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Extreme Heat as a ‘New Pandemic’: Thousands in PH Cancel Classes During ‘Hottest Year’
(Part 1 of 2) CEBU CITY, Philippines — The decades-old Gabaldon building of Leyte National High School in Tacloban City has narrow hallways, high and dark ceilings, and overcrowded classrooms. On hot and humid days, the rooms can feel stuffy and suffocating, prompting students like Dwight Lebrea, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, to find ways.....»»
Chowking Brings Halo-Halo Land to Cebu for 2024
Chowking has officially done it again. The Filipino-Chinese fast food chain has once again reinvented summer with another year of Halo-Halo Land in partnership with SM Supermalls, showcasing their new super-sangkap, kumpletong lamig-sarap Halo-Halo Supreme. Halo-halo is a Filipino staple. Its variety of ingredients dances on the pallet of your tongue as it gives you.....»»
EY GDS Announces Plans to Hire Talent for Expanding Cybersecurity Operations in Cebu
EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) has announced that it will be hiring more talent for expnding its cybersecurity operations in Cebu. This announcement follows the successful launch of its advanced, multi-million facility in Manila in September 2019. EY GDS talent expansion plans are in response to the growing need for augmenting its pool of […].....»»
6th Magis Eagles Football Cup to honor Rico Navarro
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The SHS-AdC Magis Eagles Football Cup returns after a four-year hiatus and will honor the late Rico Navarro, the school’s athletic director. Navarro who passed away in 2020 was one of the organizers of the annual tournament that was last held in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s edition.....»»
Sialo: Where local is luxury
HONG KONG – On a 2019 trip to Myanmar, I met a Singaporean chef who shared that the worst food she ever tasted in her life was Filipino food. “Perhaps you had the wrong ones,” I quipped without divulging to her that I’m a Filipino from Cebu. She said she had her fill of adobo,.....»»
SWU Cobras beat CRMC Mustangs in their last Cesafi season game
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras, the former Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., (CESAFI) men’s basketball champions, may had a forgettable season, but they made sure to wrap it up by putting up a good fight. The Cobras may not be the same as its 2019 championship team, but the boys of head.....»»
MCWD board row: Late Mayor Labella’s termination of directors questioned
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan, legal counsel of the previous Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), questioned the validity of the termination of the previous MCWD board members by the late Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella in 2019. Ligutan questioned the authority under which the late Mayor Labella.....»»
CdO fire victims get Go aid
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assisted 283 recovering fire victims at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall Ground Quadrangle last Thursday, 19 October. Go’s team provided the beneficiaries with shirts, masks, vitamins, snacks and balls for basketball and volleyball. There is also a select recipient of a pair of shoes from the senator. In coordination with the National Housing Authority, through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program which Go advocated for and continues to support, the beneficiaries also received financial assistance for housing materials. Go cited his filed Senate Bill 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure the availability of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city, municipality, and province across the country. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged those with medical concerns to visit the Malasakit Centers located at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital in the city. Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing basic medical services closer to the grassroots. In Misamis Oriental, necessary funds were allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Libertad, Balingasag, Claveria, Initao and Tagoloan. There will also be six other Super Health Centers in Cagayan de Oro City. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where these will be constructed. On Wednesday, 18 October, Cebu City held a groundbreaking for the city’s new Super Health Center in Barangay Labangon as part of the local and national government’s commitment to make healthcare more accessible to its residents. For his part, Go emphasized the importance of providing vital healthcare services, especially in remote and underprivileged communities, and underscored the suitability of Super Health Centers in addressing their basic healthcare needs. Go lauded how the Malasakit Center stood as a pillar of support as it paved the way for life-saving heart surgery for 29-year-old Mohammad Abdelrashid Juhuri, a devoted teacher from Maimbung, Sulu. Mohammad’s life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when a diagnosis of congenital heart disease threatened his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. The heart ailment was not a mere medical diagnosis but a life-changer. Also Wednesday, Go’s outreach team conducted a relief operation for various sectoral groups at the Brgy. Mintal Gymnasium in Davao City. Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 500 beneficiaries. They also gave away shoes, watch, and mobile phone to select recipients. The post CdO fire victims get Go aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nicole Borromeo moves up to 2nd spot in Miss International poll
