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Kathryn Bernardo muling nakasama ang ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ co-stars
INSTANT reunion para sa casts ng “Hello, Love, Goodbye” ang naging 28th birthday celebration ng Kapamilya actress na si Kathryn Bernardo. Ibinandera ng actress-comedienne na si Lovely Abella ang larawan niya kasama ang birthday girl pati na rin ilan pa niyang co-stars na sina Alden Richards, Maymay Entrata at Kakai Bautista habang nakasakay sila sa.....»»
Ogie Alcasid wish mag-reunion sa ‘Showtime’ ang mga host ng ‘SOP’
WISH ng Ultimate Singer-Songwriter na si Ogie Alcasid na magkaroon ng reunion ang “SOP” hosts sa inaabangang pag-ere ng “It’s Showtime” sa GMA 7. Simula sa April 6, bukod sa GTV, mapapanood na rin ang “It’s Showtime” sa GMA Network kaya naman lahat ng taong involved sa programa ay matatawag na ring certified Kapuso. Tulad na.....»»
1,182 Aklan households ‘graduate’ from 4Ps
At least 1,182 household-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Aklan “successfully graduated” from the 4Ps this month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported yesterday......»»
DSWD, Ibajay LGU build Child Development Center for kids of ex-rebels
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Ibajay local government unit (LGU) have initiated the construction of a Php1.7 million-worth Child Development Center (CDC) in Barangay Cabugao, Ibajay in Aklan province that will benefit the children of former rebels now residing in the resettlement site. DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special […].....»»
‘Person with this ability’: PWDs in Aklan town earn from making Nito products
Woody Francisco says that the mission of the PWD Balete Association is to give the PWD sector in their municipality a sustainable source of livelihood.....»»
Global conference on research slated
The National Association of Public Secondary Schools of the Philippines Inc. will hold the first International Conference on Research Culture Management in Basic Education on Jan. 26 to 28 in Boracay Paradise Garden Resort and convention Center, Mangayad, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan......»»
Biz Leaders Welcome Coal-Fired Power Plant Expansion in Toledo City to Prevent Outages
Business stakeholders in Cebu welcomed the expansion project of a coal-fired power plant in Toledo City as a way to prevent outages that happened in Aklan early this year. They said that concerns about the environment will be “outweighed” by the economic benefits that will come with more power supply considering the dwindling reserves in […].....»»
Ati-Atihan Festival: Gun ban imposed in Kalibo
A weeklong suspension of permits to transport and carry firearms will be imposed in Kalibo, Aklan as part of the security preparations for the Ati-Atihan Festival......»»
DA provides over P11 million for ASF-affected hog growers in Aklan
This financial assistance is given to backyard raisers to help them recover from the African swine fever outbreak in the province.....»»
PWEI to complete phase 2 of Nabas wind project
Yuchengco-led PetroWind Energy Inc. is poised to expand its capacity next year with the completion of the second phase of its wind project in Aklan......»»
HABI jurors laud skill and artistry of piñaand abaca competition winners
Celebrating innovation and creativity among today’s young weavers, Habi: The Philippine Textile Council announced the winners of its two prestigious weaving competitions for piña and abaca, which were chosen by some of the top names in Philippine textile and fashion, and showcased at the highly attended Likhang Habi Fair in Makati City on 13 to 15 October. Topping the Lourdes Montinola Piña Competition, which received over 30 entries, was Marilyn Almero of La Herminia Piña Weaving, for her “Peacock” piece, which also won her the special Filip + Inna Innovation Award and P50,000. First runner-up was Raquel Eliserio for her “Piña Ina” creation, who took home P30,000; while second runner-up was Anna India Legazpi of Heritage Arts and Culture, who also took home P20,000, for her “Argyle Pattern on Piña Seda.” The Nadres Outstanding Young Weaver Award and P20,000 cash prize went to 26-year-old Zairel Rebusta, a weaver at La Herminia Piña Weaving from Aklan, one of Habi’s regular exhibitors. “The outstanding feature [Rebusta’s] piece is that it’s full ringgue — a gauze-like open weave. This is seldom done and resulted in a very light and soft textile. The insects laid in with the suksuk method are random, which is not easy to do,” said Adelaida Lim, Habi president emeritus. All piña and abaca entries underwent meticulous inspection by a distinguished group of jurors composed of heritage advocates, notable fashion designers and distinguished artisans and craftsmen. Now on its sixth year, the Lourdes Montinola Piña Competition is the country’s premier piña weaving contest. Named after local textile champion Lourdes Reyes-Montinola, chair emeritus of the Far Eastern University, the competition invites local artisans from all over the Philippines to join and proudly exhibit their talents in weaving, dyeing, embroidering, and embellishing piña. The competition aims to keep this traditional craft alive, as well as further promote appreciation and use of Philippine