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OMBUDSMAN SUSPENDS PORAC MAYOR

ADVOCACY GROUP AIRS LEAD WARNING

NEWS / A2

NEWS / A3 VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 237 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

‘Prepare to repatriate Pinoys’ President orders mobilization of all resources – by air or sea

By Rex Espiritu and Maricel Cruz

P

RESIDENT Marcos on Wednesday directed all concerned government agencies to mobilize resources to repatriate “by whatever means” Filipinos affected by the crisis in the Middle East.

“We are now going to evacuate air, or by sea,” Marcos said during our people by whatever means – by Next page

SCS tensions high on agenda in ASEAN Plus Three meet

LEADERS of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will raise heightened maritime tensions in the region with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during today’s ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Laos.

Li will join new Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President

Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea during the Summit where the South China Sea situation will be discussed after months of violent clashes between Chinese vessels and Philippine and Vietnamese fishermen.

Beijing claims almost all of the South Next page

ON THE BALL. Amid the ongoing situation in Lebanon, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stepped out of an ASEAN Leaders meeting in Vientiane, Laos to hold a Zoom meeting to direct government agencies to prepare for the safe return of Filipinos caught in the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. The President was joined by House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the online meeting with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. Inset shows the President joining ASEAN counterparts in the customary photo opportunity. PCO

20 Pinays rescued from Cambodian surrogacy ring THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Wednesday that 20 Filipina women were rescued in Cambodia, where they were brought by an unspecified “Philippine agency” to serve as surrogate mothers.

DFA Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose de Vega said in a tel-

evised press conference that 13 of the women are already in various stages of pregnancy.

He said they are currently being sheltered at a local hospital but are being visited and given the necessary assistance.

De Vega said seven of the rescued

Filipinas are already scheduled to be flown home.

It was revealed that the women were recruited online by persons whose identities, or even their nationalities, are still unknown to authorities.

The Philippine Embassy in CamboNext page

Comelec to purge senatorial list NAIA operator of ‘nuisance candidates’—Garcia restricts news media access

By Vito Barcelo

WAR VICTIMS. Refugee children displaced from south Lebanon to the northern town of Qornet Akkar carry mattresses distributed by an international NGO on Oct. 8, 2024.

Intense Israeli attacks may have forced up to a million people to flee parts of Lebanon in possibly the worst displacement crisis in the tiny country’s history, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Sept. 29. AFP

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) targets to prune “nuisance candidates” from the current list of 183 senatorial aspirants for the 2025 Midterm elections, saying this number will be reduced to half by the end of November.

On Tuesday, Comelec chairman George Garcia said “whether the case was filed by a petitioner, a candidate, or the Comelec itself, we will resolve it at the en banc level so that they would

not be able to run and that their names will not be included in the ballots.”

He explained that the poll body aims to trim down the list of candidates before the printing of official ballots starts in December.

Garcia characterized the justconcluded filing of certificates of candidacy as “generally peaceful,” but noted fewer people aspire to become senators.

“There were 183 senatorial candidates who filed their COCs for the

THE New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) has enforced a news blackout at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

This decision follows the new private operator’s policy to restrict media access to the airport lobby only.

The NNIC, (formerly SMC SAP &

Next page

Next page

Ejercito says more Alice Guos holding local gov’t posts SENATOR JV Ejercito on Wednesday said he believes more Chinese citizens, like dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, are holding local government positions, some of them mayors and councilors, across the country.

The senator made the remark in ref-

erence to the latest allegation that Guo is a Chinese spy whose 2022 campaign was “arranged by the Chinese state security.”

“I am a national official. I came from a Chinese school, I can distinguish ‘yung accent and the look [of] those

who were really Chinoys (Chinese-Filipinos),” said Ejercito at the Kapihan sa Senado forum.

“I have met a few people who are already in office...Elected officials...

There are those from the local government units. Some are perhaps coun-

By Joel Zurbano

Sen. JV Ejercito

cilors, while others are mayors – I’ve met some who seem like they didn’t grow up here,” he added.

Ejecito said the Commision on Elections (Comelec) should be vigilant so “we can prevent another Alice Next page

NEWS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody welcome to Quad hearings T

HE House quad committee has a standing invitation for former President Rodrigo Duterte to attend its hearings into alleged extrajudicial killings in his administration’s war on drugs, and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

said Duterte’s pronouncement of his willingness to face the Quad Comm is a "welcome development", but the mega panel has yet to include him in the list of the resource persons.

The House Committee on Human Rights led by Abante earlier sent an invitation to the former president to shed light on its inquiry on extrajudicial killings and the war on drugs of the past administration. "For us, the positive intention of the former president to attend our hearings, that's a welcome development for us. In my committee, we've already invited him although he failed to attend," he told reporters. "Because we will invite other

witnesses. It would be a waste if we won't be able to give attention to all the witnesses and resource persons that we invited," he said.

But Abante stressed Duterte shall "be accorded the respect of a former president...and cordiality" if and when he attends the House Quad Comm hearing.

He said the invitation to Duterte is for him to discuss alleged extrajudicial killings in the war on drugs.

The panel is set to resume its inquiry on Friday and will focus on alleged EJKs. Barbers said the panel already has resource speakers lined up but Duterte is welcome to attend the succeeding hearings, usually held once a week. Maricel Cruz

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, lead co-chairperson of the quad comm, also said he welcomes Duterte’s “willingness” to testify in the joint hearings.

Duterte said last Sunday that he is open to attending the hearings if invited, adding that he hopes lawmakers will ask him “educated questions.”

“We are glad that the former presi-

dent said that... We have an existing or standing invitation to President Duterte.

He was invited through a motion of Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante and Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales.”

He said that if Duterte attends the hearings, "we will gladly accommodate and be honored by his presence." Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr of Manila, a Quad Comm co-chair,

SCS...

From A1

Ombudsman suspends Porac mayor, 9 officials

China Sea, a waterway of immense strategic importance through which trillions of dollars in trade transits every year, while four ASEAN members -- the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei – have competing claims.

The draft summit statement reiterated ASEAN’s longstanding calls for restraint and respect for international law.

Mr. Marcos earlier vowed to push for inclusive, rules-based dispute resolution during the Laos meetings.

“As we continue to grapple with sharpening regional tensions, including the recent dangerous incidents in the West Philippine Sea, I intend to champion our advocacies in promoting an open, inclusive, and rulesbased international order, and for the peaceful resolution of any disputes in accordance with international law,” Mr. Marcos said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will join the leaders in Vientiane for talks on Friday, when he is expected to press for the Myanmar junta to take steps such as reducing violence, releasing political prisoners and engaging with the opposition.

Daniel Kritenbrink, the top US diplomat for East Asia, said there had been “virtually zero progress” on these issues from the junta.

On Wednesday, ASEAN leaders pressed the junta and its opponents to take “concrete action” to stop the bloodshed in the country’s civil war and sought to kickstart faltering diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis.

The 10-member ASEAN has tried to no avail to find a negotiated solution to the Myanmar crisis, which has killed thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes since the military seized power in February 2021.

The crisis dominated the first day of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane as leaders held their first face-toface talks with a senior Myanmar junta representative in more than three years.

Comelec...

From A1 2025 midterm elections, a sharp decline from 270 in 2022 and 185 in 2019,” he added.

Garcia said the final list of COCs filed throughout the eight-day filing period would be out by the third week of October to allow the public to see and verify for themselves the personal details of local officials running for office in their areas.

“This is the first time because previously, voters cannot immediately discern the aspirants because we don’t give the COC to anyone,” he said.

He also assured the public that the Comelec will not disqualify an aspirant merely for reasons of poverty.

As this developed, a survey conducted by Pulse Asia and commissioned by the Stratbase Group showed that voters want senatorial candidates to put job creation at the top of their campaign platforms.

Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they believe that generating new employment opportunities is the most important issue that senatorial candidates should address.

Close behind in respondents’ list of priorities were growing the economy (44%), eliminating corruption (41%), better healthcare (33%) and improving education (29%).

Ateneo tops uni rankings anew—THE THE Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) has once again secured its position as the Philippines’ top university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2025. The Jesuit-run institution maintained its rank in the 1,001-1,200 bracket.

“The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is global recognition of Ateneo de Manila’s performance,” said university president Fr. Roberto Yap SJ. “However, rankings do not fully define what Ateneo stands for.”

Six other Philippine universities were included in the rankings. The state-run University of the Philippines maintained its position in the 1,201-1,500 bracket. De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, Mapua University, and newcomer Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology tied for third in the 1,501+ bracket.

Fifteen other Philippine schools were given “reporter” status, meaning they provided data but did not meet THE’s eligibility criteria.

THE used 18 performance indicators to assess universities across five areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry. The methodology is based on millions of citations, publications, and survey responses. Only universities with undergraduate programs and at least 1,000 relevant publications were eligible for inclusion.

THE Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Mayor Jaime Capil of Porac town in Pampanga over crimes linked to the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The order, signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires, also suspended Vice Mayor Francis Laurence Tamayo, and councilors Rohner Buan, Rafael Canlapan, Adrian Carreon, Regin Clarete,

Essel Joy David, Hilario Dimalanta, Michelle Santos, and John Nuevy Venzon, GMA News reported.

Licensing assistant/then officer-incharge of Business and Licensing officer Emerald Vital was also suspended, the report said.

The suspension due to alleged gross neglect of duty will be for six months and without pay.

“In accordance with Section 27, par. (1), RA 6770 (Ombudsman law), this Order is immediately executory. Notwithstanding any motion, appeal, or petition that may be filed by respondents seeking relief from this Order, unless otherwise ordered by this Office or by any court of competent jurisdiction, the implementation of this Order shall not be interrupted within the period prescribed,” the Ombudsman said.

‘Prepare...

From A1

a sixth of Lebanon’s population, have been displaced, many flocking to Beirut which is now overwhelmed.

Turkey on Wednesday sent ships to evacuate around 2,000 of its citizens from Lebanon, with its Beirut envoy saying it would be “the biggest” evacuation of its type from the war-torn country.

President Marcos said he directed all concerned agencies to prepare to bring home Filipinos caught in the conflict in Lebanon.

“Basically, we are just putting the plans together on how we will bring them back home as quickly as possible,” he said.

“Just make all the preparations so that all our assets are nearby. If we need a ship, there should be one near Beirut so that once the Embassy gives us the clearance and they say our people can go, we can immediately repatriate them so they no longer have to wait in danger areas,” Mr. Marcos added.

Teodoro reported to the President that repatriation of more Filipinos will start once they get all the necessary exit clearance.

Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Raymond Balatbat said all available measures will be exhausted to expedite the exit clearances,

enabling the government to proceed with the repatriation.

As of Oct. 8, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut has received 1,721 applications for repatriation, with 511 already repatriated and 171 ready for repatriation.

Financial assistance of P150,000 from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) were given to each of the repatriated OFWs. Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is part of the official delegation to Laos, said the video conference “was an urgent call to assess the situation.”

“There was growing tension in the Middle East and we have to secure our Filipinos there. We wanted to make the security arrangements and assure them that amidst the growing tensions, we secure our Filipinos in the region,” he said.

Hezbollah fired projectiles into Israel on Wednesday and said it foiled ground incursions, a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Lebanon could face destruction like Gaza.

Hezbollah said it repelled two Israeli attempts to breach border areas, using rocket-propelled weapons and engaging in ground combat with Israeli soldiers.

Meanwhile, De Vega expressed alarm over the new human trafficking scheme that lures Filipinas to Cambodia to serve as surrogate mothers for other couples.

The DFA official said it is possible that some of those Filipinas may have been enticed to travel to the Southeast Asian country under false pretenses.

“We believe most knew what they were getting into. But it is also likely that some of them thought they were going there to do something

else,” De Vega said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

He said there have been cases when prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were duped into going to Southeast Asian countries with promises that they would be hired to do computer work or be employed in the tourism sector.

“Throughout the past year, we [the DFA] have repatriated many [Filipino nationals] from Cambodia, Laos, Thai-

land, Myanmar, but this is the first time we have heard about this surrogacy scheme, and it’s possible it’s happening in other countries too,” he pointed out.

“All throughout Southeast Asia there are plenty of scammers... now its about surrogacy. Please, before you fly off to neighboring countries, drop by the Department of Migrant Workers or Philippine Overseas Employment Administration first,” De Vega warned Filipinos seeking jobs abroad.

Transportation Security (OTS) personnel were investigated and subsequently suspended due to a series of thefts involving security screening officers at the airport.

This included an incident where an officer swallowed three $100 bills from a Chinese traveler departing Manila.

The incident resulted in the resignation of then-OTS chief Ma. O Aplasca.

The San Miguel- led New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has also increased its parking fees effective Oct. 1.

Overnight or 24-hour car parking fees increased to P1,200 from the current P300. For short-term parking, the fee rose to P50 for the first two hours and P25 for every succeeding hour, from P40 for the first three hours and P15 for every succeeding hour.

The NNIC has said that its move to hike the overnight parking fee at the country’s main gateway was not meant to rake in more profit but to enhance

parking access for passengers.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has defended the increase in airport and terminal fee, saying that it is unlikely to lead to a substantial increase in air fares, which could harm the tourism industry.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the increase in airport charges and passenger terminal fees is part of the terms and conditions outlined in the government’s concession agreement with the new NAIA operator.

“It’s in the AO [administrative order]. The AO is part of the concession agreement. But, as I mentioned earlier, we can review it … [But] let’s give it a chance, muna, siguro?” Bautista said.

“Part of the process is a continuing dialogue with the stakeholders,” he added.

Bautista stressed that the higher airport charges and passenger terminal fees would enable the San Miguel Group, the new concessionaire, to recover some of its investments.

He said the airport charges, which include landing and take-off as well as parking fees, would increase before end-2024, while passenger terminal fees would also increase by 2025.

The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp, (formerly SMC SAP & Co. Consortium) took over the operations of NAIA last September 14, 2024.

The NNIC signed a P170.6-billion contract in March 2024 to operate, maintain and upgrade NAIA for 15 years, extendible for another 10 years.

San Miguel Group earlier said it is mobilizing at least P88 billion in capital investments within the first six years and at least P122.3 billion in capital investments for its entire 25-year concession period.

The government expects to generate P900 billion in revenues in the course of the 25-year concession period, inclusive of the P30 billion upfront payment, P2 billion annual payment and 82 percent government revenue share.

the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos where he convened a meeting via teleconference attended by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

Mr. Marcos later in the day clarified there is no mandatory repatriation yet of Filipinos in Lebanon, noting the Philippine embassy has yet to raise the alert to Level 4.

“It’s still Alert Level 3. It depends on the situation there, and the ones who will assess that will be our DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) through our embassy,” he said, referring to the code for voluntary repatriation.

After nearly a year of cross-border clashes, Israel intensified its bombing campaign on Sept. 23, killing more than 1,110 people, according to a media tally of official figures. Israeli warplanes launched overnight air raids on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Oct. 6.

More than one million people, about

20 Pinays...

From A1 dia issued a separate statement saying the women were rescued by the Cambodian National Police (CNP) in Kandal Province last September 23.

The local authorities conducted the rescue operation in line with Cambodia’s Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.

NAIA...

From A1 Co. Consortium), took over the operations of NAIA last September 14, 2024.

An information officer revealed to Manila Standard that the NNIC is considering completely canceling the accreditation previously granted by MIAA to reporters covering the airport. The NNIC aims to limit media coverage to essential matters.

“The NNIC just wants media coverage if needed,” he said.

Various irregularities and controversies, such as theft and extortion, occur at the airport on a daily basis as reported by members of the media.

Media reports have also highlighted the presence of rats, cockroaches, and bedbugs on airport premises, leading to criticism from both netizens and business groups.

In September last year, the Office for

Ejercito...

From A1 Guo (from) being able to run again in our government.”

Meanwhile, an official of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Wednesday said it is too early to tell if Jessica Francisco — or “Mary Ann Maslog” — would be useful in the investigation of Guo or just a nuisance.

“Maybe she really has something to say. But it will really depend on how good an investigator or an interviewer you are to ferret out the truth, if any,” PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio told reporters in an ambush interview at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Casio said Maslog has yet to contribute any information to the investigation.

“Right now she’s only a nuisance to the investigation,” he said. Rex Espiritu

NEWS

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GREEN MALL.

SM Megamall has renovated its fifth floor which will now have an indoor garden. Part of the renovation is the installation of solar panels, which are also installed in other SM malls.

DA says gradual changes in palay buying prices

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to gradually adjust the palay buying price to balance the financial gains of Filipino farmers with consumer demands for more affordable rice.

DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who also chairs the National Food Authority (NFA) Council, explained that even with the lower range of the palay buying price adjusted to P23 per kilo, the procurement price remains higher than last year’s range of P16 to P23 per kilo.

“World prices of rice have gone down, but local rice prices won’t decline if the palay buying price remains high. At P23 per kilo, farmers will earn a decent return. Even at P21 per kilo, they’ll still enjoy a good profit.

