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Delays in testing leave DepEd in the dark about student progress
The Department of Education failed to administer most of its large-scale student assessments on time in the last seven years, based on new government data, with procurement hiccups and lack of educational assessment staff as the main reasons for the delay......»»
PHL needs to address ‘terrible’ learning crisis – new Ateneo de Davao President
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 9 January) – The Philippines is facing a “terrible” learning crisis that must be addressed immediately as the country continues to fare poorly in international-scale assessments, new Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) President Fr. Karel S. San Juan said. San Juan told reporters during a press conference on Monday that the […].....»»
Davao remains on red alert after successive aftershocks
Davao Region remains on red alert after experiencing successive aftershocks following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Surigao del Sur. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-Davao) has raised the status of its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to intensify monitoring and ensure immediate resource mobilization. Some public establishments and academic institutions in Davao City have been declared safe for re-occupancy after structural evaluations. However, hundreds of units in the Belvedere Building of the DMCI along Talisay, Ecoland are deemed unsafe. All local government units in the region have suspended classes for continuous structural integrity assessments. The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology-Davao Region (DOST-Phivolcs-Davao) has warned of continued aftershocks until the end of December......»»
EU: Use Trade Leverage to Support Democracy and Rights in Central Asia
(Brussels) - The European Union's detailed assessments of Central Asian countries benefiting from preferential access to the EU market reveal major gaps in their fulfilment of human rights obligations.Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have been given EU market access under a special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance: the so-called Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). The sch.....»»
BCUUndergoes Internationalization Orientation and Capability Buildingon Research Digital ToolKits
by Marilou Dela Pena & Genevieve Balance KupangRemaining relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving educational landscape is a top priority. Universities actively participate in diverse rating assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement across instruction, research, and community extension services programs. To meet.....»»
Philippine earthquake death toll rises to 8
MANILA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines Friday afternoon rose to eight, the Philippines' disaster agency said on Sunday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the number of casualties "is still subject to validation," adding that provincial officials are continuously conducting assessments. The agency said o.....»»
Free craniofacial surgeries now available in Davao
Free craniofacial surgeries are now being offered in Davao to help individuals dealing with cleft and craniofacial anomalies. The International Cooperation of Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines, Inc. (NCFPI) has announced this initiative, with Dr. Dax Carlo G. Pascasio leading the Filipino professional team. The medical mission will take place from November 20 to 22 at the United Davao Specialists Hospital and Medical Center, Inc. (UniDav) in Matina, Davao City. Patients will undergo assessments on the first day and receive postoperative care on the third day. The foundation aims to assist around 20 to 25 patients with craniofacial anomalies. For those not accommodated during the mission, free operations will be available every Thursday morning at UniDav Hospital. Dr. Pascasio explained that a majority of patients with these anomalies come from Mindanao, which is why he decided to relocate there. Despite limited support from Local Government Units (LGUs), most surgeries are sponsored by the Taiwanese counterpart of the foundation. The foundation covers hospitalization costs beyond what PhilHealth provides, as well as transportation expenses and the needs of malnourished patients. Linus Shang-l.....»»
Solon lambasts ‘conflict of interest’ as private firms leading ASF vaccine trials
A lawmaker on Wednesday grilled the Bureau of Animal Industry for allowing private suppliers to lead vaccine trials on African Swine Fever. In a Senate hearing on Wednesday, BAI Director Paul Limson admitted that they are just “monitoring” the field trials. Limson's remarks came after Senator Cynthia Villar mentioned that the BAI should be leading the trials to make more independent assessments of the vaccines. “Justify niyo nga sa akin bakit ninyo ginagawa, kasi ako nasho-shock (Can you justify it to me why are you not doing it because its shcoking me). You don't think there is a conflict of interest?" Villar, who chairs the Senate panel on agriculture, asked Limson. Limson cited the Food and Drug Administration guidelines stating that "the initiation, management, and or financing of clinical trials" is the responsibility of sponsors—these could be individuals, companies, institutions, or organizations. the FDA guidelines also allow sponsors to tap Contract Research Organizations to conduct the trials. Meanwhile, Villar also criticized the private suppliers of vaccines for apparently hastening the process even if there are no approved vaccines for ASF yet. She then suggested that the budget should be realigned first in the indemnification of hog raisers affected by the disease while waiting for the approval of ASF vaccines. The Department of Agriculture-BAI has earlier asked the Food and Drug Administration to certify a Vietnam-made ASF vaccine for its immediate distribution in the country. It was followed by the bureau’s endorsement to the FDA for the issuance of a Certificate of Product Registration—which will allow the commercial release of the vaccine in the country. On June 2, BAI Assistant Director Arlyn Vytiaco said they have recommended the AVAC doses—which have been proven "effective" - following the completion of safety and efficacy trials in at least six areas in Luzon. Vytiaco noted that 100 percent of the hogs who were vaccinated during the trials produced antibodies, and showed "no ill or side effects.” However, the BAI was still requesting the FDA for the CPR of the vaccine. The first ASF case was detected in the Philippines in 2019. Villar lamented that “lack of vaccine or effective treatment has made the control of the disease very challenging.” The post Solon lambasts ‘conflict of interest’ as private firms leading ASF vaccine trials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How nations allow or restrict legal gender change
