Marcos: Prioritize bringing healthcare to marginalized
By Charles Dantes and Ralph Harvey Rirao
By Rio N. Araja
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
PhilHealth now allows ‘unli’ admission for same illness
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma.
Also plans to cover crutches, wheelchairs, canes
By Ralph Harvey Rirao
Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.
HILHEALTH scrapped its single period of confinement policy to allow beneficiaries to be covered more than once for the same illness in a 90-day period.
The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
PhilHealth Senior Vice President Israel Francis Pargas said the state health insurer is also studying the possibility of covering assistive devices.
Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
“As a response to the request of our members, and of course of some lawmakers, we are now studying the possibility of covering assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, and other devices like prescription glasses,” he said. Pargas said the top 3 illnesses that cause patients to be readmitted are pneumonia, acute gastroenteritis and urinary tract infection.
DOH data showed the single confinement policy has led to the denial of 26,750 claims in 2023, covering community acquired pneumonia, acute gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection, and chronic kidney disease among other illnesses.
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-
Denied claims in 2023 due to single confinement policy
By Maricel V. Cruz
Of the number, some 1,700 claims of pneumonia patients who were readmitted in 2023 for the same illness within a 90-day period were denied by PhilHealth.
26,750 Pneumonia, acute gastroenteritis and UTI
Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry
THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.
Coverage for pneumonia, for example, ranges from P32,000 for mild to moderate cases to P90,000 for severe cases.
adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
Top 3 illnesses for readmission
Deadly strike on central Beirut after Israel, Iran trade threats
Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad
However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.
By Darwin Amojelar
“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said
“Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was
On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad
“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue
Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal
By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -
cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.
DFA, DOJ checking out foreign spy rings operating in PH
The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.
Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.
BEIRUT, Lebanon—Israel carried out a deadly air raid Thursday in central Beirut after eight ground troops were killed near the Lebanese border, as it traded threats with its arch foe Iran over possible future attacks.
The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.
THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the
HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez took up the cudgels for senior citizens nationwide amid uncertainty on where to draw funds for the Expanded Centenarian Act , also called Republic Act 11982, by backing a proposal to tap "existing resources." The law, signed by President Marcos on February 26, extends a P10,000 cash gift to senior citizens who reach the milestones ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, and P100,000 for those who live to be 100 years old.
"I welcome the recent approval of amendments to the Centenarian’s Act under Republic Act 11982. This is a significant step in ensuring that our elders, who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities, receive the recognition and care they truly deserve," Romualdez said on Thursday.
During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
The Israeli military kept up its bombardment of the Lebanese capital after Iran launched its largest missile attack yet on Israel, which prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn Tehran would
It can be recalled that House Committee on Senior Citizens Chairman and Senior Citizens Partylist Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes recently proposed meeting the law's funding requirement by drawing from line agencies of from standby appropriations.
“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.
By Rachelle Tonelada
Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -
PAGASA
A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that
Dela Rosa tells staff to 'just ignore' ICC callers
DND chief aiming for ‘blue-water’ navy
DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro underscored the urgent need to bolster the Philippines' defense capabilities, particularly in the maritime sector.
In his keynote address on the third day of the Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference (BEACON) Expo 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Teodoro emphasized the transformation of the Philippine Navy into a "true Blue Water Navy," capable of safeguarding Filipino seafarers and enforcing international maritime laws.
PhilHealth...
From A1
“Starting October 1, all our members who will be confined or readmitted because of the same illness will now enjoy the same benefit,” Pargas said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
Hemodialysis and chemotherapy patients are already exempted from the single confinement policy even before it was junked by PhilHealth.
“Part of the official issuance we will release is a transitory clause and whether the reimbursement will be direct to the patient or the hospital will be allowed to file for the patient,” Pargas said.
Marcos:...
From A1
He said the LAB for ALL health program led by the First Lady provides mobile healthcare units to those in need, alleviating the travel burden for patients and addressing healthcare challenges in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
The caravan rollout in Pasig City provided free medical services and government assistance to approximately 1,500 residents.
The LAB for ALL caravan provides various services, including free consultations, free medicines, and basic laboratory tests conducted in the Bagong Pilipinas Mobile Clinics.
From May 2023 to June 26, 2024, the caravan visited 29 locations nationwide.
During yesterday's event, the First Couple led the turnover of a LAB for ALL Mobile Laboratory to the Pasig City local government.
The mobile clinic is designed to enhance the capabilities of existing healthcare facilities, enabling them to serve more patients, particularly in remote and underserved areas where access to medical care may be limited.
The national government acquired "Bagong Pilipinas Mobile Clinics" to ensure that every province and city in Metro Manila has access to these healthcare services.
Currently, all 83 provinces have received these mobile clinics.
Orbos is new PTV chief, De Castro gets PIA post; lawyer Taparan to head NPO
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed former executive secretary Oscar Orbos as acting chairperson and member of the Board of Directors of the government's People's Television Network, Inc. (PTNI). In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Orbos took his oath yesterday before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Orbos would be representing the private sector. He previously served as executive secretary as well as transportation and communications secretary under the administration of late President Corazon Aquino from 1990 to 1991. He also served as congressman for Pangasinan's first district from 1987 to 1990 and as governor of the province from 1995 to 1998. Meanwhile, Marcos appointed columnist Antonio Contreras as acting vice chairperson and member of the PTNI Board of Directors, representing the educational sector; former PTNI general manager Katherine Chloe de Castro as director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); and Francis Carlo Taparan as Director IV of the National Printing Office (NPO).
Teodoro also called for fair economic practices and the elimination of substandard goods that harm local industries, stressing the importance of attracting foreign direct investments to strengthen the country’s defense initiatives.
“We are gearing up their skill sets. We are gearing up their horizons in
Deadly...
From A1
As Israel weighs retaliation,
President Joe Biden said the US was "fully supportive" of its ally but ruled out supporting a strike on Iran's nuclear sites.
Iran, which backs Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, said it would step up its response if Israel counterattacked, defying calls for de-escalation in a war that has cost more than 1,000 lives in Lebanon.
In Beirut, Agence France Presse (AFP) journalists heard multiple explosions overnight and reported some buildings shaking.
One of the Israeli strikes hit a Hezbollah rescue facility, a source close to the group told AFP, killing at least six people, according to a Lebanese health ministry toll.
A total of 17 overnight air raids had hit Beirut by dawn on Thursday, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported.
Israel, shifting its focus from the Gaza war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack, says it is trying to secure its border with Lebanon so tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by nearly a year of hostilities with Hezbollah can return home.
Israeli bombing of Lebanon has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Israeli soldiers killed
The military has bombarded Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold, having dealt a significant blow to the group last week by killing its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a massive strike.
Dela Rosa...
From A1
"Soon after Trillanes came out with his accusations, we started receiving calls... I told my staff not to entertain them because they might be crazy people... who came up with European-sounding names," he added.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief called on fellow senators to pass a law that would prevent the Philippine government from cooperating with the ICC, in an apparent attempt to establish a legal shield that would keep him out of the Hague-headquartered tribunal's grasp.
DFA,...
From A1
reports containing relevant information on alleged foreign covert operations in the Philippines in accordance with its mandate to help protect national security,” she said.
Daza confirmed that the department had reviewed the documentary alleging foreign covert activities tied to the Philippines.
The official assured the public that the DFA is working closely with relevant agencies in the Philippines regarding this concern.
The documentary, aired last week by Al Jazeera, featured CambodianChinese kingpin She Zhijiang, who identified himself as a former spy for China's Ministry of State Security.
She, currently imprisoned in Thai-
Ensure...
From A1
"I agree that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should consider sourcing the necessary funds either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) savings or from the Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA)," the Speaker said in reaction to Ordanes' proposal.
order to be a true Blue Water Navy, not for the purpose of waging offensive operations against any person, but for the sole purpose of protecting two things—enforcing international norms on the high seas, and protecting Filipino citizens and assets under the flag of the Philippines on the sea lanes wherever they may be found,” Teodoro stated. Naval News, which reports naval technology from all over the world, said that by 2028, the Philippine Navy aims to acquire at least 12 new vessels, including offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), corvettes, and frigates from South Korea.
A day after its military said it was conducting "targeted ground raids" in south Lebanon, Israel reported the first death of a soldier in the IsraelHezbollah war, a toll that later rose to eight dead.
Hezbollah said it had forced Israeli soldiers to retreat, targeted an Israeli unit with explosives, and destroyed three Merkava tanks with rockets as they advanced on Maroun al-Ras village.
The Israeli military said it staged two brief incursions into Lebanon, ordering residents to flee more than 20 areas.
The military released footage that it said showed soldiers inside Lebanon, moving through villages and mountainous areas on foot, and announced it had deployed a second division to support the fighting.
Explosions in the Lebanese capital were audible kilometres away and came as the Israeli military ordered residents to leave multiple parts of densely populated southern Beirut in the early hours of Thursday.
Lebanon's health ministry said 46 people were killed and 85 others injured by Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours.
Earlier, Lebanon's disaster management agency said 1,928 people had been killed in Lebanon since Israel and Hezbollah began trading crossborder fire after the Gaza war erupted nearly a year ago.
Iran missile attack
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said an Israeli strike in Damascus killed four people, including Hassan Jaafar al-Qasir, son-in-law of the slain Hezbollah leader.
As this developed, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the PNP are jointly digging deeper into the 2020 murder of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
In particular, they are investigating the involvement of former PCSO general manager Royina Garma and NAPOLCOM commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, with an eye for reopening the cold case.
"We are coordinating with the PNP-CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) to find out [the participation of Garma and Leonardo]... so we can reopen this investigation," Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said on Super Radyo dzBB.
land for illegal online gambling operations, made explosive claims in the documentary, alleging that Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, was involved in Chinese intelligence operations.
He further alleged that Guo, a Chinese national with ties to the Communist Party in Fujian province, was like him, fully dedicated to China's intelligence agency.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is also looking into reports that Guo is a Chinese spy, DOJ Undersecretary Nicky Ty said.
The official said the DOJ will coordinate with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and National Security Agency (NSA) to determine the veracity of the information.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) meanwhile has filed complaints against Guo.
The NBI said this was after it was
"Given the relatively modest amount required and the urgency of delivering this benefit, tapping into these existing resources is both practical and feasible," he noted.
Romualdez issued the call as the country celebrates "Elderly Filipino Week" on the first week of October.
"During this celebration of Elderly Week, let's take the opportunity to align the legislature and executives' objectives in getting the funding needed to roll out the additional benefits for our
This modernization began in 2016 with the order of two Jose Rizal-class frigates from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), marking a shift from older World War II and Cold War-era ships. Amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, the Philippines is enhancing its military capabilities through the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP). This includes a focus on Territorial Defense Operations (TDO) and procurement of various assets, like Israeli long-range patrol aircraft and Indian BrahMos missiles. Teodoro also emphasized the need to
Hours after Israel announced the start of ground operations in Lebanon, Iran fired some 200 missiles, including hypersonic weapons, sending frightened Israeli civilians hurrying to shelters.
Israel said it intercepted most of the missiles. Two people were wounded by shrapnel and a school building was damaged.
The Israeli military said several Iranian missiles struck inside air force bases without causing any casualties or damage.
In Jericho in the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian was killed when "pieces of a rocket fell from the sky and hit him", the city's governor Hussein Hamayel said.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that "those who attack the state of Israel, pay a heavy price."
Iran's armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, threatened to attack "with bigger intensity" if Israel made good on its pledge to retaliate.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also warned of a "stronger" response, though he stressed Iran was "not looking for war."
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the missiles were fired in retaliation for Nasrallah's killing alongside its Quds Force commander Abbas Nilforoushan, as well as for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran bombing in July.
Global alarm
In Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv, resident Liron Yori said he was worried about the situation. AFP
The statement came after Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert "Ace" Barbers, who leads the House Quad Committee, urged the justice department to file murder charges against Garma and Leonardo.
This appeal was made after Police Lieutenant Colonel Santie Mendoza testified at a Quad Comm hearing that Garma ordered the assassination of Barayuga while Leonardo helped plan the crime.
Some 6,181 individuals are believed to have been murdered at the behest of the Duterte administration as part of its supposed "war" on drug personalities, but some say that up to 30,000 people may have been killed, including those who crossed officials close to the former president.
found out that the signature on her notarized counter-affidavit was not hers.
Meanwhile in a press conference, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said complaints of falsification by a notary public, use of falsified documents, perjury, and obstruction of justice were filed against Guo, Elmer Galicia, the lawyer who notarized her counter affidavit, and three others.
NBI Task Force Alice Guo head agent Palmer Mallari said the results of an examination showed that Guo did not sign her counter-affidavit, contrary to her testimony on September 17, ABS-CBN News reported. Mallari said the NBI collected sample specimen signatures from original documents in Bamban as well as sample specimen signatures from the counter-affidavit, which was supposedly for Guo's qualified trafficking complaint.
beloved seniors," he added.
Romualdez said it is crucial that these particular seniors are not left behind and that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are clear and comprehensive in ensuring that all eligible seniors receive their entitlements within the prescribed time frame.
"Our elders deserve nothing less than our utmost care and respect, and we will make sure that their contributions to our nation are duly honored," he emphasized.
safeguard supply chains and infrastructure in light of rising geopolitical tensions. He further urged a strategic focus on building resilient infrastructure and minimizing the impact of climate change on vulnerable regions.
Teodoro concluded by challenging key maritime organizations to establish timelines for raising maritime and archipelagic awareness. He proposed that this awareness should extend to schools, teaching essential concepts about the country’s entitlements, environmental protection, and the importance of open and free markets to ensure resilient supply chains. Rex Espiritu
Sokor president to visit Manila from Oct.6-7
By Charles Dantes
THE Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Wednesday that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the Philippines from October 6 to 7 at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s invitation.
In a statement, the PCO said the visit will mark a significant milestone as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in March 1949.
Mr. Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will officially welcome Yoon and South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee during a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on October 7.
During his visit, Yoon will engage in a bilateral meeting with Marcos to discuss various areas of mutual interest, including political, security, and defense cooperation and maritime and economic development.
The leaders are also expected to address labor and consular matters and exchange views on regional and international issues.
This visit will be notable as it marks a South Korean president's first standalone bilateral visit to the Philippines since 2011, underscoring the dynamic and vibrant relations between the two nations.
DA deal with DSWD will boost farmer incomes—Laurel
By Othel V. Campos
THE National Food Authority (NFA) said 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 P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., who chairs the NFA Council, noted the increase will 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.
NFA administrator Larry Lacson said the additional revenue will allow NFA to buy more palay from farmers that would 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 added. Lacson assured consumers that the price increase, from P25 to P38 per kilo for the DSWD and other agencies, will not affect the market price of rice.
