refrigerator units, and one motorcycle to several lucky individuals.

Acidre reassured the residents that the financial aid they received was only the start of the many assistance that the party-list would offer to the residents through their ATCs.

“Starting today, you will no longer find it difficult to look for Tingog party-list’s office. If you need hospital, burial, transportation or educational assistance, our Alagang Tingog Center is here to aid you,” he said.

Villar cites relevance of EPR Law to efficient waste management

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Cynthia Villar has underscored the spirit of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, saying the law as “not a burden, but a call to partnership and cooperation” among its various stakeholders.

“By embracing the EPR and the circular economy, we are ready to pave the way for a more sustainable future,” Villar stressed.

Villar made the remarks in a speech during the EPR campaign launch at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.

Villar cited the theme of the event or-

ganized by the DENR as “LOOPFORWARD: Linking Opportunities and Partnerships Towards Circular through EPR.” Villar exhorted the people to unite in supporting the EPR Act and in advancing a circular economy.

“This law offers a better approach to plastic waste management than merely

expecting citizens to segregate and manage it, or leaving the local government units across our more than seven thousand islands to handle overwhelming plastic waste,” Villar said. She was the main author and sponsor of the EPR Law or Republic Act No. 11898.

P1m up for grabs in ‘23 Sentro Artista art competition under PCSO auspices

A P1-MILLION grand prize is at stake in the 2023 Sentro Artista’s nationwide art contest.

The theme for this year’s art contest is “Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong” which is the mission of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

PCSO shares Sentro Artista Art hub’s advocacy in promoting Filipino values and talents. In this project, visual artists are motivated to bring out the best in themselves and the exhibit that is part of this event will give artists from different regions a platform to break through the art scene.

“We are not only here to take care of the welfare and the wellbeing of the Filipino people, but we have to take care also the soul of the country because it makes you a better citizen, a better person, and it makes you more humane to see the beauty of

life,” PCSO general manager Mel Robles said.

Robles also clarified during the upcoming event’s news conference last week at the Sentro Artista art hub in Arton Strip that no government money will be used in the contest as everything comes from private sectors.

“This is purely a private initiative and no public funds will be used here that is why we’re very happy since there are many people who invest in arts,” he added. “And I don’t think they see this as a losing proposition — either way they win.”

Jay Ruiz, a media practitioner and co-founder of Sentro ArtistaJay Ruiz, announced that there is one category which is figurative style. The medium must be oil or acrylic on museum wrapped canvas that measures four feet high by three feet wide with a thickness of two inches, portrait orientation.

BEAUTY IN THE GARDEN.

A comely lass dressed

in the indigenous “baro at saya” strikes an adorable pose amid a

green

patch of

okra

at the the

eight-hectare Hardin ng Lunas agricultural project of the Philippine Army Armor Division in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. The undertaking, also dubbed “Water-is-Life Project,” is spearheaded by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation to show case a variety of vegetables, fruit-bearing and non-fruit-bearing trees, as well as a bamboo grove. The garden also features livestock dispersal, tilapia pond, and a playground for children of visiting families of Army soldiers. Foundation co-founder Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay says the project aims to develop idle camp lands into productive state property for the benefits of the troops and their dependents. Danny

Pata

RED TILAPIA. This fish is no red herring for the more pricey Red Snapper which is one of the best sellers in classy restaurants nationwide. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources boasts of a breakthrough in fishery technology by raising red tilapia in a pilot fishpen in the sleepy and rustic township of Calape, Bohol. Manny Palmero

Newly recruited members of the Manila Police District (MPD) perform exercises during their daily roll call prior to deployment in different areas of the city. Norman Cruz

Pain, anger as horrific Hawaii fire death toll climbs up to 89

LAHAINA, United States—Anger was growing Saturday (Sunday in Manila) over the official response to a horrific wildfire that levelled a Hawaiian town, killing at least 89 people as it consumed everything in its path.

Over 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed as the fire tore through Lahaina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said, wreaking $5.5 billion in damage and leaving thousands homeless.

Hawaiian authorities said they were opening a probe into the handling of the inferno as a congresswoman from the state acknowledged that officials had underestimated the danger, and as residents

Anwar stops opposition challenge in state polls

KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition thwarted a challenge by an opposition alliance in state elections, official results showed Sunday, with analysts saying the win would buy him time to consolidate power in the largely Islamic Southeast Asian nation.

Saturday’s vote in six states had been the toughest political challenge yet to Anwar, who was appointed prime minister in November last year to head a unity government after an indecisive general election.

The election of state assembly members does not affect Anwar’s current two-thirds majority in parliament.

It was, however, widely seen as a barometer of support for Anwar, including his push for a more inclusive society in which minority ethnicities could be allowed greater participation in the largely Malay Muslim nation, which also has large Chinese and Indian populations.

Results released by the Election Commission showed that Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan coalition retained three states: Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan.

The opposition alliance Perikatan Nasional -- whose key member the PAS party aims to create a theocratic state in Malaysia -- kept its hold on Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

Retaining Selangor, which hosts the country’s biggest port, and Penang, home to Malaysia’s thriving semiconductor industry, are prized wins for Anwar, analysts said.

The ruling coalition, however, lost its two-thirds majority in Selangor, as the opposition made strong inroads. AFP

Russia evacuates 2,000 in Far East; In Myanmar 48,000 waiting to go home

said there had been no warnings.

“The mountain behind us caught on fire and nobody told us jack,” Vilma Reed told AFP.

“You know when we found that there was a fire? When it was across the street from us.”

Reed, whose house was destroyed by the blaze, said they had fled the flames with what they had in their car, and were now dependent on handouts and the kind-

ness of strangers.

“This is my home now,” the 63-yearold said, gesturing to the car she has been sleeping in with her daughter, her grandson and two pet cats.

In the ashy ruins of Lahaina, Anthony Garcia told AFP how the fire had gutted his apartment.

“It took everything, everything! It’s heartbreaking,” the 80-year-old said. “It’s a lot to take in.” The town of more than 12,000, once the proud home of the Hawaiian royal family, has been reduced to ruins, its lively hotels and restaurants turned to ashes.

A majestic banyan tree that has been the center of the community for 150 years has been scarred by the flames, but still stands upright, its branches denuded of

green and its sooty trunk transformed into an awkward skeleton.

‘Underestimated the lethality’

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez said her office would examine “critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii islands this week.”

Governor Josh Green told reporters Saturday that the number of confirmed dead would continue to grow.

“There are 89 fatalities that have been measured,” he said. “It’s going to continue to rise. We want to brace people for that.”

Hawaii congresswoman Jill Tokuda told CNN that officials had been taken by surprise by the tragedy. AFP

China vows ‘forceful’ response over Lai’s US visit

BEIJING—China on Sunday vowed

“resolute and forceful measures” over a weekend trip by Taiwan Vice President William Lai to the United States it said it was closely monitoring.

Lai -- the frontrunner in Taiwan’s presidential elections next year——is officially making only transit stops in the United States en route to and from Paraguay, where he will attend the inauguration of president-elect Santiago Pena.

Taiwan is claimed by China, which has vowed to take the island democracy one day—by force, if necessary—and ramped up political and military pressure.

“China is closely following the de-

Gang boss who threatened assassinated Ecuador bet transferred to max security

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador – Ecuador transferred a powerful gang leader, accused of threatening a presidential candidate before he was slain, to a maximum security prison via a massive military and police operation on Saturday, officials said.

At dawn some 4,000 heavily armed agents entered Prison 8 in Guayaquil in southwestern Ecuador, where the head of the powerful Los Choneros criminal group, Jose Adolfo Macias, alias “Fito,” was being held.

Images shared by security forces showed a bearded man in his underwear, with his hands on his head in some shots and lying on the floor with arms tied in others.

Ecuadoran President Guillermo Lasso reported on social media site X, formerly

REGIONAL

TOUR. Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (left) and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi shake hands at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign A airs and International Cooperation in Phnom Penh last weekend, his last stop in a threenation swing that included Malaysia and Singapore. AFP

known as Twitter, that “Fito” had been transferred to La Roca, a 150-person maximum security prison that is part of the same large penitentiary complex he was already in.

The gang leader had controlled at least one cellblock in the prison from which he was removed.

Ecuador has been under a state of emergency after the shock assassination Wednesday of journalist and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio.

Lasso has blamed the murder on organized crime, and Villavicencio had complained of receiving death threats from Macias.

