JPS Zamboanga City advances to semis
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The fifth-seeded JPS Zamboanga City advanced to the semifinals of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup after trouncing sixth-seed ALZA Alayon Zamboanga del Sur, 69-66, on Thursday evening, July 30, 2021, at the Pagadian City gymnasium in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. Former NCAA MVP Fran Yu led the winning team with […] The post JPS Zamboanga City advances to semis appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Substantiate your opinion : Students join NCCA workshop on film reading
Students in Zamboanga, however, learned a few tips on how to appreciate or read a film better in a workshop facilitated by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts when the national agency visited the southern city last March 8 in celebration of the National Arts Month every February......»»
DSWD introduces 3 schemes to distribute financial aid
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — To fast-track the distribution of financial assistance to social pension beneficiaries, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issued Memorandum Circular No. 17, introducing three delivery schemes. This includes cash advances of special disbursing officers (SDOs) of the agency, door-to-door delivery for beneficiaries in critical condition, and the transfer of.....»»
Sinulog Cup 2024: UC thrashes USJ-R, advances to tournament proper
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters ended the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars’ impressive run with a dominating, 82-59, in their knockout game on Friday evening, January 19, at the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI) to barge into the in the Sinulog Cup 2024 Basketball Tournament’s Bracket A. UC of.....»»
Israel advances in south Gaza city as civilians search for safety
Warning of a 'severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system,' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invokes rarely used Article 99 of the founding UN Charter to push for a ceasefire in a letter to the Security Council.....»»
SHS-AdC outplays USPF, advances to Cesafi girls volleyball finals
CEBU CITY, Philippines— The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, or SHS-AdC Magis Eagles are just a win away from retaining their Cesafi girls’ volleyball crown. This was after the Magis Eagles outhustled the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 26-24, 25-23, and 25-20, on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the University of San.....»»
Russian strike on Ukraine mail depot kills six
Kyiv, Ukraine (AFP) — At least six postal workers were killed while 17 were wounded after Russian missile strikes hit a mail depot in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, officials said. The strike in the northeastern Kharkiv region on Saturday came as Kyiv declared its positions in the embattled city of Avdiivka were “protected” despite Russian attacks, while Moscow said it had downed Ukrainian missiles targeting the Crimean Peninsula. The six killed in the depot attack were all workers at the Ukrainian postal operator Nova Poshta in Korotych, a village on the outskirts of Kharkiv city, regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said. “The victims, aged between 19 and 42, received shrapnel wounds and blast injuries,” he said. Of the injured being treated in hospital, seven were in a serious condition, according to Sinegubov, who said “doctors are fighting for their lives.” The regional prosecutor’s office later updated the number of injured to 17. President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video on social media of what appeared to be a heavily damaged warehouse surrounded by rubble and a container with the Nova Poshta logo. Sergiy Nozhka, who works for Nova Poshta, described the condition of some his colleagues as “mild to moderate severity,” adding that “there are some people in a very serious condition.” He said that a rocket “flew into the neighboring depot, but at ours too — the windows and shutters flew out. This is not the first time.” According to the prosecutor’s office, Russian forces in the Belgorod region north of Kharkiv fired S-300 missiles, two of which hit the warehouse. “Debris analysis continues at the site in order to establish the exact number of injured and dead,” office spokesperson Dmytro Chubenko told Ukraine’s state broadcaster Suspilne. Separate Russian attacks on villages near the war-battered Ukrainian city of Bakhmut killed at least two people on Sunday, officials said. Both Kyiv and Moscow are preparing for a grueling winter ahead, as Ukraine warns of renewed strikes on its energy infrastructure and Russia contends with a Ukrainian counteroffensive to regain territory. In the eastern Donetsk region, Ukraine’s positions around the frontline city of Avdiivka were “protected”, Zelensky said in his evening address Sunday. The city has been the center of intense fighting in recent weeks as each side struggles to make advances. Ukraine’s general staff said on Friday that Russia had stepped up its military assault on Avdiivka in an ongoing bid to encircle and capture it. “The Avdiivka and Maryinka directions are particularly tough”, Zelensky said. “Numerous attacks by Russians. But our positions are protected.” Avdiivka has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since 2014, after it briefly fell to Russian-backed separatists. It lies just 15 kilometers (nine miles) from the Moscow-held city of Donetsk, capital of the Donetsk region that Russia said last September it was annexing. Ukrainian soldiers had been bracing for a new assault after a failed Russian offensive earlier this month using columns of armored vehicles and tanks from three sides. Built around a huge coke plant, Avdiivka had a pre-war population of around 30,000 people. Around 1,600 remain, according to local authorities, living in basements converted into bomb shelters. The city center has been all but destroyed through daily Russian artillery shelling and a months-long aerial bombing campaign. Also on Sunday Russian forces shot down three missiles targeting the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014, a Russian official said. The peninsula is crucial to Russia’s offensive, both for supplying troops in southern Ukraine and for carrying out missile strikes from the sea. The post Russian strike on Ukraine mail depot kills six appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Digitalization call exempts none
