‘Carina,’ habagat batter Luzon NCR under state of calamity; 14 dead, 45 schools damaged
By Rex Espiritu, Joel Zurbano, Rio Araja and Othel Campos
RELENTLESS rain drenched Metro Manila and parts of Luzon yesterday, triggering floods and deadly landslides as Typhoon “Carina” reached Super Typhoon category and intensified the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
The densely populated capital was placed under a state of calamity as rescuers were deployed to help evacuate people from low-lying homes after
Heavy rains bring back traumatic Ondoy memories
By Rio N. Araja
THE torrential rains and floods that displaced thousands of residents in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon due to Super Typhoon “Carina” and the southwest monsoon or “habagat” brought back traumatic memories of Tropical Storm Ondoy fifteen years ago.
Marikina City residents in low-lying villages were forced to evacuate after the Marikina River reached the third and highest alarm at 20.5 meters amid heavy and nonstop rainfall as of Wednesday afternoon.
Residents in Marilao, Bulacan reported experiencing waist- to 8-feet deep floods for the first time since “Ondoy” unleashed record amounts of rainfall in 2009.
Several commuters were left stranded along thoroughfares that turned into rivers in Quezon City and other areas in Metro Manila.
On September 26, 2009, “Ondoy” unleashed 455 millimeters (17.91 inches) of rainfall in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon in 24 hours, leaving at least 464 people dead.
Meteorologist Bernard Alan Racoma said that compared to “Ondoy,” “Carina” and the enhanced “habagat” brought 217 mm of rainfall within the same period.
Senior weather specialist Glaiza Escullar said the more than 200 millimeters (nearly eight inches) of rain that fell in the capital in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning was “not unusual.”
Many individuals took to various social media platforms to share photos and videos of flooded streets and roads.
The hashtag #CarinaPH trended on X along with “Ondoy” as images on social media saw residents on roofs, waiting for rescue, as they watched trash-filled flood swamp their neighborhoods.
By Charles Dantes
FILIPINOS vented their disappointment for Vice President Sara Duterte after images showing her and her family catching a flight out of the country circulated online on Wednesday.
The hashtags #NasaanAngBisePresidente, #SaraDuterte, and #DesignatedSurvivor immediately trended on X after a news report showed Duterte at the airport and purportedly bound for Germany.
Duterte’s departure amid Super Typhoon Carina’s wrath, which left Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon submerged, apparently drew the ire of netizens.
A national broadsheet reported that Duterte left the country with her husband, their children, and her mother Elizabeth Zimmerman.
downpours turned streets into rivers.
Landslides killed a pregnant woman and three children in Batangas province; and a woman and her five-yearold child in Pampanga province.
That takes the death toll from heavy rains over swaths of the country in the past two weeks to at least 14, as tens of thousands sheltered in evacuation centers.
Some 45 public schools also sustained damage, disrupting preparations for the school opening on July 29, with damages so far at P308.5 million.
The state of calamity in Metro Manila will allow local governments to access additional funds for calamity response and impose a price freeze on basic goods.
Three major roads were blocked by landslides in the mountainous Benguet province.
“The price freeze, effective immediately, aims to protect consumers from unjust price increases during this time of crisis. We are committed to ensuring that basic goods remain affordable and accessible to all affected residents,” said Trade Secretary Fred Pascual. The price control covers a wide range of essential commodities, including rice, corn, bread, fresh vegeta-
By Charles Dantes, Darwin Amojelar, Maricel V. Cruz, Vince Lopez, Joel Zurbano, and Macon Ramos-Araneta
Photos from PPA Pool, Senator Joel Villanueva, and Barangay Camp 4
DOJ to give better tech tools to prosecutors vs. cybercrime
THE Department of Justice on Wednesday said it is upgrading the technological tools available to prosecutors to enable them to better handle emerging cybercrime trends.
Speaking during the 2024 Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Discussions, DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said the recently passed Republic Act No. 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), will bolster efforts to crack down on cybercrime.
“The Department of Justice is very much focused on heightening its capacity of cybercrime prevention, and in fact
the recent approval of this cybercrime law capacitates more the prosecutor in the fight against cybercrime,” he said.
He said serious efforts are made to improve prosecutors’ tools against cybercriminals.
“There is really an effort to secure the latest technology to enable the prosecutors and law enforcement in this fight against cybercrime. We have to em-
phasize that the law is a bit static and a bit behind in terms of technology and cybercrime, as we know it, is an everevolving area where there are a lot of prospects for criminality within the domestic sphere as well as the international sphere,” he said.
“There are transnational crimes being committed and there is a serious effort, a whole-of- government approach is being undertaken by all security agencies of our government in order that we may combat this rising nefarious activity,” he added.
He said the DOJ is also trying to ensure that the National Justice Information System (NJIS), which is under the
Justice department, would soon enable all partner agencies to communicate and share information with each other in the fight against criminality.
AFASA, a legislation seen to combat surges in crimes involving online scams was one of the laws highlighted by President Marcos during his SONA on Monday.
The law authorizes the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to look into cases and apply for “cybercrime warrants and orders” with respect to electronic communications used in any violation of the law.
It also gives the BSP limited authority to examine and investigate bank accounts, e-wallets, and other financial accounts involved in the prohibited acts.
FATALITIES. Rescuers retrieve the bodies of four people killed in a landslide in Batangas. Bureau of Fire Protection Calabarzon
According to the report, the plane carrying the Dutertes left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 1:50 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Office of the Vice President has yet to announce the reason for Duterte’s flight but sent a press release with photos and videos showing some of its staffers preparing to conduct relief efforts for families affected by the typhoon in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon.
“The OVP-DOC (Disaster Operations Center) is currently coordinating with different local government units (LGUs) in the areas affected by Typhoon Carina for the conduct of its relief operations,” the OVP said in an online statement.
The OVP also said it was just waiting for a greenlight from the Office of Civil Defense to begin the distribution of its prepositioned relief packs, which contained food items as well as hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, slippers, expandable water jugs, and other necessities.
Irked by her actions, some social media users could not avoid comparing Duterte with her predecessor, former Vice President Leni Robredo, who was constantly busy doing public service during her tenure at the OVP. News of the incumbent Vice President’s overseas trip spread one day after she called public attention to the recall of some 75 of her police bodyguards.
It was earlier reported that Duterte had as many as 433 personnel in her security detail in 2022.
War, economic chaos defied bid to end hunger UN
CONFLICT, economic turbulence and extreme weather defied efforts to curb hunger last year, with around nine percent of the world’s population affected, UN agencies said on Wednesday.
About 733 million people may have faced hunger in 2023, a level that has held steady for three years after a steep rise following the COVID-19 pandemic, they said in a report.
But the picture is uneven. While hunger affected one in every five people in Africa, compared with a global
average of one in 11, Latin America and the Caribbean progressed and Asia stalled in the goal of eliminating undernourishment.
The broader goal of securing regular access to adequate food for everyone also stalled in that period.
Moderate or severe food insecurity, which forces people to occasionally skip meals, hit 2.33 billion people last year – almost 29 percent of the global population.
The report by the Food and Agri-
dent declares a state of calamity,” he said in a statement.
culture Organization, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization suggests the UN goal of a world without hunger by 2030 is fading further.
Conflicts, climate chaos and economic downturns are already known as major drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition that combine with underlying factors including persistent inequality, the unaffordability of healthy diets and unhealthy food environments.
bles, root crops, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, candles, and essential medicines as classified by the Department of Health.
In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte reported 22,000 evacuees being supported in 154 evacuation centers.
Mayor John Ray Tiangco, on the other hand, said that 80 percent of Navotas was submerged in floodwater. Government offices were shut and classes suspended, more than 100 domestic and international flights were cancelled, and tens of thousands of customers lost power because of the weather.
Some shopping malls and churches offered temporary shelter to people affected.
Malacañang also announced the suspension of government work and classes today (Thursday, July 25, 2024) at all levels in Regions III, IV-A and the National Capital Region.
Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services, the Palace said.
The Palace also left the suspension of work for private companies and offices to the discretion of their respective heads.
“Carina,” which has swept past the Philippines as it heads towards Taiwan, intensified the southwest monsoon rains typical for this time of year, the state weather forecaster said.
“Usually the peak of the rainy season is July and August and it so happens that there is a typhoon in the eastern waters of the Philippines that enhances the southwest monsoon,” senior weather specialist Glaiza Escullar said.
About 20 big storms and typhoons hit the Philippines or its surrounding waters each year, damaging homes and infrastructure and killing dozens of people. With AFP, Pot Chavez and Butch Gunio
Monsoon,” the chief executive added.
Mr. Marcos also directed government agencies to focus on providing assistance in areas that are isolated as non-stop rains continue to batter parts of the country.
During a situation briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, he directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) to continue their relief operations especially those within “critical areas.”
“You [DSWD] work with the OCD so that you can focus your attention on those areas that we will have to service that are presently isolated,” Marcos instructed.
He also asked the OCD to identify critical areas where residents may be out of food and other supplies.
“That is very important because they have not eaten for days. So as soon as possible, our supplies should be ready when we come in because they are our priority. These are critical situations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the Department of Finance is ready to tap $500-million of standby credit extended by the World Bank to the Philippines to support the government’s disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by Typhoon “Carina.”
“These funds will be immediately withdrawn and released once the Presi-
“This will allow us to rapidly deliver critical services like healthcare, shelter, and food to those affected by typhoon Carina as well as fund postdisaster emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction efforts,” the finance chief added.
The Offices of the House Speaker and the Tingog party-list also launched relief operations for thousands of flood victims, beginning with those in Marikina City.
Speaker Martin Romualdez and Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre of Tingog oversaw the relief operations that provided an initial 20,000 food packs from the Speaker’s Disaster Relief Funds to aid families in dire need.
Each packs contains 3 kilos of rice, canned goods, coffee and other items.
“The government, under the leadership of President Marcos, has shown its commitment and dedication to responding to the needs of the people during this calamity,” Romualdez said.
“The President’s hands-on approach highlights the administration’s commitment to disaster response and resilience, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in times of crisis,” the Speaker added.
For her part, Rep. Yedda Romualdez said their relief operations are designed to complement the initiatives undertaken by the national government.
“The focus is on addressing both immediate needs and long-term recov-
ery, with particular attention given to vulnerable populations who have been most affected by the heavy rains and flooding,” she said.
With relief efforts short of manpower, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) called for volunteers to help in the repacking of family food packs (FFPs) for households affected by the weather disturbance.
“We request interested individuals or groups to join us as we repack relief goods for our kababayans affected by the typhoon and the habagat. This will ensure that we have enough food packs to sustain the needs of our kababayans,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
The Social Welfare Department said those interested to volunteer may contact, Shara Lee of the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center (NROC) at mobile number 09260612646 and email address msllee@dswd.gov.ph for scheduling.
“We thank in advance those who want to join us in the production of family food packs. We know that the spirit of volunteerism is alive in times like this,” she said.
The immensity of the rescue efforts has also caused the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Southern Police District (SPD) to activate its Search and Rescue Teams.
SPD chief Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete said his office has
“Crossed a knee-high flood with my two dogs to get into a safe place.
The whole house is flooded. I don’t even know where my review materials are… Please make it stop. It is Ondoy all over again,” one netizen wrote on X.
“Damn. If not for the clear date and caption, I would have thought Ondoy ito,” wrote journalist Inday Espina-Varona, who shared a Facebook reel showing the swelling of the Marikina River.
“Different timelines and 15 years apart, but essentially, have the same narrative. Nothing changed. Filipinos still suffer due to the ineffectiveness of disaster planning. We deserve better mitigation responses,” another netizen wrote on X.
identified 142 evacuation centers, with 36 currently occupied, affecting 929 families and 3,278 individuals as of 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
Seven SPD police stations, along with local barangay units, have collaborated in road clearing operations to remove fallen tree branches and debris obstructing the roads, Rosete added. Meanwhile, he noted that police personnel have been stationed at evacuation centers, especially in flood-prone areas. At the Upper Chamber, Senator Robin Padilla directed his staff to set up hotlines to help those affected by floods and other emergencies brought about by the typhoon.
Padilla’s office is coordinating with the NDRRMC and other concerned agencies to respond to calls for help. Hotlines include the following -- Landline: 85715175, Globe: 0995 224 5978, and Smart: 0931 007 9769 and 0961 413 9588, Padilla’s office announced. For his part, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday pressed anew the need to construct dedicated evacuation centers to avoid using schools as evacuation centers and thereby disrupting classes. The lawmaker pointed out that the common practice of using public schools as evacuation centers has caused students to fall behind on their studies.
Under Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 37 s. 2022, the use of schools as evacuation centers shall not exceed 15 days.
Rep. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar: The voice of QC’s 6th District
By Patricia Taculao-Deligero
WHEN a community leader actively champions growth across various sectors, a ripple effect of positive change takes hold. By nurturing advancements in education, healthcare, and the local economy, residents gain the tools and resources they need to thrive. A well-educated population is better equipped to secure good jobs, while a healthy community boasts a more robust workforce.
Economic growth, in turn, fuels further investment in education and healthcare, creating a cycle of selfsufficiency and progress. This multipronged approach to development ensures a temporary improvement in living standards and a foundation for long-term sustainability and prosperity for all community members.
In Quezon City’s Sixth Congressional District, Rep. Ma. Victoria CoPilar is leading the charge toward holistic empowerment among her constituents. She has an extensive 30 years of public service background under her belt, which began when she became the youngest elected barangay kagawad in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, at 19 years old. Eventually, Rep. Co-Pilar became the Punong Barangay of Quezon City. She also became a three-term councilor for Quezon City’s Sixth District.
The satisfaction and trust within Rep. Co-Pilar’s community propelled her to a seat in Congress, becoming a Congresswoman in 2022, 2022, as she authored notable legislations, including the Comprehensive Socialized Housing Code of Quezon City.
Her constituents saw her effectiveness in office, as reflected in her leadership rating.
The RPMD “Boses ng Bayan’ surveys,” conducted periodically to gauge the performance of public officials, serve as a barometer of public opinion. These surveys measure approval and trust ratings, reflecting the electorate’s satisfaction with their representatives’ performance in various domains, such as legislative efficacy, constituent services, and district representation.
