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Akowe layup lifts Bullpups past Baby Tams
Collins Akowe scored the go-ahead layup with two seconds left as National University escaped Far Eastern University, 66-65 to join Ateneo and Adamson as early leaders in the PG Flex Inter Secondary Tournament at the Veacon Hope Sports Center on Saturday......»»
Akowe nails game-winner as NU escapes FEU in PG Flex cagefest
Collins Akowe scored the go-ahead layup with two seconds left as National University escaped Far Eastern University, 66-65, to join Ateneo and Adamson as early leaders in the PG Flex Inter Secondary Tournament......»»
Indonesia bans goods transactions on social media platforms
Indonesia has banned goods transactions on social media platforms in a new regulation, its trade minister said Wednesday, as Jakarta aims to rein in direct sales on major platforms it says are harming millions of small businesses. Calls had grown in recent months for a regulation governing social media and e-commerce, with offline sellers seeing their livelihoods threatened by the sale of cheaper products on TikTok Shop and other platforms. Indonesia is one of the world's biggest markets for TikTok Shop and was the first to pilot the app's e-commerce arm. "Now, e-commerce cannot become social media. It is separated," Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan told a news conference in the capital, Jakarta, adding that the trade regulation came into force on Tuesday. Hasan said social commerce platforms would have a week to comply with the new rule. "Any government would protect local small businesses," he said, describing the regulation as a way to ensure "equality in business competition". The regulation means social commerce companies are now "prohibited to facilitate payment transactions in its electronic system", according to the regulation document seen by AFP. "Social commerce can place ads like TV, but it mustn't be transactional. (They) can't open shop, can't directly sell," Hasan said, without mentioning TikTok by name. Companies that did not comply would be warned first and would finally have their license to do business in Indonesia revoked, he said. Laws in the archipelago nation did not cover direct transactions through social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook or Instagram before the new regulation. The new regulation is yet another setback for TikTok, which has faced intense scrutiny in the United States and other nations in recent months over users' data security and the company's alleged ties to Beijing. "Other countries are banning, we don't, we're regulating," Hasan said. Indonesia is now the first country in the region to act against the platform's growing popularity in social media commerce. The ministerial-level regulation -- an amendment to a trade regulation issued in 2020 -- did not need approval by lawmakers. TikTok Indonesia said the company was "deeply concerned" about the policy, which would impact millions of sellers and creators using TikTok Shop. "We respect local laws and regulations and will be pursuing a constructive path forward," it said in a statement. Meta -- which owns Facebook and Instagram -- did not respond to a request for comment. 'Markets are quiet' Hasan appeared to confirm the companies would have to choose between separate social media and e-commerce licences. "It's clear... there are no permits for social commerce. If (they) want social commerce, please, only for promotion and ads. If (they) want to sell, there are e-commerce (permits)." The regulation also sets a minimum price of $100 for certain foreign goods bought from Indonesian sellers on e-commerce platforms, according to the regulation document seen by AFP. Some offline sellers at the Tanah Abang market in Jakarta applauded the government's decision. "The government should... dare to innovate given the current situation, where markets are quiet like this," said Stevanie Ahua, a 60-year-old wholesale denim jeans seller. She said her revenue had dropped by 60 percent in recent months as buyers turned to online shops. Others such as 29-year-old cookie baker Panji Made Agung in Bali said he was disappointed by the ban. "For sellers like me, TikTok can be used for soft selling. We can become influencers and sellers at the same time," he said. Experts said the transaction ban would hit the coffers of social media platforms such as TikTok, which takes a commission from every sale. "They will definitely incur losses," said Tauhid Ahmad, executive director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Development of Economics and Finance. Indonesia's e-commerce market is dominated by platforms such as Tokopedia, Shopee and Lazada but TikTok Shop gained a significant market share since launching in 2021. Indonesia, with 125 million users, is TikTok's second-largest global market after the United States, according to company figures. TikTok's chief executive Shou Zi Chew visited Jakarta in June, pledging to pour billions of dollars into Southeast Asia in the years ahead. The post Indonesia bans goods transactions on social media platforms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Century Peak boosts cement production
Century Peak Cement Manufacturing Corp., a subsidiary of Century Peak Holdings Corp., led by businessman Wilfredo Keng, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing a sales volume of 1.5 million bags in August 2024. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the company’s commitment to cement production. As the president and CEO of the company, Keng expressed his confidence in further increasing the monthly volume to 2 million bags. This optimism stems from their additional investment in a tonner bag facility, which is scheduled to become operational in October 2023. Keng shared his excitement about the promising prospects ahead, especially considering that Century Peak only commenced commercial operations this year. Dedicated to providing premium-quality cement renowned for its durability and cost-efficiency, Century Peak Cement’s vision is to provide premium quality at the lowest cost. Challenge vs foreign competition As a locally-based enterprise, Century Peak Cement Manufacturing Corporation aims to challenge the dominance of multinational cement producers through nationwide distribution of its products. The company’s flagship offering, Type 1 PRIME cement, is a versatile and high-quality cement in demand for major projects, including those undertaken by SM Prime Holdings Inc., such as mall construction initiatives and Priland Development Corporation on residential initiatives. Century Peak Cement has successfully supplied its cement to several prominent projects. The company’s dedication to quality cement production contributed to the successful realization of these structures. Century Peak Cement continues to establish itself as a trusted and reliable supplier for major construction projects, ensuring the durability and strength of the buildings it supports. The post Century Peak boosts cement production appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI ‘no substitute’ for fashion designers’ creativity
