NCR cities halt vaccinations amid bad weather
NCR cities halt vaccinations amid bad weather.....»»
Globe bankrolls P15-B expansion
Ayala-backed Globe Telecom Inc. has secured P15 billion in additional funding from Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, a move that will strengthen the company’s financial capabilities to bankroll network improvements and expansion. In a report to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the company said it signed the term loan facilities on Monday. According to Globe, the proceeds will particularly finance Globe’s capital expenditures, debt refinancing, and/or general corporate requirements. Responding to the growing need to ramp up mobile data services amid a digital-savvy landscape, Globe has been also boosting its services to offer seamless and efficient services to users. Proceeds mostly for data network In the first half, the company invested P37.7 billion in capital expenditure, which was 25 percent lower than the similar period last year. It was also consistent with the company’s efforts to bring free cash flow back to more sustainable levels. The majority or about 90 percent of the capex spending was allocated to data network builds to meet the consumer’s escalating demand for data. As of June, Globe built 542 new cell sites and upgraded 5,087 mobile sites to LTE to meet the rising data demands of its customers. The company also deployed around 148,000 fiber-to-the-home lines, significantly lower than last year’s rollout to maximize the utilization of its existing fiber inventory. Relatedly, Globe continues to deploy 5G wireless technology nationwide, firing up 356 new 5G sites across the Philippines, increasing its 5G outdoor coverage to 97.44 percent of the National Capital Region and 91 percent of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao. The post Globe bankrolls P15-B expansion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman vindicates (3)
It was the incendiary Independent Auditor’s Report on the Department of Health’s accounts and financial operations, crafted by a state auditor, a colleague of Heidi Mendoza’s, and released prematurely that roused strife between former CoA chairpersons allied with the senators of the Republic against President Rodrigo Duterte and Health Secretary Francisco Duque. On CoA’s and the senators’ side were Grace Pulido Tan, Heidi Mendoza and Michael Aguinaldo allied with Senators Richard Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan. Words and deeds are enough to establish culpability for conspiracy by the former CoA chiefs and the senators of the Republic to destabilize the Duterte administration, to say the least, and to incite the people to sedition, at most. Immediately, this column issued commentaries informing the people that the report released by CoA on the alleged irregularities in DoH funds for Covid-19 was not an annual audit report but mere Audit Observation Memorandums, or AOMs, that were released prematurely. Almost instantaneously, Mendoza came from nowhere to declare that the release of the CoA findings on the P67.32 billion in DoH funds was not premature. The writings and voices of the former CoA chairpersons were loud, clear and eloquent in defense of an annual audit report that never was. “Today I weep for my colleague, a CoA-UN auditor, who just died of a heart attack. He was the auditor behind the DoH report. Stress can kill. Please let us offer a minute of prayer,” Mendoza said. Mendoza was referring to lawyer Jake Cimafranca who wrote the Independent Auditor’s Report on DoH’s accounts. Both Mendoza and Grace Pulido Tan were quick to say that the CoA annual audit report on DoH’s accounts and financial operations was regular and went through the process of review and approval before its release. The release was not premature, both said. The premature release put CoA under fire from President Duterte and administration officials like DoH Secretary Francisco Duque and allies for the screaming headlines in local newspapers and internet news flashes in capital cities around the world that said P67.32 billion intended to protect the people from Covid-19 was being lost to corruption. During the House hearing on CoA’s audit of the DoH, then CoA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo announced that CoA would continue making and publishing audit reports on government agencies despite criticism from Duterte and Duque. Citing the huge misstatements and deficiencies contained in the Independent Auditor’s Report, Senator Leila M. De Lima submitted P.S. Res. No. 859 ( Resolution directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the findings of the Commission on Audit report on the DoH on the reported unspent funds, misstatements, irregularities and deficiencies, with the end in view of addressing recurrent issues that plagued its services, as well as the persistent faults and lapses that gave rise to wastage even amid times of scarcity and shortages, and holding accountable, identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the same). The Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) headed by Senator Richard J. Gordon submitted its partial committee report to the Senate, preluded by a poem entitled “Pity the Nation” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (After Khalil Gibran) 2007. “Pity the nation whose people are sheep And whose shepherds mislead them Pity the nation whose leaders are liars Whose sages are silenced And whose bigots haunt the airwaves Pity the nation that raises not its voice Except to praise conquerors And acclaim the bully as hero.” (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Garbage caused Saturday floods, says MMDA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Sunday reported that a significant amount of improperly disposed garbage caused flooding in several areas in the National Capital Region amid the heavy rains on Saturday. MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana disclosed that MMDA personnel recovered garbage — such as plastics and even a plywood plank — that blocked a drain near EDSA-Camp Aguinaldo. “We obtained a huge amount of garbage despite the continuous cleaning of storm gutters,” said Lipana in a radio interview. “Aside from the large amount of garbage blocking the drainage, the heavy rain came down suddenly, and our drainage system has become inadequate,” he added. The MMDA chief reiterated that the agency planned to create a 50-year drainage master plan for Metro Manila to address perennial flooding during the rainy season, adding that drainage systems in the region’s cities need to be aligned and enlarged to accommodate the larger volume of water. Pending this master plan, the MMDA appealed to the public to properly dispose of their garbage to mitigate the flooding in Metro Manila. The post Garbage caused Saturday floods, says MMDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI rolls out rice caravan
