‘No’ to nationwide academic break
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian disagreed with the proposal to have a nationwide academic break, saying the decision should be left to basic education and higher education institutions......»»
Libya prosecutor orders arrest of 8 over dam disaster
Libya’s prosecutor general on Monday ordered the arrest of eight officials suspected of negligence that resulted in two dam breaks that killed nearly 4,000 people in Derna city. The officials are suspected of “bad management” and negligence, a statement from Al-Seddik al-Sur’s office said, adding that they served currently or previously in offices responsible for water resources and dam management. The flash flood, which witnesses likened to a tsunami, broke through two ageing dams on 10 September after a hurricane-strength storm lashed the area around Derna, a port city in Libya’s east, causing the reservoirs to overflow and break. On Saturday, the official death toll passed 3,800, and international aid groups have said 10,000 or more people may be missing. After opening a probe, Libya’s prosecutor general said more than a week ago that the two dams upstream from Derna dad been cracked since 1998. But repairs begun by a Turkish company in 2010 were suspended after a few months when Libya’s 2011 revolution flared, and the work never resumed, the prosecutor said on 16 September, vowing to deal firmly with those responsible. Wall of water The first dam to collapse in the disaster was the Abu Mansur dam, 13 kilometers from Derna, whose reservoir held 22.5 million cubic meters of water. The deluge then broke Al Bilad, the second dam, which had a capacity of 1.5 million cubic meters and is just a kilometer from the coastal city. The wall of water and debris swept through the normally dry riverbed or wadi that cuts through the city center. Both dams were constructed by a Yugoslav company in the 1970s, “not to collect water but to protect Derna from floods,” Sour said earlier. Since Libya’s 2011 revolution, a budget has been allocated every year to repair the two dams, but none of the successive governments has undertaken the work, according to an official. In a 2021 report from the Libyan audit bureau, officials criticized “procrastination” on resuming repair work at the two dams. In November 2022, engineer and academic Abdel Wanis Ashour warned in a study that a “catastrophe” threatened Derna if the authorities did not carry out maintenance on the dams. WITH AFP The post Libya prosecutor orders arrest of 8 over dam disaster appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Swiss students break world record for electric car acceleration
From zero to 100 km/h in less than a second: a racing car built by students has broken the world record for electric vehicle acceleration, a Swiss university said Tuesday. Students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences designed and built the "Mythen" vehicle that achieved the feat, ETHZ said in a statement. "Now, Guinness World Records has confirmed that Mythen broke the previous world acceleration record for electric vehicles," it said. Covering a distance of 12.3 meters (40.4 feet) at the Switzerland Innovation Park in Duebendorf, opposite the students' workshop, the car was powered from zero to 100 kilometers an hour (zero to 62.15 miles per hour) in 0.956 seconds. "This beats the previous world record of 1.461 seconds, set in September 2022 by a team from the University of Stuttgart by more than a third," ETHZ said. According to the statement, around 30 student members of the Academic Motorsports Club Zurich had spent the better part of a year on the project. All the components, "from the printed circuit boards (PCBs) to chassis and the battery, were developed by the students themselves and optimized for their function", it said. The vehicle weighs just 140 kilograms (309 pounds) and boasts 240 kilowatts of power or around 326 horsepower. The vehicle's driver was named Kate Maggetti, a friend of students involved in the project, who was "selected due to her light body weight" and "willingness to take on the challenge", Yann Bernard, head of the motor at AMZ, told AFP. "Working on the project in addition to my studies was very intense," Bernard added in the statement. "But even so, it was a lot of fun working with other students to continually produce new solutions and put into practice what we learned in class," he said. "And, of course, it is an absolutely unique experience to be involved in a world record." The post Swiss students break world record for electric car acceleration 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......»»
