Government, farmers’ groups sign agreement addressing hunger
Government agencies and farmers’ groups have signed an agreement that seeks to address hunger by increasing the income of farmers......»»
Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand's concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. "The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New Zealand and the United Ki.....»»
DAR proves unending government support to farmers
DAR Eastern Samar Provincial Office proved once again that delivery of government assistance is unending with the recent turnover of farm machineries and inputs to an agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) in Hernani, Eastern Samar......»»
‘Government should help exporters hurdle EU barriers’
The government must seek the removal of some trade barriers imposed by the European states to allow exporters to maximize the opportunities of the country’s prospective free trade agreement with Europe, an industry group said......»»
‘Agreement with the devil’: VP Sara opposes peace talks with communist rebels
Vice President Sara Duterte opposes President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s decision to grant amnesty to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). She referred to it as an agreement with the devil, emphasizing her personal experiences with the atrocities committed by the communist group during her tenure as mayor of Davao City. Despite her support for peace initiatives, Duterte firmly believes that granting amnesty to rebels is not the solution. She urged the government to continue efforts through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and strengthen them, emphasizing the need to support communities that have been affected by terrorism. Duterte questioned the sincerity of the peace negotiations, citing historical evidence of the group's lack of commitment to peaceful resolutions. She also expressed concerns about the joint statement signed by the Philippine government and the NDF in Oslo, Norway, warning against the potential betrayal of the government and deception of the people. In response, Marcos highlighted the need to amend and update the functions of the National Amnesty Commission to process applications for amnesty under the new proclamations. The Vice President's stance has faced criticism from progressive groups advocating for the resumption of peace talks. This opposition to the peace talks reflects a broader debate within the Philippine government and society regarding the best approach to addressing the longstanding conflict with communist rebels......»»
Stock markets dip as US inflation comes into view
Stock markets drifted lower on Monday as investors eyed the release this week of key US inflation data that could guide Federal Reserve plans for interest rates going into the new year. Oil prices fell nearly two percent before bouncing higher and then sliding back lower as dealers awaited a delayed meeting of OPEC and its allies to decide over output levels. With Wall Street seeing little action at the back of last week owing to the Thanksgiving break, traders had few catalysts to drive action, though analysts were upbeat about the end of the year. "Although there isn't much buying interest at the moment, it's more notable that there still isn't much selling interest," said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare. The retreat in equities comes after a recent run-up across world stock markets fuelled by bets the US central bank has finished lifting interest rates as inflation comes down and the jobs market comes off the boil. Expectations that the Federal Reserve is done with hiking rates continued to weigh on the dollar Monday. The main focus this week is the release Thursday of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation. "These numbers will be closely scrutinized for insights into inflation trends and their potential implications for monetary policy decisions," said SPI Asset Management's Stephen Innes. "While the current backdrop does not signify 'mission accomplished' in terms of addressing inflation, policymakers must now focus on planning for the next phase of the economic battle." Still, observers were upbeat about the outlook, with the latest weakness blamed on traders taking a breather after a strong month. Tony Sycamore, at IG Group, said early December could see some selling as investors "rebuild energy and (look) to set up for the end-of-year fireworks". Others said a drop in Wall Street's VIX "fear gauge" -- a measure of equity volatility -- to its lowest since January 2020 suggested investors were getting their mojo back. Eyes are also on developments at OPEC after the group and its allies, notably Russia, delayed a meeting aimed at agreeing production quotas, with some African countries said to be baulking at Saudi Arabian calls for more cuts. The group is thought to be close to reaching an agreement that could see the Saudis and Russia extend output reductions into the new year. OANDA analyst Craig Erlam said the OPEC+ group has shown in the past it usually can get a deal done, even if Saudi Arabia and Russia need shoulder bigger cuts. "But the question is how far they'll push it, given the recent trend in oil prices and increasing concerns around global growth next year," said Erlam. Crude prices have fallen in recent weeks as demand is seen coming down owing to slowing economies, particularly China's, and the Middle East conflict appears to not have expanded to include other countries in the region. Key figures around 1630 GMT New York - DOW: DOWN 0.2 percent at 35,338.58 points London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.4 percent at 7,460.70 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.4 percent at 7,265.49 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.4 percent at 15,966.37 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.4 percent at 4,354.41 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.5 percent at 33,447.67 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.2 percent at 17,525.06 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.3 percent at 3,031.70 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0935 from $1.0922 Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2611 from $1.2585 Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.70 pence from 86.79 pence Dollar/yen: DOWN at 148.94 from 149.56 yen West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.1 percent at $75.44 per barrel Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.3 percent at $80.36 per barrel .....»»
