Inclusion of ESports in 2021 SEA Games gets boost
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) found an ally in the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) which called on its member federations to lobby for the inclusion of esports as a medal sport in next year’s Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games. AESF Director General Sebastian Lau on Wednesday wrote National Electronic Sports Federation of the Philippines (NESFP) President Ramon Suzara about the continental federation’s intense bid for esports’ inclusion in the Vietnam 31st SEA Games set from November 21 to December 2 next year. “I am writing this letter to seek your support in driving our Olympic collaboration agenda for the upcoming 2021 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi,” Lau wrote. “We found out the news that Vietnam has not included esports as one of the official games, and currently it is in a process where the participating counties send an [appealing] letter to the hosting country Vietnam.” Vietnam organizers said they are hosting no more than 36 sports — from an initial of 46 — because their SEA Games budget were cut almost in half because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Esports didn’t survive the cut. The NESFP is the only e-sports association in the country that is recognized and certified by the AESF and the Global Esports Federation. “The AESF would like our federations in Southeast Asia to be united and support the Olympic collaboration agenda,” Lau said. “To further support our unification, we would like to encourage you to advocate the inclusion of e-sports as a medal event at the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi.” “This lobby from the AESF is a welcome development for esports,” Suzara said. “All SEA Games countries have already adopted esports and they would want the sport to be played in Vietnam next year.” E-sports has risen by leaps and bounds that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed for its inclusion as a demonstration sport in Paris 2024. Indonesia has included e-sports as a demonstration sport when it hosted the 18th Asian Games in 2018. The Philippines made esports a medal sport during the 30th SEA Games last December, winning three of the six gold medals at stake. Thailand clinched two golds and Malaysia one, while Vietnam settled for three bronze medals. AESF is recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia and lists 45 member countries, including all 11 countries in the SEA Games Federation. It is based in Hongkong. .....»»
EU, Phl eyes creating digital gateway pack
The European Union or EU and the Philippines are crafting a digital development program, set for launch next year to help the boost Internet speed and reach, strengthen cybersecurity, and integrate more women into the digital economy. On Thursday, the Department of Finance said the two partners, along with other countries, are creating the Digital Connectivity Global Gateway Package. “The package has key elements on capacity building, regulatory or policy support, cybersecurity, and enhanced cable connectivity,” a DoF statement said. “The package, which is being considered for launch next year, will also help address the digital gender gap in the country by empowering women in the digital economy,” the DoF added. Connectivity partnership This global partnership on digital connectivity was recently sealed during the first Global Gateway Forum hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from 25 to 25 October in Brussels, Belgium. There were 40 government leaders who attended the forum, with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno representing the Philippines. Global Gateway is the EU’s largest global investment program, with funding of up to 300 billion euros to be used by partner countries from 2021 to 2027 to improve their digital, energy, and transportation infrastructure, along with health and education systems. During the forum, the EU and the Philippines signed a 60 million euros financing agreement to help the latter realize projects for climate change mitigation and digital transformation. Under its digital program, the European Commission already committed in 2021 to provide all highly populated areas of the EU’s 27 member-states with faster Internet through 5G by 2030. Less than one-third of these areas benefited from that Internet technology two years ago. Expanding use of AI The commission also aims to expand the population of the EU’s small businesses using artificial intelligence and cloud from less than half to 75 percent, and those with basic technology skills from 75 percent to 100 percent over a decade. The Department of Information and Communications Technology, or DICT, on the other hand, is developing 500 to 1,000 digitalization programs. Information and Communications Technology Secretary Mon Gutierrez said the government is doubling its efforts to realize over 10 percent of its total number of digitalization programs through public-private partnerships. Also conducted by the DICT are digital literacy campaigns for government agencies, private firms and the public to spur technological innovations and better digital policies. The post EU, Phl eyes creating digital gateway pack appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global Gateway Forum 2023
Nearly two years ago, in December 2021, the European Union launched the “Global Gateway” initiative, the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world......»»
