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Sword of Bharat: How India aims to conquer the global arms market
Domestically built warplanes and missiles will help New Delhi to reduce military import dependency and boost defense clusters in the country On Saturday, Tejas, India's domestically built light combat aircraft (LCA), received the biggest endorsement in its short history when Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a so.....»»
Sword of Bharat: How India aims to conquer the global arms market
Domestically built warplanes and missiles will help New Delhi to reduce military import dependency and boost defense clusters in the country On Saturday, Tejas, India's domestically built light combat aircraft (LCA), received the biggest endorsement in its short history when Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a so.....»»
Efforts to boost vitamin K, calcium to combat stunting
The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) in the Philippines is focusing on increasing vitamin K and calcium intake to address the issue of stunting in the country. Recent reviews have suggested a potential link between vitamin K and stunting, leading to the realization that the stunting rate may not be decreasing as expected. The lack of calcium intake is also widespread, with 99 percent of the population experiencing a deficiency, resulting in bone-related issues that contribute to stunted growth. Despite the recent approval of the adoption of the 2015 Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI), the DOST-FNRI aims to add more recommended intake values for vitamin K and calcium. The recommended intake for vitamin K currently varies between six to 53 micrograms (µg) depending on sex and age, while the recommended calcium intake ranges from 200 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) based on sex and age. The initiative aims to establish reference values for recommended energy and nutrient levels of intake. In the Davao Region, 5.8 percent of children under five years old experienced stunting, 1.1 percent experienced wasting, and 1.6 percent were overweight, with higher prevalence in Davao.....»»
DOH, UN join forces to combat malnutrition
The partnership of the DOH, UNICEF, United Nations Office for Project Services, and World Bank aims to implement nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to reduce stunting across 235 local government units in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as 40 municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao......»»
DMW aims to deploy skilled workers in Austria
The Department of Migrant Workers announced on Wednesday its goal to deploy Filipinos to Austria during the signing of an agreement governing the recruitment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers in the healthcare, information technology, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The Memorandum of Understanding was led by DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac and State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Labor and Economy (BMAW). The signed MOA will provide employment opportunities for Filipinos while addressing Austria’s shortage of skilled workers. “Through this agreement, we aim to facilitate the deployment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers to Austria in a manner that is safe, ethical, sustainable, and mutually beneficial. Our workers, in return, will contribute to addressing the labor shortage in Austria and to sharing their expertise and commitment to the economic development of Austria,” Cacdac said. According to Kraus-Winkler, Austria had an excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines. “Austria is focusing on attracting skilled workers abroad. The Philippines is the first country which Austria has entered into a memorandum of understanding with that covers all areas of mutual cooperation on recruitment and vocational training. Austria has many decades of excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines, and we are truly grateful for the reliable support,” Kraus-Winkler said. Cacdac added the partnership reaffirms the long-standing friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect between the Philippines and Austria, particularly in the field of labor and employment. Under the agreement around 500 Filipino workers will be deployed annually to meet Austria’s demand of around 75,000 to 200,000 job openings across all industries, including sectors of healthcare, construction and engineering, information technology, and tourism and hospitality. The MOU guarantees heightened protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, as well as assistance while they undergo skills assessment, education, and equivalence training and licensing in Austria.The DMW and BMAW also committed to developing a framework for work-based vocational training and other measures to increase technical capacity to upgrade the skills and expertise of Filipino workers. Both countries vowed to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking as well as ensure adequate access to legal assistance and social protection for OFWs. The post DMW aims to deploy skilled workers in Austria appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC, Greenpeace to combat plastic pollution
