Manila Standard - 2023 October 16 - Monday

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• ‘Mass displacement’ in Gaza • Israel ground invasion looms • US evacuation starts today VOL. XXXVII • NO. 244• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH raises Alert Level 4 over Gaza All 131 Filipinos have left the area as gov’t triggers forced repatriation

By Rey E. Requejo

A

LL 131 Filipinos have left northern Gaza where an Israeli ground attack seemed imminent as the Department of Foreign Affairs raised crisis alert level 4 in the Palestinian enclave on

Sunday.

The Philippine government, however, is still trying to find ways to implement the mandatory repatriation, the DFA said.

The DFA said 78 of the 131 Filipinos are near the Rafah border crossing near Egypt, while 53 have also left Gaza City, which is expected to be the main site of the hostilities between Israeli troops

and Hamas terrorists.

“The Philippine government continues to work on the repatriation of our nationals and will provide updates on developments,” the DFA said in a statement.

Israel and Egypt have closed their borders to the Next page

MIRACLE SURVIVOR.

A man carries a young Palestinian girl after she was rescued from under the rubble of a home following an Israeli attack on the town of Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on October 15, 2023.

Thousands of Palestinians have gathered in the south of the Gaza Strip, laying out beds on the streets after UN-run schools filled up following Israel's warning to evacuate the north of the impoverished enclave. AFP

ISRAEL'S order to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip has triggered "mass displacement" towards the south of the Palestinian enclave, the United Nations said Sunday.

Israel has warned 1.1 million Palestinian civilians to leave northern Gaza and a steady stream of families in overloaded cars, trucks and donkey carts have since headed south.

"Mass displacement from the north to the south of the Gaza Strip has been ongoing since...

Friday morning, after Israel ordered residents to evacuate the areas ahead of military operations," the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said in an update.

"Humanitarian partners report that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has risen significantly over the last 24 hours.

However, the exact number is unknown."

Israeli forces were Sunday readying for a looming Gaza ground invasion aimed at destroying Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group that unleashed the bloodiest attack in the country's history.

In the eight days since Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,300 Israelis in their surprise onslaught, Israel has responded with a devastating bombing campaign that has claimed over 2,300 lives in Gaza.

Entire Gaza city blocks lie in ruins and hospitals are overflowing with thousands of wounded in the besieged territory, but there were fears of worse to come.

A bereaved and infuriated Israel has massed forces outside the long-blockaded enclave of 2.4 million people ahead of what the army has said will be a land, air and sea attack involving a "significant ground operation."

Next page

Manibela calls off Palace meeting, begins strike today

By Rio N. Araja, Vince Lopez and Darwin G. Amojelar

TRANSPORT STRIKE ON, BUT GOV’T VOWS NO PARALYSIS. Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Land Transportation Office head Vigor Mendoza, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes join hands with members of the Magnificent 7 transport group network in ensuring the public there will be no transport paralysis today (Oct. 16, 2023) despite the nationwide strike led by the Manibela group. Manny Palmero

THE leader of the transport group Manibela on Sunday called off a meeting in Malacañang a day before a planned strike, claiming there were corrupt officials involved that he would eventually name.

“There are people who do not want to resolve [the issue] since their corruption might get exposed,” said Mar Valbuena, president of the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers in an interview with radio dzBB. “I will name them very soon. They are actually corrupt.”

Manibela earlier announced they would go on strike Oct. 16 over allegations of corruption in the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in a move that could affect 600 routes in Luzon.

But the so-called Magnificent 7composed of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Next page

LTFRB ‘whistleblower’ asks NBI to postpone probe House website

By Rio N. Araja and hacked, defaced Macon Ramos-Araneta and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) official has requested a postponement of an Jeff Tumbado confirmed that he has impending investigation. received a subpoena from the National The NBI subpoena details Tumbado's Next page Former Land Transportation Franchising Bureau of Investigation (NBI), but

Palace declares food stamp as flagship program

By Vince Lopez

WORLD FOOD DAY WALK. Doctors, nurses, health workers, health students, and health advocates led by the Justice for Negros Campaign group launch the ‘Walk for Negros' ahead of World Food Day’ on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Manila. The group notes increased hunger in Negros due to lack of food security and land problems.

Norman Cruz

MALACAÑANG has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 44 declaring the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” as a flagship program of the administration through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“The DSWD shall undertake the necessary steps for the successful Next page

THE website of the House of Representatives was hacked Sunday, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said.

“Immediate steps have been taken to address the issue,” Velasco said in a statement.

He said the House is working closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter.

Visitors to the House website found this message: "YOU'VE BEEN HACKED. YOU'VE BEEN HACKED. HAVE A NICE DAY." It was accompanied by a caricature of a laughing man.

Below it was the message: "HAPPY APRIL FULLZ KAHIT OCTOBER PALANG! HACKED BY 3MUSKETEERZ 15-October-2023 || 11:31:24 AM" Next page

Screenshot of the defaced website of the House of Representatives

NEWS

A2 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH issues ‘radio challenges’ vs. Chinese vessel

By Vince Lopez

"The Philippine Navy (PN)'s BRP People’s Liberation Army Navy 621 Benguet warned off and issued con- (PLAN 621) after it shadowed the secutive radio challenges to China’s former at an 80-yard distance and

attempted to cross LS-507's bow with a CPA (closest point of approach) of 350 yards at 5.8 nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island on Friday, October 13," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Ileto said yesterday.

BRP Benguet was en route to Rizal Reef Station for its regular rotation and resupply mission when the tailing occurred between 1:40 p.m. and 5:04 p.m. Friday, Ileto said.

"The PN crew cited the violation

of the collision regulations in its radio challenges, and demanded that the Chinese vessel steer clear of the BRP Benguet," he added.

Instead of changing its course, BRP Benguet received a counter-response from PLAN 621 using its "ten-dash line” narrative.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., for his part, asked China to cease such dangerous maneuvers and aggressive actions toward Philippine vessels.

He added the potential for collision

and accident at sea further highlights the urgency for China to uphold maritime safety standards.

“These dangerous and offensive maneuvers by China's PLAN not only risk collision but also directly endanger the lives of maritime personnel from both sides. The AFP remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during RoRe missions and asserts that it will continue to adhere to the rules-based international order,” Brawner said.

go home.

Their repatriation will be shouldered by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Although the situation in Israel is more stable than in Gaza, the DFA advised against traveling to the conflicttorn country.

“The situation in Israel is not a big problem if it refers to the evacuation of nationals because the situation there is more stable and we’re ready to repatriate them and we don’t expect big numbers,” De Vega earlier said in a

Palace media briefing.

Three Filipinos have already died— killed by Hamas terrorists who poured into Israel from Gaza and slaughtered civilians in their homes and at a music festival and took hostages.

Israel has announced it is activating a ground offensive against the Hamas group, and has given those in Gaza a deadline to evacuate the city.

It has been more than a week since the Palestine militant group Hamas struck Israel with a barrage of air, sea, and ground rockets, then sent gunmen into Israeli territory to sow terror among its civilians.

In retaliation, Israel launched air strikes on Hamas positions in Gaza and cut off electricity, water, and food to Gaza, warning 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to flee south.

The OWWA said Sunday the repatriation of the remains of three Filipinos who were killed in Israel may take longer due to the ongoing war.

OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio said they are still exploring ways to repatriate the bodies at the earliest time.

“Under normal circumstances, [repatriation] would only take about a

week. But now, because there is a war and the situation is extraordinary, it will probably take some time. That will take longer than one week,” Ignacio said in an interview with radio dzBB. The three Filipino fatalities were identified as Loreta Alacre, a caregiver from Negros Oriental; Angeline Aguirre, a nurse; and Paul Vincent Castelvi, a 42-year-old caregiver.

Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said earlier that the repatriation of affected OFWs and the Filipino fatalities may be done through the same flight.

Manibela...

from various provinces and cities also declared no classes on all levels, public or private; Pampanga from Oct. 16-17, Santa Rosa Laguna, Lingayen Pangasinan, Angeles City from October 16-17, Cabuyao City and Marikina City.

Meanwhile, Dagupan City in Pangasinan suspended face-to-face classes for public elementary and high schools, and in Binmaley, Pangasinan, classes are suspended from preschool to senior high schools both public and private.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., however, played down the scheduled strike, saying 95 percent of transport groups will continue to operate.

Abalos made this announcement after meeting with the Magnificent 7 and the UV Express Group.

Abalos said they discussed other matters aside from the strike, including concerns over “kotong” or bribery.

"We will create a technical working group to address the issues being raised by our transport group leaders," he said.

"Our President is happy with our partnership because we have discussed a lot and we see the importance of dialogue," he added.

Still, Abalos said preparations were made to cope with the transport strike.

A multi-agency command center will be set up at the New MMDA Head Office in Pasig City to monitor the situation during the transport strike.

Vehicles are positioned at strategic areas and are ready to be dispatched as necessary.

Acting chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Don Artes also played down the impact of the transport strike.

"The government will not be held hostage by people whose only self-interest is being promoted," he said.

Meanwhile, leaders of the transport groups who met with Abalos thanked the secretary for his commitment to address their concerns.

Obet Martin of Pasang Masda said their groups are one with the government in pushing for transport reforms nationwide.

"We call on all our members across the country, we don't want to torture our riders. We will not participate in the strike tomorrow. Instead, we are united with the government in the development of transportation in our country," Martin said.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, meanwhile, said his department has contingency plans in place in case the strike paralyzes transportation in some areas.

Bautista added that the agency coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP), MMDA, Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office, LTFRB, Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, Philippine Coast Guard as well as other local government agencies to mitigate the impact of the strike.

LTFRB...

of the DICT, said the agency has been informed of the cybersecurity incident that occurred at the House of Representatives.

“We are currently investigating the extent of the said incident and we shall provide further updates to the public as soon as they become

available," he added.

Late last month, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) said hackers had threatened to expose confidential data it had stolen from the state-owned agency if it did not pay a $300,000 ransom.

Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday said that one of its transport vessels, BRP Benguet, issued "consecutive radio challenges" to a Chinese naval vessel for shadowing while near the Pag-asa Island on Friday.

PH...

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Gaza Strip, fearing that Hamas terrorists will slip into their countries along with refugees.

On Friday, the DFA said at least eight overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were set to leave Israel today (Oct. 16) as part of the efforts of the administration to bring them to safety amid the ongoing conflict.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said 22 Filipinos from Israel have expressed their intention to

‘Mass...

From A1

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wearing a flak jacket, visited front line troops Saturday. "Are you ready for what is coming?" he said. "More is coming."

Special forces have made forays into Gaza and recovered the bodies of some of the up to 150 hostages feared taken by Hamas, the army said. Israel has said it has identified 120 captives, while Hamas has claimed 22 have died in Israeli air strikes.

A ground invasion threatens to bring the kind of grueling house-to-house fighting that devastated Iraq's Mosul and Fallujah in years past, further complicated by Hamas' vast tunnel network.

Meanwhile, convoys of humanitarian aid stacked up near Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip on Sunday, unable to enter the Palestinian enclave.

The Rafah crossing – the only passage in and out of the Gaza Strip not controlled by Israel – has been closed since Tuesday, after three Israeli air strikes on the Palestinian border post within 24 hours.

Officials refused for "the crossing to be designated for only foreigners to cross," according to Egyptian news channel Al-Qahera News, which has ties to Egyptian intelligence agencies.

"The Egyptian stance is clear, which requires the aid to arrive in Gaza,"

the report added, as alarm grows over shortages of essential supplies in the blockaded territory.

On Sunday, witnesses said concrete blocks installed by the Egyptians to fortify the border following Israel's bombings were still in place, suggesting that no passage was being considered in the immediate future.

The United States has organized a ship to take Americans out of Israel to Cyprus today (Monday), the US embassy said.

With Israel moving toward an invasion of the Gaza Strip, the ship will leave from the Israeli port of Haifa for Limassol taking "US nationals and their immediate family members with a valid travel document," the US embassy said in a security alert Sunday.

Tens of thousands of US passport holders live in Israel and 29 have been confirmed killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7. Another 15 are missing and believed to be among hostages held

by Hamas since the attacks.

The US embassy did not say how many people would be taken on the ship but said "boarding will proceed in order of arrival and is on a space limited basis." Boarding would start at 8.00 am (0500 GMT).

Each passenger will have to sign a document promising to repay the cost of the trip and will only be allowed to carry one suitcase. It said that some chartered flights would be arranged from Cyprus for onward travel. AFP

Palace...

From A1

implementation and expansion of the Food Stamp Program including, but not limited to, the identification of eligible beneficiaries and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps,” read the EO signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” aims to decrease the incidence of voluntary hunger experienced by low-income households.

It provides monetary-based assistance through Electronic Benefit Transfer cards that can be used in purchasing select food commodities from eligible partner merchant stores.

Its implementation is in line with the Philippines’ commitment to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 2 of ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030.

Under the EO, the DSWD was mandated to work with other national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) for its implementation, the Presidential Communications Office said on Sunday.

The DSWD will determine the appropriate staffing pattern and corresponding qualification standards for the creation of additional positions necessary for the administration and operation of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) and submit this to the budget department for review and approval.

The EO’s implementing rules will be crafted by the DSWD, 30 days from its effectivity. Its implementation will be funded by DSWD’s appropriations and its partner agencies.

A total of 3,000 families are targeted for the six-month pilot nationwide.

The DSWD will then evaluate the results and move to the scaled-up program, which aims to reach the one million families who belong to the food-poor bracket or those with a monthly income of less than P8,000.

“If the results are good, then we move to the scaled-up where it will be initially 300,000 families and then another 300,000 the year after until we reach the one million food-poor families,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian previously said.

House...

From A1

Velasco asked for the public's patience and understanding as he committed to ensure the security and integrity of the House’s

digital platforms.

He also said additional measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.

The House media discovered the website was not working at around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

“For the moment, we advise

From A1

mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators—have rejected Valbuena's call to go on strike.

The Manibela leader said his group would strike anyway.

“This jeepney strike will continue for as long as our hungry stomachs can bear,” he said in Filipino.

Valbuena said about 1,000 public utility vehicles (PUVs) are expected to gather in Mendiola, Manila to protest a transport modernization program and corruption.

A former employee of the LTFRB, Jeff Tumbado, earlier claimed agency chairman Teofilo Guadiz III had told him that some officials of the Department of Transportation and Malacanang received large sums of grease money in exchange for franchises, new routes, special permits and other documents.

He also implicated two lawmakers.

But days later, Tumbado, in a notarized affidavit, recanted his accusations, saying they were “borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, judgment and poor decision-making.”

Valbuena said he learned that someone who could have been involved in the corruption at the LTFRB tried to stop the meeting at the Palace.

“I know who he is. But I would not yet name him,” he added.

The National Bureau of Investigation had summoned Tumbado to attend an investigation today at its office on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Tumbado told the Manila Standard that he is willing to participate in the probe, but said he would not attend the NBI inquiry on Monday because he was preparing for a congressional hearing on Tuesday.

He said his lawyer Pearl Campanella would show up at the NBI to represent him.

Also on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office released a list of provinces, cities and universities who suspended their classes for the nationwide transport strike today, October 16.

The following universities and colleges in Manila and other neighboring provinces suspended their face-to-face classes: Adamson University, De La Salle University-Manila, University of the East - Manila and Caloocan, National University, all branches and campuses of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Beda University Manila and Rizal, University of Santo Tomas - Manila, Lyceum of the Philippines University - Manila and Our Lady of Fatima University in Pampanga and Laguna.

Local government units (LGU's) the public to be cautious of any suspicious e-mails or communications that claim to be from the House of Representatives,” Velasco said. “We will keep the public updated as more information becomes available.”

Renato A. Paraiso, spokesperson

From A1

allegations of corruption in the LTFRB that he had already recanted.

Tumbado is expected to present evidence today (Oct. 16).

In a statement on Sunday, Tumbado said he is willing to cooperate in any parallel investigations to be conducted by the NBI on other alleged corrupt practices within the LTFRB. However, Tumbado said he was “constrained to ask for a resetting of the hearing because I have to prepare for the Congressional hearing that I will attend on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.”

Philippine National Railways (PNR) chairperson Michael Ted Macapagal meanwhile rebuked individuals and groups for dragging the name of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista in the alleged corruption at the LTFRB. Before he backtracked on his testimony about alleged widespread corruption, Tumbado said his former boss, suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, received bribes, which Guadiz said, also “reached” Bautista and other officials.

