Category: Philippine Star

University of the Philippines fended off a late rally by National University to deal the Bulldogs their first loss, 66-59, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Fighting Maroons dropped a 22-2 bomb in the third and fourth quarters to erase a 13-point deficit and take full control of the contest, before NU’s comeback attempt came up short.

Francis Nnoruka paced the Diliman-based squad with 14 points and six rebounds, while Gani Stevens chipped in 10 markers and five boards. Harold Alarcon and Miguel Yniguez contributed eight points apiece.

UP trailed by 13, 34-47, in the third quarter after a deuce by Steve Nash Enriquez.

But the Maroons, off back-to-back 3-pointers by Yniguez, made it a one-point contest, 48-49, heading to the fourth quarter.

UP’s run continued in the final frame, taking a 56-49 lead with five minutes remaining.

A split from the line by PJ Palacielo finally ended the NU drought, but the UP continued as the Maroons took a 12-point lead late, 65-53, following a Reyland Torres jumper.

Jake Figueroa and Palacielo tried to mount a comeback with six straight points, but a Stevens split iced the game.

NU actually held an 11-point advantage in the first quarter, going up 17-6, before UP went ahead, 24-23, in the second frame.

The Bulldogs though regained their touch and erected the double-digit lead.

UP’s Rey Remogat tallied six points while shooting 2-of-9 from the field.

Enriquez paced NU with 16 point and four assists, while Gelo Santiago had 10 markers.

UP is now holding a 2-2 win-loss record, while NU dropped to 3-1.

Currently, Ateneo is the only remaining team without a defeat this season.

A government worker died while more than 500 people were left homeless in separate fire incidents in Samar, Davao and Cagayan de Oro recently.

Reynold Muñez, 30, an employee of the provincial government of Samar, was trapped in the fire that gutted his house in Barangay Canlapwas, Catbalogan City on Wednesday.

Muñez was reportedly trying to rescue his son, not knowing that his family had already evacuated.

The fire was reportedly caused by a faulty power connection.

In Davao City, more that 150 houses were destroyed in a fire that broke out in Barangay 21-C on Thursday.

The fire quickly spread to houses made of light materials.

No one was reported injured or killed in the incident that left more than 200 families homeless.

In Cagayan de Oro City, up to 121 people lost their homes in a fire that broke out in Barangay 17 on Thursday.

Affected families took shelter under a nearby bridge.

Every five minutes, someone in the Philippines loses their sight-not from rare or untreatable illnesses, but from conditions that can often be prevented or managed if detected early.

Cataracts, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive errors affect more than a million Filipinos, yet eye health continues to be underprioritized in the national health agenda.

According to the Philippine Eye Disease Study conducted in 2018, around 1.98% of Filipinos live with visual impairment, defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better eye.

The percentage may seem small, but it represents lives profoundly affected: careers interrupted, children falling behind in school, older adults losing independence and families under strain.

Among the main causes of visual impairment in the country are retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema (DME), neovascular or ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and its subtype polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). These are complex conditions that require advanced diagnostics and long-term treatment, yet they remain under-recognized and undertreated. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors still account for a large portion of blindness, while glaucoma contributes significantly.

But the growing burden of retinal diseases highlights a deeper challenge: these conditions cannot simply be resolved through surgery or corrective lenses and they demand sustained access to innovative therapies.

The social and economic impact of vision loss extends well beyond the clinic. A recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) Vision Health Survey offers important insights into the lived experiences of Filipinos facing or fearing visual impairment.

More than half of respondents-50.5%-believe vision loss would cause financial hardship, the highest rate across eight Asian countries surveyed. Nearly three-quarters worry it would compromise their ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking or cleaning.

Caregivers are also heavily affected, with many reporting difficulty taking time off work or income loss due to family responsibilities. And among Filipinos with diabetes, 84.6% report vision-related symptoms-the highest rate in the region.

While these figures are concerning, they also signal an opportunity for action. New research is bringing greater attention to a lesser-known eye disease that disproportionately affects Asians: polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, or PCV.

In simple terms, PCV occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, the part of the eye responsible for clear vision. These vessels can leak or bleed, causing sudden and often permanent vision loss. PCV is often grouped under ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), but it behaves differently, requires specific diagnostic tests and may respond differently to treatment.

This condition is particularly relevant for the Philippines because of its prevalence in Asian populations. Around 60% of global PCV cases are found in Asia, yet most clinical trials and treatment guidelines have historically focused on Western populations. This gap has left many Asian patients underrepresented in evidence and practice.

