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2 Pangasinan-based environmental defenders abducted
by DOMINIC GUTOMAN Bulatlat.com MANILA – Two Pangasinan-based environmental defenders and organizers were violently mauled and dragged into an SUV at about 8 p.m. on March 24 in Barangay Polo, San Carlos, Pangasinan, according to human rights group Karapatan-Central Luzon Karapatan – Central Luzon said the abduction of Francisco “Eco” Dangla III and Axielle “Jak”… The post 2 Pangasinan-based environmental defenders abducted appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Ecija onion farmers get storage facilities
The Department of Agriculture has turned over two onion cold storage facilities to the DA-Central Luzon office in Nueva Ecija......»»
PSA-7: Report to us if PhilSys ID not accepted
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Statistics Authority in Central Visayas (PSA-7) urged Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID holders to report to the agency if some entities do not accept their IDs. PSA-7 chief administrative officer of Edwina Carriaga told CDN Digital in a phone interview that the agency is urging PhilSys ID (National ID).....»»
Acido bags NCAA Jrs. MVP plum
Perpetual Junior Altas gained their share of individual awards in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 Juniors Basketball awards ceremony Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City......»»
Xinhua world news summary at 0630 GMT, March 18
MOSCOW -- Russia's incumbent President and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin, who is set to win reelection, said he would do his utmost to achieve national development goals on Monday morning. Putin has won 87.32 percent of the vote after 95.04 percent of all ballots were counted, according to data from the Russian Central Election Commission as of Monday morning. (Russia-Presidential Election) - - -.....»»
Philippines posts 196 mln USD deficit in February
MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' overall balance of payments (BOP) posted a 196-million-U.S. dollar deficit in February, significantly lower from the 895-million-dollar BOP deficit recorded a year ago, the country's central bank said on Tuesday. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the BOP deficit in February reflected outflows arising mainly from the national government's foreign currency deb.....»»
PSA-RSSO 8 sweeps 6 major accomplishments in 2022 PSA Awards
The Philippine Statistics Authority -Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA-RSSO 8) was among 17 other regions in the country that garnered major accolades during the 2022 PSA Awards held during PSA 10th Anniversary Celebration at PSA Central Office......»»
A positive difference
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” Mahatma Gandhi once said. Marian Wright Edelman states, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” Two memorable statements capture the essence of Attorney Kelvin Lester Lee, hailed by Dean Antonio La Viña of Ateneo School of Government as “one of the finest and most visionary individuals to have emerged from Ateneo Law School.” It’s no surprise that Atty. Lee became a Commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019. While his position may be formidable, those who have met him in person can attest to his kind-hearted nature and willingness to devote his time generously. When expressing his views, he displays a remarkable level of candor, always taking the time to carefully consider his words before speaking. Aside from his sense of humor, Lee possesses a remarkable ability to engage in meaningful conversations. When he speaks, he has a way of looking directly into your eyes, underscoring the significance of his words. Even in intense situations, he maintains a calm demeanor and is known to offer a comforting smile, lightening the atmosphere. In his role as Commissioner at the SEC, Atty. Lee assumes the responsibility of overseeing various crucial departments and divisions. These include the markets and securities regulation department, the information and communications technology department, the PhiliFintech innovation office dedicated to Philippine financial technology, and the international affairs and protocol division. Moreover, he holds authority over capital markets, sustainable finance, Fintech and information technology, and international affairs, ensuring their effective management and implementation. While the enormity of those tasks might induce vertigo in most individuals, Atty. Lee remains unfazed. “It is perhaps the best job I have ever had,” he admitted. “I enjoy making a positive change in the sector I am handling. I enjoy pushing innovations and encouraging improvements in the financial sector and capital markets.” With great responsibility, Lee adopts a heightened level of caution. Recognizing the potential impact of his words, he expressed the need to exercise carefulness in his public statements, as any statement he makes can influence the stock market. This awareness underscores his commitment to acting with prudence and considering the far-reaching implications of his words. Let’s delve into the life of Lee, who began his journey in the humble city of Davao, his birthplace. He embarked on his educational path at the Ateneo de Davao University for his grade school education, followed by his enrollment at Davao Central High School, then called Davao Chinese High School. After completing his schooling in Davao, he ventured to Beijing, China, where he pursued studies in the Chinese language and gained work experience with a foreign company. However, after two years, he returned to the Philippines and enrolled in Ateneo de Manila University to pursue a law degree. This journey showcases his diverse experiences and the foundation of his educational and cultural background. “The Ateneo de Manila entrance exam was the only one I could take that year when I came back from China,” he said, adding that he never dreamed of becoming a lawyer. “I just wanted to give it a try. And found I was a surprisingly good fit for it.” As a lawyer, he has five ideal lawyers. Only one is a foreigner: Sir Thomas Moore, an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, and statesman whom Roman Catholics venerated as Saint Thomas More. “He stood by his faith and principles,” he said. Fresh from hurdling the Bar exam, he worked at the Siguion-Reyna Montecillo and Ongsiako law firm, where he learned the importance of being enterprising and putting in a diligent effort to succeed. However, despite his professional growth, he decided to quit and return to his hometown of Davao, placing the deeply rooted value on family and prioritizing personal and familial