Thailand Moves a Step Closer to Welcoming Back Foreign Tourists
Thailand will start issuing special visas to foreign tourists starting October, easing a more than five-month-old ban on visitors to revive the nation’s ailing tourism-reliant economy. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha’s cabinet approved a proposal to issue visas to tourists planning to stay between 90 and 280 days in Thailand, according to government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The tourists will undergo a mandatory 14-day state quarantine on arrival at partner hotels or hospitals and follow health and safety regulations, she said. The government expects about 1,200 visitors to avail themselves of these visas each month, generating about 1.2 billion baht ($38.5 million) in revenue. The easing of border restrictions may boost the nation’s pandemic-battered tourism industry and cushion the blow to an economy projected to contract 8.5% this year. The news of cabinet approval for special visas triggered a rally among hotel and travel operators in Bangkok. A measure of Thai tourism and leisure stocks jumped 4.5%, the biggest gainer among the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s 28 industry groups. It was also the index’s largest increase since May 26. While Hotel operators Erawan Group Pcl and Central Plaza Hotel Pcl surged more than 8%, Minor International Pcl advanced 5.5%. Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sectors are counting on the return of international visitors, who contributed to two-thirds of tourism income before the pandemic, to reverse the slump in businesses and save millions of jobs. A government campaign to boost travel by locals through hotel and air travel concessions has failed to make up for the slump in earnings, but the move to allow foreigners in small batches will still be a relief to the industry. “There will not be a huge economic impact from this as it still can’t compensate for the revenue lost, but it will help,” Somprawin Manprasert, chief economist at Bank of Ayudhya Pcl said. “This plan still targets a higher-spending group of foreign visitors which will not benefit tourism industry operators that have lower to mid-price points, who will still suffer.” The move to relax curbs on foreign tourists also follows Thailand’s relative success in containing the coronavirus outbreak. The nation went without a local transmission for 100 days before the virus-free run was ended early this month. Though Thailand was the first country outside China to report the deadly virus, its cumulative cases stand at 3,480 with most patients already discharged from hospitals. The reopening to foreign tourists may be risky, but it is a manageable risk worth taking, Bank of Thailand’s Senior Director Don Nakornthab wrote in an article on the central bank’s website. The country may be headed for a second straight year of contraction in 2021 if it continued to restrict foreign visitor arrivals, Don wrote......»»
Stocks pull back on inflation impact
Investors yesterday pulled the market back closer to the 6,900 territory, pricing in the impact of inflation landing on the higher end of the target band......»»
Del Monte edges closer to crown, leads by 18
Del Monte all but secured the PAL Seniors Interclub crown with a superb 155-point output, storming away from the pack with a commanding 18-point lead over Canlubang after three rounds of play back at their home turf in Bukidnon Saturday......»»
Back in rotation, Simon Enciso keys San Miguel closer to PBA crown
Simon Enciso milks every bit of his surprise starting role after playing spot minutes the entire playoffs as San Miguel moves on the cusp of the PBA Commissioner's Cup title.....»»
62 percent of Pinoy expats want to return to Philippines in five years survey
More overseas Filipino professionals are looking to relocate back home within the next five years as they look to care for aging parents and be closer to family, according to a survey by a global recruitment specialist......»»
Quantum dots: the tiny ‘rainbow’ crystals behind chemistry Nobel
Quantum dots are tiny crystals that scientists can tune to different colors, giving an extra-vivid pop to next-generation TV screens or illuminating tumors inside bodies so surgeons can hunt them down. Three scientists won the Nobel Chemistry Prize on Wednesday for their work turning an idea first theorized in the 1930s into a reality that now has pride of place in living rooms across the world. What are they? Quantum dots are semiconducting particles just one-thousandth the width of a human hair. In 1937, the physicist Herbert Froehlich predicted that once particles were small enough -- so-called nanoparticles -- they would come under the strange spell of quantum mechanics. To explain this quantum phenomenon, American Chemical Society president Judith Giordan said to "think of it like a little box". When a particle is shrunk down small enough, the electron is "going to whack into the sides of the box," she told AFP. In a larger box, the electrons would whack the sides less often, meaning they have less energy. For quantum dots, the larger boxes emit red light, while the smaller ones show up blue. This means that by controlling the size of the particle, scientists can make their crystals red, blue and everything in between. Leah Frenette, an expert on quantum dots at Imperial College London, told AFP that working with the nanomaterial was like "watching rainbows all day". But it would be 40 years after Froehlich's prediction that anyone was able to actually observe this phenomenon. Who discovered what? In the early 1980s, Russian-born physicist Alexei Ekimov -- one of Wednesday's new laureates -- melted coloured glass and X-rayed the results. He noticed that the smaller particles were more blue, also recognizing that this was a quantum effect. But being glass, the material was not easy to manipulate -- and being published in a Soviet scientific journal meant few noticed. At around the same time in the United States, another new laureate Louis Brus -- oblivious of Ekimov's work -- became the first to discover this colorful quantum effect in a liquid solution. "For a long time, nobody thought you could ever actually make such small particles, yet this year's laureates succeeded," Nobel Committee member Johan Aqvist said. "However, for quantum dots to become really useful, you needed to be able to make them in solution with exquisite control of their size and surface." The third new Nobel winner, French-born Moungi Bawendi, found a way to do just this in his lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993. By precisely controlling the temperature of a liquid mixture of particles called colloid, Bawendi was able to grow nanocrystals to the exact size he wanted, paving the way for mass production. What are they used in? The most common everyday use of quantum dots is probably in "QLED" televisions. Cyril Aymonier, head of France's Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry, told AFP that the nanocrystals "improve the resolution of the screen and preserve the quality of the colour for longer". Doctors also use their bright fluorescence to highlight organs or tumours in the bodies of patients. Frenette said she is working on diagnostic tests which would use the dots as "little beacons" for diseases in medical samples. One problem is that most quantum dots are made using cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. Both Aymonier and Frenette said they are working on quantum dots that are not toxic. Future use? In the future, quantum dots could have the potential to double the efficiency of solar cells, Giordan said. Their strange quantum powers could produce twice as many electrons as existing technology, she explained. "That's amazing, because we are coming closer to the limit of current solar materials," she added. Past use? While quantum dots are considered on the cutting edge of science, people have probably been using them for centuries without knowing it. The reds and yellows in stained glass windows as far as back as the 10th century show that artists of the time unwittingly took advantages of techniques that resulted in quantum dots, according to scientists. The post Quantum dots: the tiny ‘rainbow’ crystals behind chemistry Nobel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bourse unwraps shorting rules