Bautista earlier requested the NBI to investigate the issue.

Macapagal defended Bautista, saying that the Transportation chief “has nothing to do whatsoever with LTFRB’s day-to-day operation.”

Macapagal said although the LTFRB is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the LTRFB has its own mandate and its officials “enjoy full autonomy.”

“Secretary Bautista is in total sympathy with the bus and jeepney operators,” Macapagal said. “He finds it unconscionable that anybody should be made to pay any amount in excess of what the government prescribes for a franchise.”

Macapagal also said individuals should be wary of outside forces whose main objective is to attack the DOTr chief and “remove him from office.”

"Some people are out for blood because of one thing and one thing alone: they are interested in his position," Macapagal said.

According to Macapagal, the DOTr chief has introduced far-ranging reforms in the agency, and that does not sit well with the syndicates operating within the system.

“To preclude any appearance of corruption even at the PNR, I recently told all my friends, relatives, even acquaintances not to transact business on my behalf,” Macapagal said.

“Those interested in landing a contract with the agency should go through the normal process.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NEWS

A3 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CAAP getting ready for holiday travelers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it is bracing for an influx of airport passengers going to the provinces due to the upcoming holidays.

The government earlier declared three non-working holidays on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 and 2.

The CAAP also said commercial airports are currently on heightened alert status due to a bomb joke incident at the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay which affected several flights.

A Cebu Pacific flight at the BIA, which was set to leave for Manila, had requested security assistance due to a bomb joke, the CAAP said.

The CAAP also said that the security measures will be maintained to ensure the safety of all passengers and those going to the airports.

Under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 17 Standard 4.4 airport security personnel on duty shall ensure that passengers and their baggage are screened thoroughly prior to boarding an aircraft.

The CAAP said it is guided by the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista’s “Oplan

Biyaheng Ayos.”

To further ensure safe, secured, reliable, and convenient air travel for passengers, all 12 Area Managers handling CAAPoperated airports with commercial flights nationwide shall ensure the observance of maximum deployment of service and security personnel.

Due to this, a “no leave” policy will be enforced during the entire duration of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.

Aside from these measures, CAAP, together with local authorities including PNPAVSEU, OTS, DOT, CAB, and airlines, are working in coordination for efficient processing of passengers, especially at the check-in counters.

CAAP requested additional deployment of personnel from airline stakeholders to accommodate the increase in travelers.

Malasakit Help Desks and hotlines manned by duty officers are also set up to accommodate passenger concerns.

Standard

STATEMENT OF ALFONSO G. CUSI

Manila

TODAY

I refer to the statement entitled “STATEMENT OF DOE SECRETARY ALFONSO G. CUSI ON THE 4 FEBRUARY 2022 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 137” which was posted on the website of the Department of Energy [“DOE”] on 4 February 2022.

I had been informed that Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian was hurt and offended by certain portions of my statements which led him to file a cyber-libel case against me. More particularly, that in issuing Senate Resolution No. 137, he “had chosen to lend his ear to adversarial business interests” and that in the course of the Senate investigation, he “has sought to undermine the DOE’s ability to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal covering the said sale of Share.“ In issuing these statements, I had no intention of accusing Senator Gatchalian of any crime, vice or defect, or of dishonoring his reputation. I tried to merely express my opinion on the conduct of the proceedings as I could reasonably infer from what I personally observed and experienced.

I therefore retract and withdraw these particular portions of my statement. I regret any negative insinuations that may arise from this particular post and apologize to Senator Gatchalian for whatever pain and humiliation that the published statement may have caused him.

(Paid Ad)

36 Chinese POGO workers sent back to China

By Rey E. Requejo

BLAST FROM THE PAST. Victory Liner displays its vintage 1945 bus in pristine condition, attracting visitors alike who were also allowed to board the bus and take photos and reminisce about the 1940s. Dave Leprozo

ANOTHER group of Chinese nationals arrested for working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) engaged in illegal gambling activities have been sent back to China.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said that a total of 36 Chinese nationals employed by a POGO were recently repatriated as both sides launched a crackdown on Chinese involved in illegal gambling activities.

The effort was taken after a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Manila recently said “crimes induced by online gambling harm not only China’s interests and China-Philippine relations, but also the

interests of the Philippines.”

The repatriated individuals were caught when the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raided a POGO park in Pasay City in August.

“Upon request from PAOCC, the Chinese Embassy in Manila quickly verified the identity of Chinese nationals among the employees and issued them travel documents,” the embassy said.

The first batch of them, composed of 75 Chinese employees, were already repatriated to China in September.

“The Chinese embassy will continue its support in China-Philippines law enforcement cooperation to safeguard healthy social economic and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries,” it said.

Massive Davao COA flags P3.14-billion LTO technology project due to irregularities City housing project rises

By Rio N. Araja

By Rio N. Araja A MASSIVE housing project project under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program is now rising in Davao City.

Along with Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) president Federico Laxa, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar recently inspected the site of the project dubbed People’s Ville I, II, and III composed of 82 buildings with 8,200 residential units.

Currently, five five-story buildings are in the final phases of construction in the housing projects.

Acuzar said the project is among the 20 ongoing projects in various phases of development and construction under the administration’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay.

He requested SHFC to allot more open spaces and parks for the dwellers, especially the children, to enjoy recreational activities.

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, and Subdivision and Housing Developers Association-Southern Mindanao Chapter governor Kenneth Yap committed their full support to DHSUD in the implementation of Pambansang Pabahay in Mindanao.

Yap and Magno expressed optimism that Acuzar could hurdle the challenges and deliver positive results.

Magno said “Acuzar is the right man for the job.”

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) project of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) due to delays and irregularities.

A 2022 COA report cited that the P3.14-billion LTMS project remained incomplete and was still not fully used due to several functional-

ity issues despite full payments for core applications and at least 15 contract extensions.

The LTMS was developed by a joint venture agreement of a German technology firm, Dermalog, and its local partners, Holy Family Printing Corp., Microgenesis, and Verzontal Builders Inc., after the project was awarded in May 2018 through competitive bidding.

The missing processes of the LTMS were deemed necessary by the users of the system, citing for example the absentee and overseas Filipino workers’ driver’s license renewal under the driver’s licensing system.

The new or initial registration of motor vehicles under the motor vehicle inspection and registration system (MVIRS) module of the LTMS remained dysfunctional.

The COA said that some LTO sites still used the current LTO-IT system developed by Stradcom, another information technology company that had previous dealings with the LTO. The Department of Transportation, in a Sept. 23 Senate budget deliberation, said the foreign-made LTMS still lacked several functionalities needed in LTO’s daily operations, including a payment feature.

Samal eyeing low-cost homes for fisherfolk

By Butch Gunio

CANDLES FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY. A candle maker in Caloocan City works on wax to create colorful candles. Factories expect a surge in demand for candles due to All Saints’ Day on November 1. Manny Palmero

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

The LOCAL government of Samal, Bataan has initiated a low-cost housing project to benefit poor families mostly from the fishing sector.

Municipal Administrator Jay Lat said the housing project is expected to provide decent houses to poor fishing residents of Barangay TabingIlog and nearby areas.

Lat said 200 housing units will be built on a one-hectare area in TabingIlog. He said beneficiaries can own a housing unit through the Pag-IBIG Fund with a monthly amortization of P2,500 for 25 years.

He said the Samal LGU conducted a survey and used the data from the government’s Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) to identify beneficiaries.

Governor Joet Garcia earlier commended Samal Mayor Alex Acuzar for conducting the “most efficient CBMS survey and data collection in the province.”

A4 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEWS Plan to develop Pag-asa Is. gains ground in Congress

TRELLIS AND SCAFFOLDINGS.

Precariously perched atop scaffoldings attached to a framework of steel, construction workers at a jobsite in Taguig City diligently perform their duties in utter disregard of personal safety.

Manny Palmero

By Rio N. Araja

UN briefed on women rights in PH

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Philippines judiciary has presented before the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland the efforts being undertaking by the government to enhance and protect women’s rights.

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega, chairperson of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) technical working group on communications and partnership building, and deputy court administrator (DCA) Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino, made the presentation

during the recent 2004th Constructive Dialogue on UN ‘s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (UN-CEDAW).

CEDAW is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the UN’s General Assembly. It is described as an “international bill of rights for women.”

The Philippines is the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to sign CEDAW in July 1980.

The treaty was ratified in August 1981.

They presented the progress and efforts being done by the Philippine justice system, through the JSCC, to realize the core intent and goals of the UN-CEDAW. The JSCC was set up in 2010 and composed of the Supreme Court (SC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

It serves as a joint forum for dialogue

on issues of common interest and a mechanism for effective coordination and sharing of information in support of the planning and the implementation of joint initiatives among justice sector institutions, the SC said.

The JSCC has set up 11 Justice Zones in the country, described as venues “where key programs relating to the delivery of justice are in place to maximize coordination among the different agency actors to address the perennial issue of delay and the greater problem of accountability,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo had earlier said.

Angara asks Senate to inquire into complaints of Hajj pilgrims SENATOR Juan Edgardo Angara said urges the Senate to investigate complaints

by Muslim Filipinos on the arrangements and services by the National Council on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for the Hajj to find an acceptable and lasting solution for future pilgrimages.

Angara filed Senate Resolution Number 768 calling for an inquiry into the reported incidents on the conduct of the 2023 Hajj, said this issue could also be raised during the hearing on the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which has jurisdiction over the NCM. The filing of the resolution was prompted by complaints reaching the office of the Senator about the sloppy treatment received by Muslim pilgrims

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s plan to develop the 37.2-hectare Pagasa Island in the West Philippine Sea at a cost of P3 billion has drawn the support of Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel.

“The Speaker’s plan to upgrade Pagasa’s airfield, wharf and boat shelter port reinforces our proposal to establish the island as a tourist attraction,” Pimentel said.

“Pag-asa is surrounded by rich marine life, making it ideal for diving and fishing for leisure, exercise, or competition,” he added.

In November 2033, Pimentel filed House Bill No. 6228 seeking to declare Pag-asa as a recreational fishing and dive spot under the National Tourism Development Plan.

“Pag-asa is a case of if we build enough structures, tourists will come,” Pimentel emphasized.

The largest landmass of the Kalayaan Island Group, Pag-asa is situated 508 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Depending on the type of Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft used, a flight from Puerto Princesa to Pag-asa would take one and a half to two and a half hours.

Romualdez recently visited Pag-asa and vowed to mobilize at least P3 billion in new funding to develop the island’s infrastructure.

He said the entire Kalayaan islands, which have a combined land area of around 79 hectares, could potentially become the Maldives of the Philippines.

STRUGGLE FOR FOOD SECURITY.

In commemoration of International Day of Rural Women, members of the militant group Gabriela link up with like-minded individuals, notably elements of the Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women, in staging a protest rally at the historic Mendiola Street near Malacanang Palace in a shared struggle for rice sufficiency at affordable prices through reforms in the government’s agricultural policies.

to the Hajj from the NCMF, through the Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment (BPE).

Based on the accounts of Muslim Filipino pilgrims, including Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan II of Sulu, the pilgrims experienced poor delivery of service from the BPE during their 2023 pilgrimage to Mecca in 2023.

Among the complaints were limited transport buses resulting in to overloading, safety risks, and exposure to extreme heat, as well as densely packed and low-quality accommodations; limited cooling systems in tents despite the heat; insufficient, repetitive, and nutritiously deficient food; and the lack of prepared food for pilgrims on some days. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Danny Pata

Kadiwa stores SC affirms life term on father who raped his two daughters will decrease prices—solon WITH nine out of ten Filipinos saying they now spend more on food, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee on Sunday said the government should prioritize setting up more Kadiwa stores to provide the people with an alternative where they could buy food items lower prices.

“Hindi nakapagtataka na mas malaki ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong mas malaki ang ginagasta para sa pagkain ngayon dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin (It’s not surprising that Pilipinos spend more on food because of inflation),” Lee noted.

According to Lee, a former businessman whose family-owned LKY Group employs 3,000 Filipinos nationwide.

“Bilang dating negosyante, naiintindihan natin na wala ring magawa ang ating retailers kundi magtaas ng presyo dahil sa sunud-sunod na pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo (As a former businessman, we understand that retailers could not help it but raise their prices due to the frequent rises of fuel prices),” Lee said.

The Bicolano lawmaker pointed out that a Pulse Asia household expenditures survey conducted last month revealed that 95 percent of Filipino adults spent more on food in the past three months, representing a six percent year-on-year increase.

“Kaya ang pinakamainam na solusyon para mabigyan ng access sa mas murang mga bilihin ang ating mga kababayan ay ang pagtatayo ng mga Kadiwa store sa bawat bayan at lungsod,” he said.

THE Supreme Court (SC) has sustained the conviction and imposition of life imprisonment, without eligibility for parole, and P300,000 damages in each of the three qualified statutory rape cases against a father who sexually abused his two minor daughters in 2015.

The father, whose name was omitted in the SC’s decision to protect the

two children, sought reversal of the trial court ruling, which was subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeals.

In his petition before the high court, the father pleaded that he should be acquitted because of the “inconsistencies” in the testimonies of his two daughters – one was only 11 years old and the other 14 years old at the time of the commission of the crimes.

He also claimed that his children should have shouted or sought help from her other siblings who were sleeping in the same room, and in the case of the 14-year-old daughter who was raped twice, she should have avoided to be alone with him in their house.

The rape cases were made known when one of the minor children told

JIL 45th ANNIVERSARY.

Jesus Is Lord Church founder and spiritual leader Eddie Villanueva leads the commemorative rite at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila, with the theme “Revival: Call to Action.” Also present during the religious affair are Villanueva’s son Senate Minority Leader Joel Villanueva, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. Lino

Santos

Solon cites PBBM’s ‘bloodless’ anti-drug war SURIGAO del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Sunday lauded President’s style in addressing the problem of illegal drugs.

“It’s a bloodless war. It shows that we can slay the dragon that is the drug menace without lives› lost,» said Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs.

According to him, the approach employed by

President Ferdinand Marco to the drug problem is an “effective strategy that has gained the trust and support of our people against this menace, and that more relatives of dependents share vital information to our law enforcers that resulted to successful apprehension and rehabilitation of drug users and arrest of drug lords as well as seizure of illegal drugs from the streets.” Rio N. Araja

their elder sibling who in turn sought the assistance of barangay (village) officials. Rape charges were filed. The two victims testified in court, including their elder sister. The father was convicted by a trial court.

When the Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the conviction, the father appealed to the SC. Rey E. Requejo

‘Wind projects to boost renewable energy supply’ SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday urged the government to hasten the development of transmission facilities for offshore wind (OSW) projects to increase the renewable energy (RE) sector’s contribution to the country’s overall energy supply.

So far, the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded 79 offshore wind service contracts with an estimated 61.91 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity.

The prime areas were identified as Northern Luzon, Northern Mindoro, and Southern Mindoro.

Gatchalian noted that the project will help position the country to become the first Southeast Asian economy to have an OSW facility.

The on-going large-scale capacities of offshore wind projects, Gatchalian said, highlight the need to enhance the capability of the country’s national grid to accommodate additional supply from RE projects.

He said the country would be better positioned to attract RE investments if transmission facilities are readily available for these RE projects, particularly for OSW farms.

Such transmission facilities also support a circular issued by the DOE last year which removed limitations on foreign ownership of RE facilities in the hope of attracting more investments. Macon Ramos-Araneta

OPINION

‘Let it all hang out’ I HAPPENED to be in the US in the eighties when I watched on television a replay of a concert which featured Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

They performed a duet of “Let it all hang out,” which, upon checking with Google recently, was supposedly sung by a forgettable group called The Hombres.

My recollection of the otherwise ugly song in that performance was more focused on the pectoral endowments of Dolly Parton, who Rogers teased about letting it all hang.

When I listened to former president Rodrigo Duterte hitting Congress over the confidential funds where he demanded the Commission on Audit should bare details of how the legislature and legislators spend their humongous budget, the memory of Dolly Parton came fresh.

Otherwise, the former president would “ask everybody, every soldier, every policeman, every farmer, the Church” to demand a full account on how they spent the funds they themselves appropriated, having the ‘power of the purse,’ and then he described the legislature as the “most rotten institution.”

What would the COA do, now headed by its chairman, Gamaliel Cordoba, who prior to his appointment to replace former Solgen Joe Calida (a Duterte and Marcos loyalist), was the longest-running NTC Chairman (from Arroyo to Aquino to Duterte)?

