Manila Standard - 2024 April 6 - Saturday

PBBM: PH will respond to actual sea situation

‘They can’t cover our eyes, pretend nothing happened’

By Charles Dantes and Rey Requejo

RESIDENT

PMarcos said the Philippines needs to "respond to the actual situation on the ground" in the West Philippine Sea even as it does not seek conflict with any other country.

"They cannot cover our eyes and pretend that nothing happened,” Mr. Marcos told newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to the PhilippinesEndo Kazuya during the latter's presentation of credentials in Malacañang.

He said as a matter of foreign policy and geopolitics, the most important thing is to find a way to keep the West Philippine Sea at peace.

"That is what the Philippines will always work for,” the President said.

Mr. Marcos is set to participate in a historic trilateral cooperation meeting with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida next week in Washington.

By Macon RamosAraneta

THE former chief legal counsel of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte denied the existence of any "gentleman's agreement" with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the West Philippine Sea.

Salvador Panelo squarely contradicted the statement of Duterte's former spokesperson, Harry Roque, that a verbal deal was reached between the two leaders to maintain the status quo in Ayungin Shoal. “There’s no such animal,”

and

Panelo said. "This is what President Duterte said: 'I did not enter into any gentleman’s agreement whatsoever,'" he added. However, in a Facebook post yesterday afternoon, Roque shot back at those who seemed to have forgotten the "gentleman’s agreement to maintain the status quo sa West Philippine Sea." "For those who have forgotten, now you know," Roque wrote in his caption to a link to a Reuters story, "Philippines says China agrees on no new expansion in South China Sea."

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SWS: Sara’s rating up slightly in Q4

By Vito Barcelo

VICE President Sara Duterte’s approval rating rose slightly in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released Friday.

The quarterly survey—conducted from December 8 to 11, 2023—also showed that Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri garnered a “good” satisfaction rating of +44, the same rating he received last September.

Speaker Martin Romualdez received a “moderate” net satisfaction rating of

PBBM:...

From A1

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the recent Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea will be discussed during the trilateral summit.

#ANONGBALITA?

+28, lower than his previous “good” +31 rating last quarter.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo also garnered a “good” net satisfaction rating of +32, slightly rising from his “moderate” +27 rating in September, the SWS revealed. The polling firm released the data

"I think we can expect a discussion on the recent incidents," DFA Acting Deputy Undersecretary Hans Mohaimin Siriban said.

"Of course, the joint vision statement is still under discussion, but we can expect an alignment of views among the three countries on the recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea... We will continue to call

Chiz not 'dead', has haircut on Heart's IG live

POWER couple Senator Francis Escudero and actress and influencer Heart Evangelista ended rumors on the lawmaker's health with a live video on Instagram Friday.

Speculations on Escudero's health swirled on social media after a vlogger claimed a senator from Sorsogon was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital.

In her four-minute live video, Evangelista said she just visited her doctor for an eye checkup.

“I came from the doctor yesterday and it’s official: I’m gettingold... My eyes ...when you turn 39, they said automatic na raw ‘yun (that’s automatic). When you turn almost 40, your eyes aren’t as perfect as it was. Nakakapikon (annoying),” she said. She then turned the camera to her 54-year-old husband, whom she described as having his “usual haircut.”

“Say hi, babe! How are you doing? Anong kinakain mo (What are you eating)?”

“Mini pizza,” Escudero replied. Escudero also had a fresh post on his IG account yesterday, writing: “It is my hope that in the near future, we will see the rise of another medical school in Mindanao. Kaya naman po ginagawa natin anglahat na pwede nating maitulong bilang (That’s why we are doing everything we can as) Chairman ng Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education (CHTVE).

"Recently, I rose before the plenary to sponsor House Bill 7089, also known as 'An Act Establishing a College of Medicine in the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Cagayan de Oro City Campus.' Layunin po natin na makapagbigay ng mga kurso sa medisina sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa upang matugunan ang pangangailangan sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. #senateph” (Our goal is to provide medicine courses in different parts of the country to address the healthcare needs of our countrymen.)

Muhammad Ali's 'Thrilla’ shorts up for auction

THE shorts worn by Muhammad Ali in his legendary "Thrilla in Manila" boxing match are up for grabs at Sotheby's in New York, part of a growing sports memorabilia market eyed by auction houses.

Bids – including the latest for $3.8 million (P56.53 million) – have been rolling in since late March for the Everlast-brand shorts, which are white with black stripes and are signed by Ali.

The auction is open until April 12.

The sale comes as Sotheby's is auctioning off a slew of sports lots, including a uniform from NBA star Victor Wembanyama.

Despite a growing interest in historic sporting items, Sotheby's said that, as of Thursday, the minimum price agreed to by the seller of Ali's shorts has not yet been reached.

Sotheby's estimates the shorts could eventually fetch $4 million to $6 million.

Ali's 1975 "Thrilla in Manila" fight against Joe Frazier was held in the Philippines and followed his "Rumble in the Jungle" bout in the

Democratic Republic of the Congo (then called Zaire) the year before. Ali's fight in the Philippines went to 14 rounds before Frazier's coach threw in the towel.

"It was like death. Closest thing to dying that I know of," Ali said of the fight, which was held amid stifling heat and humidity, with temperatures heightened by TV lights.

Ali, born Cassius Clay in the southeastern state of Kentucky, is known as both a sporting great and for his role in fighting for civil rights for African Americans. He died in 2016.

Also for sale is a raft of NBA jerseys, including French player Wembanyama's complete uniform from an exhibition game held earlierthis year.

Interest in the game day goods also apparently extends to items from Wembanyama's locker – including a chair, water bottles and a towel.

For those who don't have the cash for the jersey – estimated to sell for $80-120,000 – the locker contents are estimated to go for $5,000 to $7,000. AFP

DOT exec bashed for helping friend over nat'l concern

A TOURISM official drew flak online after posting on Facebook that she prioritized helping a friend in Japan access Google Translate over a meeting on “the airport takeover and privatization.”

“When your bestfriend calls you because she needed help on Google Translate so she can eat and thrive in Japan, all else will have to stop. Even if it’s about the airport takeover and privatization,” Tourism Undersecretary for legal concerns Elaine Bathan said in her Facebook post. Bathan also tagged her friend, lawyer and Mandaue City treasurer Regal Oliva, in her post, with a screenshot of their conversation.

Oliva also posted a transcript of their conversation on her Facebook account. “She was in a middle of a very important meeting that concerns a sensitive national issue,” Oliva wrote in her now deleted post.

In her post, Oliva said Bathan replied to her message: “Maaaa, you

for the next four highest government officials after revealing the numbers for President Marcoslast month, which showed the Chief Executive’s net satisfaction rating going up in all areas of the country except in Mindanao.

The survey showed Mr. Marcos getting a rating of +47 (65% satisfiedminus 18% dissatisfied), slightly higher than the +44 he got in September.

The President's net satisfaction rating was highest in Balance Luzon at very good +52, followed by the Visayas at very good +51, Metro Manila at good +44, and Mindanao at good +38.

[for] peace and stability and that the recent incidents [be] resolved in a peaceful and diplomatic manner," he added.

The DFA official said the meeting will underscore the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte's net satisfaction rating was highest in Mindanao at excellent +83, followed by the Visayas at very good +60, Balance Luzon at verygood +55, and Metro Manila at good +46. Compared to September 2023,all areas had single-digit changes, with Balance Luzon rising from good +46 to very good +55. The Vice President also received higher ratings in rural areas at excellent +70 than in urban areas at very good +53. Compared to September 2023, both rural and urban areas had single-digit changes, with the former rising from very good +61 to excellent +70.

WHO alarmed by millions of kids without vax

THE World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region expressed alarm on Friday as the number of unvaccinated children in the region reached one million.

“The Philippines is among the top five countries for zero-dose children. So we have to ramp up routine vaccination plus do outreach campaigns,” said Dr. Rajendra Yadav, WHO’s officer for disease control.

don’t know what meeting I had to stop for this, but ok…Hahaha – feeding you in Japan is more important than matters of national concern Ma.”

Bathan on Friday said her social media activity “never intends to disrespect the office I represent, my colleagues in government, or the purpose of my work” as she apologized to her boss, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and to the public.

“I acknowledge that as a public servant, I should be more mindful of how and what I share, especially in public to not cause any confusion.

I would like to assure everyone that I would never brush aside my duties and responsibilities as a public servant - these will always be my priority,” Bathan said.

“I ask for the kind understanding and sincerely apologize to the Secretary, my colleagues and the public. Moving forward, I will practice more discernment in my use of any social media platform to ensure that this will not happen again.”

"Our hope is also that with the trilateral cooperation, it will also help capacitate the Philippines in terms of more training on maritime security, training on capacity-building not just training of personnel but also, possibly, more cooperation on equipment," he said.

Panelo...

From A1

But Panelo said Duterte told him twice that no such deal existed.

He said the former President even raised the arbitral ruling to Xi during his first visit to China in 2016.

"We were surprised with the reaction of Xi. He said, 'Do not forcethat because if you force it, there will be trouble.’ We were shocked," Panelo said.

"The President responded that if we cannot come to an agreement, let us at least have peace," he said.

Panelo said he is willing to attend a Senate inquiry into the gentleman's deal disclosed by Roque if he is asked to.

“If I am called to testify, why not?”

Panelo said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said Roque should prove his claim.

Roque, however, said all Pimentel must do is do a quick Google search.

P1.40/l

From A1

Department of Energy director for the Oil Industry Management

Bureau Rodela Romero confirmed the price increase estimates but said Friday's trading movement would determine the final adjustments based on Mean of Platts Singapore, the pricing benchmark used by oil importers.

Romero said several factors contributed to the expected higher pump prices next week.

"Oil futures were little changed Thursday morning, taking a breather after a 4-day winning streak attributed to fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, especially the Israel-Hamas might spread to include

PH...

From A1

Astronomer Nico Mendoza of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said solar eclipses occur roughly four times a year.

During the April 8 solar eclipse, however, it would be nighttime in the Philippines.

“Because the moon is on the western side, essentially, that's where the solar eclipse can only be seen,” Mendoza said.

The next total solar eclipse in the Philippines is set to happen on April 20, 2042, and it will be visible from Legazpi City, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau also dismissed speculations of a three-day darkness as false and lacking scientific evidence.

“This is a hoax... There is no scientific evidence to support its existence, and its origins are unclear... There

DENR... From A1

However, Environment Secretary

Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga vehemently denied her family’s ownership of 40,000 hectares of land called the Yulo King Ranch in Coron and Busuanga, Palawan. Tulfo filed Senate Resolution No. 985, saying there were multiple reports

Earlier, the United States Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbellsaid the trilateral summit next week would bring closer coordination on South China Sea issues.

“The evidence is in the news since 2017. So all you have to do is type 'China Philippines no new development 2017' and all the news articles will come out," Roque told ABS-CBN News.

"There was nothing secret about it. It was an agreement to maintain status quo and it worked because we had more peaceful relations with China then," he added.

Pimentel said since the agreement was informal, unwritten, and unrecorded, it is considered void and nonbinding.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said such a deal can be considered an act of treason.

In her Senate Resolution No. 982 calling for a probe into the deal, Hontiveros said if the agreement is true, it would be tantamount to the surrender of Philippine sovereignty.

"And, in the words of former Philippine Navy flag officer-in-commandEduardo Santos, an act of treason. This ‘gentleman's agreement’ is treasonous," she said.

Iran; the Ukraine attack in Russia's oil refineries; the OPEC's decision to continue its policy on production cut; and signs of stronger economic growth in US and India," Romero said.

OPEC refers to Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which controls the production, supplies, and prices of oil in the global market.

Latest DOE monitoring showed that gasoline prices range from P57.40 to P86.67 per liter, diesel from P53.15 to P80.30 per liter, and kerosene from P72.04 to P83.79 per liter for the National Capital Region.

On April 2, the oil firms announced a mixed movement with gasoline prices going up by P0.45 per liter while diesel and kerosene prices went down by P0.60 per liter and P1.05 per liter, respectively.

is no scientific proof to support this theory,” PAGASA said.

Almost all the United States will get to experience a partial eclipse on April 8.

