Panama Canal crisis seen raising freight costs
The restricted access to the Panama Canal for one year could jack up freight rates and prices of trade goods, according to a government official. “For sure, shipping lines will use the crisis in the Panama Canal to increase freight costs," the official who declined to be named told DAILY TRIBUNE. "The last time this (freight hike) happened was about a year, or so, ago when a cargo vessel was stuck in the Suez Canal. Back then, the global shipping cost tremendously increased by almost 1,000 percent, even if some shipping lines do not traverse the Panama Canal,” the official said. Water shortage Panama's government imposed restrictions on the passage of commercial vessels in the canal for one year citing lack of water due to drought, a report of Agence France Presse said. The restriction affects ships with a maximum draft (water depth) of 13.11 meters. The measure has already led to a marine traffic jam as ships line up to enter the waterway linking Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In 2022, an average of 40 ships crossed through the canal a day, a number which has now dropped to 32 to save water. The canal needs rainwater to transfer ships through locks that function like water elevators, an engineering marvel that moves six percent of the world's maritime commerce up and over the isthmus between the two oceans. Each ship moving through the canal requires 200 million liters of freshwater to move it through the locks, provided by two artificial lakes fed by rainfall in a surrounding watershed, according to AFP. Panama Canal sub-administrator Ilya Espino said that unless heavy rains fall in the next three months, "we are looking at a period of one year" of restricted access to the waterway. Import delays Roberto Claudio Sr., Philippine Retailers Association president, said the Panama Canal crisis may result to shortages and delays on imports. “Our orders will surely be jammed with the crisis happening there. That connotes shortage as our ordered products cannot pass the canal on time," Claudio said. However, the chairman emeritus of Quorum Holdings Corporation, operator of Toby’s Sports, the country’s largest distributor of international sports brands, believes that shipping lines will find other routes to avoid delays. "We are confident it (crisis) will be resolved this year,” he said. Imports of the Philippines include electronic products (25 percent), mineral fuels (21 percent) and transport equipment (10 percent). The post Panama Canal crisis seen raising freight costs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mining eyes permits using energy model
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association, or PNIA, the largest group of the country’s nickel industry players, is proposing to establish a “one-stop shop” program to expedite permitting processes in the mining industry. At the sideline of the Nickel Initiative Forum on Tuesday, PNIA president Dante Bravo said the PNIA has reached out to government partners to discuss a proposal that is similar to what was provided for the energy sector. Once implemented, the streamlined process, according to Bravo, would significantly cut the tedious permitting process that could take as long as five to 10 years to just six months to a year. While the government is focused on attracting investors in value-added processing, Bravo pointed out that industry development efforts should include mining exploration and extraction because a nickel processing plant requires more than 100 million tons of raw nickel ore for at least 20 years to be considered viable. Ease permits process “We can’t push for value-added processing without mitigating uncertainties in minerals exploration and extraction because all of these are integral parts of the minerals development value chain,” Bravo said. “To produce the minimum raw ore input requirement of one processing plant, mining permits need to be approved efficiently, and awarded contracts should be allowed to operate with minimal disruption under a predictable, rules-based regulatory regime,” he added. Bravo also cited other industry areas for reform such as streamlining of fiscal regime, harmonization of national and local mining regulations, and monitoring and evaluation of environmental protection laws. “While there is a lot of interest in the Philippines as a mining investment destination, we need to convince investors that the business environment is ready and conducive for their entry to the Philippines,” he said. Bravo estimated that if the support for the sector improves, players can produce more nickel, especially due to the increasing demand. “We have a potential to supply beyond 40 million tons, probably even more because the take-up of nickel right now in the battery sector is increasing year in, year out. We have more batteries being produced using nickel material,” he said. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau data showed that the Philippines is one of the world’s top producers of nickel. Last year, PNIA nickel mining companies produced a total of over 11 million metric tons of nickel. Notably, 33 out of 56 operating metallic mines in the country are nickel mines. The post Mining eyes permits using energy model appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 Maute members surrender
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group surrendered to government security forces in Lanao del Norte, saying they no longer believed in the group’s ideologies. The two men, identified as Abu Talha and Abu Anas, gave themselves up to soldiers of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade. They also surrendered one Cal. 45 pistol and one Cal. 9mm pistol. Bangsamoro Transition Authority Commissioner Al-Haj Abdullah Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, and the representative of Munai, Lanao del Norte Mayor Racma Andamama accompanied the two men in their surrender. The two men said they decided to surrender after realizing that the group’s ideologies were not worth fighting for. They also said they were convinced by the government’s programs for former outlaws and the continuous dwindling of their group. Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido welcomed the surrender of the two men and reiterated his call to the remaining members of the Daulah Islamiyah to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. Galido also commended the soldiers for their efforts to intensify intelligence, combat, and civil-military operations in the area. The post 2 Maute members surrender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A Grand Time with Manila Pianos Inc.
