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China coastguard uses water cannons against Philippine ships in South China Sea
MANILA/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China’s coastguard said it had taken measures against Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Saturday, while the Philippines decried the moves, including the use of water cannons, as “irresponsible and provocative”. China’s actions led to “significant damage” and injury to personnel on a civilian boat hired to resupply.....»»
Philippines resupply boatheavily damaged
Again, using water cannons and executing dangerous maneuvers, the Chinese coast guard made another attempt yesterday to block Filipino vessels from resupplying a military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, causing “major damage” and triggering condemnation from the US, the European Union and Japan......»»
Tolentino to PPA: Hire veterinarians to assist travelers with pets
Senator Francis Tolentino has urged the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to hire veterinarians to vet on-site the pets travelers bring along in their trips and making the boarding process on sea vessels a lot easier......»»
‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr.
In an interview on Bloomberg TV last Wednesday, as reported in another national daily, he made two related comments that could represent important government policy stands. First, regarding China’s increasing aggressive moves against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea; second, about the United States’ repeated assurance of its “iron-clad” defense commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. The post ‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr. appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Dredging ships off Zambales held by PCG
Several vessels reportedly involved in dredging operations in Zambales were held by authorities for engaging in the illegal activity. .....»»
Australia, Britain Criticize China for Actions in Hong Kong
SYDNEY - Australia and Britain on Friday criticized China for its actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea and its support of Russia, after a meeting in which London and Canberra deepened their security ties.The two countries called out 'recent unsafe and destabilizing behavior by China's vessels against Philippine vessels and crew near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,' in a statement that contain.....»»
US warns China against armed attack on Philippines
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China on Tuesday, stating that any "armed" attack on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea would activate a mutual self-defence agreement between Washington and Manila, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region that could potentially embroil the United States in conflict with Beijing, as reported by The New York Times. Despite th.....»»
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......»»
Chinese youths trade city-living for ceramics
China's "Porcelain Capital" Jingdezhen is attracting droves of young people drawn to the city of artisans in search of an escape from the urban rat race among its ceramics workshops. The picturesque eastern city home to China's best-known porcelain has seen an influx of young professionals seeking to learn an ancient art taught there for more than a thousand years. Times are tough for young people in China, with youth unemployment at record highs, sluggish economic growth and, for many, the opportunities their parents' generation enjoyed are simply not attainable. But in Jingdezhen they find something different: low rent, a slower pace of life and a proximity to nature in a city of just 1.6 million inhabitants, very small by Chinese standards. From her one-bedroom apartment on the seventh floor, He Yun, a 28-year-old illustrator, enjoys a panoramic view of the surrounding green hills for just 500 yuan ($68) a month. She arrived in Jingdezhen in June after being laid off and found a place where she didn't feel "any pressure". "I came because on social media everyone was saying that it was a great place for craft fans, like me, and that there was a scent of freedom," she said. "When I lost my job, I stayed at home and got depressed. But once I arrived here, I found that it's super easy to make friends." "No more need to set the alarm in the morning," she smiled. "I have zero pressure now!" - 'Looking for meaning' - A typical day for He starts with a laid-back breakfast, before heading to a workshop to make her ceramic candle holders and necklaces, which are then fired in one of the city's many kilns. "At the end of the afternoon, we go to the surrounding villages and swim in the streams to relax," she said. "I put my work on Xiaohongshu" -- a Chinese app similar to Instagram -- "where people contact me to buy. But we mainly sell at the market," she said. Between trendy cafes, boutiques and stands offer glasses, bowls, cups, teapots, plates, necklaces or earrings. Chen Jia, 24 with dyed red hair, makes feminist pendants in the shape of sanitary napkins. A music graduate who arrived in June, her first jobs as a piano teacher and in a milk tea shop and cafe weren't to her liking. "I am looking for meaning in my life," she said. "Many young people today no longer want to clock in at work at a fixed time." China's transformative economic rise was built on the backs of a growing middle class, who were promised they could enjoy the trappings of prosperity and give their children a better life if they worked hard enough. But