A week before the 59-year-old was killed, he had said that “Fito” was threatening him.

velopment of the situation and will take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” an unnamed spokesperson for the foreign ministry said in a statement published online.

Lai has been far more outspoken about independence than Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, to whom Beijing is already hostile as she refuses to accept its view that Taiwan is a part of China. The Harvard-educated doctor-turnedpolitician has previously described himself as a “pragmatic Taiwan independence worker”, and reiterated this week when speaking with a local television channel

that Taiwan was “not part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)”.

“The Republic of China and PRC are not subordinate to each other,” he said, using Taiwan’s official name.

On landing in New York on Sunday, Lai said on Twitter, now rebranded as X: “Happy to arrive at the Big Apple, icon of liberty, democracy and opportunities,” adding that he was greeted at the airport by representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan, the United States’s de facto embassy for the island.

“Looking forward to seeing friends and attending transit programs in New York,” he wrote. AFP

MOSCOW/BAGO—Russia has evacuated more than 2,000 people from flooded areas in its Far East, emergency officials said Sunday, after Tropical Storm Khanun brought heavy rains to the region.

“More than 2,000 people, including 405 children, have been evacuated in Primorye,” the Russian emergency situations ministry said on Telegram.

The ministry said nearly 5,000 buildings had been flooded in the Primorye region, which borders China and North Korea.

Rescuers had set up 13 temporary accommodation centres in the region, the ministry said.

Flooding in the city of Ussuriysk was the worst in a decade, according to staterun TASS news agency.

In Bago, Myanmar, a baby slept peacefully under a mosquito net oblivious to hundreds of evacuated flood victims lined up for food at a monastery in Myanmar during the weekend, all waiting for water levels to recede before they can return home.

Floods and landslides caused by monsoon rain have killed five and forced around 48,000 people to flee their homes, the relief ministry said.

On Saturday in Bago city, northeast of Yangon, children floated on rubber tyres squealing with joy, while adults paddled wooden canoes with supplies through the murky brown and yellow water to evacuation shelters.

Hundreds of families sat fanning themselves in an open-air hall at a monastery as volunteers distributed meal packs of rice and egg curry.

Parents and children curled up on mats surrounded by bags of their meagre possessions—clothes strung up on makeshift washing lines above.

Tin Win, 52, said although the conditions at the shelter were cramped and people were only receiving two meals a day, she was thankful to be safe and dry.

“The space is tiny and there is not much space to sleep. We have to lie down next to each other,” she told AFP. AFP

Blasts rock pro-Iran missile stocks in Syria—war monitor

BEIRUT—Violent explosions were heard from missile stockpiles of proIran militias east of Syria’s capital Damascus before dawn on Sunday, a war monitor said.

Residents of the Damascus region heard the blasts which came from “the warehouses of pro-Iran militias” in a mountainous area east of the capital, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria.

“We don’t know if it was from an air strike or ground operation,” Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

During more than a decade of war in Syria, neighboring Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on Syrian territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters, as well as Syrian army positions.

Syria’s official news agency SANA said during the night that “the sounds of explosions” had been heard on the outskirts of Damascus.

Four Syrian soldiers and two Iran-backed fighters were killed last Monday in pre-dawn Israeli air strikes near Damascus, the Observatory said at the time, in the latest deadly Israeli air raid to hit wartorn Syria’s capital.

The air strikes targeted Syrian regime forces, as well as military positions and weapons depots used by armed groups supported by Tehran, the monitor said. AFP

Detained Niger president seen by doctor, says entourage

NIAMEY, Niger—Niger’s detained president was seen by his doctor on Saturday, his entourage said amid mounting concern for his condition, while Nigerian religious leaders met the officers who seized power last month to try to defuse the crisis.

The Muslim leaders visited the capital Niamey with the blessing of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, head of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, a source close to the delegation told AFP.

ECOWAS has approved the deployment of a “standby force to restore con-

stitutional order” in Niger as soon as possible, but scrapped a Saturday crisis meeting on the coup that deposed Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum, 63, was toppled on July 26 by his presidential guard, which has since held him and his family at his official Niamey residence.

The European Union, the African Union and the United Nations joined others in sounding the alarm for Bazoum on Friday after reports described worsening detention conditions.

Bazoum “had a visit by his doctor to-

day”, a member of his entourage told AFP, adding the physician had also brought food for Bazoum, his wife and son.

“He’s fine, given the situation,” the source added.

Human Rights Watch said it had spoken with Bazoum earlier this week.

The ousted leader had described the treatment of himself, his wife and their unwell 20-year-old son as “inhuman and cruel,” HRW said.

“My son is sick, has a serious heart condition, and needs to see a doctor,” the group quoted him as saying. AFP

MOURNED AND LOVED. A Ukranian servicewoman pays her respects to the co n of Daria Filipieva, a Ukrainian army combat medic who was killed in the Donetsk region, during her funeral at the Independence Square in Kyiv, last weekend, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

FAIR AND CAUCUSES. In an aerial view, the Iowa State Fair is seen at sunset during the weekend in Des Moines, Iowa. Republican and Democratic presidential hopefuls, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump, are visiting the fair, a tradition in one of the rst states to hold caucuses in 2024. AFP

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to keep the key policy rates unchanged on Thursday despite the lower-than-expected economic growth of 4.3 percent in the second quarter, according to a British bank.

Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp. said in a report over the weekend while inflation continued to ease, risks remained that could put rate hikes back on the table.

It noted the rising rice export prices that increased 20 percent since the middle of July and reached their highest level since 2011.

“We think the BSP is comfortable

BRIEF

Shares to move sideways as investors turn cautious

with where monetary policy is now at 6.25 percent. Yes, the peso depreciated by 2.7 percent against the US dollar in a span of just 10 days, but at 56.3, the USD-PHP is still within the DBCC [Development Budget Coordinating Committee] assumption parameter of 54-57,” it said. HSBC said to some extent, the growth cooling in the second quarter

PHILIPPINES stocks are expected to move sideways this week, as investors turned more cautious after the disappointing second-quarter gross domestic product data.

Philstocks Financial Inc. senior analyst Japhet Tantiangco said the market’s three straight weeks of decline could lure bargain hunters back to the market.

Tantiangco said, however, a market rally could be challenging because of the tempered confidence towards the economy following the recent GDP data release.

“With our second-quarter real GDP coming in below expectations, cracks in the confidence towards the economy could already be present which in turn would make building of market momentum harder,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Diokno unfazed by slower growth

FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the lower end of the 2023 growth target range of 6 percent to 7 percent “remains achievable.”

Diokno said in a message over the weekend an aggressive catch-up plan would do the trick for the second half of the year.

“[The] 6.0 percent GDP growth target for 2023 remains achievable… An aggressive catch [up] plan for infrastructure projects [roads, bridges, airports, seaports, power, water, irrigation, telecommunications facilities, digitalization, school buildings, housing and others], quicker response by GOCCs [government-owned and -controlled corporations], and strong and deliberate spending by resource-surplus local governments are essential parts of the solution to the relatively weak second-quarter growth performance of the Philippine economy,” Diokno said.

He said one of the advantages of the Philippine economy was its less dependence on exports, as some of its ASEAN neighbors and its growth for the past several years was mainly consumption based. Julito G. Rada

Globe’s pro t down 27% to P14.37b in six months

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said over the weekend net income dropped 2 percent in the second quarter.

The telecom unit of the Ayala Group said net income amounted to P7.1 billion from April to June, down from P7.3 billion in the same period last year.

This brought the first half net income to P14.37 billion, down by 27 percent from last year’s P19.68 billion.

Globe blamed the decline to the increased depreciation expense and the 78-percent decline in total non-operating income, which was due to the one-time net gain of P8.5 billion (post-tax) reported last year from the partial sale of Globe’s data center business.

Excluding this one-time gain, normalized net income would have been P10 billion, or down by 11 percent compared to the previous year.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Aboitiz studying 150-MW

Cebu coal plant expansion

ABOITIZ Power Corp. is studying a 150-megawatt expansion of Therma Visayas Inc.’s 350-MW Toledo circulating fluidized bed coal plant in Cebu.

Aboitiz Power president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio said the proposed expansion is excluded from the coal ban imposed by the Department of Energy as it has an existing environmental compliance certificate.

Rubio said they were weighing their options whether to pursue the coal plant or put up a 150MW liquefied natural gas plant in Cebu as they would have different costs and financing options.