A small number of countries have made it easier for transgender people to change their legal gender, while other nations have restricted such changes, notably Russia and Pakistan. Here is a snapshot of the situation around the world. Exception, not the rule According to the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), 24 UN member states have legally allowed people to change their gender on the basis of self-identification. In about 40 other countries, the legal and administrative process can take years and may include requirements such as psychiatric diagnosis, hormone treatment, gender confirmation surgery, or even sterilization. Making it easier Argentina has led the way on transgender rights, allowing a change of gender on national ID cards with a simple declaration since 2012. Several Latin American countries have followed suit. Denmark was the first European country in 2014 to allow adults to apply for a gender change without undergoing medical or psychological assessments, with Belgium, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, and most recently Spain following suit. Since 2017, France has allowed transgender people to change their status on their ID documents without treatment, surgery, or sterilization but they must receive court approval. The issue of trans rights sparked a fierce row in 2022 in Scotland, where parliament passed a bill making it easier for people to self-identify their gender that was sensationally vetoed by London. The German cabinet in August 2023 signed off plans under which Germans will be able to change their name or legal gender by making a simple application to their local registry office. The law still has to go to parliament. Hesitating Sweden, one of the world's most liberal countries, was the first in the world to authorize physical and legal gender reassignment for adults in 1972. But last year it began restricting hormone therapy available for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria, such as puberty blockers, citing the need for caution following a strong increase in demand. It also restricted access to mastectomies for teenage girls wanting to transition. Finland in 2020 had already restricted hormone treatment for minors. Making it harder Russia adopted new legislation in July 2023 banning "medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person" and "the state registration of a change of gender without an operation". President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly railed against transgender rights in his speeches. Pakistan's religious judiciary ruled in May that landmark transgender legal protections from 2018 are un-Islamic and therefore void. An appeal is being sought with the Supreme Court. Pakistan continues to recognize the existence of a third gender, neither masculine nor feminine, as do India and Nepal. Restricting gender-affirming treatment, such as puberty blockers for minors, has become a major campaign of US conservatives. Arkansas in 2021 became the first US state to ban physicians and health workers from offering transition-related treatment to transgender minors. A federal judge in June overturned the ban. Around 20 states, including Florida and Texas, have passed similar laws. Anti-LGBTQ sentiment in Hungary has escalated during the rule of Viktor Orban's right-wing government. In May 2020, the country passed a law making it impossible for transgender people to change their name and gender on their ID documents. The post How nations allow or restrict legal gender change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Half of finance work could be AI by 2030
Dear Editor, The G.M.A. Integrated News unveiling of A.I. sportscasters Maia and Marco last 24 September captivated many people during the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA Season 99. This groundbreaking introduction sparked intense discussions on social media about Artificial Intelligence’s potential implications on journalism’s future. People expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension, highlighting the need for further exploration and understanding of AI’s role in shaping the field of journalism. As Artificial Intelligence advances at an unprecedented rate, it is not only in journalism where AI can automate work. According to McKinsey, by 2030, approximately half of the finance work could be automated. This automation will bring opportunities and challenges, as AI can streamline processes and improve efficiency. The finance areas that have already started to be automated are the banking and financial institutions, risk assessments, credit scoring, customer service, and market sentiment analysis. In banking and financial institutions, an AI called KAI-GPT can auto-detect risks, generate insights, and make financially literate recommendations. Launched on 31 May 2023, KAI-GPT is the world’s first banking-specific large language model designed to address the industry’s unique accuracy, transparency, trustworthiness, and customization needs. The KAI-GPT provides a human-like, financially literate response. Westpac, Australia’s first bank and oldest company serving more than 12 million customers, is in the process of implementing KAI. Meanwhile, in risk assessment, the tool DataRobot AI can simulate potential fraud scenarios and detect credit risks, fraud risks, and market volatility. Using predictive and generative DataRobot AI improves the technical ecosystem in Financial Services. Sanlam, Africa’s largest non-banking financial institution, uses DataRobot AI, resulting in more streamlined and transparent solutions, driving critical business value levers such as sales and client retention. In the finance area of credit scoring, the Personetics and AIO Logic can detect risk, determine rates, and structure customer loans. Personetics serves over 140 banks and financial institutions across 30 global markets, reaching 135 million banking customers. United Overseas Bank, a Singapore-based Banking and Financial Services organization with 24346 employees and revenues of $9790000.00 billion, uses Personetics. AIO Logic is well known as an AI for Automated Payment Management, Automated Balance Management, Automated Accounting, Complex Structures, Automated Invoicing, Automated Reporting and Analytics. These two credit scoring AI can also assess customers’ creditworthiness and set credit limits. In customer service, robo-advisors, chatbots, and virtual assistants provide a conversational system fit for financial planning assistance. Robo-advisors offer financial advice and limited human interaction, which appeal to Generation Z, who have virtual interactions with advisors and are increasing interest in novel assets like cryptocurrency. The AI is now also in market sentiment analysis, and Bloomberg G.P.T. shows how to automatically analyze news, articles, social media and other classified textual data. Launched on 30 March 2023, Bloomberg GPT is a