Tonight, I gave my dancing shoes a rest for a more mellow evening to enjoy music at its purest form. We joined Manila Pianos Inc. for a glamorous gala at the Ronac Lifestyle Center and celebrated local talent on an international platform! [caption id="attachment_172352" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Virgie Monton, Joy Fong and[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172344" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Czarina Camus and Consul Marina Ong Nuguid[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172345" align="aligncenter" width="525"] David Lim and Michelle Lim[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172349" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nicole Anderson, Manolyne Taylor and Jean Saburit[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172355" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Cory Quirino, Rupert Jacinto and Dean Deaker[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172350" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Turkish Ambassador, Niyazi Evren Akyol and wife Madam Indri Akyol[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172353" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Herman Shaldo and Jen Uy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172351" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ambassador of Egypt Ahmed Shehabeldin and Egyptian Consul Dr. Amin Abdelnaby.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172354" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Antonio De Souza n Gisela De Souza. | Photographs Courtesy of Agile Zamora[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172347" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Kid performer Sofia Simaurio.[/caption] The grand piano placed prominently in front and at the center of the venue signalled that we were in for a grand time. We were joined by embassy leaders and government officials, along with other esteemed guests who all support the arts and Filipino talent. With the perfect blend of an amazing crowd plus world-class talent and performances, I really loved the atmosphere of this event! It was perfect for catching up and for conversations. And rightfully so because we were joined by a very special guest, too. Fernando Carrillo, leading man of the hit telenovela, Rosalinda gave us a blast from the past by gracing us with his presence. But it looks like he hasn’t aged a day! He charmed us all with stories from the industry and even a special performance. A real-life leading man, indeed. We ended the evening with a generous intercontinental feast as we were continuously serenaded by amazing talents. Looking around, it was a sight to behold seeing this community for culture, arts and camaraderie always come together wherever their support is summoned. A common love for music sets them apart, of course. Thank you, Manila Pianos, Inc. for hosting and having us! Looking forward to more splendid soirees with you. Cheers! The post A Grand Time with Manila Pianos Inc. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pinyapel, Bakong products diversify, fight climate change
The Design Center of the Philippines has made 200 products out of Pinyapel, a paper from pineapple leaves, and Bakong, an aquatic plant, and helping build 60 small businesses while protecting the environment in the process. The Filipino-made products have resulted from 170 intellectual properties since 2019 under the center’s Smart Materials Development Program. This aims to conserve wastes and natural resources by transforming them into innovative products while generating jobs for the less privileged. “Pinyapel and Bakong highlight the design center’s response to the growing local and international call for global action on climate resiliency, addressing social, economic and environmental issues that threaten the general public,” Rose Marie O. Mendoza, the center’s chief industrial specialist, told the Daily Tribune last Friday. Mendoza, a recipient of this year’s The Eight Bravo Empowered Women Awards organized by the Security Bank Corp. and Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation Inc., shared that the Philippines is the world’s third largest producer of pineapples. Alternatives to plastic Their leaves are processed mostly into alternatives to plastic packaging and dining materials in reducing air and garbage pollution. The DCP aims to help cut plastic production in the world by at least 300 million tons. Mendoza, however, said the center continues to explore other ways to use Pinyapel. “On top of this is a boiling pot of materials and products that has great potential to help the country mitigate climate change while brewing potential industries to contribute to the country’s economic complexity,” she said. Bakong, meanwhile, is a plant growing year-round near Bangalao Lake in Cagayan whose fibers are mostly used to make fabrics, furniture, bags and home accessories. Sustainable clothing material Mendoza said the DCP plans to increase manufacturing of Bakong as luxury brands have taken notice of the sustainable clothing material. Luxury clothes are projected to rake in global revenues up to $278 billion by 2031, more than double of the $103 billion this year. “Supported by the sustainable research and development framework of creation-protection-commercialization -industrialization, the design center will not stop introducing new products to the market, rather push these materials and products to scale,” she said. The DCP is an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry mandated to promote design as a creative tool towards the production of new products, purpose-driven design decisions and human-centered products and systems that improve the quality of human life. The post Pinyapel, Bakong products diversify, fight climate change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myrna Segismundo: Chef to ABS-CBN stars, bigwigs
