Manila Standard - 2024 July 4 - Thursday

CHINA DEPLOYS 'THE MONSTER' DESPITE DE-ESCALATION

By Rex Espiritu and Rachelle Tonelada

US to pull out missile system out of PH

By Rex Espiritu

APOWERFUL mid-range missile system that Washington deployed to the Philippines in April for the Balikatan joint military exercises will be returned to the United States in September, a Philippine military spokesman told Kyodo News.

Col. Louie Dema-ala con-

“Philippine

The ground-based mid-range capability (MRC) that could launch Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles was also used for a simulated firing drill during a bilateral exercise in the South China Sea in May.

“There’s currently no plans to station any US forces in the Philippines…to include the MRC,” said a senior US defense official who asked not to be named.

The deployment of the Typhon missile system was called out by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called for the resumption of the production of intermediate-range missiles that were banned under a now-scrapped treaty with the US.

“Today, it is known that the United States not only produces these missile systems but has already brought them to Europe for exercises, to Denmark.

By Joel E. Zurbano

stating that it only rebalanced the country’s foreign relations from the previous administration’s China pivot under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines has heightened its ties with the United States and other security partners like the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan,

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

highlighted the current president’s stance on the Philippines not instigating wars nor yielding to any foreign power.

The Speaker also said Congress will prioritize the passage of a bill providing

life. Facebook page of FL Liza Araneta-Marcos

By Rachelle Tonelada

firmed the Typhon missile system will be returned to the US but gave no reason as to why Washington stopped the deployment.

POWERFUL WEAPON. File photo shows a truck towing a missile launcher which was deployed during the PH-US Balikatan exercises last April. It was the first time that the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system was deployed by the US in the Philippines.The MRC launcher can fire the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM). US Army

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez

Pinoys don’t want PBBM, VP Sara to resign

THE majority of Filipinos want the country’s two highestranking officials to stay put in their respective roles, even while the latest survey by campaigns management firm PUBLiCUS Asia showed that they want better performance from their president and vice president.

In the firm’s PAHAYAG Second Quarter 2024 survey, it was revealed that the rising prices of prime commodities remains the top concern of the masses, with the worsening territorial dispute with China following at a distant second.

“Persistent issues surrounding inflation (25%) remain the primary challenge for President Ferdinand Marcos

Quite recently, it was announced that they are in the Philippines,” Putin said during a televised address on Friday.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF), signed by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US President Ronald Reagan in 1988, previously banned ground-based nuclear and conventional missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310-3,410 miles).

The US withdrew from the treaty in 2019. The Typhon missile system would have been banned under the INF.

“We need to start production of these strike systems and then, based on the actual situation, make decisions

China...

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Chinese side, promote the easing and cooling down of the maritime situation, and stabilize China-Philippines relations from further deterioration,” Beijing said.

For his part, former US Air Force official Ray Powell, who has been tracking the movement of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, said the presence of “The Monster” suggests a strategic maneuver by China to assert its dominance and challenge Philippine sovereignty despite the BCM talks.

“China aims to force the Philippines

Binay..

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Francis Escudero ordered a review o n the cost of the building, after noting that the funding for the said project has already ballooned to P23 billion.

Binay, who was the former chairperson of the panel, maintained that the cost for the construction has not reached P23 billion as earlier claimed by Escudero and Cayetano, but only P21 billion.

"Do your math. P21 [billion] is not P23 [billion]. Mr. Chairman, pareho ba ang P21 [billion] at P23 [billion] (Mr. Chairman, is P21 billion the same as P23 billion)? " Binay, quoted by GMA News, said. However, Cayetano maintained that the cost is P23 billion as this includes the P1.6 billion for the land acquisition.

"What's your intention in disturbing our hearing? It's P23 billion total," Cayetano told Binay, whom he allowed to attend the hearing although she is not a member of the Accounts committee.

Binay was a former chair of the committee which oversees the

Speaker...

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Jr. (PBBM), significantly impacting his overall performance rating. Other notable concerns include the dispute in the West Philippine Sea (13%) and ongoing corruption within government agencies (11%),” PUBLiCUS stated in its survey report.

Still, 60 percent of the respondents believe that president’s struggle with inflation, geopolitical tensions and cor-

about where — if necessary to ensure our safety — to place them,” Putin said.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, in a meeting with US Defense chief Lloyd Austin in Singapore in May, said the missile system severely threatens security in the Asia region and undermines regional peace and stability.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, for his part, said the Philippines should not have allowed the deployment of missile systems by foreign military forces.

“The launch buttons for these foreign-owned and -controlled missile systems are not within our control; hence, these foreigners decide when they want to turn the Philippines into a battlefield. It will be the Philippines which will be the battleground, not their own country/countries,” Pimentel said in a Viber message.

Bayan Muna's Carlos Zarate warned

to negotiate from a position of relative weakness in hopes of extracting concessions in exchange for de-escalation,” he said.

The Philippine Navy confirmed the 12,000-ton China Coast Guard 5901, the largest vessel of its kind in the world, was spotted again in Ayungin Shoal on Wednesday before moving to Panganiban Reef.

Ayungin Shoal lies about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan island. Panganiban Reef, on the other hand, is located 250 kilometers (130 miles) west of Palawan. On Tuesday, following the BCM

construction of the new Senate building. Cayetano also assailed Binay for allegedly fabricating stories to the media.

"You had already 10 interviews.

This might be the Makati-Taguig (politics). You did not even change the questions being asked by the media. So it's obvious the questions came from you," Cayetano said. The two senators traded barbs for several minutes until Binay asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if there was P23 billion in their documents for the new Senate building's cost.

DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain, responding to Binay, said: “There is none."

After this exchange, Binay turned to Cayetano, saying that she “made my point” and that there’s no P23 billion, as far as the DPWH is concerned.

Binay then walked out of the hearing room. Cayetano, quoted by GMA News, made a retort, saying:

“You (Binay) have lost your mind.”

“Let's finish this properly. This is the Senate of the Philippines. It's not a marketplace,” he further said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

long-term land lease to foreigners to attract investments as the Marcos administration hits its third year.

“I’ll join Senate President Francis Escudero in his initiative on passing Foreign Investors Long-term Lease to attract foreign investors,” Romualdez said in an interview with DZMM when asked what can the public expect during President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s third year in office.

Another priority, he said, would be the passage of the proposed P6.3-trillion national budget.

Regarding recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Romualdez urged China to de-escalate and highlighted the support from a "community of nations" for the Philippines.

He also reassured that the tension in the area would not lead to war and expressed confidence in the support from the international community. "Honestly, China is wrong. China is doing it wrong. Maybe everyone knows the arbitral ruling. 'The whole world is with us. How can we go wrong with that?” he said over ABS-CBN News.

Romualdez also addressed concerns about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines, stating that they are intended for disaster response and not for territorial or external threats.

"If the freedom of navigation is fine, will we have EDCA sites? But one treaty partner, the US, is volunteering to fix our military bases for interoperability. But actually those bases are not for territorial or external threats," he said.

ruption is not reason enough for him to resign.

The survey also showed that awareness of the "Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge" is high, with about 80 percent of Filipinos familiar with the initiative.

“Among those aware, sentiments are nearly split, with 44 percent in favor and 38 percent not in favor of reciting the new hymn and pledge during weekly flag ceremonies,” according to the survey.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio finds herself being weighed-down specters of her father’s administration.

“Vice President Sara Duterte-

the “US satellite-like foreign policy” under President Marcos “has contributed to bringing the world to the brink of a renewed nuclear arms race.”

“We demand that the administration abide by the constitutional edicts of pursuing an independent foreign policy and making the Philippines free of nuclear arms and foreign troops,” Zarate said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it is taking seriously Senator Imee Marcos’s claim that Chinese hypersonic missiles are pointed at 25 targets within the Philippines as it seeks to gather more information on the supposed threat.

"Regarding Senator Imee Marcos's statement about 25 areas potentially targeted by China's hypersonic missiles due to EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites and the

talks, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed the country's commitment to uphold its sovereignty and the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Lazaro said the Philippines would "relentlessly protect its interests and uphold its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea." Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad on Tuesday also said the Philippines was only exercising its sovereign rights in its own waters following reports of construction materials transported to Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal.

NBI...

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targets only “the Alice Guo who is not a Filipino.”

Hontiveros made this comment after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found a third woman named Alice Guo.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago disclosed they are looking into fingerprint specimens of the third “Alice Guo," who has the same name and birthday as the suspended mayor and Chinese national Guo Hua Ping.

He said that the bureau is using as basis the person’s NBI clearance application filed in Quezon City in 2005.

However, Santiago noted that agents sent to the Quezon City address on the NBI Clearance found that the third Alice Guo “does not seem to exist.”

The NBI chief said no other details about the third Guo's identity can be found in government records and databases.

However, Santiago stressed, the unsuccessful search for the third Alice Guo has no bearing on the fact that the fingerprints of the suspended Bamban mayor and Chinese national Guo Hua Ping’s were a match.

Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian called on the NBI to continue its probe on the third Alice Guo to settle the mystery about her uncertain existence.

The senator, however, said that the investigation into a third Guo does not have any bearing on the NBI’s recent discovery about the suspended Bamban

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“We as the Holy See, we would obviously encourage Filipino Catholics, particularly their political leaders to listen to their pastors and to try and offer whatever is the best approach to this,” he added.

Gallagher's visit marked 72 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See. He has met with President Marcos and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Tuesday to discuss further areas of collaboration. He noted that “there have been

Carpio faces challenges largely tied to issues from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, affecting her performance rating (56%). Her role as the Department of Education Secretary also contributes to public perception (44%),” the PAHAYAG survey stated.

At the time the survey was conducted, slightly more than half, or 56 percent of the respondents nationwide wanted her to continue on as secretary of the Department of Education.

“In Mindanao, support (for DuterteCarpio) was even stronger, with 71 percent against her resignation,” the survey further revealed.

West Philippine Sea scenario, the AFP takes such concerns seriously," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said.

“We are ready to coordinate with Senator Marcos to obtain details and take appropriate actions to ensure our nation's security,” she added.

The Department of National Defense said it “has no basis for a comment or reaction to Sen. Marcos’ video, because we have not seen nor read the plans that she referred to.”

Senator Marcos said EDCA sites in Batanes, Subic, and Ilocos are the initial targets, but did not disclose where she got her information.

“From what we read, there are Brahmos missiles in Batanes and Subic. So those two will be prioritized along with Ilocos because there are live-fire military exercises. It's really scary,” the senator said. With Kyodo News

“We can do anything that we wish to within our exclusive economic zone. These are actions that the Philippines will pursue if and when necessary,” Trinidad said. “Suffice it to say that we will continue ensuring the integrity of our territory and the protection of our sovereignty,” he added.

CCG spokesperson Gan Yu accused the Philippines of bringing “a large amount of supplies and even suspected construction materials suggests that the Philippines intends to eventually establish a permanent facility” in Escoda Shoal.

Escoda Shoal, which lies about 139 kilometers (75 nautical miles) from the coast of Palawan, is the assembly point of Philippine vessels conducting resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

mayor’s past.

“Mayor Alice Guo has matching fingerprints with Guo Hua Ping and therefore, they are one and the same,” he said.

He likewise said Guo Xiang Dian is really Wesley Leal Guo, the mayor’s brother.

Gatchalian noted that this was verified through fingerprint matching conducted by the NBI using its biometric records as well as Board of Investments (BOI) records.

Furthermore, the probe revealed that Guo Xiang Dian arrived in the Philippines in 1999.

Gatchalian said he was listed as the dependent son of Lin Wen Yi, making him Guo Hua Ping's brother.

"Wesley Leal Guo is an incorporator of CDAG Reality Corporation in which Alice Guo is the majority owner," stressed the senator.

"This again demonstrates that the late registration process was abused by the Guo family to falsely claim that they are Filipinos," he added.

Meanwhile, the heads of the NBI and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) met Wednesday to discuss cases that could be filed against the suspended mayor of Bamban.

The meeting took place at the poll body's Manila offices after Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia requested a visit from the NBI director.

Garcia earlier said that the Comelec was preparing a case against Guo for allegedly misrepresenting herself as a Filipino citizen when she filed her certificate of candidacy for the 2022 mayoralty race.

no communications between Rome and the local Catholic Church. No diplomatic overtures to the department or to the government” regarding the divorce bill.

“But it is essentially a matter for the Bishops, who I will be seeing in these days in Mindanao, so it'll be probably interesting for me to get some feedback from them on this issue, which I will obviously be attentive to,” Gallagher explained.

“In the coming days, I would presume, because it is an important issue, that they will be discussing that. We will look forward to hearing from the Bishops on this in a matter, which is prime principally of their

The vice president nonetheless resigned from her role as Education Secretary on June 19.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that Duterte-Carpio’s response to a recent statement by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos “has received significant agreement from the public, with 61 percent in favor and only 11 percent in disagreement.”

The PAHAYAG 2024 Second Quarter (PQ2-2024) is an independent and non-commissioned survey.

The survey was conducted from June 15 to 19, using purposive sampling composed of 1,507 randomly drawn respondents, according to PUBLiCUS.

Freed 85-year old not political prisoner—NSC

By Rex Espiritu

THE National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday clarified that the 85-year-old Gerardo Dela Pena who was commuted by Malacañang from New Bilibid Prison is not a “political prisoner.”

NSC Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said it was clear that Dela Pena was convicted not for a political crime but for a crime of murder.

“The National Security Council wishes to correct reports that came out in the media that 85-year old Gerardo Dela Peña is a political prisoner. Mr. Dela Peña is NOT a political prisoner,” the statement read.

“As clearly stated by the Department of Justice, he was convicted by a court of law of the crime of murder, which is a common crime. According to the DOJ: "His conviction was not for a political crime which is aimed against the political order, as well as such common crimes as may be committed to achieve a political purpose. The decisive factor is the intent or motive.”

Malaya reiterated that Dela Pena was convicted not because of his political beliefs but because of serious crimes.

“The fact is that he was not convicted by a court of law because of his political beliefs but because he killed his nephew. He was also not detained in a discriminatory manner,” he explained.

According to NSC, Dela Pena was released after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the commutation of his sentence due to his declining health resulting from his advanced age.

The order which was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin commuted Dela Peña's sentence for murder to a definite 12 years. His Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) credits of 11 months and 15 days also paved the way for his freedom.

