Rising sea levels are causing heavy flooding in low-lying areas in the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities)
MALACAÑAN PALACE, Manila — Filipinos should be very, very concerned about global warming, Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. has warned amidst rising sea levels that have posed a risk to coastal villages in the Philippines, particularly in the Visayas region.
Commissioner Dela Cruz issued the warning following a report from the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP), which disclosed that the archipelago is the country at most risk from climate change.
Based on the Climate Central study, it is projected that roughly 150 million people currently live in areas set to be submerged by 2050 and about 70 percent of them are in Southeast Asia and the Philippines is at the top spot.
“Geographically, we are prone to typhoons because we are located in the Pacific typhoon belt and we are hit by them at an average of 20 annually. In the past years, we have witnessed the intensity of these storms increasing. Some of these deadly typhoons include Reming, Frank, Winnie, Pablo, and Yolanda, all of which happened during the new millennium. These accounted for more or less 12,600 fatalities,” Dela Cruz described the actual situation.
The climate official added that the worrisome trend can be attributed to rising sea temperatures.
“However, while this means typhoons are less frequent, it also entails that they are likely to be more powerful. Add the fact that a lot of Filipinos live on the coast and future typhoons may produce even more fatalities in the long run,” he apprised.
The commissioner cited a report by Climate Science Advisor of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities meteorologist Lourdes Tibig who revealed that a coastal island in the Visayas may be fully submerged by the year 2050.
Tibig claimed that an island in the region is experiencing a sea level rise faster than the global average.
“The global average is 3.7 millimeters per year. In Visayas islands, in that particular study site, they found out that the sea level rise is happening four times 3.7 millimeters per year. 3.7 millimeters times four. That’s more than one centimeter every year,” she expressed.
Despite the alarming statistics, Dela Cruz said that there is still time to address the growing concern even as he added that at the very least, Filipinos are now becoming more aware of the impending crisis.
“According to a 2022 Statista survey, 73.8 percent of respondents in the Philippines believed that climate change is a serious and immediate threat. All we need to do now is to fast track our national climate change action through a whole-of-country and -community approach in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change and global warming,” he concluded. (ai/mnm)
Various floats of the Virgin Mary converged and finishing touches were made by their owners at the Kartilya ng Katipunan as they join for the event of the “Manila Grand Marian Procession” on Sunday, 16 July 2023.
The event coincided with the 14th Anniversary of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Parish. The local government of Manila spearheaded the celebration.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Oil corporations are set to introduce a substantial price hike on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
In a statement released on Monday, Shell, Seaoil, Cleanfuel, and Caltex announced their decision to increase gasoline prices by P1.90 per liter and diesel prices by P2.10 per liter.
Moreover, Shell, Seaoil, and Caltex disclosed that the price of kerosene would also experience a surge of P1.80 per liter.
This announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s recent declaration of reducing its oil production by 1 million barrels per day for the current month.
On July 11, 2023, oil companies had previously lowered gasoline prices by P0.20 per liter, while diesel and kerosene witnessed an increase of P0.75 per liter and P0.50 per liter, respectively.
(AI/MNM)
Data from the Bureau of the Treasury reveals that the gross borrowings of the national government experienced an upswing in May compared to the previous month and showed a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
The total amount reached P146.78 billion, indicating a 13 percent rise from April’s P129.9 billion.
The majority of the borrowings, amounting to P131.79 billion, were sourced domestically, marking a substantial increase from the P96 million recorded the previous month. Meanwhile, external borrowings amounted to P14.99 billion, a decrease from the P33.78 billion recorded in the last month.
One year ago, the government settled a short-term loan of P300 billion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which offset the issuance of P100.38 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds.
Considering T-bill redemptions, gross domestic borrowings for May 2022 resulted in a negative value of P270.67 billion.
Gross foreign borrowings for the same month amounted to only P11.71 billion.
Year-to-date, gross domestic borrowings totaled P912.58 billion, while gross foreign borrowings amounted to P343.87 billion.
In May alone, the primary source of domestic borrowings was fixed-rate T-bonds, accounting for P100 billion, while the remaining P31.79 billion originated from T-bills.
Out of the foreign borrowings in that month, P9.1 billion came from program loans and P5.9 billion from project loans.
