When Malacañang triumphantly declared that former congressman and alleged flood-control scammer Zaldy Co “caught” in Czechia, who informed the President about the arrest?

And why did another Cabinet official make bold announcements of “vigorous” negotiations, “quick” extradition, and “70-80% chance” of return?

This early expectations-raising narrative seemed reckless. Career diplomats know that the basics in this case were never in Manila’s favor: We have no extradition treaty with Czechia and the path via repatriation was narrow.

And as a THEPHILBIZNEWS source noted: A very real risk also exists that a competent lawyer could stall everything with an asylum claim in the EU.

So once Co slipped out of Czechia and reportedly surfaced in France seeking asylum, the Philippine government’s tone snapped back to reality.

This time, the first person to inform the President enters the picture again. This time, correcting earlier impressions (and appearing like from a bumbling government), official statements no longer had sweeping assurances: passport cancelled, Interpol notified, and embassy verifying.

The uncomfortable reminder that should have been front and center from Co’s reported arrest: Diplomacy, including EU asylum rules and NOT Philippine politics, set the pace.

Truly, the foreign service corps does not “get” fugitives. It tracks, coordinates, and negotiates — within laws it does not control.

For the first Presidential bearer of diplomacy news, the lesson should cut deep: You cannot declare a success (Co’s arrest in this case) before diplomacy has even begun.

In a Department of Foreign Affairs news release, Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos and RUB Philippine Studies Program Coordinator Dr. Roger Friedlein signed the agreement on April 24, 2026 at the Philippine Consulate General. 

First established in 2019, the PSP has supported the study of Philippine culture, history, and society within RUB’s academic curriculum. The Program has enabled a range of credited courses and academic offerings, which may be viewed in the following link: https://www.romanistik.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/romsem/sprachen/philippinen/lehre.html.de

The renewed agreement underscores the Philippines’ sustained commitment to promoting deeper understanding of its culture and heritage in Europe through academic collaboration.

Over the years, the PSP has served as a key platform for fostering scholarly engagement and strengthening people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Germany. 

Among its notable outputs is the publication of Galería de viajeros y de una viajera a las Islas Filipinas, which was presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, where the Philippines was Guest of Honor. 

Under the renewed agreement, the Consulate will provide additional support for expanded academic programs, research initiatives, and related activities at RUB.

The updated program framework is expected to enable a broader range of activities, including the development of new courses, support for research and publications, academic exchanges, and collaborative projects that further integrate Philippine Studies within the University’s curriculum and wider academic network.

The extension also opens opportunities to strengthen institutional linkages, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and expand engagement with students and scholars interested in Philippine Studies, contributing to the Program’s long-term sustainability and continued growth.

The Philippine Studies Program is supported by the vision and sustained advocacy of Senator Loren Legarda, longtime culture champion and visionary, whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing and maintaining Philippine Studies initiatives abroad.

With the extension in place, both institutions reaffirm their shared commitment to further strengthening academic cooperation and deepening appreciation of the Philippines in Germany and beyond.

Japan is set to deepen its energy partnership with the Philippines, positioning Manila as one of the early beneficiaries under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, as both countries mark the 70th year of diplomatic relations — underscoring a renewed push for closer cooperation in energy security, transition, and investment.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC, said he expects the Philippines to be among the first countries to receive support under the newly launched POWERR Asia (Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia), a regional financing initiative involving 11 economies aimed at strengthening energy resilience and advancing decarbonization across Asia.

Kishida made the statement during the AZEC press conference following separate meetings with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin in Manila, where discussions centered on expanding cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear energy, and long-term energy system stability.

He stressed that growing geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainties, particularly in the Middle East, are reinforcing the urgency for more diversified and resilient energy systems in the region.

Kishida also underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN-wide collaboration through AZEC, noting that Japan and the Philippines will co-host the fourth AZEC leaders’ meeting in November, which is expected to further refine regional energy cooperation mechanisms.

He confirmed that detailed discussions on POWERR Asia will continue among its 11 member economies—Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, and Cambodia—to define funding pathways and project priorities.