the country's millennials and Gen Z have faced altogether different prospects: youth unemployment has reached a record level, exceeding 20 percent according to official figures, and pay is low. It's in that context that the "tangping" counterculture has thrived. Literally meaning "lying flat", it's come to represent a general rejection of society's expectations, giving up a great career and money to concentrate on a simple life and pleasures. And Jingdezhen has become a haven for those seeking just that. At the Dashu pottery school, around 20 students work with clay on their pottery wheels or chat as they sip iced lattes. Training costs 4,500 yuan a month ($617), a very affordable price. "Many young people cannot find work" explained the 39-year-old director who calls herself Anna. "They come here to reduce their anxiety." "Ceramics are very accessible. In two weeks, they can produce simple works and sell them at markets." - 'New life' - One of them, Guo Yiyang, 27, resigned in March from a well-paid job as a computer programmer. After working overtime for years, he said he wanted to "take a breather". "In big cities... you just work. You don't have your own life," he said, adding he "never again" sees himself working that way. "The desire for another way of life" is also what motivated Xiao Fei, 27, a former interior designer who resigned and came to Jingdezhen in June. "I didn't have time for myself," she said. "I came home tired and I didn't want to talk to others." "I feel happier, more free and I meet people who have the same ideals." According to Chinese media, 30,000 young urbanites lived in Jingdezhen in 2022. Few stay long-term but Xiao already knows that she doesn't want to go back. "After tasting this new life, I don't want to go back to an office job at all." ehl-oho/je/mtp/sn/pbt © Agence France-Presse The post Chinese youths trade city-living for ceramics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sketches of pain
Juan Luna is in the news again following the aborted auction of a bust depicting him as a lad, a work of art in bronze that supposedly survived a fire decades after the same had been donated to the Philippine government. The auction house said the sale was held in abeyance by the present “owners” of the bust that looks nothing like the Luna in the photos that showed him with Jose Rizal and other Filipinos who made Europe their playground (girl-watching and chasing) and propaganda battleground against clerical and civil excesses back in Manila. Rizal’s life had been intertwined with those of the Luna siblings, with one account saying that the boy wonder from Calamba, Laguna, had adjudged Manuel an even better painter than his brother Juan. That’s quite a statement, considering JL’s masterpieces. There’s the Spoliarium, depicting fallen gladiators being dragged off the battlefield in the center of the coliseum, awe-inspiring in size and how it captured the form of warriors in poignant strokes. Gazing at the mural in the National Museum, one can imagine the fallen swordsmen, gasping for their last breaths, just moments after mouthing the ultimate ironic tribute: “We, who are about to die, salute you.” Salute whom? The bloodthirsty royalty and the throng of citizen spectators on whose thumbs up or down rested the decision whether to finish or spare the life of the defeated? To art and music lovers, there may not be a more fitting classical soundtrack while examining the Spoliarium than Concierto de Aranjuez. Make mine Miles Davis’ jazz rendition from his iconic album, Sketches of Spain. Rizal also had his moment with another Luna, Antonio, yes, the assassinated general with whom, fighting for the affection of a woman, he nearly engaged in a duel after having one drink too many. But back to JL, it may be said that this Luna, in winning a gold medal at the Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts in, if my memory serves me right, 1884, put Rizal on the radar of the Spanish authorities even before the publication of his incendiary novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. With Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo’s painting, Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace, winning the silver in the same art competition, Rizal was invited to give a speech in honor of JL and FRH. That speech was so bombastic that Rizal returned later to the Philippines, already a marked man. Heroes have always been people with feet of clay, and Rizal and the Lunas were no exception. Antonio would die, assassinated by his fellow Filipinos, while JL would fade away in Hong Kong after being exonerated in the killing of his wife and the latter’s mother. There’s no doubt that JL killed the De Taveras, but it was adjudged a crime of passion that somehow allowed him some compassion from those who set him free. The National Museum naturally wants to recover the Luna bust and, in its communication with the auction house and the “owners,” seems to be leaning toward arriving at an amicable settlement or a win-win solution for all parties concerned. We’re all for that, for the National Museum to get back what the Filipino people should be enjoying, instead of having the bust hidden anew from public view for decades as part of a private collection. The post Sketches of pain appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Morocco mourns quake victims as death toll passes 2,000