We prioritize the interests of farmers when determining the palay buying price,” he said.

In June, the NFA Council approved a higher buying price range of P17 to P30 per kilo to compete with private traders who drove up prices due to El Niño and India’s rice export ban. Last week, India lifted its export ban on rice, leading to a decline in global rice prices.

NFA administrator Larry Lacson assured that the adjustment of the palay procurement price range to around P23 to P25 per kilo will be “calibrated” based on palay quality and market conditions.

It takes approximately two kilos of palay to produce one kilo of rice. As a general rule, the retail price of rice per kilo is usually double the cost of palay, considering processing and marketing costs.

For this wet season, the NFA plans to buy between 6.4 million and 8.7 million 50-kilo bags of palay.

Gov’t eyes to take back control of national grid T

HE government is exploring the possibility of reclaiming the management of its energy grid from the privately-owned National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), following discussions at a Senate Finance Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros brought up the topic during her interpellation on the proposed 2025 budget of the Department of Energy (DOE) and its attached agencies. It was inspired by the United

Kingdom’s (UK) recent decision to take back its energy system operations.

Citing a published report, Hontiveros said the UK’s state-owned National Energy System Operator (NESO) is poised to stabilize its power supply while keeping electricity prices down for consumers in the long run on top of accelerating the British government’s clean energy targets.

Hontiveros suggested the Philippines could benefit from a similar approach to ensure a stable energy supply, affordable electricity, and progress towards environmental goals.

Currently, the NGCP oversees both the operation and maintenance of the Philippines’ energy grid under a concession agreement. But its performance came under scrutiny in recent years for its failure to meet key infrastructure and development targets,

raising concerns over energy security and the rising cost of electricity.

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. already instructed the DOE to draft two executive orders (EO) aimed at improving the country’s energy infrastructure—both of which were rejected by NGCP. The first draft EO would have allowed generation companies to take over the construction of transmission lines when NGCP was unable to do so promptly, particularly in areas where its facilities were absent.

The second EO proposed allowing third-party entities to construct transmission lines, effectively bypassing NGCP’s control over these projects.

Both measures were designed to accelerate energy infrastructure development and ensure better coverage of the country’s grid system.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbel (center) witnesses the turnover of office ceremonies of the National Capital Region Police Office, (NCRPO) outgoing Regional Director P/Major Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr (left) and incoming Regional Director P/Major Gen. Sidney Hernia (right).

Joseph Muego

PH, Malaysia gov’t reps discuss security on bilateral meeting THe Philippine government’s National Security Council (NSC) and its Malaysian counterpart convened on Tuesday for a high-level talk on security cooperation.

According to NSC Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, the bilateral meeting was led by National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año and Malaysia’s National Security Council Director General Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin.

“The dialogue marked a significant step in reinforcing the political, securi-

ty, and economic ties between the two ASEAN states,” Malaya said.

Año began the discussions by emphasizing the directives given by their respective leaders. “Our two leaders, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, made a commitment in 2023 to strengthen the political, security, and economic relations of our two countries,” he said.

“Their commitments are marching orders for us to continue our security engagements and explore areas of co-

operation,” he added.

Raja Dato’ Nushirwan affirmed this sentiment, highlighting the natural affinity between the Philippines and Malaysia.

“The signal from the top leadership is clear. The Philippines and Malaysia have a close relationship, and we have to increase cooperation at all levels.

Our relations are organic in nature because of our proximity,” he remarked, underscoring the strategic necessity of their collaboration.

Año also cited the role of the two nations within the broader ASEAN framework, urging a focus on unity and regional leadership. “As founders of the ASEAN, Malaysia and the Philippines should push for strengthening the key principle of ASEAN, which is the ASEAN centrality,” he noted. “It is the vision of ASEAN to be the leader, driver, architect, and vanguard of regional cooperation in the Asia Pacific or putting ASEAN at the center of the regional architecture,” he added.

Advocacy group warns public against lead-containing paints in bottles

PANDAY PARTY-LIST. Members of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list host back-to-back rallies in Manila and Quezon City, drawing over 1,200 supporters. The party-list’s advocacy includes food security, progress, and justice.

THE advocacy group Ecowaste Coalition has found “dangerously high” levels of potentially toxic leadcontaining paints in several reusable water bottles and tumblers bought online and in select retail stores in Metro Manila and neighboring areas, ABS-CBN News reported.

Ecowaste said in a release Tuesday that it purchased sample reusable water bottles from online sellers and physical shops in Caloocan City, City of Manila, Quezon City, Antipolo City, and Teresa in Rizal between July to October 2024.

They were sold at P145 to P289 each.

Ecowaste said 15 of the reusable steel water bottles it bought had lead

above the 90 parts per million (ppm) limit set by the government on their exterior coatings.

Ten water bottles contained “dangerously high” levels of lead above 10,000 ppm, and one of them had over 100,000 ppm lead, it said.

Meanwhile, lead was not detected in the other 15 samples. Ecowaste said this means water bottles and tumblers could be decorated with paints that would not result in lead exposure.

Ecowaste said that some of the products analyzed were decorated with cartoon characters, indicating that they were marketed for children’s use. None of the products had lead hazard warnings.

IN BRIEF Agents arrest German for assaulting cop A GERMAN passenger was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Terminal 1 for assaulting a police officer.

The incident happened during the final security screening process as the passenger was about to board a flight to Vancouver, Canada.

According to the initial investigation, the passenger refused to cooperate with the mandatory security screening procedures despite repeated requests from the Office for Transportation (OTS) personnel.

This refusal led to a heated argument. The passenger also pushed and kicked a responding police officer, which resulted in the officer arresting the passenger. The passenger has been charged with violation of Articles 148 (Direct Assault) and 151 (Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person) of the Revised Penal Code.

Currently, the passenger is in the custody of NAIA Police Station 1, awaiting the inquest proceedings. Joel E. Zurbano

MMDA files complaint vs erring SUV driver THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has filed a complaint with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) against the SUV driver who was caught on a closed circuit television camera making an illegal Uturn on the center island along the southbound EDSA-Aurora tunnel in Quezon City.

MMDA chairman Don Artes also asked LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II to impose appropriate punishment on the SUV driver for disregarding the standard and safe operation of a vehicle.

Artes explained that when the driver made a U-turn in the center island, he not only put other motorists in danger but also endangered his companion inside the vehicle.

The SUV driver maneuvered his vehicle in the opposite direction and occupied the EDSA Bus Carousel lane, which is designated only for passenger buses and other emergency vehicles.

“The driver’s sense of entitlement is very apparent, as after making the U-turn, he could be seen driving off nonchalantly as if he did not commit an egregious traffic violation. It could even be argued that he exhibited criminal negligence owing to the clear breach of the most basic driving decorum,” said Artes.

Joel E. Zurbano

New DILG chief to push reforms in PNP DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said he would push for a new law mandating structural reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Remulla, who officially took over the leadership of the DILG from Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Wednesday said that the current organizational structure of the police force is “top-heavy”.

“I think we have to flatten it a little bit. There are so many generals, so many layers. I think we need to do with less,” he said in a media interview after the turnover ceremony at the DILG main office in Quezon City.

Remulla also said he wants to establish a merit-based system for the promotion of officers.

“What is happening now is a culture of patronage and I have tried my best in my province.

There is no patronage system there and I want to institute that,” he added. Vince Lopez

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

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IN BRIEF US grants P28-m aid for typhoon victims THE United States government has extended some P28 million (approximately $500,000) worth of relief goods and logistical support for the victims of Super Typhoon Julian in northern Luzon.

The assistance covered emergency shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene support for more than 4,000 households, or 16,000 people in the typhoon-hit areas, notably Batanes.

In addition, the US Department of Defense deployed on Oct. 7 various military assets to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Office of Civil Defense in airlifting the humanitarian supplies from Manila to Batanes.

“My heart goes out to everyone affected by Super Typhoon Julian, especially those living in the most devastated areas, including hard-to-reach Batanes,” said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

“The United States is working closely with our Filipino friends, partners, and allies to provide life-saving assistance to enable those in disaster areas to recover as quickly as possible,” she added. Rachelle Tonelada

CHED, Canada school meet on reformation COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Dr. Prospero De Vera on Wednesday met with representatives of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CiCan) and Mabalacat City College to discuss a plan of action for capacity building of local colleges transitioning to community colleges.

De Vera, in a social media post, said transforming local colleges into community institutions of higher learning will contribute significantly to workforce development in high-demand industries across the country.

CiCan, Canada’s largest postsecondary education network, has been involved in international projects for more than 40 years, and delivering more than 800 projects in over 100 countries.

“We listen to partners in developing countries to better understand their needs and design solutions that work in local contexts. We connect leaders, educators, and innovators to address worldwide challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality.” CiCan said in its website.

Ralph Harvey Rirao

CHR welcomes passage of bill on OFWs’ kids THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday welcomed the passage of House Bill No. 08560 or the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Left Behind-Children Protection Act seeking to institutionalize mechanisms under the Parens Patriae doctrine for the protection of minor children whose parents work overseas.

“The Commission acknowledges that while overseas employment has brought better economic opportunities to many Filipino households, it has also led to significant changes in family dynamics. The absence of parents, especially for prolonged periods, can have serious consequences on the well-being and safety of children left behind, particularly in cases where they are entrusted to non-parental caregivers,” the CHR said.

It feared that without the parents, children might be at greater risk of neglect or abuse. Rio N. Araja

AMERICAN ASSISTANCE. The United States government extends some

P28 million worth of relief goods and logistical support for victims of Super Typhoon Julian in Northern Luzon. The US Department of Defense deployed cargo aircraft to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines in transporting the supplies to Batanes.

UN cites DSWD projects on food security, disaster risk resilience

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has received another badge of honor as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) lauded the agency’s Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) for invaluable contribution to climate resilience initiatives.

“In a Linkedin post by UN’s Assistant Secretary-General Reena Ghelani, she mentioned our LAWA and BINHI project, citing it as among the best practices in response to the prevalent issues related to climate crisis and El Nino,” said Irene Dumlao, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Re-

sponse Management Group (DRMG).

The UN post lauded the implementation of Project LAWA, saying it has “developed as a sustainable solution to water scarcity caused by the El Niño drought.”

The post was shared by the official page of the UNDRR.

“LAWA, which means “pond” in Tagalog, was the first of its kind and built on the success of previous government-supported cash-for-work programmes. The project provided temporary employment and empowered disadvantaged communities to build small farm reservoirs to ensure access to water for irrigation,” the Ghelani’s Linkedin post read.

The UN executive also praised the Project BINHI that tapped irrigation water to maintain vegetable gardens and climate resilient crops.

Ghelani was also impressed by the Cash-for-Work (CFW) mechanism of the program, citing it as a leverage to community-involvement in addressing scarcity in food and nutrition.

The DSWD lauded the UN’s positive remarks, saying that under the leader-

Solon reminds biz, gov’t offices on PWDs’perks

WORLD POST DAY.

The Philippine Postal Corporation, in collaboration with the Philippine Stamp Collectors Society, marks World Post Day and the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union with a grand stamp exhibition at the SM City San Lazaro in Manila.

Norman Cruz

Some Bicol towns have no mayor, vice mayor bets

By Rosas Olarte THIS is one for the books: at least 13 towns in the island province of Masbate have no mayoralty and vice mayoralty candidates.

According to the regional Commission on Elections (Comelec) office, local politicians appeared disinterested in seeking elective posts for vice mayor and municipal councillors.

Comelec regional executive director Maria Juan Valeza said except for the municipality of Cataingan

where eight candidates were vying for Sangguniang Bayan memberships, the towns of Uson, San Jacinto, Aroroy, Balud, Batuan, Esperanza, Mobo, Monreal, Palanas, Pio V. Corpuz, and San Fernando have zero candidates for mayor and vice mayor.

On the other hand, Sorsogon also has three “uncontested positions” for mayor and vice mayor.

In Prieto Diaz, only one aspirant filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor, and one for vice mayor.

Similarly, nobody would want to

be vice mayor of Magallanes town, Valeza noted.

In like fashion, two towns in Catanduanes likewise have no candidates for mayor.

In Panganiban town, there is solo candidate for mayor, along with a lone bet in Viga.

No one is running for vice mayor of Guinobatan, Albay, Valeza disclosed.

Summing up, six mayors, 13 vice mayors and one Sangguniang Bayan post are uncontested in the Bicol Region for the 2024 midterm elections.

OVP opens satellite office in Zambo City

By Rachelle Tonelada

TABACO’S FACE OF BEAUTY. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro

joins newly crowned Miss Face of Beauty International 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, with school children partaking of the celebration by serenading the reigning beauty queen.

ship of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the agency will continue to implement LAWA and BINHI projects, as well as empower vulnerable communities to address climate and disaster resilience.

“On behalf of the entire DSWD community, we appreciate your favorable remarks on our project. What makes this extra special for us is it is from someone who has travelled the world – one who has witnessed competitive climate change responsive mechanisms,” Dumlao said.

The UN commendation is another reason to boost the agency’s commitment in securing that the LAWA and BINHI projects will be sustained and will remain among the DSWD’s active risk resiliency efforts, according to Dumlao, who is also DSWD spokesperson.

THE Office of the Vice President has formally inaugurated its new satellite office located in Zamboanga City despite the absence of Vice President Sara Duterte who was represented by OVP director Norman Baloro.

The new facility, located along Veterans Avenue Ext. in Barangay Tetuan, can accommodate more people seeking OVP assistance.

“From 2023 to 2024, the OVP Western Mindanao satellite office was able to render assistance to almost 265,000 beneficiaries, ranging from various programs of the agency such as medical, burial, and relief ini-

tiatives from 2023 to 2024,” the OVP said in a statement.

Among the successful projects of the Western Mindanao OVP office is the “MagNegosyo ‘Ta Day” program which aided about 7,561 beneficiaries.

“The satellite offices bring the assistance of the OVP closer to indigent, marginalized, and underserved communities since the areas identified were based on accessibility, higher volume of traffic, mode of transportation, presence of hospitals, and high people traffic,” the OVP said.

The OVP has 10 satellite offices, plus two extension outlets across the country.

CAMARINES Sur Rep. Raymund Villafuerte on Wednesday reminded government offices and commercial establishments of their responsibility to provide priority lanes for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Villafuerte issued the reminder following last month’s determination by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that the implementing rules of Republic Act 10754 mandated all commercial and government establishments to maintain express lanes for the benefit of PWDs. The seven-page DOJ opinion, signed by Undersecretary Raul Vasquez on behalf of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, stipulated that RA 10754, or “An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs,” mandated the provision of special lanes to cover all transactions of PWDs in these establishments, Villafuerte said.

“In the absence of physical express lanes in enterprises, the DOJ stressed that these establishments should nonetheless give priority to PWDs who have transactions in their places of business,” he added.

“It likewise bears stressing that the legislature used the word ‘all’ without any exception or qualification.

The word ‘all’ connotes ‘comprehensiveness’ and means ‘the whole collectively considered the complete totality’. The use of the word ‘all’ implies that the law does not intend to distinguish between the establishments or transactions involving items that are accessible to everyone and items which are of limited quantity,” the DOJ explained.

The DOJ issued this position in response to an inquiry by National Council of Disability Affairs (NCDA) executive director Glenda Relova in connection with the implementation of express lanes or courtesy lanes for PWDs, pursuant to Section 10 of RA 10754, amending Section 32 of RA 7277 or the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.”

Section 32 of RA 7277 mandates the “provision of express lanes for PWDs in all commercial and government establishments, in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to them.”Maricel V. Cruz

OPINION

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Civility and Jimmy Bondoc WHEN we were going around the country to test the waters for a presidential run by the mayor of Davao City in 2015, and while our principal kept denying he had presidential ambitions, a group of singers captured public imagination with a song, “Takbo.”

The OPM genius who wrote the music and the lyrics of what was to become the anthem of our campaign then, was Jimmy Bondoc, and the performers who collaborated in singing Takbo included Paulo Santos, Luke Mejares, Njel de Mesa, Thor, and others whose names I cannot now recall, with due apologies.

When I met Jimmy Bondoc over dinner with Duterte in Cebu, just before a rally at Plaza Independencia in 2016, the topic of our discussion was about the creation of a department of history and culture, an advocacy we shared, and which the following day in a press conference, then VP candidate Alan Cayetano announced to be one of the planks in the platform of the Duterte-Cayetano tandem.

Sadly, that was one of the unfulfilled promises in the last administration, and thankfully, the one who sponsored the bill creating a “Department of History and Culture” was Sen. Loren Legarda, though it did not pass.

Now that Bondoc, to my great surprise, announced that he will be running for senator next year, I will surely vote for him with the hope that when he gets there, that dream for a department that will preserve and promote our culture and inculcate the lessons of history among our youth would materialize.

Right now, agencies that have to do with history and culture are either Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations under the Office of the President, or assigned to the Department of Tourism, floating by themselves without proper direction or coordination, let alone proper prioritization in our appropriations act.

