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Karapatan: Cordillera ELCAC resolution violates right to freedom of association
Karapatan strongly condemns Resolution No. 2023-04 issued by the PTF-ELCAC of Kalinga province entitled "A Resolution Strongly Urging All Cities and Municipalities of Kalinga to Require All Entities Representing Themselves as Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to Secure Permission from LGUs Concerned Before the Conduct of Any Activity in the LGU.".....»»
Countries queue for joint Phl patrols
The Philippines is considering multilateral patrols with other nations by next year, aside from the country’s maritime cooperative activities with the United States and Australia, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said Monday. But even without its allies, Brawner said the Philippines will continue its unilateral maritime and air patrol in its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea amid China’s encroachment “as it is our responsibility.” “But the joint maritime and air patrols with our allies and our partners will continue, we just don’t know for now how frequent they will be and also maybe the extent of our patrols, but we are working on that. We are constantly talking to our allies and partners,” he said. Brawner said many countries have signified an interest in conducting joint patrols with the Philippines. “They are also very much willing to conduct and to continue conducting this joint maritime and air patrols with the US in the West Philippine Sea,” he noted. “Aside from the bilateral joint exercises and joint operations that we are doing, there are also some countries who are expressing their desire to conduct this joint maritime and air patrols not just bilaterally but multilaterally,” he added. Brawner said they have yet to start the planning and preparation for the multilateral patrols. The safety of all patrol participants is a top concern, he added. The Philippines last week held joint MAC patrols with the United States and Australia, with Chinese military assets constantly shadowing the allies, whether on air or sea. The AFP chief said China’s activities during the MCAs were as expected. “I don’t think it was unusual, in fact, it happened this year, in May of this year, when US aircraft were flying over the South China Sea and they also encountered Chinese PLA (People’s Liberation Army) aircraft circling them so this is not the first time this happened,” said Brawner. He cited the US-PLA encounter in relation to Sunday’s incident in which two Chinese fighter jets not only shadowed but encircled two Philippine Air Force turboprop Super Tucano planes. Despite the harassment of the Tucanos, Brawner described the joint Philippines and Australia patrol as a “very successful event” as the AFP was able “to achieve the set objectives” for the joint activity. For his part, Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. confirmed the country’s possible iterations of the MCA with other nations. “All iterations are possible with friendly and allied nations, that’s within the multilateral relations that we discussed earlier,” he said. By doing so, Teodoro said, these multilateral activities are part “of the acceptance of the righteousness of our country’s position.”.....»»
US, Philippines Conduct Patrols in South China Sea
The United States and the Philippines were conducting joint air and maritime patrols in the South China Sea, which come as the two countries step up cooperation in the face of growingly aggressive Chinese activity in the area.The Philippine Air Force said on Wednesday its aircraft had taken part in joint patrols on Tuesday in the vicinity of Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, which is only ab.....»»
US, Philippines Conduct Patrols in South China Sea
The United States and the Philippines were conducting joint air and maritime patrols in the South China Sea, which come as the two countries step up cooperation in the face of growingly aggressive Chinese activity in the area.The Philippine Air Force said on Wednesday its aircraft had taken part in joint patrols on Tuesday in the vicinity of Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, which is only ab.....»»
MIMAROPA logs lower crime rate
The Police Regional Office in MIMAROPA region reported on Tuesday that the crime rate in the region has dropped by 20 percent compared to the same period last year following the three-day regionwide Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations. The operations highlighted the intensified campaign against wanted persons, campaign against loose firearms, anti-illegal drugs and anti-illegal gambling activity. PRO-4B chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said that based on the data from the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, they have recorded a 20.15 percent decline in the region’s crime volume with 31 crime incidents recorded from 28 to 30 September compared to 39 in the same period last year. Of the total crimes recorded, the Peace and Order Indicator recorded a significant decrease of 44.12 percent or 15 from 34 in 2022 to 19 in 2023. He said that during the three-day SACLEO, there were 35 persons arrested which includes 26 in the campaign against wanted persons with four most wanted persons nabbed from the provincial and municipal levels. He added that five drug personalities were apprehended during the conduct of four separate anti-illegal drug operations and the confiscation of approximately 8.68 grams of shabu and 13 grams of marijuana, with an estimated value amounting to P172,372. In the operation against loose firearms has recorded a total of 10 confiscated, recovered, surrendered firearms while six were turned over for safekeeping as authorities. All arrested suspects and recovered evidence were brought to the respective units/police stations for further investigation, documentation and proper disposition. The post MIMAROPA logs lower crime rate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iloilo celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride this October
