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‘We’re going to sink’: hundreds abandon Caribbean island home
On a tiny Caribbean island, hundreds of people are preparing to pack up and move to escape the rising waters threatening to engulf their already precarious homes. Surrounded by idyllic clear waters, the densely populated island of Carti Sugtupu off Panama's north coast has barely an inch to spare with houses crammed together -- some jutting out into the sea on stilts. The island's Indigenous community of fewer than 2,000 souls scrapes by without potable water or sanitation. They live off fishing, the harvesting of starchy crops like cassava and plantain, traditional textile production, and a bit of tourism. It is not an easy life, with intense heat and a lack of public services adding to the discomfort of overcrowded conditions on an island the size of five football fields. And now, climate change-induced sea level rise is threatening to make life even more difficult. With homes already flooded on a regular basis, experts say the sea will engulf Carti Sugtupu and dozens of neighboring islands in the Guna Yala region by the end of the century. Forty-nine of the isles are populated and rest just a few feet (less than one meter) above sea level. "We have noticed that the tide has risen," retired teacher Magdalena Martinez, 73, told AFP as she sat embroidering a brightly colored toucan onto a "mola" cloth traditional to the Guna people on Carti Sugtupu. "We think we're going to sink, we know it's going to happen," she said. Martinez is one of hundreds of inhabitants of the island expecting to move soon to a settlement on mainland Panama newly built by the government -- a move that may save the islanders but puts at risk their culture and way of life. "This will change our lifestyle quite a bit," said Martinez. But, she added, "it won't change our spirit, it won't change our habits." "The fact is that with sea levels rising as a direct cause of climate change, almost all the islands are going to be abandoned by the end of this century," Steven Paton, a scientist at the Panama-based Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, told AFP. There is no room On Carti Sugtupu, there is no drinking water, and residents have to go out in boats to collect it from rivers or buy it on the mainland. Few have reliable electricity. Most residents receive a few hours of power per day from a public generator. A few have solar panels feeding their homes built of zinc and wood, with floors of dirt. None have their own toilets, and residents have to visit communal cubicles at the ends of piers where wooden boards perched over the sea serve as latrines. "There is no room to expand homes or for children to play," Human Rights Watch said in a recent report on the island. "Floods and storms have made life even harder... affecting housing, water, health and education. Such extreme weather is only expected to become more common as the climate crisis accelerates," it said. After years of promises and delays, the government has announced that by the end of this year or early 2024, it will be ready to move families to the mainland, a 15-minute boat ride away, where it has built a new neighborhood that includes a school. "We are building 300 homes for 300 families, with an average of five people per family," Marcos Suira, national director of engineering and architecture at the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning, told AFP. "It's a pilot plan." Each family will have 300 square meters (3,200 square feet), including a two-bedroom house, drinking water, and electricity, according to the government. Resident teacher Braulio Navarro, 62, told AFP he has to cross the island every morning just to go to the toilet. He cannot wait to move. "I have no alternative but to go in search of a better quality of life," said Navarro. "I know that there will be 24-hour electricity, there will be fans and air conditioning, and there will be a great benefit for my family." The post ‘We’re going to sink’: hundreds abandon Caribbean island home appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Hamilton’ ticket lottery confirmed for Phl
Producers Jeffrey Seller and Michael Cassel have confirmed the Hamilton digital ticket lottery for the Metro Manila season of the international tour playing at The Theatre at Solaire from 17 September. The digital ticket lottery, known in North America as Ham4Ham, is run exclusively through TicketWorld in the Philippines. The Hamilton Lottery will have a limited number of tickets available throughout the season at a special price. Winners will have the opportunity to purchase two orchestra tickets at P800 each. The lottery will be open from 10 a.m. on 11 September through 11:59 p.m. on 13 September for tickets to performances on the week of 17 to 24 September. Subsequent Hamilton lotteries will begin on each Monday and close the following Wednesday for the upcoming week’s performances. [caption id="attachment_178871" align="aligncenter" width="735"] THE Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’ (from left) Daveed Diggs, Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos and Lin-Manuel Miranda.[/caption] To enter the lottery, sign up at TicketWorld to receive Hamilton Lottery entry access. Those who sign up must use the email address associated with their active TicketWorld account. The lottery will open at 10 a.m. every Monday and will close for entry at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the following week’s performances. Participants can enter to win the chance to purchase two tickets for the upcoming week’s performances at P800 per ticket. A one-entry-per-week limit will be applied. Winners will be notified every Thursday at 12 p.m. for the upcoming week’s performances via email from TicketWorld. The confirmation email will include a one-time-use promo code and a purchase link that will expire at 12 p.m. the following day of the receipt of the email. Winners may claim and pay for their tickets online or over the counter at TicketWorld outlets before the promo code expires. Additional rules and full terms and conditions can be found on TicketWorld site. “The digital ticket lottery, created for Hamilton fans on Broadway has been embraced with tremendous enthusiasm wherever the show has played all over the world and we know fans in Manila will be exactly the same,“ Cassel said. “It’s important that theatre is accessible for anyone who wants to see it and the digital ticket lottery allows us to introduce this transformative experience to people who may not have been able to see it otherwise.” Hamilton’s first ever international tour will premiere in Manila at The Theatre at Solaire on 17 September ahead of making its Middle East premiere at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in January 2024. More cities are expected to be announced in coming months. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. It premiered on Broadway in August 2015 to wide critical and audience acclaim. The show has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. The Hamilton creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical In the Heights. Scenic design is by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe. The international tour of Hamilton is produced by Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cassel. The Manila season is presented by Michael Cassel Group and GMG Productions. Tickets to the Manila and Abu Dhabi seasons are available now at hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour. To be notified when the Hamilton lottery opens and get more updates on the ticket promo news, sign up for the Hamilton Lottery Newsletter at TicketWorld. For more information on tickets and Hamilton Lottery details, visit gmg-productions.com/hamilton/lottery. For news and updates, fans can visit hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour, instagram.com/hamiltoninternationaltour or www.facebook.com/hamiltonintltour. The post ‘Hamilton’ ticket lottery confirmed for Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI, DA to supervise implementation of rice price cap
