BSP: MARCH ANNUAL INFLATION LIKELY IN 7.4%-8.2% RANGE

MANILA— Philippine annual inflation in March was expected to come in between 7.4% and 8.2%, with downward pressure seen from lower prices of petroleum and some food items, the central bank said on Friday, ahead of the release the data on April 5.

High inflation, which at 8.6% in February was well outside the central bank’s target range of 2% to 4%, remains the top concern for monetary authorities, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Felipe Medalla reiterated earlier this week.

MARCOS: RISING FOOD PRICES THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FOR FILIPINOS; MORE KADIWA STORES NEEDED

LIMAY, Bataan — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Friday recognized steep food prices as the “biggest problem” Filipinos faced and vowed to open more Kadiwa stores that would offer cheaper farm products.

Marcos attributed the problem to the country's reliance on imports and its long-time neglect of the agriculture sector.

“Alam naman natin sa kasalukuyan 'yan ang pinakamabigat na problemang hinaharap nating lahat at pataas ng pataas ang presyo ng bilihin,” said Marcos, who concurrently heads the agriculture department.

“Naging problema ito dahil tayo ay naging umaasa na tayo masyado, bago noong pandemiya, umaasa na tayo masyado sa importation, napabayaan natin ang agrikultura kaya mababa ang ani ng ating mga magsasaka,” he said in a speech.

Inflation slightly eased to 8.6 percent in February from 8.7 percent the previous month.

Inflation is expected to ease back below 4 percent later this year on a month-on-month basis, according to government estimates. The average, however, is seen to revert to within the 2 to 4 percent target by 2024.

In the meantime, the government offers cheaper food products in Kadiwa stalls by shouldering transportation and packaging costs, among others.

Some 300 Kadiwa stalls are “viable and operational” across the country, Marcos noted.

PH, CHINA SET TO RESTART JOINT OIL EXPLORATION TALKS

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Thursday said the Philippines and China are set to resume talks on a possible joint venture for oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea.

Manalo’s announcement came as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the presence of 20 Chinese and Vietnamese vessels in the waters around Sabina and Ayungin Shoals, and Pag-asa Island in Palawan.

The ships, spotted by the BRP Malapascua during a maritime patrol in the Kalayaan Island Group from March 16 to 21, included two Chinese Coast Guard vessels and a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship.

The PCG said that it issued multiple radio challenges to the vessels but got no response.

On March 21, China Coast Guard vessel 5201 shadowed BRP Malapascua as it was patrolling Ayungin Shoal.

The incident has been reported to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), the PCG said.

Manalo said the exploratory talks would begin on a technical level in about six weeks.

He said it was Beijing that proposed the talks on oil and gas,focusing on the terms of reference.

BASILAN FERRY FIRE DEATH TOLL: 31

At least 31 people died and 230 were rescued after a fire engulfed a ferry off Basilan province, authorities said Thursday.

The Lady Mary Joy 3 was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu province when the fire broke out late Wednesday, prompting passengers to jump overboard, disaster officer Nixon Alonzo said.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is plagued by poor sea transport, with its badly regulated ferries prone to overcrowding and accidents.

It is also the second serious maritime disaster within a month, following the sinking of the motor tanker Princess Empress off the coast of Oriental Mindoro which is causing an economic and environmental crisis in the provinces along the important Verde Island Passage.

Rescuers, including the Philippine Coast Guard and fishermen, saved 195 passengers and 35 crew as the blaze ripped through the ferry off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.

Basilan Governor Jim Salliman said 31 bodies had been retrieved, including 18 found inside an air-conditioned cabin.

Photos released by the coast guard showed one of its vessels sprayingwater on the burning ferry as personnel in smaller boats plucked people from the dark water.

Salliman said at least three children, including a six-month-old baby, were among the dead.

Authorities also said 14 people were injured.

HOUSING PRICES RISE IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2022: BSP

MANILA - Housing prices were higher by 7.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The central bank however also noted that compared to the third quarter, residential real estate prices of various types of new housing units across the country rose slower at 2.2 percent.

Prices climbed faster in the National Capital Region where residential real estate property prices grew by 16.1 percent, the central bank said.

“Meanwhile, in the Areas Outside the NCR (AONCR), residential property prices increased by 4.5 percent, with prices of all types of housing units rising, except for those of townhouses,” the BSP said.

The cost of new housing units in the NCR was also higher.