This October, the Western Visayan city of Iloilo in Panay Island is celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride with an array of different events, called Pride Pyesta, led by the organization Iloilo Pride Team with support from the Iloilo City government, Iloilo LGBTQIA+ Network, Youth Voices Count Inc. and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. With the theme “Iloilo Embraces Hue,” this year’s celebration kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Sunburst Park on 1 October. The program included messages; unveiling of Layag Up, an LGBTQ+ landmark; SOGIESC Cup oath of sportsmanship; presentation of the contestants of the Rajah at Diwata sang Iloilo; and the official sashing of the contestants of the Search for SOGIESC Ambassador. [caption id="attachment_191688" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A biker group joined the Ride for hue. | photograph courtesy of Marshal Bikers[/caption] This was followed by the Ride for Hue: Pride Pyesta Pamukaw and Pride Ride, involving bikers going around the city center and making it more colorful. Also, on the same day, Iloilo Pride Team’s project Art x Pride opened its exhibit, “Kinaiya: A Red Rag to a Bull” at Festive Mall Iloilo, which runs until 22 October. According to the organization, “Art X Pride, which started back in 2021, is an initiative aiming to highlight the talents of LGBTQIA+ artists in the fields of literary writing and visual arts focusing on finding out how art became a movement to achieve change, promote equality, and, most importantly, acquire freedom as it focuses on the theme, “Celebrating myself through art, by art, and with art.” It has always been one of the advocacies of the Iloilo Pride Team to support the community through their many talents as well as provide living and local artists a spotlight on all possible platforms.” “This year, Art X Pride dives deeper into the nuances and subversiveness of queer art, and how it should not be subdued to conform to the societally accepted themes of today. Similar to a red rag irritating the bull, art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable,” they added. Other cultural events in the Pride Pyesta calendar include “#HowInequalityLooksLike,” which has been touring the country and which will be mounted from 8 to 22 October at Festive Mall. The exhibit features portraits of LGBTQ+ persons and their experiences of marginalization, discrimination and inequality. The Dakila Iloilo Collective will hold a poster making activity on 17 October, also at Festive Walk Mall. From 19 to 21 October, the Cinemakulay film festival will be held at Cinematheque Center Iloilo, screening LGBTQ+ films. Iloilo Pride Pyesta is also an opportunity to learn more and to facilitate discussions with its lineup of talks. A popular one is the Kalipayan Talks, which deals with sex, an often taboo subject. This year, it will be held on 16 October at Festive Mall Iloilo and will be tackling polyamory, asexuality, BDSM (bondage, discipline or domination, sadism and masochism), consent and experiences of persons living with HIV or PLHIV. On the other hand, the Gender and Safe Spaces Forum will tackle intersexuality, sexual and reproductive health and rights and HIV/AIDS on 7 October at the San Agustin University Auditorium. The Family Planning Organization of the Philippines will present TransHealth Talk on 13 October at SM City Iloilo mall. [caption id="attachment_191687" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Drag queen Avria La Veen will conduct a drag workshop. | photograph courtesy of Avria La Veen[/caption] In recent years, with its rise in popularity, drag has been a vibrant part of the celebration. On 14 October, The Queen Inside of Hue: Drag Workshop will be held at the B Lifestyle Complex. Drag queen Avria La Veen will give pointers on makeup, hair styling, runway walking, performance and stage presence. Other events include the SOGIESC Volleyball Tournament from 9 to 20 October at the Zamora-Melliza Uswag Gym; the official sashing of Rajah at Diwata sang Iloilo at SM City Iloilo on 13 October; and Libreng Gupit: A Ginhawa 2.0 Mental Health Resilience and Well-being Program on 27 October at Sunburst Park. The celebration will culminate on 22 October with a Pride march with street dancing from Iloilo Esplanade to Festive Mall Iloilo, where a program will held together with the Search for SOGIESC Ambassador Pageant, Laban Mamsh: A Lipsync Battle and Drop the Ball: A Drag Competition. The post Iloilo celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride this October appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Murder suspect nabbed at QC checkpoint
A security guard wanted for murder in Caloocan City was nabbed by operatives of the Quezon City Police District, Novaliches Police Station (PS 4) at a checkpoint Sunday night. QCPD PS-4 commander, P/Lt.Col. Jerry Castillo, identified the suspect as Romnick Abayon Perote, 34 years old, a Security Guard at Parkview Executive Village, and a resident of Brgy. Bagumbong, Caloocan City. Castillo said they have received information regarding a shooting incident that transpired at 8:20 p.m. on 1 October 2023 at Parkview Heights Exclusive Village in Brgy. Bagumbong, Caloocan City. He immediately ordered the conduct of a checkpoint, Oplan Kandado, along Susano Road corner Austria St., in Brgy. Nova Proper, Novaliches, for the possible escape route of the fleeing suspect and intercept him. Fortunately, they were able to intercept the suspect onboard a passenger jeepney, which resulted in his arrest. Confiscated from Perote's possession was one caliber .38 Armscor 202 loaded with five live ammunition. The suspect was properly turned over to Caloocan Police Station (PS9) for further investigation and proper disposition to face the murder case and violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. "I commend the dedication of PS 4 personnel for their swift conduct of checkpoints, which led to the arrest of the suspect. This proves that checkpoint operations are really crucial for deterring criminal activity and maintaining the well-being of our citizens,” Maranan commended Castillo and his men. The post Murder suspect nabbed at QC checkpoint appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go gives support to rebuilding efforts for fire victims in Caloocan City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go's team provided assistance to 44 fire victims in Caloocan City on Thursday, September 28. In his video message during his team’s relief activity at Bulwagan ng Katipunan, Go reiterated his support to ensure that families recover from the damages incurred. “Sa mga nasunugan, huwag ho kayong mag-alala. Sabi ko nga sa inyo noon, ang gamit ay nabibili. Ang pera ay kikitain, subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever,” said Go. “Pangalagaan at