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Traffic rerouted on Osmeña Blvd to remove skywalks affected by Cebu BRT project
The CCTO says they initially planned to close the road next week, but had to do it sooner to prioritize safety.....»»
Mati City, 10 municipalities in Davao Oriental suspend classes, work
Following the impact of a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) affecting Northern and Southern Mindanao, local government units (LGUs) in Davao Oriental have collectively suspended classes and government and private offices. The City of Mati and 10 municipalities, including Baganga, Governor Generoso, Cateel, and others, have issued Executive Orders in line with Presidential Executive Order No. 66, series of 2012. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has forecasted moderate to heavy rains in Davao Oriental due to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) and LPA, posing a risk of landslides and flash floods. The Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao Oriental and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils have reported landslides in Lupon and Cateel, with ongoing clearing operations. The Bureau of Fire Protection and other government agencies have rescued families affected by flash floods in Cateel and Caraga. Franz Irag from the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region confirmed that around 200 individuals or close to 500 families in Davao Region have been displaced and are now in evacuation centers. Additionally, five LGUs in the province of Davao de Oro have also declared the suspension of classes and work in both public and private offices......»»
Affected population by rains due to LPA, shear line now close to a million
The rains from a low-pressure area and shear Line have affected almost a million people, leading to the deaths of two in Visayas......»»
US police launch huge manhunt for shooter who killed at least 22
A massive manhunt was under way Thursday for a gunman who a local official said killed at least 22 people and wounded "many" more in mass shootings in the US state of Maine, the deadliest such incident this year. Police said Robert Card -- seen in surveillance footage pointing a semi-automatic weapon with an extended clip as he walked into a bowling alley in the town of Lewiston -- "should be considered armed and dangerous." Card is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve, CNN reported, citing law enforcement sources. Lewiston city councilor Robert McCarthy told CNN that law enforcement had "confirmed 22 dead, many, many more injured", with local media reporting shootings had occurred at multiple locations. Swathes of Lewiston were locked down, with businesses urged to shutter and people ordered to shelter in place, as the scourge of horrifying gun violence once again ripped through an American community. Maine public safety official Mike Sauschuck said he was not prepared to give a death toll, calling it "a very fluid situation." He told reporters police were flooding the streets as they sought the gunman. "We have literally hundreds of police officers working around the state of Maine to investigate this case, to locate Mr. Card," he told reporters. Rescue vehicles rushed in from around central Maine to tend to the wounded, city councilor McCarthy said, and the two Lewiston hospitals "have called in every off-duty staff member that they could to deal with this." President Joe Biden made calls -- stepping away from a state dinner honoring Australia's prime minister -- to Maine's governor, its two senators and a local congressman to offer federal support, the White House said. Early on Thursday, armed police were seen guarding the Central Maine Medical Center, where some of the wounded were being treated. Several Maine school boards and educational institutions, including Bates College, said they would not be holding classes on Thursday, according to statements. Multiple locations Police and rescuers reportedly arrived at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at about 7:15 pm local time (00:15 Thursday GMT) in response to an active shooter, and then received reports of another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, according to the Sun Journal local newspaper. Police issued a number of photographs of 40-year-old Card at the bowling alley, where he appears calm and composed as he moves through the doorway with his rifle raised. "Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts," they said. Sauschuck said officers had located a "vehicle of interest" they had been looking for -- a white sport utility vehicle (SUV) -- in Lisbon, a town around eight miles (12 kilometers) from Lewiston, where residents had also been warned to stay off the streets. Card was not in the vehicle, reports said. Law enforcement "are investigating two active shooter events," the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department said on social media. "We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large." Maine Governor Janet Mills said she was "aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston." CNN reported that at least 50 people were wounded in the incidents, citing multiple law enforcement sources, but said it was unclear how many of the injuries were the result of gunfire. It was unclear if initial reports of shots being fired at a third site, a Walmart distribution center, were accurate. My hometown Maine Congressman Jared Golden wrote on social media that "like all Mainers, I'm horrified by the events in Lewison tonight. This is my hometown." "Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected," he said. Distraught citizens flocked to local hospitals. "I'm just overwhelmed. I've been here trying to spread, you know, some kind of comfort, some kind of support," Cynthia Hunter, a local resident, told CBS affiliate WGME. The shooting is one of the deadliest since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing about 60 people. Gun violence is alarmingly common in the United States, a country where there are more guns than people and where attempts to clamp down on their spread are always met with stiff resistance. The United States has recorded over 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a non-governmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. Wednesday's attack was the deadliest mass shooting in 2023 so far, according to the GVA's data. Efforts to tighten gun controls have for years run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms. The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings. Lewiston is the second most populous city in Maine located some 30 miles north of the largest city, Portland. The post US police launch huge manhunt for shooter who killed at least 22 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Observe ‘cyber hygiene,’ judicial personnel urged
