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High literacy seen among HS grads

Students walk inside the campus of a high school in Quezon City, April 18, 2024. — REUTERS

FILIPINOS who are at least high school (HS) level showed a high literacy rate of 95%, above the national rate of 90%, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported, citing data from its latest survey.

In its third report on the 2024 results of the Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), the PSA found that about 93.1 million Filipinos out of 103.5 million of the total population are literate on a basic level.

It noted that the literacy rate of Filipinos increases as the highest grade completed becomes higher.

Filipinos who had reached or completed college and post baccalaureate studies recorded basic literacy rates of 97.3% and 98%, respectively.

Those who reached elementary level had a literacy rate of 82.8%, while Filipinos who have no grade completed recorded the lowest basic literacy rate of 25.6%.

The PSA defines “basic literacy” as the ability of a person to read and write a simple message in any language or dialect with understanding, and to compute or perform basic mathematical operations; while functional literacy is classified as the ability of a person to read, write, compute and comprehend.

Functional literacy rate was at 70.8%, or about 60.2 million Filipinos out of 85 million aged 10 to 64, the PSA said.

Filipinos who reached or completed post baccalaureate studies recorded the highest functional literacy of 93.2%, while Filipinos who have no grade completed recorded the lowest functional literacy rate of 10.8%.

Seven out of 18 regions posted higher basic literacy rates than the national average.

Central Luzon led with a basic literacy rate of 92.8%. It was followed by Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR, 92.7%), Calabarzon (92.6%), Central Visayas (92.2%), National Capital Region (NCR, 92%), Northern Mindanao (90.8%), and Davao Region (90.3%).

Meanwhile, four regions surpassed the average functional literacy rate at the national level. These were CAR (81.2%), NCR (79.9%), Calabarzon (77.3%), and Central Luzon (73%).

The 2024 edition of the report is the seventh in the FLEMMS series, the country’s literacy survey conducted every five years starting in 1989. The 2024 survey was conducted between September to October 2024. — John Phoebus G. Villanueva

Simplified hiring requirements eyed

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A WINNING congressional candidate on Tuesday said he wants to simplify the hiring process by prohibting employers from requesting multiple criminal clearances, aiming to spare Filipinos of additional expenses in their job hunt. 

“Once hired, an employer may require only one such clearance — not multiple documents like police, NBI, barangay, and court certificates, which are commonly required today,” Raymond Adrian E. Salceda, Albay congressman-elect, said in a statement.

“Requiring NBI or police clearance before any offer is even made forces the poor to pay suspicion,” he added.

The proposed measure would seek to bar employers from requesting multiple criminal background clearances from the police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), among others, to unburden Filipinos searching for jobs.

He said the proposal could encourage around 185,000 to 220,000 Filipinos to join the workforce annually, including rural job applicants and first-time job seekers, often discouraged by clearance fees that range from P100 to P500. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

NEA files case vs 2 power co-ops

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Electric Cooperatives (ECs) on Tuesday led a series of criminal filings before the Department of Justice (DoJ) targeting officials accused of mismanagement and other anomalies.

The DoJ confirmed receipt of criminal complaints filed against former and current officials of two electric cooperatives — Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) and First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FIBECO).

The filing was led by NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda, accompanied by agency lawyers and Deputy Administrators Omar M. Mayo and Vic P. Alvaro.

In a press statement, the DoJ said INEC, through Acting General Cipriano Martinez, filed a complaint for syndicated estafa over the alleged misuse of P118 million of its Employees Retirement Fund.

NEA, which helped prepare the complaint, said in a separate statement former and current cooperative executives conspired to siphon funds for personal gain.

A former general manager of FIBECO is also facing complaints for qualified theft for alleged conspiracy to purchase a parcel of land worth P11.55 million, which never materialized. He is also accused of diverting P6 million to his personal account.

Meanwhile, the NEA will also file a case against current and former officials of the Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc. — Area 2 (NEECO 2-Area 2), similarly accused of conspiring to divert funds.

Preliminary findings of the DoJ and NEA indicated a breakdown in internal protocols that enabled some officials to divert about P250 million in retirement and internal cooperative funds.

The companies did not immediately respond to separate emails seeking comment.

