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Japan helps reduce litter
Economic Affairs Minister Nihei Daisuke of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines joined the culmination event of the Healthy Oceans and Clean Cities Initiative on 15 September. The event highlighted the achievements, experiences, and lessons learned of the partner cities and communities in localizing the Philippines NPOA-ML into City Plans of Action for Marine Litter. The activity also featured the emerging approaches explored by partner cities, such as customized integration of digitization and digital transformation in plastic waste diversion and Extended Producer Responsibility readiness of local government units. A regional initiative by UN-Habitat in the Philippines and the Government of Japan, HOCCI addresses the growing concern over marine plastic pollution that endangers the environment, marine ecosystems, and public health. While the Philippines has among the highest trash collection rates in Southeast Asia, it remains the world’s third-largest source of marine litter. With UN-Habitat Philippines’ lead, the Government of Japan funded 3 million USD for this project and the project ran for three and a half years, from April 2020 to September 2023, and was piloted in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Calapan, Davao, Legazpi, Manila and Ormoc. The project primarily provided support for improved governance structures and capacities for the localization of the National Plan of Action for Marine Litter and the vertical integration of the marine plastic litter response. The project also assisted the cities in improving technology and systems for marine plastic litter reduction. In his speech, Minister Nihei expressed his hopes that the gains and lessons learned from the implementation of HOCCI will inspire synergies and deepen partnerships at the community, national, and international levels to work hand in hand in reducing marine litter. The post Japan helps reduce litter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner, US envoy, USAF chief to visit EDCA sites in Cagayan, Pampanga
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., United States Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson and US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John Aquilino will be visiting facilities within the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites located in Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan and in Basa Air Base, Pampanga tomorrow, Wednesday. AFP Public Affairs chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said Brawner, Carlson and Aquilino will conduct an “extensive tour” at the completed EDCA projects in Basa Air Base, along with other high-ranking AFP and U.S. Armed Forces officers. “The tour will also provide an opportunity for the senior military officials to gain firsthand knowledge of the bases' potential for the development of key facilities to support HADR operations and modernization priorities of the AFP,” Ileto told reporters on Tuesday. After the visit, the Philippines and US delegations will attend the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board meeting at the Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday, 14 September. Ileto said: “These underscore the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and United States militaries in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster response efforts,” while Brawner and Aquilino’s visit to EDCA sites “signifies the commitment of both AFP and US Armed Forces to further strengthen its mutual cooperation.” This also ensures that both militaries are “prepared and well-equipped to respond to evolving security challenges and humanitarian crises,” he added. “The AFP looks forward to sharing insights from this visit and the MDB-SEB meeting, which together contribute to the enduring partnership between the two nations,” Ileto said. The post Brawner, US envoy, USAF chief to visit EDCA sites in Cagayan, Pampanga appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM designates Crespillo as new WesMinCom chief
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. designated MGen. Steve Crespillo as the 17th Commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense announced Saturday. Crespilllo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. Before his new designation, Crespillo served as the vice commander of the Philippine Army. He also chaired various boards and committees of the Philippine Army and performed oversight functions on the Army’s key policies, plans, and programs. Crespillo was a former commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade, leading troops in efforts to end the local communist armed conflict in Apayao and Cagayan. He was also designated as chief of staff and assistant division commander for reservist and retiree affairs of the 6th Infantry Division, and acting commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade. Crespillo previously served the WesMinCom as the chief of the Unified Command Staff—overseeing operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The post PBBM designates Crespillo as new WesMinCom chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gibo: Pinoy presence in Calayan, not EDCA
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro visited Calayan Islands in Cagayan on Wednesday as he discussed plans to strengthen the Filipino presence in the islands. Teodoro met with Mayor Joseph Llopis of Calayan during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the former Governor Roque Blanco Ablan Sr. as the DND chief offered to donate 25 hectares of land from the local government to the Department of National Defense. He added that the land will be used to establish a military base and disaster risk reduction facilities. “We said before that we need the presence of the national government in Calayan, especially for disaster risk reduction and of course to maintain the territorial integrity of our republic,” Teodoro said. Teodoro clarified that the government will not be building an EDCA site in Calayan, but rather a Philippine base and the development of the base will be coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. He emphasized that a Philippine military presence is necessary in all of the islands and that is most important. “Yes, we cannot keep on relying on other people to solve our problems for us, that’s why my commitment to support EDCA Is based on the capability component of our armed military forces,” Teodoro said. The Defense secretary’s visit to Calayan comes amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has been contesting China’s claims and Teodoro said that the government will not turn a blind eye to the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine troops. “We will not remove BRP Sierra Madre,” Teodoro said, referring to the Philippine Navy ship in the West Philippine Sea. The post Gibo: Pinoy presence in Calayan, not EDCA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bootcamp supports 20 green startups
