Factories boost output in March but inflation a key concern
Local manufacturing generally sustained growth, but higher input costs that feed into consumer prices is a threat......»»
EDITORIAL — Irresponsible driving
As travel increases this Holy Week, motorists are expressing concern about a road accident this month that penalized an innocent driver. Video footage showed a Toyota Innova traversing the northbound lane of the Skyway Stage 3 on March 10 when a motorcycle moving beyond the speed limit counter-flowed, colliding head-on with the Innova......»»
March inflation may pick up amid high food prices
Inflation likely accelerated for the second straight month in March, mainly driven by high rice prices, prompting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep borrowing costs unchanged at its next policy review in April, analysts said......»»
PBBM to focus on farm-to-market road dev’t, agri sector modernization
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration would focus on enhancing crucial farm-to-market roads and modernizing the agricultural sector to prioritize the nation's farmers and food security. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Marcos underscored the significance of ensuring food security for all Filipinos instead of lowering tariffs on agricultural imports. "Our farmers are the backbone of our nation, and their well-being is our utmost concern,” Marcos said. President Marcos Jr. emphasized that improving the country’s infrastructure would help reduce post-harvest losses, boost agricultural productivity, and, most importantly, improve the livelihoods of Filipino farmers. Furthermore, the administration is committed to strengthening the National Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP). President Marcos Jr. elaborated on the plan's objectives, saying, "We must embrace innovation and modernize our agricultural and fisheries sectors.” “This means investing in research and development, technology adoption, and sustainable practices that can propel us into a more secure food future,” he added. The NAFMIP aims to harness technology and sustainable farming practices to increase agricultural productivity, enhance the quality of farm products, and promote value addition in the fisheries sector. “While we understand the need for affordable food, we believe that our primary responsibility is to empower our farmers. By investing in their capacity and improving their access to markets, we can strike a balance that benefits both our farmers and consumers,” Marcos said. Meanwhile, Marcos on Tuesday thumbed down the decision not to lower tariffs on agricultural imports. Marcos, who is also the Department of Agriculture secretary, rejected the proposal after a meeting in Malacañang where the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) gave an update on the proposal at the meeting. “It was not the right time to lower the tariff rates because world rice prices project that it will go down. So, this is not the right time to lower tariffs,” the Chief Executive said. “Tariffs are generally lowered when the price goes up,” he added. NEDA and the Department of Budget and Management had previously proposed to temporarily stop charging taxes on imported rice to lower the cost of rice in the country. The post PBBM to focus on farm-to-market road dev’t, agri sector modernization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India
Army chiefs and senior officers from 30 countries including the United States met in India Tuesday to discuss threats facing the Asia-Pacific region, in the face of concern at an increasingly assertive China. US Army chief Randy George said the region was "critically important", speaking to reporters alongside his Indian counterpart Manoj Pande, and vowed to boost cooperation to "maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific". Generals from Japan and Australia, which make up the "Quad" defense cooperation forum alongside Washington and New Delhi, also took part, as did Britain and France. As the generals met, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing would oppose the "wanton expansion of military alliances", the latest in a string of warnings as Washington deepens security ties in the Asia-Pacific. Beijing has long said that any effort to establish a NATO-like military alliance in the Asia-Pacific would provoke conflict. Nations present at the two-day conference in New Delhi included Vietnam and the Philippines, both of which have longstanding pending territorial disputes with China. The conference, which launched in 1999, brings together army chiefs and top officers from 30 countries. India's Pande said the region faced challenges on both land and at sea. "These range from territorial disputes over land masses, or in some cases, even over artificially expanded islands to acquire real estate and establish military bases," Pande added, in an indirect reference to China. India has also had to balance its traditional alliance with Russia -- the provider of most of its arms imports, and now a source of cut-price oil -- with growing ties to Washington. "The partnership between India and the US armies is vital for stability in the region, and the relationship between our armies is strong and growing stronger," George said. The post US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tainted love: Misinformation drives ‘vaccine-free’ dating
