Team USA assistant coach Erik Spoelstra answers a query from the working media at Team USA Basketball’s camp at Kerry Sports Manila in Taguig on Thursday (ABS-CBN News photo courtesy)
MANILA – The 2023 FIBA World Cup presents a formidable obstacle for Team USA, as they enter the tournament without their seasoned veterans and instead rely on a lineup of young NBA talents.
The average age of Team USA’s 12-man roster stands at 24.5 years. The team’s youngest member, Paolo Banchero, is a mere 20 years old, while the oldest players, Josh Hart and Bobby Portis, are 28.
According to assistant coach Erik Spoelstra, this World Cup will serve as a litmus test for their emerging stars.
“We are confident in our readiness,” stated the Filipino-American NBA championship-winning coach during USA Basketball’s training camp at Kerry Sports Manila in Taguig on Thursday. “However, we recognize the immense challenge ahead. This competition gathers the world’s premier nations in basketball, and the global popularity of the sport is truly remarkable.”
Ranked second worldwide, the American team aims to avenge their seventh-place standing in the 2019 tournament. Nevertheless, the Miami Heat mentor acknowledged that other nations have made significant strides in matching their talent and skill levels.
“Undoubtedly, it’s a considerable challenge. We are competing against teams that have cultivated years of chemistry, while we are assembling a relatively youthful squad within a six-week span,” noted Spoelstra in reference to the Steve Kerr-led team. “Our opponents have established cohesion over many years, yet our team is highly motivated. We understand that collective effort is imperative in achieving our ultimate objective.”
Simultaneously, Spoelstra expressed his enthusiasm for sharing the Filipinos’ profound passion for the sport—a passion that has consistently bolstered his own success in basketball.
“I am thrilled to witness the fervor for basketball here in Manila. I’ve attempted to convey to everyone that experiencing this atmosphere firsthand in Manila is incomparable. Even within 24 hours of being here, the players now grasp what I’ve been discussing,” he remarked.
Team USA’s inaugural match is slated for August 26 at 8:40 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, where they will square off against New Zealand in their opening group game. (ai/mnm)
Gilas Pilipinas (Photo from FIBA)
MANILA – Now it can be told.
The lineup of 12 individuals designated to represent the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has been unveiled.
Al Panlilio, the President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), officially disclosed the finalized roster of Gilas Pilipinas to ABS-CBN News.
Outlined below is the list of 12 players comprising the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the World Cup:
Rhenz Abando
Japeth Aguilar
Jordan Clarkson
AJ Edu
June Mar Fajardo
Jamie Malonzo
CJ Perez
RR Pogoy
Dwight Ramos
Kiefer Ravena
Kai Sotto
Scottie Thompson
The Philippines will embark on their World Cup journey commencing on August 25, squaring off against the Dominican Republic.
Anticipated to be in the presence of a record-breaking audience at the Philippine Arena, this event marks the start of their campaign.
(ai/mnm)
Sen. Chiz Escudero on Wednesday (Aug. 23) exhorted the youth to maximize the power of modern technology to improve the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global arena and make the country a better place for all Filipinos.
Speaking at Ignite: GCash Innovation Summit 2023, the veteran legislator said the young Filipinos have all the data or information they need in just a click of a keyboard in the internet era.
“Instantly, when you use the internet, you acquire so much knowledge that we have never experienced during our time,” said Escudero during the event at the Globe Tower in Taguig City that was attended mostly by Globe and GCash employees and business partners.
“What am I trying to say is that your generation has absolutely no excuse not to do better than we did. Your generation has absolutely no reason not to excel in what you are doing compared to how we were before. Kung ano man ‘yung narating namin noon, wala kayong karapatang hindi mapantayan man lang o malampasan iyon,” he added.
The senator shared with the attendees how connectivity and communication were a struggle back in his younger days until the passage of Republic Act 7925 or the “Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines” in March 1995 that deregulated the telecommunications industry.
“Mapantayan man lang ang nagawa ng aming generasyon dahil lahat ng inpormasyon na gusto ninyong malaman at makita, pwede nyo na malaman at makita agad-agad. Noon, kung hindi namin mabasa sa encyclopedia, hindi mo makita sa telebisyon, hindi na namin makikita na may Niagara Falls pala. Now you can also live vicariously through someone else using social media, and learn,” Escudero said.
