PHL gets P34-M livelihood grant

March 20, 2025 | 7:58 pm

OISCA International-ChildFund Japan-1 — EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN THE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

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THE EMBASSY of Japan in Manila on Thursday said that it has issued grants worth a total of $594,447 or about P34.47 million to support local livelihood and healthcare access.

“The total amount of (P34.47 million) will be granted to two Japanese non-governmental organizations: Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International (OISCA International), and ChildFund Japan,” the embassy said in a statement.

The Japanese government provided about $177,056 to OISCA International to support the livelihood of locals in Northern Luzon and Northern Mindanao through the extension and expansion silk farming practices.

“This project aims to conduct short-term sericultural training, seminars and trials in collaboration with the Philippine Textile Research Institute in Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, and Misamis Oriental. It involves the construction of a silkworm farm and mulberry plantation,” it said.

A $417,391 grant was also issued to ChildFund Japan to improve the healthcare access of Indigenous Peoples in the mountainous area of Davao del Sur.

The project would provide primary healthcare facilities and equipment, health education, and initiate access to the national health insurance.

“It will establish and equip a barangay health station, secure a Department of Health certification, and strengthen existing community health systems,” the embassy said. — Adrian H. Halili

PHL beefs up border security

March 20, 2025 | 7:56 pm

THE PHILIPPINES has become the 7^th country in the world to implement the United Nations’ (UN) GoTravel software solution, a global initiative designed to enhance border security and counter-terrorism.

In a signing event on Thursday, Chief of Section at the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism Christine Bradley said the system will equip member states with the necessary tools and legal frameworks to detect and respond to potential threats.

“It allows countries to have the tools to channel their limited resources to detect those who pose a threat while then allowing the vast majority of travelers who are legitimate travelers to travel freely through borders, so streamlining the process,” she told reporters.

This process involves screening passenger data prior to travel against both national and international watch lists and databases.

For instance, Ms. Bradley said, by cross-checking with databases of the International Criminal Police Organization, authorities can identify red notices or potential matches in advance and develop an appropriate response—whether to apprehend the individual, place them under surveillance, or closely monitor their movements at the borders.

During the same event, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said the government is reaffirming its commitment to strengthen border security, combat transnational crimes, and uphold international relations.

“Ensuring the security of our borders is not just about stopping threats before they arrive, it is about building a system of trust and cooperation that allows us to work seamlessly with our partners at home and abroad.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Gov’t told to act vs fake news

March 20, 2025 | 7:54 pm

fake-news-4881486_1280 — STOCK PHOTO | Image by memyselfaneye from Pixabay

THE PHILIPPINE government should consider curbing the spread of disinformation by regulating social media use, a congressman said on Thursday amid concerns over the rise of fabricated and false news reports online.

The government should take measures against individuals or groups sowing discontent and distorting public opinion, said Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.

“It’s time that the government should step in and regulate the proliferation of… information coming out from the vloggers and all other active users on social media,” he said in a media briefing in mixed English and Filipino.

“The pending impeachment trial against Vice-President Sara Duterte and the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague have galvanized their base,” he added. “Unfortunately, many of their supporters have been using social media to spread information that is inaccurate and false.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s government dealt successive blows against the Dutertes by surrendering his predecessor, Mr. Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity, which happened just over a month after Ms. Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives.

The Presidential Communications Office in early March pushed for the creation of a state regulatory body tasked to monitor fake news and to weed out troll armies that operate via dummy accounts.

Similarly, a House of Representatives in February floated the possibility of requiring social media companies to secure a franchise to operate as part of efforts to combat the spread of disinformation. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Sandiganbayan affirms conviction of DENR regional official

March 20, 2025 | 7:54 pm

THE PHILIPPINES’ anti-graft court has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by a former top official of an Environment department regional office, upholding his graft conviction linked to irregularities in the purchase of supplies and equipment worth P3.76 million in 2010.

In a 10-page resolution released on March 19, the Sandiganbayan Special Sixth Division affirmed the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional secretary’s graft conviction due to lack of compelling evidence that could overturn the court’s decision.

“[The] accused… failed to convince this Court that the reversal of the assailed Decision is warranted,” the resolution penned by Associate Justice Sarah Jane T. Fernandez said.

The anti-graft court last month ruled that the former DENR regional secretary was guilty of 16 counts of graft, sanctioning him with a maximum prison term of 112 years.

The ex-DENR chief for ARMM said in his motion that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt, while urging it to set aside the penalty barring him from holding public office again.

“The evidence presented by the prosecution are all photocopies. The prosecution did not present the originals during trial, and offered no explanation therefor,” his motion pleaded.

