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The crucial role of watershed management
Watersheds provide a range of ecosystem services and support plants, animals, and humans. Despite its crucial significance, watersheds face multiple threats, such as rapidly increasing population, disruption of hydrologic conditions, and biodiversity loss. Because of its importance, the sustainability and stability of the watersheds are at serious risk in the absence of appropriate interventions. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, with co-sponsorship from the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions held a Congress on Sustainable and Climate Resilient Watershed Management through ecosystem-based approaches in the Asia-Pacific Region in Muntinlupa City. This was the reason why the DENR-ERDB organized the congress to cover the dearth of information on how to sustain and develop climate-resilient watersheds. The event featured more than 50 oral and poster presentations on innovative solutions that merge sustainable practices with climate resilience based on the experiences of delegates from different countries like the Philippines, Bangladesh, Fiji, Nepal, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. In her message, ERDB Director Maria Lourdes G. Ferrer emphasized the need to address critical issues on watersheds, forge partnerships, and work collectively to attain a more sustainable and resilient future. She called the participants to engage in fruitful collaborations to exchange valuable information. To help achieve its objectives, the congress has four themes: Climate resilience and sustainable watershed management; Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded watersheds; Nature-based approach in watershed management; and Policies, legislations, and institutional arrangements. The three-day event revolved around watershed management. Six plenary speakers who are experts on various topics on watershed management shared informative talks and experiences in the field. Dr. Rex Victor Cruz of the University of the Philippines talked about climate resilience and sustainable watershed management while Dr. Shanker Kumar Sinnakaudan of the Universiti Teknologi MARA Pulao Pinang shared the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded watershed in the context of Malaysia. A plenary talk was also given by the former ERDB Assistant Director and former Director of the River Basin Control, Dr. Antonio M. Dano which focused on the policies, legislations, and institutional arrangements that are critical to watershed management. Two talks centered on experiences and best practices in terms of watershed management in the Philippines. Forester Percival Cardona of the DENR-Forest Management Bureau shared insights on the Enhanced National Greening Program, one of the initiatives that is substantial in sustaining watershed management in the Philippines. DENR Region 10 Executive Director Henry Adornado discussed the strategies and best practices for sustainable watershed management for the Cagayan de Oro River Basin. The congress ended with a tour of the Upper Marikina watershed in Rizal province. The post The crucial role of watershed management appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Immigration officer convicted
The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday revealed that a Bureau of Immigration officer has been convicted for the falsification of travel records showing that former Wirecard chief operating officer Jan Marsalek was in the Philippines even if he did not arrive and leave the country in 2020. The NBI said BI officer Marcos S. Nicodemus has been found guilty by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court of violations of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Though the RTC decision was not provided by the NBI, it said that Nicodemus “was sentenced by the court to a maximum imprisonment of nine years for each of the criminal cases with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.” Marsalek, an Austrian national, has been wanted by the German government for his involvement in the $2.2 billion Wirecard fraud. In 2020, the Philippine government joined the hunt for Marsalek due to Wirecard’s links in the country and discovered travel records that showed that the Austrian came to the Philippines in 2020. Then Department of Justice Secretary and now Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra ordered the NBI to conduct an investigation. In August 2020, the NBI “recommended to the DoJ the prosecution of subject Marcos Nicodemus for falsifying the travel records of an Austrian national.” “Investigation conducted by NBI-IAID (NBI-International Airport Investigation Division) revealed that based on Marsalek’s travel records, he arrived in the Philippines through NAIA Terminal 1 on 23 June 2020, processed by Immigration Officer Darren Ilagan but with a mysterious ‘canceled by user’ remark and departure on 24 June 2020 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport processed by Immigration Officer Perry Michael Pancho,” the NBI said. “However, NBI-IAID discovered thru CCTV (closed circuit television) footages that Marsalek never entered the Philippines and he did not even depart through MCIA,” the NBI said. The records of Marsalek were found to be spurious due to the following: Existing immigrations protocol as of that date disallowing passengers from entering Philippine territory due to Covid situation; absence of actual scanned data page of the passport; existing protocol that incoming flights of airlines disallowing the boarding of a passenger who will be prevented entry based on the destination country’s protocol as of flight date. The NBI said that Ilagan testified that Nicodemus, who was his supervisor, “ordered him to conduct a derogatory check upon Marsalek despite the fact that he was already not on duty on that date and that Marsalek is not present during checking.” Guevarra in 2020, said that the travel records of the Marsalek were falsified possibly as “diversionary tactics to mislead his pursuers.” The post Immigration officer convicted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red tide invades Samar bays anew
TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Friday revealed that the red tide phenomenon has recurred in three bays in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces, raising warning not to consume shellfish products in these areas. In a statement, the BFAR identified the bays as Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar, coastal waters of Calbayog City, Samar; and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar province. The bloom of this toxic organism returned in Matarinao after three weeks of red tide absence and in Irong-Irong Bay after nine months. The coastal water of Calbayog City was included in the red tide watch in early 2022. Matarinao covers the coastal waters of General MacArthur, Hernani, Quinapondan and Salcedo in Eastern Samar province. The BFAR attributed the change in weather patterns as the cause of the red tide blooms in the region. “To safeguard human lives, we are issuing this warning as a precautionary advice to the public to refrain from gathering, selling, and eating all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. locally known as alamang or hipon from these bays,” BFAR said in its local shellfish bulletin. Water and shellfish meat samples will be sent to their main office for confirmatory testing. Fish, squid, crab and shrimp gathered from these areas are safe to eat provided that all entrails are removed and the marine products are washed thoroughly with running water before cooking. Although the shellfish ban has been lifted in some areas in the region, the monitoring will continue to check the possible recurrence. The regular water sample checks cover the coastal waters of Daram, Zumarraga, Cambatutay, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar; coastal waters of Guiuan; San Pedro Bay in Samar; coastal waters of Leyte, Calubian, Ormoc, Sogod, Carigara Bay, and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte; and coastal waters of Biliran Island. The post Red tide invades Samar bays anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN’s Syria envoy deplores ‘horrific’ bloodshed
The UN's Syria envoy said Thursday's "horrific scenes" in Syria showed the status quo in the war-torn country was unsustainable -- and warned the security situation could worsen further still. An attack on a Syrian military academy in the government-held central city of Homs killed more than 100 people, a war monitor said, with state media blaming "terrorist organizations". Separately, Turkish air raids in the Kurdish-held northeast killed at least nine people, according to Kurdish forces, after Ankara had threatened raids in retaliation for a bomb attack. "I am gravely concerned by the escalating violence in Syria today," Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, said in a statement issued in Geneva. "I deeply deplore the loss of life on all sides. I urgently appeal to all sides to exercise the utmost restraint. "Today’s horrific scenes are a reminder of the need to immediately de-escalate violence, towards a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to countering Security Council-listed terrorist groups. "All sides must respect their obligations under international law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure." The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, spiraling into a complex battlefield involving foreign armies, militias, and jihadists. "Today's developments further highlight that the status quo in Syria is unsustainable and that, in the absence of a meaningful political path... I fear we will only see further deterioration, including in the security situation," said Pedersen. The post UN’s Syria envoy deplores ‘horrific’ bloodshed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival
The world premiere of Jang Kun-jae's "Because I Hate Korea" will open Asia's largest film festival Wednesday night as it looks to rally from a year marked by scandal and budget cutbacks. The South Korean director's tale of a disillusioned young woman who relocates to New Zealand is among 209 official entries from 69 countries set to unspool at the Busan International Film Festival, which runs until 13 October. Eighty will be making their world premieres in the southern port city. This year's edition comes as organizers grapple with the fallout from former festival director Huh Moon-yung's resignation in May amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The scandal saw BIFF's 2023 budget reduced by about 10 percent as sponsors withdrew in the wake of the allegations, according to organizers. Kang Seung-ah, now serving as acting deputy director, acknowledged they had endured a "difficult phase" before assembling a lineup she said was "more substantial than ever before". Opening night director Jang, who noted he'd attended BIFF far more as an audience member than a filmmaker, told a late afternoon news conference he had sought to address serious questions with his film. "I believe it's necessary to pay attention to the fact that many young people are finding it difficult to navigate through Korean society. I started questioning whether our society is providing a fair and equitable foundation for young people to pursue their dreams," he told reporters after a preview screening. Based on the best-selling Chang Kang-myoung novel, "Because I Hate Korea" received support from BIFF's Asia Project Market back in 2016. South Korea has transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse since then thanks to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the Netflix series "Squid Game". "Many people are now showing great interest in Korean content such as K-pop, K-movies, and K-dramas. Living in such an era, they might develop a certain fantasy about South Korea, I think," Nam Dong-chul, the festival's acting interim director, told reporters. But "I thought it might be good to consider these views from the perspective of people living in Korea and especially the youth in South Korea", he said of the opening night choice. "They might have different thoughts and experiences." Frequent Bong Joon-ho collaborator Go Ah-sung, who delivered a memorable performance as the protagonist of "Because I Hate Korea", was unable to attend the festival due to a back injury. 'Dear Jinri' Despite Go's absence, the festival will still feature serious star power, with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat scheduled to receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. Three of Chow's films -- "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and 2023's "One More Chance" -- will be screened in his honour. Other highly anticipated screenings include "Dear Jinri", a documentary that features late K-pop star Sulli's last and incomplete project. Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, took her own life in 2019 after a long struggle with online bullying. The film includes her final media interview, which has not been disclosed previously. Korea's filmmaking diaspora will also be showcased with a special series of screenings that includes "Searching" (2018), starring John Cho, and director Celine Song's Sundance favorite "Past Lives". Netflix's highly anticipated "Yellow Door: 90s Lo-fi Film Club" will also have its world premiere at BIFF. The documentary spotlights South Korea's renowned cinephile generation of the 1990s, acclaimed "Parasite" director Bong among them. "The Movie Emperor", director Ning Hao's satirical take on the Chinese film industry starring Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, is set to close the festival. Ning's comedy "deftly captures the fine line between the film industries in Hong Kong and mainland China", as well as the "delicate relationship between Western film festivals and Asian filmmakers", according to the program notes. The post S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Proving filiation (2)
