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GOAB Hosts Exclusive Investor’s Roundtable Dinner as Prelude to Main Event
As a prelude to the highly-anticipated 6th annual Geeks On A Beach (GOAB) conference, an exclusive Investor’s Roundtable Dinner is set to take place on November 22, 2023, at the Bellevue Resort Hotel in Panglao, Bohol. This intimate gathering provides a unique platform for private discussions about investment topics relevant to the region and beyond. […].....»»
Survey drop, disinformation, or portent?
The political whirlwind that swept the Marcos-Duterte tandem to a smashing victory in the May elections of 2016 and the air of euphoria following it appears to have gradually dissipated one year and three months following their assumption to office as President and Vice President, respectively. There has been almost a whispery voice of discontent among those in the populating bearing the brunt of the escalating prices of basic commodities and a crescendo of pessimism felt by those who have been used to responsive and aggressive governance. What could have produced the huge fall in the approval and trust ratings of the redeeming and resurrected Marcos scion and the redoubtable charming yet feisty daughter of the controversial but beloved former President? Could it be the systematic and relentless barrage of negative propaganda against the current administration unleashed by the vociferous left inside and outside Congress helped, unsurprisingly, by the ominous silence of the political allies of the two, who obviously are following the baton of the one who wields and disburses the funds and largesse they need for their districts and their own evolution? The conductor’s body language speaks volumes of the obsession to be the heir apparent of the leader of the present dispensation. The fall in the trust and approval ratings of PBBM is not his own doing. The spiraling of prices of almost all commodities, including oil and gasoline, is global. The Russia-Ukraine war, the China-Taiwan friction, the US-Russia cold war, the China-US increasing bilateral tension, and other conflicts involving other countries have affected the trade and commerce of the world, putting a monkey wrench on the best-laid plans and programs of those who run the business of the world. They contribute to the present dislocation in the world’s economy. While PBBM has envisioned a program of government that — as he puts it in his first State of the Nation Address — would bring to fruition the dream of the Filipino people to live comfortable lives under a regime of peace and orderly society, he cannot, however, do this alone. He needs competent, dynamic, creative, selfless, and honest co-government workers who will implement the plans he has laid down. Unfortunately, while there are members of his Cabinet and allies in Congress who are doing well in their respective domains quietly and efficiently, there are, however, not a few of them who either have lackluster performance or are dead woods whose incompetence and grandstanding derail his visions and frustrate the expectations of the people. PBBM has been dragged down by these dead weights, triggering this fall in the surveys. Vice President and Secretary of Education Inday Sara Duterte’s fall on the surveys presents a different dimension. Her competent handling of her department has brought dramatic changes in the public educational system. Not only has she quelled the irregular, inefficient, and corrupt practices in the education sector, but she has even initiated and launched activities protecting the safety and health of the students and public school teachers, even as she improves the quality of education. Her enormous popularity, however, has become a magnet for orchestrated and systematic false disinformation and untruthful narratives about her and her office. This early — those eyeing the presidency five years from now have sent demolition forces to tarnish her popular image and taint her unblemished reputation. Those who are gullible among those respondents in the surveys apparently have been misled or hoodwinked into believing the falsities thrown at her. On the other side of the coin, could this abrupt and sizable decrease in the approval and trust survey be a portent? Could it be a foreshadow of an oncoming political upheaval? Could it be a handwriting on the wall? Could it be a wake-up call? The post Survey drop, disinformation, or portent? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Despite House vow, VP Sara’s confidential funds still ‘intact’
The confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education totaling P650 million have yet to be transferred to security and intel agencies. Lawmaker Johnny Pimentel of Surigao on Thursday disclosed in an interview that the multi-million CF initially allocated to the OVP and DepEd remains within the purview of Vice President Sara Duterte, who governs the two agencies. Duterte sought P2.395 billion for OVP and P758.6 billion for DepEd in the proposed 2024 budget, including P500 million and P150 million in confidential funds, respectively. "At the moment [the OVP's and DepEd's CF is] not yet [transferred] because of time constraints. The budget was passed last night. The confidential funds allocated in each agency [are] still intact," he said. "However, there will be a small committee of four that will tackle the proposed amendment. It could be done there, or it could be done during the bicameral conference," he said. Pimentel was one of the party leaders in the House who decided to realign Duterte's P650 million to agencies involved in security and intelligence, such as the Philippine Coast Guard, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources amid China's persistent assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea. The most recent was the installment of a floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough shoal off the coast of Zambales by the Chinese Coast Guard. The Senate leadership, according to Pimentel, concurs with the House's proposal and has expressed willingness to reallocate such funds to other agencies that most need them. "If