Manila Standard - 2023 November 18 - Saturday

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WPS DISCUSSION.

President Marcos talks to US Vice President Kamala Harris (right) regarding the current situation in the West Philippine Sea at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco, California on Friday.

MPC Photo

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 276 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023 •

Marcos, Xi to talk West PH Sea issues Leaders seek to ease tensions, ‘strategize’ PH role, way forward in disputed waters

By Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz, and Vince Lopez

P

RESIDENT Marcos was scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco on Thursday afternoon (Friday in Manila) to discuss ways to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

"We will get the view of the Chinese President on what we can do to bring down the temperature, to not escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea," Marcos Jr. said in a video message.

"And we will put all of these together so as we’ll be able to strategize for the near future on what the Philippines’ role will be or what is the proper Philippines’ role in the West Philippine Sea," he continued.

Marcos’ meeting with Xi follows his discussion with US Vice PresidentKamala Harris before the start of the APEC conference on Wednesday, which he said touched on Manila’s assessment of the situation in the West Philippine Sea. “We just generally chatted about—she was very interested to know what our assessment was on the situation in the West Philippines Sea, and I just went through the narrative of what was — what had happened in the past few months,” he said. Next page

US, PH ink historic ‘123’ nuke power agreement

By Charles Dantes, Alena Mae Flores, Rey E. Requejo, Darwin G. Amojelar, and Julito G. Rada THE United States on Thursday signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with the Philippines, clearing a path for US investments to jump-start atomic power in a country racing to expand its electricity supply.

President Marcos, who has become a close US ally in his more than one year in power, was on hand when Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla signed the pact with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in

QUAKE DAMAGE.

These handout photos obtained from the Facebook pages of Justin Kyle T. Imperial and Shaira Ann SandiganRodrigo show a landslide in Malapatan, Sarangani Province and a damaged ceiling at a shopping mall in General Santos City, South Cotabato after a strong magnitude 6.7 earthquake shook the southern Philippines (see story on A2). AFP

San Francisco.

"We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippine energy mix by 2032 and we will be more than happy to pursue this path with the United States as one of our partners," Marcos said.

"Nuclear energy is one area where we can show that the Philippines-US alliance and partnership truly works for our peoples, our economies, and the environment," he added.

Marcos said he was fulfilling an earlier pledge to build "affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for the entire country in order to meet our growing energy demands."

The deal signed with Blinken commits the Philippines to safeguards against the use of transferred nuclear material to produce nuclear weapons.

Next page

PROTESTING AHEAD.

Drivers operating traditional jeepneys on routes within the cities of Pasig, Taguig, Marikina, and Makati held a protest in Pasig City on Friday to demonstrate their unity and support of the upcoming threeday transport strike, starting Monday, against the phaseout of their means of livelihood (see story on A3).

Manny Palmero

SolGen ready to join probe vs. POGO passport holders

By Rey E. Requejo and Vito Barcelo THE Office of the Solicitor General on Friday said it is ready to join any investigation if the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) wants to file charges against foreigners who illegally obtain genuine Philippine passports.

Solicitor General Menar Menardo Guevarra said the problem of foreigners obtaining Philippine passports

fraudulently “was not really a big one before” but seems to have worsened over the years. supHe did not offer any data to sup port this view but said if a syndicate is behind the illegal operation, the government may need to form an inter-agency task force to effeceffec tively address the problem. inThe task force could in clude the DFA, other local enforcement agencies and the OSG, Guevarra said.

Next page

2028 election speculation ‘premature’, says Speaker

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday said it is premature to talk about the 2028 national elections at this time.

Romualdez made the statement amid

recent attacks against the House of Representatives from former president Rodrigo Duterte, after the institution slashed P650 million in confidential and intelligence funds of two offices headed by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Meanwhile, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin

Makabayan asks PBBM to support ICC investigation of Rody’s drug war

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rey Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives made a fresh appeal to President Marcos to support the International Criminal Court’s probe into the so-called war on drugs of the former administration.

The bloc's members, Reps. France Castro of ACT Teachers, Arlene Bro-

sas of Gabriela, and Raoul Manuel of Kabataan, cited the need for the government "to cooperate with the investigation of the [ICC] on the alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs."

Castro said the group filed House Resolution No. 1393 on Oct. 17 to "urge the House leadership to support and coauthor this resolution to show that we do not tolerate EJKs (extra-judicial killings)

Next page

Tulfo said there is "no substance" todiscussions among congressmen about filing an impeachment complaintagainst the Vice President, who has been at odds with lawmakers over her requests, since withdrawn, for secret funds in next year’s national budget.

Next page

BOC nabs man for P112m worth of smuggled onions

CHRISTMAS IN MANILA. Workers prepare a giant Christmas tree near the iconic City Hall of Manila and Kartilya ng Katipunan monument as the city government announced the ‘joyful’ lighting of lanterns and Christmas trees on Saturday at 6 p.m. Manila PIO Photo

By Vito Barcelo and Joel Zurbano THE Bureau of Customs arrested a suspected big-time agricultural smuggler and seized 30 container vans of smuggled onions worth P112 million.

Jayson de Roxas Taculog was arrested on Nov. 15 for violating Republic Act Next page

DOTR ISSUES NEW EDSA BUSWAY RULES

MAKATI WINS CDP ENVIRONMENT PLUM

NEWS / A2

NEWS / A3

NEWS

A2

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DoTr sets new EDSA busway rules

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Department of Transportation has issued a new set of guidelines on the use of the EDSA busway amid the increasing number of violations.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the dedicated lane is for public utility buses (PUB) in a bid to move as many commuters as possible.

In his letter to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Ro-

mando Artes, Bautista said the authorized vehicles that can freely use the EDSA busway are LTFRB-authorized buses for the said route, on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, and Philippine National Police vehicles.

Service vehicles performing their duties for the EDSA busway project,including construction, security, janitorial, and maintenance services within the EDSA busway, can also use the lane.

Bautista reiterated that among elected officials, only the President,Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and the Supreme Court Chief Justice are free to use the EDSA busway.

Hefty penalties are also necessary to deter motorists from plying along the busway, Bautista said.

“Considering that the EDSA busway is operating under a limitedcapacity, the Department believes that imposing stiffer penalties would restrict its use to authorized buses and therefore enhancing its mobility and serviceability,” Bautista said in his letter to Artes.

The new fines and penalties will be P5,000 for the first offense while a second offense will result in a P10,000 fine. The license of the erring driver will also be suspended for one-month.

(See full story online at manilastandard.net)

US,..

From A1

Known as “123” agreements after their section in the US Atomic Energy Act, the pacts are critical for investment by US nuclear companies, which are wary of running afoul of laws related to proliferation.

US Vice President Kamala Harris announced the start of negotiations for a 123 agreement during a November 2022 visit to the Philippines.

Blinken said the one-year completion was the fastest ever for a 123 agreement.

President Marcos expressed his gratitude for the swift conclusion ofthe agreement, emphasizing its pivotal role in bolstering the Philippines' energy security and environmental sustainability.

"The signing of the PhilippinesUnited States Agreement forCooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, or the 123 Agreement, is the first major step in this regard, taking our cooperation on capacity building further and actually opening the doors for US companies to invest and participate in nuclear power projects in the country," President Marcos said.

The United States in recent years has enthusiastically embracednuclear power as a reliable and carbon-free form of electricity, rejecting environmentalists' concerns about the risk of accidents.

"As peak energy demands are expected to nearly quadruple in the Philippines by 2040, nuclear power can consistently produce enough energy to meet the community's critical needs without emitting more greenhouse gases," Blinken said.

The Philippines already has some of the region's highest energy costsand faces a looming crisis as the Malampaya gas field, which supplies about 40 percent of power to the archipelago's main island Luzon, is expected to run dry within a few years.

As part of its climate goals, the Philippines also aims for renewable energy —not including nuclear—to make up 35 percent of power generation by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

With access to US material and equipment, the Philippines and the US will be able to work together to deploy advanced new technologies, including small modular reactors, to support climate goals as well as critical energy security and base load power needs within the Philippines. With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

SolGen...

From A1

The OSG is ready to take the lead in filing the appropriate casesagainst the foreigners who, by fraud, will claim Philippine citizenship on the basis of a genuine Philippine passport, he said.

“The cancellation of a passport will be done administratively by the DFA, but when the issue goes deeper into a question of, for example,citizenship... on the basis of a genuine passport held, then it’s the OSG that will take the lead in filing the appropriate judicial action to question the citizenship of that person,” Guevarra said.

“And if that person, by fraud, was able to obtain Philippine citizenship, then that revocation of that citizenship will have to be initiated by the OSG as counsel for the state,” he added.

“We are ready for something like that. We have the necessary lawyers... to handle matters like this,” Guevarra said.

He said, however, that it is up to the DFA to conduct the necessary investigation.

Guevarra said that a law enforcement agency, like the National Bureau of Investigation, may have to be involved when an actual investigation is initiated by the DFA. Senators earlier sought the help of government intelligence agencies in chasing down those behind the fraudulent issuance of Philippinepassports and

ENERGY PACT. President

Marcos (left) and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink (right) witness the signing of the ‘123’ deal that would allow the transfer of US-origin nuclear technology to the Philippines, signed by Energy Secretary Raphael Lotolilla (seated left) for the PH and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken for the US. MPC Photo

Marcos,...

From A1

“And we tried to discuss some of the ways forward and I think that generally speaking, especially after my meeting with President Xi, which I’m going to have some time today. After that, we will put together the ways forward because we are continuously trying to maintain the peace. And now that’s what I see the mission of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine military, our fishermen, all of us. It is our basic fundamental mission here—is to maintain peace.”

In a separate statement, the White House said Harris reaffirmed the US commitment to stand with the Philippines in the face of China’s actions in the WPS. “The Vice President reiterated that the United States standsshoulder-to-shoulder in defending the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the South China Sea,” the statement read.

Harris also cited Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which provides that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea (SCS), would invoke other government-issued documents to Chinese nationals and other foreigners.

During Senate plenary debates into the proposed 2024 national budget, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urged the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the National Security Council (NSC) to help track the involved corrupt government officials, saying their activities compromised national security.

The DFA said the foreigners involved were able to submit genuine birth certificates issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) whenthey applied for a passport.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), meanwhile, said it will review the Alien Employment Permits (AEPS) of over 42,000 foreigners working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said the permits of foreignersworking in POGO firms may be revoked should they be found engaging in illegal activities.

An AEP is a document issued to a non-resident person or foreign national seeking admission to the Philippines for employment purposes.

“Under the law, foreign workers are required to apply and secure AEPs before they are allowed to work in the country,” he said.

Based on DOLE records, more than 42,000 POGO-related workers have been issued AEPs. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

BOC announced Friday.

Manila Regional Trial Court Branch From A1 26 Judge Edilu Hayag issued the arrest warrant.

No. 10845, which classifies large-scale Customs Commissioner Bienvenido agricultural smuggling as economic Rubio said the arrest of the suspected sabotage, with no bail recommended, the large-scale smuggler was a huge step

BOC...

US mutual defense commitments.

Marcos and Harris also reiterated the two nations’ commitment to upholding international rules and norms, including in the SCS. Strong alliance Marcos and Harris also renewed the Philippines’ and the US’ strong ties, the White House said.

“They reaffirmed the strength of the alliance between the United States and the Philippines and discussed ongoing efforts to deepen oursecurity ties and expand commercial and economic cooperation,” it said.

The two also discussed strengthening and broadening economiccooperation bilaterally and through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

They also welcomed the conclusion of a historic “123” civil nuclearcooperation agreement, which will deepen the two countries’ partnership to build a global clean energy economy and strengthen their shared commitment to improving energy security and advancing the global nonproliferation regime (see related story on A1 – Editors).

Harris also emphasized the importance of respect for human rights and labor rights, including safety for trade union leaders.

This was the fifth meeting between Marcos and Harris.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday said the meetingbetween the President and Harris not only served to enhance the country's security but also opened doors for more economic opportunities for Filipinos.

“Of paramount importance is the reaffirmation during their meeting of our shared commitment to upholding international rules and norms, particularly in the South China Sea,” Romualdez said.

But an equally significant outcome of the meeting, Romualdez said, was the focus on expanding commercial and economic cooperation.

“President Marcos and Vice President Harris recognize the potential for mutual growth and prosperity through collaboration, fostering economic opportunities that will benefit both nations and their people,” Romualdez said.