State prosecutors countered by saying that its evidence “are not mere photocopies,” but are certified true copies from the government, considering it valid for the court.

“Accused… failed to cast doubt on the authenticity of the originals of the said documents. Neither did he show that it is unjust or inequitable to admit the duplicates of the said documents in lieu of the originals,” the Sandiganbayan said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

P1.8-M drugs seized in Cotabato

March 20, 2025 | 7:53 pm

COTABATO CITY — A police team seized P1.8 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) found in a hideout of a man wanted for murder, who was arrested in Barangay Tukakanes in Cotabato City, at about dusk on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, told reporters on Thursday that the suspect is now locked in a detention facility in Cotabato City of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

The suspect, who is facing a murder case in a Cotabato court, was jailed in 2012 for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao assisted in the operation.

He yielded peacefully when he was shown a copy of the warrant, signed by Judge Bansawan Ibrahim.

He readily admitted ownership of the confiscated P1.8 million worth of shabu in the presence of barangay officials and reporters. — John Felix M. Unson

Tropang Giga eyes 3-1 series lead against undermanned Gin Kings

March 20, 2025 | 6:47 pm

TNT TROPANG GIGA — FACEBOOK.COM/PBAOFFICIAL

Game on Friday
(Ynares Center, Antipolo)
7:30 p.m. – Awarding of Best Import and Best Player of the Conference
7:35 p.m. – Ginebra vs TNT (Finals, Game 4)*
*TNT leads series, 2-1

WITH Justin Brownlee (JB) at best not 100 percent and at worst unable to play altogether, this could be the most opportune time for TNT to shove Barangay Ginebra to a 3-1 hole in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.

Mr. Brownlee dislocated his right thumb after diving for the loose ball in the third quarter of Game 3, forcing him to miss the remaining 18 minutes as the Tropang Giga came away with the tiebreaking 87-85 win and putting his status in doubt from there on.

The Gin Kings are hoping for the best as Mr. Brownlee consults with a hand specialist a day before they try to draw level with TNT in Friday’s Game 4 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

“Justin is doubtful to play but he hasn’t been ruled out completely yet,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone told The STAR on Thursday afternoon.

Whether JB reports for active duty or not, TNT mentor Chot Reyes tasked his troops to be at their best and stay on guard against a strong rival that could even use their import’s health woes as a rallying point in Game 4.

“We don’t know but even without him, you see how strong, how tight that team is,” said Mr. Reyes, noting how Ginebra’s all-Filipino crew fought tooth and nail and nearly stole Game 3 from the Tropang Giga.

“So without Justin (Brownlee), somebody else is going to step up. And they’re going to rely on their ability to defend us to generate stops for themselves. This is not over by any means so we have to make sure that we’re ready.”

Mr. Cone’s charges led by Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt, Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos are prepared to wage battle by themselves, if necessary against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ), Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac as the rest of TNT.

The all-important fourth game follows the brief awarding ceremony for the Best Import and Best Player of the Conference (BPC) at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Hollis-Jefferson, NorthPort’s Kadeem Jack, Rain or Shine’s Deon Thompson and Mr. Brownlee are vying for the honor among foreign reinforcement while San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, NLEX’ Robert Bolick, NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino, Converge’s Jordan Heading and Mr. Oftana are battling for BPC.

Notes: TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gets added inspiration as his mother, Rylanda, is scheduled to arrive on Friday from the US in time for Game 4. “It’s her first time coming to see me play abroad so I’m looking forward to that, I’m really excited,” he said. RHJ’s brother, Rahlir, is already in Manila and cheered for him in Game 3. Rondae said he would love to see Rahlir reinforce another PBA team someday and match up with him. “They saw him play before when I was injured. Hopefully, a team gives him a chance… And then who wouldn’t want to see me destroy him?” he said with a chuckle. — Olmin Leyba

UPHSD Lady Altas alone on top of NCAA 100 women’s volleyball

March 20, 2025 | 6:46 pm

PERPETUAL LADY ALTAS — FACEBOOK.COM/NCAA.ORG.PH

Games on Friday
(JRU Gym)
9 a.m. – JRU vs Mapua (Men)
11 a.m. – JRU vs Mapua (Women)
1 p.m. – LPU vs CSB (Women)
3 p.m. – LPU vs CSB (Men)

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) continued to bolster its bid to reclaim the NCAA women’s volleyball title it last won 12 years ago as it turned back a stubborn San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R), 25-10, 19-25, 25-22, 25-19, on Thursday in NCAA Season 100 at the JRU Gym.

