Manila Standard - 2024 August 15 - Thursday

BLOODY ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN BEING REVIEWED—PNP CHIEF

PROUD TO BE PINOY!

TYulo’s feats rekindle family bond

By Peter Atencio

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Joel E. Zurbano

DOTr affirms dismissal of 2 MARINA officials

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) affirmed the dismissal of two officials of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in connection with the sinking of the motor tanker Princess Empress in February 2023.

The sinking caused a massive oil spill in Oriental Mindoro and other areas.

In his letter to MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista confirmed the findings of MARINA that Region IV director Jaime Bea and Engr. Jose B. Buban are guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service in relation to the tanker Princess Empress.

The two were meted the penalty of dismissal from service with corresponding penalties of cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in government.

"We have had sinkings before but no one has been held to account. This time all parties, whether private or public, will be held accountable. There will be no exception,” Bautista said.

Based on the investigation conducted by the DOTr, Bea allegedly violated established protocols by signing and approving the certificate of ownership and certificate of Philippine registry for the M/TKR Princess Empress. This action directly contravened the rules governing the registration of tramper vessels.

Proud...

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Growing up in a poor neighborhood in Manila, Yulo's journey showed that hard work and persistence pays in a world where the privileged often get a head start.

He fell in love with gymnastics at seven when his grandfather brought him to watch gymnasts at an old training facility near his home.

Battling homesickness, the formidable language barrier, and strenuous training, he left the country for Japan at 16 to train under Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya to pursue his dream of becoming a world-class athlete.

Lia Orellano, 82, ambled out of her home with the aid of a cane on Manila's downtrodden Leveriza Street to welcome her former neighbour Yulo.

"I'm very happy and proud of what

Yulo’s...

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looking elated and waving both hands to catch his son's attention. Behind him, a small banner read: "CALOY DITO PAPA MO" (Caloy, your father is here). Though Yulo didn’t visibly react, he later shared a social media post from influencer Jack Logan, expressing his gratitude: "Maraming salamat Pa, masaya ako nakita kita don nakasuporta! Pasensya na pa, hindi ako masyado nakakaway, ang daming nagpa-autograph hehe." ("Thank you, Pa, I’m happy I saw you there supporting! Sorry I couldn’t wave more, so many were asking for autographs hehe.")

While no plans have been made yet, Yulo vowed to meet his father soon, adding, "Kitakits soon Pa, Mark Andrew Yulo." (See you soon, Pa.)

In the coming days, the 24-year-old gymnastics star will continue to receive accolades, including recognition from the Manila City government and private sponsors. A special ceremony is scheduled for Monday, August 19, at the Manila City Hall, where Mayor Honey Lacuna will present Yulo with a P2 million cash incentive in honor of his achievements.

To further celebrate Yulo’s Olympic success, the city plans to declare August 4 as "Carlos Yulo Day." This announcement follows Yulo’s earlier receipt of P14 million from Congress, P3 million from Megaworld Corporation, and a luxurious condominium unit.

"Super blessed and super happy for the recognition na binigay nila sa amin. Maraming salamat. Super masaya, overwhelmed sa mga nangyayari ngayon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos sa pinapa-experience niya sa akin, sa mga ganitong bagay," said

The investigation also found that Bea failed to uphold proper procedures within the Domestic Shipping Section, as evidenced by allowing Buban to handle documents outside the scope of his position. This negligence in enforcing the Citizen’s Charter ultimately contributed to the irregularities in the vessel's registration.

According to Bautista, “the MARINA officials' actions ultimately caused millions of pesos of damages to government and private stakeholders. Also, it tarnished the image and integrity of the country’s maritime administration and transportation system.”

“Our policy is zero tolerance to shortcuts, official negligence and disregard of rules. The rule of law, good governance and best practices must prevail throughout the department and its agencies,” he added.

The Transport chief ordered Malaluan to enforce the decision immediately.

The MT Princess Empress, carrying 900,000 liters of industrial oil, sank off the coast of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, in the morning of Feb. 28, 2023, amid rough sea conditions. This caused an oil spill that spread to the waters of Antique, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro and Palawan.

he has achieved. He gave us hope that everyone can be like him from this small street," she told Agence France Presse (AFP), recalling that when he was little Yulo loved "to do 'tumblings' here even on these dirty streets."

President Ferdinand Marcos met the 22 Filipino athletes Tuesday and handed them hefty bonuses.

Marcos gave Yulo a presidential citation and 20 million pesos ($350,000) on top of the P10-million reward legally mandated for Olympic gold medallists.

Yulo also earned cash and gift pledges from other government offices and private companies.

These include a fully-furnished three-bedroom condominium in one of Manila's posh districts and a lifetime of free buffet of chicken barbeque and Japanese noodles.

A gastroenterologist also offered Yulo free colonoscopy tests after he turns 45. AFP

Yulo in a statement.

("I feel super blessed and happy for the recognition given to us. Thank you so much. I’m overwhelmed with everything that’s happening. I’m grateful to God for letting me experience these kinds of things.")

The parade covered a 7.7-kilometer route from Aliw Theater in Pasay City to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, where the Olympians were presented to a crowd of mostly students from various Metro Manila schools. Along the way, fans cheered for Yulo and his fellow athletes, throwing items for autographs as the floats passed by.

When the parade reached Adriatico Street near Yulo’s childhood home in Leveriza, the streets were crowded with supporters. However, Yulo’s other family members—his mother, siblings, and grandfather Rodrigo Frisco—were noticeably absent.

Frisco explained that the family chose to support Yulo from home, citing disappointment at not being invited to the Presidential welcome at Malacañang the previous night. "We had planned to attend, but we realized it might be disheartening since we weren’t even welcomed when he arrived. What more if we were there?

We’d feel like just fans," Frisco shared. "That’s why we decided not to join him on the float during the parade."

Despite their absence, Yulo’s family remains proud.

Frisco, who played a crucial role in recognizing Yulo’s talent and bringing him to the national gymnastics gym at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for formal training, continues to support his grandson’s journey. It was at this gym that gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion discovered Yulo and helped shape him to become the country’s top gymnast and Olympic champion.

Bloody...

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The anti-narcotics campaign of the Philippines has “changed significantly” as President Marcos maintained that he remains opposed to the use of violence in confronting the drug menace.

“It’s a big problem, but our approach has changed significantly. I am diametrically opposed to handling the drug problem in that way, by confrontation, by violence. It really requires a much deeper understanding of the problem and a much deeper solution. So, yes, I think that we are also progressing when it comes to that,” said Marcos.

The PNP’s review panel will be led by the office of the PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria while the members will be composed of representatives from the PNP directorates for operations, investigation, intelligence and community relations; Internal Affairs Service, and Human Rights Office.

"This review panel will bring together the key components of our police force to ensure a comprehensive and balanced evaluation,” Marbil explained.

For many, Double Barrel has become synonymous with the previous administration’s bloody drug war that claimed the lives of thousands of small-time drug pushers and users.

The actual number of people killed during the Duterte government’s supposed war on drugs remains unclear, with some groups reporting around 7,000 while others claim the figure is closer to 30,000.

Siphoning...

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that it will take the salvor firm, Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc., about one week to empty all eight oil tanks of the sunken vessel.

"The siphoning operation for the first tank is ongoing," Lt. Commander Michael John Encina said.

Each tank is estimated to be carrying 175,.000 liters of IFO, it was disclosed.

“Approximately 300 liters of oil were transferred to a tank to test the equipment, with no leaks observed and minimal oiling effectively contained using one length of boom,” the officer added.

The Filipino-flagged tanker capsized on July 25, killing one crew member as the ship tried to return to port amid bad weather caused by a confluence of two typhoons and the southwest monsoon. It took authorities three weeks to control the spillage of the cargo and install the equipment to remove the fuel oil from the vessel that now rests at the bottom of the bay about 34 meters (112 feet) below the waves.

The coast guard warned the release

Oplan Double Barrel was launched in 2016 under then-PNP chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa. It was relaunched in 2017 as ‘Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded’ and its final iteration, tagged, ‘Double Barrel Finale Version 2022,’ was implemented shortly before Duterte’s term ended.

Marbil said the review panel will be looking into the strategy’s key components, specifically, Project Tokhang (visiting suspected drug personalities at home) and Project HighValue Target (which focuses on drug traffickers).

The PNP chief said a soon-to-beissued memorandum will detail the guidelines of the review panel’s function, along with a deadline for submitting its findings and recommendations.

“The insights we gain from this review will directly inform our recalibrated strategy, ensuring that our anti-illegal drugs campaign is not only effective but also aligned with the principles of justice and human rights," he noted.

As this developed, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. assured that the Marcos Administration’s campaign against drugs would be carried out lawfully and with as little bloodshed as possible.

"It's really legal, no extra-judicial (EJK) killings, that's what I told the police. Life is priceless and no one should die through EJK, unless of course it’s a valid self-defense," he pointed out.

NCCA honors 100-year old Ilokana master weaver

MAGDALENA G. Gamayo, an Ilokana master weaver and a national living treasure from Pinili town in Ilocos Norte, celebrated her 100th birth anniversary on August 13. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), organized an event at the Plaza Del Norte in Paoay to celebrate and honor Gamayo's centennial birth.

"Nana Daleng," as she is fondly called by her provincemates, is one of the country's most revered cultural icons and a living embodiment of Filipino artistry and tradition. She started weaving hand-spun threads into her exclusive patterns and intricate designs at 16, allowing her to master traditional Ilokano weaving with excellence. In 2012, she was conferred with Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan by the NCCA.

At 100, she continues her passion and dedication by training hundreds of young Ilokano weavers, a testament to her commitment to preserving and ensuring the survival and relevance of inabel tradition in Ilocos Norte for future generations.

The current administration’s antidrug flagship program, called, 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan' (BIDA), focuses on “demand reduction and supply reduction,” said Abalos. Strike...

of the cargo onto the bay would be an "environmental catastrophe" and the country's worst oil spill. The PCG later claimed that the spillage was minimal, but local governments nonetheless imposed "nocatch" zones affecting tens of thousands of fishermen in the bay.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources urged the public to "exercise caution when consuming fish from the affected areas due to the risk of petrochemical contamination."

As this developed, the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change on Wednesday subpoenaed the owners of MTKR Jason Bradley and MV Mirola 1 which were also involved in mishaps that exacerbated the oil spill in Bataan.

In a public hearing, committee chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar asked for the issuance of the subpoena against the ship owners over their failure to appear in the Senate.

“In view of the absence of Mr. Rominick Ponesta, ship owner of MTKR Jason Bradley, and Ms. Mary Jane Obaldo, ship owner of MV Mirola 1, despite being notified of today's hearing, I move that subpoena be issued to the aforementioned persons,” said Villar.

From A1

The MMDA sent traffic enforcers to manage traffic while the Philippine National Police deployed the anti-riot team. Members of the Quezon City Police prevented the group from proceeding to Mendiola in Manila.

Manibela initiated the 3-day transport strike after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. rejected a resolution from the Senate calling for PTMP's suspension.

The MMDA also said contingency measures are in place in connection with the transport protests.

MMDA personnel were instructed to intensify traffic management and assist in crowd control in areas where protests will be held.

Manibela and Piston on Wednesday began the first day of their planned three-day strike as they gathered at Welcome Rotonda at the boundary of Quezon City and Manila.

Manibela president Mar Valbuena claimed that about 5,000 operators and drivers of public utility jeepneys joined the transport strike. "We just want to tell the President that this action is for him to listen to the suspension (resolution) of the Senate,” Valbuena said. "If the Senate understands this, I hope you will also understand us,” he added.

MASTER WEAVER. Magdalena G. Gamayo celebrated her 100th birthday on August 13 and was honored as a living national treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

How Rep. Richard Gomez maintains peace and order in Leyte’s Fourth District

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

LEYTE’S Fourth District has recently experienced remarkable economic growth and sustained peace and order. Strategic infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism investments have propelled the district into a thriving financial hub.

Improved connectivity and market access have empowered local businesses and entrepreneurs, fostering a climate of prosperity. Moreover, the collaborative efforts of the government, law enforcement, and community organizations have resulted in a secure environment, enabling residents to live and work without fear. These combined factors have contributed to Leyte’s Fourth District emerging as a model of development and social harmony in the region. Many, if not all, of these developments, resulted from Rep. Richard Gomez’s efforts and unwavering passion for public service.

Rep. Gomez has made a remarkable transition from gracing the Philippines’ screens with his acting prowess to serving as a dedicated public servant. Currently, he is the Representative of Leyte’s Fourth District, with a focused agenda on peace and order, fighting against illegal drugs, promoting food security, sports development, good governance, and developing the agricultural sector, among other priorities.

He is a product of UP Diliman and UP Open University, where he received recognition as an “Outstanding Student of 1993.” His Academic journey is equally impressive. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Perpetual Help and a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from Cebu Technological University. In 2021, he graduated from the Asia-Pacific Mayors Academy for Sustainable

By Peter Paul Duran

ORCHESTRATING a perfect blend of culture and cuisine, Ormoc City, under the dynamic leadership of Rep. Richard Gomez of the Fourth District, celebrated the vibrant Piña Festival with gusto. Known for its succulent, world-famous Queen Pineapples, the festival not only honors the city’s patron saints, San Pablo and San Pedro, but also embodies the resilient spirit and rich agricultural heritage of Ormoc. This celebration aligns with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, showcasing innovation, community strength, and cultural richness.

Led by celebrity Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and Rep. Gomez, the festival parade is a spectacle of color, dance, and the enticing aromas of local delicacies that draw thousands of spectators.

“The Piña Festival also seeks to promote not only Ormoc’s very own sweet queen pineapple, but also its people’s strong character that helps them overcome challenges and obstacles they face from personal problem to calamities and disasters,” Rep. Gomez said.

“The Piña Festival is our tribute to the divine for the endless blessings bestowed upon Ormoc. Fanciful floats adorned with pineapple motifs paraded through the city streets, followed by vibrant dance performances and the melodious tunes of the local symphony orchestra. It’s a celebration of our bountiful harvests and a testament to the enduring spirit of our community,” shared Estrella Serafica-Pangilinan, chairperson of the Ormoc Festival and Cultural

Urban Development. As a multi-awarded actor, TV Host, and TV commercial director, he has won 11 acting awards from awardgiving bodies in television and film/ cinema, such as the Film Academy of the Philippines, FAMAS, Gawad Urian Awards, PMPC Star Awards, and FANTASPORTO International Film Festival, among others.

The district representative is also an accomplished sportsman and athlete.

