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India Forecasts 7.3% Economic Growth, Boosting Election Chances of Prime Minister Modi
Title: PM Modi Inaugurates 15,000 Crore Projects for Ayodhya, Boosting India’s Economic Growth Ayodhya: In a significant development ahead of the much-anticipated consecration ceremony of.....»»
‘Barbie’ topped Golden Globe nominations, ahead of ‘Oppenheimer’
Summer blockbuster “Barbie” topped the list of nominees for Hollywood’s Golden Globe awards on Monday with nine nods, outpacing the eight for historical film drama “Oppenheimer.” Pink-fueled doll adventure “Barbie” will compete for best comedy or musical film alongside “American Fiction,” “The Holdovers” and others at a red-carpet ceremony in January that will kick off the Hollywood awards season. “Oppenheimer,”.....»»
Palawan PNP deploys over 1.3k cops for barangay, SK elections
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Police Provincial Office in Palawan has deployed over 1,300 cops and other uniformed personnel from the marines and the coast guard to secure the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October. The deployment ceremony was held on Thursday at the Police Provincial Office headquarters in Barangay Tiniguiban in Puerto Princesa City, led by provincial director Colonel Carlito Narag Jr. and Palawan Commission on Elections supervisor Atty. Percival Mendoza. Narag expects the 1,333 combined personnel from the 3rd Marine Brigade and the Coast Guard District Palawan to ensure the secure, honest and safe conduct of the BSKE 2023 in 433 barangays across 23 municipalities in Palawan. "The others who will be assigned in the distant islands [of Palawan] have already gone ahead. This number is enough already — we also borrowed additional 77 police personnel from the City PNP — so we can be assured that will be able to fully support the BSKE," Narag said. He said that as law enforcers, they are committed to performing their responsibilities in Palawan to ensure the safety of the voters and the 14,862 BSKE candidates across all towns of Palawan. "We're really hoping that this will be a fair, peaceful and honest election," he said. The Puerto Princesa City Police Office also deployed approximately 957 police personnel, combined with uniformed personnel from the marines and the coast guard to secure the BSKE in 66 barangays. City police director Colonel Ronie Bacuel and City Comelec officer Atty. Julius Cuevas led the deployment ceremony in Barangay San Pedro also on Thursday morning. Bacuel stated that "they will ensure the orderliness and peace during the conduct of the safe elections in the city." He assured that the entire police force in Puerto Princesa is prepared for any challenges that may arise on election day. The post Palawan PNP deploys over 1.3k cops for barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pope appoints 21 new cardinals to fill highest ranks of Church
Pope Francis on Saturday elevated 21 clergymen from distant corners of the world to the rank of cardinal, saying diversity was indispensable to the future of the Catholic Church. Under sunny skies and with a crowd that filled half of Vatican City's grandiose, colonnaded St Peter's Square, the 86-year-old pope welcomed the new, so-called "Princes of the Church" -- one of whom could one day become the successor to the current pontiff. "The College of Cardinals is called to resemble a symphony orchestra, representing the harmony and synodality of the Church," said Francis, seated under a canopy before the gathered cardinals on the steps of St Peter's Basilica. "Diversity is necessary; it is indispensable. However, each sound must contribute to the common design," said the Argentine Jesuit. The choice of the new cardinals, who include diplomats, close advisers and administrators, is closely watched as an indication of the priorities and position of the Church. One of them could also one day be elected by his peers to succeed Francis, who has left the door open to stepping down in the future should his health warrant it. Saturday's ceremony, known as a consistory, is the ninth since Francis in 2013 was named head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. One by one, the scarlet-clad cardinals knelt before the pope, who bestowed on them the two symbols of their high office: a scarlet four-cornered cap known as a biretta, and a cardinal's ring. To some, a grinning Francis uttered an encouraging "Bravo!" or "Courage!" as he shook their hand. Eighteen of the 21 newly made cardinals are under the age of 80 and thus currently eligible to vote as "cardinal electors" in the next conclave, when Francis' successor will be decided. They are among 99 cardinal-electors created by Francis, representing about three-quarters of the total That has given rise to speculation that the Church's future spiritual leader will be cast in the same mold as Francis, preaching a more tolerant Church with a greater focus on the poor and marginalized. Bishops taking action Throughout his papacy, Francis has sought to create a more inclusive, universal Church, looking past Europe to clergy in Africa, Asia and Latin America to fill the Church's highest ranks. With his latest roster of cardinals, Francis has again looked to the world's "peripheries" -- where Catholicism is growing -- while breaking with the practice of promoting archbishops of large, powerful dioceses. "He is looking for cardinals who correspond to the times. These are people who have all taken a step away from the Church of the past, who positively ensure a break," an informed observer of the Holy See who asked to remain nameless told AFP ahead of the ceremony. The array of cardinals represent "a richness and a variety of experience, and that's what the Church is all about," the Archbishop of Cape Town, Stephen Brislin, told AFP Thursday before his elevation to cardinal. "The Church encompasses all people, not just a certain group of people," he said. There are three new cardinals from South America, including two Argentinians, and three from Africa, with the promotion of the archbishops of Juba in South Sudan, Tabora in Tanzania, and Cape Town's Brislin. Asia is represented by the Bishop of Penang in Malaysia and the Bishop of Hong Kong, Stephen Chow, who is seen as playing a key role in seeking to improve tense relations between the Vatican and Beijing. Diplomats and managers Some of the new cardinals, like Chow, have experience in sensitive zones of the world where the Holy See hopes to play an important diplomatic role. The list includes the Holy Land's top Catholic authority, Italian Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the first seated Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to be made cardinal. "Jerusalem is a small laboratory, interreligious and intercultural, and that's a challenge that the whole world is facing at this point," Pizzaballa told AFP. Also promoted was the apostolic nuncio, or ambassador, to the United States, France's Christophe Pierre, whose decades-long diplomatic career includes posts in countries including Haiti, Uganda and Mexico. Francis also tapped top administrators in the Curia, the Holy See's government. His new choices include Claudio Gugerotti, the Italian prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; Argentina's Victor Manuel Fernandez, whom Francis recently named head of the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith; and Chicago-born Robert Prevost, a former missionary in Peru who leads the Dicastery for Bishops. Following the ceremony, the new cardinals were congratulated by members of the public at the Vatican's sumptuous Apostolic Palace. The post Pope appoints 21 new cardinals to fill highest ranks of Church appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
High BoI figures show capital swing