Another surprise was to find out that the OPM artist is now a lawyer, which is what celebrities should do before they run for public office, most especially the Senate. Jimmy comes with not just a good voice, but is armed with a degree in law, unlike many of our artists who bring nothing else but good looks, fame and an ability to sing, dance or tumble.

The last time I saw Jimmy before his filing of a CoC the other day was when he interviewed and supported the candidacy of Isko Moreno for president in 2022. Now he is running under the PDP, the party abandoned by opportunists who clung to the coattails of Duterte when he was yet the Malacanang occupant.

In his remarks at the Manila Hotel tent where the Comelec accepted the CoCs of political wannabes, he said that one of the things he would bring back to the Senate if elected was “diplomacy,” lost in the welter of badgering and the inquisitorial character of investigations “in aid of legislation.”

That may be a tough word for our present crop of senators to understand, save for a handful, so Jimmy could have used the word “civility” instead.

Or good manners and right conduct, a subject we were taught in grade school, which some of our grandstanding senators may never have learned.

—“—

Diplomacy has been lost in the welter of badgering and the inquisitorial character of investigations “in aid of legislation.”

“Dapat po talaga mag back-to-basics kung ano ang trabaho ng bawat sangay ng gobyerno,” Bondoc emphasized.

Good sense and a sense of purpose is what Jimmy Bondoc could bring to the Senate, that once-upon-a-time august body now peopled by foul-mouthed inquisitors and pork barrel-hungry panderers of populism and sycophants of whoever is in power in the palace beside the stinking river. *** Right after VP Inday Sara joked about having three in her family running for senator in next year’s midterms, I said that if at all, only one, and definitely not the former president, would run for the Senate. I thought Baste would go to the Senate.

The former president will be facing Karlo Nograles, son of his late political nemesis, Speaker Prospero Nograles. Karlo was named Appropriations Committee chairman by request of then Pres. Duterte to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during his third and last term in the House, a demonstration of noblesse oblige.

After that, Duterte made Karlo his cabinet secretary, and in 2022, named him chairman of the Civil Service Commission, with a six-year term that is yet to expire.

In Bisaya, “utang kabubut-on” especially when made to a political adversary, is something treasured, as it is among all Filipinos.

Let us leave it to the Dabawenyos to decide between old gold and dross.

The Wesley Barayuga tragedy THE 2020 assassination of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Secretary of the Board, Retired Police Brigadier General Wesley Barayuga, is the perfect example that demonstrates the excesses committed in the so-called war on drugs from 2016 to 2022. If the public is not yet convinced by what have been revealed by various witnesses in the ongoing QuadCom hearings in the House of Representatives, I do not know what else will.

Here was a public official who brought his own lunch to work, took public transportation and by all accounts performed his duties as Board Secretary of the PCSO exemplarily.

More importantly, he had no record whatsoever of any involvement in the illegal drug trade. Yet, that was the reason given why he was gunned down.

His being a senior retired police

general did not protect him from his own kind who went ahead and killed him anyway -- this basically guaranteed that killings related to the war on drugs continued unabated till the end of the last administration. Granting that he was indeed involved in illegal drug dealing, why not just arrest him so he can reveal additional information?

—“—

His inclusion in the drug list was simply an attempt to justify the murder.

In the old Constabulary days, such would have been unthinkable because of the strong esprit de corps that existed in the organization. That

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EDITORIAL

Modernization of PH military

H

OW serious is the Philippine government in modernizing its military?

Very much so, it would appear, amid rising tension between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea. As a matter of fact, the government recently organized an exhibition where global defense contractors—a total of 291 firms—put their advanced military technology and weapons systems on display. This is part of the Philippine effort to proceed with a multi-billion-dollar program to modernize our military.

That the Philippines is an emerging market for the defense industry is clear. The International Development and Security Cooperation think-tank believes so: “Our strategic issues with China have caught the attention of defense firms, and the exhibit demonstrates support from like-minded nations, many of whom are our partners and allies.”

The government has allocated $35 billion, spread over the next decade, as it faces increased aggressive actions by Beijing on sea and air over contested areas in the vital sealane.

Buying advanced military hard-

is apparently no longer true nowadays. What has happened to our police service? Has it gone so low that PNP personnel are so willing to kill one of their own who the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said was only included in the drug list after his death?

His inclusion, therefore, was simply an attempt to justify the murder.

If not for the tearful public confession of PLt Col Santi Mendoza, the officer tasked to perform the dastardly act, the murder would still be a statistic.

Now however, the public knows a lot more about what happened and hopefully, his family can finally find some closure.

But for those who have been tasked to investigate this murder further, there are still a lot more questions that need to be answered. The most important is whether there are people higher than the two alleged people who gave the order to kill Barayuga.

Why didn’t General Pinili do more

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

We have the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States where we vowed to come to each other’s defense in case of an armed attack by a third country. While the US government has time and again said that its commitment to help defend the Philippines is “ironclad,” we must also build up a credible deterrence posture on our own.

The goal of military modernization is to develop a credible defense posture at this time. We need to acquire advanced assets such as fighter jets, submarines and missile systems to protect our territorial integrity.

While long-standing military ties ensure the United States is a key supplier, the Philippines has broadened defense procurement to nations such as India, Israel, Poland, South Korea, and Turkey. The recent exhibition featured new companies, with other participating nations, including Britain, France and Japan.

A significant development along this line is that in 2022, the Philippines purchased a $375-million BrahMos anti-ship missile system, and the firm is now offering a shipmounted version.

State-run Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which had earlier supplied advanced surveillance capabilities, including electro-optic systems, is also ready to provide reconnaissance aircraft and coastal radar equipment.

The Philippines is also evaluating offers for 40 multirole fighter aircraft. Sweden’s Saab, which builds Gripen jets, is widely considered a contender. The company has vowed to deliver effective and cost-efficient air power to the Philippines.

Modernizing our forces will take time due to the resources needed. But we must explore all possibilities and engage with reliable defense enterprises and select the best systems for our specific needs.

than simply send the widow of Barayuga a text message? After all, he was the one who recruited his classmate to be the PCSO Board Secretary. He apparently knew the motive of the murder and who were responsible as soon as it happened. Yet, he remained quiet for the last four years and even up to now, judging from his demeanor during the QuadCom hearings, he appeared tentative and unwilling to say more.

One positive thing about all these QuadCom hearings, however, is that it could help lift the heavy burden that the country is carrying due to what happened in the six year war on drugs. It is another chapter in our history that I am sure we all wish never happened. So, let us all hope that those members of the House who have shown their determination and steadfastness in the hearings will succeed in their quest in order for the country to be able to move forward and not be consumed by

what happened during those six horrible years.

For old fogeys like myself who have given the best years of our lives to the police service, we naturally do not wish to see the PNP go down the gutter because of corrupt and unscrupulous police leadership. People may not realize it, but there is now a slow process of changing of the guards in the PNP. Within a couple of years, the leadership of the PNP will entirely be in the hands of graduates from the Philippine National Police Academy.

All PMA graduates will be gone by then.

If what we are seeing now are signs of things to come, it is worrisome. I am neither a graduate of the PMA nor the PNPA and do not advocate any kind of management culture. What is important is a national police force that is professionally and competently led that all Filipinos can be proud of and not a police force that people fear and do not respect.

ware and technology will complement the Marcos administration’s stepped-up security partnerships with other friendly countries, such as Japan and Australia, to boost the country’s capability to defend its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.

—“—

We must explore all possibilities and engage with reliable defense enterprises.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Virgilio Galvez

Managing Editor News Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Aytch dela Cruz

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Editor Online Editor

WORLD

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Japan PM dissolves parliament TOKYO -— Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dissolved parliament on Wednesday ahead of October 27 snap elections, banking on his honeymoon popularity and a fragmented opposition to lead his scandal-tainted party to victory.

Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades -- albeit with frequent leader changes -- and is almost certain to be re-elected.

But Ishiba, named prime minister just last week, wants to shore up his mandate to push through policies that include beefing up spending on defence as well as on poorer regions hit by Japan’s demographic crisis.

“We want to face this election fairly and sincerely, so as for this government to obtain (public) trust,” Ishiba told reporters on Wednesday.

Later the speaker of parliament read out a letter from the prime minister with the emperor’s seal, formally dissolving parliament as lawmakers shouted the traditional rallying cry of “banzai”. AFP

WELCOME DANCE. Dancers perform onstage during the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits in

Vientiane. AFP

Pyongyang to ‘permanently’ shut down border with Seoul Manila

Standard

TODAY

S

EOUL — North Korea’s army said on Wednesday it was moving to “permanently shut off and block the southern border” with the South and had informed the US military to prevent an accidental clash.

Pyongyang said in a statement it would “cut off roads and railways” that might have made travel between the two Koreas possible.

However, it was largely a symbolic gesture because cross-border exchanges and travel between North and South Korea have been halted for years.

Inter-Korean relations are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang closing agencies dedicated to reunification and declaring South Korea its “principal enemy”.

Some analysts thought the announcement could be a potential first step towards more serious action, such as amending the North’s constitution to declare a new maritime border south of the current de facto line.

The nuclear-armed North had been expected to scrap a landmark inter-Korean agreement signed in 1991 at a key parliamentary meeting that ended on Tuesday, part of leader Kim Jong Un’s drive to officially define the South as an

enemy state.

However, state media made no mention of such action in a report on Wednesday announcing a new defence chief.

The army said hours later it planned “a substantial military step” that would “completely cut off roads and railways connected to the ROK (South Korea) and fortify the relevant areas of our side with strong defence structures”.

It said it had sent a telephone message to US forces to “prevent any misjudgement and accidental conflict”.

The border between the two Koreas is one of the most heavily militarised in the world, although it failed to prevent a North Korean from crossing to the South in August.

Seoul said in July that Pyongyang

Notice is hereby given for the settlement of the Estate of PACITA I. HABANA (“Decedent”) who died on 17 August 2016 without any will or testament and without any debts. The Decedent left four (4) parcels of land in Davao City. The foregoing properties are subject of a Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement executed by the exclusive heirs, and notarized by Attorney Marius Czar A. Tubog, a Manila notary public for and in Makati City last 09 May TODAY 2023, with Document No. 323, Page No. 64, Book No. I, Series of 2023.

Notice is hereby given to the public that the Consolidated of Extra Judicial Settlement of Estates of Spouses Gerardo G. Ledonio and Emma Y. AloLedonio has been executed by and among their heirs, namely: Maria Esperanza LedonioAurelio and Gerardo A. Ledonio III, as per Doc. No. 394; Page No. 80; Book No. 52; Series of 2024 of the Notarial Register/ Book of Atty. Rodrigo S. De Real, Jr., Notary Public for and in the City of Makati.

(MS-OCT. 10/17/24, 2024)

(MS-OCT. 3, 10 & 17 2024)

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NOTICE OF CONSOLIDATED EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATES OF SPOUSES GERARDO G. LEDONIO AND EMMA Y. ALO-LEDONIO

Position:

Project Manager

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IBM Plaza, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Roles & Responsibilities ● The primary duties of a project manager include defining project scopes, planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. They begin by developing a detailed project plan as a roadmap, detailing the timelines and resources needed. Throughout the project lifecycle, they monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the project remains on track. ● Communication is a key aspect of their role, Effective communication is a cornerstone of project management. Project managers regularly communicate with all stakeholders, including clients, team members, and higher management, to ensure everyone is informed and engaged. This includes preparing status reports, conducting meetings, and being the point of contact for any inquiries related to the project. as they must keep all stakeholders informed and engaged, resolve issues, and ensure that the team remains motivated. Also, they are responsible for maintaining project documentation and handling compliance or regulatory issues. By managing these tasks, project managers strive to optimize the outcome and maximize the value delivered through the project. ● Project managers should assess potential threats to the project’s success and implement risk management plans to minimize impact. This proactive approach helps avoid delays and ensures smooth project execution Responsibilities include but not limited to: ● The project manager should Liaise with project stakeholders about deliverables ● Maintains standards and monitors project scope and quality requirements ● Assist in the planning and implementation of new projects ● Help coordinate and manage project tasks and deliverables ● Identifying potential risks and preparing mitigation strategies is another critical responsibility. ● Well-versed in data analysis ● Conduct administrative duties, such as setting up meetings, drafting invoices, and drawing estimates ● Track and report on project progress ● Create & manage project plans, define project schedules, allocate resources, and monitor progress ● Align project objectives with company goals, and make sure the project team is clear on objectives ● Maintain and Manage all Project Documentation ● Work on multiple projects within the company’s project portfolio simultaneously ● Works with key stakeholders to understand the business needs, and creates a project management plan that aligns with the company’s strategic objectives ● Oversees strategic plan, monitoring, and adapting as needed ● Monitors production and quality to customer and stakeholder ● Reports on project progress offer viable solutions and opportunities as they arise

had spent months laying landmines and erecting barriers, turning the area into a wasteland.

The South Korean military said a month earlier North Korean soldiers had suffered “multiple casualties” from landmine explosions in the area.

Seoul’s spy agency also said in June it had detected signs that North Korea was demolishing sections of a railway line connecting the two Koreas.

That demolition was “seemingly with the intention of completely severing its connection to the South”, Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. Yang described Wednesday’s statement from the North as “official confirmation”. AFP

Taiwan becoming more hostile, Beijing says

LEGAL NOTICE

ELECTION DAY. Polling station officers set up a voting booth at a polling station at a school in Munhava in Beira on October 9 before the polls open for Mozambique’s national election. AFP

Nepali teen becomes youngest to climb world’s 14 summits KATHMANDU — An 18-year-old Nepali mountaineer on Wednesday broke the record for the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, his team said.

Nima Rinji Sherpa reached the summit of Tibet’s 8,027-metre-high (26,335 feet) Shisha Pangma on Wednesday morning, completing his mission to stand on the world’s highest peaks.

“He reached the summit this morning. He had trained well and I was confident he would do it,” his father Tashi Sherpa told AFP. Summiting all 14 “eight-thousanders” is considered the peak of mountaineering aspirations. Climbers cross “death zones” where there is not enough oxygen in the air to sustain human life for long periods.

“This summit is not just the culmination of my personal journey, but a tribute to every Sherpa who has ever dared to dream beyond the traditional boundaries set for us,”

Sherpa said in a statement.

“Mountaineering is more than labour, it is a testament to our strength, resilience and passion.”

Sherpa is no stranger to the mountains, hailing from a family of record-holding mountaineers, who also now run Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company.

The record was previously held by another Nepali climber, Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa. He achieved it in 2019, at the age of 30.

Nima Rinji Sherpa, who already holds multiple records from his ascents of dozens of peaks, started high-altitude climbing at the age of 16, by climbing Mount Manaslu in August 2022.

By June this year, he had climbed his 13th mountain, Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest.

“This is a proud moment for our country,” Nima Nuru Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, told AFP. AFP

IN BRIEF

1 HEADI

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Brazilian nun wins UN refugee award GENEVA — Brazilian nun Sister Rosita Milesi on Wednesday won the United Nations refugee agency’s Nansen Award for decades of work championing the rights of migrants and refugees.

Milesi, 79, has helped thousands of people to access legal documents, shelter, food, health care, language training and the labour market in Brazil over 40 years, the UNHCR said in a statement.

“I decided to dedicate myself to migrants and refugees. I’m inspired by the growing need to help, to welcome, and to integrate refugees,” Milesi said in the statement.

“I’m not afraid to act, even if we don’t achieve everything we want to. If I take something on, I will turn the world upside down to make it happen.”

The Roman Catholic nun directs the Migration and Human Rights Institute, a frontline humanitarian agency.

The UNHCR highlighted her work as a lawyer, saying it had been “instrumental” in shaping public policy -- notably Brazil’s 1997 refugee law, which helped to improve refugee rights, in line with international standards. AFP

France arrests ‘Mocro Maffia’ gang member

PARIS — French police have arrested a leading member of the so-called Mocro Maffia, a cocaine-dealing gang operating mostly out of Belgium and the Netherlands, a gendarme source said Wednesday.

The suspect, around 30 years old and a Moroccan national, has been the target of an international arrest warrant issued by the Netherlands.

He was detained Tuesday afternoon by BEIJING — China has accused Taiwanmembers of gendarme eliteBLACK unit GIGN as ese President Lai Ching-te of escalating CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW he exited a restaurant in the 18th district “hostility” and pursuing independence, of Paris. The arrest happened without inas the self-ruled island prepares to celcident. ebrate its National Day. The organisation with the Dutch-lanChina, which split with Taiwan at the guage nickname Mocro Maffia -- a refend of a civil war in 1949, regards the erence to the group’s Moroccan origins island as part of its territory that must -- is suspected of distributing cocaine eventually be reunified, by force if necand synthetic drugs across Europe from essary. its bases in the Netherlands and Belgium, Lai, who took power in May after his and of having close links to the Latin Democratic Progressive Party won a American drug trade. record third term, has been a vocal deThey are also believed to be involved fender of Taiwan’s sovereignty, angerin a number of murders. ing Beijing.