Overall, government financing for May increased by 13.12 percent, reaching P141.67 billion compared to April’s P125.23 billion.
Year-to-date, government financing amounted to P1.16 trillion, a rise from P883.11 billion recorded in the same period the previous year.
As of the end of May, the national government’s outstanding debt reached a new high of P14.10 trillion, increasing by P185.4 billion from the previous month. This rise was attributed to additional domestic and foreign debt, as well as the depreciation of the peso. (ai/mnm)
Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena, the accomplished Filipino pole vaulter, once again showcased his dominance in Asia by successfully defending his championship title at the Asian Athletics Championships.
The event, held on July 16 at the Suphachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, witnessed Obiena’s remarkable performance.
In the pole vault competition, Obiena soared to new heights, securing the gold medal while setting a fresh meet record of 5.91 meters. With his jumps commencing at 5.51 meters, Obiena flawlessly cleared heights of 5.56 and 5.80 meters. Subsequently, he surpassed the 5.71-meter mark, matching his record-breaking jump from the 2019 edition of the tournament in Doha, where he initially emerged as the victor.
Although Obiena made valiant attempts to achieve a new Asian and personal record of 6.02 meters, he was unsuccessful after three tries. Nonetheless, his outstanding performance earned him the top spot on the podium, solidifying his position as a formidable pole vaulter.
Hussein Asim Alhizam from Saudi Arabia secured the silver medal with a jump of 5.56 meters, while Bokai Huang from China settled for the bronze medal with a jump of 5.51 meters.
This victory marks Obiena’s third gold medal in the outdoor season this year. He initiated his winning streak with a gold medal at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in May, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he set a new meet standard of 5.65 meters. Furthermore, he attained another gold medal by establishing a new Asian record of 6.0 meters at the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway on June 10.
Throughout the season, Obiena’s performances have been consistently impressive. Since the SEA Games, he has maintained a streak of podium finishes, including a bronze medal at the Memorial Irena Szewinska in Bydgoszcz, Poland on June 7, where he jumped 5.72 meters. Subsequently, he set the new Asian record at the Bergen Jump Challenge and secured a bronze medal with a jump of 5.81 meters at the Oslo Diamond League-Bislett Games in Norway on June 16.
Continuing his successful run, Obiena claimed a bronze medal with a jump of 5.90 meters at the Ostrava Golden Spike in the Czech Republic on June 28. He then achieved a silver medal with a clearance of 5.82 meters at the Bauhaus-Galan on July 3 in Sweden, which also earned him a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Additionally, Obiena attained another silver medal with a jump of 5.72 meters at the Meeting International de Sotteville in France on July 8 before his triumphant performance at the Asian Athletics Championships.
Obiena’s exceptional achievements not only highlight his remarkable talent and consistency in pole vaulting but also establish him as a prominent figure in the sport.
(ai/mnm)
The latest installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, titled “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” made its debut with impressive numbers, earning $80 million over a span of five days. However, it fell slightly short of industry expectations, accumulating $56.2 million during the three-day weekend, according to estimates from the studio.
The film’s strong international performance played a significant role in its success, generating $155 million from 70 markets. With a worldwide launch of $235 million, it ranked among the top global openings of the year. Despite this achievement, “Dead Reckoning Part One” couldn’t match the rapid momentum of last summer’s blockbuster hit, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Anticipated to surpass the franchise’s previous installment, “Fallout,” which earned $61 million domestically in 2018, the seventh film in the series ultimately fell short of that record. It also failed to surpass the $57.8 million opening of “Mission: Impossible 2” in 2000.
Comparatively, the film’s opening-weekend performance closely resembled the lukewarm reception of Disney’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” The latter garnered $82 million over five days and $60 million over the three-day weekend in theaters across the United States and Canada. With a production budget of $290 million (excluding marketing expenses), Paramount and Skydance had higher expectations for the action-packed extravaganza.
Sourced online/ai/mnm
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.”
— English playwright John Heywood
I HOPE THERE WILL BE NO HOWL OF PROTEST from Dick Gordon who once dreamed to become President, with his Volunteers for a New Philippines, now that the administration of PBBM is brandishing a new brand of governance and leadership messaging campaign dubbed as “Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).”
