Cebu Province Plans to Adapt a Calculated Approach Against ASF
Culling pigs infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) is one way to prevent the spread of the disease. However, even pigs not infected with the disease are also culled if they are on the affected farm. Cebu detected its first ASF case in Carcar City earlier this month and is now on high alert to […].....»»
Filinvest Invests P16B in Ciudad BTO Project
The development of Ciudad will finally be realized after the Province of Cebu turned over Friday a parcel of the property to homegrown developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) through a build-transfer-operate (BTO) engagement. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and CEO, formally kicked off the project in simple ceremonies onsite on […].....»»
5-day forecast: Fair weather expected in Cebu
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The weather in Metro Cebu and the rest of the province is forecast to be generally fair and pleasant over the next five days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. The Pagasa Visayas Regional Services Division has forecast that the Visayas, including the whole of Cebu, will.....»»
Rama pushes for open, democratic approach to charter change
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is pushing for open and democratic discussions about charter change, including holding a referendum during the 2025 elections to gauge public opinion on potential constitutional amendments. Through his program, Ingna’ng Mayor, aired on Sugboanon Channel on Tuesday, February 13, he called for a “referendum” process to.....»»
Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market
Even if neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region are advantageous in terms of being technology savvy, the Philippines remains an integral market according to an official of Lenovo, a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, business solutions, and related services. “We see strong demand for the Philippines, the only question is how the consumers get the technology. The pandemic has even made the demand for the Philippines surge because of the digital transformation, unlike pre-pandemic where everyone is scrambling. Right now, because of the transformation, growth is very evident. In other words, investments, including Lenovo technologies are still in demand in the market,” according to Giancarlo Nogales from the Infrastructure Solutions Services Sales of Lenovo Philippines at the sidelines of the VST ECS CXO Tech Summit at the Dusit Thani in Mactan Cebu. “In terms of devices, the Philippines is actually doing well,” he added. Last August, the company said that over the next three years, Lenovo is committing a further $1 billion in investment for artificial intelligence that will focus on providing AI devices, AI-ready, and AI-optimized computing infrastructure, and embedded AI-generated content into the intelligent solutions of vertical industries to help customers improve their productivity. Lenovo in September 2023 has unveiled new cutting-edge tech tools and essentials tailored to empower the dynamic, evolving needs of today’s business end-users. It said that the new monitor, software, and accessories are not only designed to boost the capabilities of today’s remote and hybrid workforces but also to address significant challenges faced by businesses as they digitize operations across departments. “Lenovo research shows that managing a remote workforce and global teams remain central tasks for CIOs.1. That is why the new offerings integrate impressive processing power, immersive 3D, and advanced security to create a unified, human-centered experience,” the company said. Further, Nogales added that sales for Lenovo in the Philippines will continue to soar as the country has a bigger population which connotes demand compared to other nations in SE Asia. What Lenovo can count on with the Philippines is the demand for laptops and tablets that are now being used by students, educators, workers, and even the government. “Actually, we have an ongoing engagement with the government sector. I was at an event with the DICT (Department of Information and Communications) and we had discussions with the Department of Education as well, but we still understand what they are looking for. Of course, with DepEd, it’s a big agency, and what I can say is we are working with them across whatever we can offer—cloud technologies, among others,” he told the DAILY TRIBUNE. Nogales said he sees an ongoing digital transformation within organizations and will continue over the coming years. Digital transformation is an ongoing journey Meanwhile, VST ECS president and CEO Jimmy Go stressed that in the ever-evolving world of technology, organizations are charting a course - through a landscape that has seen profound advancement in recent years. “It's important to understand that digital transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Every day, we bear witness to the unveiling of new digital technologies. In this dynamic environment, the lines between the physical and digital worlds are blurring, creating a phenomenon known as phygital convergence," he said. He said organizations nowadays stand at the threshold of a remarkable technological revolution. “Generative AI is the talk of the town with Chat GPT and other AI, offering organizations the power to intelligently automate customer experiences and streamline internal operations. The implications of this technology are far-reaching. Microsoft is launching CoPilot and most software applications are incorporating AI in their applications. Gartner predicts that by 2030, a staggering 80 percent of people will interact with smart robots daily, and in just two years, these smart robots will become workforce partners for 90 percent of global companies,” he said. Further, Go stressed that AI and machine learning, once a novel concept, have become integral to the products and services offered by major companies. “A mere decade ago, we were learning to communicate with machines. Today, machines understand and adapt to our language, erasing the boundaries between humans and technology. While AI is currently the headline in the tech world, we must not lose sight of the critical need to modernize our IT infrastructure,” he stated. For organizations to embrace technology, he said it’s a pivotal step in allowing organizations to embrace the latest technology trends, including Multi Clouds, Quantum computing, Data explosion, RPA, Generative AI, and more. “Investments in Connectivity solutions, Digital Infrastructure, Cloud technologies, Cybersecurity, Big data, Storage, Automation, and Collaboration tools remain vital to prepare for the ever-evolving Tech landscape. In the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, Technology plays a very important and critical role in their war strategies. Computers, AI, Starlink, and drones are heavily used in their strategies,” he said. The post Lenovo treats Phl as top Southeast Asian market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blueprint for a sustainable tomorrow
Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, data science and a culture of innovation, Aboitiz Land is making innovative strides in the real estate industry, establishing benchmarks for sustainability and community development. This commitment to adaptability and progress was underscored by Aboitiz Land CEO and president David Rafael during his presentation at the CEO Forum of the CREBA Golden Jubilee National Convention & Housing Expo on 28 September 2023, held at Conrad Manila. Aboitiz Land's dedication to environmental sustainability is evident in every facet of its residential real estate developments. The company's sustainable master plan features prioritize harmony with nature, respecting the natural topography of the land and integrating existing water and landforms like lagoons and hilly terrain seamlessly. This human-centric approach extends to the promotion of green open spaces across high-end and mid-market projects, fostering a connection between residents and the environment. A pinnacle of this commitment is its residential enclave, The Villages at Lipa, within the 800-hectare integrated LIMA Estate. LIMA Estate proudly holds a five-star BERDE certification, a testament to its eco-friendly practices including energy and water efficiency, waste management and community well-being. Poised to become a blueprint for smart cities, it leverages digital technologies for enhanced urban operations. Aboitiz Land also embraces innovation in construction technology, utilizing precast concrete panels to reduce greenhouse emissions associated with traditional concrete production. This approach not only contributes to a significant reduction in environmental impact but also translates into tangible benefits for