Manila Standard - 2024 October 3 - Thursday

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

that

line the collection process to

critical infrastructure projects. “This law is more than ensuring tax compliance,” Mr. Marcos said during the law’s signing at Malacañang Palace.

UN: Mid-East conflict escalates

Filipinos in Israel told to stay in protected areas

Saturday evening, the HFC said.

By Alena Mae Flores

By Vito Barcelo, Charles Dantes, Rachelle Tonelada

THE United Nations and China expressed alarm over the “broadening conflict” in the Middl East as Filipinos in Israel were advised to enter “protected areas” after Iran launched a massive missile attack on Tuesday, firing what it said were 200 missiles.

By Joel E. Zurbano

The HFC placed several areas, including North and South Golan, under Orange Alert, which limits outdoor and indoor gatherings as well as work activities to areas where people can immediately reach protected spaces and shelters. The alert level also bars all educational activities.

The advisory will be in effect until

The Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv issued the advisory following the rules set by the Israeli Home Front Command after Iran used hypersonic weapons that sent civilians into shelters and prompted several countries in the region to shut their airspace.

UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the “broadening conflict in the Middle East,” slamming “escalation after escalation” in the region.

“This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” said Guterres. China urged world powers on Wednesday to prevent the situation in the Middle East from “further deteriorating.”

By Rolando Ng and Maricel V. Cruz

CONGRESSIONAL old-timers and reelectionists filed their Certificates of Candidacies (COCs) on Wednesday, seeking to regain or keep their old posts in the upcoming midterm elections.

On the second day of filing COCs, Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, was first in line at the Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) satellite office at the Manila Hotel Tent City. Accompanied by mother, Imelda, and her two sons, the reelectionist senator will be running under the Nacionalista Party. She opted out of the ruling coalition’s senatorial slate desite having been given a slot.

In Pulse Asia’s nationwide non-com

missioned survey conducted from Sep

6 to 13,

Makati Mayor Abby Binay

Taal erupts but Phivolcs urges calm

MANILA , Philippines—A rumbling volcano south of the Philippine capital erupted in a cocktail of ash and steam on Wednesday, prompting public health warnings but causing no injuries, authorities said.

A 2400-meter (7,875-feet) column of volcanic material shot up from the Taal volcano when it erupted on Wednesday afternoon, the state volcanology insti-

tute said. No evacuations were reported but residents of villages around the volcano, which sits in the middle of a lake about

of the global output, then it will definitely adversely affect the supply thus increasing the price,” DOE director Rino Abad said.

“Without the actual disruption happening to date, any increase attributed to the conflict will be due to speculation,” he added.

Leo Bellas, Jetti Petroleum president, admitted focus is now on the Middle East conflict.

“The oil market has been focused the past days on demand worries due to a weakening global economic outlook. However, it quickly turned toward fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East, following the launch by Iran of around 180 missiles at Israel,” he said.

“MOPS prices are likely to go up following a considerable increase in crude prices due to escalating tensions in the region. While MOPS trading is separate from crude, prices may stay elevated as the risk of war remains,” Bellas added.

Both main crude contracts shot up more than five percent at one point Tuesday after Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Tehran-backed militant leaders.

He Brent futures reached their highest in a month, leaping 3.3 percent to $75.98 a barrel on Wednesday.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude spiked 3.5 percent to $72.30.

Washington said it was discussing a joint response and warning of “severe consequences” and Israel vowed it would make Iran “pay” for the launch.

Tehran threatened to hit all Israeli infrastructure if attacked.

“The burning question is whether Iran’s missile strike is a one-off response or the start of something much bigger. Most bets lean towards the former, especially with the US stepping in to back Israel,” said independent analyst Stephen Innes.

“Iran’s oil infrastructure could very well be in their crosshairs. Taking a swing at Iran’s oil lifeline could have far-reaching economic consequences, sparking a severe escalation,” Innes wrote in his “The Dark Side Of The Boom” newsletter. With AFP

50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Manila, were advised to wear face masks.

The volcano had a phreatomagmatic eruption, which occurs when magma interacts with water and produces plumes of steam, ash and other volcanic materials, state volcanology agency director Teresito Bacolcol told Agence France Presse (AFP).

“The gas can be harmful, so we encourage the public to wear masks,” Ba-

colcol said.

The agency said the alert level remains at a low level one on a 0-5 scale.

“For now, we are looking at the other parameters and we are not seeing an increase in the number of volcanic earthquakes,” Bacolcol said.

There were no reported casualties and no planned evacuations yet, Batangas city disaster official Victor Pascual said. AFP

Consumer group urges stiffer fines vs. cable theft

A CONSUMER advocacy group has called on the government to institute stiffer penalties against cable theft, saying these incidents have a significant long-term effect on the country’s digital infrastructure and economy.

“This is tantamount to economic sabotage,” said CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor Orlando Oxales in a statement. “No less than the National Telecommunication Commission has said these lead to millions of pesos in losses and service disruptions.”

In 2024 alone, telecom companies reported about 1,800 incidents of cable

theft across the country, leading to service outages that affected approximately 100,000 customers. Each incident is estimated to cost around P2 million, representing repair of damaged infrastructure, according to the NTC.

The practice has been rampant because of the high value of copper in the black market, Oxales said. “This is a big incentive to the thieves.”

As a result, telcos face significant disruptions especially in rural areas, where access to telecom infrastructure is crucial to local economies and public services. Currently, cable theft is penal-

ized with imprisonment for a period of 2 to 5 years with fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱100,000, under Republic Act No. 10515, also known as the “Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013”.

Oxales added that the protection of telecommunication infrastructure must be classified as a serious crime punishable with higher fines and longer jail time.

“This is because cable theft not only disrupts connectivity in individual households,” he said. “It also hampers economic activities that rely on stable telecommunication networks.”

Carlos Yulo joins Navy reserve force

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy welcomed two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo into its reserve force on Tuesday, following his achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

During a ceremony attended by MGen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison, Commander of the Naval Reserve Command, Yulo was awarded the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1).

“I am proud to have the privilege of being enlisted in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force, a recognition I never expected in my lifetime. Wearing this Navy uniform fills me with immense pride. With all my heart, I thank the Philippine Navy for this prestigious recognition. I will uphold its core values and inspire today’s youth, showing them that through sports, they too can serve our country,” PO1 Yulo expressed, emphasizing his commitment to serving beyond athletics. Meanwhile, Navy Flag Officerin-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. conveyed his confidence in Yulo’s dedication, stating that he expects the same level of commitment from him as he demonstrated during the Paris Olympics.

“The Chinese side calls on the international community, especially major influential powers, to truly play a constructive role and prevent the situation from further deteriorating,” a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.

“The Chinese side is deeply concerned about the turmoil in the Middle East,” the online statement said.

Israel has vowed to make Iran “pay” for firing a barrage of missiles at its territory and warned on Wednesday it would launch an even bigger attack if it is targeted.

Israel also declared Guterres “perso -

na non grata” on Wednesday, accusing him of failing to specifically condemn Iran’s missile attack.

“Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil,” said Foreign Minister Israel Katz in a statement.

No Filipinos were hurt after Iran’s attack on Israel, the Department of Migrant Workers said yesterday.

“We have no problem in Israel because they have what we call bomb shelters,” DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said in a Palace press briefing.

After the missile attack, Israel bombarded Lebanese strongholds of Iran ally Hezbollah, with heavy strikes early

It seeks to level the playing field by ensuring that both local businesses and international digital platforms operating in the Philippines pay their fair share of taxes.

Wednesday on south Beirut. Israel shifted its focus last month from its war in Gaza, which was sparked by Iran-backed Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, to securing its northern border with Lebanon.

The DMW earlier halted the deployment of Filipino workers to Lebanon, which was placed under Alert Level 3 as Israel continued to purge Hezbollah forces.

As this developed, the government is arranging chartered flights for the repatriation of more than 200 overseas Filipino workers in Beirut.

“We’re talking to airline companies so that the chartered flights would be able to accommodate, for example, no less than 300 overseas Filipino workers

cial step toward promoting fairness in the Philippines’ digital economy.

from Beirut,” Olalia said.

This was after the scheduled repatriation flight of around 15 OFWs on Sept. 25 were cancelled because of the recent bombings in Beirut. Olalia said around 111 OFWs are staying in four temporary shelters in Beirut and waiting for their repatriation. An additional 110 OFWs are applying for exit permits from the Lebanese government, he said.

“Apart from the documented OFWs, we have undocumented OFWs who need to secure travel documents and once they’re given travel documents, we will help them in securing also exit visas or exit permits from the Immigration of the Lebanese government,” Olalia said.

“It is also in support of nation-building … fairness, inclusivity, and progress,” he added.

The VAT on Digital Services Law or Republic Act 12023 would impose a 12% consumption tax on foreign digital service transactions in the Philippines to address revenue losses resulting from ambiguous taxation rules.

However, digital educational services and subscriptions to educational institutions recognized by the government are exempt from the tax.

their COCs.

“I file (my candidacy) under my old party Nacionalista, but I am not allied with any group or sector. I look forward to remain free and independent,” Marcos said. Later in the morning, reelectionist Senator Lito Lapid, as well as Senate old-timers Tito Sotto and Panfilo Lacson showed up together to file

Affectionately dubbed by media as the “macho bloc”, the three are running under the banner of the administration’s Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas.

Sotto and Lapid are National People’s Coalition (NPC) stalwarts, while cop-turned-politician Lacson is running as an independent.

Lapid, now on his third term as senator, reminded journalists about his accomplishments, including the Free Legal Assistance Law of 2010, also known

“If you are reaping the rewards of a fruitful digital economy here, it is only right that you contribute to its growth,” Mr. Marcos said.

“Whether you are a small tech start-up or a global tech giant, if you are making money in the Philippines, you are part of our community, and with that comes a shared responsibility,” he added.

The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) lauded the signing of RA 12023 as a cru-

DOF Director Nina Asuncion and BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui emphasized that the law addresses long-standing tax disparities between local and foreign digital service providers (DSPs).

Under the previous system, local businesses paid VAT while foreign competitors were not taxed, leading to unfair competition, they explained in a Palace briefing after the signing ceremonies.

“Republic Act 12023 levels the playing field between local and foreign businesses, particularly those that cannot shift to a digital platform,” Asuncion said..

as the “ Lapid Law.” For his part, Lacson said he has been enjoying his two-year hiatus but is eager to get back to pubic service.

Meanwhile, the Magdalo Party-list Group seeks a return to the House of Repesentatives with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte as its battle cry.

Magdalo’s first nominee Gary Alejano said the vice president’s ouster would be the first order of business if his group manages to win a seat at the

House in next year’s elections.

“If we win... from the violations [by Sara Duterte] we are seeing, there is a big possibility that we will file an impeachment complaint against the vice president,” he said in Filipino after filing his COC. It can be recalled that Alejano filed the first impeachment complaint against ex-President Duterte in 2017, but the valiant effort did not fly.

The 20th Congress is scheduled to open on July 1, 2025.

Binay also made substantial gains in the SWS survey commissioned by think-tank Stratbase. Previously ranked 16th in March, the mayor now holds the 9th to 10th position in the survey conducted from September 14 to 23 and posted on the SWS website.

“There’s more work to be done, and for now, I am grateful for the support. I would also like to reiterate my thanks to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. for believing in me and endorsing my candidacy under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Binay said.

Pulse Asia conducted its senatorial preference survey for the third quarter among 2,400 registered voters nationwide, while SWS covered 1,500 respondents.

Topping the survey was Rep. Erwin Tulfo, followed by his brother, Ben Tulfo, and former Senate President Tito Sotto, who were tied at second and third slots. Sharing fourth and fifth places were reelectionists Bong Go and Pia Cayetano, with former President Rodrigo Duterte and Binay tied at sixth and seventh.

the reason why he’s there in terms of ranking tied from 4th to 9th.”

Holmes added that Duterte’s ratings would be “a level of support for someone who lands on 5th or 6th position in an actual election.”

Holmes believes Duterte’s electoral support is also taking a hit from the controversies hounding him, including alleged extrajudicial killings and alleged links to the illegal drug trade that House panels are holding hearings on.

“In this case that will have an effect, it’s just that we cannot measure as to

what the effect is. The level of support that we’re seeing in terms of President Duterte is steadily declining from the first time that we included his name but it does not necessarily put him in the lower 6th,” he said.

The PAHAYAG 2024 Third Quarter survey meanwhile revealed a continuous downward trend in approval and trust ratings for key government officials and institutions across the country.

The overall performance of the Marcos administration including all his Cabinet members is viewed as less favorable this quarter at 46%, with the decline mainly driven by the National Capital Region (NCR) at 41% and supported by downtrends

in other regions, especially in Mindanao at 40%.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has seen a slight decline in his approval rating, from 44% in PQ22024 to 43% in PQ3-2024, maintaining relative stability.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo also recorded dips, with Romualdez dropping from 27% to 25%, and Gesmundo slipping from 29% to 28% this quarter. Despite these fluctuations, the three leaders have somehow stabilized following earlier huge drops in Q1-2024.

In contrast, Vice President Sara Duterte and Senate President Francis Escu-

dero faced sharper declines in approval ratings, with both Duterte and Escudero falling by 6% this quarter.

The downward trend extends to government agencies, with nearly all institutions experiencing a decline in approval ratings, especially in NCR.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) remains the most approved government agency at 70%, followed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at 65%, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at 61%, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) at 60%, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at 59%, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at

57%, Department of Health (DOH) at 56%, Department of Tourism (DOT) at 56%, Civil Service Commission (CSC) at 55%, and Department of Education (DepEd) at 55%.

Trust ratings for the country’s top officials mirror their approval trends, with a general decline observed across the board. While President Marcos, Speaker Romualdez, and Chief Justice Gesmundo have stabilized since their significant drops in Q1-2024, overall trust ratings have reached new lows. Vice President Duterte and Senate President Escudero continue to struggle with trust issues, marking significant declines for the second consecutive quarter and, for Duterte, the third.

Barbers urges murder charges vs. suspects in Barayuga killing

By Maricel V. Cruz

SURIGAO del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file murder charges against retired police Colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo for the 2020 ambush-slaying of retired police Gen. Wesley Barayuga.

