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Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has remained steadfast in his dedication to assisting disaster victims as shown by his team’s relief operations on Monday, 14 August, to communities affected by fires in Cebu City. Go’s team, in coordination with Mayor Mike Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assisted 103 recovering fire victims gathered at the Atillo Gymnasium in Barangay Punta Princesa. DTI provided livelihood assistance through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which Go pushed for during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation in order to boost livelihood recovery of those affected by various crises. In addition to the livelihood support, Go’s team provided shirts and masks to all beneficiaries, and a pair of shoes, a watch, a cellular phone, and balls for basketball to select recipients. “Sa panahon ng kahirapan at pagsubok dulot ng iba't-ibang sakuna, nais namin sa inyo'y magbigay ng pag-asa at tulong na magbibigay daan sa inyong mga pangarap. Ang programa na ito ay hindi lamang simpleng tulong kundi isang oportunidad upang makabangon at makamtan ang mas magandang kinabukasan,” stressed Go. Go underscored the crucial role of DTI’s PPG program in providing opportunities for sustainable income generation and the agency’s dedication to assisting affected communities in their journey toward recovery and rebuilding their lives. “Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya... mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he added. In a video message, Go highlighted his other efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery strategies on a broader scale. He also asked for support for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, which aims to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). The proposed legislation envisions a new government department led by a cabinet secretary, focusing on comprehensive approaches to strengthen disaster preparedness across the country. The DDR's core areas of concentration include disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and the advancement of resilience. “Mayro’n rin po ako nai-file na Department of Disaster Resilience, ito pong departamento na ito, a cabinet-secretary level na siya po ang makikipag-coordinate bago pa dumating ‘yung bagyo at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at preposition of goods,” Go explained. “Part rin po ito ng trabaho nila ang disaster-related tulad ng sunog. Kapag may lindol, sunog, bagyo at itong pagputok ng bulkan, ilikas na kaagad sa mga ligtas na lugar. Iyan po ang Department of Disaster Resilience at restoration of normalcy kaagad,” he added. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 in Cebu City after he personally witnessed the struggles of financially incapacitated Filipinos in getting medical assistance from the government. It was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally sponsored and authored. To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers, including those at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, that have helped over seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Moreover, Go said DOH has identified areas to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) in the province. SHCs were funded to be established in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more Super Health Centers were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional SHC will also be established in Danao City. “Ang isang malaking bagay dito ay ang early detection kung may sakit ang isang pasyente. Dahil nasa kanilang komunidad ang SHC, madali na para sa kanya ang magpakonsulta. At kung malalaman agad ang sakit ng isang pasyente, mabibigyan siya ng primary care, malalapatan ng lunas, at lalaki ang tsansa na maka-recover siya sa kanyang sakit,” he explained. SHCs offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PUBG Mobile continues steady rise in Philippines
PUBG: Mobile has been a steady shooting game that Filipinos have been playing since its release back in 2018. Since then, the game has had Filipino-centric initiatives in 2022......»»
Analysis: Young talents looming in new CBA season
by Sportswriter Su Bin BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- With just one seventh of the regular season fixtures completed, some budding youngsters have already caught the eye in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league, helping to boost confidence in the future of Chinese basketball. The retirement of Yi Jianlian in August has left many fans wondering where the next big player of Chinese basketball will em.....»»
Analysis: Young talents looming in new CBA season
by Sportswriter Su Bin BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- With just one seventh of the regular season fixtures completed, some budding youngsters have already caught the eye in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league, helping to boost confidence in the future of Chinese basketball. The retirement of Yi Jianlian in August has left many fans wondering where the next big player of Chinese basketball will em.....»»
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......»»
