ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three cadets from the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology won gold medals in arnis full-contact padded stick competition of the 1st Philippine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games Mindanao leg at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Gym here on Friday.

Joseph Falcasantos (men’s featherweight), Elijah Yuan Sanchez (men’s welterweight) and Nayka Marie Acoyado (women’s lightweight) — all competing in the Philippine Navy category — have earned slots in the National Championships.

Other winners were Jay Mark Datahan (men’s lightweight), Via Mea Mejias (women’s featherweight) and Angelfe Mosendo (women’s welterweight) of Davao del Norte State College.

In the Philippine Army category, the winners were Kent Declard Lagoy (men’s welterweight) and Gian Llanos (women’s featherweight) of JH Cerilles State College; Francisco Carballo Jr. (men’s featherweight) and Ivy Jane Fernandez (women’s lightweight) of Intao Community College; and Walter Sam Jr. of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology.

Champions in the Philippine Air Force category were Western Mindanao State University students Clarence Ronolo (men’s featherweight), Laurence Pineda (men’s welterweight), Bernalyn Jhoy Nicdao (women’s featherweight), Sarah Graciano (women’s lightweight) and Arabella Marquez (women’s welterweight).

The Philippine ROTC Games is a collaboration of the Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education and Department of National Defense.

The next leg will be the Luzon regional qualifying scheduled from Sept. 17 to 23 at the Cavite State University main campus in Indang, Cavite to be followed by the National Capital Region leg and the National Championships. (PNA)

MANILA – State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has extended close to PHP2 million in educational aid to four secondary schools in Mindanao under the flagship corporate social responsibility program with the Department of Education (DepEd), a top official said Friday.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the assistance was given under the “Adopt-A-School” Program (ASP) of the DepEd as part of the bank’s continuing commitment to broaden support to the education sector.

“DBP remains unwavering in its thrust to strengthen the education sector by providing the much-needed resources to public schools facing challenges in acquiring modern teaching aids,” de Jesus said. “We are firm believers that education remains a critical component to achieve inclusive development.”

The ASP was established by virtue of Republic Act No. 8525 or “Adopt-a-School Act of 1998,” which mobilizes private and public sector support for the benefit of public schools located in any of the poorest provinces in the country through the provision of equipment and improvement of facilities.

De Jesus said four schools in Mindanao – San Isidro National High School in Surigao Del Norte, Bislig Elementary School in Surigao del Sur, Pangabuan Integrated School in Misamis Occidental, and Valencia City Central School in Bukidnon – were provided with new computers, multimedia projectors, and other learning equipment and facilities.

He said DBP will continue to explore avenues of cooperation with DepEd to identify additional public schools in need of assistance, especially those in low-income and underserved areas to fill in gaps in educational resources.

“DBP aims to create a more conducive learning environment for students and educators alike, advance the quality of education, and improve the lives of our students across the country,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small, and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development. (PNA)

MOSCOW – Brent crude oil futures contract for November 2023 delivery rose above USD87 per barrel on London’s ICE, the first time since August 11, 2023, trading data show.

As of 4:26 a.m. Moscow time on Friday, the price of Brent rose by 0.21 percent to USD87 per barrel.

By 4:41 a.m. Moscow time, Brent oil traded at USD86.92 per barrel.

At the same time, futures for WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil for October delivery rose by 2.45 percent to USD83.71 per barrel. (TASS)

TACLOBAN CITY – Some 1,460 villages in Eastern Visayas will be covered in the 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), collecting, compiling, evaluating, analyzing and publishing data on agriculture and fishery sectors of the country.

In a press briefing Friday, PSA regional director Wilma Perante said all households in these identified villages will be covered in the survey to determine characteristics of farm parcels or fishing, crops planted and harvested, species cultured or livestock and poultry raised, among others.

Of the 1,460 covered villages, 501 are in Leyte, 300 in Samar, 214 in Southern Leyte, 205 in Eastern Samar, 170 in Northern Samar and 70 in Biliran.

