PBBM highlights PH economy’s strengths at WEF country dialogue

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

DAVOS, Switzerland — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted before his fellow world leaders the state of the Philippine economy and the opportunities awaiting investors.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

In his remarks during Tuesday’s 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Strategy Dialogue, the President said many opportunities are waiting to be unlocked, telling investors about the initiatives being undertaken to ensure the Philippines’ continued recovery that has made it more conducive for business. 

In particular, he cited an International Monetary Fund (IMF) projection for the 2023 global economic growth, which will only be at 2.7 percent, slower than the 3.2 percent posted last year. This figure is a significant decrease from the 6.0 percent recorded in 2021.

“But for the Philippines, we project our economy to grow by around 7.0 percent in 2023,” he noted.

“Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and liberalization of key sectors instituted over the years have enabled us to withstand the negative shocks caused by the pandemic and succeeding economic downturns and map a route toward a strong recovery,” he said.

President Marcos called on all governments to unwind trade restrictions and reinforce the commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform. 

“We have seen inflation accelerating globally in recent months… We are mindful that while protectionist policies may be appealing, even necessary in the short term, there will ultimately be no long-term winners,” he said.

“Countries also need to ensure that sufficient welfare measures are in place to cushion the impact of elevated inflationary pressures, especially towards the most affected and vulnerable sectors,” he added.

Geopolitical risks

In addressing current geopolitical risks, President Marcos reiterated the country’s support for the timely and effective delivery of practical, workable outcomes and encouraged economies to leave no stone unturned in finding common ground in these critical global issues.

He said the Philippines continues to focus on sustaining recovery by promoting a local environment that will nurture businesses to help them maximize their competitiveness and facilitate their entry into the global market.

The President likewise stressed the importance of economic and technical cooperation to assist the development of smaller economies and enable their participation, especially of small businesses and economic segments with untapped potential in the global economy.

Digitalization

To address the current energy and food crises, President Marcos said the country’s development plan puts together measures to hasten economic and social recovery toward inclusive and resilient development, underscoring the need for heightened collaboration to realize economic and social transformation.

“The government also recognizes the importance of digitalization as a key driver for long-term economic growth and as a tool for economic transformation,” Marcos said, promising to empower and enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in the digital economy.

“We have begun large-scale deployment of digital connectivity across the Philippines to ensure universal connectivity, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” he pointed out.

Social vulnerabilities

Emphasizing the need to address current social vulnerabilities, Marcos underscored the importance of education, skills development, and lifelong learning to enhance the employability of workers.

He said government interventions and public-private partnerships (PPPs) must be strengthened to improve access to employment opportunities. He added that health systems and social protection must also be enhanced to decrease and mitigate present and future risks.

Present during the country dialogue were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Joo-Ok Lee, the head of the Regional Agenda – Asia-Pacific, and member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum, acted as moderator.

The making of the self-righteous

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

WHAT is to be self-righteous? It’s when we base our idea of what is right and wrong, good and bad on our own estimation of things with hardly any reference to God. Or there might be some references to God, as usually the case, but in the end, it is our own ideas that would prevail. In other words, when we make ourselves our own law.

We are reminded of this danger in that gospel episode where Christ asked some Pharisees if it was lawful to cure a man with a withered hand on a sabbath. (cfr. Mk 3,1-6) What should have been an easy, common-sensical answer to make the Pharisees mad, even thinking of how to eliminate Christ. Their position typifies the rigidity of a self-righteous mind.

The common phenomenon of self-righteousness can be considered as the irony of ironies. That’s because one can earnestly pursue the path of holiness, of what is good and right, and yet ends up the opposite of what he wants. He can practically have the trappings of goodness and holiness and yet misses the real root of righteousness, which is God. It can be so self-deceiving that one becomes fully convinced he is righteous.

The main problem with self-righteousness is when one’s search for holiness does not go all the way. His relation with God, his understanding of God’s will and ways only goes to a certain extent. Usually it stops at that point where he feels he already knows everything. In other words, he makes himself the ultimate judge of things, discarding the many other things of God’s will and ways that may still be hidden in mysteries.