All showbiz stars and talents, as well as journos and v/bloggers, who have attended a media conference at the ABS-CBS compound in South Triangle, QC, most likely may have done so at the cozy and classy restaurant on the 14th floor of the building there. But were they ever aware that the building is called the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communication Center and the restaurant goes by the mysterious name 9501? If they knew those two names, would they also know the name Myrna Segismundo? Most likely, no unless the journos and v/bloggers who cover showbiz also go to lifestyle media events. Segismundo is one of the country’s foremost chefs of international renown. She was managing director of 9501 for almost 20 years,with the rank of vice president. Security Bank, the Zonta Club of Makati and a group known as Environs recently cited her among their Bravo Empowered Women Awards recipients. [caption id="attachment_166629" align="aligncenter" width="666"] CHEF Myrna Segismundo | Photograph Courtesy Of Relaxlangmom.com[/caption] First project The private 9501 restaurant was conceived in 1995 as the first project of the year, which is why it was given that name by then ABS-CBN head Gabby Lopez, a son of “Kapitan Geny,” who sat on top of the broadcast empire almost up to the time it lost its franchise (Gabby is legally Eugenio Lopez III and is now the chairman emeritus of ABS CBN). The 9501 corporate dining facility produced everything from weekday lunch buffets, formal haute cuisine dinners and board meeting meals to celebrity-studded press conferences. It was never opened to the public, only to ABS-CBN employees and their guests. In August this year, the restaurant ceased operations but went on to be a venue for media conferences with goods catered by other suppliers. That was where Hori7ons (the number stands for “s”) was launched as a K-pop-inspired boy group managed by ABS-CBN with a Korean company. The contract signing of transwoman talent KaladKaren was also held at 9501 weeks ago. Frequent diner Monchet Olives, Gabby Lopez’ s former chief executive, said in an interview that he has never forgotten the very first meal served at 9501 in 2001, with just Gabby Lopez and himself seated at table 001 in the corner: rack of lamb, potato purée reminiscent of Alain Ducasse, gazpacho and the famous quezo de bola cheesecake — prepared by Chef Miguel Yadao who was one of the chefs Segismundo took along with her to 9501 from another private restaurant, PCI Bank’s the Sign of the Anvil. “Sitting there in the corner, window glass on both sides, overlooking Quezon City… It was a sunny day, you could see Manila Bay. I said, wow, this is ABS-CBN,” Olives said. Gabby Lopez was a frequent diner at 9501, usually entertaining guests or meeting with company executives in the wine room. Segismundo, in another interview, remembered Lopez as a “flexible” diner who loved good wine and enjoyed Japanese, Italian, French and especially Mediterranean fare, and occasionally Filipino. The 9501 chefs could prepare any kind of cuisine, but Segismundo was most proud of the prominence of Filipino food there. Many of its most famous dishes came from the Sign of the Anvil, including the bestselling Turon, Quezo de Bola Cheesecake, Potato Bread and Adobo Paté. In fact, 9501’s bestsellers were almost all Filipino, including its Chicken and Pork adobo and Beef Tapa — “in the service of Filipino food,” she recalled in one interview. Segismundo started “dissecting and deconstructing” traditional Filipino dishes with her chefs during her Anvil days, creating her iconic Lechon Roulade (using suckling pig, not liempo) in 1995, years before the lechon roll trend came about. Lecturer on Filipino cuisine The Christmas parties of ABS-CBN executives and employees were held at the restaurant, all the parties of the bigwigs like the birthdays of Gabby Lopez and ABS-CBN top executive Freddie Garcia, and “birthdays ng lahat ng mga sikat,” as Olives once put it. A graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management of the University of the Philippines, Segismundo began her professional career at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, USA. After several years, she went back to Manila and headed Sign of the Anvil. Under the sponsorship of the Department of Foreign Affairs, she has held demonstrations and lectures abroad to promote Filipino cuisine in countries like Spain, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Japan and more. She became the first ever Filipino lecturer on Filipino cuisine at the Cordon Bleu in Paris and Filipino presenter in the prestigious Madrid Fusion in Spain. She has written several books such as the The Party Cookbook and Philippine Cuisine – Home-cooked Recipes Wherever You May Be and co-authored Kulinarya (A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine). She is known for promoting heritage recipes while also transforming them into contemporary interpretations without losing their authentic taste. She was editor of Food Magazine of ABS-CBN and the founder of the Doreen Fernandez Food Writing Awards, an annual food writing competition which aims to encourage food writing and research in the country. Most importantly, she developed the Kulinarya Program of the Department of Tourism to teach the rural folk basic cooking, service and accounting concepts to help uplift their lives and their families. Tastes and flavors Instead of saying certain Filipino dishes are “like” a particular dish from a different country, Segismundo encourages Filipinos to describe them through tastes and flavors. “Talk about our vinegars, our citruses — ingredients that are indigenous to us. Dishes that are truly Filipino that will have a universal appeal.” Meanwhile, the other awardees of Security Bank and Zonta are Celia Baltazar-Elumba for Arts, Culture and Heritage; Lourdes Delos Reyes for Business and Entrepreneurship; Jennie Jocson for Education; Cheryll Ruth Soriano for Media and Public Affairs; Rebecca Angeles for Social Services; Maria Caterina Cristina Lopa for Sports; and Rose Maria Mendoza for STEM. Segismundo received her award for Tourism and Hospitality. A special recognition was also given to the Philippine women’s football team during the awards ceremonies held 27 July at the Security Bank Center in Ayala Avenue, Makati. The post Myrna Segismundo: Chef to ABS-CBN stars, bigwigs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Execs chart retail sector’s future
