Manila Standard - 2024 July 10 - Wednesday

‘140k workers may lose jobs with P35 pay hike’

But more jobs expected with rising economy—NEDA

By Charles Dantes

AS MUCH as 140,000 workers may be negatively affected by the P35 daily minimum wage hike in Metro Manila that will take effect on July 17.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, however, said the the impact on the economy is "very negligible."

"The national output GDP (gross domestic product) would be impacted negatively -- just one-tenth of one percent. It is very negligible. It could increase unemployment rate but it is a negligible number,” Balisacan said.

"It could impact something like 40,000 to 140,000, depending on the region, but still again, not as big as one would expect if those were much higher,” he added. While several employers may be unable to retain all their workers with the new wage hike, there are still some 600,000 available jobs for affected individuals to choose from, Balisacan said.

China’s monster ship faces off with PH vessel at Escoda shoal

THE massive China Coast Guard ship, dubbed “The Monster,” has been in a continued face-off with the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal, the Philippines Navy said. Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admi-

By Maricel Cru and Vito Barcelo

ral Roy Vincent Trinidad, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said the presence of the 165-meter CCG vessel 5901 in Philippine waters is already “illegal” because it already stayed at the atoll. The ship in recent weeks conducted patrols in the Philippine waters,

“For so long as the economy is expanding because of investments com

ing in, the offsets will be there that’s why the economy can still grow,” he said.

“New jobs open up in the economy and our economy continues to grow at 6 to 7 percent this year so that we’ll be accompanied by quite a lot of jobs,” Balisacan added.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, for his part, said DOLE continues to “closely monitor the possible impact of any wage adjustments.”

“Any transformation or anything that happens in the place of work will result in some impact whether positive or negative,” Laguesma said.

The P35 wage hike in Metro Ma-

Senate vows to ratify RAA between PH and Japan

By Macon RamosAraneta, Maricel Cruz and Rachelle Tonelada

nila will bring the daily minimum wage in the region from P610 to P645 for the non-agriculture sector and from P573 to P608 for the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers.

The country’s unemployment rate fell to 4.1 percent in May this year from 4.3 percent in the same period last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The unemployment rate in May, however, was slightly higher than the 4 percent recorded in April 2024.

In terms of level, the number of unemployed persons in May 2024 was estimated at 2.11 million.

Kris

Aquino’s sons call on First Lady Liza

THE Senate will prioritize the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines that will allow the deployment of troops on each other's territory as they boost ties in the face of China's growing assertiveness. Senate President Francis Escudero gave the commitment as he underscored the defense pact's importance to boost the country's position in the West Philippine Sea. Malacañang has not yet submitted to a copy of the RAA to the Senate.

Gov’t still to decide on total POGO ban, says Balisacan

Socioeconomic planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Tuesday said that cabinet secretaries have yet to seriously tackle proposals to impose an outright ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). In a Palace briefing, the National Economic and Development Authority's (NEDA) chief explained that key officials will eventually have to weigh POGOs' fate in the country against the administration's focus on generating jobs.

By Charles Dantes

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos posted on Tuesday a group photo with Kris Aquino’s sons, Joshua and Bimby, who visited her office recently. "Thank you Bimby and Josh for dropping by. It was so nice to see you guys after all these years," the First Lady captioned the photo. The image features Mrs. Araneta-Marcos wearing a mustard yellow dress flanked by

the Aquino siblings. Josh and Bimby are wearing casual black and white shirts, respectively, with the Philippine flag behind them.

Josh and Bimby are among the grandsons of the late democracy icons—Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino—who opposed the administration of the First Lady’s father-in-law President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. Courtesy: Liza Marcos/Facebook

Tokhang survivor prods SC to reopen case

A“TOKHANG” survivor is urging the Supreme Court (SC) to reopen the criminal case against police officers for a 2016 drug operation that left the survivor’s companions dead.

In a petition, Efren Morillo, who survived the August 2016 police operations after pretending to be dead and crawling out of the house to the highway, pleaded the SC to overturn the findings of the Ombudsman that dismissed the complaint for murder, frustrated murder, and robbery in relation to the chain of custody rule under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act against Police Captain Emil Garcia, Police Staff Sergeant Allan Formilleza, Patrolman James Aggarao Jr. and Melchor Navisaga.

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"What is important is that we are increasing our military capability and alliances to provide a much needed deterrence in this region," Escudero said.

While the RAA is being compared to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, President Marcos previously stressed that the two are different.

During an interview back in April,

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This was lower than the num -

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Velasco said that a traditional jeep illustration embroidered on a SONA outfit would be allowed since it celebrates a part of the country's culture.

But a SONA outfit with the slogan "No to jeepney modernization" is prohibited, he said.

“If you want to protest on SONA day, there are areas reserved for your protest or demonstration. This is not the time and place to express protests. You can do that after,” Velasco added.

Velasco, the lower chamber’s secretary-general, also disclosed that “around PHP20 million” to serve three meals and snacks to up to 5,000 lawmakers, guests, and congressional personnel.

He said his office expects over 2,000 guests to attend the event, saying this would be “the highest in history.”

Velasco said the SONA’s food budget was quite reasonable given that "our security personnel alone are in

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of Sagip party-list group made the disclosure in light of alleged irregularities surrounding the Comelec-Miru deal to collect and count votes in the 2025 midterm elections.

While Marcoleta did not the poll body official, Comelec chairman George Garcia denied he received a bribe from the South Korean firm which bagged the P17.99 billion contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) for the 2025 National and Local Elections.

To prove his innocence, Garcia requested assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the allegations.

"I am writing to formally request the assistance of your agency in investigating the recent allegations circulating online that implicate me in accepting bribe money from a Korean firm,” Garcia's letter to the NBI read.

"These unverified claims assert that I hold numerous bank accounts across various banks in Singapore, North America, China and the Caribbean."

He said such claims were entirely false, baseless, and a demolition job against Comelec. Marcoleta, who vowed to file a congressional resolution on the mat-

Morillo's co-petitioners are Maria Belen Daan, Lydia Gabo, and Marilyn Malimban, relatives of the victims who died in the August 2016 police raid.

It can be recalled that the Ombudsman, in its ruling, acknowledged that the police officers admitted shooting to death Morillo and his companions as an act of self-defense.

"There is no question that Marcelo, Jessie, Anthony, and Rhaffy died, and Efren (Morillo) sustained a gunshot wound following the anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the

the chief executive clarified the RAA would not establish Japanese military bases in the Philippines, nor would it allow Japanese servicemen to freely roam Philippine cities.

Senator Nancy Binay said the signing of the RAA is the fruit of the Senate's effort to seek peaceful resolutions to maritime conflicts in the Asia-Pacific Region.

"I fully support the ratification of the Agreement once it reaches the Senate as this would represent our commitment to peace and security in the region," Binay said.

On Tuesday, Japanese Foreign

ber of unemployed persons in May 2023 at 2.17 million, but higher than the number of unemployed persons in April 2024 at 2.04 million.

the hundreds. The Congress personnel are at 2,000 to 3,000 then the guests are around 2,000. That's (amount) just about right.”

Velasco clarified that the announced budget is only a rough estimation of what serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks would cost because "we cannot reveal [the final figure yet] since caterers also have security concerns."

“I think this will be the biggest [number of SONA attendees] in history, by the number of confirmations we have received. They really want to hear the President or they want to be involved in the state affairs. Being invited to the SONA is an honor,” the secretary-general added.

However, Vice President Sara Duterte is not among those invited who have confirmed their intention to attend the event as of Tuesday.

“We cannot speak for the Vice President. Let her and the office decide if they will attend or not," Velasco said.

We’re not forcing anyone to attend the SONA,” he emphasized.

ter, said his discovery is more than enough reason to scrap the record P18 billion deal.

"Several offshore bank accounts were allegedly opened under the name of a Comelec official. These bank accounts were opened from the time the official assumed office up to as recent as the end of 2023," Marcoleta said.

In a presentation to reporters, Marcoleta showed that at least 14 newly opened bank accounts in Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, China, Hong Kong, North America and Singapore, supposedly belonging to the unnamed Comelec official.

"This official had a total of 49 offshore bank accounts across 18 global banks," he said.

"To the Comelec official who owns these bank accounts -- you know who you are -- let me ask these questions directly: How many bank accounts does a person need, more so a government official? Mr. Comelec official, do you actually have billions that you need all these offshore accounts to move money around?"

"What makes these transactions questionable is that these alleged transactions, according to our sources, are actually deposits made to these accounts directly emanating from South Korean bank accounts, with the depositors being individuals affiliated with Miru," Marcoleta added.

respondents, ...In any case, acting in the fulfillment of duty or in the lawful exercise of a right or office - as what respondents did during the legitimate police operation," the Ombudsman's ruling stated.

However, petitioners informed the SC that the Ombudsman no longer required the police officers to provide evidence that they were acting in selfdefense during the anti-drug operation.

Quoting an SC ruling, petitioners, through their counsel from CenterLaw said "if the accused admits the killing, the burden of evidence is shifted on him to prove with clear and convincing evidence the essential elements of the justifying circumstance."

But in this case, petitioners lamented that the Ombudsman could not cite the evidence provided by the

Minister Yoko Kamikawa paid a courtesy call on Escudero.

In a statement, the Japanese embassy in Manila sais Kamikawa expressed her desire to further strengthen security and maritime cooperation, including through the Reciprocal Access Agreement.

"In response, Senate President Escudero said that he would make every effort to ensure steady progress in a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas, including the early ratification of the RAA by the Senate," the embassy said.

For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed the signing of the

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but was described by Trinidad then as part of innocent passage and freedom of navigation, recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Wherever they go within our EEZ, their presence is illegal,” Trinidad told reporters.

The massive ship is just hundreds of meters away from the 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) BRP Teresa Magbanua, the Philippine Coast Guard’s most expensive vessel and one of its largest ships. The vessel was deployed to Escoda in April to monitor Chinese activities over suspected reclamation works in the area.

China has maintained its presence in Philippine waters with the deployment of 94 vessels, mostly in Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Panata Island, and Bajo de Masinloc, from July 2 to July 8

China defended its deployment of the massive ship and asserted that the Escoda Shoal where it anchored is part of its “nine-dashline claims” and not the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

“To patrol and conduct law enforcement activities by Chinese military and Coast Guard vessels in the waters near Xianbin Jiao is within China’s domestic law and international law, including UNCLOS,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian added in the press conference.

Earlier, China refused to take responsibility for the damages follow-

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"No, we haven't really discussed it in terms of, you know what I mean, at the level of the economic managers. I'm not sure if there are any other meetings happening, but I believe our focus should be on generating high quality jobs," Balisacan said.

Calls to outlaw overseas gaming activities have been gaining momentum around the country following consecutive police raids on POGO enclaves in Tarlac and Pampanga where authorities uncovered a long list of illegal activities.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto previously said that he is inclined to recommend to President Marcos that POGOs be closed down.

The finance chief explained said his support for the removal of POGOs was prompted by the discovery of various illegal activities around this shady industry.

"Honestly, I'm not into gambling at all, and I'm not a fan of POGOs either. But if they're playing by the rules and paying their taxes, then it's all good

police officers that they were acting in self-defense.

The police said Morillo and his companion were armed, saying that Morillo even shouted: "Hindi kami pahuhuli ng buhay" (You will never going to get us alive).

However, Morillo yielded a negative for the presence of nitrate powder.

The Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court also dismissed the direct assault against Morillo, which was filed by the police officers.

In dismissing the complaint, the lower court said the prosecution failed to show that the police complied with the rules of the Philippine National Police in conducting the "tokhang" operations.

"The Ombudsman, despite the plethora of evidence submitted by the petitioners, still found lack of prob-

RAA as a “crucial moment for enhanced defense cooperation” amid regional challenges.

“The RAA highlights our shared commitment to regional stability and security, strengthening our defense capabilities, and reaffirming the Philippines’ strategic partnership with Japan," Romualdez said.

"This agreement reflects our shared values of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. It underscores the Philippines' proactive approach in addressing security challenges and promoting a rules-based international order,” he added.

ing the aggressive actions and harassment by the China Coast Guard against Philippine Navy troops during a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal.

Rejecting the AFP's demand for P60 million in damages, China asserted that the Philippines should “face the consequences of its own action.”

Japan earlier continued to oppose the "unlawful maritime claims" and strongly condemned China’s dangerous and aggressive acts against the Philippines during the 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meetings with the Philippines.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) together with the Philippine Coast Guard meanwhile reported that it had successfully carried out the emergency medical evacuation of a Philippine Navy personnel stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on July 7.

The Coast Guard deployed their vessels, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV4411), to rendezvous with the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) of LS-57 in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.

The PCG faced numerous obstructing and delaying maneuvers by CCG vessels, but they remained steadfast to their humanitarian mission and was able to complete the transfer of the sick personnel from the LS-57 RHIB to the PCG RHIB.

Despite the threatening presence of various CCG small vessels, the PCG RHIB was able to return to the main PCG vessel without further interruption.

The sick personnel was then provided with urgent medical attention. The personnel is now stable. Vince Lopez

with me. But there are definitely a lot of problems surrounding the POGO industry, " he said.

While other officials debate its pros and cons, several local governments have unilaterally banned POGO activities within their borders.

The Batangas City Council was the latest among them when it went ahead and passed a resolution prohibiting all POGOs amid growing security concerns around such operations.

In an interview on Tuesday, Councilor Nestor Dimacuha, chairman of the Committee on Laws and Rules and author of the resolution, said the supposed economic benefit of POGOs in terms of job creation, property sector earnings, and revenues for government are far outweighed by their social cost. Furthermore, he stated POGOs are repeatedly being linked to crime syndicates engaged in human trafficking, kidnapping, robbery-extortion, money laundering, online scams, and espionage.

He, however, assured that the city government will still consider granting franchises to other gaming operations that have valid permits from PAGCOR.

able cause to indict the respondents. This brazen and blatant error is tantamount to grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction," the petition said.

"The Ombudsman also failed to accord due respect for the findings of facts and judgments in intimately related previous court cases," the petitioners stressed.

"This case illustrates a clear example of the State's unwillingness or inability to genuinely conduct an investigation or prosecution for crimes committed in the campaign against illegal drugs," petitioners said.