A scrutiny of the records would show that petitioners were born during their parents’ marriage. The certificates of live birth would also identify Danilo de Jesus as their father. There is perhaps no presumption of the law more firmly established and founded on sounder morality and more convincing reason than the presumption that children born in wedlock are legitimate. This presumption indeed becomes conclusive in the absence of proof that there is physical impossibility of access between the spouses during the first 120 days of the 300 days that immediately precede the birth of the child due to the following: (a) the physical incapacity of the husband to have sexual intercourse with his wife; (b) the fact that the husband and wife are living separately in such a way that sexual intercourse is not possible; or (c) serious illness of the husband, which absolutely prevents sexual intercourse. Quite remarkably, upon the expiration of the periods outlined in Article 170, and in proper cases Article 171, of the Family Code (which took effect on 03 August 1988), the action to impugn the legitimacy of a child would no longer be legally feasible, and the status conferred by the presumption becomes fixed and unassailable. Thus, applying the preceding pronouncement to the instant case, it must be concluded that the petitioner —who was born on 5 March 1945, or during the marriage of Alfredo Aguilar and Candelaria Siasat-Aguilar and before their respective deaths — has sufficiently proved that he is the legitimate issue of the Aguilar spouses. As the petitioner correctly argues, Alfredo Aguilar’s SSS Form E-1 (Exhibit “G”) satisfies the requirement for proof of filiation and relationship to the Aguilar spouses under Article 172 of the Family Code; by itself, said document constitutes an “admission of legitimate filiation in a public document or a private handwritten instrument and signed by the parent concerned.” Petitioner has shown that he cannot produce his Certificate of Live Birth since all the records covering the period 1945-1946 of the Local Civil Registry of Bacolod City were destroyed, which necessitated the introduction of other documentary evidence — particularly Alfredo Aguilar’s SSS Form E-1 (Exhibit “G”) — to prove filiation. It was erroneous for the CA to treat the said document as mere proof of open and continuous possession of the status of a legitimate child under the second paragraph of Article 172 of the Family Code; it is evidence of filiation under the first paragraph thereof, the same being an express recognition in a public instrument. To repeat what was stated in De Jesus, filiation may be proven by the admission of legitimate filiation in a public document or a private handwritten instrument and signed by the parent concerned, and such due recognition in any authentic writing is, in itself, a consummated act of acknowledgment of the child, and no further court action is required. Relative to the said form of acknowledgment, the Court has further held that — given the pronouncements herein made, the Court sees it fit to adopt the following rules respecting the requirement of affixing the signature of the acknowledging parent in any private handwritten instrument wherein an admission of filiation of a legitimate or illegitimate child is made: Where the private handwritten instrument is the lone piece of evidence submitted to prove filiation, there should be strict compliance with the requirement that the same must be signed by the acknowledging parent; and Where the private handwritten instrument is accompanied by other relevant and competent evidence, it suffices that the claim of filiation therein be shown to have been made and handwritten by the acknowledging parent as it is merely corroborative of such other evidence. (To be continued) The post Proving filiation (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC police sue warehouse owners over fire that killed 15 people
The Quezon City Police District has filed a case against the owners of MGC Wearhouse, Inc. the residential unit turned factory in Tandang Sora that was gutted by fire on 31 August 2023, resulting in the death of 15 people. A case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide has been filed against the surviving incorporators of MGC Wearhouse, Inc. namely Catherine Sy, Lina Cavilte, Johanna Cavilte and Geoffrey Cavilte. A special panel formed by the Quezon City Government and a task force from the QCPD pursued separate investigations into the incident. QCPD Director P/Brig.Gen. Redrico Maranan said that on the early morning of 19 September 2023, P/Maj. Don Don u Llapitan, Chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, together with his operatives, proceeded to Occidental Mindoro to locate the families of the fire victims. They were assisted by the office of Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano. The QCPD team also proceeded to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and took the statements of some of the family members of the victims. This led to the identification of the company incorporators and the filing of charges against them. Mayor Joy Belmonte welcomed the filing of the criminal case. “We hope that through this development, justice will be served to the 15 individuals who perished during that unfortunate incident. We appreciate the effort of the Quezon City Police District for being committed to ferret out the truth,” she said. BFP probe Belmonte earlier called on the Bureau of Fire Protection to conduct a thorough investigation and undertake reforms in the Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire District. Belmonte made the call as the probe conducted by the city government and the Quezon City Council revealed lax inspection, backlog in the examination of businesses and other lapses in the performance of the BFP-QCFD. Quezon City fire marshal Senior Superintendent Aristotle Bañaga went on leave following the call by Belmonte for his removal in the wake of several fire incidents this year in his jurisdiction. BFP chief Director Louie Puracan said Bañaga filed his leave of absence following news reports published by Daily Tribune that Belmonte wrote Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos to recommend his relief, along with that of Fire Safety Enforcement Section head Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion, for their lapses. The post QC police sue warehouse owners over fire that killed 15 people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Local farmers eye sustainable agri enterprises
