Residents of urban poor communities who have been displaced from National Housing Authority (NHA) relocation sites assailed the agency and expressed their strong opposition to House Bill 8156, which aims to grant perpetual corporate existence to the agency.
The collective stance of this group highlights the NHA’s inadequate transparency and responsibility towards its beneficiaries. They assert that public service has been sidelined in favor of pursuing business interests.
Their demands include a complete overhaul of the national housing program and the dismantling of the NHA itself.
In a visual display of their discontent, images featured individuals from various urban poor communities padlocking the entrance gate of the NHA’s main office on Elliptical Road, Quezon City, on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, as they vociferously call for its abolition. (Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
President Bong Bong Marcos issued an official statement last Monday (07 Aug 2023) announcing the suspension of activities on the reclamation project in Bulacan and Manila Bay.
However, there appears to be a contradiction between the official stance of the Chief Executive and the ongoing actions on the ground.
Despite the suspension, enormous quantities of sand continue to be deposited into the reclamation zones spanning 38,000 hectares within Manila Bay and an additional 26,232 hectares along its coastline.
Featured images here can attest to the seemingly “unstoppable” reclamation activities despite the calls from lawmakers from the Upper Chamber and Lower House.
Environmental groups also called on concerned government agencies to study the repercussions of reclamation projects in the long haul. (ai/mnm/BENJAMIN CUARESMA)
By Benjamin Cuaresma
August 9, 2023
MANILA — The Department of Public Services of Manila took the lead in an initiative aimed at enhancing awareness and knowledge among zoo personnel and food stall operators regarding cleanliness and organization, both within and outside the bounds of Manila Zoo on Wednesday.
During the event, municipal officials engaged with entrepreneurs and stall proprietors to discuss the significance of adhering to the Sanitation Law and to foster a deeper comprehension of its principles.
This legal framework is rooted in RA 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Deliberations also encompassed the appropriate care of animals, the maintenance of their habitats within and beyond the Zoo’s confines, and the establishment of a secure and pathogen-free work environment for the staff. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – The Philippines will send 19 athletes to the 45th Southeast Asia (SEA) Age Group Swimming Championships to be held Jakarta, Indonesia from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.
The swimmers made it to Jakarta meet after earning slots during a series of open tryouts held in Manila, Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, using the fifth-place finish in the last year’s Malaysia edition as the qualifying time standard.
Jamesray Michael Ajido, a double-gold medal winner last year, will lead the team composed of 2022 World Juniors campaigners Amina Isabelle Bungubung, Mishka Sy, Jalid Taguinod, Ivo Nikolai Enot, Joshua Park, Aishel Evangelista, Estifano Joshua Ramos, Lance Rafael Cruz, Patricia Mae Santor, Shairinne Floriano, Peter Cyrus Dean, Jie Angela Mikaela Talosig, Catherine Cruz, Arabella Taguinota, Bea Mabalay and Jennuel Boo De Leon.
US-based Clark Kent Apuada and Ava Samantha Bautista also made it to the team after submitting qualifying times signed and authenticated by the US league organizing head.
Juan Marco Daos, who qualified for the boys 16-18 200m fly (2:08.29), opted to compete at the World Junior Championships in Israel next month.
Coaches Ramil Ilustre (head), Cyrus Alcantara, Manuel De Leon Mark Pido and Wilfredo Cruz will join the Jakarta trip.
“The best of the best as I see it. And since we held the tryouts all over the country, the regions are well-represented in the composition of the team which is a good sign that swimming is changing for the better. They not only represent the Philippine colors but also give pride and honor for their cities and provinces,” Olympian Eric Buhain said in a press statement on Wednesday.
“We have a lot of inspiration from these kids, our next generation of swimming champions,” the Batangas first district congressman added. (PNA)
SOFIA, Bulgaria – Bulgaria is the leading country in Central and Eastern Europe in the use of technology solutions provided by the Google platform for education, the Ministry Education said Wednesday after a meeting between Minister of Education and Science Prof. Galin Tsokov and William Florence, Head of Google Workspace for Education in Central and Eastern Europe.
The technology company’s analysis is based on various indicators such as the number of certified teachers and trainers, the use of apps such as Google Classroom, etc.