Along with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry will be the top agency that will make sure that Executive Order No. 39 released by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to impose mandated price ceilings on rice, will be heeded by rice players in wet markets and supermarkets. Under EO 39, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is P41.00 per kilogram and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice. “The EO primarily mandates the DTI and the DA that the price ceilings are strictly implemented. We will visit major wet markets and retail stores in the coming days. This is not the sole responsibility of the DTI and DA because it’s a whole of government approach to ensure that rice in the markets is reasonably priced and remains a conveniently accessible staple food to Filipinos. The EO is not mainly on the price of rice but also on the supply,” Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said during the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Friday. He said EO 39 was already in effect after it was published in the Government Gazette, as well as in various newspapers with nationwide circulation. “There is no price freeze but a price cap, to be clear. Traders can still lower their prices. This EO is being implemented to prevent price manipulation in the market, and despite the ample supply, prices of rice surged in the past few days,” Pascual added. Pascual maintained that the price cap is not applicable to other varieties of rice and is only meant for regular-milled rice and well-milled rice. “We have premium varieties that are not covered by the price cap. During our rounds, we will ensure that the subject of the EO 39 is not mislabeled as premium type,” he added. Under the Price Act, retailers violating the price ceiling have a penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year or more than 10 years, and/or a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P1 million. On the other hand, price manipulators and hoarders are penalized with 5 years minimum up to 15 years imprisonment, and a fine of P5,000 not more than P2 million. Hoarders, meanwhile, will be run after by law enforcement units, namely the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine Coast Guard, among others, Pascual said. The recommendation of the DA and the DTI to impose price ceilings on rice stemmed from the current surge in retail prices of rice in the country, which resulted in a considerable economic strain on Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized. During the sectoral meeting, the DA reported its projection that rice supply for the second semester would reach 10.15 million metric tons, 2.53 MMT of which is ending stock from the first semester while 7.20 MMT is the expected yield from local production and only 0.41 MMT is imported rice. The total supply would be more than enough to cover the current demand of 7.76 MMT and will yield an ending stock of 2.39 MM that will last up to 64 days. Based on the projection, EO 39 stated the DA and the DTI “have reported that the country’s rice supplies have reached a stable level and are sufficient owing to the arrival of rice imports and expected surplus on local production.” The EO, however, noted that “despite steady supply of rice, the DA and DTI have also reported widespread practice of alleged illegal price manipulation, such as hoarding by opportunistic traders and collusion among industry cartels in light of the lean season, as well as global events taking place beyond the Philippines’ control, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s ban on rice exportation, and the unpredictability of oil prices in the world market, among other factors, have caused an alarming increase in the retail prices of this basic commodity.” The post DTI, DA to supervise implementation of rice price cap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go inspects Siniloan isolation facility
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, personally inspected the isolation facility at the Siniloan Infirmary Hospital in Siniloan, Laguna on Friday, 25 August. Go, also the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the said project during the Duterte administration. The senator, an adopted son of CALABARZON, was also joined by Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and Councilors Carl Anthony Puño, Regie De Jesus, and Councilor Ronald Valeroso, among others. "Maraming salamat po Kuya Bong. Ang bayan po ng Siniloan ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pagdalaw at kami po ay binibigyan niyo ng suporta. Ang sarili naming Infirmary Hospital ay parang Malasakit Center na rin dahil ang mga kapos nating kababayan na lumalapit doon ay nabibigyan natin ng direktang libreng pag-gagamot. Kaya Kuya Bong, maraming maraming salamat po. Talagang 'Go cares'," Mayor Go expressed. Go’s visit not only underscored his dedication to serving the Filipino people but also highlighted the critical need to bolster the nation's health sector, particularly in the wake of the devastating effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the inspection, the senator engaged in conversations with the local officials and even healthcare workers to gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by the health sector. “Sinusuportahan naman natin ang inyong Infirmary Hospital dito po sa Siniloan at gaya ng sinabi ko kung ano po ang makakatulong sa Siniloan sa pag-unlad ng inyong bayan at makatulong po sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan dito po sa Siniloan ay handa po akong tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya ay tutulong po ako dito po sa inyong bayan,” said Go in an interview after his visit. Go has consistently stressed the importance of continuous investments in healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and equipment especially in the community level. He pointed out that the pandemic had exposed vulnerabilities in the health sector and underscored the need for proactive measures to ensure that the country is better equipped to handle future health crises. Through a series of innovative initiatives, including Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers (SHCs), and Regional Specialty Centers (RSCs), Go underscored his unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Filipinos have access to quality medical assistance and services. Malasakit Centers, a brainchild of Senator Go, act as one-stop shops that consolidate the available medical assistance programs of various government agencies, ensuring that poor and indigent patients can readily access the support they need. Since its inception in 2018, Malasakit Centers have provided invaluable assistance to more than seven million patients, alleviating the financial burdens that often accompany medical treatments. There are currently 158 operational centers nationwide, including those at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, Go’s vision of a more improved healthcare sector extends to the establishment of SHCs, which aim to offer comprehensive healthcare services to communities, especially in underserved areas. Such centers are set to be established in cities such as Calamba, Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, San Pablo, and Biñan, as well as in the towns of Alaminos, Mabitac, Calauan, Los Baños, and Sta. Maria. The SHCs will offer a wide range of services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Through the concerted efforts of the Department of Health (DOH) and lawmakers, adequate funding has been allocated in the national budget for the establishment of 307 SHCs in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. “Ang maganda po diyan early detection, primary care, checkup, konsulta. Diyan ho kayo magpakonsulta sa Super Health Center na itinatayo sa inyong lugar. Early detection (para) hindi lumala ang sakit. It will help decongest sa hospitals, madi-decongest po ang mga hospitals dahil diyan na po gagamutin sa mga Super Health Center,’ Go said. Recognizing the need for specialized care, Go has also championed the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers. These centers focus on specific medical fields, ensuring that patients receive expert care without the need to travel long distances to urban centers. In the Senate, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was recently approved and signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. into law. “Pangatlong prayoridad ko po bilang chairman ng Committee on Health ito pong establishing regional specialty center. Maglalagay po ng mga specialty center sa mga DOH regional hospital sa buong Pilipinas. It’s a multiyear plan po. Halimbawa, (kung may problema sa) heart, kidney, lung, neonatal, mental, ito pong mga ortho sa mga may karamdaman sa buto, cancer. Ilalagay na po sa lahat ng DOH regional hospital sa buong Pilipinas para ilapit po natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” explained Go. “Ako po ang (isa sa mga) author at (principal) sponsor niyan sa Senado at pasado na ‘yan, napirmahan na po ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil priority po ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Establishing specialty center in every DOH regional hospital all over the country,” he added. On the same day, Go personally inspected the town’s Sports Complex and provided assistance to 500 struggling residents. The post Bong Go inspects Siniloan isolation facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go extends more assistance to Cebu City fire victims
