We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
DSWD hails winners of 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, together with partner agencies in the National Committee on the Filipino Family, recognized exemplary Filipino families during the awarding of the 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino at SM City San Mateo over the weekend as part of the celebration of National Family Week. The NPP aims to recognize and award Filipino families who have significantly contributed towards nation-building and the development of the family as the foundation of Philippine society. In the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, which was delivered by DSWD Undersecretary for Policy and Plans Adonis Sulit, the DSWD chief highlighted the courage and strength demonstrated by Filipino families in overcoming life’s challenges as well as their contribution to nation-building. "You and the members of your family are not only exemplary in your love for each other but also in your significant contributions to your communities and society. Your stories of cooperation, care, and even the stories of overcoming life's challenges pave the way for a better future for all of us," Gatchalian said. "Today, I want to convey our heartfelt appreciation to Filipino families who continue to demonstrate the importance of unity, love for one another, and cooperation in our country. Your dedication to family and nation inspires us all," he added. From the regional winners, the NCFF chose the top five model families that will become a pool of ambassadors in promoting NCFF goals, promoting Filipino values, and acting as resource persons in Family Development Sessions, fora, and other family development-related initiatives. Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino from Western Visayas The National Award Grand Winner was bagged by the Delgado family from the province of Antique in Western Visayas. Mr. Joaquin Delgado and Mrs. Benedicta Seguera Delgado were gifted with nine children. With their guidance, perseverance, and efforts, the Delgado couple now have two doctors, five teachers, one international nurse, and a merchant marine graduate. The Delgado family received different awards and recognitions for their invaluable contributions to their community such as in the Sta. Monica Parish; Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals; and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. The Delgado family members also did their part during the COVID-19 vaccination in Antique, volunteering to provide food to students and their families in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, and conducting feeding programs and reading sessions in their community, among others. “My children had their fair share as they struggled also to sell AVON [products], Sara Lee, butong-butong, coke products, and even did padyak para lang po matustusan ang pangangailangan sa med school at sa college (My children had their fair share as they struggled also to sell AVON, Sara Lee, butong-butong, and coke products, and even did padyak just to make ends meet for their medical school and college expenses.),” Mrs. Delgado said. “Again, I am proud of everyone and I gladly accept this award to challenge our family with shared decision-making despite differences and to inspire that despite how big our families are and how difficult life can be, we always be natatangi,” Mrs. Delgado added. The national winner received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of P50,000 and another P50,000 from Secretary Gatchalian. The first runner-up was awarded to the Colmo family from Davao Oriental; the second runner-up to the Mandawe family from Cagayan de Oro; the third runner-up to the Bal-iang family from Baguio City; and the fourth runner-up went to the Manuel Family from Cagayan. As the chair of the NCFF, the DSWD vowed to continue to support policies and programs aimed at strengthening the foundation and protection of Filipino families. The post DSWD hails winners of 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Major asteroid sample brought to Earth in NASA first
A seven-year space voyage came to its climactic end Sunday when a NASA capsule landed in the desert in the US state of Utah, carrying to Earth the largest asteroid samples ever collected. Scientists have high hopes for the sample, saying it will provide a better understanding of the formation of our solar system and how Earth became habitable. When they learned that the capsule's main parachute had deployed, "I literally broke into tears," the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta told a press conference. "That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning." The 3.86-billion-mile (6.21-billion-kilometer) journey marked the United States' first sample return mission of its kind, the US space agency said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. NASA chief Bill Nelson hailed the mission and said the asteroid dust "will give scientists an extraordinary glimpse into the beginnings of our solar system." The Osiris-Rex probe's final, fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere was perilous, but NASA managed to engineer a soft landing at 8:52 am local time (1452 GMT), in the military's Utah Test and Training Range. Four years after its 2016 launch, the probe landed on the asteroid Bennu and collected what NASA estimated is roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust from its rocky surface. Even that small amount, NASA says, should "help us better understand the types of asteroids that could threaten Earth." The sample return "is really historic," NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP. "This is going to be the biggest sample we've brought back since the Apollo moon rocks" were returned to Earth. Osiris-Rex released its capsule early Sunday from an altitude of more than 67,000 miles. The fiery passage through the atmosphere came only in the last 13 minutes, as the capsule hurtled downward at a speed of more than 27,000 miles per hour, with temperatures of up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius). NASA images showed the tire-sized capsule on the ground in a desert wash, with scientists approaching the device and taking readings. Eventually, they concluded the capsule was not breached, meaning its all-important air-tight seal remained intact, avoiding any contamination of the sample with desert sands. The team then lifted the capsule by helicopter to a nearby "clean room." Meanwhile, the probe that made the space journey fired its engines and shifted course away from Earth, NASA said, "on its way" for a date with another asteroid. Japanese samples On Monday, the sample heads to the Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study, and NASA plans to announce its first results at a news conference 11 October. Roughly one-fourth of the sample will be immediately used in experiments, and a small amount will be sent to mission partners Japan and Canada. But most of it will be saved for future generations -- a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, said. Japan had earlier given NASA a few grains from asteroid Ryugu, after bringing 0.2 ounces of dust to Earth in 2020 during the Hayabusa-2 mission. Ten years before, it had brought back a microscopic quantity from another asteroid. But the sample from Bennu is much larger, allowing for significantly more testing, Simon said. Earth's origin story Asteroids are composed of the original materials of the solar system, dating back some 4.5 billion years, and have remained relatively intact. They "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved," said Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris. "It's our own origin story." By striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth," Simon said. Scientists believe Bennu, about 500 meters (1,640 feet) in diameter, is rich in carbon -- a building block of life on Earth -- and contains water molecules locked in minerals. Bennu surprised scientists in 2020 when the probe, during its brief contact with the asteroid's surface, sank into the soil, revealing an unexpectedly low density, like a children's pool filled with plastic balls. Understanding its composition could come in handy, for there is a slight -- but non-zero -- chance (one in 2,700) that Bennu could collide catastrophically with Earth, though not until 2182. NASA last year successfully deviated the course of an asteroid by crashing a probe into it in a test, and it might at some point need to repeat that exercise -- but with much higher stakes. The post Major asteroid sample brought to Earth in NASA first appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mentoring, empowering school leaders