"Now, the Office of the Ombudsman is effectively barring the prosecution of the respondents without valid reason and upon biased consideration of the evidence,” the petitioners pointed out.

PH-US nuke energy deal takes effect

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE US State Department announced Tuesday the United States and Philippines’ Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (or 123 Agreement) entered into force on July 2. In a statement posted on its website, the US State Department said the agreement will enhance the both countries’ cooperation on clean energy and energy security and strengthen longterm bilateral diplomatic and economic relationships. This followed the signing of the 123 Agreement between the Philippines and the US in November last year. The 123 Agreement lays the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers.

It aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.

“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” it said.

PH gets hosting of LDF Board

By Charles Dantes

President Ferdinand Marcos announced that the Philippines had been elected to host the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board, winning over seven other contenders.

“I am proud to announce that the Philippines has been elected to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board, out of seven other contenders. We are also honored to have a seat on the Board itself, ensuring that the Philippines will be a formidable voice in promoting and advancing global climate action— an issue of critical interest to the country,” Mr. Marcos said in his X account (formerly Twitter).

"Hosting the LSF Board reinforces our dedication to inclusivity and our leadership role in ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change shape the future of international climate policies,” he added. Previously, President Marcos had expressed the country's interest in hosting the LDF Board and called for its immediate operationalization to assist developing nations.

In April, the Philippines declared its intention to host the LDF Board, following President Marcos' order to form an interagency technical working group to lead the effort.

Back in December 2023, the Philippines earned a spot on the LDF Board following the conclusion of the United Nations 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai.

The LDF Board plays a crucial role in addressing climate change by managing funds to support countries most affected by climate-related disasters.

Rep. Allen Mangaoang:

Kalinga’s champion in Congress

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

KALINGA Lone District

Representative Allen Jesse Capuyan Mangaoang, fondly known as Sonny, is a dedicated and humble public servant. His leadership has left an indelible mark among the people he served, instilling a sense of trust and confidence.

As a servant leader, he stands tall above the rest, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities, an unwavering commitment to public welfare, and an unrelenting drive to create positive change.

He set aside a promising and lucrative career as a geologist and followed a calling that his heart so desires—to those who have the fewest opportunities in life, less in life and always at the last of the line.

Rep. Mangaoang’s journey as a Public Servant commenced with an overwhelming victory as the Municipal vice Mayor of the Municipality of Balbalan in May 1995. As a Vice Mayor, he steered the local legislative council in crafting ordinances that were genuinely responsive to the needs of the people and the development thrust that the Municipality deemed appropriate to adopt. Unknowingly, the legislative measures passed during his tenure as Vice Mayor were the same pieces of legislation that would guide his administration when he became the Municipal Mayor of Balbalan in May of 2021.

Living up to his development motto of “Serbisyun Mankapiyaan “SM,” a vernacular term that encompasses his Development Thrusts, a broader scope in public service was laid on his shoulders after he was elected Vice Governor of the Province of Kalinga in 2010. He served as Vice Governor for two terms until 2016, and his zeal and dedication as a Legislator have earned him a rare feat, being awarded together with three other vice governors in the Philippines as Outstanding Local Legislators by Super Brand Philippines. Rep. Mangaoang entered the congressional race in 2016 with yet another elevated calling in public service. His exemplary performance as a former Mayor and Vice-governor would play a significant role in his election as the Representative of the Lone District of Kalinga.

As a Congressman, he broke tradition by being the first neophyte representative appointed to a Major Committee chairmanship.

From his first term until today, he has sat on the House Committee on Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities chairman. As chairman of the committee, he represents not

only the IPs of the Cordilleras but also all the other 17 million IPs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. As a legislator, he is Vice-Chairman on the Committees on Natural Resources, Ecology, and Rural Development and a member of Various Committees like Science and Technology, Defence, Youth and Sports Development, North Luzon Area Quadrangle, Agrarian Reform, Globalization and World Trade Organization, Climate Change and the powerful Committee on Appropriations. He is the principal author of 88 bills and has co-authored 30 more since he assumed office in the House of Representatives.

In his debut as a lawmaker, he principally authored the passage of Republic Act (RA) 10993 that mandated

the creation of the Malagnat National High School, RA 109994 that created the Santal National High School, RA 11016 that created the Biga National High School, RA 11104 which increased the bed capacity of the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital from 100 to 200 beds, upgrading the service facilities and professional health care therein and appropriating funds therefor, among other laws of local application beneficial to the interest of the people of Kalinga, Mountain Province and the Cordillera.

On the other hand, Rep. Mangaoang also co-authored the enactment into law of RA 10928, which extended the validity of the Philippine passport from 5 to 10 years, and RA 108,69, which strengthened assistance to all farmers

The Manuel S. Agyao Boulevard is the widest road in northern Luzon. The improvement was started by the late Rep. MS Agyao and was completed by Rep. Mangaoang

by providing free irrigation services see, also known as the ‘Free Irrigation Service Act,” RA 11035 that institutionalized the Balik Scientist Program and appropriating funds for the purpose among other laws that are of national concern and beneficial to other municipalities, cities, provinces and regions in the different parts of the country.

Aside from being actively involved in the law-making process in the House, Rep. Mangaoang also keeps himself busy by working closely with government agency officials who are pivotal in providing the funds for his priority projects. This has resulted in the sourcing of billions of funds into his third term as Kalinga’s representative.

From his first term up until this budget year, Kalinga earmarked billions of

“The road to development is the road itself.”

pesos for roads, bridges, flood control, and other major infrastructure projects. He was also able to source funds for social services like medical assistance, scholarship grants, and many other forms of financial assistance. Thousands of recipients benefitted from this program. Rep. Mangaoang is also deeply concerned over the plight of Persons with Disabilities. It motivated him to source funds to provide prosthetic legs and other assistive devices for the PWDS.

Despite all his impressive achievements, the district representative remains a humble and simple man who envisions only the best for his constituents, which he matches with great effort, making him the man Kalinga’s lone district looks up to.

The caress and charisma of Kalinga’s Lone

By Peter Paul Duran

HIGH up in the mountains, where the air is crisp and the embrace of the landscape is both cold and warm, lies Kalinga—a true wonder of nature. Under the dynamic leadership of Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, Kalinga’s lone congressional district emerges as a vibrant mosaic of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and innovative local products. Comprising seven municipalities and one component city, this region invites visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant traditions.

Tabuk City

Tabuk City, the capital of Kalinga, serves as the hub of the province’s cultural and economic activities. One of the key attractions here is the Agagama Water Park, offering a range of water slides and pools set against a backdrop of lush greenery. For those interested in local craftsmanship, a visit to the Ryan & Sons Winery is essential. This family-owned winery produces a variety of wines from locally grown grapes, offering tours and tastings that showcase Kalinga’s unique flavors.

Balbalan

Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park in Balbalan is known as the “green heart of the Cordillera.” This protected area is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The park’s lush forests and pristine landscapes make it a prime destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure.

Lubuagan

Lubuagan is steeped in history and culture. The Lubo Rice Terraces are a testament to the sustainable farming practices passed down through generations. These terraces not only provide a stunning landscape but also reflect the agricultural heritage and resilience of the Kalinga people. The intricate irrigation system and hard work required to maintain these terraces offer visitors a deep appreciation of local traditions.

Pasil

The Pasil River offers a range of activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. This beautiful river, surrounded by lush greenery, is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation. The river’s clear waters and scenic views make it an ideal location for both adventure and leisure.

Pinukpuk

Pinukpuk is primarily known for its agricultural contributions. The region’s rich soil and favorable climate support a variety of crops, contributing significantly to Kalinga’s economy. Visitors can explore local farms and learn about the traditional farming methods that sustain the community. Rizal Rizal offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions. The Mini Museum of Kalinga provides insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage, displaying artifacts, traditional clothing, and ancient tools. Nearby, the Tuga Catholic Church stands as a historical landmark, reflecting the

District

Tanudan

Tanudan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The region’s rugged terrain and scenic beauty make it perfect for hiking and camping. Sleeping Beauty Mountain, also known as Mount Patukan, offers a challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This mountain is also a sacred site for the Kalinga people, adding a spiritual dimension to the adventure.

Tinglayan

Tinglayan is home to the famous Buscalan Village, where visitors can meet Whang-Od, the last traditional Kalinga tattoo artist. The village offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to learn about traditional tattooing methods and the stories behind them. For thrillseekers, white water rafting on the Chico River provides an exhilarating adventure through the region’s scenic landscapes. As the district continues to thrive and innovate under the leadership of Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, it stands as a shining example of Kalinga’s rich natural resources, cultural heritage, and community-driven initiatives. This journey through Kalinga’s lone congressional district not only celebrates its past and present but also looks forward to a future where tradition and progress harmoniously coexist, contributing to the vibrant vision of Bagong Pilipinas.

fusion of local culture and Christian influences.

PRICE HIKE. A pump attendant changed the prices of fuel products at a gas station in Quezon City on Tuesday, as prices of petroleum products have once again increased for the fourth consecutive week due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Gasoline rose by P1.60 per liter, diesel increased by P0.65 per liter, and kerosene went up by P0.60 per liter. Manny

3,167 Leyte residents get cash aid

By Maricel V. Cruz

ATOTAL of 3,167 qualified beneficiaries in Leyte received cash and rice assistance from two separate programs of the administration that aim to aid several sectors of society who are facing difficulties coping with everyday expenses and high costs of living.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday said these beneficiaries received financial aid from the Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) Program of the DSWD and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Work-

Air Force sends 162 PAF staff for Aussie drills

THE government sent 162 Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel for Pitch Black 2024 Military exercises in Darwin, Australia.

The first batch of the PAF contingent, along with essential equipment and operational cargo, arrived in Australia on Sunday, marking the beginning of PAF’s participation in the prestigious exercise.

PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo told Manila Standard that the Manila contingent for the said exercises is composed of 150 male and 12 female personnel.

The members of the contingent came from different units of PAF such as Coordinating staff, Air Force Systems Engineering Office, Air Force Public Affairs Office, 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing, 220th Airlift Wing, 5th Fighter Wing, Air Defense Command, Air Force Command Center, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, 505th Search and Rescue Group, 15th Strike Wing and 540th Air Base Group.

The PAF contingent was ferried from the Philippines to Darwin via the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30 aircraft.

“PAF deployed its C130 and C 295 for mobility support for the exercise,” Castillo said.

According to Castillo, the contingent is expected to undergo two field training exercises (FTX) including Flight Integration Training (FIT) and Large Enforcement Employment (LFE).

ers (TUPAD) Program of the DOLE.

“As instructed by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., the delivery of public service continues. Tuloy-tuloy po ito at hindi nagpapahinga. At natutuwa ako na ang mga kababayan natin sa

Tacloban at Babatngon sa Leyte ang nabigyan ng ayuda ngayong araw,” Speaker Romualdez, the leader of the 308-strong House of Representatives, said.

(It is continuous and does not rest. And I am glad that our compatriots in Tacloban and Babatngon in Leyte were given aid today)

“This is what our President Bongbong Marcos wants, to bring the service closer to the people. The administration makes us feel that it is not forgetting its sworn duty to fix the condition of every citizen of our country,” the Speaker said. Romualdez was not physically present during the distribution of the aid

packages in Leyte, but lawyer Mark Stephen Reyes – his district Chief-ofStaff – represented him in the events.

Reyes led the distribution of P5,000 in case and P1,000 worth of rice to a total of 1,167 beneficiaries under the CARD Program that was held in the People’s Center in Tacloban City.

“The CARD Program is a program instituted by Speaker Romualdez to help other sectors of Philippine society not covered by the 4Ps or other assistance programs. It seeks to aid the vulnerable sectors such as indigent senior citizens, PWDs, single parents, indigenous peoples (IPs) and nearpoor families,” Reyes said.

IN BRIEF

Caloocan City gets new mobile laboratory

CALOOCAN City has recently received a new mobile laboratory to provide health care to residents.

Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan expressed his gratitude to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for the new mobile laboratory.

The bus is part of her commitment to fully strengthen the free, comprehensive, and accessible healthcare initiatives in the city. The said mobile laboratory is fully equipped with an examination room and a laboratory area for conducting various tests such as electrocardiogram, xray, blood chemistry, and urinalysis.

Malapitan also thanked the partners of the First Lady who made the said donation possible and declared his plans to fully maximize the use of the new mobile laboratory, in combination with existing health facilities and services for better accessibility. Jun David

UP Diliman reports stabbing incident in campus

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines-

Diliman has reported a stabbing incident that took place inside the campus’ National Science Complex last Monday at 8:17 p.m.

The UP-Diliman Campus, in a statement, said: “The victim was immediately brought to a hospital. The Quezon City Police District has now taken over the case.” It said it would step up its security measures and deploy more security personnel in different areas of the campus. “Everyone is reminded to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious to the authorities,” it urged. Based on a report from the QCPDCriminal Investigation and Detection Unit, the female victim was walking in front of the College of Electrical Engineering at 8:17 p.m. when three unidentified men suddenly appeared from behind and declared a hold-up robbery.

Cops arrest female suspect in Pasay bust

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) Pasay City Substation 4, apprehended a 29-year-old female suspect alias “Carol”” for violating Section 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

The arrest occurred at about 9:00am of July 9, at Barangay 127, Pasay City.

The operation, part of the ongoing “Oplan Galugad” initiative, led to the discovery and confiscation of four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected to be shabu, weighing a total of 20 grams with an estimated street value of P136,000. Suspect is currently under police custody and will face complaint for violation of section 11 of RA 9165, while the seized pieces of evidence were turned over to the Forensics for further analysis.

DA expands KADIWA program, sets up more centers in Manila

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding its P29 rice program, adding three KADIWA centers in Metro Manila to the largescale trial to reach more vulnerable households with affordable, goodquality rice.

Following a successful weekend kickoff in 10 KADIWA sites across Metro

Manila and Bulacan, the program is now extending to Malabon, Navotas, and Nangka, Marikina.

DA assistant secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the DA is also exploring additional sites in neighboring provinces before the end of July.

“We are learning valuable lessons

from this trial, especially about demand, supply, and logistics. President Marcos’ vision is to maximize the benefits of this program for as many Filipinos as possible,” she added.