A readout of the meeting released by the White House said Harris alsoannounced a new partnership with the Philippine government to grow anddiversify the global semiconductor ecosystem under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, created by the CHIPS Act of 2022. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

"I am grateful for the former President's engagement with the political discourse, and I understand the curiosity surrounding the 2028 elections. However, I believe it is important to focus on thepresent challenges facing our nation. We are currently dealing withsignificant economic, public health, and regional issues that demand our immediate attention," Romualdez said of Duterte in a statement.

The House chief said the country's leaders need to attend to so many challenges to uplift the people's live than talk about 2028 elections.

"Marami pang problema ang mga Pilipino na kailangang bigyan ng solusyon. Hindi eleksyon ang sagot sa sikmurang gutom (Filipinos are with many other problems that need to be solved. Elections are not the answer to gut issues)," he said.

Romualdez stressed: "As Speaker of the House of Representatives, my priority is to promote unity and collaboration across all political lines.

This is a time to put aside rumors and speculations about future elections and concentrate on what we can achieve together for the betterment of our country and the welfare of the Filipino people."

The Speaker also responded to rumors of his alleged plan to seek a higher government post.

"Regarding my personal political

aspirations, I am currently committed to my role as Speaker and serving the needs of our nation. My focus is on the present responsibilities and not on future electoral possibilities."

He also expressed hopes that the former president "continues to lend his support and expertise."

"I also wish to acknowledge the valuable contributions of our formerpresident, Rodrigo Roa Duterte," Romualdez said. "His continuedinvolvement is crucial as we strive to overcome the challenges we face.

Our collective efforts are vital for the progress and prosperity of the Philippines."

Meanwhile, Tulfo was responding to the comments of ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, who claimed in a television interview late Wednesday night that certain leaders of political parties in the House were talking about impeaching the Vice President.

Castro was quoted as saying in a One News interview that “Wala [sausapan ang impeachment] as far as Makabayan [bloc] is concerned, pero pinag-uusap-usapan rito ng mga congressman kung merong magfa-file, mga tsismisan, na baka may mag file, inaantay lang iyong complaint.

Napag-uusapan ng ilang miyembro iyong tungkol rito sa impeachment... sa Vice President. Iba’t ibang leaders ng political parties [ang nag-uusap].”

(See full story online at manilastandard.net)

in the government’s campaign against agricultural smuggling.

“This shows the commitment of the Marcos administration to go after these big-time agricultural smugglers. Bringing in these goods illegally is a significant threat to our economy, to the livelihoods of

small farmers, and to the competitiveness of legitimate businesses,” he said.

“I hope that this latest operation will serve as a strong deterrent for other smugglers not to even attempt circumventing our laws and making a mockery of them,” Rubio added.

2028...

From A1

DOE: Small rollback or no movement for fuels next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS can expect a minimal oil price rollback or no movement in fuel pump prices next week, based on the latest oil price forecast by local companies.

Industry sources said that based on the four-day trading rate, diesel may have a price rollback of P0.30 per liter, gasoline by P0.20 per liter, and kerosene by P0.15 per liter.

The sources said prices may not move too, depending largely on Friday's global oil trading movement.

If the rollback pushes through, it would be the third consecutive weekof reduced oil prices.

Department of Energy (DOE) director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero confirmed the forecasted oil price movement.

Romero attributed the possible rollback or no movement in pump prices due to slowing demand in the US and China, increase in weekly US crude inventories and signs of easing demand in Asia.

On Nov. 14, 2023, the oil companies implemented price rollbacks for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene by P0.70, P3.00 and P2.30 per liter, respectively.

6.7 quake shakes south Mindanao, wrecks buildings A STRONG magnitude 6.7 earthquake shook the southern Philippines on Friday, the US Geological Survey said, sending people fleeingbuildings and causing part of a ceiling inside a shopping mall to collapse.

No tsunami threat was issued after the quake struck off Sarangani province on the main southern island of Mindanao at a depth of 78 kilometres (48 miles) at 0814 GMT, the USGS said in a statement.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the quake was felt across a wide area of the mountainous island.

"I think it was the strongest earthquake I've ever experienced," Keeshia Leyran, 27, told AFP from Davao City, about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the epicenter, where she was attending a conference.

"People around me were panicking and running to go outside. There arehundreds of people here at the event, so I was more scared of a stampede happening to be honest."

A photo shared on Facebook and verified by AFP showed a collapsed ceiling inside a shopping mall in General Santos City, less than 100 kilometres from the epicenter.

About 30 students at a high school in the city were treated for breathing difficulties due to panic following the quake, said Adrian Imbong, an emergency medical services worker. AFP with Rio Araja (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Makabayan...

From A1

and that we are working for justice to be served to his victims, and their families."

"Worse, the funds that former President and Davao City Mayor Duterte used to kill people are public funds— funds from the Filipino people, the victims, themselves. The people are not only questioning why a significant portion of public funds are made confidential and secret from the public, the Filipinos are outraged that these funds are used for extrajudicial and human rights violations," HR 1393 read.

Duterte said in his show on SMNI Network aired last month that he used the intelligence funds allocated to Davao City to "have (them) killed,” referring to extrajudicial killings carried out by the infamous Davao Death Squad.

The admission of the President, the three legislators said in the resolution, "justifies the call to allow the ICC to investigate the alleged crime against humanity" of the past leader "to give justice to thousands of Filipinos killed in Davao City and numerous parts of the country."

Castro said Duterte’s televised admission of ordering extrajudicial killings and financing them with his confidential and intelligencefunds underscored the importance of allowing the ICC to investigate his crimes.

Brosas, for her part, said: "This admission by Duterte himself servesas strong evidence against him and should prompt the Marcos Jr. administration to allow ICC to investigate the matter under the principle of complementarity." (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

NEWS IN BRIEF Jeepney drivers stage protest ahead of strike JEEPNEY drivers held a protest rally in Pasig City yesterday to demonstrate their support to the threeday transport strike on Monday.

The strike is in response to the government’s refusal to remove the franchise consolidation component of the PUV modernization program.

The protesters said this will only lead to the monopoly of a few big fleet managers or corporations.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board appealed to the transport group PISTON to call off its planned three-day transport strike.

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said he reached out to PISTON national president Mody Floranda in a bid to come up with a compromise.

Floranda, however, said PISTON would only to cancel the strike if the government heeds its demands, including scrapping the consolidation requirement.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Makati bags environmental award

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE City of Makati has been recognized as a 2023 CDP A-List City, a distinction awarded by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to 119 cities that are leading in environmental action and transparency.

Mayor Abigail Binay said the prestigious accolade positions Makati among an elite group of global cities demonstrating unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

“This recognition is not just an accolade; it’s a resounding call to action.

In Makati, we don’t just plan; we act.

We’re committed to pioneering sustainable urban living, proving that cities can be powerhouses of climate resilience and innovation,” said Binay.

Out of 939 cities evaluated by CDP

in 2023, only a little over 10 percent achieved an A rating.

The A-List represents an elite circle of urban areas that excel in responding to the pressing demands of climate change while balancing socio-economic challenges.

To earn this distinction, Makati had to demonstrate exemplary performance in several areas: public disclosure through the CDP-ICLEI Track, a comprehensive city-wide emissions inventory, an actionable climate plan, detailed climate risk assessments, and ambitious climate adaptation goals.

“The need for building a green future

Victory Liner ordered to explain bus shooting

Catholics warned vs. ‘dubious, illicit’ groups THE Archdiocese of Cotabato has warned the faithful about the presence of “Catholic” groups whose teachings and practices deviate from those of the Roman Catholic Church.

In a circular, Archbishop Angelito Lampon advised the faithful to remain vigilant regarding the presence of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church and the Old Roman Catholic Church in certain parishes of the archdiocese.

“We would like to inform you that these groups separated from the See of Rome, and are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church,” Lampon said.

“The sacraments that they administer are, therefore, dubious and illicit,” he said. Vito Barcelo

is not just a choice, but an imperative.

As cities, we are at the forefront of this battle against environmental degradation. We are the hubs of innovation, culture, and economy, but also the epicenters of resource consumption and emissions. This dual role places us in a unique position to drive substantial change,” Binay said.

She added that Makati’s efforts— from enhancing green spaces to implementing sustainable transportation and waste management systems—are more than local initiatives but are contributions as well to a global movement.

By Rio N. Araja

ECONOMIC PITCH. Speaker Martin Romualdez joins Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and other government officials in listening to the closing message of President Marcos during the 2023 Philippine Economic Briefing held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, California. Roy Pelovello

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Friday issued a show-cause order to Victory Liner Inc. following a shooting incident in one of its buses in Nueva Ecija.

Frederick Valero, LTFRB Legal Division chief, said the board en banc issued the order asking the bus firm to explain in writing why its certificate of public convenience should not be revoked or cancelled for its alleged failure to provide adequate, comfortable and dependable land public transportation.

“Respondent is hereby directed to appear the Board on the scheduled hearing date on 21 Nov. 2023 at 1:30 in the afternoon at the fourth floor, LTFRB hearing room,” the order read.

Valero warned the bus company that failure to answer within the period and to attend the hearing shall be considered as a waiver to be heard, and that the case shall be submitted for resolution.

On Nov. 15, a 60-year-old businesswoman from Cauayan City, Isabela and her partner, a 55-year-old man from Koronadal, South Cotabato were shot dead by two gunmen while traversing Barangay Joson, in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

Victory Liner corporate communications officer Ricky Rivera said Friday the company would tighten security checks.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

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Palace okays population plan to 2028

TEACHING ABOUT RICE. Staffers from the Philippine Rice Institute teach senior high school students from Salawag National High School in Dasmarinas, Cavite the translating and direct plating of rice plants or ‘palay’ during the 21st Ceremonial Rice Harvesting Program of the Rice Awareness Month celebration at Rizal Park in Manila on Friday. Danny Pata and Norman Cruz

MALACANANG has approved a new action plan meant to be the master blueprint for inter-agency collaboration with a view to optimizing demographic opportunities and address social challenges.

Memorandum Circular (MC) 40 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin provided for the adoption of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPDPOA) 2023-2028 designed to speed up the administration’s socioeconomic development agenda.

“It is imperative for all concerned national government agencies and instrumentalities, and local government units (LGUs) to support and cooperate towards the successful implementation of the PPD-POA 20232028,” the memorandum read.

“In accordance with their respective mandates, all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including governmentowned or -controlled corporations are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of the PPD-POA 2023-2028, and the plans and programs specified therein,” it added.

The PPD-POA 2023-2028 was crafted by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), formerly known as the Commission on Population.

The CPD will serve as the lead agency in formulating and adopting comprehensive long-term plans and programs on population. Charles Dantes

‘Food stamps for fresh foods only’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE new food stamp system of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) covers only basic fresh foods like vegetables, fish, and meat from partners-merchants, Senator Imee Marcos said Friday.

She pointed out that the P3,000 worth of food stamps under the new program cannot be used to buy canned goods and fast-food chain offerings.

The lady lawmaker, who sponsored the DSWD budget for 2024 before the Senate, clarified that the food stamp is a monetary-based assistance available

through electronic cards with load for food credits.

The P3,000 food credits will be given monthly to beneficiaries who will remain in the program for four years. The food stamp program is meant to bolster nutrition among marginalized families.

But since the program is still in the

pilot stage, the DSWD could choose only families from the municipalities of Camarines Sur, Surigao del Norte, Maguindanao, as well as Tondo, Manila, Marcos noted.

Meanwhile, during the Senate deliberation of the DSWD budget, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III questioned the different data on the country’s poverty incidence.

“How can it be reduced when data given to the President on the matter are conflicting?” Pimentel noted.

He recalled that President Marcos, in his second State of the Nation Address, pledged to reduce poverty incidence to nine percent by the end of his term.

The basis of the President was the data provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed only 18 percent of Filipino households nationwide are poor.

It was revealed during the budget deliberations, however, that six million or 30 percent out of an estimated 20 million households live below the poverty line.

Six million of this figure are considered poor, the senator added.

With this finding, Pimentel said this means 30 percent of households are poor, as he underscored the contrasting figures in the poverty incidence.

Under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), 4.4 million households are being serviced by DSWD.

Macacua as Maguindanao Norte governor legit—Interior minister

By Nash B. Maulana THE Presidential appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as governor of Maguindanao del Norte is legitimate and was never questioned in court, according to Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.

Sinarimbo, himself a lawyer, underscored that the power of the President to appoint local officials has not been questioned either in local courts or the Supreme Court.

He made the statements at a press conference on Thursday during which a reporter asked whether Macacua should be recognized as the legitimate governor of Maguindanao del Norte.

