Manila Standard - 2024 January 29 - Monday

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PBBM: ‘BP’ no Trojan horse

Marcos says no room for negativism, discord under Bagong Pilipinas

By Vince Lopez and Rio N. Araja

P

RESIDENT Marcos launched his "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines) campaign at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Sunday, calling on Filipinos to reject negativism and those who sow discord and hamper the country’s progress. "We face a complex and changing world. It calls for a united response that would make our nation strong, our economy sound, and our

children’s future secure,” the President said before an estimated crowd of 200,000. Next page

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 349 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024 •

‘BAGONG PILIPINAS’ BEGINS.

President Marcos, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzalez, and other government officials wave flags during the launching of the Bagong Pilipinas at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Sunday, which drew a crowd of over 200,000. Ver Noveno

Duterte, allies lead anti-Charter change forum, prayer rally in Davao LOCAL government officials and supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday gathered to attend a leaders’ forum in Davao Cityahead of a prayer rally against the signature campaign to push for Charter change. At the forum, Davao City Mayor Se-

bastian Duterte expressed his frustration with President Marcos and the government, saying in closing in Cebuano: "If you don't show love and aspiration for the country, better resign." Duterte told supporters at the “Hakbang ng Maisug” forum he blamed Mr.

Marcos for the drug and communist insurgency problems in the region. “Baste” Duterte is the youngest son of the former President, who succeeded his sister, Vice President Sara DuterteCarpio, as Davao’s mayor. According to a MindaNews re-

port, the mayor was visibly upset while delivering his message, cursing about 20 times. He called on the government to use its powers and authority to “fix and handle things which are broken.” Next page

House leaders slam Zubiri for focusing on possible constitutional crisis By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ate President Juan Miguel Zubiri for focusing on a possible constitutional crisis rather than constructive dialogue LEADERS of the House of Repre- over Charter change. sentatives on Sunday slammed Sen“It is disheartening to see the

Senate President jump to the conclusion of a constitutional crisis, instead of embracing the spirit of collaboration put forth by Speaker (Ferdinand Martin) Romualdez.

We need dialogue, not doomsday predictions,” said House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe. Next page

ASEAN TO CALL OUT TENSIONS IN SCS NEWS / A2

PRESIDENT LAUDS DINAGYANG FEST NEWS / A3

UN Rapporteur visits jailed ‘Tacloban 5’ By Rey E. Requejo UNITED Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan visited members of the “Tacloban 5” at the Tacloban City Jail, where they are being held on suspicion of having ties to the New People’s Army (NPA). The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said Khan arrived at the Tacloban City jail on Saturday, Jan. 27. She checked on the condition of Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio, Mariel Alvez Domequil, and Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna. Next page

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ASEAN to call out SCS tensions A During the two days of meetings, the top diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to discuss the South China Sea disputes, the Myanmar crisis, the North Korean threats, and the wars in Ukraine and Israel. While the foreign ministers will avoid mentioning the series alarming incidents between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards last year,they will express concern how the territo-

rial face-offs were putting the safety of people in peril. The statement will likely be issued by the Laotian chair on behalf of the ASEAN ministers on Monday. Laos is this year’s chairman of the 10-country bloc, which also includes the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. The statement on the South China Sea disputes will be issued amid grow-

ing international concern over a series of tense confrontations and incidents last year between the Philippines and China in several highly contentious areas in the South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, which the Philippines calls Ayungin, and Scarborough Shoal, which Filipinos call Bajo de Masinloc. China will not be mentioned in the draft statement. Nor will specific details of the most recent incidents in the contested waters as has been the practice in the past of the conservative ASEAN. The regional grouping relies heavily as a bloc and individually as state members on Beijing for trade and investment, tourism and infrastructure financing. Such advocacy lines like promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes and upholding a rules-based order based on international law, including UNCLOS,

PBBM:...

“It is important that we see and understand the danger that threatens us when we completely surrender our Constitution to the hands of people with personal and political interests,” Duterte said. “Let's take a stand against changing our Constitution through 'money in exchange for signatures for the people's initiative,’” she added. Speaker Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, said he believes “Bagong Pilipinas” is a testament to the President’s commitment to a transformative journey for a better Philippines, where government programs and services are made more accessible to Filipinos. “Unity has always been the bedrock of any successful endeavor, and in the pursuit of a better future for our country, it becomes even more crucial,” he said. “The Bagong Pilipinas campaign is a call to unity, a rallying cry for every Filipino to come together, transcending differences and working hand in hand for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow,” Romualdez said. The Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally coincided with the second day of the 10th installment of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Zambales, where over P500 million worth of government aid and programs were granted to citizens of the province. “Like the BPSF that we implemented

to respond to the call of President Marcos to bring the government closer to the people, the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ shares the same principle: that programs and projects of the government should be made accessible to the people,” Romualdez said. He said that under the new Philippines, President Marcos ensures that the government is here and ready to serve our countrymen. “We, at theHouse of Representatives, will fully support our President in these advocacies,” he said. “President Marcos has underscored the significance of individual resolutions in contributing to the broader goals of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign. Each personal commitment to positive change is avital building block for the collective progress of our nation,” Romualdez noted. “Let us stand united in the pursuit of a Bagong Pilipinas — a Philippines that we can proudly turn over to the generations that will follow,” he added. Also at the rally, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said they will bring services closer to the people. Specifically, he said, his department is embarking on digitalizing services with the help of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). "Payment through the cell phone is

By Rey E. Requejo

SEAN foreign ministers are expected to issue a statement expressing deep concern over the growing tension in the South China Sea, saying it threatens the safety of people, after their two-day meeting in Laos starting on Sunday.

From A1

"Bagong Pilipinas transcends this administration. To those whose overheated imagination has been poisoned by toxic politics, Bagong Pilipinas is no Trojan Horse. It conceals no agenda. It is a program… driven by the love of country,” he said. In an apparent reference to the bitter division over a bid to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative, the President spoke of the “negativity that seems to be enveloping our country, [and] distorting our ability to evolve.” “Still, there are heroes who prove that no matter how great the obstacles, we can grow and win,” the President said in Filipino. "To the selfish ones who try to drag us down… there are exemplaryFilipinos who are proof that there is success if we dream together and act as one.” Vice President Sara Duterte attended the kick-off rally, arriving at the event before 4 p.m. In a statement, she said the Department of Education, which she heads,supports the President’s 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda—but in adiscordant note, she also said she supported those at a prayer rally in Davao City to voice their opposition to Charter change.

Duterte,... From A1

Mayor Duterte also said he was hurt by the way Mr. Marcos used his power for politicking and dramatics, compared to his father who used his to “eliminate insurgency, especially in Davao City.” His speech happened in Davao a few hours before the President, the Vice President, and other government officials led the kickoff of the Bagong Pilipinas program at Rizal Park in Manila (see banner story— Editors). The Vice President said she was one in spirit with the prayer rally organized by various sectors in Davao City against Charter change,specifically the so-called people’s initiative method of gathering signatures from Filipinos to amend the 1987 Constitution. “It’s important to see and understand the danger that lurks the moment we surrender our Constitution at the hands of people with personal and political interests,” she said in a statement. “Let us stand up against the changes to our Constitution through ‘Pera Kapalit ng Pirma para sa People’s Initiative’ (money in exchange for signatures),” the Vice President added. Former President Duterte, who had yet to speak at the forum atpresstime, said earlier this month he sees no need to change the 1987 Constitution. Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte has also come out against

House... From A1

Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said Zubiri’s warning only exacerbates an already contentious situation. “This is a time for dialogue, not escalating tensions,” he said. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Barbers also said the Senate manifesto against the people’s initiative (PI) was “baseless and irrational” and called on senators to “let ordinary Filipinos, not legislators, decide on the ‘Cha-cha’ (Charter change) issue.”

have, however, been repeatedly used by the ASEAN and western nations led by the United States to refer to China and its increasingly assertive behavior in the disputed waters. In a Jan. 17 meeting in Shanghai, the Philippines and China agreed to deescalate tensions in the South China Sea and vowed to improveexisting maritime communication mechanisms to prevent incidents and any miscalculations in the disputed waters that could cause a much bigger conflict. China has continued issuing aggressive statements about the Philippines, including one that said President Marcos should “read more” to learn the facts about Taiwan. The President, who begins a state visit in Vietnam next week, is expected to discuss maritime and regional issues, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

now very important, " he told the crowd at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park. He also related recent linking of the power grids in the Visayas andMindanao, made possible by the faster issuance of permits on the ground. He urged all local executives to bring their services closer to the people. "We are all doing this for our President, for the Bagong Pilipinas,” he said. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. also spoke of their boosted digital transformation to ensure a more effective, efficient and faster transactions of taxpayers. "We want to make them feel that if they go to BIR, no time will be wasted," said Lumagui. "We want their transactions with us easier," he added. He noted that the Bangon Pilipinas offers a new government and a new BIR. He also cited the importance of collecting funds for national development. Some of the crowd said they believed in Marcos, even though they admitted they knew next to nothing about the controversy over Charter change. "If he runs again why not, for as long as he is doing a good job for the country," Manila resident Dennis Ardea, 53, said. "The Dutertes belong to the past. We should go with another (leader)," Ardea added. With AFP

the People's Initiative campaign to amend the Charter and has warned his constituents against "selling" their signatures in exchange for cash or for government aid. Local government officials and supporters of former President Dutertealso gathered to attend a leaders’ forum in Davao City ahead of aprayer rally that will be held against the signature campaign to push for Charter change. Among those who attended the “Hakbang ng Maisug” were former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, former Cabinet Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr., and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, who told GMA News Online that he was invited to be part of the leader’s forum. “I’m here as a Filipino exercising my right to speak freely and oppose any attempt to amend or revise the fundamental law throughunconstitutional means and processes via a fake, despotic, tyrannical, and graft-ridden people’s initiative,” he said. Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) hosts Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz were also present. Badoy and Celiz were both detained and later released from the Houseof Representatives for refusing to disclose who claimed that Speaker Martin Romualdez's travel fund was at P1.8 billion. The forum shed light about transparency and accountability of people’s money, explaining how the national budget is allocated and utilized. With AFP, Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews

NO TO CHA-CHA. Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio speaks at the Davao prayer rally against Charter change organized by allies and officials who served under her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, on Sunday night, hours after her brother, Davao City Mayor Basti Duterte, called on President Marcos to resign. Mayor Duterte photo courtesy Manman Dejeto/MindaNews

Speaking on behalf of some House members who support the PI, Barbers said some senators’ allegations that the goal of PI is to make it easier to revise the Constitution by eliminating the Senate from the equation is an “unfounded and deceptive attribution to the House.” “The manifesto is apparently portraying a demonized image on the supporters of the PI,” the Mindanao solon said. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda also clarified the Speaker's position and the stance of the House on the people’s initiative. “The House recognizes the People's Initiative as a fundamental democratic process that is explicitly citizen-driven and

enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. It is a mechanism that allows Filipinos themselves to directly propose amendments to the constitution, independent of congressional action,” he said in a statement. “Speaker Romualdez, in his statement, expressed support for this democratic exercise, emphasizing its importance in resolving current constitutional debates. It is crucial to understand that this support does not equate to direct participation or control by the House in the People's Initiative process.” “The role of the House of Representatives, as envisioned by Speaker Romualdez, is to encourage public dis-

DepEd training for new K-10 starts this week THE Department of Education (DepEd) said the training of teachers for the start of the phased implementation of the recalibrated Kindergarten to Grade 10 (K-10) curriculum will start this week. DepEd deputy spokesperson Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, in a radio interview, said that the training will be specifically for teachers of learners in Kinder, Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 7—the grade levels where the phased implementation of the revised K-10curriculum will begin in School Year (SY) 2024-2025. Currently, the new MATATAG K-10 curriculum is being piloted in 35 schools nationwide. Five of these schools are in Metro Manila, particularly in Malabon City. Five each are also in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Visayas, Soccsksargen, and Caraga. “We taught the new curriculum to Kinder, Grades 1, 4, and 7. The curriculum also underwent research on how we could implement it better and seamlessly this coming school year nationwide for all public schools and private schools,” Bringas said. President Marcos earlier said the Department of Education (DepEd) will pilot-test the new K-to-10 curriculum in at least 35 schools acrossseven regions in the country to decongest the current K-to-12 curriculum. The President’s statements came during DepEd's Basic Education Report(BER) presented by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio on Thursday. “We are decongesting the curriculum with a focus on the development of foundational skills. I’m happy that the DepEd is piloting a newK-to-10 curriculum in 35 schools across the region,” President Marcos said. The K-to-10 curriculum will be tested in public elementary schools inthe provinces of Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Visayas, Central Mindanao, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), National Capital Region (NCR), and Caraga. President Marcos commended DepEd for its accomplishments amid diverse challenges. He expressed his satisfaction with the country's education sector, emphasizing that the milestones it achieved thus far deserved congratulations. He acknowledged the Vice President’s stewardship of the largest agency with the most extensive constituency and a challenging mandate. President Marcos extended his gratitude, saying, "Daghang salamat" (‘Many thanks’ in Cebuano).