Quezon City government announced over the weekend that it has partnered with Greenpeace Philippines to tackle the urgent plastic pollution crisis and enhance existing city ordinances regulating the use of single-use plastics. Co-developed with community stakeholders and the city government, “Kuha sa Tingi” seeks to provide accessible and affordable alternatives to sachets and plastic-packaged goods. The project aims to empower communities to access goods without contributing to plastic pollution by promoting reuse and refill systems. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte believes this is a critical initiative, stating, “Kuha sa Tingi” is a testament that being sustainable and eco-friendly can be affordable and inclusive, especially for those who belong to the marginalized sector. “With this initiative, we were able to lessen the usage of products in sachets, and at the same time prevent these from ending up in our waterways when not properly disposed of,” she said. The program started last 10 July with 30 participating pilot stores. Throughout the 8-week program, sari-sari stores were able to gain a total of P143,286 in sales, an average of 4,776 per store, and consumers were able to save P143 per week. They were able to divert 47,601 sachets or a total of 1,428,030 mL of plastics in volume. Given the magnitude of this issue and the surge in plastic production in recent years, Greenpeace believes it is imperative to implement effective and impactful solutions to reduce production and dependence on single-use plastic. The post QC, Greenpeace to combat plastic pollution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Kuha sa Tingi’ aims to combat plastic pollution
Quezon City government announced over the weekend that it has partnered with Greenpeace Philippines to tackle the urgent plastic pollution crisis and enhance existing city ordinances regulating the use of single-use plastics. Co-developed with community stakeholders and the city government, Kuha sa Tingi seeks to provide accessible and affordable alternatives to sachets and plastic-packaged goods. The project aims to empower communities to access goods without contributing to plastic pollution by promoting reuse and refill systems. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte believes this is a critical initiative, stating, "Kuha sa Tingi is a testament that being sustainable and eco-friendly can be affordable and inclusive, especially for those who belong to the marginalized sector. "With this initiative, we were able to lessen the usage of products in sachets, and at the same time prevent these from ending up in our waterways when not properly disposed of,” she said. The program started on 10 July 2023 with 30 participating pilot stores. Throughout the 8-week program, sari-sari stores were able to gain a total of P143,286 in sales, an average of 4,776 per store, and consumers were able to save P143 per week. They were able to divert 47,601 sachets or a total of 1,428,030 mL of plastics in volume. Given the magnitude of this issue and the surge in plastic production in recent years, Greenpeace believes it is imperative to implement effective and impactful solutions to reduce production and dependence on single-use plastic. The project does so by developing a sustainable business model anchored on concepts of reuse and refill as well as providing consumers with an array of zero-waste alternatives that are simple, affordable, and readily accessible for their daily needs. “Extending across multiple barangays and various types of enterprises in Quezon City, Kuha sa Tingi is a testament to the broad range of positive impacts of reuse and refill systems. This proves the viability, affordability, and accessibility of reuse and refill systems as alternatives to sachets, offering a tangible solution to diminish plastic pollution within our communities. The results of Kuha sa Tingi show that companies can adopt reuse and refill, and they should do so immediately,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner at Greenpeace Philippines. Cities, communities, and local enterprises are currently at the forefront of pioneering solutions to combat plastic pollution through the advancement of business models centered around the reuse and refill systems. Under the Global Plastics Treaty, governments are mandated to support these existing efforts and future development by establishing global standards and mechanisms to enable refill and reuse to be supported, replicated, and scaled across countries and regions. “Major contributors to plastic pollution, such as plastic-dependent corporations and fossil fuel companies that are reaping benefits from the proliferation of plastic products, should be held accountable to reduce plastic production and phase out single-use plastics. Companies must be obligated to adapt and integrate the reuse and refill systems into their business models. This shift is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of their operations,” said Ledesma. "The program empowers our community to do their part in protecting our environment. This will serve as an inspiration to other sari-sari store owners, barangays, and even companies to reduce their plastic waste and switch to reusable and sustainable options," Mayor Belmonte added. Greenpeace is calling on governments to engage in reuse and refill initiatives like Kuha sa Tingi, and urging them to strengthen public policies that regulate the production and use of single-use plastics. The post ‘Kuha sa Tingi’ aims to combat plastic pollution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND, AFP, Comelec sign pact for orderly barangay, SK elections
