Manila Standard - 2023 September 22 - Friday

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7TH TECH & GADGETS ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

Sustainable Technology in the Era of AI

Tougher agri law marked urgent

PBBM certifies Senate bill imposing sanctions on agricultural sabotage

By Charles Dantes, Othel V. Campos and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called for the immediate passage of a law imposing sanctions on agricultural economic sabotage.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, President Marcos certified Senate Bill No. 2432 as urgent to protect farmers and the country's agricultural products from smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and other illegal practices.

The bill, filed by Senator JV Ejercito and nine other senators, defines the crime of agricultural economic sabotage, providespenalties for it, and creates an anti-agricultural economic sabotage council.

It also punishes government officers or employees who are guilty of the crime with perpetual disqualification from holding public office, the loss of the right to vote and participate in any public election, and forfeiture of employment monetary and financial benefits.

The proposed measure is among the expanded Common Legislative Agenda

PH, 60 countries sign treaty protecting high seas

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Philippines joined over 60 other countries at the United Nations in signing the first-ever treaty on protecting the international high seas, raising hopes that it will come into force soon and protect

threatened ecosystems vital to the planet.

The treaty, officially known as the treaty on "Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction," or BBNJ, also introduces requirements to carry out environmental impact studies for proposed activities on the high seas.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) from New York where he was attending the UN General Assembly, said he was "honored" to sign the historic agreement.

"The Philippines is proud to take this

‘Sierra Madre’ falling apart; SolGen to handle WPS case

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in 1999 to serve as an outpost for the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, is deteriorating fast, the Defense Department said Thursday.

Defense Senior Undersecretary Ireneo Espino said the World War II-era ship, home to a handful of Marines, needs immediate repair following re-

FOR CHARITY. The Association of Women Legislators Foundation,

at the House of Representatives on Monday. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon were AWLFI President Rep. Linabelle Villarica, Rep. Angelica Natasha Co representing Rep. Romualdez, event chairpersons Reps. Jocelyn Sy-Limkaichong and Stella Luz Quimbo, and Guest of Honor Rep. Christopher de Venecia, along with AWLFI officers, members, and renowned artists Ramon Orlina, Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr., and others. The event aims to raise funds for the National Center for Mental Health.

Gibo: ‘Manipulation’ of activists probed

By Vince Lopez

DEFENSE Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. vowed to look into who was behind what he called the manipulation of two environmental activists to embarrass the military.

"Normally, I won't tolerate this, even [with] speculations [of official misconduct], I order an investigation, But in this case, the evidence is clear – the allegation against the military is unfair," Teodoro said.

"I want to know the mastermind behind this so we can file subornation of perjury and other charges," he added.

Show-cause orders issued vs. BSKE bets

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections has issued show cause orders to 1,200 candidates for their alleged involvement in premature campaigning for the October 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

“After the filing of the COC (Certificate of Candidacy), more than 1,200 have been sent show cause orders by our task force against illegal or premature campaigning. Over 300 have already responded,” Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said in a television interview yesterday.

The poll body earlier warned local officials they will face charges if they

Ombudsman scolds ex-NTF-ELCAC execs

By Rio N. Araja

THE Office of the Ombudsman has reprimanded former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) officials Lorraine Badoy and Antonio Parlade Jr. for redtagging the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL). In a 17-page resolution, the Ombudsman warned it would sanction Badoy and Parlade anew should they commit the same offense.

“This Office finds that there is substantial evidence to hold respondents Parlade and Badoy guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, an act that tarnishes the image and Next page

cent re-supply operations.

"The deterioration is faster than the supply that we do to Ayungin,” he said.

This is the reason the government continues to conduct rotation and reprovisioning missions to the soldiers on board the BRP Sierra Madre, despite Chinese efforts to disrupt them.

The decision to deliberately ground the vessel on the shoal was in response to China's occupation of the nearby and then-uninhabited Mischief Reef, also claimed by Manila, a few years earlier.

‘Congress passing budget next week’

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on

Thursday committed that the House of Representatives will pass the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 on the third and final reading next week before Congress goes on break.

Romualdez said this was the direct result of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s certification of the budget measure as urgent.

“We appreciate President Marcos' leadership and his prioritization of the national budget. His decision to certify this crucial legislationas urgent reflects his unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of our nation,” Romualdez said.

ART

Inc. (AWLFI), chaired by Tingog Party List Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, launch ‘Sining Sa Kongreso: An Art Exhibit of Masters, Modern Masters and Contemporary Filipino Artists’

‘Game of Thrones’ author, other writers sue ChatGPT creator over copyrights

SAN FRANCISCO—"Game of Thrones" author George

RR Martin and other best-selling fiction writers have filed a class-action lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the tech startup of violating their copyrights to fuel its generative AI chatbot ChatGPT.

The Authors Guild, an organization representing writers, and several novelists including Martin, John Grisham, and Jodi Picoult, accused the California-based company of using their books "without permission" to train ChatGPT's "large language models," algorithms capable ofproducing human-sounding text responses based on simple queries, according to the lawsuit.

"And at the heart of these algorithms is systematic theft on a massive scale," said

Tougher...

From A1 discussed during the 3rd Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

The bill is pending in the Senate while a technical working group is finalizing the version of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the government is considering lifting the price ceiling on rice soon. Officials from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry

‘Sierra...

From A1

Meanwhile, retired Supreme Court associate justice and former solicitor general Francis Jardeleza said the government should no longer engage local or foreign lawyers to handle the filing of a caseagainst China for the destruction of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea. Instead, the case should be handled by the Office of the Solicitor General, the state’s chief lawyer, Jardeleza said. Jardeleza, who was the solicitor general when the Philippines filed a case in 2013 against China before the Per-

Gibo:...

From A1

The two environmentalists embarrassed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after they told a governmentorganized press conference that they were abducted and interrogated by the military and coerced into signing sworn statements saying they surrendered.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) denied the allegations of the activists.

In an online conference, the task force showed media videos and copies of the sworn statements hand-written by the activists, signed in the presence of a lawyer from the Public Attorney’s Office and the parents of Jhed Tamano, one of the activists.

In a video released by the task force, the other activist, Jonila Castro, said they surrendered to the government because they feared they would be silenced by the "RHB" or the 'Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan'.

RHB is a breakaway group of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Castro also admitted that she was a member of the armed guerrilla unit of the CPP-NPA-NDF and said she was part of the "Lino Blas Command."

Joel Egco, spokesperson for the NTF-ELCAC, said in a text message to Manila Standard that they will assist the family of Jhed Tamano if they want to have their daughter in protective custody “away from the manipulative acts of Jonila Castro and her company.”

Enrique Manalastas, stepfather of Jhed

PH,...

From A1

step to protect the world’s oceans for present & future generations," the country’s top diplomat said in his post.

Sixty-seven countries signed the treaty on the first day, including the United States, China, Australia, Britain, France, Germany and Mexico as well as the European Union as a whole, according to the UN.

But each country must still ratify the treaty under its own domestic process.

The treaty will come into force 120 days after 60 countries ratify it.

"It is clear that the ocean is in urgent

the complaint, filed Tuesday in a New York federal court.

Numerous other lawsuits have been filed by artists, organizations andcoders against OpenAI and its competitors, with the plaintiffs claiming their work has been ripped off.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

The firm's language models "endanger fiction writers' ability to make a living, in that the (models) allow anyone to

(DTI) will meet with the President to discuss the proposal to lift the price caps.

“There is a paper that will be the basis of the decision. The NEDA has the presentation,” Pascual said.

At the meeting, the DTI will ask the President to “go by the provision of law.” Pascual said the Price Act has the guidelines on price cap setting.

So far, the government has disbursed P69 million to some 5,000 small rice retailers who had bought rice at a price higher than the government-imposed ceilings on regular and well-milled rice.

The DTI had assured consumers that the country had enough rice, with the

manent Court of Arbitration,said this would lead to “political accountability” for the way the case was handled.

He praised the initiative taken by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra to study the legal options that the Philippines should take against China over the destruction of coral reefs.

“I’m so glad that Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra himself said he is now studying what actions to take,” he said.

Nonetheless, Jardeleza noted that it is not yet clear before which international court the Philippines should file a case.

While the filing of a case would cost millions of pesos, thePhilippines has a

Tamano, said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo 630 that Jonila Castro seems to be manipulating his daughter to support her and the cause of the group.

"Jhed was only influenced by this Jonila because her mother talked to her earlier, she said that she was also afraid that if she changed herstatement, what would the other group do to her," Manalastas said in an interview.

Egco also said that they will support the decision of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to file perjury charges against the two activists.

Meanwhile, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas castigated Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla for accusing the two activists of following a "new playbook" of communist rebels, supposedly in a bid to gain public sympathy.

"We wish the Justice Department had been more prudent and discerning in its statements on these issues. This is a matter of life and death,and they shouldn’t do this,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

"I have so many questions for the DOJ. I move to defer the budget," Brosas said at a hearing on the spending plan for the department.

When the department’s budget sponsor, Negros Oriental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, defended Remulla’s remark, Brosas gave a tearful response.

“How can you ensure the impartiality of the Department of Justice given that the statements of Secretary Remulla seem to be very biased against Jed and Jonila, and seem to have already painted the two environmental activists as part of the CPP-NPA?” Brosas said.

need of protection," said Belgium's deputy prime minister, Vincent van Quickenborne.

Without action, "it's game over," he said.

After 15 years of discussion, the United Nations sealed the first treaty on the high seas in June by consensus, although Russia said it had reservations.

The start of signatures marks "a new chapter" of "establishing meaningful protections" for the oceans, said Nichola Clark of the Ocean Governance Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts.

The high seas are defined as the ocean area starting beyond countries' exclusive economic zones, or 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off coastlines—covering nearly half the planet. Nonetheless, they have long been ig-

generate—automatically and freely (or very cheaply)—texts that they would otherwise pay writers to create," Tuesday's complaint read. ChatGPT can be used to produce "derivative works," imitating the style of writers, it added.

"Unfairly, and perversely, without Plaintiffs' copyrighted works on which to 'train' their (language models), Defendants would have no commercial product with which to damage—if not usurp—the market for these professional authors' works," the complaint said.

"Defendants' willful copying thus makes Plaintiffs' works into engines of their own destruction."

The Authors Guild and the writers are seeking a ban on the use of copyrighted books to develop language models "with-

ongoing wet season harvest expected to increase the national inventory and stabilize prices.

Pascual noted that the sudden spike in rice prices was highly speculative considering there was no shortage of supply. Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) is hoping that the higher price at which the government buys palay from farmers will entice them to sell their produce to the agency to help shore up stocks for the next lean season.

The Department of Agriculture says rice output is expected to surpass 20 million metric tons (MT) in 2023. Production in the first semesterwas at 9

strong case in view of the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in its favor.

In other developments:

• Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he has already spoken to Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, who chairs the finance committee, to earmark P600 million to set up marine ranger stations in key coastal areas nationwide to safeguard the West Philippine Sea against Chinese incursions. He said the Senate is working closely with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources on this initiative. He also vowed to fight for bigger allotments for the Philippine Coast Guard and the Phil-

Ombudsman...

From A1 integrity of a public employee’s office," the resolution read.

Badoy and Parlade made critical statements on the NUPL's forum on dissent and its information drive to educate the public about their rights amid growing concerns of rights violations during the COVID-19 lockdown, it stated.

"These matters are not communist propaganda," the Ombudsman ruled.

It said the duo’s remarks "unduly tarnishes the image of the NTF-ELCAC, as it perpetuates the notion that it is being used as a governmental tool to silence dissent or opposition instead of legitimately pursuing its ultimate: goal of lasting peace and ending the armed conflict with the communist rebels."

Then-National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon was found not guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest

Show-cause...

From A1 interfere in the issuance of the show cause orders and the removal of illegal campaign materials. As this developed, Laudiangco said the National Printing Office has turned over the certification of completion of the printing of 92 million BSKE ballots and other election forms.

The NPO printed 66,973,949 barangay ballots and 23,639,477 SK ballots. Laudiangco said some 2,092,147 official ballots were also printed for the October 30 plebiscite to ratify the conver-

nored in discussions on the environment.

A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters – only around one percent of which are now protected by any sort of conservation measures.

The treaty is seen as crucial to an agreement to protect 30 percent of the world's oceans and lands by 2030, as agreed by governments in a separate historic accord on biodiversity reached in Montreal in December.

Mads Christensen, interim executive director of Greenpeace International, voiced hope that the treaty would come into force in 2025, when the next UN oceans conference takes place in France. "We have less than seven years to pro-

out express authorization," as well as damages.

OpenAI has relied on mountains of texts found online to power its chatbot but has not specified exactly which sites and writings have been used.

OpenAI has been the subject of several complaints since the success of ChatGPT last year, including one from computer engineers who also sued Microsoft, its main investor, and the GitHub platform.

In January, artists filed a class-action lawsuit against DreamUp, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, three image-generating AI models programmed with art found online. Microsoft announced this month that it would provide legal protection for customers sued for copyright infringement over content generated by its AI tools. AFP

million MT, 3.4 percent higher than the 8.7 million MT produced in the same period in 2022.

In the Senate, Senator Francis Escudero said he was baffled by the delay in filing charges against arrested rice smugglers and hoarders.

“A crime definitely took place. And I am wondering why there is a crime but still no criminals at this time,” Escudero said.

While the government has confiscated tons of rice believed to be smuggled or hoarded in a series of raids from warehouses around the country, no charges have yet been filed in any of these cases, Escudero said.

ippine Navy in the national budget for 2024 to help them buy patrol boats and other equipment.

• Senator Francis Tolentino said the destruction of corals can worsen the effects of natural disasters such as tsunamis, putting coastal communities at risk.

Tolentino said coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from storms, wave erosion and tsunamis. Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum confirmed this by citing the suffocation of corals in Boracay due to the algae.

“Boracay was a disaster in the making because the corals were being destroyed by the algae," Solidum said.

of the service because the only attributable statements to him were his defense of Parlade and Badoy, the Ombudsman added.

"Nevertheless, his defense appears to be tempered, especially since he had stated that while he agreed that the CPP-NPA (Communist Party ofthe Philippines-New Peoples' Army) had underground operations withlegal fronts, he was not concluding that the NUPL is part of the CPP, but that some of its members are allegedly part of these organizations working for the CCP,” the Ombudsman said.

