Manila Standard - 2024 January 6 - Saturday

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December inflation eases to 3.9%

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Charles Dantes THE rate of inflation dropped to 3.9 percent in December 2023, its slowest pace since February 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday as President Marcos vowed that the government would

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 326 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024 •

continue to work hard to make the prices of commodities affordable.

In a post on his X social media account, the President said he was pleased by the lower inflation rate in December and said the government continues to work hard to improve the condition of the economy, and to Next page

3.9% SRP on rice eyed amid price hikes 6%

Inflation rate in December 2023, lowest in almost 2 years

DA to meet with stakeholders as rice inflation in Dec. highest in 14 years

By Othel V. Campos and Vito Barcelo

HE government will meet with farmers, millers, wholesalers, importers and traders soon to determine if it should impose a suggested retail price on regular and well-milled rice amid a recent spike in the price of the staple.

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The move comes as Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) observed that while December inflation had dropped, the rate of increase in the cost of rice accelerated to its fastest rate in 14 years.

Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the government is concerned about the recent P2 per kilo price increase in certain markets and wants to address the issue early on.

“We are hoping there will be no more price increases for the year. We spoke to Sinag and they told us that

Full-year inflation rate in 2023, higher than the 5.8 percent in 2022 and above the target range of 2 to 4 percent for the year

they have already imposed a price increase (on rice),” he said Friday, referring to an umbrella group of agricultural producers.

De Mesa said the continuing volatility in the price and supply of rice in the global market may take its toll on the country’s supply of the grain since the months of January to March are considered the lean season, when imports are needed.

In December, the DA announced that half a million metric tons (MT) of rice imported by the private sector will arrive in batches from December 2023 till February 2024.

About 100,000 tons of imported rice have already arrived in the country, which is part of the 495,000 metric tons committed by import permit holders to the DA. A total 20,000 bags or about 1,000 metric tons of rice were delivered before the holidays, half of the rice donated by Taiwan.

About 75,000 metric tons of rice from India were to arrive from the last week of December to early January. This is part of 295,000 metric tons of rice India has allocated to the Philippines.

19.6% Rice inflation in December, fastest rate in 14 years

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House to start probe on PUV modernization DTI monitoring ‘shrinkflation,’

By Maricel V. Cruz, Darwin Amojelar, and Charles Dantes THE House of Representatives committee on transportation is set to conduct a hearing next week on allegations of corrupt practices surrounding the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, the committee chairperson, said his panel is drafting a resolution to investigate the allegations and is finalizing details on the resource persons to be invited to the hearing.

Acop told the Manila Standard his committee also supported the call of Speaker Martin Romualdez to determine how Congress will be to protect jeepney drivers who will be affected

by the PUVMP. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) decried what it called a disinformation campaign to sow fear among the drivers, operators, and the riding public against the PUVMP. To minimize the impact of the deadline for consolidation, there are existing social support programs available to provide training scholarships and Next page

says it is deceptive price hike

By Othel Campos SMALLER and smaller products while the bill stays the same? “Shrinkflation” is here, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Shrinkflation—reducing the size or quantity of a product while keeping its

US STRIKE GROUP ARRIVES IN MANILA NEWS / A5

FLEXING ITS MUSCLE. A United States carrier strike group led by USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrives in the country for a scheduled port call on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, following a two-day maritime cooperative activity in the South China Sea.

FOREIGN GOVTS PAID TRUMP FIRMS—REPORT NEWS / A2

DO NOT ABANDON SHS STUDENTS—POE NEWS / A5

Mixed movement in oil prices seen

By Alena Mae S. Flores PUMP prices are seen to have a mixed movement next week amid concerns about the global economy.

Industry sources said that based on the four-day trading period, both gasoline and diesel may have no price adjustment or a possible rollback of P0.20 per liter.

Sources said kerosene might have a minimal increase or even a rollback of P0.05 per liter.

"The price of oil swung wildly as mounting tensions in the Red Sea were overshadowed by concerns about the global economy," Department of Energy director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero said.

Next page

price the same—has been observed as the economy struggles to recover postpandemic.

But according to DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles, shrinkflation is actually a form of price increase, especially since the customer is usually un aware Next page

Marcos hits NGCP failure, orders swift reset of rates after blackout covered the Western Visayas since Jan. 2.

"The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, NGCP, had a crucial two-hour window to prevent the system collapse, as highlighted by the IndepenPRESIDENT Marcos on Friday blasted dent Market Electricity Operator of the the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines or IMEOP. Regrettably, durPhilippines (NGCP) for its failure to act ing this period, NGCP failed to resort to following the island-wide blackout that Next page

By Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz, Alena Mae Flores and Macon Ramos-Araneta

RISING TENSIONS. People watch a television screen showing a news

broadcast with file footage of North Korea's artillery firing at a railway station in Seoul on Jan. 5, 2024. North Korea fired more than 200 artillery shells near two South Korean islands Friday. AFP

Nokor fires artillery shells near S. Korean islands NORTH Korea fired an artillery barrage near two South Korean border islands Friday, Seoul's defense ministry said, prompting a live-fire drill from the South Korean military.

Residents of both islands were ordered to evacuate and ferries were suspended as South Korea held a live-fire exercise after the North's barrage – one of Next page

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Foreign govts paid Trump firms millions while president—report

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Officials from Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Philippines were among some 20 countries' representatives who paid money to Trump's hotel and real estate businesses during his presidency, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee wrote in their report.

The authors said that such revenues from overseas governments violated a constitutional ban on "foreign emoluments."

"As President, Donald Trump accepted more than $7.8 million in payments from foreign states and their leaders, including some of the world's most unsavory regimes," said the report titled "White House for Sale."

"We know about only some of the payments that passed into former President Trump's hands during just two years of his presidency from just 20 of the more than 190 nations in the world through just four of his more than 500 businesses."

Regarding China, the report alleged that Beijing as well as businesses including ICBC bank and Hainan Airlines spent $5.5 million at Trump-owned properties.

"Former President Trump violated the Constitution when the businesses he owned accepted these emoluments paid by (Beijing) without the consent of Congress," the report said.

The authors say that the full amount

could be higher as the $5.5 million figure is based only on limited disclosures from Trump's accountants Mazars and filings with the American financial regulator, the SEC. In one expenditure dated August 27, 2017, a Chinese embassy delegation spent $19,391 at the Trump International Hotel in Washington.

The report also claims that "Saudi Arabia paid at least $615,422 in prohibited emoluments to former President Trump's businesses over the course of his term in office from just (the Trump World Tower) and the March 2018 stay at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC." "Former President Trump has also boasted about the continued willingness of the Saudis to do business on terms highly favorable to him," the report stated.

Trump's Washington hotel was sold in 2022 to a private investor group and rebranded under the luxury Waldorf As-

SRP...

tional price of regular milled rice in December 2023 was at P48.50 per kilo from P46.73 in November 2023 and much higher than P39.63 per kilo in December 2022.

The price per kilo for well-milled rice in December 2023 stood at P53.82, higher than the P51.99 per kilo in November last year. The price in December 2023 was almost P10 more than it was in December 2022, when it sold for P43.98 a kilo.

Meanwhile, Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the government will monitor the situation closely as international rice prices continue to climb and the El Niño phenomenon takes its toll on agricultural production, and may propose temporary tariff adjustments, if needed.

“We will also push for trade facilitation measures to reduce other nontariff barriers. While our mediumterm objective to boost agricultural productivity remains, it is important to augment domestic supply to ease inflationary pressures on consumers, particularly those in low-income households,” Balisacan added.

Also on Friday, a farmers group, the Act Agri-Kaagapay, called on the government to implement cooperative programs to help bring down agricultural costs and secure the highest possible price for farm products.

Virginia Rodriguez, who led the distribution of organic fertilizers and other farm materials to farmers in Mati City, Davao Oriental, said she supports the Marcos administration’s modernization program and its moves

to provide Filipino farmers access to credit and capital to help them use resources, such as fertilizers and modern machinery to improve not only their agricultural produce but also their lives.

The Act Agri Kaagapay started several years ago in San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila, by providing poor families with financial assistance, and medical and scholarship programs.

Rodriguez’s advocacy to help the needy and poor families was extended to many parts of Metro Manila and has reached far-flung barrios in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Act Agri Kaagapay encourages a partnership between farmers, the government and the private sector to build structures that will support both smalland large-scale farmers.

“The downtrend in the overall inflation in December 2023 was primarily brought about by the lower year-on-year growth in the index of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels at 1.5 percent in December 2023 from 2.5 percent in the previous month,” the PSA said.

“This was followed by food and non-alcoholic beverages with 5.4 percent inflation during the month from 5.7 percent in November 2023,” it said.

The transport index posted an annual increase of 0.4 percent in December, higher than the annual decrease of 0.8 percent in November 2023.

Inflation for most commodity groups either slowed down or retained their previous rates during the month.

However, rice inflation rose to 19.6 percent during the month from 15.8 percent in November 2023. It was also the most significant contrib-

utor to the December inflation rate with 1.7 percentage points (ppt), followed by food and beverages services and housing rentals with 0.5 ppt each.

In a separate statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the latest inflation rate is consistent with its projections that inflation will likely moderate in the near term due to easing supply-side price pressures and negative base effects.

Still, it said, inflation could go up again because of higher transport charges, increased electricity rates, higher oil prices, and higher food prices due to strong El Niño conditions.

Meanwhile, Arsenio M. Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) emphasized the importance of Executive Order No. 50, which extended the Most Favored Nation (MFN) reduced tariff rates for key agricultural commodities like pork, corn, and rice

to ensure sufficient food supply for Filipinos and prevent spikes in prices of these commodities.

Balisacan also noted that the El Niño phenomenon has added to the threat of higher inflation and underscored the need to hasten the full implementation of the El Niño National Action Plan (NAP), which seeks to increase the resilience of communities against the weather phenomenon and guide government agencies in mitigating its immediate effects.

“We must remain vigilant in monitoring the prices of our commodities and continue to implement strategies to address short-term and long-term inflation-related challenges,” Balisacan said.

These strategies, he added, include implementing timely deployment of trade policy tools along with sustained investments in irrigation, flood control, supply chain logistics, and climate change adaptation.

defense minister Shin Won-sik said.

In response to Pyongyang's actions, Seoul's military will take "immediate, strong, and final retaliation – we must back peace with overwhelming force," he added.

Pyongyang's major ally and benefactor China called Friday for "restraint" from all sides.

"We hope that all relevant parties maintain calm and restraint, refrain from taking actions that aggravate tensions, avoid further escalation of the situation, and create conditions for the resumption of meaningful dialogue," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters.

Yeonpyeong, which has around 2,000 residents, is about 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of South Korea's capital, Seoul.

Baengnyeong, with a population of 4,900, is about 210 kilometers west of Seoul.

Local officials on both islands told AFP that residents had been told to evacuate, describing the order as a "preventative measure" ahead of the South Korean military drill. The order was lifted soon after, the Yonhap news agency reported.

House...

into transport cooperatives for efficiency and better management and accountability.

They receive a certain amount of subsidy from the government for every old jeepney unit replaced with a modern, air-conditioned jeepney that looks like a mini-bus.

The DOTr gave jeepney operators and drivers until the end of 2023 to join or organize themselves into transport cooperatives. Those unable to do so were given until the end of this month to comply with the requirement.

Romualdez also cited the need for measures to protect the livelihoods of jeepney drivers, including providing assistance as they shift to new vehicles, ensuring access to affordable financing options, and offering training programs to help them adapt to new technologies.

“Moreover, we are exploring avenues to provide fixed income opportunities for drivers. This move aims to stabilize their earnings, helping them to plan and secure their financial futures more effectively. We believe that a stable income will not only benefit the drivers but will also contribute to a more organized and reliable transport system,” he said.