"Furthermore, I endorse the call to clarify the implementation of this law, particularly for those senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the date of the law’s passage and its publication," he said. Meanwhile, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) said that RA 11982 gives cash gifts to senior citizens as they reach certain milestones "in recognition of the celebrator's longevity [and] for living a healthy and active lifestyle."
PBBM vows gov’t prepared for Taal Volcano eruption
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured the public that the government is prepared for any potential eruption of Taal Volcano.
In an interview, Mr. Marcos emphasized that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are already in place to respond to natural disasters.
“We have SOPs in place. Everybody, when the volcano erupts, or the storm comes, or there’s an earthquake, they know what to do,” President Marcos said.
“What we have to do is monitor the
IN BRIEF
‘Ensure teachers’ mental wellbeing’
situation and continue to see where the areas [are that need] special attention, and where the areas are okay,” he added.
He further explained that while procedures are well-established, responses must be tailored to the specifics of each situation.
“Not every situation is the same, so how do we adjust?” he said, adding that the government is focused
‘Julian’ makes Taiwan landfall —PAGASA
By Rio N. Araja
TYPHOON “Julian” made landfall over Southern Taiwan.
The center of the eye was estimated at 255 kilometers north northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
It was moving east northeastward at 10 km/h packing maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 200 km/h. Due to a combination of incoming northeasterly wind flow over the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait, lower ocean heat content in its vicinity (which is related to upwelling of cooler waters caused by its slow movement for nearly three days), and the interaction with the rugged terrain of Taiwan, “Julian” is forecast to continue weakening.
Despite its re-entry in the Philippine area of responsibility region, no direct effect is anticipated over the country.
The weather disturbance is forecast to become a remnant low over Taiwan today.
At least two persons were reported dead after Julian battered Northern Luzon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday.
The disaster response body’s latest situation report said the two fatalities, which are still being validated, are from the Ilocos and Cordillera regions.
Eight persons were confirmed injured in Cagayan Valley while one missing person was reported in Cordillera. Meanwhile, 58,953 families, or 211,000 persons, residing in 747 barangays in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera were affected by the super typhoon.
on determining which areas require more immediate attention.
The President also expressed confidence in the expertise of officials managing the situation.
Although the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is not currently recommending widespread evacuations, the President said that authorities will take action if necessary.
“PHIVOLCS is saying not to worry too much right now. But I’m sure they will play it safe. If we need to, we will move people out of the danger area
Wednesday, with ash and steam rising 2,400 meters. This follows nearly 20 minor eruptions in the past two weeks, indicating increased volcanic activity.
Despite this, authorities have kept Taal at Alert Level 1, signaling an abnormal state without immediate major eruption risk. PHIVOLCS closely monitors the situation, cautioning that steam explosions and gas emissions may still occur. Local residents are advised to remain vigilant, but no evacuations have been ordered. Access to the
THE government should guarantee the mental, emotional and psychological wellbeing of teachers because of the vital role that they play not only in molding the youth to become responsible citizens but also in nation-building, said Rep. Camille Villar of Las Piñas City. “The mental health of our teachers greatly affects their effectiveness, not only in their personal lives but also, and most importantly, in their functions in molding our students. The teacher’s collective health influences our student’s overall development,” Villar said as she pushed for the approval of her House Bill 10933, or the proposed “Teacher’s Mental Health and Wellness Act” in celebration of World Teachers Day on October 5. In her bill, Villar seeks to “provide holistic support to all educators in the country, recognizing the crucial role they play in nation-building. The bill shall ensure that teachers’ mental, emotional, and psychological well-being is given the same importance as their professional development, as their welfare directly affects the quality of education.” Under HB 10933, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), are enjoined to establish and promote programs and services for the welfare and well-being of teachers. The DepEd, CHED and TESDA shall coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) in the establishment of the programs.
Candidates file bids in 2025 national elections
By Vito Barcelo
TWO trusted allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Bong Go on Thursday filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCS) in their bid for reelection in the May 2025 national and local elections.
Doctor Wilie Ong, who lost his vice presidential bid in the 2022 national elections formalized his 2025 Senate bid on Thursday after his wife Liza Ong filed his COC before the Comelec.
Dela Rosa vowed to serve the people amid investigations against him for his part in the illegal drug war during the Duterte administration. Go is formally seeking reelection
as well, expressing confidence that the people continue to trust him.
In Manila, reelectionists Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto filed their COCs on Thursday at the Comelec office in Manila.
Lacuna-Pangan will run with four incumbent congressmen in Manila - Rolan Valeriano (Second District), Joel Chua (Third District); Irwin Tieng (Fifth District), and Bienvenido Abante (Sixth District).
Actor Philip Salvador, also an ally of Duterte is seeking a Senate seat. In his speech, the 71-year-old screen icon presents himself as a public servant who plans to strengthen efforts for peace and order.
In Bulacan, Governor Daniel Fernando is seeking a third term Fernando and Vice Governor Alex Castro filed their certificates of candidacy this week for reelection at the Hiyas Convention Center in Malolos. He said his main focus is addressing Bulacan’s long-standing flooding issues, exacerbated by recent heavy rains and typhoons. Fernando also mentioned the approval of the Mega Dike Project, which aims to benefi t neighboring regions. He indicated support for the Senatorial candidates endorsed by the Marcos administration as part of a coalition effort. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa, Rex Espiritu, Rolando Ng
Solon: VP Sara’s trust rating will continue to dip
By Maricel V. Cruz
VICE President Sara Duterte’s performance, trust, and approval ratings will continue to plummet as she evades questions about the alleged misuse and abuse of funds during her stint as education secretary and her own Office of the Vice President (OVP).
This was the fearless forecast of Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. as VP Duterte’s trust rating fell by 22 percentage points from March 2023, when she registered a high trust rating of 83 percent, to 61 percent in September 2024, according to the latest Pulse Asia Survey. Gonzales said this is because of VP Duterte’s alleged refusal to exercise accountability befitting her office, asserting that this is a key factor contributing to the significant drop in her approval and trust ratings in recent surveys.
“We are not surprised by the continuous drop in VP Duterte’s ratings, especially since she does not provide an explanation regarding the use of OVP and DepEd funds. The public money is being discussed here, so it is her obligation to explain the questionable improper spending of funds,” Gonzales said. Recent Pulse Asia surveys indicated Duterte was the big-
gest survey loser after a steep decline in her approval and trust ratings. Her approval mark fell by nine percentage points from 69 percent in June to 60 percent in September, while her trust level dropped by 10 percentage points from 71 percent to 61 percent over the same period.
“So it is not surprising that her ratings are falling because of her constant avoidance of questions about this fund. And I think it will go down. The person is angry at the improper spending of public funds, especially because she does not appear before the Congressional hearing to explain the irregularities found.
Findings from the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed troubling discrepancies in the handling of CIF under Duterte’s leadership. In the fourth quarter of 2022, COA disallowed P73 million out of the P125 million CIF allocated to the OVP.
Moreover, for the first three quarters of 2023, COA flagged at least P164 million out of the P375 million in CIF disbursed by Duterte’s office.
Gonzales also criticized Duterte’s handling of DepEd’s budget during her tenure as education secretary, particularly issues concerning school-based feeding programs and procurement of computers.
Maricel V. Cruz
Taguig LGU says 507 beneficiaries get cash
THE Taguig City government has announced that 507 beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students and Out-of-School Youth (SPES) have received their salaries at the Taguig City University auditorium. This marks the first batch of salary disbursements for those who completed 20 days of work in various local government offices.
The SPES program helps students and out-of-school youth gain practical work experience, which they can add to their resumes. Participants typically engage in tasks such as data entry, document filing, and providing administrative support. The city government funded 60% of the salaries, with the remaining 40% provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through remittance centers. The earnings help beneficiaries support their education and daily allowances. Aligned with Mayor Laarni Cayetano’s vision of a Transformative, Lively, and Caring City, the SPES program equips the youth with essential skills to become productive members of society. This year, the program expanded to 3,000 beneficiaries, up from 2,000 last year, reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment. Joel E. Zurbano BI agents nab two wanted foreigners TWO foreign fugitives wanted in their countries were arrested by immigration operatives in Makati and Quezon City. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the two aliens were apprehended in separate operations conducted by operatives of the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU) Bgy. Poblacion, Makati and bgy. Toro in Quezon City. Arrested were Hwang Seongbin, a Korean, who was arrested along Rockwell Drive,
REELECTIONISTS AND NEWBIES. (Clockwise, rst photo) Brian Poe, accompanied by her mother Senator Grace Poe, shows his COC for Panday Bayanihan Party List he led in Manila; (Photo two) Duterte allies Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato,” and actor Philip Salvador show their COCs, accompanied by Senator Robin Padilla; (Photo three) Elpedio Rosales Jr., shows his COC for senator, while Mayor Noel Bitrics Luistro of Mabini Batangas, together with his wife Jinky Bitrics Luistro, who is running for re-election as congresswoman of the second district of Batangas le their COC; (Photo four) Arlen Ayon holds her COC for the Suwerte Party List, while Dr. Liza Ong show the COC for senator of Dr. Willie Ong led in Manila. Photos by Joseph Muego, Norman Cruz
X’mas in October for 912k state mentors
IN BRIEF
OPAPRU peace caravan rolls out in Basilan Island
THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) rolled out over the weekend a service caravan in the coastal community of Albarka in the former Islamic insurgency stronghold of Basilan Is. in Mindanao.
Fifteen government agencies and local government units took part in the day-long event dubbed “KaPEACEtahan 2024” meant to bring essential services to around 500 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Indigenous Peoples in the municipality.
“We thank the MNLF and MILF leadership for their trust and confidence in the government, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police for their relentless efforts to maintain pace and order in Basilan,” said retired Brig. Gen. Buenaventura Pascual, chairman of the Philippine Government Management Committee in his remarks. Rex Espiritu
Angeles mayor brings gifts to Aeta village
ANGELES City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., who is eyeing a congressional seat for Pampanga in next year’s elections, has distributed school supplies and other relief goods for the Aeta tribal community in Mabalacat City.
Jennifer Saplala, 42, a resident of Sitio Haduan for 27 years, expressed gratitude for the charitable initiative.
“Malwat na kami pong makatuknang keni, 27 years na po kami keni at ngeni pu magpasalamat kami pu kang Cong Pogi na binye na pu kekami school supply. Ngeni kami mekaranas makanita,” she said in their local dialect.
Similarly, Mercy Tanglao, 27, thanked Cong Pogi for this meaningful support: “Dakal pung salamat kang Cong Pogi o neng first time mi pung makatanggap abyas ampong school supplies.” Fatima Garcia, 22, was also grateful; “Dakal pung salamat king binye yung school supply, abyas. Thank you po, Pogi.” For Ryza Caldubi, 21, it was a memorable moment: “First mi pung mikatanggap saup kang Cong Pogi, Kaya maraming salamat po,” she noted. Butch Gunio
NTF-ELCAC assesses Red insurgency in Davao
THE Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 11 (JRTF-ELCAC 11) on Wednesday held its 3rd Quarter Full Council Meeting in Davao City to recalibrate strategies against any potential resurgence of the communist insurgency movement.
10th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Ruben Gadut said they also focus on prioritizing the well-being of former rebels who have transitioned into People’s Organizations.
Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th IB, called for a comprehensive review of the task force’s operational structure to enhance peace efforts, emphasizing collaboration among National Government Agencies. During the meeting, he presented 109 former rebels who surrendered recently, highlighting the commitment to their reintegration and community contributions. Rex Espiritu
7, PNVSCA
By Minerva BC Newman
CEBU City—Volunteerism contributes about P44.5 billion in the country’s gross domestic product, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Region VII, citing a 2009 study by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The NEDA-7 and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) mounted the 1st Central Visayas Volunteerism Exhibit 2024 last Sept. 27 at the Seaview Wing Atrium, SM Seaside here with more than 200 participants from some of the local government units (LGUs), along with regional line agencies (RLAs), the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), civil society organizations, private sector, and the academe.
“The opportunity to be able to volunteer is actually one of the aspirations of the Filipinos as captured in our longterm collective vision for ourselves and for our country - the Ambisyon Natin 2040, of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay” NEDA regional director Jennifer Bretana said in her opening remarks during the event.
Bretana cited another study from the UN Volunteers in 2019 showing that governments recognize volunteers for their contributions as critical partners whose inputs are essential development priorities and as innovators who bring new perspectives and ideas to the table and of their voluntary actions that strengthen the ability to reach the farthest behind first.
PNVSCA executive director Donald James Gawe, in his keynote address said volunteerism brings out the best in hu-
offer
and
IT is Christmas in October for some 912,000 public school teachers nationwide who will be P1,000-richer as a gift from the national government on World Teachers’ Day
This was announced Thursday by Makati Rep. Luis Campos Jr, a member of the House Committee on Appropriations who said the windfall comes as an incentive for the state mentors in celebration of World Teachers’ Day. In a press statement, Campos said the 19th Congress earmarked P912-million to fund this measure, payable by October 5, under the 2024 General Appropriations Law.
“We are determined to sustain the annual funding for the WTDIB for our teachers. In fact, the 2025 national budget we approved last month includes another P955 million allocation for this benefit,” Campos said.
Congress first included the incentive benefit as an item in the 2019 General Appropriations Law with an initial funding of P800 million. Campos has been advocating for the passage of House Bill No. 7840, which seeks to raise the benefit to P3,000 per teacher.
“We must augment the value of the WTDIB (World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit) and make the grant of this incentive permanent through legislation,” he said People reject
A RECENT public pulse survey has indicated that most Filipinos disapprove of certain government moves, notably the proposed return of the controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) even under a different name.
The PAHAYAG 2024 third quarter (PQ3-2024) poll, conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. last Sept. 15-19, showed that Filipinos rejected suggestions to bring back the POGO renamed as Integrated Gaming Licenses which received only 25 percent approval, as well as the proposal to extend the terms of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three to six years with 26 percent.
Other unpopular issues included the reduction of holidays to boost economic activity which got 33 percent and the ongoing tension with China over the West Philippine Sea with 34 percent.
In contrast, the most approved topics included the Rice-for-All program that offered the cereal at P29 a kilo (82 percent), seen as a step forward in President Marcos’ campaign promise of rice at P20/kilo.
The capture and repatriation of ousted Bamban Mayor Alice Guo received a resounding approval with 82 percent, while other key issues that mustered strong public approval were the abolition of the POGOs (79 percent), drug
testing of top officials (78 percent), Quiboloy’s voluntary surrender (78 percent), and updates on flood-related projects mentioned in Marcos’ State of the Nation Address in July (78 percent). Other matters with strong public support included establishing more “justice zones” in Mindanao (74 percent) and the Supreme Court’s use of social media to improve public access, efficiency, and understanding (72 percent). About seven in 10 Filipinos also support the passage of the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill (70 percent) and the consolidation of various ayuda programs into a National Family Stipend Program (67 percent).
manity by allowing people to
their time, skills,
resources in the service of others.
SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Region 7 and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency mount the 1st Central Visayas Volunteerism Exhibit 2024 on at the SM Seaside in Cebu City, with more than 200 participants from some local government units, regional line agencies, civil society organizations, private sector, and the academe.
PEACE CARAVAN IN BASILAN. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity rolls out its ‘KaPEACEtahan 2024’ service caravan in the coastal community of Albarka in the formerly Islamic rebels stronghold of Basilan Is. Retired Brig. Gen. Buenaventura Pascual, chair of the government’s Management Committee leads the activity.
GIFTS FOR THE TRIBESFOLK Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. , who is eyeing a Congress seat in next year’s midterm elections, visits an Aeta cultural minority community in Mabalacat, Pampanga bearing gifts of school supplies and basic commodities.
OPINION
Explosive revelations in congressional hearings
THE two chambers of Congress are on the right track in bringing to light questionable policies and decisions of the previous administration that allowed criminal activities to take place, particularly in its brutal war on drugs and in the operations of Philippine Online Gaming Operators (POGOs).
In the Senate, the committee on women, children and family relations headed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros has unearthed strong evidence that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Leal Guo, whose real name is Guo Hua Ping, is in fact a Chinese national and therefore unfit to hold public office in the first place. The Senate hearing also revealed that Guo had been heavily involved in illegal POGO activities in Bamban and nearby Porac municipality in Pampanga.
Meanwhile, four committees of the House of Representatives on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights, and public accounts have been conducting lengthy public hearings on various concerns, including extrajudicial killings in the course of the Duterte administration’s bloody war on illegal drugs.
The hearings have brought to light what has previously been kept secret from the public because of the prevailing climate of fear at the height of Duterte’s “kill, kill, kill” mantra during his sixyear term from 2016 to 2022.
For instance, in a recent hearing of the House quad committee, an active duty police officer tagged two former ranking police officials in the 2020 killing of a retired general who worked as board secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The two former police officials denied the allegations, but the surprise witness presented by the quad committee stood his ground and positively identified the two former police officials very close to Rodrigo Duterte as the masterminds of the assassination.
Congressional hearings are supposed to be conducted in aid of legislation, that is, to revise or fine-tune existing laws and to come up with new ones based on changing times.
But the ongoing investigation, televised live, has allowed the public to take a close look at what happened during Duterte’s bloody war on drugs and the POGO operations. POGOs were supposed to benefit the economy as a whole but instead led to a slew of criminal activities, such as money laundering, kidnapping, torture, and murder, among others.
This is well and good, as it will underscore the government’s responsibility and commitment to exact accountability for misdeeds and wrongdoing by those holding public office.
Fraternity hazing must stop It took seven whole years for justice to be served in the case of the death from fraternity hazing of University of Santo
Tomas (UST) law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III in 2017, but the long wait by his family for the court to try the case based on available evidence and render a verdict is finally over.
In the recent decision of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11, Judge Shirley Magsipoc-Pagalilauan found 10 senior members of the Aegis Juris fraternity liable for the death of Castillo. They will each serve a sentence of reclusion perpetua, or a prison term of 20 to 40 years.
These sessions have brought to light what has previously been kept secret from the public.
The fraternity members were convicted of violating the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995 for their participation in the initiation rites that proved fatal for Castillo.
Apart from the long prison terms, they were also ordered to pay the victim’s family P461,800 in actual damages; P75,000 in civil indemnity; P75,000 in moral damages, and P75,000 in exemplary damages.
The case led to renewed public outrage against fraternity hazing and pressure on the legislature to amend Republic Act No. 11053 a year later and impose tougher penalties on perpetrators of fraternityrelated violence.
In the court decision, Judge Pagalilauan pointed out: “The untimely death of Atio caused pain, agony, anxiety, suffering and mental anguish to his heirs because it deprived them of his company, love, support and companionship.” Exemplary damages were warranted, she added, as evidence revealed aggravating circumstances, including the fact that the hazing was done outside the academic institution.
Will the recent verdict on this case help put an end to fraternity-related violence?
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri thinks so, as he believes this should “serve as a stern warning to fraternities that still refuse to end their culture of hazing…that no one is above the law.” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has also welcomed the ruling:
“Alongside the pursuit of justice for other hazing victims, we must also ensure that our institutions, including schools and law enforcement agencies, work diligently to eliminate hazing.”
But it seems that fraternity hazing is not going to end soon in this country. Just a few days ago, TV news revealed that a Grade 11 student in Nueva Ecija died from hazing injuries inflicted by a community-based fraternity. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
Will AI one day win a Nobel Prize?
STOCKHOLM — Artificial intelligence is already disrupting industries from banking and finance to film and journalism, and scientists are investigating how AI might revolutionise their field -- or even win a Nobel Prize.
In 2021, Japanese scientist Hiroaki Kitano proposed what he dubbed the “Nobel Turing Challenge”, inviting researchers to create an “AI scientist” capable of autonomously carrying out research worthy of a Nobel Prize by 2050. Some scientists are already hard at work seeking to create an AI colleague worthy of a Nobel, with this year’s laureates to be announced between October 7 and 14. And in fact, there are around 100 “robot scientists” already, according to Ross King, a professor of machine intelligence at Chalmers University in Sweden.
In 2009, King published a paper in which he and a group of colleagues presented “Robot Scientist Adam” -- the first machine to make scientific discoveries independently.
“We built a robot which discovered new science on its own, generated novel scientific ideas and tested them and confirmed that they were correct,” King told AFP. The robot was set up to form hypotheses autonomously, and then design experiments to test these out.
It would even program laboratory robots to carry out those experiments, before learning from the process and repeating.
‘Not trivial’
“Adam” was tasked with exploring the inner workings of yeast and discovered
“functions of genes” that were previously unknown in the organism.
In the paper, the robot scientist’s creators noted that while the discoveries were “modest” they were “not trivial” either.
Later, a second robot scientist -- named “Eve” -- was set up to study drug candidates for malaria and other tropical diseases.
According to King, robot scientists already have several advantages over your average human scientist.
Scientists are investigating how this might revolutionize their field.
“It costs less money to do the science, they work 24/7,” he explained, adding that they are also more diligent at recording every detail of the process.
At the same time, King conceded that AI is far from being anywhere close to a Nobel-worthy scientist.
For that, they would need to be “much more intelligent” and able to “understand the bigger picture”.
‘Nowhere near’
Inga Strumke, an associate professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, said that for the time being the scientific profession is safe.
Brotherhood should not come at a price
AManila court on Tuesday found ten members of the University of Santo Tomas’ Aegis Juris fraternity guilty of violations of the antihazing law. First year law student Horacio Castillo III died as a direct result of hazing in September 2017.
The 22-year-old was brought by another student to the hospital but he was declared dead on arrival. According to the autopsy, Castillo’s death was caused by severe blunt traumatic injuries from paddle blows he received during the rites, even as the accused tried to get the charges dropped by saying Castillo had a pre-existing heart ailment.
The ten fraternity members, also would-have-been lawyers, were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or 20 to 40 years in prison.
As a result of Castillo’s death, the anti-hazing law was passed in 2018, which mandates an outright ban on, not just regulation of, all forms of hazing.
The law has an extensive definition of hazing: “any act that results in physical or psychological suffering, harm, or injury inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member as part of an initiation rite or practice made as a prerequisite for admission or a re-
quirement for continuing membership in a fraternity, sorority, or organization including, but not limited to, paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical and psychological health of such recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member. This shall also include any activity, intentionally made or otherwise, by one person alone or acting with others, that tends to humiliate or embarrass, degrade, abse, or endanger, by requiring a recruit, neophyte, applicant, or member to do mental, silly, or foolish tasks.”
Supposedly stringent law notwithstanding, what would guarantee that there would be no more young lives snuffed out because of wrong notions of belongingness?
And now the parents of Castillo are demanding accountability from the university, which they said failed to protect their son. The Castillos said it was about time heads rolled at UST, but the law school dean, Nilo Divina – re-
cently found guilty of misconduct and impropriety by the Supreme Court on an unrelated case -- denied the university was negligent.
Castillo’s death gave rise to the amendment of a 1995 law, but the amended Republic Act 11053 still does not guarantee the elimination of hazing. Just this week, a Grade 11 student in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, Ren Joseph Bayan, died at the hands of suspected fraternity members in the community.
Stringent law notwithstanding, what would ensure that no more young lives would be snuffed out because of the wrong notion that belongingness and brotherhood has to come at a steep price?
Schools have the duty and responsibility to impress upon their students that violence is never justified, especially if it comes under the guise of friendship. Meetings and initial stages of recruitment take place in their premises. Despite protestations, there is accountability by institutions whose mandate it is to help mold young people’s minds and values.
Communities are more difficult to pin down, but grassroots officials also have to be in the know about groups in their area preying on vulnerable and impressionable youth.
The conviction sends a clear message to those who become drunk with the power they hold over their peers. In the brashness of youth they might forget what should be simple and obvious: true brotherhood does neither harm nor ill on another. It is up to the rest of us to make sure they know this at all times.
Carpe diem: The Costa Rican women turning fish into fashion
Costa De Pájaros, Costa Rica ON A beach in Costa Rica, as fishermen land the day’s catch, two women are hard at work on a slimy sea bass skin, rubbing, scraping, washing and tanning the hide to turn it into leather.
Two years ago, both Mauren Castro, 41, and Marta Sosa, 70, were stay-athome mothers dependent on their fishermen husbands to provide for their families of four and six, respectively.
Today, they are part of the all-female Piel Marina (Marine Skin) cooperative, which turns fish skins that used to be discarded at sea into sustainable fashion.
For generations, fishing was the economic mainstay in Costa de Pajaros, a village situated about 62 miles (100 kilometers) west of the capital San Jose.
But fishermen say that regulations aimed at making stocks more sustainable, which this year included a complete ban on fishing between May and July, have made it harder to live off the sea.
Enter the NGO MarViva, which helped train 15 women to establish themselves as seafront tanners two years ago.
The women were skeptical at first about the sartorial possibilities of fish skins.
“We said ‘how can a skin, which is something that gets smelly, which is waste, be the raw material for women to be able to get ahead’”? Castro, 41, told AFP.
But over time they honed their trade and are helping supplementing their families’ meagre incomes.
“The scientific tradition is nowhere near being taken over by machines anytime soon,” she told AFP.
However, Strumke added that “doesn’t mean that it’s impossible”, adding that it’s “definitely” clear that AI is having and will have an impact on how science is conducted.
One example of how it is already in use is AlphaFold -- an AI model developed by Google DeepMind -- which is used to predict the three-dimensional structure of proteins based on their amino acid.
“We knew that there was some relation between the amino acids and the final three-dimensional shape of the proteins... and then we could use machine learning to find it,” Strumke said.
She explained that the complexity of such calculations was too daunting for humans.
“We kind of have a machine that did something that no humans could do,” she
Facebook and Instagram
Wearing blue rubber gloves and white t-shirts bearing the words Piel Marina, Sosa and Castro show how a skin rescued from a filleted sea bass can become a pair of earrings, a necklace or even a handbag.
First they rub the skin gently between their fingers to remove the scales and any remaining flesh.
Over time, these women have honed their trade.
“Then we take it and wash it with soap, as if we were washing clothes. Then we dye it with glycerin and alcohol and natural dye, and then we dry it,” Sosa explained.
The dyeing process takes four days, with another four needed for the leather to dry in the sun to produce a fabric that is soft and pliable but strong. Crucially, it no longer smells of fish and has the advantage of being waterproof.
The women are not only tanners, but have also become jewellery designers who sell colourful earrings and necklaces on Instagram and Facebook.
A pair of earrings in the shape of a butterfly costs the equivalent of about seven dollars.
The women also sell some of the
said. At the same time, for Strumke, the case of AlphaFold also demonstrates one of the weaknesses of current AI models such as so-called neural networks. They are very adept at crunching massive amounts of information and coming up with an answer, but not very good at explaining why that answer is correct.
So while the over 200 million protein structures predicted by AlphaFold are “extremely useful”, they “don’t teach us anything about microbiology”, Strumke said. Aided by AI For her, science seeks to understand the universe and is not merely about “making the correct guess”.
Still, the groundbreaking work done by AlphaFold has led to pundits putting the minds behind it as front-runners for a Nobel Prize.
Google DeepMind’s director John Jumper and CEO and co-founder Demis
leather to small-scale textile producers in Puntarenas, the main port on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Indigenous tradition Costa Rica is just the latest country to catch onto the potential of fish tanning, an age-old practise among Indigenous peoples from Alaska to Scandanavia to Asia. While salmon skins were traditionally used by the Ainu people in Japan and the Inuit in northern Canada to make boots and clothes, and on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya they now use the local tilapia delicacy to make handbags.
Brazilian company Nova Kaeru meanwhile offers leather made from the discarded scales of the giant pirarucu fish, which is native to the Amazon.
On the internet, fish leather bags sell for hundreds of dollars.
One of the first big-name fashion designers to get hooked on the skins was former Dior creative director John Galliano, who sported an Atlantic salmon skin jacket and fish leather bag in his 2002 collections.
For the moment, the women of the Piel Marina cooperative are glad to have a job that gets them away from domestic chores and provides them with a small income.
But they dream of the day when the leather they make by hand on the beach struts the global stage.
Castro’s eyes shine at the prospect.
“I would like it to be seen in Hollywood, in Canada or on the great catwalks in Paris!” AFP
Hassabis were already honoured with the prestigious Lasker Award in 2023. Analytics group Clarivate, which keeps an eye on potential Nobel science laureates, places the pair among the top picks for the 2024 candidates for the Prize in Chemistry, announced on October 9. David Pendlebury, head of the research group, admits that while a 2021 paper by Jumper and Hassabis has been cited thousands of times, it would be out of character for the Nobel jury to award work so quickly after publication -- as most discoveries that are honoured date back decades. At the same time, he feels confident that it won’t be too long before research aided by AI will win the most coveted of science prizes.
“I’m sure that within the next decade there will be Nobel Prizes that are somehow assisted by computation and computation these days is more and more AI,” Pendlebury told AFP. AFP
Former Singapore minister gets 12 months for accepting gifts
ASingaporean former minister was sentenced Thursday to 12 months in prison for obstruction of justice and accepting illegal gifts in the city-state’s first political graft trial for nearly half a century.
Ex-transport minister S. Iswaran, known for helping bring Formula One to the financial hub, was hit this year with 35 charges mostly related to graft in a nation often cited as one of the world’s least corrupt.
Iswaran’s sentence was more severe than the six to seven months requested by the prosecution, which High Court Justice Vincent Hoong said would have been “manifestly inadequate” given the impact of the case on public trust.