AI is transforming the fashion world but the fast-growing technology will never be a replacement for designers' "original creativity", according to the head of a pioneering project. Fashion innovator Calvin Wong has developed the Interactive Design Assistant for Fashion (AiDA) -- the world's first designer-led AI system. It uses image-recognition technology to speed up the time it takes for a design to go from the first sketch to the catwalk. "Designers have their fabric prints, patterns, color tones, initial sketches and they upload the images," Wong told AFP. "Then our AI system can recognize those design elements and come up with more proposals for designers to refine and modify their original design." Wong said AiDA's particular strength was its ability to present "all the possible combinations" for a designer to consider, something he said was impossible in the current design process. An exhibition at Hong Kong's M+ Museum in December featured collections by 14 designers developed using the tool. But Wong stressed it was about "facilitating designers' inspiration" not "using AI to take over a designer's job, to take over their creativity". "We must treasure the designer's original creativity," he added. Wong heads up the Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AidLab), a collaboration between Britain's Royal College of Art (RCA) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University where he is a professor in fashion. 'Transformational' RCA vice chancellor Naren Barfield predicted the impact of AI on the fashion industry would be "transformational". "The impact is going to be huge from the ideation and conception stage through to prototyping, right the way through to manufacture, distribution, and then ultimately recycling," he said. So-called personalization is already being used to improve customer experience with better product recommendations and more effective searches, helping shoppers find what they want quickly and easily. But as the technology evolves so too is the range of highly specialized tools being developed. AiDA was just one of the AidLab projects being showcased in the British capital ahead of London Fashion Week, which started on Friday. Others included the Neo Couture project which aims to use advanced technologies to digitally preserve the specialized skills and techniques used by couturiers. With the UK fashion industry facing a skills shortage, it is creating an AI-assisted training system to help teach couture skills. Another project aims to increase sustainability to reduce the estimated 92 million tonnes of clothing that end up in landfills each year. One potential use of the AI Loupe project is to help designers overcome the problems of using so-called deadstock fabric. Designers can photograph leftover fabric and then use the tool to get the missing details to assess its suitability for their designs. "It uses the camera as your index, the material is the QR code that brings the information," said project researcher Chipp Jansen. Retain control The future of AI in fashion design, however, is not clear-cut. New York brand Collina Strada's founder Hillary Taymour this week admitted that she and her team used the AI image generator Midjourney to create the collection they showed at New York Fashion Week. Although Taymour only used images of the brand's own past looks to help generate its Spring/Summer 2024 collection, looming legal issues could keep AI-generated clothes off the catwalks for now. "In terms of fashion designed by AI, I would expect to hear from designers that there are questions of intellectual property rights," said Rebecca Lewin, a senior curator at London's Design Museum. "Because whatever comes back will have been scraped from published images and to get that regulated will need a lot of work." The RCA's Barfield said the area would be tricky but he expected it to be resolved through test cases and legislation. "I don't know how fast (AI) will be transformational but if it gives companies a competitive advantage I think they'll invest and take it up quickly," he said. The only thing currently holding companies back was the "massive investment" in infrastructure required, he said. "But once they've done that they can take the plunge then they will be making savings on material waste and productivity," he added. As for designers' fears that it might become a substitute for the human creative process, he said the key was who controlled the decision-making. Using a "genetic algorithm" where you started with one design and used the software to generate successive ones the computer could produce 1,000 varying looks, something that might take weeks to draw, he said. On the other hand, if the designer retained control AI could offer huge benefits by hugely speeding up the process "without necessarily making the decisions for them", he added. The post AI ‘no substitute’ for fashion designers’ creativity 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......»»
London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers
After New York, the fashion world descended on London Friday for a catwalk extravaganza showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could become household names. Ahead of the official start, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour on Thursday evening hosted a star-studded event billed as Britain's answer to New York's Met Gala. Supermodels Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford were joined by stars of music, theatre, and film from Kate Winslet and Brian Cox to Annie Lennox and Rita Ora. Actress Sienna Miller however stole the show with a daring pregnancy bump-baring outfit. Last year's London Fashion Week, billed as a comeback after disruption due to the Covid pandemic, was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and 10 days of national mourning. This year, more than 80 designers are set to present their spring/summer 2024 collections, with around 50 catwalk shows and other presentations. "It's going to be five really exciting days full of creativity," said Caroline Rush, chief executive of organizers of the British Fashion Council. But in the world of fashion, London is enduring a post-Covid slump, with inflation -- the highest in the G7 at 6.8 percent in July -- and Brexit combining to create a depressed economic backdrop. That has left the British capital trailing Paris, Milan, and New York in the fashion week stakes. In a sign of its loss of influence, even British former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has crossed the Channel to present her designs in Paris since last year. Fresh UK finding On Wednesday, the UK government announced £2 million ($2.5 million) to support young designers, which will go to the BFC's existing NewGen program. The scheme, which over the last 30 years has supported the best young fashion designers, aims to launch the high-end global brands of tomorrow. The UK government funding will go towards the staging of five fashion weeks over two years, said the BFC. Previous recipients include the legendary Alexander McQueen, who died in 2010. On Saturday, the Design Museum in London is presenting an exhibition celebrating young NewGen talents, and the energy they have brought to the industry. "REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion" showcases about 100 designs, some of which have gone down in pop culture history. This year, about 20 designers are benefiting from the NewGen program. Most are recent graduates, but who have already managed to dress some of the biggest stars. Outfits by Ukrainian designer Masha Popova have been worn by singer Dua Lipa. Di Petsa has dressed actress Zendaya. Among the more established names are 16Arlington, JW Anderson, Molly Goddard, Richard Quinn, Roksanda, and Simone Rocha. But Burberry, the London fashion house founded in 1856, remains the most eagerly awaited show. It takes place on Monday afternoon and will be only the second collection for British creative director Daniel Lee, following on from his February show. The ex-Bottega Veneta designer replaced Riccardo Tisci a year ago. Sales have soared in China for the brand with the distinctive check print. On the final day, Tuesday, Ukrainian designers will present their collections with London once again hosting Ukrainian Fashion Week due to Russia's invasion. The BFC is also trying to make London an increasingly inclusive venue for catwalk shows. It has launched a survey aimed at all those working in the sector, with questions on their gender, sexual orientation, religion, and social background. "The audit is long overdue and marks the first step towards the vital measurement of the UK fashion industry's collective progress towards the goal of fair representation," the BFC said. The results will be announced later this year. The post London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino tech company aims to bridge education gap through affordable tablets, scholarships
Filipino-owned ABC Tech Ventures Inc. took a risk by anticipating the difficulties that lay ahead for the Philippine educational system. .....»»
