Manila Standard - 2023 December 23 - Saturday

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9 in 10 facing new year with hope—survey NINE in 10 Filipinos said they will face 2024 "with hope," a Pulse Asia survey released on Friday showed.

The same survey found majority of Filipinos or 41 percent of the respondents said their holiday celebrations this year will be just as prosperous as in 2022.

At least 30 percent of the respondents said they will be having a "more prosperous" Christmas this year than last year's, while 13 percent said their celebrations will be "poorer" now.

"Amid the various challenges Filipinos face on a daily basis, most of them continue to remain optimistic, with 92 percent saying they will face the new year with hope. This is the prevailing sentiment in every geographic area and socio-economic grouping," Pulse Asia said.

Only one percent of the respondents said they will face 2024 without hope while seven percent are ambivalent on the matter.

The survey, conducted from Dec. 3 to 7, 2023, had 1,200 respondents.

PACKED PALACE.

President Marcos (center) is surrounded by his family and supporters whom he welcomed Friday to Malacanan Palace, where he and the First Family will spend another Christmas after coming to power in 2022 (see related story on A3). PCO Photo

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VOL. XXXVII • NO. 312 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023 •

900k Pinoys beat poverty in first half of 2023—PSA

PBBM HIKES AFP’S GRATUITY PAY NEWS / A4

RAINY CHRISTMAS WEEKEND IN LUZON NEWS / A2

Not changing Fewer poor seen as economy opens up post-pandemic tone on WPS, China tells PH

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Charles Dantes, and Maricel V. Cruz

A

LMOST 900,000 Filipinos escaped from poverty in the first half of 2023 as the income of poor Filipinos improved with the opening of the economy following the pandemic.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Friday poverty incidence among the population or the proportion of poor Filipinos whose per capita income is not sufficient to meet their basic food and non-food needs was estimated at 22.4 percent or about 25.24 million people.

MAKING ENDS MEET. Two elderly women tend to their merchandise at

Blumentritt Market on Friday. The country’s poverty rate dropped to 22.4 percent in the first half of 2023, bringing nearly 900,000 Filipinos out of poverty, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported. Danny Pata

This was lower than the 23.7 percent poverty incidence in the same period in 2021, which meant 895,260 Filipinos were no longer poor.

The subsistence incidence among Filipinos or the proportion of Filipinos whose income is not enough to buy even the basic food needs was registered at 8.7 percent or about 9.79 million Filipinos in the first semester of 2023, lower from 9.9 percent in the same period in 2021.

PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Map attributed the decline in the incidence of poverty to the "substantial" increase in per capita income of the first three deciles or three tenths of the poorest population in the country.

The per capita income of the first decile, the poorest 10 percent of the population, rose to P10,098 a month in 2023 from P8,318 in 2021.

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By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz A SPOKESMAN for China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing has not toned down its position on its sea dispute with the Philippines after the top diplomats on both sides agreed to pursue continuous dialogue on the issue.

In a media briefing, Wang Wenbin said there is “no major change in China's tone on the issue" and that Beijing would maintain its fight for sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a part of the bigger South China Sea that China unilaterally claims, despite an international court ruling that invalidates its claims.

In the face of Chinese intransigence and aggression, Congress vowed Next page

Lawyer, senators hit lack of due process for SMNI A LAWYER for Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) on Friday said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) failed to apply due process as mandated under the 1987 Constitution when it suspended the network for 30 days.

In a text message to ABS-CBN News,

SMNI legal counsel Rolex Suplico said: "The order was issued without hearing. Hence, it violated thedue process of law provision of the 1987 Constitution.

SMNI was punished without giving it its day in Court."

Senators Robin Padilla and Imee Marcos also blasted the NTC over the

regulator’s seeming haste in suspending the network for alleged violations of its franchise terms.

"The NTC, in its show cause and suspension order, failed to indicate the need to suspend the operations of the SMNI, much more express how this is necessary Next page

Marcos vetoes DOJ, career program bits in budget

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos on Friday vetoed two provisions in the P5.768-trillion 2024 budget—the creation of a Department of Justice revolving fund and the implementation of the National Govern-

ment's Career Executive Service Development Program.

Mr. Marcos said he exercised his veto power "in accordance with my constitutional mandate to ensure that laws are faithfully executed."

He said he struck down the special

provision on the DOJ Revolving Fund because "there is no law which authorizes the DOJ to establish a revolving fund for the purpose indicated therein."

In his letter to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the President said the Next page

NEW LAWYERS. For the first time in the Supreme Court's history, the administration of the Lawyer’s Oath – to 3,812 passers of the recent Bar examinations—and signing of the Roll of Attorneys were held in the same ceremony on Friday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. SC FB Page

Even higher fuel price hikes projected: P1.80/l for kerosene; P1.60/l for others

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OUTBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. Passengers bound for the provinces clog the check-in counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Friday, as stevedores load luggage onto ships docked at the Port of Manila, as Filipinos rush home for Christmas. Danny Pata

PUMP prices could increase by as much as P1.80 per liter next week to reflect the movement of prices in the world market – even higher than industry estimates on Thursday showed.

Oil industry players estimate a P1.60 to P1.80 per liter increase for kerosene and a P1.40 to P1.60 per liter increase for gasoline and diesel based on the four-day trading record.

Also on Friday, the transport group Stop and Go Coalition said it would write President Marcos to ask him to consider extending the deadline for franchise consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“We have heard the President’s pronouncement that he no longer needs to look at the 30 percent because 70 percent (of jeepney operators and drivers) have consolidated,” the group’s president, Zaldy Ping-ay, said in Filipino. Next page

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Speaker hails Marcos for trip fruits The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently announced that 22 percent, amounting to P170 billion, of the pledged investments from the visit have been realized.

These investments stem from 34 letters of intent and agreements, “contributing robustly to the country's economic growth and job creation,” the Speaker said.

"We are witnessing the fruits of President Marcos Jr.'s strategic international

engagements," said Romualdez. "These investments are not just numbers; they represent hope, opportunities, and a brighter future for thousands of Filipinos."

Key investments include the P4.4 billion initiative by Murata Manufacturing for a new production building in Tanauan City, Batangas, creating 3,500 jobs and yielding $1.2 billion in exports.

The groundbreaking of the P7-billion Hotel 101 project in partnership with

Niseko and DoubleDragon Corp. marks another milestone, as it is expected to generate $126.7 million in sales revenue.

Further emphasizing the diversity of these investments, Speaker Romualdez highlighted the new Tamiya Corp. factory in Cebu, the renewable energy commitments from Renova Inc., and the environmentally conscious initiatives by MinebeaMitsumi Inc. in their Cebu plant.

"These varied investments reflect our nation's growing attractiveness as a global investment destination, capable of meeting the needs of diverse industries," added Romualdez. "They also align with our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship."

In total, these investments have generated an impressive 9,700 jobs, significantly contributing to the national employment rate and uplifting the lives of many Filipino families.

900k...

Assuming the same increase in income, poverty incidence among the population would have been about 16 percent instead of the observed 22.4 percent," Balisacan said.

Among families, poverty incidence was estimated at 16.4 percent, which was equivalent to 4.51 million poor families, lower from 18 percent in the same period in 2021. This means that 230,000 households escaped from poverty.

The subsistence incidence among families also went down to 5.9 percent or about 1.62 million food poor families from 7.1 percent in the same period in 2021.

On the average, a family of five members will need at least P13,797 per month to meet their minimum basic food and non-food needs, higher compared to P12,082 in 2021.

Balisaan said the administration remains focused on its priority to substantially reduce poverty to a single-digit level by 2028.

"We are making progress in poverty reduction and the growth is becoming inclusive as you can see the faster growth in income relative to other groups," he said.

"I'm quite optimistic in the second half... the inflation is going down and the labor market condition is quite robust," he added.

Balisacan said the government will ensure the effective implementation of various initiatives and interventions in the social sector to reduce poverty at both the national and regional levels.

"We will continue to prioritize creating high-quality and high-paying jobs to address the rising issue of vulnerable employment. To achieve this goal, we will continue to focus on attracting job-generating investments from the private sector,

significantly improving humancapital, and scaling up social and physical infrastructure to improve our people's employment prospects," he said.

"We will ensure that our macroeconomic fundamentals are sound, enabling us to sustain growth in the medium and long term," he added.

The Presidential Communications Office welcomed the PSA report noting that the data aligns with the administration's commitment to achieving a single-digit poverty level by 2028.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez vowed that the House of Representatives would continue pursuing and funding programs ofPresident Marcos intended to improve the lives of millions of poor Filipinos.

Romualdez made the commitment in reaction to the report of the PSA that poverty incidence in the country has dropped to 22.4 percent of the population in the first half of 2023 from 23.7 percent in the same period in 2021.

“We are happy for 900,000 of our countrymen whose situation hasimproved from being poor over the past two years. We will continue tohelp the more than 25 million get out of poverty through intervention programs,” Romualdez said.

The House leader cited the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), free college education, free health insurance, and the grant of direct cash subsidies as among government intervention measures aimed at reducing poverty.

He said the House has chosen to exercise its oversight power as needed to bring

down the price of rice and other staples at affordable levels by fighting inflation, smuggling, hoarding, price manipulation, and similar abusive practices.

He said Congress has included in the 2024 national budget P60 billion for a new program called AKAP (Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita), under which 12 million poor and low-income families would receive a one-time financial grant of P5,000.

At four members per family, AKAP is projected to benefit 48 million Filipinos.

Some P500 billion in the 2024 budget has been allocated to assistance through social service-related programs.

Citing a World Bank study, he said there is concrete evidence thatdirect cash grants are an effective tool for reducing poverty among the population.

“Our own 4Ps is proof of this. Many beneficiary-families have improved their situation by producing college graduates,” he said.

He cited a new report carried by the Philippine Information Agency on Dec. 11 that 31 children of 4Ps families have recently completed their college education and have passed their licensing exams -- 25 teachers, four accountants and two engineers.

As his personal poverty reduction project, the House leader has also launched CARD (for Cash Assistance and Rice Distribution).

CARD was launched in Metro Manila’s 33 legislative districts, with each having 10,000 poor and vulnerable beneficiaries for an initial total of 330,000 recipients.

The amount of assistance each recipient gets totals at least P2,000 -- P950 for 25 kilos of rice at P38 per kilo and the remaining cash is for other food essentials.

they had a year ago," Pulse Asia said, adding this is essentially the same as From A1 the 42 percent posted in November 2022.

"For a big plurality of Filipinos (41 The sentiment, Pulse Asia said, is percent), their holiday celebration this echoed by sizeable pluralities to small year will be as prosperous as the one majorities in Metro Manila (62 per-

cent), the rest of Luzon (48 percent), Class D (41 percent), and Class E (34 percent).

Sixteen percent of Filipinos, however, said the holiday celebration this year will be as unprosperous as in 2022, while 13 percent said that it would be

poorer than last year.

"Regarding holidays still not being prosperous, 20 percent from Balance Luzon and Mindanao made that claim, followed by 11 percent from NCR and seven percent from Visayas," Pulse Asia said.

freedom. There is nothing prudent in NTC's action today,” the elder sister of President Marcos said.

The NTC on Thursday disclosed that it has issued a show cause order with a 30-day suspension against Swara Sug Media Corp. with the business/trade name SMNI. The regulator cited the House of Representatives' declaration in Resolution No. 189 that Swara Sug violated at least three specific provisions of its legislative franchise.

This came on the heels of a 14-day suspension order slapped on two SMNI shows, including one hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The National Union of Journalists, however, said that while it was concerned with the NTC suspension order being “reminiscent of the previous [Duterte] administration’s attempts to weaponize the law andmuzzle media,” the red-tagging that SMNI allows on its programs “does harm.”

Suplico, however, said the NTC depended too much on the House resolution without doing its own investigation.

"NTC took hook, line, and sinker the House of Representatives’ determination. NTC is under the Executive branch of our government. Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Not... to allocate more funds to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to intensify patrols in the West Philippine Sea to defend the country’s territorial integrity.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the House is committed to providing funds for the President’s initiatives to strengthen the AFP. Romualdez was among the officials accompanying President Marcos during the celebration of the 88th Anniversary of the AFP at its headquarters in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

"Our men and women in uniform are the steadfast guardians of our nation's security. We owe them our deepest gratitude and firm support," Romualdez said.

"The House aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a modern and well-equipped AFP, capable of effectively asserting our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights," he added.

He highlighted that this commitment is reflected in the newly passed

P5.768 trillion 2024 national budget, which allocates P285.69 billion to the defense sector, marking a significant increase compared to the P203.4 billion allocated in 2023.