The call for digitalization is real and businesses including micro-enterprises must respond to the challenge, Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer, who is chairperson of the committee on Digital Innovation and Science and Technology of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said. The country is falling quite behind in the digitalization race as most of its neighbors made significant advances through the collaboration of their governments and the private sector. He said that the country’s neighbors have fully embraced digitalization since the global pandemic hit. In an interview with the Daily Tribune’s online show Straight Talk, Ferrer said only half of Philippine businesses have embraced financial technologies and the digital economy. “Half of the Philippines are still not connected. I believe the numbers are 50 to 52 percent of the nation, are still not connected to the Internet, are underserved or have spotty connections,” Ferrer lamented. Connection to the digital world is considered the answer to financial inclusion if only gadgets and strong connections are provided. “That is where we believe that the Philippines has a significant opportunity to drive economic activity once we connect these entities and these businesses. Imagine the opportunities that neophyte businesses would have once they’re connected to the Internet,” he said. Ferrer said a huge opportunity, not just locally but globally, is presented to new business owners if they will use the Internet to promote their brands and services. “We are happy that President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. had stressed, even in his last State of the Nation Address, that digitalization and connectivity are his priorities, and we support that 100 percent,” according to Ferrer. When he spoke at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Marcos also stressed his belief that digital transformation would allow the Philippines and other small nations to keep abreast of a changing world. “Our governance structures must keep up. The world is ready for a transformation. It is up to us as leaders of our nations, to move and shape that transformation,” stated Marcos. “Technologies are rapidly transforming human life and experience. We still barely understand how these transformations are unfolding and where they are leading,” he continued. Marcos added that employing emerging technologies could solve many of the country’s problems but could also disrupt the political and social order. Satellite connectivity steps in Ferrer said in support of full connectivity, the PCCI has launched a project to connect far-flung areas to the Internet through satellite. The first phase of the project called Proof of Concept, or POC, will entail the setting up of the Internet via satellite in six geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, divided equally among the three main islands of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. The second phase will seek to push the government to have its satellite to connect the entire country to the Internet. “The Department of ICT is open to looking at all technologies, with the intent to cascade Internet connectivity throughout the Philippines. We have been talking with new players in satellite space. Instead of rushing in, we are incorporating these companies to be part of the POC,” he said. The post Digitalization call exempts none appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM gung ho, advances P131M
SM Prime Holdings Inc. is confident about the long-term prospects of Bacolod City that it turned over P131.89 million to Mayor Albee Benitez for the redevelopment of the iconic Manokan Country, signalling the start of its transformation into a top tourist draw that honors Ilonggo food culture and tradition. The amount turned over by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan to Mayor Benitez represented seven years of advance rental payments for Manokan Country, under the 40-year lease agreement with the city at an annual rental fee of P21.26 million, subject to a five percent escalation rate every three years. SM Prime, one of Asia’s leading real estate developers, will redevelop the Manokan Country into a tech-ready, more spacious food hall, with a kitchen that will assure customers of the sanitary preparations and quality cooking of the Chicken Inasal and options for airconditioned spaces for more comfortable dining. “We treasure the relationship we have built with the community of Bacolod City and we remain committed to further enhancing their shopping and dining experience, particularly at their well-loved Manokan Country,” Lim said. “The design of the new Manokan was greatly influenced by our passion to provide customers, including our Chicken Inasal entrepreneurs, with a world-class facility they can be really proud of.” Lim explained that the modernization of Manokan Country is essential to cater to the evolving needs and expectations of both locals and tourists. “Upgrading the infrastructure and facilities within Manokan Country will not only enhance the overall dining experience but also improve safety, hygiene standards, and operational efficiency that customers are prioritizing nowadays,” he added. Tech-powered food hub SM Prime will redevelop the Manokan Country into a tech-ready, more spacious food hall, with a kitchen that will assure customers of the sanitary preparations and quality cooking of the Chicken Inasal and options for airconditioned spaces for more comfortable dining. “We treasure the relationship we have built with the community of Bacolod City and we remain committed to further enhancing their shopping and dining experience, particularly at their well-loved Manokan Country,” Lim said. “The design of the new Manokan was greatly influenced by our passion to provide customers, including our Chicken Inasal entrepreneurs, with a world-class facility they can be really proud of.” The post SM gung ho, advances P131M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM advances P131M for Bacolod’s super city redevelopment