If COA complies with the demand of PRRD, will it just come up with a slew of liquidation documents which, as Atty.

Harry Roque, the former spokesman of Duterte, claims as “mere certifications” with no supporting list of expenditures?

And would the former president then call upon the people to demand a full accounting not only of the confidential funds, but likewise the ‘extraordinary expenses’ that HoR SecGen Reginald Velasco claimed to be subject to audit by the COA? Meanwhile, congressional leaders chorused that they see no pork in their HoP (they prefer their house to be of the ‘people’), stating they are compliant with the SC ruling that outlawed the practice. He, he, he!

The former president demands transparency to the fullest on how all these funds were spent, and declared his willingness to have the funds allocated to him

THIS year’s World Food Day celebrates one of the planet’s most precious resources: water.

It’s essential to life on Earth.

It covers the majority of the planet’s surface, makes up over 50 percent of our bodies, helps keep us fed, supports livelihoods and is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

So how should we approach the complex challenge of shielding our existing freshwater resources and aquatic food systems from pollution and the impacts of the climate crisis, while ensuring that people have equal access to water?

With about 70 percent of all freshwaters going to agriculture, changing the ways we produce our food, fiber, and other agricultural products is the most crucial task.

It is also where failure to act will have the gravest consequences.

Freshwater is not infinite, and we need to stop taking it for granted.

Consider that over the last two decades, each of us on earth has lost approximately onefifth of the freshwater available to us.

For some people, the reality is much worse.

In some regions, in fact, it runs closer to onethird.

Unless we act urgently, we are on course to increase our water use by more than a third by 2050 globally, given our planet’s growing population.

That means, collectively, we risk reaching a point of no return.

Rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, economic development, and

the climate crisis have all taken a toll on our water resources.

Combined with water pollution, over-extraction and lack of coordinated management, this creates a complex mix of overlapping challenges.

Increased extreme weather events, drought and flooding are stressing our ecosystems, with daunting consequences for global food security.

Smallholder farmers, particularly the poor, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, and refugees, are the most vulnerable.

Approaching a complex challenge At the heart of the balancing act to address these combined challenges must be securing sufficient water for agriculture, while reconciling the competing water needs of other economic activities, especially as urbanization accelerates.

Good governance is crucial for sustainable and equitable water allocation, through an integrated and inclusive approach with all partners.

Water governance and tenure, water pricing, regulations, and incentive measures, are needed to drive change and ensure equitable access to clean and safe water resources.

We need to implement integrated water resources management through coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximize human wellbeing, without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

For this we need both national and regional designs.

Investment in innovative, efficient water management practices is vital, including in modern irrigation and storage technologies and science-based solutions to address water scarcity and harnessing flooding; so that we are building a water-saving and resilient society, including through managing more effectively the water-food-energy nexus.

ManilaStandard

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Lopsided war

We must not take water for granted EvEryman

By Dr. Qu Dongyu

B1

Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor

EDITORIAL

during his incumbency to be brought out.

In fine, “let it all hang out,” in the full light of day, for every Filipino to see how their ‘taxpayer money’ is utilized by officials of government.

Fair enough. But will our officials really let it all hang out? *** Whispers emanating from Davao, which dzRH’s Deo Macalma of Pinili, Ilocos Norte in a recent broadcast claimed, point to a potential run for Congress by the former president come 2025, which requires filing his COC one year from now.

Truth to tell, many from his PDP-Laban and even a former president are persuading him to run for senator in the coming mid-term elections.

But Sen. Bong Go, his most trusted loyalist, has previously denied that PRRD would run for senator and would prefer to completely retire, ‘smell the flowers’ and dote on his grandchildren and a great grandchild.

But then again, politics is a ‘fever in the blood,’ and politicians get stronger when the challenge of electoral politics beckons.

For PRRD, whether it is the Senate or the House, winning would be a walk in the park.

The precedent has been set by PGMA who after a long reign of nine years still chose to represent her ‘kabalen’ up to the present.

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata in this never-ending telenovela of the nation’s politics. *** If he does run for congressman, sure to win in whatever district of Davao City he chooses, the former president will be in the company of a House of Contractors, with 20 percent of its membership made up of construction company owners.

Or politicians who, eyeing even the marginal profits their favored contractors get from the pork barrel’s ‘hard’ projects, decided to put up their own construction firms so everything goes to them.

There are more contractors than lawyers in the present HoR. Some are triple A, really big-time; some are medium-sized contractors minding only projects in their particular region, city or province.

Some erstwhile contractors also got tired of being ‘forced’ by the political dynasts into getting a measly profit with the dynasts getting the lion’s share, so they decided to turn politicians themselves, “para solong-solo na,” minus of course the small leavings they would give to DPWH district engineers, COA, and other members of ‘the boys.’ Read full article at www.manilastandard.net

So when our legislators, being ‘on the right side of history’ cut here and there, and then add here and there, expect the re-alignment to be laced with pork as well

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

N

OW on its 11th day, the war between Israel and Palestine is turning out to be an extremely lopsided one.

Hamas, the military arm of Palestine, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on Saturday, October 7 with thousands of rockets fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing 1,300 Israelis.

Hamas fighters also took a number of civilians hostage, not just Israelis but also those from other nationalities, including Filipinos.

Israel has responded with the most intensive air strikes of its 75-year conflict with the Palestinians.

Gaza authorities say 1,800 people have been killed; the United Nations says 400,000 people have been affected by Israeli air strikes on Gaza.

Israel has started a ground attack on Gaza with the Israel Defense Forces backed by 300,000 reservists supported by tanks and heavy artillery.

It has obtained “rock-solid” support from the United States, which is likely to take its side should the war escalate and

The war must end—and soon— in a region where peace has remained elusive for far too long involve other state actors.

Israel considers Hamas a terrorist organization that represents a clear and present danger to it and therefore must be completely obliterated.

And because the group is embedded among the population in the Gaza Strip, then Israel has said it has no choice but to do everything possible to root out Hamas members and supporters and use lethal force against them.

But Palestinian ambassador to the Philippines Saleh Mohammad takes a different view of the bloody conflict: ‘Israel’s actions have gone far beyond self-defense…

There has to be a reaction from the world to [tell] Israel that what [they] are doing… has gone far away, far beyond [their] right to defend [themselves].

The Palestinian envoy has been quoted in news reports as saying the main cause

of the war is Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

Hamas emerged, he explained, because of the absence of any hope of an independent state and a peaceful future for the Palestinian people: “You cannot just oppress people and keep them under your feet and expect that they will keep their mouth shut and they will not move.”

This raises the question: Which side is terrorist?

It is true that Hamas committed terrorism when its fighters targeted innocent Israeli civilians when they launched their attack.

But Israel also committed terrorism when it launched airstrikes that killed and wounded many innocent Palestinians and displaced them from their homes.

Be that as it may, the urgent task now is how to stop the fighting and avert a serious humanitarian crisis through peace talks possibly brokered by other countries.

The world should not stand idly by while more lives are lost as the two sides lunge at each other’s throats with all the resources at their command, with thousands of innocent civilians ending up as collateral damage.

The war must end—and soon— in a region where peace has remained elusive for far too long.

War vs. brutal specter of terrorism IN THE quiet of dawn, as the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah was being celebrated, Southern Israel was suddenly plunged into chaos.

An unexpected onslaught was unleashed

by Hamas terrorist forces. They showed no mercy, slaughtering every human in their path and abducting hostages to be used as human shields.

In response to this horrific act, Israel has declared war against Hamas.

Thousands have died in the escalating hostilities.

As of this writing, a ground invasion of the Northern region of the Gaza Strip seems imminent following order of Israel military forces for civilians to evacuate to the South.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has firmly declared the Philippines stands with Israel amidst the ongoing “terrorist attacks” by Hamas.

This strong statement was made during his meeting with Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss at Malacañang.

He expressed his deep appreciation to the Israeli government for their swift action in rescuing over 20 Filipinos and ensuring their safety.

However, he also voiced his worry for the three Filipinos who are still missing. Ambassador Fluss reassured him Israel is doing everything possible to safeguard all Filipinos in the conflict-ridden country.

Sadly, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that two Filipinos have lost their lives in the escalating conflict. According to government data, there are about 30,000 Filipinos living and working mostly in northern Israel.

The Stratbase ADR Institute in a released statement condemning the “heinous acts of terrorism and impunity” of Hamas said, “These brutal actions perpetrated by a terrorist group destroy regional and global peace and stability. Any acts of terrorism and violence have no place in our rules-based international order.”

“These terrorist attacks and the loss of innocent lives cannot further escalate. We urge the Philippine government to continue harnessing all the needed resources to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipinos residing in Israel and provide utmost support to the Filipino families left behind by those whose lives have been lost,“ the institute said.

Hamas has long been officially designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries around the world.

These include Israel, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, United Kingdom, Canada, Egypt, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, and Jordan.

In addition, the European Union has also designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Saudi Arabia banned the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror organization, unofficially including Hamas.

Suicide bombings initiated by Hamas began in April 1993, peaking between January and April 2002 with 24 attacks in four months.

Such valueadded infrastructure generates benefits by recharging groundwater, controlling floods and providing ecosystem services

of food from 20 percent of arable land – yet it remains an untapped potential.

To help deliver on this potential, FAO is developing a global irrigation needs and potential mapping methodology, and we look forward to working with countries to implement it.

Appropriate financing mechanisms and investments, at the right and big scale, are key to building and maintaining capital-intensive infrastructure.

Resilience-based solutions are key.

Prioritizing green and blue infrastructure to promote agriculture and fisheries respectively can enhance water quality, maintain biodiversity and provide other benefits to agrifood systems and rural areas.

In Sri Lanka and Zambia, for example, FAO is piloting multifunctional paddy fields for fish and shrimp farming, in addition to rice production.

Such value-added infrastructure generates benefits by recharging groundwater, controlling floods and providing ecosystem services.

All actors must be on board We can and must do more, together, with all the various actors making their distinct, yet

Action on the ground We can and are working to make these things happen.

For example, in the Sahel FAO is providing mechanization opportunities to farmers to improve their water infrastructure and is supporting rural women and their households to access water.

Globally, irrigated land produces 40 percent

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

It is now that we must beckon our allies to stand united in steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the inviolable rights of every human being During the Second Intifada from September 2000 to December 2005, Hamas carried out 147 suicide bombings, killing 525 Israelis, half of the total Israeli civilian casualties from the 25,770 terrorist attacks during this period.

Additionally, 450 suicide bombing attacks were thwarted by Israeli security forces.

Hamas has also constructed cross-border terror tunnels between Gaza and Israel for smuggling weapons and conducting terror attacks.

These tunnels, built using materials intended for civilian development projects, enable terrorists to infiltrate Israel and attack nearby communities.

Since 2001, over 14,000 rockets and 8,000 mortar bombs have been fired at Israeli civilian centers by Hamas, with the most intense period being in 2014.

Furthermore, riots and attempts to breach the Gaza-Israel border have been ongoing since March 2018.

Analysts are seeing serious geopolitical implications.

The rapid intensification of the conflict,

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

marked by airstrikes, rocket fire, and a rising death toll, could potentially destabilize the region further.

The intensity and secrecy of the attacks suggest possible involvement of an external player in coordinating and supplying weapons to Hamas.

Speculations are rife about whether Iran will instruct its proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon, to join the battle, thereby opening a second front in the war in Israel.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the conflict could have repercussions extending beyond the Middle East.

Further speculations of a potentially destabilize in the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region when the shift of global attention and resources veers towards the Middle East, potentially creating a power vacuum that China might exploit.

The conflict also casts a shadow of uncertainty over the Middle East’s geopolitical stability, which is concerning for the global economy, including countries in the IndoPacific region.

Any economic instability could alter trade dynamics and power balances, including those involving China.

Moreover, many countries in the IndoPacific region, including China, heavily rely on the Middle East for oil.

Therefore, any disruption to oil supplies or increases in oil prices due to the conflict could have significant implications.

Diplomatic relations could also be impacted based on how different countries respond to the conflict. Countries may be pressured to take sides or make statements that could affect their relations with other countries.

It is now that we must beckon our allies to stand united in steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the inviolable rights of every human being.

Amidst the specter of these unfolding events, we must get ready for the complexity and volatility of what will be even more challenging times.

inter-related contributions.

Governments need to design science- and evidence-based policies that capitalize on data and innovation, and coordinate across sectors to plan and manage water better.

Water, energy and food are inextricably linked, and for policies to be successful, it’s important they manage often-competing interests without compromising the health of our ecosystems.

Our farmers need to become agents of water management and be equipped with the right tools to perform that function sustainably.

Farmers, forest-dependent people, livestock producers and those working in the blue economy of fisheries and aquaculture already manage water on a daily basis.

Supporting and encouraging them to take leadership in finding and implementing water solutions is both the obvious and the smart thing to do. Read full article at www.manilastandard.net (The author is Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Chin Wong Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

WORLD

B2 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

2nd US aircraft carrier deployed to back Israel WASINGTON, DC – The US has deployed a second aircraft carrier “to deter hostile actions against Israel” while President Joe Biden pushed for the protection of civilians amid the American ally’s siege and bombardment of Gaza.

The presence of the USS Eisenhower and its affiliated warships in the eastern Mediterranean signals Washington’s “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security and our resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

The Eisenhower joins the USS Ford carrier strike group which arrived earlier in the week “as part of our effort to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamas’s attack,” Austin said.

The powerful show of support came as Israel appeared poised for a ground offen-

sive against Hamas militants in Gaza.

More than one million people in the northern part of the crowded enclave have been ordered to flee ahead of the expected assault, an exodus that aid groups said would set off a humanitarian disaster.

Israel has also cut off food, water and electricity supplies to Gaza’s 2.4 million people.

Biden spoke on the phone Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “affirmed his support for all efforts to protect civilians,” the White House said in a statement, which did not specifically mention Gaza.

“President Biden discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu US coordination with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and others in the region to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food and medical care,” the White House said. AFP

Manila

Standard

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT TODAY NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 306 – QUEZON CITY rtc1qzn306@judiciary.gov.ph 09760968624/8660-1763 IN THE MATTER OF THE TESTATE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED RUBEN BALANE y FIGUEROA,

SPEC. PROC. CASE No. R-QZN-23-02061-SP

Blinken raises Hamas crisis with Saudi crown prince Manila

Standard

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TODAY REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA Email address: rtc1qzn223@judiacy.gov.ph Contact no: (02)-867-15282

BRANCH 223

CIVIL CASE NO: 22-03070-CV FOR: Breach of Contract and Damages

-versus-

ARCH. ARIEL B. CARDENAS, Defendant.

X------------------------------------------------------------X

Petitioner. x-------------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS

ORDER This is a verified Petitioner filed by petitioner Edmundo P. Guevara, through counsel, praying that after notice of hearing, the holographic Last Will and Testament of the deceased Ruben Figueroa Balane be admitted to probate and Letters of Administration be issued to Ma. Hediliza Perez Guevara.

Petitioner alleges that Ruben Figueroa Balane (decedent) died last 11 October 2021 in Quezon City, Philippines, leaving behind various real and personal properties located in Quezon City, in Sorsogon Province, and elsewhere in the Philippines, which have an estimated gross value of Pesos: Seventeen Million Eight Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand Five Hundred Twelve & 99/100 (Php 17,824,512.99), Philippine Currency. At the time of his death, the decedent is as a resident of No. 108 Esteban Abada St., Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Prior to his death on the date afore-mentioned, or on June 1989, the decedent executed a holographic Last Will and Testament, which contained explicit instructions for the disposition of his entire estate upon his death.

Subsequent to the execution of the holographic Last Will and Testament, or on 8 July 1991, the decedent executed a Codicil as and by way of an amendment and supplement to the said Last Will and Testament.

At the time of the actual execution of the subject Last Will and Testament and Codicil on 14 January 1989 and July 1991, respectively, the decedent was of sound and disposing mind, was not acting under duress, fraud or undue influence, and was in every respect capacitated to dispose of his entire estate by Will. As specifically set forth in both the Last Will and Testament dated 14 June 1989, and the Codicil dated 8 July 1991, of the decedent, the following are the duly constituted heirs, devisees and legatees of the estate of the decedent, to wit: Name

Address

EDMUNDO P. GUEVARA

8600 Rosehill D., Richmond BC, V7A 2K1 Canada

ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF SORSOGON

Diocesan Pastoral Complex Old Bishop’s House Compound Magsaysay St., Sorsogon City 4700 Sorsogon, Philippines

PAOLO EMMANUEL S. TAMASE

c/o Atty. Emmanuel P.J. Tamase, 12th Floor,PDCP Bank Centre, Leviste cor.