He said until these measures are in place, he was appealing to the DOTr “to conduct a complete review of the modernization program and extend the period of its implementation."

The Office of Transport Cooperatives, on the other hand, said the majority of PUV operators support the government’s decision not to extend the deadline for consolidation.

Rio N. Araja

ORMER US president Donald Trump's businesses received at least $7.8 million from foreign governments including China during his time in the White House, a congressional report claimed Thursday.

From A1

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) said it has already adjusted the price of regular and wellmilled rice by P2 per kilo.

The price increase, it said, was the effect of the rise in the buying price of rice.

At a press briefing Friday, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said that rice inflation quickened to 19.6 percent during the month from 15.8 percent in November 2023.

This is the fastest inflation rate for the grain since March 2009, when rice inflation clocked in at 22.9 percent.

PSA data showed the average na-

December...

From A1

keep food and other basic commodities affordable.

“For the new year, we will further strengthen programs for agriculture and focus on measures to keep the prices of food and other basic commodities affordable,” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino.

Last month’s inflation rate was lower than the 4.1 percent in November and 8.1 percent in December in 2022. It was also the lowest since it settled at 3 percent in February 2022.

Inflation averaged 6 percent in 2023, faster than 5.8 percent in 2022.

It was also higher than the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year, but it was within the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) assumption of 5 percent to 6 percent.

Nokor...

From A1

the most serious military escalations on the peninsula since Pyongyang fired shells at one of the same islands in 2010.

Friday's live firing followed repeated warnings from Kim Jong Un's regime in Pyongyang that it was prepared for war against South Korea and the United States.

Seoul's defense ministry said the North's military fired "over some 200 rounds" of artillery shells on Friday morning near Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, two sparsely populated South Korean islands that are just south of a de facto maritime border between the two sides.

The shells landed in the so-called buffer zone along the border, created by a 2018 tension-reducing deal, which fell apart in November after Kim's spy satellite launch.

Resuming artillery fire within the buffer zone "is a provocative act that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions," Seoul's

Mixed...

From A1

On Dec. 26, 2023, oil companies implemented an increase in the price of gasoline, diesel and kerosene by P 1.60 per liter, P1.70 per liter and P1.54 to P1.55 per liter, respectively.

These price adjustments result-

ed in a year-to-date net increase of P12.60 per liter for gasoline, P5.65 per liter for diesel and P1.24 per liter for kerosene.

Prevailing retail prices of petroleum productions in the National Capital Region for gasoline ranges from P53.20 to P77.30 per liter, diesel from P50.49 to P78.81 per liter and kerosene from P70.64 to P82.03 per liter.

From A1

livelihood assistance packages, the department said.

“Not being able to form or join a cooperative or corporation does not lead to a loss of jobs,” it said.

The DOTr also said it has certified 54 PUV models that comply with the standards set by the government and they vary according to size, features and price ranges.

“Cooperatives are free to choose which type they prefer and can afford,” the agency said. “Local manufacturers have announced inexpensive models costing far below P2 million. No government agency or official is forcing any cooperative or transport group to buy the most expensive model.”

Romualdez earlier directed the House transportation committee to immediately look into reports received by my office that corrupt practices may have tainted the conceptualization and planned implementation” of the government’s PUVMP. “The reports allege that existing transport officials are in cahoots with previous officials in negotiating for the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the old units,” Romualdez said.

At the same time, Romualdez urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to undertake a “complete review” and extend the implementation of the program.

Under the PUV modernization program, jeepney operators and drivers are required to join or group themselves

toria line.

The frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Trump separately faces a civil fraud trial in New York over claims that his real estate businesses fraudulently inflated the value of their assets.

He is to go on trial in Washington in March for conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election, and in Florida in May on charges of mishandling top secret government documents.

The twice-impeached former president also faces racketeering charges in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to upend the election results in the southern state after his 2020 defeat by Democrat Joe Biden.

Asked about the report at a regular press conference, China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said: "I don't have any information on that.

"I advise relevant US politicians not to attack China at every turn." AFP

Marikina court favors TVJ in trademark case TV hosts and comedians Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, collectively known as TVJ, turned emotional when they announced on Friday that they won in the “Eat Bulaga” trademark dispute against TAPE Incorporated.

In a Facebook live post, Vic shared the news that Tito received an email regarding the Makati regional trial court’s decision on the copyright infringement case filed by the TVJ group against TAPE. “In simple terms, we won,” Vic said.

“We are the rightful owners of ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Thank you to all those who stayed and prayed for us,” added Tito.

Tito detailed the court's decision, including its order to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to cancel TAPE Inc.'s trademark registration for the name “Eat Bulaga.”

In May last year, the trio, along with other hosts, left TAPE Inc. and moved to TV5, using the name “E.A.T” temporarily while awaiting the court's decision. Angelica Villanueva

DTI...

From A1

that the size or quantity has been reduced.

"We are monitoring this shrinkflation practice,” she said in a radio interview.

“Consumers must know that while the price remains stable, the quantity or size has been reduced or the formula has been changed. That should be clearly stated so the consumer is informed,” Nograles said.

Nograles urged consumers to send complaints if they notice that the weight or size of products has changed without any notice placed in the packaging.

She said manufacturers and producers must inform the DTI for any changes in their products whether in weight or in pricing, especially basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) monitored under the Price Act. BNPCs that are included in the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin are required to file a petition before the DTI if they are seeking price adjustments.

“We will not tolerate this, even for non-BNPCs. Should there be cases of deception or misrepresentation, that will be subject to penalty under the Consumer Act,” Nograles said.

Shrinkflation has become rampant in other countries as well as – with experts saying it is not just a trend but a permanent hit on everyone's pockets.

Consumers do not always see the changes immediately as these are sometimes incremental.

In a BBC report, Phil Lempert, food industry analyst and editor of SupermarketGuru, said consumers adapt to the changes given that they do not have a choice.

He also observed that brand loyalty has plummeted amid shrinkflation, with people often transitioning to cheaper brands for non-essentials.

Marcos...

From A1

manual load dropping, resulting in the crisis that we are facing now," President Marcos said in a video message.

“NGCP’s failure to act during the crucial two-hour window is a missed opportunity. As the systems operator, NGCP must proactively engage with distribution utilities and cooperatives to manage loads and prevent such system collapses,” he added.

The President also instructed ERC to review the rate reset of NGCP to ensure its continued compliance with its statutory and regulatory obligations.

“I have also directed the ERC to complete the reset of NGCP’s rates without further delay, to ensure NGCP’s compliance with its statutory and regulatory obligations, and to defend in no uncertain terms against any attempt to defer, delay, or prevent the implementation of regulatory measures,” President Marcos said in a video message.

The President pledged the government's dedication to resolving the situation and preventing similar incidents in the future.

According to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), power has been restored.

The President acknowledged this but expressed concern about the significant impact of the power outage on residents, businesses, livelihoods, and health care in the region.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

10 EMBOs not included in ‘24 NTA of Makati

By Joel E. Zurbano

SO THE NATION CAN EAT. A farmer in Sitio Sinarol, Siniloan, Laguna diligently attends to his self-imposed mission of planting rice so he can support his family and at the same time help feed his countrymen. The Department of Agriculture revealed that close to 44,800 farmers nationwide received P5,000 in unconditional cash assistance as promised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under the P12-billion Rice Farmers Financial Assistance program. Manny Palmero

BI clueless on ICC presence in PH T

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday said it has no information on the supposed presence in the Philippines of International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators to look into the country’s bloody anti-drugs war under the watch of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa po kami nakukuhang information about it. Siguro hindi pa kami makabigay ng sagot dahil wala pa kami nakukuhang formal communication about anything about the ICC (As of now, we have not gathered any information about it. Maybe,

we cannot give a reply yet because we have no formal information on anything about the ICC),”BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in an interview.

The Department of Justice (DOJ said it was checking with the BI if ICC prosecutor Karim Khan or any official of the

organization had entered the Philippines.

“We’re still verifying, although I would assume that the first name the Bureau of Immigration will look into is Prosecutor Kharim Khan’s name, and as of right now, we have no feedback if Prosecutor Kharim Khan indeed entered the country,” Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said.

He added however, that ICC officials or personnel could have entered the country without properly identifying themselves.

“Of course, as representatives of the International Criminal Court, it would

be in their best interest to let us know because the mechanisms by which they would be conducting their investigations, their inquiry here would be with the assistance, of course, of the government,” Clavano said.

“And for them to come in and to avoid detection, siyempre medyo ayaw natin yon dahil medyo parang pinapasukan tayo ng dayuhan na wala namang timbre (because it would look like foreigners are getting in without any notification),” Clavano said.

He reiterated that the local justice system is working on the matter.

Fireworks blast kills man, 44, in Ilocos Region

Taiwan needs 500 foreign English tutors

By Vito Barcelo

By Macon Ramos-Araneta A 44-YEAR man from the Ilocos Region previously listed as injured from firecrackers has died, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH also logged four more victims of stray bullets and 11 additional cases of fireworks related injuries (FWRI).

“Each and every life affected by fireworks and stray bullets is a reason to change the way we celebrate,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stressed.

The report reaching the DOH showed that the fatality who was drinking alcohol lit a cigarette which in turn ignited a nearby stack of fireworks, resulting in a big explosion.

It was the first death incident reported by the DOH linked to firecrackers during the holiday celebrations.

Among the latest reports on stray bullet incidents was a 28 years old woman in the CALABARZON who sustained a gunshot wound on her right arm while watching fireworks outside their home.

The second stray bullet victim was a 22-year old woman who was hit near her left ear, allegedly from a gun fired by a neighbour, while the third was her 26-year old brother who was hit in the upper right back.

THE 10 barangays that were transferred from Makati City to Taguig City were not included in the former’s National Tax Allotment (NTA) this year.

“This means that Taguig has to assume full responsibility for the benefits and welfare of over 300,000 residents that are now under its jurisdiction,” Makati City administrator Claro Certeza said in a statement.

As this developed, EMBO fire stations were reopened yesterday after Senator Alan Peter Cayetano lashed out on social media at their closure.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said he spoke to Makati Mayor Abby Binay to allow firefighters to man the stations.

The Bureau of Fire Protection said personnel from Taguig will man the facilities.

“Now, possession (of the building) is being given to the DILG,” Certeza said.

As for the NTA issue, Certeza cited the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) Memorandum 87-A dated December 28, 2023, which states that Makati will only be receiving its NTA for the 20 remaining villages in District 1 and Barangays Guadalupe Viejo, Guadalupe Nuevo, and Pinagkaisahan.

UNLICENSED RECRUITER. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac, assisted by personnel of the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau and the Manila Police District, padlocks the office of Gisgerman Document Facilitation Services at the Alcantara building on 704 Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Malate, Manila for alleged operation without the required license from the DMW, The agency also said the recruiter was overcharging job applicants for Germany by as much as P102,000 on top of the initial enrolment fee of P5,000. Danny Pata

MORE than 500 foreign English teachers are needed by Taiwan schools, with salaries amounting to P150,000 a month, according to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

MECO chairman Silvestre Bello III said Taiwan will need around 800,000 foreign workers this year, including English teachers, hospitality workers, caregivers, and factory workers.

“For English teachers there, I think our teachers there get as high as P150,000,” Bello said.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, Taiwan will hire more than 500 foreign English teachers to work in public elementary schools in a bid to support the country’s bilingual policy.

“A total of 501 individuals have been hired in 2023,” the Taiwan Ministry said.

PBBM calls for observance of Community Development Day/Week

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Memorandum Circular No. 41, directing government agencies and encouraging local government units (LGUs) to observe “Community Development Week” and “Community Development Day.”