“Through this census, we can provide data for area estimation and count of selected crops like sugarcane, palay, coconut, and mango and aquafarms (fishponds, fish pens, and fish cages) as well as identify areas for census saturation,” Perante told reporters during the launch at the Summit Hotel here.

The region has 4,365 villages but not all will be covered by the survey due to budget constraints while some areas have no farm holdings, according to PSA.

In Negros Oriental, the PSA is also gearing up for the 2022 Census on Agriculture and Fisheries which will kick off on Sept. 4.

PSA-Negros Oriental director and chief statistical analyst Ariel Fortuito said the census for this particular sector is conducted every 10 years.

“This is called the 2022 Census on Agriculture and Fisheries even though it is conducted this September 2023 because the reference period of the PSA covers January 2022 up to December 31, 2022 data,” Fortuito said.

“We will be gathering information on the current state of agriculture and fisheries in the country and gather data to update the government’s plans and programs for them,” he added.

Fortuito said the agriculture and fisheries sector needs censuses especially as the Philippines is largely an agriculture and fisheries-based economy.

Evaluators are now ready for the house-to-house census from Sept. 4 until the second week of October, unless there are unforeseen events such as typhoons which could extend the census period, he added.

For the first time, CAF will be carried out using tablets through computer-assisted personal interviews and will be using artificial intelligence.

The data for this census will be used by government planners and policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to formulate decisions that can foster growth, enhance productivity, development and equitable distribution of resources.

“The information will guide planners in prioritizing the improvement of the agricultural and fishery production processes and welfare of farmers and fishers who are the backbone of our economy,” Perante added. (PNA)

ILOILO CITY – A female fish broker, who was out after a plea-bargaining for a drug case, was arrested along with three relatives following a buy-bust operation that resulted in the confiscation of 200 grams of shabu valued at PHP1.36 million in the municipality of Lemery in Iloilo province on Friday.

Lemery Municipal Police Station (MPS) officer-in-charge Capt. Jose Winston Biadog, in an interview, identified the fish broker as 34-year-old Shiela Mae F. Yu listed as a regional target by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and a high-value individual (HVI). 

She was caught together with her brothers Jose Maria, 26, and Bryan, 29; and her stepdaughter 21-year-old Angel Kyth Alavaren, all residents of Estancia town.

Jose Maria is on the provincial target list and also an HVI.

Biadog said the suspects were the target of anti-drug enforcement units in Estancia, so they rented an apartment in Lemery where they stayed for almost three months to evade arrest. 

He added that based on the investigation, the suspects’ repacked drugs are distributed to municipalities in the fifth district of the province.

“This will have a big impact because the 200 grams when distributed, can harm the youth and those who buy from them,” she said.

The suspects are currently detained at the Lemery Municipal Police Station (MPS) custodial facility, while a case for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against them on Saturday.

The operation was conducted jointly with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Provincial Drugs Enforcement Unit-Provincial Special Operations Group of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office as lead units together with the MPS of Carles and Lemery, and the second Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, among others. (PNA)

CEBU CITY – In support of the “war on floods” in this capital city, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has employed more than 300 individuals for a 10-day river clean-up and restoration activities.

Leah Quintana, DSWD-Central Visayas public information officer, said Friday the 376 beneficiaries of the Risk Resiliency Program (RRP) of the agency will join the Cebu City government’s “Gubat sa Baha: Limpyo ug Bantay sa Sapa” (War on floods: clean and secure the rivers) this month.

The individuals from different riparian barangays are expected to clean and rehabilitate the rivers of Guadalupe, Kinalumsan, Mahiga, Butuanon, Lahug, and Estero de Parian.

They are hired to improve the condition of the rivers through dredging, clean-up, and setting up of various mitigation measures for 10 days, and they will get compensation equivalent to 100 percent of the regional daily work wage of PHP435.

“They will work together to improve the situation of the rivers through dredging, clean-up, and setting of various mitigation measures,” Quintana said.

Earlier, the DSWD regional field office and the city government implemented the same project for Tagunol Creek and Bulacao River, tapping 128 beneficiaries of the program.