The United States government recently supported the development of 20 startups that offer sustainable solutions to environmental issues in Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete and Manila. [caption id="attachment_167860" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] DeWaste Solutions presents its project ‘MARE!,’ an eco-friendly waste disposal method to benefit communities in Manila.[/caption] On 21 July, the US Embassy’s American Spaces Philippines and The Spark Project concluded the Green Impact Accelerator bootcamp, a five-month program that supported the growth and commercial viability of green startups through mentorship, networking and crowdfunding matching. Of the 20 solutions presented, three startups were selected to receive seed funding to develop, implement and scale up their projects: Cagayan de Oro’s Kids Who Farm, which established Food Loop, a circular food system concept and technology that helps households convert edible material waste into organic components for growing food; Dumaguete’s Plantsville Health, which developed Green LiveS, an artificial intelligence-powered system that can record and monitor Philippine cinnamon production; and Manila’s Dewaste Solutions, which created MARE!, a modular and portable materials recycling facility that promotes environmental sustainability through education and provides employment for women in waste management. “We are very excited to finally run an accelerator program that caters to enterprises that positively impact the environment,” The Spark Project CEO and founder Patch Dulay said. “I believe that programs like these not only level-up entrepreneurs and their businesses, but also connect them to a like-minded community that is eager to support their work.” “This program is part of the United States’ commitment to support environmental resilience and promote inclusive economic growth,” US Embassy assistant cultural affairs officer Pauline Anderson said. “The projects we saw in this program showcase the Philippine startup community and how their talents can build sustainable ecosystems and help achieve prosperity.” GIA teams will reconvene in October for the American Spaces Angel Investing Seminar where they will be matched with potential investors and benefit from seed funding opportunities. The post Bootcamp supports 20 green startups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later
The Philippines may just let the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the bloody drug war of the previous administration roll in the meantime and then challenge its jurisdiction later, according to Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez Thursday. The government, whose plea to block the probe fell on deaf ears, has high hopes the international tribunal would eventually grant its appeal to lay off the country. “The proper and only course of action for the Republic of the Philippines is to raise the issue of jurisdiction when the case is eventually filed in the ICC. Jurisdiction can be questioned at any stage of the proceedings,” said Rodriguez, a lawyer. “When the case is brought to the ICC, we raise the issue of jurisdiction, and the Philippines will surely secure its dismissal for lack of jurisdiction,” he added. Calls have been made to end the ICC’s probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” that claimed thousands of lives during his six years in office that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has firmly maintained that the country would not engage with the ICC, insisting the government would not let the court interfere in the country’s business. ‘Oplan Tokhang’ Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who during the Duterte administration led the anti-drug campaign known as “Oplan Tokhang,” had previously said he was ready in case a warrant of arrest was served on him, but only if by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. But for Rodriguez, the government officials concerned should compose themselves and study the ICC decision well. “There is no need for our government officials to make many extraneous comments on the decision,” he said. Some 6,000 persons were reportedly killed in Duterte’s drug war, according to government data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimated the number of victims at more than 30,000. Meanwhile, senators expressed dismay at the ICC decision that turned down the Philippine appeal, saying there was no need for it since the Philippines has a “working justice system.” Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday said the ICC should not be allowed to meddle in the country’s affairs. “We do not need to remind them that we are a free, independent, and sovereign nation governed by our laws,” he said. Revilla said that since Philippine government officials will be held liable for violations, the laws of the country should prevail and not of foreign prosecutors. “I am befuddled by the ICC’s pursuit of this obvious baseless persecution while legitimate concerns and crimes against humanity are being perpetrated in other parts of the world as we speak. It is obvious the ICC’s interest here is not justice but something else entirely,” he said. Operating very well Senator Mark Villar said there was no need for any international body to intervene in the country’s justice system, stressing that Philippine democracy is fully functioning. He said the Philippine justice system is “operating very well” and