The Security Bank Foundation Inc. launched a three-year training program for school leaders titled “Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building” through an online kick-off session on 7 July 2023. The session, facilitated by Ateneo De Manila University, focused on “Philippine Educational Challenges and Solutions.” This was followed by a three-and-a-half day in-person training in July featuring lectures, group discussions, workshops and industry visits. The training followed the International Certificate in Educational Studies in Leadership modules by the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom and The HEAD Foundation, Singapore. Thirty school leaders nationwide were selected to be part of the program's first batch of trainees. The SBFI’s new training program guides participants through the transformation of the self, the school and the community by challenging them to develop and implement action plans. The modules are expected to improve competencies in instructional leadership, contextual problem-solving and stakeholder engagement to enable school leaders to solve pressing problems in their schools. The length of the program allows it to be sustainable, with progress continuously monitored to see the long-term impact on students and the schools’ overall environment. The trained principals will also be part of a professional fellowship group that will serve as mentors to new batches of trainees. “We acknowledge that classrooms alone will not completely address the current state of the country’s educational system. We need to complement it with training programs for teachers and school leaders. Improving the quality of education also needs a long-term and structured approach,” said Rafael Simpao Jr., SBFI chairman. Beginning in 2023, one batch of approximately 30 school leaders will be admitted annually to the program. While priority will be given to those coming from schools where SBFI has previously donated classrooms, slots for school leaders from other public schools will still be given. The Department of Education is also involved through the nomination of school leaders, along with program accreditation and monitoring to ensure the program’s success. “The launch of this three-year, in-service training program reaffirms our shared commitment to support the professional development of our school principals. With effective leadership, principals can ensure an enabling and supporting environment for quality teaching and learning process,” said Dr. Gina Gonong, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction. The post Mentoring, empowering school leaders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl to strengthen alliances at ASEAN summit amid geopolitical tensions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to push for a rules-based international order and for parties to follow the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea "especially in the South China Sea" during the upcoming 43rd ASEAN Summit next month, a DFA official said on Thursday. During the Malacañang Press Briefing, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said Marcos would participate in the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia from 5 to 7 September 2023. Under the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth," Espiritu said the summit will serve as a platform for leaders to exchange views on key regional and international issues, build consensus on matters of mutual interest and provide policy direction for the ASEAN community in the future. "The second summit will (follow) the May summit and will accelerate the momentum of the ASEAN community-building process," Espiritu told Malacañang reporters. "The Philippines will continue to uphold and exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law," he added. Espiritu said Marcos is also expected to have meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Additionally, the Foreign Affairs official said Marcos is set to engage in one-on-one discussions with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. Plans for meetings with other leaders are currently in the process of being organized, Espiritu added. "With Vietnam, the focus will be on strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries and, of course, cooperation on rice and food security," he said. "We will reassure Timor Leste of our cooperation with their country in the years to come, especially in their preparation for final membership in ASEAN," he added. Espiritu mentioned that there are anticipated discussions between Marcos and Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding exploring new realms of collaboration. Furthermore, the Philippine leader intends to convey his appreciation to Korea for its assistance during Typhoon Egay. "Also, they intend to donate, under the ASEAN Plus 3 Rice Reserve Arrangement, a total of 750 metric tons of rice to the Philippines, 400 of that are already in the pipeline," he said. On the other hand, Espiritu said Marcos and Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet would be discussing matters of "mutual concern between our two countries." He added that the President will also continue to emphasize the country's efforts to protect migrant workers in crises and combat human trafficking, especially with the use or abuse of technology. Espiritu said Marcos will also discuss other priority areas of cooperation with dialogue partners. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual will join Marcos at the ASEAN Summit. According to Espiritu, the President will also bring a business delegation. The post Phl to strengthen alliances at ASEAN summit amid geopolitical tensions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia’s Luna-25 probe crashes on the Moon
Russia's first Moon mission in almost 50 years, the Luna-25 probe, has crashed on the Moon's surface after an unspecified incident during pre-landing maneuvers, the Russian space agency Roscosmos said Sunday. The crash comes almost a year and a half into Russia's Ukraine offensive that has seen Moscow isolated, with punishing sanctions that have affected its space industry. The failed mission comes as several companies and nations have entered a Moon race, and put a spotlight on the Russian space sector's troubles -- from corruption to lack of innovation and partnerships. Communication with Luna-25 was lost at 2:57 pm (1157 GMT) on Saturday, Roscosmos said. According to preliminary findings, the lander "has ceased to exist following a collision with the Moon's surface". "Measures taken on August 19 and 20 to locate the craft and make contact with it were unsuccessful," the space agency added. It said a ministerial investigation would be opened into the causes of the crash, without giving any indication of what technical problems might have occurred. With Luna-25, Moscow had hoped to build on the legacy of its Soviet-era Luna program, marking a return to independent Moon exploration in the face of financial troubles and corruption scandals at the program and growing isolation from the West. Valery Yegorov, a former researcher with Russia's space program who now lives in exile, said the crash would severely affect Roscosmos's future missions, with the next one not planned until 2028 or "even later". He suggested the probe's failure was linked to electronic problems, possibly resulting from Western sanctions on Moscow. The Luna-25 launch was postponed several times in the last five years, Yegorov said, "because of sanctions imposed on Russia in response to seizing Crimea". Research 'not a priority' "Science, fundamental research, some kind of humanistic ideas about space colonization, about revealing the secrets of the universe, are clearly not a priority right now," said Yegorov, who has denounced the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive. The 800-kilogram (1,760-pound) Luna-25 probe was to have made a soft landing on Monday on the Moon's south pole -- which would have been a historic first. Russia has not attempted to land on a celestial body since 1989, when the Soviet Union's Phobos 2 probe to explore the moons of Mars failed after an onboard computer malfunction. Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov had said the venture would be "risky", telling President Vladimir Putin in June that the probability of it succeeding was "around 70 percent". Luna-25 had been successfully placed in the Moon's orbit on Wednesday after being launched from the Vostochny cosmodrome in the Russian Far East. Space race But on Saturday, Roscosmos said an "emergency" had been detected during a maneuver by the probe before its landing, preventing the operation from being carried out. Luna-25 had been expected to stay on the Moon for a year, collecting soil samples and looking for water -- an ingredient enthusiasts hope could be used to make rocket fuel for future launches and support potential colonies living there. Cameras installed on the lander had already taken shots of the lunar surface. Doubts had already emerged about Russia's long-running space cooperation with the West in the wake of its military campaign in Ukraine. While Russia has said it intends to use the International Space Station until 2028, the European Space Agency has dropped plans to co-operate with Moscow on Moon and Mars missions. Moscow last landed a probe -- Luna-24 -- on the Moon in 1976, before shifting away from lunar exploration in favor of missions to Venus and building the Mir space station. Landing Luna-25 successfully would have paved the way for further Russian missions to the Moon, at a time when India and China are launching their own probes and the United States returns to manned missions. India's competing space probe, Chandrayaan-3, entered the Moon's orbit earlier in August, also with the goal of landing on the south pole. Only Russia, the United