According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), a high-pressure area (HPA) is causing hot and humid conditions across Northern and Central Luzon.
The HPA signifies an area where atmospheric pressure is higher than its surroundings, which inhibits cloud formation and reduces the likelihood of rain.
In contrast, the easterlies—winds originating from the east and passing through the Pacific Ocean—are impacting the Visayas and the eastern parts of Mindanao. These easterlies bring warm and humid weather to these regions, resulting in scattered showers.
Pagasa’s weather specialist, Obet Badrina, reported that Metro Manila and the rest of the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the influence of the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.
Furthermore, Pagasa assured that no significant weather disturbances are expected in the coming days. (ai/mnm)
Getting splendid plays from its formidable quartet, Barangay Ginebra narrowly defeated a determined San Miguel team in overtime, 19-17, to claim the PBA 3×3 First Conference Season 3 crown at Ayala Mall Manila Bay.
Donald Gumaru, contributing eight points in total, sealed the victory for the Kings with a game-winning shot, securing the P100,000 prize money in an intense showdown.
Kim Aurin displayed an impressive all-around performance with five points, five rebounds, and five assists, notably setting up Gumaru for the decisive shot. Ralph Cu and Raphael Salcedo also made crucial contributions, adding four and two points respectively, completing the scoring for the Kings. Kirk Collier served as their coach.
Interestingly, all four Ginebra players are also part of the team’s roster in the ongoing PBA On Tour.
In the semifinals, the Kings narrowly edged out the Terrafirma Dyip with a score of 17-13.
Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen suffered a heartbreaking loss after previously securing surprising victories against the grand slam champion TNT and the second-seeded Cavitex, earning their spot in the finals.
Marvin Lee stood out in the quarterfinals, delivering an explosive performance of 15 points as the Beermen ousted the Triple Giga with a final score of 22-14. Ken Bono dominated the paint in the semis, finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds, leading San Miguel to an 18-10 victory over Cavitex and securing their spot in the championship game.
The Beermen received a runner-up purse of P50,000.
In the battle for third place, Cavitex defeated Terrafirma with a final score of 21-15. Ken Ighalo led the way for Cavitex with eight points, while Tonino Gonzaga added six, helping the team secure the P30,000 prize.
Earlier in the quarterfinals, the Braves eliminated Meralco with a 21-17 victory, Terrafirma denied newcomer Wilcon Depot a spot in the semifinals with a close 20-18 win, and Ginebra triumphed over Pioneer Elastoseal with a final score of 19-16, propelling them to the next round.
Final scores:
Third place:
Cavitex (21) – Ighalo 8, Gonzaga 6, Napoles 5, Fajardo 2.
Terrafirma (15) – Rios 9, Cachuela 2, Duremdes 2, Tan 2.
Finals:
Barangay Ginebra (19) – Gumaru 8, Aurin 5, Cu 4, Salcedo 2.
San Miguel (17) – Bono 8, Saldua 4, Lee 3, Apacible 2.
Italy shows emotion after scoring a point against Brazil during yesterday’s VNL Week 3 opener. VOLLEYBALL WORLD PHOTO
Games Wednesday
(Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City)
3 p.m. – Canada vs Netherlands
7 p.m. – Poland vs Slovenia
ITALY pulled off a reverse sweep against rival Brazil, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21, to shore up its playoff hopes in the crucial Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The world No. 4 Italians unleashed a searing 6-2 closeout in the fourth set highlighted by Daniele Lavia’s ace to break free from a 19-all deadlock and cap a thrilling reversal in front of a sizeable enthusiastic Filipino fans.
Italy improved to a 6-3 won-lost record to tie Brazil at fourth place in the final preliminary leg of the 16-team VNL organized by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Volleyball World.
Spiker Yuri Romano led from front with 20 points on 16 hits and four aces as the Italians avenged their tough 19-25, 26-28,18-25, 20-25 loss to world No. 1 Poland last week in the Netherlands to boost their chances for a top 8 finish.
