THE GOVERNMENT should coordinate with networks hosting gambling websites to weed out illegal gambling outfits operating in the country, advocacy group Digital Pinoys said on Monday.
“If the government will be able to make these hosting providers cooperate, the campaign against illegal gambling sites will be given a huge boost,” Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald B. Gustilo said in a statement.
Mr. Gustilo also urged social media influencers to look beyond what they are earning from unregulated gambling operators and consider the detrimental effects to would-be victims caused by their endorsement of various gambling sites. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
BAGUIO CITY — The country’s Summer Capital is in dire need of about 30 parking buildings to accommodate thousands of vehicles that have become “irritants” during the influx of tourists. “We need more than 30 parking buildings to be able to generate around 14,000 public parking slots,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.
However, with approximately 56,000 registered vehicles in the city, including 15,000 motorcycles, a good preparation under the Smart Mobility Master Plan would be 22,000 parking slots.
Mr. Magalong said the possible areas suitable for the construction of multi-level parking buildings would be areas of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bayan Park, public auditorium, GSIS office, Baguio Convention and Cultural Center compound, and tennis court parking lot, among others.
“We want the public transport system to become so efficient that people would have less need to use private vehicles,” said the mayor. — Artemio A. Dumlao
THE BASES Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced on Monday the opening of bids for the long-term lease of three log home units in Baguio City with a minimum price of P2.51 million for the first year.
The units under BCDA’s subsidiary, John Hay Management Corp., is located at Voice of America (VOA) in Camp John Hay, Baguio City and will be open for lease agreements for a period of 25 or 50 years.
“With the opening of this bidding, interested parties may now get the opportunity to lease these prime properties,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang.
The offered units — 3, 9, and 20A — have a uniform floor area of 590 square meters complete with basic amenities. They were constructed in 2000 and are accessible through Loakan Road.
BCDA said that the eligible bidders for the log home units include individuals, cooperatives, or corporations registered under the Department of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives Development Authority, or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The terms of reference for the bidding have been available since Aug. 29, while a pre-bid conference and site tour is scheduled for Sept. 14.
“Participants may submit bid documents containing eligibility documents and financial proposals until 12:00 p.m. on Oct. 10 (Tuesday), at the BCDA Corporate Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig,” the agency said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
THE CIVIL Service Commission (CSC) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) have agreed to work together on bolstering state efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the country and streamline redundant positions within the two agencies.
In a statement, the CSC said the memorandum of agreement (MoA) was reached, following consultations between the two agencies on consolidating their overlapping functions and determining opportunities for collaboration.
“Eliminating red tape not only fosters citizen satisfaction but also boosts organizational morale and economic growth,” CSC Commissioner Ryan Alvin R. Acosta said during the partnership signing ceremony held last Aug. 31 in Quezon City.
Under the deal, the CSC’s Anti-Red Tape Division would implement initiatives intended to fast-track the agency’s programs as well as handle complaints against officials who violate the Ease of Doing Business Law.
At ARTA’s end, it will look into complaints against government officers who fail to abide by law as endorsed by the CSC. It would also assist complainants in filing cases before the CSC and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Also, ARTA agreed to implement a Report Card Survey, which would evaluate and recommend improvements to government agencies’ delivery of their respective services. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE. Meralco has reaffirmed its pledge to source an increasing portion of its supply portfolio from renewable energy as part of its long-term sustainability strategy. Since 2019, Meralco has placed sustainability at the core of its strategy and operations to protect and preserve the environment and create better lives for all.
The growing demand for clean energy is reshaping energy markets across the world with calls for innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure energy security and to address climate change.
In the Philippines, given its vast natural resources, renewable energy (RE) has gained prominence as one of the key drivers of a sustainable energy future. As such, industry movers like Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, have taken serious strides towards the energy transition path.
In a recent energy forum organized by BusinessWorld, Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo emphasized the company’s conscious effort to place sustainability at the very core of Meralco’s strategy and operations, and the role of power as a key pillar of its sustainability agenda called Powering the Good Life.
“Power holds our aspiration to provide energy for all, always, as we aim to provide affordable, accessible, reliable, and clean energy to all we serve,” Ravelo said.
