ICT advocates launch 'VoteReportPH for 2022 national elections
BY REIN TARINAY Bulatlat.com A year before the 2022 national elections, ICT advocates are reactivating its VoteReportPH campaign. Formed in 2010 through the initiative of the Computer Professionals’ Union, VoteReportPH started as a grassroots-based electoral campaign during the first national automated elections in 2010. VoteReportPH will focus on voter registration awareness, voter education, and campaign and… The post ICT advocates launch #VoteReportPH for 2022 national elections appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Security Council warns of foreign interference in 2025 polls
There may be foreign interference in next year’s midterm elections and the Department of Information and Communications Technology should prepare to counter cyberattacks, the National Security Councilwarned yesterday......»»
EDITORIAL — Deepfakes in the 2025 polls
In the 2022 general elections, advocates for clean and honest polls lamented the widespread use of digital technology for spreading misinformation and disinformation to influence the vote......»»
Youth backsliding on tobacco use feared
Public health advocates in the Philippines expressed growing concern on Thursday over the escalation of influence by the tobacco industry, which they say threatens the health and welfare of young Filipinos. At the launch of the 2022 and 2023 Tobacco Industry Interference Index Country Reports, the advocates warned that the downward trend of smoking in the country could be reversed, and more young people could become addicted to nicotine products if the situation is not addressed. “The tobacco industry has proven just how relentless they are in using their political and marketing machinery to assert their interests via interactions with the government,” said Rom Dongeto, convenor of the Child Rights Network and executive director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development. “We need to stop tobacco companies from targeting children and youth, especially through online platforms, in the propagation of their deadly vapes and cigarettes,” he added. The 2022 and 2023 TII Index Reports found that the Philippines’ score has consistently increased over the years, indicating the increasing influence of the tobacco industry and the government’s failure to combat interference. The country’s score rose from 45 in 2017 to 54 in 2018 and 57 in 2019. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, scores rose to 54 in 2020 and 58 in 2021. By 2022, the country’s score was up another notch at 59 and moved up further to 60 in 2023. The post Youth backsliding on tobacco use feared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ressa says Philippine press freedom improving, but still ‘work to do’
Buoyed by her latest acquittal, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa told AFP Tuesday that media freedom in the country has improved since former president Rodrigo Duterte left office, but there was still a "lot of work to do". Ressa, who was a vocal critic of Duterte and his deadly drug war, said the fear fostered by him had "largely lifted" since his successor Ferdinand Marcos took power in June 2022. "There's been a lot of problems in the Philippines because fear spreads. But it has improved," Ressa, 59, told AFP in an interview after she and Rappler, the online news outfit she co-founded in 2012, were cleared of tax evasion. "Is it perfect? Far from it. We still have a lot of work to do." Ressa and Rappler have been battling multiple court cases filed during Duterte's rule, which she and press freedom advocates have long maintained were politically motivated. This year, Ressa and Rappler have been acquitted of five tax evasion charges, including the one on Tuesday. They are still fighting two cases, including a cyber libel conviction that could put Ressa behind bars for nearly seven years, and another that could shut down Rappler. "We're not out of the woods yet," Ressa admitted, likening the years-long legal battle to a "war of attrition". - 'Absolutely exhausting' - Shortly after Tuesday's verdict was read out in court, a beaming Ressa returned to Rappler's newsroom where she was greeted by clapping and cheering colleagues. Ressa told AFP the latest acquittal was confirmation that "we weren't foolish to trust the justice system at a time when it was being used against us because we're journalists." While the legal process had taken nearly five years and been "absolutely exhausting", Ressa said she hoped this latest victory would remind the public that journalists were needed "to keep power accountable, and to help power make the right decisions." "Doing the right thing is the right thing," said Ressa, who is also a US citizen. "It's up to us to ... hold the line." Many Filipino journalists had feared for press freedom under Marcos, who largely shunned mainstream media on the 2022 campaign trail. His own dictator father had shut down independent media outlets during his brutal rule that ended in a bloodless revolution in 1986. Since taking office, however, Marcos has been more open to answering questions from reporters, though one-on-one interviews are still rare, and has publicly vowed to protect the rights of journalists. His words have not been enough to prevent the killings of three journalists since he took power. Ressa said the "fear that engulfed us" during Duterte's rule had largely gone since Marcos took power. She attributed that to his desire to "change that history" of his family and vindicate their "tarnished" name. The ordeal of the past few years "forced us to be our best selves" and she remained hopeful for the future. "The cases very slowly are going away as they should have from the very beginning," she said. pam/amj/ssy © Agence France-Presse The post Ressa says Philippine press freedom improving, but still ‘work to do’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go advocates for additional funding for healthcare programs
