Californians urged to cut power use during extreme heat

August 18, 2022 | 7:20 pm

CALIFORNIA’s grid operator urged the state’s 40 million people to ratchet down the use of electricity in homes and businesses on Wednesday as a wave of extreme heat settled over much of the state, stretching power supplies to breaking point.

Temperatures soared well above 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in many of the inland valleys, reaching 107 F (42 C) in parts of Northern California’s Shasta and Tehama counties and 108 F (42 C) in Southern California’s Imperial County on the Mexican border.

Big Bar, an unincorporated area in the northwest corner of the state, reached 110 F (43 C).

The extreme conditions were the latest sign of the impact of climate change in the US West, where wildfires and severe drought have emerged as a growing threat. As spells of excessive heat become more frequent, the strain on power and water utilities will become more acute, scientists say.

To prevent power outages, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) asked people and businesses to turn off lights and appliances and preset their thermostats to 78F (26C). Reducing usage was especially critical from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. local time (2300 to 0400 GMT), when demand typically peaks and solar power generation begins to ebb.

California ISO also declared Restricted Maintenance Operations through Thursday, cautioning ISO participants to avoid taking grid assets offline for routine maintenance to ensure that all generators and transmission lines are available.

The grid operator made similar power usage requests during summer and fall over the past two years, when the region experienced several bouts of record-breaking hot weather. Power systems withstood heat waves in 2021 but rolling blackouts for two days in August 2020 left about 400,000 households without power.

On Wednesday, California ISO projected power demand would peak at 44,919 megawatts (MW), the highest since September 2020 when usage hit 47,236 MW. One megawatt can power around 1,000 US homes on a typical day, but only about half that on a hot summer day.

As a result, power prices during the day in Southern California and in Washington state could climb to their highest since September 2021.

The heat on Wednesday also raised the risk of wildfires. The Wishon Fire, a 350-acre (140-hectare) blaze in the Sequoia National Forest, was 45% contained.

On Tuesday, the US government warned that more drastic cuts in water usage were needed to protect dwindling supplies held in reservoirs that are crucial to the well-being of seven Western states.

Two Colorado River reservoirs — Lake Mead and Lake Powell — have fallen to just above one-quarter of their capacity this summer. If they fall much lower, the lakes will be unable to generate hydroelectric power for millions of customers in the West, authorities say. — Reuters

Myanmar to import Russian oil, military says

August 18, 2022 | 7:19 pm

MILITARY-RULED Myanmar plans to import Russian gasoline and fuel oil to ease supply concerns and rising prices, a junta spokesperson said, the latest developing country to do so amid a global energy crisis.

The Southeast Asian country has maintained friendly ties with Russia, even as both remain under a raft of sanctions from Western countries — Myanmar for a military coup that overthrew an elected government last year, and Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a “special military operation”.

Russia is seeking new customers for its energy in the region as its biggest export destination, Europe, will impose an embargo on Russian oil in phases later this year.

“We have received permission to import petrol from Russia,” military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said during a news conference on Wednesday, adding that it was favored for its “quality and low cost”.

Fuel oil shipments are due to start arriving in September, according to media.

Zaw Min Tun said junta chief Min Aung Hlaing discussed oil and gas during a trip to Russia last month. Myanmar now imports its fuel through Singapore.

Myanmar would consider joint oil exploration in Myanmar with Russia and China, he said.

The military has set up a Russian Oil Purchasing Committee headed by a close ally of Min Aung Hlaing to oversee the buying, importing, and transport of fuel at reasonable prices based on Myanmar’s needs, according to a statement published in a state newspaper on Wednesday.

In addition to political turmoil and civil unrest, Myanmar has been hit hard by high fuel prices and power cuts, prompting its military leadership to turn to imports of fuel oil that can be used in power plants.

Petrol prices have surged about 350% since the coup in February last year to 2,300-2,700 kyat (about $1) per liter.

In the past week, petrol stations have shut down in various parts of the country because of shortages, according to media reports.