Aligned with this thrust, Meralco continuously explores ways to fulfill and secure the country’s current and future energy requirements.
The company continues to proactively pursue energization efforts and as of end-2022, through the Meralco Electrification Program, it achieved 99.98% electrification in its service area, which is home to more than 30 million people.
“As we drive to achieve full electrification, we will be deploying innovative off-grid solutions, including solar home systems and microgrids,” Ravelo said.
“Looking ahead towards a fully electrified archipelago, we need to be very mindful and conscious of the imperatives set forth by UN SDG7, or the push for affordable and clean energy,” he added, referring to one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Going beyond electrification, Meralco and other Philippine companies have led the way for the utilization of clean energy technologies as a way forward.
The Philippine government aims to increase the share of RE in the country’s energy mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 as part of the National Renewable Energy Program.
In line with this, the Department of Energy (DOE), under its Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), mandates electricity suppliers to source an increasing portion of their supply portfolio from RE. Currently, the RPS requirement is set at +2.52% per annum.
In compliance with and in support of the DOE’s RPS policy, as of date, the power distributor has contracted 1,880 megawatts (MW) of RE capacity from various suppliers, already breaching its initial target of 1,500 MW.
Through Meralco’s strategic sourcing initiatives, RE is expected to account for 22% of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18% of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025.
This will eventually allow the company to reduce its total carbon emissions by 15% vis-à-vis its projected baseline 2030 emissions.
ACCELERATING RENEWABLE ENERGY BUILDOUT
HARNESSING SOLAR POWER. The 68 MWac “Garcia 2” Solar Project in Currimao, Ilocos Norte is part of the larger One Meralco initiative to build 1,500 MW of renewable energy projects through 2030.
To help the country achieve a sustainable energy future, Meralco, through its power generation arm Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), continues to develop greener capacities in response to the country’s growing energy needs.
MGen has committed to invest at least P18 billion to accelerate its RE buildout in line with One Meralco’s long-term sustainability strategy. The investment will cover RE capacities from solar and wind that the company, along with its partners, aims to build through 2030.
Through its renewable energy unit MGen Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGreen), MGen intends to ramp up its attributable RE capacity to 1,500 MW with investments in more and larger green energy projects.
Currently, MGreen has an RE portfolio that includes BulacanSol’s 55MWac solar plant in San Miguel, Bulacan in partnership with Powersource Energy Holdings Corporation; Nuevo Solar Energy Corporation’s 68MWac solar farm in Currimao, Ilocos Norte with Vena Energy’s Pasuquin Energy Holdings Inc., and PH Renewables, Inc.’s (PHRI) 75MWac solar farm in Baras, Rizal with Mitsui & Co.’s Mit-Renewables Philippine Corporation.
PHRI has completed the commissioning tests for Phase 1 of its project involving 67.5 MWac which is expected to declare commercial operations within Q4 2023. The Phase 2 of the project is targeted to be operational by mid-2024.
With these huge strides towards a more sustainable energy future, MGen is pursuing more projects utilizing RE in line with One Meralco’s target to reduce its direct emissions by 20%.
These include two solar projects – the 49MWac solar plant in Cordon, Isabela; and the 18.75 MWac solar plant in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, which are among the winning bidders in the DOE’s second round of Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP).
BEYOND THE GRID
GREEN TRANSPORT FUTURE. Meralco employees show off newly procured electric vehicles (EVs) for use of the power distributor’s business centers and sector offices in Metro Manila. Meralco aims to electrify at least a quarter of its entire fleet by 2030.
Aside from expanding its renewable energy portfolio, Meralco is also one of the leading supporters of the country’s important shift towards sustainable transportation.
Earlier this year, Meralco incorporated Movem Electric, Inc., in line with its plans to be a major player in the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry and to be part of the solution for cleaner and greener transportation.
Through its Green Mobility Program, Meralco also aims to electrify at least a quarter of its entire fleet by 2030. Meralco has been converting its internal combustion engine fleet vehicles into electric-powered cars, vans, pick-up trucks, and motorcycles. To support these EVs, the power distributor has also installed station chargers in strategic locations across its franchise area.
Since the launch of its overarching sustainability agenda in 2019, Meralco has consistently earned recognitions for its sustainability programs and performance.