China bolsters ‘patriotic education’ with new law
China has adopted a new law strengthening so-called patriotic education, state media said, the latest step in President Xi Jinping's drive to reassert the Communist Party's ideology in the country's classrooms. A crackdown on the highly lucrative world of for-profit private tutoring in 2021 was also seen as part of efforts to reassert ruling party control over the education system. The moves banned tutoring firms from hiring overseas teachers, with critics saying it was cutting off Chinese children from outside influences. The new law, which comes into effect on January 1 and was approved on Tuesday, will "strengthen patriotic education in the new era" and seek to impart a "patriotic spirit" in China's youth, according to state-run news agency Xinhua. A Xinhua commentary hailing the law's adoption by Beijing's top lawmaking body said that education had been "facing challenges" recently. "Some people are at a loss about what is patriotism," the commentary read. It attacked "the influences of some social thoughts, such as historical nihilism" -- a term often employed by Beijing's leadership to condemn accounts that run contrary to official rhetoric about the party. The law contains provisions already included in other legislation, the commentary said, including those banning "insulting the national flag and distorting or denying heroes' deeds and spirit". Zhao Leji, China's top lawmaker, said the law would help the country in "forging a mighty force" to build a "strong" nation, Xinhua reported. Education has long been used by the Communist Party to boost its legitimacy in the eyes of China's 1.4 billion people. Much of its narrative centers on its role in conquering absolute poverty and asserting China's position in a hostile international climate. But conspicuously absent are detailed discussions of the party's role in instigating China's bloody Cultural Revolution and Great Famine, in which millions died. The post China bolsters ‘patriotic education’ with new law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mandaue hydroponics farming gets boost
The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas has recently provided farmers of the Casili Farmers Association in Barangay Casili, Mandaue City with hydroponics farming and organic fertilizers. Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said Casili farmers started cultivating the 2,000-square-meter farmland in 2021 and it was only in January that farmers started to plant vegetables such as sponge gourd, eggplant, kamote tops and more. “The land called Casili Community Garden is a private lot. But with the effort of our Casili barangay captain, he was able to secure clearance from its owners and turn it into a farm,” the mayor said. Cortes said that the project transformed more organic waste into fertilizers and use recyclable waste, such as plastic bottles, to serve as do-it-yourself plant pots which contributed to the city’s decreasing waste collection. He added that Mandaue’s waste is 27 percent organic, 36 percent recyclable, 35 percent residual and two percent special waste such as treated medical waste, sludge and grease trap waste. The post Mandaue hydroponics farming gets boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EEI ‘hold’ tipped with robust infra
Listed infrastructure multinational EEI Corpo. posted a net loss of -P701.12 million in the second quarter, primarily due to losses from its equity in associates and joint ventures, primarily its unit Al Rushaid Construction Co. Ltd., or ARCC. Consolidated revenues rose by 25 percent from a year ago to P7.85 billion, but its gross profit shrank by 21 percent year-on-year to P515 million due to delays in materials, effects of bad weather, and license approvals. Brokerage house and research firm Regina Capital Development Corp., or RCDC, said the growth in EEI’s topline was mainly driven by improving construction contracts. “The company’s unworked portion of existing contracts is at P47.4 billion but expects a robust inflow of projects. The Build, Better, More Infrastructure Program is expected to boost construction services demand,” RCDC said. It added that the construction sector experienced growth in gross fixed capital formation in 2021 and 2022, an indication of potential recovery despite the economic challenges. However, the sector’s growth in the second quarter was below average, which RCDC said revealed economic risks. The price index, which has been on a downtrend since October 2022, could be a potential growth source. BBM’s main growth driver The BBM program, which will continue to stimulate domestic construction demand, will also benefit the sector. “Given the challenges posed by the slowed growth in gross capital formation for construction, as well as the impact of losses from equity in associates and joint ventures on EEI’s earnings, we are reducing our target to P5.30 per share, down from P7.50. This adjustment reflects the cautious outlook for the construction sector and the need for EEI to address its associated losses while also acknowledging potential future opportunities such as the government’s BBM infrastructure program. Hence, we are placing a “hold” recommendation on EEI. RCDC cited the updates on the company that merited its recommendation. EEI has continued with its reorganization. In a report to the stock market back in September 2023, its board approved the divestment of the company’s 60 percent interest in its subsidiary, BiotechJP Corp., a company engaged in the manufacture of food and therapeutic food products, as it focuses on its core business which is construction. Real estate brand Filigree tapped EEI Corp. for the general construction works of its newest project, Two Botanika, in Alabang, Muntinlupa. EEI’s unit, EEI Power Corp. is set to develop an electronic vehicle charging system through a new corporation after partnering with a cloud solution and service provider. EEI Power said it would have a 40 percent stake in the new corporation that it would establish together with SysNet Integrators Inc. The post EEI ‘hold’ tipped with robust infra appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iloilo appeals to break stalemate in port dev’t, privatization
The Iloilo government is asking the Department of Transportation or DoTr, the mother agency of the Philippine Ports Authority or PPA, to help hasten the privatization and overhaul of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, which could catalyze economic growth in the city. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said a much-needed Public-Private Partnership will facilitate a more efficient trade and faster supply chain movement across the city. "Together with the business community, we have been pushing for the development of our ports — both airport and seaports. There was an offer from the ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) for our port but it is not moving," Treñas told reporters. The Iloilo City Local Development Council Executive Committee through Resolution No. 1 Series of 2021 had already endorsed the unsolicited proposal of the ICTSI to the National Economic Development Authority for review and approval. Yet, the submission has not progressed into a favorable action or result to date. Treñas, who sits as Chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, had requested PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago to prioritize fund allocation for the city's port development and expansion. In his letter dated 5 September 2023, Treñas cited that Western Visayas recorded the highest economic growth rate among all regions at 9.3 percent, which exceeded the national average of 7.2 percent. However, Treñas lamented that the Iloilo International Port in Barangay Loboc, Lapuz, Iloilo City, has not seen any additional improvements since its establishment in the 70s. Thus, the Iloilo City government reiterated that access to domestic and international transportation and logistics is of utmost importance to boost the sectors of trade, commerce, and tourism. "If ICTSI comes in, we will be able to accommodate more international and domestic vessels and we will have a better RORO (roll-on, roll-off) port. It will also reduce berthing costs," the city mayor said. "I think they presented a proposal to our local economic development office, they proposed to convert it into a container port to improve berthing facilities and add equipment, and I think they want to develop the RORO port. At the moment, we do not have a RORO terminal," he added. Operating 33 terminals in 20 countries across six continents, ICTSI is a global developer, manager, and operator of container terminals in the 50,000 to 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units per year range. The post Iloilo appeals to break stalemate in port dev’t, privatization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds Super Health Center groundbreaking in Biliran
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go commended the Department of Health and the local government of Biliran, including Biliran town Mayor Myra Cabrales and Congressman Gerry Boy Espina, for their successful groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in the province on Tuesday, 17 October. Go underscored the pivotal function that Super Health Centers can fulfill in alleviating the strain on hospitals, enabling the early detection of diseases, and delivering vital healthcare services like primary care and medical consultations to the local community. “Ano po itong Super Health Center? It’s a medium type of a polyclinic. Pwede po diyan ‘yung panganganak, dental, laboratory, x-ray, pagpapabakuna. Alam n’yo naisipan ko po ‘yang Super Health Center noong 2021. Sa kakaikot ko po ng buong Pilipinas, ‘yung mga may sakit anlayo ng byahe, yung mga buntis nanganganak na lang sa tricycle o sa jeepney dahil malalayo ang hospital. Ngayon po magkakaroon na kayo ng sarili ninyong health center. Pwede na po diyan ‘yung panganganak, pagkonsulta, at iba pa,” shared Go. “Malaking tulong po ito na ma-decongest ‘yung mga hospitals. Makakatulong rin sa early disease detection para maagapan ang sakit. Hindi na kailangang ilakbay pa ang pasyente sa ospital,” he added. Super Health Centers shall provide convenient access to basic healthcare delivery, offering a wide range of medical services to communities. These Super Health Centers provide services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (including laboratory, X-ray, and ultrasound), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. Additional services include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, as well as telemedicine for remote diagnosis and treatment. “Sa ating pakikipagtulungan sa DOH, LGUs at mga kapwa nating mambabatas, magkakaroon po ng 307 Super Health Center sa year 2022 at 322 na Super Health Center sa year 2023 sa buong Pilipinas. Marami pa po ’yan sa buong Pilipinas, nakakalat po ‘yan sa mga strategic areas as identified by DOH,” highlighted Go. Apart from Biliran town, the senator also supported the construction of another Super Health Center in Naval in the same province. Furthermore, the senator also encouraged individuals with health concerns to make use of the medical assistance programs accessible at the Malasakit Center situated in Biliran Provincial Hospital. The Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops designed to assist particularly poor and indigent patients in minimizing their medical costs to the lowest feasible level through collaboration with various agencies offering medical assistance programs. This initiative was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, a law principally authored and sponsored by Go in the Senate. Presently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers spread across the country, and they have collectively provided support to more than seven million Filipinos, as reported by the Department of Health (DOH). Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people. “Ipagpatuloy natin na ilapit ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap na walang ibang matakbuhan. The more we should support their health needs, the more na mag-invest po tayo sa ating healthcare system,” Go said. “Huwag po natin silang pahirapan. Marami po sa mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas na wala silang sariling health facility. Kaya importante na mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” he stressed. As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go aims to boost the development of the town. He extended his support for several projects, including road improvements in Barangay Villa Consuelo, and the construction of flood control structures in Brgys. Calumpang, Caraycaray, and Larrazabal, and the construction of multipurpose buildings in Brgys. Capinahan, Haguikhikan, Calumpang, and Larrazabal. The post Bong Go lauds Super Health Center groundbreaking in Biliran appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go gives support to rebuilding efforts for fire victims in Caloocan City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go's team provided assistance to 44 fire victims in Caloocan City on Thursday, September 28. In his video message during his team’s relief activity at Bulwagan ng Katipunan, Go reiterated his support to ensure that families recover from the damages incurred. “Sa mga nasunugan, huwag ho kayong mag-alala. Sabi ko nga sa inyo noon, ang gamit ay nabibili. Ang pera ay kikitain, subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever,” said Go. “Pangalagaan at ingatan po natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat isa. Ang importante po magtulungan tayo, sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo lang po kapwa natin Pilipino. Kaya po nandirito kami ngayon para tulungan kayong lahat mga kababayan ko,” he added. Go, through his team, provided masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to all affected individuals while he also gave away shoes to select recipients. Meanwhile, a team from the National Housing Authority (NHA) extended emergency housing assistance to qualified families to further help them recover and get the materials they need to rebuild their homes. “Mayroon po akong isinusulong na programa noon para sa NHA. Ito po ‘yung pambili ng housing materials. Bibigyan po kayo ngayong araw na ito ng pambili ng materyales tulad ng pako, yero at iba pang kagamitang pampaayos ng bahay. Patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang implementasyon ng programa para makatulong po sa mga nasunugan nating kababayan na makabangon muli,” Go explained. Go also cited that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is currently undergoing a modernization program following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the BFP Modernization Act of 2021, which