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized his commitment to the Filipino people's well-being by continuing to support recovering families previously affected by fire incidents. He provided additional aid to them during a relief operation in Cebu City on Friday, 25 August. Working alongside Congressman Edu Rama, Mayor Mike Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and Tisa Barangay Captain Ringgo Pacaña, Go's team distributed snacks, masks, and shirts to 52 individuals recovering from a fire incident at Neneng compound gymnasium in Brgy. Tisa. Select beneficiaries also received mobile phones, basketball and volleyball balls, and a watch. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) extended livelihood support through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program, aimed at helping those who lost homes and income due to the fire. “Salamat po sa DTI sa programa nilang pangkabuhayan. Ang PPG program ay aking isinulong noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang implementasyon ngayon upang matulungang makabangon ang kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayang apektado ng sakuna,” Go explained. “Mas masarap nga naman ang pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang pagnenegosyo sa tamang paraan. Dalhin ninyo ang kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin,” Go emphasized. Meanwhile, Go highlighted the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as a significant step in improving firefighters' capabilities. His vision for a well-equipped and highly trained firefighting force can be achieved through a law he earlier authored and co-sponsored, Republic Act No. 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act. This law provides the necessary resources to enhance the BFP's infrastructure, technology, and training programs, allowing them to respond more effectively to emergencies and protect communities from fire's devastating effects, Go explained. “Magdasal po tayo at ipagdasal po natin ‘yung mga mahal natin sa buhay. Ang gamit po ay nabibili. Ang pera po ay kikitain rin po natin, magsipag lang tayo. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Ang nawalang buhay po ay wala na. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he said. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also encouraged those with health concerns to seek assistance at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital through Malasakit Centers. Currently, 158 Malasakit Centers across the country have aided over seven million underprivileged Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The Malasakit Centers Act was principally authored and sponsored by Go to ensure that underprivileged Filipinos have convenient access to medical assistance programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City “Kung kailangan niyo po ng tulong sa pagpapaopera sa Maynila, huwag po kayong mahiyang lumapit sa ating mga lokal na opisyal o kaya sa aking opisina. Magsabi lang ho kayo at kami po ay handang tumulong sa abot nang aming makakaya,” Go offered. Still in line with his health advocacy, Go said DOH has identified areas to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) in the province, particularly in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more SHCs were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional SHC will also be established in Danao City. Through the efforts of fellow lawmakers, 307 SHCs were funded in 2022 and another 322 in 2023 nationwide. The centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go extends more assistance to Cebu City fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos seeks expanded military drills with Australia
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said military drills between the Philippines and Australia should be expanded to strengthen the two countries’ security and defense cooperation. In an interview with the reporters in Zambales, Marcos said he would discuss this possibility with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when the Australian head of state visits the country next month. “We would be discussing for sure, also the continuation of this kind of joint exercise to increase the capabilities again of our... You know that when coordination is excellent, especially in the military context, it has a significant multiplier effect, and that’s why it is important that we continue that,” Marcos said. He said he is confident that the two countries will come up with new strategies and agreements on security cooperation during Albanese’s visit. “I’m sure that we will come up with some new strategies and some new ideas, agreements and in terms of partnerships between our two countries,” he said. The President said the Philippines and Australia share many common concerns in the region, such as the South China Sea dispute. “We have many common concerns with Australia in terms of the region and, of course, we also have very many Filipino nationals in Australia,” he said. He said that he was grateful to Australia for welcoming Filipino nationals and providing them with opportunities to work and live in that country. “And I was reminding the ambassador, not only do we have a large contingent of Filipinos in Australia, we have a large happy contingent living in Australia, Filipinos who have chosen to live and work in Australia, and they have been welcomed as part of the society, welcomed into the workforce and for that we have to be grateful to our Australian friends,” he said. Albanese is scheduled to visit the Philippines from 7 to 8 September. Before the media interview, Marcos witnessed the first amphibious drills between the Philippines and Australia held in Zambales. “This is our continuing effort to strengthen our capabilities and to have a closer working relationship with the militaries of our neighbors around the region and I think it is an important aspect of how we prepare for any eventuality and considering that there have been so many events that attest to the volatility of the region,” Marcos said. “This kind of exercise, this kind of close strategic cooperation between countries around the region is extremely important and I think that we have demonstrated that today and to see how well our troops work together now and this is a very large exercise, with so many elements involved, but they got it right and we are able to see that things went according to plan and again the working relationship between our two militaries and, of course, the United States, has been demonstrated and is something that we will continue to strengthen,” Marcos added. He also thanked the Australian Defence Force for their participation and cooperation and support “for all that we are doing and congratulations to all who are involved for a very well-run exercise.” The Philippines-Australia Exercise Alon 2023 involves numerous ships, planes, and more than 2,000 personnel, including about 700 from the Philippine Marine Corps, 1,200 from the Australian Defense Force, and 150 from the United States Marine Corps. The amphibious landing practice is an element of this exercise. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. were present at the event. They were joined by their Australian counterparts, Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister of Defense, and Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton, the ADF’s Commander of Joint Operations. The post Marcos seeks expanded military drills with Australia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM bats for expanded Phl-Australia military drills