“We are in close coordination with the DOJ. They have representatives monitoring our hearings precisely because we are unearthing evidence of criminal activities and other acts of wrongdoing in the course of our inquiry.

They should interview our two witnesses last Friday and assess their testimonies,” Barbers said.

He was referring to police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement

Group and Nelson Mariano, a drug informant of Mendoza.

Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said the DOJ should already take cognizance of Mendoza’s and Mariano’s testimonies and their affidavits and file murder charges against Garma and Leonardo as soon as possible.

During last Friday’s Quad Com hearing, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who had the first opportunity to question Mendoza, suggested that such a recommendation be included in the committee report.

Pimentel said it was clear from

the testimonies of Mendoza and Mariano that Garma and Leonardo, who are among police officers close to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, were allegedly behind Barayuga’s assassination on July 30, 2020. He described Garma as a “ruthless killer” pretending to be a “meek lamb.” In his testimony, Mendoza said in October 2019, Leonardo, allegedly upon Garma’s request, asked him to “operate” on a target, later identified as Barayuga. He said in the context of the Dutere administration’s bloody war on illegal drugs, the term “operate” meant killing the target.

IN BRIEF

DENR leads gov’t greenhouse transition

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday spearheaded the development of the Just Transition Program prioritizing the energy and transport sectors that account for 56 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Philippines wanted to join the rest of the world to ensure that the shift to a net-zero economy is fair and inclusive for all.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga, the official representative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Climate Change Commission, stressed the importance of minimizing the adverse impacts on vulnerable sectors while the country implements its climate response and promotes sustainable development.

She underscored the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce in the energy and transport sectors, both heavily reliant on the use of conventional energy.

Rio N. Araja

Brawner: Schools should bring back ROTC

AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. is seeking to revive the mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program in the country’s schools.

Brawner, speaking in a panel discussion of the inaugural Balangay Forum in Camp Aguinaldo explained that it is important to develop a “sense of patriotism” among younger generations.

part

By Rex Espiritu

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday that P11 billion worth of aid was already distributed by the government to those affected by Typhoon Julian.

The NDRRMC, in its latest situation report, said the aid benefitted 11,141 families across Regions 1 and 2; and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The NDDRMC said the total number of affected individuals rose to 149,293 or 43,093 families in 552 barangays across three regions in the country. Eight people have been confirmed injured while one person is confirmed missing.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) meanwhile said it has so far released more than P9 million worth of humanitarian assistance for the families affected by Super Typhoon Julian.

“The DSWD has already provided Php9.078 million in relief aid to the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Regions as well as to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR),” DSWD Asst. Secretary for External Assistance and Development Juan Carlo Marquez, who is also the agency’s co-spokesperson, said.

“The agency’s Disaster Response Management Group and concerned Field Offices remain in close coordination with counterparts in affected local government units (LGUs) since there are displaced locals who are still staying in evacuation centers in the three affected regions,” Marquez added. Maricel V. Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House Quad Comm on Wednesday called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to surrender to the panel after the Supreme Court (SC) voided his only legal recourse against the committee’s detention order.

Reps. Dan Fernandez of Sta Rosa City and Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte made the call following the SC’s denial of Roque’s petition for a writ of amparo, a protective writ he applied to escape detention as the Quad Comm investigates his involvement in the illegal activities of POGOs.

Fernandez, who chairs the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said, “Sumuko ka na, Atty. Roque (Please surrender Atty. Roque),” saying the latter’s attempts to evade justice and avoid accountability through legal maneuvers have become futile.

“This is not the time to sneak

THE Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) bared that a court has allowed dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to get a medical checkup at a hospital. BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera, quoted by GMA News, said: “We received a court order for her to get a checkup.” Bustinera, in a press briefing also said that the BJMP took the initiative to make the request as

bers added.

around and make excuses. Atty. Roque should face the music and answer the allegations in the proper forum. The law must prevail. Roque should not hide himself behind technicalities or writs that have no basis),” Fernandez said, stressing that Roque’s rights have not been violated as the SC itself confirmed.

Barbers, the overall chair of the Quad Comm, urged Roque to heed the rule of law and cooperate with the ongoing investigation, which has uncovered alarming connections between POGOs and other illicit activities, including illegal drug syndicates and extrajudicial killings.

“The Quad Committee is uncovering layers of criminal activities tied to POGOs, and we need full transparency from everyone involved,” Barbers, who also chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said.

“If Atty. Roque has nothing to hide, why is he hiding? The public deserves to know the truth,” Bar-

The Quad Comm is investigating the links between POGO, the proliferation of the illicit drug trade, land grabbing by certain Chinese nationals, and the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) associated with the Duterte administration’s brutal war on drugs.

Other Quad Comm co-chairs are Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights, and Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, who chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop is the vice chair of all four panels and the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation. The SC decision, handed down on October 1, clarified that the writ of amparo is intended for cases of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances, situations that do not apply in

case.

Court approves Alice Guo medical checkup, says BJMP

there were concerns regarding a possible lung infection.

“Just to make sure because this was the concern during the last Senate hearing and our senators also told us that it may be much better if she can be checked,” the official said.

He said the BJMP is still coordinating with the hospital for the schedule. According to Bustinera, they will also check with Guo if she still wants a checkup.

Bustinera added that: “Our BJMP doctor did not note any other health concerns.” Guo, also identified as Guo Hua Ping, was transferred to the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory from the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame in September.

Guo is facing a qualified human trafficking case before a Pasig court as well as a graft case before a Valenzuela court.

“Well for me, more just than awareness, what is really important is that we develop that sense of patriotism among our future generations and one way to do that is by again implementing the cub scout, Boy Scout, Girl Scout system that we used to have in our schools. Somehow we lost this and so for me, I believe that we have to go back to this, including bringing back the ROTC program in our schools.”

Brawner said Rex Espiritu CHR: No media worker should face threats

THE Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday stood on its ground that no media worker should face threats, harassment or intimidation in the course of their duties.

“It is their responsibility to report the truth, and it is our responsibility to protect their rights and ensure that they can work without fear,” it maintained.

The media, as the Fourth Estate, plays a vital role in ensuring check and balance of those in power, it said.

The Commission reacted to reports from journalists who faced threats and harassment during their coverage of the police operations in an effort to arrest Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in August and September.

It said it has conducted an independent investigation to uncover the facts.

“The CHR reaffirms the indispensable role of the media in upholding truth and transparency for the benefit of Filipino society. A free and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy, and any act of harassment against media workers is an attack on the flow of truthful information that allows citizens to make informed decisions on matters that affect them,” its statement read. Rio N. Araja

Roque’s

GUNNING FOR PLUM POSTS. (Clockwise) Senator Imee Marcos accompanied by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and sons Borgie Manotoc and Michael Manotoc during the filing of her certificate of candidacy (COC). (Second photo) Magdalo Party List member Gary Alejano holds his COC, while Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan files for reelection. (Third photo) House Representative aspirant Mitch Cajayon-Uy, files her COC at the Comelec-NCR office in San Juan City, while United Senior Citizen Party-List Mila Magsasay files her COC at the Comelec held at the Manila Hotel. (Fourth photo) Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. is seeking a third and final term in Zambales, while former Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta is gunning for the lone congressional seat to represent the city. (FIFTH PHOTO) Reelectionist Senator Lito Lapid, former Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson filed their COCs at the Manila Hotel Tent, as

of the administration ticket. Joseph Muego, Norman Cruz, Art De Vera Jr.

IN BRIEF

9 village officials yield loose guns to Army

NINE barangay officials from Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday turned over loose firearms to the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Battalion (Makasag).

According to Lt. Col. Jerome D. Peñalosa, head of the unit, the gesture by the local village officials supports the government’s campaign against loose firearms under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.

Talitay Mayor Hon. Sidik Amiril said their initiative was a response to the government’s and the military’s call to surrender loose firearms to prevent their use in crimes, especially during elections.

The surrendered firearms consisted of two 7.62mm sniper rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns, a .30 caliber Garand rifle, an M79 grenade launcher, an M203 grenade launcher, an RPG launcher, and a 5.56mm Ultimax rifle.

The guns were presented by Peñalosa to Col. Ricky Bunayog, deputy commander of the 601st Brigade. Rex Espiritu

PAF flies off exercise dubbed ‘Sanay Bagwis’

THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) kicked off this week its first iteration of the Operational Exercise dubbed “Sanay Bagwis” in its Pasay City headquarters.

According to PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo, the exercise, which will run until Oct. 4, aims to enhance the interoperability of the PAF’s core systems, identify gaps, and develop intervention through the PAF Integrated Air Operations Concept.

This exercise will feature two key events: a table top exercise and a field training drill. These activities will be conducted in Villamor Air Base, as well as in respective locations of PAF Core System Owners and Flying Units, and other PAF air bases.

PAF chief of air staff Maj. Gen Aristotle Gonzalez emphasized the significance of this organizational exercise in identifying and bridging gaps, ensuring that every Unit works in harmony with each other.

He highlighted how these efforts will contribute to the PAF’s capability as a force provider and to the overall operational accomplishment of the command. Rex Espiritu

QC vies for ‘UNESCO

Creative City of Film’ title

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has announced the city’s bid to become a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City of Film to elevate its standing in the global film industry.

=The initiative underscores Quezon City’s rich cinematic heritage and continued commitment to fostering creativity, protecting cultural heritage and promoting inclusive development, Belmonte said. The mayor, in her capacity as chairperson of the Quezon City Film Commission, stressed the significance of the plan.

“Becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Film is not just a recognition of our past achievements, but an opportunity to redefine our future in the global film community,” she said.

Quezon City, home to 3.2 million residents, is a vibrant metropolis popularly known as the City of Stars, she added.

National artists for Film, such as Lino Brocka and Fernando Poe Jr., have rooted their creative endeavors in the city. Rio N. Araja

ALL HANDS ON DECK. Philippine Military

Academy Cadet Midshipman First Class Bryle Maur Jatico poses on deck with counterpart naval students in the ASEAN-Plus Cadet Sail 2024, a program aiming to provide an opportunity for young candidate officers from both ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries to strengthen their confidence through interaction and exchange of ideas among themselves.

BOC chief commends intel agents on success of Navotas port raid

By Joel E. Zurbano

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner

Bienvenido Rubio has commended the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service - Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) for a successful operation at the Navotas Fish Port that led to the seizure of over P20 million worth of smuggled fuel.

The operation also resulted in the filing of criminal cases against some officers and 24 crew members of vessels MT Tritrust and MT Mega Ensoleilee who were allegedly caught in the act of illegally transferring unmarked fuel

TURNOVER OF COMMAND.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. witness the turnover of command between Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, outgoing Quezon City police director, and his successor, Brig. Gen. Melecio Buslig Jr., in simple ceremony held at Camp Karingal, headquarters of the Quezon City Police District. Manny Palmero

from one vessel to another.

“The operation leading to the arrest of these individuals and the identification of the Megapower Petroleum and Shipping Corporation as the registered owner

necessary for this case to prosper,”

Rubio said.

The Navotas City prosecutor’s office issued a resolution last week for the filing of criminal charges against the officers and crew of the vessels, citing prima facie evidence and reasonable certainty of conviction in the case.

The charges stemmed from alleged violation of Section 265-A of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), amended by Section 80 of Republic Act 10963, also known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

CIIS director Verne Enciso gave assurance that the bureau, along with the Department of Justice (DOJ), will

USAID-ICD tie-up to promote climate action

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) to promote climate action and inclusive development.

This collaboration is part of the INSPIRE Project, aimed at uniting corporate leaders and civil society organizations to combat environmental degradation.

On September 25, 2024, around 100 participants attended a forum in Manila entitled “Sustainability Nexus: Inspiring Ideas for a Sustainable Philippines.”

The event featured discussions on

environmental governance and sustainability practices.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Javey Paul Francisco emphasized the importance of integrating environmental and social dimensions in sustainability efforts.

“True sustainability encompasses both environmental and social dimensions and only by addressing these together can we create resilient and inclusive societies,” he said, urging corporate leaders to lead by example in disclosing their environmental initiatives.

Meanwhile, USAID INSPIRE chief

student joins ASEAN-Plus Cadet Sail 2024

By Rex Espiritu

A PHILIPPINE Military Academy (PMA) cadet has joined a seaborne military program for candidate officers dubbed “ASEAN-Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) 2024.”

In a statement, the PMA said Midshipman First Class Bryle Maur Jatico participated in the APCS, a program proposed by the Indonesian Navy during the 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting (ANCM). The PMA said the program aims to provide an opportunity for young officer candidates from both ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries to strengthen their confidence through interaction and idea exchange with other naval cadets. This initiative also fosters

mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation in maintaining global stability and security, the statement read.

As part of the APCS, the cadets and accompanying officers participated in a seminar where they presented their ideas and delivered presentations about their respective home countries.

Additionally, they sailed aboard the Indonesian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, KRI Bima Subi, alongside their counterparts from the Indonesian Naval Academy as part of a goodwill voyage and port visit.

Jatico expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the PMA, highlighting the incredible experience of visiting Indonesia, understanding its culture, and cultivating lifelong friendships with his counterparts.

of party Rebecca Paz highlighted the urgency of addressing climate issues, calling for immediate action.

“We need to work harder, better, and faster. There are six years left until 2030 and only 17% of global development goals are on track… We are facing threats to our natural ecosystems, our businesses, our way of life. Let us use this opportunity to decide how we can work together and make a truly meaningful impact,” she stressed.

Participants pledged support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and national climate initiatives.

continue to go after smugglers and anyone involved in the illegal transfer of fuel.

The MT Tritrust was caught transporting 320,463 liters of unmarked diesel fuel, while the MT Mega Ensoleilee also had 39,884 liters of unmarked diesel fuel, estimated to be worth some P20.35 million. Additionally, the resolution ordered a preliminary investigation for the prosecution of additional charges in violation of Section 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) for unlawful importation against the owner, manager, and/or corporate officers of the Megapower Petroleum and Shipping Corp.

New DepEd rule allows overtime pay for teachers

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has issued an order defining new guidelines in rationalizing the teachers’ workload and prescribing compensation for rendering overtime services.

DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara issued DepEd Order No. 005 embodying the the Implementation Guidelines for the Rationalization of Teachers’ Workload in Public Schools and Compensation for Teaching Overload.