Senate probe on school resumption proposed
To ascertain if basic education institutions are prepared to hold classes for school year 2023–2024, a Senate investigation is being sought. With the lifting of the public health emergency caused by Covid-19 and the threat of the El Niño phenomenon, proposed Senate Resolution 689 aims to shed light on how schools are preparing for classes. The sponsor of the motion pointed out that this year’s school break, which runs from 8 July to 27 August has become shorter due to the change in the academic calendar. On the other hand, remedial sessions will continue through 26 August in public schools. The draft resolution also calls for an immediate evaluation of the benefits and difficulties of holding in-person classes and using other forms of education. The public’s demand for the school vacation to be reinstated on its previous April-May schedule will also be taken into account. The Department of Education has previously stated that 29 August as opposed to 28 August may be the first day of classes. According to the DepEd, the department order for the school year 2023-2024 is currently being finalized. The post Senate probe on school resumption proposed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DepEd mulls class schedule revision
The Department of Education is still mulling whether or not to revert to the pre-pandemic school calendar currently being lobbied in the House of Representatives as it is still awaiting the study conducted by the group it constituted before giving its cue. DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa told Daily Tribune on Sunday that the review of the recommendation to return to the former academic calendar — where the kids’ break from school would be in April and May — is still ongoing. “The study is still ongoing. Because the study also includes the proposed transition plan, if ever. We will ask the concerned team tasked to study this,” Poa said in a text message. The study, which was kickoff at the peak of extreme summer heat in April, is being conducted to determine two things, according to Poa. “First, whether we should revert to old school calendar. Second, if we were to revert, how do we revert and timeline for such,” he said. “For example, heat in schools is one of our challenges right now due to summer. But PAGASA has recently stated that we might experience El Niño in the months of July, August or September,” Poa added. A bill that seeks to revert to the old school calendar was lobbied in the House of Representatives to refrain the students and teachers amid the scorching heat during summer and to safeguard them from possible heat stress during the dry months of April and May. Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, the proponent of House Bill 8508 that seeks to modify the start of the school year, contends that while it is impossible to predict the weather owing to climate change, the old school calendar is what best suits the nation. “The extreme heat experienced by teachers and students during the dry season, which is deemed not conducive to learning, and the students being unable to enjoy the school break because of the rainy season are the main reasons why we should change the opening of schools,” said Singson. The bill – if passed -- will make the first Monday of June of every year the start of the academic year in all basic education institutions in the country, including foreign and international schools. To recall, over 100 students in Cabuyao, Laguna, were rushed to a hospital owing to hunger and dehydration due to the heat index hovering between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius, prompting requests to reinstate the April-May school summer holiday. The post DepEd mulls class schedule revision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go wants proposal to revert to the old school calendar studied carefully
Sen. Bong Go said he leaves it up to the expertise of concerned officials especially Department of Education to decide on the proposed reversion to the old academic calendar. In an ambush interview after his visit to Ibaan, Batangas on Friday, 2 June, Go remarked, “We will leave that to our education officials. Alam kong pinag-aaralan na po nila ito. They will form a group to study the proposal to return to the old academic calendar where school breaks run from April to May. Mas alam po nila ang kanilang trabaho sa departamento, kung ano po ang makakabuti sa ating mga kababayan.” “Ang akin po dito, bilang miyembro po ng Senado, ay pag-aralang mabuti at huwag pong masakripisyo ang kalusugan ng mga kabataan. Ang ayaw natin dito, baka hindi nila kakayanin ang init tuwing summer kasi alam n'yo, nakagawian na natin. Alam n’yo, tuwing summer tayo, March, April, may bakasyon tayo nu’n dahil napakainit po ng klima, napakainit po sa classroom,” he continued. The Department of Education has initiated a review process to evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of reverting to the old academic calendar. According to DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa, the decision to consider reverting to the old academic calendar stems from several factors. He said the agency recognizes the need to address weather-related disruptions that often lead to class suspensions, extended school breaks, and subsequent disruptions to the continuity of learning. “Hindi pa tapos yung pag-aaral tungkol diyan, kung ibabalik or hindi, so I cannot say for sure. Kung ibabalik man, hindi yan kaagaran because if we do that, hindi magkakaroon ng break ang ating mga learners at teachers,” Poa earlier said. Previously, a survey of around 11,000 teachers conducted in the last week of March found that at least 67% of public school teachers experienced "intolerable" heat inside the classroom, distracting students and affecting their attendance. Senator Go asserted that the DepEd, being the primary authority in matters of education, is equipped with the expertise and experience needed to thoroughly evaluate the situation. “Unahin muna natin ang kalusugan ng mga kabataan. Health muna. And of course, huwag po dapat masakripisyo ang education. Importante dito, masusunod pa rin natin ang number of school days na kailangan nilang pumasok sa pag-aaral at huwag masakripisyo ang kalidad ng education kapag inadjust po natin balik sa dating summer break po,” said Go. “I’m sure pag-aaralan po itong mabuti ng ating DepEd officials, mas alam po nila ang kanilang trabaho. So ako po ay nakikiusap sa ating mga officials na pag-aralan at kung kailangang ibalik, ibalik po natin, kung ano po ang mas makakabuti sa mga estudyante na hindi po maaapektuhan ang kanilang kalusugan,” he urged. The post Bong Go wants proposal to revert to the old school calendar studied carefully appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress
Picture this: A luxurious, but safe and quiet abode. Yes, that’s the commitment of Mantawi Residences, the newly launched property of Robinsons Land Corporation Residences in Cebu. Who wouldn’t want to be in such a place that promises its residents ultra-spacious living spaces and built-in smart home devices? Not to mention exclusive and sizeable penthouses with multiple loggias where residents can comfortably marvel at the city’s skyline. For the Gokongwei-led RLC Residences, Mantawi Residences exemplifies condo design. It’s one of those properties where each element conspires with all the rest to create a singular experience. “We are happy to come back here in Cebu with another promising project, Mantawi Residences,” said John Richard B. Sotelo, RLC Residences senior vice president and business unit general manager. “We are very proud to finally unveil this development that we envisioned for our future residents who are on the lookout for a home and investment that they can proudly call theirs.” Mantawi Residences is the newest and most ambitious addition to RLC Residences’ roster of properties in Cebu after its successful projects in Azalea Place Cebu, Galleria Residences Cebu, and Amisa Private Residences. [caption id="attachment_122273" align="aligncenter" width="650"] MANTAWI Residences grand launch at Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu. (From left) Allen Miranda, RLC Residences vice president and head of sales; Winnie Go; Heart Evangelista, RLC Residences brand ambassador; Karen Cesario, marketing head and chief integration officer; John Richard B. Sotelo, senior vice president and business unit general manager; Engr. Emmanuel Arce, vice president project management; and Stephanie Anne Go, business development and design head.[/caption] “Mantawi Residences marks yet another strong signal from RLC of its confidence in Cebu — the strength of its economy and the vibrancy of its people,” Sotelo said during the grand launch event held at the Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu City. Sotelo added that Mantawi Residences reflects the best thinking of RLC Residences to date, with something they haven’t done even in Metro Manila — its sprawling 1.3 hectares of amenities. Add to that are their efficient space layouts with larger unit sizes and loggias, sustainable certification with EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) and BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) and its curated retail areas. “We’ve brought our best thinking and understanding of the customers in Cebu, as well as those outside of Cebu and outside of the Philippines who are keen to invest in the Cebu market,” Sotela added. Upscale living Mantawi Residences is a four-tower premium condominium on the 20,328-sqm property with 474 units spread across the four 40-floor towers. The property, named after the Mantawi Festival, is situated along Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City. The pre-selling property offers 310 one-bedroom units (46 sqm), 148 two-bedroom units (92 sqm and 115 sqm), 12 three-bedroom units (138 sqm), and four penthouse units (207 sqm). Price ranges from P15 million to P60 million. [caption id="attachment_122277" align="aligncenter" width="525"] MANTAWI Residences Penthouse living room, dining and kitchen.[/caption] The opulent penthouse covers three bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, a living room, a study den, a utility room, a powder room, and a balcony. Sotelo disclosed that two of the penthouse units have already been sold. Stephanie Anne Go, RLC Residences assistant vice president and business development and design head, said each unit has upgraded home furnishings, including porcelain tile floorings, a kitchen with glass doors and a pantry cabinet, and glass shower enclosures. For the penthouse, the master bedroom’s toilet will have a bathtub. “We also want to make sure that most of the bedrooms of every unit will have their own loggia,” she said. “We have to be conscious about efficiency, not generally where we just want to put the bedrooms. Rest assured that all the units will be efficiently laid out.” Go ensures that there will be a feeling of airiness and openness in the property. Yes, fresh air and open spaces – who would have thought these two simple things could be luxuries for condo homeowners? The premier project enjoys a vast 1.3-hectare amenity area that provides landscaped areas, beach-inspired swimming pools, a cascading water wall, a pet park, and an outdoor play area, among others. Indoor amenities include a game room, a private theater, a fitness center, a kids’ playroom, and function rooms. It will also feature curated global retail brands on the ground floor. Mantawi Residences is near academic institutions, shopping destinations and hospitals. The area is also currently being modernized to become the main gateway of Cebu City. One of the critical projects in the area is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ rehabilitation of the Mahiga River. The property is also accessible to two progressive cities: Mandaue and Cebu City and is only five kilometers away from the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway — considered one of the area’s progress indicators. Future developments are also in the pipeline, as the Mandaue government plans to develop the Metro Cebu Expressway and the Cebu Bus Transit, plus turning the Cebu International Port into an international cruise docking area. Another essential program is the development of a premier waterfront development featuring commercial space and a luxury district. Target market Cebu continues to be the biggest real estate outside Metro Manila, with the demand increasing from six percent in 2020 to 24 percent in 2021. Karen Cesario, RLC Residences senior director-marketing head and chief integration officer, said they target overseas Filipinos and growing professionals aged 35 to 45 as potential homeowners. A one-bedroom, 46-square meter unit starts at P15 million. “We did take a long, hard look at the price point that we feel the Cebu market is ready for and willing to take,” said Sotelo. “When we were made to look at the design specifications and the features that we have incorporated into the building, we felt that it’s worth more than our previous premium properties. We are guided by what the market is telling us, what and how our competition also prices. The market in Cebu is telling us that it is ready.” Sotelo added that they expect to break ground Mantawi Residences in the fourth quarter of this year, with the turnover of the first tower by the fourth quarter of 2029. The post Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teachers’ group lauds DepEd move
