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Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
VP Sara ‘di na pinarusahan ang viral teacher na nanigaw ng mga estudyante
AYON kay Vice President at Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte, hindi niya paparusahan ang guro na nanigaw at nakapagbitaw ng hindi magandang salita sa mga estudyante. “Nakita ko yung explanation niya and then, sinabihan ko ang regional office natin na there will be no penalties for the teacher,” sey ni VP Sara sa.....»»
No sanctions for teacher scolding pupils — VP Sara
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President and Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) Sara Duterte announced on Thursday that the teacher who was seen in a viral video scolding her class will not face any penalties. According to Duterte, she just wants to remind the teacher that when she is angry, she has to pause.....»»
From the Newsrooms: March 10 to 16, 2024
THE STATE of the ruling alliance has taken back the news spotlight as the President and his predecessor engaged in yet another sharp exchange, suggesting that all is not well in Team Unity. The depth of hostility between the two remains the subject of public speculation.The media this week reported yet another back-and-forth between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the former president, Rodrigo Duterte. The ex.....»»
ICC can t probe Philippines drug war, Marcos tells Germany s Scholz
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor. Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i.....»»
Rappler exposes Duterte family s stash of guns
By: CMFR StaffPosted on: March 21, 2024, 5:05 pm CHEERS TO Rappler for its investigative report that revealed the formidable arsenal of guns held by former President Rodrigo Duterte together with at least four members of his family, counting a total of 654 guns. The pie.....»»
Rappler exposes Duterte family s stash of guns
CHEERS TO Rappler for its investigative report that revealed the formidable arsenal of guns held by former President Rodrigo Duterte together with at least four members of his family, counting a total of 654 guns. The piece, written by Lian Buan, Jairo Bolledo, and Jodesz Gavilan, ask.....»»
Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that the Philippines will "continue to push for cooperation with China and work toward more partnerships and collaboration" after bringing up "coercive activities" in the South China Sea. The two Asian leaders met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China Summit earlier this week, where Marcos Jr. underscored the need for an international law-based code of conduct in the South China Sea. During the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Marcos Jr. raised concerns about "hegemonic ambitions" in the South China Sea. He urged other Southeast Asian leaders to find "practical" ways to protect the bloc's interests in the strategic waterway. "The President said that the Philippines will continue to push for cooperation with China and work towards more partnerships and collaboration," the statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) read. "He earlier said that he is pleased with the latest developments in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and that the Philippines will assert its rights in accordance with international law," it added. During the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos said that the Philippines still believes that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the rule of law should be used to settle maritime conflicts. Before the ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos called out "misleading stories that frame the disputes in the SCS only through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries." Marcos last talked to a high-level Chinese official at the ASEAN Summit with China. This happened a few days after Beijing's new 10-dash line and a few weeks after the water cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea, which made things worse between the Philippines and China. In August, Marcos said that the Philippines sent a note verbale to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after the latest incident in Ayungin Shoal, where the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly used water cannons and harmful actions against Philippine vessels. The CCG said it had taken "necessary controls" against Philippine boats that had "illegally" entered its waters. Several countries, led by the U.S., Australia, Japan, and Canada, came out in support of Manila and criticized China's actions. This is the latest in a series of events this year where Philippine ships have been harassed by Chinese ships. Li, on the other hand, said on Wednesday that Beijing's "good neighborly friendship" with ASEAN countries has grown. “We have been committed to mutual assistance and our good neighborly friendship has become stronger… We seek common ground while setting aside differences, properly handle disagreements through dialogues and consultations and consistently deepen practical cooperation in the traditional and non-traditional security views,” the Chinese official said at the ASEAN-China Summit The post Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. During his intervention in the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - China Summit here, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the rules-based order in the South China Sea. "The Philippines continues to uphold the primacy of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans are conducted," Marcos said. "We once again reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes." Marcos also expressed hope that the two countries can progress in the negotiations