Only the top eight teams will qualify in the final round of the VNL — backed by Ganten, Gerflor, Mikasa, Mizuno, Senoh and Stake.com as global sponsors — from July 19 to 24 in Poland.
Alessandro Michieletto chipped in 17 points, Gianluca Galassi towered with 12 points on four blocks while Lavia added 10 points in a scattered attack for Italy, which is out for redemption this time around after its top-seed finish last year went to waste in a semifinal exit.
“We’re very happy for this win. We need this in the standings. After losing the first set, we played well and won the next three. We’re very happy. It’s very important for our qualification,” said Romano, whose thunderous kill gave Italy a 20-19 lead in the clincher.
Ranged against a fierce rival that already beat them thrice in Olympic gold medal encounters, the Italians dropped a close opening salvo, 23-25, but retaliated with a bang punctuated by a 25-15 third-set dominance to take a 2-1 upperhand.
Brazil, the 2021 champion, would not go down easily the same way in the fourth set in a bid to force a decider until Romano and Galassi joined hands with a string of hammering attacks.
Lavia then iced the deal with a sweet service ace.
Henrique Dantas Nobrega Honorato paced with 15 points while Ricardo Lucarelli Souza and Flavio Resende Gualberto had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Brazilians, who could not follow up their massive 25-20, 26-24, 19-25, 25-23 upset of reigning champion France last week.
Italy takes on Canada next while Brazil tangles with the Netherlands on Thursday of the VNL that also has PLDT, Rebisco, Akari and the PSC as major sponsors with support from Fitbar, Instax Fujifilm, Fitness First, Pasay City, Taguig City, Diamond Hotel, Maynilad, Peugeot, SM MOA Arena, The Look and The Moment Group with Cignal, Inquirer Group, RMN, DOOH, One Sports, One Sports+ and Mega Mobile as media partners. (ai/mnm)
STA. CRUZ, Laguna – The top teams from the four regions in Southern Luzon converge in this town as they clash for spots in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa through the Cluster 2 Pre-National Qualifying Meet happening this week.
Nineteen events, all team sports, will take place in the weeklong event with representatives from Metro Manila, Bicol, Mimaropa and host region Calabarzon colliding for two spots per event to the Palaro proper in Marikina from July 29 to Aug. 5.
About 1,250 athletes from all four Southern Luzon regions are participating in the qualifying meet.
All games will be played in this town except for the baseball secondary event, which will happen at the University of the Philippines Los Baños Baseball Field.
The Laguna Sports Complex is home to 11 events, including the anticipated basketball secondary boy’s tournament. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) has commended pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena for earning a slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The world’s No. 3 Obiena cleared the Olympic standard of 5.82 meters to claim the silver medal during the 2023 Stockholm Diamond League in Sweden on July 2.
World’s No. 1 Armand “Mondo” Duplantis of Sweden registered 6.05m to claim the gold medal while Pal Haugen Lillefosse of Norway (5.72m) settled for the bronze medal.
“On behalf of President Terry Capistrano and the PATAFA, we congratulate EJ Obiena for securing the Paris Olympic slot for pole vault in his first competition during the Olympic qualification window,” the PATAFA said in a statement on Monday.
PATAFA is hoping that Obiena’s achievement as the first Filipino to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics will inspire other Filipino athletes to work hard to make it to the world’s most prestigious sports event.
“We are delighted that EJ can now focus on preparing for the Olympics, Asian Athletics Championships, and the Asian Games. We are grateful to the continued support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee to EJ. We also extend our thanks and congratulations to EJ’s coaching team. Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino!” the statement added.
Obiena, 27, also qualified for the last Tokyo Olympics but failed to win a medal.
Meanwhile, Obiena will lead the national athletics team in the Asian Championships scheduled from July 12 to 16 in Pattaya, Thailand.