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said that the military drills between the Philippines and Australia should be expanded to strengthen the countries' security and defense cooperation. In an interview with the reporters in Zambales, Marcos said he would discuss this possibility with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when the Australian head of state visits the country next month. "We would be discussing for sure, also the continuation of this kind of joint exercise to increase the capabilities again of our... You know that when coordination is excellent, especially in the military context, it has a significant multiplier effect, and that’s why it is important that we continue that," Marcos said. Marcos said he is confident that the two countries will come up with new strategies and agreements on security cooperation during Albanese's visit. "I’m sure that we will come up with some new strategies and some new ideas, agreements, and in terms of partnerships between our two countries," he said. Marcos also said that the Philippines and Australia share many common concerns in the region, such as the South China Sea dispute. "We have many common concerns with Australia in terms of the region and of course, we also have very many Filipino nationals in Australia," he said. Marcos said that he is grateful to Australia for welcoming Filipino nationals and providing them with opportunities to work and live in the country. "And I was reminding the Ambassador, not only do we have a large contingent of Filipinos in Australia, we have a large happy contingent --- living in Australia, Filipinos who have chosen to live and work in Australia and they have been welcomed as part of the society, welcomed into the workforce and for that, we have to be grateful to our Australian friends," he said. Albanese is scheduled to visit the Philippines from 7 to 8 September. Before the media interview, Marcos witnessed the first amphibious drills between the Philippines and Australia held in this province prior to the media interview. "This is our continuing effort to strengthen our capabilities and to have a closer working relationship with the militaries of our neighbors around the region and I think it is an important aspect of how we prepare for any eventuality and considering that there have been so many events that attest to the volatility of the region," Marcos said. "This kind of exercise, this kind of close strategic cooperation between countries around the region is extremely important and I think that we have demonstrated that today and to see how well our troops work together now and this is a very large exercise, with so many elements involved, but they got it right and we are able to see that things went according to plan and again the working relationship between our two militaries and of course the United States as well, is again, has been demonstrated and is something that we will continue to strengthen," Marcos added. Marcos also thanked the Australian Defence Force for their participation, cooperation, and support "for all that we were doing and congratulations to all who are involved for a very well-run exercise." The Philippines-Australia Exercise Alon 2023 includes numerous ships, planes, and more than 2,000 personnel, including about 700 from the Philippine Marine Corps, 1,200 from the Australian Defense Force (ADF), and 150 from the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The amphibious landing practice is an element of this exercise. The post PBBM bats for expanded Phl-Australia military drills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More evacuations as ‘severe’ weather fans vast Tenerife wildfire
Stronger winds and higher overnight temperatures caused a vast wildfire raging out of control in Tenerife to spread, prompting more residents to flee their homes in the northern sector of the Spanish holiday island, officials said Saturday. The huge blaze, which broke out late Tuesday in a mountainous northeastern area of the island, is the "most complex fire" to hit Spain's Atlantic Canary Islands in more than 40 years, the authorities say. "The fire is beyond our capacity to extinguish it, maybe not in all sectors, but in a large part of the sectors," said Pedro Martinez, who is in charge of efforts to quench the blaze, saying efforts to tackle the flames were being hampered by the huge clouds of smoke and the wind. "Weather conditions last night were frankly severe... meaning the fire spread, mainly along the northern slopes," Canary Islands leader Fernando Clavijo told reporters, pointing to "much stronger winds, temperatures much higher than expected, and lower relative humidity". By Friday night, the fire had forced more than 4,500 people to flee although there was no update on how many people had been affected by the early morning evacuations in five municipalities. "The fire and the weather have changed and we've had to evacuate five municipalities in northern Tenerife," said Manuel Miranda, the islands' head of emergencies on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, pointing to "the danger and the proximity of the fire". The latest evacuations came as forecasters warned that high temperatures and strong gusts of wind over the weekend would complicate efforts to tackle the blaze. The fire, which has a perimeter of 50 kilometers (30 miles), has so far destroyed 5,000 hectares (more than 12,300 acres) of land with 225 firefighters engaged in overnight efforts to control the flames. The area affected by the fire equates to nearly 2.5 percent of Tenerife's surface area, which stretches 203,400 hectares. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska was due to visit the fire control center on Saturday along with Tourism Minister Hector Gomez, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is due to fly in on Monday, officials said. Towering pillar of smoke By Friday night, the blaze had affected 10 municipalities in Tenerife, the largest of the seven islands that make up Spain's Canary Islands. Another 1,700 people have been ordered to stay inside their homes. On Friday, there had been a "favorable evolution" after a night in which the flames advanced more slowly and predictably and the winds had eased. That followed two days in which the behavior of the fire was "highly unusual", complicating efforts to control it. The blaze has generated a vast pillar of smoke that now stretches eight kilometers into the air, rising far above the summit of Mount Teide, the volcano that towers over the island. At 3,715 meters (12,200 feet), Teide is Spain's highest peak and a popular tourist destination, but all roads to the national park were closed on Thursday. The blaze broke out after the archipelago suffered a heatwave that left many areas tinder dry. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, scientists have warned heatwaves will become more frequent and intense. Last year was a particularly bad year for wildfires in Europe, with Spain the worst-hit nation, suffering nearly 500 blazes that destroyed more than 300,000 hectares, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. So far this year, EFFIS says almost 76,000 hectares have been ravaged by 340 fires in Spain, one of the European countries most vulnerable to climate change. The post More evacuations as ‘severe’ weather fans vast Tenerife wildfire appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos, Australian PM to hold talks on defense, security cooperation in Philippine visit
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are set to tackle defense and security matters when Albanese visits the Philippines from September 7 to 8, according to the Presidential Communications Office on Friday......»»