Under the new rules, public school teachers are not required to work more than six hours a day, in accordance with the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670). In exceptional cases where teachers exceed this six-hour limit, they will be eligible for overtime pay for up to two additional hours per day. In instances where teachers have fewer than six hours of actual teaching, they may be assigned to other teachingrelated tasks, proportionate to the time available.

The DepEd reiterated that these guidelines ensure that teaching overloads are managed transparently, with clear procedures for compensation and equitable workload distribution.

OPINION

And there they go

(Part Two)

ONE of my admired former senators, Franklin Drilon, who has made Iloilo City such a pretty destination for foreign as well as domestic tourists alike, has called the Alyansa senatorial slate a “hodgepodge”. In Bisaya, “saksak sinagol”. In Tagalog, with apologies to our national dessert – “halo-halong pilit”. Drilon blames it on “our present political system”. In this space and in other papers where I have written columns in the past two decades, I have always maintained that we have a crazy political set-up. Political parties are non-existent; what we have are mere flags of personal or dynastic convenience. Lulubog-lilitaw.

LDP, then Lakas, then LAMMP, then Lakas once again, then Liberal, then PDP, and now, Lakas +++. Lakas, currently owned by Speaker Martin, is the leading party in the HoR, but can only put up one candidate for senator, Napoles client Bong Revilla. So it has to create an “alyansa” with the oligarch-owned parties, NPC, NP and NUP, the last having no senatorial material. Not to forget Partido Federal, resurrected after being used in 2022, then placed in cold storage. What everybody and his mother swore to in Duterte’s era, PDP, can only field three senatorial candidates: Bong Go, Bato and Philip Salvador. What everybody and his father proudly joined in PNoy’s time, the LP, has also only Kiko Pangilinan, solamente. Bam Aquino has ditched his cousin’s party for another, though the LP will support him still, so that Kiko will have a partner in the hustings.

Chel Diokno, who would have been one out of five names I would vote for next May has pragmatically opted to go with the Akbayan party list.

The Makabayan bloc is fielding a complete slate for the first time. All of them, I am sorry to predict, will not make it, even if some of them are better qualified than many in the Alyansa. But it seems their motto is “try and try till you succeed”. So now we go to the decimated PDP, abandoned even by Francis Tolentino, who won in 2019 because of FPRRD’s support. Who else will join Bong and Bato in the PDP? From the Davao grapevine, I hear they will be joined by Gringo Honasan and Dante Marcoleta, perhaps Mayor Baste Duterte.

Meanwhile, Doc Willie Ong who is battling for his life in a foreign hospital, has sent Doc Liza, his very amiable wife to Manila with a special power of attorney to file his COC. May he win the battle of his life along with a seat in the Senate so that after decades since Juan Flavier, we will have a doctor who will fight for the health of poor Filipinos.

Now that Imee Marcos has declared herself independent of the Alyansa, Ping Lacson has as well declared so.

That’s what happens when, as Drilon says, you forge a hodgepodge.

Your minds, please. Do not vote according to your heart.

We also have the celebrities who keep going back to the Senate, making it a retirement haven, “laos na sa takilya” but still armed with a single qualification to win – name recall and nothing more.

FPRRD who along with Inday Sara, maintains political clout in Mindanao and Central Visayas, not to mention wide swaths of Region 8 and Negros Island Region, would best just choose some names to endorse, and gift them with strength coming from their spheres of influence. But please, don’t waste your time on sure losers who would still lose even if a thousand angels come down to help them.

The former president told this writer that he will likely endorse just seven names, whom he describes as the “Magnificent 7”, one short of the Otso Diretso which lost wholesale in 2019.

I am reading four surveys, done at about the same time frame, and they have widely different results, which is surprising to this political technician, but which hopefully means people have yet to really make up their minds.

Your minds, please. Do not vote according to your heart. It will only result in heartbreaks again and again.

I can only pray that the electorate will be a tad wiser this time, vote for the independent-minded, and save the Senate from forever becoming the theater of the absurd.

The

selling

of 24.95 tons of gold

LAST week’s news about the BSP unloading 24.95 tons of our gold holdings was as stunning as any news could be. Yet, there was not much local reaction except from one economist who said that the sale was nothing to be concerned about. Had it not been for the World Gold Council publishing the sale on its website, it is most likely that the BSP would have simply remained quiet. As it turned out, we sold the most gold in the world market for the first half of this year. The BSP came up with a gobbledygook explanation as to why it sold 15.69 per cent of our gold holdings by saying that it was something of an “active management strategy”. What that means, the BSP did not say. Not being an economist, I find it difficult to tangle with the gods at

EDITORIAL

Choosing the right candidates

WITH thousands expected to compete for 18,272 national and local posts up for grabs, who should we vote for in the coming midterm elections?

It’s not an easy task to choose who a mong candidates for senator, district and party-list representatives, and local officials from governors, vice-governors and provincial board members to city and municipal mayors, vice-mayors and city and municipal councilors are really qualified to run for public office.

It’s the Commission on Elections, of course, that will first approve the candidacies of aspirants based on a set of minimum criteria. The prospective candidates must be of a certain age and can read and write, are natural-born citizens, registered voters, and residents of the place where they seek public office, among other criteria.

It is up to the voters themselves, however, to determine for themselves whether their candidates deserve to hold public office based on track record, experience in government or the private sector, education and training, competence, and perhaps most impor-

the BSP because they are supposed to be the people who know what is best for the country in managing the country’s coffers. But in this instance, I dare say that this was not a good and necessary move and that is saying it mildly.

The BSP should devise a better system so it would not lose everything to the smugglers.

Yes, countries do sell some of their gold holdings every now and then but why sell more than a sixth of our holdings? Considering that

the 24.95 tons was sold out of the total of 159 tons of our holdings, the BSP definitely owes the public more explanations as to why this was done and what happened to the US$2,360,388,911.382 constituting the proceeds. The amount was computed from the current market price of gold at $2,682 per troy ounce. More importantly, the BSP must tell the public which country or entity bought the gold. China perhaps? We know for instance, that BRICS countries are buying and hoarding gold to use the commodity to support their currencies in bypassing the US Dollar as the Global Reserve Currency. We also know that China is buying all the available gold that it can.

tant of all, integrity. And there’s the rub. Voters will choose according to their own value judgments, with some opting for candidates who have helped them in the past, others preferring those who are popular or have name-recall, rather than solid credentials and proven competence as well as unblemished records. Still others will vote only for their friends or their relatives, instead of scrutinizing the capability of candidates to render genuine public service.

—“—

Will the Comelec be able to fulfill this mandate and strengthen our political system based on free and fair elections?

Voters should bear in mind that public office is a public trust, as our Constitution emphasizes very clearly, and “public officials and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.” Who among the prospective candidates

It used to be that gold was simply an economic commodity. It still is, but in today’s world, many countries seem to view the precious metal in other ways. These countries for example tend to keep the metal instead of selling because they believe correctly that gold can help maintain the stability of a currency. Out of the five founding members of the ASEAN, our currency together with the Indonesian rupiah deteriorated the most over the years. In fact, a simple remark from the US Fed Chairman the other day was enough for our peso’s value to go down against the US Dollar. Due to the sale, the country has only 134.05 tons of gold left and that is in fact quite surprising.

can be expected to meet all these criteria?

Voters should be reminded as well that our fundamental law directs the State to guarantee equal opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law. But we know that political dynasties have managed to remain in public office throughout the country over the past decades simply because our lawmakers have been unwilling to pass an enabling law based on this particular constitutional fiat since this would diminish the power and privilege they wield from holding public office for as long as they can.

While at this, the electorate should be wary as well of partylist groups whose nominees hardly belong to underrepresented or marginalized groups such as labor, farmers, fisherfolk, youth, women, and indigenous people, no thanks to a Supreme Court ruling that opened the floodgates even for billionaires to hold public office.

The Commission on Elections has the mandate to hold free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections in May next year. But will it be able to fulfill this mandate and strengthen our political system based on free and fair elections that are a hallmark of a robust democratic system?

Why? Because the country apparently produces about 40 tons of gold annually and is currently the third biggest gold producing country in Asia after China and Indonesia. Last year however, the country only bought 1.33 tons of gold according to one report. The question again is why buy only 1.33 tons out of the 40 tons produced. What happened to the rest? Smuggled to Hong Kong? I thought that gold produced here can only be bought by the BSP. But if the BSP is not buying everything, shouldn’t it be taking action to prevent the remaining 38 tons from leaving the country illegally? Maybe this is another case of unbridled corruption in our bureaucracy.

Only print news links this Ukraine town to the world

LYMAN — Valentyna Bykova knew the residents of Lyman, a bombed-out eastern Ukrainian town a dozen kilometres away from Russian positions, were waiting for her.

She was bringing them the latest issue of Zoria -- Dawn -- a local paper whose print edition is vital when power goes down near the front.

“Sometimes we don’t have enough copies because it’s the only remaining link to the outside world,” said the 78-year-old retired journalist.

Print news may be dying in much of the world, but for isolated communities near Ukraine’s front lines, it has become one of the few reliable sources of information left, as Russian bombardment cuts electricity and internet access.

Bykova walked through Lyman’s streets, lined with crumbling buildings, their windows bar-

ricaded or blown-out, until she spotted a crowd standing in the silent city.

As soon as she held up the stacks of black-and-white copies, a dozen pensioners swarmed her.

“Give me some, wait! Me too! I didn’t get any, just one please!” people shouted.

The pensioners’ bicycles rattled as they surrounded Bykova, who wet her finger to better separate the copies.

Many of the town’s elderly residents look to the paper for guidance at a time of rising disinformation, and for some, it is a reminder of simpler times.

“It’s impossible to live without this newspaper,” said Galyna Brys, a 72-year-old retired railway worker clutching her issue.

“It talks about everything in detail, about our Lyman. They keep writing even when times are so difficult for us,” she said.

the

Israel: ‘Iran to pay for missile attack’

JLyman has come under renewed Russian attacks, prompting authorities to urge the community of around 8,700 people to evacuate. AFP ADDIS ABABA — Africa has the fewest roads and cars of

ERUSALEM — Israel vowed to make Iran “pay” for firing a barrage of missiles at its territory, with Tehran warning on Wednesday it would launch an even bigger attack if it is targeted. Iran launched its second direct attack on Israel in history on Tuesday, firing what it said were 200 missiles including hypersonic weapons, sending Israeli civilians into shelters and prompting several countries in the region to shut their airspace.

Israel, which put the number of missiles fired at its territory at 180, bombarded Lebanese strongholds of Iran ally Hezbollah, with heavy strikes early Wednesday on south Beirut.

Israel shifted its focus last month from its war in Gaza, which was sparked by Iran-backed Hamas’s October 7 attacks, to securing its northern border with Lebanon, where it is fighting Hezbollah.

After issuing numerous threats against Israel, Iran launched its second attack since April, sparking panic in Israel and around the region.

Israel intercepted most of the missiles, while Israeli medics reported two people injured by shrapnel.

In the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian was killed in Jericho “when pieces of a rocket fell from the sky and hit him”, the city’s governor Hussein Hamayel told AFP.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it,”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “Whoever attacks us, we attack them.” Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who was at the command and control centre monitoring the interception of Iranian missiles, also vowed vengeance.

“Iran has not learned a simple lesson -- those who attack the state of Israel, pay a heavy price,” he said in a statement.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the attack was in response to Israel’s killing last week of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, as well as the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran bombing in July widely blamed on Israel.

The attack also sought to avenge Israel’s killing with Nasrallah of General Abbas Nilforoushan, a top commander of the Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guards’ foreign operations arm.

Israel said this week it began ground operations in Lebanon, while Hezbollah on Wednesday said it clashed with Israeli troops who tried to infiltrate into Lebanon.

The spike in violence in Lebanon since mid-September has killed more than 1,000 people and forced hundreds of thousands more to flee their homes. AFP

BUS TRAGEDY. Medical staff look out as they wait to transfer the coffins of victims outside the forensic institute at the police hospital in Bangkok. A devastating fire on a Thai school bus killed at least 23 people, police said on October 1, after rescuers pulled children’s bodies from the charred wreckage of the vehicle. AFP

FM:

Japan wants constructive and stable relations with China

had not yet been decided.

HANOI — Ten Vietnamese fishers were violently robbed in the disputed South China Sea, state media reported Wednesday, with an official saying the attackers came from Chinese-flagged vessels. The men were reportedly beaten with iron bars and robbed of thousands of dollars worth of fish and equipment on Sunday off the Paracel Islands -- an archipelago in the resource-rich waterway claimed by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

Vietnamese media did not identify the nationalities of the attackers, but Phung Ba Vuong, an official in central Quang Ngai province told AFP: “They were Chinese, (the boats had) Chinese flags”. Four of the 10-man Vietnamese crew were rushed to hospital on Monday after arriving at Quang Ngai port, according to state-run Tien Phong newspaper, which said the men were attacked by around 40 people for three hours.

TOKYO — Japan’s new Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Wednesday that Tokyo wants a “stable relationship” with China based on common interests, although “what we need to assert will be asserted”.

“We hope to mutually work towards building a constructive and stable relationship,” Iwaya said in his first press conference after being nominated by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday.

The minister said he hoped to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi “as soon as possible” for “frank exchanges and dialogue”, but a date

Relations between the neighbours have worsened as China builds up its military presence around disputed territories, and as Japan boosts security ties with the United States and its allies.

“Between Japan and China, there are many outstanding issues and challenges, but at the same time there is much possibility and potential,” Iwaya said.

Both are “major countries holding an important responsibility jointly for achieving peace and prosperity for this region and the entire international community”.AFP

“Wearing chequered clothes, they cruelly beat us with iron bars,” captain Nguyen Thanh Bien was quoted as saying, adding that he fell unconscious for around an hour after the attack.

Footage on Tien Phong’s website showed the fishers being taken from their boat on stretchers. One had a broken leg and two suffered broken arms, the report said.