In the Philippines, a recent local study titled ‘Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy features among Filipino eyes with neovascular AMD based on APOIS criteria’ found that 53.3% of eyes initially diagnosed with nAMD actually showed features consistent with PCV.

In other words, more than half of patients may be living with a subtype of disease that is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to treatment approaches that may not deliver the best results.

This is especially concerning in a country where access to eye care is uneven. Fewer than one in three Filipinos undergo an annual eye exam.

In rural areas, ophthalmologists and diagnostic equipment are limited. Public awareness of retinal diseases like PCV remains low, and advanced tests such as indocyanine green angiography-which are critical to confirm PCV-are often unaffordable.

Without targeted policies and better access, many Filipinos remain at risk of losing their vision unnecessarily.

There are, however, encouraging developments. At the EURETINA 2025 Congress in Paris, one-year results of the SALWEEN Phase IIIb/IV trial were presented, demonstrating sustained improvements for patients with PCV across Asia. Patients in the study achieved an average gain of +8.9 letters in vision, with more than half able to extend dosing intervals to five months.

These findings show that with the right therapies, lasting improvements are possible. On the policy front, progress has also been made.

This year, PhilHealth introduced an optometric benefit package for children aged 0 to 15 years old. Under PhilHealth Circular 2025-0002, vision assessments, refraction and prescription eyeglasses-including lenses and frames-are now covered.

This reform could significantly reduce childhood vision problems, particularly in underserved communities. PhilHealth also increased reimbursement rates for cataract surgery, now ranging from P20,200 to P80,900 depending on lens type. These reforms are meaningful steps toward strengthening the public eye care system.

Yet gaps remain. Addressing cataracts and providing eyeglasses are important, but they cover only part of the vision health landscape.

For conditions like PCV and diabetic eye disease, patients also need earlier detection, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and appropriate long-term treatment-all of which are still out of reach for many. Eye health should be more firmly integrated into national strategies on noncommunicable diseases, aging, and disability.

PhilHealth benefit packages must continue to expand, covering retinal imaging, anti-VEGF therapies, and other necessary interventions to help patients preserve their sight.

Policy reforms must also be supported by investments in infrastructure. Mobile eye clinics, barangay-level screenings and better-equipped rural health units can extend care to more communities. Training additional ophthalmic specialists and ensuring sustainable funding will also be critical.

Public awareness is another piece of the puzzle. Families need information about early warning signs, the importance of routine eye checkups, and where to seek care. Partnerships among government, private sector, and civil society can amplify education, prevention, and access through nationwide campaigns and local initiatives.

The convergence of new science and stronger policies provides a unique chance to make preventable blindness a problem of the past. But research and reforms must translate into real outcomes for real people. Vision is not a privilege; it is a basic need that shapes opportunity, dignity, and independence.

Every day without action is another day when a parent may lose the ability to provide for their family, or a grandparent may slip into dependency. Vision loss takes away not just sight, but quality of life for patients and for the families who support them.

The tools to change this reality already exist. The task now is to act with urgency, coordination, and commitment. So that every Filipino, regardless of age or income, has the chance to live fully with the gift of sight.

Following the flag-raising rites performed by personnel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the area, an official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained that the Philippines has sovereign rights over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

In a post on his X account yesterday, PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues Commodore Jay Tarriela wrote: ‘The ceremonial flag-raising by China Coast Guard officers at Bajo de Masinloc underscores the continuing unlawful activities of the People’s Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea,’ referring to the Philippine traditional name of Panatag.

He cited the ‘unanimous 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,’ which declared that ‘China had unlawfully interfered with the Philippines’ traditional fishing rights at the shoal’ and that ‘China’s claims of historic rights had no legal basis where they conflicted with UNCLOS.’

‘The Award further affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a rock under Article 121(3) of UNCLOS and, therefore, does not generate an exclusive economic zone of its own. Accordingly, the waters surrounding the shoal, beyond its 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, lie entirely within the Philippines’ EEZ, measured from Luzon’s baseline,’ he added.

Panatag Shoal is situated within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ that also makes up the WPS.

Tarriela also dismissed China’s earlier declaration of making Panatag Shoal a ‘national nature reserve.’

He quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that maintained ‘Beijing’s action ‘clearly infringes’ upon the Philippines’ rights and interests under international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Award.’

‘The DFA reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory, over which the country exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction. Declarations of this nature are misleading and serve as pretexts for asserting control, rather than genuine efforts to conserve or protect the marine environment,’ he said.

