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This writers’ workshop loves Filipino literature
The Palihang Rogelio Sicat discussion on 21 June held in UP Diliman looked and sounded like an art class session. Manolo Sicat, the well-known artist and sculptor, was delivering a demo-lecture on printmaking. He said figures and words can go together in a work of art. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="175634,175632"] He had a PowerPoint presentation of print images. A pair of prints of a couple of dancers were passed around. One was in black and white, the other in color. Texture and motion were their immediate charm. “But what has printmaking to do with us?,” said Christian Balagoza, a boyish writer. “We’ll know when we get the printmaking session,” said sir Reuel Aguila, director PRS 16 (2023). Art collab This is the latest PRS innovation. When the session was held a few days later, Sicat conducted an honest-to-goodness printmaking workshop at the UP College of Fine Arts. A colleague, Prof. Ambie Abano, welcomed the group and opened her atelier to show mural-sized prints made from wooden originals. It is the artist’s impressive collection of prints featuring landscapes of lush trees in dark, brooding background. Fellows from the previous online batch joined the art activity. During the three-hour session, everyone polished her rubber board, chiseled images and texts, and finally print the works on paper. They were amazed to pick up the skill fast and admire the results in no time. Thumbs and nails got smudged with sticky ink yet everyone was smiling at the wet and black artworks clipped on wires that crossed the studio. 16 years of PRS This is one of the activities that make PRS unique. Thanks to its founders -- dramatist Reuel Aguila, retired professor now a lecturer at the UP, and fictionist Jimmuel Naval, dean of the UP College of Arts and Letters. The partner is always on the lookout for ingenious ways to improve the workshop, all for the good of young writers. PRS began as an informal workshop of a number of young writers held in the mansion of Ligaya Tiamson Rubin in Angono, Rizal, in 2008. Today, fellows accepted in the workshop are pegged at 15. Fellows like the idea that they are the main commentators of the manuscripts. During workshops, they get to be the lead discussant. “They learn to be critical and not rely too much on the opinion of the panelists,” said Aguila. The PRS is the only writers’ workshop that aspires to be mobile, going around the country to make its appellation ‘national’ true. It literally brings the creative writing life closer to practitioners. PRS collaborates with local governments, and with their support the workshop had been to Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (2009); Baler, Aurora (2010); Alfonso, Cavite (2011); Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (2012); Angeles City, Pampanga (2014); and Makati City (2015). It also cooperates with the academe as in UP Visayas-Tacloban (2017), UP Baguio (2018) and UP Los Baños (2019). There were times PRS stayed at its home base UP Diliman like during the 50th anniversary of the UP Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature (UP-DFPL) in 2017. It went online as Zoom conference twice during the pandemic. With the renowned writer Rogelio Sicat as PRS idol, the workshop chooses Filipino language as its medium of writing literature. It also accepts works from the region’s translated into Filipino. Institutional support PRS is the official outreach program of the UP-DFPL whose incumbent chair Schedar DT Jocson said that from the beginning, it has supported PRS and its objectives. Many of its panelists are from the department, including alumna Dr. Lulu Torres-Reyes, the PRS 16 guest of honor. Other PRS supporters include the UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (UP-SWF). “We are honored to be part of a movement that brings Philippine literature closer to the common people. PRS writers enrich the catalog of our website,” said director Jayson Petras. Friends and business people also support PRS, like Palawan Pawnshop / Palawan Express Padala company. Lively discussion about literature An hour of PRS discussion on a story or poem does not exhaust its reading or interpretation. To address the gap, sessions are set beyond the allotted time and well into almost midnight. Fellows do not seem to mind as they are very eager to huddle with seniors who are just as willing to forego of an early bedtime. PRS goes one more step. In 2022, it created post-workshop online sessions. Here, senior and beginning writers discuss new works. Everyone is excited to have these disquisitions that aim to improve writing skills. Dedication is demanded from both sides. The recent PRS workshop had the Sicat siblings Luna and Manolo beaming with pride. They were quite surprised to know that almost 300 young writers had already experienced the workshop. PRS is also proud that esteemed writers served as its panelists, including Bienvenido Lumbera, Edgardo Reyes, Ricardo Lee, Rogelio Ordoñez, Lualhati Bautista, Rosario Lucero, Elmer Ordoñez, Jose Dalisay, Marne Kilates, Jess Santiago, Fidel Rillo, Edgardo Maranan, Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Delfin Tolentino, Bonifacio Ilagan, Frank Cimatu, Joi Barrios-Le Blanc, Chris Millado, Jerry Gracio, Richard Gappi, Eros Atalia, Joselito delos Reyes, Choi Pangilinan and Junley Lorenzana Lazaga. PRS connects the lives of senior and beginning writers. Rogelio Sicat would be proud of this long -running project named after him. The post This writers’ workshop loves Filipino literature appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Victorian-era disease hits Scotland’s poorest
A disease linked to poverty and malnutrition that once crippled the crowded slums of 19th-century Britain is on the rise in Scotland, according to data published at the weekend. A total of 442 cases of rickets -- a skeletal disease caused by a sustained lack of Vitamin D -- were recorded in 2022 compared to 354 in 2018, data from 13 of 14 Scottish health boards showed. "Generally preventable conditions such as these are indicative of Scotland having the lowest life expectancy in the UK," Chris Williams, the joint chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland, told The Sunday Times newspaper. He also suggested environmental factors such as a colder climate could be behind the increase. Rickets, which can lead to skeletal deformities such as bowed legs or knock knees, has been linked to a lack of exposure to sunlight and Vitamin D which is found in foods like oily fish or eggs. Some 482 cases of the disease, which largely disappeared from Britain more than half a century ago after efforts to improve diet and exposure to sunlight, were found across England. Most of the cases in Scotland were recorded in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area with 356 diagnoses. Glasgow is one of the most deprived local authority areas in Scotland with 32 percent of all children in the city were estimated to be living in poverty in 2021-2022, according to Glasgow Centre for Population Health. According to the latest data from 2019, men living in the most deprived areas of the city on average live 15.4 years less than those in the most affluent parts. For women, the gap has increased from 8.6 to 11.6 years. Health workers suggested an increase in diversity in the city plus lifestyle changes to more sedentary, indoor activities and cheaper, unhealthy food may have contributed to the increase in rickets. Other so-called Victorian-era diseases such as tuberculosis and scarlet fever are also increasing in Scotland. Data collated by The Times showed 112 cases of tuberculosis in 2022 and a sharp rise in scarlet fever diagnosis, with 223 cases in 2022 compared with 39 the year before. In England there had been 171 cases of scurvy in 2022, with three recorded in Scotland. "Victorian diseases are diseases of poverty and they are common in parts of the world where people are poor," Stephen Baker, a molecular microbiologist at the University of Cambridge, told the paper. "Rickets is associated with a poor diet and the likelihood of a poor diet may be encouraged by the cost of living." The post Victorian-era disease hits Scotland’s poorest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Designer Jie -jie Aisa on muse Nikki de Moura
