We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Collision or ramming?
When nations compete for dominance, the concepts of fairness and sovereignty often go by the wayside. This weekend’s collision of Philippine vessels with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea should serve as a vivid reminder of China’s aggressive expansionism in this crucial maritime region. While troubling, this incident is just part of a larger pattern of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels within our territorial waters. China once again relied on its victim-blaming strategy, accusing the Philippines of “deliberately stirring up trouble” in an incident that the Philippine Coast Guard allegedly planned. These claims are ridiculous and unfounded, part of China’s long-running endeavor to legitimize its illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea. But regardless of Beijing’s bluster, the Philippines has the right to stand up to a neighborhood bully. Its claim to sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is firmly rooted in the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, which categorically rejected China’s extensive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap with the West Philippine Sea. This landmark decision made it evident that China’s historical claims do not hold up under international law, in an area where competing claims by other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have sparked geopolitical concerns. Historically, the territorial irritants that have the potential to become full-blown conflicts have centered on fishing rights, oil and gas reserves, and the strategic importance of controlling these waterways. Still, unlike China’s bold territorial expansion and contempt for international jurisprudence, the Philippines’ approach is founded on the rule of law. China’s predilections extend beyond the assertion of spurious territorial claims, as it includes the unauthorized construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. These man-made islands function as military outposts, providing China with a strategic regional advantage. Such acts are not only illegal, but they also pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. As the Philippines struggles for its rights, exposing China’s duplicity on a global scale is critical. While China portrays itself as a rational and responsible nation in international crises such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict, its actions in the South China Sea reflect a different face — that of a regional bully. China cannot preach peace and diplomacy while actively pursuing territorial expansion and disregarding international law when it does not support its aspirations. The collision (or was it an intentional incident of ramming by China of Philippine vessels?) near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands is just the latest chapter in China’s unrelenting pursuit of regional supremacy. Philippine efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and defend international law merit support not only from its neighbors, but also from the world community at large. The West Philippine Sea is more than just a body of water; it represents sovereignty, justice, and the triumph of law over aggression. The Philippines’ resistance to China’s bullying is a fight for the rights of all nations that value international norms, territorial integrity, and conflict resolution through peaceful means. China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea and its disrespect for the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration must be countered by the international community with the position that in the South China Sea, might does not equal right. As we consider the perilous situation in the West Philippine Sea, it’s critical to understand that this is not a one-off occurrence but part of a larger pattern. The Philippines has been subjected to constant harassment by Chinese vessels within its own waters. Filipino fishermen are being harassed, maritime resources (like coral reefs) are being pillaged, and Filipino military troops are being put in danger by Chinese warships that have no business being in Philippine waters. There can never be a repeat of the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, which allowed China to build bases on man-made islands. As it stands resolute against China’s gunboat diplomacy, the Philippines serves as a beacon of hope for all nations confronting unjustified hostility. The Philippines’ dedication to upholding international law, maintaining its sovereignty, and defending its people’s rights is admirable. The post Collision or ramming? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IDCP grants Manila Doctors Hospital certification for new halal kitchen facility
Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) made history by becoming the first hospital in the Philippines to receive the first halal kitchen certification from the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines (IDCP), a recognized halal accreditation and certifying body. An official contract signing held on 4 October solidified the hospital’s commitment to follow the standards and requirements set by the World Halal Council (WHC). MDH has established a dedicated Halal Dietary Services complete with a separate halal kitchen that produces and serves quality, safe, and nutritious halal meals to Muslim patients, doctors, and employees. As the first hospital to have a Halal-certified kitchen in the Philippines, every aspect of food preparation from the procurement of Halal-certified ingredients to food production, meal service, cleaning, and sanitation has been and will always be carefully looked at to ensure that it is strictly segregated from the regular kitchen of the hospital. MDH President Arlene P. Ledesma recognizes this pioneering certification as a milestone that marks a new chapter for the hospital. “Our Muslim patients, doctors, nurses, technicians, and other employees stand to benefit from knowing that they can be served authentic halal food. It is a small step towards becoming a more inclusive workplace that celebrates and honors their religion and heritage”, she said. The post IDCP grants Manila Doctors Hospital certification for new halal kitchen facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PSALM 75