“Trust and confidence in public in-
stitutions are the bedrock of effective governance, which can all too easily be undermined by the appearance that an individual public servant has fallen below the standards of integrity and accountability,” Hoong said Thursday when he delivered the sentence. Iswaran was convicted last week of obstruction of justice and accepting illegal gifts after prosecutors moved forward with five lesser charges only, including some related to a billionaire property tycoon.
Extreme heat is a death sentence in Texas jails
His defence team asked for Iswaran’s jail term to commence on October 7, local media reported. The court then asked the 62-yearold to surrender himself at 4 pm (0800 GMT) at the State Courts that day.
Iswaran quit in January after being formally notified of the charges, which include accepting gifts worth more than $300,000.
He was also charged with obstruction of justice relating to an attempt to block Singaporean authorities from investigating a business class flight at the expense of Malaysian hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng, one of Singapore’s richest residents.
The other four charges relate to his receipt of gifts from Ong, the managing director of Hotel Properties Limited, and a top director at a construction com-
pany Lum Kok Seng, including bottles of whiskey and golf clubs. Neither businessman has faced punishment but local media reported that the attorney-general’s office said it would “take a decision soon” on Ong.
Iswaran has paid back around $295,000 in financial gain to the government and gifts including a Brompton bicycle were also seized from him, according to the attorney general’s office.
Most of the charges against Iswaran have been levelled with a rarely used criminal law under which it is an offence for public servants to accept objects of value from figures they officially work with.
Iswaran’s trial has been deemed by observers to be one of the most politically significant in the city-state’s history. AFP
IN BRIEF
He has dedicated his life to fighting against Israel’s occupation of the
HUNTSVILLE, UNITED STATES — Prison cells so hot that inmates splash themselves with toilet water. Jails described as ovens where convicts are baked to death.
An advocacy organization is suing the US state of Texas to mandate air conditioning for tens of thousands of inmates, arguing that temperatures reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius), according to convicts, are cruel and unconstitutional.
The suit, filed by Texas Prisons Community Advocates, follows three inmate deaths in the state’s prison system in 2023 that officials admitted were partly due to extreme heat.
Bank. The 44-year-old founded the Youth Against Settlements group, which campaigns against the proliferation of Jewish settlements in the territory -- communities widely regarded as illegal under international law. AFP Palestinian activist wins prize for peaceful resistance
ÜLKEN, KAZAKHSTAN — In the semi-abandoned village of Ulken on a giant steppe, Anna Kapustina, a mother of five, hopes controversial plans to build Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant will breathe life into her ailing hometown.
On the shore of the huge Lake Balkhash and lined with empty buildings, Ulken is at the centre of a raging debate in Kazakhstan -- scarred by massive Soviet-era nuclear testing -- on whether construction should go ahead. Between 1949 and 1989, the USSR carried out around 450 nuclear tests in Kazakhstan, exposing 1.5 million people to radiation.
Fifty-year-old Patrick Womack died after being denied a cold water bath. John Castillo, 32, who suffered from epilepsy, fetched water 23 times before he died with a body temperature above 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit. And days before her death, Elizabeth Hagerty, 37, warned prison officials that she was at a higher risk of a heat stroke because of her obesity and diabetes.
“In Texas, every summer we get triple digit weather. Every summer we have high humidity, and every summer we lose lives,” the group’s director Amite Dominick told AFP. “Because we are baking people in that brick building.” AFP
China needs to set ‘ambitious’ climate goals
BEIJING — China should set a “strong but achievable” target of slashing emissions at least 30 percent by 2035 when it submits updated climate commitments in coming months, a report urged Thursday.
Signatories to the 2015 Paris climate accord must announce by next February their updated roadmaps to achieve the treaty’s goal of limiting global temperature rises.
China currently aims to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060.
But its policies and targets are rated “highly insufficient” to limit global warming to 1.5 Celcius above pre-industrial levels, according to the Climate Action Tracker project. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a think tank that
tracks climate progress, said Beijing should aim for an absolute emissions reduction target of 30 percent. As the world’s largest emitter, China’s “ambition in its climate agenda is decisive for keeping the international community on track,” CREA said in a report. To meet that target, Beijing would need to slash electricity sector emissions by 30 percent and emissions from industry by a quarter. It should also set a target of reducing non-CO2 emissions by more than 35 percent, the group said. The cuts are substantial,
The Central Asian country is holding a referendum on the plant this weekend, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is pushing for construction, promising to “take important decisions with the support of the people”.
The campaign in the authoritarian state has been one-sided, with the vote largely designed to give an air of democracy.
In Ulken, which people left in droves after the fall of the Soviet Union when plans to build a thermal power plant were abandoned, many of the 1,500 remaining residents hope prosperity -and work -- will return.
“We are waiting for our village to come back to life,” said Kapustina, whose husband works as a miner in Aktobe, around 2,500 kilometres (1,550 miles) away.
While rich in oil and the world’s biggest uranium producer, Kazakhstan faces chronic electricity shortages, which authorities are hoping to solve. AFP
BREEDING HALL. French Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry Annie Genevard (C) visits the breeding hall at the Grande Halle d’Auvergne in Cournon D’Auvergne, central France. AFP
ECLIPSE. The “ring of fire” eclipse is pictured from Puerto San Julian, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, on October 2. AFP
2nd Coach Nic Jorge 3x3 tourney starts Saturday
THE 2nd Coach Nic Jorge 3x3 Cup fires off in two provinces on Saturday.
Pangasinan and Pampanga start action on October 5 and 6 for this developmental league organized by the Jorge family and the team behind the pioneering Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center (BEST Center).
Participating cities and provinces include Lucena, Iriga, Baguio, Pagadian, Roxas, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Iligan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Ozamis, Dipolog, Antique, and the National Capital Region.
Trophies are up for grabs in age categories 12-Under, 14-Under, 16-Under, 18-Under, and 19- Under (Women’s Division).
The local winners will figure in a regional tournament for the Luzon (NCR included), Visayas, and Mindanao crowns.
The tournament is held in honor of former National Coach Nicanor Fortich Jorge for his contributions to the national grassroots basketball development. Jorge also served as secretary general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) before the formation of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipines (SBP), in which Jorge served as a co-founder.
Jorge also founded the BEST Center in 1978, paving the way for basketball and volleyball clinics to be held in the country. BEST Center is an Olympism Awardee of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and a Hall-of-Fame winner in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).
Meralco mauls Macau, Suwon turns back SMB
HOME teams Meralco and San Miguel Beer suffered contrasting fates at the kickoff leg of the EASL Season 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night.
The Bolts spoiled the league debut of the Macau Black Bears, 97-85, while the Beermen were ambushed by the Suwon KT Sonicboom of Korea, 87-81.
Chris Newsome topscored for 18 points and imports Allen Durham and DJ Kennedy each had 17 for Meralco, which led by as many as 19 points late in the game.
Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame added nine points and nine rebounds despite playing just 17 minutes in his first game in the regional league.
The Black Bears, runner up to Zamboanga Valientes in The Asian Tournament Grand Finals two months ago, went to their towering frontcourt of Will Artino, Sam Deguara, and Jeantall Cylla but were still no match against the reigning Philippine Cup champions despite the three combining for 54 points and 32 rebounds.
“It’s nice to win our first game here in the country. We played with a lot of pride, although we didn’t play our best game,” admitted coach Luigi Trillo, whose Bolts are coming off a three-
The Designated Kit Man Erel Cabatbat
THE country’s Under-20 team finally notched a win in the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand. The Philippines won, 4-0 against Brunei Darussalam. Before the win, the Philippines had already been eliminated in the tournament. The campaign ended when the Pinoy squad lost, 5-0, to Thailand in their first game. The lads went down to another loss, a 2-0 defeat to Iraq, before ending the tournament with the victory against Brunei in Group H. For a football team in dire need of a win and positive vibes, the victory against Vietnam is most welcome. It also ended a winless spell for the team. Moving forward, the Philippine Football Federation released the lineup that will compete in the King’s Cup in Songkhla, Thailand from October 11 to 14, 2024.
The squad will include goalkeepers Patrick Deyto, Kevin Mendoza, Quincy Kammeraad; defendenders Amani Aguinaldo, Joshua Grommen, Michael Kempter, Jesper Nylholm, Christian Rontini, Santino Rublico, Paul and Jeff Tabinas; midfielders Zico Bailey, Kevin Ingreso, Manny Ott, Patrick Reichelt, Sandro Reyes, Patrick Reichelt, John-Partrick Strauss and Scott Woods. They will be joined by forwards Dylan Demuynck, Alex Monis, Gerrit Holtmann, Bjorn Kristensen and Sebastian Rasmussen. On paper, the team is probably one of the strongest ever assembled. It is a mix of several veterans, promising young ones and comebacking players, who, for one reason or another, have been away (or have stayed away?) from the national team for quite some time. It will also mark the first time in a very long time that former team captain Neil Etheridge will not be a part of the national team. Etheridge only played the first game in the Merdeka Cup before Mendoza took over in the battle for third. The PFF said Etheridge left the team for personal reasons. There is probably more
Allen Durham blocks the shot of Will Artino during the kicko leg of the EASL Season 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night.
game sweep by Barangay Ginebra Kings in the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals.
“At least we got one over here in our home turf.”
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of San Miguel, which couldn’t sustain a fine first half against the Korean Basketball League runner up.
Enriquez captures skeet silver at Taipei tourney
ENRIQUE Leandro Enriquez, the Philippines’ representative to the Skeet Men event, bagged the silver medal in the recently concluded Taipei International Grand Prix Rifle / Pistol / Shotgun in Gong-Xi, Taipei.
Taiwan’s Lee Meng Yuan, the bronze medalist in the Skeet event of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, took the gold. He is currently no. 1 in
the Skeet Men world ranking. Malaysia’s Lee Joon Kit Joseph placed third in the grand prix which ran from September 21 to 30.
Enrique is the son of cockfighting aficionado & world champion game fowl breeder Leandro “Biboy” Enriquez and Iryne Garcia, secretary general of the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA).
On the podium are (from left) Enrique Enriquez, Lee Meng Yuan and Lee Joon Kit Joseph during the victory and awarding ceremony.
to this than what “personal reasons” mean. I was just hoping that things could have been handled better knowing what Etheridge brought and contributed to the team for the longest time. Just the same, I wish Neil all the best as he mans the sticks now for Buriram United FC in Thailand’s top league.
It is interesting to note that several players will be back on the team after being absent in several campaigns. Holtmann, Grommen, Strauss, Kempter and Rasmussen are the notable players in the squad list. But I will keep my fingers crossed until I see these players in Thailand lacing up their boots, especially when it comes to Holtmann. If he finally shows up – good. If not, what else is new?
Ilang beses na tayong nakuryente sa mga announcement pero hindi naman nagpapakita, akala ko talaga taga Meralco na siya. The King’s Cup will also serve as the initial test for newly appointed head coach Albert Capellas. The Spaniard, who took over from Tom Saintfiet, will surely have his hands full as he makes his debut in the King’s Cup.
Incidentally, Jing Jamlang sent me an invitation to cover the press conference of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) on the upcoming King’s Cup and the participation of the Filipinas, the Philippine National Women’s Football
Reyes, Cajayon eye Highlands Ladies Cup golf repeat
MARILYN Reyes and Arman Cajayon are returning to the Highlands Ladies Cup with a mission—to defend their titles in the 16th staging of the annual event on Saturday at Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club.
Reyes, a 13-handicapper, secured the Class A trophy in the ladies division last year with a net 69, edging out Micah Barrera by one, while Cajayon captured the men’s Class B crown with a net 70, pulling off a one-stroke victory over Generoso Mamaril, who is also out to improve on his finish last year.
Keen competition is also seen in the overall gross and net championships as well as in Class A of both the ladies and men’s divisions and in Classes B and C in ladies and men’s classes, respectively. The sold-out tournament will be played across both the Midlands and Lucky 9 courses, providing participants of all skill levels with a chance not only to enjoy a challenging round of golf but also to contribute to a meaningful cause. It will kick off with an 8 a.m. shotgun start, played under the System 36 scoring format.
National coach Abe Rosal, along with golf’s power couple Alex and Marixi Prieto, founding chairperson of Team Highlands Ladies, will take the ceremonial tee-off, officially opening the 18-hole competition. Joining them is Rosalind Wee, the country’s “Carrageenan Queen,” who has served as the team’s president since its inception 18 years ago.
Malen Balina, tournament chair, and co-chair Karen Cabalquinto have assured smooth and successful operations for the event, supported by Diamond sponsors W Group, Inc., and Willy Ocier/Jim Weaver. Platinum partners include Powerball Gaming and Entertainment Corp., Parola Maritime Agency Corp., Security Bank and EastWest Bank. Hole-in-one sponsors include J-Ten Sports, Inc., K&G Golf Apparel and Accessories, Baron Travel Corp., 3 Strokes, EVFMX, and Regent Travel Corp. Meanwhile, Bronze sponsors are RCW Construction Development Corp., Jasper Jean Services, Inc., Manila Banker’s Life, Ayala Land Premier, Green Tee, Inc. (Nike), Hapee Toothpaste, Concrete Masters, Inc., Maxicare Life Insurance Corp., Inquirer News, Dunkin’ Donuts, Magilas Construction Corp., and Lara Santico Vicente, Real Estate Broker.
The organizing Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Chapter has also pledged part of the tournament proceeds to the Sisters of Mary Boys’ and Girls’ Town Center in Silang, Cavite, supporting underprivileged youth in their pursuit of education and fulfilling their dreams.
Team, to the Pink Ladies Cup in Turkey later this month. PFF president John Gutierrez, Capellas, Filipinas’ head coach Mark Torcaso, and Director of Senior National Teams Freddy Gonzalez will be present during today’s event. It will be very interesting to know what they will say in the presser. The filing of certificates of candidacy for the midterm elections next year has started. The Designated Kit Man is hoping that a party-list, which will really represent and champion our national athletes, past and present, will step forward to do so. It’s about time that real representation will be made by those who really care for the Atletang Pinoy. We should get rid of those who are only after the perks and the power that goes with being a “lawmaker” but have done nothing to prove they are worthy of the vote.
‘Wag na po tayo pabudol, please lang po. If you have nothing to do this Sunday, October 6, please come to McKinley Hill Stadium and watch the Philippine Azkals play against noted celebrities in a 7 a-side exhibition games. Aside from rallying support and interest to the seven a-side soccer version, the tuneup games will also serve as a send-off to the Azkals who will compete in the Asia 7s Championship set to unfold in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from October 10 to `3. The tuneup games will start at 4 p.m. On a personal note, I was really hap-
py that the San Beda University Band finally showed up to support the Red Lions in the men’s basketball tournament in Season 100 of the NCAA. The band, after missing several games, brought the extra energy as the Red Lions roared past perennial and bitter rival Letran College, 66-64, courtesy of rookie Bryan Sajonia’s
PBA ESPORTS. Season 2 of the PBA Esports BAKBAKAN Dota 2 was launched recently. Attending the launching were (from left) PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Dark League Studios CEO and co-founder AC Valdenor and Dark League Studios program director Arlene Castaneda-Lazaro.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4,
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Weightlifting’s Palaro inclusion gets boost from Olympian Diaz
By Peter Atencio
WEIGHTLIFTING
may be added to the coming stagings of the Palarong Pambansa.