Rep. Gomez won gold medals in fencing in 2003 (SEA Games in Hanoi,Vietnam) and 2005 (SEA Games in Manila), setting national and international records in that sport. He also won two silver medals in 1997 (SEA Games in Jakarta, Indonesia) and bronze in Thailand in the same sport. Locally, Rep. Gomez was a five-time national fencing champion and won 1st place during the 2015 Asian Masters Fencing Championship. He is the incumbent Vice President of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the President of the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) and the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association (PMPA).

Yet among the accolades Rep. Gomez acquired throughout the years, seeing his jurisdiction flourish is a unique achievement.

Rep. Gomez served as Mayor of Ormoc City in Leyte for two consecutive terms, during which his administration successfully eliminated illegal drugs, making Ormoc one of the safest cities in the Philippines. This achievement was recognized in 2018 and 2019 by the PNP Crime Research and Analysis Center. With peace and order established, he attracted

numerous investors, leading to the city’s economic upliftment and its recognition as the wealthiest LGU in Region 8. His leadership in Ormoc serves as a testament to the positive impact of good governance and the potential for further development in the region.

During his terms, he led Ormoc’s sports development by establishing state-of-the-art sports facilities and providing sports training conducted by nationally acclaimed coaches. This led to Ormocanons winning in national and international sporting events.

Additionally, while he was Ormoc’s mayor, he prepared the city government to receive the country’s first ISO 18091 certification, which is the application of quality management systems specific to local governments.

Rep. Gomez’s presence and influence are also significant in the House of Representatives. As the Vice Chairperson of the Committees on Creative Industries, Dangerous Drugs, and Youth and Sports Development, he shares valuable insights on furthering agendas that could benefit Filipinos

and the country’s various sectors. His active participation in the legislative process reassures the audience of his commitment to serving the public and advancing the nation’s interests. He also principally authored 306 bills and co-authored 80 others. The subject and intent of his bills are a balance of both local and national concerns. Among the local concerns, he has filed numerous bills on improving district-wide infrastructure, education, commerce, health and safety and social development programs.

On the national front, he led the technical working group that finalized the amendment bill to further strengthen the country’s Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He has elevated his passion for improving the overall development of Filipino athletes through the Philippine National

Foundation. Local Delicacies

The festival also serves as a platform to showcase Ormoc’s diverse culinary offerings. Fried and fresh mussels, served crispy and brimming with the flavors of the sea, highlight Ormoc’s rich marine biodiversity. The Alto Peak Chocolates, featuring rich 70% and 80% dark chocolate bars and unique cacao nibs, add a luxurious touch, emphasizing the region’s capacity for producing premium artisanal products. Visitors and locals alike indulge in the refreshing Cold Sikwate from Alto Peak, a chilled version of the

hot chocolate, perfect for the tropical climate. The Mango with Sticky Rice and Hot Chocolate, a delightful fusion that melds the sweetness of locally grown mangoes with the comforting warmth of chocolate, showcases the innovative spirit of Ormoc’s culinary scene. This delightful dessert pairing offers a taste of the tropical bliss that is synonymous with Ormoc. Festival Impact

The Piña Festival not only boosts the local economy by promoting tourism but also reinforces the cultural identity of Ormoc, portraying it as a city resilient in the face of adversities. Ormoc City, known as the economic and cultural hub of western Leyte, thrives on its pineapple production, with over 100 tons yielded annually from local farms. The Piña Festival goes beyond a mere cultural festivity; it’s a dynamic platform promoting Ormoc’s finest—its people, its produce, and its potential. With every pineapple slice and every melody played, Ormoc continues to weave its story of resilience, beauty, and community—a narrative that resonates well beyond its borders, embodying the ideals of Bagong Pilipinas.

Games. He has also led several congressional investigations, notably the preservation and protection of the Palompon Watershed and Forest Reserve in the Fourth District, and the investigations on the BOSS Ironman accidents and most recently, on the eradication of illegal e-sabong operators. Furthermore, Rep. Gomez also remembers his roots as an actor and takes the necessary steps to preserve the industry’s legacy and culture. As such, he filed House Bill 00936 to create the National Film Archive, to be managed by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. With Rep. Gomez at the helm and leading the Fourth District of Leyte, the district continues to flourish and sets new standards that will benefit Filipinos in the long run as they witness the results of good governance.

PBBM backs farmers as ‘heroes’

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed his support for the “Bayani ng Pilipinas (Hero of the Philippines)” advocacy to promote farming in the country, Malacañang said Wednesday.

This, after the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), in a meeting with Mr. Marcos at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday, pitched the Bayani ng Pilipinas campaign to advocate farming as a “good way of life” and encourage the younger generation to pursue farming as a profession.

PH committed to Interpol, not to ICC—Remulla

By Pot Chavez

DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ)

Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla clarified on Wednesday that while the Philippines has no commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation of former President Duterte’s war on drugs, the country has a separate commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

“We’re not members of the ICC, definitely, that’s clear. However, Interpol is a different commitment. We no longer have a commitment to the ICC but Interpol, we have a commitment,” he said.

He added that Interpol’s commitment is far-reaching in consideration of “more than 10 million Filipinos going around the world right now who might need Interpol’s help.”

Remulla made this statement following Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s remark on whether they are challenging the policy set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the ICC.

It is clear that the Philippines is not a member of the ICC, so the country has no responsibility to respond to their investigation, according to him. However, he noted that he still needs to study what the government can do when the ICC issues an arrest warrant.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the PSAC wants to champion local farmers as the country’s heroes, considering their sacrifice to provide food for Filipinos and sustain the supply.

Mr. Marcos said the government would start formulating ideas to better

promote the project.

“Yes, it’s hard (farming) but look what they, how, what they do. If, you know, if they didn’t farm, we wouldn’t have anything to eat,” the President said.

The campaign, led by PSAC, seeks to highlight farming as a valuable profession and inspire youth to pursue it.

Garafil said campaign materials would be produced and effective strategies would be implemented to ensure the campaign’s success.

She said the advocacy is also one way of celebrating and empowering Filipino farmers.

“The President is prioritizing the agricultural sector to uplift farmers and

fisherfolk to promote food security in the country,” Garafil said.

The government, through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and their Families (PAFFF), has distributed P906 million in assistance to over 90,000 beneficiaries in Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccksksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from May 9, 2024 to June 5, 2024.

Several irrigation projects have also been completed and rehabilitated by the Marcos administration to develop Philippine agriculture.

IN BRIEF

More local officials join Lakas-CMD party

A VICE governor, several board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors from five provinces on Tuesday joined Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the largest political group in the country. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, administered the oath of membership to the party’s 49 new members. The newest batch is made up of local officials from Bulacan, Zambales, Mindoro Oriental, La Union and Iloilo. Among those who pledged their allegiance to Lakas-CMD on Tuesday were officials from the province of Bulacan, including Board Members Renato De Guzman Jr. and Arthur Legaspi, as well as town officials of Sta. Maria, namely Councilors Carl Gerard Castillo, Nelson Carmelo Luciano, Jesus De Guzman Jr., as well as Salvador G. Pleyto Jr. Norzagaray, Bulacan officials including Vice Mayor Patricio L. Gener and Councilors Giulius S. Iapino, Ma. Cleope SP. Pelayo and Edsel C. Mendoza also took their oath as new party members; as well as Mayor Agatha Paula A. Cruz and Vice Mayor Banjo Estrella, both of Guiguinto and Vice Mayor Rolando S. Peralta of Pulilan town. Maricel V. Cruz

Navy chief visits Vietnam as part of bilateral pact

THE Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday said its Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., completed a three-day visit to the Vietnam People’s Navy from August 6 to August 9. Adaci and other PN officials paid a courtesy call to the Deputy General Staff to the Vietnam People’s Navy, Lt. Gen. Nguyen Trong Binh, and the Vietnam People’s Navy Commander in Chief, Vice Adm. Thran Than Nghiem. The PN delegation also visited the 679th Brigade of Naval Region 1, VPN, where a briefing and demonstration of a live fire drill of the 4K44 Redut-M coastal defense system were performed by 679th Brigade personnel. Rex Espiritu OVP free ride program from PITX to Naic

THE Office of the Vice President (OVP) proceeded with the launch of its “Libreng Sakay” program from PITX to Naic, Cavite.

The buses used in the program can accommodate 37 passengers and are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and comfortable seating with tables.

The service will operate from 5 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 9 PM, which are peak hours for commuters. Commuters are expected to save significantly with the Libreng Sakay program, as the original ticket price for a trip from PITX to Naic typically ranges from P90 to P100.

The new route will serve passengers traveling from Naic and seven other nearby towns in the Province of Cavite to the central terminal in Parañaque City. Rachelle Tonelada

Iloilo declares dengue outbreak as cases soar above threshold

By Caloy Lozada

ILOILO Province has declared an outbreak after surpassing the epidemic and alert level thresholds for dengue cases.

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. confirmed that the province exceeded the threshold set by the Department of Health (DOH) for declaring an outbreak.

In response, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has issued a blue alert status.

The latest report from the Provincial Health Office, covering the 32nd Morbidity Week, recorded 4,595 dengue cases across the province, with 10 deaths—four of which were recently reported.

Defensor is set to implement addi-

UP: No violation of freedom in AFP pact

THE recent “declaration of cooperation” between the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) does not violate academic freedom and is consistent with the mandate of UP as the county’s premier institution of higher learning, the state university’s administration said on Wednesday. UP president Angelo Jimenez released a statement to address concerns aired by certain sectors of the UP community. The UP-AFP declaration signed last August 8, which serves as the initial framework to guide future areas of cooperation, “won’t curtail academic freedom because UP researchers can choose and define their specific terms of engagement,” Jimenez explained. “Any activity undertaken shall be

mutually agreed upon by both participants.”

He emphasized that the state university has worked with the defense sector in the past “as part of a whole-of-society engagement to help inform public policy, influence thinking, and improve lives through UP’s renowned scholarship.”

Jimenez also said that UP Center for Integrative Development Studies (UP CIDS), will be leading the latest collaborative effort.

“UP CIDS is free to pursue research interests with AFP in areas that are relevant to UP’s role, mission and mandate,” Jimenez said. “This in itself is an exercise in academic freedom. The only thing required is conformity to the highest standards of academic rigor in the pursuit of truth.”

tional preventive measures to curb the rising dengue cases in the province.

Earlier, dengue cases in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has started a downtrend but a regional DOH official urged the public not to be complacent.

“We are now on Code White with cases in the last two weeks showing a decreasing trend,” Alexander Baday,

DOH-CAR Entomologist lll, said.

Data shows the region posted a 67-percent drop in cases in the recent two weeks compared to the previous two weeks, with Abra posting a 61 percent drop; Apayao, 64 percent; Baguio City, 62 percent; Benguet, 77 percent; Ifugao, 50 percent; Kalinga, 54 percent; and Mountain Province, 59 percent.

DENGUE OUTBREAK. Iloilo Governor Defensor announces that the provincial government is set to implement additional preventive measures to curb the rising dengue cases in the province.

TAX EVASION CHARGES VS. GUO. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), led by BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. filed a tax evasion complaint against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and others. The complaint was filed and sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Norman Cruz

INCENTIVES FOR VILLEGAS. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and his wife Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez hand over to 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, boxer Aira Villegas the Congressional Medal of Distinction, cash incentives, and a copy of the resolution adopted by the House conferring on her the medal for her feat in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

OPINION

The never ending jeepney strikes

JUST when the public started believing the Public Transportation Modernization Program problem is already a settled issue, along comes Senate resolution 1096 recommending the program be suspended, breathing new life to those opposing the program.

It is not so clear why the Senate came up with the resolution but, clearly, it will further muddle the jeepney modernization program.

One big reason given by the Senate why it enacted the resolution was due to the cost of the new public transport units which is in the vicinity of about P2M.

Another probable reason although not publicly stated could be politics.

If we do the math, by siding with the unconsolidated group which, according to DOTr figures, constitute about 19 per cent compared to the consolidated group which is now about 81 per cent, the Senate move could only be described as foolhardy.

This is because the resolution made the unconsolidated group happy but the consolidated group which is way bigger angry at the Senate resolution.

Fortunately, the President finally stepped in and declared the PTMP will not be suspended which was absolutely the right and proper action.

Right from the start of this jeepney modernization program in 2017, the principal reason of those opposing is the cost of the unit.

According to them the unit cost is too expensive for drivers as well as operators to afford.

Although there is admittedly some truth to this in the earlier years of the program, current government figures of 81 per cent compliance indicate there is now widespread acceptance and the vast majority of the transport cooperatives that have been formed are operating successfully, thereby negating many of the objections of those opposing.

Furthermore, the public has accepted and is willing to pay more in exchange for a more comfortable and safer ride which is another reason given by those opposing the program about higher fares. This being the case, why is MANIBELA, PISTON and the other jeepney associations still so opposed to the program?

It is most likely because the modernization program has become a threat to their corporate existence. With the formation of the cooperatives, there would no longer be a need for MANIBELA or PISTON and this is what the two fear most.

One thing more, with a smooth functioning PTMP, there will be less need for

militancy which is where MANIBELA and PISTON belong.

But the most important reason why the modernization should proceed is the riding public who are dependent on public transportation whether by land or rail are entitled to a safer and more comfortable mode of public transportation commensurate to the fares they are paying.

Quite simply, although the old jeepney has served the public well in the past 79 years, it is time for change.

But PISTON and MANIBELA still want to keep the old smoke belching traditional jeepneys, one of the causes of the many respiratory medical cases reported in the NCR due to air pollution.

Fortunately, the President finally stepped in and declared the PTMP will not be suspended which was absolutely the right and proper action

And with the rejection by the President of the Senate resolution, the two jeepney associations will once again go on a series of transport strikes to violate the conditions of their permits to operate and demonstrate their contempt of the law.

One reason the riding public is oftentimes at the mercy of these militant transport groups is because of the government policy of relying on private operators to take care of urban mass transportation like the NCR.

This is in contrast to the practice in many metropolitan areas around the world that consider providing urban mass transportation as a primary government responsibility.

Unfortunately, our DOTr believes mass transportation in the NCR should be in the hands of private operators, hence, all these troublesome strikes.

But if the then Metro Transit Corporation was not abolished by the first Aquino administration, MANIBELA and PISTON would be unable to give the DOTr all the headaches being experienced now. With the Metro Transit Corporation complemented by the 10 Bus cooperatives, public transport in the NCR was a lot more efficient and orderly unlike today’s free for all and seemingly uncontrollable system.