Amid the skyrocketing rice prices that necessitated the government’s imposition of a price cap, the Department of Trade and Industry on Friday rolled out its “Rice on Wheels Program for Retailers.” The DTI said that through the caravan, the DTI targets supplying retailers in the public markets with affordable rice stocks. “The DTI will work closely with different government agencies and private stakeholders to ensure that Filipino families will be able to access affordable rice during the implementation of Executive Order 39. We will continue to find ways and means to work with the private sector to stabilize the supply and price of rice in the market,” said Trade Secretary Fred Pascual in a statement. Before the roll-out in different public markets on 11 September, the DTI spearheaded a simultaneous dry-run yesterday in public markets in the cities of Makati, Parañaque and Manila. Through the Rice on Wheels for Retailers program, Bulacan rice millers and traders want to show their support for Executive Order 39, the DTI said. During the roll-out in Barangay Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City, the Bulacan Rice Millers and Traders group brought a supply of 12,500 kilos to be sold. “The DTI assures the public of its relentless pursuit to provide affordable rice as we nurture a stronger, more accessible market for all. Through a whole-of-government approach, the DTI will continuously collaborate with different government agencies and private stakeholders to ensure the availability of affordable rice supplies for all,” Pascual added. The post DTI rolls out rice caravan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Villar group sets sight on hotel deals
The Villar Group is now targeting the hotel and tourism industry as a growth driver amid the strong rebound the travel sector is experiencing. Banking on the massive potential of the hospitality sector, business magnate Manuel Villlar Jr. is now taking decisive moves for his property companies to become a household name in the industry through the Brittany Hotel brand, which he recently acquired. “This one in Bonifacio Global City is my fanciest hotel until the next one opens. I have another Brittany Hotel in Daang Hari. That will be a bit smaller with only 120 rooms. It will be under the Brittany Hotel brand, which I plan to make a chain. It’s not Makati that’s in anymore, it’s Villar City now,” Villar said. “I’m bullish on the hotel (business), it’s good locally. The Philippines has just begun and I think the local hotel industry is just now picking up and I think the per capita income is getting higher,” he added. This ambition is on top of the ongoing development of Villar City — the family’s most ambitious project to date. It is envisioned to be a massive master-planned integrated development that will be composed of 15 satellite cities. It is also poised to be about 10 times as big as Bonifacio Global City — indicating its sheer magnitude not only in terms of the number of homes, offices, and complexes that will be built within this vast community. Infra also on table As part of the development, Villar recently announced that he will expand the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project to Dasmariñas, Cavite at no cost to the government. The entire LRT-1 extension project of the Light Rail Manila Corp. or LRMC covers major cities such as Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay and Parañaque. It is designed to cater to up to 800,000 passengers daily. Villar’s proposal, which he said had already been on the table for quite some time, will extend the project further from Las Piñas City to Dasmariñas, Cavite through seven new stations. He did not disclose how much the project would cost but he said “it will be big.” Notably, Villar said it was the Ayala and the Pangilinan groups who reached out to him to start a partnership to take on the railway project. The post Villar group sets sight on hotel deals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Smooth transition between Makati, Taguig urged
A teachers’ group is calling for a smooth transition between the cities of Makati and Taguig to ensure that classes in the affected public schools will not be disrupted by the territorial tension with only a week to go before the opening of classes on 29 August. Teachers’ Dignity Coalition national chairperson Benjo Basas said the two cities should respect the Supreme Court decision, noting that the delivery of education for the learners should not be compromised amid the ongoing tension over a boundary dispute between these two neighboring cities. Noel Meneses, president of the Fort Bonifacio High School Faculty Club, has also called for an immediate resolution on the issue. “We hope the two cities would make an agreement to restore the normal school operations,” Meneses said. According to Meneses, majority of the teachers were affected by the sudden transfer of schools division particularly when the documents are immediately needed for transactions like certifications, assignment orders, permits, or loan applications that are very much needed in time for the beginning of classes. Meneses, who is also speaking on behalf of the local chapter of the TDC, said teachers need to be informed of the situation affecting the two cities because “they are at the frontlines in education, and directly involved with learners, their parents, and the community, and can help the DepEd to disseminate proper information.” Meanwhile, the school principals of the public schools located at the so-called enlisted men’s barrios said they have no problem if the schools are now under the jurisdiction of the local government of Taguig City. Makati Science High School Principal Dr. Felix Bunagan said that the conduct of this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” was a success, which was participated in by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. Earlier, students and teachers of the Tigaban High School in East Rembo warmly welcomed Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano who actively engaged in the annual Brigada Eskwela activity. Earlier, West Rembo Elementary School principal Alma Cayabyab Adona said that while the two cities have good intentions, they should focus first on the welfare of the learners to establish a smooth opening of classes. She also reminded her fellow teachers to remain non-partisan and always do the mandate from the Department of Education. “We have no bias as long as the order must come from DepEd. That’s what we’ll stand for. We are not held by anyone,” she said. A total of 14 public schools involving some 1,500 teachers and 30,000 learners are affected by the transition, the TDC said. Basas said that the Department of Education’s central office’s assumption of authority over the affected schools would ease tension and open the door for more friendly talks between the two local government units. “With just a week to the opening of classes, our schools will need to make preparations, and in order to do this, teachers and other school personnel should be allowed to work, business as usual. We hope that things will get better sooner,” Basas said. The post Smooth transition between Makati, Taguig urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI launches One Ilocos Sur market platform for Ilocano MSMEs