Other members of the team are Eric Cray (men’s 400m), Janry Ubas (men’s long jump), Umajesty Williams (men’s 400m and 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m), Michael Carlo del Prado (men’s 4x400m and mixed 4x400m), Frederick Ramirez (men’s 400m and 4x400m), Joyme Sequita (men’s 4x400m), Maureen Schrijvers (women’s 400m and 4x400m), Robyn Brown (women’s 400m Hurdles and 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m), Bernalyn Bejoy (women’s 800m and 4x400m), Jessel Lumapas ( women’s 4x400m and mixed 4x400m), Sonny Wagdos (men’s 5000m and 10,000m), John Cabang Tolentino (men’s 110m Hurdles), Clinton Bautista (men’s 110m Hurdles), William Morrison (men’s shot put), Aries Toledo (men’s decathlon), Johnmike Lera (men’s decathlon), Arlan Arbois (men’s 10000m), Gennah Malapit (women’s javelin throw), Joida Gagnao (women’s 3000m steeplechase), Ronne Malipay (men’s triple jump), Sarah Dequinan (women’s heptathlon) and Kristina Knott (women’s 100m and 200m).
Coaches Jojo Posadas, Sean Guevara, Dario de Rosas, Danilo Fresnido, Eduardo Buenavista, Emerson Obiena, Isidro del Prado, Martin Dela Fuente (Spanish coach of Cabang), Samantha Cray (wife-coach of Eric) and Vitaly Petrov (Ukranian coach of EJ) will accompany the athletes.
Also joining the trip are Capistrano and PATAFA Executive Vice President Guillermo Torres and Secretary General Edward Kho, national training director Renato Unso and Jasper Tanhueco, who will serve as team manager.
The other Cambodia SEA Games medalists in the team are Cray (gold, 400m), Ubas (gold, long jump), Ramirez (bronze, 400m); Del Prado, Ramirez, Sequita and Williams (gold, men’s 4x400m relay); Arbois (silver, marathon); Williams (silver, 400m); Wagdos (1500m); Gagnao (3000m steeplechase); Brown (400m); Malipay (silver, triple jump); Dequinan (hepthatlon); Malapit (silver, javelin throw); Bejoy, Brown, Lumapas and Schrijvers (silver, 4x400m relay); Brown, Lumapas, Ramirez and Williams (bronze, mixed 4x400m relay); Toledo (bronze, decathlon); and Tolentino (bronze, 110m hurdles). (PNA)
ANKARA – China has been experiencing the hottest days in six decades, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in recent days, local media reported.
The National Climate Center (NCC) in a statement on Sunday said the country has recorded the highest number of hot days in the past six decades and that the occurrence of multiple heatwaves engulfing the country’s northern cities is extremely rare, local English daily Global Times reported.
From June 21 to June 22, a total of 450,000 square kilometers (173,745 square miles) of land experienced temperatures exceeding 37C in recent days. Beijing recorded consecutive days of temperatures over 40C in June, said the NCC.
Beijing has been the most severely affected, followed by the neighboring Hebei Province and Tianjin Municipality, it added.
More than 200 million people have been affected in the northern part of the country by the soaring temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on some days.
The scorching heat in North China, according to the NCC, is “very” rare which will keep engulfing some parts of North and Southwest China, with temperatures 1C to 2C higher than previous years.
Cou Bing, the head of the China Meteorological Administration, said the extreme heat is associated with the El Nino weather events, and therefore there is an increase in precipitation in the south of the country in summer and drought in the north.
The term El Nino refers to a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
Temperatures are expected to rise further in the north of the country, the weather agency warned.
Floods displace thousands in southwest China
Some 10,000 people were displaced due to the floods in southwestern China, the worst in the last 50 years.
The displaced people have been moved to safer places due to flooding in the central province of Hunan, the Xiang’xi Emergency Management Bureau said on Sunday.
Around 70 houses collapsed, 2,283 were damaged and farm fields were flooded. Losses so far have been estimated at 575 million yuan (USD79 million).
