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The Philippines should prioritize its people over the U.S.
Ren'ai Jiao. /XinhuaEditor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events. The Philippine government is considering building a permanent civilian structure such as a lighthouse or a marine science research cen.....»»
The Philippines should prioritize its people over the U.S.
Ren'ai Jiao. /XinhuaEditor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events. The Philippine government is considering building a permanent civilian structure such as a lighthouse or a marine science research cen.....»»
Hi-tech tools buoy growth of Cebu-based waste facility
Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc., a unit of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., is utilizing newly acquired waste management and resource recovery equipment to expand the capacity of its waste management facility in Cebu. Prime Infra Waste Sector Lead Carla Angelica Peralta said Friday that the company's recent acquisition aids in efficiently sorting the recovery process as well as converting these recovered resources into sustainable fuels such as pyrolysis oil, renewable natural gas, and green methanol. “With new and state-of-the-art equipment coming in, our goal in terms of RDF supply from our Cebu facility is to increase capacity to at least 100 tons per day,” Peralta said. The investments, according to her, also pave the way for the facility's transition to become a semi-automated project. The Cebu facility currently receives and processes around 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily. PWS recently started generating low-carbon refuse-derived fuel or RDF from its waste management facility. The waste entering the facility is sorted for recycling — with recyclable materials further classified into RDF material and carefully sorted to ensure quality standards. After shredding, the RDF materials are compacted and wrapped for safer transportation. For Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci, harnessing the potential of RDF creates a direct positive impact on the environment and the community. “RDF production in our waste facilities is anchored on Prime Infra’s sustainability agenda to deliver infrastructure that supports the decarbonization goals of our customers and other stakeholders,” Lucci added. As such, the company is also looking to grow its operations by developing other facilities across the country. PWS was established to strategically reduce landfill waste to 20 percent or less through modern waste management and resource recovery solutions. The post Hi-tech tools buoy growth of Cebu-based waste facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aviation decarbonization needs gov’t backing
The aviation sector, poised to become a major economic growth driver, is one of the main contributors to global carbon emissions. Industry players are, thus, rushing to decarbonize their operations by using sustainable aviation fuel or SAF. However, Cebu Pacific Chief Strategy Officer Alex Reyes argued that the initiative needs government support before it can fully take off. For instance, he said government partners could "put in the proper incentives so that more capital flows into this vital industry." “There needs to be a coordinated effort throughout the complicated supply chain of aviation to achieve these investments, to get all these massive amounts of SAF refineries,” Reyes said at a recent aviation forum. "If everyone can put SAF on top of their agenda, it all brings us to a much better place for the entire aviation sector," he added. Cebu Pacific was the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to incorporate SAF into its operations when it took delivery of its third A330NEO in May last year. CEB is scheduled to receive 21 aircraft deliveries this year, 17 of which are new engine options or NEOs, while four are current engine options or CEOs on short-term leases. The airline aims to shift to a more fuel-efficient, all-NEO fleet by 2028. It also aims to utilize SAF by launching green routes by 2025 and using SAF for its entire network by 2030. SAF is an environmentally sustainable and chemically identical alternative to fossil fuel-based aviation fuel. It can be processed from plant and used oil feedstock such as forestry and agricultural waste and used vegetable oils. It does not require any adaptations to the aircraft or engines and does not have any negative impact on performance. Using SAF results in up to 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle. Locally, one potential feedstock for SAF is coconut oil or CNO, which is also used for biodiesel production. Last February, the DOE reportedly met with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Philippine National Oil Company, and the European Aviation Safety Agency or EASA to discuss the potential advantage of exploring SAF in the country in compliance with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation or CORSIA by 2027. Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs also recently conveyed the Philippines' strategic position to serve more domestic and international passengers. “The Philippines has a moment here with this young middle class, increasing the wealth of the nation but also wanting to travel. We are strategically placed within the ASEAN region to be a hub, allowing more connectivity between all the people in this region,” Szucs said. “The growth story is impressive and consistent, and the tourism potential here is massive. This is the moment; this is the opportunity to get back. Now is our time to get back to that pedestal, to that very top,” he added. Cebu Pacific currently flies to 35 domestic and 24 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The post Aviation decarbonization needs gov’t backing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NIA must focus on its mandate