The office thus imposed upon Parlade, a retired Army general before joining the NTF-ELCAC, and Badoy “the penalty of reprimand pursuant to Rule 3, Section 10 of Administrative Order No. 7, as amended by Administrative Order No. 17.”

“The respondents are sternly warned that a repetition of a similar offense would be dealt with more severely,” it said.

sion of the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan into a highly urbanized city.

The BSKE will see a contest for 42,027 village chief positions; 294,189 Sangguniang Barangay members; 42,027 SK chairman; and 294,189 SK members.

Laudiangco said Comelec is now consulting with the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Finance, and the Commission on Audit on the early distribution of the honorarium of public school teachers who will serve as poll workers.

The Comelec is likewise proposing to allow early voting for senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and indigenous people on election day.

tect 30 percent of the oceans. There is no time to waste," he said.

"The race to ratification has begun and we urge countries to be ambitious, ratify the treaty and make sure it enters into force in 2025."

But even if the treaty draws the 60 ratifications needed to come intoforce, it would still be well below the universal support for action sought by environmental defenders.

Oceans are critical for the health of the whole planet, protecting often-microscopic biodiversity that supports half of the oxygen breathed by land life. The oceans are also critical to limiting climate change by helping absorb greenhouse gas emissions. With AFP

DOTr

orders OTS

‘dollar-swallower’ sacked, charged

THE Department of Transportation has ordered the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) to immediately file the necessary charges against security screening personnel involved in an incident of baggage theft at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident at NAIA on September 8 just when he was recently trying to promote among potential foreign investors who may want to operate and maintain the country's main gateway.

The news about the Screening Security Officer (SSO) at NAIA who was caught stealing and swallowing three US 100-dollar bills has caused outrage among the public.

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) has relieved andsuspended the female SSO, who will now face administrative and criminal charges, it said in a statement.

Bautista further directed DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Reinier Yebrato assist in filing the complaints “against those determined to have connived” in stealing from the handcarried bag of a Chinese passenger. Joel Zurbano, and Macon Ramos-Araneta (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

CHR calls anew for protection of vulnerable Pinoys

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called anew for the protection and safety of vulnerable sectors, a responsibility that “requires the proactive efforts of the government, and cooperation of families andcommunities.”

CHR reacted to reported killings of a seven-year-old child in Manila, an elderly person with disability in Quezon City, and two senior citizens and an 11-yearold child in Bataan inside their homes. Its National Capital Region and Region III offices are conducting independent motu propio investigations into the killings of the victims.

“The Commission recognizes the concerned local government units’ efforts to secure justice for the victims. As part of our investigation and monitoring efforts, we will coordinate closely with the local authorities to aid in the just resolution of these cases,” it said.

“We express vehement condemnation on these latest cases of violence that trample upon the right to life and safety of the cited vulnerable individuals. It is most concerning that the crimes were committed in the comfort of their own homes and the alleged perpetrators are those close to the victims. We expect exhaustive efforts from local authorities in ensuring justice for the victims and to ascertain accountability of perpetrators,” the agency added. Rio N. Araja

‘Congress...

From A1

Romualdez also thanked his fellow lawmakers who have been working tirelessly to deliberate on and refine the budget bill “to ensure that it addresses the pressing needs of our country and its people.”

“We will continue to uphold the principles of accountability,inclusivity, and efficiency throughout the budget deliberations," he said.

“The House of Representatives stands united in its commitment to passthe 2024 national budget and support the government's initiativesaimed at promoting economic growth, social development, and the well-being of every Filipino,” Romualdez.

With the President's certification, the House is now allowed to pass the budget bill on second and third reading on the same day.

Upon its approval, the House will forward the appropriations bill to the Senate.

Congress will be in recess from September 30 to November 5.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said they are on track in working toward the passage of the priority measures of the administration.

Out of the 20 priority bills identified during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting, he said the Senate has already passed three measures on third reading: Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Act, LGU Income Classification Act, and the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act.

"We are in full support of the administration’s goals, especially in crafting laws to generate employment and uplift the quality of life of every Filipino," Villanueva added.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office will launch its first-ever online or electronic lottery in November as it downplayed fears that traditional lotto outlets would be affected.

PCSO general manager

Melquiades Robles said: “We have a new product, probably in November. It would be more easy and convenient (for the bettors).”

The agency’s traditional lotto was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Robles said.

“That’s why we came up with the idea of an alternative lottery.What is amusing is, before we could do it, there was already an operation of two illegal sites. We cannot divulge them because we plan to file cases,” he said.

“There is really a need and demand for e-lotto because there are those that operate,” he added.

He also dismissed concerns that the operation of the traditional lotto outlets would die with the electronic transactions.

“There will be more (income) for the stalls. The e-lotto caters to a different group, people who do not want to go out of the rain or sun as well as those who could not park (near the outlet),” he said.

“Lotto is jackpot-driven. If the prize is high, there will be a bigger base (of bettors),” he added.

He urged overseas Filipino workers to place their bets once the lotto mobile-app has been put in place.

‘Kids recruited into private army’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

KIDS as young as 12 years old and at least seven women were allegedly recruited into the private army of an organization accused of being a cult in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, a former member said.

In a video message released by Senator Risa Hontiveros, 28-year-old “Karl” said there were about 107 members of the “Agila Squad” – the alleged private army of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. or SBSI.

“There were minors, about 12 years old. There were also seven women,” Karl said in his video testimony.

“We would practice escrima and we know how to use a knife. We could carry and use weapons. We know how to use, disarm, disassemble, and assemble pistols,

armalites, M4, and 45. We have used all that.

Karl said the organization’s leader, Jey Rence Quilario, also known as Senior Agila, told them that sacrificing their lives or killing others for the cause was allowed as they were “Soldiers of God.”

“If we sacrifice our lives, whether we die or not, as long as we are serving God, that is alright. He told us that we can kill people as long as the order came from him,” Karl said. Another survivor, a 13-year-old girl with

the alias “Maymay,” said she escaped the group with her parents because she wanted to go to school.

Hontiveros on Monday first revealed the existence of the alleged cult in a privilege speech, noting that minors as young as 15 years old were reportedly being raped and forced to marry the cult leader.

The revelation prompted the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct separate probes even as SBSI vice president Mamerto Galanida denied the report.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian also ordered an investigation into reports that the alleged cult is getting half of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) financial aid of its members.

DAY IN COURT. Both defense and prosecution counsels in the case of the missing ‘sabungeros’ or cockfighting enthusiasts enter the sala of the Manila Region Trial Court Branch 40 on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Danny Pata

Military chief seeks ‘meaning conversations’ to end conflicts

By Vince Lopez

ARMED Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday called for “meaningful conversations” to end conflict and foster understanding during the unveiling of the Symbol of Peace monument at the headquarters of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte.

The monument is an 18-foot replica of an M-16 rifle crafted from dismantled firearms that were confiscated, captured, recovered or surrendered to the military in the Bang-

samoro region.

“May it inspire us all to engage in meaningful conversations to dismantle the walls that divide us and to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation. Let us draw strength from the enduring spirit displayed by the men and women who have helped shape our nation’s history,” Brawner said.

The military chief attributed the successful peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro region to the whole-of-nation approach and the support of communities, adding that a purely military solution will

only be temporary.

“When all government agencies, the local government, the private sector, and more importantly the peace-inclined groups work together, we can speed up peace and progress,” he said.

“Let us stand united in our commitment to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress. May this symbol of transformation and peace serve as a constant reminder of our responsibility to protect our nation and the very fabric of harmony upon which it is built,” Brawner added.

“Whenever we get allegations of AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations ) misuse, we take it seriously, and even here in the Central Office, in any of our Field Office,” he said, adding that the DSWD Caraga is already looking into the AICS track distribution in the area.

“We can do backtracking and our standard investigation tracks also… We will immediately copy-furnish the office of the (Senate) committee on the findings of the 4Ps as well as the AICS clusters,” Gatchalian added.

For his part, Save the Children Philippines CEO Albert Muyot unequivocally condemned the reported cases of alleged child abuse, rape, and forced marriages committed against minors in Socorro.

PH, Bangladesh eye expansion of defense relations

THE Philippines and Bangladesh are looking to expand defense cooperation through education and training as part of efforts to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific Region, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Thursday.

“We are planning to establish our defense cooperation and our shared responsibility through education and training in pursuit of a more stable Indo-Pacific,” AFP deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrine Maj. Gen. Noel Beleran said.

Beleran made the statement following the visit of Brig. Gen. Kazi Kazi Anisuzzaman of the National Defense College of Bangladesh to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday.

Beleran also discussed AFP’s courses and exchange programs as well asplans to continue working with allies in terms of education and training.

For his part, Anisuzzaman also shared the challenges and goals that they have in Bangladesh.

“We need you and we need our brothers beside us. We value your country,” Anisuzzaman said as he expressed his hopes of “increasing connectivity” with partner nations.

THERE are criminal and civil cases wherein the fact of death is in issue during the trial. “The amount of evidence required to establish the fact of death is somewhat affected by the nature of the case in which the question arises” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

In murder, parricide, or homicide cases the fact of death must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. “In civil cases it is ordinarily sufficient to prove it by the mere preponderance of evidence…, [t]hus, in a claim of…title by… succession, or of the right of administration, the party is held to a… strict[er] proof of the death of the ancestor…” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

However, when the question of death “arises incidentally and collaterally in the proceedings, as, for example, on a motion to read the deposition of a witness, or to give evidence of his testimony at a former trial… these are cases addressed to the discretion of the court…” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

In the Philippines, the proof of death is required in probate of wills, petitions for letters testamentary or administration, death claims arising from life insurance policies, and death benefit entitlements from government insurance systems. A death certificate is conclusive evidence only as to the fact of death of the deceased.

Family reputation or tradition regarding pedigree ‘may be received in evidence if the witness testifying thereon be also a member of the family, either by consanguinity, affinity, or adoption’

In this jurisdiction, the rule is that a death certificate, if duly registered with the Civil Register, is considered a public document and the entries found therein are presumed correct (Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, et al., G.R. No. 83376, May 29, 1989, citing Tolentino v. Paras and Art. 410 of the Civil Code).

“The books making up the civil register and all documents relating thereto shall be considered public documents and shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained” (Article 410, Civil Code of the Philippines). “As public documents, they are admissible in evidence even without further proof of their due execution and genuineness” (Iwasawa v. Gangan, et al., G.R. 204169, September 11, 2013).

In the case of Iwasawa v. Gangan, et al., “the RTC erred when it disregarded said documents (including death certificate) on the sole ground that the petitioner did not present the records custodian of the NSO who issued them to testify on their authenticity and due execution since proof of authenticity and due execution was not anymore necessary” (G.R. 204169, September 11, 2013).

“Moreover, not only are said documents admissible, they deserve to be given evidentiary weight because they constitute prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

“And in the instant case, the facts stated therein remain unrebutted since neither the private respondent nor the public prosecutor presented evidence to the contrary” (G.R. 204169, September 11, 2013).

In the case of People v. Masilang regarding the Murder of Rose Clarita A. Yuzon, “the prosecution proved the first element that Rose Yuzon was killed by submitting in evidence her death certificate, and presenting eyewitness Edgardo Gamboa who testified that he saw the killing of Rose Yuzon [and] [t]he accusedappellant admitted the death of the victim during pre-trial” (G.R. 246466, January 26, 2021).

“The direct and most satisfactory proof of the death of a person is the testimony of those who saw him die, or who, having known him

Charles

Beijing’s creeping invasion of WPS

when living, saw and recognized his body after his [death]” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

In case of a violent or sudden death, the testimony of a medico-legal officer or an expert witness may be secured.

“The indirect evidence of death is either documentary or oral.”

“The oral evidence, indirectly proving death, consists of those circumstances from which the death of the person may reasonably be inferred; such as long absence, without any intelligence respecting him, reputation in the family, and their conduct thereupon, and other circumstances” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

“[L]ong absence… without the aid of other facts, has been said not to furnish any presumption of the party’s death, on the ground of another rule, namely, that the lastproved state of things is presumed to continue; and that, therefore, the existence of a living person being once shown, he is presumed to continue alive, and the burden of proof is upon the party asserting his death” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman). Under Rule 131, Section 3 (w), “after an absence of seven years, it being unknown whether or not the absentee still lives, he or she is considered dead for all purposes, except for those of succession.” However, a person shall be considered dead for all purposes including the division of the estate among his heirs if he has been absent for four years.

The shorter period of four years will apply

if

DID you know that at anytime, there are between 300 and 400 vessels in the South China Sea, including in the part of the vital sealane that we claim as our 200mile Exclusive Economic Zone, with most of them belonging to the Chinese Coast Guard and the Chinese maritime militia?

That was the revelation of AFP Western Command (WESCOM) Commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos in a recent media forum, indicating Beijing appears to be undertaking a creeping invasion of the West Philippine Sea. But China would be doing so on the basis of its fictional 10-dash line claiming ownership of practically the whole of the South China Sea that has no valid historical nor legal basis and is not recognized at all by the international community. According to the AFP WESCOM, it will be intensifying efforts in maritime

This proposed investigation should proceed in earnest so that we may know just how Beijing is encroaching on our claimed territory in the West Philippine Sea

surveillance after they detected the swarming of Chinese vessels around the West Philippine Sea and massive harvesting of corals in the Rozul Reef.

The Navy Vice Admiral said they suspect massive illegal harvesting of corals in the area based on underwater surveys conducted by Philippine Navy divers.

While not categorically declaring the illegal harvesting of the corals has been undertaken by the Chinese, he said the large presence of Chinese vessels in the area in August this year is a strong indication they might well have been responsible for the disappearance of the corals.

The Navy official asserts if the Chinese illegally harvested the corals in Rozu

Reef, this is a violation of the country’s sovereign rights, as only the Philippines has the rightful claim to the resources within its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. Hence, as far as the Western Command is concerned, they will perform their duty to protect our sovereign rights in our Exclusive Economic Zone.

It will do this by expanding its presence in the West Philippine Sea by deploying additional naval assets and personnel.

But beyond this, the AFP will also actively coordinate with allies and treaty partners to explore potential courses of action that can help protect the Philippines’ territorial rights and resources.

Meantime, Sen. Risa Hontiveros is urging the Senate to probe China’s alleged harvesting of corals in Rozul Reef.

