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Region 1 records 40% rise in measles cases, 1 confirmed pertussis case
Region 1 records 40% rise in measles cases, 1 confirmed pertussis case.....»»
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.....»»
Cambodian PM quits,Thai ex-premier returning
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Wednesday he is stepping down as the former leader in neighboring Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, ends his 15-year self-exile and will be back in his country on 10 August. Hun Sen, the 70-year-old former Khmer Rouge cadre who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, is paving way for a dynastic succession by handing power to his eldest son, 45-year-old four-star general Hun Manet. “I would like to ask for understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue as prime minister,” Hun Sen said in a special broadcast on state television. The prime minister’s announcement followed his Cambodian People’s Party’s landslide victory in Sunday’s election that was nearly bereft of challengers with opposition candidates disqualified. The victory virtually assures the CPP of all but five lower house seats. While 84.6 percent of voters turned out in the polls, Western powers including the United States and European Union condemned the poll as neither free nor fair. Meanwhile, 74-year-old billionaire Thaksin is expected to inflame an already tense political situation on his return announced by his daughter Wednesday. “Dad is coming back on Aug 10 at Don Meung airport,” his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote on her official Facebook page on Wednesday — Thaksin’s birthday. The military, which ousted Thaksin from power in 2006, was badly beaten in the May elections and its senators is blocking the elections of a reformist prime minister in parliament. Paetongtarn was a candidate to become prime minister for the Pheu Thai party, which came second in the election and is now trying to form a government after Move Forward Party’s Pita Limjaroenrat was suspended. Days before the May election, Thaksin said on social media that he would return to Thailand “before my birthday” because he was getting old and wanted to spend time with his grandchildren. Thaksin was convicted in absentia on corruption charges in 2008 — and has since faced numerous other cases — but said in May he was ready to face the courts. Parties linked to Thaksin have dominated Thai politics since 2001, but lost two prime ministers to military coups and another to a court ruling. WITH AFP The post Cambodian PM quits,Thai ex-premier returning appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP assures only well-trained professionals to handle mandatory ROTC
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will make sure that the Reserve Officers' Training Corps will be implemented accordingly and professionally by well-trained military handlers, especially should it becomes mandatory, newly-designated AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said Friday. In a chance interview with reporters, Brawner cited the cases of hazing and physical and verbal abuse as well as other malpractices related to the ROTC in the past; hence, the AFP is preparing for proper and relevant conduct of the program in the future. “We are going to do away with that, by making sure that we have a professional core of soldiers and officers who will take care, take charge and manage the new program of the ROTC so ‘yun yung gusto nating gawin (that’s what we wanted to do), that is why right now, we are already training our core of professionals, officers, enlisted personnel who will handle the ROTC,” he said. “Ayaw na natin maulit ‘yung nangyari noong nakaraang programa ng ROTC (We don’t want the old practices to happen again in the ROTC program).” While the AFP is still waiting for the legislation of the ROTC bill, Brawner said there are ongoing preparations already in place. “The way that I understand it, it will not be the Department of National Defense who will be the lead agency rather it will be DepEd. So but the implementation will be done by the Department of National Defense, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines. So on our part, we are now preparing,” he noted. ‘ “Looking at the past experience that we have in ROTC, there are abuses in the past.” Expressing his full support for the revival of mandatory ROTC, Brawner said it will prepare every Filipino youth not only to become soldiers “but to become good citizens” that are ready to fight “any challenge or any threat —whether it is man-made or natural calamities.” ROTC in the Philippines is currently being taken optional by tertiary students, through the NSTP STP Act of 2001, following the death of the University of Santo Tomas sophomore cadet Mark Welson Chua, who had exposed corruption in the university’s ROTC program. The bill seeking mandatory ROTC is currently being discussed in the Senate plenary. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as well as vice-president and Education Secretary, Sara Duterte, earlier backed the revival of the program, making it mandatory for all Filipino students. The post AFP assures only well-trained professionals to handle mandatory ROTC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Envisioning smart, sustainable cities at AI Summit PH 2023