The possibility of its inclusion got a boost on Tuesday when the country’s first-ever Filipino Olympic gold medalist, weightlifting superstar Hidilyn Diaz paid Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara a courtesy visit. Angara, the newly named chairman of the Palarong Pambansa board, listened as Diaz, along with her husband Julius Naranjo, discussed her plans to put up a weightlifting training clinic and program for coaches.
Diaz won the country its first Olympic gold medal in the Tokyo games three years ago and bagged a silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The Olympian also offered to assist in providing technical officials to the games and conduct amateur weightlifting competitions.
DepEd officials said the plan to include weightlifting in the games was met with a positive response from Angara, who himself is involved in sports development before he became the department’s secretary. Angara is also involved with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as its chairman.
The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas, through its president Monico Puentevella, has been seeking the inclusion of the sport in the Palaro in the past.
But for now, there is possibility that weightlifting will first be considered as a demonstration sport in
the 2025 Palaro in
has also made efforts to boost the sports development programs of the DepEd.
On behalf of the department, he recently signed an agreement with volleyball stalwarts Rebisco and Creamline to nurture youth values formation and wellness through grassroots volleyball development.
As an advocate for youth development through sports, Angara underscored the significance of REBISCOVER Learning partnership, which includes the RebisCONGRESS or the conduct of training programs and volleyball clinics among the schools’ volleyball coaches and athletes.
Meanwhile, Angara has appointed undersecretary Revsee Escobedo as the new Palarong Pambansa secretary general. Escobedo previously handled the Palaro’s operations.
Flores pulls o shocker at jungolf Match Play Finals
STA. ROSA, Laguna—Bacolod’s Inno
Flores delivered the standout performance of the day in the ICTSI Junior PGT National Match Play Finals, eliminating top seed AJ Wacan, 3&1, to secure a spot in the semifinals of the boys’ 13-15 division at The Country Club here on Thursday.
Flores, who battled his way through a playoff for the final quarterfinal spot, carried that momentum into his match, taking early control at the back nine and maintaining his dominance throughout to pull off a surprise win over the Davao-based Wacan, who topped the stroke play eliminations with an impressive 72.
Flores now faces Jose Carlos Taruc of Marikina, who dispatched John Majgen Gomez, 4&3. On the other side of the bracket, Clement Ordeneza from Bukidnon and Armand Copok from Manila will compete for the other finals berth in the series sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Ordeneza cruised past Nyito Tiongko
from Cebu, 8&6, while Copok overpowered John Paul Agustin, Jr. from Las Piñas, 6&4. In the boys’ 16-18 division, Biñan’s Zachary Villaroman outlasted Simon Wahing from Bukidnon in a nailbiting match, winning the final hole, No. 9, to barge into the semis against Davao’s Aldrien Gialon, who edged Bacolod’s John Paul Oro, 1-up.
Meanwhile, top seed Mark Kobayashi from Parañaque rolled over Bukidnon’s Cliff Nuñeza, 5&4, setting up a muchanticipated semifinal clash with Cavite’s Patrick Tambalque, who beat John Rey Oro from Bacolod, 4&2.
In the boys’ 10-12 division, Quezon City’s Javie Bautista and Vito Sarines of Silang both pulled off dramatic 1-up victories over Ryuji Suzuki and Jared Saban, respectively. Bautista capitalized on Suzuki’s three-putt mishap on No. 17 to book a semis duel with Ralph Batican of Bukidnon, who overcame early struggles to rout Inigo Gallardo from QC, 7&6.
Lady Bulldogs open 3-peat bid in Shakey’s Super League
NATIONAL University begins its three-peat quest in a clash with Ateneo de Manila University as action in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship resumes Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Pool A match set at 6 p.m. caps an explosive triple-bill playdate with the Lady Bulldogs eyeing a good start in their campaign to complete a season sweep after ruling the National Invitationals last July.
Parading an intact lineup led by SSL ambassador Bella Belen, reigning tournament Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon, top setter Lams Lamina and Arah Panique, NU remains a title favorite in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.
The Lady Bulldogs have not dropped a single game in all 24 matches of the three competitions they joined in the SSL since 2022.
NU under new coach Sherwin Meneses is fresh from representing the country in the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship in Thailand, finishing sixth in the eight-team field. Despite overwhelming odds, the Blue Eagles are determined to pull off an upset following their thrilling reverse sweep over San Beda University, 22-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-7, last Saturday. Meanwhile, University of the East seeks back-to-back wins when it battles debuting University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the 1 p.m. Pool B curtain-raiser of the competition which has Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), SM Tickets as technical partners.
The Lady Red Warriors turned back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 24-26, 25-21, 25-22, 25-14, last Friday behind the 20-point outing of Jelai Gajero. On the other hand, Arellano University hunts for a second straight win and a firmer hold of the top spot in Pool A against San Beda at 3:30 p.m.
Blazers try to extend win streak
COLLEGE of St. Benilde hopes to keep its winning ways going despite coach Charles Tiu’s admission that the team played its worst game in its most recent victory as it clashes with an unpredictable Arellano University on Friday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
“I’m
Mapua Wednesday.
That’s why Tiu is hoping they could find ways to get out of their funk when they take on the Chiefs at 12 noon.
“We’re Final Four team at the very least. I think for us to play like this, it’s like
Ilocos Norte. Angara
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara meets Tokyo Olympics’ gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her husband Julius Naranjo.
Inno Flores takes early control at the back nine. Manny Marcelo
Filinvest brought together car junkies and co ee
at Mimosa Plus’ automotive event.
Vintage
were showcased along the Acacia Drive of Filinvest Mimosa Plus, Clark Pampanga
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Robinsons investing P10b in 5-star hotels
Aboitiz InfraCapital wins Laguindingan airport deal
IFC invests $7m in First Circle
PH unlikely to meet fiscal, debt targets
THE Philippines is unlikely to achieve its goal of reducing public debt to 55.9 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2028, according to BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions.
“We believe that this is unlikely to be met. To achieve this, the deficit must be maintained at 3.6 percent of GDP over the subsequent three years (2026 to 2028),” BMI said.
“But this would necessitate spending cuts of almost 1 percentage points, based on our estimates, making it challenging for the current administration to balance its economic agenda. Instead, we forecast the budget shortfall to average 4.6 percent over the same period,” it said.
It said the public debt would recede more slowly, eventually reaching 58.8 percent of GDP by 2028. Igt said the government would also likely fall short in achieving the fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio of 5.6 percent this year and 5.2 percent in 2025.
“Our forecast points to a widening of the shortfall to 5.9 percent of GDP,” it said.
BMI said the government projection of revenue collection dipping from 16.1 percent of GDP this year to 15.8 percent in 2025 is a “tad too conservative”, especially when the macroeconomic backdrop is set to improve net year.
Darwin G. Amojelar
AMRO maintains growth forecasts for PH at 6.1%
THE ASEAN+3
Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) is keeping its growth forecasts for the Philippines at 6.1 percent in 2024 and 6.3 percent in 2025, on the back of higher government spending and services exports.
AMRO, in its October 2024
ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook update, said it also expects inflation in the Philippines to settle at an average of 3.3 percent this year and 3.1 percent next year.
AMRO chief economist Hoe
Ee Khor said the forecast for the Philippines is “still among the strongest in the region.” The Philippines is seen enjoying the second fastest growth in the region, next to Vietnam’s 6.2 percent in 2024 and 6.6 percent in 2025.
“We expect growth to be 6.1 percent which will be an improvement from last year’s 5.6 percent and for next year, 6.3 percent, and this is mainly
because we expect government investment spending to be higher this year, together with services exports,” Khor said.
Khor said like other countries, the Philippines suffered from elevated interest rates, but the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recently started its monetary easing cycle with a 25-basis-point reduction in August.
AMRO also expects the ASEAN+3 region to grow at an average of 4.2 percent in 2024 and 4.4 percent in 2025. The updated forecasts for the ASEAN+3 region represent a slight downward revision from the July outlook of 4.4 percent, primarily due to adjustments for China and Vietnam.
The Plus-3 economies—China, Japan and Korea—are projected to grow by 4.1 percent, while ASEAN is expected to expand by 4.7 percent in 2024.
“Recent developments have shifted the risk landscape for the ASEAN+3 region,” said Khor. “The sharp but short-lived market adjustments that we witnessed in early August is a reminder of the risk of further spikes in financial market volatility. The potential escalation of protectionist policies following the US presidential election is another key risk for the region.”
Inflation in the ASEAN+3 region— excluding Lao PDR and Myanmar— is forecast to ease to 1.9 percent in 2024, slightly lower than the July forecast of 2.1 percent. Overall, inflationary pressure remains well contained in the region, in line with the expectation of easing global inflation, it said.
PH inflation outlook for 2024
P1.4-TRILLION DEAL.
Higher NAIA charges may force Cebu Pacific to increase airfare
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CEBU Pacific said air fares may increase once the new concessionaire of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) implements higher airport charges.
“I think fares will have to be adjusted to account for these factors. [But] I think we have to take a wait and see. Let’s see what happens to NAIA,” Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao told reporters on the sidelines of the signing ceremony for Cebu Pacific’s
purchase of 152 aircraft from Airbus.
“The Philippine government hasn’t changed the fees in the last 20 years, so because of all the promised improvements that something has to come in privatization. That’s not new, not just in NAIA but also happened in other airports in the Philippines like Cebu, Clark, etc.,” Lao said.
Cebu Pacific also recognizes the importance of investing in both physical and operational improvements at airports, Lao said. The airline looks forward to collaborating closely with the New NAIA Infra Corp. for the
benefit passengers.
“We are optimistic that these enhancements will lead to more efficient operations and improved services, benefiting both passengers and airlines in the long term,” Cebu Pacific said.
Cebu Pacific on Wednesday night signed a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, 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
THE Philippine IT-business process management (IT-BPM) industry is experiencing stable attrition rates despite challenges, according to an industry group.
“Attrition is a moving number, affected by seasonality and the diverse sectors within our industry. Contact centers typically have higher attrition around 40 percent, while global inhouse centers (GICs) have lower rates, around 10 to 15 percent,” said IT Business Process Association of the Philippines (ITBPAP) president Jack Madrid.
He said some companies even reported single-digit attrition, but overall, “the industry has not observed
significant changes compared to the previous year.”
“We’ve already exceeded our baseline targets for job creation,” Madrid said, adding that they expect to meet the 2025 target of 1.82 million jobs by end-2024. He also anticipates a surge in hiring in the fourth quarter of 2024, particularly in the contact center sector, ahead of the holiday season in the US. Investor interest in the Philippine IT-BPM sector remains strong, with North America leading the way, followed by growing interest from the Asia Pacific, Australia and the UK. Othel V. Campos
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 (P1.4 trillion) based on list prices for the entire 152 aircraft order.
“The selection of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney underscores our focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service while significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” Cebu Pacific chief executive Michael Szucs said.
By Othel V. Campos
STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) teamed up with Australian zero-emissions aircraft manufacturer AMSL Aero Thursday to explore establishing a zero-emission aircraft industry and boost domestic hydrogen production in the Philippines.
The partnership will also prioritize the development of a robust hydrogen energy infrastructure to support their operation.
BCDA underscored the potential of the project to revolutionize interisland travel and transport by establishing “air bridges” – passenger and freight routes powered by AMSL Aero’s innovative Vertiia aircraft. Vertiia is a groundbreaking vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that combines the versatility of a helicopter with the speed and efficiency of a fixed-wing airplane.
With a range of up to 1,000km and cruising speeds of 300 kilometers per hour, Vertiia offers a cost-effective and environment-friendly solution for transportation needs.
This is AMSL Aero’s second international partnership, following a recent agreement with Life Flight in New Zealand.
The company also has aircraft orders from leading Australian aviation operator Aviation Logistics.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Rising ME tensions weigh on PH stock market, peso
THE Philippines stock market gauge and the peso ended lower Thursday on rising tensions in the Middle East.
The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 13.89 points, or 0.19 percent, to close at 7,388.92. The all-shares index, however, rose 11.80 points, or 0.30 percent, to end at 3,982.66.
The peso also slipped to 56.37 against the US dollar from 56.18 Wednesday.
“Investors are bracing for more uncertainty as Israel starts a ground operation in Lebanon and tensions escalate in Hezbollah,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.
Meanwhile, investors are also awaiting the September inflation rate slated for release Friday.
“Locally, the easing inflation expectations and strong manufacturing growth kept the market from drifting lower,” said Limlingan.
The market was trading in the green for most of the trading session, but the benchmark index turned negative on last-minute profit-taking.
Value turnover was strong at P7.074 billion, with 125 gainers against 83 losers and 49 unchanged issues.
Sectors were mixed, with miners leading the gainers, increasing by 2.57 percent and industrial by 0.38 percent. Services declined by 0.34 percent, while holding firms lost 0.24 percent.
Nickel Asia Corp. emerged as the top gainer for second straight day, climbing by 5.97 percent to P4.08.
JG Summit Holdings Inc. was the worst performer, declining by 2.68 percent to P27.20.
Jenniffer B. Austria
PLDT, Smart vow to support ADB in climate action
PLDT Inc. and wireless unit Smart
Communications reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability and support for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in managing climate change risks.
The companies said their efforts complement ADB’s digital transformation initiatives through enterprise solutions such as connectivity and data services.
During a recent roundtable, PLDT and Smart learned of ADB’s plans to strengthen its position as Asia’s Climate Bank and its commitment to the Paris Agreement.
The telcos joined ADB and other IT vendors in discussing sustainability and sharing experiences on environmentally friendly business practices.
PLDT and Smart chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios shared how sustainability is a key pillar of their strategy. She outlined initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030, including upgrading networks, using renewable energy and implementing energy efficiency measures.
The companies also discussed their focus on electronic waste management and circularity. Through campaigns and partnerships, they are promoting proper e-waste disposal and recycling.
“We look forward to supporting ADB and providing meaningful services that help achieve its business and ESG goals,” Vergel de Dios said.
Robinsons Land invests P10b in five-star hotels
THE Gokongwei Group is expanding its upscale and ultraluxury hotel portfolio with a P10-billion investment.
Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday this would add more than 990 room keys to its offerings.