Rep. Co-Pilar’s consistent top performance in these surveys was not merely a statistical achievement but a testament to her effective governance and deep connection with her constituents. In 2023, she secured one of the highest approval ratings among NCR representatives, an impressive 93.2 percent (No. 1 in NCR), with a trust rating of 94.7 percent. This achievement is particularly significant in a competitive and densely populated region like Quezon City, where public expectations are exceptionally high. She also became the Top 2 Performing Legislator in the Philippines in September 2023, landing a 93.22 percent rating. She achieved this rating because of
her many projects and programs in her respective district. One is the AMCP Caravan (Alagang Marivic Co-Pilar Caravan), which is a first-of-its-kind activity that encapsulates all necessary frontline service government agencies into one place. It’s also a one-stopshop where residents from the district can get various government services and IDs like SSS, PAG-IBIG, Police Clearance, and more.
The district representative is also taking necessary steps to help establish the Tandang Sora Hospital and Medical Center, in collaboration with other public leaders in Quezon City.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, during her campaign run in 2022, promised District VI a hospital: a medical facility that will serve the district, much like Novaliches District and QC General.
The year 2023 was the general start of the construction of the Tandang Sora Hospital and Medical Center. With P65,000,000, Rep. Co-Pilar braved the challenges of not having a guarantee that the hospital’s funding requirement would be met. In 2024, the full P500,000,000 was fully included in the General Appropriations Act thanks to the support of the Tingog Party List Representative Hon. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
In May 2025, according to the plans set forth by the Department of Public Works and Highways, the hospital will take shape. The first quarter of 2026 shall be the targeted finishing works.
Yet to her constituents in the Sixth District, Rep. Co-Pilar is the Housing Champion. Numerous informal settler families (ISFs) found their forever homes through the district representative’s community mortgage program and direct buying
scheme. She has more or less 255 housing programs in her district, and the F. Carlos Housing Complex is one example of Rep. Co-Pilar’s joint projects on housing within Quezon City.
Meanwhile, in the 19th Congress, Rep Co-Pilar is busy as the Vice Chairperson of the Committees on Constitutional Amendments Journal and Housing and Urban Development Journal. She’s also a member of the majority in other committees, including the Ad Hoc Committee On Marawi Rehabilitation And Victims Compensation, Appropriations Journal, and Basic Education And Culture, among other groups. As of writing, Rep. Co-Pilar is also the principal author of 270 legislations and co-authored 42 others. The 19th Congress passed 28 of the laws she filed, including House Bill 9755, which
mandates local government units to establish, maintain, and operate Handog na Oportunidad Para sa Edukasyon (HOPE) Centers; House Bill 7748, which provides a national framework for Senior Citizen Care of 2023; and House Bill 8697, which defines non-financial support of children and offers provisional remedy and prescribes penalties. Rep. Co-Pilar proves that communities flourish if their leaders consider the members’ various needs, like health, education, livelihood, and more. Her rise to the House of Representatives from the local government unit is a testament to how she’s willing to learn and listen to the voices of her constituents and implement change on a grassroots level, ensuring that everyone walks hand-in-hand toward a progressive future.
The Heritage and modern marvels of Quezon City’s 6th District
By Peter Paul Duran
QUEZON City’s 6th District, represented by Rep. Marivic CoPilar, is a remarkable blend of history, culture, and modern development. The district, encompassing Barangays Apolonio Samson, Baesa, Balonbato, Culiat, New Era, Sangandaan, Sauyo, Pasong Tamo, Talipapa, Tandang Sora, , Unang Sigaw, showcases rich blend of heritage and progress.
The Iglesia ni Cristo Headquarters stands as a monumental symbol of religious devotion and architectural grandeur. Located in Barangay New Era, this complex is not only the administrative center of the Iglesia ni Cristo but also a significant cultural landmark in Quezon City.
The Emilio Jacinto Funeral Shrine (Himlayang Pilipino) in Barangay Pasong Tamo commemorates one of the key figures of the Philippine Revolution. This serene and solemn site honors Emilio Jacinto, known as the “Brains of the Katipunan,” and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the nation’s independence.
The Tandang Sora Shrine on Banlat Road in Barangay Tandang Sora pays tribute to Melchora Aquino, fondly known as Tandang Sora, who played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution by providing care and support to the Katipuneros. Nearby, the Tandang Sora House in GK Tabora, Barangay Tandang Sora, preserves the legacy of this heroic woman and
offers visitors a glimpse into her life and contributions.
The Palayok ni Lt. Apolonio Samson, located in Barangay Apolonio Samson, marks a historical meeting place for the Katipuneros in Balintawak. This site, where revolutionary strategies were discussed and plans were made, highlights the district’s significant role in the country’s fight for independence.
Quezon City’s 6th District is not just about historical sites. It also offers a vibrant food scene, with various local eateries and markets offering a taste of authentic Filipino cuisine. The area is known for its diverse dining options, from traditional street food to modern culinary delights.
Cultural festivities and community events add to the district’s lively atmosphere. These celebrations reflect the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of the residents, making the 6th District a vibrant and dynamic part of Quezon City.
As the district continues to develop under the leadership of Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar, it stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of historical heritage and modern progress. The 6th District of Quezon City not only preserves its rich past but also embraces the future, contributing significantly to the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.
IN BRIEF
Analysts say PH-US
ties will remain strong
BILATERAL relations between the Philippines and the United States will remain “central and significant” regardless of possible leadership changes in America in the upcoming elections, according to Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst and international relations lecturer at De La Salle University. Earlier, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Romualdez, in an interview with Bloomberg, said he “does not see any risk at all” to USPhilippines relations despite a leadership change occur in the United States.
“I don’t see any risk at all. We’ve had ups and downs with the US, but it has always endured,” Romualdez said.
The envoy said he remains “comfortable” that US policies toward the Philippines, or the wider Indo-Pacific region will see no discernible change under Trump.
Weighing in on this confidence, Gill emphasized that “the Philippine and US alliance will remain central and significant no matter who the US president would be.” He explained that another democratic President would imply a “sort of continuity” in Philippine-US relations. Rachelle Tonelada PH, Vietnam reaffirm bilateral defense ties
THE Philippines and Vietnam have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral defense cooperation during the 6th Vice-Ministers’ Defence Strategic Dialogue (VMDSD) on Monday. Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the dialogue was co-chaired by DND Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien. The officials commended the results of the 7th Meeting of the Defence Cooperation Working Group and underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral defense cooperation under the 2015 Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam.
“They valued the defense cooperation achievements since the 5th VMDSD in 2023, which included exchanges at multiple levels, maintaining consultation and dialogue, information exchange, and cooperation in services, training, and education.” Andolong said. The Vietnamese official commended the effective cooperation between the two countries’ maritime law enforcement forces in maintaining security in bordering maritime areas. Rex Espiritu
Revilla seeks review of Accessibility Law
SENATOR Ramon Revilla Jr. is seeking a review of the 40-year old Batas Pambansa 344 or “Accessibility Law” that mandates buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities to enhance the mobility of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla said families of overseas Filipino workers should be among the primary beneficiaries of the investments cited by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his 3rd State of the Nation Address.
For his part, Senate President Francis Escudero said a presidential order suffices to stop all its operations. Macon Ramos-Araneta
‘No need to seek China consent on resupply to WPS’
By Rex Espiritu and Rachelle Tonelada
THE Philippines will not agree to de-escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on China’s terms, according to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. China insisted however, that it would defend its position on the South China Sea despite the agreement on the resupply operations for the BRP Sierra Madre troops.
“We will not ask permission from them,” Año said in an interview shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Año dismissed Beijing’s remarks that the Philippines has to seek permission to conduct resupply missions for the troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on the Ayungin Shoal.
“That’s not true,” Año stressed.China’s foreign ministry issued the statement following the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea held July 2 in Manila.
Año clarified that the primary objective of the country’s recent interaction with China through the BCM is to de-escalate tension in the WPS.
DA widens Kadiwa program, sets up more stores in Laguna, Cavite
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its P29-a kilo rice program by setting up KADIWA outlets in Laguna and Cavite to provide affordable staple to a larger number of vulnerable households.
“We are progressing ahead of schedule, but with careful planning to maximize the program’s impact on disadvantaged Filipinos. The decision to expand comes in response to overwhelming demand from vulnerable sectors in San Pedro, Laguna, and Bacoor, Cavite,” said DA assistant
secretary for Consumer and Legislative Affairs
Genevieve Guevarra.
Now with 15 operational Kadiwa stores, the P29-rice program offers subsidized rice sourced from the National Food Authority (NFA) through the KADIWA centers.
The Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) plays a crucial role in purchasing NFA stocks and selling them at reduced prices in KADIWA centers.
FTI president and CEO Joseph Rudolph Lo affirmed the government support for DA initiatives, including the Rice-for-All program, which aims to provide discounted well-milled and fancy rice through the KADIWA centers.
“Rice-for-All is already making strides in selected centers, with phased roll-outs planned to ensure its success,” said Lo.
The P29-rice program targets 6.9 million households, or about 34 million Filipinos, and is currently undergoing a large-scale trial to assess demand, supply, and logistics. In the first two weeks, about 25,000 households benefited from over 12.7 tons of rice sold through the program.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. anticipates a potential downward price adjustment based on global rice market trends, including the possibility of India lifting its export ban and improving production in Thailand and Vietnam.
“We will extend this program for as long as possible and hopefully, with favorable supply and global developments, we can further lower rice prices for those who need this targeted government intervention the most,” he said.
Padilla is now PDP president, succeeds Alvarez
leadership, the party is in good hands.
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
SENATOR Robinhood Padilla has formally assumed his post as president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), the party announced on Wednesday. Padilla, who was the party’s former executive vice president and acting president, succeeded Palawan Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez who quit his post.
“As the new PDP president, Padilla will continue to consolidate the party membership and prepare for the 2025 mid-term elections which Rep Alvarez started,” the PDP said.
The PDP said they are confident that under Padilla’s
“It will continue to be a major force for reform and development in the country,” the PDP said.
The party thanked Alvarez for leading PDP in the last 20 months, saying he “made it a stronger political party that is focused on helping drive reforms in the country so that every Filipino will have an equal opportunity to attain his greatest potential.”
In the Senate, Padilla has advocated reforms in the 1987 Constitution, peace and order and anti-illegal drugs, and asserted the country’s sovereignty and the rights of Muslim Filipinos.
DepEd to create task force to boost PH’s PISA
THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday intends to create a task force on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in a bid to improve the students’ performance in local and international tests.
The plan comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), underscored the need to produce learners who are “critical thinkers and problem solvers.”
For the 2022 PISA, the Philippines landed in the bottom 10 out of 81 participating countries in reading comprehension, mathematics, and science; and second to the last in creative thinking.
“One of our recommendations is to put up a task force for PISA exams specifically because we need to modify local conditions to be able to perform better in these exams,” DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said in a hybrid post- SONA forum.
In addition to the task force, Angara emphasized short- and long-term strategies to fine tune the instructions system in public schools.
“We are injecting some periods in the everyday curriculum for reading to strengthen the foundations of literacy and numeracy,” Angara said, citing 30-minute reading periods in between classes.
“We’re supplementing current initiatives like catch-up Fridays with a focus on science projects because the focus on the coming 2025 PISA exam is going to deal with science,” he added.
The Education chief also said the DepEd targets to have periodic and granular monitoring to assess how learners are adapting to these strategies.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
SWOLLEN RIVER. Worried residents look at the swollen Marikina River brought about by incessant rains due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by typhoon Carina. Manny Palmero
OPINION
Disagreement over an agreement
THE country and China finally did what both should have done long time ago: sit down and talk.
Both have now apparently come out with a provisional agreement on how to resupply our troops on board the dilapidated RPS Sierra Madre now rusting in the Ayungin Shoal.
One would think that with the agreement, the tension in the WPS would be going down a few decibels but might not be so because a lot of things still must be ironed out.
Nonetheless, the initial talk is a positive start.
We still do not know the full details of the agreement but the announcement from our NSC which said all future resupply missions to the Sierra Madre will remain exclusively a Filipino affair.
That was ominous as shown by subsequent developments.
Part of the problem is China’s propensity of reneging on its own statements like the time when China’s President assured former President Duterte that Filipino fishermen can freely fish in the area but subsequently could not. Nevertheless, this new agreement is a good sign both countries are at least willing to find ways to thaw tensions on the WPS which would bode well for the region.
Before anything could even start, however, there are already disagreements on the agreement.
It looks like the details are being interpreted differently by both sides.
China’s Foreign Ministry is saying the Philippines agreed to inform or seek approval from Chinese authorities before any resupply mission is undertaken.
The Foreign Affairs Department of the Philippines on the other hand denied that was part of the agreement.
So, where do we go from here?
Since both parties are now in a talking mood, the two should sit down again and spell out the specific details of any agreement to avoid confusion.
Clearly, the two interpretations are diametrically opposed.
If the Philippines agreed to China’s interpretation, it’s game over for the Philippines because it will be tantamount to agreeing to China’s claim.
It is surprising that after both sides announced some form of provisional agreement, both sides also immediately issued contrasting interpretations on what was agreed upon.
This can only show that the talks, if any, must not have been much of a talk because it failed to tackle the most important issues.
Is there still a way forward?
I would think so if both sides really
want to lower the tension.
For us, it is obvious we have to continue resupplying our troops in the RPS Sierra Madre.
China, if it has its own way, would tow away the rusting Philippine Navy ship as advocated by some hardliners in China.
Problem as we all know is China does not play by the rules but only on its own rules unsupported by any convention.
That is actually the crux of the matter and it is perhaps timely to remind everyone how China misled the international community by saying the structures they were putting up in the WPS in the early 2000 were shelters for fishermen.
Those shelters are now militarized artificial islands and part of the defensive perimeter of China in the South China Sea.
We did not have the foresight to put up more permanent structures there beside a ship. We should also have thought of repairing the RPS Sierra Madre much earlier.
It is perhaps timely to remind everyone how China misled the international community by saying the structures they were putting up in the WPS in the early 2000 were shelters for fishermen
Currently, China is clearly losing in the media front but it is winning in its efforts to enforce its so-called inviolable historical right on about ninety per cent of the SCS even if it has no basis in international law.
It has after all the might to do it which limits our options.
Perhaps, the country should follow the suggestion of former Justice Antonio Carpio and try to put up a truly civilian facility like a light house that could also shelter fishermen in distress.
It is worthy to note that in the President’s SONA speech last Monday, the WPS issue received the most applause and a standing ovation.
But in the end, maintaining peace and stability is the most important and hopefully both sides can sit down again to settle differences peacefully and diplomatically.
SONA for the immediate audience
IT STARTED very well, with a candid admission high GDP rates mean nothing to people who are hungry and cannot cope with inflation, particularly in food and rice.