it could address its own human rights concerns. “Our government has a very strong justice system that is working so I don’t think we need international interference. We have our courts, we have a strong justice system, that’s what I believe,” Villar said in a recent interview. Aside from Duterte and Dela Rosa, the ICC report included Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte in the probe. Unfazed Dela Rosa has remained unfazed by the ICC ruling and is even mulling another Senate term, although he said the ICC probe will affect a reelection bid. “Since I am identified with the former president, I may not get the votes. The votes I will get will be those in support of [former] president Duterte. But the support may even grow since many Filipinos are also angered by [the ICC’s] interference in our sovereignty, so its impact on my reelection bid may even be positive,” he said. Dela Rosa reiterated that the drug war was launched by the Duterte administration not for any personal gain but “to protect the Filipino people from the drug menace, especially our youth.” The post ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name
Anyone who had come of age in the late 1970s and the 1980s would surely know about the most famous names and faces of the younger set of the era known for the coming of age of feminism and women’s lib. The 1960s may have ushered in a cultural revolution but it was in the succeeding decades that the cataclysmic events of the decade that was, in the Philippines, would manifest in the ways and attitudes of Filipino women. I mention this phase in our history because I am sharing my thoughts on one woman whom many consider as one of the country’s most powerful, influential and successful. She is Katrina Ponce Enrile. I may not privy to the growing-up years of Katrina Ponce Enrile, and I would not have the advantage of seeing her from the point of view of someone old enough to observe the growth of a child, but as a teenager, I would occasionally read about her and see her on photographs published in newspapers and magazines, although not too frequent. I just knew she was not only well-bred and beautiful in the mestiza sense being the daughter of a striking beauty of a mother (and the granddaughter of a handsome playboy of a paternal grandfather), but that, she too was brilliant. I would assume that she got her brains from her father, one of the wonder boys of the Marcos administration. Katrina would, in time, be mentioned in juicy gossip now and then, but it was her smarts in enterprise and management that she would eventually be recognized, this notwithstanding the controversial stories that one occasionally heard of her family members. [caption id="attachment_134172" align="aligncenter" width="525"] KATRINA Ponce Enrile has always lived up to her parents ‘ expectations.[/caption] ‘Treat everybody with respect’ But to imagine her childhood and teenage years, one would suppose that for all the comforts that she might have enjoyed while living first in Urdaneta and then Dasmarinas Village, she had had to assert herself, she had once been overheard to say: “At 10, I had to fight a little bit harder to be heard” -- which was expected if one were the only daughter of a famous lawyer of a father and a lovely talented mother, herself a respected stage actress. But no matter that she had to deal with being the daughter of awe-inspiring parents, what she had been showered with, aside from her parents’ affection, was well-meaning advice. For one, it was from her dad and mom that she first heard the word of wisdom. “Treat everybody with respect — everybody. Because you don’t know what fate will bring you or them. People that you meet when you are going up, you also meet when you are going down.” No wonder that years later, as a businesswoman, she was very thoughtful in making decisions whether she was dealing with other top businessmen, her executives or the employees who served the family company at her beck and call. “I always think of how my actions and decisions would affect others,” she said in an interview with the Daily Tribune Lifestyle. No, for all the feisty woman that we know her to be, Katrina, was not advised to be aggressively pro-active when facing a conflict. The legendary Juan Ponce Enrile, instead, cautioned his daughter: “Never throw the first punch. But if they throw the first punch, then…” This, she would take to heart whenever she had had to face corporate, social or emotional bullies, not that she is one to attract people prone to violating her rights. [caption id="attachment_134173" align="aligncenter" width="525"] As the only daughter of Juan Ponce Enrile, the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley.[/caption] One imagines her father might have preferred her to be a boy, JPE being a man’s man, but to which she would have retorted: “Dad, I don’t have to be a boy to be what I am now… Girls can do it too.” Call it outright confidence, or chutzpah, or maybe it’s Pinay pride, but Katrina is not one to be cowed. And yes, she could lead and fight and attack, but as her father would most likely say: “Only if they attack first.” Self-assured executive What I have heard of Katrina, especially from my dear friend, Carol Mercado, who was her classmate at St. Paul College, is her signature confidence. “From our youth, when she could be stubborn, she has matured steadily into a self-assured executive no wonder that she has accomplish much as an entrepreneur. “It’s a paradox that while she may have been underestimated at times and even flat out rejected, she knows how to overcome these challenges because she is one creative person and she is not one to easily bow down or to say no. But then, she is not even outright assertive. She could be very charming and before any nemesis would know it, she has gotten what she wants without lifting a finger.” It would seem that the lady would have aimed for political eminence, being the daughter of the powerful JPE, but to everyone’s surprise, she had chosen to create a name outside of her inherited box (or confines), so to speak. While she takes pride in being an Enrile, she has not taken advantage of her family name as though an amulet that would do wonders for her. Instead, she has chosen to rely on the old-fashioned