DMW aims to deploy skilled Filipino workers in Austria
The Department of Migrant Workers announced on Wednesday its goal to deploy Filipino to Austria during the signing of an agreement governing the recruitment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers in the healthcare, information technology, tourism and hospitality sectors. The memorandum of understanding was led by DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac and State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Labor and Economy. The signed MoA will provide employment opportunities for Filipinos while addressing Austria’s shortage of skilled workers. “Through this agreement, we aim to facilitate the deployment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers to Austria in a manner that is safe, ethical, sustainable and mutually beneficial. Our workers, in return, will contribute to addressing labor shortage in Austria and to sharing their expertise and commitment to the economic development of Austria,” Cacdac said. According to Kraus-Winkler, Austria had excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines. “Austria is focusing on attracting skilled workers abroad. The Philippines is the first country which Austria has entered into a memorandum of understanding with that covers all areas of mutual cooperation on recruitment and vocational training. Austria has many decades of excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines, and we are truly grateful for the reliable support,” Kraus-Winkler said. The post DMW aims to deploy skilled Filipino workers in Austria appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOLE, CHR reach agreement to safeguard workers’ rights
The Department of Labor and Employment partnered with the Commission on Human Rights to facilitate the investigation of violations of workers’ freedom of association and right to organize. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-Latoc signed a Memorandum of Agreement at the CHR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City on 20 October which directs both agencies to cooperate on cases referrals, investigations, and monitoring; witness protection and psychosocial support; labor education and human rights promotion; and policy development. Laguesma said that the DOLE-CHR collaboration is vital in addressing the labor issues raised during the International Labor Organization High-Level Tripartite Mission visit in January 2023. “This collaboration underscores the need for our sustained partnership, ensuring that the principles of both labor and human rights are consistently upheld in every initiative and policy we undertake. We need the support of the labor groups and the employer sector as well as the ILO so that our common goal of ensuring that the Conventions, especially Conventions 87 and 98, will be respected,” Laguesma said. Following the MOA signing, a streamlined case referral mechanism will be promptly established. The DOLE’s Bureau of Labor Relations and CHR Protection cluster will be responsible for correspondence and referrals. The CHR will promptly inform DOLE upon receiving reports or complaints about alleged violations of labor rights. Afterward, DOLE will verify the reports, conduct case build-up, and gather evidence. To ensure the effective implementation of MOA, DOLE, and CHR will employ monitoring and feedback mechanisms. The mechanisms will assess the level of implementation guidelines, policies, and programs, measure progress, and identify challenges. The post DOLE, CHR reach agreement to safeguard workers’ rights appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DMW aims to deploy skilled workers in Austria
The Department of Migrant Workers announced on Wednesday its goal to deploy Filipinos to Austria during the signing of an agreement governing the recruitment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers in the healthcare, information technology, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The Memorandum of Understanding was led by DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac and State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Labor and Economy (BMAW). The signed MOA will provide employment opportunities for Filipinos while addressing Austria’s shortage of skilled workers. “Through this agreement, we aim to facilitate the deployment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers to Austria in a manner that is safe, ethical, sustainable, and mutually beneficial. Our workers, in return, will contribute to addressing the labor shortage in Austria and to sharing their expertise and commitment to the economic development of Austria,” Cacdac said. According to Kraus-Winkler, Austria had an excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines. “Austria is focusing on attracting skilled workers abroad. The Philippines is the first country which Austria has entered into a memorandum of understanding with that covers all areas of mutual cooperation on recruitment and vocational training. Austria has many decades of excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines, and we are truly grateful for the reliable support,” Kraus-Winkler said. Cacdac added the partnership reaffirms the long-standing friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect between the Philippines and Austria, particularly in the field of labor and employment. Under the agreement around 500 Filipino workers will be deployed annually to meet Austria’s demand of around 75,000 to 200,000 job openings across all industries, including sectors of healthcare, construction and engineering, information technology, and tourism and hospitality. The MOU guarantees heightened protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, as well as assistance while they undergo skills assessment, education, and equivalence training and licensing in Austria.The DMW and BMAW also committed to developing a framework for work-based vocational training and other measures to increase technical capacity to upgrade the skills and expertise of Filipino workers. Both countries vowed to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking as well as ensure adequate access to legal assistance and social protection for OFWs. The post DMW aims to deploy skilled workers in Austria appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN chief urges ceasefire to end Gaza’s ‘godawful nightmare’