Rufino Streets,Salcedo Villages, Makati City, Philippines

BALANE BARICAN CRUZ ALAMPAY LAW OFFICES

No Longer existing

To the best of the petitioner’s knowledge as well, the decedent had no legal or compulsory heirs at the time of death, while the known creditors of the estate at the time of filing of the Petition, including the amount of their respective credits, are as follows: Estimated Amount of Credit

a) Atty. Edmundo P. Guevara

PHP 600,000.00

b) Atty. Josephine Marie G. Uranza

PHP 448,965.00

c) Maria Clara G. Villanueva

PHP 100,848.39

Total

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh during the weekend on a tour of six Arab capitals to build pressure on Hamas while Israel readies a massive offensive on the Gaza Strip following the militants’ attacks. The intention note written and signed by Blinken (inset) hangs at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. AFP

ENGR. SOCRATES CONTI, Plaintiff,

EDMUNDO P. GUEVARA,

Name

DIPLOMATIC PRESSURE.

PHP 1,149,813.39

Petitioner further alleges that while the Codicil dated July 8, 1991 appointed Atty. Emmanuel P.J. Tamase as sole executor of the Will and the Codicil, the latter declined or refused the nomination. Since the decedent left no compulsory heirs at the time of his death, and considering, moreover, that the decedent left the bulk of his estate to the herein petitioner, the latter would have been most the logical choice to be appointed Administrator of the estate of the decedent pending the actual settlement thereof, except that the petitioner is not actually residing in the Philippines at present, hence, is actually disqualified from being appointed as such.

The petitioner is thus nominating his own sister - Ma. Hediliza P. Guevara, to be appointed Administratix of the estate of the decendent pending the actual and complete settlement thereof.

WHEREFORE, finding the petitioner to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on December 12, 2023 at 1:30 in the afternoon before this Court located at Room 703, 7th Floor, Hall of Justice, Diliman, Quezon City, at which place and on which date and time, any person who has objections to the petition may appear and file his opposition thereto.

Let a copy of this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines, chosen by raffle.

Further, let a copy of this Order and the Petition, with its annexes, be served by registered mail upon the known heirs, legatees, devisees and the creditors of the deceased, Ruben Balane y Figueroa, at their respective addresses.

SO ORDERED July 5, 2023, Quezon City.

(Sgd.) DOLLY ROSE R. BOLANTE-PRADO Presiding Judge (MStandard - Oct. 2, 9 & 16, 2023)

WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the plaintiff, through counsel, filed a Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication to Defendant Arch. Ariel B. Cardenas;

II – Damages.

39. Plaintiff respectfully repleads the allegations above.

40. Because of Defendant’s multiple breaches, Plaintiff suffered actual damages in order to finish the Project. Plaintiff spent for materials, labor, professional fees, and government fees, totaling to Two Million One Hundred Thirty-Two Thousand One Hundred Thirty-Six Pesos (Php 2,132,136.00).

41. Due to Defendant’s failure to finish the Diner, Plaintiff failed to open on time. This resulted to loss of income which was computed mutually by the parties to Ninety-Thousand Pesos (Php 90,000) per day. This amount was fixed by the parties in the Construction Agreement. Computed from the date of delay until the date the Diner was Completed, the liquidated damages to be paid by Defendant is equivalent to Five Million Nine Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos (Php 5,940,000.00) 42. Defendant’s breach left Plaintiff with no choice but to hire the services of counsel, wherein Plaintiff has already spent, and is expected to spend, at least ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 100,000.00).

Defendant must thus pay attorney’s fees and the cost of this suit.

43. Defendant’s actuations caused Plaintiff mental anguish, serious anxiety and sleepless nights, which entitles him to moral damages of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 300,000.00) or such higher amount that this Honorable Court may reasonably estimate to be sufficient compensation on the basis of the evidence after trial.

44. To further deter Defendant from repeating the same acts and causing more damages to other persons, and to serve as an example for the correction and maintenance of public good, an amount of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 300,000.00) should be awarded to Plaintiff as exemplary damages, or such higher amount as this Honorable Court may impose on the basis of the evidence after trial.

ANGELIQUE MARIE M

x------------------------------

This is a Petition fi

WITNESS AND SUMMARY OF INTENDED TESTIMONY

WHEREAS on June 30, 2023 the Honorable CARIDAD M.Middle WALSE-LUTERO, Presiding Judge Miller said.

East and beyond,” IYADH, Saudi Arabia – US of this Court, issued an Order granting the Motion for leave to Serve Summons by Publication to Blinken has been touring the region after Hamas Defendant Arch. Ariel B. Cardenas; Secretary of State Antony infiltrated the blockaded Gaza Strip NOW THEREFORE, Defendants Arch. Ariel B. Cardenas fighters is hereby summoned and Israel required from to file with Branch 223, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City, his Answer to the Complaint filed against Blinken called for pressure on on October 7 and killed 1,300 people, mostly civilians, him, within sixty (60) days after the last publication of this Summons, serving a copy thereof upon the and took about 150 hostages. plaintiff’s counsel, LAGMAY OLAVERE RAE & DINO LAW OFFICE at Unit 402 Henry’s Bldg., No. 80 Hamas during a meeting Sunday with Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan 1502 Metro Manila. Upon failure on their part to do so, as aforesaid, The attack sparked a massive retaliatory campaign plaintiff will take judgment against them by default and demand from said Court reliefs prayed for in the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, its Complaint. targeting the Islamist group in Gaza that has killed more Let this Summonsties together with the Israel Complaint and its annexes be published by the plaintiff, at its than 2,300 people. which hasexpense, warming with but once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of daily circulation to be selected Before the violence, the Saudi crown prince had spoby raffle by the Office of the of Court of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City. has put normalization onClerkhold. ken of progress in US-led diplomacy to normalise rela-

R

IN THE MATTER OF TH ESTATE OF NATIVIDA GONZALEZ

that 2018 after notice and h United States, where intelligence linked him to the admitted to probate an 45. Complainant will be presenting the following witnesses and for the following purposes: killing and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi, a USa. Complainant Engr. SOCRATES CONTI, who shall testify on the execution of the Construction Agreement Petitioner alleges t based Saudi journalist. with Defendant; payments made to Defendant; acts of breach of Defendant in the various actionable documents lifetime and at the tim attached in the Complainant; verbal communications with Defendant andblaming latter’s verbal undertakings; Riyadh denies this, rogue operatives.

City, Philippines, died a Complainant’s taking over the construction of the Restaurant; Defendant’s misrepresentations; all other relevant following compulsory h President Joe Biden -- who once vowed to make the matters and transactions in the instant case. b. MR. JAYPEE REYES, who shall testify regarding Defendant’s breach of the Construction Agreement; kingdommisrepresentations, a pariah -- drew protests home after a visit Defendant’s abandonment of the Project, Defendant’s Complainant’s takingat over the Name construction of the restaurant; all other relevant andArabia transactions in the instant case. he shared a friendly fisttomatters Saudi last year when Angelita Zita G. 46. Complainant respectfully reserves the bump right to present during the course of the trial. withadditional Princewitness Mohammed.

Carillo DOCUMENTARY AND OBJECT EVIDENCE The State Department said Blinken and the crown princeevidence also during discussed Yemen, where an uneasyAugusto peace Juan P. 47. Complainant will be presenting the following trial: Gonzalez WITNESS, the HON. CARIDAD M. WALSE-LUTERO, Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court, this 30 day of June 2023. tions between Saudi Arabia and Israel. has been holding between the Saudi-backed governDOCUMENT ANNEX Gloria Natividad G. The top US diplomat met for nearly an hour in the (Sgd.) ATTY. JANELLE C. MUPAS Sena Saudi Arabia has put the processConstruction on holdAgreement after the violence, ment and Iranian-backed Huthi rebels. between the parties dated 08 June 2019 A Clerk of Court V early morning with Crown Prince Mohammed bin andBranch Blinken has said that disrupting Saudi-Israel normalizaThey also addressed Sudan, on which the Saudis have Benjamin Augusto Official receipt issued by Defendant dated 06 June 2019 B of the area, Philippines Gerardo P. Gonzalez Salman at the royal’s farm residence inRepublic the Riyadh tion efforts may have partly motivated the Hamas attack. been working with the United States to mediate between National Capital Region Deposit slip of Complainant dated 17 July 2019 C a US official said.

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT The kingdom is the guardian of Islam’s two holi- warring generals, with limited success.

Deposit slip of Complainant dated 25 July 2019 D “Very productive,” Blinken said when BRANCH asked about 223 est sites, making recognition a historic coup for Israel, Blinken will travel later Sunday to Egypt, theEleanor sixthEncarnacion Natividad Gonzalez the meeting after returning to his hotel. QUEZON CITY which in 2020 normalized relations Perez Progress billing report of Defendant E with three other Arab country he will visit as he seeks to pressure Hamas ENGR. SOCRATES CONTI., Blinken “highlighted the United States’ unwavering focus Arab states including the United Arab Emirates. and prevent the war from spreading. F Email exchanges of Defendant and Plaintiff Mariel Giselle P. Gonzalez on halting terrorist attacksPlaintiff,

by Hamas, securing the release of As part of a package, SaudiPhotos Arabia -- which like IsEgypt is a key intermediary between Israel and of the project site when abandoned by Defendant G Case No. R-QZN-22-03070-CV all hostages and-versus preventing the conflict from spreading,” State Civilrael Leslie has tense relations with Iran’s Shiite clerical state Hamas, and US officials say Cairo worked on an ar- Monica For: Breach of Contract and Damages.

Contract of Payment of Construction penalty dated 31 August 2019 H G o n z a l e z Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

-has been seeking security guarantees from the United rangement to let US citizens leave the Gaza Strip but Raymundo-Roxas ARIEL B. CARDENAS, signed by Defendant dated 31 August 2019 I “The two affirmed their shared commitment to pro- States, its longtime partner andAcknowledgment consumer of its oil. that Hamas impeded their movement on SaturdayAraceli to the Natividad Defendant.

Apology email of Defendant dated 12 September 2019 J X-------------------------------------------X tecting civilians and to advancing stability across the Gonzalez Raymundo But Prince Mohammed is deeply controversial in the sole border crossing at Rafah. AFP th

COMPLAINT

Acknowledgment signed by Defendant dated 01 October 2019

K

Plaintiff ENGR. SOCRATES CONTI (“Plaintiff”), through the undersigned counsel, unto this Honorable Commission, most respectfully states that:

Inventory of expenses incurred by Plaintiff in finishing the Project

L

NOTICE OF DEED PARTIES OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL 1. Plaintiff is a Filipino citizen, of legal age, married, and with address at 19 Diamond St., Northview I SETTLEMENT

Subdivision, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. He may be served with notices, orders, and other court processes of

this Honorable Court through the undersigned law firm at its address at Room 402 Henry’s Building, Ortigas OF THE INTESTATE Ave., Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila. Said law firm’s official email address where this Honorable Court ESTATE OF ANTONIO send its electronic messages is info@lordlaw.ph.

L. CARDIÑOmay WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS 2. Defendant ARCH. ARIEL B. CADENAS (“Defendant”) is a Filipino citizen, of legal age, and with address at

M PRAYING 48. Complainant respectfully reserves the right to present additional documentary and object evidence during NEAR THE the course of trial.

PRAYER BORDER.

Michelle Gonzalez Raymundo

Magnitude 6.3 quake jolts west Afghanistan

Demand Letter from Lagmay Olavere Rae Dino Law Office

Grace Dianne Gonzalez Raymundo

Katrina Veronica Gonzalez Raymundo

Israeli soldiers Sheila T. Gonzalez wearing tefillin a. Pay Plaintiff actual damages in the amount of TWO MILLION ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO THOUSAND 41 West Jersey St., Rancho Estate 4, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City where he may be served with summons, (phylacteries), Maria Antoni M. ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX PESOS (PHP 2,132,136.00): Notice is herebyorder given andtoother court processes. Defendant’s email address is arielcardenas@yahoo.com Defendant is the b. Pay Plaintiff liquidated damages in the amount of Five Million Nine Hundred Forty Pesos (Php Gonzalez small black the public that theproprietor Deed ofof ABCardenas Builders.

5,940,000.00); Extra Judicial Settlement leather box Angelique Marie M. c.

Pay Plaintiff moral damages in the amount of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP of the Intestate Estateof FACTS 300,000.00); Gonzalez containing scrolls 3. On 16 April 2019, Plaintiff obtained a franchise of BIGG’s Diner from its franchisor. BIGG’s Diner is a Antonio L. Cardiño With HERAT, Afghanistan – A magnitude d. Pay Plaintiff exemplary damages in the amount of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP Waiver of Rights restaurant has beenthat serves classic American favorites such as Burgers, fries, steak, and chicken, among others. of parchment 300,000.00); 6.3 earthquake shook western Before Af- her death, th BIGG’s Diner was previously known as Carl’s Jr. which originated in Naga City. executed by and among e. Pay Plaintiff’s attorney’s fees, expenses of litigation suit in the amount of ONE HUNDRED inscribed withand the cost of ghanistan executed by the Testato Plaintiff, who is already a retiree and a senior citizen, procured a franchise of BIGG’s Diner using his and his heirs, namely: 4.Regina on Sunday, the US GeologTHOUSAND PESOS (PHP 100,000.00); his wife’s life savings to augment their financial sustenance for the rest of their lives.

Testator, at the time of P. Cardiño, Christina P. f. Legal interest and cost of suit. verses from the ical Survey said, wracking theduress, samefraud, or undu 5. Plaintiff engaged the services of ABCardenas Builders, a sole proprietorship owned by Defendant, to Cardiño and Alexander P. perform the construction and renovation of the site of the Diner at the lower ground floor of SM Fairview Main Torah, pray at by will. The Testator le region where more than 1,000 people Cardiño, as per Building, Doc. No. Plaintiff prays for such other relief as may be just and equitable under the premises.

Quezon City (the “Project”). The total contract price for the construction of the Project is Five Million amount of Six Million their position in 336; Page No. 69;Six Book No. Thousand Pesos (Php 5,600,000.00). Attached hereto as Annex “A” is a copy of the Construction were killed in tremors last week.

Hundred composed of the follow San Juan City for Quezon City, 14 October 2021.

VI; Series of 2023 of thebetween the parties dated 08 June 2019 (the “Construction Agreement”).

Agreement the north of Israel The quake hit just after 8:00 am Notarial Register/Book of section 2.1 of the Construction Agreement, the Contract Price is inclusive of : 6. As per a.

Parcels of land nearOLAVERE the border LAGMAY RAE & DINO LAW with OFFICE an epicenter 33 kilometers Atty. Henson M. Montalvo, Quezon City in a. in Preparation of architectural, mechanical, sanitary, fire, and electrical drawings; Counsel for Complainant Notary Public for and the northwest of Herat city, capital of the with Lebanon on Ortigas Ave. b.

Construction materials; Room 402 Henry’s Bldg.

Hundred Seven City of Makati. c. Project management and coordination with sub-constructors, suppliers, and third parties; same-named western province,b. the GreenHills, Juan 1502 Metro Manila Sunday.San AFP A parcel of lan (MS-OCT. 9/16/23, 2023) construction of the Project; d. Actual info@lordlaw.ph value of Two M USGS said. e. Installation of fixtures (632)7219-7482 2,477,800.00).

A magnitude 5.5 aftershock folf. Assistance in obtaining the necessary building permit, occupancy permit, and other necessary permits for REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES By. the commencement and completion of the construction of the Project; lowed 20 minutes later.

It appears that the REGIONAL TRIAL COURT g. Workers and the worker’s salaries and benefits.

(Sgd.) NIKKO G. LAGMAY P. Gonzalez, who NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Abdul Qadeem Mohammadi,Juan head Roll of Attorneys No. 58434 2021.

It was only upon BRANCH 306-QUEZON CITY 7. Per Section 4.2 of the Construction Agreement, Defendant undertook to complete the Project within 63 PTR No. 1236700 / 01-04-19 / San Juan City doctor at Herat Regional Hospital, by herein Petitioner, on days from commencement of work, which should be within 5 days from receipt of the downpayment from Plaintiff rtc1qzn306@judiciary.gov.ph IBP No. 060780 / 01-04-19 / Pasig City law,and it is only recently t told AFP that “so far 93 injured 8. On 06 June 2019, Plaintiff paid the required 50% downpayment amounting to Two Million Eight Hundred 09760968624/9660-1763 MCLE Compliance VI-0022567 and services of Thousand (Php 2,800,000.00). one dead have been registered”.advice JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF Pesos A FOREIGN JUDGMENT Thus, the Project should have been finished on or before 15 August 2019.

