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DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center
The Department of Information and Communications Technology has forged a partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the John Hay Management Corporation for the establishment of the North Luzon Data Center. The agreement was signed on Monday, 18 September 2023 by Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang, and JHMC President and CEO Allan R. Garcia. The DICT will lead the development of the North Luzon Data Center, which will be an integral part of the Department’s National Government Data Center Project. “The collaboration between DICT and BCDA to establish the North Luzon Data Center is a quantum leap toward a digitally-empowered Philippines. This cutting-edge facility is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to innovative, efficient and exceptional public service. With this data center, we shall drive digital transformation in the region and the country, ensuring that every Filipino can seize the opportunities of the digital economy,” said Uy. The planned North Luzon Data Center will mainly cater to government entities situated in the area of the country, promoting the utilization of e-governance systems and facilitating public transactions. A portion of the data center shall also be allocated for BCDA and JHMC’s use. “As the country’s digital economy and the demand for cloud-based services continue to grow exponentially, the Philippines needs to strengthen its digital infrastructure and build up its data center capacity. Being stewards of national development, the BCDA is ready to support the DICT in this endeavor, and we are willing to extend our efforts so that all Filipinos have access to fast and reliable digital services,” said Bingcang. Garcia added: “Celebrating this groundbreaking and unprecedented partnership, DICT, BCDA and JHMC unite to usher in a state-of-the-art government data center. Together, we aspire to elevate our digital infrastructure, empower efficient public services and ignite a new era of technological progress, all for the benefit of every Filipino.” The DICT has been aggressively pushing for e-governance initiatives, in compliance with the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to facilitate the full digitalization of the country’s bureaucracy. Through forging partnerships with various government agencies and local government units, the department promotes the efficient delivery of public services and the interoperability of government systems and applications. The post DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OPAPRU backs ex-rebels’ case expedite
DAVAO CITY — Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Eastern Mindanao director Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña said that they support the proposal of Agusan del Norte Governor Angel Amante to speed up cases of the former rebels or Friends Rescued — a move seen by OPAPRU that would ramp up efforts in helping the FRs’ eventual reintegration in mainstream society. “We certainly back this proposal by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte. We commend this effort and are ready to offer our full support to make sure that this will be operationalized,” Lapiña said. She added that the OPAPRU will be assisting the provincial government of Agusan del Norte in implementing the mechanism “to lure more New People’s Army members to lay down their weapons and embrace the path to peace.” Lapiña also disclosed that the remaining armed combatants are apprehensive about returning to the folds of the law due to their pending cases in court. “Our goal is to provide a clear and swift path for our FRs. We want to assure them that by choosing peace, the whole-of-nation approach of the government will be of help to them to address both root causes of conflict, social inequality, and historical injustice, among others,” Lapiña said. To date, there are 122 former rebels in Agusan del Norte who have pending cases in court and Lapiña stressed the need to strengthen the coordination between other government agencies, such as the Public Attorney’s Office, the Agusan del Norte government and volunteer legal partners that would actively monitor the progress of the former rebels’ cases, “ensuring that they are treated with the urgency they deserve.” “By closely following legal proceedings, they can identify and address any potential delays or obstacles,” Lapiña said. For his part, Oliver Binancilan, head of OPAPRU’s Davao Area Management Unit, also briefed the group about the Amnesty Program, which he described as a significant stride forward in the government’s efforts to help FRs reintegrate into society. In his presentation, Bancillan stressed the role of Kagawasan 143 Peace Center in actively collaborating with the government to facilitate the amnesty process, ensuring that eligible FRs can benefit from this opportunity for a fresh start. The post OPAPRU backs ex-rebels’ case expedite appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators seek removal of floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc
Senators on Sunday sought the removal of the floating barrier installed by China in Bajo de Masinloc, a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Tolentino, called on the Philippine government to remove the floating barrier around Bajo de Masinloc, which prevents Filipino fishermen from entering the shoal for their livelihood activities. According to Zubiri, China has “no right to put any structures within our exclusive economic zone,” referring to the floating barriers allegedly installed by the Chinese Coast Guard around Bajo de Masinloc. “These structures pose a danger on passing fishing boats that can get entangled on the lines and cause considerable damage to the propellers and engines of our fisherfolk,” he said in a message to reporters on Viber. “Therefore I would like to request our Philippine Coast Guard to immediately cut and remove all these illegal structures located at our West Philippine Sea not just to assert our sovereign rights to the area but to protect our fishermen from any possible accidents that may arise from these illegal structures,” he added. The Philippine Coast Guard on early Sunday reported the presence of a floating barrier in the southern portion of Bajo de Masincloc – allegedly installed by China. The Senate chief expressed gratitude to the PCG for its “untiring ang unwavering commitment to watch and protect the areas within our Exclusive Economic Zones and Bajo de Masinloc is well within our 12NM territory.” “We in the Senate stand by our brave men and women who risk their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy today,” he said. Senator Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, echoed the Senate chief’s request on the PCG. “I agree with the removal of the floating barrier because it is not allowed to do it. It signifies a restricted zone,” Tolentino said in a separate statement on Filipino. According to him, only the Philippines is allowed to install floating barriers in emergencies such as oil spills or if its part of aquaculture management as a temporary measure. “Bajo de Masinloc is 120 nautical miles only from Zambales. Our fishermen should not be stopped by China from fishing in our fence,” he said. “China violated international law when it installed the floating barrier. It should be removed immediately. The PCG is correct in assisting our fishermen,” he added. Cruelty For her part, Hontiveros described the recent China’s act as “cruelty.” “China’s cruelty knows no bounds. They have no shame in blocking our fishermen from their own waters,” she said. “Filipino fisherfolk are among the poorest in our country. They only rely on our seas for their food and their livelihood,” she added. The opposition senator reiterated China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the recent coral destruction along Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. “The next generation would no longer benefit from these natural resources,” she said. “We will not allow China to starve our fellow Filipinos to death. I trust that the Philippine Coast Guard can escort our fisherfolk and ensure that they pass through the floating barriers,” she added. Hontiveros renewed her call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to review the current national policy towards China. “We should no longer accept acts like this going unpunished. If we allow China’s bullying to continue, it will cost the lives of our own people,” she stressed. The Daily Tribune sought comments from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese Embassy in Manila about the developments in the West Philippine Sea, but they have yet to respond as of press time. The post Senators seek removal of floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ghana bus strapping kills 9
