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Dumaguete City to host national history conference, gathering of historians
Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental will host this year’s National Conference of Local and National History, slated for 19 to 21 October. Organized by the Philippine National Historical Society, the oldest historical organization in the country founded in 1941, the three-day event will feature 21 paper presentations. It is on its 44th staging and second onsite since 2019. Theme for this year is “Retropolis: Discoveries and Rediscoveries in Philippine History.” Papers to be presented include “Looking for Philippine Art and Artifacts in Spain” by Regalado Trota Jose, formerly of the University of Santo Tomas Archives; “More than Gold: World Treasures in the Philippines” by John Crossley of Australia’s Monash University; “Philippine Sites Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List” by Ivan Anthony Henares of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines; “A Digital Repatriation of a Lost Archive of the Spanish Pacific: The Library of The Convent of San Pablo (Manila, 1762)” by Cristina Juan of the School of African and Asian Studies, University of London; “The Pulangi and Agusan Rivers in Mindanao History, 1599-1648: A Water-Based Perspective” by Jihan Bacug and Sharon Bulaclac of the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi; “Kudarat and Dutch Links In Caraga Affairs, 1629-1651” by Kimberly Apatan-Lusay and Zizzle Dawn Abecia-Sayson of MSU-Marawi; “The Bell of Taraka: Understanding the Ranaw-Dutch Relations in the 18th Century” by Tirmizy Adbullah and Ruholla Alonto of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage; “When Iligan Finally Stood Alone” by Rey Luis Montesclaros of MSU-Iligan; “Occupation and Resistance: The Guerrilla Movement in Tarlac, 1942-1945” by Marcelino Macapinlac Jr. of De La Salle University; “Bayonets and Bloodshed: Japanese Atrocities in Dumaguete during the Second World War” by Justin Jose Bulado of the Negros Oriental State University; “Glimpses of the Japanese Interregnum in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi” by Calbi Asain of MSU-Jolo; “Who were the Panuypuyes?Resistance and Retreat in the Seventeenth-Century Northern Luzon” by João Paulo Reginaldo of University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio; “Bricks, Heritage, and Identity-Making: The Social Biography of Cagayan Ladrillos” by Aldous Tracy Rubio of UP-Baguio; “Spanish-American Encounters in Las Piñas, 1898-1899” by Cecilia Tangian of MSU-Iligan; “Makalilisang Gutom: A Social History of Hunger in Cebu, 1899 to 1929” by Ophelynn Cano of Cebu Normal University; and “Establishing the Early History of Rabies Virus in the Philippines” by Ian Alfonso of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The post Dumaguete City to host national history conference, gathering of historians appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Governor’s fight vs EDCA
Despite political pressure, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba continues to oppose the Enhanced Defense Cooperative Agreement or EDCA sites in his province. Since April this year, he has been announcing publicly his opposition. Mamba also urged Cagayanos to make a united stand and voice their opposition following the announcement by the Presidential Communications Office that EDCA sites were to be established at Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana and the Lal-lo Airport in the province. I had a chance to meet Mamba last 25 August, and he said he is against any form of neo-colonialism, which is perhaps why he is not in favor of having American military personnel, facilities, and structures in the country, particularly in his province. During the occasion, he was also commended by a retired Philippine National Police general. I suppose we are aware that Governor Mamba is under heavy political oppression due to his opposition to PH-US military relations and new EDCA sites. To Cagayanos, Governor Mamba is undoubtedly the national hero of the new century because his courage and determination are worthy of admiration. Observers said his opposition to the military ties with the US and the new EDCA sites had alienated him from President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., to whom he was once close. In early May, in reaction to Governor Mamba’s opposition to the new EDCA sites, House Speaker Martin Romualdez reiterated that the President’s determination to strengthen cooperation with the US with new EDCA sites was “unshakable.” There were rumors the Speaker asked the Governor to keep quiet on the matter. To Governor Mamba’s supporters, this was a severe warning and a humiliation from the President and the US. On 9 February this year, US embassy personnel met with an assistant of Cagayan Vice Governor Melvin Vargas, named Agatep, mainly to get an update on Governor Mamba’s alleged “irregular vote buying” in the last election. During the meeting, dissatisfaction was expressed with the Governor’s public opposition to the new EDCA sites in Cagayan. Well, should the vote-buying case push through, what could we expect? Should Governor Mamba’s election be overturned, Vice Governor Vargas, who supports the PH-US alliance, would be the likely successor. A friend from the north told me that Katrina Enrile, like her father Juan Ponce Enrile, the Presidential Chief Legal Adviser, is pro-EDCA. To eliminate the local opposition to EDCA, Katrina Enrile allied with Governor Mamba’s political rivals — Vice Governor Vargas and the Lara family. Vice Governor Vargas met with Katrina Enrile on 19 April and stated that he had garnered the support of a majority of the provincial officials regarding the establishment of the two EDCA sites in Cagayan. The new EDCA sites were the President’s decision, and they should not speculate on this. Katrina Enrile’s efforts paid off, as the President appointed her Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of CEZA, the office that manages the Cagayan Special Economic Zone. Interestingly, the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 was proposed and drafted by Juan Ponce Enrile. On 7 April, representatives of the US government met with Mayor Florant Pascual of Lal-lo and president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cagayan Chapter. During the meeting, the American government promised to carry out energy projects through USAID and provide local assistance in exchange for Pascual’s support of the new EDCA sites. On 20 April, Pascual and 18 other mayors publicly announced their support for the new EDCA sites in Cagayan. Soon after, on 15 June, USAID representatives visited the Philippines and announced a $65-million fund for Cagayan and Isabela to support local energy planning and introduce renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofs. The US embassy said the communities near the new EDCA sites in Santa Ana and Lal-lo would also benefit from the grant. The post Governor’s fight vs EDCA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino boxer Yap to fight in Thailand on Sept. 30 for WBC regional title