he primarily authored and co-sponsored. The Act shall enable the agency to respond faster and more effectively to fire-related incidents in the country as the mandated modernization program shall include procuring new fire equipment, expanding manpower, and conducting specialized training for firefighters, among others. Furthermore, it also mandates the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also reached out to residents with health concerns, advising them to utilize the services of any of the 31 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila, including the one at Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan city. Malasakit Centers function as one-stop shops that provide convenient access to medical assistance programs for poor and indigent patients. These programs are offered by various agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, and there are currently 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide. According to DOH, these centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also extended his support to several infrastructure initiatives in Caloocan City to help boost its economic growth, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings. The post Bong Go gives support to rebuilding efforts for fire victims in Caloocan City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Each shrinking his carbon
Recently, residents in Metro Manila woke up to an overcast, foggy morning sky. Conjectures attributed it to another impending eruption of Taal Volcano, like it did in 2020. Phivolcs clarified that the smog that covered Metro Manila was not caused by the volcano; it was rather pollution trapped in the lower levels of the atmosphere. It was a surprise to many because, while traffic congestion has been worsening after the pandemic and Manila was identified as one of the most congested cities in Asia, it rarely brought to the public’s attention that the air pollution it causes is so serious. During the pandemic, people noticed that, due to the lockdown implemented in most countries, air quality improved and we were seeing clearer skies, but the situation changed rapidly as almost everything was “back to normal”. Countries are doing their bit to mitigate air pollution and slow global warming. The European Union set a goal to cut carbon emissions by at least 55 percent and source 45 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Starting today, EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism, a carbon tariff on carbon-intensive products, will enter its trial phase. The transition phase of CBAM, from October 2023 to December 2025, will require exporters to submit emissions reports to importing partners. From January 2026, CBAM will be implemented and initially apply to imports in the emissions-intensive sectors deemed at greater risk of carbon leakage: cement, electricity, fertilizers, iron and steel, aluminum and hydrogen. From 2026, EU importers will start paying a financial adjustment by surrendering the amount of CBAM certificates that correspond to the emissions embedded in their imports. The EU Emissions Trading System’s free emission allowances are to be replaced by the CBAM gradually from 2026 to 2034. Thus, CBAM, the CO2 border tax, will be fully phased in at the start of 2034, when free carbon certificates are eliminated. In the Philippines, electric vehicle adoption was given a boost by Executive Order No. 12 issued in January, which reduced the tariffs on certain EVs to zero for five years, effectively lowering vehicle prices and encouraging people to purchase EVs. The EO covers EV segments such as cars, buses, vans, trucks, kick scooters, self-balancing cycles, bicycles and pocket motorcycles with auxiliary motors not exceeding 250 watts and with a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour. Nonetheless, electric motorcycles were excluded from the EO, and are still subject to a 30-percent tariff. In Taiwan, to encourage people to stop buying fuel vehicles by 2040 and achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, people who buy new electric motorcycles enjoy a subsidy from the government varies from NT$5,100 to 7,000, equals to 8,990 to P12,340, depending on the model purchased until the end of 2026. If the battery cores, negative electrode materials, electrolyte and copper foil used in the electric motorcycles are all domestically produced, each vehicle will receive an additional subsidy of NT$3,000. Until the end of 2024, people who replace their more than 10-year-old car with an electric car will get a NT$15,000 to 18,000 subsidy in Taiwan. While Singapore and Taiwan launched their first carbon exchange platform Climate Impact X and Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange in 2021 and August 2023, respectively, Indonesia also started its carbon trading market on 26 September. President Joko Widodo attended the launch, saying the exchange could create a new sustainable economy, estimating it has the potential to be worth at least Rp3,000 trillion ($194 billion). “This will be a new sustainable economic opportunity as the world is heading toward the green economy,” he said. The post Each shrinking his carbon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl moves up in innovation list
The Philippines has improved three spots higher to 56th out of 132 countries in the 2023 Global Innovation Index. The index shows the Philippines ranked highest in business sophistication at 38th, followed by knowledge and technology outputs at 46th, and market sophistication at 55th. However, the country placed lowest in human capital and research at 88th, followed by infrastructure at 86th, and institutions at 79th. For four years now, the Philippines has remained in the lower spots for innovation input which refers to the creation of a conducive environment for innovations. This aspect includes government policies, financial aid to entrepreneurs, research projects, and training for the labor force. The Philippines placed 69th in innovation inputs this year, compared to 76th in 2022, 72nd in 2021 and 70th in 2020. In contrast, the country has ranked among the higher spots for innovation output which refers to the number of patents, firms in the technology industry, technology exports and intellectual property receipts, and levels of labor productivity. Slide in outputs For innovation outputs, the Philippines placed 52nd this year, compared to 51st in 2022, 40th in 2021 and 41st in 2020. Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. vowed to continue creating and maximizing innovation projects to boost the Philippine economy. “The DoST shall remain focused on driving the country’s science, technology, and innovation-driven economic development by continuously investing in programs and projects that can advance the country’s productivity and competitiveness in the global knowledge economy,” he said. “Our good performance in innovation outputs compared to innovation inputs is reflective of our country’s ability to translate our innovation investments,” Solidum added. DoST’s programs include Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program and the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology, and Balik-Scientist Program, among others. Balik-scientists Science and Technology Undersecretary Leah Buendia told the Daily Tribune the government has attracted 625 balik-scientists back to the Philippines and aims to increase collaborations with this group by 10 percent each year. She said 230 of them are dedicated to advancing technologies in Philippine agriculture, forestry and natural resources. This year, the DoST aims to organize 101 collaborations with balik-scientists knowledgeable in other sectors including health, industrials, energy and emerging industries. The 2023 Global Innovation Index was published by the World Intellectual Property Organization of the United Nations. The post Phl moves up in innovation list appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos bets on early harvest
