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Dialect vs language explained
Clarifying what most of us have known, an official of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino said what is spoken in the provinces is actually called “wika” or language, and not dialect. In an interview on Daily Tribune’s digital show Straight Talk, Jomar Cañega on Tuesday, head for Information and Publication of the KWF, said dialects are only variations of the 134 languages spoken throughout the Philippines. “We have 134 wika (languages) and we do not call them dialects because (dialect) is only a variation inside a particular language, which is Filipino. So, if we call them dialects, then we are still inside the category of a language. For example, Tagalog has many variations…there’s Tagalog Morong, Quezon, and Batangas. So, it’s inside the Filipino language because of the mutual intelligibility, which means that the people of Rizal, Quezon and Batangas understand each other. Same thing with locals of Bohol, Davao, and Cebu who understand each other when they speak Cebuano,” he said in Filipino. Adding Filipino Sign Language to the long list of languages, Cañega said the latest count of languages in the country is 135, including the sign language. Variance as hindrance Cañega said that even if the Philippines has various languages being spoken by Filipinos, languages in the Philippines belong to the same family tree and are not a hindrance to understanding among the people. “This means that languages in the country are cognate or siblings by blood. There is a high cognancy in the country when it comes to a degree, the very reason why Ilocanos don’t have a hard time understanding Tagalog, the same thing for a Cebuano to speak Tagalog. It was also seen by President Manuel Quezon during his time, although he was fluent in English and Spanish. That is the reason why he chose Tagalog as our official language, coming from the roots of the Malay-Polynesian or Austronesian family,” he said. Based on the study by a Swiss professor and anthropologist, Cañega said the oldest gene of the Austronesian people that lived in the Philippines was found in Abucay, Bataan — in the Agta Magbukon. “That’s why we put the Agta Magbukon in a language program with the aim of preserving their language. We established a Bahay Wika for them in 2017,” he said. According to the Austronesian Formal Linguistics Association at the University of Western Ontario, Austronesian languages form one of the world’s largest language families, considering the number of languages included and the number of geographic locations in which they are spoken. The Austronesian languages are spoken in most of the Indonesian archipelago: the Philippines, Madagascar, the island groups of the Central and South Pacific, Malaysia, and in many parts of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Taiwan. Major Austronesian languages include Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bicol, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan and Pangasinan, which are spoken in the Philippines; Malay, Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Minangkabau, the Batak languages, Acehnese, Balinese, and Buginese, which are spoken in western Indonesia; and Malagasy, which is spoken in Madagascar. The KWF leads the celebration of Buwan ng Wika 2023 themed “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Ingklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan.” The KWF, through Republic Act 7104, is mandated to “formulate policies, plans, and programs to ensure the further development, enrichment, propagation and preservation of Filipino and other Philippine languages.” The post Dialect vs language explained appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2nd State of the Nation Address
Anti-inflation measures Crafting of Medium-Term Fiscal Framework supported by Congress Implementation of strategies to capacitate economic sectors Results (1) 7.6 percent growth in 2022 — highest rate in 46 years. (2) January to March 2023 — 6.4 growth percent (within 6 to 7 percent target) (3) Philippines considered to be among fastest-growing economies in the Asian region and in the world (4) Strong and stable financial system (5) Banks have strong capital and liquidity positions. (6) Digital economy contributed P2 trillion in 2022, the equivalent of 9.4 percent of our GDP. (7) World Bank projects a 6 percent overall growth rate due to strong local demand, consumer spending, strength from the BPO industry, steady flow of remittances, and continuing jobs recovery (8) Inflation rate eased up from 8.7 percent in January to 5.4 percent in June. (9) Bureau of Internal Revenue posted P1.05 trillion collections — an increase of almost 10 percent over the last year (10) Bureau of Customs increased collection by 7.4 percent for the first seven months of 2023, amounting to P476 billion. (11) PAGCOR increased collection by 47.9 percent (12) PCSO increased collection by 20 percent Reduction of prices of commodities like rice, meat, fish, vegetables and sugar Roll out of more than 7,000 KADIWA stores nationwide that link farmers with consumers, benefited 1.8 million families Agriculture Science-based methods toward food security Revision of Fisheries Code Unify 300 farm and fisheries clusters composed of 900 cooperatives Extensive technology training like the use of local bio-fertilizers Distribution of farm machinery, tools and inclement Distribution of more than 5 million rice seedlings and other crops Fuel at fertilizer discount vouchers Geo-Agri map of farm-to-market roads Irrigated 49,000 hectares of farmlands across the country. Constructed 4,000 additional fabrication labs, production at cold storage facilities Built 24 multi-species hatcheries to increase fisheries production Anti-animal pest monitoring, medicines, and vaccines Cloud seeding and buffer stocks in preparation for El Niño 70,000 agrarian land titles distributed Signing of EO No. 4. Or New Agrarian Emancipation Act the condoned P57-billion farmers’ loans Smuggling and hoarding Days of smugglers and hoarders are numbered Water Supply Creation of Water Resources Management Office Working for legislation of Department of Water Resource Management Allocated P14.6 billion for water supply projects Completion of Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project Phase 1 Installed 6,0000 rainwater collection systems across the country Infrastructure 8.3-trillion peso “Build, Better, More” Program in progress 194 flagship projects Continuation of “Build, Build, Build” projects Infrastructure spending stays at 5 to 6 percent of GDP 1,200-kilometer Luzon Spine Expressway Network Program will effectively connect Ilocos to Bicol from 20 hours to just 9 hours of travel Under Mega-Bridge Program, 12 bridges totaling 90 kilometers will be constructed including Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges, and Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge As of June 2023, 4,000 kilometers of roads and 500 bridges have been constructed, maintained and upgraded Completed Cebu’s Pier 88 smart port, new passenger terminal buildings of Clark Airport and Port of Calapan. North-South Commuter Railway System now in full swing Strategic financing Enactment into law of Maharlika Investment Fund Social security Funds for the social security and public health insurance intact and separate Energy and Power Generation Price of crude oil stabilized Since last year, gasoline and diesel prices have gone down by 18 to 29 percent, respectively. Built 8 new additional power plants, bringing to 17 the total number of power generation facilities Energy production increased by 1,174 megawatts. Almost half a million homes given access to electricity; 100 percent household electrification by June 2028 Renewable energy is the way forward Promotion of renewables targets 35 percent share in the power mix by 2030, and 50 percent by 2040 Opened renewable energy projects to foreign investments Since last year, an additional 126 renewable energy contracts with potential capacity of 31,000 megawatts awarded. To date, more than 1,000 active projects all over the country — 299 are solar, 187 are wind, 436 are hydroelectric, 58 are biomass, 36 are geothermal, and 9 are ocean-powered. Malampaya project is