2027: We cannot promise NNPCL refineries revival – Amaechi

African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he cannot promise Nigerians that the country’s government-owned refineries will be revived if his party takes power in 2027.

Amaechi made the statement while speaking on his plans for Nigeria’s energy sector, cautioning against making commitments before assessing the actual state of the facilities and the cost required to restore them.

The former Rivers State governor said politicians often make promises before getting into office, only to discover that the reality of governance is more complicated.

‘Until you get into government, don’t be like those who made promises and when they got into government, they were overwhelmed,’ Amaechi said.

His comment comes amid years of concern over the poor performance of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, which have remained a major issue in the country’s oil sector despite several rehabilitation efforts.

Amaechi said he would rather assess the condition of the facilities before making any commitment on their revival.

The ADC chieftain, however, outlined an alternative approach to improving fuel availability by supporting private and modular refinery operators through crude oil pricing.

He explained that an administration led by ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar would consider selling crude oil to domestic refiners below international market prices, with the difference serving as government support.

Using Dangote Refinery as an example, Amaechi said if crude oil was priced at N15,000 internationally, government could sell to local refiners at N10,000, with the N5,000 difference serving as a form of subsidy.

‘If the international market price of crude oil is N15,000, Dangote has a refinery, there are those who have modular refineries. So you say to them, ‘Look gentlemen, we will sell to you at N10,000. Our subsidy is the N5,000 you are not paying,” he said.

According to him, cheaper domestic refining would reduce the cost of petroleum products and eventually lower the prices of transportation, food and other essential goods.

Amaechi argued that the removal of fuel subsidy had contributed to rising production and transportation costs, affecting the daily lives of Nigerians.

‘It affects the bread you buy, it affects the transport you use to go to work or anywhere,’ he said.

He added that the Petroleum Industry Act could be amended where necessary to support the proposed policy.

On broader economic plans, Amaechi said an ADC administration would prioritise agriculture, production and industrialisation, arguing that creating jobs would also help tackle insecurity.

He also listed security, education and the economy as key areas requiring urgent attention if Nigeria is to make progress.

Yusuf, Radda, Gwarzo, others felicitate with Nigerians at 66th independence anniversary

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf; Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, and other prominent leaders, have urged Nigerians to embrace unity, love and mutual understanding as vital ingredients for national development.

Yusuf made the call while delivering his address at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, on Thursday.

Governor Yusuf described Independence Day as an important occasion to celebrate Nigeria’s sovereignty and honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and other patriots who contributed towards preserving the country’s unity.

He said his administration, since assuming office three years ago, had prioritised key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and housing, among others.

According to him, as the administration enters its fourth year, ‘greater attention will be devoted to completing ongoing projects and improving the welfare and living conditions of residents across the state.’

Yusuf further stated that his government has made significant investments in the education sector as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning and address longstanding challenges.

He identified the recruitment of additional teachers as one of the measures introduced to bridge the manpower gap and strengthen the state’s education system.

In the health sector, Governor Yusuf said his administration has continued to invest in healthcare delivery, including the rehabilitation of health facilities, to expand access to quality medical services, and recruitment of health personnel to adequately cover health facilities at the nooks and crannies of the state.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing development projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people of Kano state.

He urged the people of Kano and Nigerians across the country to remain united, patriotic and committed to the collective responsibility of building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive nation.

In Katsina, Governor Radda saluted Nigerians and called for renewed faith in the nation.

Radda congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the occasion as a moment to honour the sacrifices that built the nation and renew the collective responsibility to make Nigeria work for all.

Governor Radda said Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, has been marked by moments of triumph and trial, but the resilience of its people has remained a constant thread holding the country together.

‘Sixty-six years after independence, our greatest strength remains our ability to rise, rebuild and move forward together. We have crossed difficult bridges as a nation, and while the road ahead still demands courage and sacrifice, we must never lose faith in Nigeria,’ the Governor said.

He noted that independence should go beyond the celebration of history to serve as a reminder that every generation has a duty to leave the country stronger than it inherited it.

Governor Radda called on Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious and political differences and embrace the shared responsibility of building a peaceful, secure and prosperous country.