In addition to P29 rice, select KADIWA centers will also offer well-milled rice under the “Rice-for-All” program at prices below market rates.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has urged local government units to identify suitable sites for new KADIWA centers, further expanding the program’s reach. KADIWA centers serve as rent-free marketplaces for farmers and producers to sell their goods directly to consumers at lower prices. Othel Campos

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

EXCHANGING VIEWS. Japanese Minister Kamikawa Yoko (right) meets with Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr, Presidential Advisor on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; Minister Raissa Jajurie, Minister for Social Services and Development, Bangsamoro Transition Authority; and Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer, University of the Philippines, to exchange views on the Mindanao peace process and West Philippine Sea.

FUEL

Palmero

‘OUR SEAS, OUR SHIPS!’ Members of the Philippine Naval Forces in Northern Luzon held a send-off ceremony as part of the commemoration of the 7th anniversary of the Philippine Rise in San Fernando, La Union.

OPINION

Is waste-to-energy a big hoax?

WHAT’S the biggest fallacy about wasteto-energy?

We have been told time and again that it can be a form of renewable energy. But we all know that garbage is not a naturally occurring material like sunlight, wind, or waves.

Garbage is nothing more than, well, trash.

It is produced by human activity in the form of food waste, plastics, scrap metal, and toxic substances, among others.

Proponents of WTE, especially in the Philippines, claim the technology is renewable and a source of clean power. But that seems to be furthest from the truth.

In the Philippines, an incineration ban was lifted to give way to thermal incinerators which convert burning garbage directly into electricity.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources had declared in 2019 that WTE can help address a growing volume of wastes and become a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to sanitary landfills.

The DENR Secretary then, Roy Cimatu, issued an order listing guidelines for operating WTE facilities to treat municipal solid wastes.

But we can cite various reasons to the contrary.

First, policymakers and officials could be deeply misinformed that they take the lies hook, line and sinker.

Second, they could have been co-opted by business interests profiting highly from the false notion that garbage energy is renewable and clean.

And third, they could have been corrupted by unscrupulous financiers who are making a killing out of propagating false science.

We can only speculate, but on whether there is truth to claims that WTE is renewable and clean, the facts are undeniable.

Experts, those who base their findings not on fake science but actual studies, are quick to debunk the WTE myths.

Jorge Emmanuel, professor of environment science and engineering at Silliman University, said any technology that produces emissions is dangerous.

At a roundtable discussion hosted by marine conservation group Oceana, Emmanuel said WTE plants release various pollutants into the air, soil and water.

These include particulates, carbon monoxide, acid, toxic metals and toxic organic compounds. Thermal WTE plants also produce toxic waste water and ash.

Operating more WTE plants would worsen the shortage of sanitary landfills, instead of addressing the pollution issue.

In a report last year, the Commission on Audit said only 39.05 percent of Philippine villages have access to material recovery facilities as of 2021.

According to Emmanuel, ash produced by WTE would require proper disposal so

more MRFs would be needed.

Experts in the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives also insist that toxic ash cannot just be dumped in regular landfills.

We can derive lessons from the experience of Singapore, which is heavily dependent on WTE and is being considered by local proponents as a model for WTE processes.

The website of the Singaporean Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment admits that incineration plants are very expensive to build and operate. “They also take up very large areas of land,” it said.

“We cannot keep building more incineration plants,” the ministry added. According to Emmanuel, a typical WTE plant spews emissions into the air that include fine particles. These ultra-fine particles, he said at the Oceana forum, can cause heart attacks, lung diseases and other illnesses.

Waste-to-energy looks to us as a cure that can even worsen the problem it was meant to solve

These also release dangerous metals like mercury and lead which target the central nervous system.

Emissions from WTE, he said, are “the most toxic chemical pollutant known to science.”

The most dangerous waste coming from WTE is dioxin. It is a family of 210 chemicals that are found in small concentrations in the food chain.

These poisonous substances find their way into fish and animals which transfer the dioxin to humans when these fish or animals are consumed.

Dioxins can also find their way into humans by inhalation, especially among people living near WTE plants.

The dioxins fall into the ground, chickens and cows eat these and convert these into bio-concentrates which transfer to human bloodstreams.

Greenpeace, the worldwide environmental group, said 27,000 Filipinos have already died from pollution and allowing WTE plants to operate would kill many more.

These are not just scary scenarios or projections.

They are scientific, unassailable facts about WTE on top of the falsehood that burning garbage to produce electricity is renewable.

In the end, waste-to-energy looks to us as a cure that can even worsen the problem it was meant to solve. (Email: ernhil @yahoo.com)

Partners, stakeholders recognized

By Melandrew T. Velasco

A FITTING event to cap the celebration of Philippine Environment Month as the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. and Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System honored partners and stakeholders during the second Annual Million Trees Challenge Recognition and Pledging Session 2024 last July 1. AMTC has been consistent in meeting its target of one million trees planted annually. Ensuring this success necessitated the establishment of the Million Trees Foundation in 2021.

MTFI recognizes the contributions of its partners/stakeholders in attaining its objective to rehabilitate critical watersheds through reforestation and tree-planting activities.

Financial support was extended to MTFI by San Miguel Corporation’s Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, Maynilad, Manila Water, and new institutional partners QBE and Grundfos.

The AMTC Champion of Trees award is given to partners and stakeholders who have planted 25,000 trees or more for 2023. Recipients of the award were: DENR 4A who leads the list with 288,360 trees planted, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (222,280), Laguna Lake Development Authority (148,182), World Wide Fund for Nature PH (125,200), Manila Water Company, Inc. (118,000), National Power Corporation (86,750), MWSS CO (80,000), Luzon Water Development Corporation (60,000), Professional Regulation Commission (43,926),

LGU of General Nakar (42,284), DENR R3 (37,227), ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. (36,920), MWSS RO (26,000), and DENR NCR.

Recognized with individual awards called Kampeon ng TubigKanlungan were General Nakar Mayor Eliseo R. Ruzol, DENR NCR Executive Director Jacqueline Caancan, DENR CALABARZON Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, Maynilad President & CEO Ramoncito Fernandez;

MTFI recognizes the contributions of its partners and stakeholders in attaining its objective to rehabilitate critical watersheds through reforestation and treeplanting activities

Manila Water President & CEO Jose Emmanuel Victor De Dios, Don Ramon S. Ang, and Sta. Clara International Corp. Chairman & Managing Director Nicandro Linao.

The awardees showed dedication and commitment to boost the advocacy of the AMTC and MTFI through their exemplary

RLabor’s summary

ATHER disquieting a scenario.

Six months back, the country’s labor market was described as robust, with the lowest unemployment rate recorded in nearly two decades: a 3.1 percent in December 2023, against the comparative period of 4.3 percent in 2022.

The National Economic Development Authority said this represented a regular decrease of 617,000 unemployed individuals.

Similarly, the underemployment rate decreased to 11.9 percent in December 2023 from the 12.6 percent reported in December 2022, which corresponds to 186,000 fewer underemployed or employed persons who desire additional jobs and work hours.

Unemployment refers to the number of people who want a job and do not have one while underemployment represents people who are working but are not working in a job that matches their skills or abilities, often leading to earning less than what they should earn.

But this week the Philippine Statistics Authority reported disturbing figures: the number of unemployed Filipinos rose to 2.11 million in May this year from 2.04 million in April.

PSA chief and National Statistician

Claire Dennis Mapa told a news conference a 4.1 percent unemployment rate was recorded in May 2024, slightly higher than the 4 percent logged in the previous month. The country’s employment rate in May stood at 95.9 percent – an improvement from the 95.7 percent in May last year, but lower than the 96.0 percent in April 2024.

—“—

There is a hushing thought, after President Marcos Jr. announced a 10-year game plan as the national guide towards greater employment generation and recovery

Alongside this report, underemployment was down to 9.9 percent from 14.6 percent in April and 11.7 percent in the same month last year.

IT’S a sweltering summer day in Manila, where the city’s power dynamics are once again under the microscope.

Speaker Martin Romualdez has embarked on an ambitious mission to overhaul the Electric Power Industry Regulation Act (Epira), a law once the beacon of hope for affordable and reliable electricity but has now become a source of economic stagnation and public ire.

Epira Law: Its lasting impact

Enacted in 2001, the Epira law was designed to deregulate and liberalize the Philippine electric power industry, promoting competition and attracting private sector investments.

Its primary goal was to reduce electricity costs, improve efficiency, and ensure a stable power supply.

Yet, more than two decades later, electricity rates in the Philippines remain some of the highest in Asia, crippling both consumers and businesses alike.

The initial promise of Epira was to break up monopolies and encourage a competitive market, but what emerged was a fragmented and often inefficient power sector.

Despite the privatization of power generation and the establishment of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, high electricity rates have persisted, leading to widespread discontent.

Romualdez’s proactive strategy

Speaker Romualdez has called for a comprehensive review of the Epira law, a decision that has garnered significant support from his fellow lawmakers.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, among others, have rallied behind Romualdez, seeing this as a potential legacy-defining moment.

Romualdez’s initiative comes at a critical juncture.

The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council has prioritized the passage of key bills, including the Epira amendments, before the end of the 19th Congress in June 2025.

The timing is also strategic as Congress deliberates on the renewal of the Manila

leadership -- in developing and implementing management initiatives in restoring, protecting and conserving beneficiary watersheds.

For its Institutional Awards, Plaques of Recognition under Nature Heroes were given to Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Manila Water Company, Inc. and Grundfos Philippines; QBE Group Shared Services, Inc. was awarded the Eco Guardians category while San Miguel Corporation garnered the award as Champion of Nature. Also recognized was Sta. Clara International Corporation. Special awards were given to ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc – Bantay Kalikasan, Dr. Cesar Quiambao, Rotary Metro East Taytay PP Jose Rommel Mina, PSE-Tourung Kalikasan, Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, and JCI Sen. Victor Jose Luciano, the first Green Army Brigade Commander.

Coinciding with the recognition/awarding ceremony was the pledging session that generated 2.7 million trees to be planted, the biggest so far in AMTC’s history – more than the 1.36 million trees pledged last year.

The pledges came from 31 partners with

The number of underemployed was equal to 4.82 million people “who have expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or have additional jobs, or to have a new job with long hours of work.”

The PSA said the number of individuals with jobs reached 48.87 million, higher than last year’s 48.26 million and April’s 48.36 million.

But there is a hushing thought, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced during the 2024 National Employment Summit the existence of a 10-year game plan he called Trabaho Para sa Bayan as the national guide towards greater employment generation and recovery.

“In line with our priorities, and the outcomes that we desire, and strategies stated in the Philippine Development Plan, the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan, the Strategic Investment Priority Plan, and the Workforce Development Plan, the TPB Plan will be one of the driving forces to help create at least three million new jobs by the year 2028,” ,the President said.

“Beyond generating employment, what we want to achieve is creating quality jobs, with special emphasis on ensuring workers’ welfare, empowerment, competitiveness, and security in all sectors of our labor sector,’’ he added.

Epira under fire: Can Romualdez deliver affordable power?

Electric Company’s franchise.

This presents a unique opportunity to press Meralco for commitments to lower power distribution rates.

Case for Romualdez’s initiative

From an economic perspective, reducing electricity costs could unleash a wave of economic growth.

High power rates have long been a thorn in the side of the business community, hindering expansion and deterring foreign investments.

—“—

The quest to reform the Epira law is a highstakes game that could redefine the economic and social landscape of the Philippines

By lowering electricity costs, the Philippines could become a more attractive destination for business, fostering job creation and boosting overall economic productivity.

Socially, lower electricity costs would alleviate the financial burden on millions of Filipino households.

In a country where many struggle to make ends meet, affordable electricity is not just a matter of convenience but a critical component of living standards.

Romualdez’s initiative is thus a potential game-changer for both the economy and the everyday lives of Filipinos.

However, the path to reform is fraught with challenges.

Deregulating the power sector further or imposing new regulations could lead to unintended consequences, such as market instability or even higher prices if not managed correctly.

There is also the risk of resistance from powerful stakeholders in the energy sector who benefit from the status quo.

Moreover, the process of legislative reform is inherently slow and contentious.

Dr. Cesar Quiambao’s commitment of 700,000 trees topping the list.

DA/Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council committed to plant at least 500,000 while DENR 4A pledged to plant 400,000 more. Looking back to 2017 when we held the tree-planting kickoff activity at Ipo watershed led by then MWSS Administrator and AMTC Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco , pledges reached 1.5 million trees, from the initial 1,050,000 pledges two weeks earlier. Since then, the pledges were never fewer than one million trees except of course during the COVID years MWSS Administrator Engr. Leonor Cleofas welcomed the attendees, saying the event “highlights our pledge to address the critical need to preserve our natural resources for future generations.”

DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano, keynote speaker, said AMTC “embodies the spirit of unity and determination that transcends borders and unites people from all of walks of life.” He added each tree planted “represents not only a tangible contribution to combat-

Ensuring that the revised Epira law is robust enough to address the current issues without creating new ones requires meticulous scrutiny and bipartisan support, which can be difficult to secure.

Romualdez’s vision, initiative Despite these potential hurdles, Romualdez’s courage and vision deserve commendation.

His willingness to confront a long-standing issue head-on is a testament to his commitment to public service.

By spearheading this initiative, Romualdez is not only challenging the power dynamics within the energy sector but also seeking to fulfill the unkept promises of Epira for the benefit of the Filipino people. Strategic Suggestions

To navigate the complexities of this reform, it is essential that Romualdez and his colleagues pursue a multi-pronged strategy: Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with all relevant stakeholders, including power companies, consumer groups, and experts, to ensure a well-rounded and effective legislative overhaul.

Incremental Reforms: Instead of sweeping changes, consider phased reforms to monitor impacts and make necessary adjustments, thereby minimizing risks.

Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Enhance the capacity and independence of regulatory bodies to ensure that new regulations are effectively enforced.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public on the benefits and implications of the reforms to garner widespread support and understanding.

The quest to reform the Epira law is a highstakes game that could redefine the economic and social landscape of the Philippines.

Romualdez’s initiative, while ambitious, is a critical step toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

The suspense now lies in whether these reforms will finally deliver the promise of affordable electricity or become yet another chapter in the long history of unmet expectations.