The plans include launching the ultra-luxury hotel ‘NuStar’ in Cebu, the lifestyle brand ‘Grand Summit’ in Cebu and Pangasinan and the first Filipino-owned five-star hotel brand ‘Fili’ in Bridgetowne, Metro Manila. RLC, through its subsidiary Robinsons Hotel and Resorts, operates 30 properties across 20 cities and municipalities, making it the largest and most diverse hotel group in the Philippines.
These developments will strengthen RHR’s position in the hospitality sector and enhance its reputation among global brands.
The investment also aims to drive long-term growth and improve guest experiences.
“Our growth is closely aligned with the Gokongwei Group’s commitment to offering the best hospitality options across all travel segments,” said Barun Jolly, RHR senior vice president and business unit general manager.
“We are dedicated to delivering elevated luxury and branded stay experiences across the country,” said Jolly.
The Fili Hotel, which symbolizes Filipino excellence in hospitality, is located in Cebu’s NUSTAR Resort complex.
The property has won the Best Hospitality Architectural Design award at the 18th Property Guru Asia Property Awards.
“Fili is a heartfelt project that celebrates Filipino hospitality while setting a new standard in international luxury,” Jolly said.
The Fili Hotel in Bridgetowne, Metro Manila, will be built next to the Opus Mall and the iconic Victor statue.
Raslag tests operation of fourth solar plant, connection to transmission line
By Alena Mae S. Flores
RASLAG Corp. began testing and commissioning its fourth solar plant on Wednesday, connecting it to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ 69-kilovolt transmission line.
The plant, located in San Pablo, Magalang, Pampanga, is the compa-
ny’s largest yet with a 36.646-megawatt peak capacity.
Raslag expects RASLAG-4 to produce 53 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, powering 24,000 homes and generating P285 million in revenue.
“We are thrilled to have completed four projects to help meet our nation’s growing energy demand,” said Raslag president and chief executive Robert
Vista Land raises P3b from offering
PROPERTY developer Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. will list Friday P3 billion worth of preferred shares.
Vista Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it sold 14.337 million VLL2A preferred shares and 15.662 million VLL2B preferred shares. The shares were sold at P100 apiece.
The initial dividend rates for VLL2A and VLL2B are 7.9892 percent and 8.4000 percent, respectively.
The preferred shares are perpetual, cumulative, non-participating, non-voting, redeemable and nonconvertible.
Vista Land said it would use the proceeds from the fund-raising activity to refinance various bank loans and corporate notes and for general corporate purposes.
The company tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and
joint book runners for the offer.
Vista Land is the property arm of real estate tycoon Manuel Villar. Meanwhile, the Philippine Stock Exchange lifted the trading suspension on Golden MV Holdings Inc., another listed firm owned by the Villar family, after it submitted more information about its planned acquisition of a 400-hectare property in Villar City.
Trading of Golden MV shares was suspended Tuesday after it reported it would acquire 400 hectares of land from three Villar-owned companies for P5.2 billion.
Shares of Golden MV closed higher by 6.5 percent to P1.800, following the lifting of the suspension.
The deal gives Golden MV access to 396.88 hectares of prime land in Villar City, a major development covering 3,500 hectares across Metro Manila and parts of Cavite.
Jenniffer B. Austria
MANILA Water Co. Inc. is building a P1.6-billion sewerage system in San Mateo, Rizal to improve wastewater services in east zone.
The San Mateo-Rodriguez Sewerage System Package 1A (SMR P1A-SM) is part of a larger project to enhance sanitation and protect the environment.
Construction began in January 2024 and involves installing more than 6 kilometers of
Nepomuceno. “RASLAG-4 is another step toward putting power back into the hands of Filipinos.”
With RASLAG-4’s completion, Raslag’s total installed capacity now stands at 77.844 megawatts. The company aims to increase its renewable energy portfolio to at least 1,000 megawatts by 2035.
Raslag’s next solar plant is planned
for Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija by 2026. The company is known for delivering large-scale solar projects on time and within budget.
RASLAG-4 incorporates 670-watt monocrystalline solar modules for maximum energy output and reliability. The project has created local jobs and contributed to the economic development of the surrounding area.
sewer lines along General A. Luna Street.
The project uses advanced techniques like open-cut excavation, horizontal directional drilling, and microtunneling to lay pipes ranging from 200 to 600 millimeters in diameter.
When completed in the third quarter of 2026, the project will benefit more than 700,000 residents in eight barangays: Sta. Ana, Guitnang Bayan I, Guit-
nang Bayan II, Dulong Bayan I, Dulong Bayan II, Malanday, Guinayang and Maly.
“Wastewater management and sanitation are crucial services that Manila Water has been constantly improving,” said Jeric Sevilla, director of the company’s corporate communication affairs group. “ By enhancing the sewer network, we can contribute to public health and protect our waterways,” Sevilla said.
SEATTLE FLIGHT. Philippine Airlines crew prepare for the maiden journey to Seattle via PR124. In the controls are (from left) Capt. Jose Ramon Lozano and first officer Juan Raphael Mabale, assisted by second officers Jose Vicente Ozamiz and Karl Wittlin Gerbracht Casiño. Flight purser Maria Jocelyn Uy Gonzaga leads the cabin crew roster.
Aboitiz InfraCapital secures deal for Laguindingan airport
ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, won a contract to upgrade, operate and maintain Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental province.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced the award on Sept. 30, 2024.
The expansion of AIC’s airports portfolio into Mindanao strengthens its position as a key player in the Philippine aviation sector.
“We are excited to revitalize Laguindingan Airport and collaborate with stakeholders to create a world-
Concepcion pushes policy changes to to lift PH agriculture
THE Philippine agriculture sector could reach its full potential if it adopts modern practices and redefines strategies to address long-standing challenges, according to Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion.
Concepcion said such an approach would require embracing science and innovation, implementing policy adjustments, and attracting investments from both the public and private sectors.
“The Philippines has an incredible stock of agricultural resources that can easily sustain industries and create jobs, yet we have only scratched the surface of its potential,” Concepcion said. “We need to achieve higher agricultural productivity and inclusive growth across all stakeholders in the sector. The key to achieving this is enabling our farmers to become agripreneurs.”
Agriculture is a key sector in the Philippine economy, contributing 9.1 percent to its GDP in 2022 and employing more than 10 million Filipinos. Although the sector plays a crucial role in the economy, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicate that it experienced a negative growth rate in the second quarter of 2024.
Concepcion said the urgency of boosting the country’s agriculture and achieving food security has only increased following recent supply chain disruptions and the increasing consequences of the climate crisis.
Go Negosyo senior adviser and former Agriculture Secretary William Dar, in a speech before key representatives from the Philippine and European governments at the recent 2024 Agri Sustainable Forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, pointed out numerous factors that impeded the growth of the sector.
He said these include the prevalence of small farm holdings, protectionist trade policies, limited climate resiliency implementation, limited access to financial resources, and the lack of post-harvest and other infrastructure facilities.
Go Negosyo advocated for increased agricultural productivity and entrepreneurship through KALAP (Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program) in the past two years.
It expanded this advocacy to the ASEAN region through the ASEAN Food Security Alliance (AFSA) this year, which is implemented through the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.
class facility that serves travelers and the community alike,” said AIC president and chief executive Cosette Canilao.
The proposed P12.75-billion project for Laguindingan Airport, Mindanao’s second busiest after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, involves extensive development, including renovating and expanding existing
facilities.
These expansions are expected to enhance the passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the airport’s safety and security standards.
Laguindingan International Airport is part of AIC’s broader strategy to develop and manage infrastructure assets that enhance connectivity across the Philippines.
As a unit of the Aboitiz Group, AIC is leveraging its expertise in infrastructure and technology to drive sustainable growth in the country’s aviation sector.
“Building on our experience at
the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, we are excited to bring our home-grown Filipino brand of airport operations to Misamis Oriental,” said AIC vice president Rafael Aboitiz.
“We are confident Laguindingan Airport will drive socio-economic progress in the region,” Aboitiz said.
AIC, through Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, also operates the awardwinning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, whose Terminal 2 recently received a prestigious 4-star rating from globally renowned aviation consultancy Skytrax.
Hog farmers, swine groups push for use of ASF vaccine
By Othel V. Campos
LOCAL hog farmers and swine industry groups asked Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to push for an emergency use authorization (EUA) of a Vietnamese African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine.
“We will study their request, which will allow greater access to the ASF vaccine for backyard piggeries,” Tiu Laurel said.
AGAP Partylist Rep. Nicanor Briones, in a letter addressed to the DA secretary, requested that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declare the ASF outbreak a national emergency, a necessary step to enable the issuance of an EUA. This comes as the industry continues to grapple with the devastating impact of ASF, which has ravaged pig populations and disrupted pork production since 2019.
The groups argued that an EUA is crucial for rapid and widespread vaccination, particularly among backyard farmers who have been disproportionately affected by the disease.
“The Vietnamese vaccine has shown promising results in trials both here and in Vietnam. An EUA would allow us to protect millions of pigs and help our struggling hog farmers recover,” Briones said. They noted the urgency of the situation and the potential of the vaccine to revitalize the industry and ensure food security.
Employers, workers sign historic pact on just transition of energy sector
THE Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) signed a bipartite declaration on a just transition to a low-carbon economy. The declaration was signed in front of about 100 employer and worker representatives.
“ECOP’s vision for a just transition is clear: through policy advocacy, bipartism, and our Sustainability Roadmap, we are paving the way for businesses to succeed in a green economy while ensuring that workers are supported every step of the way,” said ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.
“There is no just transition without workers’ rights. We are glad that
employers agree with workers on this point. We need a seat at the table,” said FFW president Sonny Matula.
The Philippines is still developing its just transition framework. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently called for a forum on the matter.
“A just transition is not just about meeting environmental goals; it is about balancing those goals with the economic realities businesses face,” Ortiz-Luis said.
“Aside from workers’ rights, the PH just transition work program should include social inclusion, poverty reduction, and coherence in addressing
STATISTICS
Negros Electric seeks certificate to start operations
By Alena Mae S. Flores
NEGROS Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) is asking the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to approve its certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to legally operate the electricity distribution system in central Negros.
NEPC, a joint venture between Razon-owned Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), was established to enhance power distribution and customer service for more than 220,000 active accounts in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, Silay
and the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
NEPC said in its filings it meets all the legal qualifications for a CPCN and has the technical and financial capabilities to operate the system.
The company also prioritized hiring 219 qualified former CENECO employees to ensure continuity of operations.
NEPC said a situation could arise where CENECO no longer has sufficient employees, while NEPC has the manpower, technical expertise and financial resources but lacks a CPCN.
“NEPC is ready to immediately implement its plans for rehabilitating and modernizing the distribution
system, reducing system losses, and improving electric service for consumers in its franchise area,” the company said. However, it requires a CPCN from the ERC to operate as a distribution utility.
NEPC requested the ERC to provisionally approve its application before any hearing to prevent disruptions in electric service during the transition from CENECO to NEPC.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved NEPC’s franchise in July. NEPC President Roel Castro emphasized the company’s commitment to improving electric service and fulfilling its promises to consumers.
economic, social, and environmental issues,” Matula said.
The Bipartite Declaration on Just Transition, the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, made several commitments, such as forming a national bipartite just transition committee and encouraging the establishment of industry- and enterprise-level bipartite just transition committees. The declaration also called for genuine representation of workers and employers in all just transition structures and mechanisms organized by the government.
The declaration explores areas for possible joint activities based on the Workers for Just Transition 13-Point
Labor Agenda and ECOP’s Sustainability Roadmap. It also engages with government agencies and institutions relating to national policies, laws and programs on just transition, the country’s nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement, greening of the Philippine Development Plan, Labor Employment Plan and National Just Transition Work Program, creation of green jobs, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, the Climate Change Commission, and the country’s sustainability targets under the Sustainable Development Goals and AmbisyonNatin 2040.
CDC, AFPI transform mass transport, launch cashless Clark Loop bus service
STATE-RUN Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) launched the Clark Loop bus operations with a fully cashless automated fare collection system (AFCS), marking a significant milestone in the Philippines’ public transportation evolution.
The event, attended by CDC president and chief executive Agnes Devanadera, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Andy Ortega, LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III and AFPI chief commercial officer Sharon Fong, symbolizes Clark’s commitment to becoming a modern, efficient and digitally advanced city.
The Clark Loop bus service, covering 25 stops from SM City
Clark to the Clark International Airport, caters to employees, visitors and tourists within the Clark Freeport Zone. By adopting beep cards or beep QR tickets as the exclusive modes of payment, the Clark Loop has eliminated cash handling, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient public transportation experience.
“We want to showcase a disciplined transport system in Clark, and this government-led pilot will help us refine the service before allowing private sector involvement,” said Devanadera. “We are starting with 10 buses on the Clark Loop. It’s cashless, with Wi-Fi, GPS, and it runs on time. Our aim is to influence passenger behavior, emphasizing discipline and punctuality.”
MONTH. Philippine Statistics Authority Undersecretary and national statistician Claire Dennis Mapa addresses representatives from various government agencies, private sector, media, academe and development partners during the 35th National Statistics Month (NSM) opening ceremony at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on Oct. 1, 2024.
An artist’s rendition of Laguindingan Airport’s airside view. Aboitiz InfraCapital secured a deal to upgrade, operate and maintain the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental, after receiving a notice of award on Sept. 30, 2024.
The International Finance Corp. (IFC), the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and a member of the World Bank Group, invests $7 million in First Circle, a pioneering technology company providing smart banking solutions to SMEs in the Philippines. Signing the investment agreement are (from left) IFC senior investment officer
Aileen Zarate, IFC country manager for the Philippines Jean-Marc Arbogast, Trade Undersecretary
Blesila Lantayona, First Circle chief executive Patrick Lynch and First Circle vice president Benedict Carandang.
IFC invests $7m in First Circle to boost smart banking for SMEs
THE International Finance Corp. (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, invested $7 million in First Circle, a Philippine technology company that provides financial services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
IFC’s investment will help First Circle expand its credit lines and offer more banking solutions to underserved SMEs. Other investors in the round included Endeavor Catalyst, Fasanara Capital, Insignia Ventures Partners, and Accion.
“We are thrilled to welcome IFC as a new shareholder at this important stage in our company’s
growth,” said First Circle chief executive Patrick Lynch. “IFC’s deep technical expertise in helping fintech companies expand their services will allow us to serve more SMEs in the country.”
Since its launch in 2016, First Circle has funded more than 3,000 customers, two-thirds of which are SMEs accessing credit for the first time. The company offers higher credit limits, flexible repayment options, and lower unsecured interest rates than traditional lenders.
“We are proud to be a part of this funding round for First Circle and help the company expand its operations to support more Filipino businesses,” said Jean-Marc Arbogast, IFC’s country manager for the Philippines. “Through this strategic investment, we aim to catalyze First Circle’s development of new products that will help to foster better financial inclusion in the country.”