Bulgaria also ranks first in the number of teachers per capita with globally recognized digital skills certificates from the technology company, it became clear during the meeting.
Data show that about 500 schools and a total of over 200 thousand users in Bulgaria are actively using the opportunities provided by the company’s cloud platform.
Participants at the meeting commented on how the active use of technology promotes innovation in teaching methods.
Other important highlights of the conversation were the penetration of artificial intelligence, the organization of a joint event to present digital solutions in education and ways for their wider use in Bulgaria. (BTA)
MANILA – A ranking central bank official on Wednesday said assessments on inflation show that the 2024 level is not expected to breach the government’s 2-4 percent target band despite the rising global oil prices.
During the Davao City-leg of the Philippine Economic Briefing, which was streamed live through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Facebook page, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said amid the latest oil price upticks in the global market, which is also being felt in the domestic setting, “we have a quite good margin for oil.”
“Our simulation shows that we have a threshold of about USD100 per barrel for oil before oil will breach our inflation target for next year. So far, we’re at the USD80 per barrel range,” he said.
Data show that global oil prices rose anew on Tuesday, with Brent crude rising by 83 cents to USD86.17 per barrel and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by 98 cents to USD82.92 per barrel.
Oil prices have a big impact on the rate of price increases since it has affected even the prices of other commodities.
Amid the latest developments on oil prices, Dakila said monetary authorities continue to see the monthly inflation rate returning to within-target levels in the last quarter of the year.
After hitting its 14-year high of 8.7 percent last January, the domestic inflation rate sustained its slowdown to 4.7 percent last July, bringing the seven-month average to 6.8 percent.
BSP forecasts inflation to average 5.4 percent this year and around 2.9 percent in 2024.
“In fact, there’s a great chance that inflation will be touching close to or even slightly below the lower level of the target by the first quarter of next year and that is largely because of base effects,” Dakila said. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose on Wednesday a day before the release of the second quarter 2023 gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, while the peso closed sideways.
The local bourse finished with 57.48 points increase to 6,530.45.
The stock market has been trading between 6,400 and 6,500 levels for the past seven trading days.
“Philippine stocks were bought ahead of the GDP release, as more earnings came out in line or above expectations, while others brushed off Moody’s downgrade of several regional banks,” said Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales.
The country’s employment rate in June was also released Wednesday, which remained strong at 95.5 percent inching down slightly from 95.7 percent in May.
All shares also improved by 19.05 points to 3,480.16.
All counters closed in the positive territory, except for Mining and Oil, declining by 60.87 points to 10,106.29 points.
From being the biggest loser in the previous trading, the Holding Firms index was the day’s top gainer after rising 51.02 points. However, its increments still fell short from Tuesday’s losses of 58.12 points.
This was followed by Financials, up 22.41 points to 1,915.64; Services, 21.37 points to 1,590.70; Property, 7.54 points to 2,742.49; and Industrial, 2.69 points to 9,136.48.
Despite the local stock market ending in the green, majority of listed firms were decliners at 92 while 89 counters were advancers. Fifty-two firms retained their stocks.
Meanwhile, after depreciating for five consecutive trading days, the Philippine peso closed sideways to 56.20 to a US dollar on Wednesday from 56.25 in the previous trading.
It opened the day weak at 56.40 from last day’s start of 56.18 to the greenback.
The currency pair traded between 56.20 and 56.44 to a dollar, bringing the average level for the day at 56.23.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort cited that among the positive factors for the peso include the affirmation of Rating and Investment Information, Inc. on the country’s BBB+ rating, stronger investment approvals in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, increase in dollar reserves, better exports data and narrower trade deficit.
Total volume of trade was lower at USD996.2 million from USD1.15 billion in the previous day. (PNA)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The provincial government of La Union has inaugurated its PHP280 million worth convention center at Barangay Sevilla in this city.
The three-story Multi-Purpose building has a total floor area of 2,000 square meters that can accommodate up to 1,500 people, the provincial government said in a statement on Wednesday.
The project was funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways through the National Building Program.
“The La Union Convention Center features a unique architectural and aesthetic design inspired by a surfboard, one of La Union’s icons, being a surfing destination in the North. Expected to boost economic growth and the tourism sector of the province,” it stated.