States and China have previously achieved a controlled landing on the Moon. The post Russia’s Luna-25 probe crashes on the Moon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD’s reading program ‘Tara Basa!’ aids low income students and struggling readers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Monday announced that the student tutors in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Educational Development have started simultaneous reading sessions for the struggling and non-reader Grade 1 beneficiaries of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program. Under the program, each student-tutor will teach 10 elementary learners every session. The college students have undergone a series of orientations and training, which will comprise the Youth Development Workers after its pilot launch on 2 August. According to DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Romel Lopez, said YDWs will receive cash assistance worth P570 per day for 20 days from the DSWD through a cash-for-work scheme, in exchange for their service. The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is the reformatted educational assistance program of the department that seeks to build an ecosystem of learning by training college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations to become YDWs. The Tara, Basa! pilot implementation targets 6,386 student tutors and 584 YDWs enrolled in 20 selected state or local colleges/universities in Metro Manila. The student-tutors were trained and given capability-building sessions on how to effectively teach reading to be conducted by the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED). The college students were from Pasig City, Quezon City, Makati City, and Parañaque City while other pilot areas in the National Capital Region will conduct the training sessions in the coming days. To monitor the performance and progress of the learners, the Department of Education (DepEd), the DSWD’s partner agency in this project, will conduct Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA). As tutors, the participating college students will teach struggling or non-reader grade school learners who are vulnerable, at risk, or affected by the effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. YDWs, meanwhile, will help conduct parenting sessions to capacitate parents and guardians to become ‘Nanay-Tatay teachers’. “Young Filipinos are the pillars of our country’s future. Through Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, we are encouraging their involvement in nation-building by helping them to become more involved in their communities and build the skills and confidence that they need to become future leaders,” the DSWD spokesperson said. A total of 63,877 Grade 1 learners currently enrolled in 490 public elementary schools are expected to participate in the program with their parents or guardians. The parents and guardians of struggling or non-reader grade school learners will also receive cash assistance worth P235 per day for 20 days for aiding their children in their learning and reading sessions, as well as other related activities. “The program will strengthen family and community support for elementary school children by capacitating parents and guardians on the care and protection of their children,” Lopez said. While the program would begin rolling out in Metro Manila, Lopez said the DSWD was planning to expand the program nationwide depending on its success in the NCR. "The inputs we would be getting from our pilot implementation will be included in our plans should we expand the program nationwide," he added. He noted that reading ability data for students in the NCR was more accessible than in the provinces, prompting DSWD to first launch the program in the capital. According to DepEd in NCR, more than 49,000 students in the region from Grades 1 to 3 have difficulty reading. The post DSWD’s reading program ‘Tara Basa!’ aids low income students and struggling readers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ayala now BYD’s local dealer
Ayala Corp., or AC, the country’s largest conglomerate, is now the country’s official distributor of BYD’s hybrid and pure electric vehicles, or EVs. In a stock report on Friday, the company disclosed that it already finalized a deal to become a BYD deal — a move that would help drive up the country’s EV adoption. AC Motors head Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said the partnership will provide a major boost to the Ayala Group’s goal of accelerating the future of mobility in the country. “Our long-term vision is for AC Motors to become the leading platform for EVs and other new energy vehicles in the Philippines. This includes building up BYD to become a key brand in the Philippine market, with a leading share among EV brands and a meaningful presence in the automotive market as a whole,” he added. Long-term value The entire Ayala Group through its assets in renewable power generation, automotive distribution and dealerships, property development and management, manufacturing, financing and insurance, and digital connectivity targets to provide long-term value to EV customers. Ayala, as the official dealer, will offer the luxury executive sedan, BYD Han; the spacious 7-seater family SUV, BYD Tang; and the compact hatchback, BYD Dolphin. By the end of this year, Ayala will also introduce the BYD ATTO 3, a highly awarded EV model that is globally hailed for its outstanding design, comfort, quality, practicality and performance. Meanwhile, for James Ng, managing director of BYD Philippines and Singapore, the tie-up with the Ayala will “create a greener, more sustainable and brighter future, as we embark on this exciting journey.” The China-based BYD has an expansive line-up of both passenger and commercial vehicles at competitive price points, allowing the vehicles to be deployed at a larger scale. Fully integrated operations Its operations as an automotive manufacturer are also fully integrated, with capabilities not only in designing and assembling the final vehicles, but even in battery technology, electric powertrain development and semiconductors. The company also has a presence in the automotive space, as well as investments in rail transit, renewable energy and battery storage. Under the short-term period from 2023 to 2028, the Philippine government targets to roll out 2,454,200 electric vehicles comprising cars, tricycles, motorcycles and buses nationwide. It plans to build 65,000 EV charging stations that will be installed nationwide. As for the medium term or from 2029 to 2034, it will push for additional 1,851,500 EVs and 42,000 EV charging stations. The post Ayala now BYD’s local dealer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ayala now local dealer of BYD hybrid, electric cars
Ayala Corp. or AC, the country’s largest conglomerate, is now the country’s official distributor of BYD’s hybrid and pure electric vehicles, or EVs. In a stock report on Friday, the company disclosed that it already finalized a deal to become a BYD dealer — a move that would help drive up the country’s EV adoption. AC Motors head Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said the partnership will provide a major boost to the Ayala Group’s goal of accelerating the future of mobility in the country. “Our long-term vision is for AC Motors to become the leading platform for EVs and other new energy vehicles in the Philippines. This includes building up BYD to become a key brand in the Philippine market, with a leading share among EV brands and a meaningful presence in the automotive market as a whole,” he added. The entire Ayala Group — through its assets in renewable power generation, automotive distribution and dealerships, property development and management, manufacturing, financing and insurance and digital connectivity — targets to provide long-term value to EV customers. Ayala, as the official dealer, will offer the luxury executive sedan, BYD Han; the spacious 7-seater family SUV, BYD Tang; and the compact hatchback, BYD Dolphin. By the end of this year, Ayala will also introduce the BYD ATTO 3, a highly awarded EV model that is globally hailed for its outstanding design, comfort, quality, practicality, and performance. Meanwhile, for James Ng, managing director of BYD Philippines and Singapore, the tie-up with the Ayala will “create a greener, more sustainable and brighter future, as we embark on this exciting journey.” The China-based BYD has an expansive line-up of both passenger and commercial vehicles at competitive price points, allowing the vehicles to be deployed at a larger scale. Its operations as an automotive manufacturer are also fully integrated, with capabilities not only in designing and assembling the final vehicles, but even in battery technology, electric powertrain development and semiconductors. The company also has a presence in the automotive space, as well as investments in rail transit, renewable energy and battery storage. Under the short-term period from 2023 to 2028, the Philippine government targets to roll out 2,454,200 electric vehicles comprising cars, tricycles, motorcycles and buses nationwide. It plans to build 65,000 EV charging stations that will be installed nationwide. As for the medium term or from 2029 to 2034, it will push for additional 1,851,500 EVs and 42,000 EV charging stations. The post Ayala now local dealer of BYD hybrid, electric cars appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Texas Instruments to expand sites in Clark, Baguio, eyes $1B investment