“Changes are happening overnight. Changes are happening fast paced and we have to keep abreast. With modern technology kaya ninyong makipagsabayan kahit kanino,” he pointed out.
During the Open Forum, the senator was asked by an employee what the government can do to further move forward the digitalization services for Filipinos, to which he replied: “The government must simply let the private sector be. Let the painters paint, let the innovators innovate and let the inventors invent.”
The government, Escudero admitted, is “very slow when it comes to regulating new technology.” Hence, the Fintech companies such as GCash must be given the space to innovate, with lesser or no government intervention at all.
“The more government opens up and allows the private sector to do certain things that they want to do and at an affordable cost, then the government should allow the private sector to precisely do that. The best thing we can do for IT, for innovation and modern technology would be to let it be and not try to interfere,” he said. (ai/mnm)
APPARENTLY COMMITTED TO CONTRIBUTE in propelling the country’s economy, newly-installed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu District Collector, Atty. Ricardo Uy Morales II, CESE (Career Executive Service Eligibility), has declared his three-points “marching order” to the men and women in the premier port of the reputed Queen of the South.
“As the new District Collector of the Port of Cebu, my marching order is to perform our three-fold mandate of revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border protection to the best of our ability,” Morales said.
Last June 5, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. appointed Morales as Collector of Customs VI, vice Atty. Elvira Cruz who was one of the appointees of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the BOC.
Prior to his June 5 presidential appointment, Morales served as Deputy Collector for Operations of the Subport of Mactan headed by Collector Gerardo “Gerry” Campo.
Last June 13, by virtue of a Customs Personnel Order (CPO) signed by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio and approved by Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, Morales was appointed as District Collector of BOC Port of Clark.
However, by August 3 another CPO was issued moving Morales to BOC Port of Cebu.
Despite his short stint at the BOC Port of Clark, it has recorded significant accomplishments in revenue collection, border protection, and trade facilitation.
Under Morales’ leadership, the BOC Port of Clark has collected P396.91 million as against its goal of P359.55 million.
At the BOC Port of Cebu, Morales replaced his “worthy Brother Mason” District Collector Ciriaco “Dhucky” DG Ugay who was transferred to BOC Port of Subic in this latest Customs reshuffle.
“I expect your commitment to help the Port achieve its monthly targets. I earnestly call for your unwavering support and dedication to bolster productivity and efficiency in port operations. I believe that our close cooperation will ensure the Port’s exemplary performance this year under the guidance and leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio. Let us provide the best service that our stakeholders truly deserve,” Morales stressed during his inaugural flag-raising ceremony after his assumption as the new District Collector of the Port of Cebu last August 14.
Earlier, on April 11, Morales reaffirmed the pivotal role of BOC Port of Cebu under his leadership in promoting economic growth and stability during the Philippine Economic Briefing held at the Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City.
The event, jointly organized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Investor Relations Group (BSP-IRG) and the Department of Finance (DOF), brought together prominent leaders, government officials, and industry experts under the theme “Agenda for Prosperity: Economic Transformation Towards Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Marking its attendance at this significant gathering, the BOC Port of Cebu demonstrated its dedication in facilitating international trade, ensuring security, and contributing to the overarching goals of the nation’s economic transformation.
This commitment was further underscored by the Port’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) personnel who rendered service to facilitate, accommodate and support to the Finance Secretary during the event.
“We are honored to have contributed to the success of the Philippine Economic Briefing and supported the realization of the nation’s economic aspirations. Our unwavering commitment to secure efficient customs practices directly aligns with the goals of inclusivity and sustainability, and reinforces our contribution to a robust Philippine economy,” Morales vowed. (ai/mnm)
ANKARA – The World Health Organization (WHO) chief has warned against the impacts of climate change.
“Devastating fires, catastrophic floods, extreme heatwaves, and prolonged droughts. Climate change is not a distant threat—it’s happening now, impacting lives and ecosystems,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Let’s come together, reduce emissions, promote resilience, and forge a sustainable path forward. Our planet and future generations depend on it,” he added.