UN chief Antonio Guterres pleaded Saturday for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the war between Israel and Hamas militants that has devastated much of Gaza, demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare". Addressing a Cairo summit that ultimately proved fruitless, according to Arab diplomats, Guterres said the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced. The latest bloodshed began on October 7 when Hamas militants killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has hit back with a relentless bombing campaign, killing more than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, and cut off supplies of water, electricity, fuel and food. According to Arab diplomats who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, the meeting in Cairo failed to reach an agreement, with Western representatives seeking "a clear condemnation placing responsibility for the escalation on Hamas", which Arab leaders refused. The Western officials also wanted to call for the release of those held by Hamas. Egypt's presidency instead released a statement -- drafted with the approval of Arab attendees, the diplomats said -- saying the war had laid bare "a defect in the values of the international community". World leaders have long "sought to manage the conflict, and not end it permanently, by proposing temporary solutions and palliatives that do not live up to even the lowest aspirations of a suffering people", the statement read. In response, Israel bemoaned the lack of a condemnation of what it called "Islamic terror" that endangered the region and entire world. "It is unfortunate that even when faced with those horrific atrocities, there were some who had difficulty condemning terrorism or acknowledging the danger," a foreign ministry statement said. "Israel will do what it has to do and expects the international community to recognise the righteous battle." 'Global silence' In the opening session, Guterres had said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight" but stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians". He then stressed that "those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people". In the meeting which also included the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Italy, Jordan's King Abdullah II called for "an immediate end to the war on Gaza" and condemned what he labelled "global silence" on Palestinian death and suffering. "The message the Arab world is hearing is loud and clear: Palestinian lives matter less than Israeli ones. Our lives matter less than other lives," he charged. "The application of international law is optional. And human rights have boundaries -- they stop at borders, they stop at races, and they stop at religions." The summit came on the day a first convoy of aid trucks rumbled into southern Gaza, which Guterres said needed to be rapidly scaled up, with "much more" help sent through. The UN has said that about 100 trucks per day are needed to meet worsening needs in Gaza. The Palestinians need "a continuous delivery of aid to Gaza at the scale that is needed", the UN chief told the Cairo "Summit for Peace". 'We will not leave' Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi argued that the "only solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is "justice" and said that "Palestinians must realise their legitimate rights to self-determination" and have "an independent state on their land". Abbas stressed his demand for a two-state solution and an "end to Israel's occupation" and rejected what he has warned could be a "second Nakba" -- a reference to the more than 760,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their lands during the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. "We will not leave," he repeated three times at the end of his speech. Cairo and Amman have repeatedly rejected calls for large numbers of refugees to enter Egypt from Gaza, warning that the "forced displacement" would lead to the "eradication of the Palestinian cause". Egypt and Jordan were the first Arab states to normalise relations with Israel, in 1979 and 1994 respectively, and have since been key mediators between Israeli and Palestinian officials. Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan urged for the current conflict to become, "rather than a regional conflagration, a breeding ground for a just and lasting peace". He also condemned "unconditional military aid to Israel which only serves to maintain the occupation", while Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan condemned the failure of the UN Security Council to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire after a US veto. The post UN chief urges ceasefire to end Gaza’s ‘godawful nightmare’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz group leads coastal protection bid
The Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz Land, and the Communities Organized for Resource Allocation, or CORA, Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement on 13 September to further reinforce their commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future. The signatories include Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth Marasigan, Aboitiz Land senior AVP of Legal and Corporate Affairs Atty. Misch Sta. Ana, and Cora Foundation founder and executive director Antoinette Taus. The partnership’s core objective is to unify the strengths and resources of Aboitiz Land, Aboitiz Foundation and Cora Foundation in implementing the “Coastal Clean Up 2.0” in Calubcub II, San Juan, Batangas, the host community of Aboitiz Land’s Seafront Residences. Ramping up ecology protection The Coastal Clean Up 2.0 includes the implementation of capacity development initiatives, as well as the information, education, and communication activities, focused on environmental protection. These efforts target not only the local host communities but also the other stakeholders, too. “With the enduring support of Aboitiz Foundation and CORA Foundation, we are excited to embark on the Coastal Clean Up 2.0 initiative at Seafront Residences. Our strides are bolstered by the expertise of CORA, an organization celebrated for efforts in coastal conservation,” Sta. Ana said. CORA Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to forging sustainable initiatives aimed at addressing pressing global issues including hunger, poverty, inequality and climate change. With a core emphasis on volunteerism, community involvement, and inclusiveness, CORA’s initiatives prioritize the empowerment of marginalized groups, educational institutions, women, and the younger generation. “Nothing can be done without partnerships and collaborations. So to us at CORA, we really feel that this journey is meant to be, and we hope that through this coastal cleanup, it will create the spark or the ripple effect towards so much more,” Taus, a movie artist, said. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth Marasigan emphasized the importance of caring for the environment and how our present actions have a direct impact on our future. The Aboitiz Foundation has been in partnership with the CORA Foundation since 2018, jointly driving the Clean Seas Pilipinas initiative, which focuses on sustainable waste management solutions. The post Aboitiz group leads coastal protection bid 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......»»
DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos led the rollout of the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) Program in Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday morning. The BIDA Program launch was one of the highlights of the 71st Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration at the Mega Gymnasium Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City, which Abalos attended as a guest of honor and speaker. In his message before an estimated crowd of 1,500 Zambosurians, the DILG chief highlighted the critical role of local government units (LGUs) and other sectors of society in addressing the drug menace through education, prevention, and rehabilitation to complement the relentless anti-drug operations of law enforcement agencies. “Ang importante habang nanghuhuli ang mga pulis, tayong mga nasa LGU—mga barangay captain, konsehal, mayor, gobernador, bokal—community groups, religious leaders, parents, whole-of-nation approach dapat. Bumaba tayo, tulungan natin ang pulis. It’s not only about supply reduction. But most importantly, it's about demand reduction,” Abalos said. Furthermore, the DILG secretary congratulated the province of Zamboanga del Sur on its 71st Charter Day celebration. He also commended the leadership of Governor Victor J. Yu, who focused his governance through HEARTS or Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Roads and Bridges, Tourism, and Security. Abalos ended his message by inspiring local officials to continue heed the call of President Marcos for unity. “Iisang bangka tayo. We are given this opportunity, let's make the most out of it. It's time to make a difference for our province, for our city, and most specially for our country. Wala nang sana ganito, sa ganyan sa Pilipinas, wala na. Panahon natin 'to gawin na natin ang tama at huwag tayong matakot. Magtulungan tayo," he said. Named as one of the best government initiatives in Asia by international award-giving body GovMedia Awards, the BIDA Program has already been rolled out to over 700 LGUs nationwide since it was officially launched in November last year, initiating several activities such as BIDA Fun Runs, Serbisyo Caravans, Zumba sessions, cycling events, workshops, and seminars. Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary for Local Goverment Marlo Iringan, during the Laging Handa press briefing in Malacañang, said the BIDA Program has been going around the country, in line with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s continued campaign against illegal drugs with a renewed focus on demand reduction through a whole-of-nation approach. "Iyong nangyaring bike fest sa Bulacan noong nakaraang Linggo ay isa lamang sa napakaraming mga event at activities na pinangunahan ng ating kagawaran, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Benhur Abalos patungkol doon sa flagship program ng ating pamahalaan na 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan'," he said. "Nailunsad po natin itong noong nakaraang taon, November actually, at napunta na po tayo sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at nagkaroon ng bike fest, fun run. At hindi lang po iyon ‘no, napakarami nating mga ugnayan sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan at sa iba’t ibang lebel ng pamahalaan nang sa ganoon ay makuha iyong kanilang suporta sa ating whole-of-nation/whole-of-government approach against illegal drugs," Iringan explained. "Nagawa na po natin sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at iyan nga ang isa sa mga gagawin pa natin sa mga susunod na araw. Subalit katulad ng nabanggit ko, this is only one of the strategies to generate support against illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan din po kami halimbawa sa Philippine Basketball Association, sa mga sports association nang sa ganoon suportahan ng mga athletes, na siyang tinitingala/iniidolo ng karamihan sa mga kabataan ‘no, na suportahan itong laban natin sa illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa mga iba’t ibang malalaking kumpanya katulad ng SM nang sa ganoon ay magkaroon sila ng initiative or intervention for a drug-free workplace. At iyon na nga po, pati na sa lahat ng mga eskuwelahan, mga unibersidad at mga kolehiyo ay hinihikayat din sila na tumulong ‘no sa laban sa iligal na droga," he added. DILG and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan partner on BIDA The DILG's BIDA Program has also gained anti-illegal drug advocates among the youth of Cagayan de Oro with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan. Abalos said the important role of schools like Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan and the church in the whole-of-nation BIDA campaign dwells on the holistic formation of the values of the youth and helping them lead productive lives away from the temptation of illegal drugs. DILG Region X Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko, who signed the MOA on behalf of the DILG, said youth involvement is a significant and strategic approach to further strengthen the advocacy of the program. “The good thing about this partnership is that this will also be an opportunity to involve the youth in this campaign. We believe that our students could make a change and that they are our instruments in communicating effectively with the youth as well,” Suyko said. The post DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
R. Magsaysay Award: 65 years of excellence