(Sgd.) JAN PAULO DL. DINO Gloria Natividad Gonza Attached as Annex “B” is an official receipt issued by defendant dated 06 June 2019.

AND THE CANCELLATION OFhereto ENTRIES OF MARRIAGE National disaster management offiRoll of Attorneys No. 56229 incapacitated to perform 9. BASED Construction of the108 Project commenced on 10 June 2019. At first, the construction appeared to be going IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY ON RULE OF THE PTR No. 1477362 / 01-08-19 / San Juan City said they were still investigating shall be her substitute RULES OF COURT, well. cials IBP No. 153125 / 01-15-19 / Pasig City 10.

On 17 July and 25 July 2019, Plaintiff again paid Defendant the amounts of Five Hundred Forty-One BEIRUT – Lebanon has said Israel was beresidents of the Philipp “It is crucial that every effort is made to ERLINDA ANG, MCLE Compliance VI-0022452 the scale of destruction.

Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-Four PesosCASE (PhpNo. 541,554.00) and Five Hundred Forty Thousand Ninety-Five SPEC. PROC. incompetent to execute Petitioner hind cross-border fire thatof the killed a Reuters ascertain how a group of journalists, clearly Pesos (Php 540,095.00), respectively.

Attached hereto as Annex “C” and “D” are copies deposit slips R-QZN-23-06501 An AFP reporter in Herat city said are both inc substitute -versusVERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATE OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING for the 17 and 25 July 2019 payments. journalist and wounded six others near the identified and duly accredited, could be tarGonzalez, most residents were still sleeping out- likewise nex YUTAKA FUKUSHIMA,11.Sometime CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE2019, OF it became apparent that Defendant could not finish the Project on time. in mid-August I , ENGR. legal age, after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, depose geted in SOCRATES this way,”CONTI, Friesofsaid.

QUEZON CITY, THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF no longer went to border.

12.Plaintiff noticedGENERAL that Defendant the site. The number of workers likewise decreased. side a week after the start of a executor series and letters te and state that: Section 6(a) of Rule 78 THE PHILIPPINES STATISTICS AUTHORITY, AND ALL Israel’s military was Reuters quoted Fatima Kanso, AbdalFrom around 20 workers at the beginning of the construction, there was a time thatsaid there it were onlylooking 3 workers into of quakes in the region, fearful of afPERSONS WHO MAY BE AFFECTED THEREBY, who performed the required work. There were days where no one worked at all.

I am the Complainant in the above-stated Respondents. the circumstances of the fatal strike Friday, 1. lah’s mother, as saying: “Israel case; deliberately WHEREFORE, find tershocks pulling down their homes in 13.When Plaintiff confronted the Defendant, Defendant admitted his shortcomings. Defendant simply and 2. I caused the preparation of the foregoing complaint; x---------------------------------------------x hearing on February 6 also injured from AFP, 3. killed They thereof were all jour-therein are conveniently used the “Build, Build, Build” precept of the which Duterte administration as hisjournalists excuse.

I have my read son. the contents and wearing the facts stated true and correct of my personal the night.

ORDER Floor, Hall of Justice, D 14.Upon Plaintiff’s inquiry with the remaining workers, Plaintiff discovered that the other workers refused knowledge and/or on the basis of copies documents and records Reuters and Al Jazeera. nalists’ gear and the wordof ‘press’ was vis- in my possession; This is a petition filed by Erlinda Ang, through counsel, praying for the Buyissues some begun in- objections to t who has to work since Defendant did not pay their salaries. In other words, Defendant misappropriated a chunk of the 4. I have not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same in thehad Supreme Court, sleeping Judicial Recognition of Foreign Judgment of Divorce obtained in Japan and “We are very sorry for the journalist’sthe Court ible.of Israel deny contract price.

Appeals,cannot the CIAC, or anythis othercrime.” tribunal or agency; the Cancellation of Entry in the Civil Registry under Rule 108 of the Revised side again.

15.In the meantime, Plaintiff examined the progressdeath,” report submitted

by Defendant.

Plaintiff discovered Let a copy of this O the best of my knowledge belief, noby such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, Rules of Court. military spokesman Richard Hecht 5. ToThe border has beenandrocked violence “Herat’s people are panicked and several discrepancies in the progress report with the actual work done. In the progress report, Defendant the Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; (3) consecutive weeks Petitioner alleges that she married respondent Yutaka Fukushima, a toldNOT a briefing, in reference to the Reuters 6. since Palestinian fraudulently billed Plaintiff for work and materials which were DONE, to wit: If I should thereafter Islamist learn that group a similarHamas action or killed proceeding has been filed or is pending before the shopkeeper by raffle. scared,” said 27-year-old Japanese national, on 2 August 1999. Following sometime, respondent the Court of Appeals, or any ither7tribunal agency, I undertake to report that fact within five video journalist killed, Issam Abdallah. Supreme overCourt, 1,300 people in its October attackor on Fukushima disclosed that his family was Itemexperiencing problems, causing Amount Billed Progress Claimed Actual Progress Hamid Nizami. “It’s Allah’s blessing therefrom to this Honorable Court. them to have limited time together. Subsequently, respondent Fukushima met Further, let a copy o On the question of who 0% launched the(5) days Israel, sparking retaliatory bombing of Gaza her with divorce papers in Bricks hand. He explained that it happened during the day,upon peoFire to SS claddingthat their continued marriage Php 11,763.97 50% the known heirs, l posed a danger, especially to her safety, due to his involvement as a Yakuza (Sgd.) Engr. Socrates Conti strike, Hecht said: “We are looking into it.” that has killed over 2,200 people there.

Gonzalez, at their resp ple were awake.” member. Saddened and hurt, she believed Seamless resin Floor she had no alternative but to 93,311.47 50% 0% Affiant The Lebanese army said in a statement that Israel has massed forces and tanks along sign the divorce papers, which she did. That was also the last time she saw Another magnitude 6.3 quake SO and ORDERED. POS counter, jet-black Fukushima granite 90% respondent Fukushima.

In 2002, respondent called her to inform 25,928.75 “the Israeli enemy fired a rocket0% shell that hit a SUBCRIBED the northern bordertowith a City counAND SWORN before Lebanon, me in San Juan this 13 day Of October 2021, affiant presented to eight powerful aftershocks jolted the her that he already submitted their divorce papers to Shimizu City Ward. me his ____________________ issued at _____________, on _________________..

POS Area Wall – PWD grab rail 6,983.04 95 civilian car belonging to a media0% team, leading try with which it remains technically at war, In 2003, she returned to Japan to obtain an official copy of the divorce same part of Herat on October 7, July top-25, 2023, Quez certificate and report. Double In 2016, she visited to the death of90Issam Abdallah”.0% and where the Iran-backed militant group Notaryof Public aluminum door the Embassy of Japan in the 17,285.83 pling swathes rural homes.

Philippines to acquire a copy of the divorce certificate. This certificate was (Sgd.) Atty. NIKKO G. LAGMAY The Lebanese foreign ministry labelled Hezbollah has a heavy presence. also registered with the Civil Registrar of Manila City.

In March 2023, she The Taliban government said Notary Public for San Jun City and Pasig City Single aluminum door 15,845.34 90 0% revisited Japan to complete the final stages of her divorce proceedings. Given the strike a “deliberate killing” and a “crime The group of journalists, wearing protecUntil December 31, 2022 more than 1,000 people were killed that the documents she possessed were from 2003 and 2016, she needed Cc: Roll-up shutters 253,205.40 70 of speech and0% Roll of Attorneys No. 58368 against freedom journalism”. tive vests and helmets, was near the village updated documents bearing a Apostille. Consequently, she returned to last 01/08/2021; week’s San tremors, PTR No.in 1477362; Juan City while the Shimizu City Ward where she obtained fresh copies of the relevant paperwork. and CEO, Fabrice Fries, of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with IBPWorld YEBRA DEVESA LOON Clear flat emulsion to coat 122,080.00AFP’s chairman 100% 0% No. 153124; 01/15/2021; Pasig City Health Organization (WHO) She secured a Family Registry Certificate of the Private Respondent from Counsel for the Petition MCLE Compliance No. VI-0025586 called on the relevant authorities to carry Israel, when they came under “direct” fire, Shizuoka Ward, as well as a new translated copy of the divorce decree from Mechanical works, FCU 1 to 5 171,649.00 50% 0% put the figure at nearly 1,400 late ENZO Build Penthouse, Unit 402 Henry’s Building Shimizu Ward. Lastly, she obtained a translated version of the Japanese Law Doc. No. 137; out an “in-depth investigation”. according to two eyewitnesses.

AFP No. 80 OrtigasAFP Ave., GreenHills that sanctions divorce.

399 Sen Gil J. Puyat Av Saturday.

Page No. 29; Plumbing works 15 GPM grease trap 12,389.36 50% 0% WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that judgment be rendered finding Defendant guilty of breach of contract and for Defendant to:

Lebanon: Israel strike kills journalist, injures 6 others

th

WHEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing onworks January 31, 2024, at 1:30 Plumbing 50 GPM grease trap in the afternoon 35,863.95 50% 0% before this Court located at Room 703, 7th Floor, Hall of Justice, Diliman, Quezon City, at which place and on which date and time, any person who has hereto asopposition Annex “E” is a copy of Defendant’s fraudulent progress billing report. Attached also objection to the petition 16. mayAttached appear and file his thereto.

Book No. 2; Series of 2021.

1502 San Juan City, Metro Manila

Makati City 1200 ydl@dyllaw.com jgsantos@ydllaw.com cbelo@ydllaw.com

Poland votes in ‘most important’ poll since communism ANNEX “A”

hereto “F” at and are the email exchanges of Defendant and Plaintiff, wherein Defendant Let a copy of this Orderas beAnnex published, thesub-markings expense of the petitioner, admitted his wrongdoings and made flimsyofexcuses once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper general for his fraud.

17. The situation thereafter did not improve and reached the point that Defendant totally abandoned the circulation throughout Philippines.

Project which was then only around 56% complete.

Attached hereto as Annex “G” and sub-markings are Likewise, at the expense of the petitioner, let copy of the Petition with its photos the sitetowhen it wasofabandoned Defendant.

Annexes and this Order be of furnished the Office the Solicitorby General, 18. Defendant to appease PlaintiffPhilippine and he promised that he would continue to finish the Diner. On 31 Office of the City Prosecutor, Office of tried the Local Civil Registrar, August 2019, of Plaintiff Defendant executed a Contract for Payment of Construction Penalty which contained Statistics Authority, the Department Foreignand Affairs, and Yutaka Fukushima, theBulletin following: and be posted in the Board of the Office of the Clerk of Court,

ANNEXES

ANGELITA ZITA G. CA

Blk. 8 Tampines St., 73 WARSAW, Poland – Poles began voting on large diaspora. main in the European Union. Poland is the #07-04 Pinevale Condo Sunday in parliamentary elections that will A PiS victory could exacerbate tensions with heart of Europe,” he added.

Singapore 528826 prove crucial for future ties with the European the EU and Ukraine and will dismay campaignPiS has vowed to press ahead with controGLORIA NATIVIDAD G Union and neighboring Ukraine, as the ruling ers concerned about the future of media free- versial reforms of the judiciary which it says 13 War Admiral CT Regional Trial Court, Quezon City. populists bid for a third consecutive term in doms, women’s and migrants’ rights. are aimed at rooting out corruption but Northwhich Potomac M a. Defendant acknowledged that as of 30 August 2019, the Project was already 23 days delayed.

SO ORDERED. Maryland USA 20878 power.

“We are in the EU, and we want to stay the EU sees as undermining democracy. b. Defendant acknowledged that as of 30 August 2019, only 56% of the Project has been completed.

July 19, 2023, Quezon City c. Defendant penalized Php 90,000 Per day forOpinion every day ofpolls delay indicate or movement the opening Law (Sgd.) would DOLLYbe ROSE R. BOLANTE-PRADO thefrom nationalist there, but in an EU of sovereign countries,” The row hasANNEX blocked euros inBENJAMIN ANNEX “B” ANNEX “C&D” “E”billions ofAUGUSTO date of the Diner. ThisPresiding was a reasonable estimate of the supposed lost income of the Plaintiff per day. This is in Judge CC: and Justice (PiS) party will get the most votes PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski said at the par- EU funding. accordance with the fixed liquidated damages stated in Section 4.4 of the Construction Agreement.

Unit 4610 SMDC Air Re acknowledged that he received Fourmay Millionstruggle Five Hundred Forty-Eight Thousand, Six PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA) a total of North but to build a governing coali- ty’s last major rally in Sandomierz on Friday.

ATTY. MARY ANN T. JUCO d. Defendant The most likely coalition partner for7257, PiS Yakal St., PSA Complex East (Php Avenue,4,548,681) form Plaintiff which should cover 81.22% of the Project.

Hundred Eighty-One Pesos JUCO LAW FIRM Antonio Village, Ma Diliman, Quezon City a Thousand chance to theHundred opposition led by At his own final rally, Tusk told support- would be Confederation, a far-right San party that Counsel for the Petitioner e. Defendant’s payable to Plaintiff amounting to Onetion, Milliongiving Fifty-One Three Eighteen Level 7 Ascott Business Center Pesos (Php 1,051,318.00) was toOFbe utilized to FINISH the project either himself or through former EU chief Donald Tusk. ers in Pruszkow that PiS had “secret plans” to has called for an end to Poland’s large-scale CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE MANILA CITYby Defendant Ayala Avenue, Makati City ELEANOR ENCARNAC Manila at Citythe Defendant’s expense. mtjucolawfirm@gmail.comanother contractor 34 Holystone Road, Wh Polling stations across the EU and NATO leave the EU and said they were “leading the assistance for Ukraine and has campaigned YUTAKA FUKUSHIMA DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Respondent 19. Attached hereto as Annex “H” is a copy of the Contract for Payment Penalty member openedofatConstruction 0500 GMT anddated will31close country down the wrong path”. on a strongly anti-migrant platform.Wellington, New Zealan 2330 Roxas Boulevard 364 Kawaharacho Shimizu-Shi August 2019. Pasay City Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan at 1900 GMT, with exit polls expected imme“This is the most important day in the hisBut Confederation has publicly MARIEL ruled out GISELLE P. G 20. Also on 31 August 2019, Defendant signed an undertaking wherein he promised to deliver the necessary OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL registration and/or titles covering the promised collateralsdiately as per Section Paragraph of the Contract Payment Spencer after8,and final 3results on Monday. tory of our democracy since 1989,” Tusk said such an alliance and some analysts27say it isSt., Immac 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village of Construction Penalty dated 31 August 2019, within 7 days.

Defendant in the same document also undertook QuezontenCity Makati City, Metro Manila Some 29 million people are eligible to vote, ANNEX at the“F” rally. ANNEX “G” unlikely to happen because of simmering to pay penalties for the delayed project (Php 90,000 per day as per Section 4.4 of the Construction Agreement) ANNEX “H” a million registered abroad DRRBP/mcvc “We will also be voting for Poland to re- sions between the two parties. AFP LESLIE MONICA GON within 6 months from(MStandard 31 August- 2019. hereto including as Annex “I”half is a copy of the Acknowledgment dated in a Oct. 2, Attached 9 & 16, 2023) 31 August 2019.

21. Defendant was again untrue to his promise, and he reneged in his obligation to Plaintiff under the Contract Payment of Construction Penalty agreement and the Acknowledgment dated 31 August 2019.

22. Defendant ABANDONED the project for good.

23. In an apology email of Defendant dated 12 September 2019, Defendant admitted all his violations and stated the following, among others:

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

B3

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

Israel-Hamas war to hurt PH economy

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee may lower its growth projections this year, taking into account the Israel-Hamas conflict that may affect world oil prices, an economist said over the weekend.

FOREX SOLUTIONS.

PETNET Forex Solutions, a businessto-business foreign exchange solutions provider, unveils its new location in Cebu as part of its regional expansion to service the growing businesses in the region. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new satellite office of PETNET at Aboitiz Corporate Office in Cebu City are (from left) executive vice president and general manager Dennis Catubay and senior assistant vice president Diana Mangiduyos-Lim.