So far, the city of Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao has produced two beauties of international caliber: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and Miss InterContinental 2021 Cinderella Faye Elle “Cindy” Obeñita. Hoping to make it a Beauty Queen Trinity is Nikki Advincula de Moura, the newly crowned Miss Grand Philippines who will compete for the global title in Vietnam come October. [caption id="attachment_173643" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Miss Grand Philippines 2023 Nikki de Moura, wearing a terno by Jie-jie Aisa, in front of the Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro. | Photograph Courtesy of James Paculba.[/caption] There are great expectations that De Moura, who is of exquisite mix of Brazilian and Filipino blood, will finally snatch the elusive Miss Grand International crown. Helping her to achieve this feat is her glam team from Cebu and her beauty camp in her native CDO. At the national finals, De Moura wore a creation by Eclectic Image Fashion Studio by Jie-jie Aisa for the national costume competition. It was called “Oportunidad de Oro” or “Golden Opportunities,” inspired by the city’s mythical golden fish which is believed to be its protector. It was one of the top five in the category. For her homecoming after her victory, De Moura once again wore a Jie-jie Aisa creation. “The gown beautifully blends two symbolic colors — green, representing unity and #KaubanTaUY, and gold, paying homage to CDO’s renowned title as the City of Golden Friendship,” the designer noted. “A true embodiment of grace and local pride, Nikki shines bright during her homecoming motorcade, capturing hearts of Kagay-anons and embodying the essence of this remarkable city. Thank you to LGU-CDO headed by Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy for making this possible.” Incidentally, the bustling city is in the midst of celebrating its Higalaay Festival, a major highlight of which is the Mindanao Fashion Summit from 23 to 25 August at the Ayala Centrio Mall. As the president of the Designer’s Assembly, Jie-jie will lead his group’s presentation on the second day, 24 August. “As the president, my key duties and responsibilities encompass leading and guiding the organization’s strategic direction, fostering a collaborative environment among budding designers, overseeing project initiatives, coordinating events and workshops and representing the interests of our members within the design community,” the genial designer said. “I am dedicated to ensuring the growth and success of our group by nurturing creativity, facilitating skill development and promoting meaningful engagement within the design industry.” On the eve of the 12th Mindanao Fashion Summit, the designer, who considers Gil Macaiba III, the late Benjie S. Manuel and Cary Santiago as influences, recounts his collaborative relationship with his muse, De Moura. Origins “My acquaintance with Nikki de Moura developed through mutual connections within the fashion and pageant industry. Our paths crossed after a local beauty camp in Cebu City introduced her to our camp in Cagayan de Oro City, the #TeamAmega. Since I am the official designer of our beauty camp, I had the opportunity to design her creative national costume as well as her outfits during her homecoming. “The idea of a creative collaboration for her gowns/outfits emerged organically from recognizing the synergy between our camp’s visions, we jointly initiated the collaboration, fueled by a shared passion for crafting unique and captivating ensembles that would resonate with her style and my design expertise.” Muse “Nikki exemplifies the essence of a stunning Jie-jie Aisa muse through her remarkable blend of grace, confidence and distinctive style. Her ability to effortlessly carry both traditional and contemporary ensembles reflects the dynamic spirit of the Jie-jie Aisa brand. Nikki’s poise and fashion-forward sensibilities resonate with the brand’s commitment to celebrating cultural heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. As a local fashion designer, collaborating with such a muse has been an inspiring journey, elevating my creations to new heights of elegance and sophistication.” Collaborations “Throughout the collaboration between myself as a local fashion designer and Nikki, we found common ground in our enthusiasm for integrating indigenous design elements into the collection. However, there were nuanced differences in our visions, particularly concerning the color palette’s vibrancy and the extent of embellishments. By fostering open dialogue and embracing a spirit of mutual respect, we arrived at a compromise that elegantly balanced the client’s preference for a more subdued palette with my inclination for bolder accents. This harmonious negotiation resulted in a collection that seamlessly reflects both Nikki’s refined taste and my artistic perspective.” Pride “I am immensely proud of Nikki’s accomplishments, both as Miss Teen Philippines 2019 and more recently as Miss Grand Philippines 2023. These achievements reflect not only her individual dedication and perseverance but also the embodiment of our nation’s beauty, talent and grace on esteemed platforms. Nikki’s success brings honor not just to herself but also to the Philippines, and it is a privilege to have contributed to my journey as a local fashion designer. Her victories inspire me to continue creating designs that complement and enhance the remarkable qualities of individuals like Nikki.” Preparations “From our perspective, the entire #TeamAmega is wholeheartedly committed to providing unwavering support to Nikki during her time in Vietnam. As for her national costume, we are awaiting confirmation from the Miss Grand Philippines Organization regarding my potential involvement in designing her ensemble. Rest assured we are eagerly prepared to contribute our expertise to ensure her representation is nothing short of exceptional.” Challenges “As a designer, crafting pageant gowns presents a unique set of challenges that require a delicate balance between artistic expression and meeting specific criteria. Ensuring that the gown captures the contestant’s individuality while aligning with the pageant’s theme and standards demands meticulous attention to detail. “Additionally, incorporating elements that reflect cultural authenticity and modern aesthetics requires thoughtful navigation. The challenge lies in harmonizing these diverse aspects to create a gown that not only enhances the contestant’s beauty and confidence but also makes a lasting impression on the judges and audience.” “Working with beauty queens brings its own distinct dynamic compared to designing for everyday women. Beauty queens possess a heightened sense of stage presence and a requirement for gowns that accentuate their elegance under the spotlight. The meticulous attention to fit, silhouette and materials is magnified.” The post Designer Jie -jie Aisa on muse Nikki de Moura appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Time for the Philippines to go nuclear