The Supreme Court has directed all judiciary officials and personnel to strengthen the courts’ cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and minimize the risk of cyber threats. Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen issued the directive as Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo is on official travel abroad, citing the recent data breach involving the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. In Administrative Order 150-2023 on “Proper Cyber Hygiene in Judiciary,” the SC said, “One of the most common ways of ransomware attacks is done through phishing emails, which usually contain malicious links or attachments.” The SC warned, “Do not open these links or attachments unless they have been verified to be legitimate.” Court officials and employees were advised to examine carefully the sender’s email address to avoid being victimized. “Phishers often use email addresses that look similar to ones used by legitimate organizations but may have small misspellings or inconsistencies. Always take a close look at the sender’s display name when checking the legitimacy of an email,” the SC said. Court officials and personnel were also instructed to protect personal information and double-check email attachments by scanning the same for viruses. On password security, the SC suggested that “under no circumstances should judiciary personnel use personal information and dictionary words in creating passwords.” Judiciary officials and employees were also urged to use a longer password containing numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters; to avoid the same password for multiple accounts; to consider passphrases or a sequence of random words instead of passwords; to use a password manager; and to enable a multifactor authentication system in their accounts. They were advised never to share their passwords with others, even those who claim to be from trusted institutions, and to ensure that any written passwords are stored securely. In protecting important files and ensuring their recovery in case of data loss, the guidelines recommend that court officials and personnel follow the “3-2-1 backup rule” to ensure data redundancy and availability in case of hardware failure, data corruption, or other catastrophes. The rule requires users to keep three copies of their data on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite. The post Observe ‘cyber hygiene,’ judicial personnel urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The importance of cyber security
Cyberattacks are on the rise! In the past, we associated this terrifying incident with online banks and payment platforms. However, even government websites, not known as financial institutions, from which money may be stolen, or unauthorized payments are also targets. Last Sunday, 15 October, the website of the House of Representatives was vandalized before noon by a group calling itself “3MUSKETEERZ.” A face with a mocking meme with the phrases “You’ve been hacked” and “Have a nice day” appeared on the website. Below the face was the message, “Happy April Fullz Kahit October palang (even if it’s still)! Fix your website.” A few minutes later, the website went down and became inaccessible. Shortly after, the House of Representatives issued a statement assuring the public that the House had already taken action and coordinated with the government agencies concerned to deal with the matter. “While we work to restore the website fully, we ask for patience and understanding. We are committed to ensure the security and integrity of our digital platforms, and we will implement additional measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” the statement said. Relatedly, also recall that on 22 September, a system of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was similarly attacked, preventing access for a week. Reports stated the data breach affected employees’ workstations, application servers, and users’ data, including names, addresses, dates of birth, gender, phone numbers and PhilHealth identification numbers. On 31 August, the Department of Science and Technology’s OneExpert portal was also subjected to a cyberattack. In a statement on 13 October, the DoST assured the general public that the virtual assault compromised no personal data. In all the above instances, whether personal data or sensitive information were stolen, it causes alarm to us Filipinos. The call to government agencies and ordinary Filipinos to be vigilant and careful with our online information and accounts has become louder than ever. The same holds true for institutions and businesses, which, by the nature of their activities, are entrusted with and tasked to safeguard large amounts of personal information and are responsible for keeping this trust by whatever means appropriate. I now want to stress the importance of cyber security not just for individuals and juridical entities but for the entire nation holistically. Protection against cyber threats: In today’s digital age, cyber threats like hacking, data breaches, and identity theft are becoming more prevalent. Implementing robust cyber security measures helps protect us from these threats. Safeguarding sensitive information: Cyber security also helps protect sensitive information such as personal data, financial details and intellectual property. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized access or misuse of information. Maintaining trust, reputation, and credibility: Cyber security is essential for building trust with customers, clients, and partners. Organizations can maintain a positive reputation and avoid potential legal and financial consequences by committing to protecting their data and privacy. Compliance with regulations: Many industries have specific regulations and standards regarding data protection and privacy. Compliance with these regulations is not only important for avoiding penalties but also for ensuring ethical practices and responsible handling of data. Business continuity: Cyber attacks can disrupt operations, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even business closure. Implementing effective cyber security measures helps minimize these risks and ensures business continuity. Finally, I want to end by being deliberately redundant in stating that cyber security is crucial for protecting individuals, organizations, and society from the growing threat landscape in the digital world. Cyber attackers are on the prowl; we must be alert to the possibility of attack, ready even now to implement measures to effectively counter-act or prevent the same. The post The importance of cyber security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PhilHealth: 13 million members affected by data breach
At least 13 million Philippine Health Insurance Corp. members have been affected by the Medusa ransomware cyberattack......»»