Investigators consider the suspect detained Tuesday to be a key member of Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for a the Mocro Maffia. He is wanted on susChinese body in charge of Taiwan afpicion of drug dealing and the production fairs, said Lai had “recycled the ‘Taiwan of synthetic drugs. independence’ fallacy once again” and He is to be taken before a judge with exposed “his malicious intent to escaa view to extraditing him to the Netherlate hostility and confrontation”. lands, a source close to the case said. AFP Zhu’s remarks, reported by state me-

dia late Tuesday, were in response to Lai saying it was “impossible” for China to be the “motherland” of Taiwan.

“One of the most important meanings of these celebrations is that we must remember that we are a sovereign and independent country, and we must always cherish and love our country,” Lai said Saturday ahead of Taiwan’s National Day. Three members of the US Congress will be among the foreign guests in attendance when Lai delivers his National Day speech on Thursday, which will likely touch on the island’s China policies.

China’s defence spokesman Wu Qian said Wednesday that the United States was “adding fuel to the fire on the Taiwan issue” by providing arms to Taipei, and “pushing Taiwan step by step into a dangerous situation of war.”

Taiwan was on alert for Chinese military drills near the island on National Day after observing “some maritime deployments”, a senior security official told AFP on Wednesday. AFP

Experts piece together silent Holmes mystery BERKHAMSTED, UK — Sherlock Holmes fans are being promised a most authentic depiction of the fictional detective, with the restoration of a century-old silent film series chronicling the London sleuth’s adventures.

Audiences will be treated to a first glimpse of the restored works from the early 1920s next week at a London Film Festival screening, accompanied by a newly commissioned live score from Royal Academy of Music performers.

The October 16 premiere of just three of the short films, in what is being called “Silent Sherlock: Three Classic Cases”, will take place in the Victorian-era grandeur of the Alexandra Palace Theatre in north London.

A wider release on DVD and Blu-Ray, and encompassing an international tour, will then follow, with the British Film Institute (BFI) restoration team excited to unveil its years-long efforts. AFP

SPORTS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

Nueva Ecija, Pampanga rip playoff foes DEFENDING champion Pampanga battered Abra, 79-64, on Tuesday in Game 1 of their North Division quarterfinal playoff in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the jampacked Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Shrugging off a shaky start following a 23-day break, the Justine Baltazar-powered Giant Lanterns took control at halftime, 40-26, and never yielded it back to move within a win of advancing to the semifinal round of the two-division tournament that started with 29 teams in the roundrobin elimination phase.

Showing why he’s the reigning MVP, Baltazar tallied game-highs 24 points and 16 rebounds to go with 7 assists and 2 blocks to run away with the Daily Fantasy best player honors over Archie Concepcion and MJ Garcia.

Concepcion posted 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while Garcia chalked 10 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals to help the Giant Lanterns extend their hot streak to 12 at their homecourt.

Rosal, Laurel shine in Highlands Ladies Cup

Shown here are (from left) business manager Rick Navalta, boxer Charlie Suarez, coach Delfin Boholst and associate manager Arnold Vegafria.

Suarez may wait until 2025 for clash with WBO champ

By Peter Atencio

N

EGOTIATIONS continue for Charlie Suarez’s title shot against World Boxing Organization super featherweight title holder Emmanuel Navarrete of Mexico.

Justine Baltazar dominant for the Giant Lanterns

Led by Baltazar and Brandon Ramirez, who notched 8 points and 10 rebounds, the Giant Lanterns controlled the boards, 54-44, and decisively outscored the Weavers, 58-34, inside the paint.

Pampanga coach Gov. Dennis Pineda said his wards struggled to get their rhythm as they didn’t play for three weeks after securing the No. 2 spot behind the San Juan Knights in the North Division.

But once the Giant Lanterns hit their stride, they left the Weavers behind by as far as 67-46 early in the fourth quarter.

Pineda said they have a lot to work on, especially their 3-point, converting only 1 of 10 attempts, and free throw shooting, making only 14 of 28 tries, if they are to cut short the best-of-three series on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Abra, the No. 7 North qualifier, got 20 points and 4 rebounds from Wendelino Comboy, 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists from Ryan Batino, 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals from Roi Sumang and 8 points plus 10 rebounds from Jeepy Faundo.

Earlier, Nueva Ecija subdued Pasay, 81-72, in the opener of their quarterfinal playoff and likewise move on the verge of advancing to the semifinal round.

But for now, there’s a scheduled rematch between Navarrete and challenger Oscar Valdez on Dec. 7.

Because the fight has been ordered by the WBO as a “title consolidation,” Suarez will have to wait for changes that may happen before the fight.

With this, the 36-year-old Suarez will have settle for a February-March date next year before possibly meeting Navarrete in Manila. He must slug it out with another fighter, who is in the top 5 of the WBO super featherweight rankings.

Rick Navalta, Suarez’s chief negotiator for the the champ’s next match, said this as the Mexican plunged into serious training this week.

“It’s still in negotiation. You have to prepare, you have to

propose,” said Navalta, following a presentation on Wednesday afternoon at the Pandan Asian Café in Quezon City, with Arnold Vegafria, one of Suarez’s managers and supporters.

Suarez is seeking a match with Navarrete, following his successful technical knockout victory over Jorge Castaneda last Sept. 20.

Castaneda became Suarez’s opponent at that time when Andres Cortez backed out of their scheduled 10-round fight.

This improved Suarez’s record to 18 wins, with 11 knockouts.

“Target naming kalabanin si Navarrete, pero may laban siya sa Dec. 7 kay Valdez. Pero, marami pang pagbabago ang puwedeng mangyari,” said Suarez’s coach Delfin Boholst.

Navarrete remained as the WBO

super featherweight title contender, despite losing in a move up to lightweight division against Denys Berinchyk on May 18.

Valdez holds the interim WBO title, after stopping Liam Wilson to gain that title on Mar. 29.

Navarrete has a 38-2-1, win-lossdraw slate with 31 KOs, while Valdez totes a 32-2, 24 KO mark after they fought on Aug. 2023.

It was Navarrete who won that fight via unanimous decision.

Since that fight, Navarrete drew with Robson Conceicao before deciding to move up in weight and lost to Denis Berinchyk.

Navalta said Suarez can be a replacement fighter if either one of Navarrete and Valdez gets injured.

If not, they will seek a fight with any of the top 5 WBO superfeatherweight contenders.

The contenders include Albert Bell, Cortez, Filipino bet Mark Magsayo and Liam Wilson.

If the clash with Navarrete pushes through with their negotiations with Top Rank, it may happen at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

NATIONAL coach Abe Rosal carded a 71 to capture the low gross trophy, while Matt Laurel took the low net honors with a 68 in a thrilling weekend of competition at the Highlands Ladies Cup at the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club.

Laurel, playing off a 21-handicap, showcased his remarkable skill in hot, windy conditions, highlighting his round with an eagle as he secured his victory via countback, wrapping up a fun-filled day of golf played under the System 36 format, spanning the Midlands and Lucky 9 courses.

In the ladies’ division, Eden Chipman fired a gross 80, which included two birdies, to secure a net 71 and claim the Division I title. She won through countback over Edelwisa Tolentino, who posted a similar net 71 from a gross 93.

Chipman also won the award for the most accurate drive on Hole 11, with her ball stopping just an inch from the target.

The annual Highlands Ladies Cup, now in its 16th edition, was supported

by Diamond sponsors W Group, Inc., and Willy Ocier/Jim Weaver. Platinum partners included Powerball Gaming and Entertainment Corp., Parola Maritime Agency Corp., Security Bank, and EastWest Bank.

In the Division II ladies’ category, Jeremy Jun emerged as the champion with a net 72 from a gross 92, edging out Karen Torrevillas, who finished with a gross 103 for a net 74. In Division III, Nella Fornier triumphed with a net 77 from a gross 110, beating Jessica Lim, who ended with a net 79 from a gross 109.

The tournament was graced by Alex and Marixi Prieto, founding chairpersons of Team Highlands Ladies, and Rosalind Wee, the team’s president for the past 18 years.

In the men’s categor y, Renie Paz captured the Division I title with a net 68 from a gross 73, nar rowly beating Robert Sean Ty, who also posted a net 68 from a gross 74, via countback.

Benjie Villacorte claimed the Division II title with a net 71 from a gross 90, besting celebrity and awards host Ariel Rivera, who recorded a gross 92 for a net 71. In Division III, Juan Carlos Reyes claimed the title with a net 72 from a gross 104, edging out Joel Abad, who finished with a gross 97 for a net 73.

Concepcion holds sway with 67 vs. strong challenge Fidel Concepcion Manny Marcelo

ILOILO—Fidel Concepcion showcased his readiness for the bigger stage, firing a gritty 67 under challenging windy conditions to fend off a field of seasoned contenders and maintain his two-stroke lead halfway through the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge at the Iloiloa Golf and Country Club here on Wednesday.

But two superb rounds are just the beginning for a potential champion.

Concepcion faces a tough field of past winners, all eager to challenge his lead and the road to his first victory in the Philippine Golf Tour after four years of close calls will demand more than momentum.

“I have a pretty solid game plan, and I’ll stick to it,” said the confident 28-year-old, who posted a nine-under 131 total, two strokes ahead of Za-

nieboy Gialon, who delivered a sizzling six-under 30 on the front nine for a 64 and a 133 aggregate.

Another strong contender, Jhonnel Ababa, also charged up the leaderboard.

His front-nine 31, capped by a 10-foot eagle on the par-4 sixth, earned him a tournament-best 63, placing him just three strokes behind Concepcion at 134.

Reymon Jaraula, Tony Lascuña and Guido van der Valk shared fourth place at 135, with Jaraula losing ground after a bogey on the eighth hole for a 68, the same output put in

by Lascuña, while van der Valk salvaged a 70 to stay in the hunt.

Despite the looming pressure from experienced competitors, Concepcion remains undeterred as he eyes a strong performance on Thursday’s moving day, seeking to edge closer to his breakthrough

win in the P2.5 million event organized

by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “I’ll give it my best shot,” he said.

Concepcion is no stranger to highpressure situations. He had a similar lead at the Riviera Championship in 2022 but faltered with a final-round 80, finishing eighth. This time, he is determined to avoid a repeat, especially after overcoming early challenges from both the conditions and his putting.

Three straight birdies from the fourth hole helped him regain control and keep his title hopes alive.

“The key difference was my putting,” said Concepcion of his round following a lead-grabbing 64 on Tuesday. “I holed more putts yesterday.

Today, the wind was stronger, and I had to make adjustments with my club selections.”

Cash prizes, scholarships up for grabs in Estudyante Esports’ nationwide VALORANT Campus League REINFORCING their commitment to elevating the competitive gaming and esports scene for local grassroots gaming communities in the country, Riot Games Philippines today announced that VALORANT has partnered with Estudyante Esports in support of their nationwide campus league. In addition to a cash prize pool, VALORANT will also be covering one full semester of tuition for the winning school team–amounting to a combined prize value of nearly P1 million.

Organized by Dark League Studios–the official tournament partner of the recently concluded University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Esports tournament–and poised to be the biggest campus esports event in the country, the Estudyante Esports campus league welcomes gamers from colleges and universities nationwide. The tournament includes teams hailing from schools from the UAAP and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and will feature popular game titles including Riot Games’ VAL-

ORANT and League of Legends (LoL).

Exclusive to Estudyante Esports’ VALORANT competition, Riot Games Philippines sweetens the cash prize pot with a scholarship up for grabs. The champion team will receive Php 250,000 cash prize, and the grand finals’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) will bring home P20,000.

The tournament’s first runner-up will receive P100,000, and both the champion’s and runner-up’s school/campus esports organizations will receive cash support of P80,000 and P50,000, respectively.

Additionally, all members of the VALORANT champion team will be recognized as EE-Scholar Agents, each receiving a scholarship for one full-semester in their respective schools, courtesy of VALORANT. “Investing in the grassroots competitive gaming scene is one of the many initiatives we’re taking to discover, hone, and nurture the next generation of VALORANT talents,” said Jason Roberto, Brand Manager for VALORANT at Riot Games Philippines. “We rec-

The Estudyante Esports campus league welcomes gamers from colleges and universities nationwide

ognize that students are among the most active members of gaming communities in the country.

Championing esports at the collegiate level, thus, enables us to empower the young minds and talents of this generation. We want them to realize

that common criticisms such as “kaka-computer mo ‘yan” or “kaka-VALORANT mo ‘yan” can bring in something beneficial in real life, such as financial rewards and even scholarships to support their education,” he added.

SPORTS

A8 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Coaches Tiu, Escueta see tougher wars in 2nd round

Ernest John Obiena (right) says he deeply respects fellow Olympian Carlos Yulo (left): “He is a great champion for our country and I applaud him. I am proud of him. I am thankful for the glory he has brought our country.”

EJ Obiena reaffirms support, respect for Yulo: He’s a friend

By Peter Atencio

E

RNEST John Obiena, one of the world top pole vaulters, remains a friend and staunch supporter of Paris Olympics’ double gold medallist Carlos Yulo.

The 28-year-old Obiena cleared the air following misleading stories about him and Yulo, his fellow Tokyo and Paris Olympian.

“I am friends with Caloy and have been for many years. And for decades to come. I don’t compete with my friend Caloy and I deeply respect him. He is a great champion for our

country and I applaud him. I am proud of him. I am thankful for the glory he has brought our country,” said Obiena in a statement on social media.

Obiena saw action in the Paris games and landed in fourth place, an improvement from his 11th ranking in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Yulo made history by winning two gold medals, when he topped both the floor exercise and vault in men’s gymnastics of the Paris games.

Hurtful comments and messages by fans have been posted about Obiena and Yulo, comparing their family lives and accomplishments.

Netizens on social media have been digging into Yulo’s estranged relationship with his family, particularly his mother Angelica, and the supportive family dynamics surrounding Obiena.

“Because I embrace these values, I never comment on someone else’s personal life. I have never made a single comment regarding Caloy’s

private life and I never shall. Any assertion otherwise is outright libel. I know when to keep my mouth shut; and when it comes to anyone’s private life, this is one of those times,” added Obiena.

Obiena added: “I don’t comment on my private life and I certainly don’t want outsiders commenting on it. That’s why it’s called ‘private life’.

It’s personal. It’s nobody else’s business.”

Asia’s top pole vaulter, who is taking a break from training to rest from a back injury, is now in Formia, Italy.

He will resume preparing for international meets by November, if all goes well.

National Academy of Sports gets boost THERE is a chance that Paris Olympics’ double gold medallist Carlos Yulo will share his knowledge with student-athletes at the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in Capas, Tarlac.

The 24-year-old Yulo expressed this desire on Monday during a visit at the NAS with Department of Education secretary Sonny Angara and ceremonial turnover of donations from Jollibee Foods Corporation.

“I would love to visit and do training camps with the students. I can also do cross-training in different sports because I need that experience as an athlete,” said Yulo.

The Olympian also talked to Angara about his outlook, after JFC also turned over P5 million-worth of donations to NAS, for improvement of their infrastructure and equipment.

Angara discussed Yulo’s experiences when he competed in the Palarong Pambansa and his plans to help aspiring athletes during a tour of the facility.

“Thank you very much to Jollibee for the care. Ang Jollibee po ang kaunaunahang galing sa pribadong sektor na nag-alay o nagbigay ng donasyon dito sa NAS,” said Secretary Angara.

NAS executive director Josephine Joy Reyes said they are happy with the donations that they have received, which is a first, coming from the private sector.

“It is probably because of the hype of the Olympics. Since we are mandated to produce world-class athletes, I think that became the inspiration of Jollibee to help NAS since this is the home of future champions, the home of future Olympians,” said Reyes.

Ferns Yu, Jollibee Foods Corpora-

Shown here are (from left) Jollibee vice president and head of marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching; Olympian Carlos Yulo; NAS executive director Josephine Joy Reyes; and education secretary Sonny Angara.

tion president, was also around during the turnover ceremonies.

“Jollibee has always been an advocate of Pinoy Pride. In honor of the historic feat of the Team Phil-

ippines during the Paris Olympics, we are boosting our efforts in helping build the next generation of world class Pinoys,” said Yu in a statement. Peter Atencio

Backside blitz propels Ababa to top in ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge

Sarah Ababa Manny Marcelo

ILOILO—Sarah Ababa edged closer to clinching her second Ladies Philippine Golf Tour victory this season with a blistering two-under 68, pulling ahead of erstwhile co-leader Chihiro Ikeda after 36 holes in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge here on Wednesday.

The Davaoeña veteran delivered her round in spectacular style. Despite starting one stroke behind a group of four leaders on another sweltering day at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, she faced an early setback with a double bogey on the second hole.

However, Ababa’s experience and determination shone through as she recovered with a birdie on the par-3 fifth hole.

While many of her competitors faltered on the challenging back nine of the par-70 course, Ababa stayed composed and hit consecutive birdies from No. 12, followed by another on the last hole to cap off a solid back nine of 31.