On Saturday, July 15, the PBBM administration divulged a new brand of governance and leadership campaign, “Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines),” in a bid to implement an “all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation.”
Yes, there was a group named Volunteers for a New Philippines (VNP) composed of idealistic young men and women which was egging Gordon, then the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman, to run in the 1998 presidential elections.
For unknown reasons, however, Gordon backed out at the last minute in the filing of a certificate of candidacy.
Fast forward. Based on a memorandum circular signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 3, “Bagong Pilipinas” is characterized by a “principled, accountable and dependable government reinforced by unified institutions of society, whose common objective is to realize the goals and aspirations of every Filipino.”
Hoping against hope that this is not another copycat, I like the “Bagong Pilipinas” round logo depicting the Philippine flag where a yellow sun is seen partly wrapped by blue and red ribbons while the three stars are on top of it.
The circular further described the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign as “the overarching theme of the Administration’s brand of governance and leadership, which calls for a deep and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government, and fosters the State’s commitment towards the attainment of comprehensive policy reforms and full economic recovery.”
With this, PBBM’s marching order to all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), to adopt the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign in planning all their programs and activities; and use its logo in their letterheads, websites, official social media accounts, and other documents and instruments pertaining to flagship programs of the government.
As expected, the “orphans” of the late hardline Maoist leader in this archipelago are noisily criticizing the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.
They are really pathetically left behind.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA – Malaysian Altamis Aqhar Sallam A Sufian ended the hopes of Filipino Christopher Buraga in the 7th Borneo Junior Open Boys’ Under-17 squash tournament semifinal at the Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak courts on Saturday night.
Sufian of Bukit Jalil Sports School survived losing the opening set to prevail, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7, after a 40-minute duel.
“It was a tough match. I did my best but he played better,” the 16-year-old Buraga said in an online interview on Sunday.
He also lost to Sufian, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 9-11, in the battle for 11th place at the 19th Penang Junior Open in Georgetown, Malaysia in June.
Buraga, ranked No. 10 in the Asian Squash Federation U-17 category, will face another Malaysian, Aqil Mirza Naim bin Khairil Fariz, for the bronze medal.
Fariz bowed to compatriot Addin Iqwan of Terengganu state, 4-11, 9-11, 9-11, in the other semifinal match.
The 7th Borneo Junior Open is a gold event in the Asian Junior Super Series. (PNA)
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal – The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) has sent a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, asking that more stakeholders be allowed to physically attend hearings on the “Bamboo Bill” as a means of rallying support for its approval.
In an interview on Saturday, PBIDC executive director Rene Madarang said stakeholders want to show support for the immediate passage of Senate Bill (SB) 605 or an Act Institutionalizing the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program.
The House of Representatives recently passed its version of the proposed law, which promises various fiscal incentives to investors engaged in the cultivation and processing of bamboo into high-value finished products.
Madarang said SB 605 will also serve to fortify the PBIDC’s policy-making role in creating community-based enterprises that will have sufficient supply of quality materials and produce new products from research and development-inspired technologies.
If passed, furniture manufacturers will be mandated to use bamboo on at least 25 percent of their raw materials inputs, as part of an aggressive campaign to promote bamboo as an alternative to hardwood.
Additionally, bamboo plantations will be accepted as loan collateral in government-owned-and-controlled financial institutions, while plantation developers and bamboo processors will have priority access to credit and guarantee.
Bamboo plantations will be exempted from security cutting, harvesting, and transporting permits, he added.
“Developing the bamboo industry will not only help investors but it promises steady economic benefits to planters as well,” he said.
He cited as an example the two bamboo nurseries in the municipality of Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal province, which are already providing income to members of the Dumagat tribe, thanks to a partnership between the PBIDC and the Rotary Club.
The Dumagats are paid regular wages for growing the bamboo propagules in the nursery, and eventually transplanting them to denuded areas within the Marikina Water Shed, as part of reforestation efforts to support the watershed’s continued viability, said Madarang.
Zubiri, who authored SB 605, said that the Bamboo law enactment “will create among the biggest agriculture industries in the country.”
The bill is touted as being aligned with the Marcos administration’s aim to “speed up economic development, create livelihood, and cushion vulnerable poor population from climate disasters.”