UN... From A1

course and awareness regarding constitutional amendments, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and engaged in the democratic processes that shape the nation,” Salceda added. He added that the people's initiative “is a process for the people, by the people.” “It embodies the sovereign will of the Filipino citizens, offering a direct avenue for them to express their desires and aspirations for constitutional reform. The House of Representatives respects this process and believes in the capacity of the Filipino people to decide the best course for the nation's constitutional future,” Salceda said.

Cumpio, who is allegedly the secretary of the Regional White Area Committee of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, and four other suspected communist rebels were arrested in February 2020. They were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives after the military said they found two hand grenades, two .45 caliberpistols, ammunition, a flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and P567,000 in cash when they were presented with a search warrant. Khan arrived in the Philippines last Jan. 22 and will be in thecountry until Feb. 2 to assess the current state of rights to freedom of opinion and expression. Aside from Tacloban, Khan is scheduled to visit Metro Manila, Baguio City, and Cebu City for dialogues, focusing on the exploration of legal and policy frameworks in connection with the safety of journalists and their sources, media freedom, access to information, and hate speech, among others. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) meanwhile expressed gratitude to Khan for visiting Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguna. In a tweet, Khan said, "We are only int’l visitors so far allowed by Philippines govt to visit them! Arrested in Feb 2020, trial still dragging on. How long should they wait to be free?" In a statement, the NUJP said that the three should not wait any minute longer to be free. They are victims of fabricated charges and the evidence against them was planted, and the testimonies against them falsified, the NUJP said.

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JIL GATHERING.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, along with Senators Imee Marcos, Pia Cayetano, and Grace Poe participate in the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide Vision Casting 2024 at Camp Praise Valley in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Lino Santos

India to deliver cruise missiles to PH soon, envoy says By Rey E. Requejo

Dinagyang Festival a reminder of unique Pinoy culture—PBBM P RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday reminded devotees of Señor Sto. Niño celebrating the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo to lead in preserving, protecting, and promoting Filipino identity.

“Let the Dinagyang Festival serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve, protect, and promote our identity in these changing times,” the President said in his message. Mr. Marcos said through such collective effort, Filipinos can ensure the continuity of the distinct way of life in the country. “It is through this collective effort that we ensure the continuity of the distinct

way of life that binds us as one nation moving ever forward towards a brighter future,” he said. President Marcos said the Dinagyang Festival “showcases the vibrancy of lloilo and the profound sense of unity and pride that defines its proud and resilient people.” The collective effort of Filipinos via the festival can ensure the continuity of the distinct way of life in the country, he said.

“The Dinagyang Festival is a reflection of the rich and colorful mosaic that make up all our indigenous groups, including the brave and enduring Ati people whom we also honor today,” he said. Held annually every fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City to honor the Sto. Niño, the Dinagyang Festival is celebrated with a procession, float parade, and performances by various tribes. The Philippine National Police deployed over 2,500 police personnel to ensure a peaceful celebration. The 2024 Dinagyang Festival is a venue for Iloilo to showcase other major festivals, highlighting its claim as the festival capital of the Philippines.

Eric Divinagracia, artistic director of the festival, said the tribes’ competition on Jan. 28 will be seeing the performances not only of school-based participants but also special performances on the Chinese New Year, Paraw Regatta, and Bike Festival. “There are special performances highlighting that Iloilo City and Iloilo province [as a whole] is a festival capital of the Philippines,” he said on Tuesday. Based on the final schedule released by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., the Chinese New Year presentation will come after the Tribu Taga Barrio and Tribu Mandurriao at the Freedom Grandstand. Vince Lopez

Solon says PH nursing grads spent P405m for US license By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Rep. Marvin Rillo said Sunday a record 36,410 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates from the Philippines spent P405 million to take a licensure examination in the US in 2023. In a statement, Rillo said this is nearly double the 18,617 Philippine-educated nurses who took the US licensure test in 2022, excluding repeaters. The vice chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education indicated he is bothered by this development, considering its potential impact on the local healthcare sector. Rillo, therefore, urged Congress to take strong actions that would help retain Filipino nurses in the country. He said the country’s healthcare industry is already reeling from a shortage of

nursing practitioners due in part to overseas migration. “We must increase the base pay of our public nurses who are now being ‘pirated’ aggressively by hospitals in America and other countries,” the lawmaker said. Rillo is advocating for the passage of his bill seeking to increase by 75 percent the starting base pay of public nurses in a bid to dissuade some of them from seeking greener pastures abroad. Under House Bill No. 5276, the starting pay of nurses employed by the government would be bumped up to P63,997 per month from the current rate of P36,619. “We have received reports that many local governments in the provinces are unable to upgrade their hospitals simply because they lack nursing service staff,” Rillo said.

PNP to public: Be careful on socmed posts

SITE VISIT. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. conducted a site visit and consultation with highland vegetable stakeholders at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) on Jan. 26. He also awarded P115.46 million worth of agri-fishery assistance to Cordillera farmers. Jay Morales DA-OSecFran

Gatchalian bats for measure to enhance early education program By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the passage of a measure to improve the quality and delivery of early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs. “The ECCD is the foundation of education of our youth,” he said. Gatchalian said the shortage of teachers and facilities is also a growing concern, and that to avert an education crisis, the government should be firm on its programs for ECCD. Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate

Committee on Basic Education and Early Childhood Education said his proposed Alignment Act (Senate Bill No. 2029) seeks to align ECCD programs with the country’s basic education curriculum. It also seeks to make local government units (LGUs) more accountable on the implementation of ECCD programs Gatchalian cited that the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (EDCOM II) report confirms a prevailing “education crisis.” The EDCOM II’s report titled “Miseducation: The Failed System of Philippine Education” enumerated

different challenges hounding the country’s ECCD system. According to data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the ECCD Council, only 36 percent or 15,207 out of 42,027 barangays in the country have at least one child development center (CDC) per daycare. The Barangay-Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act of 1990 (Republic Act No. 6972) requires each province, city, or municipality to establish a day care center in every barangay. The EDCOM II report also found

Bataan exec proposes ‘indigenous tourism’ plan By Butch Guni BATAAN First District Board Member Tony Roman is proposing an ordinance at the Provincial Board amending the Tourism Code of Bataan to include “indigenous tourism.” Roman said the diverse indigenous communities with rich cultural heritages such as the Ambala and Magbukon Aeta communities in the province can be promoted for tourism. “There exists an opportunity

to promote sustainable tourism that honors and preserves these indigenous culture”, he pointed out. He said the genuine participation and involvement of these indigenous communities in the tourism industry will not only empower their cultural identity but will also generate economic opportunities for them. Roman also said indigenous tourism preserves and revitalizes cultures, enabling the transmission of traditional knowledge and practices

INDIA will soon deliver BrahMos cruise missiles to the Philippines as part of the purchase agreement signed during the Duterte administration, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said “We are working toward the earliest possible arrival; I don’t have a timeline at this moment, but it’s going to be soon,” Kumaran said in his speech during India’s Republic Day Celebration. In January 2022, the Duterte administration through then-Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed a contract for the acquisition of a shorebased anti-ship missile system worth P18.9 billion. Lorenzana then believed that the ‘’BrahMos missiles will provide deterrence against any attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.” During his speech, Kumaran reiterated his country’s support for the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea issue. “India stands shoulder to shoulder with our Filipino friends in working towards a shared objective of a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific. We have and will continue to support each other in multilateral forums. We reject coercion and intimidation,” he declared. According to him, INS Kadmatt, one of the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare corvettes, is ready to help the country’s defense modernization program to improve the Philippines’ maritime defense capability. India is also willing to conduct joint patrols with the Philippine Navy and other countries, he said. ‘’We have extensive training cooperation. We would like to see joint exercises between our navies. We hope that can happen soon,’’ Kumaran added.

to future generations. Roman said an Indigenous Heritage and Tourism Promotion Subcommittee will be created under the Tourism Planning Committee of the provincial government of Bataan. Board Member Popoy Del Rosario, chairman of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism and Indigenous People Bataan Representative and ex officio Board Member Sonny Magay jointly authored the proposed ordinance.

that most daycare teachers and workers are aging and lack training in early childhood education (ECE). While 52% of these daycare teachers and workers have a college degree and 17% have a high school diploma, only few of them have trained in ECCD. Since 2005, there have only been 3,993 ECE graduates or about 80 annually from the 224 higher education institutions offering the program. The report further found that 89% of child development teachers and workers hold nonpermanent positions and receive an average of P5,000 per month.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday reiterated its call to the public to be careful when posting or sharing information on social media. The call comes after the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group nabbed 143 individuals since the start of the year, including popular vloggers. “The triumph in warrant service is credited to a meticulous investigation which significantly heightened the possibility of locating the suspect. Additionally, the seamless collaboration among various agencies plays a vital role in ensuring the successful execution of the warrant,” PNP-ACG director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said in a news release. He said netizens should be responsible about posting on social media. Otherwise, there are legal consequences. “Think before posting, respect other’s privacy, educate yourself on online laws, seek legal advice if unsure, and continue to contribute to a positive online culture,” Hernia said. The Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) and local carriers meanwhile have agreed to intensify measures to prevent bomb joke incidents in airports. There were eight incidents of bomb jokes in 2023, and the AVSEGROUP has so far logged three incidents in 2024. These happened in different airports, check-in counters, hold baggage areas, and inside the aircraft.

VULNERABLE.

Two street boys sleep on the pavement of the LRT1 station along Edsa in Caloocan City. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the expansion of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s ‘Pag-abot Program’ for vulnerable street dwellers. Manny Palmero

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Groups say WTE process expensive, more toxic INTERNATIONAL environmentalists warn against converting wastes into electricity, saying the process is not only more expensive but also more toxic than traditional methods of power generation. According to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), “Incineration, in particular, stands out as one of the most environmentally harmful and costly waste disposal methods.” “The industry greenwashes incineration as ‘waste-to-energy’ (WTE) despite generating minimal amounts of usable energy,” the GAIA said. Incineration thus far is the only known method to convert waste to energy. The group said the incineration industry is “exploiting and milking the falsehood of WTE” to “access billions of dollars in federal, state, and local green, renewable, and sustainable energy subsidies and tax breaks.” “Incinerators are dirtier than the rest of the energy sources. They emit 3.8 times as much greenhouse gases,” the group added. GAIA also said incinerators transform waste into toxic ash which worsens air and water pollution, and harder to contain. Usually, the ash generated by WTE is more toxic than the waste that was burned to produce electricity, the GAIA said. “This toxic ash causes harm to human health, increasing asthma risks, reduced lung function and greater hospital admission,” it added. “In addition, incinerators are costly to build and run, wasting billions of taxpayer money that could go into real zero waste solutions,” it said. Another group, Zero Waste Asia, said WTE was neither a “just” nor “transitional” source of power. The group called for stoppage of international funding for WTE projects.

SPEAKER ADDRESSES DINAGAYANG FESTIVAL. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez addresses the participants and spectators of this year’s Dinagyang

Festival which draws to a close Sunday in Iloilo City. Romualdez also greets Senators Francis Tolentino, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., and Lito Lapid who likewise did not want to miss out on the Dinagyang. Ver Noveno

4k Zambales students receive state educational assistance By Rio N. Araja

A

T least 4,000 students in Zambales have received financial aid and scholarships under the trailblazing social service program Integrated Scholarships and Incentives Program (ISIP) for the youth as enunciated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. At the same time, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was rolled out over the weekend in Zambales, involving P500 million in cash aid, livelihood packages, scholarships, and several other government programs targeting some 80,000 people in

AFP chief lauds ‘neutralization’ of suspects in Marawi bombing By Vince Lopez ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen.Romeo Brawner Jr. has cited the “successful neutralization” of nine members of a Muslim terrorist group. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines commends the exceptional dedication of the 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, for their successful counter-terrorism operation in Barangay Tapurog, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, on January 25 and 26, 2024,” Brawner said in a statement. “This operation resulted in the neutralization of 9 members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Lanao and the capture of 9 highpowered firearms and two (2) Improvised Explosive Device (IED).” he added. “The precision and unwavering dedi-

cation exhibited in this operation, particularly in targeting the perpetrators of the Mindanao State University bombing on December 3, 2023, deliver swift and decisive justice for the victims of the despicable attack,” Brawner said. He also said the military operation was a “clear precedent of the AFP’s mandate of serving the people and securing the state from all forms of terrorist and unlawful acts of the people wishing to do harm to the Filipinos.” “This operation sets a clear precedent: the AFP will not tolerate those who endanger the lives and well-being of our people,” he stressed. “The remaining few will face our full force and unshakeable resolve in bringing every single responsible individual to account,” the AFP chief said.

the province. The ISIP program was an initiative of the Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in partnership with concerned government departments as part of the President’s dedication to boost the education sector, aims to assist disadvan-

four lawyers are involved in the processing of the applications (for 9G visas), that is why our investigation is initially focused on them),” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a dzBB interview. “But maybe the list may be expanded depending on the outcome of the probe covering visa issuance over the past five years,” Sandoval said. She said results of the investigation may be revealed by the end of January. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formed a task force to investigate the Immigration lawyers who may be connected to the irregularity.