Psalm chapter 75 opens with thanks to the Almighty God. It’s a prayer of gratitude. The words offer praises to God for all of His wonderful deeds. Sometimes life takes a dark turn, stunning you with a horrifying plot twist. It could be bad news about your health or your loved one’s health. It could be sudden unemployment or loss of income. The death of someone close to you. A heartbreak. The grief or anguish is so bad it’s like being thrown into a dark, endless, boundless sea. You try and stay afloat. Not a soul in sight. Just the vast, blackness of the ocean. Your face is above the water. The rest of your body? You cannot see. You have no idea what creatures lurk beneath the waters, ready to pull you in, to drown you or eat you alive. And you don’t know when the rescue boat will arrive. It is exhausting. You have lost all control. The physical, mental, emotional turmoil is getting worse by the hour. Such is the sensation I feel when I am going through a terrible hardship. Sure, I could still breathe, as my face is above the water. But my problem is as overwhelming and borderless as the great sea. All-consuming. [caption id="attachment_194550" align="aligncenter" width="525"] As the Bible also advised — when you’re confused and panicking, pause. Then pray.[/caption] I feel lost at sea. Panicking. Agitated. Trapped. Stranded. Fearing for my life or sanity. Terrified of all the uncertainties. Feeling insecure and unsafe. Even hope seems like an enemy. Every day, I wake up, hoping for relief. Gasping for rest. But it never seems to arrive. I am still floating in the middle of the dark ocean and unable to hold on to anything. That’s when I always remember Psalm 75. I pause and remember the first verse in that chapter in the Bible. I look back at all the wonderful deeds God showed me in the past. The countless times when He saved me. The many times He healed me. The many times He threw me a life raft. And this soon relaxes me. As the Bible also advised — when you’re confused and panicking, pause. Then pray. Give all your worries to God. Put your trust in Him. Then, gradually, my head clears. The ocean may still be treacherous, but when you look up, there’s a constellation of stars. You become bewildered by the beauty of a black velvet sky littered with diamonds. We may be so focused on the negative, on what we are lacking, on what we are suffering from, that we forget that there are still plenty of things to be thankful for. Things that we take for granted. A supportive parent, a joyful niece, a family to come home to. Warm meals. That hot cup of coffee. The laughter in the living room. The ability to walk outdoors and enjoy nature. The ability to work, to earn. The friends that cheer you up. There are many, many reasons to praise God. Psalm 75 — specifically verse 1 — reigns us in and redirects our focus to the positive. To the silver lining. SCIENCE-BACKED Harvard Health Publishing posted a study on an online article titled, “Giving thanks can make you happy.” The article described a research conducted by two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami. The doctors asked all participants to write a few sentences each week. They facilitated three groups: one group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily, and the third wrote about events that had affected them, according to the article. After 10 weeks, the research discovered that those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. In June, The New York Times published a story titled “Gratitude Really is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows.” The author, Christina Caron, quoted Emmons: “Gratitude heals, energizes and changes lives. It is the prism through which we view life in terms of gifts, givers, goodness and grace.” Expressing gratitude to people who show kindness to us already benefits our well-being, what more if we are grateful to God? So when you find yourself in tough times? Just turn to Psalm 75:1. The post PSALM 75 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CA bypasses Herbosa
Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa on Tuesday failed to get the approval of the powerful Commission on Appointments. Due to the lack of material time, the Constitutional body’s deliberation for Herbosa’s ad interim appointment as secretary of the Department of Health was suspended. The suspension came after Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte moved to suspend the deliberation on Herbosa’s ad interim appointment. “I move that for lack of material time, we suspend the deliberation of the ad interim appointment of Mr. Teodoro Javier Herbosa as secretary of Health,” Villafuerte said. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who presided over the CA’s panel on Health and Demography, approved the motion. Congress is scheduled to go on a break on 30 September and will resume on 6 November. During the Congressional break, Herbosa would need to secure reappointment from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Under Section 17 of Chapter V of the CA rules, nominations or appointments submitted by the President which are not finally acted upon or bypassed at the close of the session of Congress shall be returned to the President and, unless new nominations or appointments are made, shall not again be considered by the Commission. Herbosa was tapped by Marcos to lead the Health department last June. The post CA bypasses Herbosa appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Politically divided Chile marks 50-year coup anniversary
Chile on Monday marked 50 years since the coup d'etat that brought Augusto Pinochet to power, with political divisions over the legacy of his brutal dictatorship on stark display. Commemorations of the violent US-backed ouster of Marxist leader Salvador Allende still evoke strong emotions, and police fired teargas and water cannons at protesters who vandalized the presidential palace on the anniversary's eve. Leftist President Gabriel Boric led an event at the palace, known as La Moneda, to mark the historic date, and stressed the need to condemn those who violate human rights "without any nuance." "The coup cannot be separated from what came after," he said, referring to the 17-year Pinochet dictatorship under which more than 3,200 people were killed or "disappeared" and tens of thousands tortured. The far-right UDI party issued a statement Monday defending the coup as "inevitable" due to the failures of Allende's political left. The presidents of Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and Uruguay were at the emotional ceremony in Santiago, also attended by Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and former Uruguayan president Jose Mujica. No right-wing representatives attended Monday's event at La Moneda. Poetry readings and musical performances were interrupted by a minute of silence to mark the moment the bombs started dropping on the palace. Allende committed suicide while troops and tanks closed in. As night fell, thousands arrived at the national stadium in the capital -- once used by Pinochet's regime as a torture center -- to place candles in memory of the victims. Elsewhere, protesters on the outskirts of town prevented the passage of vehicles. The 1973 coup, in a country seen until then as a bastion of democracy and stability in Latin America, reverberated around the world and underscored covert interference by the United States. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday that President Joe Biden's government "has tried to be transparent about the US role in that chapter of Chilean history by recently declassifying documents from 1973 as the Chilean government has requested us to do." 'Never again' Chileans remain deeply divided between those who defend the coup and those who repudiate it, while many feel the anniversary is irrelevant amid economic woes and concerns over rising crime. A survey conducted by Cerc-Mori in May found that 36 percent of people believe Pinochet "liberated Chile from Marxism" -- the highest figure measured in 28 years of polling. On Sunday, Boric became the first president since the end of the dictatorship in 1990 to attend a commemorative march through Santiago for Pinochet's victims. But the procession was marred by vandals causing damage to the exterior of La Moneda and the general cemetery that houses a victims' memorial. Six police officers were injured and at least 11 people were arrested, officials said. Boric blamed the acts on "adversaries of democracy." On Sunday night, some 6,000 women dressed in black held a peaceful vigil in the capital under the slogan: "Never again will democracy be bombed," in reference to the 1973 air raids. Politics 'a little toxic' Led by Boric, Allende's leftist political heirs are in power in Chile today. But the far-right Republican Party -- Pinochet apologists -- emerged the strongest from elections in May for a body tasked with drafting a new constitution to replace the one that dates from the dictatorship era. Pinochet died of a heart attack on 10 December 2006, aged 91, without ever stepping foot in a court. Michelle Bachelet, a former leftist president of Chile, told a local radio station Monday the country must "learn from the lessons of the past" at a time when politics "is a little toxic." She herself was tortured during the dictatorship, as was her father, an air force general who had opposed the coup. Chile's right-wing opposition has abstained from signing a document affirming a commitment to "defend democracy from authoritarian threats" that has been signed by four living ex-presidents of the South American country. On Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the 1973 coup "was an institutional breakdown that ruptured the bonds of coexistence and marked generations of Chileans, but also inspired many to fight for justice and freedom." He added: "Today's strong Chilean democracy gives us hope that humanity, united in its diversity, can solve any global challenge." The post Politically divided Chile marks 50-year coup anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
RUPERT’S CHOICE: FILIPINAS OF PASSION AND COMPASSION
To say that a Rupert Jacinto portrait is an exact representation of his subject would be a distortion of the truth. Rupert does not aim to fashion a replica, nor the same exact image of the human being who poses before him and his camera. As an artist and a craftsman, Rupert is a master of the interpretation of the essence of a human being. He even goes further. Through his photography, he pays tribute to his every subject, what moves and defines them, and what inspires and propels them to do their best in their varied endeavors. In his latest book, Having a Ball, A Tribute to Tina Hidalgo Jacinto, recently launched at Rustans Department Store, he highlights 10 women of exceptional passion and compassion, and presents the “Having a Ball” columns written by Tina, his late wife and muse, in the Manila Bulletin. Devoted to Tina, who had been behind him from day one of his career as a photographer, Rupert pays tribute to her being his favorite subject, companion in life’s journey, confidante and the inspiration for the great body of works that he produced in her lifetime. Of course, Tina remains to be Rupert’s inspiration, hers being the whispering voice that continually prompts him to do his usual best. Rupert’s choice of subjects for this book affirms his commitment to highlighting the best of the Filipina, as exemplified by the ladies he featured, as follows: [caption id="attachment_171026" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nedy Tantoco[/caption] Zenaida R. Tantoco is the president and CEO of Rustan Commercial Corporation and Stores Specialists, Inc. She is the president of The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI). For more than 12 years, she was a member of the board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Nedy has produced operas to raise funds for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the PPOSI, and the noteworthy projects of the Philippine Italian Association of which she is the president. She recently produced at the CCP Giacomo Puccini's Turandot with a cast from Italy, South Korea and the Philippines. [caption id="attachment_171021" align="aligncenter" width="451"] Margie Moran Floirendo[/caption] Margie Moran Floirendo is currently the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She was chairman of the board of the CCP. She brought honor to the Philippines when she became Miss Universe 1973. She is an advocate of Philippine ballet and Mindanao tourism. [caption id="attachment_171028" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pinky Tobiano[/caption] Pinky Tobiano is a cancer survivor and philanthropist. She is the CEO of Progressive Laboratories and Kpp Powers Commodities, Founder and chairman of the Board of the Harvard Business School (Philippine Chapter) and president of the Association of Bureau of Animal Industry-Recognized Laboratories. Pinky is admired by legions for her iconic tablescapes, the best proof of her exceptional creativity. [caption id="attachment_171022" align="aligncenter" width="314"] Mache Torres-Ackerman[/caption] Mache Torres-Ackerman is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, leadership