PBBM to discuss defense, maritime affairs with Aussie PM Albanese
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will discuss defense and maritime affairs during Albanese's visit to the Philippines next month, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Friday. In a Facebook post, PCO said Marcos and Albanese are expected to discuss the potential improvement of their cooperation in defense and security, trade, economic development, and maritime affairs. "The Philippines and Australia share a rich history of friendship and collaboration, which has flourished through the decades," it said. "The President's meeting with Prime Minister Albanese on 8 September is anticipated to reinforce this partnership, ushering in a new era of closer cooperation across key sectors, such as defense and security, trade, economic development, and maritime affairs," the PCO added. As per PCO, Albanese's upcoming trip comes in the wake of a sequence of top-level interactions earlier this year between the Philippines and Australia. A report from Reuters dated 8 August showed that Albanese had expressed his intention to journey to the Philippines in September for talks on defense and security collaboration. Albanese's meeting with Marcos is slated on 7 and 8 September. In May, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed their country's willingness to offer drones, expertise training, and additional technological aid to enhance the Philippines' efforts in enhancing awareness of its maritime territories. In addition to providing technical support, Australia also indicated its interest in fostering potential trilateral collaborations involving the Philippines and other similarly aligned countries, with the aim of conducting joint patrols in response to the evolving security situation in the South China Sea. The post PBBM to discuss defense, maritime affairs with Aussie PM Albanese appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Settled doctrines on sexual harassment (3)
Sexual harassment engenders three-fold liability: Criminal, to address the wrong committed against society; civil, to address the private wrong against the offended party; and administrative, to protect the public service. Criminal liability for sexual harassment notwithstanding, the offended party may pursue a separate civil action. Aside from the actual perpetrator, the employer or the head of office or institution may also be impleaded in an independent action for damages. They would be solidarily liable for damages if they did not take immediate action on a sexual harassment complaint. Unlike in a criminal action where the penalty is a fine, imprisonment, or both, the penalty in an administrative action is, at most, dismissal from the service. This is because an administrative action seeks to protect the public service by imposing administrative sanctions on the erring public officer. In prosecuting an offender for sexual harassment, the intent is immaterial. The mere commission is sufficient to warrant a conviction. The threshold is whether an act violates and/or threatens the personal space and physical safety of another person, regardless of the motive for committing the act. Guided by the foregoing, let’s take a quick look at actual cases of sexual harassment decided by the Supreme Court. In the case of Escandor v. People (G.R. No. 211962, 6 July 2020), the complainant testified to several acts of sexual harassment, including the respondent’s acts of grabbing her hand, kissing her, engaging in improper conversations, touching her thigh, giving her gifts, telling her that “she was the kind of girl he really wants,” asking her out on dates, and sending her text messages telling her that he missed her, that she looked beautiful, and that he loved her. The complainant stated that these acts made her feel disrespected, humiliated, cheap, uneasy, and frightened. She also could not concentrate on her work, could not sleep, and found herself “staring into empty space.” Without any doubt, the Supreme Court held that the respondent’s acts resulted in an intimidating, hostile, and offensive environment for the complainant, thereby making him guilty of sexual harassment. In another case (A.C. No. 5900, 10 April 2019), a professor was charged for allegedly unwanted sexual advances or innuendos against his students. One of his students recounted that in one of her class recitations, she sought clarification of a question propounded to her, saying, “Sir, come again?” The professor retorted, “What? You want me to come again? I have not come the first time and don’t you know that it took me five minutes to come, and you want me to come again?” In his defense, the professor said the joke was intended for himself and that in fact, the students had laughed at the joke. In ruling against the professor, the Supreme Court stated that the professor’s remarks could not be categorized as an innocent joke meant only to lighten the mood of the class. It was readily apparent that the remark was tasteless, vulgar, and crude and had no place in an academic setting. It was not clever wordplay or a mere statement with a sexual innuendo as its intended meaning was obviously discernible. The professor’s attempt at humor failed miserably as his words clearly referred to himself needing five minutes to ejaculate again. The professor’s statements made the student uncomfortable and embarrassed her in front of her classmates as it went beyond an innocent joke and was instead a gross graphic and insensitive remark. Thus, the Supreme Court ruled that the professor abused the power and authority he possessed over the students. His sexually laced conduct had created a hostile and offensive environment that deeply prejudiced his students. In what was supposed to be a safe place for them to learn and develop, they were instead subjected to unwarranted sexual advances. In another case, however, the Supreme Court clarified that casual gestures of friendship and camaraderie, done during festive or special occasions, and with other people present do not constitute sexual harassment. In Aquino v. Acosta [429 Phil. 498 (2002)], the Supreme Court ruled that the act of greeting a person with a kiss on the cheek, in “beso-beso” fashion, was not shown to have been carried out with lustful and lascivious desire or was motivated by malice or ill motive. The Court explained that pecks on the cheeks should be understood in the context of having been done on the occasion of some festivities, as busses on cheeks were simply friendly and innocent, bereft of malice and lewd design. Ultimately, therefore, it is a matter of respecting each other’s boundaries and creating safe spaces for everyone. For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cabdo@divinalaw.com. The post Settled doctrines on sexual harassment (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bolsonaro aides raided in Brazil jewels probe
Brazilian police raided the homes of Jair Bolsonaro allies accused of reselling gifts including jewelry from foreign dignitaries for the "illicit enrichment of" the former president, a judicial judgment showed on Friday. The divisive right-winger categorically denied any wrongdoing, his lawyers saying he "never appropriated or misappropriated any public good," in a statement posted on the G1 news site. The scandal broke earlier this year, when newspaper Estado de Sao Paulo reported customs officials had seized a set of jewels from a government aide who tried to bring them into the country undeclared in his backpack in 2021. Brazilian law bars public officials from keeping expensive gifts. Elements of the police investigation were disclosed in a judgment by Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes to justify search warrants carried out by federal police on Friday at the homes of former Bolsonaro aides. "The evidence collected showed (the existence) during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, of a network to divert goods of a high amount which were offered to him," part of the judgment read. "Beyond allowing an inadmissible enrichment of the President of the Republic... it is possible that the Brazilian head of state was co-opted by foreign nations through these assets", investigators believe. They also reported goods placed in "a suitcase transported on the presidential plane on December 30", when Bolsonaro left Brazil for the United States, two days before the inauguration of his left-wing successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated him in an October 2022 election. Among these state gifts were two sculptures given by the government of Bahrain during a state visit in 2021, as well as gifts from Saudi Arabia including a watch and a fountain pen from the Swiss luxury brand Chopard, investigators say. One of those suspected of reselling these gifts is Mauro Cid, a former top aide to Bolsonaro, who has been in prison since May over falsification of Covid-19 vaccination certificates. According to investigators, Cid mentioned in an audio message "25,000 dollars in cash" which would be intended for the ex-president after the sale of certain goods. Known for a brash style that earned him the nickname "Tropical Trump," Bolsonaro, the former army captain turned congressman surged to prominence as a presidential candidate in 2018 by playing to voters disgusted with corruption and economic mismanagement. After presiding over a presidency marked by scandals including his handling of Covid-19, Bolsonaro has now been barred from office for eight years over his unproven claims of massive fraud in the country's election system. bur-leg/ssy © Agence France-Presse The post Bolsonaro aides raided in Brazil jewels probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Australian PM Anthony Albanese to visit India to participate in G20 Leaders Summit
Canberra [Australia], August 12 (ANI): Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his participation in the upcoming G20 summit to be held in New Delhi next monthAlbanese will be among leaders of G-20 nations who are scheduled to attend the G-20 summit under India's presidency in New Delhi this September. The G20 is the world's preeminent forum for global economic cooperation. Leaders will focus on navigating.....»»