Russia is also a major supplier of weapons to the Myanmar military. — Reuters

Diabetasol PHL kicks off #TreatYourselfWell campaign to promote sweet life for diabetics

August 18, 2022 | 7:16 pm

Diabetasol Nutrition Philippines held a “Start-Up the Sweet Life” event last month to kick off their #TreatYourselfWell campaign. This movement is meant to help people with diabetes enjoy a sweet life while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The campaign was supported by a diabetes management framework: Start Well (having regular checkups), Move Well (regular exercise), Eat Well (proper diet), and Think Well (reading and self-awareness about health).

Dr. Leyden Florido, President of the Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators, began the discussions with a sobering fact about how the prevalence of diabetes in adults aged 20–79 years has more than tripled over the past years, from an estimated 151 million (4.6% of the global population at the time) to 537 million (10.5%).

With these numbers, it may seem difficult to avoid diabetes, but Dr. Florido offered simple solutions – exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. “Every two hours spent watching TV or movies instead of pursuing something more active increases the probability of developing diabetes by 20%,” she added.

Dr. Florido further emphasized how regular exercise such as walking for 50–70 minutes three times per week for 12 weeks, on average, could help prevent diabetes. “Even pulling grass in the yard as an easy form of exercise and sun exposure helps to get enough vitamin D”, she added.

Aside from regular physical activity, Dr. Florido also emphasized the necessity of reducing the consumption of fried foods, sweets, sugary drinks, and anything salty or fatty and adding more healthy foods such as veggies, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and fruits into your diet.

Pia Santos, Senior Brand Manager of Diabetasol Nutrition Philippines, introduced the attendees to their main product, Diabetasol, a meal replacement for breakfast and dinner. The basic pack contains a nutrition powder with 11 vitamins and minerals that help regulate blood sugar and hunger pangs with the help of VitaDigest, a combination of insulin fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates.

Before the event ended, Diabetasol drinks were distributed to the participants who gave a toast to the promotion of starting a sweet life through the #TreatYourselfWell Campaign.

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Nat’l University beats Perpetual to sweep Preseason Cup Group A

August 18, 2022 | 7:04 pm

NUBulldogs-Clemente_jpg — TEAM captain John Lloyd Clemente dropped 21 points. — FILECO SPORTS

Games Tomorrow
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
9 a.m. – Perpetual vs. Arellano
11 a.m. – EAC vs. Mapua
1 p.m. – LPU vs. San Beda
3 p.m. – San Sebastian vs. JRU
5 p.m. – La Salle vs. Letran

NATIONAL University (NU) fended off University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 87-82, and completed a sweep of Group A at the close of its Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup elimination campaign on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Team captain John Lloyd Clemente dropped 21 points in 21 minutes to banner five cagers in twin digits for the Bulldogs, who clinched the top seeding in Group A entering the quarterfinals.

Germy Mahinay (12), PJ Palacielo (12), Steve Nash Enriquez (11) and Michael John Malonzo (10) were also instrumental for NU, which needed to claw back from an 80-71 deficit early in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs, whose unbeaten campaign included a big win over reigning UAAP champion University of the Philippines (UP), uncorked a 16-2 closeout from there on highlighted by Mr. Clemente’s insurance free throws in the waning seconds.

The No. 1 NU will face the still-to-be determined No. 4 team from Group B in a crossover knockout playoffs.

Joining the Bulldogs as Group A quarterfinalists were UP, Adamson and College of St. Benilde with two teams yet to catch the last bus in Group B led by La Salle and Lyceum.

Later, San Sebastian (3-3) bolstered its bid for one of those last two tickets with a 69-64 win over Letran (3-3) to gain a share of fourth place. Far Eastern University has inside track so far at No. 3 with a 4-3 card. — John Bryan Ulanday

Postponed Asian Para Games gives PHL better chance to replicate effort in Indonesia

August 18, 2022 | 7:03 pm

Ernie_Gawilan_Asian_Games_ — TANKER Ernie Gawilan with three-gold medal haul in Jakarta.

THE Philippines will have a chance to replicate, if not surpass, its strong effort in the 3^rd Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia four years ago after the 4^th edition to be hosted by Hangzhou, China will be staged from Oct. 22 to 28 next year.

“It’s an answered prayer,” said national para chess team coach James Infiesto after the new dates of the quadrennial event, which was postponed in May this year due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, was recently announced.