MANILA, Philippines — Nicole Borromeo of the Philippines jumped to the No. 2 spot in the Asia-Pacific region, in the latest Miss International pageant’s online poll. On Oct. 15, the Cebu-based Borromeo ranked third in her region, following Vietnam’s Nguyen Phuong Nhi and Bangladesh’s Farzana Yasmin Ananna. The Vietnamese beauty maintained her lead in the latest partial count on Oct. 17. READ: Cebu City’s Nicole Borromeo is Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 But Ananna was dislodged of her spot in the Top 3, with a new delegate moving up, former Miss Philippines Australia and Charity Queen Australia Jazel Mae Alarca, who is representing the Land Down Under in the 2023 Miss International pageant. The votes were taken from an online poll on the Miss International mobile app, powered by Choicely, and available for free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The top delegates from three geographic regions will earn automatic spots in the Top 15. For the Americas, Itzia Garcia from Mexico maintained her lead, while Yamilex Hernandez from the Dominican Republic moved up to the second spot. Andrea Rubio from Venezuela who was second in the initial partial count has left the Top 3 in the latest tabulation, with Vanessa Hayes from Bolivia placing third. Europe and Africa, lumped in one geographic region for the poll, has a new leader. Nassita Diako from Cote D’Ivoire who was not even among the top vote-getters in the initial partial count now tops the group, dislodging Lilene Vieira Sarrao from Portugal who is now out of the Top 3. Lysia Allaire from France and Zoi Asoumanaki from Greece are still in second and third places, respectively. “Keep on voting for your favorite delegates by downloading our Miss International App” the pageant reminded the public on social media. READ: Nicole Borromeo is not just a pretty face Nicole Borromeo is not new to pageants. She was crowned Sinulog Festival Queen in 2019 and took home the Millenial Queen title that year. Last year, first runner-up Stephany Amado from Cape Verde and second runner-up Tatiana Calmell from Peru topped the voting for Europe, Africa, and the Americas, respectively. Savanna Delos Santos from the Northern Mariana Islands, who topped the poll for Asia-Pacific, finished in the Top 15. The results of the online voting will be announced during the coronation show at the Yoyogi Gymnasium No. 2 in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward on Oct......»»
SBG honors teachers during World Teachers’ Day celebration in Lapu-Lapu City
Senator Bong Go personally paid tribute to educators in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu during their World Teachers' Day Celebration at Hoops Dome on Friday, 6 October. Go acknowledged the vital role played by teachers in society and expressed his deep appreciation for their sacrifices, especially during the challenging times when the education landscape has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have always believed that teachers are the architects of our future. Sila ang naglalagay ng pundasyon para sa uri ng lipunan na nais nating itayo. At huwag nating kalimutan, ginagawa nila ito hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng tisa at pisara, kundi sa mga aral sa buhay na kanilang ibinabahagi, na madalas ay higit pa sa kanilang tungkulin,” Go highlighted. As part of his appreciation, Go provided gift packs, masks, and snacks to all teachers present while he also provided balls for basketball and volleyball, shirts, and vitamins for the schools. He also gave away bicycles, shoes, and mobile phones to select recipients. The senator also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of providing support to educators through better government interventions to protect their welfare. “At ako malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa mga teachers. Hindi ako magiging senador kung hindi ako natuto noon. Dumaan ako sa mga guro na mga mababait at may natutunan ako... Maraming salamat sa inyong pagserbisyo,” he acknowledged. In 2019, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11466, also known as the Salary Standardization Law 5, which gives civilian government employees, including public school teachers, another round of salary increases broken down in tranches. Go also expressed support for another increase in salaries for government workers through the proposed Salary Standardization Law 6 which can also benefit public school teachers nationwide if enacted into law. The senator has also co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1964, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which seeks to institutionalize teaching supplies allowances for public school teachers if enacted into law. The proposed measure was approved on the third and final reading last May. sponsored SBN 1360 which seeks to expand the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy by amending RA 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act which was first enacted into law during the Duterte administration. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, also highlighted the National Academy of Sports, a fully operational institution located within the New Clark City in Tarlac, which he authored and co-sponsored that became RA 11470, establishing the NAS in 2020. NAS is a government-run educational institution that offers quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. During his visit, he likewise witnessed the ribbon-cutting and opening of the new wing at Lapu-Lapu City Hospital which he also advocated for earlier. Furthermore, he also supported the construction of a diversion road along Barangays Basak and Gabi in Lapu-Lapu City. Go also went to Cebu City where he attended the Barangay Health Workers Summit and provided assistance to fire victims before heading to Lapu-Lapu City. Earlier that day, Go was a guest speaker during the 33rd Commencement Exercises of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Maragondon Branch where he extended tokens to 480 graduates. He also gave away tokens to 121 graduates of PUP-Alfonso Branch, which also held its 7th Commencement Exercises on the same day. The post SBG honors teachers during World Teachers’ Day celebration in Lapu-Lapu City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Eco group warns vs toxic lead spray paints
