MANILA — The women’s national team flew to Thailand on Tuesday for the 22nd Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship but not without a morale-boost from SM’s top man Hans Sy.
“I believe in you, I believe you can deliver really good result,” Sy, chairman of SM Prime Holdings, told the national team during a send-off brunch at the Conrad Hotel.
“This is a competition, but it’s not ‘win or lose,’ it’s really the experience you’ll gain and momentum you’ll build,” Sy also told the team composed of the core of the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs and top collegiate players.
With Sy during the send-off were Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and Lady Bulldogs team manager Engineer Mariano “Bing” See Diet.
The team—coached by Brazilian Jorge Edson Souza de Brito with NU’s Norman Miguel as deputy—is led by University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 84 Rookie Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon and fellow NU star Michaela Belen.
Also on the team are NU’s Natashza Bombita, Camille Lamina, Shaira Jardio, Minierva Maaya, Evangeline Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, Pearl Denura and Myrtle Escanlar along with incoming rookies Arah Panique and Abegail Pono.
They are joined by Lorene Toring of Adamson University and Nina Ytang of University of the Philippines.
The PNVF intends to develop the young team into a fighting squad come 2025 when the country targets to host the FIVB Women’s World Championships.
“I am looking forward to form a dream team for 2025 in the world championships,” Suzara told the athletes.
“I will support that,” Sy told the young athletes as he bared a suggestion that the world championships be staged at a world-class arena at SM Cebu.
The arena, according to Sy, is currently being built and is expected to surpass the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Besides the main court, there will also be a warmup court,” said Sy of the Cebu arena that will seat at least 15,000 just like the MOA Arena. “What we missed out in the MOA Arena, we’re including them all in Cebu.”
Competition will be tough in the Asian Volleyball Confederation tournament that will be held at the Chartchai Hall of The Mall in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Fourteen strong teams are seeing action with the Philippines bracketed in Pool D with many-time champion China, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong.
Reigning champion Japan leads Pool B with India and Iran, Pool A is composed of Australia, Thailand and Mongolia and Pool C is composed of South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
The Philippines plays Kazakhstan at 3 p.m. on opening day Wednesday, China also 3 p.m. Thursday and Hong Kong at 12 noon Friday. Saturday is rest day and the semifinals and classification matches are on Saturday and the final on Monday.
In inspiring the volleyball players, Sy told them what his late father, Henry Sy, maintained as his principle in making SM as the biggest mall and department store chain in the country.
“Stay focused, be hungry and stay humble,” Hans Sy said. “ “Stay focused, believe in yourself. Atay focused on the game, forget about all other things—just concentrate on the game.”
“Stay hungry, always be hungry to win, there’s no such thing as easy win—no matter how wide the margin is you have to be hungry. If you have these two, you’ll definitely win, and if you win, stay humble.”
Sy added: “That is actually the formula of SM. We’re No. 1. We understand the expectations is much higher so we work harder. That’s why my father would always say ‘in good times we work hard. In bad times we work harder.” (ai/mnm)
Zamboanga City – Christine Gomobos of the Philippine Army gave her all in the stretch to win the women’s 100-m dash and secured her third gold yesterday in the penultimate day of the athletics competition in the 2023 ROTC Games Mindanao Leg at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex here.
The 20-year-old Gomobos of Jose Rizal Memorial State University in Dipolog City finished in 13.6 seconds to become the fastest woman in the week-long competition.
Gomobos earlier won the women’s 200-m run in 28.2 seconds and anchored the Army’s women’s team that ruled 4×100-m relay along with Shara Jamilosa, Mary Sumilhig and Rahima Jamil on Monday.
“At least my three months of practice for this event paid off. We were also supposed to participate in Davao City Kadayawan Sports Festival. That’s why I am very much for this event. I hope I can again win in the ROTC national finals tentatively set in October in Manila,” said Gomobos.
She could be athletics’ most bemedalled athlete if her team bring home the gold in the 4×400-m relay which was still being competed at presstime yesterday.
“I hope I can again win in the ROTC national finals in Manila. After this event I will continue my preparations. I will not stop practicing,” added Gomobos.
Rico Miller Noro grabbed the limelight by winning the men’s 100-m dash in 11.8 seconds that relegated yesterday’s 200-m run winner Jerome Marc Dave Basin to only second place in 11.9 seconds. The 21-year-old Miller of Davao Oriental State University settled for second in the 200-m run.
“I really gave my all in the final stretch. Thank God I did it,” said Noro, a first year Bachelor in Industrial Technology Management student of DOSU in Mati, Davao Oriental.
John Barry Asdan of the Philippine Air Force collected his second gilt after ruling the PAF’s 100-m dash in 12.3 seconds, a fitting follow-up of his victory in the men’s 200-m run in 26.1 seconds the other day.