On Sunday, 13 August 2023, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual led the launching of the One Ilocos Sur One Town-One Product Hub on the sidelines of his trip in Ilocos to attend the Post-SONA Philippine Economic Briefing. In his speech, Pascual emphasized, "As the backbone of our economy, micro, small and medium enterprises play a vital role in shaping the Philippine economic landscape. They address poverty by generating employment opportunities. They serve as breeding grounds for budding entrepreneurs. These small enterprises spark development in rural areas." According to the Trade Secretary, a thriving MSME sector reflects a dynamic and progressive economy. The DTI works collaboratively with the private sector to assist MSMEs in product development, access to finance, market access and quality control, among others. The One Ilocos Sur OTOP Hub is a new market platform for Ilocano OTOPreneurs. It showcases products from two cities and 32 municipalities. It likewise celebrates Ilocano creativity and resilience, especially amid the recent onslaught of typhoon "Egay". The hub is a project of the DTI Ilocos Sur provincial pffice through the OTOP Next Gen Program, in collaboration with the provincial government of Ilocos Sur. "As the product landscape continues to evolve, bolstering market access becomes increasingly imperative. And the OTOP Philippines Hub has emerged as an adaptive and versatile platform that effectively addresses this critical need. Thus, the traditional pasalubong centers transform into vibrant spaces that go beyond mere product display," Pascual said. During the launching, Pascual also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Jeremias V. Singson allowing the establishment of the One Ilocos Sur OTOP Hub within the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center located in Vigan, free of charge. Pascual assured Ilocano MSMEs that the DTI will continue to provide both capacity-building and financial assistance through its financing arm -- Small Business Corporation, especially for the victims of typhoon "Egay" and other disasters. The main cooperator for the One Ilocos Sur OTOP Hub is the Ilocos Sur Export Enterprises Distribution Marketing Cooperative. It also features 46 exhibitors or MSMEs from Ilocos Sur that the OTOP Hub is assisting. The post DTI launches One Ilocos Sur market platform for Ilocano MSMEs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed last Tuesday, Senate Resolution No. 730 seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amid reports that numerous solo parents are not receiving the benefits mandated by law after its enactment more than a year ago. The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act was signed into law on 4 June 2022, with the aim of supporting Filipino single parents. The law provides various social services and welfare benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for those earning a minimum wage or below and a 10 percent discount along with VAT exemption on essential childcare products for those earning less than P250,000. “More than a year since the enactment of the law, there are reports that several solo parents, who should be recipients of the provisions under the law, are not receiving the expected benefits,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of RA 11861. It was found out that several local government units found it difficult to secure a sufficient budget to implement the provisions of the law. Even much-larger cities do not have the resources to consistently distribute the P1,000 monthly allowance. “This raises serious concerns and necessitates an immediate review to ensure that the support and assistance mandated by the law are being provided,” he added. The resolution has directed the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry to examine the gaps in the provision of benefits under RA 11861. Meanwhile, Go on Wednesday, stressed the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solution to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country’s flood control master plan and outstanding projects. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, P80.7 billion in 2020, P90.9 billion in 2021, P127.4 billion in 2022, P182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. The post Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Converge adjusts low-income focus
Amid a nationwide digitalization drive, fiber broadband provider, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is ramping up the deployment of its prepaid product to serve more low-income households. “We see Surf2Sawa or S2S prepaid fiber Internet being the home broadband product of choice in dense communities. This is a sign that these urban settlements are leveraging our pure fiber connectivity to augment their livelihood and answer their entertainment, social, and even financial needs,” Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said in an interview. Converge launched on Friday its S2S prepaid fiber Internet product in Tondo, one of its top-served urban settlements. The community event was held at the Sandiwaan Center, just across Smokey Mountain. According to Uy, Converge strengthened its hold in key urban areas through a business model that recruited sales agents within the community as retailers; thus, providing much-needed livelihood opportunities in these neighborhoods. S2S was initially launched in November with a presence in over 400 cities and municipalities across the country. Users rising Subscribers as of the end of March nearly doubled quarter-on-quarter and is well on track to hit its goal of 120,000 subscribers by year’s end. As of the end of July, S2S has been serving customers in 554 cities and municipalities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “For 2023, we hope to open in new areas in Luzon such as Kalinga and Occidental Mindoro, Visayas, including Negros Oriental and Leyte, and Mindanao provinces like Sarangani, South Cotabato and Bukidnon,” Converge senior executive vice president and chief operations officer Jesus Romero said. The post Converge adjusts low-income focus appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Converge pierces through remote areas via prepaid deals
Amid nationwide digitalization, fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is ramping up the deployment of its fiber prepaid product to serve more low-income households nationwide. “We see Surf2Sawa or S2S prepaid fiber internet being the home broadband product of choice in dense communities. This is a sign that these urban settlements are leveraging our pure fiber connectivity to augment their livelihood and answer their entertainment, social, and even financial needs,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy said in an interview. Converge launched on Friday its S2S prepaid fiber internet product in Tondo, one of its top-served urban settlements. The community event was held at the Sandiwaan Center, just across Smokey Mountain. According to Uy, Converge strengthened its hold in key urban areas through a business model that recruited sales agents within the community as retailers; thus, providing much-needed livelihood opportunities in these neighborhoods. S2S was initially launched in November with a presence in over 400 cities and municipalities across the country. S2S subscribers as of the end of March nearly doubled quarter on quarter and is very well on track to hit its goal of reaching 120,000 subscribers by year-end. As of the end of July, S2S has been serving customers in 554 cities and municipalities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “For 2023, we hope to open in new areas in Luzon such as Kalinga and Occidental Mindoro, Visayas, including Negros Oriental and Leyte, and Mindanao provinces like Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Bukidnon,” Converge Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero said. The post Converge pierces through remote areas via prepaid deals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Floodwaters rise in China’s northeast as rains lash Heilongjiang province