‘For us in Katsina State, nation-building begins at home. It means making our communities safer, putting our children in school, supporting our farmers and businesses, improving healthcare and ensuring that government works for the ordinary citizen. This is the responsibility we have accepted, and we will continue to pursue it with purpose,’ he stated.

The Governor paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, members of the Armed Forces and security agencies, as well as citizens who have made sacrifices for the peace, unity and progress of the country.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, not to surrender their hopes for the country, stressing that Nigeria’s future will ultimately be shaped by the choices, courage and contributions of its citizens.

On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, Governor Radda wished President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and diaspora a peaceful 66th Independence Anniversary.

However, the Kano State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has congratulated Nigerians, particularly, Kano residents on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Gwarzo, called for renewed commitment to unity, democratic values, good governance and economic development.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, to mark the anniversary, Gwarzo said Nigeria’s independence should not merely be celebrated with ceremonies and speeches, but should serve as a reminder of the responsibility of leaders and citizens to build a nation where every Nigerian can live with dignity, security and hope.

The Kano NDC governorship candidate said, ‘the country’s 66 years of independence had demonstrated the resilience and determination of Nigerians despite challenges confronting the nation.’

He urged political leaders at all levels to place the interests of the people above personal and partisan considerations.

Gwarzo stressed that, ‘leadership should be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens.’

According to him, ‘Nigeria needs leadership that listens to the people, protects their interests and creates opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development.’

He also called for greater investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, security and job creation, describing them as critical sectors for building a stronger and more prosperous country.

Gwarzo said, ‘the economic difficulties confronting many families required urgent and practical interventions capable of reducing hardship and restoring confidence in the nation’s future.’

The former Kano Deputy Governor further urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions, saying the country’s diversity should be transformed into an asset for national progress.

‘Independence is not simply about the freedom we got in 1960; it is about the responsibility we have today to protect our democracy, strengthen our institutions,promote freedom of speech and build a country that works for all,’ Gwarzo stated.

He called on Nigerians, particularly, young people, to remain actively involved in the democratic process and demand accountability from those entrusted with public office.

Gwarzo reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance and a political system that prioritises the welfare of ordinary citizens, saying Nigeria’s future would depend largely on the quality of leadership and the collective determination of its people.

He prayed for peace, security and prosperity for the country and wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.

In Gombe, the APC governorship candidate, Gombe State, Dr.Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, called for unity, renewed patriotism for national development.

Gwamna congratulated residents and citizens of Gombe State and Nigerians on the occasion of the state’s 30th anniversary and the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for renewed patriotism, unity and collective commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous state and Nigeria.

Dr. Gwamna described Nigeria’s independence as a historic milestone that represents the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations of generations of Nigerians who have contributed to the growth and development of the country.

He said that while the nation has faced significant challenges since independence, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate its capacity to overcome difficulties and move forward through the determination, creativity and resilience of its people.

According to him, the 66th anniversary should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, appreciate the progress made and renew their commitment to the ideals of peace, unity, justice, democracy and inclusive development.

‘Independence is not only a celebration of our past; it is also a reminder of our responsibility to the present and our duty to future generations. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and its progress requires the contribution and sacrifice of every citizen,’ Dr. Gwamna said.

The APC candidate particularly called for greater opportunities for young Nigerians and women, stressing that they remain central to the country’s economic transformation and sustainable development.

He also commended Nigerians for their resilience and urged citizens to continue supporting efforts aimed at strengthening the economy, improving security, expanding access to education and healthcare, creating jobs and promoting agricultural and industrial development.

Gwamna while congratulating residents of Gombe State for the state’s 30th anniversary celebration, also commended the people for their resilience and contributions to the rapid development of the state.

Gwamna further lauded Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for initiatives and policies that his administration had implemented to fast-track development for the state while improving the wellbeing of residents.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals of good governance, accountability, inclusiveness and development, stressing that Gombe Above All remains a guiding principle of his political vision for the state.

He called on the people of Gombe State to continue to uphold the peace and unity for which the state is known, while encouraging citizens to remain committed to peaceful democratic participation and the collective advancement of the state.