With the scorching heat of the sun still going on and the looming dry spell as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, more Filipinos are using electricity to beat the soaring temperature. Unfortunately, the supply of power cannot cope with the demand, so power outages have also become common. [caption id="attachment_167841" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Many Filipinos are increasingly unable to afford power costs, with the cost of electricity in the country among the highest in Southeast Asia. | Photographs Courtesy Of The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.[/caption] Many Filipinos are also increasingly unable to afford power costs. The cost of electricity in the country is among the highest in Southeast Asia, according to a paper penned for the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development. In the Philippines, the kilowatt per hour is $0.16. Compare that to Thailand and Indonesia ($0.10/kWh) and Malaysia ($0.05/kWh). At $0.18/kWh, only Singapore surpasses the country’s Philippines rates. About 50 percent of the country’s power generation comes from coal, with natural gas and renewables accounting for just over 20 percent and the rest coming from oil-fired boilers. The country’s electricity consumption is expected to triple by 2040 — from the 90.2 TWh (Terawatt-hour) in 2018 — due to the rapidly growing economy. It’s time for the Philippines to transition away from its reliance on coal. The adoption of nuclear power is the fastest option and would make electricity costs more affordable, according to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla said including nuclear power in the country’s energy mix would be beneficial to consumers as it would bring down expensive electricity rates and provide a stable source of power. Gayle Certeza, convenor of Alpas Pinas, a group that educates and advocates for nuclear energy, agrees. “We believe that nuclear energy will positively impact the lives of Filipinos because it will mean lower electricity rates that will better allow for more savings,” she said in a Daily Tribune feature. During the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte, Executive Order 164 was signed to include nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. Under the policy, the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.” Energy security The Department of Science and Technology supported EO 164, saying: “Nuclear power is envisioned to bring down the cost of electricity and to contribute to energy security considering the various limitations now being encountered in the other sources which includes natural gas, geothermal, hydro and coal.” The DoST is a member of the Nuclear Energy Program Interagency Committee, tasked to study the adoption of a national position on nuclear power. Nuclear power is one of two major alternatives to fossil fuels; the other is renewable energy (solar power, wind power, hydroelectric, geothermal energy and biomass energy). “Renewables and nuclear can complement each other,” said Arcilla in an interview. “Wind and solar depend on the status of the weather, and they only a 30-percent capacity factor unless you have an expensive battery.” Solar energy also requires one hectare of land to produce one megawatt. “This will become more challenging since the Philippines is an archipelagic country,” Arcilla said. Nuclear, on the other hand, “is more of a baseload energy, meaning it is more reliable due to its continuous production of energy. It could provide backup for wind and solar.” Threats and risks Groups such as the World Nuclear Association, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions. But opponents, such as Greenpeace International and Nuclear Information and Resource Service, warn that nuclear power poses many threats to people and the environment, including the problems of processing, transport and storage of radioactive nuclear waste, the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and terrorism, as well as health risks and environmental damage from uranium mining. Because of these risks, Dr. Art Romero, a geoscientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, California, emphasizes the need to conduct due diligence, technical hazard studies and engineering and safety reviews. If the Philippines went nuclear, where would it put nuclear waste? “It is very challenging to manage nuclear waste as it will last up to 10,000 years,” acknowledged Arcilla. “We need to isolate them from the human environment.” Arcilla suggests deep borehole disposal. “In the Philippines, we have the capability to drill up to three kilometers. So what we can do is to go to an isolated island, drill up to one kilometer, then we plug in bentonite.” It’s not the first time the Philippines will go nuclear. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was built by Westinghouse during the time of Ferdinand Marcos at a cost of $2.2 billion, but it was mothballed in 1986 due to safety concerns and allegations of corruption, even before it could begin operations. During the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, proponents wanted the BNPP rehabilitated. But the project was projected to cost a hefty $1 billion. In 2019, a public perception survey indicated that 79 percent of Filipinos supported the rehabilitation of the shelved BNPP. In addition, 65 percent approved the building of new nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is the second largest source of low-carbon electricity today. With almost 500 operating reactors globally, it provides 10 percent of global electricity supply. It’s time for a rapidly developing country like the Philippines to take a second look at this critical power supply option. The post Time for the Philippines to go nuclear appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada PM Trudeau and wife announce separation
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that he and his wife of 18 years, Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, are separating. In a post on Instagram, the prime minister said "that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate." A statement from his office added that the couple have signed "a legal separation agreement." It said the public can expect to continue seeing them and their three children together as "they remain a close family" and both parents will be a "constant presence in their children's lives." They asked for privacy ahead of a family vacation scheduled for next week. Trudeau and his wife, a former entertainment reporter, were childhood friends and reconnected in 2003 while co-hosting a charity ball. They soon started dating and married in 2005 in Montreal. They have three children together: Xavier, 15, Ella Grace, 14, and nine-year-old Hadrien. The separation is the first for a Canadian prime minister since Trudeau's late father Pierre Trudeau, who split from Margaret Trudeau in the late 1970s and eventually divorced in 1984 during his final months in office. Sunny days, heavy storms In his 2014 memoir "Common Ground," the younger Trudeau recalled that the "dark drama" at home and his parents' eventual divorce had been hard on him. His own breakup comes as Trudeau's ruling Liberals are struggling in the polls against the opposition Conservatives ahead of elections expected before the end of 2025. Trudeau announced last week a major shakeup in his cabinet with the stated goal of strengthening his economic team ahead of that looming campaign. This involved changing more than two-thirds of his political inner circle, with seven new recruits joining the cabinet and around 20 ministers reassigned to new roles. Sophie Gregoire, 48, had been a constant presence at her 51-year-old husband's side at political events over the past decade, as he took the party from third place to form a government in 2015, and through two more winning ballots in 2019 and 2021. But she has appeared in public less in recent years, at times lamenting the struggles of marriage, saying last year in a social media post that they had "navigated through sunny days, heavy storms and everything in between." Trudeau himself has also hinted at difficulties, writing in his memoir: "Our marriage isn't perfect, and we have had difficult ups and downs, yet Sophie remains my best friend, my partner, my love. We are honest with each other, even when it hurts." On their latest anniversary in May, Trudeau posted a photo online of the pair holding hands as they drove along a remote Canadian highway in a motor home, with the caption "Every mile of this journey together is an adventure. I love you Soph." The post Canada PM Trudeau and wife announce separation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Judge rejects gov’t ban on HK democracy protest song
