MANILA – The renowned pop duo Air Supply is set to make a triumphant return to the Philippines with an exciting three-night concert series in December.
Consisting of the talented duo, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, the musical sensation will present their captivating showcase titled “Air Supply: The Lost In Love Experience” at the esteemed Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on the dates of December 11, 12, and 13.
Tickets for this anticipated event will go on sale starting Friday and can be secured through the official website: https://AirSupplyMusic.com/tour-dates.
Air Supply, acclaimed for chart-topping hits such as “Lost in Love,” “Here I Am,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” and “Now and Forever,” boasts an impressive global record of over 20 million copies sold.
This upcoming performance marks yet another chapter in Air Supply’s history with the Philippines.
The duo has previously graced their Filipino fanbase with multiple remarkable concerts, including a memorable 2013 show held at the prestigious Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City. (ai/mnm)
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) are launching a skills training program that will enable a greater number of Filipinos to participate in opportunities at its New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project as well as its various strategic initiatives across the country.
SMC President Ramon S. Ang and TESDA Secretary and Director General Suharto T. Mangudadatu, signed a memorandum of agreement that expands their existing partnership to more provinces to maximize job and livelihood creation and ensure that the benefits of growth resulting from its projects are widespread and shared by many.
“This is a great opportunity for many of our countrymen. The airport project and all our other projects, will not just generate jobs; more significantly, they will provide knowledge, skills, and technology transfer in construction, engineering, the operation of equipment and technologies, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, and many other fields,” said Ang.
“This gives our people a chance to learn valuable and highly-specialized skills right here in our country, while earning a decent living, and helping our country’s growth and development. Later on, they can bring these skills with them for better opportunities abroad, or to continue working for us to operate and maintain our facilities,” he added.
Ang cited that at the moment, the company is already working with over a hundred foreign experts in various fields at the airport project, currently in the first phase of construction–land redevelopment, or the process of turning what was once land converted into fishponds, back into land form again.
Filipinos working at the site are already learning from these foreign experts, and may then be tapped to teach and pass on skills and knowledge to the next batches of workers to be trained by TESDA, and hired by SMC.
The SMC-TESDA partnership, which started in 2020, is now expanded to include Pangasinan, Laguna, and Palawan. Initially, the partnership covered residents of Bulacan, Bataan, Batangas, Quezon Province, General Santos City, South Cotabato, and Davao del Sur.
In most of the pilot areas, graduates of the SMC-TESDA program also benefited from housing assistance, that allowed families to build or buy new homes, or in the case of Sariaya, Quezon, resettle in an SMC-built free housing community.
The program, which began in Bulacan and extended to different provinces, initially offered courses in heavy equipment operations, shielded metal arc welding, entrepreneurship training, electrical installation and maintenance, dressmaking, baking, and cookery.
Ang said: “As we are expanding our businesses around the country, a fully-capable workforce is an essential ingredient to our success. We thank TESDA for their sincere support and tireless efforts in helping us equip more Filipinos to improve their lives and help the country in the process.”
The SMC-TESDA program is also geared towards benefitting displaced workers, returning Overseas Filipino Workers, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, and other qualified clients. (AI/MNM)
MANILA — Globe, a prominent telecommunications company, has announced a significant decline in the number of blocked bank-related scam and spam messages on its network during the initial six months of this year.
According to a statement released by Globe, only 4.85 million bank-related spam and scam messages were blocked from January to June, marking a substantial decrease from the 9.06 million messages blocked during the same period in the previous year.
In the second quarter of 2023, a mere 779,254 messages were blocked, indicating a substantial drop compared to the 5.1 million messages blocked in the corresponding period of 2022.
Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer at Globe, pointed out that the company had entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Bankers Association of the Philippines and forged partnerships with some of the nation’s largest banks to counter cyber fraud.
In 2022, Globe thwarted 2.72 billion scam and spam messages. The company invested around $20 million in upgrading its system for detecting and blocking spam and scam SMS.
Previously, Globe had taken the measure of blocking person-to-person SMS containing clickable URLs (Uniform Resource Locator) from all networks.