No death from the floods has been reported. (Anadolu)
SOFIA, Bulgaria – Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov addressed Monday the heads of offices of the military attaché to Bulgaria’s foreign representations at the opening of their conference, saying that peace is achieved when every aggressor knows that if they attack, they will be punished.
“In order for our country to feel calm, we must develop our military capacity, because the risks have not disappeared,” the Prime Minister said.
Increasing military capacity will be one of the government’s tasks, he added, explaining that this should not happen piece by piece.
Both the modernization of the army and the development of personnel must go hand in hand.
They must be considered not only in the context of Bulgarian capacity, but also in connection to Bulgaria’s relations with its partners in the EU and NATO.
At the same time, the development of applied-scientific activity in the military field, in which Bulgaria has traditions, should be strengthened, Denkov said.
The Prime Minister noted that at least for several years now, the delay in the development of military capacity is not due to economic difficulties, because despite the various crises, Bulgaria is developing relatively well.
The problem is the political uncertainty of how to develop within the framework of the two unions.
“In recent years, Bulgaria has sent mixed signals to its partners in the EU and NATO. This sows tension and even division in society, which is a national security concern. It is for this reason that we still do not take full advantage, both in a military and in a political capacity, of the opportunities that participation in these two powerful unions gives us,” Denkov pointed out.
He thanked the military attachés for their special role as military diplomats, intelligence officers, parliamentarians around the world, who gain trust for Bulgaria in partner networks and whose help the government relies on to make the right decisions. (BTA)
MANILA – Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno welcomed the Philippines’ standing in the 2023 Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report released by the Institute of International Finance (IIF) last month.
“The Department of Finance owes this feat to the concerted investor relations efforts of the economic team,” said Diokno in a statement late Monday.
“We have been strategic in the conduct of bilateral meetings, non-deal roadshows, and investor attraction engagements such as the Philippine Economic Briefings abroad, which have given us the platform to inspire confidence in the Philippines’ strong economic performance and favorable macroeconomic fundamentals,” he added.
The Philippines ranked third out of 41 countries in terms of investor relations (IR) practices with an IR country score of 47.8 out of 50.
This is higher by 6.4 index points compared to the previous year’s report where it stood at the 12th spot.
The IIF is the global association of the financial industry with about 400 members from more than 60 countries.
It provides its members with global economic and financial research, advocacy, and access to leading industry events.
The report highlights various IR practices across emerging markets and developing countries and ranks selected countries with respect to adherence to standard lR practices and debt transparency metrics.
The assessment is based on three scores which include the IR Country Score, Debt Transparency Score, and ESG Data and Policy Dissemination Score.
Strong IR programs support countries’ efforts to attain stable and affordable access to international debt markets and are effective in mobilizing international private capital towards achieving global climate and sustainable development goals.
Debt transparency, on the other hand, is a subset of the headline IR country score and assesses sovereign borrowers’ data and policy dissemination practices, with a maximum score of 13.
The Philippines scored 11.8 and leaped to 2nd place from its 20th spot in the previous year.
Meanwhile, the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Data and Policy Dissemination ranking consider the availability of ESG data, the provision of ESG-related statistics on risk assessments, and how investor feedback is incorporated in policy decisions regarding ESG-related information sharing.
The Philippines ranked third place with a score of 3.9 out of 4. In the last report, the country was in the 16th spot.
The report also cites technical recommendations to improve investor relations and debt transparency practices scores.
These include ensuring the availability of policy and data documents in English; strengthening data and information transparency efforts; making ESG data and policy information available on investor relations office (IRO) websites; and enhancing direct engagement with investors. (PNA)
ILOILO CITY – Mayor Jerry Treñas will push for the inclusion of either the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival or the historic Molo church in the next promotional video of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“Now that the contract of DOT for the ‘Love the Philippines’ video and promotion was already terminated, perhaps in the next video/promotion, the Iloilo Dinagyang or the Molo church can now be included,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Dinagyang Festival has been hailed as the Best Tourism Event of the Philippines Hall of Fame Awardee by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and one of the Top 10 Best Local Governance Practice Awardees in the 2012 Galing Pook Awards.