The clock is ticking, and all eyes are on Romualdez and his allies as they navigate this complex and contentious terrain.

ting climate change but also a symbol of hope and renewal of community systems worldwide.”

Savellano, vice chairman of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, encouraged utilizing bamboo seedlings in tree-planting activities and reforestation. In his message Maynilad President Ramoncito Fernandez reaffirmed Maynilad’s commitment to AMTC and dedication to ensuring a sustainable and resilient water supply for the communities it serves.

“We pledge to reforest a total of 450 hectares of forestlands in the Ipo, Kaliwa and La Mesa watersheds, planting 220,000 seedlings,” he said.

MTFI is grateful to partners/stakeholders committed to help attain the goal of 10 million trees more in 2030. As MTFI looks forward to help benefit other critical watersheds, it acknowledges more collaboration is needed for environmental sustainability.

(The author is the president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating treeplanting and environmental protection.)

IN BRIEF

Japan swelters in heatwave

TOKYO – Six people have died of heatstroke in Tokyo as Japan swelters under a rare rainy season heatwave, prompting authorities to issue a flurry of health warnings.

Over the weekend, the central Shizuoka region became the first in Japan to see the mercury reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) this year, far surpassing the 35-degree threshold classified by weather officials as “extremely hot”.

Such severe heat in the middle of Japan’s rainy season is “rather rare”, caused in part by a strong South Pacific high-pressure system, a weather agency official told AFP.

Temperatures also hit record highs near 40 degrees Celsius on Monday at observation posts in Tokyo and in the southern Wakayama region, according to local media. AFP

India floods swamp nat’l park, kill 6

GUWAHATI, India – Devastating floods in India’s northeast that have killed scores of people also swamped a national park drowning six threatened rhinos and other wildlife, government officials said Tuesday. Floods have begun to ease, Assam state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a statement, noting the “water level of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries is below the danger level in most places”.

More than 1.8 million people have been affected across 3,000 villages, as well as 72 killed since mid-May, according to state disaster officials. Monsoon rains across South Asia from June to September offer respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies, but also bring widespread death and destruction. AFP

New Myanmar clashes turn town to rubble

KYAUKME, Myanmar – Residents of Kyaukme in northern Myanmar are counting their dead and picking through rubble following fresh fighting that shredded a Beijing-brokered ceasefire between the junta and an alliance of armed ethnic groups.

Last week fighters from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) took control of the town of 30,000 -- on the main trade route to China -- in the latest setback for the military as it battles opponents across the country. But air and artillery strikes, as well as rocket attacks, have gutted parts of the northern Shan State town, leaving buildings without roofs or windows, and residents desperate to flee.

Burned-out cars stood in front of one shattered four-story building, its corrugated roofing strewn about the streets. AFP

Defiant Biden throws down metal glove

WASHINGTON, DC – President Joe Biden insisted again Monday (Tuesday Manila time) he would not quit the US election race, as the White House denied he had Parkinson’s disease following a disastrous debate performance.

The 81-year-old dared Democratic critics to either challenge him at next month’s party convention in Chicago or back him against Donald Trump in November’s vote.

The president lashed out in both a letter to Congress and a rare call to a television program, at the start of a critical week that includes a NATO summit in Washington where he will face fresh scrutiny.

“I am firmly committed to staying in the race,” Biden wrote in the letter.

“It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party and defeat Donald Trump,” he said. “It’s time for it to end.”

The embattled president followed up by phoning into MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” television program to say he was “getting so frustrated by the elites” in the party.

“Any of these guys that don’t think I should run -- run against me. Announce for president, challenge me at the convention,” he added.

Trump has been uncharacteristically quiet since the debate but he did speak out Monday on Fox News to say he thinks Biden will resist the pressure and stay in the race.

“He’s got an ego and he doesn’t want to quit,” Trump said in an interview with Sean Hannity. But even as he doubled down, the pressure mounted on the oldest president in US history.

Congressman Adam Smith, the senior Democrat on the US House Armed Services Committee, became the sixth Democratic lawmaker to publicly say Biden should step aside.

“I

UN ‘appalled’ by Israel eviction orders as Gaza battles rage on

Kremlin will follow summit ‘with greatest attention’

MOSCOW – A Kremlin spokeman on Tuesday said that Russia will closely follow a NATO summit about to open in Washington, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other world leaders.

Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, told journalists that Moscow would follow “with the greatest attention... the rhetoric at the talks and the decisions that will be taken and put on paper.”

Arming Ukraine’s air defenses is expected to top the agenda at the summit marking NATO’s 75th anniversary, after missile strikes on Monday hit a children’s hospital in Kyiv and killed 38 people. Peskov said NATO “is an alliance

that considers Russia an enemy, an opponent.”

NATO “has regularly declared its aim to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield” and “is taking part directly in the Ukrainian conflict on the side of Ukraine,” he added.

NATO leaders gather Tuesday in Washington for a summit aimed at showing resolve against Russia and support for Ukraine -- but the meeting is set to be overshadowed by US President Joe Biden’s fight for political survival.

The 81-year-old leader will try to use the three days of pomp to reassure allies over US leadership, and his own ability to govern, as calls grow for him to quit the fight for a second term in office.

Ukrainian strikes kill 4 in Russia border region over past 24 hours

MOSCOW – Ukrainian strikes on the Russian border area of Belgorod killed at least four people over the past 24 hours, the region’s governor said Tuesday.

“It has been a very uneasy, difficult 24 hours for the Belgorod region. Four people died, 20 were injured, 17 remain in medical facilities, two of them in serious condition,” Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a post on Telegram.

The mayor of Belgorod, the region’s administrative capital, said earlier that Ukrainian forces had launched overnight attacks throughout the region.

“The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to attack Belgorod region’s settlements,” Valentin Demidov said on Telegram. Russian officials reported attacks in other western regions, including Kursk, Voronezh, Volgograd, Rostov and Astrakhan.

The attack comes after Russia launched a missile barrage at Ukraine on Monday that killed more than three dozen people

and ripped open a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

At least 37 people were killed, including three children, with more than 170 wounded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The strikes damaged nearly 100 buildings, including multiple schools and a maternity hospital, he added.

Meanwhile, Russian forces destroyed 38 Ukrainian drones overnight in regions near the border, Moscow’s defense ministry said.

“Air defense systems on duty destroyed and intercepted three UAVs over Belgorod region, seven UAVs over Kursk region, two UAVs over Voronezh region, 21 UAVs over Rostov region and five UAVs over Astrakhan region,” the ministry said in a Telegram post.

Astrakhan governor Igor Babushkin said Ukraine had launched a “massive attempt to attack targets with drones” in the north of the region, adding that the attack had been “successfully repelled”. AFP

Biden has so far defied pressure from some within his own party to step aside, after a disastrous debate against election rival Donald Trump last month threw into stark relief fears he lacks the mental acuity and physical fitness to serve a second term.

“Our allies are looking for US leadership,” Biden said in an interview Monday.

“Who else do you think could step in here and do this? I expanded NATO. I solidified NATO.”

As doubts swirl over Biden, the rest of the 32-nation alliance is nervously eyeing a potential return to the White House by Trump after elections in November. AFP

THE United Nations protested on Tuesday over the latest mass evacuation orders issued by Israel in Gaza as the army said it had killed dozens of militants in “close-quarters combat” in its latest offensive in Gaza City.

Israel extended its evacuation warning to cover most of Gaza’s main city on Monday and intense fighting erupted.

Israel has now issued three evacuation orders for Gaza City and one for the south of the Palestinian territory since June 27 in a new stepping up of its military operations. The UN says tens of thousands of civilians have fled.

Gaza City residents reported “explosions and numerous gun battles” and helicopter strikes through the night in southwestern neighborhoods.

Residents said civilians were still leaving the city and many of the displaced said they had already moved from one evacuation zone only to find their new place of refuge had become a target too.

The UN Human Rights Office said it was “appalled” at new orders to civilians, “many of whom have been forcibly displaced multiple times, to evacuate to areas where IDF military operations are ongoing and where civilians continue to be killed and injured.”

The office said civilians told to head west out of central Gaza City on Monday were caught up in new fighting as the Israeli army “intensified its strikes in the south and west of Gaza City, targeting the very areas where they had instructed people to move to”.

Gaza City residents have now been told to move to the central district of Deir al-Balah, which the UN office said “is already seriously overcrowded with Palestinians displaced from other areas of the Gaza Strip”.

The Israeli military said it was pursuing a “counter-terrorism operation” against Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza City. AFP

IN BRIEF

PCG says 3 of its men hurt in Zambo blast

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported three of its men were injured during the explosion that occurred at Zone 2, Barangay Cabatangan, Zamboanga City, at around 5:35 in the afternoon of July 8.

One PCG enlisted personnel with the rank of Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) was severely injured, while two others with the rank of PO3 and Seaman First Class (SN1) sustained minor injuries.

The report said the blast also hurt six policemen and five each from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Marines– bringing the total number of victims to 19.

Agence France Presse reported however, that 27 were injured in the “accidental explosion.”

The incident occurred during the disposal of confiscated firecrackers at Barangay Tetuan on 29 June 2024.

The police said the “premature detonation” that severely wounded five of the 19 affected uniformed personnel who were part of the joint operation. Vince Lopez

Immigration agents nab Indian fugitive

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) operatives have arrested in Bacolod City an Indian-Nepalese national tagged as a ranking leader of a separatist terror group in his country.

Joginder Geong, 41, was cornered inside his residence in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod by operatives from the BI's fugitive section.

The suspect allegedly used several aliases including Joginder Geyong and Kanta Gupta.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Geong was arrested at the request of the Indian government for alleged involvement in criminal activities and terrorism in their country.

“Indian authorities have described him as a notorious criminal with a history of serious offenses including murder, extortion, and robbery,” Tansingco said. Vito Barcelo

UPLB

opens Entrep Boot camp 2024

THE University of the PhilippinesLos Banos opens its Entrep Boot camp 2024 on Monday, July 08, with 50 shortlisted participants in attendance.

Now on its third year, the event aims to share its business and managerial expertise to the participants, as well as to further screen its candidates for its Associate’s degree program.

Assistant Professor Rei Chino Pua, lead coordinator of the event, highlighted the outcomes of the seven-day activity which he calls ‘stepwise and systematic.’

“We start with the basic concepts and an introduction to entrepreneurship, then we teach them the importance of generating ideas and innovations based on opportunities and responding to what the society needs in order to provide value and relevance. Then we try to validate them,” Pua said. Rolando Ng III

SENIOR Citizen party-List Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes has thanked Speaker Martin Romualdez for manifesting concerns towards the elderly population and persons-with-disability (PWDs).

Ordanes was grateful to the Speaker after his bill seeking to provide univer-

2 Russians face cybercrime raps

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed criminal charges against two Russian nationals for alleged violation of the Philippines’ anti-cybercrime law, including theft of 12.2 million in SRP cryptocurrency and native token of XRP Ledger, an open source blockchain, amounting to P340,745,027.93.

Act (RA) No. 10175.

Avdeev worked as software development consultant of Coins.ph from May 6, 2019 to May 5, 2020, while Yasechuck held the same position from May 14, 2021 to May 13, 2022.

In an 8-page resolution, the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors found probable cause to hold the respondents liable for violation of Section 4 (a)(1) of Republic

The respondents were identified as Vladimir Evgenevich Avdeev and Sergey Yasechuck, former consultants of Coins.ph owned by BETUR Inc. Coins.ph is an entity engaged in remittance, transmittal of money, foreign currency exchange and other monetary transactions.

The Coins.ph’s security team concluded that some individuals must have had a comprehensive grasp of its network infrastructure, secure access key protocols and server systems based from the recorded suspicious system logins.

“Their further investigation narrowed down the perpetrators to respondents

sal pension to the seniors and the PWDs was transmitted to the Senate. Ordanes was also elated over results of the PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.’s PAHAYAG Second Quarter (PQ2-2024) survey showing that nine out of 10 Filipinos are in favor of giving universal pension to

senior citizens across the country.

The lawmaker explained that his proposed law aims to provide a monthly pension to all Filipinos age 60 and above, regardless of status.

He said Romualdez was the key reason why the bill successfully hurdled the plenary,

along with Reps. LRay Villafuerte, Anthony Horibata, Miguel Luis Villafuerte, Nicholas Enciso VIII, Horacio Suansing, Angela Suansing, Gerville Luistro, Marie Bernadette Escudero, Patrick Vargas, Irwin Tieng, Kristine Tutor, Milagros Magsaysay, Christopher de Venecia and Rudolfo Farinas.

A BUNCH of suspected fireworks exploded accidentally during their disposal in the southern Philippines, injuring 27 people, most of them explosives experts, police said Tuesday.

The blast happened on Monday as a team of police, coast guard, marine and fire personnel disposed of firecrackers retrieved from a nearby warehouse, where an explosion on June 29 killed five people and injured 38 others, in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

The fireworks were the third and final batch to be taken from the warehouse to an abandoned government-owned shooting

who were former consultants of the company. The account of respondent Yaschuck was used to access the company’s bastion server and attempted to connect to an Amazon Eleastic Kubemetes service (Amazon EKS) work node capable of withdrawing fireblock funds 9 October 2023,” the prosecutors noted. From October 9 to October 17, according to the complainant, there were suspicious logins in its “OpenVPN” virtual private network administrator portal, typically used to enable employees to remotely access the company’s internal network.

CHR rebukes construction of Ormoc Megacity

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday raised concerns over the sentiments from residents of a fishing village in Ormoc City who feared displacement due to the construction of a new Megacity in their locality.

“The Commission acknowledges the affected residents' fear and concerns that this project could negatively impact their household and livelihood, threatening their right to adequate housing and standard of living,” the CHR said.

“Furthermore, we note the potential risks that this project may pose to marine biodiversity and the vital mangrove ecosystem, which not only supports local fishing activities, but also serves as a critical natural barrier against strong waves and floods, particularly during typhoons,” it added.

Environmental advocates and other like-minded organizations warned about the project’s potential impact on the environment and food security of the affected villagers.