But the prescriptions were the staple of many previous SONAs and every agriculture secretary’s repeated pronouncements.
The issue is really in the implementation of all these prescribed solutions, which in the last two years, and even when our president was the agriculture secretary, was quite spotty. Kadiwa where cheap rice and a sprinkling of vegetables are sold in a few outlets will be expanded all over the nation, our president promised.
Now with Typhoon Carina raising the requirement for relief to flooded communities, I wonder where the NFA and the DA will get the rice that they will sell at tremendous loss.
The farmers federation which is against the recent executive order granting “open sesame” for rice imports via a reduced 15 percent tariff, computed that if the 4P beneficiaries would be given 29 peso rice, the daily loss to government would amount to 220 million pesos, based on NFA’s buying price of palay. Figure that out in a year, and wonder where the funds will come from.
But don’t worry, USDA estimates we will import 4.7 million tons of rice this
year, far more than the 3 million shortfall the president said is standard. Hope that 45 to 60 pesos will go no higher with Carina now and other typhoons later in the year.
Still, DA spokesman ASec Arnel de Mesa the day after declared that the promise of 20 pesos per kilo is still forthcoming. Come on.
For more than an hour, the SONA was filled with a recitation of achievements, some true, many still promises
For more than an hour, the SONA was filled with a recitation of achievements, some true, many still promises. Those that were implemented were not necessarily new initiatives; most were handed down by the previous two administrations and completed in the current leadership’s term.
The newly signed procurement law intends to plug leaks that cause delays, shoddy products and projects, even promote corruption. Again it would depend
METRO
Carina’s cruelty
Manila and its surrounding provinces awoke Wednesday flustered by scenes of rampaging floodwaters as high as chest-deep in some areas and some roads impassable, with financial markets, schools and offices closed.
The chilling scenario – as signal 2 remained hoisted over the area despite announcements the weather disturbance will be exiting the country’s area of responsibility by Thursday – slapped the metropolis, home to 13 million people, as the southwest monsoon continued to bring heavy rains enhanced by Typhoon Carina.
Before sunrise Wednesday, the eye of Carina was monitored to be 280 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center with gustiness of 190 kilometers per hour and central pressure of 950 hPa. Pressure is measured in hectoPascals
(hPA), or millibars. Standard pressure at sea level is defined as 1013hPa, but we can see large areas of either high or low pressure. These areas are all relative to each other, so what defines a high will change depending on the area around it.
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We enjoin residents in the affected areas to be on guard and monitor developments and warnings from the authorities including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
By noon, the rains were still continuing in some areas of the national capital, and many parts remained under water, stranding cars and morning commuters as Carina battered the metropolis. The Philippine Stock Exchange said there would be no trading in its equity market, while the nation’s central bank said currency trading and monetary operations would be closed.
THE shadow of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has loomed large over the archipelago for years, casting a long, troubling silhouette.
In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared a decisive end to this chapter, announcing the prohibition of all POGO operations.
The announcement was as dramatic as it was expected, following a string of chilling discoveries linking POGOs to a web of criminal activities: financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and even murder.
The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, were initially welcomed with open arms, seen as a boon for the economy.
They promised jobs, investments, and a boost to the real estate market.
POGOs first set foot in the Philippines in 2016, targeting the lucrative Chinese gambling market while benefiting from the Philippines’ more lenient gaming regulations. For a while, they flourished, contributing significant revenue to the government and employing thousands of Filipinos.
However, the industry soon revealed its darker side.
The influx of Chinese workers, the establishment of shadowy operations, and the surge in related criminal activities began to taint the initial optimism.
Reports of financial scams and human trafficking rings operating within POGO establishments painted a grim picture.
The final straw came with a series of high-profile raids in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga, uncovering horrific scenes of torture and rescue operations involving hundreds of Filipinos and foreign nationals.
The allegations of corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary, enabling these syndicates, only added to the
on the implementation of the new law, as the “wa-is” in government will always find ways and means to go around the law.
As it was when PDAF was declared illegal by the Supreme Court after the pork barrel scam where invisible projects were turned into gold by senators and congressmen, many of them still in government, elected by voters who never learn and never discern or are hoodwinked by creative ads, pure name recall and even crazy dancing.
Worse, pork has been pre-fabricated into the “president’s” budget because the DBM and the Cabinet prefer to talk turkey with powerful solons even before the NEB is submitted to Congress. Then during budget deliberations in both houses and in the bicameral conference committee, the insertions become larger and
Local government units in the National Capital Region and east of the capital in towns of Rizal announced some of the roads and villages in their respective jurisdictions were not accessible to vehicles due to flood waters that reached from gutter to chest deep levels. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also released flood advisories across the NCR due to continuous rains from Tuesday night until early Wednesday morning.
Earlier the state weather bureau PAGASA raised the yellow rainfall warning – residents should be on the alert as flooding may result in flood-prone areas – over Metro Manila and seven other areas: Zamvbales, bataan, Pamanga, Bulacan, Cavite Batangas and Tarlac. Weather men said the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Typhoon Carina, is bringing the heavy heavy rains, forcing rivers and other waterways in the capital and nearby towns to threaten their banks. Light to moderate with occasional heavy rains meanwhile are being experienced in Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Quezon and Laguna, with weathermen warning these rains may persist within three hours. We enjoin residents in the affected areas to be on guard and monitor developments and warnings from the authorities including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council .
A nation’s bold stand vs. crime, corruption
urgency for decisive action. President Marcos’s ban on POGOs aligns with the recommendations of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and echoes the public’s growing clamor for accountability and safety.
The arguments for the ban are compelling. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies highlighted the social costs of POGOs far outweigh their economic benefits.
PIDS warned that continuing to promote the POGO sector could expose the country to increased risks of capital reversal and significant social, governance, and reputational risks.
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The government must address the underlying issues that allowed POGOs to become a conduit for criminal activities
The political implications of this ban are profound. It marks a significant shift from the previous administration’s more lenient stance and signals a commitment to tackling corruption and organized crime.
The move also addresses concerns raised by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian about the potential influence of POGO syndicates within law enforcement and the judiciary. It sends a strong message that the Philippines will no longer tolerate such blatant disregard for its laws and the well-being of its people.
However, the repercussions of this ban are not to be underestimated.
The immediate impact will be felt by the estimated 23,000 Filipinos employed by POGOs who now face unem-
larger, transferring funds here and there, and into “unprogrammed” allocations.
Yet, as in the example of Philhealth funds where the president was eerily silent, “unused” monies as a result of non-feasance are now being shanghaied to fund unprogrammed allocations, e.g. pork. The diplomats applauded the declaration that in the fight against illegal drugs, “extermination was never one of the policies.” Nice soundbite. Maybe because the pushers had been exterminated in the previous government, he he he. But how come the illegal trade continues, and with many policemen back to their involvement in drugs and other crimes?
The firm resolve about the WPS, recited before foreign audiences before, was met with a standing ovation,
ployment.
The real estate market, which thrived on the back of POGO demand, may also suffer a downturn.
There are broader economic implications as well, considering the revenue and investments that POGOs brought into the country.
To mitigate these repercussions, the government must implement robust countermeasures.
The Department of Labor and Employment has been tasked with finding new jobs for displaced workers, but this will require a comprehensive strategy.
The government should consider retraining programs, incentives for businesses to hire displaced workers, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises to absorb some of the job losses.
Additionally, strengthening the country’s social safety nets will be crucial to support those affected by this transition.
The government must address the underlying issues that allowed POGOs to become a conduit for criminal activities. These include a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary. Transparency and accountability should be the cornerstones of these efforts, ensuring those responsible for enabling these crimes are brought to justice.
While the ban on POGOs marks a significant step towards reclaiming the Philippines’ integrity and security, it also presents a complex challenge that requires a united and determined response.
The government, private sector, and civil society must work together to ensure the transition away from POGOs is managed effectively and the country emerges stronger and more resilient.
This is a pivotal moment for the Philippines – a time to act with conviction and purpose, to protect its citizens, and to build a future free from the shadows of illicit gaming operations.
preceded by one over-enthusiastic congressman starting the ovation. Truly, it was a SONA for the immediate audience. Still the day after, Beijing was disputing our DFA’s interpretation of a modus vivendi where in truth and in fact, “coordination” means prior information to the “enemy” on our re-supply missions, short of asking permission.
Then the banning of POGOs, which met with even greater applause and prolonged ovation capped with cheers of “BBM!”. Predictably, Tuesday’s headlines were all about the “extinction” of the POGO invasion.
The morning after, the “masa” who do not care or even know little about this thing called POGO wonders how the SONA will uplift poverty and stave off involuntary hunger.
PAGCOR set to follow order on POGO ban by yearend
THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will abide by the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to wind down the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of the year, and will work closely with other government agencies to ensure the welfare of affected workers.
PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said he will immediately seek a meeting with officials of the Department of Labor and Employment as well as the country’s economic managers to help the estimated 42,000 job losses from the impending closure of all POGOs.
“We will follow the President’s order to wind down POGO operations by the end of the year, and we will work closely with DOLE and the economic team to study how to mitigate the effects of job losses, and to find alternative work for those who will be directly affected,” he said.
He also said the decision to ban POGOs will have a minimal impact on the Philippine gaming industry since the segment accounts for less than 5% of annual gross gaming revenues.
“The biggest impact of the ban, really, is on the Filipino workers and other businesses related to POGOs such as those in real estate, food and transport, and other ancillary businesses,” the PAGCOR chief said.
The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) meanwhile said it will support the President’s decision to impose a total ban on all POGOs. The Fil-Chi business group said it also anticipates that this decision will lead to enhanced peace and stability in the country.
“It is hoped that this will improve the Philippines’ international public image, enhance peace and order, and help strengthen our country’s bilateral relations with China, as the Chinese government has long requested a total ban on the controversial POGOs,” Cecilio K. Pedro, president of FFCCCII, stated.
In addition to endorsing the POGO ban, Pedro welcomed the de-escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea and affirmed the President’s stance on de-escalation as the “right direction” for fostering positive growth in the Philippine economy. Rachelle Tonelada
Bamban
mayor will attend hearing if ordered to do so
THE legal counsel of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo said Guo will attend court hearings if she is “ordered to do so. Guo’s lawyer, Stephen David, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said: “That’s what she told me. Of course she can’t be at large. Our defense will go to waste.”
David noted that Guo would need to appear when she is arraigned or when the prosecutor calls on her to take an oath on her affidavit
“As much as possible, when it is still just an exchange between lawyers, she does not need to attend. She can use an authorized representative,” the lawyer said.
David said Guo was still in the Philippines based on their last phone conversation on Tuesday night
The mayor is saddened by the continuation of Senate hearings on her, the next of which is scheduled on July 29, he said.
“She is traumatized. She said every time a Senate hearing ends, she receives a lot of cyberbullying. So she expects that when a Senate hearing happens, the bullying might even triple,” David said.
The lawyer meanwhile said Guo had no reaction to the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), as she is not connected to the gambling hubs.
“I am here at the Vatican, I’m not lying. She does not have any connection to POGO. She was just a lessor,” David said.
The lawyer further said that while he was not calling for the end of POGO hearings, he wanted Guo to be spared from the probe since cases were already filed against her and she cannot freely answer questions for fear that she would incriminate herself.
POGO workers given 60 days to leave PH, says BI
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said foreign workers employed in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and internet gambling licensee (IGL) companies will be given two months to exit the country following the ban on these establishments.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco also bared that at least 20,000 foreign POGO and IGL employees are expected to leave the country in the next 60 days.
Tansingco, quoted by GMA News, also said the BI will deny all pending and new applications for visas for POGO and IGL employees.
According to Tansingco, the gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has shared a list of foreign employees and warned that those who violate their directive “will be subjected to deportation proceedings.”
DAR gives 53k hectares to beneficiaries
operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” he added.
The President said POGOs are disguised as legitimate entities, but their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, and even murder.
“The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered an immediate ban on POGOs during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA)—a pronouncement that earned him resounding applause and a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests at the Batasan complex.
“We’re hearing the loud voices of the people against the POGOs…Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Mr. Marcos said.
“I hereby instruct Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and cease the
He also issued instructions to the BI intelligence division and fugitive search unit to intensify arrests against violators and illegal online gaming hubs
rescue team rescue a woman who gave birth amid heavy rains brought by the typhoon. A member of the rescue team carries the newborn baby to safety (inset).
The Department of Labor and Employment earlier said jobs and livelihood programs would be offered to Filipino workers affected by the ban on POGOs.
PAGCOR, for its part, said some 40,000 Filipino employees from POGO firms would be affected by the ban.
The BI also bared that it would revoke the visas granted to foreigners employed at POGOs, adding that it had already deported more than 2,300 foreign workers employed in scam hubs operating under the guise of gaming companies in the country.
Lawmakers hail President’s pledges during SONA
By Maricel V. Cruz
TINGOG Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez has joined other lead-
ers of the House of Representatives in commending the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., describing it as “a realization of the President’s pledge to the Filipino people for a Bagong Pilipinas.”
She said the President’s SONA underscores the Marcos administration’s successes in the areas of agricultural development, economic policies, innovations, modernization, enhanced healthcare and social amelioration.
Also included in the highlights of the SONA are the President’s solutions to the rising inflation and his positions on issues concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Philippine online gam-
ing operators (POGOs)
“Additionally, local issues such as the West Philippine Sea disputes, the impact of climate change, and the operations of criminal syndicates involved in smuggling and illegal POGO operations have seriously affected not only the social and economic well-being of our country but have also threatened the moral fiber of our nation,” she added.
“The absolute ban on POGOs is not only a welcome development but also a testament to the decisive leadership of the President.
In the face of these adversities, Romualdez said the administration and the House of Representatives “have neither faltered nor shirked in performing our solemn duties.”
She then enumerated several accomplishments of the 19th Congress, which included the enactment of the New
Agrarian Emancipation Act, the Maharlika Investment Fund Act, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, the Caregivers’ Welfare Act, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines, and the Internet Transactions Act.
Romualdez shared the efforts of Tingog Partylist for its part in bringing government services closer to the people through the establishment of Tingog Centers all over the country, which made government programs and services more accessible, especially to the underrepresented population.
Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, meanwhile said he fully supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s development agenda outlined during the SONA. “President Marcos again demonstrated his unwavering dedication to uplift the lives of every Filipino,” Co said.