The APC governorship candidate also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, saying the country possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of transforming it into a leading global economy if its citizens remain united and committed to national development.

He wished people of Gombe State and Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful 30th and 66th Independence Anniversary respectively and prayed for continued peace, prosperity and progress of the state and Nigeria.

Also, the Director-General of the Kano State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KASA), Comrade Kabiru Saidu Dakata, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Comrade Dakata described the Independence Anniversary as an important occasion that reminds Nigerians of the country’s journey since gaining independence and the progress recorded over the years.

He called on Nigerians to continue promoting patriotism, peace and unity, while contributing positively to the development of their communities and the nation at large.

Comrade Dakata stressed that unity and peaceful coexistence remain important foundations for building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

In a Statement signed by the Director, Public Enlightenment of KASA, Munzali Muhd Hausawa, the KASA Director General described the 66 years of independence as a golden opportunity for Nigerians to work hard towards fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the country’s founding fathers for unity, peace and progress.

He also called on the people of Kano State to remain committed to the development of the state, support peaceful democratic participation, and contribute to efforts aimed at improving the standard of living of the people.

Comrade Kabiru Saidu Dakata further wished the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, members of the State Executive Council, and the people of Kano State a successful Independence Anniversary celebration.

He also wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, unity and sustainable development across the country.

(Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Kano NDC governorship candidate)

NEMA targets faster response to floods, urban disasters

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen the capacity of emergency responders to deal with flooding and other disasters through its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) programme.

NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo, Mr Innocent Nweze, disclosed this on Wednesday in Owerri at a refresher training on USAR operations organised for agency personnel and other critical stakeholders.

Nweze said the programme had become ‘very important’ because of the increasing complexity of urban environments and the growing threat posed by building collapses, landslides, explosions, industrial accidents, communal impasse and other emergencies.

He said the challenges confronting communities had been compounded by flooding in different parts of the country, making it necessary to have emergency teams that were properly trained, equipped and able to work together effectively.

‘These complexities, as well as the flooding in various communities across the country, required well-trained, properly equipped, and coordinated response teams.

‘USAR operations are among the most demanding emergency response activities.

‘They require specialised knowledge, appropriate equipment, teamwork, discipline, effective communication, and the ability to make timely decisions under extremely challenging conditions.

‘More importantly, USAR operations are about saving lives and reducing suffering when every minute matters,’ Nweze said.

He explained that the training was intended to improve the capacity of emergency responders while strengthening cooperation among the various agencies involved in disaster management.

According to him, it would also encourage the application of internationally recognised principles and good practices in search and rescue operations, particularly in urban areas.

Nweze commended NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Umar Zubaida, and the agency’s management for their support for the programme.

He also acknowledged the contributions of partner organisations towards facilitating its implementation.

The NEMA official urged participants to remain committed to developing competent and well-coordinated USAR teams capable of responding quickly and safely when emergencies occur.

‘Effective disaster management is a collective responsibility, and programmes, such as this, demonstrate the importance of collaboration in building resilient communities,’ Nweze said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service and National Inland Waterways Authority were represented at the training.

The programme featured a simulation exercise at the Otammiri River, where participants demonstrated procedures for rescuing a drowning person.

Navy rescues two kidnap victims, recovers stolen engine boats in Akwa Ibom

Operatives of Nigerian Navy have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbers and kidnappers in Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State.

According to Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was conducted on September 30, following reports that criminal gangs were targeting fishermen, seizing their boats and stealing outboard engines.

According to the statement, the operation was conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno.

He said during the operation, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals. The occupants reportedly fled into adjoining creeks when they sighted the naval personnel, triggering a pursuit.

Folorunsho said one of the abandoned boats contained several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.

The naval team rescued the victims and escorted them to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further action.

Folorunso said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Naval spokesperson said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to protecting lives and securing legitimate maritime activities across the country’s waterways.

He also said the service would sustain proactive patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions to prevent criminal activities and respond promptly to distress situations.

The Nigerian Navy spokesperson, however, stressed the importance of credible intelligence and community support in tackling maritime crimes, urging coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information to security agencies.