Recent months have seen increasing heat waves, cyclones, floods, droughts and wildfires, with July recorded as the world’s hottest month ever on record. (Anadolu)
JAKARTA – Indonesian President Joko Widodo invited fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations-member countries to collaborate in overcoming cross-border crimes.
“We need to build sustainable collaboration in exchanging information, utilizing technology, as well as increasing the capacity and professionalism of the apparatus,” Jokowi said in a video recording of his remarks at the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transborder Crime (AMMTC) in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara, Monday.
In the midst of global dynamics, Jokowi said, ASEAN should always be ready to face challenges, including eradicating transnational crimes that pose a grave threat to the region’s security and stability.
Jokowi also highlighted that amid the current technological advancements, transnational crimes are growing at a massive scale and in more complex ways.
Hence, to this end, he pressed for the handling of these crimes to also be more adaptive, especially in relation to criminal acts of terrorism, criminal acts of human trafficking and illicit narcotics trade.
“I hope that at this meeting, a responsive cooperation agenda can be formulated, which contains strategic steps, so that we can maintain a safe, peaceful, and prosperous ASEAN region,” Jokowi remarked.
Earlier, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) said Indonesia had prepared materials on domestic crimes to be discussed during the 17th AMMTC that will be held until Wednesday (Aug 23).
Polri encourages cooperation between ASEAN member countries to catch perpetrators of domestic crimes that had fled from Indonesia.
Apart from domestic crimes, Indonesia has proposed several issues to be discussed at the meeting, chaired by Indonesian National Police Chief General Pol. Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
As chairman, Prabowo will also raise matters pertaining to increasing cooperation and strengthening coordination in tackling transnational crimes, as it becomes the focus among ASEAN countries. (Antara)
MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday said a research team was sent to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija to evaluate the potential of its satellite technology in providing insights for the government’s proactive measures to manage inflation.
In a statement, NEDA said that during the study visit which was conducted last Aug. 14 to 16, it was discussed that the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) can provide validated rice field data to their registered stakeholders every seventh day of the succeeding month compared to the quarterly Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.
“Currently, we utilize PSA data to inform our inflation policy, but in order to enhance our inflation analysis, we need to augment our data sources. This is particularly important in the case of rice, our staple, and amid volatile weather situations,” NEDA Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Staff officer in charge Assistant Director Rory Jay Dacumos said.
“We have also learned during the lectures and the field demonstration that the PRiSM data is reasonably accurate. So, we can see how this could enhance our policy recommendations on inflation,” he said.
PRiSM collects rice field data through satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensing, which is unaffected by cloud cover.
The data collected through the SAR has up to 95 percent overall accuracy vis-a-vis the ground validated data with the help of PRiSM data collectors in the field across the country using a mobile application to record and upload data more efficiently.
When the SAR images are insufficient, PRiSM can process secondary data, such as data collected using drones.
A satellite, Sentinel-1A, provides the SAR images used by PRiSM.
The next satellite, Sentinel-1C, is set to be launched within the year and has the potential to further augment PRiSM’s operations.
NEDA said the compiled data is presented in the form of rice area maps that indicate the locations where rice has been planted, the timing of rice planting, estimated rice yield, areas of rice affected by flooding due to heavy rains and tropical cyclones, and areas where rice cultivation has been impacted by drought.
“PRiSM is currently only applicable to rice, but according to PhilRice, the technology and methodology of PRiSM could also be adapted for monitoring other crops,” Dacumos said. (PNA)
MANILA – The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Tuesday fully awarded bids for Treasury bills (T-bills).
The 91-, 182- and 364-day T-bills fetched average rates of 5.671 percent, 5.986 percent and 6.334 percent, respectively.
The auction was 2.9 times oversubscribed with total bids amounting to PHP43 billion.
The BTr raised the full program of PHP15 billion for the auction.
In a comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said T-bill auction yields were mostly higher week on week.
“Mostly higher T-bill auction yields after new highs in nearly 16 years for the benchmark US Treasury yield, (which is) now at 4.34 percent,” Ricafort said.
“(This is) also after signals of hawkish pause from local monetary officials, or readiness to hike rates, if needed, as well as signals of no cut on banks’ RRR (reserve requirement ratio) for now,” he added.