“We wish Mr. Dela Peña well but we also want to set the record straight,” Malaya ended.

Dela Peña was a former head of the Camarines Norte chapter of the Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA), a survivors’ group of those who were detained during the Martial Law regime of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. Dela Peña was arrested on March 21, 2013 and convicted for murder when he was 75 years old.

concern,” he added. The Vatican and the Philippines remain as the two nations in the world, where divorce is still illegal. Members of the House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 9349 or the Absolute Divorce Act, prompting fresh opposition from the church. The Senate is yet to act on the measure as senators appear divided on the issue, which reflect public opinion.

According to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on June 1, 2024, 50 percent of respondents support legalizing divorce, while 31 percent oppose it, and 17 percent are undecided.

Rep. Carl Cari: A shining example of leadership

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

LEYTE, an island paradise in the Visayas region, boasts of a rich tapestry beyond its stunning beaches and azure waters. Leyte’s diverse landscape offers something for everyone. Majestic mountains cradle fertile valleys, while geothermal wonders and natural waterfalls paint a picture of raw beauty. It’s home to resourceful people who leverage nature’s bounty without compromising its preservation to showcase the local heritage.

Moreover, this dynamic region played a vital role in Philippine history, particularly in World War II, with many historians considering The Battle of Leyte in October 1944 as the largest naval battle in modern history, ending the Japanese Navy’s capacity to fight as an organized force.

Yet besides the natural wonders and its diverse communities, Leyte is also home to prominent political figures who each contributed to Philippine progress locally and nationally. Joining the ranks of these significant individuals is Leyte Fifth District Representative Carl Cari. Rep. Cari, born on July 4, 1992, graduated with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Mapua University. However, he had another call that would soon shape his career. The district representative has an enduring connection to the political landscape, as his upbringing contributed to his profound comprehension of political processes and dynamics.

The district representative began his political journey as a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President, later becoming President of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC). Seeing how he could leverage his position in government to continue making a difference for his constituents, Rep. Cari ran for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2019. His success made him one of the youngest proclaimed legislators at only 26.

His efforts in the House of Representatives paid off because he ran unopposed in 2022 for the 19th Congress. Moreover, Rep. Cari’s constituents view him as an active leader who continues to support and empower his community.

Moreover, Rep. Cari also became the Vice Chairperson for the Committees on Appropriations and Basic Education and Culture for the 19th Congress of the House of Representatives.

Leyte’s Fifth District: A mosaic of culture and nature

By Peter Paul Duran

LEYTE’S fifth district, under the leadership of Rep. Carl Cari, stands as a vibrant mosaic of rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Each city and town within the district contributes uniquely to the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, showcasing a blend of historical significance, natural wonders, and local traditions.

BAYBAY CITY: A CULTURAL AND NATURAL HAVEN

Baybay City, a 1st class component city in the province of Leyte, is a cornerstone of the 5th district, seamlessly blending historical landmarks with natural splendor.

Punta Church marks the city’s link to the historic Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation, while the Immaculate Conception Parish, established in 1835, and the Pomponan Church of St. Anthony de Padua reflect deeprooted religious traditions.

Lintaon Peak, with its 16K Blossoms and the imposing 74-ft Shrine of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, offers not only a spiritual retreat but also a visual feast for visitors. The city’s waterfalls—Madulas, Naba, Tap-ing, and Antonio—are serene escapes into nature, each offering unique experiences for nature enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Visayas State University adds an academic charm to the city, while Tan-awan Peak and the Eastern Sea of Clouds provide panoramic views that captivate hikers and nature lovers alike.

Baybay’s dedication to craftsmanship shines through its guitar and local bag production, and its heritage houses stand as proud testaments to its rich history. The bustling boardwalk has a modern touch, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy leisurely walks by the waterfront. The city’s culinary scene is equally impressive.

The vacuum-fried jackfruit, along with the local production of langka and camote, highlights Baybay’s agricultural richness and innovative spirit.

ABUYOG: A BLEND OF FESTIVITY AND NATURE

Abuyog is renowned for its cultural vibrancy and natural beauty. The Castanas Spring Resort offers a refreshing retreat, while the annual Buyogan Festival celebrates local folklore with a colorful display of dance and music, inspired by the story of bees (bubuyog). The town is also famous for its moron delicacy, a sweet treat that embodies the local culinary tradition.

BATO: A COASTAL GEM

Bato’s natural allure is highlighted by the stunning Gunhuban Falls, a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility. The Bato Baywalk provides a scenic coastal experience, perfect for evening strolls and sunrise views.

HINDANG: ADVENTURES IN NATURE

Hindang offers adventurous souls a chance to explore the Hindang Cave, a fascinating underground world filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The nearby Cuatro Islas, particularly Himokilan Island, are perfect for beachcombers and snorkelers, with pristine beaches and clear waters.

HILONGOS: AGRICULTURAL ROOTS AND SPIRITUAL SANCTUARIES

Hilongos stands out with its agricultural richness, exemplified by Tambaan Farm, where visitors can learn about local farming practices. The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is a spiritual anchor for the community, showcasing historical architecture and deep religious roots.

INOPACAN: ISLAND ESCAPES

Inopacan is synonymous with idyllic island life.

PUSHING HIS ADVOCACIES

As a Leyte resident born and raised, Rep. Cari knows firsthand what areas need improvement and how to make these developments more relatable to the public on a grassroots level. He developed his advocacies based on his observations and feedback from his constituents. The district representative focuses on rural development, tourism, and youth empowerment.

Rep. Cari proves that age shouldn’t keep aspiring leaders from pursuing their calling in making a difference for their community. His advocacies in rural development, tourism, and youth empowerment, among his other initiatives, demonstrate his vision for Leyte’s Fifth District to progress toward modernity.

One of his significant contributions in his district is raising the potential of Baybay City to become the region’s sports hub. It is evident in Rep. Cari’s participation and initiatives in various sporting events throughout the region to foster sportsmanship and camaraderie and unite everyone in mutual respect and greatness.

Furthermore, the district representative extends more socio-economic opportunities for his constituents through government programs while continuously developing the district’s tourism sector to empower the community and put Leyte’s Fifth District on the map.

Aside from his efforts in his respective district, Rep. Cari is also active in his role in the House of Representatives. As of writing, the district representative is the principal author of 312 bills and co-authored 190 more, many of which also benefit the people in his jurisdiction.

Some of his contributions promote primary education, like House Bill 00411, which is an act establishing the Baybay City National High School for sports in Baybay City, and House Bill 00417, which creates a youth financial capability and literacy. He also focused on developing the local economy, like House Bill 00024, which aims to convert and expand the Leyte Industrial Development Estate into the Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone and create the Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone Authority to oversee its developments.

On the other hand, Rep. Cari also supported the progress in various destinations in the Philippines through his authored bills. For instance, House Bill 00227 institutes policies for the protection and welfare of caregivers in practicing their profession. Another example is House Bill 00410, which proposes to establish, recognize, and strengthen the Coconut Research Center for the Visayas. His focus goes beyond his advocacies, often encouraging holistic growth and empowerment among Filipinos.

The district representative’s dedication to his crucial role in Philippine legislation solidifies his outstanding performance. As one of the youngest lawmakers elected into the position, he serves as a beacon for aspiring young leaders who want to make a difference in their communities.

The Cuatro Islas—Digyo, Apid, and Mahaba— offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making them perfect for island hopping and snorkeling. The Inopacan Baywalk adds to the town’s coastal charm, providing stunning sea views and relaxing walks.

JAVIER: HIDDEN WATERFALL TREASURES

Javier is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, including Bito, Kawasan, and Haganas Falls. These natural wonders offer serene and picturesque settings, perfect for picnics, swims, and photography.

MAHAPLAG: RIVER SERENITY AND LOCAL FLAVORS

Mahaplag is characterized by the tranquil Hilusig River, a peaceful spot ideal for relaxation and nature appreciation. The town is also famous for its traditional delicacies, such as puto and bibingka, which are beloved by both locals and visitors.

MATALOM: ISLAND AND WATERFALL WONDERS

Matalom’s natural beauty is showcased by Canigao Island, a popular destination for beach activities and relaxation. The Mahayahay Waterfalls provide a serene escape with their cascading waters, offering a perfect spot for nature lovers. Under Rep. Carl Cari’s leadership, the fifth district of Leyte continues to shine as a beacon of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Each town and city contributes uniquely to the region’s rich tapestry, ensuring that the legacy of their ancestors is preserved while paving the way for a brighter future. This district’s dedication to cultural preservation and natural conservation not only enhances its local charm but also contributes significantly to the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.

REP. CARL CARI

SC starts rights consultations

By Rey Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has kicked off its series of multisectoral focus group discussions in a bid to strengthen the protective writs of habeas corpus, amparo, and habeas data.

SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said the consultations, which have been sanctioned by the Court En Banc, will be spearheaded by the SC Committee on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which he chaired.

According to the SC, focus group discus-

IN BRIEF

sions (FGDs) are being conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the effectiveness and limitations of the protective writs. The consultations are being held in Baguio, Cebu, and Davao provinces where participants are being asked to share their experiences and discuss challenges and

PNP restricts selling of night vision scopes

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered firearms importers and dealers to restrict the sale of digital night vision rifle scopes and similar devices to civilian individuals over threats that they could be used for any gun-related crimes.

Civil Security Group (CSG) spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano confirmed the issuance of a Joint Public/Stakeholder Advisory, directing all dealers and importers to limit the selling, distribution and marketing of digital night vision rifle scopes and the like only to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, and other law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Coast Guard.

“The PNP has noted that accessories such as digital night vision rifle scopes and similar devices are being sold or distributed in the local market without undergoing evaluation and classification by the FEO Classification Board, as required for regulated items,” the advisory signed by CSG Director Major General Edgar Alan Okubo and Firearms and Explosives Office officer-incharge Colonel Ericson Dilag reads. Vince Lopez

Quezon City police gun campaign yields 156 firearms

THE Quezon City Police District on Wednesday credited its intensified campaign against loose firearms to the confiscation of 156 firearms.

QCPD director Redrico Maranan cited their significant accomplishment against loose firearms from January to June. During this period, a total of 145 operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 147 individuals by various police stations and units within the QCPD.

The operations led to the confiscation of a total of 156 firearms.

Maranan stressed the importance of their accomplishments, stating “the confiscation of these firearms underscores our unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal firearms from our communities and ensuring the safety and security of our fellow Quezon City residents.” Rio N. Araja

Vietnamese woman nabbed for creating scene at airport

A VIETNAMESE woman will be deported for unruly behavior while queuing for immigration clearance at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport while about to leave for Hanoi, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The woman, identified as Ban Thi Van, 19, initially presented herself for immigration clearance to board a Cebu Pacific Air flight to Hanoi. However, during an inspection, she aggressively snatched her passport from the immigration officer and caused a scene by throwing herself on the floor and shouting. She reportedly streamed her outburst on social media and caused disturbance in the immigration departure area. It was not clear if the woman was mentally sick. Officers sought the assistance of the BI’s border control and intelligence unit as well as airport police and the Philippine National Police (PNP) aviation security group. Vito Barcelo

WAITING. A cat perches on a narrow surface behind as some Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) wait for visitors for at the Manila City

areas for improvement in the formulation and implementation of the writs.

Leonen expressed optimism about garnering valuable insight from key stakeholders in the Judiciary, the academe, law enforcement and prosecution, and the affected public.

Consultations are expected to conclude in September. The findings will be submitted to the technical working group under the Human Rights Committee to ensure actionable recommendations in proposing amendments to the three protective writs.

The SC said the consultations form part of the Judiciary’s continued efforts

to review the relevance and effectiveness of the rules, as guided by the principles laid out in the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022- 2027, which is a brainchild of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

A Writ of Amparo is a legal remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security has been violated or under threat while the writ of habeas data is a remedy available to any person whose right to privacy in life, liberty or security has been violated or under threat by the unlawful gathering of information about the person, his or her family and home.

DOH eyeing deeper collab with US CDC

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH)

Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reaffirmed on Wednesday the government’s commitment to improving public health through international collaboration following his visit to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Herbosa said the DOH engagement with the CDC Global Health Leadership “has been a significant step towards enhancing our capabilities in public health emergency preparedness, disease prevention and control, and the management of non-communicable diseases.”

He noted that the visit, which took place last June 25 in Atlanta, Georgia, marked the beginning of deeper cooperation with the CDC aimed at safeguarding the health of the Filipinos.

DOH officials also met with Filipino healthcare professionals working for the US public health agency. He said this engagement aligns with the DOH’s 7th action agenda, which focuses on the welfare and rights of health workers.

Hosted by the Task Force for Global Health, an international nonprofit based in Atlanta, the meeting featured key figures such as Dr. Nancy Knight from the Task Force and Dr. Charlene Wong from the CDC. The gathering highlighted the CDC’s ongoing global health activities in the Philippines. The DOH noted they look forward to working with the CDC on the establishment of public health operations center across the country and management of vaccine-preventable diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, respiratory illnesses, and other ailments.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros reiterated her call for “just and meaningful” reparations for Filipino comfort women and their families.

She stressed that time is running out for the Philippine government to seek redress for and recognize the few remaining members of the Malaya Lolas.

Hontiveros made this appeal following her meeting with the nonprofit organization Malaya Lolas, which is composed of Filipino survivors of sex slavery. She said only 18 Malaya Lolas are still living.

“They cannot wait any longer,” Hontiveros said. “President Marcos and the entire administration must make good on their promise to extend aid and assistance to them. The government should not let them die without getting justice for them,” she said.

Hontiveros also visited Bahay na Pula, which was used by the Japanese Imperial Army to perpetrate sexual violence.

“Bahay na Pula has been torn down, leaving only its foundation behind. I hope this can be undone. Sana i-rebuild ito at gawing memorial site para sa lahat ng victim-survivors ng wartime sexual violence,” she said.

Hontiveros — who has authored laws against sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation — has filed Senate Resolution No. 539, which urges the government to ensure just and meaningful reparations are given to Filipino comfort women and their families after the Philippines was called out by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

The UN panel said the Philippines failed to fulfill its treaty obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women by not seeking redress for comfort women.

2 Pinoys join British Council’s youth program

TWO Filipino youth leaders join 90 others from 45 countries worldwide in celebrating the British Council’s 90th anniversary through “90 Youth Voices for the Future.” This is an event that aims to gather young representatives to spend a week in the United Kingdom and study the youth there.