“Other cases will be filed by the ECs to be led by NEA, in coordination with the DoJ and National Bureau of Investigation, as part of NEA’s mandate to improve their services.”  — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DoE: Fuel supply to Samar to continue

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Energy (DoE) on Tuesday has assured the Island of Samar of continuous supply of petroleum products amid the rehabilitation of the 51-year-old San Juanico bridge.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DoE said it has coordinated with government agencies and industry stakeholders to address logistical concerns in deliveries of petroleum products to the province.

The 2.16-kilometer bridge connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte is currently off-limits to heavy vehicles, following a May 8 directive from the Department of Public Works and Highways. Under the new guidelines, only vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3 tons are allowed to pass.

However, the new weight restriction effectively prohibits the passage of standard fuel tankers, which typically weigh between 19 to 20 metric tons for a 10,000-liter load. All petroleum deliveries to Samar have traditionally relied on land transport.

According to the DoE, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council approved prioritizing oil tankers in the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessel loading queues.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon assured the DoE that the RORO port in Basey, Samar will be made ready to accommodate fuel shipments

Meanwhile, Insular Oil Corp., a local petroleum player which operates a fuel storage depot in northern Samar, agreed to accommodate petroleum deliveries from both major oil companies and independent players.

“The DoE remains committed to safeguarding the energy security of Samar and its people. By working hand-in-hand with government agencies and oil industry partners, we are confident in our shared ability to rise above these challenges with unity, urgency, and purpose,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Over P1-B drugs seized in Pampanga raid

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — Authorities seized ₱1-billion worth of crystal meth (shabu) during a raid at a house in Barangay Pampang in Angeles City, Pampanga on Sunday.

According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said the illegal drugs were placed inside 155 transparent plastic bags, weighing approximately one kilogram each.

It turned out to that a Chinese national, subject of the search warrant, has abandoned the house. Mr. Nerez said the Chinese national will still be facing charges for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Less than two weeks ago, PDEA agents again seized more than 35 kilos of crystal meth in a sting operation also in Angeles City where a Chinese national and his Filipina cohort were caught.

“The two drug operations are linked to each other. What you see is the outcome of persistent tracking of previous operations targeting individuals connected to syndicated drug trafficking to include their sources,” Mr. Nerez noted.

The raid was conducted with military counter-intelligence agents, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency operatives and policemen. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Capital1 Solar building a future with NU star Belen rookie draft

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY superstar Bella Belen — UAAP

A HOPE of a thousand dreams.

This was what Capital1 Solar co-owner Milka Romero called their recent good fortune of drawing the No. 1 pick of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League rookie draft set June 8.

“This is the heart and soul Capital1 has been waiting for. With this franchise player, we’re not just building a team, we’re building a future our fans can believe in,” said Ms. Romero, who co-owns the franchise with sister Mandy.

Ms. Romero was, of course, referring to National University (NU) superstar Mhicaela “Bella” Belen, who is the unquestioned projected top pick in the annual draft selection.

But although the three-time UAAP champion and Alas Pilipinas standout had enlisted herself in the draft, there is the possibility that she may end up withdrawing from it in the end should an offer abroad comes out.

And Ms. Romero and the Solar Spikers are hoping and praying that the 21-year-old Ms. Belen stays.

“I take it day by day. Of course, she is shortlisted. That’s what I can say,” said Ms. Romero of Ms. Belen. “But what the team needs is more important and what we see in our long-term plan with the management and the coaches… we don’t want to just think of the moment.”

As it is, getting No. 1 was a victory in itself as it sent waves of excitement through the Romero household as family patriarch Mikee Romero along with Mandy, erupted in celebration upon hearing the good news.

With only a 30% chance of landing the top spot, fate smiled on Capital1 — setting the stage for what could be the franchise’s biggest move yet.

The lucky draw is also a symbol of progress for the fledgling club.

Everything from this pick could turn out bigger from a year ago when the Solar Spikers tabbed Leila Cruz as the draft class’ No. 2 pick overall.

It also acquired a key piece in that draft — talented libero Roma Mae Doromal as its No. 14 pick.

Both Mmess. Cruz and Doromal have improved significantly after the team’s 11th place effort early last year and the latest All-Filipino Conference this year and a seventh-place performance in the Reinforced Conference a year ago.

Whether it’s Ms. Belen or another rising star, the Solar Spikers are set to welcome a player who could define their destiny.

“This is a good turning point for us,” said Ms. Romero.