BAGUIO CITY — Local farmers here, as well as small entrepreneurs, are looking for strong partners to increase their income as most of them are hard up in having a stable and reliable income because of limited market information and market access. It also gives the consumers and also the wholesalers hard time in finding the needed quantity and the quality of agri-products that they need for processing on a timely basis. In line with this, the SM Foundation Incorporated mobilized various SM business units such as the SM Development Corp., SM Supermalls and SM Markets to ensure that local farmers under the “Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan” program have venues where they can sell their produce. This aims to augment the absence of critical supporting functions, such as infrastructure and service provision, farmers struggle to transform their traditional subsistence farms into a feasible commercially oriented production. “From training KSK participants in practicing sustainable farming technologies via technology transfer and product development, SMFI, together with various SM business units used the power of collaboration to create farm-market linkage — which intends to create a powerful driver of rural poverty reduction,” the foundation said. The post Local farmers eye sustainable agri enterprises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden recognizes two Pacific nations in move to counter China
President Joe Biden said the United States officially recognized the Pacific nations of Cook Islands and Niue Monday, as he hosted regional leaders in a bid to wrest influence from China. The announcement came at the start of a summit with the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, where US officials said the president was announcing a more assertive American stance in the region. Biden said in statements that Washington recognized the Cook Islands and Niue as "sovereign and independent" states and would establish diplomatic relations with both. The move would help maintain a "free and open Indo-Pacific region," said Biden. Biden added that the deals to recognize the two nations would also help curb illegal fishing, deal with climate change in a vulnerable region and boost economic growth. The Cook Islands and Niue together have fewer than 20,000 inhabitants but constitute a sprawling economic zone in the South Pacific. Both are self-governing nations in "free association" with New Zealand, meaning that their foreign and defense policies are in varying degrees linked to Wellington. After decades of being treated as a relative backwater, the South Pacific has become an important arena for competition between the United States and an increasingly assertive China. China has dramatically ramped up its economic, political and military footprint in the strategic ocean region. 'Assertiveness' There is "no question that there is some role that the PRC has played in all this," a senior White House official said on condition of anonymity, referring to China by the abbreviation of its formal name. China's "assertiveness and influence, including in this region, has been a factor that requires us to sustain our strategic focus." The forum brings together states and territories scattered across the Pacific Ocean, from Australia to sparsely populated micro-states and archipelagos. But China's influence will be felt through the absence of the prime minister of the Solomon Islands, now closely aligned with Beijing. Manasseh Sogavare, who was in New York last week to attend the UN General Assembly, did not extend his stay in the United States. "We're disappointed that he's chosen not to come to this very special summit," another White House official said. Biden had been due to follow up last year's inaugural summit with a meeting of Pacific leaders this May, in Papua New Guinea. But he cut short an Asia trip and returned stateside to address a debt-ceiling crisis. For the Washington summit, Biden has prepared a full program, kicking off with an afternoon of American football on Sunday. The leaders traveled by train to Baltimore, where they were guests of honor at an NFL game between the port city's Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts. Monday's agenda features meetings and a lunch with Biden. On Tuesday, the leaders will meet with top officials on climate and the economy, and spend time with US lawmakers. The post Biden recognizes two Pacific nations in move to counter China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC fire marshall goes on leave
Quezon City Fire Marshal, Senior Supt. Aristotle Bañaga has gone on leave following a call from Mayor Joy Belmonte for his removal in the wake of several fire incidents this year in his jurisdiction. This was confirmed by Bureau of Fire Protection chief Director Louie Puracan who said Bañaga filed his leave of absence Monday, following a DAILY TRIBUNE report that Belmonte wrote Interior and Local Goverment Secretary Benhur Abalos to recommend his relief and that of his Fire Safety Enforcement Section head, Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion for their lapses. In her letter dated 14 September, Belmonte told Abalos that the city’s investigation found “serious lapses in the inspection process”of the two officials. “After an investigation into the deadly fire last 31 August in Tandang Sora, wherein 15 lives were lost, it was discovered that serious lapses in inspection processes led to insufficient site inspection for the FSIC (Fire Safety Inspection Certificate) application of business in 2022, and no inspection at all for the same purpose in 2022 and 2023. These, despite knowledge per records that the business transferred from original site in Manresa, this city, into residential area in Pleasant View Subdivision in Tandang Sora, with a declaration of 15 square meters “office only” contractor of clothes, garments and bags as its business area and nature of business,” Belmonte said in her letter. “At the very least the QCFD (Quezon City Fire Department) should have been more circumspect in inspecting the business area and the rest of the premises for signs of unauthorized business activities, Instead, just a cursory look was undertaken in 2021 and no inspection at all in 2022 and 2023.” Belmonte added that the capability and effectiveness of QCFD in responding to fires appears to have decreased significantly wherein the severity of this year’s incidents necessitates a call for a change of leadership in the city fire district. “Said change is crucially needed for the welfare of our citizens given the loss of our trust and confidence with QCFD Col. Banaga and Chief Insp. Salvacion,” the mayor stressed. In response to the letter, Abalos said he personally instructed the BFP to investigate thoroughly and determine the officials’ accountability. Puracan, meanwhile, said that Banaga’s deputy, Supt. Gilbert Arellano, a lawyer, will temporarily assume office to pave the way for an ongoing investigation. Aside from the deadly fire that left 15 people dead, fire incident protocols were also allegedly broken in the aftermath of a blaze that also claimed the life of Retired General George Ancheta, the uncle of QC Council Majority Floor Leader Dorothy Delarmente. Another fire in Culiat also injured seven people and destroyed about 200 homes. The post QC fire marshall goes on leave appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC fire marshall gone on leave — BFP
Quezon City fire marshal, Senior Superintendent Aristotle Bañaga, has gone on leave following a call from Mayor Joy Belmonte for his removal in the wake of several fire incidents this year in his jurisdiction. This was confirmed by Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) chief, Director Louie Puracan, who said that Bañaga filed his leave of absence on Monday, following a piece of news published by Daily Tribune that Belmonte wrote Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos to recommend his relief and Fire Safety Enforcement Section head, Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion, for their lapses. In her letter dated 14 September, Belmonte told Abalos that the city’s investigation found “serious lapses in the inspection process” by the two officials. "After an investigation into the deadly fire last August 31 in Tandang Sora, wherein fifteen lives were lost, it was discovered that serious lapses in inspection processes led to insufficient site inspection for the FSIC (Fire Safety Inspection Certificate) application of business in 2022, and no inspection at all for the same purpose in 2022 and 2023. These, despite knowledge per records that the business transferred from original site in Manresa , this city, into residential area in Pleasant View Subdivision in Tandang Sora, with a declaration of 15 square meters 'office only' contractor of clothes, garments, and bags as its business area and nature of business,” Belmonte said in her letter. “At the very least the QCFD (Quezon City Fire Department) should have been more circumspect in inspecting the business area and the rest of the premises for signs of unauthorized business activities, Instead, just a cursory look was undertaken in 2021, and no inspection at all in 2022 and 2023.” Belmonte added that the capability and effectiveness of QCFD in responding to fires appears to have decreased significantly wherein the severity of this year’s incidents necessitates a call for a change of leadership in the city fire district. “Said change is crucially needed for the welfare of our citizens given the loss of our trust and confidence with QCFD Col. Banaga and Chief Insp. Salvacion,” the mayor stressed. In response to the letter, Abalos said he personally instructed the BFP to conduct a thorough investigation and determine the officials’ accountability. Puracan, meanwhile, said that Banaga’s deputy, Supt. Gilbert Arellano, a lawyer, will temporarily assume office to pave the way for an ongoing investigation. Aside from the deadly fire that left 15 people dead, fire incident protocols were also allegedly broken in the aftermath of a blaze that also claimed the life of Retired General George Ancheta, the uncle of QC Council Majority Floor Leader Dorothy Delarmente. Another fire in Culiat also injured seven people and destroyed about 200 homes. The post QC fire marshall gone on leave — BFP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metrobank Gives You More Reasons to Love Reading at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Cebu
Cebuano Metrobank cardholders, you are in for a treat! The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, the world’s biggest book sale, is returning to Cebu after four years of absence. Take out your reading wish lists and with your family and friends, and head to SM Seaside City Cebu from September 15 to October 1, 2023 […].....»»
P680K shabu seized from 4 druggies
Four individuals were arrested in a drug-sting operation in a rented house in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City Monday night. According to P/Maj. Francis Aldrich Garcia, officer in charge of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, his office received an information about the clandestine sale of illegal drugs in the area. He said the confidential informant told them the group is operating their illegal drug transaction in the southern Metro area. A week-long surveillance operation was conducted until a poseur buyer from the intelligence group of RDEU struck a deal with the group thus the operation. Authorities seized a digital weighing scale and two plastic sachet of suspected illegal drugs with 100 grams inside amounting to P680,000. Two of the suspects, who was not named, claimed they were just told to go to the said rented house and they have no knowledge about the illegal transactions there. But they admitted using illegal drugs or shabu but denied they were selling the same. The suspects will be charged for violating RA 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Garcia, on the other hand, lamented the delay of the inventory of the seized illegal drugs due to the absence of barangay officials in Barangay San Dionisio. He said they decided to coordinate with the barangay before they proceeded with the operation but no official was on duty at that time. Garcia said the job already prospered as they already arrested the four suspects but nobody from their kagawads and even the barangay chairman was available. Under Section 21 of RA 9165 o Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 the presence of the media, Department of Justice, and elected official is needed for the inventory of the seized illegal drugs. But since there was no available barangay official, they decided to call a barangay kagawad in the adjacent barangay of the city. The post P680K shabu seized from 4 druggies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
On right track
"Culture and the arts reflect our identity as Filipinos, as people. We must have a strong patriotism to embrace our culture and identity fully.” It may be a long and arduous road toward a free and genuine Filipino culture, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay says, “In taking a whole of government approach, we are on the right track in attaining Philippine Development Goals.” Casaysay, who managed the community relations and major festivals and celebrations of the country’s largest city for nine years (from 2004 to 2013), now leads NCCA in preserving, developing, and promoting the Philippine arts and culture. Founded in 1987, NCCA “promotes unity among individuals involved in the conservation of cultural properties, such as artworks, ethnographic collections, archaeological artifacts, and other materials of historical significance.” He admitted that before joining the agency, he only read the works of national artists like Bienvenido Lumbera, Nick Joaquin, and Ricky Lee. He watched the films of esteemed Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal and Marilou Abaya. “I only heard and read about the productions of the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring the Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Harmonic Orchestra,” he said. “It was only when I became the executive director that I was able to watch those productions inside the CCP in the front row and even stand on stage giving out messages.” “I now meet our national artists up close and personal. I have the luxury of being introduced to many theater greats in the Philippine Education Theater