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. yesterday turned over Php131.89 million to Bacolod City Mayor Albee B. Benitez for the redevelopment of the iconic Manokan Country, signaling the start of its transformation into a future-ready tourist destination that honors Ilonggo food culture and tradition. The amount turned over by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan to Mayor Benitez represents seven years of advance rental payments for Manokan Country, under the 40-year lease agreement with the city at an annual rental fee of Php21.26 million, subject to a 5% escalation rate every three years. SM Prime, one of Asia’s leading real estate developers, will redevelop the Manokan Country into a tech-ready, more spacious food hall, with a kitchen that will assure customers of the sanitary preparations and quality cooking of the Chicken Inasal and options for airconditioned spaces for more comfortable dining. “We treasure the relationship we have built with the community of Bacolod City and we remain committed to further enhancing their shopping and dining experience, particularly at their well-loved Manokan Country,” Lim said. “The design of the new Manokan was greatly influenced by our passion to provide customers, including our Chicken Inasal entrepreneurs, with a world-class facility they can be really proud of.” Lim explained that the modernization of Manokan Country is essential to cater to the evolving needs and expectations of both locals and tourists. “Upgrading the infrastructure and facilities within Manokan Country will not only enhance the overall dining experience but also improve safety, hygiene standards, and operational efficiency that customers are prioritizing nowadays,” he added. By modernizing Manokan Country, SM Prime, and the city government aim to create a more appealing and comfortable environment for visitors, ensuring a positive impression of Bacolod City. Upgraded facilities, such as modern seating arrangements, proper ventilation, improved sanitation systems, and expanded parking spaces will contribute to a more enjoyable dining experience. Modernization efforts also include incorporating technology-driven solutions, such as digital payment methods, online ordering platforms, and efficient waste management systems. These advancements will streamline operations, provide convenience to customers, and promote sustainability practices. “Furthermore, the modernization of Manokan Country will support the local economy by attracting more visitors and generating increased revenue for the vendors and surrounding businesses,” Lim said. “This development project aligns with the vision of Bacolod City as a progressive and forward-thinking destination that excels in providing exceptional experiences to its residents and guests.” “Through collaboration and investment, we firmly believe that the modernization of Manokan Country will elevate the overall dining scene in Bacolod City, enhancing its appeal and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local community,” Lim concluded. The post SM advances P131M for Bacolod’s super city redevelopment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Living near green space makes you 2.5 years younger: study
City parks and green spaces help counter heat, boost biodiversity, and instill a sense of calm in the urban jungle. They also help slow biological aging, with people who have access to green spaces found to be on average 2.5 years biologically younger than those who do not, according to a new study published Wednesday in Science Advances. "Living near more greenness can help you be younger than your actual age," Kyeezu Kim, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, told AFP. "We believe our findings have significant implications for urban planning in terms of expanding green infrastructure to promote public health and reduce health disparities." Exposure to green spaces has previously been linked with better cardiovascular health and lower rates of mortality. It's thought that more physical activity and social interactions are at play, but whether parks actually slowed down aging on a cellular level has been unclear. To investigate, the team behind the study examined DNA chemical modifications known as "methylation." Prior work has shown that so-called "epigenetic clocks" based on DNA methylation can be a good predictor of health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive function, and a more accurate way of measuring age than calendar years. Kim and colleagues followed more than 900 white and Black people from four American cities -- Birmingham, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland -- over a period of 20 years, from 1986-2006. Using satellite imaging, the team assessed how close the participants' residential addresses were to surrounding vegetation and parks, and paired this data with blood samples taken in years 15 and years 20 of the study, to determine their biological age. The team constructed statistical models to evaluate the results, and control for other variables, such as education, income, and behavioral factors like smoking, that