TRIPOLI — Libya’s Internal Security Agency said on Saturday it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle 100 kg (220 lb) of gold and 1.5 million euros at Misrata international airport during a security check of an international flight.
The agency said on its verified Facebook page that the gold bars were found in three suitcases while the money was in one suitcase.
The suitcases were spotted during the security inspection process of a flight to Turkey, said the agency.
A number of pictures posted by the agency showing the confiscated suitcases containing gold bars and bundles of euro banknotes.
Misrata is a port city about 200 km (125 miles) east of the capital Tripoli.
The agency added that “those responsible for these suitcases were arrested.”
In May, the Tripoli-based attorney general said it ordered the arrest of director general of customs and other officials at Misrata international airport over conspiring to smuggle nearly 26,000 kg of gold.
Libya has had little peace since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising and it split in 2014 between eastern and western factions. — Reuters
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Mondelez International’s women leaders on being active in life and work
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, achieving a balance between professional obligations and personal wellness is essential. At Mondelēz International, this balance is not only encouraged but exemplified by leaders such as Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director; and Mae Corona, Senior Legal Counsel. Their stories reveal how a commitment to fitness and mindful snacking can support both work and life excellence.
Aleli Arcilla, Mondelēz International’s first woman Country Leader in over 15 years, began her journey into sports with running, driven initially by a personal goal to regain fitness after having her second child. “Running became a serious pursuit during my previous tenure as Marketing Manager for a sports drink brand, where I was introduced to numerous races. It started as a vanity project but evolved into a passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Ms. Arcilla explains. Today, her dedication to running has shaped her leadership style. “The discipline and resilience I’ve developed through sports directly influences my effectiveness as a leader,” she reflects.
Mae Corona, Senior Legal Counsel
Mae Corona, who is also a member of the Company’s senior leadership, has been actively involved in cycling and running. She began her journey with the goal of keeping up with her daughter’s energy. “Consistency and commitment to sports allow me to stay fit and create memorable experiences with my loved ones,” Ms. Corona says. Her daily routine includes early morning workouts, which help her stay energized and focused throughout the workday. “Starting my day with a physical activity clears my mind and prepares me to tackle work challenges effectively,” she notes.
Both leaders are also active participants in Mondelēz International’s ongoing Walk, Run, Bike, and Workout Challenge, a program designed to encourage being physically active among its employees. Conceived during the pandemic in 2021, the Challenge has provided a platform for employees to engage in various forms of physical activity, from walking and running to cycling and now workouts. “The Walk, Run, Bike, and Workout Challenge fosters a culture of wellness within our organization, making fitness both enjoyable and accessible for everyone,” Aleli states.
Aleli Arcilla
“Physical fitness and being active is important for us as a snacking company,” adds Aleli. “We believe that while consumers should be mindful of what they eat, they also need to be active in order to avoid lifestyle diseases. Studies have shown that to avoid obesity and diabetes, a balanced diet and being physically active are equally important.”
The challenge works by encouraging employees to log their steps, kilometers, and calories burned during workout sessions. Since its launch in August 2024, the challenge has engaged almost one hundred participants, achieving impressive results: over eight million steps, thousands of kilometers covered by runners and bikers, and hundreds of thousands of calories burned by the workout participants. The program will conclude at the end of September, with the top-performing employees being recognized during the company’s Purpose Day, a celebration of Mondelēz International’s anniversary as a snacks Company.
Mae Corona
Ms. Corona highlights the importance of such focus on employee well-being, stating that “Companies that value physical activities promote a positive work culture and boost overall productivity.”
Aleli adds, “Through initiatives like this challenge, we advocate not just fitness, but on making mindful lifestyle choices. It’s about encouraging each other to be our best — physically, mentally, and professionally.”
In addition to promoting physical fitness, Mondelēz International champions Mindful Snacking as its advocacy. This approach encourages employees to make thoughtful snack choices and behaviors that align with their health goals, emphasizing the importance of savoring each snack bite for greater satisfaction and fulfillment. By integrating Mindful Snacking into their routines, anyone can support their well-being alongside their fitness efforts. Anyone can practice Mindful Snacking — or in Filipino “Snack na Swak.” Here are some tips anyone can follow, by asking ourselves:
1. Why do I want to Snack?
Are you looking for energy, a pause in your day, or simply indulging in a treat? Understanding your motivation helps you choose a snack that meets your immediate needs.