When phenomenon becomes permanent

(Part One)

IN 1961, Liberal Party’s Diosdado P. Macapagal became president after defeating a re-electionist Nacionalista Party Carlos P. Garcia, at a time when we had a functional two-party system which did not prohibit independents or third parties to field presidential candidates. But the two-party system was deeply rooted in the prevailing political praxis since Manuel A. Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Jose Avelino and Jose Atienza founded the Liberal Party as a splinter of the Grand Old Party of Manuel Luis Quezon and Sergio Osmena. From then until Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law in September 1972, and except for certain well-known personalities like Claro M. Recto, Lorenzo Tanada, Raul Manglapus and Manuel Manahan, politicians were either Nacionalistas or Liberals.

In 1953, when an ailing President Quirino of the Liberal Party sought reelection, a single-term LP congressman from Zambales whom Quirino named defense secretary, Ramon Magsaysay, was drafted by the Nacionalistas through wartime president Jose P. Laurel to run against his political patron. Magsaysay won and carried many NPs to victory, but the LPs held their ground as opposition party. Then in 1962, faced with a Congress dominated by the Nacionalistas, President Macapagal engineered the first mass turncoatism in our short political history by unseating Speaker Jose B. Laurel Jr. and replacing him with Capiz congressman Cornelio T. Villareal.

But in 1965, Pepito Laurel and the

Nacionalistas turned the tables against Macapagal by getting Senate President Ferdinand Marcos to turn his LP coat to become a Nacionalista candidate against a re-electionist Macapagal.

When Marcos proclaimed martial law in 1972, both parties went into limbo, until Marcos gave birth to his Kilusang Bagong Lipunan or KBL where most NP and LP politicians folded in.

Creeping invasion

JUST how extensive is Beijing’s reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea where we have our Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ?

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson, disclosed recently that the total reclaimed area within our EEZ and outside our EEZ is roughly around 3,000 hectares.

“Is there a creeping invasion? Yes, and this has begun since 1992 when we started noticing Chinese markers in the expanse of the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea,” he said.

According to the Navy official, Beijing’s major bases in the vital waterway like Subi (Zamora), Mischief (Panganiban) and Johnson Reefs are “already militarized.”

“They have airstrips. They have harbors for warships. There are structures on land that we could only surmise are aircraft hangars. They have militarygrade communications equipment,” he pointed out.

There’s more.

In Subi, there’s heavy equipment, as well as structures being built. Mischief and Johnson Reefs are within the country’s 370-kilometer EEZ.

The military has also monitored the presence of the Chinese research vessel Ke Xue San Hao at Escoda, after leaving Mischief Reef. The ship has not request-

ed the Department of Foreign Affairs to survey the area.

The Philippine Navy is monitoring the presence of the Chinese research vessel to check if the presence of crushed corals has been man-made.

To ensure that they are not man-made, the Navy has stationed a ship there.

China has carried out extensive land reclamation on some islands in the South China Sea, building air force and other military facilities, causing concern in Washington and around the region.

—“—

We should firmly oppose China’s shrill— and dangerous— insistence that might is right

A 2016 Pentagon report said China has reclaimed more than 3,200 acres (around 1,300 hectares) of land in the southeastern part of the South China Sea.

There’s no doubt that Beijing intends to militarize the entire South China Sea despite conflicting territorial claims by the Philippines and other countries. This could be the subject of another arbitration case against China in an international tribunal.

Maritime law expert and University of the Philippines College of law Prof. Jay Batongbacal earlier said Mischief Reef was the largest artificial island in the South China Sea with port facilities that service the People’s Liberation Army’s

ON THE other hand, proponents of Duterte’s actions, including his former spokesperson Harry Roque, argue EO 13 is presumed Constitutional unless challenged and overturned by the courts.

This argument rests on the principle that executive orders, like legislative enactments, are presumed valid until proven otherwise. Presumption of Constitutionality: As noted by Roque, the Philippine legal system operates on the presumption that all executive and legislative actions are Constitutional unless proven otherwise.

This principle is rooted in the case of Garcia v. Executive Secretary (G.R. 157584, April 2, 2009), where the Supreme Court upheld the presumption of constitutionality.

Judicial Deference: The judiciary often defers to the executive branch on matters of policy unless there is a clear violation of the Constitution.

In this context, the regulation of online gambling could be seen as a policy decision within the executive’s purview, especially in the absence of explicit legislative prohibition.

Assessing Duterte’s legal accountability in this matter involves a nuanced understanding of both the Constitutional framework and the political context.

Navy, China Coast Guard and China maritime militia fleets.

The reef has been armed with anti-air and anti-ship missiles, radars, jammers and it is also the closest Chinese military base to the Philippines.

Beijing has continued its militarization and reclamation activities in the South China Sea despite a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its expansive claims in the strategic waterway.

This must not go unimpeded nor unchallenged.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua has remained at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal following the reported presence of Chinese maritime militias and reclamation activities in the area.

But Beijing’s so-called “monster” ship, the 165-meter China Coast Guard vessel, has also been anchored in the resourcerich shoal since July 3.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has reported the number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea has increased tremendously in recent years.

Our military has Top of FormBottom of Formreported that 122 Chinese vessels, including three Chinese warships, have been swarming in various areas of the WPS from July 30 to Aug. 5 compared to the 104 Chinese vessels monitored the week before.

All this tells us that Beijing’s actions are geared towards military confrontation rather than dialogue or negotiation that its spokespersons repeat ad nauseam at every opportunity. No, we should firmly oppose China’s shrill—and dangerous—insistence that might is right.

Duterte’s POGO order, separation of powers debate

(Last of 2 parts) —“—

What Diosdado Macapagal started as a new phenomenon in 1962 turned into a ‘balimbing’ culture, the new normal in Philippine politics

The non-KBL remnants were later formed by Doy Laurel, Eva-Estrada Kalaw, Rene Espina and others into the United Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO) to become the aboveground opposition to the authoritarian regime and his KBL machinery.

In 1984, months after the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., 60 UNIDO candidates won in the 180-member Batasang Pambansa, the unicameral parliament Marcos formed ostensibly to gradually return to democratic order.

While there is a strong case to be made that EO 13 overstepped executive bounds, the presumption of Constitutionality and the potential for judicial deference to executive discretion make this a challenging case for Duterte’s critics.

This signal victory carried on when Cory Aquino and Doy Laurel ran under the UNIDO standard in the snap elections of 1986, where Comelec and the Batasan proclaimed FM Sr. and his running-mate Arturo Tolentino, but was hijacked by Edsa Uno two weeks later. Yet in 1988, Laurel and the UNIDO broke off from Cory Aquino, thus giving birth to the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), formed principally by Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, Cory’s younger brother. Mass turncoatism once again reared its head when Laurel’s UNIDO was deserted by politicians to join the LDP, the new monolithic party. When LDP fielded Speaker Ramon V. Mitra Jr.in 1992, Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos formed Lakas with just seven congressmen in his fold. This was minimally reinforced by the NUCD of Raul Manglapus to become Lakas-NUCD.

The Supreme Court, in cases involving the separation of powers, has often shown restraint in invalidating executive actions unless there is a clear and unmistakable breach of the Constitution.

As such, any legal challenge to EO 13 would need to convincingly demonstrate that the order constituted not just a questionable policy decision, but a violation of the constitutional separation of powers.

For Luistro and those opposing EO 13, the primary legal option is to file a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the order’s validity.

While there are strong arguments on both sides, the ultimate resolution will likely rest with the judiciary

This would likely involve arguing EO 13 oversteps executive authority and usurps the legislative power of Congress, with the aim of having the order declared unconstitutional.

For Duterte and his supporters, the legal strategy would involve defending the EO on the grounds of the presumption of Constitutionality, arguing the regulation of online gambling falls within the executive’s authority to enforce laws and

Despite a huge machinery and ample resources, Mitra was trounced by Ramos, though his win was challenged by a popular Miriam Defensor Santiago. But Senate President Eduardo Angara nimbly co-habited the LDP with Lakas, which though reduced in numbers, remained a viable party. In 1998, LDP and NPC of defeated 1992 candidate Danding Cojuangco merged with the small Partido ng Masang Pilipino of VP Joseph Estrada to form LAMMP. Estrada won, and again there was a massive exodus from Lakas and other fledgling parties into his LAMMP. But Estrada’s term was cut short by Edsa Dos, and his Lakas VP Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was proclaimed president through a controversial Supreme Court decision.

Again, everybody and his mother moved to Lakas-NUCD-Kampi (GMA’s newly-formed vehicle when she ran in 1998).

protect public interest. Recommendations

For Luistro and Opponents: Pursue Legal Action: File a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the Constitutionality of EO 13. Focus on the separation of powers and the legislative intent behind Pagcor’s charter. Legislative Clarification: Push for new legislation that clearly defines the scope of PAGCOR’s regulatory authority, explicitly addressing the issue of online gambling to prevent future overreach.

For Duterte and Supporters: Strengthen Legal Defense: Prepare to defend the Constitutionality of EO 13 by emphasizing the executive’s role in law enforcement and public policy implementation.

Engage in Legislative Dialogue: Encourage a dialogue with Congress to address the concerns raised by EO 13, possibly through amendments to existing laws that would explicitly authorize or regulate online gambling under Pagcor’s jurisdiction.

The controversy surrounding Duterte’s EO 13 and the regulation of POGOs is a complex legal issue that strikes at the heart of the separation of powers in the Philippine government.

While there are strong arguments on both sides, the ultimate resolution will likely rest with the judiciary.

As this case unfolds, it will serve as a critical test of the boundaries of executive authority and the robustness of Constitutional checks and balances in the Philippines.

A sub-culture of the turncoatism phenomenon was the emergence of oligarchfunded parties which concentrated on congressional and local candidacies, like NPC and NUP. Meanwhile, an ailing Doy Laurel gave the NP leadership to then Senate President Manuel B. Villar while Mar Roxas husbanded the LP, both giving life to the old pre-martial law parties. They were to have a face-off as NP and LP presidential candidates in 2010, until Cory Aquino’s death snatched the banner from Roxas and into Noynoy Aquino. After Aquino’s victory, everybody wanted to be a Liberal with the oligarchcontrolled vehicles, NUP, NPC and NP once again in coalition with and supportive of the incumbent president, for vested interest protection and political continuity. What Diosdado Macapagal started as a new phenomenon in 1962 turned into a “balimbing” culture, the new normal in Philippine politics.

Año sees NPA’s end by Dec. ‘24

By Res Espiritu

NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año is confident the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will stamp out the local communist insurgency movement by December this year.

Año said as of this month, the “weakened” guerilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been reduced to five from seven as of the first semester of the year.

“We are confident the military can end the armed component (of the Com-

IN BRIEF

munist Party of the Philippines), The AFP’s target is December 2024, it is only August now,” Año said.

Addressing media executives last Tuesday, Año invited the journalists to be government partners for peace and development efforts.

CHR condemns slay of vice mayor, guard

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday condemned the recent killing of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Roldan Benito and his bodyguard Weng Marcos.

“CHR notes that this incident is a recent addition to the long list of violence committed against elected government officials this 2024. We express our concern over the continued occurrences of violence committed against public officials as the 2025 midterm elections draw closer,” the agency said in a statement.

“Continued occurrences of violence only cultivate a climate of fear amongst the voters and public officials themselves, and may bring detrimental implications on the results of the upcoming elections. Whether this incident is politicallymotivated or not, we emphasize that every human being has the right to live without fear of harm of violence,” it added. Benito, along with his family and bodyguard, were in a pickup truck in Barangay Pandan they were waylaid The wife of Benito, who was also wounded in the encounter, is an incumbent captain of Barangay Pandan. Rio N. Araja

Morong inaugurates police, fire stations

MORONG, Bataan recently inaugurated new police and fire stations meant to enhance public security and protection from structural fires.

Mayor Cynthia Linao-Estanislao and Vice Mayor Leila Linao-Muñoz led the opening rites for the new facilities.

Estanislao said that these new stations will improve the town's security and emergency response. She also said the twin events highlighted the town’s progress and dedication to public safety.

The contributions of the Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay officials in making these projects a reality were also acknowledged. Butch Gunio

Taguig police station cited for anti-drugs achievements

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has cited the Taguig City police for significant accomplishments in the campaign against illegal drugs, demonstrating its dedication to stamp out the drug menace and make the city’s streets safer.

Taguig police chief Col. Christopher Olazo accepted the award from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who also served as the guest of honor and speaker during the 123rd Police Service Anniversary at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

From April 2023 to May 2024, Taguig cops conducted a total of 1,185 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,742 suspects.

“High-value targets”, including Joel Tiñga, a major drug dealer in Taguig and member of the Tiñga drug syndicate, were arrested in buy-bust operations due to intensified efforts by the police.

The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing recently declared two more villages in Taguig—the Barangays Napindan and North Daang Hari—as drug-cleared communities, bringing the total number to 19. Joel E. Zurbano

“The media bear such a hefty responsibility, but we're more than willing to help you come up with fair and informed reportage. And I hope too that you are willing to join hands with us.

Keeping the citizenry abreast of these issues and propelling them to take action should be a shared commitment between the government and the media,” the security adviser said.

He underscored the significance of such partnership amid relentless national and international vilification campaigns by the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front and its front organizations

against the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) using as cover the “redtagging” issue, which the government constantly denied.

Año said the task force has been a “unifying institution” that has corrected lapses in the past in the government’s fight against terrorism and communist insurgency.

“We’ve poured so much in this campaign – so much that we’re afraid that our efforts will just be tarnished or will just be put into vain by controversies of any wrongdoing or lapse on our part.

DHSUD can modify land dev’t plans

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has been authorized to modify approved subdivision plans, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2024-113, reiterating that the approval of alterations of subdivision plans had been institutionalized as the power and function of the DHSUD.

The circular, signed by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., stated that although local government units exercise jurisdiction over the application and approval of subdivision plans, the application and approval of the alteration of subdivision plans remained a function of the DHSUD.

Other regulatory functions devolved to the DHSUD included the issuance of permits, licenses, certificates and clearances, as well as the conduct of monitoring and imposition of sanctions under the mandates of the Department’s Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation Bureau and Homeowners Associations and Community Development Bureau.

“Further, processes and mechanisms related to the application for alteration of plans shall be guided by DHSUD Department Circular (DC) No. 2024-005 Series of 20245 and other guidelines issued by the said agency,” the memorandum read.

House bill seeks to address exorbitant shipping costs

By Maricel V. Cruz

IN A bid to address the unregulated exorbitant international shipping charges, a Congress leader filed House Bill 10507, also known as the International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, in his bill, seeks to mitigate the adverse impact of high logistics costs, which are ultimately pass on to Filipino consumers.