Association and other theater productions,” he added. He went on to say that he also had the pleasure of meeting Alice Reyes (whom he described as “graceful and very down to earth”), Ryan Cayabyab (“cool and very accommodating”), Virgilio Almario (“so dignified”), Ramon Santos (“unassuming”), Ricky Lee (“down to earth and very accommodating”), Nora Aunor (“warm and humble”) and Agnes Locsin (“friendly and very warm”). In the absence of regional offices to connect with local artists and cultural workers, he said NCCA works with sub-commissions whose members are elected from among the private sector members from different communities. “Ours is a complex network that we have to deal with,” Casaysay said. “A lot of challenges each day. The most difficult part is we don’t have a huge budget, although the grants we give out come from the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts.” These grants, he said, are derived from the proposals coming from civil society organizations, individual artists and cultural workers, other national government agencies, schools, colleges, universities, and local government units for their culture and arts programs and projects. Through the Sentro Rizal Office, the NCCA also engages in international initiatives. Every day has a lot of challenges and struggles to confront and hurdle, but still, with the most gracious style, he jested. The NCCA oversees the entire recognition process, from the call for submissions and selection to the presentation of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, the Order of National Artists and the National Heritage Awards. Culture is a nation’s soul “Culture is the soul of the nation. Without culture, a nation doesn’t have an identity. Culture refers to the way of life of a nation. Thus, everything that we do as a people becomes our culture,” he said. “Culture is best manifested through the arts that are said to be the best expressions of culture.” “All seven types of arts contribute to the overall growth and advancement not just of a person but of the community and the nation as well,” he said, referring to architecture and allied arts, cinema or film, dance, drama or theater, literary arts, music and visual arts. Throughout the pandemic, he felt disheartened by the perception of the arts sector as being “non-essential.” “We cannot imagine the online platform without some of the best online programs communicated through the arts — films, dances, poetry, music, or even Netflix,” he said. Citing the NCCA’s role in supporting and promoting the interests of indigenous people groups, Casaysay said valuing and preserving the cultural heritage of IPs contributes to the diversity and richness of Philippine culture. Through its programs, projects, and collaborations, the NCCA empowers IPs to protect, revitalize, and celebrate their unique cultural traditions, languages, and arts, ensuring their continued existence and appreciation for future generations. “Other aspects, such as indigenous cultures and cultural heritage, also contribute to a nation’s progress and development,” he said. Indigenous cultures, he said, refer to the knowledge, skills, and practices of our culture bearers that are preserved and handed down from one generation to another. “Cultural heritage may be tangible or intangible and is considered the wealth of a nation in terms of its glorious past. All these facets of culture are important in the life of a nation and are essential towards the holistic advancement of a country,” he said. Opportunities The lack of widespread discussion and engagement among Filipinos regarding culture is a primary concern Casaysay and many others share. “There are many challenges faced by the NCCA in this aspect. To enumerate a few — due to the lack of interest generally by Filipinos in arts and culture. For many, culture and the arts are seen as not essential; for many, it is only for the elite,” he said. He lamented the current trend wherein the younger generation shows greater appreciation for foreign cultures, such as those from Korea or the United States, rather than their own. Instead of viewing these as obstacles, he said the NCCA sees them as opportunities for growth and enhancement. Expressing confidence in the significant achievements of the NCCA in fostering greater appreciation, understanding, respect, and love for arts and culture among Filipinos, he said these encompass various aspects, including policy formulation, programming and promotions. Several laws have been enacted to safeguard the country’s cultural heritage, such as the Republic Act 10066 of 2009, commonly known as the National Heritage Law. Moreover, the NCCA organizes institutional programs throughout the year to celebrate and promote different facets of Filipino culture. Notable examples include National Arts Month held every February, Food Month and Literature Month in April; Heritage Month in May, Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (OPM Week) in the last week of July, and IP Month in October, among others. “The NCCA is also in charge of the cultural mapping and monitoring of the local culture and arts councils in the local government units,” he said, adding that it needs to intensify its efforts to be able to reach the grassroots levels. Since dreams don’t become reality through magic but by sweat, determination, and hard work, Casaysay said the NCCA will harness and maximize more platforms to reach a larger market, especially the younger generation. The dream of having a Department of Culture is neither a mountain high enough. The post On right track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC PLEB, city council to continue probe on gun-toting incident
The Quezon City People's Law Enforcement Board invited Galas Police Station (PS-11) Commander P/Lt.Col. Jake Barila, Thursday, to shed light on the gun-toting incident near Welcome Rotonda, and to discuss what transpired during the settlement procedure with the cyclist involved. Upon the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the QC PLEB started to investigate the incident involving a cyclist and ex-policeman, Wilfredo Gonzales, as seen in the viral video. PLEB Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan clarified that the investigation is meant to determine whether protocols were followed and whether administrative lapses were committed. Any complaint filed against the Galas Police Station in relation to the conduct of settlement procedures will be tried, and the personnel involved may be held accountable for Grave Misconduct and Oppression. The offense may be punishable by dismissal from the service or suspension. Calinisan also questioned the propriety of the Quezon City Police District’s move to host a press conference with Gonzalez last 27 August, giving the ex-policeman a platform to air only his side as well as giving the impression he was under the protection of the police. Meanwhile, the City Council is conducting its own public hearing and investigation regarding the incident this afternoon, 31 