Ilocos Norte gets P3.5-M grant

February 26, 2025 | 8:37 pm

Manotoc-kazuya — Ilocos Norte gets P3.5-M grant — EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN THE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

THE EMBASSY of Japan in Manila on Wednesday said that it has issued a grant worth P3.5 million ($60,711) to Ilocos Norte province for its disaster relief efforts.

In a statement, Tokyo said the grant would allow the local government of Ilocos Norte to purchase rescue boats for their disaster response activities and be funded by the Japanese government’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The embassy said that the project would “enhance the safety and security of the residents of Laoag City and its surrounding municipalities.”

It said that the fund would allow the provincial government to procure two rescue boats and strengthen the province’s disaster preparedness and rescue system in the event of flooding.

“As the top official development assistance (ODA) donor for the Philippines, the Government of Japan launched the GGP scheme in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and help various communities engage in grassroots activities,” it added.

The Philippines obtained $5.67 billion worth of ODA funding in 2024, according to the Department of Finance.

The Japanese Embassy said that they have funded and implemented a total of 567 grassroots projects under the GGP scheme.

“Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries,” it said. — Adrian H. Halili

DBM releases rules on gov’t office creation in Negros Island

February 26, 2025 | 8:37 pm

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has issued guidelines on setting up offices in planned sectors, workforce, and allocating funds for the operation of the Negros Island Region (NIR).

According to circular letter 2025-3, the daily operations and infrastructure costs of the NIR offices will be sourced from existing budgets of the concerned departments in Western Visayas and Central Visayas.

This circular was issued after the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 12000 or NIR Act.

Under Section 4 of the Act, Negros Occidental will install government offices related to agriculture, land, peace and order, security, and governance.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental will host offices focused on human development, infrastructure, and industry and labor.

“With the NIR Act designed to speed up public service delivery in the local community, the DBM ensures its success by providing clear guidelines on how offices should be organized and operated effectively,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Bill wants full coverage of doctor’s fees

February 26, 2025 | 8:36 pm

A BILL mandating the Department of Health’s (DoH) indigent medical aid program to cover the doctor’s fees within its healthcare package was filed at the House of Representatives on Feb. 4.

House Bill No. 11415, filed by Party-list Representative Jose J. Teves, Jr., aims to cover the full professional fees of doctors from both private and public hospitals and clinics for medical services.

“This measure seeks to mandate the inclusion of professional or doctor’s fees, without any limitation to the approved amount… to help attain the ‘zero billing’ goal of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” the bill’s introductory note stated.

The DoH’s so-called Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program provides indigent patients with financial aid to pay off their medical bills.

It currently covers medicines, bloodwork, laboratory procedures, and all hospital bills of indigent Filipinos, but caps the coverage for professional fees at 50% of the “approved amount of medical assistance,” according to a DoH administrative order.

“Many indigents and financially incapacitated Filipinos still carry the burden of paying excessive hospital bills notwithstanding the payment of professional or doctor’s fees,” the bill stated.

All doctors are required to accept guarantee letters from DoH’s MAIFIP. Refusal could lead to a P100,000 fine for the first offense and could result in the revocation of a medical license for repeat offenses. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Strawberry supply in Benguet assured

February 26, 2025 | 8:36 pm

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET — The country’s strawberry capital — La Trinidad, Benguet — is assuring there is enough supply of this much-sought fruit grown abundantly here.

According to the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO), “supply is enough even with the influx of tourists” as the capital celebrates the Strawberry Festival, starting March 3.

This year is themed “Semek La Trinidad” (Love La Trinidad) where strawberry and its by-products will be its main features.

The rich cultural heritage of the different ethnolinguistic groups like the Kankanaeys, Ibaloys, Kalanguyas, among others, will be showcased at the festival’s drum and lyre street dancing performance and street parade on March 22.

La Trinidad Municipal Vice Mayor Roderick C. Awingan said their festival entices and encourages cooperation, partnership, and collaboration with the community. “As a symbol, the strawberry is like the Municipality of La Trinidad, the seeds symbolize the people and the color red symbolizes the love that we have,” he explained.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda said they have allotted a total of P5.7 million for 24 events, 18 traditional activities, and six community-led occasions. — Artemio A. Dumlao

AdU made short work of UE in UAAP S87 volleyball

February 26, 2025 | 7:27 pm

Games on Saturday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
10 a.m. – UST vs AdU (Men’s)
12 p.m. – NU vs UE (Men’s)
2 p.m. – UST vs AdU (Women’s)
4 p.m. – NU vs UE (Women’s)

SUPER ROOKIE Shaina Nitura flashed her brilliance anew as Adamson University (AdU) made short work of the listless University (UE) of the East, 25-20, 25-15, 25-12, for a quick rebound in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ms. Nitura, the former juniors MVP, delivered 18 points on 16 hits, a block and an ace along with 11 digs as the soaring Falcons gained a piece of the second spot at 2-1 with idle University of the Philippines.