According to him, the Navy would continue to deploy its ships, bases, surveillance systems and maritime quick response teams to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

Moses Paul replaces Tanko as National Coordinator of Obidient Movement

Supporter of Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, popularly know as Obidient Movement have appointed Mr Moses Paul to replace Yunusa Tanko as their new National Coordinator.

The appointment of Paul who was the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the recent Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship election was announced in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Onyeka Dike of the Movement’s Media and Communications Directorate.

Paul’s appointment was sequel to the reassignment of Tanko as Special Adviser to Peter Obi on Northern Nigeria, the statement indicated.

Tanko, who served as national coordinator for three years was also quoted in the statement as expressing his appreciation to the leadership, members and supporters of Obidient Movement for their support throughout his tenure.

Tanko identified the strengthening of the movement’s organisational structure and institutional framework as major areas of focus during his tenure.

He said that the movement established a National Advisory Council to deepen strategic engagement and transition from election-cycle activism to a lasting institution.

Tanko also highlighted the establishment of offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside five regional coordinators and a regional collegiate council.

He said grassroots structures were established across the 37 state coordination areas and 774 local government areas to strengthen the movement’s presence and mobilisation nationwide.

Tanko also said that the Obidient Movement developed an online mobilisation and recruitment platform, www.obidients.com, alongside an election-results monitoring system linked to INEC’s Results Viewing Portal.

He added that the movement expanded its engagement with communities, stakeholders and support groups across the country as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational reach.

The statement said leaders of the movement commended Tanko for his contributions to its organisational development, coordination and expansion during his three-year tenure.

It said Tanko’s new role as special adviser to Peter Obi on Northern Nigeria would involve leading mobilisation and engagement efforts across the region.

According to the statement, Paul, who succeeded Tanko as national coordinator, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build on existing structures.

Paul described the Obidient Movement as a citizens’ movement rather than one centred on individuals, while soliciting the prayers, support and cooperation of members and supporters.

‘With grace, humility, courage and determination, I accept the appointment to serve as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.

‘Dr Tanko’s shoes are quite big, and I will need your prayers and support to move the movement forward,’ he added.

Bank exec found dead in Benguet

A bank manager was found dead with a gunshot to the head in Tuba, Benguet on Tuesday afternoon.

The victim, whose identity was withheld, was found inside a vehicle parked along Kennon Road, between the villages of Camp 3 and Twinpeaks.

The presence of the vehicle longer than expected in the area prompted residents to alert police.

Responding police officers found the victim in the front seat of the vehicle. A handgun was recovered beside the body.

The victim’s wife told police that her husband left home at around 7 p.m. on Monday to attend an awarding ceremony in Manila the following day.

She said her husband’s colleagues called to ask her why the victim did not attend the event and that he could not be reached by phone.

She said she immediately reported her husband missing to the Baguio City police.

Probers said they would review video footage of closed-circuit television cameras installed along the route leading to the site where the body was found.

EPIRA at 25: The distribution utilities

The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA, RA 9136) turned 25 years old this year. I wrote a three-parts series last month in my column in BusinessWorld: ‘EPIRA at 25: More lights, less blackouts, fewer subsidies, lower prices?’ (Part 1, Sept. 8), ‘EPIRA at 25’ (Part 2, Sept. 15), and ‘EPIRA at 25: Goals reached, new issues for the future’ (Part 3, Sept. 29).

The articles discussed the reforms and privatization of the country’s power generation, transmission (privatization of concession only, not the assets), privatization proceeds of P960 billion and their utilization, the comparative electric power industry structure in East Asia and briefly about power distribution.

This column will discuss in particular the distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs), so consider this as Part 4 of my ‘EPIRA at 25’ series.

EPIRA’s Section 23, ‘Functions of Distribution Utilities’ states that a DU must ‘provide distribution services and connections to its system for any end-user within its franchise area…and supply electricity in the least cost manner to its captive market.’

So the primary function of DUs is to help avoid blackout and ensure sufficient electricity supply to its customers. The secondary function of DUs is to provide cheap or competitively-priced electricity.

Then Section 57, ‘Conversion of Electric Cooperatives’ states that ECs are ‘given the option to convert into either stock cooperative under the Cooperatives Development Act or stock corporation under the Corporation Code.’