The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday signed an agreement with the Commission on Elections to ensure peaceful and orderly barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections nationwide on 30 October. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. signed the pact with Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The signing was also witnessed by AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., who is in charge of the Committee on Kontra Bigay. The Committee on Kontra Bigay aims to combat the “deplorable practice of vote buying”, which Teodoro said continues to pollute the country’s democracy. “Ang tao, naiimpluwensyahan ng mga bagay na hindi kanais-nais. Kaya po ang fault niyan ay nasa namimigay,” he said. On the other hand, Brawner signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Garcia allowing Comelec to deputize AFP personnel to ensure free, orderly and peaceful barangay elections. At the sidelines of the MOA signing, the Comelec handed over a check to AFP amounting to P40 million in support of the military’s administrative, operational and logistical needs "as they perform their functions relative to the upcoming BSK elections." The post DND, AFP, Comelec sign pact for orderly barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China ships, jets swarm off Taiwan
China’s Shandong carrier strike group, along with other warships of the People’s Liberation Army, earned condemnation from Taiwan for its naval exercises near the self-ruled island. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, more than 100 Chinese warplanes and nine navy ships were sighted in the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan and the Philippines. Over the past decades, the People’s Republic of China has maintained its stance that Taiwan is a renegade province that it intends to reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan’s defense ministry described the number of warplanes detected around the island as a “recent high.” “Between the morning of 17th to 18th September, the Ministry of National Defence detected a total of 103 Chinese aircraft which was a recent high and has posed severe challenges to the security across the Taiwan Strait and in the region,” the agency said in a statement. While Beijing refrained from issuing an official statement on the sorties, Taiwan called on China to stop its “destructive unilateral actions” in the area. Beijing’s “continued military harassment can easily lead to a sharp spike in tensions and worsen regional security,” the ministry said. About 40 of the Chinese fighter planes crossed the so-called median line of the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China, and entered its southwest and southeast air defense identification zone, the statement said. Taipei reported similar incidents last week following an increased number of incursions by Chinese warplanes and ships. High alert The uptick came as Beijing said its troops were on “high alert” after two ships belonging to the United States and Canada sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s defense ministry said 68 Chinese aircraft and 10 naval vessels were detected around the island between Wednesday morning and Thursday morning. Some of those planes and warships were heading to an unspecified area in the Western Pacific to “conduct joint sea and air training” with China’s Shandong aircraft carrier, the ministry said. The Shandong, one of two operational aircraft carriers in the Chinese fleet, was detected last week around 60 nautical miles (110 kilometers) southeast of Taiwan heading to the Western Pacific, Taipei authorities said. Japan, too Meanwhile, Japan’s defense ministry said its navy had detected six ships — including frigates, destroyers, one fast combat support ship, and the Shandong — sailing through waters some 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Miyakojima island, east of Taiwan. It also confirmed that jets and helicopters had been detected taking off and landing on the Shandong. China’s increased military activities in the South China Sea were attributed to the multiple military drills being conducted by the United States with its allies in the Asia-Pacific. Among them are the ongoing US-South Korea exercise in the Yellow Sea, a drill involving the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea, and the 19-nation Super Garuda Shield exercise. Counter to naval drills Last month, Japan, Australia and the Philippines conducted a naval drill led by the US. “Politically, China aims to counter the military containment by democratic allies led by the United States,” Su Tzu-yun, an analyst at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defence and Security Research, told AFP. Taiwan had reported a large number of Chinese warplane flights around the island following last August’s visit to Taipei by Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of the US House of Representatives. In April, Beijing conducted a three-day “Joint Sword” military exercise to simulate the encirclement of the island, after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with US house Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. At the time, Taiwan detected 71 Chinese warplanes in a 24-hour period, matching the previous record daily high set in December 2022. WITH AFP The post China ships, jets swarm off Taiwan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos administration denies maintaining troll farms