you recall, Senate President Migz Zubiri also issued a statement that they will follow suit or follow the direction of the proposal of the lower house to reallocate the confidential intelligence funds," Pimentel said. "So, this will be up for discussions during the bicameral conference meeting or probably during the deliberations in the Senate," he added. The House leadership said it will reallocate Duterte's P650 million confidential funds following a consensus by the chamber's party leaders to augment funds for security and intel agencies to better safeguard Philippine territorial waters and guarantee Filipino fishermen rights and access to their traditional fishing grounds. House committee on appropriations chairperson Elizaldy Co confirmed on Wednesday that the lower chamber agreed to eliminate the confidential and intelligence of several agencies and that the OVP and DepEd were the first to be identified to received the budget cuts. "The country's safety and security are of paramount importance. To protect our territorial integrity from external threats, Congress is giving top priority to agencies directly in charge [of] protecting the country's safety and securing its borders," he stressed. "As discussed, we will realign the confidential funds of various civilian agencies. Now is the time to give our intelligence community the means to perform their duties, especially in these pressing times when we’re facing serious concerns in the West Philippine Sea," Co explained. Marathon deliberations in the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024 have led to intense debates in the House, particularly on the grant of multi-million confidential funds to numerous civilian agencies, including the OVP and DepEd, that have nothing to do with surveillance. Last week's deliberations revealed that Duterte's office spent P125 million in confidential funds in 2022 in merely 11 days— not 19 days-- as initially claimed by some opposition lawmakers. The P125 million CF was part of the P221.42 million contingent fund of the OP transferred to the OVP in 2022, with the opposition claiming it was unconstitutional since there was no line item in the OVP's 2022 budget on confidential funds in the 2022 General Appropriations Act. The post Despite House vow, VP Sara’s confidential funds still ‘intact’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos to celebrate birthday in SG for F1 race, Asia Summit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will present his administration's priorities to economic and business executives at the Milken Institute's 10th Asian Conference and attend the finals of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2023 in Singapore this week. In a Malacañang statement late Monday, Marcos is expected to highlight his administration's in improving the life of the Filipinos on 13 September at the Milken Institute. "Marcos will headline the 30-minute talk, highlighting the government efforts in improving the lives of Filipinos amid challenges from significant global events. Marcos will be the first sitting Philippine President to address the Milken Institute's Asia Summit," Malacañang said. "Marcos will be the first sitting Philippine President to address the Milken Institute's Asia Summit," it added, noting that the event will also be live-streamed on the Milken Institute's website. Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, will also speak at the annual meeting. The Asia Summit 2023 will focus on peace and stability, inequality, cultural differences, and irreparable environmental damage. The Milken Institute hosts it and it has been going on for ten years. The Milken Institute is a non-profit think tank that focuses on accelerating progress toward giving everyone a meaningful life, Malacañang said. Malacañang added it brings together the best ideas and practices for how to hold a dialogue on critical global problems. Lee Hsien Loong, the prime minister of Singapore, has also invited Marcos Jr. to the finals of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix in 2023. In September 2022, Marcos Jr. went to Singapore for a state visit. After a month, he came back for the F1 Grand Prix. The post Marcos to celebrate birthday in SG for F1 race, Asia Summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mind twist
It was the “Isip Bata” segment on “It’s Showtime” that got the show in trouble recently with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. The MTRCB on Monday, 4 September, issued its decision to suspend ABS-CBN’s noontime show for 12 airing days over its 25 July episode. So what happened in that episode that got flagged? It was the icing-licking moment between hosts Vice Ganda and Ion Perez that was the “alleged indecent act.” “Isip bata” in English means having the mind of a child. To people’s eyes, however, the actions of the hosts were neither childish nor childlike, knowing their real-life relationship. The MTRCB explained that what others saw as being “too strict” — viewers who probably did not like the idea of missing the entertainment that It’s Showtime delivers — “multiple viewers had filed complaints regarding the episode’s Isip Bata segment.” This latest showbiz fracas brings to mind a talk delivered by Canadian writer Malcolm Gladwell at the SMX Convention Center Manila on the same day the MTRCB issued its decision. The rare opportunity to listen to the famed author in person highlighted the kickoff of SM’s 65th-anniversary celebration. As keynote speaker of SM Supermalls’ Tenant-Partners Summit, Gladwell shared his thoughts on what makes the new generation tick, in the context of a social movement as it affects retail and business. The mall management had also invited Emma Chiu, global director of Wunderman Thompson, a creative agency, to deliver her trend report in this “age of anxiety,” as she stated at the beginning of her 20-minute talk. One thing that stood out that afternoon was this: The world is not the same, and we must understand it in order to navigate it. Gladwell was right to point out that there is neither better nor worse in the disparities we see nowadays. In other words, the old versus