Govt. to boost agri, fishery sectors
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored the need to address the systemic issues plaguing Philippine agriculture for years due to the longstanding neglect of this sector. During his speech at the 70th anniversary of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) in Quezon City, Marcos Jr said the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk has been forgotten for decades, dating back to the inception of agricultural reform during his father and namesake's tenure. "We have a significant amount of work ahead of us because we need to fix the entire agricultural system that has been neglected for a long time, perhaps since the start of agricultural reform, during (the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s) time," Marcos Jr. said. "Now, many changes have occurred, the world has changed, and it has revolved several times. Therefore, we need to examine the needs of our farmers and fishermen to improve their lives because we often hear that we need to increase our yield, improve our harvest, and our productivity," he added. The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that agricultural production in the country decreased by 1.3 percent during the year's second quarter. The figures unveiled by the PSA showed that the production value in agriculture and fisheries, calculated at constant 2018 prices, totaled P427.69 billion, a decline from the P433.10 billion recorded during the same period the previous year. Minimum wages for agricultural laborers in the Philippines vary by region, ranging from P306 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to P573 in the National Capital Region. These wage rates, determined by tripartite boards, differ based on the specific region. “But let's not forget that the livelihood of our farmers and fishermen should also be taken care of and improved because that is our goal for all our farmers and fishermen,” Marcos said. Marcos emphasized the pressing need for his administration to boost the agricultural sector, with more than P92 billion set aside for upcoming agri-fisheries projects next year. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture has allotted P4.73 billion to improve large-scale agriculture and fishery mechanization and modernization, aiming to decrease post-harvest losses and cost-effectively enhance farmers' yields. However, the President underlined the enormity of the task ahead and called upon the public for their support and collaboration. "So, this is a massive task. That's why we need your help because the government alone cannot do all of this. We need your diligence, we need your advice because you are the ones facing the problems in agriculture that we are going through now,” Marcos said. “Rest assured, your government is here to do everything in its power to assist our farmers in producing a bountiful harvest, catching enough fish for our fellow citizens, and selling these products at prices affordable to our people,” Marcos added. The post Govt. to boost agri, fishery sectors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lenovo considers Phl top regional mart
Even if neighboring countries in Southeast Asia have the advantage of using advances in technology ahead, the Philippines remains an integral market according to an official of Lenovo. Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing gadgets, software, business solutions, and related services, sees strong demand for its products in the Philippines. “The only question is how the consumers get the technology. The pandemic has even made the demand in the Philippines surge because of the digital transformation, unlike pre-pandemic where everyone is scrambling,” according to Gian Carlo Nogales, a representative of the Infrastructure Solutions Services Sales of Lenovo Philippines “Right now, because of the transformation, growth is very evident. In other words, investments, including Lenovo technologies are still in demand in the market,” Nogales said at the sidelines of the VST ECS CXO Tech Summit at the Dusit Thani in Mactan Cebu. “In terms of devices, the Philippines is actually doing well,” he added. Last August, the company said that over the next three years, Lenovo is committing a further $1 billion in investment for artificial intelligence that will focus on providing AI devices, AI-ready, and AI-optimized computing infrastructure, and embedded AI-generated content into the intelligent solutions of vertical industries to help customers improve their productivity. Lenovo in September 2023 has unveiled new cutting-edge technology tools and essentials tailored to empower the dynamic, evolving needs of today’s business end-users. It said that the new monitor, software, and accessories are not only designed to boost the capabilities of remote and hybrid workforces but also address significant challenges faced by businesses in the digitalization trend. The post Lenovo considers Phl top regional mart appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NEDA, DHSUD adjust dated price ceilings
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, or DHSUD, and the National Economic and Development Authority, or NEDA, adjusted the price ceiling for socialized subdivision and condominium projects. Under the adjusted ceiling, socialized subdivision projects now cost no more than P850,000 from the current P580,000 for units with a minimum floor area of 28 square meters, or sqm, with a loft of at least 50 percent of the base structure or 32 sqm. Socialized condominium projects are now set at P933,320 for 22 sqm, P1.06 million for 25 sqm, and P1.145 million for 27 sqm for a four-story building. For projects composed of five to nine storys, the pricing is P1 million for 22 sqm; P1,136,364 for 25 sqm and P1,227,273 for 27 sqm, and for 10 floors above projects, 22 sqm units cost P1,320,000; 25 sqm at P1,500,000 and 27 sqm at P1,620,000. With the inclusion of land development cost, socialized condominium projects’ price ceiling is set at maximum P1.8 million. Not reflective of current pricing DHSUD noted the current pricing no longer responds to prevailing economic conditions. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan signed Joint Memorandum Circular 2023-003 on Friday adjusting the current price ceiling which has been in effect since 2018 pursuant to Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2 series of 2018 issued by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, or HUDCC. The adjustment came following months of thorough review and lengthy discussions between DHSUD and NEDA teams, who considered inputs from the housing and real estate sectors. The DHSUD and NEDA also agreed on the huge economic pump-priming potentials of the housing and real estate sector. The move is touted as a huge boost to the ongoing implementation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, or 4PH, Program as it could prompt active participation of and the much-needed investments from private contractors and developers. The post NEDA, DHSUD adjust dated price ceilings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market