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Veteran road warrior Mark John Yap will fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian lightweight title on September 30, 2023, at the Suamlum Night Bazaar in Bangkok, Thailand. The 34-year-old Yap of Cagayan de Oro City will face Thai prospect Apichet Petchmanee who currently holds the WBC regional title in.....»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Managers: Phl remains on track
Despite the lackluster 4.3 percent in the second quarter, growth this year is expected to reach the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent gross domestic product expansion, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “To do this, we will expedite the implementation of government programs and projects, to provide fiscal stimulus to increase the productive capacity of the public and private sectors and address the adverse recent impacts of typhoons.” Diokno added. Economic managers gathered in Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City to hold the Post-State of the Nation Economic Briefing that discussed the country’s economic situation and plans on 14 August. Diokno said in 2022, GDP increased 7.6 percent from 5.7 a year ago and a 9.5 percent contraction in 2020. Diokno said the economic team is determined to pick up government expenditure in the third and fourth quarters. Revenue collections remain robust from January to June as these totaled P1.9 trillion up 7.7 percent or P132.6 billion year-on-year which is also higher than the mid-year program by 2.7 percent. Hence, Diokno said they have already pipelined 194 infrastructure flagship projects worth P8.3 trillion of which 132 are located in Luzon that will address irrigation, water supply, flood management, agriculture, digital connectivity, physical connectivity, health, and power and energy. Diokno also highlighted some of the projects like the Laoag International Airport Development Project, the EDSA Greenways, the TPLEX Expressway Expansion Project, the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, the Ilocos Norte-Sur-Abra Irrigation Project, and the Naga Airport Development Project. “The Philippines is determined to be a world leader in the race to net zero and the Ilocos Region will be a strategic partner in this mission. Dubbed to be the renewable energy capital of South East Asia, Ilocos Norte is emerging to be a promising player in the clean energy arena. Being home to the first and largest wind farms in the country,” Diokno stressed. In his address, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., said from a peak of 8.7 percent in January, headline inflation slowed to 4.7 percent in July due to improving domestic food supply conditions and lower global oil prices. However, he also admitted that core inflation remains high at 6.7 percent although it has already started to decline due to the monetary tightening. The BSP has responded to inflation by aggressively raising its policy rate, as of today, the BSP has raised policy rates by 425 basis points. Prices reined in “The good news is that inflation expectations are still well anchored. The markets continue to believe that we will hit our target range by 2024 and stay there in 2025,” Remolona said. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also gave an update on the use pf the budget for 2023. Pangandaman said at the end of July, the total amount of the national budget that has been released already is around 93 percent. “And we expect all our government agencies including all the cabinet members present here, to spend your budget so we can help grow the economy,” Pangandaman said. While for next year, the government budget will amount to 5.768 trillion and it is 21.7 percent of the GDP it has already been submitted to Congress last August 2 and the budget is expected to be passed earlier than expected. The National Economic Development Authority said it wanted to lower the poverty level to single digit. For Socioeconomic Planning Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, the government has effective regional development plans. In the Ilocos Regional Development Plan from 2023-2028, the NEDA expects the Ilocos region to have a 7 percent to 7.5 percent growth while lowering the poverty incidence by 7.3 percent. ‘Build, Better, More’ under BBM;s watch Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the “Build, Better, More” program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is very much aligned with the medium-term development plan for 2023 to 2028 and is consistent with the 8-point economic agenda of the president. Bonoan said that from July 2022 to May 2023, the DPWH has built, maintained, rehabilitated, widened, and upgraded 4,082 kilometer of roads, 497 bridges, built 2,103 flood control projects, 55 evacuation centers, 216 kms farm to market roads, 8 kilometers of farm to mill roads, 138 kilometers tourism roads, 18 kilometers of roads to seaports, railway stations, and airports, 4,038 classrooms, and 6,002 rainwater collector system. “Because of climate change, we have to address and be building and developing resilient and sustainable communities in the 18 major river basins in the country,” Bonoan said. Some of the major projects that the department would like to continue are converting the Daang Maharlika which is actually now Asian Highway 26 which starts in Laoag City and will go around Cagayan Valley and has extended all the way to Zamboanga City. Bonoan says that they want to convert this backbone of the national highway into seamless travel. “In other words, there should be no major stops along the way, along this Maharlika highway,” Bonoan said. Bonoan said they’re going to build 12 major bridges, and the first bridge is the Cavite-Bataan Interlink bridge with a span of more than 32 km. Should it be completed, this will be the second-longest bay bridge in the world. The department also plans to start the Luzon Spine Expressway which will run from Laoag City to Bicol, Bonoan says that this will be 1,073 kms more. As for Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, major Department of Transportation projects like the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, Metro Manila Subway, EDSA Greenway Projects, EDSA Busway, MRT-3 Rehabilitation, LRT-1 Cavite, LRT-2 West Extension, MRT-7, and the modernization and capacity expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are proceeding. For the Department of Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy, there is already a cybersecurity plan for 2023 to 2028 which is a consolidated output of all the stakeholders in designing which includes the best practices all over the world. “We’ve ramped up in our cybercrime detection, we are busting cybercrime syndicates all over the country especially those that are dealing with scammers,” Uy said. Uy said agency is also enhancing cybersecurity status by designing courses to upgrade cybersecurity professionals. He admits that worldwide, there is a 3 million job vacancies on cyber security. DICT said by the end of the year, the department will have Two Terabits of capacity from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan all the way to Manila and we should expect very good Internet connectivity by the start of next year especially on the Luzon area. These structures also open opportunities to data centers and BPOs along the places mentioned which produces employment. DICT expects that foreign investment opportunities and interest in those areas will boom. The post Managers: Phl remains on track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM assures public enough rice supply