Meralco has sustained its strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance as it maintained its all-time best ratings in global indices. The power distributor secured a 3.2 ESG score for the third consecutive year from Financial Times Stock Exchange Russell ESG Ratings—performing better than Philippine and energy sector averages. It also received a rating of BBB for two consecutive years from MSCI, driven by strong performance in RE opportunities and water management.
Earlier this year, Meralco also marked the successful planting of over two million trees across the country in time for Earth Day 2023. This significant milestone, under the One for Trees Program led by the One Meralco Foundation, brought One Meralco closer to its target to nurture five million trees by 2026.
RAISING AWARENESS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. Meralco employees join a tree planting activity in Siniloan, Laguna as part of the One for Trees program of the One Meralco Foundation. One for Trees marked a significant milestone with two million trees planted across the country.
All these efforts are a testament to Meralco’s commitment to sustainability as it continues to empower communities with cleaner and greener energy for a brighter future.
“Meralco remains one with the government and the private sector in ensuring long-term energy security, while fully supporting the government’s push to advance the country’s low-carbon energy transition with strengthened policies that include higher RPS requirements, foreign ownership liberalization of RE projects, and priority dispatch of RE plants,” Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
“We also reaffirm our commitment to deeply embed sustainability in our strategy and operations, while embarking on a just, orderly, and affordable transition to clean and earth-friendly energy. Our Long-Term Sustainability Strategy maps out this important decarbonization plan beginning today through 2050,” Mr. Pangilinan added.
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Games Today (MOA Arena) 4:45 p.m. — Lithuania vs Serbia 8:40 p.m. — Italy vs USA
LITHUANIA came into the FIBA World Cup as a complete underdog after its ninth-place finish in the 2019 edition in China — its worst in the tournament since the former Soviet Union republic became an independent nation.
But after its galactic 110-104 upset victory over heavy tournament favorite United States at the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday night, the Lithuanians will enter the final phase as one of the favorites, if not the biggest favorite, to strike gold.
“I think so,” said Lithuania coach Kazys Maksvytis when asked if he felt underestimated entering the tournament and if they had changed people’s mind after this giant-sized triumph over the only team here comprising 12 players all coming from the NBA.
Although the game had no repercussions since both had already secured a quarterfinal spot even before their duel started, it felt like the Lithuanians had won the gold.
“It was a big win for our country, for us players and coaches to play against the best in the world,” said an emotional Vaidas Kariniauskas, who led the way with 15 points including two of his team’s staggering 14 booming triples including a perfect nine-of-nine to start the game in the first half.
“I’m happy for my country and our families and we don’t need to celebrate much because we have a game in 48 hours against Serbia. We’re happy, but we can’t be too happy,” he added.
Truly, the real gold awaits Lithuania, unbeaten in five games, in the Last Eigth where it will clash with an equally tall and fearsome Serbia, which booked a spot after annihilating the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl Anthony Towns and Dominican Republic, 112-79, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum the same night.
The proud Americans, for their part, suffered their first defeat after four wins in a row and will tackle the Italians at 8:40 p.m. also at the MOA Arena.
The other matches in the quarters would pit Germany against Latvia at 4:45 p.m. and Canada versus Luka Doncic and Slovenia at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow also at the Pasay City venue.
If there was silver lining in the harrowing defeat the Americans suffered, it didn’t affect them in claiming an outright berth to next year’s Paris Olympics along with the Canadians as the Americas’ first two representatives.
US coach Steve Kerr, however, said they still felt the sting of the defeat.
“It doesn’t ease the pain of the loss by us tonight (Sunday) but for USA basketball, it’s a good thing because we’re not going through any qualifier anymore,” said Mr. Kerr. “To be honest, I’m not worried about the Olympics, we’re worried about this, we want to win the World Cup and that’s our focus.” — Joey Villar
Philippine’s SIBOL reigned supreme at the IESF World Esports Championship. 2023
SINGAPORE — The Philippines team (SIBOL) reigned supreme at the IESF World Esports Championship 2023, earning themselves the championship title at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament. In a thrilling best-of-five series against Indonesia, the team Philippines came on top with the lion’s share of the $100,000 prize pool. This also marked the first clean win sweep from the national SIBOL team, as they fought from the Qualifiers to the Grand Finals, leaving Indonesia with the second placement.