Bourse operator Philippine Stock Exchange Inc., or PSE, issues its approval yesterday for the immediate implementation of the Guidelines for Short Selling Transactions. PSE said critical components of securities borrowing and lending, or SBL provisions were also approved. Short selling can only function with an SBL program in place. PSE announces effectivity of short selling guidelines, other relevant SBL developments. Weak market buffer PSE announced SEC’s approval of offshore collateral for SBL in May 2023 while the Bureau of Internal Revenue accepted the filing and registration of the Global Master Securities Lending Agreement, or GMSLA, in September 2023. Short selling happens when a trader borrows shares and sells them in the hope that the price will fall after, so they can buy them back cheaper. The process can help traders profit from downturns in stocks and protect themselves from losses. “We are grateful to the SEC and BIR for their approvals on important regulatory aspects of SBL and short selling. This development brings us a step closer to the full adoption and implementation of these much-awaited programs,” PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon said. The PSE also updated the eligible securities in its short selling guidelines to include members of the PSE midcap and PSE dividend yield indices. Initially, only securities comprising the PSE index and exchange traded funds, or ETFs, were considered eligible securities for short selling. The post Bourse unwraps shorting rules appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Keeping it together
It’s no longer unusual, nowadays, for a family to have one or both parents working in another country, or for grown children to relocate abroad for work or start their own family. Single parenting is also quite common, right along there with blended families and LGBTQ unions with kids. Yet even when families are together in one place — one home, compound, neighborhood or city — it takes a lot to stay “together,” literally and figuratively. Perhaps sensing the threats to what is recognized as society’s basic foundation, our government in 1992 decided to declare the last week of September as Family Week, as mandated by Proclamation 60 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos. Ramos wanted the week to emphasize the importance of the family as “the foundation of the nation” and “as a basic autonomous social institution,” as well as recognize “the sanctity of family life,” as stated in the Constitution of the Philippines. The world may transform in many ways, but the need for family will never change. “No matter how much life changes and the concept of family evolves, it may continue to benefit human health and wellness by offering a sense of belonging and support,” it aptly states in an article on Better Help, which also enumerates the factors affecting family life as “advancements in technology, changing cultural norms, new priorities and advanced forms of communication fueled by the internet.” The sense of belonging one gains from being part of a family — whether it is in a traditional setup, adoptive or “chosen,” a new kind of family defined in these modern times — has a profound impact on one’s well-being. With government providing the impetus for today’s families to connect or reconnect during the annual Family Week, it is up to each one of us to take steps to keep ours together in these fast-paced, nomadic, dysfunctional times. In the local setting, we already see so many signs of the changing dynamics among families. We could wade through studies to figure out all the issues affecting our core foundation, but we believe one may truly gain more understanding by examining our own experiences. Here, we share the views of people in our sphere, in answer to our query: What do you consider as the biggest challenge for your family in these trying times? Gigie Arcilla, Editor-in-chief Dealing with young adult children presents the challenge of establishing boundaries as they seek independence and transition into adulthood. Striking a balance between support and autonomy, as well as providing guidance while allowing room for growth, can be difficult, especially for a single parent. [caption id="attachment_187927" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] STEPHANIE Mayo (fifth, clockwise) with her family. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Stephanie Mayo[/caption] Stephanie Mayo, Film critic and writer I have senior-citizen parents, and my siblings and I are now at the age when our health naturally starts to decline. Even if someone has health insurance, no one can deny how debilitating and expensive getting sick is. Without health, quality of life is decreased. You also cannot work (no work, no pay for freelancers such as myself) if you are sick. Gratefully, none of us in the family are currently seriously ill. It’s just that given that these trying times are also marked by corruption, medical gaslighting, new diseases and viruses and climate change, health problems have become even more threatening. [caption id="attachment_187926" align="aligncenter" width="993"] PAULINE Songco (fifth from left) and dad Arnold, mom Dhen, grandmother Linda and sister Patricia. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Pauline Songco[/caption] Pauline Songco, Editor and writer I would say our biggest challenge is finding time to be together. I am always never at home. If I am, I would just be there for a few hours to sleep. I would get up, then go to work again. I find myself having less and less free time than before. My sister is busy with work, and so is my father. My mom is left alone at home with my cats. But, she goes to the gym to occupy herself and to see her friends. Yet, I’m thankful for what we have right now for these are the same things that we used to pray for before. [caption id="attachment_187924" align="aligncenter" width="641"] PAULINE Pascual (first from left) and dad Roy, mom Jocelyn and sister Prizcia. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Pauline Pascual[/caption] Pauline Joyce Pascual, Lifestyle writer Our family became even closer during the pandemic, and now that things are almost back to normal, it is the family bonding that we used to that we find the most challenging. My sister is studying and getting ready for her time at college while my parents are back in business and I am now working outside of our province. I miss the good old days even though we still saw each other every week. [caption id="attachment_187925" align="aligncenter" width="638"] RAPHAEL, Rachael, Joylen and Ruben Ramos. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Raphael Ramos[/caption] Raphael Ramos, STEM student at De La Salle Araneta The desire to act in spite of the potential consequences for everyone else. The family members’ immaturity leads to a more serious issue and may stunt each person’s development. [caption id="attachment_187922" align="aligncenter" width="2246"] GEL, Dino, Tei and Maui Datu. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Dino Datu[/caption] Dino Datu, Chef, journalist and entrepreneur The biggest challenge in families today is creating quality family time. Everyone is so busy and there are so many distractions. While working and school work are necessities, we need to create time to just sit together for regular meals and chat without our electronic devices. Even on rare occasions that everyone is together, dining out, for example, people look at their phones every few seconds. That’s what I think is a big difference between today’s families and those from a few decades back. We often see “perfect” families on social media. Sadly, it seems like that’s the only place it exists. Teresa Laurente, Business Consultant For me, it has to be family, healthcare, children’s education and social media effect on young people. Pamela Palacio, Statistician III, Provincial Government of Bataan Disrespect to God and parents. Negative effect of social media. [caption id="attachment_187920" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] YVETTE Chua-Carrion (fourth from left) beside her husband, businessman Melon. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESYOF Yvette Chua-Carrion[/caption] Yvette Chua-Carrion, Educator and breakthrough life coach In these financially trying times — the budget for groceries, how to have savings for emergencies (which we hope won’t happen), and high gas prices. [caption id="attachment_187919" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] (FROM left) Riley, husband Noel, Tiffany and Ashley. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Tiffany Cuna[/caption] Tiffany Sison Cuna, Former beauty queen turned entrepreneur Disciplining and inculcating values in our children knowing how the Internet plays a vital role in their lives — it could either influence them positively or negatively. [caption id="attachment_187923" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] JIA Bote and dad Milton. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Jia Bote[/caption] Jia Bote, Student at the University of Santo Tomas With my father working away from home, the biggest challenge is having more time together as a family. When I was younger, I thought I had all the time in the world to spend time with my family. However, as I grow older, my responsibilities increase, and I have less free time than I used to. I remember spending the peak of the pandemic away from our father, and we could only talk through the phone for months. It was challenging for me not to see my father physically, especially when I go through difficult moments because I believe that we need more of our parents’ wisdom and guidance as we grow older. With the pandemic and the natural course of life, it feels like I have less time and opportunity to be with my father who is also growing old day by day. [caption id="attachment_187921" align="aligncenter" width="1242"] ALEX and Jet Capina (fourth and fifth from left) with their children. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of Jet Capina[/caption] Jet Capina, retired bank vice president Our challenge is how to make the family complete on weekends. My children have their own gimmicks. Before every Sunday we were together attending church service but after the pandemic each of them esp Paolo is out of the house to be with his gf. I don’t think it’s good to write about it. Our challenge is how to make the family complete on weekends. My children are all good and well behaved but having grown up, the elder ones now and then have their own gimmicks. I am happy that my husband, who often plays golf, is with me always. The post Keeping it together appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A token of friendship
Longest-serving prime minister in modern Japan Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, undoubtedly was one of the most significant Japanese politicians in the promotion of Japan-Taiwan relations. Many Filipinos remember Abe when he visited with his wife Akie then-President Rodrigo Duterte in his home in Davao City in 2017. Most Taiwanese, on the other hand, remember Abe as the most Taiwan-friendly prime minister in Japan for not only saying, “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency and, therefore, an emergency for the Japan-US alliance,” but showed support for Taiwanese pineapples by sharing a photo of himself with the fruit on Twitter to promote the sale in Japan when trade restrictions disrupted the export of Taiwanese pineapples. Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule for 50 years. Thus, most Taiwanese have a favorable view of Japan, which has long been the top destination for Taiwanese tourists. As a result, some commentators call it “Taiwan’s love affair with Japan.” To honor and pay tribute to Abe and the shared history between Japan and Taiwan, the Hongmaogang Baoan Temple in Kaohsiung made and erected a statue of the late prime minister in September 2022, less than three months after his death and before the State Funeral of Abe. Akie Abe visited the temple in July 2023 and said that she hoped the spirits of her husband and those commemorated at the temple would bring Taiwan and Japan closer together. In fact, the Baoan Temple is unique not only for the statue of Abe but the worship of Captain Matao Takada and the 145 crew of a Japanese warship who died in the line of duty during World War II. According to reports, Captain Takada was just 38 years old when he passed away. He was the captain of the Patrol Boat 38 Yomogi, which was sunk by USS Atule at Bashi Channel in 1944 when it was on the way to Manila to take the survivors of the sunken Japanese battleship Musashi back to then-Japanese colony Taiwan. Eighty-one-year-old Narumi Takada, the son of Captain Takada who was two years old when his father was killed, visited the Baoan Temple this year and finally witnessed how his father is worshipped in Taiwan. Captain Takada and the 145 sailors are not the only foreign soldiers remembered by the Taiwanese. During the Sino-French War on 1884 and 1885 in Taiwan’s northern port city of Keelung, more than 700 French soldiers died and the French Military Cemetery was built there. Nowadays, worshippers still hold ceremonies for the killed French soldiers on the Ghost Festival each year and invite guests from the representative office of France in Taipei to commemorate them. The post A token of friendship appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Children trapped in cable car dangling over Pakistan ravine
Six children are among the eight people who have been trapped all day Tuesday in a cable car dangling over a deep valley in Pakistan, with military helicopters hovering nearby ahead of a possible rescue attempt. The children were using the chairlift to get to school when a cable broke at a height of around 1,200 feet (about 365 meters) midway through its journey in a remote, mountainous part of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. "The evening is coming nearer. Tell us why the helicopters are going back?" Gul Faraz, one of the adults stuck in the cable car, said to AFP by phone. "For God's sake help us," he earlier told local media. Several military helicopters flew reconnaissance sorties and an airman was lowered by harness to deliver food, water and medicine, Tanveer Ur Rehman, a local government official, told AFP. "This is a delicate operation that demands meticulous accuracy. The helicopter can not approach the chairlift closely, as its downwash (air pressure) might snap the sole chain supporting it," he said. Anxious crowds gathered on both sides of the ravine, which is several hours from any sizeable town. "Every time the helicopter lowered the rescuer closer to the chairlift, the wind from the helicopter would shake and disbalance the chairlift making the children scream in fear," Ghulamullah, chairman of the Allai valley area, told Geo News. 'What can they do?' The gondola broke down at around 7:00 am local time, with residents using mosque loudspeakers to alert neighborhood officials across the Allai valley. Headmaster Ali Asghar Khan told AFP by phone that the children were teenage boys and students at his government high school Battangi Pashto. "The school is located in a mountainous area and there are no safe crossings, so it's common to use the chairlift," Khan said. "The parents are gathered at the site of the chairlift. What can they do? They are waiting for the rescue officials to get their children out. We are all worried." Abid Ur Rehman, a teacher from another school in the area, said around 500 people had gathered to watch the rescue mission. "Parents and women are crying for the safety of their children," he told AFP. Syed Hammad Haider, a senior Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial official, said the gondola was hanging about 1,000 to 1,200 feet above the ground. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued a directive for all chairlifts in mountainous areas to be inspected and for those that are not "safety compliant" to be immediately closed. Cable cars that carry passengers and sometimes cars are common across the northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Gilgit-Baltistan, and are vital in connecting villages and towns in areas where roads cannot be built. In 2017, 10 people were killed when a chairlift cable broke, sending passengers plunging into a ravine in a mountain hamlet near capital Islamabad. The post Children trapped in cable car dangling over Pakistan ravine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. must step up too