“Local GDP [gross domestic product] growth could be slightly revised lower, as seen by the adjustments by World Bank, IMF [International Monetary Fund], ADB [Asian Development Bank], other multilateral institutions and other credit rating agencies, even before the Israel-Hamas conflict,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

Ricafort said a scenario where “world oil prices become volatile and adding to inflation that drags economic growth and increases interest rates” would be major factors that the DBCC could not ignore.

The DBCC is composed of the heads of the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management and the National Economic and Development Authority.

The Israeli-Hamas war started on Oct. 7, 2023, with a barrage of at least 3,000 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip against Israel.

About 2,500 Palestinian militants breached the Gaza–Israel barrier, attacking military bases and massacring civilians in neighboring Israeli communities.

Israel responded by pounding Gaza with rockets, and latest reports said it gave an ultimatum to Gazans to evacuate for a massive ground offensive to finish off the Hamas militants.

Ricafort said the main risk is dragging other countries in the proxy war, especially other Middle Eastern countries that are major oil producers such as Iran.

“If and when this happens, global crude oil prices could go up and would lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth worldwide, including the Philippines, especially if there would be repatriated OFWs in Israel,” Ricafort said.

Ricafort said any adverse economic impact would be felt from the “Despite the economic headwinds we are fourth quarter this year. facing, some economists are maintaining their The DBCC earlier projected a 6 percent to 7 percent growth for 5-percent growth projection for our annual exports. In PEZA, we haven’t adjusted our 9-per2023. The elevated inflation, higher interest rates and underspendcent target increase in ecozone exports given ing weighed on the economy which grew by 5.3 percent in the first the strong performance of the IT sector and half, below the target range. the locators’ start of commercial operations for Economic managers earlier said the GDP should grow by at least new and expansion projects,” Panga said.

6.6 percent in the second half to meet the low end of the target PEZA said there were 78 new economic zones range. (ecozone), 36 IT ecozones, 20 ecozone facilities, They said a more robust spending would do the trick for the 13 ecozone development projects, 15 ecozone Manila rest of the year. The IMF cut its growth forecast for the Philiplogistics projects, 5 ecozone domestic marketStandard pines this year to 5.3 percent from the previous estimate of 6.2 oriented projects and 2 ecozone utilities.

TODAY percent.

PEZA now hosts 422 economic zones and 4,352 locator companies. Of the total number The IMF’s latest forecast was also lower than the World Bank’s of ecozones, 299 are IT parks and centers, 79 5.6 percent projection, which was also a downward adjustment from manufacturing ecozones, 24 agro-industrial the bank’s 6 percent estimate previously. parks, 17 tourism ecozones and 3 ecozones on The IMF expects the economy to grow by 6 percent in 2024. medical tourism.

ROW issues delay 10-month ecozone investments climbed completion of 232% to P131b, but exports dipped 2.6% 2 NGCP projects By Othel V. Campos

By Alena Mae S. Flores TWO crucial transmission projects of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) are embroiled in rightof-way and legal issues that may hinder their full completion, an executive said over the weekend.

These include the Cebu-NegrosPanay (CNP) Stage 3 Backbone Project and the Hermosa-San Jose 500-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line which are eyed for completion by end-2023.

NGCP spokesperson Cynthia PerezAlabanza said that in the case of the CNP project, six transmission towers were still under right-of-way negotiations.

“The problem with transmission line is all it takes is one tower. You can finish 299 out of 300 towers, but if you can’t finish one tower, it’s not going to get energized, and that’s the case with CNP3,” Alabanza said.

She said negotiations were ongoing with a single landowner that has six towers in his area.

“We have filed an expropriation case, and we’re also doing parallel negotiations. Neither has borne fruit...We are doing our best, but that is beyond our control. This is part of the last portion,” Alabanza said.

CNP Stage 3 involves the construction of 230 kV transmission line facilities from the Barotac Viejo Substation in Iloilo province to the Cebu Substation.

Meanwhile, Alabanza said the N-1 or redundancy for the Hermosa-San Jose transmission line has yet to be completed, although the line is already energized.

Spanning the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan, the project will strengthen transmission services and accommodate new bulk power generation from Bataan.

The Hermosa-San Jose 500kV project is a major component in the Luzon 500kV transmission backbone. The project enabled better voltage regulation and power transfer from existing 230kV facilities in the area.

“The purpose for that project has been fulfilled on May 2023. So why is it not yet 100-percent complete? That is because the redundancy portion, the N-1 part, that is the one which is not yet finished,” Alabanza said.

INVESTMENTS filed at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) soared 232.45 percent to P131.75 billion in the first 10 months of 2023 from P39.63 billion in the same period in 2022.

Data showed, however, that despite the surge in investments, exports went down by 2.64 percent in the 10-month period to $42.05 billion from $43.16 billion, while direct employment decreased to 1,776,389 from 1,798,162 amid the slowdown in global electronics demand.

“There is a slight drop in our actual direct exports and jobs as of August. But we are hopeful that both indicators will recover and achieve a positive growth during the last quarter of the year,” PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said.

BENGUET CORPORATION 7th Flr. Universal–Re Building 106 Paseo de Roxas, 1226 Makati City

ANNOUNCEMENT Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Benguet Corporation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Company’s Board Room, 7th Floor Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, 1226 Makati City, Philippines.

The Company will not hold a physical meeting but will conduct the ASM virtually via online/remote communications.

The agenda of the meeting provides, among others:

RESIDENTIAL ENCLAVE. Aboitiz Land sets benchmarks for sustainability and community development. It’s residential enclave The Villages at Lipa offers a dynamic lifestyle in Batangas province, providing the opportunity to reside, thrive and delight within the 800-hectare LIMA Estate.

LIMA Estate holds a 5-star BERDE certification, a testament to its eco-friendly practices including energy and water efficiency, waste management and community well-being.

PH, US holding talks to expand air network

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippines is set to hold air talks with the US government by the first quarter of 2024 to enhance the route network between the two countries, a high-ranking official of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said over the weekend.

“We hope to sit down with the US in the first quarter of next year to improve the route network—the routes that can be operated by our airlines,” CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said.

“We are open skies with the US. It’s more of improving and increasing the routes that can be accessed by our airlines,” he said.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) offers direct flights to the United States, including San

Francisco, New York, Guam, Los Angeles and Honolulu.

PAL recently signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of nine A350-1000s which will be used for non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast and Canada.

The first of the nine A350-1000s is slated to be delivered to PAL by the fourth quarter of 2025, with deliveries continuing until 2027.

Arcilla said the US is a “very huge” market for the Philippines with about 3.5 million migrant Filipinos.

Data from the Department of Tourism showed that visitor arrivals from the US reached 715,744 in the first nine months of 2023. About 505,089 US visitors came to the Philippines in 2022.

SEC plans to finalize rules on initial coin offerings in fourth quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to issue the proposed rules for initial coin offerings (ICOs) in the fourth quarter for possible implementation next year, a top official said over the weekend.

SEC commissioner Kelvin Lester Lee said the agency was preparing to release the proposed framework for the issuance of digital assets for public comments.

An ICO is undertaken by a cryptocurrency company to raise money to create a new coin, app or service.

The SEC started drafting rules governing cryptocurrency offering and trading as

early as 2017, but this was delayed by the proliferation of scams and scandals.

It said while the agency was ready to issue the guidelines in 2022, it decided to again to delay the process following the collapse of Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which was once the thirdlargest cryptocurrency exchange by volume with more than one million users.

The SEC said it wanted to review the rules again to ensure that proper safeguard measures are put in place to protect the investors.

It said it remains vigilant against companies offering cryptocurrencies and illegal securities and investments to the

public while the draft rules are still being finalized.

SEC chairman Emilio Aquino noted an increase in the number of advisories issued by the agency against companies offering illegal securities to the public including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

It said to protect the OFWs, it signed a partnership with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to conduct regular seminars with OFWs, who are now being being targeted by scammers.

Meanwhile, Aquino said the SEC tightened its cybersecurity measures amid the recent hacking of various government agencies.

1. Approval of Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on November 9, 2022; 2. Approval of Management Report and Audited Financial Statements for 2022; 3. Approval of the extension of term/retention of Mr. Bernardo M. Villegas as Independent Director; 4. Approval of re-appointment of Sycip Gorres Velayo and Company (SGV) as the Company’s independent external auditor; 5. Ratification of all acts, contracts, investments, resolutions and proceedings made and entered into by Management and/or the Board of Directors during the period from November 8, 2022 until the date of the 2023 Annual Stockholders’ meeting; 6. Election of eleven (11) shareholders to serve as Directors (including Independent Directors) for the ensuing year, in case the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) of the Philippine Supreme Court is lifted on or before the stated Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on November 8, 2023 or within 90 days thereafter; 7. Such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and which are not known to management beforehand at a reasonable time, including to adjourn the meeting for up to ninety (90) days from November 8, 2023 if the election of directors is enjoined as of the meeting date.

Stockholders intending to participate in the meeting via remote communication and exercise their right to vote in absentia should first register and be authorized on or before November 3, 2023 thru Company’s website http://benguetcorp.com/investorrelations/. Stockholders should submit a scanned copy of a valid government-issued identification card (ID) for registration and verification purposes. Indirect stockholders should submit their broker’s certification of shareholding. Stockholders whose registration are validated will receive an email containing the meeting ID and password. Stockholders who cannot attend by remote communication can still be represented and vote at the meeting by submitting a proxy. A copy of the proxy form containing instruction on each item on the Agenda that requires stockholders vote is downloadable in the Company’s website www.benguetcorp. com.

The Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS) with the Management Report and other pertinent documents, the Annual Report 2022 (SEC Form 17-A), and the 2023 Second Quarter Report (SEC Form 17Q) as filed with the SEC and PSE are available for downloading at the Company’s website www. benguetcorp.com and in the online system of PSE Edge Portal https://edge.pse.com.ph.

By authority of the Board of Directors (Sgd.) HERMOGENE H. REAL Corporate Secretary (MS-OCT. 16 & 17, 2023)

ENVIRONMENT

B4 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

& SUSTAINABILITY

RAY S. EÑANO, Editor rayenano@yahoo.com • extrastory2000@gmail.com

Disasters displaced some 43m children WEATHER-RELATED disasters forcibly displaced a staggering 43.1 million children across 44 countries over the past six years, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said.

That figure translates into an alarming average of 20,000 children uprooted every day.

The findings are contained in UNICEF’s latest report, Children Displaced in a Changing Climate, the first ever global analysis of child displacements caused by floods, storms, droughts and wildfires. It also projects future trends for the next three decades.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF executive director, stressed the scale of the crisis.

“It is terrifying for any child when a ferocious wildfire, storm or flood barrels into their community,” she said.

“For those who are forced to flee, the fear and impact can be especially devastating, with worry of whether they will return home, resume school, or be forced to move again … As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement,” she added.

A man (left) and a youth (right) use a satellite dish to move children across a flooded area after heavy monsoon rainfalls in Jaffarabad District, Balochistan Province, Pakistan on August 26, 2022. UNICEF

The head of UNICEF called for urgent action to prepare communities, protect children at risk of displacement, and support those already uprooted.

China and the Philippines topped the list in terms of the absolute number of child displacements, largely due to their exposure to extreme weather events, substantial child populations and improved early warning and evacuation capabilities, according to UNICEF. However, when considering the proportion of displaced children relative to the child population, small island states such as Dominica and Vanuatu were the most severely affected by storms, while Somalia and South Sudan bore the brunt of flooding-related displacements.

Haiti, which is already at high risk of disaster-related child displacement, also faces violence and poverty, with limited investments in risk mitigation and preparedness, and in Mozambique, the poorest communities, including those in urban areas, bear the disproportionate brunt of extreme weather events.

Of the recorded child displacements between 2016 and 2021, floods and storms accounted for a staggering 40.9 million, or 95 percent. This was due in part to better reporting and preemptive evacuation efforts. Droughts triggered more than 1.3 million internal displacements of children, with Somalia again among the most affected. UN News

Efforts to reduce methane emissions are not enough ARIS―Decisive, far-reaching efforts to cut methane emissions from fossil fuel production and use must go hand-in-hand with decarbonization of global energy systems to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, a new report said last week.

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The report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) found that rapid cuts in methane emissions from fossil fuels could avoid up to 0.1 °C in global temperature rise by mid-century. These are greater than the impact of immediately taking all cars and trucks in the world off the road.

The Imperative of Cutting Methane from Fossil Fuels released last week builds on findings from the IEA’s recently updated net zero pathway to

limit global warming to 1.5 °C. It shows that while a drop in fossil fuel demand would cut methane emissions, these reductions by themselves would not occur fast enough to meet the world’s climate goals.

Additional targeted actions to tackle methane emissions from fossil fuel production and use―such as eliminating routine venting and flaring and repairing leaks―are essential to limit warming to 1.5 °C and reduce the risk of crossing irreversible climate tipping points.

As methane emissions lead to groundlevel ozone pollution, immediate action

roundup 2023 set to be warmest year ever

SEPTEMBER was the hottest one ever and 2023 is firmly set to be the warmest year on record, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said, citing data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

Average surface temperature reached 16.38°C, or 0.5°C above the previous record in September 2020.

Last month was roughly 1.75°C warmer compared to the pre-industrial period. It was also 0.93°C warmer than the 1991-2020 baseline which is used as a practical tool for climate sensitive sectors like agriculture.

WMO said this continues an extended streak of extraordinary land and sea-surface temperatures and is an ominous signal about the speed with which greenhouse gases (GHG) are changing the climate.

“The temperature anomalies are enormous—far bigger than anything we have ever seen in the past. Antarctic winter sea ice extent was the lowest on record for the time of year,” said Petteri Taalas, the agency’s secretary-general.

“What is especially worrying is that the warming El Niño event is still developing, and so we can expect these record-breaking temperatures to continue for months, with cascading impacts on our environment and society,” he added.

Samantha Burgess, the C3S deputy director, stressed that September 2023 is one for the record books.

“This extreme month has pushed 2023 into the dubious honor of first place—on track to be the warmest year and around 1.4°C above pre-industrial average temperatures,” she said.

With the COP28 UN climate change conference taking place in Dubai next month, “the sense of urgency for ambitious climate action has never been more critical,” she added.

UN News

would also deliver public health, food security and economic benefits. Based on modeling of the UNEP/CCAC Global Methane Assessment published in 2021, methane action would prevent nearly 1 million premature deaths due to ozone exposure, 90 million tons of crop losses due to ozone and climate changes, and about 85 billion hours of lost labor due to extreme heat by 2050.

This would generate roughly $260 billion in direct economic benefits through 2050.

“Reducing methane emissions from the energy sector is one of the best― and most affordable―opportunities to limit global warming in the near term,” IEA executive director Fatih Birol said.

“Early actions by governments and industry to drive down methane emissions need to go hand-in-hand with reductions in fossil fuel demand and CO2 emissions. This report sets out the clear case for strong, swift action.”

UNEP photo

“Cutting methane doesn’t let us off the hook to make good on the just energy transition. But cutting methane is a low hanging fruit while we work on the overall decarbonization of our economies in tandem with supporting our societies to build greater resilience,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP. “Investments in maintenance and operational changes that prevent methane from leaking into the atmosphere are a fraction of profits made from fossil fuels. This is in stark contrast to the cost of inaction, from crop productivity losses, to impacts on human health and the economy” “We know what to do, we have the means to do it,” she added. “There is a support-system in place to help countries develop roadmaps, policies, and regulations, and to provide countries and companies with credible data to drive emissions reductions. We must do it now.”UNEP News

Ban smoking, vaping in schools YOUNG people continue to be “relentlessly” targeted with tobacco and nicotine products, the World Health Organization (WHO), in a recent call to ban smoking and vaping “whether sitting in class, playing games outside or waiting at the school bus stop.”

According to the UN health agency, the tobacco industry’s approach has resulted in increased use of e-cigarettes, with nine out of 10 smokers starting before the age of 18—and some as early as 11.

“Considering that children spend nearly one-third of their waking hours in school, and much of the peer pressure they encounter occurs within these educational environments, schools play a pivotal role,” WHO said.

Schools are in “a uniquely powerful position to play a major role in reducing the serious problem of smoking and other tobacco and nicotine use by kids.”

Although smoking has continued to decline among European teens, WHO reported that there has been a rise in novel and emerging tobacco and nicotine products—including electronic cigarettes.

The UN agency pointed out these products have been made more affordable for young people owing to the sale of single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which also typically lack health warnings.