Romualdez noted that the House has strategically realigned P1.23 billion in confidential funds from civilian agencies to frontline agencies responsible for national security and the protection of the country's territorial rights in the WPS. The House leader also reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the defense of the WPS, spanning from Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales and Pangasinan in the north to Ayungin Shoal in Palawan in the south, is adequately funded.

"We are resolute in our goal to ensure a future where our fishermen can fish in peace, and our natural resources are managed sustainably for the Filipino people," he declared.

The 2024 budget includes P1.5 billion for the expansion and development of the airport in Pag-asa Island.

An additional P800 million is set for constructing a sheltered port for fishermen and boats in Lawak, Palawan - the island nearest to Ayungin Shoal, where Filipino soldiers man a rusting Navy vessel, grounded there in 1999 as a symbol of Philippine presence.

as much as P38 for each regular 11-kilo LPG tank used by households for cooking by January, an official of Republic Gas Corp. (Regasco) said Thursday.

Department of Energy (DOE) director for the oil industry management bureau, Rodela Romero, said oil prices are surging as tankers avoid the Red Sea, where a rebel group has ramped up attacks on vessels in the region, raising concerns of supply disruptions.

The Red Sea is said to be a crucial route

for oil and liquefied natural gas vessels, so the attacks could have an impact on supply.

Romero said the adjustments were tempered, however, by signs of an unexpected build-up in US crude stockpiles and talk of a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

On Dec. 19, 2023, the oil firms rolled back the pump price of kerosene by P0.85 per liter but increased the price of diesel by P0.10 per liter. Gasoline prices did not change.

On Dec. 12. 2023, the oil companies implemented a price rollback for gasoline by P1.60 per liter, diesel by P1.85 per liter, and kerosene by P1.40 per liter.

These price adjustments resulted in a year-to-date net increase of P11 per liter for gasoline, P3.85 per liter for diesel, and P0.54 per liter for kerosene.

On the PUVMP, Ping-ay cited the biblical Parable of the Lost Sheep, to show the importance of one sheep that does not follow the 99 other sheep.

By Maricel V. Cruz

S

PEAKER Martin Romualdez on Friday extended his heartfelt congratulations and support to President Marcos for the successful outcomes of his Japan visit earlier this year, which has “significantly bolstered the Philippine economy and created jobs for thousands of Filipinos.”

From A1

The second and third deciles rose to P15,738 and P20,141 a month, respectively.

Poverty statistics are based on the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), which is held every two or three years.

Arsenio Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the administration was focused on achieving a singledigit poverty rate.

He also noted that the effect of opening up the economy was "much greater" for the poor.

"The decision to fully open the economy and lift all COVID-19 restrictions in the country starting in 2022 has allowed us to recover from the unprecedented, combined impact of the pandemic and the government's policy responses to the crisis," Balisacan said.

He also said the government's efforts to tame inflation and manage its effects have yielded significant results.

"The high inflation in the first semester of 2023 partially offset the positive effect of income growth on poverty. We note that per capita income among those in the first income decile (the poorest 10 percent of our population) increased by 21.4 percent, and those in the second and third deciles increased by 19.4 and 18.3 percent, respectively," he said.

"Had the inflation rate for the bottom 30 percent been at 4 percent in2021 and another 4 percent in 2022, the cumulative increase in poverty threshold would be around 8.2 percent instead of 14.2 percent.

9 in 10...

Lawyer,...

From A1

to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests," said Padilla, chairman of Senate committee on public information and mass media.

While the NTC has the power to suspend or revoke any certificateissued when the holder violated any of its regulations or any provision of Republic Act 11659 or the Public Service Act, Padilla argued that a proviso in the same law states that the NTC may suspend for up to 30 days “to avoid serious and irreparable damage or inconvenience to the public or to private interests.”

"The baseless issuance of a 30-day suspension order is a transgression of SMNI's right to due process, which will result in serious and irreparable damage to it and its employees no less," he added.

Marcos also hit the commission’s latest decision, saying the right to due process and the freedom of the press “have not been adhered to in the NTC’s decision to suspend SMNI’s operations.”

“It is incumbent upon the NTC to be very judicious in suspending entire operations of media entities, as such actions will have a chilling effect on press

Even...

From A1

On Thursday, industry sources told the Standard that based on the three-day trading, gasoline may go up by as much as P1.58 per liter, kerosene by P1.55 per liter, and diesel by P1.43 per liter next week.

The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or cooking gas may also rise by

From A1

Malacanang also reported that Department of Trade and Industry-led (DTI) business event during the President’s participation in the December 15-18 ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo resulted in P14.5 billion of indicated investments from Japanese businesses.

Together with the investment agreement signed on February 2023 and the recently-signed agreements, the President said investment commitments from Japanese investors now total P771.6 billion or about US$14 billion, opening up 40,000 job opportunities for Filipinos.

In his address during the signing of new agreements and updates on investment pledges, Mr. Marcos said his administration continues to listen to issues, concerns, and suggestions of investors on “what needs to be done to continue supporting and ensuring their success in the Philippines.”

Rainy Christmas poised for Luzon, fair elsewhere IT'S going to be a rainy Christmas weekend in most parts of Luzon, the state weather bureau said, as the strong amihan or northeast monsoon as well as the shear line continue to prevail.

Most of southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, however, will experience generally fair weather with possible isolated thunderstorms, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Weather forecaster Benison Estareja said there was a low chance of a weather disturbance until the end of the year.

PAGASA said there will be moderate to heavy rains (50-100 mm) today (Dec. 23) in mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and the northern portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands.

On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), there will be moderate to heavy rains (50100 mm) in Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Quirino, Isabela and Aurora.

"Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps," PAGASA said.

Don’t drink then drive, LTO warns holiday revelers

By Rio N. Araja and Joel Zurbano EAT and be merry, but do not drink and drive.

This was the stern reminder of Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza amid the Christmas parties and holiday get-togethers.

“There are a lot of last-minute Christmas parties and good time with friends and co-workers. If we can avoid drinking, let us do so. If we cannot avoid drinking, let us just commute,” Mendoza said.

Apart from the probability of getting caught for drunk driving,Mendoza said what is more scary is the possibility of figuring in a road accident that could also endanger other road users.

The LTO chief's warning came on the heels of the directive of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to ensure the safety of all road users as the number of vehicles is expected to increase during the Yuletide season.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, for its part, is suspending the implementation of the number coding scheme on Dec. 25 and 26, and on Jan. 1., which were declared holidays.

On those dates, vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 covered by coding every Monday and Tuesday can travel on the main streets of Metro Manila during the coding hours.

Marcos...

From A1

proposed service fees, intended to be charged for complaints and affidavits filed with the National Prosecution Service and petitions for review before the DOJ, "lack legal authorization."

Mr. Marcos said these pleadings "are filed with the said agencies by virtue of their jurisdiction vested by law."

He said the charges do not stem from business-type activities, as outlined in the General Provision on Revolving Funds in the national budget.

Quoting a Supreme Court pronouncement, the President said "inappropriate provisions" are unconstitutional and that provisions seeking to amend other laws have no place in an appropriations bill.

Such matters, he added, are more appropriately addressed in separate enactments.

Mr. Marcos also vetoed Section 38 under the General Provisions concerning the "Implementation of National Government's Career Executive Service Development Program (NGCESDP)."

In justifying this veto, he said the section does not pertain to any specific appropriation in the budget.

The President has the power to veto line items in the national budget but cannot add new items or bring back items already removed by Congress.

Mr. Marcos signed next year's budget on Wednesday, calling it a battle plan against poverty and illiteracy.

NEWS No need to import sugar next year, millers declare

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

First Family in Palace for Christmas

By Charles Dantes

By Othel V. Campos THERE is no need to import sugar for 2024, The Philippine Sugar Millers’ Association Inc. (PSMA) said Friday, as it agreed with the Sugar Regulatory Administration to limit importation next year as demand for the sweetener slowed this year and may persist.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona recently said that based on current demand figures, there is no need to import sugar.

PSMA executive director Jesus Barrera added: “Demand-withdrawals have been slow since the start of the season. Based on the latest figures of SRA, as of Dec. 3, 2023, raw sugar and refined sugar withdrawals are down 23 percent and 10 percent, respectively, year-on-year.”

The industry, Barrera added, is already past the peak of the milling season.

“With such weak demand, our physical inventories are building up as we are adding more stocks every week. Yes, there is no need to add more sugar from imports. We welcome that statement of SRA,” he said.

Despite the peak harvest, farmgate prices dropped to a range of P2,000 to P2,500 per bag from P3,000 per bag at the start of the crop year in August.

As prices dip, the PSMA noted that with the sluggish demand and reduced prices, sugar producers believe there is no compelling reason to bring in additional volume.

P

NEW MIAA CHIEF. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (center) swears into office the

new Acting General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Eric Jose Castro Ines (right), on Friday. President Marcos appointed Ines, a former airline station manager, on Dec. 15. PCO Photo

RESIDENT Marcos and his family will spend Christmas in Malacañang, the Presidential Communications Office confirmed on Friday.

“He will be in Manila lang daw po,” PCO Assistant Secretary Rowena Hidalgo said in a Viber message to Palace reporters.

This would be the second straight time the First Family will celebrate Christmas at the Palace on the banks of the Pasig River since Mr. Marcos assumed the presidency last year.

On his official Facebook page, President Marcos thanked his supporters as he welcomed them inside Malacañang.

“Mula noon hanggang ngayon, labis ang ating pasasalamat sa ating mga taga-suporta! (From then until now, we are extremely grateful to our supporters),” the President said.

“I am happy to be with you again at the Palace this Christmas.

Together, let’s continue what we’ve started, towards the New Philippines we aspire to,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President’s sister,

Senator Imee Marcos, on Friday reminded private companies that former rank-and-file workers who resigned or whom they fired are still entitled to benefit from the 13th-Month Pay law.

“Even if you worked for only a month this year, you should be able to receive at least 1,000 pesos from your previous employer,” she told workers in a statement.

The senator based her computation on the minimum wage for eight-hour workdays in Metro Manila.

She also emphasized that private school teachers are specially entitled to a full 13th-month’s pay if they have served for at least a month within a year.

Thirteenth-month benefits became law just before Christmas of 1975 through Presidential Decree 851, which meant to “protect the level of real wages from the ravage of worldwide inflation.”

OTS lauds NAIA screener for turning over bag with P183k, valuables

By Joel E. Zurbano

after he turned over to airport management a bag containing P183,000 and THE Office for Transportation Secu- other valuable items.

The honesty of Security Screening Ofrity has commended the honesty and integrity of an airport screening officer ficer (SSO) Mike John De Chavez was

tested when he discovered a lost bag at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 and turned it over to the terminal’s Lost and Found Section.

The bag also contained a mobile phone,

jewelry, a passbook, and other personal items.

“While performing routine security screening procedures, SSO De Chavez discovered a backpack left behind by a passenger on the x-ray machine.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FOR A SAFE NEW YEAR REVELRY.

Placard-bearing members of the EcoWaste Coalition march down a street in Barangay Central, Quezon City to drum up public consciousness and support to their ‘Iwas Paputoxic’ campaign in a bid to foster an injury-free New Year’s merry-making.

Manny Palmero

Don’t be fooled by the Reds—Sara V

By Vince Lopez

ICE President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte warned the people against being “deceived by communist rebels who stand in the way to national peace and progress.”

The Vice President raised the warning as “We should not allow ourselves to be she sent condolences to the family of Sgt. fooled by terrorists who have been an obstaJernell Ramillano who recently died in an cle for us to have peaceful lives and achieve encounter with suspected members of the growth in our communities,” Duterte said.

New People’s Army (NPA) in Batangas.

She commended Ramillano for his

heroism and making the supreme sacrifice for the country.

“He will remain in the hearts and minds of every Filipino, and his bravery and love for country will serve as an inspiration for each of us to better serve the nation,” Duterte said.

She added that Ramillano and his family have become victims of violence being perpetrated by the communist insurgents.

Duterte recalled that when she was mayor of Davao City in 2018, the mother of Lt. Jaren Relota, who also died

fighting the CPP-NPA-NDF, asked her how many more lives would be lost because of the rebel group.

“There will be more Sgt. Ramillano and Lt. Relota who will sacrifice their lives if we ignore the treachery, deceit, and violence of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” she said.

Duterte also warned that more Filipino children would not be able to finish their schooling if they were recruited by the insurgents.

PDEA says nearly 28k barangays now drug-free under Marcos government

By Rio N. Araja NEARLY 28,000 villages across the country have been cleared of illegal drugs under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Friday.

In its latest report on the national anti-drug campaign, the PDEA said 27,968 out of 42,000 barangays in the country have been declared drug-free from July 1, 2022 to Nov. 30 this year, while 7,543 were still being cleared by the law enforcers.