Barbie Joy Lamera of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College in Gen. Santos City was the Air Force’ fastest woman in 15.9 seconds, while Shakira Tuahan was the Navy’s top runner in the century dash with a time of 18.1 seconds.
Philippine Navy’s Silver Jude Ventoza of Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University dominated the men’s 100-m dash in 11.9 seconds.
Each of the three branches of services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including the Army, Navy and Air Force conducted separate competitions for their respective cadets so that a separate gold-silver-bronze medal was awarded to the three winners. (ai/mnm)
A total of one thousand (1,000) Manila Police District personnel will be strategically stationed at polling stations for the October 30, 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The usual gun gun ban took effect at the start of the election period on the 28th of August 2023 and is now officially enforced. Per Comelec’s directive, police checkpoints are to be strategically enforced in Manila and throughout the entire archipelago.
Featured images show some checkpoint paraphernalia and ranking MPD officers locking arms to show their unity and support to the objective during the simple send-off ceremony that occurred on August 26, 2023, at the MPD Headquarters along UN Ave. Malate, Manila.
The PNP’s deployment at polling precincts and erection of checkpoints is a collaborative effort between the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the PNP per Comelec Resolution No. 10918.
MPD Director PBGen. Andre Dizon, and Atty. Jubil Surmieda, the Regional Election Director of Comelec attended the ocassion. Their combined efforts are aimed at facilitating a smooth and successful election process in October.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/AI/MNM)
As public schools open for Academic Year (AY) 2023-2024, Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to maintain focus on learning recovery and preparations for the 2024 rollout of the K to 10 MATATAG curriculum.
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education also hailed the efforts of DepEd and teachers for restoring normalcy to the basic education sector.
Gatchalian, however, pressed the need to address learning poverty and to strengthen fundamental skills such as literacy and numeracy. Learning poverty in the country is at 90.9% based on World Bank estimates as of June 2022. While the DepEd has rolled out programs like the National Learning Camp, Gatchalian said that the rollout of these interventions should capture struggling learners who need the most intervention.
The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act (Senate Bill No.1604), which Gatchalian filed, seeks to establish a national learning recovery program to accelerate learning recovery and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including learning loss. The program’s target includes learners who are below the minimum proficiency levels required in Language, Mathematics, and Science.
The senator also emphasized the importance of preparing for the rollout of the revised K to 10 MATATAG curriculum, which will start rolling out by AY 2024-2025 for Grades 1, 4, and 7, followed by other grade levels in the next school years until 2028.
This school year, however, a pilot implementation of the revised curriculum will run in selected schools. According to Gatchalian, this pilot run should be formally studied to further refine the curriculum and its implementation. The senator also stressed the importance of aligning teacher education and training to the MATATAG curriculum.
“Nakasalalay sa ating mga guro ang tagumpay at epektibong pagpapatupad ng MATATAG curriculum. Dapat nating tiyakin ang kanilang kahandaan sa pamamagitan ng mga dekalidad na pagsasanay,” Gatchalian concluded. (AI/MNM)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the unsung heroes who dedicated their lives to public service.
“In our journey forward as a nation, we must break free from the notion that heroes are only those who have earned a place in the National Pantheon, immortalized in monuments, or those whose names are inscribed in streets, or whose lives are chronicled in biographies,” Marcos said in his speech during the National Heroes Day commemoration rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City.
“While the memories of our heroes of our storied past will never fade, new ones continue to emerge. They are here amongst us, in the daily bustle of modern-day society, in our communities, in our own families and inner circles,” he added.
Marcos recognized the heroism of electric linemen, teachers, farmers, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and urged Filipinos not to forget them and to continue to tell the world the tales of their heroic deeds with genuine appreciation and of promise to emulate their actions and do better.
“We shall not take their heroism for granted. We will not spare ourselves of the moral duty to perpetuate the ideals that they have fought for, and to rectify the unsafe, inequitable, or exceptionally difficult conditions that necessitated their selfless deeds,” Marcos said.
“Failing in our duty, their sacrifices would have been all in vain. Collectively, their heroic acts, small or large, go a long way and make our country and the world a better place. To them, we once again earnestly dedicate this special day,” he added.
The President also urged the Filipino people to collectively recall the heroic deeds of those who fought for the country’s honor and dignity.
“From the warriors of old, revolutionary thinkers, war veterans, and the countless patriots who have helped shape the Philippines into becoming free, independent, and self-determined, to them we are eternally grateful,” he said.
In his speech, Marcos also recognized the contributions of the late Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople in promoting the welfare of OFWs.
Ople died on Aug. 22 at the age of 61.