Influential figures in the retail sector who have demonstrated dedication, and hard work in their respective fields are converging to shape the future of the industry through the National Retail Conference and Expo 2023. Coming this 10 August 2023, the PRA will be staging the 29th edition of the NRCE, the country’s largest retail industry event at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Panel discussion will center on “Revolutionizing Retail: Exploring the Key to Unlocking Future Success.” Visionary leaders will guide retailers in addressing the challenges they currently face and help them explore strategies and business models for sustainable growth. Heavyweight panel The panel features influential leaders from the premier shopping centers including Christopher Maglanoc, president of Ayala Malls; Graham Coates, first vice president and head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls; Faraday Go, executive vice president and general manager of Robinsons Malls; and Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls. Leading the session as moderator is Cathy Yang, PLDT and SMART Group head for Corporate Communications. Industry experts will share practical insights and real-life examples of how their respective businesses have successfully implemented innovative ideas, nurtured a growth mindset, embraced continuous learning and improvement, and remained at the forefront of the competition through their adaptability to change. “Success may be a challenging journey, but by guiding one another, we can unlock endless possibilities for growth,” PRA president Roberto Claudio Sr., who’s also the chairman of Quorum International Inc., shared. The post Execs chart retail sector’s future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bravo to our athletes
Here’s a big shout out to the Filipinas, despite the 2-0 loss to Switzerland last Friday......»»
EV, smart cities boom spurring nickel demand
Nickel demand is expected to rise, driven by the shift to smart cities and clean energy, but additional investments are needed to help domestic producers, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association or PNIA said. PNIA said raw nickel ore is not only a critical component of electric vehicle batteries but is also processed to create stainless steel, which is used in the development of megacities and renewable energy technology. “Clean energy and smart cities cannot be realized without nickel as nickel has cross-cutting use in the development and manufacturing of various clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, power grid systems, wind turbines, and new technologies, such as hydrogen-based energy,” PNIA president Dante Bravo said. The total value of investments in the global EV industry alone amounted to $300 billion and might even reach $1 trillion within five years, he said. Demand for nickel will mainly be driven by China, he said, adding that the rollout of an infrastructure investment plan in the country would further boost demand for stainless steel. Regional rivals Bravo, however, said to take advantage of this growing global demand, the Philippines needs to attract additional investments that would enable the exploration, processing, and further development of the country’s nickel reserves. The post EV, smart cities boom spurring nickel demand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kudos, Dr. Eric Olivarez (2)
Complementing Dr. Eric’s energetic move to expedite the march of Parañaque to becoming a premier city south of Manila is Congressman Edwin Olivarez of the First District of the City, who authored 10 local bills to nationalize 10 avenues in various barangays of the city, upgrading them to wide national roads: Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting Palanyag Road in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City, into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting A. Bonifacio Extension in Barangay San Dionisio into a natrional road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-08; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-10, an act converting Dr. Victor Medina in Barangay San Dionisio into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting Canaynay Avenue in Barangay San Dionisio into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting C. Rivera Street in Barangay Baclaran into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10 Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting Airport Road in Barangay Baclaran into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting Tomas Claudio Street in Barangay Baclaran into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting Multinational Avenue in Barangay Santo Niño into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting Lopez Road in Barangay San Isidro into a national road and appropriating funds therefor, read: 2022-08-10; Local bill, filed on 2022-08-08, an act converting G.G. Cruz Street in Barangay Baclaran into a national road and appropriating funds therefor. read: 2022-08-10. Youth, energy, and talent in the workforce, and the superior academic background of the local chief executive, plus the cooperation of the heads of departments and offices constitute the total formula for success in good local governance. A functional Commission on Audit on the local scene makes it easy for the office of the chief accountant to cleanse the accounts and eliminate discrepancies and reconcile the bank accounts with the subsidiaries and reduce to an easy and manageable level the differences between the accounting records and the general service office reports. Hard work and a lot of intelligence within the accounting department contributed to the amazing success of enabling the 16 Punong Barangay of Parañaque City to submit the 16 annual audit reports of the 16 barangays of the city. Perhaps, this is the first time this happened in the whole country. Parañaque City stands today at the highest level of readiness among NCR cities to adapt its accounting system to digital audit that is being initiated by CoA Chairman Gamaliel Cordoba. The Office of the Chief Accountant is studying how to imbibe the development by CoA of an easy-to-implement and technology-driven government accounting system compliant with the international standard to ensure that all revenues and expenditures are recorded accurately and promptly, and enhancing auditing guidelines for engagement to cover contracts entered into via social media. The post Kudos, Dr. Eric Olivarez (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BuCor hires corrections officers