In a private dating group on Facebook, Renee flaunts herself to like-minded singles as a fit, adventurous Kizomba dancer who at 35 exudes "inner child vibes." But her main draw? She is unvaccinated. The Covid-19 pandemic may have receded, but dating apps, websites and social media groups still offer to unite vaccine-hating singles who believe debunked falsehoods such as that coronavirus jabs alter DNA or cause infertility. The trend underscores how anti-vaccine sentiment has become an entrenched identity for many who willfully resist or ignore scientific assertions that inoculations saved tens of millions of lives globally when the pandemic was raging. A prospective match's vaccination status determines compatibility not just for Renee, a self-employed Australian, but for many posting in "unvaxed singles" groups that have cropped up on Facebook. Dating decisions there are driven by chemistry but not science. In one closed group breached by AFP, many listed "no jabbies" as their top dating criteria, while others cheered anti-vaccine advocates as "pure blood freedom fighters." One meme popular in the group described their ideal partner: "She's curvy, funny, intelligent, unvaccinated." It demonstrates how the pandemic turned rejecting vaccines from a personal health decision to the way "people express their personal brand," said Timothy Caulfield, a professor at the University of Alberta in Canada. "It shows how high the walls of their echo chambers are. Being anti-vaccine has become an ideological flag -- a way to demonstrate which team you belong to," Caulfield told AFP. "It is less and less about science and more and more about the values being antivax signal." 'Swipe left' According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, about half of US adults who used a dating site or app said it was important to see the vaccination status on profiles. "Why is your vaccination status such a big deal? I've even seen it listed as a 'dealbreaker' on some profiles," said a post in a dating discussion group on the online messaging board Reddit. "The profiles I see most state the following: 'if you're vaccinated then please swipe left.'" Some comments in the group referred to vaccinated singles as people carrying "biological weapons," an apparent reference to the debunked claim the vaccinated spread "super strain" variants. Vaccine falsehoods often overlap with other types of misinformation, introducing believers to those espousing the QAnon conspiracy theory and anti-LGBTQ narratives. "Studies have consistently shown that if a person is anti-vaccine – or unvaccinated – you can make a strong guess about that person's positions on a host of other issues," Caulfield said. Spreading falsehoods can also be profitable. The Florida-based Wellness Company sells a detoxification supplement that it claims counteracts the harmful effects of coronavirus jabs, destroying spike proteins to get back "that pre-Covid feeling." But experts and public health authorities told AFP's fact-checkers there is no evidence the nearly $65 supplement does that. The same company also backs a dating website for unvaccinated people called Unjected. Before being accepted, its members are required to have their "vaccination status certified by a medical professional," according to the website. In 2021, US media reported the Unjected app, dubbed as the "Tinder for anti-vaxers," was removed from Apple's App Store over Covid-19 misinformation. A slew of similar apps for unvaccinated singles are available on the Google Play Store. One such platform is called Unjabbed, whose user reviews expressed concern about bugs and phone hacking attempts after the app was downloaded. 'Tall, dark, handsome' At the height of the pandemic in 2021, conventional online dating platforms including Tinder, Hinge and OkCupid sought to boost vaccinations. As part of a White House-backed effort, many platforms allowed users to create badges displaying vaccination status, with OkCupid calling the inoculated the "new tall, dark and handsome." Users who were vaccinated or planned to be saw a spike in matches and engagement, OkCupid said in a blog, adding the "vaccine is really helping people find love." But any future inoculation drive could be jeopardized by anti-vaccine sentiment, which appears resilient even as the pandemic ebbs and travel restrictions are lifted around the world. The allure of finding an unvaccinated partner is reinforced by false social media posts sharing unfounded fears that vaccines can be "shed" or passed onto people through body fluids, threatening fertility. "The only real utility a dating platform like this could have is finding a partner that aligns with your 'medical freedom' views," Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, told AFP. "There is no clinical reason to do so." The post Tainted love: Misinformation drives ‘vaccine-free’ dating appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan says North Korea threat more serious than ‘ever’