As a testament to the strides taken to raise the country’s laggard investments, the country’s main investment promotion agency, the Board of Investments reported registering P720 billion worth of investments for the year until August. In a forum on Thursday, BoI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego said they now see positive investment growth for the rest of the year. “As of August of 2023, the BoI approvals amounted to 72 percent of the P1-trillion investment target for the year,” she added. Last Tuesday, BoI chairperson and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said he is confident of hitting and even surpassing the 2023 investment approvals target of P1.5 trillion. He said the investment promotion agency has projects in the pipeline, some of which came from past foreign trips of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the investment missions of the Department of Trade and Industry. Last year, the BoI approved an estimated P729 billion worth of new projects, which is 11 percent higher than the P655.4 billion approved in 2021. On Thursday, the BoI announced that it granted green lane endorsement to five floating solar power projects in Laguna Lake under Executive Order 18 or “Constituting Green Lanes for Strategic Investments,” meant to expedite, streamline and automate government approval and registration process of priority and strategic investments. “In keeping with the government’s goal of accelerating the realization of green investments in the Philippines, the BOI has given the go-ahead to ACEN Corporation’s requests for Green Lane processing of several renewable energy ventures located in Laguna Lake,” Pascual explained. The approved projects include SolarAce4, AC Laguna, AC Subic, GigaWind1 and Ingrid Floating Solar Power Plants, which are consistent with the government’s mission to accelerate the growth of eco-friendly investments. In accordance with EO 18, the five renewable energy. or RE, projects are now identified and designated as strategic investments, which are expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027. Obtaining green lane status expedites permit and license issuance, including resolving strategic investment issues. Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo awarded the Green Lane Certificates of Endorsement to ACEN president and CEO Eric Francia in an awarding ceremony at the BoI Main Office in Makati City last 6 September 2023. BoI Governor Ramos-Samaniego and Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla of the Investment Assistance Center are present in the ceremony, and ACEN representatives namely Anabelle Natividad, authorized representative; Atty. Lucky Aranas, project lawyer; and Miguel Ignacio, project manager. SolarAce4 covers 100 hectares of the lake surface area in Santa Cruz, Laguna, and will produce a 140-megawatt peak of clean energy. AC Laguna Floating Solar Power Plant — AC Laguna is located on 200 hectares of lake surface area in Victoria and Pila, Laguna, and will generate 280MWp of clean energy. The AC SUBIC Floating Solar Power Plant, occupying 200 hectares of lake surface area in Victoria and Santa Cruz, Laguna, is expected to produce 280MWp of clean energy. GigaWind1 Floating Solar Power Plant covers 200 hectares of lake surface area in Kalayaan and Paete, Laguna and will generate 280MWp of sustainable energy. Finally, Ingrid Floating Solar Power Plant is located on 100 hectares of lake surface area in Lumban, Laguna and will produce 140MWp of clean energy. At the forefront of Asia Pacific’s renewables revolution, ACEN is the first energy company in Southeast Asia to announce a Net Zero roadmap. ACEN, established in 2011, is the renewable energy platform of the Ayala Group. Its portfolio continues to grow with new solar and wind farms under construction in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Lao PDR and India. ACEN aims to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia and is targeting to reach 20 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Its key markets are the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. The post High BoI figures show capital swing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Korean leader in Russia for Putin talks as US warns on arms deal
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia on Tuesday ahead of a meeting with President Vladimir Putin that the United States has warned could see an arms deal to support Moscow's assault on Ukraine. Making a rare foreign trip and his first since the pandemic, Kim was seen stepping onto a red-carpeted train platform before meeting Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov. Kim and Putin are expected to meet at an unspecified location in Russia's Far East later this week, the Kremlin has said. Putin is currently attending the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, the Pacific port city closest to the North Korean border, though there has been no indication that the internationally isolated pair would hold their talks there. Reporters granted access to the Russian leader at the forum refrained from asking Putin details of the visit but he told journalists he would soon travel to the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport some 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from Vladivostok. "I've got my programme there, and when I get there you'll know," he was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying. Kim received a VIP welcome from a military honor guard, with the national anthems of both countries playing, as he arrived in the Russian border town of Khasan Tuesday morning, the state-run KCNA news agency said. Kim told his Russian hosts that his visit was a "clear manifestation" of North Korea "prioritizing the strategic importance" of its ties with Russia, KCNA said. The agency did not specify when or where Kim would meet with Putin, saying only that after the arrival ceremony the North Korean leader "left for his destination." Experts say Moscow will likely seek artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, which wants advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology in return. Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, said it was "entirely possible" North Korea had large stocks of ammunition that could be used by Russia. "Whether any deal is struck remains to be seen," he said. "We will not know for sure until there is hard evidence that Russia has used North Korean arms and ammunition on the battlefield in Ukraine," he added. The White House warned last week that North Korea would "pay a price" if it supplied Russia with weaponry for the conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and Kim would "cooperate on sensitive areas that should not be the subject of public disclosure and announcements". Steadfast allies Kim is travelling to Russia with his top military officials including Korean People's Army Marshal Pak Jong Chon and Munitions Industry Department Director Jo Chun Ryong, analysts said. This indicates a Putin-Kim summit "is likely to heavily focus on Russia and North Korea's possible military cooperation," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. Moscow sent Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang in July. He has recently mooted bilateral joint naval drills. Kim has been steadfast in his support for Moscow's assault on Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles. But both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied North Korea has or will supply arms to Russia, which has eaten into its vast stockpiles of munitions since it launched its Ukraine offensive early last year. Kim has not travelled outside North Korea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. His last proper overseas trip was in 2019, also to Russia to meet Putin. 'Begging' for help "North Korea has the crude ammunition that Putin needs for his illegal war in Ukraine, while Moscow has submarine, ballistic, and satellite technologies that could help Pyongyang leapfrog engineering challenges it suffers under economic sanctions," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. On Monday, the United States described Putin as desperate in seeking a meeting with Kim. "Having to travel across the length of his own country to meet with an international pariah to ask for assistance in a war that he expected to win in the opening month, I would characterize it as him begging for assistance," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. "I will remind both countries that any transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia would be in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions," he added. Washington has said Russia could use weapons from North Korea to attack Ukrainian food supplies and heating infrastructure heading into winter to "try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation". Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Kookmin University in Seoul, told AFP that the upcoming meeting was part of Moscow's "gentle diplomatic blackmail" of Seoul because Russia did not want South Korea to supply weapons to Kyiv. Seoul is a major arms exporter and has sold tanks to Kyiv's ally Poland, but longstanding domestic policy bars it from selling weapons into active conflicts. "The major worry of the Russian government now is a possible shipment of the South Korean ammunition to Ukraine, not just one shipment but a lot of shipments," Lankov said. The post North Korean leader in Russia for Putin talks as US warns on arms deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US and Vietnam set to expand ties as China worries grow
