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SM Prime, partners hold symposium on wetland conservation
As the world celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, SM Prime Holdings Inc. joined the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands Inc. in hosting the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on 29 May 2023 at the MAAX Building in the Mall of Asia Complex. [caption id="attachment_170633" align="aligncenter" width="1131"] SM Prime AVP and head of Marketing, PR and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo.[/caption] Under the theme "Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture," the hybrid symposium featured presentations centered on fostering knowledge and awareness about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches. SCPW president Architect Celestino Ulep opened the symposium by sharing his optimism on how collaboration and embracing nature-based architecture can pave the way toward creating a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes. Notable experts in the field also graced the event, including Chris Rostron, global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. Ulep introducing the concept of nature-based architecture, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sustainability and harmony in design by creating structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural environment. Meanwhile, Architect Aaron Lecciones, SCPW special projects officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park design team's experience. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, to serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and architects. Stakeholder partners Rida Reyes Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Laudemir Salac of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 3 and Architect Gleo Raymundo of United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary also attended the event. "It is an honor and privilege on the part of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing its common goal of protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future," SM Prime AVP and head of Marketing, PR and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo said. Castillo further emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral pillars of SM Prime's sustainability campaign, along with cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a sustainable future. The symposium concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among participants. The symposium also marked the beginning of the 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in the field of construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourages them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions. The post SM Prime, partners hold symposium on wetland conservation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Melai Cantiveros gives updates on her English should there be Hollywood, Korean offer
Kapamilya host Melai Cantiveros revealed that she's hoping to have a Korean film. .....»»
Ernie Gawilan starts 4th Asian Para Games defense of 3 golds
Dabawenyo Paralympian swimmer Ernie Gawilan will be defending his three gold medals from the 3rd Asian Para Games at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China on Monday, October 23. Gawilan is nervous but prepared for the competition, and is focused on retaining his titles in the men's 200-meter individual medley (IM) SM7, men's 100m backstroke S7, and men's 400m freestyle S7. The 32-year-old para-swimming champion has experience in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and brought home two golds, two silvers, and one bronze in the 12th Asean Para Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia set in June this year......»»
GOMBURZA, Mallari : MMFF 2023 announces remaining entries, expands list to 10
The 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival will have 10 films in competition instead of the usual eight......»»
HCPTI to ‘make Subic port push NorthPhil economy to new highs’
The development and digitalization of the Subic port can help the economy of North Philippines (NorthPhil) and the rest of the country reach new highs. This projection came from economist and teacher Ronilo Balbieran of the University of Asia and the Pacific, citing the vast expanse and strategic location of NorthPhil’s constituent regions north of Metro Manila. Balbieran said Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Ilocandia and the Cordilleras could gain unprecedented economic growth from the Subic Port’s development into a truly world-class international gateway vis-a-vis a similarly ongoing modernization of the Clark Freeport Zone, creating a logistical superhighway and growth corridor, whose benefits would spill over to the rest of the archipelago. Poised to modernize the Subic Port is Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI), making its operation fully digitalized and serve as the centerpiece and crowning jewel of the entire Freeport zone. The HCPTI’s development plan envisions the Subic Port as the main draw in the marketing of Subic as an investment destination, the facility being a supposedly world-class international gateway and a catalyst of global trade and commerce. Underscoring the significance of distance in logistics, particularly involving marine freight, Balbieran said the Subic port would highlight the strategic location of NorthPhil in relation to six of the countries in the ASEAN and most of those in the Pacific Rim, including Central America. Balbieran also echoed the “sales pitch” of the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board hailing NorthPhil as an undisrupted land mass of diverse nature, culture and adventure, featuring a wealth of resources of four large regions between the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific, or from ridge to reef and from coast to coast. “Those regions account for 18 percent of the country’s total GDP (Gross Domestic Product), adding P3.9 trillion to the national economy just for 2022. And in the last two years, these (regional economies) have grown faster than Metro Manila and the entire nation,” Balbieran explained. “With larger