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Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 17
MANILA -- The number of Chinese inbound travelers to the Philippines surged by 235 percent year-on-year in the first two months of 2024, a Philippine lawmaker said Sunday. Citing data from the Philippines' Department of Tourism, Representative Marvin Rillo, vice chairperson of the committee on tourism in the House of Representatives, said that 82,314 Chinese travelers entered the Philippines in January and Febru.....»»
RUPERT’S CHOICE: FILIPINAS OF PASSION AND COMPASSION
To say that a Rupert Jacinto portrait is an exact representation of his subject would be a distortion of the truth. Rupert does not aim to fashion a replica, nor the same exact image of the human being who poses before him and his camera. As an artist and a craftsman, Rupert is a master of the interpretation of the essence of a human being. He even goes further. Through his photography, he pays tribute to his every subject, what moves and defines them, and what inspires and propels them to do their best in their varied endeavors. In his latest book, Having a Ball, A Tribute to Tina Hidalgo Jacinto, recently launched at Rustans Department Store, he highlights 10 women of exceptional passion and compassion, and presents the “Having a Ball” columns written by Tina, his late wife and muse, in the Manila Bulletin. Devoted to Tina, who had been behind him from day one of his career as a photographer, Rupert pays tribute to her being his favorite subject, companion in life’s journey, confidante and the inspiration for the great body of works that he produced in her lifetime. Of course, Tina remains to be Rupert’s inspiration, hers being the whispering voice that continually prompts him to do his usual best. Rupert’s choice of subjects for this book affirms his commitment to highlighting the best of the Filipina, as exemplified by the ladies he featured, as follows: [caption id="attachment_171026" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nedy Tantoco[/caption] Zenaida R. Tantoco is the president and CEO of Rustan Commercial Corporation and Stores Specialists, Inc. She is the president of The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI). For more than 12 years, she was a member of the board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Nedy has produced operas to raise funds for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the PPOSI, and the noteworthy projects of the Philippine Italian Association of which she is the president. She recently produced at the CCP Giacomo Puccini's Turandot with a cast from Italy, South Korea and the Philippines. [caption id="attachment_171021" align="aligncenter" width="451"] Margie Moran Floirendo[/caption] Margie Moran Floirendo is currently the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She was chairman of the board of the CCP. She brought honor to the Philippines when she became Miss Universe 1973. She is an advocate of Philippine ballet and Mindanao tourism. [caption id="attachment_171028" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pinky Tobiano[/caption] Pinky Tobiano is a cancer survivor and philanthropist. She is the CEO of Progressive Laboratories and Kpp Powers Commodities, Founder and chairman of the Board of the Harvard Business School (Philippine Chapter) and president of the Association of Bureau of Animal Industry-Recognized Laboratories. Pinky is admired by legions for her iconic tablescapes, the best proof of her exceptional creativity. [caption id="attachment_171022" align="aligncenter" width="314"] Mache Torres-Ackerman[/caption] Mache Torres-Ackerman is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, leadership coach, international author, and US Certified Life Coach specializing in Hypnotherapy focused on providing individual/group counseling /clinical hypnosis services (childhood traumas; family issues; addiction; relationships). [caption id="attachment_171025" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jacqueline Michelle Lim[/caption] Jacqueline Michelle Lim is the CEO of Amanah Oil and Gas Corp. She is gifted with psychic abilities. An old soul, she loves antiques, old manuscripts, and photographs from yesteryears. [caption id="attachment_171027" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Mayor Nina Quiambao[/caption] Mayor Nina Quiambao is the first woman mayor of Pangasinan. Her priorities are social-cultural development, social protection, agricultural modernization, good governance, economic and infrastructure development, environment protection, and disaster resiliency. [caption id="attachment_171020" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Cory Navarro[/caption] Cory Navarro is the founder and chairman of King’s Group of Companies. A top hostess, she invites renowned chefs to whip up their specialties for her family, friends and guests. [caption id="attachment_171024" align="aligncenter" width="454"] Marissa Gutierrez[/caption] Marissa L. Gutierrez is the President of Gikab Foundation in Negros. She is an entrepreneur engaged in land banking, building and selling real estate. She is a product of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. She owns the 1335 Mabini Art Gallery. [caption