coach, international author, and US Certified Life Coach specializing in Hypnotherapy focused on providing individual/group counseling /clinical hypnosis services (childhood traumas; family issues; addiction; relationships). [caption id="attachment_171025" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jacqueline Michelle Lim[/caption] Jacqueline Michelle Lim is the CEO of Amanah Oil and Gas Corp. She is gifted with psychic abilities. An old soul, she loves antiques, old manuscripts, and photographs from yesteryears. [caption id="attachment_171027" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Mayor Nina Quiambao[/caption] Mayor Nina Quiambao is the first woman mayor of Pangasinan. Her priorities are social-cultural development, social protection, agricultural modernization, good governance, economic and infrastructure development, environment protection, and disaster resiliency. [caption id="attachment_171020" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Cory Navarro[/caption] Cory Navarro is the founder and chairman of King’s Group of Companies. A top hostess, she invites renowned chefs to whip up their specialties for her family, friends and guests. [caption id="attachment_171024" align="aligncenter" width="454"] Marissa Gutierrez[/caption] Marissa L. Gutierrez is the President of Gikab Foundation in Negros. She is an entrepreneur engaged in land banking, building and selling real estate. She is a product of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. She owns the 1335 Mabini Art Gallery. [caption id="attachment_171029" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Aida Posadas[/caption] Aida Posadas is an heir to the Posadas Estate. A God-centered person, she is an Instagram artist, nature lover and mother to her one and only son, Wowee Posadas, who owns the two-decade old 19 East Bar and Restaurant. [caption id="attachment_171023" align="aligncenter" width="444"] Marge Organo[/caption] Marge Organo is a talented glass sculptor who trained in the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, USA and The Glassmaking School of Kamenicky, Senov, Czech Republic. She has exhibited at the Galerie Joaquin. Marge established Altheamed Pharmaceuticals which distributes Ophtha and ENT medicines, as well as cataract lenses from US, Europe and India. The company is now known as Qure Corp. Pharma, after her son took over the reins of the company. The post RUPERT’S CHOICE: FILIPINAS OF PASSION AND COMPASSION appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Appeal of Civil Service Commission (1)
Does the Civil Service Commission or CSC have a legal standing to appeal to the Supreme Court a reversal or modification of its decision by the appellate court? The Supreme Court was once again confronted with this issue in the recent case of CSC vs. Fuentes (Fuentes) [G.R. 237322, 10 January 2023]. In laying down the guidelines as to when the CSC can appeal a reversal of its decisions, the Court found it necessary to revisit the mandate of the CSC and its powers and functions, and did a survey of jurisprudence which involved the same issue. The CSC’s role as the government’s central personnel agency is at the core of its mandate. From this overarching role stems all the others — the task to establish a career service; adopt measures to promote morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy in the civil service; strengthen the merit and rewards system; integrate all human resources development programs; institutionalize a management climate conducive to public accountability; and report to the President and the Congress. Section 12, Chapter 3, Subtitle A, Title I, Book V of Executive Order No 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987, enumerates the CSC’s powers and functions, which include, among others, the following: SECTION 12. Powers and Functions. The Commission shall have the following powers and functions: (6) Appoint and discipline its officials and employees in accordance with law and exercise control and supervision over the activities of the Commission; *** (11) Hear and decide administrative cases instituted by or brought before it directly or on appeal, including contested appointments, and review decisions and actions of its offices and of the agencies attached to it. *** In the Fuentes case, the Court concluded that the CSC cannot thoroughly perform its constitutional mandate of being a central personnel agency without its power to discipline its officials and employees, and held that “the Commission’s role of being a central personnel agency would be unduly crippled without its disciplinary power.” The case of CSC vs Dacoycoy, G.R. No. 135805, 29 April 1999 (Dacoycoy): Dacoycoy categorically abandoned the Supreme Court’s earlier decision ruling that the civil service law “does not contemplate a review of decisions exonerating officers or employees from administrative charges,” firmly expanded the scope of an “aggrieved party” and declared that, as a party adversely affected by the ruling of the Court of Appeals exonerating the public official or employee, the CSC may appeal the Court of Appeals’ decision to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court elucidated that under such circumstances, the CSC becomes an aggrieved party — a party adversely affected by the ruling of the Court of Appeals, which will “seriously prejudice the civil service system.” The case of CSC vs Mathay Jr., G.R. 124374, 15 December 1999 (Mathay, Jr.): Seven months after the Court’s promulgation of Dacoycoy, it decided on Mathay Jr. In declaring that the CSC had no legal standing to bring an appeal before the Supreme Court, the latter drew a line between Mathay Jr. and Dacoycoy by ruling that, while Dacoycoy involved nepotism — an administrative case “whose deleterious effect on government cannot be overemphasized,” Mathay Jr. merely involved reinstatement, an issue that can hardly “impair the effectiveness of government.” For this reason, the Supreme Court held that its ruling in Dacoycoy did not apply to Mathay Jr. The reasoning of the Court behind Mathay Jr. stemmed from the fact that the CSC’s power to hear and decide administrative cases instituted by or brought before it directly or on appeal is judicial instead of adversarial. Hence, CSC is more of a judge than a litigant. The Court went on to explain that as a quasi-judicial body with the role of an adjudicator, the CSC should be impartial and detached; and concluded that the CSC would risk becoming an advocate if it would be allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court. (To be continued) The post Appeal of Civil Service Commission (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Suicide bomber attacks political gathering, kills 44