These barangays have reached drugcleared status after the issuance of a

Marcos raises gratuity pay for ‘heroic service’

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to approve an increase in the gratuity pay for Medal of Valor awardees highlights the government’s recognition of their heroic service, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday.

“Their show of courage in times of extreme danger while performing the task of protecting our people and state cannot actually be compensated, especially those who gave up their life,” AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said in a message to reporters.

The Medal of Valor is the highest military honor awarded for “conspicuous deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty that distinguishes the recipient from his comrades.”

“Their action is noble and beyond the call of duty,” Aguilar said.

In his speech at the AFP’s 88th founding anniversary Thursday, the President said the increase in the lifetime monthly gratuity pay for existing Medal of Valor awardees was based on the recommendation of the military and the Department of National Defense.

He said the awardees deser ve to enjoy a higher monthly i ncent ive for havi ng ex hibited braver y and heroism.

“This will provide our heroes with a tangible and meaningful reward, highlighting our commitment to support and honor our war heroes,” Marcos said.

MOBILITY FOR ALL.

Senator Francis Tolentino gives away wheelchairs and gift packs to indigent residents of Barangay 650 in Port Area, Manila to ensure that even people with walking difficulty can move around and be more productive members of their community.

Norman Cruz

certification by members of the oversight committee on the barangay antidrug program, it added.

The law enforces have also seized a total of P30.39 billion worth of illegal drugs nationwide during the same period.

The amount included 4,120.52 kilograms (kg.) of shabu, 48.02 kg. of cocaine, 54,012 ecstasy tablets and 3,106.24 kg. of marijuana, it added.

The latest PDEA data also showed 72,676 drug suspects were arrested during 52,966 anti-illegal drug operations.

Authorities also dismantled 811 drug dens and a clandestine shabu laboratory during the same period.

Bill mandates Israeli embassy taps jeepneys for drive on release of Hamas hostages private firms to hire PWDs

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEGISLATOR from Mindanao has filed a bill mandating private companies with more than 100 workers to allocate at least one percent of their workforce for qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte said House Bill (HB) 8942 seeks to ensure that PWDs are given equal opportunities in terms of employment and career development.

Under Republic Act (RA) 10524, at least one percent of all positions in government agencies, offices or corporations is reserved for PWDs. Private corporations with more than 100 workers are merely encouraged to do the same under this law, Duterte said.

“PWDs with the necessary talents and skills have proven to be valuable opportunities to prove that they, too, are highly capable in performing the jobs they are qualified for,” Duterte noted.

Private corporations with less than 100 workers are encouraged to also reserve positions for qualified PWDs under Duterte’s bill.

“A significant population of PWDs experience disproportionately high disability,” he added.

THE Israeli Embassy in Manila has tapped the ubiquitous jeepney for its campaign to generate public awareness and call for the safe return of the remaining 129 hostages being held by the Hamas militants in Israel.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said the 10 participating jeepneys which offered free rides on Friday were bedecked with Israeli flags and can-

vasses showing profiles of the hostages.

“Our aim is to raise awareness for the swift release of the 129 that have been abducted by the Hamas organization since October 7. Today we are using jeepneywith canvass to convey a message of solidarity with Israel for the safe return of the abductees,” Fluss explained.

The envoy urged Filipinos to pray for

safety of those affected by the war in his country. The war began on October 7 with an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants. They broke through Gaza’s militarized border and killed some 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP report. The Hamas also allegedly abducted about 250 people.

Vowing to destroy Hamas, Israel began a relentless bombardment of tar-

AFTERMATH OF A BLAZE. As firefighters

wrap up their job, residents of Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City sift through the debris in an attempt to salvage whatever usable belongings they can find to start rebuilding their shattered lives. Manny Palmero

Quiapo Church gears up for Jan. 9 traslacion

By Vito Barcelo THE Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, more popularly known as Quiapo Church, has started gearing up for the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2024, as church officials invited the faithful, especially devotees of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, to participate in the preparations for the

upcoming feast.

Meanwhile, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela City has laid down the ceremonies for the coronation of the image on Feb. 25, 2024.

Quiapo Church parochial vicar Fr. Hans Magdurulang said preparations for Nazareno 2024 are in full swing, and devotees must actively get involved to ensure a smooth and successful celebration.

gets in Gaza, alongside a ground invasion, which Gaza’s Hamas government on Wednesday said has killed at least 20,000, mostly women and children.

Hopes that Israel and Hamas could be inching towards another truce and deal to free the remaining 129 hostages had risen this week as the head of the Palestinian militant group visited Egypt and talks took place in Europe.

Acuzar hails P12-b credit line okayed by Pag-IBIG THE P12-billion credit line approved by the Pag-IBIG Fund for the National Housing Authority will further bolster the positive momentum of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program now being rolled out nationwide.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar made this observation even as he lauded the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund for its commitment to support the 4PH program.

Pag-IBIG has approved a back-to-back funding for two key shelter agencies – the Social Housing Finance Corp. and the NHA – to fund housing projects under the Pambansang Pabahay flagship program of the Marcos administration.

“Pag-IBIG’s dedication is a huge boost to bringing the ‘Pambansang Pabahay’ to reality. It continuously opens more doors for Filipino people to own a home that is decent yet affordable in sustainable communities,” Acuzar said.

Acuzar also serves as Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees chairperson.

A5

OPINION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

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

Citizen Barok

EDITORIAL

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Davao JCs Senate celebrates leadership

Need for forthright dialogue

IN THE heart of Davao, a city pulsating with vibrancy and ambition, the Davao Jaycees Senate, under the steadfast leadership of President Danilo Gotera, has once again proven itself as a beacon of inspiration and a catalyst for positive change.

The recent culmination of the 2023 LEAD Davao awards not only signifies a celebration of exceptional leadership but also pays homage to the silent heroes who shape the narrative of this remarkable city.

At the helm of this transformative initiative, President Gotera has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to recognizing and empowering leaders who go above and beyond in their respective fields.

W

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This dynamic organization continues to serve as a driving force in nurturing leaders who are not only proficient in their fields but are also deeply committed to making a positive impact on the community

The awarding ceremony, held at the Acacia Hotel, was a testament to the dedication of the Davao Jaycees Senate in fostering a culture of excellence and community impact.

Army Lt. Gen. Greg Tallo Almerol, honored in the category of Peace and Order, emerges as a distinguished figure who has left an indelible mark on Davao.

His resolute efforts to eradicate the Communist Terrorist Group and ensure the safety of the city have not only earned him accolades within the Armed Forces but have also resulted in the unprecedented declaration of Davao as ‘insurgency-free’ in 2022.

Almerol’s dedication serves as a shining example of the impact one individual

can make in preserving peace and order within a community.

Architect Sherrilla B. Porzah-Sawah, UAP, recognized for Community Empowerment and Development, stands as a beacon of hope for the Muslim community in Davao.

As the Regional Director of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Field Office for Region XI, her leadership has spearheaded transformative programs and projects that have uplifted the lives of countless individuals.

Through collaboration with various agencies, she has brought about positive change, particularly in the lives of children, leaving an indelible mark on the community she serves.

The LEADavao awards, initiated in 2003, have evolved into a symbol of integrity and excellence under the consistent support of its Board of Judges and Sponsors.

Gotera’s dedication to maintaining these high standards reflects not only on the organization’s commitment to recognizing outstanding achievements but also on its ability to adapt and thrive over the years.

In the words of Anna Lorraine Santiago, the 2023 Chairman of LEADavao, “Davao still has a lot of silent heroes who have been creating impact in the different spheres of their influence and they deserve to be recognized too.”

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the LEADavao initiative, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating those whose contributions might often go unnoticed.

LEADavao, as a project of the Davao Jaycees Senate, embodies the spirit of Junior Chamber International members awarded lifetime membership as JCI Senators.

This dynamic organization continues to serve as a driving force in nurturing leaders who are not only proficient in their fields but are also deeply committed to making a positive impact on the community.

In conclusion, the Davao Jaycees Senate, under the leadership of President Gotera, stands as a testament to the transformative power of recognizing and celebrating leadership.

The 2023 LEAD Davao awards have not only highlighted the accomplishments of outstanding individuals like General Almerol and Architect PorzahSawah but have also paved the way for a new generation of leaders who will undoubtedly shape the future of this remarkable city.

Gustave Eiffel: French tower builder who sparked skyscraper frenzy PARIS – French engineer and entrepreneur Gustave Eiffel will forever be remembered for building the much-loved tower that has dominated the Paris skyline for over a century.

But the father of the Eiffel Tower also designed hundreds of other landmarks across the globe, and even patented a system of underwater “bridges” to run under the Channel.

Here are five things to know about the engineer and inventor, who died 100 years ago on Dec 27, 1923, at the age of 91.

Bonickhausen Tower?

Eiffel designed the tower that would bear his name for the World Fair in Paris in 1889.

But the tower, which came to symboliZe France, could very easily have had a German name.

Eiffel, who had German roots, was born Alexandre Gustave Bonickhausen dit Eiffel in 1832 in Dijon but he dropped the German part of his surname after the 1870 Franco-Prussian war, fearing it could damage his career.

Erected in record time, the 7,000-tonne, 300-metre (1,052-foot) “Iron Lady” was the tallest human-made structure in the world for four decades.

Commenting on its place in history, the Bureau International d’Expositions, which organises World Expos, says it “marked the pinnacle of iron architecture, and set the pace for the skyscraper frenzy that would follow in the 20th century.”

Projects on five continents The Tower came towards the end of Eiffel’s career, during which he built

around 500 structures across five continents.

He built his reputation as a builder of railway bridges but also used his metal wizardry to build the Pest railway station in Hungary, lighthouses in Finland and Madagascar, the structure of the Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City and the iron framework of the Statue of Liberty in New York.

—“—

The Tower came towards the end of Eiffel’s career, during which he built around 500 structures across five continents

He also designed portable bridges, delivered around the world in kits.

Channel tunnel 100 years early Never short of ideas, Eiffel proposed to build what he described as a bridge under the Channel to link France with Britain.

His 1890 design envisaged a system of concrete-coated metal tubes built on supports resting on the sea bed.

The project never saw the light of day,

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E HEARD Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo say the other day he and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a “frank and candid exchange” during their telephone conversations on issues affecting Manila and Beijing.

Mr Manalo added the conversation ended – which is plain diplomatese – “with a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues.”

State-run Xinhua has quoted Wang as saying the Philippines and China relations are currently facing “severe difficulties” over the country’s change in its policy stance.

Wang noted the bilateral relationship between the two countries “now stands at a crossroads, with its future yet to be decided” and the Philippine side “must act with caution.”

An unornamented remonstrance, that one.

Manila earlier asked Beijing to stop lingering in waters around Ayungin Shoal, a feature in the South China Sea within the country’s 200-nautical-mile

Eagle Eyes Tony La Viña

exclusive economic zone.

This month alone, it protested the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive actions – boldly glossed over by Beijing – that led to collision, illegal shadowing, and undue use of water cannons during the country’s rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on Dec 10.

—“—

China has been doing these harassments many times in the past and the government should do something more solid in defending the country’s sovereignty

A day prior, China also used water cannons against three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels on a humanitarian mission providing fuel and groceries to Filipinos fishing at Bajo de Masinloc.

During their phone call, the Chinese side said Manalo and Wang agreed to actively create “favorable conditions”

The best Christmas gift

MY IDEAL gift this Christmas is for a ceasefire in all the wars going on in the world.

I pray for peace in all places in the world where people hate and kill each other.

I think of Ukraine, Myanmar, many places in Africa, and of course of Gaza.

In Gaza, 20,000 have died – more than half children, mostly innocent civilians.

Millions have been displaced, homes destroyed without food and water.

In talks I gave in Saint Louis University and in the University of the Philippines in Baguio City last November, I used the writings of Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, Emmanuel Levinas, and Edward Said to understand the Gaza war and its antecedents the Nakba and the Holocaust.

Marx helps us understand the sociological roots of this war, Freud gives us an insight into how trauma shapes individual and collective behavior, Levinas calls us to recognize the infinity of the other, and Said emphasizes the urgency of the task of decolonization, something we also have to do in the Philippines when we deal with our indigenous peoples and national minorities.

Most of all though, in my Baguio talks, it’s the message of Pope Francis in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti that resonated the most.

Pope Francis calls us to be good Samaritans. We are called to love the other whom we did not know. Political love and social friendship are good for society.

We may not know any Palestinian in Gaza or Israeli who was hostaged last Oct 7.

How many of us have met a Ukrain-

ian or Russian soldier killed in that war that has now been going on for two years, or a Burmese indigenous person or urban activist fighting the brutal military of Myanmar?

Closer to home, we probably do not know the soldier and the rebels killed and wounded in Batangas early this week.