Moroccans on Sunday mourned the victims of a devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people, as rescue teams raced to find survivors trapped in the rubble of flattened villages. The strongest-ever quake to hit the country has killed at least 2,012 people and injured over 2,059, many of them critically, according to the latest official figures. Friday's 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of the tourist hub of Marrakesh, wiping out entire villages in rural areas. "I've lost everything", said Lahcen, a resident of the mountain village of Moulay Brahim, whose wife and four children were killed. Rescue workers recovered the bodies of Lahcen's three daughters from the rubble of what was once their home, but have not yet found the bodies of his wife and son. "I can't do anything about it now, I just want to get away from the world and mourn." Troops and emergency services have scrambled to reach remote mountain villages where victims are still feared trapped. Al-Haouz province, where the epicenter of the earthquake was located, suffered the most deaths with 1,293, followed by the province of Taroudant with 452. - First funerals - Bouchra, another resident of remote Moulay Brahim village, dried her tears with her scarf as she watched men digging graves to bury the victims. "My cousin's grandchildren are dead", she said in a knotted voice. "I saw the devastation of the earthquake live, and I'm still shaking. It's like a ball of fire that has swallowed up everything in its path," she said. "Everyone here has lost family, whether in our village or elsewhere in the region", she added. Authorities declared three days of national mourning, while several countries, including Israel, France, Spain, Italy and the United States, have offered aid. Neighboring Algeria, which has had rocky relations with Morocco, opened its airspace, which had been closed for two years, to flights carrying humanitarian aid and the injured. - 'Years of aid' - The Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage. "It won't be a matter of a week or two... We are counting on a response that will take months, if not years", Hossam Elsharkawi, the organization's Middle East and North Africa director, said in a statement. The village of Tafeghaghte, 60 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh, was almost entirely destroyed by the quake, the epicenter of which was only about 50 kilometers away, an AFP team reported, with very few buildings still standing. "Three of my grandchildren and their mother are dead," said 72-year-old Omar Benhanna. "They're still under the debris. It wasn't so long ago that we were playing together." Residents buried around 70 victims in the nearby cemetery on Saturday, as the funeral rites were punctuated by cries and screams. In the evening, television channels broadcast aerial images showing entire villages of clay houses in the Al-Haouz region completely destroyed. "The public authorities are still mobilized to speed up rescue operations and evacuate the injured", the interior ministry said Saturday evening. The tremor was also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Essaouira, where many panicked residents took to the streets in the middle of the night, fearing that their homes would collapse. This earthquake is the deadliest in Morocco since the 1960 quake that destroyed Agadir, in which nearly 15,000 people, a third of the city's population, died. kao-ezz/roc/dhw/mtp © Agence France-Presse The post Morocco mourns quake victims as death toll passes 2,000 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Race to find survivors as Morocco quake deaths top 1,300
Morocco's deadliest earthquake in decades has killed more than 1,300 people, authorities said Saturday, as troops and emergency services scrambled to reach remote mountain villages where casualties are still feared trapped. Authorities declared three days of national mourning, but the Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage. The 6.8-magnitude quake struck late Friday in a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of the tourist city of Marrakesh, the US Geological Survey reported. With strong tremors also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, the quake caused widespread damage and sent terrified residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night. "I was nearly asleep when I heard the doors and the shutters banging," said Ghannou Najem, a Casablanca resident in her 80s who was visiting Marrakesh when the quake hit. "I went outside in a panic. I thought I was going to die alone." In the mountain village of Tafeghaghte near the quake's epicentre, virtually no buildings were left standing. The traditional clay bricks used by the region's Berber inhabitants proved no match for the rare quake. In the late afternoon, soldiers continued to search through debris, but most survivors headed to the cemetery where loud screams punctuated the last rites as some 70 villagers were laid to rest. "Three of my grandchildren and their mother were killed -- they are still under the rubble," villager Omar Benhanna, 72, told AFP. "Just a while ago, we were all playing together," he added. It was the strongest-ever quake to hit the North African kingdom, and one expert described it as the region's "biggest in more than 120 years". "Where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough... so many collapse, resulting in high casualties," said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at Britain's University College London. Updated interior ministry figures on Saturday showed the quake killed at least 1,305 people, the vast majority in Al-Haouz, the epicentre, and Taroudant provinces. Another 1,832 people were injured, including 1,220 in a critical condition, the ministry said. Civil defence Colonel Hicham Choukri who is heading relief operations told state television earlier the epicentre and strength of the earthquake created "an exceptional emergency situation". After a meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI, the palace announced three days of national mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast on all public buildings. 