P1.23B allotted to power up schools

March 21, 2024 | 8:26 pm

School-students — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Thursday that it has approved the release of P1.295 billion to fund the electrification of schools.

The DBM issued the special allotment release order (SARO) allocating P1.295 billion for the electrification of off-grid schools as well as the modernization of other schools’ existing electrical systems.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the SARO release on March 1. “Investing in education means we are also investing on the needed facilities of our students,” she said in a statement.

The fund would be used to upgrade existing electrical power systems of school buildings, as well as the purchase and installation of appropriate transformers and solar power systems.

The allocation is under a special provision in the 2024 General Appropriations Act under Program/Activity/Project (PAP) – Basic Education Facilities, which would cover schools in most regions in the Philippines.

The special provision also prescribes that the Department of Education (DepEd) prioritizes the use of solar energy sources for providing electricity to both off-grid and on-grid public schools.

“The fund would be a big help for students and teachers to be more comfortable in their classrooms,” the Budget chief said in Filipino.

DepEd data from 2020 showed that around 1,562 schools don’t have electric power, while 39,335 needed an upgrade of their electrical systems. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Bushfires hit 2 Cotabato towns

March 21, 2024 | 8:25 pm

COTABATO CITY — Swaths of forests and grasslands, withered by lack of rain since February, have been razed by scattered wildfires in two towns of Cotabato province since Sunday.

As of Thursday, at least 30 hectares of grasslands have gone up in smoke in the Lower Binay area in Magpet town, local officials and community elders interviewed by BusinessWorld said.

Fires, one after the other, also lit up the dry hinterlands of Gambodes and Binoungan in Arakan town until growing big to sweep through the area towards Magpet on Wednesday, they said.

Some residents of these three areas have been displaced and given essential humanitarian aid.

Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño Mendoza also convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to draft a plan with municipal officials on measures to take to forestall bushfires as the summer season sets in.

“We are waiting for the results of the joint investigation on these fires by the local government units in Arakan and in Magpet and the Bureau of Fire Protection,” Ms. Taliño Mendoza said. — John Felix M. Unson

Fil-Am Nation upstages NUNS in national high school tourney

March 21, 2024 | 7:58 pm

THERE will be a new champion in the Smart-National Basketball Training Center Division 1 National Finals.

In a stunning turn, three-time titlist National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) got an early boot as Fil-Am Nation exacted vengeance on the former with a convincing 81-64 win in the Supreme 16 late Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Terrence Hill showed the way with an all-around outing of 21 points, six rebounds, five steals and four assists as the fancied Filipino-Americans avenged their finals loss to the Bullpups in style to also barge their way to the Fantastic 8.

Sebastian Margate had a breakout game of 19 points while former Gilas Youth player Jacob Bayla and NCAA Finals MVP from Colegio de San Juan de Letran Andy Gemao threw in 14 and 13, respectively.

Fil-Am Nation Select, which tasted a 75-64 defeat to NUNS in the finale last year, will face North Luzon champion Yengskivel Sportswear after its 78-70 win over Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan University-Sealcor.

Also making the quarterfinals was Batang Tiaong, which first dropped three-peat CESAFI champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu led by the top-ranked high school cager Jared Bahay to Division 2 in the Round of 32 before ousting PPG Tarlac, 80-64 in the Round of 16.

UAAP champion Adamson, University of Santo Tomas, NCAA bets Mapua University and San Sebastian College-Recoletos and One Media TV48 Naga completed the Last 8 of the country’s most prestigious national high school tilt.

In the Division 2, St. Jude College-Dasmariñas headlined the quarterfinal cast after eliminating Ateneo de Cebu, 70-65.

Joining them were Eco Green Technology-Makati, Arellano High School, Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, Visayas champion Khalifa-Cebu, St. Roberts International College-Iloilo, Top Flight Sports Canada and UNBL-Don Bosco-Dumaguete. — John Bryan Ulanday

PSC cites women athletes’ role in successful PHL sports agenda

March 21, 2024 | 7:57 pm

PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann championed the women athletes and their unparalleled role in elevating the local sports development in the inaugural Women in Sports Awards Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Tennis sensation Alex Eala and national football team standout Sarina Bolden as Athletes of the Year headlined the star-studded event that feted the Filipinas’ vital role in the international success of Philippine sports.

“Your (women athletes) contribution to the country is seen and felt by everybody. The community of champions you have established is what we need in advancing our agenda and platforms for all athletes,” said Mr. Bachmann.

“To all our awardees, may this be an inspiration in performing your best in every battle in the spirit of dedication and commitment to the sporting community as we all together take steps in achieving a more successful Philippine sport.”