The fintech industry in the Philippines has grown significantly in recent years. According to the 2023 Fintech Philippines report, the number of fintech companies rose from 115 in 2017 to nearly 30,000 as of December 2022. However, only a handful of companies focus on providing services specifically for MSMEs. Access to finance remains a key challenge for smaller businesses.
Credit penetration for SMEs in the Philippines stood at 2.2 percent of the gross domestic product as of 2023, lagging behind many regional neighbors.
“First Circle’s customers are growing trading, manufacturing, and services businesses that are the center of their own ecosystem of employees and trading partners,” Lynch said. “Our partnership with IFC underlines our mission of economic empowerment and building for the long term.”
service is essentially automated.
This includes online search engines, online marketplace, e-marketplace, cloud service, online media and advertising, online platform or digital goods.
IN BRIEF
Tesco’s
By Othel V. Campos
NEW Zealand investors expressed strong interest in the Philippine geothermal energy sector during a recent business delegation visit organized by the Board of Investments (BOI).
BOI officials said the delegation showed heightened interest in the Philippines’ robust economic growth and the government’s active promotion of renewable energy development.
“Renewable energy projects continue to dominate our investment approvals with a 96-percent share, underscoring our commitment to sustainable development,” said BOI executive director for investments promotion services Evariste Cagatan.
She highlighted the country’s attractive investment climate, skilled workforce and abundant natural resources as key factors driving investor confidence.
The delegation, consisting of key players in the renewable energy and IT-BPM sectors, reflects the growing economic ties between the Philippines and New Zealand.
The Philippines aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its total energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, with geothermal energy playing a crucial role in achieving these targets.
“The Philippines is positioning itself as a regional hub for globally competitive, innovative and sustainability-driven industries,” said BOI director for international investments promotions Lanie Dormiendo.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday it is working with various aviation schools to boost the aviation sector’s human capital.
“We need to work together at implementing specific programs that will encourage the youth to consider a career in aviation and aerospace,”
DOTr Undersecretary Roberto Lim said during the 2024 Aviation Summit.
“The global shortage of aviation personnel is a rare window of opportunity to build a lifelong career in aviation,” he said.
Lim said at least 65 aviation schools are offering 10 fields of specialization in the industry, producing 5,000 graduates annually.
The DOTr is also keen on collaborating with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to strengthen aviation educational programs for national quality certification, which will result in technical instruction capacity, Lim said.
He said the transport agency is encouraging aviation-related educational institutions to form a Philippine Association of Aviation Colleges and
EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY.
In preparation for the finalization of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) convenes its 13th regional consultation with stakeholders from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in Baguio City on Sept. 26 to 27, 2024.
NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon opened the consultation by providing context to the formulation of the TPB Plan and highlighting its significance toward attaining the country’s AmBisyon Natin 2040 or the Filipino people’s collective aspiration.
Institutions to allow a platform for closer and coordinated policy development.
Lim cited initiatives such as Airbus’ propriety training program Airbus Competence Training Academy, Clark International Airport Corp.’s Clark Civil Aviation Complex—a future site for Asia Pacific Aviation Campus and the Philippine State College of Aeronautics’ (PhilSCA) national aviation campus as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) CATC.
“Practical work programs can match the supply from academe and demand from industry,” Lim said.
SHOPEE, a leading e-commerce platform in the Philippines, said it is focusing on the expanding middleincome segment to drive continued growth and achieve higher full-year sales.
“We’ve observed a surge of over 40 percent in transactions in recent months. This indicates a significant opportunity for brands to connect with these increasingly discerning and digitally-savvy consumers,”said Shopee communications officer Erin Tagudin at the Shopee 10.10 Brands Summit Thursday.
Shopee’s new-found focus aligns with recent industry data from London-based research firm showing
that the Philippine e-commerce market would expand by 19.6 percent in 2024, reaching a value of over $39 billion by 2028. The research revealed that growth would be driven by increased consumer confidence in online shopping and the rising purchasing power of middle-income Filipinos, whose actual disposable income rose 15 percent in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Tagudin said Shopee Mall, the platform’s curated space for branded goods, is experiencing notable growth across various categories. Othel V. Campos
TRANSPORT
THE Philippines will rise as a leading regional player in the aviation sector by 2028, fueled by increased investment and private sector involvement in infrastructure, human capital and sustainable development, according to Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
AF Payments, Inc. (AFPI) and the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) launch the Clark Loop bus operations with a fully cashless Automated Fare Collection System.
Joining the launch are lawyer Agnes VST Devanadera, president and chief executive officer–CDC (in center, standing) and Sharon Fong, chief operations officer-AFPI (third from left), flocked by key members of the CDC.
“The Philippine aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation,” Bautista said.
Apart from modernizing and upgrading the country’s major airports such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Bautista cited critical initiatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) including the upgrading of the air navigation management system.
He said further upgrades and improvements in communications, navigation, surveillance /air traffic management (CNS ATM) would start next month with help from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Bautista said the Philippines could “finally catch-up on the significant under-investment in airport
development over the years.”
The rehabilitation and modernization of airports will lead to increased passenger capacity, while generating employment and tourist arrivals.
“We are in the process of privatizing the operations of selected regional airports as part of the strategy to improve airport operations and maintenance,” Bautista said.
He said the notice of award was issued to Aboitiiz InfraCapital, the original proponent of the Laguindingan Airport PPP project, with signing of the concession agreement scheduled this month.
Bauitista said the Swiss challenge for the Bohol-Panglao airport PPP will end this November. Other unsolicited airport development proposals are those for Iloilo, Kalibo and Puerto
CDC, AF Payments team up for cashless bus rides
CLARK Development Corporation (CDC) has teamed up with AF Payments, Inc. (AFPI) to introduce cashless bus rides on the Clark Loop route using an automated fare collection system. The Clark Loop bus service covering 25 stops from SM City Clark to the Clark International Airport caters to employees, visitors, and tourists within the Clark Freeport Zone. By adopting beep™ card or beep™ QR tickets as exclusive modes of payment, the Clark Loop has eliminated cash handling, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient public transportation experience. “We want to showcase a disciplined
transport system in Clark, and this government-led pilot will help us refine the service before allowing private sector involvement. We are starting with 10 buses on the Clark Loop. It’s cashless, with Wi-Fi, GPS, and it runs on time. Our aim is to influence passenger behavior, emphasizing discipline and punctuality,” CDC president Agnes VST Devanadera said.
Jonathan Juan Moreno, AF Payments president and chief executive said the shift to cashless payment systems is not just about modernizing public transportation, it is about improving the lives of commuters. beep s cashless payment solution not only enhances passenger experience but
2GO Philippines’ leading end-to-end logistics provider, has teamed up with Bankerohan, Davao City’s largest wet market, to deliver fresh produce and seafood nationwide. With 2GO’s advanced temperaturecontrolled transport, customers can now enjoy the taste of Mindanao’s
bounty anywhere in the country.
“Partnering with 2GO will allow people and markets in other parts of the country to experience the unique offerings of Bankerohan as a source of fresh produce, starting with the abundant fruits and vegetables of Mindanao,” Sim Marifori, president and chief executive of
also reduces operational inefficiencies and supports sustainable urban development.
“We hope this initiative in Clark encourages other cities to adopt similar systems as part of a broader nationwide effort to modernize public transportation,” he added.
The relaunch of Clark Loop as the first fully cashless bus system in Central Luzon further demonstrates beep’s capability to deliver seamless, modern payment solutions at scale.
Clark Loop’s integration into AFPI’s network now benefits millions of beep users by offering seamless connectivity across different transport systems.
Bankerohan taps 2GO to deliver fresh Davao produce
Northbank Holdings Corporation, which operates Bankerohan.
“With 2GO as our partner, farmers, traders, and merchants can ship directly from Bankerohan to destinations across the country, without incurring additional handling and trucking costs. This also shortens time to-market — a critical factor for fresh produce — reducing the risk of bruising and spoilage,” he added.
2GO’s extensive logistics network and expertise in handling perishable goods make it the ideal partner for Bankerohan, further supporting local businesses and celebrating Davao City’s rich agricultural heritage.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bankerohan to share Davao’s bountiful harvests with the rest of the Philippines, Faye Alonzo, Business Unit head at 2GO Forwarding said.
“Our goal is to make these exceptional products accessible to everyone, allowing more Filipinos to enjoy the unique flavors that Davao has to offer,” she added.
Princesa.
Bautista said the agency included in next year’s budget the development, expansion and upgrade of seven airports in Luzon, including Tuguegarao, Bacon, Loakan, Daet, Cauayan, Vigan and Candon.
Meanwhile, four Visayan airports are scheduled for improvement, such as those in Catbalogan, Dumaguete, Kabankalan and Calbayog and airports in Zamboanga, Mati, M’lang, Jolo, Siargao and Tandag in Mindanao.
“We are also closely working with the World Bank – International Finance Corp. as well as with the Asian Development Bank for more PPP projects for next year. These include airports in Davao, Busuanga, Bacolod, Bicol, General Santos, among others,” Bautista said.
Apart from New Dumaguete, other greenfield airports for implementation include the airports in Busuanga, Candon, Masbate, Naga, Catbalogan, Siargao, Bukidnon and Zamboanga.
“We also continue to develop airports in islands and communities such as those in Itbayat, Maasin, Camiguin and Siquijor to improve air transport connectivity,” Bautista said. He said the budget of all airport projects would reach more than P7.5 billion under the DOTr’s 2024 budget, with at least P12 billion more included in next year’s budget.
“The cost includes a variety of activities from site acquisition to runway expansion and extension to passenger terminal rehabilitation to construction of fire station building and other important airport facilities,” Bautista said. Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Brgy. 171, Bagumbong Persons with Disabilities Association Inc. from Caloocan City was honored as the NLEX PUNLA Grand Enterprise during an award ceremony held on September 18, 2024, in Clark, Pampanga The Pag-unlad at Paglago ng Pamayanan or PUNLA is one of NLEX Corporation’s flagship community development programs to equip organizations with the necessary knowledge and skills to help improve their enterprise.
“Sobra-sobrang pasasalamat po sa Diyos at sa NLEX! Iyong napanalunan po namin na cash grant ay napakalaking bagay upang matulungan po namin iyong mga kapwa namin na nangangailangan na may kapansanan. Magiging daan po ito upang mas marami sa kanila ang mabigyan namin ng hanap-buhay,” said Dalia Barredo after their team received the Grand Enterprise title. Launched on March 22, 2024, NLEX collaborated with the Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies, Inc. (PHILSSA), a social development organization focused on community development.
They trained 60 participants from 12 small but promising enterprises in a four-session training program, which ran until May.
After the training, the top five enterprises, Makabagong Agrikultura
ng Dinalupihan Marketing, Corp., CAT – Employees Dependents Producers Coop., Balanga Agrarian Reform Beneficiary MPC., Vizal Sto. Nino Rice and Livestock Farmers Association and Barangay 171 Bagumbong Person with Disability Association Inc., were selected based on specific criteria. They were awarded seed money to implement their enhancement plans and underwent coaching and mentoring sessions from June to August. PUNLA winners were selected after a thorough evaluation by an esteemed panel composed of Angat Pinas Executive Director Raphael Martin Magno, Foundation for a Sustainable Society (FSSI) Executive Director Sixto “Dodo” Macasaet, and NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista. Vizal Sto. Nino Rice and Livestock Farmers Association and Balanga Agrarian Reform Beneficiary MultiPurpose Cooperative (BARBMPC) were chosen as runnersup, Central Azucarrera De Tarlac Employees Dependents’ Producers Cooperative (CAT EDPC) placed 3rd, Makabagong Agrikultura ng Dinalupihan Marketing Cooperative (MA-DMC) secured the 2nd place spot, and Brgy. 171 Bagumbong Persons with Disabilities Association Inc. was declared as this year’s Grand Enterprise.
The 2GO Davao Team with local vendors at the Bankerohan Public Market
From left: FSSI executive director Sixto ‘Dodo’ Macasaet; Angat Pinas executive director Raphael Martin Magno; Brgy. 171, Bagumbong Persons with Disabilities Association Inc.; NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
TELEVISION And Production Exponents
Incorporated (TAPE, Inc.) has announced the return of Malou Choa Fagar as its president and CEO following a corporate transformation.
Chairman Emeritus Romeo G. Jalosjos Sr. expressed support for Choa Fagar’s return, emphasizing her commitment to the company and its future leadership in the industry.
He noted the challenges TAPE faced during her absence but affirmed her dedication to the organization.
“We are thrilled to welcome Malou back to TAPE. Her return signifies her unwavering dedication to reclaiming the company’s industry leadership. Despite the challenges TAPE faced during her absence, her unyielding spirit never wavered. Malou is family to us, always ready to share her exceptional expertise and leadership,” Jalosjos said.
Choa Fagar initially left TAPE in 2021 after a 41-year career that began as a production assistant. Throughout her tenure, she managed a variety of programs, including talk shows and dramas, and was instrumental in producing the long-running noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!.
Upon her return, Choa Fagar acknowledged her excitement about rejoining TAPE, stating that she looked forward to reconnecting with former colleagues and engaging with new ones.
Throughout her career, Choa Fagar has played a significant role in the development of many prominent artists in the Philippine entertainment industry. She is a graduate of BA Broadcast Communication and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in Television Arts and Media from the UP Alumni Association in 2024. Currently, she also serves as president of the UP College of Mass Communication Alumni Association.
“Returning feels like coming home, where my talents and abilities are valued. I am grateful to reunite with familiar faces and forge new connections. It seems like only yesterday when TAPE fostered its cohesive and collaborative work environment. We eagerly anticipate new initiatives and will play an active role in the industry,” Choa Fagar remarked.
SHOWBIZ
Double play with Arthur Nery
By Nickie Wang
RTHUR Nery is hitting two birds with one stone by releasing his second album, II: The Second Album , while also gearing up for a solo concert.
The album, under Viva Records, is his first release in five years, following the success of his debut, Letters Never Sent, in 2019. It features ten tracks, including “Na Naman,” “I Gotchu,” “Lullaby,” “Di Nakakasawa,” “Get Going,” “O Ninanais,” “Nasa ‘King Damdamin,” “Foolish,” “Paalam Lang ang Palagi,” and “Segundo, Siguro.”
listeners,” Viva Records said in a statement. In addition to the album release, Nery will headline a concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 25. This performance marks his return to the iconic venue after a sold-out show at the New Frontier Theater in 2022.
According to Arthur, The Second Album expanded his artistry and introduced new flavors to his music through collaborations with artists such as Kiyo, Jolianne, and Jon
“Arthur’s dedication to his craft is evident, as he took an active role in producing and arranging the album. His smooth vocals, clever wordplay, and emotive melodies are expected to shine throughout the collection, captivating both new and longtime
Fans can look forward to a mix of fresh tracks from II alongside chart-topping hits like “Pagsamo” and “Take All The Love,” making this concert one of the most anticipated events in the OPM scene this year.