Even if neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region are advantageous in terms of being technology savvy, the Philippines remains an integral market according to an official of Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, business solutions, and related services. “We see strong demand for the Philippines, the only question is how the consumers get the technology. The pandemic has even made the demand for the Philippines surge because of the digital transformation, unlike pre-pandemic where everyone is scrambling. Right now, because of the transformation, growth is very evident. In other words, investments, including Lenovo technologies are still in demand in the market,” according to Giancarlo Nogales from the Infrastructure Solutions Services Sales of Lenovo Philippines at the sidelines of the VST ECS CXO Tech Summit at the Dusit Thani in Mactan Cebu. “In terms of devices, the Philippines is actually doing well,” he added. Last August, the company said that over the next three years, Lenovo is committing a further $1 billion in investment for artificial intelligence that will focus on providing AI devices, AI-ready, and AI-optimized computing infrastructure, and embedded AI-generated content into the intelligent solutions of vertical industries to help customers improve their productivity. Lenovo in September 2023 has unveiled new cutting-edge tech tools and essentials tailored to empower the dynamic, evolving needs of today’s business end-users. It said that the new monitor, software, and accessories are not only designed to boost the capabilities of today’s remote and hybrid workforces but also to address significant challenges faced by businesses as they digitize operations across departments. “Lenovo research shows that managing a remote workforce and global teams remain central tasks for CIOs.1. That is why the new offerings integrate impressive processing power, immersive 3D, and advanced security to create a unified, human-centered experience,” the company said. Further, Nogales added that sales for Lenovo in the Philippines will continue to soar as the country has a bigger population which connotes demand compared to other nations in SE Asia. What Lenovo can count on with the Philippines is the demand for laptops and tablets that are now being used by students, educators, workers, and even the government. “Actually, we have an ongoing engagement with the government sector. I was at an event with the DICT (Department of Information and Communications) and we had discussions with the Department of Education as well, but we still understand what they are looking for. Of course, with DepEd, it’s a big agency, and what I can say is we are working with them across whatever we can offer—cloud technologies, among others,” he told the DAILY TRIBUNE. Nogales said he sees an ongoing digital transformation within organizations and will continue over the coming years. Digital transformation is an ongoing journey Meanwhile, VST ECS president and CEO Jimmy Go stressed that in the ever-evolving world of technology, organizations are charting a course - through a landscape that has seen profound advancement in recent years. “It's important to understand that digital transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Every day, we bear witness to the unveiling of new digital technologies. In this dynamic environment, the lines between the physical and digital worlds are blurring, creating a phenomenon known as phygital convergence," he said. He said organizations nowadays stand at the threshold of a remarkable technological revolution. “Generative AI is the talk of the town with Chat GPT and other AI, offering organizations the power to intelligently automate customer experiences and streamline internal operations. The implications of this technology are far-reaching. Microsoft is launching CoPilot and most software applications are incorporating AI in their applications. Gartner predicts that by 2030, a staggering 80 percent of people will interact with smart robots daily, and in just two years, these smart robots will become workforce partners for 90 percent of global companies,” he said. Further, Go stressed that AI and machine learning, once a novel concept, have become integral to the products and services offered by major companies. “A mere decade ago, we were learning to communicate with machines. Today, machines understand and adapt to our language, erasing the boundaries between humans and technology. While AI is currently the headline in the tech world, we must not lose sight of the critical need to modernize our IT infrastructure,” he stated. For organizations to embrace technology, he said it’s a pivotal step in allowing organizations to embrace the latest technology trends, including Multi Clouds, Quantum computing, Data explosion, RPA, Generative AI, and more. “Investments in Connectivity solutions, Digital Infrastructure, Cloud technologies, Cybersecurity, Big data, Storage, Automation, and Collaboration tools remain vital to prepare for the ever-evolving Tech landscape. In the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, Technology plays a very important and critical role in their war strategies. Computers, AI, Starlink, and drones are heavily used in their strategies,” he said. The post Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unemployed, underemployed Filipinos down in August — PSA