id="attachment_171029" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Aida Posadas[/caption] Aida Posadas is an heir to the Posadas Estate. A God-centered person, she is an Instagram artist, nature lover and mother to her one and only son, Wowee Posadas, who owns the two-decade old 19 East Bar and Restaurant. [caption id="attachment_171023" align="aligncenter" width="444"] Marge Organo[/caption] Marge Organo is a talented glass sculptor who trained in the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, USA and The Glassmaking School of Kamenicky, Senov, Czech Republic. She has exhibited at the Galerie Joaquin. Marge established Altheamed Pharmaceuticals which distributes Ophtha and ENT medicines, as well as cataract lenses from US, Europe and India. The company is now known as Qure Corp. Pharma, after her son took over the reins of the company. The post RUPERT’S CHOICE: FILIPINAS OF PASSION AND COMPASSION appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t sets inspection of cold storage facilities
For COVID-19 vaccines The government will conduct an inspection starting next week of existing cold storage facilities as it prepares for another tripartite logistics suppliers agreement for an integrated shipment, storage and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said this as he assured that inputs from the private logistics providers will be considered in organizing an end-to-end service for the vaccines’ rollout. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 (NTF AGAINST COVID-19 / MANILA BULLETIN) “Next week we will inspect all available cold chain storage. We are coordinating with a consortium so that they will make sure that all vaccines from 2-8-degree celcius to negative 70 will be taken care of,” he said. This developed as the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP), told Manila Bulletin that the industry is still awaiting for the government to accept the industry’s offer to play a role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine. CCAP is a multi-sectoral group of companies involved in the handling, storage, and distribution of chilled and frozen food, among other products. Galvez assured that the logistics system for the vaccines will be in coordination with the vaccine suppliers, the cold storage provider and the government. Galvez explained the government has to establish an integrated logistics system for the vaccines to ensure there is no wastage of the new vaccines, which have different storage temperature requirement. “We have seen some reports that we have 30 percent wastage in some areas in Europe. With acute shortage of vaccines we cannot afford wastage,” he stressed. He further said that the cold storage facilities are part of their agreement with vaccine suppliers for an end-to-end service solution. The after sales service is part of this long commitment with the vaccine suppliers and as a requirement under the government’s universal health system. “We will make sure that the vaccine that will be coming here has an integrated coordination with vaccine maker, the local government units and the private sector so that includes after sales service,” he said. Meantime, the Go Negosyo which spearheaded the private sector donation drive “A Dose of Hope” said there are ongoing consultations to help Galvez in coming up with an integrated shipment, storage and distribution system for the vaccines. Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the private sector donors would rather live the logistics aspect to the vaccine supplier Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and the national government to ensure smooth implementation. Concepcion has secured 17 million doses from the private sector that are expected to inoculate 8 million Filipinos in June-July this year. Meantime, Royal Cargo Inc., one of the country’s leading logistics providers, has expanded its cold storage facility at its Paranaque head office so it can accommodate the different temperature requirements of the various COVID-19 vaccines. Earlier, CCAP President Anthony Dizon said the Philippine government is yet to formally tap the country’s cold chain industry for the handling and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country. According to Dizon, the industry, “individually and collectively”, has more than enough capacity to participate in the country’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution program.Right now, he said the cold chain industry’s total cumulative capacity stood at 500,000 pallet containers, while the initial 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine will consume only less than 200 pallets. “Our initial estimate is that even if we are called upon to play a role in the storage of the vaccine, it will constitute a small portion of our capacity,” Dizon said.“The industry is just waiting for the government to approach us,” he added. In a previous report,. said the government is now in discussion with the private sector regarding the state-led distribution of COVID-19 vaccine. “I’m thankful to the private sector for throwing their support to us, like what they did when we ramped up our testing capacity,” said Galvez. On the part of CCAP, however, Dizon said no official dialogue has so far taken place between the organization and the government regarding this matter......»»
