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Boxing trainer Domingo is confident Jerusalem will upset Shigeoka
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Veteran boxing trainer, Michael Domingo of ZIP Sanman Boxing Team, is confident that his prized ward Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem will make a repeat of the latter’s January 2023 world title victory in Japan. The Cebu-based Jerusalem will face the defending World Boxing Council (WBC) world minimumweight champion, Yudai Shigeoka, in Nagoya,.....»»
One more city in Philippines declares pertussis outbreak
MANILA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The government of Iloilo, a city in central Philippines, on Monday declared an outbreak of pertussis after it confirmed seven out of 15 reported cases, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Iloilo is the third city to declare an outbreak of pertussis, or whopping cough, after Quezon and Pasig, two cities in the capital region, announced last week that they hav.....»»
Davao Media-Citizen Council elects officers
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) – The Davao Media-Citizen Council (DMCC) on Saturday elected its officers from representatives of various fields — media, business, law and academe. MindaNews’ Special Reports Editor Carolyn O. Arguillas was elected chair while Antonio Peralta representing the business sector was elected vice chair. Peralta chairs the Southern Mindanao Business […].....»»
Davao City Council moves hearing on traffic-causing road construction works
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews – 26 March) – The Davao City Council rescheduled to Tuesday, April 2, the second hearing on the suspended road construction works in the locality after key officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Davao region failed to show up Friday. The DPWH-Davao key officials are reportedly in […].....»»
One more city in Philippines declares pertussis outbreak
MANILA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The government of Iloilo, a city in central Philippines, on Monday declared an outbreak of pertussis after it confirmed seven out of 15 reported cases, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Iloilo is the third city to declare an outbreak of pertussis, or whopping cough, after Quezon and Pasig, two cities in the capital region, announced last week that they hav.....»»
Rama: No need to rush RPT revision
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said revising the Real Property Tax (RPT) wasn’t yet necessary, showing a sudden change in his position. At first, Rama said the RPT revision had to be done this month. Later, he told the council that imposing the RPT suddenly wasn’t necessary, showing a change in.....»»
Gealon: Probe companies with colorum vehicles
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A citywide crackdown is being implemented against colorum vehicles or illegally operating public utility vehicles (PUVs). This after Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon’s proposed a resolution was approved during the council’s regular session on March 20, requesting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct operations against colorum trucks operating in the.....»»
2GO ready for holiday load
2GO, the Philippines’ largest transportation and logistics solutions provider and part of SM Investments Corporation, has strategically prepared major hubs outside Metro Manila to meet the rising holiday season demand for cargo and delivery movements. This strategic endeavor aligns with 2GO’s dedication to advancing local business and catalyzing industries while optimizing operational efficiency and service excellence for its clients. “As the country’s largest logistics service provider, we embrace the philosophy of readiness regardless of season. Anticipating the increase in logistics movement during this joyous time of year, we consistently invest in supply chain preparedness by establishing a foothold in our hubs and maintaining a capable workforce. We prioritize customer satisfaction and continue to deliver on our commitments to our customers and partners, ensuring success regardless of the season,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, president and CEO of 2GO. 2GO is dedicated to fortifying its network of strategic hubs across key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The company’s logistical product portfolio was made to serve a purpose to a diverse client base. In addition to the service portfolio is the LCL shipside services, a tailored service representing an expedited Less than Container-Load offering. This pioneering solution is operational in its Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro hubs. LCL services continue to be offered in 2GO’s network of 17 vital ports of call, which serve as pivotal gateways for both dry goods and temperature-controlled cargo. Its clientele includes top domestic and international FMCGs, manufacturers, distributors, industrials and agricultural businesses, covering a wide range of industries across the nation. With LCL, 2GO extends logistics support to MSMEs and entrepreneurs, ensuring that businesses of all sizes benefit from our comprehensive solutions. 