textiles. Training the spotlight on the use of abaca, Habi also held the 2nd Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving competition, which celebrates the well-loved and versatile abaca fiber, as well as its namesake — a prominent Kapampangan who actively encouraged the use of Filipino textiles, and is mother to popular haute couture ‘70s fashion designer-turned-monk Gang Gomez, now known as Dom Martin Gomez, OSB. Winners of the abaca weaving competition include Anna India Legazpi, who won under the Applied Abaca Category; Agustin Tawi Sudaw, for the Abaca Ikat Category; and Edgar Cornito’s “Beyond the Horizon” piece under the Pure Abaca Category. All winners took home P50,000 each as part of their prize. “The innovation really stood out — it’s something different all the way, and what’s beautiful is that you see the innovation coming from the young,” said one of the competition’s judges, Vicky Vizcarra Amalingan-Sales, chair of S.C. Vizcarra Inc., a major brand synonymous with fine, handcrafted bags and home items made of wicker. For the Piña Weaving competition, Sales was joined on the juror panel by no less than Far Eastern University chair emeritus Lourdes Montinola herself; Felicidad Nadres, founder of EN Barong Filipino Inc.; textile designer, heritage conservationist and social activist Patis Tesoro; and author and heritage advocate Felice Sta. Maria. Meanwhile, on the juror panel for the abaca competition were the daughter of Eloisa Hizon Gomez, Erlie Gomez Manaloto; top designers Ditta Sandico, Noli Hans, Barge Ramos and Filip + Inna creative director Len Cabili. All competitors also showcased their works at the recently concluded Likhang Habi Market Fair, the annual three-day exhibit, bazaar, and educational event highlighting the country’s weaving culture. Starting as a 12-booth event back in 2009, Likhang Habi now has over 100 participants, drawing huge crowds year after year. “The idea of our fair is to really go out to the weaving communities and encourage them to come,” says Habi chair emeritus Maribel Ongpin. “Most are now self-sufficient, and we now have a waiting list.” The post HABI jurors laud skill and artistry of piñaand abaca competition winners appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go fetes Aklan’s newest Super Health Center
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded the Department of Health and the local government of Nabas, Aklan for the successful groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center in Barangay Poblacion on Friday, 1 September. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection of diseases, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country especially in rural communities. It will also help decongest hospitals, according to Go who continues to advocate for its establishment in strategic areas across the country in coordination with the DoH. The groundbreaking in Nabas town was attended by Congressman Ted “Nonong” Haresco, Vice Mayor James Solanoy, and Councilor Leovilyn dela Torre. In a video message, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, underscored the vital role of such facilities in bridging the gap between the government and the Filipino people, ensuring easy access to essential healthcare services. He stressed the commitment of the government to bring healthcare closer to the people, alleviating the burden of traveling long distances to receive basic health services. The Super Health Center will serve as a hub for various healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. In another development, Go,an adopted son of Leyte, held a relief activity for displaced workers in Alang-alang town last Thursday, 24 August. In partnership with Mayor Lovely Yu, 457 beneficiaries were provided snacks and shirts from the senator at their municipal gymnasium. Go also expressed his support to the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program which benefitted the the qualified beneficiaries that day. The post Go fetes Aklan’s newest Super Health Center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sustainable fashion takes centerstage
Fashion is always greater when done together. To service the demands of the market, Filipino brand Bayo Group launched STYLESHOPS, a multi-label concept store featuring homegrown brands BAYO, tela, and ViseVersa. Each carries a distinct design philosophy but with a common thread — sustainability. Ethically sourcing clearly exists in Bayo Group’s ecosystem — from the commitment of the brands in their design philosophies and responsible productions, such as the Journey to Zero initiative, a pledge towards a circular business model of Bayo, the sustainable solutions through fabric usage of tela, and the style made simple of Viseversa, to the repurposed décor in the flagship boutique. Earth-friendly consumer practices are also exercised by every brand — from water-based ink, packaging derived from cornstarch, hangtags fashioned from recycled paper, pieces locally crafted by partner communities in Aklan, Argao, and Bulacan as well as the recycling of textile cut-offs. Apart from its sustainable multi-brand offering, STYLESHOPS seamlessly combines in-person and online shopping experience with its interactive fitting rooms and application of online-to-in-store pick-ups. STYLESHOPS is now open at the ground level of Glorietta. Shop online at www.styleshops.com.ph, www.telamnl.com, or follow @bayoclothing, @tela.mnl and @viseversainc on Instagram for updates. The post Sustainable fashion takes centerstage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Groundbreaking ceremony for KIA Resettlement Project held