Six other bamboo development-related bills will be deliberated upon in the Senate next week, all of which will help strengthen the PBIDC’s mandate, and allocate more resources to this Department of Trade and Industry-attached agency.
“There is a lot of potential in the local bamboo industry. Currently, we are the fifth largest bamboo exporter in the world. With smart planning and malasakit (concern), especially to our bamboo planters, the Philippine bamboo industry could be a behemoth a few years down the road,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement after the approval of House Bill 7941 in May.
Under the measure, the PBIDC shall be tasked to create Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program, to include plans of actions and projects for the scientific propagation, development and management, processing, utilization, business development, and commercialization of Philippine bamboo and bamboo products.
Former House Deputy Speaker Deogracias Victor Savellano, currently vice chair of the PBIDC, said he hopes SB 605 will be ratified within the year.
“It is imperative that the industry that is so natural to us Filipinos can be developed sooner. It has been waiting for a long time now to help our poorest population,” he said in a previous statement. (PNA)
MANILA – State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) hiked the daily aggregate amount limit of fund transfers via InstaPay from PHP50,000 to PHP100,000.
In a statement on Sunday, Landbank said the higher fund transfer limit took effect on July 14.
The bank said clients can now transfer up to PHP50,000 per transaction via Instapay, and PHP100,000 in total per day.
“We continue to extend the limits of our digital banking solutions to meet the growing needs of our diverse client base. Landbank is driven to promote greater digital adoption to help accelerate financial inclusion in the country and build a cashless society,” said Landbank president and chief executive officer Lynette Ortiz.
The previous daily aggregate amount limit of PHP50,000 for bills payment facilitated through the bank’s iAccess feature has likewise been removed.
Landbank is also working on providing depositors the ability to set their own fund transfer and bills payment limits for added flexibility and convenience.
According to Landbank, the new fund transfer and bills payment policies apply to transactions facilitated via its retail digital banking channels, mobile banking app, and iAccess.
For the first five months of 2023, the two digital platforms have facilitated a combined 66.7 million transactions with value of PHP123.4 billion. (PNA)
SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte – Alongside the start of the 1st Dapa Siargao International Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday here, residents also received financial aid from the government through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
A total of 2,000 Dapa residents who continue to suffer from the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and recent natural calamities received a total of PHP6 million in financial aid or PHP3,000 each.
The release of the financial aid was made possible through the collaborations of the DSWD-Caraga and the offices of Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez.
The town of Dapa is considered the commercial center of Siargao Island and was among the areas devastated by Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021.
“The town and its people continue to strive to recover from the ruins of typhoon Odette. Our tourism is now gaining ground as we hosted the international dragon boat festival. Support to our residents through AICS is vital to assist them in recovering fully from the past crisis,” Dapa town Mayor Elizabeth Matugas said in a statement.
The hosting of the international dragon boat festival is a testament to the resilience of the town and its people from the past calamities and the pandemic, the mayor added.
A total of 28 teams composed of 918 athletes from the country and abroad joined the race which will conclude Sunday. (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored on Saturday the importance of investing in the development, productivity, and modernization of the country’s agricultural sector.
In a speech delivered by Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Remigio during the 36th Cordillera Day Commemoration, Marcos said it is important to prioritize and push for the development of agricultural land as it will provide not only crops to the farmers but will create multiple effects on the entire country.
“As President and concurrent Agriculture Secretary, I am relentlessly pushing and prioritizing the development of our agricultural lands. I cannot emphasize it enough, but we really need to invest in the development, productivity, and modernization of our agricultural sector,” said Marcos, who was not able to attend the ceremony due to bad weather.
“By building infrastructure and improving market linkages of our farmers, our farmlands will yield not only crops, but also opportunities that create ripples of positive effects throughout our nation.”
He urged the people to continue supporting the government’s pursuit of providing a better, brighter and more productive life for everyone as he emphasized that his administration will continue finding ways to provide them quality life.
The chief executive also honored the many wins of the Cordillerans and the challenges that they have prevailed upon through the years as he urged them to celebrate with pride and vigor the solidarity, dynamism and camaraderie among themselves.
