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China to send youngest-ever crew to space station
Tiangong is the crown jewel of Beijing's space program, which has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon and made China the third country to put humans in orbit. The station is constantly crewed by teams of three astronauts, who are rotated out every six months. The Shenzhou-17 module carrying the trio to the station is scheduled to blast off at 11:14 a.m. (0314 GMT) Thursday from the Jiuquan launch site in China's arid northwest. "It is the crew of astronauts with the youngest average age since the launch of the space station construction mission," Beijing's State Council Information Office said in a statement. The all-male trio will be led by Tang Hongbo, who is on his first return mission to the Tiangong space station. "Throughout the past two years, I have often dreamt of going back to space," Tang said at a press conference on Wednesday. "The space station is our other home that takes us away from Earth and into the universe," he added. Accompanying him will be Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, both in their thirties and each making maiden space voyages. The crew has an average age of 38, compared to 42 for the crew of Shenzhou-16 when it launched. "According to the plan, the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft will conduct autonomous rendezvous and docking procedures after entering orbit," Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for China's space program, said during a Wednesday morning press briefing. It will dock with the station's core module "about six-and-a-half hours" after first initiating the procedure, he added. 'Space dream' Plans for China's "space dream" have been put into overdrive under President Xi Jinping. The world's second-largest economy has pumped billions of dollars into its military-run space program in an effort to catch up with the United States and Russia. In June, the return capsule of the Shenzhou-15 spaceship touched down at a landing site in the northern Inner Mongolia region, with state media hailing the mission as a "complete success". That month also saw the launch of the Shenzhou-16 capsule, which carried the first Chinese civilian -- Beihang University professor Gui Haichao -- into orbit. That crew will return to Earth on October 31 after completing a handover, officials said Wednesday. Beijing also aims to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and plans to build a base on the lunar surface. Spokesperson Lin reiterated that aim Wednesday, saying that the "goal of landing Chinese people on the moon by 2030 will be realized as scheduled". Lunar plans The country's lunar plans were dealt a setback in 2017 when the powerful Long March-5 Y2 rocket failed to launch on a mission to put communication satellites into orbit. That forced the postponement of the Chang'e-5 launch, originally scheduled to collect Moon samples in the second half of 2017. Another robot, the Chang'e-4, landed on the far side of the Moon in January 2019 -- a historic first. Chang'e-5 eventually landed on the Moon in 2020, raising a Chinese flag on the lunar surface and returning to Earth with the first lunar samples in four decades. The final module of the T-shaped Tiangong -- which means "heavenly palace" -- successfully docked with the core structure last year. The station carries several pieces of cutting-edge scientific equipment, according to state news agency Xinhua, including "the world's first space-based cold atomic clock system". The Tiangong is expected to remain in low Earth orbit at between 400 and 450 kilometers (250 and 280 miles) above the planet for at least 10 years. China will send its youngest-ever crew of astronauts to the Tiangong space station this week, officials said Wednesday, as Beijing pursues plans for a manned mission to the Moon by the end of the decade. Tiangong is the crown jewel of Beijing's space program, which has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon and made China the third country to put humans in orbit. The station is constantly crewed by teams of three astronauts, who are rotated out every six months. The Shenzhou-17 module carrying the trio to the station is scheduled to blast off at 11:14 am (0314 GMT) Thursday from the Jiuquan launch site in China's arid northwest. "It is the crew of astronauts with the youngest average age since the launch of the space station construction mission," Beijing's State Council Information Office said in a statement. The all-male trio will be led by Tang Hongbo, who is on his first return mission to the Tiangong space station. "Throughout the past two years, I have often dreamt of going back to space," Tang said at a press conference on Wednesday. "The space station is our other home that takes us away from Earth and into the universe," he added. Accompanying him will be Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, both in their thirties and each making maiden space voyages. The crew has an average age of 38, compared to 42 for the crew of Shenzhou-16 when it launched. "According to the plan, the Shenzhou-17 spacecraft will conduct autonomous rendezvous and docking procedures after entering orbit," Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for China's space program, said during a Wednesday morning press briefing. It will dock with the station's core module "about six-and-a-half hours" after first initiating the procedure, he added. 'Space dream' Plans for China's "space dream" have been put into overdrive under President Xi Jinping. The world's second-largest economy has pumped billions of dollars into its military-run space program in an effort to catch up with the United States and Russia. In June, the return capsule of the Shenzhou-15 spaceship touched down at a landing site in the northern Inner Mongolia region, with state media hailing the mission as a "complete success". That month also saw the launch of the Shenzhou-16 capsule, which carried the first Chinese civilian -- Beihang University professor Gui Haichao -- into orbit. That crew will return to Earth on October 31 after completing a handover, officials said Wednesday. Beijing also aims to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030 and plans to build a base on the lunar surface. Spokesperson Lin reiterated that aim Wednesday, saying that the "goal of landing Chinese people on the moon by 2030 will be realized as scheduled". Lunar plans The country's lunar plans were dealt a setback in 2017 when the powerful Long March-5 Y2 rocket failed to launch on a mission to put communication satellites into orbit. That forced the postponement of the Chang'e-5 launch, originally scheduled to collect Moon samples in the second half of 2017. Another robot, the Chang'e-4, landed on the far side of the Moon in January 2019 -- a historic first. Chang'e-5 eventually landed on the Moon in 2020, raising a Chinese flag on the lunar surface and returning to Earth the first lunar samples in four decades. The final module of the T-shaped Tiangong -- which means "heavenly palace" -- successfully docked with the core structure last year. The station carries several pieces of cutting-edge scientific equipment, according to state news agency Xinhua, including "the world's first space-based cold atomic clock system". The Tiangong is expected to remain in low Earth orbit at between 400 and 450 kilometers (250 and 280 miles) above the planet for at least 10 years. The post China to send youngest-ever crew to space station appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CdO fire victims get Go aid