Canada accuses Meta of endangerment
MONTREAL, Canada (AFP) — Meta is being accused of endangering lives by blocking news links in Canada at a crucial moment, when thousands have fled their homes and are desperate for wildfire updates that once would have been shared widely on Facebook. The situation “is dangerous,” said Kelsey Worth, 35, one of nearly 20,000 residents of Yellowknife and thousands more in small towns ordered to evacuate the Northwest Territories as wildfires advanced. She described to AFP how “insanely difficult” it has been for herself and other evacuees to find verifiable information about the fires blazing across the near-Arctic territory and other parts of Canada. “Nobody’s able to know what’s true or not,” she said. “And when you’re in an emergency situation, time is of the essence,” she added, explaining that many Canadians until now have relied on social media for news. Meta on 1 August started blocking the distribution of news links and articles on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a recent law requiring digital giants to pay publishers for news content. The company has been in a virtual showdown with Ottawa over the bill passed in June, but which only takes effect next year. Building on similar legislation introduced in Australia, the bill aims to support a struggling Canadian news sector that has seen a flight of advertising dollars and hundreds of publications closed in the last decade. It requires companies like Meta and Google to make fair commercial deals with Canadian outlets for the news and information — estimated in a report to parliament to be worth Canadian $330 million (US$250 million) per year — that is shared on their platforms, or face binding arbitration. But Meta has said the bill is flawed and insisted that news outlets share content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to attract readers, benefiting them and not the Silicon Valley firm. Trudeau irked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week assailed Meta, telling reporters it was “inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of (safety)... and keeping Canadians informed about things like wildfires.” Almost 80 percent of all online advertising revenues in Canada go to Meta and Google, which has expressed its own reservations about the new law. Ollie Williams, director of Cabin Radio in the far north, called Meta’s move to block news sharing “stupid and dangerous.” He suggested in an interview with AFP that “Meta could lift the ban temporarily in the interests of preservation of life and suffer no financial penalty because the legislation has not taken effect yet.” Nicolas Servel, over at Radio Taiga, a French-language station in Yellowknife, noted that some had found ways of circumventing Meta’s block. They “found other ways to share” information, he said, such as taking screen shots of news articles and sharing them from personal — rather than corporate — social media accounts. Several large newspapers in Canada such as The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star have launched campaigns to try to attract readers directly to their sites. But for many smaller news outlets, workarounds have proven challenging as social media platforms have become entrenched. Reverse course Public broadcaster CBC in a letter this week pressed Meta to reverse course. “Time is of the essence,” wrote CBC president Catherine Tait. “I urge you to consider taking the much-needed humanitarian action and immediately lift your ban on vital Canadian news and information to communities dealing with this wildfire emergency.” Meta — which did not respond to AFP requests for comment — rejected CBC’s suggestion. Instead, it urged Canadians to use the “Safety Check” function on Facebook to let others know if they are safe or not. The post Canada accuses Meta of endangerment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meta faces backlash over Canada news block as wildfires rage
Meta is being accused of endangering lives by blocking news links in Canada at a crucial moment when thousands have fled their homes and are desperate for wildfire updates that once would have been shared widely on Facebook. The situation "is dangerous," said Kelsey Worth, 35, of one nearly 20,000 residents of Yellowkife and thousands more in small towns ordered to evacuate the Northwest Territories as wildfires advanced. She described to AFP how "insanely difficult" it has been for herself and other evacuees to find verifiable information about the fires blazing across the near-Arctic territory and other parts of Canada. "Nobody's able to know what's true or not," she said. "And when you're in an emergency situation, time is of the essence," she said, explaining that many Canadians until now have relied on social media for news. Meta on August 1 started blocking the distribution of news links and articles on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a recent law requiring digital giants to pay publishers for news content. The company has been in a virtual showdown with Ottawa over the bill passed in June which only takes effect next year. Building on similar legislation introduced in Australia, the bill aims to support a struggling Canadian news sector that has seen a flight of advertising dollars and hundreds of publications closed in the last decade. It requires companies like Meta and Google to make fair commercial deals with Canadian outlets for the news and information -- estimated in a report to parliament to be worth Can$330 million (US$250 million) per year -- that is shared on their platforms, or face-binding arbitration. But Meta has said the bill is flawed and insisted that news outlets share content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to attract readers, benefiting them and not the Silicon Valley firm. Profits over safety Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week assailed Meta, telling reporters it was "inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of (safety)... and keeping Canadians informed about things like wildfires." Almost 80 percent of all online advertising revenues in Canada go to Meta and Google, which has expressed its own reservations about the new law. Ollie Williams, director of Cabin Radio in the far north, called Meta's move to block news sharing "stupid and dangerous." He suggested in an interview with AFP that "Meta could lift the ban temporarily in the interests of preservation of life and suffer no financial penalty because the legislation has not taken effect yet." Nicolas Servel, over at Radio Taiga, a French-language station in Yellowknife, noted that some had found ways of circumventing Meta's block. They "found other ways to share" information, he said, such as taking screenshots of news articles and sharing them from personal -- rather than corporate -- social media accounts. Life and death Several large newspapers in Canada