“Cebu needs capacity. On a day-to-day basis, a number of diesel plants are still running in Cebu. So that means that baseload capacity is short,” Rubio said.

“We’re looking at a baseload of 150 MW to add to our current 300 MW in TVI. We’re looking at LNG at 150 MW, looking at what’s going to cost, and what if we actually expand TVI with another unit of coal? And compare the cost,” Rubio said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Retailers told to prepare on migrating to 2D scan

RETAILERS should prepare for the migration to the 2D scanning format as the global retailing industry is poised to integrate the QR code system into the retail point of sales system by 2025, a top executive said over the weekend.

Philippine Retail Association president Roberto Claudio said the government was giving retailers enough time to prepare and jump into the new system by 2027, two years after the rest of the world adopted the 2D scanning system.

“It will be difficult for small retailers to migrate to the QR reader format that’s why the government is giving us until 2027 to upgrade our machines and systems. The adoption of the QR format is a good thing even for consumers.

Consumers can now appreciate what they are buying,” he said. Othel V. Campos

might also support macroeconomic stability and domestic balance. It said the national saving rate had not normalized to pre-pandemic levels, while investment continued to be robust.

“This imbalance may then require a tight monetary stance to help rein in demand, incentivize saving and bring the domestic economy back to balance,” it said.

“Despite the challenges in growth, we continue to expect the BSP to maintain the policy rate at 6.25 percent and only cut rates after the Fed cuts its own,” HSBC said. It said since its baseline view is for the Fed to cut interest rate in the second quarter of 2024, “we expect

HSBC: Bangko Sentral expected to keep interest rates Thursday IN

the BSP to begin its easing cycle in 3Q 2024.”

The BSP is set to hold its next policy meeting on Aug. 17, 2023.

The gross domestic product grew 4.3 percent in the second quarter, slower than 7.5 percent a year ago, amid the uncertain global environment highlighted by elevated infl ation and higher interest rates.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said despite the second-quarter numbers, the lower end of the growth target range of 6 percent to 7 percent for the year “remains achievable.” He said an aggressive catch-up plan would do the trick for the second half of the year.

PH-US ties secure Texas Instrument’s $1-b investments

By Othel V. Campos

PHILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority said over the weekend the country’s “friendshoring” strategy with the US played a crucial role in the $1-billion additional investments by American company Texas Instruments Inc.

“We are proud to host the operations of TI being a global industry leader and a model locator as it promotes the growth of the semiconductor-electronics industry, including the integration of Filipino SMEs into the ecozone value chain,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga

“We are most grateful for TI’s huge contributions to the economy and for its sustained confidence as a long-haul investor in the Philippines through thick and thin,” he said.

TI announced it was considering to expand its microchip production capacity in its facilities in Clark and Baguio City to partly address the global shortage on microchip and semiconductor.

TI announced the plan during the US-ASEAN Business Council meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang last week, leveraging on the $280-billion CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

TI Philippines benefitted from its mother company’s $30-billion semiconductor wafer fabrication plants in Sherman, Texas with the onshoring policy of the US government under the US CHIPS Act.

TI Philippines, to provide critical support to its global headquarters in addressing the worldwide semiconductor shortage, had to step up local production of chips alongside other TI manufacturing plants in the region.

Panga said this is where the Philippines could leverage on the “friendshoring” policy of the US and through its active participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

Malampaya

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PRIME Energy Resources Development

B.V., operator of the Malampaya

Deepwater Gas to Power project, said over the weekend it fully supports Senate Bill No. 152 which seeks to create a legal and regulatory framework on the development of the gas industry.

Prime Energy general manager

Donnabel Kuizon-Cruz said the proposed Natural Gas Industry Development Act would help keep the drilling of new gas wells on track. She said at a Senate hearing on the bill Thursday it would also protect consum-

Manila Standard TODAY

operator supports bill on gas industry

er rights by encouraging transparency and competition in the gas industry.

“I’d like to convey our full support to this, and we believe it is very timely and relevant. We have to continue exploring for new gas, and we will need LNG [liquefied natural gas] to fill in the gap,” she said.

“While we are doing that, we need the LNG bill in order to allow all parties who are importing gas, or in our case—our proposal to also blend imported LNG with indigenous gas—to do this in a

very organized way to protect consumers,” Cruz said.

TI also found it auspicious to increase investments in the Philippines with the assurance of the green lane facilitation and ease of doing business measures and the support of the USled IPEF, according to PEZA.

BSP ANNIVERSARY. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (third from left) says the Philippines can look forward to a strong and inclusive economy with a supportive and liquid banking sector, lower in ation and digitalization accelerating nancial inclusion in remarks delivered at the central bank’s Manila o ce to celebrate the BSP’s 30th anniversary. Remolona thanked the banking community for being a strong source of support for the country’s

growing

economy and called on the banks to work with the BSP toward a future-ready Philippines that is digital, sustainable and inclusive. With Remolona are (from left) Monetary board member Anita Linda Aquino, Finance Secretary and MBM Benjamin Diokno and MBM V. Bruce Tolentino.

San Miguel offers to clean up Bulacan and Pampanga rivers

SAN Miguel Corp. president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang offered an extensive cleanup of polluted river systems and waterways in and around Bulacan to solve the province’s perennial flood

ing problem.

Ang committed to implement the cleanup using San Miguel’s own resources at no cost to the government and the people of Bulacan.

Ang made the pledge to Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga in a recent meeting, where he presented the status of SMC’s massive river cleanup initiatives including Pasig River, Tullahan River and San Juan River.

The company has already spent some P3 billion to de-silt and remove solid wastes from the polluted waterways. Ang also outlined plans to fully shift its river rehabilitation efforts to Bulacan in the coming months.

San Miguel, which has multiple investments in Bulacan—including the MRT-7 project, the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply facility and the biggest development in

the country to date—the P740-billion New Manila International Airport—has in recent years been a prime mover and advocate for cleaning up major river systems in Metro Manila.

“Our Pasig River cleanup is almost complete. After about two years, we are nearing our target of 1.4 million tons of silt and waste removed. We have also started de-silting and waste extraction activities at the Meycauayan River and Maycapiz/Taliptip River. This is part of our plan to clean up rivers in the BulakanObando-Meycauayan-Marilao-BocaueGuiguinto River System, which is critical to addressing flooding throughout the southern part of Bulacan,” Ang said.

The firm’s flood mitigation program for Bulacan initially covered rivers surrounding the future site of the New Manila International Airport. However, upon

An inside look at the beauty and benefits of mangroves

(First of two parts)

MANGROVES are often misunderstood and undervalued ecosystems. These coastal forests are sometimes perceived as “dirty” or “dead areas,” a wasteland that could be cleared in favor of sandy beaches, swanky resorts or other developments.

These myths about mangroves could not be farther from the truth. They are the only trees that thrive in salty waters and improve water quality by filtering out nutrients and sediments.

They are also teeming with life: more than 1,500 plant and animal species depend on mangroves. This includes fish and birds who use the shallow waters beneath mangrove trees as nurseries. Research now indicates that mangroves are also critical for larger mammals, such as monkeys, sloths, tigers, hyenas and African wild dogs.

Protecting mangroves and restoring damaged ones also helps combat climate change through carbon sequestration as they are some of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet, storing on average 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare in their biomass and underlying soils.

But mangroves are threatened. Worldwide, a fifth of them have already disappeared. The main driver of mangrove loss is coastal development, when mangrove forests are cleared to make way for buildings and fish or shrimp farms.

“Mangroves are a remarkably diverse and important ecosystem that works in tandem with other marine ecosystems including seagrass beds and coral reefs all of which are essential not only for the health

of our ocean, coasts and the biodiversity that they support, but for the wellbeing of humans,” said Leticia Carvalho, head of Marine and Freshwater at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

“We also need to protect and restore our mangroves as they are an important habitat and source of food supplies for many indigenous peoples and local communities around the globe,” she added.

To meet the global climate targets, the world urgently needs to reduce emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Mangroves are critical in this second task. They extract up to five times more carbon than forests on land, incorporating it in their leaves, branches, roots and the sediments beneath them. The salty and oxygen-poor conditions beneath mangrove forests mean that decomposition of organic material happens very slowly. In the right environmental conditions, mangroves can store the carbon they took from the atmosphere for decades, centuries, or even millennia.

Extreme weather and disasters

Not only do mangroves help prevent the progression of climate change, they also play an important role in limiting its impact.