Forty six other Filipina achievers as well as sports executives, coaches, nutritionists, trainers and sports psychologists were recognized by the PSC for their massive contributions beyond the game.

Among the major awardees were reigning world women’s world 10-ball champion Chezka Centeno and Asian weightlifting silver medalist Vanessa Sarno as well as the country’s only Olympic gold medalist so far in weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who was feted with the Flame Award.

Seoul Olympic Games gold medalist Arianne Cerdena, who traveled all the way from the United States, was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, along with seven others, including PSC commissioner and bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo.

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, Senate Sports Committee Chair, also preached the contributions of the Filipina athletes in the historic event organized by the PSC and the Philippine Council on Women in celebration of International Women’s Month.

“Tonight is a testament to the strength, dedication and passion of Filipino women. You have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also contributed to uplifting the spirit and prestige of our nation in both the local and international stage,” said Mr. Go.

“We recognize that the journey of our Filipina athletes is one of relentless perseverance and pain. These qualities not only define their paths to excellence but also inspire us all.”

Sen. Pia Cayetano, a major advocate of women in sports but could not be present due to prior commitments, awarded Eala and Bolden with an incentive of P100,000 each for their exemplary athletic achievement in the event backed by Milo, CEL Logistics and Wrist Pod. — John Bryan Ulanday

PBA All-Star captains Mark Barroca, Japeth Aguilar bring back memories of first trip to the City of Smiles

March 21, 2024 | 7:57 pm

BACOLOD CITY — There’s an air of nostalgia as captains Mark Barroca and Japeth Aguilar led the entourage that arrived Thursday for the weekend’s PBA All Star festivities.

For Messrs. Barroca and Aguilar, this gig brings back memories of their unforgettable first trips to the City of Smiles decades ago as collegiate players and with it, an intense desire to make the next three days even more special.

“Last time I was here, its 2004 with Ateneo (also in the Unigames). But ever since, I was looking forward to going back here,” said Mr. Aguilar, who shared that it was his first time to travel by plane then and also his first exposure to a cuisine other than the familiar Kapampangan dishes.

“After a long while, I returned. And immediately, we’re greeted by the wonderful and beautiful people of Bacolod; Its realy a city of smiles.

It’s an emotional trip, too, for Mr. Gallent, who’s making his All Star coaching debut in the Team Mark versus Team Japeth extravaganza on Sunday at the University of St. La Salle.

“It’s a really great blessing for me at the start of the year. I just hope it continues like that. After winning the championship (in the Commissioner’s Cup for San Miguel), I’m coaching the All Star so (I’m) very happy about that,” said Mr. Gallent, who is pitted against Tim Cone of Team Japeth.

“I would like to thank the fans for bringing me here. We will try to win the game and try to be competitive on Sunday,” he added.

Before that highlight game, there will be a series of activities happening in the next two days.

Friday’s itinerary includes a referees clinic and basketball clinic at Barangay Villamonte, a visit at the Negros Occidental High School and mall tours at Ayala and SM malls.

Saturday, representatives from each team engage in a battle of skills in the Obstacle Challenge competition and separate Three-Point Contests for Big Men and Guards afterwhich the top rookies, sophomores and juniors face off in the Team Great versus Team Stalwarts game. — Olmin Leyba

Goals galore as British Premier League scoring rates soar

March 21, 2024 | 7:54 pm

LONDON — Goals late in games have resulted in the biggest season-on-season scoring rate rise in England’s top flight for nearly 100 years as Premier League defenses take a hammering.

With the season reaching its climax, the average goals per game currently stands at 3.24 compared to 2.85 last season, an increase of 13.7%. It is the biggest jump since 1925-26 when the offside rule was tweaked to favor attacking players.

Statistics website soccerstats.com reveals that more than 25% of the goals scored this campaign have come after the 76^th minute, many arriving deep into the lengthy periods of stoppage time that have become a feature of the season.

The latest goal scored this season was Ollie McBurnie’s 103^rd-minute penalty for Sheffield United against West Ham United in January while numerous other goals have come past the 100-minute mark.

Teams towards the middle of the table have also been more effective attacking units this season.

According to Simon Gleave, head of analysis at Nielsen’s Gracenote, the eight teams currently ranked 10^th to 17^th in the league table are averaging 1.45 goals per match, compared to their equivalents last term with 1.04 per game.

The current top nine teams, seven of which finished last season in the top nine, are recording a 5% increase.

Certain clubs have clearly worked on their attacking effectiveness too, none more so than Wolverhampton Wanderers whose average per game of 1.5 is an 84% rise on last season.