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is betting on the harvest season to come earlier than projected to end the persisting price shock that required a government response of putting a cap on retail prices. The price ceiling was accompanied by an order increasing the farm gate prices to relieve farmers of the low offers from traders. Marcos expressed optimism that the early harvest of palay (unhusked rice) would help lower market grain prices. In a chance media interview Saturday, Marcos expressed hope that Filipinos will once again reap the effects of “more improved production” in the agriculture sector. He also reiterated his decision to order the temporary imposition of ceilings on rice was in response to the sudden spike in retail prices of the staple grain. “We’re already harvesting. When that comes in, I think we will see the prices go down. It would be determined by market forces,” Marcos said on the sidelines of rice distribution to about 2,000 qualified beneficiaries in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. In August, the Department of Agriculture, or DA, reported an estimated 900,000 metric tons of the palay output. Marcos said the palay harvest, which is expected to peak in late September to October, will contribute mainly to the country’s production from July to December. By this time, the DA estimated that the palay harvest would peak at 11.5 million metric tons. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the national palay output from January to June 2023 rose to 9.02 million MT, 3.4 percent more than the 8.7 million MT production for the same period in 2022 and 2021. Marcos added that the government is currently dealing with hoarding of rice supply to manipulate the price of the staple grain. Supply’s not the problem As hoarders are suspected of delaying the release of rice, Marcos said, “There’s no need not worry about the supply.” He said the country has sufficient stock of the staple. “We are here to help those in need because we know that the price of rice has increased,” he added. Marcos said rice prices were so high, prompting the government to impose a price cap. Under Executive Order 39, which took effect on 5 September, Marcos ordered the implementation of a price ceiling of P41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and P45 per kg for well-milled rice. Marcos stressed that one of the government’s thrusts is to address the gaps and challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly “rice distribution that affects supply and prices.” “We have a lot of rice, but it is not being correctly distributed. That’s why we have no problem with the rice supply here in the Philippines,” he said. Marcos said DA is exhausting efforts to boost the supply and reduce the cost of rice. In the meantime, he said the government must implement measures such as imposing a price cap, providing cash aid to rice retailers, and setting new palay buying price range for the National Food Authority to help farmers and secure inventory. Farmers happy with hike The DA said farmers from different regions were happy with the increase in the buying price of the National Food Authority at the farmgate of P16 to P19 per kilogram for fresh palay and P19 to P23 for dry palay. The new buying prices of NFA were ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos, who is concurrent Agriculture Secretary, on Monday last week to ensure that farmers, who are currently harvesting their wet season crop, would not suffer from abruptly declining prices for their fresh harvest beginning this month. DA Undersecretary Leo Sebastian said the farmers told them that traders usually use the NFA as their benchmark in setting their buying prices from farmers for the fresh palay. With the mandated price hike for NFA, such drastic price declines would not materialize. Jing Villamente The post Marcos bets on early harvest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos sees early palay harvest to reduce rice prices
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that the early harvest of palay (unhusked rice) would help bring down the prices of rice in the markets. In a chance media interview, Marcos expressed hope that Filipinos will once again reap the effects of “more improved production” in the agriculture sector. He also reiterated his decision to order the temporary imposition of the mandated price ceilings on rice because of the sudden spike in the prices of the staple grain. “We're already harvesting. When that comes in, I think we will see the prices go down. It would be determined by market forces. Maybe if the market itself lowers the price, we could reduce it),” Marcos said on the sidelines of rice distribution to about 2,000 qualified beneficiaries in Iriga City, Camarines Sur on Saturday. In August, the Department of Agriculture reported an estimated 900,000 metric tons of the palay harvest output. Marcos said the palay harvest, which is expected to peak in late September to October, will contribute largely to the country's production from July to December. By this time, the DA estimated that the palay harvest to peak at 11.5 million metric tons. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the national palay output from January to June 2023 rose to 9.02 million MT, 3.4 percent more than the 8.7 million MT production for the same period in 2022 and 2021. Moreover, Marcos said the government is currently dealing with hoarding of rice supply to manipulate the price of the staple grain. Amid the hoarders delaying the release of rice, Marcos stressed “There’s no need not worry about the supply.” He said the country has sufficient stock of the staple. “Nandito po kami upang magbigay naman ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan dahil alam po nating nagtaas ang presyo ng bigas (We are here to help those in need because we know that the price of rice has increased),” he added. Marcos said the rice price was so high prompting the government to impose a price cap. Under Executive Order 39, which took effect on 5 September, Marcos ordered the implementation of a price ceiling of P41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and P45 per kg for well-milled rice. Marcos stressed that one of the government's thrusts is to address the gaps and challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly “rice distribution that affects supply and prices.” “Marami naman tayong bigas hindi lang nailalabas nang tama. Kaya’t hindi problema ang supply sa atin dito sa Pilipinas (We have lost of rice but it is not being correctly distributed. That’s why we have no problem with the rice supply here in the Philippines),” he said. Marcos said the DA is exhausting all efforts to boost the supply and reduce the cost of rice in the country. In the meantime, he said the government has to implement measures such as the imposition of a price cap, provision of cash aid to rice retailers, as well as setting new palay buying price range for the National Food Authority to help farmers and secure inventory. The post Marcos sees early palay harvest to reduce rice prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Colombia deadliest country for green activists in 2022