While the average appraised value of new housing units in the country stood at P74,776 per square meter (sqm) in Q4 2022, but for the NCR this was at P127,175 per sqm. The cost was higher than both the national average and the average appraised value in the AONCR at P49,475.

Meanwhile, Filipinos are borrowing less money from banks to buy houses.

The BSP noted that nationwide residential real estate loan availments for new housing units fell both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.

Most of the housing loans granted in the NCR were used to buy condominium units, while loans granted outside the capital were for the single-detached/attached houses.

The BSP began raising interest rates in 2022, from a record low of 2 percent to 6.25 percent in its last policy meeting. Hiking rates is meant to dampen inflation by making loans more expensive, thus dampening demand.

BELONGINGS OF ALLEGED DEGAMO GUNMEN FOUND IN TEVES SUGAR MILL

MANILA — Authorities on Thursday recovered documents and other items allegedly belonging to the suspected gunmen who killed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in the sugar mill compound reportedly owned by former governor Pryde Henry Teves, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Negros said.

In a report released Thursday evening, JTF Negros said personnel of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) found several identification cards and burned clothes supposedly belonging to Degamo's alleged killers.

Authorities also recovered a silencer, soldering iron, a flash drive, rifle cleaning equipment, caliber .45 cartridges, a Swiss knife, and a tucker used for target papers.

PNP-CIDG personnel have been searching Teves' 50-hectare sugar mill compound in southern Santa Catalina town in Negros Oriental since Friday.

Several high-powered firearms, thousands of live ammunition, explosives, and stacks of cash amounting to P18 million were previously recovered in the compound.

Three members of Teves' personal guards had been also arrested in the week-long ng search, among them Nigel Electona, head of his security detail.

Teves earlier clarified that he only partly owns the sugar mill, where he has a 10-percent share.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said 9 of the 10 suspects in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation have already issued statements linking Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo A. Teves to Governor Roel Degamo’s murder last March 4.

But Remulla said he would leave it up to the panel of prosecutors of the Department of Justice to decide whether to include Teves among those to be indicted for the crime.

DOJ REVISING ‘DEPARTURE FORMALITIES’

The Department of Justice on Thursday stood by the strict implementation of the departure formalities by the Bureau of Immigration, which is intended to help protect Filipinos going abroad against human trafficking and other dangers—despite the flak BI officers are getting from the public for their odd interrogation methods as revealed on social media.

In a statement, the DOJ acknowledged the plight of travelers inconvenienced by the immigration process, particularly those who were forced to miss or rebook their flights.

The Justice Department explained that the BI, as a member of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), has the responsibility to administer and enforce anti-trafficking, immigration, and related laws to better protect Filipinos.

IACAT is currently processing the revision of the departure formalities to “better reflect current trends and plug the gaps that arose along the way,” the DOJ said.

It is also coordinating with the BI and other stakeholders to minimize the inconvenience caused by the departure formalities to Filipino travelers.

The DOJ admitted that it has become hard now to determine regular passengers from potential human trafficking victims, citing a recent recruitment scheme involving educated, well-traveled, and professional Filipinos to work in regional call centers linked to online scamming and other fraudulent activities.

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OTS: NO BANNED ITEMS AT AIRPORTS

Authorities on Thursday reminded air travelers not to bring guns, bullets, and other banned items to airports for faster processing and prevent long lines at the screening checkpoints.

The Office for Transportation Security made the reminder to ensure passengers’ safety and convenience in time for the observance of Lent.

OTS administrator Usec. Ma. O Aplasca urged passengers to personally pack their bags and ensure that it does not contain any prohibited items to avoid unnecessary delays at the screening checkpoint.

“Once again, we would like to remind passengers to personally pack their bags, and be smart travelers by checking on the OTS prohibited items list before your scheduled flight. It’s posted on our website and our social media platforms so that these items will not be confiscated anymore. Our tip is that, if you don’t need it, then just leave it at home,” Aplasca said.

OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez said sharp objects and other items such as baseball bats, baton sticks, tennis and badminton rackets, or billiard sticks are also prohibited from being carried in carry-on bags, and can only be placed in checked baggage.

Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority will conduct intensive security screening and passenger assistance operations toensure secured, reliable, convenient, and uninterrupted operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

HUDGENS TAPPED AS GLOBAL TOURISM AMBASSADOR

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted digital influencer and Filipino-American “High School Musical” actress Vanessa Anne Hudgens the Global Tourism Ambassador Award as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to promote Philippine tourism and raise the country’s global status.