ingatan po natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat isa. Ang importante po magtulungan tayo, sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo lang po kapwa natin Pilipino. Kaya po nandirito kami ngayon para tulungan kayong lahat mga kababayan ko,” he added. Go, through his team, provided masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to all affected individuals while he also gave away shoes to select recipients. Meanwhile, a team from the National Housing Authority (NHA) extended emergency housing assistance to qualified families to further help them recover and get the materials they need to rebuild their homes. “Mayroon po akong isinusulong na programa noon para sa NHA. Ito po ‘yung pambili ng housing materials. Bibigyan po kayo ngayong araw na ito ng pambili ng materyales tulad ng pako, yero at iba pang kagamitang pampaayos ng bahay. Patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang implementasyon ng programa para makatulong po sa mga nasunugan nating kababayan na makabangon muli,” Go explained. Go also cited that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is currently undergoing a modernization program following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the BFP Modernization Act of 2021, which he primarily authored and co-sponsored. The Act shall enable the agency to respond faster and more effectively to fire-related incidents in the country as the mandated modernization program shall include procuring new fire equipment, expanding manpower, and conducting specialized training for firefighters, among others. Furthermore, it also mandates the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also reached out to residents with health concerns, advising them to utilize the services of any of the 31 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila, including the one at Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan city. Malasakit Centers function as one-stop shops that provide convenient access to medical assistance programs for poor and indigent patients. These programs are offered by various agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, and there are currently 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide. According to DOH, these centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also extended his support to several infrastructure initiatives in Caloocan City to help boost its economic growth, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings. The post Bong Go gives support to rebuilding efforts for fire victims in Caloocan City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Climate change, deforestation imperil medicinal trees, plants
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB), the principal research arm and thinktank of the DENR, led the conduct of the ASEAN Conference on Medicinal Forest Trees in Pampanga, citing the huge potential of medicinal trees for the health and wellness of Filipinos. Some 117 participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan took part in the three-day conference last week where experts underscored the need to implement active conservation efforts to protect and propagate medicinal plants amidst climate change and other threats, noting that the country has yet to maximize the economic value of medicinal plants. Maria Lourdes G. Ferrer, ERDB director, said forest species studies reveal interconnected relationships between nature and human health used by indigenous people worldwide for disease treatment. Ferrer said there is a need to gather and preserve indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants and medicinal forest trees given their benefits and potential for economic activity. "As we embark on this intellectual journey, let us remember that our discoveries have the potential to touch lives, alleviate suffering, and shape the course of healthcare and medicinal forest tree species conservation," Ferrer said. For his part, ERDB Assistant Director Conrado B. Marquez said habitat protection through active management of forests, and governance with the appropriate funding allocation are vital for medicinal forest trees to adapt and become resilient to climate change. Marquez said the ERDB is mandated to develop protocols on propagation and plantation development and management. "We are working now on a technology called tree fortification. We are trying to fortify trees in a manner that will make them more resilient to pests and to add to the viability and manageability of particular tree species," Marquez said. The objective of tree fortification is to protect threatened tree species and increase their population. The ERDB is also doing other vegetative propagation measures such as cloning to address the scarcity of species. Dr. Pastor Malabrigo Jr., professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, said that based on the database of medicinal species in the country 456 tree species have known medicinal value. "We have 3,500 tree species. It's safe to assume that we are underutilizing our plant resources. There are rare, threatened species, the public is not familiar with, which are not being used. We have to give attention to these," Malabrigo said. He encouraged the event poster presenters to publish their research on medicinal plants for people to recognize these and increase public awareness. The post Climate change, deforestation imperil medicinal trees, plants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
500 EDCA deals in 2024 pipeline