homeowners, including reduced energy consumption. Aboitiz Land understands the urgent demand for accessible and quality housing in the Philippines. The company addresses this by strategically placing its projects near emerging growth centers and infrastructure. This not only eases congestion in central business districts but also creates job opportunities for thousands of Filipinos. Aboitiz Land’s notable developments include The Villages at Lipa in LIMA Estate, Foressa Mountain Town in the West Cebu Estate and Ajoya communities in key areas of Central Luzon, which is at the heart of the current infrastructure development and growth centers. To help address the critical issue of 6.5 million housing backlog and rising property costs, Aboitiz Land has introduced OneVecino, an innovative digital platform. This tool provides digitized solutions for property search, payments, customer support and property management. It's tailored to cater to the needs of overseas Filipino workers, making home buying more accessible and secure. Aboitiz Land's commitment to community well-being is likewise demonstrated through various CSR initiatives. Elevate AIDA, in partnership with Connected Women, provides digital skills training to women near our communities in Luzon, advances gender parity and promotes socio-economic development. Meanwhile, Project Banca, recognized as an Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience, supported 60 fisherfolks with motorized fishing boats in areas affected by typhoon “Odette,” showcasing Aboitiz Land's dedication to community well-being and resilience. Aboitiz Land's corporate governance framework is rooted in core values of Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation and Responsibility. The developer is the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, which has consistently been acknowledged as one of the best managed conglomerates in the ASEAN region, exemplified by the Golden Arrow Recognition awarded to Aboitiz Equity Ventures. The post Blueprint for a sustainable tomorrow appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MSMEs’ digital shift needs collaboration
The global Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the micro, small and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, with the economic shocks reverberating worldwide. However, the pandemic also saw an unprecedented focus on the struggling sector. Despite being diminutive in size, MSMEs make up for the shortcoming with their sheer volume, making them a source of significant contributions to the local economy. The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed MSMEs comprised 99.52 percent of total businesses in the country, or over 998,342 Filipino enterprises delivering goods and services daily. “In the fast-paced business landscape, MSMEs are facing increased pressure to apply digital technology on their operations to remain competitive and even upscale,” Dino Velasco, the senior vice president and institutional segment marketing head at Union Bank of the Philippines, said in an interview with the Daily Tribune’s digital show Business Sense. “The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, with businesses across the globe, regardless of size, rapidly adopting digitalization to survive and thrive in the so-called new normal,” he added. UnionBank ceded it could not take the whole task by itself. It needed to partner with stakeholders to address the enormity of the challenge. Foremost in the task is the geography of the Philippines with 7,641 islands which are broadly categorized in three main geographical divisions from north to south. Some of these islands are off-grid, which requires powering up first before they can be connected digitally and served by traditional financing facilities, like UnionBank. “We also do understand and accept the fact that we cannot do it alone. For us at UnionBank, it’s very important to work with partners and we do have partners both in the technology space and in the brick-and-mortar space that allow us to expand or reach even further. Going beyond the 80 percent of the population that are connected and reach the other 20 percent off-grid,” Velasco added. Looking at the Philippine financial landscape, the fintech space has evolved, with telcos, power providers and distributors, money business services, logistics, and others, who are present in off-grid communities as part of the whole-of-nation approach to achieving financial inclusion. Velasco went on, “We continue to partner with these vital stakeholders so that we can provide and extend our financial services to the markets in those areas.” GlobalLinker The greatest hurdles to the successful adoption of digital technology among MSME is overcoming the lack of expertise and good practices, and the associated costs. For a broader uptake of digital tools for these sectors, there needs to be more widely available standardized and even ready templates that the MSMEs can use like a plug-and-play setup. These ready templates would help avoid the appearance of costly and complicated tools and potentially enhance the opportunities for MSMEs to achieve sustainability. “That has always been the challenge for technology, not just for banking, but a lot of industries. How do we educate the more senior segment of the population,” Velasco replied when queried on how to educate MSMEs to embrace digital tools to advance sustainability. Velasco added: “What works is to educate the influencers for that more senior population of the segment. A lot of the small businesses today have in the past, involved other members of the family in running their businesses and they become part of educating those who are trying to use technology for the first time. We noticed that we can adapt that strategy by involving these family members who influence the other members, especially those who are already digitally savvy.” In addition, UnionBank has launched the Global Linker, an online platform designed for e-Commerce that allows users or MSMEs to create their website, while also offering them the opportunity to manage their inventories and link up with other merchants, suppliers, and even resellers. The UnionBank GlobalLinker is a digital SME online platform that aims to digitize SMEs in the country. To create trade fairs and online marketplaces for Filipinos all over the country, we are dedicated to the digital education of all Filipino SMEs. Velasco explained that after creating their website through GlobalLinker, the merchants are now accessible to potential clients “wherever there may be, here or outside the Philippines.” “Imagine if you are an exporter from the Philippines and you have a potential client from India. Because of GlobalLinker, you can communicate with each other and ensure that the goods and services can be ordered and delivered to your client overseas. More importantly, this e-Commerce site is equipped with the necessary tools in ways by which customers can settle or pay digitally,” he said. Velasco continued, “And if you are using our MSME Business Banking app, you can transact overseas and pay someone using Swift (code). Basically, the GlobalLinker is business networking for MSMEs and startups.” Mobile app introduced In the age of a growing demand for digital presence, Velasco said it goes unsaid that UnionBank sees the need for digital technology as a critical tool for MSMEs that want to grow or expand. “What we’re focusing on is to feature our MSME Mobile Business Banking App that we developed to answer the needs of our customers from beginning to end,” Velasco said. “Meaning end-to-end from the time a small business owner needs to apply for an account to the time when they need to manage their businesses. Using the app right solely instead of going to other channels where they need to get out of their offices and go to the branch.” The UnionBank mobile app aims to educate its users to allow the app to let “everything happen while they’re using the app or the platform.” The app also aims to create solutions for the users, like the QR code feature to allow merchants to accept payments from their customers. “It is really an end-to-end feature from account opening to transferring funds, to paying suppliers to accept payments from their customers and up to even applying for a loan facility,” Velasco added. The mobile app is something UnionBank wants to make available in the hands of its customers by simply accessing the mobile banking app for MSMEs. Necessary journey It is no longer a choice for MSMEs. Digitalization is now a necessary journey that all MSMEs must embrace to survive and succeed. Using digital technology may save significant costs for the MSMEs, while at the same time enhancing their operations, sales, marketing, and presence. A digitized MSME may also see increased productivity and efficiency, and improved customer service. But digitalization also comes with several challenges, including technological know-how, funding, and even data security. UnionBank of the Philippines is offering several platforms to solve these challenges. All you have to do is click and download their digital platform offerings. UnionBank is committed to helping MSMEs achieve their digital transformation goals, with their expertise and cost-effective solutions. The post MSMEs’ digital shift needs collaboration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects
A partnership with the Rotary Club of Manila, along with other Rotary Clubs in the country can realize the government’s objective of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. [caption id="attachment_179067" align="aligncenter" width="2430"] Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her speech as guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club's weekly meeting at the Manila Polo Club last 31 August, said it was her ‘sincere hope that with the partnership of the Rotary Club, as well as its members and the captains of industry who contribute in one way or another to the project of nation-building, we can ensure that our country — through tourism — will have a more primary role in Asia as a tourism powerhouse.’[/caption] This was the call made by Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco after presenting the stance of the tourism industry in the country before members and officers of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club’s membership meeting at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday, 31 August 2023. Frasco reported that the efforts of the DoT, along with the whole-of-government approach ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in implementing the department’s projects with an eye to restoring the glory of the tourism industry has resulted as of 30 August 2023 into 3.6 million international arrivals, surpassing the total number of international arrivals last 2022. The figure is already 75.92 percent of the country’s target of 4.8 million tourist arrivals this year. “Philippine tourism contributed 6.2 percent to our gross domestic product in 2022; it is being hailed by our economic managers as the second growth driver in the first six months of this year,” she said. By the end of 2022, Frasco said the tourism industry has contributed over P1.87 trillion to the Philippine economy as a composite of international and domestic spending, representing a 67 percent recovery since 2019. “Tourism also contributed over 5.5 million in tourism employment, an 11 percent share of the national employment, and also represents over 93 percent in recovery from 2019 data,” she added. Frasco also said that the rallying of Philippine tourism after the battering it got from the pandemic stands at 66.3 percent, higher than the 54 percent average recovery of ASEAN nations in 2022. As per tourism receipts, Frasco said the industry has already breached P285.9 billion as of 31 July 2023. Pillars of Tourism The Tourism secretary stressed that to give the Philippines a fighting chance at standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its neighbors in the ASEAN region, her department had crafted the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, which does not only focus on the promotion of tourism alone but also in analyzing and understanding the essential pillars of tourism. Approved by President Marcos Jr. last May 2023, the NTDP provides a framework to guide the development and implementation of programs, projects, and activities towards a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry. NTDP’s seven strategic goals include improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility; cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity; enhancement of overall tourist experience; equalization of tourism product development and promotion; diversification of the tourism portfolio through multidimensional tourism; maximization of domestic and international tourism; and strengthening tourism governance through close collaborations with national and local stakeholders. Putting the Plan into concrete action, the DoT hopes to have an accumulated total of 51.9 million tourist arrivals and 34.7 million tourism-related jobs in the country by 2028. Frasco said in terms of infrastructure, the DoT has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways to improve accessibility in the regions with tourism sites. “This is by constructing, rehabilitating and adding tourism roads leading to tourist destinations. This year, over 158 kilometers of tourism roads have already been constructed,” she said. Aside from this, Frasco said the DoT has also coordinated with the Department of Transportation in improving connectivity, primarily in the country’s gateways for the improvement of flights and tourist journeys. With this, Frasco said the country is starting to see robust recovery of connectivity in the country, including a 100 percent increase in flights in Clark International Airport; a 614 percent increase in flights in Kalibo International Airport; and over a 300 percent increase in flights in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, among other airports in the country. Moreover, she said they also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the purpose of improving internet connectivity across 94 tourist destinations in the country. Connectivity in 47 of these destinations have already improved, according to Frasco. e-VISA Furthermore, Frasco said the DoT has engaged with other government agencies, namely the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, the DICT, and the Bureau of Immigration for the streamlining of the visa application process, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility for all international travelers, starting with Chinese visitors. Last 24 August, the DFA implemented the Philippine e-Visa system in Philippine Foreign Service Posts in China. The Philippine e-Visa will allow foreign nationals entering the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitor visas remotely through their personal computers, laptops and mobile devices. Other initiatives conceptualized by the DoT to improve the tourism experience include the “Hop in Hop Off” project; being part of the “Love the Philippines” tourism slogan; the “Philippine Experience”; facilitating a cultural tourism circuit development focused on heritage, culture, and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Living Cultures and Heritage, and an Arts caravan. In order to equip Filipino tourism workers, the DoT is set on training 100,000 of these workers and capitalize on the world-renowned Filipino hospitality. “We have already managed to train over 71,000 Filipino workers,” Frasco said. Optimistic “Frasco said the Marcos administration remains optimistic about tourism recovery and the resurgence of the nation. “Our numbers will indicate that tourism will continue to be a top economic driver that will provide massive employment and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos and our MSMEs,” she said. With the launch of the enhanced “Love the Philippines” branding, Frasco maintained that it would give the country a better opportunity to be reintroduced to the world. The post DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nissan Bohol’s new face
Nissan Philippines announces the expansion and enhancement of the Nissan Bohol dealership, marking another milestone in the brand’s continued commitment to delivering innovative automotive experiences. The dealership in Bohol has achieved remarkable strides in recent years, making it a key player in the automotive landscape in the region. These advancements are reflected in the dealership’s outstanding growth, including an impressive 57 percent volume increase from the previous year. At the heart of this enhanced facility is the implementation of the Nissan Express Contact concept, setting a new standard for customer convenience and satisfaction. As the first Nissan dealership in the Philippines to fully embrace this concept, Nissan Bohol boasts a state-of-the-art showroom and service center that highlights their dedicated focus to After Sales services. This approach ensures that customers receive swift, efficient, and top-notch service for their Nissan vehicles. The dedication and commitment of the Nissan Bohol team have not gone unnoticed. The recent Dealer of the Year Awards ceremony, a major event held among Nissan’s Philippine dealerships, highlighted the exceptional performance of the Nissan Cebu Distributor group, with its well-deserved win of the Provincial Dealer of the Year Award and the prestigious Nissan Global Award. The post Nissan Bohol’s new face appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD: Juvenile Justice Welfare needs better implementation