As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events like storms and flood surges are becoming more frequent and severe.

The trunks of mangroves absorb the impact of waves, making them an excellent front line of defense that helps to protect higher ground. Restoring and protecting mangroves and valuing their role as a nature based-solution improves resilience of coastal communities and national economies. UNEP News (To be continue)

the request of local government units of Bulacan, San Miguel expanded the program to other tributaries outside of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System.

“It’s very unfortunate every time there is a typhoon, so many people in Bulacan have to suffer. Flooding has been a problem in the province ever since. With the growth in population, the emergence of settlements and developments, and no extensive and sustained effort to clean up the rivers, the situation has only gotten worse,” Ang said.

“But I am confident that with this project to extensively clean up our rivers and with the support of our provincial and local governments and the DENR, we can significantly increase the carrying capacity of our rivers and help solve flooding once and for all,” he added.

Ang also addressed allegations by some that the airport project is the cause of flooding in the province, citing that flooding had already been a major problem, long before government approved the airport’s construction in the province, just north of Metro Manila.

“There are many contributing factors to flooding. Bulacan has many low-lying

areas. Another is land subsidence caused by over-extraction and the depletion of ground water. In fact, that is one of the reasons why we invested in putting up the Bulacan Bulk Water System Project some years back—to provide potable water to residents without having to resort to unsustainable use of ground water,” Ang said.

“Degradation, siltation, and pollution of our rivers are of course major causes of flooding. Because of these, rivers become shallow and their flood carrying capacity is severely diminished, resulting in river overflow and floods. The proliferation of fish ponds in coastal areas has also contributed to severe flooding in the province,” he said.

San Miguel has already started cleaning up rivers around the airport project site as part of the overall design and longterm maintenance of the country’s largest international gateway.

These flood mitigation efforts are seen to also benefit towns near the airport.

“We are deeply invested in the future as well as the well-being of Bulacan and its residents. We would not pour in billions in resources if we didn’t consider all possible risks, including flooding in the province. As with any major undertaking of this magnitude, extensive studies were done even before construction started. And even now, we continue to work with experts and to consistently ensure we adhere to the highest environmental and social standards and regulations,” Ang said.

Heavily-silted Pampanga River Ang said heavily-flooded areas during the last typhoon, particularly Calumpit and Hagonoy, located far from the airport

project, were affected by overflow from the heavily-silted Pampanga River aggravated by the release of water from some dams.

San Miguel is already looking to extend its river de-silting and cleanup initiative beyond Bulacan’s rivers, to other critical tributaries throughout Central Luzon.

“With our experience in cleaning up Tullahan and Pasig Rivers, the modern equipment we have invested in over the years, and the technical know-how of our personnel, I think we are more than ready to take on the challenge of expanding the efforts to the rest of Bulacan and also Pampanga,” Ang added.

Since 2020, the company has been undertaking major river cleanup programs at no cost to government, to help mitigate flooding in and around Metro Manila,

Apart from its ongoing cleanup of the Pasig River, last year, San Miguel completed its P1-billion Tullahan river cleanup project. It extracted more than 1.12 million metric tons of silt and solid wastes from the river.

Ang said the conglomerate has cleaned up some 4.45 kilometers out of an initial 13-kilometer target along the Taliptip/ Maycapiz River and the Meycauayan River. A total of 543,266 metric tons of silt and solid waste have now been removed.

Meycauayan River, one of the tributaries in the MMORS, has been named as one of the world’s top 10 tributaries that emit the highest share of plastics to the oceans.

Others in the list are the Pasig River, Tullahan River, Pampanga River, Libmanan river, Rio Grande de Mindanao and Agno river.

Climate legal cases double in five years

NAIROBI, Kenya―The total number of climate change court cases has more than doubled since 2017 and is growing worldwide.

These findings, published last week by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University, show that climate litigation is becoming an integral part of securing climate action and justice.

The report, Global Climate Litigation Report: 2023 Status Review, is based on a review of cases focused on climate change law, policy or science collected up to 31 December 31, 2022 by the Sabin Center’s US and Global Climate Change Litigation Databases. It is published a day ahead of the first anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s declaration of access to a clean and healthy environment as a universal human right.

“Climate policies are far behind what is needed to keep global temperatures below the 1.5°C threshold, with extreme weather events and searing heat already baking our planet,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

“People are increasingly turning to courts to combat the climate crisis, holding governments

and the private sector accountable and making litigation a key mechanism for securing climate action and promoting climate justice.”

The report provides an overview of key climate litigation cases from the past two years, including historic breakthroughs. As climate litigation increases in frequency and volume, the body of legal precedent grows, forming an increasingly well-defined field of law.

The total number of climate change cases has more than doubled since a first report on the issue, from 884 in 2017 to 2,180 in 2022. While most cases have been brought in the US, climate litigation is taking root all over the world, with about 17 percent of cases now being reported in developing countries, including Small Island Developing States.

These legal actions were brought in 65

bodies worldwide: in international, regional, and national courts, tribunals, quasi-judicial bodies, and other adjudicatory bodies, including special procedures of the UN and arbitration tribunals.

“There is a distressingly growing gap between the level of greenhouse gas reductions the world needs to achieve in order to meet its temperature targets, and the actions that governments are actually taking to lower emissions. This inevitably will lead more people to resort to the courts. This report will be an invaluable resource for everyone who wants to achieve the best possible outcome in judicial forums, and to understand what is and is not possible there,” said Michael Gerrard, Sabin Center’s Faculty Director.

The report demonstrates how the voices of vulnerable groups are being heard globally: 34 cases have been brought by and on behalf of children and youth under 25 years old, including by girls as young as seven and nine years of age in Pakistan and India respectively, while in Switzerland, plaintiffs are making their case based on the disproportionate impact of climate change on senior women. UNEP News

44 countries still unprotected by tobacco control measures

ABOUT 8.7 million people still die from tobacco-related diseases every year despite the welcome news that more than seven in 10 people on the planet―5.6 billion―are now protected by measures to curb the dangers of tobacco smoke, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) recently said.

Hailing Mauritius and the Netherlands for implementing all of the UN health agency’s MPOWER tobacco control measures―a feat matched to date only by only Brazil and Türkiye―the WHO recently said that 2.3 billion people in 44 countries remain unprotected by tobacco control measures, exposing them to sickness and the economic burden of addiction.

In 53 countries, complete smoking bans are still not in place in healthcare facilities, the UN agency warned in a new report, despite the fact that tobacco use “continues to be one of the biggest public health threats,” with a staggering 1.3 million deaths annually from passive smoking alone.

Leading calls for greater efforts to restrict tobacco use, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said progress was being “undermined” by the

Source: World Health Organization

aggressive promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes.

“Young people, including those who never previously smoked, are a particular target,” he said. “In fact, e-cigarettes are harmful to both the people using them and those around them, especially when used indoors.”

Although new WHO data indicates that the percentage of people who smoke has declined, challenges remain in regulating e-cigarettes and other heated tobacco items, the UN agency said.

“Some products are modifiable by the user so that nicotine concentration and risk levels are difficult to regulate,” said Dr Rüdiger Krech, WHO Director, De-

partment of Health Promotion.

“Others are marketed as ‘nicotinefree’ but, when tested, are often found to contain the addictive ingredient. Distinguishing the nicotine-containing products from the non-nicotine―or even from some tobacco-containing products--an be almost impossible. This is just one way the industry subverts and undermines tobacco control measures.”

In a bid to protect more people from tobacco, the UN health agency’s MPOWER tobacco control measures offer advice on tackling passive smoking and on how to quit, along with warnings about the dangers of tobacco, information on bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship and information about raising taxes on tobacco.

Other effective tobacco control recommendations include promoting smoke-free public spaces, so that people can breathe clean air and avoid “deadly” second-hand smoke, WHO said. The measure can also motivate people to quit, the UN agency said, while also helping to “denormalize” smoking and preventing young people from picking up the habit.

Sunshine in the golden years

By Patricia Taculao

IOFTEN hear the famous saying, “Age is just a number.” Most of the time, it associates with how the youth can achieve their goals earlier than most. Yet there are as many equal circumstances where aged individuals defy the odds of accomplishing new feats later in their lives, disproving another famous saying, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.”

Along Jupiter, Makati, lies Sunshine Place: Senior Recreation Center that allows people to indulge in activities that cater to their fancy and provide a renowned sense of purpose.