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public over the weekend that the country had enough rice supply and that the government was closely monitoring the National Food Authority (NFA) buffer stock ahead of El Niño and other expected calamities. In his latest vlog, the Chief Executive underscored that the country's rice supply is still enough after typhoons "Egay" and "Falcon", including the Southwest Monsoon (habagat) ravaged several parts of the country and damaged the agriculture sector. For context, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday that the agriculture sector damage and losses due to inclement weather reached an estimated P2.9 billion. The latest situational data from the NDRRMC showed that the Department of Agriculture recorded billions worth of damages in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Bangsamoro Region, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). "We have an ample supply of rice, and there is nothing to worry about," Marcos said. "Our farmers should expect that we won't be importing if the supply here in the Philippines is sufficient. Hopefully, you won't be worried. We have rice," he added. Marcos, who also heads the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the government is ensuring that the NFA increases its buffer stock for several reasons. The Chief Executive pointed out the increasing number of disasters in the Philippines and that other Southeast Asian countries needed to increase their rice supplies ahead of El Niño, expected to occur either late this year or early 2024. He added that other countries that export rice, such as India, have begun to restrict or halt their rice exports. "All of us are preparing for the El Niño. That's why the challenge is that everyone buys things all at once," Marcos said. "We are looking for our friends. Fortunately, I have met many of them during my travels, and we are now in communication. Perhaps, we might be allowed to import from them. However, we will only do so if the supply is not sufficient," he added. The post PBBM assures public enough rice supply appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grand night of classical music with an electric audience
Three youthful musicians, Mark Kenedy Rocas, Adrian Nicolas Ong and Aidan Ezra Baracol, recently wowed — make that brought the house down — an appreciative, mostly Gen Z audience at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater at Circuit Makati. The hyped evening featured the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra — under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera — the country’s leading orchestra, presenting the Young People’s Concert. An educational guide with a friendly and amiable approach, he gainfully conducted an educational tour in an informal and candid manner before the actual concert. He gleefully introduced the PPO according to the four sections: percussion, strings, woodwind and brass, as each team stood up and outdid each other with little catchy tunes. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="159369,159370"] This is in keeping with the Cultural Center of the Philippines Arts Education Program-focused event — more aimed for the younger generation. Ranera is a product of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree major in Trombone and Theory. He likewise possesses a Master of Music degree in Conducting from the renowned University of Northern Colorado and Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management from the Cagayan State University. The arrangements of the three-time winner of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists or NAMCYA have been featured in the albums of lauded conductor Redentor Romero, together with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. Through the years, we have been blessed to have witnessed the greatest and the best performers. Thus, we were absolutely baffled with these three young gentlemen with exceptional talent and technical ability. And to think they already have a stellar resume this early on into their musical forays! Rocas performed “Orpheus in the Underworld by German-born French composer Jacques Offenbach” (1819-1880). The piece’s rousing initial fanfare was followed by a gentle love song and an infernal passage. The finale was the ever-popular and all-too-familiar Can-Can of Moulin Rouge fame. He further showed his skills by a rendition of the Flute Concerto No.2 in D Major and K. 314 first and second movements by Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). His love affair with the flute began at nine years old. He became a member of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band from 2005 to 2012. A graduate from the University of the Philippines College of Music, he enrolled in several masterclasses under renowned international artists and mentors. Currently, he is an assistant principal flute of the UP Symphony Orchestra. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="159371,159372"] Ong’s prowess on the violin was exhibited with the Tzigane by French composer, pianist and conductor Maurice Ravel (1875-1937). The 10-minute obra is a continuation of the Romantic tradition of show pieces for violin virtuosi in a wholehearted gypsy style. He made his professional debut at 17 with the PPO. A scholar of the Interlochen Arts Academy by the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, he graduated with honors and served as the concertmaster. He recently completed with one of the highest distinctions from the Mannes School of Music in New York City. Notably, he has debuted at the holy grail for performers, the prestigious Carnegie Hall of New York, in May 2023. He is now slated for international concerts with the Asian Youth Orchestra. Baracol revealed mastery of the keys through the Piano Concerto No. 2 OP .18, C Minor by Russian composer, pianist and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943). This masterwork established his name in the annals of history and is an enduring piece that breathes air into his childhood experiences. This was eloquently and passionately interpreted by Baracol. [caption id="attachment_159373" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (L-R) CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan, CCP Consultant Alex Cortes, CCP Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Michelle Nikki Junia, CCP President Maria Margarita Moran-Floirendo, violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong, flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas, pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Consultant Edu Jarque and Niña Romualdez Estela | Photos courtesy of the Cultural Center of the Philippines[/caption] His first brush with the piano was at age 10 and had his first solo piano recital at the SEARCA Auditorium of the University of the Philippines in 2017. During the pandemic, he continually joined international competitions, earning top placements. This coming September 2023, he has been awarded entrance scholarships and admissions at the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal College of Music, all in London, plus the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore. Amid cheers, applauses and bravos, the three promising young men took bow after bow after bow. I could only imagine that the future holds international acclaim, with recital after recital after recital in front of discerning audiences around the world. The post Grand night of classical music with an electric audience appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. backs energy-secure Phl
USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer awarded more than P65 million ($1.16 million) in grants to support energy security and conservation in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela as part of his recent visit to the Philippines. Recipient organizations are USAID’s Filipino partners Tri-Sky Inc. and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. Provided under USAID’s P1.6 billion ($34 million) Energy Secure Philippines program, the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and nano generators in the province. With greater energy access, Cagayan and Isabela’s remote communities can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Communities surrounding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants. “USAID understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education and transport, among other services,” Schiffer said. “We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country.” In partnership with the Mabuwaya Foundation and the Agta Indigenous Peoples community at Sitio Golden Valley in Barangay San Mariano, Schiffer also launched the “From Ridge to River” project, through which USAID will work with local communities, partners and government officials to conserve forests in northern Sierra Madre. “This launch is an important step toward preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region, and we are proud to be part of it,” Schiffer said. During his time in the Philippines, Schiffer also spoke at the Asian Development Bank’s annual Asia Clean Energy Forum in Manila and visited a USAID-supported drug rehabilitation program in Mandaluyong City. Additionally, he traveled to Palawan, where he toured the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park; visited a waste collection and sorting site; sat with civil society organizations to discuss concerns over illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone; and visited the BRP Teresa Magbanua to learn about the Philippine Coast Guard’s protection efforts for marine resources in Philippine waters. The post U.S. backs energy-secure Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cagayan, Isabela get P65M in new energy grants
On 16 June, United States Agency for International Development Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer awarded more than P65 million ($1.16 million) in grants to support energy security and conservation in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela as part of his visit to the Philippines from 15 to 18 June. The recipient organizations are USAID’s Filipino partners Tri-Sky Inc. and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. Provided under USAID’s P1.6 billion ($34 million) Energy Secure Philippines program, the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and nano generators in the province. With greater energy access, Cagayan and Isabela’s remote communities can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Communities surrounding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants. “USAID understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education and transport, among other services,” Schiffer said. “We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country.” In partnership with the Mabuwaya Foundation and the Agta Indigenous Peoples community at Sitio Golden Valley in Barangay San Mariano, Schiffer also launched the “From Ridge to River” project, through which USAID will work with local communities, partners and government officials to conserve forests in northern Sierra Madre. “This launch is an important step toward preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region, and we are proud to be part of it,” said Schiffer. During his time in the Philippines, Schiffer also spoke at the Asian Development Bank’s annual Asia Clean Energy Forum in Manila and visited a USAID-supported drug rehabilitation program in Mandaluyong City. Additionally, he traveled to Palawan, where he toured the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park; visited a waste collection and sorting site; sat with civil society organizations to discuss concerns over illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone; and visited the BRP Teresa Magbanua to learn about the Philippine Coast Guard’s protection of marine resources in Philippine waters. The post Cagayan, Isabela get P65M in new energy grants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes optimistic about tourism
Capital A chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is prepared to hasten the tourism industry’s recovery and attract more foreign investments to the Philippines. The AirAsia owner said more customers are switching from more expensive to less expensive products and doing shorter trips as a result of flying across the Pacific. In the Philippines, connectivity has always been essential for meeting domestic requirements and facilitating travel within the region. Through AirAsia’s centers in Manila and Cebu, the Philippines initially developed linkages with a number of Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia. Improve connectivity In order to draw more tourists to places like Cebu, Bacolod and Palawan, there are plans to improve connectivity, according to Fernandes. He added that they’re seeing a huge pent-up demand for travel, which gives him a huge amount of confidence. He thinks that their strength is that they are also very strong in secondary and tertiary cities and in providing connectivity, so that is adding growth. To sustain the pent-up demand for travel, AirAsia has launched another round of Piso Sale, which is available for booking until June 18 for domestic flights to cities like Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Puerto Princesa and Bacolod, as well as flights abroad to cities like Hong Kong, Macao, Seoul, Taipei, Guangzhou and Shenzhen for travel from 1 September 2023, to 8 October 2024. Fernandes asserted that AirAsia flights are still reasonably priced in spite of market dynamics and other contributing factors. He added that the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline would keep offering a competitive rate while generating