The Bureau of Corrections on Friday announced that it has hired 94 new corrections officers to beef up its corrections personnel and are set to undergo the Corrections Basic Recruit Course preparatory to their assignments in prison facilities nationwide. The new recruits included 93 persons with the rank of corrections officers 1 and one with the rank of corrections technical officer 1 and the BuCor said that the recruits are part of the third cycle of recruits hired in 2022. The functions of corrections officers are to take care and manage persons deprived of liberty in holding areas, assure that PDLs remain in custody, transport and escort PDLs. Meantime, BuCor director general Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. has promoted corrections senior superintendent Celso A. Bravo to a higher rank of corrections chief superintendent. Bravo conveyed his sincerest gratitude for the unwavering support of the institution and the trust bestowed upon him. Prior to his promotion, Bravo is the head executive assistant of the Office of the Director General for Reformation and director for security and operations. The post BuCor hires corrections officers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pope says he will create new cardinals at end September
Pope Francis said on Sunday he would create 21 new cardinals from across the world at the end of September. "Their provenance expresses the universality of the Church that continues to proclaim God's merciful love to all people on earth," said the pope, following his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace on Saint Peter's Square. The consistory will be the ninth for the creation of cardinals under Pope Francis, who is in the tenth year of his papacy. His choices are closely watched as an indication of the future direction of the Catholic Church and its priorities for its 1.3 billion faithful. Cardinals under the age of 80 will participate in the vote to nominate the successor to Francis. Since becoming pope, Francis has sought to promote clergy from developing nations far from Rome to the highest ranks of the Church, as part of his general philosophy of diversity and inclusion. The names Francis announced Sunday include clergy in regions where Christianity is growing, such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Among the archbishops to become cardinals are those of Juba, South Sudan, Cape Town, South Africa, and Tabora, Tanzania. The list also includes bishops from Penang, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Also to become cardinal is the Italian Claudio Gugerotti, currently prefect for the Dicastery of the Eastern Churches, and Argentina's Victor Manuel Fernandez, whom Francis chose in July to head the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Included from Latin America is the emeritus archbishop of Cumana, Venezuela, and a Capuchin priest from Buenos Aires. The last consistory was held in August 2022, when Francis inducted 20 cardinals. As of last year's consistory, Francis had chosen around 90 out of the 132 cardinals eligible to elect a new pope, around two-thirds of the total. Cardinals, who wear the scarlet robes of their office, serve as the pope's top advisors and administrators. The post Pope says he will create new cardinals at end September appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Friends with benefits
The Philippines and Argentina reaffirmed their enduring friendship during the 5th Bilateral Consultation Meeting held in Manila earlier this year, the first in-person meeting since the start of the pandemic. DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and her Argentine counterpart, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Foreign Policy Claudio Javier Rozencwaig, chaired and led their respective delegations to the meeting. [caption id="attachment_155214" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Undersecretaries Lazaro and Rozencwaig.[/caption] The two sides held robust discussions on an agenda that included bilateral trade relations, regional and global developments, exchanges in the maritime sphere, as well as cooperation in the agricultural, scientific and cultural fields. Undersecretaries Lazaro and Rozencwaig underscored the importance of elevating bilateral relations by embracing a more diverse, forward-looking cooperation agenda. Included here is Argentina’s willingness to share its considerable expertise in agricultural technology and experience in nuclear energy, being the first Latin American country to develop its own commercial nuclear energy reactor in the 1970s. For its part, the Philippine side gave a broad briefing on the various incentives given to foreign companies looking to establish an investment presence in the country’s economic zones. At least two Argentine companies already have operations in the Philippines. A highlight of the BCM was the signing of two important agreements—a memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Space Agency and the Argentine National Commission on Space Activities on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space; and the renewal of an agreement on cultural cooperation. PhilSA Director General Joel Marciano signed the MoU on behalf of the Philippines, while Lazaro initialed the exchange of notes on the renewal of the agreement on cultural cooperation, in the presence of NCCA Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo. The two sides also took the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues such as developments in the South China Sea and the Antarctic region, as well as relations between the United States and China. They spoke about the importance of the multilateral sphere and areas of possible cooperation in terms of the Philippines’ and Argentina’s respective candidatures in the UN system. Lazaro sought Argentina’s support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028. Rozencwaig