Some classes it offers include painting, dancing, fitness, and crafts, among many others.

Honing a passion for the arts and crafts

Many people solace and joy in the activities in Sunshine Place. Some guests who didn’t experience the activities in the center during their early lives now learn from renowned experts. Teaching the painting classes is Fidel Sarmiento, a modern and contemporary artist and president of the Art Association of the Philippines.

Casey started working her creativity on the canvas to do something other than teaching and enjoy it.

Unlike working on porcelains, painting on a canvas uses a different process. Sunshine Place provided Casey with a place to learn new experiences and knowledge to further her craft.

Len Fernandez, a retiree who moved to the Philippines from the United States, also found new horizons in her creativity with Sunshine Place’s painting classes. As an avid painter, Fernandez tried different mediums to express herself. She began with oilbased paints before discovering she was allergic to them and eventually moved to use watercolor, which she stuck with longer.

selected blossoms, greenery, and other flora to convey a specific feeling or emotion to audiences–as a painting or sculpture might. Marc Tomas, President of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 and member of Sogetsu Potential Manila Chapter, teaches Sunshine Place’s Ikebana lessons. He has brought forth inspiring results from his students, like Carina Galang.

Galang has been attending the classes since February 2023 because she enjoyed gardening and grew up in a family that appreciates the beauty of Ikebana. As a result, she wanted to recreate making beautiful arrangements using the planting materials from her garden. The class also served as her day of relaxation, and her frequent attendance allowed Galang to practice the methods she needed to create arrangements. Tomas’s influence on the Ikebana class students made a lasting impression. Susie Yap saw how Tomas adequately exposed them to the rudiments of the craft, including its philosophy, basics, materials, and tools. Tomas’s hands-on method gave his students a clear view of what they must accomplish for the day. Yet what Yap loved the most was how their instructor allowed them creative freedom to explore new arrangements from their prepared materials.

Ikebana takes discipline but is also a practice that allows its students to use their imagination and turn even scrap pieces from their natural surroundings to create eye-catching flower arrangements that add vibrance to any space. Classes that inspire masterfully-crafted words Many students from Sunshine Place also explored the beauty of writing through the center’s creative and memoir writing classes. There, they learned the basics of crafting their words into compelling stories that express their emotions and creativity or tell equally engaging stories from their lives.

Leading the memoir writing is award-winning author and poet Oscar Peñaranda. Another teacher was Tweetums Gonzales, a noted columnist who taught Creative Writing until her temporary retirement. However, she is resuming her writing workshops soon with a workshop called Here’s to Life. Workshops on how to write Children’s Stories have also been conducted.

It is worth mentioning that two books have so far been published in the course of these Creative Writing Workshops: Finding the Sun and Reflections of Light and Shadows.

The Creative Writing Class was a perfect opportunity for Dolores Matias to realize her dream of creating a book that would continue her story on her happy-to-tell life journey to her children, grandchildren, and relatives, contribute to her hometown’s history, and pay homage to her parents. Matias began attending the class in September 2021. Under Peñaranda, Matias learned to overcome her insecurities about her writing ability and learned new lessons to improve her passion and talent in writing. Now, Matias writes confidently, much to her surprise.

Since memoir writing has been an ideal avenue for the guests at Sunshine Place to forge a legacy that audiences can draw inspiration from within the pages of a book, many students from other classes signed up for the opportunity, also meeting new friends that add color to their stories.

Sarmiento has been painting for decades and has established himself in the industry. He also has experience teaching younger aspiring artists from local educational institutions. Still, there’s something different about Sunshine Place that makes it a unique recreational center.

According to Sarmiento, his teaching methods in Sunshine Place is more therapeutic than technical because of the students who come to the center. As an instructor, Sarmiento fosters a safe environment for the participants so they can leave behind the troubles of the outside world.

Painting has been an effective medium for people to pass the time, express their creativity, and soothe their minds.

Take, for instance, Meliza Gonzales, a retiree who has launched multiple successful solo exhibits after a few years of honing her interest in painting. Her husband encouraged her to pursue painting because he saw his former officemates in SM dabble in the craft. Without any resistance and an open mind, Gonzales entered the world of painting under Sarmiento’s supervision.

Like any good teacher, Sarmiento was patient with Gonzales and catered to her preferences. At first, the retiree made masterpieces that featured flowers and vases.

Another good thing to remember about Sunshine Place is that they always make everybody feel included. Gonzales enjoys the tutoring and company of Robert Fernandez, Sarmiento’s student, who now shares his knowledge about arts with other aspiring artists.

Fernandez saw Gonzales’s growth as an artist–from going without using the proper brushstrokes to understanding color theory and more.

Sharing Gonzales’s passion for the arts is Malaysian Mae Lee Casey, who teaches porcelain painting in the Philippines after her Irish husband began working for SM in 2007. After porcelain painting sessions,

In Sunshine Place, Fernandez learned to work with acrylic paint. However, she didn’t limit herself to one class and decided to broaden her horizons by exploring the other opportunities the center offers, like memoir writing. Fernandez, with new writers from Sunshine Place, published a memoir titled “Reflections in Light and Shadow.”

Despite Sunshine Place’s dedication to being a premiere recreation center for seniors, it doesn’t close its doors to younger students. Among them is Vicky Pollisco, a lawyer who escapes the demands of her profession through painting.

Pollisco, although not in her senior years, got into painting because her husband developed an interest in golfing. She then decided to pursue her interests in 1993, painting during the weekends or in her free time. When she came to Sunshine Place in 2015, painting became a habit. Her subjects of interest are flowers in bloom. After all, who can resist the beauty and symbolism of floral imagery? Yet Sunshine Place offers some challenges to help its students explore their potential.

Under Sarmiento’s class, Pollisco learned the basics of creating abstract pieces. She learned the relevance of color in creating a balanced image and has opened herself more to new opportunities that come from painting.

Coinciding with modern trends, Sunshine Place’s painting classes also offer a diamond painting option for those who want to create masterpieces using delicate pieces that require a steady hand and patience.

Working with natural elements

Besides painting, Sunshine Place has another class that teaches its students to look for inspiration from their surroundings and use them to create naturally captivating pieces, also known as Ikebana.

Ikebana is the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers. It uses carefully

Getting physical and tapping into musical therapy

Besides honing its members’ creative skills, Sunshine Place has physically-related classes to keep the seniors moving and limber. Other sessions are more therapeutic to help members take charge of their health and movements.

Whole-body exercise sessions are available at the center every day, with each day focusing on specific physical attributes like endurance, flexibility, and strength. The exercises occur at the gym, where members have access to equipment under the watchful eye of certified instructors. Moreover, the instructors curate the exercises to help the members keep up with the regimen, and there are Tai-chi, Qigong, and Zumba sessions held weekly at the rooftop of the Center.

Sunshine Place also offers an online option for physical therapy sessions for those who have difficulty traveling to the center. Although being distant can be difficult for the instructor and the member, the former always ensures that the latter is comfortable and aptly challenged to encourage improvement.

In the meantime, there are also dancing lessons that offer tango, ballroom dancing, and more to encourage seniors to be confident, have fun, and create new memories with friends they made along the way. Coinciding with Sunshine Place’s

dedication to giving its member a voice, the center also offers music therapy, which promotes communication, relationship learning, mobilization, expression, and organization to develop potential and develop or restore functions.

There’s also an option for others to enroll in voice lessons to bring out their talent and passion for singing. It involves one-on-one sessions to help the instructor focus on students’ needs.

Piano lessons are available too.

Moreover, Sunshine Place doesn’t consider age, as evident in the classes they hold for the center’s senior members. Beyond that, the center also offers courses for younger audiences who aspire to hone their creative talents and other interests.

Dubbed Little Sunshine, the program has numerous workshops that cater to younger audiences. Some examples of the courses they released this year are ballet classes and the Nihongo language.

Indeed, there’s much for everyone of all ages to learn and experience at Sunshine Place.

Fidel Sarmiento with his painting class

Sunshine Place Staff

Sunshine Place also offers dance lessons to keep members entertained and encourage socializing with peers

Voice lessons allow members to tap into their inner singer and unleash their talent through one-on-one sessions

Mee Lee Casey

Len Fernandez

Melissa Gonzales & her painting exhibit; Carina Galang & her Ikebana arrangement’ Porcelain plate.