The convention center will provide a venue for special events and large gatherings such as training, meetings, seminars, exhibits, conventions, and tradeshows that will not only cater to locals but also attract visitors from different parts of the country.
“The construction of the infrastructure project began in the year 2015 during the term of then La Union first district Representative Victor Francisco Ortega, who was the brainchild of the project and succeeded by former first district Representative Pablo Ortega until its completion this year under first district Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega V,” it added.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David held her first State of the Nation Address at the convention center during its inauguration last Aug. 7.
“People-centered and driven governance is our call to action and unwavering commitment to placing the needs and aspirations and well-being of our citizens at the forefront of our decision-making. Throughout history we have seen and continue to witness wherein power is in the hands of the few where the voices of the marginalized have been and are silenced,” she said.
David reported that La Union remains one of the least poor provinces of the country and the 11th most competitive province in the country as of 2022.
“Poverty incidence is at 6.6 among families, according to the Family Income and Expenditure Survey of Philippine Statistics Authority,” she said.
She added that the province has a zero Commission on Audit suspension and disallowance.
David said La Union was chosen as the only local government unit (LGU) in the Ilocos Region out of 21 provinces in the country for implementation of the LGU Reform Project of the Department of Finance.
“It aims to improve LGU’s revenue mobilization. Build the capacity of LGU to deliver public service and strengthen local government performance,” she said about the project.
Since her administration is anchored on people-centered and driven governance, the provincial government established a customer feedback system and a complaints desk.
They also have the 33 in-house information and communications technology system to empower the citizenry with accurate and relevant information and to keep citizens updated with relevant news.
“We are the first province in northern Luzon to partner with GCash to expand the payment platform. We dream of wire-free streets downtown as we explore the underground cabling of our province,” she said.
David said the provincial government has institutionalized the Annual Youth TAOID Camp peer-to-peer facilitation program, a campaign for human immunodeficiency virus acquired immunodeficiency syndrome awareness and screening tests, and the province’s Youth Development Council and Elyulympics, sports competition.
Women empowerment is recognized and acknowledged in La Union as David is the first woman governor of the province.
La Union is also the first to implement the menstrual leave privilege for its employees and even provides menstrual kits in every department.
David said over 10,000 individuals prioritizing those in geographically isolated areas (GIDA) villages in the free medical and dental outreach program.
She said the five district hospitals have ISO certifications and the Rosario and Naguilian district hospitals’ bed capacity has been increased from 25 to 50 while an additional PHP200 million was allotted for the implementation and maintenance of the hospitals.
She added the provincial government aims to provide barangay health stations prioritizing GIDA villages.
The LGU has also provided PHP300,000 in financial assistance to persons with disabilities group and some PHP18.3 million to the nonagenarians and centenarians in the province.
David said they have also signed an agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to formalize the establishment of a home for the elderly.
In tourism, the province recorded 494,387 tourist arrivals in 2022 and the revenue increased by 315.21 percent from 2021 to 2022 and is expected to be surpassed this year as they have already 308,309 tourist arrivals only in the first semester of 2023.
“We have won six Pearl Awards for Best Tourism Practices and the Philippine Tourism Excellence Award,” she said.
The Pasalubong Center also benefited as its revenue grew by 600 percent in sales, from PHP553,460 from January to June 2022 to PHP3.9 million on the same period this year.
This was attributed to the return of the La Union surfing break following its hiatus during the outbreak of the pandemic and the holding of the World Surfing League.
She added that the La Union Tourism Summit will also return in September this year.
David thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the PHP15 million cash assistance and generator sets following the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Egay in the province.
She also said the province is one of the beneficiaries of the Pambansang Pabahay ng Pangulo, a flagship program of the Marcos administration.
Future plans
David said a draft ordinance on the Mandatory Registration of Poultry and Livestock Raisers and Farm Owners is underway to protect and boost agriculture particularly the poultry and livestock in the province.
“With this initiative, we will be able to closely monitor stakeholders and provide assistance (when needed),” she said.
The province is also enforcing Provincial Resolution 342-2023 or the Single-Use Plastics and Other Reusable and Disposable Materials Code.
David said the 59.5-kilometer Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway extension project from Rosario to San Juan has already been approved and is expected to promote growth and provide livelihood to the residents.