Analog chipmaker Texas Instruments eyes investing up to $1 billion to expand its Philippine facilities, Malacañang said on Thursday. In a statement, the Palace said Texas Instruments is set to submit an application covering the expansion of its sites in Clark and Baguio in two weeks. TI’s investment plans align with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 signed into law by US President Joe Biden last year, aimed at building and making historic investments that will poise US workers, communities, and businesses to win the race for the 21st century. The law is seen to strengthen American manufacturing, supply chains, and national security, and invest in research and development, science and technology, and the workforce of the future to keep the United States the leader in the industries of tomorrow, including nanotechnology, clean energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. then welcomed TI’s investment plans, saying, “These (are) areas and sectors in the economy that we would like to be involved in.” “And we have a great deal of [dependence] already… of our exports. We do not see why we should not further support and enhance the sector of the economy because it has (done) well,” he said. In addition, there is good potential on the Philippine side because “we have a workforce that is accustomed to working to foreign corporations.” And on the technological side, Marcos said the Philippines has undertaken a very comprehensive program of upskilling and reskilling its workers to be able to take advantage of the new niches in the labor demand and the labor market. The post Texas Instruments to expand sites in Clark, Baguio, eyes $1B investment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD starts training student-tutors for ‘Tara, Basa!’ program
A Department of Social Welfare and Development official on Sunday said they have started the orientation and training of college students who will compose the army of tutors and will be called Youth Development Workers (YDWs) for the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program. According to DSWD spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, YDWs will receive cash assistance worth P500 per day for 20 days from the DSWD through a cash-for-work scheme, in exchange for their rendered service. The "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program, which was launched on 2 August this year, is a reformatted educational assistance program of the DSWD that seeks to build an ecosystem of learning by training college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations to become YDWs. Its pilot implementation targets to capacitate 6,386 student-tutors and 584 YDWs enrolled in 20 selected state or local colleges/universities in Metro Manila. The student-tutors will be trained and given capability-building sessions on how to effectively teach reading to be conducted by the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED). Among the areas which started the training and orientation of student-tutors were Pasig City, Quezon City, Makati City, and Parañaque City. The other pilot areas in the National Capital Region will conduct the training sessions in the coming days. The training for the YDWs is scheduled for 10 to 12 August, while the official learning sessions with parents and Grade 1 students will begin on 14 August. To monitor the performance and progress of the learners, the Department of Education (DepEd), the DSWD’s partner agency in this project, will conduct the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA). As tutors, the participating college students will teach struggling or non-reader grade school learners who are vulnerable, at risk, or affected by the effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. YDWs, meanwhile, will help conduct parenting sessions to capacitate parents and guardians to become "Nanay-Tatay teachers". “Young Filipinos are the pillars of our country’s future. Through 'Tara, Basa!, Tutoring Program, we are encouraging their involvement in nation-building by helping them to become more involved in their communities and build the skills and confidence that they need to become future leaders,” the DSWD spokesperson said. A total of 63,877 Grade 1 learners currently enrolled in 490 public elementary schools are expected to participate in the program with their parents or guardians. The parents and guardians of struggling or non-reader grade school learners will also receive cash assistance worth P235 per day for 20 days for helping in the preparation of the needs of their children for their learning and reading sessions and other related activities. “The program will strengthen family and community support for elementary school children by capacitating parents and guardians on care and protection of their children,” Lopez said. While the program would begin rolling out in Metro Manila, Lopez said the DSWD was planning to expand the program nationwide depending on its success in the NCR. "The inputs we would be getting from our pilot implementation will be included in our plans should we expand the program nationwide," he added. He noted that reading ability data for students in the NCR was more accessible than in the provinces, prompting DSWD to first launch the program in the capital. According to the DepEd, in the NCR, more than 49,000 students in the region from Grades 1 to 3 have difficulty reading. The post DSWD starts training student-tutors for ‘Tara, Basa!’ program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
USAID, Nestlé PH strengthen barangay local government SWM capacity
The U.S. Agency for Development (USAID), has partnered with Nestlé Philippines, in strengthening the capacity of barangay (village) government units on how to enhance their solid waste management (SWM) systems and be resilient to climate change. A two-day training on formulating barangay SWM Action Plans was held at Nestlé’s headquarters last July, for five pilot barangays in Parañaque City and one of each of Nestlé’s host cities in Tanauan and Lipa, Batangas. Together with USAID, the training was co-facilitated by the Paranaque City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean grantee, Pure Oceans. “Keeping our oceans free of plastic is essential for maintaining the natural beauty of the Philippines, helping to ensure sustainable fisheries and protect the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos, while also reducing the impacts of climate change,” USAID, Philippines Environment Office Director, Ryder Rogers said. “At USAID, we are pleased to work with Nestlé Philippines in partnership with barangay governments and local communities to help address and mitigate the impacts of ocean plastic pollution,” he added. In January 2022, USAID and Nestlé Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in enabling local government units and community leaders in the Philippines to educate communities on the link between climate change and solid waste management. Through USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program and Nestlé’s Climate Change and Solid Waste Management initiatives, the goal is to increase communities’ access to education on the Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003) and share practical tips on SWM. “Nestlé Philippines is committed to tackling urgent issues of plastic waste and climate change through our groundbreaking and large-scale environmental initiatives,” said Jose Uy III, Nestlé Philippines’ SVP and Head of Corporate Affairs. “Through our partnership with USAID, we are able to help empower community leaders at the local level to progress toward a waste-free future.," Uy said. Ian Posadas, Assistant Barangay Secretary and Focal Person of the SWM Committee of Barangay Vitalez, Parañaque City, was one of the participants and he shared, “the 2-day training workshop is a big help for us. As the smallest barangay [in Paranaque City], we need to focus on the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – and the management of our waste. This plan will be like our lighthouse, or basis, for the next few years and to see if we are accomplishing the plans we have developed during today’s workshop.” The plans drafted are for 2024-2026 but for Barangay Captain Lope Lina of Barangay Bagong Pook, Lipa City in Batangas plans to start early. “I decided that by August, we will start drafting an ordinance strictly implementing segregation so that the support of Nestlé and its partners to us will not be wasted,” Lina said. USAID launched the Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program in August 2019 as the agency’s flagship program to respond to the ocean plastics pollution crisis. The five-year (2019-2024), $53 million program works at the global level and in specific, rapidly urbanizing focal countries to address ocean plastics directly at their source. By strengthening waste management systems and building circular economies, city by city, the program builds sustainable solutions that reduce ocean plastics while empowering vulnerable populations and mitigating pollution that affects human health and our climate. The post USAID, Nestlé PH strengthen barangay local government SWM capacity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Munti sets 17th Nov. ‘Students’ Day’