“They also dredged our seafloor to [build] their artificial islands [and] militarize them within the West Philippine Sea and our Exclusive Economic Zone to claim that [it] is their territory.”

The senator believes this is not the first time that China has done environmental degradation in West Philippine Sea.

In 2020, she had urged Philippine government to make China pay for damaging the country’s reefs.

This proposed investigation should proceed in earnest so that we may know just how Beijing is encroaching on our claimed territory in the West Philippine Sea.

(a) a person is on board a vessel lost during a sea voyage, or an aircraft which is missing;

(b) a member of the armed forces who has taken part in armed hostilities; and (c) a person who has been in danger of death under other circumstances (Rule 131, Section 3(w), 2019 Amended Rules on Evidence).

Presumption of death being “a mere presumption of law, the rule is now settled, for most judicial purposes, that the presumption of life, with respect to persons of whom no account can be given, ends at the expiration of seven years from the time they were last known to be living, after which the burden of proof is devolved on the party asserting the life of the individual in question” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

“The issue [presumption of death], in such cases, is an issue of fact; and the jury [judge] are at liberty to find the fact of death within the period of seven years, upon the circumstances proved in the case.” There must also be evidence of diligent inquiry at the place of the person’s last residence…, and among his relatives, and any others who probably would have heard of him…” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

“[M]aterial to this issue are, the age of the party, his situation, habits, employment, state of health, physical constitution, the place or climate of the country whither he went, and whether he went by sea or land, the facilities of communication between that country and his former home… , in short, any circumstances tending to… [find] the fact of life or death”

(A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

The act or declaration about pedigree may be admissible to prove the death of a member of the family. “The word “pedigree” includes relationship, family genealogy, birth, marriage, death, the dates when and the places where these facts occurred, and the names of the relatives” (Section 41, Rule 130, 2019 Amended Rules of Evidence).

Family reputation or tradition regarding pedigree “may be received in evidence if the witness testifying thereon be also a member of the family, either by consanguinity, affinity, or adoption.

Entries in family bibles or other family books or charts, engraving on rings, family portraits and the like, may be received as evidence of pedigree” and can prove death

(Section 42, Rule 130, 2019 Amended Rules of Evidence).

CamSur mayor charged with illegal quarrying

UP FOR deliberation by the Office of the Ombudsman is a joint affidavit-complaint filed last September 8 by three members of Task Force Sagip Kalikasan against Mayor Fermin Mabulo of San Fernando municipality in Camarines Sur, along with five barangay chairmen, for alleged illegal quarrying.

The evidence attached to the affidavitcomplaint alleged that Mabulo and his wife Michelle had long engaged in quarrying in the barangays where the DENR had banned such activity in 2021.

In the SB session of February 7, 2022, councilors said one of the trucks used in the quarrying belonged to Michelle Mabulo.

The mayor’s wife claimed her quarrying activity was legitimate and she had been paying municipal taxes for every trip of the trucks.

But a certification from the Provincial Treasury showed there was no record of such supposed tax payments made by the familyowned LDGM Construction and Supply Corp.

The complaint also alleged that Mayor Mabulo and the five barangay chairmen failed to stop the rampant illicit quarrying in their respective areas of jurisdiction despite repeated complaints by the town’s SB about the illegal activity, the use of government equipment for quarrying, and involvement of the mayor and his wife in quarrying as documented in the SB’s legislative sessions between July 2021 and February 2022.

Then there was the submission by Vice Mayor Allan Valenzuela of a lettercomplaint to Malacañang in June 2021 about the numerous illegal quarrying sites in San Fernando town whose operators were in cahoots with at least two local officials.

The letter-complaint said 12 of the 14 quarrying sites in the town were “illegally operated,” and that the illicit activities continued despite several notices of violations served by the DENR Region V office to the operators. The complainants accused Mabulo et. al. of violating the provision on “theft of minerals” of RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of

1995, for the extraction of minerals in San Fernando without any mining agreement, lease, permit or license issued by the DENRMGB.

They also charged the respondents with gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for their failure to act on the illegal quarrying in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

The complainants are seeking the immediate suspension without pay of Mabulo and the five barangay chairmen

The complainants accused Mabulo of violating Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act and of illegally using public property (technical malversation) under the Revised Penal Code for the apparent use in illegal quarrying of a government truck – a Foton dump truck with conduction sticker GC 2412 -- earlier issued to the municipal government for its official use.

The task force members charged respondents with violating Section 20 of CamSur’s Provincial Ordinance 30 series of 2014, as amended by PO 16 series of 2017, for the extraction of sand, gravel and other quarry resources without any permit issued by the Office of the Provincial Governor.

The three complainants said “grave injury” was done to the municipality, the province and the country in general because, in the absence of any authorization from the MGB to conduct quarrying in San Fernando, Mabulo did not pay the government an estimated P54.4 million in taxes due on P544.29 million worth of minerals believed to have been extracted by the mayor over the

past several years. The foregone revenue of about P54.4 million was based on the supposed taxes due the municipality equivalent to 10 percent of the fair market value per cubic meter of ordinary stones, sand, gravel, earth and other quarry resources extracted from public lands or from the beds of seas, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and other public waters within a particular territorial jurisdiction. The computation of foregone revenue was based on a document issued by the Office of the Provincial Treasurer of Camarines Sur.

The complainants asserted their case against Mabulo et. al. stands on strong legal ground because the respondents are liable for complicity or inaction on the DENR-flagged illegal quarrying in San Fernando, based on the Supreme Court’s previous rulings. The complainants are seeking the immediate suspension without pay of Mabulo and the five barangay chairmen, as they cited Section 9 Rule III of the Ombudsman rules, which states that, pending investigation, respondents may be suspended for six months without pay if the evidence against them is found to be strong, and if they are accused of grave misconduct or neglect in the performance of duty. The task force enforcers backed their Sept. 8 joint affidavit-complaint with ample evidence – DENR and provincial government documents, minutes of Sanggunian sessions, photos of quarrying sites and seized trucks, and police blotter reports and video clips of apprehended truck drivers admitting to have received their quarrying instructions from Mayor Mabulo himself.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

III urges France, UK to ‘reinvigorate’ ties at lavish Versailles banquet

VERSAILLES, France – King Charles III

has issued a call for France and the UK to reinvigorate their relations, as President Emmanuel Macron hosted the British monarch for a glittering banquet at the Palace of Versailles on the first of a threeday state visit.

The visit, which was rescheduled from March due to the violent protests against pension reform that rocked France at the time, aims to showcase Charles’ stature as a statesman just over a year after the death of his mother and predecessor Queen Elizabeth II.

But it also gives both sides a chance to show that the almost 120-year-old Entente Cordiale remains alive and well, despite the sometimes bitter tensions created by Britain’s exit from the EU.

Guests at the dinner included luminaries ranging from the British rock legend Mick Jagger, the French former manager of the Arsenal football team Arsene Wenger, actor Hugh Grant and the French luxury goods billionaire Bernard Arnault.

It is “incumbent upon us all to reinvigorate our friendship to ensure it is fit for the challenge of this, the 21st century,”

Charles said in a toast.

Although Charles did not directly reference the UK’s divisive departure from the European Union, he mentioned the two countries’ “long and complex history”.

“Our relations have of course not always been entirely straightforward,” he added, in a speech in both English and an accented but clearly-spoken French that impressed his hosts.

But he set out an optimistic vision of the Entente Cordiale, the pact between the two neighbours which was forged in 1904, calling it a “sustainable alliance”. ‘Meet challenges’

Macron for his part said that “despite Brexit... I know, your majesty, that we will continue to write part of the future of our continent together, to meet the challenges and to serve the causes we have in common.”

He described Charles’ visit as a “tribute to our past... and guarantee of the future”.

The menu included delicacies like blue lobster cooked as a starter by star chef AnneSophie Pic, who has said she was inspired by the tastes of the “Sun King” Louis XIV, who built the Palace of Versailles.

Other dinner guests in the glittering Hall

of Mirrors included Charlotte Gainsbourg, the actor and daughter of French singer Serge Gainsbourg and British actor Jane Birkin. In Charles’ speech he paid tribute to Birkin, an English-born actor who became a screen darling in France, describing her as the “most French of the British”.

It was in the Hall of Mirrors that on her first state visit to France in 1957, Elizabeth II lunched with president Rene Coty.

There are reminders throughout the visit of the late queen, a French-speaking francophile who made five state visits to France during her record-breaking 70-year reign.

Tactile friends

Driven down the Champs-Elysees towards their talks at the Elysee Palace earlier, Macron and the king were earlier seen chatting amicably while Camilla and Macron’s wife Brigitte followed behind in a similar vehicle.

After their talks at the Elysee, Charles and Macron walked the short distance to the residence of the British ambassador, pausing to shake hands with well-wishers on the upscale rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore.

The French president, who has dealt with no fewer than four UK premiers over the last half-decade, is known to have a strong personal rapport with Charles.

Commentators in France excitedly noted how Macron had repeatedly touched Charles’s shoulder and Brigitte Macron kissed Camilla, in a new protocol unthinkable under the more distant and austere Elizabeth II.

With both men known for their love of books, Macron presented Charles with a

book by the 20th-century French writer Romain Gary, while he received a special edition of Voltaire’s “Lettres sur les Anglais” (“Letters on the English”).

Charles’ visit is seen as the follow-up to moves by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to reset relations between the two neighbors after post-Brexit turbulence.

Macron had a particularly prickly relationship with former premier Boris Johnson, reportedly describing him as a “clown” as he took the UK out of the European Union in January 2020 in a sea of Union Jack waving and rhetoric of British exceptionalism.

Charles will on Thursday make a keynote address to the French upper house Senate and also give a speech on the environment, long one of his most cherished causes.

On Friday, the final day, he will head to the southwestern city of Bordeaux where trips will include a visit to an organic vineyard.

Some 8,000 police are deployed nationwide to ensure security as France also hosts the Rugby World Cup, a number that will rise to 12,000 Friday when Pope Francis arrives for a two-day visit to Marseille. AFP

PH signs pact against use of materials for nuclear weapons

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Philippines has partnered with Japan and Australia in advocating for the international community to begin negotiations on a treaty to restrain the use of materials for nuclear weapons.

These fissile materials are said to be capable of undergoing fission through low-energy thermal neutrons as weapons for warfare.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

Secretary Enrique Manalo, along with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, called for the conclusion of talks on fissile material cut-off as the three countries co-hosted on Wednesday a high-level event at the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Marcos says EU nations find exciting opportunities in Asia

IT is prudent that Europe considers the “exciting” opportunities Asia has to offer, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

Mr. Marcos made the remark after the new Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Nicolas Brühl presented his credentials in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

The President expressed hope that European countries would see the potential of Southeast Asia and the whole of Asia.

He stressed that he, along with his fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders, have come together to strengthen the region’s economic systems and

address its weaknesses during the pandemic.

“We’re all trying to learn the lessons that the pandemic brought with it,” Mr. Marcos said during his meeting with Brühl, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office in a news release on Thursday.

“I think it is actually wise in terms of European countries, Switzerland included, to look to ASEAN, to look to Asia. Although there are other geopolitical disturbances, shall we say, but the

opportunities are quite exciting,” he added.

Mr. Marcos said the post-pandemic scenario presents a great opportunity for greater collaboration with the Philippines, stressing that the country now understands “how the world works.”

The world does not work the same way that it did in 2019, or before the pandemic happened, Marcos said, adding that it is “faring differently.”

“And so that’s why I always value partnerships and alliances and agreements between countries. And I think… [with] Switzerland that has always gone very smoothly, let’s hope that it continues in that direction,” Mr. Marcos told the Swiss ambassador.

Brühl agreed with the President, saying that the Asian economy is recovering well compared to other parts of the world.

He noted that the Swiss Foreign Ministry’s Southeast Asia strategy at the start of the year proves that the region is of utmost importance and could be a partner in the future.

The Philippines and Switzerland celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations in January 2022.

Brühl said last year’s 65th-year celebration of bilateral relations between the two nations is “already a good start”.

As of 2021, Switzerland ranked as the Philippines’ 26th biggest trading partner, 17th largest export market, and 29th biggest import supplier.

In a statement, the DFA said the treaty will obligate states to dismantle fissile materials for military purposes, as well as putting a cap on further expansion of nuclear weapons stockpile.

Manalo extended to the world leaders and top diplomats the Philippines commitment in the rejection of nuclear weapons and the push for nuclear disarmament.

“The Filipino people have always been unequivocal in our rejection of nuclear weapons. The Philippines is therefore proud to stand with Japan and Australia to breathe life into long standing international efforts toward a fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT),” he said.

The DFA said it has been 13 years since the UN General Assembly urged the Conference on Disarmament to negotiate an FMCT.

According to Manalo, “it is di appointing that this remarkable achievement is being reversed in the Asia-Pacific.”

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has given the go signal for the release of P12.259 billion in housing assistance for informal settlers and calamity victims.

In a statement on Thursday, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the release of a Notice of Cash Allocation to the National Housing Authority (NHA).

The DBM said the request for payments, chargeable to previous years’ released allotments, was supported with a documented list of Special Allotment Release Orders with their respective amounts, status of fund utilization, and finance accountability reports.

It said the documents submitted were “confirmed to be in order.”

Around P12.059 billion of the released funds will be used for the housing assistance of calamity victims, the DBM said.

The remaining P200 million will fund the construction of four units of five-story, low-rise residential buildings in Western Visayas for the resettlement of informal settler families.

Pangandaman said the release of the budget was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to giving Filipinos a decent home.

“Housing remains a priority for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as he strongly believes in the necessity of providing decent homes for Filipinos, particularly those adversely affected by calamities,” she said.

The NHA is the sole national agency mandated to engage in housing production for low-income families.

Under the administrative supervision of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), the NHA functions as the government’s housing production and financing arm.

Duterte shares insights on Philippine education at Seoul summit

IN a forum in South Korea, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday gave her insights on how the Philippine education sector can respond to the challenges of the 21st century.

Speaking at the 2023 Global Education and Innovation Summit (GEIS) in Seoul, Duterte cited these challenges including the disruption caused by

the pandemic and the uncertainties of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

“Education today must now exist side by side with technology, which continues to grow at an astoundingly rapid pace,” Duterte, quoted by reports, said.