She added that a sports complex will soon rise in San Fernando City while the San Fernando City Airport Terminal connecting to the islands of Visayas and Mindanao is being lobbied by the provincial government. (PNA)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Health authorities are ramping up the administration of the Covid-19 bivalent vaccine as all sectors are now qualified to receive the latest dose.
“Sectors A1-A9 may now receive the bivalent vaccine, originally a 3rd booster dose designed specifically to fight the Omicron variant of Covid-19,” Negros Oriental Provincial Health Officer Dr. Liland Estacion on Wednesday said.
Estacion said the provincial health office distributed the bivalent vaccines to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) and the other private hospitals in this capital city and nearby Sibulan town where walk-ins are accepted.
Previously, the bivalent vaccine was only allowed for health workers and senior citizens who had their second booster, she said.
Now, the Department of Health (DOH) has allowed the bivalent vaccine to be used as a first and second booster for fully-vaccinated individuals, she added.
DOH Region 7 director Dr. Jaime Bernadas, who visited Negros Oriental on Tuesday, appealed to the people to avail of the bivalent vaccines.
He said that regionwide, the Central Visayas provinces have only reached some 9,000 against the target quota of 16,000 doses.
Nationwide, the one million doses of the bivalent vaccine have not also been exhausted yet, he added.
Bernadas said there is plenty of supply of the latest vaccine to fight Covid-19 and replenishment for Negros Oriental is already assured provided the province will use up its allocation.
Estacion said her office could not yet give an updated figure on how many individuals have already been vaccinated with the bivalent dose while awaiting reports from the different hospitals.
On Aug. 3, the official reported that 403 individuals got their booster shots out of the 1,800 bivalent boosters allocated for Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) machine at the NOPH Molecular Laboratory has to be fixed within a week’s time after it broke down, Estacion said.
In the meantime, the swab samples will have to be sent to the DOH laboratory in Cebu City for testing, although Bernadas reassured of a swift release of the results within one day at the earliest.
Some individuals and quarters still require the RT-PCR test instead of the over-the-counter antigen test for specific purposes such as employment and travel, Estacion added. (PNA)
CEBU CITY – The city government here has commended the Office of the Building Official (OBO) for its efficiency in issuing permits which generated higher revenue.
OBO head Florante Catalan reported that the office collected PHP92.1 million in revenues from January to July 2023, which is 26 percent higher than the PHP63.7 million collected in the same period of 2022.
Of the PHP92.1 million total revenue, PHP37.1 million came from building permits, he said.
With this accomplishment, the city council passed a resolution recognizing the “efficient facilitation” of OBO in the issuance of building, occupancy, and electrical permits.
“Due to the effective service rendered by OBO, buildings in the City of Cebu are up to safety standards, which redounds to the safety of the Cebuanos,” read the resolution, authored by Councilor Rey Gealon.
Gealon also mentioned the commendation given to OBO by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry on June 24.
“Such commendation by CCCI to OBO is admirable as CCCI is a prominent business membership organization and is the voice of Cebu’s business community,” he said.
Catalan took pride in the OBO’s technical expertise in processing the permits which led them to collect higher revenues.
“With the system we used in OBO, which we called OBO IS version 3 designed by our MICS (Management Information and Computer Services) office, the processing is so fast and you can get the permits so fast,” Catalan said. (PNA)
MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” transport aircraft crew members together with its United States Air Force (USAF) counterparts and participants from 12 other air forces will participate in exercises essential to airborne humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) from Aug. 14 to 18.
In a statement Wednesday night, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said participants to the Pacific Airlift Rally 2023 (PAR-23) would be provided with airborne training exercises, airlift operations, logistical planning table-top exercises and subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) that will focus on HADR operations.
“Participants will practice mission planning, cargo handling and loading, multinational air-land and airdrop operations, as well as medical transport operations among others,” she added.
Aside from the PAF and the USAF, other participating nations in PAR-23 include Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste.
These training activities will be held in the Philippines with different activities happening at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Pampanga; Villamor Air Base, Pasay City; and Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Castillo said PAF C-130s from the 220th Airlift Wing at Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, will take part in the exercise together with C-130s from the USAF, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force and Indonesian Air Force for the flight training portion of the PAR-23 Field Training Exercise (FTX).