American analysts have been exploring the possible ways the West Philippine Sea conflict will play out primarily with the so-called “gray zone” maneuvers by China in the disputed waters in which non-military activities are employed for coercion. The United States Institute of Peace, or USIP, a federal body tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention worldwide, is reviewing ways that Washington can play a role in de-escalating the tension in the region. The review was sparked by an act of aggression last week when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel deployed a water cannon to redirect an unarmed Philippine Navy supply boat. China blamed the incident on the Philippine government’s continued defiance of an earlier understanding to ban the delivery of construction materials to the beached BRP Sierra Madre navy vessel at Ayungin Shoal. Tensions have been on the rise since last year on China’s perception that Manila was moving closer to Washington, prompting a more aggressive assertion of its claim over most of the West Philippine Sea. “Given that Washington and Manila have a mutual defense treaty, there is credible concern that an incident like this could trigger a wider US-China conflict,” according to the USIP. Under a new Philippine administration, the formerly conciliatory approach the country had taken in its dispute with China has shifted. Instead, Brian Harding, USIP senior expert for Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has highlighted China’s efforts to swarm and intimidate fishing and coast guard vessels to take the bold move of deepening defense ties with the United States, bringing China-Philippines ties to a new low. Ayungin Shoal, the USIP expert said, has long been a likely candidate for the first showdown between the Philippines and China since Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also identified the shoal, in a speech the other day, as one of five possible flashpoints that may lead to a deeper maritime conflict. In 1999, the Philippines intentionally beached a World War II naval vessel on a submerged reef, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and has since maintained a small contingent of Marines on board in extremely austere conditions. As a practical matter, in recent years China has turned a blind eye to the Philippines replenishing supplies for the Marines but has blocked the delivery of materials that could be used to repair the ship. USIP’s Andrew Scobell, a China expert, said the recent aggressive actions of a large China Coast Guard vessel on a tiny Filipino Navy supply boat was merely the latest episode in a decades-long campaign of intimidation and coercion by Beijing. Based on its insisted-on nine-dash line boundaries, Beijing claims the right to restrict access to ships from other countries to the South China Sea. “Many of (China’s) white-hulled ships are far larger, much better equipped, and more intimidating than the gray hull naval vessels possessed by most Southeast Asian states,” USIP said. China has persisted in its well-orchestrated campaign of low-intensity conflict, what is widely called “gray zone” actions, to forcefully advance its claims and aggressively push back against rivals. Carla Freeman, a senior USIP expert on China, said that beyond the effort to persuade and deter China, the US should engage in diplomacy to encourage allies and partners in the region to make clear to Beijing their own concerns about the risks to peace posed by confrontation. Regional allies have already issued statements criticizing China’s behavior, with Tokyo using unusually strong language to condemn China’s conduct, the USIP said. Like the Philippines’ position, the USIP said that Washington’s efforts in support of a binding code of conduct, or CoC, would be key to preventing conflict. The USIP, nonetheless, sees as a major obstacle toward progress in the United States itself since it is limited in its diplomatic capabilities after it failed to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Taking the high road in the simmering conflict, thus, would need both the US and China to review their positions of leadership to keep the stability in the region. The post U.S. must step up too appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Proposed P5.768T 2024 budget 9.8% higher than 2023
The Philippines would be "one step closer" to realizing the government's "transformative vision" for the country once Congress accepts the proposed National Budget for 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. The Chief Executive made the remarks in his Budget Message on Wednesday as the Department of Budget and Management turned over the Marcos administration’s proposed 2024 budget or National Expenditure Program worth P5.768 trillion to Congress. In his message, Marcos explained that the proposed budget aims to provide the resources required for government operations and the ongoing pursuit of economic reform. Initial information from the DBM showed that the proposed budget is 9.8 percent higher than the P5.268 trillion General Appropriations Act or the enacted budget for 2023. "With the Congress's approval of the proposed (Fiscal Year) 2024 National Budget, we will be one step closer to achieving our transformative vision for the country, the Agenda of Prosperity," Marcos said. "Our journey has just begun. We will march on — one nation, one people building a better future together," he added. The President said that the proposed budget for 2024 was a key part of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which aims to strengthen the country's capabilities, protect the buying power of Filipinos, and improve output sectors to create more good jobs and products that can compete globally. "In turn, these strategies are to be supported by an enabling environment characterized by macroeconomic stability, infrastructure development, bureaucratic efficiency, strong rule of law and effective climate action," Marcos said. The President also highlighted the "strong headwinds" the country had to deal with last year as it tried to get its economy back on track. He pointed out that his economic managers made the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, which is now the "bedrock" of the plan to change the economy, to deal with these problems. The Chief Executive said that the Philippines' gross domestic product grew by 7.6 percent for the whole year of 2022, the biggest since 1976. Marcos said that the country's growth "set the stage" for continued growth in 2023, mentioning that the country's economy expanded by 6.4 percent for the first quarter of 2023, surpassing its Asian peers such as Indonesia, China and Vietnam. The World Bank, he also said, declared that the country could reach above-middle-income status within two years. "Likewise expressing confidence in our country's economic growth, the International Monetary Fund said that it was 'highest among the ASEAN-5', noting its resilience to global pressures," the Filipino leader added. Marcos Jr. likewise cited the country's good credit quality standing, improved revenue performance and high employment rate. "Our immediate economic recovery was the result of the collective effort of the Filipinos. Unity was what made it happen," Marcos said. "For the next five years, we must do more, building on all the gains that we have made – through the same whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. We need this not only to be effective but to be transformative," he concluded. The post Proposed P5.768T 2024 budget 9.8% higher than 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds gov’t digitalization initiatives highlighted in PBBM’s 2nd SONA