2GO visited Clark and Subic in Central Luzon, Cebu City in Central Visayas and Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao, to strengthen main trade hubs across the country that serve as central points for consolidating and distributing goods. Building its presence in these strategic locations allows 2GO to move deliveries faster for industries, businesses and for personal deliveries. Faye Alonzo, business unit head for Express and Forwarding, shares that “2GO has embarked on a proactive initiative to collaborate with key stakeholders in important logistical regions across the Philippines. Reinforcing our presence in major gateways not only provides us with efficient forwarding and cargo services but helps our partners and clients increase market reach, find more opportunities, and bridge logistical requirements.” 2GO’s comprehensive logistics services include transport via cargo forwarding via air, land and sea to key strategic hubs nationwide to ensure efficient service coverage. Actively serving over 33,000 barangays, 2GO offers logistics solutions to a wide range of businesses and communities throughout the country. The post 2GO ready for holiday load appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P1B for Marawi victims, a cruel joke (2)
Throwback. Through our pen, we appealed to the government several times to create a Truth Commission to investigate the ruination of Marawi City so that it may pick up one or two ideas on how to combat urban terrorism and be ready to deal with a similar tragedy. But our pleas fell on deaf ears. Our unspoken purpose was to prove that while the siege triggered the war, the heavy loss of lives and damage were inflicted by government forces. And this could have been minimized if the government had adopted an open mind about solutions to the impasse. There were overtures for the surrender of the much-outnumbered and outgunned rebels, but these were rejected by the government. For what reason? This column does not buy the claim of critics that it was to justify the imposition of martial law, which did happen, or the wild indictment that the government wanted to test the modern new armaments it had acquired from foreign countries, including fighter jets and pilot training. Marawi presented an opportunity for the experiment. It was not likewise the bravado of army centurions who wanted to show that their forces were capable of fighting in dense forest jungles where they were trained and in the jungle of high-rise urban structures. These are innuendoes and claims which could have been validated or invalidated through investigation. What was proven was the recklessness, if not sheer incompetence, of our jet fighter pilots who bombed places kilometers from their intended targets. In our barangay, Tolali, there was a disastrous mis-hit of a target that killed about 10 Marines, which some Maranaws described as the law of “morka” or karma in action. Why resuscitate these tales? It is to show that the heavy damage was caused by government forces which, by the dictates of any law of any society, be it international or international human rights, moral, divine, including the Code of Hammurabi and Kalantiaw, the culprit is obliged to pay for the damage it inflicted. The amount of reparations should be reasonable or at least proximate to their claim. That is why when the Department of Budget and Management dangled the amount of P1 billion as compensation for Marawi victims, it was met with disbelief, which led to a spirited protest. Unkind words were expressed by victims whose consciences were revolted. They could not believe that the policymakers could be so insensitive to the cry for justice by a segment of Philippine society that had suffered historical injustice from foreign invaders and their own government. The radicals among them cried state terrorism — no wonder the fire of secession and independence still burns in the hearts of many Moros. The situation tends to ignite more hostility towards the government. We hate to picture a situation where about half of the validated claims of victims will be paid and the other half unpaid after five years when the compensation stops. God forbid we will see dystopia and brewing sedition or revolution in our midst, and there is no need for millions in confidential and intelligence funds to predict its occurrence. The deliberations in the House of Representatives, which were uploaded on social media, were revealing. Rep. Mujiv Hataman of the lone district of Basilan, a veteran legislator who expresses his views vividly with his command of the national language, was in his element asking scathing questions of the sponsor of the budgetary bill, Congresswoman Stella Quimbo. Very clearly, she was groping for facts, figures, and explanations from officials of the Department of Budget to answer Rep. Hataman. Even with masteral and doctorate degrees tucked in her belt, she was no match for Hataman, who displayed Socratic maieutic in fielding questions. In another session, the region’s favorite son, Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, bewailed the inequity and injustice of proposing only P1B for the Marawi victims. He got the DBM’s commitment to find a way to increase the Marawi compensation budget. And so we pray our policymakers will open their hearts and minds to the clamor for increased appropriations for the Marawi victims in the name of justice, equity and magnanimity. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post P1B for Marawi victims, a cruel joke (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl Air Force set to receive C-208B reconnaissance plane