Ricafort said offsetting positive factors include the peso exchange rate versus the US dollar and the global crude oil prices. (PNA)
MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas stayed close to Mexico in their last tune-up game before the FIBA World Cup but still end up falling at the raw end of an 84-77 result on Monday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Despite resting Jordan Clarkson for the night, Gilas put up a gallant stand against the Mexicans, even taking the lead at some points of the game, the last at 59-55 midway through the third quarter.
However, Mexico finished the third on a 14-4 run to take a 69-63 lead and held off Gilas in the fourth to seal the win.
In fact, after a 51-all halftime deadlock, Mexico held Gilas to just 26 second-half points.
Pako Cruz led Mexico with 18 points, going 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, one rebound and three assists, while Paul Stoll added 17 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Mexico made a living from long range in general, finishing 13-of-24 from three-point range.
Scottie Thompson led Gilas with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Save for the absence of Clarkson, coach Chot Reyes played almost the same roster that took on Montenegro on Sunday night, although Calvin Oftana did not get some playing time against Mexico.
Like the previous game, Ray-Ray Parks and Thirdy Ravena were not listed in the active lineup, which means both players did not see action in all three tune-up games which Reyes said would play an important factor in choosing the final 12-man Gilas lineup for the FIBA World Cup itself.
Despite needing to play three games in four nights behind closed doors, Reyes said that the grind would still continue for Gilas, that is, they will still practice for the next three nights before they debut against Dominican Republic.
“Tuloy-tuloy na kami. Tatlong araw na lang e (We will continue on in practice. There are only three days left),” Reyes said.
Gilas is expected to name its final lineup either by Wednesday or Thursday. (PNA)
SOFIA, Bulgaria – Nurgul Salimova finished second in the Women’s Chess World Cup, held in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku on Monday.
In the final, the Bulgarian lost by 1.5:2.5 points to Russian Aleksandra Goryachkina.
In Monday’s rapid chess tiebreak, the Bulgarian was outplayed by 0.5:1.5 points after a draw with White in the first game and a loss with Black in the second.
The first two games of classical chess on Saturday and Sunday ended in draws and two games of rapid chess with a control of 25 minutes plus 10 seconds for each move were played on Monday according to the regulations.
The winner took USD50,000 from the total prize pool of USD676,250, while Salimova received a check for USD35,000.
For Salimova, who has the rank of international master and is number 29 in the tournament’s schedule, the final tiebreak had an additional stake.
A victory in it would have guaranteed her the highest title in the chess world – grandmaster.
Qualifying for the final of the second edition of the World Chess Cup is the most significant achievement of the 20-year-old Salimova’s career in women’s chess.
On her way to it, the former world champion in the girls’ U12 category overcame Charlize van Zyl of South Africa with 2:0 points, Olivia Kiolbasa of Poland with 1.5:0.5 points, Mary Ann Gomez of India with 2:0 points, Medina Aulia of Indonesia with 2.5:1.5 points, Polina Shuvalova of Russia with 3:1 points and Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine with 3.5:2.5 points.
The 24-year-old Goryachkina, who is number 3 in the FIDE women’s world rankings, also played in the final of the first edition of the World Cup in 2021.
Then she lost to her compatriot Alexandra Kosteniuk.
In 2020, the five-time world champion in various age groups in the girls’ division also played for the women’s world title, but lost the match to China’s Jiu Wenjun.
By qualifying for the World Cup final, both Salimova and Goryachkina secured their participation in the world title contenders tournament.
It will be held in Toronto between April 2 and 25, 2024.
Anna Muzychuk, who took the third place in the World Cup, will play in it. (BTA)
LAOAG CITY – The prestigious Naismith Trophy received a warm welcome at the Laoag International Airport on Monday, signaling the start of three-day tour around the province’s iconic sites around Ilocos Norte.
Joined by Filipino basketball icon and GILAS ambassador, Arwind Santos, the Naismith Trophy will be featured in key tourism areas of Ilocos Norte from Aug. 21 to 23. These include the Burgos wind farm, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Suba sand dunes, and Robinsons Place Ilocos.
“This is not just a provincial event. It’s a world event. The video shoot here will be shown worldwide and this is why we always put our best foot forward,” said Perry Martinez, head of the Metro Ilocos Norte Council, in a press conference held at the Ilocos Norte Capitol, following the FIBA team’s arrival at the Laoag airport.