BEIJING— As residual rain from a typhoon drifted to northeast China, Heilongjiang province on Friday warned of swelling rivers amid severe weather and even tornadoes as storms pounded cities, including the already waterlogged provincial capital, Harbin. Grain-producing Heilongjiang is the latest place hit by Doksuri, which has caused deaths, displaced thousands and put China’s disaster-response […] The post Floodwaters rise in China’s northeast as rains lash Heilongjiang province appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
COMELEC asked to exempt DSWD, related agencies from election spending ban
The Commission on Elections has been asked to consider exempting the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other related agencies doing relief work in the province of Albay in light of the impending election spending ban. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, who made the appeal on Saturday, sent a letter to the poll body, requesting that the DSWD and other government agencies involved in relief operations in Mayon Volcano be granted exemption from Omnibus Election Code amid the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls on 30 October. "Any minute, Mayon could erupt violently. This could also be a prolonged evacuation effort. Nobody knows for sure. But it's better to be safe and be ready with all the relief programs we need -– this could extend beyond the Barangay elections," the veteran lawmaker said. "Clarity is everything for us. We want to abide by the law. And we want to take care of our people. We want to do both. COMELEC has the means and the power to help us do both. That’s why we are making this request," Salceda added. Mayon's violent eruption, according to Salceda, might affect at least 103,181 people in eight cities and municipalities in Albay, accounting for 7.5% of the province's entire population. Meanwhile, 39,901 individuals are currently directly at risk under Alert Level 3. Since warnings of an imminent violent eruption have been known to come and go, Salceda believes that evacuation operations might take 45, 90, or 110 days. "Evacuation efforts must continue until volcanic activity clearly subsides or until a violent eruption actually occurs. Until then, evacuees will require food aid, training activities, cash-for-work programs, and other socioeconomic support to replace economic activities they are barred from doing due to the evacuation orders," Salceda added. Amid the restiveness of Albay's Mayon, the lawmaker averted that relief operations from various agencies would not end once the eruption. The economist-lawmaker said the eruption will displace agricultural, quarrying, ecotourism, and other economic activities in the danger zones, indirectly affecting Albay's economy as a whole. "Likewise, a violent eruption will also likely cause health issues, which will require immediate medical attention and corresponding support through the Medical Assistance Program." With this, Salceda asks Comelec, which had the power under the Omnibus Election Code, to allow such other expenditures especially forDSWD-like activities. Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits the release, disbursement, and expenditure of public funds 45 days before a regular election and thirty days before a special election, but emergency works due to a public calamity and maintenance of existing public works are exempted from the provision. The BSKE election, which was originally set for 5 December of this year, was moved to an earlier date, pursuant to Republic Act 11935, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos on 12 October last year. The coming grassroots poll this year will break the year-long postponement. Recall that BSKE has been postponed four times since 2016 through RAs 10923, 10952, 11462 and 11935. The post COMELEC asked to exempt DSWD, related agencies from election spending ban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ANGKAS: Driving force of the future
Millions of commuters brave the road every single day. At the same time, being on the road and picking up passengers despite unpredictable weather conditions and uncertain times has become the primary source of income for drivers — and this is how Angkas become a driving force for both commuters and drivers despite the worsening transportation crisis in the Philippines. Angkas CEO George Royeca is a beacon of hope for commuters struggling to find a ride amid bustling crowds and everyone who wants to earn money from ride-hailing. "We're looking at empowering the informal sector, particularly those that own a motorcycle. We can quickly help reinforce the motorcycle as a business concept to many Filipino brothers and sisters so they can lead a good life," Royeca said in a recent interview. Bounce back As pandemic restrictions ease and more Filipinos return to the road since last year, Angkas champions as one of the best ride-hailing companies in the Philippines, offering an affordable and reliable ride that commuters can enjoy without compromising their safety. During the pandemic's peak, back riding on motorcycles has been limited to people within the same household. With the government allowing Angkas to reopen its services to the public, it became a viable option for commuters, considering the seating capacity restrictions of trains, buses, and other public utility vehicles. With Angkas' upstanding performance in serving Filipinos in their everyday lives, Royeca is optimistic about the mobile application's future in the market. "I'm thrilled that every person that we talk to, whether they're from the government or the private sector, they believe in this industry that we have been able to establish, and I think that we have proven that it is a safe form of transportation and also an affordable option, alternative to the existing transportation public utility vehicles," he said. Royeca also mentioned expanding the mobile application to the informal sector. "Outside Manila, there's still a lot of habal-habals (motorcycles-for-hire) that are informal, and it is time to make them a part of the legitimized (system)," Royeca said, believing that all riders should experience the same opportunities as Angkas riders. With