significant language model with 50 billion parameters trained explicitly on a wide range of financial data. It can perform market sentiment analysis and even help manage investment portfolios. These advancements in AI technology have the potential to significantly streamline and automate many tasks in the finance industry, reducing the need for human intervention. The applications of generative AI in Finance will be widely seen in regulatory compliance and reporting, financial forecasting, portfolio optimization, anti-money laundering and algorithmic trading. However, it is essential to note that while AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy, it is not a substitute for human expertise and judgment. Human oversight and decision-making will still be crucial in navigating complex financial landscapes and ensuring AI technologies’ ethical and responsible use. Still, job displacement in finance may occur, and the need to upskill the workforce is now paramount. Arnel Lopez Cadeliña arnelcadelina@gmail.com The post Half of finance work could be AI by 2030 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NOW Telecom appeals to SC over ‘erroneous’ NTC fine
NOW Telecom Inc. of businessman Mel Velarde has elevated its appeal to the Supreme Court or SC to settle the alleged P2.6 billion in spectrum regulatory fees or SRF and associated charges it allegedly owes the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC. The company, through a 22-page comment dated 1 September 2023 filed before the SC, pointed out that the regulatory fees and penalties imposed were "erroneous" and needed to be recomputed. NOW Telecom is disputing the NTC's calculation, which was based on the total capital stock of P13.57 billion instead of the subscribed and paid-up capital of P1.39 billion. The company pointed out that the additional paid-in capital of P12.17 billion should be excluded from the computation. Thus, it requested the High Court to order NTC to recompute the SRF and base it solely on its capital stock of P1.39 billion and set aside the regulator's letters assessments dated 5 July 2025, and 23 December 2005. Additionally, the company also asked the SC to delete the imposition of any penalty and interest. “We are confident that this SRF issue will be finally resolved. NOW Telecom continues to appeal to the Marcos administration to (maintain) a level playing field, for NOW to compete head-on with China Telecom/DITO and Huawei-equipped SMART and GLOBE,” Velarde said in a press statement on Tuesday. NOW Telecom also contended that the NTC's reference to a COA letter was flawed due to discrepancies. The COA letter claims over P3 billion in unresolved receivables that spanned 14 years. "The crucial COA Letter was conspicuously absent from NTC's official documents, replaced by correspondence with the Office of the Solicitor General, casting doubts on the authenticity of the claim," it added. NOW Telecom additionally said that "the staggering amount imposed by the NTC as penalties and interest does not align with the purpose of the law." "As the term itself implies, the amount of the SRF collected is supposed to be commensurate to, and is simply intended to reimburse the NTC for the costs it incurs in supervising and regulating the telecommunications industry," the company said, adding that the SRF is not a tax or a revenue-raising measure. Last June, it can be recalled that the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC fined NOW Corp. and Velarde P1 million each for allegedly “misleading disclosures” about the P2.6-billion unpaid obligation of affiliate company NOW Telecom to the government. In a seven-page order dated 15 June 2023, the SEC affirmed that NOW Corp. and Velarde were administratively liable for violating the Securities Regulation Code or SRC for disclosing misleading information to the public. The disclosure in question was the one posted on 10 November 2021, which stated that NOW Corp. was unaware of the details surrounding the motions filed by the NTC with the SC. The SEC pointed out that as one of the concurrent key officials of both NOW Corp. and NOW Telecom, Velarde is “considered to have ipso facto participated in the transactions” relating to the unpaid SRF and SUF liability of NOW Telecom. The post NOW Telecom appeals to SC over ‘erroneous’ NTC fine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHEd eyes internationalized Phl higher education schools
The Commission on Higher Education has been conducting various initiatives to promote the internationalization of Philippine higher education institutions, its chairperson Prospero de Vera III said during the launching of this year's European Higher Education Fair at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City on Friday. "We engaged in international benchmarking activities and assessments by reputable international brands. We linked Philippine HEIs with international university networks through participation in training programs, summer schools, forums, cross-visits and faculty and student mobilities," De Vera said. "We have forged educational partnerships with various foreign educational institutions to expand educational opportunities and enhance professional development," De Vera added. De Vera said the EHEF helps in linking Philippine universities to the best higher education institutions from the European Union. "It allows Filipino participants to have an opportunity to explore and master their chosen fields of study from the best universities and colleges in Europe proving that education knows no geographic bounds," he said. "Through our collective action with our partners in Europe, we look forward to reengineering Philippine higher education for the better, learning more relevant innovations and helping reimagine higher education -- here and abroad, working on the premise that the pursuit of higher education paves the way for a better future," the CHED chief added. In 2021, around 9,710 students, academicians, researchers and university officials from across the country attended the virtual EHEF launch. In 2022, in a hybrid setup, it gathered 1,900 on-site participants and 6,000 online participants. "These figures show that EHEF and our pursuit of academic excellence for higher education in the Philippines can surmount the limitations of the pandemic," De Vera said. "This year, our coming here together means that we continue to create a more diverse and more connected classroom of global citizens working together to redefine higher education under the new normal," he added. According to De Vera, the EHEF 2023 indicates the European Union’s continuing commitment to extending a trail or platform for Filipino students to explore diverse fields of study on a global scale. "It reinforces the mission of the Commission on Higher Education to globalize and internationalize the higher educational institutions and students in the country," he said. De Vera likewise said that CHED has already been implementing Transnational Higher Education or TNHE. "Now this has become a declared national policy and priority since the TNHE Act was enacted," he said. Under this law, higher education is eyed as a means to build the capacities of Philippine students, especially in underserved and niche areas. "While it is seen as a means to introduce new technologies and knowledge into the country, TNHE can also be used as a tool to spur foreign investment in the Philippines. The law, even before the pandemic, also explores new modes of delivery," De Vera said. "TNHE partnerships give Filipino students access to foreign credentials, even as they enter programs at Philippine universities," the CHED chief added. The post CHEd eyes internationalized Phl higher education schools appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers
The government is considering the establishment of more durable and resilient evacuation centers nationwide as proposed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to further enhance the country’s evacuation system. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who also chairs the NDRRMC, convened the council’s member agencies in a third-quarter meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday night. Teodoro said the council should focus on strengthening the disaster risk reduction and management as well as the adoption of “best practices for public interest.” “One of the highlights of the discussion was the status and enhanced design of evacuation centers. It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of building resilient evacuation centers in his last State of the Nation Address to ensure the safety of the public in times of emergency,” the NDRRMC said in a statement released on Friday. The Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways are looking into the proposal to improve the design of evacuation centers, including the prioritization mechanism through risk-based assessments. During the meeting, the council members also tackled considerations and updates on location and site suitability, structural and building capacity, and minimum standards on design and conceptual sketches. The NDRRMC noted that the proposed improved design of the evacuation center is still subject to finalization by concerned government agencies. The council also tackled and approved amendments to NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 64, s. 2021 or the Guidelines on the Accreditation and Protection of Community Disaster Volunteers; Memorandum Circular on the Guidelines on Mainstreaming DRRM in Health in Local Development; and the proposed revision on Memorandum Circular no. 110, s.2021 or the Revised Guidelines on the Administration of the NDRRM Fund. The enhanced guidelines tackled during the meeting will be disseminated to concerned stakeholders for implementation. A report from Climate Change Knowledge Portal for Development Practitioners and Policy Makers showed that some 19 to 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility yearly, with 7-9 making landfall. Hence, several lawmakers pushed for the legislation of measures that aim to enhance the country’s evacuation system. Senate Bill 1652, or An Act establishing evacuation centers nationwide, filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo, seeks the establishment of evacuation centers in 146 cities and 1,488 municipalities nationwide. Under the proposed measure, these evacuation centers must have basic facilities, accessible locations, and adequate emergency supplies, such as water, medicine, and relief goods considering that the Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also filed SB 940, or the Evacuation Center Act”, which seeks to establish evacuation centers in all cities nationwide. SB 940 provides that each location for every evacuation center shall be determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in close coordination with the local government units concerned, and must be centrally located in the community. It must also be at a safe distance from large trees and structures with hazardous materials, must be near a health facility, must be located on geotechnically stable land, and must not be located near military base camps and camps of insurgent groups. The post NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids Borongan fire victims
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided assistance to 22 fire-hit households in Barangay Calingatngan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Tuesday, 26 September. In coordination with Calingatngan Barangay Captain Edwin Anasarias, the affected families received financial assistance, grocery packs, clean drinking water, snacks, and shirts from the senator. Select recipients also received shoes, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority conducted their respective assessments wherein qualified recipients may receive necessary livelihood support and housing assistance, respectively. “Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, ang importante ay buhay kayo. Ang gamit po ay napapalitan, ang pera ay kikitain pero ang pera ay hindi nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya pangalagaan natin ang buhay na binigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” Go said in a video message. Go then highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire (BFP) Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The said law, which was authored and co-sponsored by Go, mandates the BFP to undergo a ten-year modernization program that will improve the capabilities of the agency by implementing a ten-year modernization program, which includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also encouraged residents with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in the city. Designed to assist poor and indigent Filipinos, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where all relevant agencies are brought together under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are within the patients’ reach. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally sponsored and authored by Go, has successfully assisted more than three million Filipinos with 159 operational centers nationwide. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of the access road from the National Highway to Bolusao National High School in Lawaan; rehabilitation of local roads in Balangkayan, Giporlos, Jipapad, Lawaan, Maslog, Quinapondan, San Julian, Sulat, and Taft; construction of the Borongan Community Hospital; construction of a slope protection structure in Borongan City and Lawaan; construction of multipurpose buildings in Jipapad, Maydolong, and Oras; construction of a slaughterhouse in Maydolong; improvement of the drainage systems in Can-Avid; and acquisition of ambulance units for the local governments of Maslog and Quinapondan. The post Bong Go aids Borongan fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Can’t get it up?