Who of us have met the families whose bodies of loved ones were desecrated after that encounter?

but 104 years later the Channel Tunnel linking Britain and France, which measures 169 Eiffel Towers placed end-to-end, was launched to great fanfare.

Panama fiasco Eiffel was as much an entrepreneur as engineer. In 1887, his company won the contract to build locks for the Panama Canal -- the biggest deal of his career.

But poor management by Ferdinand de Lesseps, the Frenchman who had overseen the successful Suez Canal, caused the project to collapse, resulting in one

of the biggest financial scandals of 19th century.

De Lesseps and Eiffel were both charged with fraud and sentenced to prison and hefty fines.

Although their convictions were later overturned, Eiffel’s reputation had taken a battering and he retired from business.

Radio Eiffel He devoted the last 30 years of his life to scientific research, with a particular focus on meteorology and aerodynamics.

The wind tunnel he built in a hangar at

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

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

for the next Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, the last in March.

Wang said China is ready to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation but warned if the Philippines “misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely.”

Bold as brass a statement from someone trained in diplomacy.

This is in line with what Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said earlier that China’s intimidating demeanor should be stopped as he urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enter into more defense and security cooperation agreements not only with Japan but also with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and even South Korea.

“We should negotiate and enter into Visiting Forces Agreements, like the one we have with the United States, in the face of heightened threats from China, the latest of which is the use of a military-grade laser on our Coast Guard vessel, which temporarily blinded its personnel,” he said.

Rodriguez noted China has been waving these harassments many times in the past and the government should do something more solid in defending the country’s sovereignty.

Rodriguez is absolutely right.

—“—

We are called to love the other whom we did not know so that there would be peace in the world

We are called to love the other whom we did not know so that there would be peace in the world. That would be a good Christmas gift.

Pope Francis did give many couples and families the best gift for Christmas.

In changing pastoral practice and allowing priests to bless same sex couples and couples in irregular relationships, I know dozens of families that have rejoiced because of this unexpected gift.

Among the many statements interpreting, rationalizing, or criticizing the Declaration titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” the guidance provided by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines through its President, Caloocan Bishop Ambo David, is the most faithful and

compassionate.

According to the CBCP, “The document speaks for itself, and therefore does not require much explanation.”

It also quotes Pope Francis who “urged us not to close pastoral charity, which should permeate all our decisions and attitudes and to avoid being judges who only deny, reject, and exclude . . ,when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it. For, those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection.”

On a personal note, my family and I got the best Christmas gift in news we received this week. Because of a growth in my thyroid, I had to undergo a biopsy last week.

When my doctor, a close friend, asked me if I wanted to know the results right away – before Christmas – or did I want to wait until New Year, I said it would be good to know right away.

Either way, good health or more sickness was going to be a gift.

I will be called to conversion in different ways, and I would welcome that.

My getting diagnosed of prostate cancer in 2022 and my mental health collapse in the first half of this year have been gifts that have not stopped giving even now.

The good news is that the biopsy result is good, and I am negative for thyroid cancer. Thanks be to God! I am still available for whatever missions the Lord will send me to in the coming year.

Have a joyful Christmas everyone!

May you receive your best Christmas gift!

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook and X: tonylavs

the foot of the Eiffel Tower was used to test more than 20 planes.

It is still used today by the construction, aviation, shipping and automotive industries to test the effects of wind and air.

He also used research to save his illustrious tower, which was commissioned on the understanding that it be dismantled after 20 years.

He installed a meteorology station on the third floor, but it was the addition of a giant radio antenna in 1921 that saved it from the wrecking ball. AFP

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

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Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023 Manila mst.daydesk@gmail.com Standard

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Effective March 2023, the new set of Directors and officers of Med Line Philippines Inc. are as follows: 1. JOAN NIÑA O. BARRETTO - President 2. JOHN HENRY V. OSEÑA - Vice President/Treasurer 3. AUGUSTUS CAEZAR D. BARRETTO- Director 4. SHIELA MARGARET P. OSEÑA - Director 5. ATTY. ANTONIO P. LUCERO - Corporate Secretary

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New North Korean nuclear reactor appears operational SEOUL – A second reactor at North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear facility appears to be operational, according to the UN atomic agency.

Yongbyon is North Korea’s main nuclear complex and home to its first nuclear reactor, with a five megawatt capacity, and has been the only known source of plutonium for its weapons program.

A second one -- a light-water reactor -- now also appears to operational, based on observations that warm water is being discharged from it, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement released late on Thursday.

“The discharge of warm water is indicative the reactor has reached criticality,” IAEA Director General

Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a statement.

In the operation of a nuclear reactor, criticality is the state in which a nuclear chain reaction is self-sustaining, according to experts.

Since North Korea expelled its inspectors in 2009, the IAEA has been denied access to the country.

The agency has since been primarily relying on satellite imagery to monitor the North.

“Without access to the facility the Agency cannot confirm its operational status,” Grossi said.

He emphasized that “construction and operation” of the lightwater reactor (LWR) was against the United Nations Security Council resolutions and “deeply regrettable”. AFP

CANDLES FOR PEACE. Well wishers light candles for the shooting victims the other day at the Charles University main office in central Prague which killed more than 15 people. The Czech government said the slaying was not linked to international terrorism. AFP

UN warns of Gaza famine risk as Council faces vote HE United Nations warned the Israel-Hamas war was pushing Gaza towards famine, ahead of an expected Security Council vote Friday on a resolution to boost aid to the Palestinian territory but not call for a ceasefire.

T

Separate diplomatic efforts were also under way for a fresh pause in the worstever Gaza war, which was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel in October.

With conditions deteriorating in the territory, the UN Security Council has been locked in negotiations on a resolution that would boost aid deliveries.

The latest draft seen by AFP, set to face a vote Friday, calls for “urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”

It does not call for an immediate end to fighting.

Backed by its ally the United States, Israel has opposed the term “ceasefire”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday there would be no ceasefire in Gaza until the “elimination” of Hamas.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, told reporters that Washington would support the resolution if it “is put forward as is”.

The war began on Oct 7 after Hamas militants broke through Gaza’s militarized border and killed around 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Hamas also abducted about 250 people.

Vowing to destroy the group, Israel began a relentless bombardment of targets in Gaza, alongside a ground invasion, which the territory’s Hamas government on Wednesday said has killed at least 20,000, mostly women and children.

The entire population of Gaza faces “an imminent risk of famine”, according to a UN-backed global hunger monitoring system on Thursday, with more than half a million people facing “catastrophic conditions”.

“We have been warning for weeks that, with such deprivation and destruction, each day that goes by will only bring more hunger, disease and despair to the people of Gaza,” UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The UN estimates 1.9 million Gazans are now displaced, out of a population of 2.4 million.

With their homes destroyed, they are living in crowded shelters and struggling

to find food, fuel, water and medical supplies. Diseases are spreading, and communications have been repeatedly cut.

Displaced Gazans are pleading for a ceasefire.

“My message is to put an end to this humiliation,” said Fuad Ibrahim Wadi, who found refuge at a greenhouse in Rafah.

“This war does nothing but destroy.

Enough is enough.”

After weeks of pressure, Israel approved the temporary reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing on Friday to enable aid deliveries directly to Gaza, rather than through the Rafah crossing from Egypt.

On Thursday, an Israeli strike hit the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom, the crossings authority and the Hamas health ministry said.

Israeli officials did not immediately respond to requests from AFP for comment. AFP

Gunman kills 14, wounds 25 at Prague uni PRAGUE, Czech Republic – A 24-year-old student killed 14 people and wounded 25 at a Prague university on Thursday in the Czech Republic’s worst shooting in decades, before authorities said the attacker was “eliminated”.

The violence in the city’s historic center sparked evacuations, a massive response by heavily armed police and warnings for people to stay indoors.

The shooting erupted at the Charles University’s Faculty of Arts, which sits near major tourist sites like the 14th-century Charles Bridge.

“At this moment I can confirm 14 victims of the horrible crime and 25 wounded, of which 10 seriously,” police chief Martin Vondrasek told reporters after the shooting.

All the victims were killed inside the building, he said. Media said at least some were the gunman’s fellow students.

The Dutch foreign ministry said one of the injured was a Dutch national.

Vondrasek added the gunman, previously unknown to the police, had a “huge arsenal of weapons and ammunition” and that quick police action prevented far more serious carnage.

The government declared a day of national mourning on December 23, with flags on official buildings to be flown at half-mast and people asked to observe a minute’s silence at noon. AFP

Audio reveals Trump pushed against certifying Michigan vote, says report

(MS-JULY 20, 2023)

PRE-XMAS TREAT. This

photo, taken earlier this week, shows pandas eating inside their enclosure at a zoo in China’s southwestern Chongqing municipality.

The panda, sometimes called a panda bear or simply panda, is a bear species endemic to China and is characterized by its bold black-and-white coat and rotund body. AFP

China air pollution worsens in 2023, first time in decade BEIJING – China’s air pollution worsened in 2023, the first time it has done so in a decade, a study released on Friday said.

“2023 is the first year that China’s national average PM2.5 level has increased year-on-year since the beginning of China’s ‘war on pollution’ in 2013,” a study by independent research organization the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air said.

PM2.5 particles, if inhaled, can have serious health risks, linked to premature deaths in people with heart or lung disease, as well as a host of breathing and other health issues, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

“The overall increase in humancaused emissions has pushed the pollution level higher, in addition to unfavourable weather conditions,” CREA said.

Chinese cities including the capital Beijing were once infamous for the thick smog that smothered their residents, especially in winter.

But the country declared a “war on pollution” after winning the Winter Olympics bid in 2015, shutting down dozens of coal plants and relocating heavy industries.

That has brought significant improvements, but air quality often remains below World Health Organization stan-

dards.

CREA said on Friday that 80 percent of provincial capitals, including Beijing, recorded increased PM2.5 levels in 2023 compared to a year ago.

“Coal production and thermal power production in areas where the PM2.5 standard was not met have increased by 4.4 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively, on year, indicating a larger use of fossil energy,” the Finland-based independent research organization said.

CREA based its findings on Chinese government data, as well as a machinelearning algorithm that distinguished between the impact of weather and human emissions. AFP

WASHINTON, DC – Donald Trump pushed local officials not to certify 2020 election results in Michigan, according to audio recordings cited in a news report Thursday (Friday ion Manila), new allegations against the ex-president who already faces multiple charges of election interference.

The accusations come as Trump runs again for president and is poised to nab the Republican nomination in 2024 -- despite both state and federal charges against him.

In phone call recordings revealed

by The Detroit News outlet, Trump reportedly pressured two local officials not to sign the certification of vote results in their county.

He allegedly told the two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers that “we’ve got to fight for our country” and that “we can’t let these people take our country away from us.”

The phone call came two weeks after the November 3 election, in which

Trump lost the state of Michigan.

Also present on the call was Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel, a Michigan native, who at one point told the two: “If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. ...

We will get you attorneys.”

Trump agreed, adding, “We’ll take care of that.”

About 18 percent of the northern state’s population lives in Wayne County and approximately 878,000 votes were cast there in the 2020 election, according to The Detroit News.

The 77-year-old Trump is to go on trial in Washington in March on federal charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

He faces similar charges in a separate case in the southern state of Georgia, where he famously pressured secretary of state Brad Raffensperger in a taped call to “find” 11,780 votes that would reverse his defeat to Biden in the state. AFP

HOUSES DESTROYED. A man looks on the other day in front of a store selling vegetables in the village of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel. Nestled among olive trees, some houses in Kfar Kila have been completely destroyed, and the sound of nearby bombardment rumbles through the air. Just one grocery store is still open in Murtada’s area, and streets are largely deserted after many villagers fled. AFP

BUSINESS

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BOI endorses P37.7-b Isla Wind project T

By Othel V. Campos

The Board of Investment’s One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments awards a green lane certificate of endorsement to ACEN Corp.’s P37.7 billion 335-megawatt Isla Wind Project, which aims to start supplying energy to the grid commercially by the fourth quarter of 2025. Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (fourth from left) is shown awarding the certificate to ACEN assistant vice president Rodrigo San Pedro Jr. (third from right) at the BOI main office in Makati City on Dec. 6, 2023, together with other officials of BOI and ACEN.

HE Board of Investment’s OneStop Action Center for Strategic Investments awarded a green lane certificate of endorsement to ACEN Corp.’s P37.7-billion, 335-megawatt Isla Wind project.

PH stocks, peso strengthen ahead of long holiday period

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine peso and stocks ended in the green Friday ahead of a long holiday period.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 31.77 points, or 0.49 percent, to close at 6,501, while the broader all-shares index advanced by 23.04 points, or 0.68 percent, to settle at 3,427.30.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said investor sentiment was boosted by the sustained Wall Street rally.