“Please allow me to take this opportunity to once again express my utmost gratitude for the overwhelming support you gave me during last year’s national elections. The trust that you have given motivates me to keep going and serve you with passion, strength, and purpose,” the President said.
Citing the achievements of the Cordillerans, President Marcos urged the residents to continue supporting the government’s efforts in improving and uplifting their lives through various projects including the laying down of fiber optic cables to improve communications and access to the internet.
He asked for support for the programs of the Regional Development Council – Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR), which are geared towards inclusive development without destroying the region’s natural heritage.
“The Cordilleras’ potential in terms of hydropower, irrigation and agriculture is vast and should continue to be tapped for the benefit of all,” the President said.
President Marcos assured the Cordillerans of the administration’s commitment to work for the region’s progress.
Apayao Governor and RDC-CAR chair Elias Bulut Jr. said the President wanted to come and attend the celebration but the weather was beyond his control.
Bulut said that while many were disappointed, they are counting on the President’s support for Cordillera’s clamor for autonomy.
“We will ask for an audience with him after the State of the Nation Address and explain to him further about the clamor and the importance that the region is converted to an autonomous status and we know he will understand what we are desiring for our people,” Bulut said.
The Cordillerans are celebrating their anniversary since Executive Order 220 was issued in 1987 creating the CAR. (With a report from Liza T. Agoot/PNA/PND)
MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced that it will honor all outstanding city and municipal “Sanggunian” or boards who demonstrated innovation and exemplary practices in local legislation through the 2023 Local Legislative Award (LLA).
“Innovative local legislation is a conduit to excellent public service. Through the 2023 LLA, we hope to recognize the exemplary contribution of our city and municipal legislative bodies and the enormous role they play in local governance and ultimately, in public service,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said in a statement Saturday night.
He added that the 2023 LLA seeks to honor the exemplary performance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and Bayan for legislating measures that help build impactful local government units’ (LGUs’) administration and development from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.
Through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-092, Abalos said Sanggunians will be evaluated using the following criteria: responsiveness of the legislative agenda; availability of legislative documents; effectiveness and efficiency of performance of the Sanggunian; legislative citations and awards; and capacity development of legislators and staff.
“With the LLA, we can inspire local legislators to keep making sound and effective policies that do not only address the needs of their localities but also contribute to realizing the country’s collective long-term vision,” he added.
The LLA is categorized into provincial, regional and national level. In the provincial evaluation, city and municipal sanggunians must satisfy the 80 percent or higher overall performance rating to compete at the regional level.
Meanwhile, at the regional level, sanggunians with a total score of 85 percent and above are qualified to compete at the national level.
Provincial winners will receive a trophy and cash from the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) provincial chapters; a trophy and cash from PCL and VMLP regional councils, and a plaque of commendation from PCL and VMLP national offices for the regional winners; and trophy and cash from PCL and VMLP national office and League’s Partners for the national winners.
The awards committee will be chaired by DILG and vice-chaired by PCL and VMLP, with members from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (PNA)
Representative Jose “Joey” Salceda from Albay’s second district expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) for the enactment of Executive Order No. 32, which streamlines the permit issuance process for telecommunications tower infrastructure and eliminates the need for city or municipal council resolutions to impose conditions.
Salceda acknowledged that this achievement by Marcos Jr. could be highlighted during the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by the President. The executive order was signed on July 4, 2023.
As the chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Salceda has been advocating for revisions to the Building Code that would mandate the inclusion of telecommunications infrastructure in condominiums, as well as important business and government buildings, requiring them to allocate space for telecommunications facilities.
He noted, “The expedited tower permitting policy has significantly improved internet speeds by 140% and reduced prices by up to 41% between 2020 and 2022. Rarely do we witness such positive policy outcomes. It is commendable that PBBM recognized the wisdom in reinstating it.”
According to Executive Order 32, telecommunications service providers will be granted automatic approval for their applications if submitted within the specified timeframe. Moreover, cities and municipalities are tasked with establishing one-stop shops for the issuance of permits related to telecommunications infrastructure development. A zero-backlog policy will also be implemented for applications involving government entities.
Salceda filed House Bill 8534, which stipulates that “buildings, structures, and property developments should be equipped with telecommunications and ICT infrastructure as mandatory basic requirements, adhering to the industry’s relevant technical specifications and the latest Philippine electronics codes.”