more traffic and opening up additional destinations. He shared that the Philippines can attract 9 million tourists a year, comparing it to Thailand, another popular destination. The establishment of more locations with airport infrastructure and other necessary infrastructure to get to the airport, however, is something that the public and private sectors could support. The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline would keep offering a competitive rate while generating more traffic and opening up additional destinations. To better serve its guests and provide more passenger convenience, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline reminds its guests that beginning 1 July 2023, all AirAsia domestic flights will depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2. All international flights, on the other hand, will continue to operate at NAIA Terminal 3 until further notice. The post AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes optimistic about tourism appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dad’s Day treats
Escape at The Pen [caption id="attachment_144658" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of the peninsuLa manilaTRIUMPH motorcycle[/caption] The Peninsula Manila offers dads a weekend staycation while indulging in Escolta’s Sunday brunch buffet. Make sure he also gets to experience Salon de Ning’s one-afternoon-only pop-up Pen Ultimate Father’s Day Dream Lounge, where he’ll enjoy complimentary cocktails and pica-pica and snazzy grooming services. The Dream Lounge will offer complimentary male grooming services from Back Alley Barbershop; a display of Triumph motorcycles and automobiles from Rolls-Royce, Lotus and Mini Cooper; For Him skincare by VMV Hypoallergenics whose expert technicians will provide complimentary hand treatments; funky and functional ceramic art from Pottery Sessions, custom-made menswear crafted in Singapore by Common Suits; pens and inks for fountain pen aficionados by Manila Pen; bespoke spectacles by R.E.M. Rapid Eye Movement Manila; rare timepieces from Vintage Grail, collectible vinyls and DJ music; artisanal chocolates from Auro Chocolate; and small bites and innovative cocktails. E-mail ReservationPMN@peninsula.com. Toast to Dad Conrad Manila has an exclusive Father’s Day promo. Brasserie on 3, the hotel’s signature restaurant, presents “Feast to Fatherhood” on 17 to 18 June, with P3,500 nett lunch and dinner buffet. As a special treat, dads dine for free with every four paying adults. China Blue by Jereme Leung has the “Father’s Day Feast Set Menu” from 16 to 18 June, priced at P49,880 nett for 10 persons. At C Lounge, it’s time for “Dad’s Night Out” until 18 June. Starting at 5 p.m., this extraordinary experience is priced at P2,288++ and includes a three-glass whiskey flight, one cigar and five truffle chocolate balls. Bru, Conrad Manila’s beloved café, invites guests to “Treats for Tatay” throughout the month of June. With a minimum purchase of P1,000, dads receive a complimentary Father’s Day mini cake. Conrad Spa offers the ultimate rejuvenation experience for dads with the exclusive “Father’s Day Rejuvenation” package. Visit www.conradmanila.com or call 8833 9999. Day delights [caption id="attachment_144645" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of city of dreamsCrystal Dragon’s Chilled Spicy Marinated 25 Heads Chilean Abalone with squids, shrimps, and clams.[/caption] City of Dreams Manila’s Crystal Dragon presents an exclusive Father’s Day menu until 18 June. Choices include Chilled Spicy Marinated 25 Heads Chilean Abalone with squids, shrimps and clams; Double-boiled Sea Treasure Soup with maca, fish maw, conpoy and pork stomach; Roasted Farm Duck with black truffle sauce; Sauteed Australian Asparagus with shrimps and morel mushrooms; and Braised Fujian Fragrant Rice with assorted seafood and eryngii mushroom. Nobu Sunday Brunch features a lavish spread of new-style Japanese cuisine popularized by world renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa at P4,388. Restaurants at The Shops at the Boulevard are not to be missed. Jing Ting, specializing in Northern Chinese cuisine including fresh hand-pulled noodle dishes, and Red Ginger, which offers authentic Southeast Asian dishes, are both offering menu exclusives for the month of June. Rossi Pizza, Hidemasa, TungLok Signatures, Mango Tree, J. Park Garden, Modern Table and the newly opened Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Grill are equally worth a visit. Call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreams manila.com. Drink of choice [caption id="attachment_144657" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesyof new world makati‘SHAKEN Not Stirred’ gin.[/caption] New World Makati Hotel’s “A Toast to Dad” room package includes breakfast and dad’s cocktails of choice, a hearty buffet feast at Café 1228, all-you-can-eat dim sum at Jasmine, as well as decadent cakes and sweets at The Shop. Whether dad’s drink of choice is a whisky, gin or rum-based concoction, the “A Toast to Dad” room package starting at P8,500++ comes with two creative cocktails from Bar Rouge as well as a complimentary bowl of chips and dip. Room package also includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe or Residence Club Deluxe room with breakfast for two. Book online via bit.ly/NWMFathers DayStay. Superb treats With three delectable combos to choose from, Pizza Hut has Superb Treat for six to nine persons at a P1,899. For a more intimate Father’s Day celebration, there’s the Superb Treat for four, at P1,199. If your dad is the biggest pizza lover that you know, then you’ll never go wrong with the Superb Triple Pizza Treat at P1,199. If you order Pizza Hut ahead of time for your Father’s Day celebration, you’ll get six pieces of WingStreet Buffalo wings for free. Call 8911-1111 hotline or visit www.pizzahut.com.ph. Happy Papi Gringo’s Chicken and Ribs rolls out its Father’s Day special with Papi’s Paboritos. Papi’s Paboritos has all-time Gringo like the Cuban Beef Lechon. Gringo’s Cerveza Wings even makes a comeback in this one, fried chicken wings fried to crisp perfection and flavored with the malty goodness of beer. Pair it with starters like the Caesar Salad and the meaty Angus Bolognese Linguine. Cap the meal with its new Classic Tres Leches, a light and soft sponge cake soaked with three kinds of milk. This limited offering is only P2,198 and is available in all Gringo branches. Visit gringo.ph. Ebi awesome [caption id="attachment_144660" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of tokyo bubble teaBIBIMBAP[/caption] For the entire month of June, Tokyo Bubble Tea offers Ebi Tempura Meal Sets featuring three pieces of Tokyo Bubble Tea’s Ebi Tempura, two Tokyo Big Plates and two large drinks. Specially made set meals for those in Cagayan de Oro are also available. Metro Manila branches are located in Banawe, Greenhills, SM Megamall, and Bonifacio Global City. Each set is P899.Tokyo Bubble Tea branches in Cagayan de Oro are located at Centrio Mall and SM CDO Downtown Premier. Each set is only P650. Visit www.tokyobubbletea.com, Grab Food, and FoodPanda. The post Dad’s Day treats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go hails Pinoys for SEAG performance