Employers in the Philippines hired more Filipinos while fewer people looked for additional working hours, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed on Friday. In a press briefing, the PSA said the number of jobless Filipinos reached 2.21 million in August, a decline from 2.27 million unemployed Filipinos last July. The data translated to an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in August from 4.8 percent last July. PSA added that 5.63 million Filipinos were looking for more hours to increase their income in August, lower than the 7.10 million underemployed persons in July. The underemployment rate fell from 14.7 percent in August 2022 and 15.9 percent in July to 11.7 percent. Underemployed individuals are those who have indicated a wish for more work hours in their current job, a desire to take on a second job, or an interest in finding a new job that offers longer working hours. The rise in the number of people with and without jobs can be attributed to the month-on-month increase in labor force participation. In July, the labor force participation rate increased from 46.90 million to 64.7 percent, up from 60.1 percent in the previous month. "Many people entered the labor force, so unemployment decreased," National Statistician Dennis Claire Mapa said in a press briefing. PSA data mentioned that the majority of employed individuals, 62.6 percent, are wage and salary workers. On the other hand, self-employed individuals make up 27.3 percent, and unpaid family workers constitute 8.0 percent of the employed population. The state-run statistics bureau attributed the surge in employment to specific sectors: fishing and aquaculture with 572,000 new jobs, construction with 534,000, agriculture and forestry with 378,000, human health and social work activities with 153,000, and administrative and support service activities with 143,000. In a separate statement, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government will continue to ramp up efforts to boost economic growth and quality job creation amid economic headwinds. "To raise the quality of employment further, the Marcos administration is committed to exerting all efforts to shape an attractive business climate for investors with the resources needed to bring in high-quality and high-paying jobs," Balisacan said. The post Unemployed, underemployed Filipinos down in August — PSA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Each shrinking his carbon
Recently, residents in Metro Manila woke up to an overcast, foggy morning sky. Conjectures attributed it to another impending eruption of Taal Volcano, like it did in 2020. Phivolcs clarified that the smog that covered Metro Manila was not caused by the volcano; it was rather pollution trapped in the lower levels of the atmosphere. It was a surprise to many because, while traffic congestion has been worsening after the pandemic and Manila was identified as one of the most congested cities in Asia, it rarely brought to the public’s attention that the air pollution it causes is so serious. During the pandemic, people noticed that, due to the lockdown implemented in most countries, air quality improved and we were seeing clearer skies, but the situation changed rapidly as almost everything was “back to normal”. Countries are doing their bit to mitigate air pollution and slow global warming. The European Union set a goal to cut carbon emissions by at least 55 percent and source 45 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Starting today, EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism, a carbon tariff on carbon-intensive products, will enter its trial phase. The transition phase of CBAM, from October 2023 to December 2025, will require exporters to submit emissions reports to importing partners. From January 2026, CBAM will be implemented and initially apply to imports in the emissions-intensive sectors deemed at greater risk of carbon leakage: cement, electricity, fertilizers, iron and steel, aluminum and hydrogen. From 2026, EU importers will start paying a financial adjustment by surrendering the amount of CBAM certificates that correspond to the emissions embedded in their imports. The EU Emissions Trading System’s free emission allowances are to be replaced by the CBAM gradually from 2026 to 2034. Thus, CBAM, the CO2 border tax, will be fully phased in at the start of 2034, when free carbon certificates are eliminated. In the Philippines, electric vehicle adoption was given a boost by Executive Order No. 12 issued in January, which reduced the tariffs on certain EVs to zero for five years, effectively lowering vehicle prices and encouraging people to purchase EVs. The EO covers EV segments such as cars, buses, vans, trucks, kick scooters, self-balancing cycles, bicycles and pocket motorcycles with auxiliary motors not exceeding 250 watts and with a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour. Nonetheless, electric motorcycles were excluded from the EO, and are still subject to a 30-percent tariff. In Taiwan, to encourage people to stop buying fuel vehicles by 2040 and achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, people who buy new electric motorcycles enjoy a subsidy from the government varies from NT$5,100 to 7,000, equals to 8,990 to P12,340, depending on the model purchased until the end of 2026. If the battery cores, negative electrode materials, electrolyte and copper foil used in the electric motorcycles are all domestically produced, each vehicle will receive an additional subsidy of NT$3,000. Until the end of 2024, people who replace their more than 10-year-old car with an electric car will get a NT$15,000 to 18,000 subsidy in Taiwan. While Singapore and Taiwan launched their first carbon exchange platform Climate Impact X and Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange in 2021 and August 2023, respectively, Indonesia also started its carbon trading market on 26 September. President Joko Widodo attended the launch, saying the exchange could create a new sustainable economy, estimating it has the potential to be worth at least Rp3,000 trillion ($194 billion). “This will be a new sustainable economic opportunity as the world is heading toward the green economy,” he said. The post Each shrinking his carbon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Linking Fatima-Mediatrix to Russia-Ukraine