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assisted 283 recovering fire victims at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall Ground Quadrangle last Thursday, 19 October. Go’s team provided the beneficiaries with shirts, masks, vitamins, snacks and balls for basketball and volleyball. There is also a select recipient of a pair of shoes from the senator. In coordination with the National Housing Authority, through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program which Go advocated for and continues to support, the beneficiaries also received financial assistance for housing materials. Go cited his filed Senate Bill 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure the availability of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city, municipality, and province across the country. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged those with medical concerns to visit the Malasakit Centers located at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in the city. Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing basic medical services closer to the grassroots. In Misamis Oriental, necessary funds were allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Libertad, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao and Tagoloan. There will also be six other Super Health Centers in Cagayan de Oro City. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where these will be constructed. On Wednesday, 18 October, Cebu City held a groundbreaking for the city’s new Super Health Center in Barangay Labangon as part of the local and national government’s commitment to make healthcare more accessible to its residents. For his part, Go emphasized the importance of providing vital healthcare services, especially in remote and underprivileged communities, and underscored the suitability of Super Health Centers in addressing their basic healthcare needs. Go lauded how the Malasakit Center stood as a pillar of support as it paved the way for life-saving heart surgery for 29-year-old Mohammad Abdelrashid Juhuri, a devoted teacher from Maimbung, Sulu. Mohammad’s life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when a diagnosis of congenital heart disease threatened his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. The heart ailment was not a mere medical diagnosis but a life-changer. Also Wednesday, Go’s outreach team conducted a relief operation for various sectoral groups at the Brgy. Mintal Gymnasium in Davao City. Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 500 beneficiaries. They also gave away shoes, watch, and mobile phone to select recipients. The post CdO fire victims get Go aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Travel eases as unified toll sticker, wallet rolls out next year
Motorists traversing the country's major expressways may start using a unified RFID sticker and wallet for more efficient toll payments within the second quarter of 2024 as both regulators and operators push to advance the long-delayed toll road interoperability project. During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Tuesday, Toll Regulatory Board spokesperson Julius Corpuz said the planned Phase 3, or the last stage of the toll road interoperability project is on track to roll out anytime from April to June next year. Corpuz conveyed that his optimism stemmed from the constant and conclusive coordination among the government and toll operators San Miguel Corp. or SMC and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC. "We are looking forward to the Phase 3 dry run this coming December and that phase of our interoperability project will be fully implemented by the second quarter of next year," Corpuz said. "We continue to communicate and coordinate with the operators to identify areas that need improvement so that the planned rollout will be smooth. So far, it looks like we are on track," he added. Once in place, for instance, motorists may easily pass through North Luzon Expressway, a toll road operated by MPTC, using their Autosweep RFID sticker, which is normally used across SMC-operated expressways. In turn, those with EasyTrip RFID stickers will then be allowed to use them in MPTC-controlled expressways. The Toll Interoperability Project was launched in 2017, requiring toll road companies to make system adjustments for integrated toll collection. The first stage of the project involves implementing a completely cashless and contactless system for toll payments. The second stage, on the other hand, includes the use of two RFID wallets to hold payment loads for specific toll plazas, but there will also be a single RFID sticker that can be read by sensors at various toll roads. Finally, the third stage involves implementing an RFID sticker for all toll expressways and consolidating all toll payments into one wallet. The TRB is currently in the second month of the two-month dry run it is enforcing for contactless transactions in select toll plazas, which seeks to determine the program's viability. It also aims to identify and resolve any roadblocks that will hinder the operators from fully implementing the project. As perceived, Corpuz said many motorists still do not have their RFID installed during the initial run. "One of the biggest challenges is encouraging and motivating our motorists to switch from cash to RFID. But we noticed that since we implemented this dry run, many people have started to install RFID and they are now enjoying faster transactions at our toll plazas," Corpuz said. "After October, if our 2-month dry run ends, we will have an assessment on whether to extend it or not. It will also guide us in determining if we need to do something else to improve and repair our electronic toll-collecting systems," he added. The post Travel eases as unified toll sticker, wallet rolls out next year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all
It has nothing to do with that particular country, or so they claimed rather cautiously and diplomatically. Navies of the Philippines and the United States opened their bilateral naval exercises yesterday, along with six other countries, at Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The drills involve at-shore events at the Philippine Navy’s headquarters before going out to sea for exercises intended to improve the allied naval forces’ interoperability. Dubbed Exercise Sama-Sama, or Together, the exercise, according to Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, has nothing to do with a particular country that has figured in increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. But Adaci was obviously referring to China whose coast guard had used water cannons on Philippine Coast Guard-led resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS. Adaci opened the exercise with US Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Karl Thomas. “The exercise is designed to be conducted here in Manila and the southern Luzon area,” Adaci said. Thomas, for his part, stressed the need to recognize the rules-based international order. Strong word “I think it is important that all nations have a right to sail and operate in the West Philippine Sea — free from worrying about being attacked,” Thomas said. “And attack is probably a strong word.” “I would say, free from being coerced, free from being intimidated. You know we want the commons to be common and open and free. And so long as our nations operate in accordance with the rule of law, in accordance with the rules and regulations, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he said. Like Adaci, Thomas did not mention China, but it is common knowledge that the United States military has been conducting “freedom of navigation” patrols to keep the South China Sea open to international commerce. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week ordered the PCG to cut the 300-meter floating barrier installed by Chinese militia vessels at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. PN assets in action A 2016 arbitral ruling deemed China’s territorial claim on nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap the WPS, invalid. The ruling stemmed from a 2013 case filed by the Philippines against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, after Beijing seized control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. As the PCA junked China’s nine-dash line South China Sea claim, it affirmed the Philippines’ entitlement to its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Around 700 sailors and marines from different PN units are participating in the exercise, which will see in action, among other assets, the BRP Antonio Luna, and an AW109 naval helicopter. For the second straight year, the exercise will include the navies of Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Australia. They will be participating mainly in humanitarian assistance and disaster response drills. Observers Meanwhile, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Indonesian Navy are also joining as observers the naval exercise that dates back to 1994 when it was known as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. In 2017, its name was changed to Exercise Sama-Sama. Subsequently, the exercise was conducted annually across various regions: In 2017 at Naval Forces Central; in 2018 at Naval Forces Northern Luzon; in 2019 at Naval Forces West; and in 2021 at the Northern Luzon Command. Last year, it was held alongside Exercise Lumbas — the bilateral navy-to-navy exercise between the Philippines and Australia — with the limited participation of France, Japan and the United Kingdom. According to the PN, the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the capabilities of both nations in responding to regional crises. Additionally, it aims to strengthen its capacities to address non-traditional challenges, including territorial defense, natural and man-made disasters, counterterrorism, maritime security and transnational crimes. The post U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P5M street-lighting project in Pangasinan inaugurated