Adamson Law graduates Jose Mari Callueng and Myron Dominick Manalastas were selected by

profession through his work for the poor and the marginalized.

SONA PREPARATIONS. Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay inspects the equipment of MPD members on Wednesday in preparation for the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos on July 22. Over 22,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure the SONA. Norman Cruz

OPINION

Let the games begin

THOSE who took the vice president’s political announcement about three Dutertes running for senator in the mid-terms are now wondering what the game plan of the VP and her family is. I never seriously believed the VP’s claim of tres Dutertes and I gave it short shrift in last Monday’s column.

But wait, the veep is also delivering a message, subliminal it seems.

Her potential rival for 2028 who says he is not considering a presidential run but whose numbers statistically tie with Inday Sara, has two brothers who also want to run for the Senate.

So the veep is playing: if there can be three Tulfos, why not three Duterte’s? And now that the patriarch himself has said Sara just took us for a ride, will both Erwin and Ben insist on joining their brother in the Senate?

Two are common practice these days; three may be a bit too much.

All these present family affairs stem from dynastic practice -- two siblings had a president for father, another had a speaker and senate president as progenitors, the other inherited his seat from another now deceased senate president, and who has just been announced as Inday Sara’s replacement at DepEd. With them as well, we have three whose fathers were senators at one time, one whose father was senate president and president for the longest time, and one who had a vice president as family patriarch.

With the exception of Loren, Risa, Grace, Raffy, Bong Go and Bato, all others come from political families who hold sway over a province, a district or a city. Thus far, only Risa, Grace, Bong Go and Bato are not yet carving their new family dynasty.

Now let’s go to the games that are about to begin.

The administration’s “unity” ticket is almost complete as we write. Unity is the new ideology of Bagong Pilipinas, and let’s forgive our president for mistaking an “ideal” for ideology, present goal to a set of binding principles.

Our sources name the following BP candidates:

Re-electionists Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino and Imee Marcos; come-backing Tito Sotto and perhaps Ping Lacson, who has yet to decide whether to run or retire in his farm, plus the Pacman; DILG secretary Benhur Abalos, party-list representative Erwin Tulfo, and Rep. Camille Villar who shall replace mom Cynthia and join brother Mark. That adds up to nine or 10 already.

The Bagong Pilipinas “unity” team has three Nacionalistas, three NPCs, one Fed-

eralista, one PDP, one Lakas and maybe one independent.

One Nacionalista who could give some luster to the once august chamber is Medal of Valor awardee Ariel Querubin, but, as of this writing, his inclusion in the “unity” ticket is still in limbo. Neither is former senator and “macho bloc” member Gringo Honasan.

This merry mix is what the president considers proof the “Uniteam” is still alive, only with a different cast of players, many of whom I doubt will want to sing the Bagong Pilipinas anthem after the elections.

From the pink-yellows who now fly different flags, we have come-backing Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino and Chel Diokno, perhaps Leila de Lima too. They refuse to be co-opted by either Davao or Ilocos.

The firing gun is just three months away, and would-be candidates had better decide before the ghosts come marching in exactly a month

The PDP has re-electionists Bong Go and Bato de la Rosa, plus actor Philip Salvador, likely former BbM ES Atty. Vic Rodriguez thus far.

As I wrote last Monday, Davao Mayor Baste could be the only Duterte to run for senator next year.

VP Sara may or may not endorse any senatorial candidate, though how can she not support her bosom buddy Imee, who risks being junked by some trapos because of her declared loyalty to the Duterte brand?

Aksyon Demokratiko’s Isko Moreno, the over-achieving former mayor of Manila, is not keen on a Senate run even if his survey numbers are good. Doers are better off not joining talkers.

Doc Willy Ong is hesitant, as the expense of a run are quite daunting and he is not in the habit of asking for contributions.

Of course there are other aspirants, but long lists bore me.

And because some think they cannot coexist on the same platform as others, don’t expect that silly practice of “common candidates” this time, as in “namamangka sa maraming ilog.”

The firing gun is just tree months away, and would-be candidates had better decide before the ghosts come marching in exactly a month from now.

On Philippine-American Friendship Day: We celebrate historic achievements

By MaryKay Carlson

ON THE Fourth of July – US Independ-

ence Day and Philippine-American Friendship Day – we look back on what the USPhilippine partnership has achieved over the past 12 months.

We’ve reached incredible milestones together as friends, partners, and allies, setting a bold agenda to build a more secure and prosperous future for our peoples.

The Trilateral Leaders’ Summit among President Biden, President Marcos, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida in Washington was a historic moment in a year of exceptional achievements.

The leaders committed to advancing the security and prosperity of the three nations, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world through cooperation on economic growth, critical technologies, the digital economy, climate and clean energy, infrastructure, and peace and security.

They announced the Luzon Economic Corridor under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the IndoPacific Economic Framework Investment Accelerator, which will support transformative public and private investments from Subic Bay to Batangas – home to 40 percent of the Philippines’ population and 50 percent of its economic activity.

The three leaders also announced $8 million for Open Radio Access Network field trials that will pave the way for more affordable and secure telecommunications.

As President Marcos has said, economic security is national security. Our commitment to bring greater private investment to

the Philippines is multifaceted.

In March, Secretary of Commerce Raimondo led the first-ever Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines, where US firms announced more than $1 billion in investments in key sectors and new partnerships to help develop a future-ready Philippine workforce.

The United States continues to expand funding to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines

We built on these engagements in May during the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila, where the US Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to a Filipino company to deliver affordable, high-quality internet connectivity to underserved communities in the Philippines. We are accelerating investment in the Philippines with the introduction of new tools and resources.

Later this year, the U.S. Development Finance Corporation plans to open a Manila office, its fifth location in the Indo-Pacific region.

This new office underscores DFC’s growing focus on the Philippines in critical sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, criti-

Don’t be a victim of cybercrimes

WE SHOULD be aware of various types of cybercrimes, which have risen by 21.8 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the last quarter of 2023, according to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

It is worrisome that a total 4,469 cybercrimes took place from January to March 2024.

This represents a substantial increase from the 3, 668 incidents reported in the fourth quarter of last year.

The number represents an average of 49 cybercrimes every day in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 40 in the last three months of 2023.

In February, the PNP-ACG reported that cybercrimes surged by 68.98 percent last year, from 11,523 cases in 2022 to 19,472 incidents in 2023.

These cybercrimes include online selling scams (990 cases), investment scams (319 cases) and debit/credit card scams (309 cases).

The marked increase in cybercrime, police said, may be due to increased online activity, increasingly sophisticated tactics of cybercriminals, and lack of public awareness.

The police reported that cases of online scams surged by 94.64 percent from 7,208 incidents in 2022 to 14,030 cases in 2023. Sexual extortion also increased from 110 cases in 2022 to 121 incidents last year.

—“—

Fighting cybercrime should not just be the responsibility of the police, but the citizenry as well

The number of cybercrimes has increased continuously despite the 2022 enactment of Republic Act 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act, which the National Telecommunications Commission claimed would curb cybercrimes. RA 11934 was the first bill President Marcos Jr. signed into law in Oct. 2022. The substantial increase in cybercrimes has become so alarming that

THERE is this interesting social media account of the current Queen of Spain Letizia having Filipino roots which would make the heir apparent to the Spanish throne Princess Leonor part Filipino.

The article went on to say that Queen Letizia is 12.5 per cent Filipino, making her about 6.5 per cent Filipino. By Filipino, I mean having native blood.

Another article, however, is saying although Queen Letizia’s family on her mother side came to the Philippines in the 19th century when the country was still a Spanish colony, none of them ever married an Indio or native individual.

They would, however, have been called Filipinos nonetheless because Filipinos at that time were Spaniards born in the Philippines.

The case of Queen Letizia’s great grandmother who was born in Manila in 1918 or 1919, is a bit trickier.

This is because, by that time, the country was already an American colony so it is harder to classify her citizenship.

But if she stayed in the Philippines till after the ratification of the 1935 Philippine Constitution before moving to Spain, she would have been considered a Filipino citizen.

But does bloodline really matter at all to be considered having Filipino roots?

I would have thought that having a part of one’s family staying here for two or three generations would have qualified them as having Filipino roots regardless of bloodlines.

It would be nice if Queen Letizia and the soon to be monarch Princess Leonor will acknowledge their family’s connection to the Philippines but, in the overall scheme of things, that is no longer important.

What is more relevant in this day and

cal minerals, and infrastructure.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation returned to the Philippines this year and now has a team on the ground to co-develop a threshold program.

This program identifies key constraints to economic growth and creates favorable conditions for new investments from the private sector and development partners.

The United States is committed to supporting the Philippines’ clean energy transition.

Last November, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week in San Francisco, Secretaries Lotilla and Blinken signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, or “123 Agreement,” facilitating USPhilippine cooperation to responsibly develop a peaceful, sustainable nuclear energy program.

The Philippines Department of Energy and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation are creating scholarships and academic exchanges on nuclear power and

the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission warned last September that online scams have gotten worse than the country’s problem with illegal drugs.

“The problem with online scams is now worse than drugs. Even the record from PNP reflects that scam cases have exceeded ordinary crime cases,” said Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz of PAOCC

Other cybercrimes monitored by authorities are identity theft, online threats, data interference, computerrelated fraud, love scam, cyberlibel and violence against women and children.

Amid the surge in cybercrimes, President Marcos Jr. recently ordered the PNP to put up cybersecurity desks in all police stations and increase the training of investigators.

We are glad that PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has already launched an intensified drive against cybercrimes with the allocation of more resources and enhancing capabilities to combat the growing threat of cyberrelated offenses.

But fighting cybercrime should not just be the responsibility of the police, but the citizenry as well. By reporting cybercrimes to the police, we take the first important step in stopping this form of illegal activity and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Being Filipino

age in view of the Alice Guo case and the ongoing WPS issue, is the question of what it means to be a true blue and patriotic Filipino and how can this be manifested.

There are those who attach as a condition that one must have a native Filipino blood to be true blue Filipinos.

But today’s Philippine society like many other countries have become multi-cultural.

Ultimately, the definition of a true blue Filipino is perhaps one who is proud of this country unconditionally warts and all

There are now fewer Filipinos who have pure native blood.

This means, therefore, that being a loyal and patriotic Filipino does not depend on how much native blood flows in one’s veins. And, as an example of this, one of the leading lawmakers – who is leading the investigation on the true identity of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is Senator Sherwin Gatchalian whose ethnicity as we know like many of us is Chinese -- is probing himself to be truer and a more patriotic Filipino compared to some people out there.

Due to his tireless sleuthing, he was able to uncover a lot about who Alice Guo really is.

clean energy, and the US Agency for International Development is partnering with DOE to develop a comprehensive civil nuclear energy policy.

USAID partnered with the Philippine government to launch its first Green Energy Auction Program, in which private sector companies compete to offer the most affordable prices to supply renewable energy to the grid, driving billions of dollars in investments and increasing renewable energy capacity by 65 percent by 2026. The US Departments of State and Energy also launched the US-Philippine Energy Policy Dialogue to deepen cooperation in this field.

Our military alliance continues to flourish.

We have improved our bilateral exercises and established new ways to work together to address 21st century security challenges, such as cyber defense. We have reinvigorated our maritime co-

When the issue of the WPS also first erupted, one of the first people to volunteer to fight was the Caucasian looking but fiercely Filipino former Secretary of the DILG Rafael Alunan.

And who are those parroting the lines of the other side?

They are the ones who look like what we would call katutubong Filipinos.

Defining who is a true blue Filipino is therefore a little more complicated today than say the time immediately before the Second World War.

And, as the two cases just mentioned have shown, patriotism does not depend on the color of one’s skin or bloodline.

One area where being a Filipino can be manifested is in sports.

There are some athletes whose heritage is Filipino who competed representing another country but then decided to represent the Philippines because one of the parents is Filipino.

There are also some who have represented the country but decided to represent the country of one parent probably due to passport issues.

To those of us who travel regularly, passports could be a huge inconvenience. Because of this, there are unfortunately many who would willingly exchange their Philippine passport for more powerful passports to escape the inconvenience.

Are these people less patriotic?

Ordinarily, yes.

But because our country allows dual citizenship, maybe one can be half half so to speak.

Ultimately, the definition of a true blue Filipino is perhaps one who is proud of this country unconditionally warts and all. But I am afraid that even that doesn’t really say it all.

operation, conducting joint naval engagements alongside Australia, Canada, France, and Japan.

The United States continues to expand funding to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Underpinning all these important endeavors are close and meaningful bonds of friendship and family ties that form not only the foundation upon which our relations are based, but a springboard for reaching new heights in the future.

On this day last year, I hailed the positive momentum in US-Philippine relations. Since then, that momentum has accelerated significantly.

As Secretary Blinken described it during his most recent visit to Manila, the US-Philippine relationship is on hyperdrive and has never been stronger.

Let’s see what we can accomplish in the next twelve months! (The author is the United States ambassador to the Philippines.)

Terror, ‘chaos’ as India’s deadliest stampede in over 10 years kills 121

HATRAS, India

– Survivors of India’s deadliest stampede in over a decade on Wednesday recalled the horror of being crushed at a vastly overcrowded Hindu religious gathering that left 121 people dead.

A police report said more than 250,000 people attended the event in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state, more than triple the 80,000 organizers had permission for. On Wednesday morning, hours after the event, discarded clothing and lost shoes were scattered across the muddy site, an open field alongside a highway.

People fell on top of each other as they tumbled down a slope into a waterlogged ditch, witnesses said.

“Everyone –- the entire crowd, including women and children –- all left from the event site at once,” said police officer Sheela Maurya, 50, who had been on duty Tuesday as a popular Hindu preacher delivered a sermon.