the new generations is not a battle — it should be understood as being different and taken to inspire people to create. The social media age can be reviewed from the last two decades, when the young generation today was being molded in a world without borders, as they say. The youth today make decisions based on different triggers, valuing experience, connection, and inclusivity more than anything. Gladwell thinks “it’s because the world they grew up in had no spontaneity.” He cites a list of 21 rules he saw in a playground, where one might imagine kids learning to be less “joyful” and carefree as compared to those kids who grew up surviving bumps and bruises and scratches in kindergarten. In a “world far more controlled, far more regulated,” Gladwell said, people “crave a return to this kind of mass participation, a shared common cultural experience.” To the youth, brands or wealth have less influence than spontaneity and authenticity. And why is spontaneity so prized? The “spontaneity makes it feel real,” the writer summed up. In a world constantly in flux, how we shape young minds still matters even though our world today shows these same minds are no longer influenced by the same rules. The post Mind twist appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Online travel fair offers deals with no expiry dates
If you can’t pass the planning stage of your dream vacation because you’re having difficulty finding a window of availability in your schedule or a common travel period with your companion/s while you’re all trying to find the best deals, then you shouldn’t miss this year’s September Online Sale put together by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association. SOS is basically a travel fair, but done virtually for utmost convenience. As explained by HSMA vice president Amie Villena at the recent launch of SOS 2023, which she heads, all you have to do is visit their website and choose among the various deals their 87 property-members offer. You can buy one or more vouchers now and, since they don’t have expiry dates, you use any or all of them when needed. Just take note of the terms and conditions, including the blocked dates. [caption id="attachment_178857" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] STONE massage in Club Paradise Palawan.[/caption] The deals offered are in line with SOS 2023’s theme: ‘Eat. Stay. Love.’ So aside from discounted room stays, there are also weekend getaways, rejuvenation spa experiences and other recreational activities. Additionally, there are deals on restaurants, meetings and conferences packages and banquet occasions, such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. You can even mix and match your chosen deals, according to Villena, who’s also the director of sales and marketing at the Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa. For instance, you can combine Cebu-Bohol deals, “therefore creating a unique itinerary for you and your friends or your family.” After purchasing the vouchers, you can then contact the hotel or resort when you’re ready to use them. “Domestic travelers can now start planning their vacations early as this allows them to catch seat sales, too,” said Loleth So, HSMA’s president who’s also area director of Sales and Marketing of Savoy and Belmont Hotel Manila Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. “That’s why SOS is very timely.” SOS participating hotels and resorts include: Acacia Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Newport City, Kingsford Hotel Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila, Okada Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila, Solaire Resort, The Bellevue Manila, and The Heritage Hotel Manila in the Alabang/Pasay/Parañaque area; [caption id="attachment_178856" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] STAYCATION at Clark Marriott Hotel.[/caption] Alta Vista de Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Discovery Shores Boracay, Feliz Hotel Boracay, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay, Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel, Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, Patio Pacific Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boracay, and The Lind Boracay in Boracay; Armada Hotel Manila, Bayview Park Hotel, Dusit Thani Manila, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, I’M Hotel, New World Makati Hotel, One Pacific Place Serviced Residences, Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central, Seda Residences Makati, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, and Winford Resort and Casino Manila in the cities of Manila and Makati; Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, Grand Sierra Pines Baguio, and Quest Plus Conference Center in Central Clark, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, AC Luxe Angeles City, and Swissotel Clark in North Luzon; Bai Hotel Cebu, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Fili Hotel Cebu - Nustar, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center, Mithi Resort and Spa, Modala Beach Resort, Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu, The Bellevue Resort, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan, and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in Cebu and Bohol; Bacau Bay Resort Coron, Club Paradise Palawan, Dusit Thani Hotels and Resorts Davao, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, Seda Lio, Huni Lio, Lihim Resort, Miniloc Island Resort, The Oriental Leyte, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao in Palawan, Leyte, and Davao; Ace Hotel & Suites, B Hotel Quezon City, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Discovery Suites, F1 Hotel Manila, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, Luxent Hotel, Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Seda BGC, Seda Vertis North, and The Linden Suites in Quezon City and Ortigas; Acuatico Beach Resort, Acuaverde Beach Resort and Hotel, Anya Resort Tagaytay, Club Balai Isabel, Hotel Casiana Tagaytay, Pico Sands Hotel, Quest Hotel Tagaytay, Seda Nuvali, Summit Ridge Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel, and Twin Lakes Hotel in South Luzon. SOS 2023 is supported by the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, Atlantis and Isentia. It runs until 30 September. Visit www.HSMA.org.ph/SOS. The post Online travel fair offers deals with no expiry dates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go throws support to grassroots sports development programs