This year’s championship took place in Iași, Romania, where sixteen international Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) teams fought across the lower and upper brackets to win the IESF MLBB champion title. Notably, Saudi Arabia emerged as the third placement for the tournament, followed by Egypt (fourth placement), who proved their unmatched rivalry.
“Congratulations to the SIBOL team for bringing home the gold! The event was a tremendous success, and we appreciate the professionalism and sportsmanship of our participating teams,” stated Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem, MOONTON Games.
THE PBA is ready to answer the call of Gilas Pilipinas as it shifts focus to the fast-approaching Asian Games in China.
Asia’s first play-for-pay league is seen to carry the heavy load in providing players for the Asiad with Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson out of the picture and overseas-based stalwarts from the FIBA World Cup crew highly doubtful.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio are expected to sit down anytime this week to discuss the Gilas campaign in the Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 Continental joust slated in Hangzhou.
The PBA starts its next season on Oct. 15, a full week after the Games’ closing.
This makes room for another tour for the likes of World Cup (WC) vets June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, RR Pogoy and CJ Perez, pool members Chris Newsome and Calvin Oftana orother PBA players not involved in the WC.
Justin Brownlee is assigned to reinforce the Nationals with Utah Jazz guard Mr. Clarkson returning to the NBA.
Dwight Ramos of Hokkaido, Kiefer Ravena of Shiga, Kai Sotto of Hiroshima, AJ Edu of Toyama in Japan, Rhenz Abando of Angyang in Korea and WC trainees Thirdy Ravena of San-En and Ray Parks of Nagoya are unsure of playing in the Asiad.
Even the Gilas coaching position is up in the air as coach Chot Reyes had already announced he was “stepping aside” after the Nationals capped the WC stint with a 96-75 drubbing of China.
This result gave sports leaders renewed optimism on the hoops team heading to the AG.
“That was one big victory over China,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino. “The win was confidence-building and that brought back the belief that yes, Filipino athletes can.”
The Philippine quintet will go up against Bahrain (Sept. 26), Thailand (Sept. 28) and fellow WC team Jordan (Sept. 29) in Group C of the Asiad. — Olmin Leyba
MORE marquee names led by NBA All Stars Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are set to whip up a storm in hoops-crazy Philippines in the next six days beginning today.
Four-time All-NBA First Team Mr. Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks banners Slovenia, one of two powerhouse squads coming over for the Final Phase of the FIBA World Cup here after their stellar play in Japan.
Mr. Doncic and Slovenia finished second with 4-1 in Group K and joined unbeaten Germany in the march of quarterfinalists from Okinawa to Manila.
NBA talents Dennis Schroder of the Toronto Raptors, Daniel Theis of the Indiana Pacers and brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic carry the torch for the Germans, who topped the group with a 100-71 rout of Slovenia Sunday.
Mr. Gilgeous-Alexander and his loaded Canadian squad paced the Last-8 contingent from the Indonesian side of the group stages.
Oklahoma City Thunder stalwart Mr. Gilgeous-Alexander and fellow NBA mainstays RJ Barrett (New York Knicks), Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets), Kelly Olynyk (Utah Jazz), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves), Lu Dort (Thunder) and Dwight Powell (Mavericks) are fresh from ousting holder Spain, 88-85, in Sunday’s virtual KO in Group L in Jakarta.
Joining the Canadians in the flight to the Philippines is a Latvian team enjoying an amazing Cinderella run in the WC.
Led by Davis Bertans of Oklahoma, Latvia first sent shockwaves with a 74-69 upset of Spain last Sept. 1 then crushed Brazil, 104-84, to seal its quarterfinal entry as No. 2 with 4-1 behind Canada (4-1).
Lying in wait are four sides and their slew of NBAers that have been strutting their stuff in Manila from Day One: unbeaten Lithuania led by Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans), USA topbilled by Anthony Edwards (Minnesota), Serbia anchored by Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks) and Italy spearheaded by Simone Fontecchio (Utah). — Olmin Leyba
IN a collision of genres, cultures, and personal flair, the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals concluded last Sept. 2 at 5th Ave. Bonifacio High Street, where the 8 finalists from the Cebu and Manila qualifiers competed against eight wildcards in an electrifying mix featuring unique styles and techniques.
