Alicia, Beyoncé and Katy rise up
Just like many parts of the world, the U.S. of A. today is in the midst of a Coronavirus pandemic of unimaginable proportion......»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 26 March 2024
P101-M sea wall to rise in Surigao Sur town A P101.3 million sea wall will be constructed in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur to protect lives and properties from storm surges there. Rep. Romeo Momo (1st District, Surigao del Sur) led the ground breaking of the Marihatag Seawall Project last Sunday, March 24. “The project is a […].....»»
PUBG Mobile continues steady rise in Philippines
PUBG: Mobile has been a steady shooting game that Filipinos have been playing since its release back in 2018. Since then, the game has had Filipino-centric initiatives in 2022......»»
‘Passover or broke’
It was a case of “early to bed – too early to rise” as I found myself waking up at 20 minutes past midnight. Instinctively, I found myself checking my phone for the right time......»»
Wheat imports seen to rise on higher bread demand
It’s a quarter before seven in the morning. A queue starts to form in front of RJS bakery in Barangay Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City......»»
Tough love: La Salle captain Coronel takes De Jesus criticism in stride amid steady rise
Often the target of helpful criticism by legendary La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus, Lady Spikers captain setter Julia Coronel bravely absorbs his lessons as she leads their title defense.....»»
U.S. Measles Cases Surpass 2023 Levels, C.D.C. Says – The Daily Guardian
The Daily Guardian – Measles Cases on the Rise in the United States Measles cases in the United States have been steadily increasing this year,.....»»
Rise of the cancer-causing bugs: Researchers say dental PLAQUE could be behind mystery rise of aggressive colo
A recent surge in aggressive colon and stomach cancers has been linked to the presence of specific bacteria, according to new studies. The bacteria Fusobacterium.....»»
Region 1 records 40% rise in measles cases, 1 confirmed pertussis case
Region 1 records 40% rise in measles cases, 1 confirmed pertussis case.....»»
Insurance penetration rate slips further to 1.6 percent
The insurance industry saw its net income rise to P48 billion last year, but its contribution to the overall economy slipped further for the second straight year to only 1.6 percent......»»
Teen centers in Cebu City pushed amid rising teen pregnancy cases
CEBU CITY, Philippines — In response to the alarming rise in teenage pregnancy cases across Cebu, a local legislator penned a resolution urging the establishment of local adolescents and teen centers in Cebu. City Councilor Rey Gealon stipulated in the resolution the importance of providing essential support and education to empower young individuals in making.....»»
Mac Tallo spearheads Alicia KSB in back-to-back wins in cash-rich Araw ng Sibugay cage wars
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Alicia KSB Glass is rampaging in the 2nd Gov. Ann K. Hofer-23rd Araw ng Sibugay Invitational Basketball Tournament after logging back-to-back victories. After losing to the National University (NU) Bulldogs in their first game last February 14, the veterans of Alicia KSB, headed by ex-PBA cager Mac Tallo, defeated the reigning.....»»
Bulldogs secure stunning win vs Alicia/KSB in cash-rich Sibugay cage wars
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Cebu’s basketball stars showcased their skills at the beginning of the 2024 Governor Ann K. Hofer Invitational Basketball Championships Araw Ng Sibugay on Wednesday evening, February 14, 2024, at the Ipil Provincial Capitol Gym in Zamboanga Sibugay. This was following the National University (NU) Bulldogs’ surprising victory over the tournament’s defending champions,.....»»
Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development
Following his visit to Babak District the previous day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate of community development, attended another Provincial Health Information Management System Orientation in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, 25 October. The said program aims to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline information flow, and ensure that citizens across the region have access to quality health services. Go personally accorded recognition to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) for their efforts to promote the health and well-being of their constituents. He also noted that BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in the country, acting as the first line of defense in ensuring the welfare of their respective communities. "Bilang isang senador gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga barangay health workers. Hindi natin mararating ito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo na magserbisyo. Dapat kayo ang pasalamatan ngayong araw. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay health workers,” expressed Go. “Sa totoo lang sa panahon ng pandemya nahirapan talaga tayo. Pero (dahil) sa inyong pagtutulungan at pagserbisyo sa mamamayan, nalampasan natin ito. Hindi tayo makapag-gather ngayon o makapagtipon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Ganito man ang inyong trabaho, nakita ko ang importansya at kung anong serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa barangay level ang iniaambag ninyo,” he continued. During the event, Go was also joined by Councilor Sonny Lanorias, BHW City Coordinator Christine Enriquez Lara, BHW District Federation President Alicia Sastrillas, and District Coordinator Arlene Pacquaio, among others. The senator also extended assistance to around 200 BHWs present, such as gift packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, meals, and balls for basketball and volleyball. He also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches to select recipients. He also extended similar assistance to the 201 BHWs who attended the previous day. On October 23, around 250 BHWs were also given similar assistance by his staff. Continuing his message, Go pledged his commitment to working with the local government to ensure that BHWs receive proper training, resources, and compensation. The lawmaker outlined his legislative initiatives, specifically on two key bills: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Bill. The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to bolster support for barangays, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This measure proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, be accorded treatment similar to that of regular government employees. If this bill becomes law, it will entitle them to salaries, benefits, allowances, and other related perks. On the other hand, SBN 427 proposed granting BHWs a monthly honorarium, coupled with other benefits encompassing allowances, job security, consistent training, and opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, the bill extends these benefits to encompass support from institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. “Na-hearing na po ito sa sub-committee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito) at mayroon pang mga susunod na committee hearings at papakinggan po ang mga LGUs syempre, unang-una rito ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” shared Go in an interview after his visit to Kapalong on October 24. “Ito pong bill na ito kung saan po ay magkakaroon sila ng mga karagdagang benepisyo… Kung sakaling maisabatas magkakaroon po sila ng monthly honorarium. Kasama na diyan ang job security, regular trainings, skill development opportunities, along with a potential to acquire civil service eligibility,” he continued. Furthermore, Go also referenced SBN 2399, a proposal aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers (BHNW) Day. This initiative acknowledges the pivotal role played by BHNWs in the delivery of primary healthcare services within communities. Go has reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment is manifested through his backing of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers across the nation. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partnered agencies. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Currently, 159 operational Malasakit centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The senator was likewise instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023, through the initiative of Go, DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Moreover, the senator is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. During the previous day, Go also visited Davao del Norte to participate in the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in the Municipality of Kapalong. This project was funded with Go's support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also inspected Balay ni Maria, a facility completed in 2020, and another project he supported the funding of. This infrastructure served as an isolation center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists displaced workers in Bohol