Environmental activist murders doubled in Colombia last year, making it the most dangerous country in the world for those trying to protect the planet, a watchdog said Tuesday. In its annual review, Global Witness named 177 land and environmental defenders who had been killed in 2022 -- from the Amazon to the Philippines and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Latin America again bore the brunt of the murders, including 39 killings across the vast Amazon rainforest, a vital carbon sink facing widespread destruction at a time when the world is grappling to curb climate change. The number of those killed has progressively decreased since a record 227 in 2020, however, "this does not mean that the situation has significantly improved," said Global Witness. "The worsening climate crisis and the ever-increasing demand for agricultural commodities, fuel, and minerals will only intensify the pressure on the environment -– and those who risk their lives to defend it," warned the London-based watchdog. While in 2021 most killings took place in Mexico, Colombia last year surged ahead with 60 deaths -- more than a third of all the murders globally. "This is almost double the number of killings compared to 2021 when 33 defenders lost their lives," said the report. Many of those targeted were Indigenous people, members of Afro-descendant communities, small-scale farmers, and environmental activists. At least five children, three of them Indigenous, were among the global tally. "Yet there is hope," said the NGO, praising efforts under new leftist President Gustavo Petro to boost protection for defenders -- a first in the country. Colombian sociologist and activist Nadia Umana, 35, fled her northern home after the murders of four colleagues, all of whom had been fighting for the return of rural lands taken over by paramilitaries. "Knowing that a colleague of yours was murdered is an indescribable pain," Umana told AFP in Bogota. Even the country's vice-president, Francia Marquez -- the 2018 winner of the prestigious Goldman environmental prize -- has faced multiple threats. In 2019, she survived an attack by gunmen who tried to kill her over her work defending her home region's water resources against mining companies. Mining, logging, farming According to Global Witness, almost 2,000 land and environmental defenders have been murdered over the past decade -- some 70 percent of them in Latin America. In Brazil, where British journalist Dom Philips and Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira were killed last year in the Amazon, a total of 34 land defenders were killed. Mexico, Honduras, and the Philippines also had high numbers. Global Witness said that while it was "difficult to identify" the exact drivers for the killings, 10 were found to be linked to agribusiness, eight to mining, and four to the logging industry. Aside from activists, state officials, demonstrators, park rangers, lawyers, and journalists are also among those who lost their lives. "All of them shared a commitment to defend their rights and keep the planet healthy. All of them paid for their courage and commitment with their lives," said the report. The post Colombia deadliest country for green activists in 2022 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Birkenstock footwear brand files for IPO in United States
German footwear brand Birkenstock on Tuesday filed for an initial public offering in the United States, planning to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. The proposed terms of its share sale have not been revealed, but news reports previously said that the IPO could value the sandal maker at more than $8 billion. The brand, founded in 1774 to make orthopedic shoes, received a Hollywood boost recently when actress Margot Robbie donned a pair of pink Birkenstocks in the lead role of the hit movie "Barbie". By 1897, Konrad Birkenstock had made the first flexible sole fitting the contours of the feet, and the sandals were brought to the United States in the 1960s. They were adopted by hippies who took to their no-frills comfort, while also seeing their utilitarian look as an anti-fashion badge. In 2021, private equity firm L Catterton and the family-holding fund of French luxury brand magnate Bernard Arnault acquired a majority stake in Birkenstock, based in Linz am Rhein in western Germany. Analysts estimated the price of the sale at around four billion euros ($4.4 billion). The post Birkenstock footwear brand files for IPO in United States appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COVID’s back: Here’s what you need to know
As colder weather sets in, COVID rates are once more rising across the Northern Hemisphere, with several new variants on the scene. Here's what you need to know. Covid versus seasonal nasties? The COVID pandemic extracted a terrible toll, with nearly seven million deaths worldwide. But thanks to vaccines, prior immunity, and better treatments, the virus is now far more manageable. In the United States, excess deaths -- the total number of people dying for any given cause -- has been normal since spring. "If you asked me to choose between getting flu and COVID, I would pick COVID because each individual case of flu is more dangerous," said Ashish Jha, a former White House COVID coordinator and dean of public health at Brown University. But while COVID is now less deadly to individuals, "it also seems to have higher rates of long-term complications." COVID is also less seasonal than the flu, more contagious, and over the last three US winters peaked from December to January, while flu peaks later. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, placed COVID "on par" with flu and RSV, but stressed it was more severe than the common cold. To boost or not to boost? Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have developed new vaccines that more closely target current variants, all offshoots of Omicron which became dominant in late 2021. There is broad consensus that annual boosters will benefit the most vulnerable. But whether they bring added value to everyone is debated. Nearly everyone has already been infected, studies show. And prior infections combined with vaccines have trained immune systems to stop severe outcomes even when they can't ward off infection. One-size-fits-all recommendations no longer make sense, and could decrease trust in public health, said Monica Gandhi, author of "Endemic: A Post-Pandemic Playbook." For example, the mRNA vaccines of Pfizer and Moderna carry small risks of heart inflammation in younger men. European nations advise annual shots only for higher-risk groups, but some experts don't see downsides in wider recommendations. "People at low risk still derive benefit from boosters," said Ziyad Al-Aly, an epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis. The United States recommends that nearly everyone get annual COVID shots. Are masks still useful? Experts diverge on this subject, one of the most controversial of the pandemic. A review of clinical trial data by the respected nonprofit Cochrane