The Filipino chessers raked in five gold medals including four by FIDE Master Sander Severino in Jakarta where the country finished strongly at 10^th place with a historic 10-gold, eight-silver and 11-bronze medal harvest.

The team’s other mints came from tanker Ernie Gawilan with three and bowler Kim Ian Chi, cyclist Arthus Bucay with one each.

While there will be no bowling in Hangzhou, the Philippines remains in a position to duplicate, if not eclipse, that incredible feat the last time out.

The development came after the Olympic Council of Asia last month announced the new dates for the Asian Games, which will be now held from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8, 2023.

“We are happy to announce the new dates for the Asian Para Games, which were approved by the APC (Asian Paralympic Committee) Executive Board. We would also like to thank HAPGOC (organizers), the Chinese Paralympic Committee and Hangzhou and Zhejiang provincial governments for their continuous support and efforts to ensure that the Games take place on the new dates,” said APC President Majid Rashed.

This is the second time China will host the Asian Para Games after the successful staging of the first edition of the Games in Guangzhou 12 years ago. — Joey Villar

World no. 3 pole-vaulter Obiena eyes first Olympic medal

August 18, 2022 | 7:03 pm

AFTER all external factors have already been sorted out, World Championships pole-vault bronze medalist Ernest John “EJ” Obiena can now focus solely on delivering what this grateful nation hopes for him to accomplish — a first Olympic medal in almost a century.

“This was a long awaited and just decision and one in the best interests of Philippine sports. It’s also a decision that is congruent with the values and principles of the Olympic Spirit,” said Mr. Obiena.

“Now, I look forward as I work tirelessly to bring more glory to our beloved Philippines,” he added.

After a long wait, the World No. 3 and Asian record-holder was finally reinstated by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) into the national team on Wednesday that would allow him due benefits like a monthly stipend and funding from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“I am very thankful to PATAFA leadership and PSC for reinstating me to the national team. Whilst I shall properly leave the past in the past, I believe the facts have spoken,” said the Southeast Asian Games gold winner.

“The Commission on Audit has spoken. My fellow countrymen have spoken. And my team and I have proven our dedication with our performances on the world stage and a first-ever World Championships medal,” he added.

With the remaining kinks already ironed out, Mr. Obiena is now looking forward to improving his career-best 5.94 meters, breaching the six-meter plateau and snaring the country its first podium finish in the Olympics in the 2024 Paris Games since Miguel White copped a 400m hurdles bronze in the 1936 Berlin Games. — Joey Villar

Meralco Bolts stalwarts shift focus to national team

August 18, 2022 | 7:03 pm

MERALCO’S Chris Newsome, Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan shift their focus to national team duties after the Bolts’ failed bid in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The Bolts’ stalwarts are among the 24 players coach Chot Reyes called up for Gilas Pilipinas’ preliminary pool for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup Asian Qualifiers fourth window games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia on Aug. 25 and 29, respectively.

Among the three, the Fil-Am Mr. Newsome is the most excited.

Although he previously suited up for the gold-winning Gilas 3×3 team in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, this, if ever, would be his first in a FIBA tournament after getting declared eligible to play as a “local” by the basketball body.

“I look forward to that and kind of take that moment that I haven’t done here. I’m excited to finally wear that jersey for 5-on-5,” Mr. Newsome said.

“Hopefully, I make that final roster. I think it will be a great experience for me, for a lot of guys who have never donned the uniform. It’s for the country and I take the utmost honor and respect to serve my country,” he added.

It will be a comeback of sorts for both Messrs. Maliksi and Almazan, who had previous tours with Gilas.

The Meralco boys are set to join a jacked-up Gilas crew led by NBA player Jordan Clarkson and NBA prospect Kai Sotto that’s preparing for the matches against FIBA Asia Cup runner-up Lebanon in Beirut and the Saudis at the MOA Arena next week. — Olmin Leyba

Chery Tiggo Crossover out to reclaim PVL old glory

August 18, 2022 | 7:03 pm

THE Chery Tiggo Crossovers own the distinction as the first champions of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) first season as a professional in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte last year.

But after some missteps the last two conferences, the proud franchise has vowed to reclaim its old glory.

Recently, Chery Tiggo had undergone a major revamp and released seven players headed by veteran Maika Ortiz.