US President Joe Biden arrives in Vietnam on Sunday set to deepen cooperation between the two nations, in the face of China's growing ambitions in the region. Biden -- who is flying from the G20 summit in New Delhi -- will meet the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, on Sunday, and is expected to sign off on a "comprehensive strategic partnership", Hanoi's highest level of diplomatic ties. The underlying goal of the short visit will be much the same as during Biden's time at the G20 gathering -- to shore up support against China's increasing influence. For Vietnam, the upgrading of diplomatic ties is significant. It only has top-level ties with Russia, India, South Korea and China. Although it will be careful to be seen as not taking sides between the United States and China, Vietnam shares American concerns about its neighbor's growing assertiveness in the contested South China Sea. The United States and Vietnam -- a key manufacturing hub -- also have increasingly close trade ties, and Washington sees Hanoi as an important partner as it looks to source less from China after supply chain shocks rocked the global economy in recent years. In Hanoi on Sunday, there will be a welcome ceremony, speeches by the two leaders and a press conference by the US president -- who on Tuesday awarded the top US military honor to a helicopter pilot who rescued four soldiers during the Vietnam War. Biden will meet President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh the following day. Ahead of the 80-year-old US president's arrival, Hanoi's central Hoan Kiem Lake area, packed with families out for a weekend stroll, was adorned with American and Vietnamese flags. Nearby in the city's old quarter, a souvenir shop sold T-shirts with Biden's face emblazoned across the front. "I think the US is a good friend to Vietnam," said the shop's 61-year-old owner Truong Thanh Duc. "With this visit of President Joe Biden, I think he will bring more business contracts and jobs to Vietnamese people." - Human rights - In Vietnam, Biden will be juggling strategic interests with the defense of human rights. The Southeast Asian country has a dire human rights record. Government critics face intimidation, harassment and imprisonment after unfair trials, and there are reports of police torture to extract confessions, Human Rights Watch says. While the president has often criticized China's human rights record, he has largely stayed quiet on Vietnam and campaigners are fearful he may not press the subject. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said prior to the trip that Biden would raise issues related "to freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and other basic human rights". His visit comes days after a US government commission on religious freedom harshly criticized Vietnam for "egregious, ongoing, and systematic violations". On Saturday, Nguyen Bac Truyen, a legal expert and religious freedom advocate who was sentenced in 2018 to 11 years in prison for subversion, said on Facebook he had been released and allowed to travel to Germany with his wife. Vietnam often releases political prisoners prior to US presidential visits. Biden's visit to Hanoi will mean he leaves early from the G20 summit, where leaders agreed on a joint declaration that papered over deep divisions on the war in Ukraine and tackling climate change, avoiding direct criticism of Moscow and any concrete pledge to phase out polluting fossil fuels. His Vietnam trip will also include a poignant visit to the memorial to his friend John McCain, the former US senator shot down and held captive during the Vietnam War who in later years helped rebuild ties between the two countries. burs-aph/sco © Agence France-Presse The post US and Vietnam set to expand ties as China worries grow appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rotaract Club Makati holds 18th induction, handover ceremonies
The induction ceremony, held at the Makati Rotary Club Foundation Building in Guadalupe, Viejo, Makati City, was a grand affair that brought together distinguished Rotarians including District Governor Nominee Reginald Alberto “Reggie” Nolido; Rotary Club of Makati president Senen “Bing” Matoto; New Generation director, James Julian Lim; Rotarian Filomeno “Boy” Arteche; Rotaractors and friends. The event began with a warm welcome by past president April Jan Sembrano who expressed his enthusiasm regarding a busy year ahead for the new set of officers, even as he highlighted particular instances of service in the community provided by the Club during his leadership. RC-Makati president Senen “Bing” Matoto” then gave the keynote address in which he emphasized the bringing of hope to the world through service. Saturday evening’s event was highlighted by the installation of the Club’s new officers who come from various backgrounds but are all driven by the common goal of making a positive impact in the community. The ceremony was officiated by Director Lim. A touching moment was when all four newly inducted members, Darlah Marcela S. Leonardo, Jazmin Faye A. Berrame, John Martin R. Revilla and Shania M. Tumbagahan took the Rotaract pledge. With their right hands raised, they vowed to uphold the principles of Rotaract, which is particularly focused on community service, professional development and fellowship. That moment symbolized the collective commitment of the club members to work together for a better Makati. As the ceremony came to a close, outgoing president John Nicole dela Cruz delivered his Valedictory Address followed by incoming president Adrian Emmanuel Manuel’s sharing of the Club’s plans and objectives set for this Rotary year. The initiatives will include community service projects, leadership development workshops, and partnerships. “The Rotaract Club of Makati is determined to be a force for positive change, and its members are all eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work,” said Manuel in his speech. Clearly, the induction ceremony held last Saturday by the Rotaract Club of Makati was an inspiring testament to the power of young adults coming together with a shared purpose. Rotaract is a service club for young people ages 18 and up who are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges in a community and beyond while developing leadership skills and making friends from around the world. The Clubs decide how to organize and run their own affairs, manage their funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects that are important to their communities. Rotaract Clubs are members of Rotary International; mother clubs, e.g., Rotary Club of Makati, sponsoring Rotaract Clubs, offer guidance and support and work as partners in service. The post Rotaract Club Makati holds 18th induction, handover ceremonies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Typhoon ‘Khanun’ barrels thru Japan, Korea
Ahead of typhoon Khanun’s Wednesday landfall in Japan’s southernmost main island of Kyushu, flights and train service to the southern region were suspended while 540,000 locals were told to evacuate. Japan Airlines on Tuesday canceled 132 flights, disrupting some 8,390 travelers, a spokesperson of the company told Agence France-Presse. ANA also scrapped flights between Kagoshima in southern Kyushu and Tokyo. Bullet train service to southern destinations were suspended, while many other local commuter and express trains were canceled, Kyushu Railway said in a statement. Kagoshima prefecture set up 314 shelters for evacuees, officials said, as carmaker Mazda’s factories in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi will suspend operations on Wednesday and Thursday. The storm forced Nagasaki, one of the main cities on Kyushu, to move indoors and scale down its annual commemoration ceremony of the 1945 atomic bombing scheduled for Wednesday. After killing at least two people, injuring more than 100 and cutting off power for several hundred thousand people in the southern Okinawa region last week, Khanun was due to roar along the western coast of Kyushu towards South Korea, according to forecasters. Khanun was moving northward from waters 300 kilometers south of Kagoshima as of 9 a.m. Tuesday and is expected to reach 30 kms west of the South Korean coastal city of Tongyeong at 9 a.m. Thursday, the Korea Meteorological Administration said, according to Yonhap. Its wind speed is expected to reach up to 126 kilometers per hour on Thursday, KMA said. Parts of Gangwon Province along the upper east coast of South Korea are forecast to receive rain as heavy as 600 milliliters, Yonhap said. The typhoon may head further north to North Korea at 9 a.m. Friday, the agency added. WITH AFP The post Typhoon ‘Khanun’ barrels thru Japan, Korea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each