About 500 residents of Barangay Naungan expressed apprehensions over the possibility of abandoning their homes and livelihood due to Premium Lands Corp.’s P80- million eco-park and township development project.

range for a controlled explosion, regional police spokeswoman Lt. Col. Helen Galvez told AFP by telephone. They had been offloaded from a pick-up truck and were being doused with water when they ignited prematurely. “It was accidental,” Galvez said. “It was not intended to be a massive explosion.” Twenty members of the disposal team were injured, including six seriously.

Seven civilians suffered minor injuries when the blast damaged a dozen houses and other buildings nearby, as well as four vehicles. AFP

Jun David

GETTING QUAKE READY. Barangay Risk Reduction Management officers from various places across Metro Manila take part in the "Dagyaw Open Government and Participatory Governance Townhall Meeting" with the theme "Quake Ready: Forging Metro Manila’s Pathway to Earthquake Resilience" held at a mall in Mandaluyong City. The gathering aims to ensure the people’s readiness for natural disasters, particularly the so-callede "The Big One”. Manny Palmero

SEARCHES FOR MISSING FISHERMAN. A Philippine Coast Guard personnel views what remained of a fishing banca which capsized after colliding with an unknown vessel off Sampaloc Point in Subic, Zambales. Fisherman Robert Mondoñedo, 47, survived the collision, but his brother Jose, is still missing.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO,

Execs promise: Cebu track oval ready in time for Palaro

By Peter Atencio

CAMP. Assistant coach Erik

Obiena kicks off PH athletics’ Olympic campaign on Aug. 3

MEDAL hopeful EJ Obiena will jumpstart Philippine athletics’ campaign in the coming Paris Olympics.

The world no. 2 pole vaulter will compete in the qualification on August 3 at the Stade de France at 10 a.m. local time (or around 4 p.m. in Manila) as he spearheads the bid of the threeman Filipino tracksters.

The pole vault finals is set on August 5.

Meanwhile, hurdlers Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino see action in their respective heats on August 4 in the same national stadium.

The 23-year-old Hoffman, a Fil-

Gonzales

stuns top seed to win dual PPS crowns

CIELO May Gonzales and Francine Madeleine Wong achieved remarkable victories, dominating four age categories in the girls’ division in the Mayor Frederick Siao National Junior Tennis Championships at the San Miguel and Pala-o courts in Iligan City over the weekend.

The unranked Gonzales triumphed over top seed Anna Ragpala, 4-0, 4-1 in the 16-and-under semifinals. She then maintained her momentum, overpowering No. 2 Shandy Cailing, 6-2, 6-2, to secure the crown.

She continued her impressive performance by defeating No. 1 Sanschena Francisco, 6-1, 6-2, to win the 18-and-under trophy, marking her emergence as a rising star from Oroquieta City in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

The top-ranked Wong matched Gonzales’ achievements, decisively beating Princessgwen Tabanao, 6-1, 6-2, in the 12-and-under finals. The Cagayan de Oro competitor then triumphed over Denise Quiday, 6-2, 6-3, to claim the 14-and-under championship in the fiveday tournament organized by City Sports director Vincero Belmonte and sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis.

American, is entered in the women’s 400-m hurdles, while Cabang Tolentino in the men’s 110-meter. Cabang Tolentino will run at 11:00 a.m. (5:00 p.m. Manila time), followed by Hoffman at 12:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. Manila time) Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco said in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Complex that all three athletes are

now in the final stages of their training in Europe with about two weeks left before the world’s biggest sporting event finally goes full blast in the French capital.

Tanhueco, however, is not in the business of predicting on how the Filipino tracksters will do, especially the 28-year-old Obiena, who is considered one of the top medal bets of the compact Philippine delegation.

“We’re positive about our chances. I don’t want to put pressure on these guys. But we know they’ve been training hard for them to reach this stage,” said the Patafa official during the session presented by San Miguel Cor-

poration, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app, ArenaPlus.

THE track oval of the Cebu City Sports Center is safe and can be used by athletes to train and prepare when action in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa commences on Thursday in Cebu City.

Organizers made this assurance with works still going on to fix the condition of the newly renovated rubberized track oval at the CCSC.

“We can say that this is safe, provided that adjustments and repairs that are needed are done,” said Department of Education assistant secretary Francis Cesar Bringas following Tuesday’s opening ceremonies, with two days to go before competitions start.

Eight of 24 events will commence on Day 1, including track and field, with organizers utilizing 37 venues across the city.

Swimming, the other centerpiece event of the games, will be held at the poolside of the CSSC, while archery is slated at the South Road Properties and arnis is at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.

The focus of repairs are on lanes 1 and 6, which are undergoing a makeover after showing visible signs of damage seen on the turf near the finish line. CCSC was closed for renovation in May 2023 as repairs are being rushed at the moment.

Outgoing Department of Education secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who has been replaced by Senator Sonny Angara, prayed for the success of the weeklong meet supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Kasabay ng pagbubukas ng Palarong Pambasa 2024 sa Cebu City ngayong araw ay ang aking dasal at hangarin para sa tagumpay ng ating mga layunin na maisulong ang akma, napapanahon, at dekalidad na edukasyon para sa mga kabataang Pilipino,” said Duterte in her speech.

UAAP teams National U, UST lead Shakey’s volley cast

By Peter Atencio

A FOUR-GAME bill will kick off the 2024 Shakey’s National Invitational League running from July 10 to July 17 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s finalists Na-

tional University and University of Santo Tomas hope to gain a headstart when they battle separate rivals in their opening games.

The NU Lady Bulldogs, the reigning UAAP titlists, will banner a nearly intact roster in their first game against the Enderun College Lady Titans at 2 p.m.

Earlier, the UST Tigresses, who are seeking the crown in the absence of the La Salle Lady Spikers, tackle University of Batangas at 2p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs will be without Alyssa Solomon, the only team member not seeing action due to an ankle injury, according to assistant coach

participants

and

Strong finish propels Chan to 6-shot lead

SILANG, Cavite – Aerin Chan roared back with an impressive frontside finish, carding a 73 to wrest a sixstroke lead over Quincy Pilac in the girls’ 10-12 division at the start of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 4 at Riviera’s Couples course here yesterday (Tuesday).

An eagle and two birdies on the front nine compensated for her double bogey on the fifth hole and her closing 34 cushioned the impact of a wobbly backside 39, giving her a commanding lead and bringing her closer to a first-leg title after two fifthplace finishes at Splendido Taal and Pinewoods.

“I had a good game, had lots of fun, and played without pressure,” said the 11-year-old Chan, daughter of PBA top gun Jeff, one of the best three-point shooters of his generation.

The Saint Pedro Poveda student emphasized the importance of ball control for her title drive in the

36-hole competition. “I hope I can get my distance right and be able to target the hole,” she added.

Pilac, one of the division winners in the inaugural Junior PGT last year, matched Chan’s three-over start on the back nine but faltered with four bogeys and a double bogey against two birdies, finishing with a 79. Georgina Handog and Maurysse Abalos, who topped the Pradera Verde and Splendido legs, respectively, struggled with 91 and 94, respectively, but remained hopeful for a big comeback in the last 18 holes. Athena Serapio, meanwhile, made her mark with a 93 in her JPGT debut, taking a two-stroke lead over Tyra Garingalao, who

Alvin Dumalaog.

The Tigresses will have a fitting replacement for Pierre Abellana, after she got drafted on Monday by the Farm Fresh Foxies during the first ever Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft.

The increase in participants has thrilled ACES chairman Philip Ella Juico, one of the organizers of the tournament.

“The number of participants has gone, from 12 to 16, and we even had to turn down some of them,” said Juico during Tuesday’s presser at the Shakey’s Malate in Remedio St., Manila.

Earlier, Letran will meet University of San Carlos at 9 a.m., while University of Southern Philippines clashes with Far Eastern University at 4 p.m.

“We have adopted the sport that we will support and focus, and that is volleyball. We hope to inspire other companies and influence them

to help other sports,” said Vicente Gregorio, President and CEO of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc.

TRAINING

Spoelstra of the USA Basketball Men’s National Squad takes a selfie with (from left) team members Bam Adebayo and LeBron James, with Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Select Team after a practice session at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

shot a 95, with Andrea Dee and Penelope Sy posting 99 and 112, respectively, in the girls’ 8-9 division.

Ernest John Obiena

Organizers

sponsors, led by Philip Ella Juico and Shakey’s’ Vic Gregorio present the

of the 2024 Shakey’s National Invitational League.

Cielo Gonzales (left) shares the podium with Jaydy Entera and Duma Mudjahid Boloto during awards rites graced by City Sports director King Belmonte (right).

Aerin Chan. Manny Marcelo

NEDA wants higher

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippines should diversify its economic drivers and boost investments to create a more robust and resilient economy, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

NEDA said the strategic approach aims to future-proof the Philippine economy against a backdrop of global uncertainty.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a presentation to the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Mid-year Economic Forum Monday that while the econo-

my consistently demonstrated robust growth, it had relied on household consumption and services to fuel its expansion over the years.

Unlike its regional neighbors such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, the Philippine economy depended less on two crucial pillars—investments and exports.

“While we continue to buoy consumption and enhance services, we must reinvigorate the other pillars of economic growth—investment and exports, particularly manufacturing and agribusiness—to sustain growth and make it more resilient in the years and decades to come,” Balisacan said.

Manufacturing sustained growth in May on increased food output

The PSA said the volume of production index (VoPI) grew 3.2 percent in May 2024, down from a 6.3-percent increase in April. This brought the average VoPI growth rate for manufacturing from January to May 2024 to 0.9 percent. In May 2023, VoPI for manufacturing recorded a 6.1-percent annual increase.

Data showed the top three

industry divisions contributing to the overall year-on-year VoPI growth in May 2024 were coke and refined petroleum products, food products and beverages. The food products index registered a 3.8 percent yearon-year increase in May 2024, slower than April’s 7.2 percent. Meanwhile, the value of production index (VaPI) went up 2.2 percent in

May 2024, slower than the 5.7-percent rise in April. This brought the average growth rate of VaPI in the first five months of 2024 to -0.1 percent. The volume of net sales index (VoNSI) fell 0.3 percent in May, following an annual increase of 7.7 percent in April. The value of net sales index (VaNSI) also contracted 1.5 percent in May, from a 6.9 percent annual increase in April.

Based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector in May 2024 was 75.5 percent, up slightly from 75.3 percent in April.

Filipino Customs officials learn best practices from US agencies

By Othel V. Campos

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) participated in an exchange visit hosted by the United States Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Los Angeles, California on June 24 to 28, 2024.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, who led the delegation, said the visit aimed to share best practices on port security and operations.

“The best practices we have observed and the discussions we had

with our US counterparts will help us when the BOC formulates new policies and improves operational guidelines when we go back to the Philippines,” he said.

The Philippine delegation toured key CBP facilities, including the Long Beach Seaport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), US Coast Guard Marine Base and the Air and Marine Operations Center in Riverside. The delegation also included deputy commissioner Vener Baquiran and district collectors from various ports.

A key focus of the exchange

was improving the Philippines’ capabilities in currency smuggling detection and contraband interdiction.

BOC officials engaged in productive exchanges with Homeland Security Investigations special agents on enforcement and investigative techniques.

“Our Philippine visitors benefited from the expertise of CBP officers in airport currency smuggling detection and enforcement, which was all arranged under the EXBS program. In the future, we are planning to bring CBP experts to the Philippines to assist the BOC in identifying

travelers with undeclared currency entering and exiting the country,” said US Embassy Regional EXBS advisor Ransom Avilla.

The EXBS program, under the US State Department’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, offers training workshops for partner countries like the Philippines, featuring CBP experts and Homeland Security Investigations investigators.

The program covers various aspects of border security, including air cargo interdiction, seaport interdiction and counter-proliferation investigations.

US firms eye PH nuclear power industry

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ILOILO CITY—American companies are gearing up to participate in the Philippines’ emerging nuclear power industry following the entry into force of the United States and Philippines’ Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, or 123 Agreement, on July 2, 2024 US Embassy commercial counselor Paul Taylor told participants of the 16th Media Seminar here that the embassy created an industry lead working group made up of American companies looking to bring their technologies to the Philippines.

“Right now, we have 14 American

companies that signed up for this industry-led civil nuclear industry working group. These 14 companies, we expect that to expand to 40,” Taylor said. The US State Department said the civil nuclear cooperation agreement provide a legal framework for exports of nuclear material, equipment and components from the United States to another country. This provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation with the Philippines based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. It will permit the transfer of nuclear material, equipment (including reactors), components and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear en-

It was also higher than 73.5 percent in May 2023. All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates exceeding 60 percent. The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were machinery and equipment except electrical (83.4 percent), other non-metallic mineral products (82.1 percent), and rubber and plastic products (81.2 percent).

Growth of production volume in May 2024

Growth of production value in May 2024

3.2% 2.2% 75.5%

Average capacity utilization rate in May 2024

Over 100,000 cruise passengers to visit PH this year

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects more than 100,000 cruise passengers to visit the Philippines this year, up from 90,000 passengers from 91 cruise ship calls last year.

PPA general-manager Jay Santiago said that in the first five months of 2024, there were 65 cruise ship calls with 58,648 passengers who visited the country. Most passengers are from Europe and Hong Kong, he said.

The state-run agency also announced that it is earmarking P16 billion over the next four years to finance big-ticket maritime infrastructure projects.

“We are earmarking P16 billion for PPA infrastructure projects for the next four years,” PPA generalmanager Jay Daniel Santiago told reporters in a briefing in celebration of the agency’s 50th founding anniversary.

PPA projects in Luzon include the Port Capinpin Expansion Project in Bataan, Curimao Port Expansion and Restoration Project, Jose Panganiban Port Improvement Project in Camarines Norte, Balogo Port in Camarines Sur and Wharf in Claveria Port of Cagayan.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Stocks, peso sustain

fidence as many are anticipating it since the start of the year,” Alviar said. Four of the six indices ended in the positive territory, led by holding firms which rose by 0.90 percent, followed by property which climbed by 0.71 percent. Services and industrial went up by 0.57 and 0.54 percent, respectively. Financials dropped 0.77 percent, while mining and oil dipped by 0.14 percent. Value turnover improved to P4.94 billion as foreign investors were net sellers by P16.77 million.