The PAF, together with multinational military operations and logistics planners, will also conduct the PAR-23 Multinational Table-Top Exercise (TTX) that will center on HADR airlift operations and logistical planning for aircraft deployment staging, cargo and movement mission planning and multinational airlift capability analysis for airlift mission schedule prioritization.
Castillo said these are all vital components in airlift mission planning essential not only for local operations but also during multinational HADR operations.
“Various SMEEs will also take place as part of PAR-23. These include SMEEs on C-130 aircraft maintenance, austere and expeditionary medicine, advance patient movement and evacuation, air force defense and force protection, building resiliency through military bands and chaplain service-related topics,” Castillo said. (PNA)
MANILA – Some areas in the country will experience rains due to the southwest monsoon (habagat), the weather bureau said Thursday.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will prevail over Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Soccsksargen and the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Lanao del Norte and the northern portion of Palawan.
Moderate to heavy rains may cause flooding and landslides in these areas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
The rest of the country will have isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may also result in floods and landslides.
Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail over Luzon. Fishing boats and other small seacraft are alerted against moderate to rough seas of the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.
Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas.
Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm Lan was last tracked 2,370 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“This means it is far from the landmass and has no direct effect (on the country’s weather),” said PAGASA forecaster Benison Estareja.
PAGASA is not expecting Lan to enhance the southwest monsoon, he said. (PNA)
MANILA – American microprocessors manufacturer Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) will invest around USD1 billion for the expansion of its facilities in Clark, Pampanga and Baguio City, Malacañang announced Thursday.
TI’s investment commitments were announced during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s meeting with members of the United States (US)-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Council at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.
Citing the announcement made by US officials, Garafil said TI is expected to submit in two weeks an application on the expansion of its Clark and Baguio City sites which may reach USD1 billion Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises threshold.
“There will be huge opportunities as Texas Instruments gear toward making the investment, which would increase capacity in the region, having in mind the shortage of chips in the global economy,” Garafil said.
Garafil said TI’s investment plans are in line with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 signed into law by US President Joe Biden last year.
She noted that the US law is aimed at building and making historic investments that will poise American workers, communities and businesses to “win the race for the 21st century.”
“The law is seen to strengthen American manufacturing, supply chains, and national security, and invest in research and development, science and technology, and the workforce of the future to keep the United States the leader in the industries of tomorrow, including nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence,” Garafil said.
Marcos welcomed TI’s investment plans, saying the expansion would help spur economic growth in the Philippines.
He said the Philippines has good potential, considering its workforce that is accustomed to working for foreign corporations.
He added that the Philippines has undertaken a “very comprehensive” program of upskilling and reskilling its workers to be able to take advantage of the new niches in the labor demand and the labor market.
“These (are) areas and sectors in the economy that we would like to be involved in,” he said, as quoted by the PCO. “And we have a great deal of [dependence] already… of our exports. We do not see why we should not further support and enhance the sector of the economy because it has (done) well.”
TI was founded in 1930 and is currently based in Dallas, Texas. It is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures, tests and sells analog and embedded processing chips.
The company has approximately 80,000 products that help over 100,000 customers efficiently manage power, accurately sense and transmit data and provide the core control or processing in their designs, going into markets such as industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communications equipment and enterprise systems.
TI has 15 manufacturing sites worldwide which produce tens of billions of chips every year.
To date, it employs around 14,000 workers in the US, 17,000 in the Asia-Pacific, and 2,000 in Europe. (PNA)
MANILA – Around 76 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects amounting to PHP2.4 billion will be pursued in Mindanao to boost economic development in the region.
During the first Philippine Economic Briefing in Davao City on Wednesday, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said some of the infrastructure projects aim to ease congestion and improve connectivity in Mindanao.
These include Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, Mindanao Railway Project, Davao City Expressway, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge, and Panguil Bay Bridge.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the 100-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project, with a total project cost of PHP81.67 billion, is currently in the process of design finalization and right-of-way acquisition.
Bautista also noted that the PHP73.9-billion Davao Public Transport Modernization Project will be funded with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank.
On digital infrastructure in Mindanao, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy said over 1,500 free Wi-Fi sites have been deployed and about 1,200 digital transformation centers have been established in villages to assist locals.