US stocks rose amid talks of possible interest rate cut by the second half of 2024.

The peso closed at 55.40 against the US dollar, stronger than Thursday’s 55.57 on stronger remittances.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed Friday as the euphoria over an expected flurry of US interest rate cuts next year was offset by a tech-led plunge in Hong Kong after China unveiled fresh plans to restrict online gaming.

Equities have been on an upward trajectory in recent weeks as a string of

PAVI Green plans to build more ground, rooftop solar projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores PAVI Green Renewable Energy Inc. said Friday it expects to complete two new large solar power projects with a combined capacity of 86 megawatts (MW) by 2025.

PAVI Green said in a statement the solar projects are located in San Vicente, Camarines Norte (36 MW) and in Naga, Camarines Sur (50 MW).

PAVI Green through subsidiary PAVI Green Orion is commissioning a 20-MW solar facility in Bataan.

The company said its large-scale solar projects and solar rooftop projects form part of its commitment to paving the way for a sustainable future.

PAVI Green launched its solar-powered malls project with Vista Malls and ALL Home Luzon branches at Vista Mall Sta Rosa recently.

The solar rooftop projects are expected to generate an average kWh output of 467,647.41 kilowatt-hour each month in all Vista Malls and All Home Luzon branches.

figures show inflation coming down and the jobs market softening, while the economy is easing but appears safe from recession.

The surge suffered a blip in the middle of the week as traders took a breather, with analysts saying the advance may have gone a little too fast, but they were back on their horse Friday following a strong run-up on Wall Street.

That came on the back of data showing that the US economy grew slightly less than first thought in the third quarter. With AFP

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Elliptical Road, Diliman 1100 Quezon City +63(2) 8928 8741 to 64 end +63(2)8273 2474

On the other hand, the DA hereby orders for the termination of the imposition of the anti-dumping duty on the following exporters from the Republic of Türkiye, found to have de minimis dumping margins, i.e. less than 2%, or to not have dumped, i.e., with negative dumping margins:

DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 12 Series of 2023

Exporter

SUBJECT : SECOND EXTENSION OF THE IMPOSITION OF ANTIDUMPING DUTY ON IMPORTS OF WHEAT FLOUR (ATHN 2022 subheadings 1101.00.11 and 1101.00.19) FROM THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKIYE On 18 December 2023, the Department of Agriculture (DA) received the Tariff Commission’s 2nd Expiry Review Report on the anti-dumping duties imposed against importation of wheat flour (AHTN 2022 subheadings 1101.00.11 and 1101.00.19) from the Republic of Türkiye. The period of investigation (POI) for the dumping determination is 01 February 2022 to 31 January 2023 while the period covered for the injury determination is 2020 to 2022.

The Tariff Commission (Commission), in accordance with RA No. 8752, or the Anti-Dumping Act of 1999, concluded that: 1. The product subject to anti-dumping duty, and covered by the expiry review, is wheat flour falling under AHTN 2022 subheadings 1101.00.11 (fortified) and 1101.00.19 (other), originating or imported from the Republic of Türkiye; 2. The requirement that the request for an expiry review must be made by or in behalf of the domestic industry was satisfied;

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Friday it teamed up with British company Learning Possibilities, creators of the innovative digital reading app Learning Islands, to bring a captivating world of learning and entertainment to young Filipinos.

Learning Islands is designed to make reading not just a task but a delight for the children. It helps in developing their reading comprehension and English-speaking skills through stories with Disney characters, turning learning into an engaging and enriching experience.

The app also offers interactive games to ignite children’s curiosity and creativity and this unique approach ensures that learning is not only effective but also incredibly enjoyable.

“We are thrilled to enter into this exciting partnership with Globe for the Philippines market. Learning Islands is a digital app built on an adventure through five islands while discovering a collection of 100 video stories from Disney and 240 interactive games with amazing prizes. I look forward to working together to deliver this great app to families across the Philippines,” Learning Possibilities chief executive Mehool Sanghrajka said.

United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade head of International Education Sarah Chidgey welcomed the partnership and the possibilities it could open for Filipino children.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Negative

Yorukugullari Gida Sanayi Ve

De Minimis

Yuksel Tezcan Gida San Ve Tic Ltd. Sti

Negative

In addition, paragraph (g) of Section 18 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 8752 provides that “New foreign exporters who have not exported the dumped product to the Philippines during the POI may request for an accelerated review provided they are not related to any foreign exporter who is subject to the anti-dumping duty. The application must be submitted to the Commission in writing and must contain: 1. description of the foreign exporter’s product; and 2. the basis of the request.

No anti-dumping duty shall be imposed during the review. A provisional duty may be required to ensure that, in case of an affirmative finding, the anti-dumping duty can be levied retroactively up to the date of the initiation of the review.”

c. Türkiye remains an important country exporter of wheat flour to the Philippines; and

Further, paragraph (c) of Section 19 of the IRR of RA No. 8752 provides that

d. there is significant excess production capacity of wheat flour in Türkiye which indicates more incentive for its exporters to dump their wheat flour surpluses to the Philippines, as preferred Asian market.

Globe, British partner to create learning platform for children

De Minimis

Ozdoyuran Dis Tikaret Ve Un Sanayi

b. the volume of dumped imports of Turkish wheat flour at 9%, is above the 3% negligibility threshold;

a. dumping of wheat flour imported from the Republic of Türkiye occurred during the POI for dumping determination;

residential arm of the ICCP Group, signs an agreement with ABS-CBN Global Ltd. to fortify its presence in the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) market. Commencing in January 2024, the partnership empowers Pueblo de Oro to leverage ABS-CBN Global’s diverse channels and platforms to enhance its visibility in the US, Canada and the Asia Pacific region. Signing the agreement are (from left) PDO vice president Lemuel Branal, PDO president Prim Nolido, ABS-CBN Global managing director for Asia Pacific Maribel Hernaez and ABS-CBN Global sales head Gia Ramos.

Ektas Tarim Urunleri End Ve Tic A.S

Dumping Margin in the Original Investigation

Thus, for those exporters or producers in the Republic of Türkiye who have not exported wheat flour to the Philippines during the POI, their individual margins of dumping shall be determined following a review by the Commission which shall be initiated and carried out on an accelerated basis, provided that such exporters or producers can show that they are not related to any of the exporters of producers in the Rupublic of Türkiye who are subject to anti-dumping duties on their aforementioned product.

No anti-dumping duties shall be levied on imports from such exporters or producers while the review is being carried out.

3. There is a high likelihood that the termination of the anti-dumping duties will lead to the continuation of dumping of wheat flour imported from the Republic of Türkiye. Notwithstanding the imposition of anti-dumping duties, the Commission found that:

OFW MARKET. Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO), the

This development underscores the government’s commitment to supporting clean energy initiatives and meeting the country’s rising demand for sustainable power sources, it said.

It said the project aims to provide clean, sustainable energy to consumers while creating a wealth of job and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.

Slated for commercial operations by the fourth quarter of 2025, the onshore renewable energy project, straddling the provinces of Laguna and Quezon, is expected to boost the economy with 1,540 new jobs.

The project also aims to provide revenue, tourism opportunities and community projects for the host local government units.

“We’re grateful for the BOI for the green lane endorsement to help expedite processes and requirements for our new landmark wind project. This support sets the precedent for our continuous collaboration with the government to accelerate the country’s renewables share,” said ACEN senior vice president for development Rodrigo San Pedro Jr. Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo underscored the support of the BOI for the success of the wind project.

ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala group, aspires to the largest renewable energy platform in Southeast Asia. With a target of reaching 20 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030, ACEN is actively pursuing projects across key markets like the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India.

Executive Order (EO) 18 supports strategic projects for swifter processing and approval through the green lane endorsement. The green lane processing assures the speedy issuance of permits and licenses, including resolutions of issues concerning strategic investments.

4. The extension of anti-dumping duty prevented the occurrence of material injury to the domestic industry.

5. There is a high likelihood that material injury to the domestic wheat flour industry would occur if the anti-dumping duties are terminated since a real and imminent threat of material injury continues to exist at present even with the imposition of anti-dumping duties.

Having established that (i) the termination of anti-dumping duties is highly likely to lead to the continuation of dumping, (ii) the imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties prevented the occurrence of material injury to the domestic industry, and (iii) a real and imminent threat of material injury continues to exist and there is a high likelihood that material injury to the domestic wheat flour industry would occur once the anti-dumping duties are terminated, the Commission has ordered the extension of the imposition of anti-dumping duties for another three (3) years.

WHEREOF, IN VIEW THEREOF, and pursuant to RA No. 8752, the DA hereby orders for the imposition of the corresponding anti-dumping duty on the following exporters from the Republic of Türkiye for a period of three (3) years: Exporter Unay Gida Nak San Ve Tic Ltd Sti Dost Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. Tekinak Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. Tekirdag Un San Ve Tic Ltd Sti Karahan Degirmencilik Ltd Sti Akduy Gida Traim Tarim Ins Nak San Erisler Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Eksun Gida Tarim San Ve Tic A.S. Turun Gida San Ve Tic A.S. Kale Madencilik San Ve Tic A.S. Doruk Marmara Un Sanayi Ciligi A.S. Ulusoy Un Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ulas Gida Un Tekstil Nakliye Ticaret Ve Sanayi A.S. Other Exporters (All Others’ Rate)

Weighted Average Dumping Margin (% of Export Price) 16.19 15.43 13.72 12.60 7.91 5.90 5.07 4.72 4.60 3.55 3.12 3.04 2.87

“The Commission may also, motu proprio or upon the direction of the Secretary, conduct an interim review of the need for the continued imposition of the anti-dumping duty, taking into consideration the need to protect the existing industry against dumping. Any interested party with substantial positive information may also petition the Secretary for an interim review of the continued imposition of the anti-dumping duty: Provided, that at least one (1) year has elapsed since the imposition of the antidumping duty.

An interim review shall be initiated where the request contains sufficient evidence that the continued imposition of the duty is no longer necessary to offset dumping and/or that the injury would be unlikely to continue or recur if the duty was removed or varied, or that the existing duty is not, or is no longer, sufficient to counteract the dumping which is causing injury” Thus, after a year of application of the extended definitive anti-dumping duties on Turkish wheat flour, any interested party may request for an interim review to the Commission.

The DA Order on the 2nd extension of the imposition of the anti-dumping measure can be accessed at the DA website: https://www.da.gov.ph/lawsand-issuances/department-orders/ Let this Order be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

This Order shall take effect upon the issuance of the relevant Memorandum Order by the Bureau of Customs or 15 days after the publication of this Order in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Done this 22nd day of December 2023.

SO ORDERED.

FRANCISCO P. TIU LAUREL, JR. Secretary

16.19 M. Standard – Dec. 23, 2023

BUSINESS

A8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

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

Gov’t studying IMF’s proposal on debt ceiling

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Department of Finance (DOF) is considering key recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to prevent the government’s debt from rising further.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the agency would explore the IMF’s proposal on setting a 60-percent GDP debt ceiling as a fiscal anchor and treating the 3-percent fiscal deficit goal as an operational target to steer fiscal policy in the medium term.

Data showed that as of September 2023, the share of government’s debt to the gross domestic product reached 60.2 percent, lower than 63.6 percent in the same period last year.

The government aims to lower the GDP debt ratio to below 60 percent by 2025.

The IMF also suggested implementing a more ambitious revenue mobilization strategy to generate more resources for economic and social spending.

Diokno said the DOF was actively pushing for several priority tax measures such as the value-added tax (VAT) on digital service providers (DSPs); Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) or the Passive Income and Financial Intermedi-

ary Taxation Act (PIFITA); Package 3 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform (RPVAR); the excise taxes on single-use plastics (SUPs) and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages; the adjustment of the motor vehicle user’s charge (MVUC); and the rationalization of the mining fiscal regime.

“These are being pushed to boost revenue generation to support high-quality spending for socio-economic development and will help attain the government’s goals in poverty reduction and enhance the country’s response to natural disasters while staying on the course of fiscal consolidation,” Diokno said.

The IMF also acknowledged the need to implement the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension bill and other similar reforms in conjunction with ongoing initiatives to enhance the oversight of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

It recognized Maharlika Investment Corp.’s potential to contribute to addressing infrastructure gaps.

CORAL PROTECTION. Representatives from GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the provincial government of Bataan and Bataan Peninsula State University sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on GNPD’s latest environmental venture, Kulay Koral which aims to protect and preserve the coral reefs in Mariveles.

Makati land values top P1m per square meter PROPERTY values across Metro Manila’s central business districts held steady in 2023, with commercial lot transactions in Makati City fetching up to P1.5 million per square meter (sq. m).