the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, private owners of motorcycles can be sued when they accept or transport passengers in exchange for payment. Despite good intentions to provide an alternative and ease commuter needs, habal-habal remains unregulated and illegal under Republic Act no. 4136 — and it becomes heavily discouraged by the authorities since private riders cannot offer safety or insurance when extreme circumstances arise. Fulfilling dreams Angkas bring forward a positive change towards their bikers in pushing through with their goals and life aspirations. A living testament to Angkas' strong commitment towards its bikers is Kleiy Zarus Escalona, an Angkas rider who was able to graduate with a degree in BS Criminology. In a Facebook post that garnered a positive reaction from netizens, Escalona thanked Angkas for helping him finish his studies while earning at the side. “SALAMAT ANGKAS since 2017 hanggang ngayon ANGKAS kasama kita. Laking tulong mo sa mga estudyante(ng) nakakapaghanapbuhay ka ng hindi nakaka-abala sa pag-aaral mo kaya maraming salamat sayo (Angkas) nakapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral sa kursong BS CRIMINOLOGY, (Thank you Angkas for being with me since 2017. You are a big help to working students that’s why I am thankful to Angkas because I was able to finish my studies with a degree in BS Criminology.)” the Facebook post reads. Escalona's story proves how perseverance and hard work pay off. At the same time, it is a story that shows how Angkas' business model helps its riders have a productive and meaningful life outside the ride-hailing platform. Royeca is proud of the rider for his success, adding that Angkas firmly adheres to creating more job opportunities and alleviating poverty. Royeca confirmed that 30,000 registered bikers on their platform are out of the poverty line — and they will continue to extend their services to the Filipino people. With more than seven to eight million downloads of the mobile application, Royeca is hopeful and persistent in bringing the well-loved ride-hailing service to cities outside Metro Manila in the future. "We're hopeful that we can open up and provide services to the places that needed it the most, which are the provinces, so I think there is a lot of opportunity there," Royeca said, noting that Angkas is on the process of extending their reach outside Metro Manila, including Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. The post ANGKAS: Driving force of the future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Temperature reaches new highs as heatwaves scorch the globe
Temperatures reached new highs on Monday as heatwaves scorched parts of the Northern Hemisphere, triggering health warnings and fanning wildfires in the latest stark reminder of the effects of global warming. From North America to Europe and Asia, people gulped water and sought shelter from the sweltering heat, with the mercury expected to reach new highs in several places in the next few days. Europe, the globe's fastest-warming continent, was bracing for its hottest-ever temperature this week on Italy's islands of Sicily and Sardinia, where a high of 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) is predicted, according to the European Space Agency. "We're from Texas and it’s really hot there, we thought we would escape the heat but it’s even hotter here," Colman Peavy, 30, said as he sipped a capuccino at an outside terrasse in central Rome with his wife Ana at the start of a two-week Italian vacation. With June already having been the world's hottest on record, according to the EU weather monitoring service, Mother Nature seemed intent on July not falling far behind. China reported a new high for mid-July in the northwest of the country, where temperature reached 52.2C in the Xinjiang region's village of Sanbao, breaking the previous high of 50.6C set six years ago. In nearby Turpan city, where ground surface temperatures sizzled at 80C in some parts, authorities have told workers and students to stay home and ordered special vehicles to spray water on major thoroughfares, the meteorological body said. In Cyprus, where temperatures are expected to remain above 40C through Thursday, a 90-year-old man died as a result of heatstroke and three other seniors were hospitalized, health officials said. In Japan, heatstroke alerts were issued in 32 out of the country’s 47 prefectures, mainly in central and southwestern regions. At least 60 people in Japan were treated for heatstroke, local media reported, including 51 who were taken to hospital in Tokyo. The heat was enough for at least one man to dispense with social mortification in Hamamatsu city. "It’s honestly unbearable without a parasol, although I have to admit it is a bit embarrassing," he told national broadcaster NHK of the umbrella in his hand. Japan's highest-ever temperature was 41.1C first recorded in Kumagaya city in 2018. 'Oppressive' US heat In western and southern states in the US, which are used to high temperatures, more than 80 million people were under advisories as a "widespread and oppressive" heatwave roasted the region. California's Death Valley, often among the hottest places on Earth, reached a near-record 52C Sunday afternoon. In Arizona, the state capital Phoenix recorded its 17th straight day above 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), as temperatures hit 113F (45C) on Sunday afternoon. "We're used to 110, 112 (degrees Fahrenheit) ... But not the streaks," Nancy Leonard, a 64-year-old retiree from the nearby suburb of Peoria, told AFP. "You just have to adapt". Southern California was fighting numerous wildfires, including one in Riverside County that has burned more than 7,500 acres (3,000 hectares) and prompted evacuation orders. Historic highs forecast In Europe, Italians were warned to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time," with the health ministry sounding a red alert for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence. Temperatures were due to hit 42C-43C in Rome on Tuesday, smashing the record of 40.5C set in August 2007. Nevertheless, visitors thronged to tourist hot spots like the Colosseum and the Vatican. "I'm from South Africa. We're used to this heat," said Jacob Vreunissen, 60, a civil engineer from Cape Town. "You have to drink lots of water, obviously wear your hat and that’s about it." Greece saw a respite on Monday, as temperatures eased a bit and the Acropolis in Athens resumed its regular opening hours after shutting for a few hours during the previous three days. But a new heatwave was expected from Thursday and meteorologists warned of a heightened risk of wildfires amid strengthening winds from the Aegean Sea. In Romania, temperatures are expected to reach 39C on Monday across most of the country. Little reprieve is forecast for Spain, where meteorologists warned that "abnormally high" temperatures on Monday, including up to 44C in the southern Andalusia region in what would be a new regional record. Killer rains Along with the heat, parts of Asia have also been battered by torrential rain. South Korea's president vowed Monday to "completely overhaul" the country's approach to extreme weather, after at least 40 people were killed in recent flooding and landslides during monsoon rains, which are forecast to continue through Wednesday. In northern India, relentless monsoon rains have reportedly killed at least 90 people, following burning heat. Major flooding and landslides are common during India's monsoons, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity. It can be difficult to attribute a particular weather event to climate change, but many scientists insist that global warming is behind the intensification of heatwaves. The post Temperature reaches new highs as heatwaves scorch the globe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Hot and dangerous weekend’: US bakes under relentless heat dome