Several airlines have advertised flights scheduled to pass under the eclipse, while Delta has even planned two special trips along the path of totality, the first of which sold out in 24 hours, the company said.

NASA, however, warned that only in the path of totality – and onlyduring the few minutes of the actual totality –is it safe to look at the eclipse without eye protection.

NASA recently highlighted several studies being planned for theeclipse, from effects on Earth's atmosphere and animal behavior to even human psychology.

"Eclipses have a special power," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said recently. "They move people to feel a kind of reverence for the beauty of our universe." With AFP

of illegal structures and business establishments in declared protected areas and conservation sites as he questioned the ability of Yulo-Loyzaga to lead the agency because of conflict of interest. He cited in his resolution a newspaper column by Jarius Bondocalleging that Loyzaga's conflict of interest involved her family's40,000 hectares of land in the towns of Coron and Busuanga in Palawan called Yulo King Ranch (YKR).

Data from the Department of Health revealed that more than two million children have not received their pentavalent vaccines from 2020 to 2023— the period of health emergency around the world. As of 2023, there were also 1.4 million children who needed to catch up on their immunization.

The DOH agreed with the WHO on the need to respond faster to routine and catch-up immunization and prevent the spread of even more vaccine-preventable diseases.

20 LGUs...

From A1

They included all schools in Cebu province, where Governor Gwen Garcia suspended classes in public schools amid the soaring heat index.

In a memorandum issued Friday, Garcia said the extreme heat is “posing a risk to the well-being of our students.”

Official figures showed 5,288 schools across the archipelago switched to remote learning, affecting more than 3.6 million students.

The months of March, April and May are typically the hottest anddriest in the archipelago nation, but conditions have been exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Many schools have no air conditioning, leaving students to swelter inpoorly ventilated, crowded classrooms.

The Department of Education has issued an advisory giving school headsthe power to decide when to switch to remote learning "in cases of extreme heat and other calamities".

Some schools have reduced class hours to avoid teaching during thehottest times of the day.

Meanwhile, six areas in the country may experience a dangerous level of heat index today, according to the state weather bureau.

In its 5 p.m. forecast on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Tuguegarao City and Aborlan town in Palawan are expected to have the highest heat index of up to 43 degrees Celsius.

San Jose (Occidental Mindoro), Puerto Princesa City, and Dumangas (Iloilo) are also seen hitting 42 C on the heat index, with Catarman in Northern Samar forecast to reach 44 C by Sunday, PAGASA added.

Inflation...

From A1

Despite this increase, the average inflation rate for the first quarter of 2024 stands at 3.3%, well within the government's targeted range of 2% to 4% for the entire year.

The PSA said the uptick is mainly due to a faster food inflation rate of 5.7% in March 2024, up from 4.8% in February 2024. This increase was influenced by rice inflation, which accelerated to 24.4% from 23.7%, and meat inflation increased to 2% from 0.7%.

The BSP said the risks to the inflation outlook remain tilted toward the upside.

Looking ahead, the Monetary Board will consider the latest inflationoutturn in its upcoming monetary policy meeting on April 8, 2024, the BSP said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said further local policy rate pause or cut could already be possible for the coming months.

The policy-making Monetary Board kept the overnight borrowing rate unchanged at 6.5% and the overnight deposit and lending facilities at 6% and 7% in its February meeting this year.

In 1975, then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. issued Presidential Proclamation No. 1387 declaring the 40,000 hectares land area in Busuanga and Coron as pasture reserve -- a protected area owned by the state. But one year later, in 1976, the Yulos allegedly obtained said property. According to the Bondoc article, the YKR has been branded “the largest agrarian anomaly.” acon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

Experts: Ease laws on foreign investments in PH

Former Finance Secretary Gary Teves,--in a consultative session on charter change organized by Democracy Watch Philippines, an organization supported by Stratbase Institute-said the influx of foreign direct investments will create much-needed competition in the country. Teves believes competition will address the major concerns of Filipinos based on a recent Pulse Asia survey, which includes inflation, jobs, and wages.

“Investors generally will look at the prices of goods and services and how Filipino consumers can afford the prices of goods that they will be selling,” he said.

Similarly, TradeAdvisors CEO Tony Abad explained that competition “creates a dynamic pressure on locals to improve themselves.”

Bagong Silang is now divided into six brgys

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. officially signed a law dividing Bagong Silang in Caloocan into six distinct and autonomous barangays.

Republic Act No. 11993 turns Bagong Silang into Barangay 176-A, Barangay 176-B, Barangay 176-C, Barangay 176-D, Barangay 176-E, and Barangay 176-F—each delineated with immediate effect within the existing “puroks” or phases.

The law was signed on Wednesday, April 3.

Following the enactment of the law, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is tasked with overseeing a plebiscite within 90 days in Barangay 176 of Caloocan City to validate the division.

Additionally, the new law stipulates the appointment of interim barangay officials, including a Punong Barangay, seven Sangguniang Barangay members, a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, and seven Sangguniang Kabataan members, in each newly created barangay, designated by the mayor.

Solon to Speaker: Ignore Gadon

By Maricel V. Cruz

CAGAYAN de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendments on Friday urged Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez to ignore the political amendment proposals of presidential adviser and ex-senatorial candidate Larry Gadon.

He said he has no doubt that the House leader would just throw the letter into the garbage can “because the Speaker has repeatedly echoed the stand of our President BBM that only economic Charter reforms should be considered and effected.” He said Gadon, as a presidential adviser, should heed the President’s statement. The Mindanao lawmaker recalled that President Marcos, in a speech before the Philippine Constitution Association last Feb. 8, unequivocally stated that he was advocating only economic amendments. He quoted the President as saying: “I want to make it clear: This administra-

tion’s position in introducing reforms to our Constitution extends to economic matters alone, or those strategically aimed at boosting our country’s economy. Nothing more.”

Rodriguez is one of the co-authors of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, the House version of the economic Charter change proposals which only amends provisions on public utility, higher education, and advertising. The Senate version is RBH No. 6. “As a co-author of RBH 7, I will never support political amendments,” Rodriguez said. He said it is suggestions like those of Gadon and questions on political changes

Military actions meant to dismantle remaining guerilla forces Año

By Vince Lopez

By Maricel V. Cruz

AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee

urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to partner with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to hasten the release of ultra-low glycemic index (GI) and protein-rich variety of rice to Filipino farmers. Lee said mainstreaming the pro -

duction of this variety of rice would greatly aid in the reduction of diabetes mellitus cases in the country. “It is a known fact that the Philippines is one of the leading consumers of rice in the world. And since rice seems to be a permanent part of our diet, its connection to the num -

in surveys such as those included in the recent Pulse Asia poll that confuse the public on the advocacy of the President and leaders of the House and the Senate on economic Charter amendments. He noted that while most Filipinos supported Charter reform in a

LTO: Vehicle docs, OR/CR within five days

By Darwin Amojelar

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday said it released P49.81 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to cover the increased government monthly

allowance for over four million indigent senior citizens nationwide. This year’s allocated budget for the said program has significantly doubled compared to last year’s appropriation of P25.30 billion. “We recognize the challenges faced

by the elderly and understand the importance of providing timely assistance to alleviate their hardships. The prompt release of this budget allows us to make a tangible difference in their lives,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

Pinoy casualties in Taiwan quake rises to 4 DMW

By Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja

ANOTHER overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was reported injured in the major earthquake that jolted Taiwan, bringing the number of Flipino casualties in the temblor to four, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

Meanwhile, the Social Security System (SSS) offered a calamity loan to members financially affected by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan through online application.

DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said the fourth victim, a woman, sustained head wounds caused by falling debris, adding she was in good condition and being treated at a hospital doctor.”

The DMW earlier reported that there three Filipinos were injured in the tremor, but no fatality, not even requests for repatriation.

The quake was said to be the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, killing 10 people and injuring hundreds.

In a radio interview, SSS spokesperson Marissa Mapalo said the state-run fund is offering a loan assistance to OFWs in Taiwan who have been affected by the recent earthquake.

The board will still approve the necessary requirements for the loan, Mapalo said.

NBI conducts futile raids on Bantag dens

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday raided safe houses of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief-now a fugitive from the law Gerald Bantag, tagged as the brains behind the murder of Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.

But the operatives who swooped down on Bantag’s safe houses in Caloocan City and Laguna came back empty-handed, save for some bullets and belongings.

However, the NBI said the manhunt for Bantag would be sustained.

Mabasa was shot dead near his home in 2022 ostensibly for linking Bantag to corruption in his radio program.

Bantag was also accused of ordering the murder of Cristito Villamor Palana, a prison inmate who allegedly passed the kill order to the hitman who shot Mabasa.

Bantag had belied however, the charges levelled against him.

The reported slayings in the Bureau of Prisons in Muntinlupa City put the facility in the limelight.

DA allays fears of fish shortage

By Othel V. Campos

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel assured canners, retailers and consumers of sustained availability of pelagic fish in the local market despite an order freezing the issuance of import permits for the said fish. Laurel also downplayed claims that the impending import ban against frozen round scad (galunggong), bonito (tulingan) and mackerel (alumahan) would undermine production of canned fish, particularly mackerel. Under Memorandum Order 14, the suspension of issuance of import permits effectively bans importation

of the aforementioned three species of fish.

“The problem is diversion. If they imported mackerel and diverted it to the wet markets, they will fall short [of their required supply],” Laurel said, adding that around 100,000 metric tons (MT) of the pelagic fish find their way to wet markets yearly. The memo indefinitely suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import clearances for the three pelagic species will prevent diversion of the imported fish to wet markets, he added.

The memo clearly

“Technically, importers should be able to import 10 percent more than what they are using now. So, I don’t see any reason why they fear a possible shortage in the supply of mackerel for canning,” Laurel said.

MMDA bares sked of MMFF golden edition

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) are scheduled to hold the 50th edition of the festival in December.

Manila where the MMFF was first held will against host this year’s event.

Manila Mayor Honey LacunaPangan expressed gratitude to the MMDA and the MMFF for choosing her city to host this year’s film festival. She said the city government is fully supportive and excited about hosting the 50th edition of the film

A PARTY-LIST member of the House of Representatives has appealed to fellow legislators to support the passage of a bill that would provide a five percent discount on tuition, school supplies and prescribed electronic devices for online learning to all underprivileged students in the basic education, technical-vocational and college levels.

Rep. Brian Yamsuan of the Bicol Saro party-list group said the proposed five-percent discount for underprivileged students would also apply to the purchase of textbooks, food, and medicines.

HB 1850 or the proposed Underprivileged StudentsÂ’ Discount Act, of whic Yamsuan is one of the co-authors, also entitles the students to a five-percent discount on entrance fees to museums, theaters and cultural events sanc-

tioned by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

“This measure will significantly provide relief to the financial woe continuously faced by poor students in pursuing their education. A 5 percent discount may not mean much to those who can afford to buy everything they need for school.

But this would be a big help to students and their families struggling to make ends meet,” Yamsuan, chair of the House committee on Bic ol Recovery and Development, said in a statement.

“We hope that through this measure, many underprivileged students would b encouraged to continue their studies and tread the path towards a bright and stable future,” he added.

Maricel V. Cruz

OPINION

China’s PLAN protects Asia

CHINA’S “Great Wall of Ships” protects the peace and stability of the South China Sea, its ingress and egress points from the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific, assuring Asia the US – that according to its former president Jimmy Carter said was the “most warlike nation in history” – and its Western allies shall never again repeat its 19th century invasions of Asian nations.

Since the announcement in 2011 by then President Barack Obama of the “US Pivot to Asia” openly declaring the start of the transfer of “60 percent of US military and naval assets to Asia” the geopolitically aware Asian and Filipinos have been alerted to the “warlike” intentions of the US against the region -- focusing on the rising and dynamic economic power of Asia: China.

Alas for the US, the decade from 2011 proved impossible for the “Pivot to Asia” to make headway as the US economy and financial system continued to flounder from the 2008 US Financial Collapse,

—“—

Is the current Philippine government administration still sentient and aware that the country is going downhill with its present foreign policy?

political infighting pitting Democrats vs. Republicans and the subsequent win of President Trump upended everything for that “pivot to Asia” and went “trade war” instead.