boon, energizing 20 percent of Luzon; renewal of the contract guarantees continued revenues and energy production for another 15 years Push for more gas exploration in other parts of the country Partnered with the BARMM in regard to energy exploration and development The Philippines now has a Unified National Grid with the interconnection of the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids “One Grid, One Market” will enable more efficient transfers and more competitive pricing of electricity Performance review of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to complete all of its deliverables, starting with the vital Mindanao-Visayas and Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnections. Social welfare Enough funds for underprivileged DSWD, DoLE, DepEd, TESDA and CHEd involved in providing assistance Programs like AICS, TUPAD, TVET for Social Equity, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Cash-for-Work for PWDs, and Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan available for indigents Social protection Pension of the military and the uniformed personnel is as important, urgent, and humanitarian as that of all other civilian Filipino employees Working closely with Congress to ease the transition from the old system to the new one, to guarantee that no effects are felt by those in the uniformed services. The post 2nd State of the Nation Address appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos hits NGCP over delayed transmission projects
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has reprimanded the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the country’s lone transmission system operator, for the delay of numerous projects that could have further improved the power services in the country. “The one grid, one market will enable more efficient transfers and more competitive pricing of electricity throughout the country. However, 68 grid connections are much delayed according to the ERC's (Energy Regulatory Commission) count. We are conducting a performance review of our private concessionaire the NGCP,” Marcos said at his second State on the Nation Address on Monday, 24 July. Thus, the President vowed to look into the NGCP to ensure that “all of its deliverables” starting with the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project or MVIP and the Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnection will be delivered. NGCP is undertaking the P52-billion MVIP, which was supposed to launch within the first half of the year. The MVIP will link together all three major Philippine islands to create one grid. The NGCP was authorized by the ERC to start building the project way back in 2017. It was initially scheduled to be completed in 2020 but it was delayed due to the pandemic. Reacting to the President’s report, the NGCP said it will “concentrate all available resources toward the completion of ongoing transmission projects while expediting others in the pipeline.” “We agree with the President’s sentiments. Even before the SONA, NGCP has already been working towards the vision that he mentioned,” NGCP President and CEO Anthony Almeda was quoted as saying in a press statement. “After hearing it straight from him -- his vision that is completely aligned with ours -- we know we are on the right track and we’re more motivated to complete all our objectives in a prompt manner,” he added. The operator said the MVIP will be “fully energized to 450MW by the third quarter of this year.” Meanwhile, ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta reiterated that the NGCP’s performance review is part of the ongoing regulatory rate reset process. “We expect to complete a significant portion (for years 2016-2020) very soon. We also reported to the President, and included in his address, the efforts regarding ensuring timely implementation of transmission projects,” Dimalanta said in a text message to the Daily Tribune. “Out of the 68 delayed projects identified, ERC already issued a show cause order to NGCP issued on 4 July 2023 for 37 projects requiring explanation for the delay,” she added. The ERC recently ordered the NGCP to explain the delay of more than 30 projects supposed to enhance the country's transmission system. In a show cause order dated 14 June 2023 and issued on 4 July 2023, the ERC pointed out that the NGCP’s approved capital expenditure or capex for projects was not followed. Hence, projects have been delayed. Thus, it required the NGCP to submit a “verified explanation” within 15 days from receipt of the order “why no administrative penalty should be imposed upon it.” According to ERC, some 37 projects with many days delayed ranging from 21 to as high as 2,561 days. Among those projects with a high number of days delayed is the Tuy (Calaca)-Dasmariñas 500-kilovolt Transmission Line Project. The project was supposed to be completed on 11 July 2016, but it remains 82.48 percent complete as of date. Per ERC, the project has been delayed by 2,528 days. The Bataan-Cavite/Metro Manila Transmission Line Project (Phase 1) Feasibility Study is 2,561 days delayed, the ERC added. As mandated by the power regulator, the NGCP should submit a “detailed explanation on the cause of delay per project, as well as the actual timeline of implementation per project.” The NGCP holds a 25-year franchise to solely operate the power transmission assets of the government and secure power reserves for contingency. The post Marcos hits NGCP over delayed transmission projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
31 SM job fairs draw over 21,000 applicants nationwide
More than 21,000 work applicants lined up for employment opportunities during the recent job fairs held in 31 SM malls. A job applicant looks for an employment vacancy at the Job Fair in SM City Cauayan last 12 June. The SM Supermalls Job Fair is a partnership between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the Local Government Units (LGUs). It attracted 1,190 companies and 21, 723 total event registrants. Employment seekers join the Job Fair at the recently-opened SM City Bataan. The job fairs provided venues for employment seekers and supported the government to provide work opportunities, as well as reducing unemployment in the country. The nationwide events kicked off last June 9 at SM City Tanza while on 11 June, it took place at SM City Rosales. A representative of SM Hypermarket interviews an applicant at the Job fair in SM City Rosales. For Independence Day last June 12, the locations were at SM Southmall, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA, SM City Grand Central, SM City Marikina, SM City Novaliches, SM City Fairview, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Taytay, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Lucena, SM City Naga, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Molino, SM City Baguio, SM Center Dagupan, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Cauayan, SM City Bataan, SM City Telabastagan. SM City Tarlac, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Sorsogon, and SM City Legazpi, SM City Bacolod, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM Cagayan De Oro Downtown Premier, SM City Davao, SM City General Santos, and SM City Butuan. Meanwhile last June 16, it was held at SM City Daet and SM City Calamba, and last June 20, it was held at SM Center Muntinlupa. SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Operations Bien Mateo said that more job fairs await applicants. On June 29, it will be held at SM City Baliwag; and as the final stop, it will be on June 30 at SM Mall of Asia. “Now in its 16th year, SM has been partners with DOLE in conducting job fairs across the country. Our years of partnership are a demonstration of SM Supermalls’ continued resolve to be catalysts for public growth as we also aim to assist fresh graduates and help individuals in finding jobs,” Mr. Mateo shared. A job seeker shares her employment history at the Job Fair in SM City General Santos. For more information and updates, check out www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. The post 31 SM job fairs draw over 21,000 applicants nationwide appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy
For many of our fellow Filipinos who can barely afford their daily expenses, getting treated in a hospital is oftentimes a burdensome choice that they resort to only if it is a matter of life and death. Usually, our struggling kababayans choose to endure their illness for fear of falling deeper into debt due to huge hospital bills, medicines and other expenses. And by this time, an ordinary disease has already become a serious medical condition. Their plight is what inspired us to initiate the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 which provides one-stop shops where our indigent patients may more conveniently access medical assistance from the government. By bringing together programs of various government agencies under one roof, such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the centers streamline the process of availing medical assistance. I have been appealing to officials and workers in the health sector to prioritize the needs of the poor, especially in public health facilities since these patients have nowhere else to turn to but to seek the help of their government. I also appeal to all hospital staff to be patient and compassionate in guiding Filipinos, particularly the poor, so that they can properly have access to the services offered by our public hospitals and from the medical assistance programs available in any of our 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. That is why as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and as the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, I make time to personally check on the operations of our Malasakit Centers across the country, in addition to attending the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers and leading our usual relief distributions for Filipinos in need. On 16 June, I conducted a monitoring visit to two Malasakit Centers in Leyte, where I was honored to be declared as an adopted son of the province through Resolution 2020-337 passed on 24 April 2020 and formally granted on 16 June by the provincial government. During the visit, I recognized the efforts of Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos “Boying” Cari and Vice Mayor Ernesto Butawan, Vice Governor Sandy Javier, Cong. Carl Cari, Cong. Karen Javier, Board Member Carlo Loreto, and other officials for their commitment to bringing government services closer to their constituents. I also visited the Malasakit Center at Baybay City Immaculate Conception Hospital where we assisted 30 out-patients, 140 in-patients, and 192 front liners, while the DSWD extended financial aid to qualified in-patients. We likewise inspected the Super Health Center and the new boardwalk in the city which I supported to help the community. I then checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City. We also assisted 283 patients and 211 front liners in the hospital, while 133 qualified inpatients received additional assistance from the DSWD. Following this, I led a relief operation for 1,065 struggling residents in the city and attended the ribbon-cutting of the newly constructed pentathlon facility with a dedicated fencing hall, among others — a project I supported as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, together with the local government led by Cong. Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez. Earlier that week, I was in Davao del Norte to participate in the celebration of the first anniversary of an insurgency-free Davao del Norte led by Gov. Edwin Jubahib, held in Tagum City on 13 June. I also personally spearheaded a relief operation for 1,500 struggling residents in the city. Simultaneously, we provided more support to the community in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment which held an orientation for temporary employment to 721 individuals. Following this, I visited the town of Carmen with Mayor Leony Bahague to witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center and provide aid to 1,666 more indigents. On 15 June, I was in Quezon City with my team to witness the inauguration of two multipurpose buildings in Barangays Commonwealth and Payatas which I also supported for funding together with Councilor Mikey Belmonte. We likewise aided a thousand indigents in the city with Mayor Joy Belmonte. We then headed to Marikina City to assist 3,000 more struggling residents from Marikina City and the towns of San Mateo and Rodriguez, Rizal, together with Congresswoman Maan Teodoro and Mayor Marcy Teodoro; as well as the local officials from both towns in Rizal, such as Rodriguez Mayor Ronnie Evangelista and San Mateo Mayor Bartolome “Omie” Rivera Jr., among others. We also visited North Cotabato on 17 June, where we celebrated the 54th Araw ng Alamada led by Mayor Jesus Sacdalan and Cong. Joel Sacdalan and helped 840 farmers and 1,500 struggling residents in the town before going to Matalam to witness aspiring athletes in the Serbisyong Totoo Basketball Sports Clinic and to lead another distribution activity for 1,318 more residents from various sectors together with Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza. Across the country, my team aided indigent families and various sectors, including 136 in Samal, 33 in Balanga, and 82 in Limay, Bataan; 990 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; 150 in Damulog, Bukidnon; 350 in Iligan City; 100 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte; 550 in Malinao and Sto. Domingo, Albay; and two fire-hit households in Carcar City, Cebu. My team also attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Tiguma, Pagadian City. It is the fundamental right of every Filipino to receive proper medical care and social assistance from our government. I hope that with compassion for our struggling kababayans and the persistence to help uplift their lives, we can collectively ensure that the poor and most needy are not neglected as we continue our pursuit for progress and development. The post Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Find career success at SM’s Kalayaan Job Fair
SM Supermalls will be holding job fairs across 40 SM malls to provide employment opportunities for job seekers on 9 June at SM City Tanza and 11 June at SM City Rosales. SM Supermalls partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Public Employment Service Office, and the Local Government Units, supporting the government's efforts to reduce unemployment in the country. On 12 June, job fairs would be conducted at SM Southmall, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA, SM City Grand Central, SM City Marikina, SM City Novaliches, SM City Fairview, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Taytay, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Lucena, SM City Naga, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Molino, SM City Baguio, SM Center Dagupan, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Cauayan, SM City Bataan, SM City Telabastagan. SM City Tarlac, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Sorsogon, and SM City Legazpi, SM City Bacolod, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM Cagayan De Oro Downtown Premier, SM City Davao, SM City General Santos, and SM City Butuan. Meanwhile, on 16 June, it will be at SM City Daet and SM City Calamba; June 20 at SM Center Muntinlupa; June 29 at SM City Baliwag; and June 30 at SM Mall of Asia. The job fairs are open to all job seekers, including fresh graduates, returning overseas Filipino workers, and those who have been displaced from their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DOLE has invited various companies to participate in job fairs, offering a wide range of job opportunities in different industries such as retail, hospitality, business process outsourcing, and the like. During the job fairs, job seekers can submit their resumes and undergo initial interviews with the participating companies. Some companies even conduct on-the-spot job offers, which means that qualified applicants can receive job offers on the same day. Since 2008, SM Supermalls has been partnering with DOLE in conducting a nationwide job fair. This partnership serves as a testament to SM Supermalls’ commitment to uplifting and serving the communities they operate in. For more information and updates, check out www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. The post Find career success at SM’s Kalayaan Job Fair appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Public service without break