2. What do I want for a Snack?
Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, or creamy or crunchy; portion out your snack and minimize distractions. This helps you enjoy your snack fully and determine if you are satisfied.
3. How can I savor my Snack?
Savor your snack using all your senses. Focus on the smells, tastes, textures, shapes, and colors to fully appreciate the experience. Checking in with yourself to see if you’re satisfied can enhance your enjoyment and support your well-being.
Through its comprehensive wellness programs and commitment to the well-being of its employees, Mondelēz International demonstrates that integrating physical activity and Mindful Snacking into daily routines can lead to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. By fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth, the company helps its employees achieve harmony between work, health, and overall well-being, making it truly one of the best places to work in the country.
About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.
About Mondelez Philippines
Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 61 years — since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home.
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The visions of three “great” men about Doc PenPen and the making of the Philippines as the “Poetry Heart of the World”
The vision of William Shakespeare
The discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan over 500 years ago marked a pivotal moment in history. Seventy-seven years later, according to Danny Gallardo, William Shakespeare—England’s great poet—prophesied in Sonnet 7 about a land in the “Orient.” Shakespeare’s words, some believe, may allude to the Philippines.
While Magellan’s voyage ended in the Philippines, it symbolized the start of a new kind of journey: the global spread of poetry. Leading this poetic circumnavigation is the “fair youth” Shakespeare referred to, identified by Gallardo as Dr. Epitacio Tongohan MD, also known as Doc PenPen Bugtong Takipsilim.
Starting in 2010, Doc PenPen has traveled the world—from Manila to Antarctica (through Dr. Lanka Siva Prasad)—carrying a vision of unity and love with the mantra “no colors, no races, all colors, all races, all loves, embraces.” His mission, “to heal, to inspire, and to awaken,” underpins the Pentasi B World Friendship Poetry movement he founded.
The vision of Dr. Jose Rizal
In his time, when there seemed little hope of Philippine freedom and progress, Jose Rizal (1861-1896) saw that a new Philippines was inevitable. But to hasten that day, he prescribed a positive break with the past.
He called on his countrymen to redeem themselves from a reputation for indolence, to acquire a new spirit for work, and to foster a new Filipino consciousness. There was no doubt in his mind about the requirements of progress: “In order that (the Filipino) may make progress, it is necessary that a revolutionary spirit, so to speak, should boil in his veins since progress necessarily requires change; it implies the overthrow of the sanctified past by the present, the victory of new ideas over the old accepted ones.”
This vision is worthy of aligning with the pioneering spirit of Doc PenPen’s democratization of poetry and creation of avant-garde poetry known as Pentasi B Poetry’s 5Ms concept: multilingual, multimodal, multiangular, multisensorial and multidimensional.
In the 1890s, Rizal saw the rise of “new men” and a “new social order” within a century. In 1968, the New Filipino and the New Filipinism came into being.
The vision of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 1969, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., envisioned a Metamorphosis and New Filipinism. Here is an excerpt from his 4th SONA:
“I shall describe more thoroughly our achievements last year in the next section of this report. Altogether, they signify both an end and a beginning. The year 1968 saw the end of frustration, resignation, cynicism, and indolence, of complacency, and of indifference—the chief obstacles to Philippine progress. On the other hand, the past year marked the beginning of purposive, concerted action for national progress—the beginning of our national metamorphosis. For in 1968, we began to shed the habits of the past and to install in their stead new attitudes, new frames of reference and new values. The result has been a widening of our vision, an expansion of our horizons, arising national strength. This transformation is essentially spiritual. It is a prophecy come true.”
In the 1890s, Rizal saw the rise of “new men” and a “new social order” within a century. In 1968, the New Filipino and the New Filipinism came into being.
The heart of metamorphosis
In a roaring declaration, Doc PenPen’s “yesssSSS!” boils and ripples across the literary landscape. Pentasi B’s unique, “liberamorphic” and “therapeunigmatic” poetry symbolizes the enduring legacy of humanity in the rapidly advancing world of AI, which is increasingly felt and observed as it takes over across all frontiers of life.