The question was asked in light of a

VIDEO FOR BUSES. A

provincial bus conductor ensured that a video camera is installed at the PITX terminal in Parañaque, a precaution triggered by a recent shooting inside a bus that killed two people in Nueva Ecija (see story on A3).

Norman Cruz

new development on the province’s gubernatorial controversy, wherein the Supreme Court Second Division reversed its June 26, 2023 decision on a mandamus case that would inherently compel the regional government’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) to appoint a provincial treasurer.

Sinarimbo said MILG lawyers have assailed the June 26 petition, mandamus being a final remedy available for parties to push for the execution of a court decision, after the contending parties have presented their facts of the case, and the Court has appreciated them in a final decision.

“You would have no choice when you are the recipient of a mandamus order; so, we asked the Supreme Court for other available remedies than outright mandamus,” Sinarimbo explained to reporters.

Senate backs PAL warns against online scam inviting job applications for a fee funding for TVL certificate

By Joel E. Zurbano

TO BOOST the country’s employment rate, the Senate Committee on Finance accepted a proposal for the government to fund the certification of Grade 12 learners under the technicalvocational-livelihood (TVL) program.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the proposed allocation will cover more than 420,900 Grade 12 TVL learners.

Gatchalian earlier flagged what he called a “dead end” for senior high school learners who took the TVL track.

Based on the Department of Education (DepEd) data for school year 2020-2021, only 6.7 percent or 32,965 out of 473,911 TVL graduates underwent the assessment for national certification.

Among those who took the national certification, 31,933 or 97 passed.

“The only constraint why they are not taking the national certification assessment is the cost, which ranges from P760 to P1,370,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“This is a low-hanging fruit to improve the employability of our senior high school graduates, and this is to fund their certification,” Gatchalian noted. Macon Ramos-Araneta

PHILIPPINE Airlines on Friday warned against a group of individuals who created bogus Facebook accounts that entice the public to submit job applications to the country’s flag carrier but demanded payment for applica-

tion processing.

“These fake accounts often utilize the identities of existing FB account holders without their knowledge. We do not condone this illegal act and have taken steps to take down these accounts,” the PAL management said in a statement.

PAL said all bogus accounts had been

deleted as of Friday after the airline reported the matter to Meta (Facebook) Philippines.

“As a reminder and for your protection, Philippine Airlines issues official announcements using the PAL website www.philippineairlines.com and the official PAL FB Page. PAL does not re-

quire any payment for application processing,” the advisory read.

PAL also raised a warning recently against a syndicate involved in a cargo scam.

The scam related to supposed domestic cargo shipments, involving unauthorized use of the name of Philippine Airlines.

Bill allows free-of-charge transport of relief goods

By Maricel V. Cruz

AMUSEMENT ATTRACTION. Actress Anne Curtis leads the launching of the Enervon #UnlockYourWorld

House of Energy as part of the Tales of Illumina amusement attraction inside a mall along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Guests are treated to various activities like pottery classes and performances by the 808 Dance Studio. Norman Cruz

LAS Piñas Rep. Camille Villar has filed a measure seeking the grant of free freight services for relief organizations involved in the transportation of emergency goods and donated articles to areas under a state of calamity.

In filing House Bill 9345, Villar said allowing freight forwarders, common and private carriers, and like companies to provide logistic services free of charge to relief organizations that transport relief goods and donations would be a humanitarian act.

“It is utterly challenging for impacted individuals to bounce back from calamities, and the most immediate support that they can get should not go unhampered by freight cost consequences,” Villar said.

According to her, it would be a “form of commitment and willingness to help on the part of freight companies and carriers to help the affected communities in times of calamities by foregoing freight costs.”

A5

OPINION

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com HONOR BLANCO CABIE, Editor

Everyman

EDITORIAL

By Simon Stiell

Pressing global crisis

Climate action surge OVER the last couple of years inflation has caused a cost-of-living crisis across large parts of the world.

Some fearmongeres have used the hardship this has caused billions of people to propagate rhetoric that climate change action is unaffordable and running against the interests of ordinary people.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Propagating a Green vs. Poor narrative is divisive, and is often used to mask short-term, profit-driven self-interest.

The only stable, economically sustainable, future is one of energy security, resilience to disasters, well-funded coordinated recovery from them, and ultimately a cap on temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas are a major driver of the cost-of-living crisis, which is stretching billions of household budgets to breaking point.

Prices have swung wildly, as they frequently do, driven higher by uncertainty and conflict.

—“—

Those of us that demand energy to turn our lights on need to be provided with clean options to do it

ties for action not currently being taken.

For example, in 2022, governments spent over $7 trillion in taxpayers’ money or borrowings on fossil fuel subsidies.

Subsidies fail to protect the real incomes of the poorest households and divert money that are increasing developing country debt burdens, or could have been used to improve health care, build infrastructure – including renewable energy and grids – and expand social programs to alleviate poverty.

Done responsibly, a phase-out of such subsidies would actually help the poorest and improve the economies of the countries now dependent on them.

This year, at UN Climate Change, we conducted a Global Stocktake on climate action up to now.

It has indicated clearly that progress is too slow.

But it also revealed there are many tools we have to speed up climate action now, which will simultaneously build stronger economies.

We have the knowledge and tools to accelerate this transition while ensuring it is fair and just, leaves no one behind.

Billions of people need their governments to pick up this toolbox and put it to work.

That includes switching billions of dollars from investments in new fossil fuel production to renewable energy that will provide stable, reliable and lower-priced energy to propel economic growth.

This is about both demand and supply.

Those of us that demand energy to turn our lights on need to be provided with clean options to do it, and the fiscal space to invest in our communities and their ability to adapt to the changing world.

There is cause for optimism, if governments come to this year’s climate change conference – COP28 – in Dubai with a spirit of cooperation and a laserfocus on solutions.

At COP28 we can agree on tripling the world’s renewable energy capacity.

We can double energy efficiency.

We can show we are doubling finance to help countries adapt to climate impacts and center it in national planning.

We can make the climate loss and damage fund a reality that helps deliver climate justice. And we can deliver old promises on financing the transition, and outline how we are going to fund the next steps.

One moment, one meeting, won’t change everything.

But we can capture the future in the directions that we set this year, and provide the plan for how national commitments can deliver in 2025.

I refuse to let fearmongering pull a hood over my eyes. You should refuse as well.

In turn, this pushes up the costs of transport, food, electricity, and basic household necessities.

In some heavily fossil fuel-dependent countries, household bills rose as much as $1,000 in 2022 due to fossil fuel energy costs.

Consumer costs will rise even further and economic growth will slow as climate impacts become more intense, according to economic authorities, such as the United States Treasury, the Reserve Bank of India and the European Central Bank.

High energy prices also shrink profit margins for businesses, hurt economic growth, and impede the right to energy access across the world. Inflation hurts the poorest households the most.

This comes as climate disasters are also getting worse in every country.

This year will likely be the hottest for 125,000 years.

More destructive storms, unpredictable rains and floods, heatwaves, and droughts are already causing massive economic damage and affecting hundreds of millions of people across the world, costing them their lives and livelihoods.

(The author is UN Climate Change The fossil fuel taps can’t be turned off overnight but there are a lot of opportuni- Executive-Secretary)

Iraqis haunted by war battle mental health issues BAGHDAD, Iraq – Raghad Qassem searched all over Iraq’s capital Baghdad for a psychologist she could talk to about her problems, before finally settling for consultations online.

It was the best she could do in a state haunted by decades of conflict and trauma, where mental health is poorly treated and professionals are few and far between.

The World Health Organization estimates that in a country of 43 million, there are just two mental health workers for every 100,000 Iraqis.

Qassem admitted she was long oblivious to her mental health needs, and only became aware of their importance “when hitting my thirties”.

It was while quarantined during the COVID pandemic that she “began to recognize symptoms of depression”, Qassem said.

“I realised that’s what I had,” said the 34-year-old women’s activist.

She wanted to talk directly to a psychologist in Baghdad, because “when I speak I like to have the person in front of me”.

Many of her friends recommended that she see a doctor, but she was hesitant to do so because those who did “were treated with pills.”

Turning instead to the internet, she

spoke to several psychologists, including a Lebanese woman with whom she was able to unravel the reasons for her unhappiness.

Demand is great “It’s because of her that I became aware of an accumulation of trauma from the war, the fear and anxiety I had in 2003 and since,” she said, harking back to the US-led invasion to oust Saddam Hussein which precipitated one of the bloodiest eras in Iraqi histor y.

The world has closely followed the war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has claimed many thousands of lives –- but such suffering and the psychological trauma it triggers have also plagued Iraq.

Ravaged by war and rocked by Islamic State group attacks, Iraq’s demand for mental health professionals is great, but help is hard to come by.

Baghdad’s Al-Rashad psychiatric hospital receives patients suffering from serious psychological illnesses, such as schizophrenia, and offers outpatient treatment for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

At the hospital, haggard-looking patients can be seen wandering alone through the corridors. Some have been at

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ducted every five years, designed to eval- by 43 percent by 2030 and 60 percent by uate the world’s progress toward meeting 2035 compared with 2019 levels. the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement and This year has earned the moniker as recommend steps to address shortfalls. the hottest on record, with historic heatwaves hitting the United States, China and southern Europe this summer.

Experts and leading climate change scientists have attributed their intensity Countries are far from almost entirely to the burning of fossil reaching the Paris fuels.

In July, the Geneva-based World MeAgreement goals, and teorological Organization called for govthe world can still limit ernments to adopt heat action plans to “protect hundreds of thousands of people global temperature dying from preventable heat-related causincrease to 1.5 degrees es each year.”

Climate change “is an existential Celsius above prethreat,” said Niklas Hohne, founder of industrial levels the climate non-government organization NewClimate Institute and a former member of the secretariat of the UN FrameThe report shows alarming results: Coun- work Convention on Climate Change. tries are far from reaching the Paris Agree“But the warming alone doesn’t make ment goals, and the window within which people move...What makes people move the world can still limit global temperature is that we can do it, we have the options increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre- and that’s actually the case…It’s not industrial levels is “rapidly narrowing.” hopeless at all,” he said.

To reach that goal, nations would have Much is expected from the Dubai conto slash global greenhouse gas emissions ference. The world is watching.

LIMATE change, a pressing global crisis that transcends national boundaries, will come under sharper focus for two weeks in Dubai starting end of this month.

—“—

The crisis requires the decision-making processes of more than 70,000 delegates, including heads of state and of governments as well as world leaders from 197 countries, the European Union and thousands of non-government organizations, to build consensus.

Experts say they will also need to facilitate progress on climate action, and will have to debate over the phasing out of fossil fuels and a new climate damage fund for the Global South – expected to take center stage -- in the negotiations at the UN Climate Change Conference, or COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from Nov 30 to Dec 12.

This follows the release of the first Global Stocktake report in September, con-

Ian Fry’s call to abolish NTF-ELCAC

Eagle Eyes Tony La Viña

DR. IAN Fry, the first Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, visited the Philippines to study how climate change affects the enjoyment of human rights.

This task was mandated through UN Human Rights Council’s resolution 48/14 in relation to their resolution 48/13 recognizing that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a human right.

To conclude his visit, SR Fry released a statement detailing his accounts and findings in the Philippines.

He mentioned he chose to visit our country because we are known to suffer (constantly and harshly) the impacts of climate change.

However, in chronicling the way Filipinos experience climate change and the environment, he also inevitably chronicles our constant struggle and fight for a healthy environment.

Under the thematic issues of his statement, he specifically investigated the treatment of environmental and human rights defenders.

The most recent Global Witness report ranks the Philippines as the deadliest country in Asia for land and environmental defenders for the ninth year.

Nineteen EHRDs were killed in the Philippines in 2021.

Fry in his statement says in the past three years alone, 75 EHRDs were extrajudicially killed in our country.

He recounted how civil society organizations fought for their communities’ right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment–exactly his mandate.

The statement also asserted that all CSOs he spoke with has had a member who was harassed, abducted, imprisoned, or even killed.

This was impossible to detail without mentioning the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict

—“—

At the hospital, haggardlooking patients can be seen wandering alone through the corridors Al-Rashad for decades, said its director Firas al-Kadhimi.

“There’s a shortage of specialized doctors,” he told AFP. Kadhimi’s hospital has only 11 psychiatrists for its 1,425 patients, aged between 14 and 70, the director said.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world where a doctor has to treat 150 patients in the space of 30 days,” he said.

Another five social workers are on staff

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

(NTF-ELCAC) which, according to the Special Rapporteur, “have systematically ‘red tagged’ environmental human rights defenders and Indigenous Peoples.”