Tarriela wrote his X post in response to another X post by Chinese state publication Global Times, which reported the flag-raising ceremony held by the CCG aboard its vessel Dahao while patrolling Panatag Shoal last Wednesday in line with China’s National Day.

‘We stand guard over these blue waters, assuring the nation of our unwavering commitment. Recently, CCG officers, who were conducting routine patrols on CCG vessel Dahao in the waters of Huangyan Dao national nature reserve in the South China Sea, held a solemn flag-raising ceremony on the frontlines of safeguarding China’s maritime territories,’ Global Times reported, referring to China’s name for Panatag Shoal.

National U shoots for the solo lead against struggling reigning champion UP in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball today at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Action sizzles at 4:30 p.m. for the main game of the twin-bill that also features Santo Tomas’ goal for a quick rebound after losing to NU when it meets winless UE at 2 p.m.

The Bulldogs share pole position with Ateneo at 3-0 in a massive turnaround for both squads after finishing at the bottom last season, potentially pushing them into an even better position midway through the first round.

And NU has all the confidence to do the feat, riding on two blowout wins against Far Eastern U, 84-68, and UE, 72-57, laced by a 76-69 comeback on Santo Tomas which beat top title contenders UP and La Salle.

”Yung character kasi, hindi na para kuwestiyunin ko sa mga players ko,’ said head coach Jeff Napa.

In 2018, Rex Wallen Tan of the Government-Academe Industry (GAIN) network declared that ‘while the consensus is that the Philippines is superior to its neighboring countries in terms of English proficiency, the advantage is greatly at risk with the improvement of English literacy in other countries such as Singapore and Thailand.’

This distressing news prompted Sen. Pia Cayetano to say that ‘just by looking at the data, the English proficiency of our college students is the same as Malaysian Grade 6 students and Japanese taxi drivers. Nakakahiya, nakakaawa tayo.’

For decades, English proficiency has been our primary advantage, fueling economic pillars that provide essential middle-income jobs and opening opportunities worldwide for our professionals. However, this advantage now faces a two-front challenge: aggressive educational reforms in neighboring countries and a persistent foundational skills gap at home.

The Billion-Dollar English Imperative

Our national economy’s growth engines are critically dependent on English-driven industries.

IT-BPM sector: The information technology and business process management industry is a powerhouse, closing 2024 with $38 billion in revenue and employing 1.82 million Filipinos.

OFW remittances: Remittances from overseas Filipino workers, a lifeline for millions, reached a record $38.34 billion in 2024, secured by Filipinos whose English skills make them globally sought after.

Digital economy: Up to 1.5 million Filipino online freelancers leverage their English abilities on international platforms, making the country a top global destination for digital work.

These sectors require a consistent supply of talent with high-level communication skills to continue thriving.

A new competitive landscape: The Asean race

While historically a leader in English, our ASEAN neighbors are rapidly closing the gap through deliberate national initiatives, which threaten our competitive edge and ability to attract high-value jobs.

It seems that we have grown complacent with our perceived advantage in English proficiency and cannot accept that other nationalities are catching up or have already surpassed us.

Malaysia’s National English Language Roadmap (CEFR B2 for College), Vietnam’s National English as a second language project (2025 to 2035) and Thailand’s mandatory adoption of the CEFR English language tests are prime examples of this strategic push. Beyond ASEAN, nations like Taiwan and Japan are also prioritizing English, intensifying the global competition for talent where English proficiency is the key battleground.

The foundational skills gap at home

This external pressure from our neighbors is compounded by a severe educational crisis at home. International assessments such as Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) showed in 2022 that over 75 percent of Filipino students are low performers in mathematics, science, reading and creative thinking. In 2022, compared to 81 countries, the Philippines ranks sixth lowest in both mathematics and reading, while it now ranks third lowest in science.

This foundational weakness persists throughout the educational system, leading to a shocking outcome that millions of Filipinos have finished high school despite being functionally illiterate.

A national response to a global threat

Recognizing this urgent threat in 2018, I met with the GAIN Network led by Lyceum University president Peter Laurel and Rex Wallen Tan to discuss this distressing issue.

We started laying the foundational groundwork to enhance the nation’s global competitiveness. The first crucial step was forming the Technical Working Group for the National Roadmap for Global Competitiveness in Communication Skills (TWG-NRGCCS) and providing a grant to fund the meetings with educational stakeholders.

While some sectors and universities wanted CHED to require the inclusion of mandatory English in the curriculum, I argued that this was not a language issue. Instead, we should view English proficiency as a strategic advantage for Filipino graduates, especially in fields such as engineering and technology, medicine and allied health, tourism management and teacher education. These are degree programs where our graduates are highly recognized and tend to practise their professions worldwide.