‘Bright spots’
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Area Vice President for Mindanao Arturo Milan cited several “bright spots” for Mindanao in sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, digitalization and energy.
Milan emphasized that energy security has to be “constantly present.”
“Otherwise, all these bright spots in our economy will not be possible,” he said.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the government has already come up with a budget plan for the priority sectors.
“The sectors he has mentioned, I am happy to note that they are all the same priorities on the expenditure side,” Pangandaman said.
Discussing the priority expenditures in the proposed 2024 national budget, Pangandaman said the government is promoting renewable energy alongside the country’s climate efforts, which will be allocated PHP543.45 billion for next year.
Inclusive development
Citing the importance of a whole-of-nation approach, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. discussed opportunities in Islamic banking and finance that have sparked notable market interest from local and foreign investors.
National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Joseph Capuno highlighted key points in the Davao Regional Development Plan 2023-2028, including the creation of an enabling environment to promote investor interest through enhanced physical and digital connectivity infrastructure.
Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President John Carlo Tria said business organizations in Mindanao enjoy strong relations with local governments.
“We work together to bring investment to Davao, and this is a window to the rest of Mindanao,” Tria said.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma commended the private sector for its valuable contribution to boosting the country’s employment level.
Laguesma said the private sector’s active participation, cooperation and commitment signify that they “continue to trust the government,” especially the Marcos administration.
Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan expressed his optimism for improved delivery of public services and better governance and accountability by the local government units, as evidenced by the Seal of Good Local Governance. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) begins its 48th season on Oct. 15 as announced by Commissioner Willie Marcial.
Marcial said the season will likely run until April 2024 depending on how long the two conferences, the import-spiced Commissioner’s Cup and all-Filipino Philippine Cup, will last.
“Ang finals ng coming Commissioner’s Cup, siguro matatapos siya ng February. Tapos mga 7-10 days, magsisimula naman yung All-Filipino Cup (The Commissioner’s Cup Finals might finish by February. Then after 7-10 days, the All-Filipino Cup will start),” Marcial made his projection during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
He confirmed that the All-Star Week is set for coming March in Bacolod.
“Inanyahan tayo at nakausap natin si Mayor Albee [Benitez] na sila ang magho-host sa (Mayor Albee invited and even got to talk to us saying that they will host the All-Star Week in) Bacolod by March,” Marcial said.
The league executive also announced that the PBA Draft Combine is scheduled on Sept. 12-13 –only a few days after the FIBA World Cup–at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
The combine is required for aspirants to signify their intent of joining the Sept. 17 draft, which will happen at the Market Market Activity Area in Taguig.
Just like last year, the PBA Draft will just be a regular draft, that is, there will be no special Gilas round.
Also in the pipeline for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup is the possibility of holding a three-game home stand for guest team Bay Area in Hong Kong.
“Pinag-usapan namin yan ni Matt Beyer (EASL CEO) para maglaro sa (We discussed with Matt Beyer about playing in) Hong Kong,” Marcial continued. “Hindi pa talagang finalized yung pag-uusap namin, pero 80 percent, maglalaro sa (Our discussion has not been finalized yet, but 80 percent sure, we will play in) Hong Kong.”
He added that the Dragons’ home games against opponents that the PBA will announce at the release of the Commissioner’s Cup schedule might be played on Saturday, the day set for the out-of-town games.
To further hype the new season, the PBA will also hold a fun run on Sept. 24 at the new Bridgetowne Complex, whose entire area is shared by both the cities of Pasig and Quezon.
There will be out-of-town games in Tiaong, Quezon, Baliwag, Bulacan, Batangas City, and Dumaguete City, and although 15 provinces have offered to host PBA games this season, Marcial said those which already hosted the league during the On Tour would be considered first.
Marcial said the PBA is fully supporting the Gilas Pilipinas’ stint in the World Cup and Asiad in Hangzhou, China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.
“We continue to support Gilas for the Asian Games. We still don’t know which players the team will use, if it’s still Gilas today (for the World Cup) or if the players will change. It still depends on the discussion with coach Chot (Reyes),” Marcial said. (PNA)
MANILA – Unbeaten Carl Jammes Martin is optimistic about his return to the ring on Aug. 19 against Oscar Duge of Tanzania in a 10-round bantamweight fight at the Mandaluyong Sports Complex.