“There wasn’t enough space, and everyone just fell on top of each other.” Almost all of the dead were women, along with seven children killed and one man.

rtc1-qzn098@judiciary.gov.ph (02) 8518-0393 IN THE MATTER OF: PETITION FOR RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN JUDGMENT – DIVORCE BETWEEN JORAQUIL CERVANTES WATANABE AND MASASHI WATANABE, Petitioner, -versus- R-QZN-24-00773-SP MASASHI WATANABE, CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA), AND ALL PERSONS WHO HAVE OR CLAIM ANY INTEREST WHICH WOULD BE AFFECTED THEREBY. Respondents.

x---------------------------------------------x ORDER Before this Court is a verified Petition filed by the petitioner through counsel praying for the recognition of the divorce of petitioner in Japan as valid and for the issuance of an order directing the Civil Registrar General – Philippine Statistics Authority to annotate the divorce decree on the Certificate of Marriage of the parties. She further prays that she be allowed to revert to her surname prior to her marriage.

Petitioner and the respondent were legally married in Japan in December 27, 2016. At the time of marriage, the Petitioner was a Filipino Citizen, while respondent was a Japanese Citizen.

The parties’ marriage was attended by frequent quarrels and recurring arguments and it was difficult for them to reconcile their differences. Subsequently, the respondent obtained a divorce by agreement on February 12,2020 in Japan under Japan laws.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is given due course. Set this case for initial hearing on 08 August 2024 at 8:30 in the morning before this Court sitting at Room 501, 5th Floor Hall of Justice (Annex) City Hall Complex, Quezon City at which date, time, and place all interested persons are required to appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

The counsel for the petitioner is directed to coordinate with the Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC), Atty. Gregorio Tallud for the service of this Order and petition with annexes to the proper agencies concerned, such as the Local Service Registrar of Quezon City, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of foreign Affairs Office, Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for their comment/report. This directive shall be complied with at least forty (40) days prior to the date of hearing and for the petitioner to show proof of compliance thereof.

Furthermore, let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation, to be chosen by raffle, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at least thirty (30) days before the date of hearing.

Likewise, the petitioner is directed to serve a copy of the petition and its annexes to the respondent Masashi Watanabe pursuant to available modes of service of pleadings, orders, or judgments in accordance with the Revised Rules of Court as amended.

In the event that the hearing should not take place on the said date

Deadly hurricane Beryl kills 7 as it churns towards

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Hurricane Beryl churned towards Jamaica Tuesday (Wednesy in Manila) , with forecasters warning of potentially deadly winds and storm surge, after the storm killed at least seven people and caused widespread destruction across the southeastern Caribbean.

The powerful hurricane, which is rare so early in the Atlantic season, weakened Tuesday but was still an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm, and is expected to pass “near or over” Jamaica on Wednesday, meteorologists said.

Beryl is the first storm since US National Hurricane Center records began to reach the Category 4 level in June, and the earliest to reach

Jamaica

Category 5 in July.

A hurricane warning was in place for the island nation, according to the NHC, which said rain and flash flooding was to be expected in addition to the life-threatening wind and high water levels.

Across Jamaica, emergency response preparations were underway, with shelters stocking up on provisions, people safeguarding their homes and boats being pulled from the water.

“I urge all Jamaicans to stock up on food, batteries, candles, and water. Secure your critical documents and remove any trees or items that could endanger your property,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on X. AFP

Officials suggested the stampede was triggered when worshippers tried to gather soil from the footsteps of the preacher, while others blamed a dust storm for sparking panic. Some fainted from the force of the crowd, before falling and being trampled upon, unable to move.

The Uttar Pradesh’s state disaster management centre, the Office of the Relief Commissioner, released a list of the dead on Wednesday morning.

It said 121 people had been killed. Maurya, who had been on duty since early morning on Tuesday in the sweltering humid heat at the preacher’s ceremony, was among the injured.

“I tried to help some women, but even I fainted and was crushed under the crowd,” she told AFP.

“I don’t know, but someone pulled me out, and I don’t remember much.” Deadly incidents are common at places of worship during major religious festivals in India, the biggest of which prompt millions of devotees to make pilgrimages to holy sites. AFP

restart” to the mine, which employs about 1,400 people. The re-opening is likely to take “several months as a result of the likely damage underground”, it said in an earlier update.

The group said air quality had not been impacted.

“External health specialists have reassured us that, based on current information they have, there is no impact to community health,” it said.

The fire started when a “localised ignition” occurred at a site where coal is extracted in a long slice along a broad wall of the coal face, Anglo American said. AFP

YANGON – Clashes broke out near a regional military command in northern Myanmar on Wednesday, residents and local media said, in what appeared to be a widening offensive against junta troops.

Gunfire has rocked the northern Shan state town of Lashio, home to the military’s northeastern command, since late Tuesday, one resident told AFP.

“Since last night we have been hearing shooting targeting the regional military command... we dare not to go outside,” they said, requesting anonymity.

Fighting was happening outside the town, another resident told an AFP correspondent, who heard one explosion down the phone. She said the military had closed all roads into Lashio but that some shops in the town were still open.

Videos uploaded to social media showed a wooden building destroyed and partly in flames, and local media reported six civilians had been killed in shelling. Lashio sits on a major highway that runs from the second

of Mandalay to China’s Yunnan province. All flights to Lashio from commercial hub Yangon had been cancelled since Wednesday morning, an airport source in Yangon told AFP, without giving further details. The so-called “Three Brotherhood Alliance” of ethnic armed groups launched an offensive last October against the military near Lashio and along the China border.

The alliance seized swaths of territory and lucrative border crossings, dealing the junta its biggest blow since it seized power in 2021. China brokered

MILLIONS DISPLACED. UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag (4th right), briefs the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, at UN Headquarters in New York, Wednesday. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza said 1.9 million people were now displaced in the territory, adding she was ‘deeply concerned’ by reports of new evacuation orders for Khan Yunis. AFP

DOJ: Gov’t agencies can accept donations

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has paved the way for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to accept donations from individuals and corporations related to the tobacco industry.

In a six-page legal opinion signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the DOJ held that acceptance by the DSWD of donations from entities including private persons identified with the tobacco industry do not violate a provision in the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Health (DOH). The circular, otherwise known as Pro-

IN BRIEF

PHIVOLCS: Kanlaon tremors more frequent

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported that the Kanlaon Volcano in Negros island has manifested increased seismic activities, logging a total of 90 volcanic earthquakes based on latest monitoring.

In an advisory released Wednesday, PHIVOLCS said most of the tremors were generated within a depth of 20 kilometers beneath the southeastern sector of the mountain.

The tremors consisted of five -tectonic events that were produced by rock fracturing and 85 weak-low-frequencies that indicated the movement of volcanic fluids.

“In addition, volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission from the summit crater has been persistently elevated since the 03 June 2024 eruption, currently averaging 3,254 tonnes/day since then and reaching 5,083 tonnes/day yesterday,” the agency said.

The overall monitoring parameters indicated that magmatic activities beneath the volcano might be driving current unrest, causing increased volcanic earthquake activity, persistently high concentrations of volcanic gas emission and swelling of the volcano. Rex Espiritu

SSS

sets up

E-Center in ecozone company

STATE pension fund Social Security System (SSS) has launched an E-Center at a private corporation in an ecozone in Hermosa, Bataan.

The SSS and Sumi Philippines Wiring Systems Corp. (SPWS) forged an agreement for the installation of the ECenter last June 24.

SSS Balanga branch acting assistant chief Victor Villanueva said SPWS employees now do not need to be absent from work to secure SSS services.

Villanueva said they trained the SPWS personnel who will man the ECenter. Butch Gunio

Ilocos Norte observes 2024 Nutrition Month

THE Ilocos Norte provincial government, through the Provincial Nutrition Action Office (PNAO), has kicked-off the celebration of this year’s Nutrition Month with sustained programs on health and wellness.

The nutrition month is an annual campaign under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) that aims to foster a healthy community.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Sa PPAN Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat para sa Lahat,” underscores the importance of collective efforts to ensure adequate nutrition for the people.

“Nutrition is important for the health and well-being of our community. We, in the Provincial Government, ensure that every Ilokano has access to the nutrition they need,” Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc said.

As part of the celebration, PNAO organized a province-wide community outreach for nutrition with the slogan “Biggest Loser” which aims to encourage the Ilokanos to achieve and maintain healthy weights, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

tection of the Bureaucracy against Tobacco Industry Interference, bans public officials and employees from soliciting or “accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value in the course of their official duties, or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office from any person or business related to the

tobacco industry.”

The prohibition is in consonance with the country’s attempt to comply with its international commitments under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), to which the Philippines is a signatory.

The DOJ stressed that the prohibition under JMC No. 2010-01 is a reiteration of the same proscription found in Section 7(d) of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The DOJ noted that both JMC No. 2010-01 and Section 7(d) of R.A. No. 6713 prohibits the acceptance or solicitation by public officials and employees of gifts in the course of their official functions, but not by the government agency or office itself.

Likewise, the JMC No. 2010-01 imposes a penalty upon the erring public official or employee, in case he or she violates said circular and not the agency or department itself.

“Given that the prohibition under JMC No. 2010-01 only expressly covers public officials and employees, the same cannot be interpreted to broadly extend to the national government, local government, and other government agencies, subdivisions, and offices,” the DOJ clarified.

The DOJ issued the legal opinion upon the request of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

In his letter-request, Gatchalian sought the DOJ’s opinion on the legality of accepting donation from a tobacco company of three mobile clinics for the use of social welfare and disaster response

operations, in light of the prohibition provided under JMC No. 2010-01. Gatchalian expressed belief that the acceptance of donation from a tobacco industry was not prohibited under the country’s domestic legal system. In issuing the circular, the DSWD said the CSC and the DOH “overstretched” their construction of the regulations provided under WHO FCTC and existing national laws on tobacco products and industry.

Gatchalian also noted that the DSWD under the Duterte administration issued Administrative Order No. 7, series of 2018 which provides that “DSWD personnel regardless of rank and status shall limit interactions with the tobacco industry to those strictly necessary for its regulation.”

Iloilo City bolsters police with new cars, firearms

ILOILO City — In a bid to enhance public safety, the local government unit has strengthened its police force with new assets and equipment, further solidifying local law enforcers’ reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s safest cities.

Mayor Jerry Treñas announced the delivery of a new armored car for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), bringing to seven the vans of the elite police unit.

“Our goal is to maintain and strengthen our position as the 8th safest city in Southeast Asia, according to the Southeast Asia Safety Index for 2023,” Treñas said.

The city government also gave three new police cars, bringing to 40 units the ICPO’s fleet of patrol cars to efficiently cover the city’s seven districts.

The enhanced fleet also included 61 new police motorcycles, ensuring rapid police response to emergency situations, particularly in high-speed pursuits and crime prevention.

To further strengthen the police force, the city acquired two K-9s trained to detect explosives, 80 pieces of 5.56mm rifles, and 5,000 rounds of ammunition. New office equipment and furniture were also provided to support the ICPO’s operational needs.

The city’s commitment to public safety is evident in the activation of four new police stations, inaugurated with the attendance led of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. The newly established stations are located in Barangay Tanza Esperanza (City Proper), Barangay Bo. Obrero (Lapuz), Barangay M.H. Del Pilar (Jaro), and the Gaisano Iloilo City Center (Mandurriao).

By Vito Barcelo

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will distribute 83 brand new modern mobile clinics to seven provinces in Central Luzon “to bring the healthcare system closer to the people, particularly those in remote areas.”

The move is part of collaborative efforts between the First Lady and the Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with the Department of Local Government Unit, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Act AgriKaagapay Organization.

The initiative was under the First

Lady’s program “Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat” or LAB which was recently launched in Manila.

The newly donated mobile clinics are equipped with examination, laboratory, and x-ray facilities, as well as medical essentials like patient’s bed, infrared thermometer, patient monitor, and other medical equipment including electrocardiogram, ultrasound, cholesterol monitoring, glucose testing, and blood hematology tools.

These contributions were in consonance with the government’s dedication to provide universal health coverage,

which is a crucial aspect to extend modern medical and health care to the Filipino people, especially the farmers and impoverished families living in far-flung areas.

The First Lady has emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare for all Filipinos.

In line with this vision, the mobile clinics will play a crucial role in providing preventive health services directly to the communities.

The First Lady said through the collaborative effort of various organizations, they will work together to build a healthier and stronger population.

By Vince Lopez

FOUR Cagayan policemen are under probe by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged involvement in a large-scale ‘paluwagan’ scam.

‘Paluwagan’ is a Filipino term for a common savings plan among a group of individuals who contribute specified amounts of money and take turns in collecting their savings.

The investigation was launched after Cagayan police hierarchy and the NBI received mounting complaints against a Ponzi-like or pyramid investment schemes that implicated the four police officers.

“They are recruiting and encouraging others, and many have been encouraged, we are investigating. I don’t know, my wife was also a victim,” said Cagayan police chief Col. Julio Gorospe. The probers were still trying to determine the amount of money involved.

The accused officers have been placed under restricted status while the investigation is ongoing. The provincial and city governments backed the investigation to hold those responsible for the alleged scam accountable.

FLOATING SOLAR PANELS. A fisherman paddles his canoe beside a set of floating solar panels on Laguna Lake in Baras, Rizal. The Laguna Lake Development Authority’s plan to install solar panels over some 2,000 hectares of the lagoon runs into strong opposition from hundreds of fishermen relying on the lake for their main source of livelihood. Manny Palmero

HOME SAFE. An emotional wife tightly embraces her husband who has just landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via a Cathay Pacific

Department

Migrant Workers says all 27 Filipino seamen aboard the bulk carrier have been repatriated. Joseph Muego

MONEY IN GARBAGE. Using an improvised raft, young boys collect at a dying river in Navotas recyclable trash such as plastic bottles which they sell to the junk shops at day’s end. Andrew Rabulan

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Tolentino: 22 Paris-bound bets set template for future Olympic Games

HURDLERS Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino officially earned their berths to Paris at the close of the qualifying window for athletics and the Philippines now has the most number of Olympic athletes at 22 since Barcelona 1992.

“Target achieved,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Wednesday. “Now to the most important goal—medals.”

There were 26 Filipino athletes in Barcelona 1992 when the Olympics have yet to go strict in imposing quali-

and 13 in Rio de Janeiro. where weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz also got silver. Diaz then won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 where 19 athletes competed and set the best performance ever by Team Philippines with Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paaalam adding silver medals and Eumir Felix Marcial’s contribut-

fying standards. And with the qualifiers in place to limit the games to the best of the best, Team Philippines has gone down to 12 athletes in Atlanta 1996, 20 in Sydney 2000, 15 each in Athens 2004 (where boxer Mansueto Velasco clinched silver) and Beijing 2008, 11 in London 2012

Fil-Ivorian fencer Esteban climbs to No. 27 in world

MAXINE Esteban got a huge motivational boost for her campaign in the Paris Olympics.