such as the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star have launched campaigns to try to attract readers directly to their sites. But for many smaller news outlets workarounds have proven challenging as social media platforms have become entrenched. Public broadcaster CBC in a letter this week pressed Meta to reverse course. "Time is of the essence," wrote CBC president Catherine Tait. "I urge you to consider taking the much-needed humanitarian action and immediately lift your ban on vital Canadian news and information to communities dealing with this wildfire emergency." As more than 1,000 wildfires burn across Canada, she said, "The need for reliable, trusted, and up-to-date information can literally be the difference between life and death." Meta -- which did not respond to AFP requests for comment -- rejected CBC's suggestion. Instead it urged Canadians to use the "Safety Check" function on Facebook to let others know if they are safe or not. Patrick White, a professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal, said Meta has shown itself to be a "bad corporate citizen." "It's a matter of public safety," he said, adding that he remains optimistic Ottawa will eventually reach a deal with Meta and other digital giants that addresses their concerns. The post Meta faces backlash over Canada news block as wildfires rage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t seeks Indon capital
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno presented to Indonesia’s business community the Philippine economic plans for securing investments in infrastructure, energy and technology. In a statement by the Department of Finance on Thursday, it said Diokno conducted the talk in Jakarta City on Wednesday ahead of the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting from 24 to 25 August. The listeners included members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Business Club Indonesia, and officials of foreign embassies in Jakarta. Diokno said the Philippine lawmakers are now studying all measures for faster public-private partnerships or PPPs as the Marcos administration aims to build 197 infrastructure flagship projects, including railways, airports and water management, among others. PPP crucial “The PPP Act, which is currently pending in the Senate, consolidates all legal frameworks on PPP and creates a unified system for investors to refer to when engaging in PPP projects,” DoF said. To build more capital for Philippine infrastructure development and diversify investment channels, Diokno said government agencies are now crafting the rules and regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund. “This is the Philippines’ first sovereign investment fund that will serve as a platform for investors to engage in direct equity investments in Philippine ventures,” he said. Diokno said both the legislative proposal and newly approved sovereign fund will support economic expansion from liberalized investment laws passed by the previous Duterte administration. Diokno shared amendments to the Public Service Act which now allows full foreign ownership from 40 percent previously of various businesses, such as airlines and telecommunications. Amid growing concerns with climate change, the finance chief said this applies also to renewable energy facilities, such as solar plants. Indonesia, along with China and India, is among the world’s largest exporter of coal, according to the International Energy Agency. However, Indonesia vowed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, while it is 2050 for the Philippines. To ensure efficient management and profitability of infrastructure, Diokno said the government also eased processes for foreign investors under the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. “To help foster the development of high quality, modern, and sustainable infrastructure in the country, we wasted no time in building a fertile business and investment ecosystem for private players,” Diokno said. The post Gov’t seeks Indon capital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remolona: ‘Be careful not to hike too much’
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona underscored the need for careful consideration before making any decisions on tightening the monetary policy despite inflation easing for the sixth consecutive month and other non-monetary measures that the economic managers laid out. In a recent interview with reporters, Remolona acknowledged that the country is already close to its full capacity with the current state of the economy. His remarks imply that any additional interest rate hikes must be approached cautiously to avoid excessive tightening that could impede economic growth. "If we could hike, we have to be careful not to hike too much. Maybe just a little for now," Remolona said ahead of the upcoming Monetary Policy meeting on 17 August. The BSP Governor stressed the importance of data-driven decisions, stating that a pause in rate hikes is warranted if the economic data is inconclusive or contradictory. "We don't want to raise just because we feel like raising. We want to know why we are raising," Remolona said. Addressing concerns about the potential impact on the country's GDP growth target, which aims for 6 to 7 percent growth this year, the BSP Governor reiterated the importance of data consistency and accurate analysis. "Usually the pause is because we want to reassess, and if the data that come are not quite consistent with each other or we're kind of scratching our heads about what is really happening, the thing to do is to pause," he explained. "We don't want to raise just because we feel like raising. We want to know why we're raising," Remolona added. When asked about the influence of the recent Federal Reserve interest rate hike on the BSP's decision-making, Remolona pointed out that the Monetary Board has already considered the Federal Reserve's 25-basis-point increase in their data analysis. He further explained that the narrowing of the differential between the target country and the reverse repurchase transactions policy rate typically weakens the Philippine Peso. However, he noted that market participants are optimistic about the stable peso as the differential is not expected to narrow further in the next few meetings. When asked about the influence of the recent Federal Reserve rate hike, Governor Remolona reassured that the Monetary Board had already considered the data analysis. For context, the Federal Reserve raised its rates by 25 basis points, narrowing the differential between the target country and the Philippines' RRP policy rate. "Looking at the meetings, it doesn't look like the differential will narrow further. That's why the peso remains stable despite the hike of the Federal Open Market Committee," Remolona said. The post Remolona: ‘Be careful not to hike too much’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz unit deal raises P1.4B for Globe