OUT of the 135,392 titles comprising of electronic land titles from Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project, emancipation patents and certificates of land ownership award, 43,617 titles have covered freshly distributed 53,860 hectares of farmlands that have been handed to 39,853 farmer-beneficiaries from January to July, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said records available showed the Duterte administration distributed a total of 17,640 e-titles, EPs and CLOAs covering 26,403 hectares of farmlands to 17,549 agrarian reform beneficiaries over its last 16 months in office from March 2021 to June 30, 2022. Of the total 135,392 land titles distributed under the Marcos Jr. administration, 83,293 are individual e-titles derived from the collective CLOAs subdivided under the Project SPLIT designed to empower and inspire the beneficiaries to work doubly hard on their farmlots now that their property rights and security of tenure is protected. Rio N. Araja
Mandanas helps ‘Bagong Pilipinas’
THE full implementation of the Mandanas ruling will speed up the achievement of ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ movement goals, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas said on Wednesday. In an interview, he expressed his confidence that local government units (LGUs) can effectively work under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in the realization of the national government’s plans in the remaining years.
“In his term, the local government has been given additional powers. It shows that the executive branch is just one all under the president while there are also some functions that can be done more effectively in the local level,” he told Manila Standard.
In the said landmark case, the Supreme Court ruled that just share of LGUs from the national taxes is not only based on the national internal revenue taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, but also on all national taxes. He emphasized that “budget appropriation is an automatic release and does not have to go through the congress since it cannot do anything outside the mandate of the Constitution.” Pot Chavez WFP, USAID launch innovation contest
THE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with WFP’s Innovation Accelerator, launched the first in-country innovation competition in search of local solutions to tackle food insecurity in the Philippines. This initiative is part of the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines (PREP) program, supported by USAID, the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and others. PREP aims to enhance the Philippines’ emergency response and management capacities, supporting vulnerable Filipinos during disasters.
“Natural disasters can affect food supply chains, livelihoods, and access to proper nutrition, which can trap people in a cycle of hunger and poverty for years. Innovative solutions can help the most vulnerable communities prepare for and recover from these crises,” said Ben Hemingway, USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific.
RESCUING A MOTHER AND CHILD. Members of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office urban search and
FOG? A thick layer of fog seems to cover buildings in Eastwood, Brgy. Libis, Quezon City amid the rains brought by Typhoon Carina. Manny Palmero
Crossovers, High Speed Hitters try to keep hot start
PLDT and Chery Tiggo aim to extend their winning streaks to three as they face rivals who have yet to secure a victory in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig today (Thursday).
The unpredictable results from Tuesday’s matches have leveled the playing field, creating an exciting race for supremacy in the league organized by Sports Vision.
Akari’s surprise victory over AllFilipino finalist Choco Mucho and Capital1’s upset against two-time champion Petro Gazz have added to the chaos in Pool B.
Meanwhile, PLDT and Chery Tiggo, with their strong lineups and talented reinforcements, are keen to maintain their dominance in Pool A following consecutive wins.
The High Speed Hitters are confident as they take on the Farm Fresh Foxies at 1 p.m., while the Crossovers shoot for another win against the Galeries Tower Highrisers at 5 p.m.
Led by the dynamic Lena Samoilenko and supported by a strong local crew including Fiola Ceballos, Mika Reyes, Erika Santos, Majoy Baron and Kim Fajardo, the High Speed Hitters are favored in their match against the Foxies.
“Hindi pwedeng makisama sa hype na nafifeel ng team kailangan ilevel lang kasi every game iba iba yung inooffer ng kalaban, marami pa kaming mabigat na games lalo yung last three games,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
However, Farm Fresh remains hopeful, relying on import Yeny Murillo, who scored 26 points in their previous match, and support from Caitlin Viray, Trisha Tubu, Louie Romero, Aprylle Tagsip, Chinnie Arroyo and Rizza Cruz.
Chery Tiggo, meanwhile, is expected to overcome Galeries Tower, with Khat Bell leading the charge after her 21-point performance. Despite missing key players Eya Laure and Jen Nierva and the injured EJ Laure, the Crossovers remain strong with Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, Mylene Paat, Jasmine Nabor, Shaya Adorador, Pauline Gaston, Mary Rhose Dapol and Cess Robles.
“It’s really ideal just to let go of the past wins. We should not stop right now, we still have a long way to go and I just wanna keep pushing us,” said Bell.
To stop Chery Tiggo, Galeries Tower will need a standout performance from import Chuewulim Sutadta and significant contributions from locals France Ronquillo, Dimdim Pacres, Andrea Marzan, RJ Doromal, Fhen Emnas, Roselle Baliton and Shannen Palec.
A FULLY integrated esports superapp, Kalaro, was globally launched this morning (12:01 a.m., July 25) in Manila by a Singapore-based software company.
“The Kalaro super app was created not only as a platform for gaming mastery but as an esports monetization engine, designed for earning,” said Kalaro Founder and CEO Jun D. Lasco. “This will be a game-changer in the esports industry. It’s a software platform that creates continuous gamer engagement — via its own in-app social media module, its in-app e-wallet and in-app currency, its brand storefront, and its own tournament management module.
“Monetization is a major industry problem these days. Unlike a few years ago, Youtube and Facebook monetization is now very difficult, mainly due to the ‘ranking algorithm.’ The large volume of streamers and gamers broadcasting content makes it challenging to produce considerable traction that brings monetary earnings. Continuous engagement via live and recorded tournaments allows gamers to be entertained, study how pro-
Tamayo wins sudden death; Saban shines
DAVAO—Brittany Tamayo overcame a dramatic finish to clinch the girls’ 10-12 category title in the ICTSI Junior Mindanao Series I, salvaging a par on the 18th and edging Kimberly Barroquillo in sudden death at the Apo Golf and Country Club course here yesterday (Wednesday).
Tamayo, who saw her three-stroke lead evaporate with two holes left in regulation, held her nerve in the playoff to secure the victory and gain ranking points needed for the Match Play Championship in October.
The 12-year-old from Notre Dame University in Marbel, South Cotabato
seemed poised for an easy win despite losing a five-stroke lead heading into the back nine. However, a triple-bogey on the par-3 16th resulted in an 85, allowing Barroquillo, who parred the last four holes for an 81, to force a playoff at 163 after 36 holes.
Tamayo, however showed resilience
in the playoff back at the par-5 No. 18. She reached the green in two, while her Davaoeña rival needed three shots to get there and then three-putted, handing Tamayo the win.
“I was very happy that I won the playoff,” said Tamayo, celebrating her second career sudden death victory. “I had a c hance for a birdie in the playoff but three-putted because I was too nervous.”
Tamayo, who plans to compete in next week’s Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific, emphasized the need to “improve my short game and stay focused.” She expressed gratitude to her parents, coaches and friends for their support.
Lady Gaga in Paris, sparks opening rites rumors
PARIS—Video of Lady Gaga in Paris just days before the start of the Olympic Games has sparked rumours the US pop star could feature in Friday’s opening ceremony. The 38-year-old was seen arriving at a hotel in the French capital in videos posted on social media. The music for the op ening ceremony, to be held along the river Seine rather than in the athletics stadium for the first time in the history of the Olympics, is yet to be fully announced.
Franco-Malian R&B star Aya Nakamura is widely tipped to perform despite criticism from far-right politicians, including Marine Le Pen who suggested an appearance by her would “humiliate” France.
Celine Dion has also been spotted in Paris, fuelling rumours she too could take part in either the opening or closing ceremony.
French electro superstars Daft Punk said they had turned down an invitation to play in the opening ceremony, while globe-trotting French DJ David Guetta has been overlooked —much to his irritation.
In the ceremony, around 6,0007,000 athletes are set to sail down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of the river Seine from the Austerlitz bridge in the east to the Eiffel Tower, on 85 barges and boats. AFP
Malaysian star to grace Protech badminton meet at Dubsmash
PROTECH Sports is delighted to announce the 2nd Protech 2024 Open Badminton Tournament scheduled from August 9 to 11, 2024, at the Dragonsmash Badminton Center in Makati City.
This prestigious sporting event will feature special guest Malaysian badminton star and Olympic medalist Chan Peng Soon.
The tournament is sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) as part of its national ranking system.
The Protech 2024 Open aims to promote the sport of badminton in the country, encourage athletic excellence, and foster community engagement among the participants. Players of all skill levels, from grassroots to
super app launched
fessionals do it, and do watch parties with ease. Podcasts or training videos can also be broadcast live inside the platform’s social media hub,” Lasco explained. The executive also announced that Kalaro will be demonstrated live by himself and his team at the Philippine Gamedev Expo (PGDX) 2024 at the SMX Convention Center from July 2628. The demos will be done all day during the expo’s three days. The PGDX showcases the latest in gaming, esports, game publishing, and development. Kalaro created a social network hub for gamers so that finding a teammate, a new gamer-friend, a coach, or a competitor for a friendly match would be fast and fun. “While LinkedIn is for professionals, and Facebook is for everyone, Kalaro is the social platform for gamers. It’s where people can meet new gamer friends,” said the Fujitsu and Ayala Systems alumnus.
The software architect and technopreneur, who goes by the game name “White Shadow,” added: “It’s also a brand engagement engine. Yes, brands can use the Kalaro platform to reach
and engage with 43 million Filipino gamers. Brands can keep them in the know and updated on the latest trends and happenings in the world of esports and how their company creates new products to be ahead of these trends.”
The tech CEO explained: “Joining tournaments and similar competitions is the only proven way to gain mastery — in any sport, for that matter. Now that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized esports as a legitimate sport to be soon included as an official Olympics event, Filipinos can leverage Kalaro so that tournaments, for training purposes, can be implemented across the country’s 82 provinces. Kalaro’s automated tournament management module allows tournament organizers to run their operations cost-effectively and highly profitably. It’s a revenue multiplier. It’s a brand’s missing link to engage with millions of esports fans. Gamers benefit, since joining these tournaments allows them to improve their skills and boost their gaming stature — giving them higher chances of being discovered by their dream team and dream leagues,
amateur enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, are invited to participate in various categories including the Aged category, Open category, and social level category. This tournament provides an excellent opportunity for players to gain national ranking points and enhance their competitive standings.
The highlights of this tournament are the awarding of cash prizes and trophies for winners in each category, national ranking points for open and aged categories, exhibition matches and a meet-and-greet session with Chan Peng Soon, and a raffle draw with exciting prizes for attendee s.
“We are thrilled to host the
2nd Protech 2024 Open Badminton Tournament, now sanctioned by PBAD. The presence of Chan Peng Soon as our special guest will undoubtedly elevate the competition and inspire all participants”, said Ric Dizon, Protech Philippine President.
“The Protech 2024 Open is not just a competition, but a celebration of the spirit of badminton,” said RAV Valdez Deputy Tournament Director. “We look forward to welcoming players and fans for a weekend of thrilling matches and camaraderie.” Organizers of the event are expecting a huge number of badminton enthusiasts to join the 2nd Protech 2024 Open Badminton Tournament.
Brittany Tamayo is doused with water by her peers after her golf triumph. Manny Marcelo
Chan Peng Soon, Malaysia’s badminton star and Olympic medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Shown here are (from left) Jun D. Lasco, Founder & CEO, Walter A. Bucher, Independent Director, David Nithyananthan, Co-Founder, Renalyn B. David, Board Director, Genesis E. Bautista, Director for Marketing, at
Lady Gaga
THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
IOC, Macron reject Israel boycott call at Olympics Strike threat lingers over Olympics opening rites
PARIS—The head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and French President Emmanuel Macron rejected Tuesday a Palestinian demand that Israel be barred from the Paris Games over the war in Gaza.
As the Israeli team settled into the Athletes’ Village, the IOC studied a letter from the Palestine Olympic Committee asking for a ban on Israel, citing the bombings of the besieged Gaza Strip as a breach of the Olympic truce.
The letter, sent days before Friday’s opening ceremony, “emphasised that Palestinian athletes, particularly those in Gaza, are denied safe passage and have suffered significantly due to the ongoing conflict”.
It said “approximately 400 Palestinian athletes have been killed and the destruction of sports facilities exacerbates
the plight of athletes who are already under severe restrictions”.
But IOC president Thomas Bach indicated that he would not be drawn into “political business”.
He added: “The position of the IOC is very clear. We have two National Olympic Committees, that is the difference with the world of politics, and in this respect both have been living in peaceful co-existence,” he told a press conference in Paris.
“The Palestinian NOC has greatly benefitted. Palestine is not a recognised member state of the UN but the NOC is
a recognised National Olympic Committee enjoying the equal rights and opportunities like all the other NOCs.”
The Palestinian call highlights how the rising death toll in Gaza—39,090, according to the latest estimate from the Hamas-run health ministry—and the growing humanitarian crisis is impacting the Paris Games.
Some left-wing French politicians have also called for Israel athletes to be barred in the same way as Russian and Belarussian athletes have been stripped of the right to compete under their national colours over the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“Israeli athletes are welcome in our country,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.
“They must be able to compete under their colours because the Olympic movement has decided it,” he told France 2 television in an interview,
adding that it was “France’s responsibility to provide them with security”.
“I condemn in the strongest possible way all those who create risks for these athletes and implicitly threaten them,” he said.
‘Best village’ Competitors flooded into the Olympic Village in northern Paris, with national flags hanging from many windows.
Some of the biggest names set to perform at the Olympics—American gymnast Simone Biles and Spanish tennis pair Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz— have been spotted at the village.
Reviews of the food and accommodation were broadly positive, but some people reported issues with the transport to and from sports venues.
“Usually at Olympics, the transport takes a bit of time to work out,” Tom Craig, a striker in the Australian hockey team, told AFP.
Tolentino: Expect proud, strong Team PH in Paris opener
NESTHY Petecio and Carlo Paalam will be in the forefront as flag-bearers of a 16-member Philippine representation in the never-done-before opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics on Friday.
“We’ll be a proud and hopeful 16-strong Team Philippines in the opening ceremony,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino from Paris who won’t be joining the parade of countries and will be sitting in the Olympic Family section on a bank along the Seine River.
Joining the two boxing silver medalists at Tokyo 2020 are their fellow boxers Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan, hurdlers Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino, swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarrod Hatch, gymnast Aleah Finnegan and fencer Samantha Catantan.
Chef de Mission Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla and sports officials Michael Angelo Vargas (swim-
ming), Marcus Manalo (boxing), Cynthia Carrion Norton (gymnastics), Patrick Gregorio (rowing) and Agapito “Terry” Capistrano (athletics) will also be on the boat assigned for the Philippines in the lavish ceremony that start at 7:30 p.m. (1:30 a.m. in Manila).
