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Phl monitors many CMM ships in WPS, slams China’s maligned info ops
The Philippines has monitored "a large number of Chinese maritime militia vessels” swarming in the features of the West Philippine Sea, National Security Council spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said Tuesday. In a television interview, Malaya said these vessels were spotted “not only in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc but also in other features, including (Scarborough Shoal) and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal.” "We are alarmed by the environmental degradation our Coast Guard ships were able to monitor in these areas,” he told the ANC. Malaya noted that environmental degradation or coral destruction would have a direct impact on the livelihood of the fishermen in the WPS areas. “Sometimes we forget the reasons why we are pushing our rights in the WPS, some critics are saying this is just posturing on the part of the Philippines or a tug-of-war between China and the Philippines. No this is not,” he stressed. “This is a battle for the resources of our country, particularly those for our fishermen so when we monitor coral destruction in other parts of the WPS, it alarms the Philippine government because it directly impacts the livelihood of our fishermen in WPS upon their livelihood relies,” he added. Hence, the Philippines has increased its maritime patrols and freedom of navigation missions in the WPS amid “limited capacity.” On the other hand, Malaya slammed China’s “maligned information operation” and sharing of “false narratives” on its sweeping claims on the WPS—as shared with the public. “Definitely, there’s a maligned information operation going on nowadays that is shared to the public and we are just happy it is not just the Philippine government that is sharing our side here—we have allies—if we may call them witnesses from the media,” he said. “We have witnesses from the media who were there on the spot, who had access to the deck and who had access to the control center of the Philippine Coast Guard vessels, who listened to the radio challenges, who saw what was really happening, who were witnesses themselves to the overwhelming number of Chinese vessels acting in concert,” he added. Malaya asked the public should see the facts for themselves and not be urged by the information coming from Beijing. Philippine officials have repeatedly called out China for its “propaganda” on its expansive claims in the South China Sea, which overlaps the country’s exclusive economic zone in the WPS......»»
Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight
Once effectively banned, Chinese science fiction has exploded into the mainstream, embraced by the government and public alike –- inviting scrutiny of a genre that has become known for its expanding diversity and relative freedom. Its new status was epitomized by this week's Worldcon, the world's oldest and most influential sci-fi gathering, which closed Sunday after taking place in China for the first time. Held in the gleaming new Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, the event's star was Liu Cixin, author of the international phenomenon "Three-Body" series and inspiration for the domestic blockbuster "Wandering Earth". But the wider science fiction fandom has become a rare space where diverse voices have flourished and a vast array of issues -- social, environmental, even sometimes political -- can be explored. "In its nature, part of sci-fi is talking about the present," award-winning author Chen Qiufan told AFP. "It takes advantage of talking about outer space, or being set in different times, but reflects the human condition right now." Chen's own novel "The Waste Tide" is set in a dystopian future in China, where migrant e-waste workers toil in hazardous conditions, exploited by corrupt conglomerates. He grew up near Guiyu, once one of the largest e-waste dumps in the world. Ecological destruction, urbanization, social inequality, gender, and corruption, to name just a few –- "these issues are intersectional and intertwined with each other", said Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's Liu Xi. Together, they "allow everyone to understand Chinese writers' exploration of Chinese society", she said. That can be rare to find in today's China, where the space for political and artistic expression has shrunk drastically over the last decade under President Xi Jinping. Spiritual pollution Historically, science fiction has had a turbulent relationship with Chinese authorities -– it effectively disappeared during the Cultural Revolution and then was banned as "spiritual pollution" in the 1980s. Though it returned, it remained relatively obscure. Writer Regina Kanyu Wang said it was only at university that she met other fans -- together they formed one of the smaller clubs on campus. Sci-fi was not taken seriously, and seen as something for children and young adults, Chen said. That had its advantages. "There was a lot of freedom... because nobody was reading science fiction, (authors) could just do whatever they wanted," the University of Zurich's Jessica Imbach told AFP. The global success of the "Three-Body" series changed everything, catapulting its epic themes of technological prowess and the fate of humanity into the public consciousness. "Whether you like science fiction or not, the social reality we are facing is becoming more and more like science fiction," said Yu Xuying from Hong Kong Metropolitan University. "We live in a high-tech era. And then your daily life is completely technological," she said. The pace of digital change in China, already fast, was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cash has all but disappeared, and stringent health regulations further enhanced the state's significant surveillance capacity. The international interest spike in Chinese sci-fi is also related to real-world concerns, Chen believes. "I think there are different layers of reasons for the phenomenon," he said. "But a major one is the rising economic and technological power of China on the world stage." A good vehicle China's government has been happy to capitalize on all this. "At a national level, science fiction is a good vehicle for conveying the country's discourse on its science and technology strength," said Yu. It can also help "highlight the relationship between the Chinese dream (a Xi-era aspirational slogan) and science", she said. Authorities have put their money where their mouth is. The nebula-shaped Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, was built at lightspeed in just a year to coincide with Worldcon. The event, historically fan-led and funded, this year was a "capitalistic initiative, coming top-down from the Chinese government", said Chen. "They want sci-fi to be the name card of the city, showing China's openness and inclusiveness to the world," he said. Government attention comes with potential risk. "The Three-Body Problem" has a different structure in English, with the narrative beginning with a violent Cultural Revolution scene. In the original Chinese, it was buried halfway through the book to make it less conspicuous, the translator Ken Liu was told. Liu told the New York Times in 2019 that increasingly, "it's gotten much harder for me to talk about the work of Chinese authors without... causing them trouble". Some works he has translated into English, deemed too sensitive, have never been published in Chinese at all. "If you're very marginal if you have low print numbers in China, then it's OK, you have more leeway. If you're doing a mega big-budget movie... it's much more complicated," said Imbach. "That's what's now also happening with science fiction," she said. "As it's becoming more mainstream, there is increased scrutiny." The post Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indonesia launches Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail
Indonesia launched Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway on Monday, a delayed, multibillion-dollar project backed by China that President Joko Widodo hailed as "a symbol of our modernization". With a top speed of 350 kilometers (220 miles) per hour, the bullet train "Whoosh" can get between the capital Jakarta and Bandung in 45 minutes. The 140 km journey would previously have taken about three hours by train. "The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train marks our efficient, friendly, and integrated mass transportation system," Widodo said during a ceremony at the capital's central station. "It is a symbol of our modernization in the public transport, seamlessly connecting with other modes of transportation." Widodo said the 600-capacity train was the first high-speed rail transportation in Southeast Asia. It is part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative -- a decade-old program of China-backed infrastructure projects. The president said the name was actually an acronym, standing for a tagline of "Waktu Hemat, Operasi Optimal, Sistem Handal" -- which in Bahasa Indonesia means "Saving time, optimal operation, reliable system". It was built by PT KCIC, which is made up of four Indonesian state companies and Beijing's China Railway International Co. The project was initially set to cost less than $5 billion and be completed by 2019. However, delays caused by construction challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in costs. In preparation for its opening, officials have conducted public trials for the new high-speed route. Last week, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi confirmed that the government would extend the high-speed train route from Bandung to the country's second-biggest city Surabaya. Last month, Chinese Premier Li Qiang joined Senior Minister Luhut Pandjaitan on a ride aboard the train during his Jakarta visit for summits with Southeast Asian leaders. Pandjaitan told reporters on Thursday that Widodo plans to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in the future to ride the train, but did not give more specifics. agn/ebe/sn/leg © Agence France-Presse The post Indonesia launches Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay
The biggest Asian Games in history, boasting about 12,000 competitors -- more than the Olympics -- will open on Saturday in the Chinese city of Hangzhou after a year's delay because of Covid. Athletes including world and Olympic champions will fight for medals in 40 sports from athletics, swimming and football to eSports and bridge. Nine sports, among them boxing, break dancing and tennis, will serve as qualifiers for next year's Paris Olympics. The Games were supposed to take place last September but were postponed because of China's strict zero-Covid rules, before China's ruling Communist Party abruptly abandoned the policy. The 19th edition of the Games, which were first held in New Delhi in 1951, throws together competitors from 45 countries and territories across Asia and the Middle East. For China, which hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics in a Covid-secure "bubble" in Beijing, it is a chance to show off its organizational, sporting and technological prowess after the pandemic years cut the country off from the sporting world. "We have overcome a lot of challenges but we are now fully conditioned to hold a successful Games," Chen Weiqiang, chief spokesperson for the Games, said on Wednesday. Sport meets politics The Games will be staged at 54 venues -- 14 newly constructed -- mostly in Hangzhou but also extending to cities as far afield as Wenzhou, 300 kilometres (180 miles) south. The centerpiece is the "Big Lotus" Olympic stadium with a capacity of up to 80,000 where athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies will be staged. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and meet Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad there, along with other visiting leaders, Chinese state media says. Assad is making his first visit to ally China since the war erupted in Syria in 2011. Russian President Vladimir Putin likewise attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, along with Xi, and weeks later launched the invasion of Ukraine. Hangzhou, a city of 12 million people an hour's bullet train from Shanghai, is famed in China for its ancient temples, gardens and its beloved West Lake. It is also the unofficial home of China's tech industry, notably the birth place of Jack Ma's Alibaba. The Games will showcase some of the latest tech to come out of the city, including driverless buses, robot dogs and facial recognition. China medal dash Hosts China have topped the medals table at every Asian Games since 1982 and are expected to do so again by the time the curtain comes down on October 8. They should reign in swimming, with Qin Haiyang fresh from his heroics at the world championships, where he announced himself as the new undisputed breaststroke king. The 24-year-old swept all three men's events and set a new world record in the 200m. In athletics, another of the most closely watched sports, India's Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra will defend his Asian Games javelin crown. His nearest competitor should be world silver medalist Arshad Nadeem from arch-rivals Pakistan and the countries are also on a collision course in cricket and hockey. ESports, in what is seen as a step toward Olympic inclusion one day, will make its full Asian Games debut having been a demonstration sport five years ago. Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as "Faker", has god-like status in League of Legends and will lead the South Korean charge at the futuristic-looking China Hangzhou Esports Centre. There is an added incentive which has caused controversy in South Korea -- winning gold will exempt them from having to do military service. A feature of the Asian Games is that it includes sports that are a little more quirky than the Olympics. Xiangqi -- also known as "Chinese chess" -- the card game bridge and the ancient wrestling discipline of kurash are all on the menu. Although the Games officially open on Saturday, the sporting action began on Tuesday, when North Korea returned to major international competition for the first time since the pandemic with a 2-0 win over Taiwan in men's football. The post Biggest-ever Asian Games ready for liftoff in China after Covid delay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COP28 will include first local climate summit
A summit for non-national authorities will take place during crunch UN climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, officials said Tuesday, in recognition of the role of cities and local governments in averting ecological disaster. Named the "COP28 Local Climate Action Summit," it was announced on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the president-designate of the COP28 talks, and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg, who will co-host. Its chairs include US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua, with the event to be held December 1-2. "Cities are where the climate battle will largely be won or lost," said United Nations chief Antonio Guterres in a statement. "Mobilizing and equipping local governments with the capacity and financing to accelerate climate action is necessary if we are to bend the emissions curve." In the fight to prevent climate disaster and hold long-term warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, the pledges and policies of national governments have long hogged the spotlight. But, according to a report by the C40 coalition of cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors, "three-quarters of C40 cities have outpaced their respective nation-states in per-capita emission reduction, illustrating the clout of city-led policies and initiatives." Around 70 percent of the world's people are expected to call cities home by the year 2050, and more work needs to be done to ensure subnational governments are prepared to meet the challenges of increasing climate disasters, organizers said. "By bringing hundreds of local leaders to COP28, we will foster new, multi-level partnerships to help fast-track the energy transition, fix climate finance, focus on people, lives and livelihoods, and make sure local voices are heard at the international climate table," said Jaber. Local leaders first convened informally on the sidelines of COP21 in 2015, where the Paris Agreement was adopted. "In the climate crisis, big leadership comes from small governments, and that's a great trend," Oscar Soria, campaign director for the nonprofit Avaaz, told AFP. "However, it also shows the lack of leadership from national governments, who are ultimately the ones that set the tone on ambition and progress on climate." The UN's first official progress report on climate published earlier this month concluded the world is perilously off course in meeting goals for slashing carbon pollution and boosting finance for the developing world. The post COP28 will include first local climate summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