'Unbearable' screams Faisal Badour, an engineer, said he felt the quake three times in his building in Marrakesh. "There are families who are still sleeping outside because we were so scared of the force of this earthquake," he said. "The screaming and crying was unbearable." Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh's old town, told AFP he was in bed when the quake struck. "I thought my bed was going to fly away. I went out into the street half-naked and immediately went to see my riads. It was total chaos, a real catastrophe, madness," he said. Footage on social media showed part of a minaret collapsed on Jemaa el-Fna square in the historic city. An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to the square to spend the night for fear of aftershocks, some with blankets while others slept on the ground. Houda Outassaf, a local resident, said she was "still in shock" after feeling the earth shake beneath her feet -- and losing relatives. "I have at least 10 members of my family who died... I can hardly believe it, as I was with them no more than two days ago," she said. The regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakesh called on residents to donate blood for the injured. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced that a Cup of African Nations qualifier against Liberia, due to have been played on Saturday in the coastal city of Agadir, had been postponed indefinitely. Significant damage likely "We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Marrakesh, told AFP. "Pieces of facades have fallen." The USGS PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments on the impact of earthquakes, issued a "red alert" for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable. The Red Cross said it was mobilising resources to support the Moroccan Red Crescent, but its Middle East and North Africa director, Hossam Elsharkawi, warned: "We are looking at many months if not years of response." Foreign leaders expressed their condolences and many offered assistance, including Israel with which Morocco normalised relations in 2020. Neighbour and regional rival Algeria announced it was suspending a two-year-old ban on all Moroccan flights through its airspace to enable aid deliveries and medical evacuations. US President Joe Biden said he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation". Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed "deep grief for the victims" and hope that "the Moroccan government and people will be able to overcome the impact of this disaster". In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000. The 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in Algeria killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless in 1980. The post Race to find survivors as Morocco quake deaths top 1,300 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What is anemia?
Our body needs oxygen to survive, and our blood helps oxygen get to all parts of the body. When you don’t have enough of a component of the blood called red blood cells or hemoglobin, this is called anemia, a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Some patients only find out they have anemia when they have routine tests done on an annual examination, in preparation for surgery or before donating blood. [caption id="attachment_178293" align="aligncenter" width="630"] ANEMIA is the lack of healthy red blood cells in the body. | photograph courtesy of 1MG[/caption] There are a few different reasons for having anemia. A common reason is not having enough iron. This is called iron deficiency anemia and can happen when: You have lost a large amount of blood. This can happen slowly over time or all of a sudden. It is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia. Menstrual periods and pregnancy are common reasons. Bleeding can also come from tumors in the intestines or colon which bleed slowly and in small amounts, so it is not noticeable in your bowel movements. Your body cannot absorb enough iron from food. This can happen in conditions like celiac disease or after surgery of your stomach or intestines. Some medications can also interfere with iron absorption. You do not get enough iron in your food. This can happen if infants or those on restrictive diets do not get enough iron from food or supplements. Vegetarians who eliminate meat can develop iron deficiency anemia. Other causes of anemia are: Deficiency in vitamins like B12 and folate Inherited causes — Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia Aplastic anemia — A rare condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells Hemolytic anemia — Where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced Chronic kidney disease — This can affect how red blood cells are made. Patients with anemia sometimes do not have any symptoms when the anemia is mild or when they have had it for a long time as a chronic illness. Those who do have symptoms might have the following: Fatigue and weakness Irritability Pale skin Cold hands and feet Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Irregular heartbeat Headaches Difficulty concentrating Abnormal cravings that make them want to eat ice or substances like clay (a condition termed as “pica”) “Restless legs