Globe Telecom Inc. has initially raised P1.4 billion from the first tranche of its tower sale-and-leaseback deal with the Aboitiz-led Unity Digital Infrastructure Inc. In a report to the stock exchange on Tuesday, Globe clarified that the transaction only covered 115 out of 447 towers being sold. Likewise, it was pointed out that the first closing was reached after only two months since the parties signed the pact. Tower assets The tower assets involved in the agreement are composed of 94 percent ground-based towers and 6 percent rooftop towers in Luzon. According to Globe chief finance officer Rizza Maniego-Eala, the development will help strengthen the company’s financial muscle, especially as it aims to further expand its reach and improve its services. “Our deal with Unity and corresponding first closing of tower sale today is aligned with our efforts to enhance customer experience and to develop operational agility and efficient calibration of resources,” Eala said. Aboitiz to accelerate digital inclusion Meanwhile, for Aboitiz InfraCapital president and CEO Cosette V. Canilao, the transaction will complement the entire Aboitiz Group’s bid to accelerate digital inclusion. “Aboitiz InfraCapital is committed to our role of nation-building through infrastructure. As we forge ahead in the local common tower market. we look forward to building a more connected future for all Filipinos,” Canilao said. Unity Digital Infrastructure is a joint venture telecom infra platform by Aboitiz InfraCapital of the Aboitiz Group and leading global private markets firm, Partners Group, acting on behalf of its clients. Amid an ongoing town assets monetization, Globe has already raised P49.3 billion — reaching about 51 percent of the tower deal by officially turning over the ownership of 3,826 out of 7,506 towers sold. The post Aboitiz unit deal raises P1.4B for Globe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coming home to a newly-improved Lanao del Sur
Marawi City is that one dreamy place that proves the Philippines has more to offer than meets the eye. [caption id="attachment_158168" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THE Islamic municipality of Tamparan has40 mosques.[/caption] Imagine seeing the iconic and age-old Lake Lanao flanked by two majestic mountain ranges and the Grand Mosque, the great Islamic sanctuary of the nation. Prior to the pandemic, these were the lone attractions drawing visitors to the capital of Lanao del Sur. For those desiring a tourist experience, a mere half-day in Marawi gave you everything you needed. Times have changed, however. During a recent return to my beloved hometown, I found myself pleasantly taken aback by the exquisite accommodations I was provided at the newly established Ridge Hotel. This modern marvel boasts an array of state-of-the-art indulgences, a culinary haven curated by a gifted chef, a reliable and uninterrupted WiFi connection, elegant function rooms and staff composed entirely of graduates in the fields of tourism and hotel management, epitomizing maximum professionalism. My invitation to the momentous launch of the month-long celebration commemorating the 64th founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur, extended personally by the honorable Governor Datu Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., a longstanding friend, and his son, Vice Governor Mujam Adiong, granted me a very endearing visit. The distinguished presence of Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo as a special guest at the event further strengthened the shared kinship between the Philippines and Indonesia. Ambassador Widjojo noted that he felt a profound sense of belonging in the Philippines, given the shared commitment to the faith in Allah prevalent in the Muslim provinces of both nations. [caption id="attachment_158164" align="aligncenter" width="525"] indonesia Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo and Lanao Del Sur Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158166" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHICKEN Satay with peanut sauce.PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/ALTITUDECAFE22[/caption] During this noteworthy occasion, the stunning performances of amateur talents and the captivating folk cultural ensemble known as Sining Kambayoka enraptured the audience. Their compelling Maranaw dances were accompanied by resonant melodies deriving from the kulintang ensemble. As the month unfolds, the province has laid out a comprehensive roster of events, including necessary medical outreach programs, magnetic agricultural exhibits, refreshing lake tours, a pivotal health summit and a scrumptious food festival, all to be held in the month of July. Trip down heaven road Indeed, my favorite one, Heaven Road, echoes the preferences of both locals and visitors alike. Nestled atop a panoramic hill, this majestic thoroughfare is adorned with charming cafés that gracefully connect Mindanao State University to the provincial capitol. The place shows Marawi’s ability to reinvent itself, seamlessly integrating current trends with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. A common sight along Heaven Road is that of baristas in their taqiyah, or men’s prayer caps, and servers adorned in hijabs, the traditional headscarves worn by women. In fact, Heaven Road has become an irresistible muse for countless vloggers, who capture spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape. On sun-drenched days, the ethereal clouds nearly graze the towering mountains, while after rainfall, a mystical mist envelops the terrain, thus explaining its moniker, Heaven Road. Aptly referred to as the “Baguio of Mindanao,” this sanctuary is well-known for its delicate climate and awe-inspiring sights of verdant forests, visible through the coffee shop windows. Earlier this year, the renowned Cebu-based chain, Bo’s Coffee, inaugurated its grandest Philippine outlet, sprawling across 1,000 square meters at Heaven Road. In addition to serving its signature homegrown coffee blends and refreshing cold beverages, this establishment boasts a panoramic 360-degree view of Marawi City. The exquisite interiors harmoniously incorporate traditional Meranaw architectural elements, such as the resplendent okir patterns, meticulously painted in vibrant hues along the facade. Its deign motifs ingeniously pay homage to the distinctive malong patterns. Haven Coffee and Tea, an establishment owned by a visionary entrepreneur hailing from Iligan City, has garnered significant attention on the social media platforms of the youthful Meranaw populace. Meticulously prepared to embody an original concept while fervently supporting local products and talent, this haven offers an unparalleled culinary experience. Its collection of lattés, rice meals, flavorful plates of pasta, delectable