A Hong Kong judge denied on Friday a government request to ban a song used by pro-democracy protesters. “I cannot be satisfied that it is just and convenient to grant the injunction,” Judge Anthony Chan said in his ruling. “This application is accordingly dismissed.” The Hong Kong government had in June requested an injunction order so that the song “Glory to Hong Kong” — penned anonymously — would be banned from being disseminated or performed “with the intention of inciting others to commit secession or with a seditious intent.” But Chan said in his ruling that banning “Glory to Hong Kong” would raise serious freedom of expression issues. “I believe that the intrusion to freedom of expression here, especially to innocent third parties, is what is referred to in public law as ‘chilling effects’,” he wrote. “Glory to Hong Kong” first emerged in August 2019 when the city was undergoing massive and at times violent democracy demonstrations, with millions taking to the streets to demand political freedoms. The Cantonese lyrics integrate a protest slogan — “break now the dawn, liberate our Hong Kong; in common breath, revolution of our times” — and was widely adopted by protesters. Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020, quelling political dissent. WITH AFP The post Judge rejects gov’t ban on HK democracy protest song appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangladesh major hub for tiger poaching
Bangladesh remains a major hub for the poaching of endangered tigers despite government claims of a successful crackdown on pirate groups involved in the trade, according to research published Friday. The vast Sundarbans mangrove forest straddling India and Bangladesh hosts one of the world's largest populations of Bengal tigers. Their pelts, bones, and flesh are bought by black marketeers as part of a broader illegal wildlife trade valued at an estimated $20 billion globally each year. Research from big cat conservation group Panthera and the Chinese Academy of Sciences said tiger parts harvested in the Sundarbans have been exported to 15 countries, with India and China being the most common destinations. "Bangladesh plays a much more significant role in the illicit tiger trade than we previously realized," study co-author Rob Pickles said in a statement. Pirate groups operating in the Sundarbans found a lucrative trade in tiger poaching before a government crackdown started in 2016. At least 117 pirates were shot dead and hundreds more were detained, according to official figures, while many others surrendered as part of a government amnesty. But Panthera's research, published in the Conservation Science and Practice journal, said that the vacuum created by the crackdown had been filled by more than 30 specialist tiger poaching syndicates and opportunistic poachers. Traders operated through their own logistics companies and in some cases concealed their activities through licenses for legal wildlife trade, the study added. The research, based partly on interviews with those involved in the wildlife trade, also found that domestic consumption of tiger parts had increased since the crackdown, owing to Bangladesh's burgeoning economy. Wealthy local buyers were purchasing medicines using tiger parts "as well as large ornamental items for display such as skulls and skins", the study said. The findings were disputed by Bangladesh's official Sundarbans conservator Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, who said the crackdown had brought the illicit trade to a standstill. "We have taken measures to conserve the Bengal tiger population in the Sundarbans," he told AFP. "No tiger has died from... tiger-human conflict in the past five years. Tiger sightings have increased." Just 114 Bengal tigers live in Bangladesh's portion of the Sundarbans, according to an official census published in 2019 -- up slightly since a record low four years prior. An updated population count is due to be published next year. Poaching is the number one threat to tigers globally, and China is the biggest overall driver of demand, largely for use of their body parts in traditional medicine, according to Panthera. The post Bangladesh major hub for tiger poaching appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Free divers find love and death in Netflix’s ‘Deepest Breath’
Early in "The Deepest Breath," an underwater drone follows free diver Alessia Zecchini as she plunges 100 meters down into the ocean's dark depths, and back up, all on a single breath. The heart-pounding, claustrophobic three-and-a-half-minute sequence is as difficult to watch as it is mesmerizing. As she ascends to the shallows, Zecchini's body begins to twitch. Rescue divers seize her and drag her up to the surface, her unconscious eyes rolling grotesquely backward as she is resuscitated. It may seem shocking, but "blacking out" from lack of oxygen is a common occurrence in free diving, an extreme sport in which athletes compete to go as deep as they can without any breathing apparatus. "You can watch all the videos in the world. It doesn't really prepare you for seeing a human being just pass out like that," said director Laura McGann, director of the Netflix documentary, out Wednesday. "It's scary to see." Through archive footage, interviews and a handful of re-enactments, McGann's film explores what drives these men and women to repeatedly risk their lives and push the limits of human endurance in pursuit of new competitive records. "Seeing a human being behave more like a seal or a dolphin in the water, with no tanks, was kind of like learning that there was a group of people in part of the world that knew how to fly," she told AFP. 'In the moment' Specifically, the film focuses on the relationship between record-breaking diver Zecchini and Stephen Keenan, a nomadic young Irishman who becomes one of the sport's top safety experts. Free divers, if not actively courting death, do not appear to fear it. Indeed, Zecchini airily claims in the movie's opening scene that she does not even think about death. Yet it quickly becomes apparent that some sort of tragedy has occurred. Neither Zecchini nor Keenan appear among the film's present-day interviews, leaving the question of their fates hanging for much of the movie -- at least, for those able to resist a quick Google search. That structure was criticized as being somewhat manipulative in early reviews at January's Sundance Film Festival, where the movie premiered, having already been acquired by Netflix days earlier. But McGann decided "really early" that her film would remain "in the moment" with its characters throughout their journeys. Death "was always going to be towards the end of the film," she said. Love and death "The Deepest Breath" is the latest documentary to explore dangerous obsessions through the lens of a love story. Last year's Oscar-nominated "Fire of Love" followed a husband-and-wife scientist couple as they risked their lives to explore the craters of erupting volcanoes. In 2019, "Free Solo" profiled death-defying climber Alex Honnold, as he juggled his obsession with climbing a notorious rockface without ropes, and his relationship with his understandably terrified girlfriend. For McGann, the relationship between Zecchini and Keenan was "a yin and a yang," like "they were each other's missing piece," even before they connected as celebrities in the small free diving community. It emphasizes that free diving is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one, requiring very specific personality types that not only stay calm, but actively enjoy being 100 meters under water, beyond rescue. "What the free diver is feeling is definitely close to the complete opposite to what we the audience are feeling," explained McGann. While viewers might struggle for breath just watching, divers speak of a "serene, quiet, peaceful silence," as they quieten their minds and reduce their heart rates to "that of a Tibetan monk." "You're almost in a meditative state," said McGann. "But you need to keep a little bit of your subconscious aware of what you're doing -- so that you remember that you have to come back up." The post Free divers find love and death in Netflix’s ‘Deepest Breath’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Why Marcos joined Partido Federal