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Thursday urged duty-bearers to support and strengthen the implementation of the amended Republic Act No. 9344, more popularly known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, who is also the agency’s spokesperson, “All duty-bearers need to cooperate and ensure the proper implementation of the law to protect the rights and welfare of children in conflict with the law and children at risk.” “The DSWD continues to emphasize that CICLs and CARs are victims of unfortunate life circumstances that they have no control over such as abuse, having a dysfunctional family, and poverty. These minors should be treated with utmost care and protection,” Lopez asserted. The DSWD spokesperson shared there are only 108 operational Bahay Pag-Asa (BPAs) in the country, and not all have sufficient facilities and budgets to maintain their operations. “Our attached agency, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), consistently provides technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) for the development and improvement of their respective Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLJIP),” Lopez pointed out. The CLJIP indicates the annual budget and implementation plan for LGUs to conduct their respective programs on juvenile intervention. “We need to invest more in the proper implementation of the JJWA. Aside from increasing the budget, among the priorities that we propose to duty-bearers is to hire more social workers, and ensure that social workers, police, and other duty-bearers, especially at the barangay level, have enough training and specialization in handling juvenile justice cases,” Lopez explained. Currently, the DSWD is in the process of operationalizing the DSWD Academy in Taguig City. Once the learning facility is established it will provide training, capacity-building activities, and other learning development interventions for social workers to be able to adapt to the changing trends in the practice of social work, including specialization on juvenile justice. “Young Filipinos are the future of our country. In order to lead them on the right track, we need a whole-of-society approach to ensure the provision of responsive and preventive community-based programs that will help provide an enabling environment for them to grow as mature and productive individuals,” Lopez said. The post DSWD: Juvenile Justice Welfare needs better implementation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Convention explores innovative housing strategies
To drive sustainable growth in the regional real estate sector, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. is set to hold the 31st SHDA — DHSUD National Developers Convention on 5 and 6 October at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. Theme is “LOKAL NA BAI: Building National Growth Through Regional Development.” The convention is expected to be a gathering of around 300 developers, policymawkers, suppliers and other housing industry stakeholders to discuss and explore innovative strategies that can stimulate economic progress at the local level while contributing to overall national development. SHDA Chairman, Arlene Keh, said, “We are thrilled to have NatCon this year in Cebu. This year’s convention will be an opportunity to discuss key themes, from regional empowerment to sustainable solutions, as we collectively shape a brighter nation-building future. This brings together the brightest minds in the housing industry that will harness the potential of local communities, driving progress that resonates far beyond geographical boundaries. We at SHDA embrace this moment with enthusiasm and determination, knowing that our collaborative efforts will pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable housing in the country.” With SHDA’s continued support for the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the convention will also provide more insights into the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino Program, spearheaded by the current administration. The 4PH Program addresses the growing housing demand and affordability challenges Filipino citizens to face. This coincides with last year’s NatCon theme, which aimed to tackle the new Marcos administration’s priorities for the housing industry. The program seeks to provide decent and affordable housing options for low-to-middle-income families through a comprehensive approach, promoting homeownership and community development nationwide. This year’s National Developers Convention in Cebu will be the third edition held in the city, following the successful events in 2008 and 2015. Registration for the 31st National Developers Convention will open on 21 August and will be made available online. The post Convention explores innovative housing strategies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Building success: Young business leaders
Building a business is challenging as global statistics show many owners, or 20 percent, fail in their first year of operations. For business leaders of the food franchise Shawarma Shack and Rising Tigers, a business magazine, learning how to adapt and become good listeners will help fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges. Shawarma Shack’s founder Walther Buenavista, 34, has made in a habit as he looks to expand the business in Indonesia and Malaysia next year. Currently, it has 750 branches across the Philippines, with 170 of them operating in Luzon. As shawarma lovers themselves, Walther and his wife grew the business over eight years after being rejected by managers of tycoon-owned SM Malls of the Sy family. “We started in Tutuban Night Market, where we put up a temporary stall. Then, we applied for space at Victory Mall, where we had our break and expanded to six branches. After that, we were accepted by SM,” Walther told the Daily Tribune on its show Usapang Business on Monday. “It’s difficult to get a space when you are still a new brand. But things come easier when you’ve built a good performance record. The mall operators themselves will be the ones to approach you.” Despite the first hurdles, Walther managed to pivot fast to smaller malls but still crowded environments to introduce his business and gain traction. He applied this lesson again during the pandemic to serve most customers amid the Covid-19 lockdowns. “We thrived during the pandemic because of the no-dine-in policy and mom-and-pop stores in prime locations. Unlike Shawarma Shack, they have no multiple branches, so they have less capital.” Walther seized this opportunity, turning them into Shawarma Shack franchisees and adding 200 branches to his business. “Some of the original companies were selling tapsilog, a breakfast meal consisting of fried rice, egg and beef strips. Moving forward, Walther was excited to explore the Malaysian and Indonesian markets as another step in honing his adaptation skills. “Everything is under development, similar to how we started developing our franchise in the Philippines. We want to ensure a successful franchise when entering these overseas markets first.” Andria Terese Nicolas, chief marketing officer of Rising Tigers magazine, for her part, said choosing the business leaders with the most inspiring stories for other entrepreneurs takes most of her time. Rising Tigers pool stories of business leaders in Asia impacting their industries and nations. “We’re asking our board to check out the people who want to be part of the magazine. But honestly, I think all leaders who want to join our Rising Tigers are very determined. Still, the main purpose of Rising Tigers magazine is to inspire other entrepreneurs, especially startups,” the 23-year-old political scientist and aspiring lawyer said. She stressed, “We’re looking if they’re philanthropists, and we want them to be distinguished by emphasizing how they’re giving back to the people.” Andria said another challenge is searching for a significant venue for hosting award ceremonies for business leaders. She hoped their stories would translate into helping the Philippines become a model for socioeconomic progress in Asia. “I see Rising Tigers in the future to leave a legacy in our country by helping it become Asia’s number one business hub.” As social media continues to control many aspects of our lives, Andria said the magazine, also sold at National Bookstores, managed to share stories and receive feedback from readers during the pandemic. “Well, it was an eye-opening event as the pandemic removed normality. So, what a person should be doing, especially entrepreneurs, is they should learn to adapt, and everyone is on social media, so there’s an upper hand for media companies. Andria agreed with Walther that business leaders should also learn to control their temper by listening to their teams to determine where they excel and how to improve. “I let the consultants and industry experts train the staff. I learned from my fault for doing all things, not asking for help when I was younger. Back then, I felt I was so smart and unstoppable.” Walther said he does not micro-manage his staff as he has seen them become more self-reliant. “I no longer stay too hands-on because, like a child, the team learns to walk on their own feet as I also become more mature in dealing with franchising challenges.” The post Building success: Young business leaders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A flying fiasco
Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific Air has proven time and again that it is more interested in counting its profits than upholding its duty to the public. As irate passengers lined up to air their grievances during congressional investigations, it has become evident that Cebu Pacific’s approach to customer service is nothing short of a disaster. The tales of woe begin with the grim reality of overbooking, a practice that seems to have become the signature move of the budget behemoth. Countless passengers have found themselves heartlessly cast aside, denied the right to board their flights, while Cebu Pacific’s rapacity for more revenue reached obscene heights. As these passengers shared their nightmarish experiences, Cebu Pacific’s customer service had been exposed as a mere façade, masking the truth of their disdain for the people they are meant to serve. “Everyone should fly,” Cebu Pacific says. Yes, everyone should fly away from an airline that is a veritable circus of excuses for delays and cancellations. The airline’s explanations for rebooked flights are nothing short of outrageous insults to the intelligence of their customers, each excuse more pathetic than the last. Lightning strikes and bird collisions may be acts of nature, but Cebu Pacific’s callous disregard for its passengers’ well-being is an act of corporate mischief. And the airline’s people at its check-in counters have apparently been coached to lie. A group of journalists hustling back to Manila from a provincial coverage to catch and cover President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address discovered this for themselves. All were supposed to board a 5:30 p.m. flight, but one photographer was rebooked for the next day, while another was told to board the 10:30 p.m. flight. Explaining at the airline’s check-in counter that they could not afford to be offloaded, the journalists were told that a smaller plane than the one they were booked on was dispatched. Allegedly, the bigger plane encountered mechanical problems and did not leave Manila. Then the check-in staff started playing the guilt-laying game, saying: “We cannot sacrifice the safety of the other passengers by accommodating more people than the smaller plane’s carrying capacity.” “But who told you to sacrifice anyone?” one of the journalists retorted. “What we want to know is how on earth Cebu Pacific chose us to be the ones to be off-loaded. And why are we being told only now, just a couple of hours away from our scheduled flight?” Cebu Pacific’s check-in staffer then mouthed what we presume to be the routine argument-ender they’d been given as a tired script — that they could do nothing about the problem except to find other flights for the off-loaded who may then file a complaint with their customer care department. To the chagrin of the photographer and reporter, they were told by their colleagues who were lucky enough not to be taken off the 5:30 p.m. flight that, yes, the original plane that was supposed to fly them back to Manila was the very same plane they boarded. What happened to the smaller plane? Lies, lies, lies. The question that looms larger than an Airbus A380 is this: How can an airline that rakes in billions in revenue conveniently blame external factors for its failures? “Freak incidents” do not occur with such alarming regularity, and when they do, a responsible and reputable airline has contingencies in place to mitigate their impact on passengers. Cebu Pacific booked a net income of P1.08 billion in the first quarter of this year, tripling its revenue to P20.88 billion from P6.71 billion in the same period last year, during which it recorded a net loss of P7.6 billion. But the carrier’s return to profitability, alas, has been at the expense of customers forced to book hotel rooms at their own expense or sleep on airport floors. To add insult to injury, the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have failed miserably in their oversight of Cebu Pacific and other erring airlines. Their inaction amounts to a dereliction of duty, leaving passengers vulnerable to the whims and caprices of a budget carrier that cares only for its bottom line. It is high time for Congress to wield its power and act decisively to protect the rights of the flying public. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez’s call for the suspension of Cebu Pacific’s legislative franchise echoes the sentiments of millions who have suffered at the hands of this budget airline. A suspension will send a clear message that reckless indifference and incompetence will not be tolerated, and the privilege of serving the public will be revoked if the airline fails to meet its obligations. We will not be saddled with Cebu Pacific’s flying fiasco. The post A flying fiasco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meta earnings beat market expectations as ads revive
Facebook parent Meta on Wednesday beat market expectations for quarterly earnings powered by a reviving digital ad business. Meta reported a profit of $7.8 billion on $32 billion in revenue during the recently ended quarter, as the number of people using Facebook monthly rose to 3.03 billion. "We had a good quarter," Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in an earnings release. "We continue to see strong engagement across our apps and we have the most exciting roadmap I've seen in a while..." Meta had suffered a rough 2022 amid a souring economic climate, which forced advertisers to cut back on spending, and Apple's data privacy changes, which allowed users to block ad targeting, the pillar of Meta’s business. But like the other big US tech companies, Meta's share price has had a stellar 2023 that Zuckerberg in January said would be the "year of efficiency". "With two straight quarters of positive revenue growth and the first quarter of double-digit revenue growth since late 2021, Meta’s year of efficiency is off to a strong start," said Insider Intelligence analyst Debra Aho Williamson. "There's a lot to feel good about when it comes to Meta right now," Williamson added. In its earnings release, the company said that the number of ads on its various applications rose by 34 percent year-on-year in the second quarter. Analysts noted the greater interest from advertisers in Reels, the video format copied from TikTok, and a less gloomy economic context conducive to marketing spending. VR costs Meta's vow of austerity on spending brought an unprecedented round of cost-cutting that saw the company lay off tens of thousands of workers since last November. Meta said it had 71,469 employees at the end of June, a decrease of 14 percent from the same time a year earlier, according to the earnings report. The company has faced criticism over its gamble on the metaverse, the world of virtual reality that Meta believes will be the next frontier online and led it to change its name from Facebook in 2021. This to date has proved to be a bad bet with customers so far unenthused by the technology, even though Apple will enter the space some time next year with the release of its expensive VisionPro headset. Meta said in the earnings report that it expects its operating losses at the unit responsible for VR to "increase meaningfully" in the months ahead. The company has also jumped to take advantage of the chaos at Twitter, which has now been renamed to X. Earlier this month Meta rushed out the release of Threads, a text-only app that saw more than 100 million downloads in just days, though the users' long term interest remains unproven. On AI, Zuckerberg has chosen a different track than Microsoft and its partnership with OpenAI. Meta instead has endorsed a more "open source" approach and made its Llama generative AI technology available to researchers and companies to adapt to their own needs. However, investors will be curious to know how Meta expands use of generative AI for its own products. Zuckerberg indicated in a recent podcast that his company is working on an AI platform that would allow creators and advertisers to more efficiently work together. The post Meta earnings beat market expectations as ads revive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vocational institutions prioritize increased technology usage — Study