The city government of Muntinlupa has designated every 17th of November as “Students’ Day” to recognize and honor kids and the youth who are studying to ensure a bright future. City Ordinance 2023-095 was passed and signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon to advocate the participation of students in nation-building. Biazon described students as the lifeblood of the city, thus the need to empower them under his “7K Agenda” under “Karunungan” or knowledge and “Katarungan” or Justice. The city government plans to hold an Education Summit, training, seminars and workshops, a student leadership forum and various competitions. The ordinance recognized that the National Students’ Day “is included in the Department of Education’s annual activities,” thus all “public and private schools, and all barangays within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa. The post Munti sets 17th Nov. ‘Students’ Day’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Second SoNA could define future
Barely two weeks from now, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be delivering his second State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa, an event highly anticipated if only because he will be making it after recently completing his first year in office. What could be the possible topics of interest that the President would be expounding on? Based on his recent pronouncements as well as policy statements, we tried to hazard a guess. First and foremost is Economic Development and Jobs Creation. He has said so on several occasions and his economic managers have emphasized in no uncertain terms that the government’s economic policies and initiatives are aimed at fostering growth, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities. This may include updates on infrastructure projects, trade agreements, tax reforms, and efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. Second is Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation. Knowing this to be close to his heart, the President may talk about the government’s initiatives to address poverty, reduce inequality, and improve social welfare programs. Topics could include updates on conditional cash transfer programs, access to healthcare and education, housing projects, and measures to support marginalized sectors. Third is Infrastructure Development. Highlighting the progress of infrastructure projects and future development plans could be a significant topic. The President could provide updates on road and transportation networks, airports, seaports, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity initiatives aimed at improving the country’s competitiveness and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Fourth is Covid-19 Response and Recovery. The President might provide updates on the country’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, including vaccination campaigns, testing strategies, healthcare infrastructure development, and economic recovery plans. Highlighting achievements, addressing challenges, and outlining future strategies would be relevant topics of discussion. Fifth is Education and Skills Development. The President could discuss efforts to enhance the quality of education, promote access to education, and improve skills development programs. Topics could include updates on reforms in the education system, investments in educational infrastructure, and initiatives to address gaps in technical and vocational training. Sixth is Foreign Policy and Diplomacy. Having left the country several times in his first year to sell the Philippines to investors, the President could expound on the country’s foreign policy priorities, regional partnerships, and international engagements. This may include updates on diplomatic relations, participation in regional organizations, and efforts to protect national interests and promote global cooperation on various issues. Seventh is Environmental Conservation and Climate Change. Given the increasing global focus on sustainability and climate change, the President could highlight the government’s efforts in environmental conservation, renewable energy development, and climate change adaptation. Updates on initiatives to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices would be of interest. Eight is Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures. Addressing transparency, accountability, and good governance is crucial for building public trust. The President could discuss anti-corruption efforts, institutional reforms, and initiatives to strengthen government processes, including updates on key legislation, initiatives for streamlining the bureaucracy and promoting ethical conduct among public officials. Ninth is Peace and Security. Providing updates on efforts to maintain peace and security within the country, addressing terrorism, insurgency, and promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts would be relevant. The President could discuss the progress in peace negotiations, law enforcement initiatives, and measures to ensure the safety of citizens. Tenth is Social Issues and Cultural Preservation. Addressing pressing social issues such as gender equality, human rights, indigenous rights, and cultural preservation may be a part of the address. The President could discuss government initiatives, legal reforms, and cultural heritage preservation efforts. Of course, there are other topics that the President could raise as the actual contents of a State of the Nation Address depending on the specific context, priorities, and policies of the government at the time. The foregoing may not exactly be the ones that he will address. Let us keep in mind that what matters is the genuine concern to address the plight of Filipinos in general and make his policies inclusive to all. The post Second SoNA could define future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ELECTRIFIED MOBILITY
As the world continues to shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly modes of transport, Kia Philippines is not one to be left behind. The recent transition of leadership from Manny Aligada to new chief operating officer Brian Buendia marks a new era for the company, one that is heavily focused on the adoption of electric vehicles and the transformation of the automotive landscape in the Philippines. Buendia inherits a brand that is poised for growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Kia Philippines aims to enhance the customer and ownership experience by bringing the company's corporate identity and culture to the fore. Buendia's vision is to strengthen Kia's industry rankings through the introduction of new and exciting models in relevant segments and expand the growing dealership network. In Buendia's own words: "We will build upon these accolades to further steer Kia Philippines to greater success. And we will not achieve this without your utmost support." This statement reflects his commitment to driving the brand forward and his recognition of the crucial role of stakeholders in this journey. Buendia also has his sights set on establishing Kia as a major player in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. This is through their EV6 and the up and coming new energy vehicles. Kia Philippines, under Buendia's leadership, is already a major player in the local industry as well as in the region. The company has become one of the fastest-growing car brands locally and has been recognized by Kia Asia Pacific for achieving the highest growth rate in the region and being the number one independent dealer in retail sales in 2022. Seeing it as crucial to the brand’s growth, the team behind Kia Philippines plans to expand its dealer network to 50 dealerships nationwide by 2025, with each dealership offering the same experience and brand design. As important, efforts to improve customer experience, including face-to-face training for all frontliners and three levels of skill certification for technicians and service advisors, as well as improvements in parts availability and after-sales service, are on top of the list for the team. The latter item has currently been improved, with a fivefold increase in parts inventory and a partnership with Ayala-owned Entrego to improve delivery times to dealerships. The company's commitment to electrified mobility is also evident in its ambitious plans. Kia Global has announced its goal to produce 2 million EVs by 2030. This includes the introduction of 2 new EVs every year, culminating in a total of 15 EVs by 2027. Kia Philippines, together with parent company Ayala Corporation, is also working on building an entire EV ecosystem. This includes efforts in financing, infrastructure and software integration. As Buendia noted, Kia Philippines is not just focusing on the vehicles themselves but also on the technology that powers them. The company's global EV strategy includes a focus on connectivity, performance, autonomous driving and design. Kia sees the potential for EV adoption in the Philippines, with sales dependent on markets like China, Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. According to AC Motors President, Toti Zara, the transition to EVs in the Philippines is seen as inevitable, with efforts being made to bust myths about EVs related to safety, range and cost. With recent developments like exemptions from import duties and excise tax, the cost of EVs is expected to achieve parity with internal combustion engine vehicles, according to Zara. The brand also announced that they are to introduce one battery-electric vehicle, one new-energy hybrid vehicle, and two more internal combustion engine vehicles this year. The transition of leadership at Kia Philippines signifies a new era for the company. With Buendia at the helm, the company is poised to drive the brand to the top spot in the Philippine market. The company's commitment to electrified mobility, coupled with its plans for dealer network expansion and improved customer experience, paints a promising future for Kia Philippines. As Buendia confidently stated, "Kia Philippines is already a major player in the local industry as well as in the region." With such a clear vision and strategic plan, there's no doubt that Kia Philippines is on the road to success. The post ELECTRIFIED MOBILITY appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Building climate-resilient communities