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas secretary general, retired General Thompson Lantion, said because of the effective core principles that the party promotes and embodies, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. embraced it as his official party when he joined it and won the presidential race in the May 2022 elections. Lantion, during his recent interview on Daily Tribune’s digital show “Straight Talk,” said the reason Marcos joined the party was that he believed in its core principles. “Our number one principle is the belief in God, number 2 is humanism, which is human dignity for every individual. Number three is participatory federalism or to defend the core principles of Federalism, and then enlightened socialism with a focus on job generation and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people. And then the last one is direct democracy as we call it. This is the power of the people. The principle most loved by the President is the power to the people and democracy,” he said. Lantion, who served on the staff of the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., said the young Marcos Jr. took his oath as a party member on 5 October 2018, the same day it was accredited by the Comelec. “I was in his campaign from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. It was very difficult back then. We were sure he would win because of the acceptance of the people, just like our first sortie in Batangas. The highways were filled with people who wanted to see him, maybe because of the charm and the vision of the old Marcos Sr. remains in Bongbong. Marcos Sr. was really for the country’s development and progress, which stuck in Filipinos’ minds. And the junior can do better,” he said. True gentleman He said he never heard the young Marcos Jr. curse or make derogatory comments about his opponents during the 2022 campaign. “What Bongbong said is that even “if our family has been scrutinized and hit for more than 30 years now, those will eventually retire. Let’s stand down.” He is like his father, who just said “lintik naman” (damn it) even though he was already very mad. The old Marcos was soft-hearted but very strict,” Lantion said. He said he is currently revitalizing the party and declined the offer of the President of a post in his Cabinet. “I’m strengthening the party and that was the reason I gave the President. I had to forgo the assignment that was offered by the President. Right now, almost 21 governors of the Philippines have joined the Partido Federal, and maybe in the next months, another three or more governors will join. A total of 31 have taken their oath in Malacañang,” he said. Four years after its accreditation, the PFP has become the ruling party and leader of the administrative coalition after it nominated party chairman Marcos Jr. as its presidential candidate. Marcos eventually emerged as the winner by a landslide of 31 million votes versus his staunch opponent, former Vice President Leni Robredo. On its website, the PFP said the party is the “common man’s party” that represents workers, students, farmers, and fisherfolk. It was established to help rebuild the nation decisively by creating a society that is free of illegal drugs, corruption, crime, insurgency, and poverty. The party’s strength comes from a total of 1.5 million members, growing nationwide, from which the following organizations were formed, apart from solid youth groups collaborating on the party’s platform and 350 candidates in the 2019 elections. The post Why Marcos joined Partido Federal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Booed Azarenka blasts ‘unfair’ Wimbledon crowd after Svitolina defeat
Victoria Azarenka blasted the Wimbledon crowd as "unfair" and "drunk" after she was booed off Centre Court following her defeat to Elina Svitolina in a politically charged clash on Sunday. Ukraine's Svitolina came through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) after two hours and 46 minutes of thrilling shotmaking on Court One to set up a quarter-final clash with world number one Iga Swiatek. As has become a common feature, Svitolina did not shake hands with Belarusian Azarenka in protest over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is a key military ally of Moscow. Azarenka, who held her hand up in the direction of Svitolina, seemingly in a gesture of respect, left the court to the sound of boos. "It wasn't fair. It is what it is. What can I do?" said Azarenka. "I haven't done anything wrong, but I can't control the crowd. I'm not sure that a lot of people were understanding what's happening. "But if people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or a quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame." Svitolina and her fellow Ukraine players all refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian rivals at the recent French Open. Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk were jeered by the Paris crowd for their stance after losing to Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka. At the US Open last year, Kostyuk offered only a racquet touch following her defeat to Azarenka. Svitolina believes the booing could be stopped if tennis authorities issue a statement explaining the position of Ukraine players. - 'Victory for Ukraine' - "It was like this for me in Paris. It was also unfair," said Svitolina. "I already said multiple times that until Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we take back our territories, we are not going to shake hands. So I have a clear statement." Despite the controversy, Svitolina described victory as the "second happiest moment" of her life after the birth of her daughter. "I think after giving birth to our daughter this is the second-happiest moment in my life," said Svitolina, who is married to French tennis star Gael Monfils. "When I was down I heard you guys cheering for me and I almost wanted to cry." Svitolina, a semi-finalist in 2019, was 4/7 down in the final-set tiebreak and only three points from defeat. However, she clawed her way back, saw one match point slip away at 9/8 before sealing victory with an ace. "I know that a lot of people back home are watching, supporting me. I feel responsibility, as well," she added. "When I play against Russians, Belarusians, I feel more pressure that I need to win. That's why it means a lot to get these kinds of wins. In my own way, to bring this victory, small victory, to Ukraine." Svitolina, 28, only returned to the tour in April after maternity leave. She has now reached the last eight of successive majors after also making the quarter-finals of the French Open. "When I started playing again I didn't think that I would be here. I didn't think on the grass I would play that good," she added. "I'm just really enjoying the atmosphere, this chance. I'm really thankful for the chance to play here." On the court on Sunday, 76th-ranked Svitolina served up a love game to start the match but Azarenka then broke in the third and fifth games to pocket the first set. The former world number one and two-time Australian Open champion broke again in the first game of the second set. Svitolina pulled herself level for 2-2 but was then unable to convert four break points in the eighth game. In a tense, big-hitting conclusion, Azarenka saved a set point but Svitolina pounced on the second to level the contest. Svitolina raced to a 3-0 lead in the decider, helped by an Azarenka double fault in the second game. Back came the Belarusian to break back in the fifth game as the tie headed to its dramatic tiebreak and post-match conclusion. dj/jw © Agence France-Presse The post Booed Azarenka blasts ‘unfair’ Wimbledon crowd after Svitolina defeat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2,000 hajj pilgrims hit by heat stress
