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Locator ACUVEX to set up shop in Cavite ecozone

CAVITE.GOV.PH

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it signed a registration agreement with ACUVEX Corp. for a P3-million manufacturing plant in Cavite.

In a Facebook post, the investment promotion agency said ACUVEX will fabricate jigs and fixtures in the Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ).

“The project, with an initial investment of about P3 million, is set to begin by the end of the year,” it added.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said: “ACUVEX’s entry is another step forward in reinforcing CEZ as a hub for high-value and precision manufacturing,” he said.

“Each new locator strengthens the economic zone ecosystem and contributes to our vision of a competitive, sustainable, and resilient industrial base for the country,” he added.

ACUVEX’s investment is expected to complement the electronics, automotive, and robotics-related locators in CEZ.

“This latest partnership not only strengthens CEZ’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing but also underscores PEZA’s role in driving inclusive growth and sustaining the Philippines’ global competitiveness,” PEZA said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

EU delays effectivity date of deforestation regulation

DANIEL LINCOLN-UNSPLASH

THE European Commission has postponed the effectivity date of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to December 2026, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) said.

The target date for the EUDR enforcement is two years after the original 2024 target.

“The postponement is due to ongoing technical challenges with the EU’s due diligence information technology system,” EMB said in a Facebook post.

“The information technology system is not yet equipped to manage the volume of compliance declarations required under the new law,” it added.

Under the law, all exporters of cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy, and wood, and related products such as chocolate, leather, furniture, and tires, are required to prove that their goods are deforestation-free and legally produced.

According to the EMB, exporters should use the deferment as an opportunity to audit their supply chains for deforestation risk, implement traceability systems, and engage with cooperatives, certifiers, and government agencies.

Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte, EMB director, said the deferment “will give more time for exporters to comply.”

Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines President Robert M. Young said that the postponement is beneficial to exporters.

“We can still prepare for the requirements and the regulations that will be imposed by the EU,” he said via telephone.

He said exporters and the government are not ready for such a regulation.

“You have to have that kind of permit accompanying your tables or your chairs that will prove that the wood you used is compliant with the regulations,” he added.

He said that similar regulations are already in place in other countries, pushing Philippine exporters to import wood from Indonesia and Malaysia, among others, to continue exporting to these markets.

“These guys that are selling to us these imported goods have the certification,” he added.

He said that he hopes that exporters and the government will use the deferment to “put things in order.” — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL Aug. rice inventory rises ahead of 60-day import freeze

REUTERS

THE national rice inventory rose 24.7% year on year at the start of the 60-day rice import freeze, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Rice stocks as of Sept. 1, the first day of the import ban, amounted to 2.07 million metric tons, the PSA said.

Month on month, the national inventory was down 10.7%.

Some 39.3% of the rice was held by commercial entities, while households held 39% and the National Food Authority (NFA) 21.6%.

In August, the Department of Agriculture (DA) continued to roll out its P20 per kilo subsidized rice program targeted at vulnerable segments of society and minimum wage earners.

The rice was taken from NFA stock, causing commercial traders to trim their inventories by 21.6%, the PSA said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered a 60-day freeze on rice imports to provide price relief to farmers, who had been receiving reduced offers for their grain from traders. The DA has said it is considering extending the freeze until the end of the year. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

Canada FTA seen boosting PHL competitiveness

REUTERS

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES and Canada are viewed as complementary markets well-suited for a free trade agreement (FTA), with a prospective deal expected to help the Philippines stay competitive with regional peers like Indonesia, Christopher A. Ilagan, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, told BusinessWorld.

“In agriculture, for example, they grow wheat, and we need wheat for our bread, while they do not have tropical fruits, so that alone is a good reason why there should be an FTA,” he said.

He said there is also an opportunity for Philippine manufactured goods like semiconductors to penetrate the Canadian market.

“The Philippines also remains the largest source of business process outsourcing for Canada, largely because of our English-speaking population,” he said. “We have seen many Canadian companies actually set up their back-office operations here. I just imagine that growing potentially over time,” he added.