This pushed her to a 141 aggregate, just a stroke ahead of Ikeda, who matched par 70 for a 142.

Ababa’s form has been elusive in recent LPGT tournaments, but she now looks in control while eyeing a follow-up to her two-stroke victory over Mafy Singson at Apo last March.

The turning point for Ababa came on the greens, crediting her father, former Tour player Edgar, who

served as her caddie.

While acknowledging that his presence adds pressure, she emphasized that it also helped her focus.

“My putting clicked, and I played more relaxed with my father on the bag,” said Ababa in Filipino.

“There’s pressure when I miss shots or putts because he gets upset, but I turned that into a positive by improving on my mistakes.”

Heading into the final round against Ikeda and Princess Superal, Ababa isn’t concerned about her flightmates.

“I’m not thinking about who I’m paired with. I’ll just enjoy it and stick to our game plan,” said Ababa, who finished third at Forest Hills after struggling to joint ninth at Splendido Taal.

Meanwhile, Ikeda, who co-led after the first round alongside Mikha Fortuna, Gretchen Villacencio and Chanelle Avaricio, salvaged a 70 despite a bogey on the 14th and remained optimistic about her chances to break her title drought, which has lingered for some time.

“I’ll just need to play steady tomorrow and hopefully go under par,” said Ikeda, noting that her iron play and putting have kept her in contention in the 54-hole P1 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

IF the first round of the NCAA Season 100 Basketball was tough, expect it to be tougher in the last round of the double-round elimination.

This was basically the expectation of both coaches Charles Tiu of College of St. Benilde and Yuri Escueta of San Beda, whose respective squads have emerged the top two finishers of the just concluded opening round.

“I still think it’s very shaky to be honest, I would have wanted to end with one or zero losses if possible. We were there every game even our losses medyo nag collapse lang kami in the end,” said Tiu, whose Blazers ended up with the best record in the first half of the elims with a 7-2 card.

“We could have been easdily 9-0 but its part of basketball.”

“Wala pa kami na accompish so we have to make sure to stay sharp in the second round when it matters,” he added.

“Marami pa kaming dapat ayusin but we’re getting there and hopefully after nine games, naka adjust na sa NCAA type of game and atmosphere,” Escueta, for his part, said after his Lions took the No. 2 seed after finishing tied for it with Mapua and Letran with 6-3 slates.

Based on the results, there was no doubt that anybody can beat anybody.

Even CSB and San Beda felt the brunt of scary parity the league is now experiencing with both losing to vastly improved Arellano U, a team near the bottom of the standings with a 3-6 card.

Even the last-placed team, San Sebastian, pulled off its only two victories at the expense of Final Four contenders Letran (6-3) and Lyceum of the Philippines U (4-5).

That is why EAC mentor Jerson Cabiltes, whose squad owns a 4-5 mark including a giant-sized win over San Beda, the defending champion, is feeling confident they’re still in the hunt.

“This win was really important for us because it gave us a fighting chance, said Cabiltes referring to its 97-80 win over SSC-R Tuesday.

It’s basically the same with the rest of the field going into the second round tentatively set to start Friday.

Padres edge Dodgers, Mets on the brink LOS ANGELES—The San Diego Padres sent the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink of postseason elimination with a 6-5 victory in a roller-coaster Major League Baseball playoff clash on Tuesday.

A wild game at an electric Petco Park saw Los Angeles take a firstinning lead through a Mookie Betts solo home run before the Padres punished multiple Dodgers fielding blunders to erupt for six runs in the second inning.

The Dodgers recovered from that second inning disaster to get within one run after Teoscar Hernandez blasted a towering grand slam off Padres starter Michael King to make it 6-5 in the top of the third.

But after that early frenzy of scoring, the Padres pitching unit took over and closed out a win, which gives them the chance to seal victory in the best-offive National League Division Series in game four on Wednesday.

The Padres, who blitzed the Dodgers 10-2 in an ill-tempered game two on Sunday, once again turned on the offensive power early on.

Fernando Tatis Jr’s two-run home run off Walker Buehler completed a second inning catastrophe for the Dodgers, who squandered the opportunity to take early outs through fielding mistakes from Freddie Freeman and Miguel Rojas.

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani— the home run hero of his team’s game one victory—once again struggled to make an impression on the Padres pitching, finishing with just one hit from four at bats. AFP

BUSINESS

B1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

MEDICAL MILESTONE.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Elmer Jose Meceda of the UERM Medical Center performs country’s first endoscopic spine surgery for cancer in the base of the spine. Dr. Meceda successfully removed a 5-centimeter malignant right sacral bone tumor of 68-year-old Ligaya Aglipay, a former barangay nutrition scholar from Isabela.

The milestone underscores UERM Medical Center’s healthcare excellence from its top-notch service and experienced medical professionals capable of handling complex cases.

3.3% Inflation forecast for 2024

2.9% Inflation forecast for 2025

3.3% Inflation forecast for 2026

WHAT’S INSIDE?

SEC approves Top Line’s IPO

B2

Bangko Sentral affirms monetary easing plan

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Bangko Sental ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday it expects a gradual relaxation of monetary policy as inflation rate remains within the target range.

“With inflation now on a targetconsistent path, we have room for a calibrated shift to a less restrictive monetary policy stance,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona said in an interview with Global Finance

magazine.

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

“The cut in rates in August was driven by our projections of inflation and growth based on the latest data on domestic conditions. The timing of the FOMC’s actions did not play much of a role in our decision,” Remolona, who earned an “A–” grade in the magazine’s 2024 Central Banker Report Cards, said.

“In fact, about two months before our latest policy rate cut, our forward

guidance already indicated that we expected to shift to a less hawkish monetary stance. I also mentioned during an economic forum in early July that the BSP did not need to wait for the US Fed to cut rates before we do,” he said.

Remolona said the rate cut in August came amid a favorable inflation outlook.

“A key factor to this is the recent Executive Order lowering the tariff on rice imports. Rice is the staple in Filipino households, and so changes in rice prices have considerable impact on overall inflation. In addition, core inflation has continued to ease, with a September reading of 1.9 percent,” Remolona said.

B3

PH secures Korean fund for infra projects

B4

Candidates told to respect IP rights during campaign

SC rules in favor of Gloria Maris in trademark dispute THE Supreme Court ruled that the registration of the Gloria Maris trademark under one of the company’s incorporators was unlawful.

The Supreme Court’s Third Division, in a decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, ordered the cancellation of the certificates of registration over the Gloria Maris trademark, consisting of the words “Gloria Maris” with a shark’s fin enclosed in a plate of an irregular shape (Gloria Maris trademark), in the name of Pacifico Lim. Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant Inc. was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1994 with five incorporators, including Lim. Court records showed that Gloria Maris’ board of directors entrusted Lim with registering the Gloria Maris trademark with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The board later discovered that the Gloria Maris trademark was registered with the IPO only in 2005 and in Lim’s name, not Gloria Maris’.

Lim had also franchised the concept of Gloria Maris restaurant to several companies.

The Supreme Court held that a trademark registered in bad faith may be canceled for being unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code. Thus, it ordered the cancellation of Lim’s registration over the trademark.

DA to blacklist 5 more agri importers

By Othel V. Campos

AI READY. The ASEAN Foundation, with support from Google.org, launches the AI Ready ASEAN initiative at the AI Opportunity Southeast Asia Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia on Oct. 3, 2024. Supported by a $5-million cash grant from Google.org, the ASEAN Foundation will implement AI Ready ASEAN over the next 2.5 years, aiming to equip 5.5 million ASEAN citizens with essential AI skills. Roy Tomandao

Therma Visayas seeks contractors for Toledo plant

By Alena Mae S. Flores KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia— Therma Visayas Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., is in talks with contractors to build and complete its planned 150-megawatt coal expansion project in Toledo, Cebu by end-2027.

Aboitiz Power Thermal Group chief operating officer Ronaldo Ramos said at the sidelines of Enlist Asia 2024 Conference and Exhibition here that talks were ongoing with possible contractors who could meet the operational deadline of the power plant.

“We’re looking at before the end of 2027. [It will be] operational already,” Ramos said, adding that demand in Visayas would rise by 2027.

“So we want to be able to serve the grid. If we get delayed, there will be a huge problem,” he said.

Ramos said negotiations with banks were also ongoing for the plant’s fund-raising activity which is targeted for the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Ramos said in a presentation in a panel discussion that “the right catalysts or triggers” to enable a just energy transition should

be considered for the Philippines.

He said the Philippine economy is poised to grow 6.2 percent next year, while energy demand is also seen increasing 6.6 percent annually, “These are some of the realities that my country faces when it comes to the energy transition. We haven’t solved the problems of energy security and affordability yet, but we feel the pressure to accelerate our decarbonization. Even when we contribute less than 1 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions,” Ramos said.

DBM: P1.5-t infra spending to support growth

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Manila Water Company Inc. is installing solar panels

at Manila Water’s East La Mesa Treatment Plant. The company is also installing solar power facilities at its San Juan Compound and Cardona Treatment Plant as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing decarbonization in its operations.

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday the government in spending P1.510 trillion in infrastructure development to sustain the growth of the Philippine economy.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), infrastructure outlays, which include the infrastructure components of the subsidy/equity to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and transfers to local government units (LGUs), has an allocation of P1.510 trillion, equivalent to 5.7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

“Infrastructure development remains a priority under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos. We have allocated P1.510 trillion for infrastructure outlays in this year’s national budget. This is consistent with our Medium-Term Fiscal Framework to achieve our growth targets, and is well within the National Government’s target for infrastructure spending at 5 to 6 percent of GDP,” Pangandaman said.

“This allocation is also higher by 13.5 percent compared to the FY 2023 GAA level of P1.330 trillion. This reflects our solid commitment to advance the Build, Better, More program,” she said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) asked political candidates running for the 2025 elections to respect intellectual property (IP) rights when preparing their promotional materials.

While the campaign period has yet to start next year, IPOPHL reminded candidates to seek permission from artists before using their works for campaign jingles, slogans and merchandise.

“Candidates’ respect for IP rights is a litmus test of their integrity and trustworthiness. Any voter would not want to see copyright owners and artists deprived of their rights,” said IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba.

Barba said political candidates who violate IP rights may face public backlash and copyright infringement lawsuits.

Under the IP Code of 1997, a derivative work, such as a campaign jingle or slogan, is considered a new work based on an existing copyrighted work.

Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) director Emerson Cuyo encouraged politicians and parties to contact IPOPHLaccredited collective management organizations (CMOs) to secure the right licenses for using copyrighted works.

CMOs like Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Inc. (FILSCAP), Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM), Independent Music Producers of the Philippines (IMPRO) and Sounds Recording Rights Society Inc. (SRRS) can facilitate negotiations and licensing arrangements for songs and music.

Cuyo also encouraged music artists to join the 2nd PhilippineInternational Copyright Summit (PICS) from Oct. 21 to 25, 2024.

BUSINESS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks pull back to 7,400 level as peso hits 57 a dollar THE Philippine stock market pulled back Wednesday as investors locked in on gains ahead of the release of latest inflation data from the United States.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company gauge, plunged by 112.73 points, or 1.50 percent, to close at 7,424.52. The broader all-shares index also declined by 44.05 points, or 1.08 percent, to settle at 4,033.36.

Analysts said investors turned cautious on concerns that the US Federal Reserve may delay aggressive rate cuts on strong US labor market and recent economic data.

The recent weakening of the peso against the dollar also caused some concerns to investors. The peso fell to 57.02 against the US dollar Wednesday from 56.90 Tuesday on concerns over rising crude prices in the Middle East.

“Philippine shares succumbed to profit-taking after briefly touching the 7,600 level as investors gear up for

the US CPI,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

Limlingan said investor enthusiasm waned as expectations grew that the Fed may slow down future rate cuts due to a robust labor market.

All indices ended in the red, led by holding firms, which declined 1.77 percent and mining and oil which dropped 1.71 percent.

Value turnover amounted to P5.09 billion, with 122 decliners versus 72 advancers.

Jollibee Foods Corp. bucked the market’s decline, rising by 0.66 percent to P274.80, while Security Bank dipped 4.51 percent to P91.

Meanwhile, stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong tumbled on another volatile day Wednesday after Beijing disappointed investors over a lack of fresh stimulus and scant detail on its plans for implementing a raft of measures already unveiled.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

DESLUDGING SERVICES. West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) is offering septic tank cleaning services to its residential and semi-business customers in October 2024 in select parts of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City, Valenzuela and Cavite province at no extra cost. Septic tank cleaning service normally costs around P4,700 per truck.

DoubleDragon raising P30b from bond issue over 3 years DOUBLEDRAGON Corp. said Wednesday it plans to raise P30 billion over the next three years from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds.

DoubleDragon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the creation of a P30-billion bond-shelf registration program to be issued in three or more tranches in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

The company is preparing an initial P5-billion retail bond offering in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The company expects to issue the retail bond offerings in at least three

tranches at 5 to 7-year tenors, given the downtrend in the local interest rates.

Rates are expected at around 8 percent per annum for the 2024 issuance, 7 percent for 2025 issuance and 6 percent for 2026 issuance.

“The pipeline capital-raising issuances at this stage of DoubleDragon’s growth is intended to further boost its financial position through further increasing its cash position,” DoubleDragon said.

DoubleDragon has built a significant hard asset portfolio, total-

ing 1.3 million square meters of completed gross floor area over the past 10 years since its listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange in April 2014.

DoubleDragon expects these assets to start generating steady revenue for the company by 2025, without needing major new investments.

The company is also expanding its hotel portfolio under the Hotel101 brand both here and abroad. Overseas, it secured properties in Japan, Spain and the United States for its hotel projects. Jenniffer B. Austria

CREC approves release of P1.22-b proceeds from IPO

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the initial public offering (IPO) of Top Line Business Development Corp., allowing the company to raise up to P3.16 billion.

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE board of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) approved the advance release of the proceeds from its initial public offering (IPO) amounting to P1.2228 billion.

CREC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Wednesday its board approved the advance release of the IPO process “to ramp up its pipeline development for solar energy plants.”

The company said it would use the proceeds for capital expenditures and pipeline development of solar plants, in line with CREC’s 1-gigawatt rollout target.

CREC expects the funds to be released after securing the necessary approvals and documentary requirements.

CREC earlier said around 800 megawatts of renewable energy (RE) projects were declared as energy proj-

SEC approves P3.16-b IPO of Top Line T

MAINTENANCE PROJECTS. Aboitiz Construction wins maintenance

contracts for AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), a geothermal company under Aboitiz Power Corp. and CEMEX Philippines, one of the leading cement producers in the country.

The three-year service agreement for APRI, which began in September 2024, involves routine and outage maintenance works at the Makban Geothermal Power Plant in Bay and Calauan, Laguna and Tiwi Geothermal Plant in Tiwi, Albay.

ects of national significance by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE presented the certificates of energy projects of national significance (CEPNS) to 13 CREC projects this month, which the company won under the Green Energy Auction Program 2 (GEAP-2) in July 2023.

The projects include 430MWac of ground mount solar and 362MWac of onshore wind developments in eight

provinces: Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

These projects are targeted for completion by 2024 to 2026.

CREC’s GEAP-2 projects are part of the company’s goal to build 5 gigawatts of clean energy capacity in five years.

CREC is the parent firm of the Philippine’s first renewable energy REIT, Citicore Energy REIT (CREIT).

The SEC en banc, during its Oct. 8 meeting, endorsed the registration statement of Top Line’s 3.683 billion common shares, subject to its compliance with remaining requirements.

It plans sell up to 3,683 billion common shares to the public, plus 368.31 million secondary shares from selling shareholders as part of an overallotment option. The company intends to sell the shares at a maximum price of P0.78 apiece.

The company said it would use the net proceeds from the primary share sale to construct fuel depots and service stations, acquire fuel tankers and trucks and cover working capital and general corporate needs.

The maiden share offering is scheduled from Nov. 6 to 12, with shares expected to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange’s main board on Nov. 22.

Investment & Capital Corp. of

the Philippines and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. are serving as joint lead underwriters and bookrunners for the offering.

Top Line, founded in 2017, is based in Cebu and primarily operates in commercial fuel trading throughout the Central Visayas region, running a retail network under the Light Fuels brand.

It is constructing five additional Light Fuels service stations and two Light Fuels Express stations in Metro Cebu and Cebu province.

The Light Fuels Express stations are meant to meet the needs of motorcycle riders and other lighter vehicles which are growing rapidly in terms of vehicle type usage in Metro Cebu.

Top Line will be the fourth company to list in the local bourse since the start of the year. The others are OceanaGold Philippines Inc., Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. and NexGen Energy Corp.

Law versus tobacco smuggling strangles other serious crimes SMUGGLING, or the illegal transportation of commodities, has punished consumers and society in general.

It deprives the government of its rightful revenue collections and leads, in the case of tobacco smuggling, to the funding of other global criminal syndicates.