PSALM 75
Psalm chapter 75 opens with thanks to the Almighty God. It’s a prayer of gratitude. The words offer praises to God for all of His wonderful deeds. Sometimes life takes a dark turn, stunning you with a horrifying plot twist. It could be bad news about your health or your loved one’s health. It could be sudden unemployment or loss of income. The death of someone close to you. A heartbreak. The grief or anguish is so bad it’s like being thrown into a dark, endless, boundless sea. You try and stay afloat. Not a soul in sight. Just the vast, blackness of the ocean. Your face is above the water. The rest of your body? You cannot see. You have no idea what creatures lurk beneath the waters, ready to pull you in, to drown you or eat you alive. And you don’t know when the rescue boat will arrive. It is exhausting. You have lost all control. The physical, mental, emotional turmoil is getting worse by the hour. Such is the sensation I feel when I am going through a terrible hardship. Sure, I could still breathe, as my face is above the water. But my problem is as overwhelming and borderless as the great sea. All-consuming. [caption id="attachment_194550" align="aligncenter" width="525"] As the Bible also advised — when you’re confused and panicking, pause. Then pray.[/caption] I feel lost at sea. Panicking. Agitated. Trapped. Stranded. Fearing for my life or sanity. Terrified of all the uncertainties. Feeling insecure and unsafe. Even hope seems like an enemy. Every day, I wake up, hoping for relief. Gasping for rest. But it never seems to arrive. I am still floating in the middle of the dark ocean and unable to hold on to anything. That’s when I always remember Psalm 75. I pause and remember the first verse in that chapter in the Bible. I look back at all the wonderful deeds God showed me in the past. The countless times when He saved me. The many times He healed me. The many times He threw me a life raft. And this soon relaxes me. As the Bible also advised — when you’re confused and panicking, pause. Then pray. Give all your worries to God. Put your trust in Him. Then, gradually, my head clears. The ocean may still be treacherous, but when you look up, there’s a constellation of stars. You become bewildered by the beauty of a black velvet sky littered with diamonds. We may be so focused on the negative, on what we are lacking, on what we are suffering from, that we forget that there are still plenty of things to be thankful for. Things that we take for granted. A supportive parent, a joyful niece, a family to come home to. Warm meals. That hot cup of coffee. The laughter in the living room. The ability to walk outdoors and enjoy nature. The ability to work, to earn. The friends that cheer you up. There are many, many reasons to praise God. Psalm 75 — specifically verse 1 — reigns us in and redirects our focus to the positive. To the silver lining. SCIENCE-BACKED Harvard Health Publishing posted a study on an online article titled, “Giving thanks can make you happy.” The article described a research conducted by two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami. The doctors asked all participants to write a few sentences each week. They facilitated three groups: one group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily, and the third wrote about events that had affected them, according to the article. After 10 weeks, the research discovered that those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. In June, The New York Times published a story titled “Gratitude Really is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows.” The author, Christina Caron, quoted Emmons: “Gratitude heals, energizes and changes lives. It is the prism through which we view life in terms of gifts, givers, goodness and grace.” Expressing gratitude to people who show kindness to us already benefits our well-being, what more if we are grateful to God? So when you find yourself in tough times? Just turn to Psalm 75:1. The post PSALM 75 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Understanding the silent threat
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, another deadly virus has emerged globally, casting a shadow of fear and concern. The Nipah virus, often overshadowed by its more notorious counterparts, has garnered attention due to its alarming fatality rate and potential for large-scale outbreaks. First identified in 1999, when it caused an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, the virus was named after the village of Sungai Nipah in Malaysia, where it was initially discovered. It primarily affects both animals and humans. The primary mode of transmission of the Nipah virus is through direct contact with infected bats or their contaminated excretions, such as saliva or urine. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact with infected individuals’ respiratory secretions or bodily fluids. The virus can be transmitted through contaminated fruits, particularly date palm sap, which has been a common source of outbreaks in South Asia. Nipah virus infection can manifest as a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic or mild flu-like symptoms to severe encephalitis. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, dizziness, and nausea, making diagnosis challenging in the initial stages. Patients can develop severe respiratory issues and neurological symptoms as the disease progresses, leading to coma and death. Alarmingly, Nipah virus infections have been known to have fatality rates ranging from 40 percent to 75 percent, significantly higher than Covid-19. Nipah virus outbreaks have predominantly occurred in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia. These regions are home to fruit bats, the natural reservoir of the virus. While sporadic outbreaks have been reported, the virus’s potential for human-to-human transmission poses a serious public health threat. It’s crucial to understand that comparing the Nipah virus to Covid-19 is not a matter of declaring one deadlier. These viruses differ significantly in transmission, scale, and global impact. However, it is essential to highlight the unique challenges posed by Nipah virus outbreaks. As mentioned earlier, the Nipah virus has a significantly higher fatality rate than Covid-19. While Covid-19 has caused immense suffering and loss of life globally due to its wide transmission, Nipah virus outbreaks are associated with higher mortality rates among those infected, making it a deadlier prospect for affected communities. Nipah is primarily spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, limiting its potential for a pandemic on the scale of Covid-19. However, the virus’ high fatality rate and human-to-human transmission potential make it a concerning localized threat. Covid-19 has led to unprecedented global efforts to contain its spread, including the development of vaccines in record time. In contrast, Nipah has received less attention and funding, which raises concerns about the world’s preparedness to respond effectively to potential outbreaks. Given the potential severity of Nipah virus outbreaks, it is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent and control its spread. Although infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, who is also the president of the Philippine College of Physicians, has said that there is nothing to fear about the zoonotic disease, establishing a robust surveillance system to monitor potential