The Marcos administration has no troll farms as the lead communications arm of the government aims to combat fake news, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said on Monday. Garafil made the clarification during a Senate hearing on the proposed P1.921-billion budget proposal of the Presidential Communications Office and its attached agencies for 2024. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said there were suspicions regarding 1,479 contractual employees working for the former Presidential Communications Operations Office, with allegations of them engaging in troll-like activities. In 2021, former Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon demanded that the PCO provide documents related to these employees under contract of service, consistently referring to them as "trolls." The slang term "troll" is used to describe an individual who shares incendiary or irrelevant content with the intention of provoking or upsetting others on social media and various online platforms. "For the record, Mr. Chair, we don't have trolls. No troll farm, no troll army," Garafil said. Ejercito underscored the importance of "disseminating information regarding the accomplishments of the Marcos administration." Garafil, for her part, said that PCO provides accurate information as the primary source of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s messages. "Our number one priority is still, of course, communication with the President, but, of course, underlying that is what you mentioned earlier, the fight against fake news. That's why this year, we launched a media information literacy campaign to address the problem of fake news," Garafil said. Last month, PCO launched Marcos administration's Media and Information Literacy Project to combat misinformation and disinformation online. Garafil said the MIL is the administration's response to the disinformation and misinformation plaguing the country's digital landscape, focusing on capacitating the youth to become more discerning media consumers. She also emphasized that the PCO would refrain from participating in any kind of historical distortion or rewriting. "We will not engage in any form of revisionism as they claim; on the contrary, we want to... that's why this is not a fact-checking tool, we want to empower everyone, especially the youth, to see for themselves, on their own, what is really true or not. We will not revise anything," Garafil said. She also mentioned the PCO's partnership with social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Google, and TikTok in the fight against misinformation. Garafil expressed that the PCO favors establishing a constructive partnership with TikTok rather than opting for a platform ban. The post Marcos administration denies maintaining troll farms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos administration denies they maintain troll farms
The Marcos administration has no troll farms as the lead communications arm of the government aims to combat fake news, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said on Monday. Garafil made the clarification during a Senate hearing on the proposed P1.921-billion budget proposal of the Presidential Communications Office and its attached agencies for 2024. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said there were suspicions regarding 1,479 contractual employees working for the former Presidential Communications Operations Office, with allegations of them engaging in troll-like activities. In 2021, former Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon demanded that the PCO provide documents related to these employees under contract of service, consistently referring to them as "trolls." The slang term "troll" is used to describe an individual who shares incendiary or irrelevant content with the intention of provoking or upsetting others on social media and various online platforms. "For the record, Mr. Chair, we don't have trolls. No troll farm, no troll army," Garafil said. Ejercito underscored the importance of "disseminating information regarding the accomplishments of the Marcos administration." Garafil, for her part, said that PCO provides accurate information as the primary source of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s messages. "Our number one priority is still, of course, communication with the President, but, of course, underlying that is what you mentioned earlier, the fight against fake news. That's why this year, we launched a media information literacy campaign to address the problem of fake news," Garafil said. Last month, PCO launched Marcos administration's Media and Information Literacy Project to combat misinformation and disinformation online. Garafil said the MIL is the administration's response to the disinformation and misinformation plaguing the country's digital landscape, focusing on capacitating the youth to become more discerning media consumers. She also emphasized that the PCO would refrain from participating in any kind of historical distortion or rewriting. "We will not engage in any form of revisionism as they claim; on the contrary, we want to... that's why this is not a fact-checking tool, we want to empower everyone, especially the youth, to see for themselves, on their own, what is really true or not. We will not revise anything," Garafil said. She also mentioned the PCO's partnership with social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Google, and TikTok in the fight against misinformation. Garafil expressed that the PCO favors establishing a constructive partnership with TikTok rather than opting for a platform ban. The post Marcos administration denies they maintain troll farms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taiwan detects 103 Chinese warplanes around island