“As a festival, it has earned its right to be included,” he said, adding the city government will be sending an official letter to the DOT for the intent.
Iloilo City Tourism and Development officer and ATOP national president Junel Ann Divinagracia, in a separate interview, said the Molo church is one of the oldest and prettiest churches in Western Visayas.
It is also unique because all saints inside the church are female.
The church, also known as the Saint Anne Parish Church, is a heritage and national landmark.
Divinagracia said she can even endorse their inclusion through the ATOP because it is fitting and proper that the best tourism festival and destination of the city will be part of the DOT promotional video.
“I can tackle that with the (ATOP) board because we have an upcoming meeting. I will push for that,” she added.
The inclusion of one or two destinations in the promotional video would bring pride to Ilonggos, she said.
“We know that the promotion of DOT is all over the world. That would stir the interest of people in other countries,” Divinagracia said. (PNA)
MANILA – Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Tuesday urged the House committee on local government to endorse his proposal for a five-year term of office for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers as contained in House Bill No. 7123 that he filed last February.
In a statement, Rodriguez said it would not be fair for village officials to be elected in October this year to have a shortened tenure of only two years following the Supreme Court ruling that Republic Act No. 11935, which postponed the grassroots polls from Dec. 5, 2022 to Oct. 30, 2023, is unconstitutional.
“Let’s give all of those to be voted this year and succeeding elections a uniform term of office of five years, instead of those to be voted in October having a two-year tenure, and those to be elected in 2025 enjoying three years,” he said.
He also said barangay and SK officials who would win in the Oct. 30 election “should not suffer for the decision of Congress” to postpone the Dec. 5 polls.
“Let us correct our error by fixing a five-year term of office for all grassroots officers to be elected beginning in October. I urge the committee on local government to support my proposal,” he added.
HB 7123 would amend Section 43 of the Local Government Code, under which barangay and SK officials enjoy a three-year term of office.
Under the proposed measure, the term of office of barangay officials and SK members shall be for five years. The three-consecutive term limit is retained.
In proposing a longer tenure, Rodriguez said the three-year term “is too short a time for the unity and stability in barangay leadership and affairs.”
“It is not enough to ensure that the programs of the barangay are carried out properly, especially considering the fact that it cannot be denied that the last year of the term is basically used for campaigning,” he said.
He said the extended term “would ensure more stability in the barangay level and ensure that the programs initiated by the current leaders would come to fruition.”
Rodriguez, who chairs the House committee on constitutional amendments, likewise pointed out that less frequent elections would lessen discord among the population.
“It is common knowledge that elections, whether national, local or barangay, prove to be divisive among the populace. Candidates and their supporters try to destroy their opponents by using any means necessary just to be able to secure victory,” he said. (PNA)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered an investigation on the police officer who went missing for several days and was found dead in a river in Wao, Lanao del Sur.
In a statement on Tuesday, Acorda expressed his grief and assured the public that the PNP is committed to diligently pursuing this case and ensuring a thorough and fair investigation.
“The loss of one of our own is a profound tragedy. We will spare no effort in uncovering the truth behind this incident and holding accountable those responsible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Patrolman Jeffrey Inclonar Dabuco during this difficult time. The entire PNP extends our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim,” Acorda said.
On June 26, the Wao Municipal Police Station (MPS) received a report regarding the discovery of a decomposing male body at Marudagao River, Purok 2, in the town’s Barangay Panang.
Upon receiving the report, the Wao MPS promptly coordinated with the Kalilangan MPS, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office (BUKPPO), Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10), and the 104th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 10.
This collaboration was initiated due to a potential connection between the missing person case in Kalilangan, Bukidnon on June 23, and the discovered body.