Congress has allocated P40 billion more than the National Irrigation Administration initially requested. NIA administrator Eduardo Guillen says he will spend the money on solar pump irrigation projects. Guillen tried to ego-massage President Bongbong Marcos by saying that number one in the 8-point socio-economic agenda of the President is food security. Then he went on to pat his own shoulder by boasting that the number-one thing needed for food security is irrigation infrastructure. Enough with the ego tripping (‘Tama na ang bolahan’). Among the factors contributing to the plummeting rice production is NIA’s total neglect of the present irrigation systems, plus poor management of water allocation. President Marcos should know that his father had constructed about 90 percent of the irrigation systems for all the arable lands in the country. In Mindanao, for example, only two systems were added after the late Apo Ferdie — the Malmar irrigation system in Carmen, North Cotabato, and the Catiil, Davao Oriental irrigation system. Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez should know that the irrigation systems had deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. The canals are heavily silted, the embankments that had served as farm-to-market roads had eroded, and wild grass had grown, impeding the flow of irrigation water. Marcos and Romualdez should, therefore, direct Guillen to rehabilitate all existing irrigation systems before buying solar panels for his cute ideas. In case he missed the duties and obligations expected of his office, Guillen should be reminded that NIA is tasked with exploring and developing all available water resources primarily for irrigation purposes and constructing dams and irrigation canals to convey water to the rice fields. It is also tasked to operate and MAINTAIN (in capital letters) the irrigation systems and allocate water to farmers during the planting season. These are merely the primary responsibilities of the NIA. Guillen claimed the President also directed the NIA to deliver the right input to farmers. “So this will help to lower their input; they won’t buy all their inputs anymore,” he said. Then he was quoted by government media as saying, “And of course, I said to the DA, give us your high-yielding varieties first, especially here in the dry season so that we can immediately double your yield or your output of rice production.” That’s a lot of hot air there. I do not precisely comprehend what Guillen was referring to when he talked about “right input” to farmers, “to lower their input, they won’t buy all their inputs anymore.” It’s kind of garbled. I think he is going through an information overload. Guillen proudly claimed that “we have many more projects at NIA that we are doing right now to teach our farmers how to save money and use the right rice variety for El Niño.” Marcos should put a gag on Guillen, as the poor guy merely adds to the confusion. Does he want to be an agriculture secretary? Well, that is a legitimate ambition, but NIA, which he heads, is such a poorly managed agency one wonders why he is still there. He should advise Guillen to focus on his job first as administrator of NIA before he straddles into rice production. He is facing a gargantuan task to provide and allocate water to farmers through the irrigation systems, which have badly deteriorated through the years. The post NIA must focus on its mandate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines says ready to chair ASEAN in 2026 instead of Myanmar
The Philippines is ready to chair ASEAN in 2026 instead of Myanmar, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Tuesday, as the bloc wrestles with how to engage with the country's junta rulers. Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since a 2021 military coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's government and unleashed a bloody crackdown on dissent. "It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026," Marcos told Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. "We will fortify the foundations of our community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter," he said, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed it would be replaced as chair. "Myanmar will skip ASEAN chairmanship in 2026," he told AFP, without giving further details. Marcos did not say why Manila was taking over the chair from Myanmar. However, two Southeast Asian diplomats attending the summit said the move was agreed by leaders so the crisis would not hijack the bloc's agenda and prevent "external partners" coming to Myanmar for their gatherings. "It's been decided. It was announced at the leaders' meeting and there was no objection," said one diplomat on the condition of anonymity. ASEAN wrote to the Philippines to ask if it was willing to accept the chair for that year and Manila accepted, the diplomat said. A second diplomat, who also declined to be identified, said the switch had been agreed after "leaders' assessment on the progress" of a five-point plan agreed two years ago that the junta in Myanmar has largely ignored. Laos will host next year's summit and Malaysia will chair the event in 2025. The post Philippines says ready to chair ASEAN in 2026 instead of Myanmar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Surprise drug test nets Mandaluyong cop
Mandaluyong City’s chief of police has been relieved from his post after he tested positive for illegal drugs during a random drug test, together with top brass of the National Capital Region Police Office, along with other commanders and chiefs of different offices and support units. Based on the order dated 27 August, Col. Cesar Gerente, Mandaluyong Chief of Police has been terminated from his post while Col. Mary Grace Madayag will replace him as acting chief of police. Gerente has been assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section under the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division of NCRPO for further investigation on administrative charges. In the aftermath of the Gerente case, the NCRPO ordered all 497 PNP personnel in Mandaluyong to undergo random drug test but all the results were negative. After the conduct of the Command Conference, NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez who spearheaded the surprise conduct of random drug test of 61 personnel including the Regional Staff, District Directors from the five Police Districts of Metro Manila, Chiefs of Police, and Station Commanders last 24 August. He said random drug testing seeks to weed out drug-using police officers within their ranks and there would be no letup in the crackdown against erring cops especially those involved in illegal drugs. “I will not tolerate scalawags in NCRPO especially those who are involved in illegal drug activities,” Nartatez stressed. He reiterated that the surprise drug test reflects one of the five-focused agenda of the PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda jr. which is the Integrity Enhancement wherein we aim to strengthen our internal disciplinary mechanism to prevent and address corruption and other negativities among ranks. A command conference was also held to further evaluate the performances of the officers and identify areas to be improved and to be fortified. The post Surprise drug test nets Mandaluyong cop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5,000 non-teaching jobs are available at schools nationwide