The Philippines witnessed a surge in SMS-linked spam and scams last year, prompting the government to enact the SIM Registration Act. (ai/mnm)
Team USA arrives at NAIA (Photo courtesy of GMA Network)
Manila – The men’s basketball contingent from the United States has touched down in Manila, marking their presence for the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 campaign.
With aspirations of redemption following a lackluster performance in the 2019 edition, where they clinched a modest seventh place, the American squad is primed for a fresh start.
Clustered in Group C, they share the spotlight with Jordan, Greece, and New Zealand. Their inaugural showdown is scheduled for August 26th at the Mall of Asia Arena against the Tall Blacks.
Currently seated at the world’s second ranking, the United States has assembled a relatively youthful roster for the FIBA World Cup, featuring seasoned players Josh Hart and Bobby Partis, each aged merely 28.
Included in their twelve-man selection are: Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Austin Reaves, Tyrese Haliburton, Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson Jr., Paolo Banchero, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Anthony Edwards.
Preliminary preparations culminated with an exhibition triumph against Germany, with Edwards’ 34-point contribution sealing a 99-91 victory.
Filipino-American coach Erik Spoelstra assumes a coaching role on the Team USA staff, under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr.
Concurrently in Manila, national squads from Montenegro, Angola, Mexico, Egypt, the Dominican Republic, and Greece have also gathered.
Anticipated to join the fold on Tuesday are Puerto Rico, Italy, Serbia, and New Zealand. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — A representative from the Department of Energy stated on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, that the Philippines should move away from relying on fuel imports as a strategy to lower long-term oil prices.
According to Rino Abad, the Director of the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, the nation should prioritize the development and exploration of its domestic oil and gas resources.
“The most significant step to take is, of course, reducing our dependence, as we currently import 100 percent of our oil. The issue with this is that we only import around 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent,” Abad conveyed during a televised briefing.
“This is not even 1 percent of the global demand, which is approximately 104 million barrels per day. Our ability to negotiate favorable terms for purchasing petroleum products on the global market is severely limited,” he added.
“The most promising avenue for us in the upcoming years is to lessen our reliance on imports… We already have agreements in place,” he affirmed.
Despite the challenges, Abad commended the petroleum contracts in the West Philippine Sea and the Bangsamoro region.
Abad emphasized that since it takes approximately 10 to 15 years to develop new fuel sources, initiating these oil exploration projects now was crucial.
“It’s a time-consuming process. Exploration alone takes an average of 5 to 10 years. Then you need an additional 5 years for development before reaching production,” he explained.
“We need to move in that direction,” he emphasized.
To diminish the transport sector’s reliance on fuel, which accounts for around 60 to 70 percent of the country’s oil consumption, Abad suggested a shift towards electric vehicles. He stressed the importance of reducing fossil-fuel-based vehicles.
“We can adopt a transitional type of vehicle, starting with hybrids before fully transitioning to electric vehicles. This aligns with our plan to explore indigenous sources of oil and gas,” he noted.
Abad disclosed that the DOE’s goal is to achieve “over 50 percent” renewable energy in the country’s power sector, in line with the draft Philippine Energy Plan.
Fuel prices experienced another increase on Tuesday, with gasoline prices rising by P1.10 per liter.
Since July 10, the consecutive fuel price hikes have accumulated to P12.50 per liter for diesel, P8.85 for gasoline, and P11.85 for kerosene.
However, when considering the year-to-date figures, the net increases amount to P14.50 per liter for gasoline, P8.80 for diesel, and P5.84 for kerosene.
Abad attributed the surge in fuel prices to the “imbalance” between global production and demand, with no particular group of countries taking significant steps to decrease their demand. He highlighted that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries aims to reduce supply, despite a daily “underproduction” of 1 million barrels of oil since June.
According to Abad, this could potentially reach up to 2.8 million barrels daily. (ai/mnm)
Jordan Clarkson ready to “feel the love” once more from Filipino fans (FIBA photo courtesy)
MANILA — Amid speculation surrounding the absence of Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson in Gilas Pilipinas’ final pre-FIBA World Cup warm-up match against Mexico, team manager Butch Antonio and head coach Chot Reyes have affirmed that Clarkson’s non-participation was not due to injury.