In a video message conveyed during his team's visit to Carmen and Batuan, Bohol, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his steadfast commitment to advocate for more pro-poor initiatives and bolster support measures, aiming for a more inclusive economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. "Prayoridad ko ang pagsuporta sa pro-poor programs at dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino. 'Yan po ang pakiusap ko parati sa executive," said Go. "Kung merong isusulong na programa o batas, suportado ko po ito basta po makakatulong sa mahihirap at hindi mapunta sa korapsyon ang pera," he added. Go's team, in collaboration with Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, distributed shirts, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 548 displaced workers gathered at the Carmen Gym on Monday, 16 October. The recipients were also eligible to receive benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. “Patuloy tayong magbigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan ng ganitong mga programa, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya,” Go stressed. In his commitment to promoting inclusive economic recovery, Go has underscored the significance of safeguarding the welfare of all sectors, with particular attention to those residing in rural areas. He introduced Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420 which seeks to institutionalize a framework for offering temporary employment to eligible members of underprivileged households in rural regions. If enacted into law, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established within DOLE. REAP's primary goal is to furnish temporary job prospects to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, then offered medical assistance to the beneficiaries. He advised them to avail of the services of any of the two Malasakit Centers in the province where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance programs offered by the government. In Bohol, the Malasakit Centers are located at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and at Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than seven million Filipinos. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. Go further highlighted that his advocacy to enhance the healthcare sector includes the establishment of Super Health Centers at strategic locations nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. In Bohol, necessary funds have been allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Buenavista, Candijay, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao, Tagbilaran City, and Ubay. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he also supported several projects in Bohol, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon, and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; installation of a water system in President Carlos P. Garcia; construction of the municipal slaughterhouse in Inabanga; and the acquisition and installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe. Go, also principally sponsored the passage of RA 11883 which converts GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex. The post Bong Go assists displaced workers in Bohol appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mexico seeks Biden meeting over migration crisis
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has requested a bilateral meeting with his United States counterpart to discuss the migration crisis that has “overwhelmed” his country, his foreign minister said Friday. The meeting would occur in Washington when Lopez Obrador attends a summit of Latin American leaders, to be convened by US President Joe Biden on 3 November. Lopez Obrador wants to discuss “legal paths” to address the humanitarian situation facing hundreds of thousands of people who have recently attempted to make their way to the United States and to study the ways in which they can request asylum, as well as work visas for the agricultural sector. Mexico is being “overwhelmed” by the arrival of migrants to its territory, Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said at a press conference during the UN General Assembly in New York. Around 9,000 arrive at the country’s southern border every day, around 3,000 of whom have traversed the Darien Gap, a dense jungle on the border between Colombia and Panama. Another 8,000 arrive at the northern border with the United States every day. “Yesterday 11,000 arrived,” Barcena said. “This exceeds any capacity, no matter how much Mexico wants to do a good job.” This year Mexico expects to process 140,000 asylum applications. “It’s overwhelming,” Barcena stated, pointing to the money she said Mexico spends to support these migrants while they apply for documents to enter the United States, find employment, or return to their countries of origin after rejection by the United States. “We need help,” she said, urging Washington to lift sanctions on Venezuela to help curb the exodus of migrants. She also called for action in the Darien Gap, because “it is where the largest flow of migrants” from Venezuela comes through, pushing for coordination with Panama and Colombia. The Mexican president wants to focus above all on “the structural causes of migration” and articulate a policy with regional states, said Barcena, who will represent Lopez Obrador at the UN General Assembly on Saturday. Most migrants come from Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. Fentanyl and its cross-border transportation will also be on the agenda for talks with Biden, with the powerful opioid having caused the deaths of more than 110,000 Americans. With AFP The post Mexico seeks Biden meeting over migration crisis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR Photography Contest 2023 winners bared
The results of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s Photography Contest 2023 were revealed today, 13 September, with PAGCOR’s announcement of the 24 grand winners from among 5,400 entries nationwide. The 12 winners in the conventional photography category received P80,000 each in cash prizes, while the 12 winners in the mobile category took home P35,000 each – the biggest prizes so far in the history of PAGCOR’s photo contest. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, who graced the event, said the agency was overwhelmed by the huge turnout of participants for the competition, which made a comeback this year following a six-year hiatus. “We were overwhelmed by the significant number of participants who joined this photo competition. Because of this project’s success, we will make this photography competition an annual event,” Tengco said. “At dahil naging matagumpay ang photo contest na ito, we will refine this para maging isang kilalang photography competition organized by PAGCOR. Umasa din kayo na dadagdagan pa natin ang prizes sa mga susunod na taon,” he said. Tengco said this year’s contest, with the theme “Sa’n Tayo Next?”, showcased relatively unknown but beautiful destinations of the Philippines that hold huge potentials of becoming major tourist spots. “The winning photos showed just how beautiful the Philippines is. So, instead of going abroad, we encourage all Filipinos to explore the beauty of our country and help promote domestic tourism,” he added. There were three winners each from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila in both categories. The non-winning grand finalists for the conventional category also received P25,000 while the mobile category grand finalists received P10,000. “The Golden View of Mt. Utopia”, captured by 32-year-old self-taught photographer Reymund Requina from Cebu City, bagged one of the grand prizes under the conventional category. “Sobrang blessing in disguise ng photography sa akin. Nung panahong walang wala ako, itong photography ang sumalba sa akin kaya sobra-sobra talaga ang pasasalamat ko rito,” Requina said. The other conventional category winners were Aljon P. Tugaoen (Over and Under the Rocks of Pangil); Gerardo S. Pacios, Jr. (Batok); Dionisis Q. Silva (Amazing Cave); Louie Lawrence B. Lacson (Side Trip Tayo sa Kabalin-An Pond); Jumelito S. Capilo (The Elusive View of Panimahawa); Alvin B. Cempron (Malitbog); Oliver M. Atienza (Kalinaw sa Malinao (Tranquility of Malinao)); Earl Ryan G. Janubas (Splendid Impasugong); Klienne M. Eco (Payapang Umaga); Macbeth T. Omega (A Filipino Masterpiece - The Maligcong Rice Terraces); and Christopher G. Andres (Celebrating Centuries of Cultivation). The 12 mobile category winners, meanwhile, were Nicko A. Melendres (The Mighty Casaroro Falls); John Rhoel V. Florentino (The Last of the Last Frontier); Celbert A. Palaganas (Remnants of the Golden Past); Rowell C. Clenuar (The Alicia Panoramic Park); Jack David C. Ponpon (Philippines meets the Pacific); Daryl P. Anahaw (Playground of the Gods); Anthony T. Into (Green Dots of Hope); Jessie James Jalon F. Esteban (The Next Chapter: Discovering New Frontiers of El Nido Beach); Sherbien M. Dacalanio (Warzone to Wow Zone); Alvin Mike M. Mahait (The Gentle Pawikan of Negros); Gerard Jonathan C. Laserna (Gentle Beast); and Ronald P. Portula (Tropical State of Mind). Mindanao regional screening judge and nature and commercial photographer Edwin Martinez commended PAGCOR for reviving the competition, which highlighted the country’s vast tourism potentials. “This is a very good project as it does not only help develop the talent of our photographers but, more importantly, promotes our tourism industry especially the places that are not so famous but can rival the other known spots in the country in terms of beauty,” he said. The other prominent photographers and artists who served as judges were Jijo de Guzman, Bobot Go, Lauren Malcampo, Wig Tysmans, Pepper Teehankee, Edwin Tuyay, Jo Avila, Jilson Tiu, Ernie Sarmiento, Wawi Navarozza, Sherwin Magsino and Noel Guevara. The post PAGCOR Photography Contest 2023 winners bared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Muntinlupa’s fight vs malnutrition feted
The National Nutrition Council-National Capital Region has given the City of Muntinlupa its third Green Banner Seal of Compliance in appreciation of its efforts to fight malnutrition, particularly among youngsters. In addition, the city won nine special honors and was nominated for two excellent and finalist positions on program implementers or focal points for nutrition across a range of programs and policies. As part of this year’s Nutrition Month Celebration, the NNC-NCR recognized Riane Grace Gatmaitan, a Grade 7 student from Tunasan National High School, as the Grand Winner of the On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest. “Congratulations, Muntinlupa!” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said. “This is a commendable affirmation of our efforts to end urban malnutrition.” “There is still much to be done, but for the time being, we want to thank all the local nutrition and health professionals who worked so hard to make this distinction possible,” he added. Local government units with programs and policies that have demonstrated a significant influence on the local nutrition condition of the community are awarded the Green Banner Seal of Compliance by the NNC. An LGU may receive the Seal if it posts an overall success rate of at least 85 percent on particular nutrition metrics. Muntinlupa thus received the GBSC and the special honors for Best LGU in nine important categories, namely: (1) Adherence to and dissemination of national nutrition laws and regulations; (2) infant and young child feeding program; (3) nutrition promotion for behavior change; (4) micronutrient supplementation program; (5) mandatory food fortification program; (6) nutrition in emergencies program; (7) overweight and obesity management and prevention program; and (8) implementation of nutrition-sensitive programs; and 9) documentation of nutrition programs. In addition, the NNC-NCR honored Dr. Magdalena C. Meana of Muntinlupa as the Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer for 2022, Alicia A. Tanabe as the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar, and Leah Faith Macabulos as a finalist for the Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Program Coordinator for the National Capital Region. The NNC honors exceptional BNSs for laying the foundation and carrying out their regional nutrition programs. Additionally, a recipient of a GBSC award is eligible to compete for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner on Nutrition award at the national level and must continue to perform well for three years in a row. The post Muntinlupa’s fight vs malnutrition feted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National Nutrition Council-NCR Confers on Muntinlupa Green Banner Seal of Compliance