syndrome,” where the legs feel like they need to keep moving, especially at night. Unexplained or easy bruising Anemia is diagnosed with a blood test called a complete blood count or CBC. Depending on the CBC results and your other symptoms, your doctor will order other tests to determine the underlying cause of your anemia. The treatment for anemia will depend on its type and severity. These include: Blood transfusion in severe cases Dietary changes to increase iron or vitamin intake Iron or vitamin supplements as prescribed by your doctor Treatment of other medical conditions contributing to anemia Anemia is a manageable condition but it requires attention and care. While some types of anemia are not preventable, you can reduce your risk by eating a balanced diet with iron, vitamins and minerals and having regular medical check-ups. [caption id="attachment_178294" align="aligncenter" width="525"] MEDICATIONS can interfere with iron absorption. | photograph courtesy of unsplash/ kateryna-hliznitsova[/caption] If you suspect you have anemia, seek prompt medical advice and only take supplements upon the advice of your doctor. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with anemia can lead long, healthy and fulfilling lives. The post What is anemia? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Isabella Po Nouvelot’s curiosity fuels breakthroughs in archaeology
Imbued with passion and driven by curiosity, 22-year-old Isabella Po Nouvelot, who recently graduated from Leiden University with a degree in Archaeology, is doing a remarkable job in understanding mankind’s past. [caption id="attachment_178409" align="aligncenter" width="195"] Isabella Po Nouvelot[/caption] Having completed her BA in Archaeology at Leiden University, Isabella’s dedication to her field is commendable. Leiden’s Faculty of Archaeology, renowned for its excellence, has consistently ranked among the top 10 archaeological institutes globally for seven consecutive years. It even secured the sixth position in the QS World University Ranking. Her love of archaeology stems from her early fascination with history. “Ever since I was a child, I really liked history,” she said. Frequent visits to national museums sparked her interest in discovering uncharted territories of the Philippines’ history. This epiphany eventually led to a dream: leveraging archaeology to shed light on the untold stories and rich heritage of her native country. “There’s so much to know, and that’s what really got me into archaeology,” Isabella told the DAILY TRIBUNE. “As I learn archaeology in general, how it’s practiced and how it’s done, it made me more confident that this is what I like.” [caption id="attachment_178411" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] A PIECE of clay statue made by prehistoric people of Barbados believed to date to around 14th century.[/caption] Isabella looks up to her mentors in her exploration. Among them are Dr. Ligaya (Gay) S.P. Lacsina, known for groundbreaking work on Butuan boats at the University of the Philippines, and Martijn Manders, a Leiden University professor specializing in underwater archaeology and maritime heritage management. Isabella praises those who pursue archaeology despite the lack of financial support. She also emphasizes the significance of archaeology in helping societies rediscover their ancestry. “As a country, it’s important for us to know our roots and who we are. A lot of the time it is overshadowed by the colonial past,” she said. Studying archaeology is a way to reclaim and appreciate the various stories that have defined the Philippines’ identity in a nation rich in legacy. She claims that the field’s “unexplored and underdeveloped” state has the potential to foster a sense of national pride. Her aspirations center on exploring pre-colonial Filipino history, a period often overshadowed by the colonial era. She recognizes that “it’s only archaeology that can bring it to light” and provide a voice to those whose stories were not documented in archives or written sources. She wants to “connect people to his past,” bridging the gap between earlier times and present-day realities. Beyond her dedication to archaeology, Isabella’s interests span multiple disciplines. Her engagement with maritime archaeology, geographic information systems and data science demonstrates her multidisciplinary approach to research. Amid her academic pursuits, Isabella finds solace in basketball, trekking and camping, revealing a balanced and adventurous spirit. As Isabella takes a well-deserved break after graduation, she reflects on her journey — a path adorned with internships, excavations and experiences that have deepened her connection to history. Looking ahead, she envisions herself as an intern at the National Museum, honing her skills and participating in excavations in the Philippines. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in archaeology, further refining her research capabilities. Isabella views herself as a researcher at the National Museum in 10 years, similar to Dr. Bobby Orillaneda, a senior museum researcher at the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division. Alternatively, she aspires to become a professor, driven by a passion for imparting knowledge to the next generation. Throughout her journey, Isabella draws strength from her supportive family, who firmly believe in her potential and inspire her to overcome doubts and pursue her dreams and embrace her dreams. “‘We believe in you,’ that’s the only thing that I keep in my heart. They believe in me. I shouldn’t doubt myself. If they believe in me, I should also believe in myself,” she shared. For Isabella, the journey into archeology is more than just a pursuit — it is an ‘enriching experience’ that unveils the layers of history, recovers forgotten narratives and bridges the gap between past and present. With determination and history as her guide, Isabella is a beacon of inspiration for those who seek to unlock the mysteries of time and make their mark on the canvas of human knowledge. The post Isabella Po Nouvelot’s curiosity fuels breakthroughs in archaeology appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salt maker request: Redeem our dying industry, amend ‘Asin’Law