He confirms “[t]his is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and for some, their right to life.”

EHRDs are impossible to discuss without speaking of the indigenous peoples and the violation of their human and IP rights.

—“—

Fry talks about the displacement of our local IPs from their ancestral lands because of the development of dams and mines

NTF-ELCAC, tagging people as terrorists.

This is in addition to their controversy that they have been forcing IPs to sign Free, Prior Informed Consent Agreements to give dams and mines the right to operate in their land.

Fry’s report does not shy away from showing that the violence against EHRDs are systemic in the Philippines.

Government institutions tend to band together to harass, abduct, harm, and kill EHRDs. With this, the Special Rapporteur gives a set of recommendations for the Philippine government.

Some of them being the revocation of the misused Anti-Terrorism Act, the enactment of the Human Rights Defenders Bill, reparations for victims of human rights violations, the disbandment and independent investigation of the NTF-ELCAC, review of cases against EHRDs who are persecuted because of the military, and the reformation of the NCIP. In a statement from Karapatan, they commend Fry’s exit statement for these recommendations. I concur.

These are good findings and excellent recommendations.

Indeed, this statement is compendious as it laid down the environmental situation of the Philippines in relation to climate change while not ignoring the circumstances and experiences of the EHRDs who tirelessly fight for the people’s right to a clean, sustainable, and healthy environment.

Fry, whom I have known for 30 years in the climate negotiations, clearly understands the Philippines. As I have seen him time and again in three decades of advocating climate justice, Fry always is fair, practical, and wise.

Let’s heed his advice.

Fry talks about the displacement of our local IPs from their ancestral lands because of the development of dams and mines.

The military have also been doing aerial bombings in their ancestral lands.

Particularly, Fry’s statement zeroes in on the Tumandok Massacre from 2020.

The police raided Tumandok villages to search for alleged New People’s Army members.

In this raid, nine Tumandok leaders were killed who, according to Karapatan, have been previously red-tagged as well.

These leaders have been fighting against the construction of the Jalaur Mega Dam Project which would affect their land.

Through this incident, Fry discusses the allegations against the National Commission Facebook and X: tonylavs Website: on Indigenous Peoples as well; they have been accused of feeding information to the tonylavina.com

at the facility, but they have to see 100 patients daily and sometimes do their consultations three at a time.

There are however music and art workshops for patients.

In a small theater with red seats, three elderly people on stage rehearsed a skit prepared by a former hospital employee, who comes in to help.

People more receptive Previously, it might have been difficult for an Iraqi to say, “I have a mental problem”, but attitudes have become more accepting thanks to news and social media.

“The number of visitors is rising in the consultation clinics,” Kadhimi said.

Psychologist Zeinab Abdel Razaq works with French charity Doctors Without Borders in Baghdad.

Razaq told AFP that while there may still be a mental health “stigma” in Iraq, it had “begun to decrease”.

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

“People are more receptive to psychology,” she said.

One patient, Zeinab Abdelwahab, said she initially came for physiotherapy and stayed for mental health care.

After several months of sessions, “I noticed a radical change in my mood,” said the thirty-something with a painful personal history.

Her mother died, she said, her father was sick, she suffers from polio and has had several falls, fracturing her knees and pelvis.

Abdelwahab recognized that her own perception of psychological care had been distorted by social beliefs.

“When I came here, I realized that it is not just for crazy people,” she said.

“They’re just people who need to speak to someone else, seeking comfort about how they feel. And with no restrictions.” AFP

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

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WORLD

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Japan PM tells Xi of ‘serious concerns’ in 1st talks in a year SAN FRANCISCO, California – Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday (Friday in Manila) he told President Xi Jinping he has “serious concerns” about Chinese military activity during their first direct talks in a year and slammed Beijing’s ban on its seafood.

Kishida said he “expressed our serious concerns over China’s increasing military activity near Japan, including its collaboration with Russia” during their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

“At the same time, I re-emphasized the extreme importance of the Taiwan Strait’s

peace and stability to the international community including Japan,” Kishida told Japanese television channels after the talks in the United States.

“On the East China Sea, I expressed once again our serious concerns and urged the immediate removal of (Chinese) buoys set up in Japan’s EEZ,” Kishida said, referring to the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Chinese state media reported that Xi told Kishida in the meeting in San Francisco the United States that Japan and China must “follow the trend of the times, focus on common interests (and) properly handle differences”.

The Chinese leader said the two nations must “commit themselves to buildRegional Trial Court ing a Sino-Japanese relationship that National Capital Judicial Region meets the requirements of the new era”.

Quezon City, Branch 220 Emial Add: rtc1qzn220@judiciary.gov.ph Military tensions have soared in the Tel. & Mobile Nos.: (02) 8681-5661 & 09616034816 Pacific over China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea and Beijing’s LEONG HUP (PHILIPPINES), drills around the self-ruled island of INCORPORATED represented by Taiwan, which China regards as its RACQUEL C. RIVERA, Plaintiff, own territory. AFP CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-22-08610-CV For: Sum of money w/ Damages

-versus

RYAN BAUTISTA doing business Under the name TNBT AGRI TRADING, Defendants. x---------------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS TO:

RYAN BAUTISTA doing business Under the name TNBT AGRI TRADING Block 11 Lot 19, Leviton Subdivision, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas.

GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within THIRTY (30) DAYS after service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court and served on the plaintiff your answer to the complaint, copy of which is attached with the annexes.

You are reminded of the provision in the Section 12 Rule 15 of the 2019 Amended Rules of Court to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defense in the answer. If you fail to answer within the applied for in the complaint.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 23 day of September 2022. rd

(Sgd.) AL DINO N. MACAVINTA Clerk of Court V (MStandard - Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 4, 2023)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE ALLOWANCE OF THE WILL OF MARIA NIEVES M. PANGANIBAN-PATACSIL, CASE NO. R-QZN-20-08291-SP

FOCAL POINT. This handout picture released by the Israeli army yesterdat shows troops during a military operation in the northern Gaza Strip amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel said its forces were searching Al-Shifa ‘one building at a time,’ and the army announced Friday that troops had recovered the remains of kidnapped woman soldier Noa Marciano, 19, ‘from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital.’ AFP

Gaza communications down as Israel searches hospital

I

SRAELI troops carried out building-by-building searches at Gaza’s main hospital, as a new communications blackout in the territory on Friday compounded fears for Palestinian civilians trapped inside the facility.

Al-Shifa hospital has become a focal point for Israeli operations in northern Gaza since soldiers raided the complex on Wednesday, hunting for a command center they say militant group Hamas operates there.

Hamas and hospital managers deny that charge, and there has been international concern about several thousand people -- including wounded patients and premature babies -- believed to be trapped inside.

Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in response to the group’s October 7 at-

tack, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

Israel’s air bombardment and ground operation has killed 11,500 people, including thousands of children, according to Hamas-run local authorities in Gaza.

Thick dark smoke rose over the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, an AFPTV live camera showed.

Israeli authorities have defended their operation, and the military said Thursday it found rifles, ammunition, explosives and the entrance to a tunnel

shaft at Al-Shifa.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged hostages may even have been held at the medical facility.

“We had strong indications that they were held in the Shifa Hospital, which is one of the reasons we entered the hospital,” he told “CBS Evening News”.

“If they were (there), they were taken out,” he said.

Allegations about the hospital have not been verified, and on Friday communications with the Gaza Strip were severed once again.

Network provider Paltel group said all telecommunications were down because “all energy sources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in”.

The UN warned that the blackout would compound the misery of civilians,

complicating efforts to distribute aid and possibly triggering looting of its supplies.

“When you have a blackout and you cannot communicate with anyone anymore... that triggers and fuels even more the anxiety and the panic,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA. Israel said its forces were searching Al-Shifa “one building at a time,” and the army announced Friday that troops had recovered the remains of kidnapped woman soldier Noa Marciano, 19, “from a structure adjacent to Al-Shifa hospital.”

The army had confirmed earlier in the week the death of Marciano, without giving the cause. Hamas said she had been killed in an Israeli bombardment.

On Thursday the army said soldiers near Al-Shifa had found the body of another hostage. AFP

NILO C. MERCADO, Petitioner, x----------------------------------------------x

Israel air strikes hit near Damascus — state media

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary having issued in the above-entitled case in favor of NILO C. MERCADO, FE M. CABRERA and MA. MODESTA MERCADO, it is hereby ordered that notice be, and the same is hereby given, to all persons having claims for money against the decedent, MARIA NIEVES M. PANGANIBANPATACSIL, arising from contracts, express or implied, whether the same be due, not due, or contingent; for funeral expenses or expenses for the last sickness of said decedent; and judgment for money against him, requiring them to file their claims with this Court sitting at Room 707, 7th Floor, Hall of Justice Annex Building, Quezon City Hall Compound, Quezon City, within a period of six (6) months after the 1st publication of this NOTICE. SO ORDERED. (Sgd.) MARIA GILDA T. LOJA-PANGILINAN Presiding Judge Copy furnished: Atty. Francisco J. Rivera NISCE MAMURIC GUINTO RIVERA & ALCANTARA LAW OFFICES Counsel for the Petitioner 8th Floor, 139 Corporate Center 139 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Nilo C. Mercado Petitioner 14 Violet Road, Pilar Village, Las Piñas City Maria Nieves M. Panganiban-Patacsil (deceased) No. 19 11th Jamboree St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City Marina M. Arita / Vicenta C. Mercado 14 Violet Road, Pilar Village, Las Piñas City Jose Maria Ilagan/Michelle Hernandez/Elizabeth L. Quinto/ Ricaredo Banea No. 19 11th Jamboree St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City Fe M. Cabrera 1031 Craig Street, 1015 Sampaloc, Manila Maria Modesta M. Mercado/Ma. Teresa M. Mercado 82 Road 1, Proj. 6, 1105 Quezon City Nuncia Rivera 15265 Sherbrooke St., San Diego, California 92139 Eriberto Mercado 8928 Arborale Lane West, University Place, Washington 98466

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Belen M. Medina 8811 Littlestone Drive, San Gabriel, California 91776

MILITARY OPERATION. A picture taken from the border between Israel and Gaza shows

Josefina C. Mercado 67 CC Santos BF Homes, 1720 Parañaque City

Israeli artillery smoke bombs being fired on the Gaza Strip on Friday, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. AFP

Luz C. Sagala 20 Cleveland St., Royale Tagaytay Estate, Alfonso, 4123 Cavite Roberto M. Caraos Brgy. Zone 6, Taal, 4208 Batangas

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION 12th Floor, 20th Street cor. Bonifacio Drive 1018 Port Area (South Harbor), Manila

Maria Antonia M. Sadler PO Box 1233 Perry Florida, USA 32348 Cecilia M. Mijares 1904 Redwood Road, Hercules California 94572

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY

Petition for Approval and Confirmation of the Sale, Transfer and Conveyance of the Ship, MTKR. “SHOGUN” MEDZAR SHIPPING CORPORATION,

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE ALLOWANCE OF THE WILL OF MARIA NIEVES M. PANGANIBAN-PATACSIL,

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

FS-NCR-UNTC-2023-548

ORDER

CASE NO. R-QZN-20-08291-SP

Before Us is the above-titled Petition which was filed on 14 November 20231, with the general particulars of the ship subject thereof, to wit:

NILO C. MERCADO, Petitioner, x----------------------------------------------x

VESSEL PARTICULARS

ORDER On 14 September 2023, executors Nilo C. Mercado, Ma. Modesta M. Mercado and Fe. M. Cabrera took their oath and Letters Testamentary was issued in their favor.

Pursuant to Rule 86 of the Rules of Court, issued a Notice to Creditors to be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks successively in a newspaper of general circulation and be posted for the same period by the branch Deputy Sheriff of this Court in four (4) public places in Quezon City, including the lobby of the Quezon City Hall and at the bulletin board near the entrance of this Sala, and in two (2) public places in the barangay where the decedent last resided.

Within ten (10) days after the last publication and posting of the Notice to Creditors, the executors are hereby directed to file in Court a printed copy of the notice accompanied with an affidavit setting forth the dates of the first and last publication thereof and the name of the newspaper in which the same is printed.

Set this case for compliance/monitoring hearing on 14 May 2024 at 1:30 in the afternoon, before this Court, sitting at 7th Floor, Room 707, Hall of Justice Annex Building, Diliman, Quezon City, and all persons filing their claims against the estate are hereby required to appear on said date.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, 18 September 2023.