But everybody knows, deep inside her, she and the team are salivating for nothing less than Ms. Belen. — Joey Villar

Magnolia Hotshots acquire Navarro from Batang Pier

WILLIAM NAVARRO — PBA

IN A MOVE intended to make them more competitive moving forward, the pacesetting Magnolia Hotshots fortified their roster with the addition of versatile forward William Navarro from NorthPort.

The Hotshots sealed a trade with the Batang Pier to acquire the 6-foot-6 Mr. Navarro in exchange for forward Calvin Abueva, guard Jerrick Balanza and their Season 51 second round draft pick.

The deal was approved by the PBA on Tuesday.

Mr. Navarro, who averaged 20.57 points, 10.57 rebounds, 1.86 assists, and 1.14 steals in the Philippine Cup, injects fresh legs, height and all-around skills to Magnolia’s veteran-youth combo Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, Jerom Lastimosa and Zav Lucero.

The Hotshots (7-1) are aiming to end a seven-year drought and go all the way to the crown after a strong start in the season-ending conference.

Mr. Abueva left Magnolia after four years and joined his fourth PBA team in NorthPort (1-6). For Mr. Balanza, it will be a homecoming as he previously played for the Batang Pier in 2022. — Olmin Leyba

Records fall in Day 2 of the Palarong Pambansa

LAOAG CITY — A pair of 27-year records fell and a neophyte gymnast danced his way to five golds to steal the show as 17-time champion National Capital Region (NCR) made its move for the early medal race leadership in Day 2 of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa on Tuesday here.

Cris Ivan Domingo of NCR (400 meters) and Jhul Ian Cañalita of Central Visayas (5,000m) led the assault from the new generation in shattering a couple of old marks that stood for almost three decades since 1998.

Mr. Domingo, a Palaro first-timer from Epifanio delos Santos Elementary School in Malabon, ran laps on his opposition to time 54.29 seconds in the elementary boys’ 400m run, narrowly beating the 27-year record of 54.30 set by Sahipa Bassal of Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) in the 1998 Bacolod edition.

A similar 27-year mark was broken by Mr. Cañalita of Tabuan National High School in Bohol, clocking 15 minutes and 16.31 seconds in the 5,000m to surpass the 15:38.4 record of Davao Region’s Cresencio Cabal in the same Bacolod tourney.

Western Visayas’ Efren Gempeson Jr. (55.66) and SOCCSKSARGEN’s Keian Angelo Penaso (55.73) finished behind Mr. Domingo in elementary boys 400m as Cagayan Valley’s Elmer Dizon (15:22.91) and Western Visayas’ Welmer Jeck Labrador (15:25.84) completed the secondary boys’ 5000m podium.

Joining Messrs. Domingo and Cañalita in the royalty of new Palaro record holders were Western Visayas bets Mico Villaran (secondary boys’ 110m hurdles) and Josh Gabriel Salcedo (secondary boys’ discus throw) as well as Alfred Talplacido (secondary boys’ 400m) of Central Luzon.

Mr. Villaran (14.0) leaped past the 14.68 record of NCR’s Patrick Unso in 2010, Salcedo (45.52m) surpassed the 42.86m throw of Western Visayas’ Airex Gabriel Villanueva in 2023 and Mr. Talplacido (48.10) broke the 48.7.69 mark of NCR’s Jomar Udtohan in 2014.

A standout from the Romanito Maravilla NHS in Bacolod, the 17-year-old Villaran actually tallied 14.47 seconds in the Cebu Palaro for the new record right there and then but it was nullified along with other records broken due to the substandard track oval deemed short by 1.5 meters.

He made sure to break it all together this time here in Laoag for his third straight third gold as Palaro’s 110m hurdles king.

But it was first-timer Arman Hernandez Jr., the next Carlos Edriel and Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo in the making, who snatched the spotlight to become the top multi-gold medalist so far in the hectic Day 2 under the scorching heat at the Ilocos Norte capital.

An eight-year-old prodigy in the elementary boys’ artistic gymnastics, the Palaro first-timer ruled the floor exercise, vault and horizontal bars to also clinch the individual all-around and team championship for NCR.

“The secreat is every day training,” smiled the pride of Don Carlos Village Elementary School in Pasay, who also won bronze in the pommel horse for a total of six medals.