Hudgens received the award during a courtesy call with President Marcos in Malacañan Palace witnessed by Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano—who is directing her in a documentary—and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco.

Mr. Marcos told the Hollywood actress that Malacañang has held in its walls “a lot of history for the Philippines” which housed numerous historical personalities and is often considered one of the historical landmarks in the Philippines due to its historical significance and background.

CHED PROPOSES NEW NURSING TACK TO END SHORTAGE

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has proposed a new nursing curriculum that aims to boost the number of nurses working in the country by allowing undergrad nursing students to work already, ABS-CBN reported Thursday.

The proposed “BS Nursing Curriculum with Exit Credentials” will allow first-year nursing student to attain a certificate that would certify that the student has “basic nursing skills in rendering safe and appropriate care,” and work as a nursing aide and nursing assistant, the report said.

Those in their second or third year may receive a diploma that would certify that the student can “demonstrate safe, appropriate and holistic care” to people and work as a nursing associate, community health nurse, and associate maternal and child nurse.

Those who reach their fourth year will receive their Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

“That means if we run this program, in one to two years you haveadditional nursing manpower, which can already be employed in our health facilities. Because the need for nursing professionals is not all nursing graduates. There are intermediate individual credentials that can be used,” CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera said in an online press conference.

MGA PROVINCIAL BUS MAKAKADAAN SA EDSA SA ABRIL 6-10: MMDA

MAYNILA — Papayagan ang mga provincial bus na dumaan sa EDSA mula Abril 6 hanggang Abril 10, 2023 dahil sa inaasahang pagdagsa ng biyahero sa Semana Santa, sinabi ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ngayong Biyernes.

Hihinto sa Cubao, Quezon City terminals ang mga provincial buses mula sa North Luzon, abiso ng MMDA.

Samantala, sa Pasay City terminals naman ang hinto ng mga bus galing South Luzon, dagdag ng ahensya.

Ayon sa MMDA, pinayagan nitong dumaan sa EDSA ang provincial buses upang matiyak ang kaginhawaan ng mga pasaherong uuwi sa mga probisya sa Semana Santa.

PH EXPORTERS NAKILAHOK SA GULFOOD EXPO 2023

DUBAI - Nakilahok kamakailan ang ilang Phiilippine manufacturers at exporters sa Gulfood Expo 2023 na ginanap sa World Trade Center sa Dubai. Kilala ito bilang pinakamalaking annual food event sa mundo dahil mahigit 4,000 exhibitors mula sa 120 bansa ang lumalahok sa expo.

Lumahok ang Pilipinas sa ika- 28 edisyon ng Gulfood ngayong taon. Inorganisa ng Philippine Department of Trade and Industry ang partisipasyon ng 18 Philippine manufacturers at exporters sa Gulfood sa ilalim ng FOOD Philippines brand.

Pormal namang inimbitahan ng Philippine Embassy sa Jordan ang Philippine manufacturers at exporters na lumahok sa Gulfood Expo 2023 na mamuhunan sa Jordan sa pagbisita ni Third Secretary at Vice Consul Angeli Payumo ng Philippine Embassy sa Amman sa nasabing expo noong February 21, 2023.

Layon ng imbitasyon na palawigin at pagtibayin ang trade relations ng Pilipinas at Jordan sa posibleng pagdating ng Philippine-made products sa nasabing bansa. Malaki raw ang pangangailan para sa Philippine-made products hindi lang para sa Filipino community sa Jordan kundi sa mas malaking Jordanian market.

“Philippine cuisine and products have a place in Jordan. Our tropical fruits and vegetables, as well as our savory dishes, which have been hailed as world-class, would definitely appeal to the Jordanian palate,” saad ni Payumo.

MUSIKA AT SAYAW NG MINSUPALA IBINIDA SA JEDDAH

JEDDAH - Ibinida ng Philippine Consulate General (PCG) sa Jeddah ang kultura ng Mindanao, Sulu at Palawan o MINSUPALA sa isang cultural event na ginanap noong March 16,2023 na pinamagatang ‘Hiraya Minsupala’ sa PCG grounds.