Captain Bien told authorities that around $20,000 worth of equipment and fish had been stolen in the attack. Party official Vuong -- who chairs the people’s committee of Binh Chau, the commune where the fishermen live -- said on Facebook he “strongly opposed the barbarous acts by China.” AFP

Africa’s roads among deadliest despite few cars

lems are compounded by bad roads, outdated vehicles, minimal prosecutions and a shortage of emergency services. A recent World Health Organisation report found that Africa surpassed the rest of the world,

experts. But in Africa, where there are 620 traffic deaths every day, these prob-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GANDHI. School children scatter rose petals in front of a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi on

occasion of Gandhi’s birth anniversary, in Chennai on October 2. AFP

Escamis erupts in 4th quarter, powers Mapua past Arellano U

Puerto Princesa dragonboat qualifier for ‘25 World Games

MORE than glory and honor, elite paddlers from all over the world, including the host Philippines, will have extra motivation to do well and excel in the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships scheduled Oct. 27 to Nov. 4 in the picturesque coastal city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

CLINT Escamis rediscovered his groove in the fourth quarter as Mapua survived a gutsy Arellano University, 77-71, on Wednesday to stay at second spot in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Held to just three foul shots after misfiring on all of his eight shots from the field in the first three quarters, the reigning MVP came alive in the final period where he sizzled with 12 points including a pair of backbreaking triples that helped the Cardinals stay at No. 2 with a 6-2 record.

That also pushed Mapua half a game behind pace-setting College of St. Benilde (6-1).

“Nagpapasalamat ako kina coach na kahit hindi pumapasok tira ko hindi pa rin ako tinanggal,” said Escamis, who added eight assists, five rebounds and four steals to his clutch scoring.

“Thankful nag deliver ako sa team,” he added.

Chris Hubilla and Mar Cuenco likewise came through as they chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Mapua coach Randy Alcantara lauded his rookies Yam Concepcion, who had seven points and 10 boards, and Aaron Fermin, who chipped in five points in the final canto, for stepping up when they needed them most.

“Malaking tulong rookies namin,” he said.

Lorenz Capulong pounded it inside and had a game-high 19 points while Renzo Abiero waxed hot from the outside where he drilled four treys and finished with 18 points but the Chiefs lost their way in the end.

AU dropped to 2-6.

Meanwhile, Lyceum of the Philippines University drew strength from its second stringers as it turned back University of Perpetual Help, 64-62, Wednesday that boosted its Final Four stock in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The International Canoe Federation, the world governing for the sport, has sanctioned the competition organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation as the main qualifying meet for the 2025 World Games.

The popular paddling sport will have its debut in the 12thedition of the quadrennial sportsfest for non-Olympic disciplines from Aug. 7 to 17, 2025 in Chengdu, China, making the championships co-organized and backed by the Puerto Princesa City government led by Mayor Lucilo Bayron a must event for top global paddlers.

“Itong world championship natin ang major qualification event for the World Games next year. Ang World Games po ay counterpart ng Olympic Games at ang mga sports na hindi nilalaro sa Olympics,” noted PCKF president Len Escollante in a recent radio interview.

“This is also the first time that dragon boat racing will be played in the World Games kaya malaking bagay na napunta sa atin at sa Puerto Princesa gagawin,” said Escollante, “at sampung teams o bansa ang magka-kaqualify dito sa tournament.

“Kapag nag-qualify ang bansa, bahala na ang association nila na pumili ng mga paddlers for the World Games sa susunod na taon.”

The former national dragon boat coach said the 10 qualified teams will be based on cumulative times in the mixed team small boat or 10-seater category in the 200, 500 and 2,000-meter races to be held at the Sulu Sea overlooking the well-managed Puerto Princesa Baywalk.

German ICF president Thomas Konietzko gave a thumbs-up to organizers of the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships during an ocular in-

spection early this year of the site by an ICF delegation that included Wai-Hung Luk, ICF Dragon Boat Commission chairman, of China.

``It’s an honor for Puerto Princesa to host an event of this magnitude. This is a significant challenge for us, but once we get started and achieve success, it means that organizing and hosting larger events will become much easier for us,’’ Mayor Bayron pointed out during the ICF visit.

Bayron has been a strong advocate of promoting Puerto Princesa, known as the “City in a Forest” for its diverse fauna and flora and breathtaking views, as a sustainable major sports tourism hub in the country. Under his watch, Puerto Princesa has successfully staged foot races and triathlons on top of multi-sport meets such as the Batang Pinoy National Games, which will again be held in Palawan’s provincial capital in late November.

Escollante praised the Mayor Bayron and the local organizing committee members in ensuring that the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships would be a memorable and historic one for both participants, Palaweños and all Filipinos.

La Salle downs FEU to set up winner-take-all

DEFENDING champion De La Salle University refused to back down, defeating Far Eastern University in four sets, 25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, presented by Grab, on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.

Chris Hernandez led the scoring charge, while Noel Kampton provided a spark off the bench in his much-anticipated return.

The Green Spikers overcame a third-set loss to close out the match in the fourth. Hernandez delivered a game-high 23 points, tallying 17 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, along with 19 excellent receptions and five excellent digs. Kampton, who had just returned from Alas Men’s training camp in Italy, added nine crucial points.

“Added reinforcement para sa team, and at the same time, kailangan niya pa mag-adjust kasi bumalik lang siya yesterday. Hoping na itong remaining two days maka-adjust siya,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque about Kampton.

After losing the third set, the Green Spikers faced a stiff challenge in the fourth. FEU cut a 21-16 La Salle lead down to just three, 21-18, following a Kampton service error and an Amet Bituin off-the-block kill. Both teams traded blows, but a crucial service fault by Bituin and an Eco Adajar block on Jerold Talisayan sealed the 25-20 victory for La Salle.

“Happy. Somehow, it paid off lahat ng training and at the same time, ‘yun ‘yung gusto ng team—manalo. They played their best,” said Roque. Glen Ventura contributed 12 points, all

from attacks, while Joshua Magalaman chipped in nine points.

Yoyong Mendoza and Eric Layug also made key contributions with seven points each in the must-win match.

Adajar directed the offense with 19 excellent sets, while team captain Menard Guerrero anchored the defense with 13 excellent digs.

The Green Spikers will now aim for their second consecutive V-League title, while the Tamaraws will seek their first when they meet again on Friday at the same venue.

For FEU, Dryx Saavedra led the way with 18 points on 16 attacks and two blocks, while Lirick Mendoza and Talisayan added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Benny Martinez contributed 18 excellent sets in the loss.

Lady Eagles rip UE belles to claim 4th UAAP victory

REIGNING MVP Kacey Dela Rosa recorded her sixth triple-double as Ateneo de Manila University secured an emphatic 90-62 victory over University of the East, earning a share of third place in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Dela Rosa delivered another impressive performance with 19 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists, helping the Blue Eagles win their second consecutive game and their fourth overall in six outings.

With this victory, Ateneo is now tied with idle Adamson University and has opened a two-game lead over University of the Philippines, which holds a 2-4 record.

Meanwhile, Nigerian studentathlete Sarah Makanjuola contributed a double-double of her own, finishing with 14 points and 17 rebounds, along with three blocks and two steals.

“We’re unapologetic and we’re an inside-out ‘Duncan-Robinson’ team [with Kacey and Sarah]. We’re really just in, in, in. Whatever the defense gives us, we’ll take it,” said Ateneo head coach LA Mumar. “We will always start from the inside; that’s not a secret. We will live and die with how we play. That’s the identity of the Ateneo women’s basketball team.”

After the first quarter ended in a 15-all tie, the Blue Eagles found their rhythm with a dominant 35-12 second quarter, establishing a 50-27 lead by halftime.

From that point forward, Ateneo never looked back, extending their advantage to a game-high 31 points in the final period, ultimately securing their fourth win in six games.

“I think we knew that these two games would be very important heading into the match against NU. We were able to execute the game plan, and I think we expect to get better as the season goes along,” Mumar added.

The Philippine national dragon boat team will vie for a spot in the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China

The Green Spikers celebrate a point.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Tamayo, Manhit gain ICTSI

golf top seeding

STA. ROSA, Laguna—Brittany Tamayo and Race Manhit each posted impressive one-under-par 71s in the scorching and challenging conditions at The Country Club here on Wednesday to secure the top seeding in the 10-12 age division during the 18-hole stroke play phase of the ICTSI Junior PGT Match Play Finals.

However, the real competition begins today (Thursday) as all four divisions for boys and girls set the stage for intense match play battles that will test not just power and skill, but also mental fortitude on the demanding course.

Tamayo, who hails from South Cotabato and trains at the Brittannika Golf Course, upset the tournament favorites in the girls’ division. She overcame a shaky 39 on the front nine with a powerful stretch of four birdies in the first five holes on the back nine, including three consecutive birdies starting at No. 10.

She finished strong, parring the final four holes to secure a 71, earning her the top seed for a quarterfinal clash with No. 8 Chelsea Ogborne, who carded a 119.

Mandaluyong’s Aerin Chan followed with a 78 for the second seed and will face No. 7 Casedy Cuenca, who scored a 97. Other matchups include No. 3 Rafella Batican (79) vs. Quincy Pilac (84), and Maurysse Abalos (80) vs. Kelsey Bernardino (84) in the quarterfinals.

The 12-year-old Tamayo, a student at Notre Dame Marbel University, remained humble about her comeback but expressed determination for the head-to-head phase.

“I will focus on my game and play for par,” she said.

On the boys’ side, Manhit from Pasig secured the top ranking with a steady performance on a course he calls home.

The Ateneo grade-schooler broke a one-birdie, one-bogey streak on the back nine by carding two consecutive birdies from No. 1, although a bogey on the tough par-4 ninth hole tempered his 35-36 scorecard.

2 Filipino sambo athletes bag golds in world jiu-jitsu tourney

By Randy Caluag

GODWIN Langbayan and Chino Sy-Tancontian, both members of the Philippine national sambo team, showcased their exceptional grappling skills by bringing home gold medals from the 2024 Sports JiuJitsu Federation (SJJF) World Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Nagoya, Japan.

Langbayan, a brown belt in jiu-jitsu, demonstrated remarkable resilience as he overcame a persistent knee injury to secure two gold medals.

The 34-year-old from Benguet dominated the Male Brown Master 1 lightweight Gi event, triumphing over Japan’s Nishi Kazunori. He further solidified his standing in the sport by excelling in the No Gi event, defeating Kawai Takayuki.

Despite facing tough competitors from Japan and Brazil, Langbayan’s performance was impressive, especially considering the injury he sustained during the finals.

In a media interview, he explained, “I sustained muscle and soft tissue damage,

and there might also be meniscus damage.”

He recalled a critical moment when his opponent’s jump guard compromised his knee. Nevertheless, he fought through the pain, winning five matches across various submission and point formats.

With a light-hearted spirit, Langbayan remarked, “Good thing I managed with medication, but I’ll be going home on crutches.”

He is also preparing for the coming 2024 World Sambo Championships in Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, Sy-Tancontian, a 2019 SEA Games sambo gold medalist, made headlines by winning his first international jiu-jitsu competition. He triumphed over

Party

the

include

Earlier this year, the 23-year-old col-

Japan Embassy honors PH Olympic hero Yulo

THE accolades for Carlos Yulo are not stopping just yet and the latest on the double Olympic gold medalist’s busy schedule was a celebration dinner on Tuesday, hosted by the Japanese Embassy at the Ambassador’s Residence in North Forbes Park.

“It was fitting the the Japanese Embassy to celebrate Caloy’s [Yulo] double victory in Paris,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Wednesday. “It was in Japan where Caloy honed to become a two-time world and double Olympic champion.”

Yulo was only 17 when he started to train in Tokyo in 2016 under renowned Japanese coaches and while training, he took up Literature as a scholar at the Teiko University.

PH Memory Team captures 14 gold medals in Asia Open tilt

THE Philippine Memory Team grabbed 26 medals, including 14 golds to finish third overall out of seven participating countries in the 2024 Asia Open Memory Championships recently at the Singapore Polytechnic University.

Coached by Anne Bernadette ‘AB’ Bonita, all six young Filipino ‘mindtrained athletes’ won medals in their respective disciplines against 51 opponents, with siblings -- Grandmaster of Memory Chloe Andrea, Charles Andrei, and Chelsea Anne Galamgam leading the campaign.

The Filipinos garnered 8,377.94 points behind overall champion Japan

(14,269.320) and Indonesia (10,774.97). The other participating nations are Malaysia and Singapore and favorites Myanmar and China. The 16-year-old Chloe Andrea, a Grade 11 student from Ateneo de Manila Senior High, dominated six disciplines – 30 minutes Binary Numbers, 30 minutes Numbers, 5 minutes Numbers, 30 minutes, Marathon Cards, Spoken numbers and 15 minutes Random Words – to claim the overall championship in the Junior Division. Chloe Andrea also finished second in the 15-minute Names and Faces disci-

pline, as well as in the 5-minute Speed cards and 5-minute Dates, while claiming the bronze medal in the 5-minute Random Images.

In the process, she elevated her GM status to Dan 2, completing the required criteria after successfully memorizing the 8 Decks of Shuffled Cards in 30 minutes, 79 seconds in memorizing one deck of cards (Speed Cards), 728 Random Numbers in 30 minutes and 160 random Words in 15 minutes.

Last year during the country’s hosting of the tournament, Chloe Andrea claimed her GM Dan 1 status.

a gold

He came back home last year.

“For most of his late teens, Caloy has done so well in his sport and those two gold medals in Paris are testament to what he learned while in Japan,” Tolentino said.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife, Akiko Endo, graciously hosted Yulo, and International Gymnastics Federation president Morinari Watanabe of Japan.

Besides Tolentino, also invited to the dinner were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Cavite 8th District Rep. Aniela Tolentino, 1-Pacman Party List Rep. Mikee Romero and his daughter Milka, gymnastics head Cynthia Carrion-Norton and some members of the House of Representatives and Japanese Embassy officials.

Sabalenka wins 15th match in row to reach Beijing quarters

BEIJING—Top seed Aryna Sabalenka won her 15th match in a row to power into the China Open quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Madison Keys on Wednesday. The US Open champion will face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic or Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the last eight in Beijing. World number two Sabalenka has won more matches on tour this season than anyone else and extended her red-hot streak with a fairly routine victory over the 24thranked American.