Chelsea are up 74%, Aston Villa 54%, Bournemouth 50% and West Ham United 44%.

Champions Manchester City, however, are averaging fewer goals than they were last season, as are Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

With a three-way title race reaching its climax, Arsenal’s goalscoring prowess could give them the edge.

The Gunners have racked up 70 goals in 28 games at an average of 2.5 goals per match — their highest top-flight scoring average since the 1934-35 season.

“Since 1962-63, there have been only eight teams that have averaged 2.5 goals per match or better across a whole season; Manchester United (1999-00), Chelsea (2009-10), Liverpool (2013-14) and Manchester City (2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-22),” said Mr. Gleave.

“Arsenal need to score 25 more goals in their last 10 matches to join this select group.”

For pure entertainment, however, Newcastle United’s matches are the ones to watch. Their 28 games have produced 107 goals at an average of 3.82. Only one team since the 1966-67 season — Liverpool in 2013-14 — have had an average exceeding 3.8 goals per match across a whole season. — Reuters

Boston Celtics hold off Bucks for 10^th straight home triumph

March 21, 2024 | 7:54 pm

JAYSON TATUM had 31 points and eight rebounds to help the Boston Celtics extend their winning streak to seven games with a 122-119 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

Derrick White added 23 points and eight assists for Boston (55-14), which made 18 of its 40 3-point attempts. Jaylen Brown had 21 points, and Payton Pritchard came off the bench to score 19. Mr. Pritchard made 5 of 8 treys.

The Bucks (44-25) trailed 116-114 after a Bobby Portis layup with 32.6 seconds to play, but Mr. Brown made two free throws to give Boston a four-point lead with 20.3 seconds remaining, and Milwaukee failed to score on its ensuing possession. The Celtics led by six until Damian Lillard made a 3-pointer at the final buzzer.

The victory stretched Boston’s home winning streak to 10 games and improved the Celtics’ home record to 32-3.

Mr. Lillard scored a game-high 32 points, and Mr. Portis added 24 points and 15 rebounds. The Bucks received 22 points from Khris Middleton.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. Mr. Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game this season.

Boston wasn’t at full strength, either. Starting guard and former Buck Jrue Holiday was scratched with a shoulder injury, and Sam Hauser remained out after spraining his left ankle during Sunday’s victory in Washington. — Reuters

‘Mind the Game’

March 21, 2024 | 7:54 pm

There’s no question that LeBron James moves the needle like no one else in basketball. While he’s already 39 and clearly in the downside of a stellar career, he remains the sport’s single bigger influencer — in the real sense of the word. He has 159 million followers on Instagram and another 52.8 million on X, and his posts on either platform immediately generate teeming reactions from supporters and critics alike. He commands attention, and not simply because knows how to put the ball through the hoop. Authority bias may be at play, but, for the most part, he knows what he’s talking about.

Which, in a nutshell, is why James’ decision to enter the realm of podcasting cannot but be viewed as a positive. In fact, his reach and acumen make the endeavor a no-brainer. And, in JJ Redick, he has found a perfect partner: a fellow hoops lifer with a profound capacity for delving into subjects, even esoteric ones, with uncanny depth. To contend that they were made for “Mind The Game” would be an understatement, as evidenced by the wealth of information contained in the first episode that was released the other day.

Between sips of wine and water, James and Redick filled the joint venture between their production companies with nuggets of wisdom. They fed off a discussion that began with an attempt to answer the question “What makes a great basketball player?”, moved on to the meat behind the term “Basketball IQ”, delved into the merits of standard offensive sets, and underscored the influence of such “relatable” megastars as Stephen Curry and Allen Iverson. In between, they talked about the anatomy of monumental comebacks in matches — like the one he recently orchestrated against the Clippers — and the rise of Jayson Tatum and the Celtics following the arrival of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in exchange for “a bag of Lays potato chips.”

Clearly, James and Redick aren’t afraid to tackle sensitive subjects — and, yes, they speak their mind, as they typically do. Given how the first episode evolved, the podcast has something for everyone. That said, it’s also not for the Average Joe looking to multitask while it runs in the background via YouTube or Spotify. It takes itself seriously, and pridefully spews out particulars with no intention of babying the viewer or listener. Phrases like “pick the picker” and concepts like “horns chest” abound, making it more attuned to the tastes of diehard fans than casual observers.