UN EXEC VISITS JAILED JOURNALIST, ACTIVISTS. UN

Special Rapporteur on Free Expression and Opinion Irene Khan (second from left) visits detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights defenders Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna at Tacloban City Jail. (see related story on A1)

Each of the 4,000 students in Zambales will receive P2,000 in financial assistance from the DSWD. The beneficiaries, to be enrolled under the Commission on Higher Education’s Tulong Dunong Program, would get scholarship subsidies of up to P15,000 per year. “We do this so our children can reach for their dreams, graduate and become productive members of our communities, more than capable of contributing to nation-building. Ito ang hangarin ng ating Pangulo, at ito rin ang aming pangarap para sa ating mga kabataan (This is the objective of the President, and it is also our vision for the youth,” Romualdez said.

TRIBES PUT BEST FOOT FORWARD. Participants of the Dinagyang 2024 Tribes Competition try to outdo the competition at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand along Muelle Loney, during Sunday’s culmination of the affair. Norman Cruz

BI set to broaden probe on employment visa mess THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is poised to intensify and expand its probe on the irregular issuance of employment visas (9G) to dubious corporations to unearth the possible involvement of more personnel of the agency. Four immigration lawyers allegedly linked to the anomaly have been relieved pending completion of the investigation. The 9G visa is required of foreign nationals seeking to work in the Philippines. “Itong apat na ito na abogado ang recurring na mga nag-proseso nu’ng mga applications na ‘yun. Kaya ang focus natin initially is with these lawyers (These

taged students. It was launched on Saturday at the SMX Convention Center in Olongapo City. “We are rolling out this program to give life to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to help qualified Filipino students who are financially incapable of paying for quality education. Last year, we launched it in Iloilo. We are now focused in Zambales,” Romualdez said. The program targets impoverished tertiary and vocational students who will receive financial assistance every six months through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to cover tuition and other educational expenses.

In December 2023, Sandoval said the bureau found out that 459 approved applications came from fake companies. The foreigners involved were subsequently blacklisted by the BI. Sandoval said most of these 459 foreign nationals who were issued visas were already out of the Philippines. She said the BI initiated deportation proceedings against those who are still in the country but were ordered to leave due to the cancellation of their visas. Those who refuse to voluntarily leave would be subjected to deportation proceedings.

BI’s 2023 revenue collections surpass previous year’s figure by 23.6 percent By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has recorded a 23.6-percent increase last year in revenues from tourist visa extensions. BI tourist visa section chief Raymond Remigio reported that the agency registered total revenue collections of P 1,426,076,164 for 2023, a major improvement over the previous year. Remigio attributed the growth to the “revived interest in international travel following the pandemic.”

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the data reflected the BI’s efforts to make compliance with regulations easier by opening new offices and setting up their online services for the convenience of the public. “We are one with the Department of Tourism in their campaign to reinvigorate international travel and tourism in the country,” Tansingco said. “Faster and easier immigration service is our contribution to the national government’s efforts,” he added.

Solon exhorts DA to implement stricter monitoring of agri products AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee on Sunday said the Department of Agriculture (DA) must implement a more comprehensive supply monitoring of agricultural products to avoid fluctuating prices of farm products. Lee was reacting to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s order on the suspension of onion imports in a bid to control declining prices. “If last year, our problem was the high prices of onions, now our problem is, the price of onions is very much cheap,” he said.

“We pity our local farmers because they are losing so much. The government should intensify supply monitoring,” he said. According to the Department of Agriculture, farm gate prices of onion have fallen to P50 to P70 per kilo due to the increased supply. Prices could further drop next month when more onions are harvested. Such is a complete opposite to the situation in December 2022 when onion prices skyrocketed to a record high P720 a kilo due to dwindling supply.

“Come to think of it, the DA is the one telling other areas in Nueva Ecija that prices of onions have dropped to P20 per kilo. Let us not wait for our farmers to throw away their harvest to cut their losses because it would be cheaper for them to do so,” Lee said. Nueva Ecija produces 97 percent of onions in Luzon which accounts for 65 percent to the country’s onion supply. “To be a winner, monitoring and projection must be systematic, especially that we have El Niño,” Lee said. Rio N. Araja

B1

OPINION

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

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

So I See

Lito Banayo

EDITORIAL

Compromise THE Senate, as presently composed, is wary of an existential threat if the 1987 Constitution is revised. Instead, it wants purely economic amendments to be on the table. It has presented a compromise: let both houses of Congress pass the amendments to the economic provisions voting separately as in ordinary legislation. But clearly, the House demurs. Meanwhile, the Comelec has been validating a million or so signatures to a PI – People’s Intiatrive – that was clearly collected in stealth. Na “eat-bulaga” ang Senado. Chairman George Garcia and his registrars have a ministerial duty unless the PI is declared illegal by the high tribunal. The members of the “august” body who are elected at large by the entire nation recoil at being treated as ‘mere’ members, and insist on voting separately. Meanwhile, Malacanang has been eerily silent, pretending to be clueless, while watching the spectacle.

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Speaker Martin would carry Region 8 handsdown if he chooses to run for a new Senate, and for once, CAR and Caraga will have an elected member in that Senate

But, as I have kept repeating in this space, things like these do not happen unless Malacanang has tacit approval. The only way to solve the seeming impasse is for Malacanang to step in and broker a compromise. And it can demonstrate its political will by doing so; damning the ‘torpedoes’ from the usual naysayers whose main argument is “you cannot trust Congress,” despite the fact that its members were elected by the ‘sovereign’ people, or by somebody like a former CJ Davide who hilariously declares the present Charter as “the best.” And what is a compromise that the naysayers cannot argue against? A Constitutional Commission whose members are elected by the people! Who can defy the will of the electorate in choosing who should represent them in a body that will change the “kaluluwa ng bayan” (as described by Sen. Joel Villanueva), especially one that has been crafted by a body of 50 minus 1 or 2, selected while we were under a “revolutionary govern-

ment”? We need not be hamstrung by the forthcoming mid-term elections which can proceed as scheduled, to be circumscribed only by the provisions of the revised Charter when it is ratified beyond 2025. And so that we do not have an unwieldy composition of some 250 to 300 members similar to the House of Representatives, let us have a common ground: elect members of the Commission by the 17 administrative regions. Assuming each region is to be given equal weight, we can elect 3 Con-Con delegates per, for a total of 51, almost as big as President Cory’s selected membership in 1986. Or if our legislators prefer a proportionately representative body, with at least one for the smaller regions, like CAR, Mimaropa and Caraga, with more for bigger regions like Calabarzon, NCR and Central Luzon, we would have a Con-Con of a tad more than 60 members. After its ratification, the new Charter takes effect in 2028, with present term limits of the president and vice-president respected. To dispel doubts that the current leadership wants to prolong his stay in Malacanang, President Marcos Jr. can make a solemn declaration that he will not seek office beyond 2028, whether the new Charter calls for a presidential, parliamentary or quasi-parliamentary form similar to France. With the pervasiveness of social media, ordinary citizens can have their voices heard even while the Con-Con deliberates. This writer has long been proposing changes such as a presidential two-party system with tandem voting for all executive positions; a regionally elected Senate; district-elected congressmen, with the abolition or strictly limited definition of partylist representation; as well as the abolition of elected councilors and provincial board members, replaced by municipal or component city mayors, and barangay chairmen as the case may be. Senators of the Republic after all come from some region or another: Senadora Imee will always win in Region 1; Sen. Bong Go and Bato should win easily in Region 11; and the only problem would perhaps be in NCR, though surely our senators could choose to represent a region, such as Senadora Loren Legarda who once represented Antique in Region 6. Speaker Martin would carry Region 8 hands-down if he chooses to run for a new Senate, and for once, CAR and Caraga will have an elected member in that Senate. Explained properly to the people, I am confident they will approve of this compromise. As for the “urgent” economic provisions, why, even Vietnam where land belongs to the State and is only leased to foreigners, is beating us hands-down in luring foreign investments.

Citizen Barok

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Romualdez faces Senate’s opposition SPEAKER Martin Romualdez stared down the shadows of the Senate’s “toxic rhetoric” with a chilling resolve, his words echoing through the dimly lit corridors of power. In this political horror show, the House of Representatives took center stage, revealing a plot riddled with murky intrigues and twisted priorities. Romualdez, the protagonist in this grim tale, stood against the Senate’s accusations, challenging them to focus on their legislative duties rather than casting shadows over the People’s Initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution. The haunted whispers of Senator Imee Marcos accused him of defying President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s wishes, adding a layer of familial betrayal to the unfolding drama. As Romualdez unveiled the completion of the House’s assignments, a flicker of urgency danced in the shadows, emphasizing the Senate’s sluggishness in approving critical legislations. The Senate, a reluctant antagonist in this narrative, found itself entangled in its own web of political intrigue, failing to keep pace with the House. In this ominous atmosphere, Romualdez’s dismissal of Senator Marcos’ claim of a P20 million incentive offered to districts supporting the People’s Initiative seemed to be a mere plot twist.

The Senate’s corridors resonated with rumors, each dark corner concealing secrets and lies. Romualdez, like a master narrator, rejected these speculations, leaving the truth obscured in the shadows.

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Citizens must actively engage in the democratic process, appreciating leaders like Romualdez who stand against the shadows

The House leader’s letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, extending an olive branch despite the Senate’s venomous rhetoric, cast a dim light on the fragile alliance between the two chambers. The promise to adopt Senate Resolution of Both Houses 6 became a flickering candle in the drafty halls of political intrigue,

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Accessible health care

T

ties lacking healthcare facilities. The basic idea is to decongest regional hospitals where there are long lines of patients.

HE 1987 Constitution mandates the government to protect the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

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If all goes according to plan, this will definitely be good news for 28 million poor Filipinos whose right to health is guaranteed by our Constitution

Towards this end, health authorities should adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development that would make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost, with priority given for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. That’s the ideal situation contemplated by our fundamental law 27 years ago. But a big step forward in realizing the right to health of all Filipinos is the plan of the Department of Health to build 28 primary care facilities nationwide. This is designed to make health care more accessible, especially to 28 million poor Filipinos, the agency said. The National Ambulatory and Urgent Care Facilities or health hubs would be spread out in strategic parts of the country to be able to reach communi-

The health hubs will be built in provinces lacking hospitals, particularly within the compound of state colleges and universities with medical schools. The planned health facilities will be patterned after the outpatient department of the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, which serves 3,000 to 5,000 patients a day. These facilities would have complete

services such as family medicine, OB surgery medicine, orthopedics, endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scan, X-ray and laboratory, and even same-day surgery. These would also have a pharmacy where free medicine could be provided to indigent patients. The establishment of these facilities will also help the DOH achieve its eight “priority goals” for 2024, which are tied to primary care: immunization; nutrition; maternal health; tuberculosis; road safety; prevention of noncommunicable diseases with a focus on hypertension and diabetes; cancer; and the digitalization of the health sector. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. or PhilHealth will prepare the primary care benefits package for these facilities. Under the Universal Health Care Act, all Filipinos are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program, which PhilHealth implements. Hence, the agency will pay the consultation fees, medicines and medical procedures of its members. If all goes according to plan, this will definitely be good news for 28 million poor Filipinos whose right to health is guaranteed by our Constitution.