The Kalibo International Airport (KIA) Resettlement Project on Friday officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking a significant accomplishment for the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the Province of Aklan and the Municipality of Kalibo. The purpose of this innovative project is to meet the housing needs of the families impacted by the KIA development. The project includes both the crucial land development and the building of dwelling units for the displaced families, both of which are overseen by DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista's innovative leadership. I n order to demonstrate the government agencies' dedication to providing immediate aid and support to individuals affected, a total of 180 contemporary housing units will be constructed on completely developed lots in the next 450 days. The KIA Resettlement Project brings together a cooperative effort from many government entities. Officials and representatives from the DOTr, CAAP, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) were present during the groundbreaking event. The municipal governments of Aklan and Kalibo actively participated in the conception and execution of this crucial effort. In addition to the KIA project, another noteworthy environmental effort was undertaken by Region VI. Earlier in the day, Iloilo Province Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration of the Iloilo Airport Gateway Greening Project. This environmentally conscious project involves the planting of flowering trees along the 19-kilometer highway stretching from the Iloilo Airport in the Cabatuan area to the Benigno Aquino Avenue or Diversion Road in Iloilo City. A collaborative effort between the Iloilo City LGU, DPWH, CAAP, and the LGUs of Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara and Pavia, as well as private organizations, the project aims to enhance the scenic beauty of the area while promoting a greener and more sustainable environment. Both of these projects signify the unwavering commitment of the government and its partners to progress and social responsibility. As these airport initiatives take flight, CAAP, under the leadership of the DOTr, remains dedicated to its mission of making aviation efficient, safe, and reliable for the Filipino people. CAAP looks forward to the successful completion of both projects, which will undoubtedly elevate the quality of life for the residents of Aklan and Iloilo. The post Groundbreaking ceremony for KIA Resettlement Project held appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts
Patronage of the arts and promotion of Philippine culture are two endeavors that have always been the domain of Philippine First Ladies. The approach, of course, varies, whether through the presentation of Filipino folk dances and fashion shows featuring Filipiniana designs during state dinners, showcasing the best of the Philippine arts on the walls of Malacañang Palace or highlighting Philippine crafts in during international expositions. When the presidential couple visits other countries, they bring with them gifts of Philippine crafts for the kingdom’s monarch and their escort or the republic’s president and his first lady. Presidential wives, too, have always been the foremost models of Philippine costume, which they wear during state visits abroad, formal functions at the presidential palace and when attending big events such as raising the Filipino flag in Rizal Park on Philippine Independence Day. Liza Araneta-Marcos, almost in all activities that she graces, whether right in the Palace or outside, wears a knee-length version of the terno, its butterfly sleeves defining its uniqueness and versatility. With her, terno has become an almost everyday get-up, which she accessorizes with heeled shoes, mostly Marikina-made. Cultural mapping The current First Lady’s support for arts and crafts and her involvement in cultural development manifested early on in her public life when her husband was the governor of Ilocos Norte in the early years of the millennium. Right in her husband Bongbong’s home province, she spearheaded efforts in the documentation of Ilocano culture. Under her auspices, a full-scale cultural mapping of Ilocos Norte took place. Then a new thing in the country, its aim was to list and document everything about the inherent culture of each barangay — songs, dances, oral and written literature, zarzuela and other dramatic forms, crafts using indigenous materials, historical sites, architectural marvels including ancestral houses, native delicacies and festive fare, musical instruments, gardens, parks, tourist spots and, of course, the people who make these things happen and exist — the weavers, painters, cooks, writers, local historians, harpists and so on in the vast field of arts, culture and heritage. It was trailblazing in that only years later would local government units be required to identify their cultural