“He was simply in need of some rest,” Antonio assured in regard to Clarkson’s status.
Despite Clarkson’s absence, Gilas faced a defeat against Mexico, with a final score of 84-77. Scottie Thompson emerged as the top scorer for the team with 14 points, complemented by Dwight Ramos and Roger Pogoy, each contributing nine points. The game saw Mexico gaining momentum in the third quarter, capitalizing on seven turnovers by Gilas.
In light of concerns, Antonio dispelled any worries regarding the health of the Fil-Am guard or the potential jeopardy of his involvement in the upcoming World Cup.
“There’s no need for concern,” he emphasized. “He genuinely required some time to recuperate.”
Clarkson had arrived in Manila on August 8 and has been actively training with Gilas Pilipinas since then. In his debut tune-up match with the team, he played for 24 minutes and 15 seconds during an 85-62 victory over Ivory Coast on the previous Friday. Subsequently, he logged 29 minutes and 39 seconds of playtime in the team’s 102-87 loss to Montenegro on Sunday night.
“Rest was simply what he needed,” Reyes reiterated.
Clarkson is set to lead the Philippines’ charge in the FIBA World Cup, commencing on August 25 at the Philippine Arena, where their first match will be against the Dominican Republic. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — Jomari Yllana, known for his roles in both the entertainment industry and politics, has taken a step toward marital bliss by proposing to his girlfriend, former provocative actress Abby Viduya.
Viduya took to Instagram to share snapshots capturing the enchanting moment of their engagement, which took place in Hong Kong, the very place where their love story ignited three decades ago.
“In a moment of unexpected surprise, he proposed and my answer was a resounding ‘Yes.’ Tears of joy flowed uncontrollably; this was such an unexpected blessing. My emotions overwhelmed me. My dear, you bring me boundless happiness. My love for you is everlasting,” Viduya’s heartfelt caption read.
“What’s quite amusing is that we had already laid out all our wedding arrangements, but you were determined to propose in the very spot where our journey began 30 years ago. Anticipation for our journey as husband and wife fills me with excitement. Your thoughtfulness knows no bounds,” she affectionately added.
It was just last year when Yllana and Viduya joyfully shared their intentions to walk down the aisle together.
The story of Viduya and Yllana traces back to their youth as high school sweethearts, only to find their paths converging again in 2015 through the realm of social media. The embers of their affection were rekindled when Viduya paid a visit to Manila in 2019.
Yllana attained celebrity status as a member of the 1990s trio Gwapings, sharing the limelight with Mark Anthony Fernandez, Eric Fructuoso, and later, Jao Mapa. (AI/MNM)
Photo courtesy of CBS News
MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Tuesday that another Filipino died due to the wildfire that engulfed Maui Island in Hawaii earlier this month.
Eduardo De Vega, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, conveyed that the second victim was identified as Rodolfo Rocutan, aged 76.
The Philippine Consul in Hawaii has highlighted the meticulous process involved in identifying the deceased individuals amidst the wildfires. Rocutan had renewed his passport at the Philippine Consulate last year. Authorities have been in contact with his family, as mentioned by De Vega.
The Philippine Consulate is currently in the process of confirming the identities of two other possible Filipino casualties. These families will be provided assistance by the Philippine government, including arrangements for cremation and the repatriation of the remains, as per their requests.
Paul Cortes, the Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs, stated that the current death toll from the wildfires stands at 114, with search and rescue operations ongoing. Cortes emphasized that the likelihood of Filipinos being affected by the Maui wildfire is significant due to the sizable Filipino community residing there.
In a public briefing, Cortes stated, “The probability of our compatriots being affected by the Maui wildfire is very, very high because of the substantial Filipino population in Maui.”
Cortes also mentioned that the DFA is actively assisting Philippine passport holders with their documentation needs, as some of these vital documents were lost during the wildfire’s destruction of their homes.
“The initial and perhaps most crucial form of documentation and identity for our fellow citizens abroad is their Philippine passport. We are aiding them in reconstructing their documentation, including birth certificates and marriage contracts… Hopefully, for our fellow citizens in Maui or Lahaina, they can gradually rebuild these vital paperwork,” he explained. (ai/mnm)
Japanese artist Joji is set to bring his “Pandemonium” world tour to the Philippines, thrilling his fans in the country. The local segment of his concert series will take place at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on November 28th.