Name of Ship

MTKr. “SHOGUN”

Official No.

00-0000022

Type of Ship

Chemical Tanker

Gross Tonnage

717.00

Hull

Steel (Double-Hulled)

Year Built

1977

Place of Built

Japan

Date of CPR/CO

28 December 2011

Notice is hereby given that the said Petition will be heard by this Authority on 29 November 2023 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning, through an online conference. Access to the online hearing shall be provided to the Petitioner one (1) day before the scheduled date and time thereof.

The Petitioner shall publish this Order once in a newspaper of general circulation at least five (5) days before the scheduled date of hearing.

The Petitioner shall submit a written Formal Offer of Evidence during the hearing or five (days) thereafter.

WITNESS, the Honorable Administrator, ATTY. HERNANI N. FABIA, this 14th day of November 2023 at Manila, Philippines.

BY AUTHORITY OF THE MARINA ADMINISTRATOR: (Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 20-21 dated 19 August 2021) ENGR. MARC ANTHONY P. PASCUA Regional Director MARINA-NCR

(Sgd.) HON. MARIA GUILDA LOJA-PANGILINAN Presiding Judge (MStandard - Nov. 18, 25 & Dec. 2, 2023)

CASE NO. NCR-2023-132

1

Date of submission of proof of receipt of filing or processing fee

DAMASCUS, Syria – Israeli air strikes struck near the Syrian capital Damascus early on Friday causing material damage, Syrian state news agency reported.

Israel has targeted Syria several times in the past weeks as regional tensions simmer over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

“At around 02:25 am , the Israeli enemy carried out an aerial aggression from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights targeting several positions in the vicinity of Damascus,” state news agency SANA said, citing a military source.

The source did not provide details on the targets and said that the strikes caused “material damage”, according to the report, which added that Syria’s air defence intercepted some of the Israeli missiles.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group said the strikes targeted sites belonging to the powerful Lebanese Hezbollah group.

Ambulances rushed to the scene, the war monitor added.

Israeli strikes last month put Syria’s two main airports in Damascus and Aleppo out of service several times over two weeks.

On November 8, Israeli air strikes killed three pro-Iran fighters as they hit sites belonging to the Hezbollah group near Damascus, the Observatory reported at the time.

During the decade of war in Syria, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its territory, primarily targeting Iranbacked forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions. AFP

Biden, Mexico president to discuss fentanyl SAN FRANCISCO, California – US President Joe Biden and his Mexican counterpart Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will meet Friday (Saturday in Manila) in San Francisco to discuss the fentanyl and migration crises that straddle their shared border.

The talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation regional summit come as the two issues promise to weigh heavily in next

year’s US election, in which Biden is seeking a second term.

The two leaders will “talk about a range of issues including migration, cooperation to combat the scourge of fentanyl trafficking, growing our incredibly vibrant economic cooperation with Mexico, and building on broad cooperation on a whole host of issues,” said Brian Nichols, the top US diplomat for Latin America.

Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena agreed that one of the central topics would be the trafficking of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has caused tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.

The last time the two presidents met was in January at a North American leaders’ summit in Mexico. Lopez Obrador frequently shuns international meetings. AFP

2 convicted murderers executed in Alabama, Texas WASHINGTON, DC – Two convicted murderers were executed by lethal injection in the United States on Thursday (friday in Manila), one in Alabama and one in Texas.

Casey McWhorter, 49, was put to death at a prison in Atmore, Alabama, for the 1993 murder of Edward Williams,

who was shot to death during a robbery.

McWhorter had just turned 18 years old at the time of the crime.

His two accomplices, one of whom was the son of the murdered man, were aged 16 and 15 and were spared the death sentence because they were juveniles.

McWhorter “was pronounced deceased by a physician at 6:56 pm,” the Alabama Department of Corrections said in a statement.

David Renteria, 53, was executed at the Texas State Penitentiary in the town of Huntsville for the November 2001 murder of a five-year-old girl, Alexandra Flores. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN

BUSINESS

A7 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market index rises above 6,200 level

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P

HILIPPINE stocks rose Friday, sending the benchmark index above the 6,200 level, on easing global fuel prices.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed 20.41 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 6,211.89, while the broader all-shares index went up by 10.28 points, or 0.31 percent, to settle at 3,324.77.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the index rose for the third straight days after global crude prices declined to a four-month low.

Ricafort said this could lead to a roll-

back in local pump prices and help ease inflation.

The peso also advanced to 55.67 against the US dollar Friday from 55.79 Thursday on easing fuel prices.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong led losses in Asian stock markets as Alibaba was hammered after saying it would cancel the planned spinoff of its cloud computing arm.

The sell-off came as an exciting week on global trading floors saw a tepid fin-

ish, with Wall Street drifting even as a forecast-beating jump in US jobless claims added to optimism the central bank would not hike interest rates again.

Market-heavyweight Alibaba collapsed more than 10 percent after its shock decision not to spin off its cloud computing arm because of the US-China chip war.

In one of its most wide-ranging restructurings, Alibaba said in March it planned to split the vast group into six distinct entities that would be able to separately pursue funding through public listings.

But on Thursday it called off the creation of its Cloud Intelligence arm in light of “the recent expansion of US restrictions on export of advanced computing chips.”

Washington has cited national security grounds in moving to bar the shipment to China of powerful chips, including those from California-based Nvidia, which are crucial to the development of artificial intelligence.

The cloud spinoff was the crown jewel of Alibaba’s restructuring, analysts said, adding that it brought into question traders’ $200 billion valuation of the group.

The firm said in an earnings release Thursday that the spinoff “may not achieve the intended effect of shareholder value enhancement”.

“Accordingly, we have decided to not proceed with a full spin-off, and instead we will focus on developing a sustainable growth model for Cloud In-

PNB Digital App registered users breach 1-m mark since 2021 launch PHILIPPINE National Bank said Friday it scored a new milestone as the registered users of the PNB Digital App surpassed one million.

“Reaching more than one million active users reflects the trust that customers have in our digital solutions and services,” said PNB senior vice president and digital innovations group head Damasen Paul Cid. “We’re excited to roll out more innovative and customer-centric features and services to make their digital banking experience as safe, simple and efficient as possible,” Cid said.

PNB introduced new features to enable customers to manage their banking needs in a convenient manner since the launch of the PNB Digital App in February 2021.

Digital app users can manage their deposit, credit card and unit investment trust fund (UITF) accounts; transfer funds and make payments through a variety of modes including the use of QR Codes; and move money via cardless withdrawals.

These services are protected by security features such as the PNB Digital Key (Soft Token with Biometrics Authentication), which make transactions more convenient and secure, eliminating the need to input account numbers, passwords and SMS One-Time PINs (OTPs).

GENDER EQUALITY.

Tech-enabled logistics company Ninja Van Philippines signs a solidarity agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology under the Office of the Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development (OUIID) towards promoting gender equality and women empowerment. Signing the agreement are (from left) Ninja Van Philippines chief commercial officer Sabina Lopez-Vergara, country head Jose Alvin Perez, DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and National Council of Women in the Philippines president Dr. Cecile Dy.

PCC clears Robinsons’ purchase of 100% stake in Rose Pharmacy ROBINSONS Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) of the Gokongwei Group said Friday the government’s anti-trust body cleared its acquisition of 100-percent stake in Cebu-based Rose Pharmacy Inc. RRHI said in a disclosure to the stock exchang the Mergers and Acquisitions Office of the Philippine Competition Commission completed the motu propio review on the company’s acquisition of Rose Pharmacy on Oct. 5.

“After approximately 11 months of review, on 5 October 2023, the commission en banc resolved to terminate the motu proprio review and take no further action on the completed acquisition, there being no sufficient basis to prohibit the same,” RRHI said.

RRHI’s subsidiary South Star Drug

Inc. acquired 100 percent of Rose Pharmacy from Mulgrave Corporation B.V (MCBV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dairy Farm International Holdings, Ltd. in October 2020 for P4.5 billion.

Established in 1952, Rose Pharmacy is a family-run drugstore in Cebu City with the goal of providing quality and affordable medicines to communities.

It is one of the leading drugstore chains in the Philippines with close to P8 billion in net sales in the first nine months of 2023, up 15.1 percent yearon-year.

It has over 394 stores strategically located in the Visayas and Mindanao.

RRHI said Rose Pharmacy is a very strategic addition to its drugstore portfolio, with its highly-regarded brand in

VisMin, and complementary network to South Star Drug’s strong presence in Luzon and Metro Manila.

The acquisition allows RRHI to leverage its scale and synergies to drive wider product assortment, better customer service and offer greater value to its customers across the Philippines.

RRHI operates two other drugstore brands, Southstar Drug with 639 stores and TGP with over 2,000 franchised stores.

Meanwhile, the board of RRHI also disclosed that it approved a P1-billion share buyback program to boost shareholder value.

RRHI bought back 108,018 million common shares worth P6 billion from Mar. 9, 2020 to Nov. 16, 2023.

Jenniffer B. Austria

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) signs a memorandum of understanding to operationalize a P280-million US-funded technical assistance for the Partnership for Sustainable Development and Investment in Mineral Extraction and Processing spearheaded by the UP Public Administration Foundation (UPPAF). Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) Department of Interior and Local Government-Cordillera Administrative Region assistant regional director Ruperto Maribbay Jr., UPPAF president Dr. Maria Mendoza, PNIA chairman Antonio Co, Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary Ernesto Perez, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo – Loyzaga, USAID deputy mission director Rebekah Eubanks, Finance Undersecretary Karlo Fermin Adriano, Board of Investments executive director Corazon Dichosa and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines executive director Ronald Recidoro.

PNIA signs pact to make nickel sector competitive, lure investors BAGUIO CITY—The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) signed a memorandum of understanding to implement a P280-million USfunded technical assistance for the Partnership for Sustainable Development and Investment in Mineral Extraction and Processing spearheaded by the University of the Philippines Public Administration Foundation (UPPAF).

The partnership agreement is a comprehensive program to help establish the Philippines’ positioning as a major global value chain player in the clean energy sector by maximizing the country’s mineral potential and increasing value addition through

telligence Group under the fluid circumstances,” it added.

The announcement surprised traders and its US-listed shares tanked more than nine percent, as it was one of the most high-profile victims of the ChinaUS standoff.

It was the latest blow to the firm, which has in recent years been under the hard gaze of Beijing and hit by a series of restrictions on the domestic tech sector “I was quite taken aback,” said Kevin Net, at Tocqueville Finance. “My initial thoughts are that the whole corporate restructuring... could be at risk.”

And Forsyth Barr Asia’s Willer Chen simply said: “The market is scratching its head.” With AFP

mineral processing.

PNIA chairman Antonio Co said the nickel industry association is grateful to be invited as a partner and collaborator in accelerating the development and advancement of the Philippines’ critical minerals sector which would also enhance consultation mechanisms between the government and the private sector.

“The partnership is a significant boost to PNIA’s industry promotion and development efforts, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the nickel industry and attract investors by improving ease of doing business and ensuring a predictable regulatory environment,” said Co.

BYD, AC Motors to roll out 100 electric vehicle charging stations

By Othel V. Campos BYD Philippines and AC Motors said Friday they will roll out more than 100 charging stations across the country in 2024 to support the Ayala Group’s aspiration to become the biggest electric vehicle (EV) vendor in the Philippines.

AC Motors chief executive Jamie Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said at the launch of the first BYD electric vehicle in the Philippines the company already has an existing network of 20 charging stations in Metro Manila.

“This number will grow every single month moving forward. Stations will be built in Ayala states, and with select partners nationwide.

This is just the start of the journey.

We are committed to expanding this charging network, delivering more EV products, and of course providing the best mobility experience for all,” he said.

“We remain committed to our goal of becoming the leading AV platforms in the Philippines in support, as well of the Philippine government’s own ambition of transforming half of all cars on the roads into electric vehicles, by 2040,” he said.

The automotive distribution company has existing charging stations in Vertis North, Trinoma, One Ayala, Greenbelt and Seda BGC.

STARTUP WEEK. Thirty startups selected by the 10 ASEAN embassies in Korea and the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME) pitch their business ideas to venture capitalists at the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week 2023. Three Philippine startups—Mata Technologies, Nanohubs and ChatGenie—showcased groundbreaking ideas in AI, e-commerce, fintech, education and tourism.

BUSINESS

A8

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Ayala’s AREIT buying P6.77b worth of Zambales properties

By Jenniffer B. Austria

REIT Inc., the country’s first real estate investment trust (REIT) firm owned by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), said Friday it is acquiring 276 hectares of industrial land in Zambales province worth P6.77 billion from affiliate ACEN Corp.