Ten Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, comprised of four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers, are recognized for going beyond their duty and making a difference in the community. Recipients of this year’s career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors were presented to the public on Thursday, 3 August. Each of them will receive a cash prize of P1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy in a conferment ceremony on 29 August, ahead of the Metrobank’s anniversary celebration in September. Outstanding Filipinos embody the true meaning of “Beyond Excellence” as they go the extra mile in their chosen profession and selflessly extend a helping hand to those in need through their various service and community involvements while overcoming adversities and challenges. Bagging the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are (1) Mr. Rex M. Sario, MAT, Master Teacher I/Teacher-in-Charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); (2) June Elias V. Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II, Catalunan Grande Elementary School (Davao City); (3) Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I/SPED Coordinator, Don Jose Ynares Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and (4) Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon). To be conferred with the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers are (5) Staff Sergeant Danilo S. Banquiao PA, Civil-Military Officer — Non-Commissioned Officer, 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao del Sur); (6) Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); and (7) Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group (City of Manila) (formerly Commanding Officer, 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro). Meanwhile, recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are (8) Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, Section Team Leader, District Mobile Force Battalion, Manila Police District (City of Manila); (9) Police Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, Chief, Police Community Relations, Criminal Investigation, and Detection Group, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Chief, Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City); and (10) Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, Chief, Morale and Welfare Division, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City). “Outstanding Filipinos inspire us to go beyond excellence and pursue a mission that is bigger than ourselves. This year’s batch proved to us how the competence of Filipinos combined with character and compassion can positively impact other people’s lives,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña. “Educators, peacekeepers, and defenders have chosen to render selfless service to the community and the country despite many adversities. We hope their examples and contributions to society create a ripple effect transcending generations,” he added. The post Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the Change of Command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, laid down the priorities of his leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts — for these focus areas I would like to keep in line with the President’s call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym UNITY, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification, Brawner said the military will provide leverage to inter-agency coordination, links, and alliances to continue the whole-of-nation approach in addressing pressing security concerns. Under normalization, the AFP will give special attention to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. For internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist and communist terror groups in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. On territorial defense, the AFP will heed the President’s pronouncement of “not giving an inch of Philippine territory,” Brawner said, adding that “the AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will be included on the military’s priority list in its modernization program, which is in its third phase or Horizon 3. For the youth, Brawner expressed his full support for the revival of the Reserve Officers Training Corps or ROTC, saying the military will push for the proper and relevant conduct of the program. “This will coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he said. BBM lauds new chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who graced the change of command rites, urged the AFP to continue working towards an agile and prepared force and to strengthen its external defense capabilities. In his speech, Marcos told the AFP to work with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos. “I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and our country’s national sovereignty amidst the challenges ahead,” he said. “Together, let us protect the interests of our people and help them fulfill their goals for themselves, their families, their communities, and our nation,” he added. The President assured that his administration is “firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit of modernizing the AFP.” Centino awarded During the ceremony, the Department of National Defense presented Centino with the Legion of Honor Award with the rank of Chief Commander. Centino has been appointed by Marcos the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. In his speech, Marcos lauded Centino for his “exemplary service and resolute commitment” to the nation’s peace, order, and security. “Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communists and local terrorist groups,” the President said. “You have also strengthened our external defense capabilities and helped to promote archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos.” The President then urged Brawner to recalibrate the AFP’s internal security operations so that public services could be delivered to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. “I know that under your supervision, we will have a safer and more secure nation where more rebels will return to the fold of the law and decide to be productive citizens,” Marcos said. The DND lauded the appointment of Brawner as it expressed confidence he is an “excellent choice” to lead the country’s crucial internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. Brawner still heads Army Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Army is expecting a movement in the leadership of the organization after its commanding general, Brawner, was named AFP chief of staff. He said Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army. You can perform two functions, wear two hats at the same time,” Trinidad said. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_tiz The post ‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos to Brawner: AFP to continue modernization