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos led on Sunday morning the inauguration of a P5 million street-lighting project in Mangaldan, Pangasinan. The project involves the installation of 115 solar panels to provide lighting along the Alangacan Road traversing barangays Tebag, Salaan, Palua, and a portion of Pogo, and directly benefiting the Angalacan Eco-Tourism Park which is one of the main tourist destinations in the town. It was funded through the Seal of Good Local Governance incentive the municipality won last year. Abalos commended the Municipal Government of Mangaldan for winning the prestigious SGLG Award multiple times and for putting the incentive into good use. “Sa SGLG, pinipili namin ang pinakamagagaling na LGUs. Napakahirap manalo dito, para kang pumapasok sa butas ng karayom. At ako ay natutuwa dahil laging lumulusot ang Mangaldan,” Abalos said in his message during the inauguration ceremony. “Natutuwa ako na ginamit ang SGLG Incentive fund sa tamang paraan. Napakaimportante ng pailaw na ito, ng installation ng 115 solar lights. Lagi kong sinasabi, what if ang naglalakad sa gabi ay anak nating babae, o asawa nating babae, yan ang laging barometer ko kung safe ang lugar,” he added. The project is already the 5th SGLG-funded initiative in Mangaldan town having won the award in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022. He also urged local officials to be proactive in their leadership by engaging in regular dialogue with their constituents and collectively finding and implementing solutions to their locality’s problems. “Leadership is knowing about your community. Ang pagiging magaling na lider ay ang pag-alam sa iyong lugar, sa kalakasan nito at kahinaan nito. Makukuha mo ang solusyon sa pakikipagdayalogo sa mga tao. Kailangang makasalamuha mo ang tao,” he said. “Matapos mo makonsulta ang tao makasama ang tao sa pag-implementa and once you implement it, i tell you, you cannot go wrong because that is leadership coming from the heart, coming from the community. It’s a proactive kind of leadership,” he added. He also urged them to harness agriculture which is the biggest resource of their town and province and continue to work for the welfare of their constituents. “Ang yaman at lakas n’yo ay agrikultura, harness this at kasama n’yo ako dito,” he said. Mangaldan Mayor Bona Fe De Vera-Parayno expressed her gratitude to the DILG for the SGLG incentive and for serving as an inspiration. “Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat kay Secretary Abalos at sa DILG sa pagbibigay ng proyektong ito at sa inspirasyon ng pagiging matino, mahusay at maaasahan,” she said. The SGLG is an institutionalized award, incentive, honor, and recognition-based program, that aims to bring about inclusive and people-oriented reforms that will enable LGUs to foster a culture of good governance. The post P5M street-lighting project in Pangasinan inaugurated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ERRAMON Aboitiz: Renaissance man
The Aboitiz family is a big player in Philippine business for over a century. With businesses covering a wide range of industries, including power, banking, food, and infrastructure, the clan’s Aboitiz Group has been creating jobs and opportunities for Filipinos. Founded by Paulino Aboitiz, son of a Spanish farmer who migrated to the Philippines in the late 1800s, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., or AEV, has grown from being an abaca-trading and general-merchandise business to a conglomerate with interests in power, banking, food, property, biofuel and construction. The group is undergoing its Great Transformation to establish itself as the Philippines’ pioneering techglomerate. This innovative growth strategy, powered by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers the entire group to advance businesses and uplift communities. Among the driving forces propelling the Group’s business revolution is Erramon “Montxu” Aboitiz. Montxu previously served as the president and chief executive at Aboitiz Equity Ventures for 10 years from 2009 to 2019. He also briefly held the role of CEO at Aboitiz Power Corp. in 2018. Presently, he serves as a director at AEV and Endeavor Philippines and as chairman of the Board of Directors at Union Bank of the Philippines. Likewise, he serves as a board observer of the Aboitiz & Company. The Asian Institute of Management named Montxu as the new chairman of its Board of Trustees, effective from 1 September 2023. Montxu joined a respected group of successful business leaders who are dedicated to advancing the progress and welfare of Asia and its inhabitants. He was the 7th chairman of AIM, taking over from Peter Garrucho who held the position since 2017. Montxu graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, USA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance. In 2011, he was awarded the Management Man of the Year by the Management Association of the Philippines and recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Seven years after that, AIM awarded Montxu with an honorary doctorate in management. Social responsibility runs in Aboitiz blood The Aboitiz Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, donated $10 million to AIM in 2019 — known as the Aboitiz 100th Anniversary Commitment Fund. The fund aims to bridge the local and regional gap in data science and innovation. As a result of this generous donation, AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship is now able to provide top-notch education and research opportunities in data science, with a focus on practical applications. This is made possible by collaborating with data science professionals and leaders from around the world. Recently, Montxu was elected chairperson of the AIM board of trustees. He is widely recognized for his strong commitment to social responsibility and philanthropy. Regarding the endowment to AIM, Montxu said it targeted assisting AIM in its efforts “to expand its curriculum and facilities towards the direction of a bold future, and the skills and education it will require.” Through his leadership in the Aboitiz Group and the Aboitiz Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous projects that have made a positive impact on local communities. As chairman of the Aboitiz Foundation, Montxu has played a key role in shaping its initiatives. The foundation focuses on three key areas which are education, enterprise development, and environmental conservation. “As businessmen, there is no doubt we seek profits and a return on our capital. But as Filipinos, we are equally guided by a sense of purpose to find meaningful ways of contributing to our communities across the country. This symbiotic relationship of profit and contributing to society is our secret sauce to true sustainability, allowing the Aboitiz Group to drive change for a better world by advancing business and communities,” Montxu added. The foundation implemented various programs and scholarships to improve access to quality education, foster entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities, and promote sustainability. Aboitiz Foundation has been heavily involved in rehabilitating and improving schools in underprivileged areas. They have renovated classrooms, libraries and other facilities, providing students with better learning environments. The foundation has also donated learning materials and equipment to enhance the educational experience of students. Aboitiz Foundation supports community-based programs that aim to uplift marginalized communities. These programs focus on various aspects such as health, nutrition, livelihood, and disaster resilience. The foundation works closely with local organizations and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions and empower communities to become self-sufficient. Aboitiz Foundation places significant emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability. They have initiated projects to protect and restore ecosystems, promote renewable energy, and reduce carbon footprint. The foundation actively supports reforestation efforts, marine conservation, and waste management initiatives. The foundation also has a strong focus on disaster response and preparedness. They have been at the forefront of providing immediate relief and support during natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes and floods. The foundation also works towards building resilient communities by conducting disaster risk reduction and management training programs. Montxu Aboitiz encourages and supports employee volunteerism within the Aboitiz Group. The company promotes a culture of giving back by providing employees with opportunities to engage in community service and volunteer activities. This not only benefits the communities they serve but also fosters a sense of social responsibility among the employees. It also collaborates with various non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of their social responsibility initiatives. They work together to address complex social issues and implement sustainable solutions that create lasting change. Aligned with the United Nations Global Compact, AEV drives policies, advocacies, and initiatives to make a lasting impact. The post ERRAMON Aboitiz: Renaissance man appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marina Adams debuts in Asia
Longlati Foundation presents Marina Adams’ debut institutional solo exhibition in Asia, In the Garden of My Memory, featuring 11 large-scale acrylic and watercolor paintings and four scroll intaglio monoprints on paper inspired by Chinese folded books. Poetry is a crucial component of Adams’ artistic practice, intertwining language and painting, opening a pathway through its ineffable sensory experience. In the Garden of My Memory is derived from Ted Berrigan’s poem “Tambourine Life.” Perhaps this phrase struck Adams in her studio on a summer afternoon and leapt off the page. Here, it functions as a cryptic invitation, inviting viewers to journey through the artist’s vibrant realm of memories constructed through colors. Like poetry, Adams’ artworks don’t provide specific imagery or narratives, yet they vividly convey her perspectives and contemplation of the world. Impressions drawn from nature, music, fabrics, architecture and literature are transformed into dynamic colors, humming with the physical resonance of individual existence through the canvas as if its structure were a kind of grammar, and light and shadow serve as its tones. These pieces traverse the boundaries of diverse logical fields, directly reaching the channels of individual senses. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="180075,180073"] Adams’ creations should be understood as abstract expressionism within the realm of color field painting. On the one hand, she follows the tradition of color field painting, emphasizing the ontological superiority of overall form and color in the painting, thereby discarding the once-prominent symbols and rhetoric. On the other hand, distinct from the typical serenity and meticulousness of color field paintings, she consistently infuses her colors with spiritual energy, imbuing her paintings with vitality. They undoubtedly emanate from the artist’s bodily rhythm, interpreted into live abstractions through brushes and pigments. Adams earned degrees from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Columbia University in New York. She is the recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship (2016) and the Award of Merit Medal for Painting from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (2018). She has participated in various solo and group exhibitions, including the Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, New York (2021), Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth (2020), Camden Arts Centre, London (2016) and CUE Art Foundation, New York (2008). Marina Adams’ work is in the collections of the MoMA, New York, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Longlati Foundation, Shanghai. She lives and works in New York, Bridgehampton, Long Island and Parma in Italy. Co-founded by David Su and Zihao Chen in 2017, Longlati Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Hong Kong. It aims to contribute to the development of contemporary art in its diversity. Curated by Jenny Chen Jiaying, In the Garden of My Memory runs from 14 September to 25 October on the third floor of Longlati Foundation, 117 Hong Kong Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China. The post Marina Adams debuts in Asia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Jose del Monte City strives to shine
Defying rains and strong wind brought by two typhoons — “Goring” and “Hanna” -— and the southwest monsoon, the local government of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan kicked off the celebration of its Tanglawan Festival on 1 September with a flashy program and a fashion show. This year, the city in the eastern portion of the Central Luzon province is holding its biggest festival yet, which lasts until 10 September. Tanglawan is spearheaded by the city’s prominent political family, led by its mayor Arthur Robes and his wife, congresswoman Florida P. Robes. Meant as a celebration of the anniversary of San Jose del Monte’s achievement of cityhood on 10 September 2000, the festival aims to project the city as a beacon of progress in the province, thus the name, which derived from the Tagalog word tanglaw, meaning “light.” Launched in 2016, it is also, of course, an opportunity for San Joseños to gather together, enjoy and be entertained. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="179659,179658"] In the 2017 festival, the city made a bid to be included in the Guinness World Records for mounting the largest lantern parade on 19 September, involving 14,173 people. During the two years of lockdowns because of the coronavirus pandemic, the festival was held virtually. It made a comeback as an onsite event in 2022. This year, Tanglawan Festival, which has the theme, “Tanglaw ko, Bukas Mo, Mananatiling Bulakenyo. Yes to HUC!,” is made grander to promote its bid to secure a highly urbanized city status, according to the deputy festival director Glenn de Jesus. The Pasiklab ng Tanglawan: Tanglawan Festival Grand Opening at the CSJDM Sports Complex featured celebrities, such as Robi Domingo, Darren Espanto, Paul Salas, AC Bonifacio and Jillian Ward. The show also featured the debut of the new signature moves created by dance group Douglas Nierras Powerdance, performed by about 400 dancers to the new festival theme song composed by Ato del Rosario. The moves and music would be used for their street-dancing parade and competition, the Arya-aryahan Street Dance Comp the first time that the festival featured a fashion show, a nod to the city’s garment industry. Organizers said that San Jose del Monte was once considered the fashion capital. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="179653,179654"] The “Tanglaw ng Kahapon” part of the fashion show showcased the collections of Viña Romero, who is from San Jose del Monte, with accessories by Arnel Papa. A collection took heavy inspiration from the Dumagat people, an indigenous people of the city, which can be problematic. Another collection was inspired by the piña fabric. The second part of the show featured the luxurious pieces of Francis Libiran, who hails from the town of Balagtas. Organizers hope that the fashion show would be a regular part of the lineup of events of the Tanglawan Festival, which includes events regularly seen in modern festivals in the country, such as trade fairs, sporting competitions, concerts and parades. The post San Jose del Monte City strives to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salute to animal shelter heroes
