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Sam Milby, Catriona Gray facing some challenges — Cornerstone
Sam Milby and Catriona Gray's Cornerstone Entertainment talent agency set the record straight over the split rumors surrounding the celebrity couple......»»
Uncertainty looms over Davao-Samal Bridge project amid RoW hurdles
The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge project, has faced numerous setbacks due to right-of-way (ROW) acquisition challenges. The project was halted on January 3, 2024, due to issues with landowners near a pier in Lanang at Davao City, leading to delays in the project's implementation. While there have been conflicting statements regarding the project's status, the National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Region (Neda-Davao) aims to complete the detailed engineering plans for the substructure of the west land via dock once the Deed of Transfer Possession in Davao City is released. However, ROW issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, the project is still considered a priority and is included in the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) for 2023–2028. The project is funded through China’s Official Development Assistance with an estimated budget of P23.04 billion, and negotiations with the Philippine government are ongoing with a target completion date in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline remains as ROW hurdles persist, impacting the much-anticipated toll-free four-lane concrete exodus bridge spanning a 3.98-kilometer distance......»»
Philippines Extends Lower Tariffs on Essential Foods Amid Economic Challenges
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved the extension of reduced tariffs on staple foods until the end of 2024. Marcos has issued Executive Order 50 to maintain price stability and ensure affordable prices for rice, corn, and meat products. “The present economic condition warrants the continued application of the reduced tariff rates on rice, […].....»»
Marcos Jr. pushes peace in West Philippine Sea amid tensions
Tensions in the South China Sea have increased in recent months, President Marcos said, as he vowed to continue striving for peace while remaining open to “new solutions” to emerging security challenges......»»
MMFF 2023 stars appeal for audience support
Will the audience come out stronger for the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival? In 2022, amid challenges brought about by the pandemic, the turnout generated P500 million in gross sales for the annual film festival. .....»»
First-time producers bankroll Vilma-Christopher film
This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is seeing new players stepping up to support and finance films, a welcome development amid the challenges in the movie-making industry......»»
Philippine economy seen to grow below target this year
The Philippine economy is expected to post a 5.6-percent growth this year, below the government’s target, amid challenges, such as high inflation, weakness in the global economy, and the impact of the pandemic, according to the World Bank......»»
Philippine economy likely rebounded in Q3
Economic growth likely grew at a faster pace in the third quarter after slowing for three straight quarters amid challenges brought about by elevated inflation and soaring interest rates, according to economists......»»
Seventeen years of journey in the field of publication
“How time flies, and it feels like just yesterday when Bicol Peryodiko started in the province of Catanduanes as an alternative community newspaper of general circulation. Even though we are still minors at the age of 17, we could not have imagined reaching this year amid life’s challenges. It’s an unforgettable moment to have given […].....»»
Ben Diokno, Mr. Optimism
Amid increasing global headwinds and unprecedented challenges to the Philippine economy, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, the head of President Marcos Jr.’s economic team, seems to me, to be under siege......»»