Mark your calendars, as tickets for this eagerly anticipated event will go on sale starting September 2nd, Saturday, at 10 a.m. local time. You can secure your spot via the official website, jojimusic.com.
Joji’s previous visit to the Philippines was in February, where he was a notable part of the PLUS63 Festival Cebu lineup. And for his devoted Filipino supporters, his performance in December during the Manila leg of 88rising’s Head in the Clouds festival remains a cherished memory.
Regarded as an internet darling, Joji’s single “Glimpse of Us” resonated deeply in pop culture.
With an impressive tally of over 5 billion streams, Joji stands as one of the most extensively streamed artists in the digital age of music. His prowess as a singer-producer and rapper-comedian has earned him a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
(ai/mnm)
File photo of Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz during coastal clean-up with the Philippine Army in Boracay in August last year. (Photo courtesy of OCADC)
MANILA — Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. has called upon local government units (LGUs) situated near coastal areas and rivers to contribute to the conservation and proliferation of mangroves as these vital ecosystems play a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable communities from the impact of severe flooding and other climate-related disasters he said.
The Commissioner’s appeal comes in response to findings by scientists from the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Science, who have confirmed that the Philippines ranks as the second-worst country among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in terms of mangrove loss.
Between 1990 and 2010, research indicates that the country’s mangrove population experienced a decline of 10.5 percent. Only Myanmar surpasses the Philippines in this regard, with a significant loss of 27.6 percent.
Commissioner Dela Cruz highlights the concerning data against the backdrop of the international proclamation of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which strives to halt and reverse ecosystem degradation globally from 2021 to 2030.
Leveraging his expertise as a knowledgeable biologist and environmental advocate, the climate official proposes that LGUs, in addition to implementing their local climate change action plans (LCCAP), should focus on introducing more diverse mangrove flora and fauna to serve as foundations for identifying and prioritizing sites for mangrove restoration.
By doing so, he emphasizes that the country can align with the UN’s biodiversity objectives and potentially gather valuable insights into local biodiversity.
Dela Cruz’s journeys across the nation have seen him participate alongside LGUs in activities aimed at restoring mangroves in coastal communities such as those in Davao del Sur, Leyte, and Cebu. These regions were severely affected by the impact of super typhoon Odette (internationally known as Rai) in 2021.
In addition to these efforts, Dela Cruz advocates for LGU policies to promote ongoing research and community engagement in mangrove monitoring. In this context, collaborative partnerships play a vital role in sustaining regional mangrove protection.
He underscores the importance of establishing and strengthening partnerships between the national government, LGUs, and private stakeholders. This approach can help formulate unified goals and facilitate sustainable restoration measures that will ultimately benefit the entire country in the long term.
In conclusion, the climate official underscores that besides their role in mitigating the effects of destructive waves, well-preserved mangrove areas can significantly contribute to the nation’s food security initiatives. By serving as breeding grounds for fish, these areas can support livelihoods and provide a source of sustenance. (ai/mnm)
According to the Tugon Ng Masa survey commissioned by the think tank OCTA Research, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) emerged as the top performing and most highly regarded government agencies during the second quarter of the current year.
Conducted from July 22 to 26, the survey unveiled that a significant majority of adult Filipinos expressed satisfaction with the performance of these agencies.
The released poll results on Monday showcased the agencies’ ratings in the following sequence: CHEd at 80 percent, DepEd at 79 percent, PNP at 76 percent, DOH at 75 percent, and DSWD at 73 percent.
These same agencies were also noted as the most trusted, with CHEd and DSWD leading the pack with a 78 percent trust rating, trailed closely by DOH at 77 percent, DepEd at 75 percent, and PNP at 74 percent. (ai/mnm)
Photo of the maltreated kasambahay Elvie Vergara (middle)
IN response to the deeply concerning case of maltreated and physically abused kasambahay Elvie Vergara, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has vowed to take decisive action to hold her employers accountable for the alleged violent and inhumane acts she suffered at their hands.