outbreaks is essential. Early detection allows for the swift isolation of infected individuals and the implementation of public health measures. Raising public awareness of the risks associated with handling bats or consuming date palm sap without proper precautions can also reduce the chances of transmission. While no licensed vaccines are available yet, progress in this area could significantly improve our ability to combat the virus. The Nipah virus may not be capturing global headlines like Covid-19, but its potential for devastation cannot be underestimated. With a high fatality rate and the ability to spread from person to person, potential Nipah virus outbreaks demand our attention and preparedness. While Covid-19 has dominated our lives for the past few years, we must remain vigilant and proactive to understand and combat other deadly infectious diseases like the Nipah virus. The lessons we have learned from the Covid-19 pandemic can help us respond more effectively to future health threats, whether known or yet to be discovered. The post Understanding the silent threat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Suspending excise tax on petroleum only benefits the rich — Diokno
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that the proposals on suspending the collection of excise taxes on petroleum products would only benefit the rich and would cause "huge damage" to the economy. Diokno warned against the politicians' call to oil firms to lower oil prices amid skyrocketing fuel cost, where House Speaker Martin Romualdez asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend the collecting of the fuel excise tax. The House of Representatives met with oil industry players to discuss the country's energy crisis and look into possible remedies, such as suspending excise taxes for three months. In a Viber message to reporters, Diokno said that the 10 percent of households with the highest incomes, who consume close to 50 percent of all fuel, are the primary beneficiaries of the suspension of fuel taxes. On the other hand, he said the lower half of homes only use approximately 10 percent of the gasoline. Diokno added that suspending the excise tax will not help combat inflation in the long run. "Any of the proposals will adversely affect our economic and fiscal recovery, our international credit ratings, and our overall debt management strategy," Diokno said. In a separate television interview, Diokno said the government would lose billions in revenue if the government suspended the VAT and excise tax on fuel. "First of all, when you continue with that, what will be lost in the government is P72.6 billion for the fourth quarter only. That's the last quarter of 2023," Diokno said. "In total, for the whole year of 2024, it will reach P280.5 billion that will be lost from the government," he added. Diokno said the foregone revenues will lead to a higher budget deficit – from 5.1 percent to 6.2 percent of GDP, and higher debt-to-GDP ratio in 2024 from a projected 60.2 percent to 61.3 percent. The solution, Diokno said, is to give targeted subsidies to those who will be most negatively affected by increased fuel prices, such as jeepney drivers, farmers, and fishermen. Additionally, Diokno said that eliminating fuel taxes requires time-consuming legislative action. “Once the elevated oil prices subside, it may not be easy to restore taxes on oil product. It is politically unpopular. That’s the political economy of tax legislation,” Diokno said. “This has serious implications on fiscal sustainability,” he added. The post Suspending excise tax on petroleum only benefits the rich — Diokno appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Economy humming under PBBM — AMRO
Despite the challenges of spiraling prices resulting to a 5.3 percent inflation in August from the 4.7 percent recorded in the previous month, economic experts maintained that the economy is on strong footing under the charge of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Growth was supported by resilient domestic demand with a strong recovery in the labor market despite weaker external demand, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office, or AMRO. AMRO held its Annual Consultation Visit to the Philippines from 29 August to 8 September. According to the report, the economy maintained its robust momentum in the first half following a multi-decade high growth rate of 7.6 percent in 2022. It added that notwithstanding a widening current account deficit, the external position remains sound with sufficient international reserve buffer and low external debt. Despite some moderation in 2023, inflation remained high, at a level above the 2 percent to 4 percent target, driven by buoyant demand, the report indicated. Favorable outlook “Economic growth is projected to moderate to 5.9 percent in 2023 due to high base effects and weaker external demand, before edging up to 6.5 percent in 2024 as external demand recovers,” AMRO group head and principal economist Runchana Pongsaparn said. “Meanwhile, domestic demand is expected to remain robust supported by continued improvement in labor market conditions, lower inflation, robust overseas remittances, and higher government infrastructure spending.” Headline inflation is projected to moderate to 5.5 percent in 2023 from 5.8 percent in 2022, and slow further to 3.8 percent in 2024. Despite some moderation, inflationary pressure will likely remain elevated as reflected in the high level of core inflation, due to a positive output gap and the second-round effects induced by increases in the minimum wages and expectations of persistently high inflation. Favorable indicators Other positive factors cited in the report include: On the external front, a widening current account deficit was partly offset by net capital inflows; External debt remained low and international reserve buffer was adequate; The banking sector has improved profitability, ample liquidity, and sufficient capital buffer; and Fiscal position continues to improve in 2023, attributed to robust revenue collection and moderate spending. Scar effects linger AMRO, however, warned that the outlook is clouded by risk factors and challenges. In the short term, the economy could be adversely affected by high inflation, especially due to local supply shocks in the food sector, the report added. An economic slowdown in major trading partners and volatility in the global financial market, along with tighter financial conditions, also pose risks. The long-term growth potential is largely affected by the scarring effects of the pandemic, the pace of infrastructure development, geopolitical risks, and the economic losses from natural disasters, which are being exacerbated by climate change. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, or BSP, tightened monetary policy aggressively to address rising inflation. Policy interest rate was raised by a cumulative 425 basis points, or bps, between May 2022 and March 2023. The 2024 budget aims to continue to reduce the budget shortfall, guided by the medium-term fiscal framework. Complementary tacks Tightened monetary policy and contractionary fiscal stance is an appropriate policy mix amid a positive output gap and persistent inflationary pressure. The “all-of-government approach” against inflation is welcomed as it addresses the supply side problems. Macroprudential tools can be used actively to address potential financial stability issues. The report added in the medium to long term, budget policy should balance between restoring fiscal buffer and supporting sustainable growth and development. Based on the report, fiscal consolidation is supported by strong commitment and well-defined targets and measures, anchored by fiscal rules and discipline. On the financial system side, close coordination between regulators is crucial in identifying, monitoring and mitigating financial stability risks. Meanwhile, the authorities should continue to improve the liquidity management framework, develop the bond and repo markets, and continue to expand financial inclusion, to enhance the system’s resilience to shocks and promote market activities. To do list The report said a comprehensive strategy is warranted to bolster the medium- to long-term economic growth potential. Overcoming the scarring effects of the pandemic mandates a sustained focus on upgrading and upskilling the workforce to embrace a more technology-driven economy, it added. Implementation of policies and measures to attract investments, particularly foreign investments, and promote exports of both goods and services are the underpinnings of long-term economic development, the report added. Furthermore, the government can enhance the country’s competitiveness through infrastructure investment, digitalization, and developing a green economy. The post Economy humming under PBBM — AMRO appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD mulls another rice retailers’ grant
The government has yet to decide on giving out a second tranche of the livelihood grants, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian said Tuesday, as the price ceiling on rice might be lifted soon. In a press briefing in Malacañang, Gatchalian said that the decision on whether or not to give a second tranche would depend on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “The price cap is not meant to last long so that is why we are sticking to that,” Gatchalian clarified. “That’s why he said earlier to us when we met during the sectoral meeting to finish the distribution of livelihood grants immediately to shore up the capital,” Gatchalian added. For context, Marcos issued an order capping the price of regular milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 a kilogram. While Marcos’ order may help curb the rising costs of rice, industry players said the price may have detrimental effects on farmers due to lower farmgate prices, and on consumers as this may further limit the supply of the food staple. With that, Gatchalian said DSWD will be going to markets and stalls to distribute livelihood grants to rice retailers affected by the price ceiling on rice. He added that his agency will be distributing a total of P15,000 to each rice retailer to help them recover their losses and maintain their businesses. Gatchalian said the DSWD will be working with the Department of Trade and Industry to identify the eligible rice retailers for the grant. The beneficiaries will be notified through text messages and social media. The Social Welfare and Development Secretary said that it is targeting to distribute the livelihood grants to all eligible rice retailers by 14 September. Gatchalian underscored that the livelihood grants are not handouts, saying that these grants are meant to help rice retailers recover their losses and maintain their businesses. “These are not dole-outs. These are livelihood grants. We want to help these micro-entrepreneurs get back on their feet,” he said. Low turnouts noted However, DSWD reported a low turnout on the first day of the payout of the P15,000 subsidy to affected micro and small rice retailers. In the same briefing, Gatchalian said that only about 15 percent of the beneficiaries showed up on the first day of the payout last Saturday, 10 September. He attributed the low turnout to the fact that the payout was scheduled at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, which is the busiest market time for rice retailers. “These are micro and small rice entrepreneurs who are also trying to make a living. They can’t simply close their shops and come to our payout centers,” Gatchalian said. To address this, the DSWD has started scheduling payouts during non-peak market times, such as 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. The agency has also introduced “return dates” in those areas, where beneficiaries can come back to claim their subsidy at a later time. “We want to include as many micro and small rice retailers as possible in the database,” Gatchalian said. The post DSWD mulls another rice retailers’ grant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Morocco quake kills at least 296 people
A powerful earthquake shook Morocco late Friday and killed nearly 300 people, according to a preliminary government count, with terrified residents fleeing their homes in the middle of the night. The 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT), the US Geological Survey reported. Strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira. "We felt a very violent tremor, and I realized it was an earthquake," Abdelhak El Amrani, a 33-year-old in Marrakesh, told AFP by telephone. "I could see buildings moving. We don't necessarily have the reflexes for this type of situation. Then I went outside and there were a lot of people there. People were all in shock and panic. The children were crying and the parents were distraught." "The power went out for 10 minutes, and so did the (telephone) network, but then it came back on," he added. "Everyone decided to stay outside." The quake "killed 296 people in the provinces and municipalities of Al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant", Morocco's interior ministry said in a statement, citing a provisional report. Another 153 people were injured, it added. 'Unbearable' screams Faisal Baddour, an engineer, said he felt the earthquake three times in his building. "People went out into the street just after this total panic, and there are families who are still sleeping outside because we were so scared of the force of this earthquake," he said. "It was as if a train was passing close to our houses." Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh's old town, told AFP that he had been in bed at the time of the quake. "I thought my bed was going to fly away. I went out into the street half-naked and immediately went to see my riads. It was total chaos, a real catastrophe, madness," he said. The 43-year-old shared a video of piles of rubble from collapsed walls in the streets. Footage on social media also showed part of a minaret collapsed on Jemaa el-Fna square in the historic city. An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to the square to spend the night for fear of aftershocks, some with blankets while others slept on the ground. Houda Outassaf, a local resident, told AFP he was walking around the square when the ground began to shake. "It was a truly staggering sensation. We're safe and sound, but I'm still in shock," he said. "I have at least 10 members of my family who died... I can hardly believe it, as I was with them no more than two days ago." Fayssal Badour, another Marrakesh resident, told AFP he was driving when the earthquake hit. "I stopped and realized what a disaster it was... The screaming and crying was unbearable," he said. The interior ministry said authorities have "mobilized all the necessary resources to intervene and help the affected areas". The regional blood transfusion center in Marrakesh has called on residents to donate blood for those injured. In the town of Al-Haouz, near the epicenter of the quake, a family was trapped in the rubble after their house collapsed, local media reported. Significant damage likely "We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometers west of Marrakesh, told AFP. "People are in the squares, in the cafes, preferring to sleep outside. Pieces of facades have fallen." The USGS PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments on the impact of earthquakes, issued a red alert for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a national or international level response, according to the US government agency. Internet connectivity was disrupted in Marrakesh due to power cuts, according to global internet monitor NetBlocks. Moroccan media reported it was the most powerful earthquake to hit the country to date. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz offered condolences, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "pained" by news of the quake. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Algeria, where the Algerian Civil Defence said it had not caused any damage or casualties. In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000. The 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in neighboring Algeria in 1980 was regionally one of the most destructive earthquakes in recent history. It killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless. The post Morocco quake kills at least 296 people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hong Kong flooded by heaviest rainfall in 140 years
Hong Kong was flooded by the heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 years on Friday, leaving the city's streets and some subway stations under water and forcing its schools to close. Just across the border, authorities in China's tech hub Shenzhen recorded the heaviest rains since records began in 1952. Climate change has increased the intensity of tropical storms, experts say, with more rain and stronger gusts leading to flash floods and coastal damage. The heavy rains in Hong Kong started on Thursday and in the hour leading up to midnight, the city's weather observatory recorded hourly rainfall of 158.1 millimeters at its headquarters, the highest since records began in 1884. On Friday afternoon, the Hospital Authority said at least 110 people were hospitalized due to injuries, with four in serious condition. A man was found unconscious off the shore of western Hong Kong Island and declared dead at the hospital, though authorities were still investigating if the death was flood-related. The city's highest rainstorm warning level, "black", was hoisted for a record-breaking 16 hours before being lowered at 3:40 pm Friday, with rainfall mostly easing by late afternoon. "It's absolutely shocking," said Jacky, 52, who lives in the Wong Tai Sin district with his elderly parents. "I don't remember floods ever being this bad in our district." "The bottom floor of the mall is completely flooded, the water level is higher than the storefronts... it's turned our day into chaos," he added. Authorities issued flash flood warnings, with emergency services conducting rescue operations in parts of the territory. "Residents living in close proximity to rivers should stay alert to weather conditions and should consider evacuation" if their homes are flooded, the observatory said. It also warned of potential landslips, telling motorists to "keep away from steep slopes or retaining walls". Hong Kong's stock exchange cancelled all trading sessions on Friday. 'Once in a century' Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan described the deluge as "a once-in-a-century heavy rainstorm", adding that extreme conditions would continue until midnight local time (1600 GMT). "It's like putting four bathtubs of water into one bathtub... it will spill," Chan said at a press conference, when asked if the government had done enough to prevent flooding. The Hong Kong Observatory said it recorded more than 600 millimeters of rainfall at its headquarters over 24 hours -- roughly a quarter of the city's annual average. Earlier in the day, taxis struggled through flooded roads as commuters attempted to make their way to work, with some cars stranded in the deluge. "It felt like the whole neighborhood was isolated by the floodwater. One of the underground car parks is totally under water," Olivia Lam, who lives on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island, told AFP. "The water was almost waist-deep outside my building, and that's not the worst (case) in the neighborhood." An AFP reporter saw boulders and mud from a landslide block off a two-lane road in the Shau Kei Wan district, with mud also spilling over into a nearby basketball court. Residents of a public housing block just 30 meters from the landslide lined up with buckets to collect fresh water after the building's supply was disrupted. Roads were also flooded on the island of Lantau, where rivers swelled over their banks. Southern China was hit the previous weekend by two typhoons in quick succession -- Saola and Haikui -- though Hong Kong avoided a feared direct hit. Tens of millions of people in the densely populated coastal areas of southern China had sheltered indoors ahead of those storms. Hong Kong's weather observatory said the latest torrential rain was brought by the "trough of low pressure associated with (the) remnant of Haikui". Authorities suspended schools and cargo clearance services on the city's border with Shenzhen were paused. The border disruption came hours after Hong Kong authorities announced that Shenzhen was preparing to discharge water from its reservoir, which they said could lead to flooding in northern parts of the city. Hong Kong's subway operator said there was a service disruption on one of its lines after a station in the Wong Tai Sin district was flooded. A handful of other stations were also affected by the rain. Footage posted on social media showed a subway train not stopping at Wong Tai Sin station, which had floodwater on its platform. The flooding could cost Hong Kong at least $100 million, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence estimate, compared to $470 million in damage when the city was hit by typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. The post Hong Kong flooded by heaviest rainfall in 140 years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Over 100 collapse-prone schools told to close
Education authorities in the United Kingdom has told at least 104 schools and colleges to shut their buildings that are prone to collapse. The education ministry said Thursday that affected schools buildings are those made with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete which was widely used for school and college constructions from the 1950s to the mid-1990s. RAAC poses collapse risk over time and schools were warned about this and told to implement mitigations as early as 2018, according to the ministry. In its new guidance, the ministry asked that affected buildings be vacated and to either fully or partially relocate to alternative accommodation. The announcement comes as millions of pupils in England are returning to school after the lengthy summer holidays. “Nothing is more important than making sure children and staff are safe in schools and colleges, which is why we are acting on new evidence about RAAC now, ahead of the start of term,” Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said. Education officials, public-sector unions and opposition parties hit out at the government. Unison union’s head of education Mike Short said it “squandered valuable months hiding this crisis when they should have been fixing dangerous school buildings.” WITH AFP The post Over 100 collapse-prone schools told to close appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Starfish outbreak threatens Palawan coral reefs