The boxer from Lagawe, Ifugao province has fully recovered from a rib injury that sidelined him for eight months.
“Napaka-importante po ng next fight ko (My next fight is very important),” the 24-year-old Martin said during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission conference hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.
The young southpaw, who fought 56 times as an amateur, has an unblemished professional record of 21-0 with 17 knockouts with 10 of them inside three rounds.
“Pinag-sisikapan po namin sa training. Pinag-iingatan din namin ang kalaban. Pinag-aaralan namin pati ang mga adjustments na pwede gawin sa ring (We are training hard. We are also careful with our enemy. We study the adjustments we can make in the ring),” Martin said.
He was accompanied by his father, Abel, and brother, Japeth — both his trainers — in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Counting on the support of former world champion Gerry Peñalosa and Sean Gibbons of the MP Promotions, Martin said if things go as planned, Gibbons might bring him to the US for further training.
Standing at 5-foot-3, Duge is three inches shorter than Martin. The 26-year-old Tazmanian Duge has an 11-5-2 record, his last defeat was in August 2000. He has never been knocked out.
“Wala pang KO ang kalaban. Yun ang target — kami ang unang maka-knockout sa kanya. Pero handa din naman kami sa mahabang fight (The opponent doesn’t have a KO yet. That’s the target — we are the first to knock him out. But we are also ready for a long fight),” said Japeth, also a boxer.
“Ready na po kami. Pero hindi po namin masasabi. Kung ma-knockout yung kalaban, mas maganda po talaga (We are ready. But we can’t say. If we knock out the opponent, it’s even better),” added Abel. (PNA)
NAIROBI, Kenya – The World Food Program (WFP) said Tuesday that it has resumed crucial food distribution in Ethiopia following its suspension in June amid widespread reports of donations being stolen and diverted.
In a statement to Anadolu, the UN food agency said it was now being even more cautious with its food operations in the country, where a humanitarian crisis has been unfolding due to famine and civil conflict in the Tigray region.
It said it had commenced the distribution of 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of pre-packed wheat in bags to more than 100,000 eligible beneficiaries in four districts in Tigray.
“The test distributions are being rolled out at seven food distribution points where WFP and partners have completed targeting of beneficiaries and digitally registered them,” it said.
New measures to prevent illegal food diversion to local markets include “new bag markings to allow for precise tracking of food commodities; strengthened complaint and feedback mechanisms including help desks and hotlines; and enhanced training for humanitarian partners.”
The WFP said it plans to begin registering vulnerable populations in Ethiopia and rolling out enhanced control measures for people in the Amhara, Afar and Somali regions as well as other parts of the Tigray region.
The suspension of food aid began in June and has caused thousands to suffer from hunger, particularly in the war-torn Tigray region.
The two-year conflict across Ethiopia disrupted crucial agricultural activities, uprooted farmers from their lands, and hampered the transportation and distribution of essential sustenance.
Consequently, widespread food shortages have led to an increase in hunger and malnutrition rates. (Anadolu)
TRENTON, Canada – Canada media groups labeled Meta’s decision to block news content on Facebook and Instagram as “anticompetitive”, and demanded an investigation Tuesday.
Friction was ignited after Bill C-18 mandated tech firms like Meta and Google to share revenue with Canadian news outlets for news posted on its media platforms. In response, Meta blocked news content in Canada, but Google has yet to follow suit.
“Meta’s practices are clearly designed to discipline Canadian news companies, prevent them from participating in and accessing the advertising market, and significantly reduce their visibility to Canadians on social media channels,” said a statement from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters and News Media Canada. The latter of those groups represent newspapers.
“Meta’s anticompetitive conduct, which has attracted the attention of regulators around the world, will strengthen its already dominant position in advertising and social media distribution and harm Canadian journalism,” it said.
The Canadian groups urged the Competition Bureau to investigate Meta’s action.
“The applicants ask the Competition Bureau to use its investigative and prosecutorial tools to protect competition and prohibit Meta from continuing to block Canadians’ access to news content,” the statement said.
The Bureau was set up by the government but is an independent watchdog that investigates acts that hinder competition. And it has teeth.