His works characterize “legahuman,” solidified by numerous prestigious national and international awards, exemplifying a life dedicated to the transformation of humanity through poetry. The distinctions of honors and respect from his peers as the “Father and King of Visual Poetry” have sealed his name globally, marking the Philippines’ pivotal role in literature and the arts.
Doc PenPen’s achievements stand as a testament to his poetic leadership, bringing to life the prophecies and aspirations of William Shakespeare, Dr. Jose Rizal, and Ferdinand Marcos Sr., aligned with visions of these three great men making the Philippines as the “Poetry Heart of the World.”
Major awards and recognitions for Doc PenPen
— Joe Lad Santos
About the Contributor: Jose Laderas Santos, also known as Joe Lad Santos, has done laborious research about the works of Doc PenPen.
Prof. Jose Laderas Santos is a former chair of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He is also a past president of FAMAS and a former board member of the National Museum, as well as a former director of the MTRCB.
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Being a Smart Postpaid subscriber now comes with more than just a data-packed plan as Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has further enhanced its postpaid plans with exclusive lifestyle perks, the latest cutting-edge gadgets, and exciting entertainment access to raise the bar for mobile experiences.
Available to new and existing subscribers on all Smart Postpaid Plans 999 and up, perks from different categories such as Dining, Travel & Leisure, Beauty & Wellness, and Shopping may instantly be redeemed on the Smart App without the need for points. This makes the postpaid lifestyle more rewarding and enjoyable for subscribers — whether they are young professionals, digital creators, homemakers, or even executives.
“Our enhanced Smart Postpaid Plans reflect our commitment to deliver more value to our subscribers on top of our superior mobile customer experience. By having a Smart Postpaid Plan, you get more than just a plan and enjoy a differentiated mobile experience that keeps you empowered, rewarded, and ahead of the curve,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice-President for Smart Consumer Wireless Business.
Exclusive dining and lifestyle perks
Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plans 999 and up can now indulge in exclusive discounts and complimentary dining experiences at popular establishments including Abe, Abe’s Farm, Bistro Remedios, Café Adriatico, California Pizza Kitchen, Carmen’s Best, Fely J’s, House of Lasagna, Illo’s Home Buffet & Restaurant, Larry’s Café & Bar, Lorenzo’s Way, Sbarro, and Sourdough Café.
They can also get access to unique travel and leisure deals at Cauayan Island Resort and Nurture Wellness Village, or pamper themselves with premium beauty services and self-care experiences at discounted rates from select branches of Browhaus and Strip.
Subscribers can also upgrade their footwear and wardrobe with an exclusive 20% discount on all items at Capital, a premier store for sports and lifestyle footwear.
Premium entertainment on the go
Subscribers on Signature Plans+ 999 and up also enjoy a complimentary Netflix mobile subscription that comes with their plan. These subscribers have the choice to upgrade to higher Netflix subscription tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium) while still redeeming P149.00 special savings per month on their Netflix subscription, courtesy of Smart Postpaid.
Moreover, Smart Postpaid users can also enjoy P200 off on Cignal Play TV Box plus a three-month access to premium Cignal subscription.
Smart customers can look forward to having continued access to premium content and first dibs on major live events, including movie screenings, concerts, plays, and international sports events.
Easy access to the latest gadgets
Smart Postpaid also continues to offer data-packed plans with the latest flagship devices from global smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, and ASUS.
They can also look forward to more gadget add-ons aimed at empowering their lifestyle with the latest tech innovations.
Smart Postpaid makes it easier for customers to attain these devices with gadget amortization and more payment options via leading banks and financing partners.
“Expect Smart Postpaid to roll out more perks and partner brands for its subscribers. By offering exclusive deals, Smart customers receive more than just a mobile plan — they’re getting an upgraded lifestyle experience. As Smart continues to team up with more partners, subscribers can look forward to even more perks and rewards,” said Shing N. Dimagiba, VP at Smart.
Enjoy all these starting at Smart Postpaid Plan 999
Subscribers who want to enjoy these perks can get on-board starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999, which comes with Unlimited 5G data for 12 months, Unlimited Calls & Texts to All Networks, Unlimited Landline Calls, and 20GB of open-access data.