sandwiches, and sweet cakes are nothing short of extraordinary. Haven Coffee and Tea skillfully capitalizes on its sprawling al fresco dining area, affording patrons dazzling sceneries of the mountains during the day, and enchanting city lights after dusk. It is not uncommon to witness outdoor seminars hosted beneath sleek tents, as companies seek solace in the tranquil ambiance. As night descends, visitors are presented with a choice between submerging themselves in the melodious performances of live acoustic bands and Meranaw pop singers or opting for a quieter corner, where they can internalize the symphony of chirping crickets. Cafe Sindaw, renowned for its exquisite beverages and coffee offerings, goes beyond mere refreshments, upholding a hard-and-fast adherence to excellence. This reputable establishment prides itself on maintaining an impeccable standing among cafe shops in the city. In addition to its premium culinary offerings, Cafe Sindaw boasts a collection of fashionable function rooms, ideal for hosting both formal and informal gatherings with an air of sophistication. Other esteemed cafés in the vicinity provide an extensive selection of milk teas, accompanied by delectable sinkers, as well as an assortment of cold beverages and delectable pastries. Altitude Café in Marawi City offers a captivating dining experience that combines elegance with Asian-inspired flavors. With a chic and contemporary interior, the spacious and well-lit dining area provides a serene ambiance for a casual brunch or stylish evening out. The menu showcases a fusion of Asian and Lanao Del Sur’s culinary traditions, skillfully prepared by gifted chefs. From rich stir-fries to exquisite pastas, each dish echoes a devotion to culinary distinction, using locally sourced ingredients to herald the unique flavors of Marawi. Additionally, the café’s soaring location provides breathtaking scenic sights of Marawi City’s landscapes, enhancing the overall dining experience. For those in search of treasured souvenirs, Sarimanok Road unveils a trove of shops offering exquisite Meranaw crafts, timeless antiques, and an array of dry goods. Moreover, a diverse range of eateries grace this avenue, expertly preparing tantalizing halal meals, capable of satiating the desires of non-Muslim visitors. Determined to maintain my early morning exercise routine, I embraced the opportunity to embark upon invigorating jogs around the MSU track oval. As I briskly traversed the circuit, I reveled in the crisp, refreshing weather and inhaled the pure, unpolluted air. During my leisurely moments, I sought solace in reconnecting with long-lost friends and cherished relatives. Observing the burgeoning prosperity and urbanity prevalent throughout the city filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride. Once accustomed to witnessing influential families accompanied by their entourage of armed enforcers, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter neatly attired security guards, and their radiant smiles as they graciously opened doors. Marawi City, now blossoming into a haven incorporating every aspect that tourists seek, effortlessly negates the need to venture into neighboring cities. Entrepreneurs, driven by an unwavering faith in Marawi City’s resurgence, continue to establish small businesses, actively extending employment opportunities to their less-fortunate kin. Young individuals, armed with a quality education, now opt to remain in Marawi, actively participating in the monumental task of rebuilding the economy. Likewise, healthcare professionals, driven by an unwavering commitment to serve their homeland, have chosen to dedicate their skills within the city’s borders, rather than seeking greener pastures abroad. Going back to Tamparan During my journey, a valuable opportunity presented itself to reconnect with friends spanning different generations. Curiosity led me to venture into Tamparan, the sole Islamic municipality, merely a brief 30-minute ride from Marawi. To my awe, Tamparan revealed itself as a dynamic community, embellished with an impressive line of 40 mosques and inhabited by residents sporting their Islamic attire. The determined strength of their faith was palpable. I had the privilege of conducting an interview and was assured by one of the locals that exploring Tamparan is a safe endeavor, owing to the commendable leadership of Mayor Juhar Dimaporo Disomimba. Tamparan envisions itself as the agro-ecotourism and commercial center of Lanao del Sur. It aims to cultivate a community of God-loving and empowered citizens who thrive in a peaceful, resilient, safe and ecologically-balanced environment. This vision is supported by a progressive and transparent governance system that fosters growth and development. Representative Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur eloquently encapsulates Marawi’s triumphant resurgence with an air of optimism, declaring, “Let us not only celebrate our past achievements but also embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. The post Coming home to a newly-improved Lanao del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBG bats for inclusive economic recovery efforts ahead of PBBM’s second SONA
As the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., scheduled on 24 July looms, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his optimism regarding the administration's capacity to uplift the lives of more impoverished members of the Filipino society and roll out further pro-poor initiatives. With the current government's focus on the nation's economic recovery, the senator affirms the crucial need to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the process. "Unang-una, siyempre po kailangan po na walang maiwan na Pilipino sa ating economic recovery," Go said in an interview on Monday, July 10, after providing aid to fire victims in Quezon City. "Dapat po, nais ko pong marinig sa Pangulo ang kanyang additional na plano kung ano pa 'yung pwedeng gawin upang mas lalong maisakatuparan ang ating inclusive and full economic recovery mula po sa pandemya,” he added. Go, known for his active role in providing assistance to the less fortunate Filipinos, emphasized the need for government programs that target the struggling sectors of society. "Dapat walang maiwan na mahihirap nating kababayan. Unahin po ang mga programa na nakatutulong po sa mga kababayan natin,’ he stressed. As the country continues to grapple with the impact of the global pandemic, Go said that the issue of food security, a chronic concern in many Filipino households, stands at the forefront of the discussion. "Dapat po, walang magutom. Importante po dito tiyan ng bawat Pilipino. Importante po dito trabaho ng bawat Pilipino,” the senator underlined. Go also talked about his support for the administration's Philippine Development Plan, an eight-point agenda that seeks to achieve food security, improve supply chain management, decrease energy costs and preserve energy security, and reduce economic vulnerability triggered by the pandemic. The agenda also aims to address healthcare issues, strengthen social protection, promote infrastructure development, and encourage entrepreneurship, especially among the micro, small, and medium enterprises. "The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system sa ngayon," Go remarked. "Infrastructure development, trabaho po 'yan at creating a green economy, strengthening market competition and promoting entrepreneurship, negosyo po lalong-lalo na ang mga MSMEs, 'yung maliliit nating negosyante,” he added. The post SBG bats for inclusive economic recovery efforts ahead of PBBM’s second SONA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos keen about modern transport