A

AREIT said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would acquire the property from Buendia Christiana Holdings Corp.

(BCHC), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACEN, via a share swap agreement.

Under the deal, AREIT will issue

199,109,438 AREIT primary common shares to BCHC in exchange for the land valued at P6.77 billion, as validated by a third-party fairness opinion.

Upon issuance of AREIT shares in exchange for the land, Giga Ace 8 Inc.,

a wholly owned subsidiary of ACEN engaged in the business of developing and operating a solar plant, will lease the land from AREIT for 25 years at a guaranteed fixed rent escalating every year, and with the option to renew for another 25 years.

AREIT said the acquisition would strengthen its position as the Philippines’ largest and most diversified REIT firm with 861,000 thousand square meters of building gross leasable area (GLA).

After the acquisition, AREIT will own 286 hectares of industrial land, which includes 9.8 hectares currently owned in Laguna Technopark.

This will increase AREIT’s assets

under management to P94 billion from P87 billion.

It said that aside from significant asset expansion, the addition of the Zambales land would complement AREIT’s sustainability objectives.

It has 18 properties that shifted from coal to clean renewable energy, reducing its carbon emissions significantly.

ALI and AREIT signed an agreement with the International Finance Corp.

(IFC) in September to secure EDGE zero carbon certification for 1.5 million square meters of office buildings and establish the largest EDGE zero carbon portfolio in the country.

TREE PLANTING. BDO Unibank Inc. employees plant trees at the La Mesa Watershed in partnership with ABS CBN’s ‘Bantay Kalikasan’ where BDO adopted one hectare of forest for a sustainable future. BDO supports ABS CBN Foundation’s program to protect and enrich the environment by collaborating with various sectors of the community.

The bank engaged employee volunteers who germinated 500 sandalwood seeds and planted 400 native tree seedlings at the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City.

First Gen awards contract for LNG cargo to Trafigura

By Alena Mae S. Flores FIRST Gen Corp. said Friday it awarded a contract to Trafigura Pte Ltd (Trafigura), a global supplier of commodities, for the delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo, following the conclusion of its international tender.

First Gen said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Trafigura would supply LNG cargo of about 154,500 cubic meters within the required delivery window of Nov. 25 to Dec. 25, 2023 to FGEN’s wholly-owned subsidiary First Gen Singapore Pte. Ltd. The cargo will be delivered by an LNG carrier which would be unloaded into the storage tanks of the BW Batangas FSRU that is berthed at the First Gen Clean Energy Complex (FGCEC) in Batangas City.

First Gen announced in October that it was seeking bids for the supply of LNG. First Gen said it would use the cargo delivery for four gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 2,017 megawatts in FGCEC, which were supplied for many years with gas from the Malampaya gas field in northwest Palawan.

First Gen through FGEN LNG Corp. constructed an interim offshore LNG terminal and executed a 5-year time charter party for BW Batangas, which would provide LNG storage and regasification services as part of the project.

Banks see BSP keeping rates steady

By Julito G. Rada The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will likely maintain its monetary policy stance steady until the third quarter of 2024, British financial firm Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said Friday.

HSBC issued the statement after the BSP kept the overnight borrowing rate steady at 6.5 percent on Thursday amid the slowdown in inflation in October and the stronger gross domestic product expansion in the third quarter.

“We continue to believe that rate cuts are off the table until 3Q 2024, when inflation is credibly well within the BSP’s 2-4 percent target band and when the Fed begins cutting rates,” HSBC said.

“We expect headline inflation to flare up in 1Q 2024 when Executive Order 10, an order that temporarily reduces the tariff rates for rice, corn, pork, and coal expires on 31 December 2023. As a result, headline CPI will likely breach the BSP’s 2-4 percent target band in 2Q 2024 but return to within the target band in 3Q 2024,” it said.

The bank said this expected inflation flare-up should keep the BSP on its toes and prevent it from cutting rates before the second half of 2024 unless authorities extend Executive Order 10.

“HSBC Economics believes the Fed will begin cutting rates in 3Q 2024. With the current account in the Philippines still wider than pre-pandemic levels, we expect the BSP to follow the easing cycle of the Fed to help support the PHP [Philippine peso] and prevent ‘imported inflation’ from complicating the outlook,” it said.

Oxford Economics, a global economic forecasting and econometric analysis agency, said it expects the BSP to keep interest rates unchanged until the second quarter of 2024, before starting to cut rates.

Megaworld denies fraud complaint, contests P873-m claims of DATEM

By Jenniffer B. Austria MEGAWORLD Corp. of tycoon Andrew Tan said Friday it had not evaded any substantial claims from construction firm DATEM Inc. despite the latter’s alleged “gross negligence” and “repeated failure” to fulfill its obligations with the property firm.

Megaworld, in a statement, denied DATEM’s accusation that it refused to pay its obligations to the construction company.

“With this, we wish to assure that Megaworld remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to all its creditors and to the general public.

Megaworld is prepared to vigorously defend itself and address all the allegations in DATEM’s complaint in the proper forum,” Megaworld said.

Megaworld said it found DATEM’s demand for a huge amount of claims and adjustments unreasonable considering its poor performance as a project contractor.

It said that after the lockdown was lifted, DATEM could not catch up and missed the deadline for the completion of projects awarded to them.

This forced the property firm to get other contractors to take over the projects assigned to DATEM, it said.

“To set the record straight, Megaworld has not evaded any substantial claim for payment from DATEM, even if they failed to deliver on their commitments. In fact, Megaworld incurred additional costs because of their delays,” the property firm said.

It said DATEM’s move to have its assets frozen is “ridiculous and absurd” as the amount they are claiming was only 0.2 percent of Megaworld’s total assets.

“Megaworld never committed fraud in its dealings with DATEM. Perhaps, what is considered fraudulent is demanding for payments for projects they failed to deliver excellently and on time,” it said.

DATEM earlier filed a case with Quezon City Regional Trial Court over Megaworld’s alleged refusal to settle its unpaid obligation worth P873 million.

CASHLESS EXPO. Executives of UnionDigital Bank, the digital bank of UnionBank of the Philippines, introduce the soon-to-launch payments platform Ubeh Pay at the first Cashless Expo PH 2023. The platform offers bill payments, QR-led payments, contactless payments enabled by tapping technology, and a combo card that combines the convenience of a virtual debit card with the flexibility of a credit line to support cashless payments in the country. Ubeh Pay will be available for users in 2024.

Pag-IBIG released record P50.8b in home loans in first 10 months

WATER TRAIL. Manila Water Company Inc., in partnership with the Department of Education, completes the first leg of water trail workshops for public school teachers in the first year of ‘SALIN: Lakbayan para sa mga Guro program’. It is a reinforcement and extension of Lakbayan Advocacy Program which is an experiential and educational tour that highlights the sustainability journey of Manila Water featuring water trail story, water and wastewater treatment processes and other sustainability efforts.

PAG-IBIG Fund said Friday it disbursed P50.79 billion in cash loans in the first ten months of 2023, breaking its record for the highest amount of cash loans released for any January to October period.

It said the amount benefitted 2,281,042 Pag-IBIG Fund members, also a record high.

Data showed that from January to October, the amount of short-term loans released by the agency increased by 12 percent, or P5.5 billion, from P45.29 billion released in the same period in 2022.

The number of members assisted through the program also increased by 6 percent, or 127,494, from 2,153,548 members from the previous year as more members utilized the agency’s online channel, the Virtual Pag-IBIG,

to apply for cash loans.

About 743,362 members filed their loans online, an increase of 266,281 borrowers, or 56 percent year-on-year.

“We are happy to report that PagIBIG Fund continues to provide Filipino workers with assistance on their immediate financial needs through our cash loans. The record-high amount of loans we released, as well as the highest ever number of members aided through these loan program, show that our short-term loans are among the top choices of Filipino workers in gaining additional funds for their needs,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Mercado nails 2 titles in PCA Open Juniors

DRIVE BOOSTED. Cabuyao kicked PCU Dasmariñas-SASKIN out of playoff contention in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after a 2511, 25-19, 25-19 dominant win at the Paco Arena in Manila, Friday. The Cabstars also boosted their drive for a top two spot in Pool B with a 3-1 record, now at solo second. Here, Jerico Adajar of Cabuyao scores a point.

POC chief: Asian Indoor Games’ postponement good for PH bets T HE Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) were again postponed a second time because of its proximity to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The AIMAG were originally scheduled this month, but host Thailand postponed the 50-sport competition rescheduled every four years for February 24 to March 6, 2024.

But a consensus among member national Olympic committees of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Oceania sought for the games’ postponement citing their athletes have to prepare for the Paris Games qualifiers and the Olympics themselves.

Philippine Olympic Committee president

POC president Abraham Tolentino

Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino concurred with the postponement, saying it would ease the burden off the country’s Olympic hopefuls.

“It’s good for us, too, so we can concentrate on other qualifying events,” Tolentino said.

The Philippines has so far qualified four athletes to Paris—pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, boxer Eumir Felix Marcial and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.

OCA acting president Raja Randhir Sing disseminated the information on the postponement in a letter sent to the 45 OCA member and 18 Oceania countries on Friday.

The OCA will announce the new dates of the AIMAG after the Paris Olympics that are set July 26 to August 11.

The AIMAG features 50 sports, including nine Olympic events. They were last held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in 2017.

CHLOE Mercado showcased her promising tennis prowess by securing the girls’ 16-and-under singles crown in the 40th PCA (Philippine Columbian Association) Open at PCA courts in Plaza Dilao, Paco recently.

Mercado, 15, demonstrated an outstanding all-around game, defeating Sandra Bautista with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory in the finals to clinch the top honors in her age-bracket in the annual championship that drew the participation of the country’s leading and rising junior players.

The Angat, Bulacan pride, who refined her skills through regular appearances in the Palawan Pawnshop Pera Padala national junior circuit, concluded her remarkable showing in the top-ranking event by teaming up with Juliana Carvajal to pocket the 18-and-under doubles championship. They overpowered the Princess Tana-Czarina Miraflor pair, 8-1.

Expressing gratitude for the Palawan Pawnshop tournaments, Mercado acknowledged the significant role they played in her development, saying: “Malaking pasasalamat talaga namin sa mga Palawan Pawnshop tournaments, napakalaking tulong para mahatak ako pataas (We are truly thankful for the Palawan Pawnshop tournaments, they have been a big help in pushing me up),” said Mercado. “Talagang paghihirapan mo para manalo dahil sa sobrang daming sumasaling mga magagaling na players na galing sa iba’t ibang lugar (You will really have to work hard to win because there are so many good players participating from different places).”

On her way to the singles finals, Mercado downed Elysse Abellera, 6-1, 6-0, then repulsed Tana, 7-5, 6-2, while Bautista, also a regular PPS-PEPP junior campaigner, crushed Briele Muyot, 6-0, 6-0, and overpowered Jade Revoltar, 6-0, 6-1.

In doubles play, Mercado and Carvajal smothered Therese Morales and Mavis Tuazon, 8-0, while Tana and Miraflor likewise eased past Revoltar and Zaina Omar via the same scoreline.

Pirates edge Stags, clinch top semis spot

By Peter Atencio TWO big plays from Enoch Valdez in the last period lifted the Lyceum Philippines University Pirates to an 83-80 victory over the San Sebastian Stags on Friday at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena.

This earned the Pirates the spot to the Final Four semifinals of the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Valdez, who banged in 18 points, took charge in the last five minutes after the Pirates overturned a 73-74 deficit as they went on to post their 12th win in 16 outings.

Patrick Montano struck with 22 points for the Pirates, who

Games Saturday (Filoil EcoOil Arena) 9:30 a.m.- San Beda vs JRU 3 p.m.- EAC vs UPHSD

joined the Mapua Cardinals in assuring themselves of a second Final Four berth.

Coach Gilbert Malabanan said it is still not over yet for the Pirates, who still have the Arellano Chiefs and the San Beda Red Lions as their last two opponents in the second round.

“Hindi pa rin kami puwedeng magpakampante. We have two more games left. I think we really have to do a good job in the last two games,” said Malabanan, after

the Pirates handed the Stags their 11th setback in 16 matches.

A putback from Vincent Cunanan and a score from the 6’2” Valdez in the remaining 4:27 pushed the Pirates ahead, 77-74.

Valdez struck again in the last 3:42 after Stags’ cager Romel Calahat turned the ball over, with his layup padding the Pirates’ edge, 81-76.