An environmental group on Wednesday has urged authorities to look into the sale of five lead-containing spray paints being sold in Metro Cebu cities. According to the EcoWaste Coalition, the spray paint brands — the yellow Bad Axe Spray Paint which contains 23,080 ppm lead, canary yellow, jade green, Gongcheng orange yellow and deep yellow variants — had 21,610 ppm, 21,500 ppm, 20,040 ppm and 15,700 ppm. It added that it discovered these spray paints are being sold in the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. “Our discovery of five more lead-containing aerosol paints in Cebu indicates the need for improved compliance monitoring, particularly outside Metro Manila and Luzon, to protect the health of children and adults from this continuing source lead exposure,” said EcoWaste Coalition’s Manny Calonzo. These five Bad Axe brand spray paints are being sold each for less than P100 per 400 ml can. As indicated on the label, Bad Axe can be used for coating the interior and exterior wood, steel and other metal surfaces of household appliances, equipment, furniture, bicycles and the like. “The product has no manufacturer’s markings and its country of manufacture is unknown. It provides no information or warning about the paint’s lead content,” said the group. However, the product’s date of manufacture is indicated at the bottom of the can and all variants of Bad Axe were manufactured between 2021 to 2023, or after the completion of the national phase-out deadline for lead-containing decorative paints in December 2016. The World Health Organization, which co-manages the Secretariat of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint or the Lead Paint Alliance, has warned that lead exposure can have serious consequences for the health of children. EcoWaste Coalition added that exposure to lead is known to result in adverse health effects such as damage to the brain and central nervous system, slowed growth and development, hearing and speech problems, learning difficulties and behavioral problems, which can cause reduced ability to pay attention, underperformance in school, and lower intelligence quotient. The country’s lead paint regulation is stipulated under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2013-24, which established a maximum limit of 90 ppm for total lead in paint. This landmark chemical policy phased out leaded decorative and industrial paints in December 2016 and December 2019, respectively. The post Eco group warns vs toxic lead spray paints appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dumaguete City to host national history conference, gathering of historians
Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental will host this year’s National Conference of Local and National History, slated for 19 to 21 October. Organized by the Philippine National Historical Society, the oldest historical organization in the country founded in 1941, the three-day event will feature 21 paper presentations. It is on its 44th staging and second onsite since 2019. Theme for this year is “Retropolis: Discoveries and Rediscoveries in Philippine History.” Papers to be presented include “Looking for Philippine Art and Artifacts in Spain” by Regalado Trota Jose, formerly of the University of Santo Tomas Archives; “More than Gold: World Treasures in the Philippines” by John Crossley of Australia’s Monash University; “Philippine Sites Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List” by Ivan Anthony Henares of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines; “A Digital Repatriation of a Lost Archive of the Spanish Pacific: The Library of The Convent of San Pablo (Manila, 1762)” by Cristina Juan of the School of African and Asian Studies, University of London; “The Pulangi and Agusan Rivers in Mindanao History, 1599-1648: A Water-Based Perspective” by Jihan Bacug and Sharon Bulaclac of the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi; “Kudarat and Dutch Links In Caraga Affairs, 1629-1651” by Kimberly Apatan-Lusay and Zizzle Dawn Abecia-Sayson of MSU-Marawi; “The Bell of Taraka: Understanding the Ranaw-Dutch Relations in the 18th Century” by Tirmizy Adbullah and Ruholla Alonto of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage; “When Iligan Finally Stood Alone” by Rey Luis Montesclaros of MSU-Iligan; “Occupation and Resistance: The Guerrilla Movement in Tarlac, 1942-1945” by Marcelino Macapinlac Jr. of De La Salle University; “Bayonets and Bloodshed: Japanese Atrocities in Dumaguete during the Second World War” by Justin Jose Bulado of the Negros Oriental State University; “Glimpses of the Japanese Interregnum in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi” by Calbi Asain of MSU-Jolo; “Who were the Panuypuyes?Resistance and Retreat in the Seventeenth-Century Northern Luzon” by João Paulo Reginaldo of University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio; “Bricks, Heritage, and Identity-Making: The Social Biography of Cagayan Ladrillos” by Aldous Tracy Rubio of UP-Baguio; “Spanish-American Encounters in Las Piñas, 1898-1899” by Cecilia Tangian of MSU-Iligan; “Makalilisang Gutom: A Social History of Hunger in Cebu, 1899 to 1929” by Ophelynn Cano of Cebu Normal University; and “Establishing the Early History of Rabies Virus in the Philippines” by Ian Alfonso of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The post Dumaguete City to host national history conference, gathering of historians appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NAIA rises in rankings of world’s most internationally connected airports