The Department of Budget and Management has approved creating 5,000 non-teaching positions in various Department of Education (DepEd) schools nationwide. In a statement on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman explained that the non-teaching positions would help provide more workforce and support to our educators in giving quality instruction to learners. "Under the leadership of our Vice President and concurrent DepEd Secretary Inday Sara Duterte, they had recently released the roadmap called the 'MATATAG Agenda,' " Pangandaman said. "The agenda outlines the various aspects that we need to address, such as buildings, teachers, facilities, and more. Everything is laid out in their roadmap. So, we just want to be consistent with that," Pangandaman added. The 5,000 non-teaching items created consist of 3,500 Administrative Officer (AO) II positions intended to relieve teachers of administrative tasks that support operations and 1,500 Project Development Officer (PDO) I positions which shall complement the AO II and other non-teaching personnel in schools by facilitating the implementation of various programs, projects, and activities initiated by schools or mandated by the DepEd Central Office. AO II and PDO I positions are entitled to a basic salary of Php 27,000 (SG-11) based on the Fourth Tranche Monthly Salary Schedule for Civilian Personnel of the National Government. The said items will be deployed in various Schools Division Offices (SDOs) in the following regions: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), CARAGA, National Capital Region (NCR), Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII. The appropriate funding requirements for the filled positions out of said created positions shall be charged against the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) in the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), while the Retirement and Life Insurance Premium is chargeable against Automatic Appropriations. "This is a big help for our teachers as it allows them to be unloaded from administrative work and to focus on teaching the students. By hiring non-teaching staff, our educators will be able to save a lot of time and effort," Secretary Pangandaman added. For context, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during the 2022 Presidential campaign that many teachers were performing tasks that were unrelated to their job which resulted in fatigue and burn-out that affected their quality of teaching. He said reducing the non-teaching load of teachers will help maintain a high quality of education in public schools and will help protect their mental health. “We need to hire more non-teaching personnel who are qualified for the job, what I'm referring to are the tasks that teachers are currently burdened with that they shouldn't actually be doing,” the President said in a statement. "We can give teachers more time to prepare their lesson plans. Sometimes, our teachers also serve as the librarian, nurse, we even receive reports that some are also in charge of the canteen," he added. The post 5,000 non-teaching jobs are available at schools nationwide appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP
Around 15 persons have been apprehended since the start of the Commission on Elections' gun ban on Monday during the first day of filing of the certificate of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Tuesday. Acorda said since implementing the gun ban, 15 firearms have been confiscated from more than 600 checkpoints nationwide. The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Comelec Resolution No. 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from 28 August to 29 November. The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec. Acorda also said he has ordered a probe and has a person of interest in the incident that happened in Libon town in Albay where the victim Alex Repato, reelectionist captain of Barangay San Jose, was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in his residence at around 5 p.m. Monday, just hours after he filed his candidacy. “It is unfortunate in Albay we have one case of shooting but we already have a person of interest there and tinututukan ng ating kapulisan. What happened in Albay is election-related but I want to get first 'yung talagang official result of the investigation,” Acorda said on the sidelines of the National Capital Region Police Office's commemoration of its 122nd Police Service anniversary at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan Taguig City. Addressing the event, Acorda lauded the NCRPO's dedication to the PNP's agenda, which includes the relentless pursuit of justice, commitment to excellence and fostering deep connections with the communities under their care. He extended his congratulations and recognition to the men and women of the NCRPO for their invaluable contributions to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of the nation's capital. The ceremony was also marked by the presentation of awards to outstanding officers and units within the NCRPO. The awards recognized excellence across various categories, including community engagement, crime prevention and exceptional acts of valor. The NCRPO's Northern Police District, Eastern Police District, Manila Police District, Southern Police District and Quezon City Police District were feted for their outstanding contributions. The post 600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Saudi executes US national convicted of killing Egyptian father