The Lady Falcons needed only 72 minutes to score the straight-set romp with Ms. Nitura registering her third straight double-digit game for an early Rookie of the Year and MVP campaign bid.

In a smooth collegiate transition so far since anchoring Adamson’s first UAAP girls’ volleyball title last year via a 14-0 sweep, Ms. Nitura first reset the UAAP rookie record with 33 points in a comeback debut win against Ateneo before firing 16 in a 3-0 defeat to De La Salle University.

Backstopping her this time were Frances Mordi and May Ann Nuique with 11 and nine points, respectively. Juris Anne Clare Manuel provided 13 digs while playmaker Felicity Sagaysay manufactured 15 sets laced by two points.

Ranged against the winless Lady Warriors, the Lady Falcons encountered a little challenge in the first set but proved too much to handle in the next two frames, where they blitzed to quick double-digit leads heading home.

Nessa Bangayan (11) and KC Cepada (10) paced the Lady Warriors, who tripped to their third straight loss ahead of a tough assignment against reigning champion and unbeaten National University (3-0), also on Saturday.

In the men’s division, Adamson (1-2) notched its first win against UE (0-3), 27-29, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17, while the University of Santo Tomas (2-1) – even without injured MVP Josh Ybañez – stunned La Salle (1-2), 25-21, 25-20, 25-16. — John Bryan Ulanday

De Luna, Centeno and Amit advance in 2025 Las Vegas 10-Ball Open

February 26, 2025 | 7:26 pm

THE Philippines’ Jeff de Luna turned back countryman Roberto Gomez , 4-3, 4-1, 4-0, on Tuesday night to barge into the semifinals of the 2025 Las Vegas 10-Ball Open at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Nevada.

The 41-year-old former Asian Games silver medalist was on point in hurdling Mr. Gomez to claim the victory that set the former up against Estonian Denis Grabe, who smashed German Stefan Kasper, 4-2, 4-2, 4-2.

Another victory would push Mr. De Luna closer to earning a crack at the crown in this $125,000 meet.

The other semis pairing would pit German Jacob Fuller, a 4-0, 1-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-3 winner over Dutch Marco Teutscher, and the winner between Greek Alex Kazakis and Pole Wojciech Szewczyk.

Meanwhile, Filipinos Chezka Centeno and Rubilen Amit trounced Americans Nicolle Cuellar, 4-0, 4-0, and Ada Lio, 4-2, 4-0, respectively, to set in motion their title campaigns in the women’s section.

Ms. Centeno, the defending champion here, was facing April Larson, who bested the US’ Sue Orr, 4-2, 3-4, 4-1, while Ms. Amit was tackling yet another American Briana Edwards, who edged the US’ Eva Myers, 4-1, 1-4, 4-1. — Joey Villar

Cool Smashers, HD Spikers lead first cracks at PVL All-Filipino Conference playoffs

February 26, 2025 | 7:26 pm

Games on Thursday
(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. – Galeries vs Cignal
6:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Nxled

FOUR TEAMS, headed by heavy favorites Creamline and Cignal, get the first cracks at quarterfinal berths in Thursday’s start of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

The Cool Smashers, who topped the prelims with a 9-1 record, should be locked and loaded when they battle the Nxled Chameleons, who were last with a 1-10 mark, in their one-game qualification round duel at 6:30 p.m.

Same with the HD Spikers, the No. 3 squad with an 8-3 card who square off with the Galeries Tower Highrisers, who wound up 10^th with a 1-10 slate, at 4 p.m.

The winners will advance straight to the best-of-three quarters unfurling March 15 at the same Pasig venue.

The losers, in contrast, will fall in the two-bracket play-in wherein the eventual top teams in each of the three-team groups will book the last tickets to the quarters.

“If we stay with our game plan, we have a strong chance,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, who is hoping to steer the franchise to a 17^th straight podium finish, a five-peat feat and an 11^th title — all league records.