Steven Tan named Winshang’s International Influential Person in Shopping Centers
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan was recognized as one of Winshang’s Golden Censer Prize winners for being “The International Influential Person of the Year 2023 in Shopping Centers” at the 2023 China (International) Shopping Center Summit in Shanghai on 24 August. The Golden Censer Prize is a large-scale professional recognition of China’s commercial real estate and famous brands initiated by Winshang, in collaboration with mainstream industrial media, based on field research, data analysis, and media surveys among others. Tan, who assumed the role of president of SM Supermalls in 2020, has been a key figure in the growth and innovation of the mall chain in the Philippines and China. Retail legacy As President, he oversees mall operations in both countries, carrying forward SM’s 65-year legacy of retail innovation and outstanding customer service. Under his leadership, SM Supermalls withstood the challenges of the pandemic and rebounded as the economy slowly opened up amid the global health crisis. With the guidance of the Sy family, Tan made sure that SM responded with an agile, innovative, and proactive approach to cater to the needs of all stakeholders, from employees and tenants to shoppers. Mall’s strategies The mall’s strategies — adapting the tenancy mix, creating novel reasons to attract visitors to malls, targeting new customer segments through innovative marketing, and developing omnichannel services — enabled them to gain the trust and loyalty of modern shoppers during the pandemic. Because of this, SM managed to recover and exceed pre-pandemic revenues and income by 2023. In line with its latest expansion program, SM continues to open new malls in China and the Philippines. This brings the total number of shopping centers, locally and internationally, under Tan’s stewardship to 93, featuring a cumulative construction area of over 10.8 million square meters and a daily foot traffic of more than 4.2 million. The latest SM malls to open are SM City Yangzhou last 28 September 2023 (left) and SM City Sto. Tomas, Batangas last 27 October 2023 (right). The latest malls to open were SM City Yangzhou last 28 September 2023 and SM City Sto. Tomas, Batangas last 27 October 2023. Numerous accolades Tan’s exceptional efforts were also honored by various international organizations over the years. He received numerous accolades including the 2021 Asia’s Most Influential by Tatler Asia, the 2022 Asia Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards Leadership Commitment by United Nations Women, and the Global Filipino Executive of the Year at the Asian Chief Executive Officer Awards just to name a few. His dedication and visionary leadership continue to shape the landscape of shopping centers and commercial real estate, not just in Asia but across the globe. The post Steven Tan named Winshang’s International Influential Person in Shopping Centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM’s Steven Tan named Winshang’s 2023 International Influential Person in Shopping Centers
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan was recognized as one of Winshang’s Golden Censer Prize winners for being "The International Influential Person of the Year 2023 in Shopping Centers" at the 2023 China (International) Shopping Center Summit in Shanghai on 24 August 2023. The Golden Censer Prize is a large-scale professional recognition of China's commercial real estate and famous brands initiated by Winshang, in collaboration with mainstream industrial media, based on field research, data analysis and media surveys, among others. Tan, who assumed the role of President of SM Supermalls in 2020, has been a key figure in the growth and innovation of the mall chain in the Philippines and China. As president, he oversees mall operations in both countries, carrying forward SM's 65-year legacy of retail innovation and outstanding customer service. SM Mall of Asia Complex Under his leadership, SM Supermalls withstood the challenges of the pandemic and rebounded as the economy slowly opened up amid the global health crisis. With the guidance of the Sy family, Tan made sure that SM responded with an agile, innovative and proactive approach to cater to the needs of all stakeholders, from employees and tenants to shoppers. SM City Yangzhou SM City Sto. Tomas The mall’s strategies -- adapting the tenancy mix, creating novel reasons to attract visitors to malls, targeting new customer segments through innovative marketing and developing omnichannel services -- enabled them to gain the trust and loyalty of modern shoppers during the pandemic. Because of this, SM managed to recover and exceed pre-pandemic revenues and income by 2023. In line with their latest expansion program, SM continues to open new malls in China and the Philippines. This brings the total number of shopping centers, locally and internationally, under Tan's stewardship to 93, featuring a cumulative construction area of over 10.8 million square meters and a daily foot traffic of more than 4.2 million. The latest malls to open were SM City Yangzhou last 28 September 2023 and SM City Sto Tomas, Batangas last 27 October 2023. Tan’s exceptional efforts were also honored by various international organizations over the years. He received numerous accolades including the 2021 Asia's Most Influential by Tatler Asia, the 2022 Asia Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles Awards Leadership Commitment by United Nations Women, and the Global Filipino Executive of the Year at the Asian Chief Executive Officer Awards, just to name a few. His dedication and visionary leadership continue to shape the landscape of shopping centers and commercial real estate, not just in Asia but also across the globe. Steven Tan receives the 2023 PeopleAsia People of the Year Award. Tan shared the Winshang Golden Censer Prize with his two co-awardees, namely Powerlong Real Estate Holding’s Co-president Chen Deli, and SCE Commercial Management Holdings' chairman of the board Huang Lun. SM Supermalls is a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings Inc., with 85 malls in the Philippines and 8 in China. The post SM’s Steven Tan named Winshang’s 2023 International Influential Person in Shopping Centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prioritize OFW repatriation, reintegration — Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reiterated the urgency of providing repatriation support and eventually, reintegration plans for overseas Filipino workers returning from Israel and Lebanon, in the light of escalating tensions in the region. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said a comprehensive repatriation and reintegration program should be in place to cater to the varying needs of returning OFWs. “It’s about empowering our OFWs to restart their lives here with dignity and hope,” Go remarked. Once the OFWs return home, Go called on the government to ensure that reintegration programs are made readily available for them to overcome the trauma they experienced and be able to recover. “Our kababayans are coming home under distressing circumstances. It is the government’s responsibility to extend all possible support to these modern-day heroes,” Go said. “Aside from possible employment opportunities, the government must be ready to provide assistance for their physical and psychological well-being, temporary housing if needed, and the welfare of their families as well,” he added. The Philippine government has approved voluntary repatriation for Filipinos in Lebanon amid brewing tension in the region while the situation in Israel is particularly concerning, with Israel intensifying its bombings in Gaza. With this, Go emphasized the need for both the government and OFWs to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. The senator urged the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers and other relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates to OFWs and their families. In another development, Go has urged various government agencies to amplify and accelerate their interventions for the most affected sectors of society as the country grapples with the economic challenges posed by high inflation rates. This call to action comes in the wake of a recent and concerning study conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicating that high inflation is expected to persist until 2025. Meanwhile, Go expressed his strong support and commendation for the 150 scholars currently enrolled in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority program in Daet, Camarines Norte. The educational venture was initiated in collaboration with the Philippine Academy of Technical Studies Inc. The post Prioritize OFW repatriation, reintegration — Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Energy sector workers run out
Amid the energy transition frenzy, listed Aboitiz Power Corp., or AboitizPower, recognized a growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers. It is thus necessary to develop a workforce that can adapt and implement energy security, affordability, and sustainability. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre said. “Among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry’s energy mix, digital systems and regulations,” she said. Power forum held “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., or AmCham, in partnership with AboitizPower. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated 1 million skilled workers in engineering, architecture, and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the most challenging occupations to fill up. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DoLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy program management director Engr. Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population, brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” Intimidating STEM “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. The forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate, and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool, and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the energy sector. The post Energy sector workers run out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition
Amid the Philippine energy transition, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognized the growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers and, hence, the necessity of developing a workforce that can adapt and willingly carry the important task of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability for today’s and tomorrow’s Filipinos. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” said AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre. “However, among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry's energy mix, digital systems and regulations.” “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. in partnership with AboitizPower. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated one million skilled workers in engineering, architecture and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the hard-to-fill occupations in the country. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy Program management director Engineer Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. In a panel discussion, AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre (2nd from right) said that the energy industry must come together to craft and implement programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. The Philippine Power Industry HR Forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector. A panel discussion moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr. of Divina Law saw Michael Page regional director and country head Albert Perez, Meralco chief HR officer Edgardo “Egay” Carasig, Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. president Atty. Anne Estorco Montelibano and ACEN chief HR officer John Philip Orbeta discuss the need to calibrate existing government programs to be more in sync with the needs of the energy industry. This includes building competencies within communities to turn locals into more competitive applicants. Meanwhile, another panel discussion moderated by AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee co-chair Ernie Cecilia had Global Business Power Corporation VP-Human Resources Maria Luz Blanco-Uriarte, One Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. founder and president Erel Narida and AboitizPower’s Inofre talk about how retaining workers involves investing on their skills, ensuring talent mobility opportunities and giving them a sense of purpose. “The energy industry must create an acceptable, progressive plan to resolve the talent crisis. AboitizPower, for one, makes an effort to resolve the shortage of estimated skilled workers in our industry by maintaining academic-industry linkages with universities in the country, providing long-term scholarships [and] establishing programs with TESDA that help promote electrical engineering skills at the grassroots level, among other initiatives,” Inofre said. “Through similar initiatives, I believe we can successfully empower a community of like-minded individuals who work towards implementing human resource programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry,” she concluded. The post A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Danish envoy backs Phl’s push for rules-based order amid WPS conflict
An envoy from Denmark has expressed its support to the Philippines in promoting a rules-based order and international rule of law in light of the recent collision incident involving Beijing and Manila vessels, in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Wednesday, Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Denmark's ambassador to the Philippines, Michael Skjold Mellbin, met with Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to tackle the ongoing defense cooperation between the Philippines and Denmark. Among the discussed topics was the recent incident in Ayungin shoal wherein Mellbin stressed that such events have “put the lives of Filipino sailors at risk” and “undermines regional security." Further, Mellbin has invited the the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard for a study visit in Copenhagen, Denmark to avail of the “exchange of insights on the law of the sea.” He said asked the PN and PCG to provide inputs on Denmark’s naval, coastal, and marine defenses, technologies, and doctrines. Teodoro welcomed the invitation and described it as a” good opportunity in light of current defense realities” in the WPS. Andolong said the possible cooperation between the Philippines and Denmark on cyber defense and information technology was also discussed during their meeting. Also, Teodoro and Mellbin agreed to put a premium on countering disinformation and proactively addressing threats in the information ecosystem. “The Danish ambassador acknowledged the Philippines’ support in upholding the rules-based international order, in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine,” Andolong said. “Both sides looked forward to concretizing Philippines-Denmark cooperation as global security challenges persist and become more unpredictable and volatile,” he added. The post Danish envoy backs Phl’s push for rules-based order amid WPS conflict appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grab’s new earnings plan aids delivery riders amid price woes
Dominant super app Grab Philippines has rolled out a more competitive compensation scheme for delivery partners to help them cope with the current market and inflationary challenges. Grab Philippines chief operating officer Ronald Roda said in a press statement on Wednesday that the new enhancements—which promote platform experience, earnings fairness and sustainability, and social safety nets—will benefit all industry stakeholders. The new program, which was designed to better align with its partners' efforts and the realities of the delivery landscape, was launched after a two-month pilot. The revamped plan addresses imbalances and ensures fairer compensation by improving the previous model that offered a fixed base fare, which was often not reflective of the actual effort involved in each delivery task. A guaranteed minimum fare is also introduced in the new model to provide financial stability and protect partners from low-earning trips. This guarantees that every delivery job, no matter how small, contributes a fair amount towards a partner's income. On top of all these, Grab ensures that its delivery partners on the platform continue to earn significantly more than the minimum wage. "In the face of evolving consumer behaviors and significant macroeconomic shifts, our delivery service's remarkable resilience is a reflection of our philosophy that our success is intertwined with the success of our partners," Roda said. "As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic era, we are firm in our commitment to showcasing our adaptability and unwavering support to our delivery partners," he added. Grab has also made "significant upgrades" to the partner-platform interaction, deploying advanced digital tools for better order forecasting and preparation time accuracy, as well as merchant education programs. These will significantly reduce unnecessary delays–allowing partners to fulfill more orders in less time, and thus increasing their potential earnings. Likewise, Grab has improved its algorithms and enhanced the merchant-partner interface to ensure pinpoint accuracy in merchant details and geotagging, which means that partners can trust the platform to direct them accurately. "With these progressive enhancements, we're not just optimizing a service; we're fortifying a platform of vast opportunities. This move goes beyond transactional interactions, touching lives and empowering thousands of delivery partners across the Philippines by providing more equitable earnings, stability, and growth potential," Roda affirmed. Locally, Grab has committed to helping the government generate 500,000 livelihood opportunities for Filipinos in the coming years. The post Grab’s new earnings plan aids delivery riders amid price woes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl monitors many CMM ships in WPS, slams China’s maligned info ops
The Philippines has monitored "a large number of Chinese maritime militia vessels” swarming in the features of the West Philippine Sea, National Security Council spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said Tuesday. In a television interview, Malaya said these vessels were spotted “not only in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc but also in other features, including (Scarborough Shoal) and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal.” "We are alarmed by the environmental degradation our Coast Guard ships were able to monitor in these areas,” he told the ANC. Malaya noted that environmental degradation or coral destruction would have a direct impact on the livelihood of the fishermen in the WPS areas. “Sometimes we forget the reasons why we are pushing our rights in the WPS, some critics are saying this is just posturing on the part of the Philippines or a tug-of-war between China and the Philippines. No this is not,” he stressed. “This is a battle for the resources of our country, particularly those for our fishermen so when we monitor coral destruction in other parts of the WPS, it alarms the Philippine government because it directly impacts the livelihood of our fishermen in WPS upon their livelihood relies,” he added. Hence, the Philippines has increased its maritime patrols and freedom of navigation missions in the WPS amid “limited capacity.” On the other hand, Malaya slammed China’s “maligned information operation” and sharing of “false narratives” on its sweeping claims on the WPS—as shared with the public. “Definitely, there’s a maligned information operation going on nowadays that is shared to the public and we are just happy it is not just the Philippine government that is sharing our side here—we have allies—if we may call them witnesses from the media,” he said. “We have witnesses from the media who were there on the spot, who had access to the deck and who had access to the control center of the Philippine Coast Guard vessels, who listened to the radio challenges, who saw what was really happening, who were witnesses themselves to the overwhelming number of Chinese vessels acting in concert,” he added. Malaya asked the public should see the facts for themselves and not be urged by the information coming from Beijing. Philippine officials have repeatedly called out China for its “propaganda” on its expansive claims in the South China Sea, which overlaps the country’s exclusive economic zone in the WPS......»»
Casualties on Israel-Lebanon border as army trades fire with Hezbollah
Casualties were reported along the Israel-Lebanon border Saturday as the army traded fire with Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah amid fears of a new front opening as Israel battles Hamas. Israel already ordered the evacuation of Kiryat Shmona, a border town which is home to some 25,000 people, as the border area has come fire from Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said one of its fighters had been killed while in Israel, two Thai farm workers were wounded, emergency services said. A senior Hezbollah official warned that the movement stood ready to step up its involvement as Israel masses troops on the Gaza border, vowing to destroy Palestinian militant group Hamas in response to its shock cross-border attacks on October 7. "Let's be clear, as events unfold, if something comes up that calls for greater intervention by us, we will do so," said Hezbollah number two Naim Qassem. In northern Israel, a strike in the Margaliot area of the border wounded two Thai farm workers, Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service said. One was wounded in the chest, the other sustained a limb injury, the service said. There are around 30,000 Thai labourers in Israel, many working in the agricultural sector. Since October 7, exchanges of fire across the border have killed at least four people in Israel -- three soldiers and one civilian. In southern Lebanon, at least 23 people have been killed. Most have been combatants, but at least four civilians, including a Reuters journalist, have also been killed. Saturday's exchanges came as Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant visited the northern border, where he called on troops to remain "vigilant". "Hezbollah has decided to participate in the fighting, and is paying a price for it. We must be vigilant and prepare for every possible (scenario). Great challenges await us," Gallant said. The Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement, Lebanon's only armed faction that did not disarm after the 1975-1990 civil war, fought a devastating war with Israel in 2006. That war left more than 1,200 dead in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 160 dead in Israel, mostly soldiers, in a conflict that left the border bristling with guns. The post Casualties on Israel-Lebanon border as army trades fire with Hezbollah appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How Philippines creative sector can flourish amid the Korean wave
Experts in the creative industries have pinpointed the primary challenges plaguing the local sector and offered insights on how to better address these issues......»»