“We must mention a dear and departed friend who we can only describe as well as a hero and that is our good friend who we just lost, Secretary Toots Ople. And she is a perfect example of what true heroism can be. She tirelessly dedicated the better part of her life to promote the welfare of our modern-day heroes,” Marcos said.
The National Heroes Day celebration on Monday was also attended by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown, National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Emmanuel Calairo.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano and other government officials were also present during the event.
Fitting tribute
The Department of National Defense (DND), meanwhile, said the annual observance of National Heroes Day is a fitting honor to those men and women who fought to gain back the country’s independence.
“This year’s theme, “Honor. Duty. Heroism,” is a fitting call for Filipinos of today to carry on the legacy of our heroes so that we may pass on the freedom we enjoyed borne out of the sacrifices of our heroes,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement.
He added that this occasion also honors present Filipino heroes in-country and abroad for their roles and contributions in keeping the country’s independence and in helping contribute to national development.
“May this year’s celebration of the National Heroes Day be meaningful as each and every public servant in this Department and its bureaus continue to follow the path of our heroes in the performance of our duties as a defense organization,” Teodoro said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) warned the public against red tide in the coastal waters of Bohol, Zamboanga del Sur, Capiz, Iloilo and Aklan.
In Shellfish Bulletin No. 20 dated Aug. 26 and released Monday, the BFAR said shellfishes collected and tested from coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.
Moreover, Saplan Bay (Ivisan and Saplan in Capiz; Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan); coastal waters of Panay; President Roxas, Roxas City in Capiz; coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo; and coastal waters of Altavas, Batan and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan are now positive for PSP.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are not safe for human consumption,” it said.
“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” it added.
On the other hand, the areas that are free from toxic red tide include the coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan, and Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay, and Samal) in Manila Bay; mariculture areas in Infanta, coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, Sual, and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan; mariculture areas in Rosario, and Sto. Tomas in La Union; coastal waters of Pampanga; Masinloc Bay in Zambales; Pagbilao Bay, Pagbilao, and coastal waters of Walay, Padre Burgos in Quezon; Honda and Puerto Princesa Bays, Puerto Princesa City and coastal waters of Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay in Palawan.
The areas that have not been detected with the red tide are coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate; Sorsogon Bay, Juag Lagoon and Matnog in Sorsogon; coastal waters of Borongon, San Dionisio in Iloilo; coastal waters of E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran and Victorias City in Negros Occidental; Tambobo and Siit Bays in Siaton; and Bais Bay in Negros Oriental; coastal waters of Daram and Zumarraga, Cambatutay, Irong-irong, Maqueda, San Pedro and Villareal Bays in Samar; coastal waters of Guiuan in Eastern Samar; coastal waters of Lete, Calubian, Ormoc, Sogod, Carigara Bay and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte.
Also cleared from red tide are coastal waters of Biliran Island; Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay; Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and (Sapang Dalaga, and Baliangao) in Misamis Occidental; Panguil Bay, Tangub City, and coastal waters of Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental; coastal waters of Baroy in Lanao del Norte; Taguines Lagoon, Benoni, Mahinog in Camiguin; Balite, and Pujada Bays, Mati City in Davao Oriental; Malalag Bay in Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur; coastal waters of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte; Litalit Bay in Surigao del Norte; and coastal waters of Hinatuan, Cortes, Lianga and Bislig Bays in Surigao del Sur. (PNA)
MANILA – To generate more investments and job opportunities, Congress must ensure that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies have the resources to do its work, AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co on Monday said.
Co, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations, said the panel will find ways to augment the budget for the DTI, the country’s main investment promotion agency, whose expenditure proposal was slashed in the 2024 national budget now pending in the House of Representatives.
“We have to spend more to develop the products we export as well as train Filipinos to be entrepreneurs; to be job creators, not seekers. If we could do this, we could prevent our people from voting with their feet,” Co said.
At the budget hearing last week, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual lamented the decision of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to set the agency’s expenditure program next year to PHP7.91 billion, an increase from the spending plan this year but just a third of the DTI’s original budget proposal of PHP21.03 billion for 2024.
The Office of the Secretary and the Board of Investments were among the biggest losers in the national expenditure program for 2024.
DBM cut the Office of the Secretary’s budget to PHP5.32 billion from the proposed PHP12.61 billion while the allocation for the BOI was reduced to PHP659 million from the agency’s proposed PHP1.85 billion.
Data comparing DTI’s proposal and the budget DBM submitted to Congress also showed reductions in spending for development projects for industry, and for micro, small and medium enterprises, consumer protection program, Malikhaing Pinoy and establishment of Negosyo Centers.
Pascual said programs designed by DTI to better prepare the economy for newer technologies like artificial intelligence were also left unfunded in the 2024 national expenditure program.