The City of Muntinlupa has been awarded its third Green Banner Seal of Compliance by the NNC-NCR in recognition of its efforts to combat malnutrition, especially among children. In addition, the city garnered 9 special awards and 2 outstanding and finalist nominations on nutrition focal points or program implementers in various nutrition programs and policies. Recognized as well was Riane Grace H. Gatmaitan, a Grade 7 student of the Tunasan National High School, as the Grand Winner in the On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest conducted by the NNC-NCR in this year's Nutrition Month Celebration. "Congratulations Muntinlupa!" Mayor Ruffy Biazon said. "This is a positive validation of our efforts to eliminate malnutrition in the city. There is still much to be done, but for now, we wish to recognize all the hard work of our local nutrition and health workers to make this recognition possible," he added. The Green Banner Seal of Compliance (GBSC) is given by the NNC to local government units (LGUs) with programs and policies that have shown a significant impact on the local nutrition situation of the community. An LGU may be given the Seal by posting an overall accomplishment of at least 85 percent on specific nutrition parameters. As such, Muntinlupa earned the GBSC as well as the special awards of Best LGU in nine major categories: 1) Compliance and Dissemination of National Laws and Issuances on Nutrition; 2) Implementation of Infant and Young Child Feeding Program; 3) Implementation of Nutrition Promotion for Behavior Change; 4) Implementation of Micronutrient Supplementation Program; 5) Implementation of Mandatory Food Fortification Program; 6) Implementation of Nutrition in Emergencies Program; 7) Implementation of Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program; Implementation of Nutrition Sensitive Programs; and 9) Documentation of Nutrition Programs. In addition, the NNC-NCR recognized Muntinlupa's Dr. Magdalena C. Meana as the 2022 Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO), Alicia A. Tanabe as Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), and City Nutrition Program Coordinator (CNPC) Leah Faith M. Macabulos as a finalist for the Regional Outstanding CNPC for the National Capital Region. The NNC recognizes outstanding BNSs for their groundwork and implementation of their local nutrition programs. Moreover, a GBSC awardee is in the running for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner on Nutrition (CROWN) award at the national level and should maintain excellent performance for three consecutive years. Reference: Noemi Gonzales, Public Information Office - Muntinlupa Contact Number: 8-8867091 The post National Nutrition Council-NCR Confers on Muntinlupa Green Banner Seal of Compliance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. envoy calls Texas floating barrier illegal
A floating barrier installed by Texas authorities to stop migrants crossing the border from Mexico is illegal, the United States ambassador to the Latin American country said Thursday. Ken Salazar made the remark to reporters, adding that Texas is making migration a political instead of a humanitarian and economic issue. The buoys were installed in the Rio Grande river at a popular migrant crossing point earlier in July on the instructions of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, along with large razor-wire barriers on shore. The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Texas, saying the buoys illegally obstruct river navigation and lack federal authorization — a move welcomed by Mexico. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday that the barrier violated his country’s sovereignty. According to Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena, three-quarters of the roughly 300-meter barrier is located in Mexican territory. She said her office had sent two diplomatic notes to Washington specifying the border treaties that were being breached. WITH AFP The post U.S. envoy calls Texas floating barrier illegal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mexican mayor weds a reptile — and couldn’t be happier!
As onlookers clapped and danced, a mayor of a small southern Mexico town entered into holy matrimony with a female reptile in a traditional rite to bring good fortune to his people. Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of San Pedro Huamelula, a town of Indigenous Chontal people in the Tehuantepec isthmus of Mexico, took as his betrothed a reptile named Alicia Adriana, re-enacting an ancestral ritual. The reptile is a caiman, an alligator-like marsh dweller endemic to Mexico and Central America. Sosa swore to be true to what local lore calls "the princess girl." "I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important. You can't have a marriage without love... I yield to marriage with the princess girl," Sosa said during the ritual. Marriage between a man and a female caiman has happened here for 230 years to commemorate the day when two Indigenous groups came to peace -- with a marriage. Tradition has it that frictions were overcome when a Chontal king, embodied these days by the mayor, wedded a princess girl of the Huave Indigenous group, represented by the female alligator. The Huave live along coastal Oaxaca state, not far from this inland town. The wedding allows the sides to "link with what is the emblem of Mother Earth, asking the all-powerful for rain, the germination of the seed, all those things that are peace and harmony for the Chontal man," explains Jaime Zarate, chronicler of San Pedro Huamelula. Before the wedding ceremony, the reptile is taken house to house so that inhabitants can take her in their arms and dance. The alligator wears a green skirt, a colorful hand-embroidered tunic and a headdress of ribbons and sequins. The creature's snout is bound shut to avoid any pre-marital mishaps. Later, she is put in a white bride's costume and taken to town hall for the blessed event. As part of the ritual, Joel Vasquez, a local fisherman, tosses his net and intones the town's hopes that the marriage may bring "good fishing, so that there is prosperity, equilibrium and ways to live in peace." After the wedding, the mayor dances with his bride to the sounds of traditional music. "We are happy because we celebrate the union of two cultures. People are content," Sosa told AFP. As the dance winds down, the king plants a kiss on the snout of the "princess girl." str/jla/dga/tjj/acb © Agence France-Presse The post Mexican mayor weds a reptile — and couldn’t be happier! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»