The measure has gained support from importers, exporters, and logistics service providers, who have long voiced concerns about the unchecked rise in shipping costs.

“The International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act is a direct response to the urgent appeals from our industry stakeholders,” said Rodriguez. “It aims to establish a regulatory framework that fosters transparency and fairness in the maritime sector,” he added.

A salient provision of the bill is the expansion of the Maritime Industry Authority’s (MARINA) mandate to regulate and monitor international shipping charges. This measure is expected to cultivate a more competitive maritime trade environment, thereby creating a level playing field for domestic manufacturers, exporters, and importers.

During a meeting last August 12, prominent

industry figures voiced their support for the bill, underscoring the necessity for government intervention to address the issue of unreasonable shipping charges. Rodriguez underscored the significance of a streamlined and cost-effective supply chain and logistics ecosystem. “Through collaborative efforts, we can curtail logistics costs and guarantee that essential goods remain accessible, available, and affordable for our citizens.”

Meanwhile, Dr Henry Basilio, chair of the Export Development Council (EDC) committee on transport and logistics, hailed Rodriguez for filing HB 10507.

Reality show features Army officers’ training

THE Philippine Army will unfold its maiden reality show series on September 1, 2024.

Dubbed "Life in the OCS," the reality series produced by the Army Personnel Management Center will feature the lives of seven soldiers inside the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School. The show revolves around the academic and military training of future Army commanders in Camp O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac and how they overcome the difficulties and challenges in order to become efficient Philippine Army officers. New episodes will be released weekly via the ‘Join the Army’ and the 'Philippine Army” Facebook pages and YouTube channels starting September 1, following the official trailer which was already released last August 10, 2024 on various social media accounts. Rex

for Taliban authorities as they consolidated their grip on power over the past three years, implementing laws based on their strict interpretation of Islam. AFP

Taliban celebrate 3 years since takeover with military show

BAGRAM – Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers celebrated three years in power on Wednesday with a military parade paying homage to their homemade bombs used in war, fighter aircraft and goosestepping security forces.

The Taliban’s armed forces towed Soviet-era tanks and artillery pieces through the former US air base in Bagram, where Chinese and Iranian diplomats were among hundreds who gathered for the parade and speeches. The former Bagram base once served as the linchpin for US-led operations against the Taliban for two decades.

A swarm of motorbikes strapped with yellow jerry cans, often used to carry homemade bombs during the fight against international forces, also rumbled past assembled officials. There were also US-made armored personnel carriers, the black-and-white flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan -- the Taliban government’s formal

Court sacks PM over ethics case, throws Thailand into new turmoil

BANGKOK – Thailand’s Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office on Wednesday, ruling against him in an ethics case that throws the kingdom into fresh political turmoil.

The judges ruled 5-4 that Srettha breached regulations by appointing a lawyer with a criminal conviction to his Cabinet, in a case brought by a group of former senators appointed by Thailand’s former ruling junta.

The ruling comes a week after the same court dissolved the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and banned its former leader from politics for 10 years.

“The court rules by a majority of five to four that the ministerial position of the prime minister is terminat-

IN BRIEF

battered the southern coastal state of Kerala and triggered landslides on July 30, burying homes and residents in Wayanad district under tonnes of rock and soil.

World Weather Attribution, a network of scientists who have pioneered peerreviewed methods for assessing the possible role of climate change in specific extreme events, said the link between the intense rainfall and a warming planet was clear.

“The landslides... were triggered by a burst of rainfall that was made about 10 percent heavier by human-caused climate change,” the WWA analysis by 24 scientists said, noting more than 140mm (5.5 inches) of rain fell in a single day.

“Before climate change, similar downpours in Kerala were incredibly rare,” it said. AFP

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Two ships reported nearby explosions on Tuesday off the coast of Yemen, maritime security agencies said, though neither event resulted in damage or injuries. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden off Yemen have become perilous for shipping with the Huthi rebels, who control areas including the capital Sanaa, launching attacks they say are in solidarity with Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza.

One ship positioned 63 nautical miles southwest of the rebel-held port city of Hodeida reported two nearby explosions early on Tuesday.

“A small craft was observed in the vicinity acting suspiciously and flashing lights towards the vessel,” the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said. The ship was then “attacked by an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), which was successfully disabled”, according to the agency, which is run by the British navy.

“The vessel and crew are reported safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call.”

ed under the constitution, because he has not shown honesty in appointing this minister,” Judge Punya Udchachon said in reading the court’s judgment.

Punya said that Srettha must have known about lawyer Pichit Chuenban’s 2008 conviction when he appointed him to the Cabinet.

“The appointment of the second respondent (Pichit) shows the first respondent (Srettha) has no honesty and breached ethical standards,” Punya added.

Srettha leaves office after less than a year in the job -- the third prime minister from the Pheu Thai party to be kicked out by the Constitutional Court. Thai politics has endured two decades of chronic instability, marked by coups, street protests and court orders, much of it energised by the long-running battle between the military, proroyalist establishment and progressive parties linked to Pheu Thai patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra.

The court ruling dismisses not only Srettha but also his whole cabinet, and parliament will now have to meet to choose a new prime minister.

The case against Srettha centred around the appointment of Pichit, a lawyer associated with the family of billionaire former prime minister Thaksin -- former Manchester City owner and longtime bete noire of the

kingdom’s conservative pro-royalist, pro-military elite. , sentenced to six months’ jail in 2008 for a graft-related offense, quit the cabinet in a bid to save Srettha, but the court pressed ahead with a case initiated by a complaint by senators appointed by Thailand’s former junta.

Srettha came to power less than a year ago at the head of a coalition led by Pheu Thai, after striking a deal with army-linked parties.

The ruling highlights old divisions in Thai politics between the conservative establishment and progressive parties such as Pheu Thai and its new rival MFP.

Thailand has endured a cycle of coups, court rulings, street protests and elections since the early 2000s as the establishment battled Thaksin and his allies for dominance.

name for the country -- fluttering above them.

Helicopters and fighter aircraft flew over the base, where Taliban fighters were once imprisoned, about 40 kilometers north of Kabul.

Taliban forces seized the capital on Aug. 15, 2021, after the US-backed government collapsed and its leaders fled into exile. The anniversary is marked a day earlier on the Afghan calendar. Their government remains unrecognized by any other state, with restrictions on women, who bear the brunt of policies the United Nations has called “gender apartheid,” remaining a key sticking point.

“Three years have passed since the dreams of girls have been buried,” Madina, a 20-year-old university student in Kabul, told AFP.

“It’s a bitter feeling that every year, the celebration of this day reminds us of the efforts, memories, and goals we had for our future.” AFP

CARACAS – The UN voiced concern Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) over a “climate of fear” in post-election Venezuela as lawmakers mulled a package of laws critics say target opponents of Nicolas Maduro.

Electoral officials loyal to Maduro declared him the victor of a July 28 vote whose contested results have plunged the country into a political crisis with 25 killed, dozens injured and thousands arrested after protests broke out following the poll.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement he was troubled by “the high and continuing number of arbitrary detentions, as well as disproportionate use of force” reported since the election “and the resulting climate of fear.”

The National Electoral Council had declared Maduro the president-elect for a third, six-year term, giving him 52 percent of ballots cast. It has yet to provide a detailed breakdown. AFP

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday he will not seek re-election as head of his party, meaning the end of his premiership after just under three years.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted since 1945, is due to hold an internal leadership contest next month. Its popularity ratings have slumped because of rising prices.

“In this presidential election, it is necessary to show the people that the

LDP is changing and the party is a new LDP,” Kishida told reporters in Tokyo.

“For this, transparent and open elections and free and vigorous debate are important. The most obvious first step to show that the LDP will change is for me to step aside,” he said.

“I will not be running in the forthcoming presidential election.”

Kishida had informed senior administration officials of his intention not to run, media including national broadcaster NHK and Kyodo news reported earlier, AFP

GRIM REMINDER. Taliban security personnel ride in a convoy to celebrate the third anniversary of Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, in Kabul on Wednesday. Taliban authorities kicked off celebrations of the third anniversary of their rule over Afghanistan at the former US Bagram air base. Security has been a key priority

AFP

HELPLESS IN ATHENS. Relatives comfort each other after looking at the damage to their burnt home following a wildfire that hit the northeastern suburbs of Athens, in Chalandri, suburb of Athens, on Tuesday as Greece continued for the third consecutive day to fight a fire in the suburbs which has killed one person, forced thousands from their homes and polluted the air in the capital. AFP

FFCCCII raises concerns over inflation

By Michael Wong Ho

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), led by its president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, visited the Department of Finance (DOF) on Aug. 7, 2024 to discuss various economic concerns, including the impact of inflation on businesses.

DOF Secretary Ralph Recto and other key officials, including Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan-Tiuseco and assistant secretary Gerald Alan Quebral welcomed the delegation.

FFCCCII executive vice president Victor Lim, vice presidents David Chua and Jose Go and other committee leaders were also present during the visit.

The chamber focused on taxation, politics and legislative affairs and expressed its commitment to promoting Philippine economic prosperity.

Anvil Club discusses cultural heritage in business

ANVIL Business Club, an association of young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs, hosted a forum on Aug. 8, 2024 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Around 120 young Filipino Chinese businessmen, students and media representatives attended the event.

The forum featured two keynote speakers who shared valuable invaluable insights on life and business, drawing from their extensive experience and the profound wisdom of their cultural heritage.

Anvil honorary chairman Willson Lee Flores, a renowned columnist, businessman and analyst of history

and geopolitics, emphasized the importance of leveraging one’s heritage in business.

“You’re not starting from zero when you use your heritage; you’re really starting with many treasures and powers,” he said.

Flores explained that culture, built on past advantages and historical memory, serves as a vital delivery device for inspiration.

He recounted his experiences with tycoons such as Lucio Tan and Andrew Tan, highlighting their dedication to learning traditional Chinese culture by inviting history professors from China to teach in the Philippines.

the National Bureau of Investigation.

He also encouraged the youth to follow their example in integrating cultural knowledge into their business practices.

Anvil Business Club chairman emeritus George Siy, who is also the president of the Marie France Group of Companies, provided insights into the history and current international situations affecting businesses.

“Your mentors are people in the past; your financiers are in the future, guaranteed by your energies and efforts backed up by the communities you are in,” he said.

“Heroes are not born heroes; they go through a journey,” Siy said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio

Pedro raised concerns on rising inflation, which led to significant increases in transportation costs. He pointed out that shipping companies raised their terminal fees, contributing to a substantial rise in product prices. Pedro also asked Recto to look into the authority of the Bureau of Customs, which is part of the DOF, to effectively address issues. He also highlighted FFCCCII’s active participation in various government initiatives, including the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CICAC), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Advisory Committee, the enforcement of Presidential Executive Order 23 and the Technical Working Group on Real Estate Valuation. Both parties discussed proper taxation procedures and ways to address frequently-asked questions regarding tax charging and payment. Recto acknowledged the chamber’s long-standing support for the DOF and assured the delegation that the department is committed to simplifying business governance procedures and improving the overall business environment in the country.

FFCCCII said it is dedicated to working with the government to support national policies, promote the growth of trade industries in the country and address trade abuses.

He urged young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs to utilize their cultural backgrounds to seize opportunities in the rapidly expanding Chinese economy and contribute to national development in the Philippines.

Attendees appreciated the forum, with one participant saying, “I learned a lot from their insights. I enjoy the club’s regular seminars.”

The Anvil Business Club promotes growth and development among young Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs through forums that encourage them to draw on their heritage as they tackle the challenges of today’s business environment. Michael Wong Ho

PCCCII delegation meets with NBI officials to strengthen collaboration

THE Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCCII), led by president Hou Shilian, visited the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters on Aug. 6, 2024.

NBI director Jaime Santiago and assistant director Jose Doloridas welcomed the delegation.

During the visit, Hou highlighted the history, mission and recent activities of PCCCII. He also expressed gratitude for the NBI’s efforts in maintaining social peace and order in the community.

Santiago acknowledged PCCCII’s contributions to disaster relief and charitable initiatives, particularly

following Typhoon Carina, during which PCCCII collaborated with the Chinese Embassy in Manila to provide substantial relief assistance to affected districts.

He also expressed his hope for PCCCII to continue its support and strengthen the friendship between the Philippines and China.

PCCCII honorary president Wu Qifa, several vice presidents and directors were also present during the meeting.

The visit underscored the collaborative spirit between PCCCII and the NBI in fostering community welfare and international relations. Michael Wong Ho

Licup gives mobile wheels unit to enhance Tiaong road safety

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen Inc. (QCAFCBI) marked its 35th anniversary and inducted its new board of directors and officers at Novotel Hotel on Aug. 4, 2024.

Outgoing president Joaquin Co expressed gratitude to the members during the event. “Together, we have made a lasting impact on our community, and I am confident that under the new leadership of this association, we’ll continue to reach new heights,” he said.

Dr. Cecilio Pedro, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc (FFCCCII), officiated the induction ceremony, welcoming incoming president Rorvick Cheng.

“Today marks a significant moment in our journey as we gather here to embark on a new chapter for the Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen Inc. I am humbled and honored to serve as your new president,” Cheng said.

Founded in 1989, QCAFCBI continues to champion the interests of Filipino-Chinese businessmen while implementing educational, charitable and social welfare projects aimed at uplifting the community.

Licup, aside from his role at FFCCCII, also serves as the vice chairman for external affairs of PAGPTD. The event was attended by SLSU Campus director Alma Caringal, Tiaong vice mayor Roderick Umali, Quezon Police director Col. Ledon Monte and Tiaong Police Chief Lt. Col. Daniel Camposo. Members of the PAGPTD representing various sectors also joined the event. The initiative is expected to make a positive impact on local traffic management and ensure a safer environment for students and residents alike. Julie Ann Lope

NELSON Licup, vice chairman for the welfare committee of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), donated a Blue Cops on Mobile Wheels (BCMW) unit to the Provincial Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (PAGPTD) in Tiaong, Quezon on Aug. 7, 2024. The signing of the deed of donation took place at Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Tiaong Campus in Barangay Lagalag. Licup emphasized the importance of community partnerships in enhancing public safety. The BCMW unit will be stationed along the highway in front of the campus, manned by local police officers to help prevent and reduce road incidents in the area.

THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) donates school supplies under the Handog Balik Eskwela project to students of Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Navotas City on July 30, 2024. The project aims to support 1,000 Grade 2 students in Kapitbahayan Elementary School, Navotas Elementary School 1 and Daanghari Elementary School. School bags filled with notebooks, pencils, rulers and other essential items

were distributed to the beneficiaries. Navotas City Mayor John Reynald Tiangco expressed gratitude for the group’s donation. He said that the new school supplies would strengthen students’ motivation and enjoyment of learning.