The peso also climbed to 58.44 against the US dollar Tuesday from 58.50 Monday. Meanwhile, Asian markets advanced Tuesday with Tokyo climbing to a record high ahead of Fed chief Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress which will be parsed for hints on the timing of rate cuts, with investors betting on a first trim in September.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Megawide starts Hotel101 construction in Quezon City

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MEGAWIDE

Hotel 101 is the flagship property of Hotels of Asia Inc., the hospitality arm of DoubleDragon.

The 702-unit leisure hotel project will rise on a 2,547-square meter property inside Bridgetowne Estate in Libis, Quezon City.

Megawide previously constructed DD Center East and West, DD Plaza and DD Tower for DoubleDragon. It is also in the process of completing two more projects, DD Meridian Tower and

Ascott DD Meridian Park Manila.

“Megawide has earned a high level of trust from clients in the commercial segment, including hotels. These are complemented by our deep experience in engineering mixed-use and vertical developments,” said Megawide Construction chief operating officer Frederick Tan.

“This synergy with DoubleDragon, which is a major player in this industry, shows our company’s drive for

excellence anchored on state-of-theart construction solutions and vertically integrated operations,” he said.

Megawide said it would use its proprietary precast technology in constructing Hotel 101 to ensure faster and cost-efficient results.

The technology was previously applied to the Ascott DD Meridian Park Manila and the Meridian Tower within the DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area.

“We continue to explore avenues to incorporate and maximize our brand of innovation in the local engineering and construction arena by closely working with our Precast and Construction Solutions unit to offer efficient project turnaround, while reducing long-term outlays for our valued clients,” Tan said.

PetroEnergy renewables unit installs solar rooftop project in Davao school

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MAPÚA Malayan Colleges Mindanao, in collaboration with renewable energy developer PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC), switched-on the 360 kilowatt-peak solar rooftop power project in Davao City on July 8, marking an important step in the school’s sustainability journey.

PGEC and Mapúa MCM are members of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC). PGEC is the renewable energy holding unit of publicly-listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp. (PERC).

“We are pleased to share this milestone with the entire Mapúa MCM community. The successful completion and activation of this solar rooftop project is a testament to the institution’s commitment to embracing technological advancement and

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DITO Telecommunity on Tuesday vowed to protect its subscribers amid rising mobile scams in the country.

education, promoting sustainable energy solutions, and creating a more eco-friendly campus environment,” said Mapua MCM president and chief executive Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo in a statement Tuesday.

“We have once again demonstrated our pro-active stance towards environmental stewardship through this initiative. Moreover, this project will not only help us achieve a more energy-efficient campus but will also provide invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for our students in energy science, engineering, and environment-related courses,” said Maestrecampo.

Mapúa MCM and PGEC signed an agreement on Feb. 13, 2024 to install a 360KWp solar rooftop power project, consisting of 600 units of 600 watt-peak solar panels in the school’s two main buildings.

mano said. Tamano said the unique nature of registration via the DITO App has been one of the cornerstones of the DITO commitment to subscriber security.

FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. (URC) teamed up with Greencycle Innovative Solutions, Inc. for its waste management program.

URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday it agreed to form a joint venture company with Greencyle which would have an initial paid-up capital of P27 million. URC will have a 75-percent stake in the soon-to-be-formed joint venture, while Greencycle will own the remaining 25 percent.

The joint venture company is expected to start commercial operations in September 2024, subject to relevant government approvals and issuance of the necessary permits/licenses.

“Through the joint venture, the parties aim to formulate an integrated operation or ecosystem that incorporates the reduction of plastic waste through collection, treatment and processing of waste materials and convert it into reusable or recyclable products,” URC said.

Greencycle is engaged in waste management, recycling and other activities aimed at helping corporations, local government units and other entities on its waste diversion through the processing and converting of waste products into viable energy source or material, and plastic neutrality programs consistent with Republic Act No. 11898, otherwise known as the Extended Producer Responsibility Law (EPR Law).

URC, one of the Philippines’ largest food and beverage companies, in 2022 set ambitious sustainability goals by aiming to reduce the amount of energy and water it uses to manufacture its products by 30 percent. It is also aiming to achieve plastic neutrality through plastic waste collection, recovery and diversion initiatives as well as collaborative projects on waste management that include community engagement and linking with local recyclers.

B. Austria

Jenniffer

By Othel V. Campos

TERRA Solar Philippines is owned by SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), which is now controlled by the MVP Group, through MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp. after a series of acquisitions.

The company is proposing the development of a large-scale solar energy project with a capacity of 3,500 megawatts (MW) and an energy storage capacity of 4,500 megawatt-hours (MWh).

The project will be located in Gapan City, General Tinio and Peñaranda in Nueva Ecija as well as San Miguel and Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan.

Terra Solar is seeking to avail of the incentives provided under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (R.A. No. 9513) upon registration with the BOI.

The BOI emphasized that incentives under the law aim to promote the development of renewable energy sources in the Philippines and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Terra Solar is involved in developing large-scale solar projects in the Philippines, including what is reported to be the world’s largest solar project in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

“Even before the issuance of the National Telecommunications Commission Memorandum relating to added SIM registration guidelines, DITO had already implemented the mandated face liveliness, live selfie, optical character recognition (OCR), facial recognition and matching features to increase security,” DITO chief administrative officer Adel Ta-

DITO placed all unregistered SIMs in deactivated state in December 2023. DITO SIMs which are not registered may never have incoming and outgoing SMS and calls. OTPs from OTT service providers will never be received by any DITO number unless the SIM is registered.

DITO has trained its registration

system to recognize 12 IDs, including passport, National ID, Social Security System ID, driver’s license, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, Unified Multi-Purpose ID, license to own and possess firearm ID, Philippine Regulations Commission ID, Philippine Postal ID, overseas Filipino worker’s ID, Taxpayer Identifi

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MMCM) executive vice

chief operating officer Alejandro Ballado Jr. (left), MMCM president Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo (second from left), PetroGreen Energy Corp. president and CEO Francisco Delfin Jr. (third from left) and contractor Equinox president and owner Dexon

lead the formal switch-on of the 360-kilowattpeak solar rooftop power project of Mapúa MCM in Davao City on July 8,2024, marking an important step in the school’s sustainability journey.

Megawide Construction Corp. starts the construction of DoubleDragon Properties Corp.’s Hotel 101 project in Quezon City with a ceremonial concrete pouring on May 28, 2024. The 702-unit leisure hotel will be built on a 2,547-square meter property inside Bridgetowne Estate in Libis. Attending the concrete pouring activity are (from left) DCI project manager Jeff Gorriceta, JSLA senior architect Neil Esteves, Megawide area manager Mark Nievera, Megawide vice president for engineering Watanabe Masashi, Megawide assistant vice president for operations Jules Ronquillo, AUCI engineer Renato Ubay, Hotel of Asia assistant vice president Arnold Balba, Megawide COO Frederick Tan, project manager Heherson Agcaoili and senior site manager Julius Arinaza.

BUSINESS

Pampanga-based Reliance gets NTC license to offer free channels

By Darwin G. Amojelar

RELIANCE Broadcasting Unlimited Inc. (RBU), a broadcast company based in Pampanga, has secured a direct-to-home (DTH) license from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The DTH service will be powered by Korea’s satellite communications leader KT SAT which provides satellite capacity and the latest technology.

RBU can now broadcast free-to-air channels such as PTV, GMA, RPTV, GTV, All TV and 14 other ‘must car-

PSA launches 2024 population census, monitoring program

By Ralph Harvey Rural

THE Philippine Statistics Author-

ity (PSA) launched the 2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) and Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) on July 9, 2024 at the PSA headquarters in Quezon City.

The initiative coincided with the celebration of National Consensus and Community-Based Monitoring Month in July 2024.

The project follows the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to conduct a census to update the list of beneficiaries of social protection programs through the CBMS, which aims to ensure that the government’s anti-poverty efforts are responsive and effective.

The data collected from the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS will be used to update the inventory of the country’s population and the list of beneficiaries of social protection initiatives. It will also serve as a basis for targeting households for the projects that are geared towards poverty alleviation.

The enumeration period officially begins on July 15, 2024.

The PSA said it is necessary to integrate the POPCEN and CBMS operations ahead of their original schedule in 2025 to optimize the government’s resources and avoid fatigue among respondents.

The PSA is set to deploy around 70,000 enumerators across the country to conduct the census.

ry’ channels even to the most remote areas in the country with the DTH license.

RBU is also working with various organizations to air public service announcements and education materials to all Filipinos from the northernmost

provinces of Batanes and Ilocos to the southern Mindanao municipalities.

“It has been a challenge to provide information to our people because the Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands. With RBU pivoting into a DTH operator, we’ll be able to do our share in giving access to crucial public information to more Filipinos as we try to reach every island in the country,” RBU president Frank Martin Abalos said.

The NTC granted provisional authority to RBU late last year to provide DTH services throughout the Philippines.

RBU contracted KT SAT, a Koreabased satellite operator and a subsidiary of KT Corp. (formerly Korea Telecom), as its satellite technology solutions provider for the service.

KT Sat’s satellite resources cover more than 60 percent of the world’s land area, and provide satellite communication services not only in Korea but also throughout the world, including Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Pakistan.

RBU will soon roll-out set-top boxes for those who are interested in availing its services.

MORE Power invests P110m to enhance customer service

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ILOILO CITY—MORE Electric and Power Corp. expects to complete its P115-million Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and related facilities this year to monitor and control the substations remotely and gather data for analysis that will eventually result in improved service.

MORE Power, led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr., unveiled Panay’s first control center to participants of the 16th Media Seminar organized by the US Embassy during a visit to the facility.

MORE Power president Roel Castro said the control center, SCADA system or the “brain” of the distribution, fiber optics and the point-topoint communication to other substations comprise the P115-million facility upgrading program. The SCADA system is a harmony of software, hardware and intelligent programming that allows the monitoring, control, data recording and forecasting.

MORE Power vice president for network development and operations group Bernard Bailey Del Castillo said the control center, housed in a new building along Diversion Road, was completed in February.

“This is the way we are integrating the system. For every round of interruption, we actually know how many customers are affected,” Del Castillo said.

BOI looks to South Korea for inputs to bioplastics industry roadmap

By Othel V. Campos

THE Board of Investments (BOI) concluded a five-day benchmarking activity in South Korea to gather crucial inputs for the formulation of the Philippine Bioplastics Industry Roadmap.

The initiative is part of the “Building Plastic Circularity through Biodegradable Plastic to Ensure Zero Waste in the Philippines” project, a collaboration between the BOI, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Korea Export-Import (KEXIM) Bank.

finalized in the fourth quarter of 2024, aims to leverage South Korea’s success in the bioplastics industry to guide the Philippines’ development in this sector.

Manila Standard TODAY

The delegation, comprised of officials from various government agencies, industry associations and a local bio-bag manufacturer, engaged in lectures, discussions and site visits to gain insights into South Korea’s bioplastics testing, certification, labeling, R&D strategy and investment landscape.

The Philippine delegation learned about the need for enhanced R&D and testing facilities, with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

taking note of the crucial aspect. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) committed to developing a policy framework highlighting the role of bioplastics in waste reduction and climate change mitigation.

The BOI said discussions with major Korean companies like CJ Chiljedang, which has invested in biopolymer production in Indonesia, opened avenues for exploring potential investments in the Philippines.

Manila Standard TODAY

Industry associations like the Philippine Plastics Industry Association Inc. (PPIA) and the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials

Sustainability (PARMS) pledged their support for the strategic application of bioplastics in the country.

KEXIM Bank director-general Taekon Kim noted South Korea’s keen interest in potential investment partnerships in bioplastics in Southeast Asia, citing the region’s comparative advantages in biomass and feedstock production.

South Korea’s journey in the bioplastics industry, which began in 1993, has been marked by strong policy support, multi-stakeholder collaboration, robust testing and certification systems and aggressive investments.

The roadmap, which is expected to be

ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. 8th Floor 8 Rockwell Bldg. Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila Tel. No. 8814-7800; Fax No. 8814-7820

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 02 August 2024 at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/ATRAMPesoMFASM2024. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration. The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 27 July 2023

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2023

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2024 to 2025

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor for 2024

IX. Other Matters

X. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 04 June 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2024 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 23 July 2024. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 26 July 2024. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. Makati City, Philippines, 10 June 2024.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 02 August 2024 at 3:00PM via Zoom webinar.

Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/ATRAMPesoMFASM2024 Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 02 August 2024 at 3:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/ATRAMPesoMFASM2024. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

I. Call to Order

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 02 August 2024 at 4:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https:// bit.ly/ATRAMPesoMFASM2024. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 27 July 2023

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2023

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 27 July 2023

IV. Management Report

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2023

VII. Election of Directors for 2024 to 2025

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor for 2024

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

IX. Other Matters X. Adjournment

VII. Election of Directors for 2024 to 2025

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor for 2024

IX. Other Matters

X. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 04 June 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 04 June 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2024 annual meeting of the stockholders on or bef ore 23 July 2024. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 26 July 2024. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 27 July 2023

Management Report

Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2023

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2024 to 2025

VIII. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation

IX. Amendment of By-laws

X. Appointment of External Auditor for 2024 XI. Other Matters

XII. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 04 June 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting. Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2024 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 23 July 2024. All information submitted

The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. Makati City, Philippines, 10 June 2024.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2024 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 23 July 2024. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 26 July 2024. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. Makati City, Philippines, 10 June 2024.

(Sgd.) ATTY MA. ALICIA G. PICAZO-SAN

(Sgd.) ATTY. MA. ALICIA G. PICAZO-SAN JUAN Corporate Secretary

or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting. The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. Makati

A Philippine delegation led by Board of Investments-Resource-Based Industries Service (RBIS) director Raquel Echague (fifth from right) and division chief Francis Penaflor (second from left), together with Climate Change Commission commissioner Albert Dela Cruz (sixth from right) Neil Allen Lalusin (right) and Dr. Marissa Paglicawan from Department of Science and Technology (fourth from right), PARMS founding president Crispian Lao (third from right), Philippine Plastics Industry Association Inc. president Benjamin Chua (third from left) and Nikki Sevilla (fifth from left) attend the industry immersion and capacity building activity in South Korea from June 17 to 21, 2024. The BOI-RBIS led the delegation for an industry familiarization activity in South Korea to gather inputs for the formulation of the Philippine Bioplastics Industry Roadmap.