Japan currently has more than 540 AZEC-related projects across Southeast Asia, including over 30 in the Philippines covering renewable energy, bioenergy, and other transition-related investments.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to visit Japan later this month, where both sides are seen to further advance discussions on financing, strategic energy investments, and expanded cooperation under the AZEC and POWERR Asia frameworks.

Former Japanese Prime Minister and House of Representatives member Fumio Kishida visited the Philippines on April 30 as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, holding high-level talks with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin to strengthen bilateral cooperation on energy security, decarbonization, and economic resilience.

During his meeting with President Marcos, Kishida underscored the growing importance of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, saying resilient energy supply systems are now more critical than ever for Asian economies. He said AZEC’s goal of advancing energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization simultaneously has become increasingly relevant.

Kishida also thanked President Marcos for joining the AZEC Plus online Summit on Energy Resilience held on April 15. He conveyed Prime Minister Takaichi’s commitment to deepen cooperation with the Philippines and work closely with President Marcos toward co-hosting the 4th AZEC Leaders’ Meeting in November.

He likewise handed over a letter from Prime Minister Takaichi to the Philippine leader and expressed hope that ties between the two nations would expand further this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

President Marcos welcomed Kishida’s visit and expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support to the Philippines. He said AZEC initiatives have gained even greater importance under current global conditions and affirmed Manila’s commitment to close collaboration with Tokyo.

Both sides also discussed concrete cooperation under the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia), as well as the future evolution of AZEC with stronger focus on economic and energy resilience.

Kishida also met with Energy Secretary Garin, thanking the Philippines for its active role under AZEC and expressing hope for continued collaboration as co-chairs of the Ministerial Meeting in September.

Garin welcomed the visit and described AZEC as an increasingly vital platform for regional cooperation. She also signaled interest in expanding partnerships with Japanese firms and accelerating concrete projects under the framework.

Japanese companies operating in the Philippines also joined the discussions, which included exchanges on future investments and deeper private sector cooperation.

Held on April 23 at Naimas Cafe & Bistro, “Isla at Asya: Filipino Roots, Asian Expressions” brought together diplomats, creatives, and food enthusiasts for an evening that was as much about storytelling as it was about taste.

Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai in celebration of Filipino Food Month, the event formed part of its broader Pasiklab Pinoy 2026 campaign, an initiative spotlighting Filipino excellence on the global stage.

The supper club was hosted by Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III and welcomed members of the diplomatic community from across Asia, including representatives from Singapore (Syed Muhammad Raziff Aljunied), Thailand (Nipa Nirannoot), Indonesia (Denny Lesmana), Malaysia (Riaz Abdul Razak), Japan (Kakuta Hiromi), and Korea (Yu Ri).

But beyond the guest list, it was the menu that took center stage.

Curated by Dubai-based Filipino chef David Jezreel “Chef Dabo” Pamplona, the tasting experience offered a thoughtful reinterpretation of beloved Filipino dishes.

Familiar flavors — like the crisp, savory bite of okoy, the bright tang of kinilaw, the smoky richness of inasal, the deep, nutty comfort of kare-kare, and the sweet finish of turon — were elevated through refined techniques and layered with subtle Asian influences.

Each course was paired with non-alcoholic beverages crafted by Liquid Chef Melanie Tuy, underscoring a modern, inclusive approach to dining that placed equal emphasis on flavor, balance, and creativity.

More than a showcase of culinary skill, the evening reflected the evolving identity of Filipino cuisine: deeply rooted in tradition, yet open to reinterpretation and exchange.

In Dubai — a crossroads of cultures — this dialogue felt especially resonant.

In his remarks, Consul General Enciso highlighted food as one of the most accessible expressions of culture and a powerful tool for connection. The dishes served, he noted, carried with them the warmth and generosity of Filipino hospitality, while also revealing the Philippines’ long-standing culinary ties with its Asian neighbors.

The supper club is part of a continuing effort by the Philippine Consulate General to collaborate with Filipino-led establishments in Dubai, promoting a confident, contemporary image of the Philippines abroad.