I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants The Senate adjourned sine die last 31 May 31 its First Regular Session of the 19th Congress. Our first such session under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos. Six of the proposed measures that hurdled the Senate are now laws, including several of my co-authored and co-sponsored bills, such as the SIM Registration Act, postponement of the December 2022 Barangay and SK Elections, and naturalization of our national basketball team key player, Justin Brownlee. Senate Bill 1849, which I co-sponsored, has also been enacted, amending certain provisions of Republic Act No. 11709 to establish a fixed term and retirement age for some officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that would hopefully better promote their welfare. I likewise co-sponsored RA 11938, converting the municipality of Carmona, Cavite into a city. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I am also particularly happy that the Bicameral Conference Report on our proposed Regional Specialty Centers Act has already been ratified, marking a significant milestone towards improving access to specialized healthcare across the country. As the principal sponsor of the measure, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of establishing more specialty centers in various regions to ensure that our Filipinos have better access to the specialized medical services they require. This measure is a steadfast commitment, and a collective vision to improve our healthcare system. It is our people’s experiences and stories that have driven us to aim for a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of Filipinos. Likewise approved on third and final reading in the Senate are several bills that I co-authored and co-sponsored, such as: (1) the proposed Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act which seeks to establish safe routes for cyclists, pedestrians, and slow vehicles across the entire country; (2) Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act which aims to institutionalize the grant of a teaching allowance for public school teachers; (3) No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act which seeks to protect students from preventing them in taking exams due to outstanding financial obligations; (4) New Agrarian Emancipation Act which seeks to condone almost P58 billion worth of loans that agrarian reform beneficiaries incurred in owning lands under the government’s agrarian reform programs; (5) Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act which aims to stimulate economic growth for decent job generation; and (6) Senate Bill No. 2021 which aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by granting them access to shared facilities and services, technology, and skills training. The proposed National Day for Awareness on the Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire Act, and the Cultural Mapping Act, which I both co-authored, have also hurdled the Senate. Meanwhile, I likewise filed several other measures in a bid to bring services closer to our people, especially the needy, the hopeless, and the helpless. These include bills establishing Mental Health Offices in higher educational institutions, mandating financial literacy and entrepreneurship as core subjects in the junior and senior high school curricula, and institutionalizing a technical-vocational program specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. To improve the resilience of the agricultural sector, I also filed a bill seeking to provide immediate financial assistance to ARBs in the event of natural calamities and another measure that proposes to expand the services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and encourage private sector participation in agricultural insurance. Among others, I also filed bills seeking to institutionalize the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), a flagship housing program of President Marcos, Jr.; establish a comprehensive framework to accelerate infrastructure flagship programs; strengthen our coast guard; better protect our kasambahays, freelance and media workers; and provide equitable incentives to our para-athletes. After a hectic yet fruitful legislative year, I continue to personally visit our kababayans in need to provide the necessary aid. On June 1, I was in Samal, Bataan with my team to witness the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center and distribute aid to 500 of its struggling residents. We also visited Balanga City to provide similar assistance to 1,008 indigents. Batangas was our destination the following day where I inspected the Super Health Center and a multipurpose building which will be the new municipal hall in Ibaan. I also led relief operations for 1,000 of my fellow Batanguenos in Ibaan and 1,086 in Sta. Teresita. Meanwhile, I was in Naga City, Camarines Sur on June 3 where I attended the 1st Bicol Social Media Summit and assisted 1,500 indigent residents. I then conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Bicol Medical Center in the city and likewise aided 824 patients and 2,702 frontliners. The DSWD also committed to providing financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. Thereafter, I inspected a bypass road in the city, a project I also supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. Across the country, my outreach teams aided 5,102 Typhoon Agaton victims in Banate, Iloilo; 170 fire-hit families in Parañaque City; five fire-hit families in Cotabato City and three more in Catbalogan City, Samar. Indigent families were also aided, including 420 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 598 in Socorro, Surigao del Norte; 1,000 in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; 40 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 520 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; 180 in Sibalom, Antique; 518 in Kalibo, Aklan; 83 TESDA graduates in Carcar City, Cebu; and 408 barangay health workers in Sariaya, Quezon. My staff likewise attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants. As we have always done and as we are mandated to do, we should continue spending the days ahead trying to help uplift the lives of our Filipino people. The post Public service without break appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Outages, no wonder
Going by the timeframe that electricity network concessionaire National Grid Corp. of the Philippines or NGCP had presented to the government, the oppressive yellow and red alerts on peak demand periods will end by next month. In a recent statement, the NGCP said more consumers benefited from lower power rates and “better services” since private companies took over transmission operations from the government in 2009. The claim was that its investments had led to a 77-percent decline in transmission outages in the country. NGCP’s statement presented the idea that had the private contractor followed all the requirements in its 2009 contract, problems in the power network would be a thing of the past. The private firm, however, has a sordid record when it comes to keeping its commitments in the concession agreement. It pledged to the Department of Energy that the Visayas-Mindanao interconnection will be completed by next month which the energy department said would immediately add 450 megawatts to the Visayas region. NGCP also indicated that the Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnection will be completed by 30 June. Energy officials estimated that the Visayas region will have more available power with the interconnection plan as a result of the huge volume of stranded power among the islands. The DoE’s rule of thumb is that for every one-degree increase in temperature, around 100 megawatts of additional power would be needed, which explains sudden shortfalls, particularly when it triggers power plant shutdowns. The delayed projects along with the absence of reserve power, thus, has resulted in the predictable alerts when the weather temperature simmers. Another project, albeit delayed, is the Bataan-Pagbilao interconnection with more than 1,000 megawatts, or