Japan said Friday that North Korea posed a more serious threat to its national security than "ever before", as nuclear-armed Pyongyang rattles its neighbours with repeated missile tests and belligerent rhetoric. In its annual white paper -- a rundown of the most pressing military threats and plans to ensure stability -- Japan's defence ministry made a case for a significant hike in domestic defence spending as the world enters "a new era of crisis". While China's growing military might and Russia's invasion of Ukraine were major focuses of the white paper, North Korea also ranked as a key concern for Japan. "North Korea's military activities pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan's national security than ever before," the document said. "It is believed that North Korea has the ability to attack Japan with nuclear weapons fitted to ballistic missiles." The white paper, approved by the cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday morning, comes as North Korea ramps up the frequency of its missile tests. North Korean state media on Thursday released photos of Kim Jong Un giving Russia's defence minister a tour of the country's newest and most advanced weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and previously unseen military drones. Russia, another historic ally of North Korea, is one of a handful of nations with which Pyongyang maintains friendly relations. Kim Jong Un has been steadfast in his support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles -- a charge Pyongyang has denied. Pyongyang's recent weapons tests -- the latest was on Monday -- come as Tokyo, Seoul and Washington increase military cooperation to counter the North's growing nuclear threats and China's influence in the region. The white paper said China's military activities posed "an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" to Japan while reiterating that joint military drills with Russia were also a concern. China regularly sends government ships to islands in dispute with Tokyo while also conducting naval drills in waters including in the Pacific, raising alarm in Japan and area nations. Beijing has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many leading democracies fearing China may also move to aggressively take over Taiwan. "The international community is facing its greatest trial since World War II and we have entered a new era of crisis," Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said in the document. The white paper reiterated Tokyo's commitment to boost its military spending and capacity. For decades, Japan has capped military spending at around one percent of GDP. But late last year, Kishida's government approved a plan to increase defence spending to two percent of GDP by fiscal year 2027, to around 11 trillion yen ($78.7 billion). The post Japan says North Korea threat more serious than ‘ever’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ifugao farmers receives land titles
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Friday reported that 51 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Ifugao province received a total of 54 land titles covering 51.28 hectares of agricultural lands to boost the economic lives of these farmers in the province. DAR-Ifugao Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, Joselito Nathaniel Diaz, said the ARBs were from Barangays Pinto, Busilac, Laya, Sta. Maria, Ngileb, and Sto. Domingo. “Among the distributed land titles, 15 were regular titles issued through the regular re-documentation under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), while 35 electronic land titles (e-titles) were distributed through the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project,” Diaz said. SPLIT Project is a DAR initiative program funded by the World Bank, where it aims to subdivide landholdings of ARBs who were previously awarded lands under the collective certificate of land ownership award (CCLOA) for the eventual issuance of individual land titles. Diaz divulged that the distribution of land titles is in consonance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the leadership of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, to provide farmers with agricultural lands to till and also in line with the celebration of CARP’s 35th anniversary. "Nurture, enhance, and make the lands productive. I encouraged you to collaborate with the DAR in enriching your lands that would help improve your economic lives,” he told the ARBs. An open forum concluded the event, addressing complex concerns including lost mother titles, name of transfer of titles, inaccurate names, and donated cemetery lot titles. Each concern received careful attention and was successfully resolved, ensuring the satisfaction of all participants. The post Ifugao farmers receives land titles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MIF Law: Is it good for Phl?