Together with these units and the Kalilangan Rescue, the Wao MPS conducted an investigation, verified the report, and retrieved the body from Marudagao River.
Initial investigations suggest that the recovered body matches the description of the missing police officer, Pat. Jeffrey Inclonar Dabuco.
The cadaver was transferred to Kalilangan Provincial Hospital in Bukidnon, where the Kalilangan MPS coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) 10 personnel for further investigation and examinations.
The Wao MPS is maintaining close coordination with Kalilangan MPS to facilitate a thorough investigation.
On June 28, personnel from the Kalilangan MPS conducted an initial taking of affidavits from several persons of interest (POIs) in relation to the case.
The details of their involvement and the nature of their interest are currently under investigation.
“We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation. The cooperation of the community is crucial in ensuring justice for Police Officer Jeffrey Inclonar Dabuco and maintaining the peace and security of our society,” Acorda added. (PNA)
MANILA – The New People’s Army (NPA) continues to stage attacks targeting various development projects of the government aimed at improving the quality of life in formerly rebel-controlled barangays, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said on Monday.
In an online press briefing, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Director Rene Valera, who heads the agency’s Project Development Services, said military and police units have foiled at least 10 NPA attacks targeting various development projects.
“So, hindi naman po nagtatagal ‘yong disruption kasi base sa ating nakalap na mga impormasyon, nagpaparamdam (NPA) lang uli. Alam naman natin ‘yong gawain na nila, paparamdam lang then tatakbo na (disruptions did not last long, base on the information we gathered the NPAs were just making their presence felt, and then they will flee),” he added in a statement Monday night.
Based on DILG records, government forces repelled the NPA rebels’ attack on Nov. 26, 2022 against a development project being implemented in Sitio Ibayasaya, Barangay Tigbanaba, Igbaras, Iloilo.
This was followed by a 16-man rebel attack in San Remegio, Antique.
On Jan. 27, a twin attack was conducted by the NPA in the barangays of Kabladdan and Kabanbanan in the town of Sibalom, Antique that killed three unidentified rebels.
Armed encounters between government security forces and the NPA were also recorded in San Miguel, Catanduanes.
On May 11, another encounter happened in Sitio Dangalon, Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental and then this was followed by an encounter on May 20 between 14 NPA rebels and government forces in Sitio Uway-uay, Barangay Quentin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
In late March, government forces repelled a series of NPA attacks in Sitio Gimbaloran, Barangay Alipuaton, Salay, Misamis Oriental and in Barangay Buga, Riro-an, Taytay, and Tabiac to Barangay Batga in Tubungan area in Igbaras, respectively.
Valera said the Interior Department together with the NTF-ELCAC, military and police, and local government units will not be cowed by the economic sabotage being waged by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front along with their front organizations.
Meanwhile, the DILG reported that 82.07 percent of the 2021 Support to Barangay Development Program has been completed — 1,904 completed projects out of the 2,320 projects with 822 barangays as recipients.
For 2022, 41 percent of the 690 projects out of the 1,719 proposed projects for 1,406 barangays have already been completed. The projects include 763 farm-to-market roads, 415 water and sanitation, 132 health stations/centers, 116 school buildings, 163 rural electrification, 53 infrastructure projects, among others. (PNA)
Sergio Veloso, a Brazilian coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ateneo de Manila University women’s volleyball team, taking over from Oliver Almadro, who held the position of Philippine men’s volleyball head coach.
This announcement was made through Ateneo’s Facebook post on July 3, 2023, indicating that Veloso has already paid a courtesy visit to the University’s president, Fr. Roberto Sy Yap, SJ.
“Ateneo Volleyball Program coaches and managers paid a courtesy call to University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ this Monday, July 3,” Ateneo stated.
“The courtesy call introduced the Blue Eagle volleyball head coaches for both high school and college: Coach Sergio Veloso for the Women’s Volleyball Team and Coach Raymund Gerard Augustine Castillo for the high school.”