Established shortly after the tragic death in March 1957 of Ramon Magsaysay Sr., the seventh President of the Philippines, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in Asia, preserves the beloved leader’s legacy by honoring individuals who are exceptionally outstanding in their fields. To be named a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee is to receive Asia’s premier prize and highest honor, and this year, the Award was bestowed on four individuals, including Filipina peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer who, in 2012, chaired the Philippine government’s Peace Panel tasked to negotiate peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which led to the signing, in 2014, of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro by the Philippine government and the MILF. Coronel, who was recognized by the RMAF board of trustees for her “unwavering belief in the transformative power of non-violent strategies in peacebuilding and her devotion to the agenda of harnessing the power of women in creating a just and peaceful world,” is also co-founder of the Southeast Asian Women Peace mediators, the pioneering group of women engaged in convening safe spaces for dialogues and supporting mediation initiatives in countries like Myanmar and Afghanistan. Also named a recipient of the Award is Korvi Rakshand from Bangladesh who, in 2007, established the JAAGO (Bangladeshi for “wake up”) Foundation, a non-profit NGO aimed at addressing problems of access and quality of education for underprivileged children. From small beginnings, JAAGO has grown into one of the largest non-profit organizations in Bangladesh, providing free-of-cost government-recognized English language primary and secondary education to underprivileged children through 11 traditional and online schools in 10 districts in Bangladesh. Rakshand’s work with the underprivileged, his visionary leadership in democratizing education, and his inspiring thousands of young people to heed the call of social transformation have been recognized by the RMAF board of trustees and have bestowed on him the coveted Ramon Magsaysay Award. Agriculturist Eugenio Lemos, 51, was introduced to permaculture in 1999 and resolved that he would devote himself to promoting that kind of sustainable agriculture among his people. He established the Permakultura Timor-Lorosa’e, which includes a Youth Training Program that teaches youths water and natural resources management, farming, aquaculture, and agroforestry. Also a songwriter and a singer, Lemos communicates social issues through his songs. Recognizing Lemos’s vision and passion for integrating local and indigenous cultures in his advocacy for caring for the environment and the well-being of people, the RMAF has named him one of the four recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award this year. The fourth awardee is surgical oncologist, Dr. Ravi Kannan, who as director of the non-profit, philanthropy-funded Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Silchar, Barak Valley of Assam in India, expanded CCHRC into an innovative, widely admired full-service cancer care facility. From an institution with limited facilities, CCHRC, under Kannan’s leadership, is now a full-fledged comprehensive cancer hospital and research center. From a staff of 23 when he came on board, CCHRC now employs over 450 people. Kannan’s vision is CCHRC’s: “...to become a state-of-the-art cancer center that ensures no individual develops cancer that can be prevented; that no patient is denied appropriate cancer treatment for want of resources; that no patient dies in agony and indignity; and that no family suffers treatment-induced poverty and grief” — a bold statement that the hospital translates into actual practice. For his devotion to public service, commitment to pushing the boundaries of pro-poor health and cancer care, and for building — without expectation of any reward — a beacon of hope to millions in the Indian state of Assam, the RMAF board of trustees named Kannan one of this year’s recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award. This year’s awardees share qualities and “greatness of spirit” inherent in other such laureates as St. Teresa of Calcutta, the 14th Dalai Lama, Grameen Bank founder and Nobel Prize awardee Muhammad Yunnus, One Village One Product conceptualizer Morihiko Hiramatsu, and the rest of the over 300-plus recipients of the Award whose selfless devotion to public service and outstanding contributions to society have transformed Asia and serve as shining inspiration to the world. The post R. Magsaysay Award: 65 years of excellence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM’s foreign trips major employment generator — ECOP
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s foreign trips and the opening up of the economy following the coronavirus pandemic are the main drivers of the increasing employment rate in the country, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said on Friday. The ECOP chief said this in an interview during the Laging Handa Public Briefing on PTV4 as the country's employment rate in June this year reached 95.5 percent, higher than 94 percent recorded in June 2022. The industries that generated more jobs are construction, agriculture, administrative and food services, and public administration and defense on the government side, the ECOP head said. "On the other hand, the government continues to encourage investments, and the President has been on numerous trips. It wasn't expected that a significant number of investors would be brought home, but that is indeed happening," Ortiz-Luis Jr. said. "At the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we almost have delegations that we entertain every week, inquiring, looking for partners, and exploring business opportunities due to the President's trips," he added. To help the government in increasing further the country's labor force, Ortiz-Luis said ECOP has been carrying out an advocacy campaign and forged an agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), manufacturers, business process outsourcing (BPO), and tourism industry to create one million jobs. "These are additional jobs, and the training and job matching that we continuously do to provide assistance. We're also addressing issues like transportation, and we're collaborating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on how to resolve job mismatches," Ortiz-Luis said. And with the gross domestic product (GDP) growing by 5.3 percent in the first half of 2023, Ortiz-Luis attributed it to the continued