Eight years of “trade war” passed and the US. trade deficit with China has only grown while China’s economy continues to grow and the US teeters on the brink of recession -- weighed down like “cement shoes” by its $37-trillion debt growing by another trillion every month and constant demands for funds and arms to Ukraine and Israel.

“When all else fails, they take you to War” says economist Gerald Celente, among the legendary few who predicted the 2008 US Crash.

Celente is talking again about the US, baiting Russia into the Ukraine War to destroy its economy but Russia thrived, now it’s time to try the US war on Asia and China, rallying the “Asian NATO”, proxies Japan, Philippines, Aussies and UK.

Befogged by the massive 2022 “American COMPETES Act” $ 500-million special fund for anti-China, and the US

psywar propaganda dubbed as “Operation Myoushu” or “assertive transparency,” the Filipinos can’t see yet that China is the great stabilizing force in Asia and the South China Sea, without which, the US would already be running roughshod dividing-and-ruling Asia again.

Without China’s super-dominant but benign presence, the US would already have broken up ASEAN -- pitted vassal Philippines against Vietnam over its 1995 grab of Philippine Marines-occupied Pugad Island away from the Philippines, which has been a silent timebomb since then, or Philippines vs. Malaysia over Sabah, etc.

China’s current People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) battle force numbers 370 platforms concentrated in Asia, compared to the US Navy deployable 299 combat vessels scattered around the globe.

The Chinese Coast Guard has 225 ships of over 500 tons, considered the largest fleet in the world -– plus thousands of maritime volunteer force – that would dwarf the US Coast Guard.

The Philippine government and mainstream media’s monomaniacal focus on so-called Chinese aggression over the island being claimed by the Philippines naturally missed the realities I am pointing out above, and consequently misleads the national policy down to a seriously unproductive and even catastrophic paths.

While the Philippines locks horns with a miniscule part of the Chinese maritime and naval force, it is losing all the opportunities to be reaped in engaging with China.

Indonesia just got a $ 1.3-billion EV BYD investment or Malaysia’s US$ 10.7-billion 720-kilometers East Coast Rail Link, or Cambodia’s $17-billion Funan Techo Canal to link Phnom Penh to Gulf of Thailand. Is the current Philippine government administration still sentient and aware that the country is going downhill with its present foreign policy?

The latest Publicus/PAHAYAG survey reporting the precipitous decline of Bongbong Marcos’ approval ratings to negative 56 percent and trust ratings to negative 67 percent should wake them up – hopefully – for the nation to be saved.

The South China Sea “assertive transparency” project and the tensions with China is a serious distraction from the imperative of National Economic Development and the alienation from China is a critical blow to that path towards economic upliftment of the nation.

China, in any case, will not budge with its Great Wall of Ships guarding its southern gates – the US beware. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

30 years on, a Rwandan family’s journey to heal from rape

NGOMA, Rwanda – Every April, as Rwanda commemorated the 1994 genocide, Agatha would turn off the radio, take to her bed and retreat into a silence so impenetrable that her daughter Agnes once asked if she had been a victim.

The answer, given by her grandmother, left 10-year-old Agnes reeling.

“I cried and immediately started feeling afraid of my mother because I felt like I was a wound on her soul,” recalled Agnes, now 28. She was told her mother and grandmother were among at least 250,000 women and girls who, according to UN figures, were raped by Hutu extremists during the genocide targeting the Tutsi minority.

Due to the lingering stigma surrounding genocidal rape, both women’s real names have been concealed at their request.

Raped and abducted by a former schoolmate during the 100 days of bloodshed that left 800,000 people dead, mostly Tutsi but also Hutu moderates, Agatha was just 17 when she gave birth.

Fearing reprisals by the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front rebel militia which took Kigali in July 1994, her Hutu assailant had forced her to flee with him to Tanzania, where Agnes was born in a refugee camp. He died shortly after.

Agatha’s relatives urged her to kill the

infant, but she refused.

Yet every time she looked at Agnes, she struggled to choke down grief over her own lost future.

Agatha had dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, so she could tend to the family’s vast herd of cows.

Discrimination was an everyday affair -- including in school, where her Hutu teachers made no secret of their disdain for Tutsi students.

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With the 30th commemoration of the genocide looming, Agatha said she felt stronger than she had in years

But she could never have imagined seeing her father killed before her eyes and his remains flung into a pit latrine by a Hutu neighbour. When she returned to Rwanda from Tanzania in 1996, everything had changed.

The cows were gone, money was scarce, and Agatha was now “a child with a child,” as she put it. “God raised her, not me. I had no ca-

Dissonant voices

ECHOES from so many voices, including the silent ones who speak a lot.

Like on March 27, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said the former had struck a “status quo agreement” with China allowing the Philippines to deliver “only water and food” to Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded World War II-era warship that serves as Manila’s military outpost in Ayungin.

Under the supposed verbal deal formalized with then Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Manila was banned from bringing construction materials to the dilapidated ship to assert the country’s sovereignty in the area, according to Roque.

Mr. Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, however, denied the existence of any “gentleman’s agreement” and was straight-forward when he said he talked with Mr. Duterte who categorically told him there was no such agreement.

Now, here is Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., in an open letter posted Tuesday, who warned Filipinos not to fall for any “Chinese propaganda” that would deflect the issue of Beijing’s encroachment in the West Philippine

Sea amid controversy over a purported “gentleman’s agreement” – flatly denied by Duterte himself, according to his former spokesman – that restricted the country’s maritime activities during the Duterte administration. President Ferdinand Marcos, as early as August last year, said he was not aware of any such deal, stressing the Philippines would not concede to

—“—

Defense Secretary

Teodoro is right, ‘We Filipinos must not lose sight that the main threat to our rights in the WPS is the Chinese government’s illegal activities

removing its vessel from its territory, adding if such a promise (by Duterte) exists: “I rescind that agreement as of now.”

Teodoro said such Chinese propaganda had been highlighting Manila’s supposed violation of a deal between Mr. Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping with regard to the conduct of the Philippines’ resupply missions to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and

By Melandrew T. Velasco

THIS month, the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the Public-Private Partnership Code takes effect.

With the PPP and its IRR in place, an enabling environment for the private sector to participate in government projects is strengthened. Hopefully, more from the private sector will be encouraged to collaborate with government especially in its infrastructure projects.

Building on the gains of the previous administration’s Build, Build, Build program, President Marcos Jr. aims to boost the government’s infrastructure initiatives through the Build Better More (BBM), with 185 infrastructure flagship projects costing P9,143.16 billion.

Of these, 45 will be financed through public-private partnerships while the others will be funded either through the General Appropriations Act, Official Development Assistance or through hybrid financial methods.

Big-ticket infrastructure projects require investments that government cannot singly handle.

The PPP Code says: “The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments. To this end, the State shall provide an enabling environment for the private sector to mobilize its resources to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain infrastructure or development projects and services.”

The infrastructure program, essential in the country’s economic and social transformation, will facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Travelers are aware of air traffic congestion and the need for investments to develop, upgrade and improve the country’s airports.

The awarding to San Miguel Corporation-SAP & Co, Consortium for the reha-

pacity,” Agatha, 45, told AFP.

Agnes was shunned by relatives on both sides.

Her Hutu relatives called her “a snake”, echoing state propaganda that fuelled the massacres. Her mother’s family said she carried the bloodline of genocide perpetrators. She said she never felt like she belonged and left home at 16, making ends meet through sex work and waiting tables.

She eventually returned to her native village in the eastern Ngoma district in

Filipinos’ fishing activities in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

We cannot believe the former president would enter into such aberrant deal, since he must be aware that would compromise his country’s territory.

“While we realize that accountability is important in the issue on whether or not a so-called ‘gentleman’s agreement’ was forged with China regarding the BRP Sierra Madre and Ayungin Shoal, we Filipinos must not lose sight of the fact that the main threat to our rights in the WPS is the Chinese government’s illegal activities,” Teodoro said, referring to the waters within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

Teodoro is right in emphasizing the core issue on the disputed water is the Chinese government’s illegal activities, not the debated agreements.

Teodoro’s caveat follows China’s repeated uncorroborated claims the Philippines vowed to remove the BRP Sierra Madre a secret “gentleman’s agreement” between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping – an assertion frequently made as an excuse by the Chinese government whenever they we’re condemned for harassment in the Ayungin Shoal.

Teodoro is right in saying “We Filipinos must not lose sight that the main threat to our rights in the WPS is the Chinese government’s illegal activities.”

More infra for development

bilitation, operation and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport under the PPP scheme is welcome development with the airport problems.

The current state of the airport has resulted in inconvenience among travelers, reduced flights and visitor arrivals that affect the country’s economy.

Under the PPP concession agreement, the national government is expected to earn about P36 billion annually throughout the 25-year concession period. Aside from the revenue accruing to the government treasury, the modernization of the airport will increase its passenger capacity to 62 million from 35 million passengers annually, with runway capac-

—“—

As the country continues its growth momentum, government is committed to foster stronger partnership with the private sector

ity expected to increase by at least 48 air traffic movements per hour. The NAIA project is the fastest approved PPP proposal to date, showcasing how quickly the government acts on investments while meticulously scrutinizing and evaluating the proposal.

SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang is a visionary dedicated to help in the country’s development as gleaned SMC’s different projects. He has been quoted as saying “Ultimately, I would like to be able to leave a legacy that ensures the next generation inherits a Philippines that is not only stronger but also more prosperous.”

2018, after her first husband left her and their daughter when he discovered that Agnes was “born out of rape”. She remarried and had a second child. For the next five years, mother and daughter lived in uneasy co-existence, never speaking about their past, even as it cast a long shadow over their relationship.

He vowed to fix the problems at NAIA, where a new passenger terminal is being planned with 50 concourse boarding bridges, saying this will add 30 percent more space in the existing 1, 2 & 3 terminals.

The rehabilitation project is another transportation infra project SMC undertakes for the government. It has completed the Skyway Stage 3 and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway; and is undertaking the MRT 7 and New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. Another SMC infrastructure project is the 76.80-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (P-LEX) which broke ground last month.

This is a collaboration between the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and SMC with the funding to be fully shouldered by the latter.

It will also provide direct access to the New Manila International Airport as it will connect TPLEX at the Binalonan exit.

P-LEX will boost economic activity in Pangasinan and nearby provinces as it will improve mobility of people, products and services, with Ang saying this affirms SMC’s affinity with, and deep commitment to Pangasinan.

“We believe in the bigger potential of the province and its people, reason why we continue to invest here.”

As the country continues its growth momentum, government is committed to foster stronger partnership with the private sector whose investments are investments in the future of the country.

Let us work together to sustain what we have achieved and

Although Rwanda’s government established community tribunals in 2002, allowing victims to hear “confessions” from genocide perpetrators, the suffering of rape survivors and their children has not been a priority. Those born of rape -- an estimated 20,000 people according to the NGO Survivors Fund -- are not recognised as genocide victims by the government. In 2020, the

Biden warns Netanyahu of US shift

WASHINGTON, DC – President Joe Bi-

den warned Israel of a sharp shift in his policy over the Gaza war Thursday (Friday in Manila) amid growing frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu and mounting domestic pressure in a US election year.

A tense phone call between the two leaders appeared to yield at least some results, as Netanyahu’s office announced within hours it would temporarily allow more aid to flow into Gaza.

Biden has stood solidly behind Israel and its prime minister since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks, and his criticism of civilian deaths in Gaza has not stopped Washington from supplying military hardware to its key ally.

But the Democrat faces spiraling anger from Muslim and younger voters over his support for Israel, and political allies have been pressing him to make the aid conditional on changed Israeli behavior.

In a 30-minute call with Netanyahu after Israeli strikes killed seven aid workers from US-based charity World Central Kitchen, Biden hinted at doing just that.

For the first time, Biden “made clear that US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action” to curtail the killing of civilians and aid workers and improve the dire humanitarian situation, the White House said.

The tough language, describing the aid worker attack as “unacceptable” and urging Israel to take steps towards an immediate ceasefire, reflected mounting tensions with Netanyahu.

“What happened to the World Central Kitchen, that event certainly was a catalyst for the call today,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told CNN Thursday evening.