values of industry, respect for others, commitment and determination. She might as well be girl scout, except more courageous, daring and trailblazing. Flexing her risk-taking muscles In her 20s, when her friends were disco dancing, she was, to use another friend’s words, “flexing her risk-taking muscle and sharpening her foresight for the first time — pivotal experiences that would shape her business sense now admired by many.” She surprised everyone when, at 26, she bought properties in Palawan. “It was a big joke to many,” she recalled. “They could not see any reason I should take the risk and invest in a place where no one dared go. It was then no man’s country and perceived to be mosquito-infested.” Today, Palawan is a safe haven from the pandemic, and, of course, an investors’ paradise. On the other hand, her parents saw a promise in her, someone who would play a key role in the family enterprises. They appointed her as Group Treasurer even before her 30th birthday, and with it the added role of overseeing the many concerns of the JAKA Group of Companies. It is quite a daunting responsibility given its extensive industrial reach –- food manufacturing and product distribution to marketing and logistics; forest plantation management; safety match manufacturing, property management and development; as well as IT, security and financial services. It would seem that, for a “beginner” in the big league, it was beyond Katrina’s grasp, and yet she lived up to her parents’ expectations. [caption id="attachment_134175" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SOME of Delimondo’s best products.[/caption] In time she would qualify as the firm’s COO and eventually CEO. Not one used to trumpeting her achievements, Katrina candidly shared: “I was able to turn around the company, helping navigate it through the debilitating Asian Financial Crisis in the mid-1990s. And when the peso devalued in 2008 to 2009, when we had [a] one dollar denominated loan which I had to quickly deal with, I was able to restructure our company and keep it afloat.” Soon, she would be trusted to manage JAKA’s investments, which “allowed me to dream of bigger things, this in the midst of an economic crisis and the pressure to survive it.” Her baby Delimondo When shopping in a supermarket or a grocery, the Filipino consumers, especially those who take their corned beef seriously, would pick the Delimondo brand. They would also put the brand’s Bolognese Pasta, Luncheon Meat, Yellowfin Tuna spreads and aromatic oils in their cart or shopping bags. Katrina confides, “Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture.” Her was a one-woman team that managed the brand’s marketing, sales and R&D. To introduce it to the market, she gave away cans of their initial recipes for free. “I wanted to offer something deliciously different, one that I enjoyed from my travels abroad.” [caption id="attachment_134174" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SHE is most proud of her baby, Delimondo.[/caption] It wasn’t long before investors would come in too aware that Delimondo operates its own plants that produce and package its own products. The company would soon expand and offers its manufacturing services to other products all the way to exporting them. In time and with Katrina at the helm, JAKA shifted to investing in other companies. But if her JAKA performance is impressive, anyone should take a look at her other achievements. To cite one, as the Philippines Overseas Telecommunications Operations director and CEO/president. She led the efforts to renew the company’s franchise that would allow it to provide the Philippines satellite services. For another, as director and president, she has brought into the Montemar Resorts Development Corporation and Montemar Beach Club Inc. not only her management expertise, but her exposure to top international resorts as a frequent guest. No wonder that Manila’s well-heeled consider these resorts as standard-bearers of local luxury travel. [caption id="attachment_134171" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture,’ said Katrina.[/caption] Transforming the upper east corner of Luzon Katrina also sits as the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s vice chairperson. In this role, she envisions making the province a model destination that easily rivals the country’s capital. “They’re considering appointing me as administrator. Once that post is confirmed, I will be fully committed to transforming the upper east corner of Luzon into another business area that the Philippines will be proud of.” As part of her vision, she plans to build a stronger point of economy with the available freeport and expand its potential by constructing an airport. To attract investors, she plans to boost incentives to encourage more players to relocate. “We plan to make smart cities there. I plan to make it very green. I plan to protect the lush forests. It’s really also known as the rice granary of the Philippines. I plan to push the transition from GMOs (genetically modified organism) to non-GMOs. I know that that will be a hard task but I plan to do it. I want to give the Filipinos healthy food for the next generations to come,” she states. Worthy and deserving As the only daughter of the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley. She may have grown up in Manila, travelled the whole world, but her heart has always remained in the home of her father, Juan Ponce Enrile, and it is among his people, relatives and townsmen that she intends to pursue her next dream. There is no stopping this feisty Cagayanon. For her home province, she is out to conquer the world. But then, I must insist that this is not about being her father’s daughter, although there is no denying the great influence of JPE on Katrina becoming the woman that she has become -- strong-willed, passionate, forward-thinking. Still, Katrina could only thank herself most for being herself. That she accepted the challenges that came her way and faced them head on using her own gifts and advantages – which undoubtedly brought her to her destiny, one that she has arrived at and one that she has yet to fulfill. Indeed, if the women’s movement has reached this far, and women today now enjoy key positions in government, private sector and civil society, this may be attributed to the generations of women who have looked toward the future and embraced their destinies as key players in the affairs of humanity. Katrina is one of these women and we wish her all the best. No one could be more worthy of the challenge and deserving of the honor. The post Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Imee questions DFA, DND officials on ‘obsession’ with Taiwan Strait
Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday grilled officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense for their “obsession” with the Taiwan Strait. In an inquiry, Marcos, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee questioned the locations of the four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the country. “So, we have given up all claims on the east sector and West sector in the Philippine Seas, is that correct? We are now obsessed with the Taiwan Strait?” she asked. Two of the four new EDCA sites will be established in Cagayan province, one in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo. The two remaining EDCA sites will be in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. Of the four additional EDCA sites, three are situated in the northern part of the country, with the naval base at Cagayan's Santa Ana being about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan. Taiwan, an ally of the United States, is considered by China as part of its territory to be retaken one day -- by force, if necessary. Responding to Marcos’ question, Defense Officer-in-Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. rejected the senator’s assumption, stressing that the West Philippine Sea remains a government priority. “No, Madam. We are still that concentrated on the West Philippine Sea because…” Galvez said. Unsatisfied, Marcos interjected Galvez from answering the question: “These are very contradictory statements, Usec. Galvez but I will await your submission and perhaps we can now move to other topics as you suggested earlier.” Prior to this, Marcos stressed that EDCA’s primary objective is to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “With regards to the purpose of EDCA and modernization, it appears to us, to reiterate, that in fact modernization no longer appears to be the primary of EDCA but disaster preparedness, maritime security, and counterterrorism,” Marcos said. “Why does it look like we are relying on foreigners to defend us while our armed forces remain rotten, old, under-armed, and completely abject in the face of external threats?” she added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s eldest sister also questioned the motive behind two EDCA sites in the province of Cagayan. In response, Galvez noted that Cagayan province was chosen for being a “disaster risk or vulnerability.” “If disaster and maritime security are the reasons, then why don’t we have a base on the eastern side of the Philippines?” she asked. Galvez responded that it is already included in the four additional EDCA sites. Unsatisfied, Marcos questioned which of the five existing EDCA sites and four additional EDCA sites are facing the Pacific Ocean. The Defense chief noted that while there are no existing EDCA sites on the eastern side of the country, the national government is planning to erect a military base in Camarines Sur. This, however, was not a priority, according to Marcos. “This is not part of the nine [EDCA sites]. It is almost ten yet we do not have one in Region 5 or 8.” Galvez clarified that it is for “future consideration.” EDCA in BARMM Marcos also questioned the lack of EDCA sites in the southern part of the country, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “You said EDCA is for disaster, maritime, and counterterrorism. If it’s for counterterrorism – you are a veteran – you would know that the BARMM needs it the most,” she said. “I'm very interested about this because the choice seems to be random and no longer purposeful with regard to the modernization of the AFP which at the end of the day is what we are all here for,” she continued. Responding to the lawmaker’s question, Galvez said that they are only following the instruction of the president. “The instruction of the president is for us to prepare for external defense and with that we are trying to really allocate some resources and our modernization program on the northern side,” he said. “If you look at you know the configuration of the armed forces strategy, our vulnerability is in the north,” he added. Rejecting Galvez’s claim, Imee averred that she doesn’t feel vulnerable, citing that her family is hailed from the northern part of the Philippines. “In the north? I’m from the north sir, I don't feel very vulnerable. Our fishermen in Cagayan and the Ilocos seas are not being harassed but anyone,” she stressed Galvez stood by his claim that the northern part of the country is the “weakest” in terms of maritime security. Terms of Reference The committee hearing also revealed that there is no still written agreement between the Philippines and the United States regarding the four new EDCA sites. This was unveiled after Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo admitted that the two countries have yet to complete the terms of reference for the additional EDCA sites. “Once the exchange of notes is made then it would be reflected in the annex but until those exchanges of notes have not yet been completed it will not be reflected in the existing annex,” Manalo told the panel. While the Philippines and the United States are still discussing the terms of reference, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III reminded the DFA that it should not allow any changes in the terms of EDCA. “We have to remember that when we are discussing now with our counterparts, the end product is an annex to EDCA. So, do not even attempt to change the terms of EDCA. We're not changing the terms of EDCA, it should be clear,” Pimentel said. “We're making that commitment no matter how extensive the discussions are on the four sites there will be no attempt or desire or intention to change any word in EDCA -- the agreement,” he added. The post Imee questions DFA, DND officials on ‘obsession’ with Taiwan Strait appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang to visit Manila