The death sentence for Bishoy Sharif Naji Naseef was carried out in the Riyadh region, the official Saudi Press Agency said. The Gulf Kingdom is frequently criticized for its prolific use of capital punishment, which human rights groups say undermines its bid to soften its image through a sweeping "Vision 2030" social and economic reform agenda. A court found that Naseef, whose age was not given, beat and strangled his Egyptian father to death and mutilated him after he died, and that he also used drugs and attempted to kill another person, SPA said. The mode of execution was not specified, but Saudi Arabia has in the past often used beheading when implementing the death penalty. Riyadh's ally the United States did not immediately comment on the execution. "We are aware of those reports and are monitoring the situation but don't have any specifics," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters. He said a US consular official last visited Naseef in July. Saudi Arabia was the world's third most prolific executioner last year, Amnesty International has said. More than 1,000 death sentences have been carried out since King Salman assumed power in 2015, according to a report published earlier this year by the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights and the Britain-based group Reprieve. A total of 91 people -- 19 of them foreigners -- have been executed so far this year, according to an AFP tally based on state media reports. As well as the US national, those put to death came from countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Yemen. Last year's announced figure of 147 executions was more than double the 2021 figure of 69. Executions for drug crimes resumed in 2022, ending a moratorium that lasted for almost three years. The 2022 total included 81 people put to death on a single day for offenses related to "terrorism", an episode that sparked an international outcry. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman's son, and the de facto ruler, has said on multiple occasions that the kingdom was reducing executions. In a transcript of an interview with The Atlantic magazine published by state media in March 2022, Prince Mohammed said the kingdom had "got rid of" the death penalty except for cases of murder or when someone "threatens the lives of many people". The post Saudi executes US national convicted of killing Egyptian father appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate starts scrutinizing next year’s proposed P5.768-T national budget
The Senate Committee on Finance on Tuesday started the deliberations on the proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024, which is 9.5 percent higher than the current P5.2 trillion national budget. During the hearing, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman provided an overview of allocations of the proposed national budget which is equivalent to 21.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. According to Pangandaman, the proposed national budget would continue to prioritize expenditures based on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s eight-point socio-economic agenda. The largest bulk of the proposed budget would go to maintenance and other operating expenses amounting to P2.155.8 billion, equivalent to 37.4 percent of the total proposed budget. Pangandaman said the allocations for the MOOEs are composed of operating requirements, particularly the implementation of social programs, as well as allocations for local government units and budgetary support for government corporations. The personnel services will get the second-largest share in the proposed budget with P1.694.9 billion or 29.4 percent of the proposed budget. “It will fund the creation of additional positions in various government agencies… as well as the pension of military uniformed personnel,” she said. The capital outlays will get the third-largest share in the proposed budget with P1.246.4 billion or 21.6 percent of the proposed budget. The budget chief said that the allocations for the capital outlays will support the budgetary requirements of new and ongoing infrastructure projects under the administration’s “Build Better More” program. Meanwhile, a total of P670.5 billion is allocated for financial expenses, which is equivalent to 11.6 percent of the proposed budget. By sector, Pangandaman said a total of P2.183 billion is allocated for social services – the largest portion in the proposed national budget. It is equivalent to 37.9 percent of the proposed national budget. It was followed by economic services, general public services, debt burden, and defense, which will receive P1.709.4 billion; P893.3 billion; P699.2 billion; and P282.7 billion, respectively. The post Senate starts scrutinizing next year’s proposed P5.768-T national budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Managers: Phl remains on track
Despite the lackluster 4.3 percent in the second quarter, growth this year is expected to reach the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent gross domestic product expansion, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “To do this, we will expedite the implementation of government programs and projects, to provide fiscal stimulus to increase the productive capacity of the public and private sectors and address the adverse recent impacts of typhoons.” Diokno added. Economic managers gathered in Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City to hold the Post-State of the Nation Economic Briefing that discussed the country’s economic situation and plans on 14 August. Diokno said in 2022, GDP increased 7.6 percent from 5.7 a year ago and a 9.5 percent contraction in 2020. Diokno said the economic team is determined to pick up government expenditure in the third and fourth quarters. Revenue collections remain robust from January to June as these totaled P1.9 trillion up 7.7 percent or P132.6 billion year-on-year which is also higher than the mid-year program by 2.7 percent. Hence, Diokno said they have already pipelined 194 infrastructure flagship projects