Earlier this week the WCK convoy was repeatedly struck by Israeli forces despite clearing its route with the military. A US-Canadian dual national was among those killed in the attack, which Israel has called a mistake.

Biden’s “frustration has been growing over recent weeks and months over the dangers to the civilian population in Gaza and to aid workers,” Kirby said. AFP

Israel to open Gaza aid routes

Rite bids farewell to tilting quake symbol

HUALIEN, Taiwan – Fruit, flowers and incense paper were laid on a table Friday as authorities prepared a ceremony before demolishing a precariously tilting building that has become a symbol of Taiwan’s biggest quake in 25 years. The glass-fronted Uranus building, located in Hualien, the city nearest the quake’s epicenter, is a 10-story mix of shops and apartments that has stood for nearly 40 years.

Wednesday’s magnitude-7.4 earthquake caused it to tilt at a 45-degree angle, its twisted exterior quickly becoming one of the most recognizable images to emerge from the disaster.

Meanwhile, nine people were freed

from a winding cave in Taiwan’s mountainous east, while two others were located but feared dead, as rescuers pressed on with their search Friday for those still missing after the island’s biggest earthquake in 25 years.

The official death toll from Wednesday’s still stood at 10, but the government in Hualien county, the hardest-hit area, said two more people on a hiking trail were found with “no signs of life,” though their deaths could not be immediately verified. “Currently, the two people seen at the scene cannot be identified because they are buried too deep and have not been completely dug out,” the national disaster agency said.

Judge denies Trump bid to dismiss cases

MIAMI – A federal judge on Thursday rejected former president Donald Trump’s bid to dismiss charges that he mishandled classified documents after leaving the White House.

The Republican presidential candidate had claimed, in seeking to have the charges thrown out, that he had a right to keep the documents under the Presidential Records Act.

District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, denied Trump’s motion, but left open the possibility the issue could be raised again at trial.

“The Presidential Records Act does not provide a pre-trial basis to dismiss,” Cannon said in a brief order.

Trump, 77, pleaded not guilty in June to federal charges of unlawfully retaining national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements. He kept the classified files -- which included records from the Pentagon, CIA and National Security Agency -unsecured at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida and thwarted official efforts to retrieve them, according to the indictment. AFP

Iran pays homage to seven Guards killed in Syria strike blamed on Israel

TEHRAN –

gathered in Tehran on Friday for the funerals

seven members of the Revolutionary Guards killed in a strike in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel. The Guards, including two generals, were killed in the air strike on Monday which levelled the Iranian embassy’s consular annex in Damascus.

Israel has not commented on the strike, but analysts saw it as an escalation of its campaign against Iran and its regional proxies that runs the risk of triggering a wider war beyond the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Friday’s ceremony coincides with

the annual Quds (Jerusalem) Day commemorations, when Iran and its allies stage marches in support of the Palestinians.

Iran has said that among the dead were two brigadier generals from the Guards’ foreign operations arm, the Quds Force, Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi and Mohammad Reza Zahedi.

A Britain-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Zahedi was the Quds Force commander for Palestine, Syria and Lebanon.

The coffins of the seven were placed on trailers of two trucks in one of the largest squares in the Iranian capital, an AFP journalist said. AFP

As of Friday, hundreds of people were still stranded around the mountains that flank the county, with roads blocked off by landslides and rockfalls. However, most were known to be safe as rescuers deployed helicopters, drones and smaller teams with dogs to reach them.

By Friday, authorities said they would start taking it apart, first preparing a table of offerings in front of the building to ensure a smooth demolition and to “soothe the lost souls” of those killed in the quake. Chips, instant noodles, bottles of soda, and folded piles of paper money for the dead were set alongside baskets of flowers and a container holding incense sticks. AFP

JERUSALEM –

Israel announced on Friday it would allow “temporary” aid deliveries into famine-threatened northern Gaza, hours after the United States warned of a sharp shift in its policy over the Gaza war.

In a tense, 30-minute phone call on Thursday, US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that US policy on Israel was dependent on the protection of civilians and aid workers in Gaza, the first hint of possible conditions to Washington’s military support.

Just hours later, in the middle of the night in Jerusalem, Israel announced it would open more aid routes into blockaded Gaza.

Israel’s war cabinet authorized “temporary” aid deliveries via the Ashdod Port and the Erez land crossing, as well as increased deliveries from neighboring Jordan at the Kerem Shalom crossing, Netanyahu’s office said.

The White House quickly welcomed the moves -- calling them “at the president’s request” -- and saying they “must now be fully and rapidly implemented”.

Israel has come under mounting international pressure over the toll inflicted by its six-month war on Hamas, and drawn increasingly tough rebuke from main backer Washington.

Since the October 7 attacks that launched the war, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 33,037 people, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, and sparked warnings about catastrophic hunger.

Palestinians in northern Gaza have had to survive on an average of just 245 calories per day -- less than a can of beans -- since January, according to Oxfam.

Charities have repeatedly accused Israel of throttling aid and targeting convoys, with the dangerous work of trying to stem a famine underscored this week by an Israeli strike that killed seven humanitarian workers distributing food in Gaza. AFP

New Zealand eyes NATO agreement

WELLINGTON, New Zealand –New Zealand on Friday said it was ready to sign a new cooperation deal with NATO, as the country rethinks security in the face of regional tensions and growing Chinese military might.

Foreign minister Winston Peters said after a two-day visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels that a “partnership program” with the alliance would be agreed “in the coming months”.

Since the centre-right coalition was elected last October, steadfastly independent New Zealand has looked to deepen military ties with “traditional” Western allies.

“The coalition government has made clear the strong emphasis it places on cooperation with New Zealand’s traditional partners, and NATO

is a big part of that,” Peters said. New Zealand has had a partnership with NATO since 2012, but the new deal is expected to foster much closer strategic alignment.

Wellington is also looking at joining Australian, US and UK joint research into military use of artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons and other emerging technologies.

Since World War II, New Zealand has been a part of the FiveEyes intelligence-sharing alliance with Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

But it has sometimes been an uneasy ally when it comes to military matters.

Objections to nuclear weapons caused a decades-long defense pact with the United States to be effectively mothballed in the 1980s. AFP

South Korea to launch in US second spy military satellite next week

SEOUL – South Korea will launch its second domestically made military spy satellite in the United States next week, Seoul’s defenSe ministry confirmed Friday, in its latest move to better counter nuclear-armed North Korea. The announcement comes after Seoul in December confirmed the successful launch of its first military spy

satellite, which was carried by one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. The latest developments intensify a space race on the Korean peninsula after the North launched its own first military eye in the sky in November last year. Local reports saying the launch is scheduled on April 7 in the US are

“correct”, a spokesperson for Seoul’s defenSe ministry told AFP Friday, adding more details will be shared next week. Seoul’s second spy satellite is set to lift off from the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, also on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Its first satellite has transmitted

high-resolution images of central Pyongyang to the authorities in Seoul and is expected to commence its full mission stages as early as June, according to Seoul’s Yonhap news agency.

Seoul plans to launch a total of five spy military satellites by 2025 to better monitor the North. AFP

Thousands of people

of

TABLE OF OFFERINGS. Residents with safety headgear, backpacks and plastic bags prepare to salvage their belongings from the damaged Tongshuai Building following the April 3 earthquake in Hualien on Friday. Ten people were killed and nearly 1,100 injured in the magnitude-7.4 quake, but strict building regulations and widespread public disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe on the island. AFP

AMID SECURITY RETHINK. (from left) Australia’s Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts, Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs

Kiyoto Tsuji, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul pose for a photo during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Indo-Pacific partners at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday. AFP

FI HALAT HADAAD. A handout picture provided by the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday shows relatives mourning over the coffins of seven Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike on the country’s consular annex in Damascus, which Tehran blamed on Israel, ahead of their funeral procession. The seven guards, including two generals, were killed in the air strike on April 1, which leveled the Iranian embassy’s consular annex. AFP

ABDUL-Wahab Olusesi tallied 31 points and 14 rebounds as Centro Escolar University blasted Keanzel Basketball, 126-91, on Thursday in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirant’s Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Scorpions also got solid contributions from Jerome Santos (19 points), Christian Treb Malian (16 points) and Daniel Marcelo (14 points) in their bounce back victory.

CEU absorbed an 89-61 defeat against two-time defending champion EcoOilLa Salle in the debut Tuesday.

In the first game, Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda smothered CCIYengskivel, 126-76, to gain a piece of the lead.

The Red Lions pulled away from the get-go and cruised to their third straight win to keep defending champion EcoOilLa Salle company on top of the standings midway through the six-team tourney.

CEU started slow and trailed by 23-24 after one quarter. But the Scorpions picked by their rhythm in the second quarter behind

NATIONAL University drubbed

La Salle-Lipa, 25-21, 25-16, in the duel between undefeated squads to claim solo leadership in the resumption of the 2024 Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-18 Championship on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

The Lady Bullpups needed only 51 minutes to dispatch the Batangas bets and zoom to a 3-0 won-lost record in Pool B of the girls’ division. NU, an established powerhouse in junior volleyball, has yet to yield a single set in a stellar run so far after also clobbering Parañaque City, 254, 25-16, and Colegio de Los Baños, 25-10, 25-12.

La Salle-Lipa tripped to 2-1, good for second place midway through the group phase.

In Pool A, the University of Santo Tomas (2-0) hardly broke a sweat against the Limitless Sports Center (0-3), 25-9, 25-8, for also a solo lead after a 25-16, 25-23 win over the Kings’ Montessori School (KMS) in the opener.

KMS then scored a 25-20, 25-11 win over Gracel Christian College (1-1), also in Pool A, to climb to 2-1 following a previous 25-10, 25-9 win over the listless Limitless Sports Center before the break.

Action continues today until the end of the month for the group phase of the first high school tournament by the PNVF headed by President Ramon “Tats” Suzara after a long break in observance of the Holy Week.

UST will shoot for its third straight win against La Salle-Zobel (0-1) at 10 a.m. followed by the duels between La Salle-Lipa (2-1) and Parañaque City (0-1) at 11:30 a.m., as well as San Juan Institute of Technology-Batangas (1-1) and Colegio de Los Baños (0-1) at 12 noon, to cap the girls’ division.

VARGA and James Buytrago fell just short of a second straight victory but did enough to earn the top spot in their group after the preliminaries of the Smart Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open Friday.

The young Filipino duo couldn’t sustain a fiery start and absorbed a narrow 22-20, 26-28, 13-15 loss to Japan’s Kosuke Fukishima and Hiroki Dylan Kurokawa at the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts by Ayala Land in the City of Sta. Rosa.

But the point earned from the threeset loss, plus the straight-sets victory on a day earlier against Indonesia’s Yogi Hermawan and Ketut Ardana, earned Varga and Buytrago the No. 1 spot in Pool H ahead of the Round of 16.

The 5-foot-10 Varga and the 6-foot-1 Buytrago face Indonesia’s Bintang Akbar and Sofyan Efendi, who split their

BAGUIO—Eastridge is on the right track for the premier championship title after building a huge 42-point lead with one round to go in the 2nd Cordillera Golf Foundation Inc. tournament on Friday.

Cliff Nunesa (38), Jeffren Lumbo (37), Jhondie Quibol (36) and Rolando Bregente (29) contributed to Eastridge’s impressive 140 at the Camp John Hay Golf Club par-69 course and 271 tally.

JBA

and James

two

Friday.

Viceroy Construction

nine (78-63) followed by Baguio

Olusesi and Marcelo to seize control at halftime.

CEU broke the game wide open in the third quarter by outscoring Keanzel Basketball, 3716, to extend their margin to 89-64 entering the fourth. Olusesi and Santos scored 12 apiece in that telling period. Alfren Gayosa tallied 15 points while Denzel Wong and Earl Ceniza added 15 and 14 points, respectively, for Keanzel which fell to its third loss in as many games.