And Section 58, about the National Electrification Administration that was created in August 1969 or 57 years ago, states that NEA should ‘prepare ECs in operating and competing under the deregulated electric market within five years from the effectivity of this Act,… strengthen the technical capability and financial viability of rural ECs; and… enhancing the viability of rural ECs as electric utilities.’

Many ECs in the provinces are notorious for violating Section 23 by having frequent blackout in their franchise area. See data from ERC regarding the System Average Interruption Duration Index or blackout minutes in a year of DUs vs ECs.

Two situations are considered: Scheduled maintenance and power supply or grid-related outages like supply deficiency, plant tripping, transmission maintenance.

In 2023, Scheduled maintenance, Meralco’s SAIDI was 51 minutes only while Batangas EC (BATELEC) 1 has 257 minutes (or 4+ hours) and BATELEC 2 has 1,386 minutes (23 hours).

For Power supply, Meralco’s SAIDI was 26 minutes while BATELEC 1 has 2,676 minutes (47 hours) and BATELEC 2 has 1,819 minutes (30 hours).

In Cebu, Visayan Electric Co. (VECO) SAIDI for Scheduled maintenance was 163 minutes (2.7 hours) while Cebu EC 1 (CEBECO 1) has 1,761 minutes (29 hours). In power supply, VECO has only 7.6 minutes while CEBECO 1 has 311 minutes (5.2 hours).

In Mindanao, Davao Light and Power Corp. (DLPC) SAIDI in power supply was 61 minutes (one hour) while Northern Davao EC (DANECO/NORDECO) has 1,256 minutes (21 hours).

I checked the electrification record of these two provincial DUs. VECO has 530,000+ customers covering 674 square kilometers and it has electrified 100 percent of their service area. For DLPC, it has 609,000 customers with a wide service area of 10,223 sq. kms. And it has also electrified 100 percent of all barangays in service area. Cool.

About NEA as a 57-years old bureaucracy, it has violated Section 58 and it has failed to strengthen the ECs’ technical and financial viability – high SAIDI as shown above, and high annual assistance to ECs.

The NEA budget, programmed plus unprogrammed appropriation amounted to as follows: P17.2 billion in 2020, P7.1 billion in 2021, P6.3 billion in 2022, P6.1 billion in 2023, P8.3 billion in 2024, P14.3 billion in 2025 and P13.2 billion programmed for 2026. Of this, loans to ECs are P2.94 billion in 2020-2023, and P6.11 billion in 2024-2026 (Sources: General Appropriations, Volumes 1-A and 1-B various years, and Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing 2027).

Private and urban DUs like Meralco are exposed to more public scrutiny and criticisms than rural ECs. Plus they are registered with and monitored by SEC and not NEA, they are subject to possible bankruptcy if they are wasteful.

Meralco COO Ronnie Aperocho emphasized that they understand the need for reliable investments in generation, distribution and grid infrastructure, instead of waiting for power supply shortages and congestion to occur before taking actions.

The RE law of 2008 (RA 9513) has prioritized and made mandatory dispatch of intermittent and weather-dependent sources like solar and wind. So Meralco and its sister company, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) adjusted and adapted by going into distribution network strengthening, energy storage and having smart and more flexible grid to accommodate more decentralized electricity sources or distributed energy resources (DERs).

Modernization, automation and digitalization requirements of a smart grid and advanced controls are being laid out by DUs to manage a more complex electricity system and supporting the integration of emerging technologies.

Avoiding blackout is paramount to DUs. They must deal with more DERs coming in, higher demand from more EVs, data centers, industrial robotics and big rail projects. Cybersecurity and protection are also important. The ‘least cost’ electricity in Section 23 of EPIRA now means not only in procurement of generation cost but the full system of generation-distribution and networks modernization.

‘The future is here’ somehow, but an even more complex future is still to come. Ensuring no blackout, stable, reliable electricity supply at competitive prices for consumers is the ultimate goal. Meralco and other DUs are forced by circumstances to provide the expectations of more demanding consumers, both households and companies, to prepare for that more complex future.