might have affected the results. They found that people whose homes were surrounded by 30 percent green cover within a five kilometer (three mile) radius were on average 2.5 years younger biologically compared to those whose homes were surrounded by 20 percent green cover. The benefits were not evenly shared. Black people with more access to green space were only one year biologically younger, while white people were three years younger. "Other factors, such as stress, qualities of the surrounding green space, and other social support, can affect the degree of benefits of green spaces in terms of biological aging," said Kim, explaining the disparities required further study. For example, parks in deprived neighborhoods used for illicit activities might be less frequented, negating the benefits. Next steps might involve investigating the link between green spaces and specific health outcomes, she added. It's also not yet clear how exactly greenery reduces aging -- only that it does, added Kim. Epidemiologist Manuel Franco, of the University of Alcala and Johns Hopkins, called the research a "well designed study." "We have more and better scientific evidence to increase and promote the use of urban green spaces," added Franco, who was not involved in the study. ia/jh © Agence France-Presse The post Living near green space makes you 2.5 years younger: study appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Living near green space makes you 2.5 years younger — study
City parks and green spaces help counter the heat, boost biodiversity, and instill a sense of calm in the urban jungle. They also help slow biological aging, with people who have access to green spaces found to be on average 2.5 years biologically younger than those who do not, according to a new study published Wednesday in Science Advances. "Living near more greenness can help you be younger than your actual age," Kyeezu Kim, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, told AFP. "We believe our findings have significant implications for urban planning in terms of expanding green infrastructure to promote public health and reduce health disparities." Exposure to green spaces has previously been linked with better cardiovascular health and lower rates of mortality. It's thought that more physical activity and social interactions are at play, but whether parks actually slowed down aging on a cellular level has been unclear. To investigate, the team behind the study examined DNA chemical modifications known as "methylation." Prior work has shown that so-called "epigenetic clocks" based on DNA methylation can be a good predictor of health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive function, and a more accurate way of measuring age than calendar years. Kim and colleagues followed more than 900 white and Black people from four American cities -- Birmingham, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland -- over a period of 20 years, from 1986-2006. Using satellite imaging, the team assessed how close the participants' residential addresses were to surrounding vegetation and parks, and paired this data with blood samples taken in years 15 and years 20 of the study, to determine their biological age. The team constructed statistical models to evaluate the results, and control for other variables, such as education, income, and behavioral factors like smoking, that might have affected the results. They found that people whose homes were surrounded by 30 percent green cover within a five-kilometer (three-mile) radius were on average 2.5 years younger biologically compared to those whose homes were surrounded by 20 percent green cover. The benefits were not evenly shared. Black people with more access to green space were only one year biologically younger, while white people were three years younger. "Other factors, such as stress, qualities of the surrounding green space, and other social support, can affect the degree of benefits of green spaces in terms of biological aging," said Kim, explaining the disparities required further study. For example, parks in deprived neighborhoods used for illicit activities might be less frequented, negating the benefits. Next steps might involve investigating the link between green spaces and specific health outcomes, she added. It's also not yet clear how exactly greenery reduces aging -- only that it does, added Kim. Epidemiologist Manuel Franco, of the University of Alcala and Johns Hopkins, called the research a "well-designed study." "We have more and better scientific evidence to increase and promote the use of urban green spaces," added Franco, who was not involved in the study. The post Living near green space makes you 2.5 years younger — study appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Key events in the war in Ukraine
From the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February last year to the armed rebellion Saturday of the pro-Kremlin Wagner paramilitary group, here is a timeline of the main events. The biggest attack on a European country since World War II has killed or wounded over 150,000 people, according to Western estimates. February 2022: invasion Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a "special military operation" in Ukraine on 24 February, saying he wants to demilitarise and "de-Nazify" the country as well as protect the predominantly Russian-speaking east from "genocide". A full-scale invasion starts, with missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities that sparks a refugee crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stays in the capital Kyiv to lead the resistance. The West imposes unprecedented sanctions on Russia and the European Union and United States send Ukraine weapons and aid. March: Russian advances Russian forces make gains in the south, seizing the city of Kherson, close to the Moscow-annexed Crimea peninsula. Russian forces also attempt to surround