Discussing his preparations for the concert, Arthur expressed his excitement and commitment. “I was surprised and asked Boss Vic [ del Rosario ] if I was really ready for this. So now I am in my physical preparations for the concert. I should be fit enough for the show,” he said.
Singer-songwriter
Arthur Nery made his debut in 2019 with his song ‘Life Puzzle’
CHRISTINE Juliane “CJ”
Opiaza edged out 19 other candidates to claim the Miss Grand Philippines 2024 title during the finals held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay on Sunday.
Opiaza succeeded last year’s titleholder, Nikki de Moura , and will represent the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant, set for Oct. 25 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 26-year-old model from Castillejos, Zambales, graduated with a degree in human resource management from Lyceum Subic Bay. She is also a pasarela /runway walk trainer at The Canvas coaching school, which she runs. Her pageant experience includes winning Ambassadress of the Philippines 2019, and competing in Bb. Pilipinas 2022 without placing, and finishing as first runner-up to Michelle Dee at Miss Universe Philippines 2023.
Other winners announced at the finals show, presented by ALV Talent
Circle and headed by president Arnold Vegafria , were Universal Woman Philippines 2024 Sophia Bianca Santos and Miss Teen International Philippines 2024 Anna Margaret Mercado.
* * *
1st Icons of Change Awards
AT THE recent First Icons of Change Awards held at Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) in Las Piñas, public servants and beauty queens stood out among more than 100 honorees.
The Icons of Change Awards, which promotes charity and community service, was organized by Singaporean philanthropist Justin Ho Gou Shun, CEO and Chair of the ASEAN Youth OrganizationPhilippines. He is known for his charity work in the Philippines and has given several talks on social entrepreneurship, business, philanthropy, and investment.
“The inaugural Icons of Change
Awards not only recognize outstanding achievements but also set the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future for the Philippines. We are here to celebrate individuals, organizations, and institutions that embody the very essence of vision and transformation,” convener Justin Ho said in his inaugural message. Honorees included global fashion designers John Guarnes and Bench Bello , beauty queens Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo Rose SantiagoLicup, and Patricia Javier with her husband, Dr. Rob Welcher, as well as police officers PBGen Restituto B. Arcangel , PCPT Nomer Macaraig, and PSMS Rosie Biale-Gonzalo
This writer was also recognized as Journalist & Columnist of the Year for Manila Standard
* * * Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2024 winners announced
JULIE Anne Beltran, a 42-year-old mother and businesswoman from Cagayan Province, was named Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2024 during the coronation night held at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila, on Sunday. Lynn Tampus, a single mother from Cebu who works as a medical representative, was named Mrs. Face of Culture & Heritage 2024. Lourdjean Gonzales Galvez, a maternity medical clinic owner from Quezon City, was named Mrs. Face of Eco Tourism 2024. Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines, headed
Arthur Nery’s ‘II: The Second Album’ features a total of 10 tracks
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IN FASHION, accessories are often the finishing touch that defines a look. For 2024, I noticed how bag charms have taken the spotlight, turning luxury handbags into a canvas for personal expression.
While scrolling through my feed, it was so easy to spot local celebrities using their designer handbags with dangling little plushies. Among the various styles and brands of bag charms, Labubu has emerged as a favorite, offering a quirky yet sophisticated addition to any designer bag.
Let’s dig deeper into this exciting trend and see how it’s adding a playful twist to luxury fashion.
The rise to fame Bag charms are not a new concept. I remember lugging around my bag in high school with three to four-inch plushie keychains, often representing cartoon characters popular at the time. It is just that in 2024, the charms have become more attention-grabbing.
This trend has been kept afloat by the availability of customization and the increasing influence of social media on fashion choices.
More than ever, luxury handbags are transformed into unique statements of personal style.
Bagging the charm trend
Looking at the rise of whimsical bag charms
From large brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and Gucci to smaller artisanal labels, adding a bag charm is now synonymous with completing a look. These charms range from simple initials and monograms to intricate designs. By accessorizing with a charm, luxury bag owners can instantly inject a dose of fun personality into their overall looks.
Labubu: Topping the charms
Standing out among options, Labubu bag charms have become particularly popular in 2024. Originating from the collectible toy scene, Labubu characters feature cute and mischievous faces.
Labubu is an elf character with distinct features: pointy ears, sharp teeth, small stature, and mischievous smile. The well-loved character is
buffs
THE rise of social media and easier access to international travel have driven global demand for Japanese skincare products. Filipinos are increasingly embracing these products, tailored for Asian skin.
J-beauty stands out for combining traditional Japanese culture with modern innovation. Using natural ingredients and advanced formulations, these products have earned a reputation for effectiveness.
Vince Marquez, Business Unit Manager for Mentholatum Philippines, said their J-beauty products are now more accessible in stores and online. One key product is Selsun Blue, an anti-dandruff shampoo with Selenium Sulfide 1 percent, which treats scalp issues like itching and flaking.
For sun protection, SunPlay offers high SPF coverage, while Skin Aqua provides SPF 50, hydrating and shielding skin from UVA, UVB, and blue light. Hada Labo, Japan’s top-selling face lotion, hydrates and brightens skin with its hyaluronic acid formula.
“Hada Labo is simple, with no unnecessary ingredients,” said Mentholatum’s Jenny Orias-Arcellana
part of a group of creatures called The Monsters, characters inspired by Nordic fairy tales. These charms are typically crafted from premium materials like resin or metal, often adorned with bright colors and delicate details, making them a perfect blend of luxury and fun.
The appeal of Labubu charms lies in their versatility and uniqueness. They can add a pop of playfulness to even the most structured handbags, like a classic Hermès Birkin, Prada, or a sleek Chanel flap bag. Whether you’re carrying a minimalist designer tote or a statement bag, attaching a charm provides a whimsical touch that transforms the bag into something less formal.
Why bag charms are charming
In the age of social media, where everyone is looking to stand out, bag charms offer an effortless way to personalize your look or fashion statement. The use of bag charms is moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach, and more toward individual self-expression, and making one’s bag an artistic canvas.
Adding a charm to a luxury handbag is like telling a story. A bag charm can symbolize a favorite character, a treasured memory, or simply add a playful twist to a usually formal accessory. This trend gives women the freedom to balance sophistication with a lighthearted touch. The cute items exemplify playfulness and authenticity, changing the way we view and wear luxury handbags.
These days, we have more reasons to wear bags on our arms and keep them “charmed.” Carrying bags goes beyond practical, it becomes creative and personal.
Mentholatum Acnes, designed for acneprone skin, uses amino acids, vitamin C, and Centella Asiatica to heal and reduce scars. Lip Therapy and Lip Ice products are also popular, offering moisturizing benefits and a natural pink tint. Rohto Eye Drops, Japan’s leading eye care brand, is gaining popularity in the Philippines, providing relief for dry eyes and offering a cooling sensation. “Rohto Cool offers a unique cooling experience,” said Rohto’s Business Unit Manager, Trina Belmonte With consumers becoming more informed, there’s a strong demand for brightening products,
THIS month, Solaire Resort and the German Club of the Philippines are inviting guests to celebrate the ultimate Oktoberfest festivities on Oct. 19 and 20, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort North.
The event will allow diners to experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with authentic German culture, delectable cuisine, and live entertainment by the Bavarian Sound Express throughout the event.
Diners can indulge in an array of classic German dishes and enjoy a free-flowing beer with live entertainment by Bavarian Sound Express all night long. Featuring the worldrenowned Weihenstephaner as the official beer sponsor, guests will enjoy only the finest brews. The event offers a unique experience, with the second day at Solaire Resort North dedicated to families.
Children can enjoy a variety of activities, such as a bouncy castle, German costume photo booth, face painting, and carnival games, making it a perfect day out for all ages.
A German feast wouldn’t be complete without its breadbasket, called Brotkorb, a delightful assortment of oven-fresh German breads and Laugenbrezel or Bavarian-style soft pretzels, perfect for pairing with Obatzda, a creamy German beer cheese dip. Additionally, indulge in the Wiesen jause, which features a spread of German cold cuts and cheeses. Diners can choose from Münchner Wurstsalat (a Munichstyle sausage salad), Kartoffelsalat (a classic German potato salad), or Krautsalat (a tangy white cabbage salad). These dishes create a hearty and savory German spread for everyone. The menu will also feature sausages like Rostbratwurst, a grilled and spicy pork sausage served with tangy sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, and rich onion jus, as well as Frankfurter sausage paired with creamy German potato salad and a freshly baked Kaiser roll. Indulge in the Oktoberfest Haxe, a slow-roasted pork knuckle served with a wheat beer sauce that will leave you craving more.
Rindsgulasch, a hearty beef goulash made with braised beef ragout, comes with bread dumplings and a side of red cabbage. For dessert, the station offers Apfelstrudel, a classic apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded caramelized pancake, and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, or Black Forest gateau. These German delicacies provide a delightful culinary experience for families to enjoy.
Enhance your Oktoberfest experience by taking advantage of Solaire Resort North’s exclusive room package for attendees. Book by Oct. 12 for stays between Oct. 8 and 14, and enjoy a 20 percent discount on the Bed and Breakfast Rate, which includes a delicious buffet breakfast for two at Fresh. Make the most out of your visit to Solaire Resort North and avail yourself of its room package exclusively for Oktoberfest attendees. The package is available for booking until Oct. 12 for stays between Oct. 8 and 14. Enjoy a 20 percent discount on the Bed and Breakfast Rate, which includes a buffet breakfast for two at Fresh. Angelica Villanueva
Attendees can enjoy authentic snacks and dishes from the German cuisine
Weihenstephaner is the official beer sponsor of the event
From left: Rohto & Mentholatum ACNES Business Unit Manager Trina Belmonte, Selsun Blue, SunPlay, Skin Aqua & Mentholatum LIPCARE Business Unit Manager Vince Marquez, and Hada Labo Business Unit Manager Jenny Orias-Arcellana
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Kate Adajar
Bag charms are cute companions that add a personal touch to one’s look (Photo from Ashley Sandrine Yap Instagram)
Actress Marian Rivera is one of the celebrities that joined the bag charm trend
Many local celebrities have been hanging cute little plushies on their designer bags (Photo from Rina Navarro Instagram)
Ashley Sandrine Yap’s Loewe bag with an adorable personalized bag charm
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
Very Wang Nickie Wang
Building a better future for Filipino youth
Beauty queen turned advocate Samantha Panlilio launches foundation for youth development
FORMER Miss Grand Philippines
Samantha Panlilio has transitioned from the glamour of pageantry to a new role in community development with the launch of her Pangarap at Kalinga (PAK) Foundation.
The foundation, which aims to provide underserved youth access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, was officially unveiled in her hometown of Ternate, Cavite, on Sept. 17.
around you to prosper. My family has always believed that ‘angat isa, angat lahat’ (when one rises, everyone rises),” she said.
Known for her wit and grace, Panlilio spoke with conviction about her foundation’s mission.
“I call it PAK Foundation for short—you have to say it with conviction,” she said during an interview, adding that the foundation is designed to help children focus on their dreams by addressing their basic needs.
“When you give children the convenience they need, they can focus on themselves and their goals in life,” she added. Panlilio’s journey from beauty queen to community advocate was natural for someone deeply involved in her community.
“When I first joined Binibining Pilipinas, it wasn’t planned. The fruits that came out of it and the network I built made me who I am today,” she explained. However, she made it clear that she isn’t closing the door on any future opportunities in pageantry or other fields.
“I don’t want to close my door to any opportunities,” Panlilio emphasized.
Her decision to focus on community development through the Pangarap at Kalinga Foundation was influenced by her upbringing and her role as Chief Operations Officer of Boulevard Holdings, Inc., her family’s corporation.
“When you develop communities, you also want the people
The first project under the PAK Foundation involves addressing the classroom shortage in Ternate. Panlilio has chosen education as the foundation’s primary focus, a decision rooted in her personal experiences growing up.
“Education is something people cannot take away from you,” she said. “If you have a degree, you can literally jump from one role to another. You gain skills that can be applied in work, business, or real life.”
Panlilio stressed the importance of both practical and technical knowledge gained through formal schooling. “People need the discipline that’s taught in school, and apart from practical experience, you need technical skills that can only be learned in a classroom setting,” she explained. The foundation’s first initiative will provide much-needed new classrooms at Ternate National High School, giving students a better environment to focus on their studies and aspirations. efforts are concentrated in Cavite, Panlilio’s vision extends far beyond her hometown.
since I’m an advocate for sustainable farming, and we both share the goal of giving children a platform to dream,” she said.
As she balances her responsibilities as an entrepreneur, advocate, and potential public servant, Panlilio remains focused on the long-term impact of her foundation. “I want our children to know that there’s someone looking out for them and ready to help them achieve their dreams by providing them with comfort and basic conveniences so they can focus on their goals in life,” she said.
a their While the foundation’s
access to the resources they need to succeed.
In addition to education, the PAK Foundation also focuses on healthcare and livelihood initiatives, which Panlilio believes are essential in supporting the youth’s overall development. “We’re not just building classrooms,” she explained. “We’re building a future where every young Filipino has the chance to show the world that indeed we’re one of the very best.”
Panlilio’s commitment to community service has also sparked speculation about a future in public office. As the second nominee for the AGIMAT party-list group, she could soon be adding public servant to her growing list of titles. While she hasn’t confirmed her plans, she sees her philanthropic work and potential political role as complementary.
“Agimat’s vision is in line with what I do
With the Pangarap at Kalinga Foundation now in full swing, Panlilio and her team are already looking ahead to future initiatives.
“This is just the beginning,” she reiterated, signaling that her work to uplift Filipino youth is only getting started.
As she continues to bridge the gap between pageantry, entrepreneurship, and community service, Panlilio is proving that her advocacy for youth empowerment is not just a passing phase but a lifelong commitment.
As
poses environmental risks, including potential pollution from hazardous components in landfills. Recycling e-waste reduces the need for extracting rare metals, supports sustainable electronics production, and helps create jobs in the circular economy. PLDT and Smart’s program ensures that collected devices are dismantled and processed in accredited facilities, complying with environmental and data privacy regulations.
Participating stores are located across Metro Manila and other regions. E-waste bins are also available in select Robinsons Malls and SM Supermalls.
For more information on store locations, visit https://apps.smart.com. ph/locator?mode=stores.
Samantha Panlilio aims to support the youth from marginalized sectors through her PAK Foundation
Samantha Panlilio (center) during the groundbreaking ceremony with the PAK team
Former Miss Grand Philippines and Chief Operations Officer of Boulevard Holdings, Inc. Samantha Panlilio
The foundation’s first project targeted the shortage of classrooms in the beauty queen’s hometown
Samantha with the students of Ternate National High School