What will the cities of tomorrow be like? Aboitiz Data Innovation, the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence arm of the Aboitiz Group, brings together key players and industry movers championing sustainable smart cities, as well as power generation and distribution, at the inaugural AI Summit Philippines (AI Summit PH 2023). Organized in partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Union Bank of the Philippines, the two-day summit will be held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, Philippines on 10 to 11 May 2023, with industry and government leaders and forward-thinking entrepreneurs sharing real-world use cases, lessons learned and valuable insights. The AI Summit PH 2023 offers attendees an array of events, including talks, panel discussions, knowledge sessions and networking opportunities with tech innovators and game-changers. The summit will focus on three streams: Powering Smart Cities through Data, Data Science and Transformation in Financial Services, and Operationalizing Data Science and AI. Imagine a city where everything is interconnected, more livable and environmentally friendly — where people can move around seamlessly, where energy is generated and consumed sustainably, where lives are enhanced by efficient services, and where the livelihoods of communities are improved. As the world becomes more urbanized, smart cities play an important role in accommodating the growing population. With AI and advanced technologies as enablers and catalysts, a smarter, greener, more livable world is not impossible to attain. Path to the future Opening the Summit is Third District of Negros Occidental Representative Dr. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez with a keynote on “Reimagining a Sustainable and Equitable Philippines with AI.” Representative Benitez brings insightful expertise as the chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development and a member of the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology. One of the summit’s highlights is a plenary discussion on “Defining the Smart Cities of the Future.” This path to the future requires collaboration between the government, the private sector and other important stakeholders. From the public sector, panelists include Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, who will share his insights on the government’s role in enabling smart city development. He will be joined by IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines president and chief executive officer Jack Madrid and Aboitiz InfraCapital president and CEO Cosette Canilao. This session will delve into the potential benefits of smart city development, including public services, increased economic growth and enhanced sustainability. AIC is already providing Filipinos with a glimpse of the cities of the future across its economic estates. LIMA Land and Cebu Industrial Park Developers president Rafael de Mesa will participate in a breakout session on “AI and the Future of Sustainable Cities: Challenges and Opportunities.” He will be joined by CAZA Principal and award-winning architect Carlos Arnaiz, Arup Associate principal of Cities and Planning Tony Chan and AECOM Asia ESG Services Business lead Sylvester Timothy Wong. The session will be moderated by ADI chief operating officer for Smart Cities Alvin Ng. Technology trends A breakout session will cover the topic of “Unlocking The Benefits of AI in Achieving Sustainability.” Among the panelists are Environmental Resources Management South and Southeast Asia managing partner Wei Chee Liew and members of the academe Dr. Godofredo Ramizo Jr., fellow and principal investigator, Nanyang Technological University; and Dr. Immanuel Koh, assistant professor, Singapore University of Technology and Design. The session will be moderated by ADI chief marketing officer Felicia Li-Gaillard. In another breakout session, “The Future of Smart Cities: AI-Enabled Innovation and Transformation,” summit participants can learn about technology trends, challenges and opportunities in the smart cities landscape from around the region. Moderated by ADI head of AI and Innovation Center of Excellence Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, the panelists include Amazon Web Services ASEAN Business Development Manager Dr. Chomchana Trevai, KPMG APAC head of Technology Darren Young, Johnson Controls APAC chief technology officer Sachin Gupta and AboitizPower Distribution head of Corporate Services Jokin Aboitiz. On the power front, a discussion on the regulatory frameworks in support of AI in utilities will be tackled by Energy Strat Asia managing director and founder Tim Rockell and Analytics Association of the Philippines president Michelle Alarcon. Another summit highlight is the plenary panel discussion on “Power Fueling Urban Development and Economic Growth,” which will be participated by OceanPixel Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Abundo, University of San Carlos Associate Professor and Industrial Engineering Department Chairperson Dr. Lorafe Lozano and Chief Operating Officer for Power Luis F. Gonzalez. There is much more that lies in store. Join ADI and like-minded visionaries for two days of insightful talks, solutions showcase and networking opportunities to share ideas and make meaningful connections that may one day change the world for a sustainable future. For more information about the event, visit www.aiphsummit.ph. The post Envisioning smart, sustainable cities at AI Summit PH 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Five ways Metro Manila can be made a better city