responsibilities above career pursuits. As a father to two daughters, Atty. Lee expressed that fatherhood has had a profound impact on him, bringing about significant changes. He considers it one of the greatest blessings he could ever receive. According to him, the love that his children show him is genuine and unmatched. He believes that the love of young children is unparalleled. Experiencing this level of love is indescribable, knowing someone loves you unconditionally. This extraordinary bond makes fatherhood one of the most precious and fulfilling aspects of his life. “The love your kids show you is real,” he said. “You will never be as loved as you are by your young children. There is no feeling quite like it to know that someone loves you as much as that. That’s what makes it one of the best things.” Working in government “It is an honor to serve. Very few people get an opportunity to help the country and serve the president and the people,” said Lee, who is a former assistant secretary at the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang, where he was also designated to sit on the Board of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Atty. Lee’s dedication to public service earned him well-deserved recognition in his field. In March this year, he received two international accolades for his role in driving the advancement of financial technology in the Philippine business sector, highlighting his visionary thinking and influential impact solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the field. In the 10th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, Lee was bestowed the Gold Stevie award for his outstanding contributions as a Thought Leader of the Year. These awards celebrate workplace innovation across all 29 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. From a vast pool of over 800 regional nominations, winners were selected in various categories, including the Award for Excellence in Innovation in Products & Services, the Award for Innovative Management, and the Award for Innovation in Corporate Websites, among others. “It feels great. It’s always wonderful to be recognized for all the hard work and changes you pursue at a government agency. And I was quite surprised to get the Gold Stevie Award, the highest level of the award for thought leadership. I feel so honored!” In the next decade, Atty. Lee, now 44, envisions continuing his career in law, possibly incorporating elements of technology, and hopes to stay actively involved in government work and make a significant impact by fostering meaningful transformation. “Working in government can be quite fulfilling. I encourage young lawyers and professionals to enter the arena and work in government to try and make a positive difference.” The post A positive difference appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prize builder
Aboitiz Land, renowned for its quality and innovation in real estate, achieved success at The Outlook by Lamudi Awards 2023 in September. The prestigious event at Shangri-La Fort witnessed Aboitiz Land securing multiple accolades, underscoring unwavering commitment to creating distinctive living spaces for the community. Seafront Residences takes second consecutive win for Best Premium House (Luzon). It features generously spread amenities including diamond parks fronting Budji+Royal houses, beachfront clubhouse and a town center that will offer well-curated retail and F&B establishments. Offering premier seaside living, Seafront Residences is a unique experience for those seeking the perfect balance between luxury and coastal beauty. Ajoya Cabanatuan, located in Barangay Valle Cruz, Nueva Ecija, has been awarded the Best Affordable House in Luzon for 2023. It offers well-designed homes and carefully planned amenities, providing residents with spacious open areas and a well-maintained environment. Additionally, the homes are designed to suit the local climate, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable living experience. What sets Ajoya Cabanatuan apart is its accessibility for the mid-market segment. While access to generous green open spaces is often associated with high-end projects, Aboitiz Land has extended these amenities to cater to the mid-market segment. This inclusivity ensures that more individuals and families can enjoy the benefits of modern living without compromising quality or comfort. Amoa has garnered recognition as the Bronze Awardee for Affordable House of the Year for Visayas and Mindanao. Amoa boasts carefully designed neighborhoods and a one-hectare central amenity, making it an ideal community for families in search of a comfortable living experience in Compostela, Cebu. By offering urban living amidst a serene natural setting, Amoa reflects Aboitiz Land’s commitment to delivering affordable, quality living spaces. Aboitiz Land recognized as Bronze Awardee for Developer of the Year and Digital Innovator of the Year. Aboitiz Land’s dedication to making strides in real estate development has been acknowledged with the Bronze Award for Developer of the Year for Visayas and Mindanao and Digital Innovator of the Year. This dual recognition reflects the company’s innovative approaches, including the introduction of OneVecino, their digital ecosystem. OneVecino aims to assist home seekers in various aspects such as property search, payments, customer support, and property management. This achievement underscores Aboitiz Land’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to enhance the overall experience for all stakeholders in the industry. Moreover, Aboitiz Land is a developer known for its premium and exclusive communities in Cebu, including North Town Homes, Mahogany Grove, Pristina North, Priveya Hills and Foressa Mountain Town. These communities continue to be among the most respected in terms of quality and value in the region. The Outlook by Lamudi Awards is an esteemed event that spotlights industry leaders and outstanding projects in the Philippine real estate landscape. The post Prize builder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Homebuyers shifting to mixed-used properties