IT’S been over a year since the Supreme Court concluded the oral arguments on the Constitutionality of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) raised from injunctions filed by four transport groups and other parties. The NCAP, a legitimate Public Private Partnership project implemented by LGUs to enforce road discipline and stop corruption among traffic enforcers through a network of CCTVs that recorded violations 24 by 7, has been suspended since the SC issued a TRO in August 2022. The big irony is the petitioners are actually traffic violators that have been caught by the NCAP technology that were able to raise legal issues that merited a TRO from the SC. These groups are actually guilty of violating traffic rules, causing traffic jams, and exposing the commuting public to safety risks. When headlines broke out that Metro Manila being ranked as having the “worst traffic” among all the megalopolises of the planet, it just confirmed the daily hardship that millions of people have to endure as a costly and unproductive reality that has remained an undelivered promise of many administrations. Several studies were actually cited in varied news reports, but the findings all validate the fact that traffic has gotten worse than pre-pandemic times. I myself can attest to this as my workplace is less than seven kilometers from home but a one way rush hour trip will typically take one to an hour-and-a-half or about a total of three hours from my workday. A bicycle ride can cover that same route in 15 to 20 minutes. During abnormally light traffic, it’s just an eight minute drive. Road and Mass transportation infra-

Try to imagine (approximate numbers) 1.7 million motorcycles, 1.6 million cars, 125 thousand taxis, 101 thousand public utility jeepneys, 75 thousand trucks, 34 thousand utility vehicles, 23 thousand utility buses, 21 thousand tricycles, and 20 thousand trailers, all jostling for space in the congested streets of the metropolis. The long term solution is a well-integrated and modernized mass transportation system and infrastructure, but while we are still dreaming for this to happen, people and businesses will be forced to purchase

vehicles for daily transport which means even more traffic. 2023 data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association’s reported joint sales reaching 429,807 units which is a surge of 21.9 percent from 2022. While we wait and hope that this government’s transportation infrastructure projects and ongoing initiatives to upgrade the public transportation system will gradually gain momentum, what can we do? Given the current limitations of Metro Manila’s road and public transportation network, the only thing we can do is to have both self-imposed and enforced road discipline to keep order amidst the congestion. My favorite illustration is how flowing traffic of a two- or one-way road is instantly jammed by one PUV stopping in the middle of the lane to pick up or disembark passengers even when there’s a designated stop or shoulder available. Every motorist constantly encounters reckless drivers disregarding traffic rules and courtesies resulting in more chaos, delays and jeopardizing the safety of all persons on the road. Add to that the sad practice of bribing traffic enforcers to escape the penalties of traffic violations. Data from LGUs showed how effective NCAP has been. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte stated in news reports that traffic violations were significantly reduced in the NCAP monitored areas by 75 percent. The City of Parañaque’s records (20182022) revealed an 84 percent drop in traffic offenses. In Valenzuela, Mayor Wes Gatchalian was quoted reporting 200,000 traffic violators apprehended in 2019. The certainty of being caught on camera and high fines works for the Filipino driver psyche. A Pulse Asia Survey commissioned by Stratbase, showed that 8 out of 10 of nationwide respondents approve of the implementation of NCAP and majority also agree that “NCAP will be effective in achieving its objective of disciplining motorists to improve road safety.” The case is clear for NCAP to be back online ASAP.

threatening to be extinguished by the cold winds of discord. In this narrative, Romualdez emerged not just as a character but as a symbol of leadership in the face of darkness. His plea for unity and collaboration, akin to the desperate cries of a protagonist rallying allies against a common foe, reverberated through the haunted chambers of power. Yet, the Senate, blinded by its own ambitions, seemed oblivious to the impending doom. The Senate’s rejection of the People’s Initiative for Charter change introduced a chilling twist to the narrative. Champions of democracy suddenly confronted a warped adversary aiming to distort the role of the Senate in Constitutional amendments. Nevertheless, the People’s Initiative explicitly outlines that the Senate and the

House must vote jointly, not separately, when functioning as a constituent assembly. This crucial amendment erases any ambiguity in the roles of the Senate and the House during the amendment process, a stark departure from the vagueness found in the 1987 Constitution. The plot intensified as senators jeopardized the democratic checks and balances, casting a shadow of genuine horror over the nation. As Filipinos, we find ourselves in the midst of a political thriller where Romualdez’s industriousness and leadership shine like a beacon in the dark. His commitment to upholding the people’s right to propose amendments to the Constitution becomes a flicker of hope in the gloomy narrative. The recommendations for a more produc-

tive legislative landscape, akin to the protagonist’s survival guide in an intricate novel, include a renewed focus on essential legislative matters, avoiding personal attacks that echo through the haunted halls, and fostering open communication between the Senate and the House. Citizens, like characters in a horror novel, must actively engage in the democratic process, appreciating leaders like Romualdez who stand against the shadows. In this chilling tale of political intrigue, Speaker Martin Romualdez stands as a beacon, navigating the dimly lit corridors with resilience that we admire in our main protagonist. The Senate, entangled in its own web of shadows, must reevaluate its priorities, unraveling the dark plot to ensure the survival of the democratic narrative for the Filipino people.

Open Thoughts Orlando Oxales

The NCAP pending SC case

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

structure could not keep up with the growing number of vehicles in Metro Manila which, according to Statista’s 2024 data, has a total daily traffic volume of approximately 3.5 million vehicles.

—“—

Every motorist constantly encounters reckless drivers disregarding traffic rules and courtesies resulting in more chaos, delays and jeopardizing the safety of all persons on the road

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

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

B2

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

North Korea fires several cruise missiles—Seoul SEOUL—North Korea fired several cruise missiles on Sunday, Seoul’s military said, the latest in a series of tension-raising moves by the nuclear-armed state. The launch comes just days after Pyongyang fired multiple cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea, which it said was a first test of a new generation of strategic cruise missiles. Pyongyang has accelerated weapons testing in the new year, including tests of what it called an “underwater nuclear weapon system” and a solid-fueled hypersonic ballistic missile. “Our military detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near waters around North Korea’s Sinpo area at 8:00 am today,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The JCS said the launch was under analysis by South Korean and US intelligence authorities, adding it was “closely monitoring North Korea’s additional movements and activities.” Unlike their ballistic counterparts, the testing of cruise missiles is not banned

under current UN sanctions against Pyongyang. Cruise missiles tend to be jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude than more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept. On Thursday, North Korea said it had carried out its first test of a new generation of strategic cruise missiles it is developing, the Pulhwasal-3-31 a day earlier. The test was “a process of constant updating of the weapon system and a regular and obligatory activity,” the state news agency KCNA said. It did not specify how many missiles were fired. “The test-fire had no impact on the security of neighboring countries and has nothing to do with the regional situation,” the agency said. Recent months have seen a sharp deterioration in ties between the two Koreas, with both sides jettisoning key tension-reducing agreements, ramping up frontier security, and conducting live-fire drills along the border. AFP

AIR POLLUTION. Bogota’s firefighters and citizens combat a forest fire at El Cable hill in Bogotá, on Sunday. Some 40 nature parks, ecological trails, and viewpoints in Bogotá have been closed to the public due to air pollution caused by fires, the Colombian capital’s mayor’s office said. AFP

UN agency in Gaza under pressure over Oct. 7 involvement accusations J ERUSALEM—The UN agency for Palestinian refugees was under pressure after staff members were accused of participating in the Oct. 7 attacks, while fighting in Gaza sent more people fleeing south towards the Egyptian border. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, to quit over the deepening row and several countries suspended funding. The agency said on Friday it had fired several employees over Israel’s unspec-

ified accusations and promised a thorough investigation. “Mr Lazzarini please resign,” Katz said on social media platform X late on Saturday in response to a post by the UNRWA chief warning that the funding cuts meant the agency’s operation in Gaza was close to collapse.

Katz said earlier that UNRWA “must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development” in the rebuilding of Gaza after the territory’s bloodiest war. Donors including Germany, Britain, Italy, Australia and Finland on Saturday followed the lead of the United States, which said it had suspended additional funding to the agency over the accusations. Hamas slammed Israeli “threats” against UNRWA on Saturday, urging the United Nations and other international organisations not to “cave in to the threats and blackmail”. The Islamist group’s October 7 attack resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel,

mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives. The Israeli military offensive, which began in late October, has killed at least 26,257 people, most of them women and children, according to Hamas-ruled Gaza’s health ministry. Long-strained relations between Israel and UNRWA deteriorated rapidly after the UN body condemned tank shelling it said had hit a shelter for displaced people in Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Yunis on Wednesday. AFP

French PM to visit farm as agricultural unions vow ‘siege’ to pressure gov’t to meet demands

DECLINING INCOME. Trucks parked on the hard shoulder line up along the AP-7 motorway, close to Vilajoan, 35km to the French border, due to the A-9 blocade in France by protesting farmers during the weekend. French farmers and winegrowers protest against taxation and declining income, as part of a nationwide protest called by several farmers unions on pay, tax and regulations. AFP

Fear, grief in year after Turkey quake ISTANBUL, Turkey—Over 65 nightmarish seconds of the pre-dawn hours of February 6, 2023, the ground swallowed swathes of entire cities across Turkey’s southeast, resulting in more than 50,000 deaths. The initial 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook the ground as far away as Egypt. Bridges collapsed, roads and airport tarmacs cracked, and millions of lives across 11 Turkish provinces were upturned by the time the rest of the country woke up, stunned. A year later, hundreds of thousands remain displaced, many of them living in container cities, while the rest of the quake-prone country waits in fear for the next big shake. “I had 3,700 registered voters. Only 1,300 are left,” said Ali Karatosun, a mukhtar (village chief) in Kahramanmaras province, not far from the epicentre of Turkey’s worst disaster of modern times. More than 850,000 buildings crumbled in the initial quake and the thousands of aftershocks that followed, including a 7.5-magnitude one that afternoon. In the Syrian border province of Hatay, where the ancient city of Antioch —now called Antakya—formed the cradle of Muslim and Christian civilisations, just 250,000 of the original 1.7 million inhabitants remain. AFP

PARIS—French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal was scheduled to visit a cattle farm on Sunday, his office said, as agricultural unions prepare to mount a “siege” on the French capital to pressure the government into meeting their demands on pay, tax and regulations. The leaders of two of France’s largest farming unions said Saturday that members from the regions around Paris “will begin an indefinite siege of the capital.” “All the major roads leading to the capital will be occupied by farmers,” they added. Farmers from the Lot-et-Garonne region, one of the hotspots of the protest movement in southern France, had already announced their intention to “go

to Paris” on Monday. They intend to blockade the massive Rungis wholesale food market south of the capital. French farmers are furious at what they say is a squeeze on purchase prices for produce by supermarket and industrial buyers, as well as complex environmental regulations. But the last straw for many was the phasing-out of a tax break on diesel for farm equipment. Attal’s visit to a cattle farm in the western region of Indre-et-Loire comes two days after he announced a number of concessions following blockades by farmers of major routes into Paris and in the south of the country. AFP

Ukraine uncovers $40 million defense embezzlement scheme KYIV, Ukraine—Ukrainian defense officials and corporate leaders sought to steal about $40 million through a fraudulent arms procurement scheme, the country’s main intelligence and security agency said Saturday. The corruption allegations were confirmed by Ukraine’s defence ministry, which has served implicated officials with notices of suspicion. They come as Republicans in the United States resist President Joe Biden’s efforts to send more aid to Ukraine, and as former president Donald Trump, who has spoken out against US military support for Kyiv, appears to be on a glide path to the Republican nomination.

Ukraine’s SBU security service said that current and former senior officials of the defense ministry and heads of affiliated companies “attempted to steal almost UAH 1.5 billion ($40 million) from the budget by purchasing 100,000 mortar rounds for the Armed Forces.” They allegedly signed a contract to buy the shells from the arms supplier Lviv Arsenal in August 2022, after which the defence ministry “transferred the full amount stipulated in the signed document to the company’s accounts.” From there the funds went to a foreign commercial entity that was supposed to

deliver the ammunition but “not a single artillery shell” was ever sent to Ukraine, according to the SBU. Officials accused of participating in the scheme include the current and former heads of the defence ministry’s Department of Military and Technical Policy, Development of Armaments and Military Equipment, as well as the head of Lviv Arsenal. One of the suspects was detained by the SBU while attempting to leave Ukraine and is currently in custody. According to Ukraine’s prosecutor general, the stolen funds have been seized and will be returned to the defence budget. AFP

Trump stokes opposition to Biden plan LAS VEGAS, Nevada—Joe Biden and Donald Trump traded verbal jabs Saturday (Sunday in Manla) over a bipartisan plan for border reform aimed at stemming a surge in migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico. With immigration one of the hottest electoral issues in what increasingly looks like a Trump-Biden rematch for the White House this year, the fate of the bill being negotiated by the Senate has become a highstakes battleground. Republican primary frontrunner Trump has put immigration front and center in his campaign, issuing dire warnings about the porous nature of the border—yet has simultaneously pushed back hard against a deal, even as Biden tacks right and promises to temporarily “shut down” the border. Biden threw his weight behind the proposed bill on Saturday, insisting it would usher in the “toughest”-ever set of border reforms. “It would give me as president the emergency authority to shut down the border until it can get back under control,” Biden said in a speech in South Carolina. “If that bill was law today I’d shut down the border right now and fix it quickly.” Trump has instead continued to castigate Biden over “open borders” as an influx in migrants roils domestic politics. “The border is in play (politically) like it’s never been in play before,” he said at a campaign speech in Las Vegas. AFP

Finland elects new president amid tensions with neighbor Russia after Ukraine invasion

LIBERATION OF LENINGRAD. In this pool photograph distributed by

Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (right) and Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko (left) lay flowers as they attend the opening ceremony of a monument to civilians killed during World War Two, near the village of Zaitsevo, Leningrad region, during the weekend as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Leningrad from Nazi blockade during the war. AFP

HELSINKI, Finland—Finns headed to the polls Sunday to elect a new president, an office whose importance has grown following increased tensions with neighboring Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. While the president’s powers are limited, the head of state—who also acts as supreme commander of Finland’s armed forces—helps direct foreign policy in collaboration with the government, meaning the changing geopolitical landscape in Europe will be the main concern for the winner. Two top politicians lead the pack of nine candidates: former conservative prime minister Alexander Stubb, and

ex-foreign minister Pekka Haavisto of the Green Party who is running as an independent. Just behind the frontrunners are farright Finns Party candidate Jussi Hallaaho, who experts believe could also make it to the second round. Polls open at 9:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. Relations between Moscow and Helsinki deteriorated following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, prompting Finland to drop decades of military non-alignment and join NATO in April 2023. Russia, with whom Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer border, swiftly warned of “countermeasures.” AFP

BUSINESS

B3 MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

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

Interest rate cut in first half ‘too soon’—BSP A By Darwin G. Amojelar

N INTEREST rate cut in the first half would be “too soon”, but is likely “within the year”, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona said over the weekend.