Jemalyn Menor went on a major tear and unloaded a team-best 21 points, including 20 off attacks, as the Lady Altas rolled to their sixth straight victory that kept them alone on top.

But it wasn’t just an all Ms. Menor show though as UPHSD also drew strength from Daizerlyn Joyce Uy, Shaila Omipon and Winnie Bedana, who chipped in 15, 13 and 12 hits, respectively.

The triumph kept the Las Piñas-based spikers on the course in ending their title drought.

UPHSD’s last championships came in 2013 when it essayed a three-peat feat, the school’s only three crowns in the division thus far.

The Lady Stags, who were paced by power-hitter Kat Santos’ match-best 22-point effort, sputtered to 3-2.

In men’s action earlier, reigning titlist UPHSD smashed SSC-R, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18, to remain at No. 3 with a 5-1 card.

College of St. Benilde and Mapua University share the lead with pristine 5-0 cards. — Joey Villar

Eala beats Volynets to advance to Round of 64 in Miami Open

March 20, 2025 | 6:45 pm

ALEX EALA scored a historic main draw win, taking down world No. 73 Katie Volynets of the USA, 6-3, 7-6(3), in the opening round of the 2025 Miami Open on Thursday at the Hardrock Stadium in Florida.

Ms. Eala, WTA No. 140, erased a flat 1-3 start by blanking Ms. Volynets the rest of the way in the first set before flaunting composure in the extended second to squeak through into the Round of 64.

The 19-year-old Filipina sensation will test her mettle against world No. 5 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, who gained a bye in the Round of 128 as a top-ranked player.

Ms. Eala, playing in her first Miami Open main draw campaign after multiple exits in the qualifiers, showed jitters against the 23-year-old home bet by staring at an early two-game deficit.

But she was quick to adjust and recover, breaking Ms. Volynets’ multiple serves while holding her own to win the next six games for a 1-0 lead.

It was the polar opposite in the second as Ms. Eala nearly wasted a 5-3 lead and allowed a tiebreaker, where she proved to be the steadier bet down the stretch.

Ms. Eala is one of the eight wildcard entries in the 128-player Miami Open main draw along with former Grand Slam champions Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) and Sloane Stephens (USA), Victoria Mboko (Canada), Sayaka Ishii (Japan), Tyra Caterina Grant (USA) and Ajla Tomljanovic (Australia).

Top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus), Iga Swiatek (Poland) and Coco Gauff (USA) headline the star-studded cast of the Miami Open that also features the stacked men’s division led by Serbian ace Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, Alexander Zverev of Germany and Russian Daniil Medvedev. — John Bryan Ulanday

Belen leads MVP race after first round

March 20, 2025 | 6:44 pm

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (NU) ace spiker Bella Belen is on track to capture her second straight and third overall Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum after topping the statistical race at the end of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball first round.

Ms. Belen amassed 159.6 statistical points (SPs) in seven games to pace the women’s division MVP race as the NU Lady Bulldogs completed a first-round sweep to bolster their title retention bid.

The senior spiker notched the UAAP Rookie-MVP honors in Season 84 (2022) and the MVP citation in Season 86 (2024).

She moved closer to another milestone that would put her among the league greats with three MVP awards by flaunting all-around numbers across all departments.

After the first round, Ms. Belen was No. 1 in aces (0.63 per set), No. 7 in scoring (107), No. 8 in spiking efficiency (33.47%), No. 6 in digs (2.6 per set) and No. 5 in receiving efficiency (33.58%).

Trailing Ms. Belen are De La Salle University’s Shevana Laput (157.692), super rookie Shaina Nitura (145.556) of Adamson University, Season 85 Rookie-MVP Angel Canino (141.538), and her teammate Vange Alinsug (130.000).

NU’s Alyssa Solomon (126.000), last season’s Finals MVP, Angge Poyos (120.345) and Regina Jurado (113.103) of University of Santo Tomas as well as NU libero Shaira Jardio (106.400) and setter Camilla Lamina (101.600) rounded out the Top 10.

In the men’s division, Ken Batas of Ateneo de Manila University took the driver’s seat with 160.370 SPs after topping the points (142). He’s also fourth in spiking efficiency at 45.52%, fourth in aces with 0.37 per set and eighth in digging with 1.44 per set.

Behind him are Santo Tomas rookie JJ Macam (148.750), Far Eastern University’s Mikko Espartero (147.917), La Salle’s Noel Kampton (145.000) and Santo Tomas’ Popoy Colinares (140.833). — John Bryan Ulanday

Lakers knock off Nuggets for ninth straight home win

March 20, 2025 | 6:44 pm

LUKA DONČIĆ scored 21 of his 31 points in the first quarter, Austin Reaves added 22 total and the Los Angeles Lakers turned a fast start into a 120-108 home victory over the short-handed Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

Dorian Finney-Smith scored 14 points and Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht each added 12 as the Lakers earned their third straight win and ninth consecutive home victory despite playing without LeBron James (groin) for the sixth straight game and Rui Hachimura (knee) for the 11^th straight.