touched on Argentina’s presidency of Mercosur. Other members of the Philippine delegation to the meeting included high-level representatives from the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and the Department of Agriculture. The BCM is an important platform for discussing issues of common concern, finding ways to enhance existing cooperation, and charting the course for future engagements. This particular meeting comes at a time when both the Philippines and Argentina prepare to celebrate 75 years of formal diplomatic relations in August this year. The next BCM is expected to be held in Buenos Aires in 2025. During his visit to Manila, Rozencwaig also delivered a presentation (“Argentina and the Philippines in the Current International Context”) under the prestigious Mabini Dialogue format of the DFA-Foreign Service Institute. Professor Aries Arugay, Chair of the UP-Diliman Political Science Department, served as reactor for the lecture. The post Friends with benefits appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Over 33,000 people may be affected if Mayon’s unrest worsens — Lagman
At least 33,000 people may flee their homes if Mayon Volcano's unrest could last for "three months or more," Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman said on Wednesday night. Lagman said this as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a situational briefing on the status of Mayon Volcano and the government's response in Legazpi City, Albay, on 14 June. Lagman said that about 33,326 individuals—or 8,637 families—may be affected if Mayon Volcano's eruption worsens. Lagman also asked the national government for P166.7 million to continue providing help to the thousands of people who have been displaced amid Mayon's unrest. He explained that the money is needed to provide evacuees with food, water, shelter, and other essential services. Lagman added that the money is needed to help the local government of Albay rebuild the infrastructure that the unrest has damaged. However, President Marcos Jr. told his Cabinet to study the proposed budget for Albay, as the province's quick response fund of P30 million can only sustain evacuees for about 14 days. "They can only sustain the continuous support for evacuees for 14 days," Marcos said. "The final figure of P196 million is something that we can dig. I think the numbers the governor has given us are a good guide already. But we have to go into further details," he added. Marcos said the figure needed to be checked to see if it would be sufficient. "Let's go into that in terms of the requirements the evacuees are going to need… Round numbers are never quite right. We have to get it right," Marcos said. Affected individuals OCD Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, said that a total of 9,571 families or 37,231 individuals had been significantly impacted in 26 barangays across Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Ligao, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, and Tabaco as of 14 June. Of this total, 4,417 families, or 15,502 individuals, sought refuge in 22 evacuation centers. The OCD also assisted 185 families, or 659 individuals, outside these centers. The evacuees are from 26 out of the 30 barangays located within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone. The agricultural sector in Albay has also experienced the consequences of Mayon's unrest. A total of 217 livestock, including carabaos, cattle, and goats, were preemptively relocated to Daraga and Malilipot. According to Nepomuceno, the affected residents in various areas of Albay have already received a total of P35 million in assistance from the national government, local government units, and private institutions. In addition, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has pledged to deploy personnel, resources, and equipment to support the ongoing evacuation efforts in Albay. The response assets provided by OCD Region 5 and other government agencies consist of 1,154 responders, 103 rescue teams, and 141 vehicles for mobility purposes. OCD taking steps for long-term response Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is taking steps to prepare for a long-term response to the ongoing unrest at Mayon Volcano. Civil Defense Operations Service Director Cesar Idio, who was present during the situational briefing, said the OCD had identified four strategies to address the ongoing unrest at Mayon. The first approach involves preparing for an extended three months or longer response period. The second strategy is to plan for the logistical requirements of such a lengthy response. The third approach is for local government units (LGUs) to facilitate the permanent relocation of residents residing within the six-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone (PDZ). Lastly, the fourth measure entails requesting additional evacuation centers to prevent the disruption of classes, as some classrooms are currently being used as temporary shelters for evacuees. Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. mentioned that he had already coordinated with Albay Governor Edcel Lagman, OCD Region 5 Director Claudio Yucot, and Renato Solidum Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to ensure more efficient and expedited coordination of logistics. He told Marcos that the coordination aims to avoid redundancy or wastage of resources in anticipation of the expected lengthy response. "We will work on this coordination in order to be the funneling point between and among the LGUs and the national government," Teodoro said. The post Over 33,000 people may be affected if Mayon’s unrest worsens — Lagman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Compensating Marawi siege victims