The Scores:

First Game

Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda 126 –Sajonia 31, Torres 16, Payosing 14, Lopez 10, Calimag 8, Jamora 7, Tagala 7, Andarad 6, Celso 6, Royo 5, Peregrina 4, Songcuya 4, Puno 3, Tagle 2, Gonzales 3. CCI-Yengskivel 76 – Nuarin 13, Jawili 13, Esguerra 8, Valderama 8, Tener 6, Laran 5, Galvez 5, Guray 5, Dever 5, Amansec 4, Verdadero 4, Luciano 0, Talagtag 0. Quartescores: 38-13, 62-28, 91-51, 126-76. JBU

Khakizadeh, who topped Pool G. Varga noted that the result still gives them a boost for the Round of 16.

“There were lapses, but at the same time the confidence is there,” said the former University of Santo Tomas spiker.

EX-National University star Buytrago agreed: “We take it one set at a time.”

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Alexa Polidario and Jen Gaviola absorbed a second straight loss, bowing to Japan’s Riko Tsujimura and Takemi Nishibori, 5-21, 4-21.

Desi Ratnasari and Nur Atika Sari of Indonesia overcame Kazakhstan’s Anastassiya Ukolova and Mariya Peressetskaya, 21-13, 17-21, 15-12, while Patcharaporn Seehawong and Samitta Simarongnam routed Singapore’s Eliza Chong and Huiying Ang, 21-12, 21-10, in the event backed by Foton, Akari, Mikasa, Senoh, Seda, Asics, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+ and Pilipinas Live.

Macau’s Leong Onieng and Law Wengsam shook off a sluggish start to beat Hong Kong’s Tsang Ngokling and Wong Manching, 17-21, 22-20, 15-12.

THANK YOU GESTURE. Paris Olympic-bound boxing champ Eumir Marcial playfully puts up a ghting stance against Senator Francis Tolentino in a recent courtesy call. Marcial signed his gloves and gave it to the lawmaker as token for the senator’s help when the Filipino champ started his career in boxing. Norman Cruz

Rancel Varga

Buytrago give their Japanese counterparts ts before losing in the Smart Asian Volleyball Confederation Beach Tour Nuvali Open

Abdul-Wahab Olusesi

Luigi Paulo Wong of House of Yogurt and Jhondie Quibol of Eastridge

NU’s Harlyn Serneche attempts a kill against La Salle-Lipa.

preliminary matches.

The Indonesian pair lost on Friday to Australia’s Paul Burnett and Jack Pearse of Australia, 12-21, 16-21. The other Philippine pair of AJ Pareja and Ran Abdilla advanced from Pool D after a split of their preliminary matches, setting up a Round of 16 showdown with Iran’s Abdolhamed Mirzaali and Abolhassan

TNT Tropang Giga members participate in the fun games with fans.

Van der Valk aims for top golf spot at ICTSI Caliraya

THE picture says it all— Philippine Olympic Committee

president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Hidilyn DiazNaranjo.

GUIDO van der Valk is gearing up to leverage his strong start in the first two legs of the Philippine Golf Tour in Davao as he prepares to slug it out with the country’s top pros and rising stars and a host of foreign players in the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship slated April 9-12 in Cavinti, Laguna. The Dutchman is keen on having a swing at the crown after demonstrating remarkable consistency at the beginning of the season, with runnerup finishes at both the Apo Golf Classic and the Rancho Palos Verdes Championship positioning him as one of the standout contenders in the upcoming P2.5 million tournament at Cavinti Springs Golf Club.

Despite a less than stellar performance at last year’s edition of the ICTSI-sponsored event, where he wound up tied for 12th, van der Valk has made a significant impact in 2024, winning the PGT’s flagship tournament, The Country Club Invitational, for the second consecutive year.

While he came up short in Apo, yielding the crown to Jhonnel Ababa via playoff, and finishing four strokes behind Lloyd Go at Palos Verdes, van der Valk is optimistic about his chances against a formidable field, including defending champion Tony Lascuña, on the challenging Arnold Palmer-designed layout.

Tolentino to Hidilyn: You’re still the queen

A PICTURE that needs no caption—Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino consoling in his arms the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo.

“You’re still the queen,” Tolentino tells Diaz-Naranjo who only minutes before saw her name outside the magic 10, which qualified for the weightlifting competitions at the Paris Olympics.

“You are still our champion, you deserve all the honor and respect for giving our country its first gold medal,” Tolentino kept telling Diaz-Naranjo.

Three years ago at the pandemic delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Diaz—she wasn’t married yet to coach and trainer Julius Naranjo—hugged Tolentino in extremen delight, in tears of joy after it sunk into her that she won the country’s first Olympic gold medal inside the Tokyo International Forum.

On Wednesday night in Phuket, Diaz-Naranjo, competing in a weight division four kilos heavier than -55 kgs where she won gold in Tokyo, wound up 11th in the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup, the last qualifier for Paris. It wasn’t unexpected though, Diaz-Naranjo missing a fifth-straight Olympics and another shot at the gold because -59 kgs wasn’t fit to her physique.

“’I’m sorry, Cong, I’m sorry … ,” she repeatedly told me,” said Tolentino, who as the national sports association head for cycling when DiazNaranjo made her Olympic debut as a 17-year in Beijing 2008, never ceased to follow the Zamboanga City pride’s rise to glory.

“You don’t have to say sorry, again, anak, you’re still the queen, a legend,” Tolentino told Diaz-Naranjo.

Knott moves into contention for 2024 Paris Olympics slot

By Peter Atencio

KRISTINA Knott, proud owner of three Philippine records, is now in contention for a berth in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

This was after the 28-year-old Knott, who already broke the marks set by Lydia de Vega-Mercado in the 100-meters, the 200-meter sprints, and in the indoor

200-meters, joined the first two outdoor competitions in the United States in the past two weekends.

As her world ranking began moving up, now at 108 from 119 last March, so did Knott’s chances to make it to the Olympiad.

Knott is now in the world ranking quota at no. 40, after she settled for seventh in the women’s 200-meter event, with her time of 23.21 seconds last March 30 in the 2024 Texas Relays at the Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas.

In her first indoor outing this year, Knott had her season’s best showing of 23.49 seconds in the Willie Williams

Classic at the Roy P. Drachman Stadium in Tucson, Arizona last March 22.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association has noted Knott’s performance and has short-listed her for a possible Olympic slot, along with Lauren Hoffman and Robyn Brown in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, John Cabang Tolentino in the men’s 100-meter hurdles and Janry Ubas in men’s long jump.

Also last week, the 28-year-old Knott ran as fast the late Lydia de Vega-Mercado when she almost equalled the Philippine national mark that she currently owns, also while competing at the Texas Relays.

Knott, who saw action in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finished with a fast time of 11.28 seconds to settle for fourth place in the women’s 100-meter run invitationals, some 1/100 seconds off the record time of 11.27 seconds, which she submitted four years ago. The last time she ran this fast was during LSU Alumni Gold meet at LSU Bernie Moore Stadium, Baton Rouge back in 2021 for the gold, also at 11.28 seconds. She was at her fastest when Knott broke the 33-year-old Philippine national mark of Lydia de Vega-Mercado a year before in 2020 at 11.27 seconds.

Guido van der Valk

P5.767 trillion

P15.8 billion

2024 national budget Average daily expenditures

P11.7 billion

Daily collection goal

Gov’t agencies need to collect P11.7b in daily revenues—Recto

GOVERNMENT agencies should collect P11.7 billion daily in 2024 to partially fund the P5.767-trillion national budget, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.

Revenue collection is expected to remain lower than the government’s average daily expenditure of P15.8 billion, with the balance coming from borrowings. Recto said government revenues are needed to support infrastructure projects and social services like education, health and social protection programs, in-

cluding assistance for at least 12 million poor and lowincome families. He said to support these programs, the public should fulfill their civic duty by promptly filing their tax returns and paying the correct amount before the April 15 deadline. He said settling taxes is now simpler than ever as the government has streamlined the filing and payment process.

“I urge everyone to be responsible in accomplishing this to avoid any penalties that may arise from failing to do so. You have an indispensable role to play in our nation’s progress. Our ability to steer the country forward is largely dependent on your cooperation,” Recto said.

Recto, who took office in mid-January, faces the challenge of raising P4.3 trillion in revenue, with the

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) responsible for collecting P3.05 trillion.

“These revenues will fuel our economic engine towards Bagong Pilipinas—a more inclusive and sustainable Philippine economy marked by lower poverty rates; increased infrastructure and human capital investments; more quality jobs for our people; and improved public services,” he said. He cited the importance of promoting a user-friendly tax filing and payment system through digitalization to improve tax administration and encourage compliance. The BIR’s implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act, signed into law on Jan. 5, 2024, simplifies tax return filing and payments through online channels and authorized agent banks (AABs).

Grab PH vows to double female TNVS drivers

GRAB Philippines said it plans to double the number of its women drivers by end-2024 after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced the opening of additional 10,000 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) slots.

“As we embrace this new chapter, Grab Philippines is excited to work alongside the LTFRB, our drivers, and the community to realize the full potential of the TNVS sector,” Grab said in a statement.

Grab said it is committed to supporting women drivers through targeted programs, training and community building initiatives.

“We are committed to leveraging technology and innovation to deliver safe, reliable, and convenient transportation options, while contributing to the country’s economic growth and supporting the empowerment of women in the workforce,” it said.

The move signifies a significant step toward a more inclusive, dynamic and robust transportation sector in the Philippines, the transport provider said.

“The LTFRB’s decision aligns with our commitment to expanding economic opportunities, enhancing public convenience, and driving sustainable urban development,” Grab said.

It said the expansion acknowledges the TNVS industry’s potential as a key economic driver and aims to leverage technology and mobility to stimulate broader economic growth, create jobs and foster innovation within the Philippine economy.

Grab Philippines implements a vigorous ‘women program’ to increase the number of female drivers in its fleet. The new slots present a remarkable opportunity to support more women in joining the ride-hailing workforce, particularly those seeking flexible working arrangements.

RLC sells

P8.5-b shares in REIT arm

ROBINSONS Land Corp. (RLC) said Friday it raised P8.5 billion from sale of shares in real estate investment trust firm RL Commercial REIT Inc. (RCR).

RLC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday it sold 1.725 billion RCR shares at P4.92 apiece, via an overnight block placement.

The offer price represents a 5.2-percent discount to RCR’s closing of P5.19 Thursday.

“The oversubscribed book is a testament to the strength of RLC’s brand. We are thankful to the institutional investors for their continued trust and confidence in RLC’s reputation,” said RLC chairman and chief executive Lance Gokongwei.

Gokongwei said as the majority shareholder of RCR, RLC would continuously fuel the growth of the company by infusing yield-accretive and high-quality assets to complement the existing predominantly-office asset portfolio of RCR to maximize both RLC and RCR’s shareholder value.

“We envision RCR to be the bellwether REIT in the Philippine real estate landscape,” said Gokongwei said. RLC intends to infuse about P25 billion worth of assets in RCR, subject to prevailing market conditions and after obtaining the necessary approvals.

These will increase RCR’s total gross leasable area by 60 percent this year.

RLC said it plans to infuse other asset classes aside from its offices, which include malls, hotels and warehouses into RCR that meet RCR’s investment criteria.

RLC’s investment portfolio includes 1.6 million square meters (sq. m.) of leasable mall spaces, 270,000 sq. m. of remaining leasable office spaces, 26 hotels with a total of 4,243 room keys and 227,000 sq. m. of leasable logistics facilities.

RLC said the potential infusion of various asset classes in several key cities across the country would boost RCR’s revenue streams and ensure its continuous growth.

Jenniffer B. Austria

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Share prices slip on worries over inflation, rising oil prices

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The Philippine stock market slid to is lowest level in two months on Friday as March inflation rate came in higher than the previous month’s level.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company gauge, plunged 81.60 points, or 1.20 percent, to close at 6,745.46, while the broader all-

shares index went down by 25.14 points, or 0.70 percent, to settle at 3,555.18.

Inflation rate in March 2024 climbed to 3.7 percent from 3.4 percent in February, on the back of higher food prices. Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Claire Alviar said while the March inflation was within the government’s target, the sentiment was weighed down by the possibility that inflation may worsen given rising oil prices, depreciating peso against the dollar and increasing food prices.