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has established itself as one of the most internationally connected airports in the world. Known by its International Air Transport Association (IATA) code, MNL, it ranked 15th in the top 50 global airport mega hubs and secured the third spot in the top 25 low-cost carrier airport mega hubs. According to the 2023 Megahubs Index by OAG, a leading provider of digital flight information, intelligence, and analytics for airports, MNL has climbed from 29th place in 2019 to 15th place this year in terms of international connectivity. The flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, emerged as the dominant air carrier with a 32% share of flights. In this list, led by the United Kingdom's London Heathrow Airport, MNL also ranks 6th among the top international mega hubs in the Asia Pacific region, following KUL (Malaysia), HND (Japan), ICN (Republic of Korea), BKK (Thailand), and SIN (Singapore). OAG noted, “The presence of seven Asian airport hubs in the Global Top 20 is significant considering the region is still on the path towards a full recovery.” Currently, MNL hosts 40 international carriers serving 58 international destinations. The latest addition to NAIA’s roster in 2023 is ZIPAIR, which launched its first flight between Manila and Narita last July. Additionally, Philippine Airlines has introduced nonstop flights to Perth, and Air China now directly connects Tianfu Chengdu to NAIA. Among the top 25 mega hubs for low-cost international connections this year, MNL stands out in third place, trailing only KUL (Malaysia) and ICN (Republic of Korea). MNL is the home of Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier (LCC), which will be launching flights to Da Nang, a new destination from Manila, beginning December 7th. Thirteen Asia Pacific airports, including MNL, dominate the rankings, reflecting the high level of LCC penetration in South Asia and Southeast Asia. “We are pleased that MNL is able to ride the momentum brought about by the strong and consistent travel rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the LCC penetration in our region. We are likewise grateful for the confidence the international carriers have extended to us. Testament to this is the growing number of applications from various international carriers who wish to operate flights in NAIA,” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said. “NAIA being the country’s main gateway makes it incumbent upon us, as the airport authority, to expand the destinations Filipinos, as well as our guests, can fly to and from MNL,” added Co. HK Express is set to launch its inaugural flight between Manila and Hong Kong on 13 October, while United Airlines is scheduled to launch nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco starting 30 October. The post NAIA rises in rankings of world’s most internationally connected airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects
A partnership with the Rotary Club of Manila, along with other Rotary Clubs in the country can realize the government’s objective of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. [caption id="attachment_179067" align="aligncenter" width="2430"] Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her speech as guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club's weekly meeting at the Manila Polo Club last 31 August, said it was her ‘sincere hope that with the partnership of the Rotary Club, as well as its members and the captains of industry who contribute in one way or another to the project of nation-building, we can ensure that our country — through tourism — will have a more primary role in Asia as a tourism powerhouse.’[/caption] This was the call made by Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco after presenting the stance of the tourism industry in the country before members and officers of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club’s membership meeting at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday, 31 August 2023. Frasco reported that the efforts of the DoT, along with the whole-of-government approach ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in implementing the department’s projects with an eye to restoring the glory of the tourism industry has resulted as of 30 August 2023 into 3.6 million international arrivals, surpassing the total number of international arrivals last 2022. The figure is already 75.92 percent of the country’s target of 4.8 million tourist arrivals this year. “Philippine tourism contributed 6.2 percent to our gross domestic product in 2022; it is being hailed by our economic managers as the second growth driver in the first six months of this year,” she said. By the end of 2022, Frasco said the tourism industry has contributed over P1.87 trillion to the Philippine economy as a composite of international and domestic spending, representing a 67 percent recovery since 2019. “Tourism also contributed over 5.5 million in tourism employment, an 11 percent share of the national employment, and also represents over 93 percent in recovery from 2019 data,” she added. Frasco also said that the rallying of Philippine tourism after the battering it got from the pandemic stands at 66.3 percent, higher than the 54 percent average recovery of ASEAN nations in 2022. As per tourism receipts, Frasco said the industry has already