President Ferdinand Marcos on Friday urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to continue working toward an agile and prepared force and to strengthen its external defense capabilities. In his speech during the AFP Change of Command Ceremony which marked the retirement of outgoing AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Andres Centino and the assumption of command by Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Marcos asked the AFP to work with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos. "I have faith that under the supervision of Gen. Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and our country's national sovereignty amidst the challenges ahead," Marcos said. "Together, let us protect the interests of our people and help them fulfill their goals for themselves, their families, their communities and our nation," Marcos added. Marcos assured that his administration is "firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit of modernizing the AFP." In the same speech, Marcos lauded Centino for his "exemplary service and resolute commitment" to the nation's peace, order and security. "Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communists and local terrorist groups," the President said. "You have also strengthened our external defense capabilities and helped to promote archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos." President Marcos then urged Brawner to recalibrate the AFP's internal security operations so that public services can be delivered in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. "I know that under your supervision, we will have a safer and more secure nation where more rebels will return to the fold of the law and decide to be productive citizens," he said. The post Marcos to Brawner: AFP to continue modernization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden arrives in Britain ahead of NATO summit, Finland visit
President Joe Biden arrived in Britain Sunday where he will meet King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before continuing to Vilnius for a NATO summit, then a final stop in new NATO member Finland. Air Force One touched down at Stansted Airport north of London late in the evening, an AFP journalist reported. On Monday, he meets the British monarch at Windsor Castle, one of the royal residences, for the first time since Charles III's coronation. The US president did not attend the ceremony, sending First Lady Jill Biden instead. Their talks are expected to focus on environmental issues, the White House said. Biden will also be meeting with Sunak at 10 Downing Street. The main part of Biden's Europe trip will be the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Tuesday and Wednesday, where the Western allies will discuss helping Ukraine to oust Russian occupation forces. Ukraine is pressing for admission to the military alliance but Biden said in an interview aired Sunday with CNN that this cannot happen until the war is over. Bringing Ukraine in now would mean NATO is at war with Russia, Biden said. Under its Article 5, NATO is committed to defending any member that comes under attack. "It's a commitment that we've all made no matter what. If the war is going on, then we're all in war. We're at war with Russia, if that were the case," Biden said. Biden hopes to use the summit to pressure Turkey to drop its opposition to Sweden's all-but-cleared NATO membership bid. Entry requires unanimous consent from all members. In a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, Biden "conveyed his desire to welcome Sweden into NATO as soon as possible," the White House said. The two leaders "expressed their shared commitment to continue supporting Ukraine," the statement added. Erdogan's office said separately that he would meet with Biden on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius. The talks will focus on "Ukraine's position in NATO, Sweden's NATO membership, and the delivery of F-16" fighter jets, which Turkey hopes to secure from the United States, the Turkish presidency said. - Ukraine and NATO - In the interview with CNN, Biden had said he was considering supplying Turkey and Greece with new or upgraded US-made fighter aircraft as an enticement for Turkey to let Sweden join NATO. "And so, what I'm trying to, quite frankly, put together is a little bit of a consortium here where we're strengthening NATO in terms of the military capacity of both Greece as well as Turkey and allow Sweden to come in," Biden said. "But it's in play. It's not done." Erdogan's office said, however, that it was "not correct" to link Turkey's desire to acquire the fighter jets, which need congressional approval, with Sweden's membership drive. While in Vilnius, Biden will also deliver a major foreign policy speech at the city's university. His trip comes in the wake of a controversial decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions, which most NATO member countries have banned but which the United States continues to hold in its arsenal and says will help Ukraine destroy heavily dug-in Russian forces. Biden's final stop before returning to Washington on Thursday will be Finland, which ended its historic neutrality to enter NATO in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine. Biden will be the first US president to visit Helsinki since Donald Trump went five years ago to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. sms-acl/kjm © Agence France-Presse The post Biden arrives in Britain ahead of NATO summit, Finland visit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
May the Will of God be done
There are circumstances in our lives that are mysterious and some remain to be a mystery. Whenever we are not able to explain what happened we always make the alibi that it is the Will of God or it’s not according to the Will of God. Do we ever ask ourselves why God allowed this to happen but didn’t allow the other thing? Do we ask for Wisdom from the Holy Spirit to enlighten us? Or do we just simply shrug our shoulders and let it be? When we encounter people who are so anxious about a particular situation and we can’t explain to them the real score, we just say “There is always a reason behind it.” I can categorically say that it was according to God’s plan that last Friday, Police Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. took over the helm as the new Regional Director of the National Capital Region Police Office despite the hindrances put up by a scrupulous individual. During the turnover ceremony led by no less than Philippine National Police Director General Benjamin Acorda Jr., one could feel the joy shared by the officers of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, media, and the local folks, with everyone seemingly saying, “This is it!” So we can see that at every moment of our lives, God’s Will and God’s Plan still prevail. Sometimes God allows things to happen to teach us, to show us, to correct us to improve our lives. Through our life’s circumstances, we receive assurances of God’s ever-present and ever-enduring love, which He has manifested perfectly in His Son, and through what He has done for us. Now, are we then going to heed the Lord’s call to us, calling us all to follow Him as we hear Him saying, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”? Through these words, all of us are reminded that, first of all, it is in God alone that we have true hope of redemption and liberation from all our troubles and trials, from the bondage we have to sin. Through Christ alone, there is hope for salvation and eternal life, as we all should realize. That is why we all should follow Him and commit ourselves to Him, so that in everything that we say and do, we will always obey the Lord and do what we have been called and tasked to do, as Christians, as those who believe in the Lord, in His salvation and in His Passion, Death and Resurrection, by which He has redeemed the world. We are all Christ’s witnesses in this world, the ones who should be proclaiming His truth and Good News. However, just as the Lord Himself said, His yoke is light, which means that following Him will likely require sacrifice and effort, that we should not think that being Christians means that we will have an easy and good life ahead of us. There will definitely be challenges and obstacles facing us, but what matters is that we must realize how God is journeying with us and is with us in these struggles of life. Thus, we should always keep our faith in Him and trust in Him, remembering the salvation and help that He has provided to us, His faithfulness to the Covenant, and the promises that He has made for us — that He gave us all His only begotten Son to suffer and die for our sake, that by His death all of us may be saved and have life in us. The post May the Will of God be done appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA’s 3-day expo promotes agri-fishery sector