Smart Postpaid is powered by Smart’s superior mobile network, recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience by independent network analytics from Opensignal.
For a full listing and details of the exclusive perks for Smart Postpaid subscribers visit www.smart.com.ph/perks.
To sign up to a Smart Postpaid Plan that suit your lifestyle, visitsmart.com.ph/Postpaidor head to the nearest Smart Store.
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Speakers at the Race to Zero in the Philippines press briefing by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. | Patricia B. Mirasol
Solid waste management is one of the challenges to sustainability that has repeatedly surfaced among discussions, according to Florian Gottein, executive director of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
“One of our members in the consumer industry shared that…the real difficulty lies in scope 3 emissions [or the greenhouse gases generated by business travel, employee commuting, and waste as part of company operations], particularly in managing waste generated by their distributors and consumers,” he said at a September 17 press briefing organized by the ECCP.
“Improper solid waste management poses serious risks to public health and biodiversity…the burning of waste, [moreover,] emits greenhouse gases that further accelerate climate change,” he added.
ECCP has an upcoming, community level project called The Race to Zero Waste: A Call for Collective Action for Sustainable Waste Management. It will build on RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and will continue to support and advocate for its effective implementation.
The power of consumption is the best way to dictate the future of the planet, according to Dr. Albert P. Dela Cruz, Sr., commissioner of the Climate Change Commission.
The Philippines’ losses amount to over P66 billion a year due to climate change, he said at the same event.
“The solution is the ecosystem. It’s a whole-of-humanity approach,” he said. “We won’t have total equilibrium if companies A, B, and C are zero carb, but companies D and E are not.”
During the press briefing, ECCP also announced its appointment as an official accelerator in the Philippines for Race to Zero. The worldwide campaign rallies over 14,500 non-state actors to act in halving global emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
Among the campaign’s aims is the raising of funds to support activities in line with the Race to Zero roadmap, including data mapping, impact measurement, and community initiatives.ECCP will align with Race to Zero’s 5Ps – Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, and Persuade – to ensure that initiatives encourage stakeholders to meet these criteria. Its role as accelerator involves supporting businesses in setting and achieving their net zero business, as well as fostering innovation that drives sustainable solutions.
“As the only accelerator in the Philippines, ECCP is ready to take the lead in advocating for and coordinating meaningful climate action across the region,” Mr. Gottein told the briefing attendees.
“With over 830 diverse members, including small and medium-sized enterprises as well as multinational corporations, [the chamber] plays a pivotal role in bridging sustainable growth between Europe and the Philippines,” he said.
The Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries to climate-related weather events.
A September 18 report by Climate Central, a non-advocacy, non-profit science and news organization, showed that nearly all the Philippine, Singapore, and Vietnam populations were exposed to temperatures that represent a potential risk to human health for at least a week, which were made thrice as likely because of climate change.
Southeast Asia was also the region with the most people exposed to climate change-influenced temperatures for at least 60 days in June, July, and August.
An aerial view shows the storage tanks for treated water at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan August 22, 2023, in this photo taken by Kyodo. — KYODO VIA REUTERS
BEIJING – China and Japan reached a consensus in August on the discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.
The two sides agreed on Japan establishing a long-term international monitoring arrangement and allowing stakeholders to conduct independent sampling and monitoring, the ministry said in a statement.
China stressed during talks that independent sampling should be conducted first before “gradually” resuming any imports of Japanese aquatic products, the statement added. – Reuters
SHENZHEN, China – Huawei and Apple’s latest smartphones went on sale in China on Friday, with many fans of the Chinese company disappointed that its much-anticipated $2,800 phone – more than twice the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max – was not available for walk-in customers.
At Huawei’s flagship shop in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, some who described themselves as Huawei “super fans” were annoyed after being told only those whose pre-orders had been confirmed could buy the new, tri-foldable Mate XT.
“I’ve been here since 10 p.m. last night because this tri-folding phone is a first and I’m excited to support our country,” said a university student surnamed Ye.
“But this is very disappointing. They should have made it clear we can’t buy.”
It was a similar story at the Huawei Wangfujing store in Beijing, where access to the much-hyped Mate XT – which folds three ways like an accordion screen door – was restricted to those whose pre-orders had been confirmed.