on whether promoting mask-wearing helped slow respiratory viruses found inconclusive results. Whether broad mandates have a significant effect, therefore, hasn't been proven. What researchers do know -- thanks to lab experiments -- is that well-fitted, high-caliber masks such as N-95s protect individuals. "Individuals can therefore choose to wear well-fitted and filtered masks indoors to provide personal protection from respiratory pathogens," said Gandhi, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco -- though she believes in vaccines to prevent severe disease, including among the high-risk. Test, or go to work? Experts agree that it makes sense for people at risk -- the elderly and those with conditions such as cancer, obesity, and diabetes -- to test when they have symptoms. That's because these groups "would benefit from antiviral therapy within the five-day window," said Adaja. The most prominent treatment is Paxlovid, which has been shown to reduce the risk of severe disease and death among high-risk people. Some health systems have decided testing at-risk people is all that's needed. "Most people no longer need to take a coronavirus test. To prevent the spread of infection, you should try to stay at home if you're unwell," says the UK's National Health System. What about long COVID? Research around long COVID -- symptoms that linger for weeks or months -- remains nebulous and hampered by a lack of standardized definitions for a condition that has multiple causes, said Adalja. Al-Aly estimates prevalence at between 4 to 7 percent, or 65 million people worldwide. "Unfortunately, we have not made progress on treating long Covid. This should be an urgent priority for research," he said. It does appear that prior vaccination reduces the risk of long COVID and that the condition is correlated with the severity of infection. The US government has funded several trials into the condition, with one recent study finding a diabetes drug called metformin reduced the risk of ongoing symptoms by 40 percent. Jha said he was hopeful of more data on treatments in the coming months. The post COVID’s back: Here’s what you need to know appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salmon, Oradian seal partnership serving unbanked Filipinos
Oradian has included fintech innovator Salmon in its roster of valued customers, providing expertise by adopting Oradian’s advanced core system to drive its growth strategy, and to help the government attain its goal of improving the numbers of unbanked Filipino Currently servicing tens of thousands of customers, Salmon is a consumer fintech company built by a team of finance professionals and entrepreneurs and backed by world-class investors that develop better and more inclusive financial products with a focus on innovation, flexibility, security, relentless focus on customer care and added value for clients. The fintech firm started originally with in-store purchase financing, as Salmon had intended to expand its range of financial services to cover all the daily needs of clients in the Philippines and beyond, bridging the financial inclusion gap for millions of consumers. “We’re delighted to have found a technology partner in Oradian. As we enter a new stage of our institutional development and ready ourselves to deliver new product offerings, Oradian provides some essential tools that will power our continued growth,” said George Chesakov, CEO and co-founder of Salmon in a press conference on Wednesday. Founded in 2022, Salmon has already attracted a cumulative $36 million in equity and debt funding, reflecting deep confidence in its business model and growth potential. Essential recipe “Oradian offers a vital combination of flexible, scalable, best-in-class technology and comprehensive in-market customer support and expertise that enables us to drive growth, scale rapidly, and boost our performance. This is an essential recipe for remaining competitive in an increasingly crowded fintech landscape,” said Chesakov. Salmon’s early success is indicative of the strength and health of the Philippines’ financial technology market, particularly as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the national government seek to promote digital lending and boost financial inclusion. The BSP in its report last month said 22 million Filipinos have gained access to formal financial accounts between 2019 and 2021. According to the 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey of the BSP, 34.3 million Filipino adults remained unbanked, as the country’s banked population was at about 56 percent of all adults in 2021, improving from just 29 percent in 2019. First cloud-native core banking system Oradian, the first cloud-native core banking system to be used by BSP-regulated financial institutions in the Philippines, has been serving institutional customers for more than 10 years, enabling enhanced growth and performance with its cloud-native, API-enabled platform. Reflecting on this new partnership, Antonio Separovic, CEO and co-founder of Oradian said: “Oradian’s mission is to partner with high-growth, tech-enabled financial institutions to drive growth and promote financial inclusion for last-mile communities. “Oradian’s system is designed for sophisticated tech-led teams like Salmon that leverage technology to scale financial services throughout the entire community — we’re excited to work alongside George and Salmon’s team as they meet these goals.” The post Salmon, Oradian seal partnership serving unbanked Filipinos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN leaders agree on 5PC to address Myanmar crisis
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called for the complete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in Myanmar, a set of principles agreed upon by the Association of the Southeast Asian Nation leaders in April 2021 to address the political crisis in the country. Speaking at the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) here, Marcos said that the Philippines believes that the key to any solution in Myanmar is the inclusive participation of all parties. He also reiterated the Philippines' support for the Special Envoy of ASEAN in pushing the Five-Point Consensus forward. "We maintain that endeavors by other parties to address the crisis should support and complement ASEAN's efforts, and should be done in consultation with the ASEAN Chair," Marcos said. The Five-Point Consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, an inclusive political process, the appointment of a Special Envoy of ASEAN, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. Marcos also called for the urgent realization of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) to help countries address the impacts of climate change. He said that countries with the smallest carbon footprints disproportionately bear the heaviest burden of climate change. "Climate financing, complemented by viable and effective technology transfer and country-specific capacity-building, is needed to expedite a just transition to a climate-resilient economy," Marcos said. He also sought the support of other EAS leaders for the development of the Philippines' strategic minerals supply and value chains. He said that this would boost the Philippines' efforts to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the region. Marcos concluded his intervention by reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to an open and inclusive regional order where the rule of law and ASEAN Centrality remain the bedrock of an evolving regional architecture. The East Asia Summit is a regional forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Oceanian regions, based on the ASEAN Plus Six mechanism. Membership expanded to 18 countries including Russia and the United States at the Sixth EAS in 2011. The post ASEAN leaders agree on 5PC to address Myanmar crisis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl Navy gets huge boost
