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Port constraints expected to delay offshore wind progress

ELECNOR

THE PHILIPPINES is likely to miss its target of launching offshore wind farm operations by 2028 due to lack of progress in developing the specialized ports that will service the wind farms, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said.

“Although there are 10 service contracts, I do not think all 10 could be concluded or implemented by 2028. (So far) we are looking at whether we can establish a template for the offshore wind terminals, in order to get at least one or two running by 2026 or 2027,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said.

The Department of Energy (DoE) has said the 10 concessions have a combined capacity of 6.72 gigawatts (GW).

“We are in close coordination with the DoE on the establishment of terminals to address the deployment of offshore wind equipment and facilities,” Mr. Santiago said.

The government is working with the Asian Development Bank to conduct the feasibility study for the development of 10 ports initially nominated to service the offshore industry.

“The DoE has identified at least 10 ports. At least 60% of those ports are under PPA,” Mr. Santiago said.

The feasibility study will validate whether the locations are suited as support facilities for wind farms operators.

Ports will play a crucial role in offshore wind development as their supply chains, infrastructure and other components will be transported from there to the offshore sites.

The DoE considers the offshore wind project that has made the most progress to be the one in Ilocos Norte, Mr. Santiago said, adding that if completed, that facility is expected to be the first concession to start operations. 

Earlier, the Transportation department estimated that repurposing ports for offshore wind development will cost around $80 million. 

The DoE has said that funding to make ports ready for the offshore wind industry needs to be budgeted for in the 2025 spending plan. 

Ports that can accommodate wind power equipment are critical items in meeting the government’s timeline, according to Pedro H. Maniego, Jr., senior policy advisor at the Manila-based climate and energy policy group Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.

“If PPA can’t repurpose the ports in the identified offshore wind areas, it will certainly affect the target completion dates of offshore wind projects,” Mr. Maniego said via Viber.

Jose M. Layug, Jr., president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement, Inc., said the Energy department’s aggressive push for offshore wind development is subject to “many variables,” which “need to be addressed to ensure the development of offshore wind in the Philippines, including transmission and distribution infrastructure and ports,” he said via Viber message. 

Mr. Layug said the Energy department could consider a pilot project of between 250 megawatts and 500 megawatts in 2028 in order to have an attainable target. 

“The DoE can then announce a long-term target with a specific megawatt capacity for offshore wind from 2029 to 2034 to give the investors the proper signals about the capacity needed by the Philippines,” he said.

To date, the DoE has awarded 91 offshore wind energy service contracts with a potential capacity of 65.12 GW. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Hosting ‘loss and damage’ fund could focus attention on PHL climate finance

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE PHILIPPINES has an opportunity to attract more attention to its climate financing needs after it was chosen to host the board of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

“Hosting the LDF Board will unlock more opportunities for the Philippines to accelerate its access to climate finance and investments, which are critical for future-proofing our economy and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said in a statement. 

The Philippines was selected to host the LDF Board at a meeting in Incheon, South Korea on Tuesday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. made the announcement via X (formerly Twitter) late Tuesday. 

“Hosting the LDF Board reinforces our dedication to inclusivity and our leadership role in ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change shape the future of international climate policy,” he said.

Other countries that were considered to host were Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Eswatini, Togo, and Kenya.

The fund seeks to support developing countries impacted by natural disasters caused by climate change. It will be operationalized by the World Bank for four years.

The Philippines is one of countries deemed most vulnerable to climate-related calamities, and struggles with limited resources for post-disaster rehabilitation and mitigation.

As the host of the board, the Philippines will have the chance to collaborate with other countries in tackling climate-related issues and disaster risk management, DoF said.

“By hosting the LDF Board, the Philippines will play a leading role in helping attract significant support from developed countries and development partners to provide concrete financial contributions in averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage,” the DoF added.

On March 1, Mr. Marcos established a technical working group to work on the country’s bid to host the LDF.

The bid offer was put forward by the DoF, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Climate Change Commission.

The Philippines secured a seat on the LDF Board during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December.

Separately, Greenpeace campaigners have declared their support for legislation imposing a fossil fuel tax which will also hold companies accountable for their organizations’ climate impact.

Greenpeace Philippines added that hosting the Loss and Damage Fund Board adds urgency to the need to demonstrate that the government is among the leading practitioners of sound climate policy.