Duterte added that children must be taught “how to differentiate truthful information from the untrue, to know what

contributes to a learner’s development and what does not.”

“Critical thinking has become more important than ever,” she said.

She also cited how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the new generation of students.

“During the pandemic, most students in the Philippines had to stay at home for their education, and I be-

lieve this deprived them the ease and function of communicative learning… Further, the pandemic deprived many students of social interactions that are largely developed in school settings, which includes group work and collaboration,” Duterte said.

Speaking on technology, Duterte further said AI “evokes shame, evokes fear because of the unknown.”

Concepcion says RFM keeping prices of basic products ‘stable’

By Othel V. Campos

PRESIDENTIAL adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion on Thursday said prices of flour-based and milk-based products continue to remain stable although several manufacturers of basic commodities have resumed their calls for price increases.

Concepcion said his company RFM Corporation is keeping the price of their flour, breads, pasta, milk, and ice cream products stable since there are no major movements in the price of raw materials.

“Right now we are trying to hold prices. In fact, we dropped the price of our milk lower than the market leader, because we want our milk to be more

affordable. he said.

Pricing their fresh milk lower than popular milk brands is one way of convincing mothers to shift from using powdered milk to liquid milk, he said.

He added consumers will find it irresistible to enjoy their ice cream products since prices have dropped and there are no indications of possible price increases until the Christmas season.

Concepcion explained the decision to lower the prices of his company’s products had nothing to do with the usual holiday plea of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to hold-in price increases especially for basic products as the holiday season approaches.

IN

BRIEF College equivalency bill hurdles 3rd reading

THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed law institutionalizing the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). If enacted, ETEEAP would allow undergraduate professionals to get a bachelor’s degaree.

House Bill (HB) 9015, or simply the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program Act was passed by a 251 vote. Tingog Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre were among the main authors of the bill.

“The ETEEAP refers to the alternative education program in the Philippines that allows working professionals who were either unable to finish their college education or were completely unable to advance into college for different reasons to earn a bachelor’s degree without going through the traditional schooling method,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said. Maricel V. Cruz

‘Enroll more kasambahays in basic services’

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo said of the 1.4 million registered domestic workers, only 6% (84,190) are enrolled in SSS, 5% (74, 858) are registered in PhilHealth, and only 3.4% or 51, 579 are enrolled in Pag-IBIG.

He said this was based on a 2019 joint survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Because of this, he berated SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG over over the “very low” kasambahay coverage compliance.

Tulfo, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, stressed that these agencies are not doing enough to ensure that employers in the country have registered and have been paying the SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG contributions of their “kasambahays.” Macon Ramos-Araneta

Solon questions BI on offloading of OFWs

REP. Marissa Magsino of the OFW party-list group on Thursday called the attention of the Bureau of Immigration on the “unjustified” offloading of Filipino travelers, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

During the plenary deliberations for the proposed budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for 2024, Magsino cited that in 2022, 32,404 Filipino passengers were reportedly off-loaded, with only 472 confirmed as victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment.

“This discrepancy has led some sectors to question the effectiveness of the departure screening guidelines and propose that travel expenses and damages incurred due to unwarranted off-loading should be reimbursed,” Magsino said.

The female legislator also took note of a proposal to have these expenses and damages charged to the immigration fees being collected by the Bureau under the Special Provision in the General Appropriations Act as per Memorandum Order 024, Section 1.8—intended for the salary augmentation of the Bureau personnel, which has a balance of P 232.84 million as of December 31, 2022. Maricel V. Cruz

DBM releases more than P12.25b for gov’t housing, calamity projects

PEZA MEETING. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez listens to a presentation by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso Panga and other officials during a meeting at the Speaker’s o ice in the House of Representatives Thursday. Ver Noveno

BAMBOO DRESSES. Senator Cynthia Villar takes a look at dresses made of bamboo during the launching of ‘KAWAYARN,’ an event featuring the use of bamboo as textiles at the Manila Hotel Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila. Danny Pata

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. Rev. Ock Soo Park, founder of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF), speaks during a fellowship with Christian leaders, students, and volunteers at the IYF World Camp in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Lino Santos

Four indictments on, Trump is still the man for Iowa supporters

MAQUOKETA, United States – They voted for Donald Trump in 2016, in 2020—and they wouldn’t hesitate to cast a third ballot with his name on it for the 2024 White House race, even amid his spiraling legal woes.

to find out who they are supporting and why. The Midwesterners explained why they are still Team Trump all the way.

Manila Standard TODAY

AFP met with Republican voters in Iowa, the first US state to host a presidential nominating contest in January,

Delbert Banowetz, a 93-year-old retired dairy farmer, showed up five hours before Trump arrived for his campaign event in the eastern Iowa city of Maquoketa—population,

SEC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 15

SERIES OF 2023

SUBJECT : GUIDELINES ON ELIGIBLE BLUE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BLUE BONDS IN THE PHILIPPINES

WHEREAS, the Commission has taken on an active role in promoting the use of capital markets in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) and the targets under the Paris Agreement, to which the Philippines is a signatory of along with 174 countries to reduce the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to lower the global average temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius;

WHEREAS, the Philippines is an archipelagic country situated in the Asia-Pacific, the Commission recognizes the critical importance of ocean-based climate mitigation and resilience in building resilient communities and economies;

WHEREAS, the Commission has adopted the ASEAN Green Bond Standards, the ASEAN Social Bond Standards, and the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards to attract sustainable investments in the debt security market and address key areas of environmental and social concern;

WHEREAS, Blue Finance is an emerging area in sustainable finance with increasing interest from global investors, financial institutions, and issuers;

WHEREAS, the subject Guidelines are based on the Blue Finance Guidance Framework developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Green and Blue Bond Framework of the Asian Development Bank (ADB);

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the SRC provides that securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distribution within the Philippines, without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the Commission;

WHEREAS, Section 12 of the SRC, the relevant provisions of the 2015 Implementing Rules and Regulations of the SRC (2015 SRC IRR) and “Annex C” provides for the procedure for registration of securities and non-financial disclosure requirements;

WHEREAS, Blue Bonds are a subset of Green Bonds where proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance, in part or in full, new and/or existing Blue eligible projects and/or activities;

WHEREAS, the requirements under the subject Guidelines shall be in addition to the applicable requirements under Sections 8 and 12 of the SRC; unless there is an available exemption under Sections 9 or 10 of the SRC, where the Issuer shall submit the requirements as prescribed by the Commission;

WHEREAS, the subject Guidelines should be read in conjunction with subsequent amendments/updates which the Commission may issue from time to time.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the foregoing, the Commission hereby adopts and issues the following Guidelines to supplement the requirements under Section 8 and 12 of the SRC.

GUIDELINES ON ELIGIBLE BLUE PROJECTS AND BLUE ACTIVITIES FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BLUE BONDS IN THE PHILIPPINES

ARTICLE ONE: GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER ONE: Scope and Application

Section 1. Applicability – This shall be known as the “Guidelines on the Eligible Blue Projects and Blue Activities for the Issuance of Blue Bonds in the Philippines.” These Guidelines must be read and applied in conjunction with SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12, series of 2018 otherwise known as the “Guidelines for the Issuance of ASEAN Green Bonds Under the ASEAN Green Bonds Standards in the Philippines.” These Guidelines shall primarily govern the issuance of the Blue Bonds where proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance, in part or in full, new and/or existing eligible Blue Projects and/or Blue Activities.

Section 2. Coverage – These Guidelines shall apply to the issuance of Blue Bonds in the Philippines confirmed by the Commission.

Section 3. Suppletory Application of the ASEAN Green Bond Standards and ICMA Green Bond Principles – These Guidelines build on the ASEAN Green Bond Standards (GBS) and the ICMA Green Bond Principles (GBP). Any guidance issued by the ASEAN and ICMA on the GBS and GBP, respectively, should also be considered, where relevant.

Section 4. Power to Amend – The Commission reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision of these Guidelines.

CHAPTER TWO: Definitions

Section 5. Definition of Terms – For purposes of these Guidelines, the following definition of terms shall apply, unless the context otherwise requires:

A. ADB Green and Blue Bond Framework refers to the expanded framework of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that guides its green and blue bond program which enables the ADB to support its developing member countries seeking to deliver environmentally sustainable growth to help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. The ADB Green and Blue Bond Framework has received a Second Party Opinion from CICERO Shades of Green and rated CICERO Medium Green.

B. ASEAN GBS refers to the ASEAN Green Bond Standards as applicable and as revised from time to time.

C. ASEAN SBS refers to the ASEAN Social Bond Standards as applicable and as revised from time to time.

D. ASEAN SUS refers to the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards as applicable and as revised from time to time.

E. Blue Activities refer to more specific eligible activities that address sustainable water management and ocean protection as indicated under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 14, respectively. The list of eligible Blue Activities is not an exhaustive list.

F. Blue Bonds refer to a subset of green bonds and sukuk which comply with these Guidelines, where the proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance, in part or in full, new and/or existing eligible Blue Projects and/ or Blue Activities. In the case of Islamic bonds or sukuk, it must also comply with the relevant laws and requirements applicable for the issuance of Islamic bonds or sukuk. In such instances, the Islamic bonds or sukuk may be labelled as Blue Sukuk

G. Blue Projects refer to the broad categories of eligible Blue Projects as listed in these Guidelines. The list of eligible Blue Projects is not an exhaustive list.

H. Green Bonds Principles (GBP) refers to the voluntary process guidelines issued by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), as revised from time to time, that recommend transparency and disclosure, and promote integrity in the development of the green bond market.

I. Guidelines for Blue Finance refers to the guidance document published by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that aims to provide a list of eligible use of proceeds to support private investments aligned with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles and contributing to Goals 6 and 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

J. Issuer refers to a company incorporated in the Philippines that issues Blue Bonds.

K. Look-back period refers to a maximum period in the past that an Issuer will look back to identify assets/earlier disbursements to such eligible Blue Projects and/or Blue Activities that will be included in the blue bond reporting.

L. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) refer to the seventeen (17) integrated objectives aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

ARTICLE TWO: APPLICATION OF THE GUIDELINES ON THE ISSUANCE OF ASEAN GREEN BONDS

Section 6. Requirements for Blue Bonds – The Issuer of a Blue Bond must comply with the Guidelines for the Issuance of ASEAN Green Bonds – i.e. the Issuer must satisfy the four (4) core components identified in the ASEAN GBS. In addition, the proceeds allocated for the Project/ Activity must not be used for Ineligible Projects specified under the ASEAN GBS.

ARTICLE THREE: ELIGIBLE BLUE PROJECT CATEGORIES AND BLUE ACTIVITIES

Section 7. Requirements for Eligible Blue Projects and/or Blue Activities – All designated Blue Projects and/or Blue Activities must provide clear benefits to ocean health and the blue economy and/or must contribute substantially to UN SDG 6 and/or 14, which will be assessed and, where feasible, quantified by the Issuer. It is best practice that an Issuer of green, social, and/or sustainability bonds with a blue component prepares a framework that clearly distinguishes the green, social, and blue activities for the use of proceeds.

Section 8. Eligible Blue Project Categories – Blue Projects directly aim to address sustainable water management and ocean protection and/or seek to contribute to the development of the blue economy. The following list is intended to be indicative and captures the most commonly used types of projects supported or expected to be supported by the blue bond market. The categories, listed in no specific order, include, but are not limited to–

A. Ecosystem management and natural resources restoration of coastal, marine, river, lake, and other marine-/ water-based ecosystems;

roughly 6,000. He was not shy about his admiration for the former US president.

“He’s a damn good guy,” Banowetz told AFP from his spot at the front of the line for the rally, explaining he’d been to several Trump events in the past.

“I want to be up as close as possible to him,” he added, noting: “I like his

B. Sustainable fisheries management;

C. Sustainable aquaculture;

D. Sustainable tourism in the vicinity of marine conservation areas;

style.”

Despite his clear admiration for the 77-year-old billionaire, who remains the Republican Party’s frontrunner in the race to challenge Democratic incumbent Joe Biden, Banowetz nevertheless expressed concern about Trump’s multiple indictments.

“He has to be careful a little bit. He

E. Solid waste management projects within 50 kilometers of the coast or a river that drains to the ocean;

F. Projects that prevent, control, and reduce waste from entering the coastal and marine environments;

G. Resource efficiency and circular economy (to reduce marine debris and/or associated impacts to marine life);

H. Wastewater management;

I. Ports and shipping projects to increase environmental performance and sustainability of maritime infrastructure and transport; and

J. Marine and offshore renewable energy that do not harm marine ecosystems; and

K. Protection and restoration of aquifers.

Section 9. Specific Blue Activities – Building on the eligible Green Project categories of the Green Bond Principles, Blue Activities are specific activities under eligible Blue Projects that may be financed by blue bonds including, but not limited to–

A. Ecosystem management: investments in conserving, improving, and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems; investments in the development of ecosystems’ insurance products related to critical aquatic ecosystems; investments in information systems, technology, and instruments deployed for measuring, tracking, and reporting physical and chemical indicators of the water body; investments into promising new restoration techniques.

B. Fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood value chain: investments in sustainable production and waste management and reduction measures that meet, keep, or exceed the Marine Stewardship Council certification standards or equivalent; cold chain and storage for small- and medium-sized fishing in areas with sustainable fishing quotas; investments for a fishery improvement project; investments in development and implementation of traceability systems to ensure sustainability of operations, facilities, and supply chains in the fishing industry.