(Author’s Note: The Marian messages quoted here are not necessarily authenticated by the Catholic Church.) There was a report years ago from a Mediatrix devotee, who requested anonymity that Our Lady of Fatima healed the aunt of Vladimir Putin and Putin himself. No details were given. The devotee said he visited Putin several times. This report by a Mediatrix devotee links Lipa and Lisbon to Russia and Ukraine. Lipa and Lisbon were linked after Fatima’s Miracle of the Sun was repeated in a Mediatrix shrine in Mindanao on the 100th anniversary of Fatima, precisely to the hour. As a child, Putin was secretly baptized into the Orthodox Church because the Communist Party banned it. The Christian in Putin may be the potential key to ending the war in Ukraine. In 1960, Pope John XXIII unsealed the Third Secret of Fatima in the presence of Cardinal Augustin Bea and his secretary, Fr. Malachi Martin. In an interview at the Art Bell Show USA in 1997, Fr. Martin hinted that, based on the Third Secret, the solution to the world’s ills would come from Ukraine and Russia. The conversion of Russia Our Lady of Fatima revealed that the triumph of her Immaculate Heart would come from the conversion of Russia. St. Pope John Paul II soon consecrated Russia to her Immaculate Heart. Vatican Mariologists attributed the consecration to the ensuing momentary era of world peace, a “Marian intervention.” In 1994, Mikhail Gorbachev visited St. Pope John Paul II, the first visit in history by the Kremlin to the Papacy. Gorbachev instituted Perestroika (reconciliation) and Glasnost (openness), leading to the opening of Christian churches inside Russia. Immediately, Ukraine announced the legalization of the Ukrainian Church (about 70 percent Orthodox), which was brutally disbanded by Joseph Stalin in 1946. The Berlin Wall then crumbled, leading to the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War. Gorbachev’s reforms led to the fall of the USSR. Among its former satellites were Ukraine and Belarus, now arch-enemies in the war in Ukraine. Marian’s intimacy with Ukraine On 22 January 2022, during a Ukrainian Orthodox celebration in an unspecified town, a white dove descended on top of the altar painting of the Baptism of Jesus, a warning perhaps of a Russian invasion, which happened a few days later. Ukraine was the first nation to be consecrated to the Blessed Virgin in 1037. In 1914, two weeks before World War I, the Virgin told 22 field workers near the Church of the Holy Trinity in the village of Hrushiv: “There will be a war. Russia will become a godless country. As a nation, Ukraine will suffer terribly for eighty years — and will have to live through the world wars, but it will be free afterwards.” The prophecy was fulfilled. In 1987, a year after the Chernobyl tragedy, in the same church in Hrushiv, the Virgin told 12-year-old visionary Marina Kizyn: “Do not forget those who have died. Chernobyl is a reminder and a sign that …. THROUGH THE BLOOD OF (UKRAINIAN) MARTYRS WILL COME THE CONVERSION OF RUSSIA.” A bright light filled the church where the Virgin appeared. There were daily apparitions until 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, which attracted about 500,000 people in total. Many witnessed the apparitions. Hrushiv became an instant pilgrim center. The Virgin of Hrushiv became Our Lady of Ukraine. Our Lady appeared to KGB agents trying to manage the huge crowds. At that time, churches were closed, and Christianity was banned. Priests from the “underground Church” emerged from hiding and defied the KGB, saying ten Holy Masses daily outside the church. The KGB did not touch them. Hrushiv was saved from a deadly cholera epidemic in 1855, with not a single death in the village, after the people offered Mass at a spring that suddenly came out of the ground. The Virgin demonstrated her love for the Ukrainian people when she said: “I have come on purpose to thank the Ukrainian people because you have suffered the most for the Church of Christ in the last 70 years. I have come to comfort you and tell you that your suffering will soon end. Ukraine will become an independent state.” (Source: oclarim.com.mo, 6 July 2018) Does Putin have a role in the “conversion” of Russia and the end of the war in Ukraine? Will peace be attained through the blood of Ukrainians as martyrs? These remain to be seen. eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Linking Fatima-Mediatrix to Russia-Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
8 firms in Makati, 8 in Parañaque deliquents SSS contributors
The Social Security System on Friday announced that eight firms in Makati City and another eight in Parañaque City were cited as deliquents employers for failing to pay their employees' contributions. The citations came from SSS continued Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign, running against employers who failed to remit monthly contributions of their employees. The Makati-JP Rizal branch has served Notice of Violations to eight deliquents employers in Barangay Tejeros, who incurred a total of P5.25 million delinquencies consisting of P2.86 million of unpaid contributions and P2.4 million of penalties which affects the social security coverage of 105 employees. The employers include two industrial suppliers, a bakery owner, real estate agent, a private hospital, pharmacy, photograph production and a chemical distributor. Among the eight delinquent employers cited for non-remittance of monthly contributions, one of the two industrial equipment suppliers topped the contribution delinquency of P2.41 million broken down into P1.58 million unpaid workers' contributions and over P832,000 penalties for it's 46 employees from April 2022 to August 2023. In Parañaque, the SSS Bicutan-Sun Valley NCR South Division has served notice of violations to eight delinquent employers in Sun Valley and Merville where a total of P1.70 million consisting of P717,000 unpaid contributions and P983,000 in penalties were incurred by the erring employers that include a whole-saler of food and beverages, manufacturer, seller in non-specialized stores, laundry services, food services activities, retail seller of construction materials, salon owner, and manufacturer of miscellaneous articles. Their delinquency has affected 82 employees. The Run After Contribution Evades (RACE) campaign is an activity conducted by SSS to ensure that employers are complying with their obligations as stipulated in Republic Act NO. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. The post 8 firms in Makati, 8 in Parañaque deliquents SSS contributors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos bets on early harvest