In a display of national pride and admiration, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, lauded all Filipino athletes for their outstanding performances in the recently-concluded Southeast Asian SEA Games in Cambodia. In an ambush interview after his visit to Santa Praxedes, Cagayan on Thursday, 18 May, Go highlighted that after bagging 58 gold medals, the Filipinos’ success is a testament to the indomitable spirit and determination of the Philippine sporting community. As an avid sports fan, Go extended his warm congratulations to the national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, for their exceptional 80-69 victory against Cambodia to reclaim their SEA Games gold. Last 12 to 13 May, Go personally visited Cambodia and showed his support for the Filipino athletes competing in the SEA Games, together with his colleagues Senate President Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, among other officials. In total, the Philippines bagged 58 gold, 85 silver, and 117 bronze medals. Considering the significance of the SEA Games as a platform for fostering unity, camaraderie, and friendly competition among nations, Go then highlighted the importance of supporting and nurturing the growth of sports at the grassroots level, ensuring that Filipino youth have ample opportunities to pursue their sporting dreams. Last Tuesday, Go visited Lapu-Lapu City, to hand out assistance to struggling Cebuanos, including members of the youth sector and a fire-hit household. Held in the mayor’s conference room at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall, Go’s team distributed snacks, masks, vitamins, and shirts to a total of 20 residents. In addition, a fire-hit family received grocery packs. They also handed out cellular phones, umbrellas, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Go’s office likewise extended aid to the families affected by armed conflict in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur from May 16 to 17. The senator’s outreach team distributed vitamins, masks, snacks, caps and shirts to 1,912 affected residents. They likewise provided cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals. The post Go hails Pinoys for SEAG performance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name
Anyone who had come of age in the late 1970s and the 1980s would surely know about the most famous names and faces of the younger set of the era known for the coming of age of feminism and women’s lib. The 1960s may have ushered in a cultural revolution but it was in the succeeding decades that the cataclysmic events of the decade that was, in the Philippines, would manifest in the ways and attitudes of Filipino women. I mention this phase in our history because I am sharing my thoughts on one woman whom many consider as one of the country’s most powerful, influential and successful. She is Katrina Ponce Enrile. I may not privy to the growing-up years of Katrina Ponce Enrile, and I would not have the advantage of seeing her from the point of view of someone old enough to observe the growth of a child, but as a teenager, I would occasionally read about her and see her on photographs published in newspapers and magazines, although not too frequent. I just knew she was not only well-bred and beautiful in the mestiza sense being the daughter of a striking beauty of a mother (and the granddaughter of a handsome playboy of a paternal grandfather), but that, she too was brilliant. I would assume that she got her brains from her father, one of the wonder boys of the Marcos administration. Katrina would, in time, be mentioned in juicy gossip now and then, but it was her smarts in enterprise and management that she would eventually be recognized, this notwithstanding the controversial stories that one occasionally heard of her family members. [caption id="attachment_134172" align="aligncenter" width="525"] KATRINA Ponce Enrile has always lived up to her parents ‘ expectations.[/caption] ‘Treat everybody with respect’ But to imagine her childhood and teenage years, one would suppose that for all the comforts that she might have enjoyed while living first in Urdaneta and then Dasmarinas Village, she had had to assert herself, she had once been overheard to say: “At 10, I had to fight a little bit harder to be heard” -- which was expected if one were the only daughter of a famous lawyer of a father and a lovely talented mother, herself a respected stage actress. But no matter that she had to deal with being the daughter of awe-inspiring parents, what she had been showered with, aside from her parents’ affection, was well-meaning advice. For one, it was from her dad and mom that she first heard the word of wisdom. “Treat everybody with respect — everybody. Because you don’t know what fate will bring you or them. People that you meet when you are going up, you also meet when you are going down.” No wonder that years later, as a businesswoman, she was very thoughtful in making decisions whether she was dealing with other top businessmen, her executives or the employees who served the family company at her beck and call. “I always think of how my actions and decisions would affect others,” she said in an interview with the Daily Tribune Lifestyle. No, for all the feisty woman that we know her to be, Katrina, was not advised to be aggressively pro-active when facing a conflict. The legendary Juan Ponce Enrile, instead, cautioned his daughter: “Never throw the first punch. But if they throw the first punch, then…” This, she would take to heart whenever she had had to face corporate, social or emotional bullies, not that she is one to attract people prone to violating her rights. [caption id="attachment_134173" align="aligncenter" width="525"] As the only daughter of Juan Ponce Enrile, the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley.[/caption] One imagines her father might have preferred her to be a boy, JPE being a man’s man, but to which she would have retorted: “Dad, I don’t have to be a boy to be what I am now… Girls can do it too.” Call it outright confidence, or chutzpah, or maybe it’s Pinay pride, but Katrina is not one to be cowed. And yes, she could lead and fight and attack, but as her father would most likely say: “Only if they attack first.” Self-assured executive What I have heard of Katrina, especially from my dear friend, Carol Mercado, who was her classmate at St. Paul College, is her signature confidence. “From our youth, when she could be stubborn, she has matured steadily into a self-assured executive no wonder that she has accomplish much as an entrepreneur. “It’s a paradox that while she may have been underestimated at times and even flat out rejected, she knows how to overcome these challenges because she is one creative person and she is not one to easily bow down or to say no. But then, she is not even outright assertive. She could be very charming and before any nemesis would know it, she has gotten what she wants without lifting a finger.” It would seem that the lady would have aimed for political