C. Sustainable tourism: licensed/ certified sustainable tourism in the vicinity of marine conservation areas with inclusive livelihood elements and business opportunities; Nature-based freshwater and marine visitor centers showcasing the environment and disseminating research and knowledge;

D. Sustainable waste management: investments in solid waste systems and infrastructure; investments in rehabilitation projects of coastal or riverside landfills or open dumps; investments in stormwater management system improvements; investments in design, development, and implementation of new or upgraded wastewater collection and treatment systems; investments in new technologies or systems to prevent wastewater pollutants from entering coastal and marine waters;

E. Resource efficiency and circular economy: investments in development of new business models that “design-out” plastic waste; investments in research, design, and implementation of green supply chain management programs to reduce plastic waste; investments in innovative technologies or approaches that reduce single-use plastic production and consumption;

F. Sustainable shipping and port logistics sectors: investments in the research, design, development, and implementation of water and waste management and reduction measures in shipping vessels, shipping yards and ports; investments in water treatment in shipping vessels; investments in water treatment equipment and facilities for all blackwater and greywater generated from ports and shipping and cruising vessels; investments in shipping vessels to reduce their contribution to maritime air and noise pollution; investments in improvement of oil (fuel) spill prevention, risks safeguard, and recovery facilities;

G. Water supply: investments in the research, design, development, and implementation of efficient and clean water supply; investments in sustainable desalination plants that help protect groundwater depletion and wetlands and avoid hypersaline pollution of the environment; investments in water efficiency technologies and equipment and water management activities that reduce water footprint;

H. Water sanitation: investments in the research, design, development, and implementation of water treatment solutions;

I. Ocean-friendly and water-friendly products: investments in the value chain, including production, packaging, and distribution of environmentally-friendly products that avoid water or ocean pollution;

J. Ocean-friendly chemicals and plastic-related sectors: investments in the research, design, development, and implementation of measures to manage, reduce, recycle, and treat plastic, pollution, or chemical wastes in coastal and river basin areas;

Section 10. Ineligible Blue Projects and/or Blue Activities – In line with the ASEAN GBS, fossil fuel power generation projects are excluded from eligible blue projects and/ or blue activities. In addition, projects and/or activities which pose significant harm to ocean health and water resources and which introduce material risk to other themes and priority environmental areas of the SDG themes are excluded from the eligible Blue Projects and/or Blue Activities under these Guidelines. Issuers are also encouraged to develop a list of additional ineligible projects and/or activities for the issuance of their Blue Bonds, if applicable.

ARTICLE FOUR: REPORTING ON USE OF PROCEEDS

Section 11. Quantitative Performance Measures – In relation to Section 21Continuous Reporting on the Use of Proceeds of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12, series of 2018, the following quantitative performance measures may be employed by the Issuer:

A. Greenhouse gas emissions reduced/ avoided;

B. Ocean-based renewable power generation/ energy savings;

C. Water savings;

D. Plastic waste reduced or avoided;

E. Wastewater treated or avoided;

F. Runoff chemicals prevented to affect areas connected to rivers or coastal water basins;

G. Use of sustainable fertilizers (vs non-sustainable);

H. Percent of products with Marine Stewardship Council certification;

I. Percent of products with Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification;

J. Absolute number of predefined target organisms and species per km² (bigger fauna);

K. Absolute number of predefined target organisms and species per m² (smaller fauna and flora) before and after the project;

L. Absolute number of protected and/or priority species that are deemed sensitive in protected/conserved area before and after the project;

M. Number of people with access to clean water;

N. Number of people with improved sanitation facilities;

O. Area covered by sustainable water resources management practices;

P. Number of people and/or enterprises (e.g. companies or farms) benefitting from measures to mitigate the consequences of floods and droughts; and

Q. Other reasonable performance measures.

can be a little fast in making decisions,” he said.

Trump is facing an election subversion conspiracy trial in Washington, criminal charges over alleged mishandling of classified documents in Florida, and a racketeering trial in Georgia over efforts to overturn the 2020 election result in the southern state. AFP

Russia says 19 Ukrainian drones destroyed over Crimea, Black Sea

MOSCOW, Russia—Russia

said Thursday it had destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones overnight above the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula and the surrounding Black Sea.

Moscow’s defence ministry said on the messaging platform Telegram that a Ukrainian attempted attack with aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles had been “thwarted”.

It said three other UAV drones had also been downed elsewhere in separate attacks.

“Air defence systems destroyed 19 Ukrainian UAVs over the Black Sea and the territory of the Republic of Crimea, and one each over the territories of Kursk, Belgorod and Oryol regions,” the ministry said.

The Belgorod and Kursk regions border eastern Ukraine, while Oryol is closer to the capital.

Crimea has been targeted by Ukraine throughout Russia’s offensive but attacks there have recently intensified as Kyiv vows to recapture the Black Sea peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014.

On August 25, Russia said it had downed 42 drones over Crimea.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York, Berlin will host an international conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine next year,

The June 11, 2024 talks will take place in Berlin, added the chancellery in a statement.

London hosted the last such conference, which brought together leaders and representatives of more than 60 countries and financial institutions in June to release funds for the country to rebuild after the Russian invasion. AFP

WARTIME WRECKAGE.

This handout image taken and released by the Bulgarian Defense Ministry on Monday shows the wreckage of a drone with mounted explosive, washed up on the Black Sea coast near the Bulgarian town of Tyulenovo. A Bulgarian navy team has defused an explosive drone -- the first ever found on its territory -- after it appeared in a Black Sea town, the defense ministry said. AFP

Venezuela seizes control of big gang-run prison

MARACAY, Venezuela—Venezuela has said it seized control of a prison from the hands of a powerful gang with international reach, in a major operation involving 11,000 members of its security forces.

The Tocoron prison, reported to have 5,000 inmates, had served as the Tren de Aragua gang’s headquarters, where it had installed amenities such as a zoo, a pool and gambling rooms, according to an investigative journalist recently interviewed by AFP.

In a statement, the government congratulated law enforcement officers for regaining “total control” of the prison in the northern state of Aragua, adding the operation had “dismantled a center of conspiracy and crime.”

And in an official proclamation, President Nicolas Maduro praised “today’s great success in the fight against criminal organizations.”

After the government announced a complete evacuation of the jail, Interior Minister Remigio Ceballos told state broadcaster VTV that the inmates were being transferred to another facility.

Dozens of relatives who had been living inside the prison with sentenced inmates gathered outside for news.

“I am waiting to hear where they are taking my husband... I was living in there, but they kicked us out,” said Gladys Hernandez. AFP

Syria’s Assad visits China seeking funds

HANGZHOU, China—Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad began on Thursday his first official trip to China in almost two decades, where he will ask a longtime ally for financial support to help rebuild his devastated country.

China will become one of only a handful of countries outside the Middle East that Assad has visited since the 2011 start of a war that has since killed more than half a million people, displaced millions more, and battered Syria’s infrastructure and industry.

Assad also becomes the latest in a string of leaders ostracized by the West to be feted by Beijing, with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, as well as top Russian officials, all visiting this year.

On Saturday, Assad will attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in the eastern city of Hangzhou. He and other foreign leaders will meet there with Xi, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said.

According to the Syrian presidency, he will also visit Beijing.

The visit will be Assad’s first to China since 2004.

Beijing has long provided Damascus with diplomatic support, particularly at the UN Security Council where it is a permanent member. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BSP keeps interest steady at 6.25%, but rate hikes ‘remain on the table’

By Julito G. Rada

The Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), kept the policy rate steady at at 6.25 percent Thursday amid the persistent elevated inflation.

It was the fourth pause in the tightening cycle by local monetary authorities, but BSP Governor and MB chairman Eli Remolona said a rate hike “remained on the table in November.”

The BSP started to call the monetary policy rate the target reverse repurchase (RRP) rate after the shift on Sept. 8, 2023 to a variable-rate format with a predetermined offer volume in the auction for the overnight RRP facility. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were retained at 5.75 percent and 6.75 percent, respectively.

“Rate cuts this year are off the table. But rate hikes are not off the table. How big? It depends on the data,” Remolona said, adding that “we are ready to raise if supply shocks are enough.”

The US Federal Reserve also left its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday for the second time in its past three meetings to the target range of 5.25 to 5.50 percent, which many considered a sign that it’s moderating its fight against inflation as price pressures eased.

The BSP’s baseline projections

showed a slightly higher inflation path.

It said inflation was projected to revert to the 2 percent to 4 percent target range by the fourth quarter of 2023 in the absence of further supply-side shocks.

It said while food and transport prices continued to drive headline inflation, core inflation moderated further, implying an easing in underlying pressures. Inflation expectations remain anchored to the target range over the policy horizon.

Average inflation is now seen to reach 5.8 percent in 2023, up from 5.6 percent previously, while the forecast for 2024 was adjusted to 3.5 percent from 3.3 percent. For 2025, the forecast is unchanged at 3.4 percent.

Remolona said the upward adjustments in the 2023 and 2024 inflation projections reflected the spillovers from weather disturbances, rising global crude oil prices and the recent deprecia-

IN BRIEF

Fernando Zobel de Ayala returns to BPI board FERNANDO Zobel de Ayala returned to the board of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, the country’s third-largest lender said in a statement Thursday.

Zobel de Ayala took a temporary medical leave of absence in August 2022.

tion of the peso.

“The balance of risks to the inflation outlook remains skewed toward the upside. The major upside risks to the inflation outlook are the potential impact of further adjustments in transport fares and electricity rates,” Remolona said.

He said the MB noted that recent indicators of domestic economic activity pointed to waning pent-up demand, even as the impact of prior monetary policy tightening continues to weigh on credit.

“Given these considerations, the Monetary Board deemed it appropriate to maintain its pause amid the emerging upside risks to the inflation outlook. Looking ahead, the BSP stands ready to resume its tightening actions in the face of upside risks and potential secondround effects that could dislodge inflation expectations,” he said.

BPI said Zobel Ayala was elected as a director Wednesday, replacing Romeo Bernardo, who resigned effective Sept. 12, 2023 in view of his appointment to the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

“Zobel was also appointed as a member of the executive committee and personnel and compensation committee vice Bernardo,” it said.

“With his election to BPI’s board of directors, which is subject to confirmation of the Monetary Board, Zobel will no longer be a member of the bank’s Advisory Council,” the bank said.

BPI chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said he was glad to welcome his brother Fernando back to the board of BPI. Julito G. Rada

MORE Electric announces lower rates

MORE Electric and Power Corp. announced Thursday another round of reduction in residential electricity rate for the September 2023 billing cycle by P0.2701 per kilowatt-hour.

MORE Power said its power rates declined to P10.7139 per kWh from P10.9840 per kWh in August.

“This welcome development will be reflected in the billing statements, providing valuable savings for our valued customers,” the company said in a statement.

MORE Power, led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr., is Iloilo City’s power distributor with over 93,000 customers in its franchise area.

The company’s August rates also experienced a price reduction of P0.43333 per kWh from P11.4173 in July.

MORE Power’s electricity rates declined from a high of P13.7214 per kWh in March. Alena Mae S. Flores Vista Land maintains ‘AAA’ credit rating

VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. (VLL) said Thursday credit firm CRISP maintained its highest issue credit rating on the company on continued growth prospects.

BMAP director for programs Judith

memberships Janette Abad Santos, vice president Eric Montelibano, president Mai Gacilo Sangalang, treasurer Emmanuel Mari Valdes, director for publicity and digital marketing Tanya Ansaldo Deakin and election chair Ma. Luz Javier.

DTI endorses SteelAsia’s new mill in Batangas for faster approval

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry said Thursday it endorsed the 500,000-metric ton section mill of SteelAsia Lemery Works Inc. in Lemery, Batangas for faster approval under the Green Lane program.

The Board of Investments, the investment promotion agency of the DTI, awarded the Green Lane certificate of endorsement to SteelAsia chairman and chief executive Benjamin Yao on Sept. 15, 2023.

“Green Lane will be very helpful to the company. We consider it as a ‘win’ for the country and we will convert this

privilege into action,” said Yao.

Yao committed to supporting the goals of developing more infrastructure projects.

SteelAsia is spending P19.3 billion for the establishment of the Lemery plant, with the 500 MT section mill representing a major component of the facility.

The project is expected to start operating by July 2024 and employ 600 personnel and workers from the Lemery and nearby areas.

The plant, which follows a greenfield design, will commission the first sections of production that include the state-of-the-art hot-rolling production

line with an upstream integrated recycling-based steelmaking.

The Lemery plant will be the country’s first steel beam manufacturing facility, with a capacity of producing 1.1 million tons of steel products annually.

It will use the state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF) technology to refine steel which will be used to hot-roll steel sections such as H-beams, I-beams, Ichannels and unequal leg angle bars. Asia’s largest steel conglomerate has several ongoing projects that will buttress its position as the foremost manufacturer and supplier of steel in the region.

Aside from Lemery Works, SteelAsia is also looking forward for the commissioning of the Candelaria Works in Quezon province and Concepcion Works in Tarlac province.

Supporting the company’s integrated steel manufacturing activities is SteelAsia’s network of facilities composed of Meycauyan Works in Bulacan, Calaca Works inside the Calaca Industrial Seaport in Batangas, Carcar Works and Compostela Works in Cebu, Davao works in Bunauan District in Davao City and Villanueva Works which houses SteelAsia’s atest technology called M6 that can process up to 250,000 metric tons of rear annually.

DITO CME signs $3.9-b loan to support telecom business

By Darwin Amojelar

DITO CME Holdings Corp. said

Thursday it signed a $3.9-billion loan facility to support the operations of its telecom subsidiary.

The 15-year long-term project facility will be one of the largest longterm debt arranged and syndicated by a group of multinational banks for a Philippine corporation.

The company said the proceeds would be used to extinguish short-term bridge loan facilities totaling $1.3 billion, with the balance to pay contractors and fund the continuing network rollout of DITO Tel.

resents strategic trust and confidence in the vision of the Company to be a major enabler of digital services in the Philippines,” DITO CME president Ernesto Alberto said.

“The signing of this long-term project finance facility is a key milestone, one that helps ensure future funding activities, in both debt and equity. In combination with the recent equity investments at the DITO CME level, this long-term debt provides DITO Tel with more confidence in achieving its business plan targets at the soonest possible time,” he said.

VLL said in a statement CRISP reaffirmed its ‘AAA’ issuer rating with a stable outlook on the company as it remains a market leader in property development with a nationwide presence in 147 cities and municipalities in 49 of 82 provinces in the country.

CRISP said the property firm has a landbank of over 3,000 hectares, allowing the company strategic flexibility in extending its reach throughout various segments of the property market nationwide. Its recent strategy to shift its focus on vertical housing projects and estate development will enable VLL to maximizes synergy with all its commercial and retail affiliates, it said.

CRISP also noted VLL’s strong profitability even during the pandemic years of 2020 to 2022.

“VLL’s EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] margins showed a consistently strong trajectory, averaging 50.9 percent during the pandemic years 2020-2022,” CRISP said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Phoenix selling ‘certain assets’ to manage debt

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PHOENIX Petroleum Philippines Inc. said Thursday its board approved the management’s decision to sell or transfer certain assets and/or investments.