worth P8.3 trillion of which 132 are located in Luzon that will address irrigation, water supply, flood management, agriculture, digital connectivity, physical connectivity, health, and power and energy. Diokno also highlighted some of the projects like the Laoag International Airport Development Project, the EDSA Greenways, the TPLEX Expressway Expansion Project, the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, the Ilocos Norte-Sur-Abra Irrigation Project, and the Naga Airport Development Project. “The Philippines is determined to be a world leader in the race to net zero and the Ilocos Region will be a strategic partner in this mission. Dubbed to be the renewable energy capital of South East Asia, Ilocos Norte is emerging to be a promising player in the clean energy arena. Being home to the first and largest wind farms in the country,” Diokno stressed. In his address, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., said from a peak of 8.7 percent in January, headline inflation slowed to 4.7 percent in July due to improving domestic food supply conditions and lower global oil prices. However, he also admitted that core inflation remains high at 6.7 percent although it has already started to decline due to the monetary tightening. The BSP has responded to inflation by aggressively raising its policy rate, as of today, the BSP has raised policy rates by 425 basis points. Prices reined in “The good news is that inflation expectations are still well anchored. The markets continue to believe that we will hit our target range by 2024 and stay there in 2025,” Remolona said. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also gave an update on the use pf the budget for 2023. Pangandaman said at the end of July, the total amount of the national budget that has been released already is around 93 percent. “And we expect all our government agencies including all the cabinet members present here, to spend your budget so we can help grow the economy,” Pangandaman said. While for next year, the government budget will amount to 5.768 trillion and it is 21.7 percent of the GDP it has already been submitted to Congress last August 2 and the budget is expected to be passed earlier than expected. The National Economic Development Authority said it wanted to lower the poverty level to single digit. For Socioeconomic Planning Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, the government has effective regional development plans. In the Ilocos Regional Development Plan from 2023-2028, the NEDA expects the Ilocos region to have a 7 percent to 7.5 percent growth while lowering the poverty incidence by 7.3 percent. ‘Build, Better, More’ under BBM;s watch Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the “Build, Better, More” program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is very much aligned with the medium-term development plan for 2023 to 2028 and is consistent with the 8-point economic agenda of the president. Bonoan said that from July 2022 to May 2023, the DPWH has built, maintained, rehabilitated, widened, and upgraded 4,082 kilometer of roads, 497 bridges, built 2,103 flood control projects, 55 evacuation centers, 216 kms farm to market roads, 8 kilometers of farm to mill roads, 138 kilometers tourism roads, 18 kilometers of roads to seaports, railway stations, and airports, 4,038 classrooms, and 6,002 rainwater collector system. “Because of climate change, we have to address and be building and developing resilient and sustainable communities in the 18 major river basins in the country,” Bonoan said. Some of the major projects that the department would like to continue are converting the Daang Maharlika which is actually now Asian Highway 26 which starts in Laoag City and will go around Cagayan Valley and has extended all the way to Zamboanga City. Bonoan says that they want to convert this backbone of the national highway into seamless travel. “In other words, there should be no major stops along the way, along this Maharlika highway,” Bonoan said. Bonoan said they’re going to build 12 major bridges, and the first bridge is the Cavite-Bataan Interlink bridge with a span of more than 32 km. Should it be completed, this will be the second-longest bay bridge in the world. The department also plans to start the Luzon Spine Expressway which will run from Laoag City to Bicol, Bonoan says that this will be 1,073 kms more. As for Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, major Department of Transportation projects like the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, Metro Manila Subway, EDSA Greenway Projects, EDSA Busway, MRT-3 Rehabilitation, LRT-1 Cavite, LRT-2 West Extension, MRT-7, and the modernization and capacity expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are proceeding. For the Department of Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy, there is already a cybersecurity plan for 2023 to 2028 which is a consolidated output of all the stakeholders in designing which includes the best practices all over the world. “We’ve ramped up in our cybercrime detection, we are busting cybercrime syndicates all over the country especially those that are dealing with scammers,” Uy said. Uy said agency is also enhancing cybersecurity status by designing courses to upgrade cybersecurity professionals. He admits that worldwide, there is a 3 million job vacancies on cyber security. DICT said by the end of the year, the department will have Two Terabits of capacity from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan all the way to Manila and we should expect very good Internet connectivity by the start of next year especially on the Luzon area. These structures also open opportunities to data centers and BPOs along the places mentioned which produces employment. DICT expects that foreign investment opportunities and interest in those areas will boom. The post Managers: Phl remains on track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blindly following U.S. brings the Philippines no good
China Coast Guard drives away Philippine vessels intruding into waters of China's Nansha Islands, August 5, 2023. /China Coast GuardEditor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events. Despite multiple warni.....»»