assets and provide the data needed for development, especially in education, tourism and creative industries. Eager to know more about her husband’s home province and absorb its culture, she even joined the team in its fieldwork in the seashore towns like the Pagudpud coastline and the highland town of Adams which they reached by riding a dump truck. Among the highlights of her undertakings for heritage tourism was her support for the Museo Ilocos Norte, which housed artifacts and the local textile, inabel. Most significantly was her commitment to the revival of the local weaving industry that produces the exquisite inabel. In an interview, the young and smart wife of the governor said, “I was looking for a viable project that would help boost the livelihood of the Ilocano, one that was low-key, which was not difficult to fund and uniquely Ilocano.” According to Liza, “Ilocano women love multi-tasking.” She explained that in the past, each home would have a loom, “so the mothers could weave while doing their home chores, including taking care of the baby.” Indeed, well spoken by a career woman who, while lawyering, made sure she was at the top of her family home and the care of her children. What she was telling them was it was possible to earn one’s livelihood while fulfilling one’s duties as a homemaker and parent. She thus advocated for the putting up of weaving centers where the young Ilocano may learn the craft. Embroiderers, woodcarvers and basket makers Fast forward to 2016, Liza joined the Board of Trustees of the Asian Cultural Council which fosters cultural exchange and unity by widening the exposure, knowledge and expertise of individual artists, scholars and art professionals. All her years spent on supporting Ilocano crafts had not only been beneficial to the local weavers. It also became a model, a small-scale version of what she would eventually achieve from her day one as First Lady. This time, she would widen the scope of her advocacy by supporting as well the other crafts in the regions. In Feburary 2023, the Office of the First Lady, in cooperation with the Office of the Social Secretary of Malacañang, other government agencies and private creative industry practitioners put together an exhibition that introduced the talented weavers of the country. It was a success as it showcased the best of Philippine weave from the Ilocos region to Laguna, Aklan and Zamboanga. A few months later, she expanded the project to “Likha” to showcase not only talented weavers — but also our skilled embroiderers, basket makers, woodcarvers, pottery makers and shell craftsmen,” among other Filipino artisans in cities, shores and hinterlands of our beautiful country. Community of artisans Hers was a most welcome support to the local artisans and craftsmen, anthropology scholars, tourism workers and educators. Dr. Marygrace Ac-ac, an associate professor of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, who accompanied her father, Paete master sculptor Luis Ac-Ac, shared her thoughts about the First Lady, who spoke at the opening ceremonies of the three-day exhibit. [caption id="attachment_163255" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with master sculptor Luis Ac-ac and his daughter Marygrace.[/caption] Marygrace said, “What impacted me the most about the First Lady’s speech is her promise to support talented Filipinos and the traditional crafts, which is in keeping with the words of President Bongbong Marcos in his first State of the Nation address. It was, to me, giving hope to the industry and to Filipino artists and artisans. I am happy that she herself said she is looking forward to “Likha” 3, 4, 5 and so on. “Beyond the First Lady’s support for livelihood among the local communities, just as important is that, through the “Likha” exhibitions, she is fostering a national community of artisans, which cultivates a sense of cultural identity among our people. Moreover, this gives us national pride as through the First Lady’s initiatives we are able to show to the world what we are capable of creating.” Of her father, the master craftsman Luis Ac-ac, she said, “he is grateful to the First Lady for her initiative and for spearheading the advocacy to uplift the traditional crafts of all the artists and artisans.” Goldenberg fashion series On her new home grounds, the Malacañang compound, the First Lady has imprinted her passion for heritage through the renovation of three iconic structures, long out of use and run-down Teus Mansion, which is now the presidential museum containing memorabilia of past presidents; Bahay Ugnayan, which houses memento of President BBM; and the Goldenberg Mansion, which the First Lady has designated as a venue for cultural and artistic events. All three are now open to the public for free. Last May, the Goldenberg Fashion series started with a fashion show featuring the creations of Puey Quiñones, who collaborated with weavers, embroiders and artisans, thus elevating Filipino style as he used them in his interpretation of the modern terno, suits and barong for men. [caption id="attachment_163256" align="aligncenter" width="928"] With designer Puey Quiñones at the Goldenberg Mansion fashion show.