The observance aims to uphold and instil the “Bayanihan Spirit” and the importance of community cooperation, the memo stated.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the memorandum on Jan. 3, instructing the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in collaboration with non-government

and people’s organizations, to lead the activities and programs of the annual “Community Development Week” and “Community Development Day.” “All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and

colleges are hereby directed, and all local government units are encouraged, to extend full support for, and cooperation in, the conduct of relevant activities and programs during the annual celebration of the Community Development Week and Community Development Day,” the two-page memo stated.

Iloilo power firm denies culpability over outages A POWER distributor in Iloilo City has taken exceptions to allegations by a legislator that the utility has to be held accountable for the widespread power outages in Panay Island.

In a radio interview, More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE POWER) president and chief executive officer Roel Castro said it was difficult to

respond to the charges aired by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, which he claimed were baseless.

“It’s difficult to address the statement of Rep. Castro. In fairness and with respect to the Congressman, she doesn’t understand the whole system, and it’s difficult to respond if their basis is wrong. It was just an accusation

without basis,” he said.

While the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) have identified the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) as the culprit for the blackouts, Rep. Castro maintained that MORE POWER was responsible for the outages.

529,578 erring drivers arrested last year—LTO

By Rio N. Araja THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Friday said a total of 529,578 motorists were arrested last year under its intensified implementation of road safety and other traffic laws.

Meanwhile, the agency placed on

alarm a Toyota Vios car whose driver was caught on camera engaging in a heated argument with another motorist in Quezon City. The video has gone viral.

In line with the campaign, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II instructed all regional directors to maintain the visibility of LTO traffic enforcers on the roads in order to

compel errant motorists to behave.

“The mere presence of our uniformed personnel on the roads already encourages motorists to observe discipline. So we want the presence of our personnel on the road further intensified because observance of traffic discipline translates to road safety,” Mendoza said.

DOMESTIC QUARREL LEADS TO FIREARMS SEIZURE. San Juan chief of police Col. Francis Allan Reglos presents to reporters a cache of firearms seized from a house on N. Domingo St. after police responded to a complaint of abuse by a housewife against her own husband. Manny Palmero

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

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US carrier group arrives in PH after joint drills

CHURCH INSPECTION.

By Rey E. Requejo A US carrier strike group led by USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) has arrived in the Philippines for a scheduled port call on Friday following a two-day maritime cooperative activity with the country in the South China Sea. The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 is currently deployed to the US 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Our two countries share democratic values, close cultural ties and our alliance has stood strong for over 72 years. As our oldest treaty ally in East Asia, the Philippines has shown their unwavering commitment in helping secure a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of CSG-1 said.

Together with the USS Carl Vinson were the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

The US Department of Defense said this visit marks an additional demonstration of the US-Philippines alliance and Washington DC’s broader commitment to the region.

During their stay in Manila, sailors from CSG-1 will participate in cultural exchanges and community relations events, among others.

Manila Police District Director, Police Col. Arnold Tomas Ibay leads the inspection of church attendees during the first Friday mass at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. The inspection includes the deployment of a Security Screening Machine Checkpoint to ensure the safety and security of Black Nazarene devotees.

Norman Cruz

‘Do not to abandon SHS students’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATOR Grace Poe said the government should not abandon students-learners who will be affected by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) memo stopping state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) from accepting senior high school (SHS) students.

The CHED earlier announced its decision to halt the SHS programs in the said universities and colleges.

Poe said the affected students should not be forced to drop out of college and that education authorities should sit

down and firm up a plan for a seamless transition for SHS students affected by the discontinuation of the program.

“There should be an assessment to know if public schools nationwide have the facilities and personnel to accept the

A vendor arranges native bananas for sale at the Paco Market in Manila on Friday. The rate of increase in prices for consumer goods and services in the Philippines continued its downtrend for the third straight month in December 2023 amid slower increases in utility and food costs, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Danny Pata

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Marissa Magsino of the OFW party-list group has pushed for the enactment of the proposed “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act.” Magsino, the principal author of the bill in the House of Representatives, made the appeal after the measure had been approved in the bicameral conference committee.

Magsino stressed the proposed No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act is a significant step toward promoting equitable access to education.

“By allowing disadvantaged students to take exams without financial barriers, the legislation ensures that education remains accessible to all, regardless of economic challenges,” Magsino said.

Magsino also expressed her appreciation to her fellow lawmakers, advocates, and stakeholders who contributed to the crafting of this policy.

“I am grateful for the collaborative efforts that have led to the passage of this legislation. The No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act reflects our commitment to inclusivity in education and addresses the challenges faced by students in times of crisis or financial hardship,” Magsino added.

The measure contained in Senate Bill 1359 and House Bill 7584 imposes sanctions on private elementary and high school educational institutions that will bar learners from taking scheduled periodic examinations due to unsettled financial obligations.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the move to discontinue the offering of SHS programs in SUCs and LUCs is in line with the mandate of higher education institutions.

Villanueva said, however, that there should be coordination between the Department of Education (DepEd) and CHED regarding affected students.

DepEd Education Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas meanwhile said the CHED’s decision “is anchored in a law.”

Bringas cited Republic Act (RA) 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.

Amid ongoing reshuffle, two senior DA execs leave agri posts

HIGHER PRICES.

Solon pushes ‘no permit, no exam’ ban

expected influx of students,” she said.

Furthermore. the SHS program should hold its promise of employability and more competitive graduates.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said he supports the CHED’s memo. He noted that the accommodation given by SUCs to SHS students earlier was part of a transition program following the implementation of K-12.

“So it is just right to phase out the SHS program in SUCs and LUCs. But they need to make an inventory of those who will be affected,” Pimentel said.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said two senior DA executives have left the department amid a leadership reshuffle initiated by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, who was second-in-command when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was secretary, bid goodbye to the agency on Jan. 1. Panganiban earlier said his service to the agency was “transitory” until Marcos Jr. could appoint a permanent secretary.

Undersecretary Leo Sebastian, who handled the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program since February 2023, “opted to retire,” DA spokesperson and Assistant

Secretary Arnel De Mesa, quoted

by ABS-CBN News, said.

Sebastian’s retirement will take effect in February.

Laurel earlier assigned Sebastian to be part of the Secretary Technical Advisory Group (STAG), “to leverage his deep understanding of the farm sector, particularly rice production.”

In 2022, Sebastian, who was then the most senior undersecretary, faced controversy for signing a sugar importation order in President Marcos’ name.

Sebastian stepped down from his post at that time until he was reappointed to head the Masagana Rice Industry program in early 2023.

Go urges health department to establish three halfway houses

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Christopher Go urged the Department of Health (DOH) to pursue the establishment of halfway houses at major medical centers in the country.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography said the budget for three halfway houses was included in the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

A halfway house is a type of transitional lodging designed to support individuals and families undergoing medical treatments far from their homes.

Go emphasized the importance of this project, which aligns with his commitment to providing accessible healthcare facilities for Filipinos, especially those who travel to Metro Manila for medical treatments.

The senator further highlighted the challenges faced by families seeking medical treatment in Metro Manila.

The halfway houses, which are part of a broader healthcare support program, are set to be established at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), and the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC), all in Quezon City.

BOMB SNIFFING.

A K-9 bombsniffing dog from the Philippine Coast Guard roams around Plaza Miranda after a man was arrested after he reportedly made a bomb ‘joke’ inside the Quiapo Church during the first mass on Friday.

Danny Pata

Gov’t diplomatic efforts to good start, DFA says

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its diplomatic relations are getting off to a good start, with top envoys from Indonesia and Germany set to arrive in Manila next week.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will meet Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on January 9 before meeting German Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock two days later.

In an advisory, the DFA said Manalo and Marsudi will sit down for the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), where they will talk about issues of mutual interest and consider plans for enhancing cooperation between Manila and Jakarta.

Their talk will coincide with the visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Manila.

Meanwhile, Manalo will also welcome Baerbock, who will be on an official visit. It will be their second engagement since Manalo became the country’s top diplomat.

The construction of halfway houses at these medical centers is a response to the critical need for accessible lodging for families, particularly those who travel from far-flung areas to Manila for medical treatments.

The initiative addresses a significant gap in the healthcare system, providing much-needed support and relief to families during their medical journeys.

DSWD vows to support human trafficking victims

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday assured victims and survivors of trafficking that they will assisted and provided with support services to ensure their immediate recovery and reintegration into society.

Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency’s co-spokesperson, said the agency continues to assist victims and survivors of trafficking through the implementation of the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP).

“This program underscores the DSWD’s unwavering commitment to the recovery and reintegration of victims and survivors of trafficking, as well as in the protection of their rights and promotion of their wellbeing,” Dumlao said in a statement The DSWD is the co-chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

The DSWD official said the RRPTP provides a comprehensive package of services to its target clients including temporary shelter, psycho-social counseling, skills training, as well as various forms of assistance such as transportation, financial, medical, and educational.

The DSWD also refers them to concerned agencies for other interventions and support services, Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

OPINION

A6 SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

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

EDITORIAL

Air pollution challenge

A

Game-changing acquisition of HIMARS IN THE ever-intensifying geopolitical chess game in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has unveiled a game-changer -- the acquisition of 24 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the world’s fastest missiles.

This strategic move by the Philippines marks a turning point in its defense capabilities, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical juncture, given the rising tensions with China.

President Ferdinand Marcos rightly acknowledges that “new problems will now require new solutions.” The recent provocations by Chinese vessels in the WPS demand a robust response, and the acquisition of HIMARS positions the Philippines as a formidable force in the region.

—“—

As we step into 2024, the Philippines must leverage these newfound capabilities to establish a secure and stable environment in the West Philippine Sea The precision rocket artillery with a range of 300 km gives the AFP the ability to target both ship and landbased threats effectively.

The addition of the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missile further enhances the Philippines’ defensive arsenal, providing a ShoreBased Missile Defense System capable of deterring any aggression within a 290 km range.

This newfound capability sends a clear message to China the Philippines is no longer defenseless, and any attempts to violate its sovereignty will be met with a strong and calibrated response.

Japan’s contribution of an air surveillance radar system adds another layer to the Philippines’ defense strategy, offering enhanced situational awareness within a 300 nautical mile radius.

With a clearer picture of activities in the WPS, the Philippines can better navigate the geopolitical complexities and safeguard its interests.

The joint patrols with the United States, Japan, Australia, Republic of Korea, France, and Germany

signify a united front against China’s expansionist agenda.

These patrols not only challenge China’s nine-dash line claim but also serve as a deterrent to further encroachments in critical areas such as Ayungin and Scarborough Shoals.

The international community’s support is crucial in ensuring the Philippines is not left to fend for itself in face of an assertive neighbor.

The acquisition of HIMARS and the collaborative efforts with allied nations present several benefits for the Philippines.

Firstly, it strengthens the country’s territorial defense, providing a deterrent against potential Chinese aggression.

Secondly, the joint patrols with key allies not only bolster regional security but also challenge China’s narrative in the disputed waters.

To fully capitalize on this acquisition, the Philippines must prioritize the following: 1. Integrated Defense Strategy: Develop a comprehensive defense strategy that integrates the capabilities of HIMARS, BrahMos missiles, and the air surveillance radar system to ensure a seamless and coordinated response to any threat.

2.

Regional Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with neighboring ASEAN countries to create a unified front against Chinese expansionism.

Shared intelligence and coordinated responses will enhance regional security.

3. Diplomatic Initiatives: Continue diplomatic efforts to engage with international partners and organizations.

Leverage alliances to apply diplomatic pressure on China to adhere to established norms and engage constructively in negotiations.

4.Public Awareness: Keep the Filipino public informed about the nation’s defense capabilities and the ongoing geopolitical situation.

Building public support is crucial for maintaining a united front against external threats.

The acquisition of HIMARS and related defense systems marks a pivotal moment for the Philippines in face of growing tensions with China.