GoRocky, a pioneering men’s health startup, is proud to announce the successful completion of its pre-seed funding campaign. This funding marks a significant milestone for GoRocky, reinforcing its commitment to revolutionizing men’s health in the Philippines. The round was led by key investors including reputable investors and tech leaders from Germany and the Philippines, Buko Ventures, IdeaSpace Investments, Pulse 63, and Kaya Founders. GoRocky is on a mission to address stigmatized chronic conditions like erectile dysfunction by offering discreet, affordable, and accessible health treatments. The company’s innovative approach combines online assessments, doctor prescriptions, and medicine deliveries to empower men to take control of their health. Patients can simply fill out an anonymous four-minute questionnaire, and a licensed doctor reviews their responses before prescribing the necessary medication, which is then discreetly delivered to their doorstep at an affordable price. The Philippines is home to a staggering number of men silently suffering from various stigmatized health conditions. Approximately 14 million men in the country experience erectile dysfunction, 16 million grapple with hair loss, and another 15 million struggle with skincare issues. Due to the pervasive stigma surrounding these conditions, most men opt to suffer in silence rather than seeking treatment. GoRocky aims to change this narrative by creating a culture shift in how men approach their health. “Many men suffer in silence from stigmatized conditions. They often avoid the issue, do not talk to their closest ones and would not dare to talk to a doctor in person. We try to help men cross that bridge. GoRocky’s mission is to break the silence surrounding men’s health issues and make discreet, effective treatments readily accessible to all,” said Kiyanusch Braun, CEO and co-founder of GoRocky. The post Can’t get it up? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Race to find survivors as Morocco quake deaths top 1,300
Morocco's deadliest earthquake in decades has killed more than 1,300 people, authorities said Saturday, as troops and emergency services scrambled to reach remote mountain villages where casualties are still feared trapped. Authorities declared three days of national mourning, but the Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage. The 6.8-magnitude quake struck late Friday in a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of the tourist city of Marrakesh, the US Geological Survey reported. With strong tremors also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, the quake caused widespread damage and sent terrified residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night. "I was nearly asleep when I heard the doors and the shutters banging," said Ghannou Najem, a Casablanca resident in her 80s who was visiting Marrakesh when the quake hit. "I went outside in a panic. I thought I was going to die alone." In the mountain village of Tafeghaghte near the quake's epicentre, virtually no buildings were left standing. The traditional clay bricks used by the region's Berber inhabitants proved no match for the rare quake. In the late afternoon, soldiers continued to search through debris, but most survivors headed to the cemetery where loud screams punctuated the last rites as some 70 villagers were laid to rest. "Three of my grandchildren and their mother were killed -- they are still under the rubble," villager Omar Benhanna, 72, told AFP. "Just a while ago, we were all playing together," he added. It was the strongest-ever quake to hit the North African kingdom, and one expert described it as the region's "biggest in more than 120 years". "Where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough... so many collapse, resulting in high casualties," said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at Britain's University College London. Updated interior ministry figures on Saturday showed the quake killed at least 1,305 people, the vast majority in Al-Haouz, the epicentre, and Taroudant provinces. Another 1,832 people were injured, including 1,220 in a critical condition, the ministry said. Civil defence Colonel Hicham Choukri who is heading relief operations told state television earlier the epicentre and strength of the earthquake created "an exceptional emergency situation". After a meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI, the palace announced three days of national mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast on all public buildings. 'Unbearable' screams Faisal Badour, an engineer, said he felt the quake three times in his building in Marrakesh. "There are families who are still sleeping outside because we were so scared of the force of this earthquake," he said. "The screaming and crying was unbearable." Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh's old town, told AFP he was in bed when the quake struck. "I thought my bed was going to fly away. I went out into the street half-naked and immediately went to see my riads. It was total chaos, a real catastrophe, madness," he said. Footage on social media showed part of a minaret collapsed on Jemaa el-Fna square in the historic city. An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to the square to spend the night for fear of aftershocks, some with blankets while others slept on the ground. Houda Outassaf, a local resident, said she was "still in shock" after feeling the earth shake beneath her feet -- and losing relatives. "I have at least 10 members of my family who died... I can hardly believe it, as I was with them no more than two days ago," she said. The regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakesh called on residents to donate blood for the injured. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced that a Cup of African Nations qualifier against Liberia, due to have been played on Saturday in the coastal city of Agadir, had been postponed indefinitely. Significant damage likely "We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Marrakesh, told AFP. "Pieces of facades have fallen." The USGS PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments on the impact of earthquakes, issued a "red alert" for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable. The Red Cross said it was mobilising resources to support the Moroccan Red Crescent, but its Middle East and North Africa director, Hossam Elsharkawi, warned: "We are looking at many months if not years of response." Foreign leaders expressed their condolences and many offered assistance, including Israel with which Morocco normalised relations in 2020. Neighbour and regional rival Algeria announced it was suspending a two-year-old ban on all Moroccan flights through its airspace to enable aid deliveries and medical evacuations. US President Joe Biden said he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation". Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed "deep grief for the victims" and hope that "the Moroccan government and people will be able to overcome the impact of this disaster". In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000. The 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in Algeria killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless in 1980. The post Race to find survivors as Morocco quake deaths top 1,300 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Morocco quake kills at least 296 people
A powerful earthquake shook Morocco late Friday and killed nearly 300 people, according to a preliminary government count, with terrified residents fleeing their homes in the middle of the night. The 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT), the US Geological Survey reported. Strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira. "We felt a very violent tremor, and I realized it was an earthquake," Abdelhak El Amrani, a 33-year-old in Marrakesh, told AFP by telephone. "I could see buildings moving. We don't necessarily have the reflexes for this type of situation. Then I went outside and there were a lot of people there. People were all in shock and panic. The children were crying and the parents were distraught." "The power went out for 10 minutes, and so did the (telephone) network, but then it came back on," he added. "Everyone decided to stay outside." The quake "killed 296 people in the provinces and municipalities of Al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant", Morocco's interior ministry said in a statement, citing a provisional report. Another 153 people were injured, it added. 'Unbearable' screams Faisal Baddour, an engineer, said he felt the earthquake three times in his building. "People went out into the street just after this total panic, and there are families who are still sleeping outside because we were so scared of the force of this earthquake," he said. "It was as if a train was passing close to our houses." Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh's old town, told AFP that he had been in bed at the time of the quake. "I thought my bed was going to fly away. I went out into the street half-naked and immediately went to see my riads. It was total chaos, a real catastrophe, madness," he said. The 43-year-old shared a video of piles of rubble from collapsed walls in the streets. Footage on social media also showed part of a minaret collapsed on Jemaa el-Fna square in the historic city. An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to the square to spend the night for fear of aftershocks, some with blankets while others slept on the ground. Houda Outassaf, a local resident, told AFP he was walking around the square when the ground began to shake. "It was a truly staggering sensation. We're safe and sound, but I'm still in shock," he said. "I have at least 10 members of my family who died... I can hardly believe it, as I was with them no more than two days ago." Fayssal Badour, another Marrakesh resident, told AFP he was driving when the earthquake hit. "I stopped and realized what a disaster it was... The screaming and crying was unbearable," he said. The interior ministry said authorities have "mobilized all the necessary resources to intervene and help the affected areas". The regional blood transfusion center in Marrakesh has called on residents to donate blood for those injured. In the town of Al-Haouz, near the epicenter of the quake, a family was trapped in the rubble after their house collapsed, local media reported. Significant damage likely "We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometers west of Marrakesh, told AFP. "People are in the squares, in the cafes, preferring to sleep outside. Pieces of facades have fallen." The USGS PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments on the impact of earthquakes, issued a red alert for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a national or international level response, according to the US government agency. Internet connectivity was disrupted in Marrakesh due to power cuts, according to global internet monitor NetBlocks. Moroccan media reported it was the most powerful earthquake to hit the country to date. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz offered condolences, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "pained" by news of the quake. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Algeria, where the Algerian Civil Defence said it had not caused any damage or casualties. In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000. The 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in neighboring Algeria in 1980 was regionally one of the most destructive earthquakes in recent history. It killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless. The post Morocco quake kills at least 296 people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, underscored the significance of education as a gateway to a brighter future during the 50th Commencement Exercises of Cavite State University - CCAT Rosario Campus on Tuesday, September 5. The graduation ceremony was also attended by other officials, such as Rosario Vice Mayor Bamm Gonzales and General Trias Mayor Jonjon Ferrer, among others. “Sa mga graduates, sa mga estudyante, kahit anong course po ang inyong kinuha, ishi-share ko lang po sa inyo ang natutunan ko sa buhay. Isa lang ang sikreto diyan, mahalin n’yo po ang inyong kapwa Pilipino, hinding-hindi po kayo magkakamali. Malay n’yo po pagdating ng panahon kayo rin po ang mamumuno sa bayan o magiging senador ng bansa. Totoo iyan. Kaya unahin ninyo ang interes ng kapwa natin Pilipino,” Go said in his speech. “Ako po hindi ko po akalain na magiging senador po ako. At nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo, sa Panginoon na dinala po niya ako rito. Kaya naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he continued. Go emphasized how education can open doors to countless opportunities as he commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance, recognizing their hard work throughout their academic journey. He reminded them that their graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities and challenges. “Ngayong araw, tayo'y nagkakaisa upang parangalan hindi lamang ang pagwawakas ng academic journey kundi ang pagsilang ng isang bagong yugto sa buhay ng 680 estudyante ng inyong unibersidad,” highlighted Go. “Half a century ago, this campus was founded with a dream to cultivate abilities and expertise in the realms of Industrial Technology, Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Education. Now, that dream persists, and I am both honored and humbled to be part of this milestone commencement ceremony,” he continued. The senator also expressed his gratitude to the school officials, including University President Dr. Hernando Robles, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Agnes Nuestro, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Mary Jane Tepora, Vice President for Business and Resource Generation Ms. Lolita Herrera, and Campus Administrator Dr. Lauro Pascua, among others. “To the committed University Administrative Council, our distinguished campus leaders, honored deans, and the lively academic community that envelops us, I offer my sincere thanks for your unwavering dedication to excellence,” Go highlighted. “To the parents and guardians, your affection and encouragement have been the pillars of these graduates' achievements. Your faith in them has ignited their resolve, and today, we revel in your victory as well,” he added. In his speech, Go took the opportunity to discuss his legislative efforts aimed at fortifying the education sector. He expressed his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through various initiatives. SBN 1359 or the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," was co-authored and co-sponsored by Go and received approval on the third and final reading in March. This proposed legislation aims to put an end to the practice of denying students access to examinations or other educational assessments due to unpaid tuition or school fees. The bill ensures that no student's education is compromised due to financial constraints. In a bid to enhance access to tertiary education, Go co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 1360. This bill seeks to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) by amending Republic Act No. 10931, known as the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act. By broadening the reach of TES, Go expressed his confidence that more underprivileged students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education. In times of disasters and emergencies, students facing financial hardships often find it challenging to repay loans. To address this concern, Go introduced SBN 1864, known as the "Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act." This proposed measure offers relief to students who have taken out loans but are unable to meet their repayment obligations due to unforeseen circumstances. It underscores the importance of compassion and support during trying times. Go also earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting a quality education. NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. “To the graduates, remember that your education is not merely a ladder for personal success; it is a potent tool for uplifting our community and the broader society. Wield it with wisdom, and never lose sight of the values and principles that have been so lovingly instilled in you,” Go said. “As I draw to a close, I leave you with a philosophy that has steered me throughout my existence: ‘Ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang isang karapatan, kundi isang tungkulin na may kalakip na responsibilidad.’ Mabuhay ang Cavite State University – CCAT Rosario Campus! Mabuhay ang mga bagong graduates,” the senator concluded. Go also provided tokens to students who graduated with honors. He encouraged them to use their education to serve their community and the country. The post Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada wildfires inflict brutal toll on tourism, other areas of economy
Joanna Schlosser found refuge from advancing wildfires at a winery where she works, but is now dealing with a tourism downturn and other wide-ranging fallout on the business -- and Canada's economy. An inferno jumped Okanagan Lake and was barreling down hills behind her Kelowna home when a knock on the door woke up the family of five, ordering them to leave immediately. For two weeks, they stayed at a guest house at Quails' Gate winery with other evacuees, some of whom lost their homes. About 200 houses in the valley would be destroyed. "Your home is your biggest investment and with only five minutes to get out you start to reel about things you left behind that you might not ever see again," Schlosser told AFP. She also fretted about the grape harvest now underway. None of the 222 wineries in the region reported any direct fire damage. But they suffered a big drop in revenues as tourists stayed away during the peak month of August. Kelowna's airport and main highway closed temporarily. Tasting tours, weddings, and other events at the wineries were canceled. "We're now facing a pretty devastating season in terms of winery