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chairperson of the Finance Committee, expressed his concerns about the proposed budget cut for the Department of Health in 2024, stressing the critical importance of healthcare, particularly as the country continues to recover from the pandemic. According to the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP), reductions are proposed in various healthcare programs. For instance, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program is slated to be cut from P26.8 billion in 2023 to P22.9 billion in 2024. Similarly, the budget for the prevention and control of infectious diseases is proposed to be reduced from P5.8 billion to P4.8 billion. "Ang estado ng kalusugan ng mga mamamayan sa isang bansa ay isang batayan din ng kalagayan ng kalidad ng buhay," Go said. He stressed that the government should allocate sufficient funds for health programs led by DOH. "Kailangang matiyak na maging ang pinakamahihirap nating kababayan, mga hopeless, helpless at walang malalapitan maliban sa pamahalaan ay may access sa de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan,” he added. The senator also highlighted the urgency of strengthening the healthcare system, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Nagulat tayo nang dumating ang COVID-19 sa ating buhay. Nakita natin ang kakulangan ng ating sistemang pangkalusugan," he said. Despite the challenges, Go sees the pandemic as an opportunity to focus on areas that need improvement. "At dahil dito, sabi ko nga, ‘the more we should invest sa ating healthcare system.’" Go recounted his efforts to increase the DOH budget last year from P296B to P316B for 2023. He also mentioned his opposition to cutting the budget for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in 2019. "Hindi po tayo pumayag. In fact, dinagdagan pa natin sila noong budget deliberations," he said, adding that RITM has proven to be a crucial institution during the pandemic. The senator also pushed for additional funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund, which was not initially part of the proposed 2023 budget. "Maganda na napondohan ito ng Lower House, at dinadagdagan pa namin sa Senado," he said. Go plans to double the fund next year, acknowledging the financial and emotional toll cancer takes on families, especially those who are less fortunate. In addition to his proposed budget increases, Go discussed his ongoing initiatives to bring medical services closer to the people. “Una na rito ang patuloy na operasyon ng Malasakit Centers na ating isinulong at naisabatas noon bilang principal sponsor at pangunahing may-akda. Sa kasalukuyan ay mayroon ng 158 Malasakit Centers, at mahigit pitong milyong Pilipino na ang natulungan nito ayon sa datos ng DOH,” Go cited. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. “Pangalawa ay ang pagkakaroon ng Regional Specialty Centers sa mga regional hospitals ng DOH na atin ding isinulong na maisabatas kamakailan lamang bilang principal sponsor at isa sa mga may akda nito. Ang Regional Specialty Centers Act ay multi-year plan para ilapit ang specialized medical services sa ating mga kababayan. Halimbawa, ang may sakit sa puso, hindi na kailangang sa Maynila pa magpaopera dahil doon na siya pupunta sa DOH regional hospital na malapit sa kanilang lugar,” he explained. Go is also the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the recently signed RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers (RSC) Act. The newly enacted law aims to create additional specialty centers in various regions, thereby ensuring that Filipinos have access to specialized medical services without the need to travel to Manila. “Pangatlo naman ay ang pagpapatayo ng Super Health Centers sa iba’t ibang sulok ng bansa na ating sinikap na mapondohan. Ang Super Health Center naman ay medium type version ng polyclinic, at improved version ng rural health unit. Sa SHC ay mapagkakalooban ang pasyente ng primary care, konsultasyon at early detection ng kanyang sakit,” he further said. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. Go assured that substantial funding has been allocated for Super Health Centers under the budget of the Department of Health (DOH). A total of 307 centers were funded for 2022, with an additional 322 slated for 2023. "Kaya bilang lingkod bayan, tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya at sisikapin nating mas ilapit pa ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito—lalo na ang mga mahihirap at biktima ng krisis,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go advocates for additional funding for healthcare programs 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......»»