BSP Gov. Eli Remolona

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan

The BSP’s hawkish stance reflects its commitment to price stability, even as headline inflation rate dipped to 3.9 percent in December. Inflation averaged 6 percent in 2023, significantly above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent. Remolona told reporters at the sidelines of the annual reception for the banking community that while a “better” economic growth was expected in the fourth quarter of 2023, the BSP maintained a hawkish stance. The policy-making Monetary Board kept the overnight borrowing rate unchanged at 6.50 percent and the overnight deposit and lending facilities at 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent in its final meeting in 2023. A stronger economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), could provide leeway for further rate adjustments, Remolona said. “If the growth is strong, that gives us a bit room to hike,” he said. The Philippine economy grew 5.9 percent in the third quarter of last year, faster than the 4.3-percent expansion in the second quarter. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary

Arsenio Balisacan echoed Remolona’s statement of a strong GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. “[Q4 GDP] would be good. Despite the inflation, the domestic spending is quite robust of course. It could have been much better if the inflation has declined faster than what we’ve seen,” Balisacan said. “Hopefully, our target is at least to hit the lower end range of the 6 to 7 percent,” he said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is set to announce the 2023 fourth-quarter performance of the Philippine economy on Jan. 31. Balisacan expects a GDP growth of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2024 to generate economic opportunities, increase employment, raise per capita incomes and elevate the economy to “upper-middle-income-country” status by 2025. “This growth will be supported by low and manageable inflation, a labor force with access to more and better jobs, a stronger fiscal position in the form of a lower deficit and debt as a share of gross domestic product, and an increasingly dynamic, innovative, and competitive economy,” he said.

PHILEX CBA. Philex Mining Corp., one of the oldest and largest copper and gold producers in Southeast Asia, signs a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for salary increase with the Philex Mines Supervisory Employees Union (PMSEU) of its Padcal mine in simple ceremonies at the Baguio Country Club. On hand to sign the CBA are (from left) Ricardo Dolipas II, Philex vice-president for operations and Padcal resident manager; Eulalio Austin Jr., Philex president and CEO; Dominador Sotelo, PMSEU president; and Alex Cardinez, PMSEU vice-president.

SkyCable programs going off the air on Feb. 27 SKYCABLE Corp. announced that its cable TV business will cease operations on Feb. 27, 2024 after the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) approved acquisition by PLDT Inc. of the former’s broadband business. “We would like to inform you that in anticipation of and pursuant to the closing conditions of the PLDT-Sky acquisition deal, SKY will now begin its transition into a dedicated internet service provider,” the company said in an advisory. “With this deal, the final broadcast and sign-off SkyCable will be on Feb. 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.,” it said. It clarified that for Sky Fiber subscribers, there would be no changes to their subscription rates. “You will continue to enjoy the same fiber-fast internet service at the same monthly fees,” SkyCable said. The company said, however, that its

Sky Bundle subscription would be converted to a standalone Sky Fiber plan, as bundled subscriptions will no longer be available. The PCC on Jan. 19 approved the sale of Sky Cable’s broadband business and related assets to PLDT. ABS-CBN Corp., the parent firm of SkyCable, said the proposed transaction

was still subject to a number of closing conditions. The board of directors of ABS-CBN on March 16, 2023 approved the sale of its interests in Sky Cable directly or indirectly representing 58.7 percent of the outstanding capital stock of Sky Cable. The total gross proceeds to be received by ABS-CBN from the sale of shares is about P4 billion. All the other stockholders of Sky Cable, Lopez Inc. and Sky Vision Corp. also agreed to sell their shares in Sky Cable to PLDT. ABS-CBN said the total purchase price to be paid by PLDT for all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Sky Cable is P6.75 billion. The proceeds to be received by Sky Vision will be used, among others, to settle its obligations, including its obligations to ABS-CBN,” the company said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Balance Sheet (Head Office and Branches) As of December 31, 2023 ASSETS AS S E T S

Filinvest Development Corp. subsidiary FDC Green Energy Corp. (FDCGEC) signs a deal with PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority to expand the land area of its first solar power project in Misamis Oriental and increase its energy output by 95 percent. Signing the land lease agreement are (from left) FDCGEC president and CEO Juan Eugenio Roxas and PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority administrator and CEO Joseph Donato Bernedo.

Filinvest unit signs deal with PHIVIDEC to expand Misamis Oriental solar site By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Filinvest Group announced over the weekend plans to expand the capacity of its planned solar power project at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental to 19.97 megawatts from 11.5 MW. Filinvest subsidiary FDC Green Energy Corp. (FDCGEC) identified opportunities to maximize the project’s solar output after conducting comprehensive feasibility studies that would increase its capacity. “We are excited to share the positive outcome of our feasibility studies, which have paved the way for the expansion of our first so-

lar power project in Mindanao,” said Juan Eugenipo Roxas, president of Filinvest’s power arm FDC Utilities Inc. and FDCGEC. “This development aligns with the Filinvest Group’s purpose of enabling Filipino communities to achieve their dreams through energy security,” he said. The project involves the installation of more than 34,000 monocrystalline solar panels, which can inject 30,450 megawatt-hours of clean energy annually into the grid that can help electric power industry participants, including electric cooperatives comply with the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) requirements of the Department of Energy.

Ayala Land expected to sell more shares in AREIT By Jenniffer B. Austria AYALA Land Inc. (ALI) is expected to sell more shares in its real estate investment trust company AREIT Inc. to comply with the required minimum public ownership. Prior to last Friday’s transaction, ALI chief finance officer Augusto Bengzon said ALI needed to sell between P8 billion and P9 billion worth of AREIT shares before the planned P28.6-billion asset infusion. ALI on Friday reported that it raised P5.64 billion from the sale of 181 million AREIT shares priced at P31.10 apiece. This means that ALI should sell another P2.37 to P3.37

billion worth of AREIT shares to meet the requirements. Bengzon said the planned share sale would be presented during the company’s annual stockholders meeting for shareholders’ approval. ALI is set to inject P28.6 billion worth of assets in AREIT this year. These assets include ALI’s Makati flagship assets Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, the property firm’s most premium office tower located at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue; luxury mall Greenbelt 3 and 5; Holiday Inn and Suites Makati at Ayala Center; and Seda Ayala Center Cebu.

Account Code

Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

108000000000000000 105150000000000000

R0010 R0020

Due from Other Central Banks and Banks - Net

105220000000000000

R0030

Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or 113000000000000000 Loss (FVPL) 1/ Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Other 195210000000000000 Comprehensive Income (FVOCI) - Net Debt Securities at Amortized Cost - Net 195241000000000000 Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 140050000000000000 Interbank Loans Receivable 140100000000000000 Loans and Receivables - Others 140150300000000000 Loans and Receivables Arising from 140200000000000000 RA/CA/PR/SLB Total Loan Portfolio (TLP) - Gross 499020000000000000 Allowance for Credit Losses 2/ 499350000000000000 Total Loan Portfolio - Net 195400000000000000 Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and 195452500000000000 Joint Ventures - Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment 195500500000000000 Net Real and Other Properties Acquired - Net 195501000000000000 Sales Contract Receivables - Net 195451500000000000 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale 150150000000000000 Other Assets - Net 152500000000000000

Amount Current Quarter Previous Quarter C0010 C0020 20,120,061.55 18,740,466.80 26,043,382.29 26,068,382.29 473,097,788.74

Philip Lynch Chairman of the Board

R0050 367,399,500.00

367,399,500.00

2,448,374,999.69

2,332,895,693.17

2,448,374,999.69 51,236,614.82 2,397,138,384.87

2,332,895,693.17 54,757,496.45 2,278,138,196.72

R0110 R0120 R0130 R0070 R0140 R0150

34,726,799.11

37,665,636.10

R0160 R0170 R0180 R0190

315,312,263.03 205,249,868.55

226,836,409.87 198,660,207.03

203,997,139.69

197,827,086.02

4,043,085,187.83

3,671,069,166.86

Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

155250000000000000

R0200

TOTAL ASSETS

100000000000000000

R0210

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Amount Current Quarter Previous Quarter C0010 C0020

Account Code Liabilities Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss (FVPL) 3/ Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances)

208000000000000000

R0010

215000000000000000 220050000000000000 220100000000000000 220100001500000000

R0020 R0030 R0040 R0050

2,451,128,088.10

2,374,347,902.17

879,987,954.33

634,467,846.33

Interbank Loans Payable

220100002000000000

R0060

879,987,954.33

634,467,846.33

Other Borrowings, including Deposit Substitutes

220100003500000000

R0070

Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Subordinated Debt - Net

295201500000000000 295202000000000000

R0090 R0100

Redeemable Preferred Shares

220250000000000000

R0110

90,621,863.29

90,597,541.87

Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES Stockholders' Equity Capital Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Undivided Profits Retained Earnings Other Capital Accounts Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

240200000000000000

R0120

214,799,594.65

188,628,683.64

230850000000000000

R0130

200000000000000000

R0140

3,636,537,500.37

3,288,041,974.01

305000000000000000 305200000000000000 315150000000000000 315000000000000000 335200000000000000 325200000000000000 300000000000000000

R0150 R0160 R0220 R0170 R0180 R0190 R0200

140,447,840.00 123,112,350.66 126,061,925.09 16,730,430.81 195,140.90

140,447,840.00 123,112,350.66 100,911,067.79 18,360,793.50 195,140.90

406,547,687.46

383,027,192.85

905000000000000000

R0210

4,043,085,187.83

3,671,069,166.86

Contingent Accounts CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

Account Code

Guarantees Issued

405000000000000000

Financial Standby Letters of Credit

410050000000000000

R0020

Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts Derivatives Others

410100000000000000 415000000000000000 420000000000000000 425000000000000000 430000000000000000

R0030 R0040 R0050 R0060 R0070

495220000000000000

R0080

495250000000000000 435000000000000000 440000000000000000

R0090 R0100 R0110

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

400000000000000000

R0120

FINANCIAL INDICATORS (in %) FINANCIAL INDICATORS (in %)

Account Code

R0010

(As of December 31, 2023)

319,733,282.03

R0040

R0060 R0080 R0090 R0100

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amount Current Quarter Previous Quarter C0010 C0020

Robert B. Jordan Jr. Director Alan Roy V. Torio Director Michael A. Bautista Director Sarah Wang Director Atty. Ray Anthony Fajarito Director Chito Francisco R. Dizon Director Josefa Elvira D. Lorico Independent Director Jose Maria J. Marigomen Independent Director Atty Jose Ma. Jason J. Francisco Corporate Secretary

Alan Roy V. Torio President/CEO Michael A. Bautista Senior Vice President/CBBO Francis DL Samson Senior Vice President/COO Raquel A. Sese Senior Vice President/CRRO

-

-

Amount Current Quarter Previous Quarter C0010 C0020

ASSET QUALITY 4.81 7.04 Gross Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Ratio 499150500000000000 R0010 4.17 6.18 Net NPL Ratio 499151000000000000 R0020 43.54 33.35 Gross NPL Coverage Ratio 499152500000000000 R0030 50.19 37.95 Net NPL Coverage Ratio 499153000000000000 R0040 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Ratio of Loans to Related Parties to gross TLP 499401000000000000 R0060 Ratio of Non-Performing Loans to Related Parties 499401500000000000 R0070 to Total Loans to Related Parties Ratio of DOSRI Loans to gross TLP 499451000000000000 R0090 Ratio of Non-Performing DOSRI Loans to Total 499451500000000000 R0100 Loans to DOSRI LIQUIDITY Liquidity Coverage Ratio 4/ 499550500000000000 R0110 Net Stable Funding Ratio 4/ 499551000000000000 R0120 29.32 25.17 Minimum Liquidity Ratio 5/ 499551500000000000 R0130 PROFITABILITY 36.06 40.19 Return on Equity (ROE) 499350000000000000 R0140 3.58 3.94 Return on Assets 499351000000000000 R0150 18.58 16.65 Net Interest Margin 499351500000000000 R0160 CAPITAL ADEQUACY 10.42 10.85 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio 499650501500000000 R0170 10.42 10.85 Tier 1 Capital Ratio 499650501000000000 R0180 12.54 13.18 CAR 499650500500000000 R0190 LEVERAGE Basel III Leverage Ratio 4/ 499850000000000000 R0200 Deferred Charges not yet Written Down 499700000000000000 R0210 1/ This account is comprised of Financial Assets Held for Trading (HFT), Debt Securities Designated at FVPL, and Other Financial

Manny M. Vidal Cheif Finance Officer

ENVIRONMENT

B4

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& SUSTAINABILIT Y

SMC says urban farming initiative reaping success

C

onglomerate San Miguel Corp. is heeding the call of the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization to promote urban farming and sustainable agriculture. Its Backyard Bukid program, initiated in 2021 to assist service personnel during the pandemic, has grown into a vibrant urban farm at the company’s head office complex, now cultivating 39 varieties of flowering plants and vegetables. Covering 750 square meters, the space now includes a plant nursery, 80 garden plots, and also functions as a center for employee wellness, volunteerism and training. Replicated in several SMC facilities by the San Miguel Foundation, the project has recently been expanded through a partnership with Urban Farmers PH, enhancing the farm’s diversity and variety of produce. Among the farmyard staples tomato, okra, ampalaya, the farm produces kale, romaine lettuce and other salad greens. “I am proud to see the progress of our Backyard Bukid project. Apart from promoting urban agriculture, it has also become a space for our support staff to collaborate and learn life-long skills that will help them become more resilient and self-sufficient,” says San Miguel president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang. “I’m grateful to our partner, Urban Farmers PH, for helping us expand this project. Our goal is to extend this initiative to even more facilities, involve

more employees, and encourage other companies to do the same,” Ang said. Louie Gutierrez, Urban Farmers PH founder and farmer-in-chief, said: “We’re really happy and excited to be connecting with companies like San Miguel. The pandemic showed us that we need to have growing vegetables in idle lands in the city. We hope this project inspires SMC employees and other companies to get into agriculture because this is the future of our food.” The FAO has advocated urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA), or practices that yield food and other outputs through agricultural production and related processes taking place on land and other spaces within cities and surrounding regions. It involves urban and peri-urban actors, communities, methods, places, policies, institutions, systems, ecologies and economies, largely using and regenerating local resources to meet changing needs of local populations while serving multiple goals and functions. At least 55 percent of the world’s population already lives in urban areas and up to 70 percent of all food produced globally is destined for consumption in city spaces, according to FAO.