Phoenix said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the management’s move is pursuant to its financial management program as part of its debt management and funding activities.

It did not provide further details on which assets would be sold.

MANGROVE PROTECTION. Executives of GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co., along with representatives from provincial government of Bataan, municipality of Orani, Department of Environment and Natural Resources lead the implementation of Baka1Bataan, the company’s mangrove adoption and protection project. The P7million project, with a duration of five years and an option for an extension, is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility program.

It said this would further improve the quality of access and user experience and accelerating the take-up of its FWA 5G and mobile postpaid product offerings.

DITO allotted P27 billion for 2023 capital expenditures, lower than last year’s P50 billion.

“This project finance facility rep-

The company earlier said subsidiary DITO Holdings Corp. issued 2.24 billion shares to Summit Global Ltd., an entity organized and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands at P1 per share or a total of P2.4 billion.

DITO CME also sold 610 million shares to Xterra Ventures Ptd. Ltd. and 1.59 billion shares to Summit Telco Corp. Pte. Ltd. for P1 each, raising P2.2 billion.

Aboitiz Equity raises P17.45b from fixed-rate bond sale to buy Coca-Cola bottler stake

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) said Thursday it raised P17.45 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds.

AEV said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the bonds, which were listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp., consist of a base offer of P11 billion and oversubscription of P6.45 billion.

The bonds were issued in three

tranches. The Series “C” bonds due 2025 will pay yearly interest rate of 6.3402 percent; Series “D” bonds, 6.4762 percent; and Series “E” bonds due 2033, 6.8032 per annum.

The company said it would use the net proceeds to pay maturing debt and partially finance the acquisition of a 40-percent stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc.

It said of the P17.45 billion fresh capital raised, P11.39 billion would be al-

lotted for the CCBPI acquisition while P5.85 billion would refinance fixed bonds maturing in November.

The bonds form part of the second and final tranche of retail bonds from the company’s P30-billion bond shelf registration program papered by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2022.

AEV s appointed BDO Capital & Investment Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., BPI Capital Corp., China Bank

Capital Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp. and Union Bank of the Philippines as the joint bookrunners and joint lead underwriters for the offering.

AEV has investments in power generation, infrastructure, property development, financial services and agribusiness.

The conglomerate earmarked P78 billion for 2023 capital expenditures, up 10 percent from P70 billion in 2022.

The oil company posted a net loss of P2 billion in the first half of 2023 as revenues plunged to P27.557 billion from P76.185 billion in the same period last year.

Phoenix earlier committed to investing about P503.5 million as of June 30 for expansion on petroleum retail network, depot, terminal and logistics facilities, information technology infrastructure and other major expansions related to business development.

The company said it plans to expand further its petroleum retail service stations and carry out its investments in its subsidiaries to put up depot and terminalling facilities in strategic locations and complete its chain of logistical support to strengthen its foothold in the industry.

Meanwhile, Phoenix said the board also approved the proposed amendment of the corporation’s articles of incorporation to include the manufacture, processing, sale, marketing and distribution of coco methyl ester (CME).

BSP-BMAP TIE-UP. The Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines directors and officers meet with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (sixth from left), Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier (fifth from left) and managing director and chief of staff Pia Roman Tayag (second from left) to discuss the long-standing BSP-BMAP partnership in the areas of consumer education and protection, financial literacy and inclusion, cybersecurity and fraud campaigns. With the BSP officials are (from left)

Songlingco, director for

SPORTS

Didal tries to shake o 11-month injury layo

HANGZHOU—Skateboarder Margielyn Didal got sidelined by a fractured ankle over a year ago and continues to make progress in a bid to retain her title in the 19th Asian Games.

“I was forced to stop 11 months ago because of my injury. As of now, I’m focused on my recovery to regain my confidence and get comfy with my board,’’ said Didal, who arrived Wednesday and stayed at the Athletes’ Village.

She was designated the country’s flag-bearer with pole vaulter EJ Obiena in the opening ceremony on Saturday at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.

Female shooters Acuna, Quiroz

PH’s best bets for Olympic slots

By Peter Atencio

TWO female shooters have the best chance of earning qualifying points in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the coming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Expected to achieve this are Amparo “Ampao” Acuna and Franchette Quiroz, who left for China on Thursday with a nine-member national shooting delegation.

So far, Acuna is now no. 153 in the Olympic qualification rankings of the 50-meter rifle 3-prone position, and no. 175 in the 10-meter rifle event.

“I have been focusing on my technique and physical conditioning lang as preparations,” said Acuna.

Quiroz is climbing up in the women’s

China’s Xi to meet Assad at Asian Games’ kicko

HANGZHOU—China’s Xi

Jinping will attend the Asian Games opening ceremony in host city Hangzhou and meet Syrian President Bashar alAssad along with other visiting leaders there, state media said Thursday.

President Xi “will attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou from September 22 to 23, and hold a welcome banquet and bilateral activities for foreign leaders visiting China”, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Foreign guests in attendance will include Assad —on his first visit to China since war erupted in Syria in 2011—as well as leaders from ally Cambodia, Kuwait, and Nepal, among others, CCTV said.

The Games were supposed to take place last September but were postponed because of China’s strict zero-Covid regime, before the ruling Communist Party abruptly abandoned the policy.

The 19th edition of the Games, which were first held in New Delhi in 1951, brings together athletes from 45 countries and territories across Asia and the Middle East. AFP

10-meter air pistol rankings, reaching a high of no. 151.

So far, host nation France is guaranteed 12 quota places in the Olympics with one in each of the individual events.

According to the qualification rules for shooting, the highestranked shooter, who has not qualified yet or whose National Olympic Committee (NOC) does not have a berth in any of the twelve individual events, will obtain a direct Olym-

pic quota place through the World Rankings.

The remaining 16 quota places are available to eligible NOCs under the Tripartite Commission Invitation to attain a maximum number of 340.

Last June, Acuna set another Philippine record when she surpassed the qualifying standard for the Hangzhou Asian Games, breaking the Philippine mark that she set last April at 583 points in the 50-meter rifle 3-position event.

Officials of the Philippine National Shooting Association said Acuna’s feat was a point ahead of the previous mark she made at 582 during the tryouts for the national team.

Didal’s victory in the women street event during the 2018 edition of the Games in Indonesia contributed to the four-gold collection of Team Philippines back then that included the individual triumphs of golfer Yuka Saso and Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting. Saso also spearheaded the women’s team gold with Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go.

Didal went through surgery on her fractured left ankle she sustained during the Red Bull Stake Levels tourney last year in Brazil.

“We trained in Thailand before coming here. My goal is to make it to the finals. From there, I’ll try to get to the podium,’’ said Didal.

The participation of the 396 Filipino athletes from 40 sports here is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission. The 24-year-old Cebuana bagged two golds during the Philippine hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in Tagaytay City.

Lyceum skipper: We have a strong lineup

“I know naman na we have the potential kasi sobrang lakas ng lineup namin ngayon,” said team skipper Enoch Valdez of the Gilbert Malabanancoached Pirates.

The Pirates have established a winning tradition since entering the league in 2014 and are considered as a perennial contender in the NCAA men’s basketball competitions.

Their first finals’ stint in 2017 transformed the image of the Pirates as among the tournament favorites.

Valdez is expected to be supported by frontliners John Barba, JM Bravo, Vince Cunanan, Mclaude Guadana, and Shawn Umali.

The Pirates have since fought for the crown twice in 2017 and 2018, and have been in the Final Four thrice after that.

Season 99 will start on September 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with last years’ runners-up College of Saint Benilde taking on the Pirates at 5:30 p.m.

“New Heroes of the Game” serves as the theme for the coming NCAA season, which will be hosted by Jose Rizal University. Peter Atencio

Perpetual Altas still in hunt for elusive crown

By Dennis Abrina

THE Perpetual Help Altas have vowed to be in the thick of the fight in the coming Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

“One thing for sure is that the team will be very competitive this Season 99. We have seasoned players na, they have all played in the NCAA already. It’s a very good season for Team Altas, to get a win and win the first game,” Perpetual Altas head coach Michael ‘Myk’ Saguiguit said.

After finishing seventh with a 7-11 win-loss record in NCAA Season 98, the Altas will be getting a big boost from PBA MVP, Gilas Pilipinas standout and Perpetual alumnus Scottie Thompson, who has been providing sponsors like World Balance and YM Cargo to the team.

“We are now in our final stage of our preparations for defensive and offensive moves and conditioning,” Saguiguit added.

With the exit of four players, Kim Aurin, Lean Martel, Jef Egan and Steven Flores, who finished

their playing years, Saguiguit hopes to rely on 14 holdovers and four rookies, namely Angelo Gelsano, Justin Thompson and Bryle Mascariñas from the Junior Altas and Joshua Ramirez, from Adamson University.

The holdovers include seasoned players, namely 5th year Jielo Razon (Team Captain) and Jasper Cuevas; NCAA Season 98 Defensive Team member Mark Denver Omega; FilOil Ecooil 2023 pre-season mythical team member Pampanga native Arthur Roque II and Cyrus Nitura; Carlo Ferreras; Joey Barcuma; John Cedric Abis; and JP Boral.

The Las Piñas City-based squad will also bank on backcourt holdovers Nathaniel Sevilla, Jearico Nuñez, Christian Pagaran, Shawn Orgo and Richard Movida.

“We were running a system in Seasons 97 and 98, we only used it a bit. It was a little short, but for now we will stick with the system, so one of the players will come out to score and play good defense, even with the second and third stringers,” Saguiguit added.

THE Lyceum Pirates will have a more experienced roster in Season 99 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

The Pirates’ core of six veterans is expected to provided the needed leadership to boost Lyceum’s bid to get back to the finals this year.

ASIAD MASCOTS. The official mascots of the 2022 Asian Games Chenchen, Congcong and Lianlian are displayed at the media village in Hangzhou, China’s eastern Zhejiang province. AFP

Amparo Acuna

Margielyn Didal and manager Anthony Claravall

Players, coaches, officials of the NCAA Season 99 hosted by Jose Rizal University come together during the league’s launching at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Perpetual Help Altas and head coach Myk Saguiguit are shown during their practice session at the Altas gymnasium in Las Piñas City on Thursday, three days before the start of the NCAA Season 99. Dennis Abrina

Lady Altas, Blazers eye V-League title faceoff

Games today

10 a.m. - Perpetual Help vs. FEU (women’s)

12 noon - Benilde vs. UE (women’s)

2 p.m. - FEU vs. UST (men’s)

4 p.m. Ateneo vs. De La Salle (men’s)

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System DALTA and College of Saint Benilde go all-out for a repeat of their Game One feats against Far Eastern U and University of the East, respectively on Friday as they try to arrange a showdown for V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge championship at the Paco Arena in Manila.

CHICAGO— Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka says playing for the United States in next week’s Ryder Cup will bring the same thrill as battling for top individual titles.

The 33-year-old American, who captured his third PGA Championship in May at Oak Hill, will compete in this week’s LIV Golf Chicago tournament before joining the US squad next week in Italy for the Ryder Cup.

Koepka, who has a history of playing his best at majors, has been preparing for weeks to face holders Europe as the Americans seek their first victory on European soil in 30 years.

He sees the Cup as an equal test to a major in those terms.

“I think it is,” Koepka said Wednesday.

“My whole mindset has been to practice for that the last few weeks.

“I think it’s one of the top six, seven, biggest sporting events you can have, so I like it when there’s a little bit more eyeballs, a little bit more pressure.

Koepka gets major-level Ryder thrill playing for US

“It’s obviously different with the whole team thing. Sometimes you don’t play every match so you are just cheerleading from the side, which can be quite fun as well.

“I’ve enjoyed it. It has been great and I’m looking forward to it.”

Koepka was a selection by US captain Zach Johnson after barely missing out on an automatic qualifying spot despite being banned from the PGA Tour after defecting to LIV Golf last year.

Being on the opposite side of the PGA-LIV divide did not give Koepka any problem on a trip two weeks ago to Rome to see the host course before next week’s showdown.

“Good trip,” he said. “Most of the guys were there. Got to see the golf course. It’s pretty difficult, but it will be interesting to see how they set it up.”

When it comes to legacy, Koepka sees the Ryder Cup as much about record. He

played on triumphant US sides in 2016 and 2021 and was also on the American squad that lost in France in 2018.

“Everybody remembers their record, or that’s kind of what you’re known by, wins, losses,” he said. “(Ian) Poulter has pretty much made a career on that.” Koepka isn’t sure that knowing how it feels to lose in Europe will provide extra incentive this time around.

“I’m not sure how many guys have been part of losing teams in Europe. But yeah, it’s definitely a different feeling,” Koepka said. “Losing is no fun but somebody has got it. Hopefully it’s not us this year.” Koepka didn’t approach the Marco Simone course any differently than any other layout he was analyzing ahead of a future event.

“I just treat it like any other course. Just

Superlek expects cautious Rodtang

ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9 believes that he has yet to find a weakness in ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon’s game.

It’s safe to say, then, that Superlek will certainly have his hands full when he challenges for Rodtang’s World Title at ONE Friday Fights 34 inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 22.

“Rodtang has a lot of strengths, he is tough and aggressive. I tried to study him for his weaknesses, but I can’t find it yet,” he said.

“I think he should have a few, but I can’t tell you right now. Let’s find out in the ring.”

But while he still can’t find a

weakness to exploit, Superlek is confident that he won’t be fighting the same old Rodtang.

“The Iron Man” made a name for himself as someone who moves forward without a care in the world while trying to lure his opponents into a scrap.

His ability to take hits has been one of his strongest strengths, while the power in both of his hands has allowed him to finish opponents the moment they show signs of vulnerability.

But in this fight, Superlek expects a more cautious approach.

“I think we’re both equally good at Muay Thai. We can use Muay Thai weapons like punches, kicks, knees, and elbows fluently. But it depends on our style on that day. I

believe Rodtang will not charge [at] me carelessly,” he said.

“You can’t overlook his fight IQ. When he fights differently with Thai and foreign opponents, he is able to adjust his game effectively, and he has his own way of entertaining fans.”

Who knows, fans may even see a reversal of roles this Friday night.

“That day, fans might see me walking toward Rodtang instead. And you might see Rodtang going backward for the first time,” he said.