“Walang puwang sa lipunan ang mga taong pinagsilbihan ni Elvie ng anim na taon. Sakali man na mayroong nagawang pagnanakaw ang pinagbibintangang kasambahay, legal na aksyon o karampatang hustisya ang dapat manaig. Hindi dapat natin inilalagay ang batas sa ating mga kamay,” Estrada, father of the Batas Kasambahay Act, otherwise known as Republic Act No. 10361, said.
Estrada, during the August 18 (Friday) episode of his online show “JingFlix,” interviewed Vergara and pledged to provide legal and financial assistance to her. He also promised to cover the medical expenses for her eye surgery.
The seasoned lawmaker, who introduced the 2013 landmark legislation as early as 2004, expressed disgust over the ordeal suffered by the victim supposedly in the hands of her employers.
“Pinagbibintangan po siya na nagnakaw ng cash na P12,000 at relo na nagkakahalaga ng P15,000. Naglalagay din daw po siya ng kung anu-ano sa pagkain nila,” Elvie’s sister Babylou relayed to Estrada when asked as to the possible reasons that prompted Vergara’s employers to take matters into their own hands.
As a champion of workers’ rights and social justice, Estrada is committed to using the full extent of legislative powers to ensure justice for Vergara and oversee the collaboration of relevant authorities and agencies to guarantee a fair and comprehensive investigation in her case.
“Ako mismo ang magpa-follow up sa mga awtoridad para mahuli itong mga employers ni Elvie,” Estrada said, recalling the similarity of Vergara’s case to the untold cruelty of kasambahay Bonita Baran became blind as a result of the abusive acts of her employers.
Formal cases are yet to be filed against Vergara’s alleged tormentors, the senator found out.
Estrada conducted the Senate investigation on Baran’s case in 2012, paving the way for the expeditious passage into law of RA 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act, which institutes policies for the protection and welfare of domestic workers.
The Supreme Court has sentenced Baran’s employers Reynaldo and Anna Liza Marzan of 40 years of imprisonment for the crime of serious illegal detention. (ai/mnm)
Photo by Benjie Cuaresma
Once more, oil corporations are poised to elevate their fuel rates, a scenario slated to unfold on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
According to individual notifications released by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum, Chevron Philippines Inc., and Seaoil Philippines Corp., a price surge is imminent.
Gasoline will experience an uptick of P1.10 per liter, diesel will climb by P0.20 per liter, and kerosene will see an increase of P0.70 per liter.
Echoing this adjustment, Cleanfuel is set to follow suit, implementing analogous price shifts across their offerings, with the exception of kerosene, a product not included in their inventory.
As these changes ripple through the market, consumers are advised to be mindful of the forthcoming adjustments in their fuel expenses. (ai/mnm)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has taken action against the Philippine Christian University (PCU) for a series of infractions.
CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera has issued a show cause order, directing PCU to cease immediately from delivering and executing any programs lacking an official CHED permit, endorsement, or authorization.
This encompasses activities such as transnational higher education, distance learning, and fully online courses.
Among the university’s violations are conducting transnational higher education (TNHE) programs without the requisite governmental approval, failure to provide essential data regarding its international institutional collaborators, not adhering to the stipulated faculty-to-student ratio for its Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management program, publicly announcing TNHE programs without CHED’s sanction, affiliating with institutions not endorsed as quality higher education providers by their respective governments or accredited by recognized accrediting bodies, and presenting abbreviated graduate programs through extended classes using distance education and online methodologies without proper authorization. (ai/mnm)
Senator Win Gatchalian said proceeds from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (PAGCOR) plan to privatize a significant number of its casinos could compensate for any revenue loss that the government will incur from terminating the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country.
PAGCOR recently disclosed a plan to begin by 2025 the privatization of 45 of its casinos which is expected to generate for the government P60 billion to P80 billion in revenue proceeds.