Championing grassroots sports development initiatives in various local communities, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally witnessed the opening of the inter-barangay basketball league in Cortes, Bohol on Monday, July 17. The basketball league is in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the local government led by Mayor Lynn Iven Lim. Addressing the crowd gathered at the ampitheater, the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports underscored the significance of sports in promoting physical fitness and diverting the youth's attention away from illegal vices, including drug abuse. As an ardent supporter of grassroots sports development, Go recognized the pivotal role that athletics play in nurturing a healthier and more productive citizenry. “Sporting events, such as the basketball league in Cortes, not only provide an avenue for physical exercise but also encourage teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie among participants,” he said. Go emphasized the importance of promoting sports activities as a means to promote a drug-free community. He highlighted the prevalence of illegal drugs in various communities and expressed his commitment to combat this menace by promoting productive activities that inspire individuals, especially the youth, to stay away from harmful substances and become productive members of society. "Kaya ganun na lang po ang galit ni (dating) pangulong Duterte sa iligal na droga. Kapag pumasok po ang droga, papasok po ang kriminalidad, papasok po ang korapsyon. Mabibili po 'yan. 'Yan po ang kinatatakutan natin dito, kapag bumalik po ang iligal na droga, hindi na po magiging safe maglakad ang mga anak natin," said Go. “Kaya isa rin po sa pamamaraan na ine-engganyo ko po ang kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs. Ilayo po natin ang mga kabataan sa droga through sports. Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” he added. The event was also attended by Congressman Edgardo Chatto, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, Tagbiliran City Mayor Jane Yap, Dauis Vice Mayor Miriam Sumaylo, and Cortes Councilor Ira Lim, among others. "Senator, maraming salamat sa iyong panahon, alam ko kung gaano ka ka-busy.... On behalf ng mga mamamayan dito sa Cortes, maraming salamat mula sa aming puso sa lahat ng iyong tulong sa amin dito.... Ang game changer natin na makapagbigay ng maayos na pag-unlad, especially sa ating mga kababayan, andito ang biggest regional hospital at… ang tumulong sa pagpasa ng batas para maisakatuparan ito ay si Senator Bong Go," Mayor Lim said. Mayor Lim likewise thanked Go for the projects he supported in Cortes as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the acquisition of a multipurpose vehicle, the construction of a multipurpose building, and the improvement of the municipal public park and hall grounds. Go also underscored the importance of creating opportunities for young athletes, including scholarships, training programs, incentives and continuing investments in local sports facilities. It can be recalled that in 2021, Go visited Bataan and participated in the presentation and signing of the Deed of Donation for the land where the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) was proposed to be constructed in Bagac. The creation of the PSTC aims to promote sports in the country and achieve excellence in international sports competitions. Meanwhile, Go authored and co-sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020. NAS is a government-run educational institution that offers quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. Go also filed Senate Bill No. 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act of 2022. The measure aims to institutionalize “a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program, which will harness the vast potential of the citizenry in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competition, thus giving the country pride and international goodwill and addressing the long-standing problems of Philippine sports in general.” “As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am one with President (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr. in highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building. I reiterate my firm commitment to always look after the welfare of our athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development,” Go previously said. It can also be recalled that Go played a crucial role in pushing for additional funding for sports development in the country. He effectively advocated for a boost in the 2023 budget of the PSC, specifically designating an extra one billion pesos to aid athletes, both at the international level and in grassroots initiatives. On the same day, Go visited several infrastructure projects he supported the funding of as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the ongoing construction of Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-specialty Medical Complex in Cortes, and the Cortes Municipal Park and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management building, both in Cortes town. He also led a distribution activity for athletes, coaches, and barangay workers in Cortes town. After Cortes, Go went to Tagbilaran City to inspect the city’s Super Health Center and the Malasakit Center at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital. Lastly, the senator attended the 73rd Commencement Exercise of Bohol Institute of Technology International College System. The post Bong Go throws support to grassroots sports development programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx is Miss Supranational 1st runner-up