On Aug. 23, the most coveted trophy which originally came from Spain will be displayed in public at the activity center of Robinsons Mall Ilocos.
With the Philippines serving as the main World Cup host this year, the Naismith trophy, named after basketball inventor James Naismith, has visited different tourism hotspots in the country since last week. The last stop is in Ilocos Norte until the games are held from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
While in Ilocos Norte, Santos expressed gratitude to both national and provincial officials for their support in hosting the FIBA event.
“We are so thankful for the all-out support and for having us here,” said Santos as he expressed hopes that more Ilocano youth will be enticed to play basketball.
For her part, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos thanked the FIBA organizers for considering Ilocos Norte as one of the stops of the Naismith trophy.
“We are honored to host you and we look forward to all the FIBA games. It must be exciting to watch as it will be shown on Cignal and everyone can enjoy watching the game wherever we are,” said Marcos, as she expressed hopes for the Philippine team’s victory in the FIBA World Cup. (PNA)
MANILA – As the world remembers victims of terrorism, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said it remains committed to combating atrocities through the whole-of-nation approach.
“By addressing the root causes of the insurgency, fostering peace and development, and strengthening the bonds of unity among our communities, we aim to pave the way for a future free from fear and violence,” Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., NTF-ELCAC executive director, said in a statement on Monday.
The United Nations spearheaded the observance of the “International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism” on Aug. 21, approved by the General Assembly in 2017.
This year’s observation carries the theme “Legacy: Finding Hope and Building a Peaceful Future.”
“We come together to remember the victims and survivors of terrorism. To stand with the families changed forever. And to resolve to build a more peaceful future – together,” UN Secretary General António Guterres said in a statement, also on Monday.
Torres said despite the international condemnation and global efforts of the UN, vile acts of terrorism still exist, “ignited by some ideologies that promote violence and continue to threaten and disrupt the peaceful lives of thousands of innocent victims every year.”
He particularly pointed at the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for atrocities that have devastated communities.
“The CPP-NPA-NDF’s continuous acts of terror have left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of innocent civilians, indigenous peoples, endangering the communities in the countryside, and destroying the very fabric of our society,” Torres said.
He said the NTF-ELCAC, with its 12 national clusters and 17 joint regional task and local task forces nationwide, stands with the UN and the international community in eradicating terrorism in all its forms.
“Let us remember the victims, honor their memory, create meaningful and positive change by raising awareness about the long-lasting impact of terrorism, and renew our resolve to build a world where peace, tolerance, and understanding prevail,” Torres said. (PNA)
MANILA – Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict surrounding the Ayungin Shoal in Palawan amid the planned rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The first line of defense is diplomacy. Let us settle our conflict in a peaceful manner. We should fully comply with our obligation under the UN Charter to settle conflicts in a peaceful way. China sent us a note to dialogue, let us talk to them,” Marcos said in a statement.
The lawmaker also raised the need for every attempt by Filipino diplomats, the Philippine Coast Guard, and military personnel to communicate with China to be documented “to the extent permissible.”
“We should make records of these attempts accessible to neutral third parties so that they may verify our efforts and China’s responses thereto. This way, the world can ascertain both countries’ sincerity in engaging in genuine dialogue,” she said.
Marcos, who chairs the Committee on Foreign Relations, said the RoRe mission in Ayungin Shoal – which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but is being claimed by China, noting that it is part of the Spratly Islands – is within the country’s legal rights and should be protected by all means necessary through peaceful means.
“Thus, if we need larger and more powerful supply ships and PCG escort ships, then we will acquire them, preferably by building them ourselves,” she said. “Might does not make right. We will stand our ground because we are in the right.”
AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aquilar earlier said the planned RoRe mission aims to show “a clear demonstration of our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion, and our commitment in upholding the rule of law” and maintain the Philippines’ presence in the Ayungin Shoal. (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the consolidation of the proposed amendments to the decades-old Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Tuesday.
Marcos gave the directive in a sectoral meeting at Malacañan Palace with Cabinet officials, including Pangandaman.
“During our meeting with the President, we were directed to have a consolidated amendments to the existing GPRA that we will present to House and the Senate,” Pangandaman said in a Palace briefing.