Through initiatives like Pasiklab Pinoy 2026, the goal is not only to celebrate Filipino creativity but also to deepen cultural understanding. One thoughtfully crafted dish at a time.

At “Isla at Asya,” every plate told a story. And in between bites, guests found something more enduring: a shared appreciation for how food, in all its forms, can bridge cultures and bring people closer together.

For many travelers, Qatar is first defined by Doha’s skyline and the glow of the Corniche at night. Yet beyond the capital’s waterfront lies a deeper narrative—one shaped by art, marine wonder, and time-honored wellness traditions.

As Qatar continues to evolve, it is crafting an identity that extends beyond its modern façade. Outside Doha’s striking architecture, the country reveals a quieter, more reflective side—expressed through public art, rare marine encounters, and wellness practices rooted in centuries of knowledge.

Together, these experiences signal a growing focus on heritage, sustainability, and lifestyle-driven travel.

Art in the Streets of Doha

Across Doha, artist Mubarak Al-Malik is part of a movement transforming public spaces into open-air cultural canvases.

Known for blending abstract and realist styles, Al-Malik has long championed the idea that art should exist beyond gallery walls. Inspired by street art during a trip to Europe in 2010, he began bringing his work into everyday spaces—making it accessible to a wider audience.

A recurring motif in his work is the batoola, the traditional metallic face covering worn by older Arab women. For Al-Malik, it represents heritage, identity, and the enduring strength of past generations.

Among his notable pieces is a mural at Qatar Museums’ Fire Station, depicting a woman in a batoola beside burning bakhoor, a traditional aromatic incense—an evocative blend of cultural memory and contemporary expression.

His work also extends into older communities and villages, where weathered walls are reimagined as cultural landmarks, reinforcing art as part of daily life.

A Rare Encounter at Sea

Beyond the city, Qatar offers one of the region’s most remarkable natural spectacles.

In the waters of Al Shaheen, as many as 200 whale sharks gather seasonally between May and September. These gentle giants—the largest fish in the world—are typically solitary, making their congregation in Qatar’s warm waters a rare phenomenon.

The government strictly regulates guided tours, allowing visitors to observe the animals responsibly under conservation protocols. This reflects Qatar’s growing commitment to sustainable tourism and marine stewardship.

For those who experience it, the encounter is both unforgettable and humbling—a rare glimpse into the richness of marine life in the Arabian Gulf.

Wellness Rooted in Tradition

North of Doha, Zulal Wellness Retreat by Chiva-Som offers a contrasting experience—one centered on healing, balance, and tradition.

Built on the principles of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), the retreat draws from centuries of knowledge influenced by Islamic scholars and enriched by Persian, Graeco-Roman, Chinese, and Ayurvedic practices.

Its holistic programs combine therapies such as cupping, therapeutic massage, movement, meditation, and nutrition—creating a comprehensive approach to well-being.

Set between desert and sea, Zulal provides a tranquil environment designed for rest and renewal, offering a deliberate pause from the pace of urban life.

A Broader View of Qatar

From Doha’s evolving street art scene to the waters of Al Shaheen and the calm of its wellness retreats, Qatar is presenting a more layered identity to the world. It is a destination where modern development meets cultural depth, natural wonder, and a growing emphasis on meaningful travel—offering experiences that resonate beyond the surface.

In Qatar, the story no longer ends at the Corniche—it begins beyond it.

(This feature is based on the Qatar Now material shared by the Embassy of Qatar through His Excellency Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi to THEPHILBIZNEWS.)

As chair of this year’s ASEAN, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will join his fellow heads of state from 10 other member-countries of the regional bloc during the leaders’ summit on May 7 and 8.

During an ASEAN press briefing, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province is prepared to host the leaders and their delegations for the summit.

“We in Cebu, we are ready,” Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said.

Baricuatro said security preparations are already “80-percent complete,” with enhanced emergency response systems and hospitals on “code blue” alert throughout the summit.