Individuals who are identified as poor in “Listahan” verified by the city government underwent orientation on Aug. 24 and 25 and are waiting for instruction to start their work anytime this month.

RRP is a convergence program that will operationalize the Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR) Cabinet Cluster to enable climate and disaster-resilient communities.

The program has two modalities – cash-for-work and cash-for-training – both of which aim to strengthen the adaptive capacities of poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged families and communities to socio-environmental risk, providing them either a temporary income opportunity in exchange for community work or building their capacities for disaster mitigation and management through livelihood opportunities and skills training. (PNA)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the Western Command (Wescom) that its “very difficult and important” job to keep peace in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will be matched by government efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Marcos met with the Wescom troops at Camp General Artemio Ricarte’s Lawak Gymnasium in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and instructed them to maintain heightened military presence in the WPS at all times.

“Nandito po ang inyong Pangulo na sinasabi sa inyo na ang civilian government ay nasa likod na ninyo… Upang [maging] maganda ang inyong trabaho ay gagawin natin at ipagpatuloy natin ang modernization ng AFP, ang pagkakaibigan sa iba’t ibang bansa sa Asya, sa Southeast Asia (Your President is here telling you that the civilian government is behind you… For you to keep up your good work, we will continue the modernization of the AFP and the friendship with different countries in Asia, in Southeast Asia),” he said.

The Commander-in-Chief lauded the Wescom for being at the forefront amid continuing tensions in the WPS.

“Kahit papaano, doon sa maliit nating presence, in comparison doon sa mga ibang nakakatagpo natin doon sa West Philippine Sea ay kahit na maliit lang ang na-ihaharap natin na puwersa ay maganda naman ang nagiging resulta dahil kahit papaano ay nagagawa natin na nagiging maliwanag (Somehow, in our small presence, in comparison to the others we meet in the West Philippine Sea, even though we just have a small force, the result is good because somehow, we are able to make things clear),” he told the Wescom.

“Kahit na paano nandiyan na ‘yan (Somehow, it’s already there), and the Western Command is playing a very, very important part in keeping the peace. That is the most important part. And equally important is to defend the sovereign territory of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.

Marcos’ latest instruction came in the wake of China’s provocative actions in the WPS and release of its new map that extends its claim.

Known as the “Defenders and Patriots of the Last Frontier,” the Wescom has jurisdiction over the country’s maritime territory, particularly the WPS.

Before the meeting with the troops, Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos briefed Marcos about the military units’ accomplishments and ongoing initiatives, according to a statement posted on state-run Radio Television Malacañang’s official Facebook page.

Marcos also received assurance that Wescom continues to occupy and establish an effective presence around nine Philippine-held islands, including Ayungin Shoal.

“They also regularly launch intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights to achieve wider coverage and better common operating picture in the West Philippine Sea,” the statement read. (PNA)

MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reiterated some points in Executive Order (EO) No. 39 that sets a price ceiling for rice.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Friday, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the PHP41 and PHP45 price ceilings are only for regular and well-milled rice, respectively.

“I just want to clarify that the price cap is not for all (variants of) rice… There are varieties that are not covered by the Price Act,” Pascual said in Filipino.

He also clarified that EO 39 does not impose a price freeze but it mandates the highest price that retailers can sell regular and well-milled rice to the consumers.

Under the new directive, the DTI and the departments of agriculture, interior and local government, and justice will be leading the price monitoring.

“The price ceiling is aimed at protecting Filipino consumers from unfair and exploitative pricing practices. Both the DTI and the broader Philippine government are focused on safeguarding lower-income families and vulnerable communities, who are most affected when prices of essential goods surge unexpectedly,” Pascual said in a separate statement. (PNA)

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on Friday said the Philippines is now among the world’s leading producers of tuna.

“With unwavering determination, we have elevated the Philippines to the ranks of the world’s leading tuna producers. Last year’s impressive production of over 475,000 metric tons speaks to our diligence and the richness of our marine biodiversity — a remarkable achievement for a country of our size,” DA Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate said in her message at the closing of the 23nd National Tuna Congress and Trade Exhibit at the SM City General Santos Trade Halls in General Santos City.