San Miguel Corp. San Miguel president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang (left) surveys the urban vegetable farm beside the company’s head office complex (right) in the Ortigas business district in Mandaluyong City.

Calamba-Clark railway project friendly with environment THOUSANDS of commuters and nature herself stand to gain from the 147-kilometer North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine National Railway that will seamlessly connect Clark, Pampanga, and Calamba, Laguna. Rail transport is noted for its environmental friendliness compared with other modes of transportation. DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino stressed that trains are generally more energy-efficient than cars and planes, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions per passenger. Studies affirm that efficiency, reduced emissions and minimal environmental impact make rail transport as a more eco-friendly option than some other transportation modes. Trains’ energy efficiency is attrib-

roundup

Representatives from Republic Cement receive Presidential Awards for Environmental Performance and Best Mining Forest at the 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference.

rials, minimal habitat disruption and energy-efficient technologies to reduce the project’s carbon footprint. Moreover, adopting eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction and recycling, contribute to a more environmentally responsible railway development.

DENR alloting $278m to deal with biodiversity, climate change woes

Republic Cement wins award BAGUIO CITY—Republic Cement & Building Materials won several awards at the 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Camp John Hay for its achievements and best practices in quarry operations, safety, and excellence in mining forestry and quarry rehabilitation. The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, in cooperation and partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Mines and Geosciences Bureau, granted RCBM on November 17, 2023 the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) for quarry operations in its Batangas and Teresa plants, the highest recognition in the industry. Its Bulacan plant received the Platinum Award in the same category. Republic Cement’s Bulacan plant was also recognized as the Best Mining Forest—Non-Metallic Category, while the Teresa plant received the 3rd runner-up commendation in the same category. Its Batangas plant was also named runner-up for Safest Quarry Operations. “We look forward to rising to the challenge of doing even more moving forward to push the responsible management of environmental and natural resources even further,” said RCBM president Lloyd Vicente.

uted to their operation on fixed tracks, reducing friction and allowing superior energy management. This approach also minimizes land use and habitat disruption compared to roadways. Creating a multi-billion-dollar railway with environmental consciousness involves the use of sustainable mate-

(Photo courtesy of DSWD)

DSWD, DILG join hands

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) collaborated their respective programs to advance environmental responsibility and sustainable practices across local communities in the Philippines. DSWD spokesperson Romel Lopez said the partnership between DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services program and DILG’s Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan programs aim to involve local communities and local government units in sustainable environmental initiatives, such as proper solid waste management and other ecological practices. Lopez, also the DSWD’s Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications, said the partnership would underscore the importance of government collaboration between national agencies and local communities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “The KALAHI-CIDSS’ commitment to participatory processes and community empowerment perfectly aligns with the objectives of the KALINISAN Program, emphasizing the significance of collective action in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable practices,” he said in a statement last week. Lopez said the KALAHI-CIDSS champions the CommunityDriven Development (CDD) approach, a globally recognized strategy for attaining service delivery, poverty reduction and good governance. Zaldy De Layola

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is allocating over $278 million in foreign-funded projects this year for biodiversity, climate change and environment programs to further strengthen environmental resiliency and sustainability in local government units (LGUs). At a High-level Discussion on the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga stressed the need to secure foreign funding to bridge financial gaps for successful program implementation. “Through strategic partnerships with multilateral and bilateral institutions, we can address environmental issues efficiently and effectively,” she said. Partners include Japan, Australia, United States, South Korea, and Canada, among others. Loyzaga cited the importance of the partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other agencies in a “whole of government” approach to accelerate LGU programs with global best

practices in environmental management within the next five to six years. Loyzaga also disclosed that the DENR is collaborating with development partners, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the European Union (EU) to implement a circular economy approach with the Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Integrated Program. Other initiatives include the Green Economy Program of the Philippines (GEPP) funded by the EU which focuses on solid waste management and plastic waste reduction in 60 LGUs over five years and the Enhancement of Marine Litter Management in Manila Bay to strengthen environmental protection efforts in the bay area and raise awareness about marine pollution reduction. They also include Promoting Resource Efficiency and Circularity to Reduce Plastic Pollution for Asia and Pacific, regional projects that aim to reduce plastic pollution and restore coastal and marine ecosystems’ health; and the Reducing Marine Plastics in the East Asian Sea Region initiative, funded by Korea’s Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries, which focuses on improving local governance in marine plastic management. DENR News

Biodiversity: What is it, and how can we protect it? FIRST OF 2 PARTS The United Nations and its global partners will grapple with the massive loss of animal and plant species, and how to avoid further extinction, at a major conference that began January 23. Here’s a primer on what, exactly, biodiversity is, and how the UN can help support efforts to enable nature to survive and thrive. Importance In simple terms, biodiversity refers to all types of life on earth. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), describes it as “the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems, including plants, animals,

bacteria and fungi.”These three levels work together to create life on Earth, in all its complexity. The diversity of species keep the global ecosystem in balance, providing everything in nature that we, as humans, need to survive including food, clean water, medicine and shelter. Over half of global GDP is strongly dependent on nature. More than one billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods. Biodiversity is also our strongest natural defense against climate change. Land and ocean ecosystems act as “carbon sinks,” absorbing more than half of all carbon emissions. Because the first big push of the year to put the UN’s bold plan to protect

biodiversity into practice, took place in the Swiss capital, Bern, between January 23 and 25. Introducing the conference, Patricia Kameri-Mbote, director of the UNEP Law Division, warned that the lack of coordination between the various organizations trying to protect biodiversity is a “critical challenge” that needs to be urgently overcome “as we strive for a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.” A key aim of the conference will be to solve that problem, by pulling together the various initiatives taking place across the world. Is there a crisis? Yes. It’s very serious, and it needs to be urgently tackled.

Starting with the natural and land sea carbon sinks mentioned above: they are being degraded: examples include the deforestation of the Amazon and the disappearance of salt marshes and mangrove swamps which remove large amounts of carbon. The way we use the land and sea is one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss. Since 1990, around 420 million hectares of forest have been lost through conversion to other land uses. Agricultural expansion continues to be the main driver of deforestation, forest degradation and forest biodiversity loss. Other major drivers of species decline include overfishing, and the introduction

of invasive alien species (species that have entered and established themselves in the environment outside their natural habitat, causing the decline or even extinction of native species and negatively affecting ecosystems). These activities, UNEP has shown, are pushing around a million species of plants and animals towards extinction. They range from the critically endangered South China tiger and Indonesian orangutans, to supposedly “common” animals and plants, such as giraffes and parrots, as well as oak trees cacti and seaweed. This is the largest loss of life since the dinosaurs. (To be continued) UN News

C1

SPORTS

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

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

ON THE SEMIS.

Strong Group Athletics’ Dwight Howard is rejected by two Moroccan defenders during their quarterfinal game in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship. The SGA team, representing the Philippines, is headed to the semifinals after an 92-80 win. Dennis Mallari

Eagle-birdie finish gives Korda 4-shot Drive On lead MIAMI—Reigning Olympic champion Nelly Korda eagled the 17th hole and birdied the last to seize a fourstroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the LPGA Drive On Championship. The 25-year-old hometown hero and daughter of former Australian Open tennis champion Petr Korda finished with a flourish to fire a three-under par 68 and stand on 13-under 200 after 54 holes at Bradenton Country Club. Clinging to a one-stroke lead at the par-5 17th, Korda blasted out of a greenside bunker, her shot rolling in for an eagle. At 18, Korda had a testy breaking birdie putt from 15 feet and rolled it into the hole for a four-stroke advantage. “Just a confidence boost knowing I can climb up the leaderboard and stay in contention,” Korda said. “Definitely didn’t have the great start. I was one back after nine holes and then kind of turned it around.” New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, Japan’s Ayaka Furue and American Megan Khang shared second on 204. World number four Korda, who led by two after 36 holes, birdied the par-5 sixth but stumbled with bogeys at the par-3 seventh and par-5 eighth. Korda birdied the 13th to seize a onestroke lead, setting up her late heroics. “I was hitting good solid putts. Just with the wind it was hard to judge,” Korda said. “Birdied the par-5 then snap hooked my next two tee shots, which ended up both of them being bogeys. “And then just had a fresh attitude coming into the back nine. I mean, it’s not how you start it’s how you finish. Hopefully I can lead that into tomorrow.” Korda seeks her ninth career LPGA title and first since the 2022 Pelican Women’s Championship. Her last worldwide crown came last year in a Ladies European Tour event in London. Forecasts of bad weather Sunday have prompted organizers to put the final round into threesomes off two tees. Ninth-ranked Ko, coming off her 20th career LPGA triumph at last week’s season-opening Tournament of Champions, birdied the second and third holes and answered a bogey at the fifth with birdies at the par-3 seventh and ninth holes. But Ko stumbled with a bogey at 14, the day’s toughest hole, to fall behind Korda. AFP

Fil-Americans Hoffman, Frank shatter PH record By Peter Atencio

P

ARIS Olympics’ hopeful Lauren Hoffman did it again.

This time, the 24-year-old Hoffman smashed one of two Philippine national records in the 2024 Clemson Bob Pollock Invitational indoor athletics meet in Clemson, South Carolina. A week after breaking the 600-meter mark, the Virginia-based Hoffman, who became eligible to represent the Philippines in October last year, grabbed the bronze medal with a record-breaking time of 53.91 seconds in the women’s 400-meters. The 5’6” Hoffman’s training partner Angel Frank placed eighth in the women’s 200-meter run, but with a recordsmashing clocking of 23.86 seconds. “Natutuwa ako! I’m very proud of Angel and I. Our national records are

Petecio, Obiena top vote getters in Athletes’ Commission BOXER Nesthy Petecio and pole vaulter EJ Obiena were not around, but they still got the most votes in the fivemember Philippine Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission elections held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. Petecio, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist in deep training in Australia and is now in Alicante, Spain to join a tournament, got the highest votes with 121. Obiena, who is in Formia, Italy, earned 99 votes from a turnout of 145, the highest number of athletes who showed to give their support to the POC’s advisory body composed of athletes. Both Petecio and Obiena thanked the national athletes, who were present for the support that they were given. Swimming representative Jessie Khing Lacuna took in 83, while basketball’s Jack Animam had 80 and football’s Inna Palacios attracted 61 votes. The five will be with the Athletes’ Commission until 2028. “We’re happy with the turnout. Close to 100 siya before. With this vote, we will be able to represent the athletes on their grievances and concerns before the authorities,” said Lacuna. The other candidates were Jayson Valdez and Amparo Teresa Acuña (shooting), Kai Stroem (rugby), Juan Miguel Bautista (fencing) and John Leerams Chicano (triathlon). Peter Atencio

pending ratification, but in the meantime, I am very excited that we were both able to execute record-setting performances this weekend,” Hoffman told the Manila Standard. The old mark of 53.94 seconds, achieved by Kyla Richardson in the Martin Luther King meet in 2018, fell after Hoffman placed third behind the winner, Maya Singletary (52.34) and runner-up Ken’naria Gadson (53.69). Frank, meantime, settled for fifth (54.07 seconds), before she later plunged into action in the women’s 200-meter run. The time of the 22-year-old Frank, a student athlete from University of South Carolina, is considered a new national record after it surpassed Zion Corrales’ old mark old of 23.90 seconds in the Mount Pacific Sports Federation meet in 2020. “Angel ran in the heat before me and when I saw her break the national record, it definitely lit a fire in me to pursue her newly established record. I’m thankful to have her as a training partner and I know

we will continue to push each other to do great things this year,” added Hoffman. The clockings of Hoffman and Frank will be submitted to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association for verification and certification national records. Hoffman is within the world ranking quota at no. 31 in the race to earn a seat in the women’s 400-meter hurldles in the Paris Olympics. A total of 40 will be picked by the international federation to be part of the Paris meet if they stay within qualification ranking range or if they hit the entry standard time of 54.85 seconds between July 2023 to June 2024. When the outdoor season starts late this year, Hoffman will see action in four IAAF meets to earn points and maybe the hit the entry standard time. Last week, Hoffman smashed one of two Philippine when she and Yacine Guermali saw action in the Hokie Indoor Invitationals in the Rector Fieldhouse right in her own hometurf in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Lauren Hoffman