The Department of Agriculture's three-day expo, the largest international trade fair for the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries, culminated Saturday with more than 300 exhibitors and 10,000 farmers, fisherfolk, traders, buyers, experts, policy and decision-makers, and industry stakeholders around the world convened at the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2023 and shared their products, services, and best practices. Organized by international events manager Informa Markets, it was hosted by the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) through the National Livestock Program (DA-NLP) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) with the goal of promoting the development of the Philippine agri-fishery sector. Informa Markets country general manager for Malaysia and the Philippines Gerard Leeuwenburgh called for every industry player to “step up” by innovating and adapting new technologies, enhancing food production, reducing waste, preventing diseases, and showing genuine concern for the environment “to ensure a sustainable production system” and “to be able to keep up with the competition in the [Asia-Pacific] Region.” Now on its sixth installment, the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2023 formally opened on 5 July at the World Trade Center in Pasay City with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally leading the ceremony. In his speech, the President and also concurrent Secretary of Agriculture acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in “realizing our dreams of progressively expanding and modernizing the poultry and livestock industries in the Philippines.” He also emphasized the need to revitalize Philippine agriculture by addressing key issues such as food inflation, the need to boost food production and mobilization, the importance of enhancing profitability and other opportunities in agri-fishery-based livelihoods, the emergence of agricultural pests and diseases, and more. “We will work to find ways to increase our farmers’ incomes so that they can lead a dignified and comfortable life and return to the profession a sense of pride that has been lost over the years. It is our hope to bring back nobility to a profession that has sacrificed so much to feed and to nourish us for many, many generations. Let us make the most of the knowledge and tools made available at this trade fair so that we can establish a more food-secure, sustainable, and resilient Philippines in the years ahead,” the President concluded. The opening ceremony was also attended by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar, House Committee Chairperson on Agriculture and Food Representative Mark Enverga, Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) Partylist Representative Nicanor Briones, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, and dignitaries from other countries. Members of the DA family—namely the National Livestock Program (NLP), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)—together with government financial institutions Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, set up their booths at the DA Pavilion and the Aquaculture area of the exhibit to extend services to the general public. The post DA’s 3-day expo promotes agri-fishery sector appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Edict writes off farmers’ debts
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday signed into law Republic Act 11953 relieving thousands of farmers of their long-standing debts associated with the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. During the signing ceremonies in Malacañang, Marcos explained that RA 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act or NAEA, condones all unpaid amortizations, including interest and surcharges, for awarded lands. The signing came ahead of the President’s second State of the Nation Address on 24 July. “Let us continue agrarian reform not only through land distribution and providing land to farmers who still do not have any but also to completely free them from debt that hinders their full ownership of the land given to them by the government,” Marcos said in his speech. “Free land distribution must go hand in hand with broadening the provision of credit facilities and support services in the form of farm inputs, equipment, and facilities for our farmers, as well as the construction of more farm-to-market roads,” he said. Marcos thanked Congress for swiftly passing the bill. He also acknowledged his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, for her efforts in getting the bill passed in the Senate. “We had waited for several administrations, and yet we had not accomplished this. It is a great honor for me to stand before you and announce that we will now make this into law, granting and liberating our farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries from their burdensome debts,” the President said. Loan obligations The law applies to farmers and farm workers who were granted land under Presidential Decree No. 27 but still had outstanding loan obligations to both the Land Bank of the Philippines and private landowners. The measure forgives the total principal loan amount of P14.5 billion, which includes accrued interest, penalties and surcharges, for 263,622 beneficiaries whose names were submitted to Congress by the Land Bank of the Philippines. Under the agrarian reform law, beneficiaries were obligated to make annual installment payments for the land they received, at 6 percent interest, over a maximum of 30 years. The total unpaid debt that rose to P57.56 billion will be absolved, ultimately benefiting 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries who cultivate approximately 1.173 million hectares of land. ‘Not unfair’ Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III said the New Agrarian Emancipation Law is “not unfair” to the farmers who had repaid their agrarian debts before the enactment of the law, considering the changes that had occurred over time. Estrella, who was present at the signing, said, “In the past, it was easier for our farmers to pay because they were earning. Now, there have been numerous developments here in our country and around the world.” “The prices of farm machinery, equipment, and other inputs have increased — this is happening worldwide — which has made the lives of our farmers more difficult. Additionally, we experienced a pandemic,” he said. Estrella said RA No.11953 was a priority legislation that the President asked Congress to pass in his first State of the Nation Address on 25 July 2022. Broader services “By freeing farmers from the agrarian debt, and ensuring broader support services and credit facilities, the Marcos administration has given more resources to our farmers to increase the productivity of their farms and uplift the quality of their lives,” Estrella said. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who was also at the signing ceremony, assured the public the loan condonation program would not affect government revenues. Diokno said the program is separate from the government’s fiscal plans for the next five years. The program is a form of social justice and will benefit many agrarian reform beneficiaries, he added. “When running a government, we consider not only efficiency but also social justice, so this falls under social justice,” Diokno said. He said the government will only collect paid loans from the beneficiaries, adding that the program will be implemented over time. The post Edict writes off farmers’ debts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fierce Tribune, year’s best paper