A study by Hanover Research and NYE-listed education-tech firm Instructure showed that 89 percent of vocational institutions prioritize increased technology usage to help students adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape, a silver lining brought by the Covid-19 contagion. As traditional education evolves and skills-based education increases in the Philippines and worldwide, a surprising shift in the demographics of vocational training enrollees has unfolded in the country during the last few years. Back in 2020, more Filipinos already holding college degrees were turning to vocational courses primarily to gain additional skills, a trend that is growing as more employers in different industries are favoring hiring based on demonstrated skills and competencies. This shifting composition of enrollees in vocational education, coinciding with the challenges brought by the pandemic and economic uncertainties brought on by factors such as high inflation, forced vocational institutions to find ways to not only survive the pandemic but to leverage advanced learning models of the future. According to Instructure’s study: 2022 State of Vocational Education in the Philippines, conducted by Hanover Research, 89 percent of vocational institutions intend to maintain the increased technology usage they acquired during the pandemic. This substantial figure underscores the sector's high priority on integrating more technology into its teaching processes to make education more accessible, flexible and efficient. Commitment to harness technology This commitment to harness technology is about more than just continuity, as 82 percent of these institutions favor a hybrid learning model, while 79 percent are more likely to conduct an online course in the future. “The move to adopt more technology for vocational institutions isn't merely a response to current conditions, but a strategic decision to actively shape the digital shift to benefit their students, and we are seeing how Canvas LMS is becoming a key component for this purpose,” said Harrison Kelly, Instructure regional vice president for Asia Pacific. Furthermore, the influence of technology reaches beyond the virtual classroom, as 83 percent of institutions, including 82 percent of trainers, are eager to incorporate more technology into their fully in-person courses going forward, underscoring a comprehensive trend toward integrating digital tools across all facets of vocational education. The study also highlighted the technologies that have been increasingly used by vocational educators, showing 77 percent of institutions are using more digital tools for assessments, 68 percent are using their LMS or learning management system more often, and 69 percent are using more virtual reality for training. LMS is an educational platform that allows schools, colleges and universities to manage their online learning materials and interactions in one place. Additionally, 66 percent are using student information systems more frequently, and 63 percent are using more video or audio conferencing for classes. “These trends show that vocational schools are diversifying the tools they use to provide a more comprehensive, effective, and engaging learning experience for their students. This tech-enabled approach aligns perfectly with what students need today, especially college graduates who are using vocational training to upskill and access better jobs,” Kelly explained. The post Vocational institutions prioritize increased technology usage — Study appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mercury hits new highs as heat waves scorch the globe
Temperatures reached new highs on Monday as heatwaves and wildfires scorched swathes of the Northern Hemisphere, forcing the evacuation of 1,200 children close to a Greek seaside resort. Health authorities have sounded alarms from North America to Europe and Asia, urging people to stay hydrated and shelter from the burning sun, in a stark reminder of the effects of global warming. Near Athens, a forest fire flared in strong winds by the popular beach town of Loutraki where the mayor said holiday camps for youngsters had come under threat. "We have saved 1,200 children who were in the holiday camps," said mayor Giorgos Gkionis. Emergency services were also battling wildfires in Kouvaras and the resorts of Lagonissi, Anavyssos and Saronida near Athens. Several homes were burned in the area, according to footage from public broadcaster ERT. "The extreme weather ... is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy and water supplies," said World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. "This underlines the increasing urgency of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as quickly and as deeply as possible." 'We thought we'd escape' In Rome, where temperatures hit a near-record 39C on Monday, American Colman Peavy could not believe the heat as he sipped a cappuccino at a cafe with his wife Ana at the start of a two-week vacation. "We're from Texas and it's really hot there, we thought we would escape the heat but it's even hotter here," said the 30-year-old. It was already the world's hottest June on record, according to the EU weather monitoring service, and July looks to be readying to challenge its own record. China reported a new high for mid-July in the northwest of the country, where temperatures reached 52.2C in the Xinjiang region's village of Sanbao, breaking the previous high of 50.6C set six years ago. Heatstroke alerts had been issued in 32 out of Japan's 47 prefectures, mainly in central and southwestern regions. At least 60 people were treated for heatstroke, media reported, including 51 taken to hospital in Tokyo. In Cyprus, where temperatures are expected to remain above 40C through Thursday, a 90-year-old man died as a result of heatstroke and three other seniors were hospitalised, health officials said. 'Oppressive' US heat In western and southern US states, which are used to high temperatures, more than 80 million people were under advisories as a "widespread and oppressive" heatwave roasted the region. California's Death Valley, often among the hottest places on Earth, reached a near-record 52C Sunday afternoon. In Arizona, state capital Phoenix tied its record of 18 consecutive days above 43C (109F), as temperatures hit 45C (113F) early Monday afternoon. The US National Weather Service predicts similar highs at least through Sunday, while warning of overnight lows remaining dangerously elevated, above 32C (90F). "We're used to 110, 112 (degrees Fahrenheit)... But not the streaks," Nancy Leonard, a 64-year-old retiree from the nearby suburb of Peoria, told AFP. "You just have to adapt." In Southern California, several wildfires have ignited over the past few days in rural areas east of Los Angeles. The biggest, named the Rabbit Fire, had burned nearly 8,000 acres and was 35 percent contained on Monday morning, according to authorities. In neighbouring Canada, 882 wildfires were active on Monday, including 579 considered out of control, authorities said. Smoke from the fires has descended on the United States again, prompting air quality alerts across much of the northeast. Historic highs forecast In Europe, Italians were warned to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time", with a red alert issued for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence. Spain enjoyed little reprieve with temperatures of 47C in the southern town of Villarrobledo. Along with the heat, parts of Asia have also been battered by torrential rain. South Korea's president vowed Monday to "completely overhaul" the country's approach to extreme weather, after at least 40 people were killed in recent flooding and landslides during monsoon rains, which are forecast to continue through Wednesday. The post Mercury hits new highs as heat waves scorch the globe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Temperature reaches new highs as heatwaves scorch the globe