A brand-new Cessna C-20B "Grand Caravan" surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, a grant from the United States, is set to arrive on Tuesday for the use of the Philippine Air Force. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will grace the ceremonial acceptance, turnover, and blessing of the aircraft at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. It will serve as the third C-208B in PAF service once accepted. The C-208B aircraft has a cruising speed of around 170 knots. It has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles and is capable of transporting eight to nine persons, including the pilot. The country received the first two units of C-208B planes on 27 July 2017, which was part of a USD33-million package through the US National Defense Authorization Act Building Partnership Capacity Program. The post Phl Air Force set to receive C-208B reconnaissance plane appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Exhibit on 125th anniversary of Malolos Congress opens in Senate
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda will lead the unveiling of an exhibit commemorating the 125th anniversary of Malolos Congress at the Senate building in Pasay City on Monday, 18 September. The exhibit, titled "Bakit Malolos?" and organized by Legarda's office in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, will run 18-21 September 2023. "We hope to remind the Filipino people, including our fellow lawmakers, the importance of our past as our history helps us calculate our next steps in preparing for the future," Legarda said. "The Malolos Congress helped signal to the world that Asians were capable of self-governing; it was a preview of what then-colonized countries could do if given autonomy and independence," she added. Originally an online exhibit during the pandemic, the exhibit features the names of the delegates to the Malolos Congress and the facsimile of the First Constitution. Ariston Rendon Gella, Antique's first pharmacist and the great-grandfather of Legarda, was one of its delegates. The exhibit also features several busts depicting historical figures such as the Republic's first president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, and cabinet member Apolinario Mabini. The exhibit also shows scale models of the Barasoain Church and the Malolos Congress. NHCP Chairman Emmanuel Calairo and Museum Curator Ruel Paguiligan will grace the exhibit. The Malolos Congress played an important role in Philippine history as it ratified the Declaration of Independence and drafted the country's first Constitution months after the country declared independence from Spain on 12 June 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. It also paved the way for the Philippines to be the first republican democracy in Asia. The post Exhibit on 125th anniversary of Malolos Congress opens in Senate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US military asks for help finding its lost stealth jet
A stealth-capable US fighter jet vanished on Sunday -- not from prying eyes but rather from the American military, prompting an unusual call to the public to help locate the missing multimillion-dollar plane. After what authorities labeled a "mishap," a pilot flying an F-35 in the southern state of South Carolina on Sunday afternoon ejected from the craft. The pilot survived, but the military was left with an expensive problem: it couldn't find the jet, leading Joint Base Charleston to ask for help from local residents. "If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center," a post from the base read on X, formerly known as Twitter. Base authorities said they were searching, in coordination with federal aviation regulators, around two lakes north of the city of Charleston. The planes, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, cost around $80 million each. The post US military asks for help finding its lost stealth jet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Robot fried chicken: entrepreneur seeks to improve S. Korea’s favorite food
In fried-chicken-obsessed South Korea, restaurants serving the nation's favorite fast-food dish dot every street corner. But Kang Ji-young's establishment brings something a little different to the table: a robot is cooking the chicken. Eaten at everything from tiny family gatherings to a 10-million-viewer live-streamed "mukbang" -- eating broadcast -- by K-pop star Jungkook of BTS fame, fried chicken is deeply embedded in South Korean culture. Paired with cold lager and known as "chimaek" -- a portmanteau of the Korean words for chicken and beer -- it is a staple of Seoul's famed baseball-watching experience. The domestic market -- the world's third largest, after the United States and China -- is worth about seven trillion won ($5.3 billion), but labor shortages are starting to bite as South Korea faces a looming demographic disaster due to having the world's lowest birth rate. Around 54 percent of business owners in the food service sector report problems finding employees, a government survey last year found, with long hours and stressful conditions the likely culprit, according to industry research. Korean fried chicken is brined and double-fried, which gives it its signature crispy exterior, but the process -- more elaborate than what is typically used by US fast food chains -- creates additional labor and requires extended worker proximity to hot oil. Enter Kang, a 38-year-old entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to improve the South Korean fried chicken business model -- and the dish itself. "The market is huge," Kang told AFP at her Robert Chicken franchise. Chicken and pork cutlets are the most popular delivery orders in South Korea, and the industry could clearly benefit from more