“At sa kabila ng liit natin, nakakapag-export pa tayo (We are able to export despite our size). More than 107,000 metric tons of tuna were exported last year. Nakaka-proud talagang maging Pilipino (Being a Filipino is something to be proud of),” she added, noting that the country’s tuna industry has a rich potential.

BFAR data showed that in 2022, tuna accounted for 10.25 percent of the country’s fisheries production.

Bayate underscored that the country’s tuna industry continuously adapts to various challenges.

She also shared the current initiatives of the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in further strengthening the tuna industry, such as the establishment of the 12 Fisheries Management Areas (FMA), the approval of three new Fisheries Administrative Orders related to tuna fisheries management, the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, and the National MLambaklad and Payao Program, among others.

DA-BFAR director Demosthenes Escoto highlighted the importance of the country’s tuna fisheries amid challenges and changes in nature such as rising sea temperatures exacerbated by climate change.

In his message, he said among the various new initiatives of the DA for the tuna industry include continuous implementation of the National Tuna Management Plan and the reconstitution of the BFAR Technical Working Group on Tuna Fisheries.

The event which ran from Thursday to Friday was led by the Soccsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied IndustriesInc. (SFFAII) with the theme, “Adapting Strategies Responsive to Global Challenges.”

The congress’ plenary covered topics on cooperation and partnerships on tuna fisheries, tuna catch estimation initiatives, and adaptive strategies by the tuna industry. (PNA)

MANILA – Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman is set to participate in the 2023 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit in Tallinn, Estonia on Sept. 4 to 8, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Friday.

In a statement, the DBM said Pangandaman, chairperson of the Philippine OGP (PH-OGP), will lead the official delegation to the OGP’s first in-person summit since 2019.

Pangandaman will discuss government efforts on anti-corruption and democratic renewal during high-level roundtable discussions on Sept. 6 and 7.

As DBM chief, Pangandaman has been introducing reforms on fiscal transparency and digital transformation of the bureaucracy as part of her personal advocacies.

She has likewise been instrumental in the institutionalization of the PH-OGP through the issuance of the Executive Order 31 on June 20, 2023.

“An aspect of open government is fiscal openness, which encompasses transparency, public participation, and legislative oversight throughout the budget and fiscal cycle. Through our OGP initiatives, we hope to bring our National Budget closer to the people and ultimately towards a people-centered economic development,” Pangandaman said in a news release.

The DBM said the Philippines will also be hosting two events on the sidelines of the global summit.

“Innovation Talks: Fostering Transparency and Public Participation Through Open Budget Portals” will be held on Sept. 4, while “From Inclusion to Impact: Harnessing the Power of People to Make Public Budgets More Responsive” will happen on Sept. 7.

“Organized in partnership with the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Innovation Talks aims to highlight existing technologies and innovative approaches that have played a key role in opening Public Financial Management processes through presentations and live demonstrations,” the DBM said.

“Meanwhile, From Inclusion to Impact will showcase best practices in integrating public participation into various phases of the budget cycle and at different levels of government. This is co-organized by the International Budget Partnership and GIFT,” it added.

Promoting “Open Governance for a Resilient Future,” the summit aims to bring together high-level government representatives, civil society leaders and policymakers from more than 70 countries.

The Philippine delegation in the summit is composed of officials and representatives from the DBM-Procurement Service, Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Justice, DFA, Supreme Court and City Government of Baguio.

Attendees from the DBM include Assistant Secretary and PH-OGP secretariat head Rolando Toledo and Undersecretaries Maria Francesca del Rosario and Wilford Will Wong.

Members of the civil society, academe and private sector will also engage in the summit, ensuring proper representation of different sectors in the PH-OGP cause.

These include the Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Network, La Salle Institute of Governance, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation, Kaabag sa Sugbo Foundation, Inc., Caucus of Development NGO Networks/Coalition for Bicol Development, Unang Hakbang Foundation, and Makati Business Club.