A gourmet salt manufacturer in Albuquerque, Bohol is asking for the country’s lawmakers to amend Republic Act 8172, otherwise known as the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide or ASIN Law, as the statute continues to kill their industry that has been operating in Albuquerque for more than a century now. In an interview, Nestor Manungas, proprietor of ASINAN ni Tan Inong, the maker of the unique Asin Tibuok, said RA 8172 has been hindering them to manufacture the condiment because the law mandates that salt produced in the country should contain iodine. “We cannot do that in our product because our way of producing Asin Tibuok is completely different from the normal way of making salt. We use direct heat, so minerals, like iodine, will definitely wear out or destroy the product,” he said. Signed into law by late-President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995, RA 8172 seeks to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders by mandating all salt producers and manufacturers to iodize their products. Ease of Doing Business Also, Manungas hit the Food and Drug Administration for being so sluggish in releasing approvals on their product, despite the presence of the Ease of Doing Business Law. “The US FDA is even better, we got it quickly. But here, we got them (FDA permit) more than two years ago. Although the Department of Trade and Industry helped us in the process, but it’s still too long. Other manufacturers have already given up on operating here because of bureaucratic hardships in acquiring business operation permits,” according to Manungas. Manungas’ Asin Tibuok, under the company Tan Inong Manufacturing Corporation, is currently making waves in terms of exports in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan and China. “This year we have a huge demand in Europe. Foreigners appreciate our salt as they find it totally different from Himalayan salt because it has a smoky flavor that they like in the taste of their food. But hopefully, we can sell on a large scale here in the country. I hope the business founded by our ancestors will not be dissolved,” he said. Stringent process Making Asin Tibuok, said to be on the brink of extinction, is not easy as it is very labor-intensive. Traditionally, Asin Tibuok making begins by soaking coconut husks for three months in saltwater coming from pools by the mangrove at the back of the manufacturing house of Manungas in Albuquerque. These husks will go through the burning process in a highly controlled manner. Subsequently, the ashes collected from the burnt are manually poured on large filters and more seawater will be poured through the ashes to make a very highly concentrated brine. After this, specially made clay pots are placed over a wood fire, and the concentrated brine is transferred continuously for eight hours into the boiling pots. Manungas and his assistants usually keep a close eye on evaporation so that the pots will not crack, resulting in a smoky sphere of salt that can weigh as much as one kilo. These pots of rocky salt are priced at P800. Business group support Since last year, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. has been urging lawmakers to amend Republic Act 8172 to revive the country’s salt production industry. Its president, Danilo Fausto said the country continues to import 93 percent of its salt requirement, even though the Philippines has the second longest shoreline in the world. “We have 36,000 kilometers of shoreline. It’s really embarrassing that we are importing salt from Australia and China, and some also in Thailand and New Zealand,” Fausto said. Fausto added the country in 2021 imported 646,000 metric tons of salt, which is being used as fertilizer for coconut trees. On the other hand, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also pushing for amendments to the Asin Law to help local manufacturers in the country, aside from other monumental reforms that would help micro, small, and medium enterprises to recoup from the ill effects of the pandemic and economic headwinds. But during his second State of the Nation Address, the proposed amendment for the ASIN Law was not included on the priority bills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. requested for lawmakers of the House of Representatives to focus on. The post Salt maker request: Redeem our dying industry, amend ‘Asin’Law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Olivarez seeks back-to-back romp at home
Eric Jed Olivarez hopes to ride the crest of a big title run in Puerto Princesa last week and flourish on the indoor clay courts he calls home as he guns for a second straight victory in the Mayor Eric Olivarez Cup National Open Tennis Championships, which get going today in Sucat, Parañaque......»»
Olivarez seeks another tennis win at home court
Eric Jed Olivarez hopes to ride the crest of a big title run in Puerto Princesa last week and flourish on the indoor clay courts he calls home......»»