Metro Manila is forecast to become a global power city, but that development is challenged by rapid urbanization. The UN Habitat sees climate change, inequality, poverty and other social problems arising from poorly managed cities. Is there a way out of Metro Manila’s problems? Architect and urban designer Chintan Raveshia and urban planner and sustainability consultant Tony Chan of Singapore-based Arup stress that urban development should also consider people’s aspirations, their changing needs and expectations, and the collective identity of the residents. Raveshia says stakeholders should first ask themselves the most fundamental question: “What’s the identity of the city and how do we make its residents proud?” As an example, “Singapore, a city high on everyone’s liveability list, is also working with citizens and grassroots organizations to inculcate a sense of ‘lovability’ for the city. This helps to strengthen societal bonds, increase equity, improve community safety, and exude pride and a feeling of ownership of the city among the residents.” Chan believes that successful sustainable urban development goes hand in hand with the capability to enhance people’s quality of life. “We must develop and harness models of development that have low-carbon targets, that are also just, secure and enhances the quality of life for all residents.” If Singapore reclaims lands for more affordable housing and Melbourne builds accessible green spaces to promote social interaction, for instance, what plans would likewise best fit Metro Manila’s sustainable and livable future while maintaining its identity? Here are five ways the country’s main political and economic hub can be made much better for its residents. Greater accessibility for all. While Metro Manila is the Philippines’ major economic driver, accounting for 32 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, it’s often challenged in sustaining accessible living conditions for residents across all social classes. The UK-based The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Metro Manila 105th out of 139 cities in the Global Liveability Index 2022. The increasing population density in Metro Manila has resulted in traffic gridlock, scarce open spaces, high carbon footprint, unaffordable housing and unequal income opportunities. Urban planners and developers suggest mixed-use planning in the metropolis and coastal developments where residents across all walks of life are can live healthy, affordable and sustainable lifestyles, with residential, commercial and office spaces integrated within a single development. Green open spaces. Despite land scarcity, Singapore manages to be one of the greenest cities in the world with over 400 parks, more than 3,300 hectares of nature reserve and over 300 kilometers of park connector network. Studies shows that Metro Manila has only 5 square meters of green space available per person, a number well below the 9 square meters set by the World Health Organization.COVID-19 had the entire world reassess their health conditions, lifestyle practices and environmental situations. The impact was even more drastic in Metro Manila due to population density, crowded spaces and insufficient parks and open areas. Aside from improving air quality and enhancing biodiversity, green spaces also moderate temperatures during the warm season. Enhanced human health and wellbeing. Cities with sufficient healthcare facilities, access to health coverage and infrastructure that enhance well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle produce prosperous societies. The way cities are planned, designed and executed has a crucial impact on how people live. While there is evident progress in Metro Manila’s health sector, rapid urbanization continues to pose risks in communities due to overcrowded neighborhoods, vehicular emissions, heavy traffic, pollution and flood-prone areas. Resilient communities. Resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities and systems to adapt, survive and grow in the face of stress and shocks, and even transform when conditions require it. The Philippines is among the top 10 countries in the world most affected by climate change in the past 20 years, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Well-planned and executed urban designs have the power to build safe and resilient communities against that danger. Infrastructure like proper bike lanes and walkable streets ensure residents’ safety, accessibility and comfort, while science and technology-based solutions can build flexible structures, multi-use systems and technologies that can help residents adapt and prepare for changing conditions. [caption id="attachment_122966" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Melbourne is considered one of the most liveable cities in the planet.