PH female riders boost bids for 2024 Paris Olympic slots

By Randy Caluag

FILIPINA riders

Ariana Evangelista and Shagne Yaoyao boosted their bids for Olympic slots following decent performances at the MTB Women Elite XCO World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Evangelista, the country’s no. 1-ranked female MTB female rider, finished at 57th place, while Yaoyao followed at 58th, earning them 6 and 5 UCI points, respectively.

The total gave them rounded-off 10 nation points, pushing the Philippines forward to its goal of making it to the Top 3 in the Asian ranking.

Currently ranked 4th with 947 points behind Japan, which has 701 points, Thailand (569) and Malaysia (516), the Philippines can earn more points if it participates in more UCI races before

the 2024 Paris Olympics’ qualifying deadline ends in April 2024.

It was a wet racecourse and the 25-year-old Evangelista said she could have fared better although she knew she already gave her best in the race.

“Many things didn’t go my way before the event started, but despite all of that, I know I gave all I can give in today’s XCO,” said Evangelista, a threetime national champion.

“I know I did better this year than last year’s World Champs and I am coming back to the Philippines with so many lessons and have learned where I pretty much need to improve on,” she said.

Evangelista and Yaoyao also joined the XCC (Cross Country OlympicShort Distance) earlier, finishing 38th and 39th among 42 entries. But their points have yet to be logged so the Philippines is expected to add more points and inch closer to thirdranked Malaysia.

Evangelista made history in 2012 when she topped the Under-23 at the Asian MTB championships held in Danao, Cebu.

Espartero, two others shine in Junior PH Golf Tour

ALONSO Espartero posted a pair of runner-up finishes and one third-place effort to capture the overall crown in the ICTSI 2023 Junior PGT series held under the drive, chip and putt format at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas on Sunday.

Espartero came away with 128 points to beat David Serdenia by five in the Round 2 of the boys’ 15-18 age category and lead the two other category wi nners—Harry Sales and Maria Montserrat

Lapuz—in the one-day tournament disputed over the three basic aspects of the sport.

Sales, an incoming Grade 10 student at Gov. Hills Science School, topped Round 3 of the boys’ 13-14 division with 124 points while Lapuz, homeschooled with Kolbe Academy (Grade 8), scored 105 points to run away with the girls’ 13-14 trophy in Round 4 play in the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and held to develop players from the junior ranks and expand the base of golfing talents in the country.

Serdenia pooled a 123-point total while Sung came in third overall with 109 points in the premier boys’ division, while Sales defeated Luciano Copok (106)

and Rafael Leonio (97), and Lapuz routed Chloe Lim and Levonne Talion, who wound up with 90 and 73 points, respectively.

Espartero finished tied for second with Shinichi Suzuki worth 40 points in chipping topped by Serdenia (45 points), with Eron Sung placing third with 35 points, while Suzuki notched 55 points in putting where Espartero likewise tied for second with Tyler Zamuco worth 50 points.

Sung also ended up third with 46 points.

Mark Kobayashi, on the other hand, took the driving honors with 49 points with Serdenia finishing second (43 points) and Espartero and Vasco Esquivel sharing third place for 38 points apiece.

In girls’ 13-14, Lapuz garnered 30 points to emerge on top in chipping, placed second in driving worth 40 points and made 35 points in a third-place effort in putting to underscore her superb all-around play.

Lim edged Lapuz in driving with 42 points while Talion wound up third with 24 points; Talion and Lim placed second and third for 13 and 12 points, respectively, in chipping; while Chloe Rada shone on the greens and scored 40 points with Talion and Lim sharing second place worth 36 points each.

Olivarez seeks back-to-back romp at home

ERIC Jed Olivarez hopes to ride the crest of a big title run in Puerto Princesa last week and flourish on the indoor clay courts he calls home as he guns for a second straight victory in the Mayor Eric Olivarez Cup National Open Tennis Championships, which gets going today (Monday, Aug. 14) in Sucat, Parañaque.

Olivarez turned back doubles partner Charles Kinaadman, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, to capture the Rep. Edward Hagedorn Open crown in a victory that had kept him in the conversation heading to this week’s Group A championship featuring the country’s leading players at the Olivarez Sports Center and Parañaque Tennis Courts.

Event organizer Bobby Mangunay said they are using two courts to accommodate the big number of entries with the tournament also featuring the men’s and women’s doubles, the juniors grand slam 18-and-under singles and doubles for boys and girls.

Also on tap are the Legends men’s doubles 30s, 40s and 50s, men’s singles 35s and 45s, and women’s doubles 30s.

The week-long event offers a total prize fund of P338,000 with the men’s singles Open winner to pocket P50,000 plus trophy and UTP (Unified Tennis Philippines) and UTR (Universal Tennis) points.

But while he brims with confidence after ending a long quest for

a major win in Palawan, the fourthranked Olivarez faces an uphill battle in the 64-player draw headlined by multi-titled Johnny Arcilla, Jose Maria Pague, Vicente Anasta, Nilo Ledama, Noel Damian, Eric Tangub and Jeleardo Amazona. Olivarez, who upended Arcilla in the semis in the Hagedorn Open, battles Nino Paz in the first round with Arcilla taking on Paolo Corpuz, Pague slugging it out with Gouji Manansala, Anasta tangling with Christian Melitante, Ledama clashing with Joseph Carrasco, Damian mixing it up with Lexious Cruz, Tangub trading shots with John Amora, and Amazona testing Carolina Junsay’s mettle.

SYDNEY—England say they are relishing play ing in front of what promises to be a partisan 80,000 home crowd in their Women’s World Cup semi-final against co-hosts Australia on Wednesday.

The European champions had a taste of what awaits when they fought back from a goal down to beat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday during what felt like a home game for the well-supported South Americans.

The Lionesses will be back at the imposing Stadium Australia in Sydney on Wednesday with both teams attempting to win the World Cup for the first time.

Alessia Russo scored the winner in the 63rd minute against a physical Colombia and the Arsenal forward said she had enjoyed playing in front of a hostile crowd.

“That’s what the World Cup is all about—seeing top teams on the biggest stage with their fans behind them,” she said.

“We’ve had a taste of that tonight because their fans were incredible and (Australia) is another test, but one that is exciting, not only to face the hosts but to be in a semi-final.

“So yes, keeping the dream alive.”

England’s Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman praised her side’s resilience, having fallen behind in the 44th minute, before Lauren Hemp’s equaliser in firsthalf injury time and Russo’s winner.

They will need plenty of that character if they are to overcome an Australia side who prevailed 7-6 on penalties over France and have the weight of a nation behind them.

“That’s huge, but this was big too. It felt like an away game, but we just concentrated,” Wiegman said.

“It’s just really fantastic that we can be here and be part of it.

“We’re through to the semi-finals and we are going to stay till the end of the tournament.”

Wiegman was asked by one reporter whether she fully appreciated the longstanding sporting rivalry between her adopted country and Australia.

“I just think it’s going to be really big but I’ve now had a couple of questions about it so it’s probably going to be bigger than I imagine now,” said Wiegman, who took the Netherlands to the 2019 final, where they lost 2-0 to the United States.

England relishes clash with Australia Erram retires from Gilas Pilipinas duty

By Peter Atencio

INJURED big man Poy Erram will no longer continue his bid to seek a slot in the final lineup of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2023 FIBA World Cup because of a knee injury.

Erram expressed his desire to quit and retire from national team duty on Instagram, while members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball pool continued to get used to the presence of Utah Jazz cager Jordan Clarkson.

“As I close this chapter of my life ��. Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng taong nagtiwala at tumulong sakin. Thank you for giving me a chance to fight for my country. Thank you for letting my dreams become a reality. Just by wearing that jersey having that name in front always gave me goose bumps. Because not a lot of players have that chance to play and represent the country. I know there are players that are more deserving than me but I know that I deserved this,” said Erram in his social media post. Erram normed 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in the four games he played for Gilas.

With Erram’s absence, Gilas will miss three players at this time, with Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson still on the injury list as well.

Thompson hurt his right hand during a Philippine team practice in Lithuania last July 6, but still practices with Gilas in the running drills.

Sotto sustained a back problem during his last stint with the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and will have to content himself with light workouts, while getting clearance from the doctor for him to do heavier workouts.

England’s forward Alessia Russo celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup quarter- nal football match between Colombia and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney. AFP

Shown here are (from left) Harry Sales, Maria Montserrat Lapuz and Alonso Espartero show their medals after ruling their respective age-group categories in the Junior PGT series in the format of drive, chip and putt skills challenge at Mount Malarayat.