She said rehearsals and dry runs will be conducted prior to the arrival of heads of state and delegates.

Delegations are expected to be concentrated in Lapu-Lapu City, where key summit activities will take place, including meetings at the newly constructed Mactan Expo in Mactan Newtown.

Nagiel Bañacia, head of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said preparations in the city have been underway since December, including extensive information campaigns and traffic management planning.

Bañacia noted that road closures will be limited to convoy movements and will be reopened immediately after. He added that the two major bridges connecting Lapu-Lapu to mainland Cebu will remain open throughout the summit.

“We understand that daily life must continue even as we host this summit,” he said, adding that 70 to 90 percent of emergency preparedness measures are already in place.

Authorities have also identified key routes from the airport to Mactan resorts, where most delegates will be billeted.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival said traffic management plans are in place, with no full-day road closures expected.

“So far, there will be no major road closures, but we are ready if adjustments are needed,” he said, citing coordination with police and traffic management groups. Delegates traveling from the airport to Cebu City are expected to pass through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Ouano Jr. cited ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including road asphalting, improved street lighting, and solar installations along key transit routes. Barangays have also been mobilized for clean-up and repainting efforts.

Ouano said traffic flow will remain uninterrupted, with increased security presence and continuous monitoring during the summit.

The Department of Public Works and Highways reported that preparations for national roads have been completed and urged the public to maintain cleanliness and dispose of waste properly during the event.

Baricuatro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the summit and called on Cebu residents to extend a warm welcome to delegates.

“This is a momentous event. Cebu is featured among all the 82 provinces. Cebu has been chosen. That alone will inspire us to do our best, and let’s be hospitable to our guests. If there are delegates, give them a smile. Give them the warmest Cebuano welcome,” she said.

In a news release dated earlier this week, the DFA has announced the completion of the Foreign Assistance Leveraged for Cybersecurity Operational Needs (Falcon) Program, a capacity-building initiative conducted with the US Department of State and Australian firm CyberCX.

The program wrapped up with a two-day simulation on April 14–15 at the DFA headquarters in Pasay City, testing how the agency would respond to a large-scale cyberattack, an increasingly urgent concern as governments worldwide face hacking attempts targeting sensitive data and public services.

Officials said the exercise validated the DFA’s ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents, including coordination across teams handling investigation, technical recovery, regulatory compliance, and crisis communication.

Undersecretary Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega described the effort as part of a broader push to safeguard the country’s digital diplomatic infrastructure.

She emphasized in her opening remarks that the current threat environment demands that cybersecurity be treated as an “indispensable function of modern diplomacy and national security.”

The initiative comes at a time when AI-powered cyberattacks — ranging from phishing to deepfake-driven fraud — are becoming more common, while geopolitical rivalries have increased risks of state-backed cyber intrusions targeting government systems.

For ordinary Filipinos, stronger cybersecurity at the DFA means better protection of personal data submitted for passports, visas, and other consular services.

It also helps ensure the reliability of official documents issued by the department, including those processed through DFA-CERT, which handles authentication and apostille services used for employment, study, and migration abroad.

At the closing ceremony, the CyberCX team formally turned over a cybersecurity strategy and roadmap to the DFA’s Office of Asset Management and Support Services and its Information and Communications Technology Division.

US Embassy representatives, including Acting Deputy Economic Counselor Taylor Fincher, witnessed the turnover, highlighting continued cooperation between Manila and its allies on digital security.

Assistant Secretary Charmaine A. Serna-Chua said the program produced concrete tools to improve the DFA’s response to cyber incidents, including an Incident Communications Guidance Booklet and the formalization of DFA-CERT processes.

The lessons from the simulation will also help fast-track improvements in the DFA’s internal systems, including how records are secured and managed during cyber emergencies.

With more government services moving online and with Filipinos increasingly relying on digital platforms for travel and overseas work, officials said strengthening cyber resilience is no longer optional but essential.