The signing into law of the Maharlika Investment Fund or MIF bill has sparked significant debate among its proponents and the opposition. Supporters argue that the law will bring numerous advantages to the country’s economy, while critics express concerns about potential disadvantages. Experts believe that one of the primary advantages of the MIF is its potential to stimulate economic growth. By pooling resources from various sources, including government funds and private investments, the new law aims to finance infrastructure projects and other development initiatives. These investments can enhance transportation networks, communication systems, and energy infrastructure, which are vital for economic progress. The infusion of capital through the MIF, it is said, can likewise generate employment opportunities in the country. Infrastructure projects often require a large workforce, providing jobs for both skilled and unskilled laborers. Increased employment rates can boost income levels, alleviate poverty, and improve living standards for many Filipinos. The establishment of the MIF, according to proponents, will attract foreign investors to the country. The fund’s purpose of financing infrastructure projects can create a favorable investment climate, encouraging foreign companies to participate in the country’s development. This influx of foreign capital can strengthen the economy, promote technological advancements, and foster international collaboration. The Maharlika Fund emphasizes promoting regional development, aiming to distribute resources and opportunities more evenly across the Philippines. By investing in infrastructure and industries outside of major urban centers, the bill seeks to reduce regional disparities and stimulate growth in rural areas. This balanced development can lead to reduced migration to overcrowded cities, alleviate congestion, and improve overall socio-economic conditions in the regions. While there are inherent advantages, critics, however, have expressed concerns about the potential lack of transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds. Without strict oversight and transparency mechanisms, there is a risk of corruption and mismanagement of funds, leading to wasted resources and undermining the intended benefits of the law. It is crucial to establish robust monitoring systems and stringent auditing procedures to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively. Implementing large-scale infrastructure projects funded by the MIF may increase the country’s debt burden. If not carefully managed, this could strain the national economy and divert resources away from essential services such as education and healthcare. It is crucial to strike a balance between infrastructure development and maintaining fiscal discipline to avoid unsustainable levels of debt. While infrastructure development is vital for economic progress, it can also have adverse environmental consequences. Large-scale projects may lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased carbon emissions. It is crucial for the MIF to incorporate sustainable practices and prioritize environmental impact assessments to minimize ecological harm and promote sustainable development. Critics argue that the benefits of the MIF may not be evenly distributed among the Filipino population. There is a risk that infrastructure projects will primarily benefit urban areas, exacerbating the urban-rural divide. To address this concern, the implementation of the law should include measures to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across the country. The signing into law of the Maharlika Investment Fund bill has the potential to bring substantial advantages to the Philippines. It can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, attract foreign investment, and promote regional development. However, it is crucial to address the potential disadvantages associated with the law, such as transparency and accountability concerns, increased debt burden, environmental impact, and unequal distribution of benefits. By implementing stringent oversight mechanisms, sustainable practices, and equitable resource allocation, the MIF can help foster inclusive and sustainable development which we all yearn for. The post MIF Law: Is it good for Phl? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA’s 3-day expo promotes agri-fishery sector
The Department of Agriculture's three-day expo, the largest international trade fair for the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries, culminated Saturday with more than 300 exhibitors and 10,000 farmers, fisherfolk, traders, buyers, experts, policy and decision-makers, and industry stakeholders around the world convened at the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2023 and shared their products, services, and best practices. Organized by international events manager Informa Markets, it was hosted by the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) through the National Livestock Program (DA-NLP) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) with the goal of promoting the development of the Philippine agri-fishery sector. Informa Markets country general manager for Malaysia and the Philippines Gerard Leeuwenburgh called for every industry player to “step up” by innovating and adapting new technologies, enhancing food production, reducing waste, preventing diseases, and showing genuine concern for the environment “to ensure a sustainable production