500 EDCA deals in 2024 pipeline
The United States has committed to more than 500 bilateral military engagements with the Philippines next year, which would primarily feature the stepping up of war games and joint sea patrols. An Armed Forces of the Philippines official described the engagements as encompassing exercises and high-level exchanges between the allied nations on security cooperation and strategic vision, including maritime security, information sharing, and capacity and capability development, among others. The commitments were made during last week’s annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board meeting, said the AFP official, who requested anonymity. Meanwhile, AFP Public Affairs chief, Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, said highlights of the activities will include an increased “tempo” in the joint exercises. At the same time, projects under the Enhanced Development Cooperation Agreement will be scaled up. He said engagements with other key international partners will also be part of the new set-up. During the meeting, AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral John Aquilino reaffirmed the “steadfast commitment of the Philippines and the United States to safeguard their respective nations and the Indo-Pacific region.” “The meeting was the culminating activity of the planning cycle that assessed previous activities and set out over 500 bilateral engagements for 2024,” Ileto said. Increasing the American role in the maritime conflict with China is expected to be matched by the latter through increased aggressiveness in staking its claim in the West Philippine Sea. Swarming by vessels resumes The AFP Western Command on Saturday expressed alarm over the heightened presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels and the massive coral harvesting at Rozul, or Iroquois, Reef, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. In a weekly news forum in Quezon City, Wescom commander, Vice Admiral Albert Carlos, reported the “resurgence” of swarming incidents in the West Philippine Sea, with about 40 Chinese fishing vessels spotted as of 15 September at Rozul Reef, which is located south of Recto Bank. Carlos said the latest figure is higher than the 33 vessels spotted on 24 August and the 24 tracked on 7 September. Swarming was also observed at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, where five Chinese fishing vessels were spotted, and Baragatan (Nares) Bank, with two boats, according to a Wescom news release on 14 September. “But the good news is we also have our presence there,” Carlos said, referring to vessels of the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. “So, we are addressing the issue of this swarming,” he added. Harmful harvesting Carlos noted that in July, the Philippine Navy deployed divers to conduct an “underwater survey” of the swarmed area and found “there were no more corals” at Rozul Reef. The military is coordinating with scientists and experts to assess the area, he said, adding that it specifically wants to verify the divers’ assessment that massive harvesting of corals happened just recently. “We saw that there were no more corals. The corals were damaged, and there was debris,” he said. “We are not making any conclusions at this time. It’s a work in progress, but we just want to report coral harvesting in the area where (the Chinese were) seen loitering and swarming.” Keeping the peace Carlos said government troops want to “keep the peace and avoid miscalculations” in the WPS despite the recent incidents. He, however, guaranteed a heightened military presence in the Philippines’ waters. “The presence (of Chinese vessels) is already alarming because we have the sovereign rights in our exclusive economic zone. Now, coral harvesting is still unverified. We are not saying that they are harvesting our corals. We suspect somebody is harvesting our corals, which means they are violating our sovereign rights. We have the exclusive right to exploit resources in the West Philippine Sea,” Carlos said. “For the Western Command, that is alarming, because it might appear that we are remiss in our duty to protect our territory, as well as the riches of our exclusive economic zone. So we are doubling our efforts on that. We are going to address that issue by increasing our presence there,” he said. Joint patrols assessed Carlos said the government is “carefully” studying offers by other countries to conduct joint patrols with Philippine forces. For now, the military is carrying out unilateral maritime patrols in the WPS, he said, adding that these are being “jointly conducted with the Philippine Coast Guard and the BFAR, not with any foreign country.” “We are in engagement with whoever offers to help us, whoever shares our desire, our objective to establish a rules-based international order. We are studying it carefully. All the offers are on the table,” he said. More EDCA projects Ileto said Brawner and Aquilino also agreed to hasten the completion of the EDCA projects. There were 32 projects approved. The two officials are eyeing 63 more EDCA projects. “More importantly, it reaffirmed the two nations’ commitment to the PH-US alliance as espoused in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said. The Philippines and the US military officials also agreed to jointly push for a free and open Indo-Pacific region “against a backdrop of a rules-based international order,” Ileto said. The post 500 EDCA deals in 2024 pipeline appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden leads US tech push in Vietnam
President Joe Biden and senior executives from top US tech firms including Google and Intel met Vietnamese business leaders Monday after the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation as Washington seeks to counter China's growing clout. Biden and Vietnam's ruling Communist Party chief -- the country's paramount leader -- struck a "comprehensive strategic partnership" as Washington pushes to boost its network of allies around Asia and the Pacific. The United States sees manufacturing dynamo Vietnam as an important part of its plan to decrease reliance on China for supplies of strategic resources, and the new pact includes agreements on semiconductors and rare earths. Executives from tech behemoth Google, chip makers Intel and GlobalFoundries, and aviation giant Boeing joined Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken for an "innovation and investment summit". They held talks with senior figures from a host of leading Vietnamese tech and manufacturing companies including electric car maker VinFast, internet firm VNG and digital wallet Momo. At the talks, Biden announced that flag-carrier Vietnam Airlines had agreed a $7.8-billion deal with Boeing to buy 50 medium-haul 737 airliners. Other deals announced include Microsoft developing a "generative AI-based solution tailored for Vietnam" and NVIDIA teaming up with local companies to deploy artificial intelligence in the cloud, automotive and healthcare sectors. Semiconductor security The new partnership includes an agreement on semiconductors, with the United States committing to help Vietnam develop its capabilities and expand production, including by funding workforce training. Tiny semiconductors are vital to modern life, found in every electronic device from children's toys