Cyber education, a must
“Digitalization is the call of today, not the call of the future, but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted in his second SoNA his administration’s agenda for all government agencies and local government units to digitalize all their services. He called for the digitalization of payments, business registrations, issuances of permits and licenses, loan applications and revenue collections. The digitalization efforts, he stated, should be made to streamline processes for ease of doing business, combat corruption and make decisions in a data-driven and science-based manner. I commend this push for e-governance and e-commerce by the President. He is right. The digital age is upon us and we must invest in digital technology and infrastructure for our economy to be globally competitive. Cyber Education Law However, the very basic foundation needed for the government’s digitalization efforts should be the investment in human capital. We know that our labor is the country’s biggest asset and the factor that keeps our economy afloat. We export labor, remittances flow, and these in turn fund local consumption. That is why there is an urgent need for us to legislate the incorporation of cyber-education among our population and we must start with our basic education. Investing in cyber-education is not a novel idea. It is a model of development in many advanced countries. As the World Economic Forum or WEF found out in a study, countries like Israel (which currently ranks 8th in the Cyber Risk Literacy and Education Index) show that cyber-risk education and connected institutions can contribute significantly to the national economy by producing more jobs and greater innovation. It concluded that cyber-investment in human resources, i.e., prioritizing cybersecurity education earlier than most and regular assessment of cyber-risk literacy of children and youth at key points in their development and education, is an investment for the future and has been found to have led to a wealth of cyber-related innovation and economic growth among top-ranking countries. The UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Germany, France, and, recently, China, are also investing heavily in cybersecurity education. These countries recognize that cybersecurity education is essential to protecting the digital economy and both public and private digital infrastructure from cybercrimes and cyberattacks. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for cybersecurity education will only grow. Digitalization will positively impact Filipinos’ lives but concomitant negative issues have emerged related to Internet use. Some of the most common cybersecurity crimes and offenses in the world today continue to emerge and develop, some of which President Marcos Jr. mentioned in his speech, such as identity theft, phishing and other online scams. Current statistics also show the vulnerability of Filipino children in the digital space. A recent study claimed the Philippines is a global hotspot for Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children or OSAEC. A sharp increase in possible OSAEC cases has been recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, from 1.34 million in 2020 to 3.19 million in 2021, the second highest in the world behind India. In 2018, the Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime received 579,006 cyber tips on the online sharing, re-sharing, and selling of child sexual abuse images and videos. According to the study, sexual exploitation negatively impacts cognitive functioning, as well as mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression; and across the life course, it can negatively impact the physical, psychological, social, educative and economic well-being of children victims. The foregoing examples are just among the many important reasons to introduce cybersecurity education in the K-12 system. We must educate users of technology, especially children, on the potential risks they face when using internet communication tools, such as social media, chat, online gaming, email and instant messaging, to cultivate cybersecurity awareness at the primary school level. Verily, investing in cybersecurity awareness among the young population will have several positive impacts on the Philippine economy and quality of life. The post Cyber education, a must appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM Prime commits to net zero by 2040
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia commits to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. SM Prime continues to collaborate with partners to pursue a climate-resilient future and mitigate the phenomenon’s harshest impacts. SM Prime is aware that the window of opportunity to act decisively is of utmost importance. This is why climate action and the transition to a net-zero business are at the top of SM Prime’s sustainability agenda. "We have been working with WWF-Philippines to help us establish our commitment and targets, and align with the global commitment which is to achieve net zero by 2050. SM Prime strives to work on achieving net zero emissions, or the point where our generated greenhouse gas emissions are in balance with our emissions reduction activities. We established our near- and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2035 respectively. This is currently being verified by WWF Philippines. We commit to achieving net zero by 2040", SM Prime President Mr. Jeffrey Lim said. SM Prime has been managing the transition to a low-carbon economy, which is why climate health, resilient design, and disaster risk reduction have played pivotal roles in its construction and design activities over the past decades. SM Prime addresses climate change by 1) expanding its renewable energy portfolio, 2) optimizing energy efficiency, and 3) conserving and protecting natural carbon sinks. Moreover, SM Prime is already implementing a large-scale energy and water conservation program that has produced outstanding results. SM Prime achieved its 2022 commitment to sourcing renewable energy for at least 50% of its electricity consumption. This development strengthens its commitment to the Department of Energy’s program of moving up the renewable energy supply component of the Philippines to 35% by the year 2030. SM Prime continues to support the transition to renewable energy through direct sourcing. Moreover, it has invested in various forms of manufactured, intellectual and social capital to prepare for a carbon-neutral future. SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. The post SM Prime commits to net zero by 2040 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NMP Cebu seen luring in tourists