“If we don’t take urgent action now, we risk seeing the next generation of tobacco and nicotine users recruited through tobacco industries’ unethical practices,” said Dr Hans Henri Kluge, regional director for WHO Europe. UN News

The hands behind a cup of coffee in Panama Conclusion These agro-ecological techniques include minimizing the use of pesticides and adapting agricultural technologies to face the effects of climate change. Through guided discussion and observation, coffee farmers were empowered to become experts in ecology and oversee the agricultural management of their own coffee crops. The training also included learning activities to increase women’s participation in production and business decision-making.

“Thanks to the training, we’ve learned all about coffee management and how we can take care of plants when they get sick.

All of this without the need to put aside our traditional techniques, and while preserving our ancestral native plants,” says Elizabeth.

More than just coffee For Elizabeth and other coffee farmers in Panama, the project is not just about making good coffee, it is about building a better future for their families and communities.

“Coffee has always been part of our culture, but now we are also seeing it as a potential source of economic relief,” she explains.

By partnering with Café Durán and learning best practices for production and processing, indigenous peoples’ communities are accessing markets and buyers that are reliable and pay fair prices.

In turn, this allows coffee producers to improve their living conditions and offers opportunities for future generations.

“In a certain way, coffee is a magical product because it can, not only help with better social inclusion, but it also offers good international prices,” says FAO Panama representative Adoniram Sanches Peraci.

“Indigenous Peoples have tremendous cultural, social, linguistic, historical and territorial wealth. But they also face significant

The perfect blend challenges when it comes to translating this wealth into sustainable When we ask Elizabeth how she expects her life to change, she economic opportunities, especially given their limited access to culturally responsive technical assistance, markets and financing,” says tells us that she hopes life stays the same, and that she still wakes up at dawn to make her coffee. “But now the coffee will be from my Ana Grigera, gender and diversity dpecialist at the IDB. “Coordinated work between government authorities, the private own production,” she says with a warm laugh.

“Coffee provides indigenous peoples’ communities with longsector and Indigenous Peoples in Panama is key,” she adds. term economic, social and environmental sustainability and offers them a reliable form of income. Previously, they worked on coffee farms. Today, with the experience that they have acquired from FAO’s Farmer Field Schools, they are the ones who are running their own coffee farms and selling it directly to buyers like us,” says Ricardo Tovar, coffee production director at Café Durán.

“I’m encouraging the people of the community, especially the young, to get educated and grow their coffee crops the proper way. Coffee is not a quick solution for income generation for one or two years, but rather it is something that will guarantee our stability in the long term,” says Elizabeth.

One Country, One Product In Panama, coffee is part of FAO’s One Country, One Product program. This initiative places smallholders and family farming at the center of the production, distribution and marketing of a selected product in each country. It also opens the possibility of fruitful cooperation with the private sector and financial institutions, such as the IDB. “What we want to build is a platform of socio-economic inclusion of more farmers in the productive process, where the private sector has the market ‘know-how,” says Peraci of the project.

FAO provides a wide range of technical assistance and investment support. Through its investment Center, FAO helps to transform agri-food systems for inclusive economic growth and FAO photo a more sustainable future. FAO News

SPORTS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

C1

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

Loaded LPGT cast vies in Taiwan LPGA

IOC EXPLORES OLYMPIC ESPORTS GAMES. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach speaks during

a press conference ahead of the upcoming 141st IOC session in Mumbai. The IOC is looking at creating an Olympic eSports Games, Bach announced on Saturday. The German noted there are three billion people playing eSports and gaming around the world. Estimates suggest over 500 million of those are interested specifically in eSports, which include virtual sports and sport simulations. AFP

ALL but one of the seven winners in this year’s 10-leg Ladies Philippine Golf Tour gear up for a highly charged duel with the best of the LPGA of Taiwan in the Party Golfers Ladies Open, which blasts off on Nov. 8 at the Lily Golf and Country Club in Guanxi Township in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Daniella Uy, who closed out the local tour season with a victory at Mimosa to emerge the winningest with three wins, banners the 16-player strong LPGT contingent in the NT$4 million championship spread over 54 holes on a course that poses a real challenge with its undulating terrain and sleek putting surface.

For Uy, who also topped the LPGT stops at Forest Hills and Del Monte, tied for fourth when the Filipinas last competed in the Party Ladies Open in 2019, finishing three strokes behind winner Yu Ling Hsieh of Taiwan at the National Golf Country Club in Miaoli County.

But the LPGT stalwarts are keen on producing a breakthrough result coming off a series of tournaments at home, ready to pit skills and talent not only with the Taiwanese but also with aces from Thailand, Japan and Korea, among others.

SSC Stags whip Generals, Altas keep Knights winless

By Peter Atencio

R

AYMART Escobido eked out a season-high 23 points to help carry the Sebastian CollegeRecoletos Stags to an 86-70 swamping of the Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena.

Escobido, whose early game heroics included three rebounds, three steals, and two assists, joined hands with Jessie Sumoda in providing the needed firepower to propel the Stags to their

third win in seven games.

Sumoda came up with a a doubledouble of 14 markers and 10 boards as the Stags halted the winning run of the Generals, who slid to third 4-3.

The Stags went to work early with Escobido knocking in eight points in the first half to help put the Stags up by 12 at 43-31.

Sumoda and Alex Desoyo then drained triples to give the Stags a comfortable 84-67 edge with 1:39 left.

King Gurtiza shot 20 points for the Generals, who dropped to a share of fourth with the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.

New Stags’ coach Monel Kallos said the team played with a new sense of camaraderie and good communication following a team dinner on Saturday.

“Nawala ‘yung mga barriers, nawala rin ‘yung superiority. Wala na ngayon na superior. It’s all about us now. It’s

not about me anymore, it’s about all of us,” said Kallos.

Meanwhile, Art Roque’s four triples in the fourth quarter lifted the University of Perpetual Help Altas to a 74-59 rout of the slumping Letran Knights.

Roque went on to finish with 22 points for the Altas, who moved up with a 3-4 slate and a share of fourth spot with the San Sebastian Stags.

Vince Cuajao knocked in 15 points for Letran, which stayed winless in seven games.

Jielo Razon and Christian Pagaran shot 12 points apiece for the Altas, who will next meet the San Beda Red Lions on Tuesday.

Isleta, Chua take charge in national swimming tryouts THE most decorated juniors and elite swimmers made their presence felt on the final day of the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts on Sunday at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate Manila.

World Championship campaigners Chloe Isleta and Xiandi Chua proved their place at the top echelon, while top juniors Michaela Jasmine Mojdeh, Heather White, and Jamesray Ajido registered multiple victories as they emerged top contenders for the 44-man Philippine Team that will compete in the 11th Asian Age Group Championships slated Dec. 3 to 6 at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Isleta, the 25-year-old US-based and Arizona University mainstay, captured four gold medals, while the 24-year-old Chua dominated two events in the three-day meet that attracted the country’s best swimmers and foreign-based athletes.

Isleta, under the banner of One Ilocos Sur Swim Team, coached by former Olympian Ryan Arabejo, topped the girls’ 18-over 100m backstroke (1:04.04), 100m freestyle (56.86), 200m freestyle (2:04.57) and 200m Individual medley (2:18.06), while Chua, her teammate in the World tilt in Fukuoka last July, delivered in the girls’ 18-over 50m back (30.20), and 50m free (26.06).m “We’re happy to see them joining the tryouts.

Umuwi sila mula sa US training para ipinakita nila rito ang kahalagahan ng slots sa National Team na

kailangang mong paghirapan at hindi maaaring makuha dahil seeded ka na. Itong palakasan system at turuan sa pagpili ng mga atleta ang inaalis namin ni president Miko Vargas,” said Philippine Aquatics, Inc. Secretary General and Batangas 1st District Representative Eric Buhain.

The 14-year-old Ajido, a national junior record holder and two-time SEA Age Group medalist, was among the top tier juniors that shone and received ‘probationary’ status for the PH team after dominating the boys’ 12-14 200m back (2:15.76), 100m butterfly (57.12), 200m free (2:02.68), 200m IM (2:16.01), 50m back (28.90), 200m fly (2:15.22), and 50m free (24.91), White, who lost to another promising 14-yearold Trixie Ortiguerra in the girls’ 15-17 50m back on Day 2, recovered her bearing in winning the 50m free (27.78) against the pride of Tarlac, who submitted a time of 27.78. The Vietnam-based White also won the 100m fly (1:03.48), and 200m free (2:07.75).

Called the ‘Water Beast’, Mojdeh, a semifinalist in 2022 World in Lima, Peru, claimed victory in the girls’ 15-17 200m fly (2:18.50), and 200m Im (2:25.52).4 “Right now, probationary pa ang lahat. Ilalatag muna natin ‘yung mga results sa unang tryouts sa Dipolog City last two weeks, then we will come up with the official list. Target natin yung World Aquatics 700 points, but kung wala, ‘yung pinakamalapit ang kukunin natin,” said tournament director Chito Rivera.

Chloe Isleta

Daniella Uy

Joining Uy in the roster are two-leg (Luisita and Villamor) winner Harmie Constantino, Bacolod leg titlist Chanelle Avaricio, Caliraya Springs champion Pauline del Rosario, Valley stop winner amateur Mafy Singson, and Florence Bisera, who reigned at the South Pacific Classic.

Top guns clash as Gov. Bautista Open unfolds JOSE Maria Pague gains the top seeding in the absence of injured Johnny Arcilla but focus will be on Alberto Lim and a slew of aces all primed for a duel of power and styles in the Gov. Franklin Bautista National Open Tennis Championships at the Malita courts in Davao Occidental.

The week-long, top-ranking event got under way Sunday, with Pague and the other seeded bets tipped to hurdle their respective first round matches although reversals are not ruled out given the depth of the field, including the youngsters out to prove their worth.

Pague yielded a 4-6, 3-6 result to Bryan Otico in a riveting title clash last year with the former out to settle an unfinished business this week against a field eager and ready to slug it out for one of the richest prizes staked in an Open tournament plus UTP (Unified Tennis Philippines) and UTR (Universal Tennis) rating points.

The men’s singles winner will pocket P100,000 and trophy with the runner-up to receive P50,000 plus trophy and ranking points. The men’s doubles champions will also get P80,000.

Leading the contenders’ list are Josshua Kinaadman, Eric Jed Olivarez, Eric Tangub, Alexis Acabo, Jude Ceniza and Eury Gaspar.

But Lim looms as the marked player in the P403,000 event sponsored by Gov. Franklin Bautista and held in conjunction with the Araw ng Davao Occidental founding anniversary after the former UE standout bucked the odds and won the recent Olivarez Cup, ending a three-year title spell.

As he had consistently done during his campaign, Lim banked on his aggressive play to overpower Fritz Verdad, 6-2, 6-1, in the finals with the 24-year-old ace likely to switch on the attack mode again to fuel another title run in the event also held as part of the PPS-PEPP program put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/ CEO Bobby Castro.

Cayetano, Obiena enjoy game of padel—a tennis/squash sport Senator Pia Cayetano

PADEL or padel tennis got formally introduced in the Philippine sports community with world No. 2 men’s pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena playing a friendly with the sport’s benefactor Senator Pia Cayetano last Fridaty at the Play Padel Courts in Mandaluyong City.

“It’s very fulfilling to play this sport although I know that this is just the start of the long journey of padel sport here in our country,” said Cayetano, who spearheads the two local padel courts so far in the country at the BGC and Mandaluyong City.

Padel is a cross between tennis and squash and traces its origin in Mexico. The court though is smaller than tennis and while tennis balls are used, play allows players to bounce the ball off the walls.

Play is done doubles and is scored the same way as tennis.

“It’s not easy to build this new venue,” Cayetano said of the Mandaluyong facility. “But after

this, I am looking forward to build the community so the work begins now.

“Training of the coaches is also ongoing so they will able to train the players to be better athletes” she added.

An enthusiast of tennis, Obiena said he was excited trying his hand at padel.

“It’s really different but I’m having fun because it’s something new. I believe this sport will become popular soon,” Obiena said. “I’m here for Senator Pia and it’s great playing padel with them.”

Padel, according to pioneering coach Bryan Casao, is a social sport for all ages and skills.

“As more Filipinos are playing padel, more competitions will be held,” said Casao, who announced the staging of the Padel Pilipinas League that was played over the weekend.

Casao is the first Filipino professional padel coach and head of Play Padel Philippines.

Ernest John Obiena

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World Bread Day Special Feature

World Bread Day: Baking makes the difference around the world

By Patricia Taculao

N

O MATTER the time of day, bread has always been a staple food that carved appetites and defined cuisines across the globe.

It’s a versatile food that can accommodate local ingredients, procedures and other unique pairings.

Although the bread has received some negative connotations from many because some people claim it as the reason behind many cases of obesity, there’s no denying that the staple has been a rudimentary and familiar basic food on many dining tables.

Seeing the evident benefits of bread throughout millennia and civilizations, the world annually celebrates World Bread Day on October 16 to highlight the oldest and most beloved staples of the human diet.

Yet there’s more to World Bread Day than just letting bread rise to the occasion. It also commemorates the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), which continues to champion food security and nutrition worldwide.

The annual event began in 2002, under the initiation of the International Union of Bakers and Bakers-Confectioners (UIBC) and the German Central Association of Bakeries. They wanted to create a global day highlighting the importance of bread as a staple food and pay tribute to the skill and dedication of bakers worldwide.

World Bread Day gives people time to reflect on the relevance of bread

Employees work at a bakery selling baguettes in Tunis on August 7, 2023. AFP

throughout society, its cultural significance and potential to address global hunger and nutrition. After all, multinational studies claim that the average person, regardless of country, age and gender, consumes about 50 kilograms of bread a year.

Calories consumed from bread have kept generations well-fed, empowering them for nation-building and ensuring food security.

Greetings to the Philippine Baking Industry on its celebration of

World Bread Day! from: PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF FLOUR MILLERS, INC

RFM Corporation Wellington Flour Mills Liberty Flour Mills Pilmico Foods Corporation Philippine Flour Mills General Milling Corporation Universal Robina Corporation

Rising to the occasion Eating bread isn’t the only way to celebrate World Bread Day–but it’s a start. Many local bakeries, cafes, and restaurants offer various bread selections to cater to everyone’s preferences. It’s affordable and accessible, just some of the primary reasons why the annual event puts the staple on a pedestal.

People don’t have to eat alone during this global celebration. As per the tradition of breaking bread, they can always share their favorite bread or explore new options with friends and loved ones.

On the other hand, those who starve for knowledge can take this opportunity to satiate their intellectual hunger and learn more about the event through proper research from trusted sources available online or similar knowledge platforms.

Coincidentally, there are various recipes found online and in cooking books that enthusiasts can peruse to learn how to create famous or underrated bread recipes to their liking. Some are easy, while others require more experience.

Baking the bread needs patience and the appropriate equipment. Those with ovens can begin their baking journey. Those who have yet to purchase the appliance can find refuge in areas across the country that allow their customers to use their baking equipment and learn the recipes efficiently.

If reading, eating and baking have yet to make people feel the relevance of World Bread Day, they can always share their blessings and the nutrition from consuming the beloved staple with others who require the sustenance. They can get in touch with various organizations, orphanages and shelters to organize a feeding program for the marginalized, youth and elderly and to show them the benefits of bread and how it keeps civilizations fed over the years.

Popular Filipino bread

Since bread has helped define numerous cultures and civilizations over the years, the Philippines has its fair share of options that remain well-loved by Filipinos from all walks of life.

In the morning, they can head to the nearest bakery to buy several pieces of pandesal, a

mildly sweet bread known for its light golden crust, slight crunch and pillowy texture.

Its name comes from the Spanish word, meaning “salt bread,” as it originated from the Philippines’ 16th-century era of Spanish colonization.

Pandesal is best when served hot and freshly baked in the oven, usually around early morning. Many enjoy eating pandesal with a hot beverage, preferably coffee, in the morning for breakfast. But it’s not bound to any rules and can be eaten with jam, cheese, butter, or fashioned into a sandwich throughout the day.

Another favorite among Filipinos is ensaymada, which many bakeries, cafes and restaurants have catered to creating and perfecting this specific variant. Ensaymada is a coiled buttery bread with sugar and cheese sprinkled on top. It’s both sweet and savory, making it a perfect snack. Ensaymada also goes well with coffee, although a more robust brew can balance the flavors better.

Many Filipino breads are often versatile, with each having a distinct flavor. One ideal example is Filipino-style sliced bread. It’s soft, sweet and delicate. But don’t let its mild flavor fool you. This sliced bread is the perfect match for any spread or filling.