investments in expansion and digitalization, the Subic port can further ignite domestic and international trade to and from Luzon, which will expand the economy of NorthPhil even faster.” NorthPhil comprises 84,526 square kilometers, accounting for 28.2 percent of the country’s entire 300,000 sqkm. NorthPhil’s total land mass alone is equivalent to 76.9 percent of Luzon’s 109,965 square kilometers and 87 percent of Mindanao’s 97,530 sqkm. At the same time, the HCPTI’s modernization of the Subic port is also “consistent and fully aligned” with the PBBM administration’s infrastructure and logistics development policy thrust. Balbieran said the National Logistics Strategy of the Department of Trade and Industry included both public and private investments in Logistics 1 of the 6 pillars of improving the country’s logistics efficiency. “The Strategy emphasizes massive investments in ports nationwide, as more than 90 percent of goods pass through the ports,” Balbieran said of what was revealed by the DTI at the recent conference of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines. The DTI’s National Logistics Strategy is also expected to incorporate or be seamlessly integrated with those of the departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Public Works and Highways, and Interior and Local Government as part of another plan to develop a food logistics chain, a cold chain industry, port infrastructure, and farm-to-market roads, thus ensuring affordable availability of food to consumers in real time by reducing logistics cost through investments in appropriate infrastructure and digital technologies. “Thus, the ‘expansion and digitalization of the Subic Port’ by the HCPTI is consistent with the National Logistics Strategy and Food Logistics Plan of the DTI, both getting the nod of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' R. Marcos Jr. recently,” Balbieran said. “Specifically, though, HCPTI’s modernization of the Subic port will help bring down logistics costs, not just for the businessmen in Northern Luzon, but also for (those in) the rest of the Philippines who will use such facility to trade internationally.” Balbieran said both the DTI and the World Bank had described the Philippines’ logistics cost as “one of the highest” in Southeast Asia at more than 20 percent of sales, compared with Thailand’s only 11 percent. The post HCPTI to ‘make Subic port push NorthPhil economy to new highs’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Eala, Alcantara guaranteed of Asiad mixed doubles bronze
The Filipino pair of Alex Eala and Francis Alcantara advanced to the semifinals of the mixed tennis doubles competition in the 19th Asian Games after beating the Thail duo of Luksika Kumkhum and Maximus Jones, 6-4, 6-4, Thursday at the HOC Tennis Centre in China......»»
Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay
The biggest Asian Games in history, boasting about 12,000 competitors -- more than the Olympics -- will open on Saturday in the Chinese city of Hangzhou after a year's delay because of Covid. Athletes including world and Olympic champions will fight for medals in 40 sports from athletics, swimming and football to eSports and bridge. Nine sports, among them boxing, break dancing and tennis, will serve as qualifiers for next year's Paris Olympics. The Games were supposed to take place last September but were postponed because of China's strict zero-Covid rules, before China's ruling Communist Party abruptly abandoned the policy. The 19th edition of the Games, which were first held in New Delhi in 1951, throws together competitors from 45 countries and territories across Asia and the Middle East. For China, which hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics in a Covid-secure "bubble" in Beijing, it is a chance to show off its organizational, sporting and technological prowess after the pandemic years cut the country off from the sporting world. "We have overcome a lot of challenges but we are now fully conditioned to hold a successful Games," Chen Weiqiang, chief spokesperson for the Games, said on Wednesday. Sport meets politics The Games will be staged at 54 venues -- 14 newly constructed -- mostly in Hangzhou but also extending to cities as far afield as Wenzhou, 300 kilometres (180 miles) south. The centerpiece is the "Big Lotus" Olympic stadium with a capacity of up to 80,000 where athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies will be staged. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and meet Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad there, along with other visiting leaders, Chinese state media says. Assad is making his first visit to ally China since the war erupted in Syria in 2011. Russian President Vladimir Putin likewise attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, along with Xi, and weeks later launched the invasion of Ukraine. Hangzhou, a city of 12 million people an hour's bullet train from Shanghai, is famed in China for its ancient temples, gardens and its beloved West Lake. It is also the unofficial home of China's tech industry, notably the birth place of Jack Ma's Alibaba. The Games will showcase some of the latest tech to come out of the city, including driverless buses, robot dogs and facial recognition. China medal dash Hosts China have topped the medals table at every Asian Games since 1982 and are expected to do so again by the time the curtain comes down on October 8. They should reign in swimming, with Qin Haiyang fresh from his heroics at the world championships, where he announced himself as the new undisputed breaststroke king. The 24-year-old swept all three men's events and set a new world record in the 200m. In athletics, another of the most closely watched sports, India's Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra will defend his Asian Games javelin crown. His nearest competitor should be world silver medalist Arshad Nadeem from arch-rivals Pakistan and the countries are also on a collision course in cricket and hockey. ESports, in what is seen as a step toward Olympic inclusion one day, will make its full Asian Games debut having been a demonstration sport five years ago. Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as "Faker", has god-like status in League of Legends and will lead the South Korean charge at the futuristic-looking China Hangzhou Esports Centre. There is an added incentive which has caused controversy in South Korea -- winning gold will exempt them from having to do military service. A feature of the Asian Games is that it includes sports that are a little more quirky than the Olympics. Xiangqi -- also known as "Chinese chess" -- the card game bridge and the ancient wrestling discipline of kurash are all on the menu. Although the Games officially open on Saturday, the sporting action began on Tuesday, when North Korea returned to major international competition for the first time since the pandemic with a 2-0 win over Taiwan in men's football. The post Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Post-pandemic scenario presents great opportunities for trade, says Swiss envoy