On a sunny Beijing day, Sabalenka and Keys exchanged breaks in the first set for 3-3 before the hard-hitting Belarusian pulled away go a set up. The second took a similar course and Keys double-faulted on the first match point to gift Sabalenka victory in 65 minutes.

Sabalenka is on a collision course in the semi-finals with China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who faces 43rd-ranked Amanda Anisimova in the last 16 later Wednesday.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka can take a major step towards overhauling Iga Swiatek at the top of the rankings by lifting the title in Beijing.

Swiatek is not playing in the Chinese capital because of “personal matters”. AFP

Brittany Tamayo wiggles out of the bunker in the ICTSI Junior PGT Match Play Finals. Manny Marcelo

Japan’s Endo Masataka in the finals of the Male Blue Adult Super-Heavyweight Gi event after defeating Ai Brock from Mano Jiujitsu in the semifinals.

legiate athlete captured

medal at

2024 Grand Prix de Sambo de Paris, adding to his impressive achievements that

a gold win at the 2024 Dutch Open in March.

Godwin Langbayan Chino Sy-Tancontian

Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife, Akiko Endo, toast Carlos Yulo’s success in Paris. With them are Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Cavite 8th District Rep. Aniela Tolentino, 1-Pacman

List Rep. Mikee Romero and his daughter Milka, gymnastics head Cynthia Carrion-Norton and some members of the House of Representatives and Japanese Embassy o cials.

Members of the Philippine Memory team display the Philippine ag.

TRADEFAIR.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reports that the 18th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair (RTF), highlighting the local products of Cagayan Valley, raises over P9 million in sales in Muntinlupa City from Sept. 10 to 16, 2024. This year’s theme, ‘Unveiling the Richness of Cagayan Valley’s Lands and Seas: A Fusion of Beauty and Bounty’, brought together 100 MSMEs and local artisans and assisted 2,065 farmers featuring the unique products, services and vast offerings of Cagayan Valley.

5.8%

IMF growth forecast for PH in 2024

6.1%

IMF growth forecast for PH in 2025

6.0%

Average GDP growth in first half of 2024

Fitch unit expects BSP to cut rates by 75 bps

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to cut interest rates more aggressively in the coming months, according to BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions.

“Crucially, we now forecast the Fed to cut by a total of 125 basis points in 2024,” BMI said in a report. “On this projection, we think that the BSP will have more policy room to maneuver with a 100-basispoint cut of its own.”

The BSP’s Monetary Board on Aug. 15, 2024, slashed its overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 percent. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also reduced to 5.75 percent and 6.75 percent, respectively.

BMI said the BSP would continue its easing cycle going into 2025, with a 75-basis-point adjustment in

IMF reduces 2024 PH growth forecast to 5.8% on weak spending, external risks

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday cut its 2024 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.8 percent from 6.0 percent in its July forecast, citing weakening domestic consumption and downside risks from major economies that could disrupt trade and financial flows.

“On the upside, an easing of global financial conditions, or faster than anticipated private investment linked to public-private partnerships and larger foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, could stimulate higher growth,” it said.

The IMF also trimmed its 2025 growth projection for the country to 6.1 percent from its previous forecast of 6.2 percent.

IMF mission chief Elif Arbatli-Saxegaard said the revision reflects the fund’s view that private consumption would grow with less momentum. Saxegaard said higher inflation might have affected private consumption growth in the first half of 2024. These forecasts are below the govern-

October and December.

“The BSP’s decision to lower interest rates ahead of the Fed is a sign that policymakers are starting to grow increasingly concerned about the economy’s health,” BMI said.

“Indeed, the authorities stated that economic growth could fall below the government’s target in 2025 and 2026 in its accompanying monetary statement.”

BMI said the BSP would likely deliver a half-point cut at its upcoming meeting on Oct. 17, 2024.

“We have highlighted that the economy is in need of support following the second-quarter

ment’s target range of 6 percent to 7 percent this year and 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent next year.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s GDP grew 6.0 percent in the first half despite the anemic growth in consumer spending.

The IMF also expects the Philippines’ current account deficit to reach 2.0 percent of the gross domestic product, lower than its initial estimate of 2.1 percent.

The IMF expects the current account deficit to represent 1.9 percent of GDP next year.

The IMF said a gradual reduction of interest rates is appropriate. “A data-dependent approach and careful communication around policy settings will help manage expectations amid uncertainty and more frequent supply-side shocks,” Saxegaard said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas hinted of another 50-basis-point rate cut later this year, after implementing a 25-basis-point adjustment on Aug. 15, 2024.

CebuPac, Airbus sign P1.4-t order for 152 aircraft

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it signed a P1.4-trillion purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

The agreement with Airbus covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo Family purchase rights. The acquisition—which has a minimum commitment of 70 aircraft—is the largest in Philippine aviation history, valued at about $24 billion based on list prices for the entire 152-aircraft order.

GDP data,” BMI said. “The boost received from a surge in investment activity will prove difficult to sustain against the backdrop of high interest rates.”

“In the face of an economic slowdown, policymakers will likely seek to unwind restrictive policy settings to bolster growth at the earliest possible time,” it said.

BMI said conditions are ripe for further easing as inflation had become less of a concern. “At 3.3 percent in August, the headline figure is now comfortably within the central bank’s target range of 2 to 4 percent,” it said.

“While we are confident that the BSP will continue to loosen policy, we are less sure of its magnitude,” BMI said. “The October meeting could very well conclude with just a 25-basis-point cut if policymakers adopt a more cautious approach towards easing following cuts in the reserve requirement ratio.”

Airbus said the purchase agreement is a testament to the airline’s confidence in its products and a positive signal for the aviation industry’s recovery.

“The GTF engine will enable Cebu Pacific to continue to expand the number of routes it offers to passengers, while delivering industry-leading fuel efficiency and sustainability benefits,” said Rick Deurloo, president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney.

Cebu Pacific was advised by Blue Skies Consultants on the new transactions with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney.

“The selection of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney underscores our focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation,” said Cebu Pacific CEO Michael Szucs. “This milestone signals our ongoing dedication to expanding air travel accessibility and affordability, while supporting the Philippines’ broader economic growth and connectivity goals.”

MPTC increases toll road projects in Indonesia after JTT acquisition

By Darwin G. Amojelar

METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) expanded its toll road portfolio in Indonesia after finalizing a strategic investment in PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT), a subsidiary of the Indonesian state-owned toll road company Jasa Marga.

Through its subsidiaries PT Margautama Nusantara (MUN) and PT Metro Pacific Tollways Indonesia Services (MPTIS), MPTC acquired a 35-percent stake in JTT for about $1 billion. The investment was made in partnership with GIC, a global institutional investor.

“This milestone marks our significant expansion in the Indonesian toll road market. Our collaboration with GIC and Jasa Marga underscores our commitment to expanding our portfolio by collaborating with the leading global investment firms and infrastructure providers,” MPTC chief ex-

ecutive and president Rogelio Singson said.

The investment will allow Jasa Marga to raise capital, maintain a healthy leverage level and continue expanding toll road networks across Indonesia — enhancing infrastructure and connectivity for future economic development.

JTT is a network of 13 toll roads in the provinces of West Java, Central Java and East Java.

The combined 676-kilometer-long road is considered Indonesia’s crown jewel that allows the efficient flow of 850,000 vehicles daily across Indonesia’s economic powerhouse of Java Island.

With a long and strong track record as a leading regional toll road operator, the addition of JTT toll roads will further boost MPTC’s portfolio to 1,130 kilometers connecting various economic zones in the Philippines and Indonesia.

EDC awarded two geothermal concessions in Indonesia

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ENERGY Development Corp.

(EDC), the renewable energy arm of First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group, was granted surface exploration and drilling rights, also known as the preliminary survey assignments plus exploration (PSPE), for two greenfield geothermal projects in Indonesia.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource awarded the PSPE for the Koto Sani Tanjung Bingkung and Bora Pulu geothermal projects at the 10th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibi-

Ayala’s IMI to save $5m annually from global restructuring

INTEGRATED Micro-Electronics Inc.

(IMI) of the Ayala Group said Wednesday its global restructuring will yield $5 million in annual savings.

IMI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the closure of prototyping and manufacturing activities in IMI USA would have a minimal effect on the group’s operations as it accounts for only 0.30 percent of the total IMI group sales.

IMI said the office restructuring efforts in the four locations (US, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia) are part of the company’s initiatives to align the cost structure with the current business needs and is not expected to disrupt the company’s operations.

“These activities would yield to annualized cost savings of approximately $5 million improvement in the net income,” IMI said.

IMI reported Tuesday it would close its prototyping and manufacturing activities in IMI USA by end2024. It will also dissolve its offices in Japan and Malaysia and will also downsize its office in Singapore.

Jenniffer B. Austria

tion on Sept. 18 to 20, 2024 at Jakarta Convention Center.

Koto Sani Tanjung Bingkung and Bora Pulu have an estimated capacity of 40 megawatts for each concession area with a combined investment cost of about $228 million per area.

“This achievement marks a significant milestone in realizing EDC’s mission to forge collaborative pathways to a decarbonized and regenerative future, not only in the Philippines but in the region as well and beyond,” said EDC head of business development–international Jeff Caranto.

EDC expects to have a definite po-

tential of the geothermal capacity of the concession areas after completing the 3G or geoscientific exploration survey.

Caranto received the concession awards at the event, where Indonesian President Joko Widodo was also present to underscore the importance of geothermal energy in the country’s energy transition targets.

Caranto said the move aligns with EDC’s growth strategy as part of the 13,000-MW low-carbon energy portfolio of First Gen targeted by 2030, 9,000 MW of which will be from renewable energy.

INEFFICIENT electricity distribution outside of Metro Manila is the bane of residents and businessmen.

Supply disruptions and blackouts in the provinces are frequent occurrences that test the patience of consumers. Worse, electric cooperatives do not offer long-term solutions to justify their role as public service providers.

A recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) summed it up: electricity supply interruptions are wreaking havoc on local economies.

“Blackouts are not just inconveniences; they are economic hemorrhages that drain local government coffers, stifle business operations, and compromise public services,” says PIDS.

The PIDS study urged cooperatives to embrace “a culture of truthfulness about their operational realities,” adding they must step out of the shadows of outdated practices and into the light of transparency and accountability.

ECs were also urged to shed their opaque operational habits and adopt more innovative and flexible management strategies.

“It’s time to acknowledge that the outdated infrastructure, lack of investment in renewable energy, and resistance to regulatory reforms are not just internal issues but are contributors to the economic bleed-out of the localities they serve,” the PIDS study said.

Electric cooperatives, perhaps, can start mending their ways by accepting the offer of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s

most technologically-advanced distribution utility. Meralco’s modern infrastructure can readily be used by electric cooperatives to power up the rest of the country.

Meralco senior vice president Arnel Casanova said for economic progress to move to the countryside, electric cooperatives have the option to work in unity with distribution utilities to bring electricity to the entire country in a 24/7 service that is reliable, affordable and sustainable.

He showcased the technological innovations that Meralco could leverage to help electric cooperatives enhance their capability to provide reliable and stable electricity.

These include the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems that use predictive data analytics to ensure power is quickly restored or prevent power interruption.

“We are also upgrading our SCADA systems to help ensure that power is quickly restored if tripping occurs,” Casanova assured.

Meralco, in addition, invested in a 3.5-gigawatt solar plant in Nueva Ecija with a 4,000-megawatt battery as part of its grid modernization efforts.

It boasts of an advanced metering infrastructure to improve energy management and efficiency, with plans to deploy three million smart meters by the end of 2024. A Meralco mobile app is available to handle customer service concerns and help consumers monitor their electricity consumption.

Electric cooperatives can learn a lot from the best practices of Meralco, which is automating substations and distribution lines to ensure power reliability.

PSE index climbs back to 7,400 level

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks rose Wednesday, sending the benchmark index to the 7,400 level despite the heightened conflict in the Middle East.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) added 22.49 points, or 0.31 percent, to close at 7,402.81, while the wider all-shares index inched up by 7.50 points, or 0.19 percent, to reach 3,970.86.

“Philippine shares still managed to eke out gain despite rising Middle East tensions weighing on investor sentiment,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

Limlingan said US equities finished in a losing session, after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel.

“Traders weighed whether Iran’s missile attack on Israel would trigger further escalation in the Middle East,” Limlingan said.

Analysts said market sentiment was also being buoyed by potential rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and further slowdown in inflation rate.

Value turnover weakened to P4.056 billion, with 91 advancers and 114 decliners.

Foreign investors remained net buyers, with net inflows totaling P540.05 million.

Sectors ended mixed. Mining and oil rose 1.38 percent, after gold prices surged while services advanced by

Electric cooperatives can learn a lot from the best practices of Meralco ...

Having invested in electric vehicles, Casanova said the company is also looking at advanced battery technology, with projections to build 100 charging stations by the end of the year.

A safer environment

They may look like a scene from a science fiction movie but car-free metropolises—or at least portion of them—are not a far-fetched setting.

Cities across the globe celebrated World CarFree Day on September 22, 2024, an initiative that encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day.

Here in the Philippines, the Climate Change Commission made a pitch during the occasion to all Filipinos to embrace sustainable practices, prioritize public and active transport and advocate for a cleaner, healthier and climateresilient nation.

The capital Manila and a few cities in the capital region have proclaimed a portion of their territories car-free every Sunday from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. The custom closes parts of major thoroughfares to allow residents to jog, exercise and bike.

The city government of Manila declared a stretch of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Bugoas Avenue to Quirino Avenue car-free every Sunday The 2.3-kilometer stretch of the boulevard

0.86 percent. Industrial index declined by 0.58 percent. Mining firm Nickel Asia Corp. was the top index gainer, rising by 5.19 percent to P3.85, while ACEN Corp. was at the tail end, declining by 2.22 percent to P5.29.

Meanwhile, oil prices extended a rally Wednesday after Iran’s missile attack on Israel fanned fears of a Middle East-wide conflict, while the Hong Kong market ploughed on with its China-fueled surge as developers saw eye-watering gains. News of the launches rattled US and European traders and sparked a sell-off on most markets, though Asia fared slightly better, with Hong Kong jumping more than six percent as it reopened after a one-day break. Both main crude contracts shot up more than five percent at one point Tuesday after Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Tehran-backed militant leaders.