Brutally high temperatures threatened tens of millions of Americans Saturday, as numerous cities braced to break records under a relentless heat dome that has baked parts of the country all week. The National Weather Service warned of an "extremely hot and dangerous weekend," with daytime highs routinely ranging between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in the US West. Residents of central and southern California, for example, could expect to see thermometers peaking at 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 43 degrees Celsius), it said. By mid-day Saturday, California's famous Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, had reached a sizzling 119F (48C), with Sunday's peak predicted to soar as high as 130F (54C). Even overnight lows there could exceed 100F (38C). The heat is forecast to remain anchored over the West for the weekend, "growing hotter in the South by early next week." Authorities have been sounding the alarm for days, advising people to avoid outdoor activities in the daytime and to be on the watch for signs of dehydration, which can quickly become fatal in such temperatures. In the hardest-hit areas, residents face a daily endurance marathon against the sun. The Arizona state capital of Phoenix has recorded 16 straight days above 109F (43C). It had reached 111F by noon Saturday, en route to an expected 115F. Las Vegas, Nevada was broiling amid similar temperatures. In Texas, the border city of El Paso had seen 29 consecutive days of temperatures topping 100F (38C). At a construction site outside Houston, Texas, a 28-year-old worker who gave his name only as Juan helped complete a wall in the blazing heat. "Just when I take a drink of water, I get dizzy, I want to vomit because of the heat," he told AFP. "I need something else, a Coca-Cola, a Gatorade -- and cold -- just to be able to keep going." Residents of the Texas metropolis have been asked to conserve energy from 2:00 to 10:00 pm Saturday through Monday by provider Reliant Energy, in an attempt to mitigate high demand. One local news station in the city, KPRC, heralded the prospect of "finally seeing an end to this heat wave" -- by Sunday of next week. 'Not typical' Heat waves are occurring more often and more intensely in major cities across the United States, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, with a frequency of six per year during the 2010s and 2020s compared to two per year during the 1960s. "This heatwave is NOT typical desert heat," the National Weather Service's Las Vegas branch tweeted, specifying that "its long duration, extreme daytime temperatures, & warm nights" were unusual. In Canada, which is suffering from warm temperatures combined with months of below-average rainfall, the amount of land burned by devastating wildfires climbed to 24.7 million acres (10 million hectares) so far this year on Saturday. The prior all-time high occurred in 1989, when 18 million acres were burned over the course of an entire year, according to national figures. "We find ourselves this year with figures that are worse than our most pessimistic scenarios," Yan Boulanger, a researcher at Canada's natural resources ministry, told AFP. Smoke from the wildfires was meanwhile creating unhealthy air quality conditions in parts of the upper-central United States -- similar to episodes in June when blazes in the Canadian province of Quebec cloaked the US East Coast in a noxious haze. While it can be hard to attribute a particular weather event to climate change, scientists insist that global warming -- linked to humanity's dependence on fossil fuels -- is responsible for the multiplication and intensification of heat waves in the world. The US heat wave comes after the EU's climate-monitoring service said the world saw its hottest June on record last month. bfm/mdl/bbk/acb © Agence France-Presse The post ‘Hot and dangerous weekend’: US bakes under relentless heat dome appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Record heatwaves sweep the world from US to Japan via Europe
Record heat is forecast around the world from the United States, where tens of millions are battling dangerously high temperatures, to Europe and Japan, in the latest example of the threat from global warming. Italy faces weekend predictions of historic highs with the health ministry issuing a red alert for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna, and Florence. The meteo center warned Italians to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time". The thermometer is likely to hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Rome by Monday and even 43C on Tuesday, smashing the record of 40.5C set in August 2007. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia could wilt under temperatures as high as 48C, the European Space Agency warned -- "potentially the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe". Greece is also roasting. "Parts of the country could see highs as much as 44C on Saturday," according to the national weather service EMY. The central city of Thebes sweated under 44.2C on Friday. The Acropolis, Athens's top tourist attraction, will on Sunday close during the hottest hours for the third day running. In France, high temperatures and resulting drought are posing a threat to the farming industry, earning Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau criticism from climatologists on Saturday for having brushed aside conditions as "normal enough for summer". June was the second-hottest on record in France, according to the national weather agency, and several areas of the country have been under a heatwave alert since Tuesday. There is little reprieve ahead for Spain, as its meteorological agency warned Saturday that a new heatwave Monday through Wednesday will bring temperatures above 40C to the Canary Islands and the southern Andalusia region. Killer rains Parts of eastern Japan are also expected to reach 38 to 39C on Sunday and Monday, with the meteorological agency warning temperatures could hit previous records. Meanwhile, the northern city of Akita saw more rain in half a day than is typical for the whole month of July, Japan's national broadcaster NHK reported. The downpours also triggered at least one landslide, forcing 9,000 people to evacuate their homes. Torrential rains described by the meteorological agency as the "heaviest rain ever experienced" have also hit