Whether it’s sweet jam, butter, peanut butter, or more savory options like ham, egg and other proteins, there’s much for consumers to expect when they use the bread variety.

In the meantime, local bakeries still offer numerous options, from sweet to savory to being an adaptable medium, including monay, cheese rolls, putok, kababayan and more to suit the public’s preferences.

Those looking for a more adventurous flavor when it comes to eating bread can explore the complex yet equally satisfying flavors and textures of pies.

Besides the popular bread options in local bakeries, almost every province across the country has its version of bread that defines their local culture, which has since become a delicacy for many.

World Bread Day is a celebration of the humble loaf, a staple food for billions of people across the globe. It is a time to appreciate the diversity of bread, the skills of bakers, and the importance of bread in our culture and economy.

Bread is more than just a food. It is a symbol of sustenance, community and tradition. It is a food that brings people together, regardless of culture or background. It is a food that is both simple and complex, and it is is essential to our lives.

On this World Bread Day, let us all take a moment to appreciate the humble loaf. Let us savor its flavor, its texture and its history.

And let us thank the bakers who produce this delicious and essential food.

World

By Patricia Taculao

A

CCORDING to studies, man can survive for three weeks without food. However, they can’t survive without water for three days as this can have consequences on their health, including dehydration and lack of mental clarity, to name a few.

Yet drinking isn’t the only way humans benefit from water, and humans aren’t the only creatures to benefit from water.

Over 50 percent of the human body is water, while 71 percent covers the Earth’s surface. It also helps food grow, which helps sustain many lives. Water is a valuable resource, being the driving force for civilizations, economies, and the foundation for food.

However, only 2.5 percent of water is fresh, which makes it suitable for drinking, agriculture, and most industrial uses. But like all natural resources, fresh water is not infinite.

This year’s World Food Day, scheduled on October 16, aims to highlight the relevance of water in preserving and providing life on Earth. The celebration revolves around the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.” It also seeks to raise global awareness about managing water wisely as rapid population growth, economic development, urbanization, and climate change threaten water availability across the globe.

World Food Day, which coincides with the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, promotes awareness of hunger and action for the future of food, people, and the planet.

The date was designated in 1979.

Challenges surrounding global water supply Numerous factors contribute to the decline of the freshwater supply. Primary reasons include rapid population growth, urbanization, economic development, and climate change, all placing increasing pressure on the planet’s water resources.

In the meantime, freshwater resources per person declined to 20 percent in the past decades, deteriorating water availability and quality because of poor use and management, over-extraction of groundwater, pollution, and climate change.

Around 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries presently.

Moreover, roughly 600 million people who depend, at least partially, on aquatic food systems for a living face the effects of pollution, ecosystem degradation, unsustainable practices, and climate change.

There is a growing need to produce more food and other essential agricultural commodities using less water while ensuring the resource is distributed equally, with nobody left behind.

Fortunately, there’s still time for the world to remedy the issue. Everyone, from everyday individuals to people in power, can play a vital role in ensuring that every creature from all walks of life will receive an ample water supply to keep them well-fed.

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Underscoring water’s relevance in food production Even the youth can contribute to this initiative by learning about conserving water and appreciating their food better to ensure nothing goes to waste. Aside from actively participating in water conservation activities, clean-up drives, and similar events, they can also learn from educational resources highlighting food security and water’s role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Coincidentally, the UN-FAO planned several activities for World Food Day catered to kids, also known as Junior World Food Day. Students from different countries and cultures can unite to call for water action for food through song and dance in the multilingual music video “Water is Food, Water is Life.” They can also participate in the World Food Day Poster Contest 2023 or explore other options The government can also design and implement policies that promote water and food security throughout the Philippines. Leaders can gather data to create procedures while capitalizing on modern technology and coordinate with other local government units or organizations to plan and manage water better.

Leaders can set a precedent by supporting these policies through investment, legislation, technologies, and capacity development to empower stakeholders to engage in integrated solutions to use water efficiently and promote its conservation.

Farmers are also key players in water conservation for food production because they are responsible for providing sustenance to people everywhere. They can learn to embrace modern technology to help food production while lessening water consumption or invest in transitioning to a sustainable farm with integrated systems to boost efficiency.

Small efforts for water conservation One of the primary concerns across the globe nowadays is sustainability and preserving natural elements. Since

its success requires tremendous effort from all stakeholders, everyday individuals, through small actions, can support the cause and promote food security.

A significant step is choosing in-season fruits and vegetables since they require less water for production. This step is a friendly choice for the planet and encourages consumers to diversify their plates and expand their palates to new food products.

Speaking of food products, when food shopping, select fresh products as these are healthier and also require less water to produce compared to processed foods and beverages. And while eating a healthy, balanced diet is a relevant part of maintaining a nutritious lifestyle, this action also supports biodiversity.

Consumers can also improve their meal planning with a shopping list, buying what they need to reduce food waste.

In the meantime, food isn’t the only method the public can use to conserve water and redirect it for food production and other similar

purposes. Everyone can also direct their efforts to decrease their water usage. Additionally, it can also help them save money from their regular costs.

They can begin by taking shorter showers, fixing leaking pipes, and ensuring that faucets don’t run freely. These are just some of the many ways to be more conscious of water usage.

World Food Day 2023 is a reminder that water is essential for life and food. It is also a call to action to ensure everyone can access safe and clean water, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Water scarcity is a growing problem around the world, and it is disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable people. Climate change, population growth, and unsustainable water management practices contribute to the problem, making it a pressing issue as time passes.

On this World Food Day, we must commit to working together to protect and manage our water resources sustainably. We must also ensure everyone can access the water they need to survive and thrive.

Chocolates give joy, boost mood, and give peace

• Celebrating World Chocolate Day with Filipino Favorites • Consumers and Farmers Agree: Chocolates are Good for the Soul FROM the iconic triangles of thoughtful Toblerone treats, to the smooth and creamy taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk, there’s no denying that chocolates have played a major role in defining the happiness of the everyday Filipino. With the taste buds of the country held captive by the deliciousness of chocolates, leading the charge to celebrate World Chocolate Day is none other than Mondelez Philippines, Inc. As a snacks leader in the country and the maker of Filipinos’ favorite chocolate brands for the past 60 years, Mondelez Philippines has been delivering deliciousness, comfort, and connection to every household. In an age of fast-paced disconnection and divisiveness, chocolates undoubtedly bring people together across borders, regardless of who you are and where you came from.

In fact, the joy that chocolates provide in every bite can be evidenced in the Company’s global 2022 International State of Snacking Report where 78% of consumers are of the belief that moments of indulgence like snacking on their favorite chocolate are important now more than ever, and 75% agree that snacking provides them a boost in mood and moments of peace.

The joy chocolates offer not only entails a delicious journey, but also an opportunity to celebrate the victories (no matter how big or small) that come along in our everyday lives; so much so that 84% of consumers also agree that “chocolate is good for the soul” - fostering connection and comfort in every bite.

“Chocolates have always been a large part of the Filipinos’ everyday snacking habits, they’re a reflection of the country’s fondness for delicious treats. We at Mondelez Philippines are very proud to be part of that element of the Filipino story, bringing joy to the appetites of Filipino consumers.” said Raf Baradas, Category Manager for Chocolates of Mondelez Philippines.

“Aside from providing the country’s favorite chocolate snacks, we’re also proud to be one of the companies in the country leading the campaign for sustainable and mindful snacking; prioritizing responsible sourcing practices for our cocoa ingredidents and helping empower our communities,” added Baradas.

The Right Snack, For The Right Moment, Made The Right Way. Besides tasting delicious, chocolates made with quality and sustainable ingredients have proven to have a place in balanced lifestyles, with cocoa found in chocolates containing phytonutrients which may offer some potential health benefits. Often paired with delicious tandems like berries, dried apricots, nuts, and even tea, chocolate can make for a delicious combination of flavors.

Along with the Company’s efforts to promote mindful snacking, it also leads the charge in helping empower cocoa communities through a program called Cocoa Life. Through this, the Company is helping alleviate the challenges faced by cocoa farmers like education, infrastructure, and poverty through investments in increasing entrepreneurship and development.

As of the end of 2021, the parent company has partnered with 200,000 farmers globally through Cocoa Life to achieve higher cocoa yields, which has resulted in an increase in living income.

Additionally, the company has invested $1 Billion to help empower 300,000 cocoa farmers and improve the lives of more than a million cocoa farmers around the world.

The fact of the matter is, chocolate is something to be celebrated, and World Chocolate Day reminds us that, indeed, our lives have a bit more joy thanks to every bite of our favorite chocolate snacks.

LIFE

C4 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 Nickie Wang, Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Unforgettable journeys

By Angelica Villanueva

HE pandemic may have temporarily thwarted dream travel, but as the world’s recovery gains momentum, wanderlust reignites in the hearts of countless explorers.

T

and hassle-free adventures

Traveling offers an enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, traverse uncharted territories, and craft cherished memories with loved ones or even in solitary contemplation.

Yet, the journey can be equally demanding and bewildering, particularly when unprepared.

To help you on your next trip, Manila Standard Lifestyle provides essential tips for a better travel experience.

Do your research: Before you embark on a trip, take some time to learn about your destination—the climate, culture, and attractions you can visit. Remember that the more you know about your destination, the better prepared you’ll be, and the more you’ll enjoy your trip.

Be flexible: It’s important to remember that sometimes things don’t go according to plan when you’re traveling, so be prepared to make changes to your itinerary. If you can go with the flow, you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience.

Pack only what you need: While it’s tempting to overpack for the perfect Instagram photos, it’s better to pack light so you don’t have to lug around a heavy suitcase. Bring only the essentials and leave the rest at home. Take a break from thinking about what you need to post and enjoy the experience.

Learn a few basic phrases: You don’t need to be fluent in the local language, but learning a few basic phrases can go a long way. Knowing how to ask for directions or thank local people for their help can be very helpful.

Book your trip with a trusted travel agency: Booking a trip abroad can be exciting but also daunting. There’s so much to consider, from flights and accommodations to visas and travel insurance. Always remember to book with travel agencies accredited by reputable organizations that are known for providing better travel experiences.

Arce Tours and Travel has been doing just that since 2001. Established by Nat Arcega, who already had a background in the airline and travel industry, the agency has been providing corporate clients with incentive tours, international conferences, and seminars, visa processing for international destinations, as well as seamless transportation arrangements via land, sea, and air for

Be prepared to make changes to your itinerary

domestic travelers.

Arce Tours and Travel offers comprehensive travel services, including visa processing, ticketing assistance, accommodations, transfers, tours and activities (both private and group), pocket Wi-Fi services, and pocket Wi-Fi dongles, to name a few examples.

Recently, Arce Tours and Travel earned accreditation from the Malaysian embassy in the Philippines to process visas for workers, students, and anyone seeking an extended stay in

Malaysia.

The travel agency is committed to making their clients’ travel dreams come true by carefully crafting tours, tailor-made itineraries, or providing fully customizable experiences that meet all your travel requirements.

To learn more about their trip packages and offerings, visit www. arcetoursandtravel.com.

The charm of Quezon and Laguna The alluring Pagsanjan Falls easily attracts thrill-seeking adventurers from here and abroad TO CONTINUE with the very successful CALABARZON Philippine Experience Program (PEP), we proceeded to Quezon where the provincial officials were waiting for us with another treasure chest of interesting discoveries we made in their province.

I have to say that, by just looking at the façade of the Quezon Provincial Capitol, any visitor will easily see that it represents its residents’ proud heritage and rich history.

Once we got settled inside the building, we were treated to a colorful and lively cultural fashion show of traditional wear, modeled by the candidates of the Ginoo and Binibining Niyogyugan 2023.

After the show, the limelight focused on the province’s various products, like the tsinelas from Liliw, and on local delicacies and food products that the province is known for.

An interesting segment bannered the food heritage tour by renowned culinary guru, Maria Cristina Decal, through her Kulinarya Tagala Program where we learned more about the traditional coconut wine ritual, the Tagayan.

The following morning, we were all excited as we prepared for a thrilling activity that I’ve done before and have been looking forward to doing again -- shooting the rapids at Pagsanjan. I find this better than a roller coaster because I am more relaxed knowing that there is no massive height to contend with, in case of an accident. Besides, I know that the skilled boatmen Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco

A woodcarver of Paete works on one of his masterpieces handling tourists are all DOT-accredited and have passed the essential safety prerequisites.

The scenic boat ride along the Magdapio River en route to Pagsanjan Falls is where the excitement lies as the expert boatmen “shoot the rapids” by maneuvering the banca through the river’s turbulent flow over large rocks scattered along the way. Of course, once the banca reached the falls, we had time to have a relaxing swim in its cold waters.

Some of us even went under the falls into the small cave behind it, just to experience the thunderous sound of being right under a waterfall.

After a quick change of clothes, we found ourselves at Calle Arco, a 70-year-old ancestral home in Pagsanjan which is now a trendy restaurant serving traditional Filipino dishes. The interiors, typically that of an old house, have a very homey feel to them, a very relaxing ambience.

After all the excitement at Pagsanjan Falls, we easily devoured the restaurant’s specialties – Binagoongan Crispy Pata, Garlic Chicken Chicken, and their special Pancit Pagsanjan Pagsanjan. For dessert, their Camote de Leche brought me to heaven!

After lunch, we drove to Paete, to have a closer

Before going on a trip, know about your destination

Travel lightly and bring only the essentials

Five indoor activities

you can do with a pocket WiFi look at the masterpieces created by their famous woodcarvers.

Woodcarving has been the town’s thriving industry from the Spanish era up to now. Several generations of these extremely skilled woodcarvers have etched their legacy in the town’s history, which is why popular Manila-based interior decorators always go to Paete whenever they need artistic and beautiful wooden accents for whichever house interiors they are working on.

Our next stop was Lumban, popular for its intricately embroidered barong materials. We were treated to an embroidery demonstration by the town’s womenfolk and I sat there mesmerized by the beautiful embroidery patterns they created. It was like they were verbalizing delightful poetry through the detailed rosettes and other floral patterns they skillfully handcrafted on the barong material.

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: I always wanted to marry Mrs. Right.

I just didn’t know her first name was going to be “Always.”

Of course, I had to buy some of the finished products for myself, my way of honoring this age-old Filipino traditional cottage industry, and also because they are more affordable at the source compared to those sold here in Manila.

As we were having an early dinner at Ted’s Kitchen in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, which is popular for its heirloom recipes and dishes native to the province, I was ruminating on how lucky we Filipinos are to have such diverse attractions that we can really be proud of. I have to thank Department of Tourism Region IV-A Director Marites Castro for having expertly put together this interesting and fun-filled itinerary and, of course, our Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for having come up with this concept of introducing little-known attractions to tourists.

This quick visit to the different sites in CALABARZON made me realize the bounty of blessings we have as a people. I am overjoyed by these charming “little discoveries” this trip revealed to me…definitely adding more reasons to LOVE THE PHILIPPINES. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

AS THE rainy season pours down upon us, many of us are confined indoors, far from the usual outdoor activities we relish. But who says staying at home must equate to dullness?

With the aid of pocket Wi-Fi devices such as those provided by Smart Bro, you can embark on thrilling virtual escapades from the sanctuary of your own home.

Next time you find yourself homebound due to torrential rain or simply desiring a cozy day indoors, don’t forget to reach for your trusty pocket Wi-Fi and dive into these entertaining indoor activities: Discover hidden gems on Netflix. Netflix offers a vast library of shows and movies.

To uncover new content, use genre codes to explore different categories, expanding your entertainment options.

Host a gaming party. Invite your friends for an epic gaming session. Games like “League of Legends” and casual online multiplayer games such as Jackbox Party Packs, Among Us, Gang Beasts, Overcooked, and Prop and Seek are great options.

Tour world-class museums online. You can explore renowned museums virtually.

Museums like the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Musée d’Orsay in Paris, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul offer free online tours.

Take online drawing classes. Hone your drawing skills with online classes covering various styles, from anime to comic book art. These classes allow you to interact with Make indoor activity fun and productive with your wifi

Discover Netflix's vast library of new show and movie offerings

Initiate an online friendly game tournament with your friends fellow artists and receive valuable feedback.

Try a new recipe for a romantic dinner.

Prepare a romantic dinner at home with the help of YouTube. Explore a wide range of recipes shared by culinary content creators, enhancing your cooking skills. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced chef, you can find inspiration and guidance online.