The signing of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (AGES), or Republic Act (RA) 12022, into a law in late September by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will hopefully curb, if not eliminate, the smuggling of agricultural products, inlcuding tobacco, into the porous borders of the Philippines.

The new law imposes stiffer penalties against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural food products, including cartels.

It penalizes violators with higher fines and long jail terms and should instill fear in the minds of smugglers and hoarders, and force them to mend their ways, in the words of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. AGES treats smuggling and the hoarding of agricultural food products as economic sabotage when the value of goods exceed P10 million.

The law also elevated tobacco smuggling to the level of economic sabotage, effectively

recognizing the grave national harm it causes.

The severe penalties seek to dismantle syndicates, including terrorist networks that feed on the illegal trade.

The illicit tobacco trade has forced law enforcement agencies to stretch their already limited resources. Combating smuggling diverts attention and funding from other critical issues, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking, which are often linked to the same criminal networks. The new law will help reallocate resources by making it harder for these criminal groups to operate.

Many are not aware that the money spent on illegal tobacco often finds its way into the hands of criminal organizations and terrorist groups. Most consumers do not realize that their purchase of cheaper and smuggled tobacco directly contributes to the funding of these organized crime.

These profits fund not only smuggling operations but also other illicit activities, like drug trafficking, arms smuggling and corruption, making the fight against tobacco smuggling a fight against global organized crime.

Smuggling syndicates often operate across borders, using profits from illegal tobacco to support operations in other sectors, like human trafficking and weapons smuggling.

—“—

AGES is a critical step in cutting off the funding streams that power organized crimes ...

Japan Tobacco International, (JTI) a global tobacco company, is a staunch supporter of the law. JTI general manager John Freda said the AGES law would send a strong message to smugglers and their accomplices of the government’s serious commitment to address the worsening problem of illicit trade in tobacco.

“Now a law and once ready for full implementation by the mandated agencies, the government will have an additional potent weapon in its arsenal to wage war against smuggling syndicates,” Freda said.

“We are looking forward to its full implementation. The crime of tobacco smuggling is indeed an act of economic sabotage because, put simply, it robs the nation’s coffers. Not only does it deprive

government of much needed tax revenues but illegal trade cheats everyone: society, consumers and legitimate businesses,” he adds.

Freda considers cigarette smuggling a complex problem and not the victimless crime it is perceived to be. It impacts a raft of industries, sectors, agencies and livelihoods— from agriculture, tobacco farmers, tobaccogrowing local government units, retailers and consumers, to law enforcement units and revenue collection agencies.

Proceeds from illegal tobacco sales, according to Freda, often finance much larger criminal activities such as corruption, the smuggling of drugs and weapons, human trafficking and terrorism.

Consumers, thus, must recognize that purchasing illicit products fuels criminal activities that harm the nation.

AGES is a critical step in cutting off the funding streams that power organized crimes and terrorism. It strengthens the government’s ability to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies, ensuring cross-border crimes become more difficult to execute.

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

BUSINESS

B3 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

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Hedcor Inc. external relations supervisor for southern Mindanao Christer Torres (left) receives the ‘Champion for Indigenous Peoples’ award on behalf of the company from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI director Geroncio Aguio.

Hedcor received the award during the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day for its outstanding support to IP communities in the Davao Region.

DA to revoke licenses of 5 agri importers

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) is poised to revoke the import licenses of five more agricultural food importers after it blacklisted three importers over illegal trade activities.

NCIP lauds Hedcor as indigenous people champion

“We will not tolerate these importers’ illegal practices that undermine government revenues and put public health at risk. It’s our duty to protect our farmers and Filipino consumers,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) blacklisted LVM Grains Enterprises on May 21, 2024 for importing milled rice, cashew nuts and coffee without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.

Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading were also blacklisted for illegally importing onions and oranges, the DA said.

Meanwhile, the import licenses of five other firms were suspended pending revocation on alleged misdeclaration, illegal importation and anti-competitive trade

practices.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is leading the prosecution of the companies accused of engaging in anti-competitive trade activities.

“We will withhold the identities of these five importers because their cases are still pending. Until the cases are resolved, they cannot transact with BPI,” said BPI director Gerald Glenn Panganiban.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law in September 2024 a measure classifying smuggling, hoarding and cartel operations involving agricultural products as economic sabotage.

The law imposes stiffer fines and longer jail terms for violators.

Under the law, smuggling and hoarding of agricultural products are considered economic sabotage when the value of goods exceeds P10 million.

ABOITIZ Power Corporation (AboitizPower) subsidiary Hedcor Inc. was named “Champion for Indigenous Peoples” by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI for its outstanding support to IP communities in the Davao Region.

Given during the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the award recognizes Hedcor’s efforts in building strong and lasting relationships with IPs; its work in protecting the environment; and its efforts in helping keep cultural traditions alive.

“We recognize Hedcor for its unwavering dedication to the indigenous peoples of the Davao Region. Their consistent efforts in uplifting the lives

of IP communities, while respecting and preserving their cultural heritage, truly set a standard for corporate responsibility,” said NCIP Region XI director Geroncio Aguio.

“Our relationship with the IPs has grown stronger through years of working together and respecting each other. We greatly value this partnership, recognizing its vital role in fostering the growth and well-being of their communities,” said Hedcor president and chief operating officer Rolando Pacquiao.

Hedcor allocated IP shares worth over P5 million to various communities in Davao del Sur, covering the 2023 period.

The funds will benefit key groups such

DA bans importation of FMD-susceptible animals from Turkey

DTI, UAE renewable energy firm Masdar exploring energy investments

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday it temporarily banned the importation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)susceptible animals and by-products from Turkey to safeguard the Philippines’ livestock industry from the virus.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order (MO) 42 on Oct. 4, 2024, imposing the import ban following Türkey’s report of an FMD outbreak in Cugun, Merkez, Kirsehir, affecting domestic cattle on Sept. 9, 2024 “We’re imposing an import ban to mitigate the risk of FMD transmission to our local animal population,” Tiu-Laurel said.

The DA will maintain the import ban until it determines that the local animal population is no longer at risk from FMD. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects clovenhoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It can cause significant economic losses to the livestock industry due to decreased milk production, weight loss, and reproductive problems.

The DA issued 10 measures restricting the import of foreign animals and their meats in 2024 to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, majority were on poultry and poultry products. Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) met with top executives of Masdar, a leading global renewable energy company, to discuss potential collaborations and investments in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector.

DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s highlighted the Philippines growing attractiveness as a destination for clean energy investment in Asia during an official visit to the UAE.

as the Mount Apo Bagobo-Tagabawa Ancestral Domain Inc., Tudaya Falls Tribal Association and the Barangay Tribal Council of Sibulan Sta. Cruz Inc. The groups intend to use it for education, healthcare, livelihood, infrastructure and cultural preservation programs.

“The financial support from Hedcor is more than just a contribution; it’s an investment in our future,” said Matanam Gideon Tolentino, an IP leader.

“These funds will enable us to create sustainable programs that elevate our quality of life while preserving our cultural heritage. This partnership is essential to our community’s growth and long-term sustainability,” said Tolentino.

“The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a key player in the Asian renewable energy market.

We are delighted to partner with Masdar to accelerate the development of solar, wind, and geothermal projects, which are vital to achieving our sustainability and energy security goals,” she said.

Masdar, established in 2006 by the UAE government, aims to develop up to 2 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in the ASE-

AN region by 2025. It is actively exploring partnership opportunities in the Philippines’ renewable energy projects.

The Philippine delegation showcased the Philippines’ National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), giving the RE company an excellent opportunity for growth and expansion in the region.

The NREP aims to increase the country’s renewable energy share

to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

“We welcome Masdar’s vision to invest in the Philippines as it aligns perfectly with the vision of President Marcos Jr. for a greener future. The DTI and the Philippine government are committed to supporting sustainable energy initiatives that will not only drive economic growth but also ensure a greener future for our nation,” Roque said.Othel V. Campos

PLDT, Smart back DepEd’s 5-point education agenda

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) assure Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara (left) of their continued support in helping the agency improve the country’s basic education system under its fivepoint agenda. In a courtesy call with Angara, PLDT and Smart officials presented their flagship education program – School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) package which includes a laptop and Smart LTE Pocket WiFi for teachers, ten tablets for students, educational apps in local languages, a guide for teachers and learning materials stored in flash drives.

Clark locators back Prime Waste’s innovative waste processing services

PHILSYS HEAD. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary and

national statistician Claire Dennis Mapa welcomes newly-appointed assistant secretary and deputy national statistician of the Philippines Identification System (PhilSys) Registry Office Rosalinda P. Bautista. As the head of the PhilSys Registry Office, she is responsible in the implementation of the government’s central identification platform for all citizens and foreigners in the country.

PRIME Waste Solutions (PWS) Pampanga said it earned praise from businesses in Clark Freeport, Pampanga for its innovative waste management services and commitment to environmental responsibility.

PWS Pampanga began its commercial operations within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone on Oct. 6 as the sole authorized service provider for the collection of residual waste in Clark.

Environmental engineer Daniel Navarro of POSCO Eco & Challenge Co. Ltd. said the goal of PWS Pampanga is aligned with their company’s program on pollution prevention, which includes efficient material use.

“Here in our project, we have not

yet perfected waste segregation, so we became interested in Prime [Waste] because they have sufficient machines and automated segregation,” Navarro said, adding that they were impressed with the facility during their prior due diligence visit.

PWS Pampanga’s facility in Porac is designed to handle up to 5,000 tons of solid waste daily, employing advanced technology to maximize resource recovery and aiming to reduce landfilled waste by 20 percent or less.

“The waste that is recovered upon segregation has a proper place to go, like they turn it into RDF or refuse derived fuels...so the waste can still be used,” Navarro said.

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) assured Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara of their continued support in helping improve the country’s basic education system under its fivepoint agenda.

“PLDT and Smart’s digitally-enabled education programs can help the DepEd address focus areas and promote inclusive and equitable quality education for all. As advocates of ‘Technology for Good’, we are committed to ensure that there will be no learner and no teacher left behind,” said PLDT and Smart assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management Stephanie Orlino.

PLDT and Smart executives, in a courtesy call with Angara, presented their flagship education program – School-in-a-Bag (SIAB).

Each SIAB package includes a laptop and Smart LTE Pocket WiFi for teachers, ten tablets for students, educational apps in local languages, a guide for teachers, as well as learning materials stored in flash drives.

Accompanying each SIAB deployment is an orientation to the PLDT and Smart-supported Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF DLP), a crisis-resilient teaching strategy which helps develop independent learners with the help of the CVIF DLP Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) that break down complex concepts into simple lessons that students can easily follow.

The method works particularly well with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education where a strong familiarity with foundational ideas is crucial to appreciate more advanced topics.

BUSINESS

B4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Gov’t secures Korean funding on 3 infra projects

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Department of Finance said Wednesday it secured funding from the Korean government for three major infrastructure projects aimed at improving mobility and boosting economic growth in Luzon and the Visayas.

OUTSTANDING THOMASIAN. Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) co-founder and chair Grace Tan Caktiong (third from left) is honored as 2024’s The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) awardee for service to humanity, a recognition given by the University of Santo Tomas to exemplars from the Thomasian community. Tan Caktiong receives the award from Fr. Richard Ang, UST rector; Dwight Ramos, president of the UST Alumni Association Inc.; and assistant prof. Joreen Rocamora, director of the Office of Alumni Relations-UST.

Contractors group pays P1.5-m settlement to PCC

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said it accepted a P1.5-million settlement offered by the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON) to address potential anti-competitive agreements within the organization.

It said that following an investigation into PALSCON’s suspected violations of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), the organization opted to submit an undertaking to the commission to correct its behavior.

“This settlement marks a crucial step towards fostering a more com-

petitive and transparent environment within the industry. We hope it will encourage businesses to adopt fair practices,” said PALSCON national president Armando Gutierrez Jr. The PCA prohibits agreements among competitors that limit competition such as dividing the market based on sales, territory, product or service type or other factors.

PALSCON’s Code of Ethics contained provisions that had the effect of limiting competition among its members.

The PCC said that in 2021, during the PCC Enforcement Office’s investigation, PALSCON requested to engage in settlement discussions based on the

PCC’s rules of procedure, allowing entities under investigation to offer a settlement before the final decision.

PALSCON submitted a complete revised settlement proposal on July 14, 2023, which the commission approved on Oct. 5, 2023.

The proposal includes settlement payment of P1.54 million, joining a competition law seminar organized

by PCC, the appointment of a competition law compliance officer, acknowledgment of their association’s inadvertent mistake and publishing it on their website for two years, and the revision of their Code of Ethics to prohibit anti-competitive practices.

Malampaya achieves 23 years of zero-incident PRIME Energy Resources Development BV, operator of the Malampaya Offshore Gas Project (Service Contract 38), announced 23 years of goal zero operations—meaning zero fatalities, serious injuries or environmental incidents—at its onshore gas plant in Batangas province.

It said the milestone reinforces the plant’s vital role in providing reliable energy to millions of Filipino homes and businesses, with safety and operational excellence being key to delivering 20 percent of Luzon’s power needs incident-free for over two decades.

“Achieving 23 years of goal zero at the Malampaya onshore gas plant reflects our dedication to safety and to ensuring energy security for the Filipino people,” said Donnabel KuizonCruz, president and CEO of Prime Energy.

“This isn’t just about meeting a target—it’s about making safety a way of life. With the continued safe operation of Malampaya, we ensure a reliable gas supply to power plants while enhancing national energy security,” she said.

Kuizon-Cruz said that “every aspect of the Malampaya operation involves extraordinary feats of engineering, and I am incredibly proud of our team for executing these safely.

Our success lies not just in operational results but in making safety our top priority, as safety and performance go hand in hand.”

“These projects are a testament to the strong friendship between the Philippines and South Korea. Beyond enhancing mobility, they will create jobs, spur businesses, boost incomes, and uplift Filipino lives—helping reduce poverty, especially in Luzon and Visayas,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said during the ceremonial exchange of agreements for the projects with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok on Oct. 7, 2024.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was on his state visit to the Philippines, witnessed the signing of the agreements.

Among the projects sealed was the $111.427 million (about P6.34 billion) financing agreement for the Samar Pacific Coastal Road II Project, which is being supported by the Export-Import Bank of Korea-Economic Development Cooperation Fund

CLEAN WATER. Residents of Dumanjug are grateful for the help extended by the BingoPlus Foundation in helping address the public health challenges in their community.

BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive launched Project Clean, an initiative aimed at improving water safety for 15,000 residents in Dumanjug, Cebu.

Meralco, Doosan of Korea sign nuclear energy partnership

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore strategic collaborations on developing low-carbon energy projects in the Philippines including nuclear power.

The partnership is aligned with their respective commitments to drive innovation and sustainability in the energy industry.

The MOU will focus on several key initiatives such as the potential deployment of nuclear power facilities in the country, including the rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power

Plant (BNPP). They will also study the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to help meet the country’s growing power demand and achieve long-term energy security.

“It has always been Meralco’s commitment to proactively support the Philippine government’s thrust to achieve energy security which is crucial to our national development. Partnering with reputable and dependable companies like Doosan aligns well with our pursuit to continuously explore innovative energy solutions that we can adopt as we work towards ensuring availability of sufficient, affordable and reliable power to meet our country’s longterm goals,” said Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pang-

ilinan, who led the ceremonial signing of the MOU. Meralco and Doosan will work together on the possible deployment of greenhouse gas reduction equipment such as ammonia co-firing technology to help reduce carbon emissions of ageing thermal power plants.

The MOU also covers the possible development and supply of gas turbine for combined cycle power projects of Meralco’s subsidiaries, with Doosan to serve as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for these projects.

Doosan Enerbility vice chairman Yeonin Jung said the partnership with Meralco marks a significant milestone in advancing energy innovation and sustainability in the Philippines.

DA chief asked to oversee BFAR bidding for over P2.1-b vessels A LAWYER asked Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to personally supervise the upcoming bidding process at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for projects worth billions of pesos.

Lawyer Faye Singson also asked Tiu-Laurel to ensure a fair and impartial bidding process scheduled on Oct. 10 and 11, 2024.

The projects under Bid Reference Nos. 2024-62 and 202463 involve the acquisition of multi-mission offshore vessels, refrigerated cargo vessels and steel-hulled fishing vessels.

The total project budget amounts to more than P2.1 billion for the acquisition of 50-meter and 80-meter steel hull multi-mission and multi-purpose vessels which are set for bidding on Oct 10; and 23.5-meter steel hull fishing vessels, 62-footer FRP boats and fishing gears with bidding set on Oct. 11, 2024.

Singson is a former assistant prosecutor at the Office of the Ombudsman.

(KEXIM-EDCF).

The project aims to provide a seamless connection for the people and goods between Laoang Island and Samar mainland, and contribute to the growth of the Province of Northern Samar.