The country now possesses the tools to protect its sovereignty and respond decisively to any provocations.

As we step into 2024, the Philippines must leverage these newfound capabilities to establish a secure and stable environment in the West Philippine Sea.

‘Air-pocalypse’: Indian capital launches ‘Green War Room’ NEW DELHI—The enemy is nearly invisible and there are no soldiers.

But the Indian capital’s new “Green War Room” is battling air pollution that is cutting lives of residents by over a decade.

“It’s a pollution emergency,” said Gopal Rai, environment minister for the rapidly expanding megacity of over 20 million people, consistently ranked the world’s worst capital for air quality.

Rai dubs the problem an “air-pocalypse”.

New Delhi’s latest effort to combat a decades-old problem is a high-tech coordination center, where 17 experts monitor giant screens livestreaming pollution hotspots, beaming in NASA satellite imagery and updating air quality index (AQI) sensors.

In Delhi, levels of PM2.5 pollutants —cancer-causing microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs—often hit more than 30 times World Health Organization danger limits.

On Friday, schools were shut across the city as a noxious grey smog engulfed it, making life a misery for its 30 million inhabitants.

The average city resident could die nearly 12 years earlier due to air pol-

lution, according to an August report by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.

Eye-stinging and lung-burning smog worsens during winter from October to February—when colder air traps pollution—and residents are advised to wear face masks outside at all times.

Political roadblocks Last month, Delhi opened the pollution coordination hub connecting 28 government departments—complete with “Green War Room” sign —to zoom in on exact emission sites.

“As soon as the AQI worsens, we alert our teams on the ground and they take action immediately,” said the war room’s environmental engineer Anurag Pawar.

A problem factory can be served a notice, a garbage fire put out, vehicles belching black smoke stopped, illegal firework displays for festivals halted, or trucks spraying water sent to douse down dust.

But the key problem remains out of their hands—the huge fires lit by farmers surrounding Delhi to clear rice fields after harvests for the sowing season.

Farm fires can cloak the city in a yellow-grey soupy smog that, accord-

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More than 99 percent of the population live in areas where the air pollution is above World Health Organization air quality guidelines and 4.2 million deaths are attributed to ambient air pollution each year.

Since 2000, following the passage of the country’s Clean Air Act, the Philippines is still nowhere near achieving comprehensive air pollution control.

The law, which outlines government measures to reduce air pollution, has failed to realize its promise as a sweeping measure against air pollution, as the Philippines still records emissions higher than the acceptable values.

The Washington-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation did a research which found that air pollution was responsible for 66,230 deaths in the Philippines in 2019, of which 64,920 deaths were estimated to be adults and 1,310 children.

This is significantly higher than previous estimates made for the country, aligning the impact with the most recent literature.

The corresponding economic cost of exposure to air pollution is estimated at P2.32 trillion (US$ 44.8 billion) in 2019, or a GDP equivalent of 11.9 percent of the country’s GDP in 2019.

Premature deaths account for most of the estimated economic cost at P2.2 trillion (US$ 42.8 billion).

The figures are disturbing.

IR pollution in the Philippines, the third highest risk factor driving death and disability due to non-communicable diseases, remains the leading environmental risk to health.

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Vehicle emissions, fuel oils and natural gas to heat homes, byproducts of manufacturing and power generation, particularly coal-fueled power plants, and fumes from chemical production are the primary sources of human-made air pollution.

Environmental experts say the combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually.

Household air pollution exposure leads to noncommunicable diseases including stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

The two most common types of air pollution are smog and soot, caused by burning of fossil fuels like coal or natural gases. The small airborne particles present in soot or smog are extremely dangerous, as they enter lungs and blood and can lead to bronchitis and heart diseases which can be fatal.

Pollutants with the strongest evidence for public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

People living in low- and middle-

—“—

Environmental experts say the combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually income countries disproportionately experience the burden of outdoor air pollution with 89 percent (of the 4.2 million premature deaths) occurring in these areas. The greatest burden is found in the WHO Southeast Asia and Western Pacific Regions.

Around 2.4 billion people cook and heat their homes with polluting fuels and every year 3.2 million people die prematurely from household air pollution.

Ambient and household air pollution can come from similar processes such as incomplete combustion of fuels or

The Three Wise Men —“—

The Three Kings teach us that that when we earnestly pursue God, our efforts will lead us to encounter Him JAN 6 marks Three Kings Day, a celebration honoring the biblical expedition of the wise men, also known as the magi, as they journeyed to meet the newborn Jesus.

Bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, these treasures held significant value, traditionally reserved for royalty due to their immense expense.

These offerings symbolized the profound significance of Christ’s birth and highlighted the divine nature of the infant.

The Magi, also known as the Three Kings, make their sole appearance in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12.

The biblical account provides scant details about these individuals, leaving much of their identity to be shaped by tradition and conjecture.

Notably, Scripture remains silent on the specific number of wise men, though the presumption of three arises from the presentation of three distinct gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Gospel of Matthew 2:1–12 describes the visit of the Magi in this wise: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising,andhave come to pay him homage.”

—“—

WHO points out that ‘many drivers of air pollution are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions’ ing to one study in the Lancet medical journal, caused almost 17,500 premature deaths in 2019.

Air pollution is “one of the greatest environmental risks to health”, the WHO warns, triggering strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.

To reduce that, Delhi authorities have begun using biochemical sprays that speed up decomposition of the crop stubble, to ready the soil for planting.

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

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.

Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.

Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country

by another path.

The gifts of the Magi laden with symbolism, underscored Christ’s identity and purpose: gold representing kingship, incense signifying divinity, and myrrh traditionally used for anointing the deceased.

Interestingly, the Gospel of John mentions Nicodemus bringing a mixture of aloe and myrrh—akin to the gifts of the Magi—to anoint Jesus’ body post-crucifixion.

Aside from the honor and prestige embedded in the gifts presented by the magi, scholars believe these specific offerings were selected due to their profound spiritual significance linked to Jesus himself.

Gold symbolized his kingship, frankincense represented his priestly duties, and myrrh foreshadowed his eventual death and embalming.

This interpretation gained popularity through the renowned Christmas carol “We Three Kings.”

The Three Kings teach us that that when we earnestly pursue God, our efforts will lead us to encounter Him. He isn’t elusive; rather, He desires a close bond with every individual.

The wise individuals honored Jesus with a reverence typically reserved for God, humbly bowing and worshiping Him. Jesus isn’t merely a revered teacher or an admirable figure; He is the Son of the Living God.

But as with so many environmental efforts, good intentions hit political roadblocks.

Rai said the source of more than twothirds of air pollution plaguing the city comes from beyond its borders, where municipal authorities don’t have the authority to act.

“We have introduced electric buses, but in the adjoining states buses are still being run on diesel,” Rai told AFP. “All that impacts Delhi. Pollution and winds can’t be restricted by state boundaries.”

Pollution has become a political flashpoint.

The capital and Punjab state are governed by the Aam Aadmi Party, but other neighbouring states are led by their rivals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

Farmers, a powerful bloc of voters, say stubble burning is easy and cheap,

and city pollution doesn’t impact them.

“Obviously, the politics has an impact,” Rai said. “It creates hurdles when it comes to implementing policies.”

‘Win-win strategy’ Tackling pollution aids both the wider climate change battle and moves to protect public health, experts say.

The WHO points out that “many drivers of air pollution are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions,” and that policies to reduce air pollution “offer a win-win strategy for both climate and health”.

War room officers say they are doing what they can -- like monitoring reports sent via a “Green Delhi” phone app, which allows residents to send geolocated photographs of pollution problems.

“Most of the complaints are about burning garbage dumps and dust from construction sites,” Pawar said. AFP

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Blinken back to Middle East for tough talks WSHINGTON, DC—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed back to the Middle East Thursday (Friday in Manila) on his fourth trip since the Israel-Hamas war began, expecting tough talks as he presses for immediate new aid for battered Gaza and regional de-escalation.

The top American diplomat will visit both Israel and the West Bank, home of the Palestinian Authority, and five Arab countries -- Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the State Department said.

Blinken departed late Thursday SEA PATROL. Members of the Yemeni Coast Guard affiliated with the Houthi group patrol the sea as demonstrators march through the Red Sea port city bound first for Turkey—an uneasy of Hodeida in solidarity with the people of Gaza on Thursday, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the militant Hamas group in Gaza. AFP US ally that is the home of key Hamas leaders despite being one of the few Muslim-majority countries to recognize Israel—followed by Greece.

He will discuss “immediate measures to increase substantially humanitarian assistance to Gaza,” where the World Health Organization has warned of the risk of famine and disease.

“We don’t expect every conversation on this trip to be easy. There are obviously tough issues facing the region and difficult choices ahead,” State Department spokesman MatUnder the plan, which has not yet ment and ground invasion have rethew Miller told reporters.

SRAEL’S defense minister has laid out for the first “But the secretary believes it is the rebeen adopted, Israel’s war in the territo- duced swathes of Gaza to rubble and time preliminary plans for the post-war administration ry will continue until it has secured the claimed at least 22,438 lives, accordsponsibility of the United States of Amerof Gaza, saying neither Israel nor Hamas will rule the ica to lead diplomatic efforts to tackle return of the hostages taken on October ing to the territory’s Hamas-run health those challenges head on,” he said.

7 and dismantled Hamas’s “military and ministry.

Palestinian territory after hostilities there conclude.

Blinken on previous trips sought governing capabilities”.

On Thursday the army reported more to keep the war isolated to Gaza. But After that, the outline says, a new strikes in and around Gaza City, nowStandard a Manila he returns to a region that has seen TODAY The plan for the “day after” the war facing famine and disease. phase will begin during which local largely devastated urban combat zone, attacks in or from Lebanon, Iraq, Yewas unveiled Thursday night on the An outline of the post-war plan Palestinian bodies will assume the terri- and Khan Yunis, the biggest city in the men, Syria and Iran. AFP eve of a trip to the region by US Sec- by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, tory’s governance. territory’s south. retary of State Antony Blinken, who shared with the press ahead of its subIsrael launched its campaign to deThe army said it had killed Hamas NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC is heading back to the Middle East for mission to the country’s war cabinet, stroy Hamas after the group’s bloody fighters around Khan Yunis, struck the fourth time since a Hamas attack on said “Hamas will not govern Gaza, October 7 attack, which resulted in the “terrorist infrastructure” in the area Notice is hereby given that the following Certificates of Stock: Oct 7 triggered the war in Gaza. (and) Israel will not govern Gaza’s deaths of around 1,140 people, most of and hit militants attempting to “place Certificate Number Number of Shares Questions over the future of the terri- civilians. them civilians, according to an AFP tal- an explosive device near soldiers”.

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Israeli defense chief lays out Gaza plan as fighting rages

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Indonesia’s Pranowo says can win presidency sans Widodo support

SERIOUS SEARCH. An Air Self-Defense Force soldier leads a dog to search for quake victims in the city of Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, on Friday, after a major 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto region on New Year’s Day. The death toll from a devastating earthquake in central Japan rose to 92 on Friday, regional authorities said, with the number of missing jumping to 242. AFP

JAKARTA—In an upscale area of the capital Jakarta, Ganjar Pranowo says he can win Indonesia’s upcoming election against the odds by focusing on breadand-butter issues, a lesson learned from his upbringing in a mountainside village.

“Siding with the small... the poor.

Why do I say that? Because I myself experienced that situation since childhood,” the ruling party candidate told AFP in an exclusive interview.

“The matters are simple. Access to education, access to health, access to housing, access to food, which they want to get equally like others.”

The former governor of Central Java will face defense minister and frontrunner Prabowo Subianto and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan in Feb-

ruary in a vote that will decide which will lead the world’s third-largest democracy.