Washington said it was discussing a joint response and warning of “severe consequences” and Israel vowed it would make Iran “pay” for the launch. Tehran threatened to hit all Israeli infrastructure if attacked. With AFP

offers two lanes for cyclists and one for joggers.

The World Car-Free Day, meanwhile, points out the benefits of going car-free to citizens—including reduced air pollution and the promotion of walking and cycling in a safer environment.

The World Carfree Network says the World Car-Free Day can be a showcase for just how our cities might look like, feel like and sound like without car—365 days a year.

European towns every year from September 16 to 22 showcase their commitment to clean and sustainable urban transport during the Mobility Week.

Car-free days, according to the United Nation Environment Program, are an opportunity for cities to highlight how congested roads can be used in different ways. From races for alternative-energy powered vehicles in Budapest, to horse-riding in São Paulo, to street picnics in Vienna, to running in Jakarta, cities and the people who live in them are stressing the alternatives to polluting vehicles on this important day.

The Philippine CCC said replicating car-free Sundays in other areas and integrating them into Metro Manila’s urban design would make the capital region a sustainable metropolis.

“The transition to car-free zones is a critical part of our climate agenda. Every step we take to reduce carbon emissions contributes to our collective fight against climate change. Creating sustainable cities is not only a necessity but a responsibility,” said CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje

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

REFORESTATION. Arcadis Philippines Inc. volunteers join the mangrove planting initiative alongside JEG Tower stakeholders—including employees and tenants—as well as members of the local government and the community. The reforestation initiative and beach cleanup was held in Purok Bakhaw, Sitio Sulima, Cotcot, Liloan in Cebu on Sept. 21, 2024 where Arcadis Cebu team donated 5,000 mangrove seedlings.

Energy Development Corp. head of business development international Jeff Caranto (right) receives the two new greenfield geothermal concessions in Indonesia from Minister of Energy and Mineral Resource Bahlil Lahadalia at the 10th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition on Sept. 18 to 20 at the Jakarta Convention Center. Indonesian President Joko Widodo graced the event in recognition of geothermal energy’s role in meeting their country’s energy transition targets.

BUSINESS

PCCI eyes credit rating index framework for SMEs

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is spearheading an initiative to develop a credit rating index tailored for small businesses.

PCCI vice president Perry Ferrer said the initiative seeks to empower small enterprises by providing them access to loans from established financial institutions, addressing a pressing need exacerbated by the post-COVID digital transformation.

“We are brainstorming at the PCCI on how we could develop a credit

Spot market prices decline 34% amid cooler temperatures

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE average system-wide rates at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) declined by 34 percent to P3.88 per kilowatt-hour in September from P5.94 in August, according to preliminary data from WESM operator Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP).

System-wide demand went down by 3.4 percent to 13,700 megawatts from 14.186 MW last month, while supply increased 3.2 percent to 20,348 MW from 19,718 MW.

IEMOP corporate planning and communications manager Arjon Valencia attributed the low average prices at the WESM to the “sustained large system supply margin, primarily because of cooler weather conditions.”

Valencia said the low WESM prices could be sustained for the remaining months of the year “if the performance of the plants will be the same as this month, i.e. no large outage, yes it is possible for the WESM price to remain the same or even lower especially that wind generation tends to be higher during the amihan season.”

The Luzon grid posted the highest drop in rates by 39.1 percent to P3.80 per kWh from P6.24 per kWh. Luzon power supply went up 4.9 percent to 14,327 MW from 13,657 MW, while demand went down 4.3 percent to 9,746 MW from 10,180 MW.

score or credit rating for enterprises, whether you’re an online seller or a small, medium, or micro company.

Once you have that credit rating or credit score, you can loan from legitimate sources with lower rates,” Ferrer said at the sidelines of the second

PCCI Kapihan series Monday.

The proposed credit rating index would offer a standardized evaluation of creditworthiness, unlocking opportunities for these businesses to access loans at more favorable rates from reputable sources.

“Until we create that credit score or credit rating, it will be challenging for

NFA

these entrepreneurs to get loans from legitimate sources,” Ferrer said.

The PCCI said it is focusing on small businesses in the initial phase of the initiative due to their growth potential and relative stability compared to micro enterprises.

Many of these businesses have transitioned to online platforms and function as sole proprietorships, further complicating their access to traditional loan avenues.

Ferrer also highlighted the PCCI’s commitment to assisting small businesses in venturing into international markets.

Gov’t, Aboitiz to sign

airport contract

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday it expects to sign a concession agreement with Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. for the P12.75-billion upgrade and operations and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport this month.

“The notice of award was already issued to the original proponent of the Laguindingan Airport PPP project, with signing of the concession agreement scheduled this month,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

Bautista said he expects the government to turn over the O&M of Laguindingan to Aboitiz InfraCapital within the next four to six months.

The DOTr issued the notice of award after no competitors submitted to challenge the offer of Aboitiz InfraCaptial.

The Swiss challenge process involves the submission of comparative proposals to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the Laguindingan International Airport under a 30-year concession period.

Swiss Challenge is a form of procurement, usually required in an unsolicited project, to provide other parties an opportunity to challenge the bid of the proponent.

The project, one of the infrastructure flagship projects of the national gov

ernment, aims to enhance connectivity to Northern Mindanao which includes the five provinces of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon and Camiguin, along with the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

The project seeks to define an aviation strategy for new airlines and connections including the development of international flights, expand airport capacity according to market demand, introduce sustainable concepts and enhance passenger experience through operational and environmental improvements.

to generate P557-m more revenues on higher selling price to

THE National Food Authority (NFA) said Wednesday it stands to gain P557.3 million in additional revenue, following the approval of higher rice selling price to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., who chairs the NFA Council, said the increase would boost the agency’s financial standing and procurement capacity.

“The higher selling price agreed to by the DSWD will help not only reduce NFA losses, but also give it additional resources to buy more palay

from our farmers,” he said.

The NFA’s incurred a net loss of P6.19 billion in 2023, while fulfilling its mandate to procure palay from local farmers to maintain a 9-day buffer stock of rice.

“It not only reduces NFA losses but also provides additional resources to purchase more palay from our farmers, strengthening our commitment to food security,” said Tiu Laurel.

NFA administrator Larry Lacson said the additional revenue would allow NFA to buy more palay from farmers to boost the government corporation’s rice buffer and increase

farmers’ income.

“At a buying price of P28 a kilo of palay the additional revenue from our sales to DSWD will allow us to buy an additional 400,000 50-kilo bags of palay. That’s easily 12,600 metric tons of incremental rice supply,” said Lacson. “We thank the DSWD for their understanding and support of this price adjustment,” he said.

Lacson assured consumers that the price increase, from P25 to P38 per kilogram for the DSWD and other agencies, would not affect the market price of rice.

TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) said Wednesday it endorsed En Tsumugi ELV Dismantler Corp. as a model end-of-life vehicle (ELV) dismantling facility. Located in Mexico, Pampanga, En Tsumugi is the first in the Philippines and marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote responsible ELV management.

En Tsumugi is a wholly-owned venture of the Hung family, owners of local metal recycling companies Supreme Mile Trading Corp. (SMTC) and CoroCrown Corp.

The facility is the result of a pilot project led by Japanese ELV dismantler Tsuruoka Co., Ltd. and supported by the Japan International Coopera-

tion Agency (JICA), with business development and technical assistance from several Japanese businesses including TMP and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

“The establishment of a local ELV dismantler aligns with the goals of the ‘Toyota Global 100 Dismantlers Project,’ which aims to establish a network of proper ELV dismantling facilities worldwide,” said TMP president Masando Hashimoto during the inauguration ceremony of En Tsumugi in Pampanga. En Tsumugi, which is open to all car makes, will serve as a benchmark for the local recycling industry, promoting environmental sustainability and the adoption of best practices and foreign expertise. Othel V. Campos

This follows the NFA Council’s earlier decision to increase the palay buying price range to P17 to P30 per kilogram, enabling the NFA to compete with private traders amid the challenges posed by El Niño and the previous impact of India’s rice export ban. The adjustment significantly improved the NFA’s procurement capacity, with 3.5 million 50-kilo bags of palay purchased by the end of the first half of the year, compared to less than 200,000 bags prior to the to the NFA Council decision in June 2024. Othel V. Campos

Maynilad recovers potable water from illegal connections

MAYNILAD Water Services Inc.

(Maynilad) said it recovered about 560,000 cubic meters of potable water previously lost to illegal connections.

The significant achievement was accomplished through 6,900 antiillegal operations conducted between January and August 2024, targeting unauthorized connections, tampered meters, and unregistered lines throughout its service area.

“Our efforts to crack down on illegal water connections not only prevent the possible entry of contaminants into the system but also ensure that all customers receive their fair share of the water supply,” said Maynilad head of customer experience and retail operations Christopher Lichauco.

The recovered water volume is enough to supply the daily needs of around 3,500 water service connections, improving supply availability and pressure for legitimate Maynilad customers.

The initiative also generated P62 million in revenue as violators settled penalties and reconnected legally.

Maynilad credited the success of the initiative to the cooperation of LGUs, who played a crucial role in enforcing the anti-illegal water campaign.

Maynilad said it had closed nearly 25,000 illegal connections since 2016, reducing losses and enhancing service delivery. The closure of illegal connections is part of Maynilad’s non-revenue water (NRW) management program aimed at reducing both physical and commercial water losses.

Othel

BATTERY PLANT. StB Giga Factory opens the Philippines’ first manufacturing plant for

phosphate (LFP) batteries for residential, industrial

(BESS)

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista

AUB’S AWARD. Asia United Bank (AUB) receives the Wells Fargo Operational Excellence Special Recognition Award from leading financial services firm Wells Fargo for consistently showing improvement in the straight-through processing (STP) rate for the past three years. Robert Lin (center), managing director and head of GTM Banks-Asia-Pacific, global treasury ,anagement at Wells Fargo Bank N.A. hands over the award certificate to Zita Los Baños, first vice president, treasury operations at AUB.

PH-EU free trade deal seen lifting exports to $8.3b

THE Philippines anticipates a surge in exports to the European Union (EU) as it pursues a free trade agreement (FTA) with the bloc.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary

Allan Gepty revealed a Philippine study on the potential FTA suggests a significant opportunity for the country to increase exports, possibly reaching $8.3 billion.

Gepty emphasized the urgency of finalizing the FTA by 2027, as the Philippines is projected to achieve upper middle-income status next year, potentially jeopardizing its preferential trade status under the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).

“It’s crucial to conclude the FTA by

BDO finances expansion of The Medical City

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) said it provided financial support to The Medical City (TMC), enabling it to extend its healthcare services to more Filipinos.

The funding was essential in ensuring the hospital’s continued operations and navigate the financial challenges posed by the pandemic, the bank said.

The unprecedented surge of patients during the COVID-19 crisis strained healthcare facilities. This experience strengthened TMC’s commitment to broaden its services and address the diverse healthcare needs of the community.

TMC, with financial backing from BDO, expanded its network, now operating four hospitals across various provinces in addition to its flagship hospital in Pasig City. The growth includes sixty stand-alone clinics throughout Metro Manila, Luzon, and Visayas, along with a hospital in Guam.

From serving 500,000 outpatients annually at its flagship hospital, TMC has extended its reach. By the end of 2023, TMC served about 2.3 million outpatients, reinforcing its mission to making healthcare accessible to Filipinos.

TMC said plans to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to promote personalized healthcare, optimize its operations and shift its focus from disease management to prevention. These initiatives aim to cement TMC’s position as a leading healthcare provider in the country.

2027 since we’re about to reach upper middle-income status next year. We might lose our GSP+ status,” Gepty said.

The GSP+ program grants the Philippines duty-free access to the EU market for two-thirds of its product categories. Losing preferential treatment could significantly impact Philippine exports to the EU.

The Philippines is seeking tariff elimination on a wide range of products, including agricultural goods, processed food, and industrial products.

Meanwhile, the DTI’s Export Management Bureau (EMB) director, Bianca Sykimte, said during an FTA consultation with the United Arab

Emirates (UAE) that the Philippines may accept the UAE’s offer for tariff elimination on 4,621 tariff lines, valued at $519.3 million.

The Philippines will request the UAE to reconsider accelerated terms for 1,717 tariff lines worth $29.9 million, she said.

The Philippines will also reiterate its request for the inclusion of 1,557 tariff lines worth $152.4 million that were excluded by the UAE in its initial offer, Sykimte said.

The UAE is expected to request the Philippines to reconsider its offer on certain products, including mineral oils and fuels, plastics, paper, and flour and starches.

Othel V. Campos

By Othel V. Campos

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is creating more jobs in the Philippine IT-business process management (IT-BPM) sector, according to a survey by the IT Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

The sector is on track to sustain its roadmap targets, with anticipated revenues of $38 billion and a workforce headcount of 1.82 million in 2024, the group said.

IBPAP president Jack Madrid said at the opening of the two-day International IT-BPM International Summit 2024 that the overall trend indicates that AI is creating new opportunities within the sector.

“There are more call center agents in the US than in the rest of the world.

So, if AI is going to affect jobs, it’s the American agents that will be affected first. Where will those jobs go? To the best place that delivers those services— the Philippines or India,” he said.

Madrid said the Philippines is wellpositioned to absorb these jobs, but the industry should prepare for the future.

EZCONN Technology Corp., a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of high-precision optical fiber communication components, cables, connectors and related products, said Wednesday it signed a registration agreement (RA) with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to establish a manufacturing facility at the Lima Technology Center-Special Economic Zone in Lipa City, Batangas.

DICT warns against ‘unverified’ independent tower companies

THE Department of Information and Communications and Technology (DICT) warned the public about unverified tower companies that are claiming to be part of the third telco tower provider in the Philippines, as push for easing telecom regulation intensifies.

The DICT reported the matter on Aug. 14, as the Senate is set to resume its hearings and deliberations for Senate Bill 2699, or the “Konektadong Pinoy” bill, which aims to “modernize” the country’s digital infrastructure, which stakeholders warned was a dangerous move as it would relax the country’s restrictions on digital infrastructure that is critical to the nation’s security.