This was well personified by the Pharisees, scribes and other elders during the time of Christ. They preferred to stick to their own ideas of goodness and holiness, their own laws and traditions, and went all the way not only to be suspicious of Christ, always finding fault in him, but also to finally crucify him.

This danger of self-righteousness usually affects people who are considered intelligent, gifted, talented. They often regard themselves, either in an open way or in a hidden way, superior to others.

If one is truly righteous with a righteousness that is a participation of the righteousness of God, then he should include in his idea of goodness and holiness the essential virtues of humility, compassion and mercy. He always defers to the ultimate judgment of God. Whatever judgment he makes is always open to God’s judgment.

He should have the love that God manifested in Christ, the God made man to offer us the way, truth and the real life meant for us. And that love includes love of one’s enemies. It’s a love that can go all the way to offer one’s life not only for his friends but also for his enemies. This is the real test of a truly righteous person.

Yes, it’s true that Christ said that there can be no greater love than when a man lays down his life for his friends. (cfr. Jn 15,13) But St. Paul said that “God proves his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5,8)

In other words, even if we consider ourselves enemies of God because of our sins, God continues to love us. For God, we are all his friends, his beloved, no matter what the circumstances are. We have to reflect this kind of righteousness of God!

If there are those who do not love us in return, that’s their problem, not ours.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Celeste Cortesi gets love from beauty queens after Miss Universe stint

 Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in these photos taken from Instagram/piawurtzbach, Facebook/TheMissUniversePH, and Instagram/catriona_gray

By Jeline Malasig - January 17, 2023 - 12:58 PM

Former and current beauty queens shared messages of support to Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi after failing to secure a placement in the pageant’s 71st edition.

The 25-year-old Pasay beauty was bested by American bet R’Bonney Gabriel, a half-Filipina, in the prestigious beauty pageant on Sunday.

Celeste expressed her gratitude to her Filipino fans who supported her Miss Universe 2022 bid following her exit.

“Hey, guys! Thank you so much for your love and support. I truly, truly love you and I’m so grateful,” she said in a video, blowing a kiss to the viewers.

Celeste also shared a book excerpt about happiness on her Instagram after failing to secure the crown. It talked about how one’s happiness shouldn’t depend on others.

Meanwhile, some former and current pageant titleholders took to social media to offer her words of comfort following her Miss Universe exit.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who was also a backstage host for the pageant’s 71st edition, posted an Instagram Story featuring Celeste’s picture with the following words:

“Thank you for doing your best for the Philippines (Philippine flag emoji) You handled the pressure of carrying our flag so well! We’re so proud, mabuhay ka! (heart emoji)” 

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach shared a tweet on her account, which reads:

“We know you gave it your all, Celeste. We are very proud of you (heart and Philippine flag emojis” 

Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 finalist Beatrice Luigi Gomez shared an Instagram Story featuring pictures of her and Celeste with the text:

“We are so proud of you! You worked hard and represented us well. We love you, Queen @celeste_cortesi (heart emoji)” 

Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2022 Pauline Amelinckx posted an Instagram picture of them during the coronation of the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 last May.

Celeste, who represented Pasay, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022.

Pauline wrote the following which accompanied the post:

“We have seen you work, hustle, fight and GROW as you prepared to raise our flag. As I’ve told you before, you have my admiration for all your dedication in always becoming better. Always proud of you. You are a CELESTIAL QUEEN (crown emoji” 

Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st runner-up Herlene Nicole Budol also shared words of support for her fellow beauty queen on Facebook.

“Celeste, maganda ka pa din. We love you (kissing emoji) Ako nga nabudol e” 

Herlene referenced her unpleasant experiences in her bid to secure a crown at the Miss Planet International last November, where she has since withdrawn “due to uncertainties by the organizers.”

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization national director, who was also crowned as Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up, also lauded Celeste for “bravely” raising the Philippine flag.

Shamcey shared a picture of her with the Philippine bet on Instagram and accompanied it with the following caption:

“You fought bravely to raise the Filipino flag on that stage and what truly matters is that you gave it your all and made your country proud. (Philippine flag emoji)” 

“This experience is truly a lesson in humility. It is a way to remind all of us to stay grounded for we are all created equal.”