electricity equivalent to about two heavy power plants that could prevent brownouts in the Luzon grid within the immediate future. NGCP has a long list of pending projects — 32 in Luzon, 39 in the Visayas and 12 in Mindanao — that all affect the supply levels in the regions. Even the worn-out excuse that the projects were delayed because of the pandemic does not hold up since all of these were committed to being completed before the global health emergency happened. An automatic load drop which acts like a circuit breaker is triggered whenever the power supply falls short of demand and the reserve can’t plug the deficit. The procedure is necessary to prevent the tripping of a large plant. NGCP has consistently tried to deflect the blame for the frequent electricity shortage by pointing its finger at the DoE, saying that it has not done enough to bid out new contracts to suppliers. Experts, however, said NGCP contributes to low supply because it cannot complete its transmission projects on time. NGCP also tries to frighten consumers by saying that complying with its contract commitments will mean higher prices for electricity. “These projects involve building transmission lines to power plants so that they can start operating to produce power for the benefit of consumers,” an expert noted. Even before the pandemic, the DoE had been seeking transparency from NGCP and had badgered the private group about securing firm ancillary services. Another excuse for project delays was right-of-way issues that NGCP can’t invoke since its franchise gives it the power to expropriate that the consortium of taipans had abused. An energy official said the purchase of properties were made without informing the National Transmission Corp. or Transco which owns the electricity backbone. They acquired the properties in their name which is against the law. Will wonders never cease for the National Transmission Corp. contractor who seems to have grown too big, in its influence, for comfort? The post Outages, no wonder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bridging healthcare gap
While the government has consistently strived to improve medical access, the reality remains that access to hospitals providing specialized healthcare services is still limited. Almost all specialty hospitals are located in Metro Manila. We have here the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, among others. As these specialty hospitals are some of the best in our country, many of our Filipinos from the provinces who suffer from serious diseases are constrained to travel to Manila just to ensure that they receive quality, affordable and specialized healthcare services necessary for their conditions. Having to worry over transportation and accommodation expenses on top of the already burdensome medical costs is simply too much, especially for our poor Filipinos who can barely earn enough for their daily needs. As I visited many disadvantaged communities nationwide, scores of our kababayans sought me out not only for medical assistance but also for help with their transportation expenses going to Manila, where the only hospitals that can address their health needs are located. The glaring need to bring these specialized medical services closer to our people in the provinces encourages me to continue advocating for a measure that will mandate the establishment of regional specialty centers nationwide. It is high time that we unburden our fellow Filipinos of unnecessary long travels and additional expenses just to get these services needed to save their lives. On 17 May, I sponsored Senate Bill 2212, which seeks to mandate the Department of Health to establish specialty centers in existing DoH hospitals in different regions within five years, rather than constructing entirely new specialty hospitals — a cost-efficient, faster and practical solution to address the issue. The proposal also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which includes the establishment of specialty centers as part of the health-related legislative agenda of the administration. Moreover, if enacted into law, the DoH will be required to allocate capital outlay investments and work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to develop staffing patterns and standards for the specialty centers, securing positions for healthcare workers serving in these facilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing heart, lung, and kidney centers that replicate the capabilities of the National Specialty Centers in Metro Manila. This is also a way to decongest our existing specialty hospitals. For instance, the establishment of mental health centers in various DoH hospitals would help decongest the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I believe that physical, emotional, and mental health are all equally important, and I will continue to support measures that would protect and promote the different aspects of health as a whole. Thus, on the same day, I also co-sponsored the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act filed by Senator Win Gatchalian. If said bill is passed into law, a Care Center in basic education schools will be established. This will not only benefit the students but also the teaching and non-teaching personnel. Previously, I likewise filed SBN 1786 which aims to mandate Public Higher Education Institutions to establish Mental Health Offices in their respective campuses. Meanwhile, together with my team, I was in Cagayan on 18 May to join in the Sarakat Festival, attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center, and provide aid to 1,500 indigents in the town of Santa Praxedes, where I was honored to be its adopted son. We then headed to Lal-lo town where I witnessed the groundbreaking of another Super Health Center and also led another relief operation for 1,500 more struggling residents in the town. The following day, I visited Jordan, Guimaras, where I attended a volleyball tournament as part of the Manggahan Festival of the province and personally checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital. We also aided 217 patients and 512 frontliners in the hospital while the Department of Social Welfare and Development assisted 118 qualified patients. Later that day, we visited Buenavista, Guimaras where I led the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center, spearheaded a relief operation for 1,462 indigents, and visited local infrastructure initiatives we earlier supported during the Duterte administration such as the Buenavista Wharf and seawall. Last week, my outreach teams also helped many of our fellow Filipinos in need, including 50 indigents in Libertad, 50 in Salay, and 1,735 in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental; 153 in Agusan del Norte; 255 in Belison, Antique; 419 in Laurel, Batangas; 150 in Quezon City; 1,550 in Manila City; 666 in Limay, Bataan; 108 in Malolos City, Bulacan; 233 in Maria Aurora in Aurora; 366 in Kalawit and 333 in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte; and 1,912 families affected by armed conflict in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. Fire-hit households, including 21 in Lapu-Lapu City, 99 in Mandaue City, and 171 in Cebu City in the province of Cebu; and six in Angeles City, Pampanga were also assisted. Aside from pushing for the establishment of regional specialty centers, I continue to support our Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers to provide more accessible medical assistance programs and basic health services, respectively, to more of our fellow Filipinos. It is my hope that, with the support of our fellow workers in the government, we can continue bringing medical services closer to the people, particularly the economically disadvantaged and those residing in far-flung areas, to help address the urgent need to bridge the healthcare gap across the country. After all, it is enshrined in our Constitution, as a matter of state policy, that “the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people” and that “the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost.” As elected representatives of the Filipino people, it is our solemn duty to realize these state policies. These programs and measures will not only protect and promote such rights but will make this a living testament to our collective desire to help provide a more comfortable life for Filipinos. The post Bridging healthcare gap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SoKor mulling 4 DPWH projects