The victory allowed the Lakers (43-25) to tie the Nuggets (44-26) for third place in the Western Conference standings. — Reuters

Medrano, Fernando tops Milo Marathon Manila leg for deaf

March 20, 2025 | 6:42 pm

RUNNING is for everyone, including for those who could not hear their steps as they traverse an unfamiliar territory.

Two of them were Mhigz Medrano and Aliyah Reese Fernando who made a giant leap as Milo championed inclusivity with the participation of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in the Milo Marathon Manila leg for the first time ever.

“Running is not only for the hearing people. The race is for everyone,” beamed Ms. Fernando, through a translation by her teacher Karen Samson after completing the 3K run at the Mall of Asia Arena concert grounds in Pasay last weekend.

Aside from Mr. Medrano and Ms. Fernando, around 200 students from PSD joined the festive race as the delegation veered away from the serenity of their home and classrooms to attempt at blazing the trail for persons with disability in the future.

And they did as Mr. Medrano, for his part, crossed the finish line of the tough 5K run.

Much has been said about inclusivity in different sectors but for Mr. Medrano, there’s nothing like a first-hand experience with other people as if you’re in one, similar beautiful spectrum.

“Other people think that we’re scared to join this kind of activity but we’re not. Though it’s not noticeable with other disabilities, we finally get to join and jive. Everyone is accepted in today’s society and we’re happy for that,” smiled Mr. Medrano, a Grade 11 Technical-Vocational-Livelihood-Information and Communications Technology (TVL-ICT) student.

“Running is about togetherness. There’s no pressure in running,” added Ms. Fernando, also a Grade 11 student.

Both Mr. Medrano and Ms. Fernando ran with their families and friends, making it more of a journey than a race. And for Milo, that’s exactly the heart of the Milo Marathon that assembled almost 20,000 runners all over the archipelago.

For PSD, albeit unknown to everyone its activeness in sports with varsity athletes for badminton, volleyball and basketball among the few, making this giant leap in running was just the beginning.

“The PSD excels in ICT but the dream of course is to be known in other fields, not only here in the Philippines but in other countries too. It’s a good start and awareness for us in sports,” said teacher Samson, who joined her students in completing their journey of a lifetime. — John Bryan Ulanday

AIA brings Tottenham Hotspur coaches to Baguio to lead football clinic for 100 students

March 20, 2025 | 6:41 pm

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life and now the local arm of Hong Kong-based AIA Group, recently brought world-class football training to 100 students from eight elementary schools in Baguio City.

This was done in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, a top-ranking team in the English Premier League for which AIA is a Global Principal Partner.

Held at the seven-hectare complex of the Baguio City Athletic Bowl in Burnham Park, the AIA football clinic is a special initiative of the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) program that aims to raise awareness of the importance of building healthy habits among young Filipinos.

The clinic, led by Tottenham Hotspur’s International Football Development Manager Shannon Moloney and International Football Development Coach Lily Jervis, in collaboration with Baguio City local football coaches, proved to be an unforgettable experience for participating students and schools from Baguio.

The two-day training featured exciting football drills and skill-building exercises for local coaches and kids, which focused on effective play, enhanced agility and footwork, and breaking tackles and gaining yardage.

Honorable Mayor Benjamin Magalong, along with other local government officials and representatives from the Department of Education in Baguio, were also in attendance. Mayor Magalong acknowledged the value of AHS, complementing its efforts to strengthen the local government’s quality education and sports initiatives in the City of Pines.

Launched in the Philippines in August 2024, the AIA Healthiest Schools program is a pioneering initiative designed to boost health literacy among students aged 5 to 16 and teach them the importance of healthy eating, active lifestyle and overall well-being. Following successful implementations across Asia and Australia, the program has so far reached over 7,200 students and trained 139 teachers across five regions in the Philippines. AIA Healthiest Schools provides free, curriculum-linked resources and materials based on four pillars of well-being: healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, and sustainability.

In the Philippines, the program is implemented in partnership with the Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAMF), which serves grassroots communities to promote reading, learning and financial literacy to underserved communities.

AIA Philippines plans to expand the AIA Healthiest Schools program to reach even more students across the country, ensuring that future generations are more empowered to live healthier, longer, better lives.