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is betting on the harvest season to come earlier than projected to end the persisting price shock that required a government response of putting a cap on retail prices. The price ceiling was accompanied by an order increasing the farm gate prices to relieve farmers of the low offers from traders. Marcos expressed optimism that the early harvest of palay (unhusked rice) would help lower market grain prices. In a chance media interview Saturday, Marcos expressed hope that Filipinos will once again reap the effects of “more improved production” in the agriculture sector. He also reiterated his decision to order the temporary imposition of ceilings on rice was in response to the sudden spike in retail prices of the staple grain. “We’re already harvesting. When that comes in, I think we will see the prices go down. It would be determined by market forces,” Marcos said on the sidelines of rice distribution to about 2,000 qualified beneficiaries in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. In August, the Department of Agriculture, or DA, reported an estimated 900,000 metric tons of the palay output. Marcos said the palay harvest, which is expected to peak in late September to October, will contribute mainly to the country’s production from July to December. By this time, the DA estimated that the palay harvest would peak at 11.5 million metric tons. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the national palay output from January to June 2023 rose to 9.02 million MT, 3.4 percent more than the 8.7 million MT production for the same period in 2022 and 2021. Marcos added that the government is currently dealing with hoarding of rice supply to manipulate the price of the staple grain. Supply’s not the problem As hoarders are suspected of delaying the release of rice, Marcos said, “There’s no need not worry about the supply.” He said the country has sufficient stock of the staple. “We are here to help those in need because we know that the price of rice has increased,” he added. Marcos said rice prices were so high, prompting the government to impose a price cap. Under Executive Order 39, which took effect on 5 September, Marcos ordered the implementation of a price ceiling of P41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and P45 per kg for well-milled rice. Marcos stressed that one of the government’s thrusts is to address the gaps and challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly “rice distribution that affects supply and prices.” “We have a lot of rice, but it is not being correctly distributed. That’s why we have no problem with the rice supply here in the Philippines,” he said. Marcos said DA is exhausting efforts to boost the supply and reduce the cost of rice. In the meantime, he said the government must implement measures such as imposing a price cap, providing cash aid to rice retailers, and setting new palay buying price range for the National Food Authority to help farmers and secure inventory. Farmers happy with hike The DA said farmers from different regions were happy with the increase in the buying price of the National Food Authority at the farmgate of P16 to P19 per kilogram for fresh palay and P19 to P23 for dry palay. The new buying prices of NFA were ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos, who is concurrent Agriculture Secretary, on Monday last week to ensure that farmers, who are currently harvesting their wet season crop, would not suffer from abruptly declining prices for their fresh harvest beginning this month. DA Undersecretary Leo Sebastian said the farmers told them that traders usually use the NFA as their benchmark in setting their buying prices from farmers for the fresh palay. With the mandated price hike for NFA, such drastic price declines would not materialize. Jing Villamente The post Marcos bets on early harvest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos sees early palay harvest to reduce rice prices
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that the early harvest of palay (unhusked rice) would help bring down the prices of rice in the markets. In a chance media interview, Marcos expressed hope that Filipinos will once again reap the effects of “more improved production” in the agriculture sector. He also reiterated his decision to order the temporary imposition of the mandated price ceilings on rice because of the sudden spike in the prices of the staple grain. “We're already harvesting. When that comes in, I think we will see the prices go down. It would be determined by market forces. Maybe if the market itself lowers the price, we could reduce it),” Marcos said on the sidelines of rice distribution to about 2,000 qualified beneficiaries in Iriga City, Camarines Sur on Saturday. In August, the Department of Agriculture reported an estimated 900,000 metric tons of the palay harvest output. Marcos said the palay harvest, which is expected to peak in late September to October, will contribute largely to the country's production from July to December. By this time, the DA estimated that the palay harvest to peak at 11.5 million metric tons. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the national palay output from January to June 2023 rose to 9.02 million MT, 3.4 percent more than the 8.7 million MT production for the same period in 2022 and 2021. Moreover, Marcos said the government is currently dealing with hoarding of rice supply to manipulate the price of the staple grain. Amid the hoarders delaying the release of rice, Marcos stressed “There’s no need not worry about the supply.” He said the country has sufficient stock of the staple. “Nandito po kami upang magbigay naman ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan dahil alam po nating nagtaas ang presyo ng bigas (We are here to help those in need because we know that the price of rice has increased),” he added. Marcos said the rice price was so high prompting the government to impose a price cap. Under Executive Order 39, which took effect on 5 September, Marcos ordered the implementation of a price ceiling of P41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and P45 per kg for well-milled rice. Marcos stressed that one of the government's thrusts is to address the gaps and challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly “rice distribution that affects supply and prices.” “Marami naman tayong bigas hindi lang nailalabas nang tama. Kaya’t hindi problema ang supply sa atin dito sa Pilipinas (We have lost of rice but it is not being correctly distributed. That’s why we have no problem with the rice supply here in the Philippines),” he said. Marcos said the DA is exhausting all efforts to boost the supply and reduce the cost of rice in the country. In the meantime, he said the government has to implement measures such as the imposition of a price cap, provision of cash aid to rice retailers, as well as setting new palay buying price range for the National Food Authority to help farmers and secure inventory. The post Marcos sees early palay harvest to reduce rice prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Badoy, Parlade reprimanded by Ombudsman for red-tagging