EPIRA is working. But the law should have made the conversion of ECs to stock corporation mandatory and not optional.

Higher-tiered WTA 250 tourney slated in Philippines next year

A WTA 250 tournament is heading to the Philippines next year.

The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) announced that aside from the returning WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, a new higher-tiered WTA 250 tournament will be held in the country in the final quarter of next year.

“We’re happy to announce and confirm late last night we threshed out some details with our franchise holder of WTA 250. We’re going to have WTA 250 next year, 2027, late October, early November,” Philta secretary general John Rey Tiangco said.

PHILTA bared that the WTA approved the hosting application last week.

‘With the WTA’s approval of the second tournament, the Philippines elevates its standing on the global tennis map with two world-class international competitions that will continue to inspire the next generation of Filipino tennis players in the country,’ the statement read.

The WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open tournament will still be held in January, board member Dyan Castillejo said.

“This tournament is such a big boost to our local athletes also who have a chance to compete against the world’s best in tennis,” Castillejo said.

Castillejo invited international players to ‘put the Philippines in your calendar.’

‘The Philippines is very excited to be hosting you again.”

Tiangco also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee for their support.

Candelaria cops poomsae silver in Asian Games

Making her Asian Games debut at 18 years old, Juliana Candelaria delivered a silver-medal performance in the women’s individual poomsae competition Thursday at the Toyohashi Gymnasium.

Candelaria scored 9.1300 in the gold-medal contest to finish second behind South Korea’s Jung Haeun, who took the gold with 9.3100. Thailand’s Thitaree Kaewolanwasu claimed the bronze with 9.0400.

Candelaria earned a 9.200 score in her recognized poomsae routine before posting 9.060 in the freestyle round.

‘Amazing. I feel great about everything,’ Candelaria told One Sports. ‘It’s such an amazing achievement for me. It’s my first Asian Games.’

‘Super duper thankful to everyone. My family, my coaches, my teammates,’ she added.

Coach Rani Ortega credited the team’s collective effort for Candelaria’s podium finish, which gave the Philippines its fifth silver medal of the Asian Games.

Candelaria joins Jean Claude Saclag (MMA), Marie June Adriano (karate), the Philippine women’s sepak takraw team, and Amaya Amparo Cojuangco (archery) as the country’s other silver medalists.

‘Ang mati-take ko [na lesson] here is live in the moment, kasi what I did in this competition is to enjoy and just be grateful for everything,’ Candelaria said.

‘Hard work really pays off, with the trust and teamwork of all of us, kaya talaga. Kaya,’ Ortega said

PHirst Park Homes merges with Century Properties

The Antonio family’s Century Properties Group Inc. (CPG) has secured the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission for its merger with PHirst Park Homes Inc., with CPG as the surviving entity.

Under the merger, all assets, properties, receivables, rights, privileges and interests of PHirst will be transferred to and vested in CPG, which will likewise assume all of PHirst’s liabilities and obligations.

The merger is intended to consolidate the businesses, assets and operations of CPG and PHirst under a single corporate structure, resulting in a more streamlined and integrated organization.

The initiative is part of CPG’s corporate restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing resource allocations and operational synergies.

CPG president and chief executive officer Marco Antonio said the merger advances the company’s goal of building a simpler and more agile listed firm.

‘It supports disciplined capital allocation and provides a stronger platform to scale our first-home residential business alongside our diversified real estate portfolio,’ Antonio said.

PHirst is CPG’s platform for complete, accessible and well-planned communities for Filipino families.

By bringing the business directly under the listed parent, CPG expects to improve strategic alignment, governance, transparency and execution while reducing duplicated functions.

‘The combined structure will simplify oversight of capital, resources, tax assets and compliance. Greater visibility over financial performance and more efficient resource deployment should support long-term stockholder value,’ CPG chief financial officer Rodel Marqueses said.

From January to June, PHirst Residential remained CPG’s principal growth engine, contributing 73 percent of consolidated revenues and growing by seven percent year-on-year.

Century Premium, meanwhile, accounted for approximately 16 percent of consolidated revenues, while commercial leasing and property management services contributed seven percent and four percent, respectively, providing recurring and complementary support to the residential platform.