World oil prices rose on increased tensions between Israel and Iran. Alviar said hopes for US rate cuts were also tempered following comments from the US Federal Reserve questioning if rates should come down even as inflation rate remains above its target.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks fell Friday and oil extended the previous day’s surge on worries that Israel’s war with Hamas could widen to a regional conflict with Iran as both sides ratcheted up tensions. The threat of regional war compounded fears that the Federal Re-

serve would not cut interest rates as much as previously expected, with the focus now on the release of key US jobs data later in the day.

The sell-off followed a plunge across the board on Wall Street that observers said could also be partially blamed on profit-taking from a months-long rally that has seen several indexes hit multiple records this year.

Optimism was at a premium on trading floors after a deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which Tehran blamed on Israel and threatened retaliation. With AFP

Converge ICT Solutions co-founder and chief executive Dennis Anthony Uy (center) answers questions from journalists and bloggers during the ceremonial awarding by Ookla of awards including Fastest Internet, Best Internet Gaming Experience and Best Video Experience to the country’s leading broadband provider. With Uy during the April 4 event at Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City are Ookla president and chief executive Stephen Bye (right) and Converge chief operating officer Jesus Romero.

Nabas wind expansion project starts providing power to Panay

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PETROWIND Energy Inc. (PWEI) said Friday it started exporting power from its 13.2-megawatt Nabas phase-2 expansion in Aklan province on April 4, 2024, after getting the nod of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) and National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP). The project commissioning provides additional supply to Panay amid the anticipated increase in demand during the dry months.

“We are pleased with the start of the commissioning of the Nabas wind power project phase 2 as it delivers much needed power to the Panay subgrid. This is the newest power station added to the system since the January 2, 2024, grid blackout and we congratulate PWEI for this milestone,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

“This commissioning testifies to the efforts of our private sector partners, working with the administration, to boost the country’s clean and renewable energy capacity in sustaining long-term economic growth particu-

larly in northern Panay and Boracay,” said Lotilla.

The commissioning followed the approval on April 3 by IEMOP and on April 4 by NGCP of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) registration of the project as a generation facility and its energization for power injection, respectively. PWEI exported power from the first three 2.2-MW Vestas wind-turbine generators.

“We anticipate that this commissioning will eventually lead to the successful commercial operation of

our Phase 2 expansion as the second wind power unit of PWEI and the sixth RE generating plant of PetroGreen Energy Corp. In supplying much needed electricity to Panay communities, we also look forward to the revenue stream from this investment,” PGEC president and chief executive Francisco Delfin Jr. said. Delfin welcomed the support of the Department of Energy and its attached agencies, NGCP, IEMOP, Energy Regulatory Commission and the Development Bank of the Philippines to the project.

Korean partners important in SMC’s infra projects—Ang

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) said Friday its Korean partners are crucial to completing major Philippine infrastructure projects.

“Our Korean partners play a crucial role in advancing San Miguel’s major infrastructure projects that help fuel our country’s economic growth, including in sectors like infrastructure, power and water utilities,” SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang said.

“We look forward to sustaining and expanding this partnership as we pursue more nation-building initiatives,” he said. South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa recently visited the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project in Quezon City being built by SMC. The MRT-7 team toured Lee around its depot in Greater Lagro, Quezon City where the ambassador saw first-

hand how SMC is using Korean technology in implementing the gamechanging mass rail project.

“Ambassador Lee’s visit to our MRT-7 facilities highlights our partnership with Korean engineers and technology. This project, once operational, will serve as a symbol of the enduring

sector to help elevate farming communities in the Philippines.

BUSINESS

DTI starts mapping out industrial strategy

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently held the first Tatak Pinoy Council (TPC) meeting to implement the Republic Act No. 11981 that aims to enhance the country’s industrial strategy.

and quality, to strategically position the Philippines within global value and supply chains. The law established a 13-member council led by secretary of the DTI.

market.

It also seeks to diversify products and services, focusing on complexity

“After decades of implementing various industrialization strategies, the Philippines has reached a signifi-

cant milestone in our development trajectory with the recent enactment of the Tatak Pinoy Act. This act officially institutionalizes an industrial policy that supports local industries and creates high-quality jobs for Filipinos,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

The TPC meeting focused on discussing the key features of the Tatak Pinoy Act and presenting the comprehensive work plan of the Tatak Pinoy Industrial Policy (TPIP) program.

The program outlines a holistic set of priority initiatives and projects designed to promote economic complexity and diversification, targeting

industries with high global growth potential and implementing targeted interventions such as significant investments in industrial innovation, skills training, and market expansion.

Focused on the country’s pursuit of science, technology, and innovation (STI)-driven industrialization to foster a vibrant and dynamic economy, the TPIP program aims to introduce new products and services through innovation and creativity.

It also plans to revolutionize the Philippines’ industry with the establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR) and the Industry 4.0 Pilot Factory (I4PF).

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Tatak Pinoy Act on Feb. 26 to enhance the Philippine industrialization strategy by improving the productivity and competitiveness of local industries in the global

6 digital lenders posted massive growth in 2023

THE Philippines’ six digital banks reported massive growth in 2023, outperforming traditional banking institutions in expanding access to financial services.

Data showed that from September to December 2023, the digital banking sector experienced a 27-percent growth in their depositor base, faster than the overall banking system’s growth of 4 percent.

This elevated the total digital banking depositor base to 5.9 million as of end-2023.

“Digital banks are changing the game for financial inclusion in the country beyond access. This kind of growth in such a short amount of time is unprecedented in terms of

onboarding the unbanked and underserved,” said Angelo Madrid, president of the Digital Bank Association of the Philippines (DiBA PH) and president of Maya Bank.

The outstanding growth involves the country’s only six licensed digital banks including GoTyme Bank, Maya Bank, Overseas Filipino Bank, Tonik Bank, UnionDigital Bank and UNO Digital Bank. These organizations are the founding members of the industry association DiBA PH. The group said that since the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) introduced the digital banking category in 2021, the sector has evolved rapidly, setting the stage for all six banks to go live by 2023.

PH banks’ credit profiles steady—Fitch

THE robust economy will support Philippine banks’ asset quality and earnings over the next two years, Fitch Ratings said in a new report.

(BBB/Stable), should the need arise,” Fitch said.

“We expect the issuer default ratings of the rated Philippine banks to remain stable, as they are driven by our expectation of extraordinary support from the Philippine sovereign

The standalone credit profiles of the large privately owned Philippine banks—BDO Unibank Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company— continue to outperform their stateowned peers, helped by the banks’ steadier underwriting standards and entrenched business profiles.

“We also expect asset quality at the

Brunei, Laos join ASEAN initiative for faster cross-border payments

THE central banks of Brunei Darussalam and Laos have joined a regional initiative aimed at promoting faster, cheaper and more transparent crossborder payments in Southeast Asia.

The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to become part of the Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) initiative.

BDCB signed its MOU on Feb. 29, 2024, while BOL signed on April 3, 2024, during the 11th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting.

Their inclusion brings the total number of RPC participants to eight ASEAN central banks. Launched in late 2022 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand,

the initiative was joined by Vietnam in August 2023.

The RPC aims to leverage quick response (QR) code payments and other fast payment methods to improve cross-border transactions.

This will benefit businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by easing trade and facilitating cross-border remittances.

BDCB Managing Director Hajah

Rokiah binti Haji Badar said joining the RPC would enhance collaboration with other central banks and promote cross-border trade and investment.

BOL Governor Bounleua Xinxayvoravong called the signing a “significant move” that would support regional economic growth by enabling faster, cheaper and more secure financial transactions.

three banks to remain resilient over the next 12 to 18 months, which led us recently to revise their asset quality scores upwards,” it said.

Fitch downgraded state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines’ viability rating last month, reflecting its view that the state lender’s underlying loss-absorption buffers materially weakened after its capital contribution to Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

Land Bank of the Philippines also contributed to MIF, but the impact on its standalone profile is less pronounced due to its higher capital buffers, better asset quality and funding

profile than its smaller state-owned peer, it said. Fitch said the Philippine banking sector’s profitability hit a 10-year high in 2023, driven by wider margins. System asset quality also held up well despite the sharp rise in interest rates, as indicated by the system non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 3.5 percent as of January 2024, helped by the supportive economic environment.

“Our neutral sector outlook reflects our expectation that the banking system’s financial performance is likely to remain broadly steady over the next 12 to 18 months,” it said.

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) denied social media posts alleging a data leak in the National ID system. It said that as the central agency for official statistics and the implementing body for civil registration and the National ID system, it takes such allegations seriously.

“The claims in the social media posts were investigated immediately. An initial assessment by the PSA found no evidence of a leak in the National ID database,” it said. The PSA said, however, it is conducting further investigation into the alleged data leak and assured the public that measures are in place to safeguard the security and integrity of the National ID system.

It also urged the public to be wary of unverified information circulating online.

DOE issues guidelines on identifying ‘nationally significant’ energy projects

the stance of the Association of Isolated Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) in resisting the petition filed by the NPC for the endorsement of its proposed new SAGR. PHILRECA cited the anticipated escalation in generation charges for both residential and commercial consumers within SPUG areas.

“PHILRECA supports the AIEC in vehemently opposing the petition of the NPC to increase the SAGR and requests the ERC to intensively review and assess the proposed increased SAGR,” PHILRECA said. It said that once approved, the petition of the NPC would affect member-consumer-owners (MCOs) and businesses, especially local and small-scale businesses, in off-grid or SPUG areas.

“The proposed new SAGR would significantly burden residential member-consumer-owners with a rate hike of P2.9578, P3.4515 and P3.3298 for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, respectively,” PHILRECA said.

“Such increase in SAGR not only goes against the national policy of providing electricity at the least cost manner but will also bring about tremendous effect and harm to residential MCOs, decreasing disposable income and aggravating the already challenging circumstances faced by communities in remote areas,” it said.

TECH YouTube adds disclosure labels in videos created with generative AI

TO help combat misinformation with the rise of generative AI in content creation, YouTube is launching an important content-labeling tool within Creator Studio aimed at fostering greater transparency and trust between creators and their audiences.

The new tool, integrated into Creator Studio, requires creators to disclose when realistic content, which viewers could easily mistake for real, is produced using altered or synthetic media, including generative AI.

Some examples of content that require disclosure include:

● Using the realistic likeness of a person: Digitally altering content to replace the face of one individual with another’s or synthetically generating a person’s voice to narrate a video.

● Altering footage of real events or places: Making things look different from how they are or happened, such as making it appear as if a real building caught fire, or altering a real cityscape.

● Generating realistic scenes: Showing a realistic depiction of fictional major events, like a tornado moving toward a real town. Labels indicating the use of altered or synthetic media will appear

In collaboration with industry partners, Google

committed to increasing transparency surrounding

Google and YouTube recognize the growing need for viewers to discern between altered or synthetic content and authentic material, and this initiative underscores the company’s commitment to responsible AI innovation, building upon the disclosure requirements and labels first announced in November.

However, Google also acknowledges

As a steering member of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), Google actively contributes to initiatives promoting trust and accountability in online content.

In addition to this, Google is working towards an updated privacy process to address requests for the removal of

AI-generated or synthetic content that simulates identifiable individuals. This global initiative underscores Google’s dedication to safeguarding user privacy and maintaining the integrity of its platforms. More information about this story is available on Google’s official blog post, The Keyword.

HONOR, EMCOR seal partnership in Bukidnon, Davao

THE leading global provider of smart devices, HONOR, and EMCOR, a prominent retailer of electronic products and appliances in the Philippines, have joined forces to extend their market reach beyond Luzon.

The collaboration culminates in the opening of two new HONOR stores in strategic locations; one in Digos City, Davao del Sur, and the other in Valencia, Bukidnon.

This strategic move represents a significant commitment by both companies to meet the increasing demand for high-quality mobile devices in regions outside Luzon. Leveraging EMCOR’s established network and stellar reputation, HONOR aims to penetrate these key areas and strengthen its brand presence among a broader customer base.

“We are so thrilled with to introduce the latest smartphone models to consumers in Digos City and Valencia and provide them with only the best technology from HONOR,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

The First Day Sale for the HONOR X8b at EMCOR Digos, Davao del Sur, and the HONOR X7b at EMCOR Valencia, Bukidnon, were met with enthusiastic participation from HONOR enthusiasts and walk-in customers alike.

performances from Roel Manlangit, Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 Grand Winner, and local vlogger Bentoy’s Vlog Official.