The Department of Public Works and Highways revealed on Friday that four of its proposed infrastructure projects have piqued the interest of the South Korea-based Export-Import Bank of Korea. In a statement, DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, also the chief implementer of the country’s “Build Better More” program, said there have been talks for “enhanced cooperation” between the agency and KEXIM under South Korea’s Economic Development Promotion Facility, a loan program intended to fund large infrastructure projects. Four projects primarily in Central Luzon and Central Visayas are targeted for said funding, including a 28.82-kilometer bypass road project traversing five municipalities and flood control works on two rivers across three municipalities in Pampanga, and a detailed engineering design of a 10.6-kilometer bypass road and feasibility study on two bridges across Lapu-Lapu Coastal Road in Cebu. Loan agreements The DPWH has already partnered with KEXIM in loan agreements in the past, including the 32.47-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island bridge project, a project under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program with loans worth $56.6 million. Last year, the DPWH said that KEXIM has committed to funding more infrastructure projects under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. 's ‘Build Better More’ program and has already funded feasibility studies and ongoing infrastructure works in the country. In a related development, some South Korean construction firms have expressed interest to work on the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge project during the Global Project Plaza 2023, as part of the Asian Development Bank meeting in Incheon, South Korea. Sadain said that the detailed engineering design for the project is already 85 percent complete, heading to meet a June deadline. Infrastructure works Last March, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan revealed the commencement of infrastructure works for the said bridge, which will consist of a two-channel, four-lane bridge linking Naic, Cavite, and Mariveles, Bataan, as well as two cable-stayed structures measuring 400 meters and 900 meters respectively. It is expected to cross Manila Bay, with each channel beside Corregidor Island in Bataan. ADB funded the project with a Php 175 million allocation, with target completion set within the next five years, or up until the end of Marcos’ term. The post SoKor mulling 4 DPWH projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC teacher dead in Bataan bus accident
MANILA, Philippines — A teacher from Quezon City died while many others were injured in a bus accident in Orani, Bataan on Saturday, the Department of Education (DepEd)-Quezon City said on Saturday. The teacher was among the 141 public elementary and high school teachers visiting the Sinagtala Resort in the said area to attend a […] The post QC teacher dead in Bataan bus accident appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Tropical Cyclone Paeng Tracker
Latest track and intensity forecast of Paeng (PAGASA) 11 p.m., Oct. 29 The state weather bureau, on Saturday evening, Oct. 29, said severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) will likely exit the Luzon landmass within 6 to 12 hours, adding that based on the latest forecast track, it may leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Monday, Oct. 31. Paeng has crossed the Laguna de Bay and the Metro Manila-Rizal-Bulacan area and is now in the vicinity of Baliuag, Bulacan. It has maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 160 kph. 8 p.m., Oct. 29 Severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) is now traversing the northern portion of Cavite. It was last spotted in the vicinity of General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite, packing maximum winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 115 kph. After traversing the Cavite area, the weather disturbance will cross the southern portion of Bataan. Signal No. 3 remained hoisted in the following areas in Luzon: the central and southern portions of Zambales, Bataan, the southern portion of Bulacan, the western portion of Pampanga, Metro Manila, the southwestern portion of Quezon, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, the northwestern portion of Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, and the northwestern portion of Oriental Mindoro. 5 p.m., Oct. 29 Paeng was last seen in the vicinity of San Pablo City, Laguna. Although it already made landfall five times, the state weather bureau said Paeng may “maintain its strength while traversing the Luzon landmass.” Its fifth and latest landfall scenario was recorded in Sariaya, Quezon at 1:40 p.m. Based on PAGASA’s latest forecast track, Paeng will continue to barrel through the Philippine landmass and will traverse the Cavite-Batangas area. 2 p.m., Oct. 29 Severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) is about to make its 5th landfall, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). It was last spotted over the coastal waters of San Juan, Batangas with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 130 kph. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals are still raised as Paeng barrels through the country’s landmass. Signal No. 3 remained hoisted in Metro Manila, Bataan, the southern portion of Zambales, Marinduque, the northern and central portions of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, the northwestern portion of Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, and the northern portion of Oriental Mindoro. 11 a.m., Oct. 29 In less than 24 hours, severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) already made landfall four times. Its most recent landfall scenario was recorded in Santa Cruz, Marinduque at 8:40 a.m. According to PAGASA, it may make another landfall in the vicinity of the southeastern portion of Batangas before traversing the Cavite-Metro Manila-Bataan Peninsula area on Saturday, Oct. 29. Paeng may exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Monday evening, Oct. 31. 8 a.m., Oct. 29 Paeng made its third landfall over Buenavista, Quezon at 6 a.m., said the state weather bureau. Based on the latest forecast track, the center of Paeng is expected to pass close or make landfall in the vicinity of Marinduque on Saturday morning, Oct. 29 before traversing the CALABARZON-Metro Manila-Bataan Peninsula area for the remainder of the day. Wind Signal No. 3 was hoisted in Camarines Norte, the western portion of Camarines Sur, Marinduque, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Metro Manila, and Rizal as Paeng barrels through Luzon. Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 include Catanduanes, Albay, the western portion of Sorsogon, the western portion of Masbate including Burias Island, the southern portion of Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, the rest of Camarines Sur, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands. Meanwhile, Wind Signal No. 1 was raised in Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the rest of Aurora, the rest of Sorsogon, the rest of Masbate including Ticao Island, and the northern portion of Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Guimaras, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. 5 a.m., Oct. 29 Severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) was last spotted in the vicinity of Siruma, Camarines Sur. It has maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph. The weather disturbance made its first landfall in Virac, Catanduanes at 1:10 a.m. Its second landfall was recorded in Caramoan, Camarines Sur at 1:40 a.m. 2 a.m., Oct. 29 Cyclone Paeng (international name: Nalgae) intensified into a severe tropical storm. Due to this weather disturbance, heavy to intense rains will persist over Bicol region, Western Visayas, Quezon, Polillo Islands, Marinduque, Romblon, Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro until Saturday morning. Paeng will then begin to drench Metro Manila and nearby areas with intense rains as it further traverses Luzon. “Heavy to intense rains to at times torrential rains possible over Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro [on Saturday morning through evening],” said PAGASA. PAGASA is still not ruling out the possibility of a landfall scenario over the Albay-Catanduanes area in the next 6 hours. Paeng may weaken into a tropical storm after its interaction with the Luzon landmass. 