For Cignal mentor Shaq delos Santos, it will be all about making do with what they have after losing vital cogs Ces Molina and Riri Meneses mid-season.

“Even we have just 12 players, we have been managing with maximizing the skills of each and everyone and then we get to train faster also,” said Mr. Delos Santos.

Rose Doria and Vanie Gandler have mostly taken the leadership role while rookie sensation Ishie Lalongisip as well as Judith Abil have been stepping up big as of late in helping fill that massive void up front.

“Coach will need my help inside the court, that’s why I’m trying to help in whatever way I can,” said Ms. Doria. — Joey Villar

Letran, UPHSD gun for second straight win in NCAA volleyball

February 26, 2025 | 7:24 pm

COLEGIO de San Juan de Letran and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) shoot for a second straight victory as they battle Mapua University and Jose Rizal University, respectively, on Thursday in NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball at the San Beda Gym.

Led by a diamond in the rough in Sheena Vanessa Sarie, the Lady Knights downed the Lady Bombers, 28-26, 25-22, 11-25, 25-22, on Friday to set in motion their bid of eclipsing their runner-up finish a season ago and a win in their 11 a.m. duel with the Lady Cardinals would keep them at the helm.

Expect Letran to go to Ms. Sarie anew after the tall, crisp-spiking middle blocker from Naga Colleges, Camarines Sur had an auspicious debut after dropping a match-best 22-point effort.

The Lady Altas will also be aiming to stay unbeaten and on top after they turned back the San Beda Red Spikers, 25-18, 28-26, 25-16, on Saturday in their 1 p.m. match with the Lady Cardinals.

Both JRU and Mapua, which succumbed to San Sebastian on Friday, will be gunning for nothing less than a win. — Joey Villar

Asian champ Philippine curling team eyes 2026 Winter Olympics

February 26, 2025 | 7:23 pm

WINNING a historic gold medal in the 2025 Asian Winter Games is only the beginning for the Filipino curlers.

Fresh off a sweet conquest in Harbin, China, the Philippine national curling team is setting its sights on the ultimate goal of making it to the 2026 Winter Olympics starting with a bevy of qualifying tournaments this year.

“We want to achieve that goal of going to the Olympics. That’s our only goal right now and we will train hard for that,” said team member and entrepreneur-turned-athlete Alan Frei during his media availability on Wednesday at the SM North EDSA Annex in Quezon City.

Mr. Frei, along with Marc and Enrico Pfister, Christian Haller and Curling Pilipinas President Benjo Delarmente, steered the Philippines to a stunning 5-3 win over former two-time champion South Korea to bring home the country’s first Asian winter gold mint.

The Filipino curlers also dethroned multiple-silver medalist Japan and reigning champion China on the way to history, completing a Cinderella run as an unheralded tropical island against powerhouse winter countries.

Up next for them is the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, vowing the valiant fight in multiple qualifying tournaments to trust the Philippine flag to greater heights anew.

“Everybody is riding on a high right now with the Asian Games gold medal but we need to be realistic about it. It’s gonna be harder but it doesn’t matter,” vowed the 42-year-old Filipino-Swiss, now based in Zurich but traces his roots in Leyte.

“It could be a 1% or 20% chance and we still just want to make it happen. We’re committed to achieving that. That’s still a chance.”

To do that, Mr. Frei and company will participate in curling masters in Switzerland and Norway starting in August before a much-anticipated stint in the Pan-Continental World Championships and the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in October, at a still-to-be-announced host country.

Curling Pilipinas, which started only with two personnel before growing to 100-strong for the Asian Winter Games, is also in the process of adding one or two Filipino-Canadian prospects to complete the training pool with a continuous training camp in Switzerland.

More than the success though, Mr. Frei is dreaming of the growth of the sport in the Philippines despite it being a tropical country, especially with the potential of the Filipinos in precision and accuracy games owing to our culture in billiards and golf.

“Curling is growing. With more success, awareness will come. The next step for us is put up a program where Filipinos can go to South Korea and Japan to learn to curl. From there, maybe we can have curling facilities,” Mr. Frei, who also tried cross-country skiing before curling, beamed. — John Bryan Ulanday

Filipinas plunge into busy calendar year

February 26, 2025 | 7:23 pm

THE PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S football team looks forward to starting the journey back to the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WC) as it embarks on a busy calendar this year.