“I will do my best to make this fight live up to the hype, no matter if I win or lose or I can knock him out or be knocked out. I want everyone to remember me as the one who tries my best to give you the best performance.”

More playing time with the Azkals for Rasmussen

LOCAL teams campaigning in the AFC Champions League got off on the wrong foot, literally, at home.

Both Kaya FC Iloilo and Stallion Laguna FC suffered heavy defeats against visiting opponents. Kaya FC Iloilo dropped a 3-1 result against Shandong Taishan FC at Rizal Memorial Stadium before a big Chinese crowd that made the fixture appear like a “home” game for the visitors last Tuesday. One consolation though from the game is that Philippine Azkals’ mainstay Jarvey Gayoso became the first local player to score a goal at home in the tournament.

Stallion Laguna FC, on the other hand, lost to Bali United, 5-2 in their debut in the biggest club football event in the continent at the Biñan Football Stadium last Wednesday. Stallion stood toe to toe against Bali in the first half, trailing by just a goal, 2-1, before the Indonesians scored three more goals in the 53rd, 69th and 72nd minutes to complete the rout. Abraham Placito took one back in the 88th minute for the final score. Sam Stephen Ngong scored the other goal for the home team in the 29th minute.

Dynamic Herb Cebu FC is the third Pinoy team in the tournament and was playing Phnom Penh Crown of Cambodia as of press time last night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Speaking of playing, Azkals’ forward

Jens Sebastian Rasmussen is back in Denmark to play for Hobro Idræts Klub in the First Division, the second tier of the Danish football league system. Rasmussen has scored four goals in five appearances so far for flag and country and is hoping to net more strikes in the coming friendlies and tournaments for the Azkals.

He said nothing beats scoring for the Philippines especially in front of his family, loved ones and fans in Manila. Sebastian’s mother, Jackielyn Beraque comes from Manila, while his father, Nieis, is from Denmark. He has a younger brother, Noah, who is just 5 years old and also plays football. According to Jackielyn, she is hoping that one day her “bunso” will also play for the Philippine Azkals just like his “kuya”.

“It’s always nice to score goals, but it’s another feeling when you score for your country. It’s more special,” Rasmussen told The Designated Kit Man.

As early as now, Rasmussen assures he will be back with the Azkals next month for a pair of friendlies, on October 12 versus Bahrain and another one against a still unidentified African country a few days later. He said he will always be ready to play for the Philippines.

“The fans are very good. It’s always nice to play for them and also because of my family.

I want to make my family proud in Denmark, but to my family in the Philippines as well. I want to make them proud of me.”

He is also very grateful to Coach Hans Weiss for the kind words he said about him after the Afghanistan friendly. He was also thankful that unlike in the game against Chinese Taipei, he got a longer playing time

against Afghanistan.

“It’s very special for me that he said that and I just want to prove more and score more goals. Be better in every game and even in every single training. It is another motivation for me,” he added.

Weiss earlier said that Rasmussen, Christian Rontini, Santiago Rublico and the other Azkals younglings have a bright future for the national team. As long as the next generation of Philippine Azkals remain committed to the team, stay healthy and further improve their game, Weiss said the Philippines can have a very strong squad in the coming years. Fans also share Weiss’ optimism but despite these huge expectations, Rasmussen remains calm and undaunted.

“Of course, there’s a little bit of pressure on me, but I take it as it comes. I just like it so that I can prove that they are right,” Rasmussen explained.

Rasmussen added that he never thought of playing football for the Philippines. Growing up in Denmark, he said he played football like every kid in Aarhus. At five, he started playing for Havndal Udbyneder IF. In October 2021, he made his debut in the national team suiting up for the under-23 squad in the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. In December 2022, Rasmussen made his debut with the Philippine Azkals scoring a brace and notching an assist in 5-1 win against Vietnam.

Since then, Rasmussen has earned the love and respect of Azkals fans with his play.

“I wasn’t thinking about that (playing for the national team) because in the beginning I was just in a normal team. I just want to build myself and hopefully play at the highest level. I was given the opportunity to do

that now,” he said. “I promise to give my 100% in each match that I play and I will try to do my best. I will always be thankful, learn from what our coaches tell us and from the experiences, while playing with the Azkals in front of the fans.”

Rasmussen, however, has one wish in suiting up with the Azkals next month. And that is he will be given a longer playing time. He is hoping that he will be considered as a starter for the team in the Azkals’ upcoming games. But in the meantime, Rasmussen would like to help his team rack some wins and improve their chances of finishing the season on high. His team currently sits in 5th place with five wins and four losses. Hobro is just six points behind current leader Aab Fodbold and just three points behind second-running Sønderjyske Fodbold. He says competition in the league is quite high, but he is hoping that he can help his team as the season goes on.

“We lost our last game, 1-nil in the last minute. We are number five now out of 12 teams but the top six are closely separated by just a few points. We still have a chance for a better result,” he added.

Incidentally, Ramussen’s Azkals’ teammate Daisuke Sato also played in Denmark. The defender suited up for AC Horsens, which is also seeing action in the Danish First Division, a few years back. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

The Lady Altas upended the topseeded Lady Tamaraws in a thriller of a duel, 25-21, 28-26, 26-24, in their bestof-three series opener last Wednesday with the Las Piñas-based squad confident but wary of the latter’s threat in their 10 a.m. encounter.

“Gusto ko lang maging consistent pa sila sa loob ng game. Mabawasan pa ‘yung errors. Ako kasi as a coach gusto kong mas maging perfect, pero if hindi naman pwedeng mangyari, bawasan na lang. Nakita ko naman ‘yun kanina,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta on what the Lady Altas must to score another win and advance to the finals of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Reigning NCAA MVP Mary Rhose Dapol, whose 13-hit, nine excellent digs and eight receptions helped power Perpetual Help past FEU, is again expected to lead the team’s assault and draw FEU’s defense in an attempt to give the other Lady Altas scoring opportunities.

But expect the Lady Tamaraws to deliver their counter-punch with Kezia Bedonia and Faida Bakanke hoping to get the support from the rest of the squad lacking in their previous outing.

On the other hand, the Lady Blazers, last season’s bronze medalists, shoot for a season sweep against the UE Lady Warriors in a 12 noon clash also tipped to go down-to-the-wire.

Clo Mondeñedo will again stand at the forefront of CSB’s attack as the Lady Blazers aim to score a follow-up to their 25-22, 25-13, 25-12 win over UE and Caseiy Dongallo last Wednesday and seal their stint in the finals of the tournament sponsored by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, and Mikasa.

Despite early Messi exit, Miami put four past Toronto

FORT LAUDERDALE—Inter

Miami shrugged off an injury concern to Lionel Messi to boost their Major League Soccer playoff hopes with a a 4-0 thrashing of Toronto FC 4-0 on Wednesday.

Messi returned to the starting line-up after skipping Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at Atlanta due to muscle fatigue but left the field in the 38th minute looking uncomfortable.

His former Barcelona teammate, Spaniard Jordi Alba who had also sat out the trip to Atlanta, also limped off three minutes earlier in the game.

Miami coach Gerardo Martino said the pair are now ruled out for Sunday’s Florida derby with Orlando City and was uncertain about their involvement in next week’s US Open Cup final.

“We have to go day by day, see the doctor’s report, what they tell us and we will decide. Obviously, there is no ‘chance’ that they will be there on Sunday,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s anything new or bigger than what they had been having. It’s just fatigue, I don’t think there is a muscular injury,” he said, defending the decision to play them.

“Everything was in place for the players to play ... There is no possibility (that they were pressured to play). If we made them play it was because they were fit to play”

“After talking to them, I don’t have the same pessimism I had when I had to take them out,” he said.

Despite the blow of losing their star and one of their most influential players, Miami swept aside the Eastern Conference’s bottom club with ease, Messi’s replacement Robert Taylor scoring twice after coming on. AFP

SENDOFF. Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Cong. Robbie Puno and ABAP chairman Ricky Vargas host a sendo dinner for the Hangzhou, China Asian Games-bound national boxers and coaches, bannered by Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and bronze medal winner Eumir Felix Marcial. Also in attendance are ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo, ABAP treasurer Karina Picson and nutritionist Jeaneth Aro. Six ABAP men’s boxers and three women will plunge into action in the boxing competition from September 24 to October 5 at the Hangzhou Gymnasium. ABAP photo

Brooks Koepka

figure out those two days, figure out where I want to put the ball in the fairway. Then it comes pretty easy,” Koepka said. AFP

Superlek Kiatmoo9

ENTERTAINMENT

revisits passion for dancing Marian Rivera

By Nickie Wang

TV ACTRESS Marian Rivera’s rise to TikTok stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, and her willingness to engage with her fans and take their requests into account has endeared her even more to her growing online fanbase.

She currently boasts an impressive 6.7 million followers on the platform, and her three featured videos, in which she is casually dressed in a loose shirt, jogger pants, and a baseball cap, have collectively garnered over 350 million views. In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Marian shared her thoughts on being tagged as the “Queen of Tiktok” in the Philippines. She humbly remarked in the vernacular, “I suddenly felt shy, but I’m just enjoying myself. It’s only been

a month since I started consistently posting content,” she continued.

The persistent requests from her followers had been urging her to start posting on TikTok for quite some time, and she eventually decided to take the plunge last month. Initially, she confessed to feeling quite shy, but then she thought, ‘Why not?’

“They’ve been urging me to start posting for a while now, so I finally decided to give it a try last month. I’ve always had a passion for dancing, so I

Noel Cabangon shines as songwriter

MANY people may have presumed that vocally gifted singer Noel Cabangon also wrote what became his signature hit: “Kanlungan.” Truth is, his bandmate in Buklod Rom Dongeto, penned it. That, and Noel’s stirring renditions of other people’s popular hits has remarkably turned him into an A-list cover act.

In other words, Noel is hardy recognized as a songwriter himself. To prove that point, his next four most streamed songs on Spotify are all covers.

Enter Noel’s current label Icons Music (a division of Widescope Entertainment) which sees him differently, or in a way benefiting his songwriting side.

“I have been wanting to release my own compositions and Widescope is making it happen. I am grateful that they opened the door and let me in,” shared the easy-listening favorite who just months ago came out with his original “Kung Ako.”

His latest one “H’wag Kang Mag-Alala” had been dropped last Friday (September 15). It showcases his songwriting ability to the fore, with its strong chorus recall: Aalayan ka, dadamayan ka/ Pagsisikapan ka sa habang panahon/ Ipaglalaban ka hanggang sa huling hininga/ Ito ang aking sumpa, tunay na pagsinta.”

Noel’s skills as a tunesmith and lyricist have earned the full support of Widescope bosses, namely, Vic de Vera (executive producer), Neil Gregorio (supervising producer), and Ebe Dancel (artist and repertoire).

For the new single, with music insiders

believing it has the potential to be a major hit, the singer-songwriter got strong help from producer/arranger/mixing engineer Marlon Barnuevo, and the musicians who played on the track: Gino Madrid (electric guitar), Janby Teodoro (bass), Jazz Nicolas (drums), Carlo Tuazon (violin 1), Chino David (violin 2), Rey Casey Concepcion (viola), Theodore Amper (cello), and Barnuevo himself (synths, programming). On working with Ebe who’s among the most respected songwriters in the Philippine music scene, Noel noted, “I am happy that Ebe is involved. He is an artist himself and he knows what an artist wants.

“Hwag Kang Mag-alala,” from the creator himself, is a lifetime assurance of a commitment – to take care of your loved ones. Noel added, “This reflection came at a time when we were all experiencing isolation.” That’s saying he transformed the lockdown days into an inspiration that brings wonderful joy.

With nearly 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, with “Kanlungan” enjoying more than 12 million streams, Noel has remained relevant among listeners, including the youngest generation that keeps clicking to hear what he has to offer. He expressed, “These numbers are great. In this time of stiff competition and the new generation of markets taking over, I am more than happy to have this number of streams. This gives me more encouragement to create and release more songs as long as I can and as long as there are those who want to listen to my music.”

In the gig scene, Noel said he is currently taking more private gigs. Some of those open to the public include his upcoming shows at My Bro’s Mustache in Quezon City on September 30 and Super Sam in BGC, Taguig City on October 13. He will do a few shows in Australia come November.

Needless to say, Noel calmly sits where he is at. Being with Icons Music puts his legacy in a secure place. That he is focusing on songwriting and assured of an outlet to carry his work should put him in a safe spot countless Filipino songwriters can only dream of. He said, “For me, being able to release a new work from my soul is more than special, and (it is already) a big hit.”

decided to revisit it. I also want to connect with my followers; I read their comments. So, if they’re requesting MariMar , I’ll definitely deliver that for them,” she said alluding to the theme song of the series that cemented her moniker as the Kapuso Primetime Queen. The spotlight shone on Marian’s TikTok dance moves during the Solmux Advance Jam event at SM The Block on September 16. The event introduced the latest addition to the Solmux range of over-the-counter medicines, with the theme “Ubo Free, Ganap Ready.” The event was hosted by Mikey Bustos and Dr. Kilimanguru and featured social media personalities like CK De Leon,

Kapuso actress Marian Rivera treats fans with her dance covers on Tiktok

Marian's Tiktok account has amassed over 6.7 million followers

Charlize Ruth, and Dr. Dex Macalintal.

Shoppers momentarily paused their activities to catch a glimpse of Marian, who captivated the audience with her dance performance on stage.

Meanwhile, as a health advocate, Marian emphasized that she never compromises on her family’s well-being, even when it comes to addressing a cough. She likened it to a fire that can escalate rapidly.

Marian stressed the importance of promptly addressing cough with phlegm, as neglecting it could lead to conditions such as flu, pneumonia, or bronchitis. Thus, she underscored the significance of having an advanced solution at hand.

Mae confidently applies as a receptionist to uncover the secrets of this exclusive destination.

The adventure continues as Philippines’ Number 1 visits Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Province to experience their most celebrated food festival – the Pancit Batil Patung Festival. Celebrity chef JR Royol traverses the streets of Tuguegarao to find the oldest pancit batil patung recipe in town. He even tries the traditional way of cooking noodles called kinabayu. Chef JR also joins the Batil Patung Eating Contest, wherein he needs to finish a huge bowl of batil patung in just three minutes. Meanwhile, famous vlogger Agassi Ching boldly takes on the Ultimate Pancit Batil Patung Mukbang Challenge and indulges in the delicious local cuisine.