Tolentino said that boxer Eumir Felix Marcial, gymnast Carlos Yulo and rower Joanie Delgaco will open their campaign on Saturday and won’t be joining the parade as well as pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, who wanted to focus more in his pre-games preps in Normandy.
The three weightlifters—Vanessa Sarno, John Febuar Ceniza and Erleen Ann Ando—have yet to conclude their training in Metz and are due at the Olympic Village on August 6, according to Tolentino.
“The schedule of our Olympian athletes have been meticulously crafted by their coaches so there won’t be hitches as they approach
their competition days,” said Tolentino, who made the rounds of the Athletes Village after arriving in Paris on Wednesday and got to meet former multiple pro boxing champion Gennadiy Gennadyevich Golovkin, or Triple G, who’s part of the Kazakhstan boxing team.
Completing the 22-athlete Team Philippines are gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Levi Ruivivar, golfers Bianca Pagdangan and Dottie Ardina and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe.
The Paris Games organizers describe the opening ceremony as “bold, original and unique” that for the first time in Olympic history, the opening cwill not take place in a stadium but on the Seine River.
The organizers said that parade of athletes will cover 6 kms on the Seine with boats for each national delegation—the boats will be equipped with cameras to allow television and online viewers to see the athletes up close.
Hatch on coming Olympic stint: It gives me chills
By Peter Atencio
FOR Jarrod Hatch, his goal to represent the Philippines in the swimming meet of the Paris Olympics is close to getting accomplished.
“I’m happy. I’m almost there,” said the 25-yearold Hatch, who will plunge into action in his main event in the men’s 100-meter butterfly and in a secondary event, which is the 100-meter freestyle. Hatch added that he has been looking forward to the day that he will compete, and he won’t say that he has done anything significant until has plunged into the pool. Action in the men’s 100-meter freestyle will happen with the heats on July 30, before his primary event, the 100-meter butterfly, takes place on Aug. 2.
“I’m not gonna say that I did it until I get into that pool. I’ve talked to my parents, talked to my
family on the phone. This just give me chills,” added Hatch on his being in the Games. Hatch made it to the Summer Olympics in Paris under the universality rule, along with Kayla Sanchez.
He holds the Philippine national record for the men’s 100m butterfly, after clocking 52.87 seconds in the heats of the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. Earlier, Hatch came out of retirement in late 2022, taking part in the national trials in February 2023. From his participation in the national trials, Hatch went on to earn a berth for the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.
Two bronze medals in the 100m butterfly and 50m fly events and a silver in the 4x100m mixed relay team made his decision to unretire a worthwhile decision and experience.
PARIS—Negotiations to end a strike threat from several hundred dancers involved in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony failed to reach an agreement Tuesday, meaning the event still faces the risk of disruption.
The SFA-CGT union, which says it represents roughly 10 percent of the 3,000 performers involved in the opening ceremony, filed a strike notice last week over what it said were “outrageous disparities” in pay between dancers.
A meeting Tuesday between the union and the organising committee for the Games resulted in an offer of 120 euros ($130) extra for the lowest paid performers, which was rejected.
“This Tuesday, a timid proposal was finally made to us, related to an increase in pay for broadcasting rights,” the union said in a statement sent to AFP.
The strike threat is an unwelcome development for French organisers and risks deepening France’s reputation for labour disputes just as the eyes of the world fall on Paris for the start of the Games this Friday.
A whole host of French public sector workers have threatened strikes or have stopped work ahead of the Olympics to demand bonuses for working over the July 26-August 11 event, which coincides with the summer holidays.
One-off payments of up to 1,900 euros have been agreed for police and municipal workers in Paris.
The head of the formerly Communist-aligned CGT, Sophie Binet, urged the company producing the opening ceremony, Paname 2024, to quickly reach an agreement to end the strike threat.
Some of the dancers protested on Monday during rehearsals by the river Seine by stopping and holding their fists aloft for eight minutes.
The opening ceremony is set to take place over a six-kilometer (four-mile) stretch of the river Seine, with around 6,000-7,000 athletes expected to sail down the river on 85 boats.
It will be the first time a summer Olympics has opened outside of the main athletics stadium.
A small union at Paris airport operator ADP has also filed a strike notice for Friday.
Management of the company reached an agreement last week with most labour groups to end a dispute over Olympic bonuses. AFP
Russian
man arrested over
plot to destabilize Paris Olympics
PARIS—French police on Tuesday arrested a Russian man suspected of plotting acts of “destabilization” during the Paris Olympics, prosecutors said. The man, born in 1984, was held in custody and placed under judicial investigation on suspicion of “organising events likely to lead to destabilisation during the Olympic Games”, a source in the state prosecution service, who asked not to be named, told AFP.
The source said an investigation was opened into “passing intelligence to a foreign power in order to arouse hostilities in France”, adding that the crime was punishable by up to 30 years in jail. Prosecutors said a visit to the man’s home “at the request of the interior ministry” had uncovered evidence of the suspected plans. They did not give any details of the alleged plot, except to say that it was not terrorist in nature, and that specialist anti-terrorist prosecutors were not following the case.
Authorities have investigated over a million people, including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, security guards and even local residents near event locations ahead of the Olympics, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told weekly Paris Match on Tuesday. Of those, 4,360 were denied access to the Games, with people close to Darmanin telling AFP on Sunday that 880 were barred over suspicions of foreign interference.
In recent months, several high-profile stunts have raised suspicion that foreign actors are trying to influence French public opinion or stoke divisions, notably about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or Israel’s campaign in Gaza after the October 7 attack by Hamas. AFP
Jarrod Hatch
P2.15 trillion
Revenue collection in first half
P2.76 trillion
Expenditures in first half
P613.9 billion
Budget deficit in first half
Budget deficit climbed to P614b in first semester
THE national government’s budget deficit fell in June from a year ago, on stronger revenue collection.
Data from the Bureau of Treasury show that the government deficit reached P209.1 billion in June, lower than P225.4 billion registered in the same period last year as revenue collection grew faster than government expenditures. The deficit in the first six months, however, widened 11.27 percent to P613.9 billion year-over-year, but was 7.24 percent below the P661.8billion midyear goal on better-thanprogrammed revenues.
Government revenue in June rose 10.93 percent year-on-year to P296.5 billion, surpassing the previous year’s collection by P29.2 billion.
Total collections in the first half reached P2.15 trillion, up by 15.56 percent from a year earlier. Taxes comprised 85 percent of the sixmonth revenue and grew by 10.05 percent from P1.67 trillion in the previous year.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) collection for June rose 4.71 percent to P172.5 billion, net of the P4.3 billion tax refund. The agency’s first-half collection amounted to P1.36 trillion, outpacing the outturn in the same period last year by 11.72 percent but missing the P1.40 trillion midyear program by 2.92 percent.
Collections by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reached P74.6 billion in June, up by 0.67 percent from a year ago. Darwin G. Amojelar
CENSUS.
An enumerator interviews a resident of Lumba-Bayabao town in Lanao del Sur province for the 2024 population census community-based monitoring system.
The POPCENCBMS involves the collection, compilation, evaluation, analysis, publication and dissemination of data on population count, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the population, housing statistics and other relevant data.
DOTr ready to turn over NAIA to SMC on Sept. 14
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday it is set to hand over the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the San Miguel Group by Sept. 14, 2024.
“We will hand over the airport to New NAIA Infra Corp. by Sept. 14,” DOTr Undersecretary for planning and project development Timothy John Batan said during the postSONA discussions.
NNIC is composed of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc. and Incheon International Airport Corp.
Batan said the government expects to increase the passenger capacity of the airport from 35 million to 62 million once the private concessionaire starts the expansion of the airport.
The runway capacity will also increase up to 48 movements per hour.
“In the first six years of the concession, we are expecting our concessionaire to put in an estimated P88 billion investment into NAIA,” Batan said.
He said this is higher than the average annual capital outlay of the government in NAIA of P2 billion from 2010 to 2023.
He said that besides convenience to passengers, the government expects to generate P900 billion in revenues in the course of its entire 25-year concession period, inclusive of the P30 billion upfront payment, P2 billion annual payment and 82 percent government revenue share.
NNIC, formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium, signed the P170.6billion contract in March 2024 to operate, maintain and upgrade NAIA for 15 years, extendible for another 10 years.
The NAIA project involves capital investment to improve the airport’s facilities to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other internationally-accepted standards. The concessionaire will be responsible for both landside and airside operations of the NAIA.
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday it exceeded its revenue target by P126.26 billion since the start of the Marcos administration. The government’s second largest revenue-generating agency collected P1.73 trillion in the past two years, surpassing the P1.601-trillion goal by 8.07 percent.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the BOC’s efforts in optimizing revenue collection, facilitating trade and strengthening border security during his recent State of the Nation Address.
“The Philippine financial system remains robust and resilient. Tax and nontax revenue collection has also become
SteelAsia allots
P82b to build 5 new steel mills in
4 years
By Othel V. Campos
STEELASIA, the Philippines’ largest steel maker, said it plans to invest P82 billion in the construction of five new steel plants over the next four years.
SteelAsia chairman and chief executive Benjamin Yao said the investments aim to replace costly steel imports, stimulate economic growth and create new jobs across the country.
“These new plants will produce steel products that are currently imported, costing the country over $3 billion annually. The steel produced will be vital for infrastructure, construction, and various manufacturing industries,” he said.
The plants will be strategically in Lemery, Batangas; Candelaria, Quezon; Davao City; and Concepcion, Tarlac. The first three are expected to be completed by 2026, while the remaining two in Tarlac will be operational by 2027.
Yao said the investments would establish the foundation for a thriving manufacturing sector in the Philippines, generating more jobs and upskilling the workforce.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of revitalizing the local steel industry and pledged government support for SteelAsia’s expansion plans during the inauguration of the company’s P10-billion Compostela, Cebu plant earlier this month.
SteelAsia operates plants in Batangas, Bulacan, Davao and Cebu to minimize transportation costs and ensure competitive pricing nationwide.
more efficient, in pace with our rejuvenated economy,” Marcos said.
The BOC said it confiscated P2.7 billion worth of smuggled agri-fisheries products, demonstrating its commitment in safeguarding the nation’s borders through modernized customs procedures and stringent enforcement efforts.
The President also expressed grati-
By Jenniffer B. Austria
tude for the implementation of the eTravel system.
He said the system simplified air transport by easing the travel process for passengers.
The BOC said it successfully fully implemented the e-Travel System at international airports.
Darwin G. Amojelar
2024
MATATAG AI. Officials of the Paranaque City led by Mayor Eric Olivarez (third from left), Rep. Edwin Olivarez (fourth from right), Councilor Jose Enrico Golez (fifth from left) Department of Education School Division Superintendent Dr. Nerrisa Losaria and Cypher Global Ed Tech director Jen Padernal flash the thumbs up sign, during the workshop on the effective use of the Matatag Curriculum AI software and assessment system for schools on July 23, 3024 at Max’s Restaurant in Sucat, Paranaque City. Joseph Muego
BDO sells P55.7-b sustainability bonds
By Jenniffer B. Austria
BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender, said Wednesday it raised P55.7 billion from the issuance of its third peso-
denominated ASEAN sustainability bonds.
BDO said in a statement the offering was strongly received by foreign and local institutional investors as the issue was more than 11-times oversubscribed versus the original offer of P5 billion. The latest ASEAN sustainability bonds have a tenor of 1.5 years and bear a coupon rate of 6.325 percent per annum. The bonds were issued and listed on
the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. Wednesday.
“The net proceeds of the issuance are intended to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework and diversify the bank’s funding sources,” BDO said.
ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch acted as the sole arranger and sustainability coordinator, while BDO Unibank Inc. and ING were the selling agents. BDO Capital & Investment Corp. was the financial advisor.
The bank said that amid strong demand from both retail and institutional investors, it ended the offer period on July 16, 2024, or three days ahead of schedule.
The bank raised P63.3 billion in January 2024 from its second offering of ASEAN sustainability bonds.
The 1.5-year notes carry a coupon of 6.025 percent per annum.
It also generated P52.7 billion from its first ASEAN sustainability bond issue in January 2022.
The Sy family-led bank is the larg-
est in terms of assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2024.
BDO also has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,700 consolidated operating branches and more than 5,500 teller machines nationwide. It also has 16 international offices, including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore, in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Increasing farm output boils down to providing the basic input—water
FOR a country blessed with plenty of rainfall during the wet season, low agricultural production is an incongruity.
Poor water management system in the Philippines and inadequate irrigation facilities have hounded Filipino farmers for decades. Rice and crop production lack the basic water input. Many farmers have become reliant on the onset of the rainy months for water to start their planting season.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. sees technology as the key to revitalizing Philippine agriculture to unlock its full potential. The agriculture chief is right. Modernizing agriculture is critical to increased productivity and empowerment of the rural sector. It employs a significant portion of the workforce, yet contributes less than 10 percent to the gross domestic product.
Improving farm output, however, is getting down to the basics. Farmers need ample water supply first in order to plant rice and crops.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the former agriculture chief, too, wants a modern farm sector and better lives for farmers and fishermen. He prioritized the agriculture sector in his State of the Nation Address Monday and, fortunately, he knows where to start.
In just a span of one week, Mr. Marcos led the ceremonial opening of the floodgates for the Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo. The P20-billion project is seen to increase Western Visayas’ rice production by 160,000 metric tons, or 20 percent of the region’s annual rice requirement. River multi-purpose projects, among others, conserve the water collected by waterways during the rainy season and prevent the resource from just emptying into the sea. They feed irrigation canals that farmers need all year long.
The JRMP II is the largest water reservoir project to be built outside of Luzon in more than 40 years. About 25,000 farmers in Iloilo will benefit from the additional irrigation provided by the project, which will also generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power.
The project will benefit 7,000 farmers across 17 municipalities in Iloilo’s first to fifth districts. It will produce 86 million liters of water daily for commercial and industrial needs in Iloilo province and Iloilo City.
“On top of its use for irrigation, a portion of the water from the High Dam’s reservoir, or around 86 million liters per day, will be utilized to supply the commercial and industrial bulk water requirements of Iloilo City
and its neighboring municipalities,” said Mr. Marcos.
The chief executive the following day led the inauguration of the P940-million Sulvec Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Barangay Sapat in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
The Sulvec SRIP includes a 32-meter dam, aperture structures, a diversion dam with a 1.60-kilometer distance downstream of the main dam and a network of canals with concrete lining totaling 43.20 kilometers, and around 334 terminal facilities.