BDO CEO cites blue bond impact at HK business forum

BDO Unibank Inc. president and chief executive Nestor Tan disclosed the impact of the bank’s $100 -million Blue Bond financing water and wastewater management projects in water stressed areas in the Philippines. Tan joined the panel discussion on “Blue Finance: Opportunities for our Oceans and Water Sources”, along with co-panelists from regional finance institutions at the Climate Business Forum: Asia Pacific, co-hosted by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the International Finance Corp.

“Blue financing will work best in a country where many of the utilities are privatized and may be financed by banks. Ours is a

modest initiative, but we have been seeing good results and impact,” Tan said.

“Remaining true to BDO’s sustainability philosophy, we continue to integrate sustainability in everything that we do. We are committed to build a better and greener future for our stakeholders, clients and employees,” said Tan.

The Climate Business Forum sought to find solutions for climate financing challenges in Asia Pacific and had over 400 participants, with senior decision makers in global business and finance sustainable finance, and new climate technologies in emerging and developing markets in the Asia Pacific.

GCash widens banking services in PH

By Darwin G. Amojelar

ONE of four bank account holders in the Philippines now has an account under GSave, the innovative, in-app savings marketplace feature of GCash.

powered by Bank of the Philippine Islands and Maybank, and popular digital banks UNO Bank and CIMB Bank, offer higher interest of

IN BRIEF

up to 4 percent to 6 percent per annum, helping users earn up to 10 times more than a traditional savings account.

Through this feature, GCash ensures users get the most out of those deposits with higher returns and can help them save up for an emergency fund, education fund, health and medical expenses, retirement fund, business capital and more.

“With GSave, no maintaining balance is needed and anyone can open a GSave savings account via the GCash app. Transfer of money from GCash to GSave is free of charge also, allow-

THE Asian Institute of Management (AIM) conferred the honorary Doctor of Management degree on Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp., during the AIM 2024 graduation ceremony on July 7, 2024 at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City.

Zobel, a Harvard graduate, earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with honors in 1981 and an MBA in 1987.

“His leadership transformed Ayala Corp., the Philippines’ largest conglomerate, into a global enterprise with interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, energy, healthcare, logistics, industrial technologies, water, infrastructure, education and technology investments. Under his guidance, Ayala Corp. achieved significant success and shaped the Philippine economy,” the AIM said.

Recognized as the first Philippine Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) pioneer, Zobel is among glob-

al leaders promoting sustainability in business. Ayala Corp. is a model for corporate social responsibility, committed to creating shared value and recognized for its environmental, community development, and education initiatives, it said.

A distinguished leader, Zobel chairs the Makati Business Club and serves on boards of prominent institutions like Temasek Holdings, JP Morgan International Council and Mitsubishi Corporation International Advisory Council. He also founded the Ayala Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged students.

“Dr. Zobel de Ayala’s dedication to innovation, governance, and social responsibility inspires current and future business leaders,” said AIM president and dean Jikyeong Kang. “His achievements pave the way for impactful leadership, a core value at AIM.”

ing one to deposit or withdraw anytime and anywhere,” said Mark Ilao, head of GCash market education.

“Using only their mobile phones, Filipinos have the power to achieve their financial goals and dreams and provide better financial security for themselves and their loved ones,” he said. As seven out of 10 Filipino households still do not have a savings account according to the Bangko Sen-

tral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Consumer Expectation Survey 2023, making sure all Filipinos have access to financial services remains an important goal for GCash and its partners. GCash said that on top of providing access to essential financial services, it is also helping improve financial literacy among Filipinos through its Learning Hub which gives users learning materials on how they can better manage their finances.

PH game development studios raise $9.2m in sales in Nordic conference

By Othel V. Campos

PHILIPPINE game development studios generated $9.2 million in sales at Nordic Game 2024, Europe’s premier game developer conference, marking the second successful participation as a rising star in the global game development scene.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the ARISE Plus Philippines Project, the delegation, composed of Arclight Lab Inc., GameOps Inc., Neun Farben, Top Peg Animation Inc. and Startrace Studios OPC, met with industry leaders, forged partnerships and explored lucrative business opportunities.

“With the support of the ARISE Plus Philippines Project, we have showcased

Zobel thanked the AIM board for the honor and congratulated the graduating class. He acknowledged Ayala’s role in founding AIM through a land donation. He praised AIM’s legacy of producing exceptional graduates who contribute to various sectors.

Zobel’s commencement address focused on choices and consequences. “We all make choices, some small, many consequential. They shape who we are and our society,” he said, urging graduates to make purposeful decisions.

He emphasized three life lessons. First, attention management is crucial. “Prioritize the most meaningful and impactful,” he said, recognizing attention as a finite resource.

Second, building strong relationships is essential. “Our teams are critical to success,” Zobel said. He encouraged surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration.

our capabilities beyond our traditional markets, making inroads in the European market,” said DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo.

The Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028 underscores the critical importance of a robust export ecosystem for the sector’s sustained growth.

EMB director Bianca Sykimte acknowledged the project’s significant contribution to building the capacity of game developers to venture into new markets.

“The Philippines’ promising game development sector continues to thrive globally, as exemplified by their second participation in the Nordic Game. This success aligns with the objective of our Arise Plus project to diversify the country’s export markets, undertaken in collaboration with the DTI and the industry,” said ITC ARISE Plus project manager Sylvie Cochin.

PLDT working with MMDA to protect lines

PLDT Inc. said Monday it is working with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to safeguard telecom infrastructure amid road-digging and excavation activities. The company said accidental damage to fiber optic cables could cause service interruptions for PLDT subscribers.

“PLDT is collaborating more closely with the MMDA and its acting chair Atty Don Artes to ensure that fiber optic cables are not accidentally damaged during road works,” said Joan De Venecia-Fabul, PLDT first vice president, deputy chief legal counsel and head of regulatory and strategic affairs.

“We look forward to working handin-hand with MMDA and the government in crafting protocols for prior coordination and alignment before excavation permits are issued and diggings are done to ensure that service interruptions due to accidental damage to telco cables are avoided,” she said.

The collaboration is in line with PLDT’s long-standing partnership with government and industry stakeholders in helping safeguard telco infrastructure and equipment to ensure service delivery and elevate the quality of customer experience.

PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. have also been working closely with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, local government units and other government agencies to streamline the permitting

BDO Unibank Inc.

(HKMA)

IN BRIEF

UPMV K9, Vanguard Makati for better pet health

HUNDREDS of pet owners availed free medical checkups and anti-rabies vaccinations for their pets at Luntian at Pula, held at the UP Diliman DMST Complex on June 29. The event featured dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes lined up for vaccinations. Organized by UPMV K9 Corps, the event also offered free health checkups, food, reading glasses, circumcisions, legal consultations, a blood donation drive, and a charity garage sale. UPMV K9 Corps president Elah Tendero emphasized the importance of pet owners’ health alongside their pets. Luntian at Pula was supported by various organizations, including the UP Cadet Alumni Organization, UP Corps of Sponsors, Serving Hearts, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and more. Established in 2017, the UPMV K9 Corps continues its advocacy with close to a hundred volunteers and K9s.

GMEC, GNPD hold Stakeholders’ Convergence

GNPOWER Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) highlighted their commitment to community development and the environment at the 2024

P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. Stakeholders’ Convergence in Balanga City on June 25, 2024. The event, themed “Empowering the Future, Redefining Progress,” gathered nearly 200 attendees, including government officials and community leaders.

P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. is GMEC and GNPD’s CSR project focusing on marine life protection, reforestation, waste optimization, livelihood generation, infrastructure rehabilitation, educational enhancement, health access, and disaster resiliency. Bataan Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia and other notable officials attended, with GMEC-GNPD COO Emmanuel Lopez emphasizing the importance of partnerships.

UP Mathematician develops heat propagation model

SUPPOSE you have a pair of pants you need to wear tomorrow, but they’re still damp after washing. You use a flat iron to dry them, easily handling the flat parts but struggling with uneven areas like the zipper, pockets, seams, and waistband. This difficulty arises because heat from the iron doesn’t reach these rough areas as quickly as it does the flat ones.

Jake Avila of the UPD College of Science Institute of Mathematics developed a theory to model heat propagation through rough surfaces, collaborating with Italian mathematicians. His method, called homogenization, combines the material’s tiny details with its larger properties, providing a more accurate heat propagation model. Avila’s theory can also apply to other phenomena like acoustic wave propagation and turbulence flow. His next goal is to develop a more general version for wider applications.

brings smiles to Benguet schoolchildren

HEAVY rains, thick fog, and steep, zigzagged roads did not deter MR.DIY representatives from embarking on an 8-hour journey to bring smiles to schoolchildren in Benguet Province. Partnering with the RECU Cordillera K9 Unit and the Pagna’t Imontanosa Group, the team reached the isolated communities of Tuba, visiting Ligay Elementary School, Ligay Daycare Center, and Bes-ig Daycare Center.

Eighty students received essential hygiene kits and school supplies. The community welcomed the team warmly, with students enjoying free haircuts and an antibullying talk by Ms. Jenelyn Bingwasan, Chief for Police Community Relations of Tuba, Benguet. As part of MR.DIY’s corporate social responsibility program, Acts of Kindness (AOK), the “Pencil for a Smile” initiative reflects the company’s commitment to student well-being and education. Over the past three years, MR.DIY and Pagna’t Imontanosa have conducted outreach efforts in isolated areas across Benguet and Mountain Province, including providing hygiene kits, school supplies, and household gift packs.

Discover Binondo with Hotel Lucky Chinatown’s unique offerings

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) successfully turned over a state-of-the-art Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Camarines Sur (PLGU-Camarines Sur). This initiative, part of the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) program, was commemorated through a ceremonial gathering in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur. Given Camarines Sur’s vulnerability to typhoons, flooding, landslides, storm surges, and volcanic activity from Mount Isarog, this investment is particularly significant. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi R. Villafuerte,

Vice Governor Salvio Patrick Fortuno Jr., members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and representatives from various local government units. DOST officials, including Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Assistant Secretary Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., were also present. The ceremony featured messages of gratitude for the collaborative effort and a shared commitment to enhancing the province’s disaster response capabilities. Vice Governor Fortuno Jr. emphasized the importance of the initiative, acknowledging the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters and highlighting Bicolanos’ resilience. Dela Rosa from OCD-5 recognized the continuous process of disaster resilience and thanked DOST for their

SwissHumanity inspires through story-telling. In the heart of Bacolod, David Wuyts (right) meets Kuya Rudy, a 69-year-old ice cream vendor dedicated to ensuring his children’s education. This encounter is part SwissHumanity’s mission is to inspire others through positive narratives online.

contribution.

Secretary Solidum, in his keynote address, outlined four pillars for the province: promotion of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. The MoCCoV, the first of its kind in the Bicol region, is equipped with advanced communication, surveillance, rescue, and medical technologies. Governor Villafuerte expressed hope that the vehicle would never need to be used but underscored the importance of preparedness. The initiative exemplifies DOST’s dedication to enhancing disaster preparedness and response, showcasing the transformative power of science and technology in building a more resilient nation.

AT

THE heart of the world’s oldest Chinatown, Hotel Lucky Chinatown (HLC) offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and modern comforts.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2024, HLC stands out not only for its strategic location but also for its commitment to community engagement and exceptional service.

HLC’s PR and Marketing officer, Joshua Yasay, highlighted the hotel’s unique position within Manila’s historic Binondo district. “When a foreign visitor comes to another country, many are familiar with Chinatown,” Yasay explained. “Here at HLC, you don’t have to go far to experience the rich cultural heritage and culinary delights of Binondo.”

The hotel, which opened in 2019, faced the challenge of the pandemic shortly after its launch. Despite this, HLC emerged stronger with innovative concepts such as Cafe De Chinatown, which transitioned from a concessionaire model to an in-house dining experience, ensuring quality and consistency for guests.

HLC is more than just a place to stay; it’s a community hub. The hotel has implemented initiatives like the Binondo Food Crawl in partnership with Chinatown Museum, offering guests a taste of local history and cuisine. Yasay emphasized, “We want to serve our community, not just in our barangay or district but across the city, through robust partnerships with local government units.” The hotel’s commitment to community extends to its collaboration with organizations like the Philippine Institute for the Deaf, to which HLC donates used soap for recycling and resale. Additionally, HLC partners with District 6 to collect clothes for the monsoon season, showcasing their dedication to social responsibility.

THE Municipality of Impasugong, Bukidnon, has received rainwater harvesting tanks from Hedcor, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. This initiative aims to provide water access to the community during dry seasons.

After the declaration of a state of calamity due to an El Niño, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council held an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Despite recent rains, water supply remained insufficient, prompting Impasugong Mayor Anthony Uy to seek immediate assistance from Hedcor Bukidnon, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation.

The installation of the donated tanks is expected to benefit over 9,000 households, including Indigenous Peoples communities in Impasugong. The col-

lected water will primarily serve household needs, with some allocated for small-scale farming and school sanitation purposes.

“We deeply value our partnership with Hedcor and are grateful for their prompt response to our request for water tanks for our barangays,” said Mayor Uy. “This demonstrates their genuine care for the well-being of our community.”

The 13 rainwater harvesting tanks will be strategically placed for easy access, with locations managed by the local government. Rolando Pacquiao, President and COO of Hedcor, emphasized the company’s commitment to community support, especially in times of crisis, stating, “Providing these rainwater harvesting tanks demonstrates our focus on the well-being and resilience of Impasugong’s residents.”

SWISSHUMANITY, a passion project by David Wuyts, his brother Anthony, and their close friend Seb, is dedicated to spreading love and positivity through impactful stories.

Operating independently and funding their endeavors through their day jobs, the trio aims to capture and share inspiring narratives, particularly from the Philippines. Uplifting Stories from the Philippines

One standout project features a hardworking family selling mangoes in Dumaguete. SwissHumanity surprised the family with monetary gifts and a special note in their native language, capturing their genuine reactions with hidden cameras. The video went viral, garnering over 6 million views in one week.