The Filipinas, who claimed a famous upset against host New Zealand in their historic WC debut in 2023, are set to vie in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in June and July, which serves as the first stage of qualification for both the 2026 Asian meet and the 2027 World Cup.

In between, the Pinay booters are slated to defend their tiara in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship in Indonesia.

After this, they continue the hunt for the breakthrough gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in December in Thailand.

After the WC, the Filipinas kept themselves busy competing in pocket tournaments in Spain and Turkey and playing friendlies against Finland and South Korea last year.

To get the ball rolling for 2025, the Filipinas reassembled for a camp at the Mall of Asia facility capped off by an intra-squad match featuring WC vets against younger players that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Filipinas Blue, composed of young guns and reserves, seized the initiative on 22-year-old Alex Carpio’s opening goal before World Cupper Merryl Serrano tied it up for Filipinas White. — Olmin Leyba

China says Taiwan seeks to give away chip industry to US

February 26, 2025 | 7:09 pm

Semiconductor chips-electronics — Semiconductor chips are seen on a printed circuit board in this illustration picture taken Feb. 17, 2023. — REUTERS

BEIJING — China said on Wednesday that Taiwan was seeking to give away the island’s semiconductor industry to the United States as a “souvenir” and leverage it to seek political support from Washington.

US media have said Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier to companies such as Apple and Nvidia, has been in talks for a stake in Intel.

Neither TSMC nor Intel has confirmed the reports and Taiwan’s government says it has not received information about any overseas investment application from TSMC.

US President Donald J. Trump has criticized Taiwan for taking away American semiconductor business, saying he wants the industry to manufacture more in the United States.

Speaking at a regular news conference in Beijing, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said, without offering evidence, that people in Taiwan were concerned TSMC could become “United States Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.”

“In order to seek selfish gain, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have freely made demands from external forces, using Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and powerful companies to get a foot in the door to relying on foreign countries to seek independence, and even give them away as souvenirs,” Ms. Zhu said, referring to Taiwan’s ruling party.

While China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, despite the strong objections of the government in Taipei, Beijing has no say in foreign investment approval decisions by Taipei.

Ms. Zhu said Taiwan was trying to “sell out” Taiwanese companies.

“This sort of shameless selling out of Taiwan is in actuality pandering to the United States,” she said.

Neither Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council nor TSMC immediately responded to requests for comment.

The United States is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, though it does not formally recognize the island’s government. — Reuters

G20 finance ministers, central bankers to meet amid fractious geopolitics

February 26, 2025 | 7:08 pm

G20 flags — Source: http://g20.in/en/about-g20/about-g20.html

JOHANNESBURG – Finance ministers and central bankers from the G20 top economies gather in South Africa on Wednesday and Thursday, for a meeting marred by the absence or curtailed attendance of key members and disputes over the main issues of climate, debt and inequality.

Agreeing on a declaration has always been tough for a gathering that includes rivals China, Russia, the European Union and the United States, but differences are starker than ever, and some finance ministers were too consumed with domestic politics to show up.

Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato will not attend, as he focuses on a parliamentary debate. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also skipping it, as is EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

There seemed little hope of agreement on issues host President Cyril Ramaphosa sees as core: inadequate climate finance from rich nations, reform of a financial system that penalizes poor countries and widening inequalities.

“Those global priorities are at risk,” said Alex van den Heever, political scientist at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, adding that issues like poor country debt were not priorities for the U.S. or the developed world in general.

“With the United States in the position that it’s in, it makes it very difficult to see how people will move forward.”

CLIMATE WOES

South Africa had hoped to make the G20 a platform for pressuring rich countries to do more to tackle climate change, and to give more towards poorer countries’ transitions to green energy and adaptation to worsening weather.

“Those most responsible for climate change have a duty … to support those least responsible,” Mr. Ramaphosa said last week.

“What the American presidency does, effectively, is reconfigure the conversation (by) … reintroducing elements we thought were resolved,” Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa told Reuters on the sidelines of a G20 briefing on Tuesday.

“Where it leads is anyone’s guess,” he said, adding that some countries might reconsider the scale and pace of their transition from fossil fuels to green energy as a result.

Some analysts said the retreat of the G20’s biggest economy from the discussions raised questions about its relevance. Others saw an opportunity for moving ahead without the U.S.

“There could very well be synergies between large portions of what’s left by excluding the U.S. on particular issues,” said Daniel Silke, director of the Political Futures Consultancy.

“It’s an opportunity for South Africa to take its leadership role.” – Reuters