A suspected suicide bomber attacked a political rally in northwesst Pakistan on Sunday killing at least 44 people and injuring more than 100 others. “There was utter confusion, with human flesh, limbs, and body parts scattered throughout the area, alongside lifeless bodies,” witness Abdullah Khan said after the attack on 400 supporters of the the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F party in the town of Khar, near the Afghan border. “I found myself lying next to someone who had lost their limbs. The air was filled with the smell of human flesh,” Sabeeh Ullah, a 24-year-old party supporter who had his arm fractured by the blast, said. Images from the blast site circulating on social media showed bodies strewn around, and volunteers helping blood-soaked victims to ambulances. Riaz Anwar, the health minister for Khyber Pakht unkhwa province — told Agence France-Presse late Sunday that the bomber detonated himself in close proximity to the stage. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast Sunday on social media, offering condolences to the victims and vowing to punish those responsible. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but police said Monday their initial investigation suggested that the local chapter of the Islamic State was behind the bombing, according to Geo News. District Police Officer Nazir Khan said three suspects had been arrested, Geo News reported. The JUI-F is a major ally of the coalition government of Sharif, which is preparing for the November national elections. Last year, IS said it was behind violent attacks against religious scholars affiliated with the party, which has a huge network of mosques and madrassas in the north and west of the country. The jihadist group accuses JUI-F of hypocrisy for being an Islamic group while supporting hostile governments and the military. WITH AFP The post Suicide bomber attacks political gathering, kills 44 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salilig hazing suspects plead ‘not guilty’
Two more suspects in the controversial hazing case of Adamson student John Matthew Salilig pleaded not guilty in a court in Biñan, Laguna on 26 July during the arraignments of their cases. Suspects Lester John Sus, aka “Biggie” and Armando Hernandez, aka “Tyler” filed their not-guilty pleas through a video conference. Sus was arrested in Biñan, Laguna on 14 July 2023 based on the warrant of arrest issued by Biñan RTC Branch 155 on 6 July. The same warrants were issued to alias Tyler and Justine Argay Fontanilla, also known as McGregor. Sus claimed that he was only invited in the initiation rites as an official of the San Pedro chapter of the Tau Gamma Fraternity. However, based on the evidence on the fraternity’s group chat, Sus was the one who varnished the paddles that will be used for the hazing. The anti-hazing complaints against Hernandez and Sus were filed by John Matthew’s older brother, John Michael, and Roi dela Cruz, another Adamson student who went through the initiation rites with Salilig. At least eight suspects are already in the custody of Binan City Custodial Facility — two are in CIDG’s custody while three are in the facility of NBI. The other remaining five suspects are still at large and are being tracked down by the authorities. To recall, Salilig was a chemical engineering student of Adamson University that was reported missing on 18 February 2023 and 10 days later, his body was found in a lot in a vacant lot in Barangay Malagasang 1-G in Imus City, Cavite. The post Salilig hazing suspects plead ‘not guilty’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless
Reduced budgets against big, supportive words paint a grainy picture of how the Marcos Jr. administration is prioritizing the arts and culture sector of the Philippines. In 2022, “proposed budget cuts for four key agencies tasked with preserving history and culture,” as said in a report, got critics’ hackles up, implying that the Marcoses had no love lost for history as it was allegedly bent on revisionism. However, a source from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts acknowledges that this has been a “period of recovery,” and that “the administration has continuously supported and assisted in the recovery of the sector, which is one of most adversely affected by the pandemic. Through the government’s cultural agencies, support to the culture still continues” to this day, one year into the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. For its part, the Duterte government, at the height of the pandemic, took steps to alleviate the needs of all those affected in the arts and culture sector. Assistance Data from the Cultural Center of the Philippines reveals that during that time, about 800 events were canceled, losing about 800,000 audiences or participants, and at least P90 million in revenues. About 3,000 artists, cultural workers and other kinds of workers were affected. This was the same all over the country and the world. The NCCA’s Assistance Program for Cultural Workers Under the State of Calamity aimed to provide quick cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to around 800 beneficiaries. Artists and cultural workers who were not under an employer-employee relationship, without regular income or were working freelance, with no benefits, and/or had no employers to run to, and those whose source of income were gone due to the pandemic, were prioritized. The executive council members of the NCCA’s 19 national committees, which represent the different fields of culture and the arts, were tasked to list 35 priority beneficiaries. The NCCA “is the overall policy-making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts — a fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.” Executive Order 80’s. 1999, under then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, put the NCCA on top of other cultural agencies: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of the Philippines) and the Records, Management and Archives Office (now, the National Archives of the Philippines). In 2001, Section 8 of Republic Act 9155 added the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language under the NCCA umbrella tied up with education goals. It states: “The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Record Management and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and no longer with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.” Putting these cultural agencies together was meant to synergize efforts to strengthen the Filipinos’ sense of heritage and nationhood. Budget allocations In 2023, a year after President Marcos first stepped into office, what “resources” are we talking about? When budgets were being deliberated on in 2022, reports came out on calls for an increase in the proposed budget for arts and culture. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance, NCCA chairman Rene Escalante said, “…we are proposing additional funding of a total of P33 million” to cover expenses for “more manpower and space as some regulatory functions of the National Museum of the Philippines were transferred to it.” Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in her newspaper column wrote last 31 May: “For 2023, DBM has released funding for our cultural agencies to sustain their projects. It has allocated P212 million for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; P33 million for NCCA; P164 million for the National Archives; P70 million for the Commission on the Filipino Language; P356 million for CCP and P444 million for the National Museum.” ‘Full support’ Prior to his State of the Nation Address this year after one year in office, expressed his “commitment to promoting Philippine culture, as well as the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage, In a speech at the NCCA Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he said: “Makaaasa kayo na kaisa ninyo ang pamahalaan at administrasyong ito sa pagsusulong at pagpapayaman ng ating sining at kultura (You may rest assured the government and this administration is one with you in the promotion and development of our arts and culture),” pointing out its importance in and interconnection to efforts to boost our economy while uplifting the image of Filipinos across the globe. [caption id="attachment_161350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] TRADITIONAL style of mat weaving. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIKHA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_161351" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Banig weavers.[/caption] ‘Who we are’ What a rich and thriving culture means to a nation cannot be emphasized enough. In October 2018, when Malacañang hosted the awarding of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Philippine Heritage Award and the Order of National Artist, then President Rodrigo Duterte noted the role that cultural heritage plays in the formation of the Filipino identity. “We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from and honor the timelessness of our culture and traditions,” he said. His commitment was evident as the pandemic went on, with the NCCA offering assistance to the affected workers in the arts and culture sector. The unspoken benefit from that experience was that the arts community bounced back immediately, as artists and cultural workers continued to create, to entertain, to impart insights, to provoke and stimulate, to inspire. Creativity might have taken a pause during the pandemic but not for long as artists began to turn to cyberspace to share their works and interact with their audiences mainly in their social media accounts. Taking this cue, cultural institutions and companies, arts organizations and culture-related groups took the online route, creating virtual events such as online galleries, webinars and talks, film showings, workshops and tutorials, live-streamed musical shows and even presentations of recorded theatrical and dance performances. The digital arts have blossomed and traditional artforms have found themselves increasingly and suddenly in the digital world. Post-pandemic, establishments reopened, but cultural spaces such as museums, galleries and theaters were among the last ones to reopen. Local artistry In the first year of Marcos’ presidency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took on the role of promoting Filipino culture by spearheading projects like the Malacañang museums and Likha exhibits, which shone the limelight on local artistry and craftsmanship. One of the legacies of the pandemic that will continue in the coming years is incorporation of streaming or recording for posting and sharing in social media and other mediums. This is true for certain events such as launchings and talks. We have discovered the far-reaching reach of online platforms as well as the convenience of it, saving us time and money. With online platforms, we can reach thousands and disseminate information further beyond borders. Our audiences are not limited to certain geography, certain spheres. However, for theatrical productions, dance, films and music, we have to devise ways to monetize them so that the creatives involved can make a living out of their crafts. That is one of the challenges that the sector will be facing, which is part of the recovery process from the pandemic. One other important factor to be considered is the creative industries or creative economy. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was launched in 2017, and for the first time, arts and culture and the creative industries are included in the national agenda. An inter-agency board has been created focusing on the creative industries, with the NCCA as one of the key agencies. This entails creating a collective vision and aspiration of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, and is an acknowledgment of the power of arts and culture to shape and elevate consciousness and ways of life and inspire communities. In that chapter, the government promises to “boost the development of Filipino creativity as tool for social cohesion and impetus for culture-based industry and creative economy.” Let’s not forget that a thoughtful and caring governance and industry would indeed include arts and culture in order to prosper in all aspects, recognize the important roles of their artists and cultural workers, and would preserve their cultural legacy, which contribute to realizing a deeper sense of self and national identity. True prosperity does not dwell on the material level but must include the nourishment and nurturing of the soul. The post Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM approves nat’l innovation roadmap