Europe should consider the "exciting" opportunities Asia has to offer due to exciting developments in the region, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently said. In a statement from Malacañang released on Thursday, Marcos made the remark last Wednesday after the new Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines, Nicolas Brühl, presented his credentials in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila. "I think it is actually wise in terms of European countries, Switzerland included, to look to ASEAN, to look to Asia. Although there are other geopolitical disturbances, shall we say, but the opportunities are quite exciting," President Marcos said in welcoming in Brühl. "ASEAN leaders have come together to really strengthen the economic systems that we have in place, the weaknesses that have shown up during the pandemic. We're all trying to learn the lessons that the pandemic brought with it," he added. The President, who accepted the credentials of the Swiss envoy, said that he thinks the post-pandemic scenario presents a great opportunity for greater collaboration with the Philippines now understanding how the world works. The world doesn't work the same way that it did in 2019 and it is faring differently, Marcos said. "And so that's why I always value partnerships and alliances and agreements between countries. And I think (with) Switzerland, that has always gone very smoothly. Let's hope that it continues in that direction," Marcos told the Swiss ambassador. The Swiss ambassador said that the Swiss Foreign Ministry's Southeast Asia strategy proves that the region is of utmost importance and vowed to partner with it in the future. Last year's 65th-year celebration of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland is already a good start, he said. The two countries celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations in January 2022. The Philippines and Switzerland continue to maximize the benefits of the Philippines–European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (PH-EFTA-FTA). The EFTA States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Philippines in Bern, Switzerland on April 28, 2016. The EFTA-Philippines FTA entered into force on 1 June 2018, for the Philippines, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland and on 1 January 2020 for Iceland. The FTA covers trade in goods, trade in services, investment, competition, the protection of intellectual property rights, government procurement, and trade and sustainable development. The post Post-pandemic scenario presents great opportunities for trade, says Swiss envoy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stitched in time: Likhang Habi Market Fair returns to weave through cultures
The 13th edition of the annual Likhang HABI Market Fair, organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, is set to take place from 13 to 15 October at the Glorietta and Palm Drive Activity Center. This celebration, themed “Web of Woven Wonders,” promotes the Philippines’ rich textile legacy while embracing technology. [caption id="attachment_186369" align="aligncenter" width="1418"] A MASTER weaver from the Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association Inc.[/caption] Tradition and innovation “Web of Woven Wonders” pays homage to the World Wide Web, symbolizing the interconnectedness of people, places and textiles. The community is brought together via traditional fabrics and inventive weaves, Adelaida Lim, the former president of HABI, stressed, demonstrating their diversity and expert craftsmanship. “The way textiles tie and bind us to each other,” Lim said. “The country’s traditional textiles and the innovative weaves various groups of Filipinos have come up with are truly wonderful,” she added. “The diversity and beauty of finished products, and the consummate skill it took to make them are something we can all be proud of!” Designer Len Cabili, a strong advocate for traditional textiles and the woman behind Filip+Inna, praised HABI’s efforts in “pushing weaving into the forefront of Philippine culture.” Cabili highlighted how these textiles are a profound expression of the country’s culture and a testament to the “true value of handcrafted textiles and the unique processes” of its artisans. Following the challenges posed by the pandemic, the fair will host an impressive 72 vendors, including Creative Definitions, Ditta Sandico, Gifts and Graces and Ruyag PH, who represent numerous regional and cultural groups around the Philippines. The vendors will display a wide array of hand-woven products, including textiles, ready-to-wear clothes, bags, shoes, home accessories and furniture made from materials like piña, abaca and cotton. This year’s fair will occupy a bigger area, extending from the Glorietta Activity Center to the area in front of Palm Drive, to accommodate the expanding number of attendees. The current president of HABI, Mia Villanueva, emphasized the growth in participants and the association with local government organizations to promote their goods. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="186371,186372"] Embracing global threads As the nation’s de facto textile council, HABI encourages cooperation not only within the Philippines but also the ASEAN neighborhood. Since ASEAN nations are seen as vital sources of inspiration and ideas rather than rivals, the exhibition encourages exhibitors from their nations. Local designers have more options to this collaborative approach, which also allows them to absorb international best practices and experiences. Likhang HABI Market Fair is the climax of the year-round work that HABI has been doing since its founding in 2009. The show, which is sponsored by Ayala Land and the Ayala Foundation, gathers the finest handcrafted textiles, generating respectable employment possibilities and boosting sales for weavers across the Philippines. The fair is more than just a place to sell things; it’s also an opportunity to learn. HABI’s efforts include making documentaries called “The Threaded Traditions Series” about textiles from Panay Island, the Cordillera’s ikat and the Bagobo Tagabawa’s inabal. They’ve also published a book called Piña Futures: Weaving Memories and Innovations by Dr. Randy M. Madrid, edited by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, which celebrates and explains the Philippines’ rich hand-weaving tradition. Paul Jatayna, an artist, will present a textile display this year that will focus on fresh and imaginative uses of textiles in an effort to draw in a younger audience. Weaving a sustainable future For the purpose of recognizing and developing the craft of hand-weaving, the fair also holds two weaving competitions: the second Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition and the sixth annual Lourdes Montinola Pia Weaving Competition. Such events not only honor the best weavings but also promote creativity and the return of lost styles and techniques. HABI sets its sights on sustaining and advancing heritage fabrics made of locally grown natural fibers. As the 13th Likhang HABI Market Fair draws near, it stands as a celebration of history and creativity and ensures that hand-weaving and its place in the Philippines’ cultural fabric have a bright future. The post Stitched in time: Likhang Habi Market Fair returns to weave through cultures appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Connections through culture
The British Council announces the launch of the Connections Through Culture Grants for artists and cultural institutions, opening new opportunities for research, development and partnerships between the UK and the international community. Accepting applications until 23 October, the grant is open for cultural organizations in the Philippines and across the Asean. Up to £10,000 (P700,000) will be awarded for projects highlighting collaboration between the UK and the Philippines, designed to encourage new connections and partnerships across a broad spectrum of art forms. Aligned with British Council’s commitment in responding to global challenges through arts, CTC particularly prioritizes collaborative projects that tackle climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. CTC is accepting applications for collaborations between the UK and the Philippines, as well as the following East Asian countries: Australia, Japan, Indonesia, mainland China, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and New Zealand. Organizations with projects at any stage of development are welcome to apply. Each application must comprise at least one UK applicant and one applicant from the Philippines with their project proposal timeline ending no later than 31 October 2024. Lotus Postrado, country director at the British Council in the Philippines: “The Connections Through Culture Grant program supports exciting new arts and culture projects that continue to build international links with the UK.” “These grants will support artists and organizations in sharing ideas, exploring new ways of working and reaching new audiences. In our 45 years in the Philippines, we have seen the exceptional talents of Filipinos and we look forward to supporting them through this grant. We are excited to watch their journey and we hope that their collaborations will inspire and engage our communities.” The grants are an extension of the British Council’s ongoing efforts to build connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and overseas through the arts and creative industries. The post Connections through culture appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that the Philippines will "continue to push for cooperation with China and work toward more partnerships and collaboration" after bringing up "coercive activities" in the South China Sea. The two Asian leaders met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China Summit earlier this week, where Marcos Jr. underscored the need for an international law-based code of conduct in the South China Sea. During the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Marcos Jr. raised concerns about "hegemonic ambitions" in the South China Sea. He urged other Southeast Asian leaders to find "practical" ways to protect the bloc's interests in the strategic waterway. "The President said that the Philippines will continue to push for cooperation with China and work towards more partnerships and collaboration," the statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) read. "He earlier said that he is pleased with the latest developments in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and that the Philippines will assert its rights in accordance with international law," it added. During the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos said that the Philippines still believes that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the rule of law should be used to settle maritime conflicts. Before the ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos called out "misleading stories that frame the disputes in the SCS only through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries." Marcos last talked to a high-level Chinese official at the ASEAN Summit with China. This happened a few days after Beijing's new 10-dash line and a few weeks after the water cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea, which made things worse between the Philippines and China. In August, Marcos said that the Philippines sent a note verbale to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after the latest incident in Ayungin