Woofy, one of the pet food brands of Aboitiz’s agribusiness and food group Pilmico and Gold Coin, has partnered with animal shelters to salute animal welfare heroes through “Project Hero.” This initiative aims to recognize different animal shelters across the country and encourage more pet owners to adopt from them. Animal shelter owners and their volunteers and employees often dedicate tireless efforts to providing a safe haven for animals in need, providing their daily food, medical needs and a loving refuge. [caption id="attachment_179241" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Woofy, a dog food brand of Aboitiz’s food and agribusiness unit, partners with animal shelters on ‘Project Hero.’ | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ABOITIZ[/caption] Woofy’s “Project Hero” will support animal shelters and those who will adopt animals, and showcase partner shelters’ inspiring stories and experiences, such as these two examples: Isay Halaba’s love for animals led her to volunteer for multiple organizations, eventually becoming a campaign officer for the Animal Kingdom Foundation. Halaba spent most of her childhood surrounded by animals like cats, dogs, pigs and hens. She developed a deep sense of love and appreciation for animals from a young age and eventually carried this passion as she got older. In 2017, she became an active supporter of AKF and even hosted its events where she learned more about AKF’s campaigns and advocacies. Hearing the importance of animal welfare encouraged her to become a full-time volunteer while working at a private company. Juggling both her passion and day job was difficult for Isay, but she chose the work she’s most passionate about — championing animal welfare. The post Salute to animal shelter heroes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lawyer places Marawi bet via Café Sindaw
As Marawi City rose from the Islamic State-led 2017 siege and the pandemic, lawyer Rohairah “Kookai” Lao saw the period as an opportunity to present fresh ideas that were missing in the capital of Lanao del Sur. With a successful career as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ’s regional prosecutor, she wanted to help stimulate the local economy by putting up a business. “I am at a point where I want to give back to my community. To do this, I need something which promotes tourism and is likewise an inspiration,” Lao said. An inveterate traveler, Lao thought of bringing the café culture into the laidback city. She saw potential along the scenic strip that led to Mindanao State University and Lake Lanao, the province’s prime tourism destination. Named Heaven Road, it opens to views of the forest-covered countryside and is blessed with a temperate climate. Bucking the urban legend that the place was a dumping ground for bodies after a rido or a skirmish, the entrepreneur took the risk. She pioneered in building Heaven Road’s first commercial establishment. Lao recalls that her savings were insufficient to finance the construction of the café. Fortunately, she gained access to lending companies. Her brother-in-law, who owned a hardware and construction company, provided the materials at cost. Café hands-on Although she worked with an architect, Lao was hands-on in the design which comprises two levels and a viewing deck. “I made sure that when the café was completed, people who know me can see my personal touch,” she says. Named Café Sindaw (meaning “hope” in Maranaw), the restaurant-cafe aspires to lighten up the lives of the people of Lanao del Sur. “It aims to encourage them to stand up after the fall. There is always some prospect for people who have faith,” says Lao. She invested in an Italian-made coffee machine that is operated by baristas who were trained by experts from Mindanao’s major cities — Davao and Cagayan de Oro. The head barista worked extensively in Saudi Arabia. The menu is an eclectic mix of coffee beverages, pizzas, beef rendang, sasati (spicy balls of smoked fish) and ramen, among others. During Ramadan, one of the private rooms is converted into a prayer room. It accepts orders for iftar-sponsored meals for a minimum of 30. Market turns discriminating Lao observes that the local market is becoming more discriminating as diners appreciate cosmopolitan cuisine and special brewed blends. The resto-café is frequently booked for meetings and birthday parties. The customers gained during the early days of Heaven Road have remained loyal to Café Sindaw despite the mushrooming of similar restaurant cafes. When Café Sindaw opened in February 2022, there was hardly any competition. Following Lao’s example, entrepreneurs have since built their own cafes along Heaven Road. It is now a tourist destination because of the comfort food and beverages and panoramic vistas. Lao observes that people tend to go into business when the economy starts to thrive. As in most ventures, there are challenges, “Opening a restaurant or café is not easy. It involves compliance to national and local regulations. These can sometimes be a burden such as payments of several fees and taxes to the business sector,” Lao said. Then there’s learning to increase operational competence, create a top-performing menu, train and retain staffers. The post Lawyer places Marawi bet via Café Sindaw appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BPI fair offers small firms money management tips
Bank of the Philippine Islands will conduct a financial wellness fair to share tips on building small businesses and money management. This event runs 20 to 23 July at Glorietta 2, Makati City and will include conversation sessions with owners of small enterprises who have benefited from BPI Foundation’s financial aid and business mentorship. Tips can be gotten from entrepreneurs manning the Sinag Sari-Sari booth where fair goers can purchase locally made food items, eco-friendly bags and home accessories. The public can also learn how to make gourmet tuyo and liquid soap in vocational skills sessions. Basic banking services BPI will also discuss basic banking services to help Filipinos without bank accounts. The majority, or some 53 percent of the population are without bank accounts, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. They include the less privileged residents of Makati and Pateros who are highly encouraged to participate in the fair. STARBOOKS To spark interest in entrepreneurship among Filipinos for wealth-building, the Department of Science and Technology will also set up a booth for STARBOOKS, an online library where the public can explore concepts in science, technology, engineering and math and use these to design their business ideas. The number of micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs has grown from 920,000 in 2017 to more than 996,000 in 2020, according to data from global researcher Statista. Post-pandemic, the government expects further growth in MSMEs as it aims to make the country a predominantly middle-income society by 2040, signaling higher consumption for goods and services among Filipinos. The post BPI fair offers small firms money management tips appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ARBO value-chain strategy offers solid ground for MASAGANA rice program