Tiangco also encouraged the pupils to maintain a nutritious diet and to work hard to achieve their dreams.

Dr. Florietta Quijano, principal of Kapitbahayan Elementary thanked CFB-

Former Mayor and Speaker of the House Sonny Belmonte attended the ceremony and recognized the association’s contributions to the city.

Mayor Joy Belmonte, represented by Mona Celine Yap of the Small Business Cooperative Development Promotion Office, lauded the QCAFCBI for its steadfast support of key city initiatives and its vital role in the community.

The QC Dragon Star Awards were presented during the celebration, honoring individuals and NGOs that have excelled in their fields and made significant contributions to improving the lives of others without seeking public recognition.

CI for its contribution, highlighting the donation’s impact on 666 Grade 2 students of the school.

CFBCI president Samuel Lee Uy, vice president Willy Chuakimtong, director Willy Chion Wong, director Richard Alviar, vice chairman Henry Tiu, vice chairman Eduardo Ting Tiu, vice chairman Gregorio Lagamayo, vice chairman Linda Lao, plenary member Ramon Wong and English secretary Mexica Bausa represented the organization.Julie Ann Lope

The PCCCII delegation, led by president Hou Shilian, visits

PHILHEALTH’S SUPPORT. Philippine Health Insurance Corp. president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. (fourth from left) hands a P239-million check to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (second from left) as part of the state insurer’s support to the city government’s implementation of medical services for their local constituents. With them are (front row, from left) Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta, First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and PhilHealth vice president Walter Bacareza. Three Quezon City-run hospitals will receive the biggest chunk of funds: Quezon City General Hospital with P101.57 million, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital with P58.03 million and the Novaliches District Hospital with P47.74 million.

Japan firm upgrades PH credit rating to ‘A-’

By Darwin G. Amojelar

JAPAN’S Rating and Investment Information Inc. (R&I) upgraded the Philippines’ credit rating to ‘A-’ with a stable outlook, the first under the Marcos administration.

R&I, in its report dated Aug. 14, 2024, cited the Philippines’ macroeconomic stability, high economic growth path and continuous improvement in fiscal balance as key factors for the rating upgrade.

R&I recognized that the Philippine government has been pursuing fiscal consolidation efforts while also emphasizing support to

IN BRIEF

PCC clears DMCI’s acquisition of Cemex Holdings DMCI Holdings Inc. said Wednesday the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) approved its $305.6-million acquisition of Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. (CHP).

DMCI said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the PCC cleared the joint acquisition by the group, its parent firm Dacon Corp. and subsidiary Semirara Mining and Power Corp. of 100-percent shares of stock in Cemex Asian South East Corp. (CASEC) from Cemex Asia B.V. CASEC owns 89.86 percent CHP, which primarily sells gray ordinary Portland cement, masonry or mortar cement and blended cement. The PCC approval is one of the conditions precedents to, and a regulatory requirement necessary before, finalizing the joint acquisition.

CHP is the country’s fourth-largest cement manufacturer. It is in the process of constructing a 1.5-million-ton integrated cement production line at its Solid Plant in Antipolo, Rizal. Jenniffer B. Austria

BOI endorses Vind’s P331-b offshore wind projects

THE Board of Investments (BOI) and the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI) approved for green lane endorsement two offshore wind projects by Vind Energy Corp. representing combined investments of P331 billion.

The projects, located in Cavite and Guimaras, are a major step towards achieving the Philippines’ decarbonization goals with potential output of 1,722 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo presented the certificates to Corio Generation development director Alma Roxas-Aguila. Corio is a shareholder of Vind Energy.

“These green lane certifications are crucial for our project development and efforts in helping the country reach its decarbonization targets,” said Roxas-Aguila. Othel V. Campos

Security Bank’s profit rose 11% to P5.4b in first half

SECURITY Bank Corp. said Wednesday it posted a net profit of P5.4 billion in the first half of 2024, up by 11 percent year-on-year.

The bank’s total revenue went up by 24 percent year-on-year to P25.7 billion, while its net interest income increased 38 percent to P21.7 billion. Security Bank’s net margin reached 5.20 percent in the six-month period, up by 96 basis points year-on-year. Service charges, fees and commission showed a 74-percent growth to P4.9 billion.

The bank said operating expense increased 20 percent in the first half, led by investments in manpower and technology. The strong performance led to a cost-to-income ratio of 58.4 percent, lower than 60.4 percent a year ago. Ralph Harvey Rirao

Ayala’s six-month income climbed 21% to P22.3b

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. said Wednesday its first-half net income grew 21 percent to P22.3 billion from a year ago, on the back of stronger contributions from core banking, property, telecommunication and power generation businesses. Minus one-off items, first-half core net income rose 18 percent to P24.3 billion, Ayala said in a stock exchange filing.

The company’s banking unit Bank of the Philippine Islands booked a record net income of P30.6 billion in the six-month period, up 22 percent from a year ago,

economic growth.

“The government has higher budget allocation for education and, social welfare, on top of infrastructure investment, while pushing ahead with the measures aimed at expanding tax base,” the R&I said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the credit rating upgrade would translate into cheaper borrowing costs and stronger investor confidence.

“This is a milestone achievement. This is the first credit rating upgrade under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. which affirms the big confidence of investors and creditors in his management of the economy,” Recto said in a statement.

“Our refined Medium-Term Fiscal Program is our blueprint for our road to A rating. This ensures that we can reduce our deficit and debt gradually in a realistic manner, while creating

more jobs, increasing our people’s incomes, growing the economy further, and decreasing poverty in the process. Sticking to this program can help us get there faster,” he said.

He said the Philippines’ high credit rating sends a strong signal of confidence to investors and creditors, resulting in cheaper and more costeffective borrowing costs for the government and the private sector.

This allows the government to channel funds that would have otherwise been allotted for interest payments towards more development programs such as more infrastructure projects, improved social services, better health care system and quality education.

It also attracts more foreign investments into the country, which will create better employment opportunities for Filipinos.

GSIS loan restructuring extended until May 2025

STATE-RUN Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said Wednesday it is extending its restructuring program for service loans (RPSL) until May 19, 2025. It said the extension offers a good opportunity for borrowers to benefit from longer and more affordable payment terms.

“The GSIS offers a restructuring and condonation program for all past due loans. This underscores our commitment to help members and pensioners manage their financial well-being and get back on track by offering flexible terms and condoning penalties,” said GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso.

Launched in May 2023, the GSIS Restructuring Program for Service Loans (RPSL) is a new program that provides delinquent borrowers more options to lower their past due balances and offer a more flexible and affordable option to pay off their loans.

It is designed to aid former members, old-age pensioners, reemployed members, borrowers who previously availed of PRRD and those with overdue loans. The program provides a one-time condonation and restructuring option, making it easier for borrowers to manage due and demandable service loans, as well as their penalties and surcharges.

Borrowers can apply for the program through the GSIS Touch, over-the-counter (OTC) payment at any GSIS branch, M. Lhuillier, USSC, or via UnionBank or Landbank mobile or web apps. Applicants are required to submit a duly accomplished form along with a photocopy of the GSIS ID, Phil ID, passport or any two valid government-issued IDs.

Celebrating 61 years of serving the nation: LANDBANK honors outstanding partners in countryside, national development

LAND BANK of the Philippines (LANDBANK) celebrated its 61st anniversary by recognizing its exceptional development partners in the delivery of essential financial and support services in local communities nationwide. During an appreciation event held on 08 August 2024 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, the Bank honored outstanding clients and partners across various sectors through the Models of Excellence Recognition Initiative for Top Bank Clients (MERIT) Awards.

“The success stories of our awardees mirror the potential of our nation. It illustrates how far we can progress when we commit to being each other’s steadfast partners in development,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto in addressing the MERIT awardees.

“Your work and contributions send a powerful message—that we can put an end to poverty not by looking out only for ourselves, but by working hand in hand together,” he added.

The LANDBANK MERIT Awards recognized the Bank’s high-performing clients who have become models of operational excellence, which include cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), corporations and large enterprises, countryside financial institutions (CFIs), microfinance institutions (MFIs), and individual farmers.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz expressed appreciation to the MERIT awardees for their contributions to advancing agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to helping them achieve their full potential.

“When our clients thrive, we thrive. Every achievement represents our shared success; each milestone is a reflection of the strength of our partnership. That’s why it is only fitting that we pay tribute to you—our dear clients and partners—for your steadfast support and invaluable contributions on this meaningful journey,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz.

Finance Secretary Recto and LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz were joined by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., LANDBANK Directors Virginia N. Orogo, Nancy D.

Irlanda, and David D. Erro, and LANDBANK Executive Vice President Ma. Celeste A. Burgos and Vice President Rolando G. Santos in presenting the awards to 14 MERIT awardees. Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan-Tiuseco, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Atty. Asis G. Perez, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Assistant Secretary Santiago S. Lim, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Assistant Director Daisy B. Pabuaya, and Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC) Senior Vice President Emmanuel R. Torres also graced the event. Under the Gawad sa Pinakatanging Kooperatiba (Gawad PITAK), the Alicia Neighborhood Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative were hailed as outstanding agri-based cooperatives in the medium and large categories, respectively. The Ating Ani Nueva Ecija Multipurpose Cooperative and Ligas Kooperatiba ng Bayan sa Pagpapaunlad were likewise honored for their outstanding contributions under the non-agricultural category.

The Gawad MSME was awarded to Ms. Fralyn B. Cruz and Sandig Medical Clinic and Hospital under the agribased and non-agri-based sectors, respectively.

The Gawad Kaagapay was given to DoubleDragon Corporation, Asialink Finance Corporation, and Soliman E.C. Septic Tank Disposal for their contributions as corporations and large enterprises to growing the local economy.

ProFarmers Rural Banking Corporation, Producers Savings Bank Corporation, and ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc. were recognized with the Gawad PFI for their exceptional performance under the rural bank, thrift bank, and microfinance categories, respectively.

The Ulirang Magsasaka award was awarded to Mr. Deodany L. Cara, while Mr. Roderick G. Capalongan received a special citation for his innovative approach to integrated farming.

LANDBANK is celebrating its 61st anniversary this month, representing more than six decades of advancing development, inclusion, and sustainability in serving the nation.

Alliance Global posts P107.5-b revenues

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ALLIANCE Global Group Inc. (AGI) of businessman Andrew Tan chalked up a net income attributable to parent equity holder of P8.8 billion in the first half of 2024, down 4.7 percent from a year ago.

First-half revenues, however, climbed 8 percent to P107.5 billion from P99.1 billion in the same period last year on higher contribution from property and quick service restaurant

businesses, AGI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday.

“The Alliance Global Group mustered a strong recovery in the second quarter of the year despite the gener-

ally sluggish global economy, as well as the challenges brought about by elevated inflation, interest rates and an unstable currency,“ said AGI president and chief executive Kevin Tan.

“Our performance mirrored the underlying strength of our brands and all our businesses as the group continued to invest in future capacity expansions and execute our strategies as planned. We also focused on implementing enhancements and innovations of our aspirational products and services to address changes in market

EJMT EQUIPMENT. East Java Multipurpose Terminal (EJMT), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit in Lamongan Regency, Indonesia, takes delivery of two new Konecranes Gottwald post-Panamax ESP.8 mobile harbor cranes (MHC). The new equipment will support EJMT in handling bulk, project and container cargo once the terminal commences operations in September 2024.

Peso sustains gains, stock index rises above 6,700 level

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine peso sustained its gains, while local stocks rose Wednesday ahead of the Monetary Board’s policy meeting.

The peso closed at 56.95 against the US dollar Wednesday, slightly up from 56.96 Tuesday which was the strongest in nearly four months.

The PSEi, the 30-company benchmark index of the Philippine Stock Exchange, rose 54.52 points, or 0.82 percent, to close at 6,704.96, while the broader allshares index added 19.30 points, or 0.54 percent, to finish at 3,629.30. Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said investors continued to hunt for

bargains ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas meeting Thursday. Positive macroeconomic data and strong corporate earnings that underscore the strength of the domestic economy also boosted investor sentiment.

The bourse was energized by positive sentiment from the US market which rose after softer-than-expected Producer Price Index report.

The strengthening of the peso also lifted the index.

All indices ended in the green, led by property which jumped 1.69 percent on expectations of possible interest rate cut by the BSP. Mining and oil also advanced by 1.44 percent and industrial by 1.33 percent.

Trading volume reached P6.34 billion, with 98 gainers against 105 decliners.

preferences. We believe that we are in the best position to take advantage of emerging opportunities as the economy continues to recover,” said Tan.

Second-quarter attributable net income amounted to P4.6 billion, nearly flat from P4.56 billion in 2023.

Second-quarter consolidated revenue grew 16 percent year-on-year to P56.8 billion.

Megaworld, the country’s premier township developer, continued to lead the group’s performance in the first half as it registered a 22-percent

increase in revenue to P39.1 billion from P32.0 billion a year earlier.

Emperador, the biggest global brandy producer and among the fastestgrowing Scotch whisky manufacturers, delivered consolidated revenue of P28.6 billion and net income to owners of P3.8 billion.

Travellers International, the group’s leisure and tourism arm and owner/operator of Newport World Resorts (NWR), booked attributable income of P423 million in the second quarter.

Judicious use of PhilHealth funds; Garbage woes threaten urban Clark

FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto is simply opting for the judicious use of state money when he ordered the transfer of P90 billion worth of excess funds from Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the Bureau of Treasury (Btr).

Those funds can be re-directed to finance infrastructure projects, social welfare and educational services, mass housing and irrigation―instead of the national government raising the equivalent amount from borrowings that only increase our national debt and burden future generations. The P90-billion funds are over and above what is needed by PhilHealth in its reserves in order to cover the benefits of its members, not just this year but for several years. PhilHealth has over P500 billion in reserve funds, enough to cover operations for the next three years.

Even after remitting P90 billion in national government subsidy to the Treasury, PhilHealth’s financial standing will remain remain strong. It will be able to use P500 billion for new and expanded PhilHealth benefits.

PhilHealth has over P500 billion in reserve funds, enough to cover operations for the next three years.

For the record, the excess funds will not harm PhilHealth nor its members. The health insurer, in fact, is set to enhance and expand the services that it extends to millions of Filipinos.

It is rolling out a series of new and improved benefits that will significantly impact the health of its members. For one, the number of generic drugs available for outpatient treatments will more than double, increasing from 21 to 53. These include crucial medications for common maladies, like hypertension, nerve pain and epileptic seizures.