Many lawmakers share Co’s sentiment and pledged support to find ways to supplement, if not increase, DTI’s budget, its attached agencies and its various investment-promotion and job-creation programs.
Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo, a senior vice chairman of the appropriations committee, said the need to provide more financial support for DTI and its programs is highlighted by the slowdown in gross domestic product growth to 4.3 percent in the second quarter from 6.4 percent in the first quarter. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the 2,700 body-worn cameras (BWCs) procured for police officers nationwide will be used in checkpoint operations as part of security measures for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
This as the filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC) for BSKE started on Monday and will run until Sept. 2.
PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan told reporters in a press conference held at Camp Crame that police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered the deployment of a sufficient number of personnel across the nation more than two months ahead of the Oct. 30 polls.
The PNP chief has also reminded police officers to treat all individuals with utmost courtesy and respect at checkpoints and hold inspections in a professional and non-disruptive manner, Maranan said.
“Yung ating Chief PNP ay inutusan yung ating mga regional directors na i-supervise directly yung ating mga checkpoints na inilatag natin siyempre sa pangunguna yan ng mga provincial directors and chiefs of police and siguraduhin na yung ating mga pulis na nagko-conduct ng checkpoint ay nandun sa mga lugar na dapat ay maliwanag, meron silang mga marked vehicles, dapat naka proper uniform at sundin to the letter yung ating police operational procedures at siyempre yung pinakamahalaga yung strict observance of human rights at pagiging courteous sa mga passing motorists (Our PNP chief has instructed our regional directors to directly supervise our checkpoints that we have laid out, of course under the leadership of the provincial directors and chiefs of police, and make sure that our policemen who conduct the checkpoint are in the bright areas, they have marked vehicles, in proper uniforms and follow our police operational procedures to the letter and of course the most important is the strict observance of human rights and being courteous to passing motorists),” said Maranan.
The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.
The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec.
Meanwhile, Maranan said they will continue to monitor the 27 “areas of grave concern” for the coming BSKE.
“We will still wait for the en banc resolution coming from the Comelec so that we can finalize those that are actually in the red category so that we can conduct workshop and validation as soon as possible and as soon the en banc resolution has been released,” said Maranan.
He added that data on these areas have yet to be validated by the PNP, together with the Comelec, the military and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The PNP is also keeping a close watch on the province of Negros Oriental and areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao noting that security adjustments will be made in these areas as the need arises.
The election period for the Oct. 30 village and youth polls will run until Nov. 29 while the campaign period is set from Oct. 19 to 28.
First violator
In Cavite, a 51-year-old bodyguard was arrested for violation of the gun ban which also took effect on Monday.
Based on the spot report that reached Camp Crame, arrested was Melquiades Quieta for carrying a Glock pistol during a checkpoint around 10:45 a.m. Monday in Barangay Cabuco in Trece Martires City.However, the same report did not mention any person or group Quieta is working for.
The gun ban prohibits the bearing, carrying, and transport of firearms and other deadly weapons during the election period.
Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.
Violators face imprisonment of not less than a year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.
They also face disqualification from holding public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification from securing a gun license. (PNA)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it aims to conduct the special elections in Negros Oriental by the second week of December.
The polls are intended to fill the vacant seat of former Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., following calls of the House of Representatives (HoR) to conduct special elections.
“Kaya naman ng Commission on Elections ‘yan basta matapos lang namin itong Barangay and SK Elections [sa] October 30 (The Comelec can do that as long as we finish the BSKE in Oct. 30),” Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said in an interview.
“Siguro bago matapos ang buwan ng September ay makapag-imprenta na kami ng mga balota para sa distrito ng Negros Oriental (Maybe before September ends, we can print ballots for the districts of Negros Oriental),” he said.
Garcia said the poll body will determine the amount needed for the conduct of special elections.
Meanwhile, Garcia said Negros Oriental is one of the areas monitored by the law enforcement agencies in line with the BSKE.
“In the meantime, minamatyagan naming mabuti ang Negros Oriental sapagkat nabanggit ng Chief PNP natin na dalawang lugar talaga ang tinitingnan nila sa bansa. Number 1, ang Negros Oriental at number 2 ang Bangsamoro (we are carefully monitoring Negros Oriental because chief Philippine National Police [Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.] mentioned two areas they are looking in the country. Number 1, Negros Oriental, and number 2 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” he said.
He said around 27 areas in the country are under category red according to the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.
These areas remain undisclosed while undergoing the finalization of assessment, he added. (PNA)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday warned aspiring candidates for the Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from submitting fake or incomplete documents for their certificate of candidacy (COC).