Singapore races to save ‘Garbage of Eden’
Visitors to the island hosting Singapore's only landfill might expect foul odors and swarms of flies, but instead, they are greeted with stunning views of blue waters, lush greenery, and wildlife. Welcome to Pulau Semakau, the land-scarce city's eco-friendly trash island, where ash from the incinerated garbage of its nearly six million people is dumped. With just over a decade to go until the site is projected to be filled, the government is in a race against time to extend the lifespan of the island landfill, so serene it has earned the moniker "Garbage of Eden". "This is the only landfill in Singapore, and due to the small area and the competing land needs, it is difficult to find another location," Desmond Lee, the landfill manager at the National Environment Agency (NEA), which oversees the island, tells AFP. "It is imperative that we continue to use the Semakau landfill for as long as possible, and if possible extend its life beyond 2035," he says. 'Massive waste' Singapore generated 7.4 million tonnes of waste last year, of which about 4.2 million tonnes, or 57 percent, were recycled. Plastics remain a sticking point for the island’s waste drive, with just 6 percent recycled last year. Food waste, of which 18 percent was recycled, also poses a problem. Environmental group Greenpeace criticized the city-state for producing a "massive" amount of waste for its size. In 2019, the government launched a "zero-waste" campaign seeking to boost the amount of recycled waste to 70 percent and slash the amount of trash dumped at Semakau by 30 percent before the end of the decade. Roughly the size of New York City, Singapore has carefully managed its rapid growth in recent decades to avoid the problems faced by other fast-developing Asian metropolises, such as overcrowding and undisposed garbage. The government built the offshore landfill after an inland waste depot began running out of space in the early 1990s. Engineers merged Semakau -- whose residents had earlier been resettled to the mainland -- with the nearby island of Pulau Sakeng. A seven-kilometer (four-mile) perimeter bund was constructed to enclose part of the open sea between the two islands and create space for the landfill, which began operating in 1999. Pollution risks With Singapore’s population growing steadily, authorities were forced to roll out bold, space-saving solutions. Incinerators were deployed to burn non-recyclable waste, before authorities shipped the ash to Semakau on a covered barge. But the practice of burning the rubbish has been criticized by environmental groups for its pollution. "The process results in pollution in each of its phases -- from waste hauling to managing air emissions and residues," Abigail Aguilar, Greenpeace's anti-plastics campaigner for Southeast Asia, told AFP. "While aesthetically it might be appealing, the landfill still contains waste that could potentially leak," said Aguilar. The NEA has said its incineration plants are fitted with treatment systems that clean the gas before they are released into the atmosphere. It added that the landfill had been lined with an impermeable membrane and marine clay to contain any potential pollution within the site, and the water is tested regularly for leakage. Eco island There could still be more use for Singapore's garbage island, with plans to build solar farms and also to turn ash from the landfill into road construction materials. After the barge docks on Semakau, earthmovers scoop the ash and load them onto giant yellow tipper trucks for the trip to the landfill, which has been subdivided into sections. As each pit is progressively filled up over the years, the area is covered with soil, allowing for the growth of natural vegetation. Mangrove forests have also been planted, making the island verdant and attracting wildlife. During a recent visit by an AFP team, a couple of brahminy kites were seen swooping down on the water to catch fish, while a white-bellied sea eagle circled above. Red-wattled lapwings made bird calls on the edge of a mangrove patch and little terns maneuvered above a filled-up pit. A family of grebes swam on a pond, its dike lined with coconut trees. The post Singapore races to save ‘Garbage of Eden’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Swiatek saves two match points to reach Wimbledon quarters
Iga Swiatek saved two match points to reach her first Wimbledon quarter-final on Sunday, battling back to beat Belinda Bencic 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3. The Polish world number one had reached the fourth round without losing a set but faced a tough battle against the Swiss 14th seed on Centre Court. Swiatek was unable to capitalise on any of the six break points on offer in the first set, looking increasingly rattled and gesturing towards her coaching team. Bencic, the Olympic champion, raced into a 6-1 lead in the tie-break, snuffing out Swiatek's mini-comeback to take control of the match. Swiatek, who had looked pleadingly towards her coaching staff, disappeared off court with a notebook in hand, searching for a workable game plan. She returned to the court with a spring in her step and broke at her first opportunity, only for the tenacious