The value chain strategy for agricultural products, which the Department of Agrarian Reform piloted in 2013, particularly on farm clustering, marketing, and linking smallholders to providers of inputs and credit, would be a solid ground for the four strategies of the Department of Agriculture’s MASAGANA Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP). The DAR’s ARBO (Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization) clustering program, in partnership with Caritas’ Catholic Relief Service, was piloted in 2013 in Bukidnon (in three sites) and Misamis Oriental (two sites). Phase 1 involved linking ARBs with the corporate supply chain, which lasted until 2015, said Assistant Director Lita Rosales of DAR’s Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development. Then Phase 2—from 2015 to 2017—involved linking farmer smallholders to markets with microfinance. The sites involved in this phase expanded to 98. Phase 3 after 2017 (which was disrupted a bit by the pandemic) already covered 150 sites of clustered farms in practically the entire country, she explained. DAR’s mandate was always to work with ARBOs and clusters formed by them, which DAR linked with suppliers of farm inputs, corporate markets, and providers of farm machinery and post-harvest technologies. The DAR’s ARBO program covered farm clusters producing coconut, corn, sugar, cacao, coffee, livestock, poultry and fisheries, and even rice. With the MIRDP set to be fully adopted, the wealth of experience of ARBOs can hasten the learning curve of newly-organized clusters to be formed by the different attached agencies of the DA. These include the irrigators associations (both national and communal irrigation systems) of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the SWISAs (or small water irrigation systems associations) of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), and rice farm cooperatives registered with the Cooperatives Development Authority (CDA). Farmer-members of these groups must be registered with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) to avail of government interventions. The DA met with DAR and BSWM last 12 July to discuss how the clustering of farmers would be expedited and a follow-up meeting for this purpose has been set for 16 August. Since ARBOs are covered by the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) jointly implemented by the DA, DAR, and the Land Bank of the Philippines, they can avail of loans under the program and in turn, re-lend to eligible ARBs to finance their agri-production projects and activities. The APCP aims to achieve sustainable crop production and increase the incomes of ARBs and their households through the provision of credit and capacity-building assistance. The other DAR programs for ARBOs that could jibe with the thrusts and strategies of MIRDP are stocks and market liberalization, land reform (including the development of land markets), agro-processing and input supply channels, urban finance, and market institutions. MRIDP's MASAGANA stands for MAtatag (climate change adaptation or resiliency), SAma-sama (clustering and consolidation of farms), GAnado (motivated farmers in the rice value chain), and NApapanahon (digital transformation to improve farming practices and program implementation). "MAtatag" aims to boost farmers' climate change resiliency by adjusting the planting calendar during the wet season, shifting main production to the dry season, and promoting crop diversification and crop-livestock-fisheries integration using balanced fertilization, proper irrigation, and other climate-smart practices. "SAma-sama" seeks to create economies of scale by clustering farmers and consolidating farms at the barangay and municipal levels and converging interventions. They will be linked to millers and the NFA, enabling cooperation between farmers, millers, and government institutions to achieve better prices, better quality rice, and appropriate seed distribution. This, too, is the essence of "GAnado", or the value chain approach. "NApapanahon" supports the first three approaches by providing timely and accurate information for decision-making, making interventions digitally based, location-specific, and efficient. The MIRDP will support rice clusters with seeds, fertilizers, and soil ameliorants; training-related activities; credit programs and loan facilities; crop insurance; market assistance; irrigation projects (NIS, CIS, and Small Water Impounding Projects), production and post-harvest machinery and equipment and facilities. The post ARBO value-chain strategy offers solid ground for MASAGANA rice program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t seeks French groups’ aid
The government had sought the support of French businesses in the Philippines’ bid to renew the European Union Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus or EU-GSP+ perks. Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said negotiation for the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement had resumed. Earlier, Pascual said the Philippines will renew its special incentive arrangement on the EU GSP+ for competitive advantage, as the EU GSP+ is set to expire in December 2023. The GSP allows duty-free exports for about 6,000 tariff items to the European Union, which enables cheaper entry of Philippine goods into the EU market. While for the EU FTA, the last second round of negotiations took place in February 2017, and no further negotiating rounds have been scheduled yet. Pascual sought the help of French trade groups during his roundtable meeting with MEDEF International, a leading network of entrepreneurs in France with over 95 percent of the businesses being SMEs. Ideal destination Pascual also took the chance to present the Philippines as an ideal investment destination with the aim of fostering potential partnerships and collaborations with French companies. Pascual acknowledged that MEDEF International is instrumental in strengthening trade and investment relations between the Philippines and France. “Recently, we witnessed the visit organized by MEDEF International for its members in the Philippines, where many of your companies participated. These developments indicate not only the interest and confidence of the French companies in the Philippines but also the strong relationship we enjoy at the business level,” Pascual said. Further, he emphasized that the Philippines is open for business and that the recent game-changing economic reforms such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises, amended Public Service Act, amended Foreign Investments Act, and the amended Retail Trade Liberalization Act are testaments to the country’s goal of attracting global players who can modernize our domestic industry and service sectors while diversifying and expanding exports. “With the reforms I highlighted, the Philippines has seen significant investments in various industries. Our Board of Investments recorded a 200 percent surge in foreign investments in 2021, totaling EUR 11 billion across 235 projects. From 2020 to 2022, the Philippines received a total Net Foreign Direct Investment Flow of $28 billion, with Europe accounting for a significant portion,” the Trade chief said. Likewise, he mentioned that the government has initiated the roll out of the Philippine Business Hub, a platform that aims to simplify business transactions through digital and online processes. “This initiative streamlines the registration of businesses, permit renewals, and other activities, making it easier and faster to conduct business in the Philippines,” he added. About 13 companies from various sectors such as finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and transportation attended the roundtable meeting and expressed a positive outlook toward the opportunities available in the Philippines for French businesses as presented by the delegation. The post Gov’t seeks French groups’ aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Egypt clinic helps women reclaim bodies scarred by genital mutilation