The Pirates, who now have twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four with the Cardinals, also drew 13 points from Shaun Umali.

The Stags, with Alex Desoyo tallying 22 points, could have forced an overtime, but they could only score one of six attempts in the final 1:26.

Chloe Mercado

Dayrit Memorial Fencing tourney lures 403 athletes Enoch Valdez

Basketball Training Center gets Ilocos Norte boost

Eric Altamirano and Gov. Matthew Manotoc

ORGANIZERS of the 14th season of the National Basketball Training Center just found a new supporter who will take the initiative to help discover and develop young and talented basketball players.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc, a sportsman himself, will be among those, who will help the NBTC when the province hosts of one of four regional championships next year.

The Centennial Arena in Laoag City will be the first stop of the regional meets on Jan. 18 to 21.

“We are proud partners of the NBTC. We’re looking forward to the Northern Luzon championships, welcoming everyone, not only the players, but the entire basketball culture (of the region),” said Manotoc, following Thursday’s press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

After the Northern Luzon leg, competitions will

head down south for the Mindanao leg in Saranggani from Feb. 1 to 4.

The Visayan leg in Cebu City will follow from Feb. 15 to 18, before the South Luzon leg is held along from Feb. 29 to March 2 in Batangas.

“This is a momentuous occasion as we unveil a new chapter to the books of the NBTC. As you all know, after 14 seasons, we unveiled a brand new logo in keeping up with the times.

The national finals are set from March 18 to 24 to MOA Arena.

There will be a total 96 cities participating in 72 Local City Qualifiers, all seeking spots in the four Regional Championships.

The regional championships promise to give the NBTC a fresh look and its most innovative season yet in 2024. Peter Atencio

SOME 403 fencers are taking part in the Dr. Celso Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships slated on November 18 and 19 at the Ayala Malls by the Bay in Macapagal Ave., Pasay City.

Gacuma said the big turnout will have young fencers seeking out points that will help them move up in the national rankings.

The big attendance of fencers will have around 41 seeing action in the men’s epee on Sunday, 39 in the cadet men’s division, and 30 in the cadet men’s saber.

This will be the first official event of the PFA, under the leadership of Gacuma, who recently replaced the association’s former chief, Rep. Richard Gomez (eight district, Leyte).

The event Rene Gacuma serves as the ninth and final leg of the Cadet and Junior competitions, as well as Under-12 meet in all three weapons for men’s and women’s categories. Peter Atencio

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com JOEL D. LACSAMANA, Editor

New attractions unveiled in 15-year Christmas tradition

“I

N my heart is a Christmas tree farm, where the people would come to dance under sparkling lights.”— Taylor Swift, “Christmas Tree Farm” Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City And so we know the Christmas season is in full swing when the Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Festival of Lights was recently launched to welcome the holiday rush.

The Makati Christmas tradition returned for its 15th year last Tuesday with the theme “Christmas Nights with Countless Lights.”

Spectacle of lights and sounds The festival features three main attractions, including the traditional light show “Kaleidoscope of Sight, Sound, and Light” directed by Ohm David. It utilizes advanced “mappable LED lights” and interactive floor projections, creating stunning illusions of light and color.

The first medley, “Paskong Pinoy,” depicts the story of “Simbang Gabi” through vibrant lights and Filipino Christmas carols, arranged by Arvy Dimaculangan, including songs by Ryan Cayabyab.

PROPERTY Festival of Lights 2023 launched at Ayala Triangle

‘LITER OF LIGHT.’ Exploding colors at the Ayala Land Festival of Lights.

The second medley, “Cosmic K-Pop Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso, enjoy Christmas,” offers a trendy K-Pop singing and dancing to the latest concert experience at Ayala Triangle K-Pop hits amid “dancing lights.”

Gardens. With original music by Jazz The third medley, “Big Band

Holiday,” channels the sophistication of an opulent era with Art Decoinspired lights and projections, accompanied by iconic tunes from the

PASKONG PINOY WITH THE ZOBELS. From left are: Misha Quimpo, project development manager for Makati, Ayala Land Estates; Alex Jamisola, senior marketing associate for Makati; Mel Ignacio, senior estate head of Makati; Robert Lao, senior vice president and group head; Beltran Padilla; Alejandro Zobel Padilla; Sofia Zobel Elizalde; Hon. Abby Binay, mayor of Makati; Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corp. business development and digital innovations head; Margarita Zobel de Ayala; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, senior vice president and head of the leasing and hospitality group; Hon. Luis Campos, second district representative of Makati; Hon. Monique Lagdameo, vice mayor of Makati; Chrissy Roa, group marketing and communications head; Sharon Vital, marketing manager for Makati; Shiella Aguilar, project development head for Makati.

ABOITIZ’ LIMA ESTATE SETS HIGH STANDARD AMONG SMART CITIES. Aboitiz InfraCapital’s LIMA Estate,

recently clinched the Smart City Award at the inaugural ESGBusiness Awards, held in Singapore (Shown in photo). Located in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas, LIMA Estate has implemented a comprehensive suite of smart city features, that focuses on enhancing the liveability, resilience, and sustainability of its community. The LIMA Central Business District boasts an impressive 63% off-site renewable energy utilization. The Outlets at Lipa achieves 43% on-site energy utilization and its 1.5-megawatt peak rooftop solar panel system offsets 31,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to planting 1.4 million trees. LIMA Estate has delivered remarkable outcomes for its occupants, such as a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and a 30% decrease in repair costs. An initiative in the pipeline is repurposing plastic waste into eco bricks. This endeavor aims to decrease the entire estate’s ecological footprint, actively promoting the development of a circular economy.

IRONMAN IN PUERTO PRINCESA. RLC Residences is once again set to join Ironman 70.3, this year’s most awaited global triathlon event in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Last year, RLC Residences took an active role in the same event held in Cebu.

Joining as a sponsor, they organized numerous activities and prepared exclusive merchandise for a 4-day expo attended by athletes from all around the world. This marked the comeback of Ironman Philippines after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and Typhoon Odette. At the event, RLC Residences introduced its resort-inspired residential property in Mactan, Cebu— AmiSa Private Residences, which had been a part of the triathlon course since 2012. This year, event attendees, locals, and tourists can enjoy special deals, along with exciting gifts and freebies that are in store for them. Exclusive offers and discounts also await those who want to invest in their own condo. For more information, just go to rlcresidences.com and follow RLC Residences’ official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

golden age of music.

Apart from the main light show at the courtyard, holiday goers can discover curated installations in other parts of the gardens.

New attractions await “Wish Upon a Light” in the northern gardens allows guests to write wishes on an interactive screen, displayed on a green wall. The 2023 Festival of Lights features a collaboration with Arte House, Leeroy New, and Illac Diaz, presenting “Liter of Light,” an installation showcasing “Elemento”

by Leeroy New. This addition to the “Christmas Trail” highlights a story of bringing light to classrooms using recycled plastic bottles, water, and bleach.

The solar-powered installation starts Dec. 2, 2023.

A special place in metro denizens’ hearts Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Festival of Lights always holds a special place in the hearts of people in the Metro. It has been an annual tradition to await the light shows, not only for people in Makati but also for Filipinos across the islands.

The show plays every hour with the first run at 6 p.m. and last run at 10 p.m. Christmas Nights with Countless Lights lasts until Jan. 14, 2024.

Topnotch living in Pasay City

DMCI Homes recently launched Anissa Heights, a new condominium in P. Zamora, Pasay City.

This new project is billed as a gateway to a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle for young professionals seeking to be at the center of the action, whether it’s for work or leisure.

Perfect first investment This 34-storey condo, with 29 residential floors, boasts a modern contemporary architectural theme that blends with its surroundings. It is close to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), making it easy to catch flights out of Metro Manila. The proximity to NAIA is not just a time-saver, but it also opens the door to a world of possibilities.

Anissa Heights is an excellent first investment opportunity. Instead of wasting your hard-earned money on rent, you can own your first home here. The property promotes a straightforward lifestyle through its selection of studio and one-bedroom units ranging from 16 square meters (sq.m) to 27.50 sq.m.

Rental income potential Anissa Heights has good rental income potential. Prospective buyers have the option to convert their property into a rental unit, providing them with a reliable source of passive income.

The location of Anissa Heights ensures that all your needs are within reach. Malls, schools, restaurants, and even concert venues are all within a four-kilometer (km) radius of the property. The vicinity offers abundant job opportunities across various sectors, from aviation to retail, IT, BPO, and gaming.

For those with business in mind, the Bay City complex and the central business district of Makati are both reachable within a 20-minute drive. Public transportation hubs like the MRT-3 Taft Avenue and LRT1 EDSA station are within walking distance.

You can easily reach Metro Point Mall and Victory Pasay Mall on foot, and the SM Mall of Asia is just a short 3.3 km. away.

To learn more about Anissa Heights and other DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, visit leasing.dmcihomes.com.

B3

AGRICULTURE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

agriculture.manilastandard@gmail.com PATRICIA TACULAO, Editor

Bolstering international ties to achieve food security

By Patricia Taculao

D

URING his first week as the newly-appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary, Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the relevance of intensifying efforts within the local agriculture industry to increase food production and become food secure.

He also called upon stakeholders to join him and work together to achieve the positive goals the DA set out to meet.

Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Research & Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development, Martin Heydon, shares similar sentiments on how forging ties with other industry players can bring positive results, which he shared during a media roundtable for the Irish

The ‘Be RICEponsible’ campaign will be the NRAM’s theme until 2028. Photo from the Department of Agriculture

‘Be RICEponsible’ is National Rice Awareness Month theme Ireland’s temperate climate provides a longer growth period for its crops while allowing its cattle to graze more extensively on the fields

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Research & Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development, Martin Heydon (left), and Bord Bia Chief Executive Officer Jim O’Toole are leading the 2023 Southeast Asia Trade Mission

Food Board’s fifth trade mission in Southeast Asia.

“You don’t need to produce the food yourself, but you do need to have trusted partners. You need trading partners,” Heydon told Manila Standard Agriculture.

His timely remark is also apt for the 2023 Southeast Asia trade mission by the Irish Food Board, or Bord Bia, launched last Nov. 9, which seeks to strengthen Ireland’s reputation for providing safe, sustainable, and topquality food products in Malaysia and the Philippines since Ireland exports 90 percent of its food products.

The European country’s agricultural success comes from

its temperate location, which provides extended grazing periods for cattle, allowing farmers to produce high-quality grass-fed beef and dairy products.

Since Nov. 7, Heydon has met with stakeholders in the local meat and dairy industry and officials from government agencies.

In the meantime, Heydon hasn’t had the opportunity to meet with Laurel due to their tight schedules. He understands their position is considerably relevant to their respective countries as he believes it’s an honor to be in a position to share insights and create meaningful connections with other communities.

Heydon is confident that this year’s trade mission will raise awareness of Ireland’s sustainable food production systems and build strong government connections with Philippine counterparts.

Growing dreams and seedlings for a brighter future Denver Biang is a young farmer from Bineng, La Trinidad, Benguet who specializes in seedling production

SayMayat Vegetable Farming produces and sells lettuce seedlings to other farmers

By JB Peralta

Vegetable Farming as one of Benguet’s best-performing learning sites for agriculture.

Because of this recognition, Biang attracted aspiring farmers looking for handson experience with seedling production and proper lettuce planting techniques.

As he continues to nurture his farm and dreams, Biang embodies the spirit of the modern farmer: dedicated, innovative, and committed to making a difference. With the unwavering support of the DA-CAR, SayMayat Vegetable Farming is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of agriculture in Benguet and beyond.

DENVER Biang, 25, is a farmer from Bineng in La Trinidad, Benguet, who owns SayMayat Vegetable Farming, an agricultural enterprise that produces and sells lettuce seedlings to other farmers.

His journey began with a simple yet ingenious idea. He recognized that many farmers found the process of sprouting their seeds and nurturing seedlings to be time-consuming. Biang then focused on lettuce seedling production to make life easier for his fellow farmers, offering ready-to-plant seedlings.

The lush greenhouses of SayMayat Vegetable Farming are brimming with Biang lettuce seedlings. Biang and his family dedicated themselves day in and day out employs to propagate seedlings. They work tirelessly, from picking sprouts and transferring aspiring them to seedling trays to carefully controlling the temperature within the farmers, greenhouses. In a single day, they can complete up to 130 trays of seedlings. regardless Biang’s commitment doesn’t stop there; he also employs local students, paying of age, and them P350 per day with free meals as they assist in various farm activities. He also teaches them some extends his hand to elderly relatives.