Reuters saw around 30 people queuing outside the Huawei store in Beijing and a similar number at its flagship shop in Shenzhen early on Friday. Around 100 people were seen queuing outside one of Apple’s main stores in Beijing.
A shopper surnamed Rui who got to try out the Mate XT in Shenzhen said: “I wanted to see what the fuss is about, but it’s a bit big, not very practical really.”
The disappointment comes as some analysts had warned that supply chain constraints could leave many potential buyers of Huawei’s Mate XT empty-handed and others questioned the high cost of the phone amid a sluggish economy.
While Huawei executive director Richard Yu said at Mate XT’s unveiling this month the company had turned “science fiction into reality”, owning the phone still remains a fantasy for many.
Pre-orders for the Mate XT have surpassed 6.5 million, almost double the roughly 3.9 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide in the second quarter of this year, according to consultancy IDC. “Pre-ordering” does not require consumers to put down a deposit. Huawei did not say how many phones had been produced so far or how many customers would receive the Mate XT on launch day. Apple did not respond to a request for comment on how many new iPhones were available for sale in China on Friday.
In the Huaqiangbei electronics market in Shenzhen, a phone stall vendor said she was selling the most expensive version of the Mate XT – with the highest memory – for 150,000 yuan ($21,290), compared to the store price of 23,999 yuan, while she was offering the $2,800 model for more than $4,000.
Asked if she had sold any, she replied: “A few people have asked, but it’s far too expensive.”
APPLE NEEDS CHINA AI PARTNER
While Apple for years enjoyed strong demand in China, where new iPhone launches once sparked a frenzy, its sales have dwindled and the company’s quarterly ranking in the world’s No. 2 economy has now dropped from third to sixth place.
Apple’s new smartphone launch in China has been overshadowed by the fact that it has yet to announce an AI partner in the country to power the 16s, and Apple Intelligence, its AI software, will only be available in Chinese next year.
Some Apple fans said the AI challenge was not an issue.
“The lack of AI in iPhones is not currently a major concern for me, as it’s more of a gimmick at this stage,” said a customer surnamed Shi who upgrades his iPhone annually.
Speaking about the new offering by Huawei, Shi said it was too expensive and “not for ordinary customers“.
Huawei has received significant patriotic support in China with fans impressed at how the company has managed to overcome years of export controls by the United States that initially crippled its smartphone business.
The launch of the Mate XT, which analysts say has a locally-made chipset, underscores Huawei’s ability to navigate U.S. sanctions although the company’s ability to mass-produce remains a significant concern.
Based on recent checks, key components of the Huawei Mate XT, including the panel, cover glass, and hinges, may be facing production yield issues, said Lori Chang, a senior analyst with Isaiah Research. – Reuters
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said reserve ratios for universal and commercial banks will be reduced to 7% effective October 25. — BLOOMBERG
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Friday that the RRR for universal and commercial banks will be cut by 250 basis points to 7% of deposits from 9.5%. The reduction in the amount that lenders must set aside in reserve, effective October 25, was intended to lower intermediation costs and promote better pricing for financial services, it said in a statement.
Banking stocks rallied after the announcement, with the financial sector index jumping by the most in a month. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the nation’s No. 2 lender rose almost 3% while Bank of the Philippine Islands gained 3.4%.
The central bank is pulling another lever to boost growth after it kicked off a rate cut cycle last month to bring down borrowing costs from a 17-year high. Currency gains, thanks in large part to the Federal Reserve’s easing pivot, and slowing domestic inflation are giving emerging nations including the Philippines more scope to turn their focus toward supporting their economies.
While the Philippines is among the region’s growth stars, the key rate at the highest since 2007 has constrained domestic activity. Growth in consumption, which makes up some 70% of output, matched the first quarter pace of 4.6% — the slowest expansion post-pandemic.
“By reducing the RRR, the BSP can provide banks with more funds to lend, which can stimulate economic activity,” said Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp. in Manila. The cut could release about 250 billion pesos into the financial system, he said.
“While the BSP may choose to be cautious in its policy easing due to the size of the RRR cut, it still has flexibility given the recent significant reduction in US interest rates,” Mr. Roces said.