The HONOR X8b with Massive Storage and revolutionary Magic Capsule worth P12,999 is now available at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or shop online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/ Shop_X8b_PR), Lazada (https://bit. ly/Laz_X8b_PR) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X8b_PR). More savings await as The HONOR X8b can also be purchased through Home Credit, offering 0% interest for as little as Php 519 per month for up to 18 months!

The HONOR X7b with Massive Battery Storage of 6000mAh worth Php 8,999 is now available at the nearest HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or shop online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/ Shop_X7b_PR), Lazada (https://bit.ly/ Laz_X7b_PR) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X7b_PR)!

Study: Global average payment for ransomware hits $850K

CYBERSECURITY firm Rapid7 revealed findings of a ransomware study, which indicated, among others, that on a global average, ransomware payouts hover around $850,000.

Rapid7 said the figure was derived from a study in the third quarter of 2023, which also found out that 41% of companies paid the ransom.

Ransomware is a class of malware that holds a victim’s (usually a corporate entity) data or device hostage, threatening to keep it locked—or worse—unless the victim pays a ransom to the “attacker” or cyberthreat actors.

Robin Long, field CTO of Rapid7 for APAC, added that the study also noted that in the last 12 months, activities of ransomware cases have been on the upswing. The company saw or detected 5,200 cases in that period, Long said.

“Of course, this might be an underestimation, as a lot of cases go unreported,” the executive said, citing the study.

Long noted that some ransomware groups often do the reporting, as it was in the case of a US firm. The ransomware group actually reported that ransom case to regulators, because the company failed to do so, Long said. The study also indicated 26,447 vulnerabilities in late 2023, which is higher by 1,500 compared to the previous year.

Long further said initial Access as a Service (AaaS) has been gaining ground in the cybercrime underworld. Simply put, AaaS gives access to company resources to cyberthreat actors. AaaS “transactions” often happen on the Dark Web, Long further stated.

Long further said in light of ransomware attacks, companies must learn about the importance of gaining “cyber clarity” in detecting and responding to threats, understanding and gaining.

This will include command of your attack surface, as well as the challenges of running a traditional security operations center (SOC.) Rapid7 meanwhile also disclosed that it has successfully concluded one of its ASEAN regional roadshows in the Philippines in March held at the Makati Diamond Residences.

Denis Donnelly, Rapid7 regional director, led other executives in providing insightful presentations, including new cyber threats and an evolving threat landscape and what that means for the APAC organizations, presented by Long.

Both provinces witnessed engaging participation in the viral HONOR X95 5G Smash Test, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

Attendees eagerly took part in a variety of engaging activities, including the captivating “Where’s the Phone” game, Bingo, Smash Test, Karaoke, and Guess the Phone, fully immersing themselves in the excitement of experiencing HONOR’s latest product releases.

Additionally, the presence of local vloggers “Digos Good Vibes” from Digos City, Davao Del Sur, contributed to the event’s entertainment value. Their lively involvement in the raffle segment and their demonstration of the viral HONOR X9b 5G Smash Test captivated the audience, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the HONOR X8b’s First Day Sale.

Moreover, the launch of the HONOR X7b at EMCOR Valencia, Bukidnon, was further energized by

YGG Pilipinas Roadtrip to visit local communities starting April

YIELD Guild Games (YGG) Pilipinas, a growing community of gamers, creators and traders supporting web3 adoption in the Philippines, will be going on its annual Roadtrip from April to July 2024 as part of the effort to bring web3 closer to Filipino communities.

Six locations will be visited over four months, beginning in Batangas and followed by Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Manila. Attendees will be able to learn more about web3, play fun and exciting new web3 games, and meet other members of the community.

Each leg of the Roadtrip will be jam-packed with meet-and-greets, game demos, show matches, and a live version of the Discord show Crypto Fiesta.

Web3 Metaversity, the online learning platform led by YGG Pilipinas, will conduct sessions at the event to educate attendees about cryptocurrency, blockchain, and trading fundamentals. Attendees will receive a quest card to keep track of the booths they will visit in the Experience Zone.

Participating exhibitors include web3 games Arena of Faith (AOF) and Sipher, game devel-

oper Delabs Games, game asset manufacturer BreederDAO, crypto exchange Coins.ph, and web3 mobile infrastructure Jambo. The popular farming game Pixels will also be showcased in a stage demo during the Batangas and Baguio legs of the Roadtrip.

The YGG Pilipinas Roadtrip will visit six cities across the Philippines from April to July 2024.

“Web3 gaming has opened many possibilities for people living with low income in the Philippines. Many of our kapwa Filipinos were able to bounce back after the pandemic because of web3 games, and it was a small barangay in Nueva Ecija that started this now global movement. We want to ensure that every community in the Philippines has an opportunity to participate in this economy. The YGG Pilipinas Roadtrip is one of the ways we can teach new, future-oriented skills to the young, tech-savvy people in our provinces. Anyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, can access web3. Our kababayan from the provinces could be the next leaders, founders and creators in this emerging industry,” said Mench Dizon, YGG Pilipinas Country Head.

To know more about the complete lineup of HONOR devices available, you may visit HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram. com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ ph/retailers/.

One of the highlights of the event was a “fireside” chat, participated by cybersecurity leaders from different industries and Philippine organizations such as Chito Jacinto, VP, of the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG); Alexander Antukh, CISO of AboitizPower, and Edison Dungo, IT director of the Manila Doctors Hospital.

LEADING fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. took the platform to showcase its superior and multi-awarded network on the occasion of a visit by the global CEO of network intelligence and connectivity insight firm, Ookla®, to its headquarters.

On April 4, 2024, Ookla President and CEO Stephen Bye was warmly received by the top executive team of Converge; foremost among them are co-founders Dennis and Grace Uy, who seized the chance to demonstrate that the successive wins of Converge in Ookla®’s latest Speedtest Awards™ are well-deserved.

Bye’s official visit was for a ceremonial awarding and thanksgiving event at the ritzy VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

“It’s an honor to host Ookla at this momentous time of our conquering the major Speedtest Awards. We’re eager to show them how a relatively young and innovative player in the ICT industry swept the awards for *Fastest Internet Service Provider in the Philippines, *Best Internet Gaming Experience, *Best Internet Video Experience, and *Top-Rated Internet in the Philippines,” said Converge CEO and CoFounder Dennis Anthony Uy. “Clinching major awards of a network intelligence provider such as Ookla is a multi-faceted effort. It’s not just the network technology but also the back-end work, such as customer service and network operations. These all worked together, and in sync, to merit such recognition,” added Converge President and CoFounder Grace Uy.

Mr. Bye was briefed about recent developments in the network of Converge; among these is the deployment

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of AI technology in its network operations. The Network Intelligence Automation Platform, or NIAP, technology in the Converge network significantly improved network metrics such as average time to resolve backbone-related issues and efficiency of field work such as deployment of repair personnel. This technology has been awarded at the regional level, recently earning recognition from the Asian Telecom Awards for AI Initiative of the Year (Philippines) and Technology Innovation of the Year (Philippines).

“After conducting an in-depth analysis of consumer-initiated tests taken with

Speedtest, Converge has been named the Fastest Internet, Best Internet Gaming Experience, Best Internet Video Experience, and Top-Rated Internet in the Philippines by Ookla’s Speedtest Awards,” said Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla, a division of Ziff Davis. “These awards are given to fixed network operators that demonstrate exceptional speed and performance in comparison to other major fixed networks in the market for Q3–Q4 2023. We are thrilled to acknowledge Converge for this achievement, which is the result of their unwavering focus on delivering a superior network experience to their customers.”

Converge operates the biggest fiber-tothe-home network in the country, with over 7.9 million ports as of end-2023. This network is equipped with 10GPON technology, the mainstream fiber-to-the-home technology that is ten times faster than the typical one gigabit standard. “Converge selected the better version of 10GPON called XGS-PON, which is symmetric. The upload and download are done at the same speed. This is important because many of the applications today actually require more upload than download— the reality of the Metaverse for example, requires a lot of bandwidth, data transfer to the cloud, and AR and VR,” explained

As you can see, it’s a collective effort from everyone at Converge so customers can maximize their internet connectivity,” he adds.

All these innovations lead to a faster, more responsive network that is easily scalable and flexible to the needs of consumers. This is why, just this March, Converge made the move to empower its customers through its ‘Boost Mode’ campaign with a free speed boost of its entry-level FiberX1500 plan, now giving speeds of up to 300 Mbps connection until June 30, 2024. To recall, the FiberX1500 plan began in 2016 with just 20 Mbps, then was consecutively increased until 2023, when it reached 200 Mbps. With a 300 Mbps connection for Php 1500, the estimated price per Mbps is at its most affordable, at Php 5/ Mbps—the cheapest in the country. Customer service is also a key factor in Converge dominating the Speedtest Awards. According to Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin Azada, its customer service force has been logging improvements: higher answer call rates and quicker average handle times were seen in the fourth quarter of 2023. Pretty soon, an AI-powered complement of tools will further enhance customer care in this area.

“Customer care is a cornerstone of our service to our more than 2 million subscribers. This is why, year after year, we improve on our customer response methods, and we are grateful this has been noticed by Filipinos and shown in the customer-initiated major awards we got from Ookla,” ended Azada. *Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q3-Q4 2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

TechLife partners with realme at Clark Aurora Music Festival

ENJOY a music-filled weekend with the TechLife Fam at the Clark Aurora Music Festival this coming April 6 and 7. TechLife partnered with smartphone brand realme to bring the fun to the Summer Hideout through different activities, games, and mini programs.

Celebrate Filipino music by singing along the popular hits of Adie, Juan Karlos, and SB19 among others on April 6. The TechLife fam can also jam to the all-time favorite OPM bands as Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, and artist Rico Blanco on April 7. Aside from enjoying the Summer Hideout, the TechLife Fam is also in for more treats to make the weekend truly memorable.

Imagine this: you and your squad, basking in the glorious sunsets of Boracay or Palawan, without spending a peso. Sounds like a dream? Well, Maya is on a mission to turn that into a reality. With our all-expense paid beach trip extravaganza, your summer fantasies could be a Maya transaction away. Your Passport to Paradise.

Dive into the ultimate summer adventure with Maya. Every transaction you make,

rewards waiting to rain on you. Get ready to soak up to P3,000 in cashback for every P1,000 spent via QRPh, card, or online purchases. Whether it’s gearing up with summer essentials or indulging in outdoor eats, your spending now brings you more. Boost Your Savings, Fuel Your Summer. Don’t just dream about the summer; live it to the fullest with Maya. Our special summer offer lets you amplify your savings interest rate up to an electrifying 14% p.a., credited daily. Now, every bill payment, shopping spree, or dine-out not only prepares you for a summer to remember but also ensures your savings account flourishes. Connectivity

Visit the TechLife x realme booth to join activities and win amazing prizes

The TechLife Fam can register at the booth to get an event activity passport for free, finish up all lined up activities and get instant freebies! On top of this, there will

also be prizes that they can win when in the games prepared by TechLife.

To make the weekend more fun, the TechLife Fam can purchase devices at a discounted price. There will be an experience area at the booth where fans can try out the devices before purchasing. Expect big savings on TechLife 12W Charger and TechLife Buds Classic 2 as well as some realme smartphones such as the all-new realme 12+ 5G and crowd-favorite realme C67.

Exclusive Meet-and-Greets with TechLife and realme personalities

Drop by the booth to get a chance to meet a few gaming personalities like OSX and Odin on April 6. On the same day, TechLife ambassadors CK De Leon and Mikee Reyes will also be in attendance for a quick chat with the TechLife Fam. Meanwhile on April 7, realme esports ambassador AP Bren will be at the TechLife x realme booth as well for a Meet and Greet with fans. Get the chance to win tickets to Clark Aurora Music Festival

TECNO joins forces with RSG to bring esports excellence, community support for PH, Malaysia

GLOBAL innovative smartphone brand TECNO and Southeast Asian premier esports organization RSG announced plans for a year-long partnership to support competitive gaming and the esports communities in the Philippines and Malaysia.

The partnership, which will begin in April 2024, builds upon a previous successful collaboration in 2023.