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang will undertake an official visit to the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday. In a statement, the DFA said Qin will visit the country upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo from 21 to 23 April. “The official visit continues the series of high-level interactions between the Philippines and China in 2023, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to China in early January,” it said. “The two officials will exchange views on the outcomes of the Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations and Bilateral Consultations Mechanism on the South China Sea that were held back-to-back in Manila last March,” it added. The DFA said the Chinese Foreign Minister is also expected to meet his counterpart, Manalo, for their first in-person meeting. “The two Foreign Ministers will discuss ways forward in the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest levels during the meeting between President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping on 4 January 2023,” the agency said. Increasing and strengthening cooperation in the fields of agriculture, trade, energy, infrastructure and people-to-people relations are among the topics that Manalo and Qin are expected to discuss. Likewise, the two foreign ministers will discuss regional security issues of mutual concern. Qin’s visit to the Philippines will be his first official engagement with the Philippines following his appointment as state councilor and foreign minister in December last year. His visit to the Philippines comes on the heels of escalating tensions between Taiwan, the United States and China. Last week, Beijing issued a slew of warnings against the military cooperation of the Philippines with the US, stressing that it will “eventually backfire.” “Our region’s peace and stability hinges on trust, solidarity and cooperation and requires that we, as members of this region, take our security firmly in our own hands,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. “We would like to once again remind the relevant country in the region that pandering to forces outside the region will not bring greater security, but will cause tensions, put regional peace and stability at risk and eventually backfire,” he added. Wang particularly hit the locations of the additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreements between Manila and Washington, to which American forces will have access. China said that based on the locations of the four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines, which US forces will have access to, the “intention behind those sites is more than obvious.” The locations of the additional four EDCA sites are in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. His visit will also happen after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian recently came under fire over his alleged threat against overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan. On Sunday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila defended Huang from criticisms, saying the latter was only “misquoted.” “It is appreciated that there was extensive coverage of Ambassador Huang Xilian's speech at the 8th Manila Forum,” the Embassy said. “Unfortunately, some misquoted or misinterpreted Ambassador Huang's remarks or simply took part of the Ambassador's words out of context,” it added. The post Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang to visit Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solons seek contingency plan for Taiwan OFWs
Senators on Monday urged the government to provide a contingency plan for overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan as a precautionary measure in case the geopolitical tension between Beijing and Taipei further worsens. Senator Francis Tolentino suggested that a simulation of the evacuation of more than 150,000 OFWs in Taiwan should be part of the country’s Balikatan Exercises. “I advise the head of the Balikatan Gaming Exercise — Philippine side — to include in their practice next year how we evacuate [OFWs] using ships from Taiwan to Cagayan or Batanes in case —for contingency,” Tolentino said in an ambush interview. He pointed out that sea evacuation is the most feasible type of evacuation plan to quickly repatriate OFWs working in Taiwan following a report from The Washington Post that the self-ruled island is “highly vulnerable” to air attack from China’s People’s Liberation Army-Air Force and “is unlikely to thwart Chinese military air superiority in a cross-strait conflict.” The vice-chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense also said that the participation of commercial vessels in the evacuation simulation should be also considered to hasten the repatriation of affected OFWs in case a full-scale conflict between Beijing and Taipei escalates along the Taiwan Strait. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero echoed the same sentiments, adding that the government should have contingency plans for every country that hosts Filipinos. “That should be given for every country where we have OFWs. Being prepared for any contingency is part of the readiness that our embassies and consulates should always be ready to do,” Escudero said in a statement. ‘Proactive’ Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva underscored that the national government’s policies must remain proactive, particularly when dealing with OFWs’ safety and security. “We expect the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to act now and come up with a contingency or a safety and security plan which include repatriation, relocation and reintegration to prepare our OFWs in case of any eventuality, natural or otherwise,” Villanueva said. “We have included repatriation and reintegration programs in the DMW act, which we principally authored and sponsored, to ensure readiness and quick response to such contingencies,” he added. He also said the safety of OFWs should be the country’s top priority not only in Taiwan but to every Filipino abroad. “The government needs to assure that all concerned agencies are doing everything they can to ensure that the rights