The project is expected to benefit over a thousand farmers in the town’s 10 villages
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) administrator Eduardo Guillen said the project would offer sustainable irrigation to nearby villages.
Farmers need ample water supply first in order to plant rice and crops.
The irrigation project features an aquaculture component to boost farmers’ livelihood, while the scenic landscape can be developed into a tourist spot, like the Madongan River diversion dam in Dingras, Ilocos Norte.
Impounding dams and small reservoir irrigation projects are what farmers need in the countryside to make their farm more productive.
The NIA, meanwhile, will be at the center of providing practical solutions to Filipino farmers. It needs at least a P200-billion budget annually for its irrigation projects to ensure food security in the country.
NIA’s Guillen said the P200-billion budget would fund “short to long-term projects of the agency such as the construction of high dams, restoration projects, solar pump irrigation initiatives and water impounding projects.”
Funding constraints, however, may derail NIA’s objectives. The Department of Budget and Management only approved a P42-billion budget for 2025, even lower than the P70.22-billion allocation under this year’s General Appropriations Act.
The government’s goal to boost agriculture production largely hinges on NIA’s ability to build impounding dams and mini-reservoir projects. The Philippines should get its priorities straight if it wants the agriculture sector to grow and prosper.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
BDO Unibank reports raising [P55.7 billion in fresh funds from its third peso-denominated ASEAN Sustainability Bond issue on strong demand.
BUSINESS
GCF approves $1-b fund for climate-related projects
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved $1 billion in funding for climate adaptation and mitigation projects, including a project that will empower Philippine green entrepreneurs to promote climate-resilient businesses.
The GCF is the largest global fund created to support climate change mitigation and adaptation projects and programs in developing countries.
Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco serves as the GCF alternate board member (ABM) under the
Asia-Pacific Group and represented the Philippine delegation during the meeting.
The GCF board approved 17 funding proposals for adaptation and mitigation projects, along with six new accredited entities covering sectors such as coastal resilience, sustainable agricultural systems, ecosystem restoration and climate technologies.
Among the approved projects was the Collaborative Research and Development Business (R&DB) Program for Promoting the Innovation of Climate Technopreneurship, which aims to facilitate technological transfer and
Trademark filings in PH rose 17% to more than 21,000 in first half
By Othel V. Campos
TRADEMARK filings in the Philippines reached 21,751 in the first half of 2024, up by 16.94 percent from 18,599 in the same period last year.
The figure also represented 86 percent of the total 25,263 intellectual property (IP) filings from January to June 2024.
“Given that we are already halfway through the year, I am confident that trademark applications for 2024 will surpass last year’s figures,” said Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) directorgeneral Rowel Barba at the opening of the three-day Philippines Trademark Conference 2024 Tuesday.
“This trend reflects the increasing importance individuals, businesses, and organizations place on brand protection through registered trademarks,” he said.
Trademark applications account-
ed for 41,953 filings, representing 84.2 percent of the total 49,832 IP filings in 2023.
Barba said that even during the pandemic, trademarks remained the dominant category, bouncing back strongly in 2021 and exceeding prepandemic levels by 2022, signaling a robust economic recovery.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported that trademark applications globally reached 15.5 million in 2022, comprising 66 percent of total IP applications.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the Philippine economy, would significantly benefit from robust trademark protection.
“Trademarks level the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete effectively with larger, more established brands,” he said.
improve the local ecosystem for climate technology by empowering local entrepreneurs in the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Vietnam.
The program worth $221.215 million will be divided among the recipient countries, allowing Philippine green entrepreneurs to leverage global technological expertise, thus accelerating climate-resilient development in the country.
The GCF will finance about $104.471 million through grants and equity, while the remaining $ 116.744 million will come from the co-financer’s contributions.
DigiPlus denies being affected by POGO ban
By Jenniffer B. Austria
DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp., a digital gaming company, said Wednesday its operations would not be affected by the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ban all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country.
Digiplus said in a statement it is a localized digital gaming company that caters to customers based in the Philippines. It also has physical branches around the country.
“DigiPlus is not a POGO or an internet gaming licensee (IGL) as defined under Philippine laws,” DigiPlus president Andy Tsui said.
The company said local gaming operators like DigiPlus are required to have physical gaming sites within the country before they could set up their digital gaming platforms so all of its clients within the Philippine territory could access their services.
It also offers digital entertainment platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, Perya Game and BingoPlus Poker. Its offerings are designed for Filipinos, featuring traditional games that are wellloved by the locals, the company said.
It said that aside from digital games the company also secured different licenses to operate the traditional bingo, electronic bingo games, electronic
gaming services, sports betting, specialty games and poker..
“As such, local gaming enthusiasts need not worry. Fans of DigiPlus’ products will be glad to know that their top-of-the-line platforms will continue running without interruption, unaffected by the recent presidential announcement,” Tsui said. The company earlier said it remained committed to driving innovation and contributing to the country’s economic growth and social development. DigiPlus said that in 2023, it paid P13.1 billion in taxes to the government. It also provides jobs to over 2,000 employees across the country. It also allocated over P100 million towards corporate social responsibility projects under BingoPlus Foundation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the ban on POGOs in his third State of the Nation Address, citing rampant crimes and abuses related to POGO operations.
Business registrations grew 6% in first six months, says DTI
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced a 6.07-percent increase in business registrations in the first half of 2024, reaching 679,118 compared to 640,254 in the same period last year.
It attributed the growth to various factors including the rise of online businesses, the resilience of traditional enterprises and a thriving entrepreneurial environment in regions like CALABARZON.
“These impressive figures highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos and the effectiveness of our initiatives to create a business-friendly environment. The DTI remains dedicated to supporting both aspiring and existing businesses by providing essential resources and guidance,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
A notable trend is the growing popularity of online businesses, as emphasized by Trade Undersecretary
By Ralph Harvey Rirao
VISA reported a surge in digital remittances among Filipinos in its 2024 Digital Remittances Adoption report.
Visa said 75 percent of Filipinos used digital apps to send or receive remittances this year, up from 52 percent last year. It said the global money movement market in the Philippines is now a $264-billion market opportunity, including 43 percent inbound and 57 percent outbound.
“Remittance is very personal to us because the Philippines is a big remittance corridor especially for inbound, and definitely we would have a relative who’s living abroad,” Visa country manager for the Philippines Jeff Navaro said.
for Digital PH Group (DPG) Mary Jean Pacheco.
“This aligns with the DTI’s ongoing efforts to streamline the online registration process, making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish their ventures.,” she said.
The DTI registered a record 984,330 business names in 2023, up 5 percent from the previous year’s 937,457 registrants.
Pascual said the surge in entrepreneurial activity reflects growing confidence in the Philippine economy and the unwavering determination of Filipinos to pursue their business goals.
He said the DTI would continue to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to seize available opportunities and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
Othel V. Campos
Visa and its product, Visa Direct, aim to provide a seamless and great consumer experience that’s secure and reliable when it comes to money movement and payment, or digital remittances.
Visa Direct diminishes the barriers to remittances from both the sending and receiving ends such as high fees, inconvenience, long processes, and a requirement to go to a physical location.
“Visa Direct is a digital platform that connects 8.5 billion endpoints. When I talk about endpoints it means 8.5 visa cards, bank accounts and e wallets” Navaro said.
“Visa is capable of being able to move money from point A to point B, whether it be a bank account, an e wallet, or a visa card and those numbers are 8.5 end points,” he said.
FFCCCII DONATION. In response to the request made by Barangay 234 Chairman Arlene Tan, the Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) donates 10 sacks of rice and medicine to help the fire victims in Tondo, Manila. Col. Vicente Frisco Tan, representing chairman Tan, visited the FFCCCII on July 12, 2024 to collect the said relief goods. A massive fire broke out at Antonio Rivera Street in Tondo on June 23, 2024, destroying 50 houses and displacing 100 families. Michael Wong Ho
Biden to address US as clock ticks on presidency
IN BRIEF
Russia bans entry of Japanese execs
TOKYO – Russia has banned the head of Toyota and 12 other senior Japanese business figures from entering the country, prompting a protest by Tokyo on Wednesday.
The list published by Russia’s foreign ministry on Tuesday includes Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, Rakuten chief Hiroshi Mikitani and Akihiko Tanaka, president of the government-backed Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The decision was a “response to Japan’s ongoing sanctions against our country in connection with the special military operation,” the foreign ministry statement said, using Moscow’s term for its invasion of Ukraine.
It did not explain how individuals were chosen for the list, which did not include the heads of major Japanese firms like Mitsubishi, Honda and Sony. AFP
Foreign aircraft crashes in Australia exercise
SYDNEY – A foreign aircraft crashed Wednesday during a large multinational military exercise in northern Australia, according to a defense official, who said the pilot ejected and was “safe and well”. Emergency responders and defense officials said the aircraft crashed near the northern city of Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24.
An Italian official said the aircraft was believed to be part of his country’s contingent, but had no further details.
“Defense can confirm an international participant in Exercise Pitch Black 24 is safe and well after ejecting from their aircraft this morning during flying operations,” an Australian defense department official said in a statement.
“All flying for the remainder of the day has been canceled.”
The Australian defense department said the crash occurred around 10.45am local time (0115 GMT). The pilot “made immediate contact with aircrew in the area via radio following their ejection”. AFP
‘Hezbollah-linked’ group banned by Germany
BERLIN – Germany on Wednesday banned the Hamburg Islamic Center, a Muslim religious association that has been under investigation for several months over its alleged support for Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran.
The Interior Ministry said in a statement that it “banned the Hamburg Islamic Center and its affiliated organizations throughout Germany to date, as it is an Islamist extremist organization pursuing anti-constitutional objectives”.
Accusing the group of being a “direct representative of the Iranian ‘revolutionary leader’,” the ministry said the center also spreads Tehran’s ideology “in an aggressive and militant manner.”
Israel PM Netanyahu to rally US Congress
WASHINGTON, DC – Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a landmark speech to the US Congress Wednesday (Thursday Manila time), seeking to rally support at a time of tensions between his country and its main military backer over the war in Gaza.
Washington has been increasingly critical of the mounting toll on civilians from more than nine months of war in the narrow coastal territory, while protests in Israel by families of hostages taken by Hamas are also causing headaches for Netanyahu at home.
The Israeli premier’s visit comes at a time of political upheaval in the United States, with a gunman targeting Republi-
Taiwan braces for strong Gaemi to make landfall
YILAN – Taiwan closed schools, suspend-
ed the stock market, and declared a typhoon holiday Wednesday as Gaemi barrelled towards the island, bringing torrential rains and whipping winds to its northeast.
Typhoon Gaemi, packing sustained wind speeds of 162 kilometers per hour, also affected Japan and the Philippines -which also announced that government offices would close for the day.
It is expected to make landfall in northeast Taiwan by 10 pm, and President Lai
Ching-te urged everyone to “put safety first” during a morning emergency briefing.
“Gaemi is this year’s first typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan,” Lai said.
“I hope that through our joint efforts, impact from the typhoon can be minimized... I also encourage fellow citizens across the country not to go out unless necessary during the typhoon, especially not to dangerous places.”
The weather forced the self-ruled island to cancel some of its annual Han Kuang war games -- which test preparedness for a Chinese invasion -- but an anti-landing drill went ahead as scheduled on Wednesday morning on Penghu island, west of Taiwan. AFP
can candidate Donald Trump, and President Joe Biden bowing out of the 2024 race for the White House and endorsing his deputy, Kamala Harris.
Prior to departing Israel on Monday, Netanyahu said he would “seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel” in his address to Congress.
“I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East,” he said in a statement.
Biden will meet Netanyahu on Thursday, while Harris will hold separate talks with the Israeli leader. She will not, how-
ever, attend his speech due to previously scheduled travel.
Netanyahu will also meet with Trump -- with whose administration he had a much less fraught relationship than Biden’s -- in Florida on Friday.
When he speaks on Wednesday, Israel’s longest-serving premier will become the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of the two chambers four times -- pulling ahead of Britain’s Winston Churchill.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said Tuesday that with Israel facing attacks from various Iranian proxies, “it has never been more important than it is right now to stand with our closest ally in the Middle East.” AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – US
President Joe Biden will give what could be his final Oval Office speech Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) to explain why he dropped out of November’s election and deny that he will spend six months as a lame duck.
With the world’s eyes already on a looming clash between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Biden will insist in his address to the nation that he still has work to do despite his historic decision to bow out.
The 81-year-old Democrat said on X he
The speech, expected to last eight to ten minutes, will be Biden’s first since stepping aside from the race on Sunday after weeks of pressure following a disastrous debate performance against Trump. He had promised in his withdrawal announcement -- made while he was isolating with Covid at his Delaware beach home -- that he would give Americans more details on his stunning decision.
It comes just over a week since his last Oval Office address following an assassination attempt against Trump on July 13, but is only the fourth of his presidency overall -- and could well be his last.
With Harris, who has effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, and Trump both back on the campaign trail, Biden will be fighting an uphill battle to show Americans he is not yesterday’s man.
Republicans have called for Biden to step down altogether, saying that if he is not fit to stand for reelection then he is not fit to serve as president.
The veteran Democrat insists he still has much to offer, with a particular focus on the economy and on achieving an elusive ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.
“I’m not going anywhere,” a hoarse Biden said as he called Harris at a campaign meeting in Delaware on Monday, adding that he was going to be “working like hell” both as president and to campaign. Biden, who meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday, added that “we’re on the verge” of agreeing a ceasefire. AFP
Trash balloons from North Korea hit South’s presidential compound
firmed that there were no danger or contamination of the object,” it said.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff had earlier confirmed the North was once again sending the trash-carrying balloons, while Seoul city authorities also issued an alert Wednesday morning.
on Gaza in
The group is believed to propagate anti-Semitism, something that Germany has been battling to stem amid a jump in cases following Israel’s
EOUL South Korea --Trash-carrying balloons sent by North Korea hit the South Korean presidential compound Wednesday, security officials told AFP, prompting Seoul to mobilize chemical response teams in the escalating tit-fortat propaganda war. It is the first time the South Korean leader’s office in downtown Seoul, which is protected by scores of soldiers and a no-fly zone, has been directly hit by any of the thousands of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since May.
“The chemical, biological and radiological (warfare) response team has safely collected the trash balloons,” the presidential security service told AFP.