Tampok sa cultural event ang traditional performances mula sa iba-ibang indigenous groups ng MINSUPALA tulad ng Kapagapir Dance, Kinikini Kalilang Dance, Gabbang mula Sulu, Darangun at Kinikini at Kulintang exhibition.

Ayon kay Consul General Edgar Tomas Auxilian, ito ay pagpupugay sa kultura sa rehiyon at mga probinsya ng Mindanao, Sulu, at Palawan.

“There is no better way to promote Philippine arts and culture than by revisiting the traditional arts of the different areas in the Philippines, which form part of our identity as a people. And for the forthcoming Holy Month of Ramadan, we celebrate through this activity the rich, colorful, and solemn performances and rituals/rites of the Muslim Filipinos,” dagdag ni Consul General Auxilian.

Bukod sa musika at sayaw, natikman din ng mga dumalo sa event ang mga pagkain mula MINSUPALA. Ang “Hiraya Minsupala” ay proyekto ng Jeddah PCG at Sentro Rizal-Jeddah sa pakikipagtulungan ng Royal Rajahnate and Datuship of Minsupala, isang social at cultural Filipino community organization sa Jeddah.

'HEAT INDEX' SA CATARMAN UMABOT SA 46°C, IKA-2 PINAKAMAINIT NGAYONG MARSO 2023

MANILA — Umabot sa 46°C ang heat index sa Catarman, Northern Samar nitong Huwebes, bagay na siyang ikalawang pinakamataas ngayong nagsimula na ang tag-init habang Marso 2023.

Sabi ng PAGASA, nangyari ito bandang 1 p.m. sa nasabing lugar. Pasok ito sa kanilang "danger" category (pumapatak mula 42°C hanggang 51°C) pagdating sa kanilang heat index chart.

"Sa kasalukuyan ay patuloy na umiiral itong Easterlies o 'yung mainit at maalinsangang hangin na nagmumula sa Karagatang Pasipiko dito sa may silangang bahagi ng Visayas at ng Mindanao," ani DOST-PAGASA weather forecaster Patrick del Mundo, Biyernes.

"At dahil pa rin dito, sa buong kapuluan ay magiging maaliwalas pa rin ang panahon at may mga tiyansa lamang ng mga pulo-pulong mga pag-ulan, pagkidlat at pagkulog especially sa hapon at sa gabi. May kainitan pa rin at medyo maalinsangan pagdating ng tanghali at ng hapon.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

VILMA SANTOS, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON ANNOUNCE COMEBACK MOVIE WITH CASSY, DARREN

MANILA -- After doing more than 20 films together, the popular love team of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon in the 1970s up to 2000s is back this year in “When I Met You in Tokyo.”

The two award-winning stars were first paired in 1975 in Celso Ad. Castillo’s “Tag-Ulan sa Tag-Araw” and followed by “Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig” in 1977.

“The last movie we did was 'Mano Po.' Matagal na, more than 15 years. And now, here we are with a beautiful movie. We’re ready to go to Japan. Almost 95% ay i-shoo-shoot sa Japan,” De Leon said.

For her part, Santos said, “It’s good to be back after 6-7 years. My last movie was “Everything About Her.” When this movie was offered to me, tinanong ko lang kung ano ang synopsis at kung sinong kasama. When they said si Christopher de Leon, yes agad ang sagot ko.”

She added, “Na-miss ko rin ang team-up namin ni Boyet. Alam ko, kahit papaano, nandiyan pa rin ang crowd namin ni Boyet. Ang ganda kasi ng istorya. Ang istorya kasi tatakbo sa edad namin.

“It’s a love story na nasa edad namin. Hindi kami magbabata-bataan dito. It's a good comeback sa akin. It’s a love story for all seasons. We’re very thankful sa trust.”

About her absence from showbiz and new movie in Tokyo, Santos said, “Kasi medyo matagal akong nawala sa industry, nakakapanibago. It’s a simple love story pero napakalalim. Malaking-malaking plus factor sa akin si Christopher de Leon. At kukunan pa sa Japan. Malaking factor ang visual sa Japan. Ang ganda-gandang makita at mapanood. Perfect timing talaga ito.

“Kahit almost 7 years akong hindi nakagawa ng pelikula, wine-welcome pa rin ako with all the offers and blessings. This is going to be the start. And I feel so comfortable with Boyet.”

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

To arrive at a just estimate of a renowned man's character one must judge it by the standards of his time, not ours. - Mark Twain