automation to "effectively address labor costs and workforce shortages", she said. Kang's robot, composed of a simple, flexible mechanical arm, is capable of frying 100 chickens in two hours -- a task that would require around five people and several deep fryers. But not only does the robot make chicken more efficiently -- it makes it more delicious, says Kang. "We can now say with confidence that our robot fries better than human beings do," she said. Investing in 'foodtech' Already a global cultural powerhouse and major semiconductor exporter, South Korea last year announced plans to plough millions of dollars into a "foodtech" fund to help startups working on high-tech food industry solutions. Seoul says such innovations could become a "new growth engine", arguing there is huge potential if the country's prowess in advanced robotics and AI technology could be combined with the competitiveness of Korean food classics like kimchi. South Korea's existing foodtech industry -- including everything from next-day grocery delivery app Market Kurly to AI smart kitchens to a "vegan egg" startup -- is already worth millions, said food science professor Lee Ki-won at Seoul National University. Even South Korea's Samsung Electronics -- one of the world's biggest tech companies -- is trying to get in on the action, recently launching Samsung Food, an AI-personalized recipe and meal-planning platform, available in eight languages. Lee predicted South Korea's other major conglomerates are likely to follow Samsung into foodtech. "Delivering food using electric vehicles or having robots directly provide deliveries within apartment complexes, known as 'metamobility', could become a part of our daily lives," he said. "I am confident that within the next 10 years, the food tech industry will transform into the leading sector in South Korea." 'Initially struggled' Entrepreneur Kang now has 15 robot-made chicken restaurants in South Korea, and one branch in Singapore. During AFP's visit to a Seoul branch, a robot meticulously handled the frying process -- from immersing chicken in oil, flipping it for even cooking, to retrieving it at the perfect level of crispiness, as the irresistible scent of crunchy chicken wafted through the shop. Many customers remained oblivious to the hard-working robotic cook behind their meal. Kim Moon-jung, a 54-year-old insurance worker, said she was not sure how a robot would make the chicken differently from a human "but one thing is certain -- it tastes delicious". The robot can monitor oil temperature and oxidation levels in real time while it fries chicken, ensuring consistent taste and superior hygiene. When Kang first started her business she "initially struggled" to see why anyone would use robots rather than human chefs. But "after developing these technologies, I've come to realize that from a customer's perspective, they're able to enjoy food that is not only cleaner but also tastier", she told AFP. Her next venture is a tip-free bar in Koreatown in New York City, where the cocktails will feature Korea's soju rice wine -- and will be made by robots. The post Robot fried chicken: entrepreneur seeks to improve S. Korea’s favorite food appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Crackdown set on grains cartels
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is taking a two-pronged approach to resolving the high prices of rice — which are building up the country’s grains stock and dismantling the rice cartels that dictate market prices. “The primary agenda of the government is to keep food prices low to help the less-capable members of society,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said yesterday. He indicated that President Marcos will have a program to ensure that the country has a three-year rice stock. “This is now being studied. It was taken up during a Cabinet meeting.” Enrile said. Malacañang said the implementation of Executive Order 39, which mandates price ceilings for rice, will start on 5 September. EO 39 mandates the price per kilo of regular milled rice at P41 and well-milled rice at P45. Marcos signed the EO on Thursday based on the 31 August recommendation of the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry to impose price ceilings on rice amid the surge in the retail prices of the staple. Composite teams comprised of different government agencies, in coordination with local government units, will visit markets to monitor the prices of the two rice varieties. Focus on Metro Marcos said while EO 39 would be implemented nationwide, the government would focus its monitoring in Metro Manila, noting that the situation “is not so bad outside” the metropolis. Enrile said the recent Palace moves were meant to seek a scientific approach to the rice price dilemma. “Many think the rice problem is simple but it is a very complex issue since the prices are being dictated by syndicates and the mafia in the industry.” The rice supply, he said, is affected by hoarding, smuggling, overpricing and other factors that are manipulated by certain groups. The rice cartels and syndicates have strong connections, but the Marcos administration will confront them. The goal, according to Enrile, is “to dismantle them.” “They have allies in the Bureau of Customs and the bureaucracy, and it involves huge money,” he said. “Imagine, the population is now 120 million and every day you have to provide the rice to feed them so the volume of money that goes into grains trading is huge.” He reiterated that the lucrative industry is now “controlled by cartels, mafias