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go commended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos' forward-thinking leadership during the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, 24 July, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. “I am hopeful na yung kanyang mga binitawang salita, mga pangako, ay maisakatuparan… And ‘yung sinabi po ng ating mahal na Pangulo na kukupkupin ‘yung mga mahihirap, importante po sa atin na walang magutom. Mabigyan ng trabaho po, ‘yun po ang gusto kong marinig kanina at masaya po akong narinig na tulungan po ‘yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan,” Go said in an interview after the SONA. Among other priorities highlighted in the SONA, Marcos particularly outlined a shared vision for a digitally transformed Philippines, emphasizing the pivotal role digitalization plays in supporting data-driven and science-based planning and decision-making in government. The president said embracing digital technologies is not only a means to enhance the country’s ease of doing business but it is also a powerful tool in combating graft and corruption in various forms. “Digitalization is the call of today; not the call of the future—but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today. Government must fully embrace digitalization to provide better service to the people, through its vital frontline services and its back-end functions,” Marcos said. “Digitalization will support the government’s data-driven and science-based planning and decision-making. It is the greatest, most powerful tool, not just to improve the ease of doing business, but also against many forms of graft and corruption,” he added. Go expressed his support to the President’s vision and said that the transition to digitalization is set to bring about numerous benefits, not only in curbing corruption and ensuring transparency, but in bringing government services closer to the people. In an effort to usher in a new era of modernization and efficiency in governance, Go continues to champion his filed Senate Bill No. 194, otherwise known as the E-Governance Bill. The E-Governance Bill seeks to harness the full potential of digital advancements to streamline bureaucratic processes, enhance transparency, and improve the overall quality of public services. Go said that the measure, if enacted, can make government more accessible to those in need. By digitizing government processes and transactions, Go’s proposed bill introduces an added layer of security and transparency, minimizing opportunities for corrupt practices. Furthermore, the lawmaker added that digital records and paperless transactions can significantly reduce the risk of tampering or unauthorized alterations. “Bureaucratic inefficiency has been one of the most persistent problems in government service for the longest time. People spend so much money, time, and energy just to get a simple document, submit an application for a permit, or simply access public information. Napakahaba po ng proseso, maubos ang oras mo, hindi lang isang oras, isang linggo, o isang buwan,” Go said. “Government should always be responsive to the demands of changing times. It is for this reason that I filed the proposed E-Governance Act. Una ko na po itong nai-file noong panahon pa ng pandemya during the 18th Congress. Marami tayong natutunan noon kung paano mag-adapt sa makabagong panahon,” he explained. In his SONA, the president also called upon all government offices to expedite the digitalization of their vital services. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) responded to this call by launching the DMW Mobile App, which aims to provide Overseas Filipino Workers easy access to the department’s services. It can be recalled that Go was instrumental in the enactment of Republic Act No. 11641, which created the DMW. The Senate version of the Act, Senate Bill No. 2234, was authored and co-sponsored by Go. DMW serves as the lead agency for implementing policies, plans and programs that will ensure the protection, promotion of interests, timely resolution of problems, and effective reintegration of OFWs. Go expressed optimism that the digitalization initiatives can help bridge the gap and ensure more efficient and effective public service delivery. “By embracing the transformative power of technology and fostering a culture of innovation, the nation is set to embark on a progressive path that will shape a brighter future for all Filipinos,” said Go. Meanwhile, the president proudly announced the successful launch of the eGov PH app, a centralized mobile application that integrates all key government services for the convenience of the public. The post Bong Go lauds gov’t digitalization initiatives highlighted in PBBM’s 2nd SONA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bongbong’s foreign policy: More like ‘Macoy’ than ‘Digong’
Despite being dismissed as a spoiled brat and a weakling by both his father and the man he succeeded, Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his first year in office, stood up to China and showed he is more like the older Marcos than Duterte. Always underestimated, Marcos Jr., observers noted, spent much of his political career surrounded by powerful women, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos. But this shouldn’t fool one into thinking that he is not his own man. Only days after winning last year’s presidential elections, he asserted his independence by denying top allies, including running mate Sara Duterte, key cabinet positions. He also showed his own distinct approach on the foreign policy front by holding cordial meetings with diplomats from both traditional and regional partners. While emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic engagement with China, Marcos Jr., notes the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, reiterated the finality of the arbitral tribunal ruling in the South China Sea, and made clear he “will not compromise it in any way,” calling the country’s sovereignty “sacred.” “Taking into consideration the widespread skepticism towards Beijing among Filipinos and within the country’s defense establishment, Marcos Jr. adopted a calibrated assertiveness towards China while welcoming pragmatic cooperation on the economic front,” AMTI said. The perceived wisdom on the younger Marcos’s foreign policy, according to AMTI, is that he is nothing but a mild-mannered version of Duterte. In fact, he was the only candidate during the elections who publicly backed full continuity in the country’s Beijing-friendly policies. He barely mentioned the treaty alliance with the United States, emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic engagement. “Whatever we do, we can’t go to war… we don’t want to go to war with China,” he was quoted to have said. A year into office, however, it is obvious the younger Marcos was advocating a centrist position in the territorial dispute. It was, according to one analyst, a middle-of-the-road decision aimed at appeasing both superpowers, China and the United States. Indeed, it was a balancing act complicated by both internal and external factors. While Duterte was reluctant to confront China over the South China Sea, Marcos Jr. has adopted tougher rhetoric, showing a better appreciation of how the Philippines should position itself given the very uncertain strategic environment it is facing. He is said to have been able to forge closer relations with Washington because his family already has long-standing ties with Beijing