The OGP started in 2011 when government leaders and civil society advocates came together to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive and accountable governance.

To date, it includes 75 countries, 104 local governments and thousands of civil society organizations.

The 2023-2028 OGP strategies include building a stronger, more political global coalition for open government; investing in leadership development for reformers; expanding strategic alliances and partnerships to reinforce open government principles; raising the bar on transparency, accountability, participation and inclusion; and launching a Partnership-wide challenge to promote collective action. (PNA)

MANILA – The country has logged a total of 2,168 leptospirosis cases from Jan. 1 to July 22 this year, a 52 percent increase from the 1,423 cases during the same period in 2022.

In an update, the Department of Health (DOH) said that the incidence rate of leptospirosis per 100,000 population has increased to 1.97 percent from 1.29 for the same period last year.

The number of deaths due to leptospirosis also increased to 233 from last year’s 201 from the same period.

Of 2,168 leptospirosis cases this year, Central Luzon logged 328: Cagayan Valley, 283; National Capital Region, 248; Davao Region, 205; Central Visayas, 157; Bicol Region, 123; Calabarzon, 120; 115 each from Zamboanga Peninsula and Caraga; Central Luzon, 89; North Mindanao, 84; Mimaropa, 77; Cordillera Administrative Region, 74; Eastern Visayas, 60; Cagayan Valley, 54; 32 from Soccsksargen, 32; and four from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The DOH Guidelines for Leptospirosis for Hospitals defines the disease as a zoonotic infection, primarily an illness of domesticated and wild animals.

According to the Department of Health, leptospirosis is caused by the leptospira spirochetes that are acquired from infected urine or feces of animals such as rats that contaminate food, water and soil.

Locally, leptospirosis tends to occur frequently in flooded urban cities such as Manila. (PNA) 

MANILA – China won for the first time in the FIBA World Cup after trouncing Angola, 83-76, in their classification game on Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

China turned the tides in the third quarter, outscoring Angola, 24-14, to break a 45-all halftime deadlock to take a 69-59 lead entering the fourth.

Angola brought China into a team foul penalty midway through the fourth period, but free-throw misses haunted them as China held on.

Hu Jinqiu led China – which gets some sort of advantage ahead of a potential Paris Olympics qualifier against Gilas Pilipinas on Saturday night – with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block.

Kyle Anderson added 17 markers, seven boards, four dimes, one block, and one steal.

Childe Dundao made 17 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, and Bruno Fernando put up 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists for Angola, which closes out its campaign against South Sudan also on Saturday night. (PNA)

WASHINGTON – Kyrgyzstan has banned TikTok after appeals from non-governmental organizations about the impact of the platform on children’s mental development and overall well-being.

The decision was announced Wednesday by the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy.

Following an evaluation, the ministry concluded that the platform does not have adequate user controls to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content.

It also said the platform lacks proper age verification measures for its users.

The ministry also said TikTok draws users into a virtual realm of short video clips, and after viewing these clips, some people attempt to imitate certain videos that pose life-threatening risks.

Such addictive content has been observed to have an adverse impact on the emotional well-being of the younger generation, it said.

TikTok has recently been facing increasing limits and bans on a global scale. (Anadolu)

JAKARTA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), currently chaired by Indonesia, is stepping up efforts to intensify regional cooperation in promoting the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions.

At the 10th Meeting of ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (AFMGM) in Jakarta from August 22 to 25, the Southeast Asian finance and central bank chiefs agreed to form a task force to promote local currency transactions (LCT) and adopt high-level principles in developing the ASEAN LCT Framework.

On the final day of the meeting, the central bank governors of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen LCT cooperation, with the objective of further promoting the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions by involving market players on a broader scope.

The MOU essentially constitutes a renewed and expanded version of the local currency settlement (LCS), on which an agreement was reached by Bank Indonesia (BI), Bank Negara Malaysia, and Bank of Thailand on December 23, 2016.