“The [DICT] has received information that several unverified independent tower companies [ITCs]

are requesting information and/or proposing to purchase properties as sites for cellular towers, introducing themselves as the 3rd Telecommunity Tower provider in the Philippines,” the department said on a Facebook post.

“The DICT informs the public that said companies are in no way connected to this office nor said actions are sanctioned by the Philippine government. The general public is advised to exercise extreme caution and due diligence when handing sensitive information to unverified and unauthorized ITC entities,” it said.

SB 2699, if passed, will eliminate the requirement for a legislative franchise for the use of the country’s radio frequency spectrum and weaken the regulatory oversight of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga highlighted the Philippines’ appeal to foreign investors, particularly in the rapidly growing telecommunications and fiber optics industry.

“It also aligns with PEZA’s mission to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s ecozones, fostering inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.

The new facility is expected to begin operations by the first

Physiare ambassador Alice Dixson shows with her mWell watch and ring—stylish wearables designed for holistic health. The digital healthcare platform of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), mWell, announces the integration of Physiare’s cutting-edge physical therapy offerings in the mWell HealthHub. The collaboration provides users with seamless access to comprehensive health and wellness services from the comfort of their smartphones.

quarter of 2025 and will create over 50 direct jobs initially. With an estimated project cost of P70 million, the facility will produce optical fiber communication products for export to the US, Indonesia and Europe, generating an estimated $3.135 million in annual exports.

EZconn Technology has a strong track record of providing highquality products and services to export markets. Othel V. Campos

The IT-BPM sector remains optimistic about its growth prospects. Despite some initial job displacement due to AI last year, the industry saw a net increase in employment.

“We grew 7 percent as a whole industry, with 120,000 new jobs. That is a positive sign,” Madrid said.

He attributed this to the industry’s focus on skills development and its ability to adapt to new technologies.

The IBPAP survey, conducted in June 2024 with responses from 60 plus companies representing 800,000 employees, revealed that the majority of employees whose jobs were impacted by AI were successfully redeployed within their companies. This indicates that companies are actively investing in retraining and upskilling their workforce to ensure they remain relevant in the age of AI.

He stressed the importance of upskilling and reskilling the workforce to adapt to the changing demands of the industry.

IN BRIEF

Tzu Chi assists fire-affected families in Tondo

By Julie Ann Lope

TZU Chi Foundation organized a relief distribution at the Don Bosco Youth Center on Sept. 26, 2024 for the fire-affected families in Tondo, Manila.

Inspired by the foundation’s advocacy of helping those in need, its volunteers, staff members and scholars led the event.

Tzu Chi donated relief packages that included 10 kilograms of rice, blanket, sleeping mat, laundry bleach, detergent soap, shampoo, body wash, cooking oil, vinegar, salt,

soy sauce, condensed milk, sugar and biscuits.

Some 1,859 families benefited from the distribution.

Barangay 105 chairman Elenita Reyes expressed gratitude for Tzu Chi’s prompt assistance.

“We thank the Tzu Chi Foundation for their unending assistance with disaster relief and scholarship programs; they never fail to help us in the face of adversity,” she said.

Tzu Chi charity department head

Tina Pasion emphasized the organization’s commitment to helping resi-

dents return to normalcy.

“We hope that these relief items will meet their needs and assist them in their immediate recovery from this disaster,” she said.

Recipients expressed their sincere gratitude to the Tzu Chi volunteers for their kindness and support during the difficult time.

A massive fire engulfed the Aroma Compound in Brgy. 105, Tondo, Manila, affected nearly 2,000 households on Sept. 14, 2024.

The fire, which occurred around noon, was one of the largest in the National Capital Region (NCR).

China marks 75th year, cites ties with PH

FFCAAI bowling tournament kicks off in San Juan

THE 18th FFCAAI Cup Bowling Tournament, organized by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Alumni Associations Inc. (FFCAAI) and co-hosted by the Hope Christian High School Alumni Association, kicked off on Sept. 21, 2024 at the E-Lanes Bowling Center in San Juan City. The tournament aims to promote sportsmanship and camaraderie among members of 27 alumni associations from Filipino-Chinese schools. It is a flagship project of the FFCAAI.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Hope Christian High School Alumni Association president Cathy Dy, with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) [resident Dr. Cecilio Pedro as the keynote speaker. Natalie Sia, president of the Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation (FCAAF), administered the players’ oath and delivered a message on behalf of the organization.

FFCAAI president Golden David, along with other officers, also addressed the audience. This year’s tournament received participation from different alumni associations including Chiang Kai Shek College, Philippine Cultural College, St. Stephen’s High School and Grace Alumni Associations. There are also teams from the Alumni Association of Xavier School, St. Jude Catholic School, Hope Christian High School, Uno High School, Northern Rizal Yorklin School, Philippine Academy of Sakya, St. Peter the Apostle School, Philippine Institute of Quezon City, Iloilo Huasiong High School and the Immaculate Concepcion Academy Alumnae Association. Michael Wong Ho

ACFSP visits provincial schools to boost cooperation

A DELEGATION from the Association of Chinese-Filipino Schools in the Philippines (ACFSP) visited various provincial Chinese schools on Sept. 12, 2024 to enhance Chinese education and cultural exchange.

The delegation included Chen Hui Ling, principal of Hope Christian High School; Huang Si Hua, principal of Philippine Chen Kuang High School; Xu Yue Er, principal of Saint Stephen’s High School; and She Ya Zhi, director of Jiang Kai Shek College.

General secretary of ACFSP and vice principal of Saint Jude Catholic School Wang Yu Hang also joined the activity.

The visit coincided with the inauguration of Reverend Chen Meng Li, the new principal of Ateneo de

Naga University and former president of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies.

The event underscored the ACFSP’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with educational institutions in the Philippines.

The group visited several provincial schools including Laguna Santiago Education Foundation, United Evangelical Church School, Lucena Harmony Christian School, Philippine Tong Ho Institute, Saint Francis Xavier High School, Camarines Norte Chung Hua High School, Legaspi Hope Christian School, Tabaco Pei Ching School, Naga Saint Joseph School and Naga Hope Christian School.

During the visits, they engaged with teachers and students, discussed the current teaching landscape

and identified both opportunities and challenges faced by the said institutions.

They also gave special issues celebrating the organization’s 20th and 30th anniversaries to the schools and sent festival greetings to the educational community.

The association will hold its Members Congress from Nov. 15 to 17, 2024 to honor provincial Chinese teachers with the “Respecting Teachers and Respecting Disciplines Incentives.” It aims to promote Chinese culture and education while encouraging cooperation among Chinese schools in the Philippines.

The association plays a key role in developing Chinese education in the country by supporting cultural preservation and academic success. Michael Wong Ho

By Michael Wong Ho

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines hosted a National Day reception at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Sept. 26, 2024 to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

The event gathered 500 dignitaries, including diplomats from various nations, Chinese business executives, students from China and representatives from the FilipinoChinese community.

Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Cecilio Pedro expressed congratulations for the prosperity of their ancestral homeland and underscored the strength of the nation and its people. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian emphasized the importance of the historical ties between the Philippines and China, recalling how leaders from both nations overcame challenges to establish diplomatic relations in 1975. He called for a return to the original aspirations that fostered the relationship and encouraged continued cooperation for mutual development and regional stability.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Senate President Francis Escudero and Presidential Poverty Alleviation consultant Larry Gadon also attended the event.

Vice President Sara Duterte and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro extended their congratulations through video messages. Duterte lauded China’s remarkable progress, saying its vision and perseverance positioned itself as a significant player in global affairs.

Manila Chinatown Lions Club brings joy to nursing home

FFCCCII celebrates teachers festival

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

(FFCCCII) celebrated the Chinese Teachers Festival at the Exhibition Hall of the FFCCCII Building on Sept. 8, 2024. The event brought together representatives from the Filipino-Chinese community, educators and students to honor the contributions of teachers in the community.

FFCCCII vice president and director of the culture and education committee Co

Kin Hung emphasized the vital role of Filipino Chinese teachers and reflected on FFCCCII’s long-standing efforts to promote Filipino Chinese education, saying “education is the work of conscience.

“Educators must stay true, provide love, and offer special care. They should

lead by example, shoulder the heavy responsibility of passing on knowledge, and help shape the character and talents of their students for future societal contributions.” he said.

Consul General of China in Manila Wang Yue attended the event. Wang praised FFCCCII’s outstanding achievements in promoting Chinese education and cultural exchange. He reiterated the Chinese government’s commitment to supporting overseas Chinese education and underscored the significance of Chinese culture as a bridge for understanding between the Philippines and China, especially for the younger generations.

He said that amid the challenges in the Philippine-China relationship, Chi-

THE Manila Chinatown Lions Club, led by newly-elected chairman Wang Chi Ying and honorary chairman Xu Shu Luo, visited the Philippine Overseas Chinese Nursing Home on Sept. 29, 2024 in celebration of the Chong Yang Festival.

The event aimed to connect with the elderly residents and foster community spirit during the festival, which honors seniors and family bonds.

The nursing home is affiliated with the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. (PCCSI).

PCCSI director Chen Shen Xiu, Lu Jian Ting and other staff welcomed the club during its visit.

Club members toured the nursing home facilities and engaged in friendly conversations with the elders. They shared the traditions of both the Chong Yang and Mid-Autumn Festivals, emphasizing themes of gratitude and appreciation for nature and loved ones.

The club donated essential items, including milk powder, oatmeal, blankets, fruits and washing products, along with moon cakes for each elderly.

Chairman Wang Chi Ying also made a donation of P30,000 to help support the nursing home’s operations.

Julie Ann Lope

and members of FFCCCII

education remains crucial for fostering unity within the Filipino-Chinese community.

FFCCCII held an awards ceremony for “Respecting Teachers and Respect-

Members of the Tzu Chi Foundation assist fire-affected families in Tondo, Manila.

Political and business leaders attend the National Day reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Sept. 26, 2024 to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

The Manila Chinatown Lions Club, led by chairman Wang Chi Ying and honorary chairman Xu Shu Luo, visits the Philippine Overseas Chinese Nursing Home on Sept. 29, 2024, in celebration of the Chong Yang Festival.

Officials

celebrate the Chinese Teachers Festival at the Exhibition Hall of the FFCCCII Building on Sept. 8, 2024. nese

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

David

Shticks Joseph Peter Gonzales

ACTOR David Licauco has expressed his gratitude for the positive feedback he received for his Hiroshi Tanaka role in the GMA primetime series Pulang Araw

David said he is pleased that viewers now see him as a serious actor, a shift from earlier perceptions that he entered the industry for fun.

He also credited the show with changing his outlook on acting. “The show made me realize I can pursue acting long-term. Before, I viewed it as business, but now, with ‘Pulang Araw,’ I put my all into bringing the character to life,” he said.

Many have noted that David Licauco holds his own alongside co-stars Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, and Dennis Trillo, all of whom deliver standout performances in the war drama series.

David diligently prepares for his role before every taping, including mastering the Japanese language required for his character, which takes significant effort and time. Memorizing lines is a challenging task, often taking him two to three days to fully grasp.

Beyond memorization, he carefully internalizes his character to ensure a convincing performance. Surrounded by highly competent actors, he strives to bring his best to every scene.

“Of course, studying acting is key. It’s a never-ending learning process with lots of trial and error. I’m happy that viewers are noticing my improvements as an actor. Before Pulang Araw , I set a goal to eventually win an acting award, so the positive feedback is a great start,” David concluded.

IN A recent interview, James Reid revealed that while he plans to return to movies and TV series, he won’t accept projects that would pair him with his former love team partner and exgirlfriend, Nadine Lustre

“It was always my plan to go back to acting,” he shared. “I just wanted to focus on music first. At the time, being in a love team made me feel like I was losing my identity. I think it’s something everyone goes through at some point in their lives. You need a drastic change, and for me, switching from acting to music was the change I needed.”

Despite the continued support from fans, which he deeply appreciates, he has chosen to focus on his music career. Out of respect for his girlfriend, Issa Pressman, James has decided not to pursue another love team.

“I think a lot of audiences can tell the difference between reality and showbiz when it comes to love teams. So, it’s all about respecting my current relationship. I don’t think I’d do that again. But acting? Definitely!” he said.

NVery Wang

Nickie Wang

EWCOMER Geraldine Jennings is dubbed by her management as the next talent to watch in local showbiz. And it’s only natural for the Fil-Brit beauty to feel optimistic, given that she is represented by the same agency that manages the careers of well-known artists such as Ogie Alcasid, Lovi Poe, and Janine Gutierrez She is, so to speak, in good hands.

SHOWBIZ

Poised for stardom

Newcomer Geraldine Jennings wraps up movie, drops debut single

At just the start of her career, Jennings is already making waves with her debut film Isla Babuyan and her new single “If I Will Ever Love Again.” The actress and singer, who is also an aspiring beauty queen, is diving headfirst into local showbiz, even tackling a challenging character in her launching movie.

Recently, Jennings returned from London, having traveled apart from her supportive mother, Gina. Despite her busy schedule, she is managing to balance her studies at the University of London with her blossoming showbiz career in the Philippines.

“I’m flexible with my studies. My university is very accommodating, so when I have a project, I can come back to the Philippines,” she said during the launch of her debut single last week.

Her new single, released under Star Music and penned by Ogie Alcasid, is already attracting attention. Jennings revealed that the accompanying

music video features Mister World Philippines 2023 and Superbods winner Kirk Bondad

“You can watch it on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel,” she said. Meanwhile, filming for Isla Babuyan has recently concluded. The film tells the story

of Anastassia, played by Jennings, a half-Pinay, half-European woman returning to the Philippines to reconnect with her mother. During her visit, she falls in love with Jordan, portrayed by Jameson Blake, only to encounter resistance from Jordan’s disapproving stepmother.

Directed by Abdel Langit, the screenplay was crafted by Jessie Vilabrille based on a concept from Jennings’ late business manager, Leo Dominguez Expressing her appreciation, Jennings said, “I’m really grateful but at the same time, I’m really sad that Tito Leo Dominguez was not able to be here to watch it because it was his last project before he passed away.”