Shoal, where the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly used water cannons and harmful actions against Philippine vessels. The CCG said it had taken "necessary controls" against Philippine boats that had "illegally" entered its waters. Several countries, led by the U.S., Australia, Japan, and Canada, came out in support of Manila and criticized China's actions. This is the latest in a series of events this year where Philippine ships have been harassed by Chinese ships. Li, on the other hand, said on Wednesday that Beijing's "good neighborly friendship" with ASEAN countries has grown. “We have been committed to mutual assistance and our good neighborly friendship has become stronger… We seek common ground while setting aside differences, properly handle disagreements through dialogues and consultations and consistently deepen practical cooperation in the traditional and non-traditional security views,” the Chinese official said at the ASEAN-China Summit The post Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Chinese and Russian officials gather at Southeast Asia summit
US Vice President Kamala Harris, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will attend an East Asia summit in Indonesia on Thursday, offering an opportunity for direct, high-level diplomacy between the rivals. The 18-nation meeting will bring Washington and Beijing into contact a day after Premier Li Qiang warned major powers must manage their differences to avoid a "new Cold War", ahead of the G20 summit in New Delhi this week where Chinese President Xi Jinping will be absent. Interactions between the officials from the world's top two economies will be closely watched as they seek to control tensions that risk flaring anew over issues ranging from Taiwan to ties with Moscow and the competition for influence in the Pacific. "To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation, and to oppose a new Cold War," Li told regional leaders on Tuesday. Harris held her own talks with Southeast Asian leaders on "the importance of upholding international law in the South China Sea", according to a statement from her office, the disputed waterway where Chinese claims have angered several Southeast Asian nations. Thursday's summit will be the first time top US and Russian officials have sat around the same table in almost two months after US and European officials condemned Lavrov at a July ministerial meeting over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $1 billion in new assistance to Ukraine in a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Canada's Justin Trudeau, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese will attend the summit, as well as leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. G20 host Modi addressed ASEAN leaders on Thursday morning, telling them it is essential to "build a post-Covid rules-based world order" and make collective efforts to ensure a "free and open Indo-Pacific", using another term for the Asia-Pacific region. Thursday's talks come several months after Blinken traveled to Beijing, the first visit by the top US diplomat in nearly five years, where he met Xi as well as former foreign minister Qin Gang. - 'Broken' - The meeting was not expected to be a fiery affair despite the differences between the major powers, according to a Southeast Asian diplomat who will attend. "They will state their positions, these meetings are not tense. Especially at the leaders' level where some degree of decorum will be observed." The group will issue a negotiated joint statement after the summit. While the gathering can bring major players together, its ability to help resolve a range of regional and global disputes is limited, experts say. "It's a sign of the ASEAN convening power but lately we can say that the East Asia summit is broken. It has been turned into a forum for talking points," said Aaron Connelly, senior fellow at Singapore-based think tank IISS. While Thursday's meeting will be more geopolitical in scope, big powers used earlier talks in Jakarta to shore up alliances and lobby the Southeast Asian bloc. Li traveled on a Chinese-funded high-speed train project between the capital Jakarta and the Javan city of Bandung with a senior Indonesian minister on Wednesday. Harris held separate meetings with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. -- both ASEAN members -- on the sidelines of the summit. "The Vice President reaffirmed the United States' ironclad alliance commitment to the Philippines, and highlighted the role the US-Philippines alliance plays in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific," her office said in a statement. South Korea's Yoon reportedly pushed for the bloc to counter North Korea's nuclear threats, calling for any military cooperation with the country to stop. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also give an address on the sidelines of the summit later on Thursday. ASEAN members are holding bilateral meetings with India, Australia, and the UN on Thursday. The post US, Chinese and Russian officials gather at Southeast Asia summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ADI honored at ASEAN fest
Aboitiz Data Innovation, or ADI, the data science and artificial intelligence, or DSAI, arm of the Aboitiz Group, has been honored with the Digital Transformation–Digital Innovation Award at the ASEAN Business Awards 2023. The recognitions were for the company’s outstanding contributions to embracing artificial intelligence and machine learning in the ASEAN region. Organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, or ASEAN-BAC since 2007, the competition spotlights business enterprises and individuals driving economic advancement and promoting sustainability within the region, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and community empowerment to achieve an inclusive ASEAN society. The Digital Innovation award, under the Digital Transformation pillar, acknowledges ADI’s exceptional contributions in operationalizing DSAI and promoting a data-driven culture across the Aboitiz Group’s business units. It celebrates the dedication and efforts of the ADI team in delivering DSAI solutions that create value for stakeholders. This prestigious recognition further solidifies ADI’s mission to provide transformative AI consulting, data-driven IoT, and sustainability solutions across diverse sectors. “The award is a reflection of the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence in technology, innovation, and sustainability to drive digital transformation and adoption in the region,” David Hardoon, Chief Executive Officer at ADI, said. The post ADI honored at ASEAN fest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM expresses support for ROK’s initiative for a denuclearized NoKor