Araneta City displays different colors
Araneta City, a commercial, mixed-use development area in Cubao, Quezon City, became more colorful with celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month last June, with its #EveryHueInYou campaign, aimed at celebrating the diversity of human sexuality and gender, and love and life in all its beautiful colors. Starting on 1 June, the #PRIDEstrian crossing at the intersection of General Aguinaldo Street and General Malvar Street (near Gateway Tower and New Frontier Theater) has been “yassified” to reflect the colors of the Pride flag, becoming Instagram-worthy. The Araneta City management also put up the #ForestOfHue, an art installation filled with colorful trees that people can come to and take their photos or TikTok videos at. The #ForestOfHue was installed at the Ali Mall Activity Area from 5 to 9 June; the Farmers Plaza Bazaar from 10 to 18 June; Gateway Mall Activity Area from 19 to 22 June; and the Farmers Plaza Activity Area from 24 to 30 June. [caption id="attachment_152998" align="aligncenter" width="1152"] Binibining Pilipinas queens at the #PRIDEstrian.[/caption] The City of Firsts also promoted HIV awareness by hosting the exhibit Tanggulan of photographer Niccolo Cosme. The exhibit showcased advocates like Miss Universe 2015 Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022 Gabrielle Basiano and Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo in portraits that are painted using HIV+ blood. It was at the Gateway Gallery Studio from 8 to 18 June; Ali Mall Activity Area from 19 to 22 June; and Gateway Mall Activity Area from 23 to 30 June. “We support all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through installations like these, we are encouraging them to proudly show their true colors to the world. We know how important it is for members of the community to live their truth as authentically as possible, and we here at the City of Firsts are behind them all the way,” Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta City, said. Araneta City also challenged netizens to show their fierce side by joining the #RampaSaAraneta contest. They were encouraged to pose and sashay on the #PRIDEstrian and #ForestOfHue, upload entries on TikTok, tag Araneta City and use the hashtags #AranetaCity #RampaSaAraneta #CityOfFirsts for a chance to win exciting prizes, such as an overnight stay at Novotel Manila Araneta City and P5,000. The competition ran from 5 to 30 June. To help foster a more inclusive space for everyone at Araneta City, agency personnel underwent a special learning session on gender and sexuality led by Ameerah Milano, faculty member and coordinator of the Gender and Development Desk of the Academic Affairs Office of the Far Eastern University. The session aimed to educate participants on matters of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. “At Araneta City, we aim to foster a safe community where anyone can feel free and comfortable to be their true selves. This Pride Month, we express our solidarity and unwavering support for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They are always welcome to be who they are here in the City of Firsts,” Go said. The post Araneta City displays different colors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go advocates for advancement of nursing profession in proposed bill
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured that he remains at the forefront of advocating for the welfare of Filipino nurses. In a bid to enhance the nursing profession and address the growing healthcare needs of Filipinos, Go continues to push for the enactment of the Advanced Nursing Education bill. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go has consistently expressed his admiration for nurses and the indispensable role they play in delivering healthcare services, especially during these challenging times. It is for this reason that he stressed the importance of investing in the nursing profession in building a more robust and sustainable healthcare system. In an ambush interview after he personally graced the launch of the 158th Malasakit Center in Guagua, Pampanga on Friday, June 9, Go highlighted that his proposed Senate Bill No. 191 aims to bolster the educational opportunities available to nurses, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector. Go maintained the importance of equipping nurses with the necessary interventions to meet the evolving healthcare challenges. His proposed "Advanced Nursing Education Act of 2022" seeks to protect and improve the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education for better career prospects and dignified work conditions for nurses. On the other hand, Go also emphasized the importance of striking a balance between providing proper compensation for Filipino nurses and ensuring that hospitals have the necessary resources to maintain their operations effectively. “Napansin ko na napakababa talaga ng sweldo ng mga nurses sa private hospitals. Eh alam mo naman kapag sa private hospitals, hindi na usually nagrereklamo ang mga nagbabayad na mga pasyente kahit napakalaki po ng kanilang hospital billing dahil mayayaman o may kaya sila, halos hindi na po magrereklamo. Pero napakaliit pa rin po ng sweldo ng mga nurses doon. Nakakalungkot dahil nadi-discourage silang magtrabaho dito sa atin. Nangingibang bansa sila dahil maliit talaga ang sweldo,” Go cited. Go acknowledged that fair and competitive salaries are crucial to attracting and retaining talented nurses in the country. However, he also understands that hospitals, especially those in underserved areas, often face financial constraints that can hinder their ability to offer competitive compensation packages. “Gusto ko naman pong balansehin. Ayaw naman nating magsara ang mga private hospitals dahil kailangan din nila sa operation nila. Maaaring doon din nila kinukuha ang kanilang mga operational expenses. So balansehin natin,” Go urged. “Sana naman sa mga private hospitals, kung maaari bawas-bawasan n’yo ng kaunti ang kita ninyo. Ibigay n’yo naman sa mga nurses para makatulong naman sa kanila at ‘wag na silang mangibang bansa. Hindi ko masisisi ang mga nurses natin sa mga private hospitals, nangingibang bansa dahil sobrang laki ng sweldo sa ibang bansa,” he expressed. The lawmaker earlier authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11466 in 2019, which gives nurses and other civilian government employees their fifth round of salary increases broken down in tranches. In the same year, Senator Go also made sure that sufficient funding was allocated for the implementation of the 2019 Supreme Court decision that upheld Section 32 of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, which establishes the minimum salary grade of the Nurse I position at SG-15. ### The post Bong Go advocates for advancement of nursing profession in proposed bill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Benguet bets grab int’l pageant titles