11 p.m., Oct. 28 The center of tropical storm Paeng was already over the coastal waters of Rapu-Rapu, Albay, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Paeng was moving west-northwestward at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour (kph), while packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph. Based on its latest track, the storm may make landfall in Albay-Camarines Sur area or Catanduanes late Friday night, Oct. 28, or early Saturday morning, Oct. 29. After its landfall, PAGASA said the storm may likely to cross the Bicol peninsula until early Saturday afternoon and cross Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Metro Manila until evening. “After emerging over Manila Bay, Paeng will briefly pass very close or over the Bataan peninsula between tomorrow late evening (Oct. 29) and Sunday early morning (Oct. 30),” PAGASA said. 8 p.m., Oct. 28 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last spotted tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) 100 kilometers (km) east-northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar or 165 km east of Juban, Sorsogon. “On the forecast track the center of Paeng may make its initial landfall in the vicinity of Albay or Sorsgon this late evening (Oct. 28) or tomorrow early morning (Oct. 29) and traverse the Bicol Peninsula before emerging over the coastal waters of Quezon. Between tomorrow afternoon and evening (Oct. 29), the center of Paeng may make another landfall over the east coast of Quezon,” PAGASA said. However, PAGASA has not ruled out a possible change in the landfall scenario due to the southward shift in the forecast track. As of 8 p.m., Paeng was moving at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour (kph), while it maintained maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph. 5 p.m., Oct. 28 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) was last spotted 180 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. It was moving west-northwestward at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour (kph), while packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph. “Tropical storm Paeng is forecast to continue moving west-northwestward through Sunday (Oct. 30). On the forecast track the center of Paeng may make landfall or pass close to Northern Samar tonight (Oct. 28),” PAGASA said. “Afterwards, this tropical cyclone will traverse the Bicol Region this late evening (Oct. 28) through tomorrow morning (Oct. 29). Between tomorrow afternoon and evening, the center of Paeng may make another landfall over the east coast of Quezon, including Polillo Islands,” it added. Paeng is also expected to intensify into a severe tropical storm in 12 hours. 2 p.m., Oct. 28 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last spotted tropical storm Paeng 155 kilometers (km) east-northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar or 245 km east-southeast of Catarman, Northern Samar. It was moving westward at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour (kph), while it maintained maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph. Based on the latest analysis, a possible close approach or landfall in Eastern Samar or Northern Samar this afternoon or evening is “not ruled out.” “Afterwards, Paeng will move generally west-northwestward and may traverse the Bicol Region tonight (Oct. 28) through tomorrow morning (Oct. 29). Between tomorrow afternoon and evening, the center of Paeng may make another landfall over the east coast of Quezon, including Polillo Islands, or Aurora,” PAGASA said. 11 a.m., Oct. 28 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) was estimated 220 kilometers (km) east-northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, or 305 km of Catarman, Northern Samar. The movement of the storm accelerated to a speed of 25 kilometers per hour (kph) west-northwest toward the Bicol Region. After its landfall in Catanduanes early Saturday morning, Oct. 29, Paeng may pass the northern part of Camarines Sur, then the eastern part of Camarines Norte. By Sunday morning, Oct. 30, PAGASA said the center of Paeng may make another landfall over the coastal area of eastern Quezon, including Polillo Islands, or Aurora. Meanwhile, Paeng has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. “Paeng is forecast to further intensify while moving over the warm waters of the Philippine Sea and may reach the severe tropical storm category within 24 hours,” PAGASA said. However, it pointed out that because of a landfall scenario in Bicol Region, Paeng is now less likely to intensify into a typhoon and there is an “increasing likelihood” that Paeng may remain a severe tropical storm. “Per latest track and intensity forecast, the highest wind signal that will likely be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 3 in anticipation of storm-force conditions associated with Paeng,” PAGASA said. 5 a.m., Oct. 28 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last spotted tropical storm Paeng 410 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, and it was moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph). It said Paeng may move west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea until Sunday, Oct. 30, while moving toward the central or southern portion of Luzon. Paeng is still expected to make landfall in or pass very close to Catanduanes by Saturday morning, Oct. 29. Meanwhile, another landfall scenario is likely over Aurora or the coastal areas of eastern Quezon, including Polillo Islands on Sunday morning. “Considering the southward shift in the forecast track, a possible landfall in the eastern portion of Bicol Region is not ruled out at this time,” PAGASA pointed out. PAGASA said Paeng slightly intensified packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph. 11 p.m., Oct. 27 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last spotted tropical storm Paeng 485 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, and it was slowly moving westward. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph. “On the forecast track, Paeng may make landfall or pass very close to Catanduanes on Saturday. Another landfall scenario is possible on Sunday (Oct. 30) over Aurora or the east coast of Quezon,” PAGASA said. “Considering the southward shift in the forecast track, a possible landfall in the eastern portion of Bicol Region is not ruled out at this time,” it added. 5 p.m., Oct. 27 Tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) maintained its strength while traversing the Philippine Sea. Last spotted 510 kilometers (km) east of Borongan City, eastern Samar, the weather disturbance was packing winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph. “Paeng is forecast to further intensify while moving over the warm waters of the Philippine Sea. It is forecast to reach severe tropical storm category within 24 hours and may intensify into a typhoon by Saturday, [Oct. 29]. The occurrence of rapid intensification in the next 72 hours is not ruled out,” said the state weather bureau. Meanwhile, the following areas were placed under Wind Signal No. 1 as of 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27: the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate including Ticao Island and Burias Island, eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of Leyte. 11 a.m., Oct. 27 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said tropical storm Paeng was estimated 540 kilometers east of Borongan City in Eastern Samar as of 10 a.m., and is moving west-northwestward at 10 kph. “Tropical storm Paeng is forecast to track generally west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea through Sunday (Oct. 30), while moving towards the central or northern portion of Luzon,” PAGASA said. “On the forecast track, Paeng may pass close to Catanduanes on Saturday (Oct. 29), and a landfall scenario is possible on Sunday within any of the coastal areas along the eastern portions of Central Luzon or mainland Cagayan Valley,” it added. However, PAGASA has not ruled out a possible southward shift in the forecast landfall, which could be over the eastern portion of Southern Luzon, due to the recent shift in Paeng’s track. 