“From a Philippine standpoint, just to retain our competitiveness, we see all our neighbors getting all of these bilateral agreements with the European Union and even Canada,” he said. “These are the peers that we are being compared to, but if they have better access to the markets that we are trying to compete in, our competitiveness in the Philippines will be affected.”

He said Indonesia has already concluded negotiations for FTAs with the EU and Canada.

The Philippines and Canada are currently in “exploratory talks” for an FTA, Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said via Viber.

“Our target is to finish it in December with the end view of launching the negotiations,” he added.

Mr. Ilagan said Philippine goods have a built-in market of Filipinos in Canada, who can improve their access to goods from the Philippines with the conclusion of a trade deal.

“Ultimately, as we look at the larger geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, it’s becoming more and more important for Canada and the Philippines to expand the relationships they have bilaterally,” he added.

In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade stood at $3.4 billion, while 1 million Canadians of Philippine heritage reside in Canada, the chamber estimated.

“We truly hope that it will happen, but at the same time, we have to make sure that the process runs the way it should,” Mr. Ilagan said.

Farmers call for ‘appropriate’ technology after South Korean farm mechanization tieup

DA.GOV.PH

THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said any foreign tieups in farm mechanization must introduce technology suited for domestic conditions.

“Any assistance under the mechanization program must be aligned with the factual needs of our farmers and take into account our current level of development,” SINAG Executive Director Jayson C. Cainglet said.

He was responding to a query about the new partnership between Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and South Korea’s TYM Corp.

He added, however, that the partnership is expected to upgrade PhilMech’s quality.

Mr. Cainglet explained how previous partnerships delivered machines that were “inappropriate” in addressing the needs and concerns of farmers, resulting in underutilized farm equipment.

“We hope that this new partnership will take these lessons to heart, ensuring that future interventions are farmer-centered, needs-based, genuine technology transfer and sustainable.”

TYM Corp. agreed to train PhilMech engineers, which supplies much of the farm equipment for the rice industry modernization program. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

Teacher licensing reforms urged to improve quality of instruction

BW FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS for Education (PBEd) said the government must reform the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) to ensure that only the most qualified and best-prepared candidates enter the profession.

PBEd Executive Director Hanibal Camua said in a statement that “teachers are at the heart of learning recovery but to empower them, we must start by ensuring that those who enter the profession are well-trained, well-supported, and rigorously screened. The BLEPT must be a fair, valid, and reliable measure of teacher readiness.”

Citing a study, “Fixing the Foundations: Strengthening the Teaching Workforce through the BLEPT” presented by the Second Congressional Commission on Education, PBEd noted critical deficiencies in how the licensure exam is currently designed and administered.

It said the BLEPT is misaligned with the teacher education curriculum, as well as the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers. It also noted the shortage of board members preparing questions for eight degree programs and multiple specializations.

The Professional Regulation Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Teacher Education Council, and Department of Education must overhaul the BLEPT’s test development and administration process, PBEd said.

“Strengthening the BLEPT is not about making it harder — it’s about making it smarter and aligned with the current needs of the teachers and learners,” Mr. Camua said.

“We owe it to our aspiring teachers to give them an exam that truly reflects what good teaching looks like, and to our learners to ensure that those who pass are ready to teach effectively,” he added.

A study previously conducted by PBEd on the performance of teachers in the BLEPT revealed that from 2010 to 2022, the passing rate was less than 40%.

“Fixing teacher licensure is not just a technical issue — it’s a matter of national survival. We can’t solve the learning crisis without first ensuring that every classroom is led by a competent, compassionate, and well-prepared teacher,” Mr. Camua said.

Using AI responsibly and competitively

IN BRIEF:

• Many C-suite executives may not fully understand consumer concerns regarding AI, which can create gaps in trust and hinder adoption.

• Transparency in responsible AI practices is essential for enhancing consumer confidence and engagement with AI technologies.

• A collaborative approach across the entire C-suite is crucial for effectively implementing responsible AI initiatives and aligning with consumer expectations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, with businesses striving to harness its potential across various products, services, and operations. However, successful implementation hinges both on speed and principles of responsible AI, which are crucial for fostering adoption and ensuring long-term value.