It comprises two marine bridges–– the Laoang II Bridge and Calamotan Bridge with a total length of 800 meters and 605 meters, respectively, and the improvement of existing roads with a total length of 15.011 kilometers (km).

Once completed in 2029, the project will reduce travel time from Laoang to Palapag (Northern Samar) to just 19 minutes from the original travel time of 65 minutes.

Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also signed and exchanged for the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project Phase 1 (Stage 1) and the Panay-GuimarasNegros Island Bridges Project.

IN BRIEF Recto receives highest Asia CEO award

FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto was chosen as this year’s Lifetime Contributor Awardee for the Public Sector—the highest recognition of the Asia CEO Awards.

“This award is not mine alone. This belongs to the entire DOF family. Because this is a product of our great teamwork,” Recto said in his acceptance speech at the Asia CEO Awards on Oct. 8, 2024.

Considered the largest event of its kind in Southeast Asia, the Asia CEO Awards is presented by Robinsons Land and honors the most successful companies and individuals in terms of excellence in business and impact on society.

Recto was nominated and chosen by the board of judges as this year’s Lifetime Contributor Awardee for the public sector due to his notable contributions to nation-building, particularly in promoting economic progress and sustainable development.

“The reason why we chose this technocrat, we wanted to make him a role model for all those aspiring to serve in high positions,” said distinguished economist, author and professor Dr. Bernie Villegas who served as a member of the board of judges.

Cebu Pacific brings back piso sale promo

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it brought back its piso sale promo to entice more Filipinos to travel next year.

It said the from Oct. 9 to 13, 2024, passengers may book flights to select domestic and international destinations for as low as P1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges.

The travel period is from June 1 to Sept.

30, 2025.

“Travel enthusiasts who missed out on the CEB Super Seat Fest in September now have another chance to avail themselves of value-for-money fares to their dream destinations,” Cebu Pacific said.

Cebu Pacific said its piso sale promo includes new flights from Iloilo to Tacloban, Zamboanga, and Singapore, as well as from Davao to Hong Kong or Bangkok via Don Mueang.

The airline operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Darwin G. Amojelar and Joel E. Zurbano

Group pushes adoption of barcode technology

INVESTMENT TIE-UP. BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) teams up with the Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI) to strengthen the flow of foreign investments into the Philippines. The partnership will focus on organizing investment seminars, business matching activities and industry promotion missions designed to position the Philippines as a prime destination for foreign investments.

Signing the memorandum of understanding are (from left) Evariste Cagatan, executive director of Investments Promotion Services; Ceferino Rodolfo, DTI Undersecretary and managing head of Board of Investments; and Charles Rodriguez, executive vice president and head of BDO Unibank institutional banking group.

GS1 Philippines, a leading organization in local barcode standards, is urging the adoption of barcode technology to protect consumers and address the growing issue of counterfeit medicines in the Philippines.

“The threat of counterfeit medicines compromises both consumer safety and trust in healthcare providers. By leveraging barcode technology, we can establish a cohesive integration of global standards that prioritize patient safety, particularly in regions facing serious challenges with counterfeit products,” said GS1 Philippines president Roberto Claudio.

GS1 Philippines said it has been actively implementing Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), which standardize labeling and tracking systems, streamline the management of medicines and supplies, and improve the supply chain.

GTINs can capture crucial data, such as the date of manufacture, expiration date, and the manufacturer’s name, enhancing product identification and verification.

Othel V. Campos

BINONDO

C1 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Manila traffic bureau gets 1,000 raincoats

By Michael Wong Ho

Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, president of FFCCCII, welcomes participants of the 5th Customs Industry and Consultative Advisory Council (CICAC) meeting on Sept. 24, 2024 in Binondo, Manila.

FFCCCII, Customs boost cooperation

By Julie Ann Lope

T

HE Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila (BOCPOM), in partnership with the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) held its 5th Customs Industry and Consultative Advisory Council (CICAC) meeting on Sept. 24, 2024 in Binondo, Manila.

Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, president of FFCCCII, welcomed participants and expressed strong support for the bu-

reau’s initiatives.

The meeting featured updates from deputy collectors Florante Ricarte

and Julito Doria, who discussed recent advancements in port operations, particularly regarding the ATA Carnet system and the district’s positive collection performance.

The ATA Carnet refers to the temporary admission papers used for the temporary admission of goods, excluding means of transport. The system allows the free movement of goods across frontiers and their temporary admission into a customs territory with relief from duties and taxes.

District collector Rizalino Jose

Torralba acknowledged FFCCCII’s efforts in hosting the meeting and thanked all stakeholders for their contributions to the port’s success.

Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized BOC-POM’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with trade partners, aiming to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency for the public.

The meeting reinforced the importance of cooperation between customs and the business community in fostering a thriving trade environment.

Business group conducts medical mission in Laguna THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), under the leadership of president Cecilio Pedro, organized a medical mission in Siniloan, Laguna on Sept. 22, 2024.

A medical team led by social responsibility committee vice director Xu Huan Dong, consisting of six doctors and ten dentists, delivered vital health services to 690 patients.

Tzu Chi, Takeda sign agreement on patient care Members of the Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) led by president Samuel Lee Uy, donate sports equipment to Alupay Elementary School in Rosario, Batangas. On Sept. 25,2024

CFBCI donates sports equipment to Batangas elementary school They treated 330 general patients, performed dental extractions for 110 individuals and distributed 250 pairs of reading glasses to those in need.

FFCCCII vice president William Yap Castro also donated 20 pairs of sports shoes to the Siniloan Town Hall to support its sports project, further underscoring the organization’s commitment to promoting health and well-being in the community.

Local residents expressed gratitude for the FFCCCII’s charitable efforts, highlighting the positive impact of such initiatives on the community’s health and quality of life.

Julie Ann Lope

THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) led by president Samuel Lee Uy donated sports equipment to Alupay Elementary School in Rosario, Batangas.

A turnover ceremony was held on September 25, 2024.

Uy introduced CFBCI’s Handog sa Kabataang Atleta Project, underscoring the organization’s commitment to nurturing future champions.

“They say that it takes a whole community to raise a champion, that is why it is very important to make our children feel that they are being supported and cheered upon as they

pursue their dreams.” he said.

School principal Marissa De Ocampo expressed gratitude to the organization and said the newly-donated materials would foster greater interest and skill development in sports such as table tennis, chess, basketball, and volleyball of the students.

Director Willy Chion Wong of CFBCI, who also serves as the president of the Batangas Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, encouraged the young audience with the message, “Big dreams begin with a small step.”

CFBCI vice president Jocelyn See and directors Willy Chion Wong, Jack

Co, Jimmy Almerino, Nathalie Wong, Jason Li, along with plenary member Teresa Co and English secretary Mexica Bausa, attended the ceremony.

Local representatives also shared messages of appreciation, including Crisanta Lat from the Barangay Alupay education committee; Prescilla Villestas, president of the School Parent-Teacher Association and Fatima Flor, president of the Supreme Elementary Learner Government.

They expressed hope the new equipment would promote sportsmanship among students.

Julie Ann Lope

Chamber lauds role of Filipino-Chinese journalists The (FFCCCII hosts a joint celebration for Journalist’s Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Federation Center Building on Oct. 3, 2024.

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) hosted a joint celebration for Journalist’s Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Federation Center Building in Binondo, Manila on Oct. 3, 2024.

FFCCCII president Cecilio K. Pedro expressed gratitude to the media for their enduring support and high-

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) donated 1,000 raincoats to the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB).

The handover took place at the Federation Center Building in Binondo, Manila, with MTPB director Narciso Diokno III accepting the contribution.

FFCCCII executive vice president Victor Lim, vice president Antonio Cosing and other key officials, including welfare committee chairman Robert Kho Tian Ang and external affairs committee chairman Peterson Kho were also present during the event.

Lim emphasized the challenges faced by traffic enforcers during rainy weather and expressed hope that recent changes in leadership under Diokno would lead to improvements in Manila’s traffic situation.

Diokno expressed gratitude for the continued support from FFCCCII and stressed the importance of the raincoats in enabling traffic enforcers to effectively perform their duties, regardless of weather conditions.

He said the FFCCCII not only assists traffic enforcers, but also distributes raincoats to their office staff during the rainy season.

Kho raised additional concerns about traffic management and suggested the installation of traffic lights with timers at the busy intersection near Binondo Church where rapid light changes often lead to fines for drivers.

He said that despite clear noparking signs on certain streets, violations persist and contribute to traffic congestion.

The donation reinforces the FFCCCII’s commitment to supporting local authorities in maintaining order and safety on the streets of Manila, especially during adverse weather conditions.

lighted the importance of collaboration in promoting the welfare of the Filipino-Chinese community.

He urged Chinese media and writers to unite for justice, harmony and progress in the Filipino-Chinese community, promote prosperity and growth in the Philippines, strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and China and support the in-

tegration of Chinese and Filipino cultures.

Counselor Ji Lingpeng of the Chinese Embassy underscored the critical role of the Chinese media in fostering China-Philippines relations.

He asked media representatives to highlight the contributions of overseas Chinese to the Philippines and

report positively on the ongoing cooperation between the two nations.

FFCCCII executive vice president Victor Lim reaffirmed the vital role of Chinese media in facilitating cultural and economic exchanges.

He thanked the media for their commitment to fair reporting, which helps prevent misinformation.

Michael Wong Ho

TZU Chi Foundation Philippines and Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at providing equitable healthcare for patients suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease on Sept. 24, 2024.

The collaboration focuses on delivering comprehensive treatment for the serious conditions, which often impact individuals in their most productive years.

It also seeks to address the difficult choices faced by young breadwinners who must choose between essential treatment and providing for their families.

“It’s disheartening to see that they’re at the prime of their lives, and the illness affects them and their families,” said Sheryll Anne Corpuz, lead of access to medicines at Takeda Philippines.

She said the program aims to increase patients’ survival rates.

Tzu Chi Foundation chief executive Henry Yuñez expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting its potential to provide timely treatment to underserved communities.

The initiative expands Tzu Chi’s medical assistance program and aligns with its mission to support financially struggling patients.

Loreann Villanueva, country manager of Takeda Philippines, said the partnership represents a significant collaboration between the organizations to enhance their impact on the Filipino community.

Takeda Philippines, a multinational biopharmaceutical company based in Japan, follows the mission towards better health for the future of every individual.

Tzu Chi Foundation is Takeda Philippines’ first non-government organization (NGO) partner for patient assistance program.

Both organizations committed to implementing the program as soon as possible. Julie Ann Lope

SHOWBIZ

C2 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

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ANYA Lopez, Andrea Torres, Rocco Nacino, Tom Rodriguez, and Matteo Guidicelli led the lineup of GMA artists who made the start of the ‘ber’ months extraordinary for fans through GMA Regional TV’s series of vibrant festivities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Nothing could match the infectious high energy of Kapuso singer John Rex, who delivered an electrifying performance at the opening celebration of Calaca Cityhood in Calaca City, Batangas, on Sept. 3.

Adding fun and good vibes to the Calaca Cityhood celebration on the same day (Sept.

3) were surprises from TiktoClock hosts Jayson Gainza and Herlene Budol; Shining Inheritance stars Paul Salas, Roxie Smith, and Michael Sager; Prinsesa ng City Jail cast members Radson Flores and Will Ashley; and Sparkle artists Maey Bautista, Mariane Osabel, and Arra San Agustin. They lit up the stage and energized the crowd during the Kapuso Fiesta at the Calaca Gymnasium in Calaca City, Batangas.

Stars bring festival fever across the regions

Tom Rodriguez graced the Hermosa Festival Opening Salvo in Zamboanga City

From left: Kristoffer Martin, Michael Sager, Arra San Agustin, Andrea Torres, and Pepita Curtis at the celebration of Quirino Day and Panagdadapun Festival

The Pin-Up Girls dust off ‘lost’ Eraserheads track

FANS of indie band For Pin-Up Girls’ The Pin-Up Girls, “One Last Angry and the underground Look,” released Filipino band scene, last Friday (Oct. 4), are celebrating the original member Yugel Losorata return of a group Jeng Tan sings lead, that carved its niche with co-OG Pamela in the late ‘90s and Aquino and Mondo the subsequent decade. What’s more interesting providing backup vocals. Ryan Nachura, a later is that they recorded a comeback single written addition to the band, plays guitar, while Princess

by Ely Buendia and originally performed by Ybanez of Rouge appears as a guest violinist. his band, Eraserheads.

“There are sad lines in a twist of fate / And The track, “One Last Angry Look,” was there are bad rhymes to our sorry state,” the part of the Pop U! demo album that the song opens, which becomes more poignant now-legendary Eraserheads released before when you consider that they were written by a signing with a major record label. That album, young songwriter yet to make his mark, who is accessible on YouTube, includes early versions now widely regarded as the greatest in Pinoy of future classics like “Pare Ko,” “Tindahan Ni rock history.

Aling Nena,” and “Toyang,” all of which were Tan’s vocals are delivered with care, ensuring later featured on the band’s ground-breaking the sacred simplicity of the melody remains debut, Ultraelectromagneticpop! intact. The decision to have a female voice Three other songs, “Wishing Wells,” “Milk interpret the song added a fresh perspective to and Money,” and “Scorpio Rising,” appeared their rendition. on later Eraserheads albums.

Ely’s singing on the Pop U! version was However, “One Last Angry Look” was never fiercely impassioned, while Jeng’s take on her properly recorded or released by Eraserheads, band’s return to recording is finely controlled. making this rendition—distributed by Offshore The violin part played with clarity and character, Music and Sony Music Philippines—a special is a key ingredient that ensures justice is given to a case of a lost track finally finding its home. song originally recorded raw in 1991.

“Yes, it’s sort of a comeback single,” said The Pin-Up Girls were formed in 1996, partly the group’s frontman Mondo Castro, who because all three founding members were fans excitedly noted that they are “currently of New Wave music. Both Tan and Aquino preparing to record a new album.” were also members of the group Keltscross.

The Pin-Up Girls had not released any new For some reason, The Pin-Up Girls were material for years, but last June they issued their not signed by a mainstream label, so they debut album Hello Pain on vinyl under Eikon independently released the indie album Records, with three newly recorded bonus tracks.

Hello Pain in 2001, followed by the EP When asked what prompted them to formally Taste Test. The band’s cult hits include reunite, Castro said, “The vinyl release lit a fire “Witching Hour,” “Ride Rocket Wild,” under us!” and “Caress,” the latter becoming a charttopper on the revered NU 107.

The distribution deal with Offshore—a label associated with Buendia— worked wonders, as it revived a piece that only a hardcore Eraserheads fan, the kind who knows all their songs, including demo collections on cassette, would appreciate, and resurrected a band that big record labels may have overlooked in the ‘90s.

This could be The Pin-Up Girls’ one last—not angry, but clear—shot at glory, or perhaps the beginning of Indie band ‘The Pin-Up Girls’ was formed in 1996 another fruitful journey.

Touchbass

Actress Sanya Lopez performing for the crowd in Zamboanga

Meanwhile, beauty and splendor took center stage at the Mutya ng Alabel 2024 in Alabel, Sarangani Province, on Sept. 8, with the special participation of Sparkle artists Kristoffer Martin and Gazini Ganados. The next day (Sept. 9) was equally momentous as Gazini was joined by fellow Sparkle artist Ahron Villena, dazzling the crowd at the crowning ceremony of Mutya ng Tupi 2024 in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Shining Inheritance stars Kate Valdez and Michael Sager, together with Sparkle artists Arra San Agustin, Kristoffer Martin, and Andrea Torres, brought unmatched entertainment in a fun-filled Kapuso Fiesta on Sept.10 at the Capitol VIP Grandstand in Cabarroguis, Quirino, for the celebration of Quirino Day and the Panagdadapun Festival.

Also on Sept. 10, Sparkle artists Prince Carlos, Shan Vesagas, Radson Flores, and Anthony Rosaldo thrilled their fans during the Kapuso Fiesta at the Municipal Gazebo in Isabela, Negros Occidental, in celebration of the Panubli Festival.

The fun continued as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista and Ysabel Ortega, along with Sparkle artists Elle Villanueva and Yasser Marta, brought smiles to Kapuso fans during the Kasadyaan Festival Night in Alabel, Sarangani Province.

It was a majestic night for the candidates of Miss Bicolandia 2024 as Matteo Guidicelli and Sparkle artists Billie Hakenson and Rabiya Mateo hosted the event on Sept. 11 at JMR Coliseum in Naga City. The night of elegance and empowerment was made even more special by the endearing performances of Sparkle stars Jon Lucas and John Vic De

Actor Matteo Guidicelli served as one of the hosts of Miss Bicolandia 2024

Guzman.

Kapuso fans in South Cotabato enjoyed a wonderful evening as Sparkle artists Rufa Mae Quinto, Luke Conde, and Widows’ War star Rafael Rosell participated in the Agten Tufi Festival Night at Tupi Municipal Hall, Municipality of Tupi, South Cotabato, on Sept.

11.