“The ball is now in the government’s court to reflect the country’s ambitions as the host of the board through its policies. This includes the certification of House Bill 9069 or the Clima Bill as urgent,” Greenpeace Campaigner Jefferson Chua said via Viber.

The bill, filed by at least six legislators last year, is considered by the international community as the first of its kind. It proposes to establish a system of reparations for those deemed responsible for the climate crisis, including corporations.

The Clima bill was introduced in the House of Representatives a year after the 2022 United Nations climate change conference (COP27), which ended with the announcement of the loss and damage fund.

The bill coincided with the release of a Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative legal opinion that found that board directors have a duty to consider risks posed by climate change when determining shareholders’ best interests under Philippine corporation law.

Mr. Chua said the government should also push for a windfall fossil fuel profit tax in Congress and lobby for a carbon damages tax in international climate negotiations.

“Being chosen to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board is a good development, but what is even more important is that President Marcos help ensure that the fund has money.”

The Loss and Damage Fund Board is responsible for developing strategies to deliver financing to countries vulnerable to climate change.

Greenpeace said contributions to the fund “remain far below expectations amid escalating climate impacts and ballooning costs.”

“Our hosting of the L&D Fund Board underscores the huge responsibility of President Marcos and his administration in ensuring that Filipino communities get compensated for climate damages,” Mr. Chua said.

Rich countries that account for most of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions have pledged $700 million to the fund, falling short of the $100-580 billion estimate of annual losses and damage in developing countries.

In a 2019 report, the Philippines’ Commission on Human Rights said fossil fuel companies can be held liable for climate change and its effects. In its National Inquiry on Climate Change in 2022, the commission said any “neglect in climate change mitigation may be considered a human rights violation.”

A 2024 Green Economy Report for Southeast Asia issued by Bain & Co. said the Philippines saw a 57% increase in “green” investments to $1.46 billion in 2023, but remains short of the over $16 billion in capital investment needed for its green transition. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Gov’t think tank backs Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund extension

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) needs to be extended for another six years, with the rice industry yet to show significant improvement in RCEF’s first six years of operation, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said.

“To introduce flexibility, (we) suggest that, upon the proposal of the President as stated in the National Expenditure Program, we must enable the Congress to alter the allocations of the fund through the General Appropriations Act,” PIDS senior research fellow Roehlano M. Briones and project technical assistant Amerah C. Azis said in a brief.

Under Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law of 2019, RCEF receives P10 billion a year from rice import tariff collections to modernize the rice industry by supporting the procurement of machinery, seed, and fertilizer as well as the provision of credit and rice farming know-how.

The RCEF expired last month, but lawmakers are seeking to extend its term and increase its annual allocation.

If extended, RCEF must also include underfunded programs like small water impounding systems, small farm reservoirs, and organic-based fertilizer production by farmer cooperatives and associations, PIDS said.

The government must also create a revolving fund for RCEF’s credit component, it added.

Rice stocks nearly expired but still fit for consumption should also be auctioned off, with its proceeds funding palay (unmilled rice) procurement from domestic farmers, PIDS said.

“This way the NFA (National Food Authority) does not have to rely 100% on the General Appropriations Act budgeting for palay procurement,” it said.

On Monday, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said boosting agricultural productivity is still the government’s long-term solution to the rice industry’s chronically weak performance.

The government lowered rice import tariffs to 15% from 35% via Executive Order (EO) No. 62, as an inflation-containment measure.

As a result, tariff collections for rice are expected to decline by P9.42 billion, PIDS said.

Palay output is expected to decline to 19.14 million tons with the tariff cuts from 19.57 million tons under the previous tariff system, PIDS said.

Farmers have challenged the EO before the Supreme Court, saying they were not consulted properly before its issuance. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

BoI-approved agri investments hit P9.59B

REUTERS

THE Board of Investments (BoI) said it approved P9.59 billion worth of agricultural projects in the first six months of 2024.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BoI said the projects were endorsed by the Department of Agriculture as Tier II agri-based projects covered under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.

Trade Secretary and BoI Chairman Alfredo E. Pascual said that the growing number of approved agriculture-related projects “will certainly drive the adoption of new technologies and enhance food security in the Philippines, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our agricultural systems.”

These projects include Metro Pacific group’s dairy farm in Laguna and a vegetable greenhouse in Bulacan.