Subsidiaries of the Aboitiz Group have consolidated its efforts with the Climate Change Commission, the local government of Toledo City in Cebu, Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to help create resilient, disaster-ready and climate-smart communities. A five-day training workshop to craft an enhanced and science-based Local Climate Change Action Plan was recently held in Bato, Toledo City, the host community of Aboitiz Power-TVI. Toledo City Mayor Joie Perales: “This will upgrade the skills of our local responders and improve our readiness for disasters. I know that our people will truly benefit from this.” The participants were equipped with knowledge based on methods and strategies to produce targeted and responsive climate-action plans. They were also upskilled in developing risk-mitigating LCCAPs anchored on science and evidence-based analysis, which includes biodiversity and ecosystem-based adaptation interventions. “We recognize that our communities and local governments are at the forefront of the climate crisis,” said Climate Change Commission Deputy executive director Romell Antonio Cuenca. “It is imperative for local government units to be prepared for the challenges of the changing climate. LGUs should invest more in crafting and planning appropriate measures to adapt to climate impacts. That is why CCC and Aboitiz came all the way here to Toledo to increase the technical capacity of our LGUs, so that they can develop their local climate change action plans, which will serve as their pathway to resiliency,” he added. AboitizPower Thermal Group (VisMin) president and COO Ronaldo Ramos believes this could spark that transformation in Toledo City, and that the project can be replicated in all the other communities where AboitizPower thermal assets operate: “We believe that by bolstering Toledo City’s climate resilience and adaptation, we can ensure the continuity of our mission to energize Cebu and the Visayas, and, more importantly, secure a sustainable future for Toledo. We’re optimistic about the completion of their LCCAP this year.” At a national level, the LCCAP training workshop is in line with some tenets of the Philippine Development Plan on establishing livable communities, strengthening social protection (chapter 3.2), and accelerating climate action and strengthening disaster resilience. Through this project, Aboitiz also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on reducing inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13), at a global level. The post Building climate-resilient communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How companies are helping DENR ensure an ‘Environment for Life’
On the occasion of the global celebration of World Environment Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources held an “Environment for Life” event, led by DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, that highlighted the department’s two-pronged blueprint for strategic and effective sustainable development and environmental action in the country. The key to these initiatives is to put in place comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society plans that are coupled with finding strategic partners in the form of LGUs and/or the private sector. Marubeni Philippines, a major integrated trading and investment business conglomerate from Japan; Holcim Philippines, a Swiss-based global building materials and aggregates company; the Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc.; SM Supermalls of SMIC; San Miguel Corporation; DMCI Mining Corporation; HOPE/Century Pacific Food Inc.; Makilala Mining Company Inc.; and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies Inc. shared the stage with the DENR and presented their respective efforts toward coherent, convergent and synergized environmental action. [caption id="attachment_149039" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOLCIM PHILIPPINES | Holcim Philippines decarbonized its operations and reduced carbon emissions per ton of cement by 7 percent.[/caption] A recurring theme in all the reports from these strategic partners was how their initiatives embodied the DENR mantra regarding natural resources: to protect, rehabilitate, restore and regenerate. And when it came to treating plastic waste, it was about reduce, reuse and recycle. Marubeni highlighted its carbon credit program through reforestation, a joint undertaking of Marubeni, DENR, Dacon Corp. and the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The initial site covers 10,000 hectares in Negros Occidental and aims to restore biodiversity, create employment in local communities and establish a carbon credit program. Holcim Philippines decarbonized its operations and reduced carbon emissions per ton of cement by 7 percent. In partnership with DENR, it will deploy a 100-percent solar powered catamaran, the Circular Explorer, operated by One Earth One Ocean, to clean up coastal areas from plastic waste in Manila Bay. There is a new project in Northern Mindanao to support coral and coastal ecosystems via a “marine bio-active concrete.” Prime Infra has a reforestation project, in partnership with DENR, covering a 1,800-hectare area within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape. This project integrates water security and watershed protection with forest carbon and biodiversity management, with the MoU serving as a blueprint for the wider implementation of nature-based solutions programs. SM Supermalls embraces sustainability through initiatives on energy conservation, solid waste reduction and water conservation. Its adoption of green and resilient designs in its buildings promotes disaster mitigation and prevention measures, along with solid waste management. Initiatives such as Trash to Cash Recycling, EV charging stations, regular coastal clean-ups, incentives for bicycle riders and the use of recycled water for cooling systems are all part of the SM Supermalls commitment to environmental action. San Miguel Corporation showcased its dredging and river widening work in rehabilitating the Pasig River and its tributaries, which has been effective in reducing floods and overspill in several strategic localities along the river’s course that has historically been notorious for flooding. SMC partners with DENR, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Metro Manila Development Authority and concerned LGUs on these initiatives. DMCI Mining shared its work in helping clean up the recent MT Princess Empress tanker accident and the resulting oil spill and expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to play a critical role in the cleanup of coastal areas in Caluya, Antique. Meanwhile, HOPE Foundation/Century Food Inc., a highly developed CSR sustainable program centered on coconut growing for its Vita Coco beverage, has generated livelihood opportunities for several targeted barangays and communities. It also joined the Plastic Exchange Program, which aims to reduce plastic waste and contribute to the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility Act. The Makilala Mining Company presentation offered a framework for the future of responsible mining, since the planned equity participation for the Balatoc indigenous community that owns the land can provide a regenerative sustainability model for the mining sector. The women in their senior management team also make Makilala a model of inclusion and diversity. Lastly, BEST highlighted its Trash to Cashback program and how it’s centered on a five-step program of Segregate, Exchange, Redeem, Collect and Recycle. The company’s Balik PET Bottle Program is in partnership with Coca-Cola Far East Limited and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners. The event was an effective showcase for how the DENR is developing new ways of working across several fronts to make the protection, preservation and regeneration of the country’s natural resources part of a comprehensive plan for resource development, to ensure that a sustainable future can be safeguarded for all. The post How companies are helping DENR ensure an ‘Environment for Life’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poe blasts DoTR over recurring Holiday power outages in NAIA