traffic and sales," said Schlosser. Across Canada, more than 15 million hectares (37 million acres) have been scorched, and 200,000 people displaced, spanning from Halifax on the Atlantic coast to parts of the Northwest Territories. Stephen Brown of Capital Economics noted that forest fires do not normally have a measurable impact on the Canadian economy. But this year, he said in a research note, "With the fires so widespread, we are seeing more of an impact than usual." "The worst Canadian wildfires on record appear to be behind much of the recent weakness in GDP and, with more areas now under evacuation orders, the data are likely to remain weak in the coming months," he said. Sun blocked, roads closed Statistics Canada on Friday reported a 0.2 percent contraction in the second quarter and a weak start to the third. It pointed to wildfire disruptions at mines and oil facilities. Lumber mills were also idled. Outfitters saw their livelihoods upended by fishing bans. A road to Tofino, a tourist hotspot on Vancouver Island with ancient forests and sandy beaches, was cut off. In the Okanagan Valley, orchards lamented smoke blocking out the sun delaying the ripening of apples. The toll, however, is "not as bad as it could have been," said Tony Stillo at Oxford Economics. "Even though the wildfires are record-setting, they're happening in more remote areas with less of an implication for large population or economic centers or transportation corridors -- things that would cut off supply lines," he explained. Disruptions have also been relatively short. Oxford Economics in a June report warned that wildfires could slash Canada's economic growth this year by as much as 0.3 to 0.6 percentage points. Firefighting costs rise Ottawa estimates the annual cost of fighting wildfires at Can$1 billion (US$737 million) and noted that, according to the Canadian Climate Institute, climate impacts such as more and bigger fires could halve Canada's projected economic growth in the coming years. By 2030, the average annual losses from disasters are forecast to reach Can$15.4 billion. Insurance losses have already jumped fivefold since 2009 to more than Can$2 billion annually, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The bureau's Jason Clark said the number of catastrophic events and insurance payouts will continue to rise. Most worrying, he said, is that Canadians aren't dealing anymore with one localized disaster every few years or decades, but rather "several events stacked on top of each other in a single year" -- including fires, floods, heatwaves, and powerful storms. "Where countries regularly experience large losses it has a significant impact on insurance risk assessments and premiums," he said. "We need to be better prepared." Back at Quails' Gate, Schlosser assessed the smoke's impact on grapes, noting that the industry has developed mitigation techniques. "Sometimes it works quite well and others (the smoke taint) is just not something you can avoid," she said, adding that "sommeliers may talk about it in terms of terroir like it's part of that vintage." Smoke taint can add character to a wine, but also risks producing overpowering burnt or medicinal notes. The post Canada wildfires inflict brutal toll on tourism, other areas of economy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Pulong’ remains top Davao region lawmaker
DAVAO CITY — A survey revealed on Sunday that First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte was among the Top Performing District Representatives in the Davao Region. According to the latest survey conducted by the RP–Mission Development Foundation Inc., the First District lawmaker garnered 84.7 percent, reflecting a notable 3.4 percent increase from 81.3 percent on the April 2023 survey. He was second to Representative Maria Carmen Zamora of Davao de Oro, with 85.2 percent compared to 80.5 percent four months ago. The RPMD surveyed all the districts in every region nationwide, gathering responses from 10,000 registered voters. The respondents were chosen randomly, with their numbers per district proportionally allocated according to official voting population data. According to the RPMD, such achievements have led both individuals to share the top spot in the Davao Region based on the nationwide assessment of the “Boses ng Bayan” initiative’s findings on the performance of public officials. Meantime, Duterte welcomed the latest survey results and thanked the general public for their endless support of him and Davao City. “I will continue promoting community services and support my district and those in need,” said the lawmaker. Underlining the significance of such assessments, Dr. Paul Martinez of the RPMD said that regular evaluations are crucial to ensuring that district representatives fulfill their roles and responsibilities effectively. The “House of Representatives Public Satisfaction” survey for the Davao Region was an integral component of the national “RPMD’s Boses ng Bayan” poll, conducted between 25 June and 5 July this year. Davao City’s Third District Representative Isidro Ungab secured the second spot with 79.4 percent, marking a rise of 1.8 percent. Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental follows closely (78.6 percent), indicating a 5.1 percent improvement, then Cheeno Miguel Almario of Davao Oriental with 74.15 percent. Meantime, Representative Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte and Davao City’s Second District Representative Vincent Garcia are tied for the fourth spot, attaining 71.7 percent. John Tracy Cagas of Davao del Sur received a rating of 68.4 percent, and Ruwel Peter Gonzaga of Davao de Oro scored 68.2 percent. Despite the 1.5 percent decrease, Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental continues to uphold an impressive performance rating of 66.7 percent. Alan Dujali, of Davao del Norte, has obtained 65.8 percent from his constituents. Despite the 1.4 percent decrease, his rating remains favorable. The post ‘Pulong’ remains top Davao region lawmaker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»