New online series discovers the best of PH

FOLLOWING the success of “Pinoy Christmas in our Hearts,” YouTube Philippines ties up again with GMA Public Affairs for Philippines’ Number 1 The special online series, which features the country’s “best” as creatively explored by celebrity content creators is set to be exclusively available on the GMA Public Affairs YouTube

channel beginning today.

For its opening salvo, actress and comedian Rufa Mae Quinto sets foot in the municipality of El Nido, Palawan. During her visit, Rufa Mae stumbles upon a “secret place” that locals claim is one of the places where you can experience the ultimate island vacation. Intrigued by this information, Rufa

Filipinos have yet to identify a national dish, but it will probably be Adobo if there’s a frontrunner dish. For the locals of Silay City in Negros Occidental, almost everything can be Adobo – chicken, pork, shellfish, vegetables, rabbit, duck, etc. They even hold a festival wherein different versions of Pinoy Adobo are served. Chef vloggers RV Manabat and Abi Marquez go to Silay City for a one-onone adobo cooking showdown. But to spice up things, Chef RV and Abi are not given any ingredients. The two chefs need to harvest their ingredients.

Dashing Misters of Filipinas 2023

THE country’s premier male pageant, celebrating a ‘decade of masculinity with responsibility,’ crowned five new Misters of Filipinas 2023 titlists during an exciting Coronation Night held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City on Sunday. Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, took home the top title of Man of the World Philippines 2023, edging out 33 other candidates. Cabungcal is a member of B&B Models Cebu and studied BS Civil Engineering at Silliman University. Hot favorite Godfrey Nikolai Murillo of Macabebe, Pampanga, was named Mister Fitness Supermodel World Philippines 2023. Murillo is a graduate of BS Tourism Management at La Consolacion University Philippines. Model Lloyd Figueras of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte won Mister Teenager Universe Philippines 2023. A radio broadcasting journalist, Figueras actively works as a tourism ambassador of the province of Ilocos Norte. Newbie actor Adrian Joseph ‘Drei’ Arias was named Mister Tourism Culture Universe Philippines 2023. A native of Malolos, Bulacan, Arias is a graduate of a degree in Theater Arts at Bulacan State University. He starred in Tim Muñoz’ Don Filipo (2021), Neil ‘Buboy’ Tan’s Bingwit (2022), and Bong Ramos’ Baka Sakali (2023). Model RJ De Vera of Gerona, Tarlac, was named Mister Man Hot Star Philippines 2023.

He completed a degree in Elementary Education. Brent Dalman of Cebu City, and James Harley Lajos of Gerona, Tarlac, finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.

Named in the Top 12 were Marvin Diamante of Laguna, Nico Librojo of Quezon City, Nikko Nackaerts of Taytay, Rizal, Hans Christian Tarona of Talisay City, and Charlon Guanga of Subic, Zambales.

* * * Victory bash at Urban Smiles 10th Anniversary celebration

A star-studded event celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Urban Smiles Dental Clinic, one of the country’s most trusted dental chains, was held at the Grand Ballroom of SEDA Vertis North on Monday, graced by the new Misters of Filipinas 2023 winners in a victory bash appearance a day after their coronation. Urban Smile, headed by Dr. Ralph Figaroa

Delas Alas or simply called Dr. RFD and Ruel Apostol, announced its goal to redefine the dental and oral care landscape with pioneering technology, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), to position the Philippines as a premier dental tourism destination.

“We will treasure the camaraderie, unity, and friendship we formed during our pageant journey, and will surely miss all the wonderful experiences with our co-candidates,” the five newly crowned winners said in unison.

The anniversary occasion was attended by Alfred Vargas III, 5th District Councilor, and Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, with celebrities including Coco Martin, Vice Ganda, Moira dela Torre, and Zeinab Harake. PEPPS president and Misters of Filipinas founder Carlo Morris Galang also graced the event along with the present kings of Misters of Filipinas.

Nickie Wang Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

OPM singer Noel Cabangon

Marian shares the stage with her fans during the event

The Kapuso Primetime Queen graces the Solmux Advance Jam event at SM The Block Rufa Mae Quinto (middle) leads GMA Public Affairs' newest special online series, 'Philippines Number 1'

The Misters of Filipinas 2023 winners

Nickie Wang Editor

Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

For some, baking becomes an escape from their problems and stress

Baking for healing How

baking served as therapy during the 2020 lockdown

THREE years ago, I was one of those who joined the baking bandwagon while the whole nation was on lockdown. I remember mastering the art of making ube cheese and the classic pan de sal with just the help of YouTube tutorials.

At a time of growing anxiety over the uncertainty of the health situation back then (there were no vaccines yet, and the number of cases was alarming), baking has been a sanctuary, my sweet

Ube pandesal became one of the comfort food trends during the pandemic

escape from all the chaos. The soothing rhythm of measuring ingredients, the gentle whirr of the mixer, and the warmth that covers the kitchen as the oven preheats—all these elements combine to form what seemed like therapy to me.

When life gets overwhelming, I realized, one can find solace in doing something mindful like kneading dough. There’s something profoundly calming about feeling the soft, pliable texture yield beneath our fingertips. It’s as if with every roll of the rolling pin, we’re releasing tension and anxiety, transforming them into something tangible and consumable (much better if delicious!).

The art of baking demands mindfulness, something we all need these days as the world opens up again and busyness gets the better of us. Precise measurements demand careful attention so each step forces us to be present in the moment, shutting out the worries that often occupy our minds. The process becomes a meditation, a way to reconnect with ourselves. And then, there’s the scent –the aroma of freshly baked bread, cookies, or cake. In my case, nostalgia fills the air and wraps me in a comforting

One

embrace, like a warm hug from a dear friend. It’s a fragrance that speaks of home, of love, and of simple pleasures. The act of decorating a cake or meticulously piping frosting onto cookies is a form of creative expression. It’s a canvas where we can bring our imagination to life, experimenting with colors, shapes, and designs. Each finished creation is a testament to patience, artistry, and the ability to find beauty in the small details.

Finally, there’s the joy of sharing. Baking not only heals the soul but allows us to bring happiness to others. Whether it’s a batch of cookies for a friend in need or a cake for a family gathering, the act of giving is a source of deep satisfaction. It reminds us that even in our own struggles, we can bring a little sweetness into someone else’s day. Baking as therapy isn’t just about making edible treats, it’s about nourishing the soul. It’s about finding peace in the process, creating beauty from simplicity, and spreading warmth and love one bite at a time.

By Nickie Wang

THE “mompreneurs” of Madiskarte Moms (MMPH), a Filipino online community, are making a positive impact by nurturing a supportive ecosystem and focusing on social change while balancing their home lives.

At the second annual Gawad Madiskarte, which celebrates innovative mompreneurs, eight exceptional women stood out for their businesses’ transformative influence, not only on their own lives but also within their communities. Gawad Madiskarte was launched by PLDT Home in 2022 to honor and motivate aspiring female entrepreneurs.

During the awards luncheon, the audience, many of whom were dedicated mompreneurs themselves, were deeply moved by the winners’ stories of hardship and triumph, often shedding tears.

Winners in the Start-Up and Scale-Up categories received P100,000 each, while three Special Award recipients were granted P50,000 each by PLDT Home, along with an exquisite trophy by sculptor Ram Mallari Additionally, each winner received a one-year PLDT Home Fiber subscription, an ASUS laptop, and a one-year Canva Pro subscription.

In the Start-Up category, Diskarteng Angat was awarded to Catherine K. Fabello of Cami Candles; Diskarteng Digital went to Eraiza Camille A. Ramos of Eleira’s Crochet; and Diskarteng May-Puso went to Joelle Dianne F. Venegas of Golden Pots Agriculture.

In the Scale-Up category, the award for Diskarteng Angat was given to Irene D. Herrero of Jacob’s Gourmet Food; Diskarteng Digital went to Rojerette May MartinPimentel of Moms@Work Management Consultancy Firm and DigiTalent; and

By Angelica Villanueva

Diskarteng May-Puso went to Erica Joana

Angela Redrico of Produkto PH. Gawad Madiskarte also gave special awards to three mompreneurs. Diskarteng Malikhain went to Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles of HERS by Godfather; Diskarteng Pasulong was awarded to Jazel T. Gallaza of Kapekoh; and Diskarteng Homebiz to Eraiza Camille A. Ramos of Eleira’s Crochet.

Actress Marjorie Barretto, one of this year’s Gawad Madiskarte judges, told the women during the awarding, “I want to be like all of you. It was so hard to judge the entries— it took me several days. I read all your stories and sineryoso ko.”

Barretto herself is an entrepreneur with her own online home and clothing brand called Everything Avery. Joining her as judges were Maxine Loyola, AVP & Head of PLDT Home Marketing Public Relations, Influencer Marketing and Brand Advocacies; entrepreneurs Jorge Wieneke and Jenny Wieneke; Janine Khazaiealiabady, owner of Massage MNL; Donna Nievera-Conda president and co-CEO of Stratworks, Inc.; and Maisie Littaua, Head of Growth for Canva Philippines.

“Big dreams often start with small beginnings, and we have mompreneurs to prove that. They have shown us that motherhood is not an obstacle but the inspiration to do things better at work and in life,” PLDT Home Senior Manager Linette Garcia-Perez said after the awards.

“They have shown us that the love they pour into their families is the same love that fuels their entrepreneurial spirit. For that, we are all grateful.”

Mompreneurs who are already working hard or still aspiring can get the support they need from fellow moms by joining the Madiskarte Moms PH group on Facebook and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

IN LINE with its commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative excellence, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. unveiled this year’s theme for the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA).

Under the banner of ‘Converge: Championing Purposeful Design,’ Nippon Paint invites the brightest and most creative interior designers and architects in the country to utilize their talents to transform future environments and create a significant impact on succeeding generations. This can be achieved through practical design solutions that address the pressing issues of our time.

True to its commitment, Nippon also aimed to promote Filipino designs with cross-learning opportunities, leadership mentoring, and onboarding experience that AYDA could offer.

This year’s theme focuses on finding the core of every student, what they believe in, and their journey before manifesting them into their design.

For 15 years, AYDA has served as the platform for aspiring architecture and interior design students to find inspiration and

Retail giants partner for cleaner Manila Bay

WATSONS Philippines, the leading brand in health, wellness, and beauty retail, continues to demonstrate its commitment to the environment through its annual coastal clean-up initiative. This endeavor reflects Watsons’ ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on both the planet and the community.

This year, Watsons joined forces with SM for the International Coastal Cleanup celebration at SM by the Bay, held on September 16. Recognizing the potential for a greater impact through collective action, Watsons, an affiliate of SM, collaborated as one of the teams that successfully contributed and collected an impressive 66,200 kilograms of trash during the activity.

The focal point of this year’s coastal clean-up was the iconic Manila Bay coastline, a heavily frequented area by the public. Watsons, along with the entire team, is dedicated to ensuring the continued cleanliness, beauty, and safety of this cherished destination.

“As a part of Watsons’ sustainability goals, we are committed to help clean up the environment, especially our waterways. One of the goals we’ve set for ourselves is to be able to collect 65,000kg of trash by 2030. It looks like a big goal to achieve but with our partnership with SM for the International Coastal Clean Up, we are one step closer to

that,” says Senior Sustainability Manager, Lexie Coloma

A total of 12,580 volunteers, including Watsons employees, suppliers, partners, media representatives, and even social media influencers, gathered at dawn to contribute to this meaningful event and do their part in environmental preservation.

During the program, officials from DENR and the Coastguard conducted a brief orientation on coastal cleanup, emphasizing the proper care of our oceans and the importance of reducing plastic consumption. Participants were also encouraged to adopt the 3Rs - Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle.

Watsons not only encourages its employees to participate in the yearly

coastal clean-up but also integrates sustainability practices into their daily routines. “Ninety-eight percent of Watsons’ employees are trained in sustainability practices. As a company committed to doing good, our employees are empowered and provided opportunities to incorporate sustainability into their professional and personal lives,” Coloma added. In addition to actively organizing and participating in coastal clean-ups, Watsons offers other sustainability programs like Recycle for Rewards and Trash to Cash. These initiatives incentivize customers to recycle in exchange for special Watsons deals. Furthermore, Watsons has partnered with Plastic Bank with the ambitious goal of collecting and recycling 40 million plastic bottles by 2030.

develop their skills through cross-learning opportunities and networking with key industry professionals, as well as their peers.

“It started with a simple mission, that is to inspire students to develop their skills on a competitive platform and connect them to knowledge of successful approaches that are emerging in architecture and interior design,” Nippon Paint Philippines

general manager Chen Lee Siong shared during the announcement of AYDA.

Siong also added that more than being a competition, AYDA became a collaborative network of professionals, architects, interior designers, industry associations, schools, and students who worked together to raise the next generation of socially conscious designers.

“It has become a platform that challenges young designers to conceptualize designs that go beyond aesthetics and create works that make [a] significant impact in the society and communities,” Sion stated.

On the other hand, Giselle Campos, sales and marketing manager of Nippon Paint Philippines, said that AYDA aimed to help shape a future where designers, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, cultures, and geographic origins, can engage in mutual learning and collectively address the profound and shared societal challenges.

“Today, as designers face the challenge of providing a balance between sustainability and urbanization, and at a when digitalization has already taken over interpersonal bonding, we believe that going local should also be considered fit for global appreciation,” Campos continued.

The design competition is open to all interior design students in their second year and above, as well as architecture students in their third year and above. Upon the time of submission, participants must have been enrolled in interior design, architecture, and/or other relevant courses at an educational institution. They must also have less than a year of professional working experience.

AYDA winners will receive a cash prize of P50,000 and an internship opportunity at top design and architectural companies headed by the AYDA judges.

More than that, winners will also get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go abroad to compete against AYDA Gold Awardees from 14 other countries and be named as the “Asia Young Designer of the Year.”

This distinction comes with an all-expense-paid, threeweek learning experience under the Design Discovery Program of the Harvard University School of Design in the United States.

The deadline for submission of entries will be until January 31. Each student is allowed to submit only one entry.

To learn more about AYDA, students can visit https:// ayda-awards.com/competition-details.

Watsons employees turning over the trash that they have picked-up during the International Coastal Cleanup event in SM by the Bay

A polymer clay art made by the author

Celebrating women entrepreneurs making a difference