The Filipino-Ivorian fencer climbed to No. 27 in the world ranking, the highest ever achieved by any Philip pine-born fencer in the world list.

This was after the FIE ( International Fencing Federation) released the latest 2023-2024 post season world ranking.

“I am happy and excited that my world ranking has again risen, now to 27th. After such a hectic season of 18 Olym pic qualifiers which culminated in my direct qualification for Paris Olympics, this is indeed one of the biggest reward for all my hard work,” said Esteban.

“This development will surely be added motivation as I pre pare for my greatest challenge—competing in the Olympics, which is the dream of every athlete,” said Esteban, who is also the highest-ranked Ivorian in the global standings. Esteban is one of the 30 direct qualifiers for the women’s foil event—automatic berths granted to athletes based on their world ranking.

“I want to thank my Coach Andrea (Magro), the Ivorian Fencing Federation, and for all my sponsors Anta, Rebi sco Extreme, Akari, and Allstar Fencing for the continued trust and support,” the eight-time Philippine champion and multi-World Cup medalist said.

Chiu rises from brink, snares title

BACOLOD—Stacy Rane Chiu achieved an extraordinary victory in the ICTSI JPGT Visayas Series 3 on Wednesday, not only securing the girls’ 13-15 category title at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club but also earning a coveted spot in the Philippine Junior Match Play Championship. Chiu garnered 15 crucial points with her remarkable come-frombehind win, tying at the top with Bernardino with 27 points from a victory and a runner-up finish. This edged out Alexie Gabi, who amassed 25 points, for the last berth in the national finals at The Country Club in Laguna this October.

Chiu also surpassed Gabi for second place at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Murcia, a tournament won by Bernardino the previous week. Gabi, who won the first leg in Iloilo, aimed to join Bernardino in the national finals with a runner-up finish in Bacolod. However, Bernardino squandered a three-stroke lead with two holes to play, stumbling with a double bogey and

much more winning medals—but the template has been set and our athletes in Paris have surely set the tone and path for the future.”

The Philippines is not left behind by its Southeast Asian neighbors and shares fourth place with Singapore, which also qualified 22 athletes to Paris.

“I also want to thank all my Filipino and Ivorian supporters. Thank you for your prayers and love. You are the reason I continue to strive for excellence,” she said. “Lastly, I thank God for this amazing season, thank you for your protection and guidance— and for the overwhelming abundance of blessings.”

Newgen holds AI-driven invitational golf

NEWGEN Software, a leading global provider of low-code digital transformation platforms, will hold the inaugural Newgen-ASEAN Business Partners Golf Invitational on July 9 at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club’s Legends course in Carmona, Cavite. The event will bring together top executives and industry leaders for an 18-hole tournament aimed at fostering unique networking opportunities, while underscoring Newgen’s commitment to leveraging AI

and innovative technologies to streamline processes in banking, insurance, and enterprise sectors, driving business growth in the Philippines.

“The golf invitational is more than just a sport; it’s a platform for meaningful discussions and partnerships that will shape the future of banking and insurance in the region,” said Pramod Kumar, Head of Business – APAC at Newgen Software. “We are excited to showcase our AI-driven solutions and explore new opportunities for collaboration with ASEAN Business Partners.”

Filipino sambo athletes shine in Macau tournament

By Randy Caluag

THE Philippine sambo team has once again brought pride and glory to the country, capturing three silver medals and one bronze at the recent Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships held at the Forum de Macau Stadium in Macau, China.

Aislinn Agnes Yap, a Paris Open champion, secured two silver medals in the women’s -80kg sport sambo and the Combat Sambo Women’s -80kg categories, narrowly missing the gold to Kazakhstan’s Madina Yerzhan in both finals. World campaigner Sydney Sy-Tancontian also made an impressive return, clinching the silver in the women’s +80kg class after falling to Uzbekistan’s Feruza Khurozova in the finals. Sy-Tancontian’s comeback is notable after a year-long hiatus from sambo to complete her studies at the University of Santo Tomas and fulfill her role as chairperson of the In-

ternational Sambo Federation Athletes Commission. Despite an initial lead due to a penalty, Sy-Tancontian ultimately lost 1-6.

Robin Catalan added to the medal tally by earning a bronze in the men’s Combat Sambo -58kg category.

Sy-Tancontian, 24, has a history of dominance in the sport, previously excelling in the 2019 New Delhi, India, and 2022 Jouneih, Lebanon editions of the competition. Yap, 26, improved on her previous year’s performance, having won bronze in the 2023 edition in Astana, Kazakhstan. She now sets her sights on qualifying for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, in women’s combat sambo.

Philippine Sambo Federation Inc. President Paolo Tancontian praised the team’s performance, noting significant improvement despite the fierce competition at the Asian level.

Teen to lead PH chessers in East Asia meet

CHRISTIAN Gian Karlo Arca spearheads a lean but mean five-strong Philippine delegation seeing action in the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships 2024 unfurling tomorrow in Karawaci-Tangerang, Indonesia. Arca, 15, is eyeing the third and last norm to claim the International Master title that he can achieve if he ends up reigning supreme in this nine-round, six-day tournament that also stakes Grandmaster and Woman GM norms and outright IM and WIM titles to the champion.

Arca left on Wednesday along with countrymen John Jerish Velarde, Andrei Dolorosa, Mhage Gherriahlou Sebastian and Francesca Largo and National Chess Federation of the Philippines chief executive officer GM Jayson Gonzales.

“We’re hoping to make the country proud in Indonesia,” said Gonzales, who is also the national women’s team coach.

The 2024 PSA Tony Siddayao awardee already owns two IM results including the recent one he obtained in a GM tournament in Quang Ninh, Vietnam last May.

POC president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino takes a selfie in Metz with swimmer Kyla Sanchez, weightlifter Elreen Ando, boxer Nesthy Petecio, gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxer Carlo Paalam.

Stacy Rane Chiu. Manny Marcelo

Maxine Esteban

The Philippine sambo team

JOURNEY

The BSP’s priority legislative measures

Legislative timeline, milestones in the development of central banking in the Philippines

1900—The First Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 52, placing all banks under the supervision of the Bureau of the Treasury. The Insular Treasurer was granted authority over bank supervision and examination.

February 1929 —The Bureau of Banking under the Department of Finance assumes responsibility for banking supervision.

1939—A central bank bill, drafted by Secretary of Finance Manuel Roxas, was approved by the Philippine legislature but returned by the US government to the Commonwealth Government without action.

1946 —The Philippine-American Finance Commission was established to study the Philippine currency and banking system, recommending monetary reforms and the establishment of a central bank based on the Central Bank of Guatemala’s charter.

August 1947 —The Central Bank Council was formed to review the commission’s recommendations and draft the necessary legislative measures.

February 1948 —President Manuel Roxas submitted a bill to Congress titled “Establishing the Central Bank of the Philippines,” which included

comprehensive provisions for the management of the monetary and banking system.

15 June 1948 —President Elpidio Quirino enacted the bill as Republic Act No. 265 (The Central Bank Act)

3 January 1949 —The Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP) was officially inaugurated with Miguel P. Cuaderno, Sr. as its first governor, operating under the broad policy objectives of RA No. 265 to promote economic development and maintain monetary stability.

November 1972—Presidential Decree No. 72 amended RA No. 265, enhancing the CBP’s role in maintaining monetary stability and expanding its regulatory authority over the financial system.

January 1981 —Presidential Decree No. 1771 further amended the financial system’s framework, significantly increasing the CBP’s capitalization from PHP 10 million to PHP 10 billion.

1986—Executive Order No. 16 revised the membership of the Monetary Board to enhance the coordination of monetary and fiscal policies.

3 July 1993—Republic Act No. 7653 was passed, establishing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which replaced

Sustainable central banking

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recognizes that the impact of climate change and other environmental and social risks may undermine its efforts to promote price and financial stability, thus affecting the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos.

As such, the BSP launched its 11-point Sustainable Central Banking (SCB) Strategy in December 2022. The SCB Strategy embodies the BSP’s roles as enabler, mobilizer, and doer in promoting the climate and sustainability agenda.

This was followed by a self-assessment exercise to determine how ESGrelated principles and practices could be incorporated into the Bank’s operations and functions as effectively as possible.

Other notable accomplishments of the BSP under the SCB program include the following:

• issuance of various sustainable finance policies and regulations;

• publication of various research on the potential impacts of climate change on the banking system and the link between climate change and monetary policy;

• enhancement of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework to integrate sustainability and ESG-related risks;

• adoption of sustainable practices in currency production and disposal;

• reduction of paper wastes through the adoption of electronic document and data processing systems;

• implementation of green, sustainable, and responsible building designs and energy efficiency measures in BSP facilities;

• investments in the Bank for International Settlements’ Green Bond Fund;

• integration of green lending criteria in the pension fund;

• signing of the United Nations (UN)-supported Principles for Responsible Investment and subsequent establishment of a Responsible Investment Committee to oversee policy implementation; and

• publication of the maiden Sustainability Report, featuring the BSP’s accomplishments and pipeline of activities for the succeeding years.

the CBP as the national central monetary authority.

14 February 2019 —Republic Act No. 11211 amended RA No. 7653, strengthening the BSP’s capabilities to ensure price stability and oversee the financial system’s stability.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has two priority legislative measures included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s list of priority legislations approved by the President for the 19th Congress.

Amendments to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law. The Bank Deposits Secrecy Law is a legislative measure that seeks to address the unintended consequences of bank deposit laws’ secrecy, which create barriers to the effective investigation of corrupt or illegal financial actions of stockholders, owners, directors, trustees, officers, or employees of entities subject to the BSP’s supervision.

Granting the BSP’s limited authority to examine the deposits of key individuals in supervised entities would address concerns from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund regarding the restrictive bank secrecy laws in the Philippines. This change would enhance the BSP’s ability to combat financial crimes such as tax evasion and money laundering, foster supportive international relations, and align with global transparency standards.

Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. The AntiFinancial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) is a major penal legislation that will promote and maintain the integrity of financial accounts and the financial system. It seeks to promote awareness of the proper use of financial accounts and protect the public from cybercriminals and criminal syndicates who target financial accounts and lure account owners into becoming accessories or perpetrators of fraudulent activities. It addresses the increasing number of cases involving financial cybercrimes committed through the abuse of information technology and its derivatives.

The AFASA penalizes the punishable acts of money muling, social engineering schemes, such as phishing, vishing, and smishing, and other offenses involving financial accounts. It likewise allows the BSP to aid in the investigation of the law enforcement agencies in tracing the persons involved in the commission of the punishable acts under the law. It empowers the BSP to legally require financial institutions under its jurisdiction to provide and adopt adequate risk and fraud management systems in their operations that will ensure the protection of their clients’ financial accounts.

SEC lifts trading suspension on Sy-led Dominion Holdings

By Jenni er B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Com-

mission (SEC) lifted the suspension of trading on Sy-led listed firm Dominion Holdings Inc. (DHI) after more than four months.

DHI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday it received an order from the SEC dated July 1, 2024 lifting the order of suspension issued on Feb. 13, 2020.

The SEC earlier issued the order of suspension against DHI, formerly BDO Leasing and Finance Inc., for its alleged failure to amend its registration statement to refl ect the change in primary purpose from leasing and financing company to a holding company.

DHI submitted its final amended registration statement to the SEC in June.

“Having submitted the amended

registration statement, paid the filing fees thereof and the corresponding fees for the petition, DHI is now compliant with the commission order dated Feb. 13, 2020,” the SEC said in the order.

“Wherefore, premises considered, the order of suspension dated Feb. 13, 2020 is hereby lifted and the status of Dominion Holdings Inc. shall be changed from ‘suspended’ to ‘registered’ in the commission’s securities registry,” the SEC said.

The shares of DHI were last traded on Jan. 24 when it closed at P3.16 per share.

DHI changed its corporate name to its present one in August 2020 in line with BDO’s objective to re-purpose DHI into a holding company.

DHI, as an investment holding company, has more flexibility in pursuing business opportunities that can enhance shareholder value.

Converge to establish AI-powered green data centers

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc.

teamed up with Super Micro Computer Inc., a US-based total IT solutions provider to jointly establish AI-powered, green data centers in the Philippines.

“We are thrilled to be in close collaboration with Supermicro in establishing the first cuttingedge, AI-ready data centers in the country. Aside from being energy saving with its liquid cooling technology, Supermicro’s servers provide exceptional AI computing capabilities and intensive deep learning tasks that will al-

PLDT Group opens ‘experience hubs’ in Luzon, Visayas

THE PLDT Group said Wednesday it opened new experience hubs in Luzon and Visayas to bring telecom and digital services closer to its customers.

PLDT and Smart customers in Zambales and nearby areas can visit the newly-opened Experience Hub at SM City Olongapo Central for their telco needs. Meanwhile, subscribers in Negros Oriental can go to the Experience Hub at Robinsons Place Dumaguete City.

“These new PLDT and Smart Experience Hubs are aligned with our thrust to continuously innovate and improve customer experience in key cities nationwide. We want our customers to have a more pleasant and meaningful experience whenever they visit our store nearest to them,” said John Palanca, senior vice president and head of sales and development at PLDT and Smart.

“At the same time, these new stores allow us to expand the reach of our products and services in the regions. We also aim to help local governments to bridge the digital divide, boost local industries, and make their cities more attractive to domestic and international markets,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

low us to support and deploy many AI applications,” Converge chief executive and co-founder

Dennis Anthony Uy said.

Supermicro intends to develop Total IT Rack-scale liquid-cooled solutions, leveraging advanced NVIDIA Graphic Processing Units (GPUs), for the upcoming data centers of Converge. Uy announced earlier the company planned to start constructing three data centers in Pampanga, Laguna and Caloocan this year.

Through the collaboration with

Super Micro, all three data centers will be constructed according to Super micro’s future-ready design and input.

The same MOU governs the deployment of AI-driven servers in these data centers to support generative AI applications.

Converge and Supermicro identified the AI applications they may develop which includes National Large Language Model (LLM), and Smart Manufacturing for Industry 4.0, Deep Learning/Machine Learning and Video Generator. Darwin G. Amojelar

AGRICULTURE is one sector that has plenty of promises in the Philippines. Yet, it has failed to live up to expectations decades after decades and even with changes in leadership.