BAGUIO CITY — Two nature and youth advocates from the Province of Benguet harvest their ranks in the just-concluded Grand Final night of Mister and Miss Culture Global 2023 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Mr. Benguet Nature 2022, Jeremiah Bugtong and Ms. Benguet Youth 2022, Jamie Guinsiman represented the Northern Philippines in the said international pageant finals last Friday evening, 2 June. Bugtong was adjudged first runner-up and given the Mr. Popularity award. Guinsiman, meanwhile, made it as one of the finalists. She won two major awards, the Best in Evening Gown and Best in National Costume. The two pageant titlists are both from the Municipality of Kabayan, Benguet. They were crowned as Mr. Benguet — Nature Ms. Benguet — Youth, respectively during the Benguet “Adivay” (coming together as one) Festival in November 2022. The Philippines also got a place in the international pageant after. Miss Philippines Kherz Ann Pascual was declared the First Runner-up. Pascual hails from Bulacan. The post Benguet bets grab int’l pageant titles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malaysia, your good neighbor
Editor’s note: The ambassador has the refreshing modesty of Mr. Fix It, the proverbial heart of a statesman, and an outstanding track record, the last being his visionary representation of Malaysia in Italy. The newly minted head of mission shares his overtures in improving Malaysia’s kindred ties with the Philippines and communal aspirations for the region, with the same bounded optimism that inspired Kuala Lumpur’s winning deeds in the development of the Bangsamoro. While Malaysia’s foreign-policy approaches may have differed over the years due to changing domestic and external factors, the basic principles have continued since independence. Asean remains the cornerstone of Malaysia’s foreign policy; the establishment of the Asean community in 2015 has significantly elevated the country’s approach and engagement regionally. Malaysia has shared to countries like the Philippines its experience and knowledge through various foreign-policy mechanisms, including the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program, and linkages such as the Langkawi International Dialogue and bilateral humanitarian assistance. The country advocates the “Prosper thy neighbor” policy to enhance economic relations and cooperation with its adjacent countries through Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East Asean Growth Area, Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and other entities. The predominantly Muslim country and the Philippines have been friendly nations since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1959. Bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the Philippines covers education; culture, arts and heritage; communication; defense; health; youth and sports; trade; agriculture; labor, and security. Malaysia’s last high-level visit was when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with President Marcos in March this year. Malaysia regards the Philippines as a very important trading partner, the 15th-largest globally and 5th-largest among Asean countries, with total bilateral trade reaching almost $8 billion. Our close and long-existing relations provide a strong foundation for a more active and meaningful economic cooperation in the future that would bring tremendous benefits to our people. Two practical and viable areas that would benefit from closer cooperation are the halal industry and digital economy. In 2022, total trade between the two countries increased by 27.3 percent to $9.42 billion, compared to $7.85 billion in 2021. Malaysia’s exports to the Philippines increased by 24.6 percent to $6.41 billion. Main exports include electrical products, petroleum, palm oil and ancillary agricultural products. Malaysia remains a major global leader in the halal economy, sustaining its top position in the Global lslamic Economic Indicators for the 9th consecutive year. It has exported $13.51 billion to the world in 2022, up by 63.8 percent from the previous year. Major exports of halal products include food and beverages, ingredients, cosmetics and healthcare. Thus, with the Philippine government encouraging more halal business expansion and investment to serve 12 million Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, here, it is definitely one of the areas where Malaysians and Filipinos can collaborate. Acquiring quality education through world-class institutions is essential, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. Malaysia is home to more than 200 universities and colleges with 10 international university branch campuses. Malaysian universities are not only ranked top in Asia; it is also progressing in international world rankings, providing a conducive academic environment with affordable international exposure and global career gateways. The country also takes pride in being one of the global pioneers in Islamic banking. Leveraging on existing capacities and expertise, Malaysia is offering tertiary education in Islamic banking and finance through International Center for Education in Islamic Finance. INCEIF has been collaborating with government institutions, such as the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program, in providing training on Islamic banking products like Islamic securities, unit trust funds, stock broking and financial derivatives. Since Philippines and Malaysia have so many common denominators, Filipinos would feel at home studying in Malaysia. In tourism, last year we saw 80,046 Filipino tourists coming to Malaysia and 46,805 Malaysians coming to the Philippines. We have high hopes that the numbers will increase this year, looking forward to working together with the Philippine government on this front. Asean remains the cornerstone of Malaysia’s foreign policy and the establishment of the Asean community in 2015 has significantly elevated the country’s approach and engagement at the regional level, the nation’s well-being founded on the strong and friendly relations with other countries and its commitment to the multilateral system. The country’s record in peacekeeping under the UN is a testimony of its dedication in carrying out the mandate of the international community in advancing global peace and security. The post Malaysia, your good neighbor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Whatever happened to San Nicholas?