Pranowo’s humble demeanor is a stark contrast to the political dynasties and ex-military figures with deep roots in the Suharto era who have dominated Indonesian politics since the end of the dictator’s three-decade rule in 1998.

The 55-year-old Pranowo is the candidate for President Joko Widodo’s ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which has ties to one of the country’s founding fathers.

But Subianto, 72, chose Widodo’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, as his running mate, casting doubt on Pranowo’s chances as the benefit of a link to the president goes to his main rival. AFP

Russia used Pyongyang ballistic missiles for Ukraine attacks, says US WASHINGTON—North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine in a major escalation of support for Moscow, the White House said Friday.

Russia is also looking to obtain missiles from its ally Iran as it runs short of arms nearly two years into President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, it said.

The White House’s comments came as North Korean leader Kim

Jong Un called for boosting production of missile launchers in preparation for a “military showdown” with South Korea and the United States, the official Korean Central News Agency said.

The Pyongyang-supplied missiles with ranges of around 900 kilometers (550 miles) were fired by Russia in two attacks on Ukraine within the past week, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

“Our information indicates that the

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles,” Kirby told reporters in a briefing at the White House.

“This is a significant and concerning escalation of the DPRK’s support for Russia.”

The development underscored the need for the US Congress to pass a package of vital military aid for Ukraine, without which the pipeline of support will soon run dry, Kirby added.

Air defenses for Ukraine, which has come under a barrage of aerial attacks

by Russia in recent days, were “absolutely” a priority, he said.

“It’s critical that Congress meets this moment and responds by providing the Ukrainians what they need to defend themselves,” Kirby said.

Russian forces launched at least one of the North Korean-supplied missiles on December 30, which landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to the spokesman. AFP

Haley, DeSantis take poll potshots on front-runner Trump in GOP race LOS ANGELES, California—Two Republicans jostling for a distant second place behind Donald Trump in their race to be party flag-bearer took potshots at the former US president on Thursday (Friday in Manila), days before the first vote in the White House nomination process.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and one-time UN ambassador Nikki Haley turned their fire on their party’s presumptive nominee just 11 days before Republican voters in Iowa make their choice.

Neither candidate mentioned the

other much during back-to-back “town hall” events on CNN. Instead, they both sought to paint their own candidacies as a better bet than Trump to unseat Democratic President Joe Biden in November’s presidential election.

“The reality is, rightly or wrongly, chaos follows (Trump),” Haley, a former South Carolina governor, told an invited audience in the Midwestern state.

“We can’t have a country in disarray, and a world on fire, and go through four more years of chaos. We won’t survive it.” AFP

A 000000217146 A 000000242329 A 000000288962 A 000000312898 A 000000339044 A 000000363224 A 000000387655

1,163 872 654 501 827 1,585 1,982

representing 9,910 shares of stock (the ÒANSCOR SharesÓ) in A. Soriano Corporation (the ÒCorporationÓ) registered to Israel Racelis and/or Florita Racelis as Stockholder No. 0005087600 have been lost and cannot be located despite diligent and earnest efforts.

This notice is being published for the purpose of securing replacement certificates of stock for the ANSCOR Shares, and to for the Corporation to take necessary steps to prevent the negotiation or transfer of the shares of stock pertaining to the aforementioned certificates of stock.

Any person who having any claims on the ANSCOR Shares should raise their concern to Stock Transfer Service, Inc., with address at Unit D 34th Floor Rufino Pacific Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati City on or before the expiration of one (1) year from the publication of this notice.

Otherwise, the right to make such a claim shall forever be barred and the Corporation shall cancel in its books the lost certificates of stock and issue new certificates in lieu thereof.

(MS-JAN. 6/13/20, 2024)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 78 – QUEZON CITY FRANCISCO EMER TRIA, Petitioner, - versus -

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-23-08846-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage Under 55 of Republic Act No. 386

STELLA MANINANG, Respondent. x---------------------------------------------x SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: STELLA MANINANG No. 77 K-3rd Street, Kamuning, Quezon City GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within thirty (30) days after service of this Summons upon you, copy of which are published for two (2) consecutive Saturdays in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines, and to file with this Court and serve on the petitioner your Answer to the instant Petition above captioned and filed with this Court sitting at Room 203 2nd Floor Hall of Justice Annex Building, QC Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City. Subject petition is for the Declaration of Nullity of Marriage you contracted with the Petitioner on OCTOBER 10, 1983 at the YMCA BUILDING, ARROCEROS, ERMITA, MANILA before REV. FLORENCIO S. DE LEON. The petitioner seeks the declaration of the Nullity of Your Marriage from the beginning or ab initio for “lack of marriage ceremony, an indispensable requirement for a valid marriage under Article 55 of Republic Act No. 386”; and that said marriage be declared as an absolute nullity; and that corresponding Decree be issued accordingly.

If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the Court shall order the Prosecutor assigned to it to appear on behalf of the State to take steps to prevent collusion between the parties and to take care that evidence is not fabricated or suppressed, and shall hear the petitioner’s case and may grant the petitioner the relief applied for.

You are likewise required to submit with your Answer certified copies of documents as well as affidavits of any and all witnesses to stand as your evidence in this case. You must present the original document/s on the day of hearing.

Moreover, you are reminded of the provision of IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a Motion to Dismiss and instead alleged the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer.

SCARED STIFF. Law enforcement officials patrol the Perry Middle School and

High School complex during a shooting on Friday in Perry, Iowa which left ‘multiple gunshot victims,’ local authorities said, adding the incident was over but without confirming if anyone had been killed. AFP

Witness, the Honorable FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR., Presiding Judge of this Court, this 4th day of December, 2023.

[ORIGINAL SIGNED] ATTY. NORHASSAN S. CURO Branch Clerk of Court (MStandard - Dec. 30, 2023 & Jan. 6, 2024)

BUSINESS

A8

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

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

BSP revamps rules on banks’ bounced checks T

By Darwin G. Amojelar

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday it revamped the rules on banks’ bounced checks and introduced a new liquidity facility to make the payment system smoother, safer and more efficient.

Banks under the present rules have until the next banking day to return bounced and defective checks to the presenting bank, with the transfer of funds to the drawee bank dated on the day of the check’s deposit. The practice of retroactive dating, however, causes changes in the balances of banks’ settlement accounts with the Philippine Payments and Settlements System-Plus (PhilPaSSplus), the BSP-operated facility that enables check settlement.

It said to mitigate settlement and liquidity risks that may arise from the mismatch, the revised rules provide that banks may return high-value, “not sufficiently funded” (NSF) and defective checks as early as the day they are deposited.

“Banks will still be allowed to return NSF and questionable checks the next banking day, but settlement will no longer be backdated. As a result, the amended check policy ensures certainty of funds transfer from the check issuer to the payee,” the BSP said.

“Hence, aside from improving confi-

dence in the check clearing and settlement system, the enhanced policy enables better fund management among check users,” it said The BSP also said that in check clearing, banks should no longer be allowed to incur overdrafts, or to draw funds exceeding what a bank’s demand deposit account (DDA) holds. With this, banks no longer need to tap the BSP’s Overdraft Credit Line (OCL). The experience of financial consumers, however, will not be affected by the amended policy in terms of withdrawability of check deposits on the next banking day at the latest, it said.

The central bank also reintroduced the PhilPaSSplus Intraday Liquidity Facility, which is now known as the ISF, to reflect operational changes arising from BSP’s adoption of global payment standards and the full automation of this system.

The BSP said the facility allows banks to obtain funds from the central bank to prevent gridlocks due to timing mismatch in the settlement of payments at PhilPaSSplus.

Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. managing director and general manager Donna Kuizon Cruz (seated, fourth from left) presents the new Malampaya gas sale and purchase agreement to Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Alessandro Sales (third from left). With them are other officials of the DOE, Prime Energy and First Gen Corp.

Malampaya, First Gen units sign gas supply deal PRIME Energy Resources Development B.V. on Friday announced the signing of a long-term gas sale and purchase agreement (GSPA) by the Malampaya Consortium with the wholly-owned subsidiaries of First Gen Corp. that own gas-fired power plants.

The new GSPA will continue the supply of Malampaya gas to the power plants with their gas supply contracts expiring in 2024.

The consortium and First Gen presented the new GSPA to Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Alessandro Sales. The landmark deal will ensure con-

Semirara’s 2023 coal sales reached record 15.8m tons

Prime Energy and its partners— UC38 LLC, PNOC Exploration Corp. and Prime Oil and Gas Inc.— said they are ramping up preparations to drill at least two deepwater wells in 2025 (Camago and Malampaya East) to potentially increase and extend gas supply from Malampaya. Production from the new wells is expected in 2026.

The Santa Rita and San Lorenzo power plants have been using Malampaya gas since 2001.

The San Gabriel and Avion power plants started using Malampaya gas in 2017 after the completion of Malampaya Phase 2 and 3.

Extended weekends in 2024 expected to boost local tourism

By Othel V. Campos

By Alena Mae S. Flores INTEGRATED energy firm Semirara Mining and Power Corp.

(SMPC) said Friday it achieved a record-high coal sales volume of 15.8 million metric tons (MT) in 2023, up 6 percent from the 2022 level.

SMPC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the growth was driven a 13-percent rise in export sales which surged to 8.1 million MT from 7.1 million MT. SMPC owns the biggest coal mine in the country located in Semirara Island in Antique province.

“Our sales performance aligns with our 2023 target of 15 to 16 million metric tons. It also reflects our team’s relentless effort and commitment to deliver stable fuel supply amidst the challenging dynamics of the global market,” said SMPC president and chief executive Maria Cristina Gotianun.

Majority of Semirara coal exports in 2023 went to China (65 percent), South Korea (27 percent) and Brunei (4 percent) .

Shipments to Japan, India and Vietnam made up the remainder.

China shipments recovered by 31 percent from 4 million MT to 5.2 million MT on heavy stockpiling, consumption recovery and lower hydropower generation.

tinued supply of indigenous fuel to four gas-fired power plants in Batangas with a combined capacity of 2,011 megawatts including Santa Rita, San Lorenzo, San Gabriel and Avion facilities, according to Prime Energy.

“This is a significant achievement that will contribute to the Philippines’ energy security. We are very grateful for the support of the Department of Energy, First Gen, and our partners in the Malampaya consortium in the successful negotiation and signing of the new GSPA,” said Prime Energy managing director Donnabel Kuizon Cruz.

MAHARLIKA BOARD. The board of Maharlika Investment Corp. holds its inaugural meeting on Jan. 3, 2024 to discuss the fund capitalization and potential sectors to tap to achieve multigenerational commercial, economic and social development value creation. The board members include Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno as chairperson (center) in an ex officio capacity and president and chief executive Rafael Consing Jr. (fifth from left) as vice chairperson. Other members are Land Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive Ma. Lynette Ortiz, Development Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive Michael de Jesus, Vicky Castillo Tan, German Lichauco II, Andrew Jerome Gan and Roman Felipe Reyes.

THE series of extended weekends throughout 2024 is expected to boost domestic tourism.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco said the long breaks would encourage Filipinos to make travel plans this year.

“Amidst the remarkable resurgence of our country’s tourism industry, travelers are eager to make up for lost time, engaging in what has come to be known as ‘revenge travel,” said Frasco.

“We see these upcoming extended weekends as a timely opportunity, specifically advantageous in propelling our

BSP seen cutting interest rate by June on easing inflation THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to start reducing its benchmark interest rate by June 2024 on easing inflationary pressures, according to Metropolitan Bank & Trust Corp. (Metrobank).

“While our estimates show that headline inflation will remain above the BSP’s target band from the second quarter of 2024 onwards, we think that dissipating price pressures in other nonvolatile commodity prices as indicated by the move lower in core inflation [from 4.7 percent in November to 4.4 percent in December], will make the case for the BSP to consider lowering

rates as early as June,” Metrobank Research said in its latest report.