which affords him a degree of capital. A year into office, however, it was obvious the younger Marcos was advocating a centrist position in the territorial dispute As AMTI related, the Marcos connection to Beijing goes deep, stretching back to the height of the Cold War period when his father formalized bilateral relations with Maoist China. As the then-announced successor, Bongbong even personally met Chairman Mao, who warmly welcomed the princeling and his family to Zhongnanhai. The Marcoses maintained those linkages even after their ouster from power in Malacañang, albeit on a sub-national level. As overlords of the northern province of Ilocos Norte, the Marcos dynasty continued to welcome trade and diplomatic relations with their Chinese counterparts under the emerging Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Despite the growing Chinese coercive actions against the Philippine Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, Marcos Jr. welcomed continued economic engagement with China under his “Friend to all, enemy to none” policy first espoused by Duterte during his pivot to Beijing. Balancing act Compared to former presidents before him, Marcos Jr.’s foreign policy is truly a balancing act not much different from his father’s. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (1965-1986), during his presidency, pursued a foreign policy that sought to balance relations with both the United States and other countries, including those in the Soviet Bloc. He declared martial law in 1972, and this had implications for the country’s foreign relations. The Philippines’ relationship with the US was close, but during his time, Marcos also sought to strengthen ties with our Asian neighbors. Corazon Aquino (1986-1992) focused on restoring democracy and human rights in the Philippines after the end of the Marcos dictatorship. She sought to rebuild relations with other countries that had been strained during Marcos’s rule. Her administration also emphasized diplomatic engagement with ASEAN countries and the international community. Fidel V. Ramos (1992-1998) prioritized economic diplomacy and focused on attracting foreign investment to boost the Philippine economy. He worked to strengthen relationships with ASEAN and APEC countries and fostered ties with the US, Japan, and other regional partners. Joseph Estrada (1998-2001) emphasized national sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. He pursued good relations with ASEAN nations but was criticized for a more inward-looking approach to foreign affairs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001-2010) focused on economic diplomacy and sought to improve the Philippines’ standing in the international community. She maintained strong ties with the US and also expanded engagement with China. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (2010-2016) emphasized upholding the rule of law in the region and advocating for the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea. He strengthened relations with traditional allies like the US and worked to foster closer ties with other Asian countries. While Bongbong Marcos is not his father, the legacy of the former Filipino strongman hangs over his administration. This legacy of pragmatism is also reinforced in the sentiments of the defense establishment and the broader Filipino public who want the government to take a tougher stance against China. Unlike Duterte, the younger Marcos has shown in his first year in office that he is adopting a more calibrated foreign policy combining elements of pragmatism and assertiveness towards a major power like China while seeking to leverage Philippine ties with the United States. The post Bongbong’s foreign policy: More like ‘Macoy’ than ‘Digong’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intelligence failure
With former president Rodrigo Duterte choosing to remain tight-lipped about his meeting last week with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, pundits went to town sowing intrigue and trying to drive a wedge not only between Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, on one side, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on the other. It did not help that Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro had to add grist to the rumor mill by issuing a statement days ago, pressing Duterte to reveal what he and Xi talked about. On Monday, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his second State of the Nation Address, Teodoro apologized. In a television interview, Teodoro stressed that Duterte “should be treated with the respect and dignity due to any former president,” short of admitting he may have come off as disrespectful in needling Duterte to spill the beans. “So, President Duterte’s visit to China is not unexpected, neither is it a cause for concern. And I apologize for the unintended spin put in a jocose comment on my part,” Teodoro said, in an attempt to blunt the sharp edges of his comments last week. But Teodoro’s backpedaling and his half-baked apology all the more laid bare the panicky inquisitiveness he displayed days ago, which was a far cry from Marcos’ own politically astute handling of journalists’ queries. While he might have been caught flat-footed by Duterte’s trip to Beijing, Marcos Jr. would not be put on the spot when he said he hoped the meeting between the former president and the Chinese leader would ease tensions between the two countries. Likewise, Marcos said he welcomed any form of communication between the Philippines and China, especially given the tension between the two countries’ forces in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Mr. Marcos’ response to the meeting was cautious, but diplomatic, something that would hew to Xi’s declaration later that, indeed, he and Duterte talked about moving the relations between China and the Philippines closer. While the present administration is seen to have pivoted the country back to the loving embrace of Uncle Sam, Marcos reiterated that he wants to maintain a good relationship with China, while vowing to defend the Philippines’ interests in the South China Sea. Not that the President should concern himself with the trips outside the country of his predecessor; he has the myriad problems of the country — inflation, debt repayments, food security — to focus his energies on. Just the same, judging from the President’s initial statement, it was clear that Mr. Marcos was not briefed about Duterte’s important trip to Beijing. Important, considering the geopolitics at play; important, as seen from the President expressing hope his predecessor would speak about it. But that should have been it. That Marcos wanted to know was to be expected. Still, for Teodoro to echo it reeked of panicky inquisitiveness or a misplaced doggedness to justify his being awarded the defense portfolio just recently. Under any defense playbook, the President not knowing in advance about Rody’s trip to Beijing was a failure of intelligence, and that may be the reason Teodoro has been tripping over himself with one gaffe after another. As the missteps mount, the crazier the spins that are being spread, one of which is that Duterte traveled to China to solicit support for his party as a credible alternative to the Marcos administration. Two things we’d say about this fiasco. One, no one can order Duterte around. President or not, he has never been a pushover; more like someone who would do the opposite just for spite. Two, he’d never ask for support for his party from China because that would be treason. And so, can the loonies behind these coffee-shop yarns already get back to their padded cells or to buying pirated movies? The post Intelligence failure appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
75% of Filipinos back closer US-PH military ties amid tensions in West Philippine Sea
75% of Filipinos said they are in favor of “strengthening the military ties between the US and the Philippines amid the security tension in the West Philippine Sea.”.....»»