and smartphones to electric cars and sophisticated weapon systems. Biden moved last month to restrict US investment in Chinese technology in sensitive areas including semiconductors, quantum computing and AI. With Washington looking to diversify and strengthen its supply chains after a series of shocks hit the global economy, it is increasingly looking to Vietnam, which has the world's second-largest deposits of rare earths -- another strategically vital resource -- after China. The White House highlighted US investment in chipmaking in Vietnam, pointing to a new $1.6 billion factory near Hanoi due to start operations soon. China difficulties Biden insisted Sunday that he did not want to "contain" China, but accused Beijing of seeking to change the rules of the international order. And in their joint statement, Biden and Trong launched a fresh broadside at Beijing in the sprawling, multi-state territorial row over the South China Sea. They warned against "threat or the use of force", days after the latest clash involving Chinese vessels, and insisted the competing claims to the strategic waterway must be settled under international norms. Beijing claims almost the entire sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. The president met Chinese Premier Li Qiang -- the country's number two leader -- on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi on Sunday. Biden said the major economic problems Beijing was wrestling with would limit its scope for action, particularly on Taiwan -- which China regards as a renegade province. "China has a difficult economic problem right now for a whole range of reasons that relate to the international growth and lack thereof and the policies that China has followed," he said, pointing to high youth unemployment and real estate issues. "I don't think it's going to cause China to invade Taiwan. As a matter of fact, the opposite -- it probably doesn't have the same capacity that it had before." Vietnam has its own squabbles with Beijing, notably over the contested South China Sea. Hanoi's state media on Monday hailed the deal with former war foe the United States as "historic". Biden will end his visit by paying his respects at a memorial to his friend John McCain, the former US Senator shot down in Hanoi as a pilot during the Vietnam War. The post Biden leads US tech push in Vietnam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hero within all of us doesn’t make the news
Often remembered only when their special day is marked, the nation's heroes deserve more than passing mention in a two to three-paragraph story either buried in the inside pages or turning up in a rehashed editorial or opinion piece. It's that time of the year again when many of us take a day – or a long weekend off – for beach bums or sun worshippers, or take the occasion to do our laundry, declutter closets, reunite with old friends or relatives, catch up with reading books you meant to curl up with on a rainy day, or the time when you give your pet dog a shampoo and a brisk rubdown. It is a day all wage-earners look forward to because it means extra holiday pay or a fatter paycheck. In short, except for their kin and descendants of their closest friends who attend obligatory rites at national shrines, we often take our heroes for granted, storing them temporarily in the dustbins of history, only to be resurrected at the next celebration of National Heroes Day or Araw ng Mga Bayani. Students recite their names by rote only to pass history or related subject tests, mouthing facts and figures without paying attention to their meaning or importance in the Philippine setting. Bonifacio, Rizal, Aguinaldo, Mabini, Antonio and Juan Luna, Gabriela and Diego Silang, Jose Abad Santos, Josefa Llanes-Escoda, Maria Orosa, Gen. Vicente Lim, and countless others. Youngsters often recall these personalities only because several streets, towns, and military camps have been named after them. When the award-winning film "Heneral Luna" was shown to capacity crowds with Apolinario Mabini, often called the "Brains of the Philippine Revolution" and the "Sublime Paralytic" playing a stellar role, many in the audience wondered aloud why he was always shown in a seating position. Parents who were fortunate enough to have been raised by families with more than textbook or quiz/trivia knowledge of the making of our history through the participation of these remarkable figures decry the fact that many of today's youth are more familiar with the eating or wardrobe preferences as well as the latest squeeze or amour of their favorite Korean or Hollywood idol than the roles played by Gabriela Silang, Antonio Luna, or Llanes-Escoda in the resistance against Spanish, American, and Japanese invaders. Some young people and even adults are known to sing all of their idols' top hits by heart at the drop of a hat. Still, they need to be made aware of the contributions of Nicanor Abelardo, Lucio San Pedro, and Sister Rosalina Abejo to the richness of Philippine music. Is this sad state of affairs a result of the failure of history and arts and culture classes in our school's curriculum, a lack of trained teachers to teach these courses, or simply growing disinterest in these subjects among our students? Have the heroes who are supposed to serve as role models or inspirations not only for the young but to the citizenry in general lost their luster or have faded glory? It would be a pity if such is the case, especially in these times when we need them most to rally behind a cause, symbolize or motivate advocacy, or provide us hope in a world tottering on the brink of war, facing disease, hunger, and the disastrous effects of climate change. While we should not forget those, who led us towards the path of independence from the harsh consequences of foreign rule that destroyed countless lives, bred insurrections, and almost obliterated our sense of pride and national identity, let us not forget those in our midst who continue to tread the less-traveled road and remain anonymous. In recent times, these are the modern-day heroes like the brave and persevering soldiers who man the worn out and ready-to-fall-apart BRP Sierra Madre entrenched on Philippine soil at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, despite continuing threats and harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard whose government insists the Shoal is theirs. A July 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling under the United Nations said, "China's nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters is invalid." From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, first responders or front liners like doctors, nurses, and others in allied professions were acknowledged as the heroes of the day, alongside countless supporters who donated medical equipment and facilities and organizers of community pantries that provided a seemingly endless supply of food to those in need. They are our firefighters, police and military forces (despite a rotten few), peacemakers, teachers, and rescuers in mercy missions to save lives in areas hit by floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other violent forces of nature. They may even be a neighbor who helps the homeless or vagrant by giving him not only food but odd jobs to keep them off the streets and away from the wretchedness of begging, a friend who has opened up her home to stray cats and dogs, a plant nursery owner who donates saplings and seeds so others can learn – and profit – from the joys of gardening. These community leaders have made a difference by initiating livelihood projects in their respective neighborhoods. It could even be you. Leading by example, you can teach others that settling tax obligations, obeying traffic rules, and paying it forward is all about being a good citizen. According to one wise man: "Heroes prove to us that no matter how much suffering there is in the world, there are supremely good people around whom we can count on to do the right thing even when most people are not prone to do so." The post Hero within all of us doesn’t make the news appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall?