Mixed-used development, including townships and communities that feature commercial, residential, and recreational areas is commanding strong popularity among homebuyers. The Spectrum, a mixed-used condominium development, has gained recognition for its top-tier housing options. It was named “Mixed-Use Development of the Year—Luzon” at the prestigious Lamudi Outlook Awards 2023. The Spectrum’s win not only solidifies its status in the real estate industry but also highlights the Ortigas Central Business District as a prime site for mixed-use developments. Located on Julia Vargas Avenue corner of Garnet Road, The Spectrum places its residents right at the heart of the Ortigas CBD, and close to the best lifestyle destinations that urbanites seek. Teresa Tumbaga, division head, asserts that the recognition given by the Lamudi’s Outlook Award 2023, sets the stage for even greater prospects for The Spectrum and its role in Luzon’s urban development. “We are immensely proud of this achievement, which will spur us to craft even more exceptional living spaces for Filipino urban professionals in the metropolis and beyond.” Indeed, with The Spectrum’s proximity to multiple leisure dining, shopping and entertainment options, residents are spoiled for choice. The development is within striking distance of multi-national companies’ corporate headquarters, upscale hotels and restaurants, sprawling shopping malls, hospitals like Medical City, and some of the country’s renowned learning institutions like Saint Pedro Poveda College, La Salle Greenhills, and the University of Asia and the Pacific. The Ortigas CBD is likewise strategically close to the Makati CBD and BGC towards the south and the Araneta City towards the north. Still, while The Spectrum provides its homeowners with a prestigious address, equally important is how the condo features trademark amenities that include enhanced security measures; walkable swathes of greenery and landscaped spaces; swimming pools; fitness centers, and children’s play areas. “If you covet the ultimate condo lifestyle, look no further than The Spectrum, which lies at the crossroads of luxury and convenience,” Tumbaga enthuses. “On this note, we are gratified to know that Lamudi Philippines, a leading digital real estate marketplace, has found The Spectrum deserving of its Outlook Awards this year.” The post Homebuyers shifting to mixed-used properties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thousands of rice farmers treated to PhilRice field day
Thousands of farmers across the country had been feted in the traditional Lakbay Palay field festival, where all eight stations of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) opened their doors for farmers to personally view the progress and benefits of the latest palay seeds technologies done in the premier rice research institute of the country. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Leocadio Sebastian said the dry season Lakbay Palay is held every March or April and the wet season every September or October. Sebastian said the participants toured the 140 hectares of PhilRice field in Science City, Nueva Ecija. The farmers also had the chance to look into the available seeds and soil nutrients of the private sector exhibitors during the two-day festival from 27 to 28 September. Farmers learn PhilRice-developed technologies which include Palayamanan system, a rice-based farming system they can adopt to lessen the economic effects of El Nino, high yielding varieties and farm machinery, according to DA official. He added that about 10 public and private agencies and cooperatives also pledged their support to the “BIDA RiceBIS, Be the rice’s best” movement, which aims to increase farmers’ market opportunities. The regular Lakbay Palay, which started in 1992 as Farmers’ Field Day, was changed into Lakbay Palay in 2012 under the administration of PhilRice Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. It held before October each year or the start of the planting season for the dry season crop. The 2023 Lakbay Palay wet season festival was simultaneously held in all eight stations of PhilRice with the biggest festival held at the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. The other stations that held simultaneous Lakbay Palay were Batac, Isabela, Los Banos, Bicol, Negros, Agusan and Midsayap. The farmers that attended on both days of the Lakbay Palay in Nueva Ecija were from Zambales, Bulacan, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac and Aurora provinces. The farmers were divided into 500 persons a day but the number was exceeded on the second day as many walk-ins showed up. PhilRice Executive Director Dr. John de Leon said farmers are welcome to visit the 140-hectare research and development farm and the new Crop Protection Division for any of their inquiries and concerns. PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Development Dr. Karen Barroga urged the farmers to work in clusters so they could meet the required rice volumes of potential private sector partners for their produce. She cited the case of Negros Occidental farmer-cooperative who is now selling 500 bags a week to Merzci, a famous palalubong and fastfood chain in the region for its business and corporate social responsibility activities. This was made possible through the Rice BIS (Business Innovation System) of PhilRice, which links farmers to private sector buyers so they can enjoy better market prices for their produce. Another partnership was forged by PhilRice between the farmers of Zambales and Bicol who are now supplying the Kiwanis International for their feeding programs for poor communities, she said. Dr. Val Perdido, who represented Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian for Rice Industry Development, exhorted the farmers to improve their yields using both new technologies and better farming practices so the country can meet its food sufficiency and nutritional goals and improve the farmers’ incomes. He said Nueva Ecija farmers have proven yields of six tons a hectare but most other areas produce four tons or less. He mentioned that the Department of Agriculture is giving production assistance to farmers (in fertilizers and biofertilizers) in addition to the certified seeds, training and machineries provided under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) program. A farmer cooperative officer, Vincent Gonzales of St. Vincent Parish Multupurpose Cooperative in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya narrated to the participants that their coop was founded in 1979 by a Belgian priest to help farmers– who borrow from loan sharks for their daily subsistence with a capital from 400 members of P4,000 has now grown to 5,600 members with a total material asset of P424 million. The coop is now able to support members through loans and social development activity, scholarship grants, medical assistance and food packs (for the disabled and the aged). It had received numerous awards including the Most Outstanding SIPAG award in 2022 from Senator Cynthia Villar. The post Thousands of rice farmers treated to PhilRice field day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tanduay optimistic about entry into competitive Taiwan rum market
Tanduay has a positive outlook about its entry into Taiwan amid stiff competition from other rum brands. “Based on early reviews, we think that the brand will perform well since the Taiwanese market already has a sophisticated taste and is very accepting of brands that offer them something new and unique,” said Marc Ngo, Tanduay International Business Development manager and senior brand manager. He compared the Taiwanese rum market to that of Singapore where people are willing to spend on quality spirits and cocktails. In entering Taiwan, Tanduay partnered with the distributor, Mr. Mixer, Ltd., one of the leading spirits and other liquor distributors in the country. “They believe in the brands and they share our passion for bringing our world-class rums to the Taiwan market,” Ngo said. Mr. Mixer, Ltd recently held a grand launch of Tanduay at Driftwood Bar in Ximending District and invited Taiwan’s premier mixologists Mars Chang and the members of “To Infinity and Beyond Team”, the 2021 World Class competition Taiwan champions, to showcase their outstanding mixology skills as they infused Tanduay rums into unique signature cocktails. Seven world-class rums Tanduay is making its award-winning and best-selling rums available in Taiwan. These include the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, Tanduay Double Rum, Boracay Rum Coconut, Boracay Rum Cappuccino, Tanduay Dark and Tanduay White. Ngo said they are currently focused on opening and partnering with on-trade accounts to feature their brands and for consumers to try. “At the same time, we are having discussions with big chain accounts for them to carry Tanduay rums in their stores. We are also planning to join the Tainan Cocktail Event on 20-21 October to feature our brands more to local consumers,” he said. The brand’s international business has been on a steady growth trajectory in recent years. Taiwan is the 19th country where Tanduay rums are being sold. In Asia, it is already available in China, Singapore, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe it is being distributed in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Austria, Poland, Georgia, Armenia and the Czech Republic. It is also available in the United States and Canada in Northern America and Costa Rica in Central America. Apart from its increasing global footprint, Tanduay has received numerous accolades from international competitions, such as the World’s Number 1 Rum recognition from Drinks International Magazine for six consecutive years, and Brand of the Year from the World Branding Awards. Not one to rest on its laurels, Tanduay is eyeing further international expansion in the coming months. The post Tanduay optimistic about entry into competitive Taiwan rum market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nina Lim-Yuson — A lifetime of girl scouting
The president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Nina Lim-Yuson, grew up in a family and home of Girl Scouts. Her grandmother, Pilar Hidalgo-Lim, was one of the co-founders of the GSP. “It was actually my Lola Pilar who suggested to Josefa Llanes Escoda, the GSP founder, to go to America to learn about girl scouting.” This tidbit of history, Nina shared in an online interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE. Pilar Hidalgo-Lim became GSP president, and so did Nina’s mother, Estefania Aldaba-Lim, who served as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Nina’s sister too, the eminent broadcast journalist, Cheche Lazaro, was a Girl Scout. Coming from a lineage of women achievers, Nina could not have chosen a different path. It was scouting that formally introduced the family to social responsibility, skills development and citizenship. Her brothers were also Boy Scouts. “I started when I was six years old and it was my Lola Pilar who inducted me as a Brownie. It used to be called Brownie because we were still using the American pattern,” she related. She belonged to Troop Number One, the first to be organized by the GSP national headquarters. In high school at the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School of the Philippine Women’s University, she became a junior and later a senior Girl Scout. College would briefly end her Girl Scouting as she focused on her studies. Along the way, she also danced with the Bayanihan Folk Dance Company. It was not unexpected that she would return to scouting, her first love, and her first extra-curricular activity. For the last 36 years, she has been active in various organizations and volunteer work. She founded the Museong Pambata. She is a recipient of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service and is active in its various social development efforts. What Nina brings to her post is the legacy of leadership that had been passed on to her through generations of women leaders in the family. “My Lola Pilar was my idol. She was such a nice person and I never knew her totally as a president. I knew her more as a loving lola from all the stories she related when we rode up to Baguio. “My mother, on the other hand, was the opposite. She was very career-minded. I learned naman from her a lot of things, like being thrifty and having a list of things to do. In terms of organization, she was like that. Because she was in government. And, you know, when we started Museo, while it was actually my concept, I learned a lot from her. She would call me up at 5 o’clock in the morning and she would rattle off what needed to be done, like ‘number one, number two and so on.’ That was her. And I’m glad that I worked with her for six years in Museo. She was the president and I was the executive director for six years. I took over in 2000 as president and chief executive officer. And then, I stepped down in 2017.” Girl Scouts who read and tell stories Nina was elected president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines for the term 2021-2024 during its 2021 national convention. From day one, she shared, “My purpose was to reach out to the community-based troops because we have always been school-based. Many young women now have social problems so we need to reach out to the communities through our community-based troops.” Also on top of her priorities is literacy development, a cause that she addressed even in the Museo Pambata. She explained, “My advocacy has always been education. So, I was very concerned because the Asian Development Bank reported in 2022 that the World Bank found out that our Filipino children at ages 9 and 10 cannot read. So, I felt that because girl scouting is all over the country, with 96 local councils, the organization could serve as a vehicle for improving literacy in our country. “We started the Girl Scout Storyteller project because storytelling affects the heart first before the mind. When young people start with storytelling, they will love the stories and then the written word. They would then want to read. “We now have storytelling in economically challenged communities and we have partners. We sent out 2,500 books throughout the country with the help of our partner couriers.” Initially, she sought the help of her family foundation “to give a donation. I also sought the help of Ging Montinola, who is into literacy development. Together, we founded the literacy program. We are building this fund to cover the cost of buying children’s books. We will have a storytelling contest next year.” Raising funds for Camp Escoda Nina then shifted the conversation to another major endeavor that she is spearheading as GSP president — fundraising for the 27-hectare Camp Josefa Llanes Escoda in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, which was donated by the provincial government during the term of Governor Amado Aleta, the father of consul and civic leader Fortune Ledesma. “Palayan is beautiful because it has rolling hills, but it doesn’t have electrical and water facilities and roadworks. It doesn’t have a swimming pool, and it’s so hot in Nueva Ecija. It also does not have a conference hall. This is a big one-time fundraising project because it’s for the future of the girls who are going to the camp. Because as of now, if you go camping there, you have to walk up the hills to get your drinking water. You have to make buhos to take a bath.” She recalled, “In my time as a young Girl Scout, which was of another era, we had to walk in the dark to fetch water to fill up two drums. I was so scared because there were tuko in Los Baños. That taught me to be courageous. Camps really build up your lifetime skills and attitude. Camping is very integral in girl scouting and boy scouting. So, this camp will serve a purpose. It just needs various basic facilities to make it world-class and convenient with the proper amenities, but the girls will continue to learn all those survival techniques and appreciate nature right on the camp.” She praised architect Pippo Carunungan, “who is an environmental planner. He surveyed the site and drew up everything. It will be a beautiful camp, he said, because it’s a gift of nature.” First Lady as Chief Girl Scout Nina recently led the Girl Scouts in a fundraising ball attended by the “First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, who is our Chief Girl Scout. It’s mandated in the GSP constitution that whoever is the female president of the country or the First Lady is the Chief Girl Scout. In the past, we had Imelda Marcos, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. All the first ladies were all Chief Girl Scouts. “Mrs. Liza Marcos spoke before us and she promised to help. She said, ‘We will make it the best campsite.’ Everyone was excited to see her and she obliged everyone who asked to have selfie with her. She is very friendly. She is really a Girl Scout.” Nina shared, “A generous couple is sponsoring the swimming pool at P6 million, while a gentleman entrepreneur is sponsoring the perimeter fence at P1.5 million. Many other businessmen and leaders have pledged to help build this dream GSP project. “We really need to raise about 50 million to have a very good camp. But when the First Lady heard about it, she said, ‘It has to be P250 million.’ But, really, when we have the funds, we can have deep toilets that have running water instead of tabo-tabo. Since we have a little Pampanga river that runs across the camp, we can build a bridge that crosses it and then the girls can have white-water rafting there in the Pampanga river. “Camp Escoda will be a very important and significant venue for our Girl Scouts to gather, bond, learn new skills and develop as morally upright citizens of the country and the world. It is especially so because camping is integral in any Girl Scout’s life. If you don’t have camping, it’s like half of your scouting life is missing. Every Girl Scout remembers that time of her youth. And being the national camp, it will welcome Girl Scouts representing the 96 councils from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who will participate in various events and trainings.” Girl Scouts of all ages As GSP president, Nina travels to various parts of the country. “We have regional conferences aside from the meeting of the Central Board when regional heads and executives come to Manila. “I had just come from Baguio where I stayed for two-and-a-half days. I met our young Girl Scout representatives from ages 14 to 18. I enjoyed listening to them and exchanging ideas with them. I am so happy that we have a wealth of intelligent girls who want to serve the country. They are the ones who are going to take over. “It’s amazing that GSP is no longer limited to old people on the board. We finally have young ones on the board. Our Escoda committee is headed by Jade Delgado from Iloilo. Then we have Justine Bautista. She’s a psychometrician. She heads the Program Committee, which is a big committee because when we were in Baguio, we had 86 girls from all the councils throughout the country. Many of them are running for SK. “So, in my 70s now, which I don’t feel at all, I don’t take any medicines or something like that. Being with young people is what inspires me. Because at 15, 16 or 17, they already know that they have some kind of a mission.” Nina proudly shared that the venue of the Baguio conference, 'Ating Tahanan' on the South Drive was bought during the tenure of my Lola Pilar. We have four buildings there, including the houses of Senator and actor Rogelio de la Rosa and Carlos Valdes, the accountant. Lola Pilar, according to Carlos Valdes, twisted his arm to get a low price. I’m so thankful for all those who preceded me because they bought these places. It’s on South Drive which is so valuable. We even have a reserved forest behind us.” As she looks forward to the next camping and gets even busier raising funds for Camp Escoda, Nina feels elated that “every one of us in the Girl Scouts has been together in our various undertakings. The nice thing is we are now intergenerational because we try to bring in the old with experience, institutional memory and their wisdom born of their long life, and the young who are full of enthusiasm, energy and new ideas.” A star scout for a granddaughter While Nina does her part for the bright future of girl scouting in the country, her personal family too has not stopped contributing to the roster of members to this worldwide organization. Today, a granddaughter of hers, seven-year-old Rocio Yuson de Guzman, is a Star Scout. She is the daughter of Nina’s daughter, Nicky. No grandmother could have been prouder. Nina said, “Rufio loves being a star scout. When I arrived from the recent world conference in Cyprus, I came back with some badges and I gave some to Rufio who is very proud of the little badges that I got for her.” For sure, Nina will pass on not just the badges to Rufio. More importantly, she will give her granddaughter the once-in-one’s-childhood experience of being a Girl Scout and learning “the values that are identified in the Girl Scout Promise and Laws. I think that while there is so much to enjoy and learn, it is the inculcation of these values that would mold her into a well-rounded human being. As we all know, a Girl Scout’s honor is to be trusted. A Girl Scout is loyal, thrifty, courteous… and so on. It’s like a mantra -- the values that one lives by. “I have reached that point when it is not about success or what one accumulates in life, whether awards or accomplishments or material things. It is more about what I can share and scouting gives me that honor and privilege — to do my part in helping mold our young girls and making them aware even at an early age that they have a mission and worthy purpose in life. It is not just about being good and outstanding on your own but it is also about helping others to become better in what they’re doing and live better lives. “And I need not look far. As a grandmother, I dote on my Star Scout granddaughter, Rufio. There’s a world out there for her to discover and in which she has a role to play and use the skills and values she will learn from scouting.” The post Nina Lim-Yuson — A lifetime of girl scouting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dive industry country’s revenue driver —DoT chief
The dive industry in the country has been a catalyst in luring more tourists and Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco said the Marcos Jr. administration remains upbeat in making it sustainable in the years to come. During the inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue last Thursday, 14 September 2023, Frasco said the contribution of the dive industry to Philippine tourism was evident in 2022, with the country gaining an estimated P37 billion in tourist receipts from international dive visitors, which constituted over 17.5 percent of the country’s entire tourism receipts last year. The two-day convergence of relevant national and local government agencies as well as the Department’s partners from the private sector was held with an eye to sustaining the success of the country’s dive tourism industry and in fulfillment of the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for the Philippines to attain a tourism industry that is “inclusive, where the benefits of tourism are felt far and wide across the countryside.” Very first DoT Dive Committee Said Frasco, “The effort, therefore, requires the ability to listen, to understand the prevailing challenges that are present and require solutions that can only be reached with collaboration, convergence, and unity. That is why early on, in the Marcos administration, we, in the Department of Tourism, mandated the formation of the very first DoT Dive Committee.” The event featured significant panel discussions that centered on Marine Environmental Protection and Conservation; Dive Niche Products: Free Diving, Scuba Diving, Black Water Diving, and Underwater Photography; Philippine Dive: Domestic/International Marketing Campaign; Safety, Standards, and Accreditation of Tourism-related Enterprises for Scuba Diving; and Investment Opportunities in the Dive Industry. The dialogue comes on the heels of The Philippines’ fifth straight win as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023. Herself a certified diver, the DoT chief sits as the chair of the Department’s Dive Committee which brings together the DoT and its attached agencies, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving to support the needs of the dive industry and expand its current portfolio. According to the tourism chief, the hosting of the first-ever Dive Dialogue in Cebu is also fitting given Central Visayas’ status as one of the country’s premier dive tourist destinations, home as it is to multitude world-class dive spots other than the region being currently, among the most-visited destinations by overnight regional travelers. Not only Central Visayas While Central Visayas was the site of the inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue, Secretary Frasco said that the event also puts a spotlight on many other key and emerging dive sites across the country. “The focus of the Department of Tourism is to target various markets, whether that be families, solo travelers, luxe travelers, groups, and the like. And we have very specific programs that are targeted to various niche markets specifically for diving. We have dive enthusiasts from all over the world and many jurisdictions including North Asia, as well as Europe, to whom diving has been a very strong product for the Philippines,” she said. “We fully intend to capitalize on that and open up to new markets, especially in Europe in the Middle East by making sure that we can collaborate with the Department of Transportation to mount more flights coming into the country from those places,” she added. The post Dive industry country’s revenue driver —DoT chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Economic autarky toward merdeka
As a caveat, the Malay word “merdeka” is used here not to mean fully independent, a shibboleth of radical Malays. It was the battle cry against colonial rule over Indonesia and Malaysia and was adopted by Maranaw secessionists as “maradeka.” Rather, it means genuine self-rule as defined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Wordsmiths should not stretch its meaning and cause unnecessary alarm to our defense and security establishments and reignite antipathy toward Muslim autonomy. Having said that, any entity struggling for autonomy will flop if not supported by programs that promote economic autarky, a pillar of self-rule. What good is political autonomy if the autonomous authorities will still have to beg the central government for funds for its operations? Economic dependence will still chain the autonomous entity to the national government, which will make a mockery of the pyrrhic victory of the autonomists. The region of Muslim autonomy is blessed with natural resources which remain unexplored and untapped. As described in a media report, it has a “potential reservoir of wealth that could transform the region into a vibrant energy hub and bring in billions of pesos in revenue from oil, gas, and mineral exploration.” It is the focal point of Mindanao as a land of promise. If these potentials are developed and unleashed it will liberate Moros from poverty and give full meaning to the legislated autonomy. These thoughts cascaded in our mind with the recent report about the BARMM Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy and the Department of Energy signing in Malacañang the “Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular“ on the joint awards of petroleum service and coal operating contracts within the region... (they) agreed to jointly exercise power in granting rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development and use of fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the autonomous region.” How will they divide the revenues? It will be 50/50, meaning they will split whatever proceeds equally. The event was so very important that no less than the President witnessed the signing ceremony, expressing the government’s support in the face of the “depleting Malampaya reservoir and volatile fossil fuels prices.” He likewise expressed optimism for the future of the BARMM. In fact, this was one of the issues cited by the President in his recent State of the Nation Address, along with his declaration of support for the progress of the BARMM. This hopefully will attract local and foreign investors to participate in the exploration and development of energy resources in the region. The sharing evenly of the dividends between the national and autonomous governments is unprecedented. In the past, the national government got the lion’s share of the proceeds of the exploration, while the local governments, the situs of the natural resources, got only crumbs. This was what happened to the exploration and development of Lake Lanao. Through the lake’s outlet, the Agus River, it generates hydroelectric power that supplies a major part of the island of Mindanao, bringing in millions in revenue to the national government, while the native Maranaws of Lanao del Sur get only token benefits. Measly financial support was allegedly handed out to the local governments affected by the rise and fall of the water of the lake — an issue that has been the subject of numerous court litigations through the years. The Moros should rejoice. This single signing event has tons of implications not only for their lives and future but also for defining the relationship and delineation of powers of the autonomous and central governments. This will become the template for future ventures over which the two entities exercise joint authority. Reports of this kind should encourage the stakeholders to take the words of Speaker Pangalian Balindong of the Interim Regional Parliament to heart when he asked for support for the nascent autonomous regional government. His advice not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg rings convincingly. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Economic autarky toward merdeka appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Top-of-the-line bling: Drake reveals he bought Tupac’s crown ring
Canadian rapper Drake revealed Friday that he is the buyer of a crown-shaped ring that belonged to slain hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, which sold at auction this week for a record $1 million. Drake shared an Instagram story that showed him wearing the bauble, which sold Tuesday at Sotheby's for a total of $1.016 million, including commission and fees. That was well above the pre-sale estimate of between $200,000 and $300,000, making it the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold, the auction house said. Drake -- the best-selling artist behind hits such as "Hotline Bling" and "Nice For What" -- has spent lavishly in the past, including buying a Boeing 767 for personal use and paying $104 million for a Los Angeles home once owned by singer Robbie Williams. The New York-born Shakur wore the ring during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1996. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time with 75 million records sold, he was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in Las Vegas just days later. He was 25. Shakur, whose hits included "California Love," designed the ring over the course of a few months, Sotheby's said. He did so through his godmother Yaasmyn Fula, who put the ring up for sale. A gold circlet studded with a central cabochon ruby flanked by two pave-cut diamonds sits atop a diamond-encrusted gold band. Shakur was influenced by 16th century Italian philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli's political manifesto "The Prince," which he read while in prison on sex abuse charges. He modeled the design on the crowns of the medieval kings of Europe, Sotheby's added. The post Top-of-the-line bling: Drake reveals he bought Tupac’s crown ring appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tupac Shakur ring sells for record $1-M
A gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring worn by rap legend Tupac Shakur during his last public appearance sold for $1 million at auction in New York Tuesday. The winning bid was well above Sotheby's pre-sale estimate of between $200,000 and $300,000 and becomes the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold, the auction house said. The New York-born rapper wore the ring during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on 4 September 1996. He was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas just days later on 13 September. He was 25. Shakur, whose hits included "California Love," designed the ring over the course of a few months, Sotheby's said. He did so through his godmother Yaasmyn Fula, who put the ring up for sale. Shakur was influenced by 16th-century Italian philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli's political manifesto "The Prince" which he read while in prison on sex abuse charges. He modeled the design on the crowns of the medieval kings of Europe, Sotheby's added. The ring is engraved "Pac & Dada 1996," a reference to his girlfriend Kidada Jones. A gold circulet studded with a central cabochon ruby flanked by two pave-cut diamonds sits atop a diamond-encrusted gold band. The sale was part of a dedicated hip-hop auction to mark 50 years of the genre which falls in August this year. Shakur is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, selling 75 million records. He was a central figure in the Los Angeles-based West Coast hip-hop scene, which feuded with rival East Coast rappers in New York. His killers have never been caught and theories about who was responsible have long abounded. Shakur's murder was followed six months later by the gunning down of East Coast rapper Christopher "The Notorious BIG" Wallace. Many believe they were slain as part of a rivalry between their music labels, LA-based Death Row, and New York's Bad Boy Entertainment. But some music historians say the coastal rift was exaggerated for commercial reasons. Last week, Las Vegas police searched a home as part of their investigation into the murder of Shakur. The post Tupac Shakur ring sells for record $1-M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tupac Shakur ring sells for record $1 million
A gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring worn by rap legend Tupac Shakur during his last public appearance sold for $1 million at auction in New York Tuesday. The winning bid was well above Sotheby's pre-sale estimate of between $200,000 and $300,000 and becomes the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold, the auction house said. The New York-born rapper wore the ring during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on 4 September 1996. He was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas just days later on 13 September. He was 25. Shakur, whose hits included "California Love," designed the ring over the course of a few months, Sotheby's said. He did so through his godmother Yaasmyn Fula, who put the ring up for sale. Shakur was influenced by 16th-century Italian philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli's political manifesto "The Prince" which he read while in prison on sex abuse charges. He modeled the design on the crowns of the medieval kings of Europe, Sotheby's added. The ring is engraved "Pac & Dada 1996," a reference to his girlfriend Kidada Jones. A gold circulet studded with a central cabochon ruby flanked by two pave-cut diamonds sits atop a diamond-encrusted gold band. The sale was part of a dedicated hip-hop auction to mark 50 years of the genre which falls in August this year. Shakur is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, selling 75 million records. He was a central figure in the Los Angeles-based West Coast hip-hop scene, which feuded with rival East Coast rappers in New York. His killers have never been caught and theories about who was responsible have long abounded. Shakur's murder was followed six months later by the gunning down of East Coast rapper Christopher "The Notorious BIG" Wallace. Many believe they were slain as part of a rivalry between their music labels, LA-based Death Row, and New York's Bad Boy Entertainment. But some music historians say the coastal rift was exaggerated for commercial reasons. Last week, Las Vegas police searched a home as part of their investigation into the murder of Shakur. The post Tupac Shakur ring sells for record $1 million appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
36 loose firearms surrendered in Maguindanao del Norte
ZAMBOANGA CITY — About 36 different types and calibers of firearms were collected by the local government of Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS), Maguindanao del Norte as part of the Balik-Baril Program of the government and were presented to government security forces in the province. Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat said yesterday that his government collected 36 different calibers of firearms in the 34 barangays of the municipality. Sinsuat said they turned over the guns to the security forces during a ceremony held at the Municipal Covered Court, Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat on Friday. Among the surrendered weapons were a Cal .50: BMG Machine gun; a Sniper, Cal 50; a Cal. 30 Awards; nine 7.62mm M14 rifles; five 5.56mm M16 rifles; two 12 Gauge Shotguns; two M203 Tube Launchers; six 40mm M79 GLs; two RPGs; five 9mm UZI SMGs; a Cal. 22 Basic Assault Rifle; one 38mm Revolver, and two Ammunition of 40mm. Sinsuat believed that through the government's Balik-Baril program, private armed groups and other lawless element groups would be dismantled, resulting in a peaceful community. The guns were surrendered to Lt. Col. Tristram Tolentino, acting commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion, he said. It was later turned over to Col. Nasser Lidasan, the assistant division commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), and Police Col. James Gulmatico, of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BAR). For his part, Joint Task Force-Central (JTF-C) Commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera praised the leadership of Datu Odin Sinsuat, the 2nd Mechanized Battalion, and the police for continuing to dismantle loose firearms. "Every gun that we have obtained and removed from the hands of individuals who are not authorized to carry weapons is equivalent to saving many innocent lives and ensuring a better future for the people of Datu Odin Sinsuat," Rillera said. The post 36 loose firearms surrendered in Maguindanao del Norte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Transport hub to aid mall-goers
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ Lucky Chinatown’s transport hub is about to make travel easier for its customers going to and from the establishment. The mall, nestled in the heart of Binondo, has alleviated one of its customers’ concerns when it comes to its accessibility. The Filipino-Chinese community’s hub did not have a direct line to one of the bigger transport centers which is in Cubao, Quezon City. The transport hub has included additional jeepney routes going to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange via Taft Avenue and from PITX to Lucky Chinatown via Mabini. A van service has also been provided in the transport hub that goes directly to Sucat via the Coastal Road and vice versa. Lastly, TokTok riders were also included in the hub who can drop off customers at any point in Manila. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is the retail and commercial development arm of Megaworld Corporation, one of the Philippines’ largest real estate companies. The Retail Asia Awards 2023 Marketing Initiative of the Year awardee’s mission is to make happiness and meaningful connections a lifestyle for its communities as the country’s premier developer of lifestyle destinations with exceptional designs, offerings, and experiences. There are currently 20 Megaworld Lifestyle Malls across the country. These include Eastwood Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Lucky Chinatown, Uptown Bonifacio, Forbes Town, Venice Grand Canal, Newport Mall at Newport World Resorts, Southwoods Mall, Festive Walk Iloilo, Three Central Mall, Paseo Center, San Lorenzo Place Mall, Arcovia City, California Garden Square, The Clubhouse at Temple Drive, Greenhouse at Village Square Alabang, Alabang West Parade, Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Mactan Alfresco and Boracay Newcoast. The post Transport hub to aid mall-goers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»