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document or NIASD 2023-2032, outlining the country's plan to improve innovation governance and establish a dynamic innovation ecosystem, Malacañang said Saturday. Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil told reporters that Marcos, who also chairs the National Innovation Council, gave the green light during the 5th NIC meeting on Friday. Garafil said the “NIASD characterizes a dynamic innovation ecosystem as one that fosters a pervasive culture of innovation driven by market demands.” The roadmap facilitates collaboration through active, reliable, and useful platforms, and provides innovation actors with the necessary facilities and resources to transform their ideas into innovative products and services. Garafil added that the NIASD will connect the innovator-entrepreneur to potential investors and funders. During the meeting with Marcos, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, vice chairman of the NIC, said that establishing a dynamic innovation ecosystem is one of the six cross-cutting strategies in the transformation agenda identified in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society. "Chapter 8 of the PDP elaborates on this strategy by situating it within the continuum of research and development, innovation, technology adoption, then commercialization" stated Balisacan. An oath-taking ceremony for the executive members also took place shortly before the 5th NIC meeting. The NIC is a 25-member policy advisory body that comprises 16 Department Secretaries and seven Executive Members from the private sector. Aside from Balisacan, the NIC members present during the meeting were Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Director General Rowel Barba, Scientific Community member Dr. Ria Liza Canlas, MSMEs member Mark Sultan Gersava, and Business Sector Members Monchito Ibrahim and Earl Martin Valencia. The post PBBM approves nat’l innovation roadmap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl highlights climate change efforts at UN meet in Germany
The Philippines on Monday highlighted its “whole-of-nation and whole-of-world” approaches in responding to climate change during an ongoing United Nations conference in Bonn, Germany. Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje was among the participants speaking at the plenary of the 58th Sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation or SB58 of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change, which will run until 15 June. During the session, Borje said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is putting a premium on relevant programs and policies that would sustain climate change adaptation not only in the Philippines but also in the global community. The Philippine government, he added, has allocated about US$ 8.2 billion, or 8.82 percent of its national budget this year, for climate change adaptation and mitigation programs “towards meeting the unconditional Nationally Determined Contribution targets.” This year’s allocation is 60 percent higher than the previous year’s climate budget, based on data from the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging—a government tool to monitor, track and report the national and local budgets and investments on climate change adaptation and mitigation programs. “This is the biggest budget allocation for climate change ever recorded, signifying the country’s commitment to increase domestic resources dedicated to climate action,” Borje noted. The CCC chief emphasized that the Philippine government’s efforts to accelerate climate action and enhance climate resilience are “firmly embedded” in the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028, with an entire chapter to climate change and disaster resiliency for the first time. The pioneering chapter identifies key objectives for climate action, including increasing climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions, enhancing ecosystem resilience and enabling the transition to a low-carbon economy. Borje reiterated the need to expand and enhance the Philippines’ international cooperation in terms of adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage as well as climate finance—which also works for other means of implementation such as technology transfer and capacity development toward transformative climate action. The post Phl highlights climate change efforts at UN meet in Germany appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA reorganization imminent (1)
Being a party to the moral and fiscal upheaval that rocked the financial institutions and put to shame the honor and dignity of the nation, in the recent past, there is the general feeling among the learned in government and the private sector, including the academe, that the officials and employees holding critical positions in the Commission on Audit or CoA be reorganized. After the appointment of Atty. Gamaliel A. Cordoba, as the new chairman of CoA, a state of reorganization is felt throughout the audit institution and all attention reckons to the powers and functions of the Commission Proper, the collegial body that governs the entire organization as mandated by the Constitution. The Chairman: The Chairman acts as the presiding officer of the Commission Proper. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission on Audit and is responsible for the general administration of the Commission. (section 6(3), Title I, P.D. 1445). As Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, the Chairman shall control and supervise the general administration of the Commission, direct and manage the implementation and execution of policies, standards, rules, and regulations promulgated by the Commission, and control and supervise the audit of highly technical or confidential transactions or accounts of any government agency. (Section 2, Rule II, 1997 Revised Rules of Procedures of the Commission on Audit). The two commissioners: The two commissioners may assist in the general administration of the Commission, upon proper delegation by the Chairman. They shall assist in the review and evaluation of existing policies as well as in the formulation of new ones. (Section 5, Chapter I, Subtitle B, Title I, Book v, Administrative Code of 1987, Volume II).: It is the policy of CoA that a reshuffle may be effected even without the consent of the official or employee concerned when required or deemed necessary in the interest, or need of the service, subject to the restrictions prescribed. Pursuant to CSC Memorandum Circular No. 2, s. 2005, dated 4 January 2005, reassignment outside geographical location if with consent shall have no limit. However, if it is without