Leaps of faith (1)
By Katrizha Caye I. De Leon A cup of achievements, a dash of some challenges, and equal parts of motivation and setbacks — no one person knows the recipe to success. In the pursuit of legacy, people scramble every day to search for a path. With no manual around, most settle to work towards the little goals not knowing the chances of succeeding or failing. Every step taken brings one closer to achieving success. With this, many are asking: How do you spell success? One giant leap In his book “Batong Bahay,” Clarence Batan said: “Kung hindi ako matapang na nagdesisyon, siguro hanggang ngayon, ang Batong Bahay ay isang pangarap lamang (If I were not brave enough to decide, Batong Bahay would remain a dream).” Success is defined as accomplishing an aim or purpose; the first step is vital to the outcome. Eloisa Veloira, a senior fire officer, went through the long and hard way to take that step and realize her true calling. Behind her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education was the path she was afraid to take — that was to enter the Philippine National Police Academy. Veloira instead took a detour carrying her love for children and a longing for her loved ones. Filled with the hope that all the signs pointed her to the right career path, Veloira pursued the Education course. But despite her love for kids and the satisfaction of teaching, the full-time job takes all of Veloira’s time. “Even at home, I am working. There was an instance when I even brought papers to check to a team-building event, and while others were busy doing activities, I was busy checking them,” she said. The pay wasn’t better for the 34-year-old MAPEH teacher supporting her family. “I remembered crying before my father because we had the same salary even though I had my bachelor’s degree and he didn’t finish his studies,” Veloira said. Veloira deeply cares for her students; touching their lives is something she will carry throughout her lifetime. She had no regrets about pursuing Education despite the hardships. But she has realized that staying on this path might ultimately lead to losing herself and her passion for the profession. “I was issued an administrative warning due to an incident that occurred when I filled in for a co-teacher. I was confused when they sided with the parents. Even in parent-teacher conferences, some of [the parents] act like they own us and I thought to myself, ‘Is it worth it to feel like this with such a low salary?’” Veloira said. After her two-year stint in teaching, Veloira took the leap to return to the dream she had once left behind. Veloira suffered a bad fall from the proverbial leap and was unemployed for a year. But hard work pays off. After several rejections, Veloira got back on track after being accepted at the Bureau of Fire and Protection, a profession far from what she had initially pursued. Six months of rigorous training proved fruitful for Veloira; she was assigned to the San Juan City Fire Station in January 2014. Ironically, she couldn’t escape teaching altogether but had no plans to escape this time. “Throughout the journey, my patience was tested. Being a teacher became a stepping stone and until now, I can apply teaching strategies as a fire safety educator,” Veloira said. From setbacks, detours, and giant leaps of faith, Veloira emphasizes that success is not just a choice but a responsibility. “To the people like me, do what you want, pursue your passion. Don’t doubt your abilities,” she said. “At the same time, remember the responsibility it entails, so whatever your choice is, have conviction.” The post Leaps of faith (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating independence, overcoming challenges
We all wish for the good health of our loved ones. It would pain anyone to see their family members, friends or partners suffering through disease, more so if they cannot receive adequate medical attention due to financial constraints or inaccessible health services. Unfortunately, many poor Filipinos and those living in remote areas face precisely this dilemma. As we go around the country, I have personally witnessed the dire need to make medical assistance and health services — both basic and specialized — more accessible to Filipinos. That is why as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I continue to push for initiatives to improve healthcare access, including the establishment of more Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers and Regional Specialty Centers. Just last on Friday, 9 June, I was honored to lead the inauguration of the 158th Malasakit Center at the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua, Pampanga, together with our new Health Secretary, Teodoro Herbosa, as well as local leaders led by Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, among others. The Malasakit Center aims to streamline and expedite the delivery of medical assistance particularly to poor patients by consolidating the programs of various government agencies under one roof. Launched in 2018, it was later institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. According to the DOH, over seven million Filipinos nationwide have benefited from the program so far. During the inauguration, my team and I also aided 120 in-patients, 174 out-patients, and 378 front liners at the hospital. Additionally, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended assistance to qualified patients. On the same day, we visited Bulacan to assist 1,000 students in Guiguinto town with Mayor Agay Cruz and Congressman Boy Cruz, as well as 1,465 struggling Bulakeños in Meycauayan City. We also attended the ribbon-cutting and blessing of the city’s Super Health Center together with Mayor Henry Villarica. I have also long been advocating for the establishment of more Super Health Centers throughout the country. Through the efforts of our fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. While our Super Health Centers bring basic health services closer to Filipinos, especially in remote areas, I am hopeful that we could also soon provide our kababayans improved access to specialized medical services following the recent ratification of the Bicameral Conference Report on the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which I authored and principally sponsored. If enacted, it will bring key medical services closer to the people by establishing specialty centers that cater to specific medical needs in different regions. Meanwhile, we have also continued distributing aid to many indigent Filipinos in various regions. On 5 June, I was in Digos City, Davao del Sur, with Mayor Josef Cagas and other local leaders to aid 1,500 indigents and witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center. We were in Agusan del Norte with Governor Angel Amante-Matba the following day, where we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Las Nieves and inspected the ongoing construction of the Las Nieves Bridge. We then added 1,500 indigents in the town before visiting the Butuan City Super Health Center. We likewise assisted 2,000 residents in the city. Following this, I attended the annual general assembly of the Philippine League of Secretaries to Sanggunian Inc. in Davao City. Iloilo was our next destination where we attended the groundbreaking of the Barotac Viejo Super Health Center on 7 June and provided aid to 1,000 indigents in the town. I was also invited by Congressman Boboy Tupas and Mayor Bongbong Tupas to inspect the town’s new fire station. That day, we assisted 1,897 typhoon victims in Banate. We then made our way to Silay City in Negros Occidental, where we participated in the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center, dropped by the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital where I was instrumental in funding the construction of its new building, and extended aid to 2,000 underprivileged residents. Additionally, we joined in the commemoration of Silay City’s Charter Anniversary led by Mayor Joedith Gallego as we attended the PWD Sitting Volleyball event where I highlighted our efforts for more inclusive sports development programs as Chair of the Senate Sports Committee. On 8 June, we helped 1,493 beneficiaries in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, in partnership with Governor Oyie Umali, Mayor Vianne Cuevas, Congressman GP Padiernos, and other local leaders. That same day, we aided 1,160 indigents in Quezon City with Cong. Marivic Pilar-Co. On 9 June, together with Senator Robin Padilla and in partnership with Governor Luigi Villafuerte, Congressman Lray Villafuerte, and Congressman Migz Villafuerte, we distributed aid to 2,699 indigents in Pili, Camarines Sur. That day, we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Talisay, Camarines Norte, with Mayor Dondon Mancenido, where we likewise assisted 1,500 residents. Together with Governor Dong Padilla, I conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet, Camarines Norte, where we aided 262 patients and 811 front liners. Finally, I headed back to Davao City to attend the 2023 Mindanao League of Municipalities of the Philippines Convention. Meanwhile, my office separately aided 186 fire victims in Quezon City, 41 in Caloocan City, 76 in Parañaque City, and 10 in Baguio City. Likewise helped were 1,015 indigents in Alitagtag, Batangas; 1,500 in Cabanatuan City and 1,040 in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija; 500 in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte; 360 in Culasi, Antique; 150 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 53 in Iba and 13 in Botolan, Zambales; 1,620 in San Vicente, Camarines Norte; 380 Tesda graduates in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and 90 indigent couples in Baroy, Lanao del Norte. My team likewise witnessed the groundbreaking of the Super Health Centers in Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City on 6 June, and Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on 8 June. As we commemorate Philippine Independence Day this Monday and celebrate the heroism and sacrifices of our forefathers to gain the liberties we enjoy today, I hope we can take this time to come together and exert efforts to help free more Filipinos from disease, poverty, and other challenges that beset our society today. The post Celebrating independence, overcoming challenges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go returns to Bicol to help various sectoral groups in Camarines Sur