eminence, being the daughter of the powerful JPE, but to everyone’s surprise, she had chosen to create a name outside of her inherited box (or confines), so to speak. While she takes pride in being an Enrile, she has not taken advantage of her family name as though an amulet that would do wonders for her. Instead, she has chosen to rely on the old-fashioned values of industry, respect for others, commitment and determination. She might as well be girl scout, except more courageous, daring and trailblazing. Flexing her risk-taking muscles In her 20s, when her friends were disco dancing, she was, to use another friend’s words, “flexing her risk-taking muscle and sharpening her foresight for the first time — pivotal experiences that would shape her business sense now admired by many.” She surprised everyone when, at 26, she bought properties in Palawan. “It was a big joke to many,” she recalled. “They could not see any reason I should take the risk and invest in a place where no one dared go. It was then no man’s country and perceived to be mosquito-infested.” Today, Palawan is a safe haven from the pandemic, and, of course, an investors’ paradise. On the other hand, her parents saw a promise in her, someone who would play a key role in the family enterprises. They appointed her as Group Treasurer even before her 30th birthday, and with it the added role of overseeing the many concerns of the JAKA Group of Companies. It is quite a daunting responsibility given its extensive industrial reach –- food manufacturing and product distribution to marketing and logistics; forest plantation management; safety match manufacturing, property management and development; as well as IT, security and financial services. It would seem that, for a “beginner” in the big league, it was beyond Katrina’s grasp, and yet she lived up to her parents’ expectations. [caption id="attachment_134175" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SOME of Delimondo’s best products.[/caption] In time she would qualify as the firm’s COO and eventually CEO. Not one used to trumpeting her achievements, Katrina candidly shared: “I was able to turn around the company, helping navigate it through the debilitating Asian Financial Crisis in the mid-1990s. And when the peso devalued in 2008 to 2009, when we had [a] one dollar denominated loan which I had to quickly deal with, I was able to restructure our company and keep it afloat.” Soon, she would be trusted to manage JAKA’s investments, which “allowed me to dream of bigger things, this in the midst of an economic crisis and the pressure to survive it.” Her baby Delimondo When shopping in a supermarket or a grocery, the Filipino consumers, especially those who take their corned beef seriously, would pick the Delimondo brand. They would also put the brand’s Bolognese Pasta, Luncheon Meat, Yellowfin Tuna spreads and aromatic oils in their cart or shopping bags. Katrina confides, “Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture.” Her was a one-woman team that managed the brand’s marketing, sales and R&D. To introduce it to the market, she gave away cans of their initial recipes for free. “I wanted to offer something deliciously different, one that I enjoyed from my travels abroad.” [caption id="attachment_134174" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SHE is most proud of her baby, Delimondo.[/caption] It wasn’t long before investors would come in too aware that Delimondo operates its own plants that produce and package its own products. The company would soon expand and offers its manufacturing services to other products all the way to exporting them. In time and with Katrina at the helm, JAKA shifted to investing in other companies. But if her JAKA performance is impressive, anyone should take a look at her other achievements. To cite one, as the Philippines Overseas Telecommunications Operations director and CEO/president. She led the efforts to renew the company’s franchise that would allow it to provide the Philippines satellite services. For another, as director and president, she has brought into the Montemar Resorts Development Corporation and Montemar Beach Club Inc. not only her management expertise, but her exposure to top international resorts as a frequent guest. No wonder that Manila’s well-heeled consider these resorts as standard-bearers of local luxury travel. [caption id="attachment_134171" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture,’ said Katrina.[/caption] Transforming the upper east corner of Luzon Katrina also sits as the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s vice chairperson. In this role, she envisions making the province a model destination that easily rivals the country’s capital. “They’re considering appointing me as administrator. Once that post is confirmed, I will be fully committed to transforming the upper east corner of Luzon into another business area that the Philippines will be proud of.” As part of her vision, she plans to build a stronger point of economy with the available freeport and expand its potential by constructing an airport. To attract investors, she plans to boost incentives to encourage more players to relocate. “We plan to make smart cities there. I plan to make it very green. I plan to protect the lush forests. It’s really also known as the rice granary of the Philippines. I plan to push the transition from GMOs (genetically modified organism) to non-GMOs. I know that that will be a hard task but I plan to do it. I want to give the Filipinos healthy food for the next generations to come,” she states. Worthy and deserving As the only daughter of the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley. She may have grown up in Manila, travelled the whole world, but her heart has always remained in the home of her father, Juan Ponce Enrile, and it is among his people, relatives and townsmen that she intends to pursue her next dream. There is no stopping this feisty Cagayanon. For her home province, she is out to conquer the world. But then, I must insist that this is not about being her father’s daughter, although there is no denying the great influence of JPE on Katrina becoming the woman that she has become -- strong-willed, passionate, forward-thinking. Still, Katrina could only thank herself most for being herself. That she accepted the challenges that came her way and faced them head on using her own gifts and advantages – which undoubtedly brought her to her destiny, one that she has arrived at and one that she has yet to fulfill. Indeed, if the women’s movement has reached this far, and women today now enjoy key positions in government, private sector and civil society, this may be attributed to the generations of women who have looked toward the future and embraced their destinies as key players in the affairs of humanity. Katrina is one of these women and we wish her all the best. No one could be more worthy of the challenge and deserving of the honor. The post Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Get lost