The Philippine Navy is slated to acquire two brand new missile corvettes between 2025 and 2026 while two offshore patrol vessels are set to come from 2026 to 2028, according to a Navy official on Wednesday. PN vice commander Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia said that the incoming new navy vessels in the country is part of the corvette acquisition program of the Department of National Defense with the South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries awarded on 28 December 2021. “We have a lot of naval ships coming in. In 2025 and 2026, we will be receiving two brand-new corvettes from South Korea. These ships are brand new,” Valencia said in a radio interview. The navy official said the brand corvettes are expected to reinforce the two Jose Rizal-class missile frigates that are in service — the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna. According to Valencia, these incoming corvettes, designed to be capable of conducting anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare missions are worth P28 billion and on top of it is the acquisition of brand-new offshore patrol vessels or OPVs worth P30 billion, which was also awarded to HHI on 28 June 2022. “Come 2026-2028, we expect to receive six more brand new OPVs, the main purpose of the OPV is to patrol the seas,” Valencia said. The post Phl Navy gets huge boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Digitizing a must — Concepcion
Honing and making micro, small and medium enterprises fully engrossed with digitization is now a must for every country in the ASEAN Region to fully realize the expanding opportunities presented by digital transformation, according to ASEAN-Business Advisory Council Philippines chairperson Joey Concepcion. “The power of digitalization is there; we just have to use it. It’s time that we really focus on the objective of greater prosperity, especially for those at the bottom of the pyramid, using whatever tools we have,” Concepcion said during a panel discussion on ASEAN’s Digital Powerhouse at the Nexus of Connectivity and Transformation in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sunday. “We must enable MSMEs to use digitalization to their advantage. Digital growth is seen to boost cross-border e-commerce by providing MSMEs with access to new markets and is hoped to promote financial inclusion to underserved populations,” he added. Further, Concepcion noted that although the rapid growth of digital adoption in the ASEAN bodes well for the region’s economies, its growth must be inclusive, with MSMEs being crucial to sustainable growth, to fully realize the expanding opportunities presented by digital transformation. “All of these tools are important to uplift the lives of our people. That’s why we are here: how do we solve big problems, especially for those who are at the bottom of the pyramid,” he said, pointing out that four of the 10 countries in the ASEAN have nearly a fifth of their populations still living in poverty. Region’s biggest tech players The session gathered some of the region’s biggest technology players, as well as key stakeholders from leading multinational companies, global financial institutions, and government organizations. The session delved into the development of strategic policies — including financial technology, e-trade, and cross-border trade facilitation. “The power of digital has to be used. The crisis pushed people to use these tools and this is one of the reasons we in the ASEAN BAC Philippines proposed to sign an MoU with each ASEAN country to focus on sectors that will bring development, specifically agriculture and MSMEs,” he said. He also pointed out that digitalization will stand to benefit even the one-man businesses — also known as nanopreneurs — who now have a better chance at succeeding because they have access to marketing tools and digital payment solutions. “We are the big brothers. Unless we embrace the MSMEs in our value chain this is going to take a long time. That is our mission as ASEAN BAC heads, to see to it that greater prosperity is achieved,” he said. Private sector feedback The ASEAN BAC was organized to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN’s efforts towards economic integration. It was said in the discussion that ASEAN has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing Internet market, with a 40 percent annual growth in the value of e-commerce between 2016 and 2021. Further, it is set to become the world’s fastest-growing digital market driven by a growing consumer market and the rapid adoption of social commerce platforms by its population. “This growth must be inclusive to unlock the benefits. It must be used to enable MSMEs,” he said. Phl case cited Concepcion cited the Philippines case as an example of how digital technology has helped MSMEs compete with big corporations and gave birth to a thriving digital economy that was further hastened by the pandemic lockdowns. Aside from Concepcion, other speakers in the session were Sam Myers, deputy trade commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia) at the UK Department for Business and Trade; Haslina Taib, CEO of Dynamic Technologies; Yuem Kuan Moon, CEO of Singtel; and Kok Ping Soon, CEO of Singapore Business Federation. Bank of Indonesia Governor Dr. Perry Warijjyo, Temasek Holdings CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara; and Japan External Trade Organization Chairman Ishiguro Norihiko delivered keynote remarks, while ASEAN-BAC Indonesia Policy Manager for Digital Transformation Yohanes Lukiman gave a policy presentation. The post Digitizing a must — Concepcion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ACEN raises P25 billion from preferred shares offering
ACEN Corporation has formally listed its Series A and Series B preferred shares through a bell ringing ceremony held at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday, 1 September 2023. ACEN raised P25 billion from the sale of firm offer shares and over-subscription option shares during its follow-on offering (FOO). PSE president and CEO Ramon S. Monzon lauded ACEN on its oversubscribed FOO. He also commended the energy firm for continuously tapping the equities market as a funding source to boost its renewable energy portfolio. The company raised Php 30.32 billion and P11.58 billion from the stock market in 2021 and 2022, respectively. “This oversubscribed offering, at a time when other companies are putting off their capital raising plans, speaks of the level of trust that investors have in ACEN, and their confidence at how the company is working towards the achievement of its vision and strategic initiatives, including its target of having 20 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030,” Mr. Monzon said. The post ACEN raises P25 billion from preferred shares offering appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»