While many organizations have established responsible AI guidelines, the effectiveness of these principles in practice remains questionable. A key concern is whether C-suite leaders truly grasp consumer apprehensions about AI and are prepared for the emerging risks associated with advanced AI technologies.

To shed light on these issues, EY initiated the Responsible AI Pulse survey, a global survey conducted in March and April that involved 975 C-suite leaders, including CEOs, CFOs, CHROs, CIOs, CTOs, CMOs, and CROs, all responsible for AI within their organizations. These respondents represented companies with annual revenue exceeding $1 billion across 21 countries in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and EMEIA. The initial findings reveal a significant disconnect between C-suite perceptions and consumer sentiments regarding responsible AI, with many executives displaying misplaced confidence in their practices and alignment with consumer concerns, potentially hindering user adoption and trust as autonomous AI models become more prevalent.

Furthermore, the findings from the EY AI Sentiment Index Study are referenced, which surveyed 15,060 individuals across 15 countries to assess global sentiments toward AI.

C-SUITE LEADERS’ PERCEPTIONS VS CONSUMER SENTIMENT
CEOs are notably more attuned to responsible AI issues and consumer sentiments compared to their peers in the C-suite. While 31% of C-suite leaders claim their organizations have fully integrated AI solutions, this figure may not accurately reflect the true potential of AI. Achieving comprehensive AI integration requires a fundamental rethinking of business processes, identification of high-value use cases, and investment in foundational elements such as data governance and talent management.

As organizations prepare to invest in advanced AI models that support reasoning and decision-making, it is crucial for C-suite leaders to recognize that AI implementation is an ongoing journey. Continuous education on AI risks and governance is essential for maintaining trust among consumers and stakeholders.

BUILDING CUSTOMER TRUST
To foster customer trust, organizations must prioritize transparency and accountability in their AI practices. In particular, organizations can ensure their AI practices align with ethical standards and legal requirements to build customer trust by adhering to the principles outlined in the NPC Advisory No. 2024-04, particularly regarding the Data Privacy Act.

Transparency is crucial; by clearly informing data subjects about AI usage, its purpose, and potential risks, organizations establish a foundation of trust. Ensuring a lawful basis for AI use — such as consent or contracts — while focusing on data minimization reassures customers that their data is handled responsibly.

Accountability and human oversight are similarly vital. Organizations must take responsibility for AI outcomes, ensuring significant decisions involve human judgment. This commitment mitigates risks and prioritizes customer interests, enhancing confidence in AI capabilities.

Addressing fairness, bias, and accuracy is also essential. By actively working to eliminate bias and maintain accurate datasets, organizations demonstrate their dedication to ethical practices. Empowering customers with data subject rights — allowing them to object, rectify, and review automated decisions — further reinforces trust.

Implementing governance mechanisms, such as risk analyses and grievance processes, signals to customers that their concerns are valued. Additionally, using Model Contractual Clauses (MCCs) for cross-border data transfers ensures safe handling of information, bolstering customer confidence.

MISALIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBLE AI PRINCIPLES
Even though nearly two-thirds of C-suite leaders believe they are well-aligned with consumer perceptions of AI, data from the EY AI Sentiment Index reveals a stark contrast. Consumers express significantly greater concerns regarding responsible AI principles, such as accuracy, privacy, and accountability. This misalignment may stem from inadequate communication about AI governance and risk management practices.

Interestingly, companies still in the process of integrating AI tend to be more cautious in their assessments of alignment with consumer attitudes. These organizations often demonstrate a stronger awareness of responsible AI concerns, particularly regarding privacy and security.

THE ROLE OF CEOS IN RESPONSIBLE AI LEADERSHIP
CEOs emerge as leaders in responsible AI awareness, showing a better alignment with consumer concerns compared to other C-suite roles. Their broader responsibilities and customer-facing roles enable them to champion responsible AI initiatives effectively. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of business, CEOs are well-positioned to advocate for responsible practices and guide their peers in the C-suite.