The President’s appointment of Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. as Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China for Special Concerns — a post he will hold on top of his day job as Philippine Ambassador to Great Britain and Ireland — is a daring, if astute, move. Daring because Locsin is not known to hold back with either word or deed to express what he feels strongly about, e.g., the dirty finger, and astute because in naming Locsin, the President couldn’t have found a better, smarter, and more seasoned man to represent Philippine interests with singular loyalty and devotion to the republic. Locsin was, of course, the former dispensation’s Ambassador to the United Nations where he, fluent as he is in Spanish, enjoyed congenial relations and camaraderie with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the rest of the Spanish-speaking members of the Latin America bloc in the multilateral organization. The former journalist (his father, Teodoro M. Locsin Sr., was publisher of the legendary Free Press) and Makati congressman was subsequently appointed by then President Duterte Secretary of Foreign Affairs, during whose tenure 45 diplomatic protests were filed against Beijing, including over a law that allows the China Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines, in fact, during Locsin’s term as DFA Secretary was the first country in the world to file a diplomatic protest through a note verbale in January 2021 against China’s Coast Guard Law. As Foreign Affairs Secretary, he laid claim to “assiduously protesting every infringement on Philippine territory and sovereign right, as well as Chinese actions that amounted to provocation, threats or coercion.” The DFA, with Locsin at its helm, raised the South China Sea dispute in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other fora even as it continued to engage China through the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. His accomplishments included the two diplomatic protests filed by the DFA in May 2021 over the “incessant, illegal presence” of Chinese militia disguised as fishermen in fishing boats and the Chinese Coast Guard “shadowing, blocking, conducting dangerous maneuvers and radio challenges against Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the WPS,” which an irate Locsin accompanied with a separate post on Twitter saying, “China my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see. O.. GET THE F**CK OUT. What are you doing to our friendship? You. Not us….” He eventually apologized to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian for his intemperate language after then-President Duterte reminded him that only he (Duterte) could spew profanities while engaging in diplomacy. Whatever advice President Marcos may have received before he named Locsin to the post must have detailed certain actions by the former DFA chief towards the Chinese. That these did not deter the President from naming Locsin anyway signifies that he sees more in Locsin than his capacity for displaying outrage in a provocative manner. Many have lauded the choice of Locsin by the President. Indeed, we hold our breath as Locsin sets out to engage with the top Chinese officialdom in Beijing. We are curious to see what charms and ingenious diplomatic skills he will pull from his sleeve and whether these will make the Chinese finally accept, for instance, the 2016 ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal that said China has no lawful claim over waters determined to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It will be interesting to see if Locsin will be able to clinch his objectives and score well enough to make him, and the country, feel like soaring over — instead of crashing into — China’s Great Wall. The post Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meeting between FPRRD and PBBM an occasion to come together—Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said the meeting between former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., marked a rare occasion where two leaders from different administrations come together. In an interview after his visit to Tuy, Batangas on Thursday, August 3, Go stressed the importance of the said meeting on the country's foreign relations and domestic political landscape. It can be recalled that Duterte just came back from a recent personal trip abroad, where he was given an opportunity to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “Isinama lang po ako ni dating pangulong Duterte sa pulong nila ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Sila naman po ang nag-usap muna. Sa pagkaalam ko ang napag-usapan nila ay tungkol doon sa pagbisita ni former president sa China kung saan po ay naimbitahan siya sa inagurasyon ng building na pinangalanan po sa kanyang yumaong nanay, si Soledad Duterte,” Go said. “Bilang dating presidente ng bansang Pilipinas at kaibigan n’ya si President Xi ng China, naimbitahan po siya sa pagpupulong. Napag-usapan nila ang kanilang pinagsamahan noon bilang parehong lider at si (dating) pangulong Duterte naman po ay pumunta kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos para ireport po, bilang kanyang obligasyon as a citizen nitong bansa natin, na ireport po sa Pangulo kung ano ang napag-usapan nila doon at ano po ang makakatulong sa ating bansa,” he added. Go underscored the significance of such dialogues, stating that they foster a sense of continuity in governance and allow for the exchange of valuable experiences and wisdom between the two leaders. He added that the Philippines values its relations with China while upholding its sovereign rights and pursuing a rules-based approach in handling disputes in the West Philippine Sea. “I’m sure interest po ng Pilipino ang uunahin ni (dating) pangulong Duterte sa kanyang pakikipagpulong sa bansang Tsina. Kung ano po ang atin ay kanyang ipinaglalaban parati yan. Interes ng Pilipino — yun po ang dapat nating ipaglaban. Ang atin ay atin. What is ours is ours,” he said. Go said “kaya natutuwa po ako na siya mismo si (dating) pangulong Duterte ang bumisita kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos para mag-usap po ang kasalukuyang Pangulo at dating Pangulo na dati pa namang magkaibigan po... kung ano po ang detalye (ng pag-uusap nila), hayaan na nating ang Palasyo ang maghayag nito.” Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who served as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Duterte administration, previously suggested the possibility of appointing Duterte as a special envoy to China in light of the former president's positive rapport with Chinese authorities. He argued that Duterte's capacity to earn the trust of both the Chinese government and his fellow Filipinos could make him a suitable option if Marcos desires it. Go said that with Duterte's unique communication style and his success in gaining China's confidence, he has consistently remained devoted to what is best for the Philippines. The post Meeting between FPRRD and PBBM an occasion to come together—Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US envoy Kerry heads to China to restart climate talks
US climate envoy John Kerry will head to China on Sunday to meet with his counterpart Xie Zhenhua and restart stalled talks between the world's two biggest emitters of planet-warming gases. Kerry's trip to China -- his third as President Joe Biden's climate emissary -- follows weeks of record-setting summer heat that scientists say is being exacerbated by climate change. Bilateral climate talks stalled last year after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the US House of Representatives visited self-ruled Taiwan and infuriated Beijing, which considers the island its territory. But Kerry, a former secretary of state, has enjoyed comparatively cordial and consistent relations with China despite Washington and Beijing locking horns over Taiwan and a number of other thorny issues, including advanced semiconductors. His trip to Beijing also comes after two other high-profile visits by US officials -- first Secretary of State Antony Blinken, then Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen -- aimed at stabilizing US-China ties. Kerry was scheduled to depart for China on Saturday, according to the US State Department. The Biden administration has identified climate as an area for potential cooperation with Beijing, despite the tensions elsewhere. The restart of US-China climate talks will come on the heels of the hottest week on record globally, according to the World Meteorological Organization. June was already the hottest ever logged, according to US and European agencies. Kerry will aim to use his time in Beijing to engage with Chinese officials "with respect to increasing implementation and