NDRRMC says typhoon response adequate
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Thursday that it has not been negligent in issuing timely and adequate warnings and advisories related to the strength of typhoon “Ulysses” even if many residents in Metro Manila and nearby provinces seemed to be caught by surprise with the sudden flooding in their areas. (MANILA BULLETIN) Requests from people asking to be rescued from the roof or second floors of their houses, specifically in Marikina City, Pasig City, and Rizal, due to the overflow of the Marikina River have flooded social media and the NDRRMC Operations Center, according to Assistant Secretary Casiano Monilla, Office of Civil Defense deputy director for operations. “Patuloy ang paglilikas natin but since yesterday or even the other day, inililikas na ang ating mga kababayan especially doon sa traditionally naaapektuhan ng bagyo. We were not caught flat-footed dito sa event na ito. Kung minsan lang kasi, kapag nag-ikot ang local officials ay hindi kaagad sumusunod ang mga kababayan. Mas nagrerely tayo kung ano ang ating nararamdaman, kung ano ang prevailing na situation na nararamdaman other than the advise na binibigay ng PAGASA,” he said in a virtual media forum. (We are still conducting rescue operations but since [Wednesday] or even [Tuesday], we have already conducted pre-emptive evacuation of our countrymen especially in areas that are traditionally affected by typhoons. We were not caught flat-footed by this event. Sometimes, the residents don’t listen to local officials even if they are already warned. They usually rely on what they are feeling or the prevailing situation rather than the advise given by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration)The NDRRMC has yet to provide data on the extent of damage of Ulysses and how many people were affected. But NDRRMC chairman and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a separate interview, said the damage has been “huge.” “[There was] huge damage. [There were] totally flooded villages and low-lying areas were flooded,” Lorenzana said when asked to describe the extent of Ulysses’ effects. Lorenzana said he has briefed President Duterte about the deployment of troops to save some residents in Marikina who were asking to be rescued due to the overflow of the Marikina River. “I just came from the Palace. I briefed him what our troops are doing in Marikina to save people from their rooftops,” he said. Social media users were quick to point out the similarity in the devastation of Ulysses to typhoon “Ondoy” in 2009 which inundated a vast portion of Metro Manila after hours of intense rains. Ondoy left 747 people dead and billions of damages in agriculture and infrasture. In Marikina, Mayor Marcelino Teordoro said Ulysses brought the water level of Marikina River to 22 meters as of 11 a.m. Thursday, which was higher than the 21.5-meter level reached during typhoon Ondoy. Monilla said local government units (LGUs) have the responsibility to conduct search and rescue operations on their affected residents but he noted that the NDRRMC is behind the LGUs to augment their capabilities. “Ondoy really served as a lesson especially sa area ng Marikina at Pasig sa NCR. Nagkaroon na sila even the early warning signals. Sa amin naman, ang pagdirect ng operations ay aming nirerely sa LGUs at kami lang ay tumutulong sa local governments in harnessing the response units para madagdagan ang units na nagre-rescue sa ating mga kababayan (Ondoy really served as a lesson especially in Marikina and Pasig in the National Capital Region. They established early warning signals. On our part, the direction of [rescue] operations rely on the local government units and we just help them in harnessing the response units which will rescue our countrymen),” he said. “Because highly populated ang lugar it could be a challenge relocating them. Ang Provident [Village] nga which serves as a lesson in Ondoy ay affected din sa ngayon. Highly urbanized kasi ang Metro Manila that’s why it’s really a challenge paano i-relocate ang mga tao na laging affected ng ganito,” he added. Meanwhile, the NDRRMC has also tapped the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and several private companies to deploy their manpower and assets for search and rescue operations. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, AFP chief, said the Joint Task Force NCR has been leading the rescue efforts in Metro Manila. They were aigmented by two disaster response units from the 7th Civil Relations Group, 101stSearch and Rescue volunteers, and private group REACT PH. Another search and rescue unit from Bantay Bayan volunteers were deployed in areas on Tullahan River and Caloocan City to conduct search and rescue operations. The Joint Task Force Bicolandia, Northern Luzon Command (NolCom), and Southern Luzon Command (SolCom) also deployed thousands of soldiers to coordinate the search and rescue operations in Bicol region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos (Region 1), Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Central Luzon (Region 3), Calabarzon (Region 4A), and Mimaropa (Region 4B). Monilla said they have received reports that major dams in Luzon have been releasing excess water which may inundate Central Luzon and parts of Metro Manila. “Ang Angat, Ipo, La Mesa, at Wawa dams nagpapakawala ng tubig dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng tubig dulot ng ulan na hatid ni Ulysses so baka abutin pa hanggang mamayang hapon o gabi (Angat, Ipo, La Mesa, and Wawa dams were releasing water because of the continuous rain brought about by Ulysses so the [flooding] may persist until afternoon or evening),” he said. .....»»