Death toll in China’s Hebei floods rises to 29
The death toll from floods in northern China's Hebei province has risen to 29, state media reported Friday, after record-breaking rains pummelled the region in recent weeks. "As of August 10, 29 people have died due to disasters in Hebei Province, of which six were previously missing. There are still 16 missing," state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing authorities. Rescue efforts were still ongoing to find those missing, CCTV said. At least 33 people died in Beijing as a result of a severe rainstorm and floods that struck in late July, including two rescue workers, authorities said earlier this week. And more than a dozen people were killed in northeastern Jilin province after torrential rain last week. Streets in parts of Hebei, which borders the capital, were still caked in mud when AFP visited on Wednesday. Residents were scrambling to recover waterlogged belongings and clean up damaged homes. Millions of people have been hit by extreme weather events and prolonged heatwaves around the globe in recent weeks, events scientists say are being exacerbated by climate change. Beijing's 'moat' During a visit to affected communities last week, Hebei province party chief Ni Yuefeng said that the area could "reduce the pressure on Beijing's flood control" and serve as a "moat" for the capital. China's state media has hailed the government's efforts to mitigate damage from the inundations, with coverage focused on tales of mutual aid and selfless officials working tirelessly on rescue efforts. But a week after the waters first swelled, some villagers told AFP they did not receive adequate warning from the authorities about when the floods would come. The Chinese government on Wednesday said it would allocate one billion yuan ($139 million) to compensate residents in areas that had been inundated to control flood levels in downstream areas. The fund would pay for "damage to crops, animal and poultry farms, commercial forests, houses and agricultural machinery", according to the official Xinhua news agency. Insurance providers in Beijing are paying out at least 380 million yuan in claims for losses caused by the recent rains, according to Xinhua. Heavy rains are expected again over the weekend as tropical depression Khanun -- formerly a typhoon -- approaches China, with meteorologists warning of flood risks in mountainous areas of southwest China, including Sichuan province. At least seven people died in a flash flood southwest of Sichuan's capital Chengdu earlier this week, after an unexpected tide of water washed away a number of tourists on the Longxi River. The post Death toll in China’s Hebei floods rises to 29 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UK water firms facing legal fight over pollution incidents
An environmental academic said Wednesday she had filed the first of multiple planned court actions against British water companies for underreporting pollution incidents and overcharging customers, in breach of UK laws. Carolyn Roberts, a professor and water and environment consultant, revealed she had lodged an initial claim against Severn Trent Water and planned further legal actions against five other firms on behalf of more than 20 million customers. Roberts, who is represented by the well-known British law firm Leigh Day, estimates the companies could face compensation bills of over £800 million ($1 billion) if the cases are successful. The first claim, filed last week against Severn Trent on behalf of eight million people, is estimated to be worth more than £330 million. It comes amid a long-running scandal over privatized water firms pumping raw sewage into waterways, provoking widespread public anger and promises of increased regulatory scrutiny from the government. Ministers announced last month that companies and individuals polluting Britain's rivers and other ecosystems will be liable for unlimited fines. "Like many others across the country, I have viewed with horror the escalating number of stories in the media regarding the volume of sewage discharged into our waterways and onto our beaches," Roberts said in a statement. "It appears that because of the serial and serious underreporting at the heart of these claims, water companies have been avoiding being penalized by Ofwat," she added, referring to the sector's regulator in the UK. "I believe this has resulted in consumers being unfairly overcharged for sewage services." Industry body Water UK said the accusations are "entirely without merit" and that 99 percent of sewage works are legally compliant. However, Roberts and Leigh Day said they intend to bring similar "collective actions" against Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water. They urged the companies' millions of customers to visit a website created to assess their eligibility for compensation. "These companies have allegedly been misleading their regulators by underreporting the number of pollution incidents, being discharges of wastewater from a company sewerage asset adversely affecting the water environment and resulting in higher customer bills," a statement on it read. Last month, a UK court fined Thames Water, the nation's biggest supplier, £3.3 million for polluting rivers. The fine came shortly after the UK's privatized water companies pledged to make massive investments to avoid repeats of the contamination. The post UK water firms facing legal fight over pollution incidents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hollywood A-listers donate millions to aid striking actors
A dozen of Hollywood's highest-earning stars, from George Clooney to Meryl Streep, have each donated $1 million or more to support out-of-work actors as their strike enters its fourth week, their union's charitable foundation said Wednesday. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) walkout, and another strike by film and TV writers that began in May over pay and the threat of artificial intelligence, have brought US film and television production to a halt. The Hollywood "double strike" of writers and actors -- the first since 1960 -- has cost the entertainment industry and the California economy several million dollars per day, as well as costing the striking unionists their paychecks. But wealthy A-list celebrities, from Clooney and Streep to Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, as well as Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and others, have each contributed $1 million or more to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's actors' support fund. The nonprofit foundation has raised more than $15 million in the past three weeks to aid "thousands of journeymen actors" facing economic hardship, it said in a statement. "The entertainment industry is in crisis and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation is currently processing more than 30 times our usual number of applications for emergency aid," Courtney B. Vance, the foundation's president, said in the statement. The organization's aid program is meant to "ensure that performers in need don't lose their homes, have the ability to pay for utilities, buy food for their families, purchase life-saving prescriptions, cover medical bills and more," Vance said. While some actors are highly paid, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said this week that 86 percent of the union's 160,000 members earn less than $26,500 a year, The New York Times reported. The strikes have meant movie productions are shut down, glitzy premieres are scrapped, and events such as the Emmys are delayed as stars are banned from promoting TV shows. The unions' demands have focused on higher pay in the streaming era and the threat posed to members' careers and future livelihoods by artificial intelligence, while studios say they must cut costs to cope with economic pressures. While the writers' union appears poised to return to talks on Friday, actors remain at an impasse with major firms such as Netflix and Disney, which are represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). "We have not heard from the AMPTP since July 12 when they told us they would not be willing to continue talks for quite some" time, SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland told trade outlet Deadline this week. sco/pbt © Agence France-Presse The post Hollywood A-listers donate millions to aid striking actors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Groups cry foul over new MMDA riders policy