ambition and promoting a successful COP28", the State Department said, referring to the UN climate talks in November. Nearly 200 nations will gather in the United Arab Emirates for COP28 to thrash out ways to mitigate global warming and its impacts. Energy constraints As the leading producer of greenhouse gases driving climate change, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2060. President Xi Jinping has also said that the country will reduce its use of coal from 2026. But in April, China approved a major surge in coal power -- a move Greenpeace said prioritized energy supply over the emissions reduction pledge -- fuelling concerns that Beijing will struggle to meet its ambitious targets. "There are a number of factors that constrain the hands of energy planners in Beijing at the moment," Byford Tsang, a senior policy adviser at the climate-focused think tank E3G, told AFP. They include economic fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has led to major disruptions in the global gas market, and reduced hydropower capacity in China due to severe droughts in recent years, Tsang said. Last summer, millions of people in southwest China faced rolling power cuts after crushing heatwaves led to an electricity supply crunch that forced factories to halt work, heightening domestic concerns over energy security. "I think it would be politically challenging for China to take a step forward on coal policy at this stage," added Tsang. During his visit, Kerry is also expected to bring up international climate finance efforts, following calls by Yellen during her Beijing trip for China to play a larger role. Kerry's trip will be closely watched in Washington after Republican lawmakers characterized it as him flying a carbon-spewing private jet halfway across the world to discuss climate with a political adversary. The post US envoy Kerry heads to China to restart climate talks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go files bill to modernize coast guard, strengthen maritime protection
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has filed a measure to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard and strengthen its capabilities in safeguarding the country’s maritime resources. The proposed Senate Bill No. 2112 seeks to enhance the PCG’s capacity by providing the service with vital assets and resources that will help in the efficient fulfillment of its duties and responsibilities. The bill's primary objective is to upgrade the coast guard's vessels, aircraft, and equipment to international standards. This will significantly improve response time during maritime incidents and emergencies. "Our coast guard serves as the frontline defense against threats like smuggling and terrorism. Additionally, they provide invaluable assistance during natural disasters and emergencies.” Go said. "However, our coast guard faces several challenges that hamper their effectiveness including outdated equipment, inadequate training, and insufficient funding. Hence, I am proposing this bill to address these issues and modernize our coast guard to better protect our country and our people," he added. If enacted into law, it will allow the PCG to undergo a comprehensive modernization program designed to eliminate accidents at sea, expedite response times during search and rescue operations, and bolster national security efforts. The proposed legislation will also help in the enforcement of Philippine laws in the maritime zone, minimize pollution, and improve response times for recovering and mitigating spills. In a recent incident that highlights the importance of modernizing the PCG, it was reported that on June 30, Chinese Coast Guard vessels and militia aggressively followed and chased two Philippine ships during a resupply mission. The PCG ships, BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua, were providing escort to a small boat delivering supplies to the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre. The mission encountered a significant number of Chinese Coast Guard militia vessels, described as an "armada." To address such situations effectively, the bill emphasizes the need to enhance training and capacity-building programs for the PCG, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared for any challenges that may arise. As the implementing agency, the Department of Transportation will have the authority to enter into multi-year contracts, subject to approval by Congress and the President. "Moreover, this bill will establish a system of accountability and transparency in managing the coast guard's resources and operations. It guarantees efficient and effective use of the allocated funds for the modernization of our coast guard," Go said. He further emphasized that “the modernization of our coast guard is crucial for our national security and the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly those whose livelihood depends on our seas and waterways. We must ensure that our PCG is fully equipped and prepared to protect our waters and our people." As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Go stressed the timeliness and significance of passing this bill, considering recent events concerning the PCG. He said the legislation represents a significant step towards establishing a more modern and capable coast guard capable of effectively safeguarding the country's maritime interests. The measure will be deliberated in the Senate Committee on Public Services. Similarly, Go's instrumental role in the passage of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which addresses fire-related incidents nationwide, underscores his commitment to prioritizing Filipinos’ safety and security. The said law, primarily authored and co-sponsored by the senator, mandated measures that will help improve the BFP including the recruitment of more firefighters, acquisition of state-of-the-art fire equipment, and implementation of specialized training programs. The post Bong Go files bill to modernize coast guard, strengthen maritime protection appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WPS fishers to get P80-M assistance
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will provide P80 million in livelihood assistance to Filipinos fishing in the West Philippine Sea. The amount will be spent on fishing equipment such as bancas, payao, lambaklad, fishing gears or paraphernalia, seaweeds propagation gears and post-harvest equipment, BFAR head of Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit and spokesperson Nazario Briguera said at the weekly Laging Handa press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday. Fuel subsidy for municipal and commercial fishing boats will also be provided. Beneficiaries of the aid are fishers from provinces fronting the WPS, he said. Covered are the areas of Region III, Region I and MIMAROPA, including the Pag-asa Group of Island. Briguera said the aid is part of BFAR’s Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yield and Economic Gains for the West Philippine Sea Project. The project includes big bancas to enhance the capacity of fishermen to catch fish in the WPS. “We have to increase and improve their (fishermen) capacity to fish to also enhanced their production. That’s what we do. To really implement projects that would boost the productivity of our fisherfolk,” Briguera concluded. According to the BFAR spokesperson, the livelihood assistance is in line with the efforts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to serve fisherfolks. Meanwhile, Briguera downplayed reports that fish harvest in the WPS has decreased because of Chinese encroachment. “The decrease in catch is not directly attributable to issues happening in the West Philippine Sea. The country is always experiencing strong weather that may cause it,” he said. The post WPS fishers to get P80-M assistance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BFAR to extend P80M aid to fisherfolk near WPS