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the recent surge of intercontinental ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. During his intervention at the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Summit on September 6, 2023, Marcos Jr. underscored the need for the DPRK to fully comply with all UN Security Council Resolutions. For context, North Korea, often referred to as DPRK, carried out what it termed as its second military reconnaissance satellite launch from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last 24 August. Several reports mentioned that the launch was unsuccessful due to an in-flight error. This launch comes after a prior satellite launch attempt on 31 May. Based on official reports, the nation is planning to carry out a third satellite launch in October. "We (...) affirm our support for the principles embodied in the ROK's audacious initiative that aims to achieve a denuclearized DPRK, an essential component for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and the world," Marcos said. Marcos also appreciated the ROK's continued support in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a key pillar of the rules-based international order. "We share concerns on the militarization of reclaimed features; the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels; and other coercive activities," he said. "We are equally alarmed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing which are being detected." Marcos also welcomed the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), which will further deepen ASEAN and ROK's collaboration on common political, economic, social, and cultural concerns. "In particular, we welcome the enhancing policy dialogue on maritime affairs with the ROK under the initiative to contribute to the overall enhancement of ASEAN-ROK comprehensive security cooperation," he said. Marcos also thanked the ROK for its valuable assistance in addressing the recent oil spill in Mindoro and for its contributions in emergency humanitarian assistance for the damages caused by the recent typhoons. "We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said. On the economic front, Marcos said that ASEAN and ROK will continue efforts at enhancing ASEAN connectivity and supply chains to further expand mutual trade through the effective implementation of ASEAN-ROK economic cooperation projects and programs. He also underscored ASEAN's strong partnership with the ROK on preserving biodiversity throughout the years. "We thank the ROK for its consistent support for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, located in the Philippines, in fulfilling their vision of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity," he said. Marcos concluded by welcoming ROK's intention to elevate their relation with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said. "Such deepening relations continue to serve as a good indicator of the development and evolution of the ASEAN-ROK relation." The post PBBM expresses support for ROK’s initiative for a denuclearized NoKor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: ‘Phl rejects misleading narratives framing disputes in South China Sea’
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected misleading narratives that framed the disputes in the South China Sea due to geopolitical tension between the United States and China. Marcos made the remarks at the intervention during the 43rd ASEAN Summit Retreat Session this week, as he called on all parties to the disputes in the South China Sea to exercise self-restraint and resolve their differences peacefully. “The Philippines firmly rejects misleading narratives that frame the disputes in the South China Sea solely to the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries," Marcos said. "This not only denies us our independence, our agency, but it also disregards our own legitimate interests," he added. Marcos also reiterated the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. He said that the Philippines will continue to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law. "We do not seek conflict," Marcos said. "But it is our duty as citizens and as leaders, to always rise and meet any challenge to our sovereignty, to our sovereign rights, and our maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea." Marcos also called for self-restraint from all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes. He said that actions should be the ultimate measure of their commitment to securing peace and stability in the region. “History will ultimately judge whether the supremacy of the rule of law will prevail, ushering in an era where all nations truly stand as equals, independent and unswayed by any single, outside power,” Marcos said. “The challenge for us remains: we must never allow the international peaceful order to be subjected to the forces of might, applied for a hegemonic ambition. The future of peace rests now on how we, together, face this challenge to that peace,” he added. China asserts control over almost the entire South China Sea, but the international tribunal in The Hague rejected this assertion in 2016, after a case brought by the Philippines in 2013. Despite the tribunal's decision, Beijing has consistently disregarded and downplayed it, maintaining that it possesses an "undeniable" and "historical" right to most of the waters, even as it encroaches on the territories of smaller neighboring countries like the Philippines. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam have all contested China's extensive claims in the South China Sea. The post PBBM: ‘Phl rejects misleading narratives framing disputes in South China Sea’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM urges ASEAN to call on developed nations towards climate change action