The United States has committed to more than 500 bilateral military engagements with the Philippines next year, which would primarily feature the stepping up of war games and joint sea patrols. An Armed Forces of the Philippines official described the engagements as encompassing exercises and high-level exchanges between the allied nations on security cooperation and strategic vision, including maritime security, information sharing, and capacity and capability development, among others. The commitments were made during last week’s annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board meeting, said the AFP official, who requested anonymity. Meanwhile, AFP Public Affairs chief, Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, said highlights of the activities will include an increased “tempo” in the joint exercises. At the same time, projects under the Enhanced Development Cooperation Agreement will be scaled up. He said engagements with other key international partners will also be part of the new set-up. During the meeting, AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral John Aquilino reaffirmed the “steadfast commitment of the Philippines and the United States to safeguard their respective nations and the Indo-Pacific region.” “The meeting was the culminating activity of the planning cycle that assessed previous activities and set out over 500 bilateral engagements for 2024,” Ileto said. Increasing the American role in the maritime conflict with China is expected to be matched by the latter through increased aggressiveness in staking its claim in the West Philippine Sea. Swarming by vessels resumes The AFP Western Command on Saturday expressed alarm over the heightened presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels and the massive coral harvesting at Rozul, or Iroquois, Reef, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. In a weekly news forum in Quezon City, Wescom commander, Vice Admiral Albert Carlos, reported the “resurgence” of swarming incidents in the West Philippine Sea, with about 40 Chinese fishing vessels spotted as of 15 September at Rozul Reef, which is located south of Recto Bank. Carlos said the latest figure is higher than the 33 vessels spotted on 24 August and the 24 tracked on 7 September. Swarming was also observed at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, where five Chinese fishing vessels were spotted, and Baragatan (Nares) Bank, with two boats, according to a Wescom news release on 14 September. “But the good news is we also have our presence there,” Carlos said, referring to vessels of the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. “So, we are addressing the issue of this swarming,” he added. Harmful harvesting Carlos noted that in July, the Philippine Navy deployed divers to conduct an “underwater survey” of the swarmed area and found “there were no more corals” at Rozul Reef. The military is coordinating with scientists and experts to assess the area, he said, adding that it specifically wants to verify the divers’ assessment that massive harvesting of corals happened just recently. “We saw that there were no more corals. The corals were damaged, and there was debris,” he said. “We are not making any conclusions at this time. It’s a work in progress, but we just want to report coral harvesting in the area where (the Chinese were) seen loitering and swarming.” Keeping the peace Carlos said government troops want to “keep the peace and avoid miscalculations” in the WPS despite the recent incidents. He, however, guaranteed a heightened military presence in the Philippines’ waters. “The presence (of Chinese vessels) is already alarming because we have the sovereign rights in our exclusive economic zone. Now, coral harvesting is still unverified. We are not saying that they are harvesting our corals. We suspect somebody is harvesting our corals, which means they are violating our sovereign rights. We have the exclusive right to exploit resources in the West Philippine Sea,” Carlos said. “For the Western Command, that is alarming, because it might appear that we are remiss in our duty to protect our territory, as well as the riches of our exclusive economic zone. So we are doubling our efforts on that. We are going to address that issue by increasing our presence there,” he said. Joint patrols assessed Carlos said the government is “carefully” studying offers by other countries to conduct joint patrols with Philippine forces. For now, the military is carrying out unilateral maritime patrols in the WPS, he said, adding that these are being “jointly conducted with the Philippine Coast Guard and the BFAR, not with any foreign country.” “We are in engagement with whoever offers to help us, whoever shares our desire, our objective to establish a rules-based international order. We are studying it carefully. All the offers are on the table,” he said. More EDCA projects Ileto said Brawner and Aquilino also agreed to hasten the completion of the EDCA projects. There were 32 projects approved. The two officials are eyeing 63 more EDCA projects. “More importantly, it reaffirmed the two nations’ commitment to the PH-US alliance as espoused in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said. The Philippines and the US military officials also agreed to jointly push for a free and open Indo-Pacific region “against a backdrop of a rules-based international order,” Ileto said. The post 500 EDCA deals in 2024 pipeline appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG’s ‘Barangay at Kalinisan Day’ to be launched in NCR
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abaloso on Thursday urged all 42,027 barangays and the public to join the national launching of “Barangay at Kalinisan Day” (BarKaDa) on Saturday, 16 September 2023. Abalos said this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call for bayanihan. “Halina’t makiisa, halina’t maki-BarKaDa sa Sabado, September 16. Magtulong-tulong tayong linisin ang ating mga pamayanan para sa mas maayos at ligtas na kapaligiran,” Abalos said. BarKaDa is a nationwide community-based clean-up drive program, geared to maintain and provide a healthy and safe environment and prevent the spread of diseases through proper solid waste management. Simultaneous BarKaDa activities will be held in 29 esteros and creeks in the cities of Manila, Quezon , Caloocan, Pasig, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Pasay. In Memorandum Circular 2023-133, Abalos urged barangays to pass an ordinance or resolution declaring one day of the week as BarKaDa, preferably every Saturday. During BarKaDa, barangays are expected to conduct coastal clean-up, dredge clogged waterways, prune thick bushes or branches, and dismantle breeding places of mosquitoes in coastal areas, waterways, creeks, public parks, roads, and other public spaces within their areas. DENR coastal clean-up Also on Saturday (16 September), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will conduct a separate cleanup activity in various sites in coastal areas in Metro Manila. The coastal cleanup day is in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 470 Series of 2003 declaring every 3rd Saturday of September as International Coastal Cleanup Day in observance of the Global Coastal Cleanup celebration. With a theme: "Clean Season for Healthy Fisheries" in harmony with the United Nations Decade of Oceans Science for Sustainable Development - Ocean Decade Challenge 3, which aims to Sustainably Feed the Global Population. The sites fro the cleanup include the SM by the Bay in Pasay, Wetland Park in Las Piñas and Parañaque, Tanza Marine Tree Park and Barangay Tongos in Navotas, Tullahan River in Barangay San Bartolome in Quezon City, Pasig River in Lawton Ferry Station and Baseco Beach in Manila, H2O Hotel in Ocean Park also in Manila, and at the back of Solaire Hotel in Parañaque City. The center of activity will be held in Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park in Bataan. The post DILG’s ‘Barangay at Kalinisan Day’ to be launched in NCR appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl not meddling in China-US conflict — NSC