Some groups have blasted the new policy of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority that it will slap a P1,000 fine to motorcycle riders who are taking shelter under footbridges, flyovers and train stations during heavy rains, saying that the move is “inhumane.” The policy — now being implemented in Metro Manila — states that motorcycle riders taking shelter on open public infrastructures such as bridges, flyovers and footbridges will be considered as an obstruction violation. According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., the MMDA’s policy will be a bane to motorcycle riders, stressing that there is already an increase in motorcycle users because of the mass transportation shortage in the country. “Many are now using motorcycles due to the ongoing mass transport crisis, so there should be no penalties if riders choose to take shelter because of rains,” Reyes said. Meantime, PISTON president George San Mateo stressed that the MMDA policy is cruel, anti-poor and may be a source of corruption. “As a rider, the MMDA policy is harsh,” San Mateo said. “It may also become a money-making venture for corrupt traffic enforcers.” “Although I do not condone and tolerate obstruction on roads, this is not the solution to the problem,” he added. To recall, the MMDA said that it will not spare any violator even amid heavy pouring of rain or under the summer heat. Violators will be penalized with a fine amounting to P500, although the agency is already mulling to increase the penalty to P1,000. MMDA acting chairman Atty. Romando Artes said the new policy will begin once the agency will be able to determine the alternative parking or shelters for motorists. “Obstruction is the first penalty of P500, so as soon as we fix the system, particularly at gasoline stations, I think we will strictly enforce the issuance of tickets to violators,” Artes said, adding that MMDA is now closely coordinating with the operators of gasoline stations in putting up tents to shelter riders during inclement weather conditions. He also insisted that parking on the national highways is too dangerous for motorcycle riders to park as they can be hit by larger vehicles and parking for 30 minutes to one hour under the footbridge or flyover is also causing heavy traffic. Riders, though, expressed mixed reactions to the impending implementation of the prohibition to use the said area because they said it is really dangerous for them particularly at dawn. A rider who identified himself as Mario is supportive of the regulation because staying in the area for a long time will cause traffic gridlock but said riders have their way to find areas where they can stay while it is raining. He said the regulation is okay with him so they cannot be a source of traffic congestion during the rainy season while another one said in order to evade being soak in rain water, riders said they should be equipped with raincoats. Meantime, ride-hailing firms Grab and Joyride vowed on Tuesday to remind their riders to be wary of the new policy. With Alvin Murcia, Lade jean Kabagani and Aljon Eguia The post Groups cry foul over new MMDA riders policy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
General Trias prepares for landmark condo project
Despite its proximity to the populous metropolis, General Trias City in Cavite, one of the country’s more progressive provinces, has remarkably retained its halcyon character. For one, it has preserved its Spanish-era churches and, to this day, a reverence for its many-storied past. Gentri, as it is sometimes called, is, in fact, just a stone’s throw away from landmarks such as the site of the Tejeros Convention — the first election in Philippine history. In December 2015, however, General Trias had sufficiently adapted to urbanization to merit conversion into a first-class component city of Cavite. Today, Gentri boasts such modern spoils as hotels, a championship golf course and fine residential enclaves — products of a burgeoning economy that turned in a revenue of over P2 billion in 2022, according to the Department of Trade and Industry. Indeed, Gentri has become increasingly more appealing to a growing market of longtime city dwellers looking to relocate to more tranquil places south of the metro. Quick to rise to the challenge, affordable condo developer Asterra has expanded into General Trias, intent on building homes that hardworking Filipinos can afford. [caption id="attachment_163851" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Asterra General Trias assures that unit sizes and configurations will suit its prospective residents’ lifestyles.[/caption] Strategically situated in the heart of the vibrant city, Asterra General Trias is a prime location from which essential amenities and the comforts of everyday living are just a short drive or commute away. Its future residents will be able to stay close to nature while having access to commercial centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and major transport networks. Asterra’s intent to create exceptional living spaces is reflected in the thought and care put into the condominium units’ design, interior layouts and recreational facilities. Asterra General Trias assures that unit sizes and configurations will suit its prospective residents’ lifestyles, whether young professionals, growing families, retirees or returning overseas workers. Potential buyers are also in for a treat as Asterra General Trias provides both affordability and uncompromising quality. The latter is evident in every development aspect — from premium materials to meticulous attention to detail. Future homeowners can likewise expect a secure and well-maintained environment that goes with the family-centric community. As for affordability, Asterra General Trias is set to roll out its flexible payment options and unit pricing within the year. Homegrown Caviteños and those seeking the peace of the countryside can rest assured that the Asterra condo lifestyle will soon be within their reach. The post General Trias prepares for landmark condo project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Egay’ onslaught leaves Baguio teen dead