consent, reassignment shall be for one year only. Reassignment outside the geographical location may be from one regional office or RO to another RO or from the RO to the central office and vice versa. The periodic reshuffling of CoA personnel is effected through the issuance of a Reassignment Orders which indicate the position and rank of the personnel concerned as well as the present and new units of assignment. The name of the recommending and implementing officials are likewise indicated in the Order. Except when the date of effectivity is specified in the Order, the official or employee concerned assumes post in his/her new place of assignment within one month from the date of his/her receipt of the corresponding Reassignment Order. No new legislation from Congress shall be needed to satisfy the urgency for reorganization. It simply needs the reshuffling of officials and personnel who have relatively overstayed in their position as shown in their assignment orders, and who appeared to have been given special treatment by the previous administration. Numerous voices are being heard from within CoA that “those who were close with the gods before were holding juicy positions; now, how come, the same people are enjoying higher and juicier new postings? When will their bliss ever end?” “Kami naman (Consider us, too),” said CoA personnel who have been assigned for decades in the central office and never to the field audit assignment, although they too are qualified, have been performing administrative jobs since their entry to CoA. Subject to reshuffle is all positions below the chairman and commissioners; National Government Audit Sector. Clusters covering Executive Oversight; Legislative, Judicial, and Constitutional; Local Government and Security; Education; Social and Scientific; Agricultural and Environmental; Commerce, Industry, and External Affairs; and Infrastructure. (To be continued) The post CoA reorganization imminent (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec: Unqualified local aspirants will be rejected
The Commission on Elections on Monday announced that it will order its regional offices to outright reject the certificate of candidacies of unqualified aspirants for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, including overaged Sangguniang Kabataan bets and candidates for barangay posts who are not registered voters. Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said that the move is to prevent a backlog of disqualification cases related to the upcoming polls as there are more than 4,000 petitions have been filed before the poll body. “We have decided that the local Comelec has the powers to reject and remove the CoCs of those unqualified. Why do we need to make things difficult? We’ll just not accept the candidacies of these people,” Garcia said. He added that Section 39 of Title Two, Chapter 1 of the Local Government Code of 1991 states that barangay aspirants must be at least 18 years old during election day on 30 October, must be a registered voter, as well as a resident of the barangay concerned for at least a year, and should be able to read or write. Meanwhile, Section 2 of Chapter 10 of Republic Act 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 states that candidates must be between 18 to 24 years of age on election day, able to read and write in English, Filipino or the dialect used in the barangay, must not be related to incumbent national and local officials at the “second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity,” and must not be convicted with finality on cases involving moral turpitude. However, Garcia clarified that disqualified aspirants could petition for their candidacy before the Comelec who will, in turn, decide whether their local poll boards were correct or not with their rejections. He also vowed to rule on all petitions, including disqualification petitions, before the 30 October polls. “We are committing ourselves to resolve these petitions before 30 October, for us to prove whether someone’s candidacy should be removed or not. If we affirmed the decision of the local Comelec, they could go to the Supreme Court,” Garcia said. The filing of CoCs is scheduled from 28 August to 2 September, with the first day marking the start of the election period for the Barangay and SK Elections. The post Comelec: Unqualified local aspirants will be rejected appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DMK criticises Election Commission for being biassed in allocating symbols to political parties
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 28 (ANI): The Deputy Secretary of the Student Wing of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Ka Amutharasan, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of having a biassed attitude towards opposition parties by allocating election symbols as per their wishes. "ECI has allocated the symbols for the Tamil Manila Congress and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhgam that those parties wished for. Th.....»»
Revisiting Uniteam (Last of 2 parts)
THE Uniteam coalition of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, described by many political analysts as the "dream team", had come a long way since sweeping the 2022 elections......»»
Franki Russell dream come true ang maging Miss Universe New Zealand
SUPER grateful ang aktres at dating “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate na si Franki Russell sa pagiging representative ng New Zealand para sa prestihiyosong Miss Universe pageant. Sa kanyang Instagram page ay ibinandera niya ang mga larawan na kuha noong araw na italaga siya bilang Miss Universe New Zealand. “A new chapter. Where to begin?” panimula.....»»
Run for a cause and make a difference at Clark One Big Run 2024!
The Ateneo Alumni Association (Pampanga Chapter) is inviting everyone to the much-awaited Clark One Big Run......»»
Killua’s owner sues ‘killer’ of golden retriever
PAWS tells Rappler that Killua tested positive for rabies, but it warns it 'may not be accurate due to the fact that the body had already been buried for five days prior to testing and may have been contaminated'.....»»
Women shaping Philippine monetary policy
Women have made significant strides as leaders in the Philippine financial services industry even as challenges continue to persist. At the helm are two distinguished female members of the Monetary Board (MB) – the policy-setting body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) –both of whom are breaking the bias for women in finance......»»