[/caption] Competitive city. In 2022, Singapore placed 3rd in the World Competitiveness Ranking. This small country in Asia even placed first in 2019 and 2020. Metro Manila is one of Asia’s premier regions. As the country’s engine growth driver, it can further step up by following global models like Singapore, Melbourne and Hong Kong, which created integrated cities and coastal developments that ushered in a vibrant economy and better urban lifestyles. A similar endeavor for Metro Manila can increase opportunities for jobs, education, tourism, infrastructure and the overall economy. When all stakeholders are listened to and addressed, communities are energized, especially when their participation is harnessed for well-designed and master-planned and -implemented developments. This assures more inclusive growth for residents, making the urban landscape an extension of their home. When a city embraces its history, celebrates its milestones, innovates and adopts for the future and, most importantly, nurtures its residents and responds to their aspirations, it is a city working toward competitiveness and unlocking future potential. The post Five ways Metro Manila can be made a better city appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chan to victims of Ibo fire: You can rebuild your houses in the area
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan assures fire victims from Sitio Commonwealth in Barangay Ibo that they can still build again their houses in the area. Chan made the assurance since the lot was owned by the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA). The mayor said that this was not the […] The post Chan to victims of Ibo fire: You can rebuild your houses in the area appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
PRO-7 chief assures Lapu-Lapu mayor: More cops to secure city streets
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — More policemen will secure the streets of Lapu-Lapu City this holiday season. Police Brigadier General Jerry Fornaleza Bearis, Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) director, assured Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan during the police officer’s courtesy call to the Lapu-Lapu mayor on Dec. 23, 2022. During their casual chat, […] The post PRO-7 chief assures Lapu-Lapu mayor: More cops to secure city streets appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Lapu-Lapu exec assures safety of tourists amid abduction incident
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu - Mayor Junard Chan on Tuesday assured the safety of foreign travelers coming to this historical city after the kidnapping incident involving a 70-year-old Chinese national.Chan said the police are still investigating the motive behind last week's abduction of Lyu Xingou.....»»
Rody assures health workers of incentives
President Rodrigo Duterte assured health workers on Friday the government will “do our best” to release their incentives and protect them as the country battles record-high COVID-19 cases, days after various medical groups said they are considering mass resignation due to the non-release of their benefits......»»
Chan favors granular lockdown vs MECQ
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan proposes that instead of placing the city under Modified Enhance Community Quarantine (MECQ) status, he is more in favor of implementing granular lockdown. He said this is especially true in areas with high cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and with cases of Delta variant. […] The post Chan favors granular lockdown vs MECQ appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Duterte visit in Lapu-Lapu may not happen with COVID surge in Metro Manila – Chan
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Metro Manila with several members of the Cabinet and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) being infected with the virus is among the reasons President Rodrigo Duterte may forego attending the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of the Victory of Mactan on April […] The post Duterte visit in Lapu-Lapu may not happen with COVID surge in Metro Manila – Chan appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Strict implementation of health protocols cited for Lapu’s decreasing COVID-19 infections
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has attributed the decreasing number of newly reported cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city to its intensified implementation of the health and safety protocols, especially the wearing of a face mask. Based on their monitoring in the past seven days, their daily […] The post Strict implementation of health protocols cited for Lapu’s decreasing COVID-19 infections appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Chan organizes contest to commemorate Lapu’s 1st GCQ anniv
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – A year ago today, March 16, Lapu-Lapu City was placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) following the discovery of COVID-19 cases. Mayor Junard Chan said that his decision to place his city under GCQ was a difficult decision to make, but it was what was necessary then. “Subo pamalandungon nga mao […] The post Chan organizes contest to commemorate Lapu’s 1st GCQ anniv appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Arrest quarantine violators — Chan orders Lapu police