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said his administration is determined to improve the country’s public transportation systems. Speaking at the ceremonial loan agreement signing for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project or DPTMP in Davao City, Marcos said his administration is committed to addressing the pressing issues hounding the country’s transportation sector, saying the government “will remain relentless in providing solutions to the pressing challenges that hinder our path towards prosperity and progress.” “I assure my fellow Filipinos that your government is working hard to improve the country’s transportation systems, operations, and management for the benefit of present and future generations,” Marcos said in a speech delivered at Acacia Hotel in Agdao, Davao City. He expressed confidence that the government’s vision to effectively deliver a functional transportation system is possible and achievable. “As long as we are guided by the core of the whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach, I am confident that our vision of a seamless, efficient, accessible, and highly connected transportation system will be well within reach,” he said. Loan deal signed Marcos pressed the need to pursue the much-needed modernization of the country’s transport system “whether through better roads, highways, and even railways.” During the event, the President witnessed the signing by the government and the Asian Development Bank of the loan agreement for the DPTMP, which aims to support the expanding economic activities of Davao City. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and ADB country director Pavit Ramachandran inked the US$1-billion loan granting the establishment of a city-wide public transport project — the first project in the country to deploy electric bus fleets. This project supports the Philippines’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and promote climate action. “It’s not only good for the economy, but also ultimately for the health and general well-being of the public,” the President said. Marcos said the event marks another milestone “that heralds a very large leap towards realizing our goal to modernize our country’s public transportation system.” “As it (DPTMP) opens its doors to visitors and investors, the city will be rewarded with increased business opportunities. Increased commercial activities necessarily bring more people which means more vehicles on the streets, busier roads, and hence, heavier traffic,” he said. Marcos said the DPTMP, envisioned as early as 2010, will have an integrated network of 29 routes that will connect major commercial centers in Davao City. It is expected to attract various socio-economic opportunities for Davaoeños. He thanked ADB officials for their unwavering support of various government projects and initiatives. “As we further our partnership, I am optimistic that we will come up with and forge even more projects in the years ahead, especially those that aim to improve the lives and lessen the burden on the Filipino public,” Marcos told ADB officials. Meanwhile, Marcos ordered the Department of Transportation to work hard to complete the DPTMP within the set timeline. The post Marcos keen about modern transport appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos admin adamant to improve Phl transportation
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said that his administration is adamant to improve the country’s public transportation systems. Speaking at the ceremonial loan agreement signing for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project in Davao City, Marcos said his administration is committed to addressing the pressing issues hounding the country’s transportation sector saying that they “will remain relentless in providing solutions to the pressing challenges that hinder our path towards prosperity and progress.” “I assure my fellow Filipinos that your government is working hard to improve the country’s transportation systems, operations, and management for the benefit of present and future generations,” Marcos said in a speech delivered at Acacia Hotel in Agdao, Davao City. Marcos expressed confidence that the government’s vision to effectively functional transportation system is possible and achievable. “As long as we are guided by the core of the whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach, I am confident that our vision of a seamless, efficient, accessible, and highly connected transportation system will be well within reach,” he said. Marcos pressed the need to pursue the much-needed modernization of the country’s transport system “whether through better roads, highways, and even railways.” During the event, Marcos witnessed the Philippine government and the Asian Development Bank sign the loan agreement for the DPTMP, which aims to support the expanding economic activities of Davao City. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and ADB country director Pavit Ramachandran inked the US$1 billion loan granting the establishment of a city-wide public transport project—the first project in the country to deploy electric bus fleets. This project serves in support of the Philippines’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and promote climate action. “It’s not only good for the economy, but also, ultimately, for the health and general well-being of the public,” the President said. Marcos said the event marks another milestone “that heralds a very large leap towards realizing our goal to modernize our country’s public transportation system.” “As it (DPTMP) opens its doors to visitors and investors, the city will be rewarded with increased business opportunities. Increased commercial activities necessarily bring more people which means more vehicles on the streets, busier roads, and hence, heavier traffic,” he said. Marcos said the DPTMP, envisioned as early as 2010, will have an integrated network of 29 routes that will connect major commercial centers in Davao City. It is expected to attract various