Taiwan told China on Monday to stop its "destructive unilateral actions" after more than 100 Chinese warplanes and nine navy ships were detected in areas around the self-ruled island. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory to be seized one day, by force if necessary, and has ramped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taipei in recent years. Taiwan's defence ministry described the number of warplanes detected in 24 hours as a "recent high", while Beijing has so far refrained from issuing any official comment on the sorties. "Between the morning of September 17th to 18th, the Ministry of National Defence had detected a total of 103 Chinese aircraft which was a recent high and has posed severe challenges to the security across the Taiwan Strait and in the region," it said in a statement. Beijing's "continued military harassment can easily lead to a sharp escalation in tension and worsen regional security," the ministry said, as it called on China to "immediately stop such destructive unilateral actions." Of the total number of warplanes detected, 40 crossed the so-called median line of the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China, and entered its southwest and southeast air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the statement said. 'High alert' Last week, Taipei also reported an increased number of incursions by Chinese warplanes and ships. The uptick came as Beijing said its troops were on "high alert" after two ships belonging to the United States and Canada sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's defence ministry said 68 Chinese aircraft and 10 naval vessels were detected around the island between Wednesday morning and Thursday morning. Some of those planes and warships were heading to an unspecified area of the Western Pacific to "conduct joint sea and air training" with China's Shandong aircraft carrier, the ministry said. The Shandong, one of two operational aircraft carriers in the Chinese fleet, was detected last week around 60 nautical miles (110 kilometers) southeast of Taiwan heading into the Western Pacific, Taipei authorities said. Japan's defence ministry also said last week its navy had detected six ships -- including frigates, destroyers, one fast combat support ship and the Shandong -- sailing through waters some 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Miyakojima island, east of Taiwan. It confirmed that jets and helicopters had been detected taking off and landing from the Shandong, though China has not commented officially on any drills being conducted in the Western Pacific. 'The same China' Analysts said China could be flexing its muscles to counter US influence in the Asia-Pacific, as it leads multiple rounds of military drills with allies across the region. "Politically, China aims to counter the military containment of democratic allies led by the United States," Su Tzu-yun, an analyst at Taiwan's Institute for National Defence and Security Research told AFP. Following last August's visit to Taipei by Nancy Pelosi, then-speaker of the US House of Representatives, China staged its largest-ever war games around Taiwan. Then in April this year, Beijing conducted a three-day "Joint Sword" military exercise to simulate the encirclement of the island, after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. While Beijing has yet to issue any statements on its latest sorties, China's Global Times state tabloid posted a comment on the Weibo social media platform. "The mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China, and Taiwan is a sacred and inalienable part of China," the post said, reiterating Beijing's long-standing policy. "The People's Liberation Army's relevant combat training activities are necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," it added, referring to China's military. The post Taiwan detects 103 Chinese warplanes around island appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PLDT, Smart work with Maynilad on reforestation and water stewardship
In line with continuing efforts to fight climate change and promote water security, the country's largest integrated telecommunications network PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. have teamed up with water solutions company Maynilad Water Services Inc. on various reforestation and water stewardship programs. PLDT and Smart recently supported Maynilad’s annual tree planting initiative “Plant for Life” at the La Mesa Watershed. This is a multi-site reforestation program that aims to recover denuded forests within critical watersheds that surround Metro Manila and nearby areas. The telcos, through their social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation, adopted one hectare of the reforestation site within Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan. “Recognition of the importance of sustainability is shared within the MVP group of companies. At PLDT and Smart, we appreciate the significance of our forests and nature-based solutions in helping us mitigate and adapt to the worsening impacts of climate change. It is thus in