More than 2,000 pilgrims have suffered heat stress during the hajj pilgrimage, Saudi officials said Thursday, after temperatures soared to 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) during the annual rites. Over 1.8 million people performed the days-long hajj, mostly held outdoors at the height of the Saudi desert summer. Many elderly were among the worshippers after a Covid-era maximum age limit was scrapped. Saudi officials said about 1,700 heat stress cases were recorded on Thursday alone -- as huge numbers of pilgrims remain at the holy sites, a day after the main rituals finished -- added to the 287 reported earlier. "The number of heat stress cases since the beginning of this day has reached 1,721," the Saudi health ministry said, urging people to stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water. Officials did not provide a death toll but at least 30 people died during the pilgrimage, according to numbers announced by various countries which did not list causes of death. Iran's oldest pilgrim this year, aged 114, died of a heart attack, the semi-official Fars news agency said, reporting 10 Iranian deaths. Eight Algerians and four Moroccans died, officials said, while an Egyptian pro-government media outlet said eight pilgrims from the country had passed away. Hundreds of people were treated for heart problems, including one 78-year-old Filipino man who had successful open-heart surgery in Mecca, the health ministry said. The real figure for heat stress -- which includes heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes -- is probably far higher, as many sufferers were not admitted to hospitals or clinics. People struggling in the heat was a common sight, especially after the day-long outdoor prayers at Mount Arafat where overheating phones shut down and shade was hard to find. The hajj has a history of deadly catastrophes including stampedes and militant attacks, but this year's main challenge came from the extreme temperatures. The kingdom dispatched thousands of paramedics and set up field hospitals to help contain the risks. It was the biggest hajj since 2.5 million visitors came in pre-Covid 2019. The Gulf climate is so harsh that in 2021, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned parts of it could become uninhabitable by the end of the century due to global warming. Maximum summer temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) could become an annual occurrence by the end of the century, experts say. The post 2,000 hajj pilgrims hit by heat stress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China operating intel unit in Cuba for years
China has been operating an intelligence unit in Cuba for years and upgraded it in 2019 in an effort to enhance its presence on the Caribbean island, a White House official said Saturday. "This is well-documented in the intelligence record," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said in confirming China's intelligence presence. US media in recent days had reported that Beijing was planning to set up a spy base on the island, which is located just off American shores. When President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, "we were briefed on a number of sensitive PRC efforts around the world to expand its overseas logistics, basing, and collection infrastructure globally," the administration official said, using an acronym for the People's Republic of China. "This effort included the presence of PRC intelligence collection facilities in Cuba," the official said. "In fact, the PRC conducted an upgrade of its intelligence collection facilities in Cuba in 2019." The developments come as Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pushed a rapid expansion of the country's security presence around the world. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to travel to China next weekend, rescheduling a visit that was canceled in February after a tension-filled incident involving a suspected surveillance balloon passing over the United States. A base in Cuba, which lies 90 miles (150 kilometers) off Florida's southern tip, would present the most direct challenge yet to the continental United States. China warned the United States Friday against "interfering in Cuba's internal affairs," in response to the media reports on a planned base. When asked about the base at a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said he was "unaware of the situation" before criticizing US policy on Cuba. "As we all know, spreading rumors and slander is a common tactic of the United States, and wantonly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries is its patent," said Wang. The US official said the administration believes that diplomatic efforts "have slowed the PRC down" in developing its activities in Cuba. "We think the PRC isn't quite where they had hoped to be," the official said. Earlier this year, China sent what the US called a high-altitude surveillance balloon across the United States. It floated from west to east above sensitive military installations before it was shot down by a US fighter jet. The post China operating intel unit in Cuba for years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canadian official probing election meddling by China resigns
An elder statesman tapped by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to look into allegations that China meddled in Canada's last two elections resigned on Friday following opposition party backlash over his appointment. Former governor general David Johnston had just released an interim report in which he concluded Beijing sought to interfere in Canada's 2019 and 2021 ballots, but failed to change the outcome of the votes. He was to begin hearings next month with testimony from targeted diaspora communities as well as national security and international relations experts, before submitting a final report in October. But opposition parties accused him of being too close to Trudeau and demanded an independent public inquiry instead. "When I undertook the task of independent special rapporteur on foreign interference, my objective was to help build trust in our democratic institutions," Johnston said in his resignation letter. "I have concluded that given the highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work, my leadership has had the opposite effect." Trudeau's minority liberal government has faced pressure to explain how it responded to the claims -- first reported by local media, citing leaked intelligence documents and unnamed sources -- that Beijing sought to influence or subvert Canada's democratic process. The reported accusations included secret campaign donations and Chinese operatives working for Canadian candidates or lawmakers in an attempt to influence policy. More recently, it emerged that Beijing sought to intimidate an opposition Canadian lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong over his criticisms of China. Last month, Ottawa expelled a Chinese diplomat implicated in the scheme. Beijing, which has called the accusations "groundless," reacted by sending home a Canadian diplomat while warning that aligning with Washington's policy on China risked sabotaging Canada's relations with its second-largest trading partner. In his preliminary findings, Johnston noted common foreign interference techniques included cyberattacks, online influence campaigns, disinformation and "the exploitation of human relationships." He also identified shortcomings in how intelligence is shared within government. But he rejected calls for a public inquiry -- advice Trudeau accepted -- citing "the sensitivity of the intelligence" at play. Johnston said his resignation would be effective no later than the end of June. The post Canadian official probing election meddling by China resigns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR, JICA reaffirm partnership on forestland management