The National Security Council on Saturday slammed China for framing a narrative that the Philippines is interfering in its conflict with the United States. In a news forum in Quezon City, NSC Assistant Director-General, Jonathan Malaya, said China wants to make it appear that the Philippines would also like to engage in a war with them by taking the side of the US. “That is the position of China which the President clearly denounced — the President said there’s no tension between conflicting powers na nakikisawsaw lang ang ating bansa (that the country is meddling),” he said, reiterating the previous remarks of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the recent ASEAN summit. Malaya said that Marcos clearly pointed out that “this is legitimate Philippine interest — there is a territorial dispute not between China and the United States but the Philippines and China.” “So, when we say that nakikisawsaw lang ang Pilipinas sa isang tunggalian (the Philippines is interfering in conflict ) between China and the United States, it denigrates the position of the Philippines and it’s unfair to the Philippines and is a wrong narrative framing,” he added. Malaya said the Philippines remains firm on its stand to protect sovereign rights and interests within the West Philippine Sea. This after the Chinese Coast Guard’s continued aggression on the country’s territorial waters in Ayungin Shoal, with its most recent dangerous maneuvers trying to block anew the country’s rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre by the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard last 7 September. China is "misplaced bully" In the same forum, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar described CCG as a “misplaced bully” after it again harrassed the Philippine vessels in its EEZ. “What we see there is the presence of the CCG is misplaced and a bully. The CCG is a misplaced bully at the WPS,” he said. Aguilar slammed China for claiming that the Philippines is intruding into their territory, prompting them to conduct law enforcement activity against the AFP and the PCG. “After an incident happened in the West Philippine Sea, they will come up with a narrative—internal for Chinese people, that the Philippines is intruding into their territory and that’s why they are conducting law enforcement activity, they want to regulate our actions—that’s not true!” Aguilar pressed. He lamented that such a narrative increases tensions over the WPS. “So, I think these are simple reasons why we are having this trouble. There is no indisputable claim. The China Coast Guard is a misplaced bully at the West Philippine Sea,” he said. The AFP, meanwhile, announced the successful conduct of the RoRe mission in the BRP Sierra Madre amid the latest blocking attempts and harassment of the CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia against the Philippine vessels. The post Phl not meddling in China-US conflict — NSC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NHA to launch 1st People’s Caravan
The National Housing Authority over the weekend announced that it will launch its first-ever People’s Caravan on 15 September 2023 at the Villa de Adelaida Housing Project in Brgy. Halang, Naic, Cavite. The program is the NHA’s new and innovative method of delivering various government services effectively and directly to the beneficiaries. NHA General Manager Joeben Tai’s directed Assistant General Manager Alvin S. Feliciano to head the activity, in cooperation with Naic Municipality Mayor Ruperto C. Dualan and Vice Mayor Junio C. Dualan. It can be recalled that the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) had already expressed its willingness to provide free legal consultations on housing-related concerns and other legal services. This is to signify their support for the success of the NHA’s initiative in bringing its services closer to the beneficiaries. In ensuring the health and wellness of the beneficiaries, the Municipality of Naic, Cavite, together with the Department of Health (DOH) will conduct a medical mission. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will give away free vitamins and medicine to residents who are in need, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will offer free medical check-ups and haircuts. The Department of Agriculture (DA) will offer affordable agricultural products that can be purchased at the NHA-DA KADIWA store of the Department of Agriculture (DA). For residents interested in expanding their agricultural expertise, the DA Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) will conduct skills training demonstrations. The participants of the said training will receive starter kits and planting materials. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on the other hand, will provide on-site internet services to help the beneficiaries with their online connectivity. For beneficiaries looking for work opportunities, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will hold a job fair together with the Public Employment Service Office. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will facilitate an intensive orientation on sustainable livelihood programs (SLP). The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is willing to teach business consultancy and literacy and orientation on business capital. Meanwhile, skills training demonstrations about food processing, food technology, and food packaging will be discussed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will support the event through its LTO on Wheels by rendering renewal of motor vehicle registration, application for new/renewal of student permit, and renewal of Driver's License available. In addition, the Pag-IBIG Fund intends to register non-members and issue PAG-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus to NHA beneficiaries. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will render services in Philhealth ID registration and issuance. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will assist beneficiaries through the registration of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), issuance of ePhilID, and application services of birth certificates, certificates of no marriage (CENOMAR), death certificates, and marriage certificates. Residents will also have the chance to accomplish their SSS membership enrollment and verification at the Social Security System booth. The People's Caravan is also in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in conducting free skills training demonstrations and training and orientation on the livelihood and scholarship programs and services. The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) will disseminate information on the programs and services of their agency. The Commission of Population and Development (CPD) will provide an orientation on their accessible services and programs and will distribute free population control kits. Meanwhile, the Province of Cavite will also provide essential services, and the Philippine National Police and AFP will ensure peace and safety during the conduct of the said caravan. In line with this, the NHA invites all Caviteños to join and support the very first People’s Caravan of the agency. To cater to more beneficiaries, four more People’s Caravans are expected to be launched in Luzon. The Authority is optimistic that future People’s Caravans in the country will gain more support and partnerships from other government agencies and the private sector. The post NHA to launch 1st People’s Caravan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
FIBA World Cup experience: Springboard to greater heights
Congratulations are in order for the whole Gilas Pilipinas Team for their monumental win versus China (96-75), ending our FIBA World Cup 2023 campaign on a hopeful note. I have always believed in the capabilities of our athletes who have shown their mettle in international sports competitions. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am rallying all Filipinos to support our long-term roadmap to elevate the standing of our athletes in the global arena in all sporting events. Filipinos have excelled in the global stage not just in basketball, billiards, or boxing which are relatively the more popular sports in the country. Take for example Carlos Yulo in gymnastics, EJ Obiena in pole vaulting, Hidilyn Diaz in weightlifting, the late Lydia de Vega in track and field, and, of course, the Filipinas Football team who made us proud during the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup. Our very own Alex Eala is also a rising star in the world of tennis. We have many talented athletes, and we should support them in their quest to give honor to the country. However, success in any sporting event does not come easily. Any athlete will tell you that sports entails discipline, many hours of hard work, and even years of sacrifices. Hence, our efforts to strengthen our chances on the global stage must start at the grassroots level. This is the rationale behind RA 11470 or the National Academy of Sports or NAS law, which I authored and co-sponsored, and signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2020. The NAS System will provide scholarships to qualified student-athletes from all regions and will allow them to balance academics and sports training by utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. I am also advocating the approval of Senate Bill No. 423 or the Philippine National Games or PNG Act, to institutionalize the conduct of the PNG every two years as this will allow us to discover those with athletic potential at the grassroots level. We have talented athletes, but the government must invest in providing them with opportunities to compete if we want to produce champions on both the national and international stages. I am pushing for SBN 2116, which will amend Section 8 of RA 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.” This will increase the incentives for para-athletes who will win medals in international competitions and make our approach more inclusive to all athletes regardless of their physical limitations. Our efforts to achieve victory in sports must reflect the diversity of our country. The government, together with the private sector and other stakeholders, must consistently provide all the support that our teams need to compete at the global level. Our focus must be on creating opportunities for all aspiring athletes, regardless of geographic or economic background, to excel in their chosen fields. Hence, we should bring our sports development programs closer to those who have the potentials and aspirations to represent our country and bring pride to every Filipino. More importantly, sports is not only a physical game but a means to uplift lives, keep our youth away from vices like illegal drugs, and strengthen camaraderie in our communities. Let us elevate sports as a viable tool in harnessing our citizens into disciplined, productive and patriotic individuals reflective of our Filipino pride. In the same way that we unite to support our athletes, let us also unite to support fellow Filipinos in need. That is why I have continued to engage with various sectors of society to listen to their concerns and help provide solutions to their daily struggles. Filipinos inherently have a “never say die” attitude, especially in sports which is reflective of our resilience as a society. But aside from this commendable trait, our resilience also stems from our inherent compassion for each other. Our “Tapang at Malasakit” must continue so that together, we can uplift the lives of Filipinos. As a Senator and public servant, I remain steadfast in supporting our athletes to reach greater heights while also exerting efforts to help bring government programs and services closer to those in need to provide them with opportunities for a better life. The post FIBA World Cup experience: Springboard to greater heights appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Napocor eyes PPP scheme for new project
The National Power Corp. is set to conduct a market sounding activity for its accelerated hybridization project on Thursday to determine private sector interest, the Public-Private Partnership Center said......»»