Senator Grace Poe on Friday slammed the Department of Transportation after the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 suffered another power interruption ahead of the long weekend. In a statement, Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, could help but ask if the recurring power outages at the country’s main gateway happened by chance or done on purpose. She raised the question after NAIA experienced a power interruption for over 30 minutes. “The most recent power outage in NAIA once again shows the need for urgent power augmentation while a full electrical audit is ongoing,” Poe said. “Regardless of duration, power outages in the country's main gateway are enough to cause a domino effect of flight delays, passenger confusion, and reduced business,” she added. Informal updates relayed by the Manila International Airport Administration point to a human error during the ongoing energy audit by contractor MSERV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MERALCO. “The MIAA management must exercise technical oversight so these human errors are minimized,” Poe stressed. “These series of power outages also happened during peak travel dates - New Year, Labor Day, and now the Independence Day Long Weekend - when the airport is packed with people. Was it by chance or done in purpose?” she asked. Poe recalled that during the 1 May power outage, the DOTr said that the agency is already working with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and other authorities to explore the possibility of sabotage. “This report remains to be seen,” she pointed out. “It also remains unclear why the electrical plan of NAIA Terminal 3, among other important building plan documents, has not been turned over by the contractor despite the government having already paid the just compensation,” she added. She continued: “In the interim, DOTr should look at adding generators and providing comfortable waiting areas to passengers, especially to the elderly and those with medical conditions.” She also urged the agency to immediately provide water and snacks to affected passengers. “Even if NAIA's privatization is being explored, this is no excuse for airport officials to drop the ball. MIAA should implement proper maintenance and contingency plans to prevent any future outages and travel disruptions,” she said. “There should be comprehensive responses for all emergency scenarios. Any audit or improvement needs to be planned ahead of time,” she added. The post Poe blasts DoTR over recurring Holiday power outages in NAIA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Visayan growth
This piece is being written as I traverse the Visayan region which is carrying greater prospects for future economic growth. For the past months, I’ve written on Mindanao and Central Luzon and how these regions have experienced rapid development thanks to the nationally elected political leaders who hail from their provinces, Vice President Sara Duterte and the former president now Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, respectively. At times neglected in the discussions is the Visayas region. This time around, I was able to spend time in Iloilo and Cebu – both highly urbanized regional growth areas outside of Metro Manila. Iloilo is a wonderful city as it exists harmoniously with its bodies of water. Esplanades and walkways allow everyone to enjoy the river, which serves as a leisure area, transportation hub, and entry for goods, which is quite uncommon in the Philippines. Usually, Philippine rivers are either for people or for goods, not both, since our rivers are easily polluted. But in Iloilo, as well as neighboring Guimaras, their rivers bring life to the province. The only eyesore in Iloilo would be the “sinking” Ungka flyover located in Pavia. This project cost the government P680 million but it was closed shortly after it opened because motorists experienced a “wavy” sensation while driving on it. It was later learned that some of its pillars were sinking at the rate of two centimeters per day. A study showed it would take an estimated P250 million to repair the flyover and make it safely usable to the public. One reason to be excited about Iloilo should be the proposed revival of the Panay Railway, which was mentioned by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. in his SoNA last year and included in the Infrastructure Flagship Projects approved by NEDA. On this trip, I learned that Panay used to have a working railway that connected Iloilo City to Roxas City, and that plans for its revival would further connect Iloilo to Caticlan thus, the resort island of Boracay. Imagine having tourists land in Boracay, spend a few days there, then take a train to Iloilo where they would further be immersed in Philippine culture in one of the oldest cities of the country. Cebu is an established gem of a city, with traffic nearing Manila levels. Walking around Cebu feels like being in Alabang or BGC. One thing missing in Cebu is tollways to connect its cities and municipalities. This may change soon with the inclusion of the Metro Cebu Expressway in the NEDA-approved IFPs. The 72-kilometer project, once completed, will connect Naga City to Danao City, cutting travel time from three hours to 50 minutes. The project was started years ago, but only a reported five kilometers of it have been finished so far due to lack of funding. At this rate of budget allocation, it will take 20 years to finish it. Now, the project will continue and be finished sooner via a PPP arrangement after Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. — the same company that built the iconic Cebu Cordova Link Expressway bridge — has expressed interest in it. Whenever I visit Cebu, it seems that a major development had taken place. This time was no different. Even in Iloilo, there are new buildings erected almost monthly. One notable building is the 14-story Stronghold Insurance Building in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, an area surrounded by Ayala, SM, Vista Land, and Megaworld developments. As this Administration has heralded, this time the purpose is to “Build, Better, More” for the benefit of all Filipinos nationwide. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com. The post Visayan growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Borongan takes steps to become first ‘smart city’ in Eastern Visayas
Borongan City in Eastern Samar took a major step toward becoming a smart city after the Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus and LGU-Cauayan City, conducted a Smart City Assessment and Roadmap Formulation from 10 to 12 May 2023. The three-day event aimed to harness smart and sustainable technologies and practices in the country and was spearheaded by Borongan city mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda and DoST Eastern Viasayas regional director Engr. Ernesto M. Granada. Agda of Borongan expressed his excitement about the project, saying that "The implementation of this project aims to promote good governance and transparency. Technology adaptation will make public service more efficient and will make civil servants more accountable to the people they serve." Raquel B. Santos, the Smart City focal person of DoST Region II, emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership among different stakeholders in the community, highlighting the need for local government units, the private sector, academic institutions and communities to work together toward the common goal of building smart and sustainable communities. She also presented the agency's Smart and Sustainable Communities program. Atty. Reina B. Santos, the City Infotech Officer and Smarter City officer in Cauayan City discussed the city's approach to building a smart and sustainable community, highlighting various initiatives and projects implemented in the city. Dr. Betchie E. Aguinaldo, the Director for the Business Intelligence Research and Development Center, discussed the various technologies and innovations of BIRDC for the city, such as OdeSSee, Digital Business Locator, Healthguard, CDEWS and Digital Twin Technology (OdeCitte). Her insights helped participants understand how technology can be used to improve urban living and benefit the community. [caption id="attachment_135090" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Borongan City is the first LGU in Eastern Visayas to take on the smart city development goal, underlining the city’s pioneering efforts to pursue innovative and sustainable development initiatives.[/caption] Following the presentations, the team helped develop Borongan City's Smart City Roadmap, which was supported by the city's departments and their strategic goals and mandates. The department heads created an initial plan and roadmap to address current and future challenges in healthcare, education, infrastructure, security and agriculture. Agda emphasized the significance of the agriculture sector in the city and how the Smart City initiative could help it grow and develop. He also mentioned the Dukwag Agriculture Mapping Project, a unique aspect of the Smart City initiative that aims to create a comprehensive database of the city's agricultural resources, including land use and soil analysis, to help farmers make informed decisions and improve their yields. Various stakeholders expressed their strong commitment to supporting the Smart City project in Borongan City. Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Marilyn O. Radam, represented DoST VIII, along with Dr. Ramil T. Uy, Smart and Sustainable Communities Coordinator in Region 8, Dr. Arnaldo T. Amosco Jr., Provincial S&T Director for DoST Eastern Samar, and DoST's Melvin Sacmar. DICT Region VIII's Engr. Dante Rosales also pledged to provide crucial support, such as infrastructure, equipment, and training for digital literacy and communications. Meanwhile, DICT 8's Claire Fernandez facilitated and assessed the plans during the three-day workshop and created an initial recommendation for asset support. The Eastern Visayas State University also expressed its commitment to supporting the program by providing technical assistance and leading the research and development initiatives. A stakeholders meeting is scheduled on the second week of June during the city's charter day anniversary to kick off the next phase of the Smart City project. The meeting will gather key stakeholders and partners to present and discuss the next steps of the project, review the roadmap and identify potential areas for collaboration. Borongan City is the first LGU in Eastern Visayas to take on the smart city development goal, underlining the city's pioneering efforts to pursue innovative and sustainable development initiatives. The collaboration between the DoST, Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus, and LGU-Cauayan City in conducting the Smart City Assessment and Roadmap Formulation in Borongan City is a significant milestone for the city and the region. By harnessing smart technologies and practices, Borongan City aims to improve the quality of life of its residents and create new opportunities for sustainable economic development. The post Borongan takes steps to become first ‘smart city’ in Eastern Visayas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Inaugural AI summit sets stage for Phl future redefined by AI
Aboitiz Data Innovation, the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence arm of the Aboitiz Group, successfully held the inaugural AI Summit in the Philippines from 10 to 11 May 2023 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay, Philippines. In partnership with Union Bank of the Philippines, Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Google Cloud, the groundbreaking event broke open the discussion and incited action on shaping the future of the country with AI. The summit brought together over 1,000 industry professionals from various sectors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s technological landscape. The Aboitiz Group is currently undergoing a "Great Transformation" to become the Philippines’ first "techglomerate" with ADI at its forefront, operationalizing DSAI to transform data into business and sustainability outcomes to better serve the needs of its customers and stakeholders. The "AI Summit PH 2023: Redefining the Future with AI" forum featured real-world use cases of data being turned into actionable insights and deep-dived into discussions on the challenges, opportunities and advancements within the AI and tech space. The AI Summit PH 2023 was opened with a captivating keynote speech titled “Reimagining a Sustainable and Equitable Philippines with AI” delivered by Third District of Negros Occidental Representative and Housing and Urban Development Chairperson Jose Francisco Benitez. In his address, Benitez highlighted the pivotal role of technological innovation in promoting national development, as heralded by the Philippine constitution. He emphasized the need for collective action in equipping the people with the necessary skills and fostering innovation to adapt, compete and flourish in a brave new world. “A digital future is our national destiny. Let us work together to harness its benefits for all,” Benitez said. [caption id="attachment_132920" align="aligncenter" width="1501"] Third District of Negros Occidental Representative and Housing and Urban Development chairperson Jose Francisco Benitez inspired the crowd at the AI Summit PH 2023 with his message on the power of AI and innovation in promoting national development. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ABOITIZ)[/caption] Through a series of engaging events, including talks, fireside chats, panel discussions, knowledge sessions and networking opportunities, the AI Summit PH 2023 provided a platform for industry leaders, tech innovators and game-changers to share valuable insights and actionable use cases of AI implementation. Attendees were exposed to a diverse range of topics, exploring the immense potential of AI in revolutionizing various sectors, driving sustainable urban development, transforming financial services, powering sustainable smart cities and operationalizing DSAI. Google Cloud Southeast Asia’s Regional Customer Solutions Manager Richard Coombes delivered a presentation on how Google is bringing AI to users, business and society. He also participated in a panel discussion on Generative AI with leaders from ADI and Amazon Web Services. Tiffany Adriana, Google Data Analytics - Southeast Asia Customer Solution Consultant joined experts from Connected Women and KPMG Philippines to discuss data-driven foundations with a focus on data literacy and inclusion. The AI Summit PH 2023 also served as an exceptional platform for networking and collaboration, fostering connections among industry professionals, entrepreneurs and visionaries. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with tech innovators and game-changers, expanding their professional networks and exploring potential partnerships. During the two-day summit, ADI and Connected Women launched its partnership on empowering the latter’s members to take on advanced services such as data handling, language annotation and image annotation for ADI’s Data Science and Artificial intelligence projects. ADI and Mila’s partnership on building responsible AI solutions for the power sector was also announced during the Summit through a ceremonial signing. Mila, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, focuses its mission on core research areas such as health, environment and climate change, and AI ethics. Mila extends its expertise and leadership in AI to deliver advances that will benefit all of society. On the financial services front, LBC Express, Inc., ADI and UnionBank signed a tripartite agreement to champion financial sustainability at the inaugural AI Summit. Through this initiative, LBC clients will have access to small business financing from UnionBank to help finance their expansion plans. The SeekCap Embedded Scoring Agreement was also signed by UBX and ADI during the event. “Let me congratulate Aboitiz Data Innovation on spearheading the first Artificial Intelligence Summit. We laud your efforts in forging our path to national advancement through technological research and innovation as you forge strong partnerships in the field of technology,” shared Vice President of the Philippines Sara Z. Duterte in an official statement. “This active pursuit to explore artificial intelligence and find ways to use it positively for progress facilitates a culture of futures-thinking and preparedness in society,” she added. On the second day of the summit, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy presented an overview of the DSAI landscape in the Philippines and future prospects of these technologies within the country. Uy said, “Digital transformation is about constantly adapting and optimizing new solutions to the ever-changing needs of society, and it starts with deeper and more meaningful partnerships between the government and the private sector. And we all share a common goal of transforming the country and accelerating its progress through the use of all these emerging technologies.” Dr. David R. Hardoon, Chief Executive Officer of ADI, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the first-ever AI Summit in the country and the active participation of industry and government leaders and diverse professionals. “We are thrilled with the success of the AI Summit, which surpassed our expectations in terms of attendance and engagement. This event truly showcases the potential of AI to revolutionize industries and drive sustainable development in the Philippines. We are proud to have provided a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations that will shape the future of AI in the Philippines,” stated Hardoon. ADI plans to build on the success of the AI Summit PH 2023 and continue driving AI innovation to transform businesses and government and advance communities in the Philippines and beyond. They remain committed to advancing AI technologies, fostering industry partnerships and empowering businesses to harness the transformative power of AI for sustainable growth and development. ### The post Inaugural AI summit sets stage for Phl future redefined by AI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»