Leechiu Property Consultants Inc. (LPC) said in a report this proves the market’s resilience despite the local and global headwinds this year.

A commercial lot at the center of Makati was sold for over P1.5 million per sq. m., while another landmark deal in Legazpi Village involved a transaction worth P1 million per sq. m., it said.

“In the Bay Area, a commercial lot traded hands at P400,000 per square meter,” it said.

LPC said Filinvest City in Muntinlupa cemented itself as the main central business district in the south, posting a 15-percent year-on-year increase in transaction values this year.

Share prices in golf and country clubs

outside Metro Manila also showed high double to triple-digit growth in 2023, propelled by improved road infrastructure. Valley Golf and Country Club in Rizal emerged as the standout performer outside Metro Manila, growing by 173 percent, while Manila Golf took the spotlight in Metro Manila with a substantial 82-percent increase.

“Despite these landmark deals, transaction volumes are still thin as investor outlook remains cautious on the back of the 100-basis point increase in BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] key policy rates this year from 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. Should the anticipated interest rate cuts materialize in 2024, we may see improvement in transaction volumes,” LPC said.

It noted that property real investment trusts (REITs) grew their total portfolio coverage to 2.43 million sq. m. since in 2021. The REITs continue to grow their

portfolios despite valuation compression due to the high interest rate market.

Investors view REITs as an attractive investment alternative with significantly higher yields than traditional real estate assets, according to the real estate brokerage firm.

LPC said that in the residential market, 2023 marked the recovery of the condominium segment in Metro Manila, which saw a record of 40,555 units sold. The sector reached its peak performance two years before the onset of Covid-19 but faced challenges during the pandemic.

The ensuing market decline prompted developers to offer buyer-friendly payment terms to stimulate demand.

However, these measures also increased backout risk. In 2023, developers reassessed their sales strategies to balance between increasing sales and mitigating buyer attrition, it said.

NOW’s board clears $40-m fund-raising bid

PEZA surpassed 2023 target, eyes P250-b new investments next year

NOW Corp. said Friday its board approved a fundraising initiative of up to $40 million to fund a critical infrastructure project.

The publicly-listed company owned by businessman Mel Velarde said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the company planned to raise $10 million to $40 million through a combination of debt, public offering and other financing programs to finance its infrastructure project.

“This infrastructure project shall implement the provisioning of communications hardware, software and services that these entities could avail of and connect their own private communications network for seamless interconnectivity that is secure, reliable and compliant with the Trusted Network Initiative,” NOW said.

NOW Telecom Company Inc, the company’s associate, designed the infrastructure which is seen to drive its operations as part of its partnership with American, European and Indo-Pacific technology partners.

The company earlier secured a P118-million ($2.15 million) grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTA) for the pilot feasibility study for the development of 5G mobile and broadband in the Philippines.

Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) aims to generate P250 billion in new investments in 2024, after it surpassed this year’s P155-billion target with P175.7 billion worth of projects.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said the agency wanted to maximize the Philippine potential to attract investments with guidance from the President as the lead salesman.

“We would want to bring back the days when PEZA was attracting over P300 billion of foreign direct investments. This was the golden years of PEZA during the time of then PEZA DG Lilia Delima. And we want to rep-

By Othel V. Campos

COASTAL SANCTUARY. Aboitiz Land’s Seafront Residences serves as a shared coastal haven in Barangay Calubcub II, San Juan, Batangas for the endangered pawikans. Seafront Residences has committed to preserving local biodiversity through the Pawikan Sanctuary Project—a collaborative effort launched in 2018 in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation, the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) and the University of the Philippines–Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology.

licate that,” he said in a news briefing.

PEZA reported a 24.88-percent increase in investments to P175.7 billion from P140.7 billion in 2022. The number of projects also grew 20 percent to 233 from 194 last year.

“We have to step on the brake. There were actually several more projects that were pending, but we decided against deliberating on it this year. There isn’t much time left till yearend. For sure, we will have better figures come the start of 2024 following a spill-over of good prospects into the new year,” Panga said.

The agency said it saw a significant increase in investments from South Korea, Taiwan, China, Australia and the EU.

Court affirms ERC authority on settling supply deal issues Iloilo-based salon

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Friday welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) confirming the regulator’s jurisdiction over disputes arising from retail electricity service agreements including the issuance of cease-and-desist orders as provisional relief.

“As we continue to promote and expand consumer choice programs in the Philippine power sector, we need to remain diligent in capacitating our consumers in power supply contracting and vigilant in protecting the regulatory space in which consumers can seek

relief. We are encouraged to stay the course with this recent development by the Philippine judiciary,” ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

The CA’s 11th Division dismissed six petitions for certiorari filed by Manila Electric Co. and its local retail electricity supplier (LRES) MPower against the ERC on Nov. 29, 2023.

The disputes arose when Meralco and MPower implemented the fuel adjustment costs in the contracts with the respondents, and threatened to disconnect and stop their electricity supply after their non-payment of the fuel adjustment costs.

The CA said decisions of administra-

tive agencies are “accorded great respect, owing to a traditional deference given to such administrative agencies equipped with the special knowledge, experience, and capability to hear and determine promptly disputes on technical matters.”

Citing the case of Antipolo Realty Corp. v. NHA, the CA said that “the need for specialized administrative boards or commissions with the special knowledge, experience and capability to hear and determine promptly disputes on technical matters or essentially factual matters, subject to judicial review in case of grave abuse of discretion, has become well nigh indispensable.”

PLDT warns public against phishing emails crafted by artificial intelligence

KFC STORE. KFC Philippines opens its 21st store in Manila at the ground floor of Amalgamated Building in Paco. The new branch has a seating capacity for 154 customers, digital menu boards and self-ordering kiosks for convenience. Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) KFC Philippines area coach Elay Co, Kimberly Uykimpang, representing the lessor’s family, KFC Philippines business development director Jun Cruz, barangay chairman Eduardo Pascual and KFC Philippines operations manager Ricky Laudiano.

THE PLDT Group on Friday warned the public against AI-crafted phishing emails as local authorities expect online scams to rise during the holidays.

The PLDT Cyber Security Operations Group said that cyber criminals were not only getting better at mimicking legitimate emails, but were also using artificial intelligence (AI) to make their messages more convincing.

“AI-crafted emails contain more polished, personalized messages that imitate the writing style of humans,” PLDT, Smart and ePLDT first vice president and chief information security officer Angel Redoble said.

“They also contain authentic looking visual cues that trick victims into believing that they are reading official messages from their banks or organizations,” Redoble said.

Citing an initial study of Germanybased cybersecurity awareness training service provider SoSafe, CSOG said victims were more likely to reveal their personal information through phishing messages authored by AI. “The most important thing is to know who the email is from. Remembering the very basic rule of not talking to strangers can protect people from being victimized by scammers,” said Redoble.

Darwin G. Amojelar

ordered to stop selling securities

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Friday it issued an advisory against Salon de Pamplona, an Iloilo-based salon allegedly found to be offering securities without the necessary licenses.

It said in an advisory dated Dec. 20 Salon de Pamplona was not authorized to sell or offer securities under the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

The group, which has nine branches in the region, was found to be offering investment slots worth P5,000 to P300,000, in exchange for a promised return of 15 percent after 30 days.

Proceeds from the investments will supposedly fund the expansion of its salon branches, it said.

Salon de Pamplona is not registered with the SEC either as a corporation or partnership, the agency said.

It was also not authorized to solicit investments from the public and had not secured the prior registration or license from the commission, according to the SEC. “[T]he investment scheme of Salon de Pamplona has the characteristics of a ‘Ponzi scheme’, promising exorbitant rates of return with little to no risk at all to the investors… The commission will not issue a license to offer or sell securities to the public, to persons or entities engaged in such business or scheme,” the advisory read.

B1

SPORTS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

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

3-time champ joins Cignal HD Spikers

MPVA CHAMPS. The Bacoor City Strikers Metro Land Builder Lady Altas celebrate after defeating the Negros Blue Hawks (28-26, 25-14, 25-23) in a do-or-die Game 3 to capture the 1st Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association title at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City. Trece Martires City native Shaila Omipon was named 1st Best Outside Hitter and Most Valuable Player. (Dennis Abrina)

Mojdeh, Taguinota make waves with multiple Batang Pinoy golds S

By Peter Atencio

IXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Jasmine Mojdeh kept her head down after she and Arvin Taguinota added more gold medals to their list of achievements going into the fifth and last day of the 2023 PSCPhilippine National Games/Batang Pinoy meet at the Teofilo Yldefonso Memorial Pool of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Mojdeh, who is on her final season as an age-group swimmer, remembered what her instructors told her when she went into training the United States recently as she claimed her sixth mint, helping Paranaque secure the 200-meter freestyle gold in the 16-17 year old girls’ action.

“My instructors told me to just put my head down in the last five meters of my swim. And that’s what I did,” said Mojdeh as she and teammates Julia Basa,

Kassandra Macaraig and Heather White came up with a time of one minute, 55.18 seconds.

Mandaluyong and General Trias settled for the silver and bronze with slower clockings of 1:59.42 and 1:59.73.

Mojdeh’s fifth gold came in the 200-meter butterfly on Thursday, when she submitted a time of 2:21.18, which was two seconds faster than the national record of 2:23.93 that Alzina

Lim set back in 1998.

Authorities of Philippine Aquatics Inc. said they are still consolidating the national records compiled by the old Philippine Swimming Inc. in their bid to determine any new marks that have been set during the weeklong meet.

There’s still one more gold for Mojdeh to claim.

Mojdeh could end up with a sevengold sweep if she conquers the 100-meter butterfly, too.

The 12-year old Taguinota, who is just enjoying himself after he’s done with his pet 50-meter backstroke event, added the 50-meter freestyle relay to his list of title conquests with his 1:54.57 clocking, alongside Pasig teammates Marcelino Picardal, Jefferson Sabularse and Charles Canlas, to go with his 100-meter butterfly victory for his seventh gold.

Taguinota, who is based in Qatar, also ruled the 100-meter backstroke, 4x50 meter medley relays, the 200-m IM and

50-meter backstroke.

In athletics, national team member Arnel Ferrera added to Baguio’s list of gold medals when he cleared 43.38 meters to earn the men’s hammer throw crown at the Philsports oval in Pasig.

Pasig is in second spot in the medal count with its 15-11-26 gold-silverbronze haul, with Mandaluyong in third (11-11-17).

Ferrera’s effort contributed to Baguio’s move to the front of the Philippine National Games medals standings with 18 golds, 11 silvers and six bronzes.

In weightlifting, 18-year-old Oscar Hipolito clinched Zamboanga’s 10th gold with a new personal best lift of 100 kgs in the snatch of men’s 73-kg action, to go with a 126 in the clean and jerk, for a total of 222 Hipolito, who is from Mampang, said the words of his coach Allen Diaz and the Tokyo Olympics’ achievements of townmate Hidilyn Diaz inspired him to surpass his previous best effort of 215 (total).

Pagdanganan rebounds with a 70; Thitikul poised for romp

LADIES OF NAITA.National As-

sociation of Independent Travel Agencies Philippines, Inc. (NAITAS) president Racquel Sabucido (in black shirt) leads the ceremonial drives kicking off the 1st NAITAS Holiday Golf Shoot Out recently at the Club Intramuros, Manila. With Sabucido are Susan San Pascual, Patricia Ann Arnaiz and Khyla Arnais.

Spearheaded by former Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre and DOT Product Development of Golf Tourism and Special Concerns Director Lyle Fernando H. Uy, the event positions the Philippines as a premier golf tourism destination.

BIANCA Pagdanganan gained 10 spots from joint 18th with a two-under 70 but stood too far behind Thai Atthaya Thitikul, who threatened to rip the field with a blistering seven-under 65 in the second round of the Asia Pacific Cup in Indonesia Friday.

As Daniella Uy squandered a strong start of two birdies and faltered with 73 after a gutsy 72 Thursday, Pagdanganan mounted her charge with an early birdie-binge at the backside of the Pondok Indah course in Jakarta. She then rebounded from a string of mishaps with two birdies in the last eight holes to card a pair of 35s.

With a 143 aggregate, the ICTSIbacked ace, who recently re-claimed her LPGA Tour card, joined Korean Youmin Hwang, who fought back with a 68, Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and India’s

Diksha Dagar, who matched 71s, and Aussie Robyn Choi, who carded a 72, at eighth place.

But they remained considerably behind Thitikul, who showcased exceptional shotmaking and putting skills to put in a five-under frontside card. She then closed out with three birdies against a bogey in the last seven holes for a 31-34 as she broke away from a four-way tie for the lead and zeroed in on the top purse of $100,000 with an 11-under 133 haul.