Upping the ante
Beijing always ups the ante when it senses that its rival for the region’s security, the United States, is making its move to challenge its dominance in the region, which was probably how the 10-dash line came to be. With the release of the new map showing an expanded “historical” claim that included parts of India, China issued a strong criticism of the Americans with Senior Col. Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, saying the US should “stop meddling in the South China Sea issue, stop sowing discord and fanning the flames, and stop disrupting regional peace and stability.” The comment was in response to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III’s statement that “the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling is binding on all parties” and “the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces — to include those of its Coast Guard — in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.” Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet, backed the American position, saying the recent use of a water cannon by China’s Coast Guard against a Philippine vessel “must be challenged and checked.” He also “assured the Philippines of US backing.” Wu reiterated China’s position that the Philippines infringed on its sovereignty and violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to justify the China Coast Guard’s action. “We hope regional countries can stay vigilant, faithfully implement the DoC, and work with the Chinese side to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Chinese military will resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the spokesperson stressed. The increasing challenge from China should be matched by the US, according to geopolitical experts. A former Pentagon official, Michael Rubin, suggested the “reflagging” of islands in the disputed areas to send a clear message to China. Rubin recalled an incident in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan ordered the reflagging of nearly a dozen Kuwaiti tankers to stop Iran from attacking them to force the emirate to cease its trade with and loans to Iraq. “Reagan ignored criticism that reflagging the tankers could embroil the United States in war because he understood that at stake were not only Kuwait’s oil exports but also freedom of navigation and the rules-based order,” Rubin explained. He said that while skirmishes did occur, “once the ayatollahs understood Reagan stood firm, Iranian forces suspended their provocations.” Rubin believes that since China challenges the freedom of navigation and the broader liberal order, “perhaps the US could take a page from Reagan’s playbook and reflag not ships but rather some of the rocks, reefs, and atolls over which China now erroneously claims sovereignty.” The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated in 2016 the historical claim of China through its nine-dash line as being without basis. The root of the claim was a 1947 map the authenticity of which historians dismissed. “That Beijing bases its claim on supposed historic Chinese fishing activity further displays the emptiness of the Chinese Communist Party’s logic. After all, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Malay, Filipino and Indonesian fishermen also plied the same waters and perhaps even some closer to China,” Rubin noted. “Regardless, using the fictional map, China, in one fell swoop, claimed the bulk of the South China Sea and its considerable fishing and oil reserves,” he said. His proposal would be based on “leases drawn between the US government and its regional partners.” The leases would be backed by the arbitral award. “While the current US legal position supports the 2016 Hague tribunal judgment that finds no power can legally exercise sovereignty over disputed territories, the White House might reconsider this (stance),” Rubin added. But Rubin admitted that a greater problem might be the unwillingness of the regional states to offer leases. The proposal breaks with the usual conventions in the settling of disputes. Americans have a term for that, however: “It’s so crazy, it just might work.” The post Upping the ante appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zambales micro businesses get livelihood aid
Iba, Zambales — Thirteen micro enterprises recently received livelihood kits from the Department of Trade and Industry here. According to DTI Zambales Business Development Division chief Marilou Arcega, the activity is under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa as assistance by the agency to micro businesses affected by the recent calamity. She added that manufacturers and food processors from the town of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narciso, Palauig, and Masinloc are the beneficiaries of the said program as they are the most affected by typhoon “Egay,” and by a fire that broke out in this town. Certificate of Endorsement Arcega said the beneficiaries each have a Certificate of Endorsement from their respective local government units, ensuring that they are victims of the said calamities. Cooking oil, sugar, flour and sari-sari store items are mong the supplies given to the beneficiaries. The DTI official urges beneficiaries to not waste the opportunity to rebound from the problem and continue with their businesses. She added that the economy of the community will increase, including the productivity of the micro entrepreneurs. Fifteen farmers Meanwhile, 15 farmers in San Narciso underwent training in Rice Wine Processing organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform. The beneficiaries are selected officials of the H2O Irrigator’s Association Incorporated. According to DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Emmanuel Aguinaldo, the said training is under the Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development project. The project aims to prepare the group for the application of license under the Food and Drug Administration to allow them to conduct their businesses in wine making. He added that DAR aims to boost the support.services aimed for the beneficiaries as part of the agency’s thrust to increase the quality of products while boosting the livelihood of the beneficiaries. The post Zambales micro businesses get livelihood aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Joint drills with US, Australia not meant to provoke a particular country — Brawner