This TWG-NRGCCS was instrumental in rolling out a multi-pronged national strategy that includes:

Democratizing education: CHED provided a grant to develop free Open Educational Resources (OERs) covering CEFR proficiency levels A2 to B2, which are now publicly accessible on the IAS CHED YouTube channel. In parallel, TWG-NRGCCS members led by Rex Wallen Tan volunteered their expertise to help create the Duolingo ‘English for Tagalog Speakers’ course, which now provides free learning to more than one million users.

Standardizing proficiency: The TWG successfully oriented 94 percent of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), establishing a unified, international benchmark for language skills across the country.

Driving national adoption: The influence of this framework has expanded beyond higher education. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has now adopted the CEFR for all language programs under its National Language Skills Center (NLSC), ensuring a consistent standard for both academic and technical-vocational tracks.

A strategy for economic survival

This CHED-industry-academe collaboration is not merely educational upgrades; these are critical to our national economic survival. By elevating English proficiency, the Philippines can directly address the skills gap, reinforcing the very foundation upon which our most vital industries are built and sustained.

This initiative must now be rolled out to cover more universities nationwide and expand across academic disciplines.

Securing our economic future depends on winning this global competition.

Metro Pacific Water (MPW) is scaling up its footprint in Iloilo with more than P11 billion in new projects, on top of the P4.2 billion it has already poured into rehabilitating the province’s aging water system.

‘MPW has been a partner of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) for several years, and we recognize that the road to addressing Iloilo’s water challenges has not been easy,’ MPW President and CEO Andrew Pangilinan said.

‘We are not here to offer a quick fix. Quick fixes are what left Iloilo struggling in the first place. We are here to build a system that can stand for decades – one that future generations will not need to question.’

The planned capital program will fund both short- and long-term upgrades, according to Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), the joint venture company serving Iloilo City and seven neighboring municipalities.

‘Short-term projects include pipe replacements and upgrades in HS Jaro, Diversion, Q. Abeto, Iloilo City Proper, Mansaya, Bo. Obrero, and Sinikway,’ said MPIW Commercial Support Services Department head Annie Mae Salonga.

‘For the long-term, we have started developing the 66.5 million liters per day (MLD) Desalination Plant and a 5 MLD modular facility to help secure Iloilo’s water supply.’

Salonga said the utility has also standardized more than 28,000 meters to ensure fair and accurate billing.

‘Old meters degrade over time and no longer provide accurate readings. Standardization ensures that the consumption recorded is exactly what the customer is charged – no more, no less,’ she said.

MPIW Chief Operating Officer David Berba emphasized that customer trust underpins the expansion.

‘Water is not just a commodity – it is life itself. It is the mother cooking rice for her family, the student washing before school, the worker refreshing after a long day. That is why trust is so important in this service. And trust is not built by words – it is built when Ilonggos turn on their taps and water flows, day after day,’ he said.

Despite the heavy investment pipeline, Salonga clarified that any adjustments in water rates would be determined by MIWD and regulated by the Local Water Utilities Administration. She noted that rates have not changed since 2018 despite rising operating costs.

‘With the improvement of water services through service level projects, customers will enjoy 24/7 safe and reliable water supply and will feel that their payments are truly worth it,’ she said.

MPW, through MPIW, entered Iloilo in 2019 to take over what it described as a heavily strained and outdated network.

The company now serves more than 860,000 people across Iloilo City and seven municipalities, stretching over 572 square kilometers and the Tigum-Aganan Watersheds.

Rolling out these projects, the company added, requires coordination with multiple regulators – including MIWD, LWUA, and the National Water Resources Board – as well as the priorities of eight local governments.

Every job has its share of after-work pains, including daily 9 to 5s behind a desk (plus overtime for some).

“Sitting is the new smoking,” quips Ma. Elena Lourdes R. Tan of Makati Medical Center’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “That means the lack of activity increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers – conditions associated with regular tobacco use.”

Beyond those conditions, another risk that could occur from being hunched over a desk is musculoskeletal pain, with Dr. Tan pointing out common issue among office workers is lower back pain.

Because people have curved postures when they’re seated, pain is also felt in the shoulders and neck.

Dr. Tan describes it as “tech neck” or “text neck” as it’s common among those who frequently use gadgets, “It’s stress caused from keeping your shoulders and head slumped forward and your chin practically touching your chest.”

The hands and wrists may also feel pain or weakness, especially when using a computer, and the doctor says that it is likely carpal tunnel syndrome.