Mr. Hernadez, who’s been with the Japan Cultural Grassroots Project of coach Munehiro Kugiyima for only a year, is eyeing the same Palaro success by his idol Eldrew and the Olympic feat down the stretch of two-time gold medalist Caloy.

And he delivered right away, teasing a bright future for Philippine gymnastics.

Mr. Hernandez’s five-gold medal haul anchored NCR’s big day to take the leaderboard with 16 gold, 10 silver and three bronze medals. CALABARZON (12-13-7) and Western Visayas (7-5-7), aren’t far behind.

Meanwhile, joining Mr. Hernandez in the bemedaled list so far were Western Visayas’ Melchor Bataican III (arnis), CALABARZON’s Jemaicah Mendoza and Mar Aviel Carredo in chess, and NCR’s King Cjay Pernia (gymnastics) as well as NCR’s John Paul Rijie Soriano, CAR’s Zion Ysabelle Buenviaje and Chezka Nicolette Luzadas in taekwondo with two golds each. — John Bryan Ulanday

Philippines’ Pasuit clinically defeats Ukraine’s Basanets

SOUTHEAST Asian Games silver winner Riza Pasuit of the Philippines overcame Marianna Basanets of Ukraine, 4-1, on Monday night and stayed on course to reclaim the gold she last won three years ago in the Thailand Open in Bangkok.

The 32-year-old Ms. Pasuit was nothing short of clinical in disposing of Ms. Basanets and arranging a semis duel with Kazakhstan’s Viktoriya Grafeyeva, who bested Singapore’s Zann Chee, in the women’s 60-kilogram class set on Thursday a the Indoor Stadium Huamark.

Ms. Pasuit, who drew a first-round bye, to sweeten the pot and make the finals where she will have a chance to recollect her golden moments there similar to what she accomplished in 2022.

Also fighting for a medal was Filipino welterweight Mark Ashley Fajardo, who was battling Ukrainian Pohozhyi Nikita in the quarters on Tuesday night.

If Mr. Fajardo ends up victorious, he will battle either Uzbekistan’s Ilyasov Sayat or host Thailand’s Khunatip Pidnuch in the semis also scheduled Thursday.

Ronald Chavez, Jr. wasn’t as fortunate as he fell to Kazakh Torekhan Sabyrkhan, 5-0, in the men’s 70-kg division, leaving Ms. Pasuit and Mr. Fajardo as the last Filipinos standings. — Joey Villar

Ole Miss’ Michael La Sasso wins NCAA title, collects US Open and Masters invites

OLE Miss junior Michael La Sasso’s even-par 72 on Monday at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa North Course in Carlsbad, Calif., was his worst score in four days, but it accomplished plenty.

Not only did La Sasso hold off Texas A&M’s Phichaksn Maichon to win the NCAA’s individual title with a 72-hole total of 11-under 277, he earned official invitations to next month’s US Open at Oakmont and next year’s Masters. He also helped his team edge Florida State for the eighth and final spot in the match play competition that starts on Tuesday to determine the NCAA team champion.

La Sasso became the second Ole Miss golfer to win the individual championship — joining 2017 medalist Braden Thornberry, who’s currently on the PGA Tour.

“If you would have told me the first tournament of the year that I was going to win a national championship as an individual, I probably would have said you’re lying,” La Sasso told Golfweek.

La Sasso and the Rebels finished team stroke play at +11, which was one shot ahead of 2024 runner-up Florida State for the final match-play berth. Ole Miss opens match play against Arizona State, which won stroke play at 14 under.

No. 2 Auburn (-12) faces No. 7 Virginia (+9), No. 3 Florida (-9) takes on No. 6 Texas (+5) and No. 4 Oklahoma State (-1) battles No. 5 Oklahoma (E) in the other match-play quarterfinals. Auburn is the defending national champion. — Reuters

Streetball teams, culture shine in second year of Jordan Brand and Titan’s DAYO23 tourney

THE HEARTBEAT of streetball echoed through the city for the second straight year as the DAYO23 tournament returned to the iconic basketball court under the bridge on May 24 and 25, delivering two days of electrifying basketball action and community spirit.

The event presented by the Jordan Brand and Titan drew passionate ballers from across the region, cementing its status as a premier showcase of skill, grit, and streetball culture.

Teams from Cebu, Biñan, Laguna; Cainta, Rizal; Davao City and Manila came to play with Team Hustle and Chase Tower Runs of Cebu emerging as the best ballers of the tournament. High-paced action in the Women’s 5-on-5 saw Team Hustle claiming their second title after a hard-fought battle. The Men’s 5-on-5 Streetball Tournament concluded with the Cebu team taking home the trophy after renowned clutch player JD Cagulangan played true to form and sank the winning basket with less than a second left on the clock.

In the one-on-one face-offs, Marcus Miguel Salameda, the 16-year old pride of Barangay De La Paz, Biñan City and fearless Mako Namiki of Dasmariñas, Cavite erased the competition as they relied on speed, smarts and a relentless will to win in their respective divisions.

Streetball energy took center stage at the Brgy. 830 Basketball Court in Manila from Day 1, as players displayed raw talent, innovative moves, and relentless determination. More than just a tournament, DAYO23 embodied the spirit that every court is home court. Players stepped onto the pavement with confidence, turning any space into an arena for greatness.

The competition was fierce in Year 2 as teams were strengthened with pro players and national team members who had local and international experience. Former collegiate hero, now Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year JD Cagulangan, pro players Greg Slaughter, Mac Tallo, David Murrell, Allan Mangahas and collegiate standouts Jacob Cortez, Chris Hubilla and Anthony Brodett saw action for the teams. National players Allana Lim, Raiza Palmera Dy, Janine Pontejos, Afril Bernardo and varsity player Tacky Tacatac competed in the women’s division.

Beyond the competition, the court buzzed with a friendly, familiar energy that fostered a strong community connection, bringing together athletes, fans, and streetball enthusiasts in celebration of the game’s vibrant culture.

Japan B. League holds a ‘Final Week’ viewing party for Filipino fans

KIEFER RAVENA — JAPAN B.LEAGUE

FILIPINO imports Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Matthew Wright and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. had a historic homecoming as the Japan B. League brought its games closer to the local fans here with a week-long event for its 2024-2025 Season Finals.

Dubbed as the “Final Week” for the titular showdown between the Utsunomiya B-Rex and the Ryukyu Golden Kings, the B.League held a live viewing party for Filipino fans led by Mr. Ravena to wrap up a four-day event over the weekend at the Gateway Mall 2 Quantum Skyview in Quezon City.

Ryukyu bested Utsunomiya, 87-75, in Game 2 to tie the best-of-seven series after an 81-68 loss in Game 1.

Mr. Ravena, from the Yokohama B-Corsairs also conducted a meet-and-greet session with Pinoy fans as the B.League doubled down on the importance of Filipino imports — and fans — to the booming international league that will celebrate its 10th year next year.

For the B.League, it’s their way of giving it back to the Philippines after being impressed by the Filipino players under the Asian Quota Program since 2020 when Thirdy Ravena of the San-en NeoPhoenix became the first-ever Asian import there.

“The level of Filipino players is amazing. They perform very well in the B-League,” said Nao Okamoto, executive officer for international business of the B.League.

Prior to Mr. Ravena in the finale event, the B. League featured Mr. Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido, Mr. Parks of Osaka Evessa and Mr. Wright of the Kawasaki Brave Thunders.

Mr. Parks spearheaded the B.League Hope Asia Jr. Basketball Clinic, Mr. Wright led the B.League Hope Asia 3×3 Challenge and Mr. Ramos, before his Gilas Pilipinas return, bannered the Resona Group B.League Finals Game 1 free viewing party.

All of these are part of B.League’s mission of expanding reach all over Asia, including one of its biggest supporter in the Philippines with a presence of a multitude of Filipino imports also led by Gilas center Kai Sotto of the Koshigaya Alphas.

And a collaboration with the Philippine Basketball Association and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is already in the works to make that happen — for Filipino players and for Filipino fans of either the B.League, PBA or national teams.

Next year, the B.League will mark its first decade as a rising pro league as the PBA celebrates its 50th golden anniversary as the first-ever professional basketball league in Asia.

“We have been communicating with Commissioner Willie Marcial. We are also in talks with the SBP,” added Okamoto, teasing a possible All-Star exhibition team between the two leagues.

More than that, the B.League will also play its part in the celebration of the 70th year of diplomatic relations and friendship between the Philippines and Japan next year. — John Bryan Ulanday

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