Talking about her experience filming , Jennings described

“I know how to kiss, so it was fine. It’s just for work,” she explained, praising her co-star Jameson for his professionalism and attentiveness. “It’s comfortable. It’s not awkward at all. I would say we have good chemistry

When asked about the most challenging aspect of filming, Jennings cited the dramatic scenes and the frigid beach water they had to work in.

“The water was freezing, and we filmed at around 11 at night, so I had to pretend it wasn’t cold,” she shared.

Produced by Solid Gold Entertainment and LVD Talent Management, also stars

South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will open Asia’s largest film festival Wednesday, the first time a streaming title has kicked off the event.

Directed by Kim Sang-man and featuring Korean megastar Gang Dong-won in a lead role, Uprising is one of 224 official entries at this year’s Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which runs until Oct. 11.

The film has attracted significant attention ahead of its world premiere thanks largely to the involvement of Park, best-known for ultraviolent thrillers like 2003’s Old Boy, which played a key role in bringing South Korean cinema to the global forefront.

Park was a screenwriter and producer on Uprising, a story during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty about two friends who grow up together – but become enemies when war breaks out in the country.

“I believed it was a work that could appeal to the public (the most) among all the (BIFF) opening films in history,” Park Do-shin, the festival’s acting director, told reporters.

Streaming-only content like Netflix’s Squid Game and the Apple TV+ series Pachinko have contributed to a significant surge in the global visibility of Korean and Korean diaspora stories in recent years.

Busan’s 2024 line-up reflects how that content has become an “important part of our culture,” BIFF programmer Jung Han-seok said.

The decision to open this year’s edition with a major streaming title, however, has

community, as BIFF has long been dedicated to supporting emerging talents in Asia as well as small-scale, independent films.

“I find it disappointing that a streaming title was selected as the opening film,” Kay Heeyoung Kim, who owns film studio K-Dragon, told AFP

“The challenges confronting the theatrebased physical film market and filmmakers can be partly attributed to the streaming platforms.”

This year’s edition also comes as organizers still grapple with the fallout from former festival director Huh Moon-yung, who resigned last year amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The director position remains vacant.

The South Korean government’s budget for supporting film festivals including BIFF was also slashed by half this year. Despite those setbacks, this year’s 29th edition is presenting about 15 more films than last year, organizers said, with 86 world premieres. AFP

Actor David Licauco plays Hiroshi Tanaka in ‘Pulang Araw’

South Korean director’s Kim Sang-man’s ‘Uprising’ follows the story of

Singer-actress Geraldine Jennings is also a student at the University of London

Geraldine Jennings (left) with ‘Isla Babuyan’ co-star Jameson Blake

Geraldine Jennings’ (left) music video for her single ‘If I Will Ever Love Again’ features Mister World Philippines 2023 and Superbods winner Kirk Bondad

A NETFLIX period war drama produced by sparked criticism within South Korea’s cinema

Isla Babuyan

Isla Babuyan Dave Bornea, Paolo Gumabao, and Lotlot de Leon

SHOWBIZ

Chocolate Factory teams up with JRoa on genre-blending track

CHOCOLATE Factory, a reggae band from Angeles City, Pampanga, has released a new single titled “Tonight.” This track combines elements of reggae, R&B, and hip-hop, showcasing a smooth melodic flow that aims to captivate music lovers.

“Tonight” is a love song resulting from a collaboration with singer-songwriter JRoa, whose contemporary R&B and hip-hop influences enhance the band’s reggae sound. The fusion of these musical styles creates a fresh listening experience.

Regarding the collaboration, band frontman Antonio Brown stated, “We wanted to explore new elements in our reggae sound. When we met JRoa during our recent Australian tour, we felt that his musical style aligned perfectly with what we were looking to create.”

Drummer Khay Regala emphasized the desire to incorporate an R&B element into the love song, noting, “When we heard JRoa’s work, it was clear he would be a perfect fit for this collaboration.”

Bassist Louie Domingo shared his admiration for JRoa’s previous singles, “Oks Lang” and “Dati,” highlighting his ability to blend smooth vocals with clever lyrics.

JRoa expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “For me, it’s all about crafting and sharing authentic music. ‘Tonight’ allowed me to write a heartfelt letter to my wife, and I hope it reminds listeners to appreciate their loved ones. I pray this collaboration inspires other Filipino artists to connect with performers from

different genres.” Guitarist Mark Ocampo noted the strong chemistry

GMA Network has been recognized with 14 programs and personalities named National Winners at the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA).

GMA Integrated News secured the Best News/Current Affairs Program award for 24 Oras: Super Typhoon Carina Southwest Monsoon and received the Best Documentary Series award for Unang Balita: Ravaged by El Niño

In the public affairs category, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: If Looks Could Kill won Best Infotainment Program, while Reporter’s Notebook: Upuan ni Ipiw took home the Best Documentary Program award. Biyahe ni Drew: Let’s Go to Oriental Mindoro was awarded Best Lifestyle Program. The film Firefly, produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, earned the Best Screenplay award for screenwriter Anj Atienza, who serves as Senior Assistant Vice President of GMA Public Affairs. In the entertainment category, Michael V was named Best Actor in a Comedy Role for his work in Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento which also won Best Comedy Programme. Dingdong Dantes received the Best Entertainment Host award for Family Feud Philippines The Voice Generations won the Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Non-Scripted), while the long-running program i-Bilib was named Best Children’s Programme. The drama anthology Magpakailanman: Sa Puso’t Isipan: The Cantillana Family Story was recognized as Best Single Drama/Telemovie/Anthology Episode. The launch trailer of Additionally, Sparkle artist Kokoy De Santos recognized as Best Actor in a Leading Role for the film Mother’s Son The Asian Academy Creative Awards is considered one of the most prestigious accolades for creative excellence in the Asia Pacific region, honoring top talent from 17 nations. The national winners will represent the Philippines at the Grand Awards and Gala Final in Singapore in December.

Madeline

IF YOU’VE listened to more than enough songs in your life and grown tired of the hugot songs written and performed by Filipino artists who dwell too much on their heartbreaks, you may become jaded and expect yet another average piece.

So, I approached Madeline’s “Sayang” without much expectation. I soon realized it was a disservice to relegate the track to just another sentimental mid-tempo pop-rock tune that emphasizes punchy lyrics while neglecting the necessity of a good melody to draw attention first.

“Sayang” is worth listening to primarily because it has a catchy tune, and the voice delivering it comes across with zero pretentiousness. The lead vocalist is not trying to sound like a damsel in distress; she sings for the song and not for herself, which is a commendable approach. If for some reason you haven’t seen how she looks, her voice would make you want to meet her in person.

Madeline is a five-member alternative pop band composed of vocalist-guitarist Madeline Ramboyong, lead guitarist RB Bandiola, bassist Jerome Faustino, keyboardist Jesser Sison and drummer Shan Regalado. While their band’s name allows Madeline to go solo anytime, the group appears to function best as a collective. They wouldn’t perform at a gig with one member missing.

I also believe that “Madeline” is a better name than “Paraluman,” her former band. When I first heard about Paraluman, I thought the name was a bit too artsy, as it is closely associated with an Eraserheads classic. I wouldn’t name my band “Toyang” either, but yes, I’m being subjective, and Paraluman made it anyway.

The frontwoman explained, referring to the latest track named after her, “‘Sayang’ was a collaborative effort. RB wrote the lyrics, and the band took care of the music. Jerome was the wizard behind most of the guitar parts, while Jesser handled the keyboard parts. It was a real team effort, and we’re proud of how it turned out.”

middle, is arguably their best offering yet.

Madeline’s rise may be bolstered by the fact that she is signed under Yellow Room Music, a label founded by Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise fame, a musician who has experienced it all in the 21st-century Pinoy music scene. It’s a significant advantage to be guided by someone whose band triumphed in the Muziklaban challenge and performed at major band festivals while touring local venues like Saguijo and Freedom Bar.

Let’s take it from the frontman who gave us “Jopay”: “I knew Mads had immense talent even when she was in Paraluman. So when she went solo and became Madeline, I didn’t hesitate to help her and the group. I’m excited about their new song ‘Sayang,’ and I hope they continue to create more music.” Madeline’s “Sayang” single and its music video were launched at TakeOver Lounge Bar, featuring special guest performances

Bandiola added, “It is a song about moving on from a past heartbreak, exploring the emotions of moving forward while dealing with a sense of regret as you recall the memories from the relationship.”

The record, released on Sept. 27, came with a music video filmed at an amusement park, which served as a poignant setting for a song about regret. Directed by Jeremy , the video was produced by the group’s manager Charles Mangubat, and Madeline She shared, “The music video for ‘Sayang’ is inspired by the movie TED. It’s about how people’s opinions matter, but they shouldn’t define your worth. It has a vibe with lights everywhere and people moving around nonstop.”

Before “Sayang,” the band released digital hits like “Kaya Kong Mag-isa,” “Tinamaan,” “Hintay,” “‘Di Bale Na Lang,” and “Wala Na.” “Sayang,” with impressive guitar work in the

from SUD, Caren Tevanny, Write Turn, and Mojofly

Singer-songwriter JRoa is known for his contemporary R&B and hip-hop songs like ‘Oks Lang’ and ‘Dati’

Reggae band Chocolate Factory’s ‘Tonight’ combines the genres of reggae, R&B, and hip-hop

Madeline’s latest single ‘Sayang’ was composed by the entire band

Alternative pop band Madeline is signed under Yellow Room Music

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

C4 LIFE

Beauty milestone

Premium skin and body wellness center strengthens commitment to beauty innovation

By Nickie Wang

BIOESSENCE PH celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sept. 26 with a grand event at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan. The celebration brought together around 1,000 guests, including VIPs, media representatives, influencers, and loyal clients, for an evening dedicated to beauty and wellness.

Founded in 1994, Bioessence has grown from a small three-bed clinic into a prominent beauty brand with multiple branches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The milestone event honored the brand’s journey and highlighted its commitment to “Caring Beyond Beauty,” which has defined its mission for three decades.

The night featured performances by popular artists, including Bossa Nova singer Sitti and crooner Richard Poon The celebration kicked off with an opening performance by MOBB, an Aliw Awardwinning group, along with emerging artists Bugs and Jarlo Base, who showcased their original songs.

As part of the festivities, Bioessence unveiled new products and services, including a new line of OxygenCeuticals (OC) products exclusive to Bioessence clinics. Attendees explored both existing and new products at an interactive booth, gaining insights into the benefits of the oxygenbased skincare line, which has partnered with

Bioessence since 2015.

The event also introduced a new machine called Harmony, designed to complement Bioessence’s current non-invasive treatments, Exilis and Plasma. Guests had the opportunity to see these advanced

THE Philippine Heart Association (PHA marked World Heart Day 2024 on Sept. 29 with a public awareness campaign on cardiovascular health, a leading cause of death in the Philippines and globally.

PHA President Dr. Rodney Jimenez highlighted the importance of heart care to prevent ischemic heart diseases, which can lead to broader organ damage. Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized this year’s theme, “Use Heart for Action,” urging concrete steps to improve heart health through strengthened primary care.

Pasig City, the event’s partner, showcased its efforts in CPR training and AED installations in public spaces. The celebration included a “Walk, Jog, Bike” challenge and a free fair offering medical services like blood pressure and cholesterol checks. The PHA also launched its new “Pusong Pinoy” lifestyle campaign to promote healthy eating, exercise, and stress management. CPR training, Zumba, and health assessments rounded out the event aimed at reducing premature deaths from heart disease.

devices in action at a mock clinic supervised by trained professionals from Bioessence.

In addition to the product launches, Bioessence debuted a revamped website aimed at improving customer accessibility. The new platform integrates with ESSIE, Bioessence’s app, allowing clients to sync services, manage bookings, and access essential information conveniently.

A highlight of the evening was the reveal of Bioessence’s new brand ambassador, Jennica Garcia, who embodies the company’s mantra of “Caring Beyond Beauty.” She is the first brand ambassador of Bioessence after the pandemic.

The anniversary event featured exclusive giveaways, allowing attendees to experience firsthand

the latest treatments and products offered by Bioessence. Following the celebration, a discount campaign was launched throughout October, accompanied by open house events at all 33 branches nationwide. The Pearl Anniversary event successfully honored Bioessence’s legacy while showcasing its future vision in the beauty and wellness industry.

VITAMIN C has been one of the most Googled skincare ingredients in recent years. And with over 6 billion views on TikTok for #VitaminC, it looks like the popularity of this glow-getting ingredient isn’t going anywhere.

It’s no surprise that the recently renovated Vitamin C range from The Body Shop has become of one the brand’s top-selling skincare lines.

This year, The Body Shop has introduced its newly revamped Vitamin C range, which has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in skincare. The Vitamin C Glow Boosting Intense Moisturiser, a new addition to the line, features an enhanced moisturizing formula designed for those with drier skin types.

The new moisturiser retains the refreshing citrus scent of its predecessor while boasting a richer, whipped cream texture.

According to initial findings, users reported that their skin appeared more radiant and felt replenished with moisture for up to 48 hours, which is double the duration provided by the

previous Glow Boosting Moisturiser. The Vitamin C Glow Boosting Intense Moisturiser is formulated to complement The Body Shop’s Glow Revealing Serum, which contains 10 percent vitamin C and is recognized as one of the brand’s top-selling products. This new moisturiser aims to reduce dark spots and enhance skin luminosity, resulting in a more even tone and texture. The formula includes natural-origin vitamin C sourced from corn and sugar cane, along with bakuchiol and olivederived squalane. Olive-derived squalane is noted for its hydrating properties and is considered a sustainable alternative to traditional squalane, which is often derived from shark liver oil. Bruno Oliveira, a Global Research and Innovation Expert at The Body Shop, emphasized the brand’s commitment to quality and user experience. He stated that significant effort went into perfecting the new formula and highlighted the positive feedback from user trials.

From left: Bioessence’s Joseph Feliciano, distributor Woo Ji San, Dr. Emma Beleno, and celebrity ambassador Jennica Garcia

Joseph Feliciano introduces the debut of the brand’s revamped website, a new machine called Harmony, and new products and services

The event featured an installation detailing Bioessence PH’s journey in the past three decades

The interactive booth of OxygenCeuticals featuring its existing and new products

Jennica Garcia is the brand’s first ambassador after the pandemic