for a COC in the South China Sea. "The early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, remains the goal for ASEAN and for China," he said. Marcos' remarks come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its claims over disputed waters. The Philippines is one of several ASEAN countries with overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea. In his remarks during the intervention, Marcos also highlighted the importance of cooperation between ASEAN and China in areas such as trade, investment, and connectivity. He said that such cooperation can help to achieve the goal of making ASEAN the "epicentrum of growth." "The ongoing ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations will also encourage stronger ties between ASEAN and China," Marcos said. "It is also our hope that we identify and leverage on complementarities between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific." Chinese Premier Li Qiang, for his part, claimed that China has been working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to "preserve regional stability." He asserted that "mutual trust" between the two parties has "grown deeper." "We have been committed to treating each other sincerely, and our political mutual trust has grown deeper," Li said during the ASEAN-China Summit. "No matter how the international situation evolves, China and ASEAN have maintained close exchanges and communication, respecting each other's development path," he said. China, which has emphasized that regional parties should be in charge of resolving disputes like those involving the South China Sea, has stated that "the China-ASEAN cooperation has come a long way" due to their shared "understanding about hardships." Chinese ships obstructed Philippine resupply ships in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in August by using water cannons. The Hague-based international arbitration court received a complaint from Manila in 2013 against Beijing, but China ignored the proceedings there as well. Beijing has continued rejecting the judgment rendered in that case in 2016, and in July it charged the US with being the "mastermind" behind the Philippines' lawsuit. The post PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US-ASEAN Business Council: US companies eager to foster Phl business connections
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday acknowledged the US-ASEAN council's crucial role in the Philippine development. During the courtesy call of the American business leaders at the Malacañang Palace, Marcos hoped that alliances, partnerships, and arrangements with its members would be sustained. "I recognize the critical role that the United States and American businesses have played in advancing a robust and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines, not only in this period but for a very long time now," Marcos said. Marcos also acknowledged that the US-ASEAN Business Council is significant in discussing concrete steps in upholding socioeconomic cooperation. These steps include agriculture, clean energy, infrastructure, climate change, digital connectivity, and post-pandemic recovery. Marcos also assured the Council of concrete steps that he and US President Joe Biden have identified to make the two countries' alliance and partnership "relevant and responsive to the current emerging challenges in the defense, security, and economic spheres." "I invite the members of the esteemed Council to continue being valuable partners of the Philippines. Let us push for greater economic engagement between our two countries for our mutual benefit and the prosperity of the region," he added. Ted Osius, a former US ambassador and current President of the Council, mentioned that US companies are eager to strengthen their collaborations with the Philippine government and foster additional connections with businesses in the nation. Osius also stressed the importance of the country's participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). "We're very much focused, and you highlight these themes on sustainable development, transformative digitalization, innovative healthcare solutions, supply chain resilience, and ease of doing business," Osius said. "We are determined that we come here not just to talk but also bring a lot of action to create real partnerships and to show our commitment in the form of investments," he added. Established in 1984, the US-ASEAN Business Council is a nonprofit entity dedicated to researching and analyzing economic, financial, political, social, and environmental conditions within the ASEAN member states. Globally, the Council's membership exceeds 175 companies, collectively generating nearly USD 7 trillion in revenue and providing employment for over 14.5 million individuals. This Council holds the unique distinction of being the sole American organization formally acknowledged within the ASEAN Charter. Annually, it engages with the Finance, Trade, and Energy Ministers during their respective meetings. The organization's roster comprises the largest American corporations conducting operations within ASEAN. These companies range from newcomers in the region to those with a century-long history of business in Southeast Asia. The post US-ASEAN Business Council: US companies eager to foster Phl business connections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bongbong’s foreign policy: More like ‘Macoy’ than ‘Digong’