“The plan to privatize PAGCOR casinos could potentially augment government revenues, eliminating the need to impose any additional taxes amid prevailing tight fiscal space,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
At the same time, the privatization of PAGCOR’s casino operations would also formally decouple its regulatory function from its commercial operations. In previous hearings, Gatchalian has batted for the decoupling of PAGCOR’s regulatory functions from its commercial operations. He emphasized that such a move would enable PAGCOR to perform its regulatory functions effectively without any conflict of interest.
The senator pointed out that since PAGCOR profits from POGO operations, it is to their advantage if these POGOs are earning more, which consequently reduces their motivation to conduct thorough oversight on POGO companies.
“Unless PAGCOR relinquishes its commercial operations, it is still in competition with other casino operators in the country,” he said.
PAGCOR has not been able to effectively supervise the industry’s operations, said Gatchalian, citing news reports that it failed to collect P2.3 billion worth of income from POGOs since December 2021, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).
In addition, PAGCOR has also failed to uphold its own rules for POGOs. For instance, the accounts receivable of PAGCOR from POGOs ballooned because of their own failure to implement the Offshore Gaming Regulatory Manual (OGRM) that governs the conduct of offshore gaming operations by the POGO licensees and service providers. (ai/mnm)
“Government procurement reforms should lead to the expedited purchase of defense equipment the country needs to protect its territory, especially from the illegal incursions of China in the West Philippine Sea.”
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri issued this statement after calling for the removal of bottlenecks in the government procurement of goods and services and directing it to economic managers who appeared before senators on Wednesday to defend the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024.
He said that the acquisition process can still be “stringent but speedy so that recipients will get the right equipment at the right price at the right time.”
Complementing the passage of amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act is the pending Senate bill on boosting the domestic defense industry, the Senate chief said.
Lamenting the state of the country’s Navy and Coast Guard, Zubiri said “we need to procure the best and not necessarily the cheapest equipment because in military spending, the cheapest is not the best if it will soon fall apart.”
“There are several allies who would like to give us slightly used, not necessarily brand new, but good equipment so our law must be able to respond to this reality otherwise the acquisition will not push through for lack of legal basis,” he added.
“You know, when you buy an aircraft, even a 10-year-old aircraft, as long as it is well maintained, it can still be durable within the next 30 years,” Zubiri explained.
Being brand new should not always be equated with quality, he said, citing “the purchase of police vehicles from another country which were bugged by breakdowns and lack of spare parts.”
To complement the amendments to the government procurement law, Zubiri also pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 315 or the “Philippine Defense Industry Development Act,” a measure envisioned to promote the local production of defense equipment and materiel.
It revitalizes the Self Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program implemented in the 1970s to support the growing military hardware requirements of the AFP. The measure seeks to strengthen the SRDP Program by incentivizing in-country enterprises to help grow the local defense industry.
“By encouraging the growth of local enterprises supplying defense equipment and hardware to our AFP, we become less reliant on other countries to fill out our defense requirements. It will also generate employment for many Filipinos in the long run,” Zubiri said.
The Senate has taken a more assertive stance against the illegal encroachment of China in the WPS, condemning the recent action of the Chinese Coast Guard to water cannon Philippine vessels making a supply run to Filipino troops onboard the BRP Sierra Madre.
It passed a resolution condemning past and recent actions of China against the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard, as well as its harassment of Filipino fishermen trying to earn a living in Philippine territory. (ai/mnm)
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has selected 115 promising engineering graduates from various universities in the country to undergo extensive training for the commercial operation of its cutting-edge Mass Rail Transit (MRT-7) project in 2025.
The move is part of the company’s commitment to empowering the youth and harnessing local talent for its nation-building initiatives.
“MRT-7 promises to be a game-changer for the Philippine transportation landscape, and we are confident our young professionals will set new benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and service excellence,”SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.
The new graduates — mostly coming from Polytechnic University of the Philippines’s (PUP) Railway Engineering Program which is the only specialized program of its kind in the country — have already started their training in the country while 40 cadets who topped evaluation tests were sent to South Korea to train under its national railway operator, Korail, also SMC’s partner in the MRT-7 project.