breached P285.9 billion as of 31 July 2023. Pillars of Tourism The Tourism secretary stressed that to give the Philippines a fighting chance at standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its neighbors in the ASEAN region, her department had crafted the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, which does not only focus on the promotion of tourism alone but also in analyzing and understanding the essential pillars of tourism. Approved by President Marcos Jr. last May 2023, the NTDP provides a framework to guide the development and implementation of programs, projects, and activities towards a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry. NTDP’s seven strategic goals include improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility; cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity; enhancement of overall tourist experience; equalization of tourism product development and promotion; diversification of the tourism portfolio through multidimensional tourism; maximization of domestic and international tourism; and strengthening tourism governance through close collaborations with national and local stakeholders. Putting the Plan into concrete action, the DoT hopes to have an accumulated total of 51.9 million tourist arrivals and 34.7 million tourism-related jobs in the country by 2028. Frasco said in terms of infrastructure, the DoT has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways to improve accessibility in the regions with tourism sites. “This is by constructing, rehabilitating and adding tourism roads leading to tourist destinations. This year, over 158 kilometers of tourism roads have already been constructed,” she said. Aside from this, Frasco said the DoT has also coordinated with the Department of Transportation in improving connectivity, primarily in the country’s gateways for the improvement of flights and tourist journeys. With this, Frasco said the country is starting to see robust recovery of connectivity in the country, including a 100 percent increase in flights in Clark International Airport; a 614 percent increase in flights in Kalibo International Airport; and over a 300 percent increase in flights in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, among other airports in the country. Moreover, she said they also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the purpose of improving internet connectivity across 94 tourist destinations in the country. Connectivity in 47 of these destinations have already improved, according to Frasco. e-VISA Furthermore, Frasco said the DoT has engaged with other government agencies, namely the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, the DICT, and the Bureau of Immigration for the streamlining of the visa application process, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility for all international travelers, starting with Chinese visitors. Last 24 August, the DFA implemented the Philippine e-Visa system in Philippine Foreign Service Posts in China. The Philippine e-Visa will allow foreign nationals entering the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitor visas remotely through their personal computers, laptops and mobile devices. Other initiatives conceptualized by the DoT to improve the tourism experience include the “Hop in Hop Off” project; being part of the “Love the Philippines” tourism slogan; the “Philippine Experience”; facilitating a cultural tourism circuit development focused on heritage, culture, and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Living Cultures and Heritage, and an Arts caravan. In order to equip Filipino tourism workers, the DoT is set on training 100,000 of these workers and capitalize on the world-renowned Filipino hospitality. “We have already managed to train over 71,000 Filipino workers,” Frasco said. Optimistic “Frasco said the Marcos administration remains optimistic about tourism recovery and the resurgence of the nation. “Our numbers will indicate that tourism will continue to be a top economic driver that will provide massive employment and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos and our MSMEs,” she said. With the launch of the enhanced “Love the Philippines” branding, Frasco maintained that it would give the country a better opportunity to be reintroduced to the world. The post DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bring public health services closer
“Health is the greatest of human blessings,” according to Hippocrates, father of Modern Medicine. That is why we continue to make significant strides in improving our health system. The latest of which is the signing into law of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. As the principal sponsor and one of the authors of this measure, I am grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., for approving and prioritizing this legislation which will help bring specialized medical care closer to Filipinos in various regions, and hopefully to the most vulnerable groups in grassroots communities. As we aim to make public health more accessible, we must continue such efforts to ensure all Filipinos get the healthcare they deserve. In line with this, the Malasakit Centers we initiated in 2018 have already provided financial medical assistance to more than seven million patients so far. There are 158 Malasakit centers established all over the country through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. I have also continuously pushed for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are medium versions of a polyclinic and improved versions of the rural health unit, to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos even in remote areas. These centers, funded with the help of my fellow legislators