opening up of the economy, suggesting, however, that the government has to boost its spending to meet its GDP growth target this year. "Our target is a high of 7 percent, 6 percent, somewhere between that range for this period. We didn't meet that. Our progress was only a slight increase, so we need to catch up," Ortiz-Luis pointed out. "One of the biggest shortcomings I see is the government's spending. The budgets of various departments remain unspent, which is understandable because of the new administration, new personnel—still learning, not yet familiar with how to utilize the funds. But perhaps they need to expedite the utilization of the budgets," he added. The Marcos government said it would accelerate spending in the coming quarters to recover the momentum following the 4.3 percent economic expansion of the country's economy in the second quarter of this year. "While government expenditure contracted by 7.1 percent in the absence of election-related spending in the first half of the year, government spending will accelerate in the coming quarters to allow us to recover our growth momentum," the administration's economic managers said in a joint statement on Thursday. The Economic Team is composed of officials from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), all designated as Marcos Jr.'s economic managers. The post PBBM’s foreign trips major employment generator — ECOP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl halfway through energy security bid
The Philippines, being a net importer of fuel, still has plenty of room to grow in terms of delivering an energy-secure landscape for the people. Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla, however, said he is optimistic the country can achieve its targets, guided by the Philippine Energy Development Plan, hopefully within the Marcos administration. “On a scale of one to 10, with 10 representing 100 percent energy security, and we are importing 56 percent, I place that at around five then. “But it can even be lower because our ability to respond to extreme events and natural disasters still needs many improvements,” said Lotilla Tuesday in an interview on Straight Talk, Daily Tribune’s online show. He added: “Now one way of addressing this of course is through the diversification of sources, primarily indigenous, and that’s where renewable energy comes in.” According to Lotilla, the government’s push to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power mix is a driving force that would help deliver its targets. Lotilla, who was also the Energy secretary during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, noted that the country’s clean energy take-up had dwindled over time. Last November, the Department of Energy amended a section of the Implementing Rules and Regulations or IRR of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Energy mix To guide the government in reaching its targets, the DoE has set a target of 35 percent share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2035, increasing it further to 50 percent by 2040. Heavy reliance on coal It is still notable, however, that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy utilization, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal. Coal, which is cheaper compared to other forms of power but more detrimental to the environment, is still the highest contributor to the power generation mix at nearly 60 percent. Renewable energy only takes a little over 22 percent of the mix. “The last time I was in the department, it was around 40 percent renewables. Now we are at around 22 percent. That is why we are ramping up the exploration for indigenous gas, which is locally available to us,” Lotilla said. Oil exploration Since the Philippines is under-explored, the DoE recently signed a 50-50 joint agreement with the Bangsamoro government to begin oil exploration in the Sulu Sea. “It’s joint because whatever is found the net proceeds will be divided 50-50 between the national government and the Bangsamoro,” he said. The agreement, finalized last month, allows for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The DoE signed the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. The IEB Circular operationalized the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act 11054, or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for power source development in Bangsamoro. Lotilla suggested that utilizing the energy resources in the area could entice investments, create job opportunities, promote sustainable growth, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for the residents. The post Phl halfway through energy security bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PHL and EU relaunch negotiations for Free Trade Agreement
The European Union and the Philippines have agreed to relaunch negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) to help boost trade and investment between the two regions. This is after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held bilateral talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Monday following strained relations between the EU and his predecessor, former President Ferdinand Marcos, over alleged human rights violations. Von der Leyen's visit also marked the first time a European Commission President has visited the country and comes on the eve of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two regions. In his remarks during a joint press statement after his bilateral meeting with the European Commission chief in Malacañang, Marcos said he and von der Leyen engaged in discussions about economic ties, emphasizing rejuvenating trade between their regions. “I welcome the conduct this year of scoping exercises between the European Commission and the Philippines towards negotiations for a Philippines-European Union (EU) FTA," Marcos said. "The Philippine Government experts will work with the European Commission in achieving a bilateral FTA,” he added. The European Commission president, for her part, said both the