August. “The city government is committed to building a peaceful community where violence is not condoned. Public safety is our primordial concern. We will explore all avenues to hold Gonzalez accountable for his brazen actions,” Belmonte said. She lamented the statement given by the cyclist, who stressed that he and Gonzalez reached an amicable settlement and is no longer keen on filing charges. "While we understand and respect the decision of the cyclist, the failure to prosecute the perpetrator breeds a culture of impunity. We are sending the wrong signal that we are tolerating violence, and in the meantime, the cycling community will continue to be prone to threats and intimidation. By setting an example, the successful prosecution of this case would certainly help achieve our goal of creating a haven for safe cycling," she said. “However, the sad truth is that in the absence of a complainant, a strong criminal case cannot prosper,” Belmonte added. According to City Attorney Orlando Casimiro: “The cooperation of the victim is very crucial. Unfortunately, the quantum of proof required in a criminal case is proof beyond reasonable doubt. The testimony of the cyclist is indispensable to establish any injury, threat, and/or besmirchment against his person, the absence of which would render any criminal prosecution futile.” Given the public clamor for the cyclist to come out, Belmonte expressed hope that he might have a change of heart and pursue his complaint in the interest of justice and public safety. Belmonte earlier assured the cyclist of legal assistance and protection. The post QC PLEB, city council to continue probe on gun-toting incident appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City
Senator Bong Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, recently played a pivotal role in providing an ambulance for Barangay La Huerta in Parañaque City on Monday, 28 August. Several barangays have long faced challenges when it comes to emergency medical services. The absence of a dedicated ambulance often leads to delays in medical assistance, putting the lives of residents at risk in various areas of the country. Go, understanding the gravity of the situation, took it upon himself to address this pressing issue. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he was instrumental in securing the necessary funds to acquire the ambulance during the Duterte administration. There are numerous benefits of having a dedicated ambulance in the barangay including faster emergency response. With an ambulance stationed in the barangay, medical teams can reach patients much quicker, thereby reducing the time it takes to get them the medical attention they need. This is particularly crucial in cases of heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening emergencies where immediate intervention can be the difference between life and death. The ambulance is also equipped with essential medical supplies and life-saving equipment, ensuring that patients receive the best pre-hospital care possible. Aside from the ambulance, Go supported several initiatives in the city to ensure its progress amid crisis situations. Among the projects are the rehabilitation and construction of several multipurpose buildings, and the rehabilitation of drainage in Brgy. Don Bosco, and the improvement of the Parañaque River Promenade Bridge. Furthermore, Go offered to help those in need of medical care and encouraged them to get medical assistance from the Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Parañaque. Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 after he witnessed the struggles of financially disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their medical expenses. The program, which was institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, was principally authored and sponsored by Go. On the same day, Go also conducted a relief activity for 1,000 indigent students in Brgy. Don Bosco in Parañaque City. The post Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators grill Navotas cops over teenage boy’s death
Senators on Tuesday grilled Northern Police District personnel involved in the killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar, who was shot while he was boarding his boat in Navotas City. During the resumption of the investigation by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs into the killing of Baltazar, lawmakers quizzed policemen, specifically about the absence of paraffin tests on individuals involved in the operation. Juanito Arabejo, who heads the Navotas City police station investigation and detective management section, said he did not conduct a paraffin test on the six policemen who shot Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity on 2 August based on his "sound judgment." A paraffin test is done to determine whether or not a person has fired a gun. "Is that your discretion not to subject them to paraffin test or [did] they refuse?" Senator Ronald "Bato” dela Rosa, who presided over the hearing, asked Arabejo. Responding to Dela Rosa’s query, Arabejo said, "That was based on our sound judgment and in good faith, considering the direct testimony of the eyewitnesses is sufficient to establish the guilt of these six suspects." This prompted lawmakers to ask former Navotas City police chief Allan Umipig whether or not he told Arabejo to conduct paraffin tests. According to Umipig, he ordered Arabejo to subject policemen involved in the operation to paraffin tests during their emergency meeting on 3 August, which Arabejo refuted. Dela Rosa then ordered Umpig to contact other policemen who were present at their 3 August meeting to validate his claim. Minutes later, Navotas City Police Captain Anthony Mondejar, and Police Major Edwin Fuertes, joined the hearing and validated Umipig’s claim. Due to the alleged inconsistency in his statements, Senator Risa Hontiveros, on behalf of Senator Raffy Tulfo, made the motion to cite Arabejo in contempt. “On behalf of Senator Raffy Tulfo and the guidance of the chairperson, I move to cite [for] contempt Police Captain Juanito Arabejo,” Hontiveros said. Dela Rosa, who was evidently fuming over Arabejo’s “annoying smirks,” approved Hontiveros’s motion. This is not the first time Dela Rosa’s panel ordered a cite in contempt of individuals involved in Baltazar’s killing. Last week, the Senate panel also held Navotas City police officers Captain Mark Joseph Carpio and Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban in contempt for allegedly lying and evading lawmakers’ questions. Carpio was the leader of the team in Baltazar’s fatal shooting. The post Senators grill Navotas cops over teenage boy’s death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Greece rips Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Jordan
Greece bucked the absence of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo as it routed Jordan, 92-71, to notch its first win in Group C of the FIBA World Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday......»»