Showing his commitment to bring public service closer to Bicolanos in need, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go returns to Bicol region to personally lead a relief distribution for indigents from various sectors in Camarines Sur on Saturday, June 10. Last June 3, Go visited the Malasakit Center at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City where he checked on its operations and provided assistance to both patients and frontliners. Additionally, he participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Super Health Center in the same city and attended the Bicol Social Media Summit. He also inspected the by-pass road which was initiated during the Duterte administration through his support. This time, Go went back to Camarines Sur to help thousands of indigents in the province. Held at the Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Go and his team distributed food packs, masks, vitamins, snacks and shirts to 2,699 residents, composed of 1,247 fisherfolks and 1,452 students. They also provided select individuals with shoes, shirts, watch, bicycles, cellular phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Meanwhile, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to the beneficiaries. Go was joined by fellow Senator Robinhood Padilla, Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte, 5th District Representative Miguel Villafuerte, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Brian Yamsuan, Governor Luigi Villafuerte, Vice Governor Sal Fortuno, Jr., Libmanan Mayor Jes Camara, Calabanga Mayor Eugene Severo, Baao Mayor Jeff Besinio, Canaman Mayor Nelson Legaspi, and Gainza Mayor Leonardo Agor, among others. During the activity, local leaders and beneficiaries took a moment to express their gratitude to Go by singing him a birthday song to mark his upcoming birthday on June 14. Appreciative of their gesture, Go conveyed his thanks and proceeded to emphasize the importance of addressing their immediate needs, particularly the provision of nourishment to those in dire situations. "Mayroon rin po kaming dalang grocery packs para sa inyong lahat ngayong araw na ito. Madadala n'yo po pag-uwi ang grocery packs... May dala rin po kaming vitamins, pampalakas ng inyong resistensya. Kapag malakas ang inyong resistensya, mas lalaban po ang inyong katawan kontra sakit," urged Go. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also reached out to individuals with medical issues, urging them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao. The Malasakit Centers program, which was initiated by Go in 2018, was later institutionalized through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 that he principally authored and sponsored. The program aims to facilitate easy access to various medical assistance programs provided by the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are currently 158 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, successfully aiding over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Continuing his message, Go also emphasized the significance of Super Health Centers which he initiated and continues to champion to bridge the healthcare gap especially in grassroots communities. Through the concerted efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funding has been allocated for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and additional 322 centers in 2023. The DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built. In Camarines Sur alone, 18 Super Health Centers have been funded for construction in 2022 and 2023. Super Health Centers are designed to provide basic health services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. In addition, specialized services like eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine capabilities for remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will also be available. Go, in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported a range of projects aimed at improving the province's infrastructure. These included the construction of the Mabolo - Almeda Bypass Road in Naga City. Additionally, Go was instrumental in enhancing the San Fernando Sports Complex in San Fernando, Camarines Sur, improving the Bula and Nabua Section channel, and construction of the Lalud - Garchitorena Road, among others. After his visit to Camarines Sur, Go immediately proceeded to Camarines Norte for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Super Health Center in Talisay town where he also aided struggling residents. The senator also paid a visit to the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet to check on the operations of the Malasakit Center there and aid patients and frontliners in the hospital. The post Bong Go returns to Bicol to help various sectoral groups in Camarines Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Government debt load inched closer to P14-T mark in April
The government’s outstanding debt inched closer to the P14-trillion mark in April on the back of higher foreign borrowings, which was bloated by a weak peso......»»
Hundreds of millions of life years lost to pandemic: WHO
Nearly 337 million life years were lost in the two first years of the Covid-19 pandemic, as millions of people died prematurely, the World Health Organization said on Friday. The UN health agency's annual world statistics report also showed a swelling threat from non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The most dramatic finding, based on data up to 2022, was the estimate of how many years of life Covid had taken, WHO said. The pandemic has wreaked global devastation and officially killed nearly seven million people, with the true figure believed to be closer to 20 million. The WHO report lays bare how the virus itself and the broader impact of the crisis abruptly cut short the lives of millions of people. While the WHO officially registered 5.4 million Covid deaths in 2020 and 2021, its excess mortality data shows around 14.9 million people actually likely died due to the crisis over that period. Even more striking, perhaps, it said the statistics show that during those two years alone, Covid resulted in the loss globally of 336.8 million years that otherwise would have been lived. "It's like losing 22 years of life for every excess death," Samira Asma, WHO's assistant chief for data and analytics, told reporters ahead of the launch. Off-track "Significant inequities underpin the distribution of Covid-19 cases and deaths, as well as access to vaccinations," the report said. The WHO warned that the pandemic had helped throw off-track many health-related indicators that had been improving for years. During the first two decades of the century, the world saw significant improvements in maternal and child health, with deaths falling by one-third and one-half respectively. The incidence of infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis and malaria also declined significantly, as did the risk of premature death from NCDs. Global life expectance rose from 67 years in 2000 to 73 in 2019. But after the pandemic hit, existing inequalities in access to high-quality health care, routine immunizations and financial protection deepened, among other things sending the long improving trends on malaria and TB in the opposite direction. 'Stark message' And while the world still enjoys health progress overall, the share of deaths caused each year by NCDs has grown, the study showed. In 2000, around 61 percent of global deaths annually were linked to NCDs. By 2019, almost 74 percent were. "If this trend continues, NCDs are projected to account for about 86 percent of the 90 million annual deaths by mid-century," WHO said in a statement. "The report sends a stark message on the threat of noncommunicable diseases, which take an immense and increasing toll," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. The findings, he said, show the need for "a substantial increase in investments in health and health systems to get back on track towards the Sustainable Development Goals." NCD deaths were increasing despite a reduction in exposure to many health risks, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unsafe water and sanitation, WHO said. Exposure to other risks like air pollution however remained high, it said. The report warned in particular that the prevalence of obesity was growing with no sign of reversal. The post Hundreds of millions of life years lost to pandemic: WHO appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»