The Bureau fined Canada Bread CAN$ 50 million (US$ 37 million) for price fixing in June. (Anadolu)
WASHINGTON – The United Nations (UN) voiced extreme concern Tuesday about overnight Russian airstrikes against Ukraine that left at least seven dead and dozens injured, calling them a violation of international law.
Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, was “profoundly disturbed by the latest Russian strikes yesterday that hit residential buildings and other civilian places” in the Donetsk region.
“The same location was hit twice in the space of minutes, causing the death and injury of people who had quickly come to help the survivors, including rescue workers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine,” said Haq.
Brown said the raid “adds to the very long list of attacks in Ukraine, including many over the past few days, that must be investigated as they violate international humanitarian law,” according to Haq.
Ukrainian authorities said the attack on the city of Pokrovsk damaged 12 high-rise buildings, two catering establishments, two shops, an administrative building, a pharmacy, a hotel, as well as official and civilian cars.
Seven people were killed and 81 others were injured, including 29 police officers, seven rescuers and two children, according to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry. Children as young as 10 were among those killed.
Authorities said they had to halt demolition work in the area due to the high threat of repeated shelling, but were later able to continue.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which started in February 2022, has killed more than 9,300 civilians and wounded over 16,600, according to UN figures. (Anadolu)
MANILA – The number of unemployed Filipinos went down to 2.33 million in June from 2.99 million in the same month last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
Preliminary results of the June 2023 Labor Force Survey released on Wednesday showed that the unemployment rate during the month was at 4.5 percent, down from the 6 percent estimate in June last year.
It was, however slightly up from the 4.3 percent unemployment rate in May this year, which was attributed to the increase in labor force participation.
“Based on our data, there were 741,000 (additional persons) who participated in the labor force. Most of them were not able to find jobs,” National Statistician Dennis Mapa said in a briefing.
Mapa said the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in June 2023 was estimated at 66.1 percent or about 51.17 million Filipinos aged 15 years and higher who were employed or unemployed, up from 50.43 million in May and the 49.58 million recorded in June 2022.
Meanwhile, the employment rate in June was estimated at 95.5 percent, higher than the reported 94 percent employment rate in the same month last year, but slightly lower than the 95.7 percent in May 2023.
The number of employed persons was 48.84 million in June 2023, up from 46.59 million in June 2022 and 48.26 million in May this year.
Mapa said the top five major industries with the largest increase in employment include accommodation and food service activities, agriculture and forestry, wholesale and retail trade, other services, and public administration and defense.
The number of underemployed, or those who expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional job or to have a new job with longer work hours, stood at 5.87 million, translating to an underemployment rate of 12 percent, down from the 12.6 percent in June 2022 but up from the 11.7 percent in May this year.
In a statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assured that the government remains committed to labor upskilling to improve employability and maximize the benefits of the country’s demographic dividend.
NEDA noted that the employment rate among the youth was estimated at 90.1 percent or 6.45 million, which is higher than 88.2 percent in June 2022.
Youth employment refers to individuals between 15 years and 24 years who are part of the labor force and are employed.
“As the number of young workers continues to expand, the Marcos administration is exerting efforts to focus on training and upskilling to improve their employability for high-quality and high-paying jobs,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.
Citing the results of the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the PSA, NEDA said it was found that the total fertility rate of Filipino women aged 15 years to 49 years declined from 2.7 children per woman in 2017 to 1.9 children per woman in 2022.
This change leads to an overall increase in the working-age population (15 years to 64 years of age) over time, the so-called demographic transition.
NEDA said when this is accompanied by higher investments in human capital and more high-quality job opportunities, this translates to a demographic dividend.
Chapter 4 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 outlines recommendations for equipping the young Philippine workforce with the necessary skills to enhance the income-earning potential of Filipino workers.
This indicates that promoting further investments in technical and vocational education and training centers, digitalization, and innovation facilities is crucial for improving the skills and competitiveness of the Philippine workforce.
Balisacan said this is critical, considering the entry of new and disruptive technologies.
“Modernizing training and vocational education facilities, as well as enhancing educational qualifications, competencies, and skills, are necessary to respond to the emergence of new demands for competencies and skills. These demands are a result of economic and technological transformations brought by emerging technologies in the market, such as artificial intelligence,” he said. (PNA)