Close to P80 million worth of livehood aid for fisherfolk near the West Philippine Sea will be provided by the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources, the agency spokesperson reported Tuesday. At the weekly Laging Handa press briefing in Malacañang, BFAR head of Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit and spokesperson Nazario Briguera said this was through their LAYAG West Philippine Sea project, or Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yield and Economic Gains for the West Philippine Sea. The LAYAG West Philippine Sea project, according to Briguera, will enhance the production of of fishermen the said area. "So we’re looking at close to 80 million pesos ang mailalaan natin for 2023 para po ipatupad itong proyektong ito diyan po sa (will be spent for 2023 to implement the project in) West Philippine Sea," the BFAR official explained, specifically mentioning "mga lalawigan na nakaharap sa (provinces fronting the) West Philippine Sea." The aid will come in the form of bancas, payao, lambaklad, different fishing gear or paraphernalia, seaweeds propagation gear and post-harvest equipment. It will also include fuel subsidy for municipal fishing boats and commercial fishing boats. The areas covered include Region III, Region I and MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque and Palawan), including those in the Pag-asa Group of Islands. Briguera also downplayed reports of a decrease in fish harvest in the regions because of Chinese encroachment, citing data and figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority for the period 2021 to 2022. "Ito po ay hindi naman directly attributed doon sa mga nangyayari ngayong isyu diyan sa West Philippine Sea. Of course ang bansa kasi natin ay dalawin po ng masasamang panahon, so maaari ito iyong dahilan (We cannot directly attribute [the decrease in catch] to the issue of West Philippine Sea. The country always experiences bad weather, so that may be the reason)," he said. "We have to increase and improve their (fishermen) capacity to fish to also enhance their production... That's what we do. To really implement projects that would boost the productivity of our fisherfolk," Briguera concluded. The post BFAR to extend P80M aid to fisherfolk near WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Messi confirms triumphant 2022 World Cup was probably his last
Lionel Messi on Tuesday confirmed he "doesn't think" he will play at another World Cup in an interview with Chinese media after the 35-year-old led Argentina to victory at last year's tournament in Qatar. "I have said several times before that I don't think so, that that (2022) was my last World Cup," he said when asked by China's Titan Sports in a video interview if he might feature at the 2026 tournament in North America. "I will see how things go but in theory, I don't think I will be around for the next World Cup," he added in Spanish in the video published on the app Kuaishou. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently in Beijing where Argentina will play a friendly against Australia on Thursday. His comments come after he said earlier this year to the Argentinian newspaper Ole that it would be "very difficult" to play at another World Cup. He will turn 39 during the next tournament. Messi last week announced he would join MLS side Inter Miami after his two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain came to an end. Argentina will play Thursday's friendly against Australia at the 68,000-capacity Workers' Stadium in Beijing. The match is a repeat of the last-16 tie between the teams at the World Cup in Doha, which Argentina won 2-1. With Chinese fans desperate to see the former Barcelona star in action, tickets have been rapidly snapped up despite being sold at prices rising to 4,800 Yuan ($671). The post Messi confirms triumphant 2022 World Cup was probably his last appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Two economic issues
Contemporary developments point to the unsuspecting tragedy of the government operating on either “fiscal panic” or a “fiscally constrained environment,” in the true sense of these words. One is the matter of the Maharlika Investment Fund that a senator rightly described as a “leap into the great unknown,” and the other is the writing off of land reform debts that were averred by a congressman to be the President’s “biggest legislative accomplishment.” Chinese philosopher Confucius warns thus: “A person who catches two rabbits, catches neither.” While Congress subsumes itself as an enabling partner in nation-building, in the process it blurs the line that insulates its distinct power in a tripartite system, with a semblance of rationality, however. Indeed, the condonation of P57 billion in debt is a relief to 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries but it overreaches to become a tax amnesty and an exclusion of estate tax liabilities under a proposed law. It is doubtful if the forecast productivity gain of at least P33.5 billion yearly from the condoned lands would result therefrom. Earlier, the President issued Executive Order 4 directing a moratorium on the payment of the principal obligation and interest on the amortization due and payable by agrarian reform beneficiaries. Then, on the sovereign wealth fund, the former chair of the Senate’s Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies argued that if Landbank would have to contribute P50 billion and Development Bank of the Philippines P25 billion to the fund, the return on investment must be in the “two-digit zone,” not the usual 6 percent. Incidentally, the Senate president succeeded in having the House of Representatives adopt the Senate version sans a bicameral conference. Wherever this “capital accumulation cum fundraising project” would lead, a few observations may be laid clearly, to wit: One: As regards EO 4, it seems clear that the “moratorium shall be effective for one year upon the effectivity of the Order (i.e. 13 September 2022).” Thereafter, payment of obligation and interest will resume as if it were just a “layaway plan” or “deferred payment.” Two: While agrarian reform beneficiaries gained relief, the banks theoretically incurred losses during the moratorium which should have been collected in payments and interests. That is sure to generate a domino effect on banking operations in a significant way with almost P60 billion held hostage. Three: There appears to be no clear roadmap to the financial gains the two government-owned and -controlled corporations (LandBank, DBP) will derive as a return on investment on their corporate equity nor is there a surefire guarantee that this will surpass the 6 percent threshold they normally get as earnings for loans or debts from their borrowers. Four: It has become luminous that on one end, much has been taken away from both banks because of the moratorium in what closely constitutes “foregone revenues.” On the other end, to “sequestrate” those required contributions from their current deposits or assets would also mean that their resources or financial capacity is markedly diminished in a sort of a “bank run” consequential to (in)solvency. Five: These are manifest moves of a “fiscal embargo” or capital sourcing from Corp. A and Corp. B to create Corp. C. First, either bank or both receive no payments due to a moratorium, and, second, either bank or both are sliced out of their aggregate assets due to the mandated contribution. In both cases, the moratorium and mandated contribution — if we collapse the two together — simply signal the dangers and risks when a state-sponsored economic intervention is allowed to take shape. Pray that this does not forebode a bailout because the country is on the edge of bankruptcy or because poverty is worsening. In the end, there’s more than meets the eye to all the sweet rhetoric accompanying these moves of a first-of-its-kind state intervention that scholars have described as“taming Leviathan.” Political interference tends to collide with value maximization for shareholders, thereby jeopardizing investment targets. The post Two economic issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pascual seeks China’s RE infusion
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual appealed from Chinese investors to consider renewable energy projects as part of the RE transition in the coming years. “Moving on to renewable energy, the Philippines stands at the threshold of a significant transformation. Our geographical position, bathed by sunlight, caressed by the winds, and surrounded by waters, puts us in an enviable position to harness the power of renewable energy. Renewable energy isn’t merely an option for us but a necessity. Thus, our government is ardently promoting using and developing renewable energy sources,” Pascual told participants of the Offshore Wind Conference on Thursday at the Shangri-La, BGC. RE share seen at 35% He said that by 2030, the nation aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix to 35 percent, and to 50 percent by 2040. “Our ambitious goals for energy transition reflect our commitment to sustainable development. Energy demand in the Philippines is growing in line with our country’s projected strong economic growth at 6 percent to 7 percent in this and the coming years. The demand for energy, especially for green energy, is expected to outpace our current supply level,” the trade chief said during his speech. Further, he said the country needs over 52,800 megawatts of additional renewable energy capacity to reach its renewable energy target by 2040. “In Beijing early this year, our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the immense opportunities for investment in our renewable energy sector. We, therefore, welcome Chinese and other foreign investments in renewable energy projects in the Philippines,” he said. The post Pascual seeks China’s RE infusion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Japan modernizing military alliance: Austin