system” and “to be able to keep up with the competition in the [Asia-Pacific] Region.” Now on its sixth installment, the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2023 formally opened on 5 July at the World Trade Center in Pasay City with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally leading the ceremony. In his speech, the President and also concurrent Secretary of Agriculture acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in “realizing our dreams of progressively expanding and modernizing the poultry and livestock industries in the Philippines.” He also emphasized the need to revitalize Philippine agriculture by addressing key issues such as food inflation, the need to boost food production and mobilization, the importance of enhancing profitability and other opportunities in agri-fishery-based livelihoods, the emergence of agricultural pests and diseases, and more. “We will work to find ways to increase our farmers’ incomes so that they can lead a dignified and comfortable life and return to the profession a sense of pride that has been lost over the years. It is our hope to bring back nobility to a profession that has sacrificed so much to feed and to nourish us for many, many generations. Let us make the most of the knowledge and tools made available at this trade fair so that we can establish a more food-secure, sustainable, and resilient Philippines in the years ahead,” the President concluded. The opening ceremony was also attended by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar, House Committee Chairperson on Agriculture and Food Representative Mark Enverga, Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) Partylist Representative Nicanor Briones, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, and dignitaries from other countries. Members of the DA family—namely the National Livestock Program (NLP), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)—together with government financial institutions Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, set up their booths at the DA Pavilion and the Aquaculture area of the exhibit to extend services to the general public. The post DA’s 3-day expo promotes agri-fishery sector appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
German far-right party notches up another win
Germany's far-right AfD notched up another first Sunday when its candidate was elected a full-time town mayor, in a further boost for the anti-immigration party. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surged to record highs in opinion polls, and the latest result comes just a week after they won their first district election. Hannes Loth was elected mayor of the small town of Raguhn-Jessnitz, in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, in a run-off against independent candidate Nils Naumann, according to results on the town's Facebook page. Loth, reportedly a 42-year-old farmer who was already a member of the local parliament, won 51.1 percent of the vote against 48.9 percent for Naumann in the town of about 9,000 inhabitants. It marks the first time the party has won an election race for a full-time mayor's position, German media reported. AfD members have held positions as voluntary, or part-time, mayors in smaller places. An AfD member was a full-time mayor of a town in southwest Germany from 2018 to 2020 but was not elected under the party's banner -- he joined the outfit during his term. Loth thanked his supporters for the "wonderful result." "I will be mayor for everyone in Raguhn-Jessnitz," he wrote on social media. In last week's election, Robert Sesselmann, a lawyer and regional lawmaker, won a runoff for district administrator in Sonneberg in the central state of Thuringia, near the border with Bavaria. Recent surveys have put support for the AfD at a record 18 to 20 percent, neck-and-neck with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and behind only the conservative CDU/CSU bloc. Thomas Krueger, head of the federal agency for civic education, warned this weekend the party should not be dismissed as a "mere protest movement". "Voters want this party... the situation is serious," he told the RND media group. Created in 2013 as an anti-euro outfit before morphing into an anti-Islam, anti-immigration party, the AfD has benefited from growing discontent with Scholz's three-party coalition amid concerns about inflation and the affordability of the government's climate plans. High immigration also remains a key voter concern. The AfD stunned the political establishment when it took around 13 percent of votes in the 2017 general elections, catapulting its lawmakers into the German parliament. It slid to around 10 percent in the 2021 federal election. sr/gw © Agence France-Presse The post German far-right party notches up another win appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UBX kicks off digital transformation in City of Calapan, Municipality of Pola
UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, has kicked off the digital transformation of several local governments under the province of Oriental Mindoro — the first digital province in the country powered by UBX — to promote greater financial and social inclusion. Following the official partnership launch with the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro last month, the City of Calapan and Municipality of Pola are among the first of its local government units to transition to digital. [caption id="attachment_138735" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] LOCAL government hopes to boost the local economy of Mindoro through digitalization.[/caption] Born out of the UBX-led Digital Transformation ng Pilipinas (DigiPinas), a multisectoral initiative for digital transformation in the government, UBX is equipping Oriental Mindoro with open finance technology for payments, disbursements and loans so it can leverage digital solutions for all government transactions — from tax collections and application processes, to payments. “Even in its initial stage, we can already see that this partnership with DigiPinas is a success. We have high hopes that this digital transformation initiative will boost Oriental Mindoro’s local economy and that this sets a good example for other provinces to follow,” Oriental Mindoro Governor Bonz Dolor said. After immersing itself in the province, UBX set up a digital payment system for real property tax of the local government via BUx, its payments processing unit. Last month, UBX started the training of local staff at the Provincial Capitol in the City of Calapan and has since started processing transactions. With the activation of BUx services, taxpayers in the region will have access to an easy, convenient and secure way to pay their taxes, driving financial inclusion and supporting economic growth in the region. On the other hand, the Municipality of Pola was surveyed for its path to digitalization, as Pola is also one of platform’s partner LGUs which has been greatly affected by the oil spill. “Catering to the needs of its constituents is the number one priority of all local governments. Given the recent events in Oriental Mindoro, our initial steps towards the province’s digital transformation could hopefully alleviate some of its burdens in addressing the disaster,” DigiPinas spokesperson Mikan Leachon said. Leachon added that beyond the DigiPinas initiative, UBX has also proven itself a strong ally of the provincial government by providing relief for those that were affected by the recent oil spill incident in the area. With its aim of designing digital solutions which center on its customers, UBX was able to identify pain points and customize solutions based on specific use cases by interviewing and observing employees and residents firsthand. To meet Oriental Mindoro’s needs when it comes to digitization, the provincial government staff was also trained on how to use an all-in-one payment gateway platform, to provide more payment options for their constituents. “Our onground efforts helped us gain valuable insights which will help us design digital solutions which are specifically tailored for the people of Oriental Mindoro. The challenges on tax payment were a primary concern, and we were able to provide them with a digital system which is already functional and caters to their needs,” Leachon said. In the long run, after its success with the digital system on tax payments, UBX seeks to enable digitization for transactions on utilities such as electricity and water at the Capitol. Digital loans for affected businesses and residents, especially those impacted by the oil spill, are also being explored for the benefit of the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, such as sari-sari stores, carenderias, and small stalls that rely on loans to sustain their businesses. SeekCap, the online lending platform of UBX, provides entrepreneurs with democratized access to loans that they need to expand their businesses. “Our initial success with Oriental Mindoro’s digital transformation only goes to show how cooperation is key towards achieving financial and social inclusion. We highly encourage the local government leaders from across the archipelago to pursue the same path. By understanding the local context and working with the community, the government, as powered by UBX, can provide financial solutions that help underserved communities in the Philippines.” UBX president and CEO John Januszczak said. The post UBX kicks off digital transformation in City of Calapan, Municipality of Pola appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA’s Manalo to discuss WPS with Canadian counterpart
Issues hounding the West Philippine Sea are expected to be discussed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo during his bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Mélanie Joly on 19 May, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday. The DFA said Manalo and Joly will meet to “advance bilateral relations and sustain high-level engagements between the Philippines and Canada.” “At their bilateral meeting, Secretary Manalo is expected to bring up enhanced trade and investment between the two nations, developments in the West Philippine Sea, and cooperation in the energy, defense, and maritime sectors, among others,” the agency said in a statement. Canada, along with the US, Japan and Australia, has called out China for its continuing aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Likewise, the two diplomats are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including developments in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. According to Global Affairs Canada, Joly will be traveling to the Philippines from 18 to 21 May to boost the bilateral relations between the two nations. Joly is the second Canadian minister to visit the Philippines this year and the fourth Cabinet minister from Canada to visit during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Manalo said he