On the first day of COC filing in Manila, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said there was an aspiring candidate who allegedly submitted a fake birth certificate to revise his actual age.
“Wala kaming pakialam sa birth certificates niyo, ang pagbabasehan namin ‘yung record ng Comelec, ‘yung voter’s registration record sapagkat kayo mismo nag-accomplish noon (We don’t care about your birth certificates, we will have the Comelec records as the basis, the voter’s registration record because that’s what you have accomplished before),” Garcia said in an interview.
Garcia said all Comelec officials and personnel will counter-check their submitted requirements.
“Akala ganun kami magiging maluwag sa pagpa-file ng COC. Muli, hindi namin tatanggapin ang mga certificates of candidacy na kulang-kulang, may mga blangko, mga overaged na SK candidates, at nung mga di registered voters natin (They thought we would be lenient in COC filing. Again, we will not accept incomplete COCs, with blanks, or overaged candidates and the non-registered ones),” he added.
Unprecedented volume of COC filers
Garcia, however, expressed delight in witnessing the “vibrance” of the electoral process in the country.
He cited encountering an unprecedented volume of COC filers during the first day.
“Aaminin namin, hindi namin inaanticipate na ganito karami kaagad ang magpa-file ng candidacy sa unang araw (We admit, we didn’t anticipate such a number of individuals filing the COC on the first day),” he added.
In Manila districts 1, 2 and 4, the Comelec has imposed a cut-off to afternoon newcomers, catering only to those who have lined up early in the morning.
“‘Yung nag-queue po at nagpa-list in the morning ay almost 3 days of COC filing. Hindi na po talaga kakayanin to think na hanggang 5 p.m. lang talaga (Those who queued and enlisted this morning were almost three days [volume] of COC filing. We cannot do it to think that it’s only until 5 p.m.),” Garcia told reporters in a Viber message.
Meanwhile, the Comelec is expecting around 2 million aspiring candidates for the BSKE.
In total, 672,432 positions need to be filled. These account for 42,027 positions for Punong Barangay and another 42,027 positions for SK Chairpersons.
Around 294,189 seats should also be filled for each Sangguniang Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan group. (PNA)
Zamboanga City – Jerome Marc Dave Basin and Christine Tolin Gomobos posted the best time for the Philippine Army in the men and women’s 200-m run respectively yesterday at the start of the athletics competition in the 2023 ROTC Games Mindanao Leg at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex here.
The 21-year-old Basin, a second-year BS Industrial Management student at Tangub City State College, registered 23.9 seconds while the 20-year-old Gomobos of Jose Rizal Memorial State University in Dipolog City finished in 28.2 seconds. Both are cadet athletes of the Philippine Army.
John Barey Asdane of the Northern Mindanao State University-Zamboanga City ruled the Philippine Air Force division in 26.1 seconds and Nerisha Nicole Aringoy settled in 29.1 seconds in the distaff side.
Philippine Navy had 21-year-old Raphael de la Cruz as the 200-m run winner in 24.4 seconds with Shalora Tuahan as the best female 200-m runner in 30.2 seconds.
Personnel of the JFEM sports complex have to use 5 blowers to make the track passable after heavy downpours strike starting at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The technique at least enabled technical officials to stage the four final events in the afternoon.
In women’s volleyball at the nearby Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic University Gym, Davao De Oro State College (DDOSC) opened their campaign in the Army division with a 25, 17, 25-14, 25-22 win over fellow Army Belles from the University of Mindanao-Davao City.
Head coach Donita Rose Buldoz said that her team was apprehensive at the start because this was the first time they played in a big tournament like this.
However, they were able to overcome the anxiety by just playing their normal game which resulted in an overwhelming victory, which they had not expected because their opponent came from the big city.
“I’m very thankful to my players. This is our first time playing in a tournament like this. After I talked to them, they maintained composure and their confidence is high already. This is a big win for us,” Buldoz expressed satisfaction.
Buldoz said that with the victory, she is expecting a decent finish in the regional qualifying tourney, which she said will boost the pride of their school from Compostela, Davao.
“I knew my players. The way they played I’m sure we will have a good campaign in this tournament. I hope we can make it to the national finals,” Buldoz added.
Exciting action in boxing will start today at the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic University and kickboxing will continue at the Western Mindanao State University Gym. Arnis will begin tomorrow at the WMSU gym, 3×3 men’s basketball on Thursday at the JFEM sports complex/City Sports Coliseum.
Arnis will also start tomorrow at the WMSU gym. The seventh sports discipline to be contested is Esports which will be conducted online.
Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Tolentino, honorary overall chairman, said that they still have to discuss with top officials from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of National Defense regarding the final venue of the Luzon Leg.