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — An alarming outbreak of crown-of-thorn starfish in the northern coral reefs of Palawan has raised concerns among local authorities, prompting urgent efforts to curb their rapid spread. The outbreak, which has been reported in several key areas including El Nido, Linapacan, Taytay, Dumaran and Araceli, has sparked fears of irreversible damage to the province’s vital marine ecosystem. Board member Nieves Rosento disclosed the alarming figures on 22 August to the Provincial Board of Palawan. “In Linapacan, almost 1,800 COTS were collected by local divers. And then in El Nido, a staggering 65,209 were collected, according to data from the Malampaya Foundation,” Rosento said. Efforts to contain the outbreak have been underway in El Nido since 2009, led by dedicated volunteers from the local government. But Rosento warned the crisis is intensifying, as a recent collection in El Nido yielded 3,577 additional COTS. This surge in numbers has put Palawan’s corals at significant risk, not to mention imposed a financial burden on affected communities. “Based on our experience in El Nido, the process of collecting these starfish costs around P25,000-28,000. We don’t include payment for the divers because they’re volunteers. Normally, costs go toward fuel, food, vinegar and the divers’ air tanks,” Rosento explained. The volunteers have developed an innovative approach utilizing syringes filled with vinegar. Armed with these syringes, they plunge into the waters to inject the vinegar solution directly into the mouths of the COTS. This prompts the starfish, the venomous spikes of which prevent manual removal, to detach from the corals. Once dislodged, the COTS are transported to a safe location away from the coast to ensure that their toxic spikes do not endanger the underwater environment. The severity of the outbreak can be attributed to the COTS’ unique reproductive cycle. Unlike most starfish, which regenerate from a single limb, COTS engage in broadcast spawning. This method involves releasing eggs and sperm into the water, allowing fertilization to occur wherever the currents carry these reproductive elements. The starfish mature into adults within two to three years, producing between 60 to 100 million eggs. To counter the infestation, Rosento urged for a resolution that allocates funding and equipment to the volunteers. She also called upon local government units to maintain close surveillance of their reefs to supplement existing data and thwart further infections. Rosento also advocated for the introduction of COTS’ natural predators into affected areas. Giant triton snails, crabs, lobsters and other bottom-dwelling fish were recommended as potential solutions to curb the outbreak. “This is a temporary measure, but it can help prevent the COTS from reaching maturity,” Rosento said, underlining the pressing need for swift and sustained action to safeguard Palawan’s precious coral reefs. The post Starfish outbreak threatens Palawan coral reefs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hackers attack London police, Poland train service
Hackers accessed the IT system of the London police’s ID supplier and attacked the communication system of Poland’s railway network partially disrupting train services in one city. London’s Metropolitan Police force said Sunday it was taking security measures as it determines if names, ranks, photos, vetting levels and pay numbers for officers and staff have been stolen from the firm which reportedly prints identity cards and staff passes for the Met, the United Kingdom’s biggest police force. The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said the breach would “cause colleagues incredible concern and anger.” “We share that sense of fury, this is a staggering security breach that should never have happened,” MPF vice chair Rick Prior said. In Poland, the hacking caused the issuance of several stop signals that delayed some 20 trains in the northwestern city of Szczecin overnight on Saturday, deputy coordinator of special services Stanislaw Zaryn told the PAP news agency. PKP said normal traffic resumed within hours and Zaryn said the attack “did not pose risks to passengers’ health or lives...and does not present a danger to rail traffic in Poland.” Authorities are investigating the involvement of Belarusian and Russian hackers. Media reports said the signals were interspersed with renditions of the Russian national anthem and a recording of a speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We know that for some months there have been attempts to destabilize the Polish state. Such attempts have been undertaken by the Russian Federation in conjunction with Belarus,” Zaryn said. Poland is a close ally of Ukraine and is a key transit for Western arms destined to aid its neighbor, invaded by Russia in February last year. WITH AFP The post Hackers attack London police, Poland train service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM expects stabilized rice prices as harvest time starts
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his optimism that the rice prices will stabilize as harvest time starts in key rice-growing areas nationwide. In a Malacañang statement on Friday, Marcos explained that harvesting had begun in several areas like Nueva Ecija, Isabela, and North Cotabato, which should increase the country's rice amount. "We are closely monitoring the supply of our rice and keeping an eye on the rising prices of rice. We also have news that the rice harvest has begun in Nueva Ecija, Isabela, and North Cotabato. Therefore, this will contribute to our supply," Marcos said. Marcos, who also serves as the Agriculture Secretary, assured that the government is keeping a close eye on the supply of rice, farmgate prices, and imports, which he said were factors in the rising costs. Agriculture Undersecretary Leo Sebastian said the first palay harvest from Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and North Cotabato would yield about 900,000 metric tons (MT). "Palay harvest will peak in late September to October, contributing largely to the country's second semester (July to December) production, estimated at more than 11 million metric tons (MMT)," he said. Sebastian said the farmers in the main rice-growing areas started planting earlier in May than farmers in other areas, giving them a head start on harvest time. "Barring strong typhoons in the coming months that may adversely affect Central and Northern Luzon, we are aiming to harvest up to 11.5 MMT in the second semester of the year. This would breach the 20-million MT total national palay production, making it a record, being the highest in the country's history," he added. For Marcos, the price of rice would go down if the value chain was fixed. The value chain is the series of steps that go into making a product or service that is sold to consumers, with each step making the product or service more valuable. Reducing the cost of rice to P20 per kilo was one of Marcos' pledges during the 2022 electoral campaign. He reaffirmed his commitment in March of this year, expressing confidence in its gradual realization. However, an Agriculture undersecretary said earlier this month that the P20 per kilo of rice is only achievable if rice production improves in the country. "As of now, it's not yet achievable. But in the long run, if our productivity improves – and that is what DA is really aiming for, the government is aiming for, then the prices can really go down," DA Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla said in a Malacañang Press Briefing. "But with the current events – the rising fertilizer and fuel costs, along with the occurrence of El Niño and consecutive typhoons – we won't be able to see that in the short term," she added. The post PBBM expects stabilized rice prices as harvest time starts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zambales gov eyes intensified dredging