The program to compensate victims of the Marawi siege will sink or swim on funding. Politico-sociocultural and human factors, including administrative hurdles, aside, the key to its success hinges on the sincerity of the government in providing the needed funds. Of course, the integrity of the distribution through the mechanism laid down by the Marawi Compensation Board or MCB also counts. It will take a lot of lobbying and follow-up to shepherd the program. And for this purpose, the civil society groups that had been galvanizing attention to the acute needs of the evacuees will have to reboot their campaign (Are they represented in the MCB? The Compensation Law speaks of their possible membership). MCB needs their “noise” to prevent the program from being relegated to the backburner with serious calamities happening elsewhere that also need funding. It takes a lot of networking and constant reminders to national policymakers about the need for funds. Remember, nothing is specific about how much the government has earmarked to implement the Compensation Law. Everything remains hazy and iffy. What we have learned is that in the 2023 Government Appropriation Act, about P1 billion has been set aside to initialize the program. That was not even specifically appropriated for the Marawi victims but lumped into the appropriation for assistance to disaster-stricken areas. That amount is a ridiculous crumb that is not even enough for the administrative needs of MCB. How can we augment or supplement any annual government appropriation for the Marawi victims? The Bangsamoro Autonomous Government comes to mind. The BARMM Organic Law provides a budget for this contingency. Thus, under Article XIV, Section 2 of RA 11054, the “Special Development Fund — The National Government shall provide a special development fund to the Bangsamoro Government for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities. The amount equivalent to Fifty billion pesos at Five billion pesos per year, for a period of 10 years from the ratification of this Organic Law, shall be allocated for this purpose. The utilization of the fund shall be in accordance with the Bangsamoro Development Plan to be adopted by the Bangsamoro Government.” That’s it. The provision describes to a tee the aid for the rehabilitation of “conflict-affected” Marawi. What we are trying to drive home is that, even if the national government becomes remiss in funding the program, our fallback will be tapping the resources of BARMM. The regional government has so many funds that it can spend legally on the rehabilitation program. We are told that BARMM has already started implementing its assistance to the war victims. Truckloads of building materials were unloaded at the center of the most affected area, Banggolo, for everyone to see. Choosing construction materials instead of cash, as a form of assistance, is a sound idea. Unfortunately, we were told that many victims were not given a heads-up and failed to avail of it. There was a deficit of communication. Victims demand transparency in the distribution to protect the integrity of the process. Apropos of this, there are pedestrian suggestions that come to mind. A strict monitoring of the use of these materials should be conducted by BARMM to ensure that they will not fall into the hands of pseudo-claimants. The local government units, especially the barangay chiefs who know the residents, should be given a role. Care should also be exercised to prevent the materials from being brought to places outside of the most affected priority areas. Personal, social, and consanguineal biases should never play a role in processing claims. The “palakasan” system will defeat the purpose. These are the evils that should be avoided lest they bring to naught the noble purpose of the law. Responsibility should also be defined clearly by identifying the agency and the officials tasked with distributing the largesse. Transparency by publishing the process of distribution, the criteria, and whatever documents are needed to substantiate the claim for assistance must be observed. BARMM should formulate its own Implementing Rules and Regulations to shut off any doubt about the integrity of the distribution. It is a relief that BARMM has initiated the process. Bravo! We hope it will accelerate the distribution in the meantime that the MCB is getting its act together for the huge task ahead. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Compensating Marawi siege victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Tatawid na kami! Salamat UST!’
On 30 May, 9,473 graduating students from the University of Santo Tomas attended the Baccalaureate Mass at the UST Grandstand and Open Field. An uproarious procession out of the ancient Arch of the Centuries followed suit. Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., the University Rector, encouraged the students to be proud of themselves in his opening remarks, adding that the purpose of the gathering was to send them on different paths so they may flourish in their own passions. He vividly described the graduates’ future potential throughout the homily. He imagined them as seeds that would someday develop into plants and produce bearing fruit. “Move forward and move up. Ironic as it sounds, we have gathered you to scatter you like seeds in all directions. As Thomasian graduates, you are meant to be fruitful,” he said. Fr. Ang praised Thomasians’ high rate of employability. “Do not worry, Thomasians always stand out. Kapag graduate ng UST ay may kakaibang kalidad sa kilos at gawa.” [caption id="attachment_140085" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MARVIN JOHN F. UY / the varsitarianA BACCALAUREATE Mass was held on 30 May to celebrate the upcoming graduation of Thomasian students.[/caption] As Thomasian graduates, Fr. Ang also encourage students to develop their character, underscoring the need to prepare for the next chapter. “Do not rehearse only for graduation day but prepare for the life ahead. What is your vision? What is your preferred future? Pursue it with much passion, with much gusto. Move forward and move up.” Post-Baccalaureate events were held after the Mass. To the graduating class of 2023, Nathan Agustin, the outgoing president of the Central Student Council, read a moving speech. Following that, “mission crosses” were handed to graduating students as a reminder of their lifelong purpose to put in their Thomasian education outside of the university. The graduates recited the Thomasian pledge of loyalty, marking their transition to becoming alumni of the University. The celebration continued with a ceremony of light in which the candles of the graduates were ignited by a torch blessed by the rector of the university, a reminder to spread the light of the Christian faith. They last sang the UST Hymn while gazing upon the iconic blue cross. For the first time after the pandemic, fireworks lit up the night sky after the Mass. Lastly, the eagerly awaited and thrilling moment arrived as the seniors proudly took their final walk through the iconic Arch of the Centuries, exclaiming; “Tatawid na kami! Salamat UST!” [caption id="attachment_140084" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF josh nikkolai s. bravo / the varsitarianUNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas’ Arch of the Centuries.[/caption] Solemn investiture rites for batches 2022 will be held from 1 to 30 June. The post ‘Tatawid na kami! Salamat UST!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Troops on high alert vs DI-Maute group