Also on the list are the rice seed and palay project of SL Agritech Corp., the cold and dry storage facility of Vifel Ice Plant and Cold Storage, Inc., and the hatchery of Chick Haven, Inc.

Resource-Based Industries Service Director Raquel Echague said that the projects are expected to generate thousands of jobs.

Between Feb. 2 and June 11, the BoI said it approved six projects with investments ranging from P1 billion to P15 billion, with agricultural projects accounting for P6.05 billion and transportation and storage proposals valued at P3.95 billion. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Tomato harvest starts coming in, promising relief from high prices

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it expects tomato prices to drop this week with the harvest from provinces near Metro Manila start arriving.

“Areas in Southern Tagalog have already started harvesting, and we are expecting tomato prices to gradually decline,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel V. de Mesa said.

According to DA price monitors, tomatoes in Metro Manila markets sold for between P140 and P220 per kilogram as of July 9. The month-earlier price range was P55-P95 per kilo.

Ito siguro ay epekto ng mga pabago-bago ng panahon natin sa ngayon (This might be the result of the variable climate). In the case of tomatoes, the crop experienced El Niño, then it rained. But it is gradually recovering,” he added.

He said that increasing fuel prices could also be behind the rise in prices.

“When the source is far away, such as Benguet or Southern Tagalog, there are additional expenses incurred,” Mr. De Mesa said.

Fuel companies on Tuesday raised gasoline prices by P1.60 per liter. For diesel the corresponding hike was P0.65, while kerosene prices rose P0.60.

Last week, the DA said that it had approved the disbursement of P510.447 million in fuel subsidies to about 160,000 farmers.

Each registered farmer owning or renting agricultural machinery will receive P3,000 this month.

“We are just waiting for the certification from the Department of Energy. The condition to release the subsidy is for Dubai crude oil to hit $80 per barrel,” he added. — Adrian H. Halili

PHL incubator industry sees startup momentum picking up

THE PHILIPPINES could bill itself as one of the faster-growing startup hubs in the world if recent momentum continues, incubator executives said.

Brainsparks Co-Founder Artie DC. Lopez said that the growth in the Philippine startup ecosystem is encouraging to startups and venture capitalists.

“There are immense opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship here. Our startups are becoming more competitive in the region,” Mr. Lopez said.

e27 Co-Founder Thaddeus Koh said that the Philippines is becoming a prime market for startups due to its location and workforce.

“Its strategic location in Southeast Asia, coupled with a highly skilled and affordable workforce, grants access to a massive regional market and acts as a gateway to neighboring economies,” Mr. Koh said.

He added that the country’s “sound policies” are attractive to foreign investment, while its growing population creates a “vast potential consumer base.”

“The Philippine startup ecosystem is now the fastest-emerging startup hub in the world … We need to showcase the Philippines in the region,” he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that this growth is reflected in the recent valuation of the Manila startup ecosystem in the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report.

The report found that the value of Manila’s startup ecosystem almost doubled to $6.4 billion.

“With the recent growth that we’ve seen in the startup scene in Manila, the government is cognizant of the importance of its role in sustaining this growth,” DTI Division Chief of Innovation and Collaboration Division Karl Lyndon B. Pacolor said.

“Part of that goal is to ensure that the momentum of the Philippine startup ecosystem is not just sustained but also expanded to other parts of the country,” he added.

Mr. Koh said that e27 has partnered with Brainsparks to launch a tech and startup business conference, Echelon, in the Philippines.

The conference will conduct business matchings and facilitate funding and investment, Mr. Koh said. 

“The Philippines is an ideal location for the tech community to flourish. We want to put a spotlight on the Philippines and create opportunities for everyone,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Barriers thrown up against Abra hogs, pork after ASF outbreak

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — The government of Kalinga province has barred the entry of live hogs, pork, and pork-based products from Abra following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) there.

According to reports, more than 200 hogs have died, with the presence of ASF later confirmed in Manabo, Abra.

Laboratory samples were found positive for ASF on July 4. They had been collected from San Juan, Manabo.

Manabo Mayor Darell Domasing has since ordered a ban on the trade of hogs, pork, and other pork products.

The ban imposed by Kalinga applies to hog shippers, meat vendors, meat shops, and other establishments dealing in meat products.

“The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) will provide further information and instructions regarding this outbreak, and the public is advised to exercise extreme caution when purchasing and consuming processed pork meat products. Only products sourced from areas not affected by ASF should be consumed,” the Kalinga government said in announcing the ban.