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition on Friday acknowledged the action taken by the Department of Education in response to the constant cries of teachers and children to consider the extreme heat and suspend face-to-face classes. This as the Education department released a memorandum signed by Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas which reiterated the agency’s policy “to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment such as, but not limited to, extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners’ health and wellbeing at risk.” The DepEd issued the memorandum after some school children fainted in Laguna and Mindoro recently due to the extreme heat. Groups of teachers and even parents call for DepEd to return to the old school calendar. “It will take at least 4 years to gradually return to the old school calendar where the months of April and May are designated as school breaks, for now the alternative methods that can be used are shortened teaching time and modular and online learning,” said TDC national chairperson Benjo Basas. He also acknowledged the issuance of such a memorandum but stressed that returning to the old academic calendar would require adjustments which could take years to implement, while the suffering of teachers and students is felt in real-time. “A more strategic approach is needed, for example, a lower-class size of no more than 25 students, more stable classrooms designed for student comfort and provision of electric fans or even air -conditioning system. Certainly, we will need funds and policies to implement such,” Basas said. The group reiterated that public school teachers have the right to a two-month school break that could be compromised if DepEd immediately reverts to the old system. It cited DepEd Order 34, s. 2022, which sets the August opening of the school calendar for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. The post Teachers’ group lauds DepEd move appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - Back to summer break
After a long Holy Week break, millions of students and educators return to classes today to finish the remainder of the academic year, which ends on July 7 for most schools......»»
2 Manila universities to go on academic break after Undas
Two universities run by the city government of Manila will go on an academic break after the observance of Undas or All Saints’ and Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2......»»
‘No’ to nationwide academic break
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian disagreed with the proposal to have a nationwide academic break, saying the decision should be left to basic education and higher education institutions......»»
Students renew call for break as pandemic learning takes its toll
"Government and academic institutions are under this delusion that remote learning makes education accessible," Seth, a Development Communication student at UP Los Baños, said......»»
UP studes naglunsad ng kilos-protesta sa banta ni PRRD
Manila, Philippines – Hindi natinag ang mga estudyante ng University of the Philippines Diliman sa banta ni Pangulong Rodrigo ‘Roa’ Duterte na tatanggalan ng pondo ang eskwelahan dahil sa panawagan na academic break’ at strike’, sa halip nagsagawa pa sila ng kilos-protesta kaninang umaga. Apela ng nagprotestang mga grupo ng kabataan sa UP ang ‘academic […] The post UP studes naglunsad ng kilos-protesta sa banta ni PRRD appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Despite official figures, Roque says blended learning minimally affected by typhoons
Government has rejected calls from students for an academic break following the strong typhoons this month, with Palace spokesperson Harry Roque claiming that blended learning had only been minimally affected. .....»»
Palace rejects calls for academic break
Malacañang yesterday supported the Commission on Higher Education move to reject calls for a nationwide or Luzon-wide academic freeze in the aftermath of the series of typhoons that hit the country in the past weeks......»»
Kabataan party-list nanawagan ng ‘academic break’
Manila, Philippines – Nanawagan ang Kabataan party-list sa mga sektor ng edukasyon na bawasan ang workload ng mga estudyante at magdeklara ng “academic break” makaraan ang magkasunod na bagyong nanalasa sa bansa. Sa Twitter posts ni Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago, iginiit na ang pagbabawas ng academic load ay makatutulong sa mga estudyante, faculty members, at […] The post Kabataan party-list nanawagan ng ‘academic break’ appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
De La Salle studes nanawagan ng 2-week academic break; ‘No Fail Policy’
Manila, Philippines – Nanawagan ang mga student council ng De La Salle System para sa two-week academic break makaraan ang dalawang magkasunod na bagyong nanalasa sa Pilipinas. Sa ulat, iginiit ng One La Salle for Human Rights and Democracy ang pahinga para sa mga estudyante, propesor, at mga empleyado ng paaralan para makarekober sa naranasang […] The post De La Salle studes nanawagan ng 2-week academic break; ‘No Fail Policy’ appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Pertussis or whooping cough: 40 child deaths so far this year – DOH
MANILA, Philippines — Assistant Health Secretary Albert Domingo reported on Wednesday that as of March 16 this year, some 40 children had died of whooping cough — a respiratory infection also called pertussis. An increase in new pertussis cases nationwide had been observed nationwide, with 28 cases reported from March 10 to 16. READ: What.....»»
Xdinary Heroes make ‘extraordinary’ concert in Manila
Members of the South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes showed that they were no ordinary musicians during their first world tour, “Break The Brake” last March 23 at the New Frontier Theater......»»
DOH: Pertussis cases 20 times higher since January
The number of pertussis cases nationwide has increased 20-fold this year from 2023, according to the Department of Hea.....»»