[/caption] Next was Avel Bacudio’s “Avel,” which, in turn, was a spectacle in black and white as the designer paid tribute to the handiwork of Filipino artisans all over the country, his creations manifesting virtuosity even as he downplayed extravagance and over-the-top ornamentation by focusing on well-defined structure, casual elegance, comfortability and versatility, the last allowing the wearers to mix and match to suit the occasion. In a way, the whole collection resonates with the overall style of the First Lady who has insisted on simplicity, function and comfort in her wardrobe, while now and then showcasing the innate artistry of the Filipino through indigenous textiles. Finally, when we celebrated the nation's Independence Day, with the President and the First Lady hosting a vin d’honneur in Malacañang Palace, the various lady ambassadors assigned to the Philippines attended in their most beautiful and exquisite Filipiniana, thanks to the First Lady who made the collaboration between top Filipino designers and the ladies possible. It was an evening that did not only enhance the beauty and charm of the lady ambassadors, but also made our designers proud. Indeed, our artisans and fashion designers, as well as performing artists, are fortunate to have a friend, ally and benefactor in a First Lady whose sense of nationalism combined with her heartfelt admiration for Filipino ingenuity has made her the best ambassador for Filipino craftsmanship and artistry. The post First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNR: Massive train projects drive growth
State-owned railway company Philippine National Railway or PNR said the massive pipeline of train projects will not just offer convenience to commuters, but it will also help the economy trim the revenue losses due to traffic congestion, especially in Metro Manila. “Our commuters deserve to experience the luxury of riding on a train safely and comfortably. Aside from that, improving our train systems will also ease daily traffic,” PNR chairman Michael Ted R. Macapagal said in an interview at Straight Talk on Tuesday, an online show of the Daily Tribune. “The economy loses billions of pesos in traffic in Metro Manila daily. But the President, with the help of the Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, will push to revolutionize the entire transportation system in the country. The Philippines will be different in five to six years,” Macapagal explained. According to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, about P3.5 billion is lost daily due to the congested Metro Manila roads. Citing projections by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the economic losses could balloon to P5.4 billion daily by 2035 if the gridlock issues will be unresolved. In his second State of the National Address on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. bared that the DoTr will take on railway projects with a total length of more than 1,000 kilometers. The pipeline includes the following: PNR North Long Haul, 853 kilometers; Panay Railway, 100 kilometers; North Mindanao Railway, 54 kilometers; and San Mateo Railway, 17 kilometers. According to Bautista, all of these projects have secured funding to initiate feasibility studies. He said procurement is now ongoing for consultancy firms to create the feasibility studies for the rail projects lined up by the administration. “We initiated several railway projects, with a total length of more than 1,000 kilometers,” the President said. “Roads, bridges, and mass transport systems will be interconnected. This network will provide access and passage to vital and bustling economic markets, such as agriculture hubs, tourism sites, and key business districts,” Bautista said. PNR North Long Haul will be composed of four phases: Clark-La Union, La Union-Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Sur-Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley. It is envisioned to link strategic infrastructure, logistic system, and economic zones such as the Clark Freeport Zone, Poro Point Freeport Zone, Laoag International Airport, Port Irene, and Cagayan North International Airport (Lal-lo Airport). The Panay Railway project seeks to establish a modern and efficient railway system across the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. The railway will serve as a vital link between major cities, towns, and economic hubs, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people. Northern Mindanao Project, meanwhile, involves the financing, design, construction and operations, and maintenance of a 54.8-kilometer high-capacity, initially inter-city passenger railway system that will span across the highly urbanized city of Cagayan de Oro, connecting the Municipalities of Laguindingan and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. San Mateo Railway is aimed to be built as a 17-km feeder railway line that connects LRT Line 2 to the municipalities of San Mateo and Rodriguez in the Rizal province. The post PNR: Massive train projects drive growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Angeles residents evacuated amid ‘Egay’