France’s Pavon takes historic PGA win at Torrey Pines LOS ANGELES—Matthieu Pavon rattled in a birdie putt at the 72nd hole to win the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on Saturday, becoming the first French golfer to win on the modern US PGA Tour. Up by two strokes with two holes to play, Pavon missed a three-foot par putt at the 17th to see his advantage cut to one. He was in a fairway bunker off the tee at the par-five 18th, where his second shot left him in the dense left rough. But he muscled a mighty shot to the green and avoided a playoff with a clutch seven and a half foot putt, carding a threeunder par 69 for a 13-under par total of 275. Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard carded a one-under par 70 to finish second on 276. The victory on the demanding South

Ernest John Obiena

Course at Torrey Pines -- a two-time US Open venue -- comes after the 31-year-old Pavon captured his first DP World Tour title -- in his 185th start -- at the Spanish Open in October. He earned his US PGA Tour card with a top-10 finish in the DP World Tour standings. “I have no words. It’s amazing,” Pavon said, his voice shaking in a post-round television interview. “It has been a long journey. I waited seven years on the main tour to win back in Europe and finally got a win in America. It’s just tremendous.” Pavon shook off an opening bogey with four front-nine birdies, his two-foot birdie at the ninth pulling him into a tie for the lead with Germany’s Stephan Jaeger. Jaeger, also chasing a first PGA Tour win, came into the final round with a one-

stroke lead and pushed it to three with birdies at the second and third holes. But three back-nine bogeys proved too much to overcome and Jaeger finished tied for third on 11-under with Americans Jake Knapp and Nate Lashley. Pavon played the final nine in even par, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Frenchman looked to be in trouble at the 14th, where his second shot went through the green down the steep bank behind the putting surface. AFP

Matthieu Pavon of France celebrates on the 18th green after making birdie to win the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South Course in La Jolla, California. AFP

Philippines’ best in sports in 2023 to be honored THE cream of the crop of Philippine sports in the year just passed will be feted in a celebration like no other with the staging of the 2023 edition of the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night on Monday at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel. Asian record holder and world no. 2 pole vaulter Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena is the biggest star of the night as the sole recipient of the prestigious Athlete of the Year Award exclusively handed out by the country’s oldest media organization. Led by PSA president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, the sports writing fraternity is going to honor a total of 140 awardees in what is considered the biggest Awards Night in the 75-year history of the association. The country’s top sports officials led by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino will lead the entire sports community in toasting the athletes, personalities, and entities who did the country proud and did well in their respective fields during the previous year. Gilas Pilipinas, which brought pride and immense joy to this

basketball-crazy nation after ending a 61-year of waiting in winning the Asian Games gold medal, is also going to be a huge part of the festivity as it will be bestowed the President’s Award, while the Philippine women’s national football team that made a historic debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, will be recognized with the ‘Golden Lady Booters’ Special Award. Also lending their precious time to join the celebration are two of the country’s top businessmen and sportsmen in SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang and First Pacific Company Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan, who are both going to be honored as Executives of the Year for working hand in hand in the successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup and regaining the valuable basketball gold during the 19th Asiad in Hangzhou, China. The leading sports entertainment gateway in the country, ArenaPlus, presents the traditional Awards Night which also has the PSC, POC, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and Cignal as major sponsors, and backed by the Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, Rain or Shine, and 1-Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero.

C2

SPORTS

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

Malixi, 3 other young guns target WAAP golf crown

GOLF’S FINEST.

Tony Lascuna (in blue shirt) celebrates his victory with his fellow pros, including former champions and the Top 30 from last year’s Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit, during awards rites of The Country Club Invitational 2024 at the TCC in Laguna Friday. Lascuña bested Miguel Tabuena in a two-man duel to secure the coveted championship, 20 years after topping the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup.

Silver finalizes contract extension as NBA boss NEW YORK—NBA commissioner Adam Silver is finalizing a contract extension that would keep him in the job through the end of the decade, ESPN reported on Saturday. Silver celebrates his 10th anniversary of replacing David Stern as the NBA’s commissioner on Thursday, having overseen an era that has sparked major global and economic growth for the league. Completing negotiations with NBA club owners would position Silver for a new and likely recordsetting round of media rights deals as well as potential expansion. Silver, 61, oversaw the creation of an In-Season Tournament which began this season and guided the league through the Covid-19 pandemic. He kept the league positioned to take full advantage of evolutions in communications and US gambling laws without risking the NBA’s integrity. One of Silver’s earliest actions was the banning of former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling from the NBA for life after racist remarks he made went public. Silver later had to oversee an eventual sale of the Phoenix Suns after toxic workplace revelations involving former Suns owner Robert Sarver. He also guided the league through major issues with China in the wake of social media messages by Daryl Morey, then general manager of the Houston Rockets, supporting 2019 protests in Hong Kong. AFP

Adam Silver

Doc Rivers aims to find Bucks’ winning identity L OS ANGELES—Milwaukee’s new head coach, Doc Rivers, says “Fear the Deer” must be more than a catchphrase for the Bucks if they want to contend for an NBA title.

The Bucks formally introduced Rivers as their new coach at a news conference on Saturday -- four days after abruptly firing Adrian Griffin despite a 30-13 record. While they boasted the second-best winning percentage in the league when Griffin got the chop, the stout defense that helped Milwaukee to an NBA title in 2021 had been largely absent and there was a feeling the team, featuring two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo and eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard, wasn’t living up to its potential. “I just think we have to find our identity,” Rivers said. “If you’re going to have ‘Fear the Deer’ you’ve got to fear the deer.” To that end, Rivers said, beefing up a defense that has suffered with the loss of Jrue Holiday in the trade that brought offensive standout Lillard to the team would be a top priority. “I sat in the stands last night and I saw some of it,” Rivers said, but added that the Bucks have the pieces they need to step it up on the defensive end. “Our language and our communication defensively -- we have to get that right. We’ve got to get on the same page. “Jrue and Dame are different players, so we have to change some things for sure.” Rivers will make his debut on the Bucks sideline on

New head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks (right) speaks with General Manager Jon Horst during a press conference at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP

Monday, when Milwaukee will visit the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Assistant Joe Prunty was to continue as interim coach on Saturday when the Bucks hosted New Orleans. The Bucks have split a pair of games against Cleveland under Prunty since Griffin was sacked. “It’s going to be a challenge,” Rivers said of taking over a team in mid-season. “It’s a challenge that I’m running towards. “We’ve got to get organized quickly. Can’t try to do too much too soon. We’re in the middle of a season, so we’ve got to try to keep our rhythm (but) there are changes that we have to make, there’s no doubt about that.”AFP

RIANNE Malixi, coming off a breakthrough victory in Australia, is poised for another shot at golfing glory as she gears up for the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship unfolding on Feb. 1 in Thailand. Despite facing a stellar field of competitors, the Filipina ace remains unfazed, ready and eager to showcase her skills at the Siam Country Cluc’s Waterside course in Pattaya. The sixth edition of what has become the region’s premier ladies amateur championship features a formidable roster of international rising stars. Joining Malixi are three other talented players—Japan’s Mamika Shinchi, India’s Avani Prashanth and Eunseo Choi from South Korea. Malixi and Shinchi, both 16, split the premier titles Down Under recently in come-behind-fashions with the former rallying from four strokes down to snare the Australian Master of the Amateurs crown. The latter overhauled a six-shot deficit then out-dueling local ace Amelia Harris to secure the Australian Amateur title. The 17-year-old Prashanth, the reigning Queen Sirikit Cup individual winner at Manila Southwoods last year, and Choi, who posted two victories in 2023, add further depth to the competition. Choi, also 17, finished ninth in Australian Masters of the Amateurs and placed third in the Australian Amateur. Reflecting on her success Down Under, Malixi expressed her happiness and gratitude for the experience. “To win in Australia, I feel very happy. I’m grateful for the experience,” said the ICTSI-backed shotmaker, who also emphasized her history of performing well in Thailand. But Shinchi, Prashanth and Choi are also all primed up for battle, ensuring a fierce, spirited chase for the crown in the championship where the winner will earn invitations to play in three major championships—the Women’s Open, the Evian Championship and the Chevron Championship. Also up for grabs are berths in elite championships such as the Hana Financial Group Championship, the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, the 121st Women’s Amateur Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Luxe Organix PH celebrates Green Week Fun Walk LUXE Organix Philippines, a leading beauty brand with a strong commitment to sustainability, recently wrapped up its highly anticipated Green Week Fun Walk at the Quezon City Circle. The event gathered beauty enthusiasts, influencers, and eco-conscious individuals, including renowned personality Sanya Lopez, all united in their goal of reducing plastic waste and fostering a greener future. The Green Week Fun Walk, a key part of Luxe Organix’s One Less Plastic A Day Campaign, aimed to raise awareness about the crucial need to decrease plastic and beauty waste that ends up in our landfills. The event was hosted by TikTok influencer and sports presenter, Tito Mikee Reyes, who kept the energy high and the participants engaged throughout the day. CEO of Luxe Organix Philippines, Eugene T. Yap, shared a heartfelt message during the event, “Today, we gather as eco warriors, united by a shared commitment to sustainability. Luxe Organix’s

A participant segregates beauty waste.

journey toward a greener future begins make a positive impact on our planet. We with these simple yet powerful steps. extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyThe Green Week Fun Walk symbolizes one supporting us in this journey.” our collective effort to reduce plastic and Participants of the Green Week Fun

Walk took a collective step towards a more sustainable future by completing 10,000 steps and contributing to the collection of 10,000 pounds of beauty waste. This achievement is merely the beginning, as Luxe Organix Philippines aspires to reach a target of 10,000 tons of plastic waste reduction within the next decade. Attendees were treated to an engaging program that included appearances by popular YouTube and TikTok influencers such as Anna Cay, Mj Perez, SkincarebyRuzz, John Rey, Pia Alonzo, Danielle Lee, Quel Palomo, and Oily&Young. These influencers shared their insights on sustainable beauty practices, inspiring the audience to make conscious choices in their daily routines. The Green Week Fun Walk also featured various games and giveaways, adding an element of excitement to the event. Attendees had the opportunity to explore and purchase their favorite beauty products at discounted prices from the booths that were set up at the venue.

WADA: PH faces ban in Olympics, Asian Games, SEA Games THE Philippines stands the risk of the flag not being flown at the Paris Olympics and the Paralympic Games and in all regional and continental—Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games—and the world championships unless the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) complies with the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) Code. Compounding the potential woes will also be a ban on country from hosting regional, continental and world championships. The WADA made the warning in a notification to the PSC dated January 23 that stressed its noncompliance of the WADA Code and prompted the government sports body to address outstanding non-conformities identified in the WADA Code Compliance Questionnaire. The PSC was notified through the Philippine National Anti-Doping Agency (Phinado) in Sep-

tember last year to comply with the WADA Code but has barely responded since. The WADA gave the PSC four months to comply with the deadline already expiring last Monday. “Should the outstanding non-conformities not be solved by 22 January 2024, the Philippines Sports Commission would be automatically alleged as non-compliant by WADA’s Executive Committee,” said the notice, which was signed by WADA Director General Olivier Niggli. The WADA said the PSC has to comply with the code on developing and implementing effective, intelligent and proportionate Test Distribution Plan and include all Registered Testing Pool athletes from sports or disciplines, among others. The WADA pinpointed a case of an athlete who yielded a positive anti-doping result in

2016 but wasn’t notified by the PSC or its antidoping arm. The Montreal-based agency gave the PSC until February 13 to dispute “WADA’s allegation of non-compliance and/or the consequences of noncompliance and/or the reinstatement conditions proposed by WADA.” “If the PSC does not dispute any of these elements in writing to WADA, within 21 days from the date of this Formal Notice, the allegation of non- compliance will be deemed admitted, the consequences of non-compliance and the reinstatement conditions proposed by WADA will be deemed accepted, and this Formal Notice will automatically become a final decision with immediate effect,” the notice said. The WADA attached with its notification the consequences of non-compliance and reinstate-

ment conditions by the PSC that includes the banning of the Philippine flag in all major international competitions. The consequences also include the Philippines losing its WADA privileges and funding and a ban of any Filipino to sit as members of the boards or committees or other bodies of any signatory, members or association of signatories of the world agency. The PSC, WADA said, must satisfy the outstanding critical requirements and comply with all the consequences of non- compliance to be reinstated. The Philippine Olympic Committee was furnished a copy of the WADA notification.

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SHOWBIZ

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

What makes Linlang’s TV adaptation different from Prime Video version

The television series follows the love story of Kim Chiu (left) and Paulo Avelino’s characters, Julianna and Victor, respectively

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

I

N A recent media conference, directors FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin talked about the distinctive aspects of Linlang when comparing its original series with the Prime Video version released last year. According to the directors, only 40 percent of the original script was showcased on Prime Video. The mystery thriller, which enjoyed widespread popularity in over 240 countries, consistently ranked as the top show on Prime Video Philippines, stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and JM de Guzman. Reyes said that the entire series was initially written as a weekly show with episodes lasting approximately 30 minutes each. The total script amounted to around two and a half hours.