“Isusulat lang po namin ng maayos ito in a form of an amendment doon sa mga provision, sa mga (We will just write it properly in a form of an amendment to the provisions, to those) existing provisions and then we will sit down with the House and Senate counterparts,” she added.
Pangandaman said the specific amendments to the GPRA’s existing provisions would likely be released within two weeks.
Stressing that “a lot of amendments” will be made, Pangandaman said the proposed revisions are divided into six items — innovative procurement methods; efficiency in the procurement process; procurement planning and budgeting; digitalization and innovation; green procurement; and amendments to miscellaneous provisions.
Pangandaman said the proposed amendments aim to address issues that hurt public service delivery and address the underspending of some government agencies.
“We have also been hounded by controversies linked to the Philippine procurement system. That’s why our President is correct that we need to make government procurement more attuned to our changing times. Procurement affects us everyday, not just us in the government but the Filipino people,” Pangandaman said.
“Of our total national budget, up to 25 percent po diyan (of those) is done to procurement. So, for this year, our total budget is PHP5.268 trillion so it’s roughly PHP1.3 trillion. So, it’s quite a huge amount. These are the reasons that these reforms have become necessary albeit tedious,” she added.
Procurement Service-DBM executive director Dennis Santiago said the proposed amendments to GPRA will make the procurement “more efficient,” noting that a government agency that complies with legal, technical and financial requirements may carry out a direct acquisition with supplier, subject to limitations.
Santiago said some of the government agencies are also complaining about the tedious process in the delivery of goods and services.
Pangandaman said rapid technology transformation over the past two decades and the pandemic “propelled the urgency for digital transactions in the country.”
During his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, Marcos said enacting a new government procurement law and government auditing code would strengthen the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, which is deemed as a “transformative” solution amid the changing times. (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the death of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople is a “great loss to the Philippines.”
“It’s a very, very sad news. I have lost a friend. The Philippines has lost a friend,” Marcos said, reacting to Ople’s passing on the sidelines of his visit to the Toyota Special Economic Zone in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna. “All of us who called her a friend, it is a great loss to the Philippines, to the service that we know she could still have rendered.”
He described Ople as a “special person with a deep compassion really for the people that she had cared for, mainly the migrant workers.”
“It’s a big loss. Ang galing-galing ni Secretary Toots (Secretary Toots is very good). She very much followed in the tradition of Blas Ople tradition of excellence, of compassion. It is a great loss for all of us,” Marcos said, referring to the elder Ople who served under his father as Labor chief.
In a statement, the DMW announced that Ople died at around 1 p.m., “surrounded by her family and loved ones.”
The DMW also asked for prayers for the eternal repose of Ople’s soul, as well as for her family.
“She dedicated her life, in every waking moment, to the welfare of labourers in general and migrant workers in particular. She was tireless in her pursuit to always support and find protection for our workers. There cannot be a better example of the perfect mix of compassion and hard-nosed pragmatism than in Toots. She got many things done in her years of public service, and all for others, never for herself. I grieve together with her family and all those who called Toots a friend. Our prayers are with you,” Marcos posted on social media.
Ople was appointed as DMW secretary in June 2022.
She also headed the Blas F. Ople Policy and Training Institute, a non-profit organization that is actively involved in labor and migration issues.
Migrant workers’ chief supporter
Ople was a staunch supporter of labor rights and was the “best thing” that happened to migrant workers, according to Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr.
Locsin recalled how Ople “tirelessly” worked on behalf of overseas Filipino workers with or without office or means in the past.
“Perfect and irreplaceable fit to head migrants’ own department; she worked on their behalf without office or means but her own before then; confused what to do DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) turned to her in her private commitment to the national good,” read Locsin’s statement.
He said Ople came from a “short dynasty of the best” and hailed her for continuing the work of her father, one of the framers of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, left.
“His daughter continued his example on her own until the only one who’d think of appointing the obvious best choice to head migrant workers’ own department did just that,” said Locsin, also recently appointed as Special Envoy of the President to the People’s Republic of China for Special Concerns.
“It was the fitting place from which to say goodbye to a life’s work. Goodbye, my friend,” he added.