Intissar was only 10 years old when she was forced to undergo genital mutilation, but 30 years later, one clinic is offering help for some of the millions of Egyptian women affected by the still-rampant practice. Intissar, a journalist who like other women cited here spoke under a pseudonym to protect her identity, recalls having spent 30 years "completely deprived of pleasure, without any connection to my body". Her story closely resembles that of millions of Egyptian women and girls who have gone through female genital mutilation (FGM) at a young age, despite state-sponsored efforts seeking to curtail the practice. But for three years, one clinic has sought to change the reality of many of these women. In 2020, surgeons Reham Awwad and Amr Seifeldin became the first to offer clitoral reconstruction surgery in Egypt through their clinic, Restore FGM. Surgery is "the last resort", Awwad told AFP in her Cairo clinic. A common first step in the clinic's treatment is psychosexual counseling coupled with plasma injections, which Awwad said "can reduce the need for surgery by 50 percent". The plasma injections allow for the regeneration of damaged tissue without subjecting women to new, invasive procedures. Nourhan, also using a pseudonym, described chronic pain and a severed sense of pleasure in the two decades since she underwent genital mutilation at 11. Now in her 30s, the suffering has given way to "completely new sensations", Nourhan told AFP eight months after going under the knife again for reconstruction surgery. But more than the physical effects, Nourhan said she finally felt "in charge of my body again". Holiday peak Intissar recounted the day that her grandmother took her -- with the consent of her parents, a doctor and a principal -- to perform the harmful practice. When she cried, her grandmother "would tell me this was for my own good, that I was better this way", she told AFP. Under the grandmother's care, she spent her summer vacation recovering. Now aged 40, the prospect of undergoing reconstructive surgery offers her renewed hope. Lobna Darwish, gender officer at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, urged "prevention campaigns in schools right before the holidays", citing seasonal peaks of FGM during those periods to allow time for recovery after the procedure. In Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country with a largely conservative society, 86 percent of ever-married women aged 15 to 49 have undergone FGM, according to the latest official figures from 2021. Most commonly, they are subjected to the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, which according to the World Health Organization can cause pain, bleeding, infections, painful sexual intercourse and complications during childbirth. The practice -- misguidedly meant to reduce libido and preserve women's chastity -- has been illegal in Egypt since 2008, and is regularly condemned by both Muslim and Christian religious authorities. Yet it remains widespread, not only in Egypt but in multiple other African countries and beyond, often cutting across social classes. Egypt marks its national day for the elimination of FGM on June 14, and every year, government-sponsored TV advertisements list its dangers. While experts say the awareness campaigns have largely scared off parents from what they were told was a dangerous procedure performed by suspect midwives in rural backrooms, a rebranding has kept FGM alive. Parents began opting for what seemed like a safer option, with official figures now showing three-quarters of procedures in Egypt are done by doctors. Intissar, who has studied the practice, said it was being promoted for its "aesthetic" value. When Nourhan and her then eight-year-old sister were recovering, she recalled how the women in their family praised not just the religious and moral virtues of FGM, but how "it was better and cleaner". In reality, Intissar said, FGM aims "to disconnect women from their bodies and their pleasure". Self-discovery Egypt has regularly toughened penalties on both doctors and parents over FGM, but both Darwish and Awwad described an uphill battle against ignorance. "We need proper sex education in schools, and to raise awareness of the dedicated hotline" created in 2017, Darwish said. Awwad noted that "at no point... do doctors learn about reconstructive surgery". And women are scarcely given the chance to get to know their own bodies. At every first consultation, the surgeon gives her patients a mirror so they can look at their genitals -- often for the first time. Intissar was shocked and furious. "Up until that point, I thought they had only removed a small piece of skin. But then I found out they had taken the entire labia and part of the clitoris," she said, recalling how right then she had decided to reclaim her agency. But the decision takes time and money. Nourhan fundraised for a year to be able to afford the surgery, which costs 40,000 Egyptian pounds (around $1,300) -- 10 times the country's average monthly salary. "Authorities need to... offer reconstructive surgery in public hospitals," she argued. In the meantime, Nourhan managed another personal victory: banding together with her mother to save her two nieces from undergoing FGM. The post Egypt clinic helps women reclaim bodies scarred by genital mutilation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CPG buys out Mitsubishi in joint shelter venture
The Antonio Family’s Century Properties Group Inc., or CPG, will take full ownership of PHirst Park Homes Inc., or PPHI, once it completes the buyout of the shares of partner Mitsubishi Corp. in the joint venture. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, CPG will acquire the remaining 40 percent stake in the company. PPHI is a joint venture project between CPG and Mitsubishi Corporation with a 60-40 shareholding, respectively. “This acquisition is part of the group’s strategic move to consolidate interests in the business segment where the market is robust,” CPG executive chairman and Amb. Jose E.B. Antonio said. Battling backlog It will also allow the company to “serve the needs of Filipinos for decent, quality and affordable first homes while helping address the huge housing backlog that the administration is working on,” he said. For Mitsubishi Corp. executive vice president and Group CEO for Urban Development Group Takuya Kuga, the divestment will provide the company an opportunity to focus on expanding to other markets in the region. “The great outcome that we initially projected to achieve in 10 years has been substantially realized within five years,” Kuga said. “As Mitsubishi Corp. has already achieved its optimal goal for this particular investment, we believe that it is the ideal opportunity to pursue new seeds of growth in other emerging markets both in the Philippines and the Asian region.” PPHI was launched in 2017. It aims to launch 15 projects by 2023. Last year, CPG announced its plan to venture into socialized and economic housing as well as middle-income residential markets under Century PHirst Corp. The post CPG buys out Mitsubishi in joint shelter venture appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tax reform measures generate P203-B revenues for gov’t
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said over the weekend that the government collected an additional P202.8 billion in revenues from the tax reform measures legislated over the years in 2022. "The implementation of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Packages, including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN law; sin tax reforms on tobacco, alcohol, and e-cigarettes; and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE law, generated additional revenues amounting to PHP 202.8 billion in 2022," Diokno said in a statement. The total collection last year was 26.3 percent or PHP 42.3 billion, higher than the 2021 full-year incremental revenue of PHP 160.5 billion. This was on the back of full economic recovery due to the lifting of stringent quarantine measures. The significant gains in 2022 were seen in the imported petroleum excise tax, sweetened beverage excise tax, documentary stamp tax, and sin taxes on tobacco and alcohol. These amounted to P272.3 billion in total. "The additional revenues from the tax reform measures will be used to fund the government's priority programs, such as infrastructure development, social services, and healthcare," Diokno said. He added that the government is committed to continuing the implementation of the tax reform measures to achieve its financial goals and improve the lives of Filipinos. Diokno said, "The success of our tax reform measures is a testament to our commitment to sound economic policies. Moving forward, we will continue implementing prudent fiscal strategies and reforms that foster sustainable growth, encourage investments, and provide a brighter future for our nation." The TRAIN law was signed into law in 2017 and aims to simplify the tax system, broaden the tax base, and reduce income inequality. The sin tax reforms were implemented in 2017 and 2019 to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption. The CREATE law was signed into law in 2021 and aims to simplify the tax incentives regime for businesses. The post Tax reform measures generate P203-B revenues for gov’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP intensifies war vs illegal gambling
Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered a crackdown against illegal gambling and the individuals behind them, backed by the formidable “one-strike” and “no-take” policy. The “One Strike and No Take Policy” represents a pivotal element in this comprehensive strategy, ensuring strict enforcement of the Doctrine of Command Responsibility. This resolute stance reflects the PNP’s unwavering determination to eradicate illegal gambling and safeguard the welfare of the Filipino people. Acorda made the latest directive after the PNP and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office forged an alliance to intensify the national campaign against all forms of illegal gambling activities across the country. Under the leadership of Acorda, the PNP is mobilizing its established Regional, Provincial and City Anti-Illegal Gambling Special Operations Task Groups to intensify the implementation of the provisions outlined in PNP MC 2017-022. The specialized units will employ their expertise to gather intelligence, conduct thorough investigations, and execute strategic interventions, fortifying the nation’s fight against illegal gambling. “We will not tolerate the existence of illegal gambling activities that prey on the most vulnerable members of our society. Together with PCSO, we will deploy all necessary resources and implement stringent measures to put an end to this menace,” Acorda said in a statement on Thursday. “The one strike and no take policy represent a zero-tolerance approach, where any negligence or inaction will be met with swift consequences. With this strong stance, the PNP aims to leave no room for leniency in eradicating the illegal gambling menace,” he added. The post PNP intensifies war vs illegal gambling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go files bill seeking to institutionalize 4PH
Sen. Bong Go filed Senate Bill No. 2108 to institutionalize Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, a flagship housing program by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Under the program, the 4PH aims to build six million units by the end of Marcos’ term. Being the lead agency of the program, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has previously issued Department Circular 2023-004, granting authority to the agency’s partner local government units to execute and implement measures to bridge their respective housing gaps under the 4PH. “With our help, local leaders must deliver their commitments as we aim for the sustainability of this massive housing project. If DHSUD, LGUs, government financial institutions and private partners will work together, we can progressively address or even put an end to the country’s housing backlog,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar previously cited. If enacted into law, the initiative aims to provide affordable and decent housing for Filipinos, particularly those in need, considering that the lack of affordable and adequate housing options leaves countless Filipino families without a secure place to call home. Recognizing this pressing issue, Senator Go proposed a comprehensive housing plan that seeks to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of housing units, ensuring that every Filipino can afford a safe and comfortable place to live. “According to the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), in 2017, more than 1.5 million families were regarded as informal settlers,” cited Go in the bill. “About half a million informal settler families in the National Capital Region (NCR) are living in poor conditions, including in high-risk areas, which is made worse by the parallel effects of COVID-19,” he continued. The bill provides for a mechanism to subsidize amortization and interest for the beneficiaries. Potential buyer-beneficiaries must be capable of and committed to paying the subsidized housing loan amortization. The senator likewise emphasized that if implemented successfully, the 4PH would yield numerous benefits for Filipinos across the country as it would provide secure and stable housing for millions of families, offering them a sense of stability and improved living conditions. The post Bong Go files bill seeking to institutionalize 4PH appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tech-livelihood skills to empower Filipino women
Aboitiz Land, the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, has joined hands with the Aboitiz Foundation in partnering with Connected Women to train and support marginalized and disadvantaged Filipino women in Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation skills. The initiative aims to expand Filipino women’s skills and create for them potential income opportunities. Connected Women will offer training and mentorship programs to beneficiaries through its award-winning Elevate AIDA program. This will open new job opportunities and provide them with the skills and knowledge to succeed. This partnership is a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the Philippines, while also promoting gender equality and empowering women. Connected Women, founded in 2017 by Gina Romero and Ruth Yu-Owen, is a social impact tech company with a community of 100,000 women. It has made significant strides in empowering women in the Philippines through training in technology skills and upskilling for the global Artificial Intelligence industry. “We are thrilled to partner with Aboitiz Land in our shared mission to promote gender equality, diversity and sustainable economic growth in the Philippines. This collaboration is a testament to our organizations’ unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of marginalized and disadvantaged Filipino women. Aboitiz Land’s dedication to sustainability, innovation and gender equality is truly inspiring, and we are proud to stand with them in creating a more inclusive future. We firmly believe that this partnership will have a transformative effect on the lives of countless Filipino women,” said Connected Women co-founder Ruth Yu-Owen. Aboitiz Land is committed to innovating toward sustainability, starting with property technology in developing products and services and now, community development. Through this initiative with Connected Women, Aboitiz Land supports marginalized and disadvantaged Filipino women in the communities they operate in, namely San Juan, Batangas and Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. The partnership between Aboitiz Land, the Aboitiz Foundation and Connected Women is a testament to their shared commitment to sustainability and community development and is aligned with the Aboitiz group’s #OneAboitiz Sustainability Framework. Furthermore, the partnership supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal on Gender Equality, emphasizing the importance of empowering women and girls for sustainable economic growth. Aboitiz Land’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and gender equality reflects the company’s dedication to creating a better future for all Filipinos. The post Tech-livelihood skills to empower Filipino women appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PhilHealth reiterates benefit package for premature, small newborn
As the world celebrates World Prematurity Day, today, Nov. 17, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. in Central Visayas (Philhealth-7) highlights its Z Benefits for Premature and Small Newborns. Philhealth said this is also known as Circular No. 2017-0009, which was released in 2017. The benefit aims to ensure delivery of quality of health service for […] The post PhilHealth reiterates benefit package for premature, small newborn appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»