It released the report after the Philippine Statistics Authority said inflation in December fell to a 22-month low of 3.9 percent in December 2023. The full-year inflation also settled at 6.0 percent, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Metrobank Research said it expects the average inflation to reach 4.3 percent in 2024, largely driven by the risk of upward pressure on rice prices.

“We think that policy rates may not need to be as restrictive as current levels throughout the year, especially if

core inflation continues to move lower, as the average difference between the BSP policy rate and domestic headline inflation [from 2009-2023)] has been at 28 bps [basis points] vs.

260 bps currently,” the bank’s research unit said.

Rice exporting countries Thailand and Vietnam said dry spells and flash floods last year led to a forecasted fall in crops in 2024.

Rice inflation in the Philippines climbed to 19.6 percent in December from 15.8 percent in November. It was the highest since March 2009’s 22 percent.

TUCP supports Pag-IBIG’s plan to hike savings rate, improve members’ benefits

NEW RESERVOIR. Manila Water Company Inc. is constructing the P1.391-billion Cayetano Pumping Station and Reservoir in Taguig City to ensure reliable water service to its customers in Pasig, Pateros and Taguig. The project is expected to be completed

by September 2025.

THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) expressed its support to Pag-IBIG Fund’s plan to increase the nearly four-decade old mandatory monthly savings rate for both members and their employers starting January 2024.

The TUCP, in its letter to Pag-IBIG Fund, reiterated its position in 2019 supporting the agency’s planned increase. The trade union is one of the country’s largest labor organizations and is composed of 27 labor federations representing workers in the private and public sectors, seafarers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and workers

from the informal sector.

It said it “believes that the adjustment in the savings rates will double the amount of members’ maturity claims, as well as other important benefits of Pag-IBIG Fund members, such as cash loans, calamity loans and housing loan entitlements.”

“In addition, an adjustment is necessary to restore the lost real value of the P100 minimum contribution which was set all the way back in 1986,” said Atty.

Raymond Democrito Mendoza, who serves as president of the TUCP and as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

domestic tourism forward,” she said.

Frasco asked Filipino travelers to seize the opportunity and embark on journeys that would create lasting memories with family and friends.

She said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) would also benefit from the extended weekends as visitors would have more time touring destinations.

“As the nation embraces these extended weekends with open arms, the hope remains high for a vibrant transformation of the tourism sector and a profound appreciation for the manifold wonders encapsulated within the Philippines’ diverse landscape,” she said.

SEC files case vs. Eton Trading for lack of permit

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Friday it filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against Eton Phil Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading for alleged unauthorized investment solicitation.

It also identified in the criminal complaint Eton Trading’s founders Princess Samson-Frias and Elton John Malabarbas and 13 others as respondents to the case.

The SEC said in a statement that based on its investigation, Eton Trading solicited investments from the public without the proper license in violation of Securities Regulation Code (SRC) and the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA).

Eton Trading allegedly offered a 20-percent to 50-percent profit monthly with a minimum capital investment of P5,000 and a maximum of P100,000. Earnings would allegedly come from the sale of wholesale products.

“There is sufficient proof that Eton Trading and [its officers] employed fraud and deceit upon the investing public to induce them to invest in this scheme,” the complaint read.

B1

SPORTS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

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

IM Quizon, WGM Frayna show way at PH chessfest

The Philippine women’s football team, known as the Filipinas, celebrates after a win.

Filipinas to receive from PSA ‘Golden Lady Booters’ award T

HE Philippine women’s football team turned a longcherished dream into reality in 2023.

The Filipinas secured a place in history when they made their debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, becoming the country’s first ever football team to make it to the grandest stage of the sport commonly referred to as ‘the beautiful game.’

Even more, the team made the stint a memorable one following an epic 1-0 upset of co-host New Zealand during the group stage.

While the Filipinas fell short of advancing to the knockout stage, the sheer pride and joy their glorious campaign brought to the countr y will forever be remembered for many generations to come.

In recognition of their remarkable effort, the Fili-

pinas will be honored with the ‘Golden Lady Booters’ Special Award during the San Miguel CorporationPSA Annual Awards Night at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel on January 29.

The annual tradition of honoring the cream of the crop of local sports is presented by ArenaPlus, your 24/7 sports app in the country, while major sponsors are Philippine Sports Commission. Philippine Olympic Committee, PLDT/Smart, and MILO. Others backing the event being mounted by the country’s oldest media organization under its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, are Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, Rain or Shine, and 1-Pacman Partylist of Rep. Mikee Romero.

As early as 2022, the Filipinas already trekked the road to history when they earned a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup after reaching the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. They were not satisf ied though, just by reach-

ing football’s biggest tour nament as they later proved that they too, belonged among the world’s best.

Initially losing their debut game against the 20thranked Sweden, 2-0, the Filipinas, managed by Jefferson Cheng and coached by Allen Stajcic, were not about to be disappointed.

The team bounced back the best way possible in its second game against New Zealand played before a roaring crowd of 32,357 fans at the Wellington Regional Stadium.

Sarina Bolden proved to be the thorn in the side of the Football Ferns as she etched her name in Philippine football history by scoring the breakthrough goal at the 24th minute off a header which Kiwi goalie Victoria Esson failed to deflect.

Unfortunately, the celebration ended there as the Filipinas absorbed a 6-0 beating at the hands of Norway in Auckland and bowed out of contention for a place in the knockout stage.

National University big man Akowe leads SP race COLLINS AKOWE has been a man amongst boys in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

The 18-year-old Nigerian big man of National University Nazareth School remains on pace to bag the Most Valuable Player award, leading the statistical points (SP) race by a wide margin.

Akowe, who stands at 6-foot-10 and is in Grade 11, accumulated 101.0 SP, with his averages of 17.71 points, 21.86 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 1.86 assists per game.

He has led the Bullpups to solo second in the standings with a 5-1 record.

In distant second so far is De La SalleZobel’s Kieffer Alas with 91.0 SP. Grade 10 forward Alas, a mythical team member in the 2023 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship, is putting up numbers of 21.43 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.86 assists, and 1.29 steals per contest.

Collins Akowe

Joining the two in the top five are (89.857 SP), University of the Philippines Ateneo High School’s Kristian Porter Integrated School’s Daryl Valdeavilla

(89.714), and University of Santo Tomas’ Andrei Dungo (70.571).

Porter, who is in Grade 12, is averaging 17.71 points, 16.14 rebounds, 2.57 steals, and 1.57 assists per game.

Valdeavilla is norming 26.14 points, 5.71 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game while Dungo, a transferee from San Beda Taytay, is averaging 11.14 points, 8.29 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.14 steals per outing.

Meanwhile, the second round of the league resumes tomorrow (Sunday) at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.

Still perfect Adamson University takes on third-ranked UST to cap the day at 3 p.m.

Prior to the contest, the Bullpups and the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws square off at 1 p.m.

Opening the slate are clashes between DLSZ and UE at 9 a.m. followed by the “Battle of Katipunan” tilt between Ateneo and UPIS at 11 a.m.

4 more track and field athletes seek Olympic qualification

By Peter Atencio DECATHLETE and long jumper Janry Ubas has a big chance of joining the country’s top pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena in the Paris Olympics.

The 30-year-old Ubas is one of four tracksters, who have accumulated enough points in the last 12 months to move up in the World Athletics-supervised Olympic qualification rankings for track and field athletes.

After joining a series of international meets last year, Ubas inched up to within the top 23 list of possible qualifiers to the Olympiad in the men’s long jump.

There are already seven athletes who made qualification in men’s long jump after hitting or surpassing the qualification standard of 8.27 meters, while Ubas is among those who are within the world ranking quota.

Ubas’ participation in 15 local and international events saw his world ranking

move up from 105 at the start of 2023 to 49 in the first week of 2024.

Because of this big leap in points, Ubas’ 1108 points from last year, became 1171 at the end of the first week of Jan. 2024. He is now no. 20 in the Olympic rankings of the men’s long jump.

To firmly claim a spot in the Paris Olympics, Ubas needs to maintain his position or move higher in the next six months.

“Hopefully, we can put at least one or two more athletes in the Olympics. We are looking, and praying, and hoping for Janry Ubas in the long jump,” said Philippine Athletics Track and Field chief Terry Capistrano.

Aside from Ubas, Capistrano is also looking into the progress of three FilHeritage athletes, Lauren Hoffman and Robyn Brown in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, and Spain-based John Cabang in the men’s 110-meter hurdles.

In his last international stint for the

year, Ubas shattered the national record of Henry Dagmil back in 2008 of 7.99 meters, with a leap of 8.08 meters.

Ubas, who is from Balubal in Cagayan de Oro, earned points for the Olympics starting early this year with his stints in the Kazakhstan and the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, to go with meets in Taipei, Bangkok and Finland.

Joining local meets organized by the PATAFA, like the National Open and the Philippine National Games, also allowed Ubas to gain needed points to improve his Olympic rankings.

Hoffman, who is from Haymarket, Virginia, has a world quota ranking of no. 31, three ahead of Robyn Brown (34), who is from Chino Hills, California.

The 22-year-old Cabang has a quota rank of no. 29. Cabang finished fourth place in the Asian Games and broke the Philippine national mark with his 13.53-second showing in the Spanish championships.

Janry Ubas

INTERNATIONAL Master Daniel Quizon remained unbendable at the helm even as Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna stayed on course in setting up a date with destiny as the Philippine National Chess Championship at the Marikina Community Convention Center nears its conclusion.

Quizon, 19, used his pet Benoni as a battering ram in flattening John Jerish Velarde in a 26-move miniature Thursday night that solidified his grip of the top spot with 7.5 points after nine rounds in this 13-round meet presented by Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro and Congresswoman Maan Teodoro.

If he hangs on to the lead up to the end, the World Cup veteran will claim his second triumph in this stage after his conquest three years ago in Lapu Lapu, Cebu, the top purse worth P120,000 and one of the three slots to the national team wading into World Chess Olympiad battle this September in Budapest, Hungary.

Breathing down Quizon’s neck were three others, including Frayna, who drew with IM Paulo Bersamina in 39 moves of a Reti Opening.

Also at No. 2 with 6.5 points each were IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, who turned back GM Joey Antonio in 40 moves of an English duel, and GM John Paul Gomez, a 56-move victor over IM Barlo Nadera of a Torre Attack.

The Army woman from Legazpi City, Albay actually seized solo second after beating Vince Angelo Medina in the eighth round early that day but had to give it up after failing to find any headway in their relatively equal positional battle with Bersamina.

With still four rounds to go, Frayna, however, remained in contention of earning the distinction as the first woman to ever win a national men’s championship as well as the first in her gender to make the men’s Olympiad-bound squad.

At No. 5 with 5.5 points each and also in hot pursuit of tickets to the Olympiad bus were Bersamina, Medina, who pulled the rug from under FM Mark Jay Bacojo in 48 moves of another Benoni, and 14-year-old sensation FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca, who eked out a 61-move draw with GM Darwin Laylo of a Slav Defense.

Abelardo seeks 3rd straight win FILIPINO-KIWI bantamweight MMA fighter Mark “Tyson” Abelardo will look to follow up on his amazing comefrom-behind win when he returns to ONE Championship in less than two weeks at ONE Fight Night 18.

On that day, Abelardo welcomes promising Dagestani Ibrahim Dauev to the promotion’s first show of 2024 on January 13 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Abelardo enters this fight off the back of an impressive comefrom-behind victory over G e o r g y Shahruramazanov at ONE Friday Fights 38 this past October, showcasing the grit, t ou g h n e s s , and power Mark Abelardo that earned him the nickname “Tyson.”