and primarily implemented by the Department of Health, shall provide primary health care services in communities that also include consultation, diagnosis, and early detection of diseases. As chair of the Senate Health Committee, I must emphasize the need to bring public health services closer to the people who need them the most. The enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, along with the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers and the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide will hopefully bridge this gap and further promote the health and well-being of Filipinos no matter where they are in the country. As a legislator and public servant, I will continue to help improve public service delivery at the grassroots to the best of my capacity so that no Filipino is neglected when it comes to availing government services they need. That is why aside from the health initiatives mentioned above, I also continue to visit communities to deliver assistance, listen to their concerns, and provide solutions to their daily struggles. We were in Laguna on August 25 to inspect the Siniloan Sports Complex which was funded through our efforts as part of our goal as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports to promote grassroots sports development and divert our youth from harmful vices like illegal drugs. We then inspected the Isolation Facility of the Infirmary Hospital which we supported during the Duterte administration. We also led the distribution of aid to 500 impoverished residents of Siniloan together with Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and other local officials. Last weekend, I also joined fellow officials and basketball enthusiasts alike in supporting Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. I commend everyone who took part in ensuring the successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup here in the Philippines. We were invited as a guest speaker on 24 August at the Gender and Development Activity organized by the Provincial Council of Occidental Mindoro. We support these kinds of discussions that aim to promote equal and gender-sensitive leadership. On 23 August, I received the prestigious Apostle Arsenio Ferriol Award of Excellence for Public Service and Governance. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) for this very prestigious recognition. With or without an award, I will continue my mission to serve fellow Filipinos, knowing very well that service to the people is service to God. Aside from the awarding ceremony, I also joined them yesterday for their 50th Golden Church Anniversary celebration in New Clark City, Tarlac. I also visited Navotas City on 22 August, together with Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez to help 1,000 senior citizens, PWDs, and indigents. We also provided additional support to 1,328 recovering fire victims who were given aid from the National Housing Authority to buy housing materials through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program that we initiated before and continue to support its implementation now. We were also instrumental in the construction of nine public school buildings in Navotas City, some of which we were able to inspect during our visit. My office also continues to assist Filipinos affected by calamities. Among those assisted were typhoon victims in various towns in Cagayan — 500 in Gonzaga; 500 residents in Aparri; 500 in Allacapan; 500 in Pamplona; 500 in Ballesteros; and 500 more in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. More support was also provided for 35 indigents from different towns of Cotabato Province plus 110 sectoral members in Libungan town; three fire victims of Brgy. Peñaplata in Samal Island; 1,000 residents of Sibalom and almost 250 in Tobias Fornier in Antique; 1,000 beneficiaries in Polomolok, South Cotabato; 66 residents of Malolos Bulacan; 31 residents of General Tinio and 140 more in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. We also extended livelihood support to 14 indigents in Cauayan, Negros Occidental; three farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and 52 residents of Brgy. Tisa, Cebu City who were previously victims of a fire incident. They were also provided aid through DTI’s Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, which I pushed for before and continue to support now to boost the livelihood of those affected by various crises. Furthermore, I am also thankful to the President for signing the following into law: Republic Act No. 11961, which I co-authored, amending the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and mandates the creation of a Philippine Registry of Heritage; RA 11958, which I co-authored, that amends RA 6948 to rationalize the disability pension provided to military veterans; and the One Town, One Product Philippines Program, which I authored and co-sponsored, to support the growth of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises. While we have accomplished a lot in the past few days in helping those in need and pushing for policies that would uplift the lives of fellow Filipinos, our work must not stop as long as there are more of our kababayans who rely on us for support. As public servants, let us continue to bring the government and its services closer to the people while working together so that no one is left behind toward recovery and progress. The post Bring public health services closer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Big Bad Wolf returns to Cebu after 4 years
The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is coming back to Cebu for the first time since its last visit in 2019, following a successful onsite return to Manila earlier this June......»»