Temperatures reached new highs on Monday as heatwaves scorched parts of the Northern Hemisphere, triggering health warnings and fanning wildfires in the latest stark reminder of the effects of global warming. From North America to Europe and Asia, people gulped water and sought shelter from the sweltering heat, with the mercury expected to reach new highs in several places in the next few days. Europe, the globe's fastest-warming continent, was bracing for its hottest-ever temperature this week on Italy's islands of Sicily and Sardinia, where a high of 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) is predicted, according to the European Space Agency. "We're from Texas and it’s really hot there, we thought we would escape the heat but it’s even hotter here," Colman Peavy, 30, said as he sipped a capuccino at an outside terrasse in central Rome with his wife Ana at the start of a two-week Italian vacation. With June already having been the world's hottest on record, according to the EU weather monitoring service, Mother Nature seemed intent on July not falling far behind. China reported a new high for mid-July in the northwest of the country, where temperature reached 52.2C in the Xinjiang region's village of Sanbao, breaking the previous high of 50.6C set six years ago. In nearby Turpan city, where ground surface temperatures sizzled at 80C in some parts, authorities have told workers and students to stay home and ordered special vehicles to spray water on major thoroughfares, the meteorological body said. In Cyprus, where temperatures are expected to remain above 40C through Thursday, a 90-year-old man died as a result of heatstroke and three other seniors were hospitalized, health officials said. In Japan, heatstroke alerts were issued in 32 out of the country’s 47 prefectures, mainly in central and southwestern regions. At least 60 people in Japan were treated for heatstroke, local media reported, including 51 who were taken to hospital in Tokyo. The heat was enough for at least one man to dispense with social mortification in Hamamatsu city. "It’s honestly unbearable without a parasol, although I have to admit it is a bit embarrassing," he told national broadcaster NHK of the umbrella in his hand. Japan's highest-ever temperature was 41.1C first recorded in Kumagaya city in 2018. 'Oppressive' US heat In western and southern states in the US, which are used to high temperatures, more than 80 million people were under advisories as a "widespread and oppressive" heatwave roasted the region. California's Death Valley, often among the hottest places on Earth, reached a near-record 52C Sunday afternoon. In Arizona, the state capital Phoenix recorded its 17th straight day above 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), as temperatures hit 113F (45C) on Sunday afternoon. "We're used to 110, 112 (degrees Fahrenheit) ... But not the streaks," Nancy Leonard, a 64-year-old retiree from the nearby suburb of Peoria, told AFP. "You just have to adapt". Southern California was fighting numerous wildfires, including one in Riverside County that has burned more than 7,500 acres (3,000 hectares) and prompted evacuation orders. Historic highs forecast In Europe, Italians were warned to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time," with the health ministry sounding a red alert for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence. Temperatures were due to hit 42C-43C in Rome on Tuesday, smashing the record of 40.5C set in August 2007. Nevertheless, visitors thronged to tourist hot spots like the Colosseum and the Vatican. "I'm from South Africa. We're used to this heat," said Jacob Vreunissen, 60, a civil engineer from Cape Town. "You have to drink lots of water, obviously wear your hat and that’s about it." Greece saw a respite on Monday, as temperatures eased a bit and the Acropolis in Athens resumed its regular opening hours after shutting for a few hours during the previous three days. But a new heatwave was expected from Thursday and meteorologists warned of a heightened risk of wildfires amid strengthening winds from the Aegean Sea. In Romania, temperatures are expected to reach 39C on Monday across most of the country. Little reprieve is forecast for Spain, where meteorologists warned that "abnormally high" temperatures on Monday, including up to 44C in the southern Andalusia region in what would be a new regional record. Killer rains Along with the heat, parts of Asia have also been battered by torrential rain. South Korea's president vowed Monday to "completely overhaul" the country's approach to extreme weather, after at least 40 people were killed in recent flooding and landslides during monsoon rains, which are forecast to continue through Wednesday. In northern India, relentless monsoon rains have reportedly killed at least 90 people, following burning heat. Major flooding and landslides are common during India's monsoons, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity. It can be difficult to attribute a particular weather event to climate change, but many scientists insist that global warming is behind the intensification of heatwaves. The post Temperature reaches new highs as heatwaves scorch the globe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Yes, anybody can fly with aerial arts
photograph courtesy of Lariza Jane E. Cabaltierra AERIAL silks. photograph courtesy of Kate Cometa AERIAL hammock. Zendaya as circus aerialist Anne Wheeler in the 2017 musical drama film The Greatest Showman is truly captivating. But do you know that you can also do her aerial tricks? Well, yes, if you take lessons in aerial arts, which are offered in local studios. Aerial arts is a type of performance in which one or more artists perform aerial dance and acrobatics with the use of an apparatus, such as hoop, silks and hammock as the most common ones. Aerial hoop Aerial hoop (also known as lyra) looks a lot like hula hoop, though made of steel and suspended from an overhead point upon which a performer can do tricks while spinning. Nesh Zamora teaches aerial hoop at Elite Aerial Arts, which she co-owns. She began her aerial arts journey in 2012. She was then engaged to be married and weighed about 138 pounds, so she wanted to slim down to fit nicely into her wedding gown. She “chanced upon” a dance and fitness studio around the Ortigas area, where she discovered pole fitness, dance and eventually, aerial arts. She fell in love with aerial hoop and silks that she continued taking lessons in different studios in Metro Manila and in the United States even after she achieved her ideal weight. “It was a slow start for me,” she recalls. “I needed to psych myself to believe that I can be at par with the other girls in class. Would you believe it took me six sessions to just be able to climb the aerial fabric? There are no shortcuts in learning aerial arts. It is truly for everyone as long as they are willing to put in the work.” Zamora says she started teaching aerial hoop and silks in 2014, after taking “intensive classes from known aerialists in countries like Thailand, Hong Kong and the US.” Today, she also teaches and performs (during parties or corporate events) aerial silks and hammock, as well as less common types like aerial straps, cube, moon and lyrapole. She recommends aerial arts not only for only for its health and health and confidence-boosting benefits but also the friendships formed among students and teachers. “Whatever lifestyle, gender, age and even weight you may have when you enter our studio, you will end your first session knowing that aerial arts is for you.” Tips for new students: 1. Make sure you choose a studio with qualified instructors and which puts premium to student safety in terms of the quality of equipment used and instruction pacing. 2. Come to class with an open mind. 3. Try out all types of aerial equipment to see what excites you the most. 4. Listen and watch intently. Don’t be shy to ask your instructors to repeat or demonstrate what is being taught. 5. Enjoy and document your progression by taking photos and videos. 6. Never compromise your safety. Elite Aerial Arts Address: 143-3 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Website: eliteaerialarts.com. FB: Elite Aerial Arts, IG: @eliteaerialartsph. Aerial silks Aerial silks (also referred to as tissu, fabric and ribbon) are two long pieces of fabric made of not silks but a blend of polyster-lycra or nylon tricot that measure at least 16 meters each. These fabrics are draped down from a single point, which is then connected on a ceiling or outdoor rig using steel or aluminum hardware. The performer will climb the silks and do different kinds of sequences on them. Lariza Jane E. Cabaltierra is an aerial instructor at Idanceph dance studio and a junior member of the Whiplash Dance Company. In 2014, or merely a year after she learned aerial silks, this former teacher of ballet for kids made the cut in the Hall of Fame of TV5’s Talentadong Pinoy with her stunning performance. Over the years, she’s learned many other apparatuses, such as hoop, hammock, chandelier, moon and helix. She says not to believe in misconceptions that aerial arts is only for women who are young, strong and have a dance background. “It’s a step-by-step process. Little by little, your body will become strong and you will have confidence that you can do the tricks. As long as you’re happy with what you are doing, just keep going. What matters is what your heart wants.” Tips for new students: 1. Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for the class you will be attending. 2. Do some proper warm-ups before class starts. 3. Expect more laughter and be ready to surprise yourself. 4. If you have a health concern, don’t be shy or don’t hesitate to tell the teacher or coach about it. 5. Be friendly, so you can make new friends and have a support system. 