The Philippines’ execution of joint military exercises with its counterparts, including the United States and Australia, is not meant to provoke a particular country, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed on Monday. Brawner cited the recent conduct of the biggest United States-Philippines Balikatan Exercises, which has been observed annually under both countries’ mutual defense treaty. "'Yung ginagawa nating coalition, 'yung ginagawa nating mga joint exercises ( The coalition and the joint exercises that we are doing) are not addressed toward one specific country," Brawner told reporters in a chance interview shortly after the National Heroes Day event at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Earlier this month, the Philippines and Australia, assisted by the US, began their first-ever bilateral amphibious warfare exercise in San Antonio, Zambales. It is part of the Philippines-Australia’s “Exercise ALON”, with 700 AFP personnel joining along with 1, 200 members of the Australian Defense Force and 150 officers of United States Marine Corps. Exercise ALON, which runs until 31 August, is part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour activity between the Philippines and Australia for 2023, which targets close collaboration between the AFP and ADF to increase interoperability and deepen people-to-people links to enhance defense cooperation. The Indo-Pacific Endeavor is Australia's flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean region. Brawner insisted that these exercises with other countries would not necessarily provoke China’s aggression. "No, we don't believe that they will be more aggressive because of that. In fact, we have been doing this for a longer time already," Brawner said. "'Yung Balikatan Exercises na ginagawa natin every year, nandiyan po 'yung mga sundalo ng US, nandiyan po 'yung mga sundalo ng Australia, may mga observers tayo from Japan, we also have observers from other nations (We conduct Balikatan every year, US troops are there, Australian soldiers are there and we have observers from Japan),” he added. The post Joint drills with US, Australia not meant to provoke a particular country — Brawner appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Smooth transition between Makati, Taguig urged
A teachers’ group is calling for a smooth transition between the cities of Makati and Taguig to ensure that classes in the affected public schools will not be disrupted by the territorial tension with only a week to go before the opening of classes on 29 August. Teachers’ Dignity Coalition national chairperson Benjo Basas said the two cities should respect the Supreme Court decision, noting that the delivery of education for the learners should not be compromised amid the ongoing tension over a boundary dispute between these two neighboring cities. Noel Meneses, president of the Fort Bonifacio High School Faculty Club, has also called for an immediate resolution on the issue. “We hope the two cities would make an agreement to restore the normal school operations,” Meneses said. According to Meneses, majority of the teachers were affected by the sudden transfer of schools division particularly when the documents are immediately needed for transactions like certifications, assignment orders, permits, or loan applications that are very much needed in time for the beginning of classes. Meneses, who is also speaking on behalf of the local chapter of the TDC, said teachers need to be informed of the situation affecting the two cities because “they are at the frontlines in education, and directly involved with learners, their parents, and the community, and can help the DepEd to disseminate proper information.” Meanwhile, the school principals of the public schools located at the so-called enlisted men’s barrios said they have no problem if the schools are now under the jurisdiction of the local government of Taguig City. Makati Science High School Principal Dr. Felix Bunagan said that the conduct of this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” was a success, which was participated in by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. Earlier, students and teachers of the Tigaban High School in East Rembo warmly welcomed Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano who actively engaged in the annual Brigada Eskwela activity. Earlier, West Rembo Elementary School principal Alma Cayabyab Adona said that while the two cities have good intentions, they should focus first on the welfare of the learners to establish a smooth opening of classes. She also reminded her fellow teachers to remain non-partisan and always do the mandate from the Department of Education. “We have no bias as long as the order must come from DepEd. That’s what we’ll stand for. We are not held by anyone,” she said. A total of 14 public schools involving some 1,500 teachers and 30,000 learners are affected by the transition, the TDC said. Basas said that the Department of Education’s central office’s assumption of authority over the affected schools would ease tension and open the door for more friendly talks between the two local government units. “With just a week to the opening of classes, our schools will need to make preparations, and in order to do this, teachers and other school personnel should be allowed to work, business as usual. We hope that things will get better sooner,” Basas said. The post Smooth transition between Makati, Taguig urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Air assault exercise kicks off
The Philippines and Australia on Monday conducted air assault exercises at Punta Baja in Rizal, Palawan as the first major training serial for "Exercise Alon" being carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defense Force. The exercises started on 14 August and will culminate on 31 August. "This marked the first major training serial as part of the bilateral cooperation between the AFP and the ADF as part of the latter’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour activities for 2023," said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto. It involved coordinated air, land and sea actions to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness and Ileto said that the Palawan air assault exercise involved insertion of ground combat elements via MV-22B "Osprey" tilt-rotor aircraft from Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, launched from the Royal Australian Navy's landing helicopter dock, HMAS Canberra to the Punta Baja Airfield last 20 August. The helicopter assault force established a link with the 3rd Marine Brigade to secure the Punta Baja Airfield, and set-up a forward arming and refueling point. "On 21 August 2023, a joint raid was conducted at Tarumpitao Airfield by the combined forces of the AFP, ADF and United States Marine Corps with close air support provided by Royal Australian Air Force F-35A 'Lightning II' aircraft," Ileto said. Meanwhile, exfiltration will take place on 22 August and will have the force departing from Tarampitao Airfield via MV-22B and returning aboard the HMAS Canberra. The exercise involved 175 troops from the AFP and two platoons from the ADF, with support from the USMC, as well as a Philippine Marine Corps ground-based security force along with HMAS Canberra and frigate HMAS Anzac and air support by USMC MV-22B, and RAAF aircraft. IPE23 serves as Australia’s flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean regions. It aims to promote security, stability and stronger partnerships through bilateral and multilateral engagement, training, capacity building and humanitarian efforts. "Exercise Alon 2023" marks the first bilateral amphibious exercise between Australia and the Philippines, aimed at enhancing interoperability and enabling the forces to share tactics, techniques, procedures and best practices in the conduct of amphibious operations. The post Air assault exercise kicks off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»