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced Tuesday that the agency and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have reaffirmed continued partnership to strengthen forestland management in the Philippines for improved livelihoods and economic development. In a statement, Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said she received a courtesy visit from JICA Chief Representative to the Philippines Sakamoto Takema at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City on May 29. Loyzaga said she and Takema discussed the Forestland Management Project (FMP), a joint DENR-JICA undertaking that aimed to strengthen forestland management in three critical river basins in the country—Upper Magat and Cagayan, Pampanga, and Jalaur on Panay Island. A 10-year project that started in 2012, the FMP focused on rehabilitating degraded forestlands and improving the socioeconomic conditions of affected communities surrounding the three river basins. FMP employed collaborative and comprehensive community-based management strategies, such as empowering people’s organizations; securing land tenure rights; enterprise development for food security and income; and development, conservation, protection, and sustainable use of forestland resources. Loyzaga and Takema also talked about other possible areas of cooperation for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. At the same time, Takema introduced JICA’s other environment-related projects and activities, such as the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Flood Risk Management Project in various cities, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management-Capacity Enhancement Project, among others. DENR and JICA have been working closely for the protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources for six decades. Most recently, JICA sponsored DENR’s training program on Sustainable Forestry Management with Community Participation in 2019. It also provided technical assistance in establishing ecological solid waste management programs in the cities of Calbayog, Sagay, and Davao in 2022. JICA is the sole Japanese government agency that implements Official Development Assistance, providing technical cooperation, loans, and grants, to overcome challenges common in developing nations. It operates in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide. The post DENR, JICA reaffirm partnership on forestland management appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Japan, S.Korea aim to share N.Korea missile warning data
The United States, Japan and South Korea aim to share North Korean missile warning data before the end of 2023, the three countries said in a statement following a Saturday meeting of their defence chiefs in Singapore. The announcement followed a North Korean attempt to launch a spy satellite that ended with it crashing into the sea after a rocket failure earlier in the week, the latest in a string of banned tests conducted by Pyongyang. The three sides "recognised trilateral efforts to activate a data sharing mechanism to exchange real-time missile warning data before the end of the year in order to improve each country's ability to detect and assess missiles launched" by North Korea, their joint statement said. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Japanese and South Korean counterparts Yasukazu Hamada and Lee Jong-sup met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit. They "discussed the growing nuclear and missile threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as well as efforts to enhance trilateral security exercises and address common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region", the statement said. South Korea's defence ministry said in a separate statement that they "committed to making further progress in the coming months towards the activation of a real-time sharing mechanism for missile warning information". Hamada told a news conference the initiative "will improve the ability of countries to detect and assess the threat of missiles launched by North Korea, and we will work firmly to achieve this as soon as possible". A senior US defence official said ahead of the announcement that the planned data sharing is ultimately about "strengthening trilateral cooperation, which we believe is in all three of our countries' interests, which we believe strengthens deterrence, and which we believe also institutionalizes this cooperation". Grave danger Seoul, Tokyo and Washington all slammed the failed North Korean satellite launch, which they said violated a raft of UN resolutions barring Pyongyang from any tests using ballistic missile technology. South Korea's military said it had managed to locate and salvage a portion of the suspected debris in a potential intelligence bonanza. North Korea does not have a functioning satellite in space and leader Kim Jong Un has made developing a military spy satellite a top priority, despite UN resolutions barring its use of such technology. Because long-range missiles and rockets used for space launches share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing its banned intercontinental ballistic missiles. Before the failed launch, Pyongyang had launched five satellites since 1998. Three failed immediately and two appeared to have been put into orbit. North Korea has doubled down on military development since diplomatic efforts collapsed in 2019, conducting a string of prohibited weapons tests, including test-firing multiple ICBMs. Kim last year declared his country an "irreversible" nuclear power and called for an "exponential" increase in weapons production, including tactical nuclear weapons. The North's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs "pose a grave threat to international peace and stability", the United States, Japan, and South Korea said in their statement. The post US, Japan, S.Korea aim to share N.Korea missile warning data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Twitter blocks troll hunters
For years, a band of science-loving “troll hunters” hounded climate change deniers off Twitter — but Elon Musk’s takeover has upended their efforts, with many ousted accounts back, pushing fresh disinformation. Despite the threat climate change poses to the planet, disinformation about it has gone largely unsanctioned on Twitter. But a secretive global community of about 25 scientists and activists, calling themselves Team Ninja Trollhunters, found a roundabout way to tackle it. Since its founding in 2019, TNT claims to have secured the suspension of some 600 accounts of climate change denialists by reporting them for other infringements, including hate speech, that are officially recognized by the platform as valid grounds for termination. “If they’re saying something racist or offensive or misogynist, we can get them kicked off,” one Germany-based TNT member, a 45-year-old scientist who asked to be identified as Tom, told AFP in a Zoom interview. Like other TNT members interviewed by AFP, he requested that his real identity be withheld to avoid online harassment. TNT members showed AFP archives documenting their campaigns, including a spreadsheet logging thousands of Twitter accounts they reported on grounds ranging from spam and harassment to hate speech and threats. They also shared screenshots confirming numerous suspensions. “We make sure that we’re as under the radar as possible... to get (climate) deniers and ‘sceptics’ and just generally nasty people reported on Twitter,”” a Canada-based member named Peter told AFP. “We’re more effective if we’re very quiet about it. These deniers are quite often very violent in their responses to climate misinformation being corrected. Intimidation and abuse are very common.” The post Twitter blocks troll hunters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No brushing aside hypertension — experts