“After investigation, results have con-
“If you find any fallen balloons do not touch them, and report them to the nearest military unit or police station,” it said. According to the Yonhap news agency, the presidential office had been monitoring the balloon in real time, and was aware of exactly where it would land.
“It is difficult to handle midair because we do not know what the balloons may contain,” a presidential official said, Yonhap reported. AFP
response
attack by Hamas militants on Israeli soil.
PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN. Supporters of US Vice President Kamala Harris cheer after her motorcade arrived for a campaign event at West Allis High School in West Allis, Wisconsin Wednesday. Harris is in Wisconsin to start her presidential campaign after effectively clinching the Democratic presidential nomination. AFP
TYPHOON HOLIDAY. Fishing boats are seen docked at a harbor in Yilan on Wednesday as Typhoon Gaemi, which battered northern Philippins and Metro manila on Wednesday, approaches Taiwan. Taiwan closed schools, suspended the stock market, and declared a typhoon holiday as Gaemi barrelled towards the island, bringing torrential rains and whipping winds to its northeast. AFP
LANDMARK SPEECH. Protesters and family members of Israelis held hostage since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants hold a rally outside of the US Capitol on the National Mall on July 23 (Wednesday in Manila), in Washington, DC. The protesters and family members called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a peace deal on the eve of his address to Congress. AFP
BINONDO
Calvo Museum echoes Binondo’s business legacy
HUNDREDS of years ago, Binondo was the country’s center of commerce and industry, bustling with businesses and commercial establishments. A business address on Escolta Street was a signature of social standing then. One notable landmark in the area is the Calvo Building, which houses the Calvo Museum. The Calvo Building itself, built in 1938, is a significant historical landmark in Binondo. Designed by renowned architect Fernando Ocampo, the art deco building originally served as office space for various businesses. Its unique design and distinct facade have made it a beloved landmark in the area, witnessing Binondo’s transformation from a commercial district to a cultural hub.
On the mezzanine floor of the building, the Calvo Museum offers visitors a journey through time, providing a glimpse into Escolta’s storied past. The museum’s exhibits are meticulously curated to highlight the district’s commercial evolution, showcasing vintage photographs, old business directories and memorabilia from renowned establishments that once lined the street.
A gripping collection of black-and-white photographs captures Binondo’s transformation over the decades. The images showcase the district’s bustling streets, iconic landmarks and significant events that have shaped its identity.
Recognized as a hub of commerce and trade, Binondo’s history is showcased through exhibits of historic businesses and industries in the museum.
Visitors can see vintage advertisements of stores in Escolta, and have an idea of their products that were once vital to the local economy.
Early tenants of the Calvo Building included the Philippine Bank of Commerce, Manuel Sabater Optical, Esso & Company Inc. and The Idol Shop.
During the Japanese Occupation, the building housed Toring Restaurant, Filipino Theatrical Enterprises and Peacock Garden.
The museum also features a captivating vintage bottle collection, showcasing a variety of shapes, brands and sizes, including Ginebra, 7Up, PepsiCola, Magnolia, Selecta and Cosmos bottles.
Julie Ann Lope
Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs gain insights into Uratex success
By Julie Ann Lope
THE Anvil Business Club, an organization of young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs, conducted a tour at Uratex’s manufacturing facilities in Plaridel, Bulacan and Valenzuela City.
The exclusive visit, attended by 46 club members, offered a comprehensive view of Uratex’s innovative production techniques, core principles and com-
Dairy company donates three school rooms
NEW Zealand Creamery Inc., led by its owner Shi Jin Zhi, donated three schoolrooms through the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) to support underprivileged communities.
Shi is known for his philanthropic efforts and shares the social values of FFCCCII by actively supporting its various social welfare projects.
Along with his company Shi follows the principle of “Take it from society, use it for society,” reflecting their dedication to giving back.
FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro accepted the donation on behalf of the organization.
The event highlighted the collaboration between the two entities and underscored the impact of corporate social responsibility in fostering educational opportunities for the underprivileged.
The FFCCCII, which continues to champion various social welfare projects, said the donation marks another milestone in its mission to support and uplift underserved communities.
The new school rooms will provide essential educational facilities, offering children in these areas a chance for a better future. Michael Wong Ho
mitment to sustainability.
Founded 56 years ago by visionaries Robert and Natividad Cheng, Uratex has evolved from a modest endeavor with an initial P4,000 investment into a leading foam mattress manufacturer.
The company’s remarkable transformation, driven by diligent effort, employee trust and continuous innovation served as a significant source of inspiration for the young entrepreneurs.
The tour highlighted several key aspects of Uratex’s operations including state-of-the-art automation in foam and mattress production, modern chemical laboratory dedicated to stringent quality control and advanced mechanical systems designed to handle large 60-meter foam blocks.
Uratex also showcased its commitment to sus-
tainability through its tree-planting initiatives, solar power usage and electric vehicles.
The participants also gained insights into the foundational principles that have propelled Uratex to its leading industry position.
“This visit aligned with the Anvil Business Club’s mission to nurture excellence and promote positive values among young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs.” the club said.
“We extend our gratitude to Uratex for their generous hospitality and the invaluable insights shared during the tour. Anvil Business Club remains committed to providing members with enriching experiences that enhance professional growth and support the nation’s economic development.” it said.
By Michael Wong Ho
BUREAU of Fire Protection Manila
Fire District chief Aristotle Banaga, deputy chief Leo Andiso and operations chief officer Michael Ignacio visited the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) in Binondo on July 3, 2024.
FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pe-
dro highlighted the Filipino-Chinese community’s “three treasures”—donation of school rooms, free medical services and fire volunteers.
Pedro promised that the chamber would continue to uphold the said values and contribute positively to the mainstream society.
Both parties exchanged ideas and expressed their willingness to cooperate further.
Six months ago, former Manila Fire District chief Christine Doctor Cula sought assistance from FFCCCII on a fire truck with a malfunctioning ladder, which was hindering its rescue operations.
Pedro responded by assigning a team to address the issue.
The chamber contacted the truck distributor, imported the necessary parts and dispatched mechanics to repair the fire truck.
THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) hosted a seminar on “Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Real Estate Trends” at the CFBCI Auditorium in Binondo, Manila on July 17, 2024.
CFBCI trade and commerce committee led by executive vice [resident Gerald Uy Chan and committee chairman George Go led the event.
The seminar featured three distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into different aspects of the real estate industry.
Pag-IBIG Fund senior vice president for business development sector Fermin Sta. Teresa Jr. spoke about shelter financing. He explained the fund’s programs for employees such as socialized, low-cost and open housing and gave a clear overview of available financing options.
Dr. Mary Gaw So, president of REHub & My Home Town Realty & Developer Inc., discussed real estate updates and opportunities in the Philippines. As a licensed real estate expert and optometrist, she provided insights into the current market and guidance for investors and professionals.
BDO consumer banking home loan unit head Alain Dimaguila outlined BDO’s home loan options and offered advice on choosing the right loan for buying, building or renovating a home.
The seminar also featured booths set up by Pag-IBIG Fund, REHub Real Estate HUB and BDO Unibank at the entrance of the venue where the attendees had the opportunity to directly interact with representatives from the said organizations, ask questions and explore potential transactions.
“CFBCI is proud to have facilitated this event and looks forward to supporting more real estate journeys in the future. We are committed to promoting business growth within the Chinese Filipino community through seminars, networking events, and advocacy programs,” the club said.
AROUND 6,000 runners participated in the Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on July 21, 2024.
The proceeds will support Tzu Chi Foundation’s educational assistance program, which provides scholarships and allowances to disadvantaged youth. The program supports 1,700 scholars across the Philippines.
“The Tzu Chi Foundation is very thankful to all the runners who supported this event. For every 50 runners, one scholar is supported for a whole school year. The kindness everyone has shown for the youth of the Philippines is overwhelming. I’m so touched beyond words,” said Tzu Chi Philippines chief executive Henry Yuñez.
Runrio president and chief executive Rio de la Cruz was impressed by the number of runners who participated and stayed for post-event activities and expressed hope that they would join again next year.
Beyond donating all proceeds to charity, the Tzu Chi Foundation implemented several eco-friendly initiatives.
Shirts for 1K participants and singlets for 3K, 5K and 10K runners were made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, a material processed from single-use plastic bottles.
Collapsible, reusable cups made of wheat straw were also included in every runner’s
race kit. Julie Ann Lope
Calvo Building in Binondo houses the Calvo Museum.
Young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs gain insights on innovation and sustainability at Uratex facility tour in Bulacan
Thousands of runners join the Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on July 21, 2024.
THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
Eraserheads’ ‘Combo on the Run’ docu-feature to premiere at San Diego Comic-Con
THE trailer for the new documentary feature, Eraserheads: Combo on the Run , is set to premiere on July 26 at San Diego Comic-Con, the world’s largest convention of its kind, according to Forbes
Since its inception in 1970, Comic-Con has evolved from a niche comic-book, sci-fi, and fantasy hub into a massive multigenre gathering.
Written and directed by Maria
German Feature at the Berlin Festival and Best Director
Music memoir
THE publishing house you must have heard of, Penguin Random House, is putting out a book I wrote titled And For The Record next month. Aug. 27 is when it will be made available in paperback copies, both in Singapore and Malaysia, along with the global release of its Kindle version.
The book is a memoir of my life as a recording artist and music journalist in the Philippines, divided into four sections, according to the periods I spent with various bands I played in, namely, The Dreamers, my band in college, Syato, my group that got signed and which had two sets of personnel, and The Pub Forties, one that I formed with mates in media circles when I was about to hit 40. Life continues at 40.
Oct. 30 is the publication date for readers in the Philippines, the book’s primary target market, and the rest of the Southeast Asian region where it will be distributed. On this same day, international markets like the UK, EU, and the USA will be able to purchase the book via Amazon.com.
By late November, And For The Record will be released in Australia and New Zealand.
My book has the sub-title Memoir of a Filipino Writer-Musician
Is my name big enough to author something like this? Definitely not. But I dare to write one. I’m the guy who wrote about some of his struggles and sprinkled them with my share of little victories.
Let me tell you that my book is also part songwriting and band-life manual, as well as part tribute to some of my heroes in music. If you know of someone who is in a band and is eyeing to be a rock star because that looks cool, please ask him to read the book and let me pull him back to Earth. Allow my book to address someone’s machismo attitude and convince him that being an artist is a commitment to the soul, not a brat’s pathway to stardom or a bohemian form of getting the chicks’ attention.
I recall that a classmate back in high school who played the guitar mocked me, saying once that he wondered why I was still looking for a band rehearsal studio while he had already moved on from the garage band thing. To him, it was a mere pace. For me, I knew it was a lifelong passion.
For nearly 30 years since that dude made that deriding remark, I have been in three bands where I served as chief songwriter, bass player, and backup singer. My run produced two albums, two EPs, and a string of digital
Touchbass Yugel Losorata
‘And For The Record’ serves as the author’s memoir as a recording artist and a music journalist singles. I also collaborated with other artists who recorded songs I wrote.
On the writing front, my byline has appeared in more than 10 media outlets, and counting, including Manila Standard wherein I have been writing an entertainment column for a total of five years now. I have been writing mostly about music and the music scene. From time to time I would touch other beats like lifestyle, business, and sports - as I’ve trained myself to do so. I have written a few articles about the stop-the-hate campaign. Yet, music
FILIPINOS are increasingly tuning into ABS-CBN’s YouTube livestreams, with watch time hours soaring by 85 percent each year since 2020. This shift highlights the growing preference for online content over traditional TV, as ABS-CBN’s diverse shows attract more viewers on digital platforms.
Watch time hours of Filipinos who enjoy consuming ABSCBN shows on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel using their smart TVs have already hit 554.9 million watch time hours versus 549.6 million watch time hours logged for mobile phones. Kapamilya Online Live, which livestreams ABS-CBN’s programs 24/7 in Asia, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand, accounts for 61 percent or 539.8 million live viewers from the said territories who watch ABS-CBN content on YouTube using their smart TVs.
at the International Film Festival Manhattan. Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro, and Raymund Marasigan, who form Eraserheads, are currently on their Huling El Bimbo world tour across the US and Canada. They will also be featured in an exclusive issue of the popular Filipino-American indie comic, The Legendary Lumpia Squad , available only at SDCC. Additionally, a panel dedicated to the “Lumpia universe” is scheduled for July 26, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Room 6 BCF at the San Diego Convention Center.
Ely Buendia, the Eraserheads’ lead singer and chief songwriter, will participate in the panel alongside Lumpia Squad creator Patricio Ginelsa and legendary artist Whilce Portacio (known for his work on X-Men and Stone). Buendia will also be present for an exclusive autograph signing on July 27. The Eraserheads, who dominated
the Filipino alternative rock scene in the ‘90s and beyond, are often regarded as musical superheroes by their fans, both in the Philippines and among the global Filipino diaspora. Production for Combo on the Run began during preparations for the 2022 Manila staging of Huling El Bimbo , a significant event that offered solace to a nation still grappling with the aftermath of a divisive political year. The feature delves into how this “unlikely group of disbanded punks” provided healing while seeking it for themselves.
Eraserheads: Combo on the Run is produced by Dvent Pictures and WEU, with Ely Buendia and Voyage Studios as producers. The trailer will be available to the public on July 27 on the official YouTube channels of the Eraserheads and DVent Pictures: https://www.youtube.com/@ eraserheads_official and https://www. youtube.com/@dventpictures
and arts will always be the one that comes second nature to me.
I am telling this not to show off to that same boy, but to give a picture that being a writer-musician is something I enjoy and get fulfillment from. I know it’s the one life I want to become, despite it not being necessarily a lucrative profession, especially in a country like the Philippines where showbiz and politics can get mixed up in bad taste.
There will always be bullies to discourage you. So my book will remind you to keep going with whatever it is you find worth doing. It’s not all about fame and money, but living a life doing what you love, and trying to make it in your chosen field in every way possible without stepping on others or abandoning class and decency.
Now I am here in the United States of America, which my Filipino-born US citizen father asked me to go to – yes, over the phone on our last conversation before he passed away. Thanks to the authorities who approved my artist visa, which by definition is given to “people with extraordinary ability in the arts.” The American Federation of Musicians also acknowledged that I am a “composer, musical artist, musical writer of extraordinary ability.” These morale boosters somehow proved that I didn’t make a mistake in
embarking on an artist career. Your passion can be your profession.