Those who had been at the helm of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the current one knew what ails the sector and the practical solutions to it. But the farm sector remains a conundrum to this day.

There is nothing earthshaking in the recent policy statement of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who considers technology as the key to revitalizing Philippine agriculture to unlock its full potential.

Modernizing agriculture is critical to increased productivity and empowerment of the rural sector. It employs a significant portion of the workforce, but contributes less than 10 percent to the gross domestic product.

“The big challenge we face is making farming profitable. The solution lies in embracing technology-based farming methods,” says Tiu Laurel in a recent forum with business owners. Not all the solutions involve rocket science. Some relate to simple water management systems and irrigation techniques. Others require technology, like South Korea’s extensive use of greenhouses

Cebu Pacific gets 7th new aircraft this year

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it continues to ramp up its operations with the arrival of its seventh aircraft for the year to meet the ongoing demand for air travel.

The brand-new aircraft, a fuel-efficient A321neo, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila from Airbus’ facility in Hamburg, Germany on June 30, 2024.

“This aircraft delivery reaffirms our commitment to providing safe, affordable, and accessible flights for every Juan. We look forward to carrying more passengers to their chosen destinations as we continue to expand not only our network, but also our fleet,” Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said in a statement.

The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversifi ed commercial fl eet mix of eight Airbus 330s, 37 Airbus 320s, 22 Airbus 321s and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines. Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15 percent less fuel per flight compared to the previous generation. The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions

Cebu Pacific announced on July 2 it signed a binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for $24 billion or P1.4 trillion based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.

The agreement to finalize the transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year.

Cebu Pacific reported a net income of P2.24 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up by nearly 108 percent from P939 million in the same period last year.

Cebu Pacific generated P25.3 billion in revenue in the first three months, a 21-percent increase from the previous year.

It flew over 5.5 million passengers in the first three months, marking a 14-percent increase from the same period last year and a 3-percent growth from the preceding quarter.

Cebu Pacific flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Modernizing PH agriculture is still a pipe dream—but it’s not too late

Mr. Tiu Laurel nailed it when he bared a long-term plan about a shift in agricultural education. The goal seeks to move from traditional methods to comprehensive training in modern techniques, empowering landowners and tenants for success.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ’s vision of a modern farm sector and better lives for farmers and fishermen is actually doable and not an impossible task.

We can look at the Vietnam model and learn from it. The Philippines and Vietnam basically share the same topography and tropical climate. Both countries are also one of the most vulnerable to climate change.

Vietnam model

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) in a recent report noted the strides of Vietnam(s farm sector.

The value of its agriculture, forestry, and fishery exports has increased in recent years from $22.8 billion in 2012 to $33.8 billion in 2019.

Rice, according to the ADB report, dominates Vietnam’s agricultural exports with over 6.3 million tons shipped out in 2019. It is among the largest exporters of rice in the world, in addition to coffee, pepper, cashew nuts and green tea.

“Marine captured species together with fish and shrimp produced in manufactured ponds are an important domestic food source as well as generator of foreign exchange on export

markets. Viet Nam has a diverse array of agro-

Not all the solutions involve rocket science. Some relate to simple water management systems and irrigation techniques.

ecosystems ranging from upland plateaus and mountainous areas to a relatively narrow coastal strip where the majority of rice is grown,” says the ADB report.

Vietnam, however, is paying the price for its agricultural success—an experience that the Philippines can learn from.

Considerable environmental damage, notes the ADB, has resulted from the removal of protective coastal mangrove forests to make way for shrimp farming ponds and salt production. In the upland areas, the poorer soils, uphill land, and widespread erosion resulting from extensive deforestation add additional development challenges.

The Philippines shares the same development problems of Vietnam. Excessive use of groundwater in Vietnam, especially for coffee and fruit tree crops, has resulted in unsustainable extraction rates and a lowering of the water table.

The ADB report says competition for water resources from downstream users, including urban areas and industry, has compounded the challenge in the agriculture and the natural resources sector. The constraints to the sector growth include climate change impacts, low productivity, underdeveloped rural infrastructure, low rates of agriculture land consolidation, weak market linkages, low access to credit and increased competition for water resource.

The Philippines may copy the agriculture model of Vietnam but must improve on it by making the farm sector sustainable to address the needs of the current and future generations. Agriculture sustainability is a practice that preserves soil fertility, prevents water pollution and protects biodiversity.

The ADB is aware of the uneven development in Vietnam’s agricultural sector. Similar to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the bank is now seeking to maintain a sustainable and inclusive growth of Vietnam’s farm sector by improving efficiency and competitiveness, and enhancing rural living standards and resilience to climate change and disasters.

The Philippines has a long way to go in modernizing its agriculture sector and achieving food security. But it must do so with sustainability at the core of the development goal.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

NEW AIRCRAFT. Cebu Paci c’s brand-new aircraft, a fuel-e cient A321neo, arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Airbus’ facility in Hamburg, Germany on June 30, 2024. The aircraft delivery rea irms Cebu Paci c’s commitment to providing safe, a ordable and accessible ights.

HR TRENDS. Patrick Gentry, chief executive of Sprout Solutions, welcomes human resource (HR) and business leaders to the latest State of HR Summit 2024 on June 19, 2024 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City. The State of HR Summit included insightful keynote and panel discussions featuring prominent industry and business leaders to discuss current trends and best practices in the rapidly-evolving areas of employee acquisition, engagement and retention.

DTI launches national AI strategy roadmap

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced a significant leap towards an AI-driven future with the launch of the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0 (NAISR 2.0) and the Center for AI Research (CAIR).

“This dual launch marks a significant milestone in our efforts to harness innovation for sustainable economic growth. Through NAISR 2.0, we remain committed to harnessing AI’s transformative potential to boost our economy and improve the quality of life of all Filipinos,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual during the launch Tuesday. He said the country has the talent pool ready for AI training and

BAYAMBANG INVESTMENT. Agricultural Infrastructure and Leasing Corp. president Cezar Quiambao (left), his wife Bayambang Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao and youngest son Anthony Nathaniel lead the groundbreaking ceremony for a P2.5-billion,64hectare BYB Metro residential-commercial project in Barangay Bani, Bayambang, Pangasinan. AILC will open the rst phase of the project on Dec. 1, 2024, featuring a theme park and activity center.

innovation with over 800,000 tech-savvy graduates yearly to leverage the NAISR 2.0 potential.

The roadmap also aims to attract major investments in AI. A recent report by Goldman Sachs found that “16 percent of companies in the Russell 3000 mentioned AI in their earnings calls, up from 1 percent in 2016.”

The Philippines, with its robust IT-BPM sector and growing digital economy projected to reach $35 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2025, is poised to become a prime destination for AI investments, Pascual said.

“In manufacturing, AI-powered robots can automate tasks, improve production line efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. Similarly, AI-powered chatbots can enhance customer service in the retail and service industries,” he said.

Microsoft, in a recent study, predicts that generative AI can unlock $79 billion in productive capacity in the Philippines, particularly in manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade.

Collaborations with international partners like Amazon Web

Globe pushes use of open APIs for ID verification

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom said Wednesday open application programming interfaces (APIs) are critical in advancing digital solutions in developing markets like the Philippines.

“We’ve been an advocate of open APIs for some time, although it’s not a federated group type of APIs. We started that initiative maybe even eight years ago. We had bilateral types of APIs that we made available through a subsidiary called Globe Labs. We’re firm believers in that and a big supporter,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said in a panel discussion at the 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Shanghai.

He emphasized the relevance of open APIs for emerging markets such as the Philippines, especially in identity verification.

“Our country’s National ID system is not yet complete. It’s in the works, but the challenges are immense right in that area, including fraud, scams, phishing, and many others. I think a lot of it will be solved if we’re able to provide a secure identity type of validation using the SIM,” said Cu. Globe recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the GSMA, granting it access to the GSMA Open Gateway. The initiative, involving mobile network operators worldwide, aims to develop Mobile Network Open Applications Programming Interfaces (APIs) using a common set of open-source APIs that can be reused for different purposes.

GSMA Open Gateway launched with eight network APIs, enabling capabilities ranging from enhanced security and fraud prevention to secure authentication and location-based services.

When asked about the potential $300-billion opportunity for Open Gateway initiatives predicted by global management consulting firm McKinsey, Cu expressed cautious optimism.

While uncertain about the exact figure for emerging markets, he noted the significance of monetizing telco assets such as APIs to maintain growth. Globe already saw success in monetizing its fintech and telco data into a fintech score and extending this to APIs and services is a logical next step, he said. Cu noted his company’s unique position as both a telecom provider and a leader in financial technology through GCash, the country’s number one finance superapp. This creates a wealth of information and services that could be shared and developed through open-source APIs on top of what Globe already has, he said.

BCDA to build P200-m ‘superstation’ for EVs in Tarlac’s New Clark City

MOTORISTS in New Clark City (NCC) can look forward to a convenient and ecofriendly pitstop with the construction of the P200-million “superstation”, the city’s first modern multi-use terminal.

The project, a collaboration between staterun Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Double 11 Properties Corp., promises to be a one-stop shop for charging electric vehicles (EVs), shopping, dining and working.

“This partnership signals another milestone in the development of New Clark City as a smart and green metropolis, one that is ready for a future filled with electric vehicles and eco-friendly cars. This is also a step towards our ‘15-minute city’ vision for New Clark City, where basic amenities and facilities are easily accessible within walking or cycling distance,” said BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang.

Manila Standard TODAY

BCDA signed a long-term lease agreement with Double 11 on June 24, 2024 for a one-hectare plot designated for the superstation.

BCDA vice president Mark Torres said the agency expects additional government revenue, job creation for local residents and a boost in foot traffic within New Clark City. Double 11 said it is committed to constructing EV charging terminals, a mixeduse commercial complex and retail support businesses for the first phase and another P100 million for expansion phase.

The superstation is expected to be a major draw, attracting an estimated 200,000 motorists annually. It will house over 20 retail stores and offices, creating around 500 jobs for residents of Tarlac and nearby communities.

The project is also projected to generate P100 million in government revenue.

“With BCDA, we are bringing our international brand partners here to provide an excellent service to motorists. Using our experience and expertise, we will not only be developing a superstation, but also a lifestyle development where people can park, dine, shop, and work,” said Double 11’s business development manager Ren Siccion. Othel V. Campos

CONCEPCION INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION (formerly Concepcion Airconditioning Corporation) NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO: ALL STOCKHOLDERS Notice is hereby given that CONCEPCION INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION (formerly Concepcion Airconditioning Corporation) (the “Corporation”) will conduct its Annual Stockholders’ Meeting virtually via Zoom (https://us02web. zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlfuysrz8rH9KDKyyY2qoWenyZyCYYZjxl) on July 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., at which meeting the following matters shall be taken up:

1. Call to Order;

2. Certification of Existence of Quorum;

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders held on July 27, 2023 and Special Meeting of the Stockholders held on November 21, 2023;

4. Report of the Chairman;

5. Approval of the Audited Financial Statements as of December 31, 2023;

6. Election of Directors; 7. Appointment of External Auditor;

8. Ratification of All Actions taken by the Board and Management;

9. Other Matters; and 10. Adjournment.

The record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the said meeting is fixed at the close of business hours on June 25, 2024.

Stockholders may attend the meeting by remote communication and/or vote in absentia or through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy. Stockholders who wish to participate by remote communication or vote in absentia or by proxy should notify the Corporate Secretary by email to cic.secretary@romulo.com from July 4, 2024 to July 15, 2024. Successful registrants will receive an electronic invitation via email with a complete guide on how to join the meeting. For any registration concerns, please get in touch with the Corporation through cic.secretary@romulo.com. All stockholders who wish to vote through a proxy or in absentia shall submit the duly signed proxies or ballots, as the case may be, to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the 21st Floor, AIA Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City and/or by email to cic.secretary@romulo.com

Services and AI Singapore are already being explored.

“A whole-of-nation approach is necessary. NAISR 2.0 outlines seven strategic imperatives, including building a robust AI ecosystem and upskilling the workforce. This will involve collaboration between government, industry, academia, and civil society,” Pascual said.

Daraga-Legazpi Diversion Road, Bogtong, Legazpi City Contact No. 09753729932/09257800974 www.acemclegazpi.com

at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting..

Very truly your, RICO D. MADLANGBAYAN Corporate Secretary

be advised that the annual meeting of stockholders of MARCVENTURES HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Corporation”) will be held on July 26, 2024 (Friday), 2:00 p.m. at the McKinley B & C Room, Manila Polo Club, 35 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City, with the following agenda: AGENDA

Call to Order

Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum

Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Annual Stockholders’

license, voter’s ID, TIN card, SSS card, or passport.

If you will not be able to attend the meeting but would like to be represented thereat, you are requested to submit a duly signed and accomplished proxy form to the Office of the Corporate Secretary of Marcventures Holdings, Inc. located at the 4th Floor BDO Towers Paseo, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City on or before 6:00 p.m., July 16, 2024. Beneficial owners whose shares are lodged with PDTC or registered under the name of a broker, bank, or other fiduciary allowed by law, must likewise present a notarized certification from the owner of record (i.e. the broker, bank, or other fiduciary) that he is the beneficial owner indicating thereon the number of shares. Corporate shareholders shall likewise be required to present a notarized Secretary’s Certificate attesting to the authority of its representative to attend and vote at the stockholder’s meeting.

The deadline for submission of proxies is on July 16, 2024. Validation of proxies will take place on July 19, 2024.

Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Notice dated February 22, 2024, an electronic copy of the Information Statement, Management Report, SEC Form 17A, and other pertinent documents related to the meeting may be accessed through the Corporation’s website at https://www.marcventuresholdings. com.ph/ and on the Philippine Stock Exchange Edge website. For any question about the meeting, you may send an email to: inquiries@marcventures.com.ph

ANA MARIA A. KATIGBAK

and comfort to tourists and its Filipino brand of service excellence (FBSE) training program that highlights the country’s commitment to elevating the standards of hospitality and service across the tourism and service industries.

P6.15 per kWh

WESM prices in June 2024

DTI proposes to streamline list of suggested retail prices

By Othel V. Campos

WESM prices in May 2024

P8.22 per kWh 14,710 MW

Average power demand in June 2024

June WESM prices softened 24% as rainy season starts

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PRELIMINARY rates at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) softened in June 2024 by 25 percent with the onset of the rainy season which brought cooler temperatures.