of all OFWs, not only those in Taiwan but all our kababayans abroad, are well protected and their welfare is on their top priority,” he said. Senator Jinggoy Estrada also said at the government must exhaust all means to ensure the safety of OFWs in Taiwan. “It would be prudent on the part of the government to always have contingency plans for Filipinos living and working not only in Taiwan but anywhere in the world if evacuation is needed,” Estrada said in a statement. “I do not see anything wrong if we will prepare for unwanted scenarios while we are hoping that diplomacy and dialogue between Taiwan and China will prevail,” he added. China considers Taiwan, an ally of the United States, as part of its territory, to be retaken one day -- by force, if necessary. Last week, Beijing conducted a three-day live-fire drills near Taiwan, in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent trip to the United States. Earlier this day, Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chair Silvestre Bello III said the 158,410 Filipinos in Taiwan are “well protected” on the island nation. The post Solons seek contingency plan for Taiwan OFWs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA: Chinese envoy’s remarks against Taiwan OFWs part of his job
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian is only doing his job when he issued his alleged threat on overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan. In a chance interview, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Eduardo de Vega said that Huang being China’s representative in the country is expected to advance Beijing’s interest. "Any diplomat will say things to advance their country's interest... I don't think he meant, nobody means they are going to harm our workers,” De Vega said. He issued the statement after Senator Risa Hontiveros on Sunday called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ask his counterparts in Beijing to recall its representative in the country following the ambassador's “disgraceful” statement. “The Palace should tell Beijing to recall their representative in Manila as soon as possible. He has no business being a diplomat if he is unable to engage with us in a respectful and dignified manner,” she said. “He, along with his country’s ships and artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea, should pack up and leave,” she added. On Friday, Huang said the Philippines should “unequivocally oppose” Taiwan’s independence if it “genuinely cares” about 150,000 OFWs on the self-ruled island. “The Philippines is advised to unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ rather than stoking the fire by offering the US access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait if you care genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs,” he said. On Sunday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila defended Huang from criticisms, saying the latter was only “misquoted.” “It is appreciated that there was extensive coverage of Ambassador Huang Xilian's speech at the 8th Manila Forum,” the Embassy told Daily Tribune. “Unfortunately, some misquoted or misinterpreted Ambassador Huang's remarks or simply took part of the Ambassador's words out of context,” it added. ‘Contingency plan’ Meanwhile, De Vega allayed fears about the safety of some 150,000 OFWs in Taiwan. “We have a contingency plan which has been in place for some time,” he said. “We know where they are, we have records.” He added that the DFA will always believe in diplomacy. Last week, Beijing issued a slew of warnings against the military cooperation of the Philippines with the US, stressing that it will “eventually backfire.” “Our region’s peace and stability hinges on trust, solidarity and cooperation and requires that we, as members of this region, take our security firmly in our own hands,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. “We would like to once again remind the relevant country in the region that pandering to forces outside the region will not bring greater security, but will cause tensions, put regional peace and stability at risk and eventually backfire,” he added. Wang particularly hit the locations of the additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreements between Manila and Washington, to which American forces will have access. Wang said that based on locations of the four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines, which US forces will have access to, the “intention behind those sites is more than obvious.” The locations of the additional four EDCA sites are in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. The post DFA: Chinese envoy’s remarks against Taiwan OFWs part of his job appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Army raids NPA hideout in Misamis Oriental
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) raided a hideout of the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental on Friday.Maj. Francisco Garello, Public Affairs Office chief of the 4th Infantry Division, shared in an interview over the weeken.....»»
PAF plane sends more relief goods to Cagayan Valley from CDO, MisOr
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 26 November) — A Philippine Air Force Airbus C295 plane on Thursday picked up five tons of relief goods bound for the typhoon-ravaged province of Cagayan Valley. Major Rodulfo Cordero, public affairs chief of the 4th Infantry Division said it was the second shipment of relief goods bound for […].....»»
4ID holds a 2-day 2020 Public Affairs workshop via zoom
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) - The 4th Infantry Division kicked-off the first of its two-day 2020 Public Affairs seminar workshop for Visayas, EASTMINCOM, and WESTMINCOM leg at Camp Evangelis.....»»
Navy deploys more rescuers in Cagayan
(PNA file photo) MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Saturday said it will deploy two water search-and-rescue (WASAR) teams to augment the current inter-agency rescue efforts for flood-affected families and residents of Cagayan. Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, PN public affairs office chief, said the WASAR-trained teams will come from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon facility […].....»»