Raiders Victory Meet and Greet with TECNO in December 2023

As part of this year’s initiative, TECNO will continue to support RSG Philippines and kick-start support for RSG Malaysia in their esports tournaments. The two brands will also jointly curate communitybased local esports outreach programs in Philippines and Malaysia. RSG players will also serve as TECNO’s official gaming ambassadors. The partnership aims to elevate the standards of competitive esports, increase engagement between esports players, content creators and the public, and inspire esports communities in Philippines and Malaysia.

“The partnership with RSG Philippines has been fruitful to support esports talent and inspire the communities. TECNO’s quest for innovation and giving the best gaming experience through our smartphones matches well with these best-inclass esports teams. We are delighted to join hands with RSG again to engage and excite gamers in the Philippines and now in Malaysia,” said Nana Chen, TECNO regional marketing director.

“We are excited that TECNO has decided to strengthen our partnership this year. Both brands

are well-aligned in our values to set new standards in both technological innovation and competitive performance. This year, as we extend to both Philippines and Malaysia, we hope to do more to grow together and cement our position as a leading platform of opportunities for aspirants,” said Jayf Soh, CEO and Founder of RSG. Pulse Nova Entertainment, a full-service gaming

entertainment marketing agency and the exclusive rights-holders of RSG’s players, partnerships and sponsorships, worked closely with the two brands to develop the partnership. “We’re thrilled to unite industry giants, TECNO and RSG, in elevating esports. With TECNO’s support, we aim to break new frontiers through the introduction of meaningful partnerships to mobilize gamers worldwide,” said Cindy Lim, Head of Sales, Pulse Nova Entertainment.

RSG Teams to Showcase Gaming Excellence and Innovation

RSG Philippines and RSG Malaysia players will don TECNO’s logo on their jerseys as they prepare for the upcoming MPL PH and MPL MY Season 13 tournaments. TECNO will support the teams’ efforts in gearing up to set new standards in the esports arenas. Fans can also look forward to enjoying the finesse of the players as TECNO and RSG develop memorable content and gaming activities, starting with the community livestream, Raider’s Rumble 2.0, in late March. The roster of professional players in RSG Philippines and RSG Malaysia will also be the official gaming ambassadors for TECNO in 2024, starting with the launch of TECNO POVA 6 PRO in Philippines in March and TECNO POVA 6 PRO 5G in Malaysia in April 2024. RSG Philippines is a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) competitive esports team, emerging victorious recently as the champion of ONE Esports MPL Invitational (MPLI) 2023. The

team also won the Mobile Legends SEA Cup 2022 as well as the MPL PH Season 9 (in 2022).

local

Ookla President and CEO Stephen Bye (7th from left) was warmly received by the top executive team of Converge; foremost among them are co-founders Dennis (5th from left) and Grace Uy, who seized the chance to demonstrate that the successive wins of Converge in Ookla®’s latest Speedtest Awards™ are well-deserved.

Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero. “We are also prioritizing subscriber education of 5GHz Wi-Fi technology.

SHOWBIZ

Very Wang Nickie Wang

as the newest addition to its roster of talented artists. Prior to joining the agency, Miggy managed

“It was challenging of course,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment during a Star Magic Spotlight event. “But managing my own schedule taught me a lot. It made me more responsible because I had no one to depend on. Yes, it Now that he’s part of established management, Miggy believes that he would be able to focus on other facets of his career including singing,

“And this will allow me to channel more

why I’m so happy be have this opportunity,” he said. Even in the early stages of his career, he has already caught the attention of audiences with his undeniable talent on screen. Most recently, Miggy garnered praise for the compelling performance of his role as Poch in the recently concluded TV series Senior High . He was paired with Zaijian Jaranilla, his romantic interest, leaving many fans captivated by their storyline in the series.

Talking about his experience working with Zaijian, Miggy said, “You immediately understand what needs to be done without saying what we need to do. It’s a big thing when your co-actor is that open. Zaijian is really generous in giving.”

“I’m actually down with any characters because I love telling stories,” Miggy said, when asked about the roles he wanted to play. Certainly, Miggy has demonstrated his willingness to take on any role, evident from his acting experience thus far. He was known in the YouTube Boy’s Love (BL) series Gameboys with Elijah Canlas and Kokoy de Santos , which was later adapted into a movie and renewed for a second season.

On top of that, he showed his bold and daring side in the movies Kitty K7 and Two and One . He has also shown that he can keep up with superstars as he is a part of the movie Pieta starring Nora Aunor where he plays the late Jaclyn Jose’s character’s son, which will be released this year, with the exact date to be announced soon. “There’s a deeper depth pala of acting, not just doing the scene itself. Marami palang dapat i- consider at kailangang intindihin to get to know everything.” Miggy shared about the art of being an actor. His journey as a Star Magic artist promises excitement ahead. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, Miggy offers this message, “Not everything happens overnight. Be patient. Know what you really want to do. If you have perseverance, there will always be a reward.” With his evident potential, Miggy is poised to make a

By Abigail Adriatico

FELIP, also known as Ken from Filipino boy band SB19, has revealed a short teaser for the music video of his upcoming single, “Fake Faces.”

In the teaser shared with his fans on social media pages, Felip can be seen in an all-black outfit while walking on gravel as he sings. The short clip also gives a sneak peek of the song, which takes on a pop-rock vibe.

Fans expressed their support and excitement for the upcoming single and its music video’s release as “Fake Faces Come and Go” trended on X.

Like most of his fellow SB19 members like Pablo, Josh, and Justin, Felip has been releasing his own solo music. His debut solo single was “Palayo,” which he first performed during the group’s second online concert Back in the Zone in 2021. He released his debut solo extended play COM • PLEX in February 2023 under Warner Music Philippines. It had six songs which were “ROCKSTA,” “SUPERIORITY,” “MICTEST, “DRINKSMOKE,” “CRIMINAL,” and “STRAYDOGS.” The EP notably included songs that had some lyrics in the Cebuano language.

The singer-songwriter had also recently released two songs with alternative hip-hop group PLAYERTWO which were “Pagdali” and “FLYYY.” The music video for “Fake Faces” premieres on April 5.

By Abigail Adriatico

EAGER to bring joy to the homes of viewers, GMA Entertainment Group’s newest campaign “Basta’t Sama Sama…Best Time Ever” featured several of its well-loved shows that people can watch together with their families and friends.

“If you say it’s the best time ever, it’s a big deal that you’re not alone, that you’re together because sometimes if you’re alone and celebrating, you’ll think ‘I wish I had someone to celebrate with,’ right? Now we’re celebrating that. Not just one, not just two shows but a lot of shows on GMA,” said Dingdong Dantes, who serves as the host of the game show Family Feud and the informative show Amazing Earth Celebrating its second anniversary, Family Feud had a week-long anniversary special that featured the cast of Running Man Philippines, some of the members of Sparkle 10, the former cast of Walang Tulugan and Marian Rivera who made a

special appearance on the show to support her co-stars in the drama scifi show My Guardian Alien Dantes also shared that for the 300th episode of Amazing Earth, renowned comedian Michael V will serve as a guest and will be showcasing his adventurous side as he goes on to explore places he has never been before.

Meanwhile, Bubble Gang, the country’s longest-running gag show which has been going on for 28 years, is set to air its two-part summer special. One of the show’s mainstays, Paolo Contis, attributed the show’s continued success to its ability to give the viewers what they want to see.

“I think that’s the ultimate secret

Tuloy ang Kuwento is in its 14th year and will also be having an upcoming two-part out-of-town episode special.

Reality show Running Man Philippines is set to premiere its second season on May 11 featuring its winter edition which was shot entirely in South Korea. Runners Glaiza

Star Magic’s newest artist Miggy Jimenez has been captivating audiences with his superb talent

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE

Gundam Factory Yokohama ends three-year run

By Angelica Villanueva

THE world’s only life-size moving Gundam has completed its mission.

After captivating fans for three years, Gundam Factory Yokohama concluded its run with a grand closing ceremony on Saturday, March 31.

Originally intended as a limitedtime display opening in December 2020 and ending just three months later, the Gundam’s immense popularity led to extensions in 2021 and again in 2023.

The closing ceremony marked the end of not only the towering RX-78-2 Gundam itself, but also the surrounding cafe, museum, and merchandise store.

The future destination of the hero mecha remains a mystery. While some speculate it might embark on a tour of Japan with similar limitedtime displays, the Gundam’s extended stay and location on the docks raise questions about potential maintenance needs.

Over 1.5 million visitors, from

die-hard Gundam fans to curious newcomers had visited the Gundam Factory Yokohama over the past years. The grand finale was a fitting tribute, featuring speeches by franchise creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, Amuro Ray’s voice actor Toru Furuya , and the team behind the real-life Gundam. A dazzling fireworks and drone display capped off the night, expressing gratitude to fans, visitors, and the city of Yokohama.

THAT sizzling summer sun is finally out, meaning beach trips, hiking, and camping galore. Yet all the fun and the combination of harmful UV rays from being out in the sun, salt from the beach, and even chlorine from the pool can leave your skin feeling dry and lackluster.

To maintain that soft, velvety, mochimochi look for your skin all throughout the summer, try leading Japanese skincare brand Hada Labo’s hydrating line of products! They are specifically formulated to replenish and retain moisture, keeping your skin refreshed and radiant even with the summer sun out in full force.

Hydrate your skin with the bestselling Hada Labo Hydrating Rich Face Lotion. Made for normal to dry skin, the brand’s flagship product uses five types of hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin and prevent moisture loss. Acting as a humectant, it has the remarkable ability to hold up to 100 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional hydrating solution. For those with combination to oily skin, check out Hada Labo Hydrating Light Face Lotion that offers the same hydrating benefits but with a lighter, watery, and non-greasy texture.

To get the most out of Hada Labo face lotions, simply pour an appropriate amount onto your palm, then delicately pat onto damp skin (not rub!) until fully absorbed. Incorporate into your skincare routine twice daily, and apply right after cleansing.

Enhance hydration with Hada Labo Hydrating moisturizers for an added layer of rejuvenation and moisture retention. They are formulated with Aqua Oil Volume Matrix Advanced Technology to improve the skin’s hydration at a deeper level while preventing moisture loss. They also include aloe vera that’s known to soothe the skin after sun exposure. It offers two options. The refreshing, lightweight, and non-greasy Hada Labo Hydrating Water Cream is perfect for normal to combination skin and includes botanicals like squalane and peony root extract. For normal to oily skin, Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel is designed to be quickly absorbed into the skin and leave it with a velvety soft finish, and it comes with ceramides and vitamin B3 to further nourish the skin. What’s even great is that all Hada products don’t skin by retaining only the most beneficial ingredients and removing unnecessary ones such as colorants, fragrances, mineral oils, and additives. For more beauty and skincare tips, visit hadalabo.com.ph

Next-gen style innovators introduce fashion beyond boundaries

OVER a hundred fashion innovations had their runway debut at the highly-anticipated Sinulid 2024 at the Podium Hall.

It presented a retrospective of distinct organic visions, design possibilities, and creative processes that immersed the spectators into a temporal and spatial journey in the multiverse of fashion. Exploring the concept Beyond Boundaries, the annual showcase exhibited the talents, skills, and craftsmanship of the graduating Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) students of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Environment and

especially those leading up to this event, because of your passion, commitment, and perseverance.”

Abrahan Lim, a homegrown talent of the program herself, likewise recognized the sacrifices of the batch.

“Showing up today to have your creations walk down the runway took a lot of courage and bringing this much art into the world is pure talent,” she added.

The show was graced by Evangeline Flor Manalang, staff head of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) Technology Transfer, Information, and Promotion; James Manganar, TAG Global Product Development and Innovation Manager; and Ryuji Shiomitsu MEGA Magazine fashion director.

Likewise present were style personalities, including social media star and FANGS owner Mimiyuuuh, as well as fashion designers Daryl Maat, Viña Romero, and Ulysses Caragayan, Abraham Guardian of HA.MÜ, plus Dars Juson and Allesandra Gutierrez of REPAMANA – all alumni from the Benilde FDM Program.

Also spotted at the event were fashion designers Cheetah Rivera, MJ