In celebration of Pasalamat Festival, TiktoClock host Faith da Silva, Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law star EA Guzman, and Sparkle artist Jon Lucas shared the stage to express their gratitude to loyal Kapuso supporters at the Kapuso Fiesta held at Bao Bao Plaza in Dao, Capiz on Sept. 14.

More surprises were prepared by GMA Regional TV, with Sparkle artists Rocco Nacino, Arra San Agustin, and Angela Alarcon sharing their youthful energy at the 75th Foundation Anniversary of Alicia, Isabela on Sept. 21.

Capping off the eventful September was the special participation of Tom Rodriguez, Pulang Araw’s Sanya Lopez, Widows’ War’s Jeric Gonzales, All Out Sundays’ Anthony Rosaldo and Hannah Precillas, and Sparkle artist Prince Clemente at the Hermosa Festival Opening Salvo in Zamboanga City on Sept. 28.

“GMA is sincerely appreciative of the support from our viewers who have continuously supported the Network’s shows and initiatives from the very beginning. We look forward to sharing more engaging content and connecting you with your favorite artists across the Philippines,” said Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

The TV executive added that as the Christmas season begins, Kapuso fans from all over the Philippines can look forward to more exciting and fun treats and surprises from GMA Regional TV.

Hollywood star Idris Elba champions African cinema in Ghana Hollywood actor Idris Elba is known for starring in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ and ‘Beasts of No Nation’

AS Idris Elba strode the halls of the Africa Cinema Summit in Ghana’s capital Accra, it was clear the Golden Globe-winning British actor was not just a guest.

Born and raised in London to a father from Sierra Leone and a Ghanaian mother, the star of both television and the silver screen was at the continent’s premier film industry event as a passionate advocate for the future of African cinema.

Elba, who has starred in Africa-focused films such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and the shot-in-Ghana Beasts of No Nation, has long been vocal about his deep-rooted connection to the continent.

At this year’s summit, which brings together stakeholders in the industry, Elba took on the role of ambassador for the importance of African stories and how best to tell them to the world.

“African cinema is not young. We’ve been around for a long time,” the 52-year-old pointed out, noting the rich film heritage of

French-speaking Africa. “But our stories have yet to springboard on that wider landscape.”

The African continent has the world’s youngest population but only around 1,700 cinemas, compared with around 44,000 in the United States and 75,500 in China, according to the National Film Authority of Ghana.

Elba’s belief in African cinema’s untapped potential was palpable as he spoke. For him, the key is raising its profile through better infrastructure, distribution channels, and connecting filmmakers with audiences on the continent and globally.

“We need bums on seats,” Elba said. “The future relies on us... our own distribution. We must fill the cinemas with our people first.”

This Africa-first focus distinguishes Elba’s vision from other industry luminaries who often focus solely on international recognition.

Elba said he wanted African cinema to succeed domestically as much as it does abroad. AFP

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LIFE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

Get that

sexy jawline sans surgery

F

Caption: Jawline contouring procedures can help in harmonizing the inherent facial features of a person

A call to recognize link between mental and physical health

By Tet Defensor

ACIAL elasticity diminishes as we age, and this often causes the jaw area to drop. Weight gain, double chin, and unhealthy diets can also lead to an unflattering sagging jawline.

There are facial exercises that can be done regularly to keep all 43 facial muscles tight and firm. There are also several noninvasive treatments that can reshape and refine the jawline to highlight one’s slim features.

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Vice Firmalo explains, “The jawline refers to the shape of the lower jaw, but we must include the angle near the ear because there should A person’s jawline can enhance their masculinity or femininity be a harmonious shape, which can enhance masculinity or femininity.” He added that the entire jaw or mandibular bone covers almost one-third of the face, and so the shape or contour greatly affects appearance.

A jawline contouring procedure can harmonize inherent facial features. It refines the look, making it more pronounced and balanced.

This is ideal for those born with a weak or recessed chin. Contouring can also help improve the shape of a round face because it adds more

Jawline contouring procedures can help in harmonizing the inherent facial features of a person

structure, giving the face a more youthful lift.

There are several ways to achieve a more chiseled or V-shaped sexy jawline. There are energy-based devices that accentuate the jaw area. There are also minimally invasive fillers and threads that can add volume and sculpt the lower facial features. “The more drastic modality is surgery, which can alter how you look in a more obvious way. Less invasive procedures are temporary, while the surgical options are more permanent.”

According to the head of Firmalo Plastic Surgery at Centuria Medical Makati, generally all these procedures are safe; “however, it is important that the advantages and disadvantages are clearly discussed by the plastic surgeon.”

Before recommending any procedure, Dr. Firmalo would often ask his patients why they wish to have a jaw contouring procedure.

“I want to know what the patient wants to gain from it,” he said, citing that reasons can range from dreams of looking like a model to recovering from a childhood trauma of always being teased because of their looks.

“Some want to have a contouring procedure for career advancement or just plain self-improvement. Whatever reason they may have, if it’s realistic, then we plan the next move,” he added.

Downtime for less invasive procedures can last for a few days, while recovery for surgical procedures may take several weeks.

He strongly advises those who are interested in jawline contouring to research extensively about the different options available. And more importantly, “go to a board-certified plastic surgeon for their surgical procedure and choose a Department of Health-accredited facility for safety.”

‘Alamat’ exhibit breathes new life into Filipino mythology at Luzon Art Fair

The talented artists behind the Alamat Magpakailanman exhibit their creations, each piece bringing Filipino folklore to life at the Luzon Art Fair

THE Luzon Art Fair 2024, held from Oct. 3 to 6 at Bulwagang Kanlahi in Tarlac City, showcased Filipino mythology through the exhibit Alamat Magpakailanman, presented by Folklore Pilipinas. The exhibit gathered artists from various fields to reinterpret Filipino folklore using a mix of visual arts, animation, music, and film.

The exhibit highlighted well-known mythological figures, such as Apo Anno, Bakunawa, Manananggal, Maria Makiling, and Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay. The works offered a contemporary take on these legends, drawing attention to the rich cultural narratives within Filipino myths, legends, epics, and folktales. The exhibition aimed to renew interest in these stories while linking them to modern forms

The artworks in the exhibit showcases a fresh take on Philippine myths

Castro, Clint Catalan, Lucylle Cawaling, Marc Vincent Cosico, and Kathleen Sareena Dagum.

Also contributing their talents to this innovative project were June Dalisay, Maoi Deauna, Tynne de Guzman, María Alexandria Enaje, Kirstein Ayn Go, Arnie Gonzales, Gabby Gonzales, Miguel Iskultura, Patrick Jean Jaquet, Dyani Lao, Nina Libatique, Lea Zoraína Lim, Liby Limoso, Kevin Lumbre, Thea Mújares, Gabí Nazareno, Eden Ocampo, Bryan Quesada, Aljon Ramírez, Joseph Renta, Benay Reyes, Jeff Reyes, Doris Rodriguez, Zion Jah Romero, Ding Royales, Hannah Belle Sindao, Angelica Soriano, Rurik Tabafunda, Erwin

Addressing both mental and physical health can help individuals live a healthier life

AS WE observe World Mental Health Day today, Oct. 10, an international day for raising awareness about mental health, LAC Philippines highlights the connection between mental and physical health. Recognizing that these two aspects of wellbeing are intertwined is crucial for striving toward a healthier life.

The mental health crisis in the Philippines Mental health conditions are a global concern, affecting approximately one in eight people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the Philippines, mental health illnesses rank third in morbidity, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). Studies indicate that stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent mental health issues in the country, underscoring the need to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed.

The relationship of mental health and physical health Mental health conditions can significantly impact physical health. A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that individuals with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Additionally, stress, anxiety, and depression can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.

Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, stress management, and regular intake of supplements are essential components of a healthy lifestyle that can contribute to both physical and mental well-being.

Taking the holistic approach to health A holistic approach to health, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, is essential for optimal health outcomes. By addressing all aspects of health, individuals can create a strong foundation for a fulfilling life.

LAC Philippines offers a range of natural supplements designed to address specific health needs. For example, LAC MoodRx and LAC TriAction Sleep Formula can contribute to mental health and well-being. LAC MoodRx supports emotional balance and reduces stress, containing herbal extracts and nutrients that promote relaxation and serotonin production. LAC TriAction Sleep Formula promotes relaxation and sleep quality, employing a triple-layer technology aimed at improving sleep.

Evelyn Teo, Chief Marketing Officer of LAC Global, noted, “Mental health is just as important as physical health. Addressing both aspects of health empowers individuals to live healthier lives.”

Incorporating supplements into a daily routine, alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, can support overall well-being.

Prioritizing both mental and physical health helps individuals create a stronger and more resilient version of themselves.

The Alamat Magpakailanman exhibit features artworks fusing traditional and contemporary art forms

of artistic expression.

Alamat Magpakailanman was directed by Lea Zoraína Lim, with contributions from a diverse group of artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers, and

educators. The team included Glenda Maye Abad, Billy Adonis, Daphne Aguilar, Aligagang Alikabok, Fidel Aquino, Pepot Atienza, Diana Aviado, Luigi Azura, Phoebe Beltran-Almazan, Mary Buendia, Geri Matthew “Choi” Carretero, Marc Steven

The artists whose works are featured in the exhibit

Torio, Margot Villamor, Chaday Villanueva, Rem Vocalan, and Joy Waldas.

The exhibit was part of Folklore Pilipinas’ broader efforts to reintroduce Filipino heritage through various media, with recent projects including the animated retelling of Datu Pat I Mata: Tudtulan Atag Sa Pulangi and student mentorship programs in art and animation.

Alamat Magpakailanman drew interest from art lovers, scholars, and folklore enthusiasts, serving as a key attraction at the Luzon Art Fair 2024.

C4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Very Wang

O

Nickie Wang

LIFE Gabay Guro hosts inaugural wellness festival for teachers

VER the weekend, the Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig City became a hub of health and wellness when Gabay Guro, in partnership with mWell, hosted the Philippines’ first Health and Wellness Festival for teachers.

Teachers at the Gabay Guro’s health and wellness festival

The event marked Gabay Guro’s 17th anniversary and emphasized the essential role of teachers in shaping the future of the nation.

The festival introduced a new focus on the holistic well-being of educators, highlighting the importance of mental and physical health in their professional lives.

With the theme “Teachers Inspiring Change, Building the Country’s Future,” the festival was designed to go beyond entertainment. It offered programs aimed at promoting wellness, including free health consultations, fitness sessions, and wellness workshops.

These initiatives addressed critical areas such as preventive healthcare, mental health, stress management, nutrition, and selfcare—elements often overlooked by teachers due to the demands of their profession.

The collaboration with mWell, a digital health platform offering holistic wellness solutions, provided teachers access to a variety of health services. Attendees could utilize mWell’s offerings, such as virtual consultations and wellness programs via its mobile app.

Additionally, the event showcased wearable wellness technology, enabling teachers to monitor their health through devices that track exercise, sleep, and other vital activities.

Interactive booths at the festival focused on various aspects of well-being, offering insights into fitness, nutrition, and mental health.

Lifestyle medicine experts, fitness coaches, and wellness advocates were present to provide guidance and support. The discussions centered on practical strategies for managing stress, improving nutrition, and maintaining mental health amidst the daily responsibilities of teaching.

Chaye CabalRevilla, Chairperson of Gabay Guro and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), underscored the critical role teachers play in the country’s future.

“Our teachers play a crucial role in shaping Gabay Guro Chairperson and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla (center) the future of our during the event

The ‘Beauty All Access’ fair showcased some of the trending products in skincare and makeup

A celebration of beauty accessibility and inclusivity

cherry cola aesthetic inspired by TikTok. With discounts of up to 50 percent, the event became a paradise for both beauty professionals and casual shoppers looking for great deals.

To enhance the shoppers’ experience, Robinsons Department Store also conducted various games and activities. It also hosted a Beauty Forum where beauty enthusiasts and influencers gathered to share their passion for self-expression and

beauty.

Beauty All Access also featured local drag queens Muah Dayaw, Riley Nicole, and Stare Decisis who delivered electrifying performances where they showed off their lipsyncing skills and stunning makeup artistry, aiming to inspire the audience and skincare.

By Angelica Villanueva to embrace their individuality and From Sept. 11 to 15, beauty creatively express themselves. enthusiasts and fans had the REGARDLESS of gender, Local beauty experts also graced opportunity to discover products skin color, race, or body shape, the event to share their knowledge from top brands like Maybelline, everyone deserves to look and feel and insights on makeup and skincare.

L’Oreal Olay, Bobbie, Colourette, good because beauty is inclusive Through Q&A sessions and meetNivea, Garnier, Innisfree, and Dove, and knows no boundaries. But and-greets, attendees had the chance perfect for achieving popular looks sometimes, due to the standards to learn from these experts and gain like the desired mochi skin or the imposed by societal valuable tips. norms and expectations, More than bringing highindividuals tend to quality and top brands feel inadequate and closer and more accessible worthless if they do to shoppers, Robinsons not conform to these Department Store’s Beauty definitions of beauty.

All Access became a To celebrate and celebration of beauty in promote diversity and all its forms, where people inclusivity, Robinsons gathered together to share Department Store has their love for beauty and recently hosted the learn about the latest “Beauty All Access” trends. It had also become fair at Robinsons Place a welcoming and inclusive Antipolo, offering haven where they could shoppers a unique explore their beauty and opportunity to explore a discover products that wide range of what’s the Local beauty experts shared some tips when it comes to makeup reflected their unique style. latest trends in makeup and skincare to attendees

nation. And they must be at their best for our youth,” she said. “Gabay Guro’s Wellness Fest is a vital first step in ensuring our teachers’ health and wellbeing is taken care of. mWell makes sure that our teachers get access to a holistic wellness program - from doctor consultations, food, and nutrition to preventive health solutions.”

The mWell platform offers features such as the mWellness score, which tracks daily activity, and the Mind Health Score based on the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index, allowing users to monitor their physical and mental health. It also offers nutrition guidance through professional recipes.

The partnership between Gabay Guro and mWell aims to integrate technology with wellness, supported by PLDT Home to enhance access to health services for educators. Over the past 17 years, Gabay Guro has awarded more than 3,000 scholarships and improved learning environments in underserved areas, with the Wellness Festival expanding its support to include teachers’ overall well-being.

The festival featured a Zumba session led by YouTube’s TML Crew and performances by celebrity guests like Kevin Montellano and Teacher Georcelle with the G Force, along with athletes from PLDT High Speed Hitters and Meralco Bolts. Supported by various partners, the event offered health services ranging from telemedicine to fitness programs, with free attendance requiring registration through the Gabay Guro Super App. Gabay Guro remains committed to empowering educators in their health journeys, contributing to a brighter future for the country. For more information on upcoming events, visit Gabay Guro’s official website or social media platforms.

Multidisciplinary care offers hope for liver cancer patients A MULTIDISCIPLINARY approach to recommendations. She also noted that treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), financial assistance programs are available the most common type of liver cancer, is to support treatment. offering new hope for Filipino patients. This Roche (Philippines) Inc. supported the was highlighted during the 2024 Philippine discussion, with the company’s General Society of Oncologists (PSO) Annual Manager for Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Diana Convention held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon Edralin, expressing the importance of City. continued innovation in liver cancer The presentation, titled Bringing the treatment.

Strength in Survival, emphasized the “Roche has worked tirelessly to find importance of collaboration among innovative and life-changing solutions to various medical specialists in addressing curb the spread of liver cancer. We believe the complexities of advanced or metastatic people with HCC deserve more options, HCC. Medical oncologist and PSO President and our hope for the future is to be a helping Dr. Herdee Gloriane Luna, alongside hand for those who need it,” she said. gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr. The PSO’s 40th annual convention, Jade Jamias, led the discussion, with Dr. which coincided with the society’s 60th May Sabando moderating. anniversary, focused on advancing “HCC is a complex disease, particularly diagnostic and multidisciplinary approaches in its advanced stages,” said Dr. Luna, in cancer care, aiming for more precise who is affiliated with the Lung Cancer treatment outcomes. of the Philippines, National Kidney and Roche, a global biotechnology company Transplant Institute (NKTI), and St. Luke’s based in Basel, Switzerland, continues Medical Center. She stressed that innovative to collaborate with organizations like the approaches, alongside multidisciplinary PSO to enhance patient care and develop care, can enhance both the efficacy and personalized safety of treatments. healthcare Dr. Jamias, chairman of the Internal solutions Medicine Division and the Liver Center for cancer at NKTI, echoed the importance of a and other multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the diseases. treatment of liver cancer.

“MDT involves the collaboration of various medical and allied healthcare personnel from various disciplines to come up with the most comprehensive care for patients with liver cancer,” he said.

HCC remains a significant health concern, being the most common cause of death in individuals with cirrhosis and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.

The convention underscored the critical role of personalized Dr. Jade Jamias talks about the role of treatment plans, with Dr. multidisciplinary teams Luna urging patients to in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma consult their MDT for tailored