Kyiv and take Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv in the northeast but meet fierce resistance. A month into the fighting, Russia withdraws from the north to focus on the eastern industrial Donbas region, partly held by Moscow-backed separatists, along with the south. April: war crimes revealed In early April, AFP discovers the bodies of at least 20 civilians lying on a single street in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha -- the first of several grisly discoveries in towns that Russian forces had occupied which spark an international outcry and war crimes investigations. May: Mariupol falls On 21 May, Russia announces the fall of the southeastern port city of Mariupol, which had been relentlessly bombed, after the last Ukrainian troops holding out at a steelworks surrender. Sweden and Finland request membership of NATO, fearing they could be future targets of Russian aggression. June: Donbas battle rages In June, Russia takes the Donbas city of Severodonetsk after one of the bloodiest battles of the war, followed soon after by the neighbouring city of Lysychansk. July: gas supplies cut On 22 July, Kyiv and Moscow sign a deal to resume grain exports from Ukraine, in a bid to relieve a food crisis aggravated by Russia's blockade of the country's ports. Russian gas giant Gazprom slashes its supply to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline, fuelling fears of gas shortages in Europe. August: battle for Bakhmut Kyiv launches a major offensive to retake Kherson as a bitter battle begins for the eastern town of Bakhmut, spearheaded on the Russian side by the Wagner mercenary group. Wagner claims to have wrested total control of Bakhmut in May. September: annexation Ukraine retakes hundreds of towns and villages in a lightning counter-offensive around Kharkiv. Putin launches a partial draft of 300,000 reservists, sparking an exodus of young Russian men of military age. On 30 September, he formally annexes the Ukrainian regions of Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. October: power supply hit On 8 October, an explosion causes major damage to a bridge linking Crimea to the Russian mainland -- a symbol of Moscow's annexation of the peninsula. Putin blames Ukrainian secret services for the attack. Russian forces retaliate with a barrage of strikes on energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities, leaving millions without power in what becomes its new modus operandi throughout the winter. November: retreat from Kherson On 9 November, Moscow orders its troops to retreat from Kherson in the face of advancing Ukrainian forces, marking a stunning defeat in one of the regions it annexed. Jubilant residents hail Ukrainian forces as liberators. December: Zelensky goes to Washington On 22 December, Zelensky visits Washington on his first overseas trip since the war began. He meets President Joe Biden and addresses Congress. January 2023: tanks on the way Russia suffers its biggest single loss of life since the invasion in a Ukrainian attack on a temporary base in the eastern town of Makiivka on 1 January. Moscow says 89 soldiers were killed in the hit. On 25 January, Germany finally agrees to send Ukraine some of its powerful Leopard tanks. The United States follows, announcing that it will provide 31 Abrams tanks. On 19 May, Biden authorises the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. In April, Ukraine also receives anti-missile Patriot defence systems from Washington. 6 June: dam destroyed A blast at the Kakhovka dam in Russian-annexed Crimea inundates vast areas of the Kherson region, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster. Kyiv accuses Moscow of blowing up the dam on the Dnipro River, while Russia blames Ukraine. June: Ukraine counter-offensive A long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive begins, aided by the supply of Western arms, according to analysts. Russia brands it a failure but Kyiv says it has retaken several areas. 24 June: Wagner rebellion Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, leading a mutiny to bring down Moscow's top brass, says his fighters have captured the army HQ in Russia's Rostov-on-Don "without firing a single shot" and claims to have the support of locals. Putin warns that treason against his rule threatens Russia with civil war and accuses the Wagner boss of a "stab in the back". The post Key events in the war in Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Office Maritess’ bill needs review
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Monday said that there is a need to study the effectiveness of a proposed bill that would penalize acts of bullying and spreading malicious information in the workplace. The measure — House Bill 8446 or the “Anti-Bullying in the Workplace Act” filed by Quezon City Representative Ralph Tulfo and Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support Partylist Representative Jocelyn Tulfo — seeks to penalize bullying which affects workers’ mental and emotional health. In a radio interview, TUCP legislative officer Carlos Miguel Onate called for a comprehensive review of existing laws against violence and harassment in the workplace, creating a unified law against practices that adversely affect workers. “There are many existing laws against violence and harassment in the workplace, but our observation is that there needs to be a stronger implementation and harmonization of the law because there’s so many of them. It needs to be comprehensive,” Onate said. He also lauded the creation of the proposed legislation, saying that the bill jives with their calls to ratify International Labor Organization Convention 190 or the Violence and Harassment Convention. Onate explained that the ratification would institutionalize laws against violence and harassment of workers, many of which have not been able to address their concerns to their employers for fear of losing employment. He particularly cited the dynamics between regular and contractual workers, with the latter not having the chance of telling their experiences to their employers’ human resources divisions due to job security. “We welcome the legislation that advances the welfare of workers against office bullying. We need to reiterate the ratification of ILO Convention 190 which could allow a overhaul [and] comprehensive review of our legislation against violence and harassment in the world of work,” Onate said. Aside from such laws, Onate proposed more efforts from the government to curb bad practices in the workplace, including adding more labor inspectors, claiming that the current ratio of labor inspectors to companies is at one over 800. The post ‘Office Maritess’ bill needs review appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stable power advances Zambo tourism growth
Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative or ZAMCELCO has vowed to ramp up investments in infrastructures to maintain stable and affordable electricity supply and help in ushering the growth of business and tourism sectors in the region. In a press statement on Thursday, ZAMCELCO chief management officer Atty. Rommel S. Agan pointed out that power stability in Zamboanga resulted in significant growth for the region's business and tourism sectors. “We’ve been working diligently to improve the infrastructure and grid management in Zamboanga for the last five years,” Agan said. Positive effects “It’s great to see that our efforts have translated into positive effects on businesses and tourism in the province,” he added. Since 2019, ZAMCELCO has expanded its capacity to deliver a 3.21 percent Annual Average Growth Rate to over 125,442 total billed consumers. The enhanced power production and distribution have spurred infrastructure development, attracting investments and generating job opportunities. Big-ticket projects Agan noted that highly-urbanized Zamboanga City continues to attract more big-ticket projects and major bids from high-profile investors. Data from the state-run Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the Zamboanga region posted accelerated economic growth of 7.5 percent in 2022, up from 5.7 percent a year ago. Notably, the local tourism office reported that about 160,000 tourists have visited Zamboanga City since the start of the year. The post Stable power advances Zambo tourism growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CVIRAA elementary basketball team demolishes foes, advances to Palarong Pambansa
CEBU CITY, Philippines —The Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) elementary basketball squad manned by the Minglanilla Central School of Cebu Province qualified for the Palarong Pambansa after winning back-to-back games in the first day of hostilities of the Pre-National Qualifying Meet (PNQM) Cluster 3 at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) basketball gym […] The post CVIRAA elementary basketball team demolishes foes, advances to Palarong Pambansa appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Muntinlupa to penalize vulgar, sexist people
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon yesterday signed an ordinance that bans catcalling, whistling, unwanted sexual advances, misogynistic and homophobic slurs. The measure, known as the “Respect for Fellow Muntinlupeño Ordinance” also prohibits gender-based sexual harassment in workplaces, educational and training institutions and online. “Vulgar or rude people are not welcome in Muntinlupa!” Biazon said in Filipino during the ceremonial signing of the ordinance enforcing provisions of Republic Act 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act. “This ordinance is a step towards creating a safe and respectful environment for all Muntinlupeños,” he added. The ordinance defines gender-based sexual harassment as “any unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person, regardless of the motive for committing such action or remarks.” It also defines the different forms of gender-based sexual harassment, including catcalling, shouting or making unwanted sexual comments to a person in a public place. Also penalized by the ordinance is whistling or making sound to get a person’s attention in a sexual manner. Making unwanted sexual advances is also not allowed in the city. On the other hand, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs refer to the use of derogatory language to insult or demean a person based on gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The penalties under the Safe Spaces Act, on the other hand, vary depending on the severity of the offense. For gender-based sexual harassment, the penalties are as follows: First offense: Fine of not less than P10,000 and community service of 12 hours, inclusive of attendance to a gender sensitivity seminar. Second offense: Fine of not less than P15,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than one year, or both. Third and subsequent offenses: Fine of not less than P20,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than two years, or both. For online sexual harassment, the penalties under RA 11313 are as follows: First offense: Fine of not less than P100,000 and imprisonment of not less than 6 months but not more than 2 years. Second and subsequent offenses: Fine of not less than P200,000 or imprisonment of not less than 2 years but not more than 4 years, or both. In addition to the above penalties, the Safe Spaces Act also provides for administrative sanctions, such as suspension or termination of employment, for employers who fail to implement the law’s provisions. The post Muntinlupa to penalize vulgar, sexist people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Good audit, good barangay governance