The Ombudsman found ex-spokespersons Lorraine Badoy and Antonio Parlade Jr. of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, or NTF-ELCAC, guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for red-tagging a lawyers' group as communist rebels. In a ruling signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on 9 August but released only to the media on Thursday, the court reprimanded Badoy and Parlade for "unduly" tarnishing the image of the NTF-ELCAC over their statements against the National Union of People's Lawyers. "It perpetuates the notion that it is being used as a governmental tool to silence dissent or opposition instead of legitimately pursuing its ultimate: goal of lasting peace and ending the armed conflict with the communist rebels," the Ombudsman said. The Ombudsman’s decision was in response to a complaint filed by NUPL three years ago against Badoy, Parlade and former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. for linking the organization to a communist armed movement. "These matters (NUPL) are not communist propaganda as dissent and upholding of individual rights are vital in a vibrant democracy. As such, the importance of raising awareness or highlighting these issues to the public cannot gainsaid,” the decision read. The Ombudsman warned Badoy and Parlade that “a repetition of a similar offense would be dealt with more severely.” The Ombudsman, however, found Esperon not guilty of the administrative complaint. “Nevertheless, his defense appears to be tempered especially since he had stated that while he agreed that the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples' Army) had underground operation with legal fronts, he was not concluding that the NUPL is part of the CPP but that some of its members are allegedly part of these organizations working for the CPP,” the Ombudsman said. Esperon served as the NTF-ELCAC’s vice chair, while Badoy and Parlade were among its spokespersons. The NTF-ELCAC was created in December 2018 by virtue of then-president Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70. Last week, during the deliberations of the Ombudsman’s proposed P5.05 billion budget for 2024, Martires told lawmakers that there is no law against red-tagging, paving the way for the dismissal of another complaint filed against Badoy and Parlade. Badoy and Parlade face several other complaints before the Ombudsman in relation to red-tagging. The post Badoy, Parlade reprimanded by Ombudsman for red-tagging appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mike Enriquez honored by PMAP with posthumous award
For his contributions to the industry as one of the country’s most trusted broadcast journalists, Miguel “Mike” Enriquez was posthumously conferred a Makatao Award for Media Excellence by the People Management Association of the Philippines. The award was personally received by his wife, Lizabeth “Baby” Enriquez, together with GMA Network first vice president for radio Glenn Allona and assistant vice president for GMA Integrated News John Ray Arrabe, during a ceremony held at GMA Network last 15 September. Presenting the award to Mrs. Enriquez were 2022 PMAP president and board of trustees for Media and Communications member Ellen Fullido; PMAP communication specialist and Makatao Awards for Media Excellence program lead Martin Alcantara; training head Richard Mamuyac; and HR Head Bernadette Tan. A five-time Makatao awardee and Hall of Famer, Enriquez was recognized by PMAP for his dedication to and enduring legacy in advancing public knowledge, as well as his promotion of sound people management in the country through his years of service as broadcaster. Enriquez was recognized as Best TV Male Newscaster at the 3rd Makatao Awards in 2013. He achieved back-to-back Best Radio News Anchor wins at the 6th and 7th Makatao Awards in 2017 and 2018. He then took home the Best Radio News Program Host award during the 8th and 10th Makatao Awards in 2018 and 2022. Enriquez. who passed away last 29 August at the age of 71, was the president of RGMA Network, Inc. and GMA Network's senior vice president and consultant for Radio Operations. He anchored DZBB's “Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B." He was one of the anchors of GMA's flagship newscast “24 Oras” and of the late-night newscast “Saksi.” He also hosted the long-running public affairs program “Imbestigador.” Several Kapuso news personalities and shows were also recognized at PMAP’s 11th Makatao Awards held last 30 August. State of the Nation anchor Atom Araullo won Best TV News Program Host, while GMA Integrated News Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab's online newscast Stand for Truth was named the Best Online Broadcast for its "Emergency Landing" episode. In the radio category, the tandem of Arnold Clavio and Connie Sison were recognized as Best Radio Public Affairs Program while “Dobol Weng sa Dobol B” was named Best Radio Public Affairs Program. Joey Reyes Zobel and Melo Del Prado completed the awards by winning Best News Program Hosts. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com. The post Mike Enriquez honored by PMAP with posthumous award appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Morale boost