Iba, Zambales — The provincial government on Tuesday has ordered the intensifying of dredging activities in the province as the heavily-silted river caused the recent flooding in coastal communities. In a meeting on Monday, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. cited the need to restore the capacity of water tributaries in Zambales to carry excess floodwater into the sea as he assessed the damages caused by the recent typhoons. He added that the floods have affected a total of 26,799 residents and caused damages worth P545.1 million in infrastructure and P24.3 million in agriculture. “Flooding was also observed to be worse in barangays near river mouths because sediments get deposited there naturally when the current slows down at the point where the river meets the sea,” said Ebdane. The official added that most flooding occurred in barangays when tributary rivers emanating from the Mt. Pinatubo area and bringing lahar sand overflowed or punched holes into dikes and protective embankments. “Thus, it is crucial that these areas which are natural catch-basins for sediments should be dredged immediately as more rains are expected, so that we can create bigger drainage areas that will convey river water to the sea more efficiently,” said the Zambales governor. In San Marcelino town which was placed under state of calamity after most barangays suffered heavy damages, the swollen river caused the breach and collapse of embankments protecting Barangay Sta. Fe, thus destroying various public infrastructure worth P515 million. The Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council reported that 8,421 families comprised of 26,799 individuals were adversely affected by the torrential rains last week. Most of these came from San Antonio town, with a total of 6,749 affected families and 20,602 affected individuals. In San Antonio’s village of San Miguel, which is located where the Pamatawan River empties into the sea, 42 families comprised of 357 persons had to evacuate to safety on 28 July, as floodwaters rose to waist-deep and chest-deep in some areas, the PDRRMC said. Residents said it was the first time they experienced serious flooding there. They said that strong current damaged the river embankment about a hundred meters from the river mouth, thus creating a gap where the swollen Pamatawan River spilled into the barangay. Incidentally, opposition by San Miguel residents to the government’s proposal to dredge Pamatawan for fear that the project would harm local fishing, prompted Ebdane to suspend dredging activities there. Still, residents elsewhere affirmed that heavily silted waterways perennially brought floods in their area. Ebdane said the river dredging program has been endorsed by local government units and national government agencies that consulted in 2014 to formulate solutions following flooding and landslides in the province during typhoon “Odette” in September 2013. The post Zambales gov eyes intensified dredging appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Falcon’ continues to enhance ‘habagat’
Typhoon "Falcon" (international name: Khanun) continued to enhance the southwest monsoon (habagat) and drench parts of the country as the tropical storm strengthened early on Sunday, the state weather bureau said. According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) 11:00 a.m. advisory, Falcon's eye was located approximately 1,180 kilometers east of Northern Luzon at 10:00 a.m. The severe tropical storm traveled 15 kilometers per hour in the north-northwesterly direction. Maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (km/h), gustiness of up to 115 km/h, and a central pressure of 985 hectoPascals (hPa) are present close to the center. Strong to storm-force winds were also present up to 900 kilometers from the core. Falcon threatens further floods and landslides as Typhoon Egay's (international name: Doksuri) effects are still being felt in the provinces it hit. Falcon's distance from the Philippine landmass prevents PAGASA from hoisting wind signals. But PAGASA said the cyclone may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Monday or early Tuesday. Casualties Meanwhile, two more people died because of the effects of Super Typhoon "Egay" and the stronger southwest monsoon. This brings the total number of deaths to 16, and the damage to agriculture and infrastructure to P5.8 billion. The latest situation report, which the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) released on Sunday, showed that 11 of the casualties happened in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), two each in Calabarzon (Region 4A) and Western Visayas (Region 6), and one in Ilocos (Region 1). But the NDRRMC said that only one death had been confirmed, that of a 36-year-old man who drowned in Mansilingan, Bacolod. The rest were still being checked. In Cagayan Valley (Region 2) and CAR, 52 people were injured, and 20 were missing. Meanwhile, the damage to farmland has already cost P1,501,183,483.27 and the damage to infrastructure has cost P4,388,703,839.36. The most agricultural losses were in Region 2, which cost P1.02 billion. Central Luzon followed, which lost P253 million; Mimaropa (Region 4B), which lost P119 million; Region 6, which lost P53 million; CAR, which lost P50 million; and Calabarzon, which lost P213,500. CAR, on the other hand, lost P3.1 billion in infrastructure. This was followed by Region 1, which lost P643 million, Region 2, which lost P483 million, Bicol (Region 5), which lost P52 million, Region 4B, which lost P29 million, and Region 6, which lost P1.5 million. A total of 291,262 families or 1,029,724 people in 2,615 barangays in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, Northern Mindanao (Region 10), Davao (Region 11), Soccsksargen (Region 12), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Central Autonomous Region (CAR), and National Capital Region (NCR) are affected. There were 15,092 people living in 330 evacuation centers, which were made up of 4,315 families. Assistance All of the storm victims got help worth a total of P64 million, which included food packs, water, blankets, gas and electric transportation, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, cash, and other things. The post ‘Falcon’ continues to enhance ‘habagat’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»