Angeles City, Pampanga — The local government here on Tuesday ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents living near riverbanks and creeks as part of its preparations for the coming super typhoon “Egay.” Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said that he instructed Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer chief Rudy Simeon and City Engineer Donato Dizon to lead the evacuation, stressing that it is better to be alert and prepared before any disaster happens. He also assured that in the event of an emergency, the city government — through the ACDRRMO and CEO — is ready to respond to any rescue, evacuation and clearing operations. According to Simeon, the ACDRRMO is closely monitoring the major river channels in Angeles City, the Abacan River and Sapang Balen Creek and as of the moment, no incident of overflowing and soil erosion on both sides of the riverbanks and creeks were reported. Waterflows in Sapang Balen creek and Abacan River, on the other hand, are still under normal condition. The ACDRRMO is in continuous coordination with the 33 Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils for any alerts in case of typhoon “Egay’s” onslaught. Meanwhile, Dizon said that his roving teams are ready to clear roads from any obstructions. Lazatin, meantime, wants to ensure everyone’s safety in the event of emergencies like strong winds toppling down certain obstructions. In other developments, at least 480 passengers are stranded in two ports of Western Visayas following the cancellation of trips due to super typhoon “Egay” and the southwest monsoon on Tuesday. Data from the Coast Guard District Western Visayas showed that 165 passengers bound for Tabuelan, Cebu were stranded at the Barcelona port in Escalante, Negros Occidental while 315 others bound for Mindoro, Romblon, and Batangas were stuck at the Caticlan Jetty port in Malay, Aklan. Canceled trips included those from ports of Estancia, Iloilo going to Sicogon/Gigantes Island; Concepcion to Tambaliza, Igbon, and Malangabang; Bancal in Carles to Gigantes Island, all in Iloilo and Ajuy port going to EB Magalona in Negros Occidental. Trips from the port of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental going to Toledo, Cebu were also suspended. The Montenegro Shipping Lines canceled its trips from Lapuz wharf going to Guimaras. Trips from Iloilo City to Bacolod City via Ocean Jet and Weesam Express were canceled except for the latter’s 11:30 a.m. schedule. The post Angeles residents evacuated amid ‘Egay’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Western Visayas ARBs unburdened by new law
ILOILO CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform in Western Visayas on Monday disclosed that at least 170,096 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in the region became recipients of the newly-signed Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, one of the priority measures under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. DAR regional director for Western Visayas Atty. Sheila Enciso said that the law condones the principal payment, interests and penalties. “Last 7 July, our President signed the New Agrarian Emancipation Act where our farmer-beneficiaries will become debt-free from the lands that were awarded to them,” said Enciso, adding that beneficiaries can already purchase farm inputs for higher production and pay for their household expenses using the amount supposedly intended for their amortization. The DAR regional director also said that the bulk of beneficiaries came from Negros Occidental with 134,447, while other farmer-beneficiaries were from Aklan with 641; Antique, 433; Capiz, 24, 194; Guimaras 2,298; and Iloilo, 8,083. It covered around 209,865 hectares, with Negros Occidental having the biggest area at 68,469, while in other provinces, Aklan has 1,198; Antique, 605; Capiz, 30,255; Guimaras, 3,428; and Iloilo with 5,910. The new law covers ARBs whose land was awarded under Presidential Decree 27 or the Tenant Emancipation Decree in 1972, Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988, and Republic Act 9700 that extends the acquisition and distribution of agricultural lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. DAR, Land Bank of the Philippines and other concerned agencies have 60 days to craft the Implementing Rules and Regulations, expected to be published by September. There will also be an inventory to harmonize the data of the LBP and the DAR, she said. The regional director hoped that beneficiaries will continue to hold on to their awarded lots even if under the law they can be disposed of after 10 years. Enciso said the land is a very expensive commodity and since they acquired it at a lower price, they may hold onto it until they can pass it on to their children. “We encourage our farmers to join cooperatives or form organizations because the full support services given by DAR and other government agencies are coursed through the organization,” said Enciso. Other support services are provided by the Department of Agriculture and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, among others. The post Western Visayas ARBs unburdened by new law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Boracay Resort Hotel provides beautiful backdrop for films, series
My dear friend Boy So, who owns La Carmela de Boracay, has already lost count of the number of tapings and shootings that have taken place in and around the 530-room resort hotel in the tropical paradise of Boracay in Aklan......»»