FURTHER REDUCTIONS
The BSP had long stressed that the reserve requirement isn’t a monetary policy tool, and that the adjustments were meant to reduce distortions in the financial system. Meanwhile, banks have long sought lower RRR to trim their costs and free up funds for lending.
The latest decision will also reduce digital banks’ reserve ratios by 200 basis points to 4%, while a triple R reduction of 100 basis points will be implemented for smaller lenders, the central bank said.
“As inflation continues to track a target-consistent path over the next two years, the BSP will reassess the need for further reductions in the RRRs to better align them with regional norms over the medium-term,” it said.
Earlier this year, Governor Eli Remolona said that he wants to slash the reserve ratio to 5% by the end of his term in 2029. The governor also telegraphed the latest move when he said on Sept. 18, hours before the Fed, that a substantial reduction in the RRR will be underway. MR. Remolona’s predecessor also implemented a 250-basis-point cut in banks’ reserve ratios in June 2023.
Separately on Friday, MR. Remolona signaled that the central bank will continue unwinding its most aggressive monetary tightening campaign in two decades, in line with his earlier guidance.
“We had anticipated the cut,” Mr. Remolona said in a mobile-phone message on Friday, when asked whether the Fed’s half-point rate cut will convince policymakers to sustain policy easing next month. “To the extent it helps the US economy, it also helps us, including through our exports,” the governor said of the Fed move this week. — Bloomberg
Students were encouraged by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Wednesday to engage more in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related careers.
“We ignite within you a yearning for discovery, curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation, and from that spark, and passion to serve the country and Filipinos,” DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun said at the 2024 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF).
2024 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) | Almira Louise S. Martinez
According to Ms. Sahagun, the department hopes to inspire the youth to be more interested in work opportunities in STEM to lead and develop solutions to the nation’s problems and challenges.
“Your ideas possess the power to unlock the doors to a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.”
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. added that the younger generation must utilize science and technology as the ‘driving forces that propel our world forward.’
“Your country is looking at you for leadership, for innovative ideas that will improve lives and propel us in the future,” he said.
Based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration received ‘good’ ratings on developing science and technology.
“While we are elated by this validation of our hard work, we view it more as a challenge to do even better,” he said on Saturday.
PISA preparations
Last Saturday, the Department of Education (DepEd) presented its general plans in line with the 2025 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test preparations.
The PISA is a large-scale study assessing the knowledge of 15-year-old students enrolled in Grade 7 or higher in mathematics, science, and reading.
“We intend to provide them with the resources. So it’s going to be like a bar exam,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said at the Senate Committee on Finance Deliberations on the DepEd’s FY 2025 budget proposal.
In the 2022 PISA data released this year, the Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries globally.
JAKARTA – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Friday it has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to Indonesia to fund a program designed to help its energy transition efforts.
Resource-rich Indonesia, which is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, has been trying to reduce the use of coal with financial support from the G7’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Highlighting Indonesia’s reliance on coal, the ADB said in a statement the program “focuses on establishing a robust policy and regulatory framework for clean energy transition, strengthening sector governance and financial sustainability”.
“Indonesia is at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey,” said Jiro Tominaga, ADB’s country director for Indonesia, adding the loan supported Jakarta’s efforts “to accelerate its shift towards sustainable and clean energy”.
The ADB did not immediately respond to a request for comment when asked about specifics on how the funds would be spent.
The program includes developing a JETP-supported investment and policy plan, and improvements for scaling up renewable energy capacity, said ADB, whose co-financing partners for the program include France’s development agency, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and German state lender KfW.
Funds worth $20 billion have been pledged under a JETP plan for Indonesia to cap emissions in the power sector at 290 metric tons of carbon in 2030, but disbursement of funds has been slow.
Asked about JETP’s slow implementation, Britain’s development minister Anneliese Dodds told Reuters this week that JETP is a long-term partnership that requires big changes around infrastructure.
“This is not going to happen overnight,” she said. “The UK is really working to renew that approach so that together we can be focused on green growth and economic development.”
Ms. Dodds added Indonesia has an opportunity to be a carbon sink for the region and that Britain intends to work with other JETP partners to accelerate efforts such as poverty alleviation and deforestation. – Reuters