Gunmen killed nine people when they opened fire on a bus in a northern Ghana district struggling with ethnic tensions and concerns over Islamist violence from across the border in Burkina Faso, a local official said Friday. The attack on Thursday morning targeted a bus carrying mostly women on their way to a local market and escorted by police, because of the tensions, in Pusiga district near the volatile Bawku area of Ghana’s Upper East Region. Pusiga district chief Zubeiru Abdulai, a local mayor, told AFP that the nine victims died from gunshot wounds when their bus was ambushed near a remote forest close to the border with both Burkina Faso and Togo. “The vehicle was occupied by mostly women and was being escorted by the police due to the volatile situation in Bawku,” he said. “The police are investigating the incident now and it will be difficult for me to establish the main reason behind the attack.” Police did not immediately respond to calls seeking more details on the attack. Upper East Region has struggled with a decades-long conflict between ethnic Kusasi and Mamprusi communities over the right to choose a new chieftain and over land rights in the mostly Muslim Bawku region, where there is a heavy police and army presence. Those tensions often flare into violence. Jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has also forced people to flee across the frontier into Ghana. Earlier this year, Ghana sent 1,000 more troops and police to Bawku to reinforce security after gunmen killed an immigration officer and wounded two more. Officials did not blame any group for that attack. Ghana’s northern frontier is also an area with well-established smuggling routes, porous borders and illegal gold mining — a combination local officials and experts worry could benefit jihadists. With Islamist militants controlling large parts of Burkina Faso over the border, Western partners are looking to help Ghana and coastal West African neighbors Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast strengthen their defenses to prevent jihadist attacks. With AFP The post Ghana bus strapping kills 9 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. auto workers stage historic strike
About 12,700 workers from one factory each of the three biggest automakers in the United States walked off their job Friday in a historic strike. The strikers marked the walkout outside a Detroit-area Ford plant with rowdy honking and cheers at the arrival of the United Auto Workers’ union leader Shawn Fain “Tonight, for the first time in our history, we will strike all three of the Big Three at once,” Fain said in a webcast shortly before the 14 September deadline to sign a new contract with General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Fain said he had hoped to avoid a strike, but blamed the companies for waiting too long to begin serious negotiations. “We’re going to be out here until we get our share of economic justice,” the union president said. “And it doesn’t matter how long it takes.” Fain said the union would strike at a GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri; a Stellantis facility in Toledo, Ohio; and a Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan, but only the final assembly and paint operations. The 12,700 who walked out represent only a fraction of the 150,000 auto workers represented by UAW. The union demands include a 40-percent hike in wages, which Fain has said is needed to match rises in CEO pay. Other sticking points include raising pay and benefits for junior employees to match the level of more seasoned workers, who currently make a top rate of around $32 an hour. Many hourly workers say the auto giants must produce significantly better packages to make up for meager wages and benefit cuts after the 2008 financial crisis, when both GM and Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, underwent bankruptcy reorganizations. All three companies have been highly profitable in recent years. On Thursday, GM upped its offer, lifting a proposed wage increase to 20 percent. The company had previously proposed an 18 percent rise, according to the UAW. Stellantis said it was “extremely disappointed by the UAW leadership’s refusal to engage in a responsible manner to reach a fair agreement in the best interest of our employees, their families and our customers.” The post U.S. auto workers stage historic strike appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iloilo International Airport receives ISO Certification
The Iloilo International Airport received an official certification for its Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines together with the Local Government Unit of Iloilo, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and a certification body from Bureau Veritas. The awarding ceremony was held at the airport’s departure area and was attended by CAAP officials and representatives from the Iloilo LGU, EASA and Bureau Veritas. According to the “Plan, Do, Check, and Act” method of environmental regulation compliance, ISO 14001 outlines the requirements for an Environmental Management System. It lays out a framework that a business or organization may use. In addition to these benefits, it aids businesses in increasing resource efficiency and reducing waste, giving them a competitive edge and the confidence of stakeholders. Iloilo International Airport received the accreditation on 31 May 2023, and it is a mark of distinction given to organizations that have guaranteed that their environmental impact is being measured and improved. On 7 July 2020, the airport’s journey towards accreditation started, and an Environmental Management Team was established to concentrate on this objective. Several EMS efforts were carried out to raise awareness and disseminate information among the partner agencies, stakeholders, and workers of the airport to get ready for the assessment of ISO 14001 compliance. These initiatives were intended to guarantee that the community around the Iloilo International Airport had a thorough awareness of EMS. The airport went through two audit stages on 6 January and 2-3 February, respectively, to achieve the “recommended” status for certification. CAAP-Iloilo International Airport finally obtained the certification, which is slated to expire on 31 May 2026, thanks to their tenacious efforts and the backing of CAAP management to assure the maintenance of established standards and compliance with ISO 14001. CAAP, the organization managing and running Iloilo International Airport, welcomed the accomplishment with great pride. CAAP is confident that this will be an example for other CAAP-operated airports to pursue EMS certification and offer the Filipino people a top-tier, environmentally sound air transportation industry. CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo said that being eco-friendly in its operations has always been an aspiration of the global aviation community. This achievement is a testament to CAAP’s commitment to creating a greener environment and future for the benefit of its stakeholders and the whole airport community. The post Iloilo International Airport receives ISO Certification appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stable, reliable power for ARCA South Taguig
The Manila Electric Company has energized a new smart substation in Taguig City to ensure the provision of stable and reliable power for Ayala Land Inc.’s Arca South development and the adjacent communities in the area. Entailing a capital investment of P597 million, the new 115 kV-34.5 kV gas-insulated switchgear substation was commissioned with an initial capacity of 83 megavolt amperes but will ultimately house three transformer banks with a combined capacity of 249 MVA that will support the existing and future energy requirements of the Arca South development, a new business and lifestyle district in Taguig City. [caption id="attachment_182269" align="aligncenter" width="1167"] Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand O. Geluz. Ayala Land senior vice president and group head Robert S. Lao, Taguig City District 2 Councilor Alexander S. Penolio, Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan and Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.[/caption] Aside from catering to the growing energy needs of the Ayala estate, the Arca South substation will also improve voltage regulation in parts of Taguig City, provide operational switching flexibility during contingencies and contribute to system loss reduction in the area. Some of the communities and establishments that will benefit from the new substation include AC Health’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, Ayala Malls Arca South, Alveo Veranda, Avida Towers Vireo, Landers Superstore Arca South, Maharlika Village, Puregold FTI Taguig, Sunshine Mall Plaza, Taguig Pateros Hospital and Technological University of the Philippines-Taguig. “As we continue to build upon the foundations of Arca South, we are ensuring that the energy needs of this community are met with efficiency and resilience. This substation represents more than just a physical structure; it represents our dedication to sustainable urban development. It is a cornerstone of progress, enabling us to power homes, businesses and innovations that will drive Arca South's growth and development,” Robert Lao, Ayala Land senior vice president and group head for Ayala Land Estates, said. Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, for his part, said the development of the Arca South substation forms part of Meralco’s unceasing support to commercial customers like Ayala Land that play a vital role in the country’s economic growth and development. “The opportunity to participate in the master planning of Ayala estates has allowed Meralco to serve more customers and further cement our commitment to keep the lights on. As a testament to that, this newly energized smart substation in Arca South Taguig will provide safe, adequate and reliable capacity to serve the existing and future power requirements of this particular Ayala Land development, and the adjacent communities in the area,” Aperocho said during the inauguration of the project. The Arca South project is the latest development in Meralco’s longstanding partnership with Ayala Land. Over the past several years, Meralco has energized nearly a hundred projects of Ayala Land and its subsidiary, Makati Development Corporation, including One Ayala and Seda Manila Bay. In addition, Ayala Land consistently provides a substation lot provision for its estate developments. Meralco has been investing heavily on projects that will not just improve its electricity distribution system, but also contribute to ensuring that the infrastructure to support the government’s nation-building efforts are in place. “We share a common goal, which is to uplift the lives of our people and we encourage the active participation and engagement of the private sector in the present economic programs,” Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said during the inauguration. The post Stable, reliable power for ARCA South Taguig appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chn maritime militia actively blocking resupply mission to Ayungin — Tarriela
The Philippine Coast Guard said the country’s recent rotation and resupply mission confirmed the active participation of “Chinese maritime militia vessels” in blocking the Philippine ships en route to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the CCM’s participation in intimidating Filipino troops was notably “covert” during the previous RoRe mission. “But for this particular resupply mission, it has been very clear that the Chinese Maritime Militia are performing an active role to block the resupply mission,” he said. Tarriela identified the four CMM vessels as Qiong Sansha Yu 00231, 00115, 00114, and 00008, accompanying four other Chinese Coast Guard ships that conducted “dangerous maneuvers” against the Philippine Navy supply boats and the PCG ships. The RoRe mission was successfully completed despite China’s blocking and intimidation. Meanwhile, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya labeled these militias as part of the so-called “China’s gray zone tactics”— a term often used by security experts to describe activities that are below the threshold of what constitutes aggression to prevent the country from using self-defense. The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier reported that more than 400 foreign fishing vessels are being monitored in the country’s exclusive economic zone within the WPS. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, foreign countries are allowed to conduct freedom of navigation and overflight operations within the EEZ. However, only the Philippines has the exclusive right to exploit all natural resources and conduct law enforcement activities in the area. While the encroachment was clear, Tarriela pointed out that it is still difficult for the country to carry out law enforcement against the maritime militia vessels. “It’s very difficult for us to categorize the Chinese fishing vessels. Are they just Chinese fishing vessels that are subject to fishery law enforcement or these are Chinese maritime militia which is part of a military establishment that can enjoy sovereign immunity,” he explained. The issue would boil down to the PCG’s capability to chase away these ships that often come in swarms, he added. Tarriela also explained that most of the time, the size of these Chinese fishing vessels or Chinese maritime militia has an overall length of at least 60 meters. “We’re talking about by 10s, 20s, 30s and we have a 44-meter coast guard vessel,” he added. Tarriela lamented that the only thing the country could do was to challenge these vessels using a radio “telling them to depart, and of course, patrolling those areas and reporting that to the NTF-WPS.” Hence, Malaya said it is critical for the Philippines to strengthen partnerships with like-minded countries and show China that “we have this network of alliances that support our position” as the rightful possessor of the WPS. “We may not have sovereignty over it, but we have the right to exploit the natural resources. We allow freedom of navigation according to international law ngunit ang puwede lang makinabang sa EEZ ay ang Pilipinas (but the only one allowed to benefit from that EEZ is the Philippines),” Malaya said. The post Chn maritime militia actively blocking resupply mission to Ayungin — Tarriela appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte: No ‘sensitive issues’ tackled in Xi Jingping meet
There were no talks on sensitive issues between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during his trip to China last 17 July. “I went there for a private visit. The invitation to meet President Xi Jinping was limited to government people… Nothing spectacular in the sense that—President Xi Jinping defined our discussions solely on our friendship and our wishes for our countries’ benefit, (it’s) mutual,” Duterte said during the recent episode of his program 'Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa’ over the SMNI News Channel earlier this week. “I was waiting for the opening of more or less sensitive issues but hindi nangyari ‘yun (It did not happen),” he added. Duterte also disclosed that his meeting with Xi lasted for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. “We are discussing just about anything under the sun, except our territorial dispute with them and sometimes there’s what you called — hindi naman (not like) provocative but it will be harder than in the past conflicts in that area where the vessels are colliding. So we stop there,” he said. Duterte said his last statement was telling Xi Jinping that the "Philippines is not one of the parties in the large conflict between China and the United States." “While we are allied with the US, it does not go beyond the state wars on other countries. As a former President, I will not allow my country to be embroiled in a war that is not our own making and of which we have no national interest (that) protects our own,” he said. Duterte added he only wished that both the Philippines and China would continue their “good relations.” “So that we can have trade relations, expand on it and perhaps talk things that could benefit our two countries in terms of infrastructure and mutual understanding of peaceful dimensions of our relationship.” The former president said the meat of his conversation with Xi was to emphasize that the Philippines can’t go to war with any state. “We cannot afford it because simply we’re just a little — a minor player in the Southeast Asian group of countries. I told him that we would just want to exist peacefully, develop maybe the higher phase to catch up to the rest of the world and have good relations with everybody,” he said. Duterte, accompanied by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, met with Xi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. He also visited a college building named after his mother, Soledad Roa Duterte, in Fujian, China. The post Duterte: No ‘sensitive issues’ tackled in Xi Jingping meet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unite for peace