5 a.m., Oct. 27 The center of tropical depression Paeng was last spotted 660 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. “Tropical depression Paeng is forecast to track generally west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea through Sunday (Oct. 30), while moving towards the northern or central portion of Luzon. On the forecast track, a landfall scenario is possible on Sunday within any of the coastal areas along the eastern portions of Central Luzon or mainland Cagayan Valley,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. It pointed out that with the recent shift in the forecast track, “a possible southward shift in the possible area of landfall—i.e. towards the eastern portions of Central or Southern Luzon—is not ruled out at this time.” As of Wednesday, the weather disturbance has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 70 kph. “Paeng may further intensify while moving over warm waters of the Philippine Sea. It is forecast to reach tropical storm category within 24 hours and may become a typhoon by Saturday (Oct. 29). The occurrence of rapid intensification in the next 72 hours is not ruled out,” PAGASA said. 11 p.m., Oct. 26 Tropical depression Paeng was last spotted 725 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it is likely to move west until Thursday morning or noon, Oct. 27, before turning west-northwest or northwest the rest of Thursday until Sunday afternoon, Oct. 30, while approaching Northern Luzon. “On the forecast track, a landfall scenario is possible within any of the coastal areas along the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan Valley or the northern portion of Aurora on Sunday,” PAGASA said. As of Wednesday, tropical depression Paeng maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph. “Based on the latest forecast scenario, tropical cyclone wind signal may be hoisted for some areas in Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region tomorrow morning (Oct. 27) at the earliest,” it added. 5 p.m., Oct. 26 Tropical depression Paeng was estimated to be 945 kilometers (km) east of Eastern Visayas, and was moving westward at 10 kilometers per hour. “On the forecast track, this tropical cyclone is forecast to maintain this heading until it makes landfall on the eastern coast of Isabela or Cagayan,” said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). It has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph. “Paeng is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm tomorrow (Oct. 27) [while] further intensification is likely while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach the typhoon category prior to its landfall,” PAGASA said. A typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 118 kph to 184 kph. 11 a.m., Oct. 26 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said tropical depression Paeng was estimated at 965 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas and was moving slowly west-northwestward. “Tropical depression Paeng is forecast to track generally westward until tomorrow afternoon (Oct. 27), then it will turn west-northwestward for the remainder of tomorrow through Saturday morning (Oct. 29). Afterwards, Paeng will begin to move northwestward on Saturday afternoon or evening and may pass close to Northern Luzon on Sunday (Oct. 30) or Monday (Oct. 31),” PAGASA said. It added that a landfall scenario in Northern Luzon is not ruled out. Paeng has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph. “Based on the latest forecast scenario, tropical cyclone wind signal may be hoisted for some areas in Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region tomorrow morning (Oct. 27) at the earliest,” PAGASA said. “Per latest track and intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 4,” it added. 8 a.m., Oct. 26 The low pressure area (LPA) east of Visayas became a tropical depression. The tropical depression, which will be locally known as “Paeng,” is the country’s 15th tropical cyclone for 2022 and the fourth for October......»»
Rainy Monday in parts of PH due to ‘habagat’ – Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines — Rain and overcast skies will prevail over several parts of the country on Monday due to the southwest monsoon, locally known as the “habagat,” the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. “Malaki ang tiyansa ng pagulan sa Mimaropa at kanluran ng Luzon, kasama ang Bataan at Zambales posible maging […] The post Rainy Monday in parts of PH due to ‘habagat’ – Pagasa appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
‘I cringe!’: Roman hits initial removal of SOGIE in proposed anti-discrimination bill
MANILA, Philippines — Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman did not mince words as she expressed her disappointment over the initial removal of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) in the draft substitute bill of an anti-discrimination measure. During the technical working group meeting of the House committee on human rights, it was seen that […] The post ‘I cringe!’: Roman hits initial removal of SOGIE in proposed anti-discrimination bill appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
CPA GM Miole: Cebu port to have one-stop-shop for crew change soon
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu –The Cebu port will soon have its own One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for a crew change. Cebu Port Authority (CPA) General Manager Leonilo Miole said that once activated, this would already serve as the fourth OCC crew change in the country next to the Port of Manila, Port of Capinpin in Bataan, and at […] The post CPA GM Miole: Cebu port to have one-stop-shop for crew change soon appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
PNVF forms coaching staff for world meet
Seasoned coach Dante Alinsunurin will make a comeback as one of the deputies for the national men’s team as host Philippines pulls out all the stops to parade a competitive squad against the best of the best in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025......»»
Cebu City declares state of calamity in 28 mountain barangays due to el Niño
CEBU CITY, Philippines – In response to the escalating effects of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, Cebu City has declared a “state of calamity” in 28 mountain barangays. This decision comes after a resolution was passed with reports of dwindling water sources and agricultural distress, prompting urgent measures to assist affected communities in the city. .....»»
CCLEX safety enhancements pushed after US bridge tragedy
Cebu City, Philippines — In light of recent events, a call for increased CCLEX safety measures has been made to the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) by a Cebu City legislator. Councilor Rey Gealon penned a resolution urging CCLEC to implement precautionary measures at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway to prevent disasters, considering the high.....»»
Church visits are allowed only until 10 p.m. – Police chief
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Church visits on Maundy Thursday will only be allowed until 10 p.m. the chief of the Cebu City police announced on Thursday, March 28. Police Colonel Ireneo B. Dalogdog, City Director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said that the public is not allowed inside religious places past 10:00 p.m......»»
All Hail the Camera King! HONOR Magic6 Pro Ranks Number 1 in Camera Global Rankings
The leading global provider of smart devices, HONOR, claimed the top spot as the best camera smartphone in the recent DxOMark ranking test, dethroning its competitors with a high-ranking score of 158. DxOMark, an independent camera testing organization that provides comprehensive evaluations of camera performances, has awarded HONOR Magic6 Pro as the top contender in […].....»»