From left: Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, and JM De Guzman are back with the teleserye version of the hit series ‘Linlang’

The ‘Linlang’ cast and directors strike poses for the cameras at the press conference

Vivamax premieres daring double delight

Dyessa Garcia (left) and Chad Solano banner Christian Paolo Lat’s ‘Dilig’

However, when presented to Prime Video, they were asked to condense the series into one-hour episodes, resulting in just 60 percent of the original story being aired. This structural change, according to Reyes, has influenced the viewing

Skygarden delves into art of letting go in comeback single JAPANESE pop-rock trio Skygarden makes a comeback with a fresh single under Alt G Records. The new JaPinoy rock song, titled “Historia,” follows the trio’s debut single “Kokao” and is poised to once again captivate audiences with its themes of love, loss, and drawing strength from the past. Composed of Ryoichi “Ryo” Rivera Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwaki “Iwa” Maegawa, Skygarden explains that “Historia” holds a deep personal significance for the band, drawing inspiration from Iwa’s past relationship. The song narrates the story of two college sweethearts who are forced to part ways due to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

LEADING local streaming platform, Vivamax, unveils two erotic dramas as January comes to a close and February unfolds. Dilig, directed by Christian Paolo Lat, is a gripping narrative infused with themes of greed and deceit, premieres on Jan. 30, while Katas, helmed by Rodante Pajemna Jr., coming to the platform on Feb. 9, is a riveting tale of a woman who strategically deploys her charm and allure as she willingly entangles herself in a snake pit-like trap in pursuit of success. Dilig follows the intricate tale of Katelyn (Dyessa Garcia), who discovers her father’s impending marriage to a younger woman, Resa (Rica Gonzales) upon her return to her hometown. Resa, aiming for Serafin’s inheritance (Archi Adamos), fabricates a pregnancy and plots to have Serafin disown Katelyn. The hired gardener, Otso (Chad Solano), becomes entangled in this web of deceit, tasked with seducing Katelyn but finds himself falling for her. Meanwhile, Dale (JD Aguas), a childhood friend of Katelyn, is engaged in a secret affair with Resa. Can Otso navigate the lies initiated by Resa, and will Katelyn save her father from the clutches of this devious woman? Katas, on the other hand, stars emerging Vivamax talents Yda Manzano, Cariz Manzano, Aria Bench, Mara Jalipa, Chester Grecia, Ardy Raymundo, and Sahara Bernales. The film follows Carmina (Sahara), a woman on a mission, as she becomes the new maid for Xander (Chester) and Grace (Yda). Carmina teases and seduces Xander, sparking a secret affair between them. As Carmina is warned about Xander’s past actions with maids, she continues the relationship, even triggering Grace’s paranoia. Will Grace uncover the secret affair, and what consequences will unfold in the lives of Xander, Grace, and Carmina? Nickie Wang ‘Katas’ stars (from left) Chester Grecia, Cariz Manzano, Yda Manzano, and Sahara Bernales

experience significantly. “So you can just imagine, roughly 60 percent of the original story has not been seen. That’s why the experience is different,” Reyes said. “If you have a 30-minute show, which is roughly less than 22 minutes per day, the experience is also different. Now, you will observe what holds your attention, and how the actors will fare in this kind of time. Because, isn’t time important in storytelling? But the happier thought is that 60 percent hasn’t been seen yet,” Reyes added. The directors stressed the importance of understanding the nuances of storytelling and structure, pointing out that the one-hour format on Prime Video effectively engaged viewers. Nevertheless, Reyes emphasized that a 30-minute show provides a different experience, prompting viewers to contemplate what captures their attention and how actors perform within that concise timeframe. Saguin, on the other hand, highlighted that the teleserye version would provide viewers with a glimpse into the backstory of certain scenes, offering explanations absent in the Prime Video rendition. He also drew attention to the distinct editing styles between free TV and Prime Video. “Yes, some scenes have explanations and backstories. ‘Ah, so that’s what it is, that’s why that scene unfolded that way.’ Also, the editing style on free TV is different from Prime,” Saguin pointed out. Linlang also stars veteran actresses Maricel Soriano and Ruby Ruiz, and fast-rising star Kaila Estrada. Completing the stellar cast are Jaime Fabregas, Raymond Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Jake Ejercito, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, Race Matias, Benj Manalo, Lovely Abella, Frenchie Dy, Ross Pesigan, Hanna Lexie, Juno Advincula, Connie Virtucio, Lotlot Bustamante, Meann Espinosa, Danny Ramos, Bart Guingona, Marc Mcmahon, Anji Salvacion, and Kice. Linlang premiered on free TV on Jan. 22 and airs on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Despite their deep affection for each other, Iwa chooses to let his girlfriend pursue her dream of working abroad, sacrificing his own happiness for her future. “It took me two years to move on from that relationship, and I will always love her. In those two years, I moved here [to] the Philippines, and we started Skygarden. It was a really big decision, but I’m okay now. Sometimes, I think what would happen if I chose a different path,” said Iwa. “Even though Iwa and his girlfriend love each other, there’s this situation that made them break up. Iwa lost his job during the pandemic, and he doesn’t want to hold her back. So, he makes the difficult decision to let her go, even though it hurts him deeply,” explained Ryo. On the other hand, Hiro recounted the group’s experience recording the song for the first time in GMA Music’s studio. “It was our first time, and GMA Music has really good equipment. It made us appreciate the song even more, especially with the guidance of Sir Kedy Sanchez (GMA Music’s Artist and Repertoire Manager and in-house producer),” Hiro shared. The music video, directed by Njel de Mesa, was released on Jan. 26, and the song is now available on digital platforms. From left: Japanese pop-rock trio Skygarden members Hiro Ozaki, Ryo Nagatsuka, and Iwa Maegawa

C4

LIFE

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Witness the majestic view of Mount Fuji in Fujiyoshida City

By Nickie Wang

D

ITCH the revenge travel hangovers of 2023, for 2024 whispers of deeper connections and soul-searching journeys. Travel experts at Booking. com predict a shift towards experiences that spark self-discovery and establish meaningful bonds. In other words, it’s time to swap generic tourist traps for destinations that mirror your inner landscapes. Mario Berta, Country Manager of Igloo Philippines, puts it beautifully: “Traveling is all about personal experiences. Whether you’re with friends or going solo, there’s always something special you discover along the way, giving you unique moments and memories.” Igloo, as a regional insurtech, prioritizes people-first insurance services. Its Travel Master, developed with GCash and Malayan Insurance, ensures coverage for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and COVID-19 protection. Now buckle up as we journey through film-inspired destinations recommended by Igloo, each promising a chance to rewrite your own travel story. Whether you’re seeking solace in breathtaking vistas or rekindling romance in vibrant streets, let these cinematic escapes inspire your next trip. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte - Broken Hearts Trip (2023) Broken Hearts Trip, an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), follows five LGBTQ individuals on a healing journey across the Philippines. They explore Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, known as the “Boracay of the North,” featuring stunning beaches like Maira-ira (Blue Lagoon), Saud, and Pansian. Pagudpud’s less crowded beaches offer a tranquil escape, making it ideal for solitude or intimate moments. Fujiyoshida City, Japan – When I Met You in Tokyo (2023) When I Met You in Tokyo, another MMFF entry, tells a tale of unexpected love in beautiful places. The story unfolds in Tokyo, with a scenic detour to Fujiyoshida City and the Chureito Pagoda, providing a majestic view of Mount Fuji. A two-hour train ride from Tokyo, Fujiyoshida City offers spectacular views, especially during cherry blossom season or the changing colors of autumn. Sagada, Mountain Province - Write About Love (2019) Write About Love features two writers who, while collaborating on a script, embark on a pilgrimage to Sagada. The town’s magnificent sunset and sea of clouds inspire reconciliation and resolution of personal issues. Sagada, nestled in the mountains of Mountain Province, offers breathtaking views, requiring a half-day ride from Manila and trekking to Marlboro Hills for an unobstructed sunrise and sea of clouds. San Juan, La Union - I’m Drunk I Love You (2017) I’m Drunk I Love You is a romantic drama about two college best

Take a refreshing dip in Maira-ira (Blue Lagoon) in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Revisit the love story of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s characters—Celine and Ely—in ‘Barcelona: A Love Untold’ at Park Guell Barcelona

Must-visit destinations featured in Filipino movies friends on a final road trip to San Juan, La Union. The film captures the town’s laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, highlighting its reputation as a top surfing spot. Beyond the shoreline, travelers can explore La Union’s natural beauty, including the impressive Tangadan Falls, making it a go-to destination for a comforting retreat. Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016) Barcelona: A Love Untold unfolds in the romantic and vibrant city of

Barcelona, portraying two individuals with emotional baggage seeking distraction or a fresh start. Amidst the city’s colorful ambiance, the film explores love and self-discovery. Barcelona’s richness, from Park Güell’s mosaics to the Picasso Museum’s timeless art, offers abundant beauty. The city is not only a haven for art and culture but also an ideal place to discover love or realize personal growth, akin to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.

Just like Carson and Dio of ‘I’m Drunk I Love You’, fall in love with La Union’s natural beauty

Sagada provides stunning views of an unobstructed sunrise and sea of clouds

Relax while dining by the bay CYAN Modern Kitchen offers contemporary versions of classic international dishes

The restaurant’s main hall has a panoramic view of Manila Bay

Indulge in the hotel’s wide array of mouth-watering desserts and pastries

WHEN a friend told me about CYAN, the newly opened restaurant at Lanson Place, that new luxury hotel at the Mall of Asia Complex, I immediately said to myself, “Ah, another Chinese restaurant!” Innocent me, or should I say, stupid me, that was the first time I heard of the word “cyan” which sounds Chinese to me. You can imagine how surprised I was when I finally took up my friend’s invitation to dine there, to discover that CYAN Modern Kitchen, on the third floor of Lanson Place, has a contemporary look and well-designed interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer customers the best views of Manila Bay and the famed sunset. It is everything else, aside from offering some Hong Kong-inspired dishes. That’s when I Googled what “cyan” is – a shade of color between blue and green, almost similar to teal, turquoise, or aquamarine. This shade of blue is associated with peace and relaxation, dreams, and spirituality. And I have to say, it is easy to experience all these while dining at CYAN. The calming panoramic view of Manila Bay, despite its being spoiled by the ongoing reclamation, is still a delight to see. Watching such a soothing scene does wonders for one’s appetite, I have to say. CYAN Modern Kitchen is where hotel guests get their sumptuous free buffet breakfast every morning. At lunch and dinner, paying guests are treated to a plethora

The grilling station at the open kitchen allows diners to have their beef, lamb, chicken, fish, or porchetta with homemade liver sauce

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

of flavors. Aside from Hong Kong-style noodle soup, you’ll also delight in their freshly made Japanese sushi, temaki, urumaki, etc. The restaurant’s all-Filipino Culinary Team serves up a regular cycle of local Filipino dishes so there is something from our local heritage cookbooks to look forward to every day. Those who go for Indian cuisine will be happy to see the Indian buffet station. Don’t miss out on the shrimp curry and original naan with chickpea curry. There is also an interactive grilling station at their innovative open kitchen which makes it easy for diners to have their beef, lamb, chicken, fish, or porchetta with homemade liver sauce, cooked according to their

specifications. What’s more, their homestyle pizza is crafted with the finest ingredients. Each is a culinary masterpiece, offering a perfect blend of crispness and delightful toppings. For those who want to discuss some business matters over a meal, the restaurant has a private section away from the main hall, where important meetings can be had while enjoying the flavorful delights. With Executive Chef Kristine Oro taking charge of the delectable treats at this new restaurant, I am confident that CYAN Modern Kitchen, and the relaxing view it offers, will soon be the favorite bonding venue for families, friends, and business associates. Of course, the most important part of my meal is the dessert and the restaurant is a mecca for those with a sweet tooth, like me! Aside from an array of mouth-

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE HEARD FROM A SHOPPER: I hate it when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and can’t determine whose side I should be on!

watering fresh fruits laid out on both sides of a long buffet table, there are cakes, pastries, and many flavors of ice cream one can feast on. As an add-on to my usual calorific treats. I had to try the Dark Chocolate Mousse and the Matcha Pate à Choux to bring a delightful conclusion to my meal. For those who prefer something light, a la carte items are also available any time of the day. If you go for a snack, have an Affogato, for a moment of pure indulgence! It’s a big scoop of vanilla ice cream with a hot espresso shot poured over it. The restaurant’s wait staff can easily prepare it for you. Dining at the restaurant gives guests front-row seats to historic Corregidor on a clear day and the sunset that Manila Bay is best known for. On weekend evenings, guests are right in front of the colorful fireworks hosted by SM by the Bay. CYAN Modern Kitchen is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Reservations may be made through the Lanson Place Mall of Asia website or fb.lpmn@ lansonplace.com. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com