The newly-inaugurated National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu City is expected to draw additional tourists and tourism development to the province and to the Visayas region, as well as open the doors to a temple of history and culture, said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “With the newly-inaugurated National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu, the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines, we open the doors to a temple of history and culture, inviting tourists — local and international alike to witness the archaeological and natural wonders and rich culture and artistry of this side of the country. The NMP-Cebu is not just a museum but a bridge to our past and a window into our future, highlighting the commonalities and strengths of our identity as Cebuanos and as Filipinos,” said Frasco during the museum’s opening last Friday. No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza-Marcos inaugurated the NMP-Cebu together with Frasco, NMP Chairperson Andoni Aboitiz, NMP director general Jeremy Barnes, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. “The opening of the largest National Museum of the Philippines in Visayas will not only provide tourism gains in the province of Cebu but in the entire region. Needless to say, the museum will be a substantial addition to the plethora of offerings of Cebu providing a new reason to love and visit Cebu, and Central Visayas,” added the tourism chief. The DoT, through its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority backed the restoration and conversion efforts of the NMP-Cebu in the four-year journey it took to its present state. Meanwhile, in his speech, President Marcos emphasized that the conversion of the landmark into an NMP-managed property is in line with the national government’s agenda to promote tourism and nurture the Philippines’ national identity. “I am delighted to be with you today at the inauguration of the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu City. It is a milestone not only for the Queen City of the South and the whole province of Cebu but for the entire country as the opening of this museum brings to the fore our rich, natural cultural, and artistic treasures,” the President said in an address. Situated at the heart of Cebu City’s shipping capital, the building of the now NMP-Cebu was once the Cebu Customs House built in 1910 which was part of the grand design for Cebu created by American architect William Edward Parsons, to facilitate trade between the island and other neighboring communities. The landmark has withstood the test of time for 94 years, including the destructive Second World War. It was during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that it was converted into “Malacañang sa Sugbo” in 2004, which served as the official residence of a Philippine president in Cebu. The move was also a testament to the province’s contribution to the country as a frontier of national progress. But the cultural treasure was not spared from the deadly 15 October 2013 earthquake when it was one of the 25 public and private structures in Cebu City that sustained extensive damage prompting authorities to close it for safety. The post NMP Cebu seen luring in tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s unwavering support to the Bangsamoro region and his commitment to helping former rebels in their transformation process. OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday thanked Marcos for mentioning the gains and progress of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during his second State of the Nation Address on 24 July. "What we have witnessed… is President Marcos' genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation," Galvez said after Marcos cited BARMM’s progress and effective self-governing. Galvez recalled that just less than two months into his administration, Marcos administered the oath of office to 80 newly reappointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority on 12 August 2022. This is the first time that the composition of the BTA includes members of the Moro National Democratic Front, particularly from the group of its founding chairman Nur Misuari. In his speech, Marcos emphasized the great potential of the region and stressed that "through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos." He said the national government is expanding its energy resources to include the BARMM. On 6 July, Marcos previously witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular (EIB) on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in the BARMM, which marks another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. The IEB Circular operationalizes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The Circular aims to boost economic development and draw foreign capital into the region. Amnesty program Meanwhile, Marcos vowed his administration would push for the completion of the reintegration process of the former combatants into “productive members of society” by fully implementing the amnesty program for them. Galvez also welcomed Marcos' promise to issue a proclamation that will grant amnesty to those former rebels in the country that have returned to the folds of the law. In his speech, the President asked Congress to support his endeavor on pushing the amnesty program in the country. The amnesty program is being facilitated by the National Amnesty Commission—a government agency that was created on 25 March 1994 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, through Proclamation 347. The NAC is primarily tasked to receive and process applications for amnesty that were filed through the Local Amnesty Board. In 2021, Marcos’s predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, likewise, issued Proclamation 1090, 1091, and 1092—were concurred with by Congress and the Senate—to grant amnesty to the members of revolutionary groups who committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs which include Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas / Revolutionary Proletarian Army / Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). However, the Senate did not concur with Proclamation 1093, series of 2021, granting amnesty to former members of the Communist Terrorist Group that have committed crimes punishable under the revised penal code and special penal laws in the furtherance of their political beliefs. Further, Galvez said OPAPRU will be “carrying out the Marcos administration's five-point peace, reconciliation, and unity agenda throughout his term. Among the agenda includes the completion of peace agreements with the MILF and MNLF towards healing and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro; the Ending of local communist armed conflict by expanding the transformation programs for the local conflict peace process; Completion and sustainment of the gains of the signed peace agreements with the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG, and Cordillera Bodong CBA-CPLA; Enhancement of the resilience for peace of communities and vulnerable groups through social healing and peacebuilding approaches in support of the peace processes; and Enhancement of the delivery of Conflict-Sensitive and Peace Promoting-compliant socio-economic interventions in addressing the key drivers of conflict through convergence and complementation in support of the peace processes. The post OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Legarda welcomes Marcos’ call to integrate environment in Phl policymaking