Ople underwent surgery for Stage 2 breast cancer in February 2020 but her cause of death was not revealed.
Her elder brothers Toti and Blas Jr. passed away in July at the age of 65 and 71, respectively, both due to lung cancer.
Sympathies
The chanceries of Canada and the European Union (EU) in the Philippines also extended their sympathies to late DMW secretary’s family.
Under Ople’s leadership at DMW, the Canadian Embassy in Manila said Ottawa and Manila were able to actively discuss ways to collaborate closely in protecting overseas Filipino workers.
“Secretary Ople was a valuable partner in advancing our two countries’ common goals in promoting responsible and ethical recruitment, and protecting migrant workers’ rights and welfare,” it said in a statement.
“Aside from being the champion of OFW rights, Sec. Ople was a staunch advocate against trafficking-in-persons, a thematic priority shared by Canada and the Philippines.
While we mourn her passing, we join her family & colleagues in celebrating her commitment to the protection of migrant workers’ rights,” it added.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron also recognized Ople’s work and sent his condolences to her bereaved family over Twitter.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Secretary Susan Ople, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of Overseas Filipino Workers worldwide,” he said. “My heartfelt thoughts go out to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” (PNA)
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda today shared her vision for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as it nears its third decade of existence.
Legarda, a staunch supporter of the state agency, shared her desires for the agency, which has helped countless lives for almost three decades.
“I want to envision TESDA expanding even further — where every Filipino has the opportunity to acquire the skills and tools they need to pursue their dreams and contribute to national progress,” said Legarda during her keynote address at TESDA’s anniversary celebration at SM Megamall.
“Upskilling and reskilling must be an option that is available to all,” she added.
“We must transform lives beyond the limitations of social and economic boundaries. TESDA has a large role to play in answering the demands of the labor sector and in shaping a labor force that is responsive, fit, and adaptive.”
For her role in promoting various livelihood programs in her home province of Antique, Legarda was bestowed the National TESDA Kabalikat Award in 2021.
Among the programs pushed were the Barangay Kabuhayan Skills Training Program (BKSTP), Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), which has benefitted over 18,000 Antiqueño trainees since 2016.
During the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Legarda ensured that access to tertiary education included those in the technical-vocational sector.
As one of her first pieces of legislation to open her fourth term in the Senate, Legarda pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 6, a proposed measure that seeks to create the Department of Technical Education, Training and Certification.
Once passed, it will strengthen the role of the TESDA to serve as a leading partner in the development of the Filipino workforce.
She also praised the agency for being at the forefront of web-based education through the TESDA Online Program, which has produced 3,220,912 course completions in 2022 alone.
“The world is changing at a rapid pace — technology, automation, and digitalization are reshaping industries and demanding new skill sets,” remarked Legarda.
“TESDA must be at the center of this. Our businesses and industries must connect with our educational institutions to assess, plan, and strategize our approach to providing quality technical-vocational education,” she continued. (ai/mnm)
Infographic courtesy of LSU Faculty Websites-Louisiana State University
MANILA – The promotion of media and information literacy (MIL) stands as a crucial approach to mitigating the rampant spread of fake news and misinformation in the country.
Philippine Transport and Communication (PhilTraComm) Chief, Aio Bautista, asserts that the recent memorandum of agreement between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) exemplifies this path as the primary objective of this collaboration is to safeguard the general public, including the so-called “digital natives” or students, through MIL initiatives.
Bautista hails this as a significant stride taken by the government in the ongoing battle against fake news and fraudulent content.
However, in addition to championing MIL, Bautista suggests that the government should consider enlisting the cooperation of social media giants to identify potential fake news or misinformation before they gain widespread traction.
“These influential social media platforms, such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, have the potential to play a pivotal role in combating the menace of fake news,” Bautista said.
“They can achieve this by launching educational campaigns, endorsing fact-checking practices, enhancing user transparency, and reinforcing community guidelines. Promptly flagging suspicious materials can also be immensely beneficial.”
The propagation of fake news jeopardizes national unity and the efficacy of public institutions in addressing societal demands.
Addressing fake news does not necessarily require new legislation. Instead, internet service providers and news organizations should embrace their ethical responsibilities — going beyond mere legal obligations and striving for what is morally right.