“Telecom services are now as essential as plumbing. The pandemic has made that abundantly clear, and the same applies to remote work arrangements,” emphasized the legislator.
He further highlighted the fact that Metro Manila alone boasts approximately 160,000 condominiums, housing around a million individuals, predominantly working-class families, students, and young professionals who have a heightened need for reliable and high-speed internet access.
“Without explicit mandates to ensure digital connectivity in such complexes, the ability of internet service providers and other telecommunications companies to serve their customers will be significantly impeded,” explained Salceda. “The Building Code, enacted in 1977, could not have foreseen this digital future. However, we are now living in that future, and our laws should empower us rather than confine us within the limitations of past generations’ imagination.” (ai/mnm)
Ricky Rivero (GMA Network photo courtesy)
Actor-director Ricky Rivero, aged 51, has passed away.
This was announced by his partner on Sunday, July 16.
“Rest now, my love. You won’t feel any pain anymore. Thanks for a year of being together, a year of arguments, a year of happiness. Thank you so much for everything. I love you very much,” wrote Rivero’s partner using his Facebook account.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, but Rivero had suffered a stroke in May.
Rivero, a former member of That’s Entertainment, was a familiar face on television shows and movies since the 1990s. In 2002, he ventured into directing and served as a unit director for his last project at ABS-CBN, “Forevermore.”
This year, Rivero made his directorial debut in the comedy film “D’ Aswang Slayerz,” starring Mel Martinez.
(ai/mnm)
Kai Sotto, the promising Filipino basketball player, encountered a setback as he suffered a back injury and failed to score in the final NBA Summer League game.
The Orlando Magic, Sotto’s team, faced a 77-94 defeat against the Boston Celtics at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The game took place on Sunday morning, July 16, according to Manila Time.
During the match, Sotto, who is 21 years old and stands at an impressive 7-foot-3, spent a little over eight minutes on the court in the first half. However, he had to leave the game with five minutes remaining in the second quarter due to his back injury, and he did not make a return.
Throughout his time on the court, Sotto struggled to find his scoring touch, going 0-of-3 from the field. He managed to grab two rebounds and provided one assist but also committed two turnovers. Unfortunately, the game marked the end of the Summer League for the Orlando Magic, finishing with a winless 0-5 record. (ai/mnm)
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — In an accidental discovery, a construction worker operating his machine near Muralla corner Anda Street, opposite Security Bank in Intramuros, stumbled upon a vintage World War II mortar bomb.
On Friday, July 14, 2023, at approximately 4 PM, Gilbert Badilla, a 33-year-old single resident of 064 Degalecia Maysan Street in Valenzuela City, uncovered the historic bomb during excavation work.
Upon receiving the information, the Manila Police District Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit promptly dispatched a team to the area.
The rusty unexploded mortar shells are believed to be remnants from the Second World War, serving as a chilling reminder of the city’s wartime past.
The EOD team swiftly secured the bomb and will ensure its safekeeping and proper disposal. (Photographs courtesy of the Manila Police District) AI/MNM
By Benjamin Cuaresma
Malabon City recently organized a comprehensive crisis management exercise, simulating the response of rescue workers in the event of a major earthquake occurs.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon City personally oversaw the simulated calamity, assessing the condition of the “victims” and evaluating the effectiveness of the city’s rescue teams.
The earthquake simulation exercise, held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, took place at Tenejeros Elementary School in Malabon City.
It was jointly organized by the Philippine Red Cross Malabon Chapter and the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO).
During the exercise, combined rescue teams administered first aid to the participants acting as victims, ensuring their well-being and safety.
Following the completion of the collapsed building simulation, all participants were released.
The primary objective of this activity was to showcase the preparedness and responsiveness of the city’s rescue teams in times of disasters and calamities. (ai/mnm)
In this provided photo, individuals on bicycles eagerly await the distribution of free helmets and reflective sashes, generously provided by a non-governmental organization in Manila. (Photo courtesy of Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
To combat the detrimental effects of climate change caused by motorized transportation and its resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz advocates for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and non-mechanized modes of transportation. He emphasizes that transitioning to EVs would propel the country’s decarbonization efforts, effectively addressing atmospheric pollution.