welcomes Joly’s visit to the Philippines as “an avenue to deepen our two countries’ collaboration based on our shared values, including democracy and adherence to a rules-based international order.” “The Philippines and Canada’s continued cooperation shows how partnerships based on those shared values can withstand numerous challenges and obstacles,” he said. “I look forward to discussing matters of mutual interest and benefit to our countries and I am optimistic that this meeting can build on our nations’ rich and storied friendship,” he added. For Manalo, Joly’s visit to the country indicates a “return to high-level engagements between the two countries,” adding that he looks forward to building on existing areas of cooperation as well as exploring fresh avenues for collaboration with Canada. He is also expected to highlight the strong people-to-people ties that bind the two nations, chief among them the large Filipino diaspora in Canada. The agency said there are almost a million individuals of Filipino descent in Canada, representing 2.59 percent of the country’s population. Joly’s visit to the country comes amid preparations for the 75th anniversary of bilateral ties between the two countries in 2024. Bilateral ties between the two countries commenced in December 1949, when Canada established a trade mission in Manila. The post DFA’s Manalo to discuss WPS with Canadian counterpart appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Concern raised over Phl ‘unaligned’ ad campaign
Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday raised concern over the “disconnected messaging” of the Marcos administration’s ad campaign, “We give the world the best — Philippines.” While she appreciated the initiative of the government to boost the country in the global market, Binay said the transit ad on a London bus was bothersome and not aligned with the country’s tourism campaign. According to a newspaper report a new wrap-around ad featuring the country’s brand was being rolled out in London. “The bus ad features Filipina-British nurse May Parsons holding up a syringe, with the accompanying text: The nurse who gave the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine. A Filipina. WE GIVE THE WORLD OUR BEST. THE PHILIPPINES,” the news report said. It said the country branding project was an initiative of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications, headed by Secretary Paul Soriano, “to enhance and execute the messaging system of the executive branch and the Office of the President as part of its mandate” The post Concern raised over Phl ‘unaligned’ ad campaign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Factories boost output in March but inflation a key concern
Local manufacturing generally sustained growth, but higher input costs that feed into consumer prices is a threat......»»
Davis facing injury layoff despite scan boost
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis faces a lengthy injury layoff despite a scan revealing he had not suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ESPN reported Monday. ESPN said Davis was unlikely to return to action before the NBA’s All-Star break, due to take place from March 5-10. Concern mounted for the 27-year-old’s fitness after he […] The post Davis facing injury layoff despite scan boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ariel Villasanta ibinenta ang urn at pustiso ng ina kay Boss Toyo
ALIW na aliw ang ginawang pagbebenta ng kilalang komedyante at vlogger na si Ariel Villasanta sa tindahan ni Boss Toyo. Sa episode ng “Pinoy Pawnstars” nitong Lunes, March 18, sinubukan ng komedyante nacibenta ang mga gamit niya kung saan siya nakilala. Unang ipinakita ni Ariel ang isang malaking frame ng kanyang poster kung saan.....»»
Pokwang tinawag na laos, rumesbak: Jusko! Saan galing mga animal na ‘to?
SINUPALPAL ng Kapuso TV host-comedienne na si Pokwang ang isang laiterang netizen na tumawag sa kanya ng “laos.” Miyerkules Santo, March 27, rumesbak ang komedyana sa isang hater na tumira sa kanya sa X (dating Twitter). Ni-repost ng isang supporter ni Pokwang sa kanyang social media account ang pangnenega ng basher na nagsabing “laos” na.....»»
Leren proud kay Ricci: From your Nanay, Tita and Ate all in one
SUPER proud ang beauty queen-politician na si Leren Mae Bautista sa panibagong achievement na nakamit ng kanyang dyowang si Ricci Rivero. Nitong Martes, March 26, ibinandera ng Laguna councilor ang kanilang larawan pati na rin ang video ni Ricci habang naglalaro ito sa kanyang kauna-unahang PBA All-Star Game bilang rookie. Sa kabila ng sobrang pagka-proud.....»»
Danica Sotto unbothered sa isyung panloloko ni Marc Pingris
KALMADO at tila walang pakialam ang dating aktres na si Danica Sotto sa kabila ng kumakalat na isyung diumano’y niloloko siya ng asawang si Marc Pingris. Kahapon, March 27, kumalat sa social media ang chikang tila magkasama raw ang kanyang asawa at ang aktres na si Kim Rodriguez sa Australia. Parehas kasing nagbahagi ng pictures.....»»
Philippines logs 40 pertussis deaths this year
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Forty children have died of whopping cough, a respiratory infection also called pertussis, since this year, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has reported. The DOH said in a statement on Wednesday that cases have continued to increase since the start of this year, recording 568 cases from Jan. 1 to March 16. "The total number of cases for the same period in 2023 was.....»»