In Dipolog, Mindanao, SwissHumanity conducted a social experiment to find a kind and humble individual. They met a dedicated street cleaner who unknowingly helped wrap a special gift

for herself. Inside the gift was a handbag wallet containing 5,000 pesos. In Bacolod, Negros Occidental, SwissHumanity surprised a sock vendor who had dedicated 50 years to her job. They bought socks from her and presented her with three envelopes, one containing 5,000 pesos.

The Mission Behind SwissHumanity SwissHumanit y’s mission is to inspire others through positive narratives, not to seek fame or profit. They believe that by sharing these stories, they can motivate others to create positive change in their communities.

While some may believe acts of kindness should remain private, SwissHumanity is committed to showcasing these genuine smiles and emotional reactions, aiming to create a ripple effect of love, compassion, and positive storytelling.

The team remains focused on helping others and sharing stories that matter, spreading love and positivity in a world that needs it more than ever.

Impasugong Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Joy Obsioma (left) receives water tanks from Hedcor, represented by External Relations Manager David Tacder (right). This effort is meant to help the local residents of the Municipality of Impasugong during the dry season.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

By Nickie Wang

BSHOWBIZ

That Kind of Love

A fan movie for BarDa lovers

Featuring a talented supporting cast including Kaila

Al

Divine

Arlene

and

, That Kind of Love isn’t just about entertainment and fan service—it also celebrates the enduring impact of love in all its forms. That Kind of Love was produced by Pocket Media Productions, Incorporation and Pocket Media Films in cooperation with Happy Infinite Productions, Incorporation. Released and distributed by Regal Entertainment, the romantic film opens in cinemas nationwide starting today.

ARBIE Forteza and David Licauco reunite on-screen in That Kind of Love. It is their first movie together since their unexpected pairing in GMA’s Maria Clara at Ibarra. Known affectionately as BarDa and previously FiLay by their fans, their undeniable chemistry led to another TV collaboration in Maging Sino

Their latest project aims to attract audiences to theaters with its winning formula—a romantic comedy eagerly awaited by fans, promising to charm viewers with their on-screen chemistry once again.

Directed by Catherine O. Camarillo and written by Ellis Catrina, the film is an ideal showcase for BarDa, whose fans eagerly root for their on-screen pairing to continue flourishing and to produce more projects.

Initially tasked with finding a partner for Adam de Dios (David Licauco), Love Coach Mila (Barbie Forteza) unexpectedly finds herself falling for him instead. The story continues with surprises as the romance between the two protagonists slowly develops.

Partially shot in the romantic backdrop of Seoul, South Korea, the film is visually captivating, reminiscent of popular K-Dramas. The vibrant city enhances the sweetness of David and Barbie’s moments together, making each scene shot in the Korean capital even more

memorable.

That Kind of Love delves into universal themes like love, relationships, and personal growth, deeply touching audiences with its emotional depth and relatability. From light-hearted to heartfelt moments, Mila and Adam’s journey is sprinkled with genuine kilig , drawing viewers into their story and leaving a lasting impression.

At the movie’s red carpet premiere, fans cheered loudly during romantic moments, especially when David flaunted his impressive physique and when he and Barbie locked lips. The theater was packed with eager fans lining up to see it. With this level of enthusiasm, the movie has a good chance of becoming a boxoffice success.

ABS-CBN Entertainment is bringing two Filipino series, Can’t Buy Me Love and Linlang , to audiences in the United States and Canada via its YouTube channel. Viewers can now enjoy bingewatching these hit shows for free, marking their debut in North America with on-demand access to full episodes. Can’t Buy Me Love , a romantic comedy starring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, follows the tangled romantic journey of two characters whose relationship starts with a kidnap-forransom incident. Meanwhile, Linlang , featuring JM De Guzman, Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu , delves into a story of revenge and infidelity, revolving around a boxer who discovers his wife’s affair with his own brother. Both series recently concluded successful runs on primetime television, gaining popularity for their compelling plots and viral moments. ABS-CBN’s initiative to stream these shows on YouTube reflects its commitment to connect with global audiences, making them accessible to fans in various countries. Catch Can’t Buy Me Love and Linlang on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel, recognized as the top YouTube channel in Southeast Asia with over 48 million subscribers.

New

Festivals

&

, Vanessa (Yassi Pressman) finds herself captured by enemies, while Elias (Ruru Madrid) endeavors Complicating matters, Calvin (Jon Lucas) develops feelings for Vanessa, and a new Korean assassin, Adrian (

enters the fray. As tensions rise in this

What sacrifices will

By Abigail Adriatico

THE New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) has announced that Shaina Magdayao will join its “Uncaged” jury for 2024. Representing the Philippines, Magdayao will be joined by other figures from the film industry, including VietnameseAmerican filmmaker Tony Bui, Thai actor Chanon ‘Nonkul’ Santinatornkul, Screenworks Asia producer Shao-yi Chen Golden Scene sales & acquisitions manager Felix Tsang, and Criterion Channel programming head Aliza Ma

“This eclectic UNCAGED jury promises unique perspectives and impassioned cinephilia — the perfect cohort of gate breakers of cool to spotlight NYAFF’s brave outliers and unsung visionaries, and anoint the year’s biggest

discoveries,” the festival said in its social media post announcing the jury members.

Magdayao expressed gratitude for the festival’s invitation in the post’s comments.

“It is definitely an honor to be part of this year’s jury. Thank you for having the Philippines, @newyorkasianfilmfestival,” she said.

The NYAFF aims to celebrate Asian cinema by showcasing groundbreaking films and introducing a new generation of filmmakers, while promoting greater Asian representation.

The 23rd New York Asian Film Festival will feature over 90 new and classic films from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, taking place

for

anticipate the evolving dynamics between Moises

Roberto) and Nimfa (Angeli Khang), along with the entertaining relationship between Oka Empoy Marquez) and Pretty (Herlene Budol). Catch all the drama on Black Rider airing at 8:00 p.m. on GMA Prime, with simulcasts on Pinoy Hits and livestreams via Kapuso Stream, GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube, and Facebook accounts. The delayed telecast airs on GTV at 9:40 p.m., while global audiences can watch on GMA Pinoy TV.

Ka Man.

Actress Shaina Magdayao joins other figures in the film industry in the NYAFF’s ‘Uncaged’ jury

From left: ‘Linlang’ stars Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, and JM De Guzman

Ruru Madrid stars as Elias in the hit action series ‘Black Rider’

Belle Mariano (left) stars alongside Donny Pangilinan in ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’

Barbie Forteza stars as love coach Mila David Licauco plays the role of Adam de Dios

Kind of Love’ features several scenes shot in the city of Seoul

From left: ‘That Kind of Love’ stars Barbie Forteza and David Licauco with director Catherine O. Camarillo

Estrada,

Tantay,

Muhlach, Ivan Carapiet,

Aucina,

Jef Gaitan

By Abigail Adriatico

THE National Museum of the Philippines has received a new addition to its collection: the Republic of Ecuador has gifted a replica of a 5,500-year-old cacao ceramic bottle to the nation.

The official turnover ceremony, held on June 18, was attended by National Museum officials, Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat of the Embassy of Chile, and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Following the ceremony, there was

a discussion about the ceramic bottle’s significance in the history and origin of cacao, led by Ramiro Hidalgo from Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility. A lecture on the history and importance of cacao in the Philippines, particularly through the Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trade, was also presented.

Louise Emmanuelle Mabulo , Founder of The Cacao Project, shared her efforts in supporting local farmers with sustainable cacao farming, while Guillermo Ramos, Managing Director

of the Ugnayan Center for Filipino Gastronomy, discussed how Filipinos have embraced cacao as their own.

The cacao ceramic bottle is now displayed in a mini-exhibition at the EYG Resource Center in the National Museum of Anthropology.

The exhibit also features samples from the Philippine National Herbaria Collection, including cacao specimens from Tuguegarao, Cagayan, and Dumalinao, Zamboanga, as well as cocoa preparation implements from the National Ethnographic Collection.

Children’s Book Day

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in collaboration with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), celebrates the National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) this July. This celebration is to embrace the transformative power of literature to fuel curiosity and ignite imagination among children

Central to this celebration are the prestigious PBBY-Salanga and PBBY-Alcala Prizes, which honor outstanding contributions to children’s literature through writing and illustration. This year, Eric R. Roxas received the esteemed PBBY-Salanga Prize for his captivating story Monina’s Many Moles celebrated for its ability to engage and inspire young audiences.

Illustrator Marcus Vito Z. Nada has been awarded the illustrious PBBY-Alcala Prize for his exceptional artistic talent in enriching children’s literature with captivating visuals. Named after National Artist Alcala , the PBBY-Alcala Prize recognizes illustrators who skillfully bring stories to life.

The NCBD celebration and awarding ceremony will take place on July 16, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP’s Blackbox Theater). The event will feature musical performances by Ginger Karganilla and Billy Joel del Rosario , a storytelling session by a Philippine Information Agency (PIA) puppeteer, and the launch of new children’s books. Aligned with the theme “Payapa ang Puso ng Batang Nagbabasa,” NCBD aims to foster a love for reading among children while celebrating Filipino children’s literature. A book fair, “Payapa,” will be held at the venue’s basement level from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m,, featuring books from Aklat Alamid, Aklat Mirasol, Southern Voices Printing Press, Street Tales, and Supermaya. To participate in the festivities, attendees are requested to donate a children’s book at the registration desk on the event day, with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. For the afternoon program, registration can be done via email at ccpintertextualdivision@gmail.com. Books donated during the event will benefit Inspire the Children of Cavite and Balay-aralan of Muntinlupa.

National Children’s Book Day (NCBD), observed every third Tuesday of July, commemorates the publication of Un Mono y Una Tortuga ( The Monkey and The Turtle ) by Philippine hero Dr. Jose Rizal This timeless tale teaches Filipino values and life lessons, illustrating the significance of storytelling in children’s emotional development and learning experiences.

Aspiring Filipino dancers to spotlight feminism, gender oppression

CYCLES : From Conversations to Choreography, a series of performances that focuses on feminism and misogynistic issues, will be staged beginning July 19.

The 75-minute production will unveil the original and innovative dance styles inspired by the strong narratives of systemic oppression experienced by female adolescents in the Philippines.

The mixed bill repertoire is set to tackle the effects of gender stereotypes, sociocultural norms, and patriarchal perspectives in the movement and thematic exploration of the program.

The showcase aims to integrate inspiring audio, video, and graphics to enhance the routine pieces and highlight the creative visions of the budding The initiative will feature the inventive contemporary and open-style choreographies of the Dance Program students from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP). The young artists are guided and mentored by Benilde Dance Program Nina Anonas, JJZA Media Production Services Production Associate , and De La Salle University Manila Dance Company Artistic

From Conversations to Choreography

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

“AS A child, I dreamed of becoming a Disney Princess, but God had a higher plan for me—to be a Blaan Princess. The Blaan tribe adopted me and gave me the name Bai Mebe Kasbakas (Princess Leading Unity), which I believe was inspired by the Holy Spirit. It was indeed a blessed day.”

Visual artist Kristine Soguilon-Lim shared this message when she posted about the Blaan tribe, which adopted her as their princess. The tribal council of elders granted her the Bai Mebe Kasbakas title in recognition of her contributions to empowering, promoting the welfare and development of indigenous communities, and preserving their traditions.

Very Wang Nickie Wang

The Blaan people, indigenous to what is now General Santos City, have a rich history intertwined with the Tboli tribe. Their name means “our counterpart tribe.” Traditionally, the Blaan lived in the plains, mountains, and near the ocean. Spanish missionaries first documented them, observing their settlements throughout Mindanao, particularly in central and southern regions.

From the 15th to 19th centuries, with the advent of Islam, the Blaan began moving from coastal areas to the hills, and the Tbolis were pushed deeper into the mountains of Cotabato. The Blaan governed “Snalu Ilib,” a place in front of a cave that served as their central gathering and governance site. In 1898,

conflicts erupted between the indigenous peoples and the Moros (Muslims), lasting two years. Despite these conflicts, both groups managed to coexist peacefully. This peace was solidified during a conference, known as “dad fulung,” organized by Datu Lumbos Calatao with Datu Ingkong, and Datu Saliwane Lumbos

The first Christian settler in the area was Alberto Olarte, who arrived in 1925 from Baseo, Spain, via Manila. Olarte married a Blaan woman and introduced Christianity to the region. In 1939, the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA), led by General Paulino T. Santos , established four settlement districts in the area now known as General Santos City. These districts—Marbel, Tupi, Polomolok, and Lagao—later became

Visual artist honors indigenous roots and cultural heritage as Blaan princess

part of Northern, Middle, and Southern Koronadal in Cotabato Province.

The Blaan people in General Santos City have faced significant challenges in reclaiming their ancestral lands. Despite being granted the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), issues such as overlapping claims and access barriers persist. The City Government of General Santos reports ongoing struggles for ancestral rights, as outlined in the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) law. This legal framework aims to protect indigenous communities’ rights to self-governance, ancestral domains, cultural preservation, and social justice.

Despite numerous setbacks, the Blaan people continue their fight to safeguard their cultural heritage amidst historical displacement and ongoing obstacles. Their enduring journey represents a complex but resilient quest for recognition and justice in

the face of modern challenges. As a proud woman with indigenous Filipino roots and part of the military, Kristine has projects lined up to collaborate with the Philippine Navy, AFP, and indigenous leaders. Her vision is to empower these groups and ensure their integral role in the Philippines’ development. Kristine, also known as “Artist on a Mission,” was also honored as “Ambassador of Arts and Culture, and Indigenous People” by Gawad Pilipino, a title she holds dear. She is proud of her indigenous roots, with ancestors from Panay.

The artist’s maiden surname, Soguilon, means “story” in Visayan, highlighting the sacred duty of recounting true events and sharing untold secrets. Her surname, believed to be of Filipino indigenous origin, was likely kept by the baptized Ati tribe members who welcomed Spanish colonizers.

ARTIST ON A MISSION. Visual artist Kristine Soguilon-Lim wears a traditional Blaan dress

Kristine engages in a

with

Kristine takes a photo with the Blaan people while wearing a traditional Blaan dress

The event offers attendees a wide selection of guest and house brands

Attendees can use their Kultura Crawl