Designer Jie -jie Aisa on muse Nikki de Moura
So far, the city of Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao has produced two beauties of international caliber: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and Miss InterContinental 2021 Cinderella Faye Elle “Cindy” Obeñita. Hoping to make it a Beauty Queen Trinity is Nikki Advincula de Moura, the newly crowned Miss Grand Philippines who will compete for the global title in Vietnam come October. [caption id="attachment_173643" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Miss Grand Philippines 2023 Nikki de Moura, wearing a terno by Jie-jie Aisa, in front of the Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro. | Photograph Courtesy of James Paculba.[/caption] There are great expectations that De Moura, who is of exquisite mix of Brazilian and Filipino blood, will finally snatch the elusive Miss Grand International crown. Helping her to achieve this feat is her glam team from Cebu and her beauty camp in her native CDO. At the national finals, De Moura wore a creation by Eclectic Image Fashion Studio by Jie-jie Aisa for the national costume competition. It was called “Oportunidad de Oro” or “Golden Opportunities,” inspired by the city’s mythical golden fish which is believed to be its protector. It was one of the top five in the category. For her homecoming after her victory, De Moura once again wore a Jie-jie Aisa creation. “The gown beautifully blends two symbolic colors — green, representing unity and #KaubanTaUY, and gold, paying homage to CDO’s renowned title as the City of Golden Friendship,” the designer noted. “A true embodiment of grace and local pride, Nikki shines bright during her homecoming motorcade, capturing hearts of Kagay-anons and embodying the essence of this remarkable city. Thank you to LGU-CDO headed by Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy for making this possible.” Incidentally, the bustling city is in the midst of celebrating its Higalaay Festival, a major highlight of which is the Mindanao Fashion Summit from 23 to 25 August at the Ayala Centrio Mall. As the president of the Designer’s Assembly, Jie-jie will lead his group’s presentation on the second day, 24 August. “As the president, my key duties and responsibilities encompass leading and guiding the organization’s strategic direction, fostering a collaborative environment among budding designers, overseeing project initiatives, coordinating events and workshops and representing the interests of our members within the design community,” the genial designer said. “I am dedicated to ensuring the growth and success of our group by nurturing creativity, facilitating skill development and promoting meaningful engagement within the design industry.” On the eve of the 12th Mindanao Fashion Summit, the designer, who considers Gil Macaiba III, the late Benjie S. Manuel and Cary Santiago as influences, recounts his collaborative relationship with his muse, De Moura. Origins “My acquaintance with Nikki de Moura developed through mutual connections within the fashion and pageant industry. Our paths crossed after a local beauty camp in Cebu City introduced her to our camp in Cagayan de Oro City, the #TeamAmega. Since I am the official designer of our beauty camp, I had the opportunity to design her creative national costume as well as her outfits during her homecoming. “The idea of a creative collaboration for her gowns/outfits emerged organically from recognizing the synergy between our camp’s visions, we jointly initiated the collaboration, fueled by a shared passion for crafting unique and captivating ensembles that would resonate with her style and my design expertise.” Muse “Nikki exemplifies the essence of a stunning Jie-jie Aisa muse through her remarkable blend of grace, confidence and distinctive style. Her ability to effortlessly carry both traditional and contemporary ensembles reflects the dynamic spirit of the Jie-jie Aisa brand. Nikki’s poise and fashion-forward sensibilities resonate with the brand’s commitment to celebrating cultural heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. As a local fashion designer, collaborating with such a muse has been an inspiring journey, elevating my creations to new heights of elegance and sophistication.” Collaborations “Throughout the collaboration between myself as a local fashion designer and Nikki, we found common ground in our enthusiasm for integrating indigenous design elements into the collection. However, there were nuanced differences in our visions, particularly concerning the color palette’s vibrancy and the extent of embellishments. By fostering open dialogue and embracing a spirit of mutual respect, we arrived at a compromise that elegantly balanced the client’s preference for a more subdued palette with my inclination for bolder accents. This harmonious negotiation resulted in a collection that seamlessly reflects both Nikki’s refined taste and my artistic perspective.” Pride “I am immensely proud of Nikki’s accomplishments, both as Miss Teen Philippines 2019 and more recently as Miss Grand Philippines 2023. These achievements reflect not only her individual dedication and perseverance but also the embodiment of our nation’s beauty, talent and grace on esteemed platforms. Nikki’s success brings honor