Tolentino, the brainchild of the ROTC Games clarified that there are cities in Cavite, that already signified their intention to host the third Leg of the nationwide multi-event meet, but only the opening ceremonies are final to be held in Tagaytay City. (ai/mnm)
SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios (Malaya Business Insight courtesy)
Gilas’ journey to the next stage remains a possibility, according to a high-ranking official from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). The executive director of SBP issued a call to all Filipinos to stand in solidarity with Gilas Pilipinas as they compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
This call comes as Gilas finds themselves in a must-win scenario leading up to their concluding Group A match against Italy at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Tuesday night.
Sonny Barrios, the executive director of SBP, emphasized the application of the political concept of unity to basketball. He urged against forsaking the national team in their hour of need, especially following two defeats. He remarked, “Now is not the time for us to abandon our own national team. This is not the time. In fact, this is the time when they need our support. Let’s show them our concern and prayers, that in some way, they will succeed. Because they are genuinely giving their all.”
In their tournament opener last Friday, Gilas narrowly missed a victory against the Dominican Republic, with a final score of 87-81, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 38,000 fans at the Philippine Arena. Subsequently, on Sunday night, they surrendered a substantial lead and were defeated by Angola with a score of 80-70 at the Big Dome. This loss not only jeopardized their advancement to the group stage but also their chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics as the top Asian team in the World Cup.
Despite the setback against Angola, there’s still a path for the Philippines to progress to the second round of the competition. However, the fate of Gilas isn’t entirely within their control: they need to secure a victory against Italy by a margin of at least 13 points on Tuesday. Additionally, they must hope that the Dominican Republic prevails over Angola in their own matchup. A win against Italy would secure their advancement to the next round.
Barrios underscored the unpredictability of outcomes in sports, stating, “You can never tell how we will fare.” He encouraged Filipino fans not to abandon the national team, noting that unexpected victories have occurred, such as Japan’s triumph over Finland and the Dominican Republic’s upset against Italy. He remained hopeful, saying, “The saying in basketball that the ball is round holds true. We can’t predict. With a bit of luck, numerous prayers, an abundance of prayers, we might just succeed.”
Furthermore, Barrios reported that there have been no criticisms about the Philippines’ hosting of the World Cup thus far. He expressed satisfaction, saying, “We are pleased to inform you that we have received nothing but praises from FIBA, the international federation, about our preparation and organization of this World Cup. We can all take pride in that achievement.”
The Philippines is collaborating with Japan and Indonesia as co-hosts for the World Cup, with the concluding phase of the tournament set to take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – College of Saint Benilde notched its second straight victory at the expense of San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-14, 25-15, 25-18, in the 2023 Women’s V-League Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Middle blockers Michelle Gamit and Zamantha Nolasco produced double-digit scores for the Lady Blazers, who needed only one hour and 13 minutes to secure the win.
Gamit had seven attacks and four blocks and Nolasco added six attacks and four blocks. Outside hitter Jessa Dorog scored nine points, aside from making seven excellent receptions.
Far Eastern University and University of the East pace the field with identical 3-0 win-loss cards.
“Personally, I’m happy. There were some points that I kept an eye on and they answered them, and they improved on,” stated CSB head coach Jerry Yee.
Opposite hitter Katherine Santos scored 10 points for the Lady Stags, who absorbed their fourth straight defeat.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help System outplayed Lyceum of the Philippines University in the deciding set to claim victory, 20-25, 25-23, 25-20, 20-25, 15-9, and improve its win-loss record to 2-1.
Opposite hitters Shaila Allaine Omipon and Mary Rhose Dapol scored 19 and 16 points, respectively, for the Lady Altas, while Charmaine Mae Ocado chipped in 13 points, including four service aces and two blocks.
Libero Marian Tracy Andal also had an excellent game with 29 digs and 12 receptions.
“Masaya ako na nung umabot sa fifth set, nakita ko ang puso nila. Medyo nagkaroon lang kami ng kaunting pag-antala at kailangan ko pang mag-timeout. Hindi lang dapat hangad ay ang maglaro, kundi ang manalo (I was happy that when it reached the fifth set, I saw their heart. We just had a little bit of a delay and I had to take a time out. The desire should not only be to play, but to win),” said head coach Sandy Rieta.
Opposite hitter Janeth Tulang finished with 15 attacks and four blocks for the Lady Pirates, who also got 19 attacks from outside hitter Johna Denise Dolorito.
Joan Dogona and Venice Puzon delivered five and two aces, respectively, for Lyceum, which absorbed its third straight loss. (PNA)
ANKARA – A US gunman in a deadly “racially motivated” attack in Jacksonville, Florida, had a gun with Nazi symbols and left a manifesto that said “he hated black people,” according to officials on Saturday.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook confirmed the deaths after a shooting at a store on Kings Road in Jacksonville, Florida.