Bencic to return the favor in the sixth game. Swiatek appeared to be on the brink of a shock exit when she ballooned a backhand long to hand Bencic two match points at 15-40 in the 12th game. But the top seed saved them both, forcing a tie-break, which she won easily to level the match. The four-time Grand Slam champion broke in the fourth game of the decider and then held to stretch her lead to 4-1. She was made to work for her win but eventually served out to take the third set 6-3 and seal the match. Swiatek, 22, said she felt was able to play without fear when facing a shock exit. "It's actually a little bit easier because on the other hand you feel like she's leading anyway so you play those shots more fearlessly because you know you have nothing to lose." Swiatek, who has won three French Open titles on clay, said she was learning to love the grass. "Every day my love is getting bigger so hopefully I'm going to have as many days as possible to stay here and play on this court," she said. jw/dj © Agence France-Presse The post Swiatek saves two match points to reach Wimbledon quarters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bataan’s first mall brings job opportunities to locals
SM City Bataan reflects the values of the local community with over 96 percent of the mall’s administration staff being Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. With a workforce of over a thousand across mall tenants — and still increasing — the mall proudly showcases the skills and expertise of the community. Congressman Albert S. Garcia, Bataan’s 2nd District representative, joined thousands of Bataeños on the opening of SM City Bataan, the first SM mall in the province and the 83rd nationwide, expressing his support and heralding the positive economic implications of the mall’s establishment to the province as a whole. Cong. Garcia said: “When we had the ocular for the different stores during the blessing, we found out that almost everyone working there is from Bataan. They are residents of either Balanga, Pilar, Orani, Orion or Hermosa. I’m happy to know that these jobs are filled by Bataeños. That is really what we were aiming for to begin with — to present more job opportunities that will help make the lives of every Bataeño better.” Roberto Santos, the owner of Chedeng’s Snack Bar, expressed his joy at the presence of many local brands that are now in SM City Bataan. “It’s a big thing that homegrown local brands are now in SM,” he said. “In addition to helping fellow Bataeños, many will be motivated as well to go out and do business with SM to promote the local food industries of the province.” Garcia also lauded SM City Bataan’s effort to extend support to the province’s local development by featuring homegrown businesses (including family-owned brands and locally managed franchises) in different prominent spaces within the mall which makes it a hub that truly connects communities across the province. [caption id="attachment_139822" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (FROM left) SM Engineering Design and Development Corp. president Hans T. Sy Jr., SM Supermalls president Steven T. Tan, Bataan Vice Governor Cristina M. Garcia, Balanga Bishop Rev. Ruperto Santo, Balanga Vice Mayor Vianca Lita Gozon, 2nd District Representative Albert S. Garcia, SM Prime Holdings Inc. president Jeffrey C. Lim and Super Value Inc. president Herbert T. Sy.[/caption] Major destination Located in Downtown Balanga, Bataan’s capital city, the newest mall from SM stands as a reliable community partner with its residents not only through its contribution to the local economy but by serving as a center of accessibility with the incorporation of the Bataan Common Terminal in the mall compound. “The common terminal serves all public utility vehicles in and out of the city,” said Jhoanalyn Gatdula, assistant mall manager of SM City Bataan. “Not only will this help the general workforce of the mall, but it will also bring comfort to all our commuting customers. Accessibility does not end with the mall’s physical structure alone. The 24th mall in North Luzon developed by SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property arm of SM Investments Corporation, SM City Bataan is strategically located in the capital. Through the terminal hubs surrounding SM City Bataan, the mall provides a venue for visitors to conveniently explore what the province has to offer — whether it’s the stone-throw Spanish-inspired Plaza Mayor in the capital or the hidden gem that is Dunsulan Falls behind Mt. Samat, tourists and Bataeños alike can explore to their heart’s content. Mural As visitors step into SM City Bataan, they are greeted by a mural with clay pots or banga that capture an aspect of the cultural identity of its residents celebrating the namesake of its capital Balanga. Entrance two on the other end renews the province’s commitment to preserving its environment as gel lights-formed birds representing the Ibong Dayo festival were integrated into another mural as a nod to the efforts of the city’s Wetland and Nature Park, an outdoor sanctuary in the protection of migratory birds. The post Bataan’s first mall brings job opportunities to locals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»