not just to herself but also to the Philippines, and it is a privilege to have contributed to my journey as a local fashion designer. Her victories inspire me to continue creating designs that complement and enhance the remarkable qualities of individuals like Nikki.” Preparations “From our perspective, the entire #TeamAmega is wholeheartedly committed to providing unwavering support to Nikki during her time in Vietnam. As for her national costume, we are awaiting confirmation from the Miss Grand Philippines Organization regarding my potential involvement in designing her ensemble. Rest assured we are eagerly prepared to contribute our expertise to ensure her representation is nothing short of exceptional.” Challenges “As a designer, crafting pageant gowns presents a unique set of challenges that require a delicate balance between artistic expression and meeting specific criteria. Ensuring that the gown captures the contestant’s individuality while aligning with the pageant’s theme and standards demands meticulous attention to detail. “Additionally, incorporating elements that reflect cultural authenticity and modern aesthetics requires thoughtful navigation. The challenge lies in harmonizing these diverse aspects to create a gown that not only enhances the contestant’s beauty and confidence but also makes a lasting impression on the judges and audience.” “Working with beauty queens brings its own distinct dynamic compared to designing for everyday women. Beauty queens possess a heightened sense of stage presence and a requirement for gowns that accentuate their elegance under the spotlight. The meticulous attention to fit, silhouette and materials is magnified.” The post Designer Jie -jie Aisa on muse Nikki de Moura appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Big Bad Wolf Gets Bigger, Badder, and Better in Cebu
Big Bad Wolf Book Sale returns to take over Cebu! After a successful run in Manila, Big Bad Wolf will be bringing its biggest book sale to Cebu for the first time since 2019. Cebu’s greatest event returns for a three-week sale from September 15 to October 1, 2023. Filipino book lovers can discover new […].....»»
Bong Go lauds para athletes for 16th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships win
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his heartfelt admiration and support to the Philippine Accessible Disability Services (Pads) Paradragon Elite Team for their incredible achievement at the 16th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Dragon Boat Racing Championships held in Rayong-Pattaya, Thailand from August 7 to 13. The Cebu-based dragon boat team took home an astounding six gold medals, outshining their previous record of four gold medals in 2019. “I am immensely proud of our Paradragon Elite Team for representing our country with honor and courage," said Go. "Despite the challenges, you show the world the true strength of the Filipino spirit. Proud po kaming lahat sa inyong tagumpay!” he added. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, has been a fervent advocate of sports development, particularly for differently-abled athletes. The senator's unwavering commitment is embodied in his key legislative initiatives, including Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2116, which aims to amend the "National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act" to provide increased incentives for para-athletes. In a Senate public hearing on August 14, Go stressed the necessity of upgrading incentives for para athletes to help improve their capabilities in international competitions. "Through the years, we have witnessed how the Filipino athletes stand out in various international sports competitions, such as the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games, para games, world championships, and Olympics," he said. "We can excel in sports with hard work, perseverance, and determination,” Go continued, focusing on the inspirational stories of Filipino athletes, particularly the differently-abled, who have demonstrated immense resilience and determination in their respective sports. SBN 2116 seeks to upgrade the incentives for para athletes to be at par with other international competitions of the same caliber. This bill intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports The senator also acknowledged the essential support extended by former president Rodrigo Duterte in securing prosthesis for the athletes. "The former president and I are glad to have been able to provide the much-needed support. Maliit na bagay ito kumpara sa malaking katapangan at tiyaga na pinapakita ng mga atleta,” he said. Go then highlighted the broader meaning of Pads’ victory, saying, “Hindi lang kayo nanalo ng isang kompetisyon. You've won hearts, inspired minds, at gave pride to our country. Your win is our win, and your triumph is the nation's triumph,” he concluded. Meanwhile, Go is also pushing for SBN 423, known as the Philippine National Games Act, aiming to provide a platform for athletes across the nation, particularly young individuals, to showcase their skills and compete at the national level. The post Bong Go lauds para athletes for 16th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships win appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»