Police officers are in the area near Edward Waters University, a small historically Black university.
Mayor Donna Deegan told the WJXT television station that multiple fatalities were inside a Dollar General store, without providing further details.
“This is unacceptable,” said Deegan. “One shooting is too much but these mass shootings are really hard to take.” (Anadolu)
MANILA – Some 2,302 families in six regions have so far been affected by bad weather due to Typhoon Goring, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday.
This is equivalent to 7,919 persons residing in 93 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region, the agency said in its disaster bulletin.
Of this number, 538 individuals which is equivalent to 1,948 persons are now being sheltered in 53 evacuation centers while another 107 families or 359 persons are being aided outside.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier said the affected families are those displaced and those not needing transfer or removal from their residence.
The OCD, meanwhile, has yet to record any casualties due to Goring.
No major communication interruptions were also reported while 16 areas recorded power outages.
It added that some PHP2.37 billion worth of funds and prepositioned relief items are now on standby.
Assistance
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies are prepared to provide needed assistance to areas affected by Typhoon Goring.
In Bulletin No. 1 issued Monday noon, the agency said it has activated its Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Operations Center which continuously disseminates localized advisories to local government units (LGUs), farmers and fisherfolk.
It has also undertaken positioning of seeds for rice and corn, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry in safe storage facilities in coordination with LGUs, counterparts and other national and regional DRRM offices.
It has also submitted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) on the areas and agricultural and fishery commodities to be affected. (with Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
MANILA – Goring has weakened into a typhoon but a new tropical cyclone is likely to enter this week, the weather bureau said Monday.
The typhoon now packs 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 215 kph. It was last tracked 210 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 a.m. weather bulletin.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has remained hoisted over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of mainland Cagayan (Camalaniugan, Pamplona, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Baggao, Buguey, Santa Ana, Claveria, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes, Allacapan, Lal-Lo, Lasam, Peñablanca, Iguig, Amulung, Gattaran, Alcala), the eastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Ilagan City, Tumauini, San Pablo, Cabagan, Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan), the northern and central portions of Aurora (Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dilasag, Baler, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, San Luis), Polillo Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Camarines Norte (Capalonga, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, Vinzons, Talisay, Daet, Mercedes) including Calaguas Islands, the northeastern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan) and the northern portion of Catanduanes (Panganiban, Caramoran, Viga, Bagamanoc, Pandan).
“Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction,” PAGASA said.
The southwest monsoon enhanced by Goring will bring occasional or monsoon rains over the western portions of Central and Southern Luzon and the Visayas over the next three days.
It will also continue to cause gusty conditions over the following areas not under signal No. 1, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas: the Visayas, Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Dinagat Islands, Camiguin and most of Zamboanga Peninsula.
Rough to very rough seas are forecast over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboards of Central Luzon, the seaboards of Southern Luzon and the western seaboard of the Visayas.
“Disruption in civilian maritime activities is expected over these areas due to hazardous sea conditions,” PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, a tropical cyclone was tracked 2,290 km east of Northern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
There is a high chance that this tropical cyclone will enter, PAGASA said. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday expressed its commitment to work with the United States Navy (USN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense (JMSDF) as part of its efforts to further enhance its capabilities.
This came after the courtesy calls of the USN’s 7th Fleet commander Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, and Japan Self Defense Fleet commander chief Vice Adm. Akira Saito at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Aug. 27.
Aside from Adaci, also present was the Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Renato David.
“During the call, Vice Admiral Adaci and the three fleet commanders discussed how their navies may collaborate as partners on various activities, including capability development, training and subject matter exchanges that would be mutually beneficial to the three forces,” PN spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said in a statement.
He also said the PN chief also conveyed his appreciation for the visit of the US and Japanese navies.
Adaci also emphasized the PN’s commitment to work with “like-minded navies in pursuit of cooperation, interoperability and strong multilateral relations.” (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called on Filipinos to become heroes of their families and communities to be able to contribute to nation-building.
“As we recognize our forebears whose uncelebrated legacies our society is built on, let us also realize our own power to become heroes for our families and communities. May this consciousness then ignite us to be dedicated to creating a new Philippines that is strong, prosperous, resilient, and secure for present and future generations,” the President said in his message in observance of National Heroes Day.
He also urged Filipinos to honor heroes and heroines, as well as unknown Filipinos who were instrumental in shaping the nation.
“In the multitude of activities and responsibilities that fill our daily lives, we tend to forget the many heroes and heroines responsible for all the liberties we enjoy today,” Marcos said.
“While we dedicate time each year to commemorate the notable names that fill our history books, it is just as crucial to remember the lives and deeds of the many lesser-known and unnamed Filipinos who played pivotal roles in shaping our nation,” he added.