Under LCS, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand will cooperate to use their currencies in bilateral trade activities as well as in direct investment.

BI Governor Perry Warjiyo said it is necessary to expand the economic activities covered by the agreement. 

The change of the word “settlement” in LCS to “transaction” in LCT signifies that the agreement now also covers other economic and financial activities, in addition to trade and direct investment, he said.

The expanded agreement also aims to enable access to cross-border payments for completing transactions in local currencies more efficiently, which, in turn, could help the countries break free from their reliance on the United States (US) dollar in cross-border transactions.

So far, in addition to the three pioneer countries, three partner countries of ASEAN — China, Japan, and South Korea — have joined the LCT cooperation.

China and Japan have been actively implementing it, whereas South Korea is currently in the exploratory phase.

Implementation of LCT cooperation has proven instrumental in reducing the countries’ dependence on the US dollar in bilateral transactions. 

BI data showed that as of July 2023, the value of transactions in local currencies reached a figure equivalent to USD3.7 billion, an improvement over the total transaction value of USD4.1 billion in 2022.

Destry Damayanti, Senior Deputy Governor of BI, said Indonesia’s local currency transactions with Malaysia have, so far, been the most productive since they have involved a very wide range of business actors.

Some parties have expressed optimism regarding LCT cooperation bolstering the independence of the participating countries in terms of currency. 

Director of the Center of Economics and Law Studies (CELIOS), Bhima Yudhistira, said Indonesia will be able to maintain the valuation of the rupiah, its national currency, at Rp15 thousand per US dollar for a considerable period if the country manages to use its currency in 40 percent of its total economic and financial activities with other ASEAN countries.

He pointed out that to optimize the agreement, all participating countries will need to ensure that they are ready and capable of supporting the use of local currencies while paying close attention to non-dollar foreign exchange markets.

Said Abdullah, chairperson of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives (DPR), shared a similar view, saying that monetary instability in the US has often led to the rupiah’s depreciation.

The rupiah should have a stronger value against the US dollar since Indonesia frequently records a surplus in its trade with the US, he added.

The promotion of the use of local currencies in economic and financial activities in Southeast Asia will be particularly beneficial for economies of developing countries in the region, said Eko Listyanto, deputy director of the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef).

Meanwhile, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati described the initiative to promote the use of local currencies in the region as a pertinent policy for countries to survive the uncertainties in the current global economic climate.

LCT cooperation, she said, can connect services among ASEAN countries and bolster the economic and financial resilience of the region.

At a press conference on the results of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara in May of this year, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said efforts aimed at intensifying the implementation of LCT align with ASEAN’s resolve to make Southeast Asia a resilient and independent region.

Among the results of the summit was the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Advancing Regional Payment Connectivity Promoting Local Currency Transactions.

Indonesia is seeking to optimize the momentum of its 2023 ASEAN chairmanship to continue encouraging the integration of ASEAN countries in the economic sector, including pushing for the expansion and implementation of LCT cooperation.

It is expected that promoting the use of local currencies in regional transactions will help ASEAN countries become economically independent amid global challenges. (Anadolu)

MANILA – Local shares slightly went up on Friday following the release of core personal consumption expenditures data.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed at 6,181.06, up by 0.09 percent from 6,175.25 the previous day, while all shares also rose by 0.22 percent to 3,341.97.

Half of the sectoral indices ended the week in a positive territory, led by Property which increased by 2.37 percent.

It was followed by Industrial, 0.54 percent; and Services, 0.18 percent.

Financials, Holding Firms, and Mining and Oil, however, declined by 0.71 percent, 0.61 percent and 0.87 percent, respectively.

Volume reached 2.11 billion shares with a total value of PHP11.50 billion.

Advancers led decliners at 98 to 92, while 44 shares were unchanged.

“Philippine shares started the month slightly up as investors digested the latest core personal consumption expenditures data. The latter increased 0.2 percent month-on-month in July and 4.2 percent year-on-year, matching estimates from economists polled by Dow Jones,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan.