“Internet service providers should adopt a standardized set of ethical principles for news dissemination on social media. These principles should align with the broadcasting standards and practices adhered to by television networks” he said.
“When an internet platform demonstrates adherence to these fundamental tenets of journalistic integrity, it establishes a baseline of trustworthiness. Platforms should underscore the significance of acknowledging that content has undergone professional scrutiny.”
Undoubtedly, service providers and telecommunication companies wield significant control over consumers’ access to social media. Hence, part of the solution rests with them.
“Their failure to regulate the content shared on their platforms exacerbates the growing predicament of fake news. Swift action is imperative to prevent a generation from becoming ill-informed and inadequately prepared for responsible governance,” Bautista concluded. (ai/mnm)
Pinay tennis pride Alex Eala has achieved an advancement in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings.
Climbing from the 248th position, the talented tennis player from the Philippines has risen to the 217th spot in the global rankings as of Tuesday, August 22.
However, it’s worth noting that Eala still stands three positions below her personal best of 214th. Despite this, the 18-year-old athlete has shown impressive progress by jumping an impressive 31 spots in the rankings, primarily due to her consecutive appearances in finals held in the United Kingdom.
Eala’s dominance was evident in her victory at the W25 Roehampton tournament, where she overcame Russian-Australian player Arina Rodionava with a score of 6-2, 6-3 on August 13. This triumph marked Eala’s fourth professional championship.
Subsequently, Eala secured her place in the finals of the W25 Aldershot, though she faced defeat against Australian player Destanee Aiava with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 1-6 on August 20.
Furthermore, Eala and Aiava teamed up as doubles partners for the W25 Roehampton doubles event, achieving a quarterfinals berth.
In addition to her singles achievements, Eala also participated in the W25 Aldershot doubles tournament alongside her Polish partner Urszula Radwanska. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by the Japanese duo of Saki Imamura and Erina Hayashi in the semifinals, with a score of 4-6, 4-6. (ai/mnm)
The BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea
A new incident of a “close encounter” involving ships from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and China Coast Guard (CCG) has been reported during a resupply mission to the Philippine outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, according to information provided by a US tracking system.
Based on data from the automatic identification system (AIS), the incident occurred as the two Philippine resupply escorts, BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra, were nearing the entrance of Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday morning.
A group of four Chinese militia ships was observed forming a blockade, presumably with the intention of impeding the progress of the Philippine supply ship.
Subsequently, China Coast Guard ship 215551 appeared and appeared to approach BRP Cabra from a proximity described as “quite close.”
Ray Powell, a security expert based in the United States, noted that the exact details of the events during the resupply mission are difficult to ascertain as most of the CCG vessels involved have gone “AIS dark,” meaning their AIS systems are not transmitting their positions.
Powell mentioned that only the Chinese militia ships are clearly observable, engaging in actions that actively obstruct access to the shoal.
Around noon, it was observed that the resupply mission seemed to have concluded, with the two PCG vessels beginning to move back towards the east. Powell, who leads Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation and was a Fellow at Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute in 2021, stated that he would await an official report from the Philippine government regarding the success of the mission, as well as any accompanying photos or videos.
The resupply mission on Tuesday to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was a follow-up to a previous mission on August 5th, which had not been completed due to an incident involving a water cannon between one of the PCG resupply boats and a CCG ship. (AI/MNM)
MANILA — Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, the pioneering head of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), passed away on Tuesday at the age of 61.
The DMW issued a statement announcing her peaceful passing.
“Secretary Toots peacefully joined her Creator at approximately 1 PM today, August 22, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones” it said.
Although the statement didn’t specify the cause of her demise, it was known that Ople had been engaged in a battle against breast cancer.
“We will be providing additional information shortly. In the interim, we humbly request prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of our beloved Sec. Toots,” stated DMW spokesperson Toby Nebrija.
Toots Ople established the nonprofit institution Blas Ople Policy Center, which was named after her father, the late Senate President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Fajardo Ople.
In 1976, under the administration of Ferdinand E. Marcos, her father initiated the concept of overseas employment during his tenure as labor secretary.
Towards the end of July, she made known her intention to take a two-week hiatus from her duties following the passing of her two elder siblings. (ai/mnm)