As a publication that adheres to the truth and goes the extra mile outside of its comfort zone to fulfill it, Daily Tribune was cited as Outstanding Newspaper of the Year during the Rotary Club of Manila’s 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards ceremony yesterday. According to the Awards committee, Daily Tribune’s recognition stems from its exposure of anomalies and irregularities both in the public and private domain while keeping true to its mantra, “Without Fear, Without Favor.” Given distinction along with the Daily Tribune were “Executive Session,” of the Manila Broadcasting Company’s DZRH, which was named Talk Show of the Year, while GMA 7’s Integrated News program was conferred the TV News Reporting Award. “The Daily Tribune was chosen due to investigating and reporting fairly and truthfully to enable citizens to be vigilant and participatory in forming collective censure and judgment to influence responsible acts and shape the national discipline,” the citation read. The Daily Tribune was feted by RCM as Newspaper of the Year in 2017 and 2021. [caption id="attachment_145142" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Winners all Sharing the honors during the Rotary Club of Manila’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards ceremony were (from left) RC Manila Pres. Hermie Esguerra, Willie Fernandez (Daily Tribune, Newspaper of the Year), Ed Javier (Panelist, Executive Session, Talk Show of the Year), Deo Macalma (Station Manager, DZRH for Executive Session), former Congressman Jonathan dela Cruz (Panelist, Executive Session), Sen. JV Ejercito (Panelist, Executive Session), Usec. Brigido Dulay (Panelist, Executive Session), Paolo Capino (Panelist, Executive Session) and RC Manila Journalism Awards 2023 chairman Amado Valdez.[/caption] ‘Icons Series’ Daily Tribune’s president Willie Fernandez received the award with a message using an analogy. He likened the recognition to “The Icons Series” in the world of golf to highlight the resilience of the staff. The Icons Series involves matches where competitors are known greats in different sports but who are also passionate about golf. “They are athletes in their own field, who are described as having ‘reached the pinnacle of their own discipline.’ Yet they want to be ‘tested outside of their comfort zone in a pressure environment’,” Fernandez said. He credited the achievement of the daily broadsheet — which is celebrating its 23rd anniversary on 30 June — to its men and women who uphold truth, fairness, goodwill, cooperation, and shared benefits, which are also the character traits of Rotarians. “We hope to continue doing our part — serving our country and fellowmen in our own fairway, so to speak, swinging our club and aiming true,” he said. Fernandez related how the Daily Tribune defied the prognosis of many that newspapers were in their death throes by turning the paper into an omni-media organization with a vital presence in the digital realm, thus it is able to provide more timely and meaningful information to more audiences. “I am humbled and at the same time amazed that in our 23 years as a title, and the last five years striving for excellence beyond our comfort zone, we have been named Pro Patria Newspaper of the Year. I take pride in having stayed true to the Daily Tribune’s DNA of independence. Through four administrations, we boldly reported on issues that many times put our lifeblood at risk,” Fernandez said. Journalism at its best According to RCM president Hermie Esguerra, the 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Rotary Club of Manila in recognizing outstanding journalists who share our commitment to truth, fairness, and well-being to humanity.” “Today, we honor those who demonstrated their relentless pursuit of excellence in their craft. These journalists have exemplified the highest standard of integrity, fearlessness, and responsibility in their work. We applaud their unwavering commitment to the truth and their profound impact on our society,” Esguerra said. Accepting the accolade for the “Executive Session” were hosts Edwin Eusebio, Paulo Capino, Ed Javier, Jonathan dela Cruz, Justice Undersecretary Brigido Dulay representing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Deo Macalma representing Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito. Panelists of the Executive Session were feted for demonstrating “unparalleled excellence” in journalism with the enriching dialogue that they bring to each episode. It dives deep into current affairs and pressing issues presenting insightful and diverse discussions. For GMA Integrated News, the award was accepted by Oliver Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of the GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, on behalf of Atty. Felipe Gozon, chairman of GMA Network Inc. “I am here speaking on behalf of the two other awardees — GMA Network, Inc. and Executive Session of DZRH — for this year’s Rotary Club of Manila Pro Patria Journalism Awards for tri-media,” Fernandez said. “I feel a little like a valedictorian in a graduating class, delivering a common message of gratitude, of hope, and of inspiration.” “For us, this recognition is proof of our passion for the work we do, and simply the kind of boost we need to push forward and forge ahead, as they say, in spite of the difficulties we may encounter,” the Daily Tribune president said. Fernandez also congratulated GMA Network Inc. for its “manner and style of reporting with a built-in system of checks and balance that will ensure the delivery of news and events without bias and partiality, fear and accommodation of the powerful and vested interest.” [caption id="attachment_145139" align="aligncenter" width="525"] It’s a euphoric moment for the Daily Tribune after it was cited as the Outstanding Newspaper of the Year during the Rotary Club of Manila’s 2023 Pro Patria Journalism of the Year Awards ceremony at New World Hotel, Makati City yesterday, 15 June. With Daily Tribune President Willie Fernandez (3rd from left) and Vice President Chingbee Fernandez (2nd from left) are (from left) Editor-in-Chief Gigie Arcilla, Executive Editor Chito Lozada, Managing Editor Dinah Ventura, Editor-at-Large Gibbs Cadiz, Marketing Director Komfie Manalo, and writer Raffy Ayeng.[/caption] Not about people... The RCM Journalism Awards was conceptualized in 2021 by Dean Amado Valdez and the late RCM president Bobby Joseph, with the club’s commemoration of Philippine Independence, which Dean Valdez, the chairman of RMC Journalism Awards 2023, said, “It has become a tradition and will last for as long as the Rotary Club of Manila stays.” “This year’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards is not just about people, but about the philosophy of delivering the news, the concept of integrated news reporting on television, and a mechanism to ensure that there is fair reporting,” Valdez said. He added: “The essence of journalism is a journalist who goes around to get positive news; the news that restores the confidence of the people, and for the ability of the government to protect them from threats; telling the people about economic opportunities, infrastructure; strides in education; personal achievements of individuals and citizens that bring honor to the country. “ “These are the stuff that makes great journalism and the stuff that deserves the Pro Patria Journalism Awards,” he said. The post Fierce Tribune, year’s best paper appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds mayors as he attends 2023 Mindanao LMP convention
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the 2023 Mindanao League of Municipalities of the Philippines Convention on Saturday, 10 June, at Acacia Hotel, Davao City. Accompanied by Senator Robinhood Padilla, Go underscored the crucial role of public service in nation-building and highlighted his and Padilla's commitment to grassroots governance and their dedication to empowering local communities by bringing government services closer to those in need the most. “This gathering brings together the voices of municipal mayors from all regions throughout Mindanao to collectively address the pressing issues and seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our beloved region,” expressed Go. “Your dedication to your constituents, your steadfast resolve to address the unique challenges facing your communities, and your unwavering belief in the potential of Mindanao are truly inspiring,” he continued. The senator also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be among the dedicated local leaders who are at the forefront of driving progress in Mindanao. He emphasized the importance of effective governance and the tireless efforts required to address the needs of the people. “Galing ako sa mababa. Alam ko kung ano ang pinakaproblema sa pinakamababa. So salamat sa inyong pagserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Magkakasama tayo. Sino ba ang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo lang, mga kapwa ko Pilipino,” he continued. Go then highlighted the need for strong collaboration between national and local governments, emphasizing the importance of a harmonious relationship to achieve sustainable development. He likewise stressed the significance of responsive and accountable governance, encouraging the local leaders to be proactive in addressing the challenges faced by their respective communities. “I understand the challenges you face—the need for sustainable infrastructure, the importance of peace and security, the quest for economic growth, and the pursuit of social progress. These are not