6. Most of all, just enjoy the class. Idanceph Address: #96 Maginhawa St., M Place Building, Diliman, Quezon City. FB: Idanceph. Aerial hammock Aerial hammock (also called slings) is similar to the one used in aerial yoga or aerial fitness, but with a much longer fabric, so the performer can do more tricks while spinning. Kate Cometa teaches aerial hammock at Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio. She discovered aerial arts in 2016, when, as she tells it, “life had me all kinds of confused,” especially in her relationships and career choices, while suffering from insomnia and anxiety. “When I started in aerial silks, I looked more like a flailing sausage than a graceful aerialist. For two whole months, I couldn’t even manage a simple invert.” But she didn’t give up and even became “obsessed” with aerial arts, not minding “spending all my money on class cards and super cool aerial outfits.” She then joined her first recital and realized that it wasn’t just a hobby but already her “heart and soul.” She also ventured into hoop and silks, and even outside her comfort zone with pole dance. In 2018, she started teaching aerial hammock and joined her first competition, the Philippine Aerial Cup, in the amateur women pole division. “The most important thing is to allow yourself to be a beginner and fully enjoy the class,” Cometa points out. “There’s no need to worry about your fitness background or any preconceived notion. Everyone is welcome. It’s an inclusive community that embraces diversity and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual.” Tips to new students: 1. Listen to your teacher and truly know your body parts, both left and right. It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised how often we forget those essential details when we’re hanging in the air. 2. Approach your aerial journey with an open heart that is ready to accept new things, embrace challenges and love every step of the process. It’s through this openness that you’ll find the true magic of aerial arts. 3. Let the guidance and expertise of your instructor sink in and trust that they are there to support you on your incredible journey. (Cometa leads the aerial flow workshop in Cebu on 8 to 10 July.) Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio Address: 2nd Floor, Pioneer Centre, United Street corner Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City. FB: Beast Home Pole and Aerial Dance Studio. IG: @beasthomeph. The post Yes, anybody can fly with aerial arts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beyond slogans
The talk of the town remains to be the DoT fiasco where a lackluster slogan, “Love the Philippines”, was unveiled and which appeared to be a safe bet since it brought up similarities to previous slogans, i.e. “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and “Wow Philippines.” What made things worse for the anticipated, and expensive, commercial was its use of stock footage that featured tourist sites that were not found in the Philippines. We can all admit that this was indeed a shortcoming on the part of the DoT, and Secretary Cristina Frasco has acknowledged this. Certain senators were talking at length about this, even suggesting that the new slogan be scrapped. Secretary Frasco took the high road and stood firm on the “Love the Philippines” slogan, signifying the need to move on from this fiasco, onward to more important matters, such as the implementation of tourism projects and legislation to bring in more tourists. If we compare the tourism revenues of the Philippines to our neighboring countries, we are clearly lagging behind. I was able to visit Thailand recently. From the moment you set foot at the airport, you could see that we are decades behind. The service accorded tourists is topnotch – you have a sense that the locals would not rip you off just because you are a tourist. Instead, you feel that you are a guest in their country, and guests are accorded respect in Thailand. How can the DoT address this? The DoT can identify tourism hotspots and educate the service industry on how to properly treat guests. This is a grassroots-level approach to help improve tourism, instead of an expensive and grandiose advertising campaign that is bound to be changed by the next administration in 2028. Another way the DoT can help is through national and local legislation. By offering incentives to businesses in the tourism sector, more companies would be keen to invest in Philippine tourism and set up businesses in areas that have yet to be capitalized. If you visit Boracay or Cebu, you would see a saturated tourism area, but in places like Siargao Island and San Vicente, Palawan, there may be a need for government to further support the economic development of these high-potential tourist areas. DoT can highlight activities and experiences unique to the Philippines that can be found in almost every corner. Rep. Joey Salceda was correct in pointing out that Mayon Volcano, one of the most picturesque volcanos in the entire world, was not even shown in the advertising campaign of the DoT. I have visited Mayon and it was a treat to walk around it and ride an ATV in the surrounding beautiful landscape. The Philippines can boast of its surfing and dive spots to a global audience. We can offer packages to bring in more surfers and divers who would spend months in the Philippines, longer than the ordinary tourist. As a passionate (not talented) golfer, we can promote golf tourism just like Vietnam and Thailand. Clark, by far, is the best place to promote golf with the presence of an international airport and world-class golfers just minutes away. Tourist areas such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and Bohol, would be riddled with golf tourists with spending power, if there were three to four golf courses in these areas. All in all, tourism is more than a slogan. It is the by-product of an entire government policy and ethos to make Filipinos more proactive in bringing in tourists. Perhaps, this is what the DoT and the Filipino public should focus on. *** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Beyond slogans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Building climate-resilient communities
Subsidiaries of the Aboitiz Group have consolidated its efforts with the Climate Change Commission, the local government of Toledo City in Cebu, Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to help create resilient, disaster-ready and climate-smart communities. A five-day training workshop to craft an enhanced and science-based Local Climate Change Action Plan was recently held in Bato, Toledo City, the host community of Aboitiz Power-TVI. Toledo City Mayor Joie Perales: “This will upgrade the skills of our local responders and improve our readiness for disasters. I know that our people will truly benefit from this.” The participants were equipped with knowledge based on methods and strategies to produce targeted and responsive climate-action plans. They were also upskilled in developing risk-mitigating LCCAPs anchored on science and evidence-based analysis, which includes biodiversity and ecosystem-based adaptation interventions. “We recognize that our communities and local governments are at the forefront of the climate crisis,” said Climate Change Commission Deputy executive director Romell Antonio Cuenca. “It is imperative for local government units to be prepared for the challenges of the changing climate. LGUs should invest more in crafting and planning appropriate measures to adapt to climate impacts. That is why CCC and Aboitiz came all the way here to Toledo to increase the technical capacity of our LGUs, so that they can develop their local climate change action plans, which will serve as their pathway to resiliency,” he added. AboitizPower Thermal Group (VisMin) president and COO Ronaldo Ramos believes this could spark that transformation in Toledo City, and that the project can be replicated in all the other communities where AboitizPower thermal assets operate: “We believe that by bolstering Toledo City’s climate resilience and adaptation, we can ensure the continuity of our mission to energize Cebu and the Visayas, and, more importantly, secure a sustainable future for Toledo. We’re optimistic about the completion of their LCCAP this year.” At a national level, the LCCAP training workshop is in line with some tenets of the Philippine Development Plan on establishing livable communities, strengthening social protection (chapter 3.2), and accelerating climate action and strengthening disaster resilience. Through this project, Aboitiz also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on reducing inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13), at a global level. The post Building climate-resilient communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»