BAGUIO CITY — The onslaught of super typhoon “Egay” — which brought heavy downpour and strong winds destroying structures here — has claimed the life of a 16-year-old student who was trapped inside their home following a landslide. According to the Baguio City Police Office, the lone fatality was with his parents when a landslide devoured their house in Barangay Bakakeng Central around 10:30 a.m. on 26 July 2023. The parents, a 59-year-old construction worker and 48-year-old housewife were retrieved alive by responders. Meantime, reports from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the City Social Welfare and Development Office disclosed that 145 families with 639 individuals were affected in barangays Irisan, Lourdes Subdivision Extension., Camp Allen and San Roque Villages due to the following incidents: 69 flooding, 15 landslides, 11 blown roof and nine fallen trees. Three houses or properties of said affected families were totally destroyed while 65 were damaged partially. The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the City Mayor’s Office led by acting Mayor Faustino Olowan activated the operations center at the onset of the rains and coordinated response to reported incidents with teams from other city government offices, line agencies, volunteer groups and private companies. Reported incidents were 97 leaning/fallen trees/branches; 20 electrical concerns; 12 flooding; 8 soil erosion; 2 stranded people/vehicle; 11 landslide; and 2 clogged drainage. The Benguet Electric Cooperative, on the other hand, announced that it has restored power in 60 percent of Baguio City and Benguet province as of 8 a.m. Thursday, and disclosed the sheer volume of damages to its distribution system with initial cost of damages placed at more than P2.6 million due to broken, damaged and eroded poles felled by trees that fell on the wires. Marcos Highway and Naguilian Road remain open even as the Department of Public Works and Highways said road clearing operations are continuing in stretches affected by the typhoon warning people to “observe extra caution while on the road and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.” In other developments, the Office of the Civil Defense Cordillera reported that a total of 2,421 families or 7,795 individuals sought refuge to the houses of their relatives and evacuation centers in the Cordillera Region during the typhoon. The figures were from the provinces of Benguet, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga and Mountain Province. In Abra, there are 2, 202 families or 7,324 individuals from the 39 municipalities were forced to leave their homes. Some of them went to the designated evacuation centers and some to the houses of their relatives. The province listed the most evacuees. At least 60 families or 194 individuals in Apayao went to the evacuation centers or their relatives. The evacuees are from 9 barangays in the province. Over at Ilocos Sur, the super typhoon had swept away the old Banaoang bridge, a road and another bridge in this town and caused the evacuation of thousands of families whose houses were submerged due to continued heavy rains inundated by flashfloods for two days. In a video footage taken by the Ilocos Sur police, the Old Banaoang bridge’s two spans were swept away Wednesday night by the strong current of flash floods coming from nearby Abra. With Mar Supnad and Anthony Ching The post ‘Egay’ onslaught leaves Baguio teen dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tribune, Marcos share good gov’t journey (20)
In the days after the devastating typhoon “Yolanda” struck, killing from 6,000 to 10,000 individuals depending on the source of the figure since the administration of the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III directed the casualty count be stopped at 6,000 deaths, Daily Tribune tracked then Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was at Ground Zero several times after the disaster struck on 3 November 2013. BBM arrived in Tacloban City to offer assistance to the “Yolanda” victims on 17 November. The huge swath of devastation caused by the storm surges stunned Marcos, who said the extent of the damage was almost impossible to believe. “They have nothing. They have no homes, they have no water, they have nothing,” he said. Marcos said he came long after the day of devastation so as not to get in the way of the government relief efforts. “We did not want to come because if we had come we would have taken up resources and assets that were sorely needed at the time. You know if you come here, somebody will have to secure you, you will have to have a vehicle, you will have to have a place to stay, they will have to feed you. In the first few days they simply did not have those capabilities so we got out of the way and let people do what they could,” he said. Marcos told Tribune he spent the previous eight days in Manila coordinating the relief sent to donation centers by private donors. The Marcos family brought a ship and their donation of supplies to Surigao since there was congestion in Leyte. Between an Aquino, Romualdez His visit was significant because, among other things, in the heat of the recovery and relief mission, then-Interior Secretary Mar Roxas supposedly uttered to Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez the infamous line, “You have to understand, you’re a Romualdez and the President is an Aquino,” after city officials complained of the snail-paced government response. Marcos refused to comment on the criticism the government had been too slow and uncoordinated in responding to the devastation. The assessment can come later, he said. Eventually, Marcos commented that those in charge would have to admit to shortcomings. “For now, assisting the victims is of primary importance,” he said. “Could we have done better? Sure. Do we need to do more? Certainly. But this is not the time for all of this finger-pointing. This is the time to put our heads down and help the people who are suffering,” the senator said. Much later, Marcos called for a thorough investigation of the government response, primarily the reported dumping of hundreds of sacks of rice in a deep pit in the remote village of Dagami. “Various reports said the sacks of rice found in the pit bore markings of the NFA (National Food Authority) but there were also plastic bags marked DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) in the same pit,” according to Marcos. “Wasting rice is disgusting enough but if it turns out that these were relief goods, then it’s even more appalling. Somebody should answer for this,” Marcos asserted. Marcos lamented the slow pace of the government’s rehabilitation efforts in areas hardest hit by the typhoon despite billions of pesos allocated in the budget and from international donors. “What is disgusting is the government’s refusal to explain how the funds for ‘Yolanda’ victims were spent!” he fumed. “The government does not feel the need to explain itself in any way; never mind the tens of thousands that still live in makeshift homes, never mind that people have no jobs or sources of livelihood,” Marcos said. He said the late Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman could not wash her hands of responsibility for the wastage. “Soliman had admitted the rice and food packs were from the DSWD warehouses but clarified that they were intended to be distributed to those affected by typhoon ‘Ruby’ and typhoon ‘Glenda’ last year and not for the survivors of super-typhoon ‘Yolanda,’” he noted. According to Soliman, the DSWD is investigating why the relief goods were not given out. “Soliman cannot simply toss the responsibility for this mess to her underlings; she is the one ultimately responsible,” Marcos averred. The Commission on Audit tagged the DWSD for the spoilage of an estimated P2.8-million worth of relief goods intended for distribution to “Yolanda” survivors in 2013. “The DSWD claimed it had learned its lesson and even acquired a mechanized repacking system and yet this unconscionable wastage of relief goods continues to happen,” Marcos deplored. “According to Soliman, the buried goods were no longer fit for human consumption. Initial reports estimated that around 500 sacks of spoiled rice were disposed of in a 10-feet wide, 15-feet deep hole dug in Dagami.” “Can you imagine how many typhoon victims the DSWD could have helped with such an amount of relief goods? Surely, those responsible for this are unfit to be public servants. Someone should be held accountable,” Marcos concluded. (To be continued) The post Tribune, Marcos share good gov’t journey (20) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»