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on developed countries to heighten the implementation of their commitments to climate change at the upcoming 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates. During the intervention at the 43rd ASEAN Summit Plenary on Tuesday, Marcos said that climate change is the most urgent threat to the region's progress as the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. He added the impacts of climate change are already being felt in the form of more frequent and intense storms, floods, and droughts. "At COP28, ASEAN must call on developed countries to heighten the implementation of their commitments," Marcos said. "These commitments include climate finance, technology development and transfer, and capacity building. We need these resources to prevent, mitigate, manage, and adapt to the impacts of climate change," he added. Marcos also said that the Philippines will continue to prioritize international cooperation that will make ASEAN climate-smart and disaster-ready. He said that the country will work with its neighbors to harness the transformative potential of the agricultural sector to ensure food security for future generations. "The continued effectiveness of our Community-building efforts rests on a clear assessment of our strengths," Marcos said. "The Philippines will continue to champion for change that will strengthen our institutions, improve our decision-making, and uphold ASEAN Centrality." COP28 is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December 2023. In light of the Philippines' vulnerability to disasters, Marcos emphasized the country's commitment to fostering global collaboration. He stressed the importance of initiatives that enhance ASEAN's resilience to climate change and disasters, with a particular focus on the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. The post PBBM urges ASEAN to call on developed nations towards climate change action appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Woody Allen would film in NY again if ‘some foolish person’ funds it
Despite being effectively barred from the US film industry, Woody Allen said Monday that he has an idea for a New York film ready to go "if some foolish person" agrees to finance it. Allen was speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where his 50th movie, "Coup de Chance", was about to premiere in the out-of-competition section. It is his first film entirely in a foreign language, having been shot with French actors in Paris. The 87-year-old director told reporters it was "very simple" working in French. "I could tell by the body language and the emotion of the actors without understanding the language when they were being realistic and when they weren't." The film was originally meant to be about Americans in Paris, but he changed his mind. "I thought to myself: It's my 50th film and I love Paris so much that I'll make it in French... And then I could think I'm a genuine European filmmaker," he said. Asked whether he would work in his native New York again, Allen said he already had a "great idea" for a film in the city. "If some guy steps out of the shadows and says we'll finance your film in New York and obey all my terrible strictures -- they can't read the script, they can't know who's in it, they just give me the money and go away -- if some foolish person agrees to that, I'll make a film in New York," he said. "Coup de Chance" ("Stroke of Luck") fits in the classic Allen mould -- a light-hearted dissection of love and infidelity with a beautiful woman at its centre. Allen is blackballed by much of Hollywood due to allegations he molested his adopted daughter in the 1990s, which he says were fabricated by his ex-partner Mia Farrow. But he said he had always been "very, very lucky" in his life and career. "I hope it holds out," he added. "Of course it's early in the afternoon so we'll see..." The post Woody Allen would film in NY again if ‘some foolish person’ funds it appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Woody Allen would film in NY again if ‘some foolish person’ funds it
Despite being effectively barred from the US film industry, Woody Allen said Monday that he has an idea for a New York film ready to go "if some foolish person" agrees to finance it. Allen was speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where his 50th movie, "Coup de Chance", was about to premiere in the out-of-competition section. It is his first film entirely in a foreign language, having been shot with French actors in Paris. The 87-year-old director told reporters it was "very simple" working in French. "I could tell by the body language and the emotion of the actors without understanding the language when they were being realistic and when they weren't." The film was originally meant to be about Americans in Paris, but he changed his mind. "I thought to myself: It's my 50th film and I love Paris so much that I'll make it in French... And then I could think I'm a genuine European filmmaker," he said. Asked whether he would work in his native New York again, Allen said he already had a "great idea" for a film in the city. "If some guy steps out of the shadows and says we'll finance your film in New York and obey all my terrible strictures -- they can't read the script, they can't know who's in it, they just give me the money and go away -- if some foolish person agrees to that, I'll make a film in New York," he said. "Coup de Chance" ("Stroke of Luck") fits in the classic Allen mould -- a light-hearted dissection of love and infidelity with a beautiful woman at its centre. Allen is blackballed by much of Hollywood due to allegations he molested his adopted daughter in the 1990s, which he says were fabricated by his ex-partner Mia Farrow. But he said he had always been "very, very lucky" in his life and career. "I hope it holds out," he added. "Of course it's early in the afternoon so we'll see..." The post Woody Allen would film in NY again if ‘some foolish person’ funds it appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl-Korea FTA signed Sept.