Miss Philippines Supranational Pauline Amelinckx was adjudged first runner-up in the pageant’s international edition in Poland on Friday, 14 July, marking the highest placement for the Philippines since 2013. [caption id="attachment_158184" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Amelinckx placed a strong emphasis on dedication when asked about the qualities of a great Miss Supranational ambassador.PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ig/voltaire tayag[/caption] The Philippine delegate impressed the audience with her articulate answers, leading fans to express their regret at her missing the crown. Amelinckx placed a strong emphasis on dedication when asked about the qualities of a great Miss Supranational ambassador. “It would be dedication,” Amelinckx said. “Dedication to this journey, dedication to the people who have brought her up to this journey, and dedication of course to the organization that she’ll end up working with.” “This is such a beautiful experience,” she added. “And she has to be someone who can bring people together. Someone who knows that this is not a one-woman journey. We all have our differences but we also realize we have so much in common. And we are now gathered here on this stage, transcending our own borders, bringing nations together.” Her exceptional performance extended beyond the main event, as she emerged as the winner of the Supra Chat challenge, a pre-pageant competition in Miss Supranational 2023. Hosts Jo-Ann Strauss and Martin Fitch took a moment to acknowledge Miss Philippines, expressing their admiration for her remarkable performance. “She came so close. She did so well. Please put your hands together as we wish Miss Philippines, our first runner-up, a huge congratulations,” Strauss said. “She was so close but we are all so proud of you,” Fitch chimed in. Amelinckx, who hails from Bohol, was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines after participating in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant for the third time in May. Mutya Datul, who won the crown in 2013, stands as the sole Filipino victor so far of the Miss Supranational pageant. Andrea Aguilera from Ecuador was crowned 2023 Miss Supranational, while the second runner-up title went to Sancler Frantz Konzen from Brazil. Emma Rose Collingridge from the United Kingdom and Dang Thanh Ngan from Vietnam were third and fourth runners-up, respectively. The 2023 Miss Supranational coronation took place at Strzelecki Park in Nowy Sacz, Poland’s Malopolska region. The three-hour event was broadcast live to a global audience via the Miss Supranational/Mr. Supranational YouTube channel. The post Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx is Miss Supranational 1st runner-up appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Championing the welfare of Filipino artists
Time and again, freelance creatives on and off cam, on and off stage, on and off canvas and so many more in the creative ecosystem pass the hat when a colleague gets sick. The Artists’ Welfare Project, Inc. was organized to help protect the interests of Filipino artists given the often inadequate conditions for their creative work — among them not getting paid, no health protection or retirement benefits, unsafe work environments, or plain disrespect for their work and talents. Audiences who applaud the work of artists have, at the same time, no idea about what happens to such artists backstage, how many of them are taken advantage of and are underpaid and/or overworked. Since 2007, the AWPI, an NGO registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has worked on promotion, membership-building, networking and program implementation to lobby for and champion artists’ rights and welfare. All this work proved even more essential when Covid-19 came, which struck artists the hardest because the creative arts were labeled as “non-essential.” The AWPI facilitated almost P9 million worth of donations sent to almost 4,000 creatives across various industries who found themselves without a job overnight. [caption id="attachment_150899" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jenny Bonto[/caption] For the AWPI, serving its community means going the extra mile for its constituents, which means patience in communicating with artists, keeping cool and level-headed during contentious policy deliberations in Congress, and being grateful for every drop of blessing since generosity plays a big part in the organization being able to sustain its advocacy and operations. After six years, the HMO for Artists that the AWPI has established has grown to 680 enrollees. After nine months of lobbying, the Department of Labor and Employment approved the inclusion of freelancers in the Bayanihan 2 social amelioration program. After 24 months of crafting, lobbying and deliberating till almost midnight via Zoom meetings in the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act was passed into law. More: After 36 months of begging for help from agencies and corporations, a formidable database software for creatives is ready for launching. And after three years, a master’s degree course in Culture and the Arts is ready to accept the second batch of creatives for enrolment this September. The struggle is real and ongoing, but every inch of ground gained for the greater recognition of the Filipino artist’s value has been worth it. The AWPI sees the Philippines becoming a great country by harnessing the gifts of its artists and creatives to the hilt. Filipinos dance before they read, draw before they write, sing before they “ritmitik”. Filipino creatives create with or without support. But imagine the heights they can achieve for the country with the proper support and respect they truly deserve. Jennifer Lee Bonto is executive director of Artists’ Welfare Project, Inc., an organization that works through community action, collaboration, education and empowerment to advance and protect the interests of Filipino artists. The post Championing the welfare of Filipino artists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fierce Tribune, year’s best paper