Health experts have reminded Filipinos of the importance of monitoring their blood pressure ahead of National Hypertension Awareness Month in May. In a public briefing, Philippine Society of Hypertension president Dr. Dolores Bonzon and PSH vice president Dr. Alejandro Diaz warned of rising hypertension-related deaths. “In 2019, 10.8 million people (around the world) died due to hypertension and its complications, including stroke and heart attack, which are also among the top 10 leading causes of mortality in our country,” Bonzon said. Diaz added that the prevalence of hypertension has been rising in the Philippines, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Many people have not had the chance to have their blood pressure measured or receive treatment, which has contributed to the increase in hypertension cases,” he said. He encouraged all Filipinos aged 18 and above to participate in the May Measurement Month survey by scanning the QR code provided and inputting their blood pressure and pulse rate readings. “Hypertension awareness through blood pressure screening during May Measurement Month has increased to over 30 percent, which shows the program’s effectiveness,” he said. Aside from consuming salty foods, stress is also a contributing factor to hypertension, the experts warned. Dr. Diaz advised the public to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress. “Preventable deaths due to hypertension can be avoided through medication and lifestyle changes,” he said. Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) said the prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults aged 20 years old and above has significantly declined from 2018 to 2019. This is despite the increase in the prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults of the same age from 2013 to 2015. DOST-FNRI noted that controlled hypertension is more common among females, who have a higher level of attention to healthcare and adherence to prescribed medications. Additionally, adults with higher educational attainment tend to have a higher rate of controlled hypertension than those with lower educational status, as they have better access to anti-hypertensive medications. The post No brushing aside hypertension — experts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan okays GPS tracking for bail after Ghosn case
Japan on Wednesday enacted a law authorizing courts to use GPS for tracking defendants on bail, a measure pushed for after the dramatic 2019 escape of former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn. The revised criminal proceedings law approved Wednesday will enable courts to order the placement of GPS devices on defendants to prevent them from fleeing Japan. The defendants will be banned from removing or destroying the trackers, and prohibited from entering areas designated by courts as off-limits, such as ports and airports. Violations could incur detention and imprisonment of up to a year. Calls for GPS monitoring, common in many countries for those on bail or under house arrest, followed Ghosn's escape from Japan after he was smuggled onto a private plane in a large musical equipment case. Ghosn, who was arrested in November 2018, fled while on bail, facing financial misconduct charges that he denied. He remains an international fugitive. The incident left Japanese officials red-faced and ignited scrutiny of what some saw as security shortcomings. The GPS surveillance introduced by the new bill can only be ordered to prevent the possibility of international bail-jumping. The post Japan okays GPS tracking for bail after Ghosn case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Every breath a struggle, as air pollution harms health in Thailand
An elderly patient hooked up to a tangle of tubes lies struggling for breath in a Bangkok hospital as Thailand battles a "drastic increase" in respiratory problems caused by a spike in air pollution. His wife holds his hand and strokes his face, with a nurse in blue scrubs listening to his chest through a stethoscope. Every single breath is an exertion. About 2.4 million people in Thailand have needed treatment for medical problems linked to air pollution since the start of the year, including nearly 200,000 this week alone, according to health officials. Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai were among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world on Friday, according to air quality monitoring firm IQAir. Piamlarp Sangsayunh, a respiratory disease specialist at the Central Chest Institute of Thailand in Nonthaburi, says she has seen a "drastic increase in patients since February". "The patients usually have respiratory problems like coughing and sore throats," she told AFP on Friday, adding that eye irritation is also common. Elderly people are among the most vulnerable to air pollution, which can exacerbate existing conditions, sometimes requiring them to be put on oxygen machines, she said. But she said those working outdoors -- such as Bangkok's vast army of street vendors and motorbike taxi drivers -- were the ones "on the front line" of the crisis. Toxic air Uraiwan Chantana, who sells fish balls on the street in Bangkok's central shopping district, said breathing in toxic air every day made her exhausted, but she could not shut her stall because she had no other way to earn money. "I feel a burning pain inside my nose and I regularly cough," she told AFP. "I feel out of breath when I climb stairs when I normally didn't." World Health Organisation representative to Thailand Jos Vandelaer said air pollution was not solely a health issue but also dented economic productivity. "If people are sick they can't go to work, and there will be a reduction in economic activity," he told AFP. The economic cost of air pollution in Thailand in 2019 was equal to $63.1 billion or 11 percent of the gross domestic product, according to Kasetsart University environmental economist Witsanu Attavanich. One of the biggest concerns is tiny particles known as PM2.5, smaller than the diameter of a hair, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even reach the bloodstream. According to IQAir, in 2022 the average PM2.5 concentration in Thailand was 3.6 times the WHO's annual air quality guideline limits. "In the long term, there are more risks for respiratory infections... If people have asthma that can get worse, people can develop chronic lung diseases, even lung cancer," Vandelaer said. "What is less well known is that this PM2.5 can cause cardiovascular diseases... increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack." Air pollution was a factor in about 31,000 deaths in 2019 in Thailand according to WHO data. Smoke from forest fires, farmers burning crop stubble, as well as vehicle emissions and heavy industry-generated fumes, are among the main causes of toxic smog in the kingdom. The El Nino weather pattern is also exacerbating the haze problem in Southeast Asia, experts say. Thailand is home to more than 70 million people and its poor air quality is a growing issue ahead of the country's May 14 election, with the incumbent government accused of not doing enough. "We need to fix the problem at the roots, as a doctor I'm just on the receiving end dealing with the consequences," Piamlarp said. Vandelaer said more regulation was needed to address fires and polluters, adding that individuals should also think about how their transportation and lifestyle choices affected air quality. Bangkok motorcycle taxi driver Tip Panyangam, 59, said he often felt unwell from the smog despite wearing a double mask. "I want the people in power to reduce it because I am worried about my health," he told AFP. The post Every breath a struggle, as air pollution harms health in Thailand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EOC to public: Eat separately, travel safely this Holy Week
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has encouraged the public to avoid eating together with family and friends this Holy Week. EOC deputy chief implementer, Councilor Joel Garganera, said that mealtimes are one of the most common causes of transmission of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) because people are at […] The post EOC to public: Eat separately, travel safely this Holy Week appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»