WESM serves as the trading floor of electricity.

Data from the independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), the operator of WESM, show that the system wide average rates went down to P6.15 per kilowatt-hour in June from P8.22 per kWh in May.

IEMOP corporate planning and communications manager Arjon Valencia attributed the decline to “decrease in demand due to the wet season.”

Power demand dropped 6.2 percent in June to 14,710 megawatts from 15,688 MW in May while supply declined slightly by 0.1 percent to 19,648 MW.

Average rates across the three grids showed a decline, with Mindanao showing the biggest drop by 36.6 percent to P4.61 per kWh from P7.26 per kWh in May.

Luzon followed with a reduction of 27.9 percent to P5.97 per kWh from P8.28 per kWh and Visayas by 2.9 percent to P8.56 per kWh from P8.81 per kWh.

Manila Electric Co. consumers, however, can still expect higher generation rates despite the lower WESM charges in June.

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) proposes a streamlined suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin to focus on essential goods.

The agency presented the proposal during a special meeting of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) on June 27, 2024.

“Our goal with this proposal is to improve the usability and relevance of the SRP Bulletin, making it a more effective tool for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. By aligning the SRP with essential daily and emergency items, we are taking a significant step towards better price stability and consumer protection,”

HUMANITARIAN

AWARDEE. Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI) receives recognition from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as one of the Most Outstanding Humanitarian Awardees for its participation in the public health response against the COVID-19 pandemic. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) PRC chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, SBFI trustee and corporate secretary Melissa Aquino, Security Bank president and CEO Sanjiv Vohra, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies president Kate Forbes and PRC secretary-general Gwendolyn Pang.

said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

The DTI proposed removing stockkeeping units (SKUs) of non-essential items from the SRP list, including condensed and evaporated milk, coffee refills, candles, salt, bottled water, condiments and batteries. These items are generally deemed less essential or have relatively stable prices.

SRPs for core necessities such as sardines, powdered milk, bread, laundry soap, instant noodles, processed and canned meats and toilet soap will be retained under the proposal. These products are considered essential for Filipino households and can be significantly impacted by price fluctuations. It said the proposal was based on consultations with various stakeholders, including government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), industry associations like the

Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners and individual retailers.

The DTI said it also considered data from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket of commodities and topselling items in sari-sari stores to ensure the revised SRP reflects the most essential goods for Filipino consumers.

A technical working group (TWG) will be established to finalize the specific SKUs within each retained category to further refine the list.

It said the revision aligns with the DTI’s mandate as the key implementing agency of the Price Act and chair of the NPCC.

The Price Act empowers the DTI to set suggested retail prices for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) to promote price stability and adequate supply.

Investment agencies convene to improve policies

THE Board of Investments (BOI) said Wednesday it convened the first meeting of the Investment Promotion Unit Network (IPU-Net) on June 27, 2024 in Quezon City to improve the ease of doing business for investors in the Philippines.

BOI executive director Bobby Fondevilla stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration among member agencies.

“The BOI, as the secretariat of IPUNet, convened the 36-member agency semi-annually to tackle recurring issues

and address the complex challenges within the business environment. This continuous dialogue is essential for fostering a more conducive and streamlined investment climate in the Philippines,” Fondevilla said. The meeting addressed recurring issues faced by local and foreign investors, including business registration, tax concerns, import procedures and investment framework consistency.

Representatives from various IPU-

Net member agencies participated in discussions to encourage a more conducive investment climate.

The BOI Investments Assistance Service (IAS) facilitated discussions involving registration of businesses, VAT refunds, customs procedures, permits and licenses, land conversion, tree-cutting permits, securing local government endorsements, infrastructure projects and energy transmission. Othel V. Campos

expects $100-m sales of hotel unit abroad

By Jenni er B. Austria

DOUBLEDRAGON Corp. said it expects to generate up to $100 million (P5.8 billion) in overseas hotel unit sales over the next 12 months.

DoubleDragon said in a stock exchange filing Wednesday it received $10 million in sales from hotel unit buyers from projects outside the country in the second quarter of 2024.

“Overseas Hotel101 remarkably generated robust cash payments inflows from unit buyers, exceeding the company’s expectations,” DoubleDragon said.

Hotel101 broke ground on its 680-hotel room in Madrid, Spain in March 2024.

Hotel101-Madrid project is set to

become one of the fi ve largest hotels in Madrid. The property is located on a 6,593-square-meter prime commercial lot along Avenida Fuerzas Armadas, Valdebebas, Madrid which is surrounded by major landmark buildings.

The hotel is being built by Ferrovial Construcción, one of the largest construction companies in Spain. The project is scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025 just in time for the start of the Madrid F1 Grand Prix.

Hotel101 is also developing a 482room hotel in Niseko Hokkaido,

WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. said it leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting areas in the water distribution system most susceptible to leaks, enabling faster and more efficient repairs.

“Through this advanced AI technology, we can proactively identify and address potential leaks in our water distribution system. This not only enables us to respond more swiftly and efficiently to pipe network issues, it also significantly enhances our ability to conserve water resources and improve service reliability for our customers,” said Maynilad chief operations officer Randolph Estrellado.

Maynilad tapped Infrawise, an AI solution owned and developed by Portugal-based AGS, which is a whollyowned subsidiary of Marubeni Corp. The software analyzes data to identify critical areas within the 3,200-kilometer pipe network. During a pilot run on 1,700 kilometers, Infrawise identified vulnerabilities in over 750 kilometers, leading to the detection and repair of 1,525 leaks.

Following the success of the pilot, Maynilad said it is expanding Infrawise coverage to another 1,500 kilometers. Maynilad started using satellitebased technology of patented algorithms by Asterra, which is capable of detecting “spectral signature” of underground water leaks from satellite images. Othel V. Campos

CFBCI boosts trade ties with Indonesian firms

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI), led by executive vice president Gerald Uy Chan, vice president Antonio Tan, and vice chairman Mylene Co attended the Indonesia Expo 2024 from June 28 to 30, 2024 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City.

The event, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Manila, aimed to showcase the best of Indonesian products and foster international business partnerships.

Golf bolsters PH-China bonds on Friendship Day

By Michael Wong Ho

THE Philippine China Friendship Day Sports Festival Golf Tournament was held at the Tagaytay Midland Golf Courses on June 21, 2024.

Organized jointly by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCI), Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event aimed to foster friendship and explore business opportunities through the sport.

Government officials, businessmen and community leaders participated in the competition.

PSC Commissioner Matthew Gaston, FFCCCI president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, FCAAF president Natalie Sia and CFBCI president Samuel Uy were present during the event.

Kavi Sy emerged as the overall champion with a gross score of 74 and an overall score of 54.

In Class A, Eugene Lin won as the champion, with Raul Ilagan securing the first runner-up position and Patrick Ty taking the second runner-up spot. Anthony Guanzon was the champion in Class B, with Christopher Ong and Jeffrey Ong securing runner-up positions.

Junquing Zhang claimed the champion title in Class C, with Anthony Teng and Henry Ongchan as the respective first and second runners-up.

In Class D, Jimmy Cu was the champion, followed by Mark Yi and Congressman Marvin Rillo as the first and second runners-up.

The ladies category was dominated by Ahbee Tayao as the champion, with Imelda Yu, Maribel Yap and Leanne Dy finishing as the first, second, and third runners-up, respectively.

The event highlighted the camaraderie and collaborative spirit between the Filipino and Chinese communities through sports.

Under the theme “Build Strong Connections with the Best of Indonesia in the Philippines,” the expo featured a wide array of Indonesian products, including halal foods, pharmaceuticals, herbal medicines, con-

fectionery, fashion accessories, household products, logistics and surveyor services, and healthcare and beauty products.

The expo was graced by dignitaries, ambassadors from ASEAN member states and representatives from Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Marshall Islands.

Key figures from the Philippine business community also attended.

The CFBCI representatives were warmly welcomed by Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Minister Dodo Sudradjat and Trade Attaché Martin Pandapotan.

Chinese General Hospital recognizes doctors

THE Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) held its first “Doctors’ Appreciation Night” at the Manila Hotel on June 11, 2024.

The event acknowledged the hospital’s dedicated physicians and recognized 16 service awardees with over 50 years of service.

Dr. Samuel Ang, medical director of Chinese General Hospital, expressed his joy at honoring the 50-year service awardees, noting the positive impact on the hospital environment and involvement of CGHMC personnel. He expressed hope for the continuation of the tradition for the next 150 years.

Antonio Tan, chairman of the board, highlighted the doctors’ contributions to the institution and the medical field. He reminded everyone of the core values of excellence in patient care, continuous learning, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives they touch.

CGHMC president and CEO Kelly Sia lauded the doctors’ tireless dedication, unwavering compassion and exceptional skills. He commended their steadfast mission to restore hope despite the demanding pressures of their profession and honored their contributions to society, the community, and the institution. Lifetime achievement awardee Dr. Bun Yok Dy reflected on his journey, attributing his success to being in the right place at the right time and the support he received. He humbly shared the recognition with the remarkable individuals who supported him, stating that success is truly about achieving a goal.

The event marked a significant milestone for CGHMC, celebrating the dedication and contributions of its medical professionals, and reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Julie

Ann Lope

FFCCCII joins Fuyang Trade Fair, RCEP Conference to boost trade, investment

MEMBERS of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) participated in the 2024 Fuyang Investment and Trade Fair and the first Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Entrepreneurs Cooperation Conference at the Wanda Realm Hotel in Fuyang, Anhui Province on May 18, 2024.

Organized by the RCEP Industrial Cooperation Committee, the Department of Commerce of Anhui Province and the Fuyang Municipal People’s Government, the event aimed to boost

trade and investment in the new energy industry among RCEP countries.

Under the theme “New Opportunity, New Partner, Jointly Foster New Quality Productive Forces,” the conference attracted over 600 attendees, including leaders from industrial and commercial associations in the RCEP region, entrepreneurs, government officials and media representatives. Attendees included Anhui Provincial Governor Shan Xiangqian, Fuyang Municipal Party Committee Secretary Liu Yujie and RCEP Industrial Cooperation Committee Chairman Xu Ningning.

Dr. Lily Lim, vice chairman of the Education and Culture Committee of the FFCCCII, delivered a keynote speech, highlighting the significance of RCEP since its inception in January 2022 for regional trade liberalization and China’s energy development. She emphasized the growing market for energy supply chain management services and the expansion of China’s new energy services to Belt and Road countries, promising broader international market prospects. Lim also pointed out the rich energy resources of the Philippines and other

ASEAN countries, which include traditional fossil fuels and abundant renewable energy sources like biomass, hydropower and solar energy. The development of the new energy industry is expected to lead to further expansion of RCEP cooperation.

Zhou Jianqi, a researcher at the Enterprise Research Institute of the Development Research Center of the State Council of China, said RCEP has created new opportunities for China’s energy industry, particularly in providing integrated solutions to member countries. Julie Ann Lope

2024 Tzu Chi scholars’ camp celebrates aspirations and unity

TZU Chi Philippines held its 2024 Scholars’ Camp with the theme “Waves of Inspiration, Let’s Sail Together” from June 28 to 30, 2024 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The theme was represented by water and waves, mirroring the “ship of compassion” depicted in the Tzu Chi logo.

The camp, organized by fourth-year scholars, welcomed 150 participants from various regions, including Zamboanga, Davao, Leyte, Iloilo, Cebu, Bicol, Pampanga and the National Capital Region.

The event was led by Paolo Nicole Santos, a magna cum laude graduate from the Philippine Normal University

Philippine Inter-School Sport Association elects Mary Ng as new chairperson

MARY Ng was elected as the new chairperson of the Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA) for the term 2024-2028 during the board members’ meeting in Surabaya, Indonesia. Ng, known for her success in business and philanthropy, has a long-standing passion for sports, including badminton, volleyball and table tennis.

and a seasoned participant in previous camps.

Santos, along with a team of 60 volunteer scholars, began planning the camp in May, moving away from the traditional love theme to focus on aspirations, inspirations and dreams.

The camp featured a dynamic new camp song, “Sail Your Story,” inspired by Disney’s “Live Your Story,” and was complemented by a choreography. Activities included an “Amazing Race”-style tour of BTCC, where scholars engaged in challenges such as identifying upcycled features in the Tzu Chi Café, building a Jing Si Abode using Jenga blocks. Julie Ann Lope

Outgoing chairperson Dai Ya Ming was named honorary chairperson in recognition of his contributions and leadership. PISSA, a member of the International Sports Federation (ISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), continues to promote high school sports. The ISF is organizing the second International Sports Federation Youth Basketball Championship Game, sponsored by Lucio Tan Group, BESTANK, PAGCOR, KELME and Paddock’s Casual Jeans. The World High School Students Game is scheduled for Oct. 23 to 31, 2024 in Manama, Bahrain.

PISSA aims to enhance the physical, social, and intellectual development of youth through sports, fostering mutual understanding, harmony and tolerance. The organization provides high school students with opportunities for cultural exchange, talent showcasing and potential participation in national or international competitions. Michael Wong Ho

Officers of the Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) attend the Indonesia Expo 2024 at Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City.

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

THE cast of Zoomers revealed they underwent physical preparation for their roles. Since most scenes will be filmed on the beach, expect to see the guys shirtless and the girls in bikinis. Yes, season two of the beloved ABS-CBN Studios series promises to be sexier and more exciting than the first.

The series is back with the trending love team of Harvey Bautista and Criza, and their whole Zoomkada as more conflicts and issues of Gen Zs get tackled in the new season of Zoomers

Throughout its first season run, Jiggs (Harvey), Hope (Criza), Kokoy (Luke Alford), Atom (Ralph de Leon), and Tanya (Krystl Ball) captured the hearts of Filipino viewers as they stood by each other amidst the problems they encountered as well as how the show tackled relevant issues concerning drugs, bullying, mental health, bisexuality, and many more.

Netizens also applauded the resilience and passion of Harvey, Criza, and the rest of the cast of Zoomers as they saw their growth from auditions to becoming the lead stars of the series.

Criza expressed her gratefulness for the people who supported their first season, “Sobrang nagulat din kami since first time namin ni Harvey bumida sa series. As much as nag-eexpect kami nandoon pa rin yung gulat na mamahalin pala ng tao yung ginawa namin together.”