“The new era of Miss Universe cemented its thrust on breaking stereotypes and embracing diversity. Apart from the glitz and glamour, we are again reminded of the true essence of this platform.” 

“Our work continues, to be a venue for women to find a purpose larger than themselves and to use their collective voices to create an unstoppable force for GOOD.” 

2 low pressure areas inside PAR – Pagasa

 

By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times

TWO low pressure areas (LPAs) have been spotted inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) although the first one may dissipate in 24 hours as both are unlikely to develop into a tropical depression, the state-run weather agency said on Tuesday.

Weather forecaster Obet Badrina of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) told The Manila Times that first LPA was estimated some 290 kilometers east of Maasin City, Southern Leyte while the other was at 125kms west-northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

"The LPA off Southern Leyte, which has been inside PAR for over a week, may eventually dissipate," said Badrina as he added that the other weather disturbance will also likely follow.

The Pagasa weatherman reiterated that the two LPAs would not have a chance to escalate into tropical cyclones.

However, the LPA and the shear line are bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Bicol Region and Quezon, according to the 11 a.m. advisory of the weather bureau.

7 PH biz tycoons in Davos to support PBBM

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB

ZURICH, Switzerland — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s participation in the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) has gotten the backing of seven of the country’s most prominent businessmen, Malacañang said.

Aboitiz President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz speaks at the luncheon with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos and other Filipino business leaders in Davos, Switzerland. Marcos is in Switzerland for the 2023 World Economic Forum. (Malacañang photo)

In a statement, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the following business tycoons joined the President and his official delegation in Davos: 

• Sabin Aboitiz (Aboitiz)
• Kevin Andrew Tan (Alliance Global)
• Jaime Zobel de Ayala (Ayala Group)
• Lance Gokongwei (JG Summit Holdings)
• Ramon Ang (San Miguel Corp.)
• Teresita Sy-Coson (SM Investments)
• Enrique Razon (International Container Terminal)

President Marcos and his official delegation, composed of government officials and business leaders, arrived in Switzerland on Sunday afternoon (Sunday evening Philippine time).

The WEF is hosting a Country Strategy Dialogue for the Philippines. Marcos said this is going to be an opportunity to promote the country as a leader, driver of growth, and gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.

“One that is open for business – ever ready to complement regional and global expansion plans of both foreign and Philippine-based enterprises anchored on the competent and well-educated Filipino workers, the managers and professionals,” the President pointed out.

In an interview with the media en route to Switzerland, President Marcos said he was looking forward to “expanding and expounding” the significant strides his administration achieved in the WEF’s question-and-answer event. 

The President said he was also looking forward to the “pull-aside” or “pull-away” meetings on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting.

President Marcos was invited by Prof. Klaus Schwab, the founder and Chair Emeritus of the WEF, at the sidelines of both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Phnom Penh and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Bangkok in November last year.

83,942 tourists visit Boracay from Jan. 1 to 15

by Tara Yap

TOURISTS at the white beach at world-famous Boracay Island. (Ernesto Cruz)

ILOILO CITY – A total of 83,942 tourists visited world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province from Jan. 1 to 15.

According to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office in a report released on Monday, Jan. 16, domestic tourists comprised majority of the visitors with 63,753. 

The office said there were 14,812 foreign guests and 5,377 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Boracay from Jan. 1 to 15.

The high number of visitors was attributed to the influx of tourists for the New Year when the resort-island brought back its spectacular fireworks show and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

Among the foreign visitors was Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy and his family.

More than 1.75 million tourists visited Boracay in 2022.

Hidilyn Diaz, two others chosen to be part of IWF Executive Board

by Kristel Satumbaga-Villar, MB

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Athletes’ Commission has chosen Hidilyn Diaz as one of the three representatives to the IWF Executive Board in a milestone moment for the sport.

Hidilyn Diaz has been chosen as one of the athletes’ representatives to the International Weightlifting Federation Executive Board. (FIle Photo/ AFP)

Diaz will join Forrester Osei of Ghana, who retains leadership of the Athletes’ Commission, and Luisa Peters, who retired from competition after representing Cook Islands after the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

The three chosen representatives will serve as full voting members of the IWF Congress and will remain in post until the next IWF electoral congress.

