EDSA Busway proposal review nearly complete

May 19, 2024 | 7:08 pm

edsa-bus-carousel — PNA/JESS M. ESCAROS JR.

THE evaluation of the Megawide Construction Corp.’s unsolicited proposal for the EDSA busway system project is now nearing completion, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center said.

“(The PPP Center) is actually on the tail end of the review process. We will be following up with them. The DoTr (Department of Transportation) needs to decide whether it will proceed to the next stage or return the proposal,” Jeffrey I. Manalo, deputy executive director at the PPP Center, told reporters over the weekend.

Mr. Manalo was speaking on the sidelines of a seminar hosted by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines and San Miguel Corp. on Saturday.

Mr. Manalo declined to give further details about the PPP Center’s review and what its recommendation might be.

Separately, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has confirmed that the unsolicited proposal that the DoTr received was from listed Megawide Construction.

“The unsolicited proposal is being reviewed by the PPP Center. I understand the proponent still has pending documents they need to submit,” Mr. Bautista said on the sidelines of a forum last week.

The DoTr hopes to complete the feasibility study for the EDSA Busway system within the year.

Earlier, the DoTr said the busway project is following a similar track as the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The NAIA PPP project is considered the fastest project to progress from submission to investment coordination committee approval to concession agreement signing.

The Transportation department said it expects to start the bidding for the EDSA PPP project in 2025.

The EDSA Busway Project involves the financing, design, construction, procurement of low-carbon buses, route planning, and operations and maintenance of the busway. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

ADB targets loan approvals for 4 PHL transport infra projects

May 19, 2024 | 7:07 pm

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) is looking to approve four loans for major Philippine transport infrastructure projects until 2028.

“ADB’s support to the government’s Infrastructure Flagship Program (IFP) continues with new upcoming operations in the transport sector,” Hiroaki Yamaguchi, senior director for transport at ADB, said in an e-mail.

The bank has yet to finalize the approval dates and loan sizes for the projects, he said.

“These projects are prepared under the ADB financed Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF), which is supporting the preparation, pre-implementation, and early implementation of climate-resilient transport infrastructure projects in the Philippines,” Mr. Yamaguchi added.

The ADB plans to approve a proposed $1-billion loan by next year to fund the construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT-4).

MRT-4 will have 10 stations along a 13.4 kilometer-longline from the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Ortigas Ave. junction to Taytay, Rizal.

The project is expected to ease road congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the highly urbanized area.

The ADB also hopes to obtain loan approval for the 37-kilometer Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project this year. Its proposed funding stands at $3.5 billion through its multitranche financing facility.

The proposed Laguna Lakeshore Road Network would link the City of Taguig to the City of Calamba, south of the capital region.

For 2027, the ADB hopes to co-finance with the Japan International Cooperation Agency a 65-kilometer highway linking Cagayan de Oro City to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The proposed Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Project is expected to improve connectivity and economic growth between northern and central Mindanao.

The bank also plans to approve a loan for the Central Luzon Corridor Rail Network Extension by 2028.

The proposed rail line will extend the North–South Commuter Railway system to central Luzon to improve freight travel and connect seaports to the capital.

The railway aims to “establish a predominant freight railway network to improve multimodal logistics and connect seaports in Central Luzon with Metro Manila.”

The bank also said it is supporting the Departments of Transportation (DoTr) and Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its feasibility studies and detailed engineering design for upcoming projects, Mr. Yamaguchi said.

These include road, railway, metro rail, public transport, maritime transport and shipping infrastructure under the IPIF’s third tranche.

To date, the ADB’s lending portfolio covers nine transport projects amounting to $11.48 billion.

These include a $500-million technical assistance loan for the DoTr and the DPWH, $380 million for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project, and $100 million in emergency assistance for Marawi City.

The bank previously approved a $2.75-billion loan for the Malolos-Clark Railway Project, $138 million for the EDSA Greenways Project, and $175 million to fund the Metro Manila Bridges Project.