From a tight start, the 20-year-old twotime LPGA Tour winner pulled ahead by five over Korean Dayeon Lee, who shot a 70 for 138, with Thai amateur Eila Galitsky firing a 69 to grab solo third at 139 heading to the final round of the 54hole championship staking a total purse of $550,000 in individual competition and $200,000 in team play.

Kinaadman repels Olivarez, secures Dagitab Open JOSSHUA Kinaadman mounted a remarkable comeback against doubles partner Eric Jed Olivarez, hacking out a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 decision to claim the Dagitab Festival National Open Tennis Championship crown at the City of Naga courts in Cebu last Thursday.

The fourth-ranked Kinaadman kept his nerves in check coming off an early stumble, staging a resurgence in the second frame then unleashing a strong finishing kick in the third to turn back the recent Rep. Edwin Olivarez Cup winner and snare the hotly-disputed title worth P60,000.

But Johnny Arcilla and Rolly Saga foiled Kinaadman and Olivarez in the Open doubles as they toppled the

fancied duo in a marathon duel, 0-6, 7-6(6), 18-16, in the P330,000 event sponsored by Mayor Val Chiong.

Arcilla and Saga pocketed P50,000.

Despite his failed sweep bid, Kinaadman’s triumph in the singles was a testament to his tenacity and skill with the victory also avenging his final loss to Olivarez in the Hagedorn Open last August.

Kinaadman and Olivarez traded serves in the first four games and exchanged breaks in the next two before the latter broke the former again in the seventh and took the next two games to wrest control.

But Kinaadman didn’t flinch, pulling off a break in the third game in the second set then battled Oliva-

rez to a hold-hold game the rest of the way, forcing the decider with a shutout win in the 10th game.

The Lapu-Lapu City native then overcame a 0-30 deficit in the first game of the third, winning four of the next six points to open with a break, only to concede his serve in the fourth to set the stage for a tightly contested decider.

Kinaadman broke Olivarez in the fifth, held serve in the next and won the last two to complete the comefrom-behind victory and lead the winners in the week-long Group A tournament wrapping up another successful season of the country’s longest-running circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Josshua Kinaadman (right) holds his trophy as he poses with doubles partner Eric Jed Olivarez after ruling the season-ending Open championship in the PPS-PEPP tennis calender

THE Cignal HD Spikers, second in the Premier Volleyball League in podium finishes with its four bronze medals and one silver medal finish, just nailed the first domino in what is set to be a busy offseason for all PVL teams by signing one of the best liberos in the country in Dawn Macandili-Catindig.

The former three-time UAAP Champion and Finals MVP just signed with Coach Shaq Delos Santos’s squad, after former squad F2 Logistics announced its departure from the league to focus on its grassroots volleyball ventures.

“Any team or coach will gladly welcome a player of Dawn’s caliber,” says Coach Shaq Delos Santos.

“Gusto naming mag-build pa on the podium finishes that we have lately.

Tingin namin si Dawn is one kind of player who will help us reach our goal for this team.

With rookie Vanie Gandler leading the way combined with 2023 PVL Awardees in MVP Ces Molina, Best Middle Blocker Ria Meneses, and Best Setter Gel Cayuna, Cignal is looking for an even better finish in its upcoming 2024 season.

“I’m happy and honored to be able to join a stable and long-time volleyball club such as the Cignal HD Spikers. Coach Shaq has also been my coach in several national team stints so I think it will be easy to adapt to the team as I already know his system from before,” says 5-foot libero, who is also an AB Psychology graduate of De La Salle University.

Macandili-Catindig

SEAG kata queen Alforte holds off Torres for PNG gold REIGNING Cambodia Southeast Asian Gamed kata queen Sakura Alforte had her hands full before pulling off a thrilling win over veteran and former national champion Rebecca Torres in the Philippine National Games karate championships at the Philsports Arena in Pasig late Thursday night.

Both products of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo club of the late former karate chief Pocholo Veguillas, Alforte, also the SEA Karate Federation women’s champ, scored 23.90 points, a mere .20 of a point over Torres in the meet organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Samantha Veguillas, daughter of former national standout Chino Veguillas, bagged the bronze medal with a score of 22.70 points in the sportsfest also backed Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, PBA, Milo, Pocari Sweat and Chooks to Go. World championship quarterfinalist Jeremy Nopre ruled the men’s kata with 23.50 points, Felix Calipusan settled for silver (22.90) and Giovanni took home the bronze (22.50) of the competition also supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Department of Education.

“It is always nice to have a challenge, which only means you strive to perform better than you. I think Ma’am Rica is an important rival for me at the local level,” said the Tokyo-based Alforte, 21, of their close duel.

PROPERTY

B2

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com JOEL D. LACSAMANA, Editor

Guests at the opening of the estate included John Rafols, Lapu-Lapu City tourism officer; Brgy Captain Cristano Estardo; Bambu Technology Bikers; Noponity Bikers Group; Grupo Nopo Skateboard group; the Sugbo Mercado team; Arch. Bryan Auman, owner and founder of Bradlab, and executives from Ayala Land and Taft Properties.

Eco fun destination in Mactan opens A

recreational and retail options.

First to open is the Sugbo Mercado Market, an open-air food market that showcases the best of Cebu’s exciting gastronomic scene.

Seagrove will also open Cebu’s first Roll Park, a skate and bike park designed for active people and sports enthusiasts.

Located in the heart of Mactan, Cebu, in the Punta Engaño resort corridor, it is already heralded as Cebu’s next haven The estate strictly follows eco-friendly principles, incorporating for food lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and families seeking green spaces, energy-saving solutions, and waste management.

YALA Land recently opened its latest coastal and leisure hub, Seagrove.

Move in ready

TACKLING THE FUTURE OF CITIES. PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit, the thought leadership platform of PropertyGuru Group, a Southeast Asian-based property technology company, recently held a conference focusing on the theme, ‘Powering Communities,’ and how responsible leaders can build and improve tomorrow’s cities. More than 400 delegates from around the world attended, the event which featured thought-provoking conversations around the future of communities, business, leisure, and innovation. This year’s theme aligned with PropertyGuru Group’s vision to power communities to live, work, and thrive in tomorrow’s cities. This vision was unpacked during the welcome keynote of PropertyGuru Group CEO and managing director, Hari V. Krishnan (center). ‘From enabling homebuyers find and finance their dream homes, to helping expats find suitable accommodations, to supporting our enterprise clients make the right investments, to sharing authentic first party data with banks and valuers and to providing meaningful information to policymakers, we are there with each stakeholder, guiding them at every step of their way,’ Hari said.

CITYLAND Development Corporation recently announced the turn-over of its latest project – Pioneer Heights I, a 24-storey office, commercial and residential condominium located along Pioneer St., Barangay Buayang Bato, Mandaluyong City.

Amenities such as swimming pool, clubhouse, gym, multi-purpose / event area, viewing deck and 24 hour association security are provided to make condo living enjoyable and

comfortable.

Meticulously designed residential units in studio, studio deluxe, 1-bedroom deluxe, 3-bedroom, commercial and office units are now available in cash and easy installment terms on a first-come, first-served basis.

An ongoing promo for installment downpayment, payable up to 20 months with 0% percent interest, is currently being offered. For more information, visit www.cityland.net.

Grow your business in Alabang FILINVEST Corporation recently launched the Parkway Corporate Center, a green office building just south of Metro Manila.

Different investment schemes are available for investors in order for them to take root at this grade-A office building their headquarters in Filinvest City. Parkway has the option for flexible and combinable units to fit a client’s size requirements, ranging from 36 to 252-sqm fit for multinational companies.

With the city’s modern infrastructure, investors and business owners can have easy accessibility to various essential establishments.

Its prime location along Spectrum District’s “Millionaire’s Row” in Filinvest City, where high-end residential developments are found, means establishments are well within reach including retail, leisure hub, various residential options, and medical institutions.

Co-living in the Visayas, Mindanao region FOLLOWING the launch of the first lyf property in Malate, Manila, The Ascott Limited recently opened lyf Cebu City, the first international co-living serviced residence in the city.

The latest property sets the tone for lyf’s commitment to provide the new generation of travelers with a unique and vibrant co-living experience. The property will be located at Tower 3, Baseline Center, Cebu and is only a car drive away from Cebu CBD. It is well-connected in terms of transport infrastructure and roads, making it a prime spot for both residents and businesses. lyf Cebu City presents a wide range of amenities designed to foster a sense of community.

Guests can choose from a selection of One of a Kind (Studio), Side

by Side (Twin), and All Together (Two-bedroom and Four-bedroom) apartment units to suit their preferences. The Connect (Coworking Space and Communal Lounge) provides an inspiring environment for collaboration, networking, and a sense of community, while Nook (Private Working Spaces) offers a peaceful and quiet sanctuary ideal for focused work. lyf Cebu City’s Bond (Social Kitchen) is an area where guests can let out their culinary creativity and build connections with fellow professionals that extend beyond work.

B3

AGRICULTURE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

agriculture.manilastandard@gmail.com PATRICIA TACULAO-DELIGERO, Editor

Cariño P. Diosan, owner of Kuya Cary’s Veggie Farm, switched professions and has now embraced his life as a farmer

From furniture making to GAP farming

By Leny D. Mendoza Photos by JB Peralta and LD Mendoza

I

N THE mountains of Pide, Sagada, Mountain Province, Cariño P. Diosan, owner of Kuya Cary’s Veggie Farm, who exchanged his carpentry tools for a farmer’s hat, demonstrates the unexpected possibilities that arise when passion and perseverance are united.

His farming journey began in 2009, an unexpected detour from his previous life as a furniture maker. In the face of job restrictions, he embraced the challenge of cultivating the land, armed with little more than determination and a willingness to learn. With no previous knowledge of farming, he turned to the Sagada Municipal

Various crops, including leafy greens and vegetables, thrive well under Diosan’s care

Agriculture’s Office for guidance, setting the stage for a transformation that would redefine not just his livelihood but the landscape of his community.

Like any adept farmer, he knew that success was rooted in knowledge. He became involved in agriculture through attending workshops, seminars, and training facilitated by the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera. These educational endeavors shaped his farming philosophy and set the groundwork for his farm.

The turning point came in 2022 when his dedication bore fruit in the form of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. This stamp of approval signified a milestone for his farm and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of his farming. Armed with newfound wisdom, he embarked on a journey to apply his learnings to the 1,600 square meters of land under his care, where various crops thrive.

Adopting GAP changed everything and increased his income. The reduction in pesticide expenses alone translated to a 30 percent increase in profits, proving that sustainable practices could be financially rewarding.

Equally crucial was the recent ease with which he could bring his produce to market.

Buyers flocked to his farm during harvest time, eliminating wastage and ensuring a direct connection between farmer and consumer.

His red cabbage even found a place in Baguio Hangar Market.

Interventions in the form of crates, shredders, multi-tillers, and greenhouses given by the DA-CAR changed his farming practices. The shredder became a tool for self-sufficiency, allowing him to create fertilizer. The multitiller streamlined the cultivation process, reducing time and labor costs. The greenhouse emerged as a savior to protect crops during rainy seasons, guaranteeing a 100 percent survival rate.

He encourages fellow farmers to embrace the transformative power of GAP. His message is clear: even those who don’t farm in large volumes can be assured of a market for their harvest, minimizing wastage and maximizing income.

Interventions from DA-CAR changed Diosan’s farming practices, making his farm operations more efficient and sustainable

NorMin farmer-leader inspires as SORW ‘23 winner

Executives and representatives of Israel’s Innovative Agro Industry and Go Negosyo meet to explore possibilities of future collaborations

PH agri companies explore partnerships with Israel agro giant ISRAEL’S Innovative Agro Industry (IAI) met with companies that are part of the Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program (KALAP) of Go Negosyo, led by founder Joey Concepcion, to discover new collaboration opportunities between the countries and agriculture stakeholders.

The company specializes in agricultural technologies for rural development, including water, energy, telecom, health, and construction. It is an affiliate of the LR Group, which has undertaken over 100 projects worldwide and has over US$2.5 billion in capital investments in sustainable project development.

Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, and IAI CEO, Lior Crystal, led the group during the meeting.

“This is about helping MSMEs, and among the MSMEs, the biggest challenge is really with those in agriculture,” said Concepcion. “We are pushing for access to technology and access to markets,” he said.

Ambassador Fluss said the Philippines “is a country whose

potential in agriculture is unbelievable.” He also noted the need to develop strong local partnerships and that the Philippines might do much better in agriculture than Israel because of its tropical climate.

Despite its challenging geography, Israel has used science to grow a thriving agricultural sector, making it a global leader in agricultural technologies and a significant exporter of fresh produce.