Northern Samar sends first batch of relief goods to ‘Rolly’ victims in Bicol
TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) – The provincial government of Northern Samar has delivered the first batch of relief augmentation to areas badly-hit by super typhoon Rolly in the Bicol Region. The trucks used in transporting the first batch of relief augmentation from the province of Northern Samar to areas hit by Super Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni) in the Bicol Region. The provincial social welfare and development office (PSWDO) on Saturday (Nov. 7, 2020) said the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes each received 500 sacks of rice, 200 boxes of assorted canned goods, 200 boxes of bottled water, and 100 boxes each of cereal drink and powdered milk. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar PSWDO/ PNA/ MANILA BULLETIN) In a phone interview on Saturday, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Head Jenny Darish, said they have sent eight truckloads of essential goods to the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes on November 6. Each province received 500 sacks of rice, 200 boxes of assorted canned goods, 200 boxes of bottled water, and 100 boxes each of cereal drink and powdered milk. “Northern Samar is also regularly hit by typhoons during this season so it is easy for us to empathize with the plight of the people in Bicol. The Bayanihan spirit lives,” Darish said. The provincial government thanked all various groups and private individuals who extended cash and in-kind donations, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Boyax Cargo, construction companies, Solid M, and JUPA, for the logistics support. “The overwhelming support and fast response from the people of Northern Samar shows us what we can achieve if we work together. We were recently battered by ‘Tisoy’ and ‘Ambo’, so the experience of our Bicolano brothers and sisters is not just a news we read online but a reality we regularly face,” Governor Edwin Ongchuan said in a press statement. The PSWDO is still accepting cash or in-kind donations. Drop-off points will be at the PSWDO office in Dalakit village in Catarman town or the different municipal social welfare and development offices in the province. “Rolly” was the strongest typhoon in the country this year, making four landfalls, and leaving at least 22 people dead while damage to agriculture and infrastructure has reached over PHP14 billion. .....»»
Strict time frame for basic permits pushed
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said Saturday the issuance by government agencies of basic permits must have a strict time frame. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Gatchalian, former chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, issued the statement during a radio interview on the acceptance by the Senate and House of Representatives bicameral conference committee of a provision in the proposed Bayanihan 2 law that sought a three-year suspension on the issuance of different permits for cell towers of telecommunication companies (telcos). ’’Ang sinusuportahan natin ay mabilis, ‘yung moratorium kung puwedeng tanggalin ibang permit, ‘wag na dumaan sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, tanggalin narin ang permit sa barangay kung dadaan ka naman ay mayor bakit sa barangay captain pa,’’ he said. (I support a fast release of permits, the moratorium should eliminate other permits. Such permits must not go through Sangguniang Panglungsod. Also eliminate permits from the barangays if they also pass through the office of the mayor) Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon sought the suspension proposal after telcos had complained that permits sought for the installation of their cell towers from local government units (LGUs) and some government agencies take as long as eight months. Drilon said there are about 29 to 35 documentary requirements and permits before single cell tower could be built in a subdivision, barangay, or town. These complex requirements remain ‘’the biggest stumbling block for more reliable and faster Internet and telco services in the country,’’ he added. President Duterte had earlier warned telcos to accelerate the improvement of their services by the end of the year or face harsh government action......»»