The United States and Japan are working to modernize their military alliance in the face of threats from China, North Korea and Russia, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday. Austin is in Tokyo on a brief trip for bilateral talks before heading to the Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit in Singapore. Speaking before talks with his Japanese counterpart, Austin said the alliance faced "common challenges from the PRC's (China's) coercive behavior, North Korea's dangerous provocations, and Russia's cruel war of choice in Ukraine." "But we are united by our shared interests and shared values. And we are taking important steps to modernize our alliances and strengthen our deterrence," he added. Austin cited trilateral cooperation with Australia and South Korea as well as the expanded "pace, scope, and scale" of exercises and training. US and Japanese forces are becoming "more versatile, resilient, and mobile," he added, praising Japan's decision to obtain counterstrike capacity and improve information-sharing with Washington. Austin arrived in Japan on Wednesday, hours after North Korea made a failed attempt to launch a spy satellite using technology banned under UN resolutions. Pyongyang has stepped up missile launches in the past year, and Tokyo is also contending with growing pressure from Chinese vessels around islands contested with Beijing. Last year, Tokyo unveiled a major defense overhaul, pledging to boost security spending to two percent of GDP by 2027 and calling China the "greatest strategic challenge ever" for Japan. The post US, Japan modernizing military alliance: Austin appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Australia to provide Phl with drones, military training
The Australian government on Thursday said it will provide drone equipment and military training to the Philippines amid the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced this after her first bilateral meeting with her counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. "We want to work with the Philippines to support ASEAN's vital contribution to regional peace and security, including through maritime cooperation," Wong said. “We discussed today, the way in which we will enhance our cooperation, this includes Australia providing drone equipment, training, and other technology to strengthen your coast guards’ maritime domain awareness and protection capabilities,” she added. Wong also said the Australian government will be providing information and technical assistance to Philippine maritime officials to increase their capacity to deal with illegal fishing activities in the maritime zone. The Armed Forces of the Philippines previously admitted that its air and naval assets are not enough to properly secure and monitor the West Philippine Sea. Last month, dozens of Chinese fishing vessels believed to be conducting illegal activities, including illegal fishing, were spotted near the Philippine exclusive economic zone. ‘Security partners’ Wong said Australia sees the Philippines as a vital long-standing security partner in the Indo-Pacific region. “Your President said that in order to achieve our common goal of peace and prosperity for our peoples we need to work with like-minded partners. We are like-minded partners and we see you as such and we recognize that no single country can do this alone,” she said. “We want a region that is predictable, that operates by agreed rules, standards and laws in which sovereignty is respected,” she added. Wong also hinted at the possibility of a joint maritime patrol between Manila and Canberra in the West Philippine Sea. “We are committed to continuing Australia's long-standing presence in the region including in the west Philippines Sea [and] South China Sea,” she said. “We are open to cooperating with all our partners to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight and the Philippines is a long-standing important security partner for us,” she added. A joint maritime patrol between the Philippines and Australia was first made public by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during his visit to the country in February. According to Wong, the Defense departments of the two countries are already “discussing the best pathway to take this forward and we want to keep working with the Philippines on that.” Wong also noted that Australia will aid the Philippines mitigate the environmental impacts of the recent oil spill in Mindoro and support women’s leadership in maritime security. ‘Trade, investment cooperation’ The Australian foreign minister also announced that Australia’s Official Development Assistance to the Philippines will increase to an estimated AUD89.9 million in 2023-2024 to support programs including cooperation on shared priorities such as inclusive economic growth, education, training and scholarships, disaster and climate resilience, and peace and stability in Mindanao. She said this is in addition to an AUD10.95 million commitment to support the Philippines to establish a new immunization information system and a strengthened laboratory network and surveillance system, addressing disruptions to routine immunization during the pandemic. Likewise, Manalo and Wong agreed to enhance trade and investment cooperation, including exploring possible cooperation on critical minerals, and to continue exploring opportunities to improve two-way tourism. The Philippines and Australia said that both nations “looked forward to further strengthening people-to-people connections through the Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement being negotiated between the two countries.” The post Australia to provide Phl with drones, military training appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe Boosts Food-Security Program Hapag Movement
With the problem of involuntary hunger plaguing many Filipinos, leading digital solutions platform Globe and international food rescue organization Scholars of Sustenance Philippines Food Rescue took up the challenge of addressing this issue in a recent partnership under the former’s Hapag Movement banner program. In collaboration with Filipino-Chinese restaurant community group Fil-Chi Ho Tsia Ho Dim, Globe Business recently donated food that supplemented the evening feeding program of the Most Holy Trinity Parish for 100 beneficiaries within the community in Sampaloc, Manila. SOS PH, through its food rescue operations, utilizes safe surplus food by redistributing them to vulnerable communities in need. Recently launched in the Philippines, it aims to bring to the country its goal of reducing hunger and food waste. “In starting our operations in the Philippines, we are sincerely grateful for the assistance we are receiving from various sectors. We are one with Globe in their vision for the Hapag Movement. Through our combined efforts in fundraising through digital channels and supporting communities through food rescue programs, we hope to truly make a difference and alleviate the hunger situation in the country,” said James Leyson, managing director of SOS PH. The Hapag Movement is Globe’s platform that connects multisectoral partners who can contribute to addressing hunger and joblessness. It provides supplemental feeding while building the capacity of beneficiary families through livelihood training. “At Globe, we believe that through collective action and the use of technology, we can bridge the gap toward a world free from hunger. We are thankful to SOS PH for this initiative and we are looking forward to shaping a #GlobeOfGood with them,” said Apple Evangelista, head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility at the Globe Group. The food rescue program is a symbolic start to a meaningful partnership between Globe and SOS PH. It is one of the major projects the two are working on under the Hapag Movement. Since its launch in October 2022, SOS PH has rescued and distributed a total of 10,000 kilograms of food, equating to more than 42,000 meals served and 13,000 kilograms of equivalent CO2 emissions reduction. Those who would like to send support to the Hapag Movement may donate via the GlobeOne app using Globe Rewards points. (Just follow the steps below.) Donations may also be made using Gcash or sent via credit card on the Globe of Good website. The post Globe Boosts Food-Security Program Hapag Movement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»