And For The Record is a set of narrative, reflective essays, most of which I wrote at the height of the pandemic. I did it as a form of mental therapy to remind me of my experiences and learnings as I hobbled through the lockdown days. Almost every day during that span, I would allot some time to sit down and write. Writing helps you clear your thoughts by putting into words what’s in your head. The act of formulating sentences that make sense is healthy for the mind and empowers the heart. My first two books, a pile of essays and a compilation of flash fiction, were e-books uploaded by a Manila-based publisher. The next two, a novel and a collection of short stories, are available in paperback and hardbound, both published by the rising Ukiyoto Publishing. When I got hired as a copy editor by CNN Philippines in late 2021, I put what I had written about my life as a writer-musician on the shelf.
I took it out sometime in 2023 to submit it to possible takers. By some luck, Penguin Random House SEA (Southeast Asia) called back. This is my first book to be published by a major publishing house.
Viewers get their daily dose of news and entertainment on Kapamilya Online Live by watching the nightly newscast of TV Patrol Coco Martin’s action-packed adventures in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo Piolo Pascual ’s dramatic confrontations in Pamilya Sagrado , and Andrea Brillantes’ thrilling revelations in High Street Noontime show It’s Showtime also accompanies viewers with non-stop fun and good vibes throughout the afternoon. One of its well-loved segments that features ex-couples finding new love, “EXpecially For You,” continues to be a hit among viewers for spreading insightful lessons about relationships. Kapamilya Online Live, which launched in 2020, offers livestreaming and on-demand viewing of the latest episodes of various ABS-CBN shows in and outside of the Philippines via the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel, the number one YouTube channel in Southeast Asia in the media and entertainment category with 48 million subscribers.
Diane Ventura Eraserheads: Combo on the Run marks Ventura’s first feature since her acclaimed 2021 film, Deine Farbe , which won Best
OPM band Eraserheads is currently on their ‘Huling El Bimbo’ world tour
ABS-CBN’s ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ stars Piolo Pascual (right) as corrupt politician Rafael Sagrado
The author (right) with musical collaborator Misha Linares
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
Great hair day every day
By Abigail Adriatico
WHETHER dyed with a deep shade of blue or kept long until one’s waist, a person’s hair can tell a lot about someone’s character as it usually serves as a form of self-expression to many. Because of this, a lot of people make it a point to make sure that their hair is taken care of as it can boost their self-confidence as they go about their day.
Health and beauty retailer Watsons makes this endeavor easier with its newest “Hair Finds For All Kinds” campaign, featuring a range of deals and offers on hair care essentials.
Noel Cabangon headlines City of Dreams Manila’s CenterPlay concert series
Watsons Philippines Customer Director Jared de Guzman shared that the campaign is geared towards addressing the needs of people bearing all types of hair.
“Our campaign is really ‘hair finds for all kinds’ because what we’re seeing is that it’s not enough just to have [deals for people with] straight hair. There’s different styles na from wavy to curly to colored to rebonded,” said de Guzman.
Running from July until August, customers can enjoy Buy 1, Take 1 deals and up to 50% discounts on various hair brands such as Naturals by Watsons, Hairfix, Hair Treats, L’Oréal, Vitress, Revlon, Head & Shoulders, Palmolive, Moist Diane, Kiss, Hana, Monea, Curls, Gatsby, and Mise en Scene.
Apart from the deals that are up for grabs, Watsons’ hair care campaign also involved the retailer’s commitment to empowering its customers through a DIY hair coloring challenge. Three random shoppers were invited to step out of their comfort zone and try on a new hair color using one of the DIY hair colors available at Watsons.
Watsons Philippines Senior Category Manager Pat Muyco shared how the retailer was focused on helping its consumers navigate through their hair care journey with their offerings.
“We want to be your partner for your entire hair care journey from healthy washing and conditioning to revitalizing treatments and styling essentials, even your hair color essentials,”
THE July edition of City of Dreams Manila’s CenterPlay Concert Series is set to shine a spotlight on OPM (Original Pilipino Music) icon Noel Cabangon in a one-night-only live concert on July 31 at 9:00 p.m. Cabangon, a multi-awarded folk singer-songwriter from La Union, is renowned for his heartfelt, soothing voice and mastery of guitar chords. His music, which reflects Filipino society, culture, and heritage, has cemented his status as a top-tier legend in the OPM scene.
Known for timeless hits such as “Kanlungan,” written by a former Buklod bandmate, Cabangon has also won accolades including the Awit Awards’ Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist for his rendition of “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko.” His other notable awards include Best Song Written for Movie/ TV/Stage Play for “Ang Buhay Nga Naman” and Best World Recording for “Binibini.”
The campaign launch last July 17 at the Watsons SM Mall of Asia also featured hair care brands L’Oreal Paris Excellence, Hairfix, Hair Treats, Naturals by Watsons, and Kiss Philippines where they shared some of their product offerings.
Customers can avail of the hair care deals in any of Watsons’ physical stores nationwide or through the Watsons App. Aside from the deals, Watsons Club members are also given an additional treat where they can avail of tickets for the upcoming Watsons Playlist P-pop Concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on Aug. 18, which will feature performances from P-pop acts SB19, Kaia, HORI7ON, Alamat, and G22 Further details about how to buy tickets are available on watsons.com.ph.
The media powerhouse will enchant audiences with a varied and engaging lineup of films and documentaries, promising a distinctive cinematic experience starting Aug. 2.
Taking the lead is the highly-anticipated film Balota, directed by Kip Oebanda
This thought-provoking film, produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group, is one of the 10 finalists in the full-length films category. It tells the story of teacher Emmy, portrayed by Marian Rivera, a dedicated teacher caught amid political turmoil during the Philippine election.
Cinemalaya will be mounting the world premiere of the digitally restored and remastered classic Jose Rizal, originally produced by GMA Pictures in 1998. This will be shown at the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) as a tribute to Philippine cinema.
Additionally, GMA Public Affairs’ first-ever investigative docu-film, “Lost Sabungeros,” will also be part of the film festival. Directed by the awardwinning producer Bryan Brazil “Lost Sabungeros” delved into the unsolved disappearances of sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) in 2022.
Manila International Film Festival Best Picture Firefly will also be screened at Cinemalaya 2024 as part of the festival’s exhibition program. This coming-of-age road trip drama based on the original story of GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP
Angeli Atienza and directed by Zig Dulay, narrates a moving story of the young Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell), who embarks on a
journey to find the mystical land of fireflies based on his mother’s bedtime stories.
Noel Cabangon Live at CenterPlay follows a series of successful soldout shows at the City of Dreams Manila’s main gaming floor. Previous OPM icons featured in CenterPlay’s Concert Series include Neocolours , Jinky Vidal , Yeng Constantino , Raymond Lauchengco, Janno Gibbs, Rey Valera , Ice Seguerra , Nina , and The CompanY. The upcoming concert will also feature the Highschool Playlist band and other DJs performing alternately from 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Designed for the ultimate entertainment experience, CenterPlay is a chic snack and cocktail lounge offering light meals, signature cocktails, beers, wines, and other beverages.
Guests can reserve a seat or a table with consumables starting at P2,500, which includes bar snacks, burgers, fries, and beverages. VIP couch seats for a party of eight are available at P20,000, and VIP Small Tables for a group of four at P10,000, both inclusive of consumables. For reservations and information
on upcoming performances at CenterPlay, call 8800-8080, email guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila. com.
Folk singersongwriter
that showcase the diversity and under Cinemalaya’s “Gawad
Barya, which shed Alipato at Jonas participation in Cinemalaya
GMA Public Affairs is also proud to present a collection of critically acclaimed documentaries that showcase the diversity and resilience of the Filipino spirit under Cinemalaya’s “Gawad Programming.” These include the award-winning i-Witness documentaries Boat to School, Sisid sa Putik, Ambulansiyang de Paa, and Bawat Barya light on pressing social issues. Further, GMA Public Affairs gave its support to the incompetition film Muog. The movie is directed by JL Burgos and narrates the disappearance of his brother - activist Burgos. GMA Public Affairs provided archival footage of Jonas used in the film. GMA Network’s participation in Cinemalaya 2024 further underscores its commitment to supporting the growth and development of Philippine cinema.
This year marks Cinemalaya’s 20th year, and screenings have temporarily moved to Ayala Malls Manila Bay following the ongoing renovation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
This year marks screenings have temporarily Manila Bay following the
Marian Rivera takes on the role of teacher Emmy in ‘Balota’
Network goes big with diverse lineup at Cinemalaya 2024
‘Lost Sabungeros’ is an investigative documentary film about the disappearances of cockfighting enthusiasts in 2022
THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
Jennylyn Mercado’s glow-up formula
DID you know that actress Jennylyn Mercado has been dealing with autoimmune conditions that cause scaly patches on her skin and a chronic condition leading to persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps?
At a recent Beautéderm event, the 37-year-old actress shared that she suffers from both psoriasis and rosacea. This makes her cautious about using new skin products.
Very Wang Nickie Wang
“I have very sensitive skin. Although people don’t always see it, I sometimes have numerous red patches on my face. I manage my rosacea and psoriasis with medication and creams, but I had no reactions to the serums from Beautéderm and felt I was glowing,” she said, referring to the products she is endorsing.
Jennylyn mentioned that she uses the Vitamin C serum in the morning and Niacinamide at night. “I use Retinol as needed for dark spots because I’m often in the sun due to my love for motorsports,” she added.
Beautéderm CEO and President Rhea Anicoche Tan expressed her satisfaction with having Jennylyn as a brand ambassador. Tan emphasized the importance of having endorsers who genuinely use and believe in the products, as the
Let’s drink two Blythe
ANDREA “Blythe” Brillantes has extended her collaboration with Dear Face for another two years, renewing the contract before the current one expired. Jonah Sison-Ramos, founder of Dear Face, cited the genuine connection between Brillantes and the brand, emphasizing her effectiveness as an endorser who delivers real results. At a media conference, Brillantes expressed her gratitude, saying, “I feel blessed to work with such a great team. There’s no pressure, and I truly appreciate their trust in letting me share my experience with Dear Face. I use their products regularly, which makes the partnership feel very natural.”
Sison-Ramos echoed Brillantes’ positive remarks, highlighting her proactive approach: “Blythe has great initiative. She naturally incorporates Beauty Milk into her routine and creates content without needing direction. Her genuine use of the product shines through, even in posts that go beyond what’s required.”
The event celebrating the continued partnership was described as “melon-tastic,” with guests enjoying a grand summer-inspired setup at Lore Manila by Chef Tatung The gathering featured laughs, delicious food, and an engaging icebreaker session.
During the Q&A, Brillantes revealed that Beauty Milk Melon is her favorite flavor from the Beauty Milk line, noting its effectiveness.
skincare market is discerning and values authenticity.
“You can’t fool them, so quality and efficacy are crucial. It’s essential
that our endorsers truly love the products they represent,” Tan noted.
At the event, Jennylyn was announced as the new face of Beautéderm, joining a roster of A-list celebrities endorsing the brand, which is celebrating its 15th year in business. She will officially represent Beautéderm’s premium face serums: Cristaux Retinol (anti-aging), Cristaux Vitamin C (brightening), and Cristaux Hydra-Beauty (anti-acne).
“Jennylyn embodies grace and beauty. I hope this partnership inspires Filipinas across the country to feel
Hope through science
confident and beautiful in their own skin,” Tan said.
In response, Jennylyn expressed her admiration for Tan, saying, “Ms. Rhea Tan is an inspiration. She excels in her business and is highly respected for her authenticity and sincerity. I am grateful for her trust and that of her company. I believe in these products.”
The Cristaux Retinol, Cristaux Vitamin C, and Cristaux Hydra-Beauty serums are available on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, and at Beautéderm stores nationwide.
to many readers, but most of all it has opened many eyes in regard to alternative methods of medicine,” says Dr. Annabelle. In the Philippines where the climate and soil are highly conducive for production, access to adequate health services can be challenging, and the House of Representatives just passed on second reading a bill for the legalization of this alternative medicine. Mighty Flower provides a compelling case to develop more research in cannabinoid medicine.
“It’s important to me to share this story with the country in which both of my parents were born and, specifically, with the University of the Philippines in which we plan to start groundbreaking cannabinoid research,” Dr. Annabelle further shares. UP is currently exploring a research collaboration with Enexa Labs, a preclinical accelerator founded by Dr. Annabelle that focuses on normalizing the research and design of plant compound medicines. Enexa was birthed by the science behind Masaya, the CBD product that Dr. Annabelle created for her son.
How one mom’s fight
University Hotel, in cooperation with the University of the Philippines Press, hosted a book talk and signing event featuring Dr. Annabelle ManaloMorgan, a renowned neuroscientist and cell and developmental biologist, last June 7 at The Glass House of the University Hotel.
purest and most consistent form of which she found to have significant restorative effects on her son’s development.
Today, Macario is as happy, healthy, and active as any other six-year-old and Dr. Annabelle has made it her personal mission to advocate for further cannabidiol research: “We need to create more stories like Macario’s,” she insists.
University Hotel General Manager Patrick C. Gregorio adds, “We’re proud to host Dr. Annabelle here. The Glass House, which also contains the UH bookshop, is the perfect venue for all academic activities of the UP community, from self-study sessions to open forums on life-saving plants. Everyone is always welcome here.”
Dr. Manalo-Morgan is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Enexa Labs, which bridges plant compounds with traditional medicine. Enexa originated from the Parallel Pace process behind Masaya, a CBD product she created for her son.
Dr. Manalo-Morgan discussed her book, Mighty Flower: How It Saved My Son (2023), which chronicles her journey in using cannabidiol therapy to help her son Macario
“My book has brought hope and courage
She earned her bachelor’s in Biology from Eastern Kentucky University and a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Vanderbilt University. She is a Forbes author and works globally on clinical trials.
At barely one month old, Macario needed to have 38 percent of his brain removed because of daily, constant, severe seizures from the time he was born for which doctors could find no cure or solution. Aware that a gravely compromised quality of life awaited her son, Dr. Annabelle held on to what she knew as a neuroscientist, that the brain has the unique and uncanny ability to adapt and rewire, and persevered to find a means for her son to recover some quality of life despite the resection. Her research led her to cannabidiol (CBD), the
Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan with her son Macario during the event
The launch for ‘Mighty Flower: How It Saved My Son’ was packed with guests eager to hear more about the book
Beautéderm CEO and President Rhea Anicoche Tan (left) with Beautéderm’s newest brand ambassador Jennylyn Mercado
Actress Jennylyn Mercado reveals that she suffers from psoriasis and rosacea