our best interest to pursue synergies with like-minded organizations, such as Maynilad, to amplify efforts to take care of our environment and of our customer communities,” said PLDT first vice president, chief sustainability officer and head of investor relations Melissa Vergel de Dios. As co-chair of the Planet Pillar of the United Nations Global Compact’s local chapter Global Compact Network Philippines, PLDT and Smart also tapped Maynilad as one of the speakers during a learning session for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises on responsible water stewardship and on efforts to combat plastic pollution in waterways. During the session, Maynilad’s head of quality, sustainability and resiliency Atty. Roel Espiritu highlighted the importance of engaging institutional partners and MSMEs for reforestation activities. “When we plant trees, we get to hit two birds with one stone. We create carbon sinks, and at the same time foster and maintain good quality of water,” he explained. The post PLDT, Smart work with Maynilad on reforestation and water stewardship 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 recognizes e-sports potential
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted on Tuesday, 12 September the timely and rapidly growing potential of e-sports not only in the Philippines but also globally. Go expressed his support during a budget hearing for the Games and Amusements Board which he presided over as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. With a proposed budget of P131 million for 2024, GAB, which is responsible for regulating and supervising professional sports, has also been keenly observing the rise of e-sports and its increasing importance in the professional sports landscape. “As to the Games and Amusements Board, I also want to know the developments in professional sports particularly the emergence of e-sports,” he said. The senator emphasized the role of e-sports in his broader campaign against illegal drugs. “Isa rin po ito sa paraan upang mailayo natin ang kabataan sa illegal na droga (This is one way of keeping the youth away from drugs),” Go added. By promoting e-sports as an alternative to harmful activities, Go aims to engage the youth in a constructive and potentially lucrative field, contributing to their overall well-being. Go also mentioned that e-sports competitions are not just confined to metropolitan areas but have reached even far-flung provinces like Zamboanga Sibugay where he was invited to grace an e-sports activity there early this year. In February, Go attended the 22nd Araw ng Sibugay and Sibug-Sibug Festival in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. The event featured the province’s inaugural and largest in-person Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament. The senator expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its role in uplifting the community, especially the youth, by offering them a platform to display their talents, particularly in e-sports. During the hearing, Go also asked GAB chairman Richard Santos Clarin about the use of their confidential funds and their efforts to fight illegal gambling and game fixing in professional games. Go asked Clarin where they use their confidential funds and if they use it for their illegal gambling campaign. Clarin replied that they have a four million peso budget for confidential funds, which they use to combat illegal gambling. Go and fellow senators such as Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also asked GAB if they are still hearing reports of game fixing in professional games and if they are able to counter it. Clarin said that they hope to do so, and that they are very aggressive in coordinating with the professional leagues, such as the Philippine Basketball Association and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, under the direction of commissioners Willie Marcial and Kenneth Duremdes, respectively. The post Go recognizes e-sports potential appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Get into e-sports, stay away from drugs — Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go highlighted on Tuesday, 12 September, during a budget hearing for the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) which he presided over as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, the timely and rapidly growing potential of e-sports not only in the Philippines but also globally. With a proposed budget of P131 million for 2024, GAB, which is responsible for regulating and supervising professional sports, has also been keenly observing the rise of e-sports and its increasing importance in the professional sports landscape. "As to the Games and Amusements Board, I also want to know the developments in professional sports particularly the emergence of e-sports,” said Go. “Napansin ko na talagang marami pong sumasali at ako po'y natutuwa dito sa e-sports dahil kahit saan pwede silang mag-participate,” he added. The senator emphasized the role of e-sports in his broader campaign against illegal drugs. "Isa rin po ito sa paraan upang mailayo natin ang kabataan sa illegal na droga," Go added. By promoting e-sports as an alternative to harmful activities, Go aims to engage the youth in a constructive and potentially lucrative field, contributing to their overall well-being. Go also mentioned that e-sports competitions are not just confined to metropolitan areas but have reached even far-flung provinces like Zamboanga