Memorial lot investments yield good ROI – Golden Haven
Investing in a memorial lot offers higher yield, according to the top executive of Golden Haven Memorial Park. Red Rosales, chief operating officer of the country’s first integrated memorial parks, reported of the huge price valuation of Golden Haven lot owners. Investing in Golden Haven lots now will grant you high returns in the future. When its Golden Haven Memorial Park, Las Pinas first opened in 1984, memorial lots cost only P5,000. “Today that value has gone up to P378,000, showing an impressive 2,240 percent increase or 67 percent increase per annum,” said Rosales. Golden Haven Memorial Park in Las Piñas, a 15-hectare property that features elements of Spanish architecture and a beautiful Butterfly Garden for people of all ages to enjoy. When the park first opened in 1984, memorial lots at this location cost P5,000. The Villar Group owned Golden Haven has also other memorial park investments in other locations. The Golden Haven Cebu, the most beautiful memorial park in the country inspired by Italian design, costs only P25,000 per plot in 2005. Today, a lot at Golden Haven Cebu costs P232,000, an increase of over 828 percent in value or a 46 percent increase per annum. This mountaintop sanctuary maximizes the enchanting surroundings with its various amenities such as the Pope John Paull II Memorial Hill, the Garden Plaze, the Imperial Gardens, among others. Still another choice place is the Golden Haven Memorial Park in Cagayan de Oro which is known for its majestic replica of the famed Christ the Redeemer statue at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2007, memorial plots at this beautiful location cost P33,000. Today, those plots now cost P89,000, boasting a 170 percent increase in value. Under normal circumstances, Rosales said that investing in a memorial lot might be the last thing on many people’s minds. After all, the pursuit of leisure and other mundane affairs often take precedence over matters like a final resting place—for themselves or for those they love. However, Rosales said that realizing how fragile and unpredictable life is may motivate people into making smart decisions now such as investing in a memorial lot at any of Golden Haven’s premier locations. Families go to Golden Haven Memorial Parks not just to visit those long gone but also to forge new happy memories together. “Because there is no telling what lies ahead for all of us, now is actually the best time to invest in a beautiful final resting place that befits the wonderful memories we shall leave behind. In this regard, there is no better choice than a prime lot at any of Golden Haven Memorial Park’s many locations across the country,” he said. But people do not just buy a memorial lot, they now choose parks that are strategically located, beautifully designed, and high potential for growth. According to Rosalies, families go to Golden Haven Memorial Parks not just to visit those long gone but also to forge new happy memories together. “Golden Haven inspires this through its elegant architecture that complement the park’s picturesque naturescapes,” said Rosales. Golden Haven has more going for it than its beautiful parks and tranquil settings that honor the dearly departed. As with any piece of real estate, memorial lots at Golden Haven increase in value over time. “With an annual appreciation of 20 percent, investing in Golden Haven lots now will grant you high returns in the immediate future,” he said. The pandemic also presents opportunities for clever investors—both seasoned and beginners—to purchase properties while price increases have been temporarily halted. He said that many developers are now offering incredibly flexible terms and even substantial discounts to prospective property seekers. They can come in at a low cost—with no risks involved—but with a proven high return on their investments. “Nowhere is this more evident than at Golden Haven, one of the most trusted names in the deathcare industry,” he said. As it works towards having a memorial park in every Filipino’s hometown, Golden Haven now boasts of thirty beautiful and enticing sites across the country, offering memorial lots that make perfect low-risk and safe investments. For the numbers do not lie when it comes to Golden Haven. Rather, they tell a story of continuous growth. Golden Haven is a subsidiary of publicly listed Golden Bria Holdings Inc., currently positioned as the third largest real estate company in the country in terms of market capitalization valued at more than P200 billion......»»
House panel OKs bill requiring printing of map, EEZ and Sabah on PH passports
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has approved a bill which will require the printing of the Philippine map, including its 200-mile exclusive economic zone and Sabah on passports. According to Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, author of House Bill 6399, the panel approved the substitute bill to seven House Bills which seek to […] The post House panel OKs bill requiring printing of map, EEZ and Sabah on PH passports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Locsin backs P10 billion aid to tourism businesses, not TIEZA
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has backed the proposal of Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez to allocate P10 billion in the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act to the Department of Tourism itself and not to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority......»»
2 arrested; guns, explosive, drugs seized
2 arrested; guns, explosive, drugs seized.....»»
2 nabbed for possession of shabu, explosives, guns in Zamboanga City
The police arrested two men after authorities discovered explosives, firearms and shabu from their hideout in Barangay Quiniput, Zamboanga City on Wednesday afternoon......»»