A local government public administration practitioner and a college professor are one in saying that a good audit could lead to good barangay governance. They said the country needs developmental auditors who could promote the general welfare of the public, especially at the grassroots level. A good auditor conducts financial audits and not fraud audits in the agency where he or she is assigned as a resident auditor. A financial audit is constructive, developmental and progressive. A fraud audit is negative in perspective. The financial audit enables. The fraud audit disables. Last week, I came across an audit report on the accounts and financial operations of a barangay in a city of Metro Manila. The audit report was prepared and submitted by a financial auditor with excellent expertise in both communication and local state audits. The audit found, among other things, deficiencies such as a violation of procurement law for resorting to a personal canvass instead of a public bidding; failure to plan and manage effectively the financial resources, as shown by the unreconciled discrepancy in bank reconciliation statements; non-registration with PhilGEPS despite a substantial procurement of goods; non-coordination with the office auditor when there were deliveries of procured items; non-implementation of laws, rules, and regulations governing cash advances; and failure to revert to the unappropriated surplus long outstanding accounts payable that had long remained unclaimed. To overcome the above deficiencies, the Audit Team recommended the following courses of action: Instead of resorting to a personal canvass in procuring goods, the Barangay should utilize the procedure provided under Republic Act 9184 and its implementing rules and regulations; The Punong Barangay should stop the practice of processing claims that are not supported by complete documentation; To avoid a cash deficit, the Barangay should use cash flow analysis in monitoring its cash inflows as against outflows; To resolve the unreconciled discrepancy in the bank reconciliation statement, the office of the city accountant should analyze the discrepancy between the books and bank balances of Cash in Bank-Local Currency Current Account or CIB-LCCA, and make the necessary adjustments in the books of accounts for presentation of account balance, and submit a bank reconciliation statement or BRS indicating the breakdown and nature of the reconciling items, together with the supporting documents; The Barangay should register with PhilGEPS and begin its utilization in accordance with the 2009 RIRR of RA 9184; The Punong Barangay should send written notices of delivery to the City Auditor’s Office within 24 hours of acceptance of deliveries by the Barangay; The Punong Barangay should see to it that the Barangay Treasurer remits the taxes withheld to the BIR in full; To resolve the issue of unliquidated cash advances, the Barangay Treasurer should be required to liquidate immediately long outstanding cash advances granted and implement available remedies under COA Circular 2012-004; and The Barangay Treasurer should revert the long outstanding accounts payable to the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund pursuant to Section 98 of PD 1445. In accordance with the request of the Audit Team for comments, we are respectfully submitting the following: We appreciate the meticulous care that the Audit Team exerted in going over the way the Barangay handled and managed its funds and resources, how things and people were administered within the village, and how fiscal discipline was observed in accordance with the law and rules that we can recall and within the confines of Section 16 and Section 17 of the Local Government Code regarding general welfare and self-reliance. We tried our best, but our best was not enough. We had shortcomings but rest assured such shortcomings were simply procedural. Indeed, your findings in this exercise will prove very useful in our sincere effort to correspond with equivalent zeal to fully comply with the requirements of the Office of the City Auditor. The recommendations are clear, precise, and simple. We shall observe them as required by the law, the rules, and regulations of the Commission on Audit. The post Good audit, good barangay governance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CNHS bags Biliran leg’s high school division title, advances to ‘Battle of the Best’ tourney
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Calubian National High School (CNHS) marched to the OCCCID-League Interschool Basketball Tournament’s “Battle of the Best” after clinching the high school division title of the Biliran Province leg on Sunday evening at the Biliran Gymnasium in Biliran town, Leyte. CNHS defeated Cabucgayan National School of Arts and Trades (CNSAT), 53-46, […] The post CNHS bags Biliran leg’s high school division title, advances to ‘Battle of the Best’ tourney appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Paeng advances: 6 areas under Signal No. 2, 17 others under Signal No. 1
MANILA, Philippines — State meteorologists placed six areas in the country under Signal no. 2 and 17 others under Signal no. 1 as Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) nears the Philippine landmass on Friday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Paeng was last located 410 kilometers east of Borongan City, […] The post Paeng advances: 6 areas under Signal No. 2, 17 others under Signal No. 1 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Boxer Paalam wins against Japanese foe, advances to gold medal round
CEBU CITY, Philippines—- Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam cruises to the gold medal round after manhandling Japanese Ryomei Tanaka in the men’s flyweight semifinal bout of the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 23-year-old Paalam’s victory assured him of at least a silver medal in the boxing event of the […] The post Boxer Paalam wins against Japanese foe, advances to gold medal round appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»