“Investing in the growth, development and well-being of young local talents is part of our commitment to nation-building and ensuring our country’s long-term success and prosperity. We want to be able to provide them with the tools they need to enhance their competencies, prepare them for when the MRT-7 starts operating and eventually make meaningful contributions to the wider community. I am confident they will not only shine but also redefine standards,” Ang said, adding that this is also aligned with SMC’s broader strategy of fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Over 500 applicants initially underwent panel interviews and screening for the program. This included an aptitude test for train operators and traffic controllers. The 115 candidates who were cleared began training last March.
SMC tapped South Korea’s KORAIL and the government-run Philippine Railway Institute (PRI) to provide industry-level insights and understanding in train operations and maintenance for its railway cadets, who will become skilled train operators and traffic controllers.
KORAIL’s corps of railway professors began classroom lectures in Manila in May, with the entire batch of cadets in attendance. After further performance evaluations, the top 40 cadets were sent to Seoul to continue their training at the KORAIL facility.
This includes hands-on training using a driving simulator, exposure to core technology for driving and operations, railway control systems, first aid and emergency, and familiarization with the railway depot.
Meanwhile, 75 other cadets are undergoing the mandatory Fundamental Training (FT) course of the PRI, the rail transportation research and training center attached to the Department of Transportation.
The FT course provides an industry-level appreciation of railway operations and maintenance and seeks to provide aspiring railway professionals “the opportunity to learn technical skills and fundamental processes, with multiple paths to specialization and advancement within the railway sector.”
Cadets who graduate from the course become certified railway professionals such as train operators, traffic controllers, and maintenance personnel.
Jizelle Hasco, an aspiring train operator, said that the MRT-7 project has opened a “window of opportunity” when all the doors of the railway industry seemed to be “impenetrable” for a fresh graduate like her.
“I was about to give up looking for a job in the railway industry, and just search for a role in construction. But my elder sister encouraged me to continue to look for a job related to my field. While most railway projects are still in the construction phase, it is only MRT-7 which entertained applicants who are fresh graduates,” she said.
“Ang MRT-7 na lang po ang pag-asa ko na makapasok sa railway industry. Maliit po kasi ang railway industry dito sa atin. Bibihira po magbukas ng pagkakataon para sa mga fresh graduates tulad ko,” she added.
Hasco, 23, said she relayed the opportunity to her friends and batchmates at PUP. “Our entire batch at the railway engineering [program] really pinned our hopes that we would be part of the railway industry through MRT-7,” she continued.
“Ang laki ng opportunity for me personally na isang fresh graduate pa lang, tapos biglang lipad. Sobrang thankful ako sa SMC at may binigay na opportunity na ganito para sa akin. Kaya ginalingnan ko sa cadetship para dito kasi may trabaho akong makukuha para sa akin at sa pamilya ko.”
At the send-off ceremony recently for the Korea-bound trainees, urged the cadets to do their best to “to represent not just our company, but our country in South Korea.”
“You will have the privilege to learn from the best in the industry, acquire cutting-edge skills, and gain experience that will allow you to excel in your respective roles. I wish all of you to make the most of this opportunity,” Ang told the cadets.
“This is not just a professional journey, but a personal one that will help shape your lives and careers. More importantly, your learnings and experiences will translate to actual benefits for our countrymen. I look forward to the day when you take the lead in serving millions of Filipino commuters,” he added.
Die-hard supporters of Ninoy Aquino flock to his statue on Ayala Avenue in Makati to commemorate his 40th year death anniversary (Photo by Benjie Cuaresma/AI/MNM)
I WAS AT THE NEWSROOM of Tempo, a daily English tabloid published by a known Marcos crony Gen. Hans Menzi, when a reporter phoned in to report that former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was shot at the then Manila International Airport.
I remember our editors were in frenzy and hastily ordered us to go home early.
Walking towards Quiapo from our Intramuros office I noticed an overcast sky, as if an ominous sign of things to come that will shake the country.
I admit Ninoy Aquino was never my idol.
I’ve heard from the more seasoned journalists that he was fond of “chicks” after those Senate sessions.
For me, since Ninoy was a former reporter he’s just one of the boys who may have the gift of gab who hit the jackpot in politics.
But Ninoy’s brutal killing somehow jolted the Filipino people.
Even if he was a “burgis” and husband of haciendera Cory, he was able to capture the imagination of all classes in Philippine society.