Ariana Evangelista FB

Eric Jed Olivarez Poy Erram

ENTERTAINMENT

Rivera. Also introduced is Let Me In Philippines, an adaptation of a reality show focused on transforming lives through plastic surgery. CreaZion Studios creates compelling global content through partnerships with international production companies. President RJ Agustin emphasized their strategy of collaboration, creativity, and commercial viability to achieve ambitious goals. The first pillar involves teaming up with global creative powerhouses to infuse diverse perspectives into their stories, making them universally relatable.

Newly-launched content company unveils ambitious projects at exclusive event

CREAZION Studios, a multimedia content producer, has launched ambitious film and series projects. The unveiling, CreaZion: The Origin, was an exclusive dinner event attended by Philippine showbiz leaders and regional platform

The company’s leaders highlighted the significant impact of collaboration in both local and global entertainment. They stressed its advantages f or all industry stakeholders. The event was led by CEO RJ Agustin, EVP, and Chief Creative Officer Real Florido, and Chairman Rex Tiri Present at the event are some of the industry’s illustrious media and broadcasting

leaders from GMA Entertainment – AVP for Entertainment (Musical & Variety) Gigi Lara, AVP for Afternoon Drama Ali NocomDedicatoria, Senior PM Camille Hermoso; ABS-CBN International Head Ruel Bayani; TV5 Head of Acquisition and Programming

Jeffrey Remegio; VIU Regional Content Head of Content Partnership; QCinema’s Ed Lejano and Manet Dayrit; DGPI’s Mark Meily; LPS (Liga ng Pilipinong Sinematograpo) Lee Briones; Inter-Guild Alliance Paolo Villaluna, Billboard’s EIC Bret Jackson; Nylon’s EIC Ayn Bernos, Aktor PH (Actors Guild of the Philippines) Marlon Rivera, Fire & Ice Productions Liza Diño-Esguerra; CMB owner Jim Baltazar and Aguila Talent Management’s Katrina Aguila and Jan Enriquez to name a few.

At the event, CreaZion Studios revealed a lineup of standout projects. Notably, Severino: The First Serial Killer, a groundbreaking co-production with international partners, features star actor Dennis Trillo, acclaimed at the Venice International Film Festival. All About My Wife adapts a Korean hit, starring Jennylyn Mercado and Sam Milby The Brown Ambition, a historic Actors Guild of the Philippines collaboration, showcases a star-studded cast under director Marlon

The highlighted titles in this lineup consist of some intriguing films. One of them is Last Shadow At First Light, which is a collaborative project involving the renowned Singaporean Director Nicole Midori, known for her work on HBO’s Folklore. The film has been produced by Jeremy Chua, who won the Cannes Camera d’Or award. Another notable title is Japayuki Homecoming, an international co-production led by the accomplished director Real S. Florido, acclaimed for his works like 1st Ko Si 3rd and Bakit Di Mo Sabihin. Additionally, the selection features two captivating horror movies originating from Indonesia and Vietnam, both of which are set to provide spine-chilling experiences

for audiences worldwide. Chief Creative Officer Real Florido emphasized the paramount importance of creative collaboration, “We have to see that the real challenge lies beyond our borders, and we know our Filipino talents are world-class. It’s time to elevate our productions to a standard that can rival other countries. Our dream is to become Asia’s premier content producer, and we know that we can achieve it together.”

During the launch event, CreaZion Studios unveiled Zion Records, an energetic recording label set to bring fresh sounds and captivating voices to the music industry. The label introduced a diverse range of talented artists poised to make their mark globally. The event also showcased CreaZion’s latest venture, FAME Artist Management & Entertainment, representing an impressive lineup of singers, actors, influencers, and hosts. Notable talents like Mathias Rhoads, Divine Aucina, Bidaman Polo Laurel, and internationally acclaimed actress Chai Fonacier were among FAME’s roster. The company also introduced its digital division, led by multimedia storyteller Mark Ghosn, who also holds the position of editor-in-chief at Zeen Magazine, a multi-platform publication dedicated to Gen-Z stories and the evolving culture of their generation.

New cinematic hopes

ADOLF Alix’s The Vigil and Joel Lamangan’s Apo Hapon are coming attractions for cinematic release that bring hope to the challenging times that the Philippine entertainment industry face.

Written by Lawrence Nicomedus with Alix as its director, the young filmmaking Jedi says: “It has been a concept of mine from way back and finally we were able to do it. The concept of horror has been quite an interest as it is another way of dealing with the human condition and a good platform to place the audience in for a ride”

In a nutshell, the film is about a group of young boys who are undergoing an initiation to be members of a secret organization whom their parents are part of - a sort of rites of passage tradition. When they committed an unforgivable sin during the initiation, their punishment must be served with tragic consequences.

Making up the cast are some of the brightest Sparkle stars namely Will Ashley, Bruce Roeland, Joaquin Manansala, Kimson Tan, Carlo San Juan, Anjay Anson, Prince Carlos, Abed Green, and Faye

Lorenzo

Director Alix chose young, promising actors to challenge their roles and capitalize on their strengths as newcomers. Their enthusiasm for learning and adapting to their characters adds excitement.

Director Adolf found the use of revenge as a horror trigger to be fresh and relatable, gripping the audience with an engaging story. The Vigil is produced by Alix for OBRA Cinema Productions.

Meanwhile, finding and discovering one’s roots, the blossoming of unexpected love, the beauty of two cultures, and how one’s foreign resolve benefitted an entire cultural community, is what Apo Hapon is all about, written by Eric Ramos, under the direction of Lamangan.

The biggest attraction why the seasoned film master directs the film is the new film company, GK Production. Director Lamangan is ecstatic about the fact that new bloods are infusing capital, and a fresh narrative, and is bullish that hope springs eternal for Philippine cinema.

With the story pitched alongside his collaborator Eric Ramos, they’re poised to present Apo Hapon’s life story,

drawing real-world inspiration despite its fictional nature.

Director Lamangan adds: The plot follows a young Japanese woman searching for her World War II soldier grandfather’s truth. Teaming up with a Filipino writer, they gradually piece together clues, unveiling an unexpected romance between them.

The film is top-billed by JC De Vera and Japanese newcomer Sakura Akiyoshi. Also in the cast are Fumiya Sankai, Nella Dizon, and Lianne Valentin, with Jim Pebanco, Marcus Madrigal, Rico Barrera, Yoshiko Hara, Prince Clemente, and Perla Bautista

Director Lamangan personally selected the cast, including Japanese actors recommended by partners GK Production. The film centers on Apo Hapon, who transitions from a Japanese soldier to a local hero in a Northern cultural community. His agricultural knowledge and affinity for the community’s way of life shine as key points.

Lamangan highlights the unique perspective: “A Japanese man’s transformation into a local hero offers a fresh angle. This isn’t historical revisionism, but a story of innate goodness prevailing despite wartime roles. Apo Hapon’s change of heart spurred the community’s prosperity.”

Apo Hapon and The Vigil promise to enthrall cinematic experiences, celebrating Philippine film.

Top acts helm marathon birthday party for hip-hop

THOUSANDS of people partied deep into the night Friday as part of an allstar Bronx bash celebrating 50 years of hip-hop, featuring trailblazers including Run-DMC, Nas, Lauryn Hill, and Snoop Dogg

The pops were on lock and the joy absolute at a packed Yankee Stadium, where New Yorkers and tourists alike commemorated five decades of the music whose vast influence irrevocably shook the culture. None other than Run-DMC –none of hip-hop’s most influential acts –headlined the evening, playing hits including the beloved “It’s Tricky,” which had the arena crowd screaming along despite the post-1:00 a.m. start time.

Before that performance, Nas, the mammoth concert’s ringleader, played a string of songs off his seminal album “Illmatic,” including “The World Is Yours” and “N.Y. State of Mind.”

The crowd roared when the New York icon closed his set by inviting fellow legend Lauryn Hill onstage to sing the track they collaborated on “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” as well as her own smash single “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and her rendition of

“Killing Me Softly,” that she originally performed as part of The Fugees That was preceded by none other than Snoop Dogg, who also played fan favorites including “The Next Episode,” “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” and “Gin And Juice.”

The 51-year-old G-funk pioneer wore heart-shaped glasses and lit up onstage, as is his custom, vibing to his legend as remarkably agile pole dancers harmonized alongside.

Lil Wayne was also among the performers smoking weed, whose scent hung heavy in the summer air.