Helping farmers achieve scale is one of the solutions put forward

by KALAP, which addresses challenges in making agriculture viable in the Philippines by bringing sustainable and inclusive business models to microfarmers and forging partnerships and collaborations between the government and the private sector.

IAI’s core strength, said Lior, is in bringing in Israeli technologies and implementing these in developing countries.

Beyond providing technologies and best practices, it sees the Philippines as a long-term investment and already has a local

project team ready.

Since before the pandemic, IAI has started a strategic partnership with a local company in dairy farming and greenhouse production.

In the meeting were top executives of the big-brother companies participating in KALAP, namely Toby Gatchalian of Metro Pacific Agroventures, James Amparo of Yovel East, Christian Moeller of Lionheart Farms, Francisco Dizon of Dizon Farms, Kennemer Foods’s Simon Bakker, Mat Maderazo of Planters Products, and Jojo Ocol of Agrabah, as well as Go Negosyo Senior Advisers Engr. Merly Cruz and Dr. William Dar. Among the areas put forward for possible collaborations were dairy production; fertigation, distilling systems, and other technologies for high-value crops and commodities such as rice, corn, cut flowers, cacao, seaweed, and fruits and vegetables; water management; solar-powered desalination technologies; and regenerative farming, as well as sustainable and inclusive business models in the agriculture sector.

MYLIN V. Tayapad conveyed joy, matapang na pagharap sa diskriminasyon disbelief, and gratitude in her acceptance at iba pang hamon ng buhay; ang kanilang speech as she bagged the National Winner madiskarteng pagtugon sa nagbabagong award of the Department of klima, mga sakit at peste, at iba Agriculture (DA)’s Search for pang suliranin ng kanilang Outstanding Rural Women kabuhayan; at ang (SORW) 2023. kanilang pagbabahagi The 43-year-old ng mga kaalaman, mother of six hails oportunidad, at from Lagonglong, inspirasyon sa Misamis Oriental, kanilang kapuwa where she cultivates (Our SORW 2023 a two-hectare national awardees land using organic represent the story and eco-friendly of every rural farming practices. woman—their She is also a respected courageous face of woman farmer-leader discrimination and in her community, a other life challenges; steward of agriculture, their strategic response health, and women’s rights, to climate change, and for bridging the gap diseases and pests, and National Winner award of the between members of her 2023 Department of Agriculture other problems of their community and the DA. (DA)’s Search for Outstanding Rural livelihoods; and their “Sana po marami Women (SORW) Mylin V. Tayapad sharing of knowledge, opportunities, and pang kababaihan ang inspiration with each maengganyo ngayong magserve sa kapuwa natin. ‘Wag kayong mag- other),” said DA Undersecretary for Finance expect na may kapalit kasi ang Panginoon, Agnes Catherine T. Miranda.

Through the Undersecretary, Agriculture nagbibigay po talaga Siya ng blessing sa tamang panahon. Maglingkod lang po tayo Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel relayed nang walang measure at all (I hope many his message of support to the country’s more women will be invited to serve our rural women, specifically noting some fellowmen. Don’t expect anything in return of the DA’s GAD-related achievements. because the Lord really gives blessings at the These include allocating over P10.5 billion right time. Let’s just serve without measure for GAD initiatives, providing production support services, distributing agricultural and all),” Tayapad shared.

Tayapad also acknowledged the DA, equipment and machinery, conducting which paved the way for her to reach greater capacity-building activities, expanding marketing opportunities, and extending heights.

The SORW is an annual recognition access to financial credit and services.

“Let us recommit ourselves to the national bestowed by the DA through the Gender and Development Focal Point System effort to make ours a country where women (GFPS) to Filipina farmers and fisherfolk are accorded the respect and opportunities from rural areas who have exhibited stellar they rightfully deserve. And let us double performance and contribution to agricultural our efforts to allow them the support they need to raise their families in peace and to and community development.

“Kinakatawan ng ating SORW 2023 contribute to national progress and food national awardees ang kuwento ng bawat security to the best and fullest of their talents kababaihan sa kanayunan—ang kanilang and abilities,” Tiu Laurel said.

TECH

B4

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

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

I

N THE fast-paced digital landscape of today, connectivity is the foundation of successful digital inclusivity for businesses and individuals alike.

Taking this into account, InfiniVAN Inc., a subsidiary of the Japanese telco giant, IPS Inc., and ePLDT, the ICT subsidiary of the country’s largest integrated telecommunications and digital services provider, PLDT, signed a strategic partnership last November 6, 2023.

This strategic partnership promises to revolutionize the way we connect and communicate, and improve the hyperconnectivity, resilience, and scalability of ePLDT’s VITRO Data Center in Sta. Rosa.

As one of the fastest-growing leading providers of high-speed Fiber Internet services in the Philippines, InfiniVAN Inc. is also expected to help improve the hyperconnectivity, resilience, and carrier-neutrality of ePLDT’s VITRO Sta. Rosa once it colocates there. In addition to VITRO Sta. Rosa, InfiniVAN has also colocated in other ePLDT VITRO Data Centers to help ensure reliable and more resilient connections for its customers in the Philippines.

InfiniVAN, known for its innovative connectivity and digital solutions, has been instrumental in delivering high-speed, reliable internet services to the country. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of connectivity has made them a trusted name in the corporate industry.

On the other hand, ePLDT has been a trailblazer in the information and communications technology sector, offering outcome-based solutions that range from data center, multi-cloud, and managed services to local and global enterprises operating across the country.

Its VITRO Data Centers, which is the largest data center network in the Philippines, are part of their service portfolio that caters to the everevolving needs of enterprises in the digital age.

Key executives of IPS-InfiniVAN, ePLDT, and PLDT-Smart sign the data center partnership contract to strengthen connectivity in the Philippines.

IPS-InfiniVAN, ePLDT sign data center partnership to strengthen connectivity The contract signing event between IPS-InfiniVAN and ePLDT symbolizes the commitment of both companies to elevate the quality of internet services in the Philippines.

“We are very happy with the collaboration. We’ve been partnering with PLDT Group for a lot of our clients, especially the cable net operators. And with this new partnership with ePLDT, we are looking forward to serving more clients and Filipino businesses,” IPSInfiniVAN Vice President & Head Carrier Sales, Liz Baylon-Go said.

Meanwhile, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise & International Business Groups of PLDT and Smart, Mr. Mitch Locsin, further expressed his gratitude in the trust of IPS-InfiniVAN in allowing the PLDT Group to bring their vision of a digitally transformed business to life.

Locsin said, “We are committed in growing and strengthening our collabo-

ration with our partners as part of our vision in bringing a digitally enabled nation by empowering businesses with our technologies. This remains as our commitment to them – to bring them further through digital solutions so, together, we may serve the community better and help strengthen the digital economy of our country.”

In attendance at the event were top executives of two companies: Shigeki Nakahara, Director of InfiniVAN; Liz Baylon-Go, Vice President & Head Carrier Sales of IPS and InfiniVAN; Engr. Edgardo Opulencia, Chief Operating Officer of InfiniVAN together with Victor Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT; Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise & International Business Groups of PLDT and Smart; and Gary Ignacio, Chief Data Center Officer of ePLDT. “This partnership will advance the PLDT Group and InfiniVAN’s

shared vision to position the Philippines as a regional hyperscaler hub while continuously supporting enterprises with their infrastructure needs, broadening their business operations, and extending their market presence,” said Genuino.

The ceremony marked the official start of their collaboration, and it set the stage for the deployment of innovative solutions designed to meet the increasing demand for high-speed internet connectivity.

IPS-InfiniVAN and ePLDT’s contract signing represents a significant milestone in the quest for enhanced connectivity in the Philippines. The collaboration promises to bring about a wave of innovation, better services, and a brighter future for the nation’s businesses and citizens.

Huawei ICT Competition winners named HUAWEI Philippines concluded the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 on December 15, announcing the winning teams set to compete in the coming regional round.

This year’s competition proved to be an exceptional platform for ICT talent and expertise, boasting participation from 583 students representing 47 schools for the cloud, network, and computing tracks, and 57 students from 11 different academies for the innovation track.

Winners of the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 In the network track, Bulacan State University emerged as the champion, while the first runner-up position was secured by Batangas University TNEU. Southville International Schools and Colleges’ team claimed the championship in the cloud category. The University of the East – Caloocan’s team came in second place.

In the computing track, Information and Communications Technology Academy Inc. (iAcademy) secured the championship, while the National University—Manila took the first runner-up position.

Supporting women in tech and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse society in a call to increase women’s participation in the ICT sector and the digital economy, Huawei

Philippines also gave a special recognition to an all-female team from Bulacan State University.

The Top 5 finalists for the innovation track have also been announced. The selected teams were as follows: Team WEI Care from Cebu Institute of Technology University, Team iSight from MAPUA University, Team Farmify from Davao Central Colleges, Team Juancard from Bulacan State University, and Team KumaTechnologies from ICCT Colleges.

Each champion from the respective

categories will represent the Philippines overseas at the regional level next year.

The Huawei ICT Competition aims to foster healthy competition among students, facilitating the exchange of ideas while enhancing ICT knowledge, practical skills, and innovation using modern technologies and platforms.

Wu Ling, Strategy Director of Huawei Asia Pacific ICT Academy Program, emphasized Huawei’s commitment to nurturing talent, stating, “Huawei is fully dedicated to cultivating talent and sharing our technologies and experiences.”

“In 2013, we launched Huawei ICT Academy cooperation program which brings industry requirements, cutting edge ICT knowledge and skills to the colleges and universities to share the latest ICT course and practices, to help students and teachers to grow up with the rapidly evolving technological advances and therefore building up a talent ecosystem,” he further added.

This initiative aims to address the digital skills gap and promote sustainable development through leveraging information and communications technology.

Globe, Learning Islands collaborate LEADING digital solutions platform Globe has partnered with British firm Learning Possibilities, creators of the innovative digital reading app Learning Islands.

Together, they aim to bring a new world of educational and entertainment content to children, leveraging the power of digital technology and storytelling.

Learning Islands is designed to make reading not just a task but a delight for the young ones. It helps in developing their reading comprehension and English-speaking skills through stories with captivating Disney characters, turning learning into an engaging and enriching experience.

The app also offers interactive games to ignite children’s curiosity and creativity. This unique approach ensures that learning is not only effective but also incredibly enjoyable.

“We are thrilled to enter into this exciting partnership with Globe for the Philippines market. Learning Islands is a digital app built on an adventure through five islands while discovering a collection of 100 video stories from Disney and 240 interactive games with amazing prizes. I look forward to working together to deliver this great app to families across the Philippines,” said Dr. Mehool Sanghrajka MBE, CEO of Learning Possibilities at Learning Islands.

Sarah Chidgey, Head of International Education at the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, welcomed the partnership and the possibilities it could open for Filipino children.

Elevating hygiene standards with LG CordZero Cordless Vacuum, Laundry Solutions, Styler

LG Styler

ACCORDING to TIME Magazine, the bedbug crisis has become a global nightmare that there has been panic over potential outbreaks across Europe and US, and soon over Asia causing anxiety among the public sector and fueling governments to take action.

South Korea has started a campaign and an establishment of a task force to tackle this alarming rise of cases. South Korean citizens have created websites for updates of bedbug infestations across the country.

In Hong Kong, it started distributing leaflets on bedbug transmission to arriving travelers.

Authorities have also deep cleaned its Airport Express train. Residents have

done their part by ordering insecticides off groceries and local E-commerce platforms, where sales of anti-bed bug products have jumped a lot.

Sightings and growing concerns about bed bugs have also started in Singapore and Japan.

The rise of these infestations have been correlated with human travel as the bedbugs hide in crevices like clothing and suitcases. These bedbugs are said to have developed resistance to common insecticides and are efficient at multiplying through inb reeding.

With the bedbug crisis slowly causing problems across the continent, LG Electronics has come up with a solution as they introduce the new CordZero A9 Kompressor. It features the Bedding

Power Punch which has a dust mite remover and is available in A9N-Core, A9N-Max and A9K-Ultra models. The Washer/Dryer with Steam+ and Dual Inverter Heat Pump is suitable to eliminate bacteria or viruses when washing or drying clothes efficiently.

LG CordZero Cordless Vacuum LG Styler’s Sanitary Cycle sanitizes bacteria and viruses found in display that provides real-time status clothes or fabrics. updates. LG’s All-in-One Tower Its UVC LED and 5-Step Filtration features removable and washable System can be available in A9T-Ultra motor protection filters and hassleor All-in-One Tower. The docking free storage for CordZero vacuum station features a replaceable dust accessories. It is space-saving, easy bag, an automated dustbin-emptying to use, and also provides quick system that prevents fine dust particles charging and hassle-free storage for from escaping and an intuitive vacuum accessories.