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Cordillera regional office said it provided disinfectants to hog growers in Manabo.

The DA also said the Manabo government needs to reapply for a Recognition of Active Surveillance on African Swine Fever certification from the Bureau of Animal Industry. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Checking out the Internet Transactions Act

The sphere of online transactions has grown exponentially in recent years, from shopping, food, essentials, entertainment, and other services — spanning almost every aspect of our lives. Without a doubt, online shopping has given us convenience by bringing the world “closer” to us. Inevitably though, there have also been horror stories such as fraud, scams, and other disputes arising from online purchasing. As the reach of e-commerce expands, the need to update our laws regulating it becomes a must.

The passage of “The Internet Transactions Act of 2023 or Republic Act 11967 (the Act”) which took effect last 20 December 2023 and its implementing rules which was signed 24 May 2024, aims to fill this gap and complements our existing laws such as the Law on Sales, E-commerce Act, Consumer Act of the Philippines (“Consumer Act”). The Act specifically covers business-to-business and business-to-consumer internet transactions where one of the parties (online consumers, online merchants/e-retailers, or operators of electronic marketplaces) is situated in the Philippines, and digital platforms, electronic retailers or online merchants for as long as they “avail of” or offer their products to the Philippine market, and have minimum contacts here.

An internet transaction or e-commerce is defined as the sale or lease of digital or non-digital goods and services over the internet. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) exercises regulatory jurisdiction over these internet transactions, to be supported by the E-commerce Bureau as created under the Act, and other government agencies granted jurisdiction by existing laws over specific claims or causes of action.   

One of the most common issues encountered by online merchants are the so-called “joy buyers,” or those who cancel their orders after placing them. The Act prohibits online consumers from canceling an order that has already been paid, involves perishable goods, or is already in the possession of the delivery service provider, unless the consumer: uses electronic or digital payment services and authorized the crediting of the amount in favor of the seller despite cancellation (although in practice, most of the buyers will not do this unless payment has been authorized prior to cancellation and can no longer be reversed in the system), reimburses the delivery cost, pays a cancellation fee, or reaches an agreement with the e-retailer. Ideally, this would deter “joy buyers” as this practice unjustly costs online retailers their time, effort, and resources.

On the part of online consumers, defects are a common concern. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores where consumers are able to physically examine the item before buying, online purchasers only get to inspect the item upon delivery. The law recognizes the right of online consumers to pursue repair, replacement, refund or other remedies provided under the Consumer Act in case of defect, malfunction, loss without the online consumer’s fault, failure to comply with the warranty or any other liability of the online merchant arising from the contract.

In case of defect, remedies include refund, replacement, or remedy/repair of the product. Under the new law, if replacement or refund is elected, the defective product should be returned to the online merchant, without any cost to the online consumer, within a reasonable period from the online consumer’s receipt of the product, unless they agree otherwise.

If the payment is refunded, but for some reason the defective product can no longer be returned due to the fault of the online consumer, the amount refunded should be returned to the e-retailer subject to a proportionate reduction in the price, if appropriate.

In some cases, although not defective, the item turns out to be something entirely different from what is expected when delivered. For instance, the item is expected to be full-size but only a miniature version arrives. Under the Act, online merchants are required to indicate the price of the goods and services offered consistent with the “price tag requirement” under Section 81 of the Consumer Act. They must also ensure that the goods received by the online consumer are in the same condition, type, quantity, quality, and possess the functionality, compatibility, interoperability, and fitness for their intended purpose as described or posted, or as in the sample, picture or model shown by the e-retailer upon request of the e-consumer. In other words, the item ordered should be fit for the particular purpose by which reason the online consumer purchased it based on the e-retailer’s representations.

This obligation likewise extends to e-marketplace operators as the law requires them to ensure that online merchants provide the name and brand, price, description and condition of the products and services offered in the platform. Failure to comply subjects the e-marketplace operator to sanctions under the law.

Another unintended consequence of growing online transactions is the proliferation of fraud, scammers and “fly-by-night sellers.” Normally, the aggrieved party is unable to file claims or institute an action against the erring party due to lack of information on their true identity and location.