As fund manager, PhilHealth has well calculated its expenses or outlays against the cash in hand. It is set to almost double the benefits for those suffering from strokes and pneumonia, offering coverage of up to P76,000. These are common yet potentially fatal illnesses, and this increased support will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief to many Filipino families.

PhilHealth also raised the coverage limit for breast cancer treatments by nearly 1,000 percent from ₱100,000 to ₱1.4 million. For those suffering from the illness, the higher amount is timely and life-saving. We have heard of families going bankrupt due the prohibitive costs of cancer care.

By year’s end, PhilHealth will include chemotherapy for lung, liver, ovarian and prostate cancers in its coverage, further expanding its support for those battling these life-threatening diseases.

PhilHealth is prudent enough on the coverage of health care services, knowing fully well that it will continue to get infusions of capital from the government. And in the matter of excess funds, PhilHealth is merely practicing charity. Those funds will eventually benefit other state corporations and finance their mandate of improving the lives of our countrymen.

Stinking problem

The failed policies in past urban planning may repeat itself in New Clark City, which is being developed into a green and smart metropolis.

The planned new metropolis seeks to position itself as a premier industrial hub that can attract local and foreign investors. But with the impending closure of the Kalangitan Engineered Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac on October 5 this year, one can imagine mounting garbage hills that will smear the landscape of the new city.

Garbage, when not managed efficiently, leads to urban blight. It requires a whole-of-nation effort to deal with trash, including proper waste management led by the government and the personal discipline of every Filipino.

But the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) are not doing their share when they announced the closure of the Kalangitan Landfill, which is administered by Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWM).

The deal, signed by WCWM, the BCDA and CDC, will not expire until 2049, however. The WCWM management, thus, was surprised when the BCDA and CDC informed them about the termination of the contract by October.

The Kalangitan landfill is a critical facility for waste management in Luzon. It serves as the garbage dump for about 3,000 tons of waste every day, including trash from 150 local government units (LGUs) and over 1,000 industrial clients across Central Luzon, Pangasinan, Metro Manila and the Cordilleras, including Baguio City.

These LGUs and industrial companies will be at a loss on how and where to dump their trash. This will surely lead to a garbage crisis.

There are supposedly alternative sites in Porac and Floridablanca in Pampanga, but environmental experts say they are too small and inaccessible. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources should intervene in this garbage impasse.

The garbage problem is being blamed for the recent flooding in Metro Manila and some provinces in Luzon in the wake of the monsoon rains spawned by Typhoon Carina last month. Trash found its way in many waterways, clogging tributaries and leading to the inundation of the capital region.

The same may happen in Clark and the rest of Central Luzon, if no workable dump sites take the place of the Kalangitan landfill.

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

SHOWBIZ

Sweetnotes charms

fans with melodic music, upcoming US tour

MUSICIANS Jeffrey S. Bactong

Jr. and Charlotte Mae P. Bactong

known as the duo Sweetnotes, are gearing up for a US tour starting in Chicago on Oct. 18. They will perform in Indiana on Oct. 19, followed by shows in San Francisco on Oct. 26, New York on Nov. 1, Arizona on Nov. 2, and Los Angeles on Nov. 3. The tour will continue in Florida on Nov. 9, Las Vegas on Nov. 10, and Seattle on Nov. 15. They will then visit San Diego on Nov. 16 and Colorado on

By Angelica Villanueva

IN JUNE 2023, many concertgoers were frustrated and disappointed when they missed Hollywood singer Bruno Mars’s concert at the Philippine Arena due to massive traffic and difficulty finding parking. Some managed to attend but arrived only to find that just two songs were left in his setlist.

It’s devastating. Imagine waiting for months to see your favorite artists perform in your home country, only to miss their performance because of on-site issues like limited parking.

Nov. 23. The final leg of the tour includes Washington DC on Dec. 6, Hawaii on Dec. 13, and Maui on Dec. 14.

Jeffrey and Mae’s partnership grew both personally and professionally, leading to their marriage in March 2017. After performing in China, they returned to the Philippines in 2019 and adapted to pandemic challenges by live streaming their performances.

A viral video from Fish Caught KTV Bar boosted their popularity, especially among Overseas Filipino Workers

(OFWs), with their covers of hits like “Parting Time,” “Iniibig Kita,” and “Minamahal Kita.”

Sweetnotes has built a strong online following with 3.6 million Facebook followers and 1.15 million YouTube subscribers. They are honored to be compared to MYMP and are working on new original music for their fans.

Sweetnotes’s US tour is organized by Edren Entertainment LLC, with Edgardo Vera Tividad as the executive producer.

Start-up aims to ease parking during concerts

Businessman Jynon Mapa had a similar experience years ago when his favorite British rock band, Coldplay , visited the Philippines for a concert. This experience inspired him to launch his start-up, Park King.

“We wanted to give the best experience, right? But even now, you can book the best seat for a show, but you can’t book the best parking spot. You spend almost two hours just looking for parking,” said Mapa.

“So, as you can see, there’s no solution yet. Even during Bruno Mars’s concert, celebrities might miss events because they don’t have the option to reserve parking. Although, if you ask them, they would prefer to have a reserved spot,” he added.

Park King is a mobile app designed for reserving parking spaces, allowing users to book a spot in advance of an event. It utilizes IoT technology to physically secure each parking space for the users.

The company aims to transform parking at large-scale events, starting with the common concert parking issue. Mapa highlighted that Filipinos are willing to pay for reserved parking slots at concerts.

“It’s surprising, but even compared to first-world countries, ticket prices here are high. For example, watching a movie is cheaper in Singapore than in the Philippines. Filipinos are ready to pay for both tickets and parking,” Mapa said.

The app features a smart parking barrier that prevents other cars from using the reserved spot.

“Our barrier is at the forefront of our technology. It tracks the battery and connects via the app on your phone to control it,” he added.

Park King is one of the six Filipino start-ups that underwent Block Dojo’s intensive 12-week incubation program. Wrapping up their training, the six owners showcased their start-ups during Block Dojo’s “Demo Day” at the Asian Institute of Management on Aug. 1.

“This celebration marks not just our company’s achievements but also the progress of the startup ecosystem in the Philippines. We want each startup to showcase their solutions to fundamental problems faced by Filipinos daily,” said Toffer Briones , managing director of Block Dojo Philippines.

Alden Richards to co-produce Hollywood film featuring Gabbi Garcia

By Angelica Villanueva

ACTOR Alden Richards will be co-producing the upcoming international film, Death March through his production company, Myriad Corporation. Excited about the project, Alden took to Instagram on Tuesday, Aug. 13, to express his excitement for the Hollywood film.

“Thrilled to co-produce a film that brings together talents from the Philippines, US, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Can’t wait to unveil this journey with the world!” Alden wrote. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Hollywood’s Scott Adkins and actress Gabbi Garcia Gabbi has already started working on the film, as seen in her recent Instagram posts with Scott where they reviewed the script. “Working on something with [Scott Adkins]. Death March coming soon,” Gabbi posted.

production credits include the successful 2022

reunion concert, and he’s also known for

esports and gaming events.

I WAS expecting to see fruits and vegetables, clothes, and ready-toeat food variations while walking along the stretch of an open-air marketplace. Not really a table and a shelf full of books.

So that particular stall caught my attention and I had to stop and do what I regularly do - go over a neatly arranged pile of books, like when I am in a bookstore or in a library I often visit.

Incidentally, I was not in a familiar place last Sunday (Aug. 11). I was at the La Jolla Open Aire Market here in San Diego, California. La Jolla is a classy seaside neighborhood within the city of San Diego that is home to the University of California San Diego.

I read that notable people have lived in La Jolla, including actresses Robin Wright and Marcia Gay Harden, singer Alicia Keys, wrestler Rey Mysterio, and writers Anne Rice, Dr. Seuss, and Raymond Chandler who meaningfully said that it is “a nice place for old people and their parents.”

The La Jolla Open Aire Market is currently open every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. I was with journalist-friends as I spent the weekend going around places in San Diego county. This was our last stop, and I decided to take a look at the stall selling books.

Thus, I met Carlos Palacio, the guy in charge of the tent that had the name Street Smart Bookstore. At first glance, you wouldn’t expect him to be the book guy. He could pass up for a boy band member. In reality, he described himself as dyslexic who then started reading that “opened doors to different worlds of ideas, stories, towns, and culture,” as he put it poetically.

“Not all people go to bookstores and I noticed that, so I am bringing the books into the street,” Palacio said.

“I want to be near the people and closer to them, give them books that they want to get,” he noted.

Street Smart Bookstore can be found in other locations, both as a traditional bookstore and in makeshift set-ups that capture the attention of book lovers who are part of the foot traffic of a specially designed marketplace. It offers used books in good condition.

I agree with the claim that it offers titles worth purchasing or ones you may have been looking for. I saw some works from legendary authors Stephen King, James Patterson, and Paulo Coehlo Palacio considers both his parents as “big readers.” The knowledge that some people can’t afford to buy books made him want to sell them at reasonable prices. He sells $5 per book and a free one if one buys a certain number.

“It doesn’t matter if you are homeless or a millionaire. A book helps you,” he said.

Street Smart Bookstore, according to him, has been selling “hundreds of thousands of books.” It is a result of understanding the value of reading.

In this age of online information overload, physical books still reign supreme as far as assuring the quality of information is concerned. Not to mention the beauty of the written word on a tangible page.

Whereas the fake news peddler rushes to get the attention for quick traction, somebody is carefully working to ensure that facts and style come together in a finely packaged gift of wisdom. The uploads may be deleted in a click and lost forever, the printed can be reprinted for another run at eternal existence.

Carlos Palacio earned my respect for doing something to bring books closer to people who should get them, like the youth of today who grew up in a world where books are thought by some fools to be old school and obsolete. It amused me to see teenagers thrilled with some cool books in their hands.

That day I went home with a copy of Coelho’s By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept. For some reason, I felt it was the right time for me to finally have a copy of it after somewhat avoiding it perhaps due to its sad title. But that afternoon at the park near where I stay, I sat down and smiled while reading.

Sweetnotes members

Jeffrey S. Bactong Jr. (left) and Charlotte Mae P. Bactong

Kathryn Bernardo

part of the historical series Pulang Araw

Carlos Palacio of Street Smart Bookstore at the La Jolla Open Aire Market

Actress Gabbi Garcia (left) with Hollywood actor Scott Adkins

Block Dojo Philippines managing director Toffer Briones (left) and Park King Co-Founder and CEO Jynon Mapa

By Abigail Adriatico

FOR many women, one of the things that they cannot seem to escape is the standards of beauty placed upon them by society. From the types of clothes that they wear to the shape of their bodies, there is this belief that for one to be beautiful, their appearance must adhere to what society dictates it should be otherwise, they will be ugly or undesirable.

However, one’s beauty is not to be limited to their appearance as many facets come with this. Apart from appearance, women can also show their beauty through their inner strength and their physical health.

In recognition of this new perspective of what beauty can be, premium training facility Kinetix Lab has launched its “Strong is Beautiful” campaign with the goal of uplifting women and focusing on the beauty that lies within all the aspects of strength—both mental and physical.

During the campaign’s launch at the Kinetix Lab One Ayala last July 22, five influential and inspiring women were introduced to serve as the faces of the campaign. These were actress Max Eigenmann, content creator Janina Manipol, writer Angeline Rodriguez , fashion stylist KC Leyco, and musician Kai Honasan-Del Rio. They shared their insights about how beauty comes from within and that strength doesn’t always refer to one’s physical capabilities but also their mental fortitude.

Coach Jules Pajaron, one of the female coaches of Kinetix Lab, shared the packages that came with their “Strong is Beautiful” campaign, which prioritizes strength and conditioning training. These packages are the Rising Star, the Train Like an Athlete, the Conquer PCOS, the Fit & Fierce Weight Loss, and the Strong Young Moms

professionals and would like to achieve a work-life balance as well as develop their strength by being more active and having structured fitness routines.

Meanwhile, the Train Like an

Strong is beautiful

New campaign breaks beauty norms

Athlete package is designed for female athletes which optimizes their performance and recovery through synchronizing their training phases with the fluctuations of their hormones throughout their menstrual cycle. This package aims to maximize an athlete’s training adaptations, manage their energy levels, and minimize injury risk through adapting intensity, volume, and recovery strength strategies according to the physiological changes brought about by their menstrual phases.

The Conquer PCOS membership features a training program made for women who have Polycystic ovary syndrome which is focused on mitigating the symptoms related to hormonal imbalances through targeted exercises that correspond to the different phases of their menstrual cycle while also promoting

IMAGINE moving effortlessly through your day, core engaged, and shoulders aligned. While this may seem ideal, the reality often involves slouching over laptops, lounging on couches, and contorting into awkward positions to retrieve items from beneath the bed. Over time, these minor postural habits can accumulate, resulting in discomfort, fatigue, and pain. The good news is that improving your posture doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Simple adjustments made throughout the day can have a substantial impact. Think of posture as a series of foundational elements. Maintaining an upright position at your desk forms a solid base while distributing your weight evenly when standing prevents unnecessary strain. When lifting heavy objects, squatting

instead of bending ensures proper alignment.

Furthermore, quality sleep can significantly enhance your posture.

The Sealy Adjustable Bed system is designed to help you find your ideal sleeping position, paired with the supportive design of a Posturepedic mattress.

strength gains to improve their quality of life.

The Fit & Fierce package serves as a training program made for women who are looking to effectively lose weight and reduce body fat while also boosting their physical strength and functional capacity.

The Strong Young Moms membership is made for young mothers who would like to build strength, increase their vitality, and have a more positive lifestyle so that they would be able to keep up with the physical demands of being a parent and raising children through targeted exercises as well as wellness strategies.

Kinetix Lab’s Regional Manager of the South coach Nelson Ancheta expressed the importance of strength and conditioning training to developing and maintaining physical strength not only in the present but also in the future.

As part of its “Strong is Beautiful” campaign, Kinetix Lab also conducted a special group exercise consisting of core and mobility group training for the attendees of the launch where they were joined by Eigenmann, Manipol, Leyco, and Honasan-Del Rio as well as actress Glaiza de Castro content creators Jackie Go, Bianca Santiago-Reinoso, Aliza Apostol-Goco , and Samantha Valenciano , makeup artist Jia Achacruz , flag football team PH Hurricanes members Nina Juan, Bea Ignacio, Nikki Manalo, Pia Reyes, and Gaby Dela Merced For more inquiries about the “Strong is Beautiful” membership packages, visit the Kinetix Lab branches in UP Town Center, The Podium, and One Ayala or their official website at https://kinetixlab. com.ph/.