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of how autocracies care little about causing death and destruction. The war is a gross violation of human rights and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes as codified in the United Nations Charter, which has helped maintain the rules-based international order and kept the world in relative peace since the end of the Cold War. [caption id="attachment_178304" align="aligncenter" width="1101"] Dr. Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) | illustration by Glen Tolo for the Daily Tribune[/caption] The war’s humanitarian and economic fallout has also shown that, in a globalized world, crises cannot be contained within national borders. It is, therefore, imperative to deter similar threats to global security from happening elsewhere. Taiwan—a democracy that is home to over 23 million people and that I proudly represent—continues to confront enormous challenges posed by China. Since the mid-20th century, the People’s Republic of China has vowed to take control of Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan. For decades, the people of Taiwan have remained calm in safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, as China’s economic and military might has grown stronger, it becomes increasingly aggressive in flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan, thereby threatening our democratic way of life. This includes sending warplanes and ships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait and encroaching into our air defense identification zones. It has also intensified gray-zone tactics, such as disinformation and economic coercion, in an attempt to wear down our will to fight. The PRC’s expansionism does not stop at Taiwan. China’s use of gray-zone activities in the East and South China Seas are designed to expand its power and substantiate its hawkish territorial claims. In addition to signing a security agreement with Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the PRC has been securing ports for future military use in the Indian Ocean. All of these maneuvers are causing grave concerns that peace is becoming more difficult to maintain. Ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyone’s best interest. Half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Taiwan produces the majority of the world’s semiconductors and plays a key role in global supply chains. Any conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences for the global economy. In recent years, bilateral and multilateral forums have repeatedly emphasized that the peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to global security. While we can all agree that the war must be avoided, how to best do so requires inclusion, dialogue and, most of all, unity. The United Nations remains the best platform for global discourse. UN officials speak often of joint solutions, solidarity, and inclusion in tackling the pressing issues of our time. Taiwan is more than willing and able to take part in these efforts. However, Taiwan continues to be excluded from the UN due to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution neither states that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor gives the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies. In fact, the resolution only determines who represents the member-state China, a fact that the international community and China itself recognized following the relevant vote in 1971. The subsequent misrepresentation of Resolution 2758 contradicts the basic principles upheld by the UN Charter and must be rectified. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which will center on the theme “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” is timely in light of a number of broad global challenges. For example, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals were designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Yet the most recent SDG progress report showed that just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed. While there are no easy answers, the first step is dialogue. As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress. We call on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on issues requiring global cooperation. A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings, as well as ensure Taiwan’s meaningful participation in meetings and mechanisms regarding the SDGs. Ukraine’s incredible bravery and resilience have inspired countries around the globe. The war there has forged a new sense of togetherness in the world. Unity is crucial to pushing back against Russia’s aggression and to preserving universal values, such as human rights and global peace, more broadly. It is vital to make China and other authoritarian governments aware that they will be held accountable and to urge them to settle differences through peaceful means. Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would benefit the world’s efforts to address pressing global issues. This would also demonstrate the UN’s determination to unite for global peace at a critical juncture when the future of the world is at stake. We are stronger together. Now is the time to act on this fundamental principle by including Taiwan. The post Unite for peace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unite for Peace in the World and Taiwan’s Inclusion in the UN
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of how autocracies care little about causing death and destruction. The war is a gross violation of human rights and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes as codified in the United Nations Charter, which has helped maintain the rules-based international order and kept the world in relative peace since the end of the Cold War. The war’s humanitarian and economic fallout has also shown that in a globalized world crises cannot be contained within national borders. It is therefore imperative to deter similar threats to global security from happening elsewhere. Taiwan—a democracy that is home to over 23 million people and that I proudly represent—continues to confront enormous challenges posed by China. Since the mid-20th century, the People’s Republic of China has vowed to take control of Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan. For decades, the people of Taiwan have remained calm in safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, as China’s economic and military might has grown stronger, it has become increasingly aggressive in flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan, thereby threatening our democratic way of life. This includes sending warplanes and ships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait and encroaching into our air defense identification zones. It has also intensified gray-zone tactics, such as disinformation and economic coercion, in an attempt to wear down our will to fight. The PRC’s expansionism does not stop at Taiwan. China’s use of gray-zone activities in the East and South China Seas are designed to expand its power and substantiate its hawkish territorial claims. In addition to signing a security agreement with Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the PRC has been securing ports for future military use in the Indian Ocean. All of these maneuvers are causing grave concerns that peace is becoming more difficult to maintain. Ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyone’s best interest. Half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Taiwan produces the majority of the world’s semiconductors and plays a key role in global supply chains. Any conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences for the global economy. In recent years, bilateral and multilateral forums have repeatedly emphasized that peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security. While we can all agree that the war must be avoided, how to best do so requires inclusion, dialogue, and, most of all, unity. The United Nations remains the best platform for global discourse. UN officials speak often of joint solutions, solidarity, and inclusion in tackling the pressing issues of our time. Taiwan is more than willing and able to take part in these efforts. However, Taiwan continues to be excluded from the UN due to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution neither states that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor gives the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies. In fact, the resolution only determines who represents the member state China, a fact that the international community and China itself recognized following the relevant vote in 1971. The subsequent misrepresentation of Resolution 2758 contradicts the basic principles upheld by the UN Charter and must be rectified. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which will center on the theme “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” is timely in light of a number of broad global challenges. For example, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals were designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Yet the most recent SDG progress report showed that just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed. While there are no easy answers, the first step is dialogue. As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress. We call on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on issues requiring global cooperation. A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings, as well as ensure Taiwan’s meaningful participation in meetings and mechanisms regarding the SDGs. Ukraine’s incredible bravery and resilience have inspired countries around the globe. The war there has forged a new sense of togetherness in the world. Unity is crucial to pushing back against Russia’s aggression and to preserving universal values, such as human rights and global peace, more broadly. It is vital to make China and other authoritarian governments aware that they will be held accountable and to urge them to settle differences through peaceful means. Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would benefit the world’s efforts to address pressing global issues. This would also demonstrate the UN’s determination to unite for global peace at a critical juncture when the future of the world is at stake. We are stronger together. Now is the time to act on this fundamental principle by including Taiwan. The post Unite for Peace in the World and Taiwan’s Inclusion in the UN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How coastal land reclamation can benefit cities and communities
Coastal land reclamation is increasing and will continue to grow and be a popular urban strategy in places that experience urban growth. [caption id="attachment_176366" align="aligncenter" width="1041"] Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, an artificial archipelago that houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences and entertainment venues. | Photograph Courtesy of Abid Bin Nazar.[/caption] This is according to a study, “Mapping 21st Century Global Coastal Land Reclamation,” that analyzed landsat satellite images from 2000 to 2020 to quantify spatial extent, scale and land use of urban coastal reclamation of 135 cities globally with populations exceeding one million. Key findings indicate that 78 percent of these cities have turned to reclamation to create additional land, resulting in 253,000 hectares of new land, an area equivalent to Luxembourg. Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the sea. It’s often used in places with scarcity of land and high population density for many purposes. From Western Europe and West Africa to the Middle East, East Asia and Southeast Asia, these countries’ cities reclaim lands for port extension, residential/commercial and industrial purposes aimed at creating tourist and green spaces. “Coastal land reclamation is a forward-looking approach to urban development,” said Architect Ian Fulgar, the principal architect of Fulgar Architects. It allows cities to preserve valuable ecosystems and resources from urban sprawl by expanding spaces without encroaching on existing natural land. More importantly for architects, urban planners and modern city dwellers, it presents an opportunity to have purpose-built urban environments specifically designed to meet their needs. “Architects and urban planners can design sustainable and efficient infrastructure with a blank canvas, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices in urban planning. This approach can lead to more resilient and adaptive cities capable of mitigating the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges,” Fulgar added. Innovation, sustainability Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong are some of the world’s most notable cities with impressive urban reclamation projects. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are testaments to the city-state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The former is a luxury integrated resort famed for transforming Singapore’s coastline and city skyline, while the latter is a spectacularly unique horticultural destination that combines art, science and nature. These reclaimed land developments further boost the country’s international reputation and real estate value around the area. Coastal land reclamation has significantly changed the geography of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai features ambitious projects now known as some of the most recognizable developments in the world, like Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above that houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences and entertainment venues, and The World, a groundbreaking project composed of small artificial islands in the shape of a world map. Lastly, Hong Kong’s commitment to preserving art, culture and ongoing sustainable urban development is exemplified by its West Kowloon Cultural District, a 40-hectare reclaimed site along Victoria Harbour’s waterfront designated as the city’s vibrant cultural quarter where the local arts scene can interact, develop and collaborate throughout its sustainability principles. “These projects have created iconic and visually striking landscapes by pushing the boundaries of engineering and urban design. Sustainability is often at the forefront, integrating practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors,” Fulgar pointed out. “Trends and insights on global reclamation illustrate the potential of reclamation projects in addressing various urban development, environmental conservation and community well-being needs, leading to more sustainable and resilient urban planning worldwide. By adopting these lessons and focusing on sustainable growth, the Philippines can capitalize on its potential and carve a path to a brighter future,“ Fulgar added. The post How coastal land reclamation can benefit cities and communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Artefino: Empowering Women Artisans in the Countryside
All it took to start the trailblazing Artefino were five ladies of passion and commitment, three of whom, joined us in a special episode of PairFect, the online show of the DAILY TRIBUNE. [gallery columns="4" size="full" ids="176285,176284,176283,176282"] These ladies are achievers in their own right and have been at the forefront of causes that have continuously benefited the society. Mita Rufino has been the top honcho of the Filipino Heritage Festival which has been going on for 20 years. Maritess Pineda was president of the number one Zonta chapter in this part of the country and region, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs. For the longest time, she was engaged in the export business and was active with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. Cedie Vargas heads the Lopez Group Foundation and is the executive director of the Lopez Museum and Library. [caption id="attachment_176287" align="aligncenter" width="789"] Fiesta throw blankets. | Photograph Courtesy of Ig/abel Philippines[/caption] Our interview article with the three ladies, which we started yesterday, continues in this issue. Here follows our interesting exchange. DAILY TRIBUNE (DT): Tell us about your personal passions outside of Artefino. What else keeps you occupied. Mita: I’m with the Filipino Heritage Festival. We work with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. We have our programs and events throughout the Philippines. Our main objective is to bring awareness of our cultural heritage to the whole country if we can. One of our major projects is the Youth Forum participated in by around 60 young students. Last May, we had it in Negros Occidental and we had six cities that joined in. We are trying to make them aware about the different heritage and all forms of cultural heritage, tangible or intangible, in their own areas. We get reports now from them and we discuss how we are going to help them out. This is something which I feel is going to be quite interesting for the youth. We will be 20 years old next year. We’re hoping to go to Ilocos. We would also like to work with Artefino because Artefino is part of our heritage. For next year, another project will focus on our local trees, indigenous hardwood and local. We’re working with the Metropolitan Museum for that one. And, of course, I am active in church and with the Zonta. My time is really full from morning to evening. Sometimes I just ask myself, “Wow, what will I do now? I have to report this, I have to report that.” That’s what’s keeping me quite busy. Maritess: I think what has helped me a lot in doing my share in Artefino is the fact that I was 20 years with CITEM. In the beginning when we were starting in my export business, I would ask the support of CITEM. It gave me a very good perspective of how it is to come up with fairs like this. We used to do it here and abroad. I was 20 years in export and I was part of the board of CITEM for quite a number of years. I was among the pioneers during the time of Mina Gabor, who was the one who trained me. She was the one who trained me how to give a talk to 3,000 women and producers from Bacolod. I refused at first but they said, “No, you will just talk to a few people in a small room.” So, I agree but, at the CCP, I found out there were 3,000 women. Sabi ko doon sa asawa ko, “You stay at the back. Then you will be the only one I will look at and no one else.” I really picked up a lot of things from Mina. She really made our handicraft industry very strong. And because of that, I was able to bring that know-how into this fair. Other than that, I’m very active in the arts. I have been a collector since 1972. That’s my passion. Also, being the granddaughter of Amang Rodriguez, serving the community is really part of my DNA. It is really second nature for us, we in the Artefino, to do anything we could to empower women and their communities so that they could be self-sufficient by putting up their own social enterprises. Something that would inspire their children to follow suit and not leave their parents’ and grandparents’ crafts for another profession or livelihood. Cedie: I think the best way to describe me is just like an arts and culture advocate. And that sort of ties everything that I do whether it’s in the media or the Lopez group foundation including the Lopez Museum and Library and other foundations outside of the Lopez Group. But what excites me is when I can tie all these together into a few projects. One of the bigger advocacies of the Lopez Group is environmentalism. Whether you’re saving the marine reefs or mangroves or saving the trees. They intertwine and it’s exciting when you are able to create a project that will marry all your different advocacies. You know, you have passion, you have commitment in what you are doing. DT: Tell us about your family lives. Are you mothers? Are you grandmothers? Are you single? Mita: I am single now. I just lost my husband two and a half years ago. I have four kids. Three girls, two of them in London, and one boy. My daughter, Maritoni, is a ballerina and she teaches ballet. My son, Chino, anchors a sport show and he promotes motorcycles. Maritess: I have four children. One is abroad working in hotels. And three of them are here. I already have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Now that they’re all grown up. I have time for all these things. I’m free to do what I want. Cedie: I’m a mother. I’m a grandmother. I have four children and four grandchildren. By the end of the year, I will have six grandchildren. I think what I’m trying to define now is my role as a grandmother. I involve my children and even my grandchildren in this advocacy that I have. Whatever it is that I strongly believe in, I try to expose them to that. Two of my children are with the Lopez group. DT: Can you tell us about someone, a craftswoman, you have empowered? Maritess: We can tell you that we started our first grantee, Sarah Juan, for our Artefino Foundation. Mita: We helped this one designer because she is really good. Cedie: And enterprising. Mita: She works with the community in Davao. Mita: She was our first beneficiary. They were able to come up with a line-up of jackets that were beaded and that sold very well in Artefino. She has two stores now — one in Rockwell and the other in Greenbelt. Cedie: A lot of our brand partners have amazing stories. That’s what interested us in them. That’s why we put up Artefino and the Artefino Foundation because of their amazing stories. DT: It turned out there are a lot of creative Filipinos. Cedie: Yeah. They just need that extra push. Yeah. DT: This year, who will Artefino benefit? Maritess: Well, like we have Anya Lim. She’s from Cebu. Actually, we visited the place. We visited the area, her community and we saw how the ladies, mostly elders, work and help one another. Mita: That particular lady, said to me, “Ma’am, now I can buy a TV because I have already sent my apos to school. Now it’s for me naman to have a television.” Cedie: They are trying to teach us how to weave. We tried. It’s so hard. Mita: It’s a great workout, though. Maritess: Kailangan ng great coordination, eh. Kamay at paa. Mita: You have to move with the rhythm of the loom. Maritess: It was very nice talking with them because they were really telling us their whole stories. Cedie: They were sharing as mothers. They invited us to go back. Maritess: Kasi they were able to send their children and grandchildren to school. So, malaking bagay, 'di ba? Now that the children know that they could earn on weaving, they are willing to learn the trade. Mita: What we’re hearing in different places is that even the men, when they come home in the evening, help out also. Cedie: You know, the men have actually strong hands. The weaves are tighter. DT: What makes this edition of Artefino special? Mita: We are into reused, recycled and repurposed products. Actually, the original person who did all these years ago was Patis Tesoro. She was the epitome of all this without calling it repurpose or recycle. Basta she would pick up any kind of material. Puwedeng kurtina, puwedeng mantel. She would put it together, buburdahan niya. And because of that, we decided to feature her here as the Ms. Patis Tesoro. DT: Thank you very much. It has been our pleasure. We are happy that you have helped a lot of women and at the same time are paying tribute to trailblazing women like Patis Tesoro. With you, ladies, there is indeed hope for our countrymen, especially our creative industry workers in the mountains and seashores of our country. Mabuhay kayong lahat! The post Artefino: Empowering Women Artisans in the Countryside appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
General Luna town gets huge boost
BUTUAN CITY — The provincial government here revealed that a housing project that will benefit victims of super typhoon “Odette” who are residents of General Luna town in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte recently broke ground. The housing project, with a total budget of P45 million, will be constructed on a half-hectare area in Purok 5 in Barangay Poblacion. Surigao del Norte First District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II said 50 housing units would be constructed under the Silongan Housing Project. “This housing project will be funded through the Department of Public Works and Highways. My office facilitated the follow-up and release of the funding for this project, which will help the typhoon victims in the town who were not able to fully recover,” Matugas said. Meantime, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas said the housing project is a symbol of their resilience, hope and care for the residents devastated by the December 2021 tropical cyclone. “With the support of all the stakeholders, we will help them rise by providing their families decent housing units,” Matugas said. The road to recovery from “Odette” was difficult but Matugas said the town’s tourism and livelihood bounced back through the unified efforts of government agencies, the private sector and the residents. General Luna, considered the tourism hub on the island because of its surfing sites, incurred about P1.2 billion in damage, covering infrastructures, houses and tourism-related facilities. The post General Luna town gets huge boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Territorial issues
Imagine a world where the 16 cities and the single remaining municipality of Metro Manila are under one unified control, under a single governor, and government administrative services are shared. Imagine having zero territorial disputes between and among cities, and there would be little or no need for expansion via reclamation. Imagine public schools and hospitals being shared by all inhabitants of Metro Manila, regardless of which area or jurisdiction you reside in. This was the situation decades ago, but it seems certain that we will never go back to this, unless a nuclear bomb is dropped on Manila and resets everything back to zero. Right now, we have two public issues affecting land in Metro Manila — one pertains to the creation of new land, and the other is a dispute over a large tract of land involving two big business districts. With the way things are going, it is becoming apparent that the national government must step in and intervene in these issues. Last weekend, my family stayed in the renowned Sofitel in Pasay City, and what was once a pristine and relaxing view of Manila Bay had turned into a dusty wasteland of a reclamation site. Good thing the President ordered the stoppage of reclamation activities just days before, otherwise we would have been inhaling dust particles while my kids were enjoying the swimming pool. Prior to this visit, I attended a wedding in the same area back in October and you could still appreciate the vast sea. Now, we saw trucks and vans in the reclaimed area, which is almost ready for the laying of a road network and, later, buildings. Reclamations done in the sea — a natural resource — face legal issues that may be threshed out in court. But with the speed the reclamations are being done, not just in Metro Manila but in the entire country, using Chinese construction companies adept at doing this, i.e., the artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea in a few months, new parcels of land will soon be ready for sale at premium prices. The increase in land area guarantees revenue for the city it shall be adjacent to. Case in point: the reclaimed area where the SM Mall of Asia and Pagcor City are situated are guaranteed income earners for the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, respectively. Due to the lack of space in Metro Manila, cities resort to reclamation to build new revenue streams. In the case of Makati and Taguig, we have a territorial dispute brought about by a Supreme Court decision. The “Embo” (Enlisted Men’s Barrio) portion of Makati was declared a part of Taguig because of what I understand was an appeal gone awry. Since the appeal of Makati to the Supreme Court caused the latter to open the facts for review, the disputed portion was suddenly found to be part of Taguig. Now that schools are about to open, the question is whether these “Embo” schools and their teachers should be part of Taguig. The ‘“embo” barangays comprise over 200,000 inhabitants, many of whom will become instant voters of Taguig. Although these are residential areas, they stand to benefit from the vibrant business community of BGC, and no longer would they be divided by Kalayaan Avenue. One may argue that they may actually be an expense for Taguig since these are not commercial areas, but the vote-rich barangays make it a political prize for whichever city or district they will land. Alas, we are left to imagine what if Metro Manila was a single mega-city. It may never happen again, unless we turn government around and revise the Constitution. Then again, who knows what the next president may bring to our colorful government? For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Territorial issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zamboanga swimming vendors
Bienvenidos bonito, bonita! Quetal ustedes? Oh! Dispensa, my dear readers, pardon my Chavacano, I am still practicing the words I recently learned from our three-day trip to Zamboanga City. Why Zamboanga? Well, why not? Zamboanga is, for me, the most colorful province I have visited as I travel around the Philippines, contrary to the stereotype of other people relating Mindanao to terrorism and chaos. Zamboanga is a must-visit on your travel bucket list. As colorful as the vintas along the shores and as vibrant as its people, Zamboanga is really one of the best places to go to in Mindanao. Have you tried their “curacha” covered in aligue (crab fat) cooked in coconut sauce? Or their Tiyula Itum (braised beef or goat soup) which at first glance looks like dinuguan, but voila! it tastes like tinola and curry combined. Oh, I’m salivating now just thinking about it. If you haven’t tasted the food, then you’re missing a part of your life and I’m not exaggerating. Go! Book that plane or ship right now. I was not in Zamboanga for leisure, you silly! I was there to visit the newly opened “Tindahan sa Pantalan” put up by the Philippine Ports Authority, which changed the lives of the swimming vendors of Zamboanga City. Have you seen the episode of a popular Sunday TV magazine show that featured vendors jumping off a port and swimming over 500 meters to board ships to sell their products to passengers? These vendors risk their lives swimming close to a ship’s propeller, jumping off slippery spots on a ship, and risking death and drowning to make a sale and get through the day. We cannot blame them — they are just making a living. They have their own stories like they weren’t accepted for jobs requiring at least a college education. Some have children with special needs, while others lost their jobs during the pandemic, and with children in college, they decided to take the dangerous plunge to make less than P500 a day. And not all of them know how to swim so they hang on to plastic bags and float to the ships. Devastating and sad, right? That is why “Tindahan sa Pantalan” was created. It is the first-ever store at the port, initiated by PPA General Manager Jay Santiago four months ago after he saw videos of these poor vendors. A 200-square-meter area was developed into a safe commercial space with eight stalls where the vendors can sell their goods rent-free. The good news is that these vendors will no longer have to risk their lives out there in the vastness of the sea. They are starting new lives selling food, lutong ulam, and other products at the port. Life-changing and amazing. The once cat-and-mouse game between the PPA and these illegal vendors jumping off the port is now a united and organized effort to help the vendors who are thankful to the PPA they once hated. We need to listen not only to the voice from above but to the voices at the grassroots level. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. If the government can just provide the most needy people with the right opportunity and resources, I think there will be fewer poor families every day. We have a proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024, and by the end of next year, the country’s debt is projected to climb to P15.8 trillion. We hope that ordinary people like these swimming vendors could also benefit from the trillions in the budget. Who should be taking the initiative to create opportunities for these poor vendors? Well, your guess is as good as mine. We need to act more than we talk. We need to know the problems and face them head-on because, folks, no matter how deep or shallow the water is we will both drown if simple things are not addressed properly…. because we are in the same vinta. Special thanks to Zamboanga Port Manager Arcidi Jumaani, Port Police Station commander Supt. Jef Hizolgon and the rest of Task Force Zamboanga for keeping us safe on our ride to Sta. Cruz Pink Island. To Ma’am Tash, Luz, Francisca, Mark, Abegail and others for giving us a taste of the best dishes in town and gifting us with colorful Mindanaoan fabric. The reason for this project, the vendors doing well now, should also be given a shout-out like Josephine, Darwisa and Kuya Wilfrido who gave me and my team a free bag of peanuts which they now sell in Tindahan sa Pantalan. Thank you very much for your kindness amid life’s challenges. You guys are amazing! Just keep swimming, I mean the idiom, not the old way! The post Zamboanga swimming vendors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manhattan of Pasay City (4)
Critics of land reclamation must learn from the vast experience of the Netherlands, the mother of all reclaimed land in the world. There is a Dutch adage: “While God created the earth, the Dutch created the Netherlands.” The Netherlands became the world’s second largest exporter of food and agricultural products, next to the United States of America, because of the vast land it reclaimed from the sea, which turned fertile for agriculture and grazing cows. The Netherlands’ efforts to control and conquer its landscape were driven by its aggressive need to create land for dairy and agricultural production. The development of the Netherlands’ system of dikes and reclaimed lands were driven by its need to keep its feet dry and survive. The Dutch had always controlled and conquered water for their own economic benefit. Like colonization, which led to a massive expansion of Dutch land overseas, water management and land reclamation was a process of domestic expansion. EPC contractor Netherlands-based Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., a leading global dredging contractor and marine services provider, was hired by the City of Pasay to build its iconic Manhattan project on Manila Bay because of its vast experience with huge reclamation projects. More than 50 percent of the Netherlands is below sea level, and a system of dikes has been in constant use for many years to reclaim and to protect the land. The Dutch created a system of dams and dikes, land reclamation and water drainage, in total the largest hydraulic engineering project undertaken in the twentieth century. Huge areas of reclaimed land were closed off with dikes some 20 miles long. The soil on the reclaimed land, once desalinated, were found to be fertile and suited for cow grazing and agricultural production. Because of this, the Netherlands became the world’s second largest producer of agricultural products. In addition to the fertile soil, the land is flat. The Netherlands enjoys temperatures and a moderate climate suitable for farming. Therefore, crop growth and livestock and poultry raising are done with the utmost ease and effectiveness. They employ robots to pick up fruits and to process vegetables. Their focus is on sustainable farming, keeping in mind the environment and their social responsibility. The Netherlands is keenly focused on educating its agricultural and other work force in the latest technology and research. Its universities engage in agriculture studies, education, and research. The world’s biggest food and beverage companies have their research and development laboratories in the Netherlands. The country is in central Europe which is an ideal spot geographically for exporters. The country also has exceptional infrastructure and the most remarkable logistics and supply teams. This has led the Netherlands to become the second largest exporter in the world. The Dutch nation has become an expert in the trading sector. They have developed a sustainable and profitable agriculture sector which has made them No. 2 in the world. The Netherlands’ agriculture industry had a net worth of 85 billion in 2021. It exports its food products to far-flung areas, like its organic eggs to America. Germany receives 25 percent of all its agriculture imports from the Netherlands. Today, around 27 percent of the Netherlands is actually below sea level. This area is home to over 60 percent of the country’s population of approximately 17 million people. The Netherlands is approximately 41,543 square kilometers, while the Philippines is 300,000 sq. km., making the Netherlands seven times smaller than the Philippines. A large part of the Netherlands is highly susceptible to flooding. Time will tell if the North Sea Protection Works are strong enough to protect the country from the onslaught of a storm surge like that experienced by Filipinos with “Yolanda.” The post Manhattan of Pasay City (4) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Villar’s firm takes over MCX
Over a year since it signed the P3.8-billion acquisition deal, Prime Asset Ventures Inc or PAVI of the Villar Family has officially taken over the four-kilometer Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway or MCX from Ayala Corp. PAVI signed the implementing agreements for the transaction on Wednesday led by Vista Land Chairman Manuel Villar Jr. and Ayala Corporation president and CEO Cezar Consing. The signing came almost a month after the Department of Public Works and Highways had given its consent for the transfer of ownership from Ayala Corp. to the Villar Group just last 19 July. “This momentous event shows our resolve to provide our countrymen better services in the area of roads and tollways. You’ll be surprised by the many wonderful things to come in Villar City,” Villar said. Recycling capital As for Consing, the sale of MCX represented another example of recycling capital to benefit from opportunities core and emerging businesses. “Ayala developed MCX over a decade ago to connect Metro Manila to Imus, Dasmariñas and Bacoor in Cavite, which were experiencing rapid growth. “MCX succeeded in relieving traffic congestion and reducing the travel time between Metro Manila and Cavite,” Consing said. Under the parties’ deal, total consideration for the buyout should be paid in two tranches. The P3.219 billion should be paid upon the financial close of the transaction, while the remaining P581 million should be obligated upon the lapse of its lockup period as prescribed under the MCX concession agreement. The Villar Group continues to expand its investment portfolio from its core businesses on housing, retail, food, water, power and utilities, to integrated resorts and entertainment. The post Villar’s firm takes over MCX appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Heinous crime on high seas
The West Philippine Sea has been a longstanding flashpoint in Southeast Asia due to the competing territorial claims between China and the Philippines. Amid the territorial dispute, a concerning incident occurred when China’s Coast Guard again fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is an atoll located in the Spratly Islands chain in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines claims Ayungin Shoal as part of its exclusive economic zone or EEZ, while China asserts its historical rights over the entire South China Sea, including areas claimed by neighboring countries. This is not the first time the Chinese Coast Guard committed provocative acts against Philippine vessels. Earlier, on March 2021, when the Philippine Coast Guard attempted to deliver supplies and rotate personnel stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, the China Coast Guard intercepted the Philippine vessel and used water cannons to deter the resupply mission. The Sierra Madre is a scuttled, rusted Philippine Navy ship that serves as the country’s outpost on Ayungin. The firing of water cannons on Philippine vessels underscores the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea. Such provocative acts heighten the risk of a clash between the two countries’ naval forces, which would surely lead to further instability in the region. With other claimant states, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, having their own territorial disputes with China, any escalation of hostilities could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and peace. The latest water cannon incident further strains Philippines-China relations, which have been marred by territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea for years. The Philippines has consistently sought a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means and in adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. However, China’s assertive actions, including the deployment of its Coast Guard and maritime militia in the disputed waters, have challenged these efforts. The incident at Ayungin Shoal adds to the mistrust and animosity between the two countries, making the prospect of diplomatic negotiations more challenging. It also raises concerns among Filipinos about their country’s ability to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights in the face of China’s growing assertiveness in the region. The Ayungin Shoal incident is just one of many incidents that have contributed to the complexities of the West Philippine Sea dispute. China’s expansive claims and island-building activities in the area have raised concerns among other claimant states and the international community. The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s landmark ruling in 2016, which invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its EEZ, has not deterred China’s actions. China’s militarization of artificial islands and imposition of fishing restrictions further intensified tensions and escalated the territorial dispute. The water cannon incident reflects a broader pattern of behavior, where China uses its military and paramilitary forces to assert dominance and control over contested waters, challenging the norms of international law and UNCLOS. To achieve lasting peace and stability, it is crucial for all parties involved to uphold the principles of international law, including UNCLOS, and engage in diplomatic negotiations in good faith. Moreover, regional and international cooperation is essential to addressing the complexities of the West Philippine Sea dispute and promoting a peaceful resolution that will respect the rights and interests of all claimant states. Only through constructive dialogue and adherence to established norms can the countries in the region find a way to coexist peacefully and ensure the sustainable management of the West Philippine Sea’s resources for the benefit of all stakeholders. **** E-mail: mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post Heinous crime on high seas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gadon wants more funds for NTF-ELCAC, blasts SWS poverty survey
Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon on Monday said he will work with other government agencies to fulfill the mandate of his office, especially with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict which he said has done a lot in terms of curbing poverty and insurgency. In a virtual press briefing of the NTF-ELCAC called "TAGGED Debunking Lies by Telling the Truth," Gadon said the task force should even ask for a supplemental budget to carry on its task. "The NTF-ELCAC has been very successful [in] stabilizing areas formerly held by insurgents. The task force budget must be reconsidered. When it was conceptualized, it had an P18-billion budget which was slashed down to P10 billion. That was already spent half of this year," Gadon said. "They should ask for a supplemental budget to continue their program. How would you solve this problem that you say is now only confined in Norther Samar?," Gadon asked, referring to the insurgent group New People's Army. He added that if he had his way, he would recommend particular areas that need NTF-ELCAC intervention so that the task force's Barangay Development Program would get implemented in that area. "My position and office is not an implementing agency, so I would recommend if I assessed a particular area that needs the NTF-ELCAC," said Gadon. He will also do the same with the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, he added. "That's my role, to see to it that these agencies are really fulfilling their jobs for the benefit of our countrymen. Di pwedeng kanya-kanya, dapat magtugma-tugma ang kanilang galaw (It's not right to do this separately, they should coordinate with each other). I would be acting like a conductor of an orchestra. Poverty alleviation is not just one government agency. We have the DA (Department of Agriculture) to help our farmers. We have the DSHUD and NHA to take their shelter needs and the DSWD for their hunger." Gadon blasted the recent survey reported by Social Weather Stations that over half of Filipino families considered themselves poor. "They (SWS) wanted to make poverty incident a matter of perception. Hindi Ito systematically done. Mamimili lang sila ng isang lugar para makuha nila ang gusto nilang result (They cherry-pick areas so they can get the result they want). They're more of propagandist than a real survey," Gadon said, citing also the SWS Senate survey in the last election that showed him at 36th place. "I was 19th placer in that race," Gadon said. The anti-poverty czar said the Marcos Administration is doing it best to help poor Filipinos. "We elected President Bong Bong Marcos with so many problems -- the pandemic also incurring around P13.7 trillion in debt. Pero ngayon unti-unti na tayong bumabangon. Ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng paraan para lahat tayo ay gumanda ang buhay (Now we're slowly getting back on our feet. The government is doing its best so we can have a better life)," Gadon said. The post Gadon wants more funds for NTF-ELCAC, blasts SWS poverty survey appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»