On 16 May at 2 p.m., Instituto Cervantes is presenting a lecture on the historical value of San Nicolas, and an exhibit by the Urban Sketchers illustrating what has become of the neighborhood today. Scheduled during the Heritage Month, the events will be held at Instituto Cervantes’ center in Intramuros on Calle Real, Plaza San Luis. The district of San Nicolas, which forms part of Manila’s historic Chinatown, was where the confluence of Spanish and Chinese interaction in the Philippines largely took place, a process that, to a high degree, contributes to the Filipino identity. Historically, its relevance is in its role in the Philippine revolution. Architecturally, its 19th-century buildings and its streets are evidence of this interaction and are the last vestiges of a bygone era. However, the district is in the state of decay. But there is a growing awareness of the value of the district. Instituto Cervantes is organizing the lecture and exhibit to generate interest in the preservation of the heritage of the area and encourage activity there to bring it back to the dynamic place it was before, thereby increasing the value of the zone. The San Nicolas heritage community was first chosen as Urban Sketchers Manila’s sketch walk location in 2022. Advocates shared with participating artists their hope for the place to continue to hold the memory of old Manila that generations after can appreciate. The exhibit, consisted of some 50 artworks, will be available for viewing every day, including Sundays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., until 31 July. Admission is free. The post Whatever happened to San Nicholas? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICT advocates launch 'VoteReportPH for 2022 national elections
BY REIN TARINAY Bulatlat.com A year before the 2022 national elections, ICT advocates are reactivating its VoteReportPH campaign. Formed in 2010 through the initiative of the Computer Professionals’ Union, VoteReportPH started as a grassroots-based electoral campaign during the first national automated elections in 2010. VoteReportPH will focus on voter registration awareness, voter education, and campaign and… The post ICT advocates launch #VoteReportPH for 2022 national elections appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
PH media slam Chinese foreign ministry’s claims of manipulating WPS reports
Philippine media groups criticized the Chinese foreign ministry for suggesting that recent reports on Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea involved video manipulation and sensationalism to portray the Philippines as a victim. The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expressed offense.....»»
Baltimore bridge accident: Freighter pilot called for tugboat help before plowing into bridge
BALTIMORE — The pilot of the cargo freighter had radioed for tugboat help and reported a power loss minutes before the Baltimore bridge accident, federal safety officials said on Wednesday, citing audio from the ship’s “black box” data recorder. The head of the National Transportation Safety Board also said that Francis Scott Key Bridge, a.....»»
China: PH is ‘straying down a dangerous path’
MANILA, Philippines — China continued to blame the Philippines and its ally, the United States, for the continued tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Thursday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that the Philippines is going down a dangerous path. READ: No letup in Chinese water cannon attacks.....»»
Comelec says systems can thwart foreign interference
The Commission on Elections is preparing to defend its servers from attempts to hack it in the 2025 midterm polls, its chairperson announced on Wednesday......»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
Hoffman boosts bid for Paris Paris
Olympics hopeful Lauren Hoffman yesterday set a new national record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles with a gold medal performance in the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational in Coral Gables, Florida......»»
PNVF forms coaching sataff for world meet
Seasoned coach Dante Alinsunurin will make a comeback as one of the deputies for the national men’s team as host Philippines pulls out all the stops to parade a competitive squad against the best of the best in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025......»»
Milk tariff collections rise by 31% to P2.4 billion
Revenues raised by the government from various imported milk products jumped by 31 percent to P2.36 billion in 2023, the highest in at least eight years, from P1.8 billion in 2022......»»