Robredo: COVID-19 cases and deaths are not mere statistics
Vice President and opposition leader Leni Robredo said the country’s coronavirus cases and deaths are not mere statistics as it shows how COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected every Filipino family. VP LENI ROBREDO (SCREENSHOT FRO VP LENI ROBREDO’S FACEBOOK VIDEO / MANILA BULLETIN) Robredo noted more people have to endure hardships that resulted from the weaker economy and continuous rise in the number of infections and deaths. “Conversely, as more people get sick because of COVID-19, so does the suffering of our people get prolonged. Many have died; they are not mere statistics,” she said. ”Each of them had a story, had a dream, has a family that mourns their loss. And as cases continue to rise, it becomes harder move forward towards a better normal,” she added. The vice president reminded the administration the pandemic is the root cause of these problems, and if it has a clear plan, Filipinos can overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and move forward. Robredo bared a comprehensive list of suggestions in a videotaped public address, dubbed “Message of Hope”, on her Facebook page. This was perceived by many as her own roadmap on how the country can recover from the ill-effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Her recommendations include a correct data regarding COVID-19, safety nets for affected families, tax incentives for companies, equitable and systematic provision of resources to hospitals. Robredo also batted for pooled testing and timely contract tracing, better wages of health workers, and harmonization of COVID-19 efforts of the public and private sector, among others, instead of just waiting for a vaccine to become available. The opposition leader said she supports the government’s P31-billion “Plant, Plant, Plant” program that will be implemented nationwide to benefit farmers, fisherfolks, and consumers. This program mentioned by President Duterte during his last Monday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) falls under the “Whole of Nation” approach, which Robredo said she is also supportive of. “We support the whole of nation approach. But a true whole nation approach should be directed toward a common goal,” she said. The lady official is also keeping her faith on the goodness and capability of Filipinos in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. “It is not wishful thinking to dream that we can also achieve what Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand have achieved….We can also do this. We have the right skills, we should have sufficient resources. We have what it takes,” she said......»»
US reaffirms support for Philippines sovereignty amid its tensions with China
Washington, DC [US], March 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Manila in defending its sovereignty while criticising China's "dangerous" water cannon attack at the Philippine supply mission vessel on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation between Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, the US Secretary reiterated the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
Contagious pertussis disease continues spreading in Philippines
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The contagious pertussis has continued spreading in the Philippines, where it has caused at least 40 death cases, after a province near the capital region reported an outbreak of the disease. In a social media post on Wednesday night, the Cavite government posted a resolution declaring the province under a state of calamity "due to the outbreak of pertussis" after logging 36 cases an.....»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
Baltimore bridge accident: Freighter pilot called for tugboat help before plowing into bridge
BALTIMORE — The pilot of the cargo freighter had radioed for tugboat help and reported a power loss minutes before the Baltimore bridge accident, federal safety officials said on Wednesday, citing audio from the ship’s “black box” data recorder. The head of the National Transportation Safety Board also said that Francis Scott Key Bridge, a.....»»
China: PH is ‘straying down a dangerous path’
MANILA, Philippines — China continued to blame the Philippines and its ally, the United States, for the continued tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Thursday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that the Philippines is going down a dangerous path. READ: No letup in Chinese water cannon attacks.....»»
7 lumang simbahan sa Metro Manila na swak pang-‘Visita Iglesia’
TUWING sasapit ang Semana Santa, isa sa mga tradisyon ay ang “Visita Iglesia.” Para sa mga hindi aware, isa ito sa mga taunang ginagawa ng mga Katoliko na bumisita sa pito o higit pang simbahan upang magdasal at magmuni-muni sa mga istasyon ng Krus. Sa pamamagitan nito, ibinabandera ng mga deboto ang kahalagahan ng pananampalataya,.....»»
Philippines logs 40 pertussis deaths this year
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Forty children have died of whopping cough, a respiratory infection also called pertussis, since this year, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has reported. The DOH said in a statement on Wednesday that cases have continued to increase since the start of this year, recording 568 cases from Jan. 1 to March 16. "The total number of cases for the same period in 2023 was.....»»
DMK criticises Election Commission for being biassed in allocating symbols to political parties
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 28 (ANI): The Deputy Secretary of the Student Wing of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Ka Amutharasan, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of having a biassed attitude towards opposition parties by allocating election symbols as per their wishes. "ECI has allocated the symbols for the Tamil Manila Congress and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhgam that those parties wished for. Th.....»»
PLDT, Smart named among world’s leading employers
PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have been named among the Top One Percent of Leading Employers of 2023 by German firm Institute of Research and Data Aggregation......»»
Unlock business success at Franchise Asia Philippines Expo
The Franchise Asia Philippines Expo 2024 is set to hold a series of dynamic seminars designed to empower entrepreneurs, investors and business enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of franchising. Slated from April 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, these seminars offer invaluable insights into key aspects of franchising and business growth......»»
Baltimore Bridge collapse: Police had about 90 seconds to stop traffic before bridge fell
BALTIMORE — It was the middle of the night when a dispatcher’s warning crackled over the radio: A massive cargo ship had lost its steering capabilities and was heading toward the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Within about 90 seconds, police officers who happened to be nearby responded that they managed to stop vehicle traffic over.....»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»