Limlingan said investors now await non-farm payroll data due Friday morning (US time).

“Traders are holding onto hope that the report will indicate that the economy is slowing meaningfully, and ultimately give the Fed(eral Reserve) reason to pause benchmark interest rate hikes,” he said.

Limlingan said oil prices increased by more than USD2 per barrel near the end of trading on Thursday on expectations that production cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, called OPEC+, would continue through the end of 2023.

Brent crude rose by 1.16 percent at USD86.86 per barrel while WTI crude settled at USD83.63 per barrel, also up by 2.45 percent.(PNA)

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Ilocos regional office is targeting to launch this year its first operations center that will cater to the needs and concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In a press conference on Friday, overseas welfare workers officer Amapola Villar said the center will be established in San Fernando City, La Union.

“It will be like a mini operations center on a regional level just like that of the central office. There will be shiftings of personnel. It will be operational even on weekends and holidays,” she said.

OWWA will assign a four- or five-digit number to access or connect to the operations center.

Villar said it will be available worldwide and there will be free of charge for domestic and international calls.

She added the OFWs and their families can also reach them through WhatsApp and Viber applications.

“The concerns of the clients will not only be addressed through our existing hotline numbers, social media accounts, and email addresses,” Villar said.

The OWWA has existing hotline numbers the OFWs may call depending on their concern.

Villar said they are now in the process of setting up the office and will soon hire personnel for the operation center.

The center will be manned by two supervisors and nine “care” personnel preferably with call center background and customer care experience.

“Ang gusto namin ay may puso kasi kami ay ahensya na may serbisyong may puso at ang mga dumudulog ay may matitinding pangangailangan (We want those who have heart since we are an agency that offers service with a heart and those whom we serve have grave needs),” she said.

There are a total of 543,530 documented OFWs from the Ilocos Region, according to OWWA. (PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said it turned over the replacement of PhilIDs affected by the Manila Central Post Office fire to the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost).

In a statement late Thursday, the PSA said a total of 7,352 PhilIDs were delivered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the printing partner of the PSA for the PhilIDs, at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

The turnover was done in the presence of personnel from the PSA, BSP and the PHLPost.

The PSA said the turned over PhilIDs were replaced at no cost to affected registered persons.

These will be delivered by the PHLPost to the address provided during PhilSys registration.

“The PSA immediately initiated the reprinting process for the PhilIDs affected by the Manila Central Post Office fire,” PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Dennis Mapa said.

“We thank the BSP and PHLPost, our partners in the implementation of PhilSys, for their unwavering commitment to swiftly replace the affected PhilIDs to ensure that the rightful owners can enjoy the benefits of being PhilSys-registered,” Mapa added.

The PSA earlier assured that the PhilIDs affected by the fire last May 2023 were only for registered persons residing in Manila, and that other IDs for delivery were unaffected by the blaze as these were sorted and stored at the CMEC.

Meanwhile, the PSA said it continues to work with the BSP and PHLPost to accelerate printing and delivery of PhilIDs to registered persons nationwide.

As of Aug. 4 this year, 43.38 million PhilIDs had been dispatched by the BSP — of which, 36.47 million had been delivered by the PHLPost. (PNA)

MANILA – International research organization Stratbase ADR Institute scored China’s 2023 edition of its so-called ‘standard’ map, which it described as an attempt to legitimize its territorial claims.

“The Stratbase ADR Institute strongly and categorically rejects China’s desperate attempt to legitimize its territorial claims through the new ‘standard’ map released by its Ministry of Natural Resources,” Stratbase ADR Institute president Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said in a statement late Thursday.

He also pointed out that the 2023 version of the map, which now shows a 10-dash line, is a serious insult to the 2016 arbitral victory of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Manhit said this new Chinese map is a direct affront to the established United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) aside from being a ” mockery of the rules-based international order and of basic decency.”

“We reiterate that the arbitral award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration is clear and final– China’s nine-dash line is baseless and illegal. China’s claims to sovereign and historic rights in the maritime area are contrary to the UNCLOS,” he said.