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify their patrol activities in public places and to strictly implement the health and safety protocols amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. In a public address through his Facebook page, Chan instructed the PNP […] The post Arrest quarantine violators — Chan orders Lapu police appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Lapu health officials expect rise in COVID-19 cases
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines- The Lapu-Lapu City Health Department is expecting a spike of new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the city. Grace Carungay, head of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, said on Thursday, November 19, 2020, that the reason behind the expected rise in new cases is […] The post Lapu health officials expect rise in COVID-19 cases appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Thailand Moves a Step Closer to Welcoming Back Foreign Tourists
Thailand will start issuing special visas to foreign tourists starting October, easing a more than five-month-old ban on visitors to revive the nation’s ailing tourism-reliant economy. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha’s cabinet approved a proposal to issue visas to tourists planning to stay between 90 and 280 days in Thailand, according to government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The tourists will undergo a mandatory 14-day state quarantine on arrival at partner hotels or hospitals and follow health and safety regulations, she said. The government expects about 1,200 visitors to avail themselves of these visas each month, generating about 1.2 billion baht ($38.5 million) in revenue. The easing of border restrictions may boost the nation’s pandemic-battered tourism industry and cushion the blow to an economy projected to contract 8.5% this year. The news of cabinet approval for special visas triggered a rally among hotel and travel operators in Bangkok. A measure of Thai tourism and leisure stocks jumped 4.5%, the biggest gainer among the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s 28 industry groups. It was also the index’s largest increase since May 26. While Hotel operators Erawan Group Pcl and Central Plaza Hotel Pcl surged more than 8%, Minor International Pcl advanced 5.5%. Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sectors are counting on the return of international visitors, who contributed to two-thirds of tourism income before the pandemic, to reverse the slump in businesses and save millions of jobs. A government campaign to boost travel by locals through hotel and air travel concessions has failed to make up for the slump in earnings, but the move to allow foreigners in small batches will still be a relief to the industry. “There will not be a huge economic impact from this as it still can’t compensate for the revenue lost, but it will help,” Somprawin Manprasert, chief economist at Bank of Ayudhya Pcl said. “This plan still targets a higher-spending group of foreign visitors which will not benefit tourism industry operators that have lower to mid-price points, who will still suffer.” The move to relax curbs on foreign tourists also follows Thailand’s relative success in containing the coronavirus outbreak. The nation went without a local transmission for 100 days before the virus-free run was ended early this month. Though Thailand was the first country outside China to report the deadly virus, its cumulative cases stand at 3,480 with most patients already discharged from hospitals. The reopening to foreign tourists may be risky, but it is a manageable risk worth taking, Bank of Thailand’s Senior Director Don Nakornthab wrote in an article on the central bank’s website. The country may be headed for a second straight year of contraction in 2021 if it continued to restrict foreign visitor arrivals, Don wrote......»»
Lapu-Lapu’s active cases down to 285
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Active cases of the coronavirus disease in Lapu-Lapu City is now at 285 with 1, 722 recoveries. Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said that the drop in the city’s active cases is an indication that they are already winning in their battle against the infection. As of Monday, August 24, Chan said […] The post Lapu-Lapu’s active cases down to 285 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Policemen, firemen to be deployed to hasten contact tracing
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Policemen or firemen will be deployed in each barangay in Lapu-Lapu City in order to enhance and expedite the contact tracing activities for COVID-19 cases in the city. On Monday, August 3, 2020, Mayor Junard Chan held a coordination meeting with medical frontliners, police and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, […] The post Policemen, firemen to be deployed to hasten contact tracing appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Lapu-Lapu logs 60 new cases on July 17
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City has recorded 60 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Friday, July 17, its mayor announced. “Bati nga balita ang nadawat nato karong buntaga kay adunay 60 ka bag-ong kaso sa COVID-19 ang napuno sa atong syudad,” Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan announced on Facebook. (We have bad […] The post Lapu-Lapu logs 60 new cases on July 17 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»