easy tasks, but I firmly believe that by working together, we can achieve great things for Mindanao,” Go remarked. “Let me assure you that you are not alone in this journey. As your senator, I am committed to working hand in hand with you to champion the interests of Mindanao at the national level. I will continue to advocate for the necessary legislation and policies that will enable you to better serve your constituents and empower your local government units,” he asserted. Go then reiterated the urgent need to harness the potential of e-governance as he continues to push for Senate Bill No. 194, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the way government services are delivered to the people. According to the senator, by implementing digital platforms and tools, citizens can more easily access information, track government processes, and monitor the progress of projects. E-governance, also known as electronic governance, is the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government operations and services. The utilization of digital platforms and online systems streamlines administrative processes, simplifies public service delivery, and improves citizen engagement. The proposed E-Governance Act aims to establish an integrated and interconnected information and resource-sharing and communications network that spans national and local governments. It shall mandate the creation of an internal records management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public services. “Government should always be responsive to the demands of changing times. It is for this reason that I filed the proposed E-Governance Act. Una ko na po itong nai-file noong panahon pa ng pandemya during the 18th Congress. Marami tayong natutunan noon kung paano mag-adapt sa panahon,” Go previously said. Earlier on the same day, Go, together with Padilla, personally extended support to impoverished residents of Pili, Camarines Sur, and attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Super Health Center in Talisay, Camarines Norte, where they also offered aid to indigents. They also conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet, Camarines Norte. The post Bong Go lauds mayors as he attends 2023 Mindanao LMP convention appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Roxas Boulevard will close to traffic on Independence Day
Roxas Boulevard will be momentarily closed to vehicular traffic on 12 June 2023 to give way to activities for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the road closure will be implemented along Roxas Blvd. from T.M. Kalaw Avenue to P. Burgos Street, both bounds from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for a flag-raising ceremony. Meanwhile, the MMDA added that Katigbak Parkway, South Road, and Independence Road will be temporarily closed from 12:01 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to give way to a civic-military parade. The MMDA has advised trucks going to North Harbor to reroute from SLEX straight ahead to Osmeña Highway, then right turn to Quirino Avenue, straight to Nagtahan St., going to Lacson Avenue, left turn to Yuseco St., and straight ahead to Capulong St. then right turn or turn left to R-10 road to their destination. Moreover, trucks coming from Parañaque Area are advised to turn right at Quirino Avenue to Nagtahan then Lacson Avenue going to their destination. Trucks going to the south may use the same route, the MMDA said. The MMDA will deploy traffic enforcers to assist in traffic management; and will dispatch tow trucks, ambulances, and vacuum trucks. Moreover, concrete and plastic barriers as well as traffic cones will be placed in key areas. The post Roxas Boulevard will close to traffic on Independence Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Turkey’s Erdogan unveils new cabinet after inauguration
Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday unveiled a new cabinet lineup, naming a powerful spy chief as foreign minister and market-friendly Mehmet Simsek as finance minister, hours after swearing in for a third term as president. Erdogan took the oath of office in parliament after winning a historic runoff election to extend his two-decade rule and promised to serve "impartially". He also called for unity and the anger and resentment of the campaign to be set aside as he spoke during a lavish ceremony at his presidential palace in the capital Ankara attended by dozens of world leaders. Turkey's transformative but divisive leader won the May 28 runoff against a powerful opposition coalition, despite an economic crisis and anger over the response to a February earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people. Erdogan won 52.18 percent of the vote while his secular rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu scored 47.82 percent, official results show. "As president, I swear upon my honour and integrity, before the great Turkish nation... to work with all my power to protect the existence and independence of the state... and to fulfil my duty impartially," Erdogan said in parliament after a ceremony outside the building where he saluted soldiers under pouring rain. Supporters in parliament gave Erdogan a minute-long standing ovation after his swearing-in, while some opposition lawmakers refused to stand up. In his oath, Erdogan also promised not to deviate from the rule of law and the secular principles of the republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 100 years ago. Turkey's longest-serving leader, who has survived mass protests, a corruption scandal and a failed coup attempt since he came to power in 2003, now faces significant immediate challenges in his third term, including the slowing economy and tensions with the West. New cabinet Erdogan changed almost all his cabinet members except for his health and culture ministers. He named former deputy prime minister Mehmet Simsek, a reassuring figure with international stature, as treasury and finance minister. Addressing the country's economic troubles will be Erdogan's first priority, with inflation running at 43.70 percent, partly due to his unorthodox policy of cutting interest rates to stimulate growth. A former Merrill Lynch economist, Simsek is known to oppose Erdogan's unconventional policies. He served as finance minister between 2009 and 2015 and deputy prime minister in charge of the economy until 2018, before stepping down ahead of a series of lira crashes that year. Erdogan appointed the head of the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), Hakan Fidan, as foreign minister. Fidan has been at the helm of MIT since 2010 -- and Erdogan once called the 55-year-old his "secret keeper". Watch the video here: 'Let's make peace' Erdogan, standing next to his wife Emine, promised to embrace all segments of society during a ceremony at his palace earlier in the day. "We will embrace all 85 million people, regardless of their political views, origins, creeds or sects," he said, hoping that his appeal would be reciprocated also by his opponents. "Turkey needs unity and solidarity more than ever," he said. The polarization in society has deepened under the rule of Erdogan -- called "Reis" by his supporters ("the chief"). "We want all opposition segments, including journalists, writers, civil society, artists and politicians, to reconcile with the national will," he said. "If there is resentment, if hearts are broken, let's find a way to make peace." Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Iran's vice president Mohammad Mokhber, Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the speaker of the lower house of Russia's parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, were among the foreign guests at the ceremony. In the latest sign of a thaw between the two arch-foes, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was also present. NATO allies are anxiously waiting for Ankara to green-light Sweden's drive to join the US-led defence alliance, before a summit in July. Erdogan has delayed approving the application, accusing Stockholm of sheltering "terrorists" from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which is listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Sweden's former prime minister Carl Bildt, who attended the ceremony at Erdogan's palace, are expected to press him to drop his opposition to Stockholm's bid. The post Turkey’s Erdogan unveils new cabinet after inauguration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»