“The carpal tunnel is a space in your wrist bone that serves as a passageway for tendons, ligaments, and nerves to reach your hand,” Dr. Tan explained. “When the median nerve in your carpal tunnel is irritated or damaged due to repetitive motions, it sends pain to your hand, wrist, and fingers.”

Speaking of computer use, hours of looking at a screen can affect one’s eyes leading to blurred vision, dryness, and headaches.

As such, Dr. Tan listed down a number of tips to avoid the risks of office-related pains and to work more comfortably.

Sitting right

Dr. Tan advises using a chair that supports the spine, and its height can be adjusted.

“Feet are flat on the floor, knees at the same level as the hips, and head straight, not bent forward,” she reminded.

The doctor added ensure one is at arm’s length from the computer, the wrists are straight and the hands level with the elbows.

Breaks

A five-minute break, not long ones, every 30 minutes can relax and recharge the body and brain, as well as give the eyes a rest.

How one spends their break varies – go for a walk, meditate, stretch, listen to music, read, eat, or chat with an officemate.

Ergonomic products

Standing desks are in these days because, as Dr. Tan points out, one isn’t hunched over when using one so the posture is more aligned.

“Still, you might have to take walking and sitting breaks with this type of desk, as standing for too long can be tough on your joints and the soles of your feet,” she added.

Other ergonomic products could be footrests or laptop risers, all of them designed to make the work environment more comfortable.

Exercise

Dr. Tan said exercise improves posture by strengthening the muscles that support the back, shoulders, and core.

Excercising also releases mood-enhancing endorphins that lift the spirit to relax oneself after a long day.

The doctor advises simple stretches like neck shoulder rolls, chest stretches, and torso twists, as well as quick exercises such as squats and triceps dip using a chair, seated movements like calf raises and knee to chest, and wall push-ups and sits.

Cebu’s resort town Moalboal, famed for its sardine runs and coral reefs, joined the global International Coastal Cleanup Day with a rare public-private initiative that underscores how developers and hoteliers are embedding sustainability into their growth strategies.

For the first time, the coastal town held two coordinated cleanups. Municipal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron led local government workers in clearing debris along the seawall, wharf and reclamation areas near the town proper.

In parallel, Club Serena Resort mobilized a consortium of private companies, safety officers and volunteers for a beach and underwater cleanup in Saavedra, one of Moalboal’s most-visited white sand stretches.

The private-sector initiative, spearheaded by Cebu-based developer AppleOne Properties Inc. (API) and its hospitality arm One Root Hospitality, drew participation from barangay officials, police, coast guard, fire protection units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as scuba divers from local resorts.

‘The annual ICC Day brought together people from all walks of life to care for the sea and celebrate Moalboal’s love for nature and culture,’ Cabaron said.

He added that the initiative, part of a global campaign themed ‘Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis,’ builds on year-round local efforts to preserve the town’s beaches and marine ecosystems.

AppleOne, which has expanded its footprint in property and hospitality across Cebu and the Visayas, positioned its leadership role in the cleanup as part of a broader sustainability agenda.

‘AppleOne’s leadership in this year’s ICC is our public statement on sustainability even as we pursue property and tourism development in the countryside,’ said Samantha Manigsaca, API’s vice-president for hospitality.

She noted that the multi-sector participants signed pledges after the cleanup to support the protection of Tañon Strait, the country’s largest marine protected seascape.

Moalboal, situated on Cebu’s southwestern coast and a finalist in the Department of Tourism’s Philippine Tourism Awards, has seen rising visitor numbers driven by its rich biodiversity, sardine runs and diving sites.

Business leaders in the town said environmental stewardship is vital to maintaining its global reputation as a marine tourism hub.

Gunmen killed a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and wounded two others, including a policeman, in an ambush at a busy thoroughfare in this city at noon on Saturday, October 4.

Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, SK chairman of Barangay Poblacion 5 and a third-year engineering student at Cotabato City State University, died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds.

His relative, Muamar Salvador Matanog, was seriously wounded in the attack.

The two were aboard a red Toyota Raize and were reportedly on their way to an undisclosed location when gunmen opened fire at the intersection of Jose Lim Sr. Street and Sinsuat Avenue – just a short distance from Cotabato City Police Precinct 1.

Also injured was Patrolman Norsaiden Laguiali, who was on duty and had responded to the incident when he was shot by the suspects.

The gunmen fled on motorcycles before police reinforcements arrived.

Cotabato City police director Col. Jibin Bongacayao and Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said investigators are coordinating with Matanog’s relatives and barangay officials to identify the assailants.

Police forensic teams recovered 92 empty bullet shells from the scene.