C-LEVEL CONSIDERATIONS
To address the gaps identified in the survey, C-suite leaders should prioritize listening to consumer feedback to better understand their concerns about responsible AI. Engaging with consumers allows leaders to gain insights into the specific issues that matter most to their audience. This process should involve customer-facing executives and those in traditionally back-office roles, ensuring that all leaders are aware of consumer sentiments and can respond accordingly.

Additionally, it is crucial for C-suite leaders to integrate responsible AI principles throughout the entire AI development process. This means adopting practices that prioritize human-centric design and proactively addressing the key risks associated with AI applications. By embedding responsible AI into every stage of innovation, organizations can ensure that their solutions are not only effective but also aligned with consumer expectations and ethical standards.

Finally, transparent communication about responsible AI practices is essential for building consumer trust. Organizations must clearly articulate how they manage AI-related risks and the measures they have in place to uphold responsible practices. By effectively showcasing their commitment to responsible AI, companies can differentiate themselves in the marketplace, enhancing their competitive advantage and fostering greater consumer confidence.

GAINING AN ADVANTAGE WITH RESPONSIBLE AI USE
In the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Roadmap 2.0 and the Center for AI Research (CAIR), establishing the country as a Center of Excellence in AI research and development. This initiative aims to leverage AI’s transformative potential to enhance the economy and improve the quality of life for Filipinos, emphasizing responsible AI adoption through ethical governance. CAIR will focus on developing AI solutions for regional challenges like sustainable agriculture and disaster resilience, supporting the broader goals of innovation and inclusive development.

To secure a competitive edge, C-suite leaders must prioritize consumer concerns, embed responsible AI throughout the innovation lifecycle, and clearly communicate their practices. By aligning with consumer expectations and addressing the risks associated with emerging AI technologies, organizations can position themselves as leaders in responsible AI, ultimately creating long-term value.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Lee Carlo B. Abadia is a technology consulting principal of SGV & Co.

FEU clinches first UAAP Season 88 win against Soaring Falcons

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY doused cold water on Adamson University’s last-ditch rally to escape with a breakthrough 64-58 win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament — UAAP/JOAQUI FLORES

Games on Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
7:30 a.m. – NUNS vs AdU (16U)
9:30 a.m. – Ateneo vs UPIS (16U)
12:30 p.m. – NU vs AdU (Women)
2 p.m. – NU vs AdU (Men)
4:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (Men)
7 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (Women)

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY (FEU) doused cold water on Adamson University’s last-ditch rally to escape with a breakthrough 64-58 win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Janrey Pasaol drilled in the dagger trey in the final minute as the FEU Tamaraws averted a meltdown from an 11-point lead in the payoff period to enter the winner’s circle at 1-3 midway through the first round after a string of stinging one-possession defeats.

Mr. Pasaol, brother of PBA cager and University of the East legend Alvin, finished with 13 points including 11 in the second half laced by six rebounds, five assists and two steals in 25 minutes of play to take the Tamaraws home.

His finishing touches complemented the steady play of Gambian anchor Mo Konateh, who scooped up 18 points and 21 rebounds laced by three assists, a steal and two blocks, as well as Kirby Mongcopa with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

“We’re grateful and blessed to be in this moment. It’s an example of our resilience as could’ve easily been down to ourselves after disappointing losses but we just worked harder,” said head coach Sean Chambers, in his second season as collegiate mentor after a decorated career as import in the PBA.

“In life when your backs are against the wall, you either give up or you work harder. Our team has learned and still learning as a young team. We had our moments against Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University and to finally get a win is a big confidence-builder for us.”

FEU was tagged as one of the darkhorses this season after a late run that nearly propelled the team to the Final Four in Season 87 but got plunged into a 0-3 hole instead after backbreaking defeats to Ateneo in overtime, 86-83, and La Salle, 74-72, with its one blowout loss coming against National University, 84-68.

But the Tamaraws had seen enough, leaving the Soaring Falcons off the dust in the third period from a 31-all deadlock at the turn to take command.