While the benefits of a good night’s sleep are well known, few realize how much sleep position affects overall health. The Sealy Posturepedic Adjustable Bed System combines comfort with scientific insights to offer personalized sleep settings. For instance, the Zero Gravity position, which elevates both head and feet, supports optimal spinal alignment and promotes restorative sleep. This expert-recommended position alleviates spinal pressure, induces a feeling of weightlessness, and enhances blood circulation.

For those who struggle with snoring, the Anti-Snore position offers a gentle incline to improve breathing and foster a quieter sleep environment.

For bedtime entertainment, the TV Position provides an ideal balance of comfort and support, minimizing strain on the neck and back while watching your favorite shows.

By making these small but meaningful adjustments throughout the day and night, you can transform your posture and enhance your overall well-being.

The Sealy Adjustable Bed System, the latest innovation in Sealy Posturepedic mattresses, is available at the Sealy Sleep Boutique in Shangri-La Plaza, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, and Focus Global showrooms in BGC and Pioneer.

Top vitamin C brand marks 50 years with major initiative

IN CELEBRATION of its 50th anniversary, a leading brand in the plain vitamin C category for adults has launched its “Fifty, Fortified, and Forging Forward” campaign. Poten-Cee, known for supporting Filipinos’ diverse vitamin C needs, is also expressing gratitude to its loyal customers.

The vitamin C brand, produced by PascualLab, one of the Philippines’ top pharmaceutical companies, has grown significantly since its post-war origins. The brand has become a trusted name in vitamin C, offering a range of products to meet varying consumer needs and lifestyles.

Among its innovations, the brand introduced a sugar-coated variant in 1974, designed to make vitamin C tablets more palatable and easier to swallow. Over the years, the brand expanded its offerings to include different formats, such as sodium ascorbate and chewable tablets, catering to specific preferences and requirements.

In 2016, the brand adopted the tagline “The Beauty of Immunity,” highlighting the dual role of vitamin C in boosting immunity and supporting collagen production for healthy skin. In 2022, the brand launched a supplement that combines vitamin C with hydrolyzed collagen, reinforcing its commitment to health and beauty.

Recent additions to the product line include vitamin C and zinc supplements, as well as advanced formulas that support immune function, protect cells, and aid in collagen synthesis.

This year, the brand introduced a new product featuring sodium ascorbate and hydrolyzed marine collagen from fish, expanding its range of collagen-based products. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the brand is also giving back to the community. Significant donations have been made to various sectors in need, including survivors of Typhoon Carina. The brand’s products are available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide, as well as on PascualLab’s official TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada stores.

Actress Bea Alonzo is a brand ambassador for Poten-Cee

The faces of ‘Strong is Beautiful’ campaign (from left) Janina Manipol, KC Leyco, Kai Honasan-Del Rio, and Max Eigenmann

Members of the flag football team PH Hurricanes as well as content creators take part in the group exercise

Participants engage in a group exercise as part of the campaign launch

PARIS OLYMPICS:

By Randy Caluag

FOR a nation where height is often seen as a disadvantage in sports, Carlos Yulo has shown that stature is no obstacle to achieving greatness in the world stage, particularly at the Olympics.

Barely standing just five feet tall, Yulo made history by winning two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the men’s vault and floor exercise events in gymnastics. His astonishing performance virtually carried the Philippines to a 37th-place finish in the overall medal tally, an impressive feat for a nation of “little brown people” competing among the world’s giants.

“It’s so crazy, I don’t know what to feel right now,” said Yulo after bagging a second gold in two days.

His victories have not only cemented his place in Philippine sports history, but have also brought him tremendous rewards, including a multi-million peso condominium in a plush community, a house and lot in Batangas, and millions worth of cash incentives and privileges.

This achievement marks the first time the Philippines has won two gold medals in a single Olympics, a milestone that has filled the nation with pride.

Yulo and the rest of the Filipino

delegation returned home on Tuesday to a hero’s welcome, following his role as the flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Alongside first-time bronze medalist Aira Villegas, Yulo proudly led the Philippine contingent in a moment that capped the country’s most successful Olympic campaign in its 100-year history.

Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas also contributed to the Philippines’ medal tally, each securing a bronze medal, matching the country’s four-medal haul from the Tokyo Games—the largest in its Olympic history.

Having reaped the rewards of his hard work, Yulo fully embraced his time in Paris, indulging in good food and a celebratory visit to Disneyland.

“I’m super happy and I’m enjoying it,” Yulo shared. Upon his return, Yulo intends to have a well-deserved break from training and competitions. His schedule is packed, including a

Pinoy power in the City of Lights

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

THE City of Lights was the stage, and the Philippines was ready to shine. The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a pivotal moment for Philippine sports, a testament to the nation’s growing athletic prowess and unwavering pursuit of Olympic glory.

From the bustling metropolis of Manila to the iconic Eiffel Tower, the journey of the Philippine delegation was a microcosm of the nation’s spirit. The athletes, a diverse group hailing from different corners of the archipelago, carried the hopes and dreams of millions. Yet they were united by a common goal: to raise the Philippine flag high above the Olympic arena. And raise the flag they did. After more than 10 days of competing with other athletes across the globe, Team Philippines has secured several medals that duly recognize its members’ skill, determination, and passion for their respective sport.

After securing four medals, the Philippines ranked 37th in the updated 2024 Paris Olympics medal table, tying with Hong Kong.

The United States of America leads the medal table, with 27 gold medals, 35 silvers, and 32 bronzes. China, Australia, host France, and Great Britain completed the top five.

Filipino gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo bagged the first medal for the Philippines. He etched his name in Philippine sports history with a golden performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The diminutive gymnast defied gravity and expectations, capturing two gold medals.

Yulo’s floor exercise routine was a ballet of power and precision, earning him the highest score in the competition. It was electrifying to witness him execute his signature flips and twists with effortless grace. A day later, Yulo’s explosive power on the vault propelled him to another Olympic gold, solidifying his status as a global gymnastics sensation. His victory was a testament to years of relentless training and unwavering dedication, inspiring a nation to dream big.

Small in stature, giant in triumph: Carlos Yulo’s pursuit of Olympic greatness

grand parade organized by the City of Manila. “Everything is planned, and there are people who will handle and help me,” Yulo said, expressing confidence in the support system around him.

MENTOR AND FRIEND

Despite facing personal controversies, including issues with his partner Chloe San Jose and family disputes, Yulo’s gratitude toward those who supported him, particularly his Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, remains unwavering.

Kugimiya, who began training Yulo when he was just 16 years old, played a crucial role in shaping the gymnast’s career.

The two first met in 2013 in Manila

Following Yulo’s footsteps in bringing home Olympic medals was boxer Aira Villegas. She won a hard-fought bronze medal in the women’s 50kg boxing category at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Tacloban native’s journey to the podium demonstrated resilience and determination. Despite a tough first round against Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Türkiye, Villegas showcased her fighting spirit by stunning her opponent with a knockdown in the second round. While she ultimately fell short of reaching the gold medal match, her bronze medal win brought immense pride to the nation and solidified her status as a rising star in Philippine boxing.

Another Filipino boxer who bagged an Olympic medal was Nesthy Petecio. She secured a bronze medal in the women’s boxing 57kg division at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Davao City pride, who previously clinched silver in the Tokyo Olympics, showcased her unwavering determination and exceptional boxing skills. Despite falling short of the gold medal match after a closely contested semi-final against Poland’s Julia Szeremeta, Petecio’s grit and resilience were undeniable. Her victory, a testament to her unwavering dedication and the unwavering support of the Filipino nation, added another chapter to her inspiring athletic journey.

Thanks to all the efforts of Yulo, Villegas, and Petecio, the Philippines secured four Olympic medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Besides the victorious athletes who bagged Olympic medals, those who performed valiantly in their respective undoubtedly brought pride and joy to the Philippines. EJ Obiena displayed incredible grit and determination, clearing heights that would have secured a medal in previous Olympics. However, the elusive bronze medal slipped through his fingers as he failed to clear 5.95 meters.

Although Obiena apologized for the results, fourth place is already an extraordinary feat despite the near-miss. It magnified the Filipino athlete’s immense Turn to C3

when Yulo was a promising young talent, having already won multiple titles at the Palarong Pambansa.

Three years later, Yulo embarked on an intensive training journey under Kugimiya’s guidance through a grassroots program of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines. Now, eight years later, Yulo stands as a double gold medalist at the Paris Olympics. “I wouldn’t have reached this level if it weren’t for my coach. He helped me build a plan, taught me how to train, and also supported me in my education. I am grateful to him,” Yulo expressed during a Thanksgiving mass organized by the Philippine Embassy in Paris.

Although Yulo and Kugimiya parted ways last year, with Aldrin Castaneda stepping in as his new coach, Yulo plans to reunite with Kugimiya in Japan to personally show him his Olympic medals once his commitments in the Philippines are fulfilled.

Kugimiya, who was in Paris as part of the Sri Lankan delegation, watched from the sidelines and witnessed firsthand the culmination of their years of hard work and Yulo’s goldwinning moments.

Growing up in Malate, Manila, Yulo came from humble beginnings.

But greatness often starts young. Yulo’s love for gymnastics began at seven, practicing in the dilapidated public gymnasium at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. With only his determination and a dream, Yulo persevered against all odds. His grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, recognized his potential and brought him to the GAP gym, which was just a stone’s throw away from their house in Leveriza, for formal training. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Yulo embodies the neversay-die spirit of millions of Filipinos who persevere despite the odds. In a country where giving up is not an option, Yulo’s journey is a powerful reminder that with discipline and determination, anyone can rise above adversity.

Carlos Edriel Yulo competes in the artistic gymnastics men’s vault final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on August 4, 2024. AFP

PARIS OLYMPICS: THE GOLDEN ISSUE

P57-m,

FILIPINO gymnast Carlos Yulo on Wednesday received the key to a fully-furnished, three-bedroom condominium unit worth P32 million and a P3 million cash check from Megaworld Corporation as a gift for winning two gold medals in the recent Paris Olympics in France.

Yulo arrived at the stage via gondola at a mall in Taguig City, accompanied by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion.

In addition to these rewards, the two-time Olympic gold medalist received a special artwork.

Carlos Yulo was also presented with a special leaf art piece by Alliance Global Group President and CEO Kevin L. Tan, and Megaworld President Lourdes T. GutierrezAlfonso.

The artwork, crafted by Megaworld employee and leaf artist Edimar Paclibar, was made from real rubber tree leaves and features Yulo’s portrait, the 2024 Paris Olympics logo, and the iconic McKinley Hill landmark.

The 100-square-meter condominium at McKinley Hill in Taguig City is fully furnished, with home appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, four-burner cooktop with oven, washing and drying machines, four smart televisions, and even a game console. This space will allow Carlos to relax and spend time with friends and family during his free time.

The condo has two balconies, accessible from both the living room and the master bedroom, offering scenic views of the township. One of the standout features of the living room is a custom-made nesting coffee table with a replica of Yulo’s gold medal from the Paris Olympic Games. The unit also includes a maid’s room with a toilet and bath, as well as its own parking slot. Randy Caluag

PAL flies Filipino Olympians home via special flight from Paris

THE Philippine Olympic team returned home from the Paris 2024 Games aboard a special Philippine Airlines (PAL) “homecoming” flight, which landed in Manila on Aug. 13. PAL flight PR 8888 from Dubai to Manila carried home the members of the Philippine Olympic delegation, who made the nation proud with their historic participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The flight, organized by the Philippine Olympic Committee with support from the private sector, included Olympic athletesled by double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, officials, and sports leaders. During the flight, athletes enjoyed business-class meals and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. They were also gifted with Tanduay Rhum products. Yulo was honored as PAL’s “Forever Flyer,” receiving 150,000 Mabuhay Miles per year for life. “Maraming salamat po sa pagdarasal at pag-suporta sa aming mga atletang

Pilipino na naglaro sa Olympics,” Yulo said during the homecoming flight. Olympic bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio were each awarded 80,000 Mabuhay Miles annually for the next three years. “Thank you, PAL, for the 80,000 miles; this is a big help to me and my family. Mabuhay po kayo,” said Petecio. “Maraming salamat, Philippine Airlines; I will definitely use these miles, especially when I travel home to the province,” Villegas added.

PAL Holdings Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III expressed his pride in the athletes, saying,

“It is a great honor to carry home the heroes of the nation – our Filipino champions who represented their countrymen with pride and distinction on the global stage of the Olympics.

Our Philippine Airlines team made sure our athletes had a comfortable journey home with the best of PAL’s wholehearted service on this special flight.” A light moment

FBy Peter Atencio

Caloy receives condo, P3-m cash bonus from Megaworld August 4 to be declared ‘Carlos Yulo Day’ in Manila

ILIPINO gymnastics star Carlos Yulo has seen his financial rewards from both government and private sector sources soar to P57 million following his successful campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On Tuesday night, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. awarded Yulo a generous P20 million reward upon his arrival in Manila with the Philippine delegation. On the same occasion, boxing bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio also received P2 million cash rewards each. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) also presented Yulo with an additional P20 million coming from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

The following day came a P14 million allocation from the House of Representatives and a P3 million bonus from property developer Megaworld Corporation. The House of Representatives increased the initial reward by adding an extra P8 million, bringing their total contribution to P14 million. This adjustment followed a morning ceremony in Quezon City, where over 300 House members gathered to honor Yulo.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Secretary General Wharton Chan said, “Congress aimed to match the President’s offer, demonstrating their appreciation for Yulo’s historic achievement.”

Yulo’s remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics has also guaranteed him a P20 million incentive under Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act.

This act provides a P10 million reward for each Olympic gold medalist, a bonus Yulo received from the PSC during a turnover ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. In addition to the cash rewards, Yulo was presented with a P32 million, three-bedroom, fully-furnished condominium unit by Megaworld Corporation, located in their premier McKinley Hill property. The condo has a parking slot, home appliances, furniture, and other amenities. Yulo also received a P3 million cash reward alongside the condo. Yulo has been promised a house and lot in both Batangas and Tagaytay City. In Tagaytay, Yulo will be given a property in the “Olympians Village,” a special area designated by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino. This village also includes homes for Tokyo gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and fellow Olympians Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and Nesthy Petecio.

Private firms Arena Plus and Chooks to Go also pledged millions of cash incentives to Yulo.

Malacañang. MACHRA

By Randy Caluag

THE City of Manila will declare August 4 as “Carlos Yulo Day” to honor the double Olympic gold medalist who resides in Leveriza, Malate. Yulo will be celebrated in a special ceremony at Manila City Hall on Monday (August 19.)