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to integrate climate change into the Philippines' policymaking. Legarda, a United Nations Global Champion for Resilience, said this has to be seen by the entire government as marching orders to consider the climate in all planning, decision-making and budgeting. "As we reflect on President Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address, I want to express my appreciation for his recognition of climate change as a pressing priority," Legarda said. "I have been advocating this for decades, so now that the President has declared that the economic agenda shall never be incompatible with its climate change agenda, we may finally be on the right path," she continued. The President further said climate change is now considered an essential criterion in integral national policies, planning, decision-making, and implementation of programs. The potential advantages of leaning into pro-environment policies shall extend to jobs and livelihood, unlocking the country's green and blue economies. As such, the Chief Executive informed both chambers of Congress that he wants to prioritize the passage of the Blue Economy bill and new taxes for single-use plastics. This makes economic sense considering the heavy financial burden of local governments in collecting and dealing with mountains of trash from these disposables. "We now hope to see major changes in the way the Executive Department makes and executes their plans and programs in more climate resilient and ecological ways. The President's focus on reducing single-use plastics is timely as the negotiations for a plastics treaty are concluding. It demonstrates a commitment to practical and effective measures to ensure a healthier and cleaner future for future generations," Legarda said. "It is refreshing to see the President prioritizing these initiatives and recognizing their potential to drive economic growth while preserving the environment," she added. The four-term senator is the principal author of Senate Bill 1993, or the proposed Blue Economy Act, which seeks to promote stewardship and sustainable development of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. Up to 88 percent of the country's territory is marine, which covers about 2.2 million square kilometers. As one of the world's leading fish-producing countries, the Philippines hauled in 1.89 million tons of marine capture fisheries in 2018, making the nation 11th in the world regarding capture fisheries and aquaculture fish production. According to Legarda, the circular economy and blue economy are vital components in our fight against climate change. "These measures guide us toward resource efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible management of our marine resources," she said. Legarda also filed SBN 9, or the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act of 2022, to integrate environmental inputs and outputs into national income accounts, accurately reflecting the country's development and economic performance. The post Legarda welcomes Marcos’ call to integrate environment in Phl policymaking appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2024 Lok Sabha Polls: Amid changing political equations NDA s 38 to counter Opposition s 26 tomorrow
New Delhi [India], July 18 (ANI): With Aam Aadmi Party which emerged with anti-Congress agenda and marked its footprints in some states, has suddenly landed in the Opposition's platform following the Congress support to the AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal against Centre's ordinance regarding control of administrative services in the national capital. As Opposition parties are sinking their differences to unite just to counter.....»»
MSMEs seek boost via gov’t assistance
The country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, which have been driving economic growth and recovery in the last few years, need full support from the government to survive and flourish. At a public briefing on Thursday, Go Negosyo Founder and Private Sector Lead for Jobs Joey Concepcion reiterated that the upskilling of MSME owners and operators should be fully supported by the government. “At this point, beyond being competitive in the global market is survivability. Our small entrepreneurs need their businesses to grow, they need to learn how to expand through skills improvement,” Concepcion said. Economies of scale “So, what we need to do is to help them get scale, that is what we are trying to do now — to help them survive. Once they can survive and be sustainable, then they can start to expand,” he added. Concepcion also pointed out that both the government and the private sector should collaborate to provide small businesses with competitive and fair credit facilities that can provide them additional financial muscle to survive. “Well, in the end, access to money or credit is the most important. In agriculture, for instance, access to credit or capital remains a persisting problem. What is good now is that digital platforms are available and we should utilize those,” he explained, “So, working capital is a problem, and that is what we’re trying to work on right now,” he added. Just last week, the Securities and Exchange Commission asked the capital market players to collaboratively fill the country’s $220 billion estimated credit gap to help fund the growth of local startups and small businesses. Aligned with the national government’s agenda, the SEC targets to harness the potential of micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs as major economic growth drivers. The Commission, thus, presented crowdfunding, among others, as an accessible and convenient means for such businesses to secure funds for expansion. Startups get support Crowdfunding is a fundraising activity typically conducted by startups and small and medium enterprises or SMEs, where the public can support or fund a business idea through an online platform. So, what we need to do is to help them get scale, that is what we are trying to do now — to help them survive. Once they can survive and be sustainable, then they can start to expand. Among the MSMEs that have raised capital through crowdfunding is Crymton Comtech Sales & Services, which testified on the “transformative impact” of its partnership with Investee. As of December 2022, over 200 businesses have successfully raised capital through the platforms of Investree and Seedin Technology, from a total of more than 1,000 registered issuers. The post MSMEs seek boost via gov’t assistance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»