Prior to listing, the law requires e-marketplaces to ask online merchants (both local and foreign) to submit their names, at least one valid government ID for individuals, or business registration for juridical entities, their geographical location and contact details (a mobile or landline number, and a valid e-mail address), and necessary registration with a professional body or institution if professional services are offered. This information must be kept, and provided by the e-marketplace operator when so required by a competent authority in any investigation of alleged use of the e-marketplace or e-retailer to commit a crime, or a malicious, fraudulent or unlawful act, by an accused whose identity cannot be ascertained.

Moreover, the E-commerce Bureau is tasked with enforcing registration of digital platforms and online merchants. Within one year from effectivity of the Act, an Online Business Database (OBD) should also be created, which will serve as a repository of information on digital platforms, e-marketplace, e-retailers and online merchants, that the government and online consumers can access. Entering false or misleading information in the OBD is to be prosecuted accordingly. Also, the development of a Philippine Trustmark is to be encouraged by the DTI, which may be established and operated by an industry-led governance body. Further, the Secretary of Trade has the authority to issue a publicly accessible “blacklist” of websites, webpages, online applications and social media accounts, and other similar platforms that fail to comply with a compliance order, takedown order, or a cease-and-desist order by an appropriate government agency.

The strict enforcement of the above provisions should help ensure that only legitimate sellers are able to engage in online transactions, and the establishment of a system that will provide complete, accurate and updated information, specifically on the identity and location of online sellers, would facilitate recovery of claims when necessary.

Clearly, the convenience that online shopping offers can only be fully realized if mechanisms are in place to ensure security in online transactions. While the law and the rules play a vital role, achieving this end remains a shared responsibility through collective compliance by the parties to online transactions.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Aimee Rose Dg. Dela Cruz is a director at the Tax department of Isla Lipana & Co., a Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

aimee.rose.d.dela.cruz@pwc.com

Palarong Pambansa implements new rules in chess; action picks up

PSC CHAIRMAN Richard Bachmann (left) with Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia, and Acting Vice Mayor and PBA Legend Dondon Hontiveros. — PHILIPPINE SPORTS COMMISSION

CEBU CITY — For the first time in the history of the Palarong Pambansa, athletes competing in chess will be scanned and all electronic devices will be prohibited in the tournament area to avoid the possibility of cheating in the sport.

Tournament director Reden Cruz, an International Arbiter, yesterday told The STAR that they would be strict in implementing these new guidelines so as to rid the tournament of the possibility of cheating using electronic devices.

“Everyone playing will be scanned and we will have people guarding comfort rooms,” said Mr. Cruz. “Of course, electronic devices and even watches and anything mechanical will not be allowed in the playing area and their ears will also be inspected.”

Cebu City will be flooded with gold medals today as Palarong Pambansa action intensifies, including those in centerpiece athletics where 17 mints are up for grabs and swimming where 24 will be staked.

Both medal-rich disciplines are set at the newly refurbished Cebu City Sports Center here.

The first gold, however, in this annual multi-sports meet for grade school athletes is expected to come at the track in the secondary girls’ 3,000-meter run.

Asian Age Group Championship gold medalist Jamesray Ajido will be the tanker to watch as he is expected to cast his long, marauding shadow and open his campaign in the 200-meter individual medley for secondary boys.

Mr. Ajido made heads turn when he shocked everyone and scooped up a gold in the Asian youth meet staged at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac last February.

Rhythmic gymnastics will unfurl too at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation gym where elementary freehand and rope and secondary hoop and ball mints will be given away.

And the same with dance sports, which will make its debut stint here at the GMall.

Chess will have its share of gold medals to be given away as blitz is set in the morning and ends by lunchtime.

By afternoon, players in standard chess will take the spotlight as they shoot for the National Master titles, which will be staked for the second straight year, and a chess to become future champions someday.

And this would be made possible if officials can ensure a clean and honest competition. — Joey Villar

Justine Baltazar leads 70 hopefuls in PBA’s Season 49 rookie draft

JUSTINE BALTAZAR — FIBA

PROSPECTIVE top pick Justine Baltazar feels the two-year delay in his PBA bid has allowed him to get more battle ready for action in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

The 6-foot-8 Mr. Baltazar initially applied for the PBA draft in 2022 but eventually withdrew and signed up with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B. League.

He decided to skip the succeeding 2023 PBA draft and instead took his act to Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), where he won Season and Finals MVP and helped the Pampanga Lanterns win the championship. “Last year, I’m not ready yet,” the former De La Salle standout said during Wednesday’s PBA Draft Combine. He believes the Japan and MPBL stints were beneficial to his PBA-readiness.