In 2021, he discovered the Young Farmers’ Challenge (YFC) competition, later insights into becoming one of the seven winners in Benguet during the provincial-level match, agriculture earning him a well-deserved prize of P50,000 to expand his seedling farm further.

The High-Value Crops Development Program also played a crucial role in the young farmer’s success. He received two rolls of cellophane and 25 crates to help with farm operations.

In 2022, the Agriculture Training Institute-Cordillera recognized SayMayat

THE Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Rice Program, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and Regional Field Offices (RFOs), launched this year’s National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration with the “Be RICEponsible” campaign as its theme until 2028.

DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban shared that the DA programs and policies implemented under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. proved to be effective in improving the country’s rice production and enhancing the competitiveness of local rice farmers.

He reported that as of Sept. 2023, the total rice inventory grew by 6.6 percent from the 1.45 million metric tons level in the same period last year.

DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Leocadio Sebastian also assured the local rice farmers that the DA will continue supporting them and prioritizing their needs.

He also encouraged every Filipino to support the local rice industry by choosing products with the Philippine Rice logo, preventing rice wastage, eating brown rice, and mixing rice with other food staples.

The NRAM promotes the “A-BaKa-Da” movement, meaning adlay, mais, saba, atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin (Mix rice with other staples such as adlai, saba, corn, etc.); – Brown rice ay kainin (eat brown or unpolished rice) – Kanin ay huwag sayangin (Stop wasting rice); and – Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin (Support and buy local).

To promote the local agricultural products of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers, the DA will also participate in the 1st Cashless Expo co-organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the GoDigitalPilipinas Movement (GDP) Inc. The expo, scheduled on November 17–19 at the World Trade Center, aims to feature MSMEs and their products and promote cashless transactions.

The DA will have 16 booths for exhibitors from DA-PhilRice, DAAgricultural Training Institute (ATI), Rice Board, USSC, PRISM, and farmer cooperatives selling rice and rice-based products.

The DA will highlight the NRAM and other DA projects towards digitalization and rice industry development. Under Presidential Proclamation No. 524 Series of 2004, NRAM occurs every November to raise public awareness of rice, promote better health among consumers, improve the income of local farmers, and attain rice self-sufficiency, among others.

Asipulo farmers to begin tomato delivery in Metro Manila

By JT Llanes THE municipality of Asipulo in Ifugao province has started delivering tomatoes produced from their farms, supplying three companies in Metro Manila.

Joan Bacbac, Chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR), explained that the delivery of tomatoes was a result of the cost structuring agreed upon between the Farmers Cooperative Association (FCA), DA-CAR AMAD, and representatives of the World Food Expo or WOFEX.

“The farmers started the delivery of their tomatoes in Oct. this year to supply around three tons of tomatoes weekly to the three companies in Metro Manila after they have agreed to the cost structure developed by DA-CAR AMAD and WOFEX consistent with the cost envisioned by the FCA,” Bacbac explained.

Cost structuring considers the variable costs incurred, including labor, ingredients, equipment repairs, fuel costs for distribution, marketing expenses, and other costs. Fixed costs are consistent costs (overhead) that do not change monthly.

“Aside from Asipulo, we are also

looking forward to other FCA’s in the different municipalities of the province that produce tomatoes to help supply other companies in Metro Manila.

Asipulo is an example of a market linkage where we look for possible buyers or markets for their products,” Bacbac added.

Market linkage improves commercialization, with farmers accessing markets and profitable investment returns.

Linking aims to integrate the value chain, increase market accessibility, and enable smallholders to attract and negotiate with larger buyers, access certifications, and grow their businesses. Farmers from Asipulo, Ifugao, preparing tomatoes for delivery to Metro Manila

TECH

B4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph rieramallari@yahoo.com RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

How to succeed on YouTube Shorts: Finding your niche, working with AI

Vista Shaw residents enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities, like its fitness and wellness gym.

Vista Shaw yields high rental, capital appreciation AS ONE of Mandaluyong City’s busiest thoroughfares, Shaw Boulevard has always been one of the metro’s most desirable locales for residential, commercial, and mixed-use property developments.

Anyone traversing Shaw Boulevard will note its proximity to all manner of retail and commercial establishments, well-known colleges and universities, hospitals, and transport hubs. Past EDSA, Shaw Boulevard takes one into the heart of the Ortigas Central Business District—home to the Asian Development Bank, various multi-national companies’ corporate headquarters, five-star hotels, and high-end shopping malls.

Always quick on the draw, the condo developer, Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc., made sure to stake their own claim on this high-value area with the stunning 39-storey Vista Shaw, where unit owners and investors have—through the years—been consistently enjoying value and capital appreciation on their properties.

However, Vista Shaw has more for it going than its coveted location. For residents and tenants whose careers and businesses thrive within the Ortigas Center and its environs, the residential condominium is a secure, comfortable haven to go home to.

The thoughtfully laid-out units evoke ease and comfort, complemented by Vista Shaw’s recreational and functional amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness and wellness gym, 24hour CCTV, and Wi-Fi in common areas. Just within reach are restaurants and food outlets like Conti’s Bakeshop, Coffee Project, Wendy’s, Starbucks and Pancake House.

Hanabishi hand mixer, blender

Participants in the Youtube Creator Summit

T

HE path to a promising, funfilled, and rewarding experience as a content creator on YouTube can be much more fulfilling and doable when you are equipped with the right tools and information.

At the recent Creator Community Summit, YouTube experts and inspiring creators share some best practices to succeed on the platform including on Shorts.

Though YouTube is still mainly known for longform videos, Shorts now has billions of people watching this version every month.

Because Shorts videos are best to “hook” in viewers into something that they need to know right away, brands prefer tapping this format to deliver hype for new campaigns. A creator who is at their best creating compelling Shorts—and has a large enough viewership—has a bigger chance of being noticed by a brand.

“Brands want you to tell their stories in three ways,” said Tammy Nadela, Partnerships and Sponsorships Lead at Google Philippines. “One is that you tell their story in such a way that viewers get to know their brand; second is so that they can engage better

with their audience; and third is that they want you to help incite action in your audience.”

The first ask, awareness, requires that creators drive home the key message fast, catchy, and in a straightforward manner, so that the viewer immediately understands it.

The second ask of engagement requires the creator to foster a sense of relatability among the audience, enough to make them realize a need for the brand. The third, action, just needs a true sense of urgency and a call to clear action on the part of the viewer.

And now that you know the different purposes that partnering brands may ask you to serve, it’s on you to deliver the most compelling and attentiongrabbing Shorts content out there.

There are some tried-and-tested videography and content creation techniques you can always fall back on, but there are also AI-powered solutions that are worth embracing.

YouTube Shorts is rolling out generative AI-enabled creation tools on YouTube Create, a new video editing app coming soon.

There’s the Dream Screen, which generates AIcreated visuals to make your video pop or help you visualize anything you want to bring to life.

AI can also find the right audio vibes for your video with Assistive Search in Creator Music.

There’s also Aloud, which opens up your content to the rest of the world by automatically dubbing it in supported foreign languages.

“How do you make the most of all these oppor-

tunities? How do you get a piece of the action? Embrace every new format that YouTube makes available, and embrace every new tool and opportunity that is already available to all of you,” said Ajay Vidyasagar, Managing Director for India, Southeast Asia & Emerging Markets at YouTube, during his remarks at the Creator Community Summit.

And lastly, one can never discount the power of a solid network of support. Local creators already know the benefits of working together with their peers, and the more they link up with like-minded people, the more they’ll learn from each other and push each other up.

If you want to get started on this journey, don’t be afraid of taking up some space—on YouTube, there’s always a spot for you and your particular niche.

“YouTube doesn’t just cater to mainstream or one type of content, now it caters to everyone,” said Education Creator Lyqa Maravilla of Team Lyqa (2M+ subs on YouTube), who shared that she never dreamed that her type of content would be big on the platform. She would get invited to socials and mixers with other creators in years past and would feel shy; now she knows that she absolutely belongs because she kept believing in herself.

So for those who want to get started on the road to a rewarding content creation journey, it’s never too late to take the first step. Browse and scroll through Shorts content for inspiration on YouTube, and start creating your own Shorts now using the YouTube mobile app.

Preparing for big celebrations with Hanabishi THE Holidays in the Philippines are synonymous with grand feasts and celebrations, of families and friends coming together to enjoy an array of delicious dishes that have been lovingly prepared. Creating an elaborate spread for everyone to enjoy takes time and effort, and having the right appliances can help make the food preparation easier.

“At Hanabishi, our goal is to make household chores easier for Filipinos, whether the chore calls for cleaning, organizing, or cooking, so that they could have more time to spend with their loved ones or pursue their personal passions. This coming holidays, we want families and friends to have more time to celebrate the season,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, VP for Finance and

Marketing of Hanabishi Appliances.

Air Fryer One great addition to the kitchen this Holiday season would be the digital air fryer, which makes frying, roasting, and reheating food quicker. Use it for your crispy pata, fried chicken, and other fried or grilled dishes.

Hanabishi’s Digital Air Fryer HAFRYER70SSDIG is big enough to fry, bake, grill, and roast dishes for big celebrations. It has a 7-liter detachable non-stick frying basket and rapid hot air technology. Easy to use, it has 1-60 minutes adjustable cooking time with bell ring, 50-200°C degrees adjustable cooking temperature, digital display, and 10-press program. It requires little to no cooking oil to make crispy fried food, and comes with a non-stick and dishwasher-safe food drawer and basket, stainless steel heating helmet. It is also thermal-fuse protected with a

unit dimension of 390x286x329 mm.

Pressure Cooker Having a pressure cooker in the kitchen would also be of big help in preparing a variety of dishes for big gatherings. If you still don’t have one, the Hanabishi Digital Pressure Cooker HDIGPC10in1 would be a great choice to buy. With just one product, you can have 10 program cooking selections: rice, multi-grain, meat/stew, poultry, fish, steam, beans/chili, yogurt, and porridge. It has a 5.7-liter capacity with an intelligent no-pot sensor, too.

Mixer and Blender A mixer and blender is one of the most versatile appliances in the kitchen. It can help save you time in preparing drinks, desserts, soups, and sauces. Create Holiday-inspired cocktails, shakes, and smoothies.

You can also use it in making embutido or meatloaf.

IDP Philippines’ new test center gives more opportunities to study abroad

By Patricia Taculao FILIPINOS often take a chance to further their education overseas when presented with an opportunity. It’s not because of the country’s education system, but because they want to apply curriculums that satisfy their interests. In most cases, Filipinos also study abroad because it provides them with a cultural experience that broadens their horizons.

Yet before they can study abroad, they must meet a language proficiency requirement to ensure they can thrive in their new community. And that’s what IDP Philippines has been doing–offering their services to ensure Filipinos can grab the chance to fulfill their dreams overseas.

IDP Philippines opened its new office on Nov. 15, 2023, in Quezon City, making it IDP’s 8th student placement office and 15th IELTS on Computer test center in the country.

The new IDP Quezon City Office is located on the 5th floor of the NorthLink building, SM City North Edsa, Brgy. Sto. Christo, Quezon City. It provides free study-abroad services and houses its latest International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test center.

The Quezon City office comes with face-to-face counseling, study-abroad student services, and the world’s leading high-stakes English language proficiency test, making it more accessible to Filipinos living in the northern part of Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon.

Besides their free services, IDP offers a computerized IELTS exam, where they can get their results back within two to five days. Students can choose their exam schedule, whether in the morning or afternoon, from Monday to Sunday.

IDP Philippines’ students also have a chance to retake one of the four components of their IELTS exam,

whether speaking, listening, reading, or writing. It helps ease the pressure from examinees and allows them to boost their overall score.

An Australian-listed company, IDP operates in more than 80 countries globally, empowering people to achieve their global study, work, and migration goals. IDP specializes in combining human expertise with our leading digital platform to help people get accepted into their ideal course, take an English language test, or learn English in our schools.

Jose Miguel Habana, the Country Director of IDP Education Philippines, proudly shared during the opening of the IDP Philippines’s Quezon City test center that IDP guides their students throughout their study-abroad journey when they apply for a study-abroad program, such as finding the right course and institution for them until they learn to thrive in their new environment.

Shown here are (from left) Lara Jane Mendoza, IDP Philippines Country Marketing Manager; Shiella Gonzales, Office Manager Quezon City; Jose Miguel Habana, IDP Philippines Country Director; Maria Cecilia Mundo, Head of Sales and Operations; and Hannah Jodeza Esguerra, Country IELTS Senior Operations & Business Development Manager.