Ninoy was the political Kris Aquino during his time.
He mercilessly lambasted his Upsilonian frat brod Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. who had saved him from the firing squad after a military tribunal in November 1977 found Ninoy, together with then Lt. Victor Corpus who defected to the New People’s Army, and NPA founder Bernabe Buscayno alias “Kumander Dante” guilty for multiple murder and sedition.
But despite his vile tirades against the FM martial law regime, Ninoy was allowed to leave for the United States to undergo a coronary bypass surgery on recommendation of his doctors at the Philippine Heart Center where he was confined after suffering a heart attack in his prison cell in Fort Bonifacio.
Kahimyang.com quoted Ninoy as saying:
“No, if I cannot be operated in America, then bring me back to my cell, I told them (on May 6). The deputy minister of defense asked me: ‘Are you willing to write a letter to Marcos requesting to be brought to America?’ I said yes. And so, I wrote my letter Wednesday (May 7) to Mr. Marcos and made two covenants: that if I leave, I shall return, and two, that while in America, I should not speak out against his regime.
The next morning, May 8, the beautiful one (Imelda Marcos) ascended into my (hospital) suite. She talked to me … she was very nice. And then, all of a sudden, after one hour, she said, Would you like to go to America? Aba’y kako, sure. Sure! Oo, oo. Palayasin na niyo ‘ko, papuntahin niyo ako sa America. Sabi niya, there’s a plane leaving at 6 o’ clock. You can be in that plane. And so she ordered the foreign office to issue us passports. They called up the American embassy to get us the visas. At 2:30 in the afternoon, they brought me to my house …. They gave me 30 minutes to pack and take a shower. Then they brought me to the airport, put me in a 747, and out of the Philippines.”
Ninoy survived.
But not after three years in the” land of milk and honey” when Ninoy Aquino came back home only to be felled by a single bullet that changed the course of history.
It was August 21, 1983.
(AI/MNM)
The seismic activity observed in Camarines Sur could potentially signify a larger earthquake, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). This after over a span of several days or since Saturday, August 19, nearly 50 tremors were recorded in the area, constituting what Phivolcs referred to as an “earthquake swarm.”
Teresito “Toto” Bacolcol, the director of Phivolcs, has indicated that this cluster of earthquakes might serve as an early indication of a more substantial seismic event on the horizon. The most powerful tremor during this period had a magnitude of 4.4, occurring on August 19.
Phivolcs defines an earthquake swarm as a brief sequence of minor to moderate earthquakes that lacks a discernible significant event or main shock. Bacolcol explained that the nature and duration of an earthquake swarm can vary. One possibility is a short-lived burst of earthquake activity spanning several days, similar to two previous instances of earthquake swarms in the same province: one on December 13, 1993, and another from October 14 to 16, 2021.
Bacolcol cautioned that an alternative scenario should not be dismissed: these earthquakes might serve as a precursor to a more powerful earthquake with a larger magnitude.
Throughout history, Camarines Sur and its surroundings have experienced at least seven notable earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 6.0 to 7.4. The most significant of these occurred on March 17, 1973, measuring a magnitude of 7.0, and caused substantial damage. Bacolcol highlighted that Camarines Sur is seismically active due to the presence of active faults, including the Legaspi Lineament, as well as offshore segments of the Philippine Fault in Ragay Gulf, contributing to the region’s heightened seismicity. (ai/mnm)
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MAKATI — Supporters, friends, and family members gathered at the Ninoy Aquino Monument at Ayala Ave.
Makati City on Sunday, August 20, 2023, to commemorate the 40th death anniversary commemoration of former Senator Benigno
Simeon Aquino Jr.
Aquino once served as governor of Tarlac. He also served as Senator from 1967-1972.
Tragically, he was assassinated by a lone gunman on August 21, 1983, on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport upon his arrival from the United States of America.
According to the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, a mass will be held for the former senator’s death anniversary at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City today, Monday, August 21, 2023.
Ninoy Aquino’s death led to the 1986 People’s Power Revolution that eventually installed his wife Cory into power as 11th president of the land from 1986-1992. (ai/mnm)