Harvey, added, “Very thankful kaming lahat na nandito na kami sa media conference ng season 2. It is very exciting that we can continue the stories of the Zoomers. I’m happy that I’m with Direk Kevin and the rest of the cast in season 2.”

Apart from the new season, Harvey, Ralph, Luis Vera Perez, and Kei Kurosawa shared how thankful they are to be part of the other primetime series of ABS-CBN after starring in Zoomers The cast also teased fans that they will see another side of their characters in season 2. In the newest season, the Gen Z barkada spend their last summer together before they head to college. Jiggs joins his first directing

Coming-of-age ‘Made For YouTube’ series goes sexy in second season

competition in hopes of winning the cash prize for Hope, who continues to find ways for her to pursue college. Meanwhile, both Tanya and Kokoy will encounter problems with love. Tanya will have to decide between entertaining her old fling Faye (Kei) or her new bestie, Juniper (Hadiyah Santos). Kokoy will also have to level up his moves to make Mika fall in love with him as her childhood friend played by Argel Saycon returns. Atom will also face a ghost from his past as he meets Dino (Luis) in the resort and at the same time, he also gets an opportunity to be closer to Beth (Zabel Lamberth).

See if they will still be able to hold on together as more problems arise while they also deal with the mysterious man named Lone Wolf haunting them.

Directed by Kevin Alambra, also joining the second season is Zach Castañeda

Zoomers airs on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5. Viewers can also watch its full episodes worldwide on ABSCBN’s YouTube channel.

Chronicling the ‘90s

Susan Claire Agbayani wrote ‘Tugtugan Pamorningan (The Philippine Music Scene 1990-1999)’

as a gesture of respect for her work.

glad too that in no way we’re clashing off subject-wise. Mine is my experience as a band member-songwriter myself who happens to be covering bands and solo acts, too.

In light of Tugtugan Pamorningan’s publication, it felt good recalling Susan interviewing me and the rest of my much-later band The Pub Forties before a gig in Cagayan De Oro top-billed by Joey Ayala and Dong Abay. She looked animated while talking to us, asking questions like she already knew what to ask next. It was cool conversing with someone with a deep experience witnessing the world of Pinoy rock and roll.

The title for Agbayani’s book comes from ‘Bistro sa Amoranto: Tugtugan Pamorningan’

I’M HAPPY that Susan Claire Agbayani, a colleague covering the Philippine music scene, has released an anthology of her work. Her book is now available through UP Press, Lazada, and Shopee. It’s a significant achievement for a journalist to publish a book. Journalists often rush from one assignment to the next, rarely finding the time to work on a book. I have many book ideas myself but struggle to find the time and energy to pursue them. In the Philippines, it’s challenging to make a living from writing books. I managed to write two e-books, a novel, and a short story collection during the global pandemic, which gave me the time to focus on writing. It was therapeutic and helped me overcome the usual obstacles.

Susan Claire Agbayani did it!  Her book, Tugtugan Pamorningan (The Philippine Music Scene 1990-1999), published by UP Press, spans over 300 pages and delves

spectator and played in a garage band, but didn’t document my experiences. I started writing about the music scene in the mid-2000s after my band, Syato, was signed and recorded an album. By then, the ‘90s felt like a recent, fond memory.

Susan shared her excitement on Facebook about her book being classified as social science, noting that educators in music, social science, and law have expressed interest in using it in their classes.

The book’s title comes from the 1993 concert Bistro sa Amoranto: Tugtugan Pamorningan. Susan felt it was fitting and got permission from the owners of 70s Bistro. If anyone joked that playing and hanging out at both 70s Bistro and Mayric’s made someone a legend, I’d laugh and proudly agree.

I’m not surprised that Susan’s book, produced through a grant from the UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing, is receiving good reviews. Her work stands out in a male-dominated scene. It has been praised as “a comprehensive guide to the Philippine music scene” and “well-organized and easy to navigate.”

The Foreword of Susan Claire Agbayani’s book is by National Artist and screenwriter Ricky Lee, a close friend with whom she spends holidays. National Artist Ryan Cayabyab also contributed. I have a book coming out from Penguin Random House about my life as a writer-musician in the Philippines. Although I considered including Ricky Lee, my mentor from a 2002 workshop, I chose not to feature any industry figures who praised Susan’s

Susan is the kind who would pull others to some safer ground. She shared, “Ang wish ko sa aking mga colleagues na nagco-cover ng Philippine music scene especially nung 1990s ay maglabas rin sila ng kani-kanilang anthologies. Hindi po kumpleto ang picture kung ilan lang kaming naglimbag ng anthologies. Kasi iba’t iba po ang aming pinanggagalingan, karanasan, at mga taong in-interview at mga bar concert and event na pinuntahan.” She added, “Ang dami daming grant-giving bodies sa Pinas pa lang. All one has to do is search and apply. Yun po ang ginawa ko.” My one-time music collaborator Romeo Babao now considers Tugtugan Pamorningan among his favorites along with Tina Arceo Dumlao’s “Himig At Titik” and Eric Caruncho’s “Punks, Poets, Poseurs.” Long ago when I bought a copy of Eric’s book, I told myself I’d write books one day. Another guy, Weil Ylagan, noted “Must have ito para sa mga adik sa history ng Philippine music tulad ko. Lalo na sa dekada nobenta.” Someone called Kidlat who was at Amoranto that early ‘90s posted that Susan’s book which he said “includes articles about the event and the 90s Pinoy rock explosion” made him feel nostalgic as he dug his ticket

Susan Claire Agbayani (left) with National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee

The second season of ‘Zoomers’ explores the group’s last summer before college

The exciting new season is directed by Kevin Alambra

Criza Taa stars in ‘Zoomers’ as Hope

Harvey Bautista takes on the lead role in ‘Zoomers’ as Jiggs

SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

IGMA Network chairman Gozon named Communicator of the Year

Felipe L. Gozon was recently honored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Asia Pacific as 2024 Communicator of the Year (COTY) in the Executive Leader category.

The award recognizes the GMA Network chairman for his outstanding contributions to the field of communication and underscores his pivotal role in transforming GMA into the powerhouse it is today and in changing the landscape of Philippine broadcast media.

“This award is meaningful as it recognizes the crucial role of communication in business. Communication—strategic, inclusive, and rooted in truth—is a cornerstone of a successful enterprise. Wellcrafted and inspiring, it has the power to move minds and hearts,” said Gozon.

peso, the dominant industry force it is today that leads in ratings, revenues, and reach. The visionary Gozon transformed GMA into one of the largest, most trusted, and most profitable media conglomerates today, all while keeping his reputation pristine in an industry that walks the tightrope of economic, political, and social issues.

A seasoned blue-chip lawyer and formidable courtroom gladiator, Gozon had an extensive list of professional achievements and distinctions before his career in media. But his success began early on: he finished in the top ten of the University of the Philippines Law Class of 1962, and took the bar examination in the same year, placing 13th overall. Thereafter, he pursued his Master of Laws at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Cruz, who nominated Gozon for the IABC 2024 COTY Award, reflects on Gozon’s unique and personal communication style that goes beyond ethical practices. Javier-Cruz lauds Gozon’s communication style prioritizing open dialogue with stakeholders, and valuing their feedback.

“So when we speak of communication as a two-way system, Attorney Gozon embodies it, and leads by example. He gives his full attention to issues raised by executives, stakeholders, and employees alike, and responds to ensure all voices are heard and valued,” Javier-Cruz said. Gozon is the third consecutive winner from the Philippines to win the IABC Asia Pacific COTY Award in the Executive Leader Category. He joins the esteemed group of previous IABC Asia Pacific COTY Executive Leader awardees that include President and CEO of Bank of the

As one of Asia’s top broadcast CEOs, Gozon’s leadership led to the phenomenal rise of GMA Network to the multi-billion

N THE Philippines, it’s commonplace to see scam masterminds enjoy luxurious freedom while small fry become sacrificial lambs when authorities swoop in. Doesn’t it make your blood

This is not the case in Citizen of a Kind, a Korean film that centers on how an ordinary person goes to great lengths to take down the big fish.

Duk-hee, a bubbly commoner, faces a sudden setback when a fire engulfs her laundry business. In her quest to find a solution through loans, she receives a proposal from a bank clerk, offering a seemingly perfect loan package. But first, she is required to pay various fees. It’s already too late when she realizes that the whole process is an elaborate voice phishing scam. Duk-hee has made several fee payments, leaving her penniless and homeless overnight. She reports it to the police, but they are unable to address her case. Days later, Duk-hee receives another call from Jae-min, the scammer, who audaciously asks for her help in retrieving information about voice phishing, promising to reveal everything he knows in return. With nothing left to lose, Duk-hee flies to China, where the phishing organization is based. Accompanied by friends, she is determined to save the young man and reclaim what she lost. Based on a true story, Citizen of a Kind addresses the pervasive issue of voice phishing, resonating with audiences in Korea and the Philippines alike. Duk-hee, portrayed by Ra Mi-ran (Miss and Mrs. Cops, Come Back Home, The Last Princess), is a relatable character. The award-winning actress hopes that

Gozon’s passion for excellence continued in GMA Network, where his stewardship also led to pioneering new narratives that resonated with Kapuso audiences. Driven by his belief in television’s profound impact on educating, mobilizing, and impacting change in society, GMA Network has become even more dedicated to providing significant talent and airtime to broadcast vital information for free.

The IABC Asia Pacific recognizes Felipe L. Gozon’s contributions to the GMA Network and the Philippine broadcast media landscape

Myoung portrays college student Jae-min who gets kidnapped by

‘Citizen

victims

China. Despite his actions, he believes Dukhee can save him. Gong Myoung appreciated the role, stating, “The script felt fresh and enjoyable, unlike typical crime dramas. Its unique charm drew me to the film.” Director Park Young-ju and the production team also highlight the

director explained, “Many victims

guilty, thinking they were foolish for falling for the scam. I wanted to portray Duk-hee as a relatable citizen hero.”

Actress Ahn Eun-jin (The Good Bad Mother) returns to the screen as Ae-lim, a taxi driver in Qingdao, China, whose knowledge of the area is crucial in locating the phishing organization.

Citizen of a Kind promises empathy, comfort, and a refreshing sense of satisfaction for many viewers. The movie is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

victims won’t blame themselves for falling prey to such scams. Jae-min, played by Gong Myoung

(Hansan: Rising Dragon, Killing Romance), is a college student who, seeking a high-paying job, finds himself kidnapped by a voice phishing ring in

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

capabilities

Strong for life

Build strength, recover faster with personalized training for a healthier and stronger you

By Abigail Adriatico

IN RECENT years, many people have been prioritizing their health and wellness. From regularly incorporating exercise into their daily activities to monitoring their calorie intake at every meal, people are becoming more conscious of their overall health and are determined to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.

Luxury boutique gym Kinetix+ aims to foster this growing community of health-conscious individuals through its gym offerings, which are specially catered to building and enhancing one’s strength based on their physical fitness needs and goals.

“Building and enhancing strength is a challenging endeavor, which is why we have strived to make this experience as pleasant as possible,” said Kinetix+ Sales Associate Sheila Marie Hau Kinetix+ boasts a spacious gym area with a captivating view of the city, offering state-of-the-art gym equipment, bespoke dumbbells, barbell plates, and AI-powered BioStrength line machines to its members. It also houses a team of skilled coaches who can help craft personalized and comprehensive training programs alongside physical therapists and nutritionists, based on a client’s specific goals and

current physical condition.

While the personalized programs determine the types of exercises and machines a client will need to utilize to meet their physical goals, they also include a designated part for recovery, which is a vital aspect of one’s daily workout.

The recovery aspect of the program addresses the aches and pains of clients, such as delayed onset muscle soreness after a workout. Kinetix+ physiotherapists offer a variety of modalities and methods like dry needling, manual therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, all geared towards the post-workout recovery needs of clients.

The gym’s recovery lounge also features modalities such as red light therapy, compression boots, and massage guns, which are free for members to use to recover faster after their workouts.

The personalized programs also include a specific diet prepared by in-house nutritionists, taking into account not only the food necessary to support each client’s workout but also their current eating habits. This ensures that the diet is tailored to fit the individual, not the other way around.

To promote its Strong for Life campaign, Kinetix+ offers a variety of membership packages such as Active Aging,

SEVERAL students from the Multimedia Arts (MMA) Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of New Media Arts showcased innovative projects of emerging creatives to address the personal and social issues experienced by Filipino children. Nicole Ecalner, Veronica Landig, Devonna Quinatadcan, and Vann Quinatadcan launched Hearts on the Table, a physical card game that tackles generational trauma. With three levels and a set of wildcards, it fosters candid dialogue and connection among the users. The deck is supported by an online site, motion graphics, and journals for reflection. It likewise encompasses the media’s impact on Gen Zs. To educate on personal space, Zofia Camille exhibited an informative webpage Consent For Kids, which teaches the younger generation about body privacy. It likewise empowers the learners to establish their boundaries, respect the individuality of others, and cultivate meaningful relationships. Consent For Kids also serves as a reliable digital guide on sensitive topics for parents and mentors. It comprises reflective and engaging vlogs, podcasts, and printed resources.

Alfred Alavar, Chloe Capistrano, Jamila San, Mary Velarde, and Nicus Villaluna presented The Kid In Me, an interactive book that delves into the feelings of the inner child. It unleashes the user’s

imagination and ingenuity by taking them on a step-by-step journey towards self-development. To enhance the reader’s

Janela Arena, Antonette Aquino, Cherie Lou Azaña, Guinevere

‘Consent For Kids’ teaches children important things about body privacy

‘Hearts on the Table’ is a physical card game about generational trauma

Kinetix+ boasts

‘TAHANAN’ is a 2D role-playing platform exploring the traditional values in a Filipino household

‘The Kid In Me’ is an interactive book that looks into the feelings of one’s inner child

‘Ang Kubo ni Lola’ is a storybook filled with captivating visuals aiming to foster the language skills of children

The gym features AI-powered BioStrength line machines which adjust its programs according to a user’s needs and

Corporate Wellness, Muscle Forging, and Fit for a Queen. These all include a range of sessions for coaching, recovery, stretching, and nutrition guidance.

Kinetix+ is located at Level 3, Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati.