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Brownlee to auction off Asian Games jersey, shoes for charity
Justin Brownlee aims to raise millions for charity as he plans to auction off the jersey and shoes he wore when he steered Gilas Pilipinas to a dramatic come-from-behind win over host China in the Asian Games.....»»
Uncertainty looms over Davao-Samal Bridge project amid RoW hurdles
The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge project, has faced numerous setbacks due to right-of-way (ROW) acquisition challenges. The project was halted on January 3, 2024, due to issues with landowners near a pier in Lanang at Davao City, leading to delays in the project's implementation. While there have been conflicting statements regarding the project's status, the National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Region (Neda-Davao) aims to complete the detailed engineering plans for the substructure of the west land via dock once the Deed of Transfer Possession in Davao City is released. However, ROW issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, the project is still considered a priority and is included in the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) for 2023–2028. The project is funded through China’s Official Development Assistance with an estimated budget of P23.04 billion, and negotiations with the Philippine government are ongoing with a target completion date in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline remains as ROW hurdles persist, impacting the much-anticipated toll-free four-lane concrete exodus bridge spanning a 3.98-kilometer distance......»»
What you need to know: Atin Ito’s Christmas convoy to West PH Sea
The project aims to honor the Filipinos who bear the brunt of China's intimidations in the West Philippine Sea and make a statement that ordinary Filipinos can sail freely sail through its own waters.....»»
Analysts: Vietnam s Island Expansion Aims to Counter China
Vietnam is dredging and filling out the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a move that appears to be aimed at countering China's assertive behavior in the disputed waters, analysts said.Recent Vietnamese expansion work in the Spratly Islands, which began in 2021, was most noticeable at Barque Canada Reef, according to a report last week by the Washington-based Center for Strategic International Studies' Asi.....»»
Analysts: Vietnam s Island Expansion Aims to Counter China
Vietnam is dredging and filling out the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a move that appears to be aimed at countering China's assertive behavior in the disputed waters, analysts said.Recent Vietnamese expansion work in the Spratly Islands, which began in 2021, was most noticeable at Barque Canada Reef, according to a report last week by the Washington-based Center for Strategic International Studies' Asi.....»»
More Filipinos now agri, biosystems engineers: DA
The Department of Agriculture is more hopeful for wider farm mechanization and livelier agribusiness industry in the country as more Filipinos have become agricultural and biosystems engineers or ABEs. In an email to the Daily Tribune, DA reported that 12,551 ABEs obtained their licenses this year, more than the 10,909 in 2021. The DA added 615 ABEs took their professional oath last 20 October. “They are not only responsible for the design of machinery and systems, but are also the pioneers of change, custodians of sustainability, and champions of modern, appropriate, and sustainable mechanization technologies and practices,” DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering Director Ariodear Rico said. Graduates from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Pili achieved a 100 percent passing rate, followed by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños with 92.86 percent in the ABE Licensure Examination in September. Rico said only 33.41 percent of the total 1,841 examinees passed. ABEs play vital role “The country not only needs agricultural facilities, but an adequate and competent workforce, in which ABE professionals, together with operators and technicians, play a vital role,” he said. Rico said the Marcos administration has created agricultural and fisheries development programs and trade partnerships to provide jobs to highly skilled ABEs and help ensure they stay in the country. He said on top of the list is the National Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Program which aims to ease exchange of knowledge and drive more collaborations among engineers and the government by streamlining all mechanization policies and programs of local government units. Another is the Renewable Energy Program for Agriculture and Fishery Sector which Rico said aims to maximize the use of solar, wind, hydro, biomass and biogas energy. Through these programs, he said ABEs can further reap the economic and intellectual benefits from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or RCEP. Approved by the Senate in February, this trade deal among the ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand allows stronger intellectual property rights, zero to lower tariffs for Philippine exports, and more financing for small and medium businesses. ROI on farm mechanization A study by the Department of Science and Technology showed the return on investment of farm mechanization can grow by at least 238 percent. Despite this, the country has increased its mechanization level to just 2.679 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha) this year from 2.31 hp/ha. Meanwhile, global revenue from fish and seafood is projected to grow by 7 percent annually, according to global market researcher Statista. It adds China has earned the highest at $88 billion revenue this year. The post More Filipinos now agri, biosystems engineers: DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Generals, flag officers: China harassment disregards sea rules
China has clearly disregarded the international conventions on the Safety of Life at Sea and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea following its Coast Guard’s latest aggressive actions against Philippine resupply boats in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippines, according to the Association of General and Flag Officers. AGFO strongly denounced the “dangerous maneuvers” of the Chinese Coast Guard and the Chinese maritime militia boats that collided with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted resupply boat and Philippine Coast Guard escort vessel during the country’s re-provisioning mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, grounded in the Ayungin Shoal. “The latest harassments clearly reflect China's disregard of international conventions on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974) and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS 1972),” the AGFO statement read. AGFO believes China's intrusion in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone “aims to subvert the sovereign rights of the Filipino people, by unrestricted fishing, willful destruction of corals, and continued illegal presence.” As a signatory of the 1982 UNCLOS and a "party" to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, China is “fully aware of maritime rights of coastal states” — that includes exploration and exploitation of marine and seabed resources and the preservation of the marine environment. But it continues to propagate contrary narratives, said the group. “From its actions and narratives, China has maintained its strategy in South China -- ignoring the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, employing its seagoing forces, reinforcing its artificially-built island bases, and wearing off other claimants -- to exercise undisputed control over the waterway,” AGFO underscored. “This strategy clearly reflects China's hegemonic behavior that intimidates weak nations, threatens the freedom of navigation therein and deprives the other claimants of their patrimony,” it added. AGFO expressed support to the Philippine government in considering crafting and implementing all necessary initiatives to preserve the country’s maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea. The post Generals, flag officers: China harassment disregards sea rules appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Time to explore ODAs from other countries’ Poe says after Chinese ODA withdrawal
Senator Grace Poe on Thursday expressed her belief that it is high time for the Philippines to look for alternative sources of funding from other countries for the proposed Mindanao Railway Project. According to Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, the country may pursue official development assistance from other countries following the Department of Transportation's move to drop China as a funding source for the P83-billion railway project in the southern Philippines. “It’s time to explore ODAs from other countries and seek available funding options from multilateral institutions and international assistance agencies that can deliver the goods,” she said in a statement. Poe noted that the withdrawal of the ODA from China for a railway project “should not derail the implementation of our infrastructure programs,” “In the past years, Chinese banks have also kept us in suspended animation with delays in our loan applications putting in limbo a number of government projects,” she said. “While appearing attractive, the loans are not exactly that benevolent as they come with hefty interest rates and other strings that could be detrimental to the country in the long term,” she added. She also suggested to the government to tap the private sector which she said “holds the potential of accelerating infrastructure development and bringing innovative and efficient services.” She issued the statement after Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that the Philippines is no longer loan financing from China for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project. The first phase of the railway project aims to reduce travel time between Tagum in Davao del Norte and Digos in Davao del Sur by one hour from the current 3.5 hours. Quoting Bautista, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said in August that the Philippine government would no longer engage Chinese state-owned companies for major infrastructure projects in the country. “I talked to Secretary Jimmy Bautista, he was at the Senate recently. We talked one-on-one. I told him: ‘Secretary, you are seeing what they are doing to your Coast Guard, right?’” he said “I told him not to give Chinese state-owned companies projects here in the Philippines such as trains. We have the North to South Railways…. Let us not give it to them. Let us give it to South Morea or Japan instead,” he added. He continued: “I was glad because Secretary Bautista said they would no longer Chinese state-owned companies for their trains, airports, and big-ticket items.” The construction of the Tagum-Davao-Digos segment of the Mindanao Railway Project was supposed to start in January 2019. The post ‘Time to explore ODAs from other countries’ Poe says after Chinese ODA withdrawal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Thailand vow closer collaboration on environmental conservation
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga on Thursday said her department is reinforcing diplomatic ties with Thailand in advancing maritime and ecological management and protection. Loyzaga said she met with Tull Traisorat, Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, to explore areas of cooperation, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing with regard to sustainability, greening highly urbanized areas, and natural resources conservation. The DENR chief and the Thai envoy both agreed to push forward with the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, a $15-million project of the United Nations Environment Programme that aims to reduce coastal and marine environmental degradation in the region. Aside from Thailand and the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam are also part of the ongoing program. It is the only agreed common vision among the participating countries on targets and actions for reversing environmental degradation trends in the South China Sea. Other points discussed covered regional environmental projects in the pipeline that address the management of marine protected areas, nature-based solutions to improve local community livelihoods and climate change adaptation, and the promotion of resource efficiency and circularity to reduce plastic pollution. On top of closer bilateral cooperation on sustainability and environmental conservation, the two Southeast Asians have committed to bolstering trade and investment as well as military ties. The post Phl, Thailand vow closer collaboration on environmental conservation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China to send youngest-ever crew to space station
Tiangong is the crown jewel of Beijing's space program, which has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon and made China the third country to put humans in orbit. The station is constantly crewed by teams of three astronauts, who are rotated out every six months. The Shenzhou-17 module carrying the trio to the station is scheduled to blast off at 11:14 a.m. (0314 GMT) Thursday from the Jiuquan launch site in China's arid northwest. "It is the crew of astronauts with the youngest average age since the launch of the space station construction mission," Beijing's State Council Information Office said in a statement. The all-male trio will be led by Tang Hongbo, who is on his first return mission to the Tiangong space station. "Throughout the past two years, I have often dreamt of going back to space," Tang said at a press conference on Wednesday. "The space station is our other home that takes us away from Earth and into the universe," he added. Accompanying him will be Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, both in their thirties and each making maiden space voyages. The crew has an average age of 38, compared to 42 for the crew of Shenzhou-16 when it launched. "According to the plan, the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft will conduct autonomous rendezvous and docking procedures after entering orbit," Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for China's space program, said during a Wednesday morning press briefing. It will dock with the station's core module "about six-and-a-half hours" after first initiating the procedure, he added. 'Space dream' Plans for China's "space dream" have been put into overdrive under President Xi Jinping. The world's second-largest economy has pumped billions of dollars into its military-run space program in an effort to catch up with the United States and Russia. In June, the return capsule of the Shenzhou-15 spaceship touched down at a landing site in the northern Inner Mongolia region, with state media hailing the mission as a "complete success". That month also saw the launch of the Shenzhou-16 capsule, which carried the first Chinese civilian -- Beihang University professor Gui Haichao -- into orbit. That crew will return to Earth on October 31 after completing a handover, officials said Wednesday. Beijing also aims to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and plans to build a base on the lunar surface. Spokesperson Lin reiterated that aim Wednesday, saying that the "goal of landing Chinese people on the moon by 2030 will be realized as scheduled". Lunar plans The country's lunar plans were dealt a setback in 2017 when the powerful Long March-5 Y2 rocket failed to launch on a mission to put communication satellites into orbit. That forced the postponement of the Chang'e-5 launch, originally scheduled to collect Moon samples in the second half of 2017. Another robot, the Chang'e-4, landed on the far side of the Moon in January 2019 -- a historic first. Chang'e-5 eventually landed on the Moon in 2020, raising a Chinese flag on the lunar surface and returning to Earth with the first lunar samples in four decades. The final module of the T-shaped Tiangong -- which means "heavenly palace" -- successfully docked with the core structure last year. The station carries several pieces of cutting-edge scientific equipment, according to state news agency Xinhua, including "the world's first space-based cold atomic clock system". The Tiangong is expected to remain in low Earth orbit at between 400 and 450 kilometers (250 and 280 miles) above the planet for at least 10 years. China will send its youngest-ever crew of astronauts to the Tiangong space station this week, officials said Wednesday, as Beijing pursues plans for a manned mission to the Moon by the end of the decade. Tiangong is the crown jewel of Beijing's space program, which has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon and made China the third country to put humans in orbit. The station is constantly crewed by teams of three astronauts, who are rotated out every six months. The Shenzhou-17 module carrying the trio to the station is scheduled to blast off at 11:14 am (0314 GMT) Thursday from the Jiuquan launch site in China's arid northwest. "It is the crew of astronauts with the youngest average age since the launch of the space station construction mission," Beijing's State Council Information Office said in a statement. The all-male trio will be led by Tang Hongbo, who is on his first return mission to the Tiangong space station. "Throughout the past two years, I have often dreamt of going back to space," Tang said at a press conference on Wednesday. "The space station is our other home that takes us away from Earth and into the universe," he added. Accompanying him will be Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, both in their thirties and each making maiden space voyages. The crew has an average age of 38, compared to 42 for the crew of Shenzhou-16 when it launched. "According to the plan, the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft will conduct autonomous rendezvous and docking procedures after entering orbit," Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for China's space program, said during a Wednesday morning press briefing. It will dock with the station's core module "about six-and-a-half hours" after first initiating the procedure, he added. 'Space dream' Plans for China's "space dream" have been put into overdrive under President Xi Jinping. The world's second-largest economy has pumped billions of dollars into its military-run space program in an effort to catch up with the United States and Russia. In June, the return capsule of the Shenzhou-15 spaceship touched down at a landing site in the northern Inner Mongolia region, with state media hailing the mission as a "complete success". That month also saw the launch of the Shenzhou-16 capsule, which carried the first Chinese civilian -- Beihang University professor Gui Haichao -- into orbit. That crew will return to Earth on October 31 after completing a handover, officials said Wednesday. Beijing also aims to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and plans to build a base on the lunar surface. Spokesperson Lin reiterated that aim Wednesday, saying that the "goal of landing Chinese people on the moon by 2030 will be realized as scheduled". Lunar plans The country's lunar plans were dealt a setback in 2017 when the powerful Long March-5 Y2 rocket failed to launch on a mission to put communication satellites into orbit. That forced the postponement of the Chang'e-5 launch, originally scheduled to collect Moon samples in the second half of 2017. Another robot, the Chang'e-4, landed on the far side of the Moon in January 2019 -- a historic first. Chang'e-5 eventually landed on the Moon in 2020, raising a Chinese flag on the lunar surface and returning to Earth the first lunar samples in four decades. The final module of the T-shaped Tiangong -- which means "heavenly palace" -- successfully docked with the core structure last year. The station carries several pieces of cutting-edge scientific equipment, according to state news agency Xinhua, including "the world's first space-based cold atomic clock system". The Tiangong is expected to remain in low Earth orbit at between 400 and 450 kilometers (250 and 280 miles) above the planet for at least 10 years. The post China to send youngest-ever crew to space station appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China increasingly using PLA as instrument of coercion – US
China’s People’s Liberation Army is no longer in the background, with Beijing increasingly turning to the PLA as an instrument of coercion in trying to achieve its revisionist aims in the East and South China Seas, according to an official of the United States Department of Defense......»»
Phl economy still strongest this year — RCBC
The Philippine economy will remain among Asia’s strongest in the fourth quarter despite a possible higher interest rate because of strong consumer demand for certain products and services and more employed Filipinos, the chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation said Saturday. “This growth forecast is still among the fastest in the region because our economy is doing well,” RCBC’s Michael Ricafort said. The World Bank recently downgraded this year’s Philippine economic growth to 5.6 percent from 6 percent due to inflation risks, apart from lower government spending and weaker demand for exports. However, it is still higher than China’s 5.1 percent, Indonesia’s 4.9 percent, and Malaysia’s 4.3 percent growth forecast. Ricafort said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) might raise its policy rate this year to slow inflation to 4 percent by year-end after it accelerated again to 6.1 percent last month. “The BSP is working to bring down prices of goods and services. As an unintended consequence, the economy could slow down. Borrowing costs for business owners also increase and consumer demand weakens,” he said. Ricafort said global oil prices have started falling which could discourage the central bank from raising its rate drastically. “Global oil prices have declined to $82 to $83 per barrel from a peak of $95 per barrel last month or since the war between oil-rich countries Russia and Ukraine began,” the economist said. He also expected a downtrend in rice prices starting this month as he said local farmers have begun collecting fresh harvests. “Inflation quickened last month mainly from higher prices of rice which accounted for nearly 9 percent of the inflation basket and grew 17 percent year-on-year,” Ricafort said. While a higher interest rate aims to slow consumption, Ricafort said the continued flow of remittances from overseas Filipino workers, or at least 3 percent growth yearly will still support substantial levels of consumer spending, especially during the Christmas season. “That is more than $40 billion a year. That’s the fourth largest in the world after India, China and Mexico,” the economist said. He added more Filipinos or 800,000 could earn from business process outsourcing or BPO this year as the industry’s revenue could rise from $32.5 billion to $59 billion based on data from the Contact Center Association of the Philippines. Another growth area is tourism, which Ricafort said saw 4 million foreign visitors last month, nearing the 4.8 million full-year target of the government. He added higher productivity among Filipinos is also expected as the country’s unemployment rate declined to 4.4 percent in August from 4.8 percent in July, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Moving forward, Ricafort said the government must improve science and technology education for higher quality jobs and increase spending on infrastructure amid the full reopening of most economies. “We are now fully reopened. Students are also back in schools which encourages putting up food businesses. Labor market in the US also improved which will affect export trade,” he said. Ricafort added the government could continue distributing financial and other assistance to farmers to control inflation. He believed the inflation rate will approach 3 percent next year, close to the ideal 2 percent for healthier economic growth. The post Phl economy still strongest this year — RCBC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dignitaries hail tourism program
An attaché with the Embassy of India and other foreign dignitaries assigned here in the country have given the Department of Tourism a tap in the back for conceptualizing the Philippine Experience Program which showcases the country’s tourist attractions and provinces’ rich traditions and sumptous delicacies. In an interview, Shikha Kumari, Political Attache of the Embassy of India, also extolled the warmth and hospitality of their hosts in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon where the second leg of the Philippine Experience took place. “We love the smiles and greetings of people in the locales. Indeed, we felt the love of the Philippines. There’s so much to explore with the Philippines and we can deliver this to our nationals who would want to visit this wonderful country,” she told the DAILY TRIBUNE. Other dignitaries that joined the CALABARZON leg of Philippine Experience and were the recipients of warm Filipino hospitality are Hanada Takihiro, minister and consul general, the Embassy of Japan; Huang Yaping and Liang Hao from the Embassy of China; Indian Attache Saurav Kumar; and representatives from the Embassies of Japan and Indonesia, among other delegates such as social media influencers, tour operators and the mainstream media, including the Daily Tribune. Seeking DoT’s intervention Meanwhile, two local executives in the provinces of Batangas and Quezon have sought the help of the DoT to back and further boost tourism initiatives in their respective municipalities and provinces. Taal, Batangas Mayor Fulgencio Mercado sought the support of Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco in realizing the province’s tourism efforts. “We really need these projects in order for us to show our local and foreign tourists what more we can offer to them aside from the wonders of Taal Volcano,” he said during a program at the Taal Heritage Village on Sunday. To recall, Taal Lake is now closed to tourists because of the continuous activities of Taal Volcano. For his part, San Pablo City Vice Mayor Justin Colago expressed his gratitude to the DoT for choosing the city as one of the venues in the second leg of the Philippine Experience. “We want to collect the help that we needed to be able to develop further our destinations, particularly our Seven Lakes. We still need to promote our coconut industry, as well as its by-product ‘buko pie’ as makers of this delicacy were affected by the Covid pandemic,” Colago said. Villa Escudero San Pablo City is also where the famous Villa Escudero is situated; the famed tourist spot closed doors when the contagion hit the country in March 2023. Other places visited by Philippine Experience participants were Museo ni Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite; Bakood Festival of Bacoor, Cavite; Casa San Pablo in San Pablo City; Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti Falls) in Pagsanjan, Laguna; Paete, Laguna for its famous wood carvers and Luman, Laguna, to see local weavers making barongs and ternos. The Philippine Experience Program is one of the many projects of Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco; it is a program that facilitates a cultural tourism development focused on heritage, culture, and the arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include food and gastronomy, pilgrimage and wellness, living cultures and heritage, and an arts caravan. The program also aims to diversify Philippine cultural tourism product offerings, equalize opportunities across regions, support the preservation of the country’s heritage, artistic resources and assets, and most importantly, instill a sense of pride and patriotism among Filipinos through a greater appreciation of the country’s inheritance and legacy. The post Dignitaries hail tourism program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBG rallies support for Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games
Senator Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, recently expressed his full support for Filipino athletes participating in the ongoing 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou City, China. "Suportahan natin ang mga kababayan nating sumasabak sa kasalukuyang 19th Asian Games sa Hangzhou City, China," he said in a statement upon arriving in China to show his personal support to the Philippine delegation. “Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, taus-puso kong pinupuri at pinasasalamatan ang mga manlalaro nating ibinibigay ang lahat para itaas ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ginaganap na kompetisyon. Manalo man o matalo, ang importante ay magkaisa tayo para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino!” added the senator. "Our unity is the best form of moral support to inspire our competing athletes to give their best. Let us all rally behind them as they continue to bring glory to our country. Laban Pilipinas! Ipakita natin ang puso ng Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo!" he said. As of 2 October, the Philippines has won one gold, one silver, and eight bronze medals at the Games so far. The country's lone gold medal was won by Ernest John Obiena in Athletics, specifically in the men's pole vault event. Arnel Mandal added a silver medal to the tally in the men's 56kg wushu competition. The bronze medalists include Patrick King Perez in Taekwondo's men's individual poomsae, Jones Llabres Inso in Wushu's men's taijiquan/taijijian all-around, Gideon Fred Padua in wushu's men's 60kg, and Clemente Tabugara Jr in wushu's men's 65kg. In Tennis, Alexandra Eala secured a bronze in Women's singles and another bronze in Mixed doubles alongside Francis Casey Alcantara. Eleven Ando also captured bronze in the women's weightlifting 64kg division. Rounding out the bronze medalists is Patrick Bren Coo in Cycling BMX racing for Men. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has strongly advocated for increased funding for sports programs under the Philippine Sports Commission, particularly in support of athletes competing in international competitions this year. "During the budget deliberation last year, ang ipinasa po na budget ng PSC more or less about P200 million. Ako po mismo sa Senado bilang inyong chairman po ng Committee on Sports and as vice chair ng Committee on Finance, isinulong ko talaga na madagdagan po ng P1 billion po ang pondo ng Philippine Sports Commission," he said. This move secured financial support for athletes participating in international competitions, including the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the current Asian Games in China. He disclosed an allocation of P50 million through the PSC for the Asian Games, along with P30 million specifically for Asian para-games. To promote greater inclusivity and equality in sports, Go also proposed Senate Bill No. 2116, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. The bill seeks to provide enhanced financial incentives and benefits for para-athletes who represent the Philippines in international competitions. He emphasized the need for increased incentives for para-athletes, stating, "Sana po’y ma-increase naman rin po ang kanilang incentives na natatanggap dahil ‘yung honor po na dala nila sa ating bayan, pareho naman po ‘yong gold, silver, bronze at pinaghirapan rin po nila." In line with his advocacy for grassroots sports development, Go also championed the National Academy of Sports, a fully operational institution located in New Clark City in Tarlac which was enacted into law that he authored and co-sponsored. Go is also prioritizing the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games as a platform to scout and recruit athletes for the national pool. He filed SBN 423, or the proposed PNG Act, which seeks to create a nationwide platform for athletes, particularly the youth, to display their abilities. The Asian Games is being held from 23 September to 8 October. The event was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The post SBG rallies support for Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all
It has nothing to do with that particular country, or so they claimed rather cautiously and diplomatically. Navies of the Philippines and the United States opened their bilateral naval exercises yesterday, along with six other countries, at Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The drills involve at-shore events at the Philippine Navy’s headquarters before going out to sea for exercises intended to improve the allied naval forces’ interoperability. Dubbed Exercise Sama-Sama, or Together, the exercise, according to Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, has nothing to do with a particular country that has figured in increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. But Adaci was obviously referring to China whose coast guard had used water cannons on Philippine Coast Guard-led resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS. Adaci opened the exercise with US Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Karl Thomas. “The exercise is designed to be conducted here in Manila and the southern Luzon area,” Adaci said. Thomas, for his part, stressed the need to recognize the rules-based international order. Strong word “I think it is important that all nations have a right to sail and operate in the West Philippine Sea — free from worrying about being attacked,” Thomas said. “And attack is probably a strong word.” “I would say, free from being coerced, free from being intimidated. You know we want the commons to be common and open and free. And so long as our nations operate in accordance with the rule of law, in accordance with the rules and regulations, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he said. Like Adaci, Thomas did not mention China, but it is common knowledge that the United States military has been conducting “freedom of navigation” patrols to keep the South China Sea open to international commerce. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week ordered the PCG to cut the 300-meter floating barrier installed by Chinese militia vessels at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. PN assets in action A 2016 arbitral ruling deemed China’s territorial claim on nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap the WPS, invalid. The ruling stemmed from a 2013 case filed by the Philippines against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, after Beijing seized control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. As the PCA junked China’s nine-dash line South China Sea claim, it affirmed the Philippines’ entitlement to its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Around 700 sailors and marines from different PN units are participating in the exercise, which will see in action, among other assets, the BRP Antonio Luna, and an AW109 naval helicopter. For the second straight year, the exercise will include the navies of Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Australia. They will be participating mainly in humanitarian assistance and disaster response drills. Observers Meanwhile, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Indonesian Navy are also joining as observers the naval exercise that dates back to 1994 when it was known as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. In 2017, its name was changed to Exercise Sama-Sama. Subsequently, the exercise was conducted annually across various regions: In 2017 at Naval Forces Central; in 2018 at Naval Forces Northern Luzon; in 2019 at Naval Forces West; and in 2021 at the Northern Luzon Command. Last year, it was held alongside Exercise Lumbas — the bilateral navy-to-navy exercise between the Philippines and Australia — with the limited participation of France, Japan and the United Kingdom. According to the PN, the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the capabilities of both nations in responding to regional crises. Additionally, it aims to strengthen its capacities to address non-traditional challenges, including territorial defense, natural and man-made disasters, counterterrorism, maritime security and transnational crimes. The post U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Foreign dignitaries receive ‘Love from the Philippines’
The attache of the Embassy of India and other foreign dignitaries assigned here in the country have given the Department of Tourism a tap at the back for conceptualizing the Philippine Experience Program which showcases the country's tourist attractions and provinces' rich traditions and sumptuous delicacies. In an interview, Shikha Kumari, Political Attache of the Embassy of India, also extolled the warmth and hospitality of the locales of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon where the second leg of the Philippine Experience took place. "We love the smiles and greetings of the locales. It's indeed we felt the love of the Philippines. Indeed there's so much to explore with the Philippines and we can deliver this to our nationals who would want to visit this wonderful country," she told the DAILY TRIBUNE. Other dignitaries that joined the CALABARZON leg of the Philippine Experience and felt the warm Filipino hospitality are Hanada Takihiro, minister and co sul general from the Embassy of Japan, Huang Yaping and Liang Hao from the Embassy of China, Indian Attache Saurav Kumar, and representatives from the Embassies of Japan and Indonesia, among other delegates such as social media influencers, tour operators and the mainstream media, including the DAILY TRIBUNE. Seeking for DoT's interventions Meanwhile, two local executives in the provinces of Batangas and Quezon have sought the help of the DoT to back and further boos tourism initiatives in their respective municipalities and provinces. Taal, Batangas Mayor Fulgencio Mercado sought the support of Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco in making their province's tourism efforts to be realized. "We really need these projects in order for us to show our local and foreign tourists what more we can offer to them aside from the wonders of Taal Volcano," he said during a program at the Taal Heritage Village on Sunday. Taal Lake is now closed to tourists because of the continuous activities of Taal Volcano. On the other hand, San Pablo City Vice Mayor Justin Colago expressed gratitude to the DoT for choosing the city as one of the venues in the second leg of the Philippine Experience. "We want to collect the help that we need to be able to develop further our destinations, particularly our Seven Lakes. We still need to promote our coconut industry, as well as its by-product buko pie as makers of this delicacy were indeed affected by the Covid pandemic," Colago said. San Pablo City is also where the famous Villa Escudero is situated, which closed doors when the contagion hit the country in March 2023. Other places visited by the Philippine Experience were Museo ni Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite; Bakood Festival of Bacoor, Cavite; Casa San Pablo in San Pablo City; Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti Falls) in Pagsanjan, Laguna; the wood carvers in Paete, Laguna, and the weavers of Lumban, Laguna, home of the famous barongs and ternos. The Philippine Experience Program is just one of the many projects of Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco, a program that facilitates a cultural tourism circuit development focused on heritage, culture, and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include: Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Living Cultures and Heritage, and an Arts caravan. The program also aims to diversify the cultural tourism product offerings of the country, equalize opportunities across the regions, support the preservation of the country’s heritage, and artistic resources and assets, and most importantly, instill a sense of pride and patriotism among the Filipino people through a greater appreciation of the country’s inheritance and legacy. The post Foreign dignitaries receive ‘Love from the Philippines’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA anticipates more Chinese investments in PH
Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso O. Panga said more Chinese companies are choosing the Philippines as their next investment destination for their operations, at the completion of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo last 19 September. “With our robust economic performance and aggressive investment strategy, we are bullish in attracting more Chinese investments to the country especially in our ecozones, which can provide the best business ecosystem for our investors,” said Panga. During the Philippine Investment Forum in China, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz highlighted that Chinese investors have expressed positive and increased interest in locating in the Philippines. He reported that the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. secured over $22 billion in strategic investment commitments. FlorCruz also stated that “In the past 6 months since I took this role as Ambassador, I have met many Chinese executives actively seeking investment opportunities across numerous industries in the Philippines. Many are now poised to invest in the Philippines.” After the forum, two big Chinese companies met with Philippine officials to discuss business opportunities. One company, a leading global provider of smart devices, seeks to expand its presence in the Philippines, especially in the area of consumer electronics. Another company, one of the five largest power generation groups in China, aims to bring in renewable energy projects to the country. PEZA seeks to attract investments from high-tech industries and emerging technologies in industrial manufacturing transport, technology media and telecommunications, health and life sciences, agro-processing, renewable energy development and green ores. To date, a total of 164 Chinese companies/projects are registered at PEZA, generating P25.822 billion investments (as of May 2023) and creating 16,221 direct jobs (as of March 2023). On the sidelines of the CAEXPO, Panga represented the Philippines during the Roundtable Meeting on Investment Cooperation with the theme: “China-ASEAN Cooperation in Green Low-Carbon and Digital Economy”. He noted, “The China-ASEAN Cooperation in Green Low-Carbon and Digital Economy represents a vital step toward sustainable development, environmental conservation and economic growth, not just for the participating nations but for the entire world.” The PEZA Chief also laid out some of the initiatives of PEZA and the national government to contribute to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. These projects include the integration of SDGs to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and PEZA’s participation in the Global Reporting Initiative. PEZA is strengthening its ecozone development initiatives as part of the medium-term strategies under the PDP 2023-2028. Panga explained that on top of the conventional ecozones, PEZA is venturing into new frontiers in ecozone development to cater to new industries and to promote emerging global eco-industrial park models in the Philippines. “We intend to transform our ecozones and our registered export enterprises to be more sustainable, resilient and innovative and thereby make them competitive in the local and global value chain,” he said. So far, PEZA manages 422 economic zones nationwide which host 4,352 locator companies engaged in various industries including export manufacturing and IT-BPO. Considered as one of the largest expositions in China, the CAEXPO is an international economic and trade event co-sponsored by the central governments of China and the ASEAN countries. It is one of the key projects that form part of the Philippine-China Development Plan and is a major promotional platform that supports the country’s ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. PEZA is the lone investment promotion agency partner of the Department of Trade and Industry export promotion arm Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions for the CAEXPO participation. Following this event, PEZA joined the Special Envoy to China for the Philippine Investors’ Roadshow in Beijing, China on 26-30 September 2023. The post PEZA anticipates more Chinese investments in PH appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BoI endorses P19-B SteelAsia steel mill
The Board of Investments has endorsed the P19.3-billion Batangas steel mill project of SteelAsia Lemery Works Inc. in Lemery, Batangas to the green lane to expedite the processing and issuance of permits and licenses as a strategic investment. In a statement on Thursday, the BoI said it endorsed the 500,000 metric tons, or MT, section mill project, through Executive Order 18 for green lane priority. The project is scheduled to start its operation in July 2024, employing 600 personnel and workers from the local town and nearby areas. BoI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego with Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla and Director Ernesto delos Reyes Jr. led the awarding of the Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to the officials of SteelAsia on 15 September 2023. Ramos-Samaniego added that through the faster process, BoI, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, will come up with an online portal for Green Lane’s facilitation of strategic investments. The project is the greenfield design, erection, and commissioning of the Philippines’ first sections of production, a state-of-the-art hot-rolling production line with an upstream integrated recycling-based steelmaking. The Philippines ranked 20th among top steel importers globally, due to the lack of steel manufacturers. Imports from China In 2022 alone, the Philippines imported about $5.23 billion worth of steel, $2.18 billion of which was imported from China. Local steel manufacturing is deemed insufficient to address the growing demand for the product, especially with the increasing consumption of sections from both infrastructure projects and private developments. “Green Lane will be very helpful to the company. We consider it as a “win” for the country and we will convert this privilege into action,” said Benjamin Yao, chairperson and CEO of SteelAsia, noting that his company commits to supporting the goals of the nation of developing more infrastructure projects. SteelAsia’s project has an import-substitution strategy targeting the large and fast-growing domestic market for the sale of the mills’ output. The plant will manufacture using electric arc furnace technology to refine steel which will be used to hot-roll steel sections such as H-beams, I-beams, I-channels, and unequal leg angle bars. The presence of local manufacturers aims to lower the cost of construction, shorten construction periods, and further spur growth in domestic construction. It will also give rise to ancillary industries, such as structural steel services including design, engineering, and built-up steel structures. The post BoI endorses P19-B SteelAsia steel mill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Missed opportunity
The Department of Energy, before the Marcos administration, had issued Department Circular 2021-09-0028 seeking to establish the Philippine Strategic Petroleum Reserve Program, which was a squandered program that would have softened the impact of the successive oil price increases. A national petroleum reserve would have significantly helped shield the country against global supply and price disruptions, considering that the country is a net importer of petroleum products. An energy expert cited as a clear example of the country’s vulnerability to global supply and price shocks the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis on our domestic petroleum prices. Former Energy Secretary Al Cusi warned that the momentum of the fuel price surge will be hard to stop since even before the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus was already confronted with a production shortfall. The oil bloc refused to raise output despite pressure from the United States, Japan, China, India, and influential International Energy Agency members. Setting up strategic reserves was Cusi’s advocacy since it would address both the uncertainties on supply and provide a buffer against sudden price spikes. Under the proposal, private oil companies and the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company would build a strategic petroleum reserve to pool resources to ensure supply is not disrupted. PNOC would lead in maintaining the fuel reserve that would be more than the current 40-day average stock. The program was modeled after similar petroleum reserves, or SPR, of developed nations such as Japan and the United States. Several countries, including the United States, maintain a stockpile of crude oil to provide a buffer against disruptions in oil supplies. The SPR is an emergency response tool to mitigate potential oil shortages due to natural disasters, geopolitical events, and other unforeseen circumstances. The United States established its fuel reserve in 1975 following the Arab oil embargo of 1973-1974. The SPR is managed by the Office of Fossil Energy within the US Department of Energy. Underground storage facilities in salt caverns along the gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana are used. Like the DoE proposal, the primary purpose of the SPR is to ensure the availability of crude oil during severe supply disruptions. The reserve can be tapped into when significant disruptions in oil production, imports, or refining capabilities could lead to shortages and significant price increases. Releasing oil from the SPR aims to stabilize the market and provide relief to consumers, industries, and the overall economy. The US SPR has a capacity of approximately 713.5 million barrels of oil. Until September 2021, the US SPR held around 635 million barrels of crude oil. The decision to release oil from the SPR rests with the US President, who can authorize such action in response to a severe supply disruption. The release typically occurs in coordination with the International Energy Agency and after consultation with other major oil-consuming countries. Aside from the US and Japan, Germany and South Korea also maintain strategic petroleum reserves to safeguard against oil supply disruptions and market volatility. Saying that the local program should have received the government’s support is crying over spilled milk. The government, however, should consider having a buffer stock of fuel since the frequent price spikes have become a threat to the livelihood of Filipinos and thus endanger national security. The post Missed opportunity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go joins Asian Games send-off; renews advocacy for athletes’ welfare
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go recognized athletes, coaches, and sports officials for their contributions to Philippine sports and their crucial roles in representing the nation on the international stage, during the send-off ceremony on Monday, 18 September, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, for Filipino participants in the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. “Today, we gather here not only to celebrate the excellence of our athletes but also to bid them the best of luck as they embark on a journey to represent our great nation at the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China," said Go. Go took the opportunity to shed light on his proposed Senate Bill No. 2116, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. "This bill which I authored carries the potential to bring about positive change in the lives of our athletes, particularly our para-athletes," he said. Go emphasized the need to increase the incentives for para-athletes, stating, "Sana po’y ma-increase naman rin po ang kanilang incentives na natatanggap dahil ‘yung honor po na dala nila sa ating bayan, pareho naman po ‘yong gold, silver, bronze at pinaghirapan rin po nila." The proposed measures seek to upgrade the incentives for para-athletes. This bill intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports. "The heart of this legislation is inclusivity and equality. It aims to elevate or increase the incentives for our para-athletes," he mentioned. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance said he continues to advocate for additional budget for sports programs under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). "During the budget deliberation last year, ang ipinasa po na budget ng PSC more or less about P200 million. Ako po mismo sa Senado bilang inyong chairman po ng Committee on Sports and as vice chair ng Committee on Finance, isinulong ko talaga na madagdagan po ng P1 billion po ang pondo ng Philippine Sports Commission," he said. He revealed that during the budget deliberations last year, he sponsored and successfully secured financial support for athletes participating in international competitions such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, which took place in Cambodia, and the forthcoming Asian Games in China. He also disclosed the allocation of P50 million through the PSC for the Asian Games, along with P30 million specifically for Asian para-games. Go also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in achieving sports excellence. "’Pag nagsama ang gobyerno at pribadong sektor, walang imposible.” Meanwhile, in his speech, the senator also touched on the state of sports facilities in the country, emphasizing the need for comfortable training grounds for athletes. "Ako, sa abot ng aking makakaya ay tutulong po ako sa ating mga sports program ng ating bansa," he assured. In line with his focus on grassroots sports development, Go also spoke about the National Academy of Sports (NAS), a fully operational institution located in New Clark City in Tarlac. "Ngayon po pwede na pong mag-aral at the same time mag-training, training at the same time mag-aral diyan po sa National Academy of Sports," he said. This initiative aims to ensure that athletes do not have to sacrifice their education for their sports careers. Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11470 in June 2020, which provides for the establishment of the NAS System and its main campus. Go was an author and co-sponsor of the measure. Go is also prioritizing the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG) as a platform to scout and recruit athletes for the national pool. He filed SBN 423, or the proposed PNG Act, which seeks to create a nationwide platform for athletes, particularly the youth, to display their abilities. During the ambush interview, Go also emphasized the importance of grassroots programs in encouraging youth to engage in sports and lead a healthy lifestyle. "Grassroots program, it's one way na ma-e-engganyo natin ang ating mga kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs, and to keep us healthy and fit," he said. He further elaborated on the connection between sports and health, saying, "Malaking bagay na fit tayo. Ang importante rin sa akin bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Health, dalawa po 'yan. Importante sa akin ang sports at health. Magka-connect ang dalawang ito dahil para sa akin, kapag fit ka, healthy ka. Pangalagaan po natin ang kalusugan ng bawat isa. Katumbas ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat Pilipino." Toward the end of his speech, Go expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support for Filipino athletes. "Salamat po mga athletes. And of course, gusto ko rin pong pasalamatan ang suporta po sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa suporta niya sa SEA Games, sa Asian Games, at sa lahat pa po ng future competition," he said. Go likewise extended his thanks to PSC Chairman Dickie Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, and the Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo for their ongoing support and contribution to the athletic community. He likewise thanked the athletes, para-athletes, and coaches for their dedication and sacrifices in training. "Athletes, para-athletes, coaches salamat po sa inyong lahat, sa inyong sakripisyo sa pagte-training. Alam kong ito na po ‘yung panahon na inaantay natin," Go said. As the athletes prepare for their journey to Hangzhou, China, Go assured them of his full support. "To our athletes, I know that we stand with you every step of the way. We believe in your potential, and we are confident that you will make our country proud on the international stage," he concluded. The upcoming Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8. The event was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See more photos here: The post Bong Go joins Asian Games send-off; renews advocacy for athletes’ welfare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»