The Fairtex Gym representative twice got into precarious positions after the Russian connected on solid spinning back head kicks – once in the first round and another early in the second.

But Abelardo needed only one opening to connect with a booming left hook that floored Shahruramazanov and finish him with strikes seconds later.

There’s no questioning Abelardo’s skills, power, and entertainment value, but the issue for the exciting slugger has always been consistency.

This time, that could all change.

Another win for Abelardo would be his third straight, the first time he’s racked up three consecutive victories since his days in ONE Warrior Series in 2019.

PROPERTY

B24

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com JOEL D. LACSAMANA, Editor

An oasis called Woodsville Crest R

LC Residences recently collaborated with YouTube architect-influencer Oliver Austria to give his take on the details found in Woodsville Crest’s newest building called Olive.

Known for his insights into architecture and construction, Arch.

Oliver did “fun virtual tour” of Woodsville Crest, and showed his followers the “architect-approved features” of the development: Generous open spaces One of the many features Arch.

Oliver cited in his vlog are the various open and landscaped areas found in Woodsville Crest.

Among the amenities mentioned were the outdoor pools, picnic groves, pet park, play area, and wellness trail. These make Woodsville Crest a relaxing space for urban dwellers seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ceiling gap and earthy material choices Another feature Oliver mentioned in the video is the shadow gap in the

corners of the ceiling, a detail that helps provide perimeter support in the unit.

In terms of colors, Oliver emphasized the importance of materials used and how they affect the overall feel of the development.

Atrium design The atrium design of Woodsville Crest follows an open space concept that also extends to the interiors, while the auxiliary lobby also functions as an efficient divider from the residential units.

Oliver praised the auxiliary lobby’s high ceiling. The hallways on the upper floors overlook the lobby, which provides ventilation and avoids the claustrophobic feeling of enclosed spaces.

Seamless space division through tiles and materials Oliver also zoomed in on the finer details of the auxiliary lobby.

Woodsville Crest used different tiles to create space divisions. This eschews dividers which take up space and are eyesores which work for areas with big spaces.

He also mentioned the plank tiles on the floor that add a point of interest, noting that the marble baseboards included are easier to maintain.

He observed that Woodsville Crest’s units are designed so a wall separates the living space from the kitchen without bulky partitions. At the same time, using a clear partition in the twobedroom unit is a good move as it also

allows natural lighting to come in the living room.

Ergonomic laundry design Laundry can be a headache for condo dwellers because some units have no space for drying clothes. One detail that sets a well-designed unit apart is a dedicated laundry provision a feature not normally offered by other developments especially in the unit’s balcony.

Woodsville Crest not only has a built-in laundry space that maximizes the unit’s ventilation but also a clothesline for units without a balcony.

Those with balconies have a retractable clothesline.

For more information, visit rlcresidences.com.

New leisure haven in Baguio STA. LUCIA Land recently opened SotoGrande Baguio, a hotel project nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the City of Pines.

The facility is being run in partnership with Enderun Hotel, The partnership underscores a mutual commitment to ensuring that guests at SotoGrande Baguio not only meet the highest quality standards for the best hotel experience but also enjoy excellence in every aspect.

This commitment extends beyond

Baguio, as Sta. Lucia Land also launched its latest property, SotoGrande Katipunan, in Quezon City.

The contract signing ceremony saw the presence of prominent figures from Sta. Lucia Land, including president Exequiel Robles, chairman Vicente Santos, and project development head Jayson Robles. The inclusion of SotoGrande Katipunan broadens the diverse offerings under the SotoGrande brand across key locations, including Baguio, Palawan, and now Katipunan.

DAMOSA LAND, PROVENACE GALLERY HOLD ART SHOW.

Damosa Land recently collaborated with Provenance Art Gallery, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, and LBC to host its inaugural art exhibition at the Damosa Diamond Tower. The event featured talented artists from Manila, benefiting the children of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (Davao Chapter) and the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer. The exhibit showcased a fusion of various artistic expression to showcase the beauty of the Philippine art industry. “By bringing together our talented artists from Manila for this special cause, we want to create a memorable experience for our audience and contribute to improving children’s lives,” said Ricardo ‘Cary’ Lagdameo, President of Damosa Land, (shown here with the children and officers of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Davao Chapter.

Trailblazers in real estate CAROUSELL Property Awards recently recognized some of the biggest names in the real estate industry.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) was given special recognition for its condominium properties under the “Development Awards” category.

Bloom Residences was feted for Best Wellness Residential, Gem Residences for Best Integrated Work

from Home Development, Vail Residences won Best Affordable Condominium, Twin Residences, Best Mid-Range Condominium, and Gold Residential – Offices won Best Highend Condominium.

In the same category, Dolmar Land was recognized as Best Affordable Housing for its project Northgrove Hills, and Best Mid-Range Housing for Bella Vista.

PH1 World Developers was awarded Best Green Development and Best Housing Development for its project, North Scapes San Jose Del Monte.

Carousell Property offers over 120,000 sale and rental listings from both developers and direct home owners across almost 500 cities and suburbs across the country.

INVESTMENT HUB WINS ASIA PROPERTY PLUM. Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Economic Estates’ West Cebu Estate recently clinched the title of “Best Industrial Development in Asia” at PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, The recognition shines a spotlight on Balamban, Cebu, establishing it as a global investment hub. Recognized as the shipbuilding capital of the Philippines, the 540-hectare PEZA-registered West Cebu Estate stands as a showcase for world-class shipbuilding companies. The employment of 14,000 Filipinos by these companies is a testament to the skill of the Filipino labor force, attracting investments totaling PHP 36.046 billion over the years. Accepting the award at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (from left) were Ginalyn Casinillo, Head of IBU Operations for West Cebu Estate; Cyndy Tan Jarabata, Chairperson of Philippine Property Awards; and Cyel Auza, Vice President for Cebu Operations of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates.

Shown in photo (from left): SMDC vice president Adelaida E. Cobres; senior assistant vice president for project development Lea B. Rabusa; and project development manager Emmanuel N. Nave with Carousell PH general manager Shine Resurreccion; corporate sales lead Melizza Hernandez; and corporate sales Bernadette Pambuan.

AGRICULTURE Churning success from dairy carabao farming

B3

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

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

Some areas of the family farm are dedicated to rice and corn production

Edgar Manalili (right) and his wife, Laila Garcia Manalili, posing with the carabaos on their farm

The Manalili family works with Brazilian Murrah carabaos and breeds those with high milk production percentage to create more efficient offspring

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

C

ARABAOS are often regarded as gentle giants that can also be reliable farmhands, as these animals are effective in plowing fields to boost soil fertility. But to others, like the Manalili family, carabaos are also profitable.

On their farm in Floridablanca, Pampanga, they raise carabaos to produce liquid gold: carabao milk. Carabao milk is richer in flavor and creamier than cow’s milk due to its higher butterfat content, making it an ideal ingredient for making desserts.

The farm, aptly named Manalili Dairy Farm, is under the management of 57-year-old Edgar Manalili and his wife, Laila Garcia Manalili. Together, they raised their children to embrace the farming life.

Back then, they focused on rice, corn, and vegetable production but already had three native carabaos on the farm. It wasn’t until 2015 that the family decided to switch to a dairy carabao breed to boost their operations and income.

“Nowadays, our farm operations focus on breeding dairy buffaloes and half hectares for rice and corn production,” said JayCee Garcia Manalili, who manages the family farm’s finances for his parents.

He saw how his parents’s efforts in dairy farming provided a financial boon for their family.

In turn, the family held their dairy production business in high regard to maintain their standards in

producing quality products for their market.

The farm applies a “quality over quantity” approach by carefully considering the milk percentage of each carabao for breeding to produce offspring with a better milk production rate. On the other hand, Manalili Dairy Farm is also particular about the number of carabaos they care for on their premises. It helps them provide appropriately for each carabao and manage their resources.

From the three carabaos, Manalili Dairy Farm now cares for 38 dairy buffaloes, with some assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC). One of the breeds they work with is the Brazilian Murrah, known for its milk production capabilities.

Thanks to the Manalilis’ diligence and passion for dairy farming, they harvest around 12 to 15,000 liters of carabao milk annually, which they then sell to the public.

Yet besides the carabaos they care for,

Manalili Dairy Farm only cares for enough carabaos to provide each one with ample food and other resources

the Manalilis are also keen on empowering local farmers from their community. They hope that Manalili Dairy Farm will serve as an inspiration on how other farmers can shift their farm operations into something profitable.

In the meantime, in carabao dairy farming, Manalili advises aspiring farmers to be passionate about what they’re doing. Moreover, he shared that they should consider the dairy carabaos they care for and provide them with food, shelter, and clean environments to ensure their safety and satisfaction.

“One of the first things we do on the farm is prepare the carabaos’ food. We have to make sure it’s enough so they’re healthy and well-fed enough to produce milk,” Manalili said.

Most importantly, Manalili encourages farmers to be strict and hands-on about food production because it’s only proper for consumers to receive top-quality items from local farmers as the public’s trust will be the stepping stone in achieving a profitable farm business.

First-time planters commit to sustained use of RCEF seeds

By Aeron Calang

DA-BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban (left) with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa

DA, BPI partner for health through urban agriculture DEPARTMENT of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. and Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa had initial talks for a prospective partnership between DA and DOH early in December.

In the last days of 2023, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban followed through with Secretary Herbosa to discuss the partnership towards promoting health through urban agriculture.

The DOH has committed to do its part in contributing to food security, one of the main priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. In the proposed partnership, it shall allocate green spaces in its hospitals and facilities, while the DA shall support DOH in its establishment and maintenance.

Green spaces are a means to provide vegetables for healthy food, improve mental health, and build communities. Overall, the partnership aims to promote a synergy between health and agriculture.

The partnership, through the expertise of DA and DOH, will materialize this January 2024. By then, DOH will join the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the DA’s key partner departments.

A TRANSFORMATIVE shift has been observed in Camiguin as first-time planters switched to using certified inbred seeds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Implementers have monitored Eduardo and Aida Jardin, farmers in Mambajao, who have seen significant yield increases from their 0.2-hectare land area.

The Jardins reported more than two tons yield after planting the certified inbred seeds. They praised the variety’s yield, early maturity, uniformity of the standing crop, lesser seeding rate, and higher germination.

“After trying the seeds, recording their yield and

maturity, we decided that we will try it again for more planting seasons to come,” Eduardo shared.

The couple plans to plant NSIC Rc 480, citing positive experiences and insights gained from the short course on pest and nutrient management.

“The training helped us consider planting the seeds, as we are now equipped to address pest Eduardo and Aida Jardin, farmers from Mambajao, control without fear,” Aida emphasized. are now committed to using RCEF seeds Besides RCEF seeds and training, they now after seeing its benefits aspire to maximize program benefits through mechanization. As the RCEF Program continues, consumption. the farmer couple seeks to improve their farming Meanwhile, Camiguin officials affirmed their practices through mechanical transplanters support for the program, pledging to monitor rice and harvesters to lessen labor costs and time production in their areas closely.

San Juan inaugurates demo site for oyster production AS A result of the thriving oyster production in San Juan Batangas, the Samahan ng Magtatalaba ng San Juan, Batangas became the beneficiary of the project that established a technology demonstration site for oyster production.

The said project is under the province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES), where the Provincial Government of Batangas, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, seeks to establish programs and projects that will help maintain the supply of water or fishery commodities in the province.

One of these projects is boosting oyster production

PAFES, through the newly inaugurated techno demo site, aims to boost oyster production in San Juan, Batangas

through the hanging-in-raft method. Currently, the techno demo site has a capacity of 11,000 hanging clutches.

City Administrator Analyn Macaraig Analyn Macaraig, City Agriculturist Felix Leopango, Councilor Roland Enriquez, and Association President Jay Coronel participated in a short program and expressed gratitude for the development.