Marcos also said that every Filipino has the capacity to be a hero.
“From the defiance of our ancestors against the first invading forces to the diligence that our soldiers and statesmen held to see the last of them off -our unsung champions prove that heroism is not limited to the Herculean; it also includes the honest, earnest, and compassionate living that we do every day,” Marcos said.
He also urged Filipinos across the globe to celebrate the occasion with a sense of pride.
“I enjoin every Filipino across the globe to celebrate with a renewed understanding and sense of pride for the fortitude that is naturally abundant in our hearts as a people,” he added.
The commemoration of National Heroes Day began during the American Colonial Period, which was first enacted into law on Oct. 28, 1931, through Act No. 3827, declaring the last Sunday of August of every year an official national holiday.
Before the Second World War in the Pacific, the last National Heroes Day commemoration happened on Nov. 30, 1941.
On March 20, 1942, former president Jose P. Laurel signed Executive Order 20, which set the National Heroes Day on Nov. 30. After the war, former president Elpidio Quirino reverted the date of the commemoration back to the last Sunday of August.
Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, however, signed into law Republic Act 9492, placing the National Heroes Day observance on the last Monday of August as part of her “Holiday Economics” program in a bid to reduce work disruptions by moving holidays to the nearest Monday or Friday of the week. (PNA)
MANILA — The mortal remains of the late Secretary of Migrant Workers, Susan “Toots” Ople, were solemnly brought to Malacañang on Monday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other dignitaries gathered to pay their respects in conjunction with National Heroes’ Day.
In a heartfelt eulogy, the President openly expressed his emotions and conveyed his apologies for his display of sentimentality, acknowledging Susan Ople as a significant loss for the Philippines.
“While it is often expected of officials to maintain composure and reserve their emotions, today I ask for your understanding as tears flow freely. The enormity of what we have lost, what I have personally lost, what all of you have lost, and what the Philippines has lost, is truly staggering,” Marcos Jr. shared.
The Chief of State emphasized that Susan Ople, renowned as the head of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), was an unparalleled advocate for overseas Filipino workers, standing as an emblematic figure in the history of the migrant labor industry.
“Her departure leaves a profound void not only among her friends and family but also within the hearts of the countless individuals she cared for, loved, and tirelessly served,” he affirmed.
“Her commitment persisted until the very end. She exemplified the essence of compassion towards her fellow Filipinos,” he praised.
Marcos Jr. disclosed that he was aware of Ople’s health struggles and that her passing last week had weighed heavily on him, hoping for a miraculous turn of events. However, in the aftermath of her demise, he underwent a transformation in perspective: “No, I was mistaken. There was indeed a miracle. The miracle was Toots. The miracle lay in her existence, her camaraderie, and her fulfillment of the most vital duty she had for herself and her compatriots.”
With a sense of melancholy, he revealed having lost sleep contemplating a potential successor for Ople, ultimately concluding that her role was “unfillable.”
“Her unparalleled dedication and fervor underscored her work. Such a fusion is extraordinarily rare,” he acknowledged.
In closing, the President expressed that his sorrow was not solely for Toots but for the Philippines, which bid farewell to one of its most exceptional public servants. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — Despite encountering another disheartening defeat on Sunday, Coach Chot Reyes stressed that Gilas Pilipinas remains fully committed to securing an automatic spot in the Olympics.
“We must direct our attention to the upcoming match. Our primary objective is to secure a place in the Olympics. Despite the faintness of that hope, it’s still very much alive,” stated Reyes after the team’s 80-70 loss against Angola on Sunday.
The situation for Gilas grew more complex as Japan achieved a significant 98-88 victory over Finland on the same evening.
Gilas is vying to become the highest-ranking Asian team in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“We must maintain our spirits and find a way to deliver our best performance in the next game,” Reyes remarked after their defeat pushed the Filipinos to the bottom of the Group A standings.
Even if they manage to defeat the 10th-ranked Italy on Wednesday, the Filipinos are dependent on the Dominican Republic triumphing over Angola on Tuesday. Only then can the possibility of advancing to the second round be rekindled.
Regarding their Olympic aspiration, Gilas also holds out hope for the Akatsuki Five to stumble in their remaining Group Phase game against the world’s third-ranked Australia, and for no other Asian team to secure an initial victory.
“The hope is still there. We’re anticipating Japan’s loss in their final game and our victory in ours, resulting in a tie. The tiebreaker is uncertain, but ultimately, it will likely hinge on the outcomes of other matches,” Reyes explained.
“We don’t have control over that. At present, our sole focus is on the next match. We can’t afford to be preoccupied with external factors,” he added. (ai/mnm)