Despite being dismissed as a spoiled brat and a weakling by both his father and the man he succeeded, Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his first year in office, stood up to China and showed he is more like the older Marcos than Duterte. Always underestimated, Marcos Jr., observers noted, spent much of his political career surrounded by powerful women, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos. But this shouldn’t fool one into thinking that he is not his own man. Only days after winning last year’s presidential elections, he asserted his independence by denying top allies, including running mate Sara Duterte, key cabinet positions. He also showed his own distinct approach on the foreign policy front by holding cordial meetings with diplomats from both traditional and regional partners. While emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic engagement with China, Marcos Jr., notes the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, reiterated the finality of the arbitral tribunal ruling in the South China Sea, and made clear he “will not compromise it in any way,” calling the country’s sovereignty “sacred.” “Taking into consideration the widespread skepticism towards Beijing among Filipinos and within the country’s defense establishment, Marcos Jr. adopted a calibrated assertiveness towards China while welcoming pragmatic cooperation on the economic front,” AMTI said. The perceived wisdom on the younger Marcos’s foreign policy, according to AMTI, is that he is nothing but a mild-mannered version of Duterte. In fact, he was the only candidate during the elections who publicly backed full continuity in the country’s Beijing-friendly policies. He barely mentioned the treaty alliance with the United States, emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic engagement. “Whatever we do, we can’t go to war… we don’t want to go to war with China,” he was quoted to have said. A year into office, however, it is obvious the younger Marcos was advocating a centrist position in the territorial dispute. It was, according to one analyst, a middle-of-the-road decision aimed at appeasing both superpowers, China and the United States. Indeed, it was a balancing act complicated by both internal and external factors. While Duterte was reluctant to confront China over the South China Sea, Marcos Jr. has adopted tougher rhetoric, showing a better appreciation of how the Philippines should position itself given the very uncertain strategic environment it is facing. He is said to have been able to forge closer relations with Washington because his family already has long-standing ties with Beijing which affords him a degree of capital. A year into office, however, it was obvious the younger Marcos was advocating a centrist position in the territorial dispute As AMTI related, the Marcos connection to Beijing goes deep, stretching back to the height of the Cold War period when his father formalized bilateral relations with Maoist China. As the then-announced successor, Bongbong even personally met Chairman Mao, who warmly welcomed the princeling and his family to Zhongnanhai. The Marcoses maintained those linkages even after their ouster from power in Malacañang, albeit on a sub-national level. As overlords of the northern province of Ilocos Norte, the Marcos dynasty continued to welcome trade and diplomatic relations with their Chinese counterparts under the emerging Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Despite the growing Chinese coercive actions against the Philippine Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, Marcos Jr. welcomed continued economic engagement with China under his “Friend to all, enemy to none” policy first espoused by Duterte during his pivot to Beijing. Balancing act Compared to former presidents before him, Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy is truly a balancing act not much different from his father’s. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (1965-1986), during his presidency, pursued a foreign policy that sought to balance relations with both the United States and other countries, including those in the Soviet Bloc. He declared martial law in 1972, and this had implications for the country’s foreign relations. The Philippines’ relationship with the US was close, but during his time, Marcos also sought to strengthen ties with our Asian neighbors. Corazon Aquino (1986-1992) focused on restoring democracy and human rights in the Philippines after the end of the Marcos dictatorship. She sought to rebuild relations with other countries that had been strained during Marcos’s rule. Her administration also emphasized diplomatic engagement with ASEAN countries and the international community. Fidel V. Ramos (1992-1998) prioritized economic diplomacy and focused on attracting foreign investment to boost the Philippine economy. He worked to strengthen relationships with ASEAN and APEC countries and fostered ties with the US, Japan, and other regional partners. Joseph Estrada (1998-2001) emphasized national sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. He pursued good relations with ASEAN nations but was criticized for a more inward-looking approach to foreign affairs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001-2010) focused on economic diplomacy and sought to improve the Philippines’ standing in the international community. She maintained strong ties with the US and also expanded engagement with China. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (2010-2016) emphasized upholding the rule of law in the region and advocating for the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea. He strengthened relations with traditional allies like the US and worked to foster closer ties with other Asian countries. While Bongbong Marcos is not his father, the legacy of the former Filipino strongman hangs over his administration. This legacy of pragmatism is also reinforced in the sentiments of the defense establishment and the broader Filipino public who want the government to take a tougher stance against China. Unlike Duterte, the younger Marcos has shown in his first year in office that he is adopting a more calibrated foreign policy combining elements of pragmatism and assertiveness towards a major power like China while seeking to leverage Philippine ties with the United States. The post Bongbong’s foreign policy: More like ‘Macoy’ than ‘Digong’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Enhancing economic diplomacy worldwide
Since assuming office in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has embarked on 11 foreign visits aimed at enhancing diplomatic relations, fostering economic ties, and promoting international cooperation. His foreign visits hold significant importance in shaping the country’s global standing and pursuing its national interests. One of the Chief Executive’s primary objectives in his global forays is to strengthen regional ties within Southeast Asia. Recognizing the importance of regional cooperation, he has engaged with neighboring countries through bilateral meetings and participation in regional summits. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="161524,161523"] By promoting dialogue and collaboration, President Marcos Jr. aims to address mutual challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and terrorism that affect the region collectively. In particular, Marcos Jr. prioritized forging stronger ties with traditional allies like the United States, Japan and Australia. These visits have sought to reaffirm existing partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the fields of trade, defense, and technology. Another critical aspect of the President’s foreign visits was to boost economic diplomacy and attract foreign investments to the Philippines. Recognizing the need for economic growth and job creation, he has engaged in high-level discussions with leaders and business representatives from various countries. These interactions have aimed to showcase the Philippines as an attractive investment destination and foster international confidence in the country’s economic prospects. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="161520,161521,161519,161514,161516,161518"] As part of his economic diplomacy efforts, President Marcos Jr. has also participated in international economic forums and trade summits, advocating for fair trade practices and increased market access for Philippine products and services. These engagements have helped position the Philippines as an active player in the global economy, enabling the country to benefit from the opportunities of an interconnected world. In these engagements, the President has demonstrated a commitment to addressing global challenges and representing the Philippines on the international stage. His participation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations General Assembly, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN Summit, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC Summit have allowed him to engage with world leaders on various pressing issues. During his first year in office, President Marcos Jr. has been confronted with several international crises and humanitarian challenges. His foreign visits have presented opportunities to strengthen cooperation with other nations in times of need. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, the President’s diplomatic efforts have aimed to position the Philippines as a responsible and active member of the international community. The impact of his foreign visits will continue to shape the country’s relations with the world and its pursuit of national interests on the global stage. The post Enhancing economic diplomacy worldwide appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The Black Sea Grain Initiative
The Black Sea region is known as the world’s major grain-producing area that includes wheat, corn, and barley. As the world’s significant producer and exporter of various grains, the region influences global grain prices and availability. Its production helps meet the demand for food commodities, contributing to stable food supplies and mitigating risks of food shortages. On the regional economic development front, the region supports rural development, job creation, and export revenues that impact the overall economic growth and stability of many economies. Both Ukraine and the Russian Federation are major players in the global grain trade with exports extending to the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The Black Sea Grain Initiative or BSGI has already demonstrated its significance to the international trade scene by enabling the export of more than 32 million metric tons of foodstuff from three Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea to 45 countries across three continents. The Food and Agriculture Organization reported that since March 2022, there has been a 22-percent drop in world food prices. The procurement of 700,000 tons of wheat through the BGSI by the World Food Programme helped support humanitarian operations. The continued facilitation of Ukrainian and Russian exports of food and fertilizer remains critical to global food security. From a local business perspective, this initiative holds great significance as it has ensured a stable and reliable source of grains for the Philippines. The accessibility of high-quality and cheaper grains, as well as inexpensive fertilizer from the Black Sea region, has been a driving force behind the growth and sustainability of various sectors within our local economy, including food processing, livestock, and poultry, among others. The availability and affordability of a consistent grain supply is essential to maintaining the competitiveness and profitability of these industries. The International Chamber of Commerce or ICC has played a central role in the ideation of the BSGI and continues to work closely with the United Nations for the effective implementation of the said initiative. Unfortunately, the BSGI is expiring this July and an urgent call has been made for governments, ASEAN, APEC, business organizations, and the rest of the world to speak out — in the media and through diplomatic channels — and express the desire of the international community to see the BSGI extended for a further term. ICC Philippines has written the Russian and Ukrainian envoys to help support the continuance of BSGI. Indeed, allowing the initiative to lapse will put millions of people’s access to the supply and low cost of food in grave danger with devastating social, economic, and human repercussions. ICC Philippines enjoins other business organizations in this move to further the life of the BSGI. The post The Black Sea Grain Initiative appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos eyes stronger ties with South Korea
President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday said his administration has put in place the necessary policies in its initial year in office that will help the transformation of the Philippine economy. The Chief Executive said this as South Korean Ambassador-designate Lee Sang-Hwa presented his credentials to Marcos in Malacanang. During the ceremony, Marcos expressed hope in the post-pandemic world, with strong partnerships and alliances with countries like South Korea, "I think we can always look forward to a better future and stronger alliance." He also mentioned regional developments such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations taking a more dominant role in security and defense. "It is the first time that we will have joint exercises with the ASEAN member nations. And slowly I think that this is starting to stabilize the security and defense situation in our region," he noted. Lee, for his part, noted that "there is a comprehensive regional strategy (as) ASEAN takes a centerstage and the Philippines strategic importance has heightened significantly." "So we look forward to elevating our relationship formally to (a) strategic partnership at an appropriate time including many, many areas security and defense cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges," the South Korean ambassador added. Total PH-South Korean trade reached $15.44 billion in 2022, ranking South Korea as the Philippines' 4th largest trading partner. In the same period, exports were valued at $3.13 billion (seventh largest export destination), and imports were valued at $12.31 billion (fourth largest import source). Regarding defense, the Philippines' key procurement projects from South Korea include two 2,600-ton multi-million frigates, 12 units of FA-50 aircraft for the Philippine Air Force and a Pohang-class corvette for the Philippine Navy. In addition, the defense department signed last year a P30-billion contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the purchase of six offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy, with the first delivery in 2025 Meanwhile, Lee told Marcos that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol looks forward to visiting the Philippines this year or early next year as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of their relationship. The President said he looks forward to meeting the South Korean leader during the November Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. "Of course, there are many other conferences and I hope that maybe in November when we go to the United States for the APEC because I'm sure your President will attend, maybe we'll have a chance to at least meet and have a bilateral meeting," the President said. "But after that, I think both sides now will be able to plan better. It's been a busy year because we just finished our first year of this administration. So slowly, slowly, we are beginning to find ways to adjust our schedules to all these very important events that we are going through," he added. The post Marcos eyes stronger ties with South Korea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Committed to equity, sustainability, opportunity
As the Philippines looks forward to hosting the ABAC 3 (Asean Business Advisory Council) meeting in Cebu, the Aboitiz group acts as a key driver in advancing the shared goals of equity, sustainability and opportunity. The invaluable expertise of Aboitiz president and CEO and ABAC PH member Sabin Aboitiz contribute significantly to the Aboitiz Group’s endeavors and enhance the alignment between ABAC's vision and strategies. Sabin Aboitiz demonstrates the Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to sustainability. The focus on exploring the viability of nuclear energy via small modular reactors highlights the Group's interest in advancing clean and efficient energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Additionally, the integration of climate risk scenarios underscores the Group's proactive approach to understanding and addressing the potential risks and challenges posed by climate change. "At Aboitiz, we believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in promoting equity, sustainability and opportunity," Sabin Aboitiz said. "Through our collective efforts, we are committed to making a positive impact on society and fostering a better future for all." Apart from being the pioneer of renewable energy in the Philippines with 1249.17MW of total net sellable renewable energy capacity, AboitizPower, the energy arm of the Aboitiz Group, has shown commitment in promoting equity and inclusion within the company. Testament to that is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program, which aims to push the envelope further in creating a safe and welcoming workplace for all. The DEIB program includes the establishment of resource networks for LGBT+, women at work, and “special life” team members, which include single parents and differently-abled workers. [caption id="attachment_149059" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Aboitiz Group drives Philippine development through inclusive growth. In Cebu City, reliable power empowers the town, improving lives and supporting economic growth and trade among APEC economies. Union Bank of the Philippines, led by Aboitiz, promotes financial inclusion through digital banking nationwide.[/caption] Group wide, Aboitiz also implements several initiatives that further celebrate diversity and maintain an inclusive workplace. Among these are information sessions and people stories for Women’s Month, Pride Month and Mental Health Month. The company also boasts a balanced representation of male and female team members, fostering an environment that values gender equality and provides equal opportunities for all. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, AboitizPower and Aboitiz InfraCapital are proud member companies of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, a nonprofit organization advocating workplace gender equality. Aboitiz understands that the overall success of the company also depends on the individual success of the team members. And by creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and included, the Aboitiz group makes sure that no one is left behind in the journey toward progress. The Aboitiz-led UnionBank of the Philippines plays an important role in the group’s digitalization path, driven by its dedication to “Tech-Up Pilipinas” and fostering widespread economic growth. Environmental stewardship also lies at the core of Aboitiz’s efforts, as the company actively pursues environmentally responsible practices and solutions that meet the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, has placed sustainability at the forefront of its business strategy. The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, located at the tip coast of Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City, is a huge part of Aboitiz's sustainability efforts. The eight-hectare biodiversity park serves as a haven for migratory and local birds, various mangrove species, a pawikan rescue center facility and a nesting ground for critically endangered sea turtles. By partnering with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Aboitiz continues to live out its sustainability efforts by also spearheading the protection and rehabilitation of Boracay Wetland No.4. As a linear urban park, the Boracay Wetland will offer a range of recreational activities that incorporate eco-friendly tourism designs, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Apart from biodiversity conservation, Aboitiz InfraCapital, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, advocates better water resource management via corporations like Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. and LIMA Water Corporation. Apo Agua is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities in Davao City, which harnesses sustainable water sources and provides reliable water supply to the growing population of Davao City. The project not only ensures access to clean water but also supports the local economy and promotes environmental stewardship. The post Committed to equity, sustainability, opportunity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BIMP-EAGA nations’ trade cooperation pressed
In his recent trip to Indonesia for the Asean meeting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged collaboration to foster the progress of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia -Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA due to its substantial potential for development. The Chief Executive made the call as he joined the intervention of the 15th BIMP-EAGA Summit on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summit here. Marcos said the Philippines supports the increased focus of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 on broad strategies to align sub-regional pandemic recovery and transformation efforts with the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, particularly in the areas of food security, creative industries and E-commerce, tourism recovery, and green recovery. “So, let us continue this impetus for growth in BIMP-EAGA and thereby position our very own sub-region as a well-connected, economically thriving, multi-country trade, investment and tourism destination. There lies our future,” Marcos said. However, Marcos noted that the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine demonstrated the need to maintain the physical connectivity that underpins the region’s extensive and comprehensive logistics chain in all its aspects. Hence, the President mentioned that the efforts to revive the tourism industries should be the utmost priority following the pandemic. Linkages must move forward “Our collective effort towards rebuilding the air and sea linkages disrupted by geopolitical challenges and the pandemic still remains the key towards our full economic recovery,” he said. “So, let us work together with our National Tourism Organizations and our private sector counterparts to breathe life into the Joint BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Tourism Recovery Communications Plan 2022-2024. Let us spread the tidings that a visit to the BIMP-EAGA sub-region is a safe, stress-free return to nature,” Marcos added. Increased tourism will also reinvigorate the sub-regions micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs, the backbone of the economy fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth and narrowing the development gap, and instrumental in wealth and employment creation, raising standards of living and poverty reduction. The President also rallied anew for support for “nano businesses,” or the kind of self-employed businesses that fall outside of the category of MSMEs, such as dry cleaners, corner shop owners, single retail marketers, repairers and painters, among others. “Though they constitute a large portion of all economies, viable, and play an important role across the country, they remain unrecognized… aiding them will contribute to our overall economic growth and will narrow those development gaps,” Marcos said. The President also emphasized the importance of BIMP-EAGA’s synergies and partnerships with external partners, such as the Asian Development Bank, Japan, Republic of Korea, China and the Northern Territory of Australia. Calling for sustained partnerships with those entities, the Philippine leader also welcomed the BIMP-EAGA-Korea Cooperation Fund or BKCF and the increase of the Republic of Korea’s contribution from $1 million in 2021 to $3 million in 2022. He reported that the Philippines, in particular, continue to benefit from the BKCF Fund from projects in the Environment, Tourism, and Connectivity Sectors, with a total support worth an estimated $1.2 million. At the same time, BIMP-EAGA must achieve strategic coherence within the larger ambit of ASEAN initiatives and sustain platforms of dialogue through regional mechanisms, including APT, RCEP, APEC, AANZFTA, and the ASEAN Plus 1 FTAs. Launched in 1994, BIMP-EAGA has delivered impressive results with the current numerous transport networks spanning the sub-region, buttressed by enhanced economic policies facilitating the movement of goods, people, and services. The post BIMP-EAGA nations’ trade cooperation pressed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Civil society counters official claims on human rights, climate crisis
THREE HIGH-LEVEL meetings gathered Southeast Asian and world leaders last week: the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on November 10 to 13; the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, on the 15th and 16th; and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from the 16th to 19th in Bangkok, Thailand.Media reported on the attendance of.....»»
Duterte prepares for ASEAN, APEC meets
President Duterte is preparing for his participation in the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Leaders Summit virtual meetings next week......»»
PH reports milestone 103,185 mark in COVID-19 cases
The COVID-19 health crisis in the country hit a milestone on Sunday, August 2, as more than 100,000 people were confirmed to have been infected by the deadly disease since the first case was detected last January. The Department of Health (DOH) reported 5,032 new infections, raising the total number of cases to 103,185. The country’s new cases hit fresh highs in terms of daily reported infections for four straight days already—beating the 4,963 cases recorded on Saturday, August 1. The active cases stood at 35,569, the DOH said. The number of recoveries is now at 65,557 with 301 new patients who have recuperated. The death toll jumped to 2,059 as 20 more patients succumbed to the respiratory illness. This scenario was way ahead of the projection of experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) last July 7— saying that the country could surpass 100,000 cases by the end of August. It can be noted that the Philippines only had a total of 38,511 confirmed cases on July 1. The daily tallies since then ranged between 290 to 5,000 cases. The Philippines ranked 26th with the most number of cases worldwide, based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVID-19 dashboard.Among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines placed second in terms of case total. As of Saturday, August 1, the Philippines has tested a total of 1,433,544 people or 1.35 percent of its 106 million population. The total number of tests conducted is at 1,534,319. Moreover, there are 97 COVID-19 licensed laboratories with an overall daily testing capacity of around 28,000. Majority of the infections in the country are found in the National Capital Region (NCR), which is the epicenter of COVID-19 in the country. To date, the number of cases in NCR reached 53,135 with active cases at 17,613, based on the DOH COVID-19 tracker. Early in July, WHO Country Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe underscored the importance of releasing the test result in a fast manner with an ideal turnaround time of “less than 24 hours,” as well as to strengthen the contact tracing initiatives. He then also expressed concern over the spike of COVID-19 cases being detected outside the NCR, describing it as a “worrying phenomena.” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that they are already expecting that the number of cases will shoot up due to the easing of quarantine restrictions. Authorities continuously urged the public to remain vigilant and follow the precautionary measures at all times. The government relaxed quarantine restrictions in many areas of the country in June, while some reverted or remained under strict measures. The NCR was downgraded to general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1 from the much stricter lockdown of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). At that time, experts from UP said that it “might be premature to relax the MECQ to GCQ” as the rate of transmission in NCR remains high. Several medical associations on Saturday called on the government to place NCR under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as healthcare workers are already exhausted and in order to slow down the increase of infections......»»
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS.....»»