Smugglers have a way of plotting their nefarious trade in which, simply, they identify the possible appointees in crucial agencies and start to work their way to get on their good side. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said that her daughter who has a good chance of becoming the next administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority is getting feelers from certain groups hinting at a huge amount of money coming her way. Enrile said the offer came from cement traders who wanted ease of doing business, albeit the wrong way, with the incoming head of the ecozone. CEZA is currently headed by Leonardo Cruz as acting administrator. Katrina turned down the indecent proposal. “I’m not that kind of person,” was Katrina’s frank reply to the emissary of the syndicate. A cement shipment was already waiting near the port expecting that the emissary will pull through by exploiting influence to make the illegal shipment. It turned out the ship came from Vietnam. Enrile said since her daughter refuse to go along with the ruse, the ship was forced to return to Vietnam. Last February, the Department of Trade and Industry imposed anti-dumping duties on cement from Vietnam for five years as a result of dumping that hurt local industries. Anti-dumping duties were imposed on imports of ordinary Portland cement type one and blended cement type 1P from Vietnam, according to DTI Department Administrative Order 23-01 dated 14 February. Get real A loquacious member of Congress who recently spoke glowingly about her being an ideal mother to her children proved to be an absentee parent, according to an inquisitive Tarsee. The lady legislator did not attend her daughter’s wedding and was not there for the birth of her grandson. She did not come home from her US vacation when her daughter gave birth. The official also has not allowed her son-in-law to come to her house and the family goes on vacations without their son-in-law, the source said. The political matriarch always gets into trouble because of her insensitivity and bloated ego. The post Get lost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Final bell rings for boxing chief Ed Picson
Philippine sports lost a pillar -- both inside and outside the boxing ring. Edgar “Ed” Picson passed away following a long battle with liver cancer, his friend and longtime colleague Joaquin Henson announced. He was 69. A Letran College alumnus, Picson started his television career as a semi-regular in "John N Marsha" -- a highly-successful sitcom featuring comedy king Dolphy and Nida Blanca in the 1980s -- while doing boardwork as a radio DJ. He made it into sports the following decade as he served as commentator for “Blow By Blow,” the weekly boxing program that launched Manny Pacquiao’s professional career. He also served as color commentator for the Philippine Basketball Association and wrote a regular column at the Manila Bulletin. In 2009, his biggest break came. With the group of industrialist Manny Pangilinan taking over the leadership of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines from Manny Lopez, Picson was appointed as executive director who will man the day-to-day operations of the organization. A few years later, he was tapped as Vargas’ secretary general replacing Patrick Gregorio. Under Picson, Philippine boxing flourished as he retained the services of longtime coaches like Pat Gaspi, Ronald Chavez and Roel and Boy Velasco while expanding its talent identification program in major provinces like Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. To make the program more holistic, he hired a foreign mentor in Donn Abnett of Australia and provided the boxers with deep knowledge in strength and conditioning, psychology, nutrition and other sport sciences. The result was truly impressive as his leadership inspired Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam to win a silver medal while Eumir Marcial took home a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. His achievement was greatly rewarded when Vargas passed him the Abap leadership in November of 2021. To make up for his lingering battle with cancer, he tapped a young sport leader in Marcus Manalo to assist him as his secretary general. The boxers were preparing for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Teachers Camp in Baguio City when news of Picson’s demise broke out at high noon on Wednesday. “It is with deep sadness that I confirm that ABAP president Ed Picson passed away this morning due to complications from cancer of the liver,” Manalo said in a statement. “ABAP will have a special board meeting tomorrow and will come up with an official statement.” Henson said branded Picson as a sports broadcasting “legend.” “ABAP president and dear friend Ed Picson passed away at 11 this morning due to complications from liver cancer,” Henson said in a social media post. “Ed was a legend in sports broadcasting and when Senator Manny revived ‘Blow By Blow’ late last year, he was invited to cover the fights but he declined. He will be missed.” Another broadcasting colleague in Bill Velasco said he will definitely miss Picson, whom he worked with in the PBA panel in the 1990s. “Lost another old friend today. Farewell, Ed Picson, my colleague from Vintage Enterprises in the early 1990’s,” Velasco said. “You were always articulate, level-headed, and spoke your mind. A great sportscaster, voice talent, and boxing official. God bless you, kind sir.” The post Final bell rings for boxing chief Ed Picson appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CEZA cancels license of online casino operator
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority has cancelled the 25-year license agreement with Foremost Cagayan Development and Leisure Corp. after an evaluation showed it is “grossly disadvantageous” to the government and it failed to deliver on its investment commitments......»»
CEZA flagged over P148 million uncollected obligations
The Commission on Audit has urged the state-owned Cagayan Economic Zone Authority to collect P148 million in overdue financial obligations from gaming and business firms operating at the Cagayan Freeport......»»
CEZA allots P426M to modernize infrastructure in Cagayan Freeport
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority will continue the construction and development of modern infrastructure facilities at the Cagayan Freeport to address the requirements of financial technology investors, an official said Tuesday......»»
CEZA reports major infra projects status
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Oct. 28 (PIA) - - - The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) reported the status of its infrastructure projects during the last quarter meeting of the Regional Project M.....»»
Duterte orders part of Fuga Island allotted for PH Navy base
MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) to set aside a portion of Fuga Island in Cagayan province for use as a base by the Philippine Navy. On Monday (Aug. 10), Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo, Navy chief, told INQUIRER.net that Duterte gave the order last Aug. 6 to allocate 20 […] The post Duterte orders part of Fuga Island allotted for PH Navy base appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»