All the same, “Mind the Game” is a vital foil to the cesspool of podcasts littered with subjective judgments with nary any justification. It’s a welcome respite from all the inane content occupying airwaves — full of sound and fury, yet signifying nothing. It is, to be sure, not without irony that both James and Redick aren’t free of guilt in this regard, the former with “The Shop” and the latter with “First Take.” Nonetheless, they deserve props for daring to go against the tide, and, ultimately, for making sense. In view of the myriad demands on their time, the hope is that they are able to keep it going.

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.

Global fertility rates set to fall, shifting burden to poorer nations

March 21, 2024 | 6:07 pm

South Korea-woman-baby — A WOMAN pushing her baby in a stroller walks around in the Hongdae area of Seoul, South Korea, June 29, 2016. — REUTERS

FERTILITY rates in nearly all countries will be too low to sustain population levels by the end of the century, and most of the world’s live births will be occurring in poorer countries, according to a study published on Wednesday.

The trend will lead to a “baby boom” and “baby bust” divide across the world, with the boom concentrated in low-income countries that are more susceptible to economic and political instability, senior researcher Stein Emil Vollset from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in Seattle said in a statement.

The study reported in The Lancet projects 155 of 204 countries and territories worldwide, or 76%, will have fertility rates below population replacement levels by 2050. By 2100, that is expected to rise to 198, or 97%, researchers estimated.

The forecasts are based on surveys, censuses, and other sources of data collected from 1950 through 2021 as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study.

Over three-quarters of live births will occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries by the end of the century, with more than half taking place in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers said.

The global fertility rate — the average number of births per woman — has fallen from around 5 children in 1950 to 2.2 in 2021, data show.

By 2021, 110 countries and territories (54%) had rates below the population replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.

The study highlights a particularly worrying trend for countries like South Korea and Serbia, where the fertility rate is less than 1.1 child per female, exposing them to challenges of a dwindling workforce.

Many of the most resource-limited countries “will be grappling with how to support the youngest, fastest-growing population on the planet in some of the most politically and economically unstable, heat-stressed, and health system-strained places on earth,” Mr. Vollset said.

While tumbling fertility rates in high-income countries reflect more opportunities for education and employment for women, researchers said the trend signals an urgent need for improvement in access to modern contraception and female education in other regions.

In addition, “once nearly every country’s population is shrinking, reliance on open immigration will become necessary to sustain economic growth,” IHME’s Natalia Bhattacharjee, a coauthor of the report, said in a statement.

The authors noted that predictions were limited by quantity and quality of past data, especially for the 2020 to 2021 COVID-19 pandemic period. — Reuters

Australia tightens student visa rules as migration hits record high

March 21, 2024 | 6:07 pm

Australia-commuters — Commuters and trams cross Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia, June 13, 2017. — REUTERS

SYDNEY — Australia will begin enforcing tougher visa rules for foreign students this week as official data showed migration hit another record high, which is likely to further exacerbate an already tight rental market.

From Saturday, English language requirements for student and graduate visas will be increased, while the government will get the power to suspend education providers from recruiting international students if they repeatedly break rules.

“The actions this weekend will continue to drive migration levels down while delivering on our commitments in the migration strategy to fix the broken system we inherited,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement.

A new “genuine student test” will be introduced to further crack down on international students who look to come to Australia primarily to work, while the imposition of “no further stay” conditions will be used on more visitor visas.

The moves follow a raft of actions last year to close off COVID-era concessions introduced by the former government, including unrestricted working hours for international students. The government at the time said rules would be tightened for students that could halve its migrant intake over two years.

Australia boosted its annual migration numbers in 2022 to help businesses recruit staff to fill shortages after the COVID-19 pandemic brought strict border controls, and kept foreign students and workers out for nearly two years.

But the sudden influx of foreign workers and students has exacerbated pressure on an already tight rental market.

Date released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday showed net immigration rose 60% to a record 548,800 in the year to Sept. 30, 2023, higher than the 518,000 people in the year ending June 2023.

Overall, Australia’s population rose 2.5% — the fastest pace on record — to 26.8 million people in the year to last September.

The record migration — driven by students from India, China and Philippines — has expanded labor supply and restrained wage pressures, but it exacerbated an already tight housing market where rental vacancies hovered at record lows and elevated construction costs restricted new supply.

Ms. O’Neil said the government’s actions since September have led to a decline in migration levels, with recent international student visa grants down by 35% on the previous year. — Reuters

Vietnam legislature approves resignation of president

March 21, 2024 | 6:06 pm

HANOI — Vietnam’s legislature on Thursday approved the resignation of President Vo Van Thuong, state media reported, the latest top official to step down amid an intensified anti-graft crackdown by the ruling Communist Party.