The trap artist from Louisiana was a showstopper as he bounded across the stage, giving hit after hit including “A Milli” and “Lollipop” before thanking his adoring fans and walking off to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”

The marathon concert was the crown jewel of celebrations that have reverberated throughout the city to commemorate the 50th anniversary.

Clocking in at more than eight hours long, it also included performances from The Sugarhill Gang, members of the Wu-Tang Clan and Ice Cube AFP

From left: CreaZion Studios executives Real Florido, Silvia Malupeng, Rex Tiri, Rona Calangian, RJ Agustin, and Sonny Fortuna

From left: CreaZion Studios Chief Creative Officer Real Florido with partners, director Marlon Rivera and Fire and Ice CEO Liza Dino Seguerra

Sakura Akiyoshi and JC De Vera are the lead stars of ‘Apo Hapon’

Helmed by Joel Lamangan, ‘The Vigil’ features some of the rising actors of GMA’s Sparkle

‘Japayuki Homecoming’ will be directed by Real S. Florido Actor Dennis Trillo leads the ‘Severino: The First Serial Killer’ film

The Filipino adaptation of the Korean hit ‘All About My Wife’ features Jennylyn Mercado and Sam Milby

CreaZion Studios Chief Creative Officer Real Florido (second from the right) with GMA Entertainment’s AVP for Entertainment Gigi Lara, Senior PM Camille Hermoso, Afternoon Drama AVP Ali Dedicatoria, and Aguila Talent Management CEO Katrina Aguila

Among the lineup of standout projects that CreaZion Studios reveals is ‘Wedding Breaker’ and

US rappers Nas (left) and Lauryn Hill (right) are among the superstars to close out hip-hop's 50th birthday celebration

Egyptian-Arab artist showcases Palawan’s beauty in latest MV

PALAWAN, a breathtaking gem in the Philippines, caught the attention of Ali Nabil, a renowned EgyptianArab artist celebrated for his rendition of Port Saeed’s official city anthem. Hailing from Dubai, he’s also the creative force behind a captivating music video produced for Emirates National Day.

Ali’s love affair with music traces back to the age of 8, and his fervor

the tales of Palawan’s splendor, he selected Coron as the backdrop for his latest project, a music video featuring the soul-stirring “Omry Leek.” Notably, Ali proudly claims the title of the first Egyptian to film a music video on this enchanting Philippine beach. His aspiration to gather a global fanbase, particularly in the Philippines, stems from his deep admiration for the captivating shores of Coron,

collaboration extending to a skilled Philippine crew led by JJ Maghirang of Team Velvet. The poignant lyrics, crafted by poet Mohamed Abdel Rahman, find resonance through the distribution efforts of Monty, another artist of Arab origin. A harmonious fusion of Arab and Filipino artistry, this music video is poised to captivate international audiences via social media platforms

Where on earth is Dawson Creek?

Dawson Creek is an industrial city in the northeastern part of the province, very near the border of Alberta. The city was named after a creek that runs through the entire community. The creek, in turn, was named after George Dawson, a geologist, and surveyor who performed many explorations in western North America.

With a population of only close to 15,000, the city offers stunning nature vistas and has many opportunities in earning an academic degree or achieving success in an industry. Through the years, the city’s job vacancies have continued to increase and real estate has remained accessible to middle-income earners. I guess this is why my eldest son and his family decided to relocate here.

For someone like me who is located on the opposite side of the Pacific, after landing in Vancouver, I still have to take a propeller aircraft to Fort St. John, and then drive for an hour to reach Dawson Creek. However, I didn’t find the length of travel to be a problem because my only granddaughter, my little princess, ‘holds court’ in this little city, and I wanted to celebrate my birthday with her.

Naturally, the insatiable tourist that I am prompted my son to take me around the city the day after I arrived. Everywhere I looked, I saw wide open spaces with roads that stretch straight for miles, as far as my eyes could see.

The city’s most popular tourist spot is MILE 0 of the Alaska Highway. This 2237-kilometer highway was constructed during World War II to connect the continental USA to its 49th state, Alaska, via Canada, and such freeway starts right

in the center of Dawson Creek.

Our next destination was Bear Mountain, 15 kilometers southwest of the city because it offers a breathtaking view of the flatlands in the surrounding areas and has a Wind Park with 36 gigantic windmills, the same as what we have in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

The worldwide shift to renewable energy has led to the development of this Peace Energy Cooperative. I learned that these windmills supply energy to the nearby provinces of Canada and even as far as Chicago.

What I found impressive was how orderly and clean the city is. The drivers are very disciplined and everybody is very friendly. Vehicular traffic even in the downtown area, is sparse, you can probably even drive with your eyes closed.

Another thing that impressed me is how the city government looks after the physical well-being of its residents. While driving around, my son showed me the outdoor fitness park that anybody may avail of for free. They have all kinds of exercise machines and even weightlifting paraphernalia for those who choose to sculpt a muscular physique. Of course, I was also surprised to see that cannabis is now sold openly in the mall, however, I heard that there are so many restrictions for its purchase.

But the highlight of my first day in Dawson Creek took place in the evening. I never expected to see something that has been on my bucket list for the longest time. After dinner, my son excitedly told me to go with him outside the house, bring my phone camera and

Clark leisure park redefines luxury and innovation

IN a major milestone for Fontana Leisure Parks and Goldwin Holdings Corporation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed, marking the beginning of a promising partnership.

The ceremony, held at the Piano Bar of Fontana’s clubhouse, was attended by key figures from both organizations, including Major General Jesus Sarsagat, former Chief of Staff and current President of Goldwin Holdings Corporation; Michael Chul Kim, CEO of Goldwin Holdings Corporation; Shuiquing Wu, General Manager of Fontana Leisure Parks; and Vera Chung, Owner’s Represen-

tative of Fontana Leisure Parks. Despite the inclement weather, the atmosphere was one of much anticipation and excitement. The ceremony was a testament to the resilience and determination of both organizations to forge ahead with their shared vision, undeterred by external circumstances. The partnership between Fontana and Goldwin Holdings Corporation is expected to bring about a host of benefits. The primary objective is to rejuvenate and elevate the entire Fontana building complex, thereby providing a luxurious and lasting experience for guests and VIPs. This ambitious project is not simply about enhancing

take a picture of what was in the skies – Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. While looking at it, I almost froze, not only because it was cold, but the thought of finally coming face to face with what I have been longing for gave me goosebumps all over. It took me quite some time to recover my senses and start clicking away with my camera. The nice thing about it was that every section of the evening skies had its own set of these “heavenly” lights. The most common was the greenish “cloud.” There was also one that was bluish. I was waiting for the reddish “cloud” to appear but the evening spectacle ended without it showing itself to us. Nevertheless, it was a great experience. I always thought I had to travel to Iceland, a Scandinavian country, or Alaska to see it. But this little city of Dawson Creek gave me a great birthday gift… certainly an experience for the books! So, the next time somebody asks me, “Where on earth is Dawson Creek?” I can easily reply, “It’s where my favorite two lovely ladies await me – my “little princess” (my only granddaughter) and Aurora…Borealis, the Northern Lights. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

the aesthetic appeal of the property; it also aims to create more jobs and improve the quality of employment for the staff and employees.

Goldwin Holdings Corporation’s CEO, Michael Chul Kim, expressed his confidence in the partnership, stating that he believes it will lead to a beautiful tomorrow for both organizations. He emphasized the importance of action over words and expressed his excitement to start the project. The CEO also expressed his gratitude to various individuals and organizations.

Major General Jesus Sarsagat, President of Goldwin Holdings Corporation, echoed these sentiments.

The MOU signing ceremony was not just an event; it was a celebra-

tion of a remarkable union. The attendees – employees and guests alike – raised their glasses in honor of the new partnership, hoping it would be a beacon of innovation, prosperity, and inspiration. The event concluded with expressions of gratitude and congratulations to the people and leadership involved in achieving this goal.

The partnership between Fontana and Goldwin Holdings Corporation is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. It is a step towards making Fontana a world-class destination and a symbol of prosperity and innovation. As the marvels of Fontana unfold, the world eagerly awaits the transformation that this partnership promises to bring.

Egyptian-Arab artist Ali Nabil

Coron, Palawan

- Palawan. Both the song and music video, bear Ali’s signature, with the creative

and the Mazzika Arabic cable channel, broadcasting its melodious magic across the Middle East.