Mayor Honey Lacuna announced that she and Vice Mayor Yul Servo are already preparing for these significant events to recognize a trueblue Manileño who has brought pride and honor not only to Manila but to the entire country. During the event, Yulo will be awarded a cash incentive of P2 million by the city.

Mayor Lacuna explained that due

to Yulo’s busy schedule, the award ceremony is set for Monday at the City Hall.. Another distinguished Manileño, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, will also receive a cash incentive of P500,000. However, since Obiena is scheduled to travel abroad on Thursday, his award earlier, Wednesday night. The planned “Carlos Yulo Day” , however, will be a working holiday, chosen to coincide with the date Yulo won his first gold medal, August 4. The Manila City Council, led by Vice Mayor Servo, is currently drafting a resolution to formalize this declaration.

Lacuna awarded Obiena’s cash late in the afternoon “We will prioritize

EJ’s award since he is leaving tonight. As for Carlos Yulo, his ceremony will take place on Monday due to his full schedule,” Lacuna said. “This is a historic moment for our country. Let us celebrate our athletes and support them in their journey to even greater achievements,” added Lacuna. Lacuna also expressed her hopes for Manila to become a global sports powerhouse, emphasizing the importance of unity, focus, and preparation for future Olympics and world championships. She called for increased investments in the sports sector, highlighting the need for higher allowances, better equipment, and more accessible training facilities for athletes across the City.

Carlos Yulo shows a coffee table, whose design resembles that of the Paris Olympics gold medal, at his new P32 million worth of condominium he received as a gift from Megaworld for winning two gold medals in the gymnastics competition. (Photo from Megaworld Corporation)

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna with Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo in

PARIS OLYMPICS: THE GOLDEN ISSUE

By Peter Paul Duran

THE Paris 2024

Olympics witnessed the rise of Aira Villegas, a Filipino boxer who carved her path to Olympic glory in the women’s flyweight category.

With every punch and bout, Villegas not only fought her opponents, but also shattered expectations, securing a bronze medal that resonated back home and around the world.

Starting strong in the Round of 32, Villegas faced Yasmine Mouttaqui of Morocco, defeating her with a clean score of 5-0.

This victory was more than a win; it was a declaration of her readiness and determination. Advancing to the Round

of 16, she continued her dominance by overpowering Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam with another unanimous 5-0 victory.

These initial matches highlighted her tactical precision and raw power, setting the stage for more challenging confrontations ahead.

The quarterfinals brought a nail-biting match against hometown bet France’s Wassila Lkhadiri, where Villegas fashioned out a victory, a 3-2 split decision.

This match was a testament to her adaptability and resilience, showcasing her ability to maintain composure under intense pressure and against a tough opponent.

Her semifinal match against Buse Naz Çakıroğlu of Turkey proved to be the toughest challenge. Despite her efforts, Villegas faced a 0-5 defeat.

However, reaching the semifinals ensured her a prestigious bronze medal, marking

Aira Villegas: A rising star in Paris 2024

her debut at the Olympics with a historic achievement for Philippine boxing.

Villegas’s performance earned accolades from notable figures, including Speaker Martin Romualdez, who hailed her as a “national treasure” and a true sports hero for her outstanding achievements in Paris. Her recognition extended beyond the ring, as she was chosen alongside gymnast Carlos Yulo to be the flag bearers for the Philippines in the closing ceremony, a moment of immense pride and honor.

Aira Villegas’s success at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a chapter in her career that will be remembered not just for the medal won but for the doors it may open for future athletes in the Philippines.

As she continues her career, her legacy at the Paris Games will undoubtedly influence and inspire a new generation of boxers. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, skill, and the spirit of competition.

Nesthy Petecio’s path to the podium

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

NESTHY Petecio, the pride of Davao, has once again etched her name in Philippine sports history.

The feisty boxer, who captured the nation’s heart with her silver medal win in the Tokyo Olympics, has now added another feather to her cap by securing a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Games. This remarkable feat solidifies her status as one of the country’s most accomplished athletes and a true inspiration to aspiring boxers.

With her unwavering determination and exceptional talent, Petecio has brought pride and honor to the Philippines and paved the way for future generations of Filipino athletes. So, who is Nesthy Petecio, and how did she reach such impressive heights in her career?

It all began when she was an 11-year-old girl who joined a boxing match at the Araw ng Davao in Rizal Park, Davao City. The young athlete hails from Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. Little did Petecio know that this bout would open a new world of opportunities and accolades for her. Who could ignore Petecio during this match? She faced a stronger, more experienced male competitor. It was a defining moment that proved that strength knows no gender. For Petecio and her siblings, boxing began as a means of self-defense. However, as many Filipino families struggled to put food on their tables or access necessities like education, they began to see it as a way to help their family’s financial situation, prompting them to participate in inter-barangay boxing competitions. They were born to Teodoro, a farmer, and Prescilla, a housewife. Their father taught them how to throw and land punches, and Petecio learned the ropes as early as seven.

After winning her match during the Araw ng Davao celebration, Petecio received an endorsement from Celestino Rebamonte to learn under Roel Velasco, the Philippine Women’s Team Coach. By 2007, Petecio competed in the 2007 Smart

On keeping...

From C4

final boxing category during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the RolandGarros Stadium, in Paris on August 10, 2024. AFP

National Youth and Women’s Boxing Championships, bagging a gold medal and a spot in the national boxing team. It seemed that her career trajectory was undoubtedly moving upward and forward. Eventually, Petecio competed internationally and saw how her hard work and dedication to her sport paid off. She bagged silver medals at the 2014 AIBA Women’s World Championships and the 2011 and 2013 Southeast Asian Games. The feisty Filipina also landed bronze in the 2012 Asian Championships and a gold medal in the 2015 Indonesia President’s Cup.

Despite her impressive amateur debut, the Filipina boxer’s career faced some bumps on the road.

Following several more international contests, Petecio was unable to place on the podium at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, in 2014 and the Asian Championships in 2015 and 2017. She did not receive a medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta,

“Now that we got their attention, let us offer them something that would help their dreams come true. It is incumbent on us, sports officials, to provide a sustainable training program for our next Carlos Yulo, and before him golden weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, boxing brothers Onyok and Roel Velasco, to name a few.”

Buhain, who is no stranger to the adversities many Filipino athletes faced then and even now, observed one important thing while monitoring the Philippine campaign in Paris.

“Our President (Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr.), was among the first to congratulate our winners in Paris. And PBBM even went on to state that he will consult with Yulo on what are needed to continue our Olympic gold run.To my recollection, PBBM is the first Philippine President to make such statement, a validation of how much our President believes in the Filipino athletes.” And so it is incumbent, Buhain stressed, on sports officials to lay down a comprehensive sports training program that will result to future Yulos and Diazes.

For his part, Buhain believes putting up regional training centers that focus on individual sports, getting as much

Indonesia, and did not qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Personal problems, specifically heartbreak, likewise plagued Petecio, leading to a seven-month spiral into depression. Petecio was ready to throw in the towel and hang up her boxing gloves, eager to look for another source of livelihood. But a calling doesn’t stop making itself known, and passion doesn’t quickly die out. After consulting with a sports psychologist, she was ready to return to the ring.

Returning to boxing was the right choice. Petecio won gold at the 2019 Thailand Open International Boxing Championship and the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.

Eventually, she made her way to the Olympics, beginning with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. There, she secured silver in the women’s featherweight event, the first Olympic medal won by a Filipino boxer in 25 years.

Petecio’s recent feat was competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, bagging the country’s second bronze medal and fourth overall accolade.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Petecio is a role model who inspires millions. Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. She has shattered stereotypes and proven that women can excel in sports traditionally dominated by men.

As Petecio continues to make waves in the boxing world, her legacy will endure as a relevant moment in Philippine sports history. She is more than just an athlete; she symbolizes hope, resilience, and the indomitable Filipino spirit.

promising and young atheletes into the program, then developing a strong talent identification process and getting the best of the lot into elite training -- well supervised and funded.

“That Carlos Yulo once lived a stone’s throw away from the Rizal Memerial Sports Complex but was probably a basketball pro wannabe before finding out he has God-given skills in gymnastics, wow, can you imagine how many of his likes are out there?”

Buhain’s swimming group has started mapping out a path to discover future Filipino Olympians, be they homegrown or based overseas, and getting them to prepare in a single training program that shoots for the ultimate goal -- more Olympic golds.

“When asked if he knew what incentives await him after his first Olympic gold, Carlos replied “Hindi ko po alam.”

That is the statement of a true athlete. An athlete motivated only by that childhood dream of becoming an Olympic champion, of singing the Lupang Hinirang before the whole world, that gave me goosebumps.

“There are more like Carlos Yulo out there, they dream big. Now let us build for them a path, the right path for their Olympic journey.

“My congratulations to our new batch of Olympians. I raise a glass to you, too, but again, there is always a lot of work to be done, let’s get on with it.”

pressure and talent, showing how much he grew as an athlete.

While the spotlight shone brightly on the medalists, other Filipino athletes showcased their grit and determination in Paris. Sam Catantan and Kiyomi Watanabe made commendable efforts in fencing and judo, respectively, though their Olympic journeys ended in the Round of 32. The gymnastics trio of Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Ruivivar valiantly represented the country in the preliminary round. In the boxing ring, Eumir Marcial and Hergie Bacyadan fought fiercely but bowed out in the Round of 16. Swimmer Kayla Sanchez made waves with her 15th overall finish, displaying the rising potential of Philippine swimming. While these athletes may not have clinched medals, their participation inspires and fuels the nation’s passion for sports, paving the way for future triumphs.

The journey of these athletes has been a testament to the power of perseverance. Each medal won, each record broken, has served as a beacon of hope, inspiring countless Filipinos to dream big and chase their passions. From the bustling metropolis of Manila to the quiet provinces, people from all walks of life have rallied behind their representatives, their cheers echoing across the nation.

Bronze medallist Aira Villegas poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women’s 50kg final boxing category during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Roland-Garros Stadium, in Paris on August 9, 2024. AFP

From left: Silver medallist Poland’s Julia Szeremeta, gold medallist Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting and bronze medallists Turkey’s Esra Yildiz Kahraman and Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio celebrate on the podium pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women’s 57kg final boxing category during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Roland-Garros Stadium, in Paris on August 10, 2024. AFP

Bronze medallist Nesthy Petecio celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women’s 57kg

On keeping the golden Olympics dream alive: After Paris, it’s Los Angeles

By Edgard A. Hilario

THE wines of Paris must have flowed freely in celebration of gymnast Carlos Yulo’s double-gold feat in the justconcluded Olympics. The toasts must have been endless, for Yulo, bronze winners Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio and the heroic efforts of the rest of the Phippine Olympians.

A reminder: Let there be no hangover and everybody head right back to the salt mines.

“The two golds and two bronzes we have won are truly worth celebrating. Let Yulo, Villegas and Petecio feel our immense gratitude to their performance. And let us welcome home as sports heroes, too, the 19 others who went toe-to-toe with the best athletes in the world in Paris.

“Let us not forget, there is always more work to be done,” said Eric Buhain, two-time Olympian in swimming, former Sports Commission, and Games and Amusement Board chairman, Batangas 1st District representative in Congress, and Philippine Aquatics, Inc. secretary general. As always, Buhain noted, Yulo and company are now strong inspirations to the youth of the country. Young Filipinos are expected to take up gymnastics and boxing, as well as other sports out there, and dream of becoming champions like their heroes. Turn to C3

From Malate to Paris: A secret ingredient for a gold medal victory

CARLOS Edriel Yulo’s name is now synonymous with Philippine sports history. His gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics was more than just a personal triumph; it was a seismic event that elevated the Philippines, and by extension, the entire Southeast Asian region, to unprecedented heights in the global sports arena. With one gravity-defying flip and a perfect landing, Yulo catapulted the country onto the international sports stage, inspiring millions. His journey from the streets of Malate to the Olympic podium is a testament to the power of dedication and the potential that lies within each of us.

How does a boy from the bustling streets of Malate, Manila, ascend to the pinnacle of his sport? There are rarely any shortcuts to achieving Olympic gold. It’s a relentless pursuit of excellence that demands unwavering dedication, immense discipline, and an unyielding spirit. So, where does it all begin?

Recognizing and nurturing talent from the earliest stages is the key to unlocking such extraordinary potential. In the Philippines, a country passionate about sports, grassroots sports development holds immense potential. By nurturing young talent from the ground up, grassroots programs instill discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle. These programs serve as breeding grounds for future champions, but their impact extends beyond the playing field. Grassroots sports development fosters community, reduces social inequalities, and promotes physical and mental well-being. Through these initiatives, we can unlock the full potential of our nation’s youth and create a legacy of athletic excellence.

A prime example of this potential is seen in the journey of Carlos Yulo, whose rise to Olympic gold began from humble beginnings. At the ripe age of seven, Yulo was given an opportunity to hone his skills under the guidance of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines. His early participation in junior and inter-school competitions demonstrates how grassroots programs can provide critical platforms for young talents. By the age of nine, Yulo

competed in the his first Palarong Pambansa, and in the following years, he distinguished himself in the MILO® Little Olympics where he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Athlete for Gymnastics from 2010 to 2011. His success continued as he won three gold medals at the inaugural Philippine National Games in 2011. Through these initiatives like MILO®, Yulo was able to refine his abilities, gain recognition, and compete at higher levels, illustrating the profound impact that well-structured grassroots sports programs can have on nurturing future champions.

MILO® will continue to drive its sports programs to nurture young talents from the grassroots. Since its inception in 1964, the brand has allowed Filipinos to discover and develop their athletic prowess. From the iconic National MILO® Marathon that ignited the running craze to the MILO® Sports Clinics that honed skills and values, the brand has consistently nurtured the Filipino youth to become champions not only in sports but also in life. This commitment is further reflected in initiatives like the MILO® Champ Camp and the MILO® Barangay Liga, which have collectively inspired millions of young athletes and brought the joy of sports to communities nationwide.

“Through sports, individuals learn invaluable values such as grit, discipline, and perseverance—essential qualities for success,” shares Veronica Cruz, SVP and Business Executive Officer, Beverages & Confectionery, Nestlé Philippines. “The brand’s commitment to nurturing Filipino talent is evident in its long-standing support of grassroots sports programs, which have played a pivotal role in developing athletes like Yulo. His triumph is a testament to the power of sports and the brand’s mission. Inspired by Yulo’s achievements, MILO® is even more determined to make sports accessible to bring out the champion in every Filipino.”

Visit the MILO website, www.milo.com.ph, for more information. Follow its social media, @MILOPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.