socio-economic opportunities for Davaoeños. He thanked the ADB officials for their unwavering support of various government projects and initiatives. “As we further our partnership, I am optimistic that we will come up and forge even more projects in the years ahead, especially those that aim to improve the lives and lessen the burden to the Filipino public,” Marcos told ADB officials. Complete within timeline Meanwhile, Marcos ordered the Department of Transportation to work hard for the completion of the DPTMP within the set timeline. He also directed DoTr to promptly address various concerns such as funding requirements, traffic management issues, and the affected households. Despite acknowledging the positive developments that the DPTMP will bring to Davao City, Marcos stressed the need to provide assistance to those who will be affected by the implementation of the project. “Lest we forget, coupled with this grand vision of building an efficient mode of transportation are the unavoidable issues that also need our immediate attention, such as the families who will be displaced by the implementation of the program,” he said. However, Marcos assured that the project will social development interventions, such as financial and non-financial assistance for those who are displaced. “It will also ensure that the families affected by the construction are properly compensated and if need be, relocated,” he added. The DPTMP—covering 672 kilometers with nine routes that connect key areas in Davao City to Panabo City, Davao Del Norte.— is one of the big infrastructure projects under the “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program of the Marcos administration. A total of 1,105 buses are expected to operate along the routes. DPTMP is projected to start initial operations by 2024 and can serve around 800,000 passengers daily. The post Marcos admin adamant to improve Phl transportation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM promises improved partnership, coordination with private sector
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday pledged an improved partnership and coordination with the private sector to achieve the objectives of his government in attracting more investments and bringing about a transformative impact on the Philippine economy. The Chief Executive said this during the launch of the Kanegosyo Center at the Palacio de Memoria along Roxas Boulevard in Parañaque City. "We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but you can be assured that we are working together very closely, down the same direction, you in the private sector and us in the government helping one another so that we can transform this economy, to be able to be competitive worldwide and find ourselves as an investment destination, as a thriving economy with a stable situation in our country," Marcos said. "That is the dream. That is the inspiration. I sincerely believe that with programs like this, with all of us working together, we can achieve that," Marcos added. Marcos is hopeful that the Kanegosyo Center, a program created by Cebuana Lhuillier to help Filipino MSMEs, will help these businesses become more competitive in the global market. The Chief Executive expressed his optimism that the initiative would successfully create a supportive environment for start-ups, assist small businesses with promising ideas, and stimulate economic growth. "It is not done just purely out of business instincts. It is not something that is done to make a profit. It is something that is done to help. And that, I think, is the difference in what we see with these programs helping the MSMEs," Marcos said. Marcos thanked the people who helped launch the Kanegosyo Center, a program that will help MSMEs in the Philippines. He noted that MSMEs are essential to the economy, representing over 99 percent of business establishments and employing around 63 percent of the workforce. He expressed hope that the Kanegosyo Center will be successful in helping MSMEs grow and prosper. "That's why we can do nothing but applaud and continue to support all of the efforts such as Kanegosyo, all of our entrepreneurs teaching our upcoming entrepreneurs how to do business," Marcos said. Cebuana Lhuillier introduced the Kanegosyo Center in response to Marcos' call for a comprehensive approach to revitalizing small businesses in the Philippines during the MSME Summit 2022. As an all-in-one digital platform for MSMEs, the Kanegosyo Center offers various services to promote ease of doing business in the country. It provides curated resources and supportive interventions to facilitate business operations. One of its offerings is the "Kanegosyo Coach," which aims to guide current and aspiring MSME owners by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate various stages of business management. The center also provides "Kanegosyo Assist," which grants entrepreneurs access to government permits and registration processes, enabling them to legitimize their businesses and foster growth. Moreover, the "Kanegosyo Bundle" offers aspiring business owners and experienced entrepreneurs access to loans, investments, banking services, and insurance to help them establish and expand their enterprises. Since its initial launch, the Kanegosyo Center has seen over 10,500 aspiring entrepreneurs benefit from Cebuana Lhuillier's coaching modules. Additionally, micro and small business owners in 79 provinces have received assistance through micro-business loans and micro-insurance solutions. Seventy-four thousand one hundred eleven (74,111) members of Cebuana Lhuillier Kanegosyo have availed of the one-stop online services for MSMEs. The post PBBM promises improved partnership, coordination with private sector appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
VW aims to remain ‘most successful foreign carmaker in China’
Volkswagen aims to stay the number one foreign carmaker in China, CEO Oliver Blume said Wednesday, even as the German giant struggles to keep up with homegrown rivals in the booming electric vehicle market. "Today we have a market share of around 14-15 percent," Blume said in a call with reporters. "And we have the clear aim to stay with this market share being the most successful international car manufacturer in China." The German car giant said it was targeting sales growth of five to seven percent annually until 2027, as the group bets heavily on electric cars and growth in China and the United States. "From the midpoint of 2022 guidance, we want to grow our sales by in average 5 to 7 percent per year until 2027," Blume told reporters in a call ahead of a capital markets day event. "While most revenues are still generated in Europe, the growth engines of the future will be China and North America," he added. The post VW aims to remain ‘most successful foreign carmaker in China’ 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......»»