The IWF also becomes the first international federation to achieve such a level of athlete representation as far as IWF President Mohamed Jalood is concerned.

“I am delighted to welcome Forrester, Hidilyn and Luisa to the IWF Executive Board,” Jalood said.

“We look forward to working closely together as we seek to shape a new future for weightlifting, which places athletes at the center of everything we do.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Jalood added strengthening athlete representation in decision-making “is a key stepping stone to greater accountability and progress in our sport.”

The new Athletes’ Commission will hold its first meeting online in the coming weeks to discuss short-, medium- and long-term objectives.

Part of its priorities is establishing the athlete scholarship program.

Diaz is widely known as the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist when she won in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has also recently claimed a world championships title.

PSEI rises above 7,000 level

by James A. Loyola

The local stock market breezed past the 7,000 resistance level as foreign funds bought Philippine shares on expectations of milder US rate hikes.

The main index rose 93.94 points or 1.35 percent to close at 7,045.48, after breaching 7,100 intraday, as Banks led the rally while the Services and Mining sectors yielded to profit taking. Volume was higher at 1.11 billion shares worth P10.23 billion as gainers beat losers 138 to 65 with 46 unchanged.  

“Philippine shares touched the 7,000 level after so many months as foreign funds continued to make bets into our economy, as conviction remained high that the country would be one of the best performers in 2023,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The local bourse surged amid expectation that the Federal Reserve will be less aggressive in its rate hikes following the cooled inflation in the US.”

She added that, “The strengthening of the peso against the US Dollar lifted the market as well. Moreover, foreigners helped lift the index, registering a net inflow of P1.08 billion.“

ONION "SOLUTION"

By: ReniMV Valenzuela

We don't need onions like we need oxygen without which we can't survive.

Other than some screwy logic and the argument that, "the government

has no option but to import onions,"  President Bongbong Marcos must

have some real legitimate reasons why he finally approved the

Department of Agriculture's plan/proposal to import 5,775 metric tons

of onion.

Otherwise, it might be construed that the government considers onions

to be equally important as the air we breathe. My wife has discovered

a new art of cooking good dishes without using onion.  Just a bit of

creativity, patience and momentary "sacrifice" (not importation) is

what we need during this time of "onion shortage" in the country. It's

good that we only have a shortage of onions and other food staples,

but not a shortage of sensible people in the government.  And that I

desperately want to believe.

The harvest isn't too far for our farm producers to flood again our

local market with onions.  After this July's harvest, it is expected

as predicted that we will start having more than enough onions

(hopefully so) to bring their prices back to normal.

Hence, why resort to folly which could well put our farmers' interests

at needless risks and at a great disadvantage, not to mention the

other varied repercussions it may create which would be detrimental

not only to our agriculture sector but also to the nation as a whole?

What forced the government to do it or what is forcing some

agriculture officials to convince the President to approve the

importation?

Why not instead use the money to help Filipino farmers develop their

capability to produce, technologically and financially, and by

innovative, equitable ways of marketing their harvests at price levels

that would make them happy, develop our agriculture industry and

ultimately solve the country's food crisis?

Could there be something amiss behind the government's move to import

onions?  We sorely lack onions at this juncture, admittedly, but not

alligators, vultures and wolves in the government.  And the President

must have been aware of it as much as he should have realized by now

that he needs to appoint a fresh, new face as a permanent Secretary of

Agriculture the soonest possible time.

Not in his time.

renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com

Why are Filipinos so hospitable?

Robert D. Maldonado

65 years old and still searching for truth…

Filipinos are known for their hospitality and warmth.

This is because of the strong sense of community that exists in Filipino culture.

Filipinos believe in taking care of each other, so they go out of their way to make sure visitors feel welcome and comfortable.

They also have a deep respect for elders, which leads them to be very generous with guests who may not even be related to them.

Additionally, many Filipinos practice the concept of “utang na loob” or debt-of-gratitude which encourages people to repay kindnesses done by others with more kindnesses down the line - making it easy for strangers to become friends quickly!