The much-anticipated signing of a free trade agreement, or FTA, between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea will likely take place in September, the Department of Trade and Industry said on Monday. Trade Secretary Fred Pascual met with Minister Dukgeun Ahn of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korea last Sunday, 20 August 2023, during the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers held in Semarang, Indonesia regarding the economic deal. “Both ministers welcomed the conclusion of the PH-ROK FTA negotiations and agreed to work for its signing, preferably at the sidelines of the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit in September 2023.” Supply chain deal In addition, “ the trade officials committed to working on a possible supply chain resilience cooperation to ensure stability and predictability of business operations, particularly in the manufacturing sector,” the DTI said. Further, the DTI said that in time for the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations, both ministers are also considering organizing a Business Forum to further boost trade and investment relations. The two sides first started negotiating the FTA in June 2019 before concluding negotiations in October 2021. But its signing was stalled several times. Under the Philippines-South Korea FTA, South Korea will lift tariffs on 94.8 percent of Philippine products, while the Philippines will cut tariffs on 96.5 percent of South Korean products. Other areas covered by the FTA include trade in goods, trade remedies, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, economic and technical cooperation, competition, and legal and institutional issues. The post Phl-Korea FTA signed Sept. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tariffs tweak must favor majority — MAP
The Management Association of the Philippines on Tuesday called on the government if it is indeed serious about adjusting the current tariff structure, saying that it should be for the common good of all Filipinos. The call, given to the members of the media through a position paper, was amid the ongoing move by the Tariff Commission and the National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA to review and reform the tariff structure of the Philippines. With this, MAP said NEDA and TC should be mindful that the adjustment should support food security for Filipinos, especially accessibility and affordability of competitively priced food, via low tariffs on food products. Also, the position paper, signed by MAP president, Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, said the tariff development should strengthen sustainable agri-food value chains, especially domestic agricultural value-adding enterprises including processing, storage, and logistics, through a rational tariff structure where rates on inputs do not exceed those on finished products. Distortions and unwarranted protection arising from tariff peaks, currently seen primarily in agricultural products, should be avoided. The changes also seek to cut incentives and reduce opportunities for corruption and smuggling by unifying Minimum Access Volume or MAV and non-MAV tariff rates, and keeping tariffs relatively low and uniform across all goods (with a maximum 10 percent to 15 percent) to keep food prices affordable, especially to the poor. High prices fuel poverty “Filipino families have historically been burdened with high food prices than consumers in other countries across ASEAN and beyond. The burden is worsened by relatively lower incomes, the bulk of which must be spent on food because prices are higher than elsewhere. Worse, lower-income families are forced to purchase food products of low nutritional value, leading to a worsening vicious cycle of poverty, hunger, and poor nutrition, lowered human capacity, hence persistent and further deepening poverty,” the paper reads. Despite this, the MAP said tariffs on agricultural and food commodities are higher than those applied to goods in general, as the TC reports that the simple average of tariffs applied on agricultural products is 12 percent, while the average for all products is 8 percent. “Trade-weighted averages show the same pattern, with 9 percent for agriculture, nearly double that for all goods at 5 percent. Agricultural tariffs have remained high because these have been generally excluded from tariff adjustments over the past decades, with agricultural products deemed ‘sensitive’ levied the highest statutory rates of up to 65 percent,” the group explained. In 2015, two-thirds or 66 percent of Philippine agricultural output by value was shielded from foreign competition by Most Favored Nation tariffs of 40 percent or more. “The 2018 Philippines Trade Policy Review, jointly undertaken by the government and the World Trade Organization, showed majority of commodities have MFN tariffs ranging from zero to 20 percent. However, about 6 percent of lines have tariffs significantly above 20 percent, reaching up to 65 percent,” the group explained. The post Tariffs tweak must favor majority — MAP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»