Also dropped were Rachel Austero, Joy Dacoron, Elaine Kasilag, Justine Dorog, Ariane Layug and Julia Angeles.

A few months ago, the team has tapped Clarence Esteban as its new head coach, replacing Aaron Velez, who was promoted to team manager.

Left in the squad were Dindin Manabat, May Luna, Jasmine Nabor, Mylene Paat, EJ Laure, Shaya Adorador, Buding Duremdes and Cza Carandang.

The franchise also owns the rights to Jaja Santiago, who is currently plying her trade as an import in Japan.

And expect more reshuffling soon as the team, which finished eighth in the Open and Reinforced Conferences this year, prepares for the season-closing Reinforced Conference in October.

“From coaches and players to staff and management, a comprehensive team rebuilding is coming to Chery Tiggo in the next few months,” the team said in a statement.

“This is a required course of action in strengthening the overall team composition, enhancing the chemistry among the coaches, players, and staff and developing new techniques and strategies in winning that championship again,” it added.

While going through these massive changes, Chery Tiggo pleaded to their fans to exercise patience and keep the faith.

“In the meantime, a great deal of understanding, patience, strong belief, and constant words of encouragement to the team is highly appreciated as the team gears toward a fiercer comeback on the court,” it said. — Joey Villar

Staying put

August 18, 2022 | 7:02 pm

As significant as yesterday’s story about LeBron James signing an extension with the Lakers may be, there’s hardly anything surprising about the development. The 18-time All-Star had always been pegged to affix his Hancock on a contract with the purple and gold, and not simply because alternative opportunities have dried up. For all the dysfunction he has experienced on and off the court since he took his talents to La-La Land in 2018, he understands that his varied interests are best served by staying put.

True, James isn’t as wanted in the market as in his heyday, not with him turning 38 in a little over four months, and not when his body has become increasingly susceptible to injury. On the other hand, there can be no discounting his gravitas even at his advanced age; he just came off a season in which he normed 30.3 points per contest off his highest field-goal percentage in four years. He may need more help to move the Lakers forward, but it’s clear to all and sundry that he dictates the direction for them, and that their prognosis depends largely on how far he can take them.

There is also the dichotomy that those potentially angling for James would need to understand. He can play with anybody, but he’s way beyond just getting along with others on the floor. He wants proximity to the hardware, which necessitates him leaning hard on the front office for personnel changes. And, as the ill-fated acquisition of former Most Valuable Player awardee Russell Westbrook last year underscores, not all of the moves he advocates work out.

And therein lies the rub. Because James requires — for lack of a better term — high maintenance, he’s no longer worth the risk for most other franchises at this stage in his career; they would need to upend their current roster to accommodate him even as he prepares for his inevitable exit from the sport’s grandest stage. And this reality prevents him from engaging in wanderlust anew. Not that he’s so inclined, especially with the Lakers affirming their commitment to lean on him until he retires.

For all intents, the two-year maximum contract James inked is the best he could have been offered by any interested party. Its end coincides with that of all-world partner Anthony Davis, and its option for a third year dovetails with the possible entry of his son Bronny to the pro ranks. Never mind that the $97.1 million he stands to earn throughout the period installs him as the highest career earner in league history. That mark will most certainly be broken given the ever-rising compensation figures.

In any case, it’s clear that James will remain in the headlines for some time to come. Until when, however, is another matter altogether.

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.

Singapore, Mindanao boost food, halal goods trade after PHL delegation visit

August 18, 2022 | 6:38 pm

FOOD and other products from the Bangsamoro region on display at the Mindanao Trade Expo from Aug. 12-21, 2022 at the Ayala Abreeza Mall in Davao City. — AYALA MALLS ABREEZA FB PAGE

SINGAPORE and the Philippines’ southern islands Mindanao are boosting food trade, including halal products, following a recent visit by a delegation from the latter, a business leader said.

Arturo M. Milan, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry area vice president for Mindanao, said their business mission last week to Singapore spearheaded by the Mindanao Development Authority included representatives from private companies, non-government national government agencies, and local governments.

“There was a lot of interest generated because for the first time we brought in samples,” Mr. Milan said during the Habi at Kape media forum.

“You know Singapore is very strict on bringing samples, what we did was we coursed it through the Philippine embassy to Singapore.”

He said they were able to present products from micro and small entrepreneurs as well as sell a 40-footer container of pineapple and one 40-footer container of papaya.

Singapore buyers expressed interest in other fruits such as mango and banana, coffee, and cacao, among other crops.

“Singapore buys 96% of their food requirement through imports. Right now, there is a shortage of chicken worldwide because of bird flu scare so there is a big demand from the Singaporean market for food. That is an opening (opportunity) for us, Mr. Milan said.

The delegation also included representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), who were able to network with halal product suppliers in Singapore.

“Because that’s the issue with our Muslim tourists, they don’t come to Mindanao because they have problems on where to eat at halal registered restaurants. There was a lot of discussions about Halal products that can be sourced in Singapore,” Mr. Milan said.

“Our representatives coming from the BARMM areas are happy that they can look at now sourcing halal products from Singapore,” he added.

Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot have several regular flights between Singapore and Davao City in Mindanao. — Maya M. Padillo

Indigent students to receive cash aid from gov’t

August 18, 2022 | 6:38 pm

students-classroom-manila-PHILSTAR-KRIZ-JOHN-ROSALES — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE GOVERNMENT will distribute P500 million in cash assistance to indigent Filipino students, the Department of Social Welfare and Development head announced on Thursday.

Social Welfare Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo told a news briefing that the one-time cash assistance would benefit 24,000 students.

The cash aid would be P1,000 for elementary students, P2,000 for junior high school, P3,000 for senior high school, and P4,000 for college or vocational students.

The program is intended as a stop-gap mechanism to help people in a crisis situation, Mr. Tulfo said.

Students can use the money to pay for their tuition or school supplies.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is collaborating with manufacturers of school supplies to ensure availability in the market ahead of the opening of classes.

“The DTI is closely coordinating with the manufacturers of school supplies to ensure reasonableness of prices and the availability of supply in the market,” DTI Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau Director M. Marcus N. Valdez II said in a statement on Thursday.

The DTI issued the statement days after it released a suggested retail price bulletin for school supplies on Aug. 12.

Under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, school supplies are classified as prime commodities.

Under the recently issued bulletin, the price of notebook ranges from P17.50 to P36.75, while Grades 1-4 pad paper prices vary from P6.50 to P24.00. The price of intermediate pad paper ranges from P22.50 to P30.00.

Prices of writing materials such as pencils and ballpoint pens range from P8.25 to P13.25, and from P4.75 to P19.00, respectively.

It added that the price of a box of crayons with eight colors ranges from P18.00 to P24.00, while a 12-color pack costs P32.00, and the price of a 16-color pack varies from P33.75 to P44.00.

The bulletin also showed that an eraser at small, medium and large sizes, has a price range from P8.75 to P17.00, while the price of sharpeners and rulers are priced at P19.00 to 32.00 and P13.00 to P39.00, respectively.

“Although some have increased in prices due to the movement of global fuel prices, consumers can save money by purchasing school supplies sold in bundles or promotional packs,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza and Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Amnesty program opened for members of rebel groups

August 18, 2022 | 6:38 pm

NPA-returnees-OPAPRU — FORMER members of the New People’s Army, also referred to as communist terrorist group by the government, attend an orientation activity in Nueva Ecija as part of the reintegration program for rebel returnees. — OPAPRU/PEACE.GOV.PH

THOUSANDS of rebels from various groups are expected to avail themselves of the government’s amnesty offer, a peace agency said on Thursday.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity expects as many as 10,000 members of the Moro National Liberation Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Revolutionary Proletarian Army, and Cordillera People’s Liberation Army to surrender to the government.

About 1,500 members of the Maoist New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), are also expected to apply for amnesty, the agency said in a message to BusinessWorld.

The National Security Council claimed last month that the number of Maoist rebels across the country had decreased to 2,000.

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte revived peace talks with the CPP along with its political arm National Democratic Front of the Philippines in 2016, but the process failed over ceasefire protocols. A localized peace talks strategy was later launched focusing on NPA clusters.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s national security adviser has said the current administration would continue with the localized peace talks.

The NPA gained significant force during the Martial Law regime of Mr. Marcos’ father, the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos. The older Marcos was toppled through a popular uprising in 1986. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza