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742 people evacuated due to floods in Cagayan town
TUGUEGARAO CITY —Disaster response officials reported Sunday, Dec. 24, that 742 people (237 families) were evacuated Saturday night, Dec. 23, when incessant rains spawned by the northeast monsoon triggered floods in low-lying areas in Allacapan town in Cagayan. Most of the evacuees, some 227 families or 709 people, came from Capanickian village, while 10 families.....»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A model urban community
As a young boy, I loved drawing a “roadmap” of livable communities where family and industry were central to this unadulterated fun design. I would put skyscrapers and blend these with old trees, brilliant lights, and flowers along walkways and entertainment centers. The distance between neighborhoods was enough to give space and privacy. In this universe, people of different economic classes are resilient to the challenges and complexities of modern living. I grew up in a small town with inadequate potable water and transportation. There was a thin line between regression and progression where one cannot differentiate silt from clay particles when wading through the flooded, muddy streets of Barangay Busugon in San Remigio municipality. Life then was simple but joyous because of my family and the neighborhood. This was my unsophisticated urban planning, where things that matter most to me can be found in one place. Although I did not become a city or urban planner, my interest in “designing” communities is as strong as my entrepreneurial consciousness. It has become an advocacy. Be that as it may, urban planning, a form of spatial planning, requires strategic innovations and thorough study to develop equitable habitats and sustainable human settlements and development. A strategic plan, or a development plan, considers population growth, zoning, geographic mapping, structural and people’s safety analysis, water supply, and essential social services. Urban planning, says the United Nations Human Settlements Programme or UN-HABITAT, should “improve policies, plans, and designs for more compact, socially inclusive, better integrated, and connected cities that foster sustainable urban development and are resilient to climate change at the city, regional, and national levels.” The world’s best-planned urban cities include Singapore City in Singapore, Brazilia in Brazil, Chandigarh in India, Seoul in South Korea, and Copenhagen in Denmark. In the Philippines, five regions that surpassed the national level of urbanization in 2020 are Calabarzon (70.5 percent), Davao (66.8 percent), Central Luzon (66.3 percent), and Soccsksargen (55.5 percent), according to the 2022 report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) based on the 2020 population census. The cities of Angeles in Pampanga and Mandaue in Cebu had the highest level of urbanization, with 100 percent each. Of the country’s 81 provinces, 11 provinces registered a level of urbanization higher than the national level in 2020. On a sad note, Eastern Visayas (14.7 percent), Cagayan Valley (19.5 percent), Bicol (23.8 percent), Ilocos (25.5 percent), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (27.6 percent) posted the lowest level of urbanization, the same PSA report showed. Overseas, towns and villages have adapted to technological innovations and big data for urban analytics. Urban planners now consider including countryside localities in developing sustainable and resilient communities despite needing more resources, strategies, and expertise. Many urban planners find harmony in geometry and numbers, taking a leaf from the ancient works of Greek architect and mathematician Hippodamus of Miletus, considered the father of urban planning. Today’s towns and cities incorporate functional innovations where everything gets “smart,” from people to intelligent traffic lighting and drones, better infrastructures, facilities, and communications systems, and a strategic blueprint for mitigating the impact of climate change and other environmental problems. With the booming population nationwide, it would be wise to create more growth areas outside the center of progress to improve service and operational efficiency. Local executives and councils must do much work to empower those who must catch up and provide leadership in a highly competitive environment. After all, greater economic inclusion should benefit people with low or no incomes and vulnerable sectors. The beauty of inclusive urban planning lies in ensuring that all can partake of its benefits. As Greek philosopher Socrates once said: “By far the greatest and most admirable form of wisdom is that needed to plan and beautify cities and human communities.” Ultimately, any strategic urban design should not only be a mixture of arts and humanities, but also a fusion of science and numbers. (You may send comments and reactions to feedback032020@gmail.com or text 0931-1057135.) The post A model urban community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CdO fire victims get Go aid
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assisted 283 recovering fire victims at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall Ground Quadrangle last Thursday, 19 October. Go’s team provided the beneficiaries with shirts, masks, vitamins, snacks and balls for basketball and volleyball. There is also a select recipient of a pair of shoes from the senator. In coordination with the National Housing Authority, through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program which Go advocated for and continues to support, the beneficiaries also received financial assistance for housing materials. Go cited his filed Senate Bill 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure the availability of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city, municipality, and province across the country. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged those with medical concerns to visit the Malasakit Centers located at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in the city. Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing basic medical services closer to the grassroots. In Misamis Oriental, necessary funds were allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Libertad, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao and Tagoloan. There will also be six other Super Health Centers in Cagayan de Oro City. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where these will be constructed. On Wednesday, 18 October, Cebu City held a groundbreaking for the city’s new Super Health Center in Barangay Labangon as part of the local and national government’s commitment to make healthcare more accessible to its residents. For his part, Go emphasized the importance of providing vital healthcare services, especially in remote and underprivileged communities, and underscored the suitability of Super Health Centers in addressing their basic healthcare needs. Go lauded how the Malasakit Center stood as a pillar of support as it paved the way for life-saving heart surgery for 29-year-old Mohammad Abdelrashid Juhuri, a devoted teacher from Maimbung, Sulu. Mohammad’s life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when a diagnosis of congenital heart disease threatened his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. The heart ailment was not a mere medical diagnosis but a life-changer. Also Wednesday, Go’s outreach team conducted a relief operation for various sectoral groups at the Brgy. Mintal Gymnasium in Davao City. Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 500 beneficiaries. They also gave away shoes, watch, and mobile phone to select recipients. The post CdO fire victims get Go aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP adopts Borongan’s airport-building style
BORONGAN CITY — It was the necessity of getting a direct flight started the soonest that prompted the local government here to build its own airport, albeit in a novel and most cost-effective way given its limited budget. But the novel idea of using a modular construction system in the construction of an airport terminal gave the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines the idea on how it will build airport terminals in the future across the country. Rupert Ambil, Borongan City Information Officer and Flights Operation Chairman of the Borongan City Airport, said the city is the first local government unit in the country to construct its own airport terminal. “Thanks to the innovative design by the engineering team and the remarkable speed at which this project was completed, the CAAP is now adopting the modular design for other airports in the country,” Ambil said. On Thursday, CAAP issued a statement that it will be expanding the use of its modular construction system to more airports across the country, following its completion at Borongan Airport. “CAAP is actively implementing alternative approaches to swiftly address the concerns of passengers such as check-in areas and passenger terminal buildings with limited spaces,” CAAP said. “To address these areas for development, CAAP aims to create more spacious, efficient, and passenger-friendly environments that meet international standards and accommodate the increasing passenger volume of airports,” it added. “The modular construction system, which initially piloted at Borongan Airport, offers a sustainable approach to constructing terminal facilities with passenger amenities, as it minimizes construction waste. It uses pre-fabricated structural steel, a sustainable and cost-effective approach that allows for flexibility in design and rapid construction.” CAAP said it has identified additional airports where the construction system will be implemented. One of them is the Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro where construction aimed to increase passenger movement is set to start in December 2023 with a total budget of P36 million. The post CAAP adopts Borongan’s airport-building style appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE identifies offshore RE sites
The Department of Energy or DoE has identified nine potential renewable energy, or RE, sites to establish offshore wind ports that can serve as offloading terminals for a more seamless and efficient establishment of offshore wind or OSW facilities in the country. Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of an energy forum hosted by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines on Tuesday, Energy Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol said these ports will be developed to become staging areas housing the foundation, turbines, blades, and other materials that will be used in building the OSW structures. Capongcol cited Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Bacolod, Mindoro and Cagayan Valley as among the initial locations where the planned ports will be assembled. The Asian Development Bank will assist in evaluating these sites. “These are just initial identification and these nine ports are based on the project developments. They are initially identified to support and advance project constructions in these areas,” she said. To further uncover the country’s OSW potential, the DoE said “suitably sized and strategically located ports are essential for the storage, assembly, construction and operation of OSW farms.” Potential private sector partner Recently, the state-run Philippine National Oil Company disclosed that it is looking for a potential partner from the private sector to convert its 19-hectare Batangas port into an OSW Power Integration Port. It also tapped the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center to “help us because the decision not to award the contract for the commercial port expansion and shift to an offshore integration port was only last month.” The DoE has been pushing for the development of OSW to ramp up local indigenous supply amid growing demand. Based on the Philippines OSW Roadmap launched in 2022, the country has about 178 gigawatts or GW of OSW potential. OSW contracts awarded To date, the DoE has awarded a total of 79 OSW Contracts with a total potential capacity of 61.931 GW, spread mainly North of Luzon, West of Metro Manila, North and South of Mindoro, Panay, and Guimaras Strait. These, according to Capongcol, are all under the development stage, which includes preliminary wind data gathering, application for endorsements, and request for System Impact Studies. Despite the vast supply available nationwide, the OSW roadmap showed that the tedious permitting process as well as grid assets availability should be resolved. As such, the DoE vowed to enhance the policies on the OSW development, taking into account the streamlining and stricter timeframe outlined in the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop law on the processing and issuance of licenses and permits by the concerned national and local government entities. The post DoE identifies offshore RE sites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Batanes still under Signal No. 2 as ‘Jenny’ moves over Phl Sea
The state weather bureau on Tuesday said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal or TCWS No. 2 is still hoisted over Batanes as Typhoon Jenny moves north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea. In its latest weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, said typhoon Jenny was last tracked 325 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. The weather disturbance maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 190 kph. Gale-force winds will prevail in Batanes. Meanwhile, strong winds will prevail in areas where TCWS No. 1 remains hoisted: Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Tumauini, Cabagan, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Santo Tomas, Dinapigue, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Gamu, Quirino, Delfin Albano, Quezon, Mallig), Apayao, the northeastern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong), the northern portion of Kalinga (Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Rizal, City of Tabuk), and Ilocos Norte. Typhoon Jenny will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, causing occasional rains over the western portions of Central and Southern Luzon, and the Visayas in the next three days. Gusty conditions due to the enhanced southwest monsoon continue to prevail in Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and most of Mimaropa and Western Visayas. Rough to very rough seas are forecast over the coastal waters along the seaboards of Northern Luzon. PAGASA said moderate to rough seas will prevail over the coastal waters of northern Aurora due to the Typhoon. Mariners of motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing to the sea. Typhoon Jenny is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday. The post Batanes still under Signal No. 2 as ‘Jenny’ moves over Phl Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Typhoon Jenny maintains strength over Phl Sea
Typhoon Jenny maintains strength as it moves north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said Tuesday. In its latest weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, said Typhoon Jenny, as it continues to enhance Southwest Monsoon or habagat, will bring significant rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas in the next three days. PAGASA said the enhancement of the Southwest Monsoon by Jenny will bring gusty conditions for the next 3 days over the following areas not under any Wind Signal, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds including Bataan, the southern portion of Aurora, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Romblon, and most of Bicol Region. Gale Warning is hoisted in the coastal waters along the seaboards of Northern Luzon. The typhoon will also bring moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 m) over the coastal waters of northern Aurora. PAGASA advised mariners of motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea. If possible, navigating in these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels, shall be avoided. Typhoon Jenny is forecast to move northwestward or west-northwestward until tomorrow before turning generally westward thereafter. On the track forecast, Jenny will make landfall over the southern portion of Taiwan between late Wednesday evening, or Thursday morning, then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Thursday morning and afternoon. When outside the PAR region, Jenny will continue moving westward slowly over the Taiwan Strait towards the coastal waters of southern China. PAGASA said the weakening trend continues due to the increasing dry air entrainment and vertical wind shear. “Land interaction during its passage over the rugged terrain of southern Taiwan will further weaken the tropical cyclone. Once over the Taiwan Strait, additional cool dry air from the north will entrain into JENNY, resulting in further weakening,” it added. Typhoon Jenny was last tracked over the 325 km East Northeast of Basco, Batanes as it moves North Northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour. It packs maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal PAGASA said the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is hoisted in Batanes with winds of greater than 62 kph and up to 88 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours. TCWS No. 1 is raised over the Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Tumauini, Cabagan, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Santo Tomas, Dinapigue, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Gamu, Quirino, Delfin Albano, Quezon, Mallig), Apayao, the northeastern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong), the northern portion of Kalinga (Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Rizal, City of Tabuk), and Ilocos Norte. Winds of 39-61 kph may be expected in the above-mentioned areas for at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours. At least seven towns in Pangasinan have suspended classes due to the inclement weather brought by Jenny while monsoon rains continue to dump in the province. Classes in all levels were suspended in the towns of San Manuel, Pozorrubio, and San Jacinto, while classes from pre-school to high school were canceled in the towns of Asingan, Mangaldan, and San Fabian. Only classes from pre-school to elementary were suspended in the town of Manaoag. The post Typhoon Jenny maintains strength over Phl Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SSS extends deadline of contribution remittance in distressed areas
The Social Security System extended in selected areas the payment deadline for the June 2023 contribution of business employers and the second quarter contributions of household employers, coverage and collection partners, and individual members from 31 July 2023 to 2 October 2023. According to SSS Circular No. 2023-005 signed by SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, the said applicable month and quarter were extended until 30 September 2023, but since it falls on a Saturday, the deadline was further extended to the next working day, which is 2 October 2023. “We understand that these calamities have affected the ability of some of our members, covered employers, and CCPs in selected areas to pay their contributions on or before their original schedule. For consideration, we are giving them more time to pay their SSS contributions so that payment gaps or late payments can be avoided,” Macasaet said. The extension applies to employers, CCPs, and members in areas declared under State of Calamity by various local government offices due to the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Tropical Cyclones Egay and Falcon, such as the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province. The said extension also covers other areas that may be declared under a state of alamity by local government units, local disaster risk reduction management offices, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council or the national government. Likewise, employers with approved installment proposals must deposit their post-dated checks that fall due in June and July 2023 on or before 2 October 2023. However, no contribution paid retroactively by individual members will be used in determining their eligibility to any benefit arising from a contingency wherein the date of payment is within or after the semester of contingency. The original contribution payment deadlines and guidelines in the said areas will resume starting with the applicable month of July 2023. # The post SSS extends deadline of contribution remittance in distressed areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Experience super-sized fun at SM’s 65th Anniversary this October
It’s October and it only means one thing at SM Super-Month! Suit up for some super-sized deals, treats, and fun as SM celebrates its 65th anniversary. Check out the month-long festivities filled with spectacular activities, immersive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that will leave you thrilled and excited. SM lights up the sky with Super Blue Illumination Signaling the start of SM’s 65th celebration, key malls and iconic landmarks will bathe in a brilliant shade of blue starting 1 October. A sight to behold and an event to watch out for, the Super Blue Illumination is a captivating display of dazzling lights that signify SM’s enduring legacy and commitment to bringing fun, awesome, and memorable malling experiences for over six decades. [caption id="attachment_191303" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM MOA Globe[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191304" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM City North Edsa[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191305" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM MEGA Tower[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191306" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Aura[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191307" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Seaside City Cebu[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191308" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Makati[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191309" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Baguio Eye[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191310" align="aligncenter" width="960"] SM Lanang[/caption] It’s a shopper’s paradise with Super Buy 1 Get 1 Deals October isn’t complete without a month-long parade of super-sized deals and promos at SM Deals! Expect Buy 1 Get 1 Deals from your favorite dining, shopping and entertainment brands, extravagant discounts, exclusive bundles, and exciting freebies you can swipe to redeem in-store when you download and register on the SM Malls online app. And with a diverse range of brands and product offerings at SM, surely there's something for everyone in everyone’s shopping paradise. Indulge yourself with Super Treats Fun and frenzied October awaits as SM unleashes its Super Treats! On 15 October, indulge the movie buff in you as SM Cinema offers a Php 65 movie ticket deal and a Php 65 caramel popcorn combo. It’s truly a match made in cinema heaven! From 1 to 30 October, knock down pins all you want as SM Game Park and SM Bowling offer Php 65 off on unlimited bowling for one hour. For the skating aficionados, SM Skating will also be slashing off Php 65 on the all-day pass. And for the thrill seekers, you are in for a super treat! Have a whole day of wonder and excitement with a Php 65 entrance fee at Skyranch Tagaytay for all Mondays of October until 12 noon. Create core memories at the Super Play Spots Gather your squad and have fun at the Super Play Spots. With well-lit, Instagrammable areas, you'll have the perfect backdrop for your Super Month memories. These Super Play Spots promise hours of entertainment whether you're a social media maven or simply looking for a fun day out. Check out the Super Play Spots at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Cagayan Downtown Premier, SM Lanang, SM City Clark, SM City Marikina, and SM City Iloilo. [caption id="attachment_191318" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Experience the magic of SM City Marikina’s Super Play Spot's Kaleidoscope Tunnel – a dazzling experience for family and friends of all ages![/caption] [caption id="attachment_191319" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Take your Instagrammable photos at SM Mall of Asia’s Super Play Spots.[/caption] Drive away in style at the Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA From 1 October to 30 November, eleven lucky shoppers can get a chance to drive away in style at SM’s Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA. All you need to do is to shop for a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 2,000 via tap to pay using your VISA card at participating SM Retail Stores in 75 SM Malls nationwide. Get a chance to win one of the six (6) brand-new Hyundai Stargazers and one of the five (5) brand-new Hyundai Cretas. These brand-new Hyundai cars will really make your daily commute a super experience so shop till you drop and maybe drive away with a new set of wheels! The post Experience super-sized fun at SM’s 65th Anniversary this October appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sovereign shame
The government should recognize the possibility that Chinese workers in the country are committing espionage amid the escalating territorial friction in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro raised the alarm, saying employees of mainly Chinese state firms may be engaged in potential “covert economic and information activities,” including propaganda operations, to sway public opinion in favor of the mainland. Among the workers on the watchlist are “the ones hired by Beijing’s state-run enterprises involved in public infrastructure projects,” according to Teodoro. The Department of National Defense said it is looking into clandestine dealings “happening in the background.” “It’s the activities that we cannot see… that’s what alarms us,” the defense chief said. “The best way to weaken a country, rather than by an overt warlike function or disruption of [its] facilities, is really to take control of [its] internal economy, internal processes, and the like,” Teodoro pointed out. The records of Chinese migrants in the country are inadequate based on previous Senate hearings. No government agency was able to provide the Senate, for instance, with an accurate number of illegal Chinese workers, indicating that they are not being monitored. Labor agencies have also failed to keep track of how many foreign workers are in jobs that, by mandate of the Constitution, should be for Filipinos only. Under the law, foreigners are only allowed to work in jobs that require highly specialized skills and where no Filipinos are deemed competent to do them. During the Senate probe, it was also discovered that as many as 119,000 Chinese nationals who came to the country as tourists are now residents and have jobs in violation of labor regulations. Chinese tourists, through some “gainful” means, were able to obtain special work permits from the Bureau of Immigration. They now work in very diverse areas such as Metro Manila, Clark, Subic, Cagayan and Cagayan de Oro. In one of the inquiries, a Department of Labor and Employment official explained that the special permits were issued without the need for an Alien Employment Permit, or AEP, because the nature of the employment was temporary, lasting from three to six months. The loose process, thus, has allowed foreign workers to enter the country practically unbridled. Senators questioned the discrepancy between the AEPs issued and the number of Chinese workers in the country. Independent sources said that as many as 200,000 to 400,000 Chinese workers are in the country. Four different agencies issue different permits that make the situation worse. The biggest insult by China is that its propaganda work against the Philippines and other opponents in the territorial conflicts is done in this country. Facebook recently removed two networks of fake accounts that were spreading government propaganda, one originating in China and the other in the Philippines. Taken down were 155 Facebook accounts, 11 pages, nine groups and seven Instagram accounts traced to China, and 57 accounts, 31 pages and 20 Instagram accounts based in the Philippines. Such operations breach Facebook’s rules against “coordinated inauthentic behavior on behalf of a foreign or government entity.” The Chinese network used faces created through an AI technique known as GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks). Facebook was able to trace the origins of the accounts because of their visual signatures. “This form of AI is readily available online, and its use (or abuse) by covert operations has exploded in the last year,” according to a report on the social media platform. Identified were a dozen GAN-generated images from the Chinese propaganda operation. Teodoro, who has access to a wealth of information, in revealing the supposed operations being conducted by the Chinese in the country’s backyard, virtually confirmed the problem has reached alarming proportions. It would be easy for the government to keep track of foreign workers if only the appropriate agencies would resist the seduction of human smuggling. In accepting bribes to let the aliens skirt the law, these officials and functionaries have placed our national security at risk. The post Sovereign shame appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. 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SC to release results of 2023 Bar exams before Christmas
The Supreme Court disclosed that the results of the 2023 online Bar examinations will be released before Christmas while the oath-taking of new lawyers will be held before New Year. Yesterday, the three-day Bar exams started in 14 local testing centers (LTCs) nationwide. The SC said the last two days of the exams are on 20 and 24 of September. Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, chairperson of the 2023 Bar exams committee, said: “For the longest time, Bar examinees have had to endure several months of perceived agony of waiting before the results of the professional licensure exams for future lawyers are released. “This year, however, following the examples of my recent predecessors as Bar Chair, the time spent by the examinees waiting in agony for the results of the exams will be cut short: my team and I are eyeing the release of the results of the 2023 Bar Examinations in early December before Christmas day. “Moreover, there will be simultaneous oath-taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys in December also before Christmas day so that we will have our new batch of full-fledged lawyers before the year ends. “It will be an additional reason for those who will hurdle the Bar Exams to celebrate the Holiday Season.” Hernando added that as of 17 September, a total of 10,791, instead of 10,816 as earlier announced, will take the six-subject examinations spread over three days. The change in the number was a result of the withdrawal of 25 examinees who had earlier registered. As in previous examinations, they may still withdraw from the exams after the first day. Hernando said the conduct of the examinations by the SC will be assisted by 2,571 Bar personnel deployed in the 14 LTCs. The SC headquarters for the exams is at the San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City is the appointed SC headquarters for the exams. “The 2,571-strong 2023 Bar workforce—which includes court officials; judges; numerous personnel from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and First-and Second-Level Courts; and volunteer lawyers in the government and private practice—are fully committed to ensuring the integrity and orderly process of this year’s Examinations,” Hernando said. Six core subjects are covered in the examinations—Political and Public International Law, 15 percent; Commercial and Taxation Laws, 20 percent; Labor Law and Social Legislation, 10 percent; Criminal Law, 10 percent; and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises, 25 percent. The subjects yesterday were Political and Public International Law in the morning, and Commercial and Taxation Laws in the afternoon, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On 20 September 2023, the subjects covered are Civil Law in the morning and Labor Law and Social Legislation in the afternoon. On 24 September 2023, Criminal Law and Remedial Law will be in the morning, and Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises in the afternoon. In the National Capital Region, the LTCs are at the San Beda University, Manila; University of Santo Tomas, Manila; SBCA; University of the Philippines, Quezon City; Manila Adventist College, Pasay City; and University of the Philippines, Bonifacio Global City. In Luzon, the LTCs are at Saint Louis University in Baguio City; Cagayan State University, Tuguegarao City; and University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City. In the Visayas, the LTCs are at the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City, University of San Carlos also in Cebu City, and Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation in Tacloban City. There are two LTCs in Mindanao—one at the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City and the other at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. Courts within the areas of the 14 LTCs will be closed on 20 September. Several local governments in the 14 LTCs have announced traffic rerouting in areas where the examinations will be held. During the three-day examinations, most of them have also banned the sale of liquor at certain times of the day. The post SC to release results of 2023 Bar exams before Christmas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hanna destroys crops worth P1B
As if the rising inflation has not hit Filipinos hard enough, monsoon rains worsened by typhoon “Hanna” resulted in at least P1 billion in agricultural losses and P130 million in infrastructure damage. “Hanna” yesterday left the Philippine area of responsibility, but not before forcing the cancellation of classes in some Metro Manila cities and Northern Luzon municipalities. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the rains affected a total of 514,153 people from 140,101 families. At least two people were reported dead from the calamity. The NDRRMC said at least 502 houses were damaged in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Autonomous Region. As of press time, 24 roads and nine bridges remained closed to vehicular traffic with three areas still reeling from the loss of electricity, while one still had no water supply. Seventy-nine seaports canceled operations in Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA and Western Visayas on Monday, stranding dozens of passengers. Authorities said all affected domestic flight routes had resumed travel. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture reported that crop and other agricultural product damage and losses totaled P1.07 billion, up from P898.4 million in the previous days. Taiwan, China The DA recorded production losses of 46,811 metric tons, affecting 42,333 hectares of agricultural land and 31,060 farmers. Rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry were among the commodities affected. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, “Hanna” will continue to strengthen the southwest monsoon, or habagat, in the next three days, while outside the PAR. “Hanna” will slowly move west-northwestward over the Taiwan Strait while gradually weakening. It is forecast to make landfall over the coast of Guangdong or Fujian, China tomorrow morning or afternoon as a severe tropical storm. PAGASA said rapid weakening will ensue as the tropical cyclone moves further inland over Guangdong late Wednesday or Thursday. The center of Hanna’s eye was 360 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, outside the PAR. It packed maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 165 kph while moving north-northwestward at 15 kph. The post Hanna destroys crops worth P1B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P130.2-M infra damage, P1B agri losses as ‘Hanna’ exits PHL
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday reported more than P130.25 million worth of damage to infrastructure due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Super Typhoon "Goring" and Typhoon "Hanna", affecting a total of 140,101 families or 514,153 persons. In its latest situation report, the NDRRMC accounted for a total of 502 damaged houses in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and CAR, with 24 roads and nine bridges remaining impassable. Three areas are still experiencing power interruption while one still has no water supply. Some 79 seaports have canceled operations in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas amid the continuing inclement weather, while 26 passengers are still stranded in Western Visayas. Authorities said all affected domestic flights have already resumed operations. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture reported that the amount of damage and losses to crops and other agricultural products has reached P1.07 billion from P898.4 million in the previous days. The DA recorded a production loss of 46,811 metric tons, affecting 42,333 hectares of agricultural land and 31,060 farmers as consolidated from Calabarzon, Western Visayas and Mimaropa reports. The affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry. Typhoon Hanna exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday morning. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Hanna will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat while outside PAR. Habagat will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days. Hanna will slowly move west-northwestward over the Taiwan Strait while gradually weakening. It is forecast to make landfall over the coast of Guangdong or Fujian, China tomorrow morning or afternoon as a severe tropical storm. PAGASA said rapid weakening will ensue as the tropical cyclone moves further inland over Guangdong, China. It added Hanna is set to become a remnant low on late Wednesday or Thursday. The post P130.2-M infra damage, P1B agri losses as ‘Hanna’ exits PHL appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 typhoons keep Phl drenched
The estimated damage to infrastructure and farms in four regions has risen to P442.34 million as the rains continued yesterday, with three typhoons ringing the country. The weather remained critical because of the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat and the effects of typhoon “Goring.” The Department of Public Works and Highways, or DPWH, said Saturday that of the total damage in the Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and MIMAROPA regions, P146.28 million involved damage to roads, P14.68 million to affected bridges, and P281.38 million to destroyed flood-control structures. ‘Hanna’ gathers strength Meanwhile, typhoon ‘Hanna’ slightly intensified as it accelerated west-northwestward toward the sea east of Taiwan, while the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat will bring heavy rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Saturday. PAGASA said the convergence of the southwest monsoon, enhanced by “Hanna” and two other typhoons near the country, namely, “Saola” (Goring), and severe tropical storm “Kirogi” are causing the adverse weather. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported more than P421.19 million worth of damage in the agricultural sector, affecting some 10,196 farmers and fisherfolk. Estimated damage to infrastructure amounting to P130.25 million was reported in Region 2, MIMAROPA, Region 6 and CAR. The NDRRMC counted 502 houses damaged in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas and CAR, while 25 roads and nine bridges remained unpassable. Two areas in CALABARZON and Western Visayas still have no water supply. Eighty-nine seaports have canceled operations in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Western Visayas amid the continuing inclement weather. Taiwan-bound anew PAGASA said “Hanna” is forecast to move west-northwestward or westward while intensifying until it makes landfall on the east coast of southern Taiwan late on Sunday. “Hanna” will considerably weaken after crossing the rugged land mass of Taiwan. PAGASA said “Hanna” will exit the Philippine area of responsibility and emerge over the Taiwan Strait around Monday morning or afternoon. Outside the PAR, the weather disturbance is forecast to move erratically and may even become slow-moving or almost stationary over the Taiwan Strait while continuously weakening due to land interaction and an increasingly unfavorable environment. The post 3 typhoons keep Phl drenched appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Hanna’ intensifies; typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ brings heavy rains
Typhoon "Hanna" slightly intensifies as it accelerates west-northwestward towards the sea east of Taiwan while enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will bring heavy rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Saturday. PAGASA said the southwest monsoon currently enhanced by “Hanna” and two other typhoons, "Saola" (formerly "Goring") and Severe Tropical Storm “Kirogi”, will cause gusty conditions over the following areas not under any Wind Signal, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds in Batanes, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and the northern portion of Eastern Visayas until Saturday. Typhoon "Hanna" has already affected 112,384 families or 408,053 individuals residing in 1,445 barangays within the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported more than P421.19 million worth of damages in the agricultural sector, affecting some 10,196 farmers and fisherfolk operating in 18,470.25 hectares of crop areas. The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure amounting to P130,251,200 was reported in Region 2, MIMAROPA, Region 6, and CAR. The NDRRMC accounted for a total of 502 damaged houses in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and CAR with 25 roads and nine bridges remained not passable. Two areas in CALABARZON and Western Visayas are still experiencing water supply. There were 89 seaports that have canceled operations in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas amid the continuing inclement weather. Some 234 passengers have been stranded in CALABARZON and Western Visayas. The six domestic flights that have been affected have now resumed operations. NDRRMC said two municipalities have already declared under a state of calamity due to the cyclones and intensified southwest monsoon. The government said it has already provided a total of P17.68 million worth of assistance, which came in the form of family food packs, family kits, financial aid, and many more. Meanwhile, PAGASA said "Hanna" is forecast to move west-northwestward or westward while intensifying until it makes landfall along the east coast of southern Taiwan on late Sunday. "Hanna" is considerably weakening is expected as a result of crossing the rugged landmass of Taiwan. PAGASA said "Hanna" will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility and emerge over the Taiwan Strait around Monday morning or afternoon. Outside the PAR region, the weather disturbance is forecast to move erratically and may even become slow-moving or almost stationary over the Taiwan Strait while continuously weakening due to land interaction and an increasingly unfavorable environment. PAGASA forecast ‘Hanna’ will have weakened into a tropical depression by Wednesday or Thursday. It was last tracked over 455-kilometer east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph while moving west-northwestward at 15 kph. The post ‘Hanna’ intensifies; typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ brings heavy rains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC: No casualties but 1 missing due to ‘Goring’
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Wednesday said no deaths or injuries have been recorded due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Goring”, but it was verifying a report on a missing individual. The latest data from NDRRMC showed that “Goring” has already battered a total of 56,410 families equivalent to 196,926 individuals and displaced 48,997 individuals from 832 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Of the number, 9,608 families equivalent to 35,095 persons are now being sheltered in 376 activated evacuation centers while another 3,407 families, or 13,902 persons, are being aided outside. The NDRRMC recorded a total of P41,175,000 worth of damage to infrastructures as of Wednesday. But it has yet to report on the cost of agricultural damages. Some 28 roads and 19 bridges remained impassable, with six areas experiencing power interruption in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, CAR and Mimaropa, while two areas in Calabarzon and Western Visayas have no water supply. The agency said six flights were canceled in Cagayan Valley while a total of 67 seaports were affected in Cagayan Valley, Calabazon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas. The government said it has already provided a total of P7,844,038 worth of assistance to typhoon-affected families. The post NDRRMC: No casualties but 1 missing due to ‘Goring’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Super Typhoon Goring affects nearly ‘200k’ people, infra damage reaches P41-M
Supertyphoon Goring has already battered some 56,410 families equivalent to 196,926 individuals with a total of P41,175,000 worth of damage to infrastructures as of Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. The latest data from NDRRMC showed that the inclement weather has displaced 48,997 individuals from 832 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Of the number, 9,608 families equivalent to 35,095 persons are now being sheltered in 376 activated evacuation centers while another 3,407 families, or 13,902 persons are being aided outside. No casualties were reported but the NDRRMC said it was verifying a report on a missing individual. Also, it has yet to report on the cost of agricultural damage due to Goring. Some 28 roads and 19 bridges remained not passable with six areas experiencing power interruption in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, CAR, and Mimaropa. While two areas in Calabarzon and Western Visayas have no water supply. NDRRMC said six flights were canceled in Cagayan Valley while a total of 67 seaports were affected in Cagayan Valley, Calabazon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. The government said it has already provided a total of P7,844,038 worth of assistance to the typhoon-affected families. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Super Typhoon “Goring” continues to maintain strength as it approaches the northwestern boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility. PAGASA said “Goring” is forecast to follow a mainly west-northwestward path across the Luzon Strait from today until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight or tomorrow morning. Outside the PAR region, the “Goring” will continue its west-northwestward movement for the remainder of tomorrow before turning more westward on Friday while slowing down, then west-southwestward on Saturday. “Goring” is likely to remain as a super typhoon until Friday. “Increasingly unfavorable conditions over the waters off the coast of Guangdong will trigger a weakening trend and by Monday, Goring will have weakened into a severe tropical storm,” PAGASA said in its advisory. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is still hoisted over the Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Apayao (Luna, Santa Marcela, Calanasan), and the northwestern portion of Cagayan (Pamplona, Claveria, Ballesteros, Abulug, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes). PAGASA warned there is a moderate to high risk of storm surge which may cause flooding in the low-lying and exposed coastal areas of Batanes and the northern and western portions of Babuyan Islands. The southwest monsoon enhanced by “Goring” may bring a significant amount of rains over the Zambales, Bataasn, and Northern portion of Palawan, including Calamian, Cuyo Islands, and Occidental Mindoro and Pangasinan over the next three days. Super Typhoon “Goring” was last tracked at 1185 km West of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph while moving west-northwestward at 15 kph. The post Super Typhoon Goring affects nearly ‘200k’ people, infra damage reaches P41-M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A morning stroll around Tuguegarao
Tuguegarao’s market, the hub of commerce for the capital city and nearby towns in the province of Cagayan, northern Luzon, is a quintessential site in provincial commercial centers with vendors preparing their produce and products to be sold for the day. Bags of pansit and bean sprouts were being unloaded for pansiterias to cook the city’s famous noodle dish, pansit batil potun, widely known as pansit batil patong, while early marketgoers visited the local karinderyas serving dishes such as igado and dinardaraan. An ambulant street-side stall sold meryenda or even breakfast fares best served with coffee — puto, suman, cassava cake, and the made-to-order bibingka of many kinds. [caption id="attachment_176530" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Horno ruins (Photo by Edgar Allan M. Sembrano)[/caption] All activities radiated from the multi-level market which spans one block, a landmark to behold not architecturally but for the space it occupies and the important function it and its immediate areas serve to the community. After all, Tuguegarao is still “the best pueblo for commerce in the valley,” as noted in the early 20th century by Dominican priest Valentin Marin. At the city center, there are quite a number of wooden and mid-20th century bahay na bato which breaks the monotony of the modern concrete structures. Of course, Tuguegarao is known for the San Pedro Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, and the much smaller Ermita de Piedra de San Jacinto, both made of bricks and built by the Dominicans during the Spanish colonial period. [caption id="attachment_176532" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Our Lady of Chartres Chapel (Photo by Edgar Allan M. Sembrano)[/caption] The Tuguegarao Cathedral was built from 1761 to 1766 by Fr. Antonio Lobato de Santo Tomas who also built the convent, belfry, a famed bridge, large lime-and-brick kilns, and the 25 parallel streets crisscrossed with the same number of streets forming a grid pattern. The same priest also contributed to the literary scene in the region with his Ibanag-Spanish dictionary, Ibanag grammar, and Ibanag devotional treatises. Cagayan is home to the Ibanag people as well as other ethnic groups such as the Itawes and the Ilocano. The San Jacinto chapel meanwhile was built in 1724, making it 'the oldest' structure in Tuguegarao. It still has its original wooden retablo and an iron fence installed in 1890 by Fr. Romulado Aguado, Tuguegarao’s parish priest that year. It is located east of the Colegio de San Jacinto, now the campus of the St. Paul University Philippines, originally the Colegio de San Pablo founded in 1907 by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres. [caption id="attachment_176531" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Old building at USL (Photo by Edgar Allan M. Sembrano)[/caption] It was in 1934 that the school transferred to the site of the Colegio de San Jacinto from the Cathedral’s convent following their purchase of the colegio’s property. The colegio was located west of the chapel, the area of which is now part of College Avenue and the SPUP campus. That colegio originally served as the Colegio de Santa Imelda, an all-girls school which operated from 1892 to 1898 and was later converted into the Colegio de San Jacinto, a school for boys from 1901 to 1932. The girl’s college building was erected in 1890 under the direction of Fr. Dionisio Casas, the Dominican Provincial Vicar of that time with plans drawn by a certain Fr. Bruges and funds from the Dominican Province of the Holy Rosary. The front façade measures 75 meters while the side facades of the E-shaped edifice measures 25 meters each. The building is 17 meters wide and 10 meters high. It was of the bahay na bato style where the first level was made from stone and second level of wood. The project cost P75,000. Apart from the school building, then the biggest in the province, there used to be a separate wooden house in the area for the use of the Father Vicar. Both buildings no longer exist today. At present, the SPUP with its sprawling campus is host to many buildings including the impressive Gothic —inspired Our Lady of Chartres Chapel built in the second half the 20th century. During the Spanish colonial period, Tuguegarao was noted to have a carcel (jail), casa tribunal (court house), and schools, all of excellent construction. Today, the jail and courthouse house the Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center which is at present being renovated. In front of this complex is the Rizal Park with the Rizal Monument. Rizal’s monument replaced that of Fr. Lobato de Santo Tomas in 1918. [caption id="attachment_176529" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Fr. Theophiel Verbist monument (Photo by Edgar Allan M. Sembrano)[/caption] Fronting Rizal Park is the old government center of Tuguegarao, now the Tuguegarao East Central School with the American-era municipio reused as one of the buildings of the school. Few blocks from Tuguegarao’s plaza complex are two brick hornos separated by a covered basketball court. Tuguegarao’s other horno is located in the same village (Barangay Centro 9) at the edge of the Pinacanauan River. These kilns produced lime and bricks for the construction of the city’s Spanish colonial buildings such as the church complex and the cemetery portal, walls and chapel. [caption id="attachment_176527" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Cagayan High School (Photo by Edgar Allan M. Sembrano)[/caption] During the American period, public buildings such as schools were also built. These include the Gabaldon-style Cagayan High School Building and the Cagayan Valley College of Arts and Trades. The Cagayan High School Building still exists to this day while the campus of the Cagayan college which is located in front of the former is now the Cagayan State University after its merger with the Northern Luzon College of Agriculture in 1972 through Presidential Decree 1436. The CSU campus now houses a number of overly decorated buildings, perhaps it most unique feature. [caption id="attachment_176528" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ermita de San Jacinto (Photo by Edgar Allan M. Sembrano)[/caption] Also during the American colonial period, Dutch Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary priest Msgr. Constant Jurgens founded a school for boys named Cagayan Valley Atheneum inside the Tuguegarao Church complex. This school existed from 1938 to 1946 but it was destroyed during World War II. After the war, it was taken over by the Jesuits and renamed Ateneo de Tuguegarao which operated until 1962. In 1965, it became the Saint Louis College of Tuguegarao under the CICM priests and in 2002, University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao. The university’s campus, located on Arellano, Mabini and Lecaros streets, still has its mid-20th century, U-shaped wooden building and features a number of monuments including those of St. Louis Gonzaga, USL’s patron saint; two for Fr. Theophile Verbist, CICM founder; and the gigantic Good Shepherd at the facade of the Good Shepherd Chapel. Exiting through the schools main campus to Lecaros Street, one is greeted by the Bayani Hall Lecaros, the city’s first condominium building, adding another layer to the city’s history. These layers define what is Tuguegarao now, a bustling commercial center, showing glimpses of its storied past of its peoples. The post A morning stroll around Tuguegarao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»