The Falcon Program, they added, marks a step toward ensuring that Philippine diplomacy — and the services that support millions of Filipinos worldwide — remain secure in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo on Tuesday (April 28) joined a site inspection of the landfill in Barangay Tanza, Navotas City, where an underground fire linked to methane gas continues to burn beneath decades of accumulated waste.

At the site, Ambassador Endo, together with Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, received a briefing on the ongoing response from a Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) expert team dispatched from Japan.

Ambassador Endo conveyed his appreciation to the JDR team and expressed hope for the early resolution of the situation, saying Japan stands ready to continue supporting Philippine agencies as they work to fully extinguish the fire and stabilize the 41‑hectare landfill.

The visit highlighted close coordination among the Embassy of Japan, Philippine national government agencies, and local officials as operations continue to contain remaining hotspots and manage the fire’s public health and environmental impacts.

The JDR team, deployed under the Japan Disaster Relief program of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), began work on April 23 following a request from the Philippine government through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Led by Minister Naobumi Yokota of the Embassy of Japan, the six‑member group of Japanese disaster experts is tasked to conduct technical assessments and provide guidance to Philippine authorities battling the lingering landfill fire.

In a recent statement, JICA said the expert team will remain in the Philippines for the duration of its mission “to carry out technical assessments and provide guidance in close coordination with relevant Philippine authorities.”

The Navotas facility, once one of Metro Manila’s main disposal sites, has been the source of smoke and hazardous air that have affected residents in Navotas and neighboring areas, prompting calls for stronger enforcement of safe closure standards for aging landfills.

Philippine officials told Ambassador Endo that the incident has underscored the need for proper landfill closure and gas management systems, as well as long‑term monitoring to prevent similar fires.

They said technical inputs from the Japanese experts are expected to improve ongoing suppression efforts and help shape future protocols for dealing with complex waste‑related emergencies.

The team, deployed under the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) program of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), began work on April 23 following a request from the Philippine government through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Led by Minister Naobumi Yokota of the Embassy of Japan, the six-member group is tasked to conduct technical assessments and provide guidance to Philippine authorities battling the lingering fire at the 41-hectare Navotas landfill.

“The expert team will stay in the Philippines for the duration of its mission to carry out technical assessments and provide guidance in close coordination with relevant Philippine authorities,” JICA said in a news release issued late last week.

Fire not fully out, smoke continues to spread

While earlier reports said the fire was “under control,” authorities clarified that this does not mean it has been fully extinguished. As of April 23, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) continued to report “smoldering conditions” at the site — an indication that underground hotspots remain active.

Satellite monitoring by the Philippine Space Agency (PSA) showed that air quality across Metro Manila has yet to return to normal, with smoke drifting as far as Bulacan and Bataan.

Environmental monitors from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported at least eight areas in Metro Manila experiencing unhealthy air quality levels, affecting cities including Navotas, Malabon, and parts of Quezon City.

In nearby Obando, Bulacan, more than 300 residents were evacuated due to heavy smoke, with some reports placing the number closer to 400.

The situation has shifted from a visible blaze to a more difficult phase: underground smoldering.

This means the fire is burning beneath layers of waste, making it harder to extinguish and prolonging smoke emissions for days — or even weeks.

Authorities have been using a combination of methods to suppress the fire, including covering hotspots with soil; compacting and cooling the waste mass; water misting to reduce smoke; aerial water drops with support from the Philippine Air Force (PAF); and deployment of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators

The Japanese team is expected to help refine these methods, particularly in fire suppression, air pollution monitoring, and waste management.

A later update noted that Japanese experts had already approved the fire-control methods being used, indicating close coordination and ongoing response operations.

Long-standing PH-Japan disaster cooperation

The JDR deployment highlights Japan’s long-standing disaster response partnership with the Philippines.

“The Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) program is a core pillar of JICA’s cooperation with partner governments, providing timely assistance in times of disaster and supporting recovery efforts,” JICA said.

In the Philippines, JDR support dates back to the 1990 Baguio earthquake and has continued through recent disasters, including humanitarian assistance after the 2025 Cebu earthquake.

JICA, which implements Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), supports development and disaster response efforts in more than 140 countries.