Veloso’s primary objective is to revitalize the performance of the Blue Eagles, as they recently experienced their worst season in 14 years during UAAP Season 85’s women’s volleyball tournament.
Under Almadro’s guidance, the Ateneo team achieved a disappointing 4-10 win-loss record and failed to reach the Final Four.
Although Season 85 proved to be a challenging campaign for Almadro, it should be noted that he enjoyed considerable success during his 12-year tenure at Ateneo.
Almadro, who also coaches Petro Gazz in the PVL, led the Blue Eagles to a championship title in Season 81 (2019) and guided the Ateneo men’s team to three consecutive championships in seasons 77 to 79.
Budget Secretary, Amenah Pangandaman, has issued a directive for the prompt release of the performance-based bonus (PBB) that was delayed for teachers, dating back to 2021, once all requirements are met.
In a statement on Tuesday, Pangandaman stated, “I have already instructed the relevant bureaus and offices to ensure that the release of the performance-based bonus to our esteemed teachers is not delayed on the part of the DBM.”
On June 27, the DBM-NCR released a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and a Notice of Cash Allocation amounting to P950,942,317 to the Department of Education. This allocation is intended for the payment of the PBB to eligible school-based personnel of DepEd NCR Office for Fiscal Year 2021.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development (BHROD) has directed the remaining DepEd regional offices, including Regions I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan), III (Central Luzon), IV-A (Calabarzon), IV-B (Mimaropa), V (Bicol), VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas), VIII (Eastern Visayas), IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), X (Northern Mindanao), XI (Davao), XII (Soccsksargen), CARAGA, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, to resubmit their Form 1.0. This step became necessary as the initial submissions contained duplicate entries or listed personnel who were not found in the agency’s Personal Services Itemization and Plantilla of Personnel (PSIPOP).
The DBM Central Office has yet to receive the revised Form 1.0. Only upon compliance with this requirement will the agency proceed with the release of the PBB.
(AI/MNM)
The Department of Tourism (DoT) said it has terminated the contract with DDB Philippines, the agency responsible for creating a promotional campaign for the new slogan, “Love the Philippines.”
The department said it is in solidarity with the Filipino people, who were deeply disappointed by the utilization of stock footage from other countries in the audiovisual presentation (AVP) produced by DDB Philippines.
The contract clearly stipulates that the materials produced by the winning bidder should be original and in line with the DoT’s objectives.
The department asserted its right to change, suspend, or permanently discontinue the contract if it deems the agency incapable of fulfilling the project.
No payment was made to the agency for the production of the presentation.
Hence, DDB Philippines has issued an apology for including non-original footage from Thailand, Indonesia, and Dubai in the video presentation.
Considering DDB Philippines’ public apology, acknowledgment of responsibility, and admission of using non-original materials in the AVP, which directly contradicts the DoT’s objectives for enhanced tourism branding, the DoT has decided to initiate termination proceedings against its contract with DDB.
The DoT remains fully committed to developing and promoting the Philippines as a destination rich in natural wonders, culture, heritage, warmth, and hospitality—a source of immense love and pride for all Filipinos.
The promotional video has faced significant criticism, attracting the attention of several senators.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III pointed out that the purpose was to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination, yet the presentation included footage from Indonesia, Thailand, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.
Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, suggested that the DoT should create a new video, emphasizing the importance of taking pride in promoting and marketing the Philippines.
Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, expressed disappointment over the setback in the initial phase of the DoT’s campaign. She called for accountability, especially considering that public funds were used to pay the advertising agencies.
Binay expected Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco to rectify the oversight and ensure the preservation of the Philippine brand’s integrity.
She also urged the DoT to exercise more discernment and scrutiny when evaluating pegs, concepts, storyboards, and drafts presented by ad agencies. Binay acknowledged that there were also lapses on the part of the client.
Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, stressed the importance of truth in advertising. She expressed frustration that even the government can make marketing blunders while attempting to promote the unique characteristics, natural beauty, and cultural attractions of the Philippines. Poe expressed hope that such incidents will not recur, particularly within government agencies that the public trusts.
(ai/mnm)
EJ Obiena in action (Olympic Council of Asia photo courtesy)
He is already assured of a slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics but for star pole vaulter EJ Obiena, so much work is yet to be done.
EJ Obiena, the Philippines’ and Asia’s top pole vaulter, has secured his spot in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics by meeting the Olympic entry standard height of 5.82m at the Bauhaus-Galan event held at Stockholm Olympic Stadium in Sweden on Monday, July 3 (Manila time).
Despite his accomplishment, Obiena is not ready to rest on his achievements.
He recognizes the need to continue working hard, especially after acknowledging some “rookie mistakes” during the competition, where he ultimately earned a silver medal.
In a Facebook post on Monday night, the 6-foot-2 athlete based in Italy stated, “We still have plenty of work ahead of us. I made some rookie mistakes yesterday, proving that I am constantly learning and growing in this sport.”
Obiena cleared the bar at 5.72m on his second attempt and repeated the same success at 5.82m. However, he decided to skip the 5.90m mark and made three unsuccessful attempts at surpassing 5.95m.
(AI/MNM)
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As the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup draws nearer, taking place in Manila from August 25 to September 10, Smart is committed to meeting the streaming needs and online activities of basketball fans.
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The 78 GB data allocation in Gilas Power 399 pays homage to the year 1978 when the Philippines first hosted the prestigious tournament, then known as the FIBA World Championships. (ai/mnm)
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has officially declared the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon in the Philippines.
This weather event is expected to bring about drought conditions and dry spells, particularly towards the end of the year and throughout the first quarter of 2024.
In a press briefing led by officer-in-charge Esperanza Cayanan on Tuesday, Pagasa issued Advisory 1, urging concerned government agencies to make necessary preparations as the effects of El Niño will be felt in certain areas of the country.
Ana Liza Solis, the chief of Pagasa’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, stated, “With this announcement, we are formally acknowledging the onset of the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, which will subsequently impact our country.”
It’s important to note, however, that the official declaration does not imply that the phenomenon is already present within the country.
Cayanan further explained that prior to the full impact of El Niño, the Philippines is expected to experience the arrival of 10 to 14 storms from July to November. Following this period, the effects of El Niño, characterized by dry spells and drought, will begin to be felt starting in September and continue until the first quarter of 2024. (Amado Inigo/MNM)
Jordan Clarkson (NBC Sports photo courtesy)
Utah is in the middle of finalizing an extension deal for guard Jordan Clarkson on Sunday (Monday in Manila).
Should it pushes through, the deal will have a total value of $55 million over the next three years.
Clarkson averaged a career-high 20.8 points for the Jazz this past season, and the extension will push his on-court earnings well past $100 million for his career.
All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis wasn’t a free agent this summer. And he won’t be for the next few summers, either.
The 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year also plays for PH’s national squad Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player.
(Source: Online/ai/mnm)
The Department of Health (DoH) is set to introduce a shorter treatment regimen for tuberculosis (TB), according to Secretary Ted Herbosa.
During a news briefing on Monday, Herbosa announced that the existing 6-month TB treatment plan would be reduced to 4 months, while the drug-resistant treatment plan, which currently spans 9 months, would be shortened to 6 months.
In addition, Dr. Kezia Lorraine Rosario will oversee the tuberculosis programs within the health agency, ensuring their efficient implementation.
Dr. Rosario highlighted the role of stigma in discouraging people from seeking TB testing and treatment.
As a result, the DoH will prioritize testing and identification of new TB cases within local communities.
These initiatives aim to enhance TB control and provide more accessible and effective treatment options, ultimately reducing the burden of the disease. (ai/mnm)