As a publication that adheres to the truth and goes the extra mile outside of its comfort zone to fulfill it, Daily Tribune was cited as Outstanding Newspaper of the Year during the Rotary Club of Manila’s 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards ceremony yesterday. According to the Awards committee, Daily Tribune’s recognition stems from its exposure of anomalies and irregularities both in the public and private domain while keeping true to its mantra, “Without Fear, Without Favor.” Given distinction along with the Daily Tribune were “Executive Session,” of the Manila Broadcasting Company’s DZRH, which was named Talk Show of the Year, while GMA 7’s Integrated News program was conferred the TV News Reporting Award. “The Daily Tribune was chosen due to investigating and reporting fairly and truthfully to enable citizens to be vigilant and participatory in forming collective censure and judgment to influence responsible acts and shape the national discipline,” the citation read. The Daily Tribune was feted by RCM as Newspaper of the Year in 2017 and 2021. [caption id="attachment_145142" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Winners all Sharing the honors during the Rotary Club of Manila’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards ceremony were (from left) RC Manila Pres. Hermie Esguerra, Willie Fernandez (Daily Tribune, Newspaper of the Year), Ed Javier (Panelist, Executive Session, Talk Show of the Year), Deo Macalma (Station Manager, DZRH for Executive Session), former Congressman Jonathan dela Cruz (Panelist, Executive Session), Sen. JV Ejercito (Panelist, Executive Session), Usec. Brigido Dulay (Panelist, Executive Session), Paolo Capino (Panelist, Executive Session) and RC Manila Journalism Awards 2023 chairman Amado Valdez.[/caption] ‘Icons Series’ Daily Tribune’s president Willie Fernandez received the award with a message using an analogy. He likened the recognition to “The Icons Series” in the world of golf to highlight the resilience of the staff. The Icons Series involves matches where competitors are known greats in different sports but who are also passionate about golf. “They are athletes in their own field, who are described as having ‘reached the pinnacle of their own discipline.’ Yet they want to be ‘tested outside of their comfort zone in a pressure environment’,” Fernandez said. He credited the achievement of the daily broadsheet — which is celebrating its 23rd anniversary on 30 June — to its men and women who uphold truth, fairness, goodwill, cooperation, and shared benefits, which are also the character traits of Rotarians. “We hope to continue doing our part — serving our country and fellowmen in our own fairway, so to speak, swinging our club and aiming true,” he said. Fernandez related how the Daily Tribune defied the prognosis of many that newspapers were in their death throes by turning the paper into an omni-media organization with a vital presence in the digital realm, thus it is able to provide more timely and meaningful information to more audiences. “I am humbled and at the same time amazed that in our 23 years as a title, and the last five years striving for excellence beyond our comfort zone, we have been named Pro Patria Newspaper of the Year. I take pride in having stayed true to the Daily Tribune’s DNA of independence. Through four administrations, we boldly reported on issues that many times put our lifeblood at risk,” Fernandez said. Journalism at its best According to RCM president Hermie Esguerra, the 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Rotary Club of Manila in recognizing outstanding journalists who share our commitment to truth, fairness, and well-being to humanity.” “Today, we honor those who demonstrated their relentless pursuit of excellence in their craft. These journalists have exemplified the highest standard of integrity, fearlessness, and responsibility in their work. We applaud their unwavering commitment to the truth and their profound impact on our society,” Esguerra said. Accepting the accolade for the “Executive Session” were hosts Edwin Eusebio, Paulo Capino, Ed Javier, Jonathan dela Cruz, Justice Undersecretary Brigido Dulay representing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Deo Macalma representing Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito. Panelists of the Executive Session were feted for demonstrating “unparalleled excellence” in journalism with the enriching dialogue that they bring to each episode. It dives deep into current affairs and pressing issues presenting insightful and diverse discussions. For GMA Integrated News, the award was accepted by Oliver Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of the GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, on behalf of Atty. Felipe Gozon, chairman of GMA Network Inc. “I am here speaking on behalf of the two other awardees — GMA Network, Inc. and Executive Session of DZRH — for this year’s Rotary Club of Manila Pro Patria Journalism Awards for tri-media,” Fernandez said. “I feel a little like a valedictorian in a graduating class, delivering a common message of gratitude, of hope, and of inspiration.” “For us, this recognition is proof of our passion for the work we do, and simply the kind of boost we need to push forward and forge ahead, as they say, in spite of the difficulties we may encounter,” the Daily Tribune president said. Fernandez also congratulated GMA Network Inc. for its “manner and style of reporting with a built-in system of checks and balance that will ensure the delivery of news and events without bias and partiality, fear and accommodation of the powerful and vested interest.” [caption id="attachment_145139" align="aligncenter" width="525"] It’s a euphoric moment for the Daily Tribune after it was cited as the Outstanding Newspaper of the Year during the Rotary Club of Manila’s 2023 Pro Patria Journalism of the Year Awards ceremony at New World Hotel, Makati City yesterday, 15 June. With Daily Tribune President Willie Fernandez (3rd from left) and Vice President Chingbee Fernandez (2nd from left) are (from left) Editor-in-Chief Gigie Arcilla, Executive Editor Chito Lozada, Managing Editor Dinah Ventura, Editor-at-Large Gibbs Cadiz, Marketing Director Komfie Manalo, and writer Raffy Ayeng.