DA-ATI CALABARZON Center Director Rolando V. Maningas also expressed a message of support. He pointed out that DA-ATI CALABARZON will continue to support this project and look forward to improving the oyster production in San Juan.

Rice farmers begin availing Rice Financial Assistance benefits

The RFFA aims to help rice farmers cope with the increasing cost of production and sustain their productivity

TENS of thousands of rice farmers have availed of the P5,000 unconditional cash assistance pledged by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., with many more expected to withdraw their share of the P12-billion Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program.

As of Dec. 27, 2023, 44,719 farmers tilling two hectares or less have, so far, benefited from the cash assistance earmarked by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for an estimated 2.4 million farmers.

The DA has tapped the Development Bank of the Philippines to distribute the funds. The state-owned bank, in turn,

engaged homegrown fintech firm USSC, formerly RCPI, to use its over 850 stores nationwide as well as ATMs owned by other banks and other non-bank entities under BancNet for the cash grants distribution.

USSC said of the target 2.38 million beneficiaries, a total of 499,381 were enlisted only this year.

Jonathan Relucio, chief of branches at USSC, said they expect more withdrawals before New Year and in the first week of January.

Regions with the highest withdrawals of RFFA grants were CAR, CARAGA, and MIMAROPA.

Marcos approved the P12-billion financial package release to rice farmerbeneficiaries to “help them cope with the increasing cost of production and sustain their productivity even in the face of challenges like the coming El Niño.”

The RFFA is unconditional financial assistance to farmers funded by excess tariff collection from rice importations in 2022 that totals P12 billion. The 2023 RFFA beneficiaries include farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture as of June 30, 2023.

As an unconditional cash grant, beneficiaries can use the amount for daily subsistence and personal needs.

TECH

B4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

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

Add sorting your digital clutter to your New Year’s resolutions T HIS new year, you could have resolved to quit a vice, to learn something new, to manage your finances better and maybe check a couple off your bucket list of places to visit. Cybersecurity company Kaspersky suggests adding another practical and smart resolution to your 2024 list: to protect your precious data by clearing your digital clutter!

Smart, UnionBank reward subscribers with up to P5,000 welcome gift

What is digital clutter?

It’s a by-product of the digital age.

This happens when users of devices create digital documents and files at an unstoppable rate as it is now. Users install way more apps than they use, rarely update them and usually don’t adjust the security/privacy settings of these apps properly. In this situation, users don’t worry about storage limits and become lethargic about reviewing these files and updating the apps.

For example, users typically install 12 Android apps every month but delete only 10 so they actually add two apps to their device every month that are generally left unused and idle.

This means that the digital junk sits on the devices or in the cloud forever. These all amount to what we call digital clutter.

Poor user maintenance of device content also generates a build up of digital clutter.

Kaspersky data shows that in 55% of cases, people regularly revise the contents of their device and delete unused docs and apps. In 32% of cases, people sort their digital clutter occasionally and in 13% of cases, users do not try to delete any docs and apps at all.

A Kaspersky report showed the top five data that’s commonly stored on devices are general photos and videos (90%), photos and videos of travel and personal emails (tied at 89% each), address information/contact information (84%), and personal messages via SMS/IM (79%).

A research that Kaspersky ran with OnePoll in 2019 showed that one’s fridge can show the security risk of this human habit. Two-thirds (66%) of those who have bought the same item to go in their fridge twice by accident have also found it difficult to locate a document or file while at work.

The year 2023 saw at least three ma-

SMART subscribers have one more reason to celebrate the new year as mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) to bring more exclusive rewards to subscribers with their new UnionBank Credit Card.

Under this exciting partnership, qualified Smart Prepaid subscribers will receive a P2,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card, while qualified Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity subscribers will receive a P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Rewards, UnionBank Miles+, or UnionBank Reserve Credit Card.

Eligible subscribers can make the most of this exclusive Welcome Gift as they shop at their favorite stores or their go-to online shopping apps and e-commerce platforms. Smart subscribers can learn more about the perfect UnionBank Credit Card that suits their lifestyle at https://smart.com.ph/ Pages/ubwelcomegift/.

How to redeem your exclusive Welcome Gift from Smart and UnionBank Smart Prepaid subscribers with a new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card may receive their P2,000 Welcome Gift by linking their UnionBank Rewards Credit Card to GigaPay on the Smart App, and then purchasing PowerAll 99 on the Smart App. On the other hand, Smart Postpaid subscribers with a new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card may receive their P5,000 Welcome Gift by simply enrolling their Smart Postpaid account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website.

Aside from this exclusive Welcome Gift, UnionBank Rewards cardholders may also enjoy No Annual Fees Forever with an accumulated spend worth P20,000 within 60 days of card approval.

UnionBank Miles+ and UnionBank Reserve for Smart Infinity members Meanwhile, Smart Infinity members on Plan 3500 may get their P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card by simply enrolling their Smart Infinity account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website.

UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card also gives users a chance to redeem a Welcome Gift of 30,000 neverexpiring miles with an accumulated spend of P40,000 within 60 days of card approval.

In addition, Smart Infinity members on Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 may also receive their P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Reserve Credit Card by simply enrolling their Smart Infinity account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website.

Protect your precious data by clearing your digital clutter. jor cyber incidents in the Philippines that caused fear, anger and frustration among Filipinos. From ransomware attacks to data leaks that compromised massive public data and personal financial information, these threatened not just the government and businesses but especially ordinary people who didn’t think they would be affected until it happened.

“When it comes to cybersecurity, education is the most powerful form of defense.

The more we educate and prepare ourselves, the more likely that we can minimize the risks to our personal data and money,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

“It’s been found that only about 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions due to a lack of personal control, excessive stress and negative emotion. I say start small until it becomes a habit. A few simple changes in the beginning will go a long way towards protecting yourself and your data. Stay committed and most importantly, get help. There are so many resources, tools and people that you can count on for support to help you keep your resolutions,” added Yeo. Kaspersky suggests doing one or more of these tips to become safe digi-

tally this new year: Kiss passwords goodbye. We saw one major improvement in network security in 2022: giants Apple, Google and Microsoft simultaneously introduced passwordless sign-ins. Instead of a password, your device stores a unique cryptographic key for each site. There’s no need to type it in and it’s extremely difficult to steal.

You can read more about this interesting technology here. We recommend switching wherever it’s offered as it will slash the risk of your account being hijacked.

It’s also convenient because you no longer need to think up a password, memorize it and later enter it. Chrome, Edge, and Safari support the technology on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Go disposable. Information leakage remains one of the biggest digital risks for all of us. User data gets stolen from ISPs, insurance companies, delivery services, social networks, and even school databases. The stolen data is then used to perpetrate various scams.

Unfortunately, there’s little we users can do to prevent leaks. But we can ensure there’s less information out there about us, and make it harder to match: that is, comparing the names and

phone numbers in two stolen databases wouldn’t give an attacker any more info on us. We recommend giving minimal information to non-critical services (primarily online stores and commercial digital services) by not specifying your last name or social media accounts, and generally skipping optional fields. And use disposable e-mail addresses and phone numbers as your contact information.

Numerous services provide temporary phone numbers for receiving confirmation texts, as well as one-time email addresses—just google “disposable phone number/e-mail address”. Some paid services of this kind even offer disposable credit card numbers, which makes online shopping even safer.

Get away from toxic social media.

Year after year, we encounter way too many negative events, plus the waves of hate on social media continue to reach new heights. If social media gave you the jitters in 2023, this year it’s time to part company for good. Incidentally, we’ve compiled a list of tips on how to walk away without losing valuable data. That said, some prefer not to quit, but to migrate, for example, to Telegram or Mastodon.

Step into the future of portable excellence with Huawei’s latest products

Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch

HUAWEI has confirmed that it is bringing its latest innovations into the Pacific region, including the Philippines. After a successful launch in Dubai, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch, HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024, and HUAWEI FreeClip are set to redefine the way Filipino consumers work, create, and innovate starting this January 11, 2024.

A Decade-Long Journey of Innovation in Tablet and PC Industry Huawei tablets have emerged as industry leaders, defying the global decline in the tablet market since 2016 by maintaining a commitment to innovation, continuing this on later to other devices such as PCs. While many competitors withdrew from the market, Huawei persisted in research and development, introducing groundbreaking products to enhance consumer experiences. Today, their HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch and HUAWEI MateBook D 16 are frontrunners in the industry.

Initially focusing on entertainment, Huawei shifted

its tablet focus to productivity in response to consumer demands. The MediaPad M6, for example, introduced the App Multiplier, marking the shift from entertainment hubs to productivity tools. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro, with features like Multi-Screen Collaboration, further blurred the lines between tablets, phones, and other devices, boosting efficiency in office work.

The company’s tablets have incorporated practical materials and innovative design. Breakthroughs in hardware, such as improved stylus pressure sensitivity and enhanced connectivity, underscore Huawei’s dedication to cutting-edge technology over its decade-long tablet journey, supported by thousands of technical patents driving industry progress.

Today, Huawei ships over 100 million tablets a year, a testament to their investment and dedication to meeting user needs. This success is also mirrored by their PC products which marry aesthetics with technologies like Super Turbo and HUAWEI Metaline Antenna.

Huawei’s achievements in the PC market are also attributed to the company’s user-centric commitment to excellence across the various facets—ranging from craftsmanship and technologies to ecosystem construction.

This dedication has allowed Huawei to steadily emerge as a leader in the PC industry.

Get ready for HONOR’s toughest smartphone yet

By Eli D. Villagonzalo 5G Network has been the talk of the town since it exploded with the telcos in the Philippines. They have paved the way for 5G cellsites to give their users a whole new ball game. 5G opens a lot of doors and avenues, for content especially in video, gaming, with the use of video conferencing like FB group calls, Zoom, teams and many more apps to choose from.

The barrier of owning a smartphone is cost and phone manufacturers have placed 5G in the pedestal. But are Filipinos ready for 5G smartphones?

HONOR Philippines made it easy and simple for Filipinos to own their very own 5G by launching an array of affordable, practical, but very useful in terms of its camera features, battery power and even durability.

To attest to that, HONOR Philippines

made a debut last year with the HONOR X9 5G—the smartphone that created waves in the Philippine market, literally breaking almost anything and everything, making it the toughest phone launched in January 2023.

Done in Tagaytay City, the HONOR X9a 5G underwent torture—smashing nuts, fruits, thrown and even rolled over by a full-sized Mercedes Benz.

Media, influencers and celebrities personally conducted the durability test of the HONOR X9 5G. HONOR’s top of the flagship series phone, the HONOR Magic5 Pro was launched in June 2023. Named as the flagship of all flagships, this Guinness World record-breaking smartphone seized the #1 position in the DXOMARK Smartphone Display ranking.

Featuring a 6.81-inch LTPO QuadCurved Floating Display with a Novel Dis-

play Luminance Enhancement Technology, the HONOR Magic5 Pro guarantees an immersive viewing experience whether you are browsing, gaming, or reading.

HONOR then launched the Magic V2 in July, dazzling everyone as it is the thinnest and lightest foldable phone in the market today.

The HONOR Magic V2 series is the world’s first mobile phone that has passed the Swiss SGS high-reliability folding quality gold standard certification released in July 2023.

HONOR launched mid-range series with the HONOR 90 5G in Bataan last August 2023. Another record breaking smartphone, with a 200MP Camera with a large storage and battery capacity. For those who made advance pre-orders, they were given a special promo of a JBL bluetooth speaker which made the HONOR and JBL fans place their orders without question.

HONOR Philippines made it easy and simple for Filipinos to own their very own 5G by launching an array of affordable, practical, but very useful in terms of its camera features, battery power and even durability.