and syndicates, all of them are there.” Elusive prey Enrile cited the case of Davidson Bangayan, alias David Tan, who was investigated in the Senate for rice smuggling, but no case was ever filed against him. Even former President Rodrigo Duterte, then Davao City mayor, testified against the suspected grains smuggler. To Senator Risa Hontiveros’ criticism that the price cap constitutes lazy work, Enrile said she should become president first before making disparaging comments against President Marcos. “For ordinary Filipinos, the price of rice is of utmost concern. Rice is a very important component of every economy,” he explained. “It portrays your ignorance if you’re talking about that without any qualification,” Enrile said, addressing Hontiveros’ allegation. Finite resources Farmlands, Enrile said, are finite resources and it would be hard to increase these, and “even if you reclaim land from the seas it would be near impossible to use it for agriculture.” “I don’t know if the senator has experienced planting and harvesting palay. If she can prove that she has, I would believe what she said,” he added. He said the government is also looking into options to cover the period when rice prices will be high. “While we look for a solution to the price problem, the government is also taking steps to identify substitutes or supplements for rice to cover the deficiencies between local production and demand,” he added. Enrile emphasized that high rice prices are “a supply and demand problem.” In the recently raided warehouses that held P590 million worth of mostly rice stocks, the raiding teams found empty sacks that showed the grains were from local sources, indicating an effort to deceive. “What happened there, obviously is not in the media anymore, nobody talks about it anymore,” he said. The post Crackdown set on grains cartels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SB19 turns Times Square crowd wild
P-pop group SB19 brought good vibes to A'TIN nation as they performed one of their hit singles "Crimzone" under the lights of the iconic Times Square in New York City. The P-pop group did not disappoint and managed to gather the huge crowd as they harmoniously swayed to the beat, especially during their "Gento" performance. Numerous videos of the famous Filipino group sensation easily went viral and netizens were quick to upload snaps from their performance with thrilled reactions. "So, @SB19Official, just did their 1st busking in NY TIMES SQUARE!!!" "PROUD is an understatement." "They can really pull a crowd!" "Just dance guys, show them what you are capable of." This all happened after they just recently concluded their successful North America tour. The post SB19 turns Times Square crowd wild appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How coastal land reclamation can benefit cities and communities
Coastal land reclamation is increasing and will continue to grow and be a popular urban strategy in places that experience urban growth. [caption id="attachment_176366" align="aligncenter" width="1041"] Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, an artificial archipelago that houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences and entertainment venues. | Photograph Courtesy of Abid Bin Nazar.[/caption] This is according to a study, “Mapping 21st Century Global Coastal Land Reclamation,” that analyzed landsat satellite images from 2000 to 2020 to quantify spatial extent, scale and land use of urban coastal reclamation of 135 cities globally with populations exceeding one million. Key findings indicate that 78 percent of these cities have turned to reclamation to create additional land, resulting in 253,000 hectares of new land, an area equivalent to Luxembourg. Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the sea. It’s often used in places with scarcity of land and high population density for many purposes. From Western Europe and West Africa to the Middle East, East Asia and Southeast Asia, these countries’ cities reclaim lands for port extension, residential/commercial and industrial purposes aimed at creating tourist and green spaces. “Coastal land reclamation is a forward-looking approach to urban development,” said Architect Ian Fulgar, the principal architect of Fulgar Architects. It allows cities to preserve valuable ecosystems and resources from urban sprawl by expanding spaces without encroaching on existing natural land. More importantly for architects, urban planners and modern city dwellers, it presents an opportunity to have purpose-built urban environments specifically designed to meet their needs. “Architects and urban planners can design sustainable and efficient infrastructure with a blank canvas, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices in urban planning. This approach can lead to more resilient and adaptive cities capable of mitigating the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges,” Fulgar added. Innovation, sustainability Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong are some of the world’s most notable cities with impressive urban reclamation projects. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are testaments to the city-state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The former is a luxury integrated resort famed for transforming Singapore’s coastline and city skyline, while the latter is a spectacularly unique horticultural destination that combines art, science and nature. These reclaimed land developments further boost the country’s international reputation and real estate value around the area. Coastal land reclamation has significantly changed the geography of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai features ambitious projects now known as some of the most recognizable developments in the world, like Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above that houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences and entertainment venues, and The World, a groundbreaking project composed of small artificial islands in the shape of a world map. Lastly, Hong Kong’s commitment to preserving art, culture and ongoing sustainable urban development is exemplified by its West Kowloon Cultural District, a 40-hectare reclaimed site along Victoria Harbour’s waterfront designated as the city’s vibrant cultural quarter where the local arts scene can interact, develop and collaborate throughout its sustainability principles. “These projects have created iconic and visually striking landscapes by pushing the boundaries of engineering and urban design. Sustainability is often at the forefront, integrating practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors,” Fulgar pointed out. “Trends and insights on global reclamation illustrate the potential of reclamation projects in addressing various urban development, environmental conservation and community well-being needs, leading to more sustainable and resilient urban planning worldwide. By adopting these lessons and focusing on sustainable growth, the Philippines can capitalize on its potential and carve a path to a brighter future,“ Fulgar added. The post How coastal land reclamation can benefit cities and communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Paleng-QR now available in Mandaue
The city government of Mandaue in Cebu has launched the digital payment Paleng-QR as it helps the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expands the population of Filipino adults with bank accounts. “Paleng-QR aims to strengthen the financial resilience of Filipinos and help them maximize economic opportunities through inclusion in the formal financial system,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said in a statement released Friday. Payments facilitated Paleng-QR facilitates payments for various purchases of businesses and customers at public markets by scanning QR codes using their e-wallets and banking mobile apps which offer other financial services. “This then leads to access to other welfare-enhancing financial services, such as formal credit in a digital way, and then access to savings, insurance, and of course, investing,” Atty. Charina B. De Vera-Yap, BSP’s financial inclusion and consumer empowerment officer, said. BSP targets to increase bank account holders from 51 percent of Filipino adults to 70 percent and cashless payments up to 50 percent of all retail transactions this year. Enabling Filipinos to thrive in digital era “We aim to enable more Filipinos to thrive in this digital era. The Department of the Interior and Local Government or DILG fully supports the Paleng-QR because we believe in this policy research-backed project, which emphasizes that in order for Filipinos to really adopt cashless transactions, the palengke is the right place to start,” DILG regional director Leocadio Trovela said. According to Fintech Alliance Philippines, the majority or 37 percent of the 285 digital financial firms in the country focused on e-payments last year, while 20 percent offered loans. Filipinos who are capable of owning bank accounts could increase from 65 million to 85 million, or 30 percent higher, by 2030 as digital wallet providers and banks become more popular, data from global market analyst McKinsey & Company revealed. The post Paleng-QR now available in Mandaue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
27,768 patients served by GenSan med program
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Auxiliaries and Medical Program for Individuals and Needy Generals of the local government unit of General Santos City has served a total of 27,768 patients in just less than one year, Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao said in her State of the City Address recently. Pacquiao said the health program provides instant assistance for hospitalization, burial, medicines, hospitalization and even maternity healthcare. “It is our obligation to ease the sufferings of our residents in the fastest and easiest way possible,” she said. City Administrator Attorney Franklin Gacal said the city has allocated P120 million for the program in 2022 and has even extended the office hours of the program from five days a week to a full seven days. “We allocated P120 million and an additional request of P50 million and hope that the Sanggunian Panlungsod will pass it through a supplemental budget,” he said. Aside from the program, Pacquiao revealed that the city is set to receive a CT scan machine capable of 128 slices. She said the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital will be the only hospital in the city that will be equipped with such a CT scan. Pacquiao also said that the city is continuously improving its infrastructure, including its hospitals. The post 27,768 patients served by GenSan med program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hurricane Hilary weakens but still threatens northwest Mexico, California
Hilary continued on a steady path toward Mexico's Baja California peninsula on Saturday as a powerful hurricane that officials warned could bring "potentially catastrophic" flooding there and to parts of the US Southwest. The storm weakened Saturday from a powerful Category 4 to Category 3 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale -- still deemed capable of "devastating damage" -- with hurricane conditions expected to continue along the Baja California coast through Sunday morning, the US National Hurricane Center said. Mexican authorities predicted intense rainfall and electrical storms with a risk of flooding along the Pacific Coast and warned residents to take necessary precautions. By late morning, maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour (205 kilometers per hour) were being reported, with higher gusts, the NHC said. "The center of Hilary will move close to the west-central coast of the Baja California peninsula tonight and Sunday morning then move across southern California Sunday afternoon and Sunday night," the hurricane center said. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before reaching southern California and southern Nevada, with heavy rainfalls and flooding still possible. Residents and workers in the Mexican tourist resort of Cabo San Lucas have put up protective boarding and laid thousands of sandbags as large waves began crashing ashore. Military personnel were seen patrolling the beach in the city, a popular destination for both Mexican and foreign tourists. "We took all the precautionary measures last night," Omar Olvera told AFP on Saturday at the Cabo San Lucas beachfront restaurant where he works. With sandbags piled protectively around the restaurant, he said, "We're just looking out for the workers and waiting for the weather to come." The federal electric utility has deployed 800 workers and hundreds of vehicles to deal with eventual electric outages, it said. In the United States, "rainfall amounts of three to six inches, with isolated amounts of 10 inches, are expected across portions of southern California and southern Nevada," the NHC said. "Dangerous to locally catastrophic flooding will be possible." Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer have rescheduled games planned for Sunday in the US region. Hurricanes hit Mexico every year on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Although their remnants sometimes affect California, it is rare for cyclones to strike the state with tropical storm intensity. The post Hurricane Hilary weakens but still threatens northwest Mexico, California appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Expanding the Filipino footprint in the hospitality space
Seda Hotel is opening Seda Manila Bay, its 12th property in the Philippines, focusing on the Filipinos’ passion for providing the best hospitality service to guests. [caption id="attachment_172979" align="aligncenter" width="525"] bedroom suite.[/caption] Seda Manila Bay is located in Paranaque’s Entertainment City and offers 350 thoughtfully designed rooms, from Deluxe Rooms to Suites, ideal for business and family travel. Javier Hernandez, president and chief executive officer of AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts, expresses his enthusiasm for the newest property, stating, “We are proud to see Seda Hotels flourish and expand its footprint in the Philippines. Seda Manila Bay will continue the brand’s commitment to providing unparalleled Filipino hospitality and service at par with global standards.” The hotel’s unique design incorporates various leisure amenities that will delight all ages. These include a sprawling water playground with pool fountains and other fun features in the kids’ area; a Children’s Playroom with developmental toys, arts and crafts, and learning activities for young ones; and a Game Room outfitted with gaming consoles. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Seda Spa is a wellness retreat with private massage rooms, while the gym provides cutting-edge fitness equipment. Opening soon is a mini-golf area, providing even more ways for guests to unwind and have fun during their stay. General manager Jeffrey Enriquez adds that Seda Manila Bay features a ballroom for up to 350 attendees and smaller meeting rooms capable of offering flexible and creative solutions to suit different event needs in the city. “Guests can also expect a diverse and flavorful dining experience at Seda’s signature outlets, Misto restaurant, which serves a medley of international and local dishes, and very soon, Straight Up rooftop bar — perfect for catching the world-famous Manila Bay sunset,” Enriquez says. Seda Manila Bay boasts exceptional positioning in the area, offering a unique combination of business and recreational facilities and amenities ideal for corporate, leisure or family travel. The hotel’s location is also conveniently accessible, being only 15 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a short 30-minute drive to the bustling CBDs of Makati and BGC. Hernandez adds that for Seda, the benchmark for success is not about the brand’s aggressive expansion in terms of room inventory but rather a focus on product quality. He says, “For this reason, the brand has been consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence, winning the “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” award in the UK-based World Travel Awards for nine consecutive years, owing to its dedication to providing superior products and services.” Seda Manila Bay presents an all-encompassing haven, setting a new standard for remarkable stays in Paranaque’s Entertainment City. The post Expanding the Filipino footprint in the hospitality space appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»