southern Japan in recent weeks, leaving at least 11 people dead. Relentless monsoon rains have reportedly killed at least 90 people in northern India, after burning heat. The Yamuna River running through the capital New Delhi has reached a record high of 208.66 meters, more than a meter over the flood top set in 1978, threatening low-lying neighborhoods in the megacity of more than 20 million people. Major flooding and landslides are common during India's monsoons, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity. Americans are watching as a powerful heatwave grip stretches from California to Texas, with its peak expected this weekend. In Arizona, one of the hardest-hit states, residents face a daily endurance marathon against the sun. State capital Phoenix recorded 15 straight days above 109F (43C), with Saturday expected to reach well above that mark. Deadly danger Authorities have been sounding the alarm, advising people to avoid outdoor activities in the daytime and to be wary of dehydration. The Las Vegas weather service warned that assuming high temperatures naturally come with the area's desert climate was "a DANGEROUS mindset! This heatwave is NOT typical desert heat". "Now the most intense period is beginning," it added, as the weekend arrived with record highs threatening on Sunday. California's Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, is also likely to register new peaks Sunday, with the mercury possibly rising to 130F (54C). Southern California is fighting numerous wildfires, including one in Riverside County that has burned more than 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) and prompted evacuation orders. Further north, the Canadian government reported that wildfires burned a record-breaking 10 million hectares this year, with more damage expected as the summer drags on. Morocco may be used to hot weather, but it was slated for above-average temperatures this weekend with highs of 47C in some provinces -- more typical of August than July -- sparking concerns for water shortages, the meteorological service said. River Tigris shrinking Water-scarce Jordan was forced to dump 214 tonnes of water on a wildfire that broke out in the Ajloun forest in the north amid a heatwave, the army said. In Iraq, where scorching summers are common, along with power cuts, Wissam Abed told AFP he cools off from Baghdad's brutal summer by swimming in the Tigris river. But as Iraqi rivers dry up, so does the age-old pastime. With temperatures near 50C and wind whipping through the city like a hair dryer, Abed stood in the middle of the river, but the water only comes up to his waist. "I live here... like my grandfather did before me. Year after year, the water situation gets worse," said the 37-year-old. While it can be difficult to attribute a particular weather event to climate change, scientists insist global warming -- linked to dependence on fossil fuels -- is behind the multiplication and intensification of heat waves in the world. The heatwaves come after the EU's climate monitoring service said the world saw its hottest June on record last month. The post Record heatwaves sweep the world from US to Japan via Europe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The price we have to pay
We caught our good friend Mulong busy fetching water when we visited him over the weekend. Just like most of his neighbors, Mulong was preparing for the time the daily water supply would be cut off to scrimp on whatever supply was available in our dams. Starting yesterday, more than half a million households within the concession area of water distributor Maynilad Water Services began enduring service interruptions for as long as 11 hours as the water level of Angat Dam continued to drop amid the El Niño weather phenomenon. Around 591,000 Maynilad customers in Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela, Manila and Quezon cities had their supply cut from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., if the schedule started on time. Despite assurances that the water service interruptions won’t be much of an inconvenience as they have been limited to the nighttime hours, Mulong was not taking any chances. “Mabuti na ang sigurado (It pays to be sure),” Mulong fumed as he transferred a pail of water to a big drum. “Eh kung walang tumulo dyan sa takdang oras (What if water does not flow at the scheduled time)?” Mulong is probably just one of the many who are not leaving their fate to the concessionaires. Unless the rains start falling soonest, this jack-of-all-trades friend of ours would rather leave his fate to himself. He, however, remains optimistic that the rainfall would increase next month to raise the water levels, particularly at Ipo Dam which has a lower capacity and spilling level. We told Mulong that climate change is the price we earthlings have to pay for our own follies. We can’t blame any particular group for the mess we are in. The lack of an abundant water supply we told him could be blamed on El Niño, a climate phenomenon that impacts weather patterns and rainfall distribution. “Dati wala naman tayong ganito, ah (We didn’t have these things before),” he told us. Yes, we said, but El Niño can lead to drought, reduced agricultural productivity, and water shortages. Mitigating the impact of El Niño, we pointed out, requires a comprehensive approach involving various strategies and sectors. Efficient water resource management is therefore crucial during El Niño periods, we explained to our friend. This includes optimizing water storage facilities, improving irrigation systems, and promoting water conservation practices, we added. “So, what is our government doing?” Mulong asked us. Didn’t you notice how the government has enhanced its early warning system? Long before the onset of El Niño, we had already been warned of its potential impact so that the public could take preventive measures. “Look at you,” we told him, “you’re already preparing for the water supply cut because you’ve been forewarned. If not, we all would have been caught flat-footed.” “Oh, and is that why I heard on the radio that the Agriculture Department is urging farmers to intensify and ramp up rice production before we feel the effects of El Niño?” he asked. “Exactly,” we replied. “Although Pagasa said that El Niño is now in the country, its impact on farms would not be immediate and would take time to affect those in non-irrigated areas.” The weather bureau said the amount of rain for the months of June to September would be normal to above normal but rainfall for October to December would be below normal, we told our friend. “Yeah, I can understand all of that, but it really pains me that we are all suffering now because of our abuse of Mother Earth. Don’t you wish we could have taken care of her more?” The post The price we have to pay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Negros Occidental ships out 10,000 hogs amid ASF scare
Amid the spread of African swine fever and other hog diseases, Negros Occidental has shipped out 10,000 healthy pigs to other provinces and cities in the country, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday......»»