Tale of two cities (2)
Mayor Eric Olivarez of Parañaque City wants his city to be the first to have an eGovSuper App that would expedite and facilitate the registration of business establishments, enhance transparency, and prevent corruption. The young local chief executive, a doctor of education and registered nurse, is blazing the trail in local fiscal administration by making moves preparatory to the adoption of Commission on Audit’s digital transformation in the review of government financial transactions, being introduced by its Chairman Gamaliel Cordoba. Parañaque City is just settling down from its mood of celebration for many good reasons, after being accorded by the Commission on Audit the unqualified opinion (indicative of the absence of any material misstatements), on the fairness of presentation of its financial statements for the calendar year ending 31 December 2022; after obtaining the unprecedented increase of P10 billion in its asset and equity after 12 months of Dr. Eric’s administration, with the overwhelming optimism of another P10 bIllion increase expected by 31 December 2023. The city is deserving of three awards of recognition: (1) Most Ready to Adopt CoA’s digital accounting and auditing; (2) Best City Accountant, Ms. Marilou Tanael, for her dedication and hard work in cleansing the accounts, eliminating and reconciling discrepancies, thereby clinching the P10-billion increase in asset and equity; and for enabling all the Punong Barangays of the City to prepare and submit promptly their annual audit reports; (3) Best City Auditor, State Auditor V. Robert Limcolioc, for helping the city recover from utter bankruptcy to its present financial resurgence. Auditor Limcolioc has been most outstanding as a representative of the Commission on Audit guiding the management of Parañaque City. The kind words heard from the department heads of the city about the resident auditor was: “He easily sees the problems and he shows us how to solve them.” The overall performance of the Olivarez leadership in managing the accounts and financial operation of the City of Parañaque is in totality a gift to behold, an accomplishment to marvel at, and one marked by humility worthy of emulation. It took 10 years for the Olivarez leadership — from Edwin to the incumbent Eric — to normalize the finances of the city from the agony of paying the huge bank loan, a burden shouldered by the people of Parañaque for many years, the negative entries involving assets and liabilities were daily ugly sights in the books of accounts until cleared with the help of CoA. The activities initiated by Dr. Eric in Parañaque City relating to digitalization are forerunners of digital accounting and auditing approaches that will be forthcoming in the Philippine financial system, pursuant to the recent advocacy of CoA Chief Cordoba. With his experience and expertise in digital technology and communication, Cordoba hopes to usher the Commission on Audit to new heights through the digital transformation of accounting and auditing. The online/no-contact transaction in granting business permits is an activity typical of the eGovSuper App, a mobile application that can provide multiple services, including payment and financial processing, effectively becoming an all-accomplishing self-contained commerce and communication online platform that embraces many aspects of personal and commercial life. In his eagerness to enhance transparency and prevent corruption, Mayor Olivarez coordinated with Undersecretary for e-Government David Almirol of the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The mayor informed the undersecretary of his full support in adopting the e-GovSuper App one-stop platform that will expedite the processing of local government transactions. Meanwhile, it would be wise to keep on repeating, without becoming redundant, especially on a matter that is alien to many Filipino bureaucrats, that the major thrust of CoA Chair Cordoba includes the development of an easy-to-implement and technologically driven government accounting system compliant with international standards to ensure that all revenues and expenditures are recorded accurately and in real-time and enhancing audit guidelines for e-reports to cover contracts entered into via social media platforms. The post Tale of two cities (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palawan officials assert territorial claim
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The provincial government here disclosed on Tuesday that a delegation of its officials will embark on a journey to the West Philippine Sea to perform a “symbolic” coconut tree planting activity, showcasing their solidarity with the nation’s territorial claim amidst ongoing challenges from China’s assertive behaviors. Provincial board member Aris Arzaga said that the group will depart Puerto Princesa City on 20 August and two days after, they will conduct the coconut tree planting on Pag-asa Island which serves as the municipal government seat of the town of Kalayaan. Arzaga explained that the tree planting endeavor is a joint effort involving the Kalayaan municipal government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to display unity and reinforce the nation’s territorial assertion over the West Philippine Sea. “This will allow us to demonstrate to the world that these territories belong to us, as decided by the Permanent Court of Arbitration,” Arzaga said. Highlighting its profound importance, the provincial board member emphasized that the coconut tree planting signifies not only the assertion of territorial claims in disputed waters but also a showcase of unity among Palawan residents. Meanwhile, board member Ryan Maminta conveyed his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent clarification, affirming the absence of any agreement between the Philippines and China regarding the removal of the stranded vessel BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. The post Palawan officials assert territorial claim appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»