Sibugay where he was invited to grace an e-sports activity there early this year. "Ang daming sumasali, as far as sa napuntahan ko sa Zamboanga Sibugay, may mga competitions po sila tungkol sa e-sports," he revealed. In February, Go attended the 22nd Araw ng Sibugay and Sibug-Sibug Festival in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. The event featured the province's inaugural and largest in-person Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament. The senator expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its role in uplifting the community, especially the youth, by offering them a platform to display their talents, particularly in e-sports. During the hearing, Go also asked GAB Chairman Richard Santos Clarin about the use of their confidential funds and their efforts to fight illegal gambling and game fixing in professional games. Go asked Clarin where they use their confidential funds and if they use them for their illegal gambling campaign. Clarin replied that they have a four million peso budget for confidential funds, which they use to combat illegal gambling. Go and fellow senators such as Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also asked GAB if they are still hearing reports of game fixing in professional games and if they are able to counter it. Clarin said that they hope to do so and that they are very aggressive in coordinating with professional leagues, such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), under the direction of commissioners Willie Marcial and Kenneth Duremdes, respectively. “As soon as they find na may abnormality, we discuss and investigate. Problema lang, hard to find concrete evidence for it to stand in court. Pero nakikita naman kapag may abnormalities sa stats ng certain professional basketball player or results of the game,” he said. Go emphasized that his attention to e-sports during the GAB budget hearing reflects his commitment to adapting to the evolving sports industry. To end, he pointed out the potential of all kinds of sports as a catalyst for social improvement, especially in fighting issues like drug abuse and illegal gambling. His clear message, "Get into sports, get into e-sports, and stay away from drugs," summarizes his dual goals of promoting sports and improving social well-being. The post Get into e-sports, stay away from drugs — Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia wrap up Exercise Carabaroo 2023
The Philippines and Australia wrapped up this year’s bilateral Exercise Carabaroo. Some 138 troops from the Philippine Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, First Scout Ranger Regiment, and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) have trained with their Australian counterparts and Timor-Leste Army for three weeks with an aim to enhance their interoperability involving “dismounted infantry operations” in urban terrain. Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the series of army training was held in strategic areas at the Robertson Barracks, Gunn Point, and Channel Island in Darwin. The military drill aims to strengthen tactical coordination and increase survivability, lethality, command, and control within the urban environment while enhancing the interoperability of multinational combined arms teams, he added. The Exercise Carabaroo is part of the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade’s Exercise Predator’s Run, a multinational training activity that simulates littoral combined arms maneuvers in a large-scale force-on-force environment. Army Commanding General Lt.Gen. Roy Galido made remarks during the culmination activity. “Becoming a world-class army is not about flashy uniforms and parades. It’s about learning, mastering, and learning some more,” Galido said. The post Phl, Australia wrap up Exercise Carabaroo 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Aussie armies wrap up bilateral ‘Exercise Carabaroo’
The Philippines and Australia wrapped up this year's bilateral 'Exercise Carabaroo'. Some 138 troops from the Philippine Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, First Scout Ranger Regiment, and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) have trained with their Australian counterparts and Timor-Leste Army for three weeks with an aim to enhance their interoperability involving “dismounted infantry operations” in urban terrain. Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the series of army training was held in strategic areas at the Robertson Barracks, Gunn Point, and Channel Island in Darwin. The military drill aims to strengthen tactical coordination and increase survivability, lethality, command, and control within the urban environment while enhancing the interoperability of multinational combined arms teams, he added. The Exercise Carabaroo is part of the Australian Army's 1st Brigade's Exercise Predator's Run, a multinational training activity that simulates littoral combined arms maneuvers in a large-scale force-on-force environment. Army Commanding General Lt.Gen. Roy Galido made remarks during the culmination activity. "Becoming a world-class army is not about flashy uniforms and parades. It's about learning, mastering, and learning some more,” Galido said. The post Phl, Aussie armies wrap up bilateral ‘Exercise Carabaroo’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australian armies hold defense ops
The Philippine Army and its Australian counterpart conducted defense operations as part of their bilateral Exercise Carabaroo this year, which targets to enhance both armies’ interoperability and war-fighting capabilities. In a statement on Saturday, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the army troops of both countries employed perimeter defense for self-security and platoons’ protection in specific locations. Trinidad said the launching perimeter defense is targeted to build combat power, “especially during patrolling missions and defense against enemy attacks.” “The troops of the 99th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, Philippine Army, 5th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, and 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, conducted a defense operation during Phase 2 of Exercise Carabaroo 2023 at the Common User Facility, Northern Territory, Australia on August 31,” Trinidad said. Exercise Carabaroo 2023 is a three-week bilateral exercise involving “dismounted infantry operations” in urban terrain. It seeks stronger ties and relationships between participating military forces. Trinidad said this military drill aims to strengthen tactical coordination and increase survivability, lethality, command, and control within the urban environment while enhancing the interoperability of multinational combined arms teams. The latest bilateral Exercise Carabaroo was held in September last year between the Philippine Army and the Australian Defence Force aimed to enhance their combined arms capabilities. In 2022, around 150 troops from the Philippine Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, First Scout Ranger Regiment, and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) trained alongside their Australian counterparts at the Robertson Barracks and Mount Bundey Training Area in Australia. The post Phl, Australian armies hold defense ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Even Indian lenders drawn to SBCorp’s P3
A high-ranking official of a Department of Trade and Industry-attached agency has revealed that even traditional Indian lenders based in the Philippines want to avail of the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso, or P3, Program of the government. Small Business Corporation or SBCorp president and CEO Robert Bastillo made the revelation when he guested on the second Daily Tribune’s Asian Innovation Forum on Tuesday. He said half of the funds allocated to P3 are meant for cooperatives, micro-finance institutions, and private financing companies that have members that can easily access micro-entrepreneurs, particularly those who own sari-sari or small stores. “P3 was conceptualized to combat loan sharks or informal money lenders. When we visited a cooperative in a municipality in Bicol recently, we discovered that Indian lenders were now lowering their interest rate to 5 percent per month,” Bastillo said. “Surprisingly, some Indian lenders even wanted to avail themselves of our P3 program. If that is the case, it means the program has an impact,” he added. He explained that SBCorp is ready to provide funding to micro and small entrepreneurs to eventually expand operations in the long run or when banking institutions are not yet ready to provide MSE loans to them due to a lack of a banking track record. “That is why we are asking Congress to add more funds to SBCorp. The current fund is not enough to help MSMEs in their entrepreneurial journey,” he said. SBCorp estimated that there is a P300 to P400 billion financing gap in the country, which means that banking institutions, even cooperatives, and microfinancing institutions are not able to respond to the needs of MSE lenders. “We are asking for P50 billion for our total capital, including our current fund. While for the P3, we are aiming to make it a full-fledged law for it to have automatic appropriations. We aim that 10 to 15 percent of the current financing gap will be given to us, enough to serve MSEs and cooperatives, among others,” he said. In March 2023, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading of House Bill 7363, or the proposed P3 Act, with an overwhelming 278 votes. The “P3 Act aims to provide an affordable, accessible, and simple financing program for MSEs, especially those in the poorest populations and underserved areas. HB 7363 mandates the creation of the P3 Fund, which shall be lent out to qualified MSEs under such terms and conditions that will meet the purposes of the Act. The P3 Fund shall be accessible through the SBCorp. and accredited partner financial institutions such as rural banks, thrift banks, development banks, cooperative banks, cooperatives, non-stock savings and loan associations, microfinance non-government organizations and lending companies. Currently, the P3 Program, with an annual allocation of P1.5 billion from the national government, is intended to provide micro-entrepreneurs with an alternative source of financing that is easy to access at a reasonable interest rate, that is in a safe environment away from dubious practices of informal lenders, and that is sustainable as delinquent borrowers are effectively barred from borrowing in the next loan cycle. Under the P3 Program, a microenterprise can borrow between P5,000 and P200,000, depending on its business status and repayment capacity, with no collateral requirement. Interest rates and service fees, all in, do not exceed 2.5 percent monthly. The post Even Indian lenders drawn to SBCorp’s P3 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»