Philippines and the EU are already taking their trade relations to the next level. Von der Leyen noted that the European Union is already the Philippines' fourth largest trading partner, noting that both parties "can do so much more." "I'm very glad that we have decided to relaunch negotiations for a free trade agreement. Our teams will get to work right now on setting the right conditions so that we can get back to the negotiations," Von der Leyen said. She also mentioned that the FTA has a "huge potential" for both the EU and the Philippines in terms of growth and jobs, whether on the European continent or in Southeast Asia. Von der Leyen said the countries have "all learned the hard way" due to the cost of economic dependencies, as she underscored the need to diversify the supply lines and make those resilient. "This is a lesson we have learned and that is what we call 'derisking' our trade relations. An FTA is the basis for that. But it's also much more. An FTA can be a springboard for new technology cooperation to modernize the broader economy," Von der Leyen said. Meanwhile, Marcos said in his remarks that the Philippines and the EU committed to finalizing a financing arrangement of €60 million for the green economy program in the Philippines. This program aims to assist the country in circular economy, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation. Marcos recognized the EU's unwavering backing for the Bangsamoro process and the country's progress in areas such as the rule of law, addressing injustice, agriculture, space cooperation, and disaster management. “I also thank the European Commission for their decision to extend the recognition of the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certificates issued by the Philippines, as this has a positive impact on the employment of more than 50,000 seafarers working onboard EU flag vessels,” Marcos said. He further stated that the Philippines and the EU are "like-minded" partners with common principles. These shared values include democracy, sustainable and inclusive prosperity, adherence to the rule of law, promoting peace and stability, and respecting human rights. “The continued exchanges between Her Excellency and myself, which started in Brussels last year, is a testament to our joint desire to bring our bilateral relationship to greater heights,” Marcos said. “Let this be a new beginning for the strengthening and the deepening of all our ties with the EU and the Philippines,” he added. The post PHL and EU relaunch negotiations for Free Trade Agreement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Transit-oriented dev’t deal signed
Settlements and Urban Development and Department of Transportation on Friday inked a memoran-dum of agreement to collaborate in land use and urban transit planning. “This is a very good news for our countrymen because through the MoA we can ensure that it’s not only transportation that we are rationalizing but also housing for every family affected by DoTr projects,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said. DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, in a letter, said the MOA is another step in strengthening the collective efforts of the two agencies in creating more inclusive and vibrant communities. Bautista added that the partnership has already yielded remarkable results, particularly in addressing the housing and resettlement needs of individuals affected by rail transportation projects. The MoA is in line with the special provisions of Republic Acts 11518, 11639 and 11936 for the DHSUD to develop land use and zoning guidelines. It is also a continuation of the previous collaboration and joint commitment of the two agencies to adopt an integrated approach to land use and urban transit planning. The MoA provides for the following tasks: Hold regular high-level coordination meetings for transportation and housing and urban development convergence matters; Create joint plans with concerned local government units hosting transit-oriented developments; Conduct joint studies and master planning for estates and new town development to ensure integrat-ed land use and transport planning; and Provide each other access to databases and information including transportation plans, public utility vehicle routes and capacities, Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Provincial and Physical Framework Plans and Local Shelter Plans of LGUs. The post Transit-oriented dev’t deal signed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DHSUD, DOTr ink MOA on development of transit-oriented projects
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation on Friday inked a Memorandum of Agreement governing the collaboration between the two agencies providing a framework for their responsibilities in the development of priority transit-oriented projects. The MOA is a continuation of the previous collaboration and joint commitment of the two agencies to adopt an integrated approach to land use and urban transit planning. It can be recalled that the DOTr in 2019 executed a MOA with the then-Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council in which the Transportation agency transferred funds, including those to be used for administrative expenses, for the former Housing agency to support the DOTr in implementing transit projects. Republic Act 11201, in turn, allows for the DHSUD to continue this function as part of the merger between the HUDCC and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. The MOA orders the DHSUD to hold regular high-level coordination meetings with the DOTr for transportation, housing, and urban development convergence matters. It likewise orders for the two agencies to create joint plans with concerned local government units where TODs will commence. The MOA also mandates the DOTr to continue working with the DHSUD regarding resettlement and relocation activities under TODs. It also orders the joint conduct of studies and master planning exercises for estates and new town development to ensure integrated land use and transport planning. The agreement likewise requires the DHSUD and DOTr to provide each other with access to databases and information including Transportation Plans, public utility vehicle routes and capacities, Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Provincial and Physical Framework Plans, and Local Shelter Plans of LGUs. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar reiterated the Department’s firm support of the DOTr’s endeavors to uplift the lives of Filipinos which coincides with the thrust of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing Program. He also thanked the DOTr for “recognizing that planning under a whole-of-government approach will only be successful if our projects work for all, regardless of income or capacity in life.” “Napakagandang balita po nito para sa ating mga kababayan dahil sa pamamagitan ng MOA na ito atin pong sinisiguro na hindi lamang transportasyon ang ating isinasaayos kundi pati na rin ang tirahan ng bawat pamilyang maaapektuhan ng mga proyektong ng DOTr,” he added. Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, in a letter, said this partnership “has already yielded remarkable results, particularly in addressing the housing and resettlement needs of individuals affected by rail transportation projects” and that the MOA signing was “another step in strengthening the collective efforts of the two agencies in creating more inclusive and vibrant communities.” The MOA is in line with the mandate of the Special Provisions of Republic Acts 11518, 11639, and 11936 for the DHSUD to develop land use and zoning guidelines to expand the scope of socialized and economic housing in the vicinity and in the approach to train stations including open spaces, drainage and essential education and housing facilities around news transit-oriented developments. The post DHSUD, DOTr ink MOA on development of transit-oriented projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Call of Duty’ to remain on Playstation
Tech giants Microsoft and Sony reached a deal to keep releasing the popular "Call of Duty" video games on the Playstation game console, Microsoft announced Sunday. Microsoft, the owner of the rival Xbox console, moved to acquire game studio Activision Blizzard -- which produces "Call of Duty" -- in January 2022. That move sparked fears of consolidation in the gaming industry, leading US and British regulators to hold up the finalization of the acquisition. Sunday's "binding agreement" means that "Call of Duty" games will continue to be released on both the Xbox and the Sony Playstation. "We are pleased to announce that Microsoft and PlayStation have signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard," tweeted Microsoft's gaming head Phil Spencer. "From Day One of this acquisition, we’ve been committed to addressing the concerns of regulators, platform and game developers, and consumers," said Microsoft President Brad Smith. "Even after we cross the finish line for this deal’s approval, we will remain focused on ensuring that 'Call of Duty' remains available on more platforms and for more consumers than ever before." In December, ahead of the merger, Spencer had announced that Microsoft was committed to bringing "Call of Duty" to Nintendo, another console maker, following the completion of the acquisition. Sony had previously sought to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which also produces mega-hits "Candy Crush" and "World of Warcraft." The acquisition would make Microsoft the third biggest company in the gaming industry, in terms of revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. The post ‘Call of Duty’ to remain on Playstation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN paints dystopian future marked by hunger
The head of the United Nations agency responsible for human rights warned on Monday that climate change poses a “truly terrifying” threat to bring about a dystopian future marked by hunger and suffering. Volker Turk criticized international leaders for only considering the short term in addressing the climate crisis. Turk stated during a UN Human Rights Council discussion on the right to food that severe weather events were destroying ecosystems, herds, and crops, making it difficult for communities to recover and survive. “More than 828 million people faced hunger in 2021. And climate change is projected to place up to 80 million more people at risk of hunger by the middle of this century,” Turk said. “Our environment is burning. It’s melting. It’s flooding. It’s depleting. It’s drying. It’s dying,” he said, evoking a “dystopian future.” “Addressing climate change is a human rights issue... there is still time to act. But that time is now,” he said. Countries have agreed to limit global warming to “well below” two degrees Celsius above average levels measured between 1850 and 1900 — and 1.5C if possible — as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The global mean temperature in 2022 was 1.15C above the 1850-1900 average. The UN’s IPCC climate science advisory panel predicts that the planet will be 2.8C warmer by the end of the century if current policy trends continue. “We must not deliver this future of hunger and suffering to our children, and their children. And we don’t have to,” Volk said. “We, the generation with the most powerful technological tools in history, have the capacity to change it.” Turk said world leaders “perform the choreography of deciding to act and promising to act and then get stuck in the short term.” He called for an end to “senseless subsidies” of the fossil fuel industry, and said the Dubai COP28 climate summit in November and December needed to be the “decisive game-changer that we so badly need.” Turk urged the world to “shun the green-washers” as well as those who cast doubt on climate science, driven by their own greed. The Human Rights Council’s 53rd session runs until 14 July. The post UN paints dystopian future marked by hunger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»