FEU then was on poise to run away at 56-45 early in the final frame off a Mongcopa jumper before Adamson staged a 13-5 uprising capped by Cedrick Manzano’s wide-open layoff from a pick-and-roll with Matthew Montebon to strike within 58-61 with still 1:49 to go.

Mr. Pasaol then came to the rescue, continuing his fine play as FEU’s new scoring leader after the departure of Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre to the University of the Philippines.

Mr. Montebon was the only twin-digit scorer wtih 14 points for the Soaring Falcons, who absorbed their second straight loss to tie Tamaraws at sixth place ahead of the winless UE at the cellar. Adamson’s lone win so far came at the expense of reigning champion UP following Ray Allen Torres’ game-winning triple, 62-59.

In women’s basketball, Cheska Apag (18) and Elaine Etang (12) led the way as Adamson (1-2) eluded FEU (1-2), 57-56. — John Bryan Ulanday

The Scores:

FEU 64 – Konateh 18, Mongcopa 15, Pasaol 13, Owens 9, Daa 5, Bautista 2, Felipe 2, Macapagal 0, Ona 0, Montemayor 0, Jones 0, Bagunu 0, Salangsang 0.

AdU 58 – Montebon 14, Erolon 9, Anabo 8, Perez 8, Ojarikre 5, Torres 3, Manzano 3, Medina 2, Fransman 2, A. Ronzone 2, Jaymalin 2, C. Ronzone 0, Cañete 0, Barcelona 0, Demisana 0, Tumaneng 0.

Quarterscores: 16-17, 31-31, 52-45, 64-58.

UPHSD beats Lyceum, 73-61, shares NCAA lead

FACEBOOK.COM/GMASYNERGY

Games on Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
8:30 a.m. – SSC-R vs AU (jrs/srs)
2:30 p.m. – JRU vs EAC (srs/jrs)

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) drew strength from Mark Gojo Cruz and its rock-solid interior defense as it turned back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 73-61, on Sunday and claimed a piece of the lead in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Mr. Gojo Cruz, a sophomore gunner who is a product of the school’s high school program, erupted for 18 points including 12 in the second quarter when the Altas turned a shaky one-point edge into a double-digit lead that they nursed until the end.

It also helped that UPHSD dominated the boards, 48-34, and defended the interior solidly.

It was the second win in a row for the Las Piñas-based dribblers, who have joined the back-to-back title-seeking Mapua Cardinals at the helm.

“I’m conditioning my mind that even though I’m just a sophomore, I still have to lead,” said Mr. Gojo Cruz, who spiked his strong scoring game with four rebounds, the same number of assists and three steals.

The Baliwag, Bulacan native had also made a conscious effort to improve on his defense.

“My goal is really to be more refined defensively, my scoring will just be bonus,” he said.

Mr. Gojo Cruz also gave credit to the arrival of veteran transferee Patrick Sleat, who has taken some of the defense away from the latter with his penchant to create shots and orchestrate plays.

“He (Mr. Sleat) really helped me a lot because he’s so good on one-on-ones that it’s now easier for me to create,” said Mr. Gojo Cruz.

It was the Pirates’ second straight setback.

In the other game, San Beda grabbed its second straight triumph and share of the top spot after blasting bitter rival Letran, 68-58.

The Knights slipped to 0-2. — Joey Villar

The scores:

First Game

UPHSD 73 – Gojo Cruz 18, Nuñez 13, Orgo 9, Sleat 9, Boral 8, Abis 6, Maglupay 4, Tulabut 4, Gelsano 2, Alcantara 0, Casinilio 0, Duremdes 0, Roluna 0

LPU 61 – Villegas 18, Montaño 11, Daileg 9, Peñafiel 8, Versoza 6, Aurige 4, Gordon 3, Moralejo 2, Barba 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Matienzo 0, Casiño 0, Paulo 0

Quarterscores: 21-20; 46-34; 59-43; 73-61

Second Game

San Beda 68– Miller 22, Sajonia 11, Lina 6, Reyes 6, Gonzales 5, Celzo 5, Etulle 4, Estacio 3, Puno 2, Bonzalida 2, Culdora 2, Songcuya 0, Jalbuena 0

Letran 58 – Manalili 13, Cuajao 10, Rosilio 7, Buensalida 6, Estrada 5, Omega 5, Santos 4, Roque 4, Tapenio 3, Gazzingan 1, Gammad 0

Quarterscores: 22-18; 37-34; 53-45; 68-58

Teoscar Hernandez’s three-run blast powers LA Dodgers past Phillies in Game 1 of NLDS

TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to lift the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-3 victory over the host Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on Saturday.

Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani uncharacteristically allowed three runs on the mound and struck out four times, but Los Angeles rallied against left-hander Cristopher Sanchez and the Phillies. Enrique Hernandez had a two-run double for Los Angeles in the sixth to close the deficit to 3-2.

“(Ohtani is) not always going to be perfect … but it’s a quality start for him. He gets the win,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “This team’s done it a lot. Different guys pick each other up.”

Sanchez gave up two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings before David Robertson (0-1) and Matt Strahm combined to surrender the lead. J.T. Realmuto knocked in two runs for the Phillies, who will aim to even the best-of-five series when the teams reconvene for Game 2 on Monday in Philadelphia.

“That’s a tough loss, but we’ve got to shake it off and come out here Monday and get after it again,” Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “We’ve got to put it behind us, but these guys are pretty good at that.”

Sanchez struck out Ohtani on three pitches to open the game as part of a 1-2-3 first inning. He allowed a pair of baserunners in the second, but retired Andy Pages on a strikeout to end the threat.

That set the stage for Philadelphia to score three times in the bottom of the second, highlighted by Realmuto’s two-run triple. Two batters later, Harrison Bader lofted a sacrifice fly to deep left to make it 3-0.

Bader later exited with groin tightness.

In the fifth, Alex Call led off with an infield hit against Sanchez, who then retired the next three hitters — recording a pair of strikeouts — to keep the visitors scoreless.

Los Angeles finally got to Sanchez in the sixth. Freddie Freeman drew a two-out walk and Tommy Edman singled to set the stage for Enrique Hernandez’s two-run double that made it 3-2 and ended the night for Sanchez.

Robertson opened the seventh by allowing a single and a hit batter. Strahm then came on and retired Ohtani and Mookie Betts before Teoscar Hernandez lofted a 1-0 fastball over the wall in right-center to put Los Angeles ahead 5-3.

“He left one over the plate and I put a good swing on it,” Hernandez said.

Ohtani (1-0) allowed three runs and three hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out nine in his first career postseason start as a pitcher.

“I was a little nervous, imagining myself out there on the mound,” Ohtani, who remained in the game as a designated hitter, said through a translator. “But once I was out there on the mound and on the field, that went away.”

Tyler Glasnow and Alex Vesia combined to get the Dodgers through the seventh and eighth innings. Vesia came on with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth and got pinch hitter Edmundo Sosa on a fly ball to center.

Roki Sasaki worked around a one-out double in the ninth to earn the save.

Philadelphia finished with just five hits, including only one from the top four batters in its lineup. — Reuters

Blue Jays break playoff losing streak with blowout of Yankees

TORONTO — Alejandro Kirk homered twice and the Toronto Blue Jays trounced the New York Yankees 10-1 on Saturday in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three hits, including a homer, and added a sacrifice fly while Nathan Lukes had three RBIs to help the Blue Jays earn their first postseason win since 2016 — snapping a streak of seven straight losses.

Aaron Judge had two hits for the Yankees, but the slugger struck out with the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth with the Blue Jays clinging to a 2-0 lead. Kevin Gausman’s full-count pitch plunged low and outside, but Judge chased the off-speed offering.

Guerrero hit his first career postseason home run with two out in the first against Luis Gil (0-1), a shot to left on a 2-1 changeup.

In the second, Guerrero was a factor defensively. He snared Ryan McMahon’s broken-bat line drive and stepped on first for an inning-ending double play.

Kirk led off the home second with his first career postseason homer when he cranked a first-pitch fastball to left.

Tim Hill replaced Gil after Guerrero’s two-out single in the third and allowed Addison Barger’s infield hit before ending the inning. Gil gave up two runs and four hits with no walks and two strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.

Lukes made a diving catch before skidding across the right-field line to rob Jazz Chisholm Jr. of a hit in the fifth.

The Yankees loaded the bases with none out in the sixth on Anthony Volpe’s double high off the left-field wall, Austin Wells’s single and Trent Grisham’s walk. Judge struck out before Cody Bellinger’s walk forced in a run. After Gausman retired Ben Rice on an infield fly, Louis Varland came in and struck out Giancarlo Stanton with a 101-mph fastball to end the inning.

“I would take Louis Varland against anybody right now,” Gausman said. “He has taken his game to another level. That was one of the greatest trades we’ve ever made.”

Gausman (1-0) allowed one run, four hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Seranthony Dominguez replaced Varland in the seventh after McMahon’s one-out single.

Luke Weaver walked Daulton Varsho to lead off Toronto’s seventh. Anthony Santander and Gimenez singled to score a run. Fernando Cruz replaced Weaver. Pinch runner Myles Straw was forced at third on Ernie Clement’s bunt and George Springer walked to load the bases. Lukes lined a two-run double to right and Guerrero hit a sacrifice fly to center for a 6-1 lead.

Brendon Little pitched around Judge’s double in the eighth.

Kirk led off the home eighth with a homer against Paul Blackburn. Gimenez added an RBI double, Clement had a sacrifice fly and Lukes contributed an RBI single. — Reuters

Survival

The first game of a best-of-seven affair is rarely definitive, but it often sets the temperature for the rest of the series. At the Michelob ULTRA Arena the other day, it burned slowly and steadily in a contest that rewarded poise rather than precision. The Aces outlasted the Mercury despite the latter’s scorching-hot opening; starting guard Kahleah Copper scored 19 by halftime to lead an offense that made more than half its shots from the field. As the night wore on, however, the rhythm gave way to disjointed notes, and the lead thinned until it vanished altogether. Even as there was no collapse, the gradual erosion could not be denied.

Interestingly, head coach Becky Hammon needed two and a half quarters to find her footing. The Aces went to a zone defense — used sparingly all season — and it broke the Mercury’s cadence. What had been fluid turned uncertain, with shooters suddenly second-guessing open looks. In the fourth, the visitors went an ice-cold six-of-18 from the field. Meanwhile, the Aces leaned on their bench, and depth — not normally associated with them — became the difference. Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd combined for nearly forty off the pine, outscoring their bench counterparts by more than two to one. Needless to say, their force of will was rewarded with a favorable outcome.

To be sure, there was no prior indication that the set-to would be settled easily. With 24 seconds left and the Aces clinging to a one-point lead, principal nemesis Alyssa Thomas stepped to the line and missed two free throws. The sequence — with a player of her caliber faltering under pressure — hung in the air. The Mercury fouled, absorbing two points off made charities to retain possession. It was the right call; unfortunately, bench tactician Nate Tibbets’ inbounds play could not be executed as planned, and Satou Sabally’s desperate heave at the buzzer was off-target. For all intents, it was a fitting end to a contest defined by inches: protagonists on both sides collectively holding their breath while carrying polar-opposite expectations.

The numbers told part of the story. Four-time Most Valuable Player awardee A’ja Wilson posted 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and not a single turnover — the first such stat line in WNBA history. It reflected the Aces’ efficiency in halving the Mercury’s error count, a measure that, after the final buzzer, held more value than shooting splits. What truly separated the title hopefuls was intent. The black and silver played the long game, trading style for structure, flash for control. The purple and orange, for all their capacity to hit the ground running, never quite regained their preferred pace.

And so the series tilts, not decisively but meaningfully all the same. Game One revealed no clear superior — only who better understood the importance of adjustment. The Mercury will talk of missed chances and the need to solve area coverage. The Aces will seek confirmation that patience can be weaponized. Both know that Finals basketball is about survival.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

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