The South Commuter Railway Project was granted a $4.3-billion loan, the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project $1.01 billion, and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge $2.11 billion.

As of May 21, the government had 185 IFPs worth P9.14 trillion in the pipeline, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

UK firm singles out finance, industrial sectors’ online infrastructure as top cyberattack targets

May 19, 2024 | 7:06 pm

UK CYBERSECURITY firm NCC Group said that the finance and industrial sectors are among the top targets for cyberattacks in the Philippines, consistent with global patterns.

“This is not just about the Philippines. Finance is always going to be a fairly strong (targeted) sector because, ultimately, people want to get money, but sometimes they commit cybercrime for disruptive reasons,” NCC Group Chief Operating Officer Kevin Brown told BusinessWorld.

“A lot of the time, you want to get to where the cash is, so the finance sector will be continually targeted. But I think the industrial sector — the operational technology and critical national infrastructure — is one where, year on year, we see a continued rise,” he added.

He said that the industrial sector has a 30% share in terms of targeted attacks, which may stem from the lower investment in infrastructure within the sector.

“This one is on strengthening operational technology because it has been, perhaps, not as invested as much as information technology or your enterprise infrastructure,” he added.

“We certainly see a big push towards (protecting) critical national infrastructure in the industrial sectors,” he added.

Asked about where the attacks on the industrial sector are aimed, he said that the cybercriminals are trying to get access to the network or cause a disruption.

“We’ve seen many attacks across the globe that try to get into oil routes or try to affect water; a lot of these will be driven from a nation-state perspective,” he said.

“Sometimes, they’ll be trying to get into a sort of crucial, critical national infrastructure as an access point to get into a wider network,” he added.

He said that they noticed that the telecommunications sector has been targeted not always because sometimes it hosts a significant infrastructure for other businesses.

Asked for his recommendations for the Philippine government, he said that there is a need to relaunch the country’s cybersecurity strategy.

“I think refreshing and relaunching the cybersecurity strategy is the key one. And the next one is, how do you bring this to life, and how does it become real for everyone? I think that could be through education and awareness,” he said.

“I think bringing that awareness and, at the same time, starting to give some help, some education, and some tools to be able to better understand where everyone fits in the cyber ecosystem are among the things that you need to be doing as well,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

The evolving role of financial controllers

May 19, 2024 | 7:05 pm

IN BRIEF:

• The traditional duties of financial controllers, which used to focus on historical financial reporting and regulatory compliance, now demand a broader range of skills and responsibilities.

• Modern controllers must excel in accounting and be capable of managing data, participating in strategic corporate conversations, and acting as reliable counselors.

The financial controller role has transformed dramatically, with emerging technologies and advanced data analytics, along with the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, introducing a fresh perspective to company planning. The duties of financial controllers, which used to focus on historical financial reporting and regulatory compliance, now demand a broader range of skills and responsibilities.

Their responsibilities have broadened beyond basic bookkeeping — they are now expected to adopt a proactive and visionary mindset, taking on the role of strategic business overseers. Modern controllers must be well-versed in a variety of competencies; they must excel in accounting and be capable of managing data, participating in strategic corporate conversations, and acting as reliable counselors. Their role has progressed into one that focuses on directing and ensuring the achievement of value, positioning them at the core of financial strategy.

The increasing need for real-time and predictive financial reporting has been a major catalyst for this shift, with the role now including elements of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Though controllers used to focus on internal transactional duties, technological advancements and evolving business expectations are pushing the role to become more extroverted.

INCORPORATING ESG INTO FISCAL PLANNING
As ESG factors gain prominence in corporate planning and risk evaluation, it is essential for controllers to weave them into the fabric of financial forecasting and disclosure practices. This integration should be in harmony with the company’s sustainability objectives and effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

Some organizations are now appointing ESG-specific controllers, positioning the controllership role at the vanguard of this pivotal strategic initiative. With the growing need for verified ESG reporting, controllers are well-placed to spearhead this domain within their companies. This marks a considerable shift from previous times when compliance with statutory or similar regulatory reporting might not have been at the forefront of many corporate controller agendas.