Half of the Top 16 hailed from the Cebu and Manila qualifiers, which took place last July 15 and July 22, respectively. The other half were wildcard entries with different backgrounds, performance styles, and accolades. Together, they battled it out on the stage for a chance to represent the Philippines on the world stage.
Each finalist gave it their all throughout the National Finals, but in the end, Louries Dhztine ‘JXYB’ Bernardino secured the title of champion. Having bested the competition with their signature Krumping technique and personality, JXYB is now on track to represent the Philippines in the World Finals.
JXYB battled it out against the first-ever Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines Champion, Mickey Paolo Yatar in the semifinals. The showdown elicited loud cheers for the then title holder and JXYB.
JXYB also went against wildcards “Heidra” and “O-shady” who brought out a range of hip-hop and pop grooves, but the finale performance against fellow krumper Juan “BLVCKZIK” Carlo De Leon brought out the largest cheers in an adrenaline-pumping 1 on 1 where JXYB ran off stage and through the center crowd, catching every beat and transforming the energy and applause into a routine made to remember.
For JXYB, the World Finals would not only mean endless training, but also collaboration with the Philippine dance community, and finding inspiration in his personal experience in the local dance battle and freestyle scene in the country.
JXYB is set to represent the Philippines on the global stage this November in Germany.
AS THEY take the exits, Karl-Anthony Towns and his Dominican Republic squad are bringing with them lasting memories of a rocking time in Manila.
The Dominicans, Gilas Pilipinas’ conqueror in the first round, enjoyed not only a good run over two rounds highlighted by a 3-0 sweep of Group A but also the famous Filipino hospitality and strong passion for basketball.
Even in their final appearance Sunday night at the Big Dome, a 79-112 loss to Serbia, Mr. Towns was moved by the applause and cheers Pinoys showered him with when he checked out for a final time at the 3:35 mark of the fourth.
“It means a lot to be respected. Something I feel I don’t get much back home,” the Dominican-American star for the Minnesota Timberwolves said. “It was moving. I feel respected. It meant a lot, something I don’t get much of.”
Dominican Republic coach Nestor “Che” Garcia gave props to the host country in their very last post-game presscon.
“It’s been an amazing experience with the people, how they treat us. They’re very, very kind people with a lot of respect,” he said.
The Caribbean side was part of FIBA World Cup history when it played host Philippines in front of a new all-time crowd of 38,115 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan in the Aug. 25 opener.
Though subjected to boos and jeers the whole game, which they won, 87-81, the Dominicans never felt disrespected at all. After the match, Mr. Towns even went to one section of the arena to oblige for selfies with Filipino fans who stayed behind and shouted his name.
“I always said this place is special. I had never been here before, but I just could feel the energy and the passion for basketball. I have always wanted to come here. Thank you for being such a gracious host to all of us. Thank you so much!” Mr. Towns said. — Olmin Leyba
FILIPINO pole-vault star Ernest John “EJ” Obiena redeemed himself from a forgettable effort a few days ago in the Wanda Diamond League in Zurich, Switzerland with a sterling ISTAF Berlin triumph in Germany yesterday (Sept. 4).
Summoning his old magnificence, the 27-year-old Asian record-holder made sure to bury the ghost of that Zurich past by snaring his first ISTAF gold with a 5.92-meter clearance.
He needed to clear it on his third and last attempt to beat Norwegian Sondre Guttormsen and American KC Lightfoot, who wound up with the silver and bronze medal, respectively, following an identical 5.82ms.
The United States’ Chris Nilsen, whom Mr. Obiena is jockeying against for the World No. 2 position, was fourth with a 5.72m.
Olympic champion and world record-holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden did not join.
“It was a good day,” said Mr. Obiena, who was second in this same event last year and fourth the year before that. “Finally got this outdoor trophy after so many years coming up short.”
Mr. Obiena, however, later revealed he left his trophy because it won’t fit in anymore to the plane he is riding to another competition.
“Maybe a bit more wait because we have no luggage space when flying low-cost airlines,” he said. — Joey Villar