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities reported on Wednesday that police and military units in Lanao del Sur continue to remain on high alert level status after the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-inspired Dawlah-Islamiya-Maute Group threatened to launch a “Marawi-like siege” in Marogong and nearby municipalities in the province. Police Regional Office for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director P/Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza assured that the police and military security forces are doubling their efforts to prevent an attack from the ISIS-Inspired DI-Maute Group. Nobleza said the DI-Maute Group threatened on Thursday a “Marawi-like siege” in Marogong, Lanao del Sur, that led to the mass evacuation of residents of the municipality to a more safe town in the province. He added that the PRO-BAR has deployed a combat-ready platoon of policemen from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and two teams from the Lanao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company. The military, on the other hand, deployed soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion to complement the deployment of PNP personnel in Marogong town. All adjacent municipal police stations of Marogong town were also placed on high alert and the reactionary standby forces from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company are ready as reinforcement forces for any eventuality, Nobleza added. On Sunday, Nobleza visited Marogong and had a meeting with Marogong Mayor Nasif Maruhom, Vice Mayor Haroun Maruhom, the commander of Bravo Company of the 32nd IB, and the 24 barangay chairmen of Marogong. Local government officials and barangay officials raised serious concerns about the present security situation in their locality and cited in particular the Poblacion proper, the center of business and convergence area as the primary target of the DI-Maute Group Nobleza also reported that residents of the town who evacuated to nearby municipalities for fear of possible attack have slowly returned to their homes after the PRO-BAR, AFP, local officials and leaders undertake joint peace and security measures in the town. The PRO-BAR director reiterated that the PNP’s primary interest is to ensure the security and safety of the people of Marogong, adding that they are concerned about the security and safety of the people of the town and have deployed additional troops to oversee the peace and order in the area. The post Troops on high alert vs DI-Maute group appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bravo Zulu romps off with CGFI title
Bravo Zulu Security became the very first champion in the inaugural Cordillera Golfers Foundation Inc. Invitational Tournament yesterday, romping off with the Regular Class A title at the Pinewoods Golf and Country Club......»»
Bravo Zulo, Balintaugan pace CGFI golf
Bravo Zulo Security Inc. and Balintaugan Construction led their respective divisions in the opening round of the first Cordillera Golfers Foundation Inc. Invitational Tournament at the Camp John Hay Golf Club in Baguio yesterday......»»
Cebu firefighting reforms sought
The local government of Cebu City announced that it is already assessing the city’s firefighting capabilities after the Cebu City Fire Department and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office had a hard time putting off a fire in Grand Residences condominium towers on 14 April in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City. According to Bureau of Fire Protection Cebu fire marshal Supt. Reynaldo Enoc, the estimated damage to property is now at P3,981,600,000 as the building was still under construction when the fire happened and only the construction workers were present. Senior Fire Officer 2 Romeo Birao Jr. said it was declared fire out at 11:49 p.m. or more or less nine hours after it was reported at 2:41p.m. Enoc added it was the first time to declare Task Force Bravo at 4:38 p.m., which means that all fire departments in Metro Cebu have to respond. After the incident, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the assessment of the capabilities of the Cebu City Fire Department and other local fire brigades as it was observed that firemen had difficulty containing the fire which totally damaged the 4th floor to the 35th floors of the building. During the time of former Mayor Tomas Osmena, the city purchased a P57-million worth fire truck equipped with motorized ladders with a length of 54 meters that can only reach the 18th floor. Based on the investigation, a spark from a welding rod used by the construction workers may have caused the fire that started on the 37th floor or the top floor of the building. The workers reportedly did not know how to use the fire extinguishers causing the fire to spread on the lower part of the building. Daily Tribune tried to reach out to Shogun Management and Development Corporation, the building owner for comment but has yet to respond. Rama is open to upgrading the Cebu City Fire Department equipment, including the acquisition of additional fire trucks with ladders, adding that even fire trucks from other countries do not have the capacity to respond to fire incidents involving high-rise buildings. The post Cebu firefighting reforms sought appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»