Vo Van Thuong, 53, became the second president to resign in just over a year in Vietnam, where leadership changes have recently been all linked to the wide-ranging “blazing furnace” anti-bribery campaign.

The state media reports made no mention of who would replace Thuong. According to Vietnam’s constitution, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan would serve in the position.

The national assembly office did not immediately respond to calls seeking confirmation of the reports.

The president holds a largely ceremonial role but is one of the top four political positions in the Southeast Asian nation.

Thursday’s vote by the rubber-stamp National Assembly is largely a procedural step, after the party’s central committee on Wednesday accepted Thuong’s resignation, removing him from the Politburo, its top decision-making body, and his position of head of the National Defense and Security Council.

The committee said Thuong, 53, violated party rules, adding that those “shortcomings had negatively impacted public opinion, affecting the reputation of the Party, State and him personally,” without specifying what he had done wrong.

Xuan, one of only a few women in senior positions in Vietnamese politics, will step up to the role of president for the second time in just over a year. — Reuters

Lazada and She Talks Asia showcase inspiring stories of Filipina businesswomen

March 21, 2024 | 3:00 pm

Lazada_She-Talks — From left: Five Beauty’s Veronica Eala Garcia and Tiny Buds’ Lorina Tan

Veronica Eala Garcia and Lorina Tan share how they embarked on transformative journeys as women entrepreneurs

Lazada, the pioneer e-commerce platform in the region, recognizes the pivotal role of sellers in its ecosystem. It not only fosters business growth but also empowers individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. In collaboration with She Talks Asia, Lazada highlights inspiring narratives of women entrepreneurs like Five Beauty’s Veronica Eala Garcia and Tiny Buds’ Lorina Tan, who share their journeys as women in business in hopes of motivating others to pursue their purpose.

Veronica Eala Garcia, Five Beauty

Veronica Eala Garcia’s journey in the beauty industry began when she introduced Luxx Lash to the Filipino market in 2018. Luxx Lash, a premium, reusable, and chemical-free magnetic lashes brand, is a game-changing innovation in the lash industry providing ease for the woman on the go. Veronica’s passion in beauty and constant search for purpose led her to co-found Five Beauty with marketing expert Isabel Regino, and actress Gabbi Garcia. Five Beauty is a brand that offers five beauty essentials: cheeks, lips, brows, concealer, and sunscreen. They knew they had to offer something different, so they decided to cater to women who want to simplify their makeup routines with affordable, high-quality products.

In November 2023, the brand launched exclusively on the Lazada app, releasing their first collection: The Hybrid Colour Stick. Five Beauty’s partnership with Lazada, underscored the platform’s role in amplifying startup brands. Veronica shares, “What I appreciated about the Lazada team most is how they’re very collaborative. It’s not transactional. They really cared about, ‘How do we make this work?’ It was good because they were very open and they helped us find a way. The program in itself helps women entrepreneurs to reach the consumers, and that support is really huge.”

Lorina Tan, Tiny Buds

Lorina started her journey as Tiny Buds’ co-founder in 2013 when her mom invited her back to the Philippines to run the business with her. Lorina’s experience with Tiny Buds, a baby essentials brand, reflects her determination to overcome challenges in business. “The challenge, really, was that I had no idea what I was doing. I’m not a mom so I didn’t think the way my customers thought,” she shares. Despite initial hurdles and being unfamiliar with the market, Lorina embraced humility and learning.

It was over a call with Tiny Buds’ account manager in 2012 where Lorina had a realization about the shop’s underperformance, and this sparked her understanding of the necessary steps for the brand’s growth.

Lorina appreciates Lazada for believing in their brand and shares, “You need someone you look up to that believes in you. That’s what happened to me. Lazada took a chance on us, a very unknown baby brand back in the day. They showed us that if we just worked hard, strategized, and stood out, we could actually become what we are today.” Today, Tiny Buds is a leading brand in baby care, with a strong and loyal customer base.

Breaking Stereotypes in the Business Industry

As women like Veronica and Lorina navigate business, there is a growing recognition of their resilience and determination. Both women have found their passion and success within their markets and proved that drive and determination define success. By sharing their narratives, they hope more women can find inspiration and courage to pursue their own entrepreneurial aspirations.

Read more about the transformative journeys of the featured Lazada sellers via She Talks Asia’s online platforms: shetalksasia.com and Instagram.

Support female-owned businesses and shop Tiny Buds, and Five Beauty and enjoy P1,000 Lazada voucher, 100% free shipping, and up to 70% discount during Lazada’s Bonggang Birthday Sale starting March 24 (8 p.m.) to March 27. Check out now!

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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