Commissioner Dela Cruz’s stance aligns with the sentiments expressed by National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Baliscan. He announced that Executive Order 12 series of 2023 will undergo review in February 2024 due to concerns raised by various stakeholders in the electric vehicle industry. These concerns primarily revolve around the exclusion of e-motorcycles from the proposed tax breaks.
Including e-motorcycles in the tax incentives would enable a significant portion of Filipinos to transition to affordable and eco-friendly transportation options, thus mitigating pollution concerns in highly urbanized communities.
The advocacy group Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (APBES) has emphasized the need to revise EO 12 to ensure inclusivity by incorporating motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles. This broader scope would enable individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds to embrace green technology, particularly in light of the soaring gasoline prices.
Promoting the adoption of EVs serves as one strategy for the government to decarbonize the country and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for power generation. Additionally, Commissioner Dela Cruz proposes revisiting a measure introduced by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Romualdez Marcos Jr. during his tenure as a senator. The measure seeks to revitalize a centuries-old, widely popular mode of transportation—the bicycle.
Senator Marcos filed Senate Bill 2924, also known as the proposed Bicycle Commuters Incentives Act of 2011, which aims to provide incentives to encourage the use of bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles for daily commuting and travel between workplaces, schools, churches, malls, and other destinations. The program primarily targets employees and students as direct participants, along with schools, companies, and institutions that can facilitate its implementation. Riders and users would benefit from bicycle-related facilities and tax deductions, while indirect participants would receive tax deductions for expenses and corporate social responsibility programs.
Ultimately, Marcos, who chaired the Senate committee on local government, emphasized that cultivating a bike-commuting culture through the incentives program would effectively address various interconnected social issues plaguing the country. These include climate change, air pollution, traffic congestion, escalating fuel and commodity costs, personal health problems, and other related concerns.
Dela Cruz highlights that widespread bicycle usage among the public would not only significantly reduce GHG emissions but also contribute to a healthier population, alleviate road congestion, and reduce the demand for parking facilities.
“Considering the overarching objectives of SB 2924 in tackling the fundamental issues facing our society, it’s crucial to acknowledge the extensive benefits associated with bicycle use, spanning environmental conservation, urban planning, and public health,” remarked the climate official.
He further noted that by substantially decreasing carbon emissions, more people would be shielded from cardiovascular health risks associated with transportation-related pollution.
“Moreover, bicycle users would enjoy cost savings in terms of transportation expenses, as they would rely less on motorized modes of transport, which have become increasingly expensive due to the volatile prices of gasoline and diesel fuel,” he concluded.
(ai/mnm)
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region is utilizing Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as Community Health Education Promotion Officers (HEPOs) to support the implementation of the Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) for the province/city-wide health systems under the Universal Health Care Law.
To enhance their skills, the DOH recently organized a 5-day training program for BHW Coordinators from Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
The training aimed to provide guidance to BHWs on effectively implementing the DOH Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) 2021-2030. This ten-year plan focuses on fostering social change by promoting behavioral modifications and raising awareness about health and well-being among the population. Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized the importance of addressing social determinants such as education, proximity to healthcare facilities, income, and housing conditions to enable individuals to achieve optimal health.
The HPFS emphasizes seven priority areas for local government promotion, including physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance abuse, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and violence and injury prevention among women and children.
Cheryl D. Buhong, Head of the Health Promotion Unit, explained that during the training, participants were familiarized with various topics and major programs outlined in the community health promotion playbook. The BHWs were educated about their roles and responsibilities as HEPOs in the community and were encouraged to commit to implementing the objectives of the HPFS to realize comprehensive primary care.
In the long term, the HPFS will provide the overall direction and strategies for health promotion, aiming to ensure that all Filipinos are health literate, settings are health-enabling, and public policies are supportive and protective of health. Buhong emphasized the need for alignment among implementing personnel, partners, and stakeholders to achieve unified action in line with the HPFS.
The “Capacity Building of BHW Coordinators as HEPOs on the Ground” took place in Fort Ilocandia, Ilocos Norte, and was attended by 100 BHWs who will play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being in their communities. (ai/mnm)