[/caption] Not about people... The RCM Journalism Awards was conceptualized in 2021 by Dean Amado Valdez and the late RCM president Bobby Joseph, with the club’s commemoration of Philippine Independence, which Dean Valdez, the chairman of RMC Journalism Awards 2023, said, “It has become a tradition and will last for as long as the Rotary Club of Manila stays.” “This year’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards is not just about people, but about the philosophy of delivering the news, the concept of integrated news reporting on television, and a mechanism to ensure that there is fair reporting,” Valdez said. He added: “The essence of journalism is a journalist who goes around to get positive news; the news that restores the confidence of the people, and for the ability of the government to protect them from threats; telling the people about economic opportunities, infrastructure; strides in education; personal achievements of individuals and citizens that bring honor to the country. “ “These are the stuff that makes great journalism and the stuff that deserves the Pro Patria Journalism Awards,” he said. The post Fierce Tribune, year’s best paper appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Rex camp vs drugs
Rex Education bared its “Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon Continuum” for strengthening drug-abuse prevention recently at the Novotel Manila. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Conference gathered organizations, policymakers and prevention implementers for discussions on addressing drug-related problems in the country. The conference encouraged individuals and groups to share drug-abuse prevention responses that are health-centered and based on family intervention. The agenda tackled the healthcare system, evidence-based programs and Philippine experiences in family-centered interventions. REX was among the government and non-government organizations who shared their experiences with prevention programming, as well as the impact and influence of these initiatives. BPE officially launched during the January 2021 Annual Educators’ Congress, where 400 private and public schools expressed interest and intent in pilot-implementing the framework. In March 2021, pilot implementation for BPE began with 13 schools completing one implementation cycle. The program is grounded in the Edukampyon advocacy: To engage duty-bearers and build their capacities for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling the right to quality education. Based on the standards of UNODC, drug-abuse prevention is a significant motivator for children, young adults, and adults to contribute positively in their families, schools, workplace and communities. Drug-abuse prevention at the school level focuses on the health and safety of children and youth, in a bid to encourage self-actualization that can lead to the realization of their full potential, prompting them to become productive members of society. The post Rex camp vs drugs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden says Republican debt ceiling demands ‘unacceptable’
President Joe Biden on Sunday slammed Republican demands in negotiations to resolve the US debt ceiling standoff as "unacceptable" but said a solution can still be found before a disastrous default. Speaking at a press conference just before returning to Washington from the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, Biden said Republicans' latest demands for spending cuts as a condition for raising the US government's borrowing authority were "frankly unacceptable." "It's time for the other side to move from their extreme positions," he said. Biden said he would talk directly with the Republican leader, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, during his Air Force One flight on Sunday back to Washington and said "we can reach an agreement." But he also said that he was looking into a dramatic attempt to invoke an obscure constitutional clause -- which states that the validity of public debt "shall not be questioned" -- to circumvent Congress and raise the debt ceiling himself. "I can't guarantee that they wouldn't force a default by doing something outrageous," Biden said of the Republicans. "I'm looking at the 14th amendment." "I think we have the authority. The question is could it be done and invoked in time," he said. Biden had planned to travel from Japan to Papua New Guinea and Australia but cut short the Asia trip due to the ongoing debt talks. The Treasury Department says that the government could run out of money and default on its $31 trillion debt as early as June 1 if Congress, where Republicans control the House of Representatives, does not authorize more borrowing. Hostage accusation The debt ceiling raise is usually an uncontroversial annual procedure but this year the increasingly hard-right Republican party has turned the threat of default into a powerful lever to try and force Biden to accept making heavy spending cuts. Biden has refused, accusing his opponents of putting the US economy at risk for political point scoring. Discussions appeared to be at an impasse overnight Saturday in Washington, as both sides traded accusations. "We're making 0 demands to avoid default. You're the only ones with a hostage," tweeted White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, accusing Republicans of seeking to trigger a recession in the world's leading economy. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the latest Republican demands were "a big step back and contained a set of extreme partisan demands that could never pass both houses of Congress." She said that McCarthy's hand had been forced by his party's pro-Donald Trump wing which is "threatening to put our nation into default for the first time in our history unless extreme partisan demands are met." McCarthy, however, tweeted Saturday to say the White House was the one "moving backward." "Unfortunately, the socialist wing of the Democrat Party appears to be in control -- especially with President Biden out of the country," he said. On Friday, Republicans had briefly walked out of negotiations, but after talks restarted, Jean-Pierre said she was "optimistic." And Biden had insisted Saturday that he was "not at all" worried. More borrowing is required by the US government just to meet expenditures already made, meaning failure to strike a deal to lift the debt ceiling would leave Washington unable to pay its bills, triggering a likely array of economic shockwaves around the world. The post Biden says Republican debt ceiling demands ‘unacceptable’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Whispers, hints, and non-denials ahead of supposed Biden 2024 launch
No one at the White House will openly tell you Joe Biden is announcing his 2024 re-election campaign next Tuesday. And no one will tell you he isn't. Including Joe Biden. Asked by AFP as he crossed a sun-drenched Rose Garden on Friday whether he was announcing, the president playfully answered: "I don't know." Welcome to the Biden mystery reveal party. Here's what we know. Major US media, led by The Washington Post, quoted multiple unnamed sources late Thursday saying Biden, 80, will declare his candidacy next week -- possibly Tuesday. There are big caveats, namely that the Biden camp has several times previously teased an imminent announcement, then failed to deliver. January, February, start of April -- each deadline, when people in the know said they knew, came and went. This month, Axios quoted more unnamed sources saying that a decision might be put off for months, until after the summer. The latest speculation is different for its specificity and immediacy. And so far, no one -- named or unnamed -- is denying it's true. Tuesday happens to be the anniversary of the day in 2019 when Biden launched the campaign he ultimately rode to defeat Donald Trump in 2020. The symbolism of a new announcement, particularly when Biden's main challenger presently is none other than Trump, would be strong. No mention of election events is on the White House schedule for Biden next week. But his agenda would work nicely with an announcement, especially if it's just a video address, as the US media reports expect it to be. Monday, Biden will preside over a teachers of the year ceremony. He'll also host three Democratic lawmakers from Tennessee whose gun control protest in the state legislature became a national focal point for frustration over unending mass shootings. Public education and attempts at gun control are both major Biden priorities. On Tuesday, possibly the re-election announcement day, he is set to address a trade union conference on one of the main leitmotifs of his expected campaign message -- how his administration is "bringing manufacturing jobs back" and "rebuilding the middle class." Then on Wednesday, he hosts South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a state dinner. The event will underline Biden's far-reaching attempts to strengthen US foreign policy by restoring alliances that withered under Trump. Just don't try asking White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre if Biden is about to pass go. She immediately ducks behind a US law, the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from being involved in political campaigns. "I know there's a lot of interest in this. Obviously, I totally understand this, the questions about all of this, the press reports that we have seen the last 24 hours," she said at the start of her daily briefing on Friday. "When it comes to the president's plans for 2024, I just want to say... federal law prohibits me from discussing campaign-related topics from this podium." Her attempt to stonewall triggered attempts by reporters to ask the election question in ever more novel ways. "Does the president have any plans to mark the fourth anniversary of his announcement?" asked one. "Who will be able to address questions about 2024?" asked another. "It's not a 2024, not a Hatch Act-type question," began another, prompting Jean-Pierre to burst out laughing and retort: "That's what you think." "I don't have anything to say about 2024," Jean-Pierre summarized. "Either way, it's not going to come from this podium." The post Whispers, hints, and non-denials ahead of supposed Biden 2024 launch appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
VP Duterte named PH convenor for int l educ conference
MANILA - Vice President and Education chief Sara Duterte was named as the Philippines' convenor for the United Nations Transforming Education Summit (TES) on September 19 in New York."I am optimistic that with Vice President Sara Duterte as national convenor, the Philippines will chart a str.....»»
First Philippines copyright summit to champion ‘creative rights’ education
Artists and creators entertain and inspire the public through their craft......»»
British Council in the Philippines marks 45 years of impact, hosts inaugural Study UK alumni awards
Leveraging the UK's expertise in arts, culture, education and the English language, along with its global network spanning over 100 countries, the British Council has developed a distinctive approach to drive positive change across various sectors in the Philippines. .....»»
Teachers oppose 100 percent foreign ownership of schools
Teachers and other education personnel have expressed their opposition to opening up the country’s schools to 100 percent foreign ownership under the proposed Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 currently under deliberations in Congress......»»
Tubod in Surigao del Norte named most competitive municipality
Tubod, a municipality in Surigao del Norte, has been recognized as the most competitive among 315 5th-6th class municipalities during the Philippine Creative Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Congress held on September 28......»»
Esports, education come together in 1st Estudyante Esports SummEEt
The summit is one of the initiatives under Dark league Studios' Estudyante Esports Program, which hopes to bring esports to the academe to create a sustainable future for both the industry and the next generation of gamers who wish to pursue a career in the industry......»»