Jollibee ramps up Vietnam expansion
Homegrown fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. seeks to become a leading Quick Service Restaurant or QSR in Vietnam amid promising growth opportunities. Jollibee Group CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong said Monday the company will ride on Vietnam’s continued economic development and growing population to advance its business prospects. “We intend to maximize Vietnam’s huge growth opportunity of the rapidly growing QSR industry in Vietnam, focusing our investment in key cities and developing areas,” Tanmantiong said. To support its plans, Jollibee has established its own commissary in Vietnam that can support 400 stores. Now the third biggest QSR brand in Vietnam, Jollibee caters to a 100 percent local Vietnamese customer base. Dominant in Vietnam Jollibee, which ended the first quarter of the year with 158 stores in Vietnam, pointed out that the country continues to post strong double-digit systemwide and same-store sales growth. Its dine-in sales exceeded pre-pandemic levels and off-premise channels growing by high double digits even as customers return to stores. Last year, Jollibee opened seven new stores, and four more between January to March this year. “Our continued success in Vietnam and many other parts of the world shows that Jollibee can indeed win over the hearts of the international customer base, and we will continue expanding our presence both in Vietnam and around the globe,” Tanmantiong. Presently, Jollibee operates in 17 countries with over 1,500 stores. Its ongoing expansion is part of the Group’s vision to become one of the top five restaurant companies in the world. The post Jollibee ramps up Vietnam expansion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest
Sen. Bong Go went to Albay on Thursday, 22 June to provide support to evacuees affected by Mt. Mayon’s unrest, aid indigents, and conduct an inspection of the Super Health Center in Tabaco City. Emphasizing the significance of investing in local health facilities, Go underscored the role of Super Health Centers in enhancing the accessibility of vital healthcare services for the local residents. “Ito pong Super Health Center, isa po ito sa pamamaraan para ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan at madi-decongest ang mga ospital dahil hindi na kailangan ng mga buntis na pumunta ng ospital, pwede na po diyan ‘yung mga primary care,” he underscored. The Super Health Center that Go inspected is located in the National Housing Authority resettlement area in Brgy. San Vicente. The housing project was part of the Duterte administration’s efforts to provide housing for Typhoon Rolly victims in 2020. The project was approved in 2021 and started construction in 2022. There are 2361 housing units, built on a 20 hectare LGU property. This strategic location for the Super Health Center was made to provide essential medical services to recovering typhoon victims and their community. It will benefit the more than 2000 housing beneficiaries residing in the area. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Aside from Tabaco City, the DOH has identified the cities of Legazpi and Ligao; and the town of Camalig, Malilipot, and Pio Duran as locations for the Super Health Centers in Albay. Super Health Centers shall offer basic medical services under one roof, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Go also took the lead in organizing a relief operation at the Barangay San Antonio covered court in the city. The operation assisted 151 evacuees and 250 indigent residents. Go personally oversaw the distribution of essential aid from his office such as grocery packs, snacks, masks, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. Select individuals were also given additional items, including shirts, shoes, mobile phones, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Furthermore, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to all qualified beneficiaries. More indigents will also be provided aid in the coming days through the initiative of the Office of Sen. Go, the LGU, and DSWD. Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to assist those with medical concerns as he encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City. Currently, there are 158 operational Malasakit Centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo na mabayaran ang inyong billing,” said Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, to help boost development in Albay and as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control systems in Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malinao, Manito, Oas and Polangui. On the same day, Go likewise extended his assistance to evacuees in the town of Malilipot. Amid the continued state of unrest of the Mayon Volcano, Go reiterated his call for the passage of his proposed measures that will establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), as well as mandatory evacuation centers throughout the country. Go stressed that his proposed Senate Bill No. 188, which will establish the DDR, would centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure more swift and effective response to emergencies. “It should be a cabinet-level dahil tuwing mayro'ng sakuna, dapat may point person talaga with clear authority and mandate,” added Go. The creation of the said department, if enacted into law, shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR. "Nabanggit nga kanina, paano natin pagbabawalan doon ‘eh coordination lang naman tayo, hindi ho ba? So kailangan po ng mas malakas na kapangyarihan ang Office of Civil Defense, maaaring maging departamento o authority; but it needs legislation," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a recent interview when asked about evacuation efforts in permanent danger zones near active volcanoes. "Things can be better if there will be an independent authority or department, but it’s not that simple – tanggap po namin iyon… We leave it to Congress and we leave it to the Palace, to Malacañang. Meanwhile, kami naman, we are doing our best given the limitations, makakaasa po kayo," the OCD chief said. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted his proposed SBN 193 which seeks to mandate the establishment of permanent, secure, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every municipality, city, and province throughout the Philippines. “Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, hindi rin maaantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata tuwing ginagamit na pansamantalang tuluyan ang mga eskuwelahan. Mas madali ring makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan kung protektado at komportable sila sa mga dedicated evacuation centers lalo na sa Albay at sa mga malalapit sa aktibong bulkan, pati na rin sa coastlines o ibang danger zones kapag may bagyo o iba pang kalamidad na dumarating,” he said. “Hindi man natin masasabi kung kailan darating ang sakuna, mas mabuti nang laging handa tayo,” he ended. The post Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»