The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. partnered with the Makati Medical Center Foundation to deliver joy and positive energy at V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City. On 17 August, around a hundred injured soldiers spent time with Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Lakrini, Bb. Pilipinas 2023 1st runner-up Katrina Anne Johnson, and Bb. Pilipinas 2023 2nd runner-up Atasha Reign Parani in an activity-filled afternoon at the hospital auditorium. The girls participated in a musical acoustic session and delivered inspirational speeches to uplift the spirit of the patients. Borromeo even held an art therapy session to aid in the recovery of the wounded soldiers. The Binibinis expressed gratitude for the soldiers’ service to the country by distributing gift packs from Aishe Fashion, Jag and BeauteDerm. They also joined the soldiers in enjoying meals provided by Pizza Hut. "Our brave soldiers sustained various injuries — physical, mental, emotional — as they fulfill their duty to our country. BPCI is happy to be of service to our modern-day heroes in times when they need our help and support the most," said BPCI head Gines Enriquez. It has since been a tradition of BPCI to partner with MMC Foundation in offering relief assistance and inspiration to wounded soldiers at V. Luna General Hospital through the Binibining Pilipinas candidates and queens. The post Morale boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indonesia rice imports spike as Jakarta shores up stocks
Indonesia recorded a large increase in rice imports in the first eight months this year compared to the same period last year, the statistics agency said Friday, as Southeast Asia's biggest economy seeks to boost stocks of its staple commodity. Global rice prices rose to a 15-year high last week after top producer India's decision in July to ban exports of non-basmati rice, citing several factors including soaring domestic prices and "extreme climatic conditions". Indonesia imported 1.59 million tons of rice from January to August this year, Statistics Indonesia head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti said, while more than 429,000 tons of rice were imported for the whole of 2022. "Rice imports from January and August 2023 experienced quite a high increase compared to the same period last year," Widyasanti told reporters, without disclosing the import figure for the same period last year. Most rice imports came from Southeast Asian neighbors, with Thailand sending 802,000 tons and Vietnam exporting 674,000 tons of the commodity over the period. The government had set an import quota of 2.3 million tons of rice this year to maintain price stability because of expected disruption to rice production caused by the El Nino weather pattern. But the rice imports were complicated by import restriction measures taken by other countries including India, President Joko Widodo said on Friday. "We want to strengthen our strategic reserve of rice, but even importing it is difficult, unlike in the past," he said in a speech. On Thursday, Widodo ordered state-owned logistics company Bulog to release its reserve stocks to the market in order to bring down rice prices. The nationwide rice price averaged 14,490 rupiah ($0.94) as of Friday, an increase of around 16 percent compared to the same period last year, according to data from the National Food Agency. The post Indonesia rice imports spike as Jakarta shores up stocks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Colombia deadliest country for green activists in 2022
Environmental activist murders doubled in Colombia last year, making it the most dangerous country in the world for those trying to protect the planet, a watchdog said Tuesday. In its annual review, Global Witness named 177 land and environmental defenders who had been killed in 2022 -- from the Amazon to the Philippines and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Latin America again bore the brunt of the murders, including 39 killings across the vast Amazon rainforest, a vital carbon sink facing widespread destruction at a time when the world is grappling to curb climate change. The number of those killed has progressively decreased since a record 227 in 2020, however, "this does not mean that the situation has significantly improved," said Global Witness. "The worsening climate crisis and the ever-increasing demand for agricultural commodities, fuel, and minerals will only intensify the pressure on the environment -– and those who risk their lives to defend it," warned the London-based watchdog. While in 2021 most killings took place in Mexico, Colombia last year surged ahead with 60 deaths -- more than a third of all the murders globally. "This is almost double the number of killings compared to 2021 when 33 defenders lost their lives," said the report. Many of those targeted were Indigenous people, members of Afro-descendant communities, small-scale farmers, and environmental activists. At least five children, three of them Indigenous, were among the global tally. "Yet there is hope," said the NGO, praising efforts under new leftist President Gustavo Petro to boost protection for defenders -- a first in the country. Colombian sociologist and activist Nadia Umana, 35, fled her northern home after the murders of four colleagues, all of whom had been fighting for the return of rural lands taken over by paramilitaries. "Knowing that a colleague of yours was murdered is an indescribable pain," Umana told AFP in Bogota. Even the country's vice-president, Francia Marquez -- the 2018 winner of the prestigious Goldman environmental prize -- has faced multiple threats. In 2019, she survived an attack by gunmen who tried to kill her over her work defending her home region's water resources against mining companies. Mining, logging, farming According to Global Witness, almost 2,000 land and environmental defenders have been murdered over the past decade -- some 70 percent of them in Latin America. In Brazil, where British journalist Dom Philips and Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira were killed last year in the Amazon, a total of 34 land defenders were killed. Mexico, Honduras, and the Philippines also had high numbers. Global Witness said that while it was "difficult to identify" the exact drivers for the killings, 10 were found to be linked to agribusiness, eight to mining, and four to the logging industry. Aside from activists, state officials, demonstrators, park rangers, lawyers, and journalists are also among those who lost their lives. "All of them shared a commitment to defend their rights and keep the planet healthy. All of them paid for their courage and commitment with their lives," said the report. The post Colombia deadliest country for green activists in 2022 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»