He added that the publication of the map has the dangerous potential of propagating disinformation by advancing the Chinese narrative that the WPS is part of their territory.

Manhit said no attempt to redraw geopolitical boundaries will make this acceptable, as this is a blatant violation of international law.

“Since 2016, the Philippines’ victory at the arbitral tribunal has been repeatedly recognized and supported by numerous states that adhere to the fundamental value of the rule of law. We applaud like-minded states that have stood up against this map representing an expansionist agenda,” he noted.

Manhit also maintained that the Philippines, its allies, and partners must remain firm in defending the rules-based international order through strategic cooperation to maintain a united front against coercive and antagonistic states.

“Adherence to the rules-based international order is the utmost responsibility and obligation of all states to ensure stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.

Manhit also said the geopolitical and geo-economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific is uncertain, perilous, and daunting.

“With the support of the international community, the Philippines must hold China accountable for its actions, particularly in propagating disinformation. We are on the right side of history; therefore, we have all the reason to stand proud and to defend our well-recognized victory in the WPS,” he noted. (PNA)

MANILA – Twenty-two flights between Manila and Hong Kong scheduled for Friday were canceled as Typhoon Saola is forecast to severely affect the Chinese special administrative region.

According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the canceled flights are:

— Air Asia (Z2) 1264/1265 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— Cathay Pacific (CX) 930 Manila – Hong Kong
— CX 918/919 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— CX 902/903 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— Cebu Pacific (5J) 110/111 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— Philippine Airlines (PR) 306/307 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— PR 300/301 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— PR 318/319 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— PR 310/311 Manila – Hong Kong – Manila
— PR 330/331 Manila – Xiamen – Manila
— PR 356/357 Manila – Jinjiang – Manila

MIAA also reported that China Southern Airlines (CZ) 3091 Canton – Manila was also canceled due to inclement weather in the destination.

Local carriers AirAsia and Philippine Airlines earlier announced that affected passengers may rebook or reroute their flight, convert the amount to travel credits, or opt for a refund. (PNA)

MANILA – Following requests from different local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) for augmentation support, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) immediately sent family food packs and other relief items to families affected by floodings in Metro Manila, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said Friday.

According to the DSWD spokesperson, some 390 family food packs (FFPs) were dispatched to the fifth district of Manila on Thursday, while 1,685 FFPs are scheduled to be sent to the flood-affected individuals and families residing in the first and fourth districts of Quezon City.

“The DSWD is in coordination with other LGUs for their needed assistance. We are also currently arranging the FFPs and other relief items to be delivered to the 3rd District of Manila and Caloocan City,” Lopez said in a statement.

Manila’s fifth district includes the areas of Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, Port Area, San Andres and south Paco while the third district is composed of Binondo, Quiapo, San Nicolas and Santa Cruz.

Quezon City’s first district includes La Loma, San Francisco del Monte and Santa Mesa Heights while the fourth district is composed of the Diliman and New Manila areas as well as parts of Quezon Avenue.

Latest data showed that a total of 1,278 families or 5,015 individuals in NCR have been affected by the floodings caused by continuous rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Lopez said the DSWD is also set to send assistance to victims of fire incidents in Quezon City, Manila and Las Piñas.

Some 194 boxes of food packs and 194 sleeping kits are set to be delivered on Saturday to the affected individuals in a fire that occurred in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City last Aug. 27.

Based on the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) conducted by Field Office NCR – Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), an estimated 210 families were recorded to have been affected by the fire incident.

The affected families are currently taking temporary shelter at the Metro Heights Evacuation Center, Metro Heights Gazebo and the Vargas Covered Court.

The DSWD is also set to deliver FFPs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits and kitchen kits to fire victims in Las Piñas.

It will also provide an additional 385 FFPs and sleeping kits to the families affected by the fire that occurred in Barangay 650, Manila City a few days ago.

Lopez said the DSWD, through its FO-NCR, has been continuously coordinating with the different LGUs in NCR for any significant updates and requests for relief augmentation. (PNA)