Familiarity with non-financial reporting standards, such as those set by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), is becoming indispensable. These standards provide a blueprint for evaluating and disclosing sustainability efforts, tasks that now fall under the purview of financial controllers.

In a globally intertwined business environment, the challenge lies in ensuring adherence to a variety of regulations across various markets while keeping financial management practices consistent with both international benchmarks and local mandates. Controllers are expected to perform thorough due diligence and maintain a comprehensive international outlook to protect the company’s cross-border activities.

The controllership should embrace a “glocal” (globally local) operational framework, capitalizing on centralization to enhance value while also ensuring that compliance, resilience, and risk management are supported at the local level. This new model for controllers aims to strike a balance between shared services and business partnership roles, with compliance functions remaining centralized. To adapt effectively, controllers must integrate strategies that utilize technology and data to streamline and standardize processes, all while upholding a local presence that supports compliance and risk oversight.

In the era of digital finance, the sheer volume and velocity of financial data add unprecedented complexity to the task of ensuring precision in financial reporting. Controllers have the critical responsibility of guaranteeing that financial statements are free of material misstatements and reflect a true and just representation of the company’s financial status. The rapid evolution of technology and regulatory frameworks demand that financial controllers dedicate themselves to continuous learning, enabling them to anticipate trends and challenges by adapting their knowledge and practices to stay relevant and efficient.

EXPANDING THE FINANCIAL CONTROLLER ROLE
The expanding role of the financial controller now encompasses a more prominent role in strategic decision-making processes, including steering investment approaches, navigating risk, and pinpointing growth opportunities. They are emerging as pivotal figures in formulating business strategy, charged with navigating their companies through market volatility with a decisive grip on fiscal instruments.

Moreover, they must master sophisticated financial software platforms that not only simplify financial processes but also unlock the potential for detailed data analysis. Controllers must become fluent in the language of technology, providing a nuanced perspective on the financial well-being of the company, and facilitating predictive insights. They should approach their role with an open mind and curiosity, ready to embrace new tools, functionalities, and technologies. At the same time, they must exercise discernment in choosing technologies that are appropriate for their organization and specific circumstances.

Controllers must cultivate a dual expertise: a deep grasp of financial principles coupled with skills in data analytics. With these capabilities, they can translate intricate data into clear insights, formulate corporate strategies, spur innovation, and promote ethical leadership. By nurturing sustainable business operations and maintaining the integrity of financial disclosures, controllers establish themselves as vital consultants within their organizations, equipped to manage the intricacies of today’s business landscape.

From traditional bookkeepers, financial controllers can become “value articulators” — guardians of value delivery who evaluate the financial outcomes of investments. Today’s controllers transcend transactional duties, embracing data and technology with a forward-looking mindset crucial for steering sound decisions, ensuring regulatory adherence, and propelling the organization towards resilience and expansion.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OF CONTROLLERSHIP
To navigate the evolving landscape of controllership and prepare for its future, financial controllers must proactively refine their expertise and adapt to new challenges. A commitment to continuous professional development is essential, with a focus on acquiring knowledge in data analytics and mastering advanced financial software platforms. Controllers should immerse themselves in the latest fintech innovations, selecting tools that align with their company’s specific needs. This discernment will ensure they remain competitive, leveraging automation and predictive analytics to drive business success.

Additionally, understanding and integrating ESG principles into financial strategies is becoming increasingly important. Controllers should become well-versed in non-financial reporting frameworks, enabling them to align financial strategies with sustainability goals and communicate these efforts effectively to stakeholders.

In our interconnected global economy, maintaining awareness of international regulations is paramount as well. Controllers must develop strategies that ensure compliance across various markets while harmonizing financial management practices, safeguarding company operations across borders. Cybersecurity vigilance is another critical area. Financial controllers must prioritize financial data security, implementing robust data governance measures and staying informed about the latest cybersecurity best practices to protect the company’s financial information and reputation.

Finally, controllers should actively engage in strategic business discussions and investment decisions. By doing so, they position themselves as chief value officers and vital business partners, contributing significantly to the company’s strategic direction and value creation. This strategic business involvement ensures that controllers are not just number crunchers — but key players in shaping the future of their organizations.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

Aaron C. Escartin is a Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) tax partner of SGV & Co.

Usyk beats Fury to be new era’s undisputed heavyweight king

May 19, 2024 | 6:49 pm

RIYADH — Oleksandr Usyk scored a razor-thin split decision over Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight boxing world champion in a thrilling contest at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Dwarfed by his enormous opponent, Mr. Usyk had to weather a storm in the middle of the fight but he came roaring back, forcing Mr. Fury to take a standing count in the ninth round as he blazed his way to victory.

The 37-year-old Ukrainian is the first boxer to hold all four major heavyweight belts at the same time and the first undisputed champ since the end of Lennox Lewis’ reign in April 2000.

Mr. Usyk got the better of the opening rounds before Mr. Fury hit his stride in the fourth, engaging in some showmanship as he started to catch Mr. Usyk with vicious body shots, but the Ukrainian battled back with several stinging reminders of his power.

Mr. Usyk turned the tide in the eighth round and few would have been surprised had the referee stopped the fight in the ninth as the Ukrainian’s powerful punches to the head left Mr. Fury reeling.

The previously undefeated Briton managed to hang on until the bell but he struggled through the final three rounds of the fight as Mr. Usyk chased him down to edge him out on the judges’ scorecards.

“Thank you so much… It’s a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. … It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” a tearful Mr. Usyk said in a post-fight interview in the ring, adding that he would grant Fury an immediate rematch.

In the co-main event, Australia’s Jai Opetaia won a unanimous decision over Mairis Briedis of Latvia to win the vacant IBF cruiserweight title, and Ireland’s Anthony Cacace scored a technical knockout (TKO) win over Joe Cordina of Wales to retain his IBO super-featherweight title and claim the IBF belt. — Reuters

Thrilling win over OKC sends Mavs to Western finals

May 19, 2024 | 6:46 pm

THE DALLAS Mavericks led for just one minute during the first 44-plus minutes of Saturday’s postseason game against the Oklahoma City (OKC) Thunder.

But down the stretch, the Mavericks were wiser and more resilient than the ultra-talented Thunder while overcoming a 17-point, third-quarter deficit.

“You get to the point where you have the opportunity to close out a team, you have to take full advantage of it,” Dallas guard Kyrie Irving said afterward.

The Mavericks did just that as P.J. Washington made two free throws with 2.5 seconds left and Dallas advanced to the Western Conference finals for the second time in the past three seasons with a 117-116 victory over the visiting Thunder.

Mr. Washington was fouled shooting a 3-pointer and missed the third free throw on purpose to prevent a Thunder squad out of timeouts from being able to set up for a final shot. Jalen Williams’ 64-footer as time expired was nowhere near the basket as top-seeded Oklahoma City was eliminated in Game 6 of a second-round playoff series.

The Mavericks will face either the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals.

Luka Doncic recorded 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the fifth-seeded Mavericks. Mr. Irving and Derrick Jones, Jr. added 22 points apiece, Dereck Lively II had 12 points and 15 rebounds off the bench and Daniel Gafford had 10 points. “We said at halftime we weren’t going back to Oklahoma,” Mr. Doncic said of his team’s 16-point halftime deficit.

A short time later, Oklahoma City was headed home — not to play the Mavericks in the coveted Game 7 as hoped.

“Clearly our roster was good enough this year to win a lot of games and be the No. 1 seed in a really tough conference,” Thunder coach Mark Daigenault said. “It’s painful, obviously. We thought we had the chance to achieve something special.” — Field Level Media/Reuters

FEU, Perpetual lead groups in preseason cup

May 19, 2024 | 6:44 pm

WITH new coaches, the revamped Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Perpetual Help zoomed to the solo lead of their respective groups in the Filoil EcoOil 17^th ECJ Preseason Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

FEU scored an 80-76 comeback win over the University the East (1-1) for a 2-0 slate in the UAAP bracket as Perpetual stunned NCAA runner-up Mapua (1-1), 76-67, for a 3-0 record in the NCAA group.

Sean Chambers, albeit back in the United States for the meantime, has been behind the Tamaraws’ rise as seasoned mentor Olsen Racela is already working wonders for the Altas.

Super rookies Veejay Pre and Janrey Pasaol fired 22 and 13 points, respectively, for the Tamaraws, who are out to sharpen their horns in Filoil to plot for a Final Four return in the UAAP later this year.

Mark Gojo Cruz had 15 points to lead the Altas.

Meanwhile, former NCAA titlist Letran finally handed coach Allen Ricardo his first win in the seniors play after beating College of St. Benilde, 80-71.

Pao Javillonar (12), Kobe Monje (12) and Deo Cuajao (11) conspired for the Knights, who improved to 1-2, under back-to-back NCAA juniors champion coach Ricardo for the Squires.

In the other game, Lyceum (1-2) bested San Sebastian College-Recoletos (0-1), 94-89. — John Bryan Ulanday

LA victory keeps Obiena primed up for Olympics

May 19, 2024 | 6:43 pm

FILIPINO pole-vaulter EJ Obiena continued to gain confidence on his way to the Paris Olympics where he hopes to shoot for the gold medal after he ruled the Los Angeles Grand Prix in California yesterday.

The Asian champion and World No. 2 cleared 5.80 meters in snaring the mint and besting Norwegian Simen Guttormsen and American KC Lightfoot, who took the silver and bronze, respectively.

Mr. Guttormsen, Mr. Lightfoot and Tokyo silver medalist Chris Nilsen of the United States all ended up with 5.70m but the first two took the podium finish via count back the latter wound up fourth.

It wasn’t the distance Obiena wanted but it still got the job done.

He had two victories early in the year with the first coming in the Memorial Josip Gasparac in Croatia where he had 5.83m and the other in the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin, Germany where he did a 5.93m both last January.

Hoping to join Mr. Obiena in Paris was Lauren Hoffman, who gained headway in her Olympic bid after finishing fifth in the women’s 400m hurdles where she timed in 55.84 seconds.

Ms. Hoffman’s clocking barely grazed the national mark of 55.72 she set in the Drake Relays in Iowa last month that improved her current world rankings of No. 32, which is still within the range of the 40 Paris Games slots for her event.

There are two ways for her to qualify, the first via making the Olympic standard 54.85 or via the top 40 rankings in the 400m hurdles.

And it looked like Ms. Hoffman is going to take the latter route. — Joey Villar

SGA taps ex-Gilas, PBA prospect for Jones Cup

May 19, 2024 | 6:43 pm

FORMER Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jordan Heading and PBA Draft prospect Caelan Tiongson have been tapped by the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) as its first signees for the upcoming 43^rd William Jones Cup.

This will be Mr. Heading’s return to the SGA after a stint in the Dubai International Basketball Championship while Mr. Tiongson marks his comeback with a Philippine team since playing for the defunct Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League.

Mr. Tiongson is also expected to utilize this international stint to prepare for this year’s PBA Draft as one of the prized Fil-foreign prospects. Head coach Charles Tiu looks forward to having the ace backcourt duo as SGA marches on to Taiwan as the country’s representative for the regional invitational tourney slated on July 12 to 21.

“Jordan was an automatic choice for me once I found out he’d be available to play. We loved how he played for us in Dubai, and now he gets to go back to his original shooting guard spot to complement our point guards,” said Mr. Tiu, who will be joined by veteran tactician Rakjo Toroman in steering SGA.

“I’ve been in touch with Caelan for a while, helping him figure out his next moves before joining the PBA Draft. We figured this would be a great opportunity for him to remind people how good he is,” he added.

Mr. Heading is currently strutting his stuff for the West Adelaide Bearcats in Australia’s NBL1 Central with averages of 19.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds while Mr. Tiongson came off a stint with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League with norms of 13.5 points and 9.1 rebounds.

SGA, out to win the country’s seventh Jones Cup title, will announce the remaining players to complete its roster soon that is anticipated to feature a bevy of local standouts and top-caliber imports once again like when it played in Dubai.

The Philippine club had fielded NBA veterans Dwight Howard, Andre Roberson, UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar, JD Cagulangan and ex-Gilas reinforcement Andray Blatche, en route to a runner-up finish behind champion Al Riyado of Lebanon. — John Bryan Ulanday

Shai and Thunder

May 19, 2024 | 6:41 pm

For a while there, it seemed as if the Thunder would come up with a huge win to send their West semifinal round series against the Mavericks to a deciding Game Seven. The lead was theirs early on, built up to double digits just three minutes and change into the first quarter, and to a heady 14 at the half. It didn’t matter that the boos continually rained down on them from the capacity crowd of 20,555 at the American Airlines Center. As far as they were concerned, Game Six was theirs to take, especially with top dog Shai Gilgeous-Alexander displaying the sharpness that made him a bona fide candidate for the Most Valuable Player award.

At the same time, it was, perhaps, to be expected that the Mavericks would storm back from a deficit that grew to 17 early in the second half. After all, not for nothing did they have triple-double machine Luka Doncic leading the way, ably backstopped by fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving and key trade deadline acquisition P.J. Washington Jr. Indeed, the set-to was close for much of the payoff period — and to the point where the outcome, to no one’s surprise, wound up being decided on the final play.

Even for casual observers of the pro scene, yesterday’s contest was reflective of the compelling nature of the 2024 Playoffs. It certainly had all the telltale signs of a classic: otherworldly performances from marquee names, standout showings from supporting characters, controversial moments, and a nail-biting denouement. Gilgeous-Alexander appeared to have secured the triumph for the Thunder following a stellar dime to outstanding rookie Chet Holmgren with a third of a minute left on the clock. Instead, 18 ticks later, he turned from hero to heel with an ill-advised contest of a three-point attempt by Washington that caught ball and then the latter’s arm for a foul.

Needless to say, the Thunder challenged the call, but it was clear from replays that the contact Gilgeous-Alexander made impeded with the trajectory of the shot. Significantly, the positioning of the players in the paint indicated that the Mavericks would have been able to secure possession and the basket had the whistle not been blown. Speculating is irrelevant, of course, because the call was made. And Washington, having sank the first two charities to give the Mavericks the lead, rightly missed the third try to kill the remaining time in the absence of any stoppages left to grant.

In the aftermath, Gilgeous-Alexander remained unable to take in the turn of events. He told scribes that he is not, and will never be, inclined to watch footage of the sequence that had the Thunder snatching defeat from the throes of victory. He did commit a foul, to be sure, but one that the ESPN coverage of the match, for some reason, questioned at length. Color commentator Richard Jefferson argued that since a clean block was made, the subsequent contact was incidental at worst. There was just one problem with his take, however; Washington never relinquished possession, critical per current interpretation of the rules. In other words, while it is true that the rejection was clean, it is also true that a foul was committed.

As an aside, ESPN did not help things any by having rules analyst Steve Javie speak even as lead referee Tony Brothers was already explaining the review decision on the coach’s challenge. All of which, from Gilgeous-Alexander’s vantage point, made the final result harder to take. The flipside is that the Thunder will learn from their experience and be all the better for it. As they’re left to ruminate on what could have been, they’re likewise cognizant of the fact that they’ll be stronger this time next year.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Eruption of Indonesia’s Mt. Ibu forces 7 villages to evacuate

May 19, 2024 | 5:58 pm

Indonesia-Mount Ibu — LIGHTNING appears amid a storm as Mount Ibu spews volcanic material during an eruption, as seen from Gam Ici in West Halmahera, North Maluku province, Indonesia, May 18 in this handout image. — THE CENTER FOR VOLCANOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL HAZARD MITIGATION/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

JAKARTA — A volcano on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera has spectacularly erupted, spewing a grey ash cloud into the sky, and people from seven nearby villages have been evacuated, authorities said on Sunday.

Mt. Ibu erupted on Saturday evening, sending ash 4 km (2.5 miles) high, as streaks of purple lightning flashed around its crater, according to information and images shared by Indonesia’s volcanology agency.

A joint team comprised of police, military and search and rescue officials was dispatched to the area to evacuate residents from surrounding villages, Abdul Muhari, from the disaster mitigation agency, said in a statement.

Photos shared by the disaster agency showed authorities assisting the elderly, while other residents were moved in pick-up trucks and accommodated in emergency tents for the night.

The agency did not provide any information about how many people had been moved, but authorities have recommended that a seven-km (4.35-mile) radius be cleared.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency raised the alert level of the volcano to the highest level on Thursday, after Mount Ibu erupted multiple times earlier this month.

Ibu’s activities follow a series of eruptions of different volcanoes in Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and has 127 active volcanoes.

Flash floods and cold lava flow from Mount Marapi, one of the most active in West Sumatra province, covered several nearby districts following torrential rain on May 11, killing more than 60 people.

In recent weeks, North Sulawesi’s Ruang volcano has also erupted, spewing incandescent lava. The eruption prompted authorities to evacuate more than 12,000 people on a nearby island. — Reuters

Pope Francis says tension, debate are inevitable in modern society

May 19, 2024 | 5:58 pm

VERONA — Arguments and tensions are inevitable in modern society and should not be brushed under the carpet, Pope Francis said on Saturday, warning that trying to impose a uniform vision fostered frustration and violence.

Addressing a peace gathering in a Roman amphitheater in the northern Italian city of Verona, the pope said people needed to learn how to deal with conflict before it got out hand, but also recognize that holding different opinions was healthy.

“A society without conflicts is a dead society. A society that hides conflicts is a suicidal society. A society that takes conflicts by the hand is a society of the future,” the pope told some 12,500 people gathered in the ancient arena.

“The flaw of dictatorships is not admitting plurality,” he added.

It was the pope’s second day trip to northern Italy in three weeks, following his visit to Venice last month, testing his stamina after repeated ailments over the past year that have sometimes forced him to curtail his public appearances.

As is now normal, the 87-year-old pontiff got around by wheelchair and appeared in good form as he first met priests and children in the city, before attending the open-air peace conference then having lunch in a local jail with prisoners.

Francis said the world was assailed by wars, but added that ordinary people had to try to build bridges and avoid being dragged into armed conflict at the behest of their leaders.

“Ideologies have no feet to walk, no hands to heal wounds, no eyes to see the sufferings of others. Peace is made with the feet, hands, and eyes of the people involved,” he said.

Underscoring the pope’s hopes for personal reconciliation, an Israeli man, whose parents died in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants, embraced on the Verona stage a Palestinian peace activist whose brother had died in an Israeli jail.

“I don’t think there are any words to add to this,” the pope said, leading the applause for their gesture.

The pope makes almost weekly pleas for an end to fighting in multiple conflicts, especially in Ukraine and Gaza, putting the drive for peace at the centre of his 11-year-old papacy.

“Don’t stop. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t become spectators of so-called ‘inevitable’ wars,” he told his audience. — Reuters