Mr. Baltazar is among 70 hopefuls who have entered their names in the PBA’s Season 49 selection process on Sunday.

And with the No. 1 choice at the hands of Converge, a team coached by his collegiate mentor Aldin Ayo and affiliated with his benefactor Gov. Dennis Pineda, Mr. Baltazar looms as the likely man.

Mr. Baltazar, who may, however, play out his contract with Pampanga until the end of the MPBL season before coming on board with his future PBA club. — Olmin Leyba

Twenty high-potential athletes to benefit from expanded Atletang Ayala program

FROM L-R: Andrea Robles, Pia Bidaure, Prince Alejo, Abby Bidaure and Jasmine Alkhaldi

AYALA Foundation announces the recruitment of the next batch of athletes for the Atletang Ayala program, which supports Filipino athletes with great potential to become the country’s next crop of Olympic medalists, while also opening opportunities for them to build professional careers within the Ayala group of companies.

On behalf of the Ayala group, Ayala Foundation is increasing the number of new Atletang Ayala recruits from eight to 20, while also keeping an eye towards promoting greater diversity and inclusion by including more sports and high-potential para-athletes.

Under Atletang Ayala, selected athletes will receive benefits that augment their training requirements while also growing as Ayala group professionals. They will have full-salaried employment opportunities with flexible work arrangements; access Healthway Medical Network’s Athletes’ Health program, which includes physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, and sports psychology; enjoy full and free access to the world-class Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) in Cavite; and enroll in select courses at the De La Salle University should they wish to pursue further education.

To help close the gap between athletes’ financial needs and their goal of competing internationally, the enhanced program will also allow the new batch of athletes to receive fixed budgets for international training camps and competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games, and the Olympics. In addition, athletes in the program will have the chance to help develop the next generation of sports enthusiasts and future national athletes through community-based sports programs.

AN EMPOWERED PIONEER BATCH
In 2022, Atletang Ayala recruited its inaugural batch of eight exceptional athletes. These included swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Xiandi Chua; archers Andrea Robles, Abby Bidaure, and Pia Bidaure; fencers Nathaniel Perez and Noelito Jose Jr.; and karateka Prince Alejo.

Their performances were encouraging, as each of the eight athletes improved significantly in the world rankings of their respective sports, while simultaneously receiving favorable performance appraisals at their jobs.

Atletang Ayala is now led by Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of the Ayala group. As one of the Foundation’s key programs under its Leadership Development pillar, Atletang Ayala aims to further develop young leaders that excel in their chosen sport to help uplift our nation.

The expanded Atletang Ayala program also seeks to inspire more Filipinos to pursue their athletic dreams and unite the nation through sports, as more athletes proudly represent the country on the global stage.

Athletes invited to qualify for the Atletang Ayala program will undergo a series of interviews until after the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. The next set of Atletang Ayala athletes will be announced before the end of the year.

NU routs Enderun in straight sets in Shakey’s Super League opener

NU LADY BULLDOGS

UAAP queen National University (NU) stamped its class on Enderun Colleges with a resounding 25-19, 25-25, 25-16 win to open the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals in style Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Thirteen players scored in the barrage led by seasoned spiker Vange Alinsug with 14 points on 12 hits as the NU Lady Bulldogs seized a 1-0 slate in Pool A.

Kaye Bombita threw in 12 points with incoming rookie Celine Marsh (8) also providing support for NU, which defended its SSL Collegiate Pre-Season Championship and regained the throne in the UAAP Season 86 last year to prime up of the national invitationals.

UAAP MVP Bella Belen along with other aces Sheena Toring and Arah Panique saw limited action in the runaway win.

NU, albeit without UAAP Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon who’s still recovering from her injury, will shoot for a group sweep and a quarterfinal ticket against Xavier University-Northern Mindanao Selection on Friday.

Shane Carmona (10) was the lone bright spot for Enderun, which will seek a rebound today against the debuting Xavier.